Upon Request--Sauerkraut Balls!

After posting on FB and Twitter about making Sauerkraut Balls, some people have asked what they are and how to make them, so here's the recipe!

Sauerkraut Balls

1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 c. onion, chopped
2 c. ham, trimmed and ground (I use my grandmother's meat grinder)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 c. cold water
1/4 c. flour
3+ c. sauerkraut, drained and chopped (I use Willie's brand that comes in a bag)
1 Tbsp. parsley
flour
plain bread crumbs
1 egg
3/4 c. milk

Melt butter in a large pot. Add onion and cook until carmelized (about 12-15 minutes). Stir in ham and garlic powder. Combine water and flour. Add to pot and mix well. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in sauerkraut and parsley. Cook and stir 8-10 minutes until sauerkraut is tender. Cool completely.

Prepare one dish with about a cup of flour, one dish with about a cup of plain bread crumbs, and one dish with a beaten egg mixed with about 3/4 cup of milk.

Scoop about a tablespoon of cooled sauerkraut/ham mixture and form into a ball. Coat with flour. Dip in egg wash. Then coat with bread crumbs. I recommend handwashing after every dozen or so sauerkraut balls to prevent them from sticking to fingers. Refrigerate at least one hour.

Pour about 2 inches of canola oil in a large saucepan or fryer. Preheat to 375 degrees. Fry sauerkraut balls a few at a time until browned (about 1-2 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Reheat in 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Makes about 5 dozen.

Enjoy!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--Showing vs. Telling

Showing vs. Telling. Almost every writer has heard or read about it on an editor's blog, an agent's tweet, a critique partner's comments, etc., but what does it mean?

We, as writers, are called storytellers--however, if we do a good job of showing our stories, the reader empathizes with the characters. That's one of my goals. I avoid "filter" words since they tend to distance the reader from the character and the story. Some common filter words are forms of feel, see/watch, hear, know, smell, and think. Yes, the senses.

Which of these examples gives a better connection to the character?

1) Jane heard the pitter-patter of feet behind her in the dark.
2) The pitter-patter of feet behind her warned Jane that she wasn't alone in the dark.

3) Callum watched the enemy approach from his lookout high in the trees.
4) The enemy's approach came as no surprise to Callum from his lookout high in the trees.

5) She felt his arms close around her and knew she was in big trouble.
6) Strong, masculine arms closed around her. She was in big trouble.

7) He could smell the flowery scent of her soap as he pressed closer.
8) The faint scent of flowers teased his nose as he pressed closer. Had she used his sister's soap when she bathed?

9) She thought he might kiss her, but he released her.
10) Was he going to kiss her? His sudden release brought a mix of relief and disappointment.

Do you see the difference? The second sentence in each set shows rather than tells, giving the reader a more vicarious experience. Showing also provides the writer with the opportunity to expand description, vary sentence structure, and add to word count. Find the right balance to show your story.

Next up--The dreaded adverb!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Holiday Giveaway!

Want a free book? Leave your name and e-mail address in the comments section between now and 6 pm EST December 25th for a chance to win your choice of one of my e-books!

Good Luck and Happy Holidays!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

And Another on B&N!

Beyond Bewitching is now available on B&N!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--POV Glitches

Yes, I'm STILL talking about point of view. This topic covers a lot of territory, and POV glitches are one area that's often overlooked.

What is a POV glitch???

Going back to last week's blog on Headhopping vs. Transitions, we saw that each character has his/her own section of a scene. The POV shouldn't bounce back and forth from one paragraph to the next. Instead, we shift point of view partway through the scene with a clear transition. We can show both character's actions--but not through both character's POVs. These actions must be seen and written through one POV. When this character shows things that can only be "known" by the other person, you have a POV glitch.

Here's an example of a POV glitch (with Callum and Jane):

***Callum scooped the last bite of stew, praying his unpredictable captive hadn't poisoned the whole damned lot. The handful of men who'd joined him didn't deserve to pay for his mistake--and stealing Lady Jane Eastwood out from under her escorts' noses had been a huge miscalculation.
***Plunking the pot on the table, she scowled at him. "More stew, Laird and Master Callum?"
***Her gaze drifted to the kitchen door, and he couldn't help but wonder again if she'd managed to sneak any of her "seasoning" into the remainder of his supper in order to aid an escape attempt.

Can you spot the POV glitch? Take a look at the last paragraph. Can Callum know for certain that Jane is looking at the entrance to the kitchen? No, he can't (unless he can see through her eyes).

Here's one way to correct the problem:

***Callum scooped the last bite of stew, praying his unpredictable captive hadn't poisoned the whole damned lot. The handful of men who'd joined him didn't deserve to pay for his mistake--and stealing Lady Jane Eastwood out from under her escort's noses had been a huge miscalculation.
***Plunking the pot on the table, she scowled at him. "More stew?"
***Her gaze drifted toward the kitchen door, and he couldn't help but wonder again if she'd managed to sneak any of her "seasoning" into the remainder of his supper in order to aid an escape attempt.

Note the change from "to" to "toward" in the last paragraph. Callum can see the general direction her gaze takes without knowing what she's actually looking at. Another possible solution is to add "seemed to" and change "drifted" to "drift" after "Her gaze" in the POV glitch version.

