What's next

If you've been following my facebook blurbs, I've been focused on hammering out the sequel to MELTDOWN, LOVE LIKE YOU"RE DYING, and I haven't commented too much on the reception of MELTDOWN. That's because I won't get any numbers for a time. I can get an idea of print book sales, though, by following Barnes and Nobles online. My sister can tell you it's irratically moved around the ranking. I phone her several times daily.

One place I found a numerical ranking was a website called Fictionwise. They sell e-books exclusively. Now remember, tell friends to BUY my print book or ebook from my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. They are the ones who supported me, and we need to support them.

Okay. Here's some e-book sales numbers: One day in March, MELTDOWN ranked #125 out of 9946 romance titles. I nearly fell out of my swivel chair. I still don't know what that means, but at least it wasn't at the bottom of the list. On the same website, compared to my fellow authors at TWRP, it ranked as #7. That made my day!

So I decided to do a little advertising. I contacted my favorite ladies at LASR. They made a beautiful banner. Check it out on their website:
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/interviews.htm
Treat yourself and read the reviews. Summer's around the corner. Time to stock up.

The picture is of a special get-a-way place in the Adirondacks.
What would you do on that boulder? Fish? Dive off it? Write in your diary? Exchange secrets with your best friend?
Make a comment!

Happy Mother's Day!
Susan

Smashing Book signing

The night before my book signing, I dreamt I was arrested for speeding, something I'd never do, I swear. "But officer," I cried, "I can't go to jail, I'm on my way to my book signing." Mr. Macho cop replied, "Tell it to the judge."
Actually, I was so terrified I woke up before the policeman got to my car. But all the week before the book signing I kept having one crazy dream after another, all with the same theme: I was certain something terible would prevent me from attending my first book signing. I think that's why I was so amazed when I saw Andrea and Sunny waiting for me at Barnes and Noble. They were so excited and said I looked terrified. Yep. I was expecting the roof to cave in.
I kept thinking the worst, and instead the best thing happened. People not only showed up, but they bought my book. Not only family and friends, bless them, but strangers- wonderful, intelligent, romance readers. And I sold out! Imagine that.
I could tell you more stories, but it's late and the CNYRW mini con is tomorrow. I needed to thank whatever force in the universe worked to make my day a great one. Maybe it pays to have nightmares...

Rockin' Kindle

Meltdown is now available on Kindle. How cool is that? I thought it would take a few more months, but it became available 2/26. Now the real fun starts.

I won

Thanks to your votes, MELTDOWN won LASR's "Book of the Week"

Check it out. And be sure to read this weeks great reviews. This is a great time of year to snuggle up with a book and read a good book.
And don't forget to mark the date: Sunday March 8th 2pm- ? Booksigning at Barnes and Noble in New Hartford, NY. See you there!

Interview today

I'm being interviewed today by my friends at author's studio.
Hope to see you there!

Best Book review

Long and Short Reviews gave MELTDOWN their hightest honor- best book review, highest praise and reserved only for a few. I'm in orbit! Here's the review:
"Susan St. Thomas’s Meltdown ROCKS!! It’s a love story of two tortured souls Cassie and Evan, filled with everything that makes a great romantic suspense read. It will blow your socks off.

Not only did I love this story, I literally couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. There is so much nail biting, edge of your seat action suspense that you’ll need to wipe the sweat of your brow often. The love scenes are so hot that they could speed up global warming and tender enough that you need tissues close at hand, and should be a mandatory manual for all prospective lovers.

It has wonderfully defined and developed characters not only the hero and heroine, but an equally great supporting cast. Her writing style was entertaining and descriptive enough that I could actually see the scenes being depicted. With so much going on at any given time in the story you never loose track of where she wanted the reader to go.

So if you’re opposed to an excellent read, spicy love scenes, great suspense, wonderful characters and a definite best seller then this is not the book for you. For the rest of you out there...well, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy for yourself.
by Larkspur"
Isn't that the best!!!! I hope readers are listening!

Meltdown Winner

I hope, like me, you're nibbling Hershey's chocolate kisses or other sweet gifts as you're reading blogs today. If you remember, in honor of Valentine's Day my February contest had two prizes: an e-book copy of MELTDOWN and box of Godiva chocolates.
And the WINNER is: Christa Reed. Congrats, Christa!
I'm tickled from head to toe at the well wishes left in my guest book and the emails I've received. It makes me want to return your generosity.
Now I'm off to watch the Daytona 500.

