I fully admit that I'm a complete dweeb when it comes to reviews for my books. Will people like my story? Will it be well received? Will they wonder if I'm totally nuts? I go through the whole self-doubts gamut of emotion.

My first mystery novel, Diary of a Confessions Queen, is due out in February and reviews are beginning to come in. I also fully admit that I've been very nervous about this book simply because I had never written a mystery before. Library Journal has reviewed it in their January 2010 issue and I'm thrilled (and relieved they didn't once mention the author's mental health). Here's a snippet:

From Library Journal: Mystery fans who enjoy bright women working through their problems and solving crimes along the way will love Amy. Carmichael (Hot Flash) knows how to deliver a zinger of a tale with plenty of action.

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I'm wishing each of you the best of the season! May all of your dreams come true.

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Since Andrew has to work on Christmas Day, he, Katie and my grandpuppy came home for an early Christmas with us. We had a wonderful time!

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This one is from Harriet Klausner! She posted it in several locations on the web, but you can find the full review here. * 5 stars * “A fun wacky suspense thriller”

I'm thrilled :) And I also have to admit that review time is crazy-making for me. I so want people to like my books and once reviews start coming in, I begin craving more. Very sad that I'm such a dweeb!

If you're an author, is review time crazy-making for you, too?

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My niece is in first grade and during my recent trip to Dallas, I was able to have lunch with her. It was great fun!

I'm in the process of cleaning up photos and will be uploading lots in the coming days!

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I'm very excited.

I received my very first review from Publishers Weekly!

Here's a quote: Sprightly humor and eccentric characters invigorate this chick lit cozy from romance writer Carmichael (Hot Flash).

Plus yesterday morning I received my first review of Diary of a Confessions Queen from Wil A. Emerson at Crime and Suspense Magazine. Here's a quote: This is a story for readers who love layers of kick-ass humor in a cozy mystery. It's a winner for Carmichael and her distinctive style.

How cool is that?

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I'm going to be giving a workshop called Turning Your Talents into Money at the Space Coast Writers Conference in late January. I've been collecting information for this workshop, but most of it has been second-hand rather than primary.

Specifically, I have been collecting information on self-publishing e-books. As a result, I decided to add one of my books to Kindle. The book I chose is one of my favorites and is based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. If you've ever heard of a locked-room mystery, I consider this a locked-room romance. It was so much fun to write! The book is Angel Be Good.

I had previously offered Angel Be Good as a fund-raiser for the Humane Society, so it seemed like the perfect book for this experiment since it had already been professionally edited and formatted for e-publishing. It had also been given positive reviews by several online book review sites.

I created my own book covers using public domain stock photography. I'm not saying I did a very good job at this, but again, this is an experiment. I created two different covers -- the first features an angel and the second Christmas ornaments. I originally uploaded the first, but hopefully the second will replace it shortly. Here is the Angel cover:

Which cover do you like the best?

Click here for the the link to the Kindle page.

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There's a new site for authors and readers called Chapter 1 Zone. Each week an author's first chapter will be posted along with an opportunity to win a free book. Check it out by clicking here.

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Great letter from Novelists Inc. regarding vanity publishing. Click here to read.

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Authors, a heads up. SingleTitles.com just relaunched, sporting a full site makeover and a contest to celebrate the new look. They're offering up $450 worth of advertising as prizes. If you write romance, mystery or thrillers you should head over and check out. http://www.SingleTitles.com

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The latest TARA Retreat was absolutely awesome. The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa was gorgeous, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the food was delicious! Our speakers, Christina Dodd, Connie Brockway, and Amy Pierpont were wonderful. Everyone learned oodles! There were fireworks Friday night, a wine festival on Saturday night, the TARA movie night, lots of free time with great writing friends, time to write -- what's not to love?!

Below is a link to a few photos from the retreat, including the view from my hotel room. Just click on the album.

TARA Retreat

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We'll be discussing social media tonight at 8 eastern, 7 central. Please come join us: MPR Live!

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I think Tinkerbell is pondering what trouble she can get into! My niece, Kinsey, looks absolutely darling!

