My reading list for March

Today is the last day of March (another hour and April will be here). It's a little sad saying goodbye to the winter months, when I would sequester myself to the couch with a good book huddled under a blanket, and wishing I had been given a snuggie for Christmas. With my farewell to winter and my welcome to Spring, I once again offer my list of books I have devoured for the month of March.

Here we go:

1. Lord Ruin by Carolyn Jewel
2. Dreams of Desire by Cheryl Holt
3. Too Wicked To Wed by Cheryl Holt
4. Colter's Woman by Maya Banks
5. Colter's Lady by Maya Banks
6. The Lady Most Likely
7. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James
8. Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran
9. Written on Your Skin by Meredith Duran
10. The Dangerous Viscount by Miranda Neville
11. The Countess by Lynsay Sands
12. An Accidental Birthright by Maisey Yates
13. The Trouble with Moonlight by Donna MacMeans
14. The Wedding Duel by Katy Madison
15. The Dutiful Rake by Elizabeth Rolls
16. The Chivalrous Rake by Elizabeth Rolls
17. Seducing the Duchess by Ashley March
18. What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long
19. Delrium by Lauren Oliver

Unfortunately due to the month containing 3 birthdays and a couple of other important family gatherings, I did not meet my normal once a day book consumption. I humbly resolve that my goals will not be met in April as well. For with the 1st brings my launch into writing a novel in 60 days.

For the month of April I am moving to Fantasy and Dystopian as a main focus, with the exception of a few absolutely must buys including Beverly Kendall's novella.

Next Up: Iron Duke by Meljean Brooks

Email no-no's

I am fore going the email excerpt for this week to talk about email no-no's. When I say '"no-no's" I think of MO from WALL-E, chasing after foreign contaminants.

Now everyone knows the no-no's, but sometimes it's good to have a little refresher course. 

These things are good for any communication that occurs via email. Professional or personal. The insensitive way that we send out our virtual correspondence like text messages or tweets is a little shocking. 

A little background: My family believed in teaching me the beauties of letter correspondence. I was challenged with writing, appropriately addressed and formatted, letters to my various grandparents throughout my childhood. They loved receiving tidbits of info about my thoughts, activities, and applauded my penmanship. This desire to communicate in a socially acceptable, professional format has lasted through the years. When I see one sentence emails with no formal salutation or parting I get a little irked. Thus begins the no-no's.

4.) I have a name. We all receive dozens, if not hundreds, of emails a day. It would me nice if you started that lovely email with my name. It's shocking, I know. Who knew that I would like to actually be acknowledged as the person being gifted with your generous words. Just rambling into an email and copying it to half a dozen people doesn't really help anyone. In fact just because you failed to point out the person who is supposed to receive this information I won't respond....ever!

3.) TAKE YOUR CAPS AND SHOVE IT! I abhor yelling in email fashion. All caps is not a cutesy way to express your feelings unless your pissed off. On that note, you say your professional, but you had to shout at me. Either drop your balls and pick up a phone... or refrain from using this putrid type speak and just communicate in a sensible fashion. It's fairly easy to explain the cause of your distress in a sentence without a Caps Lock attack.

2.) U2. It's a band name, not an actual way to phrase 'you too' unless texting on a phone. Get some common sense and type words not textinese! If you start communicating in a bunch of numbers and letters, then I will just assume that your keyboard has begun to malfunction with a fancy new binary code. I shouldn't have to decipher and decode your incoming message like a Morse code expert. You want me to pay for course in understanding your dilapitated talk? Regardless, I won't take it.

1.) Location, Location, Location. A crazy psycho makes sure they are aware of the target, why can't you. Countless emails I receive provide sentences, but no specific direction to what the person is talking too. Don't email me with something like:

I have the 'insert object'. It's going in the kits and I think it will work.

Okay.... I have no clue. I need to know details. The 5 W's and H would be good, currently you're missing a few. I love the presumption that I have nothing better to do then sit around and think about your particular project or concerns. Out of the sympathy of my heart I will sometimes spend 10 minutes playing 'guess what they're talking about'. After the third time you send me this kind of crap I'm done.

You probably think I am just evil now, but to perfectly honest I'm not. In the world of email, twitter, FB, and texting we tend to forget the common rules of courtesy when communicating. You have to show respect to earn it. Dedication to avoiding the no-no's will also reduce waste of time. Don't get me wrong-- short messages, All Caps, and quick typing have purposes (I guess), but there is a time and place. The time and place is not on your emails to friends, family, bosses, co-workers, agents, and half a dozen others who ache for your words. Save it for the quakadoodles that haunt your phone, wall, or tweet timeline.

Adios and good night!

It's Mundane... I mean Monday. Fun Stuff Time!

Yes, I know. I'm late... it's Tuesday. Gonna be close to Wednesday by the time I post this.

