Heather Hiestand's Musings

Book-a-day Giveaway on Tuesday the 12th

2008-08-08T18:13:47Z

I'm one of the authors at The Romance Studio on August 12th. Win a download of your choice at www.theromancestudio.com, on their book-a-day giveaway page. Good luck!

Dog Days of Summer contest is now live!

2008-08-01T18:11:44Z

The Dog Days of Summer contest begins today. Enter to win prizes from 12 authors - complete details are on my website and my dog photo is among the Anh Leod pages, to celebrate the upcoming release of Claudia's Pleasure.

The Sizzling Summer contest is over, and I have mailed my winner, Michelle B. her prize. Congratulations, Michelle, and thanks to The Hussies for running such a fabulous contest. I wanted to enter too!

Yep, it's time for another contest!

The power of reviews?

2008-07-30T19:16:59Z

I received my first royalty statement for my Cerridwen Press contemporary romance, In Flight, today. Yeah! People are buying the book, and it's done better in its first couple weeks out than the last two releases, Gunshot Grange and Two on the Hunt, did. That's great news, especially since I am working on the sequel now! For those of you who've read In Flight, I'm writing sister Catherine's story. I'm crossing my fingers that it won't end up too kid-focused for Cerridwen, but with a single mom and a teacher hero it's hard to stay away from the kiddies!

Meanwhile, I wonder if sales for In Flight are better because I had the pleasure of receiving two reviews for In Flight in roughly its first week out. Thank you Romance Reader at Heart and Simply Romance Reviews! I don't think Grange or Two had reviews for the first couple of months. Over on the Anh Leod side at Ellora's Cave, Recreating John Doe, my April release, of course sold much more than In Flight at first since it's erotic romance, but now it isn't selling as well. Once again, is it the lack of reviews? A blogger did review it favorably, but I don't know if many people read that blog and it's only one review in a huge sea of big review sites. Hopefully reviewers will get to John Doe eventually and readers will find the book! It's gritty sci fi erotic romance, for those who are wondering...

Meanwhile, only two weeks until Claudia's Pleasure releases at Ellora's Cave, and then we'll see what comes next - the e-release of Cherokee's Playmates at Ellora's Cave, or the paperback release of Cards Never Lie at Cerridwen. It's going to be a great autumn!

Cherokee's Playmates

2008-07-18T20:37:48Z

Cherokee's Playmates doesn't just have a release date (October 10th), it has a cover! You can see the new cover on the sidebar. Hopefully it clues you into the plot - yes, it's my first menage!

Research

2008-07-13T09:05:51Z

I'm now blogging on the 13th of every month at http://rosecityromancewriters.blogspot.com/. Rose City Romance Writers is my chapter of the RWA and this is our published author loop. We have a month topic which was research. It's a new blog - we just started about 6 weeks ago and this is my second post!

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: Bachelor Gamble, a contemporary romance

MOOD: Quite pleased with myself, though nervous, since I just submitted a novella to my editor.

I went through a phase where I wrote Victorian paranormal. But the second story in one series ended up on perma-hold under an editor's desk somewhere, and the first story in my second series didn't sell as well as I personally liked so I've shelved that for the moment too. When I wrote these stories I had piles of research books slung around my desk so I could look up things like fashion and home styles and the types of servants in upper middle class houses and all that good stuff.

Mostly though, I write contemporary romance or some kind of paranormal whether set in present day or in the future. My best friend and partner in crime is Google. I Google my computer into crash mode. Yes, it happened today when I was double checking a quote from Hesiod. I wasn't happy.

I have been through the questionable joy of a group series, where we had a series bible that grew into a monster that ate most of the joy out of the project. The project manager had a nervous breakdown. I suppose in that case all your research questions can be answered in one place but building the thing was a nightmare. So I prefer Google for all my needs.

Having said that, I think the best research for someone in my position, writing contemporary romance and erotic nearly everything else, is reading. I have to read to keep up with the market. What's okay to write about sexually? What do readers enjoy right now? When you are epublished your stories are quicker to market (usually) so watching market trends can be quite valuable. My best selling story to date was written because I guessed that the subgenre would be getting popular soon and I was right. I barely read in that subgenre because I was so busy getting the story submitted but it still worked. I knew enough to cover the basics and develop my own take on it.

I should be researching my own work. I have this sad habit of dropping intended series after the first two stories. Maybe this is because I don't put together a series bible for myself (shudder).

Okay, everyone, comments should be focused on how to get me in gear so that I can stand to write the third book in a series! How should I organize my past research, materials on key characters and so on?

Oh yes, I almost forgot

2008-07-09T19:32:02Z

My Anh Leod novel, Cherokee's Playmates, has a release date! It is October 10th, which is perfect because it's set around Halloween in Los Angeles and starts just minutes after my August 13th release, Claudia's Pleasure, ends. Claudia is the closest to a contemporary romance that I've done as Anh Leod, and Cherokee is my first menage, so I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what people think. No cover for Cherokee yet, but Claudia's cover is definitely heating up fantasies for people! You can see it to the right of this blog entry.

