Moira McTark

PRINT BOOK COMING SOON

2009-08-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Wonderful news! Samhain Publishing will be releasing a print anthology of my three stories, CONSUMED, NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS, and TASTE OF TEMPTATION!
The title will be MORE THAN A TASTE and the release is scheduled for May 2010!
Whoo hoo!!

TASTE OF TEMPTATION available today

2009-08-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

“Taste of Temptation” by Moira McTark

Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 978-1-60504-726-3
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: August 14, 2009
Cover art by Natalie Winters

Love is best savored one slow, sweet lick at a time.

The sting of betrayal and added humiliation of being the last to know have left hotel owner Jason Henley leery of romance. Until an abandoned wedding cake—and feisty wedding planner and hopeless romantic Lanie Malone—tumble into his arms, turning dessert for two-hundred-fifty into the backdrop for a sexy romp.

Lanie always keeps business and pleasure in their proper places. But between Jason’s advances, and a groomzilla-from-hell’s indiscretions, she finds she’s lost control of the wedding and her body. With Jason and Lanie facing off, the buttercream’s about to hit the fan… When the frosting clears, more than Laine’s career will be hanging in the balance.

This book has been previously published.

Warning: This book contains frank language and graphic descriptions of hot sugar-slicked sex that give new meaning to the phrase, “have your cake and eat it too”.

Read An Excerpt Online

Buy from MBaM!

CONTEST...

2009-08-07T08:10:00.001-07:00

Hey check out the new contest I'm running at my website...
www.moiramctarkromance.com

Website up and running!!

2009-08-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Whoohoo! It's live!!
I've got the new website up and running, complete with a free read, some excerpts, and links for all my available books. Hop on over and check it out!!
www.moiramctarkromance.com

Coming August 14th from Samhain Publishing

2009-08-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

“Taste of Temptation” by Moira McTark

Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 978-1-60504-726-3
Length: Novella
Price: 3.50
Publication Date: August 14, 2009
Cover art by Natalie Winters

Love is best savored one slow, sweet lick at a time.

This book has been previously published.

Warning: This book contains frank language and graphic descriptions of hot sugar-slicked sex that give new meaning to the phrase, “have your cake and eat it too”.

Read An Excerpt Online

Taste of Temptation

2009-05-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

We've got a title! After too many hours staring at lists, brainstorming and puzzling out titles, TASTE OF TEMPTATION is the done deal. Contract signed, dated and delivered! Whoohoo.
This sexy little sugar coated something will be releasing in August of 2009, so keep your eyes open for updates and excerpts.
:-)

New Contract - Samhain Publishing

2009-04-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Great news! Samhain Publishing has contracted another story. I'll be posting release news here over the next few months.

CAPA nominated!!

2008-12-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

Awesome news!! I just found out from my fabulous friend Jayne Rylon (author of Nice and Naughty) that we are both nominated for CAPAs this year! Whoohoo!!
NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS, one of my favorite stories to write, is nominated for the Erotic Romance Category. Look for results at The Romance Studio on Valentine's day 2009.

JOYFULLY REVIEWED- Nothing Stays in Vegas

2008-06-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yay- I've been Joyfully Reviewed! Thank you so much Vivian for the awesome review of Nothing Stays In Vegas. Here's a snippet of what she says...

"I loved these two characters. Cal, who’s paying the price for a bad relationship and a mistake in Las Vegas. Lara, who’s trying to protect her sister. They dance around each other fighting their attraction – for different reasons. But when these two finally get together, the sex is explosive – you’ll love the scene in the boathouse. Throw in the spoiled sister’s schemes, all the lies they’ve got to sort through and you’ve got a great read. Nothing Stays in Vegas is a definite must read and you will thoroughly enjoy it."

Harlequin Mills and Boon

2008-04-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yay! A while back I entered the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest. It was such fun coming up with a story for that line and putting a first chapter together, I loved it. I didn't win the contest, but yesterday I received a letter from HQP requesting my full manuscript! Whoo hoo! Talk about exciting. Of course, my luck, that's the story I haven't finished, lol. So I'll be one busy bee, busting butt to get that one knocked out and sent off. Crossing my fingers the entire story turns out as well as the first chapter!
:-)

Mini-list mom at Samhain Cafe

2008-04-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

The lovely and fabulous Dawn Halliday and I will be hosting a mini-list mom couple of hours over at the Samhain cafe on Thursday, April 3rd from 9 - 11:30am central time. It's going to be a great time with excepts, games, prizes and chit-chat galore!! Come and hang out with us - we'd love to see you there!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/samhaincafe/messages

I'm In!

2008-03-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

My excerpt for NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS is for the Samhain Spring Showers Promo over at Coffee Times Romance! I've been chatting a bit in the comments, would love to hear from you too! Also, the excerpts and prizes are incredible- this is such a great opportunity to check out new and new-to-you authors... and win prizes too. Don't miss out!

Hangin' out today!

2008-03-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
I'll be hanging out over at the Love Romances Cafe today with a few other awesome Cobblestone authors, chatting about our books. Come on by and check out the fun!
:-)

Samhain's Spring Showers Promo

2008-03-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

Looking for tons of fabulous prizes and excerpts to start your heart racing? Then check out...
Samhain's Spring Showers Promo.

I'll be participating in the fun with more awesome authors than you can shake a stick at, so drop by and check it out!

NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS hits the best seller list!

2008-03-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

I don't know how long it will last... but as of right now, NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS is number 8 on the My Bookstore and More best seller list!! WHooooohooooo!!!
You can just imagine the happy dancing going on around my kitchen right now! Yay!!!

Excellent Blog Award?

2008-03-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

Well heck! I'll take it!! Ally, you've gone and made me cry, blush, spend a meaningful moment reflecting on all the time I've spent on said blog- knowing, finally, it was all worth it... for this! Lol- Too funny.
Thank you to Ally Kendall!
So here are the rules for this little blog award...
By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you agree to award it to 10 more people whose blogs you find Excellent Award worthy. You can give it to as many people as you want, but please award at least 10.
You deserve it! Feel free to recognize blogs that have already received this award.

Now, I've thought long and hard and here are the next blogs that I have nominated for this awesome award.

1.HOT & BOTHERED
2.SMART BITCHES WHO LOVE TRASHY BOOKS
3.MRS. GIGGLES
4.MELISSA SCHROEDER'S BLOGS
5.SOUTHERN SIN
6.TANGLED UP IN WORDS
7.NAUGHTY & SPICE
8.ROMANCE VAGABONDS
9.PASSIONS MUSES
10.SAMHAIN BLOG

NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS

2008-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Is gracing the cybershelves of Samhain Publishing as I type!
Whoo hooo!!

The last couple of posts have been about this release so check them out if you are interested in a quick excerpt- or stop by my website or Samhain's for more about this fun, sexy, sizzling book!
:-)
http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=903

1 Day Left...

2008-03-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS is out tomorrow!!

If you can't wait, like I can't wait, then here's a little sizzlicious excerpt to tide you over...
EXCERPT:

The silence hung between them as they watched each other.

Cal was so close it hurt not to touch him. Not to reach out and brush the tight points of his nipples with her palms. Not to give in and pull loose the drawstring that secured the pants hanging dangerously low on his trim hips. Not to lose her fingers in that shock of wild hair.

That hair. Even as nervous as he made her, Lara couldn’t help but smile.

Cal’s chin pulled back, his brow furrowed. “What are you laughing at?”

“Your hair. It looks the same now—straight out of the ocean—as it did at breakfast this morning.”

He rolled his eyes and, with a good natured chuckle, rubbed his hands back and forth over the thick spikes—just as she imagined he did getting out of the shower. “That bad? You don’t even want to know what happens when I try to get it to lay flat.”

“No, you look nice. I mean, it works.”

Cal stared at her for a second, the laughter in his eyes dissipating. “Lara, why are you fighting this? What’s between us is good, really good. I can’t understand what was going on in Vegas, or why you don’t want to talk to me about it, but Vegas was nothing. Things started for us when all we had were words, and from that alone I wanted you.”

She tried to look away, but he pressed his palm against her cheek, gently forcing her to meet his gaze as he continued. “You and I have a connection that’s making me want to tear the clothes off your body. I can’t stop thinking about you. All I want is to touch you, to talk to you, to joke and laugh with you…I just want you.”

