Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Timely Article - Diversion

The pill mills, prescription drug diversion, doctors being charged with murder for negligent prescriptions, and "gray markets" featured in my latest offering, Diversion, though written ficticiously, have real life counterparts. Though I had a bit of insight into the pharmaceutical supply chain before I began writing, my eyes were widely opened as I researched Lucky and Bo's tale.

The book was finished late last year, but in reading the Wall Street Journal recently, I discovered that the subject matter is still very much relevant. Here's a link to an article from March 22. 

The Novel Approach reviews Diversion

I can't believe it's been a full year since my last novel, and I'd nearly forgotten how bad those pre-release/release/post-release jitters could be for an author, waiting to see how readers would like a book. And then a review appeared that inspired a sigh of relief.

That review came from The Novel Approach. Reviewer Lisa had this to say about my latest effort, Diversion:
Diversion snuck up on me, which, given its title, (and its author) is something I probably should’ve anticipated a bit more. Like Lucky, Eden Winters isn’t afraid to go for the emotional jugular, and she seems to nick mine pretty much every time. This became a story not about how much Lucky was willing to take but about how much he was willing to give. For a convicted criminal that’s the ultimate redemption.
Read full review here:



Monday, March 26, 2012

Giveaway for P.D. Singer's Upcoming Novel!

Hurry over to Stumbling Over Chaos to get your name in the hat for a copy of P.D. Singer's upcoming release, The Rare Event. I was fortunate enough to get an early read, and wow! What a book!

I've convinced her to come visit closer to release day for a guest post. Be looking for that this weekend, but in the meantime, the drawing closes on March 29, and Dreamspinner will release the book the next day.

I'm loving his cover!



Wednesday, March 21, 2012

24th Annual Lambda Literary Awards Finalist - Settling the Score

We're not allowed to use cell phones where I work, so yesterday on lunch break I ducked out to my car to check email and see what was going on in the world. On my phone's tiny screen I saw an email with a subject line that said, "Congratulations Lammy Finalists!"

Excited to see who'd made finalist, I click open the message and read, "Dear Lambda Literary Awards Finalist." I swallowed hard and read it again, thinking surely there had to be a mistake. The next line said, "I’m pleased to congratulate you on your nomination..." Too stunned to do anything else, I reread that one line over and over and over. And then I cried, hoping no well-meaning co-worker would see me and come running over. Then I called Mom. 


After bawling and blathering incoherently for five minutes, I hung up and read the press release. No mistake. There it appeared under the Gay Romance heading: Settling the Score, by Eden Winters, Torquere Press. Finally, I had to pull myself together and go back in to work, bottling all my elations/nervousness/disbelief/gratitude up inside of me. I'm still stunned, thus the time it took for me to post. 


At first I didn't really think about the awards ceremony on June 4, but the more I consider it, the more I realize I really want to go, for this truly is an amazing, possibly once in a lifetime occurence. I'm not the most socially adept person in the world, and I have no clue what to wear, but I do know I want to go. As she is the one who first encouraged (poked, prodded) me to write a story, and who's been with me every step of my literary journey, I've asked my dear friend, crit partner, and, as Marie Sexton and Heidi Cullinan said recently in a blog post, my "bunker buddy," I've ask Pam, aka P.D. Singer to attend with me. 


My heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists, and I look forward to seeing you in June. Thank you, Lambda Literary. 


Read entire press release here:


Now, any thoughts on what I should wear?

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Now Available - Diversion

**Takes deep breath** Diversion is now available at Amber Allure and, for one week only, it's marked down 35%! If you've had your eye on this one, now is the time to buy. While you're there, check out the other great Amber Allure titles.



Saturday, March 17, 2012

Blogging at Amber Heat and Amber Allure

Join me tomorrow at the Amber Heat/Amber Allure blog to find out about my lastest novel, Diversion. I hope to see you there!


