On Monday, I posted the final round questions for the month-long scavenger hunt, and while I’m getting plenty of responses, there are a lot of incorrect answers. Which is cool, you only need one right to be entered…but I thought it prudent to give out a few hints while there are still several days remaining to enter. Sooooo here we go:

1. Who did I dedicate A TASTE OF MAGIC to?

Hint One: A dedication is different than acknowledgments. My acknowlegments are where I thank people, but my dedication is who the book is dedicated to. They are on separate pages in the book, but both are in the front matter.

Hint Two: There is a character in A TASTE OF MAGIC who is named after the person I dedicated the book to.

2. How many pages are in A STROKE OF MAGIC?

Hint One: I’m not concerned which page count you give me…either the total actual pages in the book OR the page count of the actual story (which is numbered). I’ll consider either answer correct. Not so much a hint as a “don’t worry about which one you give me.”

Hint Two: Check your favorite book-buying site and look at the book information.

3. In A TASTE OF MAGIC, Elizabeth dated TWO men. What are their names? Only the first names are necessary. <G>

Hint One: Marc, Elizabeth’s ex-husband, is NOT one of the men.

Hint Two: Elizabeth meets man one in CHAPTER TWO and man two in CHAPTER SIX.

Hint Two: The first mention of him is in CHAPTER TWO.

5. What is Miranda’s relationship to both Elizabeth (from A TASTE OF MAGIC) and Alice (from A STROKE OF MAGIC)? 

Hint One: Miranda is a ghost.

Hint Two: She is first introduced in A TASTE OF MAGIC in CHAPTER FOUR.

I won’t be giving any other hints, but the above should certainly help everyone find the correct answers more easily. Good luck! And remember, the winner will receive:

1. A Signed Copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC

2. Goodie Prizes (A STROKE OF MAGIC Post-It Pad, Bookmarks, and a lip shaped lip gloss key chain).

3. A custom A TASTE OF MAGIC/A STROKE OF MAGIC coffee mug. I only ordered six of these suckers, and one is sitting on my desk now filled with coffee, which means I’m only giving away FIVE total. I’ve already given away THREE, and I don’t plan to order any more with this specific design.

4. FOUR books of the winner’s choosing from Dorchester Publishing.

Have a great Wednesday!!!!

Don’t Forget!

This week at The Novel Girls we’re talking about dialogue. Stop in and say hi.

You still have a chance to win a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC or A STROKE OF MAGIC over at Anna’s Book Blog. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment!

This Saturday, August 1st, from 2-4 PM, I’ll be signing copies of A TASTE OF MAGIC and A STROKE OF MAGIC at the Borders in Westfield Franklin Park Mall, Toledo, Ohio. If you’re in the area, I’d love to meet you!

Most of the time when someone asks me about my writing process, I blink rapidly while trying to come up with something reasonable and somewhat intelligent to say. You might ask, “Why is this? You must have some sort of a process.” And yes, I do…kind of, sort of, in a way. There are certainly steps I take in the beginning of each book, before even one word is written…but these steps are a lot more about thinking than doing anything specific.

I’ve mentioned before that I don’t fill out characterization sheets. I’ve mentioned before that I don’t (i.e. CAN’T) do a lot of plotting. I’ve mentioned several times that the first three chapters are the hardest chapters of the entire book for me to write, and that often, these chapters are changed throughout the writing of the rest of the book. And, I’m pretty sure I’ve shared that writing the first half of a book is like climbing a very steep mountain uphill with a sprained ankle while being hungover after an entire night of partying. Oh, I haven’t? Well, let me expand…

It’s hard. Breathtaking, sweat-inducing, back breaking hard. Luckily, along the way to the top there are always places to rest, streams to wash the grit away, and shade to unwind a bit. These places are the times when the story flows easily, when the writing pours out of me, and oh I love these places. Unfortunately, in the climb to the top of the mountain, i.e. the middle of the book, these spots are few and far between.

There are always those moments when I’m sure I’m a fake…that there is no way the current book I’m writing will ever be finished, that everything I’ve already written doesn’t just suck, but has entered a whole new level of suckage, and that my fledgling career as a novelist is about to come to an abrupt and nasty end. You know, like falling off said mountain and crashing headfirst into the ground below? Yep, just like that.

