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. 

Six Sentence Sunday - Frequent Flyer 5/12/12

Today is Six Sentence Sunday. I decided to share my newest WIP, Frequent Flyer. These six are found at the beginning to introduce my hero, Colin, a single father waiting to meet his son's principal, Hope.

     Colin sat at the edge of the hard plastic seat. Above him, the steady click of the wall clock kept him company as he waited for the principal to come talk to him. The receptionist sat behind a desk calendar plastered with five different colored post-it notes. She smiled at him, sensing his nervousness, he guessed. He heard the sound of kids’ feet running down the hall, and he squirmed in the uncomfortable chair. How much longer did he have to wait?

Thanks for stopping by!

Melinda 

Differences Between Men and Women

Monday Funny for Romance Writers 5/13/12

One of my favorite things to do as a romance writer is write in both the female and male point of view. This gives me the chance to create real heroes for my heroines. I think that is what provides the true romance feeling in the story, the male's undying love shown through his eyes. However, as we all know, men and women are very different creatures. With this in imind, I have saved two videos to show the differences between the way men and women view romance.

First, a clip from the hit sit com Friends.

And if you have more time, a short film called He Said, She Said: Dinner Date. Warning: Not appropriate for under 18!

After viewing this, I continue to write my heroes how I hope and wish they would think. However, it is not guaranteed to be the truth. :)

Hope you have a great Monday!
Melinda

How We Met Blog Hop!

My husband and I have been married almost 16 years. I always love to share our "How We Met" story. So, in honor of my 16th wedding anniversary, I am happy to host a new blog hop - the How We Met Blog Hop, which will take place on my anniversary, June 30. 


The rules are as follows: 

1. Sign up on the linky below.
2. Share the story of how you met your significant other, be it your husband, boyfriend or partner, in 100 words or less.
3. Post a picture that was taken around the time you met.
4. Link back to my blog somewhere in your post. (http://melindadozier.blogspot.com) or add the blog button at the top.
5. Please consider adding the blog hop button to your blog somewhere, so others can find it easily and join in too! Spread the word!
6. Visit at least three other links on the day of the hop and leave comments.

Here is my story - Rafael and Melinda

Dirty Little Secret 5/10/12

I thought I would try a new meme this week. Since I've been reading some HOT books, this was appropriate! 


Dirty Little Secret is a weekly meme hosted by us at Under the Covers. Every Thursday we get to know other bloggers and our readers more intimately by asking them a question hoping to reveal their dirty little secrets. We hope that you will all join us!

To participate in the meme all you need to do is:

1. Be a follower of Under the Covers.
2. Create a post in your blog taking the meme image (code above) and copy instructions.
3. Answer the question we propose! This can be done in any way you like, post a video, write a post etc.
4. Then add your link below.

Non-bloggers: We want to hear from you as well!!! Let us know your answer in the comments!

We hope you join us and let us know your Dirty Little Secrets!

This week's question: 

We've heard a rumor that Ryan Seacrest is using Fifty Shades of Grey as a manual in the bedroom.  
What book would you give a guy to study up on?

Lately, I have found myself reading some hot romance! They haven't been quite erotica, which isn't my thing, but they are right up there with the steam factor. This past week's guide for a guy would be either:

Love Me by Bella Andre

From my book review on goodreads:


Sizzling Hot! Love Me by Bella Andre is a perfect example of a hot read. Janica and Luke have known each other since their childhood, and they are direct opposites. Janica is a happy go lucky, free-spirit who is not shy to say what is on her mind or to ‘experiment’ with her life. Luke is a serious trauma surgeon who is all about saving lives. One devastating night in the ER spins Luke out of control and into Janica’s arms. 


Throughout the story, the two cannot have enough of each other.  Luke’s inner ‘bad boy’ erupts in one non-stop erotic night. At the same time, Janica ‘softens’ up and realizes she loves Luke – always has. It doesn’t stop there. Taking a leave of absence from work, Luke spends a few weeks at a beach house and Janica shows up to comfort him, and to prove to him that he is capable of love. Their discovery of a deep connection is played throughout the book. Luke and Janica discover who they are while showing us their love in some extremely sensual settings. 


Although this story is a sequel to Take Me series, I didn’t find it hard to understand, as I haven’t read the first. If you want a quick read with highly sensual tension and some fantastic steamy scenes, buy this now! It’s worth it.

The novella is highly romantic, yet sensual, that any romance freak would love. Including a man looking for some tips. :)

Happy reading,
Melinda

Hump Day Hunk 5/9/12

Another pick me up in the middle of the week! Enjoy!

Yee haw!

Melinda

Tuesday Tea 5/8/12

It's been a while since I gave a decent book review. This past weekend, I found myself reading more than writing or editing. I have loads of books downloaded on my kindle and I can't wait to read them all. In fact, I am reading 3 books at once, right now. LOL! I don't know why I do that to myself. So, instead of sharing a review this week, I will share my TBR list. These books have been highy recommended by my favorite authors or good writing friends. Have you read any of these books? Which should I start next?

