If you read the Shayla home page the other day