Word Wars! Twelve Shades of Midnight Authors Share Their Most (& Least) Favorite Things

Twelve Shades of Midnight, an anthology of 12 all new paranormal novellas is out today! My novella, Midnight Sun, is included and I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing lineup of authors for my first foray into the paranormal.

I’ve had a blast working with the other authors in the making of this anthology! From brainstorming titles to coming up with Easter eggs hidden in the stories, the messages between the members of the group have been hilarious. How lucky am I to be in this amazing anthology?

Twelve Shades of Midnight

The stroke of midnight ushers in many things. From hijinks and mischief to danger and evil, romance is the magic that binds these paranormal novellas together. Join 12 bestselling and award winning authors as they explore the different shades of midnight in exclusive, never-before-released stories.

Liliana Hart – THE WITCH NEXT DOOR
Darynda Jones – A LOVELY DROP
Shea Berkley – DARK SECRETS: STONE COLD DEAD
Dakota Cassidy – WITCHED AT BIRTH
Claire Cavanaugh – MIDNIGHT RENEGADE
Rachel Grant – MIDNIGHT SUN
Trish McCallan – SPIRIT WOODS
Angi Morgan – BODYGUARDS IN HEELS: HIT & RUN HALLIE
Robin Perini – NIGHT OF THE JAGUAR
Robyn Peterman – SWITCHING HOUR
Ann Voss Peterson – THE SCHOOL
Jenn Stark – GETTING WILDE

Watch the Twelve Shades trailer: Facebook | YouTube

We’re celebrating the launch tomorrow with a Facebook party with lots of games and prizes. This is your opportunity to find out what I mean when I say how funny these authors are! Click on the image to RSVP.

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Because I love exploring the similarities and differences in the answers, I subjected the Twelve Shades of Midnight authors to the Inside the Actors Studio quiz.

What is your favorite word?

Dakota: Serendipitous	Robyn: Yes
Angi: Conundrum	Rachel: Necropolis
Shea: I’m a writer. It’s nearly impossible to whittle it down to one…but I do love my name being said by someone who loves me.	Jenn: Kabillion. Except that’s not a word I don’t think.
Robin: Cacophony, just because it sounds cool.	Claire: Happy
Ann: Fabulous	Liliana: Dude

What is your least favorite word?

Dakota: Can’t	Robyn: No
Angi: Procrastinate	Rachel: Racial and homophobic slurs
Shea: Snot. It’s just one of those words that sounds gross and refers to something gross.	Jenn: Disappointed
Robin: Moist…just ’cause, well, yuck.	Claire: Anything prejudicial
Ann: Ensconce	Liliana: Moist

What turns you on?

Dakota: Serenity	Robyn: Humor and a nice ass
Angi: Being shown love	Rachel: Captain America
Shea: Kisses on my neck…soft, slow kisses. (sigh)	Jenn: The eyes have it: If a glance is intentional, intense and interested (from the right guy), I’m in.
Robin: Slow dancing and swaying to the music	Claire: Eagerness and humor. Cleaning my house doesn’t hurt either!
Ann: Coffee	Liliana: Brains, baby. Followed closely by the ability to make me laugh like crazy.

What turns you off?

Dakota: Whiners	Robyn: Negativity and lack of humility
Angi: Talk Talk Talk and More Talk	Rachel: Rudeness
Shea: Hypocrisy and arrogance. They often go hand in hand except the person demonstrating these qualities rarely knows they’re doing them.	Jenn: Abuse of any sort–mental, verbal, physical–no matter the scale. If you don’t choose your adversaries nobly, you suck.
Robin: Unkindness	Claire: Stress
Ann: Running out of coffee	Liliana: Bad hygiene

What sound or noise do you love?

Dakota: Laughter	Robyn: My kids laughter
Angi: Ocean waves and puppies playing	Rachel: My children’s laughter
Shea: A drumline. It’s all about the beat, baby!	Jenn: The gentle crash of ocean waves
Robin: A baby’s laugh	Claire: My granddaughter’s magical laughter
Ann: Wind chimes	Liliana: Rain and thunderstorms

What sound or noise do you hate?

