TV's Top Shirtless Guy Moments of 2009

Other than the obvious error that Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) should have been in the number one spot, this is a verra good list...

clipped from insidetv.aol.com TV's Top Shirtless Guy Moments of 2009 While this scene technically occurred at the beginning of season 2 in 2008, we'll let it pass since the season carried over into 2009. Plus, it's just too good not to include. As the dashing Nate Archibald, Crawford has plenty of half- and almost-naked scenes with various women. But nobody ever sticks with the same partner for long on 'Gossip Girl,' so way to spread the heat around, guys. Here's the opening of 'Summer Kind of Wonderful.' 10. Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald), 'Gossip Girl' This year offered plenty of hot and steamy TV moments, but some of the best featured hunky, half-naked guys. It was like an instant party for all of us female viewers out here, whether you're into sexy vampires, rough-gem bikers, or scrappy high school football players.

Drum roll, please...

And the WINNER of the Holiday Book Giveaway is...

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Wendy Wallach ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Congratulations, Wendy!
(Please email me at kim@kimberlykillion.com with your snail mail addy)

And thank you to everyone who signed up and is now following me here at Wowf about Writing. Be sure to stop by in January to check out my Valentine's Day Contest I will be hosting.

May you and yours have a very prosperous and romantic New Year.
xoxo Kimberly

Happy Holidays from William Lawson...

I will never get tired of this marketing campaign. Here's hoping you all buy someone you love a little William Lawson this holiday season...

clipped from www.youtube.com

Ho, ho, ho...'Tis the season for gift giving and Kimberly Killion must be feeling verra generous this year. She's giving away a sled-full of books...


Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion
Her One Desire by Kimberly Killion
An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James
Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
Untouched by Anna Campbell
Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell
Before the Scandal by Suzanne Enoch
Death Angel by Linda Howard
Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins
Wild Sight by Loucinda McGary
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spears
Everything Forbidden by Jenna Petersen

You have to do two simple things to enter:
1) Go to Kimberly's website and fill out the form on her contest page
2) Follow Kimberly's blog, Wowf about Writing!

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Contest Rules: One entry per person per contest period. Contest winner will be announced on Kimberly Killion's website and blog Dec. 26th, 2009. All entrants must be 18 years of age or older

Foreign Sales

To my great surprise, I received an advance this week on a foreign sales to Thailand. I was so tickled, I emailed my editor only to find out not only did my debut book, HER ONE DESIRE, sell to Thailand, but also to Brazil, Germany and Japan!

The book releases in June 2010 in Germany and was re-titled Im Kerker der Sehnsucht. I won't even pretend to know how to translate the, but I babelfished it, and the best I can tell, the German publisher re-titled the book: IN THE DUNGEON OF DESIRE. :)

If you think that's fun, the snippet on the cover (the words in the green bar) translates like this...
They defied the danger together - and began a play with the fire

More comparisons...
The English product description on Amazon.com
Secrets and lies have a price that must be paid in blood through the generations. In medieval Scotland, Laird Calin MacLeod must choose between avenging his father's death and surrendering to the passion he finds in the arms of his enemy's daughter.

The product description on Amazon.de
Tower OF London, 1483: Lizzy, the daughter of the executioner, must flee, because she stole an explosive document. The prisoner Broderick uses the opportunity likewise to the escape. Pursued of their enemies they come themselves dangerously close…

Facts, Fiction, Research...oh my...

Readers often email me to ask me about research. Sometimes they simply want to know if I hold a Masters in history and sometimes they want to point out what I did wrong.

Well, I don't hold a Masters in history. In truth, I never like history in school, but I do enjoy researching now. Partly because it is a means to procrastinate and partly because I find it fascinating. I recently had a woman email me to tell me how much she enjoyed my latest release, HIGHLAND DRAGON, but also pointed out that my heroine was liable to make the hero and his kin sick because she had picked rowan berries and they ate them. Apparently raw rowan berries will give you a stomach ache. I didn’t know that. Which is what I told her. LOL She was so tickled to discover that she had taught me something, that she dug out the newspaper article she had read on the subject and mailed it to me. FROM SCOTLAND!

I didn’t mind. Actually I thought is was kind of cool. We writers have so much to worry about that sometimes, yes, we can get the research wrong. For example, in HIGHLAND DRAGON, I also used the scent of honeysuckle to describe my heroine. Prior to publication, one of my critique partners pointed out that honeysuckle was not native to Scotland. Sheesh! What’s a girl to do? So I changed the name of the flower to the Gaelic word for sugar: siùcair.

Is it really that important to get it all right? Well, there are some readers out there who would say yes. I for one, like to focus on the romance and hope for the best, but if you are one of those crazed-diehard-must-get-it-right people, then here are a few website to assist you with your research…Enjoy!

COSTUME:
12th & 13th Century Clothing - Definitions
18th Century Costume Terminology
By the Sword
Historical Clothing Terms
Crinolines Fashion History
Deb's Historical Research Page
Measurement in the Middle Age
Medieval Clothing Terms
Medieval Fashion Glossary-Images
Noble Ware
The Tudor Shoppe
Clothing Of The Fifteenth Century

SCOTLAND
History of the Scottish Kilt
History of the Tartan
Reconstructing History — Scottish Historical Clothing Research
Scottish Women's Clothing

ITALY
Italian Dress
Italian Renaissance Clothing 1420-1520
Italian Renaissance

DICTIONARIES / GLOSSARIES:
Arms and Armour Terms
Emotion Thesaurus
Color-terms
Dictionary of Baby Names, Meanings and Origins
Dictionary
Etymology Dictionary
English/Irish Dictionary
Herb & Spice Dictionary
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
MSN Encarta
Navy Slang
One Look
Pirate Glossary
Regency Cant and Expressions
Regency Lexicon
Renaissance Faire Glossary
Scots Dialect
Scots Terms
Scottish Vernacular Dictionary
Sex-Lexis.com
Ships Glossary
Slang

MEDIEVAL:
Terms for Castle, Armor, Weaponry
Clothing Terms
Job Listing
Insults and Slang of the 15th Century
Medieval English Towns
Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournament
THE MIDDLE AGES-Lots of Links

FOOD:
Medieval-Themed Restaurants
Medieval and Renaissance Food
The Medieval Kitchen

MONEY:
Historical Money
The DiCamillo Companion
Money in Florence, Italy
Measurement in the Middle Ages

NAMES:
Baby Names
Fake Name Generator
Regency Names
Medieval Names
Medieval Naming Guide
Scottish Boy Names
Scottish Girl Names
Scottish Names 101
Victorian Era Names

****************************

If that isn’t enough to make your eyes cross, feel free to visit my writers page for more...