Lara blinked, opened her mouth to speak and closed it again. What could she say? That every word out of his mouth made her want to wrap her legs around him? That all she could think about was having Cal’s hands on her, his mouth, his body? And it wasn’t lust alone—everything would be so much easier if it was.

No, she’d been falling for him since before they met when she read his first lame joke over the email. For weeks she’d been laughing at his sense of humor, marveling at his take on life. She couldn’t get enough of him, be it his most mundane thought or his deepest revelation.

The fact that she cared about him as much as she did was the very reason she couldn’t give in. A relationship started now would be based on lies and deceit. And he deserved better than that. They both did. And then there was Dette. She’d wanted so badly to settle down, needed the security this marriage would give her. She needed to know that she would be taken care of, loved. Once she had that security, she’d finally be able to stop pushing for the constant reassurances, testing for proof of commitment. Lara couldn’t take it away from her.

The right thing to do was so clear in her head. Walk away. It was the rest of her mutinous body that couldn’t abide by the judgment. And being this close to him wasn’t helping her cause.

She took a step back from Cal and the heat rising off his bare chest. “I don’t want to lie to you, but I can’t tell you the truth about Vegas.”

Cal took a step closer. “What are you so scared of?”

Another step away, her throat was dry, her mind racing. She was scared of the look of determination in his eyes. She was scared of hurting him, of giving in and being the woman who betrayed him. She was scared that if she kept pushing him away, eventually he’d stop coming back—that no matter what she did, she’d be doing the wrong thing. “Letting everyone down.”

Another step closer. “You couldn’t.”

Another step back, into the unyielding wall. “You’re putting me on a pedestal. I don’t belong there.”

Cal closed the distance between them. “I don’t believe you.”

Resting one hand against the wall above her head, he used the other to brush open the towel wrapped around her, exposing the sodden shirt clinging to her breasts. The corner of his mouth ticked up. “You’re going to give in, Lara…” He ran his fingers feather-light across her collarbone, pressed one knee against the wall opposite the arm that flanked her.

Her breath sucked in, a pulse throbbed deep between her legs. She didn’t dare look at him. His seductive confidence terrified her.

His voice was low, deep. “…because, I’m not going to play fair.”

She swallowed hard. Having him this close was wreaking havoc on her body. The rippled muscles of his torso were only inches away from the puckered skin of her nipples and she ached to arch into him, to ease the need that had been growing in her for weeks. She wanted to stretch her hands wide over his stomach and absorb the touch and feel of every ridge, every hollow.

“Can you say you don’t want me?” He ran his hand along the side of her ribs, across the swells of her breast, to the valley between her breasts.

She peered up at him from beneath lowered lashes. “I don’t know what I want…”

“You don’t know…if you want this?” His fingers stroked down to her abdomen, dipping into the top of her shorts so that his knuckles rubbed the soft skin below her belly button.

She sucked her tummy in. Unable to stop herself, she gazed into the dark pools of Cal’s eyes and felt herself pulled further under his control.

“I want it,” she gasped, “but there’s more than just that.”

His fingers moved to the buttons of her shirt. God, she wanted him to rip them open, press her against the wall and take her before she had the chance to talk herself out of it. But he tortured her, tracing the outer edge of each button, playing with it before abandoning it, still fastened, to move on. His open palm skimmed a fraction of an inch above her breast, the heat permeating the fabric beneath, tormenting her aching, hard nipple.

Cal lowered his head to her ear, his lips resting against the outer shell. Warm air teased the whorl in rhythmic puffs with each breath, sending chills skittering across her skin. It was too much, the almost-touch of him against her, she wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone. It was too much to keep saying no.

Cal whispered to her. “Lie to me, Lara.” His hips leaned into her, his hand closed the scant distance between them, his thumb stroking her nipple, his palm cupping her breast.

She gasped as a hot rush of warmth spread through her.

“Lie to me.” His lips grazed her skin, never breaking the connection as he dragged them from her ear down to her jaw and over to the corner of her mouth. “If that’s what’s stopping you, tell me it wasn’t you in Vegas.”

Lara stared at the face so close to hers. He was waiting. She was lost. In a whisper so low it was barely audible, the words slipped out. “It wasn’t me…”

3 Days left...

2008-03-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

Until NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS hits the shelves on March 18! Yay!!! It's so close I can hardly wait!! Okay, so since we are talking RIGHT around the corner, how about a bit of the book? Here's a little excerpt from the start of the book to set the scene... I'll save the sizzle for the next excerpt. :-)

EXCERPT:
From her vantage point, Lara could see the men collecting their bags, laughing, exchanging jokes. Nice looking bunch—even the airport shuttle driver, who caught sight of her at the window and winked before circling around to the back of the van. But no one’s looks alone screamed “I’m Cal!” Then a last pair of legs beneath the trunk caught her eye. Thick fingers reached over the edge and swung the trunk closed, revealing a smiling, chiseled face that made her heart skip a beat. Lara swallowed and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Please let this be my best man.

Hunk didn’t begin to cover it.

He was taller than the other men by several inches, and the fit of his khakis and long sleeved T-shirt suggested an athlete’s build. Wide shoulders, defined pecs and a back that flexed with enough definition to show through the taut fabric of his shirt when he threw the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Well-formed was an understatement. Disheveled was an understatement for that matter. The spray of thick sandy hair shooting out in all directions had an authentic quality about it. That tousled look was pure cowlick and pure sexy. Only a man could mistake it for “horrible”.

The bedroom door jerked open behind them. “Oh my God, Lara, I need you. Bitty, leave!”

Lara spun around to see her sister, Claudette, white as a sheet, backed against the wall. Her arms outstretched like she was trying to hang onto the ivory and sage wallpaper to keep herself from falling. Dette tended toward the melodramatic, but the frantic expression plastered across her face had Lara at her side in a second.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, rubbing her sister’s arms.

Dette’s eyes were wide, her face flushed. “Do you love me?”

Oh no.

Bitty walked over, hands on her hips and jutted out her chin. “What’s the matter now?”

“Bitty, I’m serious. Leave, I need to talk to my sister, in private.”

Their cousin huffed. “Just say no, Lara. Whatever it is.” Grabbing the bin of boxed almonds, she walked out.

When the door closed, Dette’s gaze fixed on the ceiling, tears already pooling at the corners of her eyes. “This is serious.”

Lara’s gut tensed, her face hardened. Damn, she’d only been here for two days, this couldn’t be happening already. “Just tell me what happened, what you need me to do.”

“Say you were in Vegas one month ago. No one will know you weren’t.”

Dette talked and Lara listened, the sinking feeling in her stomach increasing as the story unfolded.

“One of the groomsmen?” Lara shrieked.

“This is a bona fide happily-ever-after emergency! I know it’s bad, don’t give me crap right now.”

“Happily every after? Dette, fairy tale romance doesn’t include the bride-to-be running off to screw one of her attendants a month before the wedding!”

“I didn’t know he was a groomsman!” Dette hissed, her arms, straight at her sides, ending in balled fists of frustration. “He said his name was Kenneth or something…but I just saw him outside, so he must have been lying,”

Dette never ceased to amaze her. “The fact that you didn’t know who he was really isn’t the point. You slept with someone other than Adam!”

“Damn it, haven’t you ever heard of cold feet?”

“Are you kidding me? You went to Vegas, picked up a stranger, had sex, and now you want me to pretend that I did it so you don’t get caught?”

Dette glared at her. “Sort of.”

“Four weeks ago!” Lara took a breath and softened. “What are you going to say to Adam? You have to tell him.”

“Like hell I do.”

“I can’t lie for you when it comes to a marriage. I can’t cover this up for you.”

“Can’t, can’t, can’t,” Dette shot back, her eyes brimming with tears. “Can’t you stop judging me for once in your flawless life? Not everyone is as perfect as you.”

Lara wanted to laugh, only it wasn’t funny.

Dette’s eyes darted around the room, finally settling back on Lara. “I didn’t want anyone to know this, but Adam broke off the engagement, dumped me. He was the one with cold feet. I was brokenhearted. I ran off to Vegas, wanting to get away from everything. I drank way too much. Woke the next morning with a blinding headache, a man in my bed, and no memory of how he got there.”