Remember that the POV character can't see/feel/taste what another character sees/feels/tastes or know what another character is thinking. He/she can only imagine or guess. Be your point of view character and STAY in his/her head until the end of that POV.

I'll delve into Showing vs. Telling next week!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

At B&N!

Bound by Voodoo is now available at B&N!!! Beyond Bewitching should be there soon!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--Headhopping vs. Transitions

You've chosen to write your manuscript in third-person POV, using your two main characters to show the story. Just as the book is divided into chapters and chapters are split into scenes, the scenes are divided by scene breaks.

What happens if you want to change point of view within a scene??? Should you simply jump from one character's head into the other's and back again?

This is one of the most common problems I see when judging contest entries. Jumping from one POV to another POV and back again over and over in a single scene is called headhopping. Not only does the reader get confused from trying to figure out which character is in charge of the scene, any good editor/critique partner/contest judge will insist on a rewrite to fix the problem.

Here's an example of headhopping (*** denotes new paragraph since Blogger won't let me indent):

***Jane sprinkled the crushed leaves into the bowl of stew, glancing toward the great hall to be sure she wasn't caught trying to poison her captor. She didn't intend to kill him, only send him to the privy for a few hours. Then she'd have a chance to escape.
***From his hiding place outside, Callum peered into the window, shaking his head at his prisoner's ingenuity. She was trying to kill him.
***Not one to beat bushes, he strode into the kitchen. "What didya put in meh stew, lass?"
***Jane's heart leapt to her throat at the sudden appearance of her victim. "Why...just a bit of...seasoning, my lord."
***Would he believe her lie?
***Callum snorted and pointed to the bowl. He didn't trust her any more than he did the bloody King of England. "Laird, not lord. And I dunna like too much seasonin'. Taste it."
***"Oh, dear. I'm feeling a bit ill." Pretending to loose her balance, Jane shoved the stew off the table and onto the floor.


The scene switches from Jane's POV in the first paragraph to Callum's in the second and third. In the fourth and fifth, we're back to Jane, and then to Callum in the sixth, and finally we end with Jane. Did I give you whiplash???

Here's the same scene--rewritten to include a POV transition instead of headhopping:

***Jane sprinkled the crushed leaves into the bowl of stew, glancing toward the great hall to be sure she wasn't caught trying to poison her captor. She didn't intend to kill him, only send him to the privy for a few hours. Then she'd have a chance to escape.
***Heavy footsteps came from behind her, and the sudden appearance of her victim sent her heart leaping to her throat.
***The tall, broad Scot narrowed his eyes at her. "What didya put in meh stew, lass?"
***"Why...just a bit of...seasoning, my lord."
***Would he believe her lie?

***Callum snorted and pointed to the bowl. He didn't trust his visitor any more than he did the bloody King of England. "Laird, not lord. And I dunna like too much seasonin'. Taste it."
***"Oh, dear. I'm feeling a bit ill." The color drained from Jane's flushed face. Reaching for the table, she conveniently shoved the stew onto the floor.


Each character has his/her own section of the scene. I've double-spaced to show the transition from her point of view to his, but this can be done without the extra spacing. Some publishers prefer a POV break (either extra space or *** like a scene break) to an uninterrupted continuation of the scene. In any case, the transition should be clear, with no doubt about who the POV character is.

Next week, we'll take a look at POV glitches! Until then--Write, write, write!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Authorgraph

All my books are now available for signing at Authorgraph!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Sharing on Retro Release!

The Sextet Anthologies Volume 1: Sharing is a Retro Release today at Siren! Get it for 50% off until January 4, 2013!!!

Happy Reading :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--POV Choice

You know what first, third, and omniscient POV are from last week's post. Let's talk about how to decide which POV type to choose and who gets to show which scenes in third person.

How to choose between first and third--
You have an awesome idea for a story. Your character(s) is(are) starting to drive you crazy, yakking away in your head at all hours of the day and night.

Does the story focus on one person's journey? Will the plot develop fully in only that person's point of view? Does more than a single character need to show his/her perspective to keep the reader involved in the storyline and reveal important information?

If you choose first person, remember that you have to stay in the "I" point of view for the entire manuscript. You are the character. Other characters' reactions, emotions, and thoughts have to be revealed through dialogue exposition, a diary, letters, etc. "I" can't know what's going on in someone else's mind (unless I'm a mind reader/empath/clairvoyant). Will this work to effectively tell your story?

If you choose third person, you can show different perspectives on the same event, issue, etc. This doesn't mean every character should get to have a scene in his/her POV. Stick to the main characters, limiting the number of POVs to avoid confusing the reader. Each scene focuses on that person's showing of the story. Don't mix POVs. **More about headhopping and POV transitions next week.**

How to choose who gets the scene in third--
You've chosen to write in third-person point of view, with the two main characters showing the story. Whose POV should you use for each scene?

To engage the reader, decide which person is most at risk or has the most to lose in the scene. Does the character have to fall victim to the danger or actually lose? No. The point is to build tension and move the plot along at a good pace. Make the reader have a difficult time setting down the book or stopping at the end of the scene.

Sometimes, both characters are equally challenged. In this case, you have a decision to make. Is the story about one person more than the other? Do you have a good balance of one POV vs. the other? Can you add the non-POV character's emotions and thoughts through dialogue or in a later scene?

