tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44375796341043126052024-02-19T08:56:41.113-06:00Elle ParkerElle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-18179269546380081132014-02-25T09:26:00.000-06:002014-02-25T09:26:14.519-06:00News about the Dino Martini MysteriesAt the beginning of January, Lyrical Press announced to their authors that they had sealed a deal to join with Kensington Press as an imprint of Kensington. This is, of course, very exciting news and we've all been on pins and needles.<br />
<br />
All authors were given the option to resign with Kensington, which is wonderful, but also has created quite a flurry of activity and launched a very HUGE process of resigning and rereleasing literally hundreds of authors and nearly twice as many books.<br />
<br />
The real downside of this is that as of January 1st, none of us were under contract with Lyrical anymore, and as such....our books were taken off the market.<br />
<br />
I'll confess, I had no idea this process would take as long as it has, or I probably would have come and posted some kind of announcement much sooner than this. I thought it would kind of fly under the radar.<br />
<br />
As far as I know right now - the Dino Martini books WILL be available again. They are not permanently gone, and I am still working on that third book.<br />
<br />
It's my understanding that I will be allowed to sign with Kensington and move forward with the series, but even if that doesn't actually come to pass, I'll find another avenue for the series. I'm not done with Dino and Seth. (I may be really, really SLOW....but I'm not done).<br />
<br />
If you'd like to be put on a list to be notified when the books are available again, please comment here or at Goodreads when this post gets picked up there, and I'll be happy to compile that list and let everyone know when the books are available for purchase again and where you can find them.<br />
<br />
I really want to thank all the fans of these books - You all have been so supportive and fun, and I appreciate that people enjoy my stories.<br />
<br />
I'll keep posting news as it happens.Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-80097911757954655852013-11-12T08:30:00.002-06:002013-11-12T08:30:27.223-06:00First Frost is out!<div style="text-align: center;">
The new Dino Martini story is out! Along with a whole bunch of other great stories from Lyrical authors that range from fantasy to historical and a heat range to match!</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Frost-Daisy-Banks-ebook/dp/B00GM0PHT6">Lyrical Press First Frost Anthology</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Melt away the winter chill with a little help from Lyrical’s authors.</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Frost-Daisy-Banks-ebook/dp/B00GM0PHT6"><span style="color: #990000;">Available NOW from Amazon...and it's FREE!</span></a> </em></strong></div>
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<img alt="Lyrical Press First Frost Anthology" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVPDDszawMPiaMxRYXg84Py4DrqCgh99awa7-GnMNmK6ocQnlfFbg4nYkHwezNofIflj3dGjMfgacnef9qnkXR05hbfR1YAr8yp7vUMK8eMAsZ1DDWbLtIJWPBO0P3V1y9npozwp-vkg/s320/firstfrost.jpg" title="Lyrical Press First Frost Anthology" width="213" /></div>
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My contribution to the anthology is: <strong>Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>GLBT erotic romance by <strong>Elle Parker</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br /><em>Mysterious neighbors, scheming wives and bar fights. This was not Dino’s idea of a relaxing vacation.</em><br />
<em></em><br />All Dino Martini wants is to enjoy his vacation with best
friend turned boyfriend, Seth Donnelly. But when he stumbles across a
mystery, it feels like business as usual. If Dino wants to spend his
time focused on Seth instead of fighting in bars, he might have to get
back to work.<br />
<br />
<br />
Go and get yours now!<br />
Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-29869071163380016982013-10-24T10:56:00.001-05:002013-10-24T10:56:37.416-05:00New Dino Martini!No...it's not the novel.... I'm still working on that, but progress is definitely being made.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I had an opportunity to submit a short Dino Martini novella for a new anthology from Lyrical Press.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lyricalpress.com/first-frost/">Lyrical Press First Frost Anthology</a></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Melt away the winter chill with a little help from Lyrical’s authors.</em></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Lyrical Press First Frost Anthology" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVPDDszawMPiaMxRYXg84Py4DrqCgh99awa7-GnMNmK6ocQnlfFbg4nYkHwezNofIflj3dGjMfgacnef9qnkXR05hbfR1YAr8yp7vUMK8eMAsZ1DDWbLtIJWPBO0P3V1y9npozwp-vkg/s320/firstfrost.jpg" title="Lyrical Press First Frost Anthology" width="213" /></div>
