Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wonderful Review for Mine!

I think I literally saw sparks fly when Larissa and Damien finally gave up the pretense that their relationship was only a working one. There’s always something wicked about lusting after your boss but when that boss is an irresistible vampire, the heat level increases. Damien knew how to get under Larissa’s ski, and those are the moments that I liked him the most. Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod are wonderful authors individually but together, they have created a story that will leave readers wanting more. They gave me some vampire facts that left me curious and some steamy dialogue that made me blush. If you enjoy an office romance with a paranormal twist, then Mine! is definitely for you. Pick up a copy and enjoy!

Monday, December 20, 2010

The Make A Wish Foundation

Make A Wish Foundation

Every author has a worthy cause they like to support and I'm no different. I'd like to take this time, during the Christmas season, to say a word about the Make A Wish Foundation and their work in making wishes come true.

The Make A Wish Foundation benefits children with life threatening illnesses and helps them realize their dreams. As a healthcare worker in my day job, I've seen many children who are very sick and it's truly heartrending. Make A Wish does its best to bring a smile to many children as they battle illnesses that would put most adults down for the count.

This is one of my favorite charities and one I'm proud to support. Please consider making a small contribution by following the link HERE.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Tequila Cake

This recipe is from a wonderful lady and great proof reader, Novellette. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

WARNING!!!
This dish will very likely make your clothes fall off...

Tequila Cake

  Hi all

Once again this year, I've had requests for my Tequila Christmas Cake recipe so here goes:

Please try to keep it in your files because I'm beginning to get tired of typing this up every year!

Ingredients:1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup water
1 tsp. salt
1 cup brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs (room temperature)
Nuts (your choice)
1 bottle tequila
2 cups dried fruit

Directions:Sample tequila to check quality; Take a large bowl; check
tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality.

Repeat.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy
bowl.
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point, it is best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and toss in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the fruit up off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose
with a drewscriver.

Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity.

Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something white.

Check the tequila. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefing. Whatever you can
find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window. 

Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat. 

Selling Yourself Not So Short

There are many forms of promotion. The easiest is a paid spot on a review site or blog. And those are great. But they shouldn't be your only shot at promo. They should be the icing on the cake.
Now, I'm far from an expert, but I've found that, for me, the best promotion I can give my work is not to promote the latest book, but promote myself. No, I don’t mean by posting my logo everywhere, or simply maintaining my website, although that is extremely important. I mean, create an online presence. Facebook, twitter, blogs… all those help with this presence, but even that is not enough.
You have to be memorable. Whether you're funny, silly, seriously sexy, or just all out goofy, get readers to notice and like you. Your excerpts need to draw the readers in, but more often than not, if they like YOU, they will buy the book your selling. They'll buy it because they like you.
Do something unheard of. Have a chat and… gasp… don't talk about yourself. Talk about a movie you've seen that you really liked, or a band you love to listen to. How about something really unique. Talk about another author. Or maybe your publishers. Or just talk. Make it memorable though.  I once had a chat about sex toys. It was the funniest, most memorable chat I've ever had and a whale of a good time. I had a chat once where we spent the entire hour trying to think of a song I had forgot. Silly, huh. But I got e-mails about that chat for months afterward. Some were readers just telling me what a good time they had, some still trying to help me find the song. It was an amazing evening and the most important thing that happened was that everyone there not only remembered my name, but told their friends and the next chat I had twice as many readers.
Now, we all know times have changed and the loops and chats aren't as active as they used to be, but you can still catch a fair amount of readers by just participating on active loops. Don't mention your books unless asked. Simply put your website link in your signature line. People will click, if for no other reason than they're curious about you.
Which brings up another point. Your website is the face of your business. You want to look professional and like you know what your doing, even if, like me, you don't. You'll learn, but your website should look like you've been doing this for years.
The first thing you need to do is invest in a domain name. Using something like wordpress, or blogger, or free webs is fine, but get rid of the blogger.com in the domain name. Most of these sites will help you point your new domain name where it needs to go. Purchasing a domain name is relatively cheap. Most places you can buy a domain name (usually your author name) for about $20. Sometimes less. Just make sure that the e-mail address you use is one you plan on keeping for a very, VERY long time. That is the address they will send you reminders when it's time to renew your name.
Also, consider changing the look of your website from time to time. I don't mean anything drastic, just a new header or color scheme. I'd recommend at least once a year or so. I'll admit, I'm lax in that realm myself, but it's a good idea to keep things fresh and updated.
All in all, your website and your online personality are your most important advertising points. Be memorable on all counts and you'll earn a core fan base that will stick with you and look forward to your next release.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Marteeka is on Audible.com!

