Somer's Rising, Book Two of the McRaidy Clan

My little darling Somer's Rising was contracted by the incredible Eternal Press! The tentative release date is September! It is the sequel to Her McRaidy Chieftain. I think you're going to love Somer and Conner:) Don't forget, Only Because It Was You, Gus McRaidy is releasing on April 7th. I'm a happy girl!
Have to run but I'll be posting soon...
Lots of Love to All
Em

What I've been writing!

Well, I got Somer's Rising submitted. Now I wait to see if it is accepted. Always a lip biting time but I just move forward with my next manuscript to pass the time. Soooooo, you'll wait with me??
Somer's Rising is Book Two in the McRaidy Clan. I really like her and Conner McRaidy is all man*sigh*

I'm anxious and excited about Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy. Amanda Kelsey is doing my cover as she did the one for Her McRaidy Chieftain. She is such a gifted artist! Gus and I are in great hands!

I wanted to give a little peek a boo of Gus. He is what you would expect from a McRaidy. Strong, passionate not only in love but family and life. The woman who gives him a challenge is Ann. She is a confident, accomplished woman who is worth the effort. I like her and when I wrote Ann, she had great things to whisper in my ear. Like I've said before, my characters tell their story and I am just the note taker. LOL

Hmmmm, what else am I working on....Just finished writing the first chapter of Book Three of the McRaidy Clan. The heroine is outstanding, I can't wait to see what she wants to have written:) I finished a 13k novella submission that is a sweet romantic suspense. A little different for me as far as romantic heat goes but we'll see what the publisher thinks of it. We'll have to wait a few weeks so add that to our waiting list also:)

A christmas story idea that has simmered in my mind for a while is flowing out also aaaannnnddd I am doing some clean up on my very first manuscript I completed. Editing, polishing, some rewriting, fixing those naughty POV changes in the middle of a scene....this could take a while.

As You can See I am working on several manuscripts at the same time. That's pretty typical of me which is why I have several done at the same time and then a longer period without a completion...Just my style I think. Multi Tasking sounds so much better.

I'll close for now but as soon as I have my approved Blurb and Excerpts for Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy, I'll be sure to post them!

Take care and Lots of Love
Em

I was a drama queen! My thoughts on romance and a comment about Her McRaidy Chieftain

Romance writers write about one common thing regardless of their subgenre...romance. But what is romance really? Are couples that have been together for years and years still romantic? Absolutely! It's just different. The thrill of new love is exciting. All the fun things such as anticipation, unexpected compliments, special touches are addictive but is that what describes romance in long term relationships? Maybe a little but more so it is the unspoken compliments that are replaced with "that look". You know the one I mean. When your man throws a little wink at you, cups your butt with a squeeze...just the way you like it or flashes an intimate smile with a little nod.
Now let me regale you with my drama queen moment that relates to this very topic...It's the Saturday before Valentines day, I'm tired and feeling defeated that I gained a few pounds over winter and it was still too cold to do much outside. Envision I'm plopped in the middle of the couch focused on playing battleship on the Xbox whining about us eating too much red meat, I want to become a vegetarian and if I had a bicycle all my problems would be solved.
My man teases me a little, kept giving me a kiss or squeeze and patiently tolerated my snippy comments, crappy attitude and general bad behavior. Then he grabs the keys and mentions he's going for a haircut.
Now keep in mind he goes every week to the same barber and gets a haircut. He is picky about his hair and always has been. One of my favorite things about him. A haircut should not have come as any surprise to me but at that moment the fact that he was spending 20 bucks on a haircut and I was moody without a bicycle sent me over the top and into self pity. (I really should have slept in that morning, it had been a long week with a ton of overtime) I got teary eyed, left him in the living room and sniffled my way to the bathroom to sulk.
Finished with my pout about a minute later I decide I really needed a nap and slinked out of the bathroom and then I see the front door wide open and no one in sight. I stomped to the door and shoved it shut. Stomped to the couch and plopped myself down again all the while loudly giving my opinion of my mans manners since he left the door open.
Not a minute later, Woosh the door opens and in a loud racket my gorgeous loving man sets my brand new bicycle down and smiles and announces "Happy Valentines Day Baby!"
I sobbed and hugged him while I apologized for being such a bitch. He explained he knew I wanted a bike and bought it the night before. He hid it at the neighbors to wait for Valentines day but decided I needed it today. I adore him for that and I took a ride then a nap and was much more pleasant for the rest of the weekend.
The moral to my little recitation is this...even though it isn't brand new love, romance comes in all sorts of ways. To some a bicycle for Valentines day may not be the perfect romantic gift but my man knew it was for me. That is what romance is all about, knowing what makes your partner tingle. The important thing for we ladies is to remember it goes both ways. I think our partners like a little attention too.

