Guest Blogger, Kimber Chin

Note from Carmen: While I'm away on vacation, Kimber agreed to write a few guest posts. You'll adore her as much as I do, I'm sure.

Being True To Your Characters – Kimber Chin

I don't cuss. At all. Sometimes I say hell but that's about it. This isn't because I hold myself to any higher moral code than the profanity using world. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

No, I don't cuss because I am the second eldest of six kids and because I babysat during my teenage years to raise much needed cash. As any mom, big sister, honorary auntie will tell you, kids quite happily repeat everything you say and will then give you full credit for teaching them that wonderful word.

My characters cuss. Hagen, my hero in Invisible, deals with his grief by getting angry. Extremely angry men cuss. And he does. Often and loudly.

That's what being true to your character is all about. It is about writing them as THEY should be written, not as you'd like them to be. It is about having them do things you'd never in a million years consider doing. In Breach Of Trust, the hero Philippe, when in doubt, fires the woman he loves. Because he would. That's the type of man he is. I'd think about the situation more but he's used to making quick decisions and taking action on them.

Characters doing things I wouldn't normally is my benchmark for whether I'm feeling a character or not. I create situations. My characters should react to them. If I'm pulling the strings, making the character say things or do things, I know he or she isn't real enough to me. I know that if Maeve, my heroine in Invisible, is faced with a dangerous situation, she's going to turn tail and run. I know if she's asked a question, she'll give the shortest possible answer. I know that as surely as I know my own hubby would, like Hagen, give the longest possible answer. That's how real she is to me.

Of course, that's also why writers get so defensive about their characters. Their heroes or heroines are friends, family. But that's a whole other post.

Named Love Romances And More's Rising Star for Spring 2009, Kimber Chin writes contemporary romances set in the sexy world of business. Her latest release, Invisible, is a contemporary treasure hunt romance through the world of hidden identities. A world where loyalty and love can be found in the most unexpected places. You can track her down on http://businessromance.com/ where she gives away her favorite eBooks, shares short stories, and posts photos of good looking men in business suits.

Thursday 13, My To-Do List

I leave for Amsterdam and Belgium in 5 days! Woot! I'm excited for the trip, but I have lots of things to do before I go. You know this site is all about my book, THE LIST, but I now have a list of what I need to do before next Tuesday.



1.I have to schedule the posts for my GUEST BLOGGER! That's right, come back next Wednesday, and then Thursday for the Thursday 13 to meet Kimber Chin. She's also a romance novelist, and publishes her works in the form of ebooks. She's a hoot, and I think you'll enjoy her posts. You can learn more about her before-hand by visiting her Website.

2. I need to make sure my favorite PJs are washed and ready to go.

3. I also have to make sure that the rest of the clothes I want to take are laundered. I hate laundry, btw.

4. I need to exercise a bit more. Walking in Europe is exhausting. And I'm sure all the biking will take a toll on my bottom. I'm hoping that my recent walking and biking endeavors here at home will lessen the pain.

5. I need to make sure all our tickets and passports are ready to go.

6. I need to start my "packing pile." Days before actual packing begins, I start piling up items that I'm likely to forget.

7. I need to print out my nice Excel packing list - yes, I have a list for that, too. It includes little boxes for me to check off when I've packed a certain item.

8. I need to confirm with the pet sitter that Pooh Bear will indeed get fed, and the occasional head scratch.

9. Need to print out our Dutch travel words, so I can at least try. I know "thank you" and "hello" and "please" so far. And interestingly enough, "toilet" in Dutch is almost exactly like it is in French. Good think they speak English over there. However, I do like to try and not be the conceited American and make an attempt.

10. I need to decide which book I'm going to take for the plane. I have so many to read, but several are signed by the authors, so I don't want to risk losing them.

11. I have to finish my current book, TURN COAT, by Jim Butcher before I go. No problem, because it's so good. I'll likely be done quickly.

12. I need to keep checking the weather, and crossing my fingers for sunshine and very little rain.

13. I need to post about my new book selling plan. For every purchase of THE LIST between now and the time I return, I am donating part of the proceeds to my hometown food pantry. So, if you've been thinking of getting a copy of THE LIST, now's a good time!

Home of the new Thursday 13

Thursday 13 - Good Quotes from My Reviews

You may or may not know, this blog is the home of my new novel, The List (buy it on Amazon!).

I've gotten some wonderful reviews, some from people I haven't heard from in years and years, and others from professional review sites. Reviews are an author's way of feelin' good about their work, so I thought I'd share some of the things people have said about The List.




