Hot Ash's Romantic Comedy

Yesterday's winner

2012-01-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

I participated in the TRS new release party yesterday in order to celebrate the release of Immortally Yours. I promised a copy of Strange Neighbors to one winner. That winner was, Jodi K. Congrats, Jodi.

New Release at www.jasminejade.com

2012-01-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

Immortally Yours was released today! Head on over to Ellora's Cave to check it out!

Imortally Yours

Lizette has spent three hundred years on earth, but this is her first time in a therapist’s office. Lonely and aimless, she feels that life has lost its meaning…and she’s come to Colin for advice on ending it. If only he weren’t so maddeningly, distractingly attractive, she’d be able to get on with things.

The moment Lizette steps into his office, Colin knows he has to help her. He also knows he has to have her—in every position possible.

As they spend time together, the heat between them rises and clothes come off, revealing Colin to be not only a phenomenal lover, but a picture-perfect nude muse for Lizette’s erotic photographs, as well. But in trying to give Lizette’s life meaning, they might have ruined Colin’s.

Capa nominations are in. I'm on the list! Twice! Three times if you count my cover...

2011-12-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

We are so pleased to announce that The Romance Studio will be giving the ninth annual Cupid and Psyche Awards on Valentine's Day 2012!

What are the CAPA's? They are awards given by The Romance Studio for excellence in romantic fiction. Categories have changed for the 2011 awards and include inspirational, contemporary, fantasy, historical, paranormal, romantic suspense, young adult, sci-fi, anthology, BDSM, and the Ariana Overton Award for Best Cover Art or the Ari.

Only books reviewed by The Romance Studio after November 24, 2010 and prior to November 22, 2011 with a publication date during that time will be considered for the awards (with the exception of the Psyche Award see below). (Please note that overall ratings given to books in posted reviews at TRS are not indicative of book(s) strength or weakness in consideration).

Winners of the CAPA's will receive the award graphic (above) for display on their web site.

Reminder The Psyche Award is a category for romances that did not meet the nomination criteria but that our reviewers felt deserved special recognition. Books in this category have not previously received a CAPA award.

The final awards will be announced on February 14, 2012. A nominee graphic will be available to nominees when we reopen on January 2, 2011 -- email us!

Nominees will be announced at our Christmas Party on 12/23/11 and here the same day!

2011 CAPA Nominees

Contemporary romance

Send Her To Me by Ronna Gage (Siren-Bookstrand)
Colters' Daughter by Maya Banks (Samhain Publishing)
Illusions by Sheryl Hames Torres (Sapphire Blue Publishing)
The Salisbury Key by Harper Fox (Samhain Publishing)
Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey (Carina Press)
Adding Heat by Cris Anson (Ellora's Cave)
Sunshine on Chrome by Lynne Connolly (Ellora's Cave)
Dani's Duo by Lauren Fraser (Ellora's Cave)
Genetic Attraction by Tara Lain (Loose Id)
Southern Comfort by Mari Carr & Jayne Rylon (Samhain Publishing)
A Little Harmless Addiction by Melissa Schroeder (Samhain Publishing)
Deliberate Deceptions by Leah Braemel (Samhain Publishing)
Shelter Me by Michelle Cary (Loose Id)
Razor's Edge by Jayne Rylon (Samhain Publishing)
Any Given Sunday by Mari Carr (Ellora's Cave)
The Reluctant Nude by Meg Maguire (Samhain Publishing)
With this Kiss by Marianne Evans (The Wild Rose Press)
Bought for the Millionaire's Bed by Jan Bowles (Siren-Bookstrand)
Rawhide and Roses by Maddie James (Turquoise Morning Press)
A Father at Last by Jan Scarbrough (Turquoise Morning Press)
Belong to Me by Shayla Black (Berkley Publishing)
Winter Fire by Jess Dee (Samhain Publishing)
The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton (Berkley Publishing)
Playing for Keeps by LuAnn McLane (Berkley Publishing)
The Chauffeur Wore an Evening Gown by Roni Adams (The Wild Rose Press)
Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan (Loose Id)

Fantasy romance

Goddess With a Blade by Lauren Dane (Carina Press)
The Dragon's Heart: Dragonstone Book II by Michelle Young (The Wild Rose Press)
Storm Called by Dorothy Muir (The Wild Rose Press)
Claimed by Evangeline Anderson (E.A. Publishing)
The Angel of Berlin by Red Haircrow (Flying with Red Haircrow)
Bitterwood by Rowan Speedwell (Amber Quill Press)
Tithed by Megan Hart (Samhain Publishing)
Touching Ice by Laurann Dohner (Ellora's Cave)
Changes by Jim Butcher (Berkley Publishing)
The Pleasure Girl by Jan Springer (Siren-Bookstrand)

Historical romance

Tiger Eyes by Kimberly Nee (Samhain Publishing)
Suspicious Minds by Eve Adams (Siren-Bookstrand)
Waltz of Seduction byNatasha Blackthorne (Ellora's Cave)
Sea Change by Darlene Marshall (Amber Quill Press)
Civilizing Frances by Marguerite Butler (Musa Publishing)
The Gladiator's Master by Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe (Carina Press)
The Warlord's Promise by Alyssa Morgan (Phaze)
A Midsummer Night's Sin by Kasey Michaels (Harlequin Romance)
Prisoner of Love by Samantha Kane (Ellora's Cave)
All Lessons Learned by Charlie Cochrane (Samhain Publishing)
Devils on Horseback: Gideon by Beth Williamson (Samhain Publishing)
Prisoner of Desire by Mary Wine (Samhain Publishing)
A Contract Bride's Triple Surprise by Reese Butler (Siren-Bookstrand)
Ravished by a Viking by Delilah Devlin (Berkley Publishing)
The Spy Who Loved Her by Melissa Schroeder (Samhain Publishing)
The Peacemaker by Jianne Carlo (Etopia Publishing)
Beguiled by Paisley Smith (Loose Id)

Paranormal romance

The Vampire Next Door by Ashlyn Chase (Sourcebooks)
Blood on Silk by Marie Treanor (Berkley Publishing)
Amazon Chronicles: Jungle Fire by Sarah Makela (Changeling Press)
Dead Sexy by Paige Tyler (Ellora's Cave)
Wolfman: Salvation by Brannan Black (Changeling Press)
Demon Possession by Kierstan Fey (Kierstand Fey)
Blood Knot by Tracy Cooper-Posey (Tracy Cooper-Posey)
Just Like Cats & Dogs by B A Tortuga (Torquere Press)
Dreaming of the Wolf by Terry Spear (Sourcebooks)
Mirror,Mirror: Gladiator by Alice Gaines (Changeling Press)
Asylum by Cassidy Hunter (Loose Id)
Darkess Falls by Trista Ann Michaels (Loose Id)
Hour of the Lion - Cherise Sinclair (VanScoy Publishing)
His Perrfect Mate by Laurann Dohner (Ellora's Cave)
Valiant by Laurann Dohner (Ellora's Cave)
Spellbound Moon 3: Third Time Lucky by Loribelle Hunt (Loose Id)
Ty the Sexy Dragon by Lexxie Couper (Ellora's Cave)
The Dragon Who Loved Me by G.A. Aiken (Kensington Books)
Cipher by Moira Rogers (Samhain Publishing)
The Lone Warrior by Denise Rossetti (Berkley Publishing)
Deadlock by Moira Rogers (Samhain Publishing)
Indulgent by Cathyrn Fox (Berkley Publishing)
The Canuck Werewolf by Marisa Chenery (Ellora's Cave)
Mesmerized by Lauren Dane (Berkley Publishing)
Big Bad Beast by Shelley Laurenston (Kensington Books)
Jace by Sarah McCarty (Berkley Publishing)
Legacy Found by NJ Walters (Samhain Publishing)
Hunter's Fall by Shiloh Walker (Berkley Publishing)
A Storm That is Sterling by Lisa Renee Jones (Sourcebooks)
Wild Hunts by Rhea Regale (Siren-Bookstrand)
The Grave Watchers by Missouri Dalton (Torquere Press)

Romantic suspense

Jungle Inferno by Desiree Holt (Ellora's Cave)
The Covering by Dana Pratola (White Rose Publishing)
Hidden Away Maya Banks (Berkley Publishing)
Deconstruction by Kit Zheng (Aspen Mountain Press)
Forget Me Not, Terri Molina (Terri Molina)
Devian Devil by Jianne Carlo (Loose Id)
All She Wrote by Josh Lanyon (Samhain Publishing)
No Place to Run by Maya Banks (Berkley Publishing)
Deadly Lies by Cynthia Eden (Grand Central Publishing)
Cover Me by Catherine Mann (Sourcebooks)
Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis (Grand Central Publishing)

BDSM

Lovers by Roxy Harte (Lyrical Press)
Make Me, Sir by Cherise Sinclair (Loose Id)
Bound by Honor by SE Jakes (Samhain Publishing)
Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan (Loose Id)
Black Jack by Mari Carr (Ellora's Cave)
Three Days of Dominance by Cari Silverwood (Loose Id)
Midnight Playground by Eliza Gayle (Loose Id)
A Taste of Scarlett by Evanne Lorraine (Loose Id)
Operation: Spank Me - Christina James (The Wild Rose Press)
Santana's Heat by Kitty DuCane (Loose Id)
Slapping Leather by Desiree Holt (The Wild Rose Press)
Eight Second Ride by Desiree Holt (The Wild Rose Press)
Siren Enslaved by Sophie Oak (Siren-Bookstrand)
Siren Beloved by Sophie Oak (Siren-Bookstrand)

Inspirational romance

White Roses by Michelle Levigne (Desert Breeze Publishing)
Buried Treasures by Mary Manners (White Rose Publishing)
Felines and Flowers by Stephanie J. Grace (Decadent Publishing)
Glass Angels by Karen Wiesner (Whiskey Creek Press)
Faithful Danger by Tanya Hanson (White Rose Publishing)
Accident Waiting to Happen by Trinity Hart (Inspired Romance Novels)
Sanctuary by Tanya Hanson (White Rose Publishing)
Kylie's Kiss by Delia Latham (White Rose Publishing)
A Face in the Clouds by Marianne Evans (White Rose Publishing)
In All Things by Shawna K. Williams (Desert Breeze Publishing)

Ari (Cover art award)

The Werewolf Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase (Artist unknown)
Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh (Artist unknown)
Hawke's Purr-fect Mate by H.C. Brown (Artist unknown)
What the Lady Wants by Dc Juris (Artist unknown)
Southern Comfort by Mari Carr & Jayne Rylon (Artist unknown)
Sunshine on Chrome by Lynne Connolly (Artist unknown)
Make Me, Sir - Cherise Sinclair (Christine M. Griffin, artist)
Prisoner of Love by Samantha Kane (Artist unknown)
Asylum by Cassidy Hunter (Valerie Tibbs, artist)
Cipher by Moira Rogers (Artist unknown)

Psyche Award

Painted Lady by Roxy Harte (Loose Id)
Better Than Chocolate by Maddie James (Resplendence Publishing)
Water Bound by Christine Feehan (Berkley Publishing)
Doms of Dark Haven Anthology (Loose Id)
Cinderella Wore Combat Boots by D.L. Jackson (Decadent Publishing)
Spellbound Moon 2: Twice Bitten by Loribelle Hunt (Loose Id)
Trouble in a Stetson by Regina Carlysle (Ellora's Cave)
Wicked Bad by R.G. Alexander (Samhain Publishing)
The Visionary by Pamela S. Tribodeaux (Five Star Expressions)

Anthology

All Wrapped Up Volume 2 (Changeling Press)
Escape (Changeling Press)
Cereus: Building (Torquere Press)
Light My Fire by Cooper McKenzie (Secret Craving Publishing)
Men out of Uniform (Berkley Publishing)
Entangled (Authors 4 The Cure)
Doms of Dark Haven 2 Western Nights (Loose Id)

Favorite Author

Ashlyn Chase
Carolyn Brown
Christine Feehan
H. C. Brown
Claire Thompson
Sophie Oak
Mary Calmes
L.A. Witt
Mari Carr
Cherise Sinclair
Sierra Cartwright
Cameron Dane
Desiree Holt
Loribelle Hunt
Laurann Dohner
Kitty DuCane
Tara Lain
Lynne Connolly
Jayne Rylon
Violet Summers
Samantha Kane
Christina James
Moira Rogers
Beth Williamson
Delia Latham
Marianne Evans
Lori Foster
Maya Banks
Lauren Dane

Young Adult

Drink Deep by Chloe Neill (Berkley Publishing)
The Tracks: Dark Territory by J. Gabriel Gates & Charlene Keel (HCI Books)
Initiation by Rebecca Royce (Decadent Publishing)
Real Boys Kiss Boys by Joe Filippone (Noble Romance)
Dreamwalk by Sarah MacManus (Young Rebel Publications)

Sci-fi Romance

Cindra's Bounty Hunter by Paige Tyler (Ellora's Cave)
Water Mark by Kathleen Scott (Samhain Publishing)
Cyborg Doms: Fane H. C. Brown (Noble Romance)
One Match by Kimberly Hunter (Cobblestone Press)
Captain O'Reilly's Woman by Gwen Campbell (Shadowfire Press)
Collective Memory by Tielle St. Clare (Ellora's Cave)
Braden by Allyson James (Ellora's Cave)
Sold by Elizabeth Raines (Siren-Bookstrand)

GLBT Romance

Steam Powered: Lesbian Steampunk Stories by JoSelle Vanderhooft (Torquere Press)
Love Revisited: Nash and Paul H. C. Brown (Noble Romance Publishing)
Blank by Sommer Marsden (Xcite Books)
Hawkin's Ranch: Quick to the Hunt by Cameron Dane (Loose Id)
Perfect Knowledge by Alex Standish (Torquere Press)
Rougaroux Social Club: Bayou Dreams by Lynn Lorenz (Loose Id)
Sully by Lynn Hagen (Siren-Bookstrand)
Push Pull by Joely Skye (Samhain Publishing)
Life, Love and Lemon Cookies by Ally Blue (Samhain Publishing)

Thank you to our reviewers and congratulations to our nominees this year!

http://theromancestudio.com/studionotes.php

Thank you!

The staff at The Romance Studio

Still looking for the perfect gift?

2011-12-22T04:39:00.000-08:00

My publisher has about a gazillion books on sale for $1.99 for your ereader. Ever author's first in a series books. Here's the skinny.

To celebrate the holidays, Sourcebooks has put announces its most extensive eBook promotion to date! From December 21, 2011-January 8, 2012, purchase the first book from a Sourcebooks author for only $1.99—books that are the first in a series, or the first book that Sourcebooks published by that author (and a few extra for good measure). More than 65 exceptional books ranging from young adult to adult fiction, romance, and non-fiction. For complete details, please visit our landing page devoted to this promotion: http://www.sourcebooks.com/it-all-started-when.html

BTS Grand Opening, Dec 15th

2011-12-13T05:32:00.000-08:00

Love book trailers? I do!

