tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21276224469258602522024-03-13T14:38:23.815-04:00The List, A Romantic ComedyIn this romantic comedy novel, Candace Saunders is a 30-something with a list of 50-something characteristics she wants in her future husband. She meets 2 men - one IS the list, the other is the anti-list. When she falls for both, she wonders, can perfect be put on paper?Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-26066201156909800002012-12-05T10:26:00.000-05:002012-12-05T10:44:12.825-05:00Snowy Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnCg4JqvDEVamI0D4hWly-cy2a1JbVZ0hvxKT2TKIOTNChCdv_oNfjCDj0qDmYwRlbsR_5ngp-LFWakqnpwFVnNq5FWMVMiidwJGxDw_nMJN4YqyaugseDR49McOV2gKQDnQD3AU12-XE/s1600/snowy+reading+bloghop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnCg4JqvDEVamI0D4hWly-cy2a1JbVZ0hvxKT2TKIOTNChCdv_oNfjCDj0qDmYwRlbsR_5ngp-LFWakqnpwFVnNq5FWMVMiidwJGxDw_nMJN4YqyaugseDR49McOV2gKQDnQD3AU12-XE/s320/snowy+reading+bloghop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://authorspromotingauthors.blogspot.com/2012/11/announcing-snowy-reading-bloghop.html" target="_blank">Authors Promoting Authors</a> had a great idea. It's called the Snowy Reading Blog Hop. We answer questions as our main character, and we "hop" around to read how other authors interview THEIR main character. And I haven't posted on this blog in a really long time, so BONUS incentive.<br />
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I'm going to take it a step further for you, dear readers. I'm going to answer as the main character of my first book, THE LIST, but then stay tuned after that, because I'm going to answer also as the main character of my as-yet-unpublished newly completed work, Forever Yours. You can't buy it just yet, but maybe it'll whet your whistle. :)<br />
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First, <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/buythelist" target="_blank">THE LIST </a><br />
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<b>Hi Candace and welcome to the Snowy Reading Blog hop. We're so excited to have you here today. ~</b> Thank you, glad to be here. Happy holidays ya'll!<br />
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<b>Tell us a little about yourself. ~ </b>My name is Candace, I'm a 30-something formerly single girl who had a crazy list of 50 or so things (I'm thorough) I wanted in my future husband. I met two men. One was Mr. Right On Paper, and the other was Mr. Wrong On Paper. I had to decide if you can put "perfect" on paper. <br />
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<b>Do you enjoy or dislike winter? Tell us why. </b> ~ The only good thing about winter is snuggling with your honey to keep warm. I don't like to be cold. Brrrrr.<br />
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<b>What would you do on a date (or with close friends) on a snowy evening? ~ </b>When I was single, I would've visited my girls and had a game night in with brownies. Now that I'm blissfully in love, I just like to stay in with my guy and "nest"<br />
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<b>When it's cold and dreary outside, what makes you laugh out loud? ~ </b>My cat - he's so funny! Jon Stewart also makes me laugh, if I can stay up late enough to watch him :)<br />
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<b>If you were sitting around a fire, playing truth or dare, what would you choose and why? ~ </b>Truth, because I'm a generally open person, and also, a big chicken. :)<br />
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<b>Tell us about a winter memory from your childhood? ~ </b>I remember being a kid and sleighing down the hill with my dad. I enjoyed getting pulled back up almost more than sledding down.<br />
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<b>What is the most creative gift you would put under the tree? ~ </b>I once put several boxes under the tree with notes in them. Each note was a clue to what the big present was (because the big present would've been too obviously guessed.)<br />
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<b>Would you start a snowball fight? ~ </b>Absolutely. I'm mischievous like that.<br />
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<b>Tell us about your favourite winter movie or book? ~ </b>I love the holidays. So I'd pick Miracle on 34th Street.<br />
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<b>How do you celebrate the holidays? Be it Christmas or Hannaukah or the Winter Solstice.
