Tia Dani Author and Their Musings

Finding Our Happy Place

2011-12-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Tia Dani team survived November and has emerged from our turkey coma to find an entire new set of circumstances. It just goes to show you how fast your world can change in the writing industry. We gave our first workshop on ‘Team Writing’ and were pleasantly surprised at how well it went. The turnout for our workshop exceeded our expectations and we spoke with confidence and excitement about how we write together. We left the class with renewed energy and story ideas buzzing in our brains. We couldn’t wait to get together and put our ideas down on paper.

But then we received news that saddened our hearts and briefly took the wind from our sails. The publisher we dearly love and planned to submit our next story to closed their doors. Our time spent with Sapphire Blue Publishing has been wonderful and we wish them all the best. However, now Tia Dani has two books that are homeless and nowhere to send our almost finished story.

This has created a new project for us that we hadn’t planned on at this time. So, as we move into the holiday season, not to mention amid our decorating and shopping, we have to research publishers. We are asking ourselves, do we want to find another small press or do we take a look at self publishing? There are certainly plenty of options out there, but which is best for our needs?

Over the next few weeks we’ll take a good hard look at our options and hopefully make a good decision -- at least one that works well for us. We’ve heard of authors making thousands of dollars on one book that they have self-published and we’ve heard stories of authors that are published with a small press making the same. We certainly have never made much money yet, but sometimes, it’s not all about the money. Oh sure money is good, and you bet we’d be glad to get it, but it’s exciting just to have readers compliment our work and tell us how much they enjoy reading our stories.

Anyway, for now, we’ll enjoy the holidays, the food, the family and good friends. In our spare time we’ll do some more research and keep on writing. Because that’s what we do. We are storytellers. And as far as the rest of it, remember when one door closes another door opens. Maybe behind the next door we will find our pot of gold. Or, at least, a happy place we will love to be.

Enjoy your holidays in whatever way you celebrate. We will see you next year!

New Review for Come Fly With Me- 5 Diamonds

2011-11-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

Come Fly With Me by Tia Dani

Title: Come Fly With Me

Author: Tia Dani

Publisher: Sapphire Blue Publishing

Publication Date: September, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-934657-87-4

Genre: Erotic

Length: 31 pages

Buy Link

Author Website

Author Email

Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: anal/oral play, public sex

Reviewer: Jo Pfander

Date: 10/30/11

Bree drooled over the man she nicknamed Mr. Sex God the beginning of every month while waiting for a flight they both took. She wanted him. Could she get him this time?

Steven’s ‘Discipline Always’ motto only gets him so far and a fascinating beauty puts it to the test each month. Will he stop working long enough to fly along with her?

I really enjoyed the heated sexual play between the characters. Come Fly With Me is a nice short erotic read for those who travel along the airways as Bree and Steven do. I’d recommend this to those who enjoy spur of the moment hot reads.

Fall Writers Workshop

2011-10-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sixth Annual Fall Writers Workshop

Saturday November 19, 2011
9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Scottsdale Civic Center Library

3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

9;30 am - Complimentary coffee and rolls

10-10:50 am - MORNING WORKSHOPS

THE ABCs OF PBs MGs, & YAs - WRITING FOR KIDS AND YOUNG ADULTS
by Shelley Coriell - Auditorium

I'VE WRITTEN THE BOOK, NOW WHAT DO I DO?
by Pamela Tracy

WRITING AS A TEAM

by Tia Dani (the writing team of Tia Eaton and Dani Petrone)

11-11:50 am - MORNING WORKSHOPS

THE INS AND OUTS OF SELF-PUBLISHING
by Kris Tualla - Auditorium

PLOTTING SECRETS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE STORY
by Vijaya Schartz

GHOSTS - BRINGING THE DEAD TO LIFE ON THE PAGE

by Linda Andrews

12 Noon to 1:15 pm - lunch on your own

1:30 pm to 2:20 pm - Keynote speaker

PARANORMAL: THE POWER OF EXAGGERATION

by Caris Roane - Auditorium

Caris Roane has published over fifty Regency romance novels and novellas under the pen name, Valerie King. In 2005, Romantic Times gave her a Career Achievement Award in Regency Romance. Having had a long time love affair with vampires, Caris tackled the paranormal genre, building a unique vampire world based on ascending dimensional earths. The three novels, ASCENSION, BURNING SKIES, WINGS OF FIRE, and the novella BRINK OF ETERNITY, were all released this year. Visit Caris at: www.carisroane.com

2:30 - 3:20 pm - AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

TEN GRABBERS THAT GUARANTEE A PAGE TURNER
by Connie Flynn - Auditorium

SOCIAL MEDIA 101 - Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Goodreads, Blog Talk Radio, and More

by Amber Scott

THE PROPER HUNTING, CAPTURING, CARE & FEEDING OF A LITERARY AGENT
by Gini Koch

3:30 - 4:30 pm - ASK AN AUTHOR ANYTHING

Open panel with today's featured presenters. A chance to ask the questions that popped into your head after attending these workshops or talk to the authors whose workshops you missed.

Fee: Free

Come Fly With Me

2011-09-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here's our newest release.

We're excited about it.

We think you will be as well.

Below is a recent review we received on Come Fly With Me.

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by: Chris

Like clockwork Bree is at the airport for her monthly sojourn. Building a business is hard work! But he’s there too. Mr. Sex God. She’s built a few fantasies around her fellow frequent flyer, but he’s always all business and busy. A girl can dream though.

