Sunday, December 18, 2011

Happy Holidays to All!

With the coming holiday week, I want to take the time to wish everyone Happy Holidays! If you're traveling, may your travels be safe. If you're staying home, may you stay cuddly and warm, surrounded by the love of good friends and family.

I also want to take the time to thank all the readers! I know myself how tight it is, especially to have any extra money to spend on books. Thanks for spending some of that money on my books and on other authors' books. And I'd especially like to thank those who take the time to write to tell me what you think of my books, either an e-mail or a quick note on Facebook.

Survived by Her Longtime Companion is still scheduled for release next month. If you'd like to read an excerpt, please go here: http://www.ckpaynter.com/excerptsurvivedbyherlongtimecompanion.html. Let me know what you think!

Again, Happy Holidays to all!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

"Um... honey, we're in South Carolina."

Phyllis and I just returned from a trip to Charis Books and More in Atlanta to celebrate Charis's 37th Birthday on Saturday, November 5. We had a great time. We met up with fellow Blue Feather buddies Jane Vollbrecht, Mavis Applewater, and Renee MacKenzie. We came down last year to help celebrate, and it was good to be back again. Charis co-owner Angela Gabriel is always lots of fun. While I was there, I set up a date for my book launch of Survived by Her Longtime Companion.



The book will be released in January 2012. The book launch at Charis is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2012 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. We're looking forward to going back to Atlanta.


Well, maybe the next time we drive down, we'll drive back the way we're supposed to. I... uh... went the wrong way on I-85 leaving Atlanta. Wouldn't you think that if you came in on I-85 south, you'd go back on I-85 north? Um... no. I didn't look at the directions before we left, totally convinced we were heading back the right way. Imagine my surprise when I see a "Welcome to South Carolina" sign.



Phyllis was semi-dozing when I said, "Wow. We're in South Carolina." That immediately got her into an upright position and with a quick, "Pull in here," we made the turn to a diner/gas station. Me being me, I asked if she'd go in for directions. I'm a butch... go figure. We were an hour outside of Atlanta. We headed to Spartensburg then drove back on I-26 and I-40. I do have to say this. What a gorgeous drive! lol The weather down there was warmer so the trees hadn't all turned. When I told my dad this, he said, "You're trying to make yourself feel better for screwing up." lol At least I can now say I've been to South Carolina!

My travel to Dallas on Tuesday, November 8 for the Jewel LesFic Book Club discussion of Playing for First wasn't as eventful. Probably because I wasn't driving. After all, I don't have much control over the pilot. Sandy Thornton, the facilitator and my hostess, was absolutely fabulous, as was the group. We had a lively discussion of writing and about the book, plus I read from Playing for First, Two for the Show, and gave a sneak peek of Survived by Her Longtime Companion. I also had the pleasure of meeting someone whose work I greatly admire, Bold Strokes author Carsen Taite. She even interviewed me for her vlog. It was fun. You can find it here: http://lesbianauthors.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/batter-up/. I'd love to go back and visit again. I hope Phyllis can go with me next time because I missed her.

As you can guess, the final edit is done for SBHLC. The cover is finalized, as well as the back cover blurb. You can find that here: http://www.ckpaynter.com/comingsoon.htm. I did write a blurb, but trust me, Nann Dunne, my editor, wrote a much better one. lol Let's just say, it's reeeeeally hard to narrow a 80,000-word novel down to 200 or so words.

I'm currently working on another romance, plus crystalizing what I want to do with From Third to Home, the third in the Playing for First series. It will be the final book in the series. I want to get it right.

I think that's about it for now! Those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope your day is full of blessings and the warmth of home.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Driving to Milwaukee Friday!

Phyllis and I made it back from Orlando last month and are trying to get back into the swing of things. As soon as we returned, we had to get our house ready for the next tenants. It seemed like one thing snowballed into another.

We're heading to Wisconsin Friday to visit with our friend Cathy Rowlands and her partner AND to attend a reading at Outwords Books, 2710 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee on Saturday, July 9 at 1:00. Cathy, Anne Laughlin, and Martha Miller (all from Bold Strokes Books) and I (Blue Feather Books) will read from our latest, as well as future releases. We'll also help celebrate Outwords' 18th anniversary. If you live in the area, we'd love to see you there Saturday!

It'll be nice to get away again. Honestly, I love to drive because it allows me complete alone time with Phyllis. It seems we solve the problems of the universe on our trips.

On the writing front, I've started working on From Third to Home again. Now that Two for the Show is released and I know the plotlines that have changed, I'm able to go forward. I've already fixed the opening because of one change in TFTS.

When we return, I hope to post some photos here and Facebook from our reading. I'm really looking forward to this because I love talking to the readers afterwards during any Q&A we have.

That's all for now!

Monday, June 6, 2011

"My bags are packed, I'm ready to go. . . ."