~ </b>I'm a Christmas girl (but I also celebrate "Happy Whatever" with my assortment of friends.) So right after Thanksgiving, I put up the tree, decorate the house and go into baking mode.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/buythelist" target="_blank">You can purchase THE LIST either as a Kindle ebook or a paperback on Amazon. </a><br />
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Now, the interview with my newest character, from my just-completed manuscript, FOREVER YOURS.<br />
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<b>Hi Genevieve and welcome to the Snowy Reading Blog hop. We're so excited to have you here today. ~</b> Thanks for having me. <br />
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<b>Tell us a little about yourself. ~ </b>My name is Genevieve, and I've had one heck of a year. I was on my way home after a night on Bourbon Street, and found myself staring down the barrel of a gun. Next thing I know, I'm in the morgue — awake — with this strange (but handsome) guy telling me I'm immortal, and he's my guide. Apparently, The Big Guy needs me to help wage the war between good and evil. Now, I'm fighting Lucifer's minions, trying to come to terms with learning that my boyfriend is some kind of Healer, and trying to figure out what my Achilles Heel is. Because for me to truly live without fear, I have to learn how I can die. <br />
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<b>Hmmm. That's dark. Do you enjoy or dislike winter? Tell us why. </b> ~ I live in New Orleans, or as we say here "N'awlins" so we don't really have much of a winter. I can tell you that I don't like Daylight Savings Time, because it's not good for me when it's darker outside for longer periods. You do NOT want to know what things come out in the dark.<br />
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<b>Um, no, not really. You're right. What would you do on a date (or with close friends) on a snowy evening? ~ </b>Snow is rare here, we worry more about hurricanes. But on a rainy night, I would probably like to just spend time with my boyfriend. Though, we don't have a lot of "off nights" - New Orleans is a busy place in the good vs. evil battle.<br />
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<b>When it's cold and dreary outside, what makes you laugh out loud? ~ </b>I'm a smart-ass by nature, so I can find humor in even the most dire of situations. Laughter keeps you human.<br />
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<b>If you were sitting around a fire, playing truth or dare, what would you choose and why? ~ </b>Probably "dare" - because most people don't want to know the "truth." <br />
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<b>Tell us about a winter memory from your childhood? ~ </b>I used to love the holidays. I liked the lighted boat parade out on the Mississippi.<br />
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<b>What is the most creative gift you would put under the tree? ~ </b>An amulet or some kind of magick safety spell.<br />
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<b>Would you start a snowball fight? ~ </b>Please, I WISH the fights I was in just involved snowballs. <br />
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<b>Tell us about your favourite winter movie or book? ~ </b>I'm a sucker for the Grinch.<br />
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<b>How do you celebrate the holidays? Be it Christmas or Hannaukah or the Winter Solstice.
~ </b>Since I'm fighting for the Big Guy, we celebrate Christmas. But it's different. There's a tree and gifts, yes, but it's one of the few days of the year where even the Reds (Lucifer's crowd) respect the birth of the Son of God. So it's mostly just a day of peace.<br />
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<br><!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=174217" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-23793793022189069052012-09-26T14:34:00.000-04:002012-09-26T14:34:32.595-04:00Find Candace and The List on FacebookIf you aren't already, I invite you to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheListBook1">become a fan of The List on Facebook</a>.
There, you can ask me (Carmen) questions, ask Candice (the main character) questions or just engage with us in polls, updates and more. Reader comments are always welcomed!
Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-26560579494778432362010-02-08T10:03:00.000-05:002010-02-08T10:03:43.467-05:00The Author's ShowThe interview that I recorded a few months ago is now live on the <a href="http://www.theauthorsshow.com/">Author's Show Web site.</a> I talk about THE LIST, my next book, advice for new authors and more. <br />
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I am the featured author today, and for the next few days, you can scroll through the playlist of author interviews and search for my name. <br />
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A special thanks to Don McCauley for being a marvelous host and interviewer!Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-16674325430155428892010-01-06T19:24:00.001-05:002010-01-06T19:24:54.267-05:00"I do" listSo instead of a list of qualifications in my future husband, I'm now working on a list of things I need to do for the wedding. I call it my "I do" list.<br />
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Keeping track of it on another blog - http://wascallywedding.blogspot.com/ <br />
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The wedding is taking up a lot of my brain, so I'm stalled on book 2. However, wedding is also stirring the creative juices, so I'm sure the thoughts will explode onto the paper shortly.Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-74129311601479856152009-12-04T10:14:00.001-05:002009-12-04T10:15:49.592-05:00Where'd I go?Yeah, yeah, I know. It's been a long time since my last blogging post. I have a really good explanation!<br />
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I've been suffering with REALLY bad migraines for a few months, so after I'm on the computer all day at my day job, my poor, sore brain can't take anymore computer time. Thus, no blog posts. <br />
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But today I was prompted over on a digital scrapbooking site I frequent (<a href="http://honeydesignsandideas.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Miss Honey</a> - she's quite talented with design) to write a letter to Santa. I thought I'd continue my thoughts here. Perhaps you'd like to post what YOUR letter to Santa would be in the comments?<br />
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<blockquote><i>Dear Santa, <br />
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I've been pretty good this year, so I should definitely bee on the "nice" list (I figure you'll give me at least one pass for that one time, right?) <br />
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I'd like to ask if I could borrow your sleigh after Christmas - and the reindeer too, please - because I need a vacation to Vegas, and the airlines are just too expensive and the airports are just crazy.<br />
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I'd like to ask that you please bring a really great job to my fiance. He's been so good this year, he gave me a ring and everything, so that would make him really happy.<br />
