New Art

Well, my Amber Allure release is scheduled for March 27th. First edits are finished and the cover art has been completed. Trace (part owner and cover dude) sent me this cover proof last night after midnight. It's already loaded on the Amber Allure site!

Wrong Number, Right Guy is expected to be the first book of the celebrity series I'm working on for Amber Allure. I'm pretty excited about the series and have several books already in mind.

Here's the unedited, suggested blurb for this book:

Movie star, Ryan Pierce, has a movie to shoot. As America’s heart thob, the fact that he’s decidedly gay has been swept under the carpet, thanks to his industrious agent. So when he gets a call from someone he doesn’t know, but who knows his secret, Ryan is more than a little disconcerted.

Dar Phillips thought he was dialing his best friend’s number, but somehow he hit a wrong number. Now the guy on the other end of the phone has peaked his interest. If the only way he’s going to meet this guy is to show up on a movie set, so be it. But he’s not interested in meeting the star. He’s interested in meeting the guy on the phone who says he works on the set.

When Ryan and Dar get together, sparks fly…until the paparazzi show up and claim that Dar sold Ryan’s secret to the tabloids.

Now I'm just waiting to see what DreamSpinner does! This is gonna be fun! Have a great weekend everyone.

New Pretty!

I'm getting ready to attend the Authors After Dark conference in New Jersey, so I'm not spending a lot of time on the blog this week. HOWEVER! I had this pretty little gem in my inbox to day for my book Hitched.

Ain't she a beaut?

I have art!

Book three in the Faerily Imperfect series: Freeze Frame.

Out from Resplendence Publishing on March 23, 2010!!! Blurb and Excerpt to follow.

surprises for everyone

There's a chat today between authors and readers and anyone else who's interested. Prizes to be had and excerpts to enjoy along with great conversation. Have questions? Ask them. We aren't afraid, we welcome them. Join us 5-8 Pacific, 6-9 Mountain, 7-10 Central, and 8-11 Eastern, at the Romantic Gems Yahoo Group.

My editor sent the official cover for Mind F*cked and I must say, I love it. She used two of the stock photos I requested, excellent graphics, and a darkened background that perfectly works with the concept of the story. I also noticed that my name uses similar coloring to what's on my website. I'm debating whether or not to blow it up and frame it on my wall. I've yet to do that with my covers but this warrants special treatment, don't you agree?

2nd surprise: In the above and in the second book of the series, which will be male/female, I am working with someone to give every buyer a special gift. It's difficult to explain without giving it away, but there will be much incentive to purchase. Because each book will stand alone as its own complete story, readers who do not cross the genre barrier need not fear doing so.

3rd surprise: Well, this one is mostly for me. I've begun intense work on Faery Surprising. The opening sequence begins with quite a bang. I'll post the first few lines once I'm further along.

4th surprise: Actually this one is for me as well, unless you have been avidly awaiting the release of books in a particular order. My editor has changed it up a little but for very good reason. The new order shows the release of Bound by Darkness, the second book in the Darkness series begun at Ellora's Cave and continuing at Resplendence. With the other books coming out in quick succession, we were still able to fit Bound sooner than anticipated. Here is the new publication release date list.

...(starting at the point of change from the list on the right)

04/13/10 Hitched
05/11/10 The Crush
06/22/10 Kiss and Tell
08/10/10 Bound by Darkness
09/14/10 Unscripted
10/19/10 Catalyst
11/30/10 Tempted by Darkness
01/11/11 His Bestfriend's Wife
02/08/11 Lord Captive
03/15/11 Delivered by Darkness
05/17/11 Faking Perfection
06/28/11 Time Warped

I'll post blurbs about each as time grows nearer.

Covers and Proposals

I'm baffled. I submitted my cover request for Mind F*cked and received word from my editor that she'd like the cover requests for the other four books in the Faerily Imperfect series. The general thought being that all covers should look similar in appearance for the series. It's a grand idea.

The problem? The other four books are still simply a paragraph of proposal. I've no idea what the characters look like or the major plot point in any of the books. I know the faery curse each has and how it will be involved in their romantic plots, but the driving factors are still unknown. I usually don't know until the book is being written.

So short of writing four books in the next week (not possible, in case you doubted), I'll be filling out a two page cover request form purely on guesswork. Hm. Descriptions, tension points, examples, blurbs, items of importance... will all be randomly pulled from the air. I did not foresee this complication with submitting a proposal.

And what of the two books which fall in the male/female realm or the one which will be a menage? Should the covers have a slight variation on the over-riding theme so the reader can distinguish? I think I shall discuss this with the Powers That Be.

Note to self: "Mia, you have outdone yourself this time. Stock up on coffee."

Got Cover?

I received my new cover art. The book is She's Got Balls and will release on November 17th this year. She's Got Balls is part of a series from Resplendence, Handcuffs and Lace. All the book covers have four common elements: a couple shot, a color wash, a pair of high heels, and a pair of cuffs.

Most of the others who write in this line have male/female plots. I, however, do not. Because of this, I specifically requested a different set of shoes and handcuffs and provided pictures to Rika, cover-bestower goddess. To fully appreciate the humor of the situation, I am posting what the cover art for this series should look like, above.

Now see what I actually got. It's perfect, complete with mud on the boots. Title and picture provide exactly the tone I wanted. Male/male, police, undercover... with kink. I could not have asked for a better cover. What say you?

Other shit: The second book in the Darkness series is temporarily delayed. I've been working through that particular mess these last couple of weeks. It is unfortunate that the book has to wait while I work out the last details. Never fear, I have assistance and this should all come to an end soon. I'll keep you posted on the status of that particular bit.

