CONTRACTED! ~~ A Writer's Challenge!

CONTRACTED
UNIQUE ENTERPRISES' WRITING CHALLENGE
2007

Unique Enterprises, the parent company of By Grace Publishing and
Moonlit Romance, is sponsoring CONTRACTED– A Writers' Challenge
during 2007. We will hold 2 challenges, January-June and July-
December, with the winner being announced and published in
September, 2007 and March 2008.

This contest is open to unpublished in romance authors only. The
novels entered into the contest must have 12 chapters, and may be
any romance sub-genre. All novels must meet the guidelines for
either By Grace Publishing or Moonlit Romance. Please see the
Guidelines at Moonlit Romance and By Grace Publishing.

To Enter: Please send a query letter to Laura Hamby
(laurahambyeditor @ yahoo.com) and the completed entry form you'll
find in the files section of either the By Grace or Moonlit romance readers' loops: Moonlit Romance Reader's Loop OR By Grace Reader's Loop.

All attached files must be saved in .rtf format, or they will not be opened. There will be 2 rounds of CONTRACTED— A Writers' Challenge in 2007. Entry
deadlines:

Round One — December 15, 2006
Round Two — May 15, 2007.
Please put "Contracted–A Writers' Challenge Entry" in the
subject line of the email.

Contestants will compete for 6 months in two different forums: the
public Blog Challenges and the private Editors' Challenges, based on
a monthly challenge theme. Once a month, contestants will provide
their Blog Challenges to Laura Hamby to be posted on the Unique
Enterprises' Authors' Blog, in addition to submitting their private
Editors' Challenge to Laura Hamby to be forwarded to the judging
Unique Enterprises editors. Both the Blog Challenges and the
Editors' Challenges will be rated on a rubric that will be provided
to each contestant before each contest begins. In order to continue
from month to month, contestants must complete both the Blog and the
Editors' Challenges. Contestants who fail to participate in both
monthly challenges every month will be disqualified. Standings will
be determined by averaging the Editors' and Blog Challenges
together.

Contestants who do not satisfactorily pass the monthly Challenges
will not proceed to the next month's round. Points will be awarded
on a 1-5 scale, and those authors not achieving an Editors' and Blog
Challenge of 3.5 or higher won't progress to the next level. These
contestants will receive a critique of the first 3 chapters of their
novel from Unique Enterprises' Senior Editors Sheila Holloway or
Laura Hamby, and will be encouraged to participate in the next
Writers' Challenge.

At the conclusion of the 6 month competition, the authors who have
made it successfully through the Writers' Challenge with a 6 month
average of the equivalent to a 3.5 will have one month to revise,
edit and polish their novel for the Final Competition. For entrants
in the January-June contest, their final product will be due August
1, 2007.

For entrants in the July-December contest, their final
product will be due February 1, 2008. Contestants will receive the
Final Judging Rubric at the conclusion of the 6 month competition.
Winners will be publically announced on the Unique Enterprises
Authors' Blog on September 1, 2007 and March 1, 2008. The winning
novel will be published in September, 2007 (1stround) and March,
2008 (2nd round).

The winner(s) of CONTRACTED–A Writers' Challenge will win a contract
for their completed, ready-to-publish novel with either Moonlit
Romance or By Grace Publishing. The runners-up will receive comments
of their novels from the judges, and are invited to resubmit their
novels to By Grace Publishing or Moonlit Romance.

Chat today!

Writers Across Time will be chatting at the CataNetwork Readers Group today, Saturday, November 18th, beginning at noon and lasting until 10 p.m. --- all Eastern U.S. times.

Join me and my fellow historical writers for hours of chatter, excerpts and I'm sure a prize give-away or two. ;) I'll be there from 8-10 p.m. --- just in time for my hero to give you warm, happy dreams.

See you there!

Join the Scavenger Hunt!

Come join us for a chance to win a great prize! I'll be giving away a download of my romantic suspense, SECRETS AND SHADOWS...but check out the other authors and their prizes, too.

Happy hunting!

Another year...

It's my birthday, today! Well, it will be for about another hour. ;) Had a wonderful day with some very special, heartfelt gifts and a card from my dh that had me laughing. It was perfect! The day was great...even the weather shaped up for me. (GGG)

So, where has this past year taken me? It's amazing how much and how little one's life can change over the course of time. Here I am, one book coming out in print later this coming month...another to be published early next year; yet another coming out some time later in the year. Maybe more? Right now, I can't tell. But I do see a very busy future -- both professionally and personally. My children are all healthy and happy...well, as happy as teenagers can be. ;) My dh is doing well. Everyone is just busy.

Busy is good. It keeps us focused; keeps us from getting bored or getting into trouble. ;) But I also love the quiet moments; the down times when I can step back, take a breath and relax. Which is exactly what I did this weekend. My dh had to work so I got to watch television. My choice! Yay! Two chick flicks; Closed Case; Without a Trace; and Supernatural. Not things I get to watch very often anymore. I'm usually busy on the computer -- writing, promoting, chatting. Or someone else has control of the remote. Or I'm at some event or other. But this weekend was mine!