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I'd also like to add a money tree to my list. If you could plant it in the backyard when you come, we could harvest some in the spring to continue work on our beautiful new home. I'll be sure to share the harvest from the money tree with those that are less fortunate, or those that forgot to ask for a money tree. That way, I'll be on your "nice" list again next year.<br />
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Thanks Santa, remember, we have a REAL fireplace this year, so you can come down the chimney and you don't have to jimmy the locks. The cookies will be on the table, and the carrots for the reindeer are in the fridge, just tell Rudolph not to mess on the lawn again, okay?<br />
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Love, Carmen</i></blockquote>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-23241374855923484162009-09-10T01:34:00.000-04:002009-09-10T06:58:31.875-04:00Project 2996 - We will never forgetToday's post isn't about my book, or writing, or other authors. It's about honoring those that perished on September 11, 2001 with <a href="http://project2996.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Project 2996</a> - a wonderful idea by Dale C. Roe. <br />
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From what I’ve read about <b>Melissa Rose Barnes</b>, Yeoman second class, U.S. Navy, I think that if we’d had the opportunity to meet, we would've been friends. Her family and friends have described her as the family "clown" – and anyone who makes people laugh can be a friend of mine! <br />
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Melissa was stationed at the Pentagon, and was there on September 11, 2001, when American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and used as a weapon against the United States. She was 27 years old.<br />
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I was living in the DC suburbs at the time, and I can remember that day as clear as glass. I was at work as a Web editor for the Finance channel at AOL, and monitoring Wall Street on the television. The station brought us breaking news to tell us that the first plane had hit the World Trade Center. Honestly, I thought "how awful!" but assumed, as did most, that it was a fluke accident. Only a few minutes later, the second plane hit, and my heart sank into my stomach. Our office building was right next to Dulles Airport, so we were quickly evacuated. I listened to the radio as I was driving home, shaking and crying and wondering what kind of world I now lived in. The radio guy (Elliot in the Morning) said that he was getting reports that the USA Today buildings had been hit because people could see smoke rising behind them. I would find out when I returned home and turned on NBC that the smoke they were seeing was actually coming from the Pentagon, located directly behind those buildings. <br />
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I was very concerned about those in the Pentagon, as my friend's father worked there as well. Once the phone lines were open again, I found out that her dad was okay. But others weren't. Melissa wasn't. <br />
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"Mel," as she was called, was scheduled to start her first seaborne assignment the next month. Mel's mom told the Washington Post that her daughter was so proud to wear her uniform and serve her country. I wish I could somehow tell Mel and her mom that I am so proud of her for her service and her sacrifice. <br />
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I still can't think about September 11, 2001 without getting emotional – and I'm tearing up as I write this. Mel and the other 2998 people who died that day paid the ultimate price for my freedom, my liberty and my happiness. Everyone's world changed that day – and the family and friends of the victims will never be the same. My loss was of innocence, their loss was of spirit. <br />
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I honor Melissa Rose Barnes, and look up as I write this and give her a salute. I know she's probably looking back and laughing, just as her family remembers her. <br />
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We will never forget.<br />
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Read about Project 2996 and <a href="http://project2996.wordpress.com/2009-participants/">see the other participants</a>, so you can read the other memorials and honor them as well.Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-90397906545264134612009-08-27T15:13:00.000-04:002009-08-27T15:13:16.083-04:00New Book Widget for THE LISTI subscribe to a lot of newsletters with author tips and tricks, and several have now recommended BookBuzzr. So, I took a look, and thought it was a cool way to share my book with everyone. With the widget below, you can read an excerpt of the first two chapters, see reviews, press, etc. You can even buy with thw link - it takes you straight to Amazon. <br />
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<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNTEzOTk3MjAyODYmcHQ9MTI1MTQwMDE5NDQ4OSZwPTU*OTI4MiZkPSZnPTImbz*zZTJlNTBkMGZmNmQ*YmNmOTY2Mzk4NTFkMmI*OTNmZSZvZj*w.gif" /><object id='bookwidget' name='bookwidget' width='328' height='220'><param name='book' value='http://www.freado.com/bookwidget.swf?document_Id=4010_3106_20'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='allownetworking' value='all'></param><embed src='http://www.freado.com/bookwidget.swf?document_Id=4010_3106_20' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowfullscreen='true' width='328' height='220'></embed></object>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-37959654643783084552009-08-20T15:58:00.001-04:002009-08-20T15:58:00.144-04:00Can I Get a "Woot Woot!" ?I am always excited (and a bit humbled) when my writing is recognized by - well, ANYONE! From the reviews on Amazon from my wonderful readers to book reviewers to other authors that like my work, it's fabulous to get kudos (They like me, they really like me!)<br />
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I did a little internal dance when I found out that I had been nominated for a Book Blogger Appreciation Week Award. (The dance was a bit of a Cabbage Patch, with a bit of 80s breakdance thrown in.)<br />
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If I make it to the next stage, I'll let you know where to vote. (And I can assure you, there will be no expected violence at the polls!) If it goes no further, it was a pleasure to be nominated. :)<br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-24091665406672051252009-08-04T06:41:00.003-04:002009-08-04T11:46:55.279-04:00(Early) Thursday 13 Book Blogger Appreciation Week!I just found out that there is a wonderful initiative to celebrate book bloggers! I thought I'd participate in the Thursday 13 meme to tell you about it (even though the post is on Tuesday!)<br />
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The second annual <a href="http://www.bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/" target="_blank">Book Blogger Appreciation Week</a> will take place September 14-18. Click on the link for all the details!<br />
