Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two,
ONE!
NaNoWriMo is starting in three hours twenty eight minutes. 12:01 AM November 1 and the writing frenzy begins.
Cheer me on as I post my progress, and other ramblings.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
TODAY IS THE DAY - PLEASE WELCOME NADIA!
Thank you Nadia for dropping by for an interview. We have heard a lot about your book Enthralled in the last few days. Now we would like to learn a little about you.
So here goes:
1) If you could start over with your writing career, what if anything would you change?
To be honest nothing! I try never to regret anything I do in life no matter how it turns out. I view my writing career through the same lense. Good or bad, each experience has been invaluable and has made me a better writer so why on earth would I want to change it?!
2) What was the best piece of advice you received regarding the life of a writer?
The best advice I have ever received was along the lines of “you are the only one that can stand in your way.” I believe that wholeheartedly. You can be your greatest champion or your biggest enemy. It is all about how you view the situation.
3) If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Indian Empress Nu Jahan. She rose to power during a time in the Mughal Empire when women were seen and not heard. She was ridiculed and despised because she refused to be dictated by the rules of society. I have always enjoyed reading about her life and the more I learn about her the more impressed I become.
4) If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be?
Ariel, The Little Mermaid! I know that sounds corny, but I have ALWAYS wanted to be a mermaid which is why I was a competitive swimmer growing up and is the reason why I continue to do a lot of water sports. I just love the water and if I could meet Ariel IN THE WATER of course--not when she got her feet--then I could also be a mermaid for a day or for however long our meeting lasts!
5) In the next century, what do you hope people will remember you for?
I hope they remember that I was a loyal and loving person with a passion for life and for people.
6) How do you balance your personal and writing time?
Like most folks I have a lot on my plate, but if I am going to devote myself to a writing career then I need to do both my day job, my other activities as well as set aside time to write so I set a 10,000 words per week writing goal. As a writer you can set whatever writing goal you want but 10,000 per week works for me. The great thing about setting a weekly goal is that somedays I may not write at all whereas other days I may write all day. In the end I ALWAYS make my goal which allows me to get everything-OKAY MOST things done!
7) How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?
I usually just start writing and then once it gets too complicated to keep up with storylines, language and things like that I sit down and outline the chapters.
8) What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
I write erotic romance and within that genre my themes fall under multicultural/interracial, contemporary, fantasy, sci-fi and historical. Now I got into this genre because I wanted to see more interracial and multicultural erotic romance novels so I figured if that is what I wanted then I needed to write them myself!
9) Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?
Candace from Enthralled because this is my FIRST published novel!!! I love my heroine! She is strong and corageous, yet at the same time there is a vulnerability about her. Mainly she is motivated by a desire to be a good ruler. To do what is right. Many people say that as a writer you should stay away from developing characters that are loosely based upon your own personality, which I will say in this case I did! However, I would like to think that a few of my own personality traits ended up in Candace which of course endears her to me. When you read Enthralled I think you will find that you can't help but cheer for Candace. She has so much to deal with and yet she remains poised through everything. She compromises but not at the expense of who she is. I love that about her and I hope the readers do too!
10) If you were writing a script for the big screen, who would you want to act in your movie?
Angela Bassett! I looooovvvveee her! She is just so amazingly talented and she possesses such a rare beauty and grace. Everything that she does is wonderful. I love her!
11) What would you want readers to take away from your books?
Set in a fantasy world Enthralled takes you into another realm and introduces you to characters that you only dream of! It is a perfect erotic romance because it has all of the critical elements, dominant men, feisty women and a lot of sensuality! I hope when readers open Enthralled that they feel like they are plunged into another world that they don't want to leave even after the final page.
12) Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?
Well since I consider myself a beginning writer too I guess I would tell them what someone told me. Rejection is a big part of this business but don't let it set the standard for your talent and your work. Just because someone isn't interested in publishing your story doesn't mean it is not a great story and shouldn't be told. Many publishers follow the trends of the market because ultimately their goal is to make money! As an author I respect that but as an "artist" I believe that there is SOMEBODY out there that wants to hear what I have to say. Twelve publishing houses passed on JK Rowling's first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Sone before a small press decided to pick her up. I bet all of those acquisitions editors are looking for new jobs! In all seriousness, when I reflect on her story it just drives me more. I truly believe that the critical factor in achieving success in this business is to simply believe in your passion. It may take days or it may take years before someone takes a chance on your book, but don't stop. Don't give up, because in the end your love for writing and your dedication to your craft will define how far you go as an author and your ultimate SUCCESS in this business. So just keep on plugging along to the next publisher/person because you have to ALWAYS believe in your talent and your work even if nobody else does.