Steven Cain has a motto. Work first, play later. But he notices the sexy redhead every month and wishes he could appoach her. Next month, he promises himself. But he can’t help himself from saying hi, and when their flight is delayed and they have time to talk, things progress much more than he could have ever imagined. Or hoped.

Haven’t we all had this fantasy when we spot that hot guy? Bree and Steven are aware of one another and have been for months. Their fantasies about one another make the transition from stranger to sex partner a little easier to accept as they have a “relationship” already. After the initial hormone storm passes they realize they’ve kind of skipped a few steps and we are left with the impression that while this relationship started out in the middle, so to speak, it will end up in the right place. With them together. A good quick read with plenty of steam.

Here is a link to the review site. Night Owl Website

2011-09-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

Mary Keith has won Seduction to the Altar by Tia Dani and a beautiful handcrafted bracelet. Congratulations, Mary!

Blog Events and Contests

2011-09-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Blog Events and Contests

Death Unseen- 5 lips from TwoLips Review.

2011-04-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Rating:

Someone or something dangerous and unimaginable is loose in the Southwest, something that's ripping young men apart with its claws and teeth and taking their blood. The first victim was Navajo Tribal Detective Lance Logan's cousin. In a ceremony seeking the approval of his Navajo ancestors, Lance has received their blessing to seek revenge against the monster that killed Jimmy D. and now a string of other young men. When his mystical Navajo intuition leads him to Lake Pleasant, AZ, and the latest killing – that of local high school football star Andy Simmons – he finds his Navajo beliefs and his by-the-book training suddenly at odds over the evidence he's presented...until he meets psychic and new age shop owner Carly Carleton.

Carly has her own problems dealing with her dream visions, which have been getting more frequent of late, not to mention more frightening. After she takes the information she's gleaned from her dreams to the local police chief and he labels her an eccentric flake, she only tells her employee and friend Jazz about her latest dream. Despite Jazz's promise not to tell anyone about Carly's dream, she accidentally lets it slip to her boyfriend Kyle Murphy – who just happens to be lead detective on Andy's case. When Kyle learns that Carly's dream exactly matches Andy's bloody mauling, he knows he must bring Lance and Carly together in an effort to get one step ahead of the killer before he – or it – can kill again.

The attraction between Lance and Carly is instant and combustive, almost as if they'd known each other before. With each of them hesitant to act so quickly on their feelings, their attraction smolders, proving to be more powerful than their determined wills can manage. What neither of them knows is that their meeting and the ultimate apprehension of a demented murderer who seeks the perfect blend of human and animal DNA to create a monstrous killer will change their lives forever.

Death Unseen by Tia Dani – the writing team of Kristia Eaton and Dani Petrone – is a suspenseful who-dun-it, with a gripping mix of mystery, romantic suspense, and both Native American and tarot-type mysticism. Lance and Carly are both strong individuals, with down-to-earth personalities and the kind of problems everyone can relate to, even if you aren't a clairvoyant and possess the ability to experience death in dreams. When Lance meets Carly, he isn't certain if she will turn out to be a help to him or a deterrent to his mission. He doesn't quite know how to take her or his attraction to her. I thought their initial sexual encounter was a bit rushed until Carly envisions them together in a previous lifetime. With their shared powers and once they deal with their individual issues that keep them apart, their relationship develops into something quite extraordinary. Unfortunately, their dialogue struck me as a bit stilted at few times, probably a result of the dual authorship and difference in writing styles.

The back story involving Jazz and Kyle makes for a nice addition to the plot. Besides, these two play vital parts in the story line, and their personalities – especially Jazz's – certainly add spice to the story, as did Kyle's Captain Oberville, but for a very different reason. I wanted to box the stubborn man's ears a couple times. And then there's SCIMAN/Creator and his nephew Jackie – chilling characters to say the least. I also enjoyed the elaborate setting descriptions, which reminded me why I love Arizona so much myself.

Death Unseen is a definite keeper, one of those books you just can't put down until you've finished it, but as good as this book is, the ending itself is the true chef-d'oeuvre of this book. I won't forget it for quite some time. I absolutely love it when there are a ton of questions and suggested outcomes presented at the end of a book, signaling a sequel, which I hope – in this case – will be available very, very soon.

Reviewer: Merrylee TwoLipsReviews.com

Chocolate, Chocolate, and More Chocolate

2011-02-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Looking for a yummy, fancy dessert for your valentine that's easy to make? Well, here you go. It's also wonderful to take to a party and impress your guests.

Wishing all our readers a happy Valentine's Day.

Death By Chocolate Trifle Dessert

Ingredients:

4 reg size packages of instant chocolate pudding or mousse
1 large tub of whipped topping
1 package chocolate cake mix ( or your own cake recipe )
1 cup Kahlua ( optional - but this "makes" this recipe special )
6 Skor or Heath candy bars ( chocolate toffee kinds ) chopped

Directions:

Prepare box mix as directed or your prepare your own chocolate cake recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 inch pan. When done, remove from the oven, poke holes in the cake and pour the Kahlua over the cake. Let cool. Meanwhile prepare the pudding or mousse. Tear or crumble the cake into pieces. In a glass or trifle bowl, layer in this order: cake , pudding, whipped topping and candy bars. Repeat layers ending with chopped candy bars on top. Chill well.

An easy delicious dessert for buffets parties ar just anytime!

This recipe from CDKitchen for Death By Chocolate Trifle Dessert serves/makes 12

Review: Seduction to the Altar

2010-09-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Review: Seduction to the Altar by Tia Dani

5 Tea Cups!
Seduction to the Altar by Tia Dani
Publisher: Sapphire Blue Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance
Heat Rating: 4

Blurb

Maria Tortorici needs a husband. Her high-school reunion is imminent, and awaiting her is a bet she made long ago. Bring a husband or face the music. Determined not to be the victim of her mischievous girlfriends, Maria devises a plan...enchant her younger assistant with a birthday present he’ll never forget.