Yeah. I know. Get over yourself Teeka!


But hey! I'm excited! You see THESE guys on TV and everything!


Click HERE to view!


If you are a member of Audible.com, you can use credits to buy these books, but it's only a couple bucks if you don't.

Available Now!

Spiced Rum
by Marteeka Karland




Special thanks to Shara Azod for kicking my ass and making me write this. :D


LOVE YA SHARA!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

COMING SOON! Spiced Rum

Spiced Rum
by
Marteeka Karland



Tabitha loves spiced rum and cola. Maybe just a little too much. When she gets pissed, she drinks… Maybe just a little too much.

Thank goodness Derk is there to save her from herself. Sort of.

Too bad he's her arch nemesis. At least, he is since "the incident." Other than that, he's the sexiest piece of eye candy this side of the Mississippi.

Hung-over, naked, and in Derk's bed… well, what's a girl to think?

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Available in Audio!

Lionsbane
presented by Audiominx


In a world where humans are one of the last links in the food chain, they depend on other races and breeds to protect them. But what happens when humans are left on their own?


Jayla's entire family was murdered when she was ten. Now, eight years later, she's on the hunt for the Lionsblood she believes is responsible. Avoiding the farms that "protect" most of the planet's five hundred thousand human inhabitants, Jayla has taught herself to hunt and kill as efficiently as any human possibly could. What she lacks in acute senses, she makes up for in cunning, fearlessness, and keen intelligence.


Kane has followed and protected Jayla since the day she lost her parents and siblings. He knows she believes him responsible, and though he arrived too late to help her family, he was the one who fought off the rogue clan before they killed her, too. Not intending ever to reveal himself to her, Kane suddenly finds himself in need of her help.


It's up to her now. Will Jayla save his life, or live up to the name she has given herself? This is her one chance to truly become the Lionsbane.







Sunday, December 5, 2010

Mine! by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

Here's the cover. Hope you like it as much as me and Shara do. :)





Larissa has dreamed of a mysterious man for many years. When she meets the man who will become her boss, she knows he's her dream man. Too bad he's always such a perfect gentleman.
Damien is simply biding his time. He needs Larissa with every fiber of his being, but he's willing to wait until he's certain the time is right.

Now, having stood all he wants to, Damien begins his unique brand of seduction to claim Larissa as his. That is, if you can call a vampire's idea of collecting what's his "seduction.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Mine!


Mine!
BY
Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

Larissa has dreamed of a mysterious man for many years. When she meets the man who will become her boss, she knows he's her dream man. Too bad he's always such a perfect gentleman.
Damien is simply biding his time. He needs Larissa with every fiber of his being, but he's willing to wait until he's certain the time is right.

Now, having stood all he wants to, Damien begins his unique brand of seduction to claim Larissa as his. That is, if you can call a vampire's idea of collecting what's his "seduction."

Read an excerpt at the top of the page.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

AVAILABLE NOW! Feels Like Home from Marteeka Karland and Beautiful Trouble Publishing



Wild Creek, Texas is home to one Abigail Dupree. This feisty librarian can take on anyone, anywhere, anytime, but Jayce has her completely tied in knots. He always has. Fortunately for Abigail, she's got him just as bumfuzzled.

The one woman Jayce could never get out of his head has always seemed unattainable. Not because he couldn't get her, but because he was seriously afraid her mother would take his manhood if he tried.

What happe
ns when Jayce gets the blessing of Mama Dupree—and the perfect setting to act out his desires?



Read an excerpt on the "Feels Like Home" page of this blog. 

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Got A Question For You...

If McDonald's sold hot dogs, could you order a McWeiner with a straight face then ask them to super size it?

What? It was just a question!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Do You Have Too Many Irons in the Fire?

Marteeka is sitting in her den trying to do her edits.  She's had a long day with working full time in addition to being a mommy, a wife, and the official CGI artist of the Empire (um, Beautiful Trouble Publishing), and author, which means that she basically listens to a barrage of demands. Thinking back on the movie Multiplicity she considers cloning herself, but knowing the people in her life they’d wear the clones out too.  The ding of the IM awakes her just as she nods off.