2011-11-28T15:06:00.001-08:00

Here's a new site dedicated to the viewing of book trailers!
Books
http://booktrailershowcase.com/wordpress/romance-books/
http://booktrailershowcase.com/wordpress/romance-books/paranormal-romance-books/
http://booktrailershowcase.com/wordpress/enter/

Trailer
http://booktrailershowcase.com/wordpress/romance-trailers/

Sometimes others say it best

2011-11-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

The wonderful Joan Reeves gave me permssion to repost this article. Thank you, Joan!
WRITE FOR TODAY

I hear a lot of writers bemoan the pop culture of today's world. They denigrate the music, novels, art, etc. and can't seem to find much of worth in any form of entertainment--and books are entertainment. I think they completely miss the boat. Why? Because they live today, not in the retro 1950's or the counter-culture 1960's or the greed 1980's or the recent millennial decade, but today.

If you live in today's world, which you do unless you have a time machine stashed in the garage, then you must write for the time in which you live. It doesn't matter if your writing is as exquisite as Bronte or Austen or Dickens or Michener or any of the past brilliant writers if the times in which you live don't support writing of that style or voice.

If you want to be a professional writer, write for your peers. That doesn't mean to dumb it down, but it does mean to not be intellectually snobbish and disdain the common reader. Most of those we revere today as renowned authors were considered genre authors in their day.

I have few favorites among today's so-called literary authors because most of them couldn't plot their way out of a room with 4 unlocked doors. They're all flash and no substance when it comes to creating prose - sparkling sentences that have no relation to the forward motion a novel should possess.

If you're not selling the way you want to be selling, don't disdain the books that do sell. Don't dismiss them out of hand. Instead, read the best-selling books in your genre. See what it is about those books that make readers eager to grab them. Compare your books--plot, premise, characters, execution--and see what the other authors bring to the table that you don't.

Your Writing Identity

1. Make sure your skills are up to par.

You must possess the narrative skills that enable you to craft a well written piece of fiction. Today, fiction of every genre is vibrant and exciting, with excellent characterization. Most of today's best writers work in genre or commercial fiction.

2. Find your identity as a writer.

You do this by discovering the stories that you want to tell. That's usually the same kind of story you like to read so finding your story identity should be easy.

3. Find the niche that allows you to tell your kind of story.

Do some research on the kind of stories you like to read. How are they categorized? In what genre or sub-genre do you find yourself shopping most frequently? That's probably the niche in which you want to position your books. The broader the niche; the harder it is to make an impact. The tinier the niche (and it still must be a niche that attracts many readers); the easier it is to get noticed.

4. Write a lot.

One way to discover your writing identity is to simply write. One of my favorite literary authors Larry Brown and bestseller thriller author Dean Koontz both said virtually the same thing: "You must write X number of words before you'll ever write anything worth publishing."

I believe that. There is a related truth to that theory. No one knows what X is because it's different for every writer so get started on your X number of words today.

Joan Reeves--Check out her blog: http://SlingWords.blogspot.com

and her newsletter is here: http://eepurl.com/fX7JT

If anyone is wondering how much my writing has changed over the years, I have examples for you! I just repubbed a couple of my very first novels and you can find them here: http://www.eroticescapesebooks.com/for $1.99

I have romance trading cards!

2011-11-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

I can send you a whole set (see example) If you live in the USA, I'll pay the 61 cents postage. If you live Internationally, email me and we'll work something out re: postage. ash@ashlynchase.com

Party time! Halloween parties where I'll be...

2011-10-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Going on now, and with an ipad up for grabs...see my contest page for Sam Cheever's trick or treating fun.

Also...

http://katiereus.blogspot.com
It's going on now, but I'll be there 10/24. Stop by each day to see what new and fascinating posts there are (and prizes, of course.)

Then http://romanticthemeparty.blogspot.com/
Marie Treanor's Shifter party All week from 10/24, but my day is 10/25.

Then the Spookapalooza at TRS (The Romance Studio) 10/28 to 10/31 I'll be popping in with excerpts from my various paranormal books. They're giving away a nook! http://theromancestudio.com/party

And I have a treat for you too! Strange Neighbors will be available for only

$0.99, that's right--99 cents from 10/28 until 11/3

Have you seen my new book cover?

2011-10-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of new books coming from Ellora's Cave...release dates to be announced as soon as I know what they are. Meanwhile, enjoy the first cover!

I think it's absolutely gorgeous!

Reminder!

2011-10-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Oct 8 at noon until 3 pm...I'll be signing the series at The Official Witch Shoppe on Pickering Wharf in Salem, MA.
Laurie Cabot is an actual character in book three, The Vampire Next Door.

Press release--pass it around!

2011-09-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Press release
Vampires and Werewolves can be cute, cuddly and comical!

Email: ashlynchase@gmail.com
URL: www.ashlynchase.com
For immediate release:
Raymond, NH – Ashlyn Chase finds the fun in writing Vampires, Witches and Werewolves, oh my!

This Halloween, if you enjoy the holiday but don’t appreciate being scared to pieces, you might look into a new type of book that’s gaining popularity. “Paranormal chick-lit” is the term used by Mary Janice Davidson, who has been credited with originating the genre.

A

Ashlyn Chase decided to try her hand at it and hit it big. The romance genre is 55 percent of the paperback market and women really want authors to turn up the heat these days. Chase believes, “The world needs more laughter and love and paranormal stories are the ultimate escapism.”

When asked how she finds the funny in dark characters like vampires and werewolves, Chase says, “I never overlook the obvious.” Let’s take a moment to embrace the clichés. Think about Vampires. What does everyone know about vampires? A) They have fangs and drink blood, usually by puncturing the victim’s carotid artery. B) They’re nocturnal and both silver and sunlight burns them. Chase takes that myth a step farther and has them “drop dead” when the sun rises, wherever they happen to be. How about Shapeshifters? A) If they shift while fully dressed, their clothes won’t fit their new shape. B) When they shift back, they’ll be naked. Both vampires and werewolves are super strong and have superior senses. What about ghosts? Ghosts are disembodied. They can see the physical world, but unless there’s a medium handy or they’ve learned some kind of telepathy, their influence is limited. Chase gives her ghosts someone to communicate with and sometimes telekinesis (the ability to move objects, mentally.)

In Chase’s new series, Strange Neighbors, her snarky ghost has an opinion on everything. He likes to scare off potential renters by making things move on their own. Also during the series her vampire breaks his fang on a rapper’s neck bling. Now where does a vampire find a dentist and how funny would it be to give him a lisp if he can’t retract his fangs? By deciding the bling was a knock-off, i.e. gold over silver, she made it happen. Her shapeshifting falcon is only half shifter so he doesn’t have good control and accidentally shifts under stress. Naturally, he gets stuck in his sweater and can’t shift back before being discovered. The witches? Well, they’re mainly human, but when one of them is Southern and has a butt-load of colorful expressions, imagine how her spells can backfire. “I’m not afraid to embarrass my characters,” Chase says. “It’s hilarious because it’s not happening to us. We’re a little warped that way.”

Strange Neighbors is garnering a lot of positive attention. Publisher’s Weekly wrote such a glowing review it caught the eye of a Hollywood Producer, who is considering the series! Book one in the series has been contracted for a Thai translation and her publisher is negotiating a Chinese translation now.

These books are geared toward women, although recent polls show that more and more romance readers are men. Because the hero in Strange Neighbors is a major league baseball pitcher, her series has mass appeal.

Her next book signings are Oct 1st 1 p.m. at the Peabody, MA, Barnes and Noble, and on Oct 8 at noon she’ll be signing the series at The Official Witch Shoppe on Pickering Wharf in Salem, MA.
Laurie Cabot is an actual character in book three, The Vampire Next Door.

Beautiful new cover for my novella...release date TBD

2011-09-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

Houston, we're having a problem. Sorry. You can find my new cover here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashlyn-Chase/101303673285353

Click "like" on the page while you're there!

Winner of the frequent follower contest

2011-08-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

...the $25.00 Barnes and Noble gift card goes to...
Tracey D! She commented at almost every single stop all month long!

Congratulations and thank you, Tracey!

Updated blog tour, etc.

2011-08-09T04:14:00.001-07:00

Aug 9--Preturnatura interview http://suzanne-johnson.blogspot.com
Aug 12--http://fangtasticbooks.blogspot.com
Aug 13--In person book signing! Well Read Books, Plaistow, NH 10:30 to 2 p.m.
Aug 15--www.freshfiction.com/pages.php?id=blog
Aug 18--www.nightowlromanceblog.blogspot.com
Aug 19--http://www.girlswhobite.net/
Aug 20--http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com ($25 B&N gift card)
Aug 22--http://book-obsessed.blogspot.com
Aug 24--www.loveromancepassion.com
Aug 25--Red Pencil Thursday www.miamarlowe.com (critique my work in progress!)
Aug 26--www.sizzlinghotbooks.net
Aug 29--http://starcrossedromance.blogspot.com AND http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
Aug 30--http://sosaloha.blogspot.com

500 followers on my facebook fan page!

2011-08-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's time to celebrate reaching the magic number on fb with a contest!

Simply email your email addy to my contest addy ashlynchase@gmail.com and tell me why you want to win my swag bag of books, mugs and sunglasses.

I'll draw a winner on the next full moon (August 13th)

My kindle books can now be autographed!

2011-07-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

I'm serious!
If you have a Kindle version of any of my books located here: http://kindlegraph.com/authors/GoddessAsh

I can add a personal message and sign them for you--no charge!
You just need a Twitter account to sign in.

Give it a try...I can't wait to see how it works!

Blog tour...let the madness begin!

2011-07-13T04:38:00.000-07:00

Almost all of these blog stops have a giveaway. Juat leave a comment to be entered into the drawings.

July 28--The Romance Studio release party
July 31--authorsoundrelations.blogspot.com AND radio interview www.romanceradio.net
Aug 1--catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com Interview
Aug 2--Bitten By Books release party ($50.00 Amazon gift card up for grabs!)
Aug 3--casablancaauthors.blogspot.com Launch party AND bookchickcity.com
Aug 4--The Qwillery qwillery.blogspot.com AND http://miamarlowe.blogspot.com
Aug 5--sinmckye.blogspot.com
Aug 6--naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
Aug 8--maggienash.blogspot.com http://maggienash.blogspot.com/2011/08/monday-magic-ashlyn-chase.html
Aug 9--Preturnatura interview http://suzanne-johnson.blogspot.com
Aug 12--http://fangtasticbooks.blogspot.com
Aug 13--In person book signing! Well Read Books, Plaistow, NH 10:30 to 2 p.m.
Aug 15--www.freshfiction.com/pages.php?id=blog
Aug 18--www.nightowlromanceblog.blogspot.com
Aug 19--Girls who Bite blog
Aug 20--http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com ($25 B&N gift card)
Aug 22--http://book-obsessed.blogspot.com
Aug 24--www.loveromancepassion.com
Aug 25--Red Pencil Thursday www.miamarlowe.com (critique my work in progress!)
Aug 26--www.sizzlinghotbooks.net
Aug 29--http://starcrossedromance.blogspot.com AND http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com
Aug 30--http://sosaloha.blogspot.com

On Aug 31st I will be lounging in my backyard.

New paperback is out!

2011-07-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just released while I was blissfully partying the nights away...
http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9370-hard-hats-hard-bodies.aspx
A duo with Isabelle Drake from Ellora's Cave about brothers who work as hard as they play and the women who really make them sweat.

Demolishing Mr. Perfect
Even though she's a nurse at a sperm bank, meeting young, virile professionals every day, Natalie Watson's relationships always seem to suffer from "stress fractures". With a hopeless prognosis, she seeks metaphysical help. The tea leaf reader tells her there's a perfect man for her, but she might have to change her definition of "perfect".

Shane (Crusher) Derby, owner of Derby Demolition, takes out his aggressions all day long by blowing up buildings and smashing the contents. He couldn't be mellower until the nurse in the adjacent building tells him to keep it down. He's making her donors jump and miss their cups. And he has the nerve to think it's funny.

Hard Fall

Have sex with a stranger? Never. But Brooke is fed up with life and looking for a change. When she meets a from-out-of-town cowboy in a Cambridge bar, she decides he’s exactly what she needs—a quick, anything goes, one-night-only distraction.

Liam thought wearing a cowboy hat to his favorite sports bar because he lost a bet was pure humiliation, but when a hot, short-skirt-wearing woman tells him he’s just what she wants, he changes his mind. But one night isn’t enough for Liam and he’s willing to change the rules of their game to get what he wants.

RWA National Convention (my experience)

2011-07-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

I just returned from the RWA national convention in NYC. It was awesome in many ways. I drank too much champagne, received overloads of adulation and inspiration, and felt like a rock star.

Strange Neighbors was up for a National Readers Choice Award, and even though I didn't win, I received plenty of positive attention by getting a ribbon and 3 certificates. One for me, one for my editor and one for my agent. My editor and publisher were there to see it, which was a nice surprise.

They took us (all the Sourcebooks Authors) out in limos to a Vietnamese restaurant down on 2nd Ave. We were on 45th, so it was a nice long limo ride. I finally learned how to use chopsticks! It was either that or starve. There were about 10 courses, and when the final one came out, there were metal spoons to serve it with. I almost yelled, "Come on, you had silverware all this time? And you didn't tell us?" Sheesh. Oh well, I'd only have eaten more if I'd had it at the beginning.

I saw lots of my Ellora's Cave buds and the bosses as well. They gave us these pretty umnbrellas that said Thank You in several languages. I love mine!

Because it was in New York, I was able to take the train, which is a beautiful ride along the coast. Guess who walked by me in my car on the way home? Elijah Wood! Traveling coach. Alone. His stock just went way up in my eyes. I like celebs who aren't full of themselves.

Well, that's about it for now. I need to go back and revise my proposal and finish up a story that Ellora's Cave just contracted. Well, I best be getting back to work!

Oh! And my agent and I came up with the funniest idea for a scene by scene freebie right here on my blog! Stay tuned for Karma Cleaners!

4 1/2 stars from RT for The Vampire Next Door!

2011-06-24T08:22:00.001-07:00

My August release was just reviewed by RT magazine.

Here's a snippet: Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: MILD

Description: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/images/star-4.5.pngRT Rating

Vampire Sly has been suffering a broken heart since he lost his wife 26 years ago. What Sly can’t imagine is that his family and friends are desperately trying to get him involved with a Wiccan woman whose psychic powers may end up not only easing his heart, but saving his undead life as well. In a literary world chock full of vampires, this is one that’s absolutely fantastic. With its humor, dialogue, theme and heart, Chase has put together an outstandingly fun romance with a great twist!

