Skeletons in the Closet review: "Brilliantly conceived..."

Today I stumbled across a review of my horror collection: Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories, a book that has been in the making for a number of years and contains some stories that are over 20 years old. Google Alerts notified me that someone had reviewed Skeletons, so I had to pop over to Lunch.com to take a peek.

I immediately contacted the reviewer and asked for permission to quote some of his review here and on my website, and he graciously said yes. So here is a condensed version of Paul Weiss's review...

"SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET is a thoroughly entertaining and unabashedly Canadian collection of horror shorts - a straightforward, in-your-face, goosebump raising, skin crawling creep fest with brilliantly conceived endings that, while crystal clear in their intent and meaning, typically arrive out of a shockingly distant and unforeseen left field...

Having vowed that I would read more from this obviously talented Canadian author, I was thrilled when I discovered this collection of short stories...SEPARATION ANXIETY tells a tragic story of the grief of losing a child to an untimely accident and reminds us that revenge is a dish that is sometimes best never served at all! DEADLY REUNION is a chilling little tale of long lost teenage acquaintances that starts with stories of teenage angst and the cruelty of bullying ending with paranormal visions and questions about fate and destiny. If a reader was as twisted as Cheryl Kaye Tardif, one might say that her endearing story, OUIJA, is about a gift that keeps on giving! There are several other stories and I was also thrilled to discover that, unlike so many other collections of this type, there is not a single piece of dead wood in the entire anthology.

I can't wait to try some of Tardif's full length novels. Highly recommended." --Paul Weiss

I never thought I would get so much enjoyment out of being called "twisted". LOL

Finding an unsolicited review is like getting an unexpected gift from a stranger. And it connects me to a primary reason WHY I write: to entertain others (or scare the crap out of them.)

You can read Paul's full review at Lunch.com and on Amazon.com.

Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories is available in ebook edition via Amazon, KoboBooks, Smashwords, B&N, and other ebook retailers. It's currently on sale until January 10th, 2011, for $0.99.

Lancelot's Lady book trailer video needs your vote--by December 26th

The book trailer video for my bestselling romantic suspense, Lancelot's Lady, has been entered in the You Gotta Read Videos contest for December. It is entry #6 and I hope you'll check it out and vote for it.

My trailer was created by the talented Kelly Komm, who is also an author. Thanks, Kelly!

To view all the contest videos, please visit: http://t.co/d6GnHvT

Thank you to everyone who votes for Lancelot's Lady. I so appreciate your support! Have an awesome Christmas.

Stairway to Heaven: Remembering Those We've Lost at Christmas

Today my article on remembering loved ones and grieving during the holidays is featured at the National Crime Writing Month blog.

Holidays are particularly difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one. I hope my words are of some small comfort.

Please read my article: Stairway to Heaven: Remembering Those We've Lost at Christmas

Writer, director and producer David Wisehart interviews author Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Anyone who knows me knows that I love talking about writing, my books and ebooks, and publishing, and I never refuse an interview. I am a "shameless promoter", the #1 requirement in this business.

Today I spoke with writer, director and producer David Wisehart and answered a few questions about Whale Song, my most popular novel, and being a Kindle author.

Please drop by the interview on David's site.

P.S. Whale Song is currently on sale - ebook $0.99 (Amazon & Smashwords); trade paperback $9.99 (Amazon & Createspace)

Kindle Nation Daily features $0.99 ebook sale

Looking for great Kindle bargains?

Check out this post at Kindle Nation Daily.

Hodder Education, London, features my poem: A Whale Song

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a representative of Hodder Education in London asking for permission to reprint my poem, A Whale Song, which was inspired by my love of whale (in particular, killer whales) and my sadness over their senseless slaughter by fishermen. A Whale Song will be featured in an upcoming educational book for schools. I'm very honored and pleased to have my work presented to students and teachers.

Here's a sneak peek:

Smashwords ebook sale - thrillers, YA, romantic suspense, horror only $0.99 each - limited time offer

For a limited time*, you can purchase the following ebooks on Smashwords.com for only $0.99 each:

WHALE SONG (YA/mystery novel - 2010 edition)

LANCELOT'S LADY (Romantic suspense novel)

SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET (Horror/Suspense anthology)

REMOTE CONTROL (Suspense/Sci-fi novelette)

THE RIVER (Suspense thriller novel)

DIVINE INTERVENTION (Paranormal suspense novel)

You can read Smashwords ebooks on a variety of ereaders and smartphones, plus you can read on your computer or laptop. Multiple formats available. You can also read large samples.

