McIntyre's House of Muse

Wednesday Word: Anticipation

2012-01-11T09:16:00.000-06:00

Perhaps its because I grew up in a household where my mother and father both worked crossword puzzles daily in later years they took to playing Scrabble, that I have an affinity for words...no big surprise then that I should on my wish list for Christmas I asked for a book called "The Thinker's Thesaurus"--(W.W. Norton & Co., Second edition)

It's lovely, by the way. and since as an author I like to play with words. I thought I might share a few with you now and again. I make no promises of daily blogging. I am not so nobly gifted as others, but I can promise at least a word a week--which brings me to the first word...

Anticipation. "To see and provide for beforehand. to look forward to." (Webster) "Nervously excited with..." that something is going to occur."(Thinker's Thesaurus)

You may recall the old ketchup commercial where the jingle invokes of the 'anticpation' of that moment when the tomatoey sauce hits the steaming stack of french fries or a juicy burger, right?

Creativity is a little like that. Sometimes, when you try to force it, its like the sticky ketchup that you have to pound on the bottle for and eventually you end up thinking, perhaps mustard is better...

But if you wait for it..."looking forward to something with excitement" creativity will find its way to you. Artists-whether writers,painters, actors, or musicians--need inspiration to make their magic. Often it is the very ordinary things in life that can and do inspire--a glorious sunset, the earthy scent of the woods after a rain, observing a hug between two people, hearing a story between the lines in a song.

Creativity is not unique to certain persons. It may manifest itself in different ways. Emily Dickinson wrote, "The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience."

Anticipation.

It's what inspires my writing. And some days its a slow and steady process, other days its like a McDonalds drive-thru--but always, with the hope of creating something worth the "anticipation" of its arrival.

We live in a instant gratification society-all well and good, to a point, but we must give ourselves room, albeit permission-- to "welcome the ecstatic experience."

Anticipate good things to come your way.

Memories & Recipes

2011-11-27T21:12:00.000-06:00

Well the Turkey is gone and so too the leftovers and relatives! The house for a few moments was devastatingly quiet..but after a time, hubby, "Garfield and Odie"(Norman, the black lab and Wrigley the obnoxious, adorable cat) and I settled back into that, "well, its just us again" phase...at least for a few weeks;) It's not so bad, I've decided, though I wouldn't trade the chaos of everyone home for anything-its good to know that they've refueled, refurbished and headed back into the world to build their futures.

It seems only fitting as I sit in the wake of relative removal to consider a glass of wine, a nice lager or perhaps just a cup of egg nog with a sprinkle of nutmeg and reflect on the holiday--and make that list of stuff to get done this week...

Meantime, here is another lovely holiday refreshment from the gifted in many ways--Sahara Kelly, who is not only talented in her writing, but an officiado of the technilogical world as well an artist in graphic and costume design!! (I try not to hate her;)) She's a joy truly and I am proud to call her friend!

Here is her recipe and editorial on MULLED WINE

Perfect for those icy winter evenings, or for after a few hours of carolling for your neighbors in Victorian attire. (Er, that would be you, not the neighbors. Victorian attire links available upon request, or for ideas, see any Dickensian Christmas greeting card.)

MULLED WINE INGREDIENTS:

•The wine is your choice...most often a full-bodied red wine is recommended, as this stands up to the spices and complements them, but a white is acceptable, as is a good rich apple cider for those who prefer to avoid alcohol completely.

•NOTE: DO NOT USE AN ALUMINUM PAN. Preferably use a non-stick one.

•For spice pak: Any combination of cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, vanilla bean, bay leaf, anise, and citrus zest (orange and/or lemon). Other spices as desired.
•A smattering of brown sugar as desired if you like a slightly sweeter beverage.

PREPARATION:

•Pour the bottle of wine into saucepan and add the spices and brown sugar if you’re using it. Warm gently for around 6-8 minutes, being careful to WARM the wine, not boil it. The spices need to infuse into the liquid, but too high a heat and the alcohol will evaporate. The results are not pretty. Or tasty in any way.

•Once the liquid is infused (mulled), ladle into warmed mugs and enjoy. (This also happens to make a wonderful smell in the kitchen. Stop and sniff now and again. Then resume singing Holiday songs!)

**pic to left; Sahara and I at Lora Leighs RAW 2011-Rocky Gap Maryland

A note about spices: Fresh spices are almost always best and this recipe requires them to be in some kind of solid form, since powdered spices tend to glomp messily and not infuse well. Some people like to assemble little muslin bags of mulling spices, and keep their wine strictly liquid. Others like to serve this wine with the spices floating/mixed in. Star anise is an attractive decoration. Sliced oranges can be used as well, and this entire recipe should be adjusted to the taste of those enjoying the wine. There are few, if any, hard and fast rules to this entire process.

**grab hold of Sahara's brilliant books!! Here is her latest, in her signature mix of humor and steam! Dragons, Dames & Video Games!

Mulled wine is one of those “old family” recipes...ingredients change with the generations, but the result is the same – happiness and cuddles in a mug. We recommend spending a couple of weekends testing spice combinations prior to actually serving this wine to guests. If you can run a test at the same time you’re decorating your Christmas tree, so much the better, since apparently tree-decorating releases some kind of primeval hormone which can result in assault and battery charges if you’re not careful. Not sure why, but it does. Mulled wine, however, will mellow the spirits and remove the threat of family garrotting by tinsel.

Happy Holidays,
Sahara Kelly
(All charges pertaining to the incident with the tree-topper and the nutcracker have been withdrawn and the case has been closed.)

What did I tell you? ;)
Happy holidays!!

Memories & Recipes

2011-11-21T09:19:00.000-06:00

Support your local food banks and family crisis shelters year round!

Our recipe today comes from good friend and author, Patricia Walters-Fischer, RN--a warm and wonderful woman with a heart the size of Texas! She is also an editor and is preparing to launch a new site called SMART COOKIE PARENTS *www.smartcookieparents.com -launching January 2012!

She shares this decadent and delightful recipe for a Cinnamonly sinful" dessert perfect for topping off any holiday feast!!

Sin-namon Chocolate Cake

For CAKE:
1. Mix together in a bowl:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
½ tsp salt
4 Tbs cocoa (heaping)

2. Put in pan and bring to a boil:
1 stick margarine
½ cup cooking oil
1 cup water

3. Mix together and add:
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix well. Bake in ungreased pan 400° for 25 minutes

For ICING:
1. Sift:
1 box powered sugar
2/3 cup cocoa

2. Melt:
1 stick oleo
6 tablespoons milk
Bring to a rapid boil and pour over sugar and cocoa
3. Add:
1 tsp vanilla

4: Spread:

On warm cake and enjoy!!!!!

Here are some more Holiday traditions! Maybe you will find one that will become one of yours!

Vicki writes; I would say our holiday tradition, weather permitting, is I get up and start cooking and my husband takes our 2 boys and goes fishing while I cook. They love it and it makes it a lot easier on me without them bugging me, lol.

Tia writes; From Christmas Eve to the day after Christmas one of our local radio stations plays nothing but Christmas songs and we keep the radio tuned in for the entire run. That is one of my favorite holiday activities.

Melissa writes; My favorite holiday tradition is spending Thanksgiving at home with my immediate family. We go to dinner at a local winery, put up Christmas decorations, bake, and spend technology free time together playing games, doing crafts, etc. It is a great way to reconnect

How do you or your family and friends re-connect at holiday time?

Memories & Recipes

2011-11-18T04:52:00.000-06:00

Support your local food banks and family shelters year round!

The holidays hold special memories for each of us--whether poignant or laugh til you cry funny, each is a treasured gem. I encourage you to write down your memories, just like your recipes, and pass them on to your friends and family. Here is a grand memory from reader Sherry,who shares this light-hearted view of the holidays;

Sherry writes; Our Thanksgiving traditions include the usual and the not so usual.

Mom and Aunt used to set the table with Gram's good china while Gram scowled and winced with each piece. You see they didn't just set the table like ordinary folks (but then we were never ordinary ;-). One would stand on one side of the dining room and the other would stand on the other side and they would throw Gram's precious china hurtling through the air for the other to catch and put in it's place on the table.

(*editor insert- is anyone seeing a Ringling Brothers theme, here?)

With each throw you would hear a big Hiyah! Everyone got a kick out of this even Gram, though she would never admit it. In 20+ years, not one china piece was broke.

Friends who were with us for the first time during the holiday get togethers, learned fast how to ask for things. Don't ever say "pass" the butter unless you are prepared to catch flying stick of butter, no dish, just the butter. The proper way to ask was Please hand me the dish of butter. It didn't matter whether it was butter, mashed potatoes, what have you - you had better ask the proper way or be ready for a true "pass".

Of course there were the fights over who gets the heart, liver and tail of dear ole' Tom. And many many fights for the wishbone and don't think it was just the kids either.

Throughout the day there would be much catching up, many hugs and happy tears shared. After dinner we would take walks through the woods to enjoy the beauty of nature and sometimes catch sight of deer, fox or other critters. Then it was back to the house for coffee, cocoa and pie. Afterwards we would play games, cards, boggle, etc.

Some of our favorite recipes are Gram's Cracklin's, Gram's Lemon Sponge Pie, Mom's pumpkin pie and my "Poop" cookies. They are actually Pumpkin cookies but one year my nephew called them poop cookies and it has stuck ever since. To this day nephew all grown up still asks for a big order of Poop cookies all his own.

My pumpkin cookies are such a hit with everyone that I make probably near to 50 dozen and there's still never enough. Recipe included below. Aaaahhh, time with family and friends, good food, lottsa love , great memories..... Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane.

(*Editors note: Thank you, Sherry! I will think of you and your story as I set my holiday table this year! LOL It so fits in the "zoo" theme of our house during the holidays;))

Poop (Pumpkin) Cookies

3/4 c shortening
3/4 c sugar
2eggs
1c pumpkin
2c sifted flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Cream shortening and sugar, beat in eggs. Add vanilla and pumpkin. Blend in dry ingredients. Drop by spoonful or cookie dough scoop onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees 12-13 minutes. These are cake-like cookies and are scrumptious warm or room temperature.

Sherry Notes: I have tried both the canned and fresh pumpkin, most preferred the canned but some liked both. I have also found that cooking on parchment paper changed the taste of the cookies and they didn't go over as well.

November -Sharing recipes & Holiday memories

2011-11-16T04:48:00.000-06:00

Variety they say, is the Spice of Life! Never is that more true than in this wonderfully diverse country of ours Today we're sharing recipes that celebrate the beauty of our diversity! These come from a long-time subscriber (thank you!) and former Home Economics teacher (Teachers rock!!)

HOMEMADE TAMALES from Joy!

The making of the tamale is briefly spreading a prepared corn husk with the masa dough, putting the filling in the center, then folding the husk around the food to make a little packet. Stack the packets in a tamale steamer and cook until firm. (For step by step photos of how-to consult any Mexican food recipe book).

What makes our tamales unique is that we put brown sugar in the dough. They are sweeter than original ones.

FILLING
In a hot skillet with 2 T lard (substitue with cooking oil) saute 1 medium chopped onion. Blend in 2 C cooked shredded turkey (lean pork can be used) 1 small can diced green chilies/3 T raisins/ 2 T chopped black olives and 2/3 C red chili sauce (substitute with enchilida sauce). Simmer for 30 minutes while you are preparing the dough.

DOUGH
1 1/3 (2/3 #) lard
4 C Masa Harina (Do not substitute-must use this type of flour)
2 tsp salt
2 2/3 C warm poultry broth (or substitute with water)

Whip the lard until fluffy. Blend in the masa flour, salt, and broth until the dough holds together well.

Makes 6 C for 40 tamales.

*Can I get a YUM!!!???

And top these off with this refreshing and easy desert!

MARGARITA PIE RECIPE (via Joy)

Blend together 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 5 T tequilla, 5 T. Triple Sec, and 1/2 C fresh lime juice.

Fold in 2 C heavy cream, beaten stiff and the zest of 1 lime. Pour into a Graham cracker crust. Freeze 4 hours. Serve with thin lime slices or if served at Christmas time put in a couple of drops of green food coloring while blending and top with a couple of red maraschino cherries.

*(Note: I never had my students make this-you can see why) Is very rich and yummy

Delighted however, you chose to share it with us! It sounds amazing!
Happy holidays, Joy to you and yours this season!!

Amanda

November Holiday Memories & Recipes

2011-11-14T08:40:00.000-06:00

The array of recipes I've received recently could fill a cookbook! Here is an exquisite soup for a chilly day alone with salad and bread, or served as an appetizer to your holiday meal! It's sent by the very funny, very personable, and very talented author and full-time mom, Renee Bernard, who I am utterly delighted to call my friend.

Her Jaded Gentleman series are fast-paced and wonderfully written reads!! If you need a good story to occupy your holidays--follow this series! The release of PASSION WEARS PEARLS, is slated for March 2012 release!

Sherried Carrot Soup
On a cold night and for holiday season special occasions, I love to make sherried carrot soup. It's a creamy carrot bisque kind of thing and the color is nice on a Thanksgiving table--or any table!!...and then I toast and slice french bread to go with it to try to avoid having to use your fingers or lick the bowl ;-) It's a very decadent
dish but Super Easy to Make.

As with all Bernard signature recipes, measurements are simply guidelines. Have fun and make it your own!

Sherried Carrot Soup
1 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons of butter
8 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 and 1/2 cups of chicken broth (or water with chicken buillon to taste in a pinch ;-)
1/2 cup medium dry sherry
1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream

white pepper
chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

In a kettle, cook the onion in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring until the onion is softened. Add the carrots, the ginger and the cinnamon, and cook the mixture, stirring for one minute (to coat the carrots in the flavor and let them know what's about to happen).

Add the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally for about 20-30 minutes or until the carrots are very tender. (Here's where it gets tricky.) In a blender or food processor puree the mixture in batches and transfer it back into the
kettle as it's pureed. Add the sherry and the cream. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Then season with salt and white pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and Enjoy!

More Holiday traditions!
Nothing seems more traditional at the holidays than pumpkin pie! Here are a few memories of that time-honored treat!

Jackie writes; "My favorite tradition at Thanksgiving time is to bake home-made pumpkin pies. Most of my family would rather eat other foods besides a turkey and all the trrimmings....except...pumpkin pie...they do love the ones I bake. It is a recipe that my grandmother passed down to my mom and then down to my sister and me.
"
Joanne writes; Pumpkin pie with cool whip a must, cranberrys, sweet pot's, apple cider!!!!!!!!!!! And family and friends!!!!!!!!!

Olga writes; "Here in Canada we have Thanksgiving earlier than the States. One of my new traditions stems from a loss that we suffered this past August. My sister's mother-in-law (who everyone loved) passed away. It had been a long tough year, and we all miss her greatly. She was always the one who brought pie to Thanksgiving dinner; blueberry, apple and pumpkin. My youngest niece and nephew's favourite was pumpkin - and this year I made them pumpkin pie, and I got a wonderful compliment, because it was "almost as good as Nana's".

Gratitude Begins at Home

2011-11-11T11:04:00.000-06:00

My dad was a WWII veteran in the Army, my older brother in the Navy and then a medic in the Marines. In my extended family are many who have served in the air and on the ground overseas in the past decade or more and to each of them and to those that stand in wait for them on the homefront--thank you is not nearly adequate for all that you do, but it comes from a grateful heart.

This month as we share special recipes and cherished holiday memories, I wanted to feature this one in particular on Veterans Day. There is so much we can do to support our Veterans of War and those still standing in the fray of battle, holding fast the belief that freedom is not free.

GREAT MILITARY SUPPPORT BLOG: SOS ALOHA is a great blog to find ways of supporting our troops and their families through networking with readers and authors--check out Kim's blog at SOS ALOHA!

Laurie's email touched me in such a profound way, and I hope it does the same for you. It might even inspire you to begin a similar tradtion of your own---

Laurie writes; "For the last 10 years our family tradition is to invite single military airmen over for Thanksgiving dinner. There is a sign up sheet at the base requesting families to sign up and have an airmen come over for Thanksgiving.

My husband was in the military for 25 years and our son for 10 so I know just how lonely it can get when the holiday time is here and you are so far away from home. We bought our very first home 10 years ago here in Biloxi right after our son was sent to Afghanistan. The home and holiday felt so lonely so I decided that we should sign up for the program.

This year we expect 10 young airmen to come. I have already found out what their favorites are so I am going to make a dish that each one really likes as well as the dishes I make each year. I love feeling as if I am making their holiday a little bit brighter and hopefully a little less homesick."

My thanks to Laurie and her husband for sharing the warmth of home & family in this way. May it inspire us all to be as gracious.

More holiday tradtions from readers!

*Note from Amanda-I love that while I've receveid so many diverse tradtions, that some aspects reamin the same...family, community, gratitude, enjoying each other's company--

Carol writes; For Thanksgiving we now get together at my sisters house where we visit and eat. For as long as I can remember we have always had the same food. We have turkey, dressing (we use Bell's Seasoning), cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, turnips, small white onions with butter, and lots of gravy. We always finish the meal with my grandmothers pumpkin pie. My sister cooks an extra turkey so we can all take some home to enjoy later. I hadn't been thinking about Thanksgiving yet, but now you have my mouth watering for Thanksgiving dinner.

Lisa shares; Our Holiday Traditions just center around eating the best foods, cornbread dressing, fudge, lemon icebox pie, candided yams, and yummy banana pudding. Then we play cards or games and watch football and lie around in the floor and moan because we are all so full. Then playing in the yard with the kids, maybe kickball or dodgeball or flag football. Love it."