Yeah, I could get spoiled by this. But then again, just sitting in front of the television would get old after a while. I need this computer...the interaction with friends. I especially need to read a good book now and then. Not to mention finish writing one. (GGG)

Have a great week!

Wow! Party, party, party....

What a party! When Mandy and Michelle throw a bash, you better batten down the hatches! I haven't seen that many posts in one place in a long time.

Congrats to all the winners...and if you didn't get a chance to jump into the fun, join the group and read the great excerpts now posted in the Database. You're sure to find something you like. :)

Now I'm off to a totally different kind of party. A 'Trunk-or-Treat' sponsored by our church. We park in the parkinglot and the kids, dressed in costumes, naturally, will go from car to car and collect their treats. Then they'll play games inside with the added bonus of prizes and other treats. Should be fun for all....until the kids all crash from the sugar high. LOL!

Enter the Vampire Nightclub and you could win!

Join This Group

How much more can a girl take?

What I want to know is who was the first woman to 'want it all'? You know, career, home, marriage, etc?

Not that I'm knocking it -- no sir, not me. But these past few weeks I've kind of looked at those Donna Reed images and wondered...what was so bad about all that?

Cooking, cleaning, shopping...well, except for the cleaning part, I can handle that. But here I am -- wife, mother, home maker; home schooler (yes, I know, my choice); published writer. Trying to get it all done, get the kids where they need to be; keep the house respectably clean; feed them now and then... AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

When do I find time to write? How do I get this bloody story DONE and wonderfully "perfect" before I send it out the door?????

Hell if I know. But then I look back at old Donna and realize... she was a figment of the imagination. I'm not sure that kind of life ever existed and, frankly, if it did, it probably wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Maybe my life isn't, either, somedays. But at least I do have a choice.

Hey, I like my life. I love my children and my dh. I'm happy with our home and that I have the opportunity to teach my children: because that's what I WANT to do. Um, most days. ;)

Most of all, I am really, really blessed to have my dream realized and to have become a published author.

How much more can I take? Huh. I guess the answer is: "One day at a time."

Have a great week!

A wager and motivation

I have a confession to make. I do not like to make cut-out cookies.

Shocking, no? I mean, how can any stay-at-home mother of five NOT enjoy making sugar cookies? Especially at Christmas time? You know, with all the little tree and reindeer and Santa shaped cutters; bright colored icing; red, green and silver sprinkles?

Well, I hate it! I absolutely would rather clean out the refrigerator or scrub the toilets than make those stupid things! **Btw, I have two little boys, if that tells you anything about the state of our toilets. (shudder)**

Into the stunned silence I will add that I have always felt this way about cut-out cookies. It doesn't matter what I do -- what recipe I follow or how much I flour/grease/or whatever my 'work surface' -- those cute little shapes always wind up as big, unrecognizable blobs. Yes, we'll just call them snowmen and get it over with. :P

So, knowing my aversion, my clever almost-sixteen-year-old made a deal with me the other day in one of my more desperate moments. Desperate, that is, to finish this paranormal story and get it to an editor who will hopefully love it and BUY said story... and maybe the three to four stories that will follow.

I made a deal. If this story isn't done by the first of November, I lose. The cost? You probably already guessed it. I have to make cut-out sugar cookies... with the three younger children (ages 6,8 & 11) ... three times before Christmas. :-O **Note: these three darlings cannot get through one-half hour of anything without arguing.***

(whimper)

I think I've sold myself down the river on this one. And I think my oldest has the makings of a great psychologist or lawyer.

I better get writing. Fast!

A new historical blog

Come on over and meet some friends of mine at Writer's Across Time. We're an eclectic group of historical writers, including romance and straight fiction from many different eras.

I think you'll enjoy all the variety -- from cowboys to the Victorian era; from the 1960s to post-Civil War Ireland. Come take a peek and let us know what you think.

Book SALE & Contest!!!!!

FABULOUS SALE & CONTEST AT MBAM!<http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/>Lots of prizes this week - all you do is make a purchase to be entered!Winners will be chosen to win a variety of print books!ALSO, from now until September 30, 2006, every purchase will counttoward a drawing for an ebook reader! The winner may choose between aneBookwise, a Palm Tungsten E2, or an HP IPAQ rx1950!PLUS, you can enter the drawing without making a purchase by sending apostcard with your name, address, phone number, email address, and howyou heard about MBaM <http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/> to thisaddress:My Bookstore and More2932 Ross Clark Circle #384Dothan AL 36301All postcards must be received by October 31st, winner will be announcedon November 1st, 2006Come see our SALE PRICES on ebooks!http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/ <http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/>All Trade PRINT books are ON SALE too! 10% off cover price plus FREEShipping!Presented by Millennium Promotion Services, Inc.http://www.millenniumpromotion.com <http://www.millenniumpromotion.com/>

Sexy books on sale!

Did that get your attention? We shall see. ;)

But what I really wanted to do was to congratulate my buddy AMELIA ELIAS on making the Top Ten best sellers list at My Bookstore & More for her brand new paranormal romance release: OUTCAST.

