Monday, December 28, 2009

COYOTE GORGEOUS - January 3, 2010

Get your Kindles and eReaders ready. COYOTE GORGEOUS is here to download it and read it on your favorite eBook reader or on your laptop or computer. The price is a bargain (it's a novella you can read in a few hours). I 'm getting great comments on the cover already. To download it go to: http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

And while there, read and excerpt.

To all a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
May 2010 bring you the very best.
For me, it starts with COYOTE GORGEOUS in January,
then the second book in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series - RED LEOPARD in April 2010.
Then the third book in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK series - BLACK JAGUAR in Nov. 2010.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning author
Girls with guns, romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

COYOTE GORGEOUS has a cover!



Don't you love this cover? Tell me what you think. I just received it from the publisher and I am elated. This is my first Native American hero, and he couldn't be more perfect for the character of this shapeshifter romance.

COYOTE GORGEOUS will be on sale on January 3, 2010, in KINDLE, and in all other eBook formats from various eBook retailers and from the publisher at:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=25&osCsid=18458beca61512fa4313ce73d10b2e8b

Here is the blurb:

Arizona Game Ranger Madison Huntley, investigating a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, discovers disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not scary tales.

Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, forging haunting sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, with no recollection of what he did the night before, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?

Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe...

YOU CAN ENTER MY CONTEST TO WIN THIS NEW RELEASE. Just click on CONTEST on the left and follow the directions at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Wishing you all a fantastic holiday season.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Saturday, December 12, 2009

WHAT'S A GIRL WITH A GUN SUPPOSED TO DO ON CHRISTMAS EVE?

Girls with guns are my specialty. Love them, write them, read them. I find nothing attractive in whiny heroines feeling sorry for themselves. I like girls who take matters in their own hands and fight for what they believe in.
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And once in a while, my heroines get into trouble. Big trouble. They are not perfect, far from it. They make mistakes. Don’t we all? But a mistake at gun point can lead to catastrophic consequences. In A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, Rookie Border patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men since she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border, she encounters more than she can handle in the person of a gorgeous Desperado, a despicable human smuggler of all people!
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But Miguel is not what he seems, and Kaitlin is dragged into a breathless adventure on the Arizona border, crawling with smugglers, terrorists, corrupt officials, but also mountain lions, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and coyotes, the four-legged and the two-legged kind.
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"...a love story and an adventure rolled into one... There is very little 'down time' in this fast-paced story, and this reader was glued to it until the very end." Four angels rating - Fallen Angel Reviews
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Find out more about A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS and where to download it at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/desperado.html
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Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Coyote Gorgeous is coming out soon

Still waiting for the cover, but I'm in the final edit phase, and COYOTE GORGEOUS will be out before the end of this year from Sapphire Blue Publishing. It's a shapeshifter story:
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When Arizona Game and Fish Ranger Madison Huntley responds to a wild animal attack on a ranch in Cave Creek, her investigation reveals disturbing details. If she didn't know better, she'd say the legends frightening the ranch hand might be true. But Madison isn't just a wilderness cop. As a biologist and a wild life expert, she believes in facts and science, not fairytales.
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Kaletaka, a Hopi Native, enjoys fame among the white man, as an artist, forging haunting metal sculptures of half gods, half humans. When he awakens bloody, without any recollection of what he did last night, he remembers the legends of his tribe, and the meaning of his name. But as hard as he tries, can he escape his destiny?
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Can Madison solve the mystery killings and insure the safety of the town? Let alone her own safety? For each step closer to the truth and to Kaletaka, unleashes an unspeakable evil, and no one is safe...
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As soon as I have a release date, there will be a contest on my website to win this title.
in the meantime, check out:
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Chronicles of Kassouk, Book One - WHITE TIGER at:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-30/%3Ci%3EThe-Chronicles-of-Kassouk/Detail.bok
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A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=50&osCsid=18458beca61512fa4313ce73d10b2e8b
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Wishing you a wonderful fall season.
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Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Meet Wendy Ely, author of Jesse's Brother


Today I'm interviewing my friend Wendy Ely on her blog tour, for the release of her book, Jesse's Brother, on September 21, 2009, from Lyrical Press.

One woman, two men: a single summer to choose between them.
Sacrificing a summer to fix her relationship with her mother and find out what’s troubling her father isn’t so bad...right? Wrong. Or so Samantha learns upon her return to Portland.
As if family drama wasn’t bad enough, first comes Noah. Then comes Jesse. Samantha is torn between the way her heart skips a beat each time Noah looks at her, and the way Jesse’s touch make her yearn for more.

