A Lyrical Day...

Good evening, Big Cool Cats, it's been an overcast day with a gentle sprinkling of raindrops on the Kougar's own unmowed jungle...a delightful sight. No perfectly manicured lawn for this Kougar Kitty.

Ever heard, but not seen, those thunder-roaring aircraft as they fly overhead? Yeppers and meow, today moi heard another one, and knew...it's nuclear powered. The sound is the same as the Hiroshima bomb going off, which the Kougaress heard recently on Coast-to-Coast am. Before you judge moi as a tin hat idiot. How long was it before the public knew about the Stealth??? Hmmmm....

Yowl, for something much more fun and poignant, slip on over to ~ http://liquidsilverbooks.com/blog ~ here's the beginning and Colleen's blog only gets better.

August 20, 2008
The Trouble with Unicorns
Colleen Love wrote this in the wee hours:
Wow, the summer is nearly gone! What happened to the time?
Well, I was struggling to narrow down what I wanted to say here today. So much has been going on to keep me running! But, I had something funny happen the other day and I thought I would share it. Yes, it is critter oriented, I’m warning you now.
As many of you know, I help out with 5 horses. My neighbor is a trainer and her horses are just outstanding animals, with the most distinct and interesting characters. They are all my favorite, but one in particular just touches my heart. If he was human, he would be my grandfather who passed away a few years ago. His name is Daycon and he is a grey Arabian who is 31 years old this year.

A lyrical day...and actually that was the feel of this day as a whole. However, Lyrical Press had an open promo day on their two chat loops. The Kougar is glad to see this new small print publisher doing so well, and making a good name for themselves. Given moi's two new releases Tangerine Carnal Dreams ~ http://aspenmountainpress.com ~ and When a Good Angel Falls ~ http://bookstrand.com ~ ...well, this big cat did not refuse the invitation. Roaring-thank you, Lyrical Press.

And speaking of the eternal promo dance, the Kougar sent the info on Tangerine Carnal Dreams to Passionate Ink's Booknotes, an e-brochure of the newest erotic romances featuring the members of the RWA chapter, Passionate Ink ~ http://passionateink.org ~

Tonight, moi is diligently working on her Cover Art Questionnaire for Murder By Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis, contracted by Siren-BookStrand...always a fun and intense process with it's frustrating moments. Creating that blurb which will not only entice, but remain true to the story.

Ta-da, my special Big Cats, here's a fang snippet from Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis ~

"Why the nice treatment, Zryphus? I was dirt under your shoes when you first arrived?" Sheriff Kalypso picked up the mascara wand. "Black, black. Just like I remember."
"Sheriff," Deputy Anna called out, "finished the personal item scan. Got the body ready for transport. We’re on our way. I’ll leave the door open. Keep airing the room out."
"Thanks, Anna. You know where I am." Kalypso picked up a compact case – solid rich elegance in design. Opening it, she studied the pasty covering. "Looks real. But I never used this stuff. Couldn’t stand it. Used the sheer version they came out with – when I used makeup. – You haven’t answered my question, Zryphus."
"Bluntly, Kalypso...I want you in my bed."

Lyrical rain kisses from the Kougar...

Daffodil Lusciousness

Daffodil lusciousness...Big Kitties, beneath the leaden skies. The Kougar's daffodils are exploding, their spring yellow flowers and green leaves strikingly beautiful. Definitely heaven sent.
Moi blogged on Title Magic today. Thus that is the meow offering for the private and privileged viewing of Big Cats only!
Ah, yes, yesterday, the wearing of the green ~ and the first magic kiss of spring for me. The wee leprechauns are dancing jigs around their pots o’ gold, laughing like naughty fiends as the humans greedily seek them out, following the proverbial rainbow. Call it too much corn beef and cabbage, or the misty enchantment of St. Patty’s day still coiling around me...like all those snakes chased off the emerald isle...but the fanciful lore of the Irish, of Shamrocks has always tickled and teased my imagination. Having some Irish roots doesn’t hurt, either.
For a deeper perspective, the wearing of the green, or the wearing of Spring, signals the emergence of new growth, a revitalization of the land for planting. And signals for all of us ~ it is time to revitalize our live, to begin anew. This theme is continued by our traditional celebration of Easter. Eggs, new life. Bunnies, chocolate or the little furry hopping critters ~ quite happy to regenerate their kind with nests full of baby bunnies. *If only chocolate would magically renew*
In the spirit of new beginnings, and in the spirit of kissing, definitely a favorite romantic activity of mine, I asked Renee Lyons, founder of the new e-publishing company, Lyrical Press, Inc., to blog with us today.
Hello everyone. Savanna was kind enough to allow me the privilege of
hijacking Title Magic and write a bit about mine and my husband's
venture, Lyrical Press, Inc. I think, coming from the other end of the
pen, so to speak, we have a fairly good idea about what authors want in a publishing house (I write under the name Rene Lyons, although I have recently retired from writing to devote more time to Lyrical). A solid and fair contract. To be treated with respect. Good and hard-working editors and publishers who are personable and professional and willing to work just as hard as our authors to turn out quality books. Appealing covers an author can be proud to 'show off'. And most of all, on-time payment of royalties. These things can be banked on at Lyrical. We want everyone to have an amazing experience with us and will work ourselves to the bone to deliver on that promise.
Frank, Emma (our Editor-In-Chief) and I are shameless fans of American
Idol. One morning Emma and I were brainstorming about a contest. We were
also chatting about the previous night's Idol show. Next thing we knew,
Lyrical Idol materialized. Okay, so it was more the brainchild of
Emma...but I was at least part of that conversation! What came of
bouncing ideas back and forth was Lyrical Idol: Season One. Best First
Kiss Contest.
Each entry must be limited to a 350 or less word count, contain a 3 word
tag to describe the characters and a slight alteration to set the scene
up. All entries must be sent in by April 5th. The best entries (think
first-round judging done by Simon, Paula and Randy) will be posted
unedited on the Lyrical Press, Inc. blog, where we will open judging to
the readers on April 15th. Yes. The readers. *insert evil laughter here*

