Opening back up my web log!

I've decided to work on my personal website and reopen my blog. I can see my last post was in 2006ish? I hope to post at least weekly. I know a lot of people have questions about the behind the scenes at Romance Designs, and I'll address some of those queries here as well.

This web log will, however, mainly focus on my aspirations to become published. I hope to also offer my insights on self-promotion and marketing, as well as general commentary on the world.

I invite your comments, questions, and hope you'll join in the conversation!

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

I was delighted to find a new vampire book in my TBR pile this weekend. It's called DARK LOVER by debut author J.R. Ward.

Here is the official book description:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

Fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon's DARK HUNTER series are in for a very plesanat surprise. While this new author and series is similiar in some respects -- J.R. Ward uses modern references to keep things edgy and current, J.R. takes things up a notch. The tone is darker, more violent, and simply more delicious. (Is this possible??)

This book is due to be released September 2005 from Signet. Unfortunately many of you will have to wait as I have my hands on an advanced reading copy.

Wrath is a larger than life vampire hunk. This book is sensual, dark, and yummy. Enjoy!

Comments on INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice

I recently completed reading INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice in an effort to further my vampire background reading as I continue to write my own novel.

To put it simply -- I was blown away. This is not a simple book, though it could be read and enjoyed without thinking further on it I suppose. For me it was a journey and made me think of immortality and death on a number of levels. There is a deep sadness in the story though I didn't feel particularly emotionally connected to the characters.

I'm now reading THE VAMPIRE LESTAT. The first chapter had me a bit confused -- Lestat now wants to be a rockstar! I hung in there and the second chapter has proven most interesting. I'll let you know how it goes.

In Loving Memory of Kizzy

In January I had to put my 19 year old cat to sleep. Needless to say she is greatly missed and my heart aches for her.

In Loving Memory of Kizzy
January ’86 – January ‘05

Her purr against my heart

At night I slept with my dear cat Kizzy
Incased in my arms, safe from the world
Together we dreamt the most beautiful dreams
For when we were together all was right in the world
I could smell her sweetness
And hear her gentle breathing
Together we were one
I've never had a better friend
Or known a greater peace

© Tara Green 2005

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Thanks for visiting my web log. Watch for future posts about what I'm reading and other interesting (I hope) subjects.