Win a Copy of Civil War Anthology!

My story, Angel of My Dreams, is part of an American Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles, coming July31st to The Wild Rose Press, along with authors Caroline Clemmens, Isabel Roman, Jeanmarie Hamilton, Jennifer Ross and Mary Ann Webber.

And if you leave a comment on my blog today, you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a copy!

In a country torn asunder--from the Canadian border to Texas, from Maryland to Arkansas, from the battlefield of Antietam to the Red River Campaign, brave men and loyal women see their lives turned upside down.

Peril lurks behind every tree and near every homestead, but the hard-fought love of a man and a woman surpasses all.

Six talented writers provide stories of romance and danger centering on Union and Confederate soldiers, spies, blockade runners, renegades, and battlefield nurses during a period of corsets, hoopskirts and gentlemen callers.

To give you a taste of the stories in this anthology, here's the blurb and a short excerpt from my story, Angel of My Dreams.

Civil War reenactor, Kyle Dalton, keeps seeing a beautiful woman on the battlefield tending to soldiers, he thinks she's another reenactor. But when she disappears into thin air, he starts to believe he's seen a ghost. Did he have a past life with this woman?

Exceprt:

"Where am I?"

"Shh." She placed a finger on his lips. The scent of lavender invaded his senses.

He frowned when he realized he was lying on a cot wearing his reenactor clothing. Had he dreamed he’d come home?

"The doctor says you'll be fine. He dug out the bullet and stitched up your leg."

"My leg?" Kyle reached down. His pant's leg had been cut apart at the seam. Heavy bandages wrapped around his thigh."This doesn't make any sense. I twisted my ankle. It's fine now."

She took his hand and stroked his forehead. Her touch sent warmth and desire through his body.

"I have to know..." He swallowed. "...your name."

She smiled. "You haven't forgotten me already?"

"I...you never told me."

"Of course I did." She leaned away.

He held tightly to her hand, fearing she'd leave again."Don't go."

Her hand dissolved. He couldn't hold her.

To purchase go to www.thewildrosepress.com/

And if you leave a comment here today, July 31st, you'll be entered for a chance to win a pdf copy. Winner will be announced tomorrow, August 1st.

For more information on this anthology go to www.susanmacatee.com/americancivilwaranthology.html or www.nrandsb.wordpress.com/

Promo Mania

I'm only two days away from my second book release from The Wild Rose Press. Erin's Rebel has been out less than two weeks and my short story in Northern Roses and Southern Belles, debuts on Friday.

I'm finding it hard to keep up with all the necessary promo and still make headway on my newer projects.

What I've had to do is compartmentalize my day. I try to fit in any necessary morning promo between my workout, errands and household tasks. After my lunch break, I reserve at least one hour for the first draft of my newest WIP. My daily goal is at least 1000 new words, and at least 5000 per week.

I'm also polishing up the opening chapters of my sci-fi WIP in the revision stage to enter in two separate contests. The deadlines are late August and early September, so I can't allow this to lapse.

And since I'll have two new releases out so close together, I've decided to promo each on alternate weeks. I've already gotten promo in for Erin's Rebel and now I'll concentrate on the anthology for the coming week. I'm so new at this book promo stuff as I only have one short story that was released over a year ago.

For all you promotion pro's out there who've had books out or have dealt with mutliple releases, I'd appreciate any advice you can give me. And my money flow is tight right now, so I'm looking for lost cost or free promo suggestions.

Thanks!

One Lovely Blog Award

I received my very first blog award from Jaime, who writes as J. A. Saare. You can view her beautiful blog, Random Musings, at http://www.jasaare.blogspot.com/

Jaime, I'm thrilled you chose my blog for this honor and now, the rules are for me to pass it along to three blogs I find deserving of this award.

The trick is to choose between all the lovely blogs I frequently visit. What helped me along is, a few of them have already been bestowed the award.

So, I'd like to pass it along to these three writers who's blogs I visit often and who are all great friends.

1) Isabel Roman - http://www.authorisabelroman.blogspot.com/
Isabel is a long time member of my writing group, the Scandalous Victorians. As I've struggled to implant an online presence prior to receiving books contracts, she's been a big help along the way. She was an active member of the critique group that helped me polish my stories enough to sell and is one of the authors in the anthology Northern Roses and Southern Belles that my story is a part of. She's also the big push behind our upcoming anthology blog tour the first week of August, just after our July 31st release.

2) Romancing America's Past - http://www.maymeholcombe.wordpress.com/
Mary Ann Webber posts this lovely blog. She's also a member of the Scandalous Victorians, is a great friend and was the one who suggested we all write a Civil War anthology in the first place. She's a driving force behind our group and is always looking for ways to promote the Victorian era romances that we all write.

3) Christina Phillips - http://www.christinaphillips.blogspot.com/
Christina is a friend I met online through my writing loops. When I announced the sale of my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel, she invited me to do an interview on her lovely blog. Unfortunately, I learned my release date wouldn't be until this July. So, she graciously offered to hold the interview until the book's release, about a week ago.

So, there you have it. For the three I chose the rules are simple. Copy the award image above and choose three blogs you enjoy! Write a blog post to let everyone know who they are and why you enjoy them. Then let the lucky bloggers know you've chosen their blogs as "One Lovely Blog".

And a big thanks to all of you for your wonderful support!!

Another Gorgeous Cover to Show Off

Look at the beautiful cover Nicola Martinez designed for the American historical Christmas anthology, An American Rose Christmas!!

My story, The Christmas Ball, will be part of this anthology, along with stories by Tori Anne, Donna Dalton, Lauri Robinson, Carol A. Spradling and Beth Trissel.

We don't have an official blurb yet, but here's one for my own story:

Sara Brewster, a young woman disguised as a man to serve as a soldier in the Union army, is secretly in love with camp surgeon, Kirk Ellison. When Sara is wounded, the doctor discovers her secret.

Once the shock of discovering the soldier Kirk thought of as a boy is a young woman, his protective feelings evolve into a growing attraction. When he's transferred to Washington D.C., he arranges for her to be transferred as well, to keep her by his side.

