Birthday Bash Blog Tour Starts Today!
Desert Breeze Publishing is celebrating their second anniversary. Mine is the first stop in the Birthday Bash Blog Tour. Visit a new blog each day for the next ten days. I’ll post the link for tomorrow’s stop here when I post the winner of my giveaway on Saturday morning!
GIVEAWAYS for Desert Breeze’s Birthday Bash:Leave a comment here on today’s post and you’ll be entered to win the Kindle edition, pdf.format, or Nook edition of WHITNEY IN CHARGE! If you’ve already read Whitney In Charge, then the giveaway will be MARRYING MALLORY, which is also published by DBP. There will be daily giveaways so be sure to visit each blog stop!
On APRIL 30th on the DB Blog we’ll do a birthday “extravaganza.” Any readers or commenters who leave birthday wishes will be entered for the GC to Amazon grand prize - which Stephanie Burkhart will pick out of a hat and post on MAY 1st.
WHY I CHOSE DESERT BREEZE PUBLISHING!
In March 2009, I learned about Desert Breeze Publishing from one of my author friends. I immediately went to their website. After reading what they wanted in a manuscript, I felt it would be a good fit for the type of sweet romances I write. I asked others active in the publishing world if they knew anything about this new house, and I was pleased to hear only positive things about Desert Breeze Publishing. I also liked their book covers designed by co-owner, Jenifer Ranieri, which was important to me.
Early April I emailed my manuscript to Gail Delaney, the editor-in-chief of Desert Breeze Publishing. I was happy to receive a contract from her for WHITNEY IN CHARGE during the same month. At the same time, another small publisher offered me a contract, but I felt Desert Breeze was the best fit for me as an author. I especially liked the fact that they launched their company to provide a place for readers and authors to go where there are only non-erotica/non-erotic romance novels. You don’t have to search through erotic romances and erotica that are offered on many other publishers’ sites.
Gail and Jenifer have a great relationship with their authors. Both are available to answer questions and give frequent updates about the growth of their company. The Desert Breeze authors are wonderful and supportive. Many of them have become my online friends and I’d love to meet them in person someday. I’m impressed with how many of the authors have won awards for their DBP books and also have received outstanding reviews. The publishers, Gail and Jenifer, are definitely getting our books noticed by their aggressive marketing.
If you are an aspiring author or a published author looking for an appropriate home for your non-erotica/non-erotic romance novels to submit to, you should consider Desert Breeze Publishing.
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WHITNEY IN CHARGE BLURB:
TV producer Whitney Benson is tired of her older sisters’ attempts to fix her up with every single male they meet. Shannon and Regan cross the line when they arrange for her to go skydiving with the simple excuse that more guys like to float in the air than women.
Whitney meets two eligible bachelors, Jack and Ben, who constantly battle for her affection. Which one will she choose? Both men make Whitney realize, even a heart shattered by her husband’s death, can once again be made whole.
But did she have to fall off a cliff to learn that?
EXCERPT from Whitney in Charge:
The phone rang again just a few minutes later. She learned her lesson last time, and checked the caller ID, and her heart skipped. Whitney swallowed hard and took a deep breath before picking up the line. “Hello, Jack.”
“Hi, Whitney.” His voice was so rough and deep, it made her feel warm, and she really did like the way he said her name.
“Did you need something?” she asked.
He released a long breath and cleared his throat. “I’ve been thinking about it, Whitney, and I’d like to meet you in person today. It’s short notice, I know, but would you like to go out to dinner tonight?”
When it rained it poured. And Whitney realized with a flush of heat to her cheeks that she was more disappointed at the thought of not seeing Jack than she expected. She really wanted to meet him, even after just a few phone calls. But it’d be rude to cancel her date with Ben, even though he hadn’t called it a ‘date’.
Whitney closed her eyes, huffing. “I’m sorry. I just made plans this evening with a friend to go hiking.”
“Don’t be sorry. Asking you on such short notice was a bad idea on my part. I’m on call, anyway. I’d hate for something to happen tonight and I’d have to cut our evening short.”
“I hope not. That must be scary when you receive a call.”
“Every time we go out, we have no real idea what we’re dealing with until we get there. That’s the worst of it. Not being prepared, or at least not feeling prepared.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard Casey talk like that,” Whitney said. “But I imagine he must.”
Jack signed, his breath whispering over the line. “Enough of that. I do mean it, Whitney. I’d like to meet you. I didn’t at first, I’ll admit, because I’m not a fan of being set up.”
“Join the club,” she said with a chuckle.
Jack joined in. “I’ve enjoyed talking with you. I’d like to do it face-to-face. Over dinner or coffee or whatever. How about later in the week?”
“I would like that, Jack,” she answered, knowing she meant it.
They hung up, and Whitney tried to convince herself she could still have fun with Ben even though her mind would be on Jack that evening.
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April 15th, 2011 at 7:50 am
First…. a very Happy Birthday to Desert Breeze..Congratulations…second…I have read all of Diane’s book and I am finishing up on the last one. I love the books and the way that they draw you in. I wish everyone luck. Oh and I love reading these blogs..Have a great day.