Currently Reading:

Jennifer Crusie is always on my book shelf.

I listen to this audiobook while I cook or do homework with my kids (audiophones required around the kids!) Jill Shalvis is my favorite author right now! So funny, sexy and unexpected.

Written by one of my critiquers at www.critiquecircle.com . A great Christian romance.

 My To Be Read List:

Highly recommended by my fave authors and readers everywhere.

Also recommended by friends. This is .99 on Amazon right now.

A favorite author from Harlequin. This book is free right now at Amazon!

Just downloaded this last nigh. Kristen Higgins is one of my favorite authors ever and the book was only 1.99 on Amazon!

Another fave Harlequin author.

That's it for now. I have a lot of reading to do. Have you read any of these books and what would you suggest to read first?

Thanks for stopping by!
Melinda

Monday Funny for Romance Writers 5/7/12

Another week has begun! And like many people...I hate Mondays. So, I have a Monday funny to hopefully give you a "pick me up" for the day.

This particular video is for those romance writers, like me, who write unforgettable male heroes. They are gentlemen, kind, sweet, witty and wise. Well, what happens after the book is done? Do these heroes stay heroes?

Enjoy!

Have a happy Monday!

Melinda

Hump Day Hunk 5/2/12

Just to get us over that hump.... a little pick me up!

David Beckham

Insecure Writer's Support Group - May

My First "R"

I would like to say I truly belong to the Thick-Skinned Club. Most of the time, I do. But, there are days where I am a baby and any type of critique of my WIP drives me to tears. I admit it! Insecurity is always there, I think, for any writer. Will readers like our work as much as we do? We can’t please everyone.

I’ve decided to aim my writing for the publishing line I have read for so many years, a Harlequin category. Category romance is a special type of writing… readers know what to expect when they pick up the book and it includes tropes. In fact, in most cases, a reader will pick up a book because it comes from that particular category, even if they don’t know the author. I do anyway. I know what to expect from this type of romance.

For that reason, I sent off my first WIP to this publisher´s book pitch challenge.  Actually, they only asked for a one-page synopsis, which was hell in itself. In this challenge, I had only one week to hear back from the editors. They would pick five lucky winners to pitch their book. Well, I didn’t make it, so I guess this was my official first “Reject.”

It was bound to happen. Which author has never gotten a reject, especially on their first novel? Well, it still hurts. You always have that hope….and actually I still do. I am proud of my work. I am not proud of my first one-page synopsis, though. So, I will take this all as a learning experience and continue to work on my “baby” and send it off again. This time with the normal query letter, 2-page synopsis (easier said than done), and first chapter. That is a real indication of what type of writer I am.

This morning I found a great article that spoke to me. I’d like to share it with you. The Positive Side of Rejection.

I actually will take this rejection as a positive. I don’t feel down anymore. It has all been a learning experience. I will move on.

But, there is always that little doubt nagging me on the inside… so I think you for letting me share my insecurities and allowing me to move on.

 

If you are interested in joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group, please follow this link. Each month writer's share and support each other. We are in this journey together!

Happy Writing,

Melinda

Monday Funny for Writers 4/30/12

As I slave away at the computer editing my WIP, Time Changes Everything, I have to wonder when will this ever end? At what point do we stop editing and move on? My goal is to have Time Changes Everything off to my intended publisher (the normal route as opposed to the challenge I previously entered) by the end of May. I'm pacing myself... but I am so ready to move on. My new WIP, Frequent Flyer, is screaming to come out.

As I edit, I remembered the poem by Taylor Mali called "The The Impotence of Proofreading" and wanted to share it with you. It is quite funny. I always wished I could share with my students, but it's a bit inappropriate. So, for you adult-minded editors out there...ENJOY!

And here is a print version of his poem. I hope you listen to it, because he is hilarious!

The the impotence of proofreadingBy Taylor Mali
www.taylormali.com

Has this ever happened to you?
You work very horde on a paper for English clash
And then get a very glow raid (like a D or even a D=)
and all because you are the word’s liverwurst spoiler.
Proofreading your peppers is a matter of the the utmost impotence.

This is a problem that affects manly, manly students.
I myself was such a bed spiller once upon a term
that my English teacher in my sophomoric year,
Mrs. Myth, said I would never get into a good colleague.
And that’s all I wanted, just to get into a good colleague.
Not just anal community colleague,
because I wouldn’t be happy at anal community colleague.
I needed a place that would offer me intellectual simulation,
I really need to be challenged, challenged dentally.
I know this makes me sound like a stereo,
but I really wanted to go to an ivory legal collegue.
So I needed to improvement
or gone would be my dream of going to Harvard, Jail, or Prison
(in Prison, New Jersey).