At a lavish ball on Christmas Eve, Sara is transformed into a ballroom beauty, and Kirk’s passions are aroused. He has to have her for his wife. But while farm girl Sara would love to marry the handsome doctor, she doesn’t feel worthy of him, fearing he'll ultimately be ashamed of her when she can’t live up to the task of being the wife of a prominent Washington physician.

I'm Being Interviewed at Paty Jager's blog

Join me today at Paty Jager Western Romance Writer for another interview as I talk about my writing and new release.

Guest Blogging Today!

I'm guest blogging on Laura Hogg's lovely time travel blog today, talking about Erin's Rebel. Here's the link if you want to join me: www.traveltheages.blogspot.com

Winner of pdf download of Erin's Rebel

I've drawn a name from my comments yesterday and the winner of the Erin's Rebel download is Skhye!

Congratulations!!

Skhye, email me at susanmacatee@aol.com and I'll send out your download.

Win a Copy of Erin's Rebel!!

My debut romance, Erin's Rebel, hits the e-book shelves today. And in honor of American Rose month over at The Wild Rose Press, it will be discounted until the end of this month.

Also, everyone who leaves a comment to this post, will be entered in a contest to win a pdf copy of Erin's Rebel. I'll announce the winner here tomorrow.

Blurb: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past change those plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp.

Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her.

Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?

Excerpt:

She gazed up into his dark eyes. Up close they were a deep, chocolate brown. He was so damned attractive in that uniform. Clearing her throat, she found her voice. "I appreciate what you did, Captain. That man's been harassing me."

"I suspected as much. Wagner doesn't seem to know how to be respectful to a woman."

She had trouble finding the words to reply. The aroma of sandalwood and his unique masculine scent that had floored her when he'd carried her into Doc’s tent left her flabbergasted.

"I'd warned Wagner to stay away from you," he said.

"He was so drunk, I don't think any warning would have stopped him."

"He didn't hurt you--"

She shook her head, noting the concern in his eyes. "All I could think to do was get out of the tent."

"That was wise, ma'am."

She glanced at the bundle he still held. "Are those for me?"

He grinned. "If you don't mind, ma'am. I have two shirts that need washing."

"My pleasure." When he handed her the clothes, their hands briefly touched. Electricity shot through her. She caught his gaze.

His eyes widened. He swallowed and backed away a few steps, then tipped his cap. "Ma'am." He turned away.

She watched him cross the camp and disappear from sight. If a reason existed for her coming to this time period, it had to be Will Montgomery. But why had this happened? Would she ever go back to her old life, or was she stuck here forever?

Although she'd tried to hold her emotions in check, the tension that had been building for the last few days caused her eyes to burn at the prospect. A sob built at the back of her throat. She dropped the clothing she’d been sorting in the basket and scurried into the privacy of her tent.

Erin's Rebel available today in both digital and print formats at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Contest Winners Announced!!

The results of my website contest are in.

Here are the winners.

#1 – Autographed print copy of Erin’s Rebel – Amy Smith

#2 – pdf copy of Erin’s Rebel – Judy Cox

#3 - $10.00 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press – Karen Nutt

All winners have been notified and announced at www.susanmacatee.com/News.html

Congratulations to all the winners!!

And a big thanks to everyone who entered.

Erin’s Rebel will be available in both e-book and print tomorrow at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

I’ll also be giving away another pdf download to one lucky person who leaves a comment here tomorrow, July 17th when I post a new excerpt. For more information on Erin's Rebel or to read the opening chapters, go to my website: http://www.susanmacatee.com/

Feels Like I've Got a Whole Lot of Balls Up In the Air

As the release date for Erin's Rebel grows ever closer, I feel like a juggler with several balls in the air at once.

I'll be guest blogging and doing interviews on several blogs in the coming weeks. I'm also having a contest on my website for entrants to win a copy of Erin's Rebel. I'll pick the winners on Thursday and announce it on the website as well as here. If you haven't already entered, go to www.susanmacatee.com for details.

In addition, I'm also writing my post-Civil War romance, Cassidy's War, and am nearing the halfway point in that project. I'm also revising Moons of Cynara and polishing the first chapters to enter in a contest. The deadline for that is September 5th.

Also, I've got to start promoting my short story, Angel of My Dreams, part of the Northern Roses and Southern Belles anthology coming out the end of this month.

Although I've got a lot of work ahead of me, I'm loving every minute of it. Writing fiction has always been my dream and now I've found a publisher who actually wants what I write, I'm in heaven!

As an aside, Erin's Rebel, is available now in print. Scroll down and click on the cover for more details. The e-book version will be available this Friday, July 17th.

Blogging at The Galaxy Express

I'm very honored to have been chosen by Heather Massey to blog about character development over at her excellent science fiction romance blog, The Galaxy Express.

So join me over there to learn more about the characters in my work in progress, Moons of Cynara.

Happy Fourth of July!!

I hope everyone in the U.S. has fun, spends time with family, and also remembers what our ancestors in the Revolution and all subsequent wars have sacrificed to preserve our freedom.

Have a great day!!

One Quarter of the Way...

I'm happy to announce I'm 100 pages into my summer book project. Official word count is 18,688.

I hope to get at least another 10 k completed by the end of this month.

My scene by scene outline has been a big help in allowing me to not get bogged down, because right now, I'm mired in edits for another story, plus promo for Erin's Rebel. It's hard to keep that balance when you've got projects in different stages of development, but I've been keeping at least one hour per day devoted to my summer project and it seems to be working out.

Any of you have any tips on juggling several projects at once?

Win a Free Copy of Erin's Rebel!

The countdown is on for the July 17th release of my first full-length romance novel from The Wild Rose Press, Erin’s Rebel, and I’m having a contest on my website all month long. Starting Wednesday, June 17th, visit my website: http://susanmacatee.com/News.html to find out how you can have a chance to win one of three prizes.

#1 – An autographed print copy of my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

#2 – A download of the e-book.

#3 – A $10.00 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press.

The contest will run until July 15th. All three winners will be announced July 16th.