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Wendy, how did you come up with the idea for Jesse’s Brother?

This is sort of funny. I was dating two guys at the time. One night I was out having dinner with one of them. He’d gone to the bathroom and the other called on my cell. I answered but kept the call quick even though they knew about each other. After the call ended I started thinking about the ‘what ifs’ and now we have Jesse’s Brother.

What research did you do for your novel?

I’m a city girl through and through! It was hard trying to get the farm/ ranch scenes correct so it took a lot of research on my part. I did everything I could which includes reading farm blogs!

Why that location?

Jesse’s Brother takes place in a fictional town outside of Portland, Oregon. I’m from that area and miss it sometimes. I enjoyed writing Jesse’s Brother because it let me revisit my favorite places.

What was the hardest part to write?

Not knowing who Samantha would choose. I really didn’t know until the very end. Both of the men were really lovable in the first draft and neither were the villain. One of them had to take on that role.
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Thank you, Wendy, and good luck with Jesse's Brother.
Great cover, too.
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Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Vijaya on Blog Talk Radio Monday August 31, 2009


Monday, August 31, 2009, 10 PM EST (7 PM Pacific and Arizona time)

I will be talking for half an hour, live, with Cat Johnson about my latest and upcoming releases at All Romance eBooks: WHITE TIGER, Book One of The Chronicles of Kassouk, and about A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, as well as COYOTE GORGEOUS. It will be lively and animated. Join the fun and listed or even participate in the simultaneous chat. Just go to:

at the appointed time.
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See you there.
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Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick








Sunday, July 19, 2009

Chronicles of Kassouk - Book One - White Tiger

Don't you like the gorgeous cover of WHITE TIGER, Book One in the CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK from Desert Breeze Publishing?

Find this August 2009 release at:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-30/%3Ci%3EThe-Chronicles-of-Kassouk/Detail.bok


Or in Kindle format on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Kassouk-Book-One-White/dp/B002K2QLJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1249144952&sr=1-1

This is the eBook version (to be followed by print in a few months) and I love the cover. Here is the blurb:

In a winter world where blood and loyalty are everything, how can Tora avenge her father's death when a handsome Mutant challenges her bloodline, and his offer to help can get them both killed...
In the vortex of war, treason and intrigue, among blizzards, avalanches and ambushes, will Tora solve the mystery of her father’s death and unveil the secret of her birth? Can she and Dragomir escape persecutions long enough to save their planet from the alien invaders and fulfill their destiny?


Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi
Guns, Swords, Romance With a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Watch my TV interview Monday and Tuesday

Don't miss my interview on The Author Show on WEB TV, Broadcasting Monday July 6 and Tuesday July 7, all day. Just click below to watch:
http://www.authorswebtv.com/

During the interview, I speak about A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, and the problems and incidents on the Arizona Mexican border that inspired the story.

The TV station misspelled my name, and they qualify the book as sci-fi, which it is not. Although I do write sci-fi, A Desperado for Christmas is a contemporary romantic suspense.

You can download the book on the publisher site at:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=25&products_id=50&osCsid=5f779e2d1844baa438ef211471348b16


Or on Amazon.com in Kindle format at:
http://www.amazon.com/A-Desperado-For-Christmas-ebook/dp/B001KUOOTC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246821818&sr=1-7


Thank you for your interest in my books.And don't forget to enter my contest to win my August sci-fi romance release, The Chronicles of Kassouk, book One - WHITE TIGER. Just click on CONTEST on the left at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/


Wishing you a fantastic July.


Vijaya Schartz
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Guns, Swords, Romance with a Kick
Chronicles of Kassouk - Book One - WHITE TIGER
Coming August 1, 2009 from Desert breeze Publishing
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-30/%3Ci%3EThe-Chronicles-of-Kassouk/Detail.bok

Monday, June 29, 2009

Win my new release in this new contest

THE CHRONICLES OF KASSOUK BOOK ONE
WHITE TIGER

"...an exceptional tale that belongs in a place of honor on keeper shelves everywhere." Johnna Flores - Coffee Time Romance - 5-cups rating