Amy Lignor

It's availabe for pre-order now and will be released Aug. 1st.

Another author needs help!

2011-06-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, dear. More sad news. This one affects one of my biggest fans and supporters.
Over the past few days Rhonda and her family have been living a nightmare that none of us would wish on anybody. Her niece Tori died of a rare disease at the age of 20, leaving behind an infant son.

If you can and would like to donate to the family, Rhonda has set up a paypal account to help with funeral expenses and anything Hunter might need.

toriandhunterfund@gmail.com

Thank you!

A fellow author needs help.

2011-06-17T04:08:00.001-07:00

One of my fellow EC authors is battling a serious illness and needs help with medical bills. An auction is being set up as we speak. It will run from June 21 to July 1. I'll be offering a bunch of Ellora's Cave paperbacks. (Not just mine.)

Or, if auctions aren't your thing and you'd like to help, you can make a direct donation at the same place.

www.labanksauction.org

National Readers Choice Awards finalist!

2011-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Awesome news!
Strange Neighbors was nominated for a prestigious National Readers Choice Award!
Woo Hoo! Winners will be announced at the annual RWA convention in New York City. That takes place from June 28th to July 1st...and I'll be there! Woot!

Last book in the series available for pre-order

2011-03-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

Whew! All the hooplah surrounding The release of The Werewolf Upstairs is over. I hardly know what to do with myself now that I'm not blogging every day...oh yeah, perhaps I'll get back to writing 1,000 minimum words per day. I'm writing two more books simultaneously, so I'd better do that if I intend to finish either one.

Meanwhile, The Vampire Next Door is up at Amazon and Barnes and Noble now, ready for pre-orders! Please help me get rich slow, and pre-order your copy now!

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Vampire-Next-Door/Ashlyn-Chase/e/9781402236631/?itm=8&USRI=ashlyn+chase

http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Next-Door-Ashlyn-Chase/dp/1402236638/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299248740&sr=1-9

AND I just noticed that Amazon Kindle's edition of The Werewolf Upstairs is going for only $2.99 today! Wow!

Blog Tour, Contests, and more!

2011-01-26T04:40:00.000-08:00

It's that time. The release of The Werewolf Upstairs came a bit early! Fine with me. Waiting is one of the hardest parts of being an author.

So, the celebration blog tour is in full swing. This is the updated calendar.

2/14 TRS (The Romance Studio) blog http://theromancestudio.blogspot.com/
TWU will be their book-a-day giveaway on 2/5

2/15 Interview Queen of Happy Endings http://alainereading.blogspot.com

2/16 Kristal Lee Romances http://www.kristalleeromances.com

2/17 The Book Fairy blog, topic: what inspired me to write paranormal romance and tips on character building http://tbfreviews.net/category/book-tours/guest-post/
(Sorry about the previos typo. Try this url.)

2/18 http://debsbookblog.blogspot.com Topic: How I got my start in publishing

2/19 NEC blog http://www.naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com (my regular bi-monthly)

2/20 Interview http://amberkatze.blogspot.com/

2/21 http://starcrossedromance.blogspot.com blog topis: Inspiration and ideas

2/23 Interview http://www.loveromancepassion.com

2/24 http://www.literaryescapism.com Topic: What makes your shapeshifter different?

2/28 Interview http://thebookreadinggals.blogspot.com
I have a few events in March, but those details will be posted later.

I hope to see you at one or more of these tour stops and good luck in the drawings!
If you don't win a signed copy, please let me know and I'll be happy to send you a signed bookplate (or 3 if you plan to buy the whole series!)

Pictures from our booksigning!

2010-12-14T05:17:00.001-08:00

Jeff, A Happy Bookstore Owner

Authors signing Dec 12

Holiday book signing!

2010-12-07T08:34:00.001-08:00

Multi-author book signing 12/12 with free basket and wrap! Noon to 3 p.m.

Coralie Jensen, Ella Drake,
Ashlyn Chase, Barbara Wallace,
Hannah Howell, Annette Blair

Well Read Books
Elm Plaza Route 125
Plaistow, NH 603-819-5116

I hope to see you there!

Book store signings

2010-11-24T12:48:00.001-08:00

I'm setting up some book signings at local book stores for the following holidays...
Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

These aren't just for me. There will be several authors from my RWA chapter signing.
First up is Barnes and Nobles on 12/12. That's an easy date to remember, right? Hours TBA.

And we'll be making the baskets you see on my 'store' blog, including any other items from the book store you want. Take a look! http://ashlync.blogspot.com/2010/11/book-lovers-baskets.html

More details later!

Yikes two more days til Halloween!

2010-10-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

And two more chances to win a copy of Strange Neighbors.

Simply comment on one of my guest blog posts and send me an email asking to be entered in the drawing!

Today 10/29 I'm here: http://www.fierceromance.blogspot.com/
10/30 http://www.naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and 10/31 www.shapeshifterseductions.blogspot.com

Good luck!

Ash

The Halloween Blog Tour Continues!

2010-10-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Sun 10/17, I'm here: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/2010/10/come-to-light-side.html

Tues 10/19: www.parajunkie.com
Weds 10/20 www.tinadonahue.com/blog
Thurs 10/21 I'll post a couple of ghost excerpts at LRC (Love Romance Cafe)

And then Friday, I'm off to the New Jersey RWA romance writer's conference.
I'll be signing Strange Neighbors there on Sat.

Stay tunes for next week's blog tour! It all ends up with a big bang and a $50 B&N gift certificate on 10/31.

Check back for details!
Have a spooky fun week!

Ash

I'm off to Romanticon!

2010-10-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

There's a 4 day party in Ohio this weekend. I'll be leaving tomorrow and will be back 10/11 evening.

I was so excited last night, I woke up at 3 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. Today I was so tired, I made the bed without a top sheet! LOL

When I get back, I'll be having a Halloween blog tour.
On Tues 10/12, I'll be a http://slingwords.blogspot.com
On Wednesday it's http://www.emilybryan.blogspot.com
Friday http://kgbdabbles.blogspot.com
Sat. http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and the same day: http://www.staceykennedy.com/fun-stuff/blog/

I'll fill in the following week when I get home. My calendar is filling up, so if anyone would like a guest blog from a real, live witch before Halloween...let me know!

It's Banned Books week

2010-09-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

Have you heard? It's our country's annual celebration of the first amendment. Some folks don't think we should honor it, and as such censorship still exists--sometimes overtly and sometimes covertly, but part of the joy and freedom of being an American (as opposed to N.Korean) is that we have the right to choose what we will and won't read.

This year's theme is "Think for yourself and let others do the same." I'm on board with that.

You'd be surprised by some of the books that are being banned these days!
For more commentary on banned books, visit Ellora’s Cave Publishing Readlines and Deadlines blog at:

http://tinyurl.com/laen3q

For a complete list of the top 100 banned or challenged books, visit the American Library Association website at:

http://tinyurl.com/336obfx

Well, I'm off to sing the National Anthem.

Oh, say can you see...all the books you might like...let the other ones be...for someone will like them too.

Had an awesome interview

2010-09-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

Check this one out. The interviewer did a fabulous job.

http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/hollywood-producer-intrigued-strange-neighbors-09-17-2010

October is paranormal month!

2010-09-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

If anyone is looking for a guest blogger, or someone to show up at your Halloween chat, or anything where I can talk about Strange Neighbors, just give me a shout. Or better yet, email me at ash@ashlynchase.com

Since I met my deadline for book 3 in the series early (Yay!) I'm available!

Ash

I'm a guest today

2010-09-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

At the fabulous Angie Fox's blog. We're talking about where I get my wacky ideas and what to do with them.

http://wickedauthors.blogspot.com/2010/09/something-wicked-welcomes-ashlyn-chase.html

Out of the blue reader request

2010-09-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

A reader wrote to me recently, asking me to write a particular character type.
That's never happened to me before!

I've had lots of reader mail asking all kinds of questions about my published works, but this was the first one who gave me an assignment. I was intrigued!

I asked for any good sources on the subject (fairies) so I could research them first. To be honest, I don't think I've ever read a book in my style (paranormal comedy) with faeries in it. But I've read enough to realize they're not always full of rainbows, puppies and sunshine. Sometimes they're downright mean! What fun!

So, thank you dear reader. Now that I've finished the novella I had started a year ago and the novel I was contracted to write by Sept 30th, I can enjoy reading all about the fae. I'll start with the sources you gave me, and if anyone out there knows of some terrific research resources for me, give me a yell! Either here or privately. ash@ashlynchase.com

However, I'm still planning to write a series with my writing partner Dalton Diaz and we have an idea which would involve ghosts--not fairies. So, here I go...working on two projects at once again. Possibly three! I still have a tiger shapeshifter/India story in my head.

That's okay. All that work will keep me out of trouble! Something fairies don't worry about. Heh heh

Hot Ash's Romantic Comedy: Another new release!

2010-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hot Ash's Romantic Comedy: Another new release!

Another new release!

2010-08-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

August is turning out to be a big month for me. Red Stilettos just came out in print!
All four novellas are in one large paperback and it's even on sale!

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8677-red-stilettos.aspx

Check out all four stories about one legendary pair of red stilettos rumored to bring the wearer her heart's desire.

We're fondly calling it The Sisterhood of the Traveling Stilettos

New release today, Strokes

2010-08-03T04:17:00.000-07:00

Ashlyn Chase and Dalton Diaz proudly offer a new release from Ellora's Cave. It's the first in their Arts line.

Book Reviewer Darcy Dennison wants to ring her artist neighbor’s neck. That’s a crying shame considering how gorgeous he is, but she needs peace and quiet to get her work done. Models throwing fits in his apartment don’t help.
On a temporary work visa, Paolo Santori has little time to paint his nudes before returning to Italy to marry a woman he doesn’t love. Then Darcy bursts into his life. The solution is simple, she’ll model his favorite subject while she works.
Making her glisten thrills them both, but falling in love could mean losing everything he’s ever known.

http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8466-50-strokes.aspx

Most recent (and adorable) cover in the Stange Neighbor series

2010-07-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this cover and owe the artist a big sloppy kiss on the mouth--
oh, all right...a hug will have to do. People tend to shy away from crazies, even if they're crazy grateful.

Thailand anyone?

2010-07-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

I recently found out Strange Neighbors was picked up by a publisher in Thailand and will be translated into Thai! I can only imagine what it will look and sound like. I hope I get a copy for my keeper shelf.

I also hope they want the two sequels. First is The Werewolf Upstairs, which is going through final line edits. If you're worried that you might forget about it between now and February (I know I would! LOL) it can be preordered on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Werewolf-Upstairs-Ashlyn-Chase/dp/140223662X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279204108&sr=1-1

I hope you're having as awesome a summer as I am!

Ash

Contest winners!

2010-07-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those of you who love contests...so do I!
I love to feel like Santa Claus in the middle of summer.
And the way I usually run my contests is by having one to celebrate each release, and other impromptu contests on my yahoo chat loop. That's how I reward my readers for sticking with me.

Well, the recent blog tour included many contests put on by my publisher. They gave away not just one, but two books at several of the tour stops.

Me? I had a contest too. It was for the most frequent visitor. And the winner is...dun, dun, dahhh... Christine H!

I made her an anklet. (grin) Thank you Christine!

Another contest I held on my yahoo loop was called "Burn, stake or behead?" I asked my readers how I should have my good vampire kill off the evil vampire.

And the winner is Kimmy L! She had a very well thought out, involved set of directions for immobilizing, exorcizing, and finally disposing of him so that he could not possibly come back. It almost sounds like you've done this before, Kimmy. LOL.

Anyway, Kimmy won a pair of polarized sunglasses. The best kind to eliminate glare as you read on the beach!

Another contest was held for the same type of sunglasses last Friday for our Favorite Author Friday. Yes, I share the spotlight on the last Friday of each month. Knowing I'm not the only author my readers enjoy, I ask them who they'd like me to invite. We've had some wonderful people on those days and I've discovered some great new books!

So, anyway, last Friday's winner--drawn at random from participants was...Maisha W!

I hope you all enjoy your prizes and maybe others who see this will decide to join the fun! Simply click the sign up spot for the yahoo group on my home page.

Ash

Winding down

2010-06-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

I finished my book signings this month, I resign as president of my RWA chapter on the 30th and I only have two more blogstops on the I Must Be Nuts blog tour. YAY! Not that it hasn't been fun...it's been all kinds of fun! But during all that I've had to write, edit my last book and brainstorm the next series, so I'm a little exhausted.

Today (Tues) I'll be here: http://www.myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com/
And Wednesday here: http://www.luxuryreading.com

There are giveaways!
And check my blog on Wednesday for the winner of the most frequent commenter who followed me through the tour.

And, by the way...if anyone would like a signed book plate in case you bought one of my paperbacks and couldn't make it to the book signing, just let me know and I'll send you one--or as many as you'd like.

Ash

Another week, another blog tour

2010-06-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

Here's this week's schedule...remember, I'm giving a prize to the most frequent commenter!

Mon: http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com
Tues: http://literaryescapism.com/
Weds: http://mindingspot.blogspot.com
Thurs: http://singletitles.com/?p=4269

In person book signings
Fri: Nashua, NH, Barnes and Noble 7 p.m. Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, NH

Sat: Nashua, NH, Ancient Moon, noon to 3 p.m. W. Pearl Street, Nashua, NH

Whew! Made it through week 3

2010-06-13T06:27:00.001-07:00

And here's week 4 of the I Must Be Nuts blog tour:

June 14, Anna's Book Blog http://annavivian.blogspot.com

June 15, Thoughts in Progress blog http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com

June 16, Romance Readers at Heart's Novel Thoughts Blog http://novelthoughts.wordpress.com

June 17, Adele Dubois's blog http://www.adeledubois.com/blog

and on the weekend...I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at Barnes & Noble Sat. June 19 6:30 p.m., 1741 S. Willow St, Manchester, NH

I hope to see some of you lovelies there!

Ash

2 blog stops today!

2010-06-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hello my darlings!

Here's where I'll be today
(when I'm not at my local book signing (Well Read Books-Elm Plaza, Plaistow NH, noon to 3.)

http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
and
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com

I'll have a contest with a surprise gift for a lucky participant.
Everything is a mystery today! Mystery prize and I'm not telling which blog I'll be drawing names from. (evil grin)

Today's stop on the blog train

2010-06-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed for Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell here:
http://books-forlife.blogspot.com

Hope you can stop by!
And now for the Contest thanks to Sourcebooks.

Rules:
1. Ends June 14th (2 winners)
2. You need to Ask a question, or comment on the books.
3. Open to US and Canada
4. Please leave me a way to contact you if your email is not in your profile.