Most of the time, the choice will be clear. If you're completely baffled, try writing the scene from both POVs to see which is better at conveying the action/conflict. You might also ask "Is the scene necessary to the development of the characters/story?"

That's all for today! Next week, POV continues with Headhopping vs. Transitions.

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On B&N!

Bewitching Desires Volume 4 is now available on B&N!!! I'll post the links when Bound by Voodoo and Beyond Bewitching show up there!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!!!

I guess I should've said 4-6 hours...

Bewitching Desires Volume 4 popped up on Amazon already!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

In Print!!!

I got the cover block for Bewitching Desires Volume 4 this morning! Two from the Triangle/Beyond Bewitching will be available in print in 4-6 weeks at Amazon and B&N!!! I'll post the links as soon as they're active :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!

Beyond Bewitching (Bewitching Desires 8) is now available at Amazon!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--POV

What is POV? P = Point. O = Of. V = View. Point of View is the perspective from which a story is told. Different genres allow for different perspectives. Romance should be written from either first or third person POV. This encourages a deeper connection to the reader. Mystery often incorporates omniscient POV.

What do I mean by "first person," "third person," and "omniscient?"

First Person POV--When a writer tells the story from first person, he/she uses the "I" perspective. All scenes are shown through this main character's senses and thoughts. No other characters should intrude. I can't know what another person is thinking or feeling unless that person tells me. First person POV can be written in past or present tense.

Example: I flattened myself against the wall, peeking around the corner to locate my target. My pulse thumped in my ears, and my stomach roiled at the stench of rotting garbage.

Then he stepped out of the crowd gathered near the fountain. His eyes seemed to latch onto mine, sending my heart to my knees.

Third Person POV--When a writer uses the "he" and/or "she" perspective, multiple characters' POVs can be shown. While one character can tell the entire story from third person POV, you must use this approach if you want each main character to have an opportunity to show a scene from his/her point of view.

Example (Starting in her POV and then transitioning to his POV): Lyra flattened herself against the wall, peeking around the corner to locate her target. Her pulse thumped in her ears, and her stomach roiled at the stench of rotting garbage.

Then he stepped out of the crowd gathered near the fountain. His eyes seemed to latch onto hers, sending her heart to her knees.

A slow scan of the square yielded nothing, but Kem strode out of the throng, intent on finding his stalker. He'd yet to catch sight of the follower, the tingle between his shoulder blades the only hint that he was being watched. His instincts had never failed him.

Omniscient POV--When the reader is aware of all characters thoughts/feelings and information the characters may not know, the writer has used omniscient POV. The perspective comes from a non-participating observer, much like a movie. Omniscient point of view is acceptable in some genres, but it's a no-no in romance because it distances the reader from the story.

Example: Lyra flattened herself against the wall, peeking around the corner to locate her target. She could hear her pulse thump in her ears, and her stomach roiled at the stench of rotting garbage.

Then he stepped out of the crowd gathered near the fountain. His eyes seemed to latch onto hers, but he only suspected he was being followed. The tingle between his shoulders blades had never failed to warn him that he was being watched.

He continued to scan the square as he strode out of the throng.

Note the subtle differences between the examples. They all contain the same action, but each gives the reader a unique perspective.

Next week, I'll continue on this immense subject, posting about how to choose the right POV for your story and why one character should show a scene rather than another.

Happy Writing!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--Active vs. Passive

One of the most common misconceptions is what constitutes passive writing. I've seen numerous sources telling writers to never use "was" with an -ing word because it's passive. While "to be" verbs are clues that the sentence might be passive, using an -ing word with it is active.

Here are some examples of active writing:

1) I wrote one chapter today.
2) I was finishing the third chapter when the phone rang.
3) I am letting my characters tell the story.

Notice the sentence structure. In each example, the subject and verb are followed by a direct object. I did, was doing, or am doing some action to something. The subject is doing the action.

Here are some examples of passive writing:

4) Chapter two was critiqued by an editor.
5) I was bitten on the leg.
6) They were attacked in the woods.

The subject is the recipient of the action in these sentences rather than the one doing the action. I saw a great hint on Twitter a few weeks ago on how to recognize passive sentences. If you can add "by zombies" at the end, the sentence is passive. Examples 4-6 can be rewritten to become active.

4) (active) An editor critiqued chapter two.
5) (active) A zombie bit me on the leg.
6) (active) The zombies attacked them in the woods.

Am I saying you should always write in active format? No. In some cases, passive is acceptable and helps vary sentence structure. However--active writing keeps the reader engaged with the characters. Use passive writing sparingly and purposefully.

If you haven't gotten your hands on a copy of a style book, go buy one now for even more information on active vs. passive! Chicago Manual is a great resource for this topic!

Next week--Show vs. Tell

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Bound by Voodoo on Amazon!

Bound by Voodoo popped up on Amazon yesterday! Here's the blurb: Fantasies abound when sex therapist Aurora Bond receives a gift of four anatomically correct dolls from a voodoo priestess. Preferring to have all three of her handsome building mates rather than choosing only one, she uses the dolls to her advantage. Her suspicion that two of the men are already involved sends her imagination soaring to places even her kinkiest clients haven’t ventured. Winston DeLong and Miles Parrish have an uncommitted sexual relationship, and Winston wants more. When Miles leaves him high and dry, he turns to the new guy in the building. Aurora’s former high school classmate Barrett Cunningham has barely acknowledged his bisexuality when Winston makes an offer he can’t refuse. His desires go beyond experimentation, but he’ll have to convince Winston and Miles to reunite before they can all share Aurora. When the men discover the voodoo dolls, they use them to ensure a happy ending for all.

