Busy week ahead

Tuesday I'll be headed North for an author book signing sponsored by the Old Forge Library. They'll have a tent set up on the knoll by the fire station. Also, in the local author section, the Old Forge bookstore is displaying MELTDOWN. They've had to reorder. Love that cover. Tell a friend!

Tomorrow I'm being interviewed by the website that gave me the awesome review:
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/interviews.htm I'll be a guest on the Yahoo group all day, too.

LASR has contests all week where you can win a $10 B&N gift card and autographed copy of my book by answering questions from various parts of my website and the interview. One question from my book you know the answer. :)
They also wanted a recipe, so keeping with the chocolatier theme, Cassie gave them her grandmother's "Chocolate Meatball" cookie recipe. It will be available on
Friday. So if you're interested in any of this, check out the Long and Short of it's website, the people responsible for my awesome trailer, and banner, and who kick started everything with my first rate review.
Susan

right place right time

Shame on me for neglecting my blog, but I've been revising and polishing two stories all week thanks to a bit of serendipity at D.C. It pays to volunteer at the agent/editors appointments, people. When I noticed some empty spots, I seized the moment. Luckily my roomate, ALee Drake had her laptop and I brought my flashdrive and I had time to run back to my room, or I would have blown my NASCAR pitch to the Harlequin editors, who asked to see a sample of my writing. You know what a gear-head I am, and how much I love NASCAR, so I'm thrilled to have this chance. Also, I repitched my romantic comedy to another house, and I got an editor and agent request. This all happened after spending four fabulous days meeting old friends, Hi again to Vicki, Kay and Sherry, and going to 'Super' parties, making new friends, Hi to Kristin, and sighting seeing in D.C. with ALee, and having great fun with my chapter mates Dawn and Debbie.

2009 RWA convention in D.C.

Wow. Hard to believe two years have passed since my last RWA convention in Dallas.
Here I am, struggling with what outfits to wear, shoes to tote. No more than three pairs this year. I need room for copies of my first book MELTDOWN, and promo items. It was at the Dallas convention that I pitched the manuscript,to Kate Dorn of TWRP. So I'm proof that wonderful things happen at conventions. Another thing I like about conventions is seeing someone rather than talking to their virtual self. Real hugs beat cyberhugs. And, forever groupie that I am, I'll see and get autographed books from my favorite authors. At my first conference in Reno I took pictures of every one of them, (see former blog) or rather, a fellow CNY writer Kris Fletcher did. 'Hambone' me. LOL Each photograph is in a special scrapbook with all my experiences from this new journey in my life. What photos and mementos will I add from this experience in D.C.?? And did I mention the parties? 'O)
If things don't get too crazy I'll try to blog about it all!
Love and peace,
Susan

Celebrate our Heroes Tour

Only four more days for our Celebrate Heroes Virtual Tour, beginning with Kim Mendoza then to me then Beth Trisell and ending with Cami Checketts. Besides free books there will be other surprise give-a-ways. Stay cyber-tuned.

Citizen Soldier

In honor of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, and because this song reminds me of Evan, I'd like to share with you a great song by the band "3 Doors Down." Enjoy!

The Little Princess

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far, away, a very special little princess was born.

She had curly brown hair like her mother, the queen, and huge green eyes like her father, the king, and a laugh that made everyone smile and laugh with her. The little princess loved to play games and invited all the children in the kingdom to her castle. She made lots of friends, but was lonely. One day by the slimey castle moat she kissed a smooth-talking frog, who turned into a prince. For ten years they stayed in the kingdom and partied with friends and family before they decided to wed.

Now the little princess is Queen, and she lives with the King and their kingdom is vast.

Blessed with four little princesses, and one tadpole, they live,
Happily Ever After.

Happy 5-0 Allene!

Love ya,

Little Sis

Editor tips- 10 mistakes

Check out this link. I fellow CNYRW author, Kari Townsend, passed along these tips. When editors speak, it's like that old E.F. Hutton commerical, EVERYONE listens.
http://www.holtuncensored.com/hu/the-ten-mistakes/

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.