Aloha to Weekly Winners, Washington Romance Writers, and Christie Craig

We have winners at SOS Aloha - Karen T. and Anita H. win a book choice from my convention stash. I will contact the winners about their prize.

Don't forget the ongoing St. Patrick's Day giveaway from Cheryl Etchison at this link. 

I was a winner on Saturday as I attended the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) monthly meeting featuring Christie Craig:

Morning Session: Build a Character, Build a Book

Craig will give you the tools to get your characters in shape, then this southern spitfire, who has received thousands of rejections, is gonna give the waning writer in you a good swift kick in the pants.

Afternoon Session: It’s Not Just Adding a Naked, Tattooed Guy: Using Humor in Your Writing

Craig speak on writing humor. She’ll cover the benefits of laughing & laughing hard, how to exercise your funny bone and techniques of writing humor. This workshop offers suggestions on how to add humor, a little or a lot, to your novel. Highlights include recognizing and exploiting the universal truths in life for comedic effect, the importance of timing and pacing in applying humor. Attendees should come prepared to laugh…a lot, and learn…a lot.

About Our Speaker

Christie Craig, AKA C.C. Hunter, a New York Times Bestseller, is an Alabama native, a multi-published writer, motivational speaker, and writing teacher. Author of thirty-five books, she brings humor and heart to all her works. Her novels are sold in seven different countries, and she recently sold film rights to her series. She currently hangs her hat in Texas and writes the USA Today best-selling young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls, published by St. Martin’s Press/Griffin. When she’s not writing her young adult novels, she’s working on her humorous romantic suspense novels under her real name. Learn more at CCHunterBooks.com or christie-craig.com.

The meeting gave me the opportunity to chat with Lori Ann Bailey (link) and Jamie Farrell (link).   Lori writes Scottish historicals.

Sigh.  Scotland.

Jamie is a military spouse and Scout mom.  Thanks, Jamie, for your family's service!

How was your weekend?  I am giving away book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's blog posts.  Comments are open through Sunday, March 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Monday, March 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Weekly Winners and MRW Auction

We have winners from last week's posts:

Recap of the WRW Reader's Luncheon and Book Clubs:
- Susan P. wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Happy Belated Birthday, USAF!
- Gretchen wins a box of books from AF Vets.

Book Review - THE BULL RIDERS' REDEMPTION
- Di wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Happy Birthday, US Navy!
- Cathy P. wins a box of books from Navy Vets.

Winners, please contact me with your mailing address at sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

You can also be a winner at the Maryland Romance Writers (MRW) Online Auction at this link. Check out the fun items you can win, including signed books and special gifts.

We are also winners with the Fall Season! Do you decorate your house? Carve a pumpkin? Wear a costume to hand out candy? Maybe even indulge in Trick or Treat?

One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Sunday, October 23, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Weekly Winners and Reader Luncheon

Aloha!  We have winners from last week's blogs - Glenda, Carol, and Debby win a book choice from my convention stash.

I am also a winner for attending the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) Washington Loves Readers' Luncheon.  I sat with Anna Bennett and Sally MacKenzie ....

Each author treated the readers at our table to special goody bags, including copies of their books, chocolate, and other must haves for historical fans!  We also enjoyed the company of Lori Ann Bailey, who just celebrated the release of her debut, HIGHLAND DECEPTION.  We all drooled over the cover.

I chatted with five other readers, including four who drove down from New Jersey with Terri Brisbin. They didn't reveal any secrets about Terri ... but they shared the secret of their book club, which has met for over 20 years.  The secret?  Trying new genres. 

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway, Leave a comment about book clubs - have you participated in any?  The manager from BOOKS WITH A PAST (link) asked me if I would consider leading a book club ... which I am still considering.  Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is open to US residents only. Comments are open through Sunday, October 16, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to the Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Coming this weekend!