1. "I can picture it being made into a movie and featured alongside How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Runaway Bride." - From Love, Romance, Passion site review
2. "The List is a downright funny read!" - Coffee Time Romance site review
3. "Move over Janet Evanovich!" - Amazon.com review
4. "However this triumphant book assists the reader into actually thinking of putting away their list and enjoying the pleasures of dating...if only for a little while." - Coffee Time Romance site review
5. "What a fun and satisfying read." - Amazon.com review
6. "I ended up so into the story that I exercised way past my usual time...now my legs are sore!" - Amazon.com review
7. "Carmen has written a fun book with a good plot and ample humor to brighten a wintry day." - Amazon.com review
8. "I love how it took a common idea that many women have (the list) and turned it into a sweet parody of that idea." - Love, Passion, Romance site review
9. "I laughed out loud, got angry, felt the disappointment, then the elation and excitement along with the main character as her love life evolved." - Amazon.com review
10. "The characters are smart and vibrant, without giving you the feeling that these-people-don't-exist.".
11. "This book was fantastic, witty and puts down on paper what we all think and live in the life of a 20/30s someone." - Amazon.com review
12. "Shirkey's style is sassy and full of spunk!" - Amazon.com review
13. "Very enjoyable. I recommend it for a cold winter day in front of the fireplace or a hot sunny day on the beach."

Home of the new Thursday 13

Woot! The Reviews Keep Coming.

You know, I've always thought The List was a good book. But then, I wrote it. So it's my baby.

That's why I love getting reviews. Especially reviews from people who do this for a living.

The folks over at Coffee Time Romance have blessed The List with a review of 4 cups.

Here's an excerpt:

The List is a downright funny read! Anyone who wants to find Mr. Right, has a list detailing the qualities of Mr. Right, and has actually been disappointed when a guy did not meet the criteria of your list must read this book

Read the full review here.

Thanks Coffee Time!

Great Review!

Did I tell you about the AWESOME review I got from the Love, Romance, Passion Website? It is the first PROFESSIONAL review, meaning I don't know them personally and they have no incentive to lie to their users about their book reviews. :)

Have a read.

Reviews make me feel good! That's why I ask anyone who has read the book to write a review on Amazon. It helps me spread the word about The List, and lets others who want to read a contemporary romance or a romantic comedy can find me when they search!

So, I'll remind you that I am continuing to run a contest, which I'm calling my "New Zoo Review" contest. If you write an Amazon or Facebook review, you're entered to win! See all the details.

Last Day to Enter!

If you'd like a chance to win this gorgeous, romantic necklace, today's your last chance! I'm giving it away in my Valentine's Contest this weekend. The necklace was designed by a wonderful jewelry designer, Peggy Li. She sent this one specifically for my book, because she thought it was romantic, like the book. :) It retails for $65! Peggy's jewelry is so great, it's been featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, CSI, Without a Trace, and more.

The contest ends today! Hurry and enter!

To enter, all you have to do is become a fan of The List on Facebook. That's it. That's all!

If you're not on Facebook, now's your chance! It's so much fun, a great way to keep in touch, and it's all the rage. (peer pressure) It's easy to register.

I appreciate everyone who is already a Facebook fan, and don't worry, you can still enter. You're not automatically entered, but you can still visit the Facebook fan page. and leave a comment or a review during this contest.

I'll randomly draw a name from a hat from everyone who entered. I'll announce the winner on February 16, and send the winner an email on Facebook.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Contest!

Check out this romantic necklace! I'm giving it away in my Valentine's Contest this weekend. The necklace was designed by a wonderful jewelry designer, Peggy Li. She sent this one specifically for my book, because she thought it was romantic, like the book. :) It retails for $65! Peggy's jewelry is so great, it's been featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, CSI, Without a Trace, and more.

The contest continues through tomorrow, Feb. 15, so enter now!

To enter, all you have to do is become a fan of The List on Facebook. That's it. That's all!

If you're not on Facebook, now's your chance! It's so much fun, a great way to keep in touch, and it's all the rage. (peer pressure) It's easy to register.

I appreciate everyone who is already a Facebook fan, and don't worry, you can still enter. You're not automatically entered, but you can still visit the Facebook fan page. and leave a comment or a review during this contest.

I'll randomly draw a name from a hat from everyone who entered. I'll announce the winner on February 16, and send the winner an email on Facebook.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Contest Continues!

We're in full swing for the Valentine's contest, which started yesterday and runs through Sunday, Feb. 15th! Since The List is a romance book, (specifically a romantic comedy) I couldn't let the holiday go by without a contest. :)

To enter, become a fan of The List on Facebook. That's it. That's all!

If you're not on Facebook, now's your chance! It's so much fun, a great way to keep in touch, and it's all the rage. (peer pressure) It's easy to register.

I appreciate everyone who is already a Facebook fan, and don't worry, you can still enter. You're not automatically entered, but you can still visit the Facebook fan page. and leave a comment or a review during this contest.

I'll randomly draw a name from a hat from everyone who entered. I'll announce the winner on February 16, and send the winner an email on Facebook.

