End of Year Book Survey

Best In Books 2012

1.    Best Book You Read In 2012? (You

Since I read and write contemporary romance, I will focus on that, of course!

I cannot pick just one…. But I have two favorites that after reading them I said I had to reread them again in that moment.

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

And since it makes me sad not to have a Jill Shalvis book on my faves, I will list one of hers.

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

2.    Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Simply Irresistable by Rachel Gibson

3.    Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012? 

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske – I’m a woman of habit, meaning I usually buy authors I know and love or series/lines I’ve been faithful to. However, I decided to risk it on Tawna and boy was I surprised. Great fun read!

Fifty Shades of Grey series – I know, I know…. Some you hate it, but I loved it! J I didn’t even want to read it, but heard so much about it, I had to read it.

4.    Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

All and everything by Jill Shalvis! If you haven’t read any of her books,  you better get one NOW!

5.    Best series you discovered in 2012?

There are two series: Lucky Harbor Series by Jill Shalvis and Fool’s Gold Series by Susan Mallory

6.    Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Shannon Stacy, Susan Mallory and Bella Andre

7.    Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz – What a deep, enthralling story! Tiffany wowed me in so many ways. I was deeply disturbed by many things in this book, yet I couldn’t put it down. Also made me more interested in Erotica. Plus there are others in the series… on my TBR list.

8.    Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

See above! J

9.     9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

My faves that were listed in Number 1. I’d like to reread Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie, too, because I remember laughing my ass off and I need a good laugh.

10.  Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

There’s so many. The latest I read is a GREAT cover – eye-stopping! The Risk-Taker by Kira Sinclair

And so you won’t think I’m just into Man Candy, I also love this one… Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

11.  Most memorable character in 2012? 

James Fraser in The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey

12.   Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Tiffany Reisz knocked my pants off with her writing in The Siren, but since I already mentioned her, I will mention that Bella Andre writes some beautiful sex scenes.

13.  Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012? 

I would say Jill Shalvis’s books have an impact on me, because I want to write like her!

Pride and Prejudice would also be on my list. I read it at least once a year, because I love it so much!

14.   Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read? 

The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Now I have no time to read the others in the series, but I can’t wait.

15.   Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012? 

“Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again." He hesitated searching for the right words. "You might not understand, but I gave you the best of me, and after you left, nothing was ever the same.” Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

“Accept that some days you’re the bug, and some days you’re going to be the windshield.” The Sweetest Thing, Jill Shalvis

“Just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, someone will hand you a shovel.” Simply Irresistable, Jill Shalvis

 16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?

Shortest: No Mistletoe Required by Jeannette Murray

Longest: The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

 17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Fifty Shades of Grey has always been a conversation with other women, hence the reason why I had to read it. I was lucky enough to like it.

The Siren – So many dark, deep issues that I tried to talk to my hubby about and he was like…”What the hell are you reading? You like that stuff?” HAHA.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry – I’m currently reading this as an ARC. The two characters are both going through tough times, but they help each other get through it and help discover a new side to themselves. They are lovely, have me smiling, and rooting for them.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry. I’ve read her many times with Harlequin Blaze and Harlequin Superromance. This one was self-published and wonderful!

 Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012? 

Sara at Harlequin Junkie – www.harlequinjunkie.com

We love all the same books, so it’s great to find book recommendations from her. Also, she has wonderful giveaways!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012? 

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie - http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/03/tuesday-tea-32612.html

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis - http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/04/tuesdaytea-head-over-heels-by-jill.html I’m especially proud of this one since Jill shared it with her readers on Facebook!

3. Best discussion you had on your blog? About Fifty Shades of Grey. I had to vent and others had major opinions about the book.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
Discussion about traditional vs. self-publishing

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I enjoy participating in the Wednesday’s Writer’s Words of Wisdom. Authors give advice about promotion, marketing,etc. Great for a newbie author like me.

Also, Carrie Ann Ryan’s Blog Hops have been a  success. I do one of these a month.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

Starting my blog in March of 2012!

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Here are my top posts:

Christian Grey is My Hump Day Hunk – I still get hundreds of views a week on this one. I had to stop Hump Day Hunks as hubby didn’t like them. ;( http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/05/christian-grey-is-my-hump-day-hunk.html

Favorite Romantic Movie #1: Young Victoria

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/07/favorite-romantic-movie-1-young.html

Busted for Reading Romance

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/10/busted-for-reading-romance.html

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My announcement that my novel was  contracted!

Time Changes Everything – Here I Come 2013

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/08/time-changes-everything-2013-here-i-come.html

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Listening to books while cooking, doing chores, etc. Audible.com, baby!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

My goal was to read 60 books this year. I only read 52! So close!!!!