Sexual attraction isn’t the only thing Edward Russell has for his boss. She’s everything he wants in a woman. The hang-up? How to convince her he’s man enough to handle a strong-minded woman like her.

But will he still want her once he learns of her conniving plan?

Kris’ Review:

In the new erotic romance, Seduction to the Altar, author Tia Dani, takes you on an adventure you’ll never forget. It is a delightfully fun story about a woman who refuses to lose a bet at whatever cost.

Maria Tortorici is a highly motivated career woman, with one thing missing in her life, love. She’s thirty-eight and facing her 20th high school reunion, without a date. If she goes to the reunion alone, she loses a drunken bet she made at her 10th reunion with her three girlfriends: Terri, Alexis and Gina. Back then she had been the only one who hadn’t found love. So the bet was that if she wasn’t married or engaged by their 20th reunion, Maria would lose and her friends would determine her punishment. Knowing them the way she did, Maria knew it would be something that would be so embarrassing and dramatic, that it would be remembered for years to come.

Any woman can relate to Maria and her predicament. A significant portion of women these days chose career first, hoping to find love later. Maria had worked her way up to becoming the chief architect at a high-class construction firm in Phoenix, Arizona. What woman doesn’t remember the hell of peer pressure during high school? Or the competitiveness of friends, who make drunken bets, they think they’ll never lose. Then bam, suddenly the reunion is around the corner, and Maria has to find a man. So what does she do? She turns into a cougar setting her sights on her younger assistant, Edward Russell.

Edward Russell is an up and coming young designer who works closely with Maria. What she doesn’t know is that Edward has already developed strong feelings for her since they’ve spent all this time working together. Even though she is eight years his senior, he doesn’t mind because one of his fantasies it to be seduced by an older woman. In fact, he has had a number of fantasies about taking Maria right on his drafting table.

When she surprises him with a seductive weekend at a hotel, to celebrate his thirtieth birthday, he falls for her hard. The sex is hot and leaves you lusting for more. I’ll never be able to drink champagne again without thinking of how, Tia Dani, uses it in the most seductive way.

By the end of the weekend, both their lives will be forever changed. Will Maria win the bet at her high school reunion, with Edward by her side? Since both want each other, who really seduced whom? You’ll just have to read ‘Seduction to the Altar’ and find out. It is a must read for a nice seductive erotic read, that both women and men alike will be able to relate to. Tia Dani captures the essence of a cougar, perfectly with Maria’s character. Edward is every cougar’s fantasy lover. This seductive, erotic romance is hotter and spicier than any episode of Cougartown.

‘Seduction to the Altar’ earns five Tea Cups and a heat rating of 4.

5 Tea Cups!

You Gotta Read Covers: Results for September Cover Contest

2010-09-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

You Gotta Read Covers: Results for September Cover Contest: "Congratulations go to: 1st Place with 47 votes: Entry #18 Oracle written by RJ Scott Cover by Reese Dante Published by: Silver Publication..."

Our book, Seduction to the Altar, placed 2nd. Congratulations to our cover artist, Kendra Egert, for the beautiful cover. And, Sapphire Blue Publishing for giving our work a home.

Kathryne Kennedy's THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER is in Bookstores!

2010-07-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER is in bookstores!

Official Release Announcement

THE FIRE LORD'S LOVER, the first book in Kathryne Kennedy's new fantasy romance series, THE ELVEN LORDS, is now available wherever books are sold. This unique blend of historical, fantasy and romance has reviewers and readers taking notice:

"As darkly imaginative as Tolkien, as richly romantic as Heyer, Kennedy carves a new genre in romantic fiction."~Erin Quinn, author of Haunting Warrior

A Tolkien-esque world combined with an eighteenth-century historical romance produces a satisfying tale with twists you'll never expect. Excellent!"~NYT bestselling author Jennifer Ashley"

This enthralling story combines magic and realism as its excellent plot reaches out with great depth of emotion, heart-stopping action and characters easy to care about wrapped in a passionate love story. "~Romantic Times BOOKReviews

Kathryne Kennedy's historical fantasy romances have garnered awards and a growing readership. This exciting new series, set against the lavish backdrops of Georgian England so beloved by romance readers, is deliciously dark and exciting.

Fighting for control of a kingdom that is split into seven domains, Elven warlords use their human slaves to breed an endless supply of soldiers for their armies. Dominic Raikes, the half-blood son of the Elven Lord himself is one such warrior. Betrothed to Lady Cassandra, who has been raised in a convent to keep her pure, he little suspects that she's been secretly trained as an assassin to murder his father. Dominic and Cassandra soon discover that each one is not what they seem, but the price of trust may be their very lives, and the destruction of the magical realm each is desperately trying to save.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She's lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family-which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com

Price $7.99

USISBN-10: 1402236522

ISBN-13: 978-1402236525

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN-10: 1402236522ISBN-13: 978-1402236525Format:
Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fire-Lords-Lover/Kathryne-Kennedy/e/9781402236525/?itm=8

http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781402236525?id=4680768960066

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/The-Fire-Lords-Lover-Kathryne-Kennedy/9781402236525-item.html

http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1402236522

http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/BooksellerDirectory.html

http://astore.amazon.com/kathkennauth-20

Now available: MY UNFAIR LADY~A Library Journal Editor’s Pick!*Starred* review from Publishers Weekly: “This romance goes against type in a wonderful way.”