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This great collection of stories guaranteed to warm up your nippy evenings will be available from Lyrical Press on November 11, 2013</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My contribution to the anthology is: <strong>Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>GLBT erotic romance by <strong>Elle Parker</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br /><em>Mysterious neighbors, scheming wives and bar fights. This was not Dino’s idea of a relaxing vacation.</em><br />
<em></em><br />All Dino Martini wants is to enjoy his vacation with best friend turned boyfriend, Seth Donnelly. But when he stumbles across a mystery, it feels like business as usual. If Dino wants to spend his time focused on Seth instead of fighting in bars, he might have to get back to work.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for information on the release!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-64763970060140803432013-08-19T11:46:00.001-05:002013-08-19T11:52:04.431-05:00Update and Status Report<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Things in my neck of the woods seem to be settling down, at
least for a while, and I find myself with some time to attend to things I've
been neglecting.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Most importantly, I'm working on Book 3 again. It's got a
long way to go, but I'm able to do a little more than just pick away at the
moment, so I'm embracing that while I can.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">First of all, I want to thank everyone who's emailed me over
the past couple of years. I don't always get to check as often as I'd like, but
every time I did, someone was there telling me how much they love Dino and
Seth, and how they are hoping there will be a third book coming.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm so grateful to all those people. It's wonderful and
reassuring to know that even though a lot of time has passed, people still want
to read more about Dino and Seth, and it's not too late to write another book.
So, thank you so much for that.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also wanted to give an update of sorts as to WHY the third
book has been so long in coming.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Real life ramped up in a way I was totally not prepared for.
(Parents of teenagers, please prepare to nod sagely.) My kids are 16 months
apart, so there's never been any breathing room in any stage of parenting, and
this has been no different. <o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My son developed a bit of an attitude problem and spent the
better part of two years trying to flunk both Junior and Senior years -
something wildly frustrating to us, because he's very smart and had been doing
incredibly well until that point. We didn't know for sure if he would be
graduating until the very last day of school. (He did.)<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">During this time, he tried to get into the Air Force, but
due to some screw-ups, he was labeled with medical conditions he doesn't have,
and was rejected. He took a stab at college, but his heart was really with the
military, so we underwent a massive process to get those mistakes cleared up
and he was able to join the Army. He graduated basic from Fort Jackson this
spring, and is now doing very well at AIT. It was a rocky road, but I'm so
proud of him, and it's wonderful to have him back to his old self.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My daughter is right behind him in high school, and although
she brings less drama to the table, there's still quite a lot going on with her
that takes our time and attention. We've also been involved this summer in
helping her switch high schools because she's starting to hate it as much as
our son did. Plus there's ACT and college applications to deal with...<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">IN THE MEANTIME...my husband and I were also looking ahead a
few years to what we'll do when she goes off to college and we're all alone
again. (Besides crack open the champagne.)<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A couple years ago, we hatched this fabulous plan to clean
out the basement of our sign shop and create an apartment for ourselves. It
would be PERFECT - it's right downtown and within walking or biking distance of
nearly everything, and we'd be on-site for work, which could go a long way to
helping us really move the business forward. It would certainly help us keep on
top of things better, since we could go upstairs to get jobs running, and be
able to check on them later without actually working all evening.<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Things started out okay, although the cleaning out part of
