Countdown to Christmas

Today begins my five day Countdown to Christmas, where you'll have an opportunity to win one of my Zentangle books. If you aren't aware of the benefits of tangling, I'll briefly explain what this wonderful art form can do for you.

Tangling is simple and similar to doodling, but it's more intense and directed. This art form has no mistakes, only opportunities, which allows you to turn an "OOPS" moment into a wonderful opportunity that only you will know about. Zentangle helps you relax, renew your spirit and builds confidence. Young, old and all ages in between can benefit from tangling. You need no experience to tangle, just let your hand guide you and your brain relax.

Today, I'm offering one book for Day 1. Share your memory of your best Christmas EVER in the comment section and I'll notify the winner tomorrow when I post the 2nd day of my countdown.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or another religious holiday at this time of year, feel free to enter to win a gift during my 5 day countdown.

For more info on this book, visit http://tinyurl.com/be6my6y

It's Free!!!! A New Give-Away Contest!

Every week, from now through the first week of January, I'll be giving a freebie gift away to the first 10 people who leave a comment on this blog. It's my way to show how much I appreciate readers and to share my goodies with everyone.

To win a pair of tangled earrings, not exactly like the ones below, but tangled none-the-less, simply enter a comment below and possibly visit http://tinyurl.com/awmjuue and "like" the book.

Each pair of earrings is hand drawn and finished by me. I'll choose a pair from my stash and send them along to you once the contest has ended on Tuesday, December 18th. I will announce the winners on Facebook and here on this blog, so stay tuned.

What does the word "Free" really say?

     Whenever I see the word free in an advertisement, or attached to a bargain of some kind, I wonder how free the item really is... The cost of the free object has been built into the so-called sale price of the other object that is being offered at an "all-time" low price. We all know this, yet we're enticed by the word FREE and generally make the deal.

   I have a free deal to offer the first 10 people who leave a comment on this blog. In an effort to promote my book "TANGLED TO DEATH, I'm offering a free tangled t-shirt. No purchase is necessary, just the size and an address for shipping once I have notified the winners. How's that for FREE? The shirts are all different, so there isn't a specific choice to be had, but here is a photo that will give you an idea of what you might receive for FREE. Each t-shirt is hand illustrated and they're all washable.

     If you feel the need to help me promote my new book, you'll find it at this url, where a "like" will help in my efforts to generate ratings and to introduce readers to my characters. 

http://tinyurl.com/ab9zrb7

My great friend, Maeve Christopher, dropped by this morning to share her new book blurb with me. This wonderful story is the first in the saga, so hold onto your hats! This will be a fun filled and sometimes intriguing ride.

What happens when an assassin falls for a woman who is trying to kill herself?

The saga begins with an assassin in crisis...

David Lambrecht, aka Cupid, works for an international covert agency. He has a life of adventure, mystery, and accountability to only the most powerful in this world.

Unfortunately his past is catching up with him. His sanity -- and his life -- are at stake. In the midst of personal crisis, he must deal with a traitor who is selling government secrets and profiting from the international drug trade.

An unlikely "angel"...

Debbie Aldridge, a young artist, struggles in the isolation of an eating disorder amidst the extravagance of Beverly Hills. Her efforts to stand on her own, to succeed with her art, and to reach out to friends, are trampled by overbearing parents and by her addiction.

When her weak heart gives out, Debbie has a near death experience, a glimpse of heaven, and life changing words from her grandmother. She returns to life with a purpose. But she must find a woman called Cat.

And a prophet...

David's cousin Cat has visions of his peril -- and a white-haired girl with her hand on his heart. What will it take to save their lives?

 

http://tinyurl.com/d7kb5kh

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but my only explanation for my lack of staying in touch is two books in the making, and three more in the works.

I have good news, though!

Cold Moon Dead, the next humorous mystery in the Vinnie Esposito series is now available at http://lachesispublishing.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ColdMoonDeadE

We worked at getting this book out for nigh onto a year and at last it's ready for reading in ebook format today at the link listed above.

I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing about Vinnie's latest and greatest adventure.
Have fun reading!
                                                                             Jeanne

Here is the link to my 4 Star review from You Gotta Read! I'm doing the Snoiopy dance!

So Many Ideas...So Little Time
As I sat in the early morning coolness of my writing room, story lines and titles popped into my head. I wondered what to do with them. Should I write the story for an anthology? Maybe a novella? How about a short story? Do I keep the idea, reject it, or make notes on it? Decisions like these face writers everyday.
I dug out a notebook and added to the list of titles that have magically come forth and began writing character descriptions. Whether the stories ever comes to fruition or not, I have notes as referral to draw from.
To cram a book with notes is the best way I can think of to keep ideas flowing. Whether its a computer notepad or a physical notebook, ideas should be kept. Consider the notes JK Rowling made and how she scribbled on anything she could find. Her efforts were well worthwhile.
I've heard from my writer friends that titles are the most difficult part of their work. I find the first line of the story is the hardest part.
Now you know how I get my story ideas, how do you get yours?