Announcing the new release of this novel, briefly offered by my previous publisher, now the first book of a brand new series from Desert Breeze publishing.
In a winter world where blood and loyalty are everything, and people keep large felines as pets, how can Tora avenge her father’s death, when a handsome Mutant challenges her bloodline, and his offer to help can get them both killed...
More on my page. Read the reviews and an excerpt at:
I am offering the opportunity to win the download on my personal website. Just click on CONTEST on the left at:
The deadline for the contest is July 31, and the release of White Tiger is August 1, 2009. Don't miss this opportunity to win it.
The book already has a page on my publisher's website at:
Wishing you a fantastic week.
Vijaya Schartz
Guns, Swords, And Romance With a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Monday, June 1, 2009

TV's girls with guns, and my favorite summer shows



On the subject of TV, as soon as the spring season is over, I wait for the summer shows. After Stargate Atlantis, The Tudors, Heroes, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Castle, and Legend of the Seeker, I tune into In Plain Sight, and can't wait for the return of Eureka and Kyle XY. Some really creative shows are aired in the summer to test the water, and some of them are excellent.


The tough girl with guns in Eureka is Jo, the Deputy Sheriff. It's not easy to be a serious girl with a gun and a comic relief at the same time.


To me, watching TV is not vegetating. It actually helps me think creatively. If the show is good, I try to understand what makes it so good. If it's bad, I try to rewrite the story for myself and make it better, find out where the writers went wrong. Sometimes I can see that a scene is missing, probably cut for financial or length reasons. When I watch with my husband, during the breaks he always tries to figure out what will happen next. And I say "If I were writing this story, this is what I would make happen next." I'm usually right (meaning I know the mechanics of plotting a suspense). Sometimes the writers have come up with a delightful surprise or a twist at the end, and sometimes, my story is better, than what they wrote. But it's always a good exercise.


If it happens to be a true story, I know it will not follow the same arc, and I don't expect the usual happy ending. True stories also tend to have a more psychological angle and less action. I can usually tell when I'm watching a movie, whether it's fiction or inspired by true events.
So I would say that watching TV keeps my creative juices going. I'm in love with stories, whether in print, in digital format, in audiobook, or on the screen.


Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

Monday, May 4, 2009

From guns to kittens

Are guns and kittens incompatible? Obviously not. I have both weapons and cats in all of my stories, and I now have two cats in my home.

Meet Spunky, a well deserved name for a fearless little ball of fur. He is taking the household by storm, to the hissy fit of my two-year old female cat, Jasmine. She is coming around, however, after two days and started playing along with him, but not with him yet. When he jumped at her in friendly play, she swatted him like a fly.

But I'm seeing some progress. It should take about a week for her to get used to the little upstart spreading his smell all over her house.

I originally got this kitten to be her companion when I am away for days at conferences and on vacations. They will likely be the best of friends very soon, but for now she is watching closely, but I can't tell if she is interested in his cute little antics, or if she thinks I brought her dinner. So, I'm watching, too.

Here is a picture of Jasmine, the reluctant adoptive mother.

Jasmine

Any comment or advice on how to handle this cat situation is welcome.
Have a great day.

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Sci-Fi, Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Monday, April 13, 2009

Girls with Guns Get the Job Done

Cameron, in the Sarah Connor Chronicles, played by Summer Glau, is the ultimate girl with a gun. Except that she is not a girl, not really, but a machine. As such, she shouldn't have any emotions... shouldn't have. But she is John Connor's protector, and she'll do anything, even die, if it will keep him alive.

But even a machine has a dark side, and since Cameron was once engineered to anihilate the human race, not protect it, there could be something nefarious left in her memory that could awake at any time. Is she the heroine who will save the day? Or the perfect instrument to destroy the human race?

She is aware of it. John is aware of it.
But boy is she a model of efficiency when it comes to getting the job done.

Personally, I think Cameron is evolving into a sentient being, more sensitive than she thinks she is. And I believe she has feelings for John. Whether such a relationship has any chance to fly, your guess is as good as mine.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com/

A Desperado for Christmas small

Monday, March 30, 2009

Girls with Guns, Girls with Swords


TV has a new rising kick-butt heroine, Kahlan, the confessor in white robes, in the series from the books "The Sword of Truth" by author Terry Goodkind. She is not the only deadly woman in this action fantasy show, but the others are of the evil kind.

I am thoroughly enjoying LEGEND OF THE SEEKER, from the producers of Xena and Hercules. No wonder it's so good. You may want to try it, too. Sunday nights on the Sci-Fi Channel. It repeats during the week on other channels.

