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Who else snuck books into church?

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Bonnie…were we totally naughty or what? LOLOL. I wonder how many other fanatical readers out there have done that, too? Fess up ladies, it will make us feel better.

So why write my own book? Reading and writing have always gone together for me. I have wanted to write a book since I first learned how to read one. But I wanted to write Star Trek novels first. Yes, I am a sci-fi geek. I grew up watching Star Trek before moving on to reading the books that came out after the show was cancelled. Spock and James T. Kirk rocked my world. I still have a thing for Shatner (love his commercials!)

I started writing fairly seriously in college. I was one of only three in my graduating class that completed an independent study which was my first big writing project. After graduation, I got married, had lots of jobs, had two boys (my favorite people in the world), and while I was a stay at home mom, decided it was time to write a book. It took me over three years to finish the first. Then it took me over ten years to finish a second. Oh, I started plenty, but couldn’t do the follow through.

Guess what, all you ladies who would love to get published someday…you cannot sell a book until you finish one. This is the advice I give all new authors. FINISH THE BOOK! Then the next, then the next. Its the only path to publication.

My choice to write erotic was pure and simply, a choice to write to the market. I like sex…love sex…and have no problems talking about it. In fact, my sons tell my I’m like Barbara Streisand’s character in Meet the Parents. I always told myself that if I ever finished another book it would sell. I finished Lord Demon’s Delight over a summer–with the help of Julia Cameron and The Artist’s Way–and sold in the fall. While most of you will think that was really fast, remember, I spent over thirteen years in the writing process, and while I never finished a book, I started plenty, writing hundreds of thousands of words in the process. It’s all practice. It’s all good.

How has my life changed? Do you know the old saying “Before enlightnment, chop wood and carry water…After enlightenment chop wood and carry water”? So it is with being published. A lot of hard work leading up to a great huge woohooo when the book comes out.

I’m nearing one of my woohooo times. Princess of Thieves comes out on the 29th of this month.

OK, I think I’ve talked long enough for today…lolol. Thanks so much for having me over for coffee. It was fabulous. Gia Dawn

11 COMMENTS

Terri
17 years ago

Gia, the story of your writing career is very inspiring. And just shows that hard work and stick-to-it-ness pays off in the end.

Reply
AE Rought
17 years ago

Me me me! I’ve brought books in, Tolkein in my youth, but now, I bring in my notbook and pen. The pastors and congregation are fully aware that I am a compulsive author, so they generously act like they are unaware of the tales being written in the fifth pew.

Reply
Lindsay
17 years ago

I’d hate to admit it but I never smuggled a book into church. That is when, in my much younger years, I went to church.

Reply
Gia Dawn
17 years ago

Terri, again, if you are trying to get published, my advice is just to write. Finish the book, and another, whatever it takes! And somewhere along the line, you will find your true joy and heart.

AE!! I know you can be naughty. LOLOL. And now you write in church? Actually, its probably a very good place to write…sacred spaces of all religions and time periods usually are.

Lindsay, maybe you smuggled that weredog in instead? LOLOL

Thank you all for taking the time to stop by and comment!

Gia

Reply
Nicole North
17 years ago

Great post, Gia! Are you kidding? I could’ve never gotten away with reading a romance novel or any other sort of novel in church. Would’ve been caught in the first five minutes. 🙂

Reply
cathy M
17 years ago

Under the eagle eye of my mom, there was never any good sneaking going on for me, lol. Congrats on your upcoming release.

Reply
Mari Carr
17 years ago

I’m showing this blog to my mother who constantly chastises me for smuggling books into church. She had me convinced I was the ONLY person in the world doing this! So glad to know I won’t burn alone! Tee Hee!

Reply
Gia Dawn
17 years ago

Nicole,I got caught, alright, LOLOLOL. But only after I’d done it a few times. 😉

Thanks so much for stopping by, Gia

Reply
Gia Dawn
17 years ago

Hey, Cathy, that’s ok, some mom’s even have that eyes in the back of the head thing going on…lolol!

