Confederate Rose takes 2nd place!!

I am so thrilled that my Civil War romance, Confederate Rose, has taken 2nd place in the historical category of the 2010 New England Reader's Choice Bean Pot Contest.

This story is not your typical Civil War romance, since the heroine, Katie Rose O'Reilly, is a soldier in the Confederate army. Her story is loosely based on real women who fought for both North and South at the time of the Civil War. A time when women weren't considered capable of serving the army in any fashion.

Since Civil War romance isn't a popular choice for editors with the big NY publishers, I was gratified that my editor, Allison Byers, and publisher, The Wild Rose Press, would even consider publishing this story and even more gratified that readers love it! But without TWRP, Katie's story wouldn't be available for readers to find at all.

Just one of those days

Had way too much to do this morning and book promotion ate into my normal writing hours. I posted excerpts from all my stories on my email loops, then remembered I was supposed to post over at Slip Into Something Victorian. So, if you'd like to stop over there, I'm posting about what I do to promote my books and myself.

A rejection on a dark, rainy day

Just got a rejection for my latest manuscript, Cassidy's War. But you know, it's not all that bad. The editor had a lot of great things to say about the submission and only had one problem, but gave me a lot of ideas on how to fix it. And although fixing that problem will require a whole lot of rewriting, I've decided I'm going to do it.

The suggestions will make the manuscript better, so why not put a little more work into an already good manuscript to make it great!

For now, I'll put it aside until I finish up some other projects, then I'll tackle it head on. If you're serious about writing you have to learn to write and revise, revise, revise.

It's a beautiful day!

Finally, after months of bone-chilling, buried in snow, or drowning in buckets of rain weather, we're experiencing our first real touch of spring. The temps are supposed to rise to 72 degrees here.

And it's making it all that much harder to stick at my desk and work. But I put in more than a solid hour of plotting out my science fiction romance story. For now, I'm calling it Jason's Honor, although that might change. I have the general plot worked out and for now, am working on a scene by scene outline. Although I have a lot of blank pages right now, the beginning and end of the story are really starting to jell. Just have to work on that darned middle.

I've also been working on an idea for a short comtemporary romance and ideas were flashing through my head early this morning, while I was busy with my workout and household things. Just have to sit my butt in the chair with my pad and write them down. That little story is starting to come alive too. It always seems the ideas come when I'm doing non-writing related things.

Feeling a bit off today

I just can't seem to get into the swing of things. Guess I can blame it on the switch to daylight savings time or the cloudy, dreary day we're having.

Although I got up at my usual time and have been on the go all day, I don't feel like I'm accomplishing much.

I should have already put in an hour on the plot for my science fiction romance, but just can't seem to psych myself up to open the file. So, what have I been doing?

A lot of promo. I've joined the TWRP authors over at Rites of Romance Chatters to showcase excerpts from all my TWRP books. So, I guess I have accomplished something. If I could only get myself to open that plot file, maybe I could actually have a very good day--writing wise.

Confederate Rose is a finalist in the Reader's Choice Bean Pot Contest!!

Here's the full list.

2010 New England Reader’s Choice Bean Pot Award
Announcing Finalists

Finalists are listed in alphabetical order.
***NEC Member

Short Contemporary Finalists
Colorado Christmas – CC Coburn
Healing the Boss’s Heart – Valerie Hansen
Meant To Be – Donna Marie Rogers

Long Contemporary Finalists
Hope Street – Judith Arnold***
Hot Flash – Kathy Carmichael
Spinning Forward – Terri DuLong

Historical Finalists
If He’s Sinful – Hannah Howell***
Confederate Rose – Susan Macatee
Wickedly Ever After – Michelle Marcos

Romantic Suspense Finalists
Operation Sheba – Misty Evans
No Alibi – Valerie Hansen
More Than Great Riches – Jan Washburn

Erotica Finalists – (this category had a tie in one of placements – hence the four finalists)
Illegal Moves – Dalton Diaz***/Samantha Cayto***
Adored – Tina Donahue
Do You Trust Me – Desiree Holt
Past Lies – Shayla Kerstan

Future/Fantasy/Time Travel/Paranormal Finalists
A Highlander of Her Own – Melissa Mayhue
Desire Untamed – Pamela Palmer
Ghost of A Chance – Judi Phillips***

Blogging about past lives

I'm blogging today about past lives over at Slip Into Something Victorian.

Care to share your stories?

Reviews and excerpt for Confederate Rose

Of my Civil War romance, Confederate Rose, reviewer Suzie Housley of Romance Junkies said, "Blended with a well developed romance, this historical is one that will grab hold of your heart and tear at your emotions. I highly recommend this charming historical..."

And 4.5 stars from The Romance Studio.

Reviewer Brenda Talley said, "This book is action-packed romance...even I was suprised how good it was..."

Read full reviews at www.susanmacatee.com/Reviews.html

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."

To purchase http://www.thewildrosepress.com/confederate-rose-p-3672.html?zenid=d466a16ae737375a08cc9653a27a78e8

Read the opening chapters at www.susanmacatee.com/confederateroseone.html

Blogging about Abraham Lincoln's prophetic dream...

...over at Slip Into Something Victorian today.

What reviewers are saying about Erin's Rebel

4. 5 hearts from Night Owl Reviews!!