Erin’s Rebel blurb: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past change those plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp. Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her. Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?

Excerpt:

The sound of her name on his lips made her skin tingle. She tore the paper off the package. At the sight of the brooch, her breath caught.

"Do you like it?" he asked anxiously. "I had it made just for you."

Eyeing him, she had a hard time finding her voice. This was Erin O'Connell's brooch, the very one that had sent her back in time. It shone in her hands, new and unworn from time and wear.What did this mean? She must be following Erin O'Connell's footsteps. As far as she knew her being here hadn’t changed anything. Will was still destined to die this year.

"I didn’t mean to upset you, Erin. If you don’t want the brooch--"

"No." She clasped the pin against her chest as the meaning of his gift sank in. "It just means so much to me."

His look of concern softened into a lopsided grin. "I'm happy you feel that way."

"Thank you, Will." She slipped the brooch into the pocket of her wrapper, then stood on her toes, lifting her arms to circle his neck. She kissed his cheek, inhaling his musky scent.

His mouth was on hers, hot and urgent. The softness of his moustache and chin beard tickled her lips. She opened to him, her tongue slipping inside to taste him thoroughly. He groaned, pressing the length of his body against her.

Erin's Rebel, coming July 17th from The Wild Rose Press.

Have official release date for Sweet Redemption

Although I was hoping to get a date before Halloween, I did get one close after. My short vampire story, Sweet Redemption, will be available as an ebook on November 11, 2009.

Sweet Redemption

Vampire romance

Coming November 11, 2009 to The Wild Rose Press

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul. Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents had passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She’s alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family’s farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop. Maddie and Jon form and bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Excerpt:

Those knocks were not made by a wolf, but he suspected the wolf had something to do with Reverend Arnwolf. "Is the wolf his minion, or can he transform himself?" he said, under his breath.

"What?" Mrs. Emery moved close. Her scent invaded his thoughts. "Please, tell me what's going on?"

Jon sighed. "When I said I was attacked by a wild dog, I lied." He moved back to the settee and sat, his hands dangling between his knees.

She sat beside him, but held herself ramrod straight. "What or who attacked you?"

"I was pinned down on the battlefield. Spent the night in the freezing cold. All of my men had died. A man appeared. Claimed to be a minister from Austria." Jon grimaced as he recalled Arnwolf's blood-red eyes and the sharp pierce of his fangs as they entered Jon’s throat. "He offered to help me, but...instead he led me to an abandoned barn and attacked me.”

Mrs. Emery gasped. "You're not saying this man--"

"He bit me on the throat." Jon pushed his hand through his hair. "I don’t know exactly what he is, but he's not human."

"That's who you believe was at the door?"

Jon nodded. "I don’t know how, but I now have a connection to him." He fingered the bumps on his throat. "I know things about him I shouldn't possibly know."

For more on Sweet Redemption, visit my website: www.susanmacatee.com/News.html

And the winner is...

The winner of the pdf download of Salvation Bride is Jean P.! Congratulations!!!

Pop on over to http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com to learn how to claim your prize.

And many thanks to all those who left comments for Anna.

Win a pdf copy of Salvation Bride!!

Come on over to Slip Into Something Victorian today to hear what guest blogger, Anna Kathryn Lanier, has to say about her TWRP e-book, Salvation Bride. All comments today, June 12th, will be entered in a contest to win a pdf download of her story.

Link: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/

Trying To Keep It All Straight

Many years ago, when I first decided to take my writing seriously, my plan was to work on one project at a time. When I sent the first one off to a publisher, I would then start on my new project.

That was what I thought writers--especially ones who wrote novels--did. But it didn't work out that way. It started when I sent out Erin's Rebel. Thinking I was done with the manuscript, until I got that contract, I started working on a new novel, the one that became Confederate Rose.

It wasn't until I was getting rejections, along with feedback that made me realize I wasn't finished with Erin's Rebel. The story needed a major revision. So, I put Confederate Rose aside to get Erin's Rebel right. And even after I finally did get that contract, there were more revisions, edits and a final proofread of the galley.

The thing is, through all of that, I kept working on that second book, so by the time I'd completed edits on the first, I had a contract for the second. And had to go through the whole thing over again. Add three short stories into the mix. I'm now working through edits on one of them and proofing the galley on another. At the same time.

And I haven't given up on new projects. While writing the first draft of one full-length project, I'm also doing revisions on another.

Add to that promo! Since my first book comes out next month and a short story in an anthology the end of the same month, I've got a lot of work ahead of me. Once work on the book is complete, the task of getting the word out about it has just begun.

My old image of being a writer leisurely working on one project at a time has been totally shattered, but I'm having a ball balancing it all.

And I never run out of ideas for the next project.

Started Summer Book Project

June 1st was the day I started writing the first draft of my lastest project. I plan to make this my summer book project. It's been four days and I'm up to 3944 words. This story is already outlined and my plan is to go right through the first draft, without stopping to edit. So, we'll see how I do.

I've already written a blurb for this new story, sort of an inspiration to keep me going.

Here it is: Blurb for Cassidy’s War

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy’s War is just beginning.

Cassidy Stuart has longed to be doctor for as long as she can remember. Growing up watching her physician father attend patients and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to attend medical school and start a practice of her own. But prejudice against female physicians still abounds. And things grow more complicated by the return of the man who’d left her at the altar five years before, the rakish ex-soldier turned professional gambler, George Masters.

George has been on the run, finally settling in New York to assume the life of a gambler, and trying to forget hellish memories of the death of his best friend, Cassidy’s brother, at Gettysburg, and his time in a Confederate prison camp. But his biggest regret was deserting Cassidy two days before their wedding. She deserved a better man, or so he’d thought at the time. Will he now have a second chance to win place in her heart?

This is a sequel to a book I had published years ago and is now out-of-print. Does it pique your interest?

Arrrgggh!!!

Did a lot of rewriting and I'm still about 13 K short of the word goal for my sci-fi.

So, I've decided to print out what I've got, put it aside and start working on the first draft of my post-Civil War story.

