Happy First Year, Rulebreaker!

One year ago today my debut novel, Rulebreaker, was released by Carina Press. It’s been a wild ride for the past year. Lots of ups, a few downs, but overall fantastic. I can’t say too often how fabulous Carina Press and my editor Rhonda Stapleton have been, or how much I appreciate the input and patience of my agent, Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary Agency.

I’ve received great feedback from readers. No, not all of it was “OMG! This book rocked!” And that’s all right. I need to know what works and what doesn’t so I can make future books better. So thank you ALL for your comments and reviews.

Rulebreaker’s actual birth/conception (ie: first words on paper or into computer) took place long before last August. Perusing old files, I found the original bits that dated back to 2008, a full manuscript dated late 2009, and the full I’d sent to Carina after getting picked up in a pitch contest in May 2010. But it didn’t stop there. Rulebreaker went through a few changes, including the title. It saw the red pens—or rather, the red of Track Changes—of two critique partners and a couple of beta readers. Two different editors worked on it with me. There was a cover that wasn’t really the cover that had to be straightened out. For the record, I loved both versions. Carina covers rock!

So now, over three years later, Rulebreaker is out there. I have two more books in the works with Carina Press. Other stories are in various stages of development. I’m busy writing and researching, falling in love with new characters and trying to keep some of the plot bunnies wrangled for later dates. Life is good and I couldn’t be happier. And I have many people to thank for that. So thank you!

To celebrate, I’m having a giveaway. A digital copy of Rulebreaker and a $25 gift certificate to Amazon or B&N or wherever. There may be another surprise prize, if the stars align themselves. I'll keep you posted.

EDITED TO ADD: I just received actual print copies of Rulebreaker that were not needed for the Ritas. So there will be more than one prize winner. Ebook or print copy plus the GC for the first person chosen. Ebook or print for a second lucky duck. Comment away, people!!!! Oh, and funny thing, the cover of the print book is not the same as the ebook. Heh!

What do you have to do? Comment on this post. Ask me about my writing process. Tell me if you’ve read the book and what you liked or didn’t like. Ask me about living in Alaska. Whatever. I’ll do a random drawing on Sunday, August 12. Also, can you answer this question: What was Rulebreaker’s original title? No, you don’t have to answer correctly to win anything. I just want to see who’s paying attention : ) BTW, my CP’s cannot answer this one!

ETD, Part 2: We have winners! Helgagrace won a print copy of Rulebreaker and asked for an iTunes gift card. Taryn Rose won an ebook copy of Rulebreaker. Thanks for commenting everyone!!!

Oh, and the original title for Rulebreaker was....Hmmm...I think I'll save that for another time ; )

SFR Brigade Mid Summer Blog Hop Winner!!!!

Woo hoo! What a great blog hop! Lots of fantastic comments and interesting posts.

Thank you all so much for participating. I wish I could give every one of my commentors a prize, but, alas, there is only one from here. And that one is....

Diana!

*Confetti in air*

Diana won a copy of Rulebreaker and an Amazon gift card.

But wait! There's more!

Be sure to check the SFR Brigade blog for the GRAND prize winner. Really. DO IT!!!! (That's a hint, people!)

Yanno, I love giving things away so much, and Rulebreaker's first "birthday" is coming up in August...Yep! I'm gonna do this again!

In the meantime, feel free to buy it if you can't wait ; )

Thanks again, everyone! I had a great time and hope you did too!

Anniversary Contest!

My husband and I will be celebrating 20 years of marriage on February 29th. That’s five anniversaries. Well, five REAL anniversaries. On “off” years, we have an arrangement. His anniversary is on February 28th and mine is on March 1st. I give him a card or wish him happy anniversary then he remembers to do the same the following day.

Getting hitched on Leap Year Day was planned for that simple reason, to remind him of the date. I figured he could manage the right date every four years. So far, so good. And on those off years, I don’t concern myself it he’s had to travel or forgets or doesn’t get me anything. I don’t usually get him anything either. It’s been a great 20 years with my husband, and I know how much he loves and cares for me by the things he does for our family, not by the stuff that accumulates in our home.

Thank you, honey, for being a great husband and dad.

In honor of our anniversary, I’m having an Alaska goodies giveaway. Local tee shirt, a tote bag, some other AK stuff. How do you win? In the comments below, tell me about your best/worst anniversary or wedding memory. You can also complete the line “You know you’re an Alaskan when…” Here are some samples:

You know you’re an Alaskan when…..
…..your “signature” lip color is Carmex.
…..you keep your snow shovel out year ‘round.
…..you’ve only seen 4th of July fireworks when you were down in the Lower 48. (But who wants to leave AK in July??? It’s the best time of year to be here!)

So give me your stories and/or your Alaskan comments. I’ll do a random drawing on Sunday, March 4, and yes, I will ship internationally : )

Let’s see what ya got!

ETA: Winner has been chosen! LE, you get some sort of AK stuff! Email me at cathy@cathypegau.com.