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There have been several book bloggers that have really stepped in and made a difference as I published THE LIST. I've thanked several by nominating them, so if you're at a loss for who to enter in the "Best Book Blogger" contest, let me help. :)<br />
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First, clearly, I wouldn't say no to a nomination for http://thelistbook.blogspot.com for the "Best Published Author Blog", (or the "Best Design", the "Best Writing" or for you book reviewers "Best Book of 2009!") <a href="http://bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/index.php/awards" target="_blank">Be sure to nominate me here</a>. I'm even suggesting that people write in a nomination in the "write in" space, for author bloggers to be recognized!<br />
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<center><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/cs94wahoo/new%20thirteen%20headers/1f7b5219.jpg" /></center><br />
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Here are 13 other wonderful bloggers to consider (and I've included their url so you can cut and paste into the <a href="http://bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/index.php/awards" target="_blank">nomination form</a>, should you like):<br />
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1. <b>Malena Lott</b>, who also has her own book published, <i>Dating DaVinci</i> - edits Athena's Bookshelf (www.athenasbookshelf.com). She ran a marvelous interview with me there, which you may <a href="http://www.athenasbookshelf.com/?p=853" target="_blank">read again</a> if you'd like. She also blogs under her own name at http://www.malenalott.com/Malena_Lott/Blog/Blog.html<br />
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2. <b>Denise Robbins</b>, who wrote <i>It Happens in Threes</i> and the new <i>Killer Bunny Hill</i> <a href="http://deniserobbins.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-week-challenge-interview-with_24.html" target="_blank">interviewed me on her blog</a>, and <a href="http://thelistbook.blogspot.com/2009/05/thursday-13-meet-denise-robbins.html" target="_blank">I interviewed her on mine</a>!<br />
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3. I received a <a href="http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-list-by-carmen-shirkey/">wonderful review</a> for THE LIST from <b>Love, Romance, Passion</b> (www.loveromancepassion.com) - where it's all romance books, all the time. It's a great place to go to find new romance/chick-lit reads.<br />
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4. Another <a href="http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Thelist.html" target="_blank">outstanding review for THE LIST</a> came from <b>Coffee Time Romance</b> (www.coffeetimeromance.com). Another great spot for honest opinions about romance novels to read (or not!)<br />
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5. <b>Kay's Bookshelf</b> (www.kaysbookshelf.com) also <a href="http://www.kaysbookshelf.com/2009/03/the-list-carmen-shirkey/" target="_blank">liked THE LIST when she reviewed it</a>, and I've found her reviews to be most insightful. :)<br />
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6. <b>#LitChat</b> (http://litchat.net) is a wonderful Twitter chat about books that takes place a few times a week, but they also maintain a blog. That's where they <a href="http://litchat.net/past-litchats/04-24-09-alternative-avenues-in-publishing-carmen-shirkey/">posted the transcript</a> of the one time I was a guest host. I find the chat, and the blog follow ups, to be a wonderful resource!<br />
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7. <b>Kimber Chin</b> (http://businessromance.com/)is another successful author and blogger, and has created quite a stir when it comes to romance e-books. :) She was a <a href="http://thelistbook.blogspot.com/2009/04/thursday-13-by-guest-blogger-kimber.html">guest poster for my blog</a> when I was on vacation. <br />
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8. While I concentrate on the romance genre, <b>Richard Ridley</b> (http://rwridley.wordpress.com/) is a great YA author and blogger. He has great things to say, and runs killer contests. :)<br />
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9. Then, there is my friend <b>Steve Weddle</b>, who blogs at http://steveweddle.squarespace.com/. If you're an author, he's a good guy to know. :) Plus, he's a fiction writer and poet, whose writing style is addictive!<br />
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10. My friend <b>Sara Taney Humphries</b> is a new paranormal author of the Amoveo Series and you can find her blogging over at http://amoveoromanceseries.blogspot.com. <br />
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11. Authors of <i>I'll Have What She's Having</i> <b>Liz Fenton and Lisa Stienke</b> write some of the most humorous and insightful blog posts, and not all of them are about their obsession with "The Bachelorette." Check them out at http://www.chicklitisnotdead.com. <br />
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12. One of the most ingenious pieces of blogging - that every author must know about - is the <b>Authors Promoting Authors</b> site. (http://authorspromotingauthors.blogspot.com)I've not run across another site that so openly gives authors free space to get their name out there!<br><br><br />
13. This space is for your very own choice. Get out there and Google "book bloggers" and find your own favorite!<br />
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<a href="http://thursday-13.com/" target="_blank">Home of the new Thursday 13</a><br />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=writercarmen&postid=04Aug2009&meme=tt"><img border="0" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/graphic.php?owner=writercarmen&postid=04Aug2009&meme=tt"></a>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-53533135795174878282009-07-29T12:12:00.000-04:002009-07-29T12:12:38.577-04:00New BookI'm excited to tell you that I'm about 10,000 words into my new book! The story is coming along nicely. However, the summer weather, and lots of distractions, are keeping me from really writing. I need to get cracking more!<br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-45323091653951975562009-07-07T06:38:00.000-04:002009-07-07T07:59:38.897-04:00Summer Sale!"I read "The List" while on vacation and really enjoyed it!"<br />
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"Take "The List" to the beach or your back deck, even dinner at your favorite watering hole and lose yourself in the trials and tribulations Candace has to go through to get to her version of Mr. Perfect."<br />
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"I recommend it for a hot sunny day on the beach."<br />
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These are just a few of the review snippets from Amazon.com for my novel, THE LIST. As you can see, lots of folks think that THE LIST makes for great summer reading. <br />