Dakota: Sloppy eaters	Robyn: My alarm clock
Angi: Leaf blowers	Rachel: My husband’s alarm clock
Shea: My cat hacking up a hairball. Why is it always in the middle of the night? And does he clean up his mess? Nooo. He tries to bury it in the carpet, and I’m the one who’s got to clean up the nastiness he leaves behind.	Jenn: My cat demanding breakfast at 4:15 a.m. Every. Morning.
Robin: Telephone ring	Claire: A dentist’s drill
Ann: My alarm clock	Liliana: Teeth scraping against a fork

What is your favorite curse word?

Dakota: Dicknuckle	Robyn: Fuck
Angi: Damn	Rachel: Fuck
Shea: Arse, but only when British people say it. It makes me giggle.	Jenn: Fuck. Such a multitasker.
Robin: I don’t have one.	Claire: Damn, and any variation thereof
Ann: Fuck. Really, so versatile!	Liliana: Douchecanoe

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Dakota: Supermodeling	Robyn: Chef
Angi: Photography	Rachel: Travel writer who gets paid to go everywhere on vacation (Rick Steves, I want your job)
Shea: A falconer. Hunting with a bird would be fun.	Jenn: Artifact Hunter
Robin: CIA Analyst, because I think it would be fascinating, and it would bring me that much closer to the books I write.	Claire: FBI agent in my dreams. Travel writer as a possible reality.
Ann: Horse trainer	Liliana: Professional shoe shopper and cheese fry eater

What profession would you not like to do?

Dakota: Porta Potty maintenance	Robyn: Computer programmer
Angi: Anything with math	Rachel: Wearing a hot dog costume and passing out flyers.
Shea: Sewage worker. Does anyone actually want to be a sewage worker?	Jenn: Social worker. My heart would break or I’d want to seriously beat up people every day.
Robin: Sewer Maintenance. Self explanatory 🙂	Claire: Anything involving strange smells. I have a weak stomach.
Ann: School teacher, way too tough	Liliana: Anything dealing with poop

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Dakota: “Your castle with a turret, high on a hill, with all your family members and pets inside is to the right.. :).”	Robyn: “It was a close one, but I was owed some favors. I was in the middle of a Scrabble tournament before you arrived, would you like to join me?”
Angi: “Welcome home.”	Rachel: “I’ve decided to make an exception for you.”
Shea: “It’s about time you got here. You did good. There’s an all you can eat chocolate section next to the sushi bar and steaks grilling on the barbeque. And the mashed potatoes are so creamy…and fully loaded.” (yeah, the way to my heart is to feed me comfort food)	Jenn: “Good job.”
Robin: “There really is a reason for everything, and if you’ll come with me, I’ll explain it all.”	Claire: “You really gave your guardian angel a work out, but I’m glad to see you made it, Claire.”
Ann: “Everyone you love is here or on their way… eventually.”	Liliana: “Your family and friends are waiting for you. And there’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.”

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And the winners from last week’s post are:

Kieran Kramer won Suzanne and Melanie Brockmann’s Night Sky

and Kim K. won Heather Ashby’s Never Forget.

Congratulations, ladies! Please use our contact page to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who commented!  ~ Sharon

And Our Valentine Winners Are …

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL OUR KISS AND THRILL FANS!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting on Tuesday.  The winners of Robin Perini’s books are:

 In Her Sights: Arlene Hittle

 Behind the Lies (ARC): Mara K (& her buddy Kermit the Frog!)

Please make sure you email me with your contact information within ten days to claim your prize.

Now, coming up next is our own Sarah Andre interviewing Rolynn Anderson.  And in two weeks I’ll be back with another video interview — this time with Mary Kay Andrews!  Please join us.  Sarah, can you please tell us a little about Rolynn?

Thanks, Diana!

On Tuesday, Feb 19th we welcome Rolynn Anderson back to K&T. Join in as we discuss her latest release, SWOON. This is the second novel in her romantic suspense series featuring funeral planner, Jan Solvang and her quirky terrier Elwood.

See you then!

Limos, Champagne, and Bestsellers: Robin Perini’s Golden Year

National Bestselling and award wining author, Robin Perini, gave me a behind the scenes scoop on her first year as a published author.  While her experience is far from ordinary, it’s beyond delightful that someone who is as nice as Robin, and has worked as hard as she, finally was able to reap her just rewards.  So enjoy the interview, and remember Robin is giving away both a copy of the first book in her series, In Her Sights, and a signed (and very collectible) ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of her newest book, Behind the Lies, to two lucky readers who leave comments below!

I wanted to catch up with Robin since the video and asked her what was new.