Mari, sigh, go ahead and show your mom you are not the only one. Use me as the bad examble…he he he he.

Thanks ladies, for stopping by! Gia

Reply
Georgie Lee
17 years ago

I never tried to sneak a book into church but it isn’t too late to try 🙂

Reply
Gia Dawn
17 years ago

George, you go for it…but don’t tell them it was my idea. Shhhhhhhhhhh

Reply

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SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL Sign up for our Email Newsletter SAUCEPANS AND THE SINGLE GIRL JINX MORGAN AND JUDY PERRY ISBN:0-446-69692-7 May 10, 2006 Time Warner Books 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Hardback $13.95 U.S./$18.95 Canada 256 Pages Home & Family/Cookbooks & Cookery Rating: 5 Cups Tired of sitting around waiting for that certain someone to appear at your doorstep or for that one meal to lace comfort all the way to the soul? Look no further, whether dining by candlelight or outside under a lovely oak tree on a picnic, these recipes capture any heart while making memories to last a lifetime. The recipes inside Saucepans and The Single Girl sound so scrumptious they had my taste buds swimming for the flavor of one succulent bite. Ideas so amazing and loaded with entertaining useful tips for any woman beginning an independent life, it had me mesmerized. A man could use some of these great dishes too. This updated edition with new observations, charming illustrations and a look back at how things were forty years ago is refreshing, humorous, engaging and a remembrance into times past. Financial issues never change and this sweet book shows how to stretch in so many ways on any budget. The recipes show how to toss together something quickly, to help locate that one person to spend life with and share tons of happiness together always, not to mention a reflection back into time with precious memories that touch the heart and soul. Saucepans and The Single Girl is one gift that should go to anyone just starting out or starting over. Jinx Morgan and Judy Perry dem...

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Eros Element by Cecilia Dominic August 25, 2015

Aether Psychics: Book 1

After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...

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Eros Element by Cecilia Dominic August 25, 2015

Aether Psychics: Book 1

After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure and predictability. Just the thought of stepping outside his strict routine raises his anxiety.

Adding to his discomfort is Iris McTavish, who appears at his school’s faculty meeting in place of her world-famous archeologist father. Worse, the two of them are to pose as Grand Tourists while they search for an element that will help harness the power of aether.

Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

Quite unexpectedly, Edward and Iris discover a growing attraction as their journey takes them to Paris and Rome, where betrayal, blackmail and outright theft threaten to destroy what could be a revolutionary discovery—and break their hearts.

Warning: Allergen alert! This book was produced in a facility that handles copious amounts of wine, tea and baked goods. May contain one or more of the following: a spirited heroine, a quirky hero, clever banter, interesting facts both made-up and historical, and lots of secrets. It is, however, gluten free.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble https://bit.ly/3Mt0bBL August 25, 2015 Aether Psychics: Book 1 After enduring heartbreak at the hands of a dishonest woman, Edward Bailey lives according to scientific principles of structure...

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Archipelago Books - New Website News

https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c
https://bit.ly/3z3OcaB https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c

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Archipelago Books - New Website News

https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c
https://bit.ly/3z3OcaB https://mailchi.mp/archipelagobooks/introducing-our-new-website?e=243fa7f13c

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Interview with Shiela Stewart
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...

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Interview with Shiela Stewart
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

What inspires you?

Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

Right now. People wearing sock...

2 0

Interview with Joan Havelage
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...

2 0

Open

Interview with Joan Havelage
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...

2 0

Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...

4 1

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Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...

4 1

Interview with Bobbie Grover
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.” Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.” My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall. I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine. On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside. A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web. I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...

2 0

Open

Interview with Bobbie Grover
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.” Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.” My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall. I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine. On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside. A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web. I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...

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Halloween Pet Costume Event

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Halloween Pet Costume Event ...

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Who else snuck books into church?

11 COMMENTS

Terri

AE Rought

Lindsay

Gia Dawn

Nicole North

cathy M

Mari Carr

Gia Dawn

Gia Dawn

Georgie Lee

Gia Dawn

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