Huzzah!
Kimberly Killion
______________________________________________________________
HIGHLAND DRAGON ~ ON SALE NOW!
4-STARS from RT Book Reviews "This is a tale to cherish."
http://www.kimberlykillion.com/

Vote for "Best Historical Cover"

The poll for Best Historical Cover of 2009 (finals) is up!
The winner gets a cover feature and 4 week ad spot at THE SEASONS webiste.

I'm super thrilled to have HIGHLAND DRAGON sitting amidst such beautiful covers.

Don't delay, the voting ends, Dec. 13th. Vote now!

NEW TURKEY RECIPE

Your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!! You should try this! Sure to bring smiles from your guests! Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully.

3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve. :)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone...

Did a woman’s virginity raise her worth on the slave market?

I'm talking with Eliza Knight today at History Undressed about the "auction scene" in HIGHLAND DRAGON. If you ever wanted to know more about historical slave markets, then pop over. Plus, there's an excerpt...

"After reading HIGHLAND DRAGON, I immediately emailed Kimberly about the book. She had me held captive literally from the first sentence. No kidding, I was sitting in Starbucks with a girlfriend, and I kept tapping her arm and reading to her. She has such a vivid and intense way of writing. I really felt like I was there, experiencing everything that Calin and Akira experienced. The characters are so well-crafted they appear to be real people, with real emotions. Not to mention Calin is a hot-blooded Highlander—you can’t beat that! Verra, verra nice… I cried, laughed, held my breath, chewed off my nails, sighed…the whole nine yards. I told Kimberly this, and I’ll tell you all too, I haven’t read a book this good in a long time. She rivals with some of my old favs, Julie Garwood and Jude Devereux to name a couple. And OF COURSE, she has a great bit of knowledge on history and weaved all the details and facts into the story in a way that it just flowed off the page. I like history with my romance, I like travelling back in time."

READ MORE...

I would read your grocery list!!!

You know what's better than getting a 5/5 star review from a review website? Getting a letter from a fan.

With the release of Highland Dragon only a month old, I'm starting to get letters from readers that make my heart sing...

"OMG! I just finished your book, Her One Desire, in the early hours of this morning and then immediately started on Highland Dragon and stayed up all night reading the firsty half of it. I Love Them! Thank you so much for bringing your awesome talent to all of your faithful fans!!" —Susie

"I just had to send you a quick note to say... I would read your grocery list!!! You are truly fantastic!!! I was hooked on your first book [Her One Desire] and could not wait for Highland Dragon. I just finished it. LOVED IT!!!"—Jenai

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HIGHLAND DRAGON by award-winning author, Kimberly Killion
Oct. 2009/Zebra books

A desire that defies all limits…and a love that was meant to be…Secrets and lies have a price that must be paid in blood through the generations.

Eighteen years after hiding the secret of his betrothed’s lineage, Laird Calin MacLeod must choose between avenging his father’s death and surrendering to the passion he finds in the arms of his enemy’s daughter.

From the PublisherKimberly Killion's gorgeous, dramatic novels have the sweep and intensity of Hannah Howell's megaselling Scottish romances.

***************************************
Grade A - The Good, The Bad and The Unread
4/4.5 Stars - RT Book Reviews
5/5 Stars - Lond and Short Romance Reiviews
5/5 Stars - Single Titles
5/5 Stars - Book Junkie
5/5 Stars - Heather's Reading Romance

READ THE REVIEWS: http://www.kimberlykillion.com/hdreviews.asp
WEBSITE: http://www.kimberlykillion.com

***************************************
EXCERPT:

Hidden behind a false panel, ten-year-old Calin MacLeod covered his ears with sweaty palms. The screams echoing throughout Brycen Castle were loud enough to loosen his teeth.

Lena Kinnon cried for mercy with every gut-wrenching contraction, but didn’t receive the slightest morsel of compassion from the many men present. Her position held no dignity, sprawled atop the council table like a sacrificial lamb. The wool of her soiled sark draped between her raised knees and provided her little privacy. No one wiped her brow or offered soothing words of comfort.

A woman was supposed to suffer during childbirth to pay for the sins of Eve. Even at his young age, Calin knew the laws of the church. He also knew Lena had already suffered more than any woman in Clan Kinnon. The bruises speckling her pale skin were evidence of the constant torture she endured at the hands of her ruthless husband.

The sliver of space between the wooden planks where Calin hid was no wider than the trunk of a sapling, but provided a view of his da, Laird MacLeod, who stood against a stone pilaster opposite Laird Kinnon. Da’s dark hair had grayed at the temples over the recent months, and his face sagged in weariness, but his rigid stance displayed his contained rage. With his eyes narrowed, Da stroked the golden bull’s head engraved into the signet ring he wore and glared at his enemy.

Two pairs of MacLeod warriors flanked each side of his da, while four Kinnon warriors surrounded Laird Baen Kinnon. All were unarmed as was previously agreed upon by both lairds.

“Ye keep screamin’, wife. It’ll cleanse your black English soul.” Laird Kinnon paced the council chamber, a sneer twisting his pitted face.

Calin hated the chieftain of his neighboring clan as much as his da did. Laird Kinnon was a cold-hearted demon. Anyone who would beat his lady wife during her childbearing time walked upon this earth with the devil’s black blood flowing through his veins.

“Ye bear me another bitch and it will be your last.”

READ MORE: http://www.kimberlykillion.com/hdexcerpt.asp

"Love is Scary"

That's the theme on TJ Bennet's IMHO and I'm her guest today. Hop over and leave a comment for a chance to win HIGHLAND DRAGON, one of TJ's historical romances, and at least one of our other guests' books, as well as a $20 gift certificate from Amazon.com, tell us what you either love or hate about Halloween. On October 31, 2009, TJ will announce the winning entries drawn at random from all eligible participants (US addresses only, please). The winners will have until November 5, 2009, to claim their prize.