Interview at Reviews by Jessewave

I'm to be interviewed at Reviews by Jessewave, and she's taking questions now to ask yours truly. Wanna know what inspires my stories? The craziest thing I've ever done? What's hiding out on my hard drive, waiting to be my next novel? Now's your chance to ask. Unless, of course, you'd prefer to take me out for drinks. Buy me beer and I'll tell you anything you wanna know!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Diversion Giveaway at Goodreads

To celebrate the release of my newest novel, Diversion, I've posted a giveaway for two paperback copies at Goodreads:

Drug dealers aren't always on the streets; sometimes they sit in offices and board rooms, selling merchandise in official looking bottles instead of little cellophane bags. 

When given a choice between eight more years in prison or using his "expertise" to assist the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau's Department of Diversion Prevention and Control, convicted drug trafficker Richmond "Lucky" Lucklighter takes the sentence with the illusion of freedom. Cynical and unwilling to admit he's begun to care about his job, he counts the days until his debt is paid. His sole obstacle to getting his life back is the rookie he's assigned to train before he leaves; a rookie who quotes pharmacy texts, hasn't paid his dues, and has the obnoxious tendency of seeing the good in everyone – including the target of their investigation. 

Former Marine Bo Schollenberger dreamed of becoming a pharmacist and watched the dream turn into a nightmare of PTSD-fueled prescription drug abuse. Battling his demons daily, he wakes up every morning, wondering, "Will this be the day I give in?" To keep his license, he must now put his skills to use for a diversion control task force, deal with a crude partner with too much attitude and no brain-to-mouth filter, and take down a drug lord who reminds him of his favorite cooking show hostess. 

The bad guys don't stand a chance -- if Lucky and Bo don't strangle each other first. 





 
 


    Goodreads Book Giveaway
 




 
   

   
        Diversion by Eden Winters
   
   

 
   

     


     
          Diversion
     
     


     


     
          by Eden Winters
     
     


   
     

     
         

            Giveaway ends May 02, 2012.
         

         

            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         

     
     

   

   

 
 
      Enter to win
 
 
 

Monday, March 12, 2012

P.D. Singer Book Giveaway

My dear friend P.D. Singer is giving away a print copy of her upcoming novel, The Rare Event, at Goodreads.

Reposted by permission:
Because I’m so delighted with The Rare Event being available in so many formats, including “Dead Tree,” I’m offering a signed copy of The Rare Event to one fortunate reader. If you’re a member of Goodreads, (might as well, membership is free and there’s lots to see, do, and yack about, in addition to tracking your reading) click here.
I had the priviledge of beta reading this book, and let me tell you, it's a definite keeper. Although it's 118,000 words, it was a quick read for me because I couldn't put the darn thing down. Look for it March 30 from Dreamspinner Press. Isn't that an amazing cover?



Hedge fund trader Ricky Santeramo has it all: money, looks, and fellow trader Jonathan Hogenboom. The two couldn't be more different: Jon is from old money, while Ricky clawed his way out of blue-collar New Jersey. Jon hedges his positions; Ricky goes for broke. Jon likes opera and the Yankees; Ricky prefers clubbing. Jon drinks wine with dinner; Ricky throws back a beer. Jon wants monogamy… but Ricky likes variety. 

Bankrupt airlines are facing strikes, the housing market is starting to crumble, and Jon can’t wait any longer for Ricky to commit. One last night alone and one last risky trade make Jon say, “Enough.” Then Jon’s old friend Davis comes to New York City, ready for baseball and forever. The whole world is chaos, but there are fortunes to be made—or lost—and hearts to be broken—or won. 

Faced with losing it all, Ricky must make the savviest trades of his life and pray for a rare event. His portfolio and Jon's love are on the line.

Chat! And Freebies!

Date: Sunday, March 18 2pm- 5pm Eastern 
Venue: M/M Romance Chatroom 
Location: The United States
Description: Diversion Virtual Release Party 

Join me to celebrate the release of my novel Diversion. I'll conduct a few backlist giveaways and one lucky person will win their own ebook copy of Diversion. 


