American Title ~ It's Baaack...

Good evening, my Beautiful Big Cats, it’s that time of year again. No, not just Thanksgiving *oops, the Kougar has neglected to mention what she is grateful for the last few days* ~ then, the holly jolly season of Christmas...NO! it’s time once again, to tune into the AMERICAN TITLE V competition. Yesterday, moi went for a stroll over to ROMANTIC TIMES online, to eagerly check out the finalist’s first lines, then to make that difficult decision...which entry? Does she choose to vote for?
It was tough, since the Kougar had her top three preferences, one being Evonne Wareham’s entry ~ moi’s ATIV buddy, who finaled again this year, a feat never before accomplished. Take a peek at Evonne’s TITLE MAGIC blog today, for an inside look of what it’s like during the roller coaster ride of the American Title competition, sponsored by Dorchester.
Personal Note: Flavia seemed a bit subdued in her comments for this round. Have her fangs been pulled?
Purr-purring gratitude...the Kougar is entirely grateful for her Aunt, who has helped her immensely during the past few years. And! so grateful for all the hugs her doggies let her give them everyday, and their sweet little paw hugs back. She is also grateful it’s not cold today.
Below is an autumn garden picture, the Kougar discovered at
~ http://cottage-garden.org ~ wouldn’t it be loverly? If only there was more time in the day...

Now! Just for the Big Cool Cats ~ a claw snippet from the SPECIAL SECRET PROJECT ~

“God, Wendy. What you do to me.” Clasping her waist with one arm, he lifted her up, and plucked the bottle away from her, while she struggled valiantly against him.
“Horrible, despicable donkey beast.”
She slashed him good with her tone. Shoving her palm against his flank, she shot her flame against his flesh. Quickly, a small cloud of steam surrounded her hand. Zavier tamped down his laughter, but a few rumbling chuckles escaped. Disgusted, she removed her hand, tiny pops of sound bouncing between her palm and his body.
“The only thing you did, honey, was lessen my super libido. Good, since I’m about to cleanse your hair.”
“My new secret weapon,” she blasted back. “Maybe I should fire directly on the target next time.”
“You’d just be firing up the missile, honey. Full speed ahead.”
“So you say. I’d like to flame test it. See if it rises to the occasion.”
“I can’t wait for that test, honey.”
Lowering them into the water, Zavier had no real idea how to handle his wild kitten. Still repressing his amusement, he went on sheer instinct, bringing her to him, so her back pressed against his chest.
“You’re not invincible,” she haughtily slammed him over her shoulder.
“My heart isn’t invincible.”

Autumn kisses from the Kougar...

Another Calm Before Another Storm

Why does the Kougar feel this sharp claw of unease spreading out from her belly? A world stage event? Or....
Lovely evening, my Beautiful Big Cats, from the tame prairie. Definitely it feels like the calm before a storm. There are so many storms going on in the World...is this another calm before another storm?
On to happier events. Via Google Alert the Kougaress discovered Tangerine Carnal Dreams from Aspen Mountain Press is now available for Amazon's Kindle ~ for all you Kindle lovers.
And! Ta-da! The ten finalists for the American Title V competition, sponsored by Dorchester publishing, have been announced on the RT blog of Romantic Times magazine. There's a fabulous surprise, which will be confirmed on Title Magic's Wednesday blog. A huge wave to ya' all, ATV newbies. And welcome to the AT family. Put on your helmets and your survival gear, it's not only going to be bumpy ride, but a roller coaster ride through heaven and hell. Enjoy!
My Big Splendid Cats, looks like some of the ultra spectacular sunsets are due to Kasatochi ~ enjoy this news snippet ~
Some skywatchers suspect that these views are being colored by the dust and gases injected into the atmosphere by the Aug. 7 eruption of Alaska's Kasatochi volcano. The skywatchers are probably right.
Kasatochi, part of the Aleutian Island chain, sent an ash plume more than 35,000 feet (10,600 meters) into the atmosphere when it erupted last month.

Gotta love Kasatochi for the name of a heroine. Meow fireworks! One with molten fire running through her veins, and a temper that explodes like a volcano. Hmmm....

On Title Magic ~ http://titlemagic.blogspot.com ~ yesterday, Thursday, Lexie wrote a blog on how she is learning to write 'hooks' ~ or that first line in a novel that grabs a reader and doesn't let go...and a short, but interesting discussion occurred, part of which moi will offer here...however, for the rest of story you know where to gleam those baby cat eyes...oh and make sure you check out Terry O'dell's blog http://terryodell.blogspot.com ~ on His and Her Brains...excellent presentation!

Lexie, good post. I like the way you explained how you came to the 'hook'.I've noticed, that of course, I enjoy a good hook -- or a well-executed hook will draw me, but if the story doesn't follow suit, I quickly lose interest.I've also put down books where I felt 'forced' by the hook, as if I were a dang fish.
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Terry, I agree with the first paragraph. I've never purchased a book on a first line only. Yeah, I may have been intrigued, and read further. But if the story doesn't take off from there...who cares?
It's like the hype of a news headline, there's often so much and really not much of a story, so then I just become immune to them.
Personally, my fave of yours is the second book.
When possible I like my first line to represent the tone of the story, or at least, represent the first scene which will launch the story.
IMHO, too often the first line really has little to do with the actual story. Although, I have noticed my publisher Liquid Silver really isn't into that hype first hook, but more into a certain type of story.
Actually, in my edits, so far, the first line has never been a problem.
Although, with Murder by Hair Spray, the editor might want me to shorten it like Flavia did in RT.
So, who knows???
Terry, I think you've done a fabulous job on the first sentence.
Lexie, just can't resist metaphors with the word 'hook' -- lol.
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Hey Terry, the story is ALL. And every writer is different. Titles and first lines can come later.Guess what, I was just over at your blog on His and Her Brains. Wonderful presentation! And very helpful.Reading Men are from Mars, and Woman are from Venus -- all those years ago -- has really influenced my stories and my life.
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Now just for the Big Cool Kitties ~ a claw snippet from THE SPECIAL SECRET PROJECT ~

Easing her from his rod, Zion let her slide downward, then steadied her against his frame. "Tornado, Wendy. Someone is attacking Chrontropolis."
"Oh devil damn," she whispered, then raised her hand up to her head, as if she felt woozy.
"Wendy, I’m going to dress. Find you something to wear."
"No. Go help..."
Zion didn’t wait on the rest of her words. He scooped her up carrying her to his bed. Laying her down, he spun into his casual gear, then sped inside his enormous closet area. Swiftly grabbing one of his summer khaki shirts, he returned. She rubbed her temples, her eyes dazed and blinking.
"I don’t think I’ll ever recover." Her tone was wistful, bewildered and definitely irritated.

Stormy kisses from the Kougar...