Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Good News!

Okay... so yes, I have been hiding since the beginning of this month.  I had over 30 000 words left to write on the Illuminated Witch... I got sick (bummer!) and I had family stuff coming out the yang!

But! I'm glad to say The Illuminated Witch is done... in first draft.

It was a labour of love that at times I wondered if I'd ever finish.

Towards the end of writing my office started looking like a bomb site.  Never a good look, I can assure you... Just be pleased you can't see behind the laptop screen... the cords, pens and crumpled paper!

I had scraggly notes lying everywhere all over my desk...

My collection of coffee cups far exceeded this... Umm this is last night/this morning... Promise!

Research books competed for space with the timetables for the family and printers.

But I finally made the two words that make me go gooey ...


Surely they must be the two sweetest words in the English Dictionary? Well, I know my family think so because now there is a chance that some housework might get done. Even the dog was pleased. He was beginning to look like this:

Okay, so maybe I'm overstating it a little bit (but let me tell you, it isn't by much!!!)

And of course because I don't just have enough to do, I promised my husband that I would faithfully complete a project for him. A short 5 minute film of the area for two of the local Councillors to present at a conference.

So two days, bent over my husband's private computer creating this. Gee it puts it into perspective for me.  14 hours to create 5 mins of vision.  

 


I topped off my manic work schedule with the trailer for Hesparia's Tears (You can see that one on the top right hand side of the page.)

I'm shattered. I'm shagged... Well so I thought, until I woke up this morning to find this in my inbox...


Now I'm perkier than a chipmunk on caffeine... Ready to start again... Uhh maybe after a break. So say hello! Tell me what you are up to... I might have goodies in my grab bag for commenters!

Ciao
Imogene

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

We Have A Winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Love On The Beach Blog Hop. It was lots of fun.

But there can only be one winner... And this time the prize goes to:

TwiMom22580

I will be emailing you soon to find out what format you prefer!

Imogene

A Bite of ... Imogene Nix

Edible Delights Vol 2 is nearly here.  In this, the last bite of series for Edible Delights 2, I wanted to introduce you to my characters...



Thanks to my lovely characters who have agreed to pop in today! Let’s delve into their relationships to see what we can learn about them.. 

Meet Deanna and JD

How did you meet? 

D: JD was sent to check out the chocolate manufacturing business I run.
J: Lol. I saw this beauteous creature and when she fell into my arms *laughs loudly*
D: Oh you. You'll never let me live that down will you?
J: Never.

What was the food item that caused your story to happen... And how did it play an integral role in binding your relationship? 

D: The ultimate aphrodisiac...
J: Chocolate.

Given that each couple in Edible Delights is a Happy Ever After, what will you do to celebrate your foodie anniversaries? 

J: Well you know... I have to give in to my nature.
D: But a gentleman - even if he is a Pleasure Demon - never tells.
Deanna winks at JD who settles back in his seat.


Image "Chocolate Heave" courtesy of  Tina Phillips FreeDigitalPhotos.net
 

If I looked in your fridge right now, what would I find... and how does that describe your relationship? 

D: Creme Brulee, Champagne, Chocolate
J:  All the foods of love. 
D: And coffee. Real coffee! Otherwise we'd have to order out. 
Deanna smiled at JD who caresses her hand intimately.

Champagne, chocolate and oysters... the food of love. Which one would you share with your lover? 

D: Chocolate
J: Anything my lovely lady wishes.

The one food you refuse to have in your house is... and why. 

D: Asparagus. I just can't get into it.
JD laughs at loud while Deanna blushes.
A: Mushrooms. There's just something about those button tops.
Deanna's blush deepens.

As a couple, compromise is big... what food type things have you had to compromise on? How have you dealt with it? 

D: For us, it's space. I have to have space to remember what I was and what I've lost.
J:  And I've had to overcome my more dominating side to let her have that. The compromise is to let her continue running the plant on a day to day basis while I focus more on the marketing and high level aspects.

What does your future hold, do you think, for you as a couple? 

D: Hopefully a long time. And maybe...
J: Yes. Maybe we too will be blessed.

Do you see eating as a source of pleasure or a necessity to live?

D: Pleasure  
J: It brought me Deanna. It must be pleasure

What makes the best 'plate' to serve food – when not using a plate? 


D: Oh I really can't
Deanna looks away again, but a light sparkles in JD's eyes.
J: Like Deanna says. A gentleman never tells.

