Frances Stockton's Blog http://www.francesstockton.com/blog Personal blog of author Frances Stockton Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:56:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 en Barnes and Noble: Nook Ebook Reader http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=92 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=92#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:56:59 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=92 Hello everyone!

I found out this evening that all of my Cerridwen Press titles, Seductive Persuasion, Rhiannon’s Pride, and Sea Captain’s Ghost, as well as my Ellora’s Cave Sophisticate title Quarterback Blitz are on sale a Barnes and Noble for the Nook. Here’s a link to BN.com, http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=EBOOK&WRD=Frances+Stockton

Additionally, I recently learned that Rhiannon’s Pride is now available in Trade Paperback. Here’s the link for Cerridwen Press and Rhiannon’s Pride: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8727-rhiannons-pride.aspx

My plan is to continue updating links and information right here on my blog, so please do check back often.

Until next time,

Frances

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=92 Links for Quarterback Blitz! http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=91 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=91#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:30:55 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=91 Hello everyone,

Happy Friday! It’s been a very long week for me, as I had minor surgery on Tuesday and ended up getting a migrain-type headache later that same day and was pretty sick.  I’ll spare the details, but let’s just say I’m glad that it’s the weekend and I’m fully recovered!

Anyway, if you scroll down, you’ll see that there’s an excellent interview with Katey Davis. It really is informative and I hope you’ll check it out. I also wanted to provide some links to Quarterback Blitz. While there are links in the ‘What’s New’ window, the following links will take you right to the book!

First up: Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Quarterback-Blitz-ebook/dp/B00413PIY0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1283519881&sr=1-4 for the Kindle. I love my Kindle 2 and downloaded the book in under 20 seconds. I’m not terribly technical, so I find direct download very easy. 

If you prefer the Sony or another reader device, Ellora’s Cave has a variety of different formats that are compatible with ereaders. Here’s a link to the Jasmine Jade/Ellora’s Cave site and link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8560-138-quarterback-blitz.aspx

I hope you’ll check them out and don’t forget to stop by and leave a comment for Katey!

Until next time,

Frances

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=91 Interview with Tattooist/Body Artist Katey Davis! http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=90 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=90#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:08:42 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=90 Greetings everyone!

I’m so excited today, because my good friend, Katey Davis, has agreed to do an interview.  Katey is a tattoo artist and has been for several years. Since my hero Kyran Black from Quarterback Blitz has tattoos, and his friend Phalen Maddox in the story owns a tattoo shop, I wanted to do some research on the culture of body art and tattoos. I learned a ton from Katey and hope that the following interview will inspire you or help with a character. She provides amazing insight into her world, debunking myths regarding her profession, and excellent information for writers and readers alike. So sit back, read through, and comment!

Anyone who comments over the next 3 days will be eligible for a trade paperback version of my book Rhiannon’s Pride! Don’t be shy. Katey and I will be monitoring the comments and look forward to hearing from you.

Without further delay, here’s Katey!

FS: Welcome Katey! I wanted to thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for my blog. It’s my hope that writers and readers alike will learn something new from someone that I know is very talented at her craft! To begin, would you take a minute and introduce yourself and tell us what you do for a living?
KD: Why thank you for choosing to interview me! My name is Katey Davis, a 21 year-old scorpio and Virginia native. I’ve been tattooing for three years at Danny’s Ancient Art Tattoo Studio in my hometown.

FS: Now that we know a little about you, what was it about tattoos/tattooing that inspired you?
KD: I’ve always been attracted to the illustration and design side of art as opposed to the other aspects of art, and tattooing allows me to do just that. It was difficult for me in art classes, because the teachers wanted you to paint or sculpt an emotion, but I liked drawing things that looked cool or beautiful or even unnerving.

FS: How long have you been working on your art?
KD: I’ve drawn for as long as I can remember, and I began dabbling with any medium I could find as I got older. It was always something I enjoyed exploring and I’m sure it’s something I’ll never finish exploring it.

