WE'VE GOT NEW DIGS!

I am very happy to announce that I now have an official website and blog :D

You can stay up to date at either location.

My website: www.suzantisdale.com

My blog: www.yourcheekywench.com 

So hop on over to either place and check out the new digs and features. Even though they didn't ask me to, I want to give a shout out to Wix.com. Building the new website was super easy, super fast, and lots of fun. I think you'll like it.

Love you all!!
Suzan

Live In One Hour!

Hello everyone! It's been a long day here and even longer night. Tonight's season finale of Game of Thrones left me crying and cursing like a drunken sailor! I won't say why because I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say, I'm mad as hell at HBO right now. I'll probably blog more about that later, once my anger has subsided a bit!

But on a much lighter, happier note: Saving Moirra's Heart goes live in less than an hour! I did not do a big book release party with this release. But I did start a new Facebook page dedicated to that book and series. Readers are encouraged to stop by, ask questions and leave comments.

I want to thank all of you, my beautiful readers, who continue to offer words of encouragement and love. You're simply the best!!

Please know how much I adore and appreciate all of you!!

Below is a snippet from the first chapter:

Pushing Moirra behind him, Alysander stood to his full height, jaw clenched. “What the bloody hell do ye mean ye’ve come to arrest her?” Questions abounded, blended with his anger that anyone would so unjustly accuse his wife of such an atrocity as murder. ’Twas enough to make his head spin.

The sheriff was unmoved by Alysander’s display of protection. He gave a nod to his men, who immediately dismounted. “Me brother’s body, or what was left of it, was found last eve.”

“What evidence do ye have that my wife killed him?” Alysander challenged, as he kept a close watch on the men slowly approaching.

The sheriff grunted his displeasure at having anyone question his authority. “I don’t need any bloody evidence. I ken she killed him.”

Alysander knew he was sorely outnumbered, and being unarmed did not help his situation. Still, that knowledge did nothing to quell the instinct to protect his wife. When the first man reached out to grab Moirra, Alysander’s fury erupted. He swung out, his fist landing hard on the man’s jaw. He stumbled backward, his eyes wide with stunned surprise. 

In the blink of an eye, Alysander was fighting with such ferocity and fury, he was able to land several punches into the faces and stomachs of the other men. But soon, they had overpowered him and wrestled him to the ground. Moirra’s daughters stood frozen in fear just inside the barn, looks of horror on their faces. Moirra and the girls screamed when the sheriff’s men began to beat Alysander to a bloody mess.

“Stop!” Moirra called out, momentarily frozen in place, so gripped with fear she could not move. “Stop! Yer killin' him!”

The girls raced from the barn, anger alight in their eyes, sgian dubh’s drawn and at the ready.

“Nay!” Moirra screamed at her daughters. “Nay!”

Mariote and her sisters came to an abrupt halt, just steps away from the pile of men. Orabilis apparently hadn’t heard the order to yield, for she stepped forward and kicked one of the men, her boot landing against his ear. Esa wrapped both arms around her littlest sister and pulled her away.

“Almer!” Moirra shouted as she lunged toward the men, pounding their backs with her fists. “Make them stop!”

One of the men rolled Moirra off with a shrug of his shoulders. She lay on her back, covered in sweat and out of breath. Her daughters rushed to her aid, kneeling beside her. Moirra continued to beg for mercy on Alysander’s behalf, tears streaming down her face.

When her words went unheeded, she looked up to Almer. “I’ll go with ye!” She screamed. “Just tell them to stop!”

A triumphant and arrogant smile formed on Almer’s face before he called his men to stop. “That be enough,” he shouted.

The men stood, faces and tunics covered in blood, much of it belonging to Alysander, but some of it their own. Moirra knelt down to look at her husband. His lips were cut and bleeding: both eyes were beginning to swell shut: and bruises covered his face. “Alysander!” she whispered.

He tried to sit but couldn’t. His ribs hurt with each breath he took. “Moirra,” he said as he reached for her hand.

Two men grabbed her by the arms and pulled her to her feet.

“Moirra,” Alysander called out to her. “Moirra!”

The last thing he saw before blackness enveloped him, were the tears streaming down Moirra’s face as the sheriff and his men hauled her away.

Saving Moirra's Heart .... The Prologue

Below is the prologue to Saving Moirra's Heart. I'm almost done!! Just finishing up the last chapter, then the epilogue. I promise NO CLIFF HANGERS!

Alysander woke at dawn with Moirra’s bottom snuggled into his groin. ’Twas surely heaven on earth to wake with her in his arms and not have to lie or pretend anymore. Tenderly, with an arm wrapped protectively around her stomach, he pulled her closer, doing his best not to disturb her slumber.   Yesterday had been an exhausting one, what with the wolves that had attacked Muriale and Orabilis and the fire that destroyed their little home. 

The air in the barn was crisp and smelled of straw and lavender — his wife’s favorite scent. He inhaled deeply with the intent to calm his ardor. It was a mistake. Though they had made love twice last night, having her so close to him and knowing he no longer had to hide his feelings for her, well, that just made him want her all the more. As much as he wanted to roll her over and kiss every square inch of her body, he decided to let her sleep. Knowing that they had long days ahead, she would need her rest. 