Book Tour

October has definitely been crazy, which is why I've neglected my blog. Promoting is so draining, but very enjoyable expecially when you can share it with friends. The first weekend I spent in Georgia with the Moonlight & Magnolias chapter. Had a great time and sold out of my HIGHLAND DRAGON at the signing! Yay!

Then it was off to chilly Chicago to hang with the Chicago-North ladies. (Love those gals!) After that, I spent the weekend with my own chapter mates and sold out of all but one book!

I’m in Kansas now perfecting a presentation for the Kansas Writers Group. It turned into a long day, since I stopped at 7 books stores along the way and had lunch with an old college friend (who I hadn’t seen in nearly 20 years!)

It’s been so exciting seeing my book in the “New Romance” section. See me? Sitting right there beside Jan Kenny and Lisa Kleypas???

OK…off to make some edits to my WIP while I’m still awake…

Book of the week at LASR!

Thanks to all who voted for HIGHLAND DRAGON in Long and Short Review's "Book of the week" poll. It WON!!!

Here's the winning review:

Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion
Publisher: Zebra Books (Kensington)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full (318 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Reviewed by Queen Anne’s Lace

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart.

Akira Neish can fight like any man, climb trees like a monkey – although getting down is another story – and swear in four languages. The only man who holds her loyalty, besides her family, is her benefactor, the man whom she will marry. But she’s never met him, and after being captured by the enemy, fears she may never.

Calin MacLeod, the laird of clan MacLeod, vowed as he witnessed his father’s murder that he would lead clan MacLeod and get revenge on his enemy. He saves baby Akira, his bride-to-be, but the day he comes to claim her she’s been kidnapped. Will he be able to save Akira and enact his revenge, or will an old secret destroy any chance he and Akira have at love?

Highland Dragon is brisk, fast-paced, witty and completely sexy. The writing is crisp and concise with characters any reader can easily love. The point of view never jumps, and the scenes are well described and packed with delicious adjectives.

Highland Dragon brings medieval Scotland to life better than any other work I’ve ever read, employing authentic language, terminology and imagery while maintaining the story flow and not confusing the reader. I must award the author “A+++” on a fantastic job!

Ms. Killion is a talented story-teller. I plan to read any other novels she writes. Wonderful job for a writer who is definitely a must keep in the business. Don’t miss out on this must-read, fabulous novel.

Need your vote!

Highland Dragon is up for Best Book honor this weekend at Long and Short Reviews.
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm
Go vote if you get a chance. :)


READ THE FULL REVIEW...

Wanna win a copy of HIGHLAND DRAGON?

Come visit me this week at Unusual Historicals and leave a comment for your chance to win an autographed copy of my October release, HIGHLAND DRAGON!

Highland Dragon is brisk, fast-paced, witty and completely sexy.

I continue to be stunned by the success and praise of this book. Check it out...

Long and Short Romance Reviews gave Highland Dragon 5 Books and a heat level rating of SPICY!

"Highland Dragon is brisk, fast-paced, witty and completely sexy. The writing is crisp and concise with characters any reader can easily love. The point of view never jumps, and the scenes are well described and packed with delicious adjectives.

Highland Dragon brings medieval Scotland to life better than any other work I’ve ever read, employing authentic language, terminology and imagery while maintaining the story flow and not confusing the reader. I must award the author “A+++” on a fantastic job!

Ms. Killion is a talented story-teller. I plan to read any other novels she writes. Wonderful job for a writer who is definitely a must keep in the business. Don’t miss out on this must-read, fabulous novel."

—Queen Anne’s Lace, Long and Short Romance Reviews

READ THE FULL REVIEW...

The Promo Monster and his brother, the Demon Sucker of Time!

OMG! The promotion monster is eating me alive! He is taking tiny little bites and torturing me a day at a time. My second book, HIGHLAND DRAGON, came out Tuesday and while I’m blissfully excited, I’m also drowning.

Come save me...

This is my blog topic for the weekend where I'll be guest blogging with the gals at Romance Roundtable.

Grab a cup of java and stop by.

I'm blogging...Come Out & Play

Petit Fours & Hot Tamales
TOPIC: Get out of bed and have sex!
Magical Musings
TOPIC: Branding
RomCon
TOPIC: Hooks! How to keep the pages turning.

Blogging with MamaWriters today

Join me on MamaWriters today to talk about kids in books. I'll be giving you a taste of lil Andrew. This little boy nearly stole my heart in HIGHLAND DRAGON. So come on over and play a little...

It's Release Day!

I cannot tell you how perfectly excited I am about seeing HIGHLAND DRAGON on the shelf! I'll be celebrating the launch over at the Jaunty Quills so stop by.

Also, my week long soirée begins today, and I'm giving away lots of books and a first chapter critique, so get thee to my contest page and sign up!

Kimberly

Meet the Characters of HIGHLAND DRAGON

It's getting so close to release day...October 6th is the official date, but I'm already hearing that HIGHLAND DRAGON has made a landing in various cities across the US. To start the celebration early, I wanted to introduce you to the characters in HIGHLAND DRAGON and a snippet from the book where they are introduced...Enjoy!

And get thee over to my contest page. I'm hosting a week long soirée.
AMAZON B&N BORDERS

http://www.kimberlykillion.com/

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THE HERO & HEROINE:
LAIRD CALIN MACLEOD & AKIRA NEISH

The untamed hiss of the next captive pierced through the drone of bidders. Hair black as midnight framed her porcelain face—a face twisted into a ferocious expression of revulsion. Oaths spewed from her mouth in English, French, Gaelic, and another language Calin didn’t recognize. Two sentries in black hooded robes restrained her, and unlike the other women, her hands were bound tightly behind her.

“Christ, that’s Akira,” Kendrick announced in a loud whisper then started for the dais.

“Nay.” Calin placed a firm hand on Kendrick’s chest. “Dinnae draw attention to us or our interest in her.” Calin spoke calmly enough, but his insides were erupting. If the guards dared to strike her, he was fully prepared to start a war.