You must be a member of the Goodreads M/M Romance group to chat, but membership is free! And fun!

Here's the official invitation:

Here's the instructions on how to access the chat:

I hope to see you there!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Author and Reader Event!

Amber Quill Press is hosting a St. Patrick's Day author and reader event at their Amber Heat Readers group. Lots of fun, giveaways, chats with some of your favorite authors, and three gift certificates are up for grabs! Come and joint the fun. I'll be there!



Countdown Until Diversion...

The countdown is on! Next Sunday, March 18, Amber Allure will release my latest novel, Diversion. Can you believe it's been an entire year since Settling the Score? 

Anyway, to celebrate the book's launch, I'll be holding a chat at the Goodreads M/M group, talking about Diversion and offering up a few freebies, and a chance to will an ebook copy of the new novel. If you've ever attended a book launch party there, you know there's no telling what topic may come up, but it's always fun! Find details here:

I'll also be blogging at the Amber Quill Press blog, so stop by and say hello and register for a chance to win an ebook copy of the novel. I hope to see you there! 

A funny thing happened on the way to Fallen Angel... aka The Author and the Trademark

A complication arose while writing Fallen Angel, the sequel to The Angel of 13th Street, that sadly, was a result of a legality. It seems the name I'd chosen for Noah and Doc's organization, A New Life, was free and clear when I wrote the first volume, but has since become a legally registered entity. What to do, what to do? I could simply avoid using the name of the organization in the story and call it "our organization", but that proved unworkable, so in the end, I changed the name and worked it into the plot line, using the truth as the reasoning.

Here's hoping that the new name isn't snatched up before I can complete the third installment, Broken Wing. I must write like the wind...

Thursday, March 8, 2012

A Chance to Win a Copy of Diversion

Just ten more days until Diversion debuts on Sunday, March 18, and you know what that means. A giveaway contest at Stumbling Over Chaos!

***




Drug dealers aren’t always on the streets; sometimes they sit in offices and boardrooms, selling merchandise in official-looking bottles instead of little cellophane bags...

When given a choice between eight more years in prison or using his “expertise” to assist the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau's Department of Diversion Prevention and Control, convicted drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter takes the sentence with the illusion of freedom. Cynical and unwilling to admit he’s begun to care about his job, he counts the days until his debt is paid. His sole obstacle to getting his life back is the rookie he’s assigned to train before he leaves—a rookie who quotes pharmacy texts, hasn’t paid his dues, and has the obnoxious tendency of seeing the good in everyone, including the target of their investigation.

Former Marine Bo Schollenberger dreamed of becoming a pharmacist, but watched the dream turn into a nightmare of PTSD-fueled prescription drug abuse. Battling his demons daily, he wakes up every morning, wondering, “Will this be the day I give in?” To keep his license, he must now put his skills to use for a diversion control task force, deal with a crude partner with too much attitude and no brain-to-mouth filter, and take down a drug lord who reminds him of his favorite cooking show hostess.

The bad guys don’t stand a chance—if Lucky and Bo don’t strangle each other first... 


Here's the link to the rules and contest at Stumbling Over Chaos: Do forget to check out the linkety, lovely pics of the adorable Chaos and Mayhem, and Misadventures in Stock Photography while you're there. Thanks to Chris for hosting this contest.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

A Day in the Life of My GayRomLit Swag

I've heard the question asked a few times, "What did folks do with the GayRomLit swag they got in Nola? Are they using it?" Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I sure do! And I chuckle when people ask, "Where did you get that?" So here's a little play by play of the swag in my life on an average Saturday. Oh, how did I live without it?

