CataRomance Readers' Newsletter
Vol. 3 No.9  April 26, 2004
Donna Zapf, editor

~Dear Readers~
Can you believe this is the last week of April.  Our Flipside month is
almost over but there were some fantastic discussions.  You will still
be able to read what went on and the authors are still there to answer
your questions.  So go to the Cata Forums, the happening place, just a
click away!   http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=Forums

More April and May Releases Reviewed by CataReviews

Out of Nowhere by Rebecca York
Harlequin Intrigue
April 2004
ISBN – 0373227655
Category romance
4 stars
~Max Dakota wasn't expecting a woman to fall out of the sky while he
was investigating a murder, especially one with no idea who she is or
where she came from. Max decides to call her Annie and tries to figure
out just who this enigmatic woman is. ~
Nicole Hulst, CataRomance Reviewer
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=166

John Riley's Girl by Inglath Cooper
Harlequin SuperRomance
April 1, 2004
ISBN 0-373-71198-0
Category Romance
4 stars
~John Riley's Girl is a heart wrenching, love story of reunited
lovers. Inglath Cooper has masterfully written a powerful tale of two
lonely people torn apart by an ugly secret, only to be brought
together again during their high school's fifteenth year reunion. Will
seeing each other after all this time promote the forgiveness needed
to heal old wounds? ~  Donna Zapf, CataRomance Reviewer
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=165

Slow Dancing With A Texan by Linda Conrad
Silhouette Desire
April 1, 2004
ISBN 0-373-76577-0
category romance
4 stars
~Linda Conrad has written a suspenseful story full of adventure. Sloan
Abbott is a Texas Ranger with a need to investigate his past while
Lainie Gardner is a local celebrity famous for her newspaper advice
columns. These are two people whose paths would never cross under
normal circumstances except one needs the other. Sloan is a protector
and the Lainie is in need of protection. And so begins Slow Dancing
with a Texan. ~
Debby, CataRomance Reviewer
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=163

Red Passion by Jill Maser
Magellan Books, single title
April 4, 2004
romance
ISBN 0-9751609-2-3
4 stars
~Jill Maser has spun a nice twist on the traditional romance plot. She
has taken two strong-willed characters and made them confident of
their adornment. The reader is held captive not by doubts of love but
by the doubt of the couple surmounting endless obstacles in their path
of happily-ever after. ~
  Tracy Riden, CataRomance Reviewer
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=161

THE INSIDER by Ingrid Weaver
Silhouette Single Title - Family Secrets Series
APRIL 2004
0373613784
Category romance
4 ˝ Stars
~In the previous books in the Family Secrets series, we learned the
fate of all the genetically engineered siblings from the Code Proteus
project except Gideon. In THE INSIDER, Ingrid Weaver reveals what
happened twenty years ago to Gideon Faulkner. We learn the chilling
factors that led Gideon to become `Achilles', the computer genius who
was the mastermind behind the World Bank heist. ~      Amelia Richard,
CataRomance Reviewer
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=149

Rafael's Love-Child by Kate Walker
Mills and Boon Modern Romance (By Request)
April 2004
ISBN 0263840697
3˝ stars
~Part of the `His Secret Baby' 3 in 1 By Request, Kate Walker's
Rafael's Love – Child is an emotionally intense story that kept me
gripped until the end. ~
Katie Stalham, CataRomance Reviewer
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=146

A Passionate Protector by Maggie Cox
Harlequin Presents
May 2004
ISBN 0373188242
4 ˝ stars
~If you haven't yet read anything by fabulous new author Maggie Cox,
please start with A Passionate Protector - a well-written, slightly
unconventional Harlequin Presents novel. ~ Katie Stalham, CataRomance
Reviewer
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=168

HER MILLIONAIRE MARINE By Cathie Linz
Silhouette Romance
Category Romance
ISBN 0-373-19720-0
MAY 2004
~An irresistible tale of honor, duty and of love finding a way. In HER
MILLIONAIRE MARINE, Cathie Linz explores the honor of men in service
to their country and the courage of the women who love them. ~Carol
Hutchens, CataRomance Reviews
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=153



JOINT FORCES by Catherine Mann
Silhouette Intimate Moments
MAY 2004
0373273630
Category romance
5 Stars
~Once again, RITA Award winner, Catherine Mann has written an
emotional military story that will have the reader smiling one moment,
and then on the same page make one's heart beat faster with
anticipation. JOINT FORCES is an emotional ride started on the very
first page and continued until the last page is read.~  Amelia
Richard, CataRomance Reviews
http://cataromance.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=152

Readers' Chat Date

Would you like to set up a date for all of us readers to chat?  If it
is popular, we could even set up a regular time!  Drop me a note via
e-mail and suggest a day and time.  Meanwhile, there is a live chat
with the Flipside authors Tuesday, May 4 at 8pm EST.  See you there!


Quote of the Week:

"That's what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've
understood all your life, but in a new way." ~ Doris Lessing, Author


REMINDER: Invite your friends over to CataRomance, tell everyone at
chat, link us on your websites and any loops you belong to.  Help get
our name out there!  Thanks!!

Readers, do you have any comments?  Gripes?  Advice?  Accolades?
Write me donna@...  See you next week!

Subscribe:     Cata-Readers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: Cata-Readers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

CataRomance Readers' Newsletter
Vol. 3 No. 8 April 19, 2004
Donna Zapf, editor

~Dear Readers~

Flipside Month Continues

There was lots of fantastic information from the wonderful Flipside
authors in the forums this month.  We appreciate all the time they
took to talk to us readers!  Here is your Flipside shopping list!

1 Staying Single Millie Criswell
2 One True Love? Stephanie Doyle
3 Do-Over Dorien Kelly
4 Forget Prince Charming Natalie Stenzel
5 Natural Blonde Instincts Jill Shalvis
6 Who Needs Decaf? Tanya Michaels
7 Stick Shift Mary Leo
8 I will Survive Samantha Connolly
9 Hung Up On You Holly Jacobs
10 Life According to Lucy Cindi Myers
11 A Perfect Life? Dawn Atkins
12 Pop-Up Dating Natalie Stenzel
13 Stress & the City Stephanie Rowe
14 Wanted: An Interesting Life Bev Katz Rosenbaum

May Book Releases Reviewed by CataRomance Reviews

Yours in Black Lace, a Harlequin Blaze, by Mia Zachary is released in
May.  Here is an excerpt of the book review by our own Nicole Hulst,
CataRomance Reviewer.
"Mia Zachary has penned a hot, fast-paced tale with lots of action in
and out of bed. The first line turns up the heat and it only gets
hotter. It's an action movie adventure with all the heat of Blaze for
an explosive combination. Stevie and Emelio really heat up the pages
in Yours in Black Lace."

Also out in May is Kate Walkers' A Sicilian Husband, a Harlequin
Presents book.  CataRomance Reviewer, Katie Stalham says,
"A Sicilian Husband by Kate Walker was a fabulous read, the sexy,
almost voyeuristic opening chapters of this book are some of the best
I have read in a long time."

Liz Fielding also has a May Harlequin Romance release, A Family of His
Own.  Julie Bolleo, CataRomance Reviewer says, "A Family of His Own is
a captivating tale about hope and second chances which will raise a
smile as well as make you shed a tear. Liz Fielding has penned another
winner!"

Mills and Boon Medical Romance, Doctors On The Front Line, by Olivia
Gates is out in May also.  Julie Bolleo, CataRomance Reviewer writes,
"Dynamic characters, vivid descriptions, steamy sex scenes and
authentic medical details make Doctors on the Frontline impossible to
put down. Readers will immediately warm to Sherazad, a heroine who is
strong, courageous and capable in her field whilst Lorenzo, is a
gorgeous and irresistible hero. Doctors on the Frontline is an
impressive debut novel which makes Olivia Gates a force to be reckoned
with in the world of romantic fiction!"