She lunged at the men confining her to the platform. The woman certainly didn’t lack for spit and fire. She was a fighter. Though relieved he’d found her safe, Calin worried over their initial meeting. Introducing himself to his bride under these circumstances might prove to be an awkward task.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE BEAST: LAIRD BAEN KINNON

Laird Baen Kinnon sat at his trestle table and clutched his throbbing skull. Morning always brought the same damned ache. The same frigid cold. Dawn’s light had already cut through the mist and crawled up the tower wall. Gray light cast a shadow over the young girl cowering in the corner of his solar. He pointed to a satchel atop a three-legged cuttie stool. “Fetch me that poke o’ herbs and come fill my cup with ale, wench.”

The girl shuffled across the moldy floor rushes to do his bidding. She’d spent the night curled up with a few orange cats in front of an empty hearth. Had he not been blind drunk, her pathetic bawling would have kept him up half the night. Luckily, the drink had swiftly overcome him.

Her tear-spiked lashes rose just enough for her to peek at him through dirty, pale hair as she handed him the satchel.

She shivered.

He grinned. Just being in his presence terrified her, and he had yet to touch her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE BROTHER: KENDRICK NEISH
Kendrick’s color turned red, his nostrils flared, and his pose took on the stance of an angered warrior. Calin suspected he would lose this battle just as Kendrick dove at him. Calin held one hand out as a shield, but Kendrick twisted that arm behind him. Within a blink, Kendrick cradled Calin’s head in the crook of his arm, constricting the air in his throat.

“Ye be on Kinnon soil, mon, and it would take verra little to snap your wee neck between my brawny arms.”

His comment was delivered with such force Calin couldn’t help but laugh at the man.

Kendrick leaned to the side to study him. “Are ye addlebrained, mon? Mayhap a wee bit light in the head?” Kendrick released him with a forceful shove into a bed of prickly pine needles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE MISTRESS: CATRIONA
A woman emerging from the woodland caught Akira's eye. Floating over the lush foliage of the knoll, the woman glowed beneath the fading sun. Beauty and grace surrounded her every step. Flowing pale blonde hair bounced at her waist. A slim figure curved neatly into slender hips under a plain ivory gown. No jewels graced her bodice or her neck, nor did she wear a plaid, but the woman carried herself with the dignity of a noble. As she stepped even closer, Akira was mesmerized by the perfection of her face. High cheekbones pointed to a mouth most men would betray their country for. Then Akira looked into a pair of silver eyes. Not a blemish of color hid in the flecks. Foreboding crawled up her spine. Immediately, Akira felt uncomfortable in her presence.

The woman embraced her in a cold hug. When she spoke, her teeth sparkled. “You must be Calin’s new wife. ’Tis such an honor to finally meet you.”

“I am Akira. And ye are?”

The woman’s smile broadened when she brushed her long blonde locks over her shoulder. “I am the laird’s mistress, Catriona.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE BRAGGART: JAIME MACLEOD
“Aye, M’lady. The name’s Jaime.” He, too, pressed his lips to her knuckles, but didn’t release her hand as Alec had. “I have nay wife, but if ye’ve any sisters as bonnie as ye, I’m sure to be lookin’.”

A blush heated her cheeks beneath Jaime’s flattery. Calin’s kin certainly excelled in the art of wooing. She fell into a trance under the dreamy hue of aqua-blue eyes. Jaime had a hint more blonde streaked through his beard, and she knew he would be strikingly handsome beneath his whiskers. Certainly, he would have no trouble finding a wife with his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE SISTER: ISOBEL NEISH
Jaime held Akira's sister, Isobel, in his arms, and she looked as irritated as he looked happy.

“Put me down, ye heathen.” Isobel slapped Jaime’s chest while he twirled her into the chamber. “I swear ye are a swine, Jaime MacLeod. The mon tried to kiss me the whole way here.”

Although Isobel spoke to Akira, her stormy eyes never left Jaime’s face. He set her in a high-backed chair.

“Why did ye not ride with Kendrick?” Akira couldn’t contain her smile. Jaime was a devil, and she didn’t have to guess why he was clean-shaven.

“The brute insisted I ride with him.” Isobel’s flame-kissed locks fell in disarray over angry green eyes when she scowled at Jaime standing possessively overtop her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE AUNT & UNCLE: WANDA & KERK
“Ye should be ashamed o’ yourselves.” Calin’s Aunt Wanda rounded the entranceway and seated every man with a piercing gaze. Dark-red fiery tresses framed the ire burning in her cheeks. Calin sensed the wrath she was about to unleash would topple the Devil’s battalion. Though unaware of how long she’d listened to their deliberations, he could only hope she sided with him. He needed an ally.

Wanda filled her lungs with air, glared at Uncle Kerk, and directed her long finger at him. “It galls me to call ye husband. Ye may as weel have branded her a whore. I’ve the mind to take a blade to your bollocks and have Mattie cook them slowly over the spit. Ye’ve nay use for them. Ye have displayed nay courage in the titles ye bear. Nay loyalty to your kinswomen.”

Uncle Kerk’s adam’s apple slid up and down while his eyes rounded. “Darling, ye—”

“Dinnae darling me, ye addleheaded arse. Think ye King James is a force to be reckoned with. Wait till your women hear o’ your decision.” Her eyes narrowed yet further. “Ye are worthless men. Ye think with your cocks and not with your minds. Weel, I hope your cocks keep ye warm at night, for your kinswomen will not.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE ADVERSARY: GORDON MACLEOD
Gordon, who was easily the oldest, wore a surly frown. The skin beneath his eyes weighed heavily downward, which told her laughter didn’t find his face often. He would undoubtedly be the hardest to befriend. She stood before him, matching his scowl. “That is assuming ye have wives. One might think it a difficult task to find a wife when one does not speak.”

Gordon didn’t respond, as she expected, nor did he return her look. Crossing her arms defiantly over her chest, she spoke to Calin, but never once removed her stare from Gordon. “M’laird, when I am your lady wife, will I have the authority to give your men permission to speak?”

“Aye.”

