Wednesday Writing Romp is Live!!

10 different authors, one great story!

Do you like FREE READS?

Then check out the exciting new Wednesday Writing Romp!!

Each week, a new chapter of Chocolate Flirtations written by one of the fabulous authors below, will be posted for your reading pleasure.

What's the story about, you ask?

Check out the Introduction and first chapter!

Contributing Authors:
Kristi Ahlers
Marcy Bassett-Kenndy
Kendra Clark
Julia Clark
Bronwen Cleathero
Meagan Hatfield
Debbi Phillips
Nicole Reising
Andrea Shuman
Rita Trevalyan

New Interview and Contest!!

Hey all!

Super hot erotic paranormal/suspense author, Michelle Hasker interviewed me for her May Newsletter!! She asked some great questions, so I hope you will all head over there and check it out. The Interview is Here.

Also, I have a NEW CONTEST running on my site. Actually, the hero of my new erotic novella, The Marquis de Sade chose the prizes for this quarter. I mean, I am a lady and would never select such wicked toys. *winks*

Until next time...

(Oh, and JJ, I know - I'm still it.) :-)

Scavenger Hunt!!

In celebration of spring and to show our appreciation for our readers, New Concepts authors are holding a Spring Scavenger Hunt exclusively for members of the New Concepts Readers and Authors Yahoo group. Not a member of the group?

Just click here to join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/new_concepts_pub/join

Perks of membership include advance excerpts, members only contests, announcement of new titles, and one on one contact with authors.The details of the Spring Scavenger Hunt will be announced April 15th on the NCP Readers and Authors group. The last date for entry is April 30th.

There will be SIX fabulous prize packages awarded. Each package will contain numerous goodies, including several NCP books.

Please come and join in the fun!

This movie looks AWESOME!!

In more ways than just cinematography. *winks*

Until next time...

Go figure? LOL!

You Should Be a Romance Novelist

You see the world as it should be, and this goes double for all matters of the heart. You can find the romance in any situation, and you would make a talented romance story writer... And while you may be a traditional romantic, you're just as likely to be drawn to quirky or dark love stories. As long as it deals with infatuation, heartbreak, and soulmates - you could write it.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

Erotica...been berry berry good, to me

Well, so far anyway. :-)

I recently found out I sold my interracial erotic contemp, THE WHOLE ENCHILADA, to Whiskey Creek Press Torrid!! Woo Hoo!!
Here's a quick blurb:

Since the day she was born, Lina Sanchez has lived, cooked and eaten every item on her family's The Pollo Asado restaurant menu...but none more than her late mother's Green Chicken Enchiladas recipe. It's that unique, signature dish keeping her beachside taco joint packed with regulars. That is, until a new "Taco Joe's" corporation moves into their tight-knit community. As hard as Lina tries to discourage it's laid back, drop-dead gorgeous owner, it's hard to ignore the fact he's not corporate and stuffy like his establishment. In fact, like her, he has a true passion for creating and enjoying food. Making it harder and harder for Lina to remember that he and his business are threatening everything she knows and cares about.

Dale Jennings may have bombed big in marriage and on Wall Street, but he's certain following his life long dream of ditching the suit and donning a chef's apron is just the antidote to heal both. Being the business man he is, he opts to open a chain restaurant rather than risk striking out on his own and quickly regrets his decision. The rigid menu and atmosphere stifles his creativity, and he soon finds himself enjoying the authentic flavor of his rivals cuisine. But while the girl next door's food is damn near as hot as her sun kissed body, he's determined not to let anything stand in the way of his dream...especially not some California girl's enchiladas

Erotic Paranormal Novella is now on SALE!!

Claiming The Lamb, my erotic paranormal, is now available at www.midnightshowcase.com in print or e-book version!!

Here is a review:

Claiming The Lamb
by Meagan Hatfield

Reviewed by - Deborah Macgillivray, Author of A Restless Knight

"Claiming the Lamb" is a story in the Jaded Beasts erotica anthology from Midnight Showcase. Laura May is finally reaching the pinnacle of having her artwork displayed at her first art show. Instead of revelling in the accolades coming her way, she is distracted, pulled by the mesmerising stare of a sexy stranger all in black. She is compelled to this man, barely able to think as he introduces himself as Lachlan Black. She little recognises in that moment how this man will change her life, her destiny.

Lachlan came to Laura seeking a special item in her possession. The man wraps himself in mystery, in shadow, so the name Black suits him well. His intent was to obtain the object from Laura, then fade back into the blackness and secrecy that is his existence. However, he hadn't counted on Laura May. He is drawn to her fire, covets her. His hand is forced, when he is pushed to save Laura from an enemy out to destroy Laura, destroy him--rule the world. With no other choice, Lachlan must take Laura and run.