Thanks for commenting, everyone! I totally enjoyed your stories and "You know you're an Alaskan" quips : )

Pack and Coven by Jody Wallace

Happy release week to my pal and crit partner Jody Wallace! Her Carina Press novel Pack and Coven is out right now!

Harry Smith is a lone wolf, and he likes it that way. When he's targeted to be co-alpha of the local pack, there is only one thing he can do to maintain his freedom: flee. But it'll take a miracle to stay a step ahead of shifters in their own territory.

June Travis has been in love with Harry for years, but he doesn't know her real identity. He sees her as the sweet owner of the local tearoom—the facade June presents to humans and werewolves to keep them from finding out she's a witch. She may not be able to offer Harry a miracle, but she can help him escape.

Harry is drawn to this new side of June, and not just because he's grateful for her help. With her magic temporarily hiding Harry from his pursuers, the witch and the wolf explore their mutual attraction. But there are consequences for witches who bed down with wolves...

Harry is not your typical alpha male shape shifter. He just wants to be left alone to do his thing. This doesn't mean he's a beta, not by any means. He is the definition of "lone wolf" who reluctantly accepts June's help. Despite her genteel manners, June is a strong heroine who shouldn't be underestimated. Both are refreshing characters in a genre where alpha-asshats and TSTL or uber bitches seem to dominate. Kudos to Jody for that and for creating a fully-realized paranormal world.

Oh! And Jody is having a contest! Go comment and win something yummy : )

Pick up Pack and Coven here:
Carina Press
Amazon
B&N
Audible

Free Read and a Giveaway

A bit late, but there's still time to pop on over to Jessica E. Subject's blog for her Science Fiction Romance Holiday Festivities and read some cool short stories, get inside info about some of the worlds some great authors have created, and win things like books and such! (Note: some of the contests have closed, but there are still great reads!)

I have a free read up too! A short, sexy piece where my two heroines from Rulebreaker celebrate Founder's Day. Also, a book and gift card giveaway.

So head on over, read some fun SFR, and maybe win a thing or two!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's the 2011 SFR Holiday Blitz!

Yes, friends, it's that most wonderful time of year again! The Galaxy Express is hosting a Science Fiction Romance giveaway extravaganza! Lots of different authors giving away lots of great books. All you have to do is comment. The more blogs you visit, the better your chances!

I'm giving away a copy of Rulebreaker at Contact-Infinite Futures. Come on by and see what all is being offered.

Happy Holidays, to be sure!

Science Fiction Romance Lights Up the Holidays

The lovely and talented Jessica E. Subject has brought together a plethora of authors to give you the gift of stories. Starting yesterday and through December 30, you can check out what some favorite characters are up to for the holidays, or perhaps meet a few new friends. And do check out ALL the posts. Some authors are having contests! Yay!

Here's the schedule of author posts:


December 1 – D.L. Jackson
December 2 – Lisa Lane
December 3 – Jessica E. Subject @ Daily Dose of Decadence
December 5 – Gini Koch
December 6 – Heather Massey
December 7 – Jessica E. Subject @ 30 Days of Decadence Holiday Blog
December 8 – Rebecca Royce
December 9 – Bella Street
December 12 – Sara Brookes
December 13 – Maureen O. Betita
December 14 – Jessica E. Subject @ Jennifer Lane’s blog & TRS Book-a-day Giveaway
December 15 – Ann Mayburn
December 16 – Jeanette Grey
December 19 – Melisse Aires
December 20 – Diane Dooley
December 21 – Jessica E. Subject on Lisa Fox’s blog
December 22 – Azura Ice
December 23 – Eve Langlais
December 27 – Ella Drake
December 28 - Cathy Pegau
December 29 – Marva Dasef
December 30 – Misa Buckley

Yes, there I am, on the 28th!

And yes, I'm giving away a copy of Rulebreaker!

So take a break from the madness, read some fun stories, and maybe win a little something for yourself. Happy holidays, All!!!

Belated Birthday Bash!!!!

Happy belated birthday to me!
Happy belated birthday to me!
Happy belated birthday to me-eee!

So how about a nice giveaway?

Yup! Yesterday was my birthday. I was going to run this little giveaway then, but I was called in to work at the last minute. (Seriously. As a sub, I usually feel "safe" once it hits 8a.m. Not so yesterday!)

I had a great day despite having to work. Hubby was out of town (that wasn't the great part.) so daughters and I went out to dinner. We laughed a lot, had some good food, laughed some more. Kids made me a couple of little gifts and cards. I have always loved getting handmade gifts from them and this year was no exception. Thanks, girls!

Since I missed posting yesterday, I want to celebrate the next 364 days (or is it 365 because 2012 is a Leap Year?)by having a giveaway this week. It's very easy. Tell me about your best or worst gift ever. Doesn't have to be a birthday present. Any occasion that you received something and went "OH!" for whatever reason : ) I'll randomly pick a commentor and you can choose a $25 gift card/certificate to Amazon, B&N, or another major outfit (need to keep things legit, of course) or I will donate the $25 to a reputable charity of your choice in your name. Seriously, you pick and I get it for you. That way you know you'll get what you want! Oh, and you will also win a copy of Rulebreaker if you don't already have one ; ) I'll pick a birthday winner on Sunday October 2. Remember to leave your email addy!