The prize is FANTASTIC, as well as romantic. It's a necklace by a wonderful jewelry designer, Peggy Li. She sent this one specifically for my book, because of its romantic nature. :) It retails for $65! Peggy's jewelry is so great, it's been featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, CSI, Without a Trace, and more.

Thursday 13 - Why You Should Play in the Contest!

You may or may not know, this blog is the home of my new novel, The List (buy it on Amazon!).

Since The List is a romantic comedy, I can't let the most romantic of holidays go by without celebrating somehow. So I'm having another contest!

This Thursday 13 details the contest and why you should join. It's so easy to enter!



1. To enter, become a fan of The List on Facebook.
2. Really, that's it! Not on Facebook? It's so much fun, a great way to keep in touch, and it's all the rage. (peer pressure) It's easy to register.
3. If you already ARE a Facebook fan, thank you.
4. For my "already a fan" base, to be entered in the contest, just leave a comment on the Facebook fan page.
5. If you're already a fan, and have a copy of the book, you may also write a review as a way to enter.
6. Clarification, if you're already a fan, you're not automatically entered. You need to leave a comment or a review. But that's not hard!
7. The contest is open from February 12 through February 15.
8. I'll randomly draw a name from a hat from everyone who entered. I'll announce the winner on February 16, and send the winner an email on Facebook.
9. No purchase is necessary, but if you'd like to read the book, you can buy it here.
10. Men, just because it's a romance book, doesn't mean that you can't become a fan. Maybe your wife/girlfriend/mother/sister would like a copy, and I KNOW they'd like the prize.
11. Let me tell you about the prize. It's a necklace by a wonderful jewelry designer, Peggy Li. She sent this one specifically for my book, because of its romantic nature. :) It retails for $65! Peggy's jewelry is so great, that it's been featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, CSI, Without a Trace, and more.
12. Remember, all you have to do is become a fan on Facebook! It's so easy I almost hate myself for doing it. ;)
13. Here's a picture of the necklace:



Home of the new Thursday 13

Now Available on Kindle

Although I'd like to have one, I don't have one of those new-fangled Kindle wireless readers. However, maybe if enough people buy the Kindle version of The List, I'll have some extra money to get one of my very own.

That said, if you want to add a great romantic comedy to your Kindle reading list, The List is now available for download on Amazon for the bargain price of $8. Check it out!

Local Fame

In case you didn't see it on my Facebook or Twitter posts, here's a link to a newspaper article (that was featured on the FRONT PAGE of my hometown paper) about me and The List.

Read the article

I'll be adding this to my press kit shortly.

The article mentions that I'll be appearing as an exhibitor with my romantic comedy book at the 2009 Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, Va on March 21. I have no idea how many books to take with me. I'm open to suggestions. :) Do people sell a lot of books at book fairs, or mostly network?

Guest Blogging

In case you can't get enough of my ramblings here, I'm guest blogging today over on Love, Romance, Passion. Don't worry, it's nothing sappy, it's just about how I got the idea for this book, the process of writing, etc.

It's the New Zoo Review Contest!

EXTENDED, new end date Feb. 26.

Welcome to the easiest contest ever.

Almost 60 of you should now have, or be getting very soon, your one-of-a-kind, signed copy of "The List." If you don't have a copy, you can buy one now!

I have four reviews so far on Amazon, all great (aw, shucks *blushes*), but I want more, more, more!

So here's all you need to do to enter. Read the book you received. Go to my Amazon page and write a review (you may have to log into Amazon.)

How easy is that?

Anyone that writes a review between now and February 9 (that gives you a while to read it) gets entered in the contest. (You'll need to let me know in comments on this blog if you have a username that isn't obvious as to who you are.) If you're one of the lovely folks that's already left a review, you rock, and you're already entered once.

If you copy your review onto the Facebook page in the review section, you get TWO entries. (So those of you who reviewed on Amazon can be entered again if you do this part.)

On Feb. 10, I'll randomly select a name (probably from a hat) and that person will win a $50 hotel discount card, and a really cool new "The List" bookmark.

If I made the contest any easier, I'd just hand someone the prize, and that's no fun!

13 Wacky Items on Candace's List

More and more people are telling me that the theme of the book really resonates with their life. Well, duh! ;) Everywhere I go people are telling me "My wife had a list!" or "My list has that!"

Here is a list of 13 things that are on Candace's list the main character in my romantic novel, The List. (They're in no particular order) You can now buy The List on Amazon, made easy thanks to this sentence of shameless self promotion.