I need a change of scenery, I guess. Once I get the first draft done, maybe I can go back and figure out what new scenes to add to get that sci-fi plumped out.

I plan to review my outline for the historical tomorrow, then dive into the first draft on Monday. If I can get the first 5000 words written over next week, I'll be very happy.

Is anybody starting on a first draft? If so, let me know what your word count goals are?

And by the way, Northern Roses and Southern Belles is slated for release on July 31, 2009. More on that to come.

Signed off on the galley

We signed off on the galley for Northern Roses and Southern Belles today, so we should be getting a release date soon. We already know it's coming out in July, but I'd like to know how close it will be to the release of Erin's Rebel on July 17th.

I'll keep everyone informed when news comes in, but in case you missed it, here's the blurb again.

Northern Roses and Southern Belles

coming July 2009 to The Wild Rose Press

In a country torn asunder--from the Candian border to Texas, from Maryland to Arkansas, from the battlefield of Antietam to the Red River Campaign--brave men and loyal women see their lives turned upside down.

Peril lurks behind every tree and near every homestead, but the hard-fought love of a man and a woman surpasses all.

Six talented writers provide stories of romance and danger centering on Union and Confederate soldiers, spies, blockade runners, renegades, and battlefield nurses during a period of corsets, hoopskirts, and gentleman callers.

Blogging Today at Slip Into Something Victorian

Today's my day to blog over at Slip Into Something Victorian. I'm talking about the impending release of my first full-length romance, Erin’s Rebel, a Civil War time travel.

Here’s the link if you’d like to take a look: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

Plotting Time

I'm back to plotting again, but this time I'm plotting out new scenes for a manuscript already written. This is the second time a manuscript came out too short after I wrote the first draft. So, what I've decided to do is reread what I already wrote, then plot out several new scenes I can insert right into the story. I've already written four new scenes, which added about 2000 words to the manuscript, but that's not enough.

I spent the past three hours rereading and writing ideas for new scenes. So far, I've got a list of five new scenes I can add to this story. The last time I had to do this, those new scenes really enhanced the original draft, so I'm hoping it will work with this story too.

I'm Over At Slip Into Something Victorian

And I'm talking about the types of jobs Victorian women took over from men during the Civil War. Join me over at: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

Thought It Might Be Fun...

To post an excerpt from my new vampire story, Sweet Redemption. And you can view that cool cover in the post below.

At first she held her lips firm, then opened allowing him to explore the velvety insides of her mouth. Encouraged, he leaned into her, and she yielded beneath him, sighing softly as she reclined on the settee. He pulled the pins, releasing her hair into a silken veil trailing over her bodice. He cupped one of her lush breasts through the fabric of her gown, and she moaned in response. Encouraged, he adjusted his body over hers, his arousal growing.

She gazed up at him, eyes half-closed in passion. He focused on her throat and the steadily beating pulse. He pushed a strand of hair back and fixated on the soft, white skin, gaze drawn to the pulse point. His lips grazed the spot, the beat and scent driving him mad. He had the overwhelming urge to bite. His mouth distended.

An image of what Arnwolf had done to him in the barn, made him jerk back. His heart pounded as he traced his finger along his teeth. Two sharp, pointed fangs had taken the place of his canines. He rose from the settee and howled, backing away.

Mrs. Emery stared at him.

He turned away, so she wouldn’t see. What had he become?

Just Okayed My New Cover!!

And I couldn't wait to get it up here, so I could show it off. This is for my latest short vampire story, Sweet Redemption, coming out with The Wild Rose Press.

Isn't it cool?

Here's the blurb:

On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett, is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul.

Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents have passed on and her brothers are off fighting in the Confederate Army. She’s alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family’s farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop.

Maddie and Jon form a bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

I'm So Excited!

The authors and stories that will be in the American historical Christmas anthology are posted on the Wild Rose Press American Rose line blog. Here's the link: http://americanroseline.blogspot.com

Another contract!!

Just got word that my Civil War Christmas story, The Christmas Ball, has a place in The Wild Rose Press American historical Christmas anthology. While immersing myself in my new full-length projects, it's been fun to see the contracts come in for my three new short stories.

But alas, I now have no more submissions out. Got to get back to work on those full-lengths.

Deep In Plotting Mode

Since I don't currently have much promotion to do, my first set of edits are complete for Sweet Redemption and I've finished proofreading Angel of My Dreams, my Civil War anthology story, I decided to immerse myself in the plot of my brand new book.

This story follows the characters of my out of print young adult historical, Under the Guns. It's now five years later, the Civil War is over and my happily ever after couple have split up because the hero, George Masters, feels Cassidy Stuart, the heroine, doesn't deserve to be saddled for life with a loser like him.

So, they both go their own ways--she starts to pursue her dream of being a physician, while he wallows in despair for awhile, then starts a career as a professional gambler in New York City.

My new story is about how the two find their way back to each other and the obstacles that get in their way as they reunite.

It's fun revisiting characters I've lived with while creating the original story. I've completed the basic outline and am now embellishing scene by scene, which will make it easier when I start to write the first draft.

My plan is to start that draft in June and complete it by summer's end. Wish me luck.

Do any of you think about revisiting any of your characters after a story's complete?

Another Cover to Show Off

Here's the cover for the American Civil War anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles, that my short story, Angel of My Dreams, will be a part of.

In a country torn asunder--from the Canadian border to Texas, from Maryland to Arkansas, from the battlefield Antietam to the Red River Campaign--brave men and loyal women see their lives turned upside down.

Peril lurks behind every tree and near every homestead, but the hard-fought love of a man and a woman surpasses all.

Six talented writers provide stories of romance and danger centering on Union and Confederate soldiers, spies, blockade runners, renegades, and battlefield nurses during a period of corsets, hoopskirts, and gentlemen callers.

Beautiful cover, isn't it?

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm blogging over at Slip Into Something Victorian today on women in medicine in the 1870's.

Eternity Waits is on sale!

You can now purchase my short vampire story, Eternity Waits from The Wild Rose Press for just 99 cents. If you haven't already read the story, now's the time to buy. Just scroll down and click on the cover to purchase.