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In honor of these reviewers, and of the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, I'm offering a summer sale coupon. If you order now (a signed copy no less) you'll get $2 off the Amazon price and free shipping! So $14 gets you a fun book for the beach, your summer vacation, or just a stint on your front porch!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;">| $2 OFF COUPON $2 OFF |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| SUMMER SALE!!! |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| Get your copy of THE LIST for $2 off the list price on |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| Amazon, PLUS free shipping! (U.S. only, |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| Intl. shipping ask me in comments) |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| <a href="http://thelistbook13page.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Click here for your discount copy</a> |</div><div style="text-align: center;">| |</div><div style="text-align: center;">------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-60253307444960642542009-06-17T09:33:00.000-04:002009-06-17T09:33:29.239-04:00Stylin' My Medal!What to I have in common with Michael Phelps? A medal!<br />
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I just received my medal for my win in the Romance category for the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It arrived with stickers to put on my book! Yippee! Check me out!<br />
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<div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w64.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/cs94wahoo/book stuff/5d9e1670.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/cs94wahoo/book%20stuff/?action=view¤t=5d9e1670.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div><br />
Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-89748454059102634672009-06-04T03:15:00.000-04:002009-06-04T03:15:00.478-04:00Thursday 13 - "Twinterview" With Melanie FineI heart Twitter! I have met so many great people that I now consider friends! Everyone is willing to help each other out, post links, etc.<br />
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This week, I started a new activity on my Twitter account, an interview with one of these cool Twitterers, and called it a "Twinterview." Melanie Fine, fellow travel nut and good Twitterer, graciously said she would be my first Twinterview subject. We had a couple of people participate, and it was a success! <br />
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Here's what I discovered on our Twinterview about Melanie:<br />
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<center><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/cs94wahoo/new%20thirteen%20headers/Thursday13palmtree.jpg" /></center><br />
<b><br />
<br />
</b>1. Melanie's favorite destinations are exotic ones. She'll be going to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand in July (lucky dog)<br />
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2. Her trip after that will be a cruise to Egypt and Turkey on NCL. She likes the freestyle cruise.<br />
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3. She's been to Fiji - 14 years ago - and the Twitter tweeps want to go back. Except we don't want to do the activity with 6 foot bats!<br />
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4. But Melanie likes to watch her back-yard bats catch bugs in the evening (we had a small sidetracked conversation!)<br />
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5. She has also cruised to Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, Hawaii<br />
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6. She was a travel agent for 20 years.<br />
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7. She thinks that anyone can afford travel, it's a matter of priorities. (Cut out that daily Starbucks and go on a trip!)<br />
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8. Melanie says that Planning the next trip is the best way to get over the sadness of coming home from a trip, and I agree!<br />
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9. To book a trip, first she does lots of research and books the best trip for the best price.<br />
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10. Her suggestions for surviving long flights are a) hydrate and b) take things to entertain you. She's taking 5 movies on her 15-hour flight to Asia in July<br />
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11. She's too excited about her destination to sleep on the plane, so she sleeps when she gets there. She's getting better at napping on the plane<br />
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12. This trip will be a romantic getaway with her wonderful hubby!<b></b><br />
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</b>13. You can find her on her various travel sites, her <a href="http://bit.ly/jzXfi">website</a> and travel <a href="http://bit.ly/bmV5e">journal</a>. She's also on Twitter at @MelanieFineEVI and you'll find her if you search on Facebook as well.<br />
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If you want to read the full chat, you can log into the chat room at <a href="http://tweetchat.com/room/twinterview">Tweetizen</a><b> </b>(You'll want to enter the room called #twinterview)<br />
<b><br />
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<a href="http://thursday-13.com/" target="_blank">Home of the new Thursday 13</a><br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=writercarmen&postid=21May2009&meme=tt" type="text/javascript">
</script></b>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-40216701355288745782009-06-02T07:29:00.000-04:002009-06-02T07:29:03.516-04:00Another InterviewIf you're not on Twitter, you probably need to be. Especially if you're trying to network your way to a goal. <br />
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That's where I met my new friend Malena, who interviewed me on Athenas Bookshelf. <a href="http://www.athenasbookshelf.com/?p=853" target="_blank">Here's the link, check it out</a>! <br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-9222198392611436812009-05-28T09:09:00.000-04:002009-05-28T09:09:29.628-04:00Thursday 13 takes a vacationWith the long weekend making for a short week, I totally forgot that today was Thursday. Since clearly, my brain is overworked, I'm going to take a vacation this week. :)<br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-69147085347809100712009-05-26T06:44:00.000-04:002009-05-26T09:46:34.572-04:00Great New Article!I'm becoming a press whore, I think. :) I love when people share the word about THE LIST!<br />
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Here's the latest press installment, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-2533-Romance-Novel-Examiner~y2009m5d25-Romance-author-Q--A-New-author-Carmen-Shirkey" target="_blank">an interview on Examiner.com </a><br />
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Isn't it cool? :)<br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-23222388287624040552009-05-21T06:50:00.004-04:002009-05-21T06:50:00.366-04:00Thursday 13 - Meet Denise RobbinsBefore I get into this week's guest, I just wanted to tell the Thursday 13 people that THE LIST won a 2009 Indie Book Award in the Romance category. Yay! <br />
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And with that out of the way, I want to introduce you to another author, my Twitter friend Denise Robins (@dkrobbins). You can find her at <a href="http://www.deniserobbins.com" target="_blank">www.deniserobbins.com</a> and <br />