Lara stared at her with more than a little skepticism. There was one way to get a straight answer. “Oh my God. Maybe he drugged you.” Lara gripped her sister’s wrists, daring her with her eyes. “I’m calling the police.”

“No, no…fine,” Dette shook off Lara’s hold. “I remember taking him back to my room, but I was drunk and stupid. I should have known Adam would get over his wedding jitters and be calling to apologize the next day, but I was so self-destructive, self-defeating, maybe I just didn’t believe I deserved to be happy.” Gripping her sister’s shoulders, she stared into her eyes. “I would give anything to take it back, do anything to change it, but I can’t.”

Lara held her breath for a count, memories of Dette’s tear-streaked pleas for help all running together in her mind. The rash choices, the uncontrolled outbursts…the sorrowful eyes filled with regret. Dette had such a hot head. She acted before she thought, and it always seemed to come back to haunt her. Almost like she was still trying to get caught.

“Adam broke up with you?”

“For two days. Neither of us told anyone.”

“Maybe if you explained what happened, he’d understand.”

“Are you crazy?” Dette squeaked. “He would never forgive me, never get over it. What if this guy walks in and announces to everyone what happened? The wedding would be off. I didn’t tell Adam before and I’m not going to now. This is my life,” she pleaded. “I just want to be happy like everyone else is. I need your help, but if, now, when I need it more than ever, you are going to leave me to twist in the wind, then fine. I guess my most desperate hour is even more hopeless than I thought. I’ve been abandoned by my own sister.” She sniffed, a single shiny tear drifted down her cheek. “My best friend.”

Shaking her head slowly, Lara studied her. For all Dette’s accomplishments, grace and glamour, she believed she never got a fair shake, that everyone else had it easier. She needed to grow up, but at twenty-eight years old and days before her wedding, Lara didn’t want to be responsible for teaching her that lesson. And if Adam really broke it off, then what happened over those two days was none of his business.

Lara closed her eyes and exhaled through her nose. “We might look alike, but how are you going to get past the names?”

“Give me some credit, I crossed the country to make sure no one recognized me, of course I didn’t use my real name. Contrary to the way you treat me, I’m not stupid.”

Of course.

“Okay, what do I need to do?”

Dette yanked her down the hall into her peaches and cream bedroom, stuffing Lara into the seat in front of the mirrored vanity they’d been playing dress-up at since they were girls. It charmed Lara that her sister, who always needed to have the newest and hottest of everything, left her bedroom exactly the way it was from her childhood fantasies. Glass-front cabinets held row upon row of pristine china faced dolls in silk dresses, miniature porcelain horses, and a collection of ballerina jewelry boxes. Her attachment to her girlhood treasures was one of the sweeter things about Dette.

A silver-backed brush began to rip through Lara’s hair with determined pulls. “I slept with him one time in Vegas. He was blasted, coming off some break-up of his own. He might not even remember but, if he does, he’s going to remember that it was you. I’m going to fix you up because, when your hair and face are done right, you look more like me than I do.”
Lara’s jaw set and her eyes closed. She just needed to take this one hit for Dette.

If this Vegas guy thought he recognized her, she’d avoid him. She’d be with Cal most of the time anyway, she just needed to make sure Dette’s mishap didn’t get in the way of what they’d started.

Why did Dette always have to go for the sleaze—Adam excluded, she assumed without really wanting to know—why couldn’t she be attracted to the decent guys like Cal? What kind of a creepy pig would pick someone up like that? The one-night stand was gross enough as it was, but to lie about his name on top of it? Who did that kind of thing?

Breathing through her nose, she stopped. Dette did.

It's Coming!!

2008-03-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

Less that one week to my new release! NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS is due out on March 18th through Samhain Publishing and I'm working myself into a frenzy waiting for it!! This was such a blast to write and I can't even begin to describe the satisfaction I'm getting knowing it's almost out.

Okay, since you know I love to share.... How about a blurb:

Will one night in Sin City equal a lifetime of regret?

On his way to be best man at his friend’s wedding, Caleb Daniels has high hopes that his run of bad relationships has come to an end. He can’t wait to lay eyes—and hands—on the funny and intelligent maid of honor. They’ve never met, but she’s been charming him for weeks over the internet.

At first Lara Sinclair’s cyberspace chats with Cal centered around the preparations for her sister’s extravagant wedding, but it quickly blossomed into an intense online affair. Now she’s more than ready to meet him face to face, and have his fingers stroke more than just the keyboard.

But before she can even say hello to the sexy groomsman, her trouble-come-hither, look-alike sister bursts her bubble with a bona-fide, happily-every-after emergency. And Lara finds herself faced with a heartbreaking choice.

Let her sister solve her own problems, or risk her budding relationship with Cal to help save the wedding—by pretending to be someone she’s not.

****

YAY!!! I can't wait!!!!

Congratulations to Liz Jasper for UNDERDEAD

2008-03-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Liz Jasper, winner of the 2008 EPPIE winner for best Mystery!!
UNDERDEAD (available through Cerridwen Press) is such a fantastic story and totally deserving of this award. Yay Liz!!
If you'd like to know more about Liz Jasper or UNDERDEAD, check out Liz's website.

2008-03-07T11:26:00.001-08:00

The horror!!

I knew it would happen, but never thought it would be like...this. My three year old daughter's first hair cut was supposed to be so special. A perfect little curl - snipped and bound in a tiny pink silk ribbon...saved in her little scrapbook forever. That's how it was supposed to be. But no. Today, when I followed the sounds of girly screaming, I discovered my beautiful princess with a crappy motorized toy submarine propeller wound and bound and lodged tightly against her scalp. There was nothing we could do...nothing but cut.
Sob.
So now, her little scrapbook has what looks like an itty bitty dread lock.

2008-03-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

TALK NERDY TO ME by Vicki Lewis Thompson

I LOVE Ms. Thompson's "Nerd" series, but I have to admit, though fun and entertaining, TALK NERDY TO ME isn't my favorite of the lot. For those dying to know, my favorite is THE NERD WHO LOVED ME- which was fab,fab,fab!!
This story has another cool set-up with easily likable characters and a catchy plot, but the romantic intensity just wasn't there for me the way it has been in her past works. Still, it was a fun read and it wasn't as if I'd find myself trying to put it down- so don't get me wrong. I LIKED it.
Eve Dupree is a fashion model who leads a secret life as an inventor. She accidentally meets Engineer Charlie Shepard after nearly blowing up her garage while testing bio fuel on her latest invention- a hovercraft. The two are perfect for each other, but have different paths to follow for their futures and realize - as hot as they make each other - they shouldn't be together.
The book offers a zany variety of romance, light intrigue, lots of originality and an overall good time.

2008-03-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

Just what the doctor ordered - Chat Challenge
Somehow, I managed to knock out 2K yesterday after barely being able to hit 2K over the last month. The chat challenge really got me out of the mindset of obsessing over every damn word and got me to just push through and write! It was fantastic and I'm definitely going to be dropping into the live chat room over at Romance Divas more often.
I was apprehensive about joining the chat because I didn't know what was required. I was afraid I had to write on a specific topic or post what I had written- thankfully that wasn't the case. It was strictly a matter of going to write with a group of people who want to write, edit, crit whatever and use the 15/20 minute time table as a way to get it done.
For me, I wanted to get story out. I'll go back in and lovely up the language and flesh out the description later. But I needed to get the story moving along, the dialog flowing, the action happening. So pushing through for count was actually the best way to get me out of the rut I was in, but writing for speed is by no means the standard. It's just about getting what you need to get done, done. And it worked like a charm for me. Yay!

2008-03-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Writing and chat challenges
I've been slightly more productive in the last few days and I'm ready to step it up a notch. My beloved hubby is out of town for the next couple of days, so my evenings (after kids go to bed) will be open for anything. This week, I'm going to try out the chat challenges over at the Romance Divas. As a rule, I stress tremendously about the first draft crap I turn out when I'm working on a new WIP. I think the idea of the challenges is to make sure you stop over thinking and push for getting the ideas out. I THINK that's the idea, but I'm going to have to wait until tonight to find out for sure. I'm looking forward to mixing things up and trying out a new technique, will let you know how it goes.