FS: Out of curiosity, what is the most popular type of tattoo for a man? Likewise, what is the most popular for women?
KD: Typically, men will settle for something tribal or a cross, and almost always on the upper arm or shoulder blade for their first. Women gravitate towards butterflies or flowers, but for a lot of younger ones, it’s a whimsical quote about love and eternity in Italian or stars on their feet. In some cases, the classic favorites vary depending on region, and in my case, Native American subjects like dreamcatchers or things related to hunting or being southern are quite popular.

FS: Can you share with all of us what body part or area seems to be more sensitive or painful when it comes to body art?
KD: General consenus is that the top of the foot or the ribcage are the most painful. And as for me, my ribcage was definitely my most painful, but I don’t have any on the tops of my feet. I can’t imagine getting your throat tattooed would feel good either, but I don’t know many people that have that done yet.

FS: Have you ever created your own tattoo designs for costumers or do you find that they tend to know what they want when they come to your shop?
KD: We normally try to create our own designs as much as we possibly can, but a lot of people come in with their own designs or they’ll pick one off the wall. And even when that happens, I like to make the design as good as it possibly can be. I’ll make sure that it’s legible, large enough to fit the area in which it’s going, and flows with the natural shape of the person’s body, so that way it looks like it belongs there. Not only that, but we like our customers to be able to walk away with an original tattoo.

FS: If you would, tell us the names of the most common tools and terms used in your business. I’ve talked to you about this once, and took tons of notes, but I found it so fascinating and believe the knowledge would benefit us all.
KD: One of the big things that the general public is not aware of, is that we call it a tattoo MACHINE, not a tattoo gun. Calling it a machine will earn you instant points if you find yourself in a tattoo shop. Tattoos are generally done in two steps, and depending on the size and nature of the tattoo, both those steps can be completed in one session. Those steps are lining and shading, and typically artists will use separate machines to complete each step. Quite simply, the machine for lining is a liner, and the one for shading is, you guessed it, a shader, and they are each set up and tuned differently from one another. The needles used in a liner are called tights or rounds (depending on how loosely they are grouped,) and are grouped in a circle. The needles in a shader are grouped flat and in two rows, like a flat paint brush, and are called mags. The needle fits inside of a tube, tip and grip, which the part the artist holds while tattooing, and the needle itself is attached to the machine. Sometimes the outline is done first, sometimes the shading, and sometimes they’re both done simultaneously, but the design of the tattoo and how you want it to look in the end will determine the order.

FS: Just for kicks, let’s say that I’ve always been fascinated in getting a tattoo and came to your shop and asked to have a tattoo of a panther put on my shoulder (unless there is a less painful spot and you can change the location if necessary) how would you start? More so, how long would it take to complete? Once the ink work was done, how should someone take care of it?
KD: First is the consultation step. We’d discuss the actual design itself, and figure out size, location, if you want it realistic versus stylized, etc. Then, we’d collect reference if needed and I’d begin drawing it for you. After you were pleased with the drawing, we’d make the stencil. We’d make sure the placement was right, then the tattooing will begin! Assuming you don’t want something completely massive covering your entire shoulder, your outline could be done in ten to twenty minutes, shading done in fifteen to thirty. Once it was finished, we’d clean everything off, l et you check it out, then bandage you up. You can take the bandage off after a couple hours, and wash the tattoo with warm water and unscented, anti-bacterial soap. Either pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry for about ten minutes. Then apply aftercare. Most shops sell aftercare there, but if you don’t get that, I suggest Curel or Lubriderm, a mild unscented lotion. All you need is just a small drop on your fingertips, and rub it in really well. Continue with the lotion a few times a day when it starts feeling dry, but don’t oversaturate it with aftercare, either. You’ll want to avoid tight fitting clothing, submerging it in water, and direct sunlight until after it heals, which is roughly two weeks. While it’s healing, it will probably scab or peel, and it is very important NOT to pick or scratch at your healing tattoo. Once it’s done healing, you can treat it like normal skin!

