The Wolf’s Glory Submitted!
Published December 28, 2010 | 
I just sent the manuscript for Book 2 of the After The Crash series in. I hope they’ll like it and want to publish it. Here is a teaser:
How can a comfort-loving goth girl ever learn to fit in with a clan of werewolves who live like their Lakota ancestors did? Her idea of camping involves a luxury RV and a microwave. They live in tents on the prairie. Thrown into a future where 21st century technology is only a distant memory for the elderly, and women are precious and few, Glory Peterson finds herself mated to a possessive, arrogant Alpha werewolf.
Loud mouthed goth GLORY PETERSON boards a plane in the year 2014, heading to a face-to-face interview for her dream job at an oceanic study center. The plus-sized free spirit wants this job so much she stripped the purple streaks from her hair and dyed it pale pink instead. She even bought a sedate business suit and left her nose and eyebrow rings at home. But none of that matters when the plane crashes in rural Nebraska and the survivors find that their cell phones and laptops aren’t working properly. With medical aid desperately needed for the injured, six of the hardiest survivors, including Glory, are paired up and sent in different directions to find help.
Native American WOLF’S SHADOW is in line to be the Clan’s next Alpha. Nothing matters to him more than the wellbeing and happiness of his Clan. Centuries ago the Wolf Clan of the Lakota produced two dozen shape-shifters in each generation. With the coming of the Europeans the Clan lost the ability to shift. Only after the nuclear attacks and natural disasters of the 21st century did the Clan regain its gift. He and his cousins are out hunting when he first catches the luscious scent of his mate. She is more beautiful than any woman he has seen before, and he falls in love with her at first glance. Glory tells them of the plane crash and the need for medical help. Shadow sends his cousins off to find the crash site and takes Glory with him back to the Clan camp.
Glory doesn’t know why this gorgeous hunk is dressed like an extra from a Dances With Wolves movie, but damn, he can kiss. She can hardly wait to get to some place private so she can get to know him better while she waits for transportation back to civilization. She’ll let him kiss her bruises and anything else he likes until it’s time for her to continue on to her interview.
You can imagine that Glory doesn’t get to her interview, since the plane actually travelled 50 years into the future. When she finds out she’s stuck in 2064 with a madman who claims he’s a wolf and she’s his mate, sparks fly. Carla was a sensible woman who accepted the inevitable. But Glory is stubborn and resists Shadow every inch of the way. I hope readers will enjoy Shadow and Glory’s story.
Christmas is Over
Published December 27, 2010 | Christmas is over. I spent the first 10 hours of Christmas Eve cleaning like a maniac. I even went thru all my knitting projects (who knew I had so many!) and either put them into bags or frogged them. The sewing/guest room is tidy and organized! Just don’t look in the closet. In fact, please don’t open the closet door. It might not ever be able to be closed again. The few things I didn’t get to was de-cat-hairing the furniture and dusting. I can’t remember the last time I could walk into the sewing room and not cringe because of the mess.
My brother got to my place around suppertime and I had homemade chicken soup going. My brother (an excellent cook who used to write a monthlycooking/entertaining article for a Twin Cities magazine) said it was really good. We had a great time together. We spent almost the entire day at mom’s for christmas. It was good times, but my 7 year old niece was so hopped up on sugar that I had to take a little nap. She tired me out just watching TV with her. My brother left yesterday and I miss him, although it’s good to have a day to myself before going back to work.
I have today off. I am planning to finish going through the suggestion and corrections for Book 2 in the After the Crash series from my beta readers. The Wolf’s Glory must be submitted by Dec 30. I have a goal and by golly I’m going to do it! I would also like to do a little post Christmas shopping. I want some bubble bath. And chocolate.
Merry Christmas!
Published December 24, 2010 | 
Over on Romance Divas we did a Secret Santa exchange. I just picked up my package from my secret santa today and look what lovely things I got! I collect tea cups and I enjoy drinking tea, so this package is a big hit with me. 
I don’t know where to start listing my gifts. There is a beautiful teacup and saucer, three yummy teas (should I try the Chocolate Chili Chai first or the Santa’s Helper black tea … or, no, the Coco Chai Rooibos! And the filters are great! I love loose tea, but even the best strainers leave some debris behind, but these don’t. Those things alone would have been a generous gift, but I also have a cute kitty book mark, a lined blank book and coordinating pen. Everything in the box was color coordinated, too, in lovely blues. My secret santa included a card, but simply signed it “Secret Santa”. If you prefer to remain anonymous, that’s fine. Please accept my thanks for this wonderful gift. But feel free to own this so I can thank you properly. I simply couldn’t wait til tomorrow to open it and I’m glad I didn’t wait. Now I am enjoying a quiet cup of the Rooibos. It’s the perfect tea for Christmas Eve, sweet and a little spicy.
