Free Novella Coming Sept. 18

Hello, all! Nicola Martinez, Senior Editor here. I hope the day finds you all well. I'm excited to make the official announcement that beginning in September 18, 2009 the serialization of an entire novella, Once Upon a Collar, will be offered exclusively to members of their White Rose Publishing readers’ group. As many of you know, we've offered free “micro-reads” to the general public, for some time now--and we'll continue to do so occasionally. But did you know that we regularly release these free micro-reads to members of our readers’ group? No? Well, now you do. And, membership to the group is free, so it’s a great way to receive free reads...


Anyway, let me tell you about Once upon a Collar. Award-winning author, Teri Wilson, brings us this modern-day fairytale. I can see the eyeroll now--not another modern-day fairytale. Well, let me tell you, there is nothing cliche about this story. It is fun, romantic and an overall great read that will keep you glued from first word to last--I know it did me. If you love fairytales, dogs...ROMANCE (and who doesn't right?) join the readers’ group today by visiting our Yahoogroup. There is no charge to join, and you'll get this wonderful free novella, and periodic free micro-reads as well.



Whenever Emilie Bonner meets a man,
she can’t help but imagine what he would look like on top of a wedding cake.

Since she spends most of her waking hours designing wedding cake toppers, it’s somewhat of an occupational hazard.

Somewhere along the way—perhaps after the first two hundred or so—hand-crafted bridegrooms, Emilie begins to doubt she’ll ever find her own happily-ever-after.

Then, after a mysterious encounter with a woman who could be an angel, Emilie meets a handsome stranger at the dog park.

At first, it seems as though Matt, with his big dopey dog and irrepressible charm,
is the Prince Charming she’s been waiting for.

Not only is he a sweetheart, but he’d look great on top of a wedding cake.

Soon, however, she discovers something about him that changes everything and leaves her wondering…does God believe in fairy tales?

Spotlight on Teri Wilson

Today we get to know Teri Wilson



WRP: Have you ever won any contests? Tell us about that experience.


TW: Cup of Joe, and my current writing project, Rodeo Redemption, won first and second place in the San Antonio Romance Authors 2009 Merritt Contest. I almost didn't even enter the contest because there wasn't a category for inspirational romance. At the last minute, I decided to enter both stories in the Short Contemporary Category. Boy, was I stunned when I found out I won first and second place. Rodeo Redemption even earned the honor of Grand Prize winner across all categories of the contest. To me, this says a lot about the power of inspirational
romance to touch readers' lives!

Goldie thinks she’s prepared for the death of her doting Grandpa who’s
raised her since childhood. But after his passing, she finds herself curled up on the sofa watching television, feet clad in fuzzy slippers. She knows God has a new plan for her life, but she's simply too tired to figure out what it is.

To make matters worse, sweet, shy coffee shop owner, Joe Montgomery, keeps showing up on her doorstep with morning coffee. When she tells him emphatically she doesn’t like coffee—never has and never will—he shows up with a dog instead!

As she takes steps to start a new life, with her new puppy scampering playfully at her side, Goldie begins to realize a cup of Joe just might be what she’s needed all along.

WRP: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

TW: I don't think it's any secret that I'm an animal lover! I always have at least one animal character that plays an important role in each of my books. Usually, it's the heroine's pet. And the little critter isn't just there as window dressing - I make sure to incorporate the pet into the plot, with a very specific mission.


WRP: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

TW: Yes. God can heal your broken heart if you give Him the chance.


WRP: What makes this book special to you?

TW: Cup of Joe was written in memory of my grandpa, Robert K. Wilson. I plotted out the story for the book about a year after he passed away. The character of Goldie's grandfather is based on my own Grandpa. He loved chocolate milkshakes, dogs and hot buttered raisin toast, just like Goldie's grandfather. He didn't raise me, but he was very important to me and I'm thrilled that now my readers can get to know him a little by reading Cup of Joe.


WRP: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

TW: OK, don't laugh…I learned how to become a coffee drinker while I
wrote Cup of Joe. It's true. I somehow managed to avoid drinking coffee for my whole life until I was in the final galley stages of this book. All the drinks sounded so yummy that I just had to try a few. I guess the hero, Joe, is right. Everyone loves coffee. My favorite coffee drink is White Mocha from Starbuck's. This drink was the inspiration for the final cup of coffee Joe offers Goldie at the end of Cup of Joe.
But you'll have to read the book to see what Joe names this special beverage!