Rosie writes; " Every year my family and my uncle's family gets together. All the cousins band together to help cook a huge meal that consists of both American, Vietnamese-style American, and Vietnamese dishes. We eat together, and the next day the boys head to Black Friday to nab deals on electronics. A few weeks prior my brother (who leads the group as head chef) starts a group e-mail training with the menu, and we all put in our two cents"

With Gratitude

November -Sharing recipes & Holiday memories

2011-11-10T11:22:00.000-06:00

Forgive the brief delay in the blog post. Yesterday my house beckoned, pleading "Clean me!" And I figure with the holidays creeping up on me, I had better listen:)

So now on with the recipes and memories!! With the influx of great traditions and recipes being shared by readers and authors, I'm going to have to double my efforts to post them in order to get everyone in this month, which I think is awesome!;)

Here is a sweet treat from a talented friend of mine, author Faith Smith, who swears this is a non-caloric snack!!!! (Not!) Ignore the strange name its given, the proof as they say...is delish and has absoultely nothing to do with the gorgeous six-pack on her Immortal Justice bookcover!!;))

Christmas Crack Recipe
Courtesy of Amy Moon Ware

1.5 sleeves of saltine crackers

1 stick (4 oz) butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips

Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Arrange the crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet so that there are no empty spaces in between them. Crush any remaining crackers into small crumbs and set aside for now.

3. Place the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir while the butter melts, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully pour the sugar-butter mixture over the crackers on the baking sheet in an even layer, trying to cover most of the crackers. If you miss some spots, don’t worry as the toffee will spread in the oven.

4. Bake the toffee crackers at 350 degrees for five minutes, until the toffee is bubbling all over. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for one minute.

5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the hot toffee, and allow them to sit for one minute to soften and melt. Once softened, use an offset spatula or knife to spread the melted chocolate over the entire surface of the toffee in an even layer. While the chocolate is still sticky, sprinkle

More Holiday Traditions: I love these ideas!

Barbara writes; "We have everyone write something that they are thankful for about another person and read them out during dinner. And it's all anonymous so it's more of a game to guess who said it!"

Marguerite writes; "When I was a child, every Thanksgiving morning saw all the guys head out for some quail hunting, while all the gals stayed at the house, watched the Macy's parade on TV and cooked Thanksgiving dinner.

As an adult, Thanksgiving traditions have changed from time to time as my parents aged and the duties of preparing the meal fell onto my generation's shoulders. Now with my children grown and gone from home, traditions have once again changed.

The one thing that remains constant is the gathering of family & friends and the sharing of a wonderful meal and the fellowship of good company! Memories in the making!"

Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories and recipes here at the house of muse! Feel free to leave a comment, or post your favorite recipes or traditions!!

November -Sharing recipes & Holiday memories

2011-11-08T10:26:00.000-06:00

Talented author, Genella deGrey shares a special recipe that is as "saucy" as Miss G's writing! Known for her vivid, humorous (and sexy) historicals, I invite you to check out The Trouser Game!

This yummy side dish would go well with many a main entree!

Sautéed Squash - from the recipes of Genella deGrey

2 med zucchini
2 med yellow squash3/4 teaspoon dill
Pinch or two ground sea salt3/4 teaspoon or so olive oil

Wash and cube zucchini & squash then place in bowel
Pre-heat pan to a medium-high temp
Add dill, salt and olive oil to veggies and toss
Pour into hot pan and sauté, stirring constantly until lightly browned (not very long, about 2 min.)
Remove from heat and place into serving dish - you don't want your squash mushy.

Serve over pasta or alone as a side dish.

Holiday Traditions:
Nancy shares this holiday memory that is wonderfully familiar to many! "When I was little, I would sit with my mom and watch the Thanksgiving Day Parades, then help with the dinner fixings (I got to tear up bread to go in the stuffing). When I got older, I made the pies. Now that I have grandchildren, I gather them together and we watch the parades (and football) while their parents cook and get things done-sort of the babysitter/referee to keep the peace. But it is always family fun, and we have been doing things together for over forty years now."

I can't think of a better way to spend a Thanksgiving, Nancy! Thank you for sharing this and Thanks to Miss G for sharing her recipe!!

What are some of your favorite holiday tradtions?

Making Memories and Recipes!

2011-11-07T08:33:00.000-06:00

Todays recipe is perfect for a chilly evening after a sumptuous holiday meal! Whether watching your fav team on television or sitting around visiting in front of the fire-this rich & decadent recipe will be the hit of the evening!

Cynthia from Georgia writes that she was raised with cooking tradiotional Puerto Rican favorites with their holiday dinners--this traditional family recipe is "sooooo good!" Just reading it made my mouth water!! Thanks, Cynthia!

BREAD PUDDING

•1 cup water

•2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
•15 whole cloves
•1 teaspoon anise seed
•2 tablespoons water
•1/2 cup white sugar

•1 (1 pound) loaf day-old bread
•4 cups evaporated milk
•4 eggs
•1 1/2 cups white sugar
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•3/4 teaspoon salt
•1/4 cup butter, melted

1.Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and anise seeds. Cover, and set aside to steep for 15 minutes.

2.Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons water with 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely, but stop stirring once the mixture comes to a boil. Stay near the stove to monitor the color, swirling the pan gently to redistribute the caramel as the sugar begins to darken. Cook to about 310 degrees F (160 degrees C), or until the sugar turns light golden brown, then pour into a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Set aside to allow the caramel to harden.

3.Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4.Remove the crusts from the day-old bread, tear the bread into cubes, and place into a large mixing bowl. Strain the spice tea through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices. Add to the bread along with the evaporated milk. Stir to evenly moisten, and set aside for 10 minutes. Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl along with 1 1/2 cups of sugar, the vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter. Stir in the moistened bread mixture until evenly mixed. Pour into the loaf pan over the caramel.

5.Line a roasting pan with a damp kitchen towel. Place the loaf pan on the towel, inside roasting pan, and place roasting pan on oven rack. Fill roasting pan with boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the loaf pan.

6.Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool in the pan for about an hour, then refrigerate until cold, 2 hours more. When ready, invert the budin onto a serving plate. The caramel will have turned to a syrup and will cover the bread pudding like a sauce.

Holiday traditions:
Patricia writes; We always fix a big Thanksgiving dinner for the whole family.

Our family stuffing recipe has evolved over the years and we like it the way it is now.
Seasoned bread stuffing (I use Pepperidge farms) Cans of chicken broth and stick of margarine per the recipe on the bag. I saute chopped onion, cook sage sausage into small chunks, and add. I add craisins and diced dried apricots. I have been known to throw other things in - diced roasted chestnuts, or even pecans or whatever else I may have on hand and feel like adding. It is nice to have a stuffing that is a bit different and is good as leftovers. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Thanks to Cynthia and Patricia for sharing their time-honored memories with us!
Amanda

November- Making Memories

2011-11-05T06:43:00.000-05:00

Along with my talented readers and the delectable recipes you will see all month here at the House of Muse, I've invited a few other talented friends to share their holiday recipes as well as there gifts to YOU this holiday season! With all the new E-readers out there, there has never been a better time (or selection of books!) to choose from in electronic , print or audio formats! Give the gift of a book this year. Its the gift that keeps on giving!

Few of us can deny the passion for chocolate and this recipe answers that call "big time!" My thanks to the talented Comic book and romance writer, Anne Elizabeth for this decadent holiday treat!

DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES-Anne Elizabeth

My mother and I would often make this recipe together right before Christmas. Then on that special day, we would pull out these succulent treats to share with family and friends. I can still hear my mother laughing as my brother stole a few chocolate chips as we were cooking or when she discovered he snuck down during the night to devour a few of these yummy morsels. My father likes the ones covered in nuts. One giant WARNING, do not inhale as you are eating the powdered-sugar ones or you’ll be coughing up a storm. Enjoy these tasty treats!

Yield: 30 Truffles

1 3/4 cup(s) 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

1/3 cup(s) Unsweetened Cocoa

1/3 cup(s) heavy whipping cream

6 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Directions:

In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer. Add the butter and stir until melted. Add the chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and pour into a shallow bowl. Cool, cover, and refrigerate the mixture until firm, at least 2 hours.

Using a melon baller or small spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cocoa, OR YOU CAN ADD A TOPPING OR COATING SUCH AS CHOPPED NUTS, CEREAL, CHIPS, or POWDERED SUGAR. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Find this and more recipes at the GHIRARDELLI wesbite!

November-Making Memories

2011-11-04T09:02:00.001-05:00

In my newsletter this month, I asked my readers to share with me their favorite holiday traditions. For many of us, that includes special recipes that evoke memories of holidays past, our childhood, going to grandmas house, or starting your own time-honored traditions! What I'm grateful for this holiday is my gracious readers and talented friends who inspire me daily to do what I do and who so willingly share these fabulous recipes with all of you!

From gluten-free to serious butter-laden recipes that would make Paula Deen smile--please enjoy these mouth-watering recipes and bask in the warm glo of shared holiday memories!!

Linda sends in this organic pumpkin pudding recipe from a site she likes called "The Whole Gang"

Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Pudding

Ingredients:
2 Large Eggs, 3 if they are the small organic ones
1/3 cup agave
1-2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 15 ounce can of organic pumpkin
1 13 ounce can of organic coconut milk

Directions:

In a bowl mix together your eggs, agave and spices with a whip. Next incorporate your pumpkin. Now add in your coconut milk and mix. (thoroughly) Now it’s ready to be poured into your pie pan.

Bake at 35o degrees for 50-60 minutes. Start checking around 45 minutes to see if it’s done. I put a knife in the middle to see if it came out clean. It never totally did but I think that’s because I needed more eggs like I mentioned before. It was done and ready to come out of the oven. Let it cool for 15-30 minutes. Scoop it out and serve it however you like.

Substitutes:

Now if you eat dairy and want to go the more traditional route, you can use that can of evaporated milk.

You can bake off a sugar pie pumpkin and use that for the pumpkin pudding. One pumpkin usually yields around 2 cups of cooked pumpkin. A can of pumpkin is about 1 3/4 cup so using 2 cups of pumpkin should be fine.

If you don’t have agave and use sugar, 1/2 cup should work.

Thanks Linda, for sharing this yummy recipe!

The Value of Face Time

2011-11-03T10:28:00.000-05:00

This week I've returned from my first ever RAW weekend. For those not familiar with the term, it is the title given to Lora Leighs sponsored Reader Appreciation weekend. This year was her 5th such weekend and I have to tell you I was won over! The schedule was perfect for a three day weekend, lending itself to quality time spect in conversations with readers and other authors. Something that is rare for a bigger conference to achieve based on sheer numbers. I discovered some great new friends in both readers and authors and established an even greater respect and admiration for both.

**Lora Leighs Race Car with all the RAW 2011 authors on the side! How cool is that!

From the warmth of the Rocky Gap resort to the unexpected gift of a first, magical snowfall-RAW 2011 was a delightful experience that I look forward again in 2012!

Tis the Season...

2011-10-13T22:18:00.000-05:00

This month in my newsletter, my question to readers was sharing a fond or funny (or both!) memory of Halloween with me. One lucky reader will win a lovely prize (there can be only one!) but you'll have to join my newsletter in order to find out what that monthly prize may be!

Meantime, I'd like to know what your fav Halloween or Samahin reads or movies may be?

Two exciting bits that I've seen in the news in recent days includes the sequel to my all time fav Stephen King novel, "The Shining." This new book, its reported, features the son, Danny, all grown up and a doctor of sorts, who helps people with his special gift. Can't wait for this book!

The other truly exciting release on the horizon is the new Tim Burton/Johnny Depp film collaboration of the 70's hit gothic soap opera, "Dark Shadows." Its slated for next spring, but here is a pic of the new cast. My only question is where are Quentin and Angelique?

As the season of Samhain approaches may you enjoy the many blessings and gifts of the earth , your family and friends~

Amanda

Newsletter update: full length version of Wild & Unruly releases today !

2011-09-14T23:35:00.000-05:00

Hello dear readers!
This is by far, my favorite time of year! A cool autumn chill is in the air , fall decor is starting to show up in the store aisles and I've seen the tips of some of our trees just beginning to turn! My thoughts turn to gathering around our firepit with s'mores, watching our kids marching their college band on Saturday game days, and spending time with friends and family! But there's so much to talk about! Lets' get started!
~*~

DEBUT TIME-TRAVEL OUT NOW:
My new full-length Time travel western romance debuts today at Barnes & Noble and Amazon, and will be available soon at Books-A-Million. It is also available in ebook through All Romance E-books. Wild & Unruly, Book One in the Tales of the Sweet Magnolia, was in its original novella form, a CAPA nominee and Highly recommended read! So many readers loved the heat and humor between Sheriff Jake and Miss Lilly, so I've added never before published scenes and added a few twists and turns to create a brand new, full length version, chock full of these two characters and added a few more secondary characters to the mix that you're liable to see in future Tales of the Sweet Magnolia! Exclusive to Decadent Publishing, WILD & UNRULY has all the elements of a fast and fabulous read, that will make you fall in love with its characters all over again!

"A charming tale with intriguing twists and a hero who's as noble as he is sizzling hot-you'll fall in love!" ~Eden Bradley, 2010 Holt Medallion author of Pleasure's Edge

~*~
Some of you may have heard that Harlequin Spice has closed its line, but all Spice titles are still available in print and ebook at all the same venues! Unique stories and settings, heat with romance, unforgettable characters! Indulge yours reading appetite with one of these fine books from best-selling author, Amanda McIntyre; The Master & the Muses, Tortured, The Diary of Cozette, Winter's Desire anthology, The Pleasure Garden anthology. All books available in Italian translation.
Complete works collection click here...

~*~
I had the wonderful experience of visiting New Orleans this past Labor Day Weekend at Heather Graham's Writers for New Orleans--a project Heather began six years ago to gather the writing community together in an effort to help rebuild the amazing resilient city of New Orleans after Katrina. Even with Tropical storm Lee could not dampen the spirit of the weekend! It is a beautiful, historic city with friendly folks, amazing music and food, and a tenacity and belief in their city that truly exemplifies the heart of the American spirit! I highly recommend this annual event, held each year at the Hotel Monteleone, in the heart of the French Quarter! For readers and writers alike, it's a fabulous weekend!
~*~
Hope to see many readers at Lora Leighs Reader Appreciation Weekend (RAW) this October 27-30 at the beautiful Rocky Gap Resort in Flintstone, Maryland. Aside from the Thurday night bonfire (with s'mores! Yum!) you can meet and chat with twenty of your fav authors, enjoy a PJ party and masquerade party and get your books signed at the Sunday bookfair! Registrationis still open, so come join us for this relaxing and fun weekend!
~*~
Congratulations to Sandi, who won a $25 kindle gift card through my monthly newsletter contest! If YOU would like to subscribe to my newsletter, I promise your name will not be given out to any third party. You can subscribe by the link located on my blog home page!
~*~
Until next time,
Be well~
Amanda

Titles available for E-Readers!

2011-08-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

I've decided it might be fun to feature some of my backlist titles now available for Kindle . For those who may wish to sample my various works in paranormal, contemporary and historical as well as fantasy, I invite you to enjoy some of my earlier works~

First a romantic historical fantasy tale between human and fae...

Tirnan'Oge

"Come oh human child,

To the waters and the wild,
With a faery hand in hand,
For the world's more full of weeping
Than you can understand."
-WB Yeats

In the ancient spirit of storytellin' comes a tale of sensuality, wit, and most of all the passion that is Ireland~

In Tirnanogue, meet a man who dedicates his entire life to the love of one woman- a beautiful Sighoge fae, whose very existence relies on his belief in her world

Order now for Kindle...click here

First Year Anniversary Celebration !!

2011-07-24T12:03:00.001-05:00

Celebrating their first year anniversary, Decadent Publishing wants to give YOU, our readers, a special gift starting this week--August 24--at Smashwords!!

Special 1/2 prices of specially marked Decadent books!!
If you've been curious to catch some fresh innovative stories, then check out DP's stock!! Make your e-reader happy!

On Sale next week...starting August 24, 2011:

A Christmas Promise
Widowed Irishman, Brady McCormick made a promise to his young wife the day she died--to bring their son to America and begin a new life in the land of opportunity. Living in charity with a distant uncle in New York, barely scraping by, Brady is unsure he will be able to uphold the promise, much less quell the loneliness, until an angel appears at the docks, Saran Reichardt.

By The Light of the Silvery Moon
Can infatuation lead to love or just a howling good time? Jerome Hinkle has had his eye on pert little Shelly Bane since the days he lusted after her in high school. Now Shelly's all grown up and Jerome has returned to Landon where his passion for her is rekindled just as Shelly discovers a family secret that could take a bite out of their relationship.

Check out the fantastic anniversary specials this week at Smashwords !!

Happy Anniversary Decadent Publishing!

RAW 2011 (Reader Appreciation Weekend!)

2011-07-15T08:10:00.000-05:00

An All Hallows Eve Weekend!!

A perfect Autumn weekend getaway for readers and authors!!

Join up to 15 of your favorite authors and 300 incredible readers for the 5th anniversary of the Reader’s Appreciation Weekend, All Hallow’s Eve, A Fantasy Ball hosted by Lora Leigh.

An event filled four days, October 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2011 in Flintstone Maryland at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort

Join us for a special weekend of fun,books, crisp autumn nights and gorgeous surroundings! Schedule and registration click here...

See you in October with the return of Lil and Sheriff Jake in a newly revised time-travel western, Wild & Unruly!

Amanda

L.A. BANKS AUCTION IS LIVE !

2011-06-22T19:32:00.000-05:00

You won't believe the fantastic items up for auction at ebay!!

And for a good cause--place your bid, don't delay!

It's all about Sharing the Love...with L.A.!

Bid to win 6 of my books from Spice!! But thats not all!!

The winner will be named as a character in my upcoming Celtic Spice novella!! BID here...

Special Auction for Author L. A. Banks !!

2011-06-21T09:15:00.001-05:00

Several authors, editors and agents have banned together in recent days to put together a spectacular auction for our beloved friend and peer, L. A. Banks. We have recieved sad news that L.A. has become gravely ill and to help defray rising medical costs this very special auction is taking place for TEN DAYS ONLY on EBAY.