His heart felt much lighter now that their daughters knew the truth. Aye, they were his daughters now, no matter what blood might run through their veins and he’d defy anyone to tell him different. His daughters were in the loft, undoubtedly still asleep in the makeshift quarters. Alysander looked forward to rebuilding the cottage and getting everyone out of the barn. On top of having to build a new cottage, they would also need to begin the harvest in a few days. 

For the tiniest moment, he thought of reaching out to his father for help, but quickly dismissed the idea. Nay, his father would be of no help to him, for he still blamed the death of his favorite son on his least favorite son — Alysander. He had no doubt the man would let him starve to death before he lifted a finger to help him. He also knew it wouldn’t matter one bit that he had turned his life around, had married, and was now the proud father of four beautiful girls. 

With a sigh of resignation, he pulled the blankets up around his wife’s shoulders, and quietly rolled away. He pulled on tunic and trews, laced up his boots, and stepped away from the bed. He had taken no more than two steps away when he caught sight of Orabilis. The child was curled into a ball on the pallet next to Wulver, with one hand resting on the dog’s neck. Aye, she was a stubborn child but he could not blame her for wanting to care for the dog that had saved her life, as well as her sister’s.

He stepped out of the room, found a spare blanket amongst items people had left the night before. Carefully, he draped it over Orabilis and breathed a sigh of relief when Wulver lifted his head and looked at him. He sent a silent prayer up to God before leaving the barn. 

Smoke from their destroyed cottage still lingered in the crisp morning air. Morning dew immediately formed on his skin making him shiver. For now, the fire pit Moirra used to do laundry would have to suffice as a makeshift kitchen. Soon, Alysander had a nice fire going and water heating. 

He was able to find a few cooking pots inside the rubble of the burned out cottage. After scouring them thoroughly, they were as good as new. Going through some of the foodstuffs neighbors had thoughtfully brought to them last night, he set about making breakfast for his women. The smell of eggs and sausage frying made its way to the barn and he soon heard the women within shuffling around and readying themselves for the day ahead.

Moirra appeared in the doorway of the barn, looking every bit as beautiful as Aphrodite herself. Her hair was mussed and fell down her back in loose waves, still looking quite sleepy as she yawned and pulled her shawl around her shoulders. Her eyes searched the yard, and when they fell upon Alysander, a most brilliant smile came to her face. His heart slammed against his chest, his manhood twitched and his mouth went dry. God’s teeth the woman is magnificent. 

“Good morn to ye, husband,” she said as she crossed the yard, the smile growing with each step she took. 

Alysander swallowed hard as he fought the urge to take her back inside and make love to her again and again.

“Good morn—” his voice caught in his throat. He cleared it and tried again. “Good morn to ye, wife,” he said with a smile. 

Moirra came to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I didna like wakin’ up alone,” she said against his chest. He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head and returned her hug.

“But I did like wakin’ up to the smell of eggs and sausage,” she said as she pulled away. Looking into his eyes, she continued to smile. God above, he would never tire of looking at that smile.

“I do believe I told ye once that I know how to cook,” he reminded her. 

“Aye, and ye do yer own laundry as well,” she said playfully. “A man who cooks and cleans without complaint makes me heart go all aflutter. And it makes me want to take ye back up to the loft and have my way with ye.”

He swallowed again and was about to tell her she could do that anytime she wished when the sound of approaching horses drew his attention away. 

Instinct warned that ’twasn’t a social call that brought the five mounted men into Moirra’s yard. The two whoresons who had tried to attack Mariote, along with three men Alysander had never seen before, came bounding down the small incline and pulled their horses to a stop.

Alysander heard Moirra’s gasp as she stood behind him. It was quickly followed by a flurry of activity inside the barn. Alysander could only assume the girls were either taking up arms or were planning to hide. Knowing him as they did, he imagined it was the former. 

A thin man, very much resembling a weasel with unusually large ears, brought his horse to within a few feet of Moirra’s door. His gray brown beard hung to the middle of his chest, while his hair was cut very close to his scalp. A hawkish nose sat between a pair of beady eyes. The hair on Alysander’s nape stood up. Instantly, he did not like the man who stared down at him as if Alysander were some disgusting creature. 

“I see ye hidin’, Moirra Wilgart,” the man said, looking and sounding perturbed. 

Moirra huffed and came to stand beside Alysander. “Me name is Moirra McCallum.”

The man huffed derisively and shook his head. “Be this yer latest victim?” he asked, referring to Alysander. 

Moirra started to give the man a piece of her mind, but Alysander stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder. “Who are ye?” 

“I be Moirra’s brother-in-law, Almer Wilgart.”

“Ye are no’ me brother-in-law,” Moirra ground out. 

“Ye were married to me brother,” Almer said through gritted teeth.

“Nay! I was no’. ’Twas a handfastin’ and ye ken it as well as anyone else.” She looked then to Alysander. “This is the Sheriff of Glenkirby, and aye, he is Delmar Wilgart’s brother.” 