Happy Reading!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--Standard Manuscript Formatting

After a couple grammar-intensive blogs, I figured I'd throw in the most basic of non-grammar writing tips--formatting.

Formatting is often the first thing an agent, editor, or contest judge notices--especially when the writer makes obvious mistakes that leave the impression he/she hasn't researched how to prepare a manuscript. While improper formatting won't necessarily earn an automatic rejection from an agent or editor, it will take away "free" points in a contest and put some agents and editors in a less-than-favorable mood toward the actual writing.

Show that you've worked to prepare your submission in a professional manner by following standard manuscript formatting (or the agent's, publisher's, or contest's guidelines, if available)!

Current Standard Submission Formatting:

1) Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
2) Use left justification for the body of the manuscript.
3) Double space the manuscript.
4) Author name and title are placed to the left side of the header. Exception--most contests do not allow the entrant's name on the entry. Read and follow the rules!!!
5) Page numbers belong in the upper right corner.
6) Use Times New Roman as standard font unless otherwise specified in the submission guidelines.
7) Use 12-point typeface.
8) Paragraphs are indented 1/2 inch.
9) Use one space between sentences.
10) Begin chapters 1/3 down the new page.
11) Chapter numbers/titles are centered, with an additional double space before the beginning of the text and using standard font and typeface size. Do not use bold, italics, or underline.
12) Use italics for italicized words in the manuscript.
13) Scene breaks are centered, using ### or ***. Use an additional double space before and after the scene break.
14) Save and send the document as a .doc unless the guidelines require a different document format. Again, read and follow the rules!!!

An additional tip--Always submit a "clean" copy of the manuscript. Accepted/rejected track changes comments can reappear when the document is reopened.

Make a good first impression by learning and following the standard formatting rules. Show that agent, editor, or judge you're a professional who deserves an offer of representation, a contract, or a high score!

And did I mention you should ALWAYS read and follow the guidelines???

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Updates!

I passed the 60K mark on the foodie last week, Bound by Voodoo should be popping up on Amazon and B&N this week, and I've spent a wonderful weekend with my writing buddies at the annual IRWA Retreat!

Butt in chair and more writing today! BTW, on Wednesday I'll be posting about standard formatting :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...Wit A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--Comma Splices

You've spent the last week working on dialogue, right? Here's a different example that came up in a question from one of my chapter sisters.

What happens if the dialogue is split, with the tag between two parts of continuing dialogue?

"I heard," Bob whispered, "you had a new book released last week."
**Notice the placement of the commas inside the closing quotes of the first segment and after the tag; the first word in the second segment doesn't get capitalized since it's a continuation of the sentence from the first segment. This only applies to a single sentence of dialogue split by a dialogue tag.**

You're ready to tackle comma splices now, aren't you? I know you are :)

A comma splice contains two or more independent clauses connected by commas. This means each section of the "sentence" can stand alone.

Examples of comma splices and their possible corrections:

1) I jumped in the lake, the water was cold. (comma splice)
I jumped in the lake. The water was cold. (correct)
I jumped in the lake and the water was cold. (correct)
I jumped in the lake, but the water was cold. (correct)

2) My dress was purple, my shoes were blue, they didn't match. (comma splice)
My dress was purple, but my shoes were blue. They didn't match. (correct)
My dress was purple and my shoes were blue. They didn't match. (correct)
My dress was purple and my shoes were blue, so they didn't match. (correct)

Notice that each independent clause (the parts separated by commas) in the comma splice examples has a subject and a verb. Use conjunctions like and, but, so, etc. to make compound sentences or replace the commas with periods to make separate sentences. Be sure to capitalize where necessary.

I highly recommend buying a style book for handy reference. Chicago Manual of Style is widely used and offers comprehensive guidance in almost all areas of grammar and punctuation, along with lots of other great information for writers. I have a copy on my desk and refer to it a lot! Others are available, so research your target publishers to find out what their house styles are.

Feel free to make comments or ask questions! Happy Writing :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Now Available!!!

Bewitching Desires Volume 3 (Two Times the Trouble/Two Roped and Ready) is now available in print on Amazon and B&N!!! Time for promo and updates again :)

Happy Writing!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday--Punctuation for Dialogue

I admit it. I'm a bit of a grammar nerd.

As PRO Liaison and Push to PRO coordinator for my local RWA chapter, I try to educate members in how to create the best manuscripts they can for submission and publication. A large part of this tends to focus on writing craft. I participate in critique groups and offer new writers a first-chapter crit when I'm not hiding in the writing cave under deadline. My chapter sponsors a writing contest each summer, and I typically judge the maximum number of entries allowed. I've also judged the Golden Heart contest every year since joining RWA.

Punctuation for dialogue seems to be an area where many writers have problems, so here are the basics...

Dialogue tag--identifies the speaker; not required for every piece of dialogue.
Action tag--uses action to identify the speaker instead of using "said," "asked," etc. Also not required for every piece of dialogue.

Examples: Note where periods, commas, and other punctuation are placed in the sentences.