To the rest, be free to ask questions even if you are not entering :=) The more the merrier.

Ash

Next...

2010-06-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

This week's stops on the I must be Nuts blog tour are:

Monday (too late.)
Tuesday: Love Romance Passion http://www.loveromancepassion.com
Thursday: Psychotic State Interview http://psychoticstate.blogspot.com
Friday: Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell Interview http://books-forlife.blogspot.com
Saturday: Naughty Author Chicks Blog http://naughtyauthorchicks.blogspot.com
also Sat: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com

I'll be signing in person at Well Read Books in Plaistow, NH, Sat. noon to 3 p.m.
I hope some of you can come!

Ash

This week's stops on the "I Must Be Nuts" blog tour

2010-05-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Today, my interview with the Nashua NH Telegraph will be in their Sunday Edition!

Monday was never confirmed, so it's an unexpected day of rest. (Thank you, universe!)

Tuesday 6/1 Fresh Fiction
http://freshfiction.com/blog
Family party. Restaurant of my choice. (Hmmm...who has the best Champagne? Caviar?)

Wednesday 6/2 Love Romances Cafe (Dawn's Reading Nook)
http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com
Also, visit my publisher's authors' blog for my Launch Party! http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/

Thursday 6/3 Smexy Book and TRS
www.smexybooks.com (click on blog)
www.theromancestudio.com (party, join their yahoo group)

Then on Friday, I fly to Ohio and spend the weekend with 300 or so authors and readers at an event hosted by Lori Foster. I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at the Cincinnati Marriott on Saturday!

Tomorrow's stop on the blog tour

2010-05-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

Fang-tastic Books! What a fun name!

http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com

Ash

Today's links!

2010-05-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

5/26, the "I Must be Nuts" blog tour will be stopping by four places:

Here's the nutty schedule for today:

An interview at: http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/ (This is the correct url for Book Junkie's. My apologies to Book Junkies and anyone who tried the wrong one.)

Blurb and excerpt at both of Amber Skyz blogs: http://amberskyze.blogspot.com and http://amberskyze.wordpress.com

Regular blog at Casablanca Authors...my publisher's blog. It's about motherhood/authorhood. http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Ash

The "I Must Be Nuts" Blog Tour!

2010-05-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Strange Neighbors--my first mass market paperback releases June 1st! Yes, I want to shout it from the rooftops, but blogging is so much more practical.

So...in my enthusiasm, I managed to commit myself to 22 blogs and 5 book signings! I may need to be committed to a psych ward after that!

Anyway, here's my ridiculous schedule. If you have a free moment, please check in on me and make sure I haven't gone around the bend and over the edge!

Week one:
May 25, Night Owl Romance blog
May 26, a) Book Junkies and b) The Sourcebooks Casablanca blog
May 27, Fang-tastic Books blog
May 29, Naughty Author Chicks blog
May 30, Interview to appear in the Sunday Nashua Telegraph

Week two:
May 31, Emma Peterson's blog
June 1, Fresh Fiction blog
June 2, Dawn's Reading Nook
June 3, Smexy Books blog
and on the weekend...I'll be at Lori Foster's Reader/Author Get Together. Signing Strange Neighbors Sat. June 5th 2 to 4 p.m. at the Cincinnati Marriott North, West Chester, OH

Week three:
June 7, League of Amazing Authors blog
June 8, Love Romance Passion blog
June 10, Psychotic State blog - (let's hope that's not an omen)
June 11, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell blog
and on the weekend...I'll be signing all my trade paperbacks and Strange Neighbors Sat. June 12 from noon to 3 at Well Read Books, 37 Plaistow Rd, Elm Plaza, Rt. 125, Plaistow, NH

Week four:
June 14, Anna's Book Blog
June 15, Thoughts in Progress blog
June 16, Romance Readers at Heart's Novel Thoughts Blog
June 17, Adele Dubois's blog
and on the weekend...I'll be signing Strange Neighbors at Barnes & Noble Sat. June 19 6:30 p.m., 1741 S. Willow St, Manchester, NH

Week five...wait a minute, there's a week five?
Oh yes.
June 21, Deb's Book Blog
June 22, Literary Escapism
June 23, Wendy's Minding Spot
June 24, Thurs book signing at Barnes & Noble 7 p.m., 235 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua NH
and on the weekend...I'll be signing my trade paperbacks and Strange Neighbors June 26 at Ancient Moon noon to 3, W. Pearl Street, Nashua, NH

That's it, right? Five weeks and I'm done? No?
Oh no!
June 29, My Reading Room blog
June 30, Luxury Reading.com

All of July, sleep late and recover!
Then look forward to the sequel in Feb 2011

Mothers...Cats are kids too

2010-05-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

I have one human child. Bill Cosby said, "Anyone who has an only child doesn't have kids." It's true. You don't have one daring the other to jump off the roof into the fluffy snow, (like my brother did to me. Yup, I jumped. Got the wind knocked out of me and my back hurt for a couple of days.) You don't have one telling the other that Vanilla not only smells delicious, but it taste yummy too and gets you to take a big gulp, (Yup my brother did that to me too. It burned all the way down...and back up again.) I don't know how my mother stood us. She must have had amazing patience, but I remember my brother and I testing that theory. A lot.

They say, you only get what you can handle. As a single mom for several years, I wasn't able to handle much. Memories of those years make me wonder how I managed to raise such a well-adjusted kid. As a nurse, I sometimes worked double shifts to make ends meet. When I had a date, I had to hope my ex-husband didn't find out and do something jerky. Sigh. But somehow, we made it through. As a mother, you just do what you have to do. By the time I remarried, my daughter was thirteen and my baby days were over. So one is all I got.

Now, because my daughter has grown up and moved into her own condo, I don't have kid or kids. I have a cat. He can be just as funny as a kid sometimes, but again...he's an only cat. I think when he leaves us (and we are SO not looking forward to that day) we'll get two. Maybe a brother and sister. My mom would be proud.

Mother's Day--Cats are kids too

2010-05-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

So, what's funny about Earth Day? Absolutely nuthin'. Oh, I've heard jokes about penguins fighting polar bears as they float toward the equator on icebergs, but is global warming something to poke fun at? Probably not. So, I boiled it down to a personal level and figured I'd tell you about my--ahem--skills as a gardener.

I'm in the enviable(?) position of having plenty of room for gardens. When we moved in here, the previous owners had already planted bulbs that sprout into a gorgeous spring garden each year. Since that was none of my doing, I can't take credit for it...but I can take credit for the genius solution I came up with to take care of the aftermath once it all dies. Being the lazy-ass gardener I am, I simply have my husband mow it! Yup, it becomes part of the lawn again. See? Genius!

Now, I had to put in another garden because the plow guy rips up part of the lawn every winter. We tried to replant the grass there one year and threw our hands up in defeat the following spring when that patch was just bare dirt again. What did I do? I hired the plow guy's son to come over and edge it, and now it's my "annuals garden." His dad can plow it up to his heart's content each winter and it just turns the earth over for the next year's marigolds and begonias. Yup, I'm a genius all right.

Third garden...oh yes. We have one more. Our house can't be seen from the street and people used to miss the 550 foot long driveway, even with the mailbox out there. A garden would proclaim "Hey, somebody lives here" but the problem was getting water that far away from the house. So, I planted a xeroscape garden. What's that? It's plants that need zero watering and care once they're in the ground for a year. I live in a temperate climate, and there are plenty of drought tolerant plants that do really well. I have two overgrown juniper bushes at the back, between them, a row of lilacs that are too close together and need to be thinned. A redbud tree front and center, a St. John's wort on it's right and some yarrow and day lilies on the left.
For fall color, I interspersed some black-eyed Susan’s and asters. Cool, huh?

Well, my downfall is weeding all these gardens. I'm usually way too busy writing, promoting, and keeping up with the housework (yeah, right.) However, on the rare occasion that I get really, really angry, I weed. I picture the hair of whomever I'm mad at as I rrriiiiip up the weeds. (Hee hee) It works. I get my anger out in a healthy way, and my yard looks better for it. Unfortunately, the happier I am, the crappier my yard looks.

Does anyone else out there have any creative ways of dealing with mother nature? I know I'm not the only genius here!

I've finally stopped hyperventilating...

2010-04-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

And now I can tell you that not only did Strange Neighbors get a fantastic write up in Publisher's Weekly, but it also caught the eye of a Hollywood producer!

Now you see why I thought I was going to pass out.

Here's the awesome review:
“The good-natured fun never stops. Chase (Vampire Vintage) brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem.”

Strange Neighbors Ashlyn Chase. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-4022-3661-7

When nurse Merry MacKenzie rents an apartment in a historic Boston home, she's taken with her new landlord, sexy baseball pitcher Jason Falco, and intrigued by the possibility of a ghost on the premises. It doesn't take long to figure out that her neighbors are an odd bunch: a couple of witches who run a phone sex business, several shape-shifters, a werewolf, and a vampire in (of course) the basement. The scariest entity by far is determined reporter Lila Crum, whose pursuit of Jason knows no boundaries. Add in Jason's snoopy and decidedly nonsupernatural aunt and the good-natured fun never stops. Chase (Vampire Vintage) brings on plenty of laughs along with steamy sex scenes as Merry and Jason bewitch each other amid the supernatural mayhem. (June)

My agent is talking with the producer and I'm trying to breathe properly while I wait. Wish me luck!

Ash

2010-03-23T05:34:00.001-07:00

Dear Sexy Lexie was released at www.jasminejade.com on St. Patrick's Day. It's the third in the Red Stilettos series. The fourth and last book is coming out tomorrow! It's Bad, Bad, Girlfriend by the delicious Delilah Devlin! Since our heroines are best friends and their heroes are cop partners, we had to work together to be sure the stories and characters dovetailed. I love these stories! Delilah's one HOT author!

We're celebrating with a contest! For a handpainted box from Kashmir, India, containing a beautiful toe ring, just view my brand new redesigned home page on my website. Join my yahoo chat loop and post anything you like about the new design. I'll draw a winner from the participants. (From now on, all my contests will be conducted on my yahoo loop. You can join right from my website's new home page.)

Dear Sexy Lexie is a story in the Red Stiletto series about an older woman advice columnist and a sexy, much younger cop hero. I'm very proud of this effort and so happy to be part of this awesome series!

TITLE: Dear Sexy Lexie

PUBLISHER: Ellora's Cave

RELEASE DATE 3/17/10

URL FOR EXCERPTS: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8222-dear-sexy-lexie.aspx

ISBN# 9781419926921

GENRE: Contemporary, Multi-author Series

LENGTH: Novella

*Some women should take their own advice…

No-nonsense, thirty-nine-year-old Lexie Burns pens an advice column—Letters to Sexy Lexie—that delivers common sense with a dose of humor and a verbal slap upside the head. Tyler Black, a younger, drop-dead gorgeous cop, has had it with empty-headed, superficial women. In Lexie, he sees the kind of intelligent woman with whom he could build a solid relationship—if he can convince her to acknowledge his existence.

With the help of some magical stilettos, Tyler might get his woman…and Lexie might get a desperately needed slap upside the libido.

Red Stiletto Series trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Xl4U8JA5g&feature=channel

Dear Sexy Lexie trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLk-d389lxU

--

--
Where there’s fire, there’s Ash
www.ashlynchase.com

Chat with me:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ashlynsnewbestfriends/
I'm also on myspace, twitter and facebook

Strange Neighbors, coming June 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-nc0XXO-FU

Dear Sexy Lexie, just released! from www.jasminejade.com

2010-03-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

This is book 3 in the Red Stiletto Series. Think of the concept this way: Sisterhood of the traveling pants for grown women--with a pair of gorgeous red stilettos that magically fit each of the four friends. Each book stands alone, but why wouldn't you want the whole series? They're terrific together! Find mine and the other two here: www.jasminejade.com and look for the last book by Delilah Devlin next week!

Here's the intro to each story:

LIFE Magazine, July 1959

When Ava Darling and her new husband Charles Stratton III returned from Italy, we were lucky enough to catch up with them in their suite at the Waldorf Astoria. They said they were spending the weekend recovering from jet lag, but one could surmise from the way they cuddled together on the brocade sofa that their visit was more of an extended honeymoon.

We asked Ava and Charles about their courtship and heard a charming story about the two literally bumping into each other on a crowded street in Rome--but that was just part of the story. Ava treated us to a surprising account of the moments which led up to their “accidental” meeting. If one believes in fate, their romance may have been no accident at all.

She blushed as she admitted to gaining a few pounds after succumbing to a number of tempting Italian pastas and mouthwatering desserts. Apparently, this led to discomfort when she walked the cobblestone streets in her unforgiving high heels. Her Italian costume designer urged her to seek out a cobbler named Giorgio in his shop Desiderio del cuore, which is Italian for Heart’s Desire. She said he could create a pair of shoes that would fit comfortably regardless of any changes in her size or shape.

Meeting Giorgio was a delight, Ava said. His eyes crinkled with mischief as he promised the red peep toe stilettos she ordered would be everything she wished for and more. It was just after she picked up her comfortable new shoes and wore them out of the shop that she met Mr. Stratton.

Coincidence? Perhaps, but not the way Ava sees it. She’s convinced the shoes are responsible for granting her heart’s desire…

See the trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Xl4U8JA5g...feature=channel for the full montage
(heh heh, that didn't sound dirty at all!)
And here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLk-d389lxU for Dear Sexy Lexie!
Dear Sexy Lexie

Chapter One

“Lexie! I’m so glad you made it this year. We missed you and Sam at last year’s cookout.” The old woman glanced around. “Where is he, anyway?”

Oh, no. Please don’t tell me Maude didn’t hear about Sam.

As soon as that thought rolled through Lexie’s brain, the hostess rushed over and whispered furiously in Maude’s ear.

Maude gasped. “Oh, you poor dear! Oh, I’m so sorry. How did he die? No. Never mind. I’m just a nosy old woman.

You got that right. The last thing Lexie wanted to do was relive the horror of her late husband’s cancer at a cookout when she was finally moving on.

Maude waited, obviously hoping Lexie would answer the question anyway. When she didn’t, Maude said, “Here, let me get you a chair, you should sit down.”

“I’m fine, Maude. It’s been a year and a half.”

“Oh. Are you sure you don’t want to sit? I could load up a plate for you.”

And tell you all about it while I try to digest a greasy burger? No thanks. “No, really. I’m fine.”

Tyler Black strolled over. He looked just as hot in his off-duty Dockers as he did in his San Francisco police officer’s uniform. Six feet of solid muscle, dark brown hair and blue eyes with black lashes were only the start of his sex appeal. His twin dimples and wolfish grin gave him a boyish charm he might never outgrow.