the process was monumental due to the sheer amount of junk we inherited when we
bought the building. It took us several months. Then came the rather long and
drawn out process of getting the zoning worked out and convincing the city to
issue us a building permit. Apparently, no one has ever done this before and it
created quite a stir. It also created a mix of commercial and residential code
requirements that’s so extensive it made the whole project significantly more
expensive and more time consuming that we ever could have imagined. It’s still
less than the cost of a house, but now we’ll have to sell our house before we
can hope to do the project. Our original plan had been to build the apartment and
move in, then fix up the house and stage it to sell.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, the whole of this spring was devoted to getting the
house fixed up and cleaned out and ready to sell. It’s been on the market since
the beginning of July, and we’re still finding more and more things that need
to be done. <o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">HOWEVER, we’re hitting something of a lull as we run out of
projects and are simply waiting for the house to sell. We COULD go back and
start doing some of the simpler, inexpensive work on the apartment, and we will
this fall…but we both needed a break to concentrate on something else for a
while and relax.<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, for a short time at least, I have both time and energy
to devote to Dino and Seth. Let’s see how much I can get done while it lasts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-53600565336813986852011-02-28T09:58:00.000-06:002011-02-28T09:58:38.607-06:00Like Pizza and Beer in PRINT!Dino and Seth are back in a new and exciting mystery!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Like Pizza and Beer</i></b><br />
<br />
<h2>NOW in PRINT!!</h2>at Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Like-Pizza-Beer-Elle-Parker/dp/1616502509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297701429&sr=8-1">Like Pizza and Beer</a><br />
<br />
From <a href="http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=261">Lyrical Press</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v185/sassyinkpen/?action=view&current=likepizzaandbeer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/sassyinkpen/likepizzaandbeer.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Working for his ex and his boyfriend, Dino's past and present cross.</i><br />
<br />
Dino is caught off guard when his ex shows up out of the blue asking for help. His current lover, Seth, is pushing him to find dirt on his sister’s boyfriend. Juggling between two cases – and his boyfriend and ex – isn’t easy, but what choice does he have?<br />
<br />
Working with his ex takes Dino on a trip down memory lane, raising a few doubts and stirring up Seth’s jealousy. Now he must save his ex’s restaurant and his relationship with Seth before it’s too late.<br />
<br />
<lj-cut text="Read a Short Excerpt"><br />
<br />
Seth hopped out and started around the car to cross the street. I hung back and reached under the seat to grab my gun and holster, which I’d been keeping there since the business with Gigi started. Easy to get to if I need it, but stays hidden until I do.<br />
<br />
“What’cha doing?” Seth had turned back and was standing near my side of the car.<br />
<br />
“Nothing,” I said. I got out and straightened my jacket, then closed the car door quietly.<br />
<br />
“Bullshit.” He eyed me in the dim light of the streetlamp. “You’re actually gonna stand there and lie right to my face?”<br />
<br />
“Well…if you can tell I’m lying, then it’s not really a lie, is it?” I nudged him in the direction of the sidewalk. “Let’s go.”<br />
<br />
“You think this is that serious?”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know. But the kind of guys who sit in cars to intimidate nice women usually speak ‘gun’ very fluently and conversations tend to go better.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, all right,” he said, but I could tell he didn’t like it.<br />
</lj-cut><br />
<br />
Now you can pick it up from Amazon.com - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Like-Pizza-Beer-Elle-Parker/dp/1616502509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297701429&sr=8-1">Like Pizza and Beer</a>Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-83550457494472628732011-02-02T11:23:00.000-06:002011-02-02T11:23:26.225-06:00Like Pizza and Beer in PRINT!Dino and Seth are back in a new and exciting mystery!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Like Pizza and Beer</i></b><br />
<br />
<h2>Coming soon in PRINT!!</h2><br />