". . . outside the taxi is blowing his horn. . . ." lalalalala

Phyllis and I are packed for the GCLS Conference. The only thing left for me to do is get my tux and all its accessories all tucked away neatly in its own personal suitcase. Phyllis somehow packed it last year so that it didn't wrinkle. Not sure how. . . which is why I'm going to ask her to supervise. ;-)

We're excited! Haven't had a vacation together in two years. . . well at least not one that's a week long like this one. Phyllis didn't go last year and I wandered around like a lost puppy. I had great friends who helped cheer me up, but it wasn't the same without her. Unfortunately, my left knee is acting up. And by "acting up," I don't mean it's spouting Shakespeare. I have a bum knee and have for years since I injured it playing tennis. Not sure what's up. The muscle below in my calf hurts and I've had pain in the knee, too. All swollen. I've been popping ibuprofen to try to get the inflammation down. The weird thing is, I can't remember hurting it. I kinda wonder if I pulled some muscles. Oh well. I'm getting on that DAMN PLANE. lol! If any of you GCLS attendees see me hobbling along down there, just ignore it. :-) I plan to DANCE with Phyllis after the awards show. Even if it's on one leg.

Buddy is starting to suspect, I do believe. In fact, he's already told me he wants my laptop when I'm done so he can't voice his suspicions on his blog.

To all who are coming to the GCLS Conference, looking forward to seeing you! If we haven't met, please come up and chat with me. I love to talk books, which is good since it's a literary conference, huh? ;-) To those who couldn't make it, I hope to see you next year in Minneapolis.

On the writing front, I've gone through my next release Survived by Her Longtime Companion with a fine-tooth comb in preparation for Jane's edit which will be after the Conference. I'm realistic and know she'll find plotholes I didn't see. I know there'll be rewriting involved, but I think she'll like the book. It should be out after the first of the year. When I get back from the Conference, I'll be working on From Third to Home, the third book in the Playing for First Series.

Well, Buddy just sighed, which means his patience has run out. I'll chat again when I get home. That is if Buddy isn't hogging my laptop.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A reminder I'll be on Lara Zielinsky's Radio Blog Show...

... tonight at 10:30 PM. Here's the link if you want to listen and join in on the discussion: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lara-zielinsky/2011/05/20/chris-paynter. Hope to hear from you! If you don't listen to the show live, it's always available to listen to later.

I found out last Saturday that Come Back to Me also was shortlisted for the Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award. Voting by GCLS members comes to an end May 21 at midnight. So if you're members, feel free to vote soon and often for CBTM. LOL! Seriously, you only get one vote and I hope everyone votes for their favorite book, regardless of what it is. It's just an honor to be up for the award with the other finalists: Lynn Ames, Fay Jacobs, Rachel Spangler, Georgia Beers, Amy Dawson Robertson, Pat Cronin, Kim Baldwin & Xenia Alexiou.

The Conference is fast approaching. Every year, it seems once January hits, the months just fly by. We're looking forward to meeting up with old friends and making new ones. I'm especially looking forward to meeting Laurie Salzler, Bev Prescott, and other newly signed Blue Feather authors. And of course there are the other members of the BF family.... I'm on a panel this year with Karin Kallmaker and Marianne Martin talking about piracy of ebooks. I had the frustrating experience of a website offering free downloads of Playing for First last November. Since then, I've wanted to speak out about my experience and offer any help to other authors who may go through the same thing. I hope to have a handout/packet available at the panel discussion to offer to those who attend.

On the writing front, I'm about 10,000 words into another romance and plan to finish it before I then get going on From Third to Home, the third book in the PFF Series. I had started FTTH, but decided to wait to see what Jane thought before I got too far.

On the reading front, I'm about halfway through Bett Norris's debut novel, Miss McGhee. Wow. What a well-written book. I was reading parts of it out loud to Phyllis. Beautiful prose. I know Bett has the sequel out now, What's Best for Jane. I plan to read that, too. If you've not read Miss McGhee, I highly recommend it.

Well, I think that's all for now. In about four hours, I'll be chatting with Lara. Again, hope to hear from you. If you can't make it, go to that link and leave some messages. Lara will read the messages during the show.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Just had a wonderful week!

A lot happened this past week! Last Saturday, I found out that Come Back to Me was shortlisted for a Goldie in the Traditional Contemporary Romance category. The award winners will be announced at the annual Golden Crown Literary Society Conference in Orlando, Florida, at the awards ceremony, Saturday, June 11. This year will be so much more special for me because Phyllis will make the trip. It just wasn't the same last June without her. At all.

Sunday, May 1, Emily Reed, my publisher, announced the release of my latest novel, Two for the Show, the second in the Playing for First Series. Trade paperbacks are available through my publisher, www.bluefeatherbooks.com and through Bella Books, www.bellabooks.com. Bella also carries the e-book version of Two for the Show for all you e-bookers out there!

My books arrived at our doorstep on Wednesday, May 4. That's always a treat, opening the box and pulling out the first copy. It's such a magical feeling when I hold the book in my hand for the first time. I don't think it will ever get old.

We spent Mother's Day at my parents' house. We had a cook-out. Buddy decided to get in on the action by swiping the bun to my smoked sausage. How he got the bun and left the smoked sausage on the table, I have NO idea. It was like that tablecloth trick. You know? Where you pull the tablecloth really fast and leave all the dishes in place. He's a bread nut. Not because of us giving it to him, either. He's simply a thief and gets to it if it's close to the edge of the table. Unfortunately, my smoked sausage sandwich was too much of a temptation. Needless to say, he was banished outdoors until we were done eating. But it was great spending the time with Mom and Dad. And it was nice giving them their copies of Two for the Show.

