Spirited Chatter

Highland Press is now RWA approved!

2007-10-05T15:28:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's October already! I know I say that each time I post, but where does the time go?

Found out some exciting news yesterday - my publisher, Highland Press, www.highlandpress.org has just become RWA approved! Isn't that awesome?

Highland Press has been very busy/sussessful in the two years they've been in business. Right now, one of their books, Fairy Special Romances, is up for a N.O.R. award. You can vote until Oct. 31st for Jacquie Rogers' book at http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/
Other Highland Press authors on the list to vote for (with books from other publishers) include, Dawn Thompson, Deborah MacGillivray, and Rowena Cherry.

Hope you're all enjoying the beautiful fall weather and curling up with a nice ghost book!
Till next time,
happy reading,
Ann Marie

Perseverence is the key

2007-09-01T12:35:00.000-05:00

FYI ~ On the sixth of every month I'll be blogging at The HEA Cafe blog presented by RWA Online. In fact, you can stop by to hear from different RWA Online authors everyday!

I just popped over and read Claire Delacroix's (aka Claire Cross) posting on "Creative Play" and it's got the rusty gears moving in my head.

You see ~ I have major writer's block at the moment. Over the last few years, life has continually gotten in the way. No matter how much I push, shove, climb over or try to walk around it, it won't budge long enough. Oh, I have moments of writing clarity. This past Spring, I finished a first draft. I put the book away to allow myself distance. I planned on going back to it with fresh eyes.

I guess I left the door ajar but the wind came and slammed it shut.

For the life of me, I can't get myself to sit down and begin my edits. It's silly really because writing soothes my soul. Truly. I feel so much better when I'm working on my craft.

So, why am I struggling so much with this?

Plain and simple worry I think. I have so many things changing and shifting in my life that I find it hard to sit and devote my attention to my author's work. And writing takes attention and devotion. When I'm on, I lose myself in it and happily so.

I could use that just about now.

Maybe I should dig out my copy of Julia Cameron’s book, THE ARTIST’S WAY. I purchased the book last year and made a half-hearted attempt to begin reading it.

It's about time I did. Don't you think?

Besides, I have some great new characters to share with the world. And some I've introduced before. The only way any of them will make the debut in their own stories is if I battle through this strange period in my life and give them a chance.

Until next time... persevere through the rough spots!
Joie

Moody and Wonderous Earth

2007-08-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

It's raining today. Not storming, just raining. I love hearing the sound of the cars on the slick road. The tires rolling through the rain water. I love the sound of the rain on the roof. It's the best sleeping weather, don't you think?

With the rain has come cooler air. It's August and my legs were cold when I went for a walk earlier. I'd wished I'd worn pants instead of shorts. Enjoy this while you can, I reminded myself, because with a blink of an eye the heat and humidity could roll right in.

The earth is a moody thing, isn't it? A wonderous and moody thing.

Well, I finished my appearance on at Coffee Thoughts - Blogging with Bonnie on Thursday. I had a lot of fun and it gave me renewed ambition to blog more often.

Perhaps, this time I can keep that up? Do you think?

Here's the final postings: Blogging with Bonnie - Joie Lesin

Who's running this story anyway?

Reading is an escape (Bonnie)

Simply beautiful

Does it run in the family?

Beginnings of a new friendship (Read an excerpt on this post.)

Until next time, enjoy the rain...
Joie

Gray Ladies and Blogging with Bonnie at Coffee Thoughts

2007-08-15T08:10:00.001-05:00

Morning!

I've now had two cups of coffee and am coherent enough to think. A good thing. Yes.

To start, I thought I'd piggyback on what Ann Marie posted and talk a little bit about "Gray Ladies."

I’ve seen many different stories of gray ladies throughout the world but there seems to be more in Britain than anywhere else.

One that I remember reading about was of a gray lady haunting a manor near Liverpool. It is reported that shortly after the woman’s marriage, her husband left for war. She died of despair but not before vowing to come back and haunt the hall until he returned to her.

