His By Design...
August 2013 Harlequin Desire Ziara glanced up to find Sloan’s gaze directed her way. His earlier anger had turned his bright blue eyes icily sharp, his body rigid, his jaw tight. But now he eased back in a chair, propping his elbows on the arms. His fingers absently stroked the upper ridge of his lip, drawing her attention to the sensuous curve of his mouth. His turbulent look suddenly softened like ice thawing beneath a heat lamp. Her emotions seesawed as his gaze traveled south, visually caressing the extra length of leg exposed by her hasty drop into her chair. She could almost feel his touch sliding along the edge of her skirt, tickling the sensitive skin on the backs of her legs. Bit by bit, Ziara used up her willpower forcing herself to sit impassively. The twitch of her thighs urged her to shift her feet, but she resisted. That would tell him just how much he affected her. Tightening her muscles, she tried to crack down on the spreading fire, to no avail. Ignoring physical desire had never been a problem before him. Her new boss. Her soothingly subtle gray business suit, so comfortable in the luxurious air-conditioning only moments ago, now felt heavy, itchy. Her nipples peaked against their confinement. She felt that he peered through her professional armor to the woman she kept hidden deep inside. How could a simple look make her so aware, too aware? As if she lacked something only he could provide. As casually as possible, she adjusted her position and her skirt, covering her legs down past her knees. Knowledge leaked into his eyes, as well as smug satisfaction. He did that on purpose. Feeling a need to defend herself, she met him with a flick of her lashes. Slowly she lifted her left brow. He grinned, not at all intimidated by her challenge. “Be in my office and ready to work first thing tomorrow morning.”
Available Now at Amazon, B&N, and other online retailers.
Check out more My Sexy Saturday posts HERE.
UPDATE: Its been very exciting to spot my book around my own town. I hope you are seeing it around yours! Keep those pictures coming in! I've got some great prizes to be had! (see submission info at the bottom of this post) Dani
A very special event happens this week--well, special to me, at least. My very first print book hits the shelves!!! I've had the pleasure of holding a copy in my hands, a pleasure 10 years in the making...now I'll get to see one on an actual bookshelf!
But over the next week, I hope you (the readers and fellow writers who have supported me so much along this journey) will join me in my excitement by sharing your experience of finding my book WITH ME. Today I'm asking, "Where in the world is my book?"
If you see it, send me a picture of it on the shelf or in your hands or in its shipping box or even checking out at the cashier... :) I'll post random pictures on Facebook and Twitter, and next week I'll reveal the winners of some Great Prizes here on my blog!
Submit the pictures to my email at readdaniwade@gmail.com . Be sure to include your name, email address, and the location the picture was taken from. The first prize winner gets a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes&Noble, the runner up gets a $10 gift card, and a special giftie will be given for any honorable mentions.
All you have to do to enter is answer (in photo form):
Where in the world is Dani Wade's book?
Dani
readdaniwade@gmail.com
A very special event happens this week--well, special to me, at least. My very first print book hits the shelves!!! I've had the pleasure of holding a copy in my hands, a pleasure 10 years in the making...now I'll get to see one on an actual bookshelf!
But over the next week, I hope you (the readers and fellow writers who have supported me so much along this journey) will join me in my excitement by sharing your experience of finding my book WITH ME. Today I'm asking, "Where in the world is my book?"
If you see it, send me a picture of it on the shelf or in your hands or in its shipping box or even checking out at the cashier... :) I'll post random pictures on Facebook and Twitter, and next week I'll reveal the winners of some Great Prizes here on my blog!
Submit the pictures to my email at readdaniwade@gmail.com . Be sure to include your name, email address, and the location the picture was taken from. The first prize winner gets a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes&Noble, the runner up gets a $10 gift card, and a special giftie will be given for any honorable mentions.
All you have to do to enter is answer (in photo form):
Where in the world is Dani Wade's book?
Dani
readdaniwade@gmail.com It's Release week for my debut Harlequin Desire, His By Design, and to celebrate I'm being interviewed by the fabulous June Love on the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood. Join us as we talk characterization, story ideas, and Vegas, Baby!
I had the privilege of attending Romance Writers of America's National Conference in Atlanta, GA this year! It's been several years since I've been able to go, and the fact that this was the year I was eligible for the pink SOLD! ribbon made it that much more special.
I helped out at the PASIC reception held at Miss Pittypat's Porch! This restaurant was incredible! Great food. genuine southern hospitality. and a really cool atmosphere.
[caption id="attachment_552" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Authors Kira Sinclair. Dani Wade, Andrea Laurence[/caption]
I only got to attend 1 workshop while I was there but both the luncheon speeches were very inspirational! I'd forgotten how beneficial it is to listen to other authors talk about their journeys, the pitfalls and the high points. I came away with my creative well full and energized to write.
