Linda Morelli's Latest News

Most of my friends will know my latest news from my quarterly newsletter. Since then, my mother had a series of strokes, went into the hospital and is now in a nursing home. Most of my time lately has been spent taking care of her affairs and arranging for her to move into assisted living. For anyone who has also done this, you know it's like having a second job. Between that, my kids, my two puppies, working as a part-time consultant and reviewing for My Shelf, I've realy been busy. Hopefully, I'll have more time soon to devote to my web site and my writing. In the meantime, I've updated the links on my site (didn't really how many of the sites I mentioned closed down). I'll write again soon!

And now, for a wonderful new site that should please every romance reader. It's called, Romance Novel TV It features exclusive on-camera interviews with romance authors and covers the various events surrounding the genre. The site provides information from the authors about their work, their process and their lives. You can check out the latest new releases, ask authors questions, join the blog and even watch special events, like the latest Romance Writers of America meeting. This is a fantastic site and one I'm sure you'll bookmark to visit again and again!

Summer is here, and so are the kids, meaning lots of fun with them, but not as much time to write. I also got a new Dell computer running under Windows Vista. I was fairly certain that I'd have problems loading up old files, until I decided to get an external hard drive. (Wish I had one when I switched to DSL and got that virus -- it deleted half of my files before I stopped it. Fortunately, I made floppy disk backups.) What a difference the external hard drive makes, though! It's always plugged into my computer, so I can easily backup my files. Getting used to the way Vista runs (and getting the latest updates to my various programs) has taken me a while, and I understand that some software programs (like Adobe) have a few problems running under Vista. If you know of any of them, please let me know.

Some of my author friends have been posting their books on My Space and setting up blogs. I think that's a great idea, but I haven't had the time to do the same. I've been busy with my part-time consulting job, reviewing wonderful books for MyShelf.com, and being a wife and mother. Those of you with kids know how much time they can take out of a day, what with sports, chauffering them around, etc. Besides, even if I started up a blog, it would get outdated way too fast, what with my busy schedule, kids, puppies, etc., and it's more fun for me to enter any news I have here, when I have the spare time.

I am working on my latest books. Yes, I have two in the works and, hopefully, will have them published in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy your summer and stay safe.

I just discovered that a new company, Booksfree.com, has a listing for my first release, FIERY SURRENDER, for rent. I checked out the site and they have lots of books in various genres that they rent, for a fee, in a manner similar to Netflix. I was rather surprised at this, so I called my attorney and was told that, provided they obtained my book legally (i.e., purchased it), this is the same thing as a lending library and is legal. While it may be legal, please remember that authors make little money on royalties -- at least this author earns very little. So, please consider purchasing copies of my books from a bookseller. Or better yet, email me for special pricing on autographed copies of FIERY SURRENDER, my multi award-winning SHADOW OF DOUBT and my latest romantic suspense, LANI'S CHALLENGE.

My dear friend, UCLA professor and author, Carolyn Howard-Johnson, has been releasing audio books available from Double Dragon Publishing, specifically on the topic of marketing and promotion, available in various formats. I'm featured in several special Double Dragon audio books on promotion. One features my newsletters, and the latest one features my contests. Here's what Carolyn had to say:

"One of my favorites is the contest run by romantic suspense writer Linda Morelli. One might wonder why her readers would be interested in my literary novel, creative nonfiction, or poetry for it makes sense to try to reach readers who would naturally be attracted to your book, right? Well, Linda has a huge list of her fans, they are all readers and many of them�as it happens�are also writers and therefore interested in my book on book promotion. Further, with that many followers, some of those readers may be eclectic readers. And here is the kicker. Linda provides the authors who donate books for her contests with a list of those entrants who tried to win that book. That's a valuable list for an author's future promotional efforts. The people on this list are people who most probably are interested in that specific book or genre that was offered as a prize.. (We will include more about Linda's contest in our online resources and we'll let you know how to access them at the end of this audio.)"