Mark Your Calendars
May is Silhouette Romance Month.  Be sure to stop by and chat with the
authors of Silhouette Romance books.

There will be some new contests starting in May also!!!!

http://www.eCataRomance.com
Don't forget to register and become a member of eCataRomance,
especially if you like to read e-books!

Interviews of the Week
I thought I would feature the three CataRomance reviewers that I
quoted this week.  Meet Nicole, Katie, and Julie.

  Julie: Hi, I am Julie Bonello, I live in Malta and I review Tender
Romances from UK authors as well as being in charge of the Medical
Romance line for CataRomance. I live with my husband, two grown-up
kids and two mad spaniels in a book filled house.
Julie's Favorites are:
  Books: Anything with a strong central romance. I enjoy
contemporaries, historicals, medicals, suspense, chick lit and
blockbusters.
Movies: Some Like It Hot, Bridget Jones' Diary, Sweet Home Alabama and
Chicago
TV Shows: Will and Grace, Holby City, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and
Charmed:
Contact Julie: juliemt@...
Julie Bonello
c/o CataRomance
PO Box 6454
Diamondhead, MS 39525

Nicole:  Hi, I'm Nicole, the Harlequin Blaze, Intrigue and Flipside
reviewer at this great site.  I love reading almost anything,
especially romance. The more books, the better! I love being able to
recommend books to others.
Positions at CataRomance.com:
Harlequin Blaze
Harlequin Intrigue
Harlequin Flipside
Contact Nicole: Nicole@...
Nicole Hulst
c/oCataRomance
PO Box 6454
Diamondhead, MS 39525

Katie: Hi! I'm Katie and I review Mills and Boon Modern Romance and
Sensual Romance for CataReviews. I live in the UK and I review the
Mills and Boon Modern and Sensual series' for CataRomance.
I enjoy all types of romance novels but Modern (Presents in the
US/Sexy in Australia) is my favourite.   I have been reading Mills and
Boon since I was 15 when I sent off for a free Mills and Boon book in
a magazine (that book is still part of my keeper shelf!), I was soon
hooked and have since read hundreds of romance novels.
The biggest problem I have is parting with the books once I have read
them and my house is full of books – I may just need to buy an extra
house to keep them all in ;)
Positions at CataRomance.com: Reviewer for Mills and Boon Modern and
Sensual Romance
Contact Katie: katiestalham@...
Katie Stalham
c/o CataRomance
PO Box 6454
Diamondhead, MS 39525


Quote of the Week:
"Invest in a human soul.  Who knows? It might be a diamond in the rough."
~Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and activist


REMINDER: Invite your friends over to CataRomance, tell everyone at
chat, link us on your websites and any loops you belong to.  Help get
our name out there!  Thanks!!

Readers, do you have any comments?  Gripes?  Advice?  Accolades?
Write me donna@...  See you next week!


Subscribe:     Cata-Readers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: Cata-Readers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

CataRomance Readers' Newsletter
Vol. 3 No. 7 April 9, 2004
Donna Zapf, editor

~Dear Readers~

April Flipside Month
April is Flipside month on CataRomance.  Go to the Cata Q&A Forum and
ask a few questions.  Holly Jacobs is there right now and other
Flipside authors should be joining in.  The two Flipside books
released this month are Stress and the City by Stephanie Rowe and
Wanted: An Interesting Life by Bev Katz Rosenbaum.  Check out the
review of Stress and the City at CataRomance Reviews!

New eCataRomance site
Take a peak at our sister site.  www.eCataRomance.com.  Join us there
if you like reading e-books.  The site has just been launched and we
need lots of input and volunteers!

Recipes
Do you have a favorite recipe or want to find a new recipe or old
favorite?  Check out the recipes at CataRomance.  There are even
recipes found in your favorite author's book!  I think I am going to
try the Guiltless Caesar Salad.  Yummy!

Cata Friendly Bookstores
Do you know of any new or used bookstores that carry category romance
books?  We would like to feature them on the CataRomance site and
include their links.  Check around and tell us about your favorite
bookstores.

Spring Fever
Jessa writes, "So...does anyone else have a raging case of spring
fever? I'm massively afflicted! Unfortunately, it's starting to wear
on my work ethic... I just want to be outside--and if I'm not outside,
I want to stare outside and wish I was outside!
Does anyone have any suggestions for beating spring fever? I'd sure
appreciate them!"  If you can help Jessa, run to the Reader's Lounge
on the Forums and tell her what to do, quickly!
Interview of the Week
I know you have noticed the profiles posted on CataRomance about the
CataTeam of volunteers but I wanted to feature a few of them again in
our newsletter to remind all our readers about what we have to offer
here and all the hard workers involved in CataRomance.   This week I
am featuring Eliza, Cata interviewer and "Romance
After Kids" columnist.

"Hi, I'm Eliza Ferree, interviewer for CataRomance as well as
Columnist for "Romance After Kids". I love interviewing authors and
finding out all the ins and outs of their lives and as for Romance
After Kids I know there is such a thing and want others to know how to
get it as well. I really enjoy getting to know everyone at Cata, so
feel free to write me...

Positions at CataRomance.com:
CataRomance Interviewer: Authors contact me if you'd like to be
interviewed on the Cata site.
Remember I can slant the interview whichever way you'd like, whether
it is on your upcoming release, current release or just talking about
the way you became an author. An interview is always one way to
promote yourself.

Romance After Kids Columnist: Read my column and give me some
feedback. Is there something you'd like to know?

About Me:
I am a stay at home, home schooling mother of three and wife to a
Marine. (SAHHM&MW) My children are 6 years, 3 years and 7 month old.
When I'm not online writing and reading emails you can bet I'm either
teaching my children or playing games and doing crafts with them. We
are currently living where the grass beneath my feet is green instead
of brown and the sky has all four seasons instead of just one, I love
it here.

Favorites:
Food: Seafood and Italian

Hobbies: My family, reading, writing and just started scrap booking.

Music: Golden Oldies according to the radio

Shows: I'm a soap fan myself and I'll admit it. :) I also watch 7th
Heaven, Law & Order and Charmed.

Movies: When Harry Met Sally, Finding Forrester, Sleepless in Seattle,
just to name a few.

Most Recent Movies that I enjoyed:
I Captured The Castle (great for writing inspiration)
Alex and Emma (writing movie & romance)
Mona Lisa Smile (I want movie)

Contact Me:
elizajane202@...
Eliza Ferree
c/o CataRomance
PO Box 6454
Diamondhead, MS 39525


Quote of the Week:

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in
which you really stop to look fear in the face….You must do the thing
which you think you cannot do."  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~



REMINDER: Invite your friends over to CataRomance, tell everyone at
chat, link us on your websites and any loops you belong to.  Help get
our name out there!  Thanks!!

Readers, do you have any comments?  Gripes?  Advice?  Accolades?
Write me donna@...  See you next week!


Subscribe:     Cata-Readers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: Cata-Readers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

CataRomance   Readers'   Newsletter
Vol. 3 No. 6   March 21, 2004
Donna Zapf, editor


~Dear Readers~

What is new at CataRomance?

I hope you have had the opportunity to read some of the articles on
CataRomance.  This week we have been introduced to the people working
at CataRomance.  There are personal glimpses of the book reviewers,
columnists and webmistress.  Be sure to stop by and read the articles
and write a comment or two.  All these people are volunteers and their
only payment is feedback from you the reader.


Journals Journals Journals
Start a Journal! Read a Journal!