I am attending the Washington Romance Writers (WRW) Washington Loves Readers Luncheon (link) this coming Saturday.  I look forward to meeting the following authors:

Alison Aimes
Anne Barton / Anna Bennett
Mary Blayney
Terri Brisbin
Kerri Carpenter
Robin Covington
Olivia Dade
Pintip Dunn
Lisa Dyson
Jamie Farrell
Carlene Love
Avery Flynn
Emelle Gamble
Solara Gordon
Mia Sosa
Lavinia Kent
Harper Kincaid
Kimberly Kincaid
Tamra Lassiter
Mackenzie Lucas
Sally MacKenzie
MK Meredith
J.T. Bock
Hope Ramsay
Sarah Robinson
Alix Rickloff / Alexa Egan
Elizabeth SaFleur
Amy MacWilliams Schisler
Lynne Silver
Tracy Solheim

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash ... plus swag from the luncheon ... to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about who you would like to meet at the luncheon.

2. Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is open to US residents.

3. Comments are open through Sunday, October 9, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Monday, October 10.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Maybe we'll drive by the White House

 on the way home ...

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Mackenzie Lucas

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to chatting with Mackenzie Lucas:

Mackenzie Lucas is a small-town country girl with a world-traveler’s heart. She grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and she’s lived in Dublin, Ireland, within spitting distance of New York City in Long Island, and now in the Washington, D.C. area. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Dickinson College and received her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She’s currently an author, a writing coach, a mother, and a wife.

Learn more about Mackenzie and her books at mackenzielucas.com.

I am giving away a copy of ESSENCE, set in one of my favorite towns from my home state: 

All Haven Jameson ever wanted was to own a little piece of paradise. Now, she does, having established a successful luxury spa in St. Augustine, Florida. But when the property next door is sold to a mega developer and his pro-golf celebrity brother who design trendy, bustling playgrounds for the rich and famous, she fears her dream could slip away. Confronted by her late husband’s infidelity, Haven learns everything she believed about her marriage was a lie; so she finally sets aside her grief and opens her heart to loving the widowed pro-golfer who is her biggest professional competition. In the end, Haven discovers that living a safe, loveless life is far worse than embracing passion and taking a chance on a man who’s vowed never to love again. And that, sometimes, no matter how high the risk, the best paradise of all can be found inside our own hearts.

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about seaside towns like St. Augustine ... do you have a favorite?  What do you enjoy about them?  

For me, St. Augustine is seeped in Spanish history with gorgeous views of the Atlantic ocean.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Castillo de San Marcos

National Park Service (link)

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Kimberly Kincaid

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for August at this link, including one of Kimberly's books!

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to chatting with Kimberly Kincaid:

Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance novels that split the difference between sexy and sweet, taking the traditional idea of boy-meets-girl and infusing it with a sassy magic all her own. She believes in fiery yet flawed characters destined for a crash-course in falling in love-- usually the hard way-- and injects her trademark humor as well as poignant touches into her writing to create her stories.

Kimberly's writing journey has led down some bumpy roads (that first manuscript is under the bed, where it is very likely to stay), but there has been some fresh pavement too (her second manuscript earned her very first contest final, and landed the fantastic Maureen Walters at the Curtis Brown Literary Agency). One thing is certain -- the wild ride of being a writer is a lot richer in both its ups and downs because of friends and readers along the path.

When Kimberly's not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as "The Pleather Bomber", she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to eclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. She resides in northern Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.

Learn more about Kimberly and her books at kimberlykincaid.com.

Kimberly's latest release is FEARLESS, Book 2 in the Rescue Squad series:

The Temperature Is Rising…

Firefighter Cole Everett's life revolves around the firehouse. Committed to saving lives--and to the guys who always have his back in the most dangerous moments on the job--Cole's focus is a coveted spot on the Fairview Rescue Squad. When his captain asks him to mentor a rookie firefighter, he jumps at the chance, hoping it will help to prove his skill. But the new "guy" is none other than Savannah Nelson, a female firefighter as stubbornly determined as Cole is, and a whole lot curvier in all the right places . . .

Savannah won't let anyone extinguish her dream of fulfilling her family legacy and becoming a top notch firefighter--and she's happily surprised when strong-willed, sexy Cole is willing to give her the chance she deserves. Concentrating on the job isn't always easy when the heat between them flares higher every day, but Savannah won't give up--not even when one of Station Eight's veterans seems bent on trashing her reputation. To stop a string of possible arsons, Savannah and Cole will need to eliminate every distraction--but can they let their love go up in flames?