From <a href="http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=261">Lyrical Press</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v185/sassyinkpen/?action=view&current=likepizzaandbeer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/sassyinkpen/likepizzaandbeer.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Working for his ex and his boyfriend, Dino's past and present cross.</i><br />
<br />
Dino is caught off guard when his ex shows up out of the blue asking for help. His current lover, Seth, is pushing him to find dirt on his sister’s boyfriend. Juggling between two cases – and his boyfriend and ex – isn’t easy, but what choice does he have?<br />
<br />
Working with his ex takes Dino on a trip down memory lane, raising a few doubts and stirring up Seth’s jealousy. Now he must save his ex’s restaurant and his relationship with Seth before it’s too late.<br />
<br />
<lj-cut text="Read a Short Excerpt"><br />
<br />
Seth hopped out and started around the car to cross the street. I hung back and reached under the seat to grab my gun and holster, which I’d been keeping there since the business with Gigi started. Easy to get to if I need it, but stays hidden until I do.<br />
<br />
“What’cha doing?” Seth had turned back and was standing near my side of the car.<br />
<br />
“Nothing,” I said. I got out and straightened my jacket, then closed the car door quietly.<br />
<br />
“Bullshit.” He eyed me in the dim light of the streetlamp. “You’re actually gonna stand there and lie right to my face?”<br />
<br />
“Well…if you can tell I’m lying, then it’s not really a lie, is it?” I nudged him in the direction of the sidewalk. “Let’s go.”<br />
<br />
“You think this is that serious?”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know. But the kind of guys who sit in cars to intimidate nice women usually speak ‘gun’ very fluently and conversations tend to go better.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, all right,” he said, but I could tell he didn’t like it.<br />
</lj-cut><br />
<br />
Print copies available soon from Lyrical!!<br />
<br />
Watch for further updates!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-54230976318329180272010-09-29T21:46:00.000-05:002010-09-29T21:46:04.633-05:00Contest!!Hey! It's a Win It Before You Can Buy It Weekend!!<br />
<br />
Chris over at <a href="http://www.stumblingoverchaos.com/">Stumbling Over Chaos</a> is holding a giveaway contest for <a href="http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=261"><b><i>Like Pizza and Beer</i></b></a>. Head on over and check it out, and don't miss the fabulous Misadventures in Stock Photography posts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stumblingoverchaos.com/archives/9530">You can enter the contest here at Stumbling Over Chaos</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbvRnNiV7TTjgpjYXKrqBcAdnyu9TV1pNZ-GRo5pz_M4AtBkbnCW3cApnpKMVvGkVljorBbHwT4l895xxmT46W5JSzMNe-4rHTWn49RpjB3iEOIftwP_SVW6bAyUO-MSRly0CXV5bMng/s1600/likepizzaandbeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbvRnNiV7TTjgpjYXKrqBcAdnyu9TV1pNZ-GRo5pz_M4AtBkbnCW3cApnpKMVvGkVljorBbHwT4l895xxmT46W5JSzMNe-4rHTWn49RpjB3iEOIftwP_SVW6bAyUO-MSRly0CXV5bMng/s320/likepizzaandbeer.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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By the way - I love this cover!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-55688292081964753272010-09-23T15:33:00.003-05:002010-09-23T15:36:37.044-05:00Dino & Seth are back! Like Pizza and BeerDino and Seth are back in a new and exciting mystery!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Like Pizza and Beer</i></b><br />
<br />
<h2 style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coming October 4th!!</span></h2><br />
From <a href="http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=261">Lyrical Press</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v185/sassyinkpen/?action=view&current=likepizzaandbeer.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/sassyinkpen/likepizzaandbeer.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Working for his ex and his boyfriend, Dino's past and present cross.</i><br />
<br />
Dino is caught off guard when his ex shows up out of the blue asking for help. His current lover, Seth, is pushing him to find dirt on his sister’s boyfriend. Juggling between two cases – and his boyfriend and ex – isn’t easy, but what choice does he have?<br />
<br />
Working with his ex takes Dino on a trip down memory lane, raising a few doubts and stirring up Seth’s jealousy. Now he must save his ex’s restaurant and his relationship with Seth before it’s too late.<br />
<br />
<br />
<lj-cut text="Read a Short Excerpt"></lj-cut><br />
<lj-cut text="Read a Short Excerpt">Excerpt:<br />
<br />
Seth hopped out and started around the car to cross the street. I hung back and reached under the seat to grab my gun and holster, which I’d been keeping there since the business with Gigi started. Easy to get to if I need it, but stays hidden until I do.<br />
<br />