I stagger to the kitchen in my Belinda McBride Black/Bleu T-shirt and pour hot, strong brew into my Uncommon Whore mug. While adding creamer I straighten my T.A. Chase Pestilence refrigerator magnet. Back in the bedroom I try to decide what to wear today, but the danged lightbulb in the closet blew out. No problem. I'll just grab my handy-dandy, P.D. Singer keychain flashlight.

When I lay my flashlight down on the dresser, I barely miss the pile of trading cards that I've been meaning to buy a book to put them in. Poor lonely Jake and Griff. I need to remember to ask P.D. and Damon Suede for Kurt and Dante cards.  Never fear. I'll just make a note in my Dreamspinner day planner, grabbing a pen from a jar on the dresser. Let's see, which pen should I use? Will it be Devon Rhodes' or Carol Lynne's?

My lips are feeling a little dry, so I dab on some Missy Welsh lip balm. I'm going to the gym today, so can't forget my T.A. Chase War water bottle. It's purdy. I toss it into my William Neale "Hot and Steamy" bag, and out the door I go! I get stuck in traffic, but I don't fret. I take out my frustrations on my Trini Lane stress heart.

Hmmm.... Which book is going in with me? Will it be Kissing Sherlock Holmes by T.D. McKinney and Terry Wylis, or Life Of Something Scary Like That by T.C. Blue?

To keep my water bottle from getting damp and slippery, I slide it into a Rainbow Ebooks coosey. I throw my keys into the gym locker, smiling a little at the Joyee Flynn "Pecker Checker" dangling from the ring.

After my workout, while in line at the bank, I dig through my purse for my Ethan Day pen, scribbling a few notes on my Eden Winters post-it pad.

Whew! What a day! Back at home I relax, placing my frosty drink on my Carol Lynne/T.A. Chase Anarchy in Blood coaster. Now to blog about my day, my mouse skating over my Eden Winters The Angel of 13th Street/Settling the Score mouse pad. Hey! I thought I gave all those away! I cut my blogging short because I have a Jonathan Treadway flashdrive full of free reads.

Hmmm.... I wonder what kind of haul I'll bring home from Albuquerque. Should I take an extra suitcase?

***

Note: This list is by no means all the swag I got, but I don't want this post to be too long. Let's just say I made out like a bandit. And yes, I definitely use  these promos and am collecting the trading cards.


Monday, March 5, 2012

Soundtrack for Diversion, Part 3

As part of Lucky's "torture the newby" strategy, he often belts out (off-key and at offensive decibels) the chorus of Cyndi Lauper's big hit, "She Bop" -- especially when his asshole facade slips and he suddenly uncertain where he stands.

I personally love this song with it's catchy tune. It's also a great rebellion anthem, 'cause, yes young-uns, the lyrics are subtley dirty.


I was once priveledged to see Ms. Lauper in concert and she puts on an amazing show. Sadly, this link makes you go to YouTube to hear the song. 

Soundtrack for Diversion, Part 2

In Diversion, ex-con Lucky takes great pleasure in plotting ways to torment his collegues on the drug diversion task force. One of his favorite methods involves his iPod's "Crazy" playlist -- as in, "Songs to drive coworkers crazy." Holding his passengers captive to his can't-carry-a-tune-in-a-bucket wailing, he tortures them during stakeouts by being "the worst backup singer Billy Ray Cyrus ever had."

Here's a little blast from the past, Billy Ray Cyrus singing "Achy Breaky Heart." And yes, Mr. Cyrus sings it a whole lot better than Lucky does.


Saturday, March 3, 2012

Big Sale at JMS Books

Re-posted by permission:

Hi everyone,
Next week is "Read an E-Book Week" and we're hosting a HUGE sale on our sites at jms-books.com and queerteen-press.com. All e-books are 40% off starting today and running through next Saturday!
Feel free to promote this on your websites, blogs, groups, and fan pages.
This sale applies to e-books only.
J.M. Snyder
http://www.jms-books.com

So if you have The Pirate's Gamble or any other JMS stories on your wish list, now would be a good time to buy. 40% off!