These moments ALWAYS occur, so you’d think I’d be used to them. That I could pull up my big girl pants and see my way through with nary a blink of the eye. You’d be wrong. Because these moments are terrifying. So how do I handle them when they come up? Well, I freak out a little…it seems I must have at least some sort of an emotional reaction before I can move past the fear. But then, somehow, I remember the type of writer I am…and when I do that, I can push myself forward toward the next peak.

I am an instinctive writer. Some call it organic, some call it writing by the seat of your pants. Whatever term you use, however, the meaning is the same. I feel the story as I’m writing it. When it’s good, right, the story will flow as easily as running water. When it’s bad, well…those are the moments I’ve already described. I’m learning (slowly) to trust my instincts. If the writing isn’t going smoothly, it’s either because I’ve taken a misstep somewhere OR I’m not yet sure where the story needs to go next.

When I trust my instincts, when I listen to the voice inside of my head, I get through these bad moments quicker, and I find whatever it is I need to pay attention to, so I can continue forward. When I forget to trust my instincts, when I try to do something alien to my process (like detailed plotting, for instance, just saying–as this is what propelled me into the black hole of misery last week), then the story is held up for even longer…until I remember, once again, to trust my instincts.

So, this post is more of a reminder for me to stick with MY process. I’d love to be able to write a paragraph for every scene I plan to have in my book. I’d love to know exactly what I’m *supposed* to be writing when I sit down to write every day. But that’s not the way my brain works. And that’s not what gets me excited about writing. So, the truth is, while the thought of changing my process is often highly evocative, I much prefer to discover the story as I write. Even if sometimes doing so is like free-falling from the steepest height you can imagine.

Once I hit the middle of the book, though, the rest of the story tends to fly out of me. I’m going downhill at breakneck speed at that point, tying together the strands of the story I’ve already introduced, until I reach “The End.”

So, let me repeat this three times:

I’m an instinctive writer. I’m an instinctive writer. I’m an instinctive writer.

There, maybe that will be enough to stop me from freaking out as I climb toward the top of the mountain. Yeah, I know–not likely, but it’s worth the shot. <G>

Don’t Forget

The Novel Girls are talking about dialogue this week. You know the drill–stop in and say hi!

You have until Monday, August 3rd to enter the final round of the A STROKE OF MAGIC Release Month Scavenger Hunt Contest. Want to win a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC, along with some goodies, a custom coffee mug, AND your choice of FOUR BOOKS from Dorchester Publishing? Go HERE for contest details!

Rowena Cherry wrote an awesome post on 25 Free Ways to Buzz your Favorite Authors. Check it out HERE!

Seriously. Because Monday starts off a new week (well, officially Sunday does, but for work–I consider Monday the beginning of the week), which means I hold hope for getting a million plus one things done over the next five days. Not that I necessarily always manage that, because I don’t…but on Mondays I’m still holding tight to that belief. <G>

Nothing much to impart today, as my brain is covered in a thick layer of fog. Therefore, I’m just going to share a couple videos that I love.

I’ve watched this one a dozen times, at least, and every time I’m smiling at the end…

And this one is just sort of mind boggling:

And finally, this one…just because I love it so very much, but you’ll have to click on the link, as embedding is disabled: Jensen Ackles / Eye of the Tiger

Contest News!

Only ONE MORE ROUND left in the A STROKE OF MAGIC release month Scavenger Hunt Contest!

Round Ten’s Question was:  

Alice has three siblings: two brothers and one sister. What are the first names of her siblings?

BONUS: To be entered to win TWICE, tell me the birth order of all four–oldest to youngest.

The answer is: Scot, Elizabeth, & Joe

The Bonus Answers are: From Oldest to Youngest: Scot, Elizabeth, Alice, & Joe

Almost all of those who entered also had the bonus question right!

The winner is: Jennifer in AZ! Congrats, Jennifer! You’ve won a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC, some fun goodies, and a custom A TASTE OF MAGIC/A STROKE OF MAGIC coffee mug.