Thanks for joining me today. 
Image 3d Red Heart Piece Falling In Melting Chocolate Lake. Valentine
courtesy of Boians Cho Joo Young FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Chocolate Affair:

Deanna has one love. The Scheherazade Chocolate Factory. When it’s bought out by an off world consortium, they send someone to inspect their purchase.
JD Ruan is their expert investigator. But JD has a secret. He’s a demon. And not just any kind of demon –a Pleasure Demon.
Secrets, abilities and hidden truths will find their way… especially when chocolate is involved.
Excerpt:
His first view of Deanna McCalchy had taken in the glorious lush curves and midnight hair as she shook it free of the ugly confining hat she wore. Her blue dress molded to her body while the heat of instant arousal suffused him.
Now here stood a true goddess. The thought took him by surprise. He hadn’t thought in those terms for over a hundred years.
His small exclamation of interest had taken her by surprise and she had slipped. He moved with his preternatural speed extending his hands and catching her before she hit the floor.
As one of the two owners of Rustafan, he kept a low profile. He didn’t want his father’s minions to know where he and his sister, Entara, were. They had taken on Christabel as their media spokesperson well before she’d become Entara’s lover. This afforded them a gratefully accepted anonymity.
It was a habit to hide his personal life from others. Right now, he embraced the freedom that afforded him to scan the woman in his arms, feel the weight of her body.
She watched him silently while he righted her.
“Hello, what have I found here? A pleasure princess from Piero?” Knowing that the business mainly transacted with the pleasure planets, the words slipped out. He cringed as soon as he heard them. But she didn’t take offense at his words—at least not vocally, though a red tide crept over her cheeks.
“I don’t know who you are. But this is a restricted zone.” Her soft words of censure made him smile even as she gazed into his eyes. She was off balance, all the better for him to find out how the factory worked and maybe about her too. He shook himself mentally. That wasn’t why he was here.
“That’s okay, I’m supposed to be here.”
“And why are you supposed to be here?” Her words betrayed her interest, but he detected no knowledge of him in her mind and let the tension release from his muscles.
“I’ve been sent here to assess Scheherazade.” He held out one of his hands, and as she clasped it he felt a jolt of recognition, leaving him breathless for just a second. “I’m JD Ruan.”
“Oh heavens.” Her face pinked slightly again and he grinned, though he worked to contain his amusement at her old-fashioned comment.

Monday, July 15, 2013

A Bite of ... Alysha Ellis

Edible Delights Vol 2 is nearly here.  So, over the next couple of weeks, I am going to bring you snippets and sneaks into the world of the Edible Delights... And the authors.

Today I'm joined by Alysha Ellis...


Thanks for bringing your characters along! Let’s delve into their relationships to see what we can learn about them.. 

How did you meet? 

S:I believed I’d been sent to fill a post as housekeeper to Lord Winslade and his wife.” A derisive snort from Alex. who interrupts her. 
A: “I had no wife. Estelle Milthorpe lied to you. That vindictive bitch knew exactly what I required of the women she procured to entertain the guests at my parties.” 

What was the food item that caused your story to happen... And how did it play an integral role in binding your relationship? 

S: I hadn’t eaten for two days. If I hadn’t been so light-headed I would never have fallen victim to Estelle Milthorpe’s deceit. So lack of food precipitated me into the story.
A: And once I saw your frightened, vulnerable, beautiful face, what could I do but feed you? And protect you?” Susan (slapping lightly at Alex’s hand as it slides up her thigh). 
S: “There were quite a few things you did that had nothing at all to do with protection. I remember the cream in particular.” Her words sound stern but this reporter can’t help but notice the look that sizzles between them. 

The question has to be asked. 

R: “Would either one of you care to explain the reference to cream?” 
Susan’s face flames red and Alex clears his throat. 
A: “A gentleman never tells. Shall we just say, cream’s reputation as an excellent topping for all things sweet is well deserved.” 

Given that each couple in Edible Delights is a Happy Ever After, what will you do to celebrate your foodie anniversaries? 

A: “There will be no more public banquets of the sort in which I used to indulge. Our anniversary celebration will be a very private affair.” 
S: “But there will be cream?” 
A: “Oh, yes. There will always be cream.” 


Image courtesy of  Apolonia FreeDigitalPhotos.net
 

If I looked in your fridge right now, what would I find... and how does that describe your relationship? 

A: Fridge? What is this fridge of which you speak? I do have an ice-house on my country estate, but in London, I don’t know. You’d have to ask the servants. 

Champagne, chocolate and oysters... the food of love. Which one would you share with your lover? 

A: “Champagne.” 
S: “Chocolate.” 
They smile at each other. 
A: “Both. Definitely both.” 