Other-er shit: R was arrested. That charming boy-child who smokes near the back dumpster? Yes, that one. He was picked up on possession. His parents are distraught and I believe they are calling in the older brother to have a sit down with Junior after he is released. J, his mother, was quite upset and disclosed the entire story. Seems this is his first offense.

Poor R will have to deal with the police and guilt-ridden family. I wonder at the thought of calling home a sibling to handle a matter the parents haven't felt adequate addressing, and this the first time. What will transpire on his second or third... assuming there is one?

Note to self: "Mia, don't have children. You'll ruin them by actually parenting instead of transferring blame or handing off problems when they arise."

Interview with John Antorino

1. What prompted you to get into modeling?

Just happened. Not something I ever aspired to get into to. I was constantly being approached by agents and photographers as well as strangers and always would tell me how beautiful I was and that I should be a model. My friends and family also would tell me things like this. So, basically I finally decided to see what it was all about and the rest is history as they say.

2. What was your most memorable photo shoot? What about it made it memorable?

Tough one. I’ve had so many. Probably the time I landed work in Brazil. That was so cool. Getting to go there and work and meet some great people there. Not to mention get some nice free clothes and get paid well. Did I mention the beautiful women there. Yea that too.

3. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment during a shoot you might share?

No not really.

4. What is the biggest misconception about modeling you face?

Well I laugh when people say what do I do for a living and I tell them I am a model. They say but what do you do, what’s your real job? HAHA. They have no idea what goes into my lifestyle. The working out all the time, the diet and the traveling schedule and all the crazy nonsense we deal with. Oh and some crazy people too. It’s such a cut throat business and very competitive. It’s definitely not for everyone.

5. How did acting come into play with your modeling career and what which parts would we recognize you from?

I pretty much did everything I could do in the modeling world and wanted to further my career and do more. I wanted another challenge. I also think I have always had the personality to be an actor. I am not a shy person and have an outgoing personality and believe myself to be a natural. I’ve been on TV show Lipstick Jungle a few times, Court TV’s Forensic Files, The History Channel- Roman Times Re-enactment, TAG body spray commercial, Movie coming out soon- Ice Grill, USA. I have also been doing some cool short films and independent films. As stepping stones to bigger things to come.

6. Where do you see your career going from here?

Right now I am working very hard on my acting career. Auditioning for as many roles as I can. Doing short films, independent films, small TV and movie parts, and working my way up the ladder. Hoping to land some big roles soon. I am a hard worker and have a never give up attitude. So we’ll see what happens and how it all plays out. I am still modeling as well. Just shot for some more fitness magazines and getting ready to do a calendar soon. And hopefully some more romance novel covers to come.

7. Have you ever modeled for a romance cover?

Yes!

8. Have you ever read a romance novel? Did you like it and which one?

I have read bits and pieces of a few. But never an entire book. I had to see what all the hype was about with the ladies loving these books for so many years. I don’t recall which ones. Sorry. I do know this though. The cover seems to sell the book. Hint Hint. Ha!

9. Would you like to pose for a romance cover?

I have done some and would definitely like to do more. Yes!

10. What does your daily routine look like?

Crazy! I get up early. Head to the gym for my morning cardio/abs session. Usually 6-7am. Depending on which coast I am on and how late I worked the night before. After the gym I head home to make breakfast and my meals for the day. Then it’s emails and phone calls. Usually I have meetings, auditions, photo shoots, filming….So that takes up the bulk of my day. I head back to the gym around 5-6pm for my weight training. After the second gym session back home to cook again and then study scripts and get ready to do it all over again the next day.

11. What do you count as your biggest life success and why?

I have a few. One being that I went back to college a few years ago and fulfilled my promise to my mom to go back and get my degree. I have a BS in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition. And the other big success would be that I’ve been able to help my family. My mother raised my twin sister and I on her own. Working two and three jobs to support us. When I got into this business my goal was to take care of her and give her things she could never have and take her places she has always wanted to go. Basically just give her a better life and make her life easier after all her years of work work work and taking care of us. And I am blessed to be able to do that now.

12. Where can I find out more about you on the internet?

http://www.johnantorino.com/ and www.myspace.com/JohnAntorino http://www.facebook.com/ John Antorino Email: Superman530@yahoo.com

13. What would you like your fans to know about you?

That I am more than just a model and actor and more than just a pretty face and a nice body. I take pride in being a good man in life. Very humble and down to earth. I am very much into my family. Dedicated to them completely. My little niece Morgan is my life. No matter what success or money comes my way I will never change.

14. Is there anything else you wish to share with us?

Just would like to thank you for asking to interview me. Thank my fans and my friends and family for all their love and support over the years. My career has been great! But hasn’t been completely smooth sailing, but nothing in life worth anything comes easy. So it’s all good! Keep your eyes out for me. And remember Dream, Believe, and Achieve!

John Antorino

Thank you, John. I'm certain that your dedication will pay off. Publishers, cover artists, John's contact information above is for your use. To the others, enjoy the pictures. Sorry gents, John belongs to the ladies though am sure he would accept fan mail.

Got Cover-ed

Have flu-head. The bugger is cannot antagonize new hires. Sound decidedly un-scary with stuffed nose and rasping voice. Colds are not sexy. Brought out binoculars but see nothing of interest in courtyard or across.

Did receive new cover for Bad Boys, March release. What say you?

Note to self: "Carry around bottle of Quianti to explain red nose. Preferable than truth."