“For the nonce, I’d like ye to give them permission to speak to me.” Akira thought she caught the hint of a smile threatening Gordon’s face, but she doubted he would crack so easily.

“Just because I give them permission does not mean they will exchange pleasantries with ye.”

She spun around to glare at Calin, her long tresses whipped over her shoulder with the sharp action. Pain stabbed her temples. This did nothing to improve her temper. “Then order them to converse with me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AKIRA'S CONFIDANT & HER WEAKNESS:
AILEEN MACLEOD & ANDREW MACLEOD

Alec, and a woman Akira guessed was Alec’s wife, Aileen, scurried after their children. Red-gold locks fell over her face when Aileen bowed. “A thousand pardons, M’lady. They dinnae know their manners.” Aileen attempted to peel the boy from Akira’s neck.

He wouldn’t let go. Wrinkling his nose, he gave his mother a sour expression and tightened his grasp.

Aileen apologized repeatedly. “Andrew, release M’lady this instant.”

“I cannae, Mammie. I love her.”

That did it.

Akira laughed outright while a blush burned her face to the tips of her ears.

Aileen forcefully pulled Andrew off and dropped him to his feet beside her. “Ye can love her from a distance.”

The boy snuggled into his mother’s skirts then gave Akira a tiny wave before sticking his thumb in his mouth. The boy had far too many teeth for such a habit and Akira knew, with nary a doubt, lil’ Andrew was coddled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE SUPPORTER: ELSBETH

Holding her hand, Akira noticed the bloodstains speckling her fingertips from multiple pinpricks. But what intrigued her more, were the faint remnants of bruises on her wrists and forearms, and the yellow tint of an aged bruise alongside her high cheekbones. Why would such a timid woman carry such marks? And especially one with child?

“Elsbeth, do ye stay in the keep or have ye a family?” Akira queried nonchalantly, wanting to know more about her.

“I live outside the bailey with my husband, Ian, and my son.”

“So ye already have one child. Ye and your husband must be excited about the arrival of your second.” Akira knew she’d overstepped her bounds. Elsbeth really wasn’t showing to the degree anyone might notice, but Akira had seen her hand flatten over her stomach at least twice while the woman had dressed her.

Elsbeth caressed her stomach. “I am not very far along. Ian does not yet know.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of course, there are many more characters;

Lena Kinnon—The BEAST's wife (Akira's mother)
Darach Kinnon—supposed son of Baen Kinnon
Murrdock and Vanora—Kendrick and Akira’s "parents"
Neala—Akira's sister
Riona and Fiona—Akira's sisters
Maggie—Akira's sister
Logan Donald—Maggie's husband
Father Harrald—Man of the cloth of the Isle of Skye
Sister Esa—Nun at Beauly Priory.
Gunnie—Midwife
Brady—Elsbeth's son
Evie and Tara—Akira’s Maids
Alec—Calin's warrior

It's Release Day!...well sort of.

It's October! I should probably dazzle you with wit or teach you something of value like the importance of action tags over dialogue tags, but I'm not going to...why? Because my second release, HIGHLAND DRAGON, hit the shelves today. (Kinda)

Here's the thing...the publisher said the release date was October 6th, but the street date and the online date are different from what I gather. And what's even more exciting is that HIGHLAND DRAGON went to a second printing before its release date!! Whoot!! I'm so thrilled to have this blog spot today to tell you about the book. You see HIGHLAND DRAGON is the book of my heart. I actually wrote it before my debut, HER ONE DESIRE.

To expand...HIGHLAND DRAGON is the book I put through the ringer on the contest circuit. She brought home more than a dozen finals and seven first place wins. She has made me proud but consumed me for more than a year. Blood, seat, and tears I tell ya!

Now I can hardly go on and on about this book without giving you a little taste, now can I? :)

And get thee over to my contest page. I'm hosting a week long soirée where I'm giving away books and a critique.

Remember...Fall in Love Everyday... ;)
Kimberly

Secrets and lies have a price that must be paid in blood through the generations. In medieval Scotland, Laird Calin MacLeod must choose between avenging his father's death and surrendering to the passion he finds in the arms of his enemy's daughter.

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EXCERPT of HIGHLAND DRAGON by Kimberly Killion

"The devil himself could seduce a maiden in this solar."

Calin lifted one brow beneath her fingertips. "I have nay intention of seducing ye."

"If ye dinnae intend to seduce me, how are ye to take my…virginity?"

A rogue's grin curled one side of his mouth, as if he knew something she didn't. "I'll never force ye to do anything ye dinnae want to do. Nor will I touch ye anywhere ye dinnae want to be touched. Tonight, Akira MacLeod. Tonight, ye will take your own virginity. I'll just offer my…assistance."

Akira hooted. "Though I admit to being ignorant to…matters of…coupling, I am certain ye will need to participate in…this."

"I intend to participate fully," he assured then dropped her to her feet. He turned from her and proceeded to disrobe to his plaid. Pale white scars veining his back spoke of the time he'd spent in battle, and she knew he displayed them and the blue battle rings with pride. She wanted to know the depth of his losses, but now wasn't the time to speak of war.

He washed briefly at the basin then turned back to her, exposing the golden ripples of a magnificent chest. He settled casually onto the high-backed bench cushioned with burgundy damask. Careful not to topple the two goblets of wine on the dressing table, he scooped up a handful of rowan berries from a wooden bowl and popped them, one by one, into his mouth.

"Would ye like to start seducing me now or wait 'til the bed has been blessed?"

She knew nothing about seducing a man, but the thought of it made her insides thick and her breasts heavy. Her nerves spiked and she could do little more than banter with him. "I think ye are arrogant, Calin MacLeod. And if ye think I'll be the one ravishing ye, ye are deceiving yourself."

"Tsk, tsk, wife. Ye must conserve your energy. Ye are going to need it." Calin revealed his dimples with this threat while his eyes traveled leisurely over her body.

