Kate Pearce

This picture always makes me laugh. It’s a beautiful piece of art, but I have 4 kids, just like Madame Caroline Murat and I think I know exactly what’s going through her head. To me, she looks like she’s trying to get away, rather than present the conventional ‘mother image’. I imagine her thinking: “are these all my children? I’m sure they were smaller than this the last time I saw them, and less noisy and…don’t touch my dress…Nanny? where are you? Nanny?” Of course all this would be in French rather than English.

This last week, as a proud mother, I attended two graduation ceremonies. One for son #3 who graduated middle school-hurrah! He seemed fairly laid back about the whole thing and it went off beautifully and relatively quickly.

Son #1 graduated from High School two days later and I was quite excited about the whole concept. I’ve never been to an American high school graduation before and I was dying to see if it lived up to all the films and T.V. images I’d stored away in my head. I felt a bit sorry for him in his black nylon gown sitting in the sweltering heat. Being as this is California, some of the guys decided to go extremely informal under their gowns, sporting a variety of trainers, shorts, hairy legs, sandals etc etc. I did wonder if any of them had gone the whole hog and were naked but luckily I didn’t find out. The girls wore white nylon which while cooler let the sun shine right through…what a choice.

Anyway it all started relatively quietly, although I did pause to wonder why the ceremonial procession music ‘pomp and circumstance’ came to be used as the standard music being as it’s a late nineteenth century jingoistic rant about how great Great Britain is, (or was in those days of Empire). the first verse goes like this:
“Land of hope and glory, mother of the free, how shall we extol thee, who are born of thee? Wider still and wider, shall thy bonds be set. God who made thee mighty, make the mightier yet, (barm barm barm) God who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet!”
It’s kind of considered the second British/English national anthem, so it tickled me to hear it played at both graduations.

Back to the ceremony, I noticed quite a few blow up balls being punted around in the air by the grads. Every time one came into a teacher’s radius, a teacher would leap up and confiscate the ball, causing groans. After a while, the balls got bigger and several blow up dolls apparently made their appearance. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at this point-got to love California!

And then after the ceremony of twisting the tassel (?)or something like that-it happened-they threw their hats in the air! I just loved that part!

Other news-I had a blast reading all the entries to the contest. some of the captions were great! I’ll be having another contest soon just for my newsletter readers, so sign up now!

I also heard that “Planet Mail” will be available in print in the next couple of weeks. As soon as I get some links I’ll put them up on the website. I know some of you prefer a print book to an e-book and hell, look at that cover! Wouldn’t you like to kiss that goodnight? (I wouldn’t, of course, as I have the lovely and gorgeous Mr Kate to kiss instead.)

I also have a date for the publication of my first Kensington Aphrodisia book “Simply Sexual”. It will be available in Feb 08. As soon as I get a cover, I’ll put it up for you all to see.

Unbound

Publisher: Silhouette Nocturne
ISBN: 0373617658
ISBN-13: 978-0373617654
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 1, 2007

Read an Excerpt
Read Reviews
Order Now from Amazon.com

Risk Leidolf is a hellhound—a legendary, otherworldly creature who is both man and beast. For centuries, he’s been bound to do the bidding of an immortal witch. But after being ordered to destroy novice witch Kara Shane, the man within him rebels. And the beast within him is held at bay—for now.

Fiercely drawn to each other, Risk and Kara soon form a passionate alliance as they set out to find her missing sister—and the key to his salvation. For the power unleashed by the twin witches could free him from the immortal witch’s bondage. But that freedom comes at a steep price. For the fierce battle will put more than one soul at stake…and two hearts on the line.
~ Reviews ~

Top Pick, Romantic Times Magazine
“Lori Devoti’s UNBOUND (4 1/2) delivers a truly unique, fast-paced and sexy adventure. Risk is so hot that you’ll be using the book to fan yourself as you read!”-Romantic Times Magazine, Alexandra Kay