Coming July 2010: Book One of THE ELVEN LORDS–THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER
A darkly delicious new fantasy world of sizzling romance amid the pageantry of Georgian England.

http://www.kathrynekennedy.com/

New Release from Tia Dani

2010-06-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

We wanted to share the exciting news. Our new erotica release from Sapphire Blue Publishing is now up on their site! Check us out at http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/ This book is only $2.50 and it's a great way to spice up your day.

Maria Tortorici needs a husband. Her high-school reunion is imminent, and awaiting her is a bet she made long ago. Bring a husband or face the music. Determined not to be the victim of her mischievous girlfriends, Maria devises a plan...enchant her younger assistant with a birthday present he’ll never forget.

Sexual attraction isn’t the only thing Edward Russell has for his boss. She’s everything he wants in a woman. The hang-up? How to convince her he’s man enough to handle a strong-minded woman like her.

But will he still want her once he learns of her conniving plan?

Remember this a very hot story. Explicit love scenes. Heat level 4

Have a wonderful week.

Tia and Dani

Shortcut to Editing

2010-06-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Do you have a problem with certain words...say adverbs, adjectives, and prepositions? Using them to modify a weak word, rather than using a stronger one which would work better? We do...when we fall into the trap of being lazy...or in a “gotta-get-it-done” mode. Deadline looming.

Below are some of our good ‘ole standbys we’re lackadaisical in using...you know...when we’re creating a scene before we get to the editing mode. We made this list to jar our memory of what NOT to use when editing time comes.

About
And/but - can indicate run-on sentences
Almost
Anyway
Because
Even
Feel/felt
Few
Has/had - can be too passive
Have been
Just
Nearly
Only
Quite
Rather
Really
Seem/appear
So
Stuff
Then
Thing
Very
Would/should/could
`ly' words (Suddenly, quickly, are two examples we use way too often)
That - unnecessary in most instances
That - when you mean who
Which - when you mean that
Down/up - as in sat down or stood up
Get/got
Was/were - can indicate passive voice
Begin/began - don't begin doing something; just do it.

PLUS....we’re guilty in over using certain words we’re fond of, regularly, without thinking. But that’s another list we keep on hand to check. It might help if you make your own list of those words.

The reason for this blog this morning? We have to edit...

Writing Conferences...love ‘em or hate ‘em.

2010-04-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Attending the Desert Dreams conference in Scottsdale, AZ. We came a day early to get settled in our hotel room and spend some time to do catch up work. You know, like write a blog.

Yes, we know, we’re not what one could call regular bloggers. We intend to blog often and we have great ideas--but when it comes time to actually sit down and write one, our brains turn to mush and we go blah...blah...blah...blank.

Back to the conference. Desert Dreams is a great conference to attend. It’s small enough that you can’t get too overwhelmed. Everyone is enthusiastic, frien dly, and supportive. There are great opportunities to network with other writers, get in some awesome workshops, and meet with agents and editors.

So, what’s to hate? Getting Tia and Dani on the same wave length. Tia is an introvert. Dani rolls with the flow. Tia would much rather sit and watch the world go by, Dani likes to be in the thick of things. Ergo, Dani has to drag Tia from place to place.

So that’s Day One update. We’re here and settled in. Tomorrow, one of our roommates, Tina LaVon will join us. Another go-getter. Poor Tia. She won’t stand a chance.

Friday is also registration day. Which means lots and lots o f high-energy writers will swarm Chaparral Suites where the conference is being held. By five o’clock p.m. the hotel will be rocking.

Next...once we get back from having a drink with our publisher we'll post some pictures of our room. Note Dani’s comments.

We're ready to work. We have wine and chocolate.

This is our suite at Chaparral Suites

Here is Tia's bed, the nester. Everything put away nice and neat.

Dani's bed shows her personality. Toss and run. Plenty time to unpack later.

View from our balcony. Nice, huh?

The pool...no cover models. Dang.

Fountain of Youth? If we toss three coins in, do you think? Nah...

Play Day

2009-11-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Tia and Dani (us) decided to take a day off from writing and play. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Olive Garden and sipped on the wine of the day. We can still taste the sparkling wine, it was so good–name of the wine unfortunately forgotten.

It was about then we noticed that one of Tia’s eyelashes was coming loose and it might be a good idea for her to buy another pair. Dani, being the eyelash expert that she is, instantly decided a trip to the closest Wal-Mart should be the next stop. Besides she wanted to drive her new car. (More on this subject at a later date.)

Once at Wal-Mart, as we entered the store, the wonderful aroma of cinnamon surrounded us with heady delight. The spicy smell was awesome and all thoughts of eyelashes went on hold as we searched the area for the smell, sniffing up and down the aisles. We finally found the source–in a bin high up on a wall above our heads. Cinnamon pine cones galore. You know the ones, they are around every holiday, bundled in a mesh wrapper and fills the house with glorious cinnamon?

We had to have them, or a candle, or at least something that would give off the cinnamon fragrance. That sent us on another search – find the perfect cinnamon gift for ourselves.
Besides, we decided, there is so much that makes fall such a wonderful time. Cooler days, spectacular colors, hearty soups, crusty breads, and pumpkin pie. We’ve gained weight just thinking about what is to come.

Yes, we did remember the eyelashes after Tia discovered a 20 dollar bill in the pocket of her jeans. What a unexpected find. Now she had money to get her eyelashes PLUS something cinnamon. We both decided on cinnamon sticks. It was a good day of shopping.

