Thursday, June 28, 2007
What I'm Reading
Mysteria, with stories by P.C. Cast, MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant and Gena Showalter
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Favorite Summer Quote
"A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." -- James Dent
But, I’d have to add a few additional things to the list of what makes a perfect summer day: a good book, a quiet place to read, and a pitcher of sweet tea.
Is there anything you would add to the list?
But, I’d have to add a few additional things to the list of what makes a perfect summer day: a good book, a quiet place to read, and a pitcher of sweet tea.
Is there anything you would add to the list?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Check Out Michelle Pillow’s Blog!
For all kinds of fun and interesting information, check out author Michelle Pillow’s blog.
Her blog schedule and events include:
Movie Monday
*self-explanatory :)
Pillow Talk Tuesdays
*features the best of what’s happening out in romance blogland, current contests in the romance novel world, etc.
Frivolous Friday Guest Blogs
*features guest blogger articles on subjects such as ‘useless knowledge’, trivia, odd historical tidbits, unusual hobbies, etc.
Get to Talkin' Monthly Contest
*readers who leave comments on blog posts during the month are entered into a drawing for a prize
Click HERE to visit Michelle’s blog and join in on all the fun!
Her blog schedule and events include:
Movie Monday
*self-explanatory :)
Pillow Talk Tuesdays
*features the best of what’s happening out in romance blogland, current contests in the romance novel world, etc.
Frivolous Friday Guest Blogs
*features guest blogger articles on subjects such as ‘useless knowledge’, trivia, odd historical tidbits, unusual hobbies, etc.
Get to Talkin' Monthly Contest
*readers who leave comments on blog posts during the month are entered into a drawing for a prize
Click HERE to visit Michelle’s blog and join in on all the fun!
Monday, June 25, 2007
SAT
I’m a mom, and like all moms I have to brag when my children accomplish something that’s especially brilliant, so please indulge me :)
#1 son took the SAT last month, and we recently got the scores back. For those of you who haven’t taken the SAT in a while (like me) and may have forgotten how it works—the student is tested in three sections: math, critical reading, and writing. Each section is scored individually, and a perfect score in each section is 800.
Son’s score on the math section was...*drum roll, please*...780!
What can I say? The kid is a little mathematical whiz. Okay, maybe not, I don’t really know what percentage of students score a 780 or above, but I couldn’t have done it. Son inherited his math abilities from his father.
Apparently, he didn’t inherit any abilities from me, because his scores on the reading and writing sections...well, they weren't pretty. But thankfully, he can retake it.
Since I’m talking about the SAT, let me state for the record that I very much dislike the new essay portion of it (which was added to the test in 2005).
I won’t say what the prompt was on Son’s SAT (because I don’t know if it’s ‘allowed’), but I will say that it was very “philosophical”. It’s basically a personal opinion, but it’s something that you really have to put some thought into, and of course, you have to be able to support your position. And the students are only give 25 minutes to write this essay. That’s not nearly enough time. Son didn’t even finish his.
Even as an adult who writes on a daily basis, and who has an entire lifetime of knowledge and experiences to drawn upon, I’m not sure that I could have completed this essay in 25 minutes. Well, maybe I could have, but I fear it would have been very lacking in quality. It would have taken me the first 10 minutes just to get my thoughts together. And forget having time to revise.
I think the kids are at a huge disadvantage with this small time allotment, and it’s very frustrating for them.
How are kids taught to write? They’re taught to write a rough draft, and then revise it (several times usually). They’re not taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. And frankly, I don't think they should be taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. An essay should be well thought out and have gone through at least one revision.
Adequate writing skills are a necessity in life. It’s important. But I don't think that the SAT essay is giving colleges a true indication of a student’s writing ability. The College Board seriously needs to rethink this. But that’s just my personal opinion.
#1 son took the SAT last month, and we recently got the scores back. For those of you who haven’t taken the SAT in a while (like me) and may have forgotten how it works—the student is tested in three sections: math, critical reading, and writing. Each section is scored individually, and a perfect score in each section is 800.
Son’s score on the math section was...*drum roll, please*...780!
What can I say? The kid is a little mathematical whiz. Okay, maybe not, I don’t really know what percentage of students score a 780 or above, but I couldn’t have done it. Son inherited his math abilities from his father.
Apparently, he didn’t inherit any abilities from me, because his scores on the reading and writing sections...well, they weren't pretty. But thankfully, he can retake it.
Since I’m talking about the SAT, let me state for the record that I very much dislike the new essay portion of it (which was added to the test in 2005).