The winner will receive a contract with Lyrical Press, Inc!
Savanna asked what appeals to me in a paranormal romance. That's simple. We'd love a Gothic/dark ghost or vampire story to get lost in. Something that will shut out the 'real' world and transport the reader to a different world. We'd love richly fleshed out characters and a detailed world that leaps off the page. We'd also love anything that has to do with faeries or elves. Yes, elves. If we're going paranormal, why not shift to the side a bit and go magical as well! My husband has an aunt from Ireland and her accent captivates me. To get a submission set on the Emerald Isle that involves some of their amazing folklore would be a dream come true. Oh! And did I mention selkies? Yes. We'd love to get a story about those Scottish creatures as well, as you rarely come across them.

We're also set to host a second contest. This one involves a cover I
created that has no book to go with it. It's a Gothic/Medieval cover and we'd love to get our hands on a book to fit it. So, if anyone is writing an historical set in the medieval age.... ;)
Savanna, and all the ladies at Title Magic, thank you for allowing me to talk a while with your readers.
Thank you, Renee, for blogging with us. I'm excited about what Lyrical Press, Inc. has to offer. And I love that cover! The details are below for the ‘first kiss’ contest. This could be your big chance at that first contract.

Daffodil lyrical kisses from the Kougar...

On the Hunting Trail

Romance Rebel Ship ~ fly on over for excerpts and info on the Kougar's romance sizzle novels. Meow-yes, still a tail-twitching work in progress...

On the hunting trail for promo meat, then the bliss of a satiated belly, Big Kitties, the Kougar sniffed out a new e-publisher, Lyrical Press, Inc. at The Romance Studio. Enchanted by the name, she loped a side trail to investigate -- the thought soaring in her brain...is lyrical writing encouraged?

Moi did not prowl out that tasty morsel answer. However, she did happily discover The Lyrical Idol 'first kiss" contest. The winner will help launch this new enterprise. If you're a Big Cat writer stalking that 'purr-fect' opportunity, glitter your gaze on their website: lyricalpress.com.

Official Rules for Lyrical Idol
Contest Guidelines:
· Entries must be 350 words or less.
· Entries must include a three-or-less-word "tag" introducing the hero and heroine. For example, Rhett: Southern rake, Scarlett: Headstrong diva.
· Entrants will be allowed some editing of lead-in to set the scene if necessary, but any alterations must be included in the 350 words.
· Entries must be pulled from an original, completed manuscript not currently under contract or consideration by any other publisher, agent or entity.
· Entries must be sent no later than April 5, 2008 to editor AT lyricalpress@com, subject: LYRICAL IDOL ENTRY.
· Entrants must remember that the blog is a public forum - Lyrical Press reserves the right to exclude entries containing overly explicit language.
· Entries will not be altered in any way by the staff of Lyrical Press, Inc, so please edit your work carefully.

Received entries will be considered by our editorial staff, then narrowed down to sixteen contestants. The "sweet sixteen" will then be revealed on the Lyrical Press, Inc Blog on April 15, 2008. First round blog-reader voting will proceed, and the "great eight" revealed April 21, 2008. Second round blog-reader voting will continue until the "final four" are announced April 28, 2008.
The final round of blog-reader voting will end May 4, 2008. Our first Lyrical Idol will be announced on Lyrical Press's Launch Date, May 5, 2008.
The first Lyrical Idol wins a publication contract with Lyrical Press, Inc!

Contest Rules:

· Entrants must be 18 years of age or older
· Entrants must not currently be under contract with Lyrical Press, Inc
· All entries must be pulled from completed works of 12,000 words or longer
· The aforementioned completed works must meet all other Lyrical Press, Inc's guidelines for publication
· Entries received after April 5, 2008 will not be considered
· The winning entry will be subject to all due legal and editing obligations
· Entries must be pulled from an original, completed manuscript not currently under contract or consideration by any other publisher, agent, or entity.
· Submission of entry to the Lyrical Idol contest implies a request for publication. Works submitted to the contest may not be submitted for consideration to any other publisher until entry has been eliminated from the running.
· Entrants may enter up to three entries.

Sample Entry:
To: editor@lyricalpress.com
Subject: LYRICAL IDOL ENTRY
Body:
Simon: Jaded, acid-tongued judge
Paula: Kinder, gentler judge
"Do you have to be so mean?" she asked.
"I'm honest. Not mean."
"No, you're honestly mean."
He raised an eyebrow, moving closer.
<316>
Stunned, she asked, "What… the bloody hell… was that?"

Enneagram magic on Title Magic today with Laurie Campbell, a specialist in character analysis. Does your hero have a fatal flaw? Meowings below:

Hi Laurie, for once, I'm glad about being a night owl, and just arriving. All the posts have been so informative. I'd heard of enneagrams, and just the basics. I'm having a great time comparing it with numerology in my head, which I've studied a bit. From everything said, so far, I'll have to claim the one designation. What's really fascinating is the 'wings' and 'arrows' -- or slings of character arrows...never mind. *Insert waking up mind here.*
What I find really fascinating is how the types interact -- as in when you described the three and eight -- if he makes sure she's looking good, she'll be more amenable to letting him take charge. Or if she lets him take charge, he could be happier to make her look good...if not, therein lies the conflict. Thanks, for explaining it so it makes sense.

Romance rebel kisses from the Kougar...