Here are the details and the official website for all support for Leslie Banks. Please help in any way you can.

The SHARE YOUR HEART auction for LA Banks begins today on Tuesday, June 21st at 9PM EST and runs for ten days ending on Friday, July 1st at 9PM EST due to eBay rules.

Please feel free to share news of the event: http://www.labanksauction.org/ .

The official list of items is there and there is a link to the eBay site, which will go active at 9PM.

To tweet, please use the hash mark: #labanksauction (You start it yourself by typing the number sign # followed by whatever you want to say (no spaces) from your twitter page and then add your news...).

Thank you for helping us spread the word!

Please keep L.A. and her family in your prayers.

Thank you~
Amanda

Summer reading!

2011-06-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

Let's talk for a moment about what's in our TBR piles for the summer!

First though, let me tell you that I am giving you a chance to add to your summer reads by checking out my contest running at Fresh Fiction all through June! Starts June 1!

I just finished HUSH by Cherrry Adair and if you like steamy heat, fabulous characters and exotic locale you do not want to miss this book!!

On tap- I hear Robyn Carr has another in her Virgin River series coming out soon. One of the only series on my buy witout thinking list;) The woman has created a fictional place where the characters are so real, their trials and tribulations, emotions and daily lives are so well done!

Some others on the TBR this summer:
Princesses Gone Wild (Decadent Publishing) Sahara Kelly & SL Carpenter
Pahntom Evil Heather Graham
Book of Shadows Alexandra Sokoloff

I'd like to find out how many of you have purchased some type of E-reader in the past year, and if so what kind do you have and what makes it the best in your eyes?

Let me know what you're reading this summer! Recommendations welcome! And what you're reading on!

Until next time~
Amanda

New Perspectives!

2011-06-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

Though I understand that reviews are subjective (I started out as a reviewer before taking the step into writing full time) like all things I am always amazed how people view things differently. The variety of elements that resonate with a reader are soemtimes similar, yet sometimes offer even the writer a new perspective of their work. Such is the case with this most humbling and well-written review that I received on my medieval book,"Tortured." The reviewer has given me permission to post it here and you can also find this and her other reviews at Amazon, eHarlequin and Goodreads.

My humble thanks to Virginia Campbell, author of this review.

Tortured" by Amanda McIntyre will stay with me for a long, long time. I couldn't have picked a better time than Memorial Day to read this book. "Tortured" is about loss of personal freedom, survival instinct, and the timeless hunger for omnipotence in those humans who live to dominate others. The story takes place in a time when Christianity, hedonism, and superstition were at war with each other, and mankind was the prize. However, it is also an unforgettable love story. Dryston is a wounded warrior whose gentle touch and loving passion bring back to life a young woman who willed so much of herself into submissive oblivion. It is the unconquerable spirit dwelling deep within Sierra which captivates her captive. All she loved was taken from her as a girl, as her mother was hung before her eyes and her young brother dragged away to be killed. Nothing was left for her to keep. Even her long hair was chopped off. She was forced to dress as a boy and become the apprentice to a master executioner. Together, Sierra and Dryston form a bold plan of escape, heading toward their predetermined fate. This is a vivid, well-told tale of the rawness and uncertain times of the Dark Ages. Would we have acted in the same manner as Sierra and Dryston and others around them? Amanda McIntyre places us right in the middle of the story line, making us see how human spirituality and physicality become twisted under ceaseless torment and cruelty. Although the setting of the story goes back in time more than fifteen hundred years, humans still act in much the same way. There will always be those who quest for dominance, but mercifully, there will always be love and lovers to offer hope for mankind.

Keep on reading and I'll keep on writing!

Amanda

RT BOOKlovers convention in Los Angeles

2011-03-30T16:10:00.000-05:00

Well, the lists are dwindling (at least for now) which means I must be close to being ready to fly out to LA for this year RT Booklover convention! It has been years since I've been to California, but I am looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones!
This year Sahara Kelly and I embark on our first year as reigning Faery Court Queens (affectionately the QE and QEII) as we call ourselves...its going to be a lovely evening as we whisk attendees back to the opulence of a Venetian Masquerade Ball! Mystery, decadence, glitz and glamour await our guests this year!!

Bigger and better this year is the Faery Ball Literacy raffle with "bling" that will make your mouth water!! All proceeds going to the National Coalition for Literacy!!

Special too this year is the sales of the anthology, Twice Upon a Time, a group of faery tales with a moderne day twist put together especially to help our sister fae, Tina Gerow with medical expenses incurred from a dangerous medical condition called, Arteriovenous Malformation. Gratefully, Tina has been through a lot, but is a trooper and continues to improve with each day and is our inspiration!

There is so much going on, but if you are in the area on Saturday for the giant book fair, I will have this year--my story of my Pre-Raphaelite bad boy and his muses--The Master and the Muses as well as a couple of anthologies, The Pleasure Garden and Naughty Bits, Vol III. Stop on by, I'd love to see you!

Until next time, please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts and do what you can to help the American Red Cross providing assistance overseas.

Happy April! and that's no joke!!

Amanda

News! Dark Seduction...

2011-03-14T10:13:00.000-05:00

I couldn't wait to share with you the gorgeous cover for my upcoming release

(date TBA 2011) finally-The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane!

An American woman seeking to make her mark in the world of investigative journalism finds herself drawn into the dark seduction of 1887 London, where decadent secrets entice and murder lurks in the shadows...

This is my first ever full smoking hot, victorian gothic mystery and because I am a visual writer I couldn't have asked for a better representation of this story!

Watch for more in the days to come!!

Amanda

SOS AMERICA GIVEAWAY!

2011-03-10T09:10:00.000-06:00

Win signed copies of your fav authors over at SOS AMERICA's ALHOA blog!!

Read about the Saucy Sirens Through History event happening at RT this year!

SOS Aloha BLOG

See you in Los Angeles!!

RT BOOKreviews Highlights parties at Convention 2011-Los Angeles!

2011-03-06T07:43:00.000-06:00

Starting off with Saucy Sirens Through History 6:30-8:00 PM Wednesday evening!

Check out the RT weblog here...

Inspirations

2011-02-23T10:11:00.000-06:00

Boy, its been a roller coaster month, hasn't it?

If you subscribe to my newsletter, you'll see that I've started a new section I call "INSPIRATIONS"--each month I share some of my "inspirations for writing or things that have touched my life in a special way. And I invite my readers to share their "inspirations " each month with me. I try to respond to each one, but time is a jealous wench, and I don't always get around to it as fast as I would like!

The stories you've sent have been such an inspiration to me! It gives me such joy and satisfaction to know there are so many amazing folks out there that are living extraordinary lives! And that is the center of the type of character I enjoy most writing about--the ordinary person stepping up to face and overcome extraordinary circumstances.

My heart and prayers go out to the extraordinary people in New Zealand this week, as they begin the task of rebuilding their lives after the devastating earthquake. Read how you can help here....

***

In my current WIP, my heroine is an American woman in the late 1800's who travels to London to pursue her dream of becoming an investigative journalist. She finds herself a target of an anonymous admirer, who sends her notes expressing his affection toward her. When body parts begin washing shore from the Thames and the notes begin to get more menacing, Jane must turn to the aid of London's Criminal Investigations team, a man carrying dark secrets of his own.

This story was inspired by a number of events and people in the summer of 1887 (this was approximately a year prior to the 1888 brutal terror of Jack the Ripper in London) Inspired by the first American woman investigative reporter, by the unsolved "embankment murders" in London and my love for Victorian Gothic mystery, this has been one fabulously fun story to write! I will keep you posted to its progress!

What I love about this story are the characters. Most very ordinary folks who are given by events and circumstances , the choice to fade into the woodwork, or step up to the plate to embrace what is dear to them. To face the challenges, despite the risk.

So , consider this an invitation to those of you who have not yet joined my newsletter! Each month I will feature an email sent in for my INSPIRATIONS section and that person wins a $25 gift card from someplace fun! Sorry, you must subscribe first to my newsletter to be eligible. See the area in the upper right corner of my blog to sign up today! And tell me--WHAT INSPIRES YOU!

Amanda
***

Available March 1, MIRROR, MIRROR in Naughty Bits, Vol 3.

Contemporary Erotic Mystery:
Charlie lives a charmed life. Young and exceptionally beautiful, she is used to getting what she wants, when she wants it. To her good fortune, so she thinks, she marries a wealthy older man with no one else but her to spend his money on. But when a freak boating accident leaves him crippled, she discovers the truth about how far you'd go for someone you love.

Just out : new sci-fi fantasy romance! TREASONS HEART

2011-02-16T09:59:00.000-06:00

I haven't been around much , and I apologize. In part because of my mother's health and in part because I have been busy coming up with finishing up my current Gothic WIP and working on some ideas for contemporary romantic /paranormal series. I will let you know how those are progressing...but in the interim, I'd like to make note of a new author to sci-fi romance and adventure that I'd like to invite you to check out!

Robin Geoffrey's new book-TREASONS HEART, is heating up Kindle Readers everywhere!!! If you don't believe me, check out the fabulous video done by none other than Circle of Seven Productions...

ENJOY!!

Amanda

CONTESTS O' PLENTY!!

2011-01-31T09:23:00.000-06:00

Fun news, cuz it's always fun to win prizes, right?

February 1-ALL DAY LONG with DECADENT PUBLISHING!

Bring in the New Year with Books and Coffee Time Romance & More

Come visit with the authors, read excerpts, chat with editors and find out how you can win a brand new kindle already loaded with SIX Decadent titles!

And visit my contest at FRESH FICTION

runs to February 7th!

The ART of ROMANCE

Win an autographed copy of the book RT BOOKreviews gave 4.5 stars and called "a special reading experience," plus a gift card to pamper yourself from Bed, Bath & Beyond!

While its chilly outside, you can be inside chatting, reading and winning!!

See you at Bring in the New Year with Books and Coffee Time Romance & More tomorrow and maybe have another surprise or two awaiting you!

Be well~

Amanda

Playing catch-up!

2011-01-30T17:25:00.000-06:00

Its been a while since I posted last--so much of life has happened, but perhaps best was reconnecting with a sibling who I'd not seen in many years! It was an awesome experience and one that has given me a new perspective on life, goals and relationships! So here's wishing all of you a Happy New Year, filled with bright hopes and new beginnings!

To catch up on things, I'm pleased to announce that for those of you who may remember Sheriff Jake Sloan from Wild and Unruly--well, Jake and Lilly will be making a comeback tour along with a related duet title called Forbidden Angel, featuring a nephew of Sheriff Sloan's 100 years later and a soiled dove looking for man whose music she fell in love with.

Both stories are time-travel flavor, with one going back in time, the other coming forward in time, using the same setting of the Sweet Magnolia brothel. It's a lot of fun and inspired largely by the song, "Cowboy Take Me away" by the Dixie Chicks and "the Cowboy in Me" by Tim McGraw.

***

In the spring of this year, March and April consecutively, will be the release of my erotic Hitchcock-style story, MIRROR, MIRROR in Naughty Bits, Vol.III. ....giving a glimpse inside the lives of a wealthy, beautiful woman, who would do anything to please the whims of her decadent husband, until the game becomes deadly!

Following will be the next in the Celtic Spice books, The Pleasure Garden which includes SACRED VOWS, a forbidden romance between a Gaelic woman and an Englishman bound for Rome.

Also, I'm proud to announce the soon-to-be -released TWICE UPON A TIME-faerytales with a dash of modern magic ! Included among many other great stories, is my modern retelling of THE PRINCE and THE PEA, featuring a struggling ad rep for a mattress compant and the "geek" co-worker who she pre-judges, until her faery godmother sets her straight and opens her eyes to what lies beyond the cover!

In late 2010, while at a booksigning and doing what she loves best--meeting her reader fans--author Tina Gerow was struck with symptoms of a dangerous medical condition known as Arteriovenous Malformation. What followed was a series of operations, a lengthy hospital stay and rehabilitation. We are happy to report that Tina is doing well, though her complete recovery is an ongoing process. In cases like this, medical expenses can mount rapidly and, as it often does, the literary community steps in to help however they can. This book is the result of an outpouring of just a few of Tina's friends from the Romantic Times Faery Court.

This one-of-a-kind anthology includes the literary talents of Eden Robins, Amanda McIntyre, Sahara Kelly, Taige Crenshaw, Vijaya Schartz, Janet Miller, Joy Nash, Liddy Midnight and Kayce Lassiter...and a contribution from you--the buyer of this book! Every author is donating 100% of their royalties to the fund established to assist Tina with her medical bills.

Available soon online and in bookstores, this book will premiere at the upcoming Romantic Times Booklovers convention being held in Los Angeles, April 2011. Published by Decadent Publishing.

Back to work...
stay warm & be well~
Amanda

Holiday Greetings! Lovely Gift of a Booktrailer Video

2010-12-16T09:12:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the greatest gifts we are blessed with do not come wrapped up with a bow. They are the emails and notes of good wishes for the season or telling you how much a reader loved your book. I may never attain the status of a New York Times Bestseller,(and if I do, I shall never forget the support of those who knew me"when;)) but I appreciate every one of my readers! My thanks to all the magazines, blogs, forums, yahoo loops, interview sites, promotion groups and writer's groups who support this author's dream of telling her stories.

I'd like to share this special gift from a talented friend in Italy, Christina Contilli who sent me this beautifully artistic rendition of a booktrailer for one of her fav books, THE MASTER & THE MUSES, for that alone, I am deeply humbled. Her work and choice of art and music is breathtaking.

Happy Holidays to all and may each of you have ten times the joy you have brought to me!

Booktrailer of "The master and the muses" of Amanda McIntyre from Cristina Contilli on Vimeo.

The Cowboy's Miracle -a Holiday story by Amanda McIntyre

2010-12-15T22:42:00.000-06:00

Worn and weathered from age and years of being alone, the cowboy in this story contemplates his life and its worth in the big scheme of things. He wonders if he should have made different choices—better choices, perhaps. Still, while in the solitude of a cattle run on a freezing cold winter’s night, the old man is given the chance to see his purpose on this earth. Taken from one of my early newspaper columns, I would like to share with you “The Cowboy’s Miracle,” and wish each of you peace in your days and a hope that shines eternal.

Christmas Night~

I pulled up the collar of my duster against the unexpected storm. I had endured holiday a holiday alone, but for some reason this year I felt more alone.. Maybe it was that I’m getting on in years. Maybe I’ve had enough of roping, delivering calves, and branding to last three lifetimes. Still, I know nothing else. My life revolves around being a cattle driver. Maybe I should just accept that fact and stop bellyaching about it.

I pulled open the door to the one room cabin that had stood the test of time and seasons of driving cattle to higher ground to feed. Stomping the snow from my boots I peered through the dark with only my single flashlight to search for the cabin’s kerosene lamps. I fumbled in my pocket, my old hands aching from the cold and found a small box of matches. With a couple of tries, I struck the match against the small wood table and the room illuminated with greater light.

For reasons I could not explain my hand shook and my senses came full alert that I was not alone. The flashlight dropped from my hands, rolling across the uneven floor. Squinting through my ancient eyes, a startled sound came from my throat as I saw a shadowy figure standing quietly in the dark. I held the flame higher and there was a fleeting moment when I wondered why the match hadn't burnt my calloused fingers.

"Who is it? This here's private property friend. How'd you get here?" The light within the room grew increasingly brighter until I was forced to cover my eyes. Maybe it was an angel come to take me to the Promised Land? God willing that's where I hoped that I would go.

"I was lost and cold,” a voice stated quietly.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, I remembered the passage my mother used to read on Christmas Day. "And you gave us clothes for our back,” I muttered in quiet response. Was I hallucinating from the cold?

"I was hungry,” the voice continued.

I frowned as I realized I was no longer afraid, only urged by something inside me to follow along with the words that flowed back to me for no reason that I could think of. "And you gave us food to eat."

"I was thirsty."

"And you gave us drink,” I nodded, though I didn’t understand what was happening.

My heart eased at the strange connection I felt to the intruder. "Are you an angel?" I asked cautiously as I bent to light the kerosene lamp. I turned up the wick and looked back to the dark corner where I’d spoken to the shadowy figure.

I grabbed the table to steady myself as fear and curiosity crept over my shoulders. Holding the lamp in front of me, I moved around the table inching my way to the corner. There was nothing but an old wool blanket lying on the floor.

At that moment, a knock sounded on the door above the fierce howling storm outside. On shaky legs I managed to get to the door and swung it open unsure of what I might find. On shaky legs I managed to get to the door and swung it open unsure of what I might find. Standing in the winter wind, stood a young man and a small woman, huddled together in an ice-covered blanket.

"Our car broke down. I have nothing to give you, but if you will let us rest here I would appreciate it. My wife, you see is about to have our child. We’re too far from the next town and with the storm, I’m afraid to risk trying." The woman's gaze met mine with fear mixed with the pleading look in her eye. My whole life all I’d done was deliver calves, surely I could do this.

I ushered the couple in and settled the woman on my single cot. Starting a warm fire, I melted some snow in a heavy cast iron kettle. I had only one cup, but the couple shared a bit of my soup and nibbled on a loaf of my bread.

When it was her time the young man was at her side, providing his encouragement as I did the only thing in my life that I knew well. The one thing I’d sworn lately was not worth much in the big picture of life.

As the boy child uttered his first cry, I wept along with the couple for the miracle we’d witnessed this night.

"What's' your name?" the young mother asked me.

"The name’s Aaron, ma'am."

"Then we’ll call him Aaron, won't we?" The woman smiled up at her husband, who leaned down to place a kiss on the babe’s head.

“Aaron it is,” he said with tears still fresh on his cheeks.

I gave the new family some time alone as I stood on the other side of the cabin and stared out the window at the frozen valley.