I won’t say what the prompt was on Son’s SAT (because I don’t know if it’s ‘allowed’), but I will say that it was very “philosophical”. It’s basically a personal opinion, but it’s something that you really have to put some thought into, and of course, you have to be able to support your position. And the students are only give 25 minutes to write this essay. That’s not nearly enough time. Son didn’t even finish his.
Even as an adult who writes on a daily basis, and who has an entire lifetime of knowledge and experiences to drawn upon, I’m not sure that I could have completed this essay in 25 minutes. Well, maybe I could have, but I fear it would have been very lacking in quality. It would have taken me the first 10 minutes just to get my thoughts together. And forget having time to revise.
I think the kids are at a huge disadvantage with this small time allotment, and it’s very frustrating for them.
How are kids taught to write? They’re taught to write a rough draft, and then revise it (several times usually). They’re not taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. And frankly, I don't think they should be taught how to write an essay in 25 minutes. An essay should be well thought out and have gone through at least one revision.
Adequate writing skills are a necessity in life. It’s important. But I don't think that the SAT essay is giving colleges a true indication of a student’s writing ability. The College Board seriously needs to rethink this. But that’s just my personal opinion.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Romance Junkies Summer Fantasy Contest
I’m participating in the Romance Junkies Summer Fantasy Contest.
To enter, click HERE. There are three postcards at the bottom of the page. Click on a postcard and then run your mouse over it to click for the contests. Be aware, there are several different contests on each postcard (clicking on different sections of the card will go into different contests), so look for all of them!
Hint: You will find my contest page on postcard #3 :)
The winner of my contest will receive a pdf download of my novella FINDING PASSION and bag of Dove chocolate candies.
The contest ends August 31st.
Good luck!
To enter, click HERE. There are three postcards at the bottom of the page. Click on a postcard and then run your mouse over it to click for the contests. Be aware, there are several different contests on each postcard (clicking on different sections of the card will go into different contests), so look for all of them!
Hint: You will find my contest page on postcard #3 :)
The winner of my contest will receive a pdf download of my novella FINDING PASSION and bag of Dove chocolate candies.
The contest ends August 31st.
Good luck!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Winners are...
I had over 70 entries in my June (Stock Up On Summer Reading Material) blog contest/drawing. A huge thanks to everyone who participated!
I had my sons draw two names out of the hat, and the winners are:
Prize #1 (includes books by Ann Jacobs, Nina Bangs, and Barbara McCauley):
Tammy W. from North Carolina
Prize #2 (includes books by Mackenzie McKade, Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer, and Cindi Myers):
Jodi S. from California
Congrats, ladies! Happy reading!
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of July for information about my next contest.
I had my sons draw two names out of the hat, and the winners are:
Prize #1 (includes books by Ann Jacobs, Nina Bangs, and Barbara McCauley):
Tammy W. from North Carolina
Prize #2 (includes books by Mackenzie McKade, Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer, and Cindi Myers):
Jodi S. from California
Congrats, ladies! Happy reading!
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of July for information about my next contest.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Release Date
I got a release date for my novella. Finding Passion will be released June 15th from Whispers Publishing! Click HERE for more information about the book.
Friday, June 01, 2007
June Contest--Stock Up On Summer Reading Material!
Our neighborhood pool opened this past weekend, and for me that means...time to stock up on the summer reading material. So, as a prize for my June contest, I thought I’d help YOU stock up on reading material.
I visited my local bookstores and picked up some books by some of my favorite authors. I had so much fun shopping, I went a little overboard in my purchases, so I’m having TWO winners this month, and each winner will receive multiple books.
Take a look at what you can win:
Prize #1:
A Mutual Favor by Ann Jacobs (Ellora’s Cave)
Wicked Pleasure by Nina Bangs (Berkley Sensation)
Blackhawk’s Affair by Barbara McCauley (Silhouette Desire)
Prize #2:
Fallon’s Revenge by Mackenzie McKade (Samhain Publishing)
Don’t Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer (St. Martin’s)
The Man Tamer by Cindi Myers (Harlequin Blaze)
How do you enter? Just leave a comment on any post on my blog. Everyone who leaves a comment between June 1st and June 20th will be entered into the drawing. Want to increase your chances of winning? Leave a comment on more than one post. Your name will go into the hat for each comment that you leave up to three.
I DO need your email address so I can contact you in the event that you win. If I can backtrack and locate an address for you (for example, an email address listed on blogger), then that’s wonderful. If not, then you need to send your email address, along with a copy of your post, to pamelatyner@hotmail.com.
On June 21st I will draw two winners. They will be notified by email and will have one week to reply and provide their mailing address. If there's no reply after seven days a new winner will be drawn. Be aware that by entering this contest you are giving me permission to post your name and state (or country) of residency on my website and blog.