2008-02-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

Enough screwing around...
In an effort to get the word count back on track with some of my current projects I'm hitting the Goals thread over at Romance Divas. Obviously being accountable to myself isn't enough to keep me off the couch at the end of my long days.... so maybe being accountable to the fabulous Divas will offer better results.
So now I'm a goal girl!!
:-)

2008-02-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

5 out of 5 for FROSTBITE from Euroreviews!
Melisa says:
...Moira McTark has done a slam up job...High scores all around.

thank you so much Melisa!!

2008-02-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

AGNES AND THE HITMAN - Awesome!
Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer have delivered another fast paced, page turning, quirky, crazy, hot and steamy bit of goodness in Agnes and the Hitman. This was a book I couldn't put down and loved for keeping me smiling from start to finish.
Agnes has anger management issues that result in flying frying pans and thrusting meat forks. Too many men have lied to her and suffered her culinary retribution, and now Agnes is facing police scrutiny. But but when hitman Shane steps in to protect her as a favor to his former mafioso uncle, everything changes. The sexual tension and culmination between these two is unbelievable. This is a must read.

2008-02-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

The 'Quil is killing me!!
I have the mother of all hangovers today- and it's not a result of having painted the town red... or even from self-destructive binging alone at home. No! I'm living in a brain thumping fog because I took cold medicine last night and no matter hot the shower or how strong the coffee, I'm worthless today. Ug.
BUT I'm still determined to write 500 words regardless. I know it's a tiny goal but bite me- I'm trying to be reasonable. So 500. Maybe tomorrow I'll have to delete them all, but I can't give myself the free pass to slip out of my story just because the kiddies brought a killer cold into the house.
Honestly, if it weren't me being sick, it would be something else. The furnace goes out, the kids get sick, we don't sleep, whatever. There's always something, so no matter how much I want to sink into the corner of my couch and watch hours of Grey's Anatomy reruns, I'm limply cracking my whip and putting out a few hundred words.

2008-02-23T06:07:00.000-08:00

HERE I AM!!
Waving wildly from over at the ebooklove yahoo group talking about my Cobblestone Press books. Want to come on over and join the fun?

Click to join eBookLove

Bring your questions, comments, gibber and jab! I'd love to see you there!

2008-02-22T18:01:00.000-08:00

Chatting at EBookLove tomorrow!

I'll be blabbing about the books over at EbookLove tomorrow morning and early afternoon(Feb23). Drop by check out the excerpts and chatter from me and a handful of other Cobblestone Press authors. It's going to be a great day--hope to see you there!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eBookLove/

2008-02-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

WHO WANTS EXCERPTS?

I'll be there reading all the fabulous excerpts and dropping a few of my own too!

Posted with permission and feel free to spread the word!

Literary Nymphs Chat is having a weekly "Excerpts and Blurbs" day and we want YOU, authors AND readers alike!

Authors, this is a great time for you to let the readers know about the books you have out and the books you have coming out.

Readers, this opportunity allows you to "peek" at the books of your favorite authors and to maybe pick up a few more fave authors! Please feel free to favorably comment on any excerpt posted!!

Join us TODAY Friday February 22 , 2008, starting at 12:01 am and ending at 12:00 midnight, in order to allow our authors from around the world to post!

Now on to the author rules (sorry but we must have a few in the attempt to try to please everyone):

1.) The genre MUST appear in the subject line i.e BDSM, GLBT, IR! That way, readers that aren't interested in that genre can take a pass!

2.) Have the "rating" of your excerpt in the subject line

3 .) Make sure all copyright information is included in the excerpt and the buy link for the book.

4.) The book MUST be a published book!!!!

5.) ONLY authors OR publishers are allowed to submit excerpts! NO promo companies allowed!

One more rule for everyone - Absolutely no flaming of any kind!!!!!!!

Where: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LiteraryNymphsChat/

2008-02-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

eHarlequin's 100,000 book challenge
We all love reading and here's a great way to let every book you read count for doing some good. The following is the post from the eHarlequin site about their challenge. I'm signing up and if you're interested in joining me - here's the link to find out more...

100,000 Book Challenge

Taller than a 10,000 book TBR pile…, it’s the eHarlequin.com 100,000 Book Challenge!

Once again, eHarlequin.com challenges you to new reading heights. IF we can read 100,000 books in total, we can beat our 2007 record and read a mind-boggling, and unprecedented 100,000 books! But the great news this year is that for every book we read, we'll be donating a book to the National Center for Family Literacy to benefit their literacy programs. The stated mission of the NCFL is to create a literate nation by leveraging the power of the family. Since its inception in 1989, more than one million families throughout the country have made positive educational and economic gains as a result of NCFL’s work, which includes training more than 150,000 teachers and thousands of volunteers.

So...don't just sit there...READ SOMETHING!!

2008-02-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

FREEZING!!
Ahghghg, it's negative seven degrees and our POS furnace has chosen today to take a breather. I went downstairs and the damn thing is buzzing like it's very, very sick, no flame, no heat. Ack. Well, the kids all have sweaters and we've got two fireplace heaters, so hopefully the house won't actually dip below freezing and we won't end up in a hotel tonight. Cross your fingers with me that the heating guy calls me back this morning!

2008-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Great read! Lisa Gardner delivered an intense and riveting read with THE PERFECT HUSBAND. I admit it took me about 75 pages to get good and sucked into this story, but once I did I couldn't stop. The characters are so real, the tension so intense... I fought tears, laughed, cringed and had to reach for my fan through this book. The hero and heroine are deeply flawed people with enough baggage to fill Semi truck, but they grow and learn as you read and you can't help but hope for them. If vivid, grisly details don't scare you, this book is definitely one to read.
:-)

2008-02-17T05:44:00.001-08:00

Join me at Joyfully Reviewed today!
I'll be hanging out with some fellow Cobblestone authors over at Joyfully reviewed today chatting about me, my books, and what's coming up next. I'd love to see you over there so drop by if you have a chance. There will be blurbs, excerpts, sneak peeks, and give-aways!! Hope to see you!
:-)

2008-02-15T05:45:00.000-08:00

I'm over at the ROMANCE BISTRO today...
So come on over and hang out a bit. I'll be talking about me and my books, posting blurbs and excerpts... there's a giveaway, of course! I'd love to see you over there!!
:-)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Romance_Bistro/

2008-02-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!
(Cue the music - Love is in the air...) I'm totally in the love groove today. I've been writing for the better part of the day, making progress and feeling really good about the relationship I'm building with my characters. Now the kids are all home, the hubby has arrived (with a bouquet no less) and I'm signing out of the fantasy love of my story and signing in with the fam. Lots of hugs and kisses from my sweeties this afternoon so I'm soaking it up.
:-)
(Look back for an excerpt from Nothing Stays In Vegas tomorrow!)

2008-02-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

LOVE IT!
Oh I am so sucked into this new read- how will I ever manage to write two words when I have the temptation of FOREVER by Jude Deveraux hanging over me... taunting me with that demand to know WHAT NEXT??!!
This story isn't quite as saucy as I normally go for, but the read is great. There's a paranormal backdrop to the this love story that's building around yet another cousin from the Montgomery-Taggarts clan (whom I love).
I started this one yesterday, and it's such a page turner, it will be done tonight. A fun light read.

2008-02-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

Got my edits...
For Icing on the Cake, coming soon from Cobblestone Press. I've just done the first go through on round 1 of our edits, fixing up little wordy bits and such, and I've got it printed out for the red-pen read through. Should have this back to the editor by Friday and I can't wait to get rolling. I'm dying for cover art and a release date on this one.
It's sexy, fun story and these two have spark and sizzle in abundance.

Blurb:
Wedding planner Laine Malone is having a crisis of conscience. To keep her job, Laine must hold her tongue when it comes to grooms' indiscretions.

Hotel owner Jason Henley has felt the sting of betrayal and the added pain of being the last to know. He's sworn off romance, but when his feisty sparring partner, Laine, tumbles into his arms--and an abandoned wedding cake--their passions ignite. The buttercream flies, and desert for two-hundred-fifty becomes the backdrop for their sexy romp.