13) Where can readers buy a copy of your book?
From my website at www.nadiaaidan.com
14) What other projects are you working on right now?
I am working on a five book contemporary series titled Friends and Lovers. The first title, Sweet Revenge is currently under review with an editor and hopefully it will be released in the next few months. This is actually the first book I ever wrote so it is very dear to my heart.
So here goes:
1) If you could start over with your writing career, what if anything would you change?
To be honest nothing! I try never to regret anything I do in life no matter how it turns out. I view my writing career through the same lense. Good or bad, each experience has been invaluable and has made me a better writer so why on earth would I want to change it?!
2) What was the best piece of advice you received regarding the life of a writer?
The best advice I have ever received was along the lines of “you are the only one that can stand in your way.” I believe that wholeheartedly. You can be your greatest champion or your biggest enemy. It is all about how you view the situation.
3) If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Indian Empress Nu Jahan. She rose to power during a time in the Mughal Empire when women were seen and not heard. She was ridiculed and despised because she refused to be dictated by the rules of society. I have always enjoyed reading about her life and the more I learn about her the more impressed I become.
4) If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be?
Ariel, The Little Mermaid! I know that sounds corny, but I have ALWAYS wanted to be a mermaid which is why I was a competitive swimmer growing up and is the reason why I continue to do a lot of water sports. I just love the water and if I could meet Ariel IN THE WATER of course--not when she got her feet--then I could also be a mermaid for a day or for however long our meeting lasts!
5) In the next century, what do you hope people will remember you for?
I hope they remember that I was a loyal and loving person with a passion for life and for people.
6) How do you balance your personal and writing time?
Like most folks I have a lot on my plate, but if I am going to devote myself to a writing career then I need to do both my day job, my other activities as well as set aside time to write so I set a 10,000 words per week writing goal. As a writer you can set whatever writing goal you want but 10,000 per week works for me. The great thing about setting a weekly goal is that somedays I may not write at all whereas other days I may write all day. In the end I ALWAYS make my goal which allows me to get everything-OKAY MOST things done!
7) How do you write? Do your characters come to you first or the plot or the world of the story?
I usually just start writing and then once it gets too complicated to keep up with storylines, language and things like that I sit down and outline the chapters.
8) What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
I write erotic romance and within that genre my themes fall under multicultural/interracial, contemporary, fantasy, sci-fi and historical. Now I got into this genre because I wanted to see more interracial and multicultural erotic romance novels so I figured if that is what I wanted then I needed to write them myself!
9) Out of all the characters that you've written, who is your favorite and why?
Candace from Enthralled because this is my FIRST published novel!!! I love my heroine! She is strong and corageous, yet at the same time there is a vulnerability about her. Mainly she is motivated by a desire to be a good ruler. To do what is right. Many people say that as a writer you should stay away from developing characters that are loosely based upon your own personality, which I will say in this case I did! However, I would like to think that a few of my own personality traits ended up in Candace which of course endears her to me. When you read Enthralled I think you will find that you can't help but cheer for Candace. She has so much to deal with and yet she remains poised through everything. She compromises but not at the expense of who she is. I love that about her and I hope the readers do too!
10) If you were writing a script for the big screen, who would you want to act in your movie?
Angela Bassett! I looooovvvveee her! She is just so amazingly talented and she possesses such a rare beauty and grace. Everything that she does is wonderful. I love her!
11) What would you want readers to take away from your books?
Set in a fantasy world Enthralled takes you into another realm and introduces you to characters that you only dream of! It is a perfect erotic romance because it has all of the critical elements, dominant men, feisty women and a lot of sensuality! I hope when readers open Enthralled that they feel like they are plunged into another world that they don't want to leave even after the final page.
12) Do you have any advice for beginning writers in regards to writing a book?