Alysander never took an eye from any of the men. He gave a slight nod as if he understood completely — which he did not — before asking why they were here. 

“I’ve come to arrest Moirra for the murder of me brother, Delmar Wilgart.”

You can pre-order your copy of Saving Moirra's Heart at Amazon and iBooks for only 99 cents. 

Medieval Tales of Romance

Four tales of medieval romance from four best selling historical romance authors. Four tales of passion from when honor ruled. Enjoy the great value of this boxed set while it lasts!

MEDIEVAL TALES OF ROMANCE contains these four novels:

A LILY ON THE HEATH by COLLEEN GLEASON
When Malcolm du Monde, Lord of Warwick, reluctantly comes to court to find a biddable bride, he expects to woo her, wed and bed her, and be back home in a month. But when he crosses paths with his childhood friend, the fiery-haired (and tempered) Lady Judith, who is now a favorite of the Queen and quite popular at court, Malcolm's plans go awry.
And when Judith finds herself caught in a dangerous battle between the king and the Queen, she has no one to turn to but Malcolm.

MORGANNA by JACKIE IVIE
HE is the handsome, brawny, charming youngest son of a Sassenach-loving Highland clan. SHE is a woman in hiding as a young man - a weapons champion, bent on vengeance against the Fitzhugh. The only thing worse than being forced to squire for a member of the hated Fitzhugh...is falling in love with him.

THE ANGEL AND THE PRINCE by LAUREL O'DONNELL
In this exciting medieval romance, the French lady knight known as the Angel of Death wages a battle of wills and desires against her dreaded enemy -- the English warrior known as the Prince of Darkness.

FINDLEY'S LASS by SUZAN TISDALE
She'd won Findley's McKenna's heart without trying and he can only pray for a chance to win hers. But how can Maggy put her trust in a man she barely knows. A madman kidnaps one of her sons and together, Findley and Maggy will stop at nothing to bring the boy home.

Exclusively at Amazon. Special pre-order price of 99 cents. 

With Dreams Only Of You: The Legend of the Theodosia Sword

One family. One Legend. One chance to reverse the tides of fortune.

Welcome to a multi-genre collection unlike any other historical romance collection. Six of the top authors in their respective genres bring you this powerhouse collection, WITH DREAMS ONLY OF YOU. Join the de Reyne family as they grapple with a family legend that follows them through centuries of hope, heartache, adventure, and romance in seven amazing segments:

Roman Scotland - The origins of the Theodosia Sword.
Medieval England - The legend begins.
The Scottish Highlands - The legend takes a twist.
Tudor England - A new dimension to the legend.
Georgian Era - The legend upon the high seas.
Regency England - The legend has new life.
Contemporary Times - The legend concludes.

Seven unique and powerful stories take the legend of the gladius, the Theodosia Sword, through the ages. Discover how each era of the family finds their own love, peace, and happiness. The sword that can tear them apart is also the one that binds them.

One family. One legend. One chance to reverse the tides of fortune... will each generation of the family take that chance?

With Dreams Only Of You: The Legend of the Theodosia Sword
Pre-Order at Amazon
Pre-Order at iBooks

Things I learned on my recent mini vacation

I. AM. HOME.  It was a lovely trip, but next time, I think I'll fly instead of drive.

I learned a lot about myself and my family, as well as the east coast, whilst on my min-vacation. I'll take this moment to share a few of those exciting, thrilling facts.