Only one groom's betrayal leaves the lovers facing off, and Laine finds more than her paycheck hanging in the balance.

2008-02-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

2 Great reads this week

I read Crazy For You by Jennifer Crusie this week and once again she has roped me in with a fabulously entertaining romance. The characters are quirky, lovable, believable and I was pulling for them, flipping pages as fast as I can to find out what happened next. She's fabulous for a light read with characters you would swear were your friends. And hats off for the steamy sex scenes too!

I also tore through Jude Deveraux's HOLLY, which was wonderful. It's one of her contemporaries featuring the Taggert family. Definitely a page turner and as always Jude delivers plenty of romance and fun. Loved these reads and would definitely recommend them for some light sizzle.
:-)

2008-02-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Time for a CONTEST!!

To celebrate the release of GETTING FRIENDLY from Cobblestone Press yesterday I'm running a new contest this week.

What can you win? A free download of FROSTBITE (released Jan 2008).

It's easy to play. All you have to do to enter is email me at moiramctark @ yahoo.com (no spaces) with the correct answer the following question:

What kind of shorts is Matt dressed in for Nichole?
The answer can be found in the GETTING FRIENDLY excerpt.

This contest runs through Friday, February 15, 2008 and I'll select a winner from the correct responses on Saturday. Winner will be notified by email.

Thanks for playing!

2008-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Moira R on winning the first copy of GETTING FRIENDLY in the Cobblestone chat tonight. Great gabbing with you!

Don't worry- there are more chances to win one of my books coming up soon- will post my new contest this weekend. :-)

2008-02-08T10:22:00.001-08:00

GETTING FRIENDLY available from Cobblestone Press today!!
Whoo-hoo!! It's out!! I love, love, love this little Friends turned Lovers story and am so excited it's finally hit the cyber-shelves!
I'll be chatting about this one tonight over at Cobblestone Press so come on over and join me.
For now, here's the blurb and link to an excerpt

Blurb:
Matt Reeves believes friendships are lost when friends slip between the sheets, which is why Nichole Drake is strictly off limits. Only Nichole has a problem. Matt's been feeding her fantasy file. She can't sleep. She's burned through two vibrators in as many months and still she's eyeing Matt like he's candy.

It's Valentine's Day and Nichole has a plan to get Matt out of her system by getting him into her bed for one night of no strings sex. Only with twelve years of friendship between them, no strings might be easier said than done.

2008-02-07T07:02:00.001-08:00

COMING UP...
So I've got a bit of stuff coming up here in the next month. For anyone who's interested in joining me in some chats I'll be hanging around the Romance Bistro on the 15th and chatting with Joyfully Reviewed on the 17th of this month. I'll post more details closer too, but I'm looking forward to gabbing it up- so come and join me!
Also (drum roll, please) GETTING FRIENDLY is out tomorrow! WhOO HOO! I'll be chatting at Cobblestone between 7pm and 9pm (Central time) tomorrow night. Giving a download away and blabbing about this story and what's coming up.
And you know I can't have a new release without a new contest... so keep your eyes open for that one. I'll be posting it on the Divas and Passionate Ink boards too- but details can always be found right here as well.
My four cups of coffee have totally kicked in and I'm ready to buzz about my day, I'll start with some writing of course and then zip into cleaning mode later. :-)

2008-02-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

SCARY!!
Okay, I finished Lisa Jackson's DEEP FREEZE and it was SO SCARY!!! I like a good thriller with lots of nasty grit and such, but holy cow!! This one seriously had my jaw clenched and my feet tapping as I read. EEEEKKKKK!!!! And, it had the romantic tension I love to balance it as well. So it was a perfect read. Though now, I'm in need of some light romance that's going to make me laugh and smile... Jennifer Crusie can be counted on for that!

2008-02-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

So hard to say goodbye-
Heck yeah! Uh-huh!! That's right... I turned in the FLEs for Nothing Stays In Vegas, my March Samhain release yesterday and do I ever feel lighter! Whoo hoo! This not-quite-a-Vegas-story is totally one of my favorites and so even as excited as I was to check the edits off my list... there was an itty-bitty part of me letting out a tiny sigh as I closed the file the last time, marking the end of all tinkering. No more obsessing over Cal's fabulous ripped abdomen and detailing the flex and play of his muscles as he yanks off a soaking wet shirt... no more wicked cackling as I think up yet another obstacle to toss between them. It's done. Finished. And so much fun.
So, I have to get Cal's spray of wild hair out of my head, Lara's clumsy sex appeal off my mind and get my focus back onto the new WIP with new characters I'm ready to fall in love with.
:-)

2008-02-05T16:39:00.001-08:00

I'm keeping my pants on!
Okay, so I admit that I've been known to swing both ways... As a writer I've plotted and pantsed it. (What were you thinking? ;-D)
For me, it depends on the story, it depends on my mood, it depends on the day... sometimes one way just works better than another. But for my current WIP a little "marriage of inconvenience" piece, I'm finding the plotting a necessary step. I mean SERIOUS plotting. The kind with scene, chapter and character arcs. The kind with a research file with real research.
I've got a twelve page outline!
This is one of the first times I've really used my Scrivener software to it's full potential and I have to say it's working beautifully. I'm organized, flexible and able to flip back and forth easily between my notes, synopsis, research and chapters. Couldn't be happier. Okay, maybe I'd be happier if I had eight hours of uninterrupted work time a day and didn't have a moment of indecision about what words to put next... but as it is, this software is working splendidly for the way I'm working on this project.

2008-02-04T05:17:00.000-08:00

It's a love fest!
I'm hooked on Lisa Jackson-okay, her books anyway. I've been branching out lately from my old faithful favorite authors and Lisa Jackson is one of the (new to me) authors I've completely fallen for. Her way with suspense keeps me guessing and on the edge of my seat for the entire read, while her romantic elements have me reaching for a fan. From the first page I'm invested in the characters, and Lisa's way with description makes the journey through her story most satisfying.
Judith McNaught remains my one true love, but this is definitely more than a passing fling with Lisa Jackson.
:-)

2008-02-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Not exactly the first out of gate...
Okay, so I know the rest of the competent uber organized world has long since packed away all traces of Christmas, but I have a tendency to let the things I love linger. I want to look at them, enjoy them, just a little longer.Which is why it's February and we just packed up all the holiday crap. Closing the last box with a sigh, I looked up and was AMAZED at how neat and simple my normally cluttered house looked. Very satisfying!
Makes me want to knock another item off my ever growing 'To Do" list and this time I think I'm going to focus on my favorite activity- writing. I've got two stories I've been plotting out and written the first chapter for. It's time to jump in and get down to business with picking one to focus my attention on and knock out some new chapters. I'm a GO! girl today, so let's see what I can get done. :-)

2008-02-01T06:43:00.001-08:00

Just One Week left!!
Next Friday GETTING FRIENDLY hits Cobblestone Press's cyber-shelves. This naughty little story of friends turned lovers was so much fun to write. Some stories just flow out with such ease and this was really one of them. It's filled with fun, tension, heartache and of course a good dose of sizzling sexy.
Nichole is such a determined character, and goes to wild lengths to break down Matt's resolve.

Here's a blurb:
Matt Reeves believes friendships are lost when friends slip between the sheets—which is why Nichole Drake is strictly off limits.
Only Nichole has a problem. Matt’s been feeding her fantasy file.
She can’t sleep. She’s burned through two vibrators in as many months and still she’s eyeing Matt like he’s candy.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Nichole has a plan to get Matt out of her system... by getting him into her bed for one night of no strings sex. Only with twelve years of friendship between them, no strings might be easier said than done.

2008-01-31T07:00:00.001-08:00

My Office is my own again!
Okay, first with the disclaimer, I love my in-laws. They are wonderful, wonderful people who created the most perfect man in the world for me. So they are much appreciated. But even the most beloved people staying in your home can disrupt the flow.
I'm a creature of habit. I love to follow schedules. I love to stick to my path. As a writer with four little children at home, doing what I love can be difficult as schedules don't always stick with pre-preschoolers. Sigh. But add two grandparents camped out in my office...my sanctuary...my SPECIAL PLACE! and you've got one writer nearly pushed over the edge. I can stand all the little quirks that make in-laws, in-laws, so long as I have that one little grip on my sanity through my SPECIAL PLACE. Only they are in my SPECIAL PLACE and my sanity slips just that much.
I've tried moving my computer up to the crappy little desk in my bedroom, but the fact is, slinking off to write when I've got company in the home just doesn't work.
So now, they are gone back home. And (of course) we all miss them, because, as I said, they are wonder, wonderful people, whom I love very, very much... but I'm THRILLED to have my
SPECIAL PLACE back as my own. Let the writing and journey toward mental health resume!
:-)

2008-01-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing Stays In Vegas
coming March 18 from Samhain Publishing!
Okay, here's the blurb for this baby...