Needless to say the week is starting a little slow for me. I am still floating down from the euphoria of a productive and fun weekend. That being said I refuse to be Debbie Downer and offer a plethora of fun stuff for you all to enjoy.

Top 5 for this week:

5.) Whimsy Writing- She wants to stalk you, in a good way *wink. This is a fun blog with lots of great insight and just fun writing. I like taking the time to read new insights and have a little joy at the same time. Check out the blog and just settle in for a little learning and good conversation. Plus, whimsy is a great follow on Twitter.

4.) Dirty Birdies- For the twisted romantics we are. This blog is from a group of erotic romance authors (adult content). Now some who view this blog may be a wondering why? Well, I don't play favorites. I like lots of different music, book genres, discussions, etc. Plus, I like to provide a little something for everyone. Life is about experiences and these ladies are hilarious.

3.) Authoress and Write On! - Authoress has helped so many with her Secret Agent contests. Now she's helping our aspiring writers and reviewing the grammar basics. My grammar is atrocious. I know this. Heck, you probably know this. So I'm headed there to review. I encourage all of you to do the same. Plus get involved in the conversation and shape a few minds.

2.) Genre for Japan- An auction of rare and wonderful items from writers. The earthquake that hit Japan was devastating and horrible. Now turn that horrible into hope and bid on some great items, including critiques and more, to give money to the British Red Cross. Bidding ends on Sunday, April 3rd.

1.) Operation Auction 2011- An Auction for Fatin  If you are not aware a member of the writing community, I say community because regardless of genre we are all connected, experienced a profound loss a couple of weeks ago. Fatin lost her husband in a tragic, senseless fashion and the auction is to help raise funds and give back to a wonderful person who is suffering the ultimate heartache. Check the auction out. Find something you like and bid. Critiques, books, ARCs, cover art, and more.

I know my fun stuff for the week is not exactly free books or other such. Less contest and more about spending a little cash at some auctions. Just know that the money you spend goes to help others. There are some great blogs listed and grammar refreshing can be fun, corrupting... oops, I mean shaping young minds is rewarding and fun too!

Signing off... till tomorrow.

Break Week

This week is going to be a doozy. That said, I will be taking a blog break for the week.

I am also extending the DABWAHA Rap contest for an additional week (deadline: Sunday 27th), just because (a) no one entered, and (b) you can't force genius in a few short days. I know that everyone was hard at work on their latest projects and ensuring that they got the vote out for their picks.

The winner of my other contest is Ludmeiser (Lora). If you would email me at landra.graf7@gmail.com and let me know which of the 3 books you would like as your prize.

See you all next Monday!

Write it, edit it, publish it

A new friendly competition is available for those who have yet to get their work out there. 60k in 60 days!

This is a chance for all of the budding authors to write, edit, and publish their creative work on their own. Have an adventure, live the stress and excitement, and get published for goodness sakes!

Remember this has got to be your best effort, not some half-baked idea. Show yourself that you can be one of those self-published millionaires and do the unthinkable.

Check out Pushing the Pen for more info. Plus, follow @Pushingthepen on twitter to keep up to date with the competition.

DABWAHA Rap

Starting messing around and next thing I know I am rapping about DABWAHA... old school.

So here ya go! To the tune of Ice Ice Baby

Yo, DABWAHA. Let's Kick it!

Alright stop collaborate and listen
DABWAHA is back with a new competition
Voting has begun finally
Try to do both, daily & nightly
Who's gonna win, I don't know.
Bribes are being posted, fo' sho
To the extreme Meljean's like a vandal.
Hoping for an upset of Last Night's Scandal
Tweet, in support of your favorite authors
Otherwise bribe folks with your coffers
Deadly, are the historical lovers
Don't be fooled even if they're mothers
Love it or like it just don't hate
You better just hope your not to late
If there's trash talk, yo I'll ignore it
Check out my blog while the DJ revolves it

DABWAHA-HA-HA
DABWAHA-HA-HA

2nd verse is still open for takers. Comment with a second verse, I will select one as the winner on Sunday March 21st. Grand Prize 1 book of your choice from the contestants of DABWAHA.

Also, just in case don't forget to vote! http://www.dabwaha.com/

Contest!!!

Email Excerpt is postponed for this week! Instead it's Contest Time!!!

The "I NEED LOVE" contest

The INL Grand Prize is one copy of either Delirium by Lauren Oliver, A Taste of Desire by Beverly Kendall, or Iron Duke from Meljean Brook. The title is the winner's choice.

INL Contest- To be eligible complete the steps.
1. Follow my blog or follow me on Twitter (@RiseoftheSlush).
2. Leave a comment and let me know where your following.
3. In the same comment tell me one book that I read in the month of February. *hint-this info is readily accessible.
4. Finally tell me what you would like to see on my blog to keep you coming back for more!

Contest Deadline: Sunday March 20th, 11:59 pm CST.

The winner will be randomly selected and posted on Monday March 21st.

Shake it and Bake it!