Well since I consider myself a beginning writer too I guess I would tell them what someone told me. Rejection is a big part of this business but don't let it set the standard for your talent and your work. Just because someone isn't interested in publishing your story doesn't mean it is not a great story and shouldn't be told. Many publishers follow the trends of the market because ultimately their goal is to make money! As an author I respect that but as an "artist" I believe that there is SOMEBODY out there that wants to hear what I have to say. Twelve publishing houses passed on JK Rowling's first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Sone before a small press decided to pick her up. I bet all of those acquisitions editors are looking for new jobs! In all seriousness, when I reflect on her story it just drives me more. I truly believe that the critical factor in achieving success in this business is to simply believe in your passion. It may take days or it may take years before someone takes a chance on your book, but don't stop. Don't give up, because in the end your love for writing and your dedication to your craft will define how far you go as an author and your ultimate SUCCESS in this business. So just keep on plugging along to the next publisher/person because you have to ALWAYS believe in your talent and your work even if nobody else does.
13) Where can readers buy a copy of your book?
From my website at www.nadiaaidan.com
14) What other projects are you working on right now?
I am working on a five book contemporary series titled Friends and Lovers. The first title, Sweet Revenge is currently under review with an editor and hopefully it will be released in the next few months. This is actually the first book I ever wrote so it is very dear to my heart.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Who is Nadia Aidan?
Nadia Aidan lives, works and writes on the East Coast in the United States. Under her real name, Nadia holds a PhD in Political Science and Public Policy and by day she works as an Assistant Professor.
In addition to writing erotic romances Nadia enjoys reading other authors, playing flag football, studying muay thai, working out, listening to music, scuba diving, and target shooting.
Her other interests include collecting Top Cow comics, especially Witchblade and Tomb Raider. She loves professional football and soccer. Her favorite teams are the Washington Redskins and Manchester United, respectively.
Nadia loves watching, reading about, and writing about strong, assertive heroines which is why she is an enduring fan of Fight Girls, Xena, Buffy, and La Femme Nikita!
Nadia also loves interacting with people so feel free to email her at www.contactme@nadiaaidan.com
In addition to writing erotic romances Nadia enjoys reading other authors, playing flag football, studying muay thai, working out, listening to music, scuba diving, and target shooting.
Her other interests include collecting Top Cow comics, especially Witchblade and Tomb Raider. She loves professional football and soccer. Her favorite teams are the Washington Redskins and Manchester United, respectively.
Nadia loves watching, reading about, and writing about strong, assertive heroines which is why she is an enduring fan of Fight Girls, Xena, Buffy, and La Femme Nikita!
Nadia also loves interacting with people so feel free to email her at www.contactme@nadiaaidan.com
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Enthralled by Nadia Aidan
Enthralled: Candace and Ares—The Divine Series, Book One
By Nadia Aidan
About Enthralled iUniverse says:
This is one hot book! If you love feisty heroines and extremely dominant men then this is the book for you!
Book Description
Strong willed and beautiful, Candace, Queen of the Amazonian planet Kush is used to fighting battles, giving orders and subservient men. From birth she is taught the art of war and that men are the enemy. What she hates more than a man is a domineering man!
With a body as powerful as a god's, the heir to the Akkadian throne is far from subservient. A man of honor, Ares is all masculine dominance!
When war tears their planets apart the two are faced with entering into a marriage contract in order to save their kingdoms and their people. Forced into a marriage neither wants, at every turn the two warriors clash as they battle for dominance. But what begins as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something more as they fight their growing passion and hunger for each other. The ultimate challenge comes when they are forced to forsake their old beliefs for a chance at a future together. Can two fighting spirits learn the ultimate lesson of surrendering to their hearts?
By Nadia Aidan
About Enthralled iUniverse says:
This is one hot book! If you love feisty heroines and extremely dominant men then this is the book for you!
Book Description
Strong willed and beautiful, Candace, Queen of the Amazonian planet Kush is used to fighting battles, giving orders and subservient men. From birth she is taught the art of war and that men are the enemy. What she hates more than a man is a domineering man!
With a body as powerful as a god's, the heir to the Akkadian throne is far from subservient. A man of honor, Ares is all masculine dominance!