“What’cha doing?” Seth had turned back and was standing near my side of the car.<br />
<br />
“Nothing,” I said. I got out and straightened my jacket, then closed the car door quietly.<br />
<br />
“Bullshit.” He eyed me in the dim light of the streetlamp. “You’re actually gonna stand there and lie right to my face?”<br />
<br />
“Well…if you can tell I’m lying, then it’s not really a lie, is it?” I nudged him in the direction of the sidewalk. “Let’s go.”<br />
<br />
“You think this is that serious?”<br />
<br />
“I don’t know. But the kind of guys who sit in cars to intimidate nice women usually speak ‘gun’ very fluently and conversations tend to go better.”<br />
<br />
“Yeah, all right,” he said, but I could tell he didn’t like it.<br />
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Get your copy October 4th, 2010 from LyricalElle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-28500873671771470112010-03-25T20:01:00.003-05:002010-03-25T20:15:18.731-05:00Print is finally here!It's been a bit of a frustrating road, with a few delays, but the print version of <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Like-Coffee-and-Doughnuts/Elle-Parker/e/9781616501273/?itm=1&USRI=like+coffee+and+doughnuts">Like Coffee and Doughnuts</a> is finally available!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bRYqp24RzP78Fq0vapGJhdUTC8BHtJ-0DihLRLtfDOUkcy_KA-gePkwxvDPJaRz9BDr6L4ksJMm65u96szAvu5XrgkJ1rhEjXsh-CTG9pRcmMiox0nZkpcwbQikYSGSa_FYZODmChbs/s1600/Florida+March+2010+083.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bRYqp24RzP78Fq0vapGJhdUTC8BHtJ-0DihLRLtfDOUkcy_KA-gePkwxvDPJaRz9BDr6L4ksJMm65u96szAvu5XrgkJ1rhEjXsh-CTG9pRcmMiox0nZkpcwbQikYSGSa_FYZODmChbs/s320/Florida+March+2010+083.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452742653048203666" /></a><br /><br />It's hefty and wonderful to hold, and I'm so thilled with it. *g*<br /><br />You can get it from <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Like-Coffee-and-Doughnuts/Elle-Parker/e/9781616501273/?itm=1&USRI=like+coffee+and+doughnuts">Barnes & Noble</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Like-Coffee-Doughnuts-Elle-Parker/dp/1616501278/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269563078&sr=8-2">Amazon</a>, and very soon from Lyrical's own website. They're in the process doing a major overhaul to their bookstore and it's going to be excellent.Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-58174574186790122712010-03-25T12:42:00.002-05:002010-03-25T12:45:08.309-05:00Why spam this way?I've been working hard to clean up and catch up, and get things squared away again, and part of that is weeding out a few anonymous comments in the blog.<br /><br />What is the purpose of spam comments like this???<br /><br /> <span style="font-style:italic;">Anonymous said...<br /><br /> I wish not approve on it. I assume polite post. Expressly the title-deed attracted me to study the sound story.</span><br /><br /><br />I can sort of get the ones that advertise Viagra or a website, but what does someone get out of spending their time doing this? I assume there's some computerly purpose I've never heard of, but I'd love to know WHAT.Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-76006295153429017332010-03-02T13:37:00.002-06:002010-03-02T13:40:06.598-06:00Update on LCADWell, you know what they say about the best laid plans....<br /><br /><br />Like Coffee and Doughnuts is still in the processing stage for the print release, due to some confusion between printer and publisher.<br /><br />Hopefully, the print release will be available within a week or so!<br /><br /><br />~~ElleElle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-13344810699876550632010-01-26T10:36:00.003-06:002010-01-26T10:58:07.039-06:00AnnouncementsI've been a busy, busy girl lately, and I have lots of things to announce!<br /><br /><br />* This Friday, Jan 29, I will be posting at <a href="http://clarelondon.livejournal.com/">Clare London's LJ</a> as part of her month long birthday party.<br /><br /><br />* On February 1st, <a href="http://www.lyricalpress.com/like_coffee_and_doughnuts">Like Coffee and Doughnuts</a> is due to be released in print! It will be available from Lyrical's own <a href="http://www.onceuponabookstore.com/">Once Upon a Bookstore</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a>. I'll be sure to post direct buy links when they're up, so you can always find it here.<br /><br /><br />* February 8-12th, I'll be participating in the Holiday Love Fest going on at <a href="http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/">The Writing Jungle</a>. This one looks to be a lot of fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaEtBEUkml4p3iZUXEJLh1LOx3fC6NeJJTittddDw1hmfGGdkAwmwwBTOcBjl02wMLP5Lamy6X2I0Sx2fZxhbbP1GDyhkEj5CZj8tNQT4X-QfSKGkveNZor8vnnRzsv55OJcD9szkL5A/s1600-h/HolidayLoveAffair2010.jpeg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaEtBEUkml4p3iZUXEJLh1LOx3fC6NeJJTittddDw1hmfGGdkAwmwwBTOcBjl02wMLP5Lamy6X2I0Sx2fZxhbbP1GDyhkEj5CZj8tNQT4X-QfSKGkveNZor8vnnRzsv55OJcD9szkL5A/s320/HolidayLoveAffair2010.jpeg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431092518510608562" /></a><br /><br />* I've also gotten word that the tentative release for Dino and Seth's second adventure, <a href="http://www.lyricalpress.com/like_pizza_and_beer">Like Pizza and Beer</a>, is October 2010.