1) "I had a new book release this week," she said.
2) "I had a new book release this week!" she said.
3) "Did you have a new book release this week?" she asked.
4) "The dog ate my manuscript," Mellanie said.
**first word inside quotes is capitalized; comma/exclamation mark/question mark is inside closing quotes; use one space between closing quotes and beginning of dialogue tag, dialogue tag is in lower case unless a proper name is used; period is at end of dialogue tag**

5) She said, "I had a new book release this week."
6) Mellanie said, "I had a new book release this week!"
7) She asked, "Did you have a new book release this week?"
**comma follows the dialogue tag; use one space between comma and opening quotes; first word inside quotes is always capitalized; period/exclamation mark/question mark at the end of the dialogue is inside the closing quotes**

8) Jumping for joy, she said, "I got an offer of publication from my favorite publisher!"
9) "I got an offer of publication from my favorite publisher!" she said, jumping for joy.
**when adding action to a dialogue tag, use a comma between the tag and the action; use lower case for tag after a beginning action except when using a proper name**

10) She grinned. "I completed my first manuscript."
11) "I completed my first manuscript." She grinned at her critique partners.
**action tags are separate sentences with appropriate capitalization and punctuation; period/exclamation mark/question mark is inside the quotes**

Do you have a headache yet? Take a deep breath and get to work fixing those dialogue problems. Your writing career will thank you for it :)

Next week--Comma splices

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Writing Tip Wednesday Starts Tomorrow

While I don't participate in NaNoWriMo, I know a number of writers who do. Some simply put words on the page, rewriting and revising later. Others have detailed outlines or edit as they write. I've also judged and entered contests, so I've learned to recognize a lot of common mistakes and have received erroneous feedback on my entries (yes, I've also gotten some good feedback).

With these things in mind, every Wednesday I'll be posting writing/editing tips, in hopes of helping fix some of the writing misconceptions and mistakes that I see most often. I'm open to topic suggestions, questions, and comments!

Tomorrow, I'll be covering punctuation for dialogue. "Hope to see you there!" I said.

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Day!!!

Today is release day for Beyond Bewitching!!! Who is Patience Wyndham? And is she truly evil? Find out in the finale of the Bewitching Desires series!

Happy Reading :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

In Print Soon!

I got the cover block for Bewitching Desires Volume 3: Two Times the Trouble/Two Roped and Ready today! That means the print version of BD 5&6 will be available from Amazon and B&N in 4-6 weeks! I'll post the links as soon as they're live :)

Back to working on the foodie contemporary!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Surprise, Surprise!

I was checking on sales for Bound by Voodoo and saw that Beyond Bewitching is available for pre-orders!!! Release date is Oct. 29!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Day!!!

Today is release day for The Sextet Presents...Bound by Voodoo: Legends!!! Compared to my homemade tabasco, I'm pretty sure Bound by Voodoo is hotter :)

Happy reading!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kiack!

New Cover!!!

I got the cover for Bewitching Desires 8: Beyond Bewitching today!!! Release date is October 29th! It should be available for pre-orders in a couple weeks :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Preorders!!!

I'm taking a quick break from writing to announce...Bound by Voodoo is available for preorders!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Speed Demon :D

So, I opened my e-mail last night about 8:00 to find final edits for Beyond Bewitching. By 8:10, I was done! During a final read-through, I found a couple more minor tweaks to make, but this was definitely the fastest round of edits yet! I should be getting the cover soon :) Release date is Oct. 29th!!!

Now, back to the foodie!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

New Release Date!

I sent back first round edits for Beyond Bewitching the day after I got them, and I got a reward :) The release date got moved up to October 29th--which means final edits should be coming in the next week or so, and the cover should follow soon after!

In the meantime, I'm making progress on the foodie contemporary, nearing the 30K mark (shooting for around 90K). I've also started one of the three accompanying novellas.

Back to writing!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Cover and Edits!

I got first round edits for Beyond Bewitching today!

AND...I got the cover for Bound by Voodoo!!! Release day is October 15!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Date!!!

I've signed the contract, I'm working on the cover art questionnaire, and Beyond Bewitching is on the Siren release schedule!!! Release date is November 5th! We've decided to make the book part of the Bewitching Desires series since it wraps up a minor ongoing plot and I don't have any more stories planned in this storyline. I have too many other books screaming at me right now :)

Bound by Voodoo cover is coming soon too!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Website updated!

My website's home page was looking a little cluttered, which is good on one hand since that means lots of books out there for readers :) But it needed a change, so I taught my non-techie self to use Powerpoint to make banners! The Sextet Anthologies, The Sextet Presents, and Bewitching Desires now each have their own neat groupings. I'm hoping these make the page more visitor-friendly. Here's a sneak peek at the new visuals:

What do you think?

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

And Another Sale!

I heard back from Siren today on my latest submission! Beyond Bewitching: Sequel to Bewitching Desires is slated for e-book release in November and print in April 2013!!!

I should have a cover for Bound by Voodoo to post soon :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Another Submission!

Even with a major allergy attack, I managed to write a synopsis and submit Beyond Bewitching: Sequel to Bewitching Desires to Siren this morning!

Back to the foodie :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Edits Done! Submission Soon!

I submitted Bound by Voodoo, completed the cover art questionnaire, signed the contract, and finished first round and final edits edits all within 3 1/2 weeks! I'm looking forward to seeing the cover :) The hard part will be waiting until October 15th for it to go sale...