She remained standing in the middle of the room, hoping Father Harrald would arrive quickly. Calin's heated gaze made her feel naked and vulnerable. How did he do that? The heavy gown she wore suddenly felt as thin as a threadbare shift. Her skin tingled against the silk and she wondered if she'd just married the devil. Only a hex could make her feel this wanton. He chewed slowly on the berry he'd just popped in his mouth, and her body tightened, wanting to know the feel of those lips on her skin. She crossed her arms over her breasts in an effort to subdue the sensations flitting inside her. Closing her eyes, she asked God's forgiveness for her sinful thoughts.

Her prayers were answered when Father Harrald staggered through the open door, bringing with him the smell of burning frankincense. Kendrick, Gordon, and Alec guarded the entranceway behind her as if she might bolt from this duty. Admittedly, the thought had occurred to her.

Silent reverence filled the room as the priest spread a cloth over the tabletop and prepared the oils. Calin remained seated while Father Harrald made the sign of the cross against his forehead. The priest then wavered slightly when he turned to her and did the same. He proceeded to sprinkle the bed with holy water and recite the prayer that would bless their union. Her tension eased when the priest turned and stood before her again. His dark eyes glazed with approval when he opened his mouth to speak.

"Father Harrald," Gordon shouted from behind, "your duty is done. 'Tis time we return to the festivities."

Father Harrald offered her a faraway look and kissed her on the forehead saying nothing more.
Alec stepped forward, his eyes downcast. "Aileen is in the corridor if ye have need of a maid to prepare ye, m'lady."

"She has nay need of a maid. I will prepare her."

Even Father Harrald grinned at Calin's comment, and Akira was sorely tempted to kick all of them. Before she could offer her own barb, the men ushered Father Harrald from the room and left her in silence with her husband.

"The bed has been blessed, and I believe ye were about to seduce me."

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OK...so since I'm in PR mode...anyone else have a release out this month? Tell us about it...

What are you sick of reading?

Following me on my Blog Tour to BOOK JUNKIE's and comment for the chance to win my second release, HIGHLAND DRAGON. Here's a peek at what's going on:

If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be
As a person who gets easily bored, I wonder why we don’t see more unusual books. For example aliens landing in Regency London. OK...this has probably been done, but I’m curious to know if readers get frustrated that traditional publishers don’t take more risks and break out of the norm? What are you sick of? Vampires? Ball rooms?

A few reader comments:
~ I am tired of seeing kick-a$$ heroines who don't have any friends and/or are very mannish.
~ I am tired of whimpering virgins trying to grow some backbone and self-esteem.
~ I'm tired of seeing women who can't do anything for themselves, and must rely on the man to get them to come out of their shell, or for him to do everything for her. Give me strong women! Women that can stand up for themselves.
~ I'm tired of weak women saved by rich and strong men :)


What are you tired of reading? Comment now... CLICK HERE!

If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

My blog tour kicks off today at LoveStruckNovice with Sarah Simas. Come join me!!!.
Here is a taste of the interview:

If you were a book, what would your blurb be?
Oooh, good question, but a toughy. This will require me to be a little vain, but here goes...

Kimberly Killion, award-winning author of sexy medieval romance, seeks adventure and romance. But what happens when she finds what she’s looking for in the seductive arms of a hawt Highland rogue?

Laird Braw Scot is looking for a woman with an imaginative mind and taste for scandal. He finds her tucked behind her computer, hiding her passion for life inside a motherboard. Does he have the skills to seduce her away from the keyboard?

Will she give up her dreams of hitting the NY Times list and seek passion in the treacherous wilds of Scotland? Or will she resign to live comfortably in the secluded privacy of her Midwest home and never know the meaning of love?

Highland Dragon featured at B&N Studio

If you haven't seen the book trailer for Highland Dragon, hop over to B&N Studio and check it out. For reasons unbeknownst to me, the book is already available at B&N, which is wildly exciting. Huzzah!

All about me...

I am: Woman, hear me roar.
I love: My life and my family…and coffee!
I dream: Actually, I don’t. I sleep so very little that when I do hit the pillow, I fall into this peaceful place of complete nothingness. And I can be there roughly 4.5 seconds after I hit that pillow.
I wish: I never had to shave my legs again.
I pretend: I’m thin.
I fear: Failure and balloons
I appreciate: Published authors who help those of us who are new to the world of publishing.
I read: Historicals. Anything by Julie Garwood, Teresa Medeiros, Connie Mason…
I want: To start a new saying, “Get wowf!” (Scottish slang for Get crazy!)
I cannot live without: Chocolate
I am happy when: I’m being creative, whether that’s designing or writing.
I would like to meet: My characters in real life.
I am annoyed by: Noise

Sold out of first printing before release

So here's the thing...there's not a whole lot that makes me giddy, but when the FedEx dude came today, I was all a fluster. Now, you are thinking he was wearing a kilt or that perhaps he was hawt. Well, he was ok. Not really the hunky sort that generally catches my eye...but I digress...

The FedEx dude did, however, deliver the goods. And the goods came in the form of my author copies of HIGHLAND DRAGON. This book hasn't released yet. It's my second book from Kensington books and isn't scheduled to release until October 6, but here's what is even cooler...













I opened up to the copyright page (because that's what authors do) and about swooned when I saw the numbers.

Let me explain...
Do you see the numbers underneath 'First Printing: October 2009'? They start with 10 9 8 ...
Well because it ends in 2, this tells me that the book has already gone into a second printing!!! Sa-weet!


I can hardly wait for this book to hit the shelf. I'll be signing all over the midwest; Georgia, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas...

Busy, busy time for me, but I must get back to my WIP!

Huzzah!!!!!!

B&N jumped the gun

Eeeek!!!

I thought I still had a couple weeks to prepare for this release, but it looks like B&N already released HIGHLAND DRAGON!!! So if you want to get your hands on Laird Calin MacLeod early (and trust me when I tell you he is sooooo worth getting your hands on) then click HERE.

I daresay Mr. Darcy...

This has to be the funniest video I've seen in ages. I love it when Mr. Darcy loses himself and spouts vulgarities at Caroline. Too funny!

22 days before Highland Dragon hits the shelves...

I'm starting to get oober excited about this release now that the reviews are literally pouring in. I've gotten an email every day for the past 3 days with a review in it. And here is the best part...the reviewers are LOVING Calin and Akira's story!!!!!

