I don’t know if you’ve heard of this book but I’m about to become very familiar with it. You see, on Harlequin’s website a link was posted about a new book launching titled Menopause Makeover. So, me being the curious person I am, I clicked on the link, watched the book video and immediately stuck my hand up in the air and waved it back and forth like the brainiac in school. Me, me, me!

Due to a much necessary surgery eight years ago, I went into menopause–and nothing has been the same since. Don’t get me wrong, I needed the surgery and feel soooooo much better now than I did–but nothing is the same. My skin, my hair, weight. ACK!

According to the video and reviews, this book covers all those things and more, and it’s geared toward women like me. (And you?)

I haven’t received my copy of the book yet but on February 1, I’ll be starting a new adventure and blogging my way along the process both here and on the eharlequin.com website. I’ll keep you posted on my successes, failures and all around moodiness along the way. :box:

Did you start a diet at the beginning of the year? How are you doing? Sticking with it?

Kay

Why the title? :scratch:

Because after two years of not making a lot of them, I have some changes in the works for the website. I’ve added some categories to the blog titles, have some exciting guests coming up, new contests, lots of fun and lots of changes. It’ll take some time to implement them but we’re on our way!

I also have an important anniversary coming up. Nope, not marriage or kid-related but business related, as in–the FIFTH anniversary of getting “the Call” as we writers put it. That fabulous phone call from an editor (my first editor), stating that she wanted to buy my manuscript. Five years and…fifteen contracted books. Not bad, if I say so myself. So I need to come up with something FUN to help celebrate. Any ideas???

Kay

In my last post, one of the responses to a question was a request for blogs telling where a book idea came from, why I chose it etc. That got me thinking about the book I just turned in. Where the idea came from is easy–Caroline “Carly” Taggert was a secondary character in one of my first books titled Montana Skies. A girl then, she had issues with self-doubt, self-worth, and dealt with more than the normal teenage angst because of her mother’s abandonment.

I had so many requests for Carly and the other girl, Skylar, to ‘grow up’ and get their own stories. It’s taken a while, because in my head it took time to figure out the whys and hows and wheres. But I’m happy to report Carly’s story kicks off a new Montana-set series that looks to be so much fun, peopled with hunky guys and lots of emotion because what is more complicated than family? Ooooh, I love the juiciness writing brings to the surface!

So for those of you wanting to know what’s next after Alexandra Tulanes’ story She’s the One, there you have it. Grab a copy of Montana Skies and read about my ‘girls.’ Because now, they’re not girls anymore. The first book in the series is Carly and Liam’s, then Brad and Gabriella, then Chance and Jenna. After that, I’ll stay in Montana with Skylar’s story. And oooooh does it have some surprises!

Question of the day::: What is your favorite story line? Do you have a theme you love to read again and again?

Kay

Every little while I like to ask my readers a few questions about promotion. And because the economy is what it is, every author out there is trying to figure out how to get the most bang for their hard-earned buck. So, without further wait:

1) What do you like to see on websites? Blogs? FAQs? Photos? Something different like…?

2) What types of promotion gets your attention?

Banner ads?
Excerpts?
Blog Tours?
Free reads?
Pens, bookmarks etc?

3) If a booksigning was in your area, would you cancel your plans to attend, or go later in the hopes the author left behind some autographed books? Do you attend booksignings or are you uncomfortable when it comes to meeting authors face-to-face?

4) Do you regularly read blogs? If so, what draws you back again and again? Does an author’s blog mean an automatic buy for you the next time the author has a book out?

5) What gets you to pick up a book? Is it the cover? The blurb on the back? Word of mouth buzz?

I know I’ve asked a lot of questions–but having had a lot of discussions on the above topics with other authors, well, we’re ALL curious as to what works and what doesn’t. So to entice you to respond….

I’ll choose 3 winners from those who post their answers and you’ll get your choice of MONTANA SKIES, MAN WITH A PAST, HIS PERFECT WOMAN, A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER, ANOTHER MAN’S BABY, HIS SON’S TEACHER, HER BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER, and SIMON SAYS MOMMY.

Don’t be shy. Tell me what works for YOU.

Kay

We’re heading into week three and I thought I’d ask how everyone is doing with their New Year Resolutions?

Every year about this time the produce section looks a little bare. There were only three heads of lettuce left in the bin the other day. I skipped those and chose the bagged spring mix lettuce.

Reading-wise I’ve done pretty well. I hadn’t been reading as much lately and was really missing it but I’ve finished four books and have four more in the process (Yeah, I read more than one book at once. I have books stashed everywhere!).

And then I started thinking about books coming out this year and which books I’m really looking forward to reading. Books like::

Stephanie Tyler’s new “Hard” series. Hard to Hold, Too Hot to Hold, and Hold on Tight

Lori Foster’s Back In Black

Debut Christian/Inspirational romance author Serena Miller’s (a good friend and CP for years!) Finding Love in Sugar Creek, Ohio

Patricia Sargeant’s new NBA series that begins with Heated Rivalry

Catherine Anderson’s Early Dawn (this actually came out in December)

My first ever Nicholas Sparks’ book titled Dear John (If someone dies in this book and it’s considered a “romance” I’m going to be ticked. Romances end HAPPILY, not in tragedy. Just sayin’.).

Debut YA author Kay Cassidy’s The Cinderella Society. Looks like a fun read!

And a non-fiction book called the War of Art. Looks to be interesting!

Those are a few of the ones I have on my list. What’s on your list?

Kay