1. My brother David is far more patient than I am. Who knew?
2. Out of the three of us (brother David, brother Dan, and me) David is the most sane. I know, it surprised the hell out of me, too!
3. My grandson has got to be the most well behaved 4-year old on the planet. No melt downs, no tantrums, nothing, until the last two hours of the trip home. Wait, that was me melting down, whining, and having a tantrum. My bad.
4. There is a significant difference between Apple Maps and Google Maps. Google Maps wins, hands down. If Apple Maps says it will be a two hour drive, double that for all the idiotic side streets she will take you down. Seriously, from Delaware to New Jersey, we drove side roads for half the trip. THEN Apple Maps wanted to dump me back into Philadelphia. Why??? Thank God daughter had Google Maps and the patience of Job. She got us the hell out of Cherry Hill, NJ and to Booktrader in Hamilton, NJ before I had an aneurysm. Did I mention I'm not a good traveler? 
5. My daughter Emilee is growing up. I forget that far too often. She's beautiful, smart and feisty. I forget that she is a mother now and all grown up. Still, she is my baby and always will be. I was so glad that I finally got to take her to see the ocean and New York City.
6. My future sister-in-law, Tammy, is adorable and her driving skills blew my mind. Someone in NASCAR really needs to give this girl a ride. Seriously.  Don't believe me? Ask her to take you on Delaware's 'Autobahn' sometime. 30 seconds in and you'll know exactly what I mean.
7. I no longer travel well. In the future, if a trip looks like it would take more than 6 hours in a car, I shall fly. I don't do well on 18 hour car rids. Not well. At. All. 
8. I'm an ugly person when sleep deprived. I have submitted formal letters of apology to my brother and daughter. My grandson however, thought it was quite funny that Grandma said 'naughty words', so he doesn't get a letter of apology. He gets a hug. And a pony for being such a good kid.
9.  The east coast of our country is breathtakingly beautiful. If you ever get the chance to drive through the Allegheny Mountains -- by choice or on accident like I did -- take it! I saw the most beautiful country by accident. I think the only reason brother David didn't strangle me was because we were traveling down the side of the aforementioned Allegheny Mountains. I think it was his first near-death experience and had I erred by so much as an inch ... 'nuff said. 
10. Vinegar on french fries. Just typing the words makes my mouth water. I have a case of malt vinegar on its way here. Don't think I'll ever be able to put catsup on french fries ever again.
11. Ocean City, Maryland was amazing! 
12. The best day of my life that I ever spent with my brothers, was Sunday, May 17, 2015 in Ocean City Maryland. No matter how old I get, I'll never forget that day.
13. A sausage biscuit in Delaware is significantly different than a sausage biscuit in Illinois. In Illinois, it is a biscuit (usually buttermilk) with a breakfast sausage patty, scrambled eggs, and a slice of 'orange' American cheese. In Delaware it is two Kielbasa sausage links tucked between a fried egg and white American cheese on a Kaiser roll. Still yummy, but totally different. Helen's Diner is cash only. 
14. Before Saturday, I did not know it was illegal to pump your own gas in the state of New Jersey. 
15. Before Saturday, I also did not know there existed a city where you could not under any circumstance make a left turn going down the main drag. Yes. New Jersey again. 
16. I have the best readers and street team, bar none. I had a wonderful time in New Jersey at Booktrader. If you live near Hamilton, New Jersey, you have to visit this awesome bookstore! Ask for Joan. She is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet! If Joan's not there, Barb can help you and she is just as nice!
17. People in New Jersey don't buy just one or two books. They buy every book you wrote. In all series. Blew. My. Mind. 
18. In Delaware, it is perfectly acceptable for a police officer to stand along side any road and point at you to pull over. He needs no radar gun, no probable cause. He points, you pull over. It is as simple as that. I find that quite odd.
19. The nicest people I've ever met in my life all work at Harrah's Casino and Racetrack in Chester, PA. Seriously, these people were awesome! They thought it was a travesty that I'd never had a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, so they hooked me up.
20. I like Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Especially the ones you get in Philly!
21. New York City is big. Even bigger than my Midwest, right-brain could imagine. I found a K-Mart across the street from Madison Square Garden. Blew. My. Mind. 4 stories tall. My mom would have loved that!
22. The best General Tsoa's chicken on the planet can be found at Gingers Chinese Restaurant in New York City. Not sure of address. It was a few blocks from Penn Station. 
23. Author Tarah Scott is even more amazing in person than she is on FB. Love her to pieces! 
24. I enjoyed riding the train from New Jersey to New York, as did my four-year old grandson. If I did live out east, I'd take the train wherever I had to go. It was much nicer than I thought it would be.
25. The best ice-cream on the planet can be found at Dumser's in Ocean City, Maryland. It doesn't matter what flavor you choose, it is delicious. I recommend their Italian lemon ice or the orange swirl.
26. It is next to impossible to get a coke product at restaurants in Delaware. After a day, my daughter and I were starting to look for black market Coca Cola dealers. "Psst, dude, can you hook a girl up with a caffeine free diet coke?" I swear it was easier to find black tar heroin. 
27. My brother David has the most wicked sense of humor. 
28. I like east coast pizza better than Midwest pizza. 
29. The bug population passed, say, Indiana, is significantly less, than here in Illinois. We had to wash the windshield twice before we got out of Indiana. Did not have to wash it again until we hit Indiana on way home. Another odd fact. 
30. The Bay Bridge going from Maryland into Delaware needs to be renamed. I recommend HOLY MOTHER OF GOD THE BRIDGE CURVES AND DIPS AND I HAVEN'T UPDATED MY WILL REMEMBER I'M AN ORGAN DONOR AND IF I EVER MAKE IT OFF THIS BRIDGE ALIVE I WILL KILL MY BROTHER DAN FOR NOT WARNING ME!!!!!! Just a thought.
31. I have the most amazing family. My brothers, my kids, my grandkids, my husband ... I am one blessed woman. I knew that before, I sincerely did, but this trip just cemented that belief. 
32. We all miss my mom. This was one trip she would have enjoyed. 

Readers Vote for RONE's

Its that time of year again! Rone Voting.

What is a RONE? RONE stands for Reward of Novel Excellence, from InD'Tale Magazine. Its kind of like winning a Grammy! ;o)

The first round of voting started a few weeks ago. In round one, readers vote for their favorite novels in several different categories, from YA to Fantasy and Sci-Fi to Mysteries and Historicals.

The top six vote-getters in each category will then move on the the second round of judging. Winners will be announced at the InD'Scribe Conference that will take place in Palm Springs, California in September. 

This week -- Week Five -- you can vote for your favorite Historical novel. 