WRP: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

TW: The old adage "art imitates life" must be true. Or, in my case, the
reverse! I recently added a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy to my family. Her name is Bliss, just like the dog in Cup of Joe.


WRP: How can readers contact you? Do you have a website?

TW: I love to hear from readers! I can be reached through my website at
www.teriwilson.net or via email at puppylove @ satx.rr.com.


In addition to Cup of Joe, which will be released in December, Teri has penned Once Upon a Collar, an exclusive, free novella that will be serialized only on our readers' loop. Join today! It's free, so don't miss out on this modern-day fairytale that will be featured this fall.

Meet Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Today we get to know Pamela S. Thibodeaux


WRP: Where are you from?

PST: I am a native of Louisiana, born in Lake Charles I've lived in Lafayette, Houma and Sulphur but my permanent home is in Iowa where I attended school since 5th grade.


WRP: Have you ever won any contests? Tell us about that experience.

PST: Yes! As a member of Coeur de Louisianne a RWA chapter in Alexandria, Louisiana, I won the 1999 "Diamond in the Rough" and the 2000 "Ruby" awards. In 2001 I received my RWA Pro Pin.


WRP: When and why did you begin writing?

PST: I began penning stories in 5-subject notebooks while preganant with my daughter who is
now 26 and a mother of two (no, she hasn't started writing yet that I know of LOL!) I've always been an avid reader and after being disappointed one-too-many-times, I just KNEW I could do better. Turns out writing WELL is not as easy as one might think.

WRP: How many books/stories have you had published?

PST: To date I have 5 full length novels and 5 short stories published. I also have numerous
articles, essays, poems, and devotionals in various publications.


WRP: How long does it take you to write a book?

PST: On the average, a first draft takes me about 6 months to write - that is when life allows me to do so. I had one short story take nearly a year to complete LOL!

“They say that life begins at forty.”


Rebecca Sinclair rolled over and pulled the covers up to her chin. “Boy is that ever far from the truth,” she muttered, realizing that here she was on the downhill side of thirty-nine and counting the hours with dread and fear of what the next year would bring. “If this year is anything like the last one, I might not make it.”


So much had happened in one short year beginning with the death of her husband. The day started out like any other, an ordinary day in the ordinary, everyday life of Jim and Rebecca Sinclair. Only it ended far from ordinary when Jim’s car skidded off the road into a ravine. Investigations later reported that a massive heart attack and not the accident had taken his life.


She still couldn’t believe it, a heart attack. At forty-one, Jim seemed to be the picture of health. He’d always taken excellent care of himself, eating right and exercising. Work hard, play hard, and live right had been his motto, and he’d done just that. Right up to the end.


Fighting back memories and tears, Rebecca tried desperately to snuggle in the too cold bed and to concentrate on the happier times of the past when she’d looked forward to turning forty. When I turn forty, my youngest will be eighteen and out of school, and I’ll be through raising kids! How many times had she said that, laughing and carefree, looking forward to the day?

(from The Inheritance)



WRP: What is your writing schedule like?

PST: Since I work full-time, I write in the mornings and on weekends. Evenings are spent checking email, promoting or watching TV with hubby.


WRP: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

PST: Unlike many authors, I don't listen to music while I write. Instead of inspiring, songs distract me. Background noise (like the tv or radio on in another room) is ok, but I must have quiet in my office.

WRP: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

PST: Reading is still my favorite pasttime.


WRP: What does your family think of your writing?

PST: My family supports me wholeheartedly, many purchase every title.


WRP: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

PST: Nora Roberts - I love her penchant for detail and description.

WRP: Do you have any advice for other writers?

PST: Never give up! Writing is a talent and gift from God, don't bury your talent or hide your gift under a basket.


WRP: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

PST: Yes, I'd love to take this opportunity to THANK each and every one of you for your love and support ~ may God continue to bless you abundantly.


WRP: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

PST: I'd like to take a moment to send up a special prayer of Thanks to my Lord and Saviour for the blessings in my life.


WRP: How can readers contact you? Do you have a website?

PST: Readers can contact me through my Website:

http://pamelathibodeaux.com, check out my blog:
http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com or email me at: pthib-7@centurytel.net



Purchase Pamela's Titles...
A Hero for Jessica
Cathy's Angel
Choices
The Inheritance
Winter Madness