Thank you dear Secret Santa for a terrific package.
Locked Out!
Published December 24, 2010 | Well, I’ve had a fun morning. This is my last day of work before my 4 day holiday, and I was set. Christmas sweater, check. Jingle bells on a bow in my hair, check. Long dangly ribbon earrings, check. Christmas cds in my purse to listen to, check. I was in a Merry Christmas sort of mood and it was going to be fun day! I was running a little late so I decided to drive to work instead of walking like I usually do. Besides, wearing my Arctic Explorer hat would crush the jingle bells in my hair. I pulled the car out of the garage and put it in park to go close the garage door. I ran back to the car, jingling merrily at every step and … The car door was locked. Damn those auto-lock doors. Well, I had an emergency key hidden in the garage. I’d get that and … No. The garage door was locked and the key to the garage was on the ring which was in the car, which was locked and running in the parking lot. Curse it all! The garage was a STUPID place to keep a spare key. Crap. Well, I had a spare set of car keys in the apartment. I’d just run up there and get them … No. The apartment was locked and my apartment keys were on the ring which was in the car, which was locked and running in the parking lot. Dammit. Why didn’t we have an apartment manager on site? Hey! I know! My friend Jill had a spare set of keys to my apartment. I’d give her a call … No. The phone was in my purse, which was in the car, which was locked and running in the parking lot. After several fruitless minutes of cursing and kicking the car, I walked to work. My hat and mittens were in the car which was locked, so it was a bit of a nippy walk, but I walked briskly (jingling all the way) and got to work –and my telephone—in less than 15 minutes. Thank God it wasn’t very cold this morning. I call Jill up on my desk phone and ask her to come to my apartment with my spare keys on her way in to work. She sounds surprised because oh, yeah, I got those keys from her on Monday so that my brother could have them and be able to come and go while he stayed with me for Christmas. Those keys are in my purse, which is in the car which is locked and running in the parking lot.
Okay, so now I’m wheezing like a tea kettle from my asthma (can you say “Stress Induced?”) and wishing like heck that I had my inhaler, but no! It’s in my purse, which is locked in my car, which is still running in the parking lot of my apartment building. With no other options, I call the local locksmith. Sure, he could get my door open, but since it was before office hours he would have to charge me extra. Fine. I rip those damned bells out of my hair and begin to stomp back home, still wheezing but thankfully not jingling. My neighbors, whose cars I have neatly blocked in, are a tad unhappy with me. I thought I’d heard all the four letter words there are while I was in the military, but I think they’ve invented some new ones since then. The locksmith meets me 30 minutes later. I time how long it takes him to get my car open. From the moment he opened his door until he opens my door is 64 seconds. Yay! $75.00 later I have a car that I can get into! And neighbors who may decide to let me live!
This day hasn’t turned out like I thought it would, but it could have bee nworse. Right? It could have. And it gave me an idea for a short story for Christmas 2011. To a woman who is locked out of her still-running car a locksmith can be a knight in shining armor. And, hey, they can be hunky, right? I think a romantic comedy plot bunny is thumping me with his hind feet.
Merry Christmas everyone!
13 Things To Do Before Christmas
Published December 22, 2010 | I spent hours today getting ready for the holiday, and what do I have to show for it? Nothing! I cleaned the church. I did 5 loads of laundry. I cleaned my bathroom. I cleaned the stove. I brought out my big coffee pot for when my brother comes. And I still have a tone of stuff to do!
1. Clean the Guest/Sewing room
2. Clean the livingroom
3. Clean the cat boxes (not just scoop them out. CLEAN them) and the closet they are in.
4. Clean the kitchen (see a pattern here?)
5. Finish knitting my last present. Ack! Will I finish it in time or have to wrap it with the needles still in it?
6. Wrap presents
7. Go to work for 9 hours on Thursday.
8. Finish going through the suggestions from the beta readers on The Wolf’s Glory. I had planned to have it submitted by Christmas, but that won’t work. Besides, who is going to be reading submissions in the next week or so?
9. Go see True Grit with my baby brother Thursday night.
10. Sleep. I need to squeeze some sleep in there somewhere.
11. Make up the futon bed in the sewing roomfor brother #2 who is staying with me for Christmas.
12. Make fudge. Please God let it work this time.
13. Go to the candle light Christmas Eve service at church. I cleaned that church and helped get the sanctuary set up for the service I want want to be able to enjoy it.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. So why is it so stressful? Maybe I need to relax and laugh more. A friend sent me this little joke: “Dear Santa, for Christmas this year I want thick hair and a thin body. Please don’t get them mixed up like you did last year.”