Winner Announced!!

The winner of the Victorian basket, including a Barnes and Noble gift certificate has been announced over at Slip Into Something Victorian. Click on over to see who the lucky person is.

Didn't Forget Those Goals

I haven't listed my writing goals for this month or last, not because I'm not writing, but because my projects have grown ever more complex now that I've got more than a few contracts under my belt. I spent a lot of time last month doing promo over at Coffee Time Romance, but I also completed the first draft of my science fiction romance.

That done, I'm allowing it to cool before I start revisions. I have to lengthen it up a bit, which means coming up with a lot of new scenes that I'll have to outline, then write, while merging them into the completed draft.

I'm also waiting for a galley, edits and word on a submission. All of these are short stories. So, while I wait, I'm working on an outline for a new post Civil War full-length story staring characters from my young adult Civil War romance Under the Guns. UTG is a story I wrote many years ago and is now out of print, but this new story will be a stand-alone, as well as an adult romance since the characters are now full-fledged adults, so readers won't have to have read the first book to follow the story.

I've decided to devote the month of April to completing this outline. Then I'll give it a rest while I get back to that sci-fi romance. During the summer, I plan to write the first draft of my new story.

So, I do have definite goals and am looking forward to completing both the sci-fi revisions and the new first draft by the end of this summer.

Civil War vampires, anyone?

Today I'm posting over on Slip Into Something Victorian about my new contract with The Wild Rose Press for my new Civil War vampire story, Sweet Redemption.

I've posted a short unedited excerpt as well. And if you post a comment, you'll be entered in the drawing for the Victorian basket.

Contest ends the end of the month.

Coffee Time Winners Announced!!

To view all the winners of the Scandalous Victorians contest over at Coffee Time Romance, click here to view.

For my own contests, here are the winners:

1. e-book copy on disk of Eternity Waits - Hollie

2. print copy of Erin's Rebel when it becomes available this July - Hywela Lyn

3. copy of Amerian Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles when it becomes available this July - Kim Smith

A big congratulations to all the winners!!

Last Chance to Leave a Comment on Coffee Time

I'll be drawing names of commenters at the Coffee Time Romance Readers' Retreat forum and posting them there tomorrow, so if you haven't already left a post to win one of our prizes, here's your last chance. I'll announce all the winners of my contests here too.

Another Contract!!

Just got word on another contract from The Wild Rose Press for my new short vampire story, Sweet Redemption.

Here's the blurb: On a cold December night, Union infantry captain, Jonathan Hackett, is pinned down on the Fredericksburg battlefield trying to escape Confederate fire. But a creature of the night, more dangerous than any enemy soldier, stalks him. Jon must fight for his life as well as his soul.

Maddie Emery has lost everything dear to her. Her husband and parents have passed on and her brothers are off fighting for the Confederate Army. She's alone, trying single-handedly to hold onto her family's farm, when a Yankee soldier collapses across her stoop.

Maddie and Jon form a bond of love and desire, but as Jon exhibits signs of becoming the creature he fears most, is their love enough to fight off the evil of a centuries old vampire bent on destroying them?

Win a Copy of Eternity Waits!

Visit Coffee Time Romance for excerpts of my short story Eternity Waits and leave a comment there for a chance to win an e-copy.

Working On Something New Again

I've completed the first draft of my science fiction romance, Moons of Cynara, and put it aside for awhile, so I can come back to revise with a fresh eye.

In the meantime, I thought I'd start preliminary work on a brand new romance novel. This one will be a sequel to a young adult Civil War novel I had published years ago. I recently got the rights back and it's now out of print. But I loved those characters and want to write a brand new story that takes place around 1870. The characters will be older, so this one won't be YA, but a straight historical romance, set during the Victorian era.

So far, I've done character and setting sketches, made a list of things I need to research and have started on a rudimentary plot outline. It's fun working on a brand new story. My plan is to get as much work done on it as I can this month, then go back to Moons and start on the revision. When I'm done with Moons, I'll have my new story at least partially plotted out and can get to the first draft that much sooner.

Over at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian again talking about ballroom etiquette. Join me over there to see what I uncovered while researching my new Civil War Christmas story.

Not Sure What I'm Doing...

... this month. I just finished the first draft of my science fiction romance, so have put that away to cool for a bit.

And the only other ongoing project I have is to finish edits, polish up and submit my short Civil War Christmas story. This project has to be submitted by the end of the month, so will be my top priority. But after that, I'll need to start on something new, I guess.

I've been toying with a post Civil War story featuring characters from my out-of-print YA novel, Under the Guns. So, maybe I'll start work on an outline for that, unless some other project captures my imagination.

On Coffee Time Again

Today I'm posting excerpts and talking about my American Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

I'm also giving away an autographed copy to one lucky poster.

Click here to join in the fun.

Join Me at Coffee Time Romance

The members of the my group blog, Slip Into Something Victorian, will be over at Coffee Time Romance all month in the forum, discussing our books, research, and other interesting things, as well as giving away prizes for the entire month of March.

Join us here to see what we're up to.

And you can also click on to Slip Into Something Victorian for the chance to win a Victorian basket. All you have to do is leave a comment over there during the month.

Hope to see you all at Coffee Time.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm blogging over at Slip Into Something Victorian today about writing in the genre you love.

When Life Throws You For a Loop...

I haven't posted here for awhile because of things going on in my life right now. Although writing is very important, family always comes first. But things are starting to settle a bit and I'm trying to get back into my ongoing writing projects.

I'm still working on the first draft of my science fiction romance and am editing a short story, a Civil War Christmas story, that I have to get done and submit by April 1st. So, while family comes first, I think I'll be able to get a handle on those two projects.

The great thing about writing romance fiction is I can get away from real problems for awhile, while I explore adventures with my characters, whether they're in the past or future on a far off planet.

Writing is my therapy.

Posting over at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm posting today at Slip Into Something Victorian about a fascinating book I read, called An Uncommon Soldier when researching the lives of women Civil War soldiers. It's the collected letters of a female soldier named Sarah Rosetta Wakeman.