"I love historical romances and Susan Macatee did a beautiful job with this one. I loved that Erin is definitely a 21st century woman yet yearns for that all consuming love that she cannot find right now. William is all she has been searching for in a man, but he is in another century. Erin will do anything she can to find out what her part in his life is even it if means her own life."

4 books at Long and Short Reviews!!

"Reading Erin's Rebel was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that any fan of historical romance won't want to miss."

Fantastic, Stays on Shelf from Between the Lines, WRDF Reviews!

"I loved the author's gentle hand with detail, her convincing touch with romance, and the twists and turns that she creates before a thoroughly satisfying ending... This book's well worth keeping on my shelf..."

"Beautifully Done Historical Romance" at ParaNormal Romance!

"Recommended read for paranormal and historical romance readers or if you simply enjoy a good love story!"

4 lips at TwoLips Reviews!!

"Erin's Rebel is rich in history and mystery. Every time I thought I had the book figured out, Ms. Macatee came up with a new twist and another piece of the puzzle. I was delighted to find a time travel with a real reason for going back in time. Anyone who loves history, time travel and stories with unexpected twists will definitely enjoy this awesome book."

To read full reviews, visit my website at www.susanmacatee.com/Reviews.html

Blurb and excerpt:

Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry and 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, available from The Wild Rose Press

To purchase http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=6341de937e309efa1f2fec4b82e414d4

Read opening chapters www.susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel.html

Sent off my latest project today

It took about a year from first planning to final proofread, but I finally finished up my post Civil War historical romance, Cassidy's War.

After sending my query and the synopsis, I got the request for the full. So, it's sent off and I can take a much needed breather.

But I'm already thinking ahead to my newest project. A science fiction romance that I've been struggling with for over a year. I've decided I really like the characters in this new story, but want to make some major changes to the plot.

It's really exciting to finish off one project and dive right into a new one.

But I also need to work on some things I've neglected as of late, like blogging and book promotion for the books I've already had published.

Have to work a bit of time in for everything, I guess.

And since I'm snowed in yet again, I've got time to reflect on what direction I want to go next.

Trying to get back in the swing of things

The recent holiday season put me behind as well as other non-writing activities I've had to deal with and those distracting reviews that seem to come in all at one time, but I'm almost finished the edits on my newest work in progress, Cassidy's War.

If you haven't already read it on my website, here's the blurb:

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy's War is just beginning.Cassidy Stuart has longed to be a 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 in 1870, 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, settling in New York City to live the life of a gambler, while trying to forget hellish memories of the death of his best friend, Cassidy's brother, at Gettysburg, as well as 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 a place in her heart?

Just have about 20 pages left to edit, then after I check a few notes I'd made during my edits, I'll start on the dreaded synopsis.

Hope to have the query and synopsis in my editor's inbox by mid February.

Wish me luck!

Feeling overwhelmed...

... but in a good way!

While trying to complete edits on my post Civil War work-in-progress and keeping up with posts for a workshop that's helping me with my next wip, I learned my latest anthology, An American Rose Christmas, won book of the week at Long and Short Reviews!

Check it out!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm

Giving away copy of Erin's Rebel

If you liked the latest review for my time travel, Erin's Rebel, you'll have a chance to win a pdf copy over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. I'm talkin about how Civil War reenacting was the main influence in creating this story.

Another great review for Erin's Rebel!!

I just received a four lips review from TwoLips Reviews for my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

This is what reviewer, Sal, had to say, "Erin's Rebel is rich in history and mystery. Every time I thought I had the book figured out, Ms. Macatee came up with a new twist and another piece of the puzzle. I was delighted to find a time travel with a real reason for going back in time. Anyone who loves history, time travel and stories with unexpected twists will definitely enjoy this awesome book."

To read the full review, follow this link http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4613&Itemid=36

To purchase Erin's Rebel http://www.thewildrosepress.com/erins-rebel-p-3554.html?zenid=5784c42012f239710ffbeb581360a420

Wow!!!!

Just found out that besides getting another great review on Christmas Day, Erin's Rebel has received a nomination in the romance book category of the Preditors and Editors Poll.

If you feel inclined, I'd appreciate your vote. Polls close on January 14th.

And you can also vote for Northern Roses and Southern Belles in the anthology section.

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/

Found a Christmas present I'd missed!

A great new review for Erin's Rebel posted on Christmas Day at ParaNormalRomance! Reviewer Karen Michelle Nutt called Erin's Rebel, "Beautifully Done Historical Romance."

She also said, "Recommended Read for paranormal and historical romance readers or it you simply enjoy and good love story!"

Read full review at ParaNormalRomance.org

Winner of An American Rose Christmas download!

Joan K. Maze is the winner of the drawing for a pdf download of An American Rose Christmas at Slip Into Something Victorian!

Congratulations, Joan! Enjoy!

And a big thanks to all who entered!

Still time to leave a comment...

...over at Slip Into Something Victorian for the chance to win a pdf copy of An American Rose Christmas anthology.

My Civil War romance story The Christmas Ball is included. Read excerpt in post below.

Winner of box of romance books!!

The winner of the box of romance books is Karen Michelle Nutter!

Congratulations, Karen!! And a big thanks to everyone who stopped to read my excerpts this week.