Update on my writing block...some days go better than others but I have several books that are at the closing stage. I am still waiting to see if my submission is accepted by the publisher but these things take time.
This week I received a lovely comment on my book Her McRaidy Chieftain from Eternal Press that I want to share
"Just wanted to let you know I read your book. I love it! I'm not a romance fan and it was great! You are truly talented!:)"
It meant so much to read that. I keep these types of comments close so when I feel a little unsure, I can be reminded somebody really did like what I wrote
My every day career is getting better every day so I think my writing pace will continue to pick up! Thank goodness the upheaval of the last year is behind me:) Have a happy day!!
Lots of Love Em

I'm still on track!

I submitted my latest manuscript a week ago and have that mixed feeling that is usual. Glad it's off and starting a new book combined with are they going to take it and how long will it take until I find out. It's a process that personally I think is good for a soul. Just like when you were a student, waiting to see how you did on a test or a big report. Anticipation! That too, is what makes a great book, anticipation of what will happen next. All of my favorite authors include that in their story telling which is what is also known as a hook. Placing these hooks to keep our reader with us is a craft of love.
I have some authors that I read that focus more on the "created world" so to speak and don't utilize a great deal of anticipation...or so I thought until recently. Layering their "worlds" is what keeps readers hooked. They want to know what it becomes.
I'm finishing the sequel to Her McRaidy Chieftain at Eternal Press and will sub it in when it's finished. Weeeeelllll, you know what happened, I was almost finished with it months and months ago and then my "real career" got in the way and I forgot it. Not that I had worked on it but that it was so close to being finished. Then I stopped in to finish Only Because it was You and there you go. I really believe in everything happens for a reason so I'm not angry with myself, just wondering how it will all pan out:)
Ok, I know this was a quick check in but I have to get going. Maybe I can stop later and tell you about my weekend...some fun stuff happened!!
Lots of Love
Em

New Review from Book Junkie

Brande from Book Junkie blessed me with a wonderful review! I was thrilled that it brought out emotions for her. Stop by the Book Junkie site to read the review. In part Brande said;
Her McRaidy Chieftain by Em Epe released from Eternal Press this last April. I didn't know whether to be happy or cry towards the end, but I couldn't stop the tears from flowing!                                                

HER MCRAIDY CHIEFTAIN NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!!

My book HER MCRAIDY CHIEFTAIN is now available in print from Amazon along with the e-version!!

Have a great day and lots of love,

Em

First Review is Back for Her McRaidy Chieftain and an Authors Spotlight today at Dark Diva Reviews!

WoooHooo, Her McRaidy Chieftain received 4 1/2 Diva's!

Dark Diva Reviewer, Stacey said in part,

Her McRaidy Chieftain was a short story that packed a lot of punch. Christiana and Liam McRaidy are from two different worlds, but when together, it’s clear they are made for each other. The dialogue was fun and sexy.

To read the rest here is the link:
http://ddrreviews.blogspot.com/2010/04/her-mcraidy-chieftain-by-em-epe.html

Have a great day!

Gold Stars

I'm sitting at my desk, enjoying the scent of a roast cooking in the oven, listening to my man call about a DVD player and thinking.
Thinking about how excited I am that my first book will be published next Thursday on April 7th with Eternal Press. I love the story of Her McRaidy Chieftain but what is exciting is the sense of accomplishment, the process of polishing and seeing my pen name on the cover. It's my Gold Star.
That thought led me to another, as we sit behind our closed doors, feeling peaceful or even tormented in our lives, are Gold Star's something that happen frequently but we don't know it or realize it. I think, though it is only my opinion, that Gold Star's happen all the time and what is even more important, do we give Gold Star's to others.
When your child looks at you, no matter how old they are and say "I love you" for no apparent reason, that my friends could be your daily Gold Star. When you wiggle into a hot pair of jeans and your partner tells you your ass looks good with their own personal sexy look, Gold Star!
In thinking about it, it happens a lot but we get so busy or rushed we don't really put a label on it.
My cousin Sherry, came to visit me about a year ago, I adore her for everything she is and all that she endures with such humor and pride. Not a great time for her or her health but I was priveledged she came for a month. We were walking through the local grocery store and a man, a little rough looking, unkept beard, clothes dirty from working but he had such a kind smile and peaceful eyes. This gentleman stopped us in the aisle, looked at my cousin in her long skirt that had a gorgeous India flare to it and said "I just wanted to tell you how nice you look and that it is so nice to see a woman in a skirt. You just never see it anymore." With that he gave us a brief nod and sauntered off. He will never know how much on that day she needed and deserved that Gold Star!
Just one more to share, my son is a bass player for the band Position High. These young men have worked hard and finally are getting some great gigs. They had their first show about a month ago and it was an incredible Gold Star for them but during the show, they played a song that my son's dad really enjoys. My son took a moment at the mic and announced "This is for my dad" and they launched into a heavy metal, heart pounding performance. My ex was so touched that he even shed a few tears in the club. That's sharing a Gold Star!
I wonder, how often do we want to give a Gold Star but feel a little bashful or perhaps we're afraid of feeling foolish. I'm not sure but this I know, I'm going to keep a package of Gold Stars tucked in my heart and will be passing them out anytime I feel like it and even when I don't BECAUSE my Gold Star moment feels incredible and I want to share.
Be sure to pop over to EternalPress.biz and check out my book Her McRaidy Chieftain because I'm proud and excited.
I'm getting settled with my next book Of the Stone and hope to have it finished within the upcoming months. Writing the first draft isn't what takes so long, its the critiquing and self editing. Its a sexy little story that is a little bit of historical, very sexy, time travel is mixed in and of course a very hot man with an incredible woman that is loved for all eternity. Just my kind of story.
I love you best
Em