“Hey Lexie. You are lookin’ fine.” He winked.

His flirtation made her feel like a normal woman, who happened to be single again and she grinned.

“So, have you started dating yet?”

Maude gaped at him. “Tyler Black! What an outrageous question.”

Lexie had had just about enough of people speaking for her. “Actually, Tyler, I’ve been thinking it’s about time.”

Maude’s jaw almost hit the patio, then she whirled and stomped off in a huff.

He sidled up next to Lexie and said in a low voice that made her shiver, “Good, then I can be your first.”

When she laughed, he leaned in closer and whispered, “And who knows, maybe your last.”

“Why? Are you gonna kill me?”

Tyler burst out laughing.

Lexie sighed. “Maude’s right about one thing, Tyler. You are outrageous.”

“It’s part of my charm. And come to think of it, you’re pretty outrageous yourself, Sexy Lexie. Think of how much fun we can have together. So how about it? Are you busy Friday night?”

Lexie placed a hand on her hip. “How old are you?”

“Just turned twenty-seven.”

“Ha! Do you know how old I am?”

He stepped back and studied her. “I think you’re legal. At least I hope so.”

She snickered. “You’re charming all right. But to answer my own question, I’m thirty-nine, and only for a few more weeks.”

“So, you’re fortieth birthday is coming up? Congratulations! We’ll have to celebrate in some special way.”

Lexie tipped her head. “Did you not hear me? I’m a dozen years older than you.”

“Yup. I did the math.”

“I’ll be getting gray and wrinkled any day now. And that doesn’t bother you?”

“Nope. I see more than a beautiful woman, maybe five foot eight with dark wavy hair I’d like to run my fingers through. I see an interesting, intelligent woman with a sense of humor, who I’d like to get to know better.”

I don’t think he’s kidding. Better change the subject. “Jolie said she and Gabe were coming, but I don’t see them. Did your partner get called in to work today?”

“Not that I know of. I’m sure they’ll be here. Hey, maybe since your friend is dating my partner, we can double some time.”

Lexie gave him a slow eye-roll and headed off to the bar.

"There's your home."

2010-02-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

On the plane to Boston from London, I sat next to a nice gentleman from the UK. We chatted a bit and then I fell asleep. A few mintues after I awoke, he pointed out the window and said, "There's your home." The lights from the east coast were just winking into view.

I have to admit, I got a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I never expected to be affected like that after returning from a vacation. Sure, there's always the relief of a safe return to familar surroundings, but this time, coming from India, and realizing all I have that I take for granted...well, my reaction was more emotional.

Suddenly my aversion to the winter snow and cold seemed minor. And little things like being able to drink water right from the tap seemed huge. As we drove from Boston back to our beautiful home in New Hampshire, my husband I took stock of many other things that made our lives better than we realized.

Little things like, knowing how much things cost and being charged the same amount as everyone else; a quiet ride driving within lanes--not relying on the constant honking of horns to avoid hitting someone in overcrowded conditions; food that doesn't make you think twice about its effects; flush toilets and toilet paper...and big things like peace within our borders; knowing that most people don't go hungry day after day; lack of preventable diseases... I could go on. But I guess all I want to say is that we really are a whole lot luckier than we realize.

And I'm glad to be home in the USA.

Ash

This shopaholic is all shopped out!

2010-02-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

Wait until you see all the amazing stuff I bought over here. I took a couple of pictures yesterday. At first, I just spread out the items I bought in Chennai. But then I decided to put out the things I got in Bangelore and Mysore too. Oh my goodness! I have way too much stuff!

I managed to get it all into a carry-on, but one more thing in that bag and it'll explode! LOL. I don't even want to know how much I spent. It was worth it, though. I've experienced both sides of Indian commerce. The kind where the store manager greets you at the door, takes you to the items you're interested in, sits you down in a comfortable chair and shows you all their wonderful things. Some even serve you coffee or tea.

Now, the other side... I'm laughing inside as I remember yesterday's shopping experience. I got the high-end treatment first, then we went to a five story shopping mall. Same old western mall stuff. (I bought sunglasses, nothing more.) Then we hit the streets. Oh yeah. T-Naggar is the place for "good stuff cheap." My driver kept telling me it wasn't the best quality, but I was looking for a particular item and we couldn't find it anywhere. T-Naggar Street in Chennai has everything you could want, including tailors. I finally found the little sari blouse and underskirt but the blouse was a little tight. (Happily, it was tight across the chest.) LOL. But there was a generous margin which the tailor used to ease the fit.

Then I got home and discovered the colors not only didn't match, but were a horrible clash! Oh No! Now, I think I'll have to buy at least one, and perhaps two more saris.
Oh woe is me. Where the heck will I put them???

Driving in India

2010-02-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

I wish I could record the sounds here. Honk honk, hoooonk, honk, honk, honk...all day and most of the night. You know what? I think I can! Our camera takes short videos. I'll try to remember to record the noise and traffic from the rooftop deck.

Driving in India includes beeping one's horn every time you come up to a vehicle that might possibly get in your way. The concept of lanes is "merely a suggestion" as my cab driver in Bangelore put it.

According to what I hear, the reason there aren't more accidents is because everyone is only responsible for what happens in front of them. Who's doing what behind you is their problem. As long as you don't hit anyone, and the guy behind you makes sure he doesn't hit you, everyone manages to get where they're going.

I'm about to meet my cab driver in Chennai. I hope to brave the street markets for some bargains. I need a few things, I won't get there...like slips to go under the saris I bought. I watched a couple of videos on you tube to show me how to put it on. It's quite a process. I also noticed the young women here wear a more fitted pant-like leggings under their churidars. I'd prefer those to the voluminous silk pajama pants. I should go to the mall for them. Yes, they have malls here. Only instead of spreading out, they're high-rise malls. It should be fun.

In the street level shops or markets, I hope to pick up some fun things for prizes to give away on my yahoo loop, Ashlyn's New Best Friends. I love giving presents to my friends, so if you want to be one of my new best friends, simply go to the home page of my website, www.ashlynchase.com click on the yahoo icon, and sign up!

I know the gang is still having fun even though I'm not there. Sherry and Dalton should be there to welcome you. Maybe Garry, our resident guy, will give you an excerpt or two from my books. Rhonda usually pops in when she's not busy at work. Plus we hear from Athena more now that she's back from Brazil. Monica in jolly old England has been MIA recently because of illness, but I hope she's right as the Enlish rain and back to post pictures of hotties which the groups greatly appreciates!

Jeez, I miss you guys!

Hugs,

ASH

Begin every day with chocolate!

2010-02-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

We have a fabulous buffet each morning at the hotels. Some items are standard, like Vada, a little vegetable donut I've come to enjoy, and other items change. At the old hotel, a whipped chocolate was availale every morning. I smeared it on banana bread and it was delicious! I always ate it last to let the chocolate linger.
Now, the new hotel doesn't have it. (Bummer) But this morning they had a rolled ring with chocolate-raspberry inside. Yum!

You'd think I'd be gaining weight over here with all the good food, but the truth is, I'm losing weight! I want to taste every new thing, so I take a tiny portion and savor it. I'm also getting a little more excercise. We're on low floor and take the stairs. This hotel has an awesome roof deck where the pool is, so I might use that more. The old hotel's pool was right in front of the resturant and all the rooms circled it. Yeah, SO not private. But I braved the humiliation and got in it once. I think I was the only person to use it all week. (They think it's cold here!) I don't know celcius temps, but it's in the high twenties to low hirties celcius. Feels like the eighties, farenheit. In order not to hate me, think,"Oh, poor dear, it's only in the twenties and thirties! And the Internet connection is spotty."

Hubby will be adding more pictures while he's at work today. Now I have to jump in the shower.

Ash

try this link for pictures

2010-02-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

This is only 111 so far.

Yesterday...no, the day before (I'm so confused as far as what day it is, never mind what time it is there vs. here) anyway...Saturday we went to a huge national park and took a jeep safari trip through it. We saw lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Seriously!!! There's this ugly creature called a sloth bear and I got lots of pictures of those, a couple were standing right in the road in front of us and we had to wait for them to move.

The lions and tigers were pretty lazy. They looked well fed and more interested in napping than eating the tourists. Some were in large cages with people tending them. My husband said they were in time-outs. (No more tourists for you!)

Also in cages were large snakes, jackels, crocks, elephants, hippos, monkeys, you name it. But those pictures will have to wait until my husband can download them off his camera and onto photobucket again.

We spent the day with my husband's boss, Parag, and his family. They have the cutest little boy and it was fun seeing the park through his eyes. Unfortunately, we also encountered our first persistent beggars. He spoke to them in Hindi and I'm sure he was telling them to leave us alone. They didn't.

Pictures!

2010-02-13T04:27:00.000-08:00

Here are some of what we have. More to come!

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x185/ashlyn__photo/India%20trip/

I officially love this country

2010-02-12T17:48:00.001-08:00

I know I missed a day, but it's not because I fell off an elephant and wound up in the hospital...we just had a very long, very exciting day yesterday.

It was (and still is) the Feast of Shiva. A two day holiday meant to honor Shiva the destroyer. (The God who smites your foes and woes.) So my husband was off work for the holiday and we hired a cab for a day of sightseeing. Oh my! We saw so many cool things it's hard to remember it all.

First we went to a Muslim site. A Sultan's palace and lands, plus his burial place. Aparently he was a good king despite the many bloody battles depicted on the walls of his palace--or maybe because of them. There were potraits done in 1799 of the Sultan and each of his seven sons. (No, the women didn't get documented for eternity.) Pity, because the potrait artist was incredible. Each wel preserved likeness looked completely unique and detailed.

The next place we went was a bird sanctuary. It had a whole lot more than birds, although our guide said there was every type of bird in India there. I caught a picture of a monkey and her baby. So cute! I got a couple of shots of crocodiles with the telephoto lens. Sorry, wasn't getting close to those things!

My husband is going to put these photos in my photobucket account so I can post them here.

So, after that, we were well rested and it was a good thing since our next stop was a temple dedicated to Shiva. Oh my goodenss. Everyone showed up to honor the God on "his day." We had to take off our shoes to go through the temple--or I should say, be pushed and crushed through the temple. We had our foreheads' dotted with red insence, were given flowers to lay at different spots in the temple, and were blessed with some holy water. After that, we had to pay to get our shoes back and even though we'd already paid, no amount seemed good enough. If you're white, bring lots of money and expect to be overcharged for anything without a price tag...and sometimes, even with one!

As soon as we'd escaped the temple with our shoes, we had to make our way through the many merchants that lined the road back to the parking lot. I made it to the cab with only two saries and two sets of bangle bracelets. Whew!

So, after that, we'd earned a nice rest at a palace guest house. I wish I got more pictures. It looked like another palace. It was comleted in 1921 and had the look of the old British Colonil days. We had a drink in the bar and billiards hall. Then lunch was served in a huge banquet room complete with a fellow playing sitar music.

After that, we went to the actual palace. It was huuuuuuge! We weren't allowed to take pictures, and yet the guards took a bribe to let us in with our camera--even though we promised not to take pictures. Yeah, there was no place to "check" your camera. The place was very impressive--thousands of columns topped with gold, marble floors and staircases, tapestries, statues, weaponry, etc. All the trappings of royalty. Outside I got some good pictures. Including a couple of camels. Don't worry, we're uploading all of these on photobucket.

Today we're off to a national park. I'm told they have tigers and elephants! Can't wait!

Ash

Day three is just beginning...

2010-02-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

and already I've seen some of my favorite hotties in the dining room. Don't let my husband hear that I've been noticing some prime examples of TDH (tall, dark and handsome) while I've been here, but I'm sure he hasn't missed the gorgeous Indian women either. You'd have to be blind!

I've tried to describe them in the writing journal I brought with me. Seriously. Their skin runs the gamut from the strong coffee we have in the morning--to the same with lots of milk. Some are built like the solid mahogany furniture. And many have that long, wiry frame with flat stomachs. Yet some of the guests in this 5 star hotel look like they've been living high off the hog for a little too long, and they carry all of it in their bellies. I'm not critiquing, believe me, my figure could use some major improvements. I'm just noticing details the way a good writer would.

My husband is jealous of their thick, black hair. And seriously, it's ebony black. Sometimes I swear I can see a slight blue shine...not like Veronica's hair in the Archie comics, but almost. It's usually wavy. My hubby's is straight, more salt than pepper and it seems to be a little thinner each day. But he still looks good to me.

It's a good thing I'm in the business of spinning fantasies. This place is rich with inspiration! The men here seem to be just as interested in affairs of the heart as the women are. Valentines Day is new here, but it's taking off with bang! (Oops, pun almost not intended.)

So, I'd better get off this computer and either work on improving my first draft of Strange Confessions or jot down more ideas...or take a cold shower!

Ash

Day two in Bangelore

2010-02-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

2/9 here /2/8 there.

Today my husband’s company sent a cab over to take me shopping. The driver was very helpful. He took me to the nicer shops and waited for me each time. We were gone from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. His English is a little broken, but I’d be no better trying to converse in French—and forget Hindi. It’s a beautiful language, both spoken and written, but sooo many syllables.

I spent way more than I expected to. And I absolutely suck at bargaining. What’s weird is that things I thought would be outrageously expensive weren’t nearly as bad as I would have thought. For instance, a bangle bracelet made of rubies…don’t know how many, it’s covered with them, only cost me 675 rupees. That’s about $14.00. I got two. And a few things cost more than I thought they should have. But did I try to get the price down? No.
Like I said, I suck at this. It probably all came out in the wash.

And speaking of clothes, have you ever felt way underdressed for the party? Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling wearing my jeans and t-shirts when all these women are wearing beautiful saris. I managed to get a few to pose for me. However, today I got some gorgeous silk clothing for myself! I got 2 beautiful churidars. They’re like silk pajama bottoms and a long tunic-often worn with a scarf. I'm trying to iron them, but silk is so hard to iron, I had to take a break! So, I probably spent too much and still haven’t found the massively big chandelier earrings I thought India was famous for. Maybe next week in Chennai.

Got some photos but will need my hubby to help me upload them, so check back later!
Back to the ironing board.

Ash

A day in India and I'm already overwhelmed.

2010-02-08T01:51:00.000-08:00

We left at 8 p.m. Friday and arrived at 5 a.m. Sunday somewhat worse for wear, but that's International travel for ya. We spent hours packed like sardines with turbulence much of the way. It felt like months in a shipping container. Fortunately, we recovered from jet lag pretty quickly. Now it's Monday afternoon and I'm hanging out at the hotel while hubby is at work somewhere here in Bangalore. It's a good thing they sent a cab for him, because driving here is insane.