Sad Day

Yesterday was a sad day for my family, because we had to put down our beautiful boxer, Kelly. Her hips were completely gone. The hardest part was she didn't seem to be in any pain and her appetite was good right up until the end.

It's so hard to say goodbye.

Wasn't she beautiful?

Diving Back In

Since I've finished up several projects, at least for the time being, the time has finally come for me to dive back into my science fiction romance, Moons of Cynara. I started off by reading what I'd written so far of the first draft, almost 200 pages.

I thought I'd cringe when I reread the beginning of the story, but I find I really like these characters and world I've created. Of course, I just couldn't resist a bit of revising and editing as I read. And today I added 1285 new words to my word count. It helps that I have the entire story plotted out. When I got to the last page, I didn't have to try to figure out what came next.

For tomorrow, I'll try to write at least another 1000 words, then just keep adding on. The best part is, I'm having fun.

End of January

Just realized it's already the last day of January. A good thing in my eyes, since it means we're just that much closer to spring. I had to look over my January goals to see what I've accomplished. Of course, I did get sidetracked by that galley for Confederate Rose, but that superceded all other goals, because now I've got that September 2009 release date.

Although, now that I've looked, I see I neglected to post my goals for January. I just have a list of what I want to accomplish this year. So, I'll list what I did get done this month.

1. Finished galley work for Confederate Rose and got my release date of September 25, 2009.

2. Finished revising my short vampire story, Sweet Redemption. All I have to do now is give it a final polish and send it back to the editor.

3. Wrote most of the first draft of my short Civil War Christmas story, The Christmas Ball. I'm working on the final scene now. Why, oh why, do I have such a hard time writing those final scenes?

4. I'm re-reading the partial first draft of my full-length science fiction romance, Moons of Cynara to reacquaint myself with the story. I'd written the first 200 pages before I had to stop to work on the Confederate Rose galley. And I just can't resist doing a bit of editing as I go along.

Looks like I did accomplish a lot this month. My goals for February will be to:

1. Finish up and re-submit Sweet Redemption.

2. Finish the first draft of The Christmas Ball, take a two week break from it and revise.

3. Start back on the first draft of Moons. Not sure how many pages or words I'll have time to write for it, since I'll be working on it between other projects, but if I can complete another 100 pages by the end of the month, I'll be happy.

Hey, it's my birthday!

And it just happened to be my turn to blog over at Slip Into Something Victorian. So join me over there to find out how I came to write Civil War romance.

Confederate Rose excerpt

I found out yesterday that my full-length American Civil War romance, Confederate Rose, is to be released in digital and print on September 25, 2009.

So, I thought I'd post a short excerpt.


"I'm hating to have to say it, since I'd accused you of being a thief, but I stole something from you." She looked away.

"What could you...?" He racked his mind trying to figure out what she could have taken.

"I went through yer pack."

"In Patrick's tent?"

"No, weeks ago back at the cabin. I went through it to try to learn more about you when you were in the stable. I found a letter and took it but didn't have time to read it until now."

Alex swallowed.

"It was a Federal dispatch. Yer a Yankee."

His chest tightened. No wonder he'd been unable to find the dispatch. She'd had it all along. "What do you intend to do?" He hoped she wouldn't discover his real motive. He could never harm her.

"You lied to me the whole time," she said, disbelief marring her delicate features.

He exhaled the breath he'd held. "I had no choice."

"If I'd known you to be a Yankee, I'd have shot you the first chance I got." Her eyes glittered in the light of the fire. "You touched me...pretended to care fer me. And all the while, you lied to me."

The raw hurt on her face broke his heart. He'd deceived her. He couldn’t deny it. "What do you intend to do?" he asked again.

She shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry, Alex, but 'tis me duty to turn you in."

I've been tagged!!!

Well, she did it to me again. My friend and fellow romance author, Nicole McCaffrey just tagged me again. I'm supposed to list six things that make me happy, then go to six other blogs and tag them.

Here are my six things:

1. writing

2. reading

3. my husband and boys (when I'm not mad at them for something)

4. chocolate (wish I had some right now)

5. hot tea ( I do have some of that)

6. warm weather ( I'd die for some of that)

And no, I don't have anybody to tag. Nicole already took the two I could've. LOL.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm blogging today over at Slip Into Something Victorian about the Presidential Inauguration of 1865, Abraham Lincoln's second term.

Ever have one of those days ...

It's dark, dreary, raining non-stop and besides laundry, housecleaning and other assorted things associated with my house, I planned to write today. But it's just so depressing. How can I feel inspired? Maybe it worked for Edgar Allen Poe, but not me.

My editor sent me a short list of things to check on my galley that the proofreader caught, so of course, I used that as an excuse to hold off on my writing session. We do need to get this galley finished up as soon as possible. LOL. It's important. But that only took a few minutes and now I have the whole afternoon spread out before me with nothing to do but write. But I just don't feel like it.

Although, the act of sitting my butt in my chair did help. So, after I made prints of my short story cover for promo purposes, checked email, checked the balance on my credit card, and took care of a little online promo, I finally did get to my WIP--my short Civil War Christmas story--and managed to write a whopping 503 new words, before I just couldn't stand looking at it anymore. Then I took a short break and went over the opening of my new vampire story. I had an editor request revisions before I resubmit. I revised the first 22 pages yesterday, but felt I had to go over them again, so re-revised those same pages. But openings are very important, so I feel kind of productive.

Just hoping for some sunshine tomorrow to inspire me.

2009 Goals

So, what do I want to accomplish in 2009?

First of all I want to finish the projects I'm working on at present.

• complete outline for short Christmas story
• write first draft
• revise and polish, then submit by April 1st
• complete first draft of science fiction romance, Moons of Cynara
• after a long break from it, I'd like to revise, polish and search out publishers to submit to
• submit partials to selected publishers
• revise short vampire story, Sweet Redemption and resubmit to editor
• finish proofread of galley for Confederate Rose
• work with editor on contracted anthology story
• start on promo for Erin's Rebel close to the release date of July 17th

Well, that's my list for now. All of these are projects already contracted or in development. It looks like a lot, so I'll see how it goes.

