So, I’ve decided I should write blog posts on Wednesday, if I’m not able to write them the rest of the week. I figure Hump Day is a good one. I can tell you what I’ve done with my week so far, as well as what I hope to accomplish the rest of the week.

First – Happy Anniversary to my blog, which is 4 years old today.

Second – members of my chat loop discovered Livia Dare earlier this week, but the rest of the world probably doesn’t know about her yet. Livia is the name my Sapphire series will be released under. Why the third pen name? My publisher — Kensington Zebra — wanted me to release these books, which are fantasy romance, under a name other than Sylvia Day. I couldn’t use S.J. Day, because S.J. writes non-romance and the Sapphire books are very definitely romances. You can learn more about the Sapphire series here.

UPDATE – I thought I’d mention that the first Sapphire book was written in 2004, sold to Kate Duffy at Kensington Zebra in 2006, and will finally be available to you in June 2009. It’s been a long time coming, so I’m excited and hope that those of you who have been waiting for this book since it was first posted on my site find it to be worth the wait!

Third – I cut out carbs today. Just this morning. I intend to keep going indefinitely since carbohydrates make me sluggish and plump. But man… I’ve got a killer headache. I always get headaches the first 2-3 days of a low carb diet. But I don’t get hungry, which is lovely.

Rest of the week – I plan to finish my latest book! Wish me luck. I’m almost there… On Sunday, I’m heading down to San Diego for a picnic at the marina. I’ve invited the ever fabulous HelenKay Dimon and her dh along for what is always a good time. It’s an annual picnic with many friends and much fun. HelenKay’s latest book, Hard as Nails, is out now. You should go buy it. Immediately.

How about you? What has your week been like so far?

110 degrees is too damn hot.

I received an email this morning from All About Romance that they’re polling which of my books are favorite among readers.

Here is the notice from the page:

You may include up to 12 titles (ebooks, print books, short stories) for each author on a ballot. However, your list must be ranked, so that your favorite title by an author is first on your list, your second favorite title by that author is second, and so on. You do not need to list 12 titles for each author; just vote for your favorite titles, in order.

We ask that you participate for as many authors as you feel comfortable. All the authors we are polling for have published at least five books, but your list of favorites can include one title…or twelve. If you’ve read books by a particular author and enjoyed any of them, we hope you’ll take part in updating our Favorite Books by Favorite Authors feature.

Here is the ballot:
http://www.likesbooks.com/favesbyauthorballot.html

Thank you!

I’m truly sorry I’ve been a lax blogger lately. I’m behind on my latest book, my stepson was home for a couple weeks, my kids just got out of school, and my dog–my sweet, wonderful friend–passed away Monday night from an illness the vets couldn’t figure out. Our house now has that terrible emptiness a home gets when a family member is gone.

I’m afraid I’m going to be out of pocket more than I’m in it. I hope you’ll bear with me.

Latest news:

• ALLURING TALES 1 is on sale now for $3.99 on BN.com. Vivi Anna and I continued our stories from the first volume in the second volume (releasing in Nov.) so it’s a good time to get caught up if you haven’t read the first book yet.
• If you’re going to RWA National in San Fransisco next month, I’ll be signing ABMs (Advance Bound Manuscripts) of EVE OF DARKNESS at the Tor signing on Saturday afternoon–nine months before release.
• The Allure Authors are having a summer contest. You can find the link in the sidebar –>
• Do you read romance novels? That’s the TODAY show poll on MSNBC.com — go vote! They’re getting way too many “No way” votes considering that of those who read books last year, one in five read romance novels. (AP-Ipsos Poll)

I think that’s it. If I remember something later that I forgot, I’ll come back and add it. Stay safe and if you have a pet at home, go love on them. ((hugs))

Beautiful, aren’t they?

Today I’m talking about tossing new, unread books in the trash over at RTB.

So today the UPS truck arrived bearing gifts — ABMs (Advance Bound Manuscripts) for EVE OF DARKNESS!

Aren’t they lovely? I’ve never received ABMs before. ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies), yes. But not ABMs.

What’s the difference? Well, a bound manuscript is just that — the original manuscript bound into book form. This is often done before edits or copy edits for quote solicitation purposes and for certain media/distribution outlets that require far advance notice. An advance reading copy, on the other hand, has usually been edited and sometimes copy edited.

Color me excited!