To learn more, check out: "Contest Facts: How to add Award-Winning to Your Name."
If you'd like to download a free sample of Carolyn's audio books on marketing and promotion, you can do just that. Her first book, A Do-It-Yourself Guide To Promoting Easy And Cheap! by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, is available for free download at:
Double Dragon Publishing.

All my author friends are talking about several new ways of keeping in touch: blogs, podcasts, etc. While I'd love to do those, with two kids, two dogs, work, etc., I just don't have the time. So, I keep you updated via this, my news column. While I've been busy with signings and reviewing, I've also been working on my latest manuscript, set during the days of the California Gold Rush. I'm also considering writing a romance dealing with parapsychology -- a field I worked in for three years. My question to you is, would you read a romance about a psychic who investigates haunted houses and, at one home, falls in love with a charming, if reclusive owner? If so, please let me know by emailing me at RomRiter@aol.com. And if you have any other ideas of romances you would like to read, let me know that as well. Until later, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and friends, and an even greater holiday season!

Life has been a little busy lately, getting my youngest son used to middle school (and the resultant homework) and working my part-time consulting job. I've also been editing a book for my publisher: The Altar of Freedom by Denise Fleisher. This latter process has been a pleasure. The story is a scifi and follow-up to her previous release, The Guardian, which I have also read. Keep your eyes open for it's release from Port Town Publishing this December. In addition, I've been reviewing a minimum of two books per month for My Shelf Reviews, so be sure to check them out. I have lined up booksignings for this October and November (check out my Appearances site via the link on your left), and will post my signing information for 2007 after the holidays. I also have a new interview online. You can check it out here: Romantic at Heart, Augusta Free Press.
In the meantime, hope your upcoming holidays are happy ones for you!

I'm on the cover of the April 2006 issue of Miss Ingenuity Magazine (online now!) and am the featured article in this issue. Starting in May, I will be writing romance columns for this wonderful publication geared for women around the world. To learn more or to see my article, please visit: www.missingenuity.com . If you have any questions or comments about romance, whether it be about dating, marriage, or even reading and writing about romance that you want to see covered in my columns, please write me at: RomRiter@aol.com .

When Maryland author Linda Morelli said, �Study the people around you: their mannerisms, speech, looks; they're all sources for characterization,� she never thought she�d see the words in print.

But they�ll be included in �The Complete Writer�s Journal,� available late April or early May initially from Red Engine Press at http://www.redenginepress.com/ and, later, on Amazon and in book stores.The Journal�s developer, Joyce Faulkner, selected Morelli's quote to be among the words of one-hundred editors, authors, marketers, and publicists involved in creating the volume. Spiral-bound and designed to open flat, �The Complete Writer�s Journal� lets the writer jot down ideas, keep receipts and clippings; map chase scenes, draw, or make notes on works in progress. Each page contains a quote or tip about writing, editing, or marketing. The 112-page Journal is the second in a series for writers. �The Complete Writer: A Guide to Tapping Your Full Potential,� came out last year, from Red Engine Press. �The Complete Writer Publishes,� will come out in 2007.

Award-winning Linda Morelli is the author of two romantic suspense novels, "Lani's Challenge" and "Shadow of Doubt," and the historical romance, "Fiery Surrender," available from PortTownPublishing.com, Amazon.com and Target.com.

MEDIA RELEASE:
CONTACT: Carolyn Howard-Johnson, E-mail: HoJoNews@aol.com, Phone: 818-790-0502

Double Dragon's Newest Offering -- POD Radio courses! Listen to award-winning authors as they share secrets and know-how that helped them get published, sell books and build a reader base.