This same sale is on all my Kindle ebooks too.

And I have a time limited offer on autographed trade paperbacks.

Happy Holidays!

Cheryl Kaye Tardif

www.cherylktardif.com

*This offer expires January 10th, 2011.

Autographed novels make perfect gifts

While supplies last, I am offering to autograph and mail out WHALE SONG, THE RIVER and DIVINE INTERVENTION to customers in Canada or the US. I have 35 of each book in stock and I'll take orders until December 20th.

The price is $9.99 each, plus shipping and handling. Shipping is $4/book.

Remember to note via PayPal who you want the book addressed to, especially if it's a gift. I can mail it to you or to the recipient, so be sure to add that info to PayPal.

*A free bookmark is included with each book.

To order, click on Add to Cart buttons below:

WHALE SONG - a "compelling" story of family ties, love, tragedy, sacrifice and transformation that will change the way you view life...and death.

$9.99 US + Shipping

THE RIVER - like LOST meets TIMELINE meets THE DA VINCI CODE. Stem Cell Research, Cloning, And World Domination--With A Twist.

$9.99 US + Shipping (sells for about $20 at most retailers)

DIVINE INTERVENTION - CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case―one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division.

$9.99 US + Shipping (sells for just under $20 at most retailers)

Shipping times vary and can take one to 2 weeks to arrive. Canada and US destinations only.

My Smashwords ebooks are on sale - only $0.99 each

My Kindle ebooks are on sale - only $0.99 each

Redeeming Characters Blog Tour - Turning a Sidekick into a Leading Man

Today's special guest blogger is Jennifer L. Hart, whom I met at Textnovel.com. To celebrate the launch of Jennifer's latest novel, Redeeming Characters, she's put together a fabulous blog tour with great prizes. Welcome, Jennifer! ~ Cheryl

Hello all and a great big thank you to my hostess for having me here as part of my Redeeming Characters blog tour. One of my personal guilty pleasures is watching brainless comedies. You know the kind when you laugh at toilet humor and people falling off high places to land in a whole pile of icky glop? Yes I know, how sophomoric, but I love to laugh.

Going hand in hand with that is the drive to make other people laugh too. I don’t have the personality for a stand-up comedian—I actually don’t like that much attention focused on my person. I’m more like the two old muppet characters snarking from the balcony.

In typical comedy, the one-liner character is invented for a single purpose, to say something pithy to ease the tension or sometimes to ratchet it up a few notches. After watching enough comedies though, I stop following the main storyline and my mind starts wondering what his story is, what makes a man so snarky and always ready to quip at another’s misfortune? 

Popular culture has never really delved into that guy, the side kick, the wingman. Sure you have your comedic heroes—John Cusack comes to mind— but the characters he’s plays always have more depth right from first scene.

Unsatisfied at the offerings of snarky heroes, I made one up instead. From his very first line, “Did anything in the known universe suck as much as author day?” I knew this guy was exactly what I wanted, the kind I yearned to know more about. Absolutely nothing was sacred— anything in sight was fair game to Drue.

What I didn’t expect were the hidden depths, the dark and twisty places inside his head that not only explained why he became the one liner guy, but that he really had no other choice. Part nature, part nurture equaled a scary and difficult human being.

You see, the typical one liner guy, he’s a one trick pony. Pop over, unleash a zinger, or two and then fade away. A true romance novel hero needs more depth, more color. There were times when writing Redeeming Characters when I worried I was ruining my zinger guy, after all, who can laugh in the face of constant suffering and not look like a total lunatic?

Worse yet, the one liner guys aren’t typically fantasy material. They fit more comfortably in the role of the best friend’s older brother, like Paul Rudd in Clueless. Sure, he gets the girl in the end, but he went overlooked for a good portion of that movie.

So how to create a real Alpha hero who could be snarky and loveable at once?

After years of struggling it hit me. And man, did I feel like a moron when the dust finally settled. It’s not what he says, it’s what he does. You know the schoolyard rhyme. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? Well, they do hurt, just in a different way. I had to make sure his actions spoke to the man, and made up for the words Drue wields like a weapon’s expert.