By now I'm sure you know about the journals here at CataRomance.
People are really getting into it. We're learning about formatting and
all sorts of cool stuff so we can decorate our personal journals.
So, run on over and read someone's journal. And leave them some
comments. It's great fun and so helpful.
Have you started a journal? Do, and see just how supportive this
wonderful community is.
Interview of the Week

elizajane202 writes "CR: First, tell us about your recent release,
"Rocky Mountain Marriage". What do your fans have to look forward to?

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MARRIAGE is the third in a series of historical
romances tied to the new Harlequin Intrigue mystery series COLORADO
CONFIDENTIAL. By day Colorado Confidential's agents ride the range; by
night they are specialized government operatives. Bound by love,
loyalty and the law, they've vowed to keep their missions and
identities confidential. It was a lot of fun to write!

CR: Tell us how you got into writing and about your journey thus far.

I had always been an avid mystery and suspense reader. I stumbled onto
the romance genre in 1996 and thought, "Wow!" I knew from the moment I
began to read romance, that I wanted to write romance. So in 1997 I
set a goal for myself to write a book that wove mystery, suspense and
romance into a fun, exciting read. I started writing and never looked
back. ROCKY MOUNTAIN MARRIAGE is my ninth book.

CR: Here's a favorite memory for many tell us about "The Call".

In 1999 I was on holiday in the Napa Valley with a girlfriend. We were
standing in the hotel lobby, about to check out when I decided to call
home to check for messages. My cell phone reception was very poor, but
I was able to make out an urgent message from my agent. I begged the
hotel to allow me to use their front desk phone to call New York. A
minute later I was shrieking in the hotel lobby. Harlequin Historicals
had made an offer on the second of two manuscripts that I'd submitted!
It was one of the most thrilling moments of my life. There's nothing
like that first "call".

CR: Where do you find the ideas for your books? And how do you go
about brainstorming them?

All my ideas begin with characters. I get a character in my head, and
she simply won't let go until I've created her story. I don't really
brainstorm, I daydream. I've developed my best stories while driving
long distances in the car. However, I don't recommend freeway driving
while attempting to scribble notes one-handed on a napkin in your lap!
Nevertheless, I am guilty of writing entire scenes of dialogue in just
that manner.

CR: Are you a panster or a plotter? And why?

I am a plotter, likely due to my analytical background. I spent years
working as a geoscientist, and in recent years I've worked in finance
and strategic planning. Disciplines heavy on critical thinking and
analysis. I guess that's why I pretty much have a fifty or sixty scene
outline developed before I ever sit down at the computer and write
Chapter One.
CR: How do you go about researching your books?

I researched my first book in the library. It was a Scottish
historical, a medieval, and I poured over history books for a solid
month as I developed the story. All of the others I've researched
using the internet. It's much faster and much easier.

CR: What's your favorite novel? Romance novel? Author?

My favorite novel is Possession by A.S. Byatt. It's shelved under
literary fiction, but it's really a romance--a WONDERFUL romance. I'd
highly recommend it to anyone who loves romantic mystery with a twist.
The book was adapted recently to a film of the same name.

CR: Do you have a critique partner/group? How about a mentor? Which
authors do you really look up to?

When I first began writing I had a few critique partners - two romance
authors and one mystery author. Now, I fly solo, though sometimes I'll
run ideas by them, or ask their advice if I get stuck.

My favorite romance authors also happen to be suspense authors -
Sandra Brown, Kay Hooper and Linda Howard. I also love mainstream
mystery and suspense - Stephen King, Dan Brown, Patricia Cornwell and
Ken Follett.

CR: List five words that describe you.

Focused, driven, tenacious, confident, passionate.

CR: What are your future plans for your writing?

I am currently working on a mainstream suspense -- with a romance
interwoven into the plot, of course!

CR: What advice do have for upcoming writers?

Be a bulldog. Set goals, then pursue them with everything you've got.
Don't let yourself off the hook.

CR: Do you have a favorite quote or motto that you live by?

When I'm writing, I am mindful of what William Faulkner once said...
"The writer's only responsibility is to his art. He will be completely
ruthless if he is a good one. Everything goes by the board: honor,
pride, decency, security, happiness, all to get the book written. If a
writer has to rob his mother, he will not hesitate: the 'Ode on a
Grecian Urn' is worth any number of old ladies."  I love Faulkner's
passion and commitment. I embrace that when I'm working.
CR: What's a typical writing day like for you? Do you have a set
word/page count each day/week/month?

I have a full-time career in addition to writing, so my time is
precious. I always write in the early mornings before I go to work.
When I'm writing a book I typically set a goal of one chapter a week,
sometimes two - and I don't stop until I get there.

CR: What's your favorite thing about writing? Least favorite?

My favorite thing about writing is that it's consistently challenging,
and I love a challenge. To me, there's no downside; it's all positive.

CR: What other projects do you have at the moment? Would you like to
tell us about some of your upcoming releases?

I don't have anything else in production with Harlequin-Silhouette
right now. I'm focused exclusively on writing something new - a single
title suspense.


: How can readers get in touch with you?

Readers are invited to visit my website at: debraleebrown.com and/or
write to me at: mail@....


Quote of the Week:

"The beginning is always today."
~Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Author

REMINDER: Invite your friends over to CataRomance, tell everyone at
chat, link us on your websites and any loops you belong to.  Help get
our name out there!  Thanks!!

Readers, do you have any comments?  Gripes?  Advice?  Accolades?
Write me donna@...  See you next week!


Subscribe:     Cata-Readers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: Cata-Readers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

CataRomance Readers' Newsletter
Vol 3 No 5  March 15, 2004
Donna Zapf, editor



~Dear Reader~

CataRomance is your website and we want to include things that you
are interested in and will participate in.  You are able to post in
all areas of CataRomance, from adding articles to comments in the
forums.  There is even a place that you can post your opinions in
the movie review section.  One of my favorite places is the
journals.  You are able to make them private or public.  My journal
is public because I like reading what everyone has to say.  To write
in your journal or read the public journals simply go to "YOUR
ACCOUNT" and click on journals.


Interesting Articles
If you have not read the articles posted on CataRomance, you are
really missing something!  Here are some tidbits from a few articles
that you might find interesting:

Jenny writes in her article, "Seeking: Men Who Dance",
  "Dance movies are a guilty pleasure of mine. They're not known for
having the greatest plots, and the acting is often less than star-
quality. But how could anyone not enjoy seeing people dance? It's
got to be the most entertaining thing ever. A friend of mine refers
to really good dance scenes as "choreogasmic," which sums it up
pretty well."

Renee writes in her article, "Nerve-Racking Tasks in Writing",
"For our BIAY Topic this month here on Cataromance, we are going to
talk about writing synopsis, outlines, and deadlines. For a lot of
writers, these topics can be nerve-racking, so hopefully this column
will put your mind at ease."

Donna writes in her article, "Give Me Freedom, But Don't Ask Me To
Vote!",
"Voters began to trickle in... one, a husband and wife, the former
sheriff, a couple of first time voters, twin sisters and their dad,
another former sheriff, several handicapped voters and dozens of
elderly people using walking canes. Where were the young people?
Where were the middle aged people? Out of the 1100 registered voters
in this new precinct only 385 people voted. I was appalled."





Eliza writes in her article, "Romance After Kids",
"Is there a chance for romance after having kids?
What do you mean "no"? Sure there is, you just have to work for it.
Just like reading a good book, you don't just stop when things quit
getting exciting do you? Of course not, because then you'd never
finish that book."

Now, if any of those articles tweaked your interest, then go read
them at www.CataRomance.com and give the authors some feedback.   Be
sure to rate the articles too!

Have you heard the latest buzz?