Yesterday, I saw a family of 5 on a motorcycle. Yep. Dad was driving and he had Junior in front of him. Behind him was his lovely wife wearing a full sari and riding sidesaddle. She held the middle boy on her lap and cradled an infant in her arms. I saw them take a corner like there was nothin' to it. Unreal!

There are so many little things that tell me I'm not in America any more. The five star hotel we're staying in would be considered "adequate" in the states. Maybe 3 stars. But the people are very hospitable and bend over backward to make you happy. That was until I got to the hotel's gift shop. Oh my.

I used to consider myself a champion bargain hunter. Now that bargaining is part of the deal, I'm completely out of my league. Just tell me what it costs and if it's on sale. That's all I want to know...but no. I'm expected to tell them what I want to pay for it! How the heck should I know what anything is worth? I don't want to insult anyone, but I don't want to be cheated out of my life savings on day one, either!

I found 3 things I really liked. I didn't let him sell me everything I looked at (even though he tried.) He had my things wrapped up before we even talked price. I'm SO not used to this method of "shopping." I went round and round with the guy as far as pricing. I showed him how much I had in my pocket and he wanted me to go back to my room for more. Fortunately, I didn't fall for that, and thank goodness I didn't have a credit card! I finally came away with the three items I wanted for the rupees I had on my person. I'm still not sure if I got taken to the cleaners or not.

I saw advertised a government store of local crafts with fixed prices! I never thought I'd be so grateful for the Saturn sales model. I think that will be my next stop. Maybe when I have a better idea of what things are worth over here, I'll try bargaining again.

Fortunately my hubby is the most wonderful man on the planet. He said not to worry about it. He could always take me to the ATM if I ran out of the cash I brought with me. "It's only $63 bucks," he said. Somehow that sounds much better than 3,000 rupees. "And if you really love the earrings, it's worth it." What a great guy.

So, I was just watching HSN on TV to get an idea on fair pricing...yes, the same kind of Home Shopping Network we have at home--just picture 2 beautiful Indian women talking about Indian jewelry in what I call "Hindish." It's a combination of Hindi and English. I understood only ever other word, but I knew exactly what they were saying.

This is a funny, funny and fascinating place. And, oh yes, I should mention that I've eaten some of the most wonderful concoctions, not knowing what most of it was. LOL. Fortunately, I have adventurous taste buds and an iron stomach.

New cover yumminess!

2010-01-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

Tell me what you think of EC's new cover model, Angelo. And try not to drool on your keyboard! LOL

International Travel

2010-01-20T05:48:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I completed the last step in my preparations to go to India...my shots. Ow. Or maybe I should say, Ow, ow, ow, ow. I had four injections. Two in each arm. I'm not a very big baby when it comes to a little physical pain. But at least it's over.

I have my visa, my passport and my health records. Now all I have to do is pack and look forward to a 24 hour flight. Can you say, 'jet lag'?

I think it will all be worth it to visit a country so rich in history and culture. When I was young, I studied the Hindu religion for a semester. It's fascinating, and I'm thinking I might set some stories there. (That Brahma really got around!) LOL

There are literally thousands of Hindu Gods, but I was taught that 3 reigned supreme. Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Not everyone in the western world would recognise depictions of these dieties. But the most popular God you'd recognise in a second.

Ganesha--the elephant-deity riding a mouse. Ganesha is one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is depicted as having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.

The last time my husband was in India, he brought me back a beautiful carved statue of Ganesha. And bringing this back to romance, that trip was an eye-opener for both of us. We had never been apart that long since we met in 1990. (Yup, we're going on 20 years.) We were miserable without each other. We talked on the phone a few times, and then the power went out. I had a cell phone with spotty reception, so talking became impossible. I finally went to my in-laws house and used their phone--but I woke up my husband. Oops. Time difference. He didn't mind. We were both just so glad to hear each other's voices.

When he got home, he vowed that if he had to go there again, he would take me with him. Now, two years later, we're going over there together. There's a 3 day weekend because of an Indian holiday, so we'll have a few days to get out and explore. I may stick close to the hotel while he's working just to be on the safe side.

I'll have my laptop with me so I hope I can take some notes as I soak up the atmosphere. I've set books in places I've visited before, like Maui; New Orleans; Daytona Beach; Las Vegas; San Francisco and always found it helpful to do a little brainstorming while I was there--even on vacation. So, don't hate me because I'm on vacation in eighty degree weather. I'm working. Really. Honest. I mean it.

Ash

Happy New Year to my peeps! AND happy anniversary to my wonderful hubby!

2010-01-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a nice, safe celebratory New Year's Eve. We did! It was our 16th anniversary and we returned to the scene of the...er, well, not crime--because it was one of the best things I've ever done. We went to the Sheraton in Protsmouth NH where they were having a New Year's Eve dinner party complete with great entertainment (stand-up comedians) and dancing. When one of us left the room, the others at our table said, "Okay, now that your other half is gone, how's it been? Really.

I'm happy to say we both told them the truth. It's been awesome. The best, most fun, years of our lives.

Marriage takes maturity. You need to know when to let things go and never bring them up again. It takes a sense of humor. Even if you're having a disagreement sometimes you can crack a joke and wind up laughing. Very few decisions are all that important. It takes respect and love--that means thinking of the other person's happiness as much as your own. I think that's been the success of our marriage.

We're each other's best frinds, biggest fans and ultimate supporters. My hubby loves to fly. I'd be happy if my feet never left the ground, but if a pilot's license is what he wants...more power to him. Similarly, he knows we'll never get rich off my royalties. But writing makes me happy, so he's fine with me building my career from the ground up.

How about you? What do you think is the secret to a good marriage?

Ash

Santa had a sense of humor this year!

2009-12-26T07:47:00.001-08:00

My husband and I usually have a lot of fun together. When my mother-in-law joins us, we have a giggle-fest. Christmas is no different, but this one seemed especially funny since hubby received some new technology that went array at just the right (wrong) moment.

We live near a town with a world-famous boarding prep school. Smart, rich kids from all over the world attend. (Mel Gibson's kids went to school there.) We have a holiday tradition of brunch at the local Inn, right across the street from the campus. This year was no different...well, sort of.

We had had a lovely holiday feast of lobster bisque, fresh shrimp and crab, swordfish with a butter and herb garnish, boneless ribs, Caesar salad, goose with a cherry reduction sauce, potatoes Lyonaisse, glazed turnips, curried cauliflower, and mimosas. Well, that's what I had. They put on an all you can eat buffet and after we had all we could eat plus two or three deserts, we leaned back in our chairs and patted our full bellies. Then my husband's alarm went off.

I should explain that his alarm sounds like a rooster crowing. Loudly! And he couldn't shut it off!!! As the other guests glanced around the restaurant looking for the crazed rooster, his mother and I sat there giggling until we had tears in our eyes.

My husband had to eventually get up and bolt out of the restaurant until he could shush his new toy--and reprogram it!

Yipeeee! It's release day!

2009-12-14T04:28:00.000-08:00

Today is the day Green Card is released from Total-e-Bound. It's a contemporary, Rubinesque with a manage and spanking.
Mason Germaine is close to a contract for his graphic novel, but if his model Katia is deported to Russia, his hopes will die...all of them.

Find it here: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=648

I'll be blogging at TRS blue today! http://trsblue.blogspot.com
And...I've been interviewed by The Quirky Ladies! http://thequirkyladies.blogspot.com/

--

Ash

Slideshow, Everything about Sex Show, Toronto

2009-12-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

Fashion show!

2009-12-05T07:39:00.001-08:00

Signing my naughty books at this show was a blast! It was a couples friendly place, and my hubby was with me. He took the pics, so don't blame me...LOL.

Click on a picture you want to enlarge. This is only a sample. I'll be making a slideshow later.

2009-12-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

2009-12-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

2009-12-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

2009-12-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

2009-12-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

Pictures from the Everything about Sex Show!

2009-12-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

Thank goodenss for Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

If anyone has read any of my recent blog posts you could probably figure out that I was wallowing in a bit of self-pity. Silly me. I have so much to be grateful for, but it took a day set aside for giving thanks before I realize it.

Yup, I had surgery and it hurt like a muthah (as they say here in Boston) yet it was elective and I had the means to torture myself. Now I'm feeling better...but last Sat night, I fell on a perfectly flat Toronto sidewalk and sprained my thumb on one hand plus my other wrist and two fingers on that hand. Waaaa. Still, it could have been way worse. I could have broken something and been trying to type with a cast on! I'm grateful I can do my final line edits by Dec 3rd, when their due.

And yes, we were lucky enough to go to Toronto for the Everything about Sex Show where I signed my Ellora's cave books. I'm grateful that I have such a wonderful marriage that my hubby was able to wander around the show while I was signing for an hour each day, and I could totally trust him not to do anything I wouldn't do. LOL. Okay, so there's not much you can do in a public forum, but you know what I mean, right?

I'm grateful my beautiful, intelligent daughter is healthy and her relationship is nine-years strong.

Today I'll be spending the day with my in-laws and a single mother they invited because she and her kids had nowhere to go. I'm grateful I still have a place to go and people to be with on Holidays.

They may not be the family I grew up with...(Deep breath) but they're wonderful people and I'm lucky to have them. No flying turkeys across the dinner table because someone had too much to drink. No insults traded over long-past hurts. Just a calm, safe place to spend a lovely afternoon, eat way too much and enjoy the company.

I wish all of you the best holiday you've ever had.

Ash

le sigh

2009-11-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Internet is a wonderful place, until...
your blog gets spammed and you have to begin moderating comments...
then your books get pirated so frequently that the offender is forced to take it down one day and it goes back up the next.

Right now I'm typing with one hand. I fell on a Toronto sidewalk Sat. night and sprained my wrist, two fingers and a thumb. Maybe the universe is telling me something.

Maybe it's saying, "Give up."

Ash

Oops, I over did it.

2009-11-11T04:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever started to feel a little better after an illness or injury and decided, "Oh, it's no big deal to do the shopping, laundry, dishes..." or whatever you feel guilty for not doing? Then you try to go back to business as usual and relapse?

That's what I did yesterday. I went grocery shopping so my poor hubby wouldn't have to do it after a long day at work.

First, I borrowed his truck because its seats are higher and less painful to get in and out of than my convertible's low seats. Only to forget he has no power steering. So I fight with the truck on each turn. Then I got one of those shopping carts...you know the one. Its wheels are stuck in one position and you have to wrestle it around corners. Just like having no power steering!

Then I just had to pick up a 20 pound frozen turkey because they were on sale for $0.40 per pound! Then, when I'm almost finished and ready to go home and collapse, who do I run into? My mother-in-law. So, I had to stand in the isle chatting for another half hour.

By the time I got home, I knew something was very wrong. My right side felt swollen and ached like I'd run a marathon. Oops. I guess my doctor meant it when she said, "NO exercise." So, today I'm back to relying on my hubby to drive me to my two-week post surgery follow-up appointment. Damn.

I'm scheduled to go to Toronto a week from this Friday for a three-day book signing.
I'd better lay low for a while. I don't want to miss that!

Hubby of the year!

2009-11-08T06:27:00.001-08:00

I enjoy public speaking. Am I weird? No, don't answer that!
When I realized this speaking engagement, set up a few weeks ago, was right on top of me, my first thought wasn't, "Oh, no. How the hell am I going to be comfortable in the car all the way to RI? Maybe I should cancel." or "How am I going to sit on my sore tuccas all day? Maybe I should cancel." It was, "Oh, no! I hope I can go, because I don't want to miss the fun!"

Many of us have wonderful husband's but mine deserves some kind of award. Not only for putting up with me (embarrassed grin) but also for supporting my hopes and dreams any way he can. Mr. Ash drove me all the way to RI, and hung out at the library, reading the latest Dan Brown novel on his Kindle. The lovely ladies of RI welcomed him to join us for lunch, and he did.

Not "classically handsome" but wildly attractive to me--even after all these years, I'm proud to "show him off" any time my friends meet him. How did I get so lucky? And even though he never said word one about my figure, I wanted him to feel about me the same way I feel about him whenever I look his way and he's unaware. I can honestly say we're living our HEA.

So, yup, I'm still bruised and healing, but feeling better and happy about my decision to improve myself, albeit taking the drastic route.

Ash

Time to talk about something different

2009-11-03T10:44:00.001-08:00

I was blogging about my surgery and hoping I didn't sound like Aunt Martha talking about her gallstones. As it turns out, maybe I've exhausted that subject.

Yesterday I emailed my daughter about my progress since she had asked and I (mistakenly) thought she really wanted to know! I told her about the blackraspberry-like bruise, the bleeding that had stopped and started again, the pain, and well, she emailed me back and said, "Mom, I was eating as I read that." LOL. I guess that'll teach her to be honest next time.

Anyway, moving on to more pertinent things. I've passed the half-way point in my second novel in the Strange Neighbor series. As it turns out, I'm able to write despite my "delicate condition." In fact, it's a nice distraction.

So, my editor wanted me to come up with alternative titles for this new book over the weekend. Now, keep in mind it's about a werewolf and I was on pain medication. I started off with "normal" sounding stuff, but as she encouraged me to keep going, the ideas degenerated from the sublime to the silly, to the ridiculous. My last title was "Well, At Least He's Monogamous."

LOL! Come to think of it, since I write comedy, that might just fly!

3 days out

2009-11-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

The continued adventures of Ash--2nd in the 'Lipo Sucks' episodes
It took three days before I stopped feeling like hell had chewed me up and spit me out. I'm a baby when it comes to pain. Yes, I know I have a big, honkin' tattoo, but it took three separate sittings and my artist sent me home each time a began to cry. (Not good for business apparently.)

I knew it would hurt (a little) but if you're a baby like me, you'd better think carefully before you sign up for this. A little pain to some people is a lot to me. I can't even stub my toe without wanting to send the chair that attacked me hurtling through a window.

So, that said, I'm feelin somewhat better today. Okay, I'm still on Percocet, which is probably the only reason I'm able to sit here and type. This is the first day I didn't want to yelp each time my hubby changed my dressings. It's a good thing I love him and vice versa. I even washed my hair. Now I feel...well, not like a million bucks, but maybe a fifty and change.

Oh, yeah. I caught a glimpse of one of my bruises today. You know what a blackberry looks like? (Not the electronic kind.) Well I have one growing above the pad that covers the bandage on my abdomen.

I can't wait for the second step in this process...supposedly in a week, I'll be ready to graduate to the suit that I can pull up by myself instead of something my hubby has to hook and zipper me into. My drains will be taken out...by the way, I'm not bleeding out anymore. That's always a good sign. Maybe I'll even be able to wear jeans again instead of scrubs!

Woo Hoo! Can't wait.