The only stipulation--You must be 18 or older to enter the contest!
Good luck!
Oh, and while I have your attention…If you would like to be placed on a mailing list to be advised of my upcoming releases (I have a new book coming out soon!) and events, just send an email to pamelatyner@hotmail.com with the subject line "Mailing List".
I visited my local bookstores and picked up some books by some of my favorite authors. I had so much fun shopping, I went a little overboard in my purchases, so I’m having TWO winners this month, and each winner will receive multiple books.
Take a look at what you can win:
Prize #1:
A Mutual Favor by Ann Jacobs (Ellora’s Cave)
Wicked Pleasure by Nina Bangs (Berkley Sensation)
Blackhawk’s Affair by Barbara McCauley (Silhouette Desire)
Prize #2:
Fallon’s Revenge by Mackenzie McKade (Samhain Publishing)
Don’t Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer (St. Martin’s)
The Man Tamer by Cindi Myers (Harlequin Blaze)
How do you enter? Just leave a comment on any post on my blog. Everyone who leaves a comment between June 1st and June 20th will be entered into the drawing. Want to increase your chances of winning? Leave a comment on more than one post. Your name will go into the hat for each comment that you leave up to three.
I DO need your email address so I can contact you in the event that you win. If I can backtrack and locate an address for you (for example, an email address listed on blogger), then that’s wonderful. If not, then you need to send your email address, along with a copy of your post, to pamelatyner@hotmail.com.
On June 21st I will draw two winners. They will be notified by email and will have one week to reply and provide their mailing address. If there's no reply after seven days a new winner will be drawn. Be aware that by entering this contest you are giving me permission to post your name and state (or country) of residency on my website and blog.
The only stipulation--You must be 18 or older to enter the contest!
Good luck!
Oh, and while I have your attention…If you would like to be placed on a mailing list to be advised of my upcoming releases (I have a new book coming out soon!) and events, just send an email to pamelatyner@hotmail.com with the subject line "Mailing List".
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Reminder! Visit my Ebooks Blog for New Release/Contest Info
Don’t forget to check my Ebooks Blog to find information about a variety of Epublished authors’ new releases and contests. Just click HERE
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tattoos--Sexy or Not?
and in the small there of your back
your jeans are playing peek a boo
I’d like to see the other half
of your butterfly tattoo
Those are part of the lyrics of the song "Ticks" by Brad Paisley. If you haven’t heard this song, seek it out. It is too cute! Just be aware that it is a country song, so if you have an aversion to country music…
So, my question of the day is: What’s your opinion on tattoos? Sexy or not?
I think they’re sexy, provided that they’re not in places that aren’t normally covered by clothing (face, hands, etc), they aren’t huge, and a person doesn’t have an excessive number of tattoos (one or two is plenty). That’s just my opinion though.
I have a female character in a story I’m working on that I want to give a tattoo. She’s very conservative, and anyone who knows her would be surprised to find out that she has one. So, it needs to be something small and in a place where people wouldn’t normally see it. If you have any suggestions, feel free to toss them out there!
your jeans are playing peek a boo
I’d like to see the other half
of your butterfly tattoo
Those are part of the lyrics of the song "Ticks" by Brad Paisley. If you haven’t heard this song, seek it out. It is too cute! Just be aware that it is a country song, so if you have an aversion to country music…
So, my question of the day is: What’s your opinion on tattoos? Sexy or not?
I think they’re sexy, provided that they’re not in places that aren’t normally covered by clothing (face, hands, etc), they aren’t huge, and a person doesn’t have an excessive number of tattoos (one or two is plenty). That’s just my opinion though.
I have a female character in a story I’m working on that I want to give a tattoo. She’s very conservative, and anyone who knows her would be surprised to find out that she has one. So, it needs to be something small and in a place where people wouldn’t normally see it. If you have any suggestions, feel free to toss them out there!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Definition of Cheating?
I had a discussion with some girlfriends recently about cheating, and it led to this question: What is the definition of cheating?
Obviously, if a couple has a monogamous relationship, and one has physical sexual contact with someone other than their partner, that’s cheating. And sexual contact is not limited merely to intercourse, despite what some (a certain former president) may try to claim.
But what about non-contact? What about cybersex or phonesex? Although there’s no actual contact between the people, in my opinion--and I think in the opinion of most people--it’s still very much cheating. It’s a conversation with someone other than your partner in which the sole purpose is to become sexually aroused, and maybe even find some sexual release, even if you’re finding that by...taking matters into your own hands .