The majority of my time at Nationals was focused on the RITA Awards ceremony, as I was on the Awards committee this year. But those rehearsals were all worth it! And I got to see my lovely sister, Ella Sheridan, on her big night! She was a finalist for RWA's Golden Heart Award for Paranormal Romance. She didn't win, but we still celebrated her first publishing contract by dancing the night away after the show.
[caption id="attachment_548" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Authors Ella Sheridan, Dani Wade[/caption]The other major event for me was meeting my editor for the very first time! Charles Griemsman is my editor at Harlequin Desire. It was wonderful getting to know him better, and attending a dinner with him and other Desire authors. They were all very welcoming and I truly enjoyed learning about each of these lovely ladies!
[caption id="attachment_549" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani Wade with editor Charles Griemsman[/caption][caption id="attachment_550" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Authors Anna DePalo, Katherine Garbera, Emily McKay, editor Charles Griemsman, Michelle Celmer, Dani Wade[/caption]
Probably my favorite time of the trip was the Harlequin Party! This annual event is put on by my publisher at Nationals to celebrate their authors. We danced, had desserts and drinks, and sang long into the night. I got to see my cover for His By Design make an appearance on the big screens hung near the dance floor. The Sale Shoes even made an appearance!!! It wouldn't be a Harlequin Party without them.
[caption id="attachment_551" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Authors Addison Fox. Liz Talley, Jennifer Bray-Weber, Dani Wade[/caption][caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Sale Shoes!!! Black-Dani Wade, Silver-Andrea Laurence, Brown-Kira Sinclair, slippers-Kimberly Lang (who had a good excuse for not wearing her sale shoes)[/caption]
Every year that I've attended a National Conference has taught me something about myself, has pushed me forward in a career I love so very much. This year was about stepping outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, and trying not to panic in the glass elevators. :) And it was my first time to really enjoy being Dani Wade, author. I think I accomplished a lot, hopefully started some new friendships, and created some great memories. I can't wait to do it all again next year!
Dani
I recently went to visit my friend, author Kimberly Lang, for walking lessons. That's right. Walking lessons. Or more accurately, lessons for walking in high heels.
I received a special gift for my first publishing contract: a pair of "sale shoes". I've worn moderate heels through the years, but these are 5 inch with a 1 inch platform (so its really like walking in 4 inch heels). And they are so special that I wanted to look natural wearing them -- not be the girl carefully picking her way through the lobby because she's afraid she'll fall in her fantabulous shoes. :)
The lessons went great, and I learned one important thing -- walking with your chin up makes a world of difference in attitude.
When she told me to stop watching my feet and lift my chin, I was amazed at the difference it made. My shoulders went back and I felt stronger, taller (something I could sure use), more centered. It made me look more confidence, even though I didn't feel that way at first.
Fake it till you make it -- the old adage personified. Over the past 6 months, I've found myself looking down a lot in my writing journey too. I keep watching for the next obstacle, the next thing I have to work my way around or over, because delays keep popping up everywhere. Its very frustrating, and more than a little scary for the person who likes to know exactly where she's going. So I have a feeling this little lesson is about more than shoes -- its about life.
I'm trying (with the help of some friends and my hubby) to keep moving forward with my chin up. Rely on my instincts and keep an eye in the distance for what might be coming down the pike. In the long run, that will do me way more good than staring at the obstacles at my feet that I can do nothing about. And those shoes? Well, I walked my way through an entire readers' luncheon without faltering, so I know practice CAN make perfect.
What obstacles have you caught up in the moment? What little things can you do to build your confidence and keep moving forward?
Dani
The lessons went great, and I learned one important thing -- walking with your chin up makes a world of difference in attitude.
When she told me to stop watching my feet and lift my chin, I was amazed at the difference it made. My shoulders went back and I felt stronger, taller (something I could sure use), more centered. It made me look more confidence, even though I didn't feel that way at first.
Fake it till you make it -- the old adage personified. Over the past 6 months, I've found myself looking down a lot in my writing journey too. I keep watching for the next obstacle, the next thing I have to work my way around or over, because delays keep popping up everywhere. Its very frustrating, and more than a little scary for the person who likes to know exactly where she's going. So I have a feeling this little lesson is about more than shoes -- its about life.
I'm trying (with the help of some friends and my hubby) to keep moving forward with my chin up. Rely on my instincts and keep an eye in the distance for what might be coming down the pike. In the long run, that will do me way more good than staring at the obstacles at my feet that I can do nothing about. And those shoes? Well, I walked my way through an entire readers' luncheon without faltering, so I know practice CAN make perfect.
What obstacles have you caught up in the moment? What little things can you do to build your confidence and keep moving forward?
Dani
Last week, I had the privilege of attending my first reader event. Boy, was it exciting...and extra special to me.
You see, the Heart of Dixie Annual Readers' Luncheon is an event I've been either coordinating or assisting with for 10 years as an unpublished author. This year I actually hosted a table and got to share my great publishing news with so many of the readers who encouraged me each year of my journey.