Moving on to the FINAL ROUND, ROUND ELEVEN! For Round Eleven, I’m actually asking FIVE questions. A few are very easy, and a few are slightly more difficult. That being said, if you only know the answer to at least ONE, you can still enter…but those who do answer all five correctly will be entered twice.

1. Who did I dedicate A TASTE OF MAGIC to?

2. How many pages are in A STROKE OF MAGIC?

3. In A TASTE OF MAGIC, Elizabeth dated TWO men. What are their names? Only the first names are necessary. <G>

4. In A STROKE OF MAGIC, what is the name of Chloe’s ex-boyfriend, the man who might just be Alice’s soul mate? Again, only the first name is necessary.

5. What is Miranda’s relationship to both Elizabeth (from A TASTE OF MAGIC) and Alice (from A STROKE OF MAGIC)? 

TO BE ENTERED TO WIN the grand prize of a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC, a goodie package, a custom A TASTE OF MAGIC/A STROKE OF MAGIC coffee mug, AND FOUR books of the winner’s choosing from Dorchester Publishing: Email me at Tracy@TracyMadison.com with the answer. As noted before, I need at least six folks playing!

This contest will run for a week, so check back on MONDAY, August 3rd for the winner’s name AND for an annoucement on upcoming contests.

Don’t Forget!

Enter to win a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC and A STROKE OF MAGIC over at Anna’s Book Blog TODAY! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment!

We’re talking about dialogue all week over at The Novel Girls. Stop in and say hi.

I love Fridays. Not sure why, exactly, since I tend to work 7 days a week, but still…something about Fridays just make me happy.

Last night, I took the second-eldest child to see Harry Potter. The theater was nearly empty (gotta love Thursday night shows!), the popcorn was decent, and the movie…well, I was unsure going in. I’d heard a lot of discussion about the myriad differences between the book and the movie, so was all set to not like it. I’m happy to say I loved the movie, if not as much as I love the book. But then, there are very few movies I’ve enjoyed MORE than the book they’re based on.

Yes, there are differences in the film version as opposed to the book version, but truthfully–I barely noticed. The movie flowed from the first scene to the last. In fact, it didn’t even seem as if 2.5 hours had passed, I was that engrossed in the movie. Unlike past Harry Potter movies, however, I don’t think I’ll go to the theater to see the sixth installment again. Rather, I’ll wait for DVD.

One thing I noticed, that I really haven’t paid attention to until last night, is how much I enjoy the character of Ron in the films. Not that I dislike him in the books, because I don’t–I like him just fine, thank you very much. But I think I appreciate this character even more in the movies. At any rate, if you’ve been unsure about checking out Harry Potter, I’d say go for it. It’s definitely worth the money, in my opinion.

Other News!

Night Owl Romance’s review for A STROKE OF MAGIC is up, and it’s a Reviewer Top Pick! Reviewer Heather says:

“Ms. Madison has penned another delightful spell that will ensnare and bewitch readers and leave them wanting more. She has woven a beautiful story with interesting and believable characters, an engaging plot and then mixed it all with a stroke of magic. I like how she has created intelligent, down to earth characters and brought real life emotion that seems to jump off the page. This book is one that you won’t want to put down until you read it from beginning to end and it will leave you craving more. This is a definite keeper and I am delighted to recommend it.”

You can read the rest of the review HERE!

Also, head on over to Much Cheaper Than Therapy today to catch an interview with me, AND to win a signed copy of A STROKE OF MAGIC. This is the first contest I’ve held that is giving away a copy of A STROKE OF MAGIC, and I don’t intend to give away too many of them until book 3 is released, so check it out. Though, there will be another chance for winning A STROKE OF MAGIC on Monday, so check back here to see where to go to enter!

Finally, don’t forget to enter the Round 10 Contest! Find the details HERE! 

See everyone on Monday! I hope you have a terrific weekend.

A TASTE OF MAGIC has been named “A DEBUT TITLE THAT ROCKS” over at Romance Junkies! I’m thrilled! If you’re looking for a new author, check out this list…lots of great books to choose from!

Yesterday’s morning out for coffee was changed to today, so I’m heading out here in a few minutes. Hope you all have a great day.

Don’t forget to enter the Round 10 Contest! Find the details HERE!