So, that’s the story of how I turned the sidekick into my leading man. Come check out Redeeming Characters available wherever ebooks are sold and in print now at Amazon.com. One random commenter, selected by my good hostess, will receive a Redeeming Characters keychain. Be sure to stop by www.jenniferlhart.com for a chance to win the blog tour prize.

The Best Time of Year to Query Agents

A special welcome to Jeff Rivera, author and entrepreneur. I've known Jeff for a few years and am happy to call him my friend and writing/publishing associate. Jeff has helped many authors find success, either by connecting them to fabulous publishers, agents or editors.

The Best Time of Year to Query Agents

by Jeff Rivera, founder of HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com

As any book publishing professional will tell you, now is the time when the industry goes on hiatus. But guess what? This is one of the best times of the year to pitch agents. Why? Because agents may slow down during the hiatus period but they cannot help but sneak a peek at their email.

I know because I deal with literally hundreds of literary agencies every year.

They're constantly searching for the next hot thing to represent. And if it's sent to them now, they will have enough time to spit polish it before the industry starts back up again in January.

What's so special about January? Editors come back from the holidays with a fresh new perspective. They're also loaded up with their expense accounts all over again so they'll be ready to rock n' roll when they use those accounts to lunch with your new agent.

Expense accounts are often on a "use it or lose it" basis. If the editor didn't use all their "lunch money" last year they'll receive an even less amount this year. It's also around the time when editors and editorial directors have set or about to set their editorial schedules. So, what better time to submit to agents!

If you have something solid and ready, get your query letter together. And it better be good because you only have one shot with these agents. What are agents looking for right now more than ever?

1) Middle grade - If you've written the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid, especially a funny book for boys now's the time to pitch it.

2) Young Adult fiction - Hot, Hot, Hot! If you have a YA book, nothing's hotter in the industry. It's the one genre that has not dipped in sales tremendously. In fact, agencies are adding more agents to their rosters, specifically looking for this genre. More agents means more opportunities for you.

3) Graphic novels - If you're an author who has had a difficult time selling your novel, think about adapting it as a graphic novel. The great thing is, you don't have to be able to draw. Simply align yourself with a great artist. Create a 5-page sample of your work, a detailed summary and presto! That's all you need. 100% of the clients we've done this for have gotten agents.

4) Celebrity Memoirs - If you've got connections to celebrities, even D-List Reality TV star celebrities, this is a sure bet. Submit a solid book proposal "co-written" or ghost written by you and your hot celebrity and two things will happen: 1) The sun will rise tomorrow 2) An agent will request to read your proposal.

5) High Platform Nonfiction - If you have a huge opt-in mailing list, are the president of a large charity or organization, own your own PR firm, or have strong media connections, now's the time to write a book. Remember, if it's a nonfiction book, you only need write a book proposal, not the entire manuscript. With a strong platform, you'll have agents chasing after you instead of the other way around. 100% of the clients we created book proposals for have landed agents and damn good ones within a week or two.

Remember, you only have one shot with these agents. So, make sure your query letter is as solid as possible. If you need help writing a winning query letter, contact: cheryl@gumbowriters.com and we'll help you. 100% of the query letters we've ghost written have received at least 10 top agents that have requested to read their manuscripts or proposals.

~Jeff Rivera, www.HowtoWriteaQueryLetter.com and www.GumboWriters.com

A special note from bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif:

A few years ago I used Jeff's query service. I was stunned by the response, especially after years of "following the rules" on how to write a query letter. Jeff breaks those antiquated rules and delivers a query that really grabs agents' attention. I had dozens of requests for partial and full manuscripts, and after a couple of weeks I signed with a reputable agency. My agent has been so supportive and a real cheerleader in everything I do. I highly recommend Jeff's query service.

Kobo ereader winner announced

The grand prize for my Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour is a Kobo ereader, generously donated by Kobo Books. (Thank you, Kobo!!!)

Everyone who left a comment on any of my tour blog posts, along with their email address was given a poi nt per blog comment. Those who purchased Lancelot's Lady during the special promotion time received an extra 25 points. The points were then converted into entries and all were placed in a box and shuffled.

Today, the winner was drawn.

