Friday, March 28, 2008

IT'S TIME TO PARTY!!! Jordan Dane

We've been enjoying her posts, her visits to our blogs, we've been reading her excerpts and chapters and more - this dynamite tour is about to end but we don't want to stop so we are going to go out with a rip roaring bang with a huge PARTY

Are We Ready to P-A-R-T-Y!?!

The “Show—Not Tell” Virtual Book Tour is almost a wrap and we’ve been gearing up all month for the “Launch P-A-R-T-Y!” for debut author Jordan Dane. Be here Sunday March 30th at 7:00 p.m. Eastern US time. (The virtual bar will be open, but feel free to BYOB.) The place: The Writer’s Chatroom, of course!

Since March 5th, “newcomer” Jordan Dane has been the guest of honor at 7 virtual book tour stops sponsored by The Writer’s Chatroom. She’s been open to all questions and has shared personal and business information with anyone who stopped by. The last stop on the tour is hosted by Glenn Walker, founder of TWC, on March 29th at http://www.monsura.blogspot.com/

There will be prizes galore up for grabs at the P-A-R-T-Y. Every person who interacted with Jordan at the VBT stops, except for the host at each tour stop, is eligible to win one of FIVE gift cards to B&N bookstores. (If the hosts stopped by at other tour stops, they are eligible and entered there.) The more comments left by each person, the more chances to win. So far, Tina M. Russo holds the record for having the most entries. Her prize for that? Just click on her name/hotlink to her website. It’s all about the marketing, folks. (Tina has a very nice website, btw.)

More opportunities to win prizes:

The Browse Inside Link: http://tinyurl.com/28nd9x)

Jordan’s contest page: http://www.jordandane.com/contest.php

And … there will be even MORE prizes given away during the P-A-R-T-Y!

Jordan sold SIX books to Avon/HarperCollins before the first one, No One Heard Her Scream, was released on March 25th. She has back-to-back releases in April and May for the next two! And, she’s currently at work on her next series.

Don’t know about you, but I wannabe like Jordan! I want to learn just how she managed to do that, how she markets, how she plans her stories, how she sells them, and how she plans to get to the top of the New York Times Bestseller list! If you’re a Jordan wannabe like me, check out what she had to say at the VBT stops:

Billie Williams at http://printedwords.blogspot.com

Linda J. Hutchinson at http://reviewhutch.blogspot.com

Kim Richards at http://kim-richards.livejournal.com/

Lisa Haselton at http://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/

Cricket Sawyer at http://www.Cricketshearth.blogspot.com

Diana Castilleja at http://dianacastilleja.blogspot.com

Renee’ Barnes at http://msqtpi.livejournal.com/

Glenn Walker at http://www.monsura.blogspot.com/

See you at the “Launch P-A-R-T-Y!” on March 30th at TWC!

Linda J. Hutchinson

TWC team member/moderator

Freelance writer/copywriter

www.lindajhutchinson.com

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

You Won't Want to Miss This!!


WHAT A TRIP!

If you’ve been reading these announcements you’re aware that we have been conducting a Virtual Book Tour for debut author Jordan Dane for over a month.

We’re down to the final stretch—and who better to bring it home than The Writer’s Chatroom’s own—Renee’ Barnes and Glenn Walker!

Stop by these last two stops on the tour to find out even more about our featured author—who sold SIX books to Avon HarperCollins before the first one hit print.

Jordan is a dynamo! She not only writes well but understands the publishing industry and knows how to market herself. Learn from her while imagining yourself in her position. She is one to watch, one to learn from, and one to emulate if you want to be a successful novelist. “If you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it!”

Every comment you leave at a tour stop enters you to win one of many fabulous prizes!

March 26 Renee’ Barnes at http://msqtpi.livejournal.com/
March 29 TWC founder Glenn Walker at http://www.monsura.blogspot.com/

More opportunities to win prizes:
The Browse Inside Link: http://tinyurl.com/28nd9x)
Jordan’s contest page: http://www.jordandane.com/contest.php

And then GET READY TO P-A-R-T-Y! Sunday, March 30th is the date and you are invited! The party starts at 7:00 p.m. Eastern US time. http://writerschatroom.com

If you’ve missed any of the tour stops, please stop in before the P-A-R-T-Y! to read the interviews with Jordan. Be ready to L-A-U-N-C-H your burning questions at her this coming Sunday.

Billie Williams at http://printedwords.blogspot.com
Linda J. Hutchinson at http://reviewhutch.blogspot.com
Kim Richards at http://kim-richards.livejournal.com/
Lisa Haselton at http://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/
Cricket Sawyer at http://www.Cricketshearth.blogspot.com
Diana Castilleja at http://dianacastilleja.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

She's here -- She's finally here!! Jordan Dane




Jordan I'm so excited that you agreed to come speak with my readers today. Come grab a cuppa what ever is your favorite and sit a spell. Put your feet up, I'm sure you could use a break after your whirlwind virtual tour so far this month.