In her short story for Blue Moon Magic, Hatfield demonstrated she has a strong, visual talent, who conjures to-die-for heroes and heroines who are their match. In this sexy erotic vampire tale, she shows her strengthening voice, a voice that promises she's a talent to watch. I look forward to more works from this very original and inventive author."

Cosmo's Man Hunt

I found my favorite...have you? http://magazines.ivillage.com/cosmopolitan/men/manhunt/spc/0,,702690_702697,00.html

Until next time...

I'm eeeevvvvillll, like the fru-its of the de-vil, eeevvillll.

You Are 64% Evil

You are very evil. And you're too evil to care. Those who love you probably also fear you. A lot.

How Evil Are You?

New Contest on my site!!

My erotic paranormal novella, Claiming The Lamb, will be released in October as a part of the Jaded Beasts IV digest from Midnight Showcase! To celebrate, I am giving one lucky winner both of these prizes!
First is a sterling silver love pendant, with back-to-back dragons who form a heart with their tails. Second is this sexy, goth short sleeve vampire themed tee that says "Bite Me." The winner will also get some yummy Halloween Chocolates!!


To Enter, just visit my site: www.meaganhatfield.com and go to the Contest Page for information! Good luck!!

Until next time...

Review for my erotic novella!!

Claiming The Lamb
by Meagan Hatfield
Reviewed by - Deborah Macgillivray, Author of A Restless Knight

"Claiming the Lamb" is a story in the Jaded Beasts erotica anthology from Midnight Showcase. Laura May is finally reaching the pinnacle of having her artwork displayed at her first art show. Instead of revelling in the accolades coming her way, she is distracted, pulled by the mesmerising stare of a sexy stranger all in black. She is compelled to this man, barely able to think as he introduces himself as Lachlan Black. She little recognises in that moment how this man will change her life, her destiny.

Lachlan came to Laura seeking a special item in her possession. The man wraps himself in mystery, in shadow, so the name Black suits him well. His intent was to obtain the object from Laura, then fade back into the blackness and secrecy that is his existence. However, he hadn't counted on Laura May. He is drawn to her fire, covets her. His hand is forced, when he is pushed to save Laura from an enemy out to destroy Laura, destroy him--rule the world. With no other choice, Lachlan must take Laura and run.

In her short story for Blue Moon Magic, Hatfield demonstrated she has a strong, visual talent, who conjures to-die-for heroes and heroines who are their match. In this sexy erotic vampire tale, she shows her strengthening voice, a voice that promises she's a talent to watch. I look forward to more works from this very original and inventive author.

I sold a novella!!

I am so excited to report I sold an Erotic Fantasy Romance Novella!!

It will be available in print or e-book form from Midnight Showcase in their next JADED BEASTS Erotic-ahh Digest!! (Don't you just love that title?) :-)

As soon as I have a cover I will post it!!

Until next time...

Holy Crap!!

I can't believe this, but I WON awesome romance author, Gena Showalter's blog contest. The prize you ask? The entire backlog of her books, autographed! In case you can't tell, I am so excited! I never win anything, but have been on a bit of a streak here...Hmm, methinks it's time to go and buy a lotto ticket!

If you haven't cruised by Gena's blog, you are missing out. She is hilariously funny and Beefcake Monday is always a favorite. ;-) Check it out: http://genashowalter.blogspot.com/ and read about her latest release, Playing With Fire.

Until next time...

Woo Hoo, does Gena's new book look hot, or what!?! (no pun intended)

Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter

Earth, Wind and Fire aren’t just a band anymore…

Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink, or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!

It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my grande mocha latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I’m waking up with this total hottie bending over me. He tells me 1) his name’s Rome Masters, 2) he’s a government agent and 3) I can control the four elements with a thought.

He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation that I am. . . because now he’s supposed to kill me. The only good news: I didn’t make this bed of trouble, but Rome sure seems to want me to lie in it. With him.

Read an excerpt

Order your copy from Barnes and Noble or Amazon or Books A Million

And if you’d like a chance to win signed copies of *all* Gena Showalter’s books, all you have to do is post this entry, too. Post the cover, the blurb, the links, and this contest announcement, then head over to Gena’s blog (http://www.genashowalter.blogspot.com/ ) and let her know you posted the material. A name will be randomly selected on September 3rd from those who do!!

Anyone else having LOST withdrawl?

Me too.

Ah, that's much better. :-)

Until next time...