And the winner is...

SARAH COULSEY!

Congratulations, Sarah.

Guest author Sandra Cox talks about sundials and time travel

A special welcome to guest blogger Sandra Cox, author of Sundial, a time travel romance. Sandra is sharing her thoughts on time travel and sundials. Take it away, Sandra...

Today they are ornamental and grace our gardens. But down through the ages the sundial has been a functional measurement of time. In fact, it was the first instrument developed to tell time. It was developed in BC and told time by the use of an object, commonly called a gnomon that threw a shadow from one side to the other as the object followed the sun. 

Since my lead female character is a garden painter, the sundial seemed the perfect means of transporting her back in time.

If you are writing, have written or thinking about writing a time travel what transport device appeals to you?

Thanks for joining me today. And a big thanks to Cheryl for having me.

(You are very welcome, Sandra! :-)

Now here’s an excerpt from the Sundial:

(Sarah is in a garden with her niece Meghan and cat Monet when she first discovers the sundial.)

Sarah blinked then squinted.  For the first time, she saw that Monet was seated beside an old sundial.

“Meghan, come here.  You’ve got to see this,” she called out excitedly, her headache forgotten. She heard an exaggerated sigh.

“You said not to come.”

“I’ve found an old sundial.  Or rather Monet has.”

“A real one?”  The rustling began again, as Meghan started pushing her way through.

“Appears so,” Sarah squatted down to study it.  “Looks to be a hundred years old. I bet it’s valuable.  You should see the intricate detail.  This will make a great piece to paint!”  

As Sarah studied it, she noticed the words.  “There’s writing on it.”  She read aloud, “Fate cannot be...drat, moss has grown over the rest of the words.”

A wave of superstitious terror washed over Meghan.  Suddenly, the pieces all fell into place.  And as the old woman had prophesied, she believed. 

“Sarah, don’t.  Get out of there now.  Please, Sarah, please,” she cried, her teeth chattering.

“What’s wrong with you?” Sarah asked irritably still studying the sundial.  “There’s actually heat radiating from it.  Surprising, it’s not that warm out.”

“Sarah, please,” Meghan pleaded.  “Don’t you remember what the old lady said?”  She fought her way through the overgrowth, not feeling the scratches a thorny branch left on her face or the warm blood trickling down her cheek.  But it was as if the thicket conspired to keep her out.

Tears streamed down Meghan’s face as she pushed at the bracken separating herself and her aunt.

She broke through just as Sarah reached down to brush the moss from the sundial.

“No, Sarah, no,” she screamed.  Later her mind would play the scene over again in slow motion:  Sarah’s hand reaching out; Monet jumping playfully at her fingers, bringing them both in touch with the sundial; the boom; the jagged streak of white; and then nothing.  They were gone, leaving Meghan alone in the clearing with the sundial.

Blurb: As Sarah Miles is driving down Eighteenth Street a stranger materializes in front of her car. She throws on her brakes, braces for impact and..drives straight through him. For a brief moment his voice filled with quiet despair echoes in her head. "Saura." Then he is gone. Later that day, Sarah discovers the Sundial ad her incredible journey through time begins.

Contest:

For a chance to win an autographed copy of SUNDIAL, a ‘seeing’ pendant and a Starbucks gift certificate just leave a comment mentioning Cheryl and SUNDIAL at www.sandracox.blogspot.com. The contest runs from October 15 – November 14 at 5:00 p.m.

SUNDIAL blog tour hostesses are invited to enter.

Lancelot's Lady review: "I absolutely loved it."

"Lancelot's Lady is a compelling and emotional tale of two people destined for one another. The suspense builds and builds until the stunning and shocking conclusion is revealed. D'Angelo pens a wonderful story of two passionate souls searching for someone to complete them. The sparks fly and the attraction sizzles between Jonathon and Rhianna, and the pages just fly by as this reader found herself captivated with their story. I absolutely loved it!!"

--Wendy, reviewer & blogger

Read the full review.

Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

Lancelot's Lady review: "Kept me glued to the page."

"I loved this story. The characters were compelling...intriguing and kept me glued to the page. Lancelot’s Lady is first and foremost a romance, but the mystery undertones definitely keep you interested and wanting to read more...I simply adore when there is a kid in the story, specially such a lovable one… Adorable!"