The one food you refuse to have in your house is... and why. 

A and S together: “Onions.” Then they burst into laughter. 
R: “Could you explain this reference then, since you won’t elaborate on the cream?” 
S: “When I first came to London by coach I sat opposite a man who ate raw onions the whole way. I was tired and travelsick and the smell made me nauseous. I can’t stand even the hint of onion anymore.” 

As a couple, compromise is big... what food type things have you had to compromise on? How have you dealt with it? 

A: “As a member of an aristocratic household, it isn’t a problem. Meals are extravagant and varied and what we and our guests don’t eat is consumed by the staff. I’m sure it can become an issue for the lesser orders, but not needing to concern oneself with such things is one of the privileges of class and wealth.” 

What does your future hold, do you think, for you as a couple? 

S: “We have social obligations, and soon I hope, a family to raise. 
A: “And of course we also have Susan’s family to take care of. I intend to find a suitable husband for Susan’s younger sister and to ensure her mother has everything she needs for her happiness.” 

Do you see eating as a source of pleasure or a necessity to live? 

S: “Both. I have been hungry and you never forget that. But you also never lose the delight that good food in the best company can give you.” 

What makes the best 'plate' to serve food – when not using a plate? 

Both together. “My lover’s skin. Of course.” 

Thanks for joining me on my blog. 
Image courtesy of  Digidreamgrafix FreeDigitalPhotos.net

My Lord’s Table:

Gently-bred Susan Brody arrives in 18th century London starving, penniless and desperate to find a job. When a chance-met acquaintance offers to help, Susan happily accepts a position as housekeeper in the home of Lord Winslade. 

But the position is not what she expects it to be. She is greeted by a grim manservant, who locks her in a room and orders her to wear the scandalous costume she finds there. 

She is forced to attend an erotic banquet of carnal and epicurean delights, presided over by the darkly sinister Lord Winslade. 

Susan’s expectations of domestic service shatter as she is seduced into fulfilling appetites of an entirely different order. 


Author Bio

Alysha Ellis lives in Australia on a diet that consists entirely of chocolate, champagne and strawberries. She write stories your mother would never let you read, even now that you're all grown up - but what Mama don't know can't hurt her. 

Live on the wild side a little. Her motto is always,Bad girls have all the fun! 

Where can readers find you?

Friday, July 12, 2013

A Bite Of... Seanna Smythe

Edible Delights Vol 2 is nearly here.  So, over the next couple of weeks, I am going to bring you snippets and sneaks into the world of the Edible Delights... And the authors.

Today I'm joined by Seanna Smythe...


Thanks for bringing your characters along! Let’s delve into their relationships to see what we can learn about them.. 

Meet Aiden and Evie

How did you meet? 

E: We met one sizzling summer at the ice cream stand on Bondi Beach.
A: We did? I thought it was the Manly Fish and Chip shop?

What was the food item that caused your story to happen... And how did it play an integral role in binding your relationship? 

E: A chocolate banana sundae I happened to be testing when Aidan walked in.
A: And my brother’s Bachelor Sundae…with a difference.


Given that each couple in Edible Delights is a Happy Ever After, what will you do to celebrate your foodie anniversaries? 

E: Stock up on banana and chocolate
A: *Grins wickedly* Really??


Image courtesy of  Moggara12 FreeDigitalPhotos.net
 

If I looked in your fridge right now, what would I find... and how does that describe your relationship? 

E: Strawberries, chocolate, honey and cream - sweet
ALet’s go home, honey <g>

Champagne, chocolate and oysters... the food of love. Which one would you share with your lover? 

E: Chocolate
A: Who needs Oysters? *winks*

The one food you refuse to have in your house is... and why. 

E: Tuna – too smelly
A: You really don’t want me to answer that.

As a couple, compromise is big... what food type things have you had to compromise on? How have you dealt with it? 

E: We’ve made a promise to try something the other one likes at least once.
AYes, and the dog is loving all the extra meals he’s getting <g>

What does your future hold, do you think, for you as a couple? 

E: We’re living one day at a time, to the max

A: Evie is the cream on my strawberries. I’d never be without her.


Do you see eating as a source of pleasure or a necessity to live? 

E: Pleasure  
A: My mother said I shouldn’t play with my food, so I proved her wrong.

What makes the best 'plate' to serve food – when not using a plate? 


E: Aidan’s chest
A:   Evie’s backside. Right, Sweet Cheeks?