Frederick's Queen has been nominated for the Historical: Pre-Medieval Category! It is so exciting and nerve wracking at the same time! It is a huge honor just to make it to this first round. But I can’t move on to the second round without your help.

Voting in this round ends May 17, 2015. 

To vote, visit the InD’Tale Magazine website. You will also find a complete list of rules and more information. 

There are lots of great novels to vote for this week. One of the nice things about being an indie author is that we authors do support one another. Some of my dearest friends are up in the same category as Fredrick's Queen, so I know the choices this year won't be easy. So vote from your heart. ;o) Just making it through this round will be an honor. 

The competition this year is fierce! It is such an honor to be included amongst my author sisters. 

Thank you all for your support!!

Hugs,

Suzan

Winner of the Kids Kindle ...Drum Roll Please....

Congratulations Summer O.!!

Summer is the winner of our Kids' Kindle Giveaway!

Wishing you all the best this Christmas!

Congratulations to Summer O. from all of us! 

Merry Christmas from:

Tanya Anne Crosby

Pamela Morsi

Kathryn Le Veque

Suzan Tisdale

Willa Blair

Glynnis Campbell

Lauren Royal

and 

Laurin Wittig

Kindle For Kids' Giveaway!

Win a Children's Kindle Fire HD 6 just in time for Christmas! Plus 1 digital copy of The Dirty Word, a children's book written by Glynnis Campbell and illustrated by Brynna Campbell, plus 1 audio copy of The Great Awakening, written by Chaise Allen Crosby & illustrated by Tanya Anne Crosby -- 3 great prizes!

You don't have to have a FB page or a Twitter account in order to play. Those are OPTIONAL things you can do. Truly, the only requirement is entering your email and clicking the button that says "I commented" (and technically, you don't even have to leave a comment, lol). Just click on the rafflecopter doodad to the right. You can enter with your FB account OR your email address.

Merry Christmas! 

Suzan

My Two Cents on Scotland's No Vote

As an American, I can never fully understand why someone wouldn't choose freedom. But when freedom is all you've ever known, it is difficult to wrap your head around another way of life.

Fear triumphed over hope yesterday.

Fear can be a great motivator. It can motivate us to do good things, to change our circumstances, to make a difference. It can also be a paralyzing thing that holds us back, keeps us from doing what we know in our hearts is the right thing to do, and it can keep us frozen in place.

I'm an American, not a Scot. I don't have the same life experience as the Scots do. My opinions are all from what I see, hear, or read about Scotland. I don't know how I would have voted had I been born there, so my perspective is somewhat skewed.

Before we shake our heads in disbelief, I think its important to remember where our perspective or our point of view is coming from.

My heart is with all of Scotland today. Looking at it from a fiercely independent mindset (I have NO political party as I don't trust political parties), I had hoped and prayed that the people would have voted for independence for a number of reasons.

I can only imagine how difficult the choice was for some. Think about it. On one hand, you have an excited, motivated, hopeful group of people saying "Now is the time for our independence, to be free, to be the masters of our own destinies. We don't want food banks, we want jobs. We don't want government handouts, we want opportunities." On the other hand, you have a group of people saying, "If you vote yes, you're going to lose your homes, your food, your healthcare, your whole way of life. The government can keep you from going hungry and without healthcare."

You see, we have the same problem here in the US as they have in the UK. The government has convinced the people that they can't survive, can't make it, can't do anything without the government's help. Politicians rarely, if ever, have our best interests at heart. That is true around the world. I think many go into politics with a sincere belief they can make a difference. But something happens along the way. Its like some big, dark, vortex exists in the state and federal capital that once a good hearted person steps foot inside the walls of the capitals, their soul is sucked right out of their bodies. I say that tongue-in-cheek, but there is a truth of hint to it. Something does happen to change these well-intentioned individuals.

Perhaps they get a taste of power. Power can be as addicting as crack or heroine. Once you get a taste of it, you can only focus on getting more.

But I digress, as I'm oft want to do, and I apologize.

I stand with Scotland today and hope that someday they do realize the freedom their forefathers fought so hard for hundreds of years ago. Many Americans don't realize it, but many of our founding fathers were from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. They could not find freedom in their beloved homeland, but were able to come to this country and help us find ours. For that, I am forever grateful.

May God bless Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. May they someday find freedom.

Found!

Thank you all so much for the overwhelming support you've shown the past 24 hours. I'm happy to announce that the individual who tried to abduct our nephew was found and arrested. They found him in Lincoln, Illinois this afternoon. He was at a Walmart there trying to take another child. He is now in police custody.

I try to remain neutral in certain things. But I can't remain that way when children are involved.

The only thing that is helping me get through this is knowing that there is a special place in hell for people who hurt children.

You can see the full news report here.

I am glad that this person is behind bars and I hope he stays there and never gets another chance to hurt another child.

Suzan

Your Help is Needed

I try to keep my personal life and my public life separate. Unfortunately, an event happened today that changed that.

Read full story here

The little boy that this sick person tried to abduct today, is my nephew. I am so thankful for the men who intervened on his behalf.

But we need to find this man and bring him to justice.