--Larissa Benoliel, reviewer & blogger

Read the full review.

Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

Whale Song - a novel about a teen who survives bullying, racism and tragedy

Here is the new book trailer for my bestselling novel WHALE SONG, an inspiring novel about family, love, deception, tragedy, forgiveness and hope that will change the way you view life...and death.

Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson's life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.

Some things are easier to forget.

But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.

Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.

"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel." --New York Times bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls and What Matters Most

"Moving...sweet and sad." --Booklist

"A wonderfully well-written novel...would make a wonderful movie." --Writer's Digest

An enhanced paperback edition with bonus content is now available at:

https://www.createspace.com/3486110

You can also order the ebook edition at Kobo Books, Kindle Store & Smashwords

Lancelot's Lady review: "If you’re a romance reader, you won’t want to miss this one."

"This author is a genius with lyrical description. I felt as though I saw and touched everything Rhianna did. Her characters are vivid, memorable, and likeable. The plot is fast moving which is good because there are so many secrets to uncover! They are woven throughout the plot and keep you guessing from start to finish. I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong. If you’re a romance reader, you won’t want to miss this one."

--Elaine Cantrell, author

Read the full review.

Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

Whale Song review: "Your words made me weep."

"I was captured by Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s emotional tale, “Whale Song”...it is brimming with the wisdom...an ageless story, though, and appeals to readers across generations. Whale Song teaches us not only about the traditions and lore of Canada’s west coast Indians, but also about ourselves—about the children we once were and the wise elders we are destined to become...Cheryl Kaye Tardif, your words made me weep."

--Eileen Schuh, author

Read the full review.

Ebook available at Kobo Books, Amazon & Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

New trade paperback (2010 edition) now available at https://www.createspace.com/3486110. Coming soon to Amazon!

Lancelot's Lady review: "The ending came as a complete surprise to me"

"In this romantic suspense, the romance is not present in the beginning, but Cherish D’Angelo leads with suspense – Tardif’s specialty – to carry the reader through. The first chapters of Lancelot’s Lady are important background scenes full of suspense...Lancelot’s Lady follows the story structure of a good romance, making the story seem predictable, but the ending came as a complete surprise to me and left me crying but satisfied. On top of the romantic and suspenseful plot, this story also contains a dreamy private island setting and a well-rounded secondary cast of characters, including one bent on destroying J.T. and abducting Rhianna to use as he pleases, making Lancelot’s Lady a great romantic suspense."

--Jessica Subject, writer

Read the full review.

Lancelot's Lady is available at Amazon, Kobo Books, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and more.

WHALE SONG paperback now available!

You can now purchase my critically acclaimed bestselling novel Whale Song, now in its third paperback edition. This new edition includes bonus content, including the touching story of how a talented artist was inspired by Whale Song to start painting again.

Order Whale Song now. Only $9.99 US plus shipping.

If you'd like a signed bookplate, please email me at cherylktardif (at) shaw.ca. I charge $5 shipping/handling via PayPal for up to 4 bookplates. I'll personalize and sign the bookplates for you and your loved ones.

Whale Song is for anyone, any age! It makes a perfect gift for tweens and teens, especially those dealing with bullying or racism. And it's an inspiring gift for all the women in your life, especially mothers and daughters.

Happy reading!

Contest: Show me your Whale Song!

New paperback cover

In celebration of the upcoming release of the special 3rd edition of Whale Song, which will be back in print due to popular demand, I'm holding a special contest--my "Show me your Whale Song! contest.

To enter, send me a photo (jpg) of you holding your ereader with the ebook cover of Whale Song on it. This can be ANY ereader--Kobo, Kindle, Sony, iPad--you name it.

Give me permission to post your photo on my blog and website, along with your name (full name or first name and last initial--you pick). I must receive these photos by November 29th, midnight MT. All photos received between October 1st and November 29th, 2010, will count. You can send multiple photos, but will receive 1 entry per person.

On November 30th, 2010, I'll draw randomly from all entrants and 3 lucky winners will win a signed copy of the upcoming special 3rd edition (paperback with bonus content) of Whale Song. Winners will be announced in early December.

This contest is open internationally. No cash value on prize, no exchanges.

