Jennifer's Journal

 

Monday, November 07, 2011

The Jennifer Blake Newsletter-November 2011

Greetings:

A lot has been going on this past month, so let me get right to it. I have an exciting new venture to announce, one hinted at in a previous newsletter. It’s called Steel Magnolia Press, after the nickname given to me a decade ago by Public Relations genius, Nancy Berland. An independent, family-oriented online publishing house, it was established with my niece who writes as Phoenix Sullivan and is the tech master for the operation. Two other nieces are involved, Tamelia Tumlin and Trudy Edgeworth, and also my two daughters, Delinda Corbin and Katharine Faucheux. You can be among the first to see what the SMP web site looks like, for it went “live” just this afternoon at: http://www.steelmagnoliapress.com/
So what are we doing at Steel Magnolia Press? At the moment, we are presenting my current and backlist titles, plus great e-books done by Phoenix and Tamelia. The major event, however, is release of new editions for two of my Blake novellas. These tales were issued in mass market paperback anthologies in the 1990s, but have been out of print for years. They are OUT OF THE DARK, a historical romance about an unusual young woman who dares attempt to tame both a swamp panther and the famous duelist known as the Dark Angel, and a paranormal romance, THE WARLOCK’S DAUGHTER, which famed Avon Romance editor, Ellen Edwards, once said “reads like an ancient legend.” Other titles are set to follow. Coming from me in the next few months will be a Gothic mystery-suspense novel and a contemporary romance novella, both reissues, but also a never-before-published contemporary novella and a contemporary romance that continues my best-selling Louisiana Gentlemen series.
 


You can find the newly released novellas with their matching covers  at the addresses below:





OUT OF THE DARK

THE WARLOCK'S DAUGHTER
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Warlocks-Daughter-ebook/dp/B0063RYH2G
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Warlocks-Daughter-ebook/dp/B0063RYH2G
ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thewarlock039sdaughter-629837-140.html

Phoenix and Tamelia will have new novels out too, and as other authors in our group complete work now in the pipeline, their books, bios and photos will go up on the site. Fun additions to the site’s pages will soon appear: we will run free or low-priced e-book specials, provide book bundles and add to our current multi-author blog. Sign up for the monthly newsletter called Fresh Leaves, and you’ll not only get details on specials and prizes, future books and author news, but receive the bonus free e-booklet, 20 Tips for Writing Romance Novels, a Steel Magnolia exclusive. You will also be automatically entered in the weekly drawing for a collection of free e-books that can be downloaded to the Kindle or Nook, or saved as PDF files for reading on your computer screen.

Speaking of the Louisiana Gentlemen books, this 5-volume series of contemporary novels is currently being reprinted in hardcover large print editions by Severn House. LUKE was released this summer, and ROAN is scheduled for March, 2012. Look for these, with their stunning new cover jackets, on your library shelves. And coming in December from Sourcebooks Casablanca Classics is a reprint of a best seller from 1996 titled SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL, about a woman who wakes after an accident to discover herself married to a stranger.


Last week saw the online posting of nominations for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s annual awards. Book 1 of the Graces trilogy, BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE, was nominated as Best Historical Romance, and I am also a nominee for the Career Achievement Award in Historical Romance based on the trilogy. Competition is stiff for both awards but, win or lose, it’s an honor to be among the chosen. Before this news broke, I’d already agreed to travel to Chicago for the RT Book Lovers Convention, venue for the awards presentation, April 11-15, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. While there, I’ll be on a special panel for a 30-year retrospective of the romance industry. In addition, I’ll be doing an Author’s Chat in company with best-selling authors Loretta Chase and Mary Balogh, plus autographing books at the huge, 400+ author book signing that’s always a favorite event. There will be parties, parties, parties and loads of free books and other giveaways. For registration information: http://www.rtbookreviews.com.

The Three Graces books can be viewed here:

http://www.amazon.com/His-Majestys-Grace-Jennifer-Blake/dp/0778312437/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320700584&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Possessed-Three-Graces/dp/0778312542/ref=pd_sim_b_1

http://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Grace-Three-Graces-Jennifer/dp/0778312658/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Another happening marked on my calendar for 2012 is a featured author chat with the Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers group on Facebook. This will take place on the first Friday in February, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST. Focus will be on the medieval and renaissance periods in romance novels and the pleasure of “meaty” reads. If you enjoy reading something other than what’s been called “cookie cutter historical romances,” then you might want to join this group moderated by Emery Lee, talented author of FORTUNE’S SON.


Meanwhile, the big triple contest for the Graces trilogy ended on November 1, and names were drawn from Facebook and Twitter friend lists and newsletter loop members. Notices were sent to those selected, and I’m waiting to hear from all three before choosing the winner of the grand prize, the Three Graces Italian cameo pendant. The winner from this newsletter group was bluecrowofhappiness. If this is your yahoo email, please contact me from it with your mailing address at: Jenniferblake001@bellsouth.net, or patriciaamaxwell@bellsouth.net Another name will be drawn on Nov. 15 if contact information is not received before or on that date.