Gray Lady is a term generally used for the spirit of a woman who had either died at the hand of her lover or died waiting for his return. The “gray” doesn’t necessarily stand for the color of clothes she wears – though it does apply at times. The gray can stand for the ghostly woman’s mood of pining away for her lover’s return.

~~~~~~~~~

News and Appearances

Here's a picture of my first book signing at The Book Corner in Woodbury, Minnesota in June.

I'm blogging with Bonnie at Coffee Time Romance's Coffee Thoughts this week. Please stop by and say hello. The conversation's interesting, there's excerpts and the coffee's hot (or cold if that's the way you prefer it). Hope to see you there!

To see what's been posted so far check out the links below.

Welcome Joie Lesin (Bonnie)

Romancing the Ghost

He who used to be...

Early bird gets the worm! (Bonnie)

A dark and stormy night...

Romance and reading bliss...

An unexpected meeting...

Until next time, Joie

Haunted Places You Can Visit in the US

2007-08-08T23:36:00.000-05:00

I love reading and writing ghost romances. If the story has a ghost, it has to be good! The ghosts in my stories are all figments of my imagination, but there are some great ‘true’ ghost stories out there too.

For all you daring ghost lovers, I thought I’d put together a list of true haunted places. I plan to make a very detailed list, adding more places as time permits according to state, country, etc., so check back often to see what’s new.

“The Buxton Inn”
Since I wrote about a haunted hotel in ‘Blue Moon Magic,’ I thought I’d start with the story of America’s most ghostly country Inn, The Buxton Inn, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated Inn in its original building since 1812. Visit the website at, http://www.buxtoninn.com/
Major Buxton's ghost is described as being a shadowy figure. He has been seen throughout the house, but he seems to be seen most in the dining room. He is easily identified by the guests because a sizable portrait of him hangs in the inn. (just like in Blue Moon Magic)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Resurrection Mary"
Resurrection Mary, also known as the "Vanishing Hitchhiker," is Chicago's best-known ghost story:
A young, blonde, Polish girl named Mary lived in Chicago in the early 1930s. Mary had gone dancing at the well-known Oh Henry Ballroom in Willow Springs and was returning home when she was killed in a car accident. Buried in Justice, Ilinois, in Resurrection Cemetery, her soul was unable to rest in peace, so her ghost, still wearing her 1930s ballgown, soon began to appear to drivers cruising along Archer Avenue, asking them for rides. Several people who claim to have picked her up say that as the car with Mary in it approaches Resurrection Cemetery, "The Vanishing Hitchhiker" mysteriously disappears…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Lemp Mansion”
Lemp Mansion, located in St. Louis, Missouri, was called one of the ten most haunted places in America by Life magazine in 1982.
Lemp Mansion was built in the early 1860's by William J. Lemp, the son of the founder of Lemp Brewery, John Adam Lemp. The Lemps were one of the richest families in St. Louis due to the great success of the brewery. They were also very eccentric. The decor of the mansion was considered odd in many ways.

Troubles didn't begin for the Lemps until 1901, when William Sr.'s favorite son, Frederick, died mysteriously at the age of 28. He was the heir apparent to the Lemp legacy, and his father was crushed. In 1904, still despondent over his loss, William Sr. shot himself through the heart in his office. His son, William Lemp, Jr., took over the business. In 1920, William's sister Elsa also committed suicide by shooting herself, although not in the mansion. In 1922, William sold the brewery at a huge loss. After the sale, he went into the same office that his father had nearly two decades before and shot himself. Despite all the tragic events that transpired in the mansion, the surviving Lemp, Charles, remained there. He was brother to William, Elsa, Frederick and one other surviving Lemp, Edwin. In 1949, at the age of seventy-seven, Charles killed the family dog and then shot himself. The house was then sold and used as a boarding house until 1977, when renovation began to make Lemp mansion into a bed and breakfast. This is when the paranormal events began.

Workers were disturbed by inexplicable banging noises and objects moving about on their own. What was most distressing, though, to the point where several workers quit, was the eerie sensation that they were being watched. Some of the men claimed that the unseen stares practically burned through them.

Today, visitors to the Lemp Bed and Breakfast have claimed to feel cold spots and see strange lights. Both guests and employees have been frightened by a "Lady in Lavender" on the third floor stairwell. She has also been seen in the first floor bathroom. Inexplicable noises still abound, the most notable being piano music and the barking of a phantom dog.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope you enjoyed these true ghost experiences and keep checking back for more additions!

Till next time, happy reading (and ghost hunting),
Ann Marie

Coffee Time Romance Forum Group

2007-08-03T12:52:00.000-05:00

Check out my new group at the Coffee Time Romance Forum.

PROMO: Vintage Romance Publishing has a brand-new website!

2007-07-28T12:28:00.000-05:00

Check it out now at www.vrpublishing.com and tell us what you think by posting your comment at our Bebo site (www.vintageromance2004.bebo.Com). Everyone who posts as comment has a chance to win a free copy of any Vintage Romance paperback of your choice and/or a small token of our appreciation just for participating.

And if you join sign up as one of Vintage Romance's Bebo friends, your name will be entered into another drawing which will take place at the end of August. What can you win? Three books of your choice and a promotional package!

So come share your thoughts at www.vintageromance2004.bebo.com.

Recent Reviews for THE PASSENGER

2007-07-14T18:20:00.000-05:00

Ghostwriter Literary Reviews!
5-Stars

Get an honest, unbiased evaluation of your work

My Book Cravings
5-Roses

"...I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would read it again. There are very few books I feel that way about and this is definitely one of them. At first I thought it would be nothing more than a rehash of Ghost Whisperer which I happen to love so I figured reading it would be no problem, but I was drawn into the story and into these peoples’ lives to the point that I forgot the world around me and lost track of time. This is a great book and one I would recommend to anyone."

Mythological Creatures

2007-06-15T20:54:00.000-05:00

What kind of Mythological Creature am I?

Well, after answering just a few questions, this is what I was told:

You Are a Centaur

In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person. However, you are also warm hearted, and you enjoy helping others in practical ways. You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people get their lives in order. You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut. You make good decisions easily.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Historical Romance Club Anniversary Contest

2007-06-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

You could WIN one of Four GRAND PRIZES!

Historical Romance Club is celebrating it's 4th Anniversary with a HUGE Contest! With over Forty books generously donated by some of your favorite Romance Authors, we are giving away Four GRAND PRIZES. The Diamond Prize Package; The Ruby Prize Package; The Emerald Prize Package; and The Sapphire Prize Package. Each package contains a mix of both eBooks and Print Books.

Prize List:

The Diamond Prize Package:

Faery Special Romances (print and bath salts) by Jacquie Rogers
The Importance of Almack's (ebook) by Denise Patrick
In the Wind's Eye (ebook) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Long Strange Trip (print) by Vicki Gaia
Midnight Magic (print - hardcover) by Shari Anton
Midnight Marriage (ebook) by Jean Fullerton
Secrets in the Annex (ebook) by Ann Cory
Summer Wind (ebook) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Tethers (ebook) by Sara Reinke
The Tribute (ebook) by Beth Williamson
Twilight's Kiss (print) by Marly Mathews

The Ruby Prize Package:

The Accidental Countess (ebook) by Melissa SchroederA
Knight of Passion (ebook) by Ingela F. Hyatt
Allegra's Seduction (ebook) by Monica M. Martin
Always, My Love (ebook) by Phyllis Campbell
An Unexpected Engagement (print) by Sara Reinke
The Cheiftain's Bride (ebook) by Kate Hill
I'll Be Yours (ebook) by Marly Mathews
The Irish Countess (print) by Janet Quinn
The Mad Knight's Bride (print) by Kate Hill
Melting Iron (print) by Ann Cory
Sword of Rhoswen (ebook) by Brenda Williamson

The Emerald Prize Package:

A Dark Guardian (ebook) by Donna Grant
A Knight of Passion (print) by Ingela F. Hyatt
Come The Night (print) by Angelique Armae
Crossing the Line (print) by Catherine Stang
Dance of Desire (print) by Catherine Kean
My Lady's Protector: Knight of Pentacles (ebook) by Monica M. Martin
Prisoners of the Wind (ebook) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Twilight's Kiss (ebook) by Marly Mathews
Under a Warlock's Spell (ebook) by Ann Cory
Vows Of Deception (ebook) by Phyllis Campbell
The WyndMaster's Lady (ebook) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

The Sapphire Prize Package:

Book of Days (ebook) by Sara Reinke
Cradle the Light (ebook) by Vicki Gaia
Cutlasses and Caresses (ebook) by Jean Fullerton
Dead Walkers The Protectorate (ebook) by Angelique Armae
The Earl's Enchantment (ebook) by Sara Freeze
Holding Out For A Hero (ebook) by Phyllis Campbell
In Sunshine or In Shadow (print) by Cynthia Owens
The Kilted Governess (ebook) by Janet Quinn
***The Passenger (print) by Joie Lesin***
Silk and Magic 2 (print) by M.A. duBarry
WindFall (print) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

How to Enter:

Simply visit HRC ( http://www.historicalromanceclub.com/ ) and click on the Contest Logo at the top of the Romance News on the index page. Be sure to read through the Contest Rules before filling out the entry form...And remember, you must be 18 or older to enter. ;)

Contest Closes:

July 31, 2007 at 9:00pm EDT, so hurry and enter today!

And while you're visiting HRC, check out our extensive list of HRC Authors, Reviews, and Interviews.

The Thrill of Writing

2007-05-30T22:49:00.001-05:00

Ninety-three pages to go and my first draft is done. I'm getting a little antsy now and ready to switch to edit mode.

See, I've come to the conclusion that the story really takes shape AFTER the first draft is complete. During the first draft, the point is to get the words down on paper. The next draft is for finessing the words. Filling in the holes in the plot lines. Making the book a cohesive story that readers will relate to.

Sounds like a tall order, doesn't it? Perhaps, but I'm beginning to believe it's my favorite step in writing a book.

Oh, don't get me wrong. While I'm in first draft mode, I love the feeling of discovery when the characters take turns I don't expect. When their actions move the plot line in a different direction. I also get a thrill (and even a chill or two) when I write something that feels so right.

I'm a perfectionist but I've learned that in order to get the first draft written, I need to allow myself to just put words on paper. In most instances I know right away when something needs fixing or changing. The document to my WIP is riddled with comments and notes -- "Change this" - "Make sure this detail is weaved into earlier scenes." Honestly, it's always a bit of a struggle to get myself to not go and make those edits right away. Fortunately, I've been able to use a bit of self-restraint and this books been writing itself without worrying about its own imperfections.

Now if these last ninety-three pages would follow suit. Write themselves. That would make me very happy.

Because I'm eager to face the thrill and chills of finessing the words ~ where the story truly comes to life.

Until next time ~ read a book for the thrill of it!
Joie

Those Grand Plans

2007-05-16T13:38:00.000-05:00

Wow.

Shame on me. It's been almost a month since I posted last. I had such grand goals for my extra time-off:

Write - I have done wonderfully with this thank you very much.

Enjoy time with the kids - Have done this in spades.

Promote The Passenger - This is a neverending process. Goes without saying but I will anyway ~ I hope I'm successful at getting the word out about this book of my heart. (Next time, I'll be a little more prepared and post my upcoming events.)

Blog regularly - Okay, failing miserably at this but will keep trying.

Cultivate and Nourish Friendships - Yes, I'm in constant motion with this and let me say - I have wonderful friends surrounding me. I'm quite the lucky girl. The past few years have been rocky ones for me and I gather my strength from the wonderful people who grace my life.

Read - Let's see. I've read 5 books since the beginning of April. Not too shabby.

Have a clean house - The problem with this is I clean it and it just gets dirty again. I will also keep vacuuming up the dog hair and dust that will just magically reappear the minute after I put the vacuum away. I don't enjoy housework. Ugh. Someday, I'll be set enough to hire a maid. Right? A wish that will never come to fruition? Hmmm.

Exercise - Okay, this isn't going exactly as planned but I DO walk my Corgi daily. I haven't attained that well toned physique the way I'd planned but I've maintained. All of my clothes from last summer are just a tad too big. That's something at least. Hey, perhaps it's time to come to term with my curves.

Decide what I want to do with the rest of my life - (besides write, be a mother, a family member and friend. Oh and hire a maid) - Sigh. This is a tough one to be sure and I've come to no conclusions yet.

One thing that I will say ~ when I'm writing ~ the time flies. I can sit down and crank through 12 pages and feel as if an hour lapsed. Wrong. I find I'd been so engrossed with my characters that I didn't feel the passage of real time ~ four hours of real time. Gotta love it and I do.

So my current work in progress is really grooving with me. I have to admit I'm a pantzer all the way (writing by the seat of my pants). I've tried to convert myself to a plotter and started out writing a scene-by-scene outline. Ack! It destroyed my drive to write the story. So I stepped back and started again. I gave myself permission to let the story form organically and not have preconceived ideas of what was supposed to happen plotpoint-by-plotpoint. I know where the story needs to end up and the fun of it is discovering what it takes to get there.

I love the feeling of surprise I get when a character reveals something to me that I didn't expect. For me this is what writing is all about. The discovery.

Okay, the dust bunnies are calling (but may need to wait until tomorrow). I do have to throw in my Those Were Our Songs CD and start visualizing the next scene in my WIP.

On an aside: Ever have your hard drive fail? Mine did and it's not fun. Luckily, I'm obsessive about backing up my files. So my world didn't end because I'd lost everything. TTL. So honestly, I was out of business with my computer for over a week. I was able to keep writing on an old laptop but I didn't have access to the Internet. A good thing for my muse with no distractions like emails and blogging I suppose.

Until next time ~ don't stress the goals...
Joie

Waiting for Perfect Clarity

2007-04-17T11:27:00.000-05:00

I've been having a particularly hard time with a scene for the past two days. I've thought about skipping it and going to the next. The theory there is the details of the event will just hit me - like an epiphany.

It could happen. It's happened to me before. However, there's no guarantee that it will. So, if I wait for the scene to descend upon me in perfect clarity; this book may not get finished.

I'll let you in a bit more on this internal struggle of mine.

This scene I'm stuck on feels like a pivotal one and will impact later actions. I need this scene written. I want it from the heroes point of view (POV). BUT I think he's the problem at the moment. He's being a bit stubborn and doesn't really want to deal with what's about to happen. I've been trying to force him but he's not budging.

Maybe switching it to the heroine's POV may be the trick. I'll give that a try.

Hey! Talking through this here may have just solved my problem. Wouldn't that be cool? Especially when my goal is to write ten pages a day. The two paragraphs I wrote yesterday fell way short.

I did try lucid dreaming last night. Thinking of the troublesome scene before I fell asleep. Wrote a post it out describing what I needed to happen and hoped to work it out while I slept. Didn't find any answers on my WIP but I did dream a scene from a totally different story. Then this morning, I didn't want to lose the thoughts, so I scrambled to get them down on paper.

Six pages later, I have the beginnings of a something new. I have several of those in my ideas folder waiting for their turn when (or if) it comes.

I've never had a problem with finding ideas. I have those in spades. It's just the time I have to write that gives me the trouble. So right now - at this point - where I have more time - I've set some very aggressive goals for myself.

To complicate things further, today I have this nagging need to take time off. Maybe to sit down with the book I'm currently reading (Susan Grant's My Favorite Earthling). I'm over 100 pages in and enjoying it immensely. I can never go wrong with a Susan Grant book. She's one of those authors that I tend to want to read in one sitting. I'm actually kind of disappointed in myself that I missed Your Planet or Mine? It's on my list of books to buy though. Earthling is Book 2 of the series but I'm finding it easy to start here. I'll go back though - I promise myself that.

Huh. Maybe that's what I have to do. If I allow myself the time to read this book; then I can get back to my own work.

Sheesh.

I really need to stick to my rule of not reading when I'm in first draft mode. I reasoned with myself when I purchased this new book that it was so different from my WIP that I could do it. It'd be a nice diversion.

Sigh.

What to do? I'll have to think on that.

Until next time ... avoid multi-tasking and read a great book!

Joie

Joie's Newsletter Contest

2007-04-16T13:04:00.000-05:00

Discover Love's Haunting Journey Home

...and celebrate my first release, THE PASSENGER, by signing up for my newsletter by April 30, 2007 for a chance to win one of three give-a-ways.

Visit my website for the details at joielesin.com/contest.html

....Elizabeth Reilly travels to the Clemente Vineyard to help the spirit of an old man find peace and loses her heart to the son he left behind...

Deadline for entry: April 30, 2007

The musky scent of skin, a brush on the shoulder, a gust of bitter air--all forewarn Elizabeth a spirit will soon seek her help to pass from this world to the next. Yet a living man's wounded soul offers her the challenge of a lifetime.

THE PASSENGER - Now available from Vintage Romance Publishing