A special thank you to Jessica Subject, who inspired this contest when she sent me a photo of herself, holding her Kobo ereader with Whale Song on the front. :-)

New WHALE SONG paperback - back by popular demand

Back by popular demand, WHALE SONG my bestselling novel about family, love, life, tragedy and forgiveness, will be available shortly in print. The new paperback has a cover that closely resembles the 2010 ebook edition, but there's one main addition--"Sarah" is now on the cover.

Whale Song will be available via Amazon and Createspace to start, and then more retailers.

If you're in the Edmonton, Alberta, area you can order Whale Song directly from me. I'll be adding a PayPal button to my websites. Or you can email me and we'll proceed from there. Local area orders only, at this time.

I'll let you know as soon as Whale Song is available to order.

Now, make sure you check my blog tomorrow when I announce an exciting new contest--my "Show me your Whale Song!" contest.

My Lancelot's Lady tour comes to an end

Today is day 14 of my mega tour promoting the release of my new romantic suspense, Lancelot's Lady. Tomorrow is the day I start awarding prizes and free ebooks. At the end of the month I'll be doing a draw for the Kobo ereader.

If you've left a comment at any of my blog tour stops--with your email address--you'll be receiving that day's free ebook. If you visited multiple days, you'll receive multiple free ebooks.

My Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour has been a success and a lot of fun. I've really enjoyed reading all the comments and getting to know my hosts more and the visitors to the blogs. Thank you all!

Since the goal of my tour is to promote Lancelot's Lady, I hope you've had a chance to check it out at your favorite retailer. If you've read Lancelot's Lady and enjoyed it, please let me know. And if you leave a review anywhere, I'd love to know. I always ask reviewers if I can have permission to quote some of the review on my website.

If you haven't picked up a copy of Lancelot's Lady, please do. It won't be given away as one of the free ebooks. Sorry... But I can promise you it's a worthwhile read.

Check out the trailer again...created by Kelly Komm:



You can pick up my contemporary romantic suspense, Lancelot's Lady (ebook only) at Amazon, KoboBooks, Smashwords, B&N and more.

Happy reading, everyone! :-)

Cherish D'Angelo
aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com

Day 14 of Cherish the romance Virtual Book Tour - Last day to win prizes

On Day 14 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, you can learn more about Lancelot's Lady, Cherish D'Angelo and you can enter to win more great prizes.

Here's today's blog stop schedule:

• Fatal Foodies (guest post)
• Lia has the Last Word (interview)   * adults only
• My Book Addiction and More (guest post)
• Moonlight, Lace & Mayhem (review - scroll halfway down)
• Dames of Dialogue (interview)
• Stacey Cochran's blog (guest post)
• The Romance Studio's Spookapalooza (excerpt from Remote Control)
• Facebook Wrap-Up Party
• Cherish on Twitter (Q & A at #cherishdangelo from 6 PM to 7 PM Mountain Time)
• The suspense is killing me (final words - after 3 PM)

Grand prize: a Kobo eReader. 

View the prize list & rules.

Follow me during my tour and enter to win great prizes. If you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

Get your copy of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooks, Amazon Or Smashwords.

Save the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantasic

The Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic is a juried award based on excellence of writing in two categories: adult and young adult. The awards are presented annually to Canadian writers with a speculative fiction novel or book-length collection of speculative fiction published any time during the previous calendar year.

Unfortunately, the Sunburst Awards have run into a hiccup. They do not have enough operating capital to keep going as they currently stand. This sad news comes at a particularly critical juncture in the award's life--the operating committee is in the process of getting the Sunburst organization registered as a non-profit, and getting it "national arts organization" status.

As part of a fundraising drive to shepherd the Sunburst through this change of status and structure, we’d like to ask fans, writers, editors, and publishers from the speculative fiction community to help raise awareness of this vital institution...

How to Participate

We're looking for short (30 second to 2 minutes) videos that say what you think about Canadian speculative fiction. These should be interview-style videos in the vein of Speaker's Corner and can be recorded as simply as with a web camera. Prior interviews or footage can be submitted provided that you have permission to do so. We will host these individually on a YouTube channel(sunburstaward), but will also edit them in order to create a series of short videos to promote awareness of the fundraising campaign. A longer video will be shown at the opening remarks to the Toronto SpecFic Colloquium. Check out the people who have already spoken out for us at:
http://www.specfic-colloquium.com/apps/videos/ .