Also, the latest Coffee on Sundays newsletter was released today. You can find it on the main website.

Social networking site updates

2008-07-09T19:28:53Z

I've been on Facebook for quite a while, but it appears the new thing for writers is to set up Fan pages. If you'd like to find that page, it's at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heather-HiestandAnh-Leod/24271017921?ref=mf

I've posted a couple of discussion topics there if you are interested, plus some pics.

You can also find it by going to my own page.

Also, I was flattered to see that reviews for a couple of my books were posted at Goodreads.com so I've tried to start setting that up too, though it appears to be harder than Facebook. If you hang out at Goodreads I hope you friend me there too!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-06-22T09:48:41Z

It's my birthday today, so someone gets a present! The first person to email me at heather @ heatherhiestand . com (remove spaces) will receive a download of their choice from my backlist! Happy emailing!

Ellora's Cave Convention, anyone?

2008-06-19T16:24:27Z

A message from Ellora's Cave:

We've decided to hold the first EC Convention
(2009)in Akron, Ohio. If all goes well, we should have
details for you by the end of July. We are looking at the following
dates (all Friday-Sunday):

Sept., 18th - 20th,
Sept., 25th-27th
Oct., 2nd – 4th

If you are interested in attending, please respond with name, address
and Ph# (optional) via email to conventions@ellorascave.com (notice
that "conventions" is plural). Mention the above dates and the
following "tentative" outline.

Friday Night – EC/CP/TLC Celebration Party

Saturday Morning – Continental Breakfast

Day – Workshops

Night – Awards Banquet

**The city is working on something fun for you to do (if interested
and thirsty) after the Awards Banquet.**

Sunday Morning – Continental Breakfast

Afternoon – Book Fair

Evening – An author sponsored event.

Price to be determined...

Judges are announced for the 2008 Golden Rose Contest

2008-06-18T17:37:05Z

Rose City Romance Writers announces the 2008 Golden Rose Contest.
This is a completely electronic submission that precedes the Golden Heart.

The competition is designed to prepare you for the RWA Golden Heart contest.
Therefore it follows the same formatting rules and category structures. The
contest is open to any RWA member who has not been published by an RWA
recognized publisher in the last five years. An entrant must not have
accepted a publisher's offer as of the August 3, 2008 deadline.

All entries should be part of a *completed* manuscript. Finalists have often
received requests for the full manuscript from editors.

Entries of fifty-five (55) total pages including manuscript and synopsis
(both
judged).

Contest deadline: August 3th

Final Round Judges

An editor/agent will rank the finalists in each category and select the
winner.
Contemporary Series Romance Susan Littman,
Harlequin<http://www.eharlequin.com/> Contemporary
Series Romance:
Suspense / Adventure Patience Smith, Harlequin
<http://www.eharlequin.com/> Contemporary
Single Title Romance Alissa Davis,
Dorchester<http://www.dorchesterpub.com/> Historical
Romance Laurie McLean, Larson & Pomada Literary Agency
<http://www.larsen-pomada.com/index.cfm> Regency Historical Romance Courtney
Hoffman, Resplendence <http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/> Inspirational
Romance Andrea Doering, Revell
Books<http://www.revellbooks.com/ME2/Audiences/Default.asp> Novel
with Strong Romantic Elements Paige Wheeler, Folio Literary Management
<http://www.foliolit.com/s-paige.php> Paranormal Romance Carrie Lynn Wolfe,
Wild Rose Press <http://www.thewildrosepress.com/> Romantic Suspense Raelene
Gorlinsky, Ellora's Cave <http://www.ellorascave.com/> and
Cerridwen<http://www.cerridwenpress.com/index.asp> Young
Adult Romance Jenny Ben, Trident Media
Group<http://www.tridentmediagroup.com/aboutus.html>

For details, rules and eligibility, please contact our website:
http://www.rosecityromancewriters.com/contest.html

First review for In Flight

2008-06-16T14:13:48Z

I just received the first review for In Flight, and it came in so fast my book is still in release week!

Simply Romance Reviews gave this contemporary romance an "Outstanding Read" designation and said in part:

"This was a book I couldn’t stop reading and didn’t want to put down. I hope you too will find yourself enthralled!"

http://www.simplyromancereviews.com/srrreviews/inflight.aspx

In Flight released today!

2008-06-12T16:21:54Z

In Flight, a contemporary romance, is released in e-book at Cerridwen Press!

Blurb:

Very single Margot Smith is set up for disaster or a dream-come-true when her family’s airline hires sexy pilot Wall Phillips. She’s an up and coming manager who can’t date employees, but there’s nothing wrong with trying to be friendly, right? Besides, who can help getting involved when the new guy is destroying your best friend’s career!

Wall Phillips is consumed by the family secret that brought him to Detroit. He doesn’t want a relationship, despite his eyes being continually drawn to the luscious Margot, who he thinks is a substitute flight attendant. His goal is to do the job right and get back to his personal life, which leaves no time for checking out the coworkers.