In other contest news, my 6-copy, Goodreads.com giveaway of Graces Book 3, SEDUCED BY GRACE, ended in October. The books for these winners were shipped two days later.

You might think this string of events kept me too busy to do much else. Close, but not quite! I also wrote a new book proposal in October. It covers three stories in what will be known as the Tudor Heiress Brides series, with settings in the same late-medieval/early-renaissance period as the Graces trilogy. Henry VII will continue to play matchmaker, pairing the young women he claims as his wards with his bravest and most favored knights. Fireworks naturally erupt as the couples struggle mightily against being wed at the king’s command. More about these books will be posted, including titles and tidbits about the characters, when a contract agreement has been reached.

While all this has been going on, the days have faded into fall here in northern Louisiana. Black gums trees and swamp maples are lipstick-red, and the Bradford pears are decked out in autumn hues. Marauding deer level fall gardens overnight, dogs howl at the harvest moon, and flocks of migratory ducks come and go on the lake. We’ve had rain, but not nearly enough; we still have a mud flat around our boat dock. But the summer heat is slowly giving way to cooler days, and I’m beginning to contemplate turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole, pecan pie and all the other traditional fare. It feels like the right time for thinking of gratitude as well, as Thanksgiving draws near. And I am thankful, indeed, for good news, good times, good weather, good food, and all of you.

With warmest wishes for all the beauty and bounty of the season,

Jennifer Blake



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posted by Jennifer Blake at 10:15 PM 0 comments

Sunday, August 07, 2011

The Jennifer Blake Newsletter - August

Greetings:

Hot, hot, hot! If you watch the Weather channel, you may have noticed the red-shaded section of northern Louisiana that has the same triple-digit temperatures as Texas and Oklahoma. We are in the middle of that area, caught in a heat wave the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the Dust Bowl days of the 1930s. The level of the lake we live on drops every day, and it’s all we can do to keep the landscaping alive, much less the lawn. I’d do a rain dance if I thought it would help. Meanwhile, we’re just trying to stay cool.

BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE, Book 1 of the Three Graces Trilogy, is in stores at last, as well as available for order online from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Reviews continue to come in with at least eight posted on Amazon.com, and more than that on Goodreads.com. The book is being featured on the Eye on Romance web site, also on the for RT Book Reviews Magazine site. In addition, it was chosen as the “Fresh Pick” for August by readers on the Fresh Fiction web site, a nice honor indeed.

Both this new book and MIDNIGHT WALTZ, my reprint out this month from Sourcebooks Casablanca Classics, received top honors on the Long and Short Reviews web site, with their highest review award of "5-books"—their version of a five star ranking. See them here:

And here:

My husband and I were in Colorado much of last month, where the air was wonderfully cool and dry. Considering how hot and humid it’s been since our return, we should have stayed longer! While there, we were joined by some of our children, grandchildren and other guests. If you’re on my Facebook page, you may have seen several photos of them enjoying white water rafting on the Arkansas River. If not, you’re more than welcome to take a look by joining me on Facebook. You never know what I may post or what kind of photos I might put up! I’m also considering hosting a weekly question and answer session there on the craft and business of writing. The link to sign up is below, beneath my signature. Once you’re on my Facebook home page, just send a “Friend” request and I’ll add you. The link for my Twitter page is below as well, if you’d care to “Follow” me there.

Because of traveling plus the promotional efforts caused by having three new books and a reprint out this summer, I’ve neglected the series of writing tips on my blog. I’ll get back to them later this month, if all goes according to plan. The next subject I’ll be posting about is choosing character names. Meanwhile, there’s a fun “interview” posted there, one in which Sir Randall of Braesford, the hero of BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE, asks questions of the author who created him. Scroll down below the copy of this newsletter to see it. 

Book 2 the Three Graces Trilogy, BY GRACE POSSESSED, will be released at the end of the month, on August 30. My author’s copies, with their vivid green covers, were delivered while I was in Colorado. Reviews are already trickling in, as well. RT Book Review’s Magazine gave it 4 ½ stars, saying:

“With the second Three Graces novel, Blake draws readers into a tale of attempted murder, insurrection against the king and a high romance with her marvelous research of the period. She builds a strong background, creates three-dimensional characters and weaves sexual tension into a lively love story.”

And Harriet Klausner of Merry Genre Go Round said:

“The middle sister’s Graces medieval romance is an exciting period piece as armchair readers will believe they are at the court of King Henry VII in the late fifteenth century. Except for her belief in the curse, Cate is a typical historical heroine while Ross is a fascinating protagonist whose loyalty is stretched in diverse directions as he must choose between Scotland (and his father), the English king and Cate.”

Meanwhile, I have a new venture in the works which will involve some of my older works, also a couple of things that have never been published, a nonfiction manuscript or two, and work from my daughters and my nieces. It’s still in the planning stages for now, but you’ll be hearing more about it later in the year. Just what I need, another project, Well, it does keep life interesting!

With warmest wishes for cool days and interesting projects wherever you are,

Jennifer Blake

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posted by Jennifer Blake at 3:20 PM 1 comments