Will one night in Sin City equal a lifetime of regret?

But before she can even say hello to the sexy groomsman, her trouble-come-hither, look-a-like sister bursts her bubble with a bona-fide, happily-every-after emergency. And Lara finds herself faced with a heartbreaking choice.

Let her sister solve her own problems, or risk her budding relationship with Cal to help save the wedding—by pretending to be someone she’s not.

2008-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

EBookLove
I'll be hanging out all day tomorrow over at the EbookLove group, chatting about my Cobblestone Press releases, Frostbite, Forbidden and Getting Friendly. There will be lots of CP authors chatting it up, excerpts, blurbs, news and contests! Come join me for a great peek at what's new and coming up!!
Hope to see you there!
:-)
Mira

2008-01-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

I'm so stoked! I just got my new release date for NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS, coming from Samhain Publishing March 18th! Whoo hoo!
This is such a freaking fun story about dirty secrets that won't stay in Sin City. I just can't wait to share and promise to have a blurb or two coming up in a bit.
:-)

2008-01-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

It's A Contest!! To celebrate my new release, Frostbite, I'm holding a contest! It's easy to play. Simply answer one question from the excerpt available on my website and shoot me an email with FROSTBITE CONTEST as the subject and the answer in the main body. Question: What kind of retreat are they attending?

What are you playing for? I'm giving away a free download of either Forbidden or Consumed!

A winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries received through January 14th and will be notified by email on January 15th. Thanks for playing!

2008-01-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

Only two days left!! FROSTBITE releases on Friday!!! Whoo HOooo!! I can't wait to see it up on the new releases page over at Cobblestone. It's so exciting to have this one coming out, and GETTING FRIENDLY will be fast on it's heels! It's a busy start to the new year for me... and so much fun!
Look for a contest on Friday!

2008-01-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

CRASH!!!
It was the scream heard round the world when my computer crashed last week! Ug. The absolute worst feeling in the world when you wonder if everything you've done since the last back up was lost. Thankfully, the computer simply needed some new board and the techs got my little laptop back to me today.
Now, it's crazy catch up time for me, but no complaints. I'm just relieved to have this little baby back!

2008-01-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!
2007 was a fantastic year with many goals achieved and lots of excitement in all areas of my life. 2008 has rolled around faster than I can believe and here it is, resolution time again. My greatest struggle is in finding a balance between the various areas of my life. Family, home, health and writing. It's all too easy to get bogged down by one and cheat another, but all are important and ultimately tie into each other. If my family isn't happy, I can't write. If my home is a disaster, my family isn't happy and life becomes a constant game of catch up and I can't write. Without a healthy lifestyle, my brain and body suffer, and the rest goes too. And if I don't write, I'm not happy and the world is a less wonderful place on all fronts.
So this year I resolve to get more organized, and make working toward a balance my goal for every day.
Best wishes for 2008!
Mira

2007-12-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

Talk about HOT!!
Thank You Sable Grey for the awesome cover art for Getting Friendly! I love it and think it's a fabulous fit for the story!!
This one is coming in February- Keep an eye out for it!

2007-12-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

Who likes free reads?!
I sure do! So I was thrilled to see the promotion that HQ is running for free ebooks through Jan 1. Check out their site for details, but it's super easy! I just got mine and today's book is looking HOT!

2007-12-23T08:51:00.001-08:00

FROSTBITE - Release date!
Fantastic news! Frostbite will be available through Cobblestone Press on January 11th!!

Here's a blurb for you!

Career-minded Bethany Phillips already spends more time than she wants with her too sexy, too confident and too distracting coworker Ryan Chase. Forced to attend an interpersonal skills retreat with him, Bethany thinks it can’t get any worse. But that’s before she discovers they are trapped together and alone in an expansive mountain retreat, the bag with her clothing is missing, and Ryan is more than ready to show “all business” Bethany how to bring a little pleasure into the game. Can Ryan break down Bethany’s defenses before the blizzard stops, or will their passions blow over with the storm?

2007-12-17T17:21:00.000-08:00

Whoo-hoo! Round 1 of edits on Getting Friendly is done! Two more rounds and to go and this little Valentine's baby will be put to bed!

2007-12-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

I'm reading Lisa Jackson's IF SHE ONLY KNEW. This is the first book of hers I've tried and what a wonderful surprise. Her writing is beautiful and from the very first page she's had me on the hook anxious to discover the secrets of this exciting suspenseful story. She's definitely a new addition to my must read list!

2007-12-13T12:32:00.001-08:00

I'm trucking along...
I've got three stories I'm working on right now and I've just completed the first chapter and draft of the synopsis for my Chicago-set, reluctant relationship story. Cali doesn't want a man, but with a guy like Ian showing up around every corner, she's finding it hard to resist.
I'm also about half way through chapter 1 of my Vegas strangers, forgotten wedding story and haven't gotten past the plotting stage of my marriage of convenience story. With all of these swirling around in my head, it's a miracle I remember my own name!
:-)

2007-12-11T18:32:00.001-08:00

I've got my edits for Getting Friendly - my Valentine's themed tryst for Cobblestone Press. This friends turned lovers story was such a kick to write, I'm totally excited to be getting it in tip-top shape.
It's coming in February!

2007-12-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

Ack, I'm wishy-washy tonight and driving myself crazy! I have a fabulous romance I've started reading,,, and yet I keep feeling like I want something different. Maybe a thriller or suspense. I've been waiting all day to get a chance to write... and yet, now that I have the time, I'm not inspired. I'm worthless, just waiting to get tired enough to finally go to bed tonight. Hoping that tomorrow has a little less indecision and lot more productivity. Crossing my fingers!

2007-12-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

I love new beginnings. In fact, the plotting that begins each new story might be my favorite part of the process, which would explain that euphoric smile splashed across my face this morning. I've just finished plotting three new stories - they came to me all at once, so what was I to do? - and I'm now getting into the gritty of writing them.
The first one I'm jumping into is a Vegas/marriage of convenience story where the characters seem to be screaming the loudest to be heard. This one feels like it's going to be a good balance of humor and angst with plenty of heat in between. Here's hoping the words come to flesh out my too fun idea!

2007-12-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

ICING ON THE CAKE
Sold to Cobblestone Press!!
This is one of my favorite stories. How could it not be with my hero and heroine having a wicked fight that ends with sexy romp through a fallen wedding cake! It was a blast to write and I'm dying to see what they come up with for the cover. Too much fun. Dirty, dirty, good fun! Details on dates and blurbs as available.
:-)
Mira

2007-12-02T06:51:00.001-08:00

Beating the Block...
Nothing bites worse than finally having a few minutes to write and discovering you can't get a word to come. When I write myself into a place where I can't move forward, the trick I use to break free is to skip ahead. I'm a light plotter, so I usually have a general idea of where I need to get to next (or at least soon); and when I find myself unable to actually get there, the last thing I want to do with my precious writing time is sit and stare helplessly at the computer screen. The way I take charge and get moving again is simply to skip ahead to the next scene or point of interest I feel some excited connection to. I'll make a note about what has to happen between the point I'm stuck and the point I've moved to, and then I go. It's easy to come back and fill in a scene when the rest has been filled in and, for me, it's a better use of my time.
I'm off to employ that little tidbit just now. :-)

2007-11-27T06:47:00.000-08:00

I wanna write!!