<br /><br /><br />I have a few other things in the works at the moment and hopefully I'll have more goodies to post soon. Have a great day!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-67339951362732797072010-01-12T05:30:00.000-06:002010-01-12T05:30:00.528-06:00New Dino Martini!!I have great news for Dino Martini fans!<br /><br /><br />Next month, the first book in the series, <a href="http://www.onceuponabookstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_27&products_id=124">Like Coffee and Doughnuts</a>, is being released in print. My publisher has designed a fantastic version of the cover for the print version with the current cover and a black spine - it's going to look so sharp!<br /><br />Watch here for news of the official release of <a href="http://www.onceuponabookstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_27&products_id=124">Like Coffee and Doughnuts </a>in print<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxINlEY4hFnCWoRb6wUWWdcg4zsFoGj_F0l15Gj1e2wkmFTKBVh_nHHLfCR5kcFhN90xRiCnbajhxOtGI-zIWiRovV9DptpMV2QrgoGKzKEt3qIPQHaxJvYyAJToMwRWPiwdIaWfs2Pw/s1600-h/likecoffeeanddoughnuts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxINlEY4hFnCWoRb6wUWWdcg4zsFoGj_F0l15Gj1e2wkmFTKBVh_nHHLfCR5kcFhN90xRiCnbajhxOtGI-zIWiRovV9DptpMV2QrgoGKzKEt3qIPQHaxJvYyAJToMwRWPiwdIaWfs2Pw/s200/likecoffeeanddoughnuts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425666728184111618" /></a><br /><br />The second, and even more exciting bit of news is that Lyrical Press has accepted book two in the Dino Martini series, Like Pizza and Beer! That's a working title, but it doesn't seem too likely they'll ask me to change it.<br /><br />No release date yet because we just signed the deal today, but as soon as I have one, I'll post an update. I'm excited because this second one was SO much fun to write and I'm looking forward to getting it out there.Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-24170706142156870502010-01-01T05:30:00.001-06:002010-01-01T05:30:00.560-06:00Friday Finds!Friday Finds!<br /><br /><br />Today I have some randomly weird stuff:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/83550-the-octopus-who-loves-his-mr-potato-head">The Octopus Who Loves his Mr Potato Head</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theoddshots.com/2009/12/my-book-pr0n/">Book Porn</a> Very funny, only slightly dirty...<br /><br /><br />HAPPY NEW YEAR!!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-89368457095501296122009-12-04T05:30:00.001-06:002009-12-04T05:30:01.104-06:00Friday Finds!Friday Finds!<br /><br /><br />Today, I'm all about free reads. There's been a lot of them floating around, and here's some of the best I've seen.<br /><br />Free ebooks from Harlequin - <a href="http://www.harlequincelebrates.com/">Celebrating 60 Years</a><br /><br />Similar stuff from <a href="http://www.everyonesreading.com/">Mills & Boon</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/FreeReads/FreeReads.aspx">Night Owl Romance</a> has quite a lot of free offeringsElle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-91697757048416488572009-11-30T15:30:00.001-06:002009-11-30T15:32:49.499-06:00Muppets!Okay...by now I'm pretty sure everyone has seen the Muppet video going around of Animal & Co. doing Bohemian Rhapsody.<br /><br />I would like to conter with...Habenera!, Muppet Style<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UHphaS4aPX0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UHphaS4aPX0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-58578157980614534462009-11-16T14:47:00.000-06:002009-11-16T14:48:10.513-06:00Come and chat with me!This coming Wednesday I'm taking part in a very cool chat party over at Talking Two Lips, and everyone is invited!<br /><br />This one is especially fun for me on two counts: One, my editor organized it, and she's done a bang up job. Two...I have a very big announcement, and I'm going to share there first!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s657.photobucket.com/albums/uu296/elleparker/?action=view¤t=_LPIChatGraphic.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu296/elleparker/_LPIChatGraphic.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I'm scheduled to be there from 9-10pm (US Central), but if I can get there early I will.<br /><br />Hope to see you there!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-55097127551550734312009-11-06T05:30:00.001-06:002009-11-06T05:30:01.585-06:00Friday Finds!Friday Finds!