Robin:  In my ‘writing’ life, I’ve completed two more novels.  The first is Behind the Lies.  I just love Zach Montgomery.  What a hero!  Montlake will have his story out in April.  I also completed another Harlequin Intrigue called Undercover Texas which will be out in June 2013.  This is a Carder Texas connections book and you’ll find out about some of the characters readers met in Christmas Conspiracy.

Diana:  And I “heard” there is more good news about the first book in your series?

Robin:  Yes, In Her Sights, came out in audio this past December.

Diana:  <sighing>  Most of us are waiting for books to get published in digital format and pine for print.  You are already in audio.  Can I rub your book for good luck?

Robin: <blushing– pushes her enormous stack of published books toward me>  Thanks so much for having me on Kiss and Thrill.  I’m so very blessed and thankful for all the readers who have stopped by, too.

Diana:  Our pleasure Robin.

Now, don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us who your favorite hero is.  Two lucky people will win a copy of either In Her Sights or Behind the Lies (an extra special ARC not available to the public for a book that doesn’t come out until April!  So if you like to get things before your friends leave a comment!  <G>)

 

Dreaming of the Waltz & Robin’s Winner!

Diana at the Viennese Waltz

     I’ve always dreamt of being at a grand ball and waltzing.

     The image of tall, mysterious men circling a floor to the strains of Strauss, while their partners’ dresses billow behind them, is incredibly romantic – like a music box springing to life.

     Too bad it only happens in novels.

     So, when the invitation came for a true Viennese Ball at the National Museum for Women in the Arts, I begged my husband to go.  It was a wonderful cause and the fairytale event every girl dreams of.  Poor guy never stood a chance.  Imagine, a beaux art mansion in the middle of D.C., a candle-lit dinner on the mezzanine, overlooking the marble dance floor where a twenty-piece orchestra played.

     Sigh.

     My imagination has played this scene for so long it morphed into the first chapter of my spy novel.  My heroine sneaks into a very fancy, very private ball in modern day Budapest in a mansion overlooking the Danube.  (excerpt)  The adventure takes her to Hong Kong where she battles traitors and falls in love.  So, even if  the view was that of

Guests beginning to waltz. Later the floor was completely full.

New York Avenue, instead of Strauss’ famed river, last Saturday night really was a fantasy come true.

     It’s amazing how plots get inspired by these kinds of settings.  While other people worried about dance steps, or romancing their partner, my husband had to deal with me checking out alternative exits, stairwells, and figuring out who might make a good villain in my next book.  It’s wonderful when every event takes on the nuances of a Bond film.  Too bad it is more exciting in my head than in real life.

     And, oh the beautiful people!   Everyone wore black tie.  Some women went for full ball gowns, and military men, in perfectly fitted dress uniforms, sparkled with medals.  There were couples who put Fred and Ginger to shame, and then there were couples like my husband and me – let’s just say my toes will never be quite the same.  Still, I wouldn’t have traded him for any other guy in the room.

     By the time the evening was over, we’d met some lovely people, got the hang of dancing counter-clockwise, participated in the grand march, and learned the quadrille.

     And every now and then, behind billowing ball gowns and marble pillars, I may have seen my hero and heroine laughing, as they danced in the night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Now without further ado, the winner of Robin Perini’s new release, Finding Her Son, from Harlequin Intrigue is … Rebecca York!  Please contact us within ten days with your preferred email address.

Stop by tomorrow because Roxanne St. Claire will be back with an exciting announcement on behalf of her fellow authors from the MurderSheWrites blog: Their exclusive e-book anthology Guns and Roses. And she’ll be giving away a free copy!

A Cinderella Success Story: The Fabulous Robin Perini!

Writing is hard work.

An author works on a manuscript for years, prays for an agent, begs for a sale.  More than anything it is a waiting game.  Waiting for time to finish, time to revise, waiting for an agent to get back to you, waiting for an editor to fall in love with it.

No one knows more about waiting than Robin Perini.  Devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes adventures, with love stories sure to melt hearts, she’s spent years perfecting her craft — and winning a few awards along the way.  

Did I say a few?  

Robin Perini

Robin finaled for the the prestigious Golden Heart a mere seven times.  Last year I was thrilled and honored to stand on the stage with Robin when she won the medal for Contemporary Series Romantic Suspense, and I won it for (Single Title) Romantic Suspense.  In a way that makes us sisters.  So, I was especially proud of my GH sis when she sold seven of her books in one single year.

SEVEN.