Not savvy with a camera? Send us a high res image of yourself and either a short paragraph in text or a recorded audio track.

Not Canadian? Never fear. If you have something you want to say about Canadian speculative fiction then we want to hear it.

To participate, send your name, contact information, submission and a short release statement giving us permission to use the video/image to sunburstvideo@gmail.com by October 15, 2010.

Possible Topics:

• -favourite Canadian authors and/or stories
• -the relationship between Canadian writing and the rest of the world
• -publishing speculative fiction in Canada
• -the state of Canadian fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc
• -how does Canada inspire your work?
• -favourite Canadian settings to use in your writing

Of course, these topics are intended to be a jumping off point. Feel free to think outside of the box. And, above all, show your enthusiasm!

To donate directly, visit:
http://www.sunburstaward.org/content/please-lend-your-support-sunburst-awards.

Day 13 of Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour - More prizes!

On Day 13 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, you can enter to win more great prizes. Plus if you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.

Here's today's blog stop schedule:

• Anna's Book Blog (review)
• Suspense Your Disbelief (guest post)
• Space Snark (guest post)
• Francesca's Mindstream (guest post)
• Duchess of Depravity (guest post)   *adults only
• Naughty Little Vamp (guest post)
• Online Book Review (guest post)

Grand prize: a Kobo eReader. 

View the prize list & rules.

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

Get Your Copy Of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooks, Amazon Or Smashwords.

Whale Song on a Kobo eReader

Jessica Subject, a writer and Whale Song fan, sent me these photos of her new Kobo ereader. This is the first time I've seen Whale Song on someone else's ereader, and I'll admit, it's very cool. This made my day!

And it gave me an idea for a new contest...

Show me your Whale Song!


Stay tuned for more information and contest rules.

Pick up your copy of Whale Song now.

Available at KoboBooks, Smashwords, Amazon, B&N and more.

Day 12 of Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour

On Day 12 of my 15 day, 115+ blogs tour, please pick up your copy of Lancelot's Lady today and check out my blog stops to enter to win great prizes.

Here's today's blog stop schedule:

• The Rantings & Ravings of Jeanne St. James (guest post)   *adults only
• Coffee with a Canine (interview - leave comments at my blog)
• International Heat (guest post)
• Ohio Girl Loves Crafts (guest post)
• The Laundry List (interview)
• The Hot Author Report (guest post)
• Agora2 (guest post)
• Heather Hiestand (guest post)
• Stacy Juba (guest post)
• The suspense is killing me (charity fundraiser)

Follow me during my tour and enter to win great prizes. If you comment on ANY blog stop post with your email address, you're guaranteed to receive a free ebook.

Grand prize: a Kobo eReader. 

View the prize list & rules.

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

Get your copy of Lancelot's Lady At KoboBooks, Amazon Or Smashwords.

Lancelot's Lady helps feed the hungry

Along with my Whale Song promotion featured last night, today I will be donating 100% of my Kindle and Smashwords royalties* from LANCELOT'S LADY (ebook) to Hope Mission to help feed the hungry during their radiothon on CISN Country. My donation will include all royalties made on sales of Lancelot's Lady purchased today until midnight (EST).

Lancelot's Lady: 

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

When palliative care nurse Rhianna McLeod is given a gift of a dream holiday to the Bahamas from her dying patient, billionaire JT Lance, Rhianna has no idea that her 'holiday' will include being stranded on a private island with Jonathan, an irritating but irresistibly handsome recluse. Or that she'll fall head over heels for the man.

Jonathan isn't happy to discover a drop-dead gorgeous redhead has invaded his island. But his anger soon turns to attraction. After one failed marriage, he has guarded his heart, but Rhianna's sudden appearance makes him yearn to throw caution to the wind.

To live fully in the present, Rhianna must resolve her own murky past, unravel the secret that haunts JT, foil the plans of a sleazy, blackmailing private investigator and help Jonathan find his muse. Only then can Rhianna find the love she's been searching for, and finally become...Lancelot's Lady.

~*~

You can purchase Lancelot's Lady at the Amazon Kindle Store.

Or from Smashwords.

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com. Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.

Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.

* Unfortunately sales from KoboBooks won't count towards the Hope Mission donation as I can't track daily sales.