~~~~~

I just posted the April edition of my newsletter today. It included an excerpt ~ the opening scene and introduction to Giovanni ~ an old fashioned alpha male if I ever met one.

Until next ... Joie

Windows Vista - Ackkkkkkkkk!!!!!!

2007-04-13T20:47:00.000-05:00

If you are ready for a new computer - beware! They only come with the new windows vista now days and boy is that a mess! We excitedly brought our new super duper computer with all the bells and whistles and 160 GB hard drive home from the store, and life has been upside down every since.

Our internet server is Earthlink. Earthlink TotalAccess Mailbox is NOT compatible with Vista. Joy - not. Okay, I'm resigned to using Outlook Express or Windows Mail. Not. The new Vista does NOT support multiple identities in those programs. Huh? Why not? To drive me crazier, I know.

Find a web page you want to add to favorites? Easy as pie, right? Well, it used to be, but not in dear Vista! You hunt for an hour and find the tiny star (hiding among the many bars at the top, all of which I could do without) Ah, ha, it says favorites. Click it. Tell it to make a new folder, click add. Now WHERE is the dang thing? Can't find it.

And then there is the stupid message that keeps popping up every time you turn on a program. It says, do you really want to continue? Duh, yeah, that's why I clicked on it. Every thing on this computer is upside down, inside out. Vista made it harder to use the computer, not easier. I had no problem going from windows 95, 98, or XP, but this!!!!

Vista is not compatible with your old programs from XP either. Yeah, good ole microsoft wants your money for all new programs.

I DID NOT ask for Vista. I wanted XP. The store gave me no choice. I know several other writers who bought new computers with Vista and no one is pleased. Did I say pleased? Ha! Vista has driven us all over the edge! Run! Stay away from Vista. Think I'll use my left over Easter eggs to throw at the makers of Vista!

There will be no writing from this writer until I figure out this mess of a computer. Geesh, it may be a loooong time. :(
not so happy,
Ann Marie

Random thoughts on a rainy Saturday

2007-03-31T18:14:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday evening. I'm listening to G. Love and Special Sauce. I'm in the mood for something bluesy and this hits the spot.

~~~~~~~

Author Joy Nash had some good things to say about The Passenger.

"...In The Passenger, Joie Lesin weaves an intricate and emotional tale of loss and love, tragedy and hope. I enjoyed this book immensely! I turned the last page with a satisfied sigh."

Joy Nash, author of The Grail King and Immortals: The Awakening

~~~~~~~~

I posted earlier on my full 5 Beacon review I received from Lighthouse Literary Review. Take a look and friend me (and Ann Marie too) at if you are so inclined.

More good news ~ I'm featured at The Romance Studio for the month of April. The feature includes an interview. So if you're curious about me at all go take a look.

Other things I have coming up is a booksigning in Woodbury, Minnesota at the Book Corner on June 16. Watch for more details on that. This will be another first for me and I'm looking forward to it.

Tonight I'm meeting up with my critique partner online to do some brainstorming on our current projects. I'm working on two stories at the moment. The first, another ghost story based in the 1940s. The main character is a supporting character from The Passenger but I'm not ready to give more than that away. The other, a romance with fantasy elements taking place in the 1920s.

I'll share more of the details as I make more progress.

Coming up I have some time to play at being a fulltime writer and I intend to take full advantage of it.

Until next time...happy reading!
Joie

The Muse is back in town...

2007-03-18T15:46:00.000-05:00

I'm almost giddy this weekend and for a very good reason. My muse has returned full force. I've written a total of 25 pages over the last week and the bulk of them yesterday. And for the first time, I'm able to juggle two stories at the same time.

I can't tell you how good it feels to write. It's freeing for my soul. It grounds me. Like I've said in my bio, writing is as essential to me a breathing.

I've been struggling for air.

It's no lie that my past few years have been tough. They've been a time of major change for my family. A time of loss -- of starting all over again. It makes perfect sense that at times I've found myself struggling to put words on page. So I've cut myself some slack but I wouldn't let myself give up.

I woke up this morning and exclaimed, "Yes! I am still a writer."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I stayed up later than I should have last night because I was flipping through the channels. I stopped at the Lifetime Channel and caught the last half of the movie Yesterday's Children. I have to see it again from the beginning whenever it airs again.

It's about a woman who travels to Ireland after having the reoccurring memories of a woman who died in the 1930's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What's New?

I was in the mood for a little redecorating. What do you think of Spirited's new look?
The Passenger is currently featured at The Diva Bookshelf.
I'm gearing up for my April feature at The Romance Studio.
Elisa Adams* talked about The Passenger on her blog*. * denotes sites intended for visitors ages 18 and over only

"The Passenger is a terrific read that will suck you in from the first page and hold on to you long after you've finished the novel. Joie Lesin writes an emotion-packed story that will have readers rooting for Elizabeth and Gio, as well as for Paolo and the rest of the supporting cast."

Elisa Adams ~ Author of Affliction in Secrets Volume 19: Timeless Passions

~ Coming July 2007 from Red Sage

'Til next time...rediscover your own personal muse!

Joie

Irish Recipes for St. Paddy's Day!

2007-03-10T01:43:00.000-06:00

March ~ the first month of Spring!

And, don't forget the "wearing o' the green" on St. Paddy's Day, March 17th! Not that a few pinches from the right someone wouldn't be nice. *_*

This month's recipes are a salute to St. Patrick's day ~ aren't we all a little Irish on the 17th?

Corned-beef dinner, Irish style ~

3 to 4 pounds corned-beef brisket
2 onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
6 small to medium potatoes, pared
6 small carrots, pared
1 medium head cabbage, cut in 6 wedges

Place corned-beef in Dutch oven and barely cover with hot water; add onion, garlic, cloves, and bay leaves. Cover and simmer (do not boil) 1 hour per pound of meat, or till tender. Remove meat from liquid; add potatoes and carrots. Cover; bring to boiling and cook 10 minutes. Then add cabbage wedges; continue cooking 20 minutes longer or until vegetables are done.

To carve corned-beef, cut at slight angle across the grain, making thin slices.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Since we're romantics, we surely can't have a celebration without chocolate! Here's a great Irish dessert.