The storm had since subsided and the moon, full and bright, cast long shadows on the freshly fallen snow. Off in the distance I heard a young calf call to its mama. I smiled as I noticed a shadowy figure standing near my herd. As clear as if by my side, I heard his words spoken against the frigid night.

"What you do for the least of them, you do unto me."

A tear trickled down my cheek. Though it had taken many years, it was this night of all nights that I realized my humble, solitary life had true purpose.

Blessings and Peace to all~

Amanda

Anniversary Bash for the Holidays! Last week!

2010-12-13T08:31:00.000-06:00

It's the final week of UNUSUAL HISTORICALS 4th anniversary bash!!

When signed copies of my books (your choice!) and a slew of other books as well!! ;))

Exciting selections from Elizabeth Lane, Diane Whiteside, Hope Tarr,Lisa Marie Wilkinson,Lisa J Yarde, Kate Bridges,Monica Burns and me--Amanda McIntyre!

May all your days be merry and bright
and your books give you joy all through the night!!

Happy Holidays from your friends at Unusual Historicals!

Be well~
Amanda

Giftees for the Holidays!

2010-12-07T12:59:00.000-06:00

I have some free prezzies to share with my readers! Grab your cuppa steaming whatever-is your pleasure;) and curl up with one of my FREE READS to add some heat and romance to your holidays!

Hope they "awaken your passion and put a little jingle in your merry! Enjoy!

THE BOYS CLUB (Reader Discretion Advised: This story contains scenes of explicit sexuality.)

London, 1850

Lucille Smith’s passions have ruined her life—divorced, disowned from her family and now fired from her job because of them.

But when the mysterious and darkly compelling Lord Grant Thurgood recognizes that fire within Lucille, he offers her a job, and she thinks she’s finally gotten lucky. Only the job has certain…stipulations. In exchange for luxury and a very handsome wage, Lucille would act as mistress to Lord Thurgood’s Boys’ Club and fulfill the members’ every desire.

All members but one—Lord Thurgood himself. The man who, with one touch, has burned himself onto Lucille’s body, into her every thought and fantasy, and lit a fuse within her that will ultimately explode.

GARDEN OF DREAMS (Crescent Moon Press)
Satisfied, Celeste rocked back on her heels and surveyed her first day's efforts in the garden. Having a purpose had become her salvation. She'd seen the picturesque ad of the remote seaside, Victorian bed and breakfast in a magazine three weeks ago. The day was vivid in her memory. She gave up on love the same day. Read More...

HER CAPTAIN RETURNS (Crescent Moon Press) The townspeople of the tiny upper New England town, now called Cape Elizabeth, never gave much thought to the beautiful woman who would appear at the onset of winter each year. In quiet wonder, she would smile at the renovations and new products on the shelves. And folks would just tip their heads in a friendly nod and keep to their business-as good New Englanders do. Most knew that Lizzie was preparing for her captain's return. Read More...

UNFORGETTABLE ( Just One Bite, Vol. II-All Romance Ebooks)
Vamps and Weres and Fae, oh my! Throw in some Angels and Demons and Ghosts, add some spicy sex, and you've got the perfect recipe for one hot read. ARe's Just One Bite Anthology Volume 2 brings you the best of paranormal erotic romance from some of your favorite authors.

Congratulations to the winners of my 30 Days of Decadence contest! Each winner will receive a copy of my latest Victorian holiday release, A CHRISTMAS PROMISE! Congrats to Kathy, Sarah and Robyn!

Holiday contests still running, check them out!

Fresh Fiction Sugar & Spice and Naughty & Nice

Unusual Historicals 4th Anniversary Bash!

30 Days of Decadence! Celebrating the holidays with gifts daily!

UNUSUAL HISTORICALS CELEBRATES ITS 4TH ANNIVERSARY!

2010-12-06T12:39:00.000-06:00

I ASK YOU, IS THERE ANYTHING MORE FUN THAN THE PLEASURE OF RECEIVING FREE BOOKS!!?

(ok, maybe the second best thing;)

THE AUTHORS AT UNUSUAL HISTORICALS WANT TO GIVE YOU THE "NEXT" BEST THING!!

Head over all week long to take part in the holiday celebration of the

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF UNUSUAL HISTORICAL BLOG!!!

AND THE FUN CONTINUES DURING THE WEEK AT

THE ROMANTIC TIMES BOOKLOVERS BLOG!

Happy holidays from your authors at Unusual Historicals!!

Amanda

Happy Holidays with FREE READS!!!!

2010-11-27T10:27:00.000-06:00

All Romance E-Books has released three--count them, three-- luscious volumes of the finalists in the recent "Just One Bite" anthology contest!! My story, UNFORGETTABLE, is in Volume Two--

UNFORGETTABLE is a short slice of dark, sensual decadence with two lovers--one vampire, the other a slayer--meeting again on the eve of the tribunal gathering, where a new leader of the vampire clan for the next hundred years is to be named. When his life is threatened, he must rely on the woman he scorned to protect him from the insider of the clan who is trying to kill him!

Volume TWO- Just one Bite

Sneak Peek:
Gunner waited, focused on retrieving her scent in the heavily misted midnight breeze. He waited another breath and then stepped from his hiding place. An elbow met his face and before he could react, there was a painful blow to his shin and a quick, decisive jab to his gut, causing him to double over and gasp for air.

“You think I didn’t know you were here? I sensed you the minute I stepped from the pub. Where’d you go, Gunner? You forgot to say goodbye.”

He wiped the blood trickling from his nose as he smiled at his assailant. “Good to see you, too. I see you haven’t changed, Tory. What’s up?” Damn the woman still could whip his ass, though he had to figure in that she had the advantage of his jumbled thoughts. He looked her over from head to toe and through an eye he knew would be swollen soon, she still looked good enough to eat—figuratively speaking. She was a bad boy’s dream in her form-fitting jeans and thin white T-shirt topped with a worn leather biker’s jacket. A fuchsia colored scarf was looped fashionably twice around that beautiful neck. Gunner felt a twinge stirring below his belt.

Tory shifted her oversized black bag on her shoulder and eyed him warily. “I suppose you want me to take care of that,” she nodded, referring to his eye.

“I wouldn’t want to trouble you,” Gunner remarked, rubbing his hand over his gut.

“Like hell, you wouldn’t, Gunner. Come on then. I’m just up the block. Don’t try anything though, I’m warning you.”

He grinned, raising his hands in defense. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied. Only he had and every night for a year after he’d left her at the seedy motel where they’d gone to have some privacy. They’d met at a bistro in Tuscany and spent the next week touring the sights, sampling the wine and food, learning about each other-eventually revealing who he was, what he was and offering her the same. She declined and their last night together, he mustered every ounce of strength, making passionate love with her, but not taking her for his eternal mate.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Amanda

CELEBRATE WITH GIVEAWAYS!

2010-11-26T10:38:00.000-06:00

It's predicted that this holiday season will be the biggest yet for the new handlheld reading devices, making it even easier for avid readers to get the books they want, faster without the long lines and crowded parking lots! Kindle, Nook, Sony, Koob---and iPad, itunes, Smashwords---all have heard the clamor from consumers and answered the call. And now publishers--large and small, new and traditional--have embraced this new way to get books into the hands of readers!

E-Publishing has come a long way in thie last decade, making it impossible to ignore that eletronic publishing has a valid place in the publishing industry. Many small press and larger press now offer theor books in print as well as various downloadable formats, and authors-new & seasoned-- are partaking in this ground-breaking wave of reading.

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH SEVERAL GIVEAWAYS!!

30 DAYS OF DECADENCE Books, gifts, fun and more await readers starting today--Black Friday!!

I am happy to launch the start of the 30 DAYS OF DECADENCE with my victorian-set historical holiday romance, a CHRISTMAS PROMISE;

Widowed Irishman, Brady McCormick made a promise to his young wife the day she died--to bring their son to America and begin a new life in the land of opportunity.Living in charity with a distant uncle in New York, barely scraping by, Brady is unsure he will be able to uphold the promise, much less quell the loneliness, until an angel appears at the docks, Saran Reichardt.

Headstrong and tenacious, gentlewoman Saran knows she's unlike most women of society. Dedicated to teaching and helping the impoverished, she has no need of a man to take care of her, but an accidental encounter with a stormy-eyed Irish immigrant and his young son changes her perception of what need really is. Will this holiday give them both the hope and faith they desire or will their own stubbornness keep them apart

Check out the blog today --Black Friday--and leave a comment for your chance to win one of three copies of A Christmas Promise to be given away!

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH MORE GIVEAWAYS!

FRESH FICTION:

Amanda McIntyre's SUGAR & SPICE- NAUGHTY & NICE CONTEST! Nov.22-Dec. 15, 2010*

Win a copy of WINTER AWAKENING (Winters Desire print anthology) and the release in e-book format of my NEW traditional historical romance set in Victorian New York, A CHRISTMAS PROMISE! Stop by and sign up to win!! Happy reading!

Signing up for my periodic newsletter gives you a chance monthly to win a gift card from Barnes & Noble! Sign up through Fresh Fiction or at my website! Great for holiday shopping!

A warm wish for safe travel and the blessings of family, friends and plenty of good reading this holiday season!!

Amanda
http://www.amandamcintyre.net/

Faeries Run Amuck! Annual RT Faery Court Scavenger Hunt is launched!

2010-10-21T08:23:00.000-05:00

They're back! The Faeries of the 2011 Romantic Times Booklovers Faery Ball invite you to their glade where you will find a bevy of surprises and a scavenger hunt sure to please the voracious reader!

A magical click to The Faery Court will take you to a land of star-dusted sites and give you the clues you need to join us on our annual Scavenger hunt! An armload of prizes await you in the faery realm! Come join in our frolic and fun!

~See you in L.A.!

2011 Fae Queens Amanda & Sahara

Meet the Author Booksigning event: You're Invited!

2010-10-03T20:47:00.000-05:00

MEET THE AUTHORS
Tuesday October 05, 2010 7:00 PM

Barnes and Noble
The Shoppes at Three Fountains,
4550 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA

I will be signing all of my Spice titles at this popular annual multi-author mass booksigning event !

Hope to see you there!!

Amanda

Good news! Just One Bite Contest at All Romance E-Books

2010-10-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

Good news!

My short paranormal UNFORGETTABLE , inspired by musings of "The Tribe" (descriptions of a busload of imaginary heroes written by readers) has been named a finalist in the "JUST ONE BITE" contest going on now at All Romance E-books. Click here to vote!

If you love the story, I ask for your vote to help get it to the next round;) Readers are allowed one vote per round!

I love this time of year with its chilly nights, listening to the dark wind in the trees, caught by surprise at the sudden rustle of leaves behind you as you walk a deserted street...

Please let me know if you would like to read more about "The Tribe" heroes!!!! email me: amanda@amandamcintyre.net

I invite you also to take a look at a brand new publisher on the block--Decadent Publishing--touting some amazing, strong new voices in the industry ! Exceptional quality and array of genres and heat levels, I am pleased that they picked up my sexy paranormal, BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON, a perfect little "taste" of the she-wolf lurking in every woman.;)

Update: Finals preparations are in the works for the next in the Celtic Spice anthology coming out in April 2011! This one covers the festival of Beltane. Co-writers, Kristi Astor, Charlotte Featherstone and I invite you to keep an eye out for THE PLEASURE GARDEN coming soon!

Enjoy your Autumn!!
Amanda

Wednesday Musings: The Windmills of My Mind

2010-09-22T08:04:00.000-05:00

My apologies for my intermittent(at best) posts;) Its' been one crazy late summer /early fall on so many levels of my life;) --Sort of like windmills-continually moving--
Speaking of--isn't this pic lovely? Air energy windmills dot the landscape near where I live and I have found their artistic beauty(IMO) a serene view at sunset.

Moving right along--I want to thank everyone for the lovely emails regarding your thoughts in reading THE MASTER & THE MUSES. I admit Thomas was rather one of those men extremely hard to peel away the layers of, but deep down, he is a darling. ;) As I've always stated--you either love him or hate him-but rarely can you forget him;) It's good to know that the majority of you really loved the book!;)

FORBIDDEN PLEASURES-the story of Torin and Alyson is now available at Harlequin Spice Briefs and all its many forms of ebook distributions, including at Amazon Kindle. It's received a thoughtful and provoking review--as always at ALL I WANT AND MORE *scroll down to read Cecile's review! Cecile knows I love her reviews because they are real and make you think beyond the book!

New on the horizon-I'm excited to announce a new publisher-Decadent Publishing is now open and ready to introduce some smashing new authors to the reading world! Additionally, I have found a home there for a couple of stories as I continue to branch out into the Contemporary romantic suspense realm! For your steamier shape-shifter read I have BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON--its a short read I like to call my "fang in cheek" tale on she-wolves;)

Coming this December (gorgeous cover art coming soon, I hope!) I am pleased to announce a beautiful holiday historical romance(in the true traditional sense) set against the backdrop of New York City . It is heartwrenching story of a hardworking Irishman, Brady McCormick who makes a promise to his wife to bring their son to America and make a life-in spite of what may happen to her. When she dies, he struggles with ever being able to love anyone as much and is protective of her memory and their son, until he meets a tenacious, beautiful and kind American woman who cares for his son and eventually captures his heart as well. A CHRISTMAS PROMISE will be out in December 2010 from Decadent Publishing.

Please visit UNUSUAL HISTORICALS this Friday (9.24.10) when I will be featured as one of their new contributors. I have always admired and marveled at what these authors find and share in the realm of historical research-and so becoming a part of this group is both an honor and thrill for me. Watch for announcements of a fantastic celebration coming from UH in December when they celebrate their anniversary! LOTS of book giveaways and fun things going on!

Finally, thank you to you who have asked about my mom's health and continue to keep her in your thoughts. Its a comfort to know that my friends care;)

Hope to see you Friday over at Unusual Historicals! I may even be giving away a book of your choice that day!

Be well~

Amanda

A Medieval Morsel

2010-09-02T07:50:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited to finally be able to share that my steamy medieval Spice Briefs, FORBIDDEN PLEASURES is finally here!

Many of you who read TORTURED asked what happened to Sierra's younger brother who the Saxon orderd to be taken to the woods and killed....well, I listened and here you go. This is the story of Torin and the forbidden love of Alyson, a Celtic woman who would become his greatest strength.

You can get this medieval morsel for a slew of your wonderful electronic gadgets including KINDLE and at the new and improved Harlequin website for SPICE BRIEFS

Here is one of my favorite excerpts:

“I was instructed to speak with you.” She saw his smile vanish, his expression bathed by the moon, turned serious.

“From whom do you receive your instruction?” he asked searching her face.

Alyson averted her eyes from his steady gaze and searched what to say to him. “Come, sit here beside me and let me see your hand.” She drew him to a stone bench just outside his room.

“You want to see my hands?” The Roman asked, his eyes alert to the garden around them. “You are becoming a more curious woman, with each passing moment.”

“You must believe me. Back there in the garden, when you grabbed my arm. There was great magic in your touch.” There was barely enough room for the two of them on the small bench. She took his hand, palm up and placed it on her lap.

“I think you would find greater pleasure were my hand turned over,” he stated leaning close, providing her with a charming grin.

“Assuming that you think you know what gives me pleasure, milord?” she asked, guarding herself to his bewitching advances. He bore a magnetism that was hard to ignore, no doubt part of his skillful leadership capabilities. That thought reminded her of why she’d been sent. He was far too easy to fantasize about and seated here at his side made the temptation even greater.

“Forgive me, milady. But do I detect a challenge in your response?”

“Did you not believe me when I tell you I’ve been sent to speak with you?”

“To be truthful, when a beautiful woman appears in the middle of the night in my bedroom, my thoughts do not turn speaking.” He squeezed her hand.

“Listen to me well. This is about you, your future. It has nothing at all to do with me, other than to be the messenger for the gods.”
~*~

To further satisfy your medieval hunger, I invite you to pick up TORTURED . Listed on eHarlequin's Top Ten Best Erotic Fiction Reads.

Complex and riveting, it is the story of Dryston and Sierra--their passion and courage and love for their families, friends and each other--that help them survive in this dark era.

What readers are saying about Tortured:

"Tortured is driven with the need for hope during such tumultuous times as was that part of history. I felt as if i were whisked away to that time and that land. The vivid descriptions and steady rhythm of the story made for one disturbingly touching tale of hope, love and survival."~Amy

"...you feel as though you are right there with the characters..." Barb
"I wish more readers would give erotic novels a chance. The stories, if well written, like this one is; you will understand the reason for the use of sex in the story. This was my first experience with this author, Amanda McIntyre. I'm glad I took the time to read this novel and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future." a Reader

Last Day for Fresh Fiction Hot August Giveaways!

2010-08-31T08:19:00.000-05:00

Chillax this summer with an eccentric Englishman

You may know a man like Thomas is--bad boy, egotistical, hard to resist. His passion is his painting and his women are his muses.

But what happens when your muse wants more?

Find out in THE MASTER & THE MUSES

'Unique...irrisistable..a very special reading experience,4.5 stars"~RT Bookreviews

Click here!

Candy Store style inspiration

2010-08-28T23:47:00.000-05:00

There are few times I find my self as giddy as a kid in a candy store, but I stumbled across another great little flick that has given me oodles (yes, you read that correct, oodles!) of inspiration whilst I write my current dark Victorian erotic suspense.

The film--a remake of the classic Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

It stars the brilliant Colin Firth and a mesmeizing young actor by the name of Ben Barnes in the lead role of the forever young Dorin Gray. The supporting cast including Ben Chaplin just adds to an overall brilliant performance in this expose' of the dark decadence of the well-to-do in London.