Please, if you see this truck or this man, call your local police. We have no idea if he is still in the area or not. He needs to be caught before he can try to hurt another child. My gut tells me this isn't this man's first attempt. I pray for all those children he probably has hurt in the past. I pray for my niece and her children, for strength and courage to get through this.

My niece is a good mom. This news article does not tell the whole story. He was not left all alone.

Please share this photo of the man and his pick up truck. Again, if you see him or the vehicle, call the police immediately. I thank you in advance for your help.

With faith,
Suzan

We Won!

I am back from Las Vegas and the RONE awards and in case you missed the news....

Can you believe it?? I couldn't! Rowan's Lady won the RONE for the Best Historical Medieval Novel of 2013. I'm still stunned and yes I cried! Truth be told, I'm still crying happy tears when I think about it.

I want to extend a special thank you to the InD'Tale Magazine and the staff of beautiful women who run it. Gracious, kind, funny, generous beyond words, these are the nicest women anyone could ever hope to meet.

The InD'Tale Girls

I hit the publish button too soon! I want to also thank you, my readers. Without all of you, none of this would have been possible. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. If I could, I would hug each and every one of you!!

For the Costume Party, I went as a Menopausal Romance Author
Pajamas, a feather boa, a fan and drink completed the outfit. That
beautiful girl next to me is the divine Ms. H.P. Mallory

Me at the Book Signing on Saturday. Sold almost all of my books
and met some great people!!

My new sistahs, Ceci Giltenan and Kathryn LeVeque.
The pretty blonde with the glasses is one of our lovely
readers, Daryn C., who came to see us Saturday! 

Kathryn LeVeque, Amy Jarecki and me

The beautiful H.P. Mallory and me

Kathryn LeVeque, Amy Jarecki and SE Saxon and me

The Lovely and Charming Ceci Giltenan...my partner in crime

Author Paula Knight! A charming and
sweet lady!

Me with Author Lynn Peters - one of the most
giving and sweet women you'll ever meet. 

Author and new friend, HD Smith!

Reader Jerri T. and her husband and me
Jerry brought me homemade fudgy peanutbuttery
rice crispy treats! They were very good!!

Me, accepting my award and getting a big hug from
TJ MacKay - owner, CEO, Editor of InD'Tale Magazine

Hatchette v. Amazon

This is my two cents on this touchy subject.



There is a lot of talk going around about the “Evil Empire that is Amazon”. It’s the same talk as a year or two ago, about how evil Amazon is, how its forcing brick and mortar stores to close, and how its hurting the traditional publishers and now, the traditionally published authors.

Let me tell you about my experience with Amazon.

Were it not for Amazon and the KDP program, I would not be where I am today. I would still be stuck in a dead end job that I did not like.

Were it not for Amazon, I wouldn’t have been given the chance to publish my books. Ever. Because, according to New York/Traditional publishing houses, the romance genre is dead, series books don’t sell, and no one reads historical fiction/historical romance anymore. And ‘clean’ romance novels don’t sell at all. (I write Scottish Historical Fiction/Romance, now have two series, and all my books are ‘clean’ compared to many in this genre.)

In 2011 I published my first book. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Not. One. Clue. But, because Amazon made it so easy, I was able to get this little book, that in truth was only meant as a gift to my mom, published. That was December of 2011. In the book world, I was an unknown. Just a woman with a story to tell. My goal at that time was to sell ten copies in my entire lifetime. I would have been over-the-moon happy with selling just ten copies.

By February of 2012 — just two months after hitting that lovely ‘publish’ button — my book was #2 on Amazon’s Top 100 Best Sellers List in Scottish Historical Romance. I kept thinking that Amazon would call and say it was a mistake. That I wasn’t really selling 250+ copies of that book a day, and don’t give up your day job.

Amazon did call me in March or April of 2012, but it wasn’t to tell me it was a mistake. They called to congratulate me and give me my own KDP representative. Yes, it blew my mind too!

By October of 2012, I was able to give up my day job. I was earning so much more at writing than at my day job. In fact, one month my royalty check was the equivalent of 10 month’s salary at day job. That’s right. It would have taken me ten months of working 8 to 5, five days a week, to earn what I made in one month as a writer. The decision to give up the day job was settled.

Were it not for the KDP program and Amazon, I would not have thousands of devoted readers. I wouldn’t be adding on a 24 x 30 room addition to our home (paying cash for it, no loans). I wouldn’t be able to pay for all my mom’s medicine that medicare doesn’t pay for— and trust me that gets very expensive! I wouldn’t be able to help my kids through college, and pay down our debt. I wouldn’t be able to do any of the things that I’ve been able to do in the past two and a half years. I’d still be stuck in my dead end job. And writing full time would still only be a dream. A wish I’d make when blowing out birthday candles or on a falling star.

Were it not for Amazon, I wouldn’t have made all the wonderful friendships with so many of my readers. I wouldn’t have forged friendships with fellow authors. I wouldn’t know who Hugh Howey is, or Liliana Hart, or Tanya Anne Crosby or Kathryn LeVeque or the countless other awe inspiring people I’ve met along the way.