            Recently, five published authors got together to create a series of audio classes for writers. After they recorded their first class, Double Dragon Publishing offered them contracts, and established a brand new imprint to produce a series of 30 audio classes.  Moderated by Allyn Evans, found of http.queenpower.com, it is taught by Carolyn Howard-Johnson http://carolynhowardjohnson.com/ , Kathe Gogolewski http://www.tri-studio.com/ , Joyce Faulkner http://www.joycefaulkner.com/ , and Marilyn Peake http://www.marilynpeake.com/.
            Instructor Marilyn Peake responds, "I love doing these classes! I feel like I'm chatting with good friends who really know how to discuss writing in-depth. I feel invigorated after each and every class, with my writing batteries completely recharged!"
            Evans adds, "Besides having a blast, I have learned so much. I must confess it's hard to scribble down notes while trying to moderate a show, but all four of our experienced writers have so much to share."
            The series will include three categories: Writing, Technology related to writing, and Book Promotion. All classes will be available in both MP3 and CD formats.
            The first audio class is FREE in MP3 format (and can also be purchased as a CD).  The first audio class is Radio: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Promoting Easy and Cheap! The second audio class is available for purchase in both MP3 and CD formats and is the perfect gift for any writer. The course - Promote or Perish! The Greatest Myth of Publishing: Your Book Is Written, Now Let the Publisher Promote It - is now available at Double Dragon Publishing. Remaining classes will be recorded in 2006.
            Howard-Johnson is the founder of Authors' Coalition, the editor of an associated e-zine, "Sharing with Writers," and the author of THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T. She is also an instructor for the renowned Writers' Program at UCLA. Each of the instructors has expertise in an area related to writing and each is committed to sharing her expertise with other writers.
            To listen to a 5-minute excerpt from the audio class Promote or Perish! The Greatest Myth of Publishing: Your Book Is Written, Now Let the Publisher Promote It, click here:
http://tri-studio.com/kathegogolewskiPODCASTEXCERPT.html
            To learn more about the courses being offered, visit: http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/imprintlist.asp?imprint=PODRADIO
            To learn more about Authors' Coalition go to: http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com/

I had a great Christmas, despite the fact that I broke my right ankle walking my dog around a steep and icy corner of my house. Spent a week hobbling around on what I thought was a sprained ankle until my husband eyed the still-swollen ankle and insisted I see a doctor. The result was an operation on December 30th and words of caution that I could not walk on my right foot for at least a month. Well, I'm learning to use crutches, though I've already fallen a few times. And all those early "spring cleaning" projects I had in mind will now have to wait. Kinda hard for a "Type A" personality like me, but I think I'll manage. :-)

My latest romantic suspense, LANI'S CHALLENGE, was just released by Port Town Publishing and I've already started getting in some great reviews. It's always humbling when you sent off ARCs (Advanced Reading Copies) and expect the worse, then get the best. I am so thankful to the reviewers for their kind comments, and to all my friends who have purchased a copy of this romantic suspense set in nearby Washington, DC. Please be sure to check it out while you're on my site.

Of course, not being able to walk on my right foot means that I can't set up any book signings until February, but I'll work on that during this month and will hopefully have some news for you regarding possible signings, especially for Valentine's Day. In the meantime, I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year, filled with only the best.

For a limited time, Port Town Publishing is offering a FREE BOOK when you purchase TWO! There are no strings attached, no specific books you have to buy, and no "designated" free one. The choices are all up to you. In fact, if you become one of PTP's best customers, the "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" offer will be a LIFETIME offer, just for you! That's right. You could qualify to get every 3rdh Port Town Publishing book absolutely FREE for the rest of your life! To learn more, visit Port Town Publishing ... and order today!

In addition to donating funds to the American Red Cross and PetCo for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, my children and I participated in "Project Backpack," a special drive organized by a local teen. The project requested backpacks filled with school supplies and other goodies for the student victims of the hurricane, but the project ended up with over 10,000 backpacks from the Metro DC area alone. The effort is now national and they need your help! For more information, visit the Project Backpack site. You can also the recent report on Project Backpack online at ABC 7 News.

I am thrilled to announce that I have just received another contract from Port Town Publishing for my latest romantic suspense, Lani's Challenge. The projected release date is December 1, 2005. See my September newsletter for more information. Also, Port Town will offer special pre-release discount pricing to my friends, so if you're interested please email me.