The costuming and set design alone are absolutely wonderful! And the story, as retold in this particular version, illuminates this talents of its exceptional cast exceedingly well! A highlight of the movie is a scene shot at the famed Circle of Lebanon at Highgate cemetary. (*okay, I admit to haveing an unusual fascination with cemetaries and Highgate is one of my top ten that I dream of visiting one day)

If you haven't already (maybe back in high school?) read the original book by Oscar Wilde, I suggest you do;)

Then, if you'd like a brilliant visual and prefer your Victorian toasted dark, then I highly recommend this latest version of Dorian Gray !

As for me...its back to my writing...

Until next time~
Amanda

Thursday Coffee Talk: What I learned from Thomas Rodin & other musings;)

2010-08-27T09:08:00.000-05:00

Its not often that I share the letters from readers but I have marveled at the spectrum of thoughts about my dark hero, Thomas Rodin (The Master and the Muses) and find it fascinating what people are saying about him. Thomas of course, is used to both criticism and flattery, taking both with a mere shrug of his shoulder, simply as that is the way of this man. On a personal level, I find Thomas an intriguing and frustrating man--complex , yes and yet, not really. In his world of artists and creative-types, the ego-centric attitude is not uncommon. "One has to be I suppose out of survival of the fittest," Thomas would tell me.

And it dawned on me then, that "survival" seems to be a reoccuring theme in many of my stories. Perhaps it reaches far back into my personal life, perhaps it's simply that I enjoy seeing the ordinary person step up to the plate and become extraordinary in their own right.

Thomas, poor boy, never aspired to be anyone's champion, other than his own. But life, as it often does, interferred and crossing his path came three women who would over time, turn his neat little world upside down-causing him to look at the man in the mirror and make a change.

If you haven't yet read the book, I shan't tell you which of these everyday beauty's captured his heart in the end, you should find that out for yourself;)

Everyone deserves a little happiness. That may be temporal or forever, life is funny that way. We never know which it will be. Savor each moment. Thomas taught me this in the way he enjoyed his walks in nature, in the way he found beauty in the ordinary, in the sound of a poet's word, in the stroke of his brush. A dreamer, poet, rogue--Thomas lived in the moment. And that's something we could all take a lesson from...

Random reader thoughts about Masters & the Muses....

"From the first chapter you are hooked and you can't stop reading until you put the book down. There is mystery, happiness, profound sadness for some of the characters at times, in the end well........... lets say the author wraps up the book nicely and doesn't leave any strings hanging which I hate.." Reader

~*~

"Amanda has such a way with her writing that you feel as though you are behind the curtain, behind the door... As if you are watching the things unfold right in front of your eyes... " Reader

~*~

"Rodin is resolved to show them that entire he deserves his spot among the masters and the stories follow his pursuit of his dream along with three special women who play apart in his work and his life. Each woman is very different and brings something new into Thomas's life as he ushers them into a world of art and beauty and one of desire and abandon as well. "...Reader

~*~

"Thomas Rodin is a man of many talents and many pleasures. He finds it hard to refuse himself, after all he is the master of his domain, the master artisan. He's passionate to a fault with his muses, trying to be what they all want as they try to conform to his life. He is a true artist, able to see the beauty in the world around him, as well as the not so pretty world that in reality, he must live in..." Reader

Go out there today and savor every moment!

Amanda

A Little Poll...because I'm curious like that

2010-08-18T06:43:00.000-05:00

For those of you who know me, you know that I have eclectic taste in music--everything from Vivaldi to Queen to Broadway musicals. I am the same way in my reading. I guess the technical term would be-- "mood" reader. There are times I want a little suspense, other days I love be transported back into time (yay Medieval,Celtic and Victorian!)

Other days, I'm quite content to pour over brochures and research books in preparation for my next book. Yeah and I have been known to actually leisurely read through a dictionary. Weird? oh well...

Are you a purebread reader--emersing yourself totally in one era or genre? Or do you enjoy sampling a variety of reads--aka Forrest Gump(a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get?)

As I continue to work on my current book THE DARK SEDUCTION OF MISS JANE, ( a dark victorian romantic suspense,btw) I have just finished reading Beth Ciottas Evie Ever After--totally falling in love with her Scottish bad boy hero, Arch;) heavy sigh...but I digress...

I tend to read opposite of what I'm writing , for some reason it frees my brain.

As if I need more help in that area;)

So what about you? Aside for the great covers, are you a :

*Purebred Genre reader:(read only traditional work in that genre)________

*Go by the blurb on the book, genre doesn't matter_________

*Never read the blurb, if the cover is HOT, I'm on it!:__________

*Prefer a certain era/genre__________and wish I could find more like it:

Share with me your thoughts and be entered to win an ebook copy of my sexy new contemporary paranomral release BY THE LIGHT OF THE SILVERY MOON!

Desirous for your thoughts!;)

Amanda

Thursday Coffee Talk/ Author Empress LaBlaque 8.12.10

2010-08-12T22:19:00.001-05:00

THURSDAY COFFEE TALK : special Friday Edition;)

Today we've got another Lady Leo author at the House of Muse. Like the authors I've been highlighting in past weeks, Empress is also a part of Arrow Publications Apple Apps author program (*read more about that here)

Let's first get to know the author and then we'll find out more about her writing! Tell us a bit about yourself, Empress.

Empress: I consider myself a connoisseur of fine romance. I can find romance in any situation and I enjoy writing across genres. My love for writing dates back to high school where my studies took a back seat to my writing. As punishment for my lack of attention, I had one teacher who pulled me forward and demanded I read my paper. That teacher admitted my story was good, but sent me to the office anyway. Here’s to you, Mr. English and thanks ;)

I understand that you write interracial romance. How do you see your role as an author in writing IR Romance?

Empress: There is a strong alliance between the name Empress LaBlaque and interracial romance. Right now, interracial romance is fresh, new, and exciting. It’s also rewarding on many levels. I‘ll write whatever the public demands. Some women will never experience an interracial relationship. To some, it’s considered taboo or an off-limits fantasy. I’m the catalyst who provides a safe bite of forbidden fruit. When writing IR Romance, the hero loves his heroine without condition. I immerse my IR characters in various plots or situations. While I enjoy writing this genre, the majority of my readers are Caucasian. My favorite genres include paranormal, time travel, historical, vampires, as well as contemporary IR romance.

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book-WHAT COLOR IS LOVE?

Tamela Johnson is an outstanding substance abuse counselor. She conducts seminars all over the United States. Of course she has everything under control, including her love life. Wrong! While attending a boring seminar, Tamela meets Lane Corbett, an English gentleman. She is horrified when he reveals he’s been following her and has an undeniable crush on her. Because Lane is smitten, Tamela wonders if he realizes she's black. Is Lane blind or simply crazy?

How about a sneek peek of the book?;))

“Tell me your problem? I’m a good counselor.”

Lane took my hand. “You.”

I quickly retrieved my hand and gazed around the dining room. “Stop that. You’re going to give people the wrong impression.”

“I don’t care, Love,” Lane declared.

“Lane. You hardly know me,” I admitted, gazing wildly around the room. “Sh- Someone might hear you.”

Lane sighed and leaned back in his chair. “I’m coming on a bit strong, eh?”

“No—You think so?”

“You conducted a seminar in Atlanta, Georgia, right?”

I tilted my head to the side. I had no idea where this question was going. “Yes. About a month ago,” I replied.

“I listened to every word that fell from your lips, Tamela. By the time you’d finished, I’d fallen madly in love with you.”

I was drinking my tea when Lane made his staggering confession. I almost sprayed his face with it. “In love--with me?” I blotted my lips. “The crowd was massive. I really don’t recall seeing you.”

Lane pointed to himself. “I was the guy who kept standing around after the seminar was over. I helped you take your things to your car.”

I snapped my fingers. “Yes, you did!”

~*~
Define for readers, your ideal heroine:

Empress: My heroine embraces the personality of all women. She can be brassy, demure, lonely, or just in love. Imperfections are a must, as perfect people tend to scare me. Most of all, she must possess a great compassion for humanity, putting her needs aside for the good of others. She selects a mate who compliments her. He will not overpower nor dominate her, yet she’ll always feel safe in his arms.

Question for one of Empress's books:
So many times heat ratings are at the mercy of the distribution site they appear on. I have had some of my books misjudged by the ratings placed on them and so encourage readers to always check my website for clarification of heat levels in my books. As I love happy, enthusiastic readers, I would like to know, if you choose a book by the heat level or by the story?

Leave your comment and be enetered to receive one of the Empress's book!
Thanks to Empress and Arrow Publications for this special blog tour featuring authors from Lady Leo Publishing!
You can obtain a copy of What Color Is Love at Apple Itunes
Learn more about Empress and her books at her website and blog
Check out her books at Lady Leo Publishing

Until next time~

Amanda

Sneek Peek Tuesday: PLEASURE GARDEN

2010-08-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

Just in--new cover art for the second anthology in the Harlequin Celtic Spice mini series. PLEASURE GARDEN~ watch for more in coming weeks!

*kinda makes you appreciate all those weeds a little bit more, doesn't it? ;))

Monday Musings; Free Read goodies!

2010-08-09T15:43:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Jenn and Linda for playing my little wolfy game to celebrate my new shapeshifter debut at Decadent Publishing! Please email me for arrangements for your prizes! amanda@amandamcintyre.net

~*~*~*

I've had these out for a while, but they may be hard to find;) So I thought, you might enjoy a little sizzle, a little romance and magic and a little paranormal! Enjoy!

~*~*~*~SUMMERTIME FREE READS~*~*~*

THE BOYS CLUB

*Reader Discretion Advised: This story contains scenes of explicit sexuality.*

Lucille Smith’s passions have ruined her life—divorced, disowned from her family and now fired from her job because of them.

GARDEN OF DREAMS

On the run from a broken realtionship , Celeste discovers a rundown, but quiant seaside bed & breakfast, who like her, just needs a little tender loving care. Helping the elderly proprietor with her decaying garden, Celeste is transformed, even as the garden is transformed. Hope rekindled, as the magical garden thrives, so too her dreams come alive, sensual and passionate!

HER CAPTAIN RETURN'S

The townspeople of the tiny upper New England town, now called Cape Elizabeth, never gave much thought to the beautiful woman who would appear at the onset of winter each year. In quiet wonder, she would smile at the renovations and new products on the shelves. And folks would just tip their heads in a friendly nod and keep to their business-as good New Englanders do. A tale of the relentless sea and aof the woman who would not let love die.

Back to writing~~

Amanda

Thursday Coffee Talk/ Author Dominique LeSane 8.5.2010

2010-08-05T06:39:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Today we continue our feature here at TCT with another talented author from Lady Leo Publishing who is taking part in Arrow Publications Apple Apps Program

Read more about this exciting partnering opportunity for both authors and publishers at Arrow Publications website!

Now to meet Dominique!

Dominique LeSane pens mystery and erotic short stories. She is the author of The Housewife Diaries, Seven Year Itch, and May/December Romance. A native of Baltimore, MD, Dominique LeSane now calls the Dirty South her home.

Blurb from Arrow App of the Week:

Seven Year Itch

What do you do when you're absolutely head over heels in love with your husband, and he with you...but there's NO sex life? Isaiah and Dara Moore have all the creature comforts that life can afford, but as they reach year seven in their marriage, they realize their perfect life is missing an essential ingredient: sex. Isaiah whisks Dara away for their anniversary to a place he believes will reignite the spark, but when they arrive at the location, will Dara be game?

Tell TCT, what is your idea of the perfect hero/heroine?
You will find in my writing the characters go through struggles that we can all relate to. Of course we haven't all cheated on our significant others, but in reading my stories, you could understand why the character may have chosen to do so- even if you disagree with their choice. My idea hero/heroine possesses those characteristics that make readers love them because they can relate and the reader wants to travel with them on their journey.

Question for giveaway of a copy of this story: Leave your thoughts for a chance to win!
Isaiah took Dara away in an attempt to reignite the fire in their relationship? Is that something you would ever consider in your relationship?

You can get Seven Year Itch at Apple iTunes Apps

and read more about her at interview with Arrow Publications Newsletter!

Thanks Dominique for stopping by and continued success in your writing!

Dominique loves to share her gift of writing with her readers. Look for more to come from Dominique Fall 2010. Check out more from this gifted author at http://www.dominiquelesanestories.com/
You can contact her at dominique.lesane@yahoo.com

Thursday Coffee Talk/ Author Linda Herman aka Sunshine Royal

2010-07-29T09:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome and good morning to TCT! This week we're continuing our discussions with some of the authors from Lady Leo Publishing, who have partnered with Arrow Publications to enroll in their Apple Apps promotion program. If you want to know more about this fantastic promo idea as well as the sizzling hot romance graphic novels that have garnered the likes of best-selling author, Lucy Monroe , check out more at Arrow Publications

At Coffee Talk today , we welcome multi-genre author, Linda Herman aka Sunshine Royal. Two pen names generally denotes two different writing styles is that the case then, with you?

Linda: As an author I do not confine myself to writing in only one genre. Through my persona, Sunshine Royal I create stories of Erotica with true to life storylines. As Linda R. Herman, I write stories that range from Contemporary to Inspirational and an occasional Romance.

I see that Literary Lovers Book Club Reviews gave your book CHEMISTRY 101, its highest rating. Here is part of what they had to say--

"Chemistry 101 is an enticingly sensual confession by Sunshine Royal that is sure to engage readers in heated discussions about sexual taboos."

From reading the synopsis, you've chosen a topic that is highly controversial , why?

Linda: My goal as an author is to deliver an entertaining piece that also educates and raises awareness on issues we deal with in our daily lives.

Can you give us a brief overview of CHEMISTRY 101?

When Olivia Collier is pursued by her eighteen-year-old student, Thaddeus Grant, will the Chemistry teacher give him a never-to-be forgotten lesson in body chemistry, or can a lonely woman restrain from a forbidden affair with her student?

The law says that eighteen is legal, but morally, is there anything wrong with a thirty-two-year-old woman teaching an eighteen-year-old student outside of the classroom?

What are some of your other works/awards?

Linda: I’ve appeared in several anthologies to date. Succulent: Chocolate Flava II; Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage; Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy; Sugar & Spice; After Dark Delights; Sistahs Need Luv 2; and The Triumph of My Soul. I was also a 2009 AALAS Nominee (sponsored by African Americans on the Move Book Club) for my novel Consequences. In 2005, I won first place in the Black Expressions Annual Fiction Writing Contest for the original first chapter of my now published novel, Cost of Our Affairs.(*taken from interview at My Romance Story)

Thanks for stopping by House of Muse, Linda, there's always one question I like to ask guests: Can you describe for us your favorite hero/heroine?

Linda: My idea of a hero or heroine isn't a perfect being who is immortal. My idea of a hero or heroine is a flawed mortal who learns from his or her mistake(s) and sets out to make a difference

I understand that you and Arrow are partnering to give away a copy of your book today, what question would you like to pose to readers?

What is your opinion of women who date men who are a considerably younger?

That is a thought-provoking question for certain! If you'd like to order Sunshine's book, you can find it at: Lady Leo Publishing and Apple itunes

You can learn more about Linda and her books at her website Linda Herman.org
and Sunshine Royal

Haunting Music for The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane

2010-07-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

Inspiration from where you ask?

My current WIP for Spice is a dark victorian gothic. If forced to fold it into a cubicle of a category I would say officially it was an erotic historical suspense, with romance elements,--not of your warm and fuzzy variety , however, we're talking dark, hot and sweaty. Secrets. Illusions.

The summer of 1887 in London was one of the worst on record-swealtering heat, tensions in the street, socialist uprisings imminent, body parts washing ashore from the Thames(true story, explain later)--it was one hellacious summer to celebrate the Queens 25th Jubilee and a busy time for the director of Scotland Yard and the youngest Inspector of theYards Criminal Investigation Dept. (CID)

Some of you know that I rather enjoy the macabre, yes, paranormal , but more diving into the human mind, which can be far more monsterous when the conditions are ripe. And that summer, they were-- it was the summer before the famous Ripper murders began in 1888. And oh how I adore obscure bits of history!!

In 1887, the body parts that washed ahsore were dubbed the 'embankment murders.' For purpose of fiction, I take literary liscense to move those parts closer to London proper rather than downstream-- mainly to lend greater angst to my already tormented Inspector. The guy needs a break and he gets it in some very unlikely ways.

Just the same--it mistifies me that I'd never heard about much about this event. To my knowledge no one has ever made any connection with the heinous crimes that were to follow the next year. Both cases remain unsolved.

Further inspiration: Yes, caught Depp playing his brilliant portrayal of the Inspector in "From Hell" --a very interesting theory, but mainly inspired by the streets, clothing and buildings of that era.
(* inside look at Paris Opera House-gorgeous!)

The Illusionist and The Prestige-both have been on my research list as well--again ambiance, clothing , theater, and well, who doesnt love a good British accent?

And I have found some wonderful music, particulary the fantastic Adam Hurst, who plays the most haunting cello I have ever heard. An instrument that lends itself very well to the dense fog of an empty London street.

Here are a couple of my favorite music pieces used for many a scene in my upcoming The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane.

I'm sending you to the YOUTube link because the download is too long.. I used these for specific scenes--

Ravensong for a Swan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru_i1o1zMMQ

Face the Rain Adam Hurst
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ3LNXxz-sk&feature=related

Have a lovely week!
Its back to writing for me;)

Amanda

Thursday Coffee Talk/ July 22, 2010/ Author, Tinisha Nicole Johnson

2010-07-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome you sleepyheads to Thursday Coffee Talk. Amanda has asked me to host this week's show, due to some trivial thing she calls a deadline...has some morbid undertones if you ask me.

I'm not much of a morning person. I need my beauty rest, but when she tempted me with the pan of lasagne, what choice did I have? It's true I have a lovable reputation to keep and a shape that screams "I'm too cute for words" both of which need italian -style casserole dishes to sustain them.

Besides, she let me wear her bunny slippers.

So grab a cuppa joe and lets get this party started. Yawn* Is it naptime yet?