Well, time to relax for the rest of the evening. I hope everyone enjoyed Mother's Day today!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Lots of good news!!





The cover was finalized for Two for the Show. I think Ann Phillips, Blue Feather's graphic artist, kicked butt! We've signed off on the PDF. It was uploaded at the printer and Jane has told me the galley proof looks great! Soooooo... look for a release announcement hopefully later this week from Emily Reed, my publisher.

Also, April 13, I had the pleasure of having Come Back to Me reviewed by Pamela Bigelow of Lambda Literary Reviews. Here's a little of what she had to say:

"Chris Paynter’s second book, Come Back to Me (Blue Feather) is well-written, with an interesting setting, and characters any reader can care for. Her pacing keeps the story flowing. Even though the reader may know what’s coming, there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader in the story until the end of the book."

For the complete review, please visit Lambda Literary.org's website at this link: http://www.lambdaliterary.org/reviews/04/13/come-back-to-me-chris-paynter/.


AND, just today, I received the news that Come Back to Me was voted by Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Award members as one of the Top 5 Favorite Romances for 2010.















I'm definitely floating around here and simultaneously doing my Snoopy happy dance.


Speaking of beagles, Buddy the Wonder Dog has lost five pounds since his last visit! He still has about eight pounds to go, but he's lookin' good! We were very glad to see him after our trip to Cleveland this past weekend for the Easter holiday. It's nice to visit Phyllis's family, but it's always good to get back home.


I'll be back soon with the announcement of the release of Two for the Show.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tuesday... nothing day

I've long held the belief that Tuesday is the most nothing day of the week. Let's look at the days:

  • Monday, Monday ... first day of the work week. Ugh. But it serves a purpose, if only to allow us to say, "I'm okay for a Monday."
  • Wednesday... hump day.
  • Thursday... my favorite day of the week, actually. 'Cuz the next day is Friday so you're starting to get excited.
  • Friday... IT'S FRIDAY!! WOOO HOOO!
  • Saturday and Sunday ... the weekend. YAY!
Now, I ask you, Where does Tuesday come in? Except to be stuck in between Monday and Wednesday. Blech. I say, "Let's abolish Tuesdays!!

That's my rant for, well, Tuesday.

On the writing front, I've gone through the first rewrite of Two for the Show, my next release. I'm getting more and more excited! I'm anxious for readers and fans of Amy, Lisa, and Frankie to fall in love with Stacy McCrady, Amy's partner, like I did when I wrote the book. She's a sweetheart.

Just got tickets to see k.d. lang at the new Palladium in Carmel here north of Indianapolis. This place recently opened and is supposed to have some of the best acoustics in the world. Can't wait until June 22!! We've seen her twice before, but this one will top 'em all. God. I can just hear her voice rising up and echoing throughout that hall. *sigh*

On a totally unrelated note, we're watching Glee. Gwyneth Paltrow is in this one. I can't remember if this is a rerun. I remember seeing one where she sings "Singing in the Rain" at the end, but I didn't catch the rest of it. She's hilarious in this and she's so talented. I'll always say Cate Blanchett should have won the Oscar for Elizabeth the year she won for Shakespeare in Love, but oh well. She just finished dancing and singing to "Kiss" with the director of the glee club, whose name I can't remember. Um... I just have to say this ... Gwyneth has some gorgeous legs. ;-)

And on that note, I'm signing off... for a TUESDAY.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

All is good...well, except for the weather

If I see one more "Winter Storm Warning" or "Winter Weather Advisory" or "Winter Whatever," I'm gonna puke. I'm sure my friends on the east coast and upstate New York are laughing at me. But, I'm in Indianapolis where we maybe get a few major snows for the winter. Not a major snow every other day. And the forecasters? They suck. Sorry, but they do. lol Especially since we were due 1-2 inches today according to them and ended with 5.

On the good news front, I had my surgery a week ago and my follow-up appt with the breast surgeon yesterday. She excised the lesion plus some surrounding tissue, which all, thank God, came back benign. I have another follow-up in three months.

More on the good news front, Phyllis and I bought our plane tickets for Orlando and the Golden Crown Literary Society Conference, June 9-12. The next step is to reserve our hotel room, which will come once they get that up on the GCLS website. If you love lesfic and would like to meet and mingle with authors and other readers, this is the Conference for you. It's a blast. This will be my third. I'm looking forward to it even more this year since Phyllis was unable to attend last summer because of her broken foot. I felt lost down there, even though I still had fun with friends. It wasn't the same.

Anyway...I encourage you to join the GCLS if you haven't already done so. It's only $20 for a year's membership. Visit the GCLS website, www.goldencrown.org. You'll find links on there to the Conference and how to purchase tickets.

I'll be excited since Two for the Show, the sequel to Playing for First, will be out in time to discuss with everyone (and to sign copies!). I hope to see you in June! (don't worry; I'll promote it a LOT more between now and then)