…tremendous read…
“Oh what a tremendous read Unbound was! The title alone was enough to make me read it and as I opened the pages, I settled in for a pleasant read. Pleasant doesn’t even begin to describe the utter amazement I experienced at the hands of author Lori Devoti! Unbound knocked my socks off with its complete and unrelenting plot.
Lori Devoti has a new fan! Unbound is now happily filed on my keeper shelf under “O” for outstandingly wonderful!” -Joyfully Reviewed, Talia Ricci

5 Stars…an enthralling and totally satisfying read..
“With her first Silhouette Nocturne release after her delightful contemporaries, Lori Devoti proves she is an outstanding writer of multiple genres. Taking a Norse myth about hellhounds and adding her own twists to the legend, Ms. Devoti developed a modern day variation that results in a riveting romantic adventure. The plot is a masterful combination of action, danger and intense emotions, where the lives of the featured characters are vividly depicted. … UNBOUND is compellingly intriguing from the first word, where the reader is transported into an imaginative realm and never wants to leave.” -Amelia Richard, Singletitles.com

Doesn’t this look fab? I love the cover and I can’t wait to read it!

Okay-so all pretend to get excited again-”Where have all the Cowboys gone?” is out in the U.S. today!!
It’s so good I announced it twice (grin)
So far, the reviews have been fabulous (go take a peek at them on my website)
And while you’re there:
ENTER THE ROOTIN’ TOOTIN’ CONTEST!
And win a signed copy of the book, a T-shirt, a Western-themed charm bracelet and if I love your caption for my dear doggie-win a pack of Ellora’s Cave themed card decks as well!
What are you waiting for? Scoot!

This Friday Mr Kate, my daughter and I went to have a quick lunch in Borders. While we were there I moseyed over to check out the romance section (as you do) and there…
WERE 3 COPIES OF MY BOOK!!!!
I was so excited I had to run and get Mr Kate and my daughter who were suitably impressed. I very carefully faced one book out just so that everyone could see the fabulous cover and just about resisted the temptation to loiter by the shelves ‘encouraging’ people to buy it.
Wow
It was even more thrilling than I expected-possibly cos I wasn’t even convinced my local Borders would carry it!
If anyone wants to comment and tell me where they’ve seen it-I’d be delighted to hear from you!

And please check back Tuesday for my grand rootin’ tootin’ cowboy contest grand giveaway!!

This week was one of those when I really didn’t want to talk to anyone or do anything except stare at my computer screen. I always get that way toward the end of writing a book. Hopefully at that point, I’m so immersed in the characters and the ending that I can’t really think about anything else. My kids are fairly used to being greeted with a vague smile and a ‘huh? I was supposed to pick you up when?”

Mr Kate is also used to me pontificating about the sex lives and happy endings of PEOPLE WHO AREN’T REAL (Mr Kate’s capitals) I usually try to explain that if I’ve done my job well enough as a writer, the readers will believe my characters are real and buy lots of my books so that he can then retire in luxury and forever been known as “Grape Boy” the guy who stands behind me and feeds me delicacies while I pound away at the keyboard…usually at this point Mr K stops me ranting and shows me his chart again with the words “Reality” and “Fantasy” heavily underlined. I don’t know what he’s talking about I TOTALLY understand the difference. Frankly, I just prefer the F word-or do I mean world?

Good news. Ellora’s Cave are going to be producing print versions of “Planet Mail” and Eden’s Pleasure and Antonia’s Bargain-the latter two are going to be put into a book together called “Pleasurable Bargain” I’ll get to sign these babies at the RWA literacy signing in Dallas Texas at the RWA conference. This event is open to the public, so if you are around-come see me, buy a book, get my autograph, I’d love to meet you!

I had a peek at the new cover for “Pleasurable Bargains” and it is fab. I asked for one little tweak-we’ll see how that goes. As soon as I get the file I’ll post it up here. I hope they don’t mess with the cover of “Planet Mail” Ellora’s Cave recently printed up decks of cards with the covers of the books instead of the regular blank card faces and my Intergalactic Viking scored the Ace of Clubs! I’ll have some of the card decks to give away in my upcoming ROOTIN’ TOOTIN’ COWBOY CONTEST!! on May 29th.

