DELIVER ME is here!!!
Just in case you haven't heard the news, Deliver Me is in book stores today. Yes, that's right, my very own novel is sitting on the shelves with the likes of Nora Roberts (right next to NR, as a matter of fact), Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Judith McNaught, Suzanne Brockmann, and all the other authors I've looked up to for years.
I've been having a blast going around to different bookstores and seeing my book on the shelves. I thought I would cry, but I didn't. What I did was jumped up and down and clapped my hands like a giddy schoolgirl. But, hey, this day has been a long time coming. I have the right to act a little silly.
Here are a few pictures of me being a total goofball at Barnes & Nobles and Borders:
This is me in Barnes & Nobles. I just grabbed a guy and told him "Hey, you, take my picture!" He did. :)
Here's a close up of
Deliver Me on the shelves, smack dab between Queen Nora, and one of my favorite authors, Karen Rose. If you don't read her, start! But, only
AFTER you buy
Deliver Me.
I had so much fun taking pictures in Barnes & Noble that I decided to hit Borders on my way in to work, too.
Both stores asked me to autograph the copies on the shevles, and I made sure to stuff a bookmark in them, too! Fun, fun times!
I can truly say for the first time that I am a PUBLISHED AUTHOR! That's just freaking cool, people!
Also, today, I have an interview on the super popular When Tara Met Blog. This blog is awesome! So awesome, in fact, that it has been featured in the New York Times. Its author, the wonderful Tara, happens to be my fantabulous publicist and friend. Am I lucky or what?
Happy Release Day to me!
Doing my own guest blogging!!!
That's right. I was invited by Historical Romance author Sandra Schwab to do a little guest blogging on her blog, Sandy's Chatter Blog! I just love that name. :)
I talked a little about how I got started writing romance in the first place, and how I came up with the concept for
Deliver Me. Check it out at
Sandy's Chatter Blog.
I'm hoping Sandy stops by when her next release,
Castle of the Wolf, hits bookstores.
Guest Blogger JENNIFER ASHLEY!!!
Every now and then, I'm hoping to have authors drop by to give my readers a little taste of what else is out there in the romance writing world.
I am ecstatic to have Nationally Bestselling author
Jennifer Ashley as my very first guest blogger. Jennifer is the author of numerous historical romances, including most recently
The Mad Bad Duke. She also writes mysteries under
Allyson James and erotic romance under the name
Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's next release is the launch book in Love Spell's highly anticipated
IMMORTALS series. Check out
Jennifer's website for links to all her books and the fabulous Immortals MySpace page and book trailer.
I asked Jennifer to give a little insight into her writing life. Here's what she had to say:
Who or what inspired your writing?
I wanted to be a writer since I was eight years old. I realized that novels were just make-believe written down, so I started writing down the stories in my head and making my mother read them. Fortunately she was very supportive. When I was twelve, she bought me the "Writer's Handbook" which used to be published annually by The Writer magazine. That's when I realized people did this for a living, for real.
Even so I wrote to entertain myself all through grade school, high school, college, and when I first married. I always thought “someday” I’d be a published author, but I kept putting it off. Finally I decided to get off my butt and do it for real. I’m so happy I did! I’m now a full-time writer and love every minute of it.
What is your writing process?
I’m a seat of the pants writer. I have many ideas for scenes, characters, and plots in my head a while before I start writing. I don’t do outlines or notes or anything because I’ll just lose the notes and forget to read the outline. Once I have about fifty to 100 pages written, then I can stop and do a synopsis (which the publishers always need so they can start marketing the book).
I have significant events occur in four places—the initial catalyst event (usually in chapter 1), something that changes the plot at page 100, something at page 200, and something at page 300 that invokes the climax. That’s about as rigid as I get for structure. And I mean *around* page 100 etc. If the event naturally falls on page 150 or page 85, I let it.
What are you currently reading?
Couple of things. Charlaine Harris’s Dead as a Doornail and an erotic Regency by Sharon Page I’m working on a quote for.
Give us a sneak peak of your next novel.
