So, little by little, my vow to become more organized has yielded some nice results. The updated website, for instance. Yes, it was designed by the brilliant Frauke of Crocodesigns, but I actually (with her very patient tutelage) did some of the content updates myself. A few bugs still need to be worked out, but all in all, I’m very pleased.
Armed with my new knowledge, I created a new page for Plotmonkeys, which you can see over on the right hand side. ONE THING Guest Blog feature. I thought this would be a better way for people new to the site or those who don’t visit on the weekends to get caught up.
One of the most important things on my list is getting my 2009 taxes done. I filed an extension, but my accountant is getting impatient and I’ve been trying to get my numbers together to send to him. Other than using all of Sunday searching for my American Express statements from January through July of 2009 only to remember on Tuesday that I didn’t get the card until August, I’m making good progress. Should have those numbers shored up by Friday, God willing.
I also got an interesting review of HARD TO HOLD yesterday. It’s here.
Laurie Gold founded All About Romance and is a very well-known and respected reviewer. I was thrilled when she decided to give my book a read…but I have to confess that I was perplexed by her review…only because I wasn’t sure if she liked the book or not! Let’s be honest…that’s the FIRST question an author asks after reading a review. After a couple of moments of insecurity (I’m an author, after all) I realized that the book touched her on a very personal level…and that’s a good thing. I think I’m not used to that. Ordinarily, I write books that are hot, sexy, even a little edgy and shocking–but I can’t remember writing a book like HARD TO HOLD before and I guess it shows in this “musing” by Laurie Gold. I’m very thankful to her. She reads very fast–but very carefully. I’m jealous!
It’s so nice to have someone “review” a book in more than just a few sentences…she took a great deal of care and time into putting her thoughts down about HARD TO HOLD and honestly, an author cannot ask for more than that! Ever. I’m humbled and happy.
I still haven’t received my new Kindle. I did tell you guys that I murdered my Kindle, right? It was totally manslaughter because it was not pre-meditated. I’d been reading in bed and had tossed the Kindle aside before I fell asleep. At some point, it slipped under the covers and when rolling off the bed, it was under my elbow…and CRACK. That’s a sound I won’t forget for a long time.
So I’m reading on my iPhone until my Kindle 3 ships, which likely won’t be for a while. I just finished Tessa Dare’s LEGEND OF THE WERESTAG. Adorable story. I love that woman’s work and now I’ve read everything she’s published. Next up is Kresley Cole. She has a new book out! Yea!
So…what’s going on in your life? What are you reading? Lots of book birthdays yesterday…Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole & Teresa Medieros, to name a few. Anyone head to the store to pick them right up?
Oh…and it hasn’t stopped raining here for two days, esp. yesterday which was AWFUL. It was also the first day of school. I cannot tell you how happy I am that I homeschool!!!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Thanks for adding the new page Julie–and that’s so cool that you’re able to do your updates yourself. The new site is just beautiful.
And congrats on the review, it is really nice to write a book that makes someone think so much.
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Thanks, Les. Other than a wonderful posting on Facebook, the book hasn’t gotten any reviews yet, so this was really nice. It takes a really thoughtful reviewer (and one who can write as much as she wants on her own blog) to be so thorough…even if she didn’t do a typical review, I really think readers get a strong flavor of the book!
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It sounds like she reviews the way that I do. I have never written a formal review on a book. I just write about how it touches me on an emotional level. I can’t wait to read Hard to Hold and the other stories in the True Vows series. I have a feeling I might be crying for days.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Nah…my book won’t make you cry. In fact, none of the books are tragic at all…they’re funny and fun and realistic (obviously!) but not sad. Maybe a little choke-up moment here and there, but that’s all!
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But when love is involved, I cry like a baby. I will let you know.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I’m too busy writing to read at the moment, but I’m so looking forward to Kresley’s new book! That will be my reward when I’m done.
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I’m trying to catch up on the first IAD books first…I started reading in the middle. But I have a feeling I’ll give in and just read this one first.
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I haven’t opened the IAD books yet because I am missing some of the earlier ones Jules. You know me. I do have the new one, though. I had it pre-ordered from Amazon and wonder of wonders, it showed up in the mail with Larissa’s Sin Undone. I will read Sin first since I read all the others already.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I love the new site, Julie. I know just enough about my own site to give my tech guru headaches. I wish y’all would send some of that rain our way! We need it. Though…you guys had a drought going on last year. I never know what to think about reviewers. As a good friend reminded me, it’s so subjective! But, if someone told me my book touched them, I’d figure that’s a good thing. It means my writing connected with them on some gut level.
Reading? What’s that? LOL! I’m trying madly to finish Carly’s KISS ME IF YOU CAN in time for the book club. I’m sweating the current WIP as well as prepping for a panel for Writers for New Orleans, and trying to figure out how one markets a second book. I have so many books loaded on my Kindle, not to mention the stacks of paper books singing their siren song. I only need about 20 more hours each day!