FS: Finally, what do you think are the most common misconceptions about tattooists, tattoos and tattoo shops?
KD: Funny you should ask that. As of now, I’m a young girl that wears more mainstream clothing, has a normal haircut, and no visible tattoos (unless I’m wearing shorts) or visible piercings. One of our current receptionists is a tall man with many visible tattoos, a mohawk, and a pierced ear who wears band t-shirts. Usually, when a customer comes in, they assume he is the artist and I’m the receptionist. Another thing people assume is that tattoo artists are partiers or heathens or punk anarchists or that we have checkered pasts or are devil worshippers. People will expect a shop to be full of bikers or drug addicts and some think that tattoos are only for those who went to jail. When in all honesty, we artists don’t get drunk every night and we don’t go out vandalizing. A lot of us actually vote, some of us regularly attend church, and our pasts are no different than anyone else’s. Our shop is typically filled with all sorts, from 18 year-old boys getting their first to 50 year-old women getting their first, from bikers to teachers, from nurses to policemen. And tattoos aren’t just for sailors anymore. But I can say this; the hugest difference, between my job and many other jobs, is that I’m allowed to say curse at any time, no matter who is present. That is my favorite luxury. :)

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=90 4.5 Star Review: Quarterback Blitz http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=89 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=89#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:38:48 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=89 Greetings everyone!

Today, I’m wicked excited because Quarterback Blitz received an excellent review from Emily at Sensual Reads.com! Since this was my first step into the spicy romance world of Ellora’s Cave (my previous 3 releases were for Cerridwen Press), I admit I was a little anxious and nervous.

But now that the first review is in, I couldn’t wait to share. Here’s a direct link to the review: http://sensualreads.com/?p=4800

In celebration of the review, I wanted to let everyone know that I’m going to be hosting a special interview right here on my blog! My good friend Katey Davis is an artist, more so, she’s a tatooist and will be providing remarkable insight into the world of tattoo shops and body art.  Stay tuned, as I’m planning to showcase the interview right here tomorrow afternoon!

Until then, write well and read often,

Frances Stockton

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=89 Yahoo! Anyone? http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=88 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=88#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 11:57:30 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=88 Good morning!

And, happy Saturday. I hope everyone’s enjoying the weekend and what remains of summer. This summer has ‘flown’ by. As many of you know, my spicy Contemporary Romance, Quarterback Blitz, released from Ellora’s Cave Publishing on Wednesday August 18, 2010, and I’m still wicked excited about it! While more stories involving Kyran Black’s friends are in the works, today I’m taking a break from writing and hosting a List Mom Day at Ellorascavechat, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat/ where other EC authors will be participating and sharing their blurbs, excerpts and more. Starting at noon (EST) the informal format of a yahoo! group chat allows for visiting anytime during the day, so if you’re busy shopping or enjoying your Saturday, check in later or anytime, and you can find out the latest about EC authors and their work.

Of course, I’ll be posting tidbits and information about Quarterback Blitz, and hosting a contest which will last through the weekend. Contest information will be posted over at Ellorascavechat. To join the Yahoo! Group, follow this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ellorascavechat/

 Before I sign off here today, I wanted to send a quick shout out to Kim for commenting on my blog post the other day. I so appreciate the feedback and support!

May you all have an excellent weekend,

Frances Stockton

As a post script to my earlier blog entry, I wanted to extend a contest announcement made on the Ellorascavechat yahoo!group.  Here’s the info:

Since it’s Saturday and contest time, I thought I’d go ahead and announce my contest. Beginning today, Saturday August 21, 2010 and ending Wednesday August 25, 2010, anyone who answers the following question will be eligible to win a 25$ Amazon.com giftcard. The question: What is the mascot/character that Anna James portrays in Quarterback Blitz.

The answer is in the blurb and excerpt, and you can also check out my website, http://www.francesstockton.com or follow this link to Ellora’s Cave/Jasmine Jade: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8560-138-quarterback-blitz.aspx

When you have the answer email me at romance@francesstockton.com, and your name will be placed into a drawing for the Amazon.com giftcard. I will draw the winner first thing on Thursday morning, August 26th and announce it both here and on my blog http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/

I am so glad to have the chance to post excerpts today. I’ll check in throught the rest of the day, and if anyone has a question/comment regarding Quarterback Blitz, mascots, or my Cerridwen Press titles, please don’t hesitate to shout!