*Yawn*

I’m having a difficult time waking up this morning. I’m not sure if that’s because I slept too long last night (in bed really early for once), or if I’m still recovering from RWA. My guess is it’s a little bit of both. The coffee isn’t brewing fast enough, either…sigh.

I have an excellent day planned. Later this morning, I’m meeting a friend for coffee, and then the rest of the day is to be focused deeply on A BREATH OF MAGIC. I took a few days off after returning home, mostly because I realized that one of my plot points was not going to work. Now I think I know how I’m going to handle it, so I’m ready to jump back in.

How about you? What’s on your agenda for today?

Contest News!

Only two more rounds left in the A STROKE OF MAGIC release month Scavenger Hunt Contest!

Round Nine’s Question was: 

In A STROKE OF MAGIC, the heroine, Alice Raymond, has a lot of important women in her life. From this list, who is her best friend?

A. Elizabeth   B. Verda   C. Chloe   D. Shelby   E. Isobel   

BONUS: If you can also name Alice’s relationship to EACH of the women listed, you’ll be entered to win twice!

The answer is: C: Chloe

The Bonus Answers are: A-Elizabeth: Sister, B-Verda: Grandmother, C-Chloe-Best Friend, D-Shelby: Crazy Cheerleader Chick from Highschool, and E-Isobel: Mother

Almost all of those who entered also had the bonus question right!

The winner is: Pam in CT! Congrats, Pam! You’ve won a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC, some fun goodies, and a custom A TASTE OF MAGIC/A STROKE OF MAGIC coffee mug.

Moving on to ROUND TEN! The Round Ten question is:

Alice has three siblings: two brothers and one sister. What are the first names of her siblings?

BONUS: To be entered to win TWICE, tell me the birth order of all four–oldest to youngest.

TO BE ENTERED TO WIN a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC, a goodie package, AND a custom A TASTE OF MAGIC/A STROKE OF MAGIC coffee mug: Email me at Tracy@TracyMadison.com with the answer. As noted before, I need at least six folks playing! Check back on MONDAY, July 27th for the winner AND for the FINAL (ROUND ELEVEN) Question!

Remember, the Round Eleven winner will win all of the above PLUS FOUR books of their choosing from Dorchester Publishing!

Don’t Forget!

We’re talking about summer vacations all week over at The Novel Girls. Stop in and say hi.

Wow. Just wow. My time in D.C. flew so fast, I can’t believe it’s over. I had a great time (like I always do), and am possibly more exhausted than I have been in prior years. Okay, not possibly–definitely. I place entire blame on my friend KATRINA for introducing me to the yummy if slightly evil Cosmopolitan, and to my friend TRACI (otherwise known as Liane Gentry Skye) for introducing me to the sinfully delicious Chocolate Martini.

For a quick rundown of my time in D.C., I left on Wednesday morning at the no-one-should-be-awake hour of 4:20 AM when my delightful friend Connie Phillips picked me up. We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare, and I’m happy to say that the flight to D.C. was smooth and mostly on time. We were delayed close to 30 minutes while they fixed some mechanical error…don’t know what it was that was wrong with the plane, and don’t realy care to know. <G>

Check-in at the hotel took forever and a day, but we managed to get to our room before the literacy signing Wednesday night. My first literacy signing as a signing author. This was loads of fun! I sat next to the amazing Donna MacMeans, and she kept me laughing through the two hours of signings. I was also sooo pleased to have many folks excited about my books approach me. Seriously, I sort of worried I’d be lucky to sell one copy of A STROKE OF MAGIC, and while I didn’t sell out, I came fairly close. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat with me!

After the signing, me and my Toledo gals (Connie, Jill, Katrina, and Patrice) grabbed a not-so-quick meal and then I collapsed in bed. Early. Very, very early. I was sound asleep by 10:45 P.M.

Thursday morning began early with the opening ceremony and a wonderful speech from Janet Evanovich. After I poured more coffee down my throat, I hung out with some pals in the lounge, and then headed off to lunch, where Linda Howard gave one of the funniest talks I’ve ever heard in my life. I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. A couple of terrific workshops came next, followed by a few hours of down time in the room, and then dinner with old and new friends, and then…yep…this is where the good/evil Cosmopolitan entered my life. We’ll just stop there. <G> I had fun, enough said.

