Off to See Stephanie Bond!

Hey, bloggers!

I'm sorry I've been absent for a few days, but my father has been ill and in the hospital. I am just now catching up on a few things and getting back to some normal "writer stuff"! I'm excited that this weekend I'm going to get the chance to attend a two day writer's retreat featuring author Stephanie Bond! I have heard Stephanie speak many times on tape from the RWA conferences, but I've never had the chance to hear her in person. She does some great talks on not only the craft of writing, but the business side as well. This Saturday she'll be talking about the difference between a good book and a great book, self-editing, and minding your writing business. Look out Stephanie! I have a few questions for you.

I'm also looking forward to a girl's night out with two of my writing pals, Margaret and Noelle. I'm sure we'll do a lot of brainstorming and share a ton of laughs. Ah, this means no cooking, and no wrangling the kids! Woo-hoo! But I'm sure very little sleep. ;-)

So, are you a Stephanie Bond fan? If so, tell me which books of hers are your favorites. I personally can't wait to get signed copies of her two Voodoo books---In Deep Voodoo, and Finding Your Mojo. Right now I'm in the process of reading Got Your Number!

And just a quick heads-up. I have a new contest coming to my website, http://www.sherryjames.com, in November. Be sure to check in to see how you can win a signed copy of Studs for Hire: Woman in Charge and other goodies!

Sherry

EPONA Horse Rescue

Ever since I was a little girl I've been a horse lover. I was born around horses, grew up on horses, and I still own horses. They truly are one of the most magnificent animals to gallop across our planet. But unfortunately, horses are not immune to the abuse and neglect some people choose to inflict upon them. However, there is hope. Earlier this year I became acquainted with Lin Beaune of EPONA Horse Rescue. Lin is truly making a difference to save the lives of many, many horses. Like many rescue organizations, Lin's survives mainly on adoptions, and of course, donations. I'm proud my publisher, Black Velvet Seductions, has been helping with the cause.

Right now Epona is holding a raffle as another means to raise funds. If you are a horse lover and are in the market for a nice saddle, please consider buying a ticket! First prize is your choice of a 15" Circle Y Western saddle or an Australian Snowy River Outback saddle. These saddles were donated by a generous woman from North Carolina and are in excellent condition. Saddles can be seen at www.eponahorserescue.com. Tickets are $5 each and can be ordered on line by emailing Epona Horse Rescue at eponahorserescue@msn.com and paying through Pay Pal. Or you can write to Epona and mail your order to :

Epona Horse Rescue
PO Box 2618
Kearney Ne 68848

They are also holding a Open House Buffet on Saturday, November 3, 6-10 PM at the Brewers Coffee House in Minden, NE. Tickets for the buffet are $10.00 per person. The raffle drawing for the saddles will be held that evening. You need not be present to win. Thanks for listening!

"The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse."---Lord Palmerston

Author Sponsored Contests Poll WINNER!

Hey! First of all, a great big thanks to all of you who took the time to stop by and vote in my poll, and to post comments. I got some terrific feedback. Thank you, thank you. This will help make planning my November contest so much easier.

And now. For the moment you've all been waiting for! The winner of the fun Halloween Goodie bag is---(imagine drum roll here)

GIN!!!

Woo-Hoo! Congratulations, Gin! Please email me at sherryjames@hamilton.net with your snail mail address so I know where to send your Tricks & Treats!

Again, thanks, everyone! This was fun. Keep your eyes open from more fun stuff to come in the near future!

Sherry

Author Sponsored Contests Poll

The upcoming release of my third book, Studs for Hire: Woman in Charge, means that I'm gearing up for a new contest! Yes, that's right, you could be the winner of some great prizes this coming November. But first, I wanted to find out exactly just how much work readers are willing to go to win a prize. Please take the poll on the right. And if you feel compelled to give me more input by posting comments here, that would be fantastic. I'd love to hear what you all think. Are you willing to go the extra mile to enter? If yes, what prompts you to do so? The fun of it? The chance to win something marvelous? And if not, let me know that too. Is your computer time limited? No patience for that kind of stuff? Be honest. Where do you typically hear about contests? Author's web site, friends, review sites, author's e-newsletter? For all of you who post a comment here on my blog, I'll put your name in the hat for a fun Halloween Goodie Bag full of tricks & treats! Don't dally though. The poll closes on October 8, 2007. I can't wait to hear from you!