I've done it again

Leave it to me to forget my own contest...AGAIN! LOL! Fear not, I will be drawing the name of the lucky winner as soon as I have Blue Moon Enchantment in my hot little hands. After all, I cannot give away that which is not printed.

For more information on the amazing Book Lover's Basket I am giving away in July and how to enter (Psst...it's FREE) visit the contest page of my website: www.meaganhatfield.com.

Until next time...

Moving is hell!!

Or purgatory, I haven't really decided yet. It was hot, painful and utter torture so I believe it qualifies as both. But thank the Gods it's finally over!! I thought I was going to have to sacrifice a goat or bribe my friends with mass quantities of beer to finish by today...but we did it without having to do either. DH and I have successfully transplanted our two kids, cat, puppy, hermit crab and tons and tons of useless crap to the new house. Phew! Other than dropping a box of floor tile on my toe, smashing my ear and the numerous cuts, scrapes and bruises - I came out of it unscathed.

Now to unpack. Urgh. First room to be done...why, my new office of course. I painted it pumpkin seed (which is burnt orange, not white like actual pumpkin seeds- don't ask me why) and the wall already boasts my giant LOTR poster. There are wall to wall books and it's right off the kitchen and living area so I can keep an eye on the children and the pooch at the same time I type. What was once hell will soon be heaven...and I can't wait.

Until next time...

Since I'm from California...

...I had to take this test.
Click the link below to find out for yourself where, on the beautiful strip of California land you belong. I for one think it's spot on. I absolutely LOVE San Fran and can't wait for RWA National to be held there in a couple years.

You Belong in San Francisco

You crave an eclectic, urban environment. You're half California, half NYC. You're open minded, tolerant, and secretly think you're the best. People may dismiss you as a hippie, but you're also progressive, interesting, and rich!

Where Does Your Inner Californian Belong?

Wait, rich? Did it say rich? Yeah, right. Hey wait, maybe it means I WILL be rich? Super cool.
Until next time...

Keely's scribe, Jacquie Rodger's, pens another wonderful short story!

WHEN MULES RUSH IN
By Jacquie Rogers aka Keely's scribe
Reviewed by Ann Marie Bradley, author of "My Hero, My Dad," in the Voice of a Soldier Anthology

"The title may be When Mules Rush In, but readers should rush in to read this hilariously funny story, expertly penned by Jacquie Rogers. Ms Rogers spins a yarn of love and desire between a gambler in a Stetson and a debutante carrying a hoe, while a determined mule named Merlin stirs up magic with his tail, along with the help of a bossy chicken named DeborahAnne.

"When Mules Rush In" is the story of salvation that unites lovers, both mortal and immortal, while being a ripping comedy sure to make the reader laugh out loud.

Luke Tyson is a gambler on a mission. He wants to buy a ranch and settle down before his luck runs out at the card table. He thinks he’s found a way when he’s offered a tidy sum to find missing heiress, Eleanor Winthrop-Douglas and return her to her fiancée. Trouble is, his mule, Merlin, has other plans for the charming cowboy. Merlin is set on finding Luke love and happiness with the right woman, a home, and a family.

When Willow Jones sees the handsome cowboy ride up on a mule, she stops working in her herb garden, mesmerized by his good looks, but leery of strangers. He seems familiar, but she can’t place him. How could she have forgotten anyone that handsome? The Blue Moon. Every night since the full moon, she’d wished that a man like him would rescue her from her loneliness. But she wouldn’t have a man who wanted to woo Eleanor so he could claim the Winthrop-Douglas inheritance. Gripping her hoe, she denies her true identity and orders the stranger away.

However, both Luke and Willow fail to take into consideration the power of a Blue Moon or the magic of an immortal mule and chicken determined to forge a relationship between the stubborn couple. Merlin the mule intervenes with his love spells, while the feisty chicken, DeborahAnne rules the barnyard with her own magic. With the lovable animals’ help, Luke and Willow manage to fight off five armed men and form a bond of love, planning their own magical relationship.

Ms. Rogers wraps up this comedy with an exciting and unexpected ending. She left this reader with tears in her eyes from laughing so hard and begging for more stories featuring these amazing characters. I can’t wait to read future writings by this super talented author, and plan to re-read this story whenever I need a feel-good laugh.

You will enjoy many other wonderful romantic stories that can only happen Once in a Blue Moon in both Blue Moon Magic and Blue Moon Enchantment Anthologies by Highland Press. "

On writing...

I released this article in my Spring Newsletter and then SpecRom Online posted it on their website and in their newsletter. But I've been seeing a lot of discussion on this very topic on some loops I'm on and thought I'd post it here for anyone who might have missed it! Hope some of you fantasy writer's find it helpful. :-)

World Building for the Fantasy Romance
AUTHOR: Meagan Hatfield

Narnia. Middle Earth. Atlantis. Camelot.

