Lost In NashVegas

Greetings everyone from sunny central Florida. My name is Rachel Hauck and I’d like to thank Deidre for giving me space on her blog to talk about my new book, Lost In NashVegas.

Ever have a dream only to be hindered by doubt or fear? Meet my character, Robin Rae McAfee, a small town Alabama girl who has a secret desire to become a Nashville songwriter.

One problem. She’s afraid to sing in front of people.

Fear is something we all face in life. Some more than others. Fear is a strange and cruel enemy. It grips us when we least expect it. I did not grow up fearful. Well, other than when I watched the Wizard of Oz – at night no less – then couldn’t sleep because I imagined the wicked witch appearing in my room. But in my early twenties, I was hit with “sudden fear.” Today we know it as a panic attack, but in the eighties, I had no idea what was happening to me.

I used some of my emotions and experiences to describe fictional Robin Rae’s journey as she battles her fears to realize her dream. Unlike my fictional character, something in me refused to surrender to fear. I inherently knew if I did, fear would begin to win and one day, I might be afraid to walk out my front door.

But, I had plans for my life. Don’t we all? Do you have plans that fear or doubt are hindering? Is the busyness or cruelty of life snuffing out your dreams and hopes.

Don’t let fear or doubt win. Overcome. Talk to others, get help. You’ll be glad you did. For me, prayer and believing what the Bible said about peace and love were key ingredients to defeating fear.

So, what does a hopeful but fearful young woman from Alabama do when she arrives in Nashville to make her mark as the next great songwriter? Does she face her fears? Does she overcome? What do you think?

Check out Lost In NashVegas in stores now. Grace and peace, and abundant blessings to Deidre of letting me stop by today.

Rachel

Blog Consolidation

Hey, Friends:
So, not that many of you follow my PARALLEL blog, but just FYI, I'm going to be folding that blog into this one. In the next week or so, look for that blog to discontinue and become part of this one. We might get a little more beefcake here, lol, and you'll probably have more posts here. FYI, just expect that change.

Also, for those who like discussion, check out my deidreknightgroup, where we're chatting about the Parallel Series and other fun things! Hope you'll join us! Hugs, D

Can We Outlaw the Fat Suit?

...at least when it comes to hunky guys on series television? What's this with Apollo, huh? For BSG fans this development of a porky, portly Lee Adama just doesn't do it for me. More than that? I'm not positive I buy the character development, this idea that Apollo would go *quite* this soft.

THIS is our guy:





Then, of course, there was that line from Admiral Adama, something like, "Get your fat ass our of my office." Ugh. It's just too painful, and this opinion comes from me, a person who constantly wrestles with their weight. I just think that maybe, just perhaps, they've taken the easy route in this particular element of Apollo's character arc. Show us "going soft?" Sure! But don't take me into the outer reaches of space in terms of imagining this career soldier would devolve into a total fat suit wearing dweeb.

I can't find jolly ole Apollo pics, but when I've got those puppies, I'll post them.

BSG fans, speak out. Do you buy it? :)
D

I Have Deviants to See and a Novel to Finish!

So watching TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (been a long time, and Heath Ledger really should go on my hottie hall of fame over on my parallel blog.) Anyway, anyone remember the guidance counselor? Ms. Perky, and she's working on the romance novel while she makes Heath Ledger's character wait? :) I had to snort seeing that scene again, especially when she dismisses Heath/Patrick with the line, "I have deviants to see and a novel to finish!"

Some days, don't we feel just like that??

A Fantastic Paranormal Read

One of the fun things about working in publishing and also being an author now is that I have the opportunity to make so many wonderful friends from all over the world. This year I was lucky enough to meet paranormal author Cheyenne McCray who has become a good friend. And I was just as lucky to discover her MAGIC series, and want to highly recommend her new release, SEDUCED BY MAGIC. First of all, is that cover not gorgeous and sexy? Guess what? The book is blazing hot just like the cover. She creates a vivid, complex world, and keeps you turning the pages even when you need to turn out the light. I *highly* recommend this new release from Cheyenne, and hope you'll check her out (if you haven't already!)

Here's some more information:
SEDUCED BY MAGIC by Cheyenne McCray
(St. Martin’s; October 3, 2006)

DESIRE
Copper Ashcroft is an accomplished D'Anu witch, but the magic she wields is a potent force—strong enough to hurl her into a mysterious Otherworld when a spell backfires. Before Copper can escape, another being is pulled into her realm—Tiernan, a powerfully virile Tuatha D'Danann warrior. Blond, blue-eyed, and shamelessly seductive, Tiernan could be Copper's savior…and his touch sets her body on fire.

DUTY
Like others of his kind, Tiernan stands alongside the D'Anu witches to battle the demons of the Underworld. Obligation to his cause and his people cautions against any entanglement with Copper, yet each second spent with this beautiful, uninhibited woman stirs an insatiable hunger. Desire explodes into carnal bliss, but the visions that haunt Copper's dreams are growing stronger, and they foretell a terrifying evil waiting to be unleashed…

DESTINY
Saving the city will take more than brute strength…more than witchcraft. Only together can Copper and Tiernan find a way to overcome the dark forces—and seize a passion that has bewitched them both..


Excerpt:


ABOUT CHEYENNE MCCRAY
Cheyenne McCray is the award-winning author of sixteen books and six novellas. Among other accolades, Chey has been presented with the prestigious Romantic Times BOOKclub's Reviewers' Choice Award for "Best Erotic Romance of the Year."

Chey has been writing ever since she can remember, back to her kindergarten days when she penned her first poem. She always knew one day she would write novels, hoping her readers would get lost in the worlds she created, as she did when she was lost in a good book. Cheyenne enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, traveling, and of course writing, writing, writing.


REVIEWS

Her latest precious magical Ashcroft saga is a delightful torrid tale headed by a strong lead couple and supported ably by a horde of bad dudes. Fans who appreciate a strong fantasy will want to read the magnificent McCray mythos – Harriet Klausner

Website: http://www.cheyennemccray.com

The Big Day is Here!

For authors, the wait between releases feels interminable. I've learned that in the past year or so now that I wear two hats, author and agent. The hardest part is that you've finished the book and you are dying--absolutely dying--for the world to share in your creation. I would say that most writers don't feel their work has come fully to fruition until at least someone, just one person, has read it. It's a lonely business, this writing gig, in that you create in a void. You're writing along, you think what you've come up with is good, but until someone else gives life to that creation, you don't feel the full sense of completion.

So it's with great joy that I anticipate my latest baby PARALLEL HEAT going on sale tomorrow. I know some will love the book, some may not, but the main thing is that the work will be *out there*. Where others can read it, and that's such an incredible blessing--one I will never, ever take for granted.

Thanks to all of you who are on this amazing journey with me. And do let me know what you think! I love to hear from my readers and friends.
hugs, Deidre