We've been showcasing a few of the talented authors at Lady Leo Publishing who have partnered up with Arrow Publications and their new Apple App Distribution program!

For those of you with backlists and returned rights, you may wish to learn more about this innovative program. You can find out lots more about it if you click very carefully on this link (tell 'em Garfield sent you;) http://www.arrowpub.com/

Meantime, we're about to learn more about this gifted author and very pretty lady, Tinisha Nicole Johnson. Here is a wee bit more detail about Tiniaha. ( I have to remember to ask if she likes cats...)

Tinisha Nicole Johnson is an author, poet, and a professional freelance writer. She resides in Denver, Colorado with her two kids. She’s had a love for writing since the age of eleven. Tinisha loves to write in various genres from romance, inspiration, mystery, self-help, and thriller. When she’s not writing, she’s engaged in activities with her children or friends. She also hosts political and sports teleconferences as a profession.

Sounds like a very busy lady. Pending allergy issues, a cat would be a very sensible pet. We're so well suited for those with busy lifestyles--but enough about me...until later;)

Tell us a little bit about your book, Tinisha:

“Unexpected” is the story of Dahlia Ray, a hard-working woman in the corporate world, who doesn’t necessarily believe in love after experiencing one disappointment after another. After winning a multi-million dollar case at her law firm as a Paralegal, she decides to take a get-a-way with her two best friends Janet and Sasha at a cabin in the mountains of Winter Park, Colorado for the annual Jazz Festival. Dahlia’s looking to get a peace of mind, while her friends are looking to get their freak on.

While there, she meets Jackson Bell, a Denver Bronco. He’s tall, dark and sexy. However, will he be just another name added to her list of disappointments? Is he too good to be true?

After a weekend of lust and fun, the mutual attraction between Dahlia and Jackson are evident, and things get steamy, but will it only last the weekend? The story takes on the notion of love and fame and how they mix.

Tall, dark and sexy, huh? Personally, I'd tell Dahlia to reconsider the option of a short, ginger,(red is the new blonde, you've know-hey, if it works for Rhiannon,shrug*) rotund cat--I do love me a good snuggle now and again...when I feel like it, of course and after a pan of lasagne. Can this Jackson guy cough up a fur ball on demand? Yeah, thats what I'm talkin' about...
So tell me, Tinisha--what is your idea of the perfect hero or heroine?
A hero is someone that readers either like, or/and have built a strong connection with. When I write, I really try to make the readers care about the hero or heroine, or at least relate to them

Sounds like a good plan. I've heard that most people relate very well to small furry animals, especially ones with cute faces...if you like, I happen to know someone... just sayin....

Okay, now for the big question and I understand that this is for a generous gift from our guest today--she asks;
Would you have sex with someone you’ve only known for a couple of days. Why or why not?

As a cat, I willl refrain from answering this on the grounds that I am way too lovable.;)

Thanks Tinisha for stopping by Amanda's House of Muse.

You can find Unexpected here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/unexpected-by-tinisha-nicole/id362341972?mt=8

And learn more about Tinisha at her website:
http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/

Contributions of lasagne can be left at the House of Muse back kitty door...have a good one , I know I will!

Not Too Hot To Play

2010-07-16T17:50:00.001-05:00

So I'm trying to write about sexy in the sweltering heat , dirt and humidity that would have been the summer of 1887 London. Stench-amundo. As one friend put it, the very reason the wealthy took their homes in the country!

I have to thank the obsessive heat and humidity going on here in the Midwest as well as the occasional hot flash in aiding me with my research in what that must have felt like;))

That said--I thought it would be fun to share some of my"other" inspiration with you for my next Harlequin Spice book, The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane...set in Victorian England(1887) it is about Jane Elizabeth Goodwin, an aspiring American journalist who travels to London to escape the scandalous breakup of her engagement to a wealthy Bostonian son. With her goal to dive into making a career in writing, Jane finds herself drawn to the dark, erotic secrets held by the members of an elite gentleman's club that may hold the key to the mysterious notes that Jane is receiving, as well as the gruesome discoveries washing ashore from the Thames.

Featuring: Jane Elizabeth Goodwin, Inspector Randolph Mansfield, William Everett Whitehall, Madam MacFarland, Clarice and Jonesy, and Russian illusionist, Vladimir Kerchovski.

Jane is my heroine who appears innocent, but has had her share of heartbreak. Resilient, strong-willed, she shows no fear in going after what she wants. Fresh-faced and determined, she become the target of a crazed stalker and the golden angel to a tortured soul--

In looking for the right person to portray that image, I found Charlize Theron to be the quintessential "Jane Goodwin."

Now understand, Jane will do what she must to obtain her story, even going against the advice of Inspector Mansfield to search for her mysterious stalker.

And so she gets hired as one of Madam McFarland's ladies...

...much to the dismay of the dark, brooding Inspector Mansfield who now not only has to deal with his own skeletons, and a murderer on the loose in a tension filled sweltering hot London summer, but now has a tempting American woman whose determination to go head to head with him, frustrates and arouses him until he cannot tell if she is demon or angel--

A bevy of interesting secondary characters accompany this crew in this scintillating story of secrets, sex and sizzling heat--

Decidedly darker, with a gothic underbelly feel that I so love to explore--I hope that you look forward to the fun of reading The Dark Seduction of Miss Jane as I am in writing it!!;)

More to come!

Amanda ;)

Thursday Coffee Talk: Guest Author, Rae Winters

2010-07-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Thursday Coffee Talk! Today we continue our blog tour of Arrow Publications and Lady Leo Publishing. Our guest today is the multi-talented , Rae Winters whose book UNFINISHED BUSINESS, first book in the Girlfriends Series launched her introduction into eBooks and Lady Leo Publishing Company.

Rae Winters started writing romantic short stories and poetry over seven years ago and, she has been writing them ever since. An avid reader of romance, erotica, fiction, historical and mystery books, she decided to spin her own tales. She has sold six Cub Bites confession e-books, and she has three books that have been released as Apple Apps through Arrow Publications and MyRomanceStory.com. She has published book reviews, sensual poems, and confession stories for five national women’s confession/romance magazine. Rae is currently working on several erotica tales, short stories, and her first women’s fiction novel. Her first book for Red Rose Publishing is due out in August 2010.

Blurb For UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Sydney Harris is ten days from walking down the aisle when her fiancé, Lance Edwards, develops cold feet. He skips town taking a transfer to the Washington, D.C. office. She's devastated, but sometimes trouble is a blessing in disguise.
Two years ago, Sydney dropped handsome Phoenix Sanders, a construction worker. She believed she’d been wasting her time with him, and he wasn’t serious about marriage. But when she proposes a marriage of convenience she will find out just how wrong shed been.

Excerpt:
Nix came to the door, towel draped against his sculptured body, moisture from his recent shower dripping down his chest. He looked good enough to eat. My fantasy from yesterday’s business meeting came back in real time, as I stood there mesmerized by his body.

"Sydney, what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you, Nix."

"Make this quick, I've got an early call tomorrow morning," he said, opening the door wide enough for me to pass through.

My nose honed in on his after-shower-scent and I found myself wishing to join him in the shower as we had done many times before: showering, making love, and then showering again.

"This is a beautiful house, Nix. You just moved in?" I asked. We were surrounded by unopened boxes.

"Yeah, I moved in on Saturday."

"May I see the house, Nix?"

He didn't answer me, but he did shake his head which I took as a yes. I went exploring. The basement level was unfinished, and the main floor had a spacious kitchen, formal dining room, and a huge living room. Eagerly, I climbed the stairs to the second level, and found three bedrooms. Two of them were big enough for a nursery and a combination library-study.

I walked into his master bedroom which was the largest of the three bedrooms. It was elegantly furnished, and the walls had crown molding.

"Is this your work? I like what you're doing to it, celery green wall paint, and my favorite is the French doors. Where does that door lead to?"

"Sydney, did you come here to talk, or to see my new home?"

I could hear the annoyance in Nix's voice.

"I'm sorry. You know my passion for decorating a room. I think if you put the sleigh bed against the right wall, and not the left, it will give you even more space."

"I'm a foreman now, and I have to be in Staten Island at five A. M., so say whatever you have to say, now!"

Nix was now standing in front of me; his sherry-chocolate eyes smoldered me, and stopped me in my tracks. I slowly backed away from him, feeling sexually threatened. He smelled so good, his chest glistened, and I wanted, no needed to touch him. I fought my inward desires, because I was wet with need, and I needed to talk to him...
~*~

Can you describe your favorite hero/heroine?
My heroes are take charge kind of men, but at the same time can be tender to their women. He would rub her feet after a hard day at the office, run her bath water, and tuck her into bed seeing to her physical needs above his own. He isn’t without flaws—stubborn, audacious at times, but sexy, and great in bed.

My heroines are independent, strong, and feisty women who aren’t afraid of going after the men in their lives. They will protect their men at all cost. Even going up against whoever would hurt them—ex-lovers, family members, etc. Together they’re unstoppable—passionate, and they would light up the sheets.

To add to the fun this week, Rae is giving away an ebook copy of her new book! Just leave a comment to enter your chance to win! Reader Question: How would you react if you discovered the office vixen touching your boyfriend in an inappropriate manner? This is the man you love. You've been living with him for the past two years. Would you be quick to judge him based on the evidence before you?

You can learn more about Rae and her books at http://www.raewinters.com/

Thanks Rae! Join us next week when we welcome another author of Lady Leo Publishing and Arrow Publications on their summer blog tour!

Until next time~
Amanda

Forbidden Pleasures: Torin & Alyson's Story

2010-07-13T11:12:00.000-05:00

Britannia, 400 A.D.
Torin has dedicated his life to battle, first as a Roman warrior and now defending his native Britannia from the Saxons. Finding pleasure with a woman is far from his mind--until he encounters Alyson, a flame-haired Celtic servant who arouses his desire like never before.

Alyson is also drawn to the strong yet gentle warrior, especially when she feels magic in his touch. How could she resist his allure when the gods themselves compel her to be with him? But while fate may have a special destiny in store for Torin, it is Alyson's choice to act on their passion....

Sharing with you the lovely cover art from Harlequin Spice for my upcoming extended Spice Briefs called FORBIDDEN PLEASURES ;) The gods have done it again;)

So readers wouldn't have to wait to read about Torin, Sierra's banished brother from TORTURED--I was given permission to write an extended novella featuring what happened to Torin and how he and Alyson met in the months prior to Sierras escape from the Saxon prison.

Here then, is an excerpt of when Alyson receives her calling by the gods to become their messenger--going to Torin to explain his higher purpose in helping the Celtic people reclaim the land stolen from them by the brutal Saxons, led by Lord Aeglech. She is not exactly thrilled with the idea...

Excerpt:

Below, lights flickered within the simple huts of a fragile new beginning. Alyson raised her arms toward the star-sprinkled sky, embracing the energy flowing from the land, its ancient wisdom bestowing to her a balance to her confused spirit, clearing her thoughts, emptying her mind.

“Go to him.”

She held her eyes closed, focusing harder. Laughter and music from inside the villa filtered out into the night.

“Go to him.”

The voice, crystal clear, issued its command. She opened her eyes and scanned the darkness, expecting to see someone emerge from the shadows. Her spirit reverberated with her connection to the Goddess Mother Earth. She began to see not with human eyes, but with her spirit sight. Gooseflesh rose on her arms, her ears became aware of the tiniest sound. Breathless, she waited in awe-inspired wonder. Urged to do so, she turned to look at the gardens outside of the rooms that were prepared for the Roman guests. A soft wind lifted the hair from her neck and she debated the origin of this voice. Was it born of her own desire?

Go to him. He must believe.

She fought the voice in her head with her fists clenched her fists at her sides. Why must it be me who is your messenger? Such a request will serve to place my family in danger. What shall I say to him? Why would he believe what I say to him? Alyson knew that once the gods speak, her spirit would not be at rest until she’d completed the task, but that did not mean that she did not question the wisdom of it or the dangerous consequences if she was caught sneaking around the Roman quarters. She wished there was time to create a spell to reveal what she was to say to him. Instead she had only this nudging and the brief, but powerful vision. Her best hope was that when she encountered him, the gods would give her the words to say. As though prodded by a ghostly phantom she stumbled over a stone as she turned to pick her way over the uneven ground in the darkness.

Alyson paused, ducking behind a hedge and waited until the servants lighting the garden torches had passed. She hurried along the path toward the room designated for the guests, the coarse rock pressing against the thin soles of her slippers. As she neared the room, the thought occurred to her that she may well find Tulia in his bed. She glanced up again at the ethereal moon, challenging the gods. She hesitated, unsure whether to continue. At the far end of the villa, she could hear the musicians punctuated with applause and cheering. Not a soul, it seemed stirred within the guest rooms. Her heart raced and rather than take the risk, Alyson pushed from the wall, determined that she’d imagined the voices, in lieu of her own emotional entanglements about the Roman.

A firm hand over her mouth squelched the scream bubbling from her throat. Alyson froze, knowing from the size of the man’s body pressed against her that it was useless to struggle. Her brain fought to find a reasonable excuse to relay when she was brought before her Roman master.

“Sssh, I mean you no harm. Promise that you will not scream and I will remove my hand.”

His voice spawned a shiver across her shoulders. She nodded, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. Alyson waited as he eased his hand away, his other however, still held her firm around her waist.

“First, I must ask you. Are you a spy for the Saxon?” His voice was firm.

Alyson’s throat grew parched from fear. “Nay,” she managed to squeak. The warmth of his embrace was not like any she’d known, her insides quivered with familiarity. Though she’d yet to see the face of her captor, she knew already it was the man she was sent to speak to.

“If you try to run, I will call my men. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she whispered and as he dropped his hand, she turned to face him. “Do you think I would work for the general and spy for the enemy?” The sting of his words wounded her honor.

“My apologies, milady. Then with any luck, perhaps your coming to my room is for more personal reasons?” He slid the back of his knuckles down her cheek.

She was almost bewitched by his swaggering, smooth-talking confidence. She batted his hand away. “On the contrary, milord, you are lucky that I did not draw my blade thinking that you were a Saxon invader. What purposes have you for sneaking around in the dark?” she demanded.

He chuckled low. “Good lady, these are my quarters, are they not?” He waited a heartbeat before he spoke again. “Do you carry a blade, in truth?”

She stepped into a swathe of clear moonlight and hiked up her gown to show him the blade tied to her leg. “Rarely do I say what I do not mean, milord.”

He lifted his hands in defense, but his white smile showed in the shadows. “You have no further need to convince me. Now, if you are not a spy, nor are you here for…well, reasons that I must say I am saddened by, then why do you sneak into my chambers at such great risk?”

Watch for FORBIDDEN PLEASURES coming from Harlequin Spice Briefs September 2010.

have a good one! back to the writing dungeon....

Amanda

Thursday Coffee Talk: Candy Caine 7.08.10

2010-07-08T08:21:00.000-05:00

This week On TCT, I am pleased to welcome to House of Muse, erotic romance author, Candy Caine aka Candace Gold! Candy writes for Lady Leo Publishing and is afflilated through Arrow Publishing with their Apple Distribution program. Please welcome Candy to House of Muse!!

Tell us a bit about how you got started writing:
Believe it or not, I began my writing career writing for children. I guess the really big thrill came when the Chicken Soup people sent me a postcard asking if I’d like to submit a story for Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul. I was already writing for adults at this time but wrote a simple story off the top of my head and was surprised when it was selected by a panel of kids. I guess, had I not been in a convenience store in Arizona and plucked a confessions magazine off the impulse rack as I waited to be checked out, I might be still a children’s writer today.

My favorite genre will always be confessions. With confessions you’re limited only by your imagination. Since it is written in the first person, you can try out new careers. In one week, I was a hooker, travel agent, teacher, librarian and a doctor. I write all types of romance from sweet to suspenseful and usually end up blending several genres together. Though I’m usually wrestling with the here and now, I also have a paranormal coming out next year with Lyrical Publishing. And then there’s the erotica which Candy Caine is known for. That’s my husband, Robert’s, favorite by the way. He likes to make certain the writing is authentic.

Can you give us a sneak peek at your latest release?
From Grandma’s Handyman:

When Shawna Washington finds the man she's been living with in bed with another woman, she scratches his name off her Christmas list and leaves him. However, she discovers getting him out of our life is not so easy. She takes a vacation to visit her grandmother thinking it will help her stay away from men and their tangling relationships. Only grandma has her own agenda. She tries every way possible to fix Shawna up with her handyman, Roy Smith. Does Grandma’s plan work?

A question I like to ask my readers and my guests-what is your definition of the "perfect" hero or heroine?:
As for my definition of a hero, aside from having gorgeous eyes, he is selfless and caring, yet strong. Far from perfect, he has flaws that keep him human. Great body, though. He’s got integrity, but willing to tell a white lie if it is necessary. He’s also willing to sacrifice or give up something near and dear to him for the sake of my heroine and though his determination may waiver at times, he remains steadfast in this cause. He’s the one who stands behind someone encouraging and supporting them when no one else will. That brings up his loyalty and gallantry. My hero does the deed with a modest style that is unique to him. However, above all he has compassion which actually makes him the man he is, for without it, he’d only be a hunky-looking tin man taking the wrong route to the Emerald City.

As for my heroines, to be honest…I’m totally jealous of them. They are beautiful and intelligent. Somehow they always survive all the trauma and disasters I throw at them. And the ones in my erotica, definitely have more fun in bed than I do. Enough said.

**Question for our readers?** Leave Candy your thoughts and you might win what Candy is dishing out! ;))

If you could tell the writer what kind of plotline you’d like her to incorporate into her next story, what would it be?

More from Arrow Publication's interview with Candace can be found at: Straight From Arrow
Lady Leo Publishing

Learn more about Candy and her books at : http://www.candycaine.com/

Thanks for coming by HOUSE OF MUSE Candy and all the best to you in your writing!!