I am pleased to announce that my short story, "The Portrait," just received a four-angel review from Fallen Angel Reviews. Please check it out at:

Last year�s event attracted 52 authors from all over the world, representing mystery/suspense, romance, children�s books, nonfiction, historical, and other genres. The keynote speaker was Diane Fanning, who traveled to Virginia from Texas to discuss her book, Into the Water. Dirk Robertson, author of Highland T�ing and Bad Day for a Fat Boy, had the distinction of having traveled the furthest to participate in Book �Em, traveling to Virginia from Edinburgh, Scotland. Dirk will also be with us for the 2005 event. For additional information, go to www.bookemfoundation.org; telephone Officer Mark Kearney of the Waynesboro Police Department at 540-942-6683 or via email at kearneymp@ci.waynesboro.va.us; or contact author p.m.terrell at patricia@pmterrell.com or by telephone at 804-778-7711.

I had some wonderful signings in the past two months. The first was at my alma mater, George Mason University, on Saturday, September 18th during their "Fall for The Book Festival." It was great being back on campus and meeting new friends. I always have a prize drawing for an 8 x 10" autographed copy of the cover I painted for FIERY SURRENDER, which was won by Ednaline Concepcion. Congratuations Ednaline!

The next event was a two-day signing at the West Virginia Book Festival, Saturday and Sunday, October 16th and 17th. (Photos of last year's event appear on my photo page.) Again, I met some wonderful people and made friends with a great artist and photographer, Nancy Mercial. She does wonderful greeting cards from her photos and, of course, I couldn't resist purchasing one. If you're interested, you can contact her at nmercial@citynet.net. This time, the 8 x 10" cover was won by Frank S. Joseph, who will give it to a co-worker who reads romance.

The last signing of the month was in Waynesboro, Virginia, during the First Annual Book 'Em Event held on Saturday, October 23, 2004, at the Waynesboro Public High School. This fundraising booksigning was a benefit for Crime Stoppers (an organization that pays up to $1,000 in rewards for information that assists law enforcement in solving crimes), as well as several literacy groups. The event was sponsored by the Waynesboro Police Department, Central Shenandoah Crime Stoppers, Central Shenandoah Reading Council and Friends of the Library. I understand that this event raised over $5,000 to help law enforcement solve crimes, and raise public awareness of the connection between high illiteracy rates and high crime rates. Patricia M. Terrell, a wonderful author, was the primary person in charge of the event, along with Officer Mark Kearney. They plan to do another one in 2005, and I've already signed up! Oh, lest I forget, Janet Edwards of Richmond, Virginia won the autographed copy of FIERY SURRENDER. Congratulations!

Everyone who purchased autographed copies of my books during the two October events will automatically be entered into my special Holiday Contest to win a wonderful basket filled with great holiday items. If you don't know about this contest, be sure to check out my Contests site!

The CD drive on my old Windows '95 computer failed--the one I gave to my children to use to run their educational programs. My husband said the old one ('95) wasn't worth repairing. After all, technology changes so fast that now, kids' educational programs run under newer versions of Windows. So, I gave them my Windows '98 computer and purchased a new one from Gateway. Ah, Windows XP. What a great invention! Of course, I've spent over a month transferring all my records to the new computer, but I'm now ready to roll. Unfortunately, the software I used to transfer all the pages of my website doesn't work under Windows XP, so I purchased new software: Namo's WebEditor5.5. Another great product, but I'm on a learning curve in using it.

Now, I'm ready to continue on my current works-in-progress. You noticed the word "works," huh? Well, I'm a "Type A" personality and love to multi-process. :-) I'm also editing for my publisher, Port Town Publishing, as well as doing monthly author interviews and columns for Gotta Write Network Online.

The two romances I'm writing at the moment are a sensual time-travel set during the days of the California Gold Rush, and a mystery romance centering on two D.C. detectives--Lana and Pierce--who discover they have more in common than their current murder case. I'm also working on my non-fiction book about our adoption of two older children from overseas, and the adjustments all families face.