Thanks for joining me on my blog. 
Image courtesy of  -Marcus- FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Never On A Sundae:


Delicious delights you’ve dreamed of but Never on a Sundae.He was confident that what he was about to ask for wouldn’t be your average ice cream dream.
Evie doesn’t believe love is forever, so when things get a little too hot with Sydney-sider, Aidan, she disappears to Newcastle and buys an ice-cream parlor, Never on a Sundae. But fate conspires against her when Aidan rides into town on his Harley looking for a unique idea for an ice cream cake for his brother’s bachelor party. Can Aidan melt Evie’s heart?


Author Bio


A little naughty and a whole lot nice, Seanna Smythe writes 3-chilli-hot romance with heart. Sizzling heroes and playful heroines, each with a story to tell, will take you on the adventure of lifetime with a guaranteed happy ending. Take my hand and walk with me…
Where can readers find you?


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

A Bite Of... Bianca Sarble

Edible Delights Vol 2 is nearly here.  So, over the next couple of weeks, I am going to bring you snippets and sneaks into the world of the Edible Delights... And the authors.

Today I'm joined by Bianca Sable, author of Flavor of the Month.

 

Bianca, I see your friends Cate Gallagher and Patrick Garrett have arrived.  So, I'll let you take it from here!

Let’s delve into their relationships to see what we can learn about them... 

How did you meet?

C: I was having the worst day, and Patrick made it even worse by reversing into me with his car.
P: We hit it off right away.  
C: (groans)

What was the food item that caused your story to happen...  And how did it play an integral role in binding your relationship?

C: I was delivering a wedding cake when he demonstrated his exceptionally bad driving skills.
P: Darling, how many times do I have to tell you, I simply swept you off your feet.With my car. And yes, Cate is one of the most talented wedding cake makers in Sydney and I have to tell you, the Butterscotch sauce is to die for.



Image courtesy of  Rosen Georgiev FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Given that each couple in Edible Delights is a Happy Ever After, what will you do to celebrate your foodie anniversaries? (remember the blog is PG 13... :) )

 
C: We usually just go to a movie or dinner, but I always make Patrick his favourite butterscotch sauce.
P: And then I get to lick—
C: *Elbows Patrick* Watch it, there’s kids around.
P: What! I was just going to say I get to lick the spoon.

If I looked in your fridge right now, what would I find... and how does that describe your relationship?

C: We have a fridge full of fresh ingredients and some exotic. I’d guess you’d say that means we like to think outside the box and always mix things up a little.
P: And then there’s the whipped cream…
               
Champagne, chocolate and oysters... the food of love.  Which one would you share with your lover?

C: Ahhh…
P:  All of the above have had great success.

The one food you refuse to have in your house is... and why
                 
C: Mushrooms.
P: Since she’s the cook, mushrooms.
 Image courtesy of Jsmes Barker FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As a couple, compromise is big... what food type things have you had to compromise on? How have you dealt with it?

C: Takeaway food.
P: Cate never ate the stuff before I came along, but she works long hours so I said I’d do the cooking every now and then. When she tasted my cooking, she’s agreed to takeaway on those nights.

What does your future hold, do you think, for you as a couple?

C: Well, who knows?
P: *snickers* I do.

Do you see eating as a source of pleasure or a necessity to live?

C: *after giving Patrick a suspicious look* Both.
P: Definitely both.

What makes the best 'plate' to serve food – when not using a plate??

*Both answer at the same time.
P: This is PG13, right?
C: This is PG13, right?

Thanks for joining me on my blog.  

Include all links to where readers can talk to you...


Flavor Of The Month:



When Cate Gallagher thinks her day can't get any worse, Patrick Garrett comes along to prove her wrong. The sexy stranger awakens her long forgotten libido but she knows from past experiences his type is best avoided at all costs.

Patrick is sure the chemistry between them will set the sheets on fire, if only she would give him a chance. He hatches a seduction plan to show her exactly how right they could be. 
 
But getting the girl isn't the only obstacle to their Happy Ever After. Misunderstandings and assumptions bring their heat level to boiling point and threaten to scorch their love. 
 
Can Cate overcome her past and let Patrick show her she's not just the Flavour Of The Month?


Author Bio


Once upon a time, in a land called Australia, there lived a delightful young girl named Bianca who loved to read. As she grew older, her sarcastic tendencies and warped sense of humor became evident, as did her preference for raunchy romances. 

Now, as well as reigning over their 1/4 acre kingdom with the handsome Prince that stole her heart and feeding their ever-growing children, she not only reads everything she can, but pens her own deliciously sexy stories.
Where can readers find you?

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