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash, including several titles from Kimberly, to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Kimberly references to her ancient desk chair known as "The Pleather Bomber" - do you have any ancient furniture in your home?  My husband has a 20+ year old reclining chair which he refuses to give up.  I recovered it 10 years ago ... so it may be time for another trip to the upholstery!

2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 13, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 14.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Notice the duct tape on Martin's chair from FRASIER

Washington Loves Readers - Spotlight on Tracee Lydia Garner

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Tracee Garner:

Tracee Lydia Garner is a a speaker, private writing coach and author of five books. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, she holds a degree in Communications from Old Dominion University. She tremendously enjoys the written and spoken word and prior to entertaining full length novels, was a contributor to her alma mater's campus literary magazine.

Writing her first novel at 23, Tracee submitted it to contest hosted by BET Books, then the largest publisher of African-American fiction where, her story entitled Family Affairs, beat out hundreds of other contenders, winning the grand prize, a monetary advance and publication. She signed a book deal for two more titles. Tracee has been writing since she was in elementary school. She teaches Romance Novel Writing and How to Write the Novel at the college level and has done so for ten years. She also enjoys marketing, reading, writing and is a certified shopaholic.

Learn more about Tracee and her books at teegarner.com.

Update:  Tracee is unable to attend the lucheon as scheduled .... so I will seek her out to see that brilliant smile in person!

I love the cover of ANCHORED HEARTS ...

Despite her prestigious professional role, Allontis Baxter’s private life is in shambles. She’s just broken up with her no-good boyfriend, her adopted mother figure is dying in the hospital and now she’s been turned down in an attempt to adopt a child of her own. Plus, Allontis’s old flame Cole Parker has returned to their hometown from New York City, causing her dilemmas to multiply as old feelings are rekindled. What’s a successful and motivated nonprofit career woman to do?

When a series of chance encounters at work fling her into the middle of a mysterious scandal, Allontis realizes she’s caught up in a dangerous game that could send her chaotic life up in flames. Struggling to keep the pieces of her own life together while protecting those she loves, Allontis is forced to confront the true meaning of family and to face some demons of her own.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Washington, D.C. - what do you know about our nation's capital? 

2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 31.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Carlene Love

Reminder - I have a special giveaway for July at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Carlene Love.  From her bio,

Carlene Love is a big fan of the stars (especially Orion), honest music (especially Depeche Mode), and the ocean (especially at sunset). These things have always inspired her to think up stories and continue to do so. Carlene feels honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), San Diego Romance Writers (RWASD), Washington DC Romance Writers (WRWDC), and The Waterworld Mermaids. She currently lives in the San Diego area where she can often be found listening to live music and looking up at the sky on clear nights. If she could touch someone’s heart with her writing the way others have done for her, she’d say truly there never lived a luckier girl.

Learn more about Carlene and her books at carlenelove.com.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about the stars - do you have a favorite? When we lived in Hawaii, the stars were so bright. Hanaiakamala, "foster child of the moon," is the Hawaiian word for the Southern Cross.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, July 9, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 10.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Hanaiakamala - 

Queen Emma's Summer Palace on Oahu

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Jamie Farrell

Reminder: I have a special giveaway to celebrate June at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to chatting with my fellow military spouse, Jamie Farrell. From her bio,

When I’m awake and not writing, I live the glamorous life of a modern mom and military wife. My children are usually well-fed, my cats have their favorite hiding spots, and my husband has a sense of humor.

That sense of humor? That’s my favorite part. I love to laugh, whether it’s at a clever book or movie, or over something one of my kids said (I know you know what I’m talking about here), or when I’m laughing at myself when I drop a full gallon of milk on the floor and it explodes and sprays everything (and everyone) within a six-foot radius. Better to laugh than cry, right?

Learn more about Jamie and his books at jamiefarrellbooks.com.