The next book coming out is Immortals: The Calling. It’s the first of a the continuity series written by me, Joy Nash, and Robin Popp. Four witches must find the Immortals, bad boy warriors who have not been seen in the world for seven hundred years, in order to stop their brother, also Immortal, who has gone insane and teamed up with a demon to destroy the world. The Calling sets up the series and is the romance between Adrian, the oldest Immortal, and a witch called Amber. Dragons, werewolves, vampires, and demons abound! We have a neat book trailer at www.myspace.com/immortalsseries
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing this glimpse of your writing life! I'm looking forward to The Calling!
Happy Mardi Gras!
It's Fat Tuesday here in the Big Easy, and as always, I was out on Canal Street in festive Downtown New Orleans celebrating this great tradition with my family. Here are a few of the sights of Mardi Gras 2007. Don't worry, they are pretty tame. I never venture to Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras.
Here's a float from the famous Zulu Pleasure and Social Club's parade. Zulu is the first parade to roll on Fat Tuesday. Their decorated coconuts are the MOST coveted throw of all of Mardi Gras. I was a little too far away to catch a coconut this year, but maybe next year.
The Grand Marshalls of the Zulu parade were three players from our beloved Saints! Joe Horn, Michael Lewis and Devry Henderson! It was the highlight of my day!
One of best aspects of Mardi Gras is the costuming! I saw an array of elaborate costumes today, from FEMA's Red Tape to a Swamp Man. Here is Dorothy and Toto, a very long way from Kansas.
I found these ugly little girls walking along the parade route and asked them if I could take their picture. Just kidding. I actually know those ugly little girls.
Overall, it was a great day. If there is one thing you must do in life, it should be to attend at least one Mardi Gras. It's something everyone should experience at least once. Chances are, you'll be back again.
Romance is in the air...not!
I'm a romance writer and Valentine's Day is the one day of the year that just
screams romance. So, this morning, I set out to make the most out of my first Valentine's Day as a "real" romance writer.
It hasn't been going all that well. Basically, it's just a regular day.
So far, I've completed my daily writing at Starbucks. The scene I worked on was kinda romantic. Does that count?
I also stopped in at my local Barnes & Noble to buy a book. It was a romance novel, of course. Hey, that's got to count for something, right?
***side note***
I have gone to B&N for the past five days so I can use the 25% coupon I recently received via email. I have GOT to get help for this book buying addiction.
***end side***But wait, the day is only halfway over. There's still hope.
Or...maybe not.
The only thing planned for tonight is watching the second part of
American Idol's Hollywood Week. Maybe there will be a little romance between Simon and Paula? Ummm...probably shouldn't count on that.
I did receive a Valentine's Day card from my boss's unbelievably adorable 11-month-old daughter. It was sweeter than any box of chocolates.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Someone out there likes me!
Well, okay, someone out there doesn't necessarily like me, per se. Though, I'm pretty sure my mom likes me most of the time. However, someone likes my book!
I received the first official review of
Deliver Me from
Coffee Time Romance over the weekend. Coffee Time Romance is a great site for romance readers, with cool chat rooms to discuss your favorite books, author interviews, contests, and tons of reviews!
Deliver Me received four out of five coffee cups! That is major cool news! Major. Cool. News!
Read the entire review here:
Deliver Me Review
February Newsletter
This is a little late, but better than never, I guess. The Farrah Rochon Newsletter
News from Farrah Rochon | Volume # 3 | February 2007
Welcome to the February 2007 edition of the Farrah Rochon Newsletter. The year is already off to a hectic, but amazing start. In addition to working feverishly on the next book, I had to contend with a bout of NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FEVER! The boys in Black and Gold took us on a wild and wonderful ride this past season. I am so proud of our team.
News! News! News!
1. One Month ‘Til Deliver Me
2. MySpace
3. Contest Winner
4. Appearances
5. Featured Author
Deliver Me In Stores This Month I’ve been pinching myself more and more these past few weeks. It’s still hard to believe that my very own work of art (Hey, it’s mine, I can call it art!) will be on bookshelves in less than a month. On Tuesday, February 27th, look for Deliver Me’s gorgeous cover in bookstores everywhere. Several people already have copies on hold at Barnes & Noble and Borders around the country! Request your copy today! Of course, you can also Order at Amazon.com also
Order at Amazon.com!