Ash

1 day post fat removal

2009-10-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I made it through my lypectomy. Wasn't so sure about that when I woke up in recovery. I was on the table for 4 hours and came to feeling like a magician had sawed me in half with a dull blade. But here I am...home and "relatively comfortable" as long as I don't try to sit, stand, or lie down--and forget about bending over! I'm wrapped up like a burrito from just under my boobs to above the knees.

Funny surprise...I knew they might put in a drain, but drains have changed since I went to nursing school in the early 80's. I expected to see the wide wick. Instead I saw two dangling 3 inch oval plastic sacs with a thin plastic tubing trickling blood into them. I had to ask if I had the right operation! LOL.

Okay, that's all for today. I still need to take it easy. That means hubby gets to do the housework for a while. (grin)

Ash

Big week!

2009-10-27T03:11:00.000-07:00

Good morning all,

It's only 6 a.m. and already I have a list of things to do as long as my 8 hour day and then some.

I'm having surgery on Thursday. Nothing major or earth shattering. In fact, it's elective. I'm getting Liposuction. I didn't know if I'd share it publicly or not, but as many of you know by now, I have no pride. LOL.

Seriously though... I have reached the stage of feeling a little "deformed" because of certain fat deposits. It's been affecting my self-esteem for quite a while and even though my wonderful husband says it doesn't bother him, it bothers ME. I avoid letting him see me in my birthday suit, and I won't wear a bathing suit in public. In short, I feel like crap about my body.

So, never one to settle, I decided to do something about it. For those who preach caution, don't worry. I did my homework, researched the various doctors in my area and found someone board certified with loads of experience in exactly what I'm having done. I went to a seminar she gave and looked at a whole album full of before and after pictures with her. She remembered each patient and what she did for them. I was impressed.

So, I go in first thing Thursday morning. It will be done in a full service hospital, and I should be home that afternoon or evening. I've decided to share my journey with you over the next few weeks (or months, depending on recovery time.)
I hope you'll support my decision, and if not...just know that I think I'm going to feel better about myself and improve my quality of life in the long run.

Ash

Excerpt time!

2009-10-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

First scene from my latest release, Oh My God

What happens when a Greek God has amnesia--especially Dionysus, the biggest bad boy of Mount Olympus?

The Greek God of wine, women, and party, falls off a balcony and lands on his head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Now he has amnesia and has to rely on witnesses to tell him about his life. All he knows is that they call him ‘Big D,’ and he’s a party animal who drinks too much and ought to give up alcohol for Lent.

Mandy and Brandy flashed Dionysus right before he fell and feel partially responsible for his amnesia. They’re nice enough to take him to an AA meeting, and then back to their homes until he recovers his memory. Fortunately, they’re not too nice to be naughty. They all agree that replacing a bad habit with a healthy one is the key to sobriety, and what could be healthier than sex? Will he come between friends before they know who he is? Will Zeus separate all of them, forever?

Chapter One

“Hello, everyone. I can’t remember my name, but I think I’m an alcoholic.”

The room fell silent. A few titters began in the back, then the chuckles spread and before I knew it, the whole room was guffawing.

“You came to the right place, Mister!” yelled a listener from the back of the room.

I felt my cheeks heating. They must be turning red. Well, fine, at least they’d match my eyes.

The gorgeous young women who’d taken me to this AA meeting slapped their luscious thighs and laughed out loud with the rest of them. If it wasn’t for their sex appeal, I’d have stood up and walked out. How humiliating!

I pictured their creamy skin under their jeans. The brunette with big brown eyes would have a bikini tan. The other, an auburn redhead with long, spiral curls, would probably be a sunscreen wearer, but I loved fair complexions, too. In fact, I enjoyed pretty much everything about women. It’s odd how I knew that about myself but little else since the amnesia.

I elbowed the pretty brunette on my right. “Hey, I came here to get help and everybody’s laughing at me.”

The young woman, Brandy she said her name was, patted me on the knee and said with a southern drawl, “It’s all right, honey. We understand. We’re laughin’ with you.”

“But I’m not laughing.”

“Well you should, darlin’. When you’re feelin’ better, you’ll be tellin’ your story to the world, and you’ll be laughin’ too.”

The meeting resumed but with my hangover, I couldn’t concentrate on what the speakers said. Yet, despite my pounding headache and roiling stomach, I could concentrate on Brandy and Mandy’s thighs.

I sensed a passionate nature in both of the women.

Mandy, the redhead, seemed like the quiet type. Like a swan though, she had all kinds of energy underneath the surface.

Brandy liked to touch. I loved touchers. Every chance she got she put a hand on my arm or my leg. Now if I can just get her to zero in on the space between them. My jeans grew tighter as I imagined it.

Mandy wagged her top leg continuously, and I could barely keep my eyes off her shapely ankle, graced by a rhinestone anklet. The afternoon light refracted sparkles from it as if fairy dust were being sprinkled all around our legs and feet. Her t-shirt spoke volumes in glitzy rhinestones too. They spelled out ‘Half Naughty Half Nice. Which half do you want?’ over her ample breasts. I wanted both halves in my mouth, thank you.

You’ve gotta love New Orleans. Short skirts, brilliant colours, and lots of glitz were the preferred attire in the French Quarter, especially at Carnival time. That must have been why I was here. Somehow, I just knew I never missed a good party.

Had I lived here for years? Maybe I was just a tourist. Why oh why hadn’t I had some kind of ID on me when I fell off that balcony and onto my head last night at Mardi Gras?

The girls, Brandy and Mandy, said I had been leaning over the balcony trying to throw them some beads when they’d flashed their tits at me. They said I must have been pretty drunk because I’d almost fallen off the balcony when a flat-chested girl flashed, but the two of them showing their voluptuous gifts in unison must have been too much. I’d tumbled over the wrought iron railing and landed, bam, right on my head.

Fortunately, for me, they’d felt guilty and driven me to the hospital when I’d come to. They’d stayed until the emergency room had kicked me out, then they’d brought me here.

I couldn’t wait until the meeting ended. I wanted to take the two of them to a private place to make out. Who was I kidding? I wanted to screw them silly. Maybe Armstrong Park… Now how did I remember the name of a park in New Orleans, but I couldn’t come up with my own name? Oh, man, I needed a drink.

Shit. Today was Ash Wednesday. Nine out of every ten people in the meeting hall had soot on their foreheads. The girls wanted to give up liquor for Lent. They said they did it every year and thought it would be a good idea if I did, too. Maybe they were right.

Maybe I was a Catholic. Everyone else seemed to be. And since I didn’t know about the other bad habits I had, I’d have to give up alcohol, although I sensed I may have lots of bad habits.

Oh, thank Zeus. The meeting was almost over. We just needed to stand in a circle and hold hands. I could do that.

Mandy’s hands were warm and dry. Brandy’s were hot and sweaty, and she’d been flirting with me. Oh, yeah, she was ready to roll. Suddenly, everyone began to recite the Lord’s Prayer.

“Our Father, who art on Mount Olymp…” Hey, they had a different version. Oh, well, I’d just listen to theirs and maybe next time I could fake it…

I vow...

2009-10-19T04:36:00.000-07:00

To blog at least three times a week from now on.

It seems possible. Daunting, but possible. I look at my life and say, "How can I possibly come up with something to talk about that often? I'm a boring person!"
LOL. Friends have told me I'm wrong about that. So, I promise to try harder from now on.

Now, what I need from you are your ideas! What would make this a blog one you'd like to visit? Do you need witty reparte? I can be witty. Do you want an account of my journey as a writer? I can share my journey. Do you want to know what I wear to bed at night? No question is too personal. I'll even tell you if I've cheated on my diet each day if you like. LOL.

So, let me know what floats your boat. Pictures? Funny stories? The untold truth?
Or something different each day so you never know what to expect?

I can't wait to get you're input! And to thank you, anyone who wants some bookmarks and or postcards from me...just email me after leaving your comment. ash@ashlynchase.com is my email addy.

Thanks so much!!!

Ash

Writing with a partner

2009-09-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

My writing partner and I were back-up speakers for today's RWA meeting. Since the original speaker is coming, we're off the hook. However, since loads of people have asked us about writing together, I thought I'd share a bit of what I would have said.

If you're think about writing with a partner:
First of all, you really have to know the person's voice and writing style will mesh with yours. (Just now I made a typo and wrote 'mess' instead of mesh.) LOL. Yeah, if you don't mesh, prepare to have the whole process mesh with your head and get you all meshed up. (Sorry, I love funny typos.)

But seriously now...how do Dalton and I do it? First of all we have different strengths and utilize those. She has a better handle on a guy's POV (having lived with 5 of them!) I guess my strength is speed.

I'm a linear writer and she's what's called a puzzler. I lay down the road in a fast and dirty rough first draft, then she comes along after me, fills in the plot holes and smoothes everything over. We're quite the construction crew! LOL.

If I get stuck, I can call on her for help. If she sees an opportunity I missed in the first run-through, she'll expand on it. If I second guess something, I can hand it off to her and she can give it a fresh look.

For me, it's like having a critique partner who doesn't slow you down. The manuscript just gets magically better while I'm off bulldozing our the way to the end.

We've written two stories this way so far.
The first one, Love Cuffs, was unique. We employed the two main characters each giving their own first person points of view on the same story. Dalton wrote the hero's point of view, and of course she did it much better than I could have!

In Love Cuffs, I began with the heroine's story in my comedic voice. At the end of my chapter it was Dalton's turn...but how do you tell another person's take on the same events? Simple. We invented Chapter One and a half. Then Two and a half, and on and on until the epilogue. (You didn't think I'd let the hero have the last word did you?) LOL

Our second book was written in third person and we both worked on the whole manuscript. This time, Dalton not only improved the hero, but she gave him a unique Italian syntax and researched bits of the language we could use which would be easily understood from context. We just finished edits and received our release date. YAY! It's called Strokes and won't be available until Aug of 2010, so I'll remind you later.

Honestly, we'll probably have more books written together in the future because we both benefit from the partnership. Dalton might not have as many books with her wonderful voice to offer if I didn't "speed her up" and mine might not be as rich or even finished since sometimes I hit a wall and just toss a book to the side of the road. But if I let her come by later and knock down that wall, I'm very glad I did.

I have two books going now. One has hit a wall, and even though I know exactly where it's going, I need her to bring the excavator and dig me a pass through what looks like a mountain right now. The other one, I'm slogging through by myself.

If anyone thought writing was easy, let me be the one to tell you, it's not! But finding the right writing partner can make it a little easier.

Thanks, Dalton! I know you've sung my praises in other blogs. It's about time I returned the favor. You're awesome!

Ash

Talk about branding!

2009-09-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

All the publicists and editors will tell you that you have to create your "brand."

Did I take that one step too far by getting my logo tatooed on my chest?

LOL. Um, maybe. But be that as it may, I have a wonderful time creating promos and little things for readers to remember me by. When I had a logo created for me, I went a little "Logo loco." I created an on-line store with dozens of products bearing my logo.

And today, I just learned that if you see the design you want on a mug, but you want it on a t-shirt, they'll put it on a t-shirt for you! So, for your procrastinating pleasure, here's my store window. Browse to your heart's content.

http://www.cafepress.com/ashlynchase

And if you'd like me to upload one of my gorgeous bookcovers onto a product for you, just say the word, I'll be happy to!

What they mean when they talk about your brand is your "style." Some way for your readers to recognize you and something to make you stand apart from the competition.
Burberry has that signature check pattern. Authors have their "voice."

Most of my readers know my "thing" is hot comedy. I always have at least one character who gives voice to all the absurdities a civilized person might think but is too polite to say. It's very freeing. Recently, my editor said that the character I picked to be that voice was "kind of a jerk." I laughed and said, "Yup." Then I thought about how I wrote it and said, "Hey! LOL.

Oh well. I guess I can be a bit of an Ash at times.

Fundraisers

2009-08-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I've neglected thos blog...but not really. I left up Lara's story for a long time purposely. If you haven't read it, please go to the entry below this one.
Now, in order to post something new (which ever blogger must do) here's my take on fundraising.

Fundraisers
How authors help

Romance authors are some of the most generous people on the planet. Not only do they offer their knowledge, time and even money to fellow authors, but they reach beyond their own local friends and help people they’ve never even met.

Brenda Novak is one notable example. She started an auction to benefit Diabetes research—a cause close to her heart. This little auction has taken off over the last few years and is now a huge event. Everyone in the industry offers whatever gifts they have that others might want to bid on. An agent might offer a critique. Even a busy editor might offer to read the first chapter or two. And authors donate all kinds of things! Baskets filled with bath goodies, gift bags filled with books, percentages of their royalties, and even their writing talent when asked.

I’m one of eleven authors participating in a fundraiser to help a family who lost their nineteen year-old daughter in a fire. The hospital bills for two weeks in the ICU and then a funeral were astronomical. Please see Giggles by Gabby, release date 9/15. It’s in the Lara series. http://www.jasminejade.com/s-282-lara.aspx

I also just sent off a check to the National Arbor Day Foundation, which I do on a regular basis from my print book royalties. They use the money to plant trees in areas that need reforestation, as well as to educate our young people about the importance of trees to our planet. They clean the air, help stabilize the earth, and are important in building and, of course, paper.

And many authors donate to other causes that have special meaning to them. A group of authors I’ve belonged to for a few years donate money to Heifer International. It’s an organization that provides the means to make a living with animals to hungry families.

And how many of us have been to events like romance conventions or conferences where profits from their huge book signings go to the foundations for literacy. Since 1991, RWA (Romance Writers of America) has donated more than $600,000 to literacy charities. The authors receive no royalties for these donated books.

Most of the time, the beneficiaries will never know who they are. But that’s not why romance authors give. Most of us are very fortunate. I consider myself very lucky to be able to spend my spare time doing what I love. I’m certain many authors feel the same way.

And just because I must also pay the bills, here’s the only release of my three this month that will earn me any royalties. My novella Oh My God is a modern day erotic comedy about the Greek God Dionysus in New Orleans. http://www.total-e-bound.com/ For a look at all of my available books, go here: www.ashlynchase.com
Please support the arts! Without you buying our books, we’d have nothing to give away.

Yesterday, my dear friend Dalton's book in the Lara series was released. Check out Stray Lovers. Anyone who loves pets and hot romance will enjoy it.

Ash

Important fundraiser in memory of Lara - age 19

2009-06-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Honoring Lara

Her life was far too short, the loss to her family too sad to imagine. But what we hope for Lara Punches is that there is a special place in heaven where animals and the people who love them go, and that she’s making new friends there and finding old friends as well.

Many of our readers and friends know Lara’s mother, Martha Punches, as that wonderful, upbeat, helpful soul in charge of Ellora’s Cave/Cerridwen Press customer service. Several of our authors were so moved by the heartbreaking story of Lara’s death, they decided to honor her memory by donating to her family a portion of the proceeds from books dedicated to Lara. Those books begin releasing this month.