There will soon be a couple of new websites launched from
CataRomance!!
That's right!  One site is CataGirls, a website involving Young
Authors and readers of teen fiction.  The other site is dedicated to
ebook romance!  Watch here for further news updates!

Another Great Interview for the Readers at CataRomance

This week, I interviewed Carol Hutchens, a book reviewer here at
CataRomance.


CR  Carol, where are you from and can you tell us a little about
yourself and your family?
Hi Donna, I'm from North Carolina, the fifth most visited state in
the US, where the scenery changes from the mountains to the sea. My
darling husband and I have two grown sons. Three of us are avid
North Carolina Tar heel basketball fans. Our youngest son, a
graduate of North Carolina State, stands by his NCSU team. We have
an outside mutt, Droopy, who is fifteen and had managed to convince
each of us that we are his favorite human. But he's in the dog house
for a time out…he recently knocked on the door at 12:30 AM to let us
know it had started snowing. I need doggy training lessons.


CR  What do you do as a reviewer at CataRomance?
From the time I discovered romance novels at around twelve, I've
been a voracious reader. As a reviewer for CataRomance, I read,
read, read, and then write my opinion of the books. This is more
difficult than I first imagined. After the review is posted on
CataRomance, I contact the authors. Did you know some of the nicest
people in the world are romance authors?


CR  What is your occupation?
I taught Home Economics for thirty years in Randolph County, NC.
After retiring nearly three years ago, I started to pursue my dream
to write romance novels.

CR  What are your hobbies?
I love flowers, but my main hobby after reading, is sewing. I made
clothing for years, until I discovered miniature quilts. After
making nearly one hundred mini's
in the past ten years, I now spend most of my time writing. Writing
is the most difficult job I've ever attempted, but I'm enjoying the
experience.

CR  What is your favorite reading material and who are your favorite
authors?
Harlequin and Silhouette romance novels. I have too many favorites
to name, but my very first favorite was Emilie Loring.

CR  What brought you to CataRomance?
The great articles and wonderful workshops were my first contact
with CataRomance. I've learned so much from the authors who have
given of their time and knowledge. Now if I can put that information
to work, my writing might improve.

CR  Do you have any words of wisdom for our readers?
A teacher I admired was retiring and gave me this bit of
advice. "Learn something new each day, and live each day with
gusto." I can't do better than that, except to add a quote from
Elvis, "Follow your dream!"


Thank you, Carol, for the very interesting interview.  Next week I
would like to interview a reader.  Would anyone like to volunteer?

  Quote of the Week

"The only people who never fail are those who never try."
       ~Ilka Chase, actress and writer

REMINDER: Invite your friends over to CataRomance, tell everyone at
chat, link us on your websites and any loops you belong to.  Help
get our name out there!  Thanks!!

Readers, do you have any comments?  Gripes?  Advice?  Accolades?
Write me donna@...  See you next week!

CATAROMANCE   READERS'   NEWSLETTER
Vol. 3 No. 4
Donna Zapf, editor


~Dear Readers~

Spring is right around the corner and there are plenty of Spring
reading titles out there!  Just  to name a few:  Slow Dancing With a
Texan   by Linda Conrad,   Silhouette Desire
Yours In Black Lace  by Mia Zachary
Stress and the City   by Stephanie Rowe,   Harlequin Flipside
Eye Candy   by Dorie Graham,   Harlequin Blaze
Pregnancy of Passion   by Lucy Monroe, Modern Romance, UK Release
The House On The Beach  by Linda Barrett, Harlequin Super Romance
Princess In The Outback   by Barbara Hannay, Mills and Boon Tender
Like A Hurricane      by Roxanne St. Claire,     Silhouette Desire
Anything, Anywhere, Anytime  by Catherine Mann,   Silhouette Intimate
Moments

Hey, have you checked out the forums lately?
http://cataromance.com/cata/html/modules.php?name=Forums

Kiss N' Tell
Our heroes may not Kiss N'Tell, but we do. This is the place to hang
out and socialize. Everyone is welcome. All topics are discussed.
Don't be shy. Come on in and say hello! This is the perfect place to
introduce yourself.
Better Health for Book Lovers
Join us for a 12 month program for better health. We'll cover
everything from food groups to exercise to mental health. Don't you
owe it to yourself to be as healthy as possible? Join other readers
and writers in their quest for better health.
Cata Q&A
This forum will feature moderated discussions with various authors,
editors and agents. Future discussions include -   H. Historicals - March
Lounge
Welcome Readers! Join like minded readers here in the lounge. Sit back
in a comfortable cyber chair and tell us about your favorite books and
authors. Don't be shy, come on in and have a great time!

Are any of you 20 Something or 50 Something??
Read the articles posted on CataRomance just for you!  They are "real
world", insightful and just may give you a chuckle or two.  Any and
all comments are appreciated.


Have you seen any good movies?
If you have seen any good movies, or bad movies that we should be
warned about, why not try your hand at writing a movie review?  I saw
a fantastic movie yesterday, Hidalgo.
http://cataromance.com/cata/html/modules.php?name=Reviews

Another  Great Interview For the Readers At CataRomance

Interview with Historical Romance Author Debra Mullins
by Eliza Ferree

CR: First, tell us about your recent release. What do your fans have
to look
forward to?
DM: The name of the book is THREE NIGHTS..., and it is a March 2004
release. It starts out where the heroine, Aveline, goes to see the
hero in secret to beg him not to fight a duel with her father in the
morning. Seems Papa owes Lucien a lot of money and called him a cheat
besides. Lucien agrees to accept her father's apology in return for
her spending three nights in his bed. Both of them become a little
more involved than they intend to, but they part on the morning of the
fourth day as agreed. Then five years later they end up back in each
other's lives, Lucien seeking revenge for a wrong done to him and
Aveline trying to protect the daughter he never knew he had.

CR: Tell us how you got into writing and about your journey thus far.
DM: I've been writing since about sixth grade, everything from stories
featuring my friends and me to plays about my English class. I've
always loved romances, and about twelve years ago when I was a
stay-at-home mom with a two year-old-son, I decided to give that
writing dream of mine a shot. Six years later I sold my first book to
Avon.

CR: Here's a favorite memory for many… tell us about "The Call".
DM: January 26, 1998 at 4pm. Is that specific enough? <G> I remember
it very well. I was attending computer school at the time and had just
gotten home. The kids weren't home from school yet and my husband was
still at work. I had two messages on the answering machine, one of
which was from the editor at Avon. I called her back, heart pounding,
and got voicemail. I remember looking up at the heavens and saying,
"You're gonna make me work for this, aren't you?" A few minutes later
the editor called back and offered to buy ONCE A MISTRESS, my very
first manuscript. I was amazingly coherent--obviously in shock. <G> I
called in sick to my part time job and spent the night calling
everyone I knew!

CR: Where do you find the ideas for your books? And how do you go
about brainstorming them?DM: I tend to get my ideas from movies, TV
shows, and songs. When you watch a certain movie or TV show or hear a
certain song, it very often brings out a specific emotion in you. Very
often I am driven to recreate that emotion for someone else through my
own work. I usually get a germ of an idea, either a situation or a
character, and then I just think about it for a good long while until
I come up with a feasible story.

CR: Are you a panster or a plotter? And why?
DM: I am a character writer. For me the interest is not so much the
situation but how these characters will react to it and to each other.
Human beings are so full of surprises. :)

CR: How do you go about researching your books?
DM: I usually start in the children's section of the library and get
very basic info, such as where I want to set the book and when. I get
enough info to start the book. As I go, I have a couple of reference
books at home where I can occasionally look things up, but for the
most part I write straight through. Then I go through the finished
manuscript and flag anything that needs to be researched and just
pursue those facts. Otherwise I would be researching all the time and
never get any writing done! It's very addicting.