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

I have a post dedicated to this coming in the next week. You have to wait and see! J

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

This year my first book will be published. Most of my goals are writing related. This year I want to read 60 books (again) and have a more consistent blogging schedule.

Thanks for stopping by!

Melinda

Road to Publishing: Marketing #1

For any author, marketing is a must. I am happy to have a marketing team behind me at Entranced Publishing  because doing it all on my own would be something I just couldn't handle. As a new author, I have no idea what to do, how to do it, or when. Sound familiar? Even so, I haven't been absolutely lost in the dark. I knew I had to do something, so at the beginning of this year, I began to put my name out there and in the romance writing community. Here's what I have done.

1) Set up an online presence. This was easy! I love being online and finding my favorite writer's out there. So, all I have to do is maintain that, right? 

Set up a website - Welcome! You are there!

Create an author email: melindaromance@gmail.com

Twitter account: @melindadozier

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/melindadoz

Goodreads: Melinda Dozier

Pinterest: Melinda Dozier

My favorite online place? Twitter! If you haven't interacted with twitter, it is a must. I have met so many people sailing the same ship. I have even "talked" to favorite authors, an excellent motivation! There are beneficial book/author/fun "chats". I could go on and on (in fact, that may be a future post! Stay tuned!)

2) Create Business Cards. I am really new at this. I have received business cards, bookmarks, rack cards, postcards, etc. from authors before. I just didn't know how to go about it. I did a bit of research, talked to other writers and found several sites online that create marketing materials. Here is a list of a few I liked online:

Vista Print - www.vistaprint.com

Overnight Prints - http://www.overnightprints.com/

Print Runner - http://www.printrunner.com/

In the end, I actually had some made locally, since I live in Central America.
Why create business cards or other marketing materials? You can give them away at author signings, conventions, or include them in SWAGS or other giveaways. You want your name out there!

3) Participate in Blog Hops/Blog Tours. This is really fun! There are so many  Blog Hops, Blog Fests, weekly memes all related to romance writers/readers. Here are a list of some of my faves. Of course, I can't participate in all of them, because I don't have enough time in my week, but I will share the wealth of information.

Carrie Ann's Blog Hops - She hosts monthly romance writer's blog hops. They have been a lot of fun and valuable in getting more views to my blog.

The Blog Hop Spot - hosts monthly blog hops. Currently hosting a Halloween hop.

My Secret Romance Book Reviews - hosts several types of romance hops.

Close Encounters with the Night Kind - hosts different types of blog hops, mainly erotica, or hot and sexy authors. This is the link for a Halloween Wicked After Dark hop.

Insecure Writer's Support Group - A monthly post about your insecurities. Great exposure to other writers.

Six Sentence Sunday - A weekly meme for published or non-published authors. Post six sentences from a WIP or MS.

Dirty Little Secret Weekly Meme - takes place every Thursday. Not for the faint at heart. Some topics are a bit over the top. For sexy writers/readers!

________________________________________________________________

Whew! Any online site or blog hop I'm missing? I would love to hear all about it. Leave a comment. They are always welcome!

More to come as I get closer to my publishing date. Marketing will take place in a more proactive way, so GET READY! :)

Thanks for stopping by,

Melinda

Merde! First Kiss Blogfest

The second day of the First Fight, First Kiss Blogfest is here! This is my favorite! I love first kisses. I love any kisses, actually.

In Time Changes Everything, Jake and Amanda are childhood friends. They meet up with eachother in New York and are attracted to eachother, but haven't done anything about it...until now.

     Jake wrapped one arm around Amanda’s waist. “Woah, there, Mr. – Paris -, Amanda said it was over.” Pointing his finger in Dominic’s chest, he added, “Take your hands off her.” 

      Dominic took a deep breath and removed his hands. 

      With a gentle touch, Jake rubbed Amanda’s hip with his hand. “She’s with me now.”
   
     Amanda still didn’t move, only staring back and forth, her cheeks red with rage. Why did Amanda stand frozen like a deer in a car’s head lights?

      “I don’t think so.” Dominic’s breath came hard and fast. He stared at Jake’s hand on Amanda’s side. “She is for me.”

      Finally Amanda spoke up. “Believe it.” She turned her body to Jake’s, reached for his face with both hands, and lowered his head to hers.

      It began with small, gentle caresses, Amanda’s lips teasing Jake’s. Jake was taken aback, but went along with the ‘game’.

     The kiss turned into a hunger. They moved faster and faster as Amanda placed her hands behind his neck and Jake placed his hand on the small of her back and pulled her body even closer to his. Every cell of his body buzzed in anticipation as Amanda squealed under his lips.

