A Magical Beginning. And a Contest.

I've already pre-ordered my copy...What about you? :)

Tomorrow, February 24th, is the official release date for Jennifer Lyon's BLOOD MAGIC!! Woo-hoo, Jen! Can't wait for this novel!! It's the first book in her newest paranormal romance series.

Back in January, I'd blogged a bit about this novel, as well as all the fantastic reviews here.

Oh, and don't forget to head over to Jennifer Lyon's site and join her Cyber Launch Party... She's been giving away prizes! Tomorrow she'll be giving away the Grand Prize... a gorgeous necklace that's similar to the one the heroine wears in BLOOD MAGIC. Very cool.

Good Luck!

Michele

Writing Contest: Fire and Ice

Here's the information for the Chicago-North Fire and Ice Contest. A few years ago, one of my manuscripts was a finalist in this writing contest and I'd learned quite a bit from the judges--good things!--that strengthened my writing skills. That was my experience, of course...it's all subjective. But I did like this contest very much. :)

Good Luck!!

Michele

** Permission to forward granted**

The Fire and Ice Contest Now Open for Entries!

Five great reasons to enter the Chicago-North Fire and Ice Contest:

1. Experienced first round judges.

Chicago North is a critique chapter, so all members have received extensive training in providing productive feedback. Many judges are multi-published in romance. Chicago North members are not eligible to enter the Fire and Ice Contest.

2. Great line up of final judges:

Historical Romance: Alex Logan, Grand Central Publishing
Paranormal Romance: Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Series Romance: Victoria Curran, Harlequin SuperRomance
Single Title: Tessa Woodward, Avon
Women's Fiction with Romantic Elements: Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Management
Young Adult: Elaine Spencer, The Knight Agency

3. Feedback on the first 25 pages of your manuscript for only $25

4. Chicago-North's Fire and Ice contest has gone electronic. Entries may be send via U. S. mail or email as RTF attachments.

5. Payment can be made via PayPal.

Entries for Chicago North's Fire and Ice Contest must be received by March 31st, 2009.

For more information and to enter, visit www.chicagonorthrwa.org

"Won't You Be Good to Yourself?"

As I think back on the past 9 months, it floors me just how much those in the music industry helped bring us even closer as a family through their music and lyrics, helped us unite in our cause to raise money and fight cancer, and/or through an act of kindness helped us in our desire to show a loved one there's ALWAYS hope.

As I'm sure you see, this isn't a post about writing fiction... but it's definitely about two important aspects of my life: good, kindhearted people and fantastic music. Combine those two and suddenly folks breathe in a renewed hope for humanity.

L.A.-based rock band The 88 are the real deal, the good guys. Their music helped our entire family get through some tough times as we helped Matt in the fight for his life and for that we'll always be grateful to them. I know I've blogged about this band before... oh, last March or so... when I told you guys how much my husband, Eric, loves this group. Okay, so now I'm right up there with him, asking everyone I run into, "Have you heard about The 88?"

Well, just in case the name doesn't ring a bell yet...the band members of The 88:
Keith Slettedahl - vocals & guitar
Adam Merrin - piano
Anthony Zimmitti - drums

On The 88's MySpace page, you can listen to quite a few of their songs... I happen to love every single one featured on there! Be sure to check out "Sons and Daughters" from their most recent album, NOT ONLY... BUT ALSO, and "All 'Cause of You" from their previous album, OVER AND OVER (iTunes). So much fun!

Also, most likely you've already heard their music before now, as their songs have had placement in movies and on television, such as: YOU, ME & DUPREE, FAILURE TO LAUNCH, GREY'S ANATOMY, WHAT ABOUT BRIAN, MEN IN TREES, KYLE XY, GREEK, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, NUMB3RS, 90210 (the new one), GOSSIP GIRL, ONE TREE HILL, and many, many more.

Oh, and just to offer up some proof behind my praise of their musical talent, as well as their generosity and sincerity, here's one of their videos for their popular song, "Coming Home." Okay, so we all remember several months ago when gas prices reached an all-time high? Absolutely. Well, Island Records gave The 88 a budget for a video and they chose to spend that money buying gas for people in the L.A. area and ice cream for kids at a soccer game. I mean, how fantastic is that? You've got to check it out! :)

This will take you their YouTube page and the "Coming Home" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJOODpoQHPA

I LOVE this song: "It's A Lot."
They put together a "Behind the Scenes" video to the song. Gotta see this one, too. Aww, and aren't they lovely in those dresses? :) That was from their Halloween performance on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic."



And this one is the full performance on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic," so it's longer. But totally worth it!


In my family's opinion (and definitely mine), this world is a better place because of Adam, Anthony, and Keith. Thank you, guys.

Take Care,

Michele