Blog visit

I was interviewed today by another TRWP author, Sara Thacker
Check it out!

Facebook fever

The past few weeks have been crazy-exciting-fun.
It began January 23rd, with the release of Meltdown, and a celebratory dinner at Delmonico's with my daughter, compliments of the owners. Several of their romance-novel reading staff, stopped by to check out the book. So exciting. Thanks again Joanne and John for making that night even more special!
Naturally I toted my book to my sister's Superbowl Party. So while the guys watched the game in one room, the women were reading the first chapter in another. And they think all we talk about is kids and fashion. I caught one person looking for the steamy scenes. No skipping, ladies!
Along with face-to-face promos, I've been on-line every night blogging and visiting yahoo group to promote not only the book but my CONTEST. Don't forget: Sign my guest book at www.susanst.thomas.com to ENTER. I've sweetened the pot with a box of mini-Godiva chocolate. (the same color as Evan's eyes)
But my favorite new pass time is making Facebook Friends.
Yes. I've caught Facebook Fever.
Now I understand why college students raved about it. It's fast, fun, and, I admit, I'm acting like a groupie rather than a writer when I see some of my favorite authors befriend me. (KMM!!) It's even more fun when readers send a friend request. Readers! (I shamelessly want to say, buy my book please)
One more bit of news before I take some cold medicine and accidently 'blog' the steamy love scene I'm working on for my next book, Love Like You're Dying: I'm having a book signing. Save the date: Sunday, March 8th, 2 pm- whenever you get there, Barnes and Noble in New Hartford. See why I'm jazzed!

At Last

Years of scribbling ideas on scraps of paper and lots of daydreaming has led to this day: I'm delighted to announce that Meltdown is available, in both print and e-book format today. I can't compare this feeling to anything else I've ever experienced except to say it's life changing. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped me make this dream come true.

The best way to purchase a copy is from my Publisher at The Wild Rose Press. Simply select the link on this page. As a bonus, if you purchase an ebook you'll be automatically entered in a drawing for a SONY reader, compliments of the Wild Rose Press authors. Way cool!

Speaking of contests, the winner of an e-book copy of Meltdown is JANET, one of the 'Cruise Cherries'. Congratulations, Janet. The next drawing for an e-book is February 14, and since Valentine's Day is Cassie's favorite holiday, she's asked me to 'sweeten' the prize. To win an e-book, and a box of chocolates from Cassie's shop, be sure to visit my website and sign my guest book.
Sweet dreams.
Susan

Just in time

Happy New Year to all. 2009 is an especially happy new year for me, and you know why! In 23 days, Meltdown will be available in both print and ebook from my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, copy this link to read the back blurb (http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=19&chapter=0), and shortly thereafter online at Borders, Amazon or Barnes and Nobles. Consequently, I have a long list of Things To Do:
surf the internet for places to promote my book, set up chats, guest blog, arrange monthly contests, make Myspace and Facebook presentable, make a video for Meltdown, arrange book signings (I'll let you know when and where), and FINISH the sequel, Love Like You're Dying. I know what you're thinking, it's too much to do. So, on my Chihuly calendar, purchased on my San Fransisco visit to Cindy, I've scheduled daily and weekly goals.
Yours truly,
Sleepless in New Hartford.

The sweetest date

Hello friends,
I've waited so long for this announcement, I'm bouncing in my seat as I type: My first book, Meltdown, will be available January 23, 2009 in e-book download from The Wild Rose Press, and regular printbook from your favorite bookstore, ISBN# 1-60154-523-1. Just in time for Valentine's Day!
It's hard to describe how I feel, but it's a little like this: giddy as a child on Christmas Eve who's certain the gift they asked Santa for is under the tree, and a lurking paranoia that I'm about to wake from a magnificent dream.
But dreams do come true!
More details about contests for a free copy and booksignings to follow on my website, so keep checking. And hopefully I'll figure out how to do a book-trailer on MYspace soon. But for now I'm off to order my bookmarks, postcards and pens!!
Love to you all and DREAM BIG!