No one I know sells seven manuscripts, in one year, straight out of the gate.  If this tells you anything about Robin’s skill and perseverance, you will share my prediction that she is sure to become a major talent.  If you need proof, here is the beginning of her debut novel, In Her Sights:

“The trigger felt right.

     The sight was zeroed in, the balance perfect.  The Remington 700/40 fit her body and her mind like an old friend she could trust, and Jasmine “Jazz” Parker didn’t trust easily.  But she and this rifle were connected in a way a lover, friend or family could never be.  The Remington would never let her down.”

Then …

     “Slowly, deliberately, Jazz exhaled and, between heartbeats, squeezed the trigger.”

Wow.  With talent like that, how could she not have won the Golden Heart?  

Here is the book trailer for In Her Sights:

Robin is giving of her time, always encouraging fellow writers.  Her workshops are nationally acclaimed and she really knows her suspense first hand.  In fact, she competes in small-bore rifle silhouette shooting.  Today she is also gifting one special reader, who comments below, with  a copy of her latest release, Finding Her Son from Harlequin Intrigue .  

While it is wonderful to see any author find success, when that person is as nice as Robin, it is special.  After working so hard, she is finally on her way — and just like Cinderella — she’s making an incredible splash and, I hope, having a ball.

(Tune in tomorrow, Wednesday 29th to find out who won and hear about Diana’s adventures Viennese waltzing!)

So, without further ado, Robin Perini asks:

How Long is Too Long to Leave Your Christmas Tree Up?

by Robin Perini

I love Christmas.

Not the hubbub or the shopping, but the meaning behind the season, the reminder to think of others and not ourselves can be joyous.

I know for many the holiday season can be a very tough time of year, but I am lucky. I have the most amazing family, and spending time together at Christmas is one of the highlights of the year. Usually that means travelling.

Even though I don’t spend Christmas at home, I still decorate. I put up a nativity scene, decorate the fireplace mantle and then put up a tree. I get to pull out Christmas ornaments from when I was a kid, and every one has a story behind it.

I love putting up the tree.

Robin's Tree

I hate taking it down.

I’m not quite sure why it requires so much effort to take the tree down compared to putting it up. And this year has been tougher than most, because there’s a lot going on in my life. Day job, family obligations, book deadlines…trying to work out on occasion. I’m sure you know the feeling.

So, we are now at February 28, and I still have my Christmas decorations up in the living room.

So, how long is too long to keep the Christmas Tree up?

I was thinking about this earlier today. You know the Gretchen Wilson song, Redneck Woman ? There’s a line in the song,

“And I keep my Christmas lights on, On my front porch all year long.”

Does that apply for trees, too?

I know I should take a deep breath and just put it away, but frankly, it’s a priority C on my ‘To Do’ list. And since I can’t seem to get to all my As and Bs each day. The Cs just sort of…well…don’t get done.

A few days ago a friend came over and just stared at the decorations in stunned disbelief. I shifted uncomfortably on my feet, and blurted out…My October Harlequin Intrigue® is called Christmas Conspiracy. I’m using it for inspiration.

Yeah, that’s it! That’s why my Christmas decorations are still up. Once I finish the book, surely I’ll have time…

Hmmm. At what point does taking down your Christmas Tree go from priority C to priority A. I have to wonder if July 4th – Christmas in July? At that point, do I leave the Christmas tree up all year long, too?

Hmmm…maybe I could take off the decorations and replace them each season with something…well…seasonal. Clovers and hats in March; flags and ribbons in July.

So, any advice, dear readers? How long does your tree or decorations stay up after the holiday season? Any holiday? How long is too long?  Comment or help me find the time to take care of my C-priorities, and you get a chance to win a copy of my latest release, Finding Her Son from Harlequin Intrigue.

So please join Robin and those of us at Kiss and Thrill by commenting below.  Remember the chances of winning depend upon the number of entries.  Good Luck!  And go out and buy Finding Her Son which rolls off the presses this week! (click here for an excerpt But make sure you come back and comment or you won’t be entered in the drawing!)

Debra’s Winners

Everyone’s a winner!

If you left a comment before midnight EST on yesterday’s post be sure to email Debra through her website (www.debrawebb.com) and let her know your preference, Kindle or Nook version, for OBSESSION!

Robin Perini

And don’t forget to join Diana on Tuesday when she hosts Montlake and Harlequin Intrigue author, Robin Perini!