CR: What's your favorite novel? Romance novel? Author?
DM: Well, if we're talking non-romance, I absolutely love Mercedes
Lackey's Valdemar series, especially The Last Herald-Mage trilogy. I
went through two copies of those paperbacks until I finally caved in
and bought a Doubleday hardcover edition. My favorite romance novel is
an oldie called AGAIN THE MAGIC by Lee Damon. And my favorite author
is Nora Roberts, especially her J.D. Robb series. I could read those
over and over and never get bored.

CR: Do you have a critique partner/group? How about a mentor? Which
authors do you really look up to?
DM: I don't have a critique group so much as a group of writer friends
who allow me to bounce my ideas off them. They read my pages, help me
sound out ideas--they're great. Very often it will be different people
from book to book because someone who helped me last time might be
unavailable this time due to deadline or life stuff. But I am
surrounded by many generous people who are willing to listen.

CR: List five words that describe you.
DM: Friendly, creative, intelligent, independent, and complicated.

CR: What are your future plans for your writing?
DM: To keep on writing. My retirement plan includes dying on my
keyboard at 99 years old. :)

CR: What advice do have for upcoming writers?
DM: Learn your craft and learn the business. There are many great
storytellers out there who simply need to learn the ins and outs of
writing in order to get their work published. The business of
publishing is very strange, and you really have to love what you do in
order to make it. Determination is everything.

CR: Do you have a favorite quote or motto that you live by?
DM: "Buddha provide." Silly, isn't it? It's a quote from The Karate
Kid, but it kind of sums it up for me. Whatever you are supposed to
have or do, whomever you are supposed to meet, it will be provided for
you if it is meant to be. Sometimes we all get so caught up in trying
to control our lives that we forget that.

CR: What's a typical writing day like for you? Do you have a set
word/page count each day/week/month?
DM: When I am on deadline I set myself weekly writing goals to make
sure I get the book done on time. I work full time, so very often
during the week I am not writing much. Sometimes I write on my lunch
hour if I need to make up pages. Most of the time I write on weekends.
The best time for me is first thing in the morning while I am rested.
I get a cup of tea, sit down at my computer in my PJ's and put on the
music of the day. (I have different CD's for each book). Then I go
until I run out of gas.

CR: What's your favorite thing about writing? Least favorite?
DM: I have a love/hate relationship with writing. I love to write, to
create these characters. I can't NOT do it. But at the same thing it
is a very difficult process that turns you inside out. It's very much
like giving birth, and I'm certain a lot of writers out there will
agree with me on that one.

CR: What other projects do you have at the moment? Would you like to
tell us about some of your upcoming releases?
DM: I'm currently writing my seventh book for Avon, which will be my
first Avon Romantic Treasure. We haven't decided on the title yet, but
it will be out in March 2005.

CR: How can readers get in touch with you?
DM: From my website: www.debramullins.com

Quote of the week:
"None of us becomes something overnight.  The preparations have been
in the making for a lifetime."   ~Gail Godwin, writer

REMINDER: Invite your friends over to CataRomance, tell everyone at
chat, link us on your websites and any loops you belong to.  Help get
our name out there!  Thanks!!

Readers, do you have any comments?  Gripes?  Advice?  Accolades?
Write me donna@...  See you next week!

Hi Readers,

I need some feedback from you about our website CataRomance.
Simply click reply to sender, answer the following question and send
the message.

What do you like best about CataRomance.com?




Do you ever look at the book reviews on CataRomance Reviews?  Are they
helpful?  What do you think about them?  What should we add?





Thank you ever so much!
Donna

CataRomance Readers' Newsletter
Vol. 3 No. 3
Donna Zapf, editor

~Dear Readers~

Hello and how are you?!  Is March blowing in like a lamb or a lion at
your house?  Whatever it does, I hope it blows some good reading your
way like Linda Barrett's House on the Beach.  Check out my review of
the March Harlequin Super Romance on Cata's Review site.
http://www.cataromance.com   Other March releases are listed on the
calendar on the right side of the Cata home page.

I forgot to introduce myself.  I am Donna, a reader of category
romance just like you.  I will be writing this weekly newsletter and a
50 something column for CataRomance.  I do a little reviewing also, as
I mentioned above.  A girl of all Catatrades so to speak! :)


***Last week Ally asked you for some testimonials about CataRomance.
We want to put together some literature to get other readers and
authors involved in our website.  This is your website and I hope all
of you find something of interest here.  Let me know what I can do or
notify Ally if there is something we need to add.  Did you know
CataRomance is one of the top 101 websites for writers according to
Writer's Digest Magazine?

Here it is March already, are you ready for summer?  I mean, are you
in shape? Toned up? Ready for the beach?  Welllllllll, I have a place
at Cata that just might help.  Click on the Better Health for Book
Lovers Forum.  We are setting goals, working on the water drinking
habit and are now ready to exercise.  Post messages in the Health
forum for help and advice and give the same to your fellow readers.
Also in the Reader's Lounge, in the forums, it is Harlequin's
Historical Romance month!  See you there!

March is also the beginning of our Author chats.  Where else can you
chat live with real category romance authors?  Chats are fun and you
can lurk or join in and ask questions or give your two cents worth!
Try it and you might really like it!


INTERVIEW of THE WEEK
Every week I would like to interview someone connected with
CataRomance.  This week I decided to interview the owner and
webmistress of CataRomance, Ally Anderson.

Tell us about  your family and where you live.
I've got a fabulous husband, Eric, an equally terrific, but much more
furry kid, (So he's a four legged kid, a Golden Retriever) named
Hunter, he's a doll. And we recently adopted an orange and white kitty
named Pumpkin. It's a constant battle of fuzz and fur around here but
I wouldn't change a thing.  We're currently living in coastal
Mississippi which is breathtakingly beautiful. But we'd love to make
our home in Atlanta Georgia.