California Dreaming

I made it! I'm in Lafayette, California, about 20 miles east of San Fransisco, visiting my best bud/former Central New Yorker for a week. Cindy and her husband John have this amazing mid-century decorated home in a gorgeous neighborhood. It looks like a movie star's home. Pix to follow.
The sunshine here is nothing like home. The sky stays blue with a rare cloud for eight months, morning to sunset. Amazing. I'm wearing sunglasses indoors. On my first day, Cindy, her best friend Colleen and I, traveled twenty minutes to wine country. Wine tasting in Napa at ten am. Does it get any better? :) And that was just he beginning. My favorite winery is Sittui. EVERYTHING tasted great. I bought lots, so expect wine tasting at my house! (if I come back) After the tasting we bought loads of food at their deli for a picnic lunch in their relaxing arbor. It's there that I met two wine lovers and advid romance readers. Waving hello to Traci from Chicago and Linda from West Va. Hope you enjoy Meltdown. The wineries here are so different than the Finger lakes. One in particular, Hall wineries, is expanding and Frank Gerhy is designing the new tasting room. The roof resembles those loom potholders we made as kids. There are steel sculptures among the vineyards. Way cool. Whitehall Lane winery had a beautiful tasting room, where I met Ashley, a wine consultant who loves her job. Can you blame her? At another winery, Grgich Hills, we tasted zinfandel wines off the vine and learned about biodynamic farming from Paul, our wine consultant. After a little nap, due to the time difference of three hours, not that I was drunk, John barbecued and we enjoyed our new purchases by the pool. A most enjoyable first day.

Changes

Hello everyone! Check out my new sizzling bookcover! More reflective of the degree of suspense, Never My Love has been renamed to Meltdown. That's Cassie and Evan in a hotel room at the Turning Stone Hotel and Casino in nearby Verona. I wonder what they’re doing there?? ;)
Currently I’m working on revisions to Meltdown with my editor. It’s not the quickest process, but I’m one step closer to a publication date. If you can’t wait for the book, check out chapter one on my website. More to follow…

I blame the decision to paint my kitchen the reason why I haven’t blogged in weeks. It’s turned into a face-lift, including new Silestone countertops and ceramic tile mural. I’ve removed wallpaper, painted and sewed table runners, pillows and curtains. It’s been chaotic, but well worth it. In a few weeks it will be Springtime, and Party-time at chez-moi.

Happy 2008

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!
After a year with more downs than ups, lucky for me I've landed in a pile of Crimson Rose petals. My heartfelt thanks again to Siren Publishing for returning my rights, and especially The Wild Rose Press for offering to buy, Never My Love. Don't worry. This epublisher has it more together than the epub that shall be nameless. I'm anxiously awaiting my new cover, and as soon as I have it and a firm release date, I'll let you know. Please take a moment to checkout their website. There are so many fine authors at TWRP that I'm sure you'll find something entertaining.

On a personal note, Ricky graduated SUNY Albany, with a B.A. in psychology. Yeah, Ricky!! I'm so proud of him. Erica graduated SUNY Albany, with a B.A. in communications last year, and although she got into five law schools, she decided to pursue an MBA in Economics and Fraud from Utica College. Currently she's working in the Oneida County District Attorney's office. She hates when I mention that, but I'm so proud of her.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. (Santa left some pretty neat presents under the tree for me.) Mom and my sister, nieces and nephew are all fine, and I pray to God we continue to be blessed 2008. Oh, and I've been elected president of CNYRW!! CNYRW ROCK!
I look forward to hearing from all of you in 2008. May this year be your happiest!
"There are never enough stars in the sky, sunshiny days, sleep-in mornings, quiet afternoon, rainbows to wish on, or good friends like you."
Love and Peace, Susan