Here are a few of the highlights:
This is the lovely table I shared with historical author Cathy MacRae. Cool authentic police items to go with the "romantic thrillers" theme in honor of our guest speaker, JT Ellison, and a print of my first Harlequin cover that the luncheon committee had made as our author gifts.
Look at this awesome group of authors that hosted tables!
This is the Dani Wade author basket I donated as a door prize. After years of creating raffle baskets for this event, I was over the moon to create one especially for me. And these are the "wedding favors" I put together for the readers at my table, since HIS BY DESIGN is set in a wedding gown design firm.
Even though I didn't have a print book available, I did sign swag for FINDING HER RHYTHM and SNOW BOUND at the author signing event. It gave me a chance to meet and talk with several new readers, which was totally fun.
Meeting readers for the first time in my "author persona" made me nervous -- until I sat down and started talking. Then I simply smiled and enjoyed myself. Being surrounded by friends and fellow authors made it that much more special to me, especially my awesome Playfriends! (Marilyn Puett, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang, and me)
Some really great memories!
Dani
This is the lovely table I shared with historical author Cathy MacRae. Cool authentic police items to go with the "romantic thrillers" theme in honor of our guest speaker, JT Ellison, and a print of my first Harlequin cover that the luncheon committee had made as our author gifts.
Look at this awesome group of authors that hosted tables!
This is the Dani Wade author basket I donated as a door prize. After years of creating raffle baskets for this event, I was over the moon to create one especially for me. And these are the "wedding favors" I put together for the readers at my table, since HIS BY DESIGN is set in a wedding gown design firm.
Even though I didn't have a print book available, I did sign swag for FINDING HER RHYTHM and SNOW BOUND at the author signing event. It gave me a chance to meet and talk with several new readers, which was totally fun.
Meeting readers for the first time in my "author persona" made me nervous -- until I sat down and started talking. Then I simply smiled and enjoyed myself. Being surrounded by friends and fellow authors made it that much more special to me, especially my awesome Playfriends! (Marilyn Puett, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang, and me)
Some really great memories!
Dani
I'm a busy woman! Somehow I managed to book myself in 2 places on 1 day. How'd that happen?
But I know you'll love these blogs (and I could use all the comment-love I can get)! So join me as I visit these fabulous blogs:
I'm sharing my First Call story with the Pink Heart Society Blog: www.pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com
And I'm an Author Spotlight on Anne Lange's blog: http://authorannelange.com/2013/04/24/author-spotlight-dani-wade/
It's finally here! I'm going on vacation with some of my girlfriends, hanging out, writing, plotting, and relaxing in the hot tub. :) Unfortunately I have to leave the fam behind, and I'll feel incredibly guilty about that while I'm gone. Okay, maybe not "incredibly" guilty. But all my talk about "rest" has to lead somewhere, right?
Other good news! Fabu editor has chosen and approved a title for my August 2013 Desire: HIS BY DESIGN! I love it and can't wait to see the cover. I should be ready for line edits any day now.
So its good news day! Share yours with us!
My blogmates at The Writing Playground are hostessing a cyber-party for me today to celebrate my sale. I'd love for y'all to join us! Cyber-massages, Krispy Kreme donuts, and chocolate martinis for everyone! Not to mention my Call Story from amazing editor Shana Smith of Harlequin Desire!
Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for;
it is a thing to be achieved.
William JenningsBryan
I’ve tried to think about what I would say or how I would address my big news this week on my blog. I’ve sat down several times to write this post and not a single word would come easily. How do I explain what a momentous event selling my first book is to me? Without sounding sappy or naïve or over the top… but then, anyone who knows me knows I’m emotional and sentimental and, yeah, hmmm. This is even more challenging than I thought. The facts: I sold my first book to Shana Smith, Associate Editor for Harlequin Desire. She called last Monday and I’ve been over the moon ever since. I’ve celebrated on Facebook, Twitter, with family and friends, and I’ll be posting my call story on The Writing Playground on Wednesday for a big online party over there! Very exciting! But I think what I want to talk about here, today, is what I’ve learned this week from receiving what we writers refer to as The Call. I’ve been writing for a long time, submitting, selling short stories, getting rejections, finalling in contests, and still no sells. Sometimes the struggle was so hard that I’ll admit, I took a couple of breaks. But I never really stopped. The voices in my head kept talking; the hope in my heart kept bobbing back to the surface. So I couldn’t stop writing, and I couldn’t stop submitting for long. As the quote above says, destiny is grounded in the choices we make, the achievements we strive for. I chose to hone my craft, actively write, edit my work, and surround myself with encouraging friends. My dream has always been to be a published author of romance novels, and through a lot of hard work, perseverance, and the direction of a great editor, that dream came true this week.
Bottom line: Perseverance isn’t fun, isn’t pretty, and doesn’t always feel good – but it can create the most beautiful results. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating Wednesday on the Playground! I’ll be sharing more details from this exciting first step in my publishing career as they become available.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me!