<br /><br /><br />Just in time for the holidays! Romance cover notebooks and other goodes from <a href="http://eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=456&AID=534091&PID=3308047">eHARLEQUIN</a>. I saw it at Smart Bitches first.<br /><br />I have no idea where I saw this, I just found it on a tab in my browser, but I'm all about free writing books <a href="http://www.lizapalmer.com/forwriters.html">Lisa Palmer's For Writers</a>Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-3171911259519803672009-11-01T12:13:00.002-06:002009-11-01T12:16:45.498-06:00Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest!My Halloween plans worked out WAY better than I ever expected.<br /><br />We learned a long time ago about the proposed Chainsaw Pumpkin Carving Contest to be held at one of our favorite country bars. I had no idea how this might work, but I was dying to find out.<br /><br />Turns out - it's exactly what it sounds like. Stepping outside the bar, getting a pal to hold your beer, taking up the chainsaw, and carving a pumpkin.<br /><br />It was <em>fabulous</em>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2g148_NwM4E6_bqb7lObsjReZMqfstWEPLLKkWlw_0kKLy_lg4IF_ri-pYGM1QRFyBoD2FURX62D2Abw0GbWvbVK2yOsCKuZJvRxLxlo0PJCO2eP4wKrNibALefRaL3HEB0L_L0ifS4/s1600-h/pumpkin+carving+contest+003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2g148_NwM4E6_bqb7lObsjReZMqfstWEPLLKkWlw_0kKLy_lg4IF_ri-pYGM1QRFyBoD2FURX62D2Abw0GbWvbVK2yOsCKuZJvRxLxlo0PJCO2eP4wKrNibALefRaL3HEB0L_L0ifS4/s400/pumpkin+carving+contest+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399200410527261218" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have posted a ton of pictures at my LiveJournal if you'd <a href="http://elleparker.livejournal.com/12040.html">LIKE TO SEE MORE</a>!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-5635945030380615982009-10-30T15:33:00.003-05:002009-10-30T15:39:10.141-05:00Funny!HA!<br /><br /><br />Just today, I told my editor my goal was to have book two done by the end of November.<br /><br />Then I saw this...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy8j1LqcLg9Sgw690Z0PrQ195FjecOitOfG98N5R5sgZBpB3jb3stMfzcNk8gixvkYq8JbfBdIqStsHdBWureRexJRD2AwQZIXj0VPiUJTbaUdtQmRUbglwoZEfdF5Thpizr0-lX15M0/s1600-h/turkey_002.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmy8j1LqcLg9Sgw690Z0PrQ195FjecOitOfG98N5R5sgZBpB3jb3stMfzcNk8gixvkYq8JbfBdIqStsHdBWureRexJRD2AwQZIXj0VPiUJTbaUdtQmRUbglwoZEfdF5Thpizr0-lX15M0/s400/turkey_002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398495093574324146" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.inkygirl.com/">Inkygirl.com</a>Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-16294079490540230172009-10-30T10:51:00.003-05:002009-10-30T11:24:57.851-05:00Halloween Chat!Well, I finally got the skinny on the Mistress Bella Halloween Bash...<br /><br />We are each having our own personal chats at Tinychat! I have never used Tinychat, so this should be fun...<br /><br />The link for my chat is:<br /><br />http://tinychat.com/eetne<br /><br /><a href="http://tinychat.com/eetne">http://tinychat.com/eetne</a><br /><br />And I'm on from 1pm - 2pm Central Time.<br /><br />Please feel free to come join me and hangout for a little while, and we'll talk all things Halloween!<br /><br />EDIT: Whew! I'm warnin' y'all....I have NO IDEA what I'm doing with Tinychat. This ought to be interesting....SCARY!Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-30687847135825392542009-10-30T05:30:00.002-05:002009-10-30T05:30:01.021-05:00Friday Finds!Friday Finds!<br /><br /><br />I have all kinds of interesting stuff for you today!<br /><br />First off is the link that revolutionized MY LIFE. Seriously.<br /><br /><a href="http://readitlaterlist.com/">Read It Later</a><br /><br />This is a spiffy little system that lets you save websites and blog posts to your Reading List for later use - which is nifty enough on its own if you're like me and usually have forty-two tabs open with things you want to read but haven't had time to yet. The Reading List compiles them all in one place and you don't lose them when your browser crashes. (Under the weight of forty-two tabs).<br /><br />What makes it revolutionary is that there is an iPhone/iTouch app that allows me to download those webpages and blog posts to my iPod (Jeeves) and read them later OFFLINE. This is the big beautiful kicker. OFFLINE.<br /><br />I have been struggling with all sorts of ways to convert the text of blog posts so I can read them even if I'm not in range of an open wireless source. Not only does Read It Later save these as they appear on my computer, but saving them in the first place is far easier than my usual cut-n-paste or save as, convert, load, blah blah blah. Now, I just click a link in my favorites list, and TA-DA! the page is on my Reading List. At the end of the day, I sync my iPod to my reading list and I'm good to go!