Emerald Isle Dessert Cups~

1 cup white cream mints
3/4 cup milk
few drops green food coloring
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
**
1 7 ounce package solid chocolate-mint candy wafers, OR 1 6 ounce package (1 cup) semisweet chocolate pieces
2 tablespoons shortening

First, make mint ice cream: Combine mints and milk. Cook over low heat; stirring frequently, about 15 minutes or till mints are melted. Cool to room temperature. Stir in food coloring; fold in whipped cream. Pour into refrigerator tray and freeze till firm.

Serve in chocolate cups: Melt chocolate mint candy wafers or semisweet pieces with shortening over hot, not boiling, water, stirring till smooth. Cool to room temperature. Place paper baking cups in muffin pans. With a teaspoon, swirl chocolate mixture around inside cups, covering entire surface with a thin layer of chocolate. Chill.

When chocolate hardens, tear off paper. Fill with rounded scoops of Mint Ice Cream. Top each dessert with a chocolate mint wafer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the writer's scene ~

A big thank you to my readers who voted "The Christmas Store" a winner in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll! I appreciate each vote.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The winner of last month's 'branding' contest is......
Helen from North Vernon, IN. Her suggestion was - Ann Marie Bradley writes haunting, soul-healing paranormal love stories. What do you think? Does it describe my writing? Can you think of anything better? I'm still open to suggestions if you want to drop me a note. (Helen won the heart-shaped box of chocolates)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joie, if you find those extra hours in a day you're looking for, can you send a few to me? *_*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

God bless our troops fighting to keep peace. May God keep them save as they do their job of keeping us safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Till next time,
happy reading,
Ann Marie

Wanted: A thirty hour day

2007-03-05T21:50:00.000-06:00

What am I listening to? The Replacements - The Mats - because I'm feeling a little nostalgic for the 80's tonight.

NEWS TO JUMP FOR JOY ABOUT: The Passenger has been sighted on the shelves at a local B. Dalton's! Very cool. I have to get out and see it for myself. Honestly, this brings me a step closer to the dream I've nourished since I was a kid. To walk into a bookstore and see a book written by me on the shelf.

Whew! What a day. It's after 10 pm, the kitchen's a mess and I still have a scene for my new project I want to work on. It's playing in my head like a movie. It's so clear. So perfect. It won't tell - no way - it'll show you who Anna and Gunnar are. No mistaking it. Hmmm, so why am I blogging instead of getting it down on paper? I won't take the time to answer that now but will say if only I could manufacture time...a thirty hour day would be excellent.

More time ~ the cure for so many things. Another deep discussion I'll save for another day when I have more of it.

I spent half the night online searching for and taking advantage of opportunities to promote The Passenger, I missed Heroes. I know it'll be on again this week on the SciFi channel but I like to catch it on Mondays with my son. Always a surprising ending and we then discuss it throughout the week. I'll be behind now.

As for television ~ I try to limit my consumption of it but make time for a few special shows. Some I watch for the sole purpose of sharing with my children and others are ones I personally can't miss. My recent favorite is The Dresden Files. I simply love Harry. A good looking wizard with a sense of humor. What's not to love? A hero after my own heart.

Truly.

Until next time... reserve some time for a good book.
Joie

The Strong Enough Loop ... and cheers to first reviews

2007-03-03T23:22:00.000-06:00

It's Saturday night and I'm enjoying some "me" time.

Sheryl Crow's on the CD player. I bought her very best of just for Strong Enough. There's something about that song that I identify with. I heard it one morning on the radio and couldn't get it out of my mind. One sec ... skipping forward to it right now. It's number 7 and now looping.

There's a story in that song. A brief 3 minute and 10 seconds story.

Click here for some interesting song trivia.

~~~

What songs tell stories for you?

~~~

So what's new with me besides finding songs I identify with?

I received my very first review and it was excellente.

The Passenger received "5 Beacons" from Lighthouse Literary Reviews. Is that cool or what?

"...a refreshing change to romantic novels, adding humor with an unusual storyline. I was impressed with the way it all came together." Reviewed by Deanna ~ Literary Lighthouse Reviews

Click here for the full review.

~~~

In April I'll be featured at The Romance Studio. Watch for more details on this and my future appearances.

Until next time ... grab a favorite CD and an awesome book based in the 1940's and enjoy!
Joie

Brand change

2007-02-11T23:12:00.000-06:00

Another author brought it to my attention that she already uses the sentence, 'The past whispers to the present.' on her site, so I've removed it from my site.

Sooooo, now I really need help with 'branding' my writing. I did have Ann Marie Bradley writes haunting romance where the past whispers to the present. I've changed it to Ann Marie Bradley 'writes soul-healing romance' (and pray no one else has that one already :) but the contest is still on and if you can think of a better one, email me at annmariebradley@earthlink.net and let me know. Winner will still receive a box of chocolates!! So get those ideas in.
till next time,
happy reading,

February is month of love--win chocolate!!!!

2007-02-08T00:17:00.000-06:00

Hello from, Ann Marie Bradley,

February ~ the month of love! Happy Valentines Day to all you romantics out there!

February is also the month the groundhog predicts how much longer winter will hang around. As I write this, it is 3 degrees outside and there are 8 inches of fresh snow on the ground. Did the groundhog see his shadow this year or not? I can never remember which way the saying goes. If he didn't see it (which is what I heard), aren't we supposed to be in for better weather? If this is better, I'm glad we aren't having the worse! School has been closed or on two-hour delays all week. Temperatures have dipped below zero more than once.

What happened to that warm weather we had in December--if it couldn't snow for Christmas, why did it have to snow now? *_* Even my Christmas cactus is confused. It's been blooming for the past three weeks! I'm beginning to believe I've gone back in time to December! hehe--the silly thing didn't have one single bloom for Christmas.

February also has President's Day and Ash Wednesday. Busy little month.

And don't forget--it's also the month for the P.E.A.R.L awards! Highland Press' anthology, BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT, featuring my story, "Blue Moon Magic" has been nominated for this prestigious award. Final voting is February 14th. Very exciting.

Nominated for 2006 PEARL
ParaNormal Excellence Award in Romantic Literature
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now for the CONTEST & CHOCOLATE!!!

All the rage in the writing industry these days is ‘branding.’ I've been trying for months to come up with a brand for my writing. I've finally decided on:

~ Ann Marie Bradley writes haunting romance where the past whispers to the future ~

What do you think? Does it describe my writing? Can you think of anything better? I'm having a contest to brand Ann Marie Bradley (in words, none of those hot irons, please. I'm not into kinky LOL)

Contest rules:
1. Email me at annmariebradley@earthlink.net by February 28th and tell me if you like the brand I've written--or if you don't. If you don't, write your own original brand for me that will wow editors and agents and get across to readers what I write (paranormal romance--ghost, time-travel, re-incarnation, psychic) and send it in your email.
2. Brands suggested must be original (no borrowing from other authors) and make use of the paranormal romance theme.
3. Must be short enough to fit in my signature line. That's it. Easy, huh? I'll look through all entries, then draw a winner from a hat. If I decide not to go with any suggested brands, I'll still put all entries into the hat and draw a winner.
The prize? What else in the month of February from a romance author? Chocolate!! A heart-shaped box of chocolates just for you! So get those entries in. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Speaking of chocolate, here's a fabulous recipe (and microwave easy!).

MICROWAVE HERSHEY BAR PIE Chocolate crumb crust--
1 Hershey's milk chocolate bar (8 ounces), broken into pieces
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
Sweetened whipped cream

First, bake chocolate crumb crust -
Grease micro-proof 9 inch pie plate. In small micro-proof bowl, microwave 1/2 cup butter at high for 1 minute or until melted. Stir in 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons Hersheys cocoa, and 1/3 cup powdered sugar until well blended. Press on bottom and sides of pie plate. Microwave 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until bubbly. Cool completely before filling.

Filling -Combine chocolate bar pieces, milk and miniature marshallows in medium micro-proof bowl. Microwave at high for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until chocolate is softened and mixture is melted and smooth when stirred. Cool completely.

Whip cream until stiff, fold into chocolate mixture. Spoon into crust. Cover, chill several hours or until firm.

Garnish with sweetened whipped cream. Serve with cherry pie filling if desired.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God bless our troops fighting to keep peace. May God keep them save as they do their job of keeping us safe.

Until next time, happy reading,
God bless,
Ann Marie

Be sure and check out my website at http://www.annmariebradley.com
Stop by my new 'myspace' at http://www.myspace.com/annmariebradleyauthor

Congrats and Random Thoughts

2007-02-05T18:27:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Ann Marie! (imagine applause and shouts of elation here)

That's awesome news about the BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT Anthology. And I'm Snoopy dancing right along with you, baby!

For information on Ann Marie's story, Blue Moon Magic, and her 2nd release with Highland Press take a look at her lovely website: http://www.annmariebradley.com/

If you haven't already, pick up a copy and snuggle in for an excellent read!

With this below zero weather we have here in Minnesota, this idea sounds very inviting.

~~~~
Moments ago I had to pause during writing this to scold my 1 year Corgi for learning how to navigate the step stool. He climbed to the second step and planted his two front paws on the kitchen counter. He knows where his treats are and I guess he thought he didn't need his humans to get them for him. The step stool now has a new place in the kitchen.