      Amanda opened her mouth and Jake inserted his tongue searching hers. She pressed every ounce of her body into his, and he moved his hands under her shirt and touched her soft flesh. She flinched and pressed harder against his body.

     Jake moved his other hand up to her hair. His fingers played in the swirls and he pulled her head closer. She moaned softly and he slid his tongue out of her mouth to run it along her upper lip.

    “Merde!” Dominic shouted. “This is not over, ma chérie. You will come to your senses.” He stomped out with a huff, slamming the door behind him.

      Amanda stopped kissing Jake, blinked at him and hurried to the back of the building. With her fingers on her lips, she cursed under her breath.

      Jake stood frozen, still as a statue, not sure of what his next move should be. His lips stung with her touch and his chest moved up and down rapidly, his breath still uneven. He felt certain Amanda wasn’t playing a game. She couldn’t with that kind of kiss.

The Answer - Flash Fiction Blogfest

Below, find my entry into the Cherie Reich Flash Fiction Blogfest. Woah! I've never done this before and it was harder than I thought. A short story in 300 words or less.  In all honesty, I wrote this in thirty minutes. I didn't plan it, I didn't think about it, I just let the characters take over. LOL! I probably could have done a better job, but this week has been hectic! So, here is my flash fiction love story that I call...

The Answer

Lightning flashed.  

“One Mississippi….Two Mississippi…” Julie whispered placing her hand on the windowpane.  Boom! Another crack echoed behind her and she turned away.

 Immediately, she faced a tall figure and she jumped back. “Oh!”

He grabbed her arm, “Woah! Careful.”

Julie felt her face redden with recognition. “Josh, what are you doing here?” His tall body wore faded jeans, a tight white tshirt and a black leather jacket. Perfection!

He wiped his hands through his wet hair and smiled. “Good to see you too.”

“You startled me” She looked up into his dark eyes.  They stared at her the night before with the brewing question.  They haunted her last night – and thrilled her at the same time. “Big storm, huh?”

Josh smiled. “I’d say.” As if on cue, another rumble sounded in the sky and Julie jumped. “Wanna count together?”

“Are you making fun of me?” She leaned her head to her shoulder.

“Never.”  He grabbed her waist. “Come here.” He enveloped her entire body.

She told herself not to look up. If she looked up, she wouldn’t be able to stop her answer – even though it was all wrong.

“Look at me.” He whispered.  “You know what I want.” His fingers ran up to her hair and sauntered down to her cheek.  “Just say it, baby.”

She knew what he wanted – an answer - the one that sat in her heart and waited to escape.

Josh’s knuckles caressed her lips. Sighing, she opened her mouth, “Yes.” Another crash echoed through the window.  “I’ll marry you.”

He swooped her up in his arms. “Sweetheart, you will never regret this.”

A bolt of lightning appeared. He kissed her neck, “One Missisippi…” Then moved to her ear, “Two Mississippi… “ And one last look in her eyes, he said, “I love you… Mississippi.”

If you like participating in blog hops, please join mine. It will take place on June 30. The story of HOW WE MET. Tell readers how you met your significant other!

First Loves

First Loves Blogfest

I have joined another blogfest hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh which is focused on our First Loves. Participants need to post 4 first loves: first movie, first song/band, first book, and first person. So, here I go!



First Movie: The first movie I ever remember going to was The Jungle Book. However, the first movie that I remember that made an impact on me was E.T. I loved everything about E.T. The friendships, the love, the science fiction, the hiding, and the discovery. I mean, who can resist loving a cutie, wrinkly little alien creature who says, "Ill be right here." I can't even count on my fingers how many times I saw this movie. I even had an E.T. birthday cake in the 5th grade! 



First Song/Band: I'm not sure if this is the first song I heard or first song I loved, so I will share a little of both. My first concert ever was Olivia Newton John. My oh my.... Let's Get Physical!  But, my first band love was Duran Duran. I was completely obsessed, much like the little Beilebers are now. I had my walls covered with the band, all their longplay albums (remember those) and belonged to all the fan clubs out there. 




First Book:  I became a reader in the fifth grade when I discovered the book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Then the movie came out which made me more of a fan because of all the cute guys... Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe... :)

My hubby and I

First Person: Now, what is this supposed to mean? [{blushing}]  My first real boyfriend was in the eighth grade, Steve Ngyugen. I can't believe I remember his real name. My first love was Shelby. And my first real love was my hubby, Rafael. 






Love my first loves! Thanks for reading!

If you want to read more entries or participate, visit the link above.