I’m off to the local community college to see the prizes handed out for a short story contest which I helped judge. Should be fun!

Btw-in case you were wondering, that little tiny picture on the right is me, dressed up as Elizabeth Bennett at a fancy dress party-Mr K went as Mr Darcy but he looks way too gorgeous to share so I’ll keep him to myself okay?

Mr Kate sent me these, so blame him!

It’s okay, he’s not very far. He’s just down there if you scroll on a bit, I promise. Of course, you know he’ll be baaaack!! On May 29th the book comes out in the U.S. and you’re all going to be “Hey-haven’t I seen this somewhere before? And then grumble as you comment again or simply cut and paste your previous response, or just not comment.

The school year is thankfully drawing to a close and Mr Kate and I are gearing up for our first All-American Senior graduation season. It seems a bit like planning a wedding. Various people keep asking me to write them big checks for small things which apparently are ‘essential’.

For instance, my son produced a catalog full of gimmicky T-shirts, mugs, statuettes, class rings, photo frames, etc etc, you name it, my son could have his visage applied to it. On the extremely complex order form was a small box about a quarter of an inch in size which I almost missed. This was where he had to order his robes. Now they are apparently the only ‘essential’ part, so I obediently coughed up a medium size check which he promptly forgot to hand in and I caught him trying to mail a week later.

Then there were the graduation photos. Another check and a deposit resulted in a set of proofs with my son dressed in a fake tux grinning inanely. He has thick black naturally curly hair which is long-when I saw the results, I had a terrible deja-vu moment back to the early seventies when disco was hip and so were afro’s. It dawned on me the other day that I hadn’t actually received any photo’s despite said checks so I called the company who said that the fee only covered the sitting and the 2×2 ins photo for the yearbook. Realizing that I really couldn’t get away with not having a real photo of him at this important moment in his life, I’ve asked them to send the proofs back and I’m readying the check book.

Here’s what he has lined up, (parents insert $$$ signss and ker ching sounds as we go). Senior Ball-held in San Francisco-I assume he’ll need to get there-tux, limo anyone?
Senior Breakfast-I ‘think’ I paid for that one in the Senior gold package at registration
Year book-ditto
Graduation ceremony
Senior grad night-an all night party at the school.

I suppose I sound like a bad parent here…it’s my British roots showing. When I left school at 18 we did-nothing. No big party’s no graduation ceremony, no big checks to pay out. Part of me loves the whole graduation idea, getting dressed up, feeling special (it’s that bride thing again) but the distinctly British parsimonious part of myself is thinking HOW MUCH???

Son #2 reckons I’m just cheap. Sometimes I agree with him. My only consolation is that Mr Kate is even cheaper than I am. He suggested our eldest should pay for all of this himself now that he is working at Target. (Eldest is still in shock from us insisting on a small cut of his wages.) I won’t go that far but I still find myself muttering as hundreds of dollars flow happily out the door.

I’ve heard some nice comments back on ‘Cowboy’s thanks to everyone who went and bought a copy, I appreciate it. And don’t forget, if you get time, go and post a review on Amazon or B&N. It all helps! Also anyone who’s on my newsletter list, you’ll get an opportunity to enter not one but two contests to win goodies related to Cowboys! (If you’re not on my newsletter list-and why aren’t you? sign up on the website or email me at contactme@katepearce.com )

“Where have all the Cowboys gone?” is released today in the UK! so all rush out and find a copy or better still go to my website and click on the handy dandy link to Amazon UK that Mr Kate has so thoughtfully provided.

It’s my first big trade paperback book all to myself and I’m very proud of it.
I’ll be running a big contest to celebrate the books second release in the USA at the end of May so look out for that as well!

And please-even if you hate it, go to Amazon and write a review, it really helps!