<br /><br />I didn't look too hard, but I understand they have ways for other smart phones to access your reading list, and they apparently have a killer FireFox extension.<br /><br />Sasha White has an interesting post on <a href="http://www.genreality.net/tracking-your-work">Tracking Your Work</a> over at Genreality. There are several good suggestions for websites and downloads that allow you to track works in progress and submissions you're waiting on.<br /><br />Some I'm planning to look at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.luminarypub.com/services/writersdb/">Writer's Database</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.simonkewin.co.uk/writedb.htm">Downloadable Writer's Database</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.spacejock.com/Sonar3.html">Sonar 3</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Smart Bitches has an interesting post on publishing your work as an APP for smart phones and ipods. <a href="http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/apps-for-authors/">Apps for Authors</a><br /><br />And finally Carol Burge at Romance Writer Woes has compiled a list of <a href="http://romancewriterwoes.blogspot.com/2009/10/contests.html">Writing Contests</a> that are currently open.Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-11086345846389945852009-10-28T13:58:00.001-05:002009-10-28T14:01:54.581-05:00Interview!Oh! I just noticed my turn is up at Marianne Arkins's blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://reading-writing.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-when-where-why-and-how-with-elle.html">What, When, Where, Why and How with Elle Parker</a> <br /><br />She's been doing this series for a long time now, and it's always worth the read.Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-87392950678993060202009-10-23T05:30:00.003-05:002009-10-26T10:41:14.503-05:00Friday Finds!Friday finds is back!<br /><br /><br />Cerebral Reviews is offering a free download of their editor's advice writing manual: <a href="http://cerebralreviews.com/downloads/">Sharpening the Quill</a><br /><br />(Shout out to <a href="http://www.obsidianbookshelf.com/">Obsidian Bookshelf </a> where I originally found the link - Thanks!)<br /><br />Dame Jackie of Deadline Dames talks about <a href="http://www.deadlinedames.com/?p=1664">Making Time</a> to write. (A subject very dear to me right now)<br /><br />And an interesting follow up: Gina Badalaty explains <a href="http://mamawriters.com/blog/index.php/2009/10/16/special-guest-gina-badalaty-five-minute-editing/">Five Minute Editing</a> at Mama WritersElle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4437579634104312605.post-60590496488888030822009-10-21T05:00:00.001-05:002009-10-21T05:00:09.976-05:00Halloween Contest!Happy Halloween!!!<br /><br />This is my favorite time of year, and Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, so to celebrate, I'm taking part in a few Halloween contests and promo events!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G9NzMOZ-sLN2J5G5h70t4Y_gEHwPN1BOJhr8V4ZXwxsOXXzv_eIA2VFp40sOqcfk9slXQi2wxzI4WHksC6_XnVZ4o1aVkQHIM6JoOgfvZ6b1frF6QDEmxtGMbC8DexzhVdODGgVl5n4/s1600-h/halloweengraphic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G9NzMOZ-sLN2J5G5h70t4Y_gEHwPN1BOJhr8V4ZXwxsOXXzv_eIA2VFp40sOqcfk9slXQi2wxzI4WHksC6_XnVZ4o1aVkQHIM6JoOgfvZ6b1frF6QDEmxtGMbC8DexzhVdODGgVl5n4/s320/halloweengraphic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394700233623907026" /></a>The first, which is going on now and runs for quite a while is <a href="http://www.romancejunkies.com/contests.html">Romance Junkies Halloween Contest</a>. You guys...this contest is so COOL! They've set up a virtual haunted house for you to explore, filled with giveaways and promotions from a whole bunch of authors and publishers.<br /><br />The link takes you to their contest page, and from there you scroll down to find the graphic like the one posted here. That will take you to the haunted house! There is music on the contest site, so turn your speakers up or down depending on where you are *g*. <br /><br />I'm giving away an ebook copy of <a href="http://www.lyricalpress.com/like_coffee_and_doughnuts">Like Coffee and Doughnuts</a> and a bag of coffee beans. I won't tell you where my trivia question is hidden, but I will give you a hint...It's where you would expect to find an author! Good Luck!<br /><br />The second one is <a href="http://www.mistressbellashalloweenbash.blogspot.com/">Mistress Bella's Halloween Bash</a>. She is putting together a whole weekend of chats and giveaways at the blog, and it sounds like it's going to be a blast. I don't have all the info on the where's and how's yet, but I can tell you that I'm signed up for 1-2pm US Central Time, and plan to hang out for much of the rest of the day. I'll post more info on that when I get it.Elle Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12901728823552944973noreply@blogger.com2