<a href="http://deniserobbins.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://deniserobbins.blogspot.com</a> (You can head to her blog this weekend, as I am her Book of the Week Challenge author!)<br />
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She wrote a book called IT HAPPENS IN THREES, which I just finished reading. Man, can this chick write a love scene or what!<br />
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Here's a tease for the book:<br />
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Everyone knows bad things happen in threes, especially Ruby Goodman.<br />
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1-Fired from her job<br />
2-Her ex-fiancé turned stalker <br />
3? . . . Ruby is not sticking around to find out <br />
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Fleeing Florida to escape her fate, she runs headlong into. . .Michael Augustson, secret agent, and. . . straight into danger.<br />
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Once burned, twice learned, does Ruby dare trust again?<br />
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And now, here's my interview with her. <br />
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<center><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/cs94wahoo/happensinthrees.jpg" /></center><br />
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1. What motivated you to write this book? Your first book.</b> <br />
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A software engineering manager by day, I developed a passion for romantic-suspense novels when I was out of work five years ago. I began writing IT HAPPENS IN THREES as a way to combine my love of writing with a lifelong interest in true crime and mysteries. In this debut novel, I used my own knowledge of computers and software to take readers on a roller coaster ride of suspense and intrigue<br />
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<b>2. Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know, or events in your life? </b><br />
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A little bit of both. The story starts in New Hampshire where I live now and then moves to Florida and Hawaii, both places I have lived or visited. The underwater descriptions are places I have been on various scuba adventures. Of course, the computer technology aspect of the story is from my software engineering background. To top that off, I have a longtime friend who is a spook. <br />
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<b>3. Do you have a specific writing style?</b> <br />
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My writing style would be considered “by the seat of my pants.” I have never been a person who can outline or plot. I do try and have gotten better so that now once I start a story, I plot several events or chapters ahead at a time.<br />
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<b>4. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?</b><br />
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That is actually a tough question. A voracious reader, I enjoy several authors that as soon as a new book comes out I have to get it, and I try to get everything they have ever written. The author that influenced me to actually start writing would be Linda Howard after reading her book ALL THE QUEEN’S MEN.<br />
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<b>5. What are your current projects?</b><br />
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My second book KILLER BUNNY HILL is scheduled to be released in July of this year by L&L Dreamspell.<br />
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I am currently working on book number four with a working title of NEVER TEMPT DANGER. This book delves into two characters who both work for a governmental spy agency, but the heroine finds herself in a pickle when her knowledge and skill gets her would-be fiancé killed and then the killers go after her. The technology focus in this story revolves around the tiny transformer robots the government wants to use in the military. <br />
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<b>6. What makes your stories unique?</b><br />
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I believe the “Denise” aspect, the part that makes the stories uniquely mine, are the fact that each of my stories involves computer technology. In IT HAPPENS IN THREES, one of the characters uses software to launder money from large corporations under the guise of helping them with their network security. The heroine writes a piece of software called a trojan to get in and follow the thief’s software and then make it appear that the funds are transferred – when in fact they are not.<br />
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In KILLER BUNNY HILL, the technology revolves around nanotechnology and the creation of manmade real diamonds for use as computer chips and laser weapons.<br />
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<b>7. How do you come up with your story ideas and your characters?</b><br />
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That is both the easy and the hard part. With my current work-in-progress, the beginning of the story popped into my head as I was crawling into bed one night. With IT HAPPENS IN THREES, I sat at my computer and the beginning just flowed out. I had no clue where it would take me.<br />
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If the story idea does not hit me in the head and say, “hey, write me,” I approach it a little more methodically. I sit down at a local restaurant with a notebook and pen, and I listen and observe. After a while, I start to write the name of my hero and/or heroine and what I know of them such as what they may look like, where they are from, maybe their fears, and then it hits me as to what jobs the characters have.<br />
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I tend to come up with the characters before I come up with the storyline. Once I know my characters, I can come up with a story.<br />
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<b>8. When do you find you are the most creative or write the most?</b><br />
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I am my most creative and most productive first thing in the morning and usually when I am not at home. For whatever reason, when I’m at home I tend to get interrupted or sidetracked easily with everyday chores. If I go out for breakfast, I can tune out the world and write like a mad woman.<br />
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<b>9. Who came up with the book cover for IT HAPPENS IN THREES? Why?</b><br />
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The main idea was mine and then my publisher tweaked it. Because the majority of the story takes place in Florida and Hawaii, there is a lot of ocean time and the heroine wears a bikini. The heroine’s scuba fins are hot pink same as on the cover. The original idea had three shark fins, but the publisher thought one large one was more menacing and I agree.<br />
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The most important piece on the book cover and any of my book covers is that you don’t see the character’s face. It should be up to the reader’s imagination to draw that picture in his or her own mind. Even on my website, you don’t know what the hero or heroine look like. <br />