*There he is with the stool in question behind him.

~~~

Chatter Tidbits:
I was quoted in Candy's Inside Books at Fresh Fiction. Take a peek.

Until next time ... keep warm and keep reading! Joie

BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT ANTHOLOGY nominated for P.E.A.R.L award!!!

2007-02-02T17:34:00.000-06:00

I just found out BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT, featuring my story, Blue Moon Magic, has been nominated for Best Anthology in the P.E.A.R. L. Awards!!!!!

I am so doing the happy author dance!!!!!!!

And I'm not alone. There are fifteen authors in BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT ANTHOLOGY- 15 Magical stories -

1. Under the Faery Blue Moon - Dawn Thompson
2. The Anti-Kissing League - Leanne Burroughs
3. Leap of Faith - Jill and Julia
4. When Mules Rush In - Jacquie Rogers
5. The Star Traveler - Victoria Houseman
6. Sentimental Journey - Judith Laik
7. A Blue Vacation - Michelle Scaplen
8. Blue Moon Magic - Ann Marie Bradley
9. Kissing Lessons - Sherrie Holmes
10. Muses in the Moonlight - Patty Howell
11. Blue Moon Reunion - Gerri Bowen
12. A Wish Times Three - Jeanne Van Arshall
13. Moodance - Kemberlee Shortland
14. Beneath the Velvet Blue Moon - Candace Gold
15. Devil in Spurs - Deborah Macgillivray

This anthology was published by Leanne Burroughs of Highland Press -- my sincere thanks and gratitude go to her!

Blue Moon Enchantment is part of a 2-book set - with Blue Moon Magic Anthology (which has a story nominated for best story).

Both of these anthologies are available from Amazon online, Barnes and Nobles, Powells, and orderable through your local bookstores, as well as from Highland Press direct at http://www.highlandpress.org

To receive a P.E.A.R.L nomination is such a huge honor and I thank each and every one of the readers who took the time and effort to add BME's name.

Congrats to all the other nominees! I am in such talented company I can hardly believe it. I wish everyone the best of luck, and again...thank you all so very, very much! To see the list of nominees go to... http://www.paranormalromance.org/pearl.php and click on PEARL finalists.

Members of the Paranormal Romance Loops have from February 1st to February 14th to vote for the finals. And again...I would really appreciate your vote.

Till next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

Whoohooo, congrats, Joie!

2007-01-31T21:43:00.000-06:00

Wow, congrats, Joie on the newest release! I'm so happy and proud for you. Your 'first' doesn't that feel grand? Now when's the next one coming out? :)

I ran over to Vintage and grabbed my copy, can't wait till it gets here. It's definitely going on my keeper shelf - after I read it of course. :)

Your release has my typing fingers itching to write. I have a new one in mind with - what else but a ghost and an old house. LOL But this one is going to be aimed at the YA market. I think.

Sending kudos and big hugs along with a cyber iced tea toast!
Dancing on the ceiling for you!
hugs,
Ann Marie

The Passenger has arrived!

2007-01-30T23:24:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love this cover? I love this cover.

Sure, I go missing for months and then pop up again to say -

THE PASSENGER is now available!

Here's the information and a little enticing passage I hope will pull you right on in:

THE PASSENGER by Joie Lesin

Vintage Romance Publishing

www.vrpublishing.com

ISBN: 0-9785368-9-4/978-0-9785368-9-3

The musky scent of skin, a brush on the shoulder, a gust of bitter air--all forewarn Elizabeth a spirit will soon seek her help to pass from this world to the next. Yet a living man's wounded soul offers her the challenge of a lifetime. Set in the 1940's, The Passenger tells the story of Elizabeth Reilly who travels to the Clemente Vineyard to help the spirit of an old man find peace and loses her heart to the son he left behind.

THE PASSENGER is the first release in Vintage Romance Publishing's Perfectly Paranormal Line.

Available in both paperback and e-book formats! Purchasing information can be found on my website at www.joielesin.com

~~~~

So I celebrated tonight. The kids and I ordered Chinese take-out, played 2 games of Sorry (my son won the first, and I the second. My daughter was none too happy when we didn't play a third to give her a chance to kick our butts. Next time, Sweetie .) Oh, and I ended the night with long division. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

Seriously. My children are proud of me and I love sharing the accomplishment with them - even if it means sitting down at the dining room table and walking my daughter through her math homework. There are all different ways to celebrate.

My son asked if I became a professional author today. I suppose this makes it official. I'm a published author. Wow. How's that for eloquent?

I've neglected Spirited Chatter long enough. I do promise to pay more attention to it.

Ann Marie will keep me on my toes. Won't you?

Until next time... (and it won't be months!)

happy reading!

Joie

Got the after Christmas blues?

2006-12-30T17:27:00.000-06:00

Suffering the Christmas blues?

Christmas went past in a blink? Taking down the tree giving you the blahs? Santa didn't bring what you wanted? Didn't have a white Christmas? In-laws drove you nuts? (hehe)

Christmas always seems to come too fast, and is over waaay too soon. Even if everything goes right and your Christmas is perfect (as mine was this year because my whole family was together).

Maybe you missed out on the snow. Too hot for roasting chestnuts on an open fire? Just couldn't get in the spirit? Are you a bit sad you missed the Christmas magic? You might want to try this - two books from Highland Press. Each with 12 wonderful, heart-warming tales of the Holidays, where magic still touches you with the spirit of all things are possible. Let these special stories give you the warm fuzzies and keep Christmas in your heart.

CHRISTMAS WISHES shows just how phenomenal a themed anthology can be. Each of these highly skilled authors brings a slightly different perspective to the Christmas theme to create a book that is sure to leave readers satisfied. What a joy to read such splendid stories! This reviewer looks forward to more anthologies by Highland Press as the quality is simply astonishing.
~~ Debbie Wiley, COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

HOLIDAY IN THE HEART is a beautiful compilation by twelve phenomenal authors. From the past to the present, no matter what setting the story appears, HOLIDAY IN THE HEART delivers a splendid mixture of powerful romantic tales. Readers will cherish this anthology. HOLIDAY IN THE HEART is a must read! ~~ Debbie Wiley, COURTESY OF CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

So if Santa didn't treat you right, treat yourself to these two anthologies. On these long, winter nights, kick back and enjoy the spirit of Christmas you might have been too busy to enjoy.

Have a safe and happy New Year's celebration!
Till next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

Christmas fuzzies

2006-12-11T14:38:00.000-06:00

It's almost the middle of December and I'm soooo in the Christmas spirit! Have the tree up, presents are all bought (but not wrapped), been doing Christmas crafts with the grandbabies. Life is nice.

Writer wise -- I'm author of the week, spotlighted on Candice Gilmer's author blog. Go to her website at http://www.swtats.com/candice/index.html and after you check out her wonderful excerpts and news, scroll down to the bottom and click on 'my blog' -- it will take you to the page where you'll find info about my story, "The Christmas Store."

"The Christmas Store" is in the anthology, CHRISTMAS WISHES by Highland Press. It and its sister anthology, HOLIDAY IN THE HEART, have been winning readers over this Christmas month and several of the authors have had fantastic book signings. These make such great stocking stuffers. Who doesn't love a Christmas book, especially when you get 12 magical stories in each addition?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other news:
Not going to let it ruin my warm fuzzy Christmas feelings, but I just found out I didn't final in the Family Circle contest I entered a few months ago. Oh well, always next time. :)

I'm busy working on a new ghost book - the hero is a ghost! Will post a snippet here soon.

Till next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

New Reference Book

2006-11-28T18:00:00.000-06:00

Check out this new reference book by G. Miki Hayden

G. Miki Hayden’s addition of humor to THE NAKED WRITER certainly makes learning about style, grammar, and punctuation fun! I highly recommend using this guide to help clarify problems in your own writing, whether you’re a novice or a pro who needs to jog your memory. This book is filled with useful information on every aspect of writing, whether non-fiction or fiction, and Ms. Hayden’s years of writing experience shine through the text.

The book is easy to follow and is divided into sections--Part 1: The Written Word, explains the parts of speech and how to use them to make your story shine. Part 2: Refine Your Language, shows common errors writers make using words such as advise and advice, the danger of repeating words, how to chose the right words for your story, positioning words for clarity, etc. Part 3: Put It Together, guides the writer on how to determine the best length for a sentence and weed out unnecessary words. Part 4: Mechanics, AKA Punctuation, explains rules of punctuation in a fun and easy to understand way. The exercises at the end of each section really help you comprehend the ‘rules.’ (She even gives the answers.
It’s easy to see why Ms. Hayden’s novels and how-to manuals are award winners. This is one book I’m keeping in easy reach on my reference shelf, and an author I’m adding to my auto-buy list.

You can order this book online from Amazon.com.

until next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

PUMPKIN RECIPES & CHAT INFO

2006-11-18T03:41:00.000-06:00

I want to start this message by wishing you all an early, happy, and fun-filled Thanksgiving in case I don't get back to you by next Thursday! It’s good to take a day and count our blessings and be thankful. I’ve been blessed this year with so many things, not the least my 3 book releases!