     Just what is your occupation Ally?
That's a loaded question. :) The question, my husband would say, is
what don't I do? My "official" occupations are web designer, writer,
and wife/mom. As you know, I'm the owner and webmistress for
CataRomance and it's various ventures. I design authors' websites and
maintain and host them as well. In addition, I get plenty of writing
done at Cata but also reference materials for our website design and
hosting company, Real Simple. When I'm not writing "how to"
references, I love writing novels and short stories. I currently have
10 completed books and ideas for about 40 more. Now if they would only
be snatched up by a big New York publisher. :)
What are your hobbies?
I love reading, don't get nearly enough time to do it. I also love
gardening, cooking, and keeping an organized fuzz free house. When I
have time, I like going on walks, riding my bike, designing web
templates, and taking pictures. If there is any time left after all
that, I enjoy crochet, cross stitch, scrap booking, candle and soap
making, decorating, and all sorts of art.
What is your favorite reading material?
My first inclination is to say anything romantically suspenseful, but
after some thought, I'll read anything that doesn't insult my
intelligence. Meaning a weak plot, conflict, something that has a dumb
conflict that could be resolved in two minutes if people would only
communicate. I'm all for communication so I don't believe the books
where the hero and heroine aren't together simply b/c "they're fearing
for their hearts and won't talk."
Oh, and I generally only read romance. There is such a huge variety
inside it that I don't feel the need to read much else, unless you
count articles and "how to" books. :)
Who are your favorite authors?
That's easy! My favorite author is Rebecca Winters. She, without a
doubt, writes the best books on earth. Her characters leap off the
page, have true conflicts, a wide arrangement of emotions, and a love
so true, well....... it's incredible. And she writes the best endings
of any author I've ever read. I have NEVER come away from reading one
of her books even slightly disappointed.
Any other favorites? Movies, music, food, people?
Oh goodness, I have lots of favorites. My husband teases me about how
loyal I am to things I love, including my favorite grocery store and
gas station. But hey, they provide excellent prices and services, so
why shouldn't I be loyal? So, my favorite gas station is QT. My
favorite grocery store is Publix. My favorite movie is.... now that is
a much more difficult question. How about I skip to food and come back
to movies? Favorite food, ice cream sandwiches. Favorite people? My
husband, my parents, my MIL and SIL. Oh, and my grandparents, my first
cousins, and Jeff, my hubby's first college roommate and best friend.
Favorite books? Three Little Miracles by Rebecca Winters, Fantasy Fix
by Christine Warren, Between the Sheets by Jeanie London. Favorite
city: Atlanta. Favorite state: Montana. Favorite country: the USA, but
Italy runs a close second. :)
Now back to favorite movies... gosh. I love Down With Love, Tomb
Raider 1 & 2, Charlie's Angels, and yes, I am a big fan of Tremors.
Oh, and Sweet Home Alabama. Wait, I forgot to include Triple X with
Vin Diesel(can't forget him!), and Ever After. And I'd be a nut not to
include Lord of the Rings. Though the last one is my favorite. But I'd
have to say, my favorite movie is Legally Blonde. Oh, and Legally
Blonde 2. I just love her character, she's nice, pretty, goes after
what she wants, gets it, and gets the guy in the end. Gee.... think I
like girl power movies?
  What is your dream?
Oh goodness, for as big of a dreamer as I am, that's still such a hard
question. Well, one dream is to become a published author. Another is
to create a website where the readers of romance can feel welcome and
at home and safe. To touch peoples lives and get them to read. And
introduce everyone to the power of love.
And while I'm dreaming, I want a big warm log home in Montana with
snow on the ground, a herd of Goldens and my fantastic hubby to keep
me company. :)
  Any words of wisdom for all of us?
Always be true to yourself. Always believe in yourself. Never ever
give up, because there is always a way to achieve your goals and your
dreams. And if you work hard enough, believe hard enough, try hard
enough, you will succeed no matter what the odds. Dare to Dream. Dare
to Believe. Dare to Hope. Remember, you'll accomplish more if you
start now. And don't ever forget, no one can make you feel inferior
without your consent.
Thanks Ally for the insightful interview.  Who is the person in the
hot seat next week??

Quote of the Week:
"Do not wait for leaders: do it alone, person to person."  Mother
Teresa, Humanitarian

REMINDER: Invite your friends over to CataRomance, tell everyone at
chat, link us on your websites and any loops you belong to.  Help get
our name out there!  Thanks!!

Readers, do you have any comments?  Gripes?  Advice?  Accolades?
Write me donna@... !

Dear Reader,

HI! How are you?  Tired of the cold winter months? Looking forward
to spring? It's just around the corner!  But while we're waiting,
why not curl up with a good book and a cup of tea?  If you'll visit
the new CataRomance site, on the right side you'll see our Cata
Calendar. Listed there are lots of great upcoming books by Cata
Authors.  Why not pick up one today?

DID I mention we have a new website? Lots of great, fast new
features with the same friendly community.  There are plenty of
things to read and do and lots of ways to communicate with your
friends.

STILL need ideas? Check out our reviews section, CataReviews.  Don't
forget to leave a comment and rating.  We love to hear from our
readers.  If you think it's a good review, tell the reviewer why.
After all, they're reviewing the books just for you!  So let them
know you appreciate it.

WHILE I'm thinking of it, let me introduce you to your new
newsletter editor, Donna.  Donna does so much wonderful stuff around
Cata and she deserves a big round of applause and lots of thanks.
Not only does she coordinate our reviews, she's writing the new 50-
Something column.  She'll be along next week to take over and say
hello.

WE'RE looking for your testimonials.  Yep, it's that time again.
We're printing up knew promotional materials and we would just love
to hear what you've got to say!  Do you like our site? Tell us why!
Donna will be compiling these testimonials so please send them to
her at donna@....  BTW, if you have a general comment on
the site, doesn't matter if it's good or bad, we want to hear it. So
enter your thoughts in the Help Desk at the site.  Select Contact:
Ally from the drop down menu.

I'VE often wondered, is their romance after having kids? One of my
good friends just had a baby back in December.  What an adorable
little girl.  She sleeps all the time!  But I've witnessed plenty of
other babies that aren't so…. sleepy.  Needless to say, little
handful will chase away all romantic thoughts.  Or will they?  Our
Reader's Lounge hostess, Eliza is tackling this very question.  And
she's going to start a column on the subject too.  We want to know
what you've got to say on the subject.  How do you keep the romance
alive as a parent?  Tell us here:
http://cataromance.com/cata/html/modules.php?
name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=17

A quick heads up.  Did you know that it's Avalon Romance month at
Cata?  Talk about some really great books!  Donna just reviewed one
recently.  She said it was fabulous.  Why not stop by the forums and
chat?    http://cataromance.com/cata/html/modules.php?
name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=8   And up next month, March, is
Harlequin Historicals.  I know there are lots of Historicals fans
out there, so be sure to stop by the forums and say hello!

SPEAKING of chats, did you know Cata hosts a monthly chat for each
of the category lines?  You didn't?  Well, I obviously forgot to
tell you. J  We do indeed love chatting with readers each month and
so do the authors.  Starting March we're pushing to have the authors
with books out join us so you'll have a chance to talk with them
about their current releases.

DID you see the rotating quotes on the Cata site? I love quotes.
They provide me with a focus. A bit of advice. Words of wisdom.  I'd
love to add your favorite quotes to the Cata site and at the end of
each newsletter, so email Donna with your favorite quotes today!

WE'RE looking to improve this newsletter and we want your opinions.
Yes, your opinion matters. We consider each and everyone's opinion
vital and important so step forward and make your voice heard! How
can we make this newsletter better for you? What would you be
interested in reading about?  What can we do to add value to it and
the cataromance.com site?  Is it too long? Too short? Too boring?
Tell us! We want to know what you think.  Write to Donna at
donna@...

Well, that's about it for this week.  Hope to see you around the all
new CataRomance.com!

Ally
CataRomance Webmistress
http://www.cataromance.com

Dear Reader,

I hope things are going well for you this January and all your
dreams come true in 2004.  I've got several exciting
announcements
for you today so please read on.

First of all, we're having a guest author visit us tonight.  Nina
Bruhns, Silhouette Intimate Moments author will be joining us in the
CataRomance Chatroom tonight at 9pm EST.  We'd love it if
you'd join
us!  I've got lots of goodies to give away.  To register for the
goodies, send an email to contests@... with your name
and address in it.  You must be present at the chat to win.
Here's
the link to the chatroom: http://www.cataromance.com/chat/ . I hope
to see everyone there!

We're having a donation drive at CataRomance.com.  If you like
CataRomance and would like to donate some spare change, please visit
our home page, http://www.cataromance.com. J

We're conducting a readers survey and would love for you to
participate.  This brief questionnaire can be taken at:
http://www.cataromance.com/phpsurveyor/index.php?sid=1 . Thanks so
much for sharing your opinions!

Stay tuned for an all new CataRomance.com that will be launched this
weekend.

We've got several positions open for volunteers and I've
decided to
fill each position on a temporary basis.  That way each person
doesn't have to do much very often, but if we all chip in it
should
be very rewarding.  I'm looking for a Reader's Lounge hostess
for
the month of February, another for March, and another through April.
If you'd like to reserve a space farther in advance, just let me
know.  What does a hostess do?  They welcome people to the forum,
start new topics, reply to old ones, and generally make everyone
feel welcome, just like a hostess does.  Each hostess will get a
package of goodies from CataRomance to say thank you for donating
your time and talent.