Beyond Bewitching: Sequel to Bewitching Desires should be ready to submit tomorrow, and I'm plugging away the foodie contemporary!

Back to the writing cave :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Update!

The Sextet Presents...Bound by Voodoo has been bumped up a week on the Siren calendar. New release date is October 15th!

In other news, the sequel to the Bewitching Desires series is finished!!! I'm working on a few tweaks here and there before I send it off to my CPs later today :)

Back to the choreography adjustments :D

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Date!

The Sextet Presents...Bound by Voodoo: Legends is on the Siren schedule! The tentative release date is October 22nd--just in time for Halloween :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Coming Soon!

I got an email from Siren this morning! The Sextet Presents...Bound by Voodoo: Legends has a tentative release date of October 2012!!!

Back to writing :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Updates!

What a crazy-busy summer this has been! Five days a week of driving my son to tutoring, moving my daughter from one apartment to another, a week of vacation in Ohio, a family reunion, starting another home improvement project, the RWA National Conference, IGO entries to judge, gardening,...and WRITING!

I submitted my latest super scorching Sextet story, The Sextet Presents...Bound by Voodoo: Legends, to Siren last night. Cheryl Brooks has also submitted a story for our Legends theme--A Tale of Two Knights. It's a hot one! Maybe now I can actually find time to finish up the Bewitching Desires sequel :)

Off to the writing cave!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Updates!

What a crazy month July has been! Vacation, a family reunion, an IRWA meeting, IGO contest, home improvements, RWA Conference in Anaheim...Oh, and running my son to campus five days a week for tutoring. I survived, and I finished my voodoo menage for The Sextet Presents...Legends theme! Now to wrap up the sequel to the Bewitching Desires series!!! BTW, Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) popped up on B&N this morning :)

Back to writing!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!

Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) is now available on Amazon!

And I'm writing the last scene for The Sextet Presents...Legends!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Sale on ALL Sextet Anthologies!!!

For two weeks only, Sharing, The Sextet Anthologies Volume 1, is on sale for $.99 at Siren!

All other Sextet anthologies (Dirty Dancing, Occupational Hazards, Entanglements, and Mistletoe & Menage) are being sold at a 25% discount!! This sale will expire on Tuesday, July 31st!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Two Roped and Ready on B&N!

Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) finally popped up on B&N!

Back to writing :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!

Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) is now available on Amazon!


BTW, the sequel to the Bewitching Desires series is moving right along :) I'm hoping to submit it to Siren next week!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Bewitching Desires Volume 2 in Print!

Bewitching Desires Volume 2 (Two Fated for One/Two Pirates to Treasure) is now available in print at Amazon and B&N!!!
Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Day!!!

It's release day for Two from the Triangle, the seventh and final book in the Bewitching Desires series!!! I'm writing like crazy on the sequel!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Print Format Coming Soon!

I got the cover block for Bewitching Desires Volume 2 today!!! This print format contains books 3 and 4 in the series, Two Fated for One and Two Pirates to Treasure. It will be available at Amazon and B&N in about 4 weeks!


Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Winners!!!

Thanks to everyone who commented on my anniversary giveaway blog! I also had a couple of comments over on Goodreads, so I tossed those names in the hat as well. And since one copy hardly seemed like enough, I'm giving away three :) **DRUM ROLL** The winners are...Rose Leigh Woods, Tatum Throne, and Ursula Avery!!! I'm sending emails to find out which title you'd like to receive! Thanks again for commenting :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Last Day to Enter Giveaway!

You have until midnight tonight to comment for a chance to win your choice of one of my current titles! I'll announce the winner tomorrow :)

Reminder: Two from the Triangle is available for pre-orders at 10% off the cover price!!! Release date is June 18th!

Back to the sequel to Bewitching Desires and another The Sextet Presents story :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Pre-Orders!!!

Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) is available for pre-orders!!! Get it at the discounted price!! Release date is June 18th!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Happy Anniversary & Giveaway!

Today marks the one-year anniversary of my first release, The Sextet Anthologies Volume 1: Sharing!!!

In honor of this momentous occasion, I'm giving away one e-book copy of the winner's choice from any of The Sextet Anthologies titles, The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine, and the currently released Bewitching Desires titles!!! Leave a comment now through midnight on June 11th for a chance to win. One entry per person. Be sure to include a contact email address. I'll announce the winner on June 12th!

A great big THANK YOU to all my readers for a great year :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Available at B&N!

Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) is now available at B&N! And the discounted price at Siren for Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) ends Monday!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

New Cover!

I got the cover art for Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) today!!! Release date is June 18! Should be available for preorders soon :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

New Review!

I have a new review for Playing in the Raine at Just Erotic Romance Reviews! Thanks to Silla Beaumont for 4 stars and 3 flames :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Guest Blogging!

I'm over at Lara Valentine's blog, Martinis, Chocolate, and Kisses, today talking about writing and my new release! Come say hi :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Day!

Today is release day for Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6)! Get it while it's discounted!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!

Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) is available at Amazon!

Only 4 days until Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) releases! Preorder today!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Preorders!!!

Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) is now available for preorders!!! Release date is May 28th!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!

The Sextet Anthologies Volume 5: Mistletoe & Menage is now available in print at Amazon!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

New Cover!

I got the cover for Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) a few minutes ago!!! Release date is May 28th!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Review!