Setting a new goal

2009-06-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Dani and I talked about how lazy we've been when it comes to blogging. Like everyone else, we've been trying to keep up with so many sites, such as our individual Facebook pages, our MySpace page, Twitter, etc. So, we sort of made an agreement. We will split the jobs. I got the website blog. Lucky me. (grin).

So here goes...

We've finally recovered from RT. We had a wonderful time, especially during the Faery Court Ball. That was a blast. Both of us are looking forward to doing it again next year. If you have time, check out some of the photos we've posted. Either at our website or on MySpace.

One of our works in progress is in its second draft. We're finding that as we go through it again, we're enjoying it more and more. Which is a good thing, I think. In most cases, once I've finished a book, I don't want to see it again. I'd rather move on to the next story. Ahem, wonder how many other writers out there feel the same as I do? Or they have someone like Dani that keeps them on track?

That's it for tonight. I'll keep it short. Hopefully I'll have other interesting things to write about. Until next time, stay happy, stay safe, and know someone cares about you.

Color of Dreams is out in print

2009-03-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hurray, our book is out and for sale. Dani and I are thrilled. The cover is just as beautiful in print as it is online. Even the postman (Tia's) was impressed with the book and bought one. And...he is a man...Go Postmen! We're anxious to hear what he has to say about it...after he admits he actually read it. BIG GRIN

Dani and I are looking forward to the RT Conference, April 21-27. Actually, those are the dates we're going to be there. We're also going to part of the Faery Court. We've got our gowns, shoes, jewelry, etc., selected. The last thing to do is to figure out how to attach our wings. Dani's got her's nearly finished. I'm still drawing a blank. Hopefully, something will come to me before April 21st.

Another awesome thing we've accomplished. We have a book trailer on "Color of Dreams". Right now, you can only watch it on our MYSPACE page. Hopefully...like by next week...we'll get it up and running on our website as well.

Have a great week...what's left of it.
Tia

PS...Dani's out walking...getting thin for her gown. Smart girl! I'm going to look like a sausage in a green gown.

PPS..."Color of Dreams" can purchased at www.thewildrosepress.com

2008 Garden Gourmet Cookbook

2008-12-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

This is so cool. The Wild Rose Press staff along with the authors put together a wonderful holiday cookbook. And the best part is its FREE.

Simply follow this link to the garden gate and download a pdf of the 2008 Garden Gourmet. There are recipes from around the world as well as in your hometown.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/publisher/

Happy Holidays

2008-12-12T21:50:00.001-07:00

Our List is Getting Shorter

2008-11-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hurray. We’re on a roll. Over the past month and a half, we’ve been a little lax with our blogging responsibilities. We’ve been hunkered down, going through the Color of Dreams galley. Final galley!!! YEAH!

Also we’ve been drumming our fingers, discussing, and designing what we’d like our new website to look like. We’re getting there. Slowly but surely. It’s been a long tedious process. We’d rather be writing but the business half of Tia Dani needed attention.

What makes our website so complicated is we’re both eclectic, each having different ideas, etc., and we want both our personalities to appear on the website. Should make it interesting. We hope.

Then, on top of all that, we’ve been working on two new stories:

One is another of our “Color of... ” books. This one takes place in a small Illinois town, where a hunky, laid-back county sheriff runs afoul with a recently young widow, determined to start a new life, in a new town, for herself, her four small children and two rambunctious pets. But when the sheriff and the widow have trouble seeing eye-to-eye, the entire town gets involved...along with our favorite high-priestess, Delphina, a faery godmother, and two mischievous brownies. The end result is hilarious and will give a sweet tug to your heart strings.

Our second book is a new genre, a paranormal mystery. The working title is Death Unseen. We’ll tell you more about this book in another blog since Dani keeps insisting we keep our blogs SHORT!!!

Here's a photo of us working... Notice how we dress up at work?

Until next time, stay well, stay happy, and live the good life.
Tia Dani

Need a Little Luck with Your Writing?

2008-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sodalite is a gemstone that can help.

Sodalite is a rich blue stone with white veins.
Sodalite is extra lucky for writer. It is a stone of rational thinking and clarity. It also can be used to clear the clutter of distracting inner dialogue so important communication can happen between the conscious and super-conscious self. (In other words, your muse.)

Sodalite can help bring inner peace. Keep a sodalite in your pocket so its peaceful properties will continuously flow around you. Sodalite is associated with the throat and brow chakras. If you suddenly find yourself facing writer’s block, recline on the floor, place your indigo stone at the center of your brow. Relax and remain in the layout position for five to ten minutes. Repeat for a few days if necessary.

2008-09-08T16:43:00.001-07:00

One of us is having a birthday.
Guess Who?

Nope.
Not Dani. But Dani wanted
to make her a cake.

♠
She wanted it to look like this.

But it turned out like this.

She wanted it have pretty candles.

But Dani was afraid it would look like this.

So...we ate Pie.

Happy Birthday Kris Tia!

Another Story for Us

2008-07-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

As usual, our best intentions to blog every week crashed and burned in glorious flames. However, this week we have a valid excuse. Besides working diligently on our sequel to Color of Dreams, we've been writing a short story. It's kinda a suspense, with a twist of paranormal, and large squeeze of romance.

"Hey!" Tia snaps her fingers." That sounds like a great tag line.""I love it." Dani grinned. "We better claim it as ours right here and now."

They say to write 'what you know' so we placed our short story in Arizona. No strain of the brain cells there. In fact we made it so familiar we could drive to the setting with our eyes closed. Well, not really.