Rulebreaker Blog Tour Continues with Prizes!

Another fun-filled week of the Rulebreaker Blog Tour is ahead! And there are prizes to be won. What kind of prizes, you ask? Well, books and maybe a gift card or two. You'll have to drop by and see.

Monday August 22, I answer some questions posed by the lovely LVLM Leah over at Loving Venus-Loving Mars. Leah has something planned ; )

Tuesday August 23 I'll be posting at Castles and Guns talking about Bad Girls and why we love them. Look for a giveaway there, too.

And Thursday August 25 I'll be at Natalie Damschroder's with a post on...something fun : ) Chance for a prize there? Could be.

Remember, if you comment at all three, your chances of winning are greatly improved.

I've been posting short lines of my WiP over on my Twitter feed. It's not a regular thing, but one pops up now and again.

See you out on the Interwebs!

*****************************
Rulebreaker is available from Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other ebook retailers. Thank you!!!!

Happy Anniversary, Carina Press!

Before Carina Press ever released its first book, there was tons of buzz and anticipation about this digital first imprint. Between the Harlequin connection and Angela James at the helm, authors pubbed and unpubbed couldn't wait for them to open to submissions and see who would have the first books out of the gate.

Carina Press announced its existence while Rulebreaker was still being tweaked and I was looking into publishers. I had the feeling the story would be a perfect fit for Carina. I'm glad they did too.

One year later, tons of amazing stories have been released, with more to come ;) The imprint is thriving. Authors are happy. Readers are happy.

In celebration, there is a big party of blog posts, contests, announcements and giveaways going on. Head over to the Carina Press blog for details.

Happy Anniversary, Carina! And thank you!

Enter The SFR Holiday Blitz Here!

Welcome to the SFR Holiday Blitz!

This holiday season, you could win over 50 science fiction romance books! Thirty-three (33!) talented SFR authors have teamed up with 15 bloggers to give you a taste of the adventures the subgenre has to offer. And who doesn't like tasting things during the holidays?

Entering is free and easy: Just leave a comment. Seriously, that's all you have to do. Then visit the other participating blogs, which are listed below for your convenience, and leave comments on each of them. Click and comment. Click and comment.

One winner will be picked at each blog.

The deadline to enter is midnight EST on Sunday, December 26.

On Monday, December 27, I'll randomly pick ONE WINNER,

so be sure to check back!

What's the prize here at the Frozen North, you ask?

1 print copy each of THE STARS DOWN UNDER and THE STARS BLUE YONDER by Sandra McDonald. (Author will ship internationally. Sweet!)
Chief Petty Officer Terry Myell—whose taboo enlistee/officer marriage to Lt. Cmdr. Jodenny Scott has landed him a tedious desk assignment—is kidnapped and forced to join a mission seeking a group of researchers who disappeared while investigating a network of spherical gateways that allow almost instantaneous travel between the stars.

AND

A digital copy of LAST FLIGHT OF THE ARK by D.L. Jackson
Evolution never happened so fast. Twelve hours outside of Terra II, Colonel Kaleb Titan, a molecular geneticist and commander of the Ark, faces a life or death choice that could change the fate of mankind. The Genesis I, aka the Ark, travels with a hold full of wildlife and three crew members. When a wolf bite and genetically-altering gamma radiation transform Kaleb, he notices his senses have been heightened, his libido has gone haywire and he can't keep his hands off his crew. Worse yet, they don't seem inclined to stop him. When their sister ship, the Genesis II arrives early, Kaleb's problems compound. As soon as the command crew of the Genesis II boards, one whiff tells Kaleb they're not from Earth or who they appear to be.

AND

A digital copy of SILVER BOUND by Ella Drake

Sheriff Guy Trident doesn't have much to do with off-worlders; he has his hands full keeping his own planet safe. But he'll do anything, go anywhere to save Jewel Quinn. She broke his heart years ago when she left to marry a Terraloft aristocrat. Now she's run away from her husband, only to fall into the clutches of slavers.

Yes, Virginia, ALL PRIZES will go to ONE WINNER!

When you've entered at this site, go on over to the others for more shots at some of the best SFR out there! Go!! Go!!! GO!!!!

The Galaxy Express

SpacefreightersLounge

SFR Brigade

GeekMom

Lisa Paitz Spindler

Enduring Romance

Smart Girls Love Sci Fi & Paranormal Romance

SciFi Guy

Dirty Sexy Books

Love Romance Passion

Panic in the Lingerie!

vvB32 Reads

Corrina Lawson

Flying Whale Productions

Alien Romances

*****12:05 am EST : COMMENTS ARE CLOSED!!! COME BACK MONDAY THE 27th TO SEE WHO WON!!!*****