Shop to Make a Difference!

Hoping everyone had a spectacular holiday weekend! Just popping in to let you know there are only two days left to bid on some super fantastic items and service over at Brenda Novak's On-Line Auction to benefit Juvenile Diabetes!

To see items donated by me, I've included direct links in the right side bar of this blog. However once there, please do skim all the offerings. It's quite wonderful and for such a good cause. Remember... only two days left!

Peace and joy,
Beth

Exciting News, Cool Art, and a Rambling Ramble

It's been a jammed packed Spring thus far and things won't be slowing down any time soon. Not that I'm complaining.  Late Friday I completed and submitted the manuscript for THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE, book 2 in my new series Cupcake Lovers. Though exhausted, I am so very pleased with how the story evolved. At one point I even made myself cry. Not because I was frustrated or tired but because a scene moved me that deeply. I've 'laughed' rereading something I wrote, but I'm not sure I ever 'teared up'. That was pretty cool, I have to say.

In light of my zombie-fied brain and body, I declared yesterday a Mental Health day. Although two immediate deadlines were (are) nipping at my conscious, I had to replenish. I spent the entire day on my own, away from the house, shopping for a few summer clothes and treating myself to a movie I'd been dying to see.

   
One word. WOW! The writing was brilliant and the acting top notch. Darkly intense, yet funny. As a screenwriter and director, once again Joss Whedon has delivered big time. I enjoyed The Avengers all the more because I had seen both Ironman movies, plus Thor, and Captain America, so I knew the characters and backstory which only enriched this story. I came away truly inspired. Can't wait to see again!

Today I'm diving into the revisions for my steampunk romance, HER SKY COWBOY, the launch book of The Glorious Victorious Darcys. It's a totally different world than the Cupcake Lovers. I look forward to the adventure. Speaking of Steampunk, I discovered a new artist on Etsy--The Gorgonist! I will be purchasing some of her art for inspiration.

Last but not least in my ramble, I just have to share some incredibly exciting news. I've mentioned my sister Elle J Rossi here many times. As owner of EJR Digital Art, she has designed several promo projects for me, including my new banner at the top of this blog and the new one she made for my FB Timeline.....

But in addition to creating awesome promo banners and book covers, etc... she also writes. Writing is her number one passion and I am proud to say her very hard and wonderful work paid off big time this past week. I am thrilled to announce that Elle just sold her paranormal romance--CLOAKED IN LIGHT--to Crimson Rose, a new romance imprint of Adam's Media!! Congratulations Elle J Rossi! Rock on!    

I just know I could ramble about a few more things, but revisions call! Until next time...

Oh. Wait! Doh! How the heck could I forget. This weekend I also received a few ARCS (advanced reading copies) of FOOL FOR LOVE. (Book 1 of Cupcake Lovers) It's an actual bound copy sent out to reviewers. Not THE finished book, but a BOOK! What a rush! 

And on that note...

Wishing you cheers, cupcakes, and steamalicious reading!

Steampunk Cover Reveal!

Clearly the Cover Gods are smiling on me. First I received that awesomelly gorgeous cover redesign for FOOL FOR LOVE. Then yesterday I got the official cover for the launch book in The Glorious Victorious Darcys series--HER SKY COWBOY.  What can I say except.... WAHOO! Oh, and STEAM-A-LICIOUS!

Ready for a romantic adventure?

New Cover and a Collectible Cupcake Recipe Card

Even though I've been in the publishing business for several years, every now and then something still trips me up, stuns me, or pleasantly surprises my socks off. This is one of those 'pleasant surprise' deals. If you follow me here or on FB or Twitter... or if you've been to my website lately, you know I've had the cover for my August release--FOOL FOR LOVE--for a few months. However a funny and wondrous thing happened.

Recently this story caught fire internally at my publisher, St. Martin's Press. People within the company are reading and loving the story and after much thought and discussion, they decided to take a different approach to the cover art. A design that spoke more to the romance and small community aspects of the book, a cover that captured the feel of the story more accurately. Now don't get me wrong, I adored the original cover....

But I love, love, LOVE the new cover! Once you read this story (hoping that you do!), you'll see why this is the perfect art for FOOL FOR LOVE. Behold the amazing new art and my reason for happy dancing like loon!

Changing the cover so close to the release date is a REALLY big deal, rarely done. So that tells you how excited St Martin's is about FOOL FOR LOVE. They want to give this story the very best chance possible for grand success. In addition we're brainstorming some possible fun interactive social media events for The Cupcake Lovers. More details as I know them!

In the meantime... as it happens I had already ordered some cupcake recipe cards based on the original cover. They're really cool and feature Honorary Cupcake Lover, Gina Husta's recipe for Chloe's Carrot Cupcakes. Yum! I plan to start a whole collection of these recipe cards, but this launch card is now a 'collectible' of sorts because it also features the original cover!

 

 

If you would like one of these collectible cupcake postcards, please email me with your mailing address at: beth@bethciotta.com

You can pre-order a copy of the book with the NEW cover in either print or e-book form at almost all cyber book sites, incuding Amazona dn Barnes and Noble!  

Stay tuned for more exciting news! Until then, happy baking (or eating!) and peace, love, and joy!

~~Beth 

     

Let the Bids Begin!

Today marks the launch day for the month long on-line auction sponsored by awesome author and humanitarian, Brenda Novak. All proceeds benefit Diabetes Research! Please do visit Brenda's auction, skim the hundreds of items and services up for bid and take part in this incredible cause. if you glance over to the right column of this blog you'll see the direct links to items I have donated. I hope you'll see something of interest, but know there is so, so much more to bid on. Please spread the word and thank you for your support!