Feel free to forward this on to your friends and I'll see you
tonight at the chat with Nina Bruhns.

Happy Reading,
Ally
http://www.cataromance.com

Hi All,

Be sure to join us tonight as we chat with the Blaze authors at 8pm and the
Temptation authors at 9.

Here's the link: http://www.cataromance.com/chat/

Be there tomorrow for a chat with the Love Inspired Authors and the
Heartsong Presents Authors.

Don't forget that Thursday night is the CataRomance Holiday Party. 9pm EST

And I've got lots of goodies to give away each night!

Alice "Ally" Anderson | alice@...
<mailto:alice@...>
Call me @ 228.326.7130
AIM: MadisonChase7, ICQ:#48498775,
Yahoo: aliceranderson, MSN: alicezapf@...

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Cata-Readers group:

How do you stay in touch with friends
& family?

   o snail mail
   o phone
   o email
   o AIM
   o ICQ
   o MSN
   o Yahoo! Messenger
   o other: tell me at alice@...


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cata-Readers/surveys?id=1200391

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Hi All,

Hope you're doing great and are getting ready for Autumn.  It was
actually cool this morning so I opened up my office window. Now if
only I had time to read a good book!

Speaking of good books, there are tons of good books out this month
by Cata Authors!  So if you're looking for a good one, check out
www.cataromance.com/forreaders.shtml

Also, Mark Your Calendar!!! As you may have heard, Harlequin is
publishing a fun new line called Flipside and they hit the shelves
in October. Flipside is a wonderful romantic comedy line that will
replace Duets.  So stay tuned for all those wonderful books, and
mark your calendar because the week of October 6th is Flipside
Launch week at Cata. It's going to be one big party with lots of
authors, lots of fun, and lots of prizes!  So be there!

As I mentioned in my last post, I have tons of freebies to give
away.  As you know, authors donate freebies for promotion of their
books, and I've got plenty left over from this year, so I've gotta
get rid of them.  If you send a SASE then I'll fill it up.  Send
your SASE to:

Alice Anderson
PO Box 6454
Diamondhead, MS 39525
USA

I've got all sorts of neat goodies to give you.  I've even taken
some pictures, check them out at:
http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=224

Also, it's time to vote! We're voting on the September Cata BookClub
Pick and we need your vote!

We're choosing between:

The Bride Wore Blue Jeans by Marie Ferrarella
After Hours by Vicki Lewis Thompson
How to Hunt a Husband by Holly Jacobs
Cowboy Lessons by Pamela Britton
Night Watch by Suzanne Brockmann
Sex and the Single Girl by Joanne Rock

Vote here: http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=221

Have you checked out CataReviews yet?? All sorts of neat reviews
going up and lots of new ones to come!
http://cataromance.com/reviews/index.php

While you're there, meet the reviewers:
http://cataromance.com/reviews/index.php?
sid=845&aktion=anzeigen&rubrik=028

I know everyone is looking for a good book, so I thought I'd post a
quote from one that I just finished reading the other day that
melted my heart.

This is from Incriminating Passion by Ann Voss Peterson, Harlequin
Intrigue(r) # 723, ISBN 037322723X  Spoiler Warning. :)

Quote: Love infused her, strengthened her, filled her until she
thought her heart would burst.  "I've been so afraid. So afraid."

"You don't have to be afraid. It's all over. The judge is going down
for murder. I'll get the charges against you dropped."

She struggled to shake her head. He didn't understand. She had to
make him understand.  "It's not just now. I've been afraid since I
met you. Afraid of needing you. Of loving you. Of being weak like my
mother."

"Oh, Andrea." He lowered his face to hers.  His whisper tickled her
ear. "If need and love makes a person weak, I'm the weakest man on
the face of the earth. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

End Quote.

Doesn't that just melt your heart!  It melts mine. :)  Having a man
admit that he's slightly weak where you're concerned. Yum.

That said, there's a forum open on Heroes.  What turns you on? And
what turns you off? Check it out here:
http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=208 And tell
us what you think!  Kate Hardy, Medical Romance author, says she
likes a sense of humor. Eliza, the Reader's Lounge moderator,  says
she likes her heros hurting and watching them overcome that hurt.
What do you think? Tell us -
http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=208

Oh, and don't forget that it's Heartsong Presents month this month!
Meet the wonderful Heartsong Presents authors in the Cata Q&A Forum:
http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=211

And if you're like me, you've got one eye on the calendar and the
other on your book.  Yes, the holidays are coming! And no, time will
not stand still for you or me.  They're on their way and it's time
to get in shape!  Join a wonderful and dedicated group of authors
and readers who are working together to get in shape just in time
for the holidays!
http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=58

Now, I'd love to introduce you to the new Reader's Newsletter
Editor, Nicole.  She's bravely agreed to write a newsletter for you
guys each week, so send her your thanks. :) And also, send her your
ideas!  What can we do to make this newsletter better for you?  What
are you interested in?

Nicole will be around shortly with her first newsletter and
hopefully some more info on her. :)

Now I'll leave you with a link: http://www.cataromance.com and a
quote: Dare to Dream...

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Ally

Would you like free books and other goodies?  All you have to do is
send a SASE to me and I'll toss in some goodies.

If you're interested in bookmarks, send a regular #10 envelope with
a 37 cent stamp on it.

Please keep in mind that goodies are available while supplies last
but the more postage you put on the envelope(and the larger the
envelope is) the more goodies you can recieve.

If you'd like pens, notepads, key chain, cover flats, books, and
more, send an 8 x 11 envelope with $2.50 worth of postage on it.

Don't forget to check out CataRomance.com for all the latest
activites.  We've got some great reviews up.  We also got movie
reviews! Don't forget to read our latest columns and stop by the
Cata Forums to chat with authors.

Stay tuned! The second week of October, we'll be officially
launching Harlequin's newest romantic comedy line, Flipside.

See you at www.cataromance.com!

Ally

Please join us in the forums where we'll be chatting with Julie
Elizabeth Leto about her life, her books, and lots of other fun
things.  She's joining all the other Blaze authors in the Blaze
Authors discussion.  If you've got a question about a book, join
us!  If you want to meet the authors, join us!

Here's the link:
http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=185

Feel free to drop by whenever!  Anyone who joins the discussion and
has not one a prize recently is entered for some door prizes. :)

Also, I'm looking for two category romance lovers.  I need one with
a technical mind to be the For Readers page editor.  Another to be
the Reader's Newsletter Editor.  Both positions are extremely
important to CataRomance and I'd be really grateful.

If there's another area of interest for you, please let me know. I
welcome any and all volunteers!

BTW, don't forget to join us this month as we chat about The Mommy
Plan by Susan Gable, in the Cata Book Club.  Some great discussion
going on there.

As always, feel free to forward this information to a friend.  And
stay tuned for September Release Dates!

www.cataromance.com

Ally

Please excuse the extra post. :)

We've had a great response in the call for reviewers, I'll let you
know if we need any more.

For now, if you haven't heard back to me but you already sent me an
email, I tried to get back to everyone, but your email may have
gotten lost. If you could, please email me again. :)  I'm still
working out who's going to review what.

On other news, please join us this month in the BLaze forum at Cata.
We'll be talking to Blaze authors all month long.
http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=185

Also, if you like talking about books, we're picking a new book in
the Cata BookClub, and we'd love it if you'd join us! Pretty
please?! :)http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=7

Don't forget I'll be interviewing Suzanne Brockmann next month and I
welcome your questions for her!

Take care,
Ally

Ally | alice@...
CataRomance Webmistress | http://www.cataromance.com
It's SUPERROMANCE month at Cata! Join us!