Frances Stockton
http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8560-138-quarterback-blitz.aspx

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=88 Are You Ready for some Football?! http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=85 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=85#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:46:52 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=85 quarterbackblitz_msr1.jpgI know I am! I’m over the moon with joy and excitement. My sexy Contemporary Romance, Quarterback Blitz, released today with Ellora’s Cave Publshing.

To celebrate, I thought I’d post a direct link to the book, blurb, and an excerpt. Over the next few days, I’ll pick a few more excerpts and post, as well as hosting a List Mom Day at Ellorascavechat on Saturday August 21, 2010. Tomorrow I’ll post a yahoo link for Ellorascavechat and you can join up. Other EC authors will be there posting about their books, and I’ll have a contest.

For now, enjoy a peak at Quarterback Blitz!! http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8560-quarterback-blitz.aspx You can find an excerpt through this link, as well as right here on my website.

Happy Day everyone, and congrats to my fellow EC authors with releases today.

Frances Stockton

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=85 RomantiCon Anyone? http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=84 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=84#comments Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:12:30 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=84 Hello everyone!

I know it’s summer and if you’re like me and have children at home, life is quite hectic. Between taking care of dentist appointments, doctor check ups, an upcoming birthday (yes, for myself, but we won’t go into the age thing…LOL), and getting ready for Quarterback Blitz to be released on August 18, 2010, summer days simply fly by!

As to my question/topic for this post, RomantiCon, I wanted to give a great big shout out to the authors and readers and of Ellora’s Cave books, and also to the EC staff for planning and hosting the convention. The date is set for October 7-10, 2010 in Richfield, Ohio. Last year was the first year for EC’s convention, but this will be my first. I’m also excited because I’ll be still be celebrating my first EC contemporary release, and will also have information and signings for two of my Panthera series books from Cerridwen Press.

If you’d like to learn more about RomantiCon, follow this link: http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?skinid=11 and click on the RomantiCon icon! I know many EC/CP authors would love to catch up with readers at the convention, and I hear the parties, social opportunities, workshops, and the Cavemen, will all be part of the experience! Ohio, here we come in October! 

Until next time,

Frances Stockton

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=84 TGIF News: Coming Soon! http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=83 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=83#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:13:13 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=83 Hello everyone!

I had to share my excitement. Quarterback Blitz, my spicy Contemporary Romance to be released by Ellora’s Cave on August 18, 2010, is now up on the Coming Soon pages. Check out the following link: http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8560-50-quarterback-blitz.aspx

You can read an excerpt, too: http://www.jasminejade.com/productspecs/9781419930416.htm

In a few weeks, the cover, blurb and excerpts will be up on the Contemporary Books page here on my website. Until then, I thought I’d go ahead and share the blurb for Quarterback Blitz.

Enjoy!

All Anna wants for her fortieth birthday is a ladies night out. Her plans are stalled when she ends up stuck in her griffin costume. The mascot for the Alexandria Griffins, she never expects to be rescued by the star of her midnight fantasies, quarterback Kyran Black. Called “The Rebel” by the press because of his long hair, tattoos and playboy stats off the field, he’s everything a high school teacher and team mascot should avoid.

Kyran is gorgeous and irresistible and he invites her to celebrate her birthday with him. Certain she’s too old for him, she agrees to one night. Kyran’s charm and dominance in bed blitz Anna’s defenses, teaching her things about sex that she never thought she’d experience.

But when their one-night stand turns into a relationship, his bad boy past comes back to threaten their future.

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=83 Big News: Quarterback Blitz http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=81 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=81#comments Sat, 03 Jul 2010 15:20:12 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=81 quarterbackblitz_msr.jpgHello everyone,

I have some exciting news to pass on to everyone. My spicy Contemporary Romance, Quarterback Blitz, will be released by Ellora’s Cave Publishing on August 18, 2010! Stay tuned for the blurb, excerpts, chat dates, contest information, and more.

 I am very excited about this book and can’t wait until August. Oddly enough, my birthday is in August, the heroine of Quarterback Blitz, Anna James, has her 40th birthday at the start of the book, and it is largely set in the month of August. Seems like a great match for a release date to me.