Thanks so much for spending time with me, Cricket. I really appreciate your support of a new author.
1. What is the toughest part of your job as a writer?
Not having enough hours in the day to do everything I’d love to do—including having a life.  I’m kidding, because I really love writing full time now, but I do need to find a better balance between my writing and my personal life.
2. Cast your book as a miniseries. What channel would it appear on--the “old fogey” channel of CBS, for example, or the “youth catering” Fox or WB, Cinemax? Who would play the leads? Would four hours be enough to tell the story, or would you need six?
I’d be on cable late at night. No kiddies or editing. I already cast my books as I’m writing them and create a power point file on images. So here is my Diego Galvan, as played by Eduardo Verastequi. And my cop heroine would be played by the woman who was the prison doctor on the TV show ‘Prison Break’, Sarah Wayne Callies.
3. The emotions that you have Becca showing are so well done. Do you have a sister? If not, how did you come up with the feelings Becca is experiencing as she tries to keep her mind occupied with her job, in spite of her desire to focus on solving her sister’s kidnapping and possible murder? If you do, did your feelings for your own siblings play apart in your writing this story?
I do have quite a few sibs, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. We are all very close. Author Lee Child said that it’s not about writing what you know, but writing what you fear. I can only guess at what it would feel like to lose a love one to violence, but I had a friend who shared her story. Her sister was murdered and the killer was never found. That incident defined her whole life and I never forgot her telling me about it. I had to tell her story. And the Natalee Holloway story (the girl abducted from a school outing in Aruba and never found) also touched me a great deal and still does.

4. I'm always interested in writers' schedules... Do you manage to adhere to a fixed number of hours of writing per day or week, or do you write just when inspiration strikes?!
I try to write mainly 9am-3pm each day and on weekends when I’m on a project (which I’m always on). But I get up in the middle of the night and write if I have to. I lead a crazy life. My poor husband is very patient.
5. What do you deem to be the most distinctive feature of your novel (characterization, setting, plot...)?
I focus on every detail, but if I were to be pinned down, I’d say I focus mainly on character and creating an atmospheric nature to my stories so a reader is THERE with all their senses. My brand slogan is “Take a Front Row Seat to Suspense” for a reason, I hope. 
6. What would you like to see evolve from this novel?
This is an interesting question, but I’m a really pragmatic person. I don’t speculate on someone making a movie of it or making a wish list for SCREAM. I keep writing. I’m on book #5 and am well down the road to selling another series beyond the six I already have under contract. The business woman in me wants to stay focused on my long term writing career.
7. Your Title “No One Heard Her Scream” sends shivers down my spine, perhaps because I’m a woman – but…How did you come up with your title.
The title came from a dialogue line in the book. When the woman detective realizes something about the skeletal remains buried behind a wall. The young girl had been buried alive. And all my woman detective can do is flash back to the tragic death of her baby sister. In her grief, she says, “No one heard her scream.” And her CSI guy replies, “Until now.”
8. What are the titles of the two others in this serial line? Did you decide on those titles in a similar way?
My other two books had different names, but my publisher wanted the titles to be similar with a “No One” related titles. NO ONE LEFT TO TELL was previously called “Crossing the Line” and my Brazil story NO ONE LIVES FOREVER was entitled “In the Shadow of Redemption” (even standing in its shadow, redemption can seem like a world away). I still like that title. These titles are now reflected in dialogue within each book too. It’s something I like to do.
I jokingly told my family in my crazy Christmas letter in 2007 that there was a 4th book, entitled NO ONE GETS A GIFT. They thought that was funny until they realized I wasn’t kidding.

9. I guess everyone wants to know if you model your characters after anybody you know, or anybody famous you admire? Or do they just sort of evolve from your head as the story unwinds?
I let my characters come to me organically. They usually have to wake me up in the middle of the night. Sometimes they are a composite of many types of people too. I like deep portrayals and complex personalities, even for my beloved antagonists. After all, villains are the heroes in their own stories.
10. What genre does “No One Heard Her Scream,” fit into? Do you write in any other Genres? Are there genres that you would like to try your hand at? What made you decide to write in this genre?
I made a decision to write the type of story I wanted to read—the kind of books on my bookshelves. And since I love mystery/suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, humor, forensics, thrillers and romance, I thought I would try it all. It’s not such a stretch to create a tapestry of these elements if you love them as much as I do. And I really love a challenge. I’ve been referring to my writing as romantic thrillers, but I’m not sure that says it either.
As for other genres attempted, I have two completed romances under my bed and one partial of a humorous paranormal crime fiction (Harry Potter meets Buffy story meets Cops). My agent really loves these and still wants to sell them. But I’m afraid that by leaping into other genres, if I find success there, I might not have the quality time with any of it. Quality is important to me.