SUMMER BLOG SERIES starting THURSDAY COFFEETALK 7.08.10

2010-07-06T15:56:00.002-05:00

After a short hiatus,(that is to say, deadlines & family) I am pleased to bring back a popular feature here at House of Muse--Thursday Coffee Talk.
Featured guests in the next few weeks will include authors from LADY LEO PUBLISHING via ARROW PUBLICATIONS who brings to online readeres their popular My Romance stories done is comic book form. Here is a bit about the sponsor of My Romance Story. You can read more about them and where they will be appearing at conferences around the country, sharing this bright, innovate method of storytelling. I spoke to Katie Johnson , PR Director of Arrow Publications and here is what she told me about Arrow...

Amanda: Tell us a bit about Arrow Publication.

Katie: Arrow Publications, LLC, a 26-year-old publishing company based in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, is the publisher of MyRomanceStory.com, a new venture in romantic-suspense novellas that is growing in popularity among romance fiction and graphic novel readers.

Amanda: What is My Romance Story?Katie: MyRomanceStory, an imprint of Arrow Publications, LLC, is the premier source for romance graphic novels for the iPhone, in eBooks and in paperbacks available in English and Spanish. To find our titles in iTunes App Store—search by keywords “Arrow Publications ”.

Amanda: Can anyone submit to My Romance Story?
Katie: Authors and illustrators who wish to submit to Arrow Publicaitons, LLC can go to http://www.arrowpub.com/writers.htm there are complete instructions on the page.

Besides publlishing and promotion of My Romance Story, Arrow Publications also helps authors and publishers with getting distribution through the Apple App Store. Here is what it says on their website-

If you are an Author or Publisher with original content, Arrow Publications can assist you in getting your titles up in the Apple App Store. Titles are not limited to romance fiction or graphic novels. We will accept short stories, novels in any genre, cookbooks, self-help, health and fitness books or other publications. Arrow handles the technical requirements, billing, reporting, and provides some promotion. There are no up-front fees, and the author or publisher retains all rights. Contact us at ArrowMobileContent@gmail.com for more information on our program.

Beginning Thursday 7/8/2010--we'll hear from author, Candace Caine/Candace Gold of Lady Leo Publishing and soon Lyrical Press.

*Lady Leo Publishing is an Electronic e-book/POD publishing company bringing you quality fiction stories in Confessions, Short Stories, and Novellas all across the genre spectrum

I hope you'll join me to hear more about Candy's new book-"Grandma's Handy Man" (thats enough to make you sit up and take notice;)

Until then, be well!

Amanda

Laughter is Good For you!

2010-07-01T12:54:00.000-05:00

This one goes out to my good friend Julie and to Ga Ga fans everwhere! Too funny!

Have a safe and Happy Canada day to all my Canadian friends Happy 4th to those celebrating this weekend here in the USA!!

Amanda

My Hero Newsletter and Invitation

2010-06-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

Come visit me all month at THE ROMANCE CLUB where we're chatting about my latest release, the controversial The Master and the Muses, passion, heroes, heroines and more!!

From Thomas...a note from the hero of The Master & the Muses...

Dear Reader,

So many romance books are based on heroes and heroines. I ask, you this—are they born or are they made? I do not profess to be the quintessential hero, indeed I see myself as an artist-poet. I admit to tendencies of self-absorption, a workaholic, as I you might call it today, rarely satisfied, my own worst critic and so too, my greatest fan. Just to be clear, I have been called many things. A man of my reputation is not going to go unnoticed. I don’t deny that some of those names have a measure of validity, while others I attribute to small thoughts from small minds. Do I let such opinions prevent me from sharing my talent with the world? What a tragedy that would be! No I have often considered that those who can find something to love in my…eccentric ways, will forever be welcome in my heart.

I have a weakness for women. I find the variety of beauty in the fairer sex a veritable garden of delights. Some may find that roguish, womanizing, I think they call it today, but I ask you can such devotion, such undying appreciation be something to disdain. I admit, I have loved more than one woman in my life—and for the record, beyond simply the carnal sense. But each one has taught me something about myself. Each has set her womanly mallet and chisels to this male persona, chipping away and leaving a work in progress—an offering that love and beauty has created. You may laugh and yet I cannot convey more deeply the profound influence that women have had in my life.

For example, Helen—sweet, innocent, but beneath carrying a fierce loyalty and hope, an unrequited love she carried so bravely inside of her. She taught me the truth of unconditional love, of never giving up hope and of staying true to your heart. Then, there was Sara—her determined spirit in a time when it was not fashionable for women to express them was both a thrill and a challenge to me. When I looked in her eyes, I saw glimpses of my reckless, adventuresome side. A fiery flash like a comet burning bright for a short time in my life, she knew what she wanted and would do what she needed to obtain it. Until the day she met the man who could give her everything without reserve. And there was Grace—my best friend in many ways, with benefits that we both abused. Straightforward, blunt, she never kept anything hidden, except her heart and the secret rules of life that she lived by. An intriguing, complicated combination would eventually be the pivotal point in our friendship.

As shadows and light are used to create depth on canvas, so too the dark and lighter aspects of my life have served to create who I am. Am I a villain or hero? I offer you a toast of my port and humbly defer with utter gratitude and admiration to the accounts of my three muses to answer that question. They looked at me for who I was--a poet-painter--and found something to love and for that, they will always be in my heart as I hope to be in yours.

Yours in beauty & art~

Thomas

Learn more about Thomas Helen , Sara and Grace at THE ROMANCE CLUB Blog and prizes each week! All the month of June!

Creating the Would-Be Hero

2010-06-19T20:41:00.000-05:00

What in the heck is a "would-be" hero?"

Perhaps, just as you might think...a work in progress!

Check out my recent article at the Seattle Writing Career Examiner

Picture courtesy of Desperate Romantics,BBC

What Austen character are you?

2010-06-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Just for fun on a Monday morning. ;))
I am Elinor Dashwood --who knew!?
Have a wonderful day all!

Amanda

Take the Quiz here!

Heads Up! Thursday Coffee Talk is returning!

2010-06-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

Thursday Coffee Talk is coming back! Woohoo! Yep! After a long hiatus, I have on the schedule in the next few weeks, a bevy of steamy new erotic fiction romance authors visiting about their new books and their involvement with Arrow Publications!

Excerpts. Giveaways. Ask your burning questions. :)

Pretty exciting stuff! So watch in the next couple of weeks as we work out the details and remember to grab your favorite morning brew and join us at Thursday Coffee Talk!!

Until then~
Amanda

The Master and the Muses

2010-06-01T08:39:00.001-05:00

It's on the shelves!

Spottings of THE MASTER AND THE MUSES are being reported here and about at the brick and mortars! New release days never get old;) I hope you find some time to check out M & M this summer

and that you'll have splendid dreams about that cover as much as I have;)

(*my thanks to Cheeky Reads for the Borders pic;)

This month, I"ll be visiting varipus sites to chat about Thomas and "his muses" with a few giveaways as well!

June 5 Romantic Crush Junkies Interview/Giveaway
June 8 Canned Laughter-Blogtalk Radio.com w/ Renee Bernard
Second week in June-The Beefcake Club Leontines Book Realm
June 21-25 Character development forum for writers eharlequin.com
June 25 True Romance Blog (Four giveaways!)
June 28-Fresh Fiction Blog (check out my summer contest!)

In between writing, I've been enjoying some great reads! Barbara Freethy's On Shadow Beach, Robyn Carr's Forbidden Falls, Carr's Temptation Ridge, Anne Rive Siddons, Islands, Victoria Alexander's Desires of a Perfect Lady and I've got Alexander Sokoloff's latest waiting in the wings!

Here's to a summer of reading pleasure and I hope you find some of your pleasure in reading about Thomas and his muses!

Be well~
Amanda

Remembering Today

2010-05-31T10:03:00.000-05:00

Remembering today those brave heroes--all--who have served and sacrificed, and who continue to serve to keep our country safe and the light of freedom burning bright.

To those families at home, who serve their country in their own way-prayers of strength and blessings for your amazing tenacity and sharing of your families in order that we may sleep well at night.

God bless each of you-to the soliders, may you find your way home soon to the loving arms that await you. To the families of those soldiers-may your arms be filled soon with your loved ones.

Amanda

Harlequin's Top Erotic Fiction Reads May 2010

2010-05-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

In the Harlequin Weekly News-May 17, 2010-
Congrats to all the authors!!

Top 10 Erotic Fiction Reads

1. Switch by Megan Hart

2. Rampant by Saskia Walker

3. Enchanted Dreams: Erotic Tales of the Supernatural by Nancy Madore

4. Winter's Desire by Various Authors(Amanda McIntyre, Charlotte Featherstone, Kristi Astor)

5. Tucker's Claim by Sarah McCarty

6. Naughty Bits 2 by Various Authors

7. The Blonde Samurai by Jina Bacarr

8. The Moonlight Mistress by Victoria Janssen

9. Tortured by Amanda McIntyre

10. Deeper by Megan Hart

A belated Mother's Day thought of another kind...

2010-05-11T08:40:00.000-05:00

Interestingly, for the life of an author, you quite often find yourself anticipating the release of one book, while trying to write on deadline for another book. And while I am giddy about the fact that one book is about to be released, it is that moment when I turn in those last edits and have editorial approval that spawns great joy in me! Well, that and receiving my author copies in the mail! To see the words that you labored over for nearly nine months from start to finish, bound and in print, is a thrill akin to going through labor and delivery-and having that precious bundle being handed to you.

In that time frame when you begin to feel as though you eat and sleep with your characters (figuratively speaking , of course) the connection is strong, but there comes a time when you have to move on, to let go of the book, those characters and let them proceed on their own.

Not unlike that first day of kindergarten, when you watch your child go through that school door and you know that there will be those who like them and those who will not. You know that what you have learned in preparing them for this moment is as much of an education for you.

That all the heart and soul that you've poured into that inevitable moment--when you have to let go--comes from a pure love, a respect and a desire to have that story be the best it can be.

It may become wildly popular, it may sit on the side of the gym, reclusive, yet teeming with potential. But whatewver happens now, happens on its own merit. And like with any child, you love it when others don't and temper copious praise with humilty and grace, while all the while beaming with internal pride that you were gifted with having a hand in its creation.

I can't speak for all authors, but certainly while subjects such as art, music and reading is subjective in their results--even for me--I have to take pause to remember , as I stare at the shelves and shelves of books in a bookstore-that these are the "literary children" of countless of author parents. Some who I know, and others whom I shall probabaly never meet--but our commonality, one and all, is in the creating of that story, to share with others and hopefully gain a reader friend or two.

This is why I love to hear back when someone has read one of my books. Its kind of like hearing that your kid did something extraordinary for someone and the sense that in all of that, you must have done something positive that stuck--resonating with another human being.

To all of the real-life mom's out there, the grandma's, sisters, aunts and best friends that influence our daily lives-a belated Happy Mother's Day.

And to all the authors-non gender specific-a wish for many more 'proud parent' moments with your "literary children"--may they be a source of joy for you and for others;)

PRIVATE PARTY Spice Brief APRIL 2009

THE MASTER & THE MUSES JUNE 2010

FORBIDDEN PLEASURES SEPT.2010

Follow me at TWITTER! http://twitter.com/amandamcintyre1

http://www.amandamcintyre.net/

Until next time~
Amanda

The Master and the Muses booktrailer

2010-04-14T09:50:00.000-05:00

Launch of new booktrailer today on YOU tube! Let me know what you think!

Circle of Seven productions is brilliant!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSDXTjpSN2o

Happy Spring! A sneek peek into FORBIDDEN PLEASURES

2010-03-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

For those of you who may not know, when an author goes AWOL for copious amounts of time, it usually means they are holed up writing. Such has been the case for me, amongst creating costuuming for a high school musical and preparing for the upcoming Romantic Times convention)

For those interested, TORIN"S story--FORBIDDEN PLEASURES-- Is nearly finished..which is to say the first draft is nearly finsihed and already I know that there will be some snipping to be done as I've gone clean over my word count;) Thats okay though, the revising is always easier once the words are on the page!

Torin, for those who may not know, is Sierra's younger brother, who is banished and left for dead when the two are captured and taken to the evil Lord Aeglech. Believed to be dead, years later Sierra will discover that a new prisoner--a roman warrior by the name of Dryston--holds the secret to Sierras' past and her hope for the future. But when at last the two siblings meet, so much as happened to separate their lives, that Torin is left with notyhing but mistrust for her. Only by the help of his longtime friend and lover, Alyson is Torin able to see past his anger, embrace his past and so move forward with what the fates have in store for him.

Torins story , goes back to when he first meets Alyson and the circumstances surrounding the forbodden blossoming of passion between them. Set near Baden and the sacred Roman pools believed to be the gateway to the Underworld, Torin and Alyson must face the dangers concieved by hatred and jealousy and overcome the demoinc spirit that threatens to split them apart for all eternity.

Those of you who know me, understand that I am a visual type of person. Art inspires me, costuming, setting, exotic time periods--all get me excited to the possibilities and "what if's" of storytelling...here are a few pics that have inspired my images of FORBIDDEN PLEASURES

My image of Alyson-a druid witch, servant to General Ambrosius and his niece Tulia. Bewitches Torin completely!

My image of the dangerously jealous , Roman Niece of Genreal Ambrosisus--Tulia. She is a wicked, spoiled little wench, whose sights are cast on Torin and she means to have him, no matter what the cost!

and of course, my inspiration for Torin has always been the easy on the eyes-Henry Cavill ;)

Watch for FORBIDDEN PLEASURES releasing in September 2010 in a special extended length Spice Briefs!

I hope you are all enjoying warmer temps and no flooding dangers where ever you live!

Personally , Im ready for spring! One of my fav stations on itune radio is the Ambient station and the Birdsong station--it's like sitting on the front porch on an early morning--coffee in hand, listeing to the sounds of the birds waking around you.Absoultely amazing if you're into that kind of thing;)

If you take a listen, let me know what you think!

Back to the writing desk!

Amanda

Hot Guyz Civer Patrol Contest

2010-03-17T11:35:00.000-05:00

CHECK THIS OUT!

Just for fun-if you think that Thomas Rodin on The Master & the Muses cover art is HOT---check out this contest and cast your vote!

HOT GUYZ COVER PATROL CONTEST

Available for pre-order now at your fav bookseller!

Roads, Rodin and Romance

2010-03-01T10:47:00.000-06:00

There are lots of songs that tell about people's journeys. The Long and Winding Road comes to mind when I think of how to describe my life since Januaray 20. Not meant to solicit pity-no, hindsight is always much clearer than when you are walking through the valleys, eh? The experience has taught me a great deal.

For those who may not know , my mom suffered a stroke which left her fine physically, but unable to speak clearly.She is home now, and in the days ahead will be receiving much therapy. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, they have helped. And while the road ahead no doubt has a few potholes in it, she is getting better. Getting rid of all this snow and warmer temps will certainly help the overall disposition around here I'm sure!

Meantime, I am preparing for the RT Convention in April , my twins musical, "Into the Woods, " here next weekend, and snatching some writing time in between all else. And so it goes....

THE MASTER AND THE MUSES IS AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER NOW;)

I awaken everyday to a poster of Thomas Rodin staring down at me with encouraging (albeit smoldering eyes) and I am inspired with the utter joy I had in writing this book. I love art anyway. Museums are some of my favorite places to replenish and nurture my spirit. Looking at a painting and imagining what that artist was looking at, what they were thinking as they painted it.

I took my inspiration for The Master & the Muses, from the real life artwork of the PreRaphaelite Brotherhood. Somewhat medieval (perhaps another draw for me;) I began to delve further into the real life women that sat for these young and rebellious artists for their time.

Many refused to be "taught" what the Royal Academy was teaching at the time, and went back to the methods /colors and style of painting before the famous Raphael. They developed their own techniques, textured canvas and revered nature in everything they did. Some were more eccentric than others-Dante Gabriel Rosetti, for one was a brash , but brilliant artist, who exemplified the term "defying gravity." He went his own way in a very straight-laced time in Victorian England. And though his intentions were noble, he had a hunger , a restlessness that he never fully was able to control and yet IMO, it is what became the very aspect of his creative genius.

He was charismatic, handsome, bold. He had an arrogance that many either admired or detested--there was never very much *in-between* for this man. And yet, he had a vulnerable side that few understood. So is the case for many creative types when you look closer;) He was a poet, a lover, a dreamer for his day--he had a way of making women feel they were beautiful, no matter what their social standing. When others were saying, "You can't!" Rosetti would responde, "Why not?"
As was the case in most instances, it was is this idea of "rescuing the damsel in distress" that fueled the type of women they sought to model for them, feeling they were offering them a better life--and for some that weas true, for others they became shunned for prostituting themselves for money, and for others , it sparked a freedom with a finacial independance that allowed them an education and marriage in circles they would nver have known otherwise.

"Respectable" women did not sit for artists and be compensated, unless it was for a personal portrait and only then if accompanied by a guardian. As such, the women that the brotherhood artists often sought ought were those who worked the public social gardens at the time--the Cremhorne and the pubs and burlesque theaters.

Regardless, of the many women that over the years posed for the Brotherhood artists, the experience undoubtedly changed their lives forever. They became what we would consider the "Sports Illustrated" cover models in celebrity status. But inside of being looked upon with admiration, they were often considered whores for what they did. It must have been very complicated for those who wanted to break out of their poverty and yet could still not overcome the social stigmas of the day.

(* shown here Rosetti's Ghirlandata)

I chose aspects of a variety of *real-life* PRB models as essence to creating my characters for The Master & the Muses, and infused a healthy dose of Victorian protocol to the mix.

Passionate, sensual, complex--three women, each told from her POV of the story of her experience, being "discovered," falling under the enchantment of Thomas Rodin and discovering life after modeling for this brilliant artist.