Check it out -- and all the other great books offered by Samhain Publishing, Ltd. They're having a sale on all titles AND a contest to give away an ebook reader. Go to the bookstore for more details.

My SECRETS are out!

SECRETS AND SHADOWS was released today!

Check it out: http://www.samhainpublishing.com/

Talking to myself again...

What a waste of time! Sitting here, week after week, talking to myself and wondering who the hell cares?

Not too many people, apparently.

But I 've come to figure that you either have a great *blogger* personality, or you don't. Having a hundred or so cyber friends helps as well. While I do have a few, they all have these strange things they have to take care of called *lives*.

No, not being bitter. Just recognizing the cold, hard truth when it comes to this particular form of self-expression. As far as promotional value goes -- I don't think it has much. Not now, anyway. Not for me. Okay, so maybe I am being just a little snarky tonight. I'm allowed, right?

So where would my time be better spent? Writing my novels, of course! Or helping my children with their school work -- the neverending saga of the home school mom. ;) Or...I could be reading someone else's book; watching television. But I'd probably fall asleep AND you know what they say about satellite T.V. is very true --- 500 channels and nothing on... NOTHING! That is amazing, in itself.

Stories are really coming at me hard now, and I need to be paying attention. How else will they get submitted and contracted...etc, etc? I need to get them finished! I am inspired to get the paranormal romance done, but the problem is that I've left them at a very tricky point. AS in: I don't know what the hell happens next! They are at point B and somehow I have to move them to point D. (excuse me while I bang my head on the keyboard)

Oy. Another long week ahead. But I will manage. The suspense will be released -- Tuesday, I hope, if MyBookStore and More is back up and running by then. I'm excited...I'm nervous...I'm like a yo-yo of emtions inside. Also feeling a little green.

Okay, so I'm rambling...trying to make myself feel better. As I've said before, maybe that IS the best purpose for this blog. Just gives me a chance to blow off some steam and put things in perspective.

The best perspective is just taking it one day, one book, one problem at a time. Yeah, that just might work.

Anthology NOW available!

http://moonlitromance.com/

Life expectancy...

You Will Die at Age 79

You're pretty average when it comes to how you live... And how you'll die as well.

What Age Will You Die?

Personality Test

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF) You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

Your Aura is Blue

Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life. You are very giving of yourself. And it's hard for you to let go of relationships. The purpose of your life: showing love to other people Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor

What Color Is Your Aura?

No real comment

Well, I'm there. At MySpace. I'm not hugely impressed ... and yet it's kind of neat the amount of *friends* I've already accumulated while networking. One extremely surprising episode came about when I was 'reunited' with an old friend I haven't seen in at least 17 or 18 years. Talk about a small world!

Otherwise, the whole *friends* thing... I now have about 70 ... but it's a bit strong of a word, IMHO. I'm sure most of them, if not all, are very nice, pleasant folk. But friends? Not quite the word I'd choose. It would be nice to create some actual friendships from that list, however. I know it can be done in time.

I have a distinct feeling the whole environment was set up for us wall flowers -- those of us who maybe had a hard time fitting in during high school or college? Those of us who still have a hard time 'meeting and greeting' out there in the real world.

But, that's just my first impression. My quick impression of a world within which I feel totally alien. Yet, there are a lot of interesting people there. I may learn a thing or two. ;)

Will MySpace help sell more books? Huh. I really can't tell. I think the only thing that can sell books is word of mouth and a storyline that grabs the reader's attention -- and keeps it.

A great cover doesn't hurt, either.

My Space

Yes, I've followed the crowd. Which is honestly something I don't normally do, but I've decided to give My Space a try. We'll see if it generates any real interest and the kind of contacts I'd like to have.

Join me here: http://www.myspace.com/meg_allison

And another whine...

I am officially feeling sorry for myself.

Oh, yes, this is so fun. Why do I do it? Human frailty, I suspect, or perhaps it's that hormonal crap again. Heaven knows.

But I'm sitting here tonight, melting under the weight of the humidity and wishing I could dive into a swimming pool -- and mourning what I cannot be.

I am not perfect. I cannot be loved by one and all. My novels are not on the top of anyone's Best Sellers' list. And the dream I once had of being published by some Big Name Print Pub seems a mile away.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cry me a river and burn the tear-stained t-shirt already!

But my philosophy is this: Whine if you want to (or need to) and then get the heck over it!

We all need to vent...we all need a moment or two to cry, wail and gnash our teeth in dismay. But if we stay in that corner a couple of unpleasant things are going to happen.

Everyone will eventually get sick of it and leave us alone. REALLY alone.

Nothing will ever get better 'cause we're not doing one damn thing about it.

I can say this -- to myself, mind you -- because if anyone else pointed it out I'd probably hurt them. I can say this here because the mic is on but nobody's home! So, I am, essentially, talking to myself. Kind of therapeutic, actually.

Huh, maybe this blogging stuff isn't a waste of time after all.