Merry Christmas!
Ack! I’ve Got To Clean!
Published December 19, 2010 | My brother will be staying with me over Christmas. I live about 25 minutes from my mom’s. My family is getting together at my mom’s for Christmas, but there is only so much room at mom’s. My oldest brother, youngest brother and my widowed sister and her little girl will be staying with mom. My middle brother and I don’t smoke, plus I have wi fi, so my middle brother (Ross) will be staying with me. I’m really happy about that. He’s my favorite brother. He lost his partner to a brain aneurysm a few years ago and Christmas is hard for him without Stew. I know that many people also mourn loved ones who have passed away and the holidays can be lonely and difficult. Here are Ross and Stew their last Christmas together.
I hope spending some quiet time at my apartment will be a comforting time for Ross. I really am happy to have him stay. Except that means I have to clean. Ack! The guest room is also my craft/sewing room and it is a terrible mess. Every single surface in my house is liberally covered in cat hair. My brother doesn’t like cats. So this week I’ll be doing some cleaning.
I’ll also be finishing up The Wolf’s Glory. I got it back from the last of my beta readers yesterday, so it’s time to read through their corrections and suggestions. My goal is still to submit it by Christmas, so I’ve got to get going. This week I also have to work (with overtime), go to a party, take my turn at cleaning the church, wrap gifts and clean my place. Oh, boy, I’m tired already. 
13 of My Favorite Books To Re-read
Published December 15, 2010 | For Thursday 13 this week I decided to talk about some of my favorite reads. These are books that I love to re-read. Some of these are the kind of books that you want to open up after a rotten day. It’s comfortable to slip into the story because I know and love the characters. Some are old, old favorites that I have practically memorized. They’re not necessarily great literature, but they are so good. Others were my way of surviving junior high and high school. Books took me to wonderful places when I was young. I come from a pretty disunctional home, so books were really my safe place. My favorite re-reads aren’t limited to these, but here are a few (in no special order):
1. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis. Actually, several of the books in the Chronicles of Narnia are favorite re-reads. I thought the recent movie the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was pretty good (Prince Caspian was good too, but not as much for me) and I’m hoping to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader around Christmas.
2. The Hornet’s Nest by Sally Watson. This author is, in my opinion, the Grande Dame of Young Adult historicals. I could list five more books by Sally Watson as my faves, but I’m trying to give other books some time here. But if you enjoy young adult historical stories, go find Lark or Jade or Linnet or Highland Rebel by Sally Watson. Go NOW. I cannot say enough good things about her lovely writing style. When she writes a scene I feel like I’m there. This amazing writer is still writing today. Check out her books here.
3. Heir of the Shadows by Anne Bishop. A dark fantasy that appeals to me greatly, perhaps because of the close ties between friends and family that are depicted. It doesn’t hurt that Daemon is so hot. This series has romance in them, but is primarily dark fantasy.
4. The Ransom by Julie Garwood. I think of Julie Garwood’s work as fairy tales. There are several that I might pull out for a quick re-read, like Saving Grace, The Secret and The Bride.
5. Slave To Sensation by Nalini Singh. I adore the whole Psy/Changeling series, and this is possibly the best of the bunch. Although Caressed By Ice and Mine To Possess are right up there.
6. Beggerman, Thief by Maryjanice Davidson. This futuristic/paranormal short story is a jewel. The dialogue is witty and conveys emotion without actually stating it. I believe is it still available from loose id. Great fun. I read it when I want a lift.
7. Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase. Many people would point out other stories by this author such as Lord of Scoundrels as a favorite, and I love that one too. But the hero in this one fascinates me. I was intrigued by Ismal in The Lion’s Daughter, and I loved him here.
8. Friday’s Child by Georgetter Heyer. A gem. I love almost anything by this author and could list a dozen other stories that could go on this list. The Talisman Ring, The masqueraders, The Devil’s Cub and The Grand Sophyare only a few. But I’ll put this one on because I laughed out loud a few times. I love the way Sherry has to grow up.
9. A Brother’s Price by Wen Spencer. A fun fantasy story set in a culture where boys are rare. Women are the gender in power, while men are babied and protected. A very innovative and well written story. I also re-read her Ukiah Oregon series regularly.
10. Plan B by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. This husband and wife writing team has created a wonderful sci fi world. Plan B isn’t the only book in their Liaden series that I re-read, but it is one that ties quite a bit of the series together. I’m so glad they are back to writing more Liaden stories. Looking forward to the next one.