Magic happens

Hello everyone!
It's been a while since I've blogged, but I've been experiencing a writing draught. It's like the flu, annoying, painful at times, hard to shake without plenty of rest, a downright nasty feeling for a writer. Actually, I was unaware I was suffering until it lifted.
It began in August. Not only had my romance writing trickled down to barely one-hundred words a day, but I'd become critical of every word I typed. Not even my worst rejection letter, a business card stapled to my SASE saying "No," in pencil, had quelled my enthusiasm in such a monumental way. For weeks after Dallas I'd been on a writer's high, bursting with words, largely due to making new friends (special Hi to JP, Vicki, Kat, Kathy, Melissa, Mary, Maggie, Melanie), and my meetings with Diana Carlise and Brenda Chin. Then those blasted letters started arriving from Phoenix Bankruptcy Court. I won't bore you with what's happening, but the fight to get my rights back to, Never My Love, had eroded the part of me that found writing a joy, and cursed my folly to pursue my publishing dreams.
Everything changed this weekend. For all the failed attempts to drive there the past two years, I wanted to hang a sign, "Lake Placid or Bust," on the Mustang. After several wrong turns(a 3 1/2 hour ride according to Mapquest took 6 hrs), in a raging downpour I'd arrived in Lake Placid. It's true what they say. Magic happens here.
As I approached the town, two black swooping structures, one half the size of the other, loomed in the distance between colorful leaves, reminding me of a mother dragon and child. Frightened at the thought of skiing down the things, I raced past. A banner over the road declared the, "Flaming Leaves Festival," was underway this weekend at the Ski Jump Hill, a serendipitous sign. Eager to see more, especially all the places I'd written about from memory, I turned down Main street.
Main Street had changed, cramped with more stores, choking with traffic. The sidewalks were pumpkin-colored cobblestones, something I'd forgotten. I ate lunch at Charlie's, the former Goldberries Restaurant, Cassie's favorite. Roomer's, the night club where Cassie and Evan met after four long years, wouldn't be open until evening, but ZigZag's, a local bar, was open. There, I had a drink, silently toasting my return, praying Cassie and Evan's story will someday become published.
Next I drove, not walked, up the steep hill to the Wood Lake Inn, recalling a romantic scene set there. Due to the mist, Mirror Lake was barely visible, but I sentimentally took photos. Unfortunately, the rain was so heavy, I decided to leave early, without climbing to the summit of Mount Jo, or seeing the endless view from White Face Mountain. I promised myself that next time I'll stay the weekend, climbing during the day, and dancing in Roomer's Night Club until dawn. Maybe I'll talk to few mountain men. ;)
Thank you Patricia, for being the most patient, adventurous, traveling buddy. Next time I won't turn off 87N, no matter how badly mother nature is calling. (Good thing we didn't bring Harold!)
So, do you have a magical place? Take a minute, or more, to share. And be sure to check out the changes to my website. I've decided to post the first chapter of, Never My Love. And the magic continues...

Driving with the Top Down

Hello everyone!

My summer has started off great-- quality time spent with family and friends, and lots of sunshine. Perfect convertible weather. So far, I've driven to Inlet, Old Forge, and Lake George, all with the top down, at times playing poker with the weather gods. Can I make it to the next stop before that black cloud dumps on me? Yes, I've encountered a sudden shower, but no real damage ever happened. I love to drive with the top down. It's amazing the things you see with an unobstructed view. Course, the trade off, you're exposed to the world. Sorta like writing a romance novel.
Last week I traveled to Dallas, to the annual convention of Romance Writers of America. Imagine 2000 romance writers, mostly female, in one hotel. Then imagine a fire alarm at 2AM. Not a pretty sight for those firemen. We may put our heroine's in sexy lingerie, but as a group, we sleep in bazaar clothing. That's just one of dozens of stories I could tell you, but I'm saving the best ones for future books. HA! Names will remain anonymous, as usual ;)
One of the best parts of the conference, besides an endless supply of chocolate desserts and free books, is making new friends. Judy, Kathy, Melissa, Vicky, Kat, Melanie, Mary and Maddie, thanks to you, this trip was amazing. I hated to leave, and wish we didn't live hundreds of miles away. I hope our paths cross again.
The most nerve wracking, scariest part of the conference, was pitching my books to editors. I am the world's worst pitcher, meaning I can't sum up my 400 page manuscript in two to five sentences, but I'm great at asking for help. And it paid off. Blaze editor Brenda Chin requested the first three chapter of my new manuscript, Run to Me (former Wanted Republican). Yahooooooo!
Wild Rose editor Diana Carlile, requested Never My Love, which is the best news since my present publisher, Triskelion, is having financial problems.
Never My Love will not be coming out in August 2007.
God, that was hard to type. Yes, I'm disappointed, but not discouraged. I'm told by New York Times Best selling author, Maggie Shayne (storybroads.com), that these things happen in the publishing business, and if I want to be part of it, I have to move forward, not look back... just keep writing. And that's what I've been doing since receiving the unfortunate news. Maggie, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your encouragement and support.
So family and friends, I'm spending the rest of my summer vacation working on several news books, with the goal of publishing them someday. Until I have happier publishing news, I'll keep hoping for more sunshine than rain, and driving with the top down, despite a few black clouds.