New Cover for Same Time Next Year

My short story Same Time Next Year is all set for re-release with JMS Books sometime in April, but I've already received the awesome cover. What do you think?


Jerome and Greg played on the dirt road halfway between their homes when they were kids, and found much better games to play there when they grew older. It's their special spot, the perfect place for Greg to propose, and the worst place possible for the accident that takes his life. 

Devastated by the loss, Jerome visits that lonely road on the anniversary of Greg's death, only to discover that not all endings are permanent.



***
 Here's a snippet:

    One year. One whole year had come and gone and still the pain lingered. With no particular destination in mind, Jerome ambled down the road. His fellow partiers thought he was going to his parents’ house, where he was staying the weekend, but what he really needed was a place where the memories couldn’t find him. Did such a place exist?

    He found himself at the familiar crossroads. Go straight and wind up at his parents’, or turn left and go downtown, maybe find a bar and a bit of company. He could always turn around, go back to the party and just crash at Shelby’s, which probably wouldn’t be a bad idea. Or he could turn right. Three roads offered safety, comfort, and hope. The fourth? Nothing but despair.

    Drawn by some unseen force, he turned right. One foot followed the other down a lonely road -- the road that used to lead to Greg’s house. Leaving the street lights behind, Jerome squinted into the darkness, barely making out the shapes of trees. The wind, quiet until now, played a mournful tune through the topmost branches, and a light drizzle began to fall. Jerome looked back over his shoulder. The rain didn’t reach the well-lit intersection, just this road. Were the fates trying to turn him back?

    Cool mist brushed his face but he wouldn’t be deterred. Next, the heavens sent fog, thick and heavy, nearly blinding. He followed the white line at the edge of the road, the only thing visible in the gloom. The sound of an engine gearing down caused him to turn, jumping away from the asphalt in case the driver couldn’t see him. How odd that in the black of night there were no headlights shining. The motor revved, closer this time. The mist parted and the shadowy shape of a sports car appeared.

    A fist clenched Jerome’s heart and he shook his head, willing himself sober. It couldn’t be! It just couldn’t! The car purred like some sleek, black predator waiting for him to run so it could give chase. The passenger door swung open.

    A joke. That’s what it had to be. A cruel, sick joke.

    Jerome stared at the door for what felt like an eternity. The rain fell harder. When it began to trickle under his collar, curiosity got the better of him. One slow step at a time he approached, gazing into the darkened interior. Just like outside the vehicle, inside there were no lights, not even on the instrument panel. When he placed his hand on the car’s canvas top, a jolt traveled up his arm, and he swore the damned thing leaned into his touch.

    No words were said, none were needed. The invitation was clear. He sucked in a cool, deep breath and exhaled slowly, fogged breath mingling with the chilly mist. He stooped and slid into the car. The door closed without his help. The Mustang accelerated, barely crawling down a side road. Something swung from the rearview mirror. Even without seeing it clearly Jerome knew it was the tassel from a graduation cap. There was no other explanation; he must be hallucinating. How much had he drunk?

    When the car came to a full stop, Jerome spoke. This was their spot, where they’d come every Saturday night throughout high school to make out, and where they’d spent their last night together. “I’d like to see you.” The instrument lights began to glow, creating a surreal landscape of shadows and light on the driver’s face. Dear Lord. There was no way it could be who it looked like. Could there?

    A husky, well-remembered voice drawled, “How have you been?”

Find it here as "Coming Soon." 

Happy Birthday, P.D. Singer!

Yesterday was my good friend P.D. Singer's birthday, but sadly, I had computer issues that wouldn't let me post. So I'm a day late, but would like to wish Pam a belated Happy Birthday. Instead of a card, I'd also like the post the drool-worthy cover of her latest novel, due out at the end of March.

Happy Birthday, Pam!



Look for The Rare Event from Dreamspinner Press on March 30!