11. Beauty by Robin McKinley. In my opinion, this is the very best re-telling of Beauty and the Beast ever written. I also love to re-read The Blue Sword by this author. I recently read Pegasus, her most recent release, and I loved it.
12. His Hour by Elinor Glyn. This romance was written almost 100 years ago, when racy meant the hero and heroine kissed. I wonder if this book pushed the envelope for its time. Talk about an alpha hero! If this book were written today, I think the wild Russian Prince hero would stay the same, but the love scenes would be hot hot hot.
13. The Substitute Guest by Grace Livingston Hill. I know, I know. This book is sappy. Corny. Preachy. But it is still the book I re-read every Christmas season. It is a feel-good story about love and family. I eneded with this one because because it is a Christmas story, and I’ve set aside a few hours for it this weekend.
So, what stories do you find yourself reaching for to re-read?
Holiday Rush Blog Hop
Published December 10, 2010 | Welcome to the Book Nibbles Holiday Rush Blog Hop!
If you fall off the tour you can get back on here. And don’t forget to join us at Gem Sivad’s chat room on Saturday, December 11 at 7pm Eastern
Winter is in full swing here in North Dakota and that means Christmas! You may celebrate another holiday like Kwanzaa or Solstice or Chanukah, but it’s definitely the holiday season. This time of the year is when people wish for peace on earth and give gifts to each other.
Have you ever gotten a puppy or kitty sleeping under the tree? Here’s a little something I’d like to find sleeping under my tree.
I’ve written my letter to Santa, and I’ve been a VERRRRY good girl this year, so I KNOW what I’m getting for Christmas.
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It is said that it is more blessed to give than receive, so here are some presents for my visitors. Such pretty packages, don’t you think? And the bows are so festive! But don’t be greedy. You can have only one. Which one do you want? Tell Santa and if you’ve been good this year, you’ll find little something special under your tree.
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Sex Sin and Surf by Lauren Fraser
Published December 10, 2010 | 
Holidays are all about relaxation. And what better way to relax than with a hot holiday fling?
On vacation in Mexico with her two best friends, forty-one-year-old Celeste Kopp vows to break out of her middle-aged rut and live life to the fullest. Taking surf lessons is on the top of her to do list. However, when she meets sexy surf instructor Ben, the idea of a holiday fling with a younger man becomes the only thing on her list.
Ben is more than willing to live out Celeste’s fantasies as well as a few of his own. But their holiday romance turns out to be more than either of them bargained for when the connection between them deepens. Being with Celeste forces Ben to deal with his own baggage in a way he never expected.
As the vacation draws to a close, Celeste realizes she wants so much more from Ben than a holiday fling, but can she convince him that their future together is worth the risk?
For more info on Lauren visit her website http://www.laurenfraser.com
My Christmas Wishlist
Published December 8, 2010 | My family celebrates Christmas as inexpensively as possible. My mom is retired and on a tight budget. My oldest brother’s business isn’t doing so well. My sister is widowed with a young daughter, living on welfare until her daughter is older. My youngest brother is out of work. My middle brother and I are employed, but neither of us has money to throw around. So, like I said, Christmas is small for us. Presents tend to be $10.00 or less. Still, that doesn’t keep us from dreaming, right? So here is my Christmas list for 2010 (not that I actually expect to get many of these):
1. A Massage Rocker Recliner, preferably in burgundy leather. (yeah, right) Wouldn’t it be nice to come home from work on a cold day and settle into a heated recliner?
2. Fancy hair clips. Since I chopped my hip length hair off I need to do something to keep it off my face.
3. A gift card for a manicure. I’d love to be able to pamper my rough winter hands.
4. A 16×20 framed print of my cover art for Sleeping With the Wolf. I’d like to put it over my entertainment center.
5. A new desk top computer. (another yeah, right)
6. A bottle of good lotion, and some matching bath oil. My hands are like sandpaper and I’m almost out of lotion.
7. A couple dozen homemade Christmas cookies. Cuz homemade is best.
8. A book with knitting patterns called Folk Shawls. I really like making and wearing shawls, but I’m too cheap to buy the darn book!
9. A really good quality boombox. I love to listen to music while I knit or sew.
10. A maid to come in and clean once a week for a year. Hey, it’s a WISH list, right?
11. A gift card to Barnes & Noble. You can never go wrong with Barnes & Noble.
12. A new desk for my computer. I’m still using the same little wooden one I’ve had since the ’80s.
13. An all expenses paid trip to a writers convention. I’d love to actually meet some other writers. Sometimes I feel pretty isolated.
Some of these are purely dreams, others I may be able to buy for myself in the future, and a few I may get this Christmas. What are you hoping to get?
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