11. Is there anything you would like to tell my readers? And where can they buy your book?
My books are available for presale at Amazon, Borders, BooksAMillion, Barnes & Noble, and your great independent stories near you on Booksense. I have links on my website to these sources. NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM (March 25th), NO ONE LEFT TO TELL (April 29th) and NO ONE LIVES FOREVER (May 27th). The first book is standalone in plot and the 2nd and 3rd books are connected by characters and story and should probably be read in order.
For you readers, I’d like for them to know I’m busy writing my next series – Sweet Justice. And I am really jazzed about these characters and the pace of the plots. The first of that series is tentatively set for release in Feb 2009 – EVIL WITHOUT A FACE. Here’s a sneak overview of the series:
“An illusive web of imposters on the Internet lures a deluded teen from her Alaskan home and launches a chain reaction collision course with an unlikely tangle of heroes. This is the initial driver to a new 3-book series from suspense author Jordan Dane and Avon HarperCollins. With an international setting, these romantic thrillers will focus on the lives and loves of three women—a bounty hunter operating outside the law, an ambitious vice cop, and a former international operative with a mysterious past.”

Thanks so much for having me as guest blogger, Cricket. You’re awesome! And best of luck to you and your readers in 2008.

Thank you Jordon for your insightful and inspiring answers to my questions. I really truly enjoyed your visit please do stop by again.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Review for No One Heard Her Scream


Title: No One Heard Her Scream

by Jordan Dane

Avon Harper Collins

ISBN: 9780061252785

Dani Montgomery is but one of the missing, and presumed dead, young women from around San Antonio, TX. She is the focus, and the force, of tough homicide detective Rebecca Montgomery. When Becca is told to stay away from the investigation into Dani’s disappearance, her boss puts her on another case—that of a body found behind a brick wall in an old theater that has been torched.

As Becca investigates the crime scene she realizes she’s being watched by more than one stranger, but one is deliciously tall, dark and dangerous. When she visits the former owner of the theater, a notorious mob boss, she is loathe to find her stranger is his enforcer.

Becca trusts her gut to tie it all together, with the help of one watchful stranger and without the help of the other.

Piecing together evidence at the theater gives rise to the title. NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM by debut author Jordan Dane is a romantic thriller with all the great elements; intrigue, debauchery, retribution and redemption—with libido to match.

Reviewed by: Linda J. Hutchinson http://www.lindajhutchinson.com/

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Sunday, March 16, 2008

Excitement is building - be here March 19



We’ve certainly had some great comments during each stop of the Virtual Book Tour
for Jordan Dane.
Why was she chosen to be our first vic … I mean featured author?
Because she has a very professional website.
Because she has a very professional blog.
Because she has a presence on MySpace and other networking sites around the ‘Net.
Because she attends every writer’s conference she can possibly get to
to network with successful writers, editors, agents.
Because she promotes herself as a professional writer.
She isn’t resting on her laurels after having sold SIX books
to Avon HarperCollins before the first one hit print.
 
If you’re like me and wannabe like Jordan, take a look
at how you’re promoting yourself. Does your website look
like a novice put it together Do you remember to blog
more than once a month Do you network with other writers?
 
Or do you do like too many very good should-be-published writers
… and hunker down in the corner pretending that you’ve done
everything you can and the publishing world and all
its agents are against you?
 
Think about that as you visit the next stops on
The Writer’s Chatroom’ “Show—Not Tell” virtual
book tour featuring debut author Jordan Dane.
 
Jordan and Avon HarperCollins are offering
opportunities to win great prizes all along the tour.
 
Next up:
 

March 19 Cricket Sawyer

at http://www.Cricketshearth.blogspot.com

March 22 Diana Castilleja

at http://dianacastilleja.blogspot.com

Give yourself every advantage to learn from this marketing dynamo—

who just happens to also be a very good writer—

and read the interviews and comments at previous stops:

Billie Williams at http://printedwords.blogspot.com

Linda J. Hutchinson at http://reviewhutch.blogspot.com

Kim Richards at http://kim-richards.livejournal.com/

Lisa Haselton at http://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/

And don’t forget to come to the “Launch P-A-R-T-Y!” on March 30th! There are prizes galore!

Friday, March 14, 2008

NEWS READ ALL ABOUT IT! Jordan Dane Contest



WIN!  WIN!  WIN!
 