When you hear the names of these fantasy worlds, your mind swirls with images of the inhabitants, environments and most of all, how they all fit perfectly within the story. That is successful world building. When done well, it can place your fantasy novel on the keeper shelves of readers everywhere.

Fantasy is described by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary as: "imaginative fiction featuring especially strange settings and grotesque characters.” I have to whole-heartedly disagree. To me, fantasy is more aptly described as a place where anything is possible. Unlike other genres, like say science fiction, fantasy does not have set boundaries or rules. You don’t have to abide by the scientific laws and technical or planetary details of the age. You can pretty much write anything your mind conjures.

There could be a magic spell keeping your hero and heroine apart, like in the movie LADYHAWKE. A small, peace-loving farmer set out on a life-threatening quest to destroy an evil ring, as in LORD OF THE RINGS. Or perhaps even a little boy who discovers he's a wizard and is whisked away to a special school to hone his craft. (I don’t think I have to name that book.)

Each of these fantasy examples took us to wonderfully exciting new worlds and immersed us in their respective stories. All three are different, but exceptional examples of how to successfully build a world, specific and unique to the story line/characters you're working with.

Nothing to it, right? Well, it's certainly do-able.

The first thing you want to consider is what kind of fantasy you are writing? There are four common sub genres found in fantasy romance novels, Epic being the broadest of them all. With an Epic fantasy, the world you’ve created will be at stake in a good vs. evil type situation. Both the Heroic and Sword & Sorcery sub-genres evolve from this grand, Epic beginning. In the Heroic tale, the hero sets out to save the world, thus the story becomes more about him/her than the actual act of the world being saved. (Think Frodo in the Lord of the Rings) Sword & Sorcery stories are usually set in some ancient setting, and concentrate on wizardry, swordplay, dragons, etc. (Think King Arthur, Xena, Harry Potter.) Last, the Historical fantasy will take an actual event, place or person, but add magical or supernatural elements. (Think Ladyhawke, Beauty and the Beast) Though some may argue there are more fantasy categories than I listed here, in romance we have a paranormal genre, which covers things such as werewolves, ghosts, witches, vampires and so on.

Okay, so you've chosen the specific sub-genre for your fantasy. Now it's time to create your world. The thing to remember with world building is to keep it simple. This is where it can get sticky. You don’t want to go overboard and make every element of your novel strange and overly detailed. This will only jar the reader, making it harder for them to suspend disbelief and continue reading. Instead, the goal should be to ensure the world you’ve created feels believable and comfortable.

One way to do this is to keep certain elements within your story familiar.

For example, if you have a centaur warrior as your hero, have him enjoy a cold beer while watching the two moons raise overhead. The beer keeps him real. It humanizes him in the readers mind, making him relatable. Harry Potter may be learning how to fly a broom or fight a fire-breathing dragon, but he’s doing these magical, crazy things in a school. A normal, familiar setting we are all at ease with.

Ideally, you want even your most bizarre creatures to have some human characteristics otherwise readers won't be interested in them. Perhaps there are demons from the underworld in your story. Try having them addicted to things like chocolate, tobacco or even air conditioning. Of course, the pitfall with this technique is making the world you create too similar to our own. The idea is to show the reader objects, ideas, morals, notions they can recognize and relate to, in the milieu of the new and exciting. Balance is key.

Another important factor in world building is to not only set rules, but abide by them. Stay consistent with the ideas and elements you’ve created. If the hero is a merman and the heroine a human, you have to find a logical and plausible way for them to be intimate. Maybe on certain moon cycles he can change form? Or maybe they have to be submerged? If your heroine is a witch who grows weak whenever she uses her magic, you cannot have her fight the villain in the end without showing any signs of fatigue—unless you show a reason why. As always, you don’t want to "cheat" the rules and have things "just happen". Readers are smart. You should know, you're one of them! If you cheat them, they'll put the book down. (Or throw it across the room.)

Last point…names. Use ones that fit the story time, place, feel and characters. Do not just pick some exotic, hard to pronounce name because it's different. I recommend saying the name aloud. If it trips you up, change it. Also, pay careful attention to the masculine and feminine. You don't want the readers guessing a being's gender any more than you want them stumbling over their name. And unless you are writing a time-travel fantasy, be careful not to name one character Xielnain, and another Steve.

Above all remember, however you decide to create and organize your fantasy world, make it as familiar and true to life as you can. The more ordinary it is, especially in its eccentricities, the more extraordinary and memorable it will be to the reader.

Until next time...