And what about the rakishThomas???
Well, you'll have to read the book to see how that turns out;)

Have a wonderful day!
Amanda

Exciting break on the contemporary side!

2010-02-08T09:55:00.000-06:00

From my contemporary side...

Coming April 2010 from Spice Briefs!

PRIVATE PARTY
Older women/younger men themed contemporary erotic romance
by Amanda McIntyre

When you don't even know what to wish for anymore...

A successful business woman on the verge of her fortieth birthday, comes to grip with the fact that she's spent more time making a career, rather than making a life. Resigned to let her birthday pass by quietly, the new intern who has the entire office panting, has a birthday surprise that rekindles her passion, making her realize she's not getting older...she's getting appreciated!

Meet Thomas Rodin...

2010-02-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

When life happens as it does to us all from time to time, the world as you know it is tossed to and fro. You stumble about searching for the familiar. Metaphorically speaking, this is what happened in my life recently when my mother suffered a stroke that we would discover affected every aspect of her ability to communicate.

Before now, I enjoyed writing. I love sitting down to a blank page and letting the colors of my imaginatioin paint a colorful story that captures a readers fantasies!

But never has it meant more to me than it does now--this gift of being able to commuinicate a story , to move others, touch a life, create a smile--or a swoon;) It means more to me now than before.

My mom encouraged the artistic streak inside me. An amazing artist in her day, before arthritis made crooked her fingers, she was called on for many events in our community to use her talent. It serves as a challenge to me on many levels. She has always been proud of my work as a writer and supportive. And it is by her tenacity to recover completely that I have serendipitously been able to find my balance again. And so I thought you might like to meet Thomas Rodin. I haven't brought him home yet to meet my mom, but I'm guessing she will like him and I hope that you will to...

Character stats, Thomas Rodin:

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210
Hair: Honey-Brown-unruly curls-worn to collar
Eyes: Startling blue-green
Build: atheletic from genetics and walking
Profession: Pre-Raphaelite artist, eccentric
Clothing: prefers late renaissance, velvet and cuffs a must
Pet-peeves: anyone else to touch his painting area
Favorite drink: Port
Favorite food: Oysters
Favorite pasttime: after painting? Sex.
What he thrives on: passion--of many types
What he detests: the facade of Victorian protocal
Greatest achievement: being true to himself
Greatest regret: Grace
Worst feature: impatience
Best feature: *grin* can that be printed here?
Greatest wish: That people will love him for who he is.

A Sneak Peek at THE MASTER & THE MUSES coming June 2010 from Spice
~*~

London late 19th century

Prologue

I have been called many things--reckless, arrogant, perverted, self-absorbed, and, my personal favorite, an artist of the “fleshy school.” Perhaps these allegations are true, I do not deny them, but to those stifled critics of my work, I turned a deaf ear and listened instead to the beat of my heart, the siren song of my passion.

Had I listened to the naysayers of my work, to the critics who sought to box in my genius, my very soul, I daresay I would not have taken up a single brush.

In truth, I believe the critics are correct in their assessment of my incorrigible behavior. Daring to be different was, and is still, the very essence of my creativity. I am nothing if not tenacious in my beliefs, and proud to be so.

These would-be art connoisseurs know nothing of true art. Their view is monocular, dull and lifeless, linear and plain. It does not see the emotion of a woman’s faint blush of arousal, of her cheeks in bloom at seeing her beloved, of her eyes bright and shining in the afterglow of passion. No, to paint such beauty, one must experience it, feel it and grasp it. No classroom, no stack of books can teach these things.

Despite my parent’s wishes, I was not destined to be a religious man. Rather I consider myself a spiritualist, a believer in karma, more so than doctrine.

My passion lies in the tip of my brush, but my inspiration are women. They are my muses. I ask you, what creature in all the earth epitomizes such beauty and grace? Many artists have tried to capture the beauty of this world. Even so, there are few things more persuasive than the delicate color of a woman’s flesh. What could be more inspiring than the soft curve of her shoulder poised to carry the burdens of her world or the pout of her sumptuous mouth determined to carry those burdens with dignity?

Rescued from the mundane existence of their lives, my muses needed no coercion. Fame, independence, appreciation—that is what I gave them in return.

My pulse quickens to think of our conversations, the wine we drank, the free-spirited love we made. I was asked once if I ever loved one more than the other? To that I say, how can a man love only his arm, and not his leg, or his eye, or his mouth? I loved each one for the life she breathed into me, inspiring my work. I could no more hold them to me forever than I could hold a sunbeam.

Reality and art, in many ways, are one. To my moral censors, I ask how could I not fall in love with each of my muses? Each represents a part of my soul. No, to each one I was utterly and completely a devoted slave.

Did they know this? It will not add to my days to know that answer. Life, love—it is what it is. I was both their savior and their sin. I rescued them from the ordinary, redeemed them with the stroke of my brush.

In my quest to capture the perfect image, I may not have been aware of all my muses had to endure. But I offered them new worlds, new adventures. If that makes me a selfish bastard, then I accept my guilt with open arms.

Do I have regrets? What good Italian does? The bad has given me a better appreciation for the good. The good reminds me that while it is welcome, it is also fleeting. I have tasted the cup of life and offer no apologies.

To you, my muses, I raise my evening port. You have fueled my imagination and lust. Without your inspiration, I would not be the man I am. Helen, my innocent, fervent in your private desires. Sara, my socialite, always reaching for more. And Grace, in saving you, I saved myself.

I am forever slave, mentor and pupil to your inspiration,

Thomas
~*~

Catch more of a chat with Thomas and more excerpts as we count down to the release of THE MASTER AND THE MUSES.

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to take part in my monthly reader polls! (*see link in sidebar) Your email is kept strictly private!

May the wind be at your back~

Amanda

One of those Life passage moments

2010-01-26T11:07:00.000-06:00

Age happens. I can remember looking at my parents when they weere in their forties and fifties and thinking ,"Wow, they are geezers." Not so much anymore;)

I've been absent of late due to family matters-that of the signs that all of us will one day age and become vulnerable(noreso) to the ailments of an aging body. My mother suffered a mild stoke on Janurary 20, in the midst of a devastating ice storm we were having in the midwest. She is doing better--each day--but it has left her with a struggle to use words to communicate. In all other things, thankfully, she is well.

But the experience has made me realize how precious these very attributes-speech, thought, reason , movement--can be gone in an instant.

With rehab, I am hopeful that she will regain much of her speaking abilities. She is an independent, dare I say--strong-willed woman, so she has that in her favor. She has her humor as well and is laughing again, which is heaven-scent.

So, if you have a mom or grandma close to you, be sure to hug them and tell them how much you love them. This has made me even more aware of how resilent that women are, inspiring me in ways I never thought in my writing.

My thanks for the emails, thoughts and prayers regarding mom-each one is precious to me.

If I'm not blogging as much right now, this is why. But I'm gearing up to make some visits to blogs in the weeks to come, dragging a very blue-eyed and willing Thomas Rodin along with me;))

What more could you ask? ;))

Til later then, be well and know that I am thinking of you all~

Amanda

Writing what you know.

2010-01-13T13:44:00.000-06:00

I imagine this is what precipitates those comments that I am sometimes asked.."So, how do you RESEARCH those books that you write?" Well, not EVERYTHING involves writing what you know or have experienced directly...obviously, when writing history, one can't expereince that time frame firsthand--however, for many of us, there is a seed of true life in what we write.

Thomas Rodin was no happenchance character for me. Even in Diary of Cozette, he personified real bits of a real person--and artist at heart...in truth, me.

It was very natural to understand Thomas's POV, his free-spirit, his eye for seeing things that most pass by-and though he is a man--with all the desires and needs of a man--he , I think understood the women in his life, perhaps even better than they did on occassion.

Let's take a look as he speaks to a very skeptical and scarred Cozette about to have her first art lesson with the artist Thomas Rodin...

from DIARY OF COZETTE:

I walked to him and he positioned me in front of the mirror.

“Remember when I asked if you’d ever looked upon your reflection?”

I nodded, my gaze fixed on the drab color of my black uniform. My complexion appeared pale in contrast, my dark hair loose and of no real vibrancy as my mistress. My eyes, a deep blue, appeared lifeless, large and sad in a way that gave me pity for the wretched creature standing before me. I seemed rather pitiful at that. Had my anger at François and concern for my mistress taken its toll, making me look old and withered?

“What do you see?”

His enthusiastic face appeared over my shoulder, pulling me from the downward spiral of my assessment. I swore in silence that I would never look upon another mirror for the rest of my days. I faced him most aware of my deplorable state. “Must I, Mr. Rodin? I have far better an imagination.”

He turned my chin to face the mirror.

“No, this is of the utmost importance. Trust me, my dear. Look at your clothing, stare deep into your eyes, see the beauty of the soul inside.”

“It is futile, Mr. Rodin. I am as I am, and I cannot be the beauty you wish me to be.”

He smiled then.

“I do not wish you to see what you cannot, I wish you to see the beauty that I see. Beauty my dear, is not limited to what you see. It lies here…within.”

He placed his palm over my heart and though fully clothed, the heat from his warm hand, seared my flesh.

“You possess great courage. Look how you hold your chin, so proud.”

I forced myself from his gaze in the mirror and met mine. I’d often thought of myself as rebellious, even to a fault, but never once considered my self as a person of great courage.

“And yet there is gentleness as well, a soft, feminine side that is alluring to the astute male. You don’t parade it as some women, because of your courage. You have no need to.”

I studied my reflection with keener observation, listening carefully to each word he uttered. I do not pretend to understand his skill in seeing through to my very center, but he did.

“Even so, Mr. Rodin, it has been my most unfortunate experience that there are far fewer astute men in this world.”
~*~

I wanted Thomas to understand women in order to see the beauty that they didnt see in themselves. Like the artist he is, having a vivid imagination and a healthy male appetite, you can see how matters of the heart would be especially challenging to him. Women, to Thomas's way of thinking, in all the assortments of shapes, sizes and background-are equated to walking into a candy store. He'd sooner have his fillof several kinds than to just choose one...

The coupling of his imagination to the beauty and potential that he sees in a woman, far precedes that which comes after they agree to pose for him! Hence, while "They are his inspiration. He is their obsession."
Let the scandal, passion, heartache and victory that is life--begin!

Like Thomas, I am an artist. Those who know me know how much fun I get out of creating something from a seedling of an idea. I tend to look at things from a multi-faceted POV-checking every angle (sometimes to near insanity)

So when the unexpected interest in Thomas rose from DOC, it didnt take any arm-twisting to fashion a world based on the eccentric Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and plop my boy, Thomas smack dab into the thick of things, as the "ringleader' of this group of eclectic talented group of men. Getting to know Thomas better-his reckless lust for life, his definte opinions, his desire to stand out above the rest in his own unique style--could I say no to him?

No better than any of his muses did, no.
And so Thomas had his way with me-and allowed me to tell his story, I think so that other women might see bits of themselves in theses stories and leave you wondering...could you say no to Thomas Rodin?

*If you'd like a FREE Master & the Muses wallpaper for your viewing pleasure, just email me at
amanda @ amandamcintyre dot net

Meet Thomas and three of his beloved muses...

The Master and the Muses

Available NOW for pre-order

Release date June 2010

Harlequin Spice

Watch for THE LOST MEMOIRS OF THOMAS RODIN coming soon to House of Muse!

Cheers~

Amanda

Defying Gravity!

2010-01-10T12:20:00.000-06:00

A scant two years ago, I made a decision to close my eyes and leap into a line of books that I knew would stretch the parameters of not only my writing, but my view of life as well. I became a writer for Spice.

With a rich and amazing experience writing in various genres of romance for small press and e-book under my real name, I embraced the wisdom of a woman I met early on in my writing journey who said,"A good author can write anything." I approached this opportunity with an innovative new book line at Harlequin and the result was my first book, DIARY OF COZETTE-the story of a young orphaned woman in Victorian England, her story of survival, finding her place in this world and ultimately, finding that her happiness wasn't entirely devoted to finding Mr. Right, but in finding herself worthy of Mr. Right.(and him of her!)

Pushing the evelope a bit further, my next book, TORTURED, was set in the Dark Ages (on purpose!) the challenge for me to see if love (albeit happiness) could actually survive such a tumultuous era. Another story with a heroine who must learn to survive her circumstances and the man who , by believing in her even when she didn't herself, inspired her to break free of her internal prison.(As well as her external!)

Clearly, in my world, the path to love is never linear;) But life isn't linear--its complicated, messy, challenging--if we didn't have those aspects, we would truly never understand a Happily Ever After or even a Satisfied Ever After!

In my upcoming erotic historical fiction novel,(yes with elements of romance) to be released in June 2010, I again challenged myself to write a book that would stretch the parameters of my writing. Embracing the ego-centric artist, Thomas Rodin and his life-changing effect on three of his models--all from different places in life, with different goals--became an intricate tapestry of personalties and events that culmulnate to an ending that will surprise, delight, perhaps affect readers in ways they don't expect;)

This book, by publisher's request, was written in an unusual form using three novellas-all three from the heroine's POV as she retells her story, her experiences, and her growth in becoming a model for the reckless and passionate artist, Thomas Rodin. Yet in the process (as pointed out to me by a good friend who read the book in various stages) we ALSO get to see, through the eyes of these women, the evolution of a man who is on his own journey -not only with his artistic work, but in his personal life.

Based loosely on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a rebellious group of young artists led by Daniel Gabrielle Rosetti, this book once more stretched the parameters of my comfort zone. Three women and one man? And it's not a menage? LOL

Passionate, yes. Tortured souls, defintely. Erotic, certainly, it's Spice.;) Outside the box, indeed.

I wanted to write a book worthy of its beautiful cover and my editor, thankfully, believes whole-heartedly, that I have--but more than that--I believe that I have. I hope you do, too!

Amanda

Watch your favorite online bookstore for pre-order info!
COMING JUNE 2010 from Spice

Day one 2010 Potential & Possibility

2010-01-01T22:14:00.000-06:00

Don't know how you spent this day, but for me it was pretty late before I decided to shower and get my keester in gear.;) The temps outside presently here in the Midwest are bone-chilling to say the least, but I managed to stand outside for a moment or two last night and gaze up at that fantastic "blue moon" and thought in truth..you won't believe it..of the Druid priestess in the prologue of Winters Desire...yes, exactly the one with the perfect yawbos on the cover! Here is a reminder, if you are not familiar with said cover.

Yawbos aside (and I am nowhere or ever will be near that perfection) Yet I couldn't help but get a sense of what it might have been like, standing in the bone-chilling dawn of that winter morning, arms rasied to the moon-with a wish/prayer/hope so fervent in the woman's soul that her body aches for the want of it.

We never wrote an epilogue addressing what happened to that woman. Did the Universe grant her that deeply-felt desire? Did she ever see her true-love again? The vision is such a powerful one--the ending so uncertain and yet the wish so desperate.I like to think they somehow wound up together.

Haven't you ever wanted something so badly you could taste it? And oft times it isn't enough to just want it, but to take the steps to make that wish come true. It's a risk, alot could happen, you might get hurt--
but you might achieve that wish or in the waiting and sometimes you receive a gift far greater than the wish you made.

I thought of how far I've come in my writing, the incredible people I've met on so many levels of this industry and the experiences I would never have had, had I not risked taking that first step.

And with each new step, there is more to learn, more to achieve, more potential and possibility (my all time favorite words!) but there is also more risk. One of the many sayings I have taped to my pc is "The Greatest Risk, is Not Taking One." and that is how I approach this New Year with its rare blue moon and the magic that is possible if you believe.

Blessings and a year of potential and possibility to us all~

Amanda

Whats your goal?

2009-12-28T11:43:00.000-06:00

We here in the midwest are still digging out of a record-breaking blizzard much like what pounded the east coast last week, so beautiful coming down, but I felt so much better when my oldest son and his girlfriend made it home safely. We shipped out the 4-wheel drive and packed up the grannies with their jammies and had them stay with us for two days and while the blizzard raged around us, we were cozy and content inside. The power went out a couple of times , so was prepared on Saturday night as we'd just started a delayed holiday dinner and the lights went out. Christmas dinner by lantern light is admittedly kind of fun;)

Best Gift: Having everyone home safe & sound. The sound of laughter among them all.

Worst gift: there wasn't a single one!

We played games and of course the Xbox got a work out among the male teens in the house;) But a great trivia game that my daughter gave her brother was great fun. Called "Smart Ass" it is found a B &N and "game" type stores. "Catch Phrase" and a game where you continue in a circle to roll doubles in dice and vy for a chance to open a present with oven mitts on was a hoot! Whoever gets it open, wins the gift-no teeth allowed!

I can hear snowblowers in the neighborhood this morning and the sun is shining brilliantly outside. Those voices that got squelched for a few days in the din of my family's laughter are beckoning to me to come back and tell their stories. Rome, London and a medieval castle all await my return.

It's been a year of blessings both professionally and personally , and I look forward to the year ahead with its promise of potential and possibility. I'm setting my goals and aside from the usual--pay attention to my health, go more green, be more thankful, be more gracious--I am setting other, more practical goals as well.

Do you follow the tradition of goal-setting for the New Year? If so, what types of goals have you thought of for yourself?

One of mine is to simplify my life --disburse and organize and experience some things that I've not tried before.

How about you?
Amanda

All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-22T08:29:00.000-06:00

is to say thank you to all the cards and email well wishes for a happy holiday. Your kindness, joy for reading and support is such a blessing and one of the best gifts that keeps on giving all year long.;)

I hope to offer you even more fun and innovatove stories in the new year with Private Party (April 2010) The Master & the Muses (June 2010) and Torins' story--Forbidden Pleasures (September 2010).

To each of you, my wish for a healthy, happy holiday filled with all the peace and contentment each of you deserves.

May there be a little magic, a little wonder, and an awakening of your inner passion!

You are true gifts!

Hugs
Amanda