Dear Reader,

I'm excited about the latest addition to CataRomance and I hope you
will be too!

CataRomance.com is officially opening its review feature and we're
looking for readers like you to become reviewers for our site!  If
you like free books and sharing your opinion, then we want you!

These are a the lines we currently need reviewers for:

       · Avalon Romance
       · Avalon Career Romance
       · Avalon Historical Romance
       · Harlequin American Romance ®
       · Harlequin Blaze ™
       · Harlequin Flipside ™
       · Harlequin Historicals ®
       · Harlequin Intrigue ®
       · Harlequin Presents ®
       · Harlequin Romance ®
       · Harlequin Superromance ®
       · Harlequin Temptation ®
       · Heartsong Presents
       · Mills & Boon Blaze ™
       · Mills & Boon Historical Romance ®
       · Mills & Boon Medical Romance ®
       · Mills & Boon Modern Romance ®
       · Mills & Boon Sensual Romance ®
       · Mills & Boon Tender Romance ®
       · Silhouette Bombshell ™
       · Silhouette Desire ®
       · Silhouette Intimate Moments ®
       · Silhouette Romance ®
       · Silhouette Special Edition ®
       · Steeple Hill Love Inspired ®

        Romantic Single Titles
        Romantic Anthologies

CataRomance reviewers recieve free books and other goodies for their
time and service.  If you're interested in reviewing for Cata,
please send an email to me today at alice@... and
include which lines(s) you're intersted in reviewing.

Please note that you DO NOT need any prior reviewing experience.
CataRomance is happy to provide our guidelines, policys and
training.  We're happy to work with you even if you've just found
category romance. :)

I hope to hear from you soon!  And be sure to visit CataRomance.com!


Ally | alice@...
CataRomance Webmistress | http://www.cataromance.com
It's SUPERROMANCE month at Cata! Join us!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Cata-Readers group:

What are your 3 favorite category
lines?

   o Avalon Romance
   o Avalon Career Romance
   o Avalon Historical Romance
   o Harlequin American Romance
   o Harlequin Blaze
   o Harlequin Duets
   o Harlequin Flipside
   o Harlequin Historicals
   o Harlequin Intrigue
   o Harlequin Presents
   o Harlequin Romance
   o Harlequin SuperRomance
   o Harlequin Temptation
   o Heartsong Presents
   o Silhouette Desire
   o Silhouette Intimate Moments
   o Silhouette Romance
   o Silhouette Special Edition
   o Steeple Hill Love Inspired


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cata-Readers/surveys?id=946379

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Ever wanted to know what an author is really thinking? :)

Join Susan Meier this month and ask her a question. She's in the Hot
Seat so she has to answer.  Susan's had a very interesting life, so
be sure to stop by and read about her and ask her a few questions.
Remember, they don't have to be book related, but they can be.

So join us!  We're having a blast.

http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=89

Ally | alice@...

Readers Newsletter

Readers Newsletter

Dear Reader,

As you may have noticed, the catasite was down for most of April.  The good news is that the site has been switched over to my server.  So no more roller coaster rides.  Once I get everything back up and working, I'll let you know.  For now, enjoy the forums and check stay tuned for the new features at Cataromance.

~What's New~
The homepage of the cata site is back up.  Check it out to see what's going on this month.  Visit www.cataromance.com.

~Of Interest~
It's TEMPTATION Month at CataRomance.  We're chatting with the Temptresses all month long.  If you have a question for them, ask it here: http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51
We've got all your favorite authors rounded up, so please take a moment to stop by.  Who's going to be there?  Well, here's the short list! Vicki Lewis Thompson, Cindi Myers, Julie Elizabeth Leto, Kathleen O'Reilly, Barbara Dunlop, Nancy Warren, Janelle Denison, Jill Shalvis, Liz Jarrett, Shannon Hollis, Jamie Denton and Joanne Rock

Trying to figure out what to plant in your garden?  Join the Cata Authors and discuss gardening in April Showers bring May Flowers: http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=52

Summer's almost here!  Time to get ready for that swimsuit.  Looking for a good exercise program?  Join the Cata Authors and discuss Diets & Exercise: http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=58

Stop by the Reader's Lounge and give us your Recommendation for Mother's Day gifts. http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=50

And if you're new to the forums, be sure to stop by New Readers so we can get to know each other. http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45

~On Shelves~

A Knight's Kiss~ Nicole Burnham~ Silhouette Romance Soulmates~ 
The Hundred-Year Itch~ Holly Jacobs~ Harlequin Duets~ 0-373-44166-5
THE GENTRYS: CINCO~ Linda Conrad~ Silhouette Desire~0-373-76508-8
A Love to Keep~ Cynthia Rutledge~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ 0-373-87215-5
Wild & Wicked~ Joanne Rock~ Harlequin Blaze~ 0-373-79091-0
Baby Chase~ Hannah Bernard ~ Mills and Boon Tender Romance~ 0263833739
Her Greek Tycoon ~ Kate Walker ~ Mills & Boon By Request~ 0263835901
The Bridesmaid's Reward ~ Liz Fielding ~ Harlequin Romance


~BookClub Reminder~
We're discussing The Hostage Bride by Kate Walker this month in the BookClub.  Stop by! Tell us what you thought of the book.  What did you think of Rico and Fliss?

Also, make a nomination for May.  If there's a category romance out this month that you really like, nominate it for a BookClub pick.

Stop by on May 10th to vote for your favorite.

~Contests & Freebies~
It's Cata Bookmark Mania month!  Join the Temptations Authors discussion, The Hostage Bride BookClub Pick discussion, April Showers brings May Flowers, Diets & Exercise or Cata Newbies discussion... And you've got yourself a bookmark from one of your favorite CataRomance authors.  All you have to is drop by and say hi!

Don't forget to stop by the forums!  We're cooking up all sorts of fun.  Forum link: http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/index.php

And of course, don't forget to stop by www.cataromance.com .

Tell all your friends about CataRomance.  Feel free to forward this message on to anyone who might be interested.

Ally | alice@...
Sterling Presence webdesign | http://www.sterlingpresence.com
The Perfect Marriage of Art and Technology
Take advantage of 18 years of experience and get results!
CataRomance Webmistress | www.cataromance.com

Dear Reader,

Take another look at cataromance.com.  Our site is up again, and while our
revisions are far from complete, we're sure you'll love the new layout of
the For Readers page.  All the information you want it at your finger tips.

As always, we have On Shelves and Coming soon information.
http://www.cataromance.com/forreaders.shtml  We've also got a complete
listing of Cata Authors.

New For Readers~

Now you'll find the Smooch of the Week as well as the Featured Author Bio on
the For Readers page. Click: http://www.cataromance.com/forreaders.shtml and
enjoy the reading experience.

Also on the For Readers page, you'll find a listing of Contests, Freebies,
and a new poll.

Remember, cataromance.com is supported by members like you.  Our webmistress
works hard to bring the most up to date information to you each and every
week.  If you love cataromance.com, consider making a donation via paypal or
by cash or personal check.

As always, we'd LOVE to hear your opinions, so why not drop by the new
forums and share your thoughts about romance, favorite books, or
cataromance.com.  http://www.sterlingpresence.com/phpBB2/index.php

Since you're a member of this mailing list, you're already signed up for our
new contest!  We're giving away five new books, bookmarks, and more.  Be
sure to tell your friends and family so they'll have a chance to win as
well!

Don't forget to take another look at www.cataromance.com .  We'll see you
there.

Celebrating Category Romance,

Ally | alice@...
Sterling Presence web design | http://www.sterlingpresence.com
The Perfect Marriage of Art and Technology
Take advantage of 18 years of experience and get results!
CataRomance Webmistress | www.cataromance.com