Since Thanksgiving always brings pumpkins to mind, I thought I’d share a couple different pumpkin recipes other than the usual pie. Hope you enjoy these.

Everyone’s heard of Peter Pumpkin eater –

Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater
Had a wife and couldn't keep her.
He put her in a pumpkin shell
And there he kept her very well.

Well, here’s his soup recipe!

PUMPKIN SOUP TUREEN (OR PUMPKIN SOUP SERVED IN A PUMPKIN SHELL)

Was Peter looking for a way to use that gorgeous pumpkin shell? Except for decorated Jack-o-lanterns, there have been very few suggested uses of the pumpkin shell down through the ages.

However, the hollow shell makes a picturesque and elegant soup tureen. A large pumpkin shell can hold enough soup for a family gathering or dinner parties while small pumpkin shells are just right for individual servings.

Preparing the pumpkin shell:

Select a squat pumpkin rather than one that is upright for balance.
Start by washing the pumpkin in warm soapy water rinse well and dry.

Using a sharp knife, insert the tip about 1/3 of the way down, and cut away the top to form a lid. Scoop out the seeds (reserve for roasting) and stringy mass.

Lightly oil the pumpkin inside and out and sprinkle the inside with salt.

Place the pumpkin and lid on a parchment lined baking sheet or spray with an oil cooking spray. Bake a 325°F for 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on the size of the shell.

This is the tricky part. An over baked shell will not support the weight of the soup so under-baking is preferred. Bake the pumpkin shell until it begins to soften.
Remove from the oven and cool.

Gently scoop out some of the soft pumpkin from the wall, being careful not to puncture the shell. Scrape the cooked pumpkin from the lid as well. Use this cooked portion for the pumpkin soup recipe that follows or freeze it for later use.
Ladle hot soup into the pumpkin and serve. The lid can be used as a cover or you can serve the soup uncovered.

Quick and Easy Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Use your favorite pumpkin soup for the "pumpkin tureen" or use this simple recipe. Although this soup is rich and creamy there is actually no cream in it. The thick body of the soup comes from the pumpkin puree and evaporated skim milk.

2 cups finely chopped onions

2 green onions, sliced thinly, tops included

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1 green chili pepper, chopped

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

3 cans chicken broth (14-1/2 oz cans) or 6 cups homemade chicken stock

2 cups pumpkin puree or 1 can (16 oz) solid pack pumpkin

1 bay leaf

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 cup undiluted, evaporated skim milk

Salt and pepper to taste (Canned chicken broth and canned pumpkin may contain added salt. Taste the finished soup before adding salt, as additional salt may not be needed.)

Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley
In a 6-quart saucepan, sauté onions, green onions, celery and chili pepper in oil. Cook until onions begin to look translucent.
Add broth, pumpkin, bay leaf, and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove bay leaf. Add evaporated milk and cook over low heat 5 minutes. Do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, if desired.
Transfer hot soup to pumpkin tureen. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

If soup’s not your thing, try this wonderful pumpkin pudding desert!

Pumpkin Pudding
Makes six servings.

4 eggs
1 one-pound can of pumpkin
1/2 cup light molasses
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 cup milk
Break the eggs into a large bowl, and beat with a fork until light yellow.
Add the pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, molasses, and milk. Stir well.
Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350º for 1 hour or until the pudding is firm in the middle.
Refrigerate any leftovers.

Are you getting hungry yet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As we all know, Thanksgiving opens the door for the Christmas season. We’re as stuffed as that poor turkey and can barely move and the stores are fighting for our ‘early-bird’ shopping!

Don’t forget to keep Christ in Christmas and focus on Jesus’ birthday celebration. God, Himself being born as human is certainly worthy of our attention and praise.

Of course, we have to remember Santa too! My latest anthology contribution, “The Christmas Store” does just that. Find it and 11 other heart-warming Christmas stories in the anthology, CHRISTMAS WISHES by Highland Press. Available now.

A blurb of The Christmas Store –
When Aine Ross hangs a wish for true love and a family on Santa's Christmas tree, she doesn't really expect it to be granted. After all, she's twenty-nine and it's been a long time since she's believed in Santa's magic. When she wins a trip to Hawaii two weeks before Christmas, she meets sexy tour guide, Jerald Garrison—the gallant knight she’s always dreamed of. With the help of a lonely six-year-old boy, and Jerald’s love, Aine discovers that wishes do come true.

An excerpt –
“That’s more like it.” She giggled at herself for thinking the Santa ensconced in a bright red outrigger canoe being pulled by eight dolphins more normal to her Florida upbringing than the Santa and snow she’d just left in Indiana.
Aine walked past the display and stopped dead in her tracks. The tall, dark, and handsome fairy tale knight she’d just been reading about on the plane headed straight toward her holding up a sign: Aine Ross. But he’d traded in his medieval suit of shining armor for khaki shorts, an Hawaiian shirt, and flip-flops. And instead of heavy metal headgear, a red velvet Santa hat perched at a rakish angle on his thick dark hair.
“Ms. Ross?”
Aine nodded, and the Hawaiian knight handed her a bottle of expensive champagne and tucked the sign under one arm. “Mele Kalikimaka.” The beginnings of a smile tempted the corners of his mouth and her stomach lurched. “That’s how we say Merry Christmas in Hawaii.”
He pulled a dozen leis made from the petals of white orchids off one muscular arm and placed the flowers around her neck, then hugged her and lightly kissed one cheek. “Aloha.”
“Thank you, Mr…”
“Jerald Garrison.” A long moment passed between them. A light twinkled in the depths of his obsidian eyes—eyes that nearly stopped her heartbeat. “Just call me Jerald. I’m your official guide from Hawaii Blue Tours.” He broke into an open, friendly smile.
She brought a hand to her cheek. The moment his lips had brushed it, heat surged through her body and it had nothing to do with the ambient temperature.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Be sure and stop by http://heartsentromance.com/ChatRoom_002.htm this Sunday, November 19th for a chat with the Highland Press authors. We’ll be giving away lots of prizes, including a grand prize of the two-book set of the Christmas anthologies. (a $20 value) Hope to see you there!

Until next time,
Happy writing and reading!
Ann Marie

Merry Christmas! CHRISTMAS WISHES is shipping NOW!

2006-11-15T20:41:00.000-06:00

Whoohooo, it's shipping! CHRISTMAS WISHES is shipping now and the sister anthology, HOLIDAY IN THE HEART will be released in a few days. Merry Christmas, everyone! I'm doing the jingle bell rock!

Here's what one reviewer has to say about CHRISTMAS WISHES -

Leanne Burroughs, Ann Marie Bradley, Amber Dawn Bell, Billie Warren Chai, Kimberly Ivey, Patty Howell, Cheryl Alldredge, Shelli Stevens, Gerri Bowen, Kimberly Grant, Rebecca Andrews, DeborahAnne MacGillivray
ISBN: 0974624918
Genre: Christmas Anthology
Publisher: Highland Press

If you were to buy one anthology this year of short Christmas stories to settle in on a cold winters night than you won’t go wrong by picking up this entertaining compilation of an even dozen featuring some bright and fresh new talent. The stories run the gamut of contemporary to historical and even a bit of time travel – but more importantly they’re all magical enough to warm the cockles of your heart!

Christmas At Home / Leanne Burroughs – Prepare to be charmed completely by Burroughs poignant tale as wounded WWII gunner pilot Ryan Burgess discovers that a lovely widow and her precocious daughter Becca are the perfect pair to help him ring in Christmas with hope for the future. *** Have lots of tissues nearby as Burroughs tugs your heartstrings with this one.

The Christmas Store / Anne Marie Bradley – After finding her fiancé in bed with another woman Aine is spending Christmas up north with best friend Holly who takes her to The Christmas Store with a Mr. & Mrs. Claus looking remarkably like the real deal! Who knows what Christmas wishes would come true when she and a cute orphan named Joey write their wishes on golden stars to hang on Santa’s tree! *** Bradley’s sweetly touching tale will make you believe in Santa again!

Love’s Eternal Hope / Amber Dawn Bell – Bell serves up every older (mature) woman’s fantasy with this gem of a story. When Hope Lacey felt all had been lost a magical journey sent her back to her Cherokee roots giving her back not only her self-esteem but a very surprising gift on Christmas Eve. *** Oh, so very satisfying.

Operation Family / Billie Warren Chai – Major Sean Spencer wanted to be in control and wanted a stay at home wife. Ava’s career meant just as much to her as Sean’s so heartbreakingly, they split. Some months later when Sean arrived to bail his crew out of jail he ran into a very pregnant Ava and knew he was going to be a daddy. Sean, a special ops specialist knew changes were called for and put Operation Family into overdrive in order to convince the woman of his dreams that marriage would be the best Christmas gift ever. *** You gotta love take charge guys who know how to make Christmas special!