I got an ORGASMIC review for Playing in the Raine from Shyla at The TBR Pile today!!! Comment for a chance to win a copy!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

In Print!

The Sextet Anthologies Volume 5: Mistletoe & Menage is now available in print at B&N!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

At B&N!

Playing in the Raine is now available at B&N!!!

Two Roped and Ready releases on May 28th, so I should be getting the cover soon!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!

Playing in the Raine is now available on Amazon!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Updates

I'm coming up from writing/massive amounts of research for a quick breather! The sequel to the Bewitching Desires series in moving along, as well as the foodie contemporary. I only wish they wouldn't try to talk to me at the same time...Makes it harder to write.

Today is the last day to get Two Times the Trouble at the discounted price at Siren!!! Playing in the Raine should be available at Amazon and B&N very soon, and I signed and sent the contract for Two from the Triangle yesterday!

Back in the cave :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Day!

Today is Release Day for Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5)!!! Two Roped and Ready (BD-6) is due out May 28, and Two from the Triangle (BD-7) has a release date of June 18!

I'm making progress on the sequel to the Bewitching Desires series. Lots of research for this one :) And I've been working on the foodie contemporary on and off as well.

IRWA hosted an awesome one-day conference this past Saturday, featuring publishing guru Bob Mayer. The link to his blog is in my Blog List. We got a mention in his latest post :) Thanks to all those who helped and participated!

RWA's National Conference in Anaheim is coming up in three months, and I can't wait to attend! Great workshops, networking, spending lots of time with my writing buddies :)

Back to promo and the sequel!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release date change

Not sure why, but the release date for Two Times the Trouble has been changed from Monday, April 23rd to Wednesday, April 25th. Yes, it's available for pre-orders!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With a Kick!

Pre-orders!

Two Times the Trouble is now available for pre-orders! Release date is Monday, April 23rd!!!

Back to editing, laundry, packing up for the IRWA/Bob Mayer Conference tomorrow, etc...

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

New Cover!

I got the cover for Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) today! Pre-orders should be available any minute!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Edits!

No reading or writing tonight. I got first edits for Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) this afternoon! Release date is May 28 :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Date!

Two from the Triangle is on the Siren calendar!!! Release date is June 18!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Edits, Cover Art, and Writing

I got final edits for Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) last night. Done and sent this morning!

I got the cover art questionnaire for Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) this afternoon. Done and sent!

Almost 2K written on the new foodie novel and still writing!

Kicking butt today :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Updates

Today is the last day to get Playing in the Raine at the discounted price!

I'm also over 12K in on the new foodie novel, leaving the Bewitching Desires sequel in the dust...I won't complain when a story is talking to me, though :)

Back to writing!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Hot Reads

The discounted price for Playing in the Raine ends Monday, April 9! Get your copy now!!!

I've been working on the sequel to Bewitching Desires and a new foodie novel since I wrote The End on Two from the Triangle. I need more hours in the day and more fingers for typing!

A quick reminder--Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) releases April 23rd!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Winner of the giveaway!

Thanks for the comments, Ladies! And without further ado, the winner of a copy of Playing in the Raine is MORGAN! I'll get that in the email today :)

Back to writing!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Sold!

I got an email from Siren this morning! Two from the Triangle will be on their release calendar soon!!! Will post the date as soon as I know :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Release Day!

It's Release Day for Playing in the Raine!!! There's still time to comment for a chance to win a copy! I'll pick the winner tomorrow morning :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Giveaway!!!

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Playing in the Raine!!!


Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On B&N!

Two Pirates to Treasure is now on B&N!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Giveaway!!!

I'm blogging over at Write Outside The Box today! Take a peak at the blurb and a hot excerpt :) Anyone who leaves a comment here on my blog between now and midnight of release day (Monday, April 2) will have a chance to win a copy of The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story!

Good luck!!!


Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

More News

As I was updating my website, I did a quick check to see if Two Pirates to Treasure had popped up on Amazon. Voila!!! There it was :) Not on B&N yet, but will keep checking...

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Preorders!!!

The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story is available for preorders!!! Even the excerpts are up :) Warning: Have a bucket of ice handy. This one is SUPER HOT!

I also submitted Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) to Siren this morning. I'm hoping for a June release.

Off to work on the new story!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

BD-7 is done!!!

Whew! I finished writing Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) today!!! It's off with a couple of my CPs for ripping and shredding, and I'm ready to tackle the synopsis and blurbs. Not too shabby considering I critiqued a total of eighteen chapters in the last week 8-} Yeah, I'm feeling a little cross-eyed!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

New Cover!

YAY!!! I got the cover for The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story today!! Final edits came too. They're done and ready to send as soon as I do a read-through :) Stock up on the ice cubes--this one's HOT! It should be available for preorders in a few days, with release day on April 2nd!


Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

In Print!

Entanglements (The Sextet Anthologies Volume 4) is now available in print from Amazon and B&N!!! And Two from the Triangle (Bewitching Desires 7) is almost finished!

Back to writing :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

IRWA Mini Conference

IRWA is hosting a mini conference on April 21, 2012, featuring NY Times bestselling author, Bob Mayer, and his Writer's Toolkit presentation. Don't miss it!!! For more info and to register, visit the IRWA website. Seating is limited.

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Caught Up!