When war tears their planets apart the two are faced with entering into a marriage contract in order to save their kingdoms and their people. Forced into a marriage neither wants, at every turn the two warriors clash as they battle for dominance. But what begins as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something more as they fight their growing passion and hunger for each other. The ultimate challenge comes when they are forced to forsake their old beliefs for a chance at a future together. Can two fighting spirits learn the ultimate lesson of surrendering to their hearts?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Nadia Aidan
Nadia Aidan
Nadia Aidan is visiting my blogs on Monday October 29th. She is touring on a Virtual Book Tour talking about her new release Enthralled.
She describes herself as "Nadia Aidan is an irreverent erotic romance novelist who loves pushing the envelope. "
Drop by and see why Night Owl Romance says
"Enthralled is an off world erotic romance. Think barbarians and amazons and how these two will clash. On the planet of Akkadia a King rules… He has 3 brothers and one sister. His father was a warmonger, but King Ares sees a different future for his world. He has a solution to stop the bloodshed. His people have been at war with the Amazon women and it's time for that to end.On the world of Kush, Queen Candace rules and her warrior women respect and follow her. She has been raised to not need a man, but something is missing from her life. She has not birthed any children. The doctor's say she is medically fine. Her mother has passed away and Candace believes that change is also needed, but she is unsure what to do.King Ares calls a secret meeting with Queen Candace. To end the war they will marry and provide a united front. A simple solution to a huge problem, right! Well it's not that simple and Ares and Candace will have to find a way for both of them to keep the respect of their people and also to follow the emotions they have for each other.Enthralled is the first book in Nadia Aidan's The Divine Series. Nadia easily drew me in from the beginning. The story was interesting and rich with emotion. I came to know many characters and very quickly. In many books when an author tries to put in a huge group of people it just does not work, but Ms. Aidan was able to do it beautifully. Along those same lines all the secondary characters were so interesting that I can't wait to read their stories. Enthralled was a wonderfully sexy glimpse into another world and how its people are dealing with the transition of war to peace, love and acceptance."
Nadia Aidan is visiting my blogs on Monday October 29th. She is touring on a Virtual Book Tour talking about her new release Enthralled.
She describes herself as "Nadia Aidan is an irreverent erotic romance novelist who loves pushing the envelope. "
Drop by and see why Night Owl Romance says
"Enthralled is an off world erotic romance. Think barbarians and amazons and how these two will clash. On the planet of Akkadia a King rules… He has 3 brothers and one sister. His father was a warmonger, but King Ares sees a different future for his world. He has a solution to stop the bloodshed. His people have been at war with the Amazon women and it's time for that to end.On the world of Kush, Queen Candace rules and her warrior women respect and follow her. She has been raised to not need a man, but something is missing from her life. She has not birthed any children. The doctor's say she is medically fine. Her mother has passed away and Candace believes that change is also needed, but she is unsure what to do.King Ares calls a secret meeting with Queen Candace. To end the war they will marry and provide a united front. A simple solution to a huge problem, right! Well it's not that simple and Ares and Candace will have to find a way for both of them to keep the respect of their people and also to follow the emotions they have for each other.Enthralled is the first book in Nadia Aidan's The Divine Series. Nadia easily drew me in from the beginning. The story was interesting and rich with emotion. I came to know many characters and very quickly. In many books when an author tries to put in a huge group of people it just does not work, but Ms. Aidan was able to do it beautifully. Along those same lines all the secondary characters were so interesting that I can't wait to read their stories. Enthralled was a wonderfully sexy glimpse into another world and how its people are dealing with the transition of war to peace, love and acceptance."
Friday, October 26, 2007
Virtual Book Tour of Nadia Aidan
Monday October 29th Another Author will visit my blog in a Virtual Book Tour. Nadia Aidan, author of Enthralled, will be here.
Enthralled: Ares & Candace
The Divine Series
Nadia Aidan
Review Date: 8/18/2007
ISBN: unk
Date Available:September 2007
The Divine Series
Nadia Aidan
Review Date: 8/18/2007
ISBN: unk
Date Available:September 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Chance to Win a copy of Prophecy of Vithan
Prophecy of Vithan is being featured on Stifle the Squeal . I am interviewed as well.
If you leave a comment on the blog you will be entered to win a copy of my novel Prophecy of Vithan.
Stop by and get your chance at winning.
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