1. Likes to hold hands
2. Has good taste in furniture
3. Doesn't live with Mom
4. Not a vegetarian
5. No tattoos
6. No piercings
7. Hair in the right amounts and in the right places
8. Good kisser
9. Not tone-deaf
10. Likes to dance
11. Has a steady income (no moochers!)
12. Good dresser
13. Taller than me


Home of the new Thursday 13

Excerpt Post

Wow! I'm learning a lot about book marketing and promotion from my Facebook and Twitter author friends. My new friend Sara, author of paranormal romances (check out her blog) pointed out that I didn't have an excerpt from the book on my site. (Duh, she says as she *slaps* her forehead.)

So I added it to my list, and now it's live! It's a snippet from the first chapter.

READ THE EXCERPT

Of course, after reading it, you'll want to buy the whole book! Which you can do on Amazon.

Whut? Nobody won?

I can't believe that nobody won the gorgeous necklace from Peggy Li. Well, technically, I won, because all the comments were that I sent you over here. Ha! However, since I already own 4 Peggi Li necklaces, not to mention ethical issues with giving myself the prize, I am going to use the necklace for my Valentine's Day promotion, coming up soon.

Meanwhile, I mailed all of The List yesterday from the online signing event this weekend. I'm happy with the success, which I judged by the annoyance on the face of the post-office guy that had to hand stamp and put postage on each one. We were there for over a half hour! The people behind me in line were truly annoyed, but I don't care, because it's not like I was being persnickity like the other woman who kept demanding that they find her package (that was clearly not there.) I was a kind, paying customer, so I can't feel guilty. Plus, if you come into the post office at 4:55 p.m., that's your fault, not mine.

In other news, I'm working on a new pre-Valentine's contest for The List, so stay tuned.

I am also looking for any bloggers that might want to team up for some co-linking.

And that's it in today's List.

THANK YOU!

Well, time's up on a fantastic weekend of book orders and book signings. :)

My hands are tired, and I can't remember how to spell my name anymore, but I had such fun doing it. Everyone should have an "autograph" that is a little bit different than anyone else's. I wanted to make sure that everyone had their own special piece of The List.

I am mailing all the books on Monday, via Media Mail, so you should have them in your hands in about a week to read them.

Once you do read them, I would appreciate any and all reviews (even bad ones, how can I improve unless I get constructive criticism. Just don't call me an idiot or anything. Ha!) If you could sign in to Amazon.com using the link in the navigation, and write those reviews, I will be indebted.

If you missed the fantabulous booksigning, you can still order your copy using the link in the navigation above, which will take you directly to the Amazon.com page for The List

Welcome to the Book Signing and Launch Part-ay!

Welcome! Come on in, take a seat. Mingle. Grab some virtual snacks. We have cupcakes with blue icing, cookies, and Chex mix! Scroll down for the "Buy" button and more info.


I'm so glad you stopped by, and invite you to buy a signed copy of my new book, The List. It's a story about Candace Saunders, who is a 30-something who thinks that by creating a list of things she wants in a boyfriend-then-husband, she can keep herself from making bad choices and getting hurt. She meets two men - one who matches her list, and one that is the opposite of everything she thinks she wants. Who should she chose? It's a bit of a brain-candy romance book. Some even call it a romantic comedy book. If you have a moment, check out the book trailer below. If not, skip to the end!



For this weekend only, I'm offering a special deal on my book. It sells on Amazon for $15.99 + shipping (unless you order over $25, then shipping is free.) You can buy it there anytime by following the links at the top of this page. However, you can buy a SIGNED COPY for the special friends and family rate of $11 + shipping. That's a huge savings! And it's all because you guys rock!


In addition to that special rate, I'm having a contest. You can win this lovely necklace crafted by my friend Peggy Li, who has had her jewelry featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and other shows that aren't as cool as Buffy but still significant, like CSI, etc. ;) It retails for $65, and Peggy chose it for my launch because she thought it represented the romance in the book! All you have to do to win it is leave a comment and send your friends over this weekend - it's really that easy.

Here's how it works.
1. Leave a comment on this site (where it says "reviewers raved about "The List") Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you, either with a Web site url, an email, something.
2. Then, send friends to this site. You can post a link on your Facebook page, tell your Twitter friends with a Tweet, steal the image above an post on your blog, or just stop people on the street. :) Tell them to follow step 1 and leave a comment, but to also tell me in the comment who sent them. For example, if Monica sends Heather, Heather says "Monica sent me" in the comment.
3. I keep track of who tells people about the book, and how many comments add up with their name as the referral.
4. The person with the most referrals wins the necklace. Second place wins a $50 hotel booking card.

It's almost effortless, really.

No purchase is necessary for the contest, but I really think you'll enjoy The List. Just select how many books you'd like (they make good gifts), how you'd like me to sign your book, and then click "Buy Now." You can pay with any major credit card, or your PayPal account.

ORDER FORM REMOVED, PROMOTION ENDED

Here's my ask of all of you. If you buy a copy of the book, I would so appreciate it if you would go to Amazon and write a review for me. Honest reviews are perfectly fine!