The Gift of You / Kimberly Ivie – After suffering groping attempts and abuse from her slime ball boss Liliana Brooks quit her job knowing the worse would come later when telling her parents. Little did she know the worst would come sooner than that. Jake Dellatore wasn’t looking to be a hero but after saving Liliana from being raped he felt more alive than he had since losing his wife and child five years before. Perhaps this Christmas would bring Liliana and Jake a gift both had lost all hope of ever receiving. *** Ivie offers up a lovely spun sugar Christmas romance served up sweetly sensual.

The Patient Gift / Patty Howell – Patty Howell delivers a delightful and emotionally moving tale of love when she brings together Lea and Durham during a winter storm. With a little bit of coaching from a very smart canine called Basil they would discover that hearts could be mended with a little bit of help from a furry friend. *** A tissue nearby would not go to waste while reading this beautifully moving and magically inspirational tale.

In Time For Christmas / Cheryl Alldredge – When Beth Markham made a wish upon a very old and ancient box sent to her after being handed down through many generations, she’d never guessed that her wish for a family would bring such a delightful turn of events. *** Alldredge’s time travel will take you back to medieval Norway and one very sexy Norseman. Oh my, the sensuality is sure to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night!

Once Upon a Snowflake / Shelli Stevens – Stevens tells a light hearted tale featuring a young woman and her son who find the perfect home for Christmas – and strong arms to keep her safe and warm all winter long. *** Lovely imagery, very nicely done – sweet!

Joy’s Christmas Wishes / Gerri Bowen – Gerri Bowen will delight you with a blast from the past – Regency style – complete with darling children, friends and relatives as eleven year old Joy makes a couple of Christmas wishes that ultimately come true for Lady Emily and her papa. *** Absolutely darling, the characters and the wish come true theme. Loved it.

Miracles and Mistletoe / Kimberly Grant – Marla wanted more than anything a future with the most thrilling man she’d ever met, Chance Yardley. Would a raging blizzard keep the results of Marla’s latest medical test results keep them from truly enjoying a very special Christmas and life together. *** Ms. Grant packs a terrific punch in this powerfully moving story. Very nice.

The Christmas Wish / Rebecca Andrews – Rebecca Andrews will delight readers with young Kevin’s Christmas Wish to bring him a new mom and someone nice for his dad. Holly St. Nick turned out to be just perfect in all ways, for him and for his dad. *** Sweetly sensual – a delightful treat!

All I Want for Christmas is a HulaHoop…and a Mother / DeborahAnne MacGillivray – Take one precocious five year old angel, a devastatingly handsome dad, a sexy ballet teacher, one fat cat, a pony, and a blizzard – tuck them away in a snug cabin in the country and you’ll have all the ingredients needed to make one magical Christmas where everyone’s wish comes true. *** MacGillivray once again proves whether writing a long Medieval or Contemporary she is entirely up to the challenge of packing a wallop of entertainment into a short story! This is one very talented wordsmith!

~ Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization, The Mystic Castle, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All twelve authors will be chatting soon with great prizes to give away, including ornaments, candy, and a set of the Christmas anthologies. Stay tuned for more details.

You can order your copy from Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble or pick one up at your local book store. Several of the authors have scheduled book signings around the US too.

Until next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

What Would You Do?

2006-11-08T10:42:00.000-06:00

THE PASSENGER

What would you do if you could communicate with the dead? What if a man you'd barely known during his life came back after his death and asked for your help? Would you help him even if it meant leaving the comfort of home and family? What if your heart yearned for more than your sheltered world could give?

Until next time... it's something to think about.
Joie

Spirited Chatter - Burning the Midnight Oil...

2006-11-07T00:02:00.000-06:00

I should be in bed.

I have a full day ahead of me tomorrow. By 8 am I'll have gotten two kids off to school, made a few beds and walked the dog. Once that's all done I have the job to contend with. So why aren't I in bed? Well, when else am I going to write?

When the writing bug bites, I have no other choice then to sit down at my computer...Eventually. (Read: Once the house is quiet, the kids are sleeping and the puppy has stopped putting the wet tennis ball in my lap!)

If I had my way, I'd awake tomorrow morning and see the kids off to school then sit down to write. No chance of that happening. I just have to face the facts that I wear several different hats: mother, writer and employee but I'm also a daughter, a sister and a friend... Each and every hat has a purpose and an important place in my life. So I do what I can to fit it all in...and sometimes that means giving up sleep.

I'm off to bed now.

Until next time... sweet dreams, Joie

All Aboard ... The journey is about to begin...

2006-11-05T17:09:00.000-06:00

To help the father's spirit find peace; Elizabeth Reilly must lose her heart to the son he left behind...

To celebrate my upcoming release - January 30, 2007 isn't that far away - I thought it'd be nice to make a few introductions over the next few months.

Please meet Elizabeth Reilly:

Elizabeth never planned to embark on a trip across country to help the spirit of a dead man but when the man so easily wormed his way into her heart, there was nothing else she could do.

In fact, Elizabeth (or Beth to her family) never planned to communicate with the dead the way her mother did. As a child, she'd begged her mother to help her block out the ghostly visits that frightened her. Especially when they stood in front of her -- so life like.

It was only to say to goodbye to one very special person that she opened herself to the visits. To learn more about that last goodbye - visit my website to read the excerpt: http://www.joielesin.com/passenger2.html

To be continued...

Until next time... Joie

November Already?

2006-11-04T20:50:00.000-06:00

Spirited Chatter
No way should it be November already. I can't believe Halloween is over and we're waiting for turkey day! I'm still packing boxes, moving, cleaning, wasting time I could be writing.

Halloween was great - had two of the grandbabies here with us - a little pumpkin and a green dragon. The other two were in MO - a witch and a power ranger.
Good thing is, the little ones like to share their candy with Nanny & Pappaw. hehe

On the writing front, it's almost time to announce the winner for a contest I entered a couple months ago and I'm anxious to hear on that one. Cross your fingers for me. And, the children's book bug has bitten me and I've been plotting a new YA paranormal book with - what else, but ghosts! I've joined several YA writers groups and am learning a bundle of teen lingo and all sorts of things this old gal has forgotten or never knew. :) Wicked!

The Christmas anthologies have gone to press and will be released very soon, maybe next week. Isn't the photo above of the covers beautiful?

Till next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

Time killers!

2006-10-17T00:32:00.000-05:00

Spirited Chatter
Fact #1--authors must limit their time reading emails and surfing the net if they want to get anything accomplished on their manuscripts. Fact #2--it doesn't always work that way. :)

A friend sent me a website game today that kills that theory. LOL Go to
http://dedge.com/flash/hangman/
for a game with attitude!!

I clicked on that site tonight and was instantly hooked. Talking skeleton hangman--just right for October, huh?

I'm afraid I'm not very good at figuring out the words--all Halloween related. I even missed ghost and that's my specialty! :)

I can't wait to show the game to my granddaughter. But, of course that will mean more time away from my writing.

Speaking of my granddaughter (which is easy for me :). She grew a 50 pound pumpkin in her garden. Planted it, watered it, and watched over it all summer. Here's a photo of her and her pumpkin. Charlie Brown look out!

Until next time, happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

Releases!!

2006-09-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

Spirited Chatter

Blue Moon Enchantment was released this week, and is now available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

As if that wasn't exciting enough, Highland Press announed today their anthology, Christmas Wishes, featuring my story, The Christmas Store, may be released early! I hope so. I love the magical, happy Christmas feeling. Isn't the cover beautiful?

In other writing news - I sent off another contest entry and I'm still working on Forever Over All. Finished another chapter.

The weather has turned unseasonably cold. It was 45 degrees yesterday and 51 today. Much too cold for September. Hubby had to light the furnace tonight. Brrrrrrrr.

Today was our son's 35th birthday and I can't figure out how--afterall, I'm barely that old myself. :)

Our gardening granddaughter has grown a record-breaking pumpkin in her back yard garden. I took her photo with it today and plan to send it in to the local newspaper. She's so proud. This was her first garden and boy has she done well. We're still getting delicious tomatoes (by the bucket)and cucumbers from it. Only had a few ears of corn, and the moles got the peppers, but overall, she did a fine job with her garden. She asked Pappaw if she could plant the whole backyard in garden next year. Hmmm, may be a good idea--less mowing. :)

Same granddaughter loves to read and is a whiz at making up her own stories. Last night at the dinner table, she and I collaborated a children's book idea. I've written two pages and I think it's a winner! Will keep you informed.

Till next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

Sold "The Christmas Store"!

2006-09-11T20:04:00.000-05:00

Signed the contract for another story last night.

Highland Press bought "The Christmas Store" for their anthology, CHRISTMAS WISHES, due out this Christmas.

Here's a little tease - When Aine Ross hangs a wish on Santa's Christmas tree for true love and a family, she doesn't really expect it to be granted. After all, she's twenty-nine and it's been a long time since she's believed in Santa's magic. With only two weeks left before Christmas and her 30th birthday, and her wish still hanging on the tree, Aine thinks there’s no such thing as magic or luck. Then she gets a letter in the mail saying she’s won an all-expense-paid trip to Hawaii. Thinking it will be better to spend Christmas in Hawaii than stay at home and suffer the sympathetic stares from her married sisters on her birthday; she packs her bag and heads for the airport.