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<b>10. Were you the model for the book cover?</b><br />
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HA! I get asked this all the time. . .and I shall never tell<br />
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<b>11. How to you get inspired to write your romantic scenes?</b><br />
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I have to say, this question made me laugh. Who needs inspiration to write a love scene? For me, the love scene just seems to flow into the story at the right time and does not require any "prep" work. Although, after I’ve written the love scene, a good "review" is always fun. :)<br />
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12. Who is your favorite character in the book?</b><br />
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My favorite character is Jake. For some reason, Jake, this tall, broad shouldered "Neanderthal" of a Southern speaking guy just drives me crazy. At one point, I almost made him the hero. He is so lovable and pushy that Jake actually makes appearances in all my novels and gets to be the hero in CONNECT THE DOTS, my third novel. My editor and I actually fight over him. Of course, I created him, so he’s mine.<br />
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<b>13. What is your guilty pleasure?</b><br />
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Hm. There are probably too many to name. One guilty pleasure is my caffeine addiction to Mountain Dew. What can I say? If there is a can of Mountain Dew in the house, I drink that before anything else, including for breakfast. My other extreme guilty pleasure is books. OMG! I could be dirt poor, but if I see a book I want to read, especially an old one that is no longer in print, you bet I will scrape through my change jar and car floorboards to get the money to buy that book. And yes, I have done that.<br />
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<a href="http://thursday-13.com/" target="_blank">Home of the new Thursday 13</a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=writercarmen&postid=21May2009&meme=tt"></script>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-35183759447165969192009-05-19T06:38:00.001-04:002009-05-19T07:39:37.040-04:00Meet Candace SaundersThere's a new interview posted for THE LIST. However, this time it's not an interview with me, it's an interview with my character, Candace. What a great idea! It's the idea of Pat Bertram - author of <i>More Deaths Than One</i> and <i>A Spark of Heavenly Fire</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://patbertram.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/pat-bertram-introduces-candace-saunders-heroine-of-the-novel-the-list-by-carmen-shirkey/">Read the interview with Candace</a>.<br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-18249688507814275782009-05-16T11:47:00.000-04:002009-05-16T11:47:23.217-04:00I'm a Winner!I just found out last night that I am the winner in the Romance category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Holy Guacamole!<br />
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I get a gold medal and a certificate, plus, the book is set to a BIG (in name, not size) NYC literary agent. I'm listed in the Awards catalog, to be distributed at BookExpo in NYC (which I want to attend but it's so pricey!) Plus, they'll put out a media release, and hopefully, that will get my foot in the door in some places where they slammed the door on my foot a few months ago. <br />
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More on this later, I just wanted to share the awesome news!<br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-60438436593800406312009-05-14T06:29:00.001-04:002009-05-14T07:50:50.916-04:00Looking ForwardI'm in a post-vacation, it's-always-raining-around-here, lull. I need some things to look forward to, so I came up with a list of 13. And you should be looking forward to next week's Thursday 13, where I interview a fellow author, Denise Robins, of IT HAPPENS IN THREES. Man, does she know how to write a steamy scene!<br />
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<center><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/cs94wahoo/new%20thirteen%20headers/8223f29f.jpg" /></center><br />
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1. I'm looking forward to being the featured speaker and author at the UVA bookclub here in Richmond next Monday. I hope I <i>represent</i>! <br />
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2. I'm looking forward to a long weekend and an extra day off of work for Memorial Day. <br />
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3. I'm looking forward to going to Virginia Beach on said Memorial Day weekend for some R&R and to see for sure if we'd like to move there.<br />
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4. I'm looking forward to the BF completing his training (he was laid off, and I'm so proud of him for pushing forward and getting this new training!) so we can move to Virginia Beach if we like it.<br />
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5. I'm looking forward to the paint supplies being taken out of the kitchen. We just tore down wallpaper (evil, evil stuff) and painted. A few touch-ups, and I get my kitchen back. <br />
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6. I'm looking forward to a housing rebound, right around the time we put our house up for sale, so we can move. :)<br />
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7. I'm looking forward to a visit from my mom soon. I hope she can talk my dad into giving up a golf day so he'll come with her.<br />
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8. I'm looking forward to the gnomes that will come and remove the wallpaper from the other two rooms. (They exist, right?) <br />
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9. I'm looking forward to Janet Evanovich's Finger Lickin' 15, coming out in June. <br />
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10. I'm looking forward to the new Harry Potter movie in July.<br />
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11. I'm looking forward to summer. I love summer. <br />
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12. I'm looking forward to our next trip. We're thinking of a cruise (since we sell them) - maybe to the Mexican Riviera? I'm hoping the H1N1 virus will be a non-issue by then.<br />
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13. I'm looking forward to selling more books. I always get a happy, warm fuzzy when I see someone has bought one!<br />
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<a href="http://thursday-13.com/" target="_blank">Home of the new Thursday 13</a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=writercarmen&postid=14May2009&meme=tt"></script>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-40994850094559563962009-05-11T09:19:00.000-04:002009-05-11T09:19:35.614-04:00Fire Sale!I ordered too many books for a recent book signing. Bad for me, good for you!<br />