A Brand New Year!!

It's the last day of 2008 and I'm thinking ahead to a brand new year. But first, I thought I should review my writing goals for 2008 and see how much I accomplished. Here are a few of the goals I did make.

• cut scenes from my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel


• sent the query to The Wild Rose Press


• got a request for a partial, then the full


• signed contract for Erin's Rebel and it will be a July 2009 release!


• entered my other CW romance, formerly titled Katie Rose in contests


• completed line edits for Katie Rose


• after changing the title to Confederate Rose, gave it a final proofread and sent the query and synposis to my editor & got a request for the full


• signed contract for Confederate Rose


• wrote short story for Civil War romance anthology called Angel of My Dreams


• submitted AMD to editor


• signed contract for AMD!


• outlined science fiction romance titled Moons of Cynara


• started first draft of Moons


• started outlining short Civil War Christmas story for historical romance anthology

I've got a good start on that first draft. By today's count, my word total is 36,525. I'm almost at the midway point. And although I started the outline on the short story, I haven't yet finished. But otherwise, I think I accomplished a great deal in 2008. Now, to figure out what I'd like to accomplish in 2009.

Trying to Get Back in Gear

The holidays aren't over yet, but I haven't been doing much writing over the last few weeks. The reason wasn't entirely Christmas though. The galley for Confederate Rose came in and I had to proofread it and mark mistakes. I just turned that in today and started back on the Civil War Christmas story I'd started outlining. I put in 2 1/2 hours on it this afternoon and feel like I'm back into the story. I still want to try to finish the outline this week, so I can start on the first draft after the holidays. I'll see how it goes.

Merry Christmas!!

Just want to wish a merry and peaceful Christmas to all my readers who celebrate and happy holidays for all!!

Free Christmas Story!

My free Civil War Christmas romance, A Kiss Under the Mistletoe, has just been released from The Wild Rose Press.

Samantha Harrison is preparing for her wedding day. Trouble is, she’s marrying the wrong man. The man she loves and whose child she carries, has disappeared months ago in battle in the last days of the American Civil War. On Christmas Eve, Doug Mitchell shows up at her door only to learn she’s marrying another man in two days.

To get your free download, visit the TWRP site at: http://thewildrosepress.com/ and click on FREE READS. If you don't have an account there, you'll have to set one up, but the story is completely free. You can also check out all the other free reads at the site.

This Just Isn't Working!

This month I thought I'd try something I haven't done before. I seem to have no trouble writing a first draft or outline one story, while doing edits on another. So, since I have two new projects I'm trying to work on at once, I thought I could write a first draft for one and outline another.

But it just doesn't seem to be working. Could be that the creative part of my brain just can't create two stories at once. Once I'm done working on my first draft, I just can't seem to switch to the outline. So, for now, I've decided to work on the first draft on weekdays and outline on the weekends.

Don't know if it'll work, but it's worth a try.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

Forgot to tell everyone that I posted a blog on Slip Into Something Victorian about period photography. Click the link to view: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

December Goals

A little late, but here goes.

1) Get my word count for the first draft of my science fiction romance up to 40,000 words by the end of the month.

Since my word count now stands at 26, 673, I only have 13, 327 words left to go.

2) Complete the outline for a short American Civil War Christmas story by the end of the month.

I've already gotten a start on this one too.

And my contracted edits are out of the way, so I don't see any problems in completing these two goals. I'll let you know how I did and also list my 2009 goals at the end of December.

November Goals Update!

Well, seems I've outdone myself on this one, despite tons of distractions this month. My goal was to complete the first 20,000 words of the first draft for my new sci-fi romance story. And by November 30th, my total word count ended up at 21,568.

A great start!

Release Day for Erin's Rebel!

I finally got it. My release day for Erin's Rebel is officially set for July 17, 2009. I am so excited, because it will be released in both digital and print on the same day. So, it's time for an excerpt. Hope you enjoy.

Erin's Rebel

Time Travel Romance

The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past, a Civil War captain, change her plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp.Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her.Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?

Excerpt

"Ma'am," someone called, startling her. "I'm mighty pleased to see you're up."

She turned in the direction of the deep voice. Am I dreaming? She licked her dry lips as she stared into the dark eyes that had haunted her dreams.

"Ma'am? You look a might peaked."

As he moved closer, her knees turned to jelly. Strong, hard-muscled arms embraced her, offering support. Her head spun. She lifted a hand to stop the motion and encountered wool, a double row of metal buttons and a rock-hard chest. The enticing aroma of sandalwood mixed with a musky, masculine scent, plus a tinge of wood smoke invaded her senses. Had she hit her head harder than she'd thought?

She gazed at his lightly tanned face. Firm lips tilted upward slightly at the corners surrounded by a thin chocolate-colored mustache curving into a neatly-trimmed beard covering only his chin. Thick, dark hair brushed his collar and curled from beneath a broad-brimmed black hat. Her pulse raced as she leaned against his long, solid frame. Night after night in her dreams she'd run her hands through those curls.

"How can you be here?" she murmured.

"Pardon me, ma'am?"

"I don't understand." She tried to wrench from his grasp, but he gathered her close, lifting her into his arms. "What are you doing?"

To read the opening chapters, click here: http://susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel.html

Blogging about Time Travel

I'm blogging about time travel romances over at Slip Into Something Victorian. Click the link and tell me what time period you'd like to visit. http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers. I know there's not a whole lot to be thankful for this year, but try to focus on the positives in your life, at least for this one day. Aside from cooking that turkey, I have a rather relaxing day planned. No company, just my husband and three sons. I'm taking today off from writing projects, too. I already surpassed my November goal anyway. More on that later. Whatever free time I have when not cooking, will be spent reading a good book.

Just give thanks for what you have and hopefully things will get better for all of us soon.

Another TWRP contract!!

I just sent off my fourth contract with The Wild Rose Press. This one's for my short story titled Angel of My Dreams, which will be part of an American Civil War romance anthology.