So, that brings us to emotional cheating--an emotional affair. I have to admit that I have a problem understanding this concept. A married woman may have a male friend that she feels especially close to--maybe because they share similar values, beliefs, views, backgrounds, experiences, etc. She may spend quite a bit of time with him, because she enjoys his company. She may value his opinion, and therefore seek advice from him. She may discuss (non-sexual) things with him that she doesn’t discuss with her partner--maybe because her partner has no interest in those things. She may even occasionally lean on him a little bit for emotional support. She may even be a little physically attracted to him. The list of 'she may' could go on and on. BUT, is it actually cheating, provided that there’s no sexual contact/sexual talk? I struggle with seeing how it could be. Of course, I’m not saying it couldn’t become cheating. And if one weren’t careful/aware of the situation and the possible dangers/totally committed to their partner, it could become cheating very easily.
So, what’s your opinion? What is the definition of cheating?
Obviously, if a couple has a monogamous relationship, and one has physical sexual contact with someone other than their partner, that’s cheating. And sexual contact is not limited merely to intercourse, despite what some (a certain former president) may try to claim.
But what about non-contact? What about cybersex or phonesex? Although there’s no actual contact between the people, in my opinion--and I think in the opinion of most people--it’s still very much cheating. It’s a conversation with someone other than your partner in which the sole purpose is to become sexually aroused, and maybe even find some sexual release, even if you’re finding that by...taking matters into your own hands .
So, that brings us to emotional cheating--an emotional affair. I have to admit that I have a problem understanding this concept. A married woman may have a male friend that she feels especially close to--maybe because they share similar values, beliefs, views, backgrounds, experiences, etc. She may spend quite a bit of time with him, because she enjoys his company. She may value his opinion, and therefore seek advice from him. She may discuss (non-sexual) things with him that she doesn’t discuss with her partner--maybe because her partner has no interest in those things. She may even occasionally lean on him a little bit for emotional support. She may even be a little physically attracted to him. The list of 'she may' could go on and on. BUT, is it actually cheating, provided that there’s no sexual contact/sexual talk? I struggle with seeing how it could be. Of course, I’m not saying it couldn’t become cheating. And if one weren’t careful/aware of the situation and the possible dangers/totally committed to their partner, it could become cheating very easily.
So, what’s your opinion? What is the definition of cheating?
Monday, May 28, 2007
Father and Son Reunion
I saw this very touching video recently, and I thought it would be very appropriate to share on Memorial Day.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Favorite Contest Prize
I’m interested in hearing what your favorite contest prizes are. Books? Gift Certificates (and if so, for which stores)? Chocolate/candy? Or other items, such as candles, body lotion, etc? Please tell me!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Share Your Favorite Movie Titles
Since I was talking about a movie yesterday...
A few weeks ago I was at the store, and as I walked past the movie section, I thought, "A movie might make a great prize for one of my monthly contest". But which one to give away...?
So, I’d like to hear what some of your favorite movies are. It can be any genre (romance, comedy, drama, etc). Tell me!
A few weeks ago I was at the store, and as I walked past the movie section, I thought, "A movie might make a great prize for one of my monthly contest". But which one to give away...?
So, I’d like to hear what some of your favorite movies are. It can be any genre (romance, comedy, drama, etc). Tell me!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Movies/Books With Multiple Love Interest for Hero/Heroine
This weekend the movie Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon was on TV. I enjoyed the movie a great deal, but I also found it a little frustrating, because the heroine had two love interest. Both were great guys, and I could have easily pictured her being happy with either one of them. So, I didn’t know who to root for. Then I was afraid to root for anyone, because what if she ended up with the other guy? Then I would have been disappointed.
I'm wondering if others feel this way. When you see a movie or read a book where there are multiple love interest (for the hero or heroine), do you worry about being disappointed if you root for the wrong person? Or do you just sit back and enjoy the ride?
I'm wondering if others feel this way. When you see a movie or read a book where there are multiple love interest (for the hero or heroine), do you worry about being disappointed if you root for the wrong person? Or do you just sit back and enjoy the ride?
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Winner is...
Thanks to everyone who entered my May contest. I had over 50 entries. I was excited to see so many people interested in winning a copy of book!
I had my oldest son draw a name out of the hat, and the winner of the download of Her Protector is....Earlene G. from Kansas.
Congrats, Earlene! I hope you enjoy the book.
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of June for information about my next contest. I’m planning something special, so you will not want to miss it!
I had my oldest son draw a name out of the hat, and the winner of the download of Her Protector is....Earlene G. from Kansas.
Congrats, Earlene! I hope you enjoy the book.
Please remember to check my website and blog the beginning of June for information about my next contest. I’m planning something special, so you will not want to miss it!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Sunday, May 13, 2007
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