Here's a few snippets (yes, a few...this is a really long review) from Leontine's Book Realm:

Kimberly Killion – Highland Dragon (Historical novel)
Scotland, Highland 1484,
It was a night the young Calin MacLeod would not likely forget as he witnessed the murder of his father. It ignited vengeance in his heart as it spread through his veins and burned in his soul. That night, his bride also took her first breath in this world. Only hours ago her birth promised hope for an alliance between the Kinnon and McLeod clan but with a coldhearted brute of a man that hope washed away with the blood of those who lost their life’s that night.

It sounds like familiar plot doesn’t it? It certainly isn’t something that hasn’t been done oodles of times before but if there is one thing the highlanders understand then it was vengeance. And if there is one thing Kimberly Killion understands, it is the spirit of the Scottish highlanders.

There were two things that I noticed early on. One, how the cast of characters played on my emotions and two, how the clan politics and intrigue fueled the romance to a higher level. The premise of Calin and Akira’s actual story held it all; betrayal, murder and a secret love.

Calin is all highlander brawn mixed with the responsibilities of a Laird and a strong sense of Clan loyalty. A good, honest, virile highlander who wants what is good for his clan and a woman beside him leading it. Akira is definitely a woman who knows what she wants, how she wants it and is smart enough to get it. I loved the mix of faith, fury, intelligence and empathy in Akira. She became the heart of the McLeod clan by just being herself and she conquered the heart of Calin in the same way. Their interaction encompassed an area of emotions, from poised and tender to fiery and passionate, to the pain of grief and loss. Their journey is steeped in emotions and I instantly picked up on them, thoroughly rooting me in the story and the exhilarating journey of the main protagonists. This is largely due to empathetic and well drawn characters but also the easy connecting writing style of Kimberly Killion.

There was an interchange between the romance, the sensuality, intrigue and character development that ran like clockwork. There is nothing overtly complicated in Highland Dragon, the writing style smooth, working with all the elements present to drive towards a conclusion that had me sighing and in tears at the same time. I just had a remarkable good time reading Highland Dragon. There is desire, Highland rogues in abundance, treachery, romance, friendship and loyalty to be found in an authentic Highlander tale that is delivered with a passionate voice for the genre.

What can I say more than Highland Dragon is a read for stormy nights and candle lit rooms to take you away in to another time, another place, and make you feel romance as is should be, the kind that conquers all!

5 Stars & Sultry!!!!

I do love a 5-star review that comes with a sensual rating of "sultry"!

Here are a few snippets...

HIGHLAND DRAGON is breathtakingly adventurous and brimming with an abundance of passionate yet heartfelt encounters.
Strong characterizations and a totally gripping premise will draw you into this remarkable story, but it is the interaction between the hero and heroine which keeps you devouring every word. Kimberly Killion has crafted a most satisfying story set in early sixteenth century Scotland featuring the spirited individuals who lived and loved during this turbulent period in history. Kimberly Killion brings historical stories to life with unparalleled believability. From the very first, this fascinating tale of retribution and duty quickly turns into a romance filled with conflicts and danger. Though this love story between Calin and Akira takes years before they officially meet, their guarded connection before then only adds more intrigue to their destined union. There are numerous profoundly touching moments all throughout HIGHLAND DRAGON, and I found myself completely riveted time and again as I awaited the outcome of these often crucial dilemmas.
While they prove their devotion for Scotland in many ways, their love for one another is portrayed with so much compassion plus desirous yearning, and any intimacy between this couple is depicted with passionate enthusiasm and sincerity. There is much colorful imagery in the story, and this attention to details makes the scenes realistically credible. The dialogue for these dynamic Scottish characters is masterfully written by Ms. Killion, as their exchanges take you to another time yet every meaning is expertly understandable. There are lots of memorable characters in this story, both main and secondary, and I did not want to say good-bye to many of them.
HIGHLAND DRAGON is a must-read, as its emotional impact and historical details are unforgettably notable.

Read the rest HERE.
And even more reviews HERE.

A tale to cherish...

RT BOOK REVIEW, 4-star

Killion's newest Scottish-set novel demonstrates her ability to create captivating, finely written romance. Well told, with excellent pacing and characters who are honorable, intelligent and full of humanity, this is a tale to cherish.

Summary: At the age of 10, Calin MacLeod witnesses his father's death at the hands of Laird McKinnon on the same day McKinnon's daughter, Akira, is born. Calin swears to avenge the murder. When he assumes the lairdship he decides that by marrying McKinnon's daughter he will destroy the clan's fiber and remaining power.

Akira Neish, raised by a peasant member of the McKinnon clan, is unaware of her ancestry. Suddenly she is taken to an illegal auction to be sold to white slavers, and Calin is there to buy her. Once he purchases her they realize they have an unaccountable emotional tie. He soon sees that his growing admiration and love for Akira is far more a rebirth of his own sense of honor and humanity than any act of revenge. Love does conquer all! (ZEBRA, Oct., 380 pp., $5.99) HOT

—Kathe Robin, RT Book Reviews

Halloween Contest

The Mystic Castle is hosting a Halloween Contest and what a contest it is.
Check it out...

Win 20 Books and a $50.00 VISA Giftcard!
Happy Halloween! To continue with the celebration of their new design The Mystic Castle is having a Halloween contest and they’re skipping the tricks and offering plenty of treats. The authors in the Romance Communities have banded together and are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a collection of books (see below) that consists of upcoming and current releases with a handful of out of print novels, along with the $50.00 Visa Giftcard. Ten runner-up winners will win an Author Promotional Package that is full of goodies including posters, bookmarks, coverflats and much more.
The Books
The Redeeming–Jennifer Ashley
Rules of Passion–Sara Bennett
Camelot’s Destiny*—Cynthia Breeding
The Scandals of an Innocent—Nicola Cornick
My Wicked Marquess – Gaelen Foley
The Wagering Widow*—Diane Gaston
Mutual Desire—Donna Grant
To Beguile A Beast–Elizabeth Hoyt
The Dragon Master –Allyson James
Reckless Liaisons–Kayleigh Jamison
Leading Her to Heaven–Kayleigh Jamison
The Masquerade*–Brenda Joyce
Highland Dragon–Kimberly Killion
Her One Desire–Kimberly Killion
Always & Forever – Pamela Labud
The Naked Earl–Sally MacKenzie
Lord of Pleasure–Delilah Marvelle
Once A Rake—Rona Sharon
Too Hot For A Spy –Pearl Wolf
Song of Miriam*—Pearl Wolf

*indicates Out of Print
Entering is easy. Go HERE to fill out an entry form.
The contest is open from September 3rd to October 31st, 2009.