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Had to post this photo of Perry and Angela from Halloween. They look so cute!

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Yesterday I had lunch with one of my favorite librarians, Jan Nickols of the Clearwater Public Library System, and author Tara Randel. Since the library is only a hop and a skip to Clearwater Beach, Tara and I took a nice stroll!

Okay, I didn't write, but you have to admit, a beach like this fills the soul and makes the writing possible!

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I have the cutest grandpuppy! You can see more photos by clicking on the album below.

zoeypics

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I'm hard at work today, updating my blog and still reengineering my website.

Author Debby Mayne and I joined author Kimberly Llewellyn at her home in order to get a lot done!

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My son Andrew and his girl, Katie, have a new Pomeranian puppy named Zoe. She's incredibly cute and precious! Here's a few pics:

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From B&L Booksigning

I had so much fun at the booksigning at B&L Books in Altamonte Springs!

Here's a few photos from the event (click on the photo to see the album).

B&L Booksigning

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On my recent trip to visit Ian in his dorm, I brought along a docking station and his huge computer monitor from home. This is the result :)

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I'll be participating in a Novel Writing & Publishing seminar on November 21st, along with authors Kimberly Llewellyn and Tara Randel. It will be held at the Oldsmar Library TECO Room in Oldsmar, FL. Click here to visit the website to learn more.

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I'll be taking part in a multi-author signing on Saturday, Sept 26th from Noon - 2 pm.

B & L Books
990 N.S.R. 434 Suite 1140
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

The other participating authors will include Julie Leto, Wendi Darlin, Loretta Rogers, Elissa Wilds, Susan Kearney and Roxanne St Claire.

For more information, click here to visit the B&L Books website.

Please come by and say Hi and receive some recipes featured in Hot Flash :)

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Don't miss my budget-stretcher contest just for librarians and booksellers! Click here to enter.

For Librarians and Booksellers ONLY

Not only are consumers feeling the economic pinch right now, but also libraries and bookstores are being affected. Booksellers and librarians have done so much to promote my books and I want to give a little something back.

So here's my way to help stretch your budget:

Enter to win a $50 pre-paid VISA card and a copy of HOT FLASH!

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The wonderful Cait London posted about the ALA-Booklist Top 10 Romances for 2009 yesterday on her blog. She interviewed me about making the list, too. She's such a wonderful friend! Please visit her blog to read her article.

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I bet you can tell I'm excited :) Thank you so much, BOOKLIST, and all of the librarians!

Here's the full list from BOOKLIST's (American Library Association) September 15th edition:

Always Look Twice by Geralyn Dawson
The Bridegroom by Linda Lael Miller
Dogs and Goddesses by Jennifer Crusie, Anne Stewart and Lani Diane Rich
Hot Flash by Kathy Carmichael
Laced with Magic by Barbara Bretton
The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James
So Enchanting by Connie Brockway
Straight from the Hip by Susan Mallery
When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James

If you'd like to see the full list with additional information about the books, click here to visit the BOOKLIST Online site.

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Today is my youngest son's first day of college classes. We dropped him off at FSU in Tallahassee late last week. That's a photo of him in his dorm above.

I'm not quite sure how I'm going to deal with our new empty nest. Once my husband and I get used to how quiet our house is now, I'm sure we'll explore the advantages to being just the two of us again :) And I bet I have lots more time for writing!

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Wooohooo!!! The American Library Association's BOOKLIST magazine has named HOT FLASH as one of the Top 10 Romances for the year! The list will appear in the Sept 15th issue.




I'm holding a contest to celebrate! Click here to enter a drawing for a chance to receive a copy of HOT FLASH plus a $10 gift certificate to the bookstore of your choice!

Thank you, thank you, librarians! I truly appreciate your support of my books as well as the romance genre! And a special thanks to Shelley Mosley, the librarian who gave HOT FLASH such a glowing review!

When I heard the news, my arms broke out in goosebumps and they haven't gone away -- this despite the Florida heat and humidity! LOL!

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Click here to watch me read an excerpt from HOT FLASH.