·        Visit each stop of the Jordan Dane
Virtual Book Tour

and leave a comment (with your name).
Each stop enters you into the drawing
to be held at the live “Launch P-A-R-T-Y!”
on March 30th.
(Up for grabs are FIVE $20 gift
cards to B&N bookstores.)
·         Stop by Jordan’s website:  
Jordan Dane says, “By going to my
website contest page, you get an
exclusive sneak peek inside my
book-up to 20% of it. And to
celebrate my first release, my
publisher is giving you three d
ifferent ways to WIN
MY BOOK
or OTHER BOOKS from HarperCollins.
Click on the links below for more details.”
·        The Browse Inside Link:
http://tinyurl.com/28nd9x)
·        Visit Jordan’s contest page:
http://www.jordandane.com/contest.php
·        Show up for the live “Launch P-A-R-T-Y!”
on March 30th!
Who knows what might be up for grabs there!
After all is said and done, this is TWC.
 
Next up on the tour:
 

March 19 Cricket Sawyer at http://www.Cricketshearth.blogspot.com

March 22 Diana Castilleja at http://dianacastilleja.blogspot.com

March 26 Renee’ Barnes at http://msqtpi.livejournal.com/

March 29 TWC founder Glenn Walker at http://www.monsura.blogspot.com/

Jordan has had plenty to say in our TWC interviews.

If you haven’t already done so, visit these previous

stops for some first-hand info on how to succeed as a novelist:

Billie Williams at http://printedwords.blogspot.com

Linda J. Hutchinson at http://reviewhutch.blogspot.com

Kim Richards at http://kim-richards.livejournal.com/

Lisa Haselton at http://lisahaselton.tripod.com/reviewsandinterviews/

Thursday, March 6, 2008

No One Heard Her Scream, by Jordan Dane


An author to watch - You'll want to start taking in her tour - she will be here on March 19, you will not want to miss this. She is a powerful writer and a dynamite person who will show you just what it takes to be a Avon Harper Collins star -- her debut book No One Heard Her Scream is receiving rave reviews - here is one from blog tour organizer Linda Hutchinson:

Debut author Jordan Dane was in top form at the first stop of The Writer's Chatroom's "SHOW--NOT TELL" virtual book tour at the blog home of Billie Williams. http://printedwords.blogspot.com

Next stop? My own blog: http://reviewhutch.blogspot.com on March 8th.

Please feel free to leave comments. Since Jordan has thrown a contest into the fray, your comments automatically enter you into a drawing for one of FIVE $20 gift cards to—what else?—a great bookstore. Winners will be announced at the live “Launch P-A-R-T-Y!” on March 30th at THE WRITER'S CHATROOM. We'll also be drawing for those valuable first copies of NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM at the party.

Here's my review:

Title: No One Heard Her Scream

by Jordan Dane

Avon Harper Collins

ISBN: 9780061252785

Dani Montgomery is but one of the missing, and presumed dead, young women from around San Antonio, TX. She is the focus, and the force, of tough homicide detective Rebecca Montgomery. When Becca is told to stay away from the investigation into Dani’s disappearance, her boss puts her on another case—that of a body found behind a brick wall in an old theater that has been torched.

As Becca investigates the crime scene she realizes she’s being watched by more than one stranger, but one is deliciously tall, dark and dangerous. When she visits the former owner of the theater, a notorious mob boss, she is loathe to find her stranger is his enforcer.

Becca trusts her gut to tie it all together, with the help of one watchful stranger and without the help of the other.

Piecing together evidence at the theater gives rise to the title. NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM by debut author Jordan Dane is a romantic thriller with all the great elements; intrigue, debauchery, retribution and redemption—with libido to match.

Reviewed by: Linda J. Hutchinson http://www.lindajhutchinson.com/

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Good Morning World


Hope this day is sunny and bright for you - but if it isn't make the best of it by curling up with a good read. Need something to set you up for St. Patrick's Day? How about a little Irish Whiskey Check it out at www.silksvault.com

Logan W Blue just happens to be a pseudonym of Cricket Sawyer - she writes a little darker then Cricket but its still romantic suspense and you will get a read worthy of your time.

BLURB:

When a rock singer becomes famous, his life is no longer his own. His life is usurped by the fans, the tours and the gigs. When he decides to take his long time girlfriend on a much needed weekend of R & R, their plans ends up taking a backseat when a pair of jealous twins kidnaps them in exchange for ransom.

Caught in the middle of their plans, Trixie decided that she wasn’t going down with out a fight. Will they both be dead when the twins leave with the ransom? Only time will tell as Trixie is forced to use her clever wits and resourcefulness to thwart whatever tenuous plans the deranged twins may have.