A woman who can’t date pilots. A man who needs to focus on his brother’s precarious situation. Two people who can’t keep their thoughts or hands off each other. It’s time to decide what they really want from life.

http://www.cerridwenpress.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=HHie

Book a Day Giveaway - June 11th

2008-06-07T16:27:44Z

"Reader's Choice" is the name of the day at the Book a Day Giveaway at The Romance Studio on June 11th. Join in to win a free copy of a Heather Hiestand novel.

http://www.theromancestudio.com/bad_form.php

New review for Gunshot Grange

2008-06-04T15:06:47Z

I was so excited to see this review!

"GUNSHOT GRANGE wasn’t anything like what I was expecting - it was much better! With quirky characters and the mixture of modern scenes and flashbacks to Marci’s grandmother’s childhood readers will find themselves drawn into the storyline and captivated by each new scene. Marci and Rick are a great couple with a zest for life and passion for each other. I loved the conversations between them. Even when they’re arguing there’s a sexual tension that keeps a sparkle in your eye as you immerse yourself in this fun and exciting storyline."

http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/contemporary/Gunshot_Grange.shtml

New release/free book!

2008-06-01T10:24:48Z

Looking Forward, Looking Back and Other Stories by Heather Hiestand is released at Romance at Heart!

Looking Forward, Looking Back and Other Stories is a linked collection of three science fiction/coming of age tales. Not so far in the future, asthma is a fatal illness. Thankfully space travel is now commonplace, and the ill children of polluted Earth are boarded on mining ships with sterile air. Do they have a future? If they can find their way through the legends built around their past, twenty-year-old Eve Hawthorne and her friends are going to find out…

These stories have a “sweet” rating and are suitable for a YA audience.

Special offer: The first five people who post a review of the anthology on my Romance at Heart review page will receive a free book of your choice from my backlist. Email me at heather@heatherhiestand.com to receive your free download!

http://rahpubs.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=70

Only $2.99!

Looking Forward, Looking Back and other stories to be released June 1st

2008-05-22T16:35:47Z

My science fiction/coming of age short story collection will be released on June 1st!

Looking Forward, Looking Back and Other Stories is a linked collection of three science fiction/coming of age tales. Not so far in the future, asthma is a fatal illness. Thankfully space travel is now commonplace, and the ill children of polluted Earth are boarded on mining ships with sterile air. Do they have a future? If they can find their way through the legends built around their past, twenty-year-old Eve Hawthorne and her friends are going to find out…

Romance at Heart publications

RWA contest

2008-05-16T21:07:15Z

The Golden Rose Contest!

I'm one of the judges for the contest, and this is one that does lead to sales, so take a look!

Rose City Romance Writers announces the 2008 Golden Rose Contest.

This is a completely electronic submission that precedes the Golden Heart.

The competition is designed to prepare you for the RWA Golden Heart contest. Therefore it follows the same formatting rules and category structures. The contest is open to any RWA member who has not been published by an RWA recognized publisher in the last five years. An entrant must not have accepted a publisher's offer as of the August 3, 2008 deadline.

All entries should be part of a completed manuscript. Finalists have often received requests for the full manuscript from editors.

Entries of fifty-five (55) total pages including manuscript and synopsis (both

judged).

Contest deadline: August 3th

For details, rules and eligibility, please contact our website:
http://www.rosecityromancewriters.com/contest.html

Cerridwen Author day on Friday

2008-05-15T14:04:00Z

Friday, May 23rd is Cerridwen Author Day in the Latte Lounge at Coffee
Time Romance & More. It will be open for 24 hours for the authors to
post about their books, blurbs, excerpts, events they are going to be
attending...basically anything.

I will be there in the afternoon and hope you will visit!

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/index.php

Live interview on Wed, May 14th

2008-05-11T12:10:10Z

On Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00PM (PST), Heather Hiestand/Anh Leod is being interviewed live by Lynn Jordan about her latest releases.

Join us from your computer or your telephone.

Go to http://www.authorstoolsblog.com to register.

Prizes for all attendees!

Recreating John Doe released!

2008-04-25T09:26:25Z

Recreating John Doe, my Anh Leod sensual futuristic is now available at www.ellorascave.com!

Here is the blurb:

A man waiting to act… It's 2408. In Vonner's office at Bounty
Hunters, Inc. John Doe is assigned his latest contract. She's hotter-
than-hot Gaia Marlowe, wanted for the death of her husband, the heir
to a political dynasty.

A woman on the run… Gaia once supported herself in the exotic sex
clubs of Aboo Nine. Her path out only led her to the darker
pleasures of the upper class. When her husband is murdered, she
flees from her aristocratic life and becomes an underground Mistress.

Secrets they can't unlock alone! John could be governing a planet
instead of battling bad guys across the known universe. Should he
return to his home world or is it better off without war? Gaia has
ties to his people, but John needs to bring her in so he can pay his
debts. The problem is, Gaia knows the truth about the man called
John Doe and she isn't going down without a fight.

Also, I'm chatting at Jenyfer Matthew's blog for the next 48 hours or so. You can find her blog on the blogroll - scroll down the left side of my blog to find it. Win a free book at her blog!