Actually we stand corrected. Tia did drive with her eyes closed when she was younger. Crazy teenager. Dani wasn't that reckless or maybe...not that stupid. [Tia is now ROTFLOL]

But we digress. Back to what we were saying about our story. Our male and female protagonists are good looking and heroic.

Yes, yes we know, you want to be our heroine and want to fall in love with our hero. Our secondary characters are also endearing and caring. We have to battle with them continuously not to take over the story and run with it themselves.

This is generally a common occurrence with our stories, since Tia digs the secondary characters more than she does the hero and heroine. Dani constantly has to nag her..."Only the hero. Only the heroine."

And there's a villain. Really, really dangerous and bent on causing havoc to our poor hero and heroine. Especially the hero. Good news, our heroine is strong and the plan is for her to save the day.

Have we mentioned before that we like strong heroines?

The hero's perfect, of course, that's a given. So, don't worry, he'll be doing a little rescuing himself. You're still going to fall in love with him.

We think you will enjoy this story when it's published. We've titled the manuscript...Death Unseen. So be looking for it.

Until the next time when the flames start toasting our toes, we're always...
Tia & Dani

A Normal Writing Day for Tia and Dani.

2008-06-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

"Hey, Dani. You know. I've been thinking. We need to get back on track. When's the last time you've blogged on our website?"

"Me? Last April, when I posted an excerpt for Lynne Logan's latest book on our MySpace. What about you?"

"Oh, dear. Worse than that." Tia grinned. "Mine was when I set the website blog up. Or soon after. I remember writing something about my dad."

Dani nodded: "You did, that's true."

"Oh-oh." Tia glanced at her blank monitor. "I think we're really behind."

"Ya think?" Dani said in her usual snarky tone that generally sent Tia off into a peal of laughter.

[Laughter echoed around Tia's office for several minutes.]

"Seriously, though, Dani. We really should get back to coming up with a topic to blog about."

"Definitely. Okay, let's do it. And here's a vow we can take." Dani held up her hand. "We, Tia Dani, are committed to blog faithfully, whether it be raining, sleeting, snowing--"

"Wait! Wait..." Tia turned to look at her. "We live in Arizona. When has the weather ever been that bad here? You know, where we've had to battle with the elements instead of writing?"

A long sigh slid from Dani's mouth. "I don't care then. What do you want our vow to be?"

"Hmmm...okay.. How about this? We commit faithfully to blog regularly whether there be persnickety Internet problems–"

"Persnickety?" Dani rolled her eyes. "Now that's a word one doesn't hear everyday."

"Hush, now. I'm thinking." Tia drummed her fingers next to her keyboard. "Besides, I like persnickety...it has character. So, don't interrupt me. I've got more to add to this vow."

Dani waved her hand. "Add away, dear Tia."

Tia began to type furiously. "Whether there be persnickety Internet problems, cranky computers and–"

Brrrring, brringgg

Dani: "Hold that thought. Gotta answer my cell phone. Hello?"

Oh, great. Tia thought. This will take a while. Every time I get a great idea, her phone has to ring. "While you answer it. I'm going to the bathroom."

[Ten minutes later Tia is rummaging through her cupboard for something to snack on.]

Walking into the kitchen, Dani snapped her cell phone shut. "That's done. Just another Realtor wanting to know about a house. So what were we doing?"

"I forgot. Here, you want some potato chips?" Tia tossed a freshly opened bag onto the kitchen counter. "I'm hungry."

"Of course. You have to ask?" Dani slipped her hand into the bag and pulled a handful of chips. "You know...I had an idea for a short story last night. You want to hear about it?"

"Sure." Tia scooted out one of the bar stools and hopped onto it.

Dani grabbed the other stool. "It's a darker paranormal. Nothing like we normally do?"

"Really?" Tia looked at her with one eyebrow lifted. "Since when have we ever done anything normal?"

"That's true. Every story we come up with has a tendency to take on it's own life." Dani reached for another round of chips. "Anyway, here's the idea. Three women own a book store and the hero comes in as an author, who's researching werewolf stories."

"Why?" Tia munched several chips at once.

"Why what?"

"Why three women? Which one of them is going to be the heroine?"

"I don't care." Dani brushed potato chip crumbs from the front of her black T-shirt. "Besides, what does it matter who's to be the heroine? I'm just telling you my idea for a story. We can iron out the fine details later."

Tia shook her head. "I don't know. What about the hero? Why did he come to just that particular book store? You know the rule. In romantic fiction, coincidences aren't supposed to just happen."

"Tia!" Another long drawn out sigh followed Dani's exclamation. "Turn off that analytical brain of yours and just listen to me. I'm telling you my idea, not the whole bloody story."

"Huh...oooh...how awesome. A bloody werewolf story. I like that. Okay...so...there's three women and one man, right?"

"Right. We start out with this spooky prologue. Up at the lake. A dark night."

"Which lake?" Tia stopped munching and looked at Dani curiously. "Where's the story supposed to take place?"

"Who cares, right now? Anyway, there's a full moon–"

"I hate to say this, but if there's a full moon, it won't be a dark night."

"Fine! Then it was a dark and stormy night."

[Both break out laughing.]

"I like the full moon idea, Dani. We'll stick with that."

Dani shifted on the bar stool. Sometimes I think I could hate you. "Are you ready to listen now? It's a really great idea."

"Fire away."

"Here goes. Back to wherever we were."

"It was a dark and –"

"Forget that. We're back at the lake and the moon was full."

Tia suddenly laughed and potato chips flew everywhere. "Sounds like a song. Stagger Lee, right?"