April 15th, 2011 at 7:56 am
Sharon,
If your name is drawn, you can choose another DB book since you’ve read mine! Have a great day, too, Sharon!
Thanks for all your wonderful support. You’re one of my favorite fans!
April 15th, 2011 at 10:10 am
Happy Birthday to Desert Breeze and to me! It seems that April 30th will be a day of celebration for us both. And the idea of keeping “sweet romances” separate from exotic ones sounds great to me.
I enjoyed the excerpt from Whitney in Charge. Sounds intriguing. Congratulations all around!
April 15th, 2011 at 10:15 am
Diane, I LOVED Whitney in Charge. I’m glad you found Desert Breeze or I might never have met you! Smiles
Thanks for sharing your thoughts & Birthday wishes!
Steph
April 15th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Diane, I agree with you about aspiring authors giving Desert Breeze a try.
Lovely post.
April 15th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Oops, typed my name wrong. Where’s an editor when you need one.
Oh, I am one.
April 15th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
A very Happy Birthday to Desert Breeze Publishing. The excerpt is intriging and leads one to believe a great story awaits.
Romance has taken many twists and turns, and I find the approach of Desert Breeze refreshing. I am proud to be one of their authors.
April 15th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Thank you, Diane! We’re very glad you took a chance on a “newb” like us.
We’re very proud of all of our authors and their successes. We look forward to a future filled with them, God willing.
Yesterday, I celebrated my youngest child’s 8th b-day, but you know what? DBP ranks up there as one of my kids! It has been a labor of love, after all. So, Happy Birthday, DBP!
Jenifer
April 15th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Hi Gladys,
Thanks so much for visiting and for the congratulations! Happy Birthday to you early. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt - I think you’d enjoy Whitney in Charge. Have a lovely weekend!
April 15th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Hi Theresa,
I didn’t know you were an editor - that’s awesome - knew you were a published author! Have a great weekend!
I’m glad you visited here. I sometimes type my name Daine - I think we type too fast and hit the wrong keys.
April 15th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Hi Nancy,
Congrats on your upcoming July release! Thanks for visiting and for reading my Whitney excerpt!
April 15th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Hi Jenifer,
Hope your youngest child had a great b-day! I can believe that DBP ranks up there with your kids. You spend so much time designing covers and so many other things for DBP. You probably even dream about book covers in your sleep!
I forgot to mention in my post about all the awards you have won ever since the beginning for your beautiful covers!
April 15th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Hi Steph,
I remember how you right away wrote a review for Whitney in Charge - that was so sweet of you. You’ve been a wonderful friend!
I’m so glad we met too!
April 15th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Stopping to say hello, and join the birthday bash.
The books sound interesting, Diane.
April 15th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
I would have never thought of skydiving as an excuse for meeting women. I might have to give it a shot in the near future. Still kind of chilly for that activity. LOL Happy Birthday to Desert Breeze Publishing, reminds me of one of my vacations to Palm Springs. Congrats on your book release.
April 15th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Thanks so much, Tina! So nice of you to stop by. Have a terrific weekend!
April 15th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Hi Dave,
Glad Desert Breeze reminds you of one of your vacations!
Yes, definitely try skydiving when it’s warmer. I never will because I hate heights but it was fun writing about skydiving.
Hope you get a chance to read WHITNEY IN CHARGE!
April 15th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
I tamdem jumped last summer and loved it! I hope to do it again this year. You’re an awesome writer, Diane! Love your books!
Happy Birthday to Desert Breeze Publishing! It’s a great place to be!!!
April 15th, 2011 at 8:53 pm
Happy Birthday, DBP!
Diane, I enjoyed hearing about how you found out this company and the great experience it has been for you since.
Blessings on your writing~
April 15th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Thank you for kicking off this great celebration, Diane. I’m very excited about reading everyone’s stories of how they chose us. Because each of our authors chose us as much as we chose them.
Gail R. Delaney
Editor-In-Chief
April 16th, 2011 at 8:56 am
Fun to see more comments - getting ready to draw a winner!
Anne,
You’re amazing. I’m glad you enjoyed tandem jumping. Thanks - nice to hear you love my books when you’re such an accomplished writer. You’re a terrific friend! I’m so glad we share some of the same wonderful publishers.
JoAnn,
Thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your blessings on my writing. My new WIP is a Christian romance.
Gail,
I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s stories too! I still remember how you sent me a nice letter with a warm welcome to DBP. You chose such an awesome group of writers to be published by DBP!
April 16th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
It is so interesting reading about how others found DB. I loved your post. Blessings, BJ
April 17th, 2011 at 10:38 am
Hi Barbara,
Thank you! Have a great Sunday!
Hugs and Blessings to you!
April 19th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Dropping in late to say I loved Whitney in Charge, and really like Gail’s covey of writers, a busy, hardworking bunch.
Toni Noel
April 25th, 2011 at 10:22 am
Hi Toni,
I just saw your comment - we were busy making an offer on a house (didn’t get it, unfortunately) and also getting ready for Easter.
Thank you so much for reading Whitney in Charge and I’m so glad you loved it. I enjoyed writing about Whitney and her matchmaking sisters alot.