Everyone who knows Martha loves her. And everyone who knows Martha knows that Lara was the apple of her eye. She was crazy about that girl. Never pretended her daughter was perfect, just enjoyed her company immensely and delighted in watching the wonder that was Lara unfold.

When Lara went off to Fort Wayne to study to become a veterinary technician, Martha was excited for her. Lara loved animals and was pursuing her passion, doing what she had wanted to do since she was in eighth grade. The school was an hour’s drive from home, far enough so she could be independent but close enough that Martha and Lara’s dad, Paul, could still see her often.

Lara was close to her parents and kept in touch by text, email and phone frequently while she was away. “Sometimes it would just be a one-word text, ‘hi’,” Martha said in a recent WANE TV interview. Lara and Martha had been emailing back and forth on the evening of January 22 while Lara studied for a test and Martha worked. Around 10:30 Lara called to say goodnight before going to bed.

A few hours later, around 5 a.m., Lara called again. Her apartment complex was on fire and she and her two roommates were trapped in their second-floor bathroom. All Martha and Paul could do was try to help her calm down and pray rescue workers would get through to them in time. They were on the phone with her until she lost consciousness from smoke inhalation.

When the firefighters arrived, they launched a heroic rescue effort. By the time they reached the second floor, the blaze was so advanced that the floor was already beginning to fall in and the ceiling was engulfed in flames. Lara and her roommates were taken immediately to the hospital.

Jennifer Spurgeon, 19, died the next day. Renee Patton, 18, died two days after that. There was hope for several agonizing days that Lara might pull through. Many, many people prayed for her, from devout Christians to those who were a little rusty in the talking-to-God department. But the damage to her brain was too severe. She died on February 12. She was 19 years old.

The tragedy of Lara’s death might have destroyed a lesser woman, but Martha’s strength, courage and faith through the ordeal have inspired the people who know her, even as we ache for her. She finds some comfort in the fact that Lara chose to be an organ-and-tissue donor and that parts of her will live on and might help up to 100 people. And Martha hopes that people who hear Lara’s story will understand the dangers of smoke inhalation and be moved to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

She also tries to focus on the good stuff in Lara’s life. “She had a lot of dreams,” said Martha. “She also had a good life and good friends who loved her.” Shortly after Lara’s death, a friend of hers visited Martha and Paul and they found a text message in the inbox on Lara’s old cell phone. As the friend read it out loud, Martha felt as if Lara was speaking directly to them all. Part of the message said, “What would you do if your best friend died tomorrow and you never got to tell them how you felt? So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life, you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life. I look up to you and respect you and truly cherish you…” Martha said in a message to her colleagues, “I don’t know who sent that to her but in my heart of hearts, I can almost believe she sent it to us.”

Acceptance, says Martha, has been the hardest part. “I keep thinking she’s going to walk through the door.” Again it is her faith that gets her through. “She knew she was a child of God and that she would go to be with him when she died. It just happened so much sooner than we ever thought it would. Someday I’ll see her again. … I’ll cherish that day when it comes.”

A portion of royalties from the following books will be donated to the Punches family in Lara’s honor:
Best Friends Forever by Kate Douglas (released June 17)
Honey by Ari Thatcher (released June 19)
Sweet Buns by Marilu Mann (releases June 26)
Phantom Affair by Katherine Kingston (releases July 3)
Stray Lovers by Dalton Diaz (releases August 21)
Marry Me, Marietta by Cindy Spencer Pape (releases September 8)
These books do not yet have release dates scheduled:
A Little White Lie by Mackenzie McKade
Nightwalker’s Pet by Cricket Starr
Giggles by Gabby by Ashlyn Chase
Just Being Neighborly by Kaenar Langford
No Regrets by Joanna Wylde
Tuesday Afternoons by Brynn Paulin

This dedication will accompany each book:
This story is lovingly dedicated to the memory of a lovely young lady.
Lara Anne Punches
10/4/1989 to 2/12/2009
You touched the hearts of more people in your short 19 years on earth than you could have ever imagined possible.

For those wishing to make a donation in Lara’s memory, the family has suggested the Defiance County Humane Society or First Presbyterian Church in Paulding, Ohio. You can sign the guest book and leave memories at www.defiancefuneralhome.com.

To see Martha’s full television interview, visit WANE.com.

Help, help, I'm being repressed!

2009-06-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

LOL. Okay, that might not be quite the right words, but here's the gist and my take on it. Descrimination of e-published romance writers by their professional organization RWA.

The latest bruhaha regarding the Romance Writers of America (RWA) president and its members is her long-winded thinly veiled attack against e-publishing posted on the ESPAN blog.

Now, it should be noted that ESPAN is a paying chapter of RWA, which is for Electronic and Small Press authors. Hmmm... Yes, I'm e-published and a member of RWA. In fact, I'm the president of my local chapter.

Somehow I missed all the drama. I must have been writing or something. Silly me.

I had to go to the ESPAN blog and catch up. This argument is one of my favorite bits
of nonsense (it makes me laugh) and I don’t hesitate to voice my
opinion–-especially if big brother is watching.

You might think I should be walking a fine line, but for the most part, I don’t.
I’m honest. I speak a language I don’t think RWA understands but should. It’s
called common sense. My chapter members elected me knowing full well I’m
e-published and proud of it. I don’t argue with anyone re: it’s merits or
drawbacks. If they want my opinion I’ll give it–-truthfully. If not, that’s fine
too. We have other things to talk about, like the craft.

I don’t tell people where to submit their manuscripts since I don’t know what their experience will be. I can only speak of my own and it’s been much more positive than negative.

I’ve seen my style and voice grow and garner fans. That was a bargaining chip
when landing an agent and negotiating a contract with a mass market publisher.
That couldn’t have happened without epublishing and input from someone other
than my friends and family.

I just want to reassure any of you RWA members who might be afraid to speak up that there’s absolutley no reason not to. If you paid your $75.00 renewal fee you bought your right to tactfully speak your mind.

What can RWA do about my honesty? Kick me out? Fire me as a chapter president?
Nope.

I almost quit 2 years ago, but that’s when I got mad. How dare they deprive me
of the friendships that have become so important to me? Why should I have to
agree with them to gain the benefits of our wonderful fellowship? They say
‘Don’t get mad, get even.’ I’m not the vengeful sort, but I don’t believe in
walking away with my thumb in my mouth. I’d like to reword that saying in a
more positive way. Don’t get mad–get stronger!

Romance in the back seat

2009-06-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was interviewed in the back seat of my convertible! LOL. Yup, it's true. A california journalist is traveling the country interviewing romance authors on video and yesterday Terry Kate interviewed Denise Robbins and I. She interviews authors in pairs. One drives while the other is interviewed in the back seat! Because my convertible top was down (and it was such a beautiful day!) we parked in front of Searles Castle and did our interviews there--stationary. The wind would have interfered with the sound too much. Just as well since New England has so many potholes this time of year, and she said one author hit her head every time they went over one! Low clearance. Give me the sky anytime.

I'll let you know when the video goes up on You Tube, but in the meantime, you can check out other authors' interviews in their back seats here:
http://romanceinthebackseat.com

Have fun!

Ash

Oh, shiny!

2009-06-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you're not getting much work done these days. I check my email and invariably there are links to something that I just must go and see. Oh, look, it's a new You Tube must see!

And off I go.

Then after I've viewed three other videos, I go back to my email. The next person has annouced a blog that looks interesting. Oh, yes. I have to check that out!

And I'm off again...

This continues until I finally finish answering my email, and lo and behold it's lunchtime! Yippee!

After that, I notice things downstairs I need to do. And if it's a nice day, forget it! I'm getting into the hot tub with a good book and after that, errands. Poof! the day is gone!

And what did I accomplish? Nada. Zip. I didn't even make anything shiny to sell at the stores that take my jewelry on consignment.

Sigh. IS anyone else out there like that? Do you have any advice? Oh, and if you're not busy, take a look at my daughter's recipe blog! She and my Slovanian mother-in-law made a killer apple strudel and took step by step photos. Oh, pictures! Shiny!

http://hollysreciperepository.blogspot.com/2009/05/daring-bakers-apple-strudel.html

Ash

Where to guest blog

2009-05-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

I'm putting this list (now spilling over onto its 4th page) here for the last time. Soon it will have its own place on my website with its own button to take you directly to it. This is a service I provide in hopes that you'll also take a peek around my site while you're here setting up your blog tour!

Guest Blog about Romance

http://francescasmindstream.blogspot.com/ Ask Frances francescahawley1@aol.com

http://shapeshifterseductions.blogspot.com/ Ask Pamela pamelafryer@yahoo.com

www.gemsivadauthor.blogspot.com Ask Gem gemsivad@gmail.com

http://katiebugdomesticdiva.blogspot.com Ask Katie dupuiek@bellsouth.net

http://hannarhysbarnes.blogspot.com Ask Hanna brwkrw83@yahoo.com

Ask Sabrina cheekyreads@gmail.com

http://margayleahjustice.com also http://moonlightlacemayhem.blogspot.com/ Ask Margay margay1122@gmail.com

http://www.maggienash.blogspot.com/ Ask Maggie maggienash@gmail.com

www.mybonnierose.com/blog Ask Bonnie bonnie@mybonnierose.com

http://cocobuttr72@blogspot.com Ask Koko cocobuttr72@yahoo.com

http://embracetheshadows.wordpress.com/ Ask Suzanne SuzanneRock@ymail.com

http://skylarkade.com/blog/ Ask Skylar skylarkade@skylarkade.com

http://www.emilybryan.blogspot.com Ask Emily emilybryanromance@yahoo.com

http://victoriajanssen.blogspot.com Ask Victoria victoriajanssen@yahoo.com

http://www.jeannestjames.blogspot.com Ask Jeanne jeannestjames@verizon.net

League of Amazing Writers. www.leagueofamazingwriters.com
(Ask Jet) jetmykles@gmail.com

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/ (Ask Karenne) WebMistress@coffeetimeromance.com

http://theromancestudio.blogspot.com (Ask Tina) tina@theromancestudio.com (full)

http://www.anncory.com/blog (Ask Ann) anncory_erotica@yahoo.com

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/blog/ (Ask Cindy) cindy@fallenangelreviews.com

www.michellepillow.com/blog (Ask Michelle) michelle_pillow@yahoo.com also ask her about Raven Paranormal Blog - http://ravenhappyhour.com/ravenblog/

www.mandyroth.com/blog(Ask Mandy)mandy@mandyroth.com She wants ‘Behind the story’ posts or posts on Marketing.

http://www.myspace.com/romanceauthorblog/ (Ask Jane) neiljane@ihug.co.nz

http://www.romancingtheblog.com/ Open blog night. Send finished article to: invite@romancingtheblog.com

http://www.romanceroundtable.com/ (Ask Sindee) sindee@wmis.net

http://melissaalvarez.blogspot.com (Ask Ariana Dupré) melissaalvarez@comcast.net

http://blog.heatherhiestand.com/ (Ask Heather) halala@comcast.net

http://sandracox.blogspot.com/ (Ask Sandra) cast5away@yahoo.com

http://readingissomuchfun.blogspot.com/ (Ask Linda) readingissomuchfun@yahoo.com

http://www.elizabethdelisi.blogspot.com/ For G or PG books
http://liladupres.blogspot.com/ for R or X. (Ask Liz) edelisi@verizon.net

www.adeledubois.com/blog (Ask Adele) adele.dubois@verizon.net PG-13 articles

http://thehussiesblog.blogspot.com/ (Ask one of the Hussies)

http://nenscl.blogspot.com (Ask Danette) danetteb@sunvillas.no-ip.com

www.selenaillyriasthoughts.blogspot.com (Ask Selena) selenaillyria826@gmail.com

http://vickyburkholder.blogspot.com (Ask Vicky) vickyb@dejazzed.com

http://ashleyladd.blogspot.com/ (Ask Ashley) chinara@aol.com

www.chrisreddingauthor.blogspot.com (Ask Chris) chrisreddingauthor@yahoo.com

http://bellesobligatoryblog.blogspot.com/ (Ask Bella) belle_scarlett@sbcglobal.net

http://ndhansen-hill.tripod.com/books/ (Ask ND) ND@sfnovels@gmail.com

http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog/ (Ask Shelley) shelleymunro@gmail.com

http://www.mybonnierose.net/blog/index.php (Ask Bonnie) bonnie@mybonnierose.net

http://ellenashe.blogspot.com (Ask Ellen) ellenashe@hotmail.com

http://RomanceBooksRUs.blogspot.com (Ask April) April@AprilAsh.net

http://talesofthetrade.blogspot.com (Ask Marianne) marianne@mariannestephens.net

http://www.myspace.com/judithdesiree.com Contact Judith from this url: http://www.judithrochelle.com/contact.htm

http://anita-birt.blogspot.com/ (Ask Anita) anitabirt@shaw.ca

http://authorrainedelight.com/blog (Ask Raine) rainedelight@yahoo.com

http://www.mariannelacroix.com/?p=94 (Ask Marianne) marilacroix@yahoo.com

http://www.jupitergardens.com/wordpress (Ask Mary) marywinter.lists@gmail.com

http://www.anchoredauthors.wordpress.com/ For all fiction writers. (Ask Tracy) Tracy@TracyCooperPosey.com

http://www.selenaillyriasthought.blogspot.com/ (Ask Selena) selenaillyria826@gmail.com

http://www.ninapierce.com/romanceblog (Ask Nina) nina@ninapierce.com

http://www.wickedwhispersauthors.blogspot.com (Ask PG) pgforte@pgforte.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com (Ask Lena) voiceomt2002@yahoo.com

http://kzsnow.blogspot.com (Ask KZ) ksnowschu@yahoo.com

http://pbdiva.blogspot.com/ (Ask Andrea) pbdiva99@yahoo.com

http://thesweetflagmenlove.blogspot.com/
http://jeannebarrack1.wordpress.com
http://jeanneworldsnewsletter.blogspot.com/ (For all of these ask Jeanne) borntowrite@writeme.com

http://www.reading-writing.blogspot.com And the availbility for guest blogging here:
http://www.mariannearkins.com/guestblog.htm PG-13 only

http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp (Ask Barbara) barbara.edwards2@yahoo.com

http://annewhitfield.blogspot.com/ Contact Anne whitfield.anne@gmail.com

www.robiemadison.com/blog (Ask Robie) at: robiemadison@rogers.com

www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com (Ask Wendy) highlandlovesong@yahoo.com

http://www.jerryracemmwriter2.blogspot.com Ask Jerry jr9244@gmail.com (Gay romance)

http://terryodell.blogspot.com/ Ask Terry terry@terryodell.com