Rewind

Whoever said you can't go back never went to a Reunion. Last weekend I did just that, and I had a blast. The campus was almost like I'd remembered, with a mix of old building struggling to keep their dignity with new structures. I met up with former roommates that I hadn't seen in *** years, and after a few minutes, it was like we'd never been apart. Some even looked like they'd stepped out of a time machine, (Ellen), and all looked fantastic to my teary eyes. Each of us brought pictures of our beautiful children, and some had grandchildren! We compared jobs and family stories like we used to compare lecture notes. It seemed like yesterday we were eating cafeteria slop, walking down the big hill to the "Library" for a beer, or up all night studying for a chemistry exam. We vowed to stay in touch, and to return in five years, God willing, to do it all again. We'll bring more pictures, drink more wine and tell more stories. It's true what they say: Time flies by faster and faster as we get older, but for once it was wonderful to press rewind.
P.S. Please stop by my website, and sign my guestbook at www.susanstthomas.com. And check-out an excerpt of Never My Love, on sale August 2007 from Triskelion Publishing.

Life is Good

Hi all! Phew. It's been some month:
1. No, I didn't get the chemistry job...
2. Yes, I did have a root canal, and my jaw still hurts from all those needles...
3. Yes, I'm having mysterious chest pains, not related to my heart, but it could be gall bladder trouble...
4. Yes, I'm going to my LeMoyne class reunion. Several of my suite mates are attending. I can't wait...
5. I killed the biggest spider I've ever seen, today. Massive. I get the chills thinking about it...
6. Decided not to teach summer school this year so I can sit by the pool and write more novels...
7. My son is coming home from college this week. Love you, Ricky!
8. My daughter will be working as an intern for the Oneida County District Attorney's office again this summer. Way-to-go, Erica! Fingers crossed that she gets an acceptance letter for law school soon. Love you too, sweetie...
9. My website is days away from launching, thanks to my multi-talented critique partner, Nicki Greenwood. (check out her blog at http://www.nickigreenwood.blogspot.com). I can't wait for you to see it!
10. Big news: I secured an appointment with Harlequin senior editor Brenda Chin, at our Romance Writers of America annual convention in Dallas. I'm going to pitch my contemporary romance, The Politics of Love, for the Blaze-line. Fingers crossed she requests a partial manuscript...
11. Eighty more days until the release of my e-book, Never My Love. Meantime, I strongly recommend my fellow Triskelion authors. There is something for every taste in reading. CHECK IT OUT: www.triskelion.com. And be sure to check out my fellow Central New York authors at: http://www.dm.net/~cnyrw/
12. I spent mother's day with my family at my sister's camp overlooking the Old Forge channel, and contemplating future novels. Life is good...

Finally!

OMG-- this weekend has been beautiful!! We've waited so long for sunshine, and now it's here. There's buds on the trees and the grass is greening and I have an abundance of tulips and daffodils bordering my house. Yesterday, I put the top down on the Mustang and drove to see Ricky at SUNY Albany. There, the air seemed electrified, more so than usual. Today is the biggest day of the year, Fountain Day. The college turns on this huge fountain in the center of the quad, and the kids do what college kids do, run in it, play Frisbee, toss each other in it. As you can imagine, security has been maximized. While I dipped my toes into the water, Ricky asked if I wanted to go back to being a college student. "Hell no," I replied! I love my life right now. This has been an amazing year. My first book is coming out in August!! Erica's home, having graduated from SUNY Albany, cum laude in Communication. We recently visited Widener Law School, in Wilmington's, Delaware. Yes, Erica wants to be a lawyer. My dad would be so proud. Mom's doing well, and can't wait to spring clean. And I interviewed for a Chemistry teaching job in New Hartford last week. (Say a prayer that I get it!) So after dropping off a, Tony's tomato pie, to a bunch of hungry roommates, I bid adieu to the college scene. On the way home, I thought about the time I would go back to visit. Definitely when my kids were babies, where I could hug them and hold them and protect them from life's traumas. In light of what's happened this week at Virginia Tech, you're probably like me, and have phoned a loved one or hugged someone you care about a little harder. I wish we all could live in peace and be happy with everything that this planet has to offer. It's times like this, that make little things much sweeter, like visiting your son just to say hi, or sitting on the deck with your daughter, listening to her plans and dreams for the future. Enjoy your sunshine!