In my humble opinion, the big, traditional publishing houses are worried that they’re losing their stronghold on publishing. The Kindle has opened up new territories for readers. And were it not for readers, none of us, not the traditionally published authors or the indie authors, would be here. It is the reader who makes us all successful. And that is who I think is getting lost in this argument.

Readers are not as stupid as New York likes to think they are. They’re intelligent people who love a great story. And many readers are probably like I was three years ago: limited funds to spend on books. Before becoming a writer, I had a monthly book budget. I could read three to six books a week depending on the length of the book and free time. For me, I would rather read ten good books in a month than just one. So if I could get ten books for ten bucks, that made more sense than spending ten bucks on one book. I love James Patterson, Nora Roberts, Lisa Gardner, and John Grisham. They’re wonderful story tellers. But honestly, I couldn’t afford $10 to $20 for an ebook. I just couldn’t. So I would get their books from the library and spend my book money on less expensive — but equally beautiful and wonderfully written — ebooks. I think many of my readers are in the same boat that I was. We want to read. We want to read a lot. We read many different genres and many different authors.

The traditional publishers just don’t get that. And the traditionally published authors don’t get it either, at least not the big named authors. What they’re forgetting is the reader.

I can’t tell you the number of times a reader has contacted me via Facebook or email or blog and when I respond to them, they are stunned. “I can’t believe you answered my email!” or “I can’t believe you’re talking to me on Facebook!” Indie authors understand that the relationship between us and the reader is important. Our readers are important. We do our best to give them good stories and we love hearing from them and talking to them. The indie author isn’t afraid to form a friendship with their readers, to ask questions about what they like or didn’t like about our books, or what they’d like to see next.

I often get asked “Why are your books so inexpensive?”

I keep my prices low for a couple of reasons. One and foremost is for my readers. If they’re on book budgets like I was a couple of years ago, I want them to be able to afford my books. The second reason is this: I’d rather sell 10,000 copies of a $2.99 cent book each month, than 10 copies of a book priced at $12.99. It just makes good economic sense for me.

I owe Amazon a great deal. Because of them, I have so many opportunities to write, to publish, to reach my readers. Amazon has literally changed my life. I would not have the income that I have with a traditional publisher. Authors with traditional publishing houses make between 2% to 12% of sales. Indie authors get 35% or 70% (depending on what we price our books at.) So which would I rather have? 2% of an ebook priced at $8, or 70% of an ebook priced at $3.99? And when Amazon discounts a paperback, I still get the same royalty as if they hadn’t. Trad houses don’t do that. They don’t treat their authors with the respect they deserve, they don’t pay them enough to give up their day jobs, and they certainly do not treat them as well as Amazon treats the indie author.

I have a few questions: Why must Amazon be the one to give in? Why not Hatchette? Why does Hatchette insist that Amazon raise its prices? Why shouldn't Hatchette lower thiers?

I'd also like to know -- and I received this question/though from another author on a different forum -- should I boycott Barnes & Noble because they won't put my indie books in their stores?

You can read the letter from the Hatchette Authors here.

You can read our response to it here. 

Thanks for letting me have my two cents. :D

Suzan

Announcing Winners of the MidSummer's Dream Giveaway!!!

Pop over to the MidSummer's Dream Giveaway for our list of winners!!

This is so exciting!!

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I just love this!

Midsummer's Dream Giveaway

Hello! Yes, its been a little while since I've posted...but I've been very busy finishing up Frederick's Queen. As well as participating in this awesome event! 

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That Writing Thing You Do...

There’s a blog tour going around that’s helping spread the word about all of the great authors out there. Author Kathryn Le Veque asked me to participate with her and I was happy to say yes! You can visit Kathryn at her website here.  Kathryn Le Veque is one of the sweetest and funniest women that I know and I'm sure you will love her medieval romance novels. She's one heck of an author!


Everyone on the blog tour gets the same questions, so here are my answers to the burning questions that inquiring minds want to know:


1. What am I working on: I'm currently working on my sixth book, Frederick's Queen. This will be the second book in my Clan Graham Series. We first met Frederick in Rowan's Lady and this is his story. Frederick Mackintosh is turning out to be one of my most favorite heroes. While he tends to be a bit impatient and at points is a bit of an ass, he quickly redeems himself. This story has a bit of a darker story line, darker than what I'm used to writing. But I promise it will have an Happily Ever After. My heroine, Aggie McLaren, has had a rough life. Her father is beyond harsh, he's down right brutal. Aggie is as far from perfect as a body can get. Scarred, afraid, mute, and holding on to deep, dark secrets, she is as terrified as she is astonished that Frederick Mackintosh offers for her hand in marriage. This is a love story that starts out a bit rocky but blossoms over time. It shows us that love can conquer many things. Love is the light that shows us the way. We might not always get what we pray for, but we do get what we need.