I'm really excited about this one, because members of my critique group have written the other stories.

I've talked about this story before, but to give a reminder, this one's about a present day Civil War reenactor, who falls in love with the ghost of a Civil War nurse.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

I've just finished my first post at our new wordpress blog version of Slip Into Something Victorian. The subject - Civil War amputations. If you'd like to check it out here's the link: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

Working On Something New

I've started the first draft of my first ever science fiction romance this week and have already completed the first 6030 words.

After writing historical and paranormal/historical, writing sci-fi just feels like fun. That's not to say I'll stop writing those other genres, because they were a lot of fun too. It's just that switching my gears brings out a fresh feeling to my writing.

What do all of you out there think about switching genres? Do you think it's a good thing for writers to stretch their wings?

November Goals

About time I post my writing goals for November. Since I'm in the middle of galley proofs and edits for Erin's Rebel and Confederate Rose, I'm only listing one goal for this month.

1) Start first draft of my new science fiction romance, Moons of Cynara.
My goal is to write the first 20,000 words this month.

Be back at the end of the month to let you know how I did.

Monthly Goals

Well, I managed to meet my October goals, one by a hair.

1) Edit, proofread and submit Sweet Redemption, my new vampire story.
I've done this and am just waiting to hear back from my editor.

2) Finish outline for Moons of Cynara, my first science fiction romance.
Also finished. I actually didn't finish until November 1st, but it's close enough.

Be back with my November goals.

Winner of My Halloween Contest

Today, I'm announcing the winner of my Halloween contest on Dayana Knight's blog. And the winner is ... ta, da! ... Sarabelle! You'll be receiving a $10.00 TWRP gift certificate.

Sarabelle, contact me at susanmacatee@aol.com and I'll forward your prize.

Congratulations!!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Blog

I just posted a new blog on Slip Into Something Victorian on the origins of Halloween in America. I've also included some cool History Channel links to get you all in the Halloween mood.

Check it out at: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com/

A New Excerpt - Confederate Rose

Just for fun, I thought I'd post an excerpt from my newly contracted manuscript, Confederate Rose.

Confederate Rose

Historical Romance

The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant, Katie Rose O'Reilly, vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. As she's transporting mail from Richmond back to camp, a stranger startles her, causing her to fall and almost drown in a swollen stream.

Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever. He must keep his identity secret from the beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himself falling in love with her.

Katie falls in love with the caring gentlemen stranger, only to later discover he's the enemy. Heartbroken, she turns him in to the Confederates, but then questions her goals and beliefs. Is it possible to put aside her quest for revenge to save the man she loves?

Excerpt:

"What? Are you telling me you were kissing him?" His blood heated at the thought of her moving on to another man.

"I was tryin' to escape."

"By kissing him?"

"Aye." Anger flashed in her eyes. "And it was working until you came along and hit the poor lad."

He grasped her forearm and pulled her from the guardhouse. They couldn't stay here debating. "Come on, we've got to get out of camp. I fear I've compromised my cover."

"But what about Nate?" she protested. "You may have killed him."

Sighing, Alex knelt and felt for a pulse. The lad's breathing was regular, his pulse steady. "Reckon he'll be out for awhile, but aside from a nasty headache and some bruising, he should be all right." He rose and glanced into the guardhouse. "They’ll reckon you clobbered him when he came for your dinner plate." He caught her worried gaze. "Now, let's skedaddle."

She nodded, but eyed him again. "Why are you dressed as a priest?"

"It's a disguise. I'm ministering to the Rebel soldiers." His eyes roved to the white vee of her bosom. "Button your shirt before we go. We don’t want to attract any more attention."

Confederate Rose, coming soon from The Wild Rose Press.

Halloween Contest!!!

I'm guest blogging on Dayana Knight's blog today about my love of vampires and would like to invite everyone to join me over there. And I'm also having a contest.

Here's the link: http://dayanaknight.blogspot.com/

Eternity Waits Now On Sale!

For the entire month of October, The Wild Rose Press is discounting all their paranormal romances. You can now purchase Eternity Waits for only $1.35.

If you haven't already read it, here's the link to purchase.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=177_136&products_id=787&zenid=ca141a8a033bba99f014b055634890ce

And here's an excerpt:

Eternity Waits

The Wild Rose Press

Black Rosette

North of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

July 1, 1863

Caleb Weathers tensed at a rustle behind him. He swung his Enfield rifle in the general direction. A hoot, followed by the flutter of large wings left him staring into the wide-eyed gaze of a Barn owl. When the bird took flight, he breathed a sigh of relief. The scent of pine and fetid soil calmed him a bit.

The thickness of the forest made him all too aware of how vulnerable he was to attack despite the weight of his weapon. Caleb sensed a presence behind him. He broke into a sweat and the hairs on the nape of his neck rose. He whirled and aimed the barrel at the form that appeared out of nowhere.

"Who are you?" he asked. "Where'd ya come from?"

The woman smiled. Blood-red lips and luminous blue eyes captured his gaze. Her raven hair glinted in the moonlight.

"I am Alexandra." Her low, throaty voice held a guttural accent.

What is a beautiful woman doing in camp alone in the dead of night? She couldn't be up to any good. And yet, as he watched her, a thrill of anticipation raced through him. Something about her seemed familiar. A memory he couldn't quite reach.

He swallowed. "You'd best skedaddle, ma'am. You can't come through camp without a pass."

"I came for you, my darling." With one fluid motion, she moved closer.

He cocked his rifle. "Stop right there."

Her exquisite lips drew into a pout. "I would never harm you, Dimitri."

At the sound of the name an eerie sensation swept over him."Who the hell is Dimitri?" he asked. "My name's Caleb."

October Writing Goals

Okay, figured out what I want to accomplish writing-wise for the month of October.

1) Edit, proofread and submit my short vampire story, Sweet Redemption.

2) Finally finish the outline for my full-length science fiction romance.

I think I can work both these projects in among the work I have to do with all my contracted stories. So, we'll see how I do.