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I have 10 copies that I will sign and ship to you for the bargain basement price of $13. (That's $3 off the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/List-Can-Pefect-Put-Paper/dp/143920957X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229015205&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>price, plus, it includes shipping.)<br />
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The first 10 people that post here that they'd like a fire sale copy will be my new favorite people, and will be taking advantage of my over-ordering. If you post here, you need to post an email, or a way for me to get back in touch with you (do you have a blog? leave that url, etc.).<br />
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What's THE LIST about? Excerpt links above, reviews on the review tab in the navigation and on Amazon page.<br />
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Enjoy! <br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-23206264437308054022009-05-07T06:56:00.002-04:002009-05-07T07:41:55.594-04:00Thursday 13 - Linky Linky!Here are some links to important (to me) things from the past week. <br />
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<center><img src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/cs94wahoo/new%20thirteen%20headers/8223f29f.jpg" /></center><br />
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1. THE LIST was featured in my sorority magazine (Alpha Xi Delta). You can <a href="http://bit.ly/AFp5x" target="_blank">view the PDF here</a>, and scroll to page 29. <br />
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2. I co-hosted a LitChat in April. If you're on Twitter, it's a literary discussion every M, W, & F at 4 p.m. EST under hashtag #LitChat. <a href="http://bit.ly/17HLlS" target="_blank">You can view the transcript of my chat here</a>. <br />
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3. Here's a link to Amazon if you'd like to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/List-Can-Pefect-Put-Paper/dp/143920957X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229015205&sr=8-1" target="_blank">buy a copy of THE LIST</a>.<br />
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4. I don't know if I told you, but we have a new travel agent/cruise business. We can give you lots of info, and help you book an awesome deal! <a href="http://www.carmenandjim.cruiseshipcenters.com/" target="_blank">View our Website for Cruise Deals/info</a>.<br />
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5. I posted my trip photos on Facebook. You don't need an account to view them. The first set is of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70254&id=688027271&l=bd5d496472" target="_blank">Keukenhof gardens and the TULIPS</a>! <br />
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6. The second set is the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70258&id=688027271&l=501ffb011a" target="_blank">Red Light District</a>. (Don't worry, this is the PG version.) <br />
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7. The third set is of our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70262&id=688027271&l=f2c5e0ba9b" target="_blank">Mike's Bike Tour of the Amsterdam countryside</a>.<br />
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8. The next set of photos is the sites on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70268&id=688027271&l=12ce36e1ff">canal boat tour</a>. <br />
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9. These are the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70273&id=688027271&l=8e5ae4cf3b" target="_blank">general Amsterdam photos, Volume 1</a> <br />
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10. These are the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70278&id=688027271&l=1cff4e73dc">general Amsterdam photos, Volume 2</a> (I took a whopping 1000 pics on this trip!)<br />
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11. These are the Brussels photos - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70281&id=688027271&l=38ba2172ed" target="_blank">just the chocolate parts</a>. <br />
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12. These are the Brussels photos - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=70283&id=688027271&l=b6745a52cf" target="_blank">the things to see in Brussels parts</a>.<br />
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13. Did you see my iReport on the Netherlands on CNN? They mentioned my name! And Jim's! <a href="http://bit.ly/ugpnk" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/ugpnk</a> My part is at about 2 min 30. If the player won't work, do a search of CNN's site for "CNN: May 2, Pt. 3"<br />
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<a href="http://thursday-13.com/" target="_blank">Home of the new Thursday 13</a><br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=writercarmen&postid=07May2009&meme=tt"></script>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-19451275950633211142009-05-05T05:26:00.000-04:002009-05-05T05:26:00.992-04:00Everyone's a criticI post this to show that everyone is entitled to an opinion, and no author is exempt from criticism. I take this and add it to the experience bank. <br />
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This first-page reviewer doesn't think my intro is strong enough. I post it to be fair, and to encourage all writers to take criticism with appreciation (if not a bit of angst) and use it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.selfpublishingreview.com/2009/04/28/page-one-review-the-list-by-carmen-shirkey/" target="_blank">Self-publishing review</a><br />
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Perhaps she has a point. Perhaps the first page isn't the best hook? I don't know. I wish she would've read the entire book, maybe she did, and she still didn't like it. :) Hey, I don't like TWILIGHT, and that was made into a movie, so there you go.Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-38527798871638896952009-05-04T05:26:00.000-04:002009-05-03T17:32:56.334-04:00Fruitful WeekendWell, the "Spring Book Tour '09" completed this past weekend with a trip to the CT Fiction Fest. I went to network, and to pitch some agents on THE LIST.<br />
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I had one request for a partial, one request for a full manuscript, and one agent tell me that THE LIST wasn't for her, but she liked my ideas, and to send her my next book.<br />
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Out of that, I got an idea for another book. This one very different. I don't want to talk about it too much yet, because it's still developing, but I'll let you know more if I actually sit down and write it.<br />
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So a good weekend, and a good few days in Boston, which I'll recount for you later. :)Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127622446925860252.post-84030827035566296782009-04-29T06:37:00.000-04:002009-04-29T06:37:00.381-04:00No Thursday 13 :(Since I'm traveling to Boston today, and probably won't be able to get some quality online time, there's no 13 today. Plus, I want to be able to actively participate, and visit all of you as well.<br /><br />But next week will be a GREAT 13. With links to my trip photos, other interesting links, etc. So COME BACK THEN!<br /><br><br>Carmen Shirkey Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13567814367619015473noreply@blogger.com1