2. How does my work differ from others of its genre: Yes, I write Scottish Historical Fiction/Romance. Yes, I have big, brawny men who often go around all sexy and sweaty ...sorry, my mind wandered for a moment. Yes, I have big, braw, sexy heroes. I think where my stories differ is that the men aren't broody and you don't start out hating them only to end up loving them. I like to think we fall in love with them immediately. Though its easy to fall in love with my heroes, they are far from perfect. They are perfectly imperfect. My heroines usually need rescuing or help of some sort. But as my stories evolve, we find they rescue our heroes. Either from dark forces, or themselves. :D


I also create bad guys you love to hate. Bad guys my readers tell me they want to reach into the book and kill with their bare hands. Bad guys are fun to write. I tend to take a no-holds-barred approach to writing these despicable characters. I mean, its fiction, right?


My books also tend to have secrets, backdoor deals, missions to accomplish, and all sorts of adventure. They're more about the romance that develops between my hero and heroine. I don't write descriptive sex scenes. I tend to take a more humorous approach to that part of life. I mean, we all know it is insert tab A into slot B, right? And there are only so many ways you can describe what happens between two consenting adults. Yes, there is lots of passion in my books, but you won't find any velvet shafts or quivering sheaths in my stories. I mean you will, but I don't use those kinds of terms. ;o)


3. Why do I write what I do? I absolutely love this genre. I love anything medieval, but prefer medieval Highlanders. Its not just the sexy men with naked knees. Its the fact that Scots love freedom. Most of our founding father's came from Scotland after all. They want freedom to choose their own destinies, to live freely, to not be governed by power hungry men. Its more than the brogue, the scenery, the time. Its all of those things and so much more.


4. How does your writing process work? I write the entire book first. I do very few edits as I write, unless some idea comes barreling in out of nowhere, demanding to be heard and put into the story. Once I've written the entire story, then I go back and do my own personal edits. I try to have it as edited as I can get it before sending it to my editor and beta readers. I ask my beta readers to look for flow of story, any gaping holes, any questions that I might have let linger, excitement level, etc. Once I hear back from all of them, I do final edits. With Frederick's Queen, I'm going to do something new and send the fully edited book to a 'final look editor'. Sometimes, you just need another set of fresh eyes.


Now that I’ve answered your burning questions, join my fellow authors Anabelle Bryant and April Holthaus to find out how they do what they do! Click on these links to be taken to their websites.


Anabelle Bryant began reading at age three and never stopped. Her passion for reading soon turned into a passion for writing and an author was born. Happy to grab her suitcase if it ensures a new adventure, Anabelle finds endless inspiration in travel; especially imaginary jaunts into romantic Regency England, a far cry from her home in New Jersey. Instead, her clever characters live out her daydreams because really, who wouldn't want to dance with a handsome duke or kiss a wicked earl?


Though teaching keeps her grounded, photography, running, and writing counterbalance her wanderlust. Often found with her nose in a book, Anabelle has earned her Master's Degree and is pursuing her Doctorate Degree in education. She proudly owns her addiction to French fries and stationery supplies, as well as her frightening ineptitude with technology. A firm believer in romance, Anabelle knows sometimes life doesn't provide a happily ever after, but her novels always do. She enjoys talking with her fans. Visit her website at AnabelleBryant.com.


April Holthaus lives in central Minnesota with her husband and they are expecting their first child, a boy in March 2014. April developed her passion of historical romances through her love of history and genealogy. Over the last several years she has compiled her family tree finding over 350 bloodline grandparents dating back to the 1100s.


She is currently working on the last book Highland Daydreams of her series, The MacKinnon Clan.
When not working or writing, April enjoys spending time with her family, reading and being outdoors. You can follow April here.


Kathryn Le Veque....Welcome to Medieval England - hard-core, battle-scarred, power-driven knights of the highest Norman order and the women that love them. Like High Middle Ages action and romance? Welcome to the Le Veque Medieval Machine - Medieval just got real!

Kathryn Le Veque is one of Amazon's top selling Historical Romance authors, consistently ranked in the top 100 authors of the genre. Kathryn is a dominant presence in the Medieval Romance category with several novels always in Amazon's Top 100 rankings. If there's a Medieval Romance list, chances are that Kathryn is on it!

Kathryn has been featured regularly on Kindle Nation, Coastal Conversations, Confessions of Romaholics, Goodreads, and a host of other blogs and websites highlighting her novels. Kathryn is an award-winning author and has legions of dedicated fans all over the world.

Kathryn's Medieval Historicals have been called 'detailed', 'highly romantic', and 'character-rich'. She believes that total immersion in a time period is essential to creating the perfect story. More than that, she writes for both women AND men - an unusual crossover for a romance author - and Kathryn has many male readers who enjoy her stories because of the male perspective, the action, and the adventure.

Although Kathryn's passion is her Medievals, she is very proficient at writing Contemporary Adventure Romances and one of her novels. "Fires of Autumn", received over 50,000 downloads on Bookbub in a two day period. Additionally, one of her novels, "Lady of Heaven", is currently being adapted into a screenplay.

Kathryn is the author of 45 novels and counting.

See Kathryn's fanpage on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels?ref=hl

Join her on Twitter @kathrynleveque

Visit her website at www.kathrynleveque.com