The Tampa Tribune ran an article today, written by reporter Richard Mullins, about how well romance novels are selling in a sluggish economy. At the link above, you'll be able to watch me read an excerpt and at this link, you can read the article. You'll be able to link to the other authors who also read from their books, including Debby Mayne, Joan Johnston, Julie Leto, Karen Rose, Roxanne St. Claire, Elissa Wilds, Diana Peterfreund, and Terri Garey!



Okay, it's a little embarrassing, since I'm more known for writing funny than I am for sexy. But hey, it's all in fun. Right? And you know where I'll be? Standing in line for the $100,000 advances! -- KC

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Today is Ask an Author Day on Twitter! Here's the hashtag: #askromancewriter

You can find me at @kathycarmichael

Author Joann Ross posted the list of participating authors and more details on her blog.

Please come and ask your writer or reader questions to any of us :)

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I woke up way too early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, all because of a lovely review of HOT FLASH by reporter Juliane Draper, Tampa Books Examiner. She also interviewed me in a separate article.

This was such a lovely surprise because I've been stressing over doing all the things that must be done in order to send my child off to college in 5 weeks (is it only 5 weeks left? he's not ready! I'm not ready!).

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Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 24) I'm guest blogging on the IMHO Blog, hosted by talented author, TJ Bennett, about weddings. Please come join the discussion, post, and register for a chance to win a guest basket! And tell me if you cry at weddings or at the happy endings in romances!

HOT FLASH received a wonderful review from Lettitia at SingleTitles / Cataromance. I'm thrilled :) -- KC

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Last weekend, I arranged for Sue Grimshaw, Borders' Buyer, to come speak to TARA. Afterwards, we had a multi-author booksigning. Everyone had a great time and I think you'll be able to see this from the photos I'm posting :) -- KC

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I'm going to be signing copies of HOT FLASH, along with some incredible authors signing their summer reads as well! If you're in the Tampa area on Saturday, June 13th, please join us at the Borders Books, 909 N Dale Mabry from 2-4 pm! Authors include: Virginia Henley, Joan Johnston, Karen Rose, Julie Leto, Roxanne St. Claire, Terri Garey, Debby Mayne, Diana Peterfreund, Elissa Wilds, and me, Kathy Carmichael :)

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Things have been a bit chaotic in the Carmichael household, and I have been incredibly busy. I have photos to post of book signings, conferences, graduations. I have new reviews of Hot Flash to post. I'm so behind. I will return soon, though!

In the meantime, here's a high school graduation photo. Ian graduated Magna Cum Laude :) I'm one proud Mama!

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Please come see what my friend, Cait London, had to say about me and Hot Flash on her blog today!

Cait and I have known each other for years and years, long before I ever sold my first book. We met at a writer's conference in Kansas City and it was "friendship-at-first-sight!" She's absolutely delightful and writes the most wonderful books.

While you're visiting her blog, check out her latest paranormal romances. You'll be glad you did! -- KC

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At 6:30 this evening (Tues March 17), I will be presenting a seminar on how to pitch to an editor or agent as well as discussing general business of writing subjects. If you're in the area, I would love it if you could stop in :) Please bring your questions and I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability.

It will be held at the East Lake Community Library, 4125 E. Lake Rd., Palm Harbor, FL, 34685, starting at 6:30pm and is free to the public -- KC

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I'll be blogging at Book Talk with J & J this week and will be giving away two copies of HOT FLASH to 2 commentors on their site. I'm discussing writing comedy and how one size does not fit all. Please stop by their site, post a comment and be entered in the drawing!

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On Sunday March 1st, I signed books at the Southlake, Texas Barnes & Noble. It was a great day, with many friends and family in attendance!

Here's a few photos from the signing plus a few photos from the party afterwards. I'm greatly indebted to my sister, Terri West, for throwing such a wonderful party! -- KC

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On Saturday, Feb 28th, I had the best time meeting some of the wonderful members of the DFW Tea Readers Group!

These women are witty, charming and hiliarious! I had so much fun! Below are more photos from the event :) -- KC

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