Aghghg- well, we've all heard what they say about the best laid plans, so it shouldn't surprise me that mine are shot. Sob. Tuesdays, as a rule, are my favorite days. The reason is simply that these days have a precious few hours that belong solely to me. I've packed toddler team trouble off to daycare for three hours, my little middle boy is in preschool and my biggie is off to the first grade. Home Alone!! It's silent. It's heaven. It's only once a week, but I rely on that time for my sanity and plan for it to write. So it's Tuesday morning - what's my problem? Unfortunately, the kidlets don't always cooperate in my plans to get a little quality writing (or as close to it as I can get) done. Last night my littlest man wasn't about sleep. And when he isn't about sleep, neither am I. Which resulted in about four hours of actual rest broken up over the course of the night. And sadly, in this whole writing thing, a functioning mind is a critical factor in getting a story sold. I'm too tired to think, I'm too tired to write, so I'm updating my blog and then planning a little shut eye for an hour before I go pick up the family. Sad, but true.
I will try and make sense of some notes I took on a plot line the other day. Not so much creative as organizational, so maybe I won't feel like my morning was lost altogether.
And there's always next Tuesday...

2007-11-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

Check out the cover for Frostbite!
Thank you so much Cris Griffin!

2007-11-21T06:19:00.001-08:00

I GOT A PEEK
At the new cover Cris Griffin is putting together for FROSTBITE and it looks so cool! An exact fit for the story!!! I can't wait to hear if it's accepted! Can't wait to share!

2007-11-20T08:33:00.001-08:00

FREEDOM!!
Whoo hoo! My edits are done on Frostbite! By the last round, my eyes were ready to fall out of my head, but it was so worth it. Thanks to my fab editor - the story is tight!
I love checking this stuff off my list. Even when I'm not working on it, until the final edit is out of my hands, I can't really get it out of my head. Now it's cleared out - edits, contracts and paperwork have all been turned in and I'm ready to roll...
Oh man. All of my great procrastination excuses are gone!! I'm actually going to have to write something new :-)

2007-11-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

PEOPLE Magazine - Sexiest Man Alive

I love the Hot List! I am so saving my receipt for this month's People. The Sexiest Man Alive issue has got to be a tax deduction. And even if it's not, I couldn't stop giggling as I paged through it. Dear hubby didn't really appreciate my enthusiasm, but I was doing RESEARCH! :-)
I love my job.
So I don't know how Matt Damon won, when Patrick Dempsey is so very much hotter. But oh well. I'll be saving this issue for a reference guide as I start detailing my next hero. YUMMY.
Ryan Reynolds is my fantasy celebrity boyfriend. What's not to love?!?
:-)
Mira

2007-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

GETTING FRIENDLY - the blurb...

Matt Reeves believes friendships are lost when friends slip between the sheets—which is why Nichole Drake is strictly off limits.
Only Nichole has a problem. Matt’s been feeding her fantasy file.
She can’t sleep. She’s burned through two vibrators in as many months and still she’s eyeing Matt like he’s candy.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Nichole has a plan to get Matt out of her system... by getting him into her bed for one night of no strings sex. Only with twelve years of friendship between them, no strings might be easier said than done.

2007-11-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

Bite me, blurb!
There's nothing better than getting that contract into my hands... but nothing worse than trying to come up with the blurb to sum up my beloved story in 100, 50, 25, and 12 concise and captivating words.
I've blown half my Saturday tooling with the current blurb effort. While my frustration is at a high, I know that putting the time in now will be worth it when my story releases. Obviously there are a lot of factors that play into what sells a story, but along with the gorgeous cover art, snappy title, and - most coveted - name recognition... the blurb gives the potential buyer a taste of the story. The tone, the hook... it's the deciding factor as to whether they move on to the excerpt and buy the book.
Basically, as tough as the blurb is to knock out, it's a critical part of the process. And, thus, I'm prepared to spend the remainder of my Saturday getting it right!
:-)
Mira

2007-11-14T08:25:00.000-08:00

GETTING FRIENDLY sold to Cobblestone Press!
This is such fantastic news! I wrote this one for their 2008 Valentine's Day line up and was just giddy about having it accepted!
Getting Friendly is the story of Matt and Nichole, best friends for twelve years. Matt's been feeding Nichole's fantasy file for too long, and this Valentine's day, come Hell or high water, she's getting him into bed.

2007-11-12T06:58:00.001-08:00

And the best new character on TV goes to...the Devil from my new favorite show, Reaper!! Too freaking funny! You've got to see this one for snort through your nose laughs.

2007-11-11T20:59:00.001-08:00

DON'T LOOK DOWN by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer was a fabulous read. I love romance and intrigue combined with humor and this book had it all. Highly entertaining, thoroughly readable.

2007-11-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

DONE!!
This has been the week from hell- a mad dash to the finish, trying to hit two deadlines. Phew, what a relief to have my MS in by the deadline and my first round of edits back to the editor.
I love a little pressure when I work. It keeps me on track, focused. But two deadlines at once makes me sweat just a wee bit more than I'm interested in. So I'm glad to have them both off my plate. Which means tomorrow...it's back to the writing. I love new projects and this little arranged marriage story that's been floating around in my head is just begging for a little keyboard time.
:-)
Mira

2007-11-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

I'M DEEP IN THE EDITS...
For my next release, and finding myself amazed at how many breeches in protocol there are even in a work that's been through umpteen crits and a zillion self edits.
I know the rules. If you asked me about passive voice or gerunds I'd be able to tell you plenty, but when I'm writing, it's frightening what slips by unnoticed.
Well, it's all been noticed now and my poor editor is probably half bald from picking it all out. I'm half blind from working it all out, keeping the flow while I fix F-ups! But I'm in love with the story, so as frustrating as it can be search for overuse of the word FIRST or FRIENDLY, I'm thrilled that it's going to produced a better product.
Can't wait until this one is out!
:-)
Mira

2007-10-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

REVIEW: 4 Hearts for FORBIDDEN!
Check out the awesome full review by Valarie at Love Romances and More

Ms. McTark has written a gripping story with emotions running high. The feelings between Claire and Cade are hot and Cade’s determination and domination are enough to make a strong woman fall to her knees.

Thanks so much Valarie!!

:-)

Mira

2007-10-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS has got a release date! I'll be starting edits in February and looking at a late summer release date. I can't wait!
:-)
Mira

2007-10-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

LOVE LIKE MAGIC
Sold to Cobblestone Press!
Look for this fun, sexy little paranormal in Cobblestone's 2008 Octoberfest line! Here's a bit of blurb:

Kayla Sloan’s siblings are unsurpassed in the art of romantic interference. Her dead brother haunts away every guy who wants a date, while her Wiccan sister’s sex spell has Kayla luring Rafe Carpenter into the back hall of her bar.
Now Kayla is trying to convince Rafe, a self-proclaimed skeptic of the paranormal, their connection was cast, and that the threat of one seriously overprotective ghost is real.
Rafe doesn’t want to give Kayla up, but can he make her believe the magic between them is more than a spell?

2007-09-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

FROSTBITE
Sold to Cobblestone Press!

Got the news today and I’m thrilled to announce that my latest erotic romance has been contracted by Cobblestone Press. FROSTBITE is the story of Professionally minded Bethany Phillips, who already spends more time than she wants with her coworker Ryan Chase. When she’s forced to attend an interpersonal skills retreat with him, she thinks it can’t get any worse. But when they find themselves trapped and alone in the expansive mountain retreat during a blizzard, all business Bethany starts to panic when Ryan brings a little pleasure into the game.

Keep an eye out for FROSTBITE in January of 2008!

2007-09-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

NOTHING STAYS IN VEGAS has been contracted by Samhain Publishing!

This was one of my favorite stories to write and I couldn't be happier to announce that Samhain is publishing it! No news on dates or anything like that yet, but I'll post it when I get it!
Whoo hoo!!!

:-)
Mira

2007-09-07T13:07:00.001-07:00

4 Angels for FORBIDDEN from Shayley at Fallen Angels Reviews!

...Forbidden is a quick little story that encompasses many emotions. Claire and Cade must deal with anger, heartache, and explosive passion all at the same time. The emotional roller coaster will have readers crossing their fingers for them to find happiness in the end. The added hint of danger gives the story another element of intensity. Cade’s bravery and Claire’s desire to be happy allow readers to bond with each character immediately. The passion that they find in each other’s arms is tender and tantalizing. Moira McTark was able to create an emotional punch in a small number of pages. 4 Angels!