Spring is definitely in the air in the Pearce household. Both my eldest sons are going out with real females. One I’ve met, one I’ve seen glimpses of. When I asked second son to bring girlfriend into the house to meet us, he looked at me as if I was nuts. Mr Kate and I had a lovely time telling him how we’d sit her down between us and ask her all kinds of questions, whilst feeding her tea and cucumber sandwiches. We wouldn’t do that really, but hey, after all the grief we get from our teenagers it’s nice to give something back.

Even more amazingly, eldest son is probably going to work in Target! I’m so impressed. Now all he has to do is get out of bed before 4pm on the weekend and he’ll be set. He was complaining that ‘apparently’ kids don’t get treated too well in most stores. Our reply was-so what? That’s one of the reasons it’s good to work at the bottom so that you can finally work out why you might need to get some qualifications.

Now all I have to do is get him driving. I’m not a great driver. It took me 5 attempts to pass my test. The first test I failed before I left the curb. The second, when I tried to drive off without the examiner in the car-(you get the idea). Actually, I’m a very calm person 99% of the time. The problem is the 1% when I’m a total loon. That side of me tended to come out in my driving tests. I did pass my Californian test first time but that was mainly because despite my suicidal right turn into 6 lanes of traffic, he couldn’t take enough points off. I’m going to let Mr Kate handle the driving issue!

Mr Kate is currently washing the dog. Despite being rather small, Hunter manages to shed a huge amount of hair. It’s unbelievable. And as you know from previous post, Mr K is the cleaning Nazi, he get quite het up about all the hair. Hence the weekly baths. I share my hair dryer with my dog. Even when it’s not his turn to be bathed and I have the dryer on, he comes and sits on my feet until I blow dry him as well. That’s show dogs for you!

Still busy writing. Kensington book off tomorrow in the mail. Fingers crossed it gets there. I’m trying not to read J R Ward’s ‘Lover Revealed’ too fast because I know I’ll have to wait a while for a new one. But, they are so good! I haven’t read anything for ages that has actually had me yearning to go back and finish it, so this series is a real treat! (Thanks Sian for recommending them to me!)

I’ve been busy, what’s new? Last weekend my friend Cheri emailed and asked if my daughter and I wanted to go and see Disney on Ice. Did we want to go? OF COURSE I DID! Growing up in a big family in England meant that exotic entertainment provided by the Disney corporation was beyond my parents’ budget.

I’ve always yearned to go to Disney on Ice so I think I was even more excited than my 5 year old. And good old Disney made sure there were plenty of opportunities for us parents to shell out another $100 in merchandising. I said no so many times I almost forgot how to say yes when she asked for some popcorn (at $5 a bag)

The thing was, she loved it…from the moment Micky and Minnie came out she was entranced, her whole body caught up in the magic. I spent half of the show simply watching her experiencing it. She danced, she shouted at Minnie to tell her about the bad guys, she clapped. It was one of those moments that as a parent you never forget.

On the Sunday, we got to visit some friends who live in Tiburon which is across the bay from San Francisco. it was a beautiful sunny day and I realized how lucky we were to have good friends and a beautiful place to live.

A week before that, we had a 4.2 earthquake and I literally split the dress I was trying on as I tried to get to my little girl who was in the bath. Earthquakes are weird. sometimes it’s like an express train thundering through your house, the windows flick flacking as the energy passes out. Other times its like a giant baby picks your house up and shakes it like a rattle. This was was a violent rattle making her bath water slosh around and all the china in the kitchen shiver and chime.

Once you’ve made sure you have emergency provisions and a plan for evacuation, there’s not a lot else you can do about earthquakes. Living in a beautiful place can have its downside as well.

Writing is going well. I’ve finally connected up some of the plot holes in my second contemporary erotic romance and I think I know how everything will tie up-and I’m only half way through the book! (plotters gasp in horror) sometimes when I wake up, little fragments and wisps of thoughts float past my consciousness and I realize they are important so I try and remember them.

This is why I’ll never be able to teach a structured class on how to write. Can you imagine it? “Yeah just write stuff and then close your eyes and all will be revealed” that would be a short class.

My first Kensington book is due in at the beginning of April. I’m just about to start the last revision-the last opportunity to make it sparkle before I ship it off. Terrified, me?