Will tell you more about it later.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com






Monday, March 23, 2009

Scavenger hunt at Books We Love


I will be participating in a Scavenger Hunt/New Member Drive for Books We Love, a website for readers dear to my heart.
From now through the end of April, the BWL Reader's loop is having a grand opening Scavenger Hunt and new member drive. The events promise to be fun. Twenty authors have put up prizes, many of them autographed print copies of their books. The "travel/road map" for the Hunt will be posted daily on the BWL readers list. Answers to the questions are clearly displayed in excerpts, teasers, and descriptions on the designated websites on the travel/road map. Come and play, join the loop, you might get doubly lucky! Please fell free to pass along the information.
Also visit my page at BOOKS WE LOVE:
And don't forget to enter the new contest on my personal website. Just click on CONTEST on the left at:
And if you haven't voted for the cover of A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS yet, click on number 26 on the left at:
Thank you for your support.
Wishing you the best of luck in the contests.
Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

Monday, March 16, 2009

A DESPERADO UP FOR A COVEY AWARD

When it rains, it pours. pardon the cliché.

I just learned that A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is up for a COVEY award this week, for the most eye-catching cover. If at all possible, please, please, go vote for it. It's number 26 on the left at:

http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/search/label/Voting

Lots of hugs and kisses for doing this.

Thank you bunches.

Vijaya Schartz http://www.vijayaschartz.com
Award-winning Sci-Fi,
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
Get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
at http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

Monday, March 9, 2009

My next hero is Native American

In my childhood spent in France, I used to play Cowboys and Indians. Even then, I always chose to be an Indian. Exotic cultures already fascinated me.

Since I've been writing for publication, I've been waiting to write about Native American cultures. I wasn't ready. Now, finally, the opportunity has presented itself. My publisher, Sapphire Blue, asked me to write a shapeshifter story. And this time, I'm ready for the all Native American hero.

In the course of my research I had to let go of the clichés and deal with the reality of what it means to be Native American. Even in the romance genre, I stick to the nitty gritty of reality. Of course, there will be a happy ending. But the road to happiness is never easy, and different cultures tend to clash.

So before my next girl with a gun (an Arizona Game and Fish Ranger) finds her happily ever after with the Native American of her dreams, she will have to overcome a few obstacles...

This story, titled COYOTE GORGEOUS, will not be available until later this year. In the meantime, you can always read my award winning novella, about a border patrol agent dealing with the red hot immigration issue in Arizona. A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is available from:
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=25&osCsid=057dc10de14b55bcc36cc71aa3a36a07

A Desperado for Christmas small

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Monday, February 23, 2009

MY DESPERADO WON AN AWARD

It came as a surprise. During the voting period and even after it closed, the tally showed A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS in second place. But guess what? When I went to check today, it won first place! Check it out at:
http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/votessromance08.htm

I am ecstatic. The readers like my brand of writing, they like girls with guns and kick butt heroines. A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS is my latest release, a border patrol agent story. Learn more about this award-winning book at: http://www.vijayaschartz.com

And you can get it from: http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com

A Desperado for Christmas small

Vijaya Schartz
Award-winning Girls with Guns and Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Monday, February 9, 2009

Review for BOBBY'S DINER


BOBBY'S DINER
Contemporary Women's Fiction
e-book - 50,000 words
Buy it from:
or from:
To end the week dedicated to author Susan Wingate, here is my review of BOBBY'S DINER, a novel including girls with guns, by Susan Wingate.

From the cover, you wouldn’t think this is a funny, touching, action novel, but it is. When these two stubborn women and former enemies are thrown together by the death of Bobby, the man they both loved and fought over in the past, you expect fireworks. But as both inherit Bobby’s Diner, forced to manage it together, they must curb their temper and face reality. The violent deeds of a ruthless developer bent on acquiring the valuable property brings them closer in the fight against him. Eventually, they learn to appreciate each other and develop an unlikely bond.

The prose is breathtaking at times "It was early spring then and the cacti were putting on a show that would embarrass the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, gorgeous." and I loved the imagery. "...stubborn as a mule in a blizzard..." The first person narrative and unconventional writing style work beautifully as we bond with Georgie and discover her past. Through this fresh voice, we also get to know Vanessa, Bobby's ex and her former rival.

Action, danger, lively dialogue, plenty of humor, a profound sense of human nature and believable character development make this novel well worth reading. I love a book that makes me turn the pages (if you can say that about e-books), and this one kept me awake into the wee hours.