I absolutely love the cover, which I know I’ve posted here previously and will do so again just for fun! Enjoy the cover, art work done by the very talented Dar Albert, and let me know what you think.

 Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate it,

Frances Stockton

]]> http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=81 Everybody Needs a Little Romance Guest Blogger: Heather http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=80 http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=80#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:06:04 +0000 Frances Stockton http://www.francesstockton.com/blog/?p=80 Hi everyone!

I know I’ve been quiet. I was on vacation and had limited internet access, but now that I’m home, I am thrilled to introduce you to Heather, a reviewer for Everybody Needs a Little Romance. The blog is excellent and the reviewers are genuine, honest, and love to read romance. If you’d like to learn a little about the review site and the reviewers, especially Heather, here’s a link: http://everybodyneedsalittleromance.com/heather/ or http://everybodyneedsalittleromance.com/. I think you’ll enjoy the posts and the blog. The link is also to the left on my blogroll. I hope you’ll check out Heather’s thoughts on what it’s like to be a reviewer. Share your thoughts, comments, and questions and we’ll be checking in to respond.

 Hey all, my name is Heather and I review books for Everybody Needs a Little Romance.  I am honored that Frances asked me to guest on her blog.  You see, I am a huge fan of her books.  I don’t usually pick up historical romances but I won the 1st book in her Panthera Series in a contest and was hooked.   I bought Rhiannon’s Pride as soon as I finished the 1st one and now have all three of them on my Kindle.

I have been a book lover and avid reader all my life.  In January, I started reviewing books for the blog.  I have never reviewed books for a blog or website until Keri Ford asked me to join their blog as a reviewer.  I started out on a temporary basis because I wasn’t sure how good I would be at reviewing books.  After a couple months I became a part of the blog, I even have my own tab!!

I love reviewing books for them.  I get to read whatever I want and tell people about some of my favorite authors.  Another perk is the free books I get in exchange for an honest review.  I have won ARC’s from Moira Rogers, Jaci Burton and Maya Banks that I’ve been able to review for them.  It’s definitely been a lot of fun.

Its hard to say exactly what I look for in a book, a lot of times it depends on my mood.  I read just about everything from paranormal romance and urban fantasy, to contemporary romances.  I have found as I get older, I tend to like my romance books a little spicier and I absolutely hate teenage angst.  I am probably the only person that hasn’t read the Twilight series. 

I tend to look for books that have strong characters, especially the females.  I like a female character that is able to take care of herself but is willing to accept help when she needs it.  I like my males strong and HOT but with flaws that make them human and approachable.  A cast of complex supporting characters is another must.  They help with plot development and can lead to expansion of the story into other books.

The best books are the ones that have the ability to transport me to another place where I am so vested in the story I am reading that I forget about everything else.  There are a select few books that I have even had dreams about the characters because I didn’t want the book to end.   Some of my favorite authors are JR Ward, Lora Leigh, Gena Showalter Kresley Cole, Lindsey Sands, Patricia Brigss, and of course, Frances.  The list is too numerous to name them all.

When I review books for the blog we use Flaming Heart ratings, ranging from 1 to 5 with the option of a DNF or a Broken Heart.  The majority of the books I have reviewed range from 3 to 4 ½ flaming hearts.  If the book is good and holds my attention but isn’t anything special it will be awarded 3 flaming hearts.  If the book has an extra something it can earn 3 ½ to 4 flaming hearts.  If it’s a really good, can’t put down book, that makes me cry that deserves 4 ½ to 5 flaming hearts.  I happy to say that I have not had to give a book less than 3 stars and have never had a DNF or Broken heart book.

A little about myself:  I am a 42 year old grandma of a beautiful 16 month old.  In addition to spending time with my little angel, I work full time and am in the process of completing my MBA.   My biggest complaint is that there are too many books and too little time.  Please stop by Everybody Needs a Little Romance and check out our blog.  Frances will be our guest on Friday, June 25th.  My book reviews are posted every other Friday.  http://everybodyneedsalittleromance.com/

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