More praise for HIGHLAND DRAGON!

Another review just came in and, once again, I'm blushing and overjoyed and honored. After receiving so much praise for my debut book, HER ONE DESIRE, I prayed it wasn't a fluke. And now I'm seeing that HIGHLAND DRAGON is being received in much the same light. Whew!

Here's a snippet of a very long review posted by Laurel at The Mystic Castle:

"Engaging and exciting, HIGHLAND DRAGON captures your attention right from the first page. With a well thought out plot and two very complex and strong characters, this book leaves the reader breathless in anticipation of what's to come. Kimberly Killion is quickly becoming a master of all things medieval as she dares to be original with her characters incorporating a true description of what life was like without the constant glamorization and glossing over of a brutal truth and era."
—Laurel Letherby, The Mystic Castle READ THE FULL REVIEW...

Ack! 40! Good God that's old!

Well, if you think on it, not really. And I don't feel 40. In fact, most of the time I feel...ummm...24, no, more like 27. Ahhh...27 was a good age. And for the most part since I'm usually buried in my heroine's POV, I have the mindset of a 27 year old. Of course I'm living in medieval times for the most part. Then there are days that I'm in the mind set of a 30ish year old hero. And can I just say that my hero's tend to have a wicked lot on their minds. Mostly sex. They think about it all the time. There are days I can't get their heads out of the trenches. ;-)

I had goals in life and for the most part I have exceeded my aspirations. I'm a published author! How many people can say that they wrote a book and got it published? That is certainly something to be proud of and I am. I don't live in a castle, or have gold tucked away in my coffers, but I'm happy. And when life gets to be too much to handle, then I set myself back in time and tuck reality under the rug for a while.

So, I will accept for the nonce that I am 40 today, but I have the mind of a 27 year old!

5/5 STARS for HIGHLAND DRAGON

The reviews for Highland Dragon are starting to trickle in and I can't tell you how thrilled I am that this book is receiving praise. Highland Dragon is the book of my heart and most likely always will be, and I'm so very happy Calin and Akira gave this reviewer so much to boast about.
Enough from me...I'll let the reviewer tell you about it:

5 STARS - LOVED IT! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN (if I could give it 10 stars you bet your bippy I would!)

[Laird Calin MacLeod], oh I so adore him, although a brute he is a brute with a heart, and his soul belongs to Akira as he defends his love and his clan to find a peace inside his heart from all the vengeance and hatred that has been living inside him for eighteen years. You want to root for him throughout every page! They are both cunning and cleaver, fiercely loyal, insecure with their emotions at times and yet both Calin and Akira have this magnetic power by the grace of Kimberly Killion's words to time-warp you back to 1502 and experience their struggle for love and peace, as well as their grief at times. I was truly enthralled and taken away!
—Book Junkie READ THE FULL REVIEW...

RWA National conference in D.C.

I'm still waiting for the rush from the RWA national conference to settlebut it seems to continue on and on and on... With a packed schedule we barely had time for anything, but we squeezed in some siteseeing. My room mate, bff, critique partner and favored travel pal, Megan Kelly, went to the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, the Reflecting pool, the Walls, both Vietnam and Korean, and the Lincoln Memorial, and there might have even been a few other monuments in the there, but it's a bit of a blur now.

On Wednesday I registered for the conference and attended the Presidents' retreat and took promo items (bookmarks, CDs, coverflats) to the librarian/booksellers event afterwhich I had to cart them to the goodie room. Whew!...Then there was the Literacy Booksigning...

Followed by the Booksellers' Best Awards banquet. This was probably the highlight of my week since I WON both the Best First Book category as well as Best Long Historical. I cried! My dear friend, Delilah Marvelle, who was up against me cried as well. I love her! ;-) That's Kathrynn Dennis in the middle and I'm not certain what that goophy look is on my face since this was right before the announcement.

That brought us to Thursday which was the Kensington party. Below you'll see me with the absolutely georgeous Allegra Gray. The pic below that you'll find Carrie Lofty and Delilah Marvelle having a drink on Kensington. They had a nice room full of authors and appetizers, but I could only stay for an hour as I had to rush off to the National Readers' Choice Awards. I was up for Best Historical with fellow Kensy author, Jackie Ivie, but niether of us took home the trophy. But I didn't care since I was still flying high from the BSB double win.

That brings us to Friday when I actually got to attend a few workshops and go to the Avon book signing. Can you say Regency? That's what they were giving away. Nearly every book was a regency. Hmmm....maybe I should write a regency...

Now, Saturday, I gave my workshop, "The Road So Far: the First Year After the Call" with the awesome Megan Kelly and it was a hit. At least I think we presented it with level heads. ;-) After a few more workshops, dinner, I had to get ready for the big Gala, but not before the hotel was evacuated due to a fire alarm. There were even some people who had to come out of workshops.

Now...the night of all nights...the Golden Heart and RITA awards ceremony. This was an amazing time for me. It doesn't get bigger than the RITAs and being up for Best First Book was truly an experience I will never forget. I didn't win, but I enjoyed my week as a princess and I will be forever grateful to have been recognized by the RWA.

^^ Megan Kelly and me!

^^^Anthea Lawson and me!

^^^Hilary Sares drove down from NY to attend the ceremony and then drove back with her daughter. It was a really honor to have her there with me!

^^^Fellow Kensy sister, Marilyn Brant and me!

^^^My agent, the fabulous Meredith Bernstein, who brainstormed a new 4-book series with me right before the ceremony!!!

^^^And this is me again with the flowers my Scottish writing group sent me.

So you see...conference is not only a place to learn about craft and publishing and get in on all the gossip, it's also a place to meet up with old friends and make new ones. Thank you RWA for making D.C. the bomb. ;-)