Check out Jamie's latest release, SUGARED (Misfit Brides of Bliss #3)

When Chicago’s Hottest Snack Cake Heir…

Josh Kincaid went from rags to riches when he was adopted by the family who owns the Sweet Dreams Snack Cakes empire. But now the company is floundering, and Josh will do anything to save his parents the way they saved him. Including using his charm on a small-town wedding cake baker.

Takes on the Misfit Princess of the Bridal Capital of the Midwest…

Kimmie is flighty, she spouts off weird dreams when she’s nervous, and her frizzy hair and fashion sense make her the girl least likely to snare a debonair snack cake heir. But Kimmie can bake a cake that’ll make a grown man cry, and that’s exactly what Josh needs.

They Just Might Find The Recipe for Love

Josh’s plan should be easy, except Kimmie isn’t all cupcake underneath. Her cooperation comes with a price. If Josh wants to save his family’s company, he’ll have to do something he’s never done: be himself.

Cupcakes have never been so terrifying.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash.  To enter the the giveaway,

1. What's your favorite snack?  Healthy snack - pineapple rings.  No so healthy - Little Debbie Swiss Rolls.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, June 2, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Lisa Dyson

Reminder: I have a special giveaway to celebrate June at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting their annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. I look forward to meeting Lisa Dyson:

Before she stayed home to raise her three sons and volunteer for every sport and activity her children participated in, Lisa worked as a medical assistant and a secretary/administrative assistant. She grew up in a small eastern Pennsylvania town and now lives a short distance from Washington, DC, with her husband and rescue dog with a blue tongue, appropriately named Blue. She has three grown sons and a daughter-in-law, as well as four adorable grandchildren. When she's not writing, reading, or spending time with family, she enjoys travel, volunteer work, and rooting for her favorite sports teams.

Learn more about Lisa and her books at lisadyson.com.

Lisa's latest book is RESORTING TO THE TRUTH:

In love we trust…

She may have found the twin sister she never knew she had…but Charlotte Harrington also lost her mother. And now she’s lost her artistic inspiration, too. Escaping to a lush tropical resort is her best shot at getting something of her own back again. She just needs to focus and somehow not let Sam Briton's guarded smile distract her.

Managing a hotel and single fatherhood puts plenty on Sam’s plate, Charlotte gets that. And the suspicion in his deep blue eyes can only lead to big-time trouble for a woman who struggles with the truth. So why is she driven by the need to convince him that love is worth opening his heart?

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. What "lush tropical island" would you like to escape to? As much as I love Hawaii, I'd like to explore more islands in the Caribbean.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, June 25, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, June 26.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Terri Brisbin

Reminder: I have a special giveaway for Military Appreciation Month at this link.

The Washington Romance Writers (WRW) are hosting its annual Reader Luncheon (link) on Saturday, October 8, 2016. It wouldn't be a party without Terri Brisbin.  From her website (link),

In her previous lives, Terri Brisbin has lived in ancient Egypt and medieval Scotland, but in this one she’s stuck in the wilds of southern New Jersey with a hubby (wonderful one!) and kids (three adorable and finally grown sons!). When not living the life of a glamorous romance author or suffering through deadline-binges-o-writing-mania, she spends some of her time as a dental hygienist.

Terri’s had more than 34 historical and paranormal romance novels, novellas and short stories published since 1998 by Berkley, Harlequin, Kensington and soon NAL – in 25 languages in 20 countries! And there are a bunch more swirling around inside her brain, just waiting to be written. 

I am looking forward to reading her latest Harlequin Historical ... 

A pact…a bride…a secret never to be told!

When Eva MacKay learns her father has bartered her off to a warrior from a neighboring clan, she has no choice but to run away, taking her dark secrets with her. Freedom is now within her grasp!

Dutiful highlander Rob Mackintosh tracks down his runaway bride, only to be stunned by the fireworks that erupt between them. For behind Eva's timid smile lies a headstrong beauty, and Rob knows, no matter what, this marriage is going to be full of surprises!

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about Scotland - what would want to see, eat, or drink upon landing in Alba?

2. Comments are open through Saturday, May 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 15.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City