"Right...but I believe the moon was yellow."

In typical fashion, Tia cleared her throat and started singing. "The night was clear, and the moon was yellow..."

Together they finished the last line. "And the leaves came tumblin' down. . ."

[This time they both broke out in hysterical laughter].

Dani shoved the chips aside. "Oh God, it's time for my diet Coke."

Tia fanned her face and took a deep breath. "I almost inhaled a chip after that one. Guess I'll get myself a Pepsi."

[Five minute break here while they talk about nothing in particular]

Dani suddenly remembers why she was there for the day. " Let's return to my story."

"Right. So what else happens?"

"It's a werewolf story, but comes with a catch."

"Oooooookay?" Tia gave her friend a doubtful look, thinking there were all kinds of "catches", but knew she had to hear Dani out. In other words...KEEP HER MOUTH SHUT!

"Here's the deal. Our werewolf is really a–"

Woof. Whine..woof...whimper.

"Dang it!" Tia hopped off the bar stool. "Why does this always happen when we start to roll on something? Now, the double D's have to go outside."

"No problem. I'll tell you the rest of the story while we're outdoors with them."

[Fifteen minutes later—after both puppies "really" had to go...then greet their favorite mailman with a thousand doggie licks– Tia and Dani are back in the office in front of the computer.]

"You know, Dani. Your idea has a great premise. I think we should run with it. Let me get the major points down." She looked at her computer screen. "Omigosh! I forgot we were doing this earlier."

Dani groaned. "Oh shoot! That's right. We were going to come up with something for our website blog."

Tia flexed her fingers over her keyboard and grinned. "Don't worry. I think I have just the title for it."

IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT....

To be continued.....

We've been Egg-cerpted by Anita Philmar

2008-03-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

Title: Black Dragon's Blood
ISBN: 1- 60154 – 232 - 1
Author: Anita Philmar
Price: $4.50
At The Wild Rose Press

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php

Egg-cerpt:

She stood toe to toe with him, aware that his height gave the man a distinct advantage. His close proximity sent tingles of awareness racing over her skin. "But we're not married."

"We soon will be." His hands settled around her waist.

Swallowing the wet need gathering on her tongue, she quickly tried to think of a way to work her way out of the current situation. "I don't think you understand, William. I don't want to marry you."

"You will."

His arrogant statement hit her in the gut. She had no recourse. The law wouldn't protect her. After the last war, the government had granted men with dragon slayer ancestors any mate of their choosing, a prize for gaining the country its freedom. If he wanted her as his wife, she couldn't turn him down. But she might be able to get him to rethink his plans.

"But why would you want to marry me?"

Have a great day of fun-loving sex.

Anita Philmar

www.anitaphilmar.com

www.myspace.com/anitaphilmar

http://anitaphilmar.blogspot.com

Arizona's Desert Dreams Conference

2008-01-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

Arizona¹s Desert Dreams Conference April 4-6 2008

This is one conference you won¹t want to miss.
* NY Times Bestselling Authors
* Editors
* Agents
* New York Publishers and Small Presses

Visit Arizona in April and enjoy a weekend of networking, learning and fun.

Your conference fee includes:
* 3 full days of workshops featuring such authors as SHERRILYN KENYON, CARLY
PHILLIPS, BRENDA JOYCE, BRENDA NOVAK, VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON, LORI WILDE and
more.
* Editor/Agent Panel and Focus Sessions
* Workshops Friday, Saturday and Sunday
* Editor/Agent Appointments (on a space available basis)
* Friday Networking Mixer
* Friday Dinner and Keynote Address with Sherrilyn Kenyon
* Saturday Luncheon and Keynote Address with Carly Phillips
* Saturday Evening Mixer Sponsored by Brenda Joyce
* Participation in the Saturday Booksigning
* Loads of Goodies and Books

Space is limited! Register today by visiting www.desertroserwa.org.
Registered attendees who enter the conference contest before January 31 get
a guaranteed read by one of the editors/agents attending conference.

Register today!
Www.desertroserwa.org or email desertdreams@desertroserwa.org

Halloween Party

2007-10-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

I went to a Halloween party last night at Kayla Janz's house. This was the first Halloween party I had been to in years other than kid's parties and I was pretty excited about dressing up in a costume. So many costumes to choose from. But, I finally came up with the perfect choice. I went as a ghost-writer. (get it?) I thought it was funny. Anyway, I asked my dh if he wanted to go along. Yeah, right, he wanted to go. He went as the invisible man. Tee hee. I guess you know who I really went with, friend and critique buddy, Isabella Clayton. Who, by the way look stunning in a scarlet red 'flapper girl vampire' costume. Unfortunately, on a trip to the restroom Isabella set her feather boa on fire. Kayla had candles lit everywhere in the house and somehow the boa got too close to one and went up in flames. She stompped it out with her shoe but managed to get singed feathers floating around the bathroom for the rest of the night. Actually, it kinda added to the night's ambiance and gave us plenty to laugh about.

Kayla, our wonderful hostess, looked fantastic in a martini glass dress. I really want to get one for RT. Of course I won't look as cute as she did with her tiny little figure, but I still want the dress! Kathryne Kennedy came as a pirate girl escorted by her pirate hubby. She was just "too cute" for words. And her husband looked pretty good too in his leather pirate jacket. Look for some pictures on her website of us in costume. Kayce Lassiter came as a fairy, and looks great in red curly hair. Alexis Walker arrived as Xena warrior princess complete with sword, a real one. Cassie Ryan was there in her beautiful fairy dress and her husband's outfit was priceless. Check out her blog, maybe she'll tell you all about it. And of course there were witches, pretty ones and scary ones, and before the night was over every other sort of 'being' imagineable showed up too.