Last week, a last minute trip out of town with my husband and son to Pennsylvania, with a stop to visit our daughter in Ohio on the way home, threw a wrench in writing and the edits I got on Tuesday for Two Times the Trouble. BUT--edits are done and sent!!! And I critiqued a couple chapters for Sandy James. Now, I can get back to Two from the Triangle!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Hurry!

The discounted price for Two Pirates to Treasure ends Monday! Get your copy now!

In other news, Two from the Triangle is at the halfway point :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Contract!

I got the contract for Two Roped and Ready! Signed, scanned,and sent!!! I REALLY needed that today :) That makes 12 contracts in 12 months!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

It's Release Day!

YAY!!! Release Day has arrived for Two Pirates to Treasure! Hope you enjoy it :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

New Review!

Thanks to Silla Beaumont at Just Erotic Romance Reviews for a wonderful review of A Little Elfin Magic from Mistletoe & Menage!!!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Blurbs and Cover Art

I spent the morning working on the blurbs and cover art questionnaire for Two Roped and Ready. With feedback from my CPs, I made a couple of minor adjustments to the blurbs. Done and sent! I'm off to post the blurbs on my website :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Pre-orders!!!

Two Pirates to Treasure (Bewitching Desires 4) is now available for pre-orders!!! Release date is February 27th :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Busy Week!

First, a qualifier--I AM NOT COMPLAINING!!! What a crazy busy week so far! I submitted Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) on Sunday, got first edits for The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story on Monday, got final edits for Two Pirates to Treasure (Bewitching Desires 4) on Tuesday, and got the offer to publish Two Roped and Ready today. Both sets of edits are done and sent, and Two Pirates to Treasure will be available for pre-orders very soon! Now to get back to writing Two from the Triangle :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

A Hot One!

I got first edits from Siren yesterday afternoon for The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story. My editor's comments include "This is an all-around excellent manuscript, with strong characters and a well-developed plot. In addition to a well-written story, this manuscript is very clean...The sex scenes in this story are all incredibly hot." Watch out--this one is rated Sextreme! Edits are done and sent, with a super hot excerpt :) Release date is April 2!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Next Up...

Two Roped and Ready is waiting in Siren's inbox, so I'm diving into the next story about the Macska witches! I've been researching today, and Two from the Triangle is underway :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Done with Book 6!

After a very productive week, Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6) is done! A quick read-through and then off to my CPs for feedback before I submit it :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Cover!

I got the cover art for Two Pirates to Treasure today!!! Release date is February 27th. It should be available for pre-orders next week!


Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Update

Sad news to share...Yesterday I had to have my kitty put down after three very difficult weeks of syringe feeding through a feeding tube. We exhausted all possible treatments and he was still losing weight. This morning my husband, my son, and I buried our kitty in the woods next to his old friend Lady (our 16-year-old dog who died 2 1/2 years ago). Rest in peace, Socks. We'll miss you :(

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Another review for Occ. Haz.!

The Sextet Anthologies Volume 3: Occupational Hazards got a wonderful review from J9 at The Romance Reviews! Check it out :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On B&N and other news

Mistletoe & Menage is now available on B&N Nook! These stories are hot enough for any time of year :)

Book 6 in the Bewitching Desires series is still in progress and, barring a miracle, won't be ready to submit by Feb. 1st like I'd hoped. Life--in the form of a very sick kitty--has interrupted and slowed my writing a bit. He has fatty liver syndrome and had to have a feeding tube put in. So, I've been syringe feeding multiple times a day for the last two weeks. Fingers crossed he gets well soon.

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

On Amazon!

Mistletoe & Menage is now available on Amazon Kindle! You can still enjoy it! Christmas was less than a month ago :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Another Contract!

I got the contract for The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story today. Signed, scanned,and sent! I should get another one tomorrow for Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) :) Both have April 2nd release dates!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Updates

First edits for Two Pirates to Treasure are done and sent. I can't wait to see Jinger Heaston's cover art!

I'm also about a quarter of the way done with Two Roped and Ready (Bewitching Desires 6). I'm shooting for Feb. 1st to submit, and then on to number 7--Two from the Triangle.

Back to writing!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Edits!

I got edits for Two Pirates to Treasure!!! Release date is Feb. 27! Time to get to work :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Tentative Release Dates

The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story and Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) are on the Siren calendar with tentative release dates of April 2nd and 23rd!!! I sent the cover art questionnaires for both today :)

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Updates

I finished the cover art questionnaires for Two Times the Trouble (Bewitching Desires 5) and The Sextet Presents...Playing in the Raine: A Toy Story today, both of which are tentatively scheduled for May releases. I should be getting the requests for the questionnaires this week, along with the contracts.

After an IRWA Board meeting in Indy yesterday, I had lunch with my Sextet sister Annie Morgan, and she gave me a lesson in loading a flintlock pistol. Yes, she brought a real one, but we didn't actually load it :) Thanks, Annie!

Back to writing Two Roped and Ready!

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!

Happy (Busy) New Year!

I finally have a few minutes to play catch-up! Already this year I've critiqued two chapters for Sandy James and one chapter for a new writer, and beta read Cheryl Brooks' Cat Star Chronicles #9--Wildcat. I also finished judging my Golden Heart entries and started working on Bewitching Desires 6--Two Roped and Ready. Whew!

Off to research nineteenth century flintlock pistols and brothels ;D

Mellanie Szereto
Romance...With A Kick!