Reviewed by: Shayley

Thanks so much Shayley!
Click on their graphic for the complete review...
:-)
Mira

2007-09-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

And the winner is.... Tammi! Congratulations!!

You've won a copy of Forbidden. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

And thanks so much to everyone who entered.
Great playing with you all!
:-)
Mira

2007-08-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

Contest!!
Nothing gets me as excited as a good review and since I’ve been lucky enough to get two of them this week, I’m ready to celebrate with a contest!!

That’s right, it’s your chance to win a download of my sexy new release, FORBIDDEN!

I’m a simple girl, so this will be a simple challenge. Check out the excerpt from FORBIDDEN on my website and answer the following question:

What is the name of the town where Claire and Cade are reunited?

Send the correct answer to moiramctark@yahoo.com with FORBIDDEN CONTEST in the subject line and you will be entered in the drawing. The contest runs through Sunday, September 2nd and the winner will be notified by email on Monday the 3rd.

Thanks for playing!!

Mira

2007-08-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Reviews For FORBIDDEN Are In!!

Yippee!!! They’re here! Reviews, reviews... I’ve got ‘em!
What an excellent welcome home from the family vacation.

Talia Ricci from Joyfully Reviewed says:
“It was sweltering, sexy, and just downright fantastic.”

“Forbidden by Moira McTark is a winner in my book. I appreciated how it was written, I loved Cade’s dominating spirit, and I treasured Claire’s submission. Long story short? Don’t miss Forbidden by Moira McTark. It is a wonderful addition to anyone’s keeper shelf!”

Click here for the full review.

Lisa Gardineer from All About Romance says:
“Both characters were well drawn and the past love story was heartbreaking. I felt the love they shared, and the unavoidable hurt both endured...”

“I just can’t help falling for a guy who loves that deeply”

“...a quick, sensual read. Well done.”

Click here for the full review.

Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews Lisa and Talia!!

2007-07-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

Friday's Fare - Carnitas

Tonight it’s Carnitas for dinner. This is an awesome easy dish perfect for casual summer dining. It’s a great alternative to tacos or fajitas.

2lb lean pork, cut into 1/2inch cubes
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1Tbs dried oregano
1tsp cumin
1/2tsp salt
1/8tsp pepper
1Tbs vegetable oil
Fresh lime
Cilantro

Place the meat in a single layer on the bottom of a wide saucepan and cover with cold water until pork is just covered. Add the garlic, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until the water is evaporated and the meat is sizzling in it’s own fat. (about 35-45 min)
Add the oil and transfer to preheated oven at 425. (use an over proof pan or transfer to cookie sheet) cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
Pour onto a serving plate and give the meat a squirt of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Serve with warm tortillas, beans, cheese, sour cream and lettuce.
I’ll be enjoying mine with a nice cold Mexican beer. ☺
Have a great weekend!

2007-07-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Discipline and the drafts…
Today is one of those days where discipline is a major part of the writing process. I’ve finished the first draft of my newest story and more than anything I want to move on to something completely new and start charging at it. I want new faces, places and exciting conflicts to resolve. Another time I might turn my focus to brainstorming a new plot, but in this case I can’t. The deadline for submission on this project is in less than two weeks and I’ve got to get it done.
So, aside from a little blogelicious procrastination, I’m busting it to work through this draft.
Normally I’ve got about five drafts before my stories are ready to sub.
The first is to shake out a plot and conflict. It’s where I get to know my characters.
The second draft is where I do my major reworks to get the conflict to mesh, streamline the plot, and take my characters to therapy so they shake their multiple personalities.
The third draft, I do my best to tighten up the language, fill in the descriptions and cut the fat. And then I get critiques.
The fourth and fifth drafts are worked from critiques and usually that means I’m ready to sub from there.
So quite a bit of work remains before this baby is going to be ready to submit to anyone and considering the number of kids I have careening around the house, calling for water, calling for cleanup, calling for a medic… not a lot of time is left to get it done.
And I want to get it done… so I’m cracking the whip. Enough chatty, chat, chat.
☺
Mira

2007-06-30T06:03:00.001-07:00

Congrats!!
To Sassa and Jeanette, the winners of the FORBIDDEN Contest!
Hope you enjoy your reading. :-)
And thank you to everyone who entered!!

2007-06-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Friday's Fare:
Roasted Red Pepper, Pesto and Goat Cheese Quesadillas

This is a gorgeous, super easy and delicious appetizer best served on the deck, with a cool glass of white wine and some wonderful company.

You will need:
Flour tortillas
Pesto
Roasted red peppers (cut into 1cm wide strips)
Goat cheese
Butter.

All ingredients are to taste, but if you are like me and can’t function without a recipe and measurements on the first try, then here you go.
Spread a generous ounce of goat cheese over one tortilla.
Drizzle with two healthy tablespoons of pesto.
Blanket with as many red peppers as you dare – not quite a solid layer.
Top with remaining tortilla.
Heat a skillet over med-low and add about 1 Tbs of butter- let heat. Add Quesadilla and cook slowly until the bottom tortilla starts to brown and crisp (minute or two). Flip carefully. Remove when bottom is browned and crisped to your liking.
Cut into 8 wedges. Enjoy with extra paper napkins handy because the deliciousness comes at a slightly messy cost.

Enjoy!

2007-06-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in like with my new story!
Okay, it's not a full blown love affair just yet, but I'm on my way. I'm just closing up the first draft. I have the bones of it down. I have the characters shaped up to where I'm "feeling" them. A few more days and this could turn into something serious. Let's hope!

2007-06-27T18:55:00.001-07:00

Jude Law is this week's inspiration!
Page 30 of the July 2nd, In Touch Weekly has pictures that make my mouth water and my mind run wild with the possibilities of what this hotie could do in one of my stories.
He's super hot - to the point that I'm willing to pretend (1)I never saw Alfie and (2)I don't know about his shady personal life.
You in the blue tank! Yummy!!
:-)

2007-06-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

FORBIDDEN Contest
Girls Like Me Just Give It Away!

Free downloads that is! It’s a contest celebrating the one week anniversary of my new release, Forbidden!! The contest starts today, (June 22) and runs through Friday (June 29th).

The FORBIDDEN Contest

In celebration of the one week anniversary of my new release, FORBIDDEN, I’m giving away a free download to two lucky winners.
All you need to do is check out the excerpt for Forbidden and email me at moiramctark@yahoo.com with the answer to this question: What is Claire’s full name (first, middle and last).

Two winners will be chosen at random from the entries with the correct answer and may choose either a download of FORBIDDEN or CONSUMED.

Winners will be chosen and notified by email on Saturday, June 30th.

2007-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

8 Random Things About Moira McTark

Dawn Halliday tagged me to write 8 little-known, obscure facts about myself. Here they are…

1. Next to my family and my writing, my fantasy-celebrity-boyfriend-list is the most important thing in my life. The list is extensive and fluid, with such categories as Dirty, Pretty-but-don’t-talk, Trapped-on-an-island, and Just-for-the-night.

2. I love things that make me laugh above all else. Super Troopers is my favorite movie. Will Farrell tops the above mentioned LIST.

3. I met my husband, who looks like Will Farrell, in Rome, Italy, where he made me laugh harder than anyone I’ve ever encountered.

4. I have no fashion sense, but like looking snappy, and thus must rely on my stylish, eternally patient and accommodating little sister to pick out all of my clothes.

5. I hate raw tomatoes, folding socks, and hand washing dishes with equal fervor.

6. I cry at everything. Commercials, cards, even certain episodes of Startrek: The Next Generation have brought a tear or two to my eyes.

7. I’m just open-minded enough to accept the possibility that ghosts are real and might be living in my mother’s house.

8. I firmly believe there are three things in life that can make anything better: Romance, chocolate, and a good hot shower. Don’t even get me started on what happens if you combine them! ☺

I hereby tag: Trista Ann Michaels, Marteeka Karland, and Stacia Wolf

2007-06-15T19:47:00.001-07:00

It's out!!! I'm so excited- FORBIDDEN is for sale at Cobblestone Press! There's a gorgeous cover, and an awesome excerpt. Stop on by to check it out.
http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/forbidden.htm
I'd love to hear what you think!
Moira