I don’t know how you do it and home school, too. You are made of awesome, lady! Just sayin’…
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No, I’m made of crazy.
I’m so jealous about your trip to NOLA…please, please…have beignets for me!
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The CP and I are driving down on a Thursday. First thing Friday morning after check in, we’re headed to Cafe Du Monde–cafe au lait and beignets. Panels don’t start until after lunch so time for breakfast and people watching at Jackson Square. I will “salute” you while there! And maybe even tweet a picture of the goodies.
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Do Tweet pictures!!!
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I preordered Hard to Hold the other day. A person could get hooked on preordering!!! I don’t like to read reviews until after I read the book. Since I mostly buy favorite authors I don’t need the reviews to decide. Beside, it is really just that persons opinion and her/his thoughts and mine may not be the same.
Good luck with getting all the info for your taxes.
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Thanks, Donna…for the pre-order and the good wishes re: taxes!
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Not much going on here. We’re wrapping up summer (this is the last week of my oldest’s class and next week, we have little ‘mini’ trips planned) and school starts on September 7th….
Good luck with everything and good review.
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We’re “going back” on the 7th, too. I see no reason to start before Labor Day!
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EEeeeeek poor ded kindle, but yay you get a 3rd gen! And, I think I prefer reading on my ipod or iphone more than anything else these days. So small!
As for books, I haven’t gotten any new ones, but I plan to get the newest IAD – and am reading one of your blaze books now, Julie!
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Thanks for reading the Blaze! Hope you like it! The only thing I don’t like about reading on my iPhone is that I can’t figure out how to get my Kindle app to recognize the manuscripts I’ve converted to Kindle…meaning, the two ARCs that I have that I want to read! But hopefully, Kindle 3 will ship soon!
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I just received my new copy of Hard to Hold yesterday. I can’t wait to slow down a minute and open it. We have been extremely hectic what with teachers coming back to day and kids on Monday. aGGGGG…….weeks like this I wonder why I work in education.
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debb! It must be crazy for you right now! Thanks for ordering HARD TO HOLD and I do hope you enjoy it!
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I thought the review was great. It wasn’t a traditional review, but everything she said made me think she enjoyed the book, she liked how it made her reflect on her own marriage, and also helped her understand Tourette syndrome a little better. I think it will definitely make others want to read it.
Oh, and btw, I love your new website. That’s great that you make changes yourself. That would be so convenient, but color me chicken in that department. I’ll just keep sending my updates to Rae.
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My designer set up my new site in WordPress, which is what we use here at Plotmonkeys. Little by little, I’m learning how to update certain parts myself, but others I will leave in her capable hands. The best thing is that I can update my homepage so that if something new happens, I can get it up without having to bother anyone. That’s nice!
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Love the new site!
So, when I review a book, I should come out and say whether I like it or not? I generally do like the books I read – if only just a scene or a character; I’d hate to think I wasted my time reading a book I didn’t like.
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Jules, I see the link for Plotmonkeys now opens another window. Thanks!!!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Julie, I hope your new Kindle arrives very soon. I use the Kindle app on my phone to read most ebooks and love it. Will probably by myself the Kindle for Christmas.
I’m currently reading Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane. Received Alison Kent’s The Icing on the Cake in the mail today, so that is up next. Bought Sin Undone and The Devil Wears Plaid yesterday, so those are in the stack as well. Not had as much time to read lately, so I’m having to do it when I find any spare moment.
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I loved the review and it was nice to read something totally different than most of them are. I can’t wait to read the story.
But I have a question, coming from the review. You had him travel across country to a Phish concert and I am trying to figure out why. When she first mentioned his obsession with Phish, my first thought was- SPAC. Which is a huge outdoor concert venue in Saratoga State Park (and where I have spent all summer working) and one of the largest 2-day Phish events every year. The band and 50,000 plus of their closest fans. So when I read the story will I get a better understanding of that?
And yes, that is my OCD and solid need of finding out the why authors do what they do and write what they write. I’m like a terrier with a bone.
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Just a flying visit from me. Things have been crazy, but probably won’t calm down properly any time soon.
Despite things being hectic, I’m still making time to read but the finances aren’t stretching to as many books as I’d like. However, I have discovered recently that even if the finances would stretch there are a number of titles that I can’t buy as ebooks since I live outside North America. The result is that I’m doing battle with a couple of publishers to find out if and when the ebook versions will be available here – heck, I can’t even get them to provide me with details of who would hold the rights for New Zealand.
All I can say about the Kindle is OUCH!!! I’m soooooo careful with my Sony since ereaders are only just coming to New Zealand now, so it would still be difficult to get a new reader – I can only imagine how much you miss having the Kindle at present.
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Julie I loved that review! It’s very much how I like to review as well except I like to be a bit more brief most times b/c I think people are more likely to read a review or full blog post if it’s a quick read they can do on break or before bed. At least that’s how I read blogs,lol.
And I definitetly see it as a positive review too!