I won the prize for the scariest costume. A pair of fur-covered handcuffs! Isabella decided she needed a picture of me wearing them. Great idea, until they jammed and wouldn't come off. Panic for several minutes till Kayla discovered a safety latch and got them off of me. Could you see me calling home, "Honey, I'll be a bit late. I'm handcuffed with Isabella to the bar." Fun times. I can't wait till next year.

Happy Halloween Everybody!

Dani

Tia Dani's latest Review

2007-10-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

From Sensual Reads & Reviews

Layover
Tia Dani
Erotic
The Wild Rose Press
eBook
Reviewed by L.E. Kelly

Bree’s desire for a sexy stranger has been driving her to distraction. She dreams of a hot encounter in the bathroom of the plane they share every month. She has been fantasizing for months now, and now she’s got the chance to make that desire a reality. Steven has been curious about Bree for some time now, but has never allowed his feelings to get any further than that. Discipline is his middle name, and the young woman strikes him as being a bit on the wild and free side. When the two of them are informed of a two hour layover, Bree decides to take matters into her own hands as he warms to the thought of experiencing her body. A little bit of liquor and a willing friend help make this a layover to remember.

Layover was a tremendous story, aside from a few details that seemed forced, this is a masterfully told tale of the dance between mutually attracted strangers. The sexual tension is well-presented, dialogue is believable, and this brings the characters to life. Tia Dani does a wonderful job with this hot little encounter, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about hot, spontaneous, “lift your skirt and go for it” encounters.

Dani's Here

2007-10-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Isn’t this exciting? We have our own blog. Thanks Blondie..er..I mean Tia!

So let me introduce myself, I’m Dani, the other half of Tia Dani author. I’m an Arizona gal, born and raised in this sunny state. I live with my husband of almost 30 years and I have 4 kids and 2 grandkids. (Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, but I’m young at heart).

I’ve always had a passion for storytelling. I’m sure I got this from my father. My father was a great storyteller. He was a guy who knew enough about everything to tell a good story and he was extremely funny. He had a dry wit and he could make you laugh at the most unexpected times. Needless to say my childhood was very enjoyable. I wish he had lived long enough to see his grandchildren and give them memories like I had. Another thing I regret is that he didn’t put any of his stories down on paper. I think that is one reason I seemed driven to write mine. I want to leave my mark on the world as does Tia.

Anyway, back to how I began writing. I started reading romances when I was 19. My mother-in-law gave me one of hers and I was immediately hooked! There was always a half read paperback next to my bed, in the livingroom and in the car. (I read on trips not while I was doing the driving). But it wasn’t until I became a empty-nester and had a void in my life that needed to be filled that I began to think about writing seriously. At our local library I met Diana Gabaldon and listened to her talk about how her characters spoke to her and I realized, "Yes, they speak to me too. I can write a book!" I mean how hard could it be. Obviously I knew nothing about plot layers, POV and my writing style (style, huh?).

Luckily a friend of mine suggested that I take some writing classes and maybe join a local RWA chapter. That was where I met Tia and my life changed. We had an instant bond, she took me under her wing and convinced me that I can do anything I set my mind on. We spent almost everyday together writing, side by side, and then it hit us. "Let’s write a story together!"

Tia Dani was born. Why erotica? It was one of those, seems like a good idea at the time, moments. I mean if you’re doing something for fun let’s really have some fun. And we did. We wrote Layover and giggled all the way through it. Sometimes we laughed to hard tears streamed down our faces. Especially when we had to read aloud words we would never say. We’re getting better at it now. We don’t blush quite so easily.

Here’s something we’re excited about. We entered the Brava Novella Contest! It was a last minute decision. I mean we barely got under the wire, but we’re in with Color Of Dreams. I don’t know a lot about this contest except that the 20 finalists are read by Kate Duffy. I do know that some really wonderful authors are entered so you’ll have to check back to see how we’re doing. I’ll let you know just as soon as I hear anything.

We have about 4 projects going on right now. I’m not sure which one will be finished first, but we have made a commitment to see what we can do over the next year. I have a feeling it will be a wild ride and I had better hang on tight.
Dani

P.S.

2007-10-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Okay...to show you how new I am at this. I forgot to sign my name so anyone reading this post will know which one of us wrote it. I'm Tia. The blonde one who's turning forgetful.

Getting started

2007-10-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Talk about the blind leading the blind. I have absolutely no idea how I managed to start our Tia Dani's Musings blog...but... here it is...up and running.

Last month was an interesting month for me. Today I am on the downside of several projects and a few others yet to start. Which meant I had some time to breathe, try to start some new ventures...(this blog, for one thing) plus contemplate what has happened in the past month.

For me, I decided that it's amazing how time and life can get away from you when you're busy or dealing with have-to's. You don't stop to think about why you're here.

My father passed away unexpectedly last month. Though he'd been failing over the last six months, his passing still came as a surprise. Now both of my parents have passed on and all that's left in my family is my sister (with her family) and me and my family. There are extended family members we're close to, but in our immediate family, we're now down to just a few.

This new development brought some of my perspectives into a different light. My writing is becoming more and more precious to me. Hopefully when I too pass over, I will leave behind a part of me that will mean something. Well, maybe not only my writing, but the people I will touch because of it. It kinda makes me feel a little humble and eager to write faster.

Anyway...on this note...the first post to the Tia Dan blog. Watch out world...I'm starting to roll.