Friday was filled with more workshops, another terrific luncheon speaker who brought tears to almost everyone in the room with her emotion-packed speech (Eloisa James), meetings with my editor, agent, friends, as well as plenty of other folks too numerous to mention. Ooh, but I did have the chance to chat with Jessica Andersen for an hour or so. (Hey, Jess!)

And then, later, the chocolate martini night, and yes, more fun was had. A. Lot. More. Fun.

I also met debut author Tammy Kane and her friend and traveling companion Donna. Folks, if you’re looking for a really great read with a virgin hero and a dragon…you have to check out Breath of Fire. Seriously good reading. 

Saturday came and went so fast, I cannot even articulate the happenings of that day, but I did bump into my very good friend Holly Jacobs in the elevator at one point. I adore Holly and only wish we’d had more time to catch up. OH! And I had lunch with fellow Dorchester author Natale Stenzel. Great food and great company. We were still at the table when the hotel’s fire alarm (drill?) sounded off, so we evacuated the building together. Hanging with Natale = fun. Standing around outside with hordes of other folks waiting to re-enter the hotel = not-so-fun.

And then home on Sunday. Whew!

I love this conference every year because of the people. Friends I already have, new friends I’m bound to make, and the connections that carryover from one year to the next. I also love it because there is so much talent and information all together for those few days. It’s inspiring. I always come home ready to jump into my WIP with far more energy than I had when I left. So while I’m exhausted, I wouldn’t have it any other way. RWA does a great job in putting this conference together every year.

Okay…moving on.

Contest News

Playing catch up on the A STROKE OF MAGIC Release Month Scavenger Hunt Contest, let’s go back a week to Round Seven:

Round Seven’s question was: In the TV show, I Dream of Jeannie, when was Jeannie born?

The answer is: 1 April 64 B.C.

The winner of a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC is SpiceDice! Congrats!!!!

Last Wednesday, I asked the Round Eight question, which was:Gypsies believe that within their own, there are certain ones who possess great power through the ability to perform magic with their special range of knowledge, called chovihani. Among the chovihani, there are four favorites for fortune telling: palm reading, _________, the crystal, and cards.

The answer is: Tea Leaves.

The winner of a goodie package that includes a signed item from me is Angela! Congrats!

Round Nine began on Friday, and originally ended tomorrow — Tuesday, July 21st. However, so far I only have three responses, so I’m going to give this an extra day in the hopes three more folks will decide to play. The question to answer is:

In A STROKE OF MAGIC, the heroine, Alice Raymond, has a lot of important women in her life. From this list, who is her best friend?

A. Elizabeth   B. Verda   C. Chloe   D. Shelby   E. Isobel   

BONUS: If you can also name Alice’s relationship to EACH of the women listed, you’ll be entered to win twice!

TO BE ENTERED TO WIN a signed copy of A TASTE OF MAGIC, a goodie package, AND a custom A TASTE OF MAGIC/A STROKE OF MAGIC coffee mug: Email me at Tracy@TracyMadison.com with the answer. As noted before, I need at least six folks playing! Check back on WEDNESDAY, July 22nd for the winner AND for the Round Ten question!

EVERY WINNER SO FAR (that I have the mailing address for) has had their prizes sent out. I hit the post office this morning, so expect your goodies within a week, give or take. For new winners…I’ll be mailing the rest of the remaining prizes out at the conclusion of the contest (at the end of the month).

Don’t Forget!

I have some guest stuff coming up, with prizes attached! Head on over to author Elisabeth Naughton’s blog tomorrow to catch an interview with me and for the chance to win a signed book! Elisabeth is celebrating the release of her second book, and every day she has a guest author AND a giveaway. So you might want to stop in each day to see who’s chatting. You might find a new author to love!

AND…

On the 24th (Friday), I’ll be at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, also giving away a signed book. Be sure to stop in and visit!

The Novel Girls are dishing about Summer Vacations this week. We’d love to see you there. Seriously. We would really love to have you drop by. So…what are you waiting for? Hmm?