For those who don’t mind a little teaser, you can read an excerpt from Deliver Me on my publisher’s website. Click here: Excerpt from Deliver Me Excerpt from Deliver Me
The Wonderful World of MySpace
I resisted this for a looong time, but finally took the MySpace plunge. I am loving it! There are so many interesting people from all walks of life on MySpace. It’s a great way to network and meet new friends. You can check out my profile at Farrah’s MySpace Page Farrah’s MySpace Page.
Contest Winner!
Surprise, again! I held another contest in January to celebrate the one-month mark to Deliver Me’s release. This month’s winner is Kim Westgaard of Illinois! Kim is one lucky lady. She wins an advance autographed copy of Deliver Me! Congratulations, Kim!
There’s still time to register for the big New Orleans-themed Basket Giveaway, which includes a copy of Deliver Me. Tell your family and friends to simply sign up for the mailing list! Farrah’s Giveaway! Farrah’s Giveaway!
Appearances
Those of you in South Louisiana can join me as I celebrate my debut novel’s release with a huge launch party at the St. John the Baptist Parish Library – West Bank Branch on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Get your copy of Deliver Me signed. There will be door prizes and refreshments (including my Mama’s jambalaya!). It is not to be missed!
I’ve been invited to speak to other aspiring authors at the St. Charles Parish Library – St. Rose Branch on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. I will talk about my journey to publication and answer questions other aspiring authors may have about the publishing industry.
I’m a Featured Author!
I am one of the featured authors for February on Road to Romance. Road to Romance has a plethora of information for romance lovers, including reviews of the latest releases, contests, author news, and tons of other info. Check out my featured author section, and sign up to win an autographed copy of Deliver Me! Feature Author Spot
Until next time…
Happy Reading,
Farrah Rochon
Comes With the Territory
I hate public speaking. HATE IT!!!
The dozen or so classmates from my high school Speech Class will probably never forget the day I stood up to give my first speech and learned that I hate public speaking. I nearly passed out two minutes into the five-minute speech.
Writing was a natural choice for a girl like me. I've always had a lot to say, but needed an outlet other than speaking in which to voice my opinion. Writing was it.
Who knew so many speaking engagements would surface as a result of my writing? It's just my luck! I've been asked to speak three times already, and my first book hasn't been released yet. I guess it comes with the territory.
This past Saturday, I bit the bullet and agreed to speak to the River Parish Writing Group, a wonderful group of aspiring writers and screenwriters, and one published author, cozy mystery and romance writer
Barbara Colley.
I had a wonderful time! Even though I was completely nervous when I first arrived, the RPWG made me feel right at home. I had a great time chatting about how I began writing, what it's been like having to come up with promo ideas, and what I expect in the future.
Does this mean I'm jumping at the chance to speak again? Heck no!
However, it was nice to get through the event without hyperventilating. :)
Here's a picture from Saturday. I expect to see these faces on the backcovers of a stellar novels!
Sign that you've made it...you're on eBay!
How can you tell that you've made it? When you find your name on eBay.
Okay, so maybe it's not a sign that you've made it (whatever
it is), but it's still kinda cool.
I did a Google search earlier today in search of the darn reviews I've been panicking about for months now, and ran across the Farrah
Rochon name on eBay.
Huh?
What could they possibly sell on eBay? My book hasn't been released, and I doubt the few people I mailed bound galleys to would bother putting them up for auction. So, of course, I checked out the auction page. It's a bookmark! Actually, it's a lot of 170 bookmarks, and
Deliver Me is mentioned on the auction page. Why? Probably because it was autographed. It definitely makes all the autographing I did worth it.
I am totally flattered (it takes very little to flatter me), and tickled. My bookmark is even included in the group picture. Check it out:
Ebay AuctionNow, for those who don't want to bid on bookmarks, you can simply mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address below and I will happily send you a couple. I'll even personalize them. You can't get that on eBay. :)
Send to:
DELIVER ME BookmarksC/O Farrah RochonP.O. Box 70992New Orleans, LA 70172