BTP: Teeka? Are you busy?
MK: I’ve been talking about myself in the third person, of course I’m busy.
BTP: Real busy or only kinda busy.
MK: I will kill you.
BTP: Yeah but before or after you hear what we want?
MK: Seriously. Death…
BTP: We know you went to work, took your son to soccer, and pulled two double shifts last week...but could you please pretty please do a cover for us? It needs a T-Rex and a dragon, a hot BBW woman, a smoking hot naked man. Fire. Smoke. And we need it tomorrow. Also, when are we getting another submission from you?

Before she can answer, a little voice says, "Mommy? Can I have a snack? I just want a Poptart. I can take it out of the package, but will you put it in the toaster? It's hard to get out without burning my fingers."

Husband. "No, son, Mom's about to fix supper, aren't you, Mom."

Another ding on IM.

KK (editor from Changeling Press): Teeka? Do you have any idea how late your book is? M's gonna kill us both if you don't get it in! Where are you and when can you get it to me? I love you to death, but you really suck and it takes me a while to edit you.

Another ding on IM.

BK (cover art director from Changeling Press): Hey. Cover for ya. It's not officially a rush job, but it IS slated out for two weeks and the author really needs the cover for promotional art.

Another…. Oh, you get the point.

AA (anonymous author from above): I really hate to rush you, and I'm so sorry (she really IS a sweetheart) but I've got to get something up on my website to promote with. Please???

Marteeka shuts her laptop, not answering any more IM's because her sanity is in serious question at this point. She stumbles off to the bathroom because it's the only place in the house where someone else ISN'T. She shuts the door. Locks it. Turns up the CD player… some loud, blaring, screamy stuff because she knows that will drive away even cockroaches. She fills the bath with hot water and bubble bath and sinks gratefully to her neck.

She closes her eyes…

Only to have the door open, close, and a solid, muscled, hair roughened body sinks into the bath behind her. She sighs happily.

"What took you so long?"

"Had to fix Poptarts for the boy," he replies as he gently takes one peaked nipple between his fingers and rolls it between the pads. "He'll be occupied for a few minutes…"

"And what did you have in mind for those few minutes?" Marteeka purrs. He knows just how to touch her, just how to make her want more of his caresses.

"Oh, I thought we'd…"

There's a pounding at the door.

"Mommy? Daddy? What's going on in there?"

He grinds his teeth in frustration. Marteeka has to stifle a giggle.

"We're saving water and taking a bath together. We'll be out in a minute."

"But, I need a bath too. It would save even more water if we had family bath time. Then we could have family cuddle time and all go to sleep TOGETHER."

Sigh.

Just like everything else.

NOTHING FINISHED!

Know Your Roll!

As a writer, I tend to create stories that appeal to me. Which is great. IF I'm buying my own books. The trick is, to find an audience who loves the same stuff I do. How does one do that? Picking the right publisher is a great start. Pick a publisher that sells books you like to read. Buy some of their books in different genres to get a feel for what they sell.

BE AWARE!!

The first book you write for that publisher will be what your audience expects. ESPECIALLY if you write something with a speciality audiance. Menage. Slash. Manga. Shunga. Fem dom. It's much easer to cross genre if you start simple. M/F audiences will cross over easier than say ménage readers will cross to straight M/F books. Likewise, if your publisher specializes in a genere like science fiction or paranormal, you're much more likely to be able to cross over more than if your publisher specializes in say historical or sweet romance. That's an extreme, but you see what I mean.

Likewise, IR publishers will publish ménage, but it's not necessarily what their readers expect. You may contract the book, but don't expect to set any sales records.

Bottom line? Write what you love -- its what makes a good writer a great one -- but research the market. Find a publisher that suits you and has a good track record of selling books in your preferred genre. Once you're in, you'll be on your way to building a dedicated readership.

Shifter's Coven: Hunter

AVAILABLE FRIDAY!
Simon is the lead hunter of the pack and most trusted confidant and advisor to the Alpha. He's also one of the most feared wolves in pack history, and no one has ever known his equal. Now he must hunt the most powerful enemy he's ever encountered before she destroys the one most precious to him.


Adopted daughter of the Alpha, Sasha is a powerful shifter in her own right. She's only now coming into her heritage as a witch, but her power rivals that of Simon's prey, Deloris. She knows Simon's hunt is important to the pack, but never suspects it might all be a trap to draw her into Deloris's deceitful web of malice.

Marteeka's Dreams

Welcome to my author blog! Yes, I've been dragged kicking and screaming into the whole blog thing. Now, I've actually got to post stuff. :D