So I got myself a spell checker
and figured I was on Sleazy Street.

But there are several missed aches
that a spell chukker can’t can’t catch catch.
For instant, if you accidentally leave a word
your spell exchequer won’t put it in you.
And God for billing purposes only
you should have serial problems with Tori Spelling
your spell Chekhov might replace a word
with one you had absolutely no detention of using.
Because what do you want it to douch?
It only does what you tell it to douche.
You’re the one with your hand on the mouth going clit, clit, clit.
It just goes to show you how embargo
one careless clit of the mouth can be.

Which reminds me of this one time during my Junior Mint.
The teacher read my entire paper on A Sale of Two Titties
out loud to all of my assmates.
I’m not joking, I’m totally cereal.
It was the most humidifying experience of my life,
being laughed at pubically.

So do yourself a flavor and follow these two Pisces of advice:
One: There is no prostitute for careful editing.
And three: When it comes to proofreading,
the red penis your friend.

Happy Writing and don't forget to PROOFREAD!

Melinda

Six Sentence Sunday 4/29/12

Today is #sixsunday where published and non published writers share six sentences from a current WIP. Again, I will share from my Work in Progress, Time Changes Everything.


Amanda and Jake return home for Christmas. However, Amanda persuades Jake into keeping their relationship a secret. Now, both thier mothers are asking Amanda about her new boyfriend. Little do they know it's Jake. Amanda, baffled, tries to get out of saying the truth. At that precise moment, Jake steps in and questions what Amanda was doing.

“I wasn’t about to tell them!” Amanda found herself almost screaming.  “I said I wasn’t ready to talk about it.” 

Jake strutted over to the counter, grabbed a cookie and took a bite. He leaned back, crossed his ankles, and smiled. 

“Well, if she tells you, I’ll tell you.” He sent a wink her way. 

More from this scene next week! Stay tuned!

Oh My Hero! Blog Hop



This blog hop is hosted by Jaycee DeLorenzo and Victoria Smith. Participants are asked to post a picture of their hero and interview him. Then we hop around and read everyone's interviews. Click the link above if you would like to participate.

I am lucky enough to introduce you to Jake Edwards, every girl's teenage crush and now a man of many talents, from my WIP, Time Changes Everything.

Welcome Jake!

Me: We are happy to have you here, Jake. Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule.

Jake: No problem, Melinda. Mandy told me all about your blog and it's a pleasure to be here.

Me: Such a gentleman! ***sigh***. Now on to our first question. Since this interview is about heroes, who is your hero?

Jake: Wow! That's a tough question. ** draws brows together** I would have to say my stepfather, Gil, is a hero for me. He stepped into our family after my biological father left when I was only five years old. Gil has been a role model for me. He raised me like I was his own. Then when I started high school, Gil was right there with me, since he was the high school track coach. He led me in the right direction in my life.

Me: **gasp** Are you tearing up, Jake?

Jake: Nah, just got something in my eye. **wipes eyes with sleeve**

Me: Of course. If you need to lean on someone, you know I'm here.

Jake: Thanks. I'm okay. **wink, wink**

Me: You and Amanda are engaged now, right? How would you describe her?

Jake: ** smiles ear to ear ** We are engaged.... finally! She never ceases to surprise me. She's a go-getter, independent, and strong. She always knows what she wants and isn't scared to let me know about it. I love that she can make me laugh and that we have such a history together. **blue eyes simmer** I love her.

Me: She's one lucky lady.

Jake: **smirks **  I hope she thinks that.

Me: Let's change the subject. What do you do to relax?

Jake: Well, I don't think it's a secret that I like to run. Keeping in shape is important to me and it is also a time to be outside, free of thought, and to live the moment. Amanda and I still run a few times a week in Central Park.

Me: I think we have a picture of you enjoying the outdoors. **uh, um *** We definately see that you like to stay fit. We thank you for that.

Jake: Uh.... okay. ** looks at his watch **

Me: Just one more question. We know you need to get home to Amanda.

Jake: Sure. Take your time.

Me: Are you happy now?

Jake: **Thinks for a moment*** My life has really changed... for the better. **deep breath** After moving to New York and meeting up with Amanda, my life took a step forward. **laughs** Amanda would say that - moving forward is her motto. Now that we are engaged and living together, I realized that I can be happy with an adorable woman in my life. **shrugs**  I know the title of your book is Time Changes Everything, and I have to agree with you. Now that Amanda and I have grown up and moved on, we are ready for our changes. Those changes include each other and I couldn't be happier.

Me: **sigh** Thank you Jake for taking the time to speak with me today.

Jake: ** standing** no problem, Melinda. Any time. **shakes my hand and kisses it** I left another photo with my signature for your visitors. I hope you like it.

Me: Oh, Jake! Thank you! You ARE my hero!

For other interviews, please click the link listed at the top. Hope you have a nice day!

Sweet dreams,

Melinda