Her vacation package includes a trip to a private island with Hawaii Blue Tours. She and the pilot, Jerald Garrison are immediately drawn to each other. It all seems unreal to her; she's suspicious of how great everything is, how great he is, how great they are together. He says he's wealthy enough to grant her every wish. She accuses him of living a dream -- everybody knows there's no such thing as magic wishes. He tells her, yes there is...

Find out how magic brings Aine and Jerald together in "The Christmas Store," coming in Nov. from Highland Press.

Check out CHRISTMAS WISHES Anthology on www.highlandpress.org

My muse has been bugging me to write lately. Too bad I can't just sit in a corner somewhere and do it. Life, unfortunaely gets in the way. But I have been writing a few hours each day.

Till next time,
happy reading and writing,
Ann Marie

Good writing days

2006-09-06T20:16:00.000-05:00

Been writing like a madwoman this week!

This has been one heck of a week stress-wise, so I tried to ease my stress by taking more writing time. It worked! I did ten fresh pages and edited 3 chapters on a story already and it's only Wed. I also worked in a few critiques for friends.

May not sound like much to some, but for me, it's grand. I've been in a slump lately. My fingers are itching to write and the ideas are flying out of my mind.

I'm working on an old story I started in 1990 and never finished. It has two ghosts, (of course) the Civil War, and of romance. I'm determined this time I will finish it.

Will update soon, but must rush back to the story.
Happy reading and writing till next time,
Ann Marie

Is it really going to happen this time?

2006-09-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

Book Release

Hopefully good news - a note from Highland Press publisher today says --
"If all goes well and the printer doesn't mess up our cover colors again, Blue Moon Enchantment should be released by the end of next week!!!!! If they mess up the color and have to redo it, it will delay it a day or so more."

Yes!! This book was due out in May and has had many set backs due to the editor's poor health and problems with the printer. I'm so excited to hear it's finally gone to print. I'm sure those of you who have ordered from Amazon are too. :) I thank you all for your pre-orders and apologize for the long delay.

With luck, we'll have Blue Moon Enchantment in our hands in a couple weeks. In time for Christmas giving!

On another note from my writing life - I sent off my contest entry to Family Circle today. A gothic story about a governess who meets a little girl who's been dead for fifteen years! Wish me luck in the contest. I'll have an update next month - hopefully good news.

Till next time,
happy writing and reading,
Ann Marie

THE PASSENGER'S Fabulous Cover!

2006-08-25T00:23:00.000-05:00

Spirited Chatter: Joie's fabulous cover!

I'm as anxious as Joie for her newest book, THE PASSENGER, to be released. It's not due out till January, but since I've been working on magical Santa stories, I thought maybe Santa could work something out with Vintage publishing and get THE PASSENGER out early.

In the meantime, here's a photo of the fabulous cover you can drool over! Enjoy!

Happy reading & writing till next time,
Ann Marie

Author friend: Gena Showalter's Playing With Fire

2006-08-24T22:47:00.000-05:00

Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter

Earth, Wind and Fire aren’t just a band anymore…Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink, or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my grande mocha latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I’m waking up with this total hottie bending over me.

He tells me 1) his name’s Rome Masters, 2) he’s a government agent and 3) I can control the four elements with a thought.He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation that I am. . . because now he’s supposed to kill me. The only good news: I didn’t make this bed of trouble, but Rome sure seems to want me to lie in it. With him.

Read an excerpt

Order your copy from Barnes and Noble or Amazon or Books A Million

And if you’d like a chance to win signed copies of *all* Gena Showalter’s books, all you have to do is post this entry, too. Post the cover, the blurb, the links, and this contest announcement, then head over to Gena’s blog (http://www.genashowalter.blogspot.com ) and let her know you posted the material. A name will be randomly selected on September 3rd from those who do!!

Blue Moon Enchantment

2006-08-22T23:13:00.000-05:00

Find Great Romance ‘Twice’ In A Blue Moon

Highland Press, an up-and-coming publishing powerhouse is turning heads and gaining even more fans with the release of its latest anthologies, Blue Moon Magic and Blue Moon Enchantment

Blue Moon Magic, June 15, 2006, ISBN: 0-9746249-4-2, is a delightful anthology of love and magic. Can wishes really come true? Is there something you really want - really need - that you think you can't have? Well, what if something magical happened and you had a chance to wish for it? Would you take that leap of faith? Once every two years a ‘blue moon’ happens. It is a healing moon—a magical moon. Will you take the chance—step out on faith and make a wish on the moon in hopes your wishes will come true? Join fifteen authors as they show you how love can happen if you wish hard enough.

Blue Moon Enchantment, coming soon, ISBN: 0-9746249-7-7, features fifteen additional stories of love, romance and the enchantment of the Blue Moon. From days of old to the present, or even times yet to come, a blue moon is a thing of fascination and enticement. Are you brave enough to make a wish on it or will you let the chance slip away?

My story, “Blue Moon Magic” is a featured story in the Blue Moon Enchantment edition. I’m excited to be included in this mystical anthology. It was fun writing about the wonderful phenomenon of the Blue Moon and how it helps lovers reunite. Love and magic - what more could you want?

My story tells of lost lovers reunited. Nearly 200 years ago, a Shaman put a spell on Lord Robert Archer, who’d lost his soulmate, saying she would return to him under the sign of a blue moon. Present day Claire Jacobs, born under a blue moon, takes a job redecorating an old hotel and finds a portrait of Lord Archer. She begins dreaming of him and wishes on a star under a Blue Moon that he was real. It could only happen once in a blue moon….

To order, check with your local bookstore, or shop online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon, or directly from Highland Press.

An added bonus: Award-winning authors, Dawn Thompson, Leanne Burroughs, and Deborah MacGillivray have stories in both Blue Moon Magic and Blue Moon Enchantment.

All these stories have a touch of the paranormal, and you won't want to miss any of them!

Happy reading,
till next time,
Ann Marie

Spirited Chatter: This and That

2006-08-16T01:34:00.000-05:00

Finished another story!
Whew, it feels soooo good to finish a story and send it off on its way to the publisher. I just finished "The Christmas Store" and sent it to Highland Press. Now comes the wait. Hopefully it will pass muster. It's about Santa's magical wishing tree. No ghost this time, just Christmas magic!

I also started another short story tonight. This one is a gothic - dark, gloomy, set just after the Civil War in the South. Of course this one has a ghost. But she's a sweet little girl ghost. It's flowing nicely and I think I will have it done in a couple days.

I still have a bad cough from bronchitis and it's been keeping me away from the computer. Two weeks of coughing my insides out is enough. I want it to go away now! Been eating lots of honey - it soothes the throat and I highly recommend it.

School started this week for my grandchildren. WHERE did the summer go? We got a Halloween catalogue in the mail today, but when I complained it's too early to a friend, she said, she'd gotten a Christmas catalogue! I'm surprised they don't combine all the holidays together in one catalogue. Maybe I better not mention it, or someone will get the idea.

My fingers are itching to go back to the gothic, so that's it for now.
Until next time,
happy reading,
Ann Marie

A Family of Storytellers

2006-08-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

I'm listening to: The Chieftains

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've always wanted to be a writer.

Some of my earliest memories are of the fact that my oldest brother, who's 15 years my senior, is a writer. Looking up to him the way I did (and still do) influenced me along with the fact that I'm a natural storyteller.

It's in my blood.

Three of my siblings (there's five of us) and a nephew write or aspire to. In addition, my daughter is following in my footsteps. Her third grade teacher used samples of my daughter's work for her master's class this year. Then there's my 13-year-old son, who is a talented artist and channels his creativity by building elaborate worlds for the characters he draws. He doesn't agree with me but I think there's a writer hidden deep inside of him.

As for me, I've reached a big milestone with my first book coming out in January. To celebrate I've had the wonderful mother-daughter team at Novel Vision Web Design design a special movie introducing my book, The Passenger. Take a look: www.joielesin.com

Until next time, Joie

A New Brand of Wisdom

2006-08-03T19:49:00.000-05:00

This blogging thing is new to me. It's not that I haven't read blogs. I'm a frequent visitor to a few but sitting down to do my own - well, that's new to me. The truth is - I'm a fiction writer and it suits me. I've always been one to get lost in my daydreams, spinning stories. As a child, I wasn't planning my future in those daydreams but creating alternate realities. To be honest, I wouldn't trade that for all the world. The stories I write enrich my life. The characters that become so real to me while I visit with them help me explore life and all of its situations. It's not that my life isn't eventful - don't even get me started on that subject! What I find in my writing is wisdom I didn't know I had or perhaps it's that I gain wisdom through my characters. (Well, that's a subject for a future blog I think.) Well, let's hope I gain a whole new brand of wisdom as Ann Marie and I launch Spirited Chatter.

Until next time... Joie

Busy Chatter

2006-07-31T10:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Spirited Chatter, the joint blog of authors Anne Marie Bradley and Joie Lesin.

We have plans ... so check back frequently to see what we have in store for you.

Joie and Ann Marie