I highly recommend this read. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. You won’t regret it.
Visit Susan Wingate at:
Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick

Friday, February 6, 2009

Guest author Susan Wingate - Book excerpt


Since this blog is dedicated to Girls with Guns, among other things, here is an excerpt of Bobby's Diner involving girls and, of course, guns, in this case at the shooting range. Girls are not born shooting guns. They have to learn sometime.
Bobby's Diner
By Susan Wingate
Available now in ebook.
Published By: Write Words, Inc
ISBN # 978-1-59431-636-4
Word Count: 50,000
Contemporary
EpubPrice: $2.80 to $5.50 depending on formats
Find it at:
EXCERPT FROM BOBBY'S DINER:
Shooters begin. The firing monitor called out the instruction over the loudspeaker. Vanessa picked up the gun and reassembled it, loaded it, and handed it to me. Within seconds gunfire cracked and exploded all around us. Single steady shots. Quick and repeating shots. I jumped. It seemed second-nature to her the way she managed it. But, I pressed my arms firmly by my side.

“Take it! Just listen to me. I’ll talk you through it. Stand like I showed you.” She shoved the gun toward me and I took it reluctantly. She glared at me to begin.

“Now hold it gently like an egg, okay?” She handed the gun over to me and my heart started to pound like a bongo, my hands were shaking and sweaty.

“I don’t know about this, Van.” I turned to the target out in the field and with my right foot in front of my left and my arms steady out but not locked stiff, I took the stance.

“Good. Good. Now, loosen your grip. You’re not trying to strangle it.”

I looked at her with squinted eyes and when I did the gun went off. I screamed. It nearly blew me off my feet. A carbon-smoky smell filled the air and some of the gun powder kicked out into my face and eyes. They began to water instantly.

“Holy, shit!” I rubbed my eyes with my shoulders, the right one first, then the left.

“Pay attention to what you’re doing! This isn’t a Barbie Doll.”
Panic coursed over me in a hot wave. I looked at Vanessa with wide-eyes.

“You have mascara all over your face.” She smiled because I think she could tell I was about ready to cry. “Be serious and keep focused on the gun, not me.” Her words softened. “Don’t feel intimidated, I’m trying to teach you—not intimidate you, okay. You’re holding a weapon, Georgie. Always, but always, keep that in mind. Let me show you.” She took the gun from me,
stood firm, twisted her head to line up with the sight, closed her non-aiming eye, and squeezed the trigger, BAM! She squeezed again. BAM! “See? Like that. Now you try.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Quit your sniveling and take it.” She said it like a drill sergeant and I responded like a private first-class. “Okay, now, once again, take your stance, that’s right. Hold it up. Higher, Georgie, you’re aiming at the ground. That’s better. Can you see the sight? Is it lined up with the target? Okay, now slowly and controlled, squeeze the trigger.”

The moment of firing was one of the most frightening yet exhilarating feelings I’ve ever
experienced. I hit the target. “I did it!”

“Why, yes you did. I’ll be damned. Okay, you have two more rounds. Empty that fucker.”

I took the stance and aimed a little quicker this time and pulled the trigger, BAM. And, again, BAM. I looked to see if I’d hit the target. Only one more hole from me. I missed either the first or second shot. I wasn’t sure.

“You hit the second one perfectly.” Vanessa was an old pro at this I could tell.

“That spray feels really weird.”

“The gunpowder? Yeah. You get used to it though. Let’s reload and shoot some more, what d’ ya say?”

“Okay.”

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

A week with Susan Wingate, author


Award-winning and bestselling novelist, Susan Wingate, is also a poet and playwright. She received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in 1994. Since then, she has written three novels and one collection.
Her second novel, Bobby’s Diner, will be released in February 2009 (Cambridge Books).
Her novels, short stories, poetry, articles and plays consistently receive awards and acclaim. Susan is a featured writer for the Arizona Author’s Association newsletter and a contributing writer for several other magazines.
Since 2006, Susan has kept busy teaching writing classes at Skagit College – San Juan Center, at writing conferences and at her studio. She offers a monthly teleconference to writers entitled, “Blasting the Market.” In 2007, after the publication of her mystery novel, Of the Law, Susan traveled extensively around the states of Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona giving lectures and workshops on writing and crafting novels. As well, Susan has one collection of short stories, poems and essays entitled, Ravings of a Mad Gentlewoman. Ravings exemplifies her talent for storytelling in several different formats.
She is an active member of the writing community – locally and nationally. Currently, she organizes a series of reading events for the library. These events spotlight local, regional, national and international writers. Her monthly online newsletter called, “Sincerely, Susan” has an avid readership.
For hobbies, Susan enjoys reading, painting, photography, playing with her animals and talking with her husband. Presently, she lives in Washington State where she writes full time.
Visit her website at:

Monday, February 2, 2009

Presenting a friend author - Susan Wingate

BOBBY'S DINER... ... is a story of a woman trying to find herself in a town where nobody wants her. Georgette Carlisle, twenty-five when she saunters into the rustic town of Sunnydale, Arizona, snags husband, Bobby, away from another woman, Vanessa Carlisle. After he dies - fifteen years later when the story begins - he leaves his restaurant called Bobby's Diner to both women. But, that's not the only problem. Bobby's Diner, situated on an attractive highway corridor property, is slated as the next boutique tourist site and sits smack in way of Zach Pinzer's dreams and future with Chariot International Incorporated, a large developer headquartered in Phoenix. Even after Zach arranges to destroy their property and fatally wounds their beloved busboy and gardener, he nearly kills Roberta, Vanessa's daughter. Georgette and Vanessa hold fast to the only thing they have, each other, and they fight. Georgette's story tells a tale of life, love, death, grief, pain, loneliness, and redemption. And, she finds her true family with the most unexpected people.


Bobby's Diner gets RAVE REVIEWS:

A Review by Joyce Anthony"Bobby's Diner. When I read the title, I had the idea this would be another one of those books describing the everyday details of small-town America. Truthfully, I thought I'd find the book rather boring. I was completely wrong!
Susan Wingate has created a unique situation with this novel, bringing together two unlikely women--an ex-wife and the woman who stole her husband--and placing them in a situation where they have to deal with each other on a daily basis. As the new co-owners of Bobby's Diner, these women must learn to work together or give up--and both are too stubborn to give up. Adding in a scalawa[g] bent on taking over the diner, and the situation gets even more intense.
Moments of humor mix with deep emotions in this book. Susan Wingate shows an understanding of human nature well beyond what is normally seen in a novel. She has a mastery of dialogue that I find refreshing--I felt as though I was right there, listening. It isn't often I find dialogue so true-to-life. Between her mastery of dialogue and understanding of human nature, Susan Wingate held me captive with this book.
Can these women come to terms with past hurts? Can they work together to save Bobby's Diner from dying? Is it possible for these women to understand that there was a reason they both earned the love of the same man? You will have to read Bobby's Diner to find out.
Give yourself several hours to read this book. You will find yourself saying "Just one more chapter" over and over again. It is one of those rare books you won't want to put down. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Wingate's work." - Joyce Anthony (author of "Storm" and blog mistress of Books & Authors blog)

A Review by RD Larson
Bobby's Diner by Susan Wingate is a wonderful and funny tale of an ex-wife and a widow as they try to manage the Diner that Bobby had owned. When he died they both inherited it and now must make a go of it. Heart-warming and realistically funny this charming story will warm and full-fill the reader. I highly recommend it. - RD Larson (author of Evil Angel www.BeWrite.net)

A Review by Coffee Times Romance gives "Bobby's Diner" a 4-cup review - An Outstanding Great Read!

Danielle with Coffee Times Romances has this to say about "Bobby's Diner": "A breathtaking story that will fill you with joy and laughter, Bobby's Diner is a great read for any book lover."

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Preditors & Editors listed my DESPERADO

HELP! I'm all excited because A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS was nominated for a Preditors and editors Readers Poll in the short Romance category.

Please, please, vote for it at:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryr.shtml

Thank you so much for your support.

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

A Desperado for Christmas small

Friday, January 2, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR CONTEST!

What better way to start the new year than with a contest? Its easy and anyone can win my book of their choice. Just click on CONTEST at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

You may simply enter the drawing, but if you have already read A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS, and if you answer three easy questions correctly, you are guaranteed a win. There will be many winners, why not you?

A Desperado for Christmas small

Rookie Border patrol Agent Kaitlin Harrington hates Christmas and all men since she lost her unborn child on Christmas Eve. This year, as she guards the Mexican border, she encounters more than she can handle in the person of a gorgeous Desperado, a despicable human smuggler of all people!

Good luck to all!

Vijaya Schartz
Girls with Guns, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

Get yourself A DESPERADO FOR CHRISTMAS
http://www.sapphirebluepublishing.com