The Cover of Her McRaidy Chieftain

I'm thrilled that release day is getting closer for Her McRaidy Chieftain from the amazing Eternal Press. Have a look at it and lots of love to everyone!
Em

Now that the holidays are safely behind me, I'm tip toeing into the new year. My original intention had been to dive right in and embrace the freshness but I didn't. Why? Changes in life can slow and should slow you down as to take the time to evaluate them.
I'm settled in my new home, downsizing takes nerves of steel. I hated parting with all my unnecessary possessions but now, I'm loving the simplicity. That simplicity has fired up my muse again and the stories are starting to simmer.
I've finished the first round of edits for Her McRaidy Chieftain due out on April 3, 2010. I have an incredible editor from Eternal Press and I got a peak at my cover. When I first opened it, my breath caught in my chest and "Oh my God, it's perfect" gushed out. There in all its glory was my name. Em Epe and the title of my the novella I had lovingly crafted. I'll continue to focus on my release but am starting back on self edits of my series, The McRaidy Men to offer for submission.
On a personal note, April 3 is not only my release date but it's the birthday of my Grandmother. A woman who I still ache to call each and every day. A beautiful woman who taught me what it is to be a woman of strength, character and love and....to swear like a sailor:). Of course not everyone wants to saint Grammy, but in my heart, she is my personal saint and guardian. It feels as though I just kissed her cheek yesterday, felt her slap by butt and clearly say "I love you". Its been almost 19 years since she left me but I still love her and live by her words and guidance. More than a grandmother, she gave me motherly love without restriction, conditions or expectations. She gave me the sense that I was her favorite and that is a feeling that every person should know. That's why I try to make every person in my life feel as though they are MY favorite, because they are.
On the day before Valentine's Day, I'm reflecting on all the people I love in my life, all the stories of love I've read and all the moments I love. Take the day yourself, and give yourself a gift of love. It feels spectacular.
I'm off now to work on Gus McRaidy, a man's man that is the patriarch of The McRaidy Men. I'll share more of him another time and will keep all updated on my release of Her McRaidy Chieftain from Eternal Press.
I love you best!
Em

Clarity comes from all kinds of places and people.

Life has been incredibly busy for me, lots of ups and downs the last couple of months. It makes a person feel off kilter when the control of schedule is catapulted to someone else's hands.

After a roller coaster of a weekend I woke up Monday morning, went through my morning routine of getting ready for work. Answered a few good morning texts, poured coffee and commuted the mile and a half to work. I sunk into work and decided during break to check my email. Since I'm behind on them, I scanned for the most important ones. Then I saw it...

A return email from submitting one of my manuscripts to Eternal Press. Not quite ready for a rejection yet because to be honest, I was feeling a little fragile from a short term friendship ending over the weekend, I moved past it. Deciding to slip my confidence jacket back on, I opened the email and started reading. And then read again...AND THEN READ AGAIN!! The publisher that I have always thought put out top quality writing had just sent me a contract for HER MCRAIDY CHIEFTAIN!! A beautiful erotic romance novella that even though I wrote it, I loved it. They chose my story to be a part of Eternal Press publishing house. The thrill made my arms tingle!

So today, I have dove in and worked on the details that need to be done. I want to do a good job for Eternal Press and am giving it my undivided attention, well until I needed to take a break. Which is why I am writing this:)

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My weekend, although had some pitfalls was really very fun. Little things that make a person stop and look around and appreciate the privilege of family and friends. My son and his girl for the evening invited me to a concert Saturday night. Afterwards we met up for a drink and when my 22 year old son put his arm around me and told the gentleman standing across from us how beautiful I was, I couldn't help but love my son so much for that sweet compliment. The next day, my ex, who we divorced 20 years ago, took me dirt bike riding for the day. I am so glad I we both made the effort to be friends because in the end, that's what we have...a tremendous trusting friendship.

Later that evening, my cousin called and in his best protective demeanor, reminded me that he and his wife loved me, and if I needed anything, to remember, he was there for me.

So with all that said, I may have lost a friend because of his inner struggles but I received several reminders how much I really have. Take a look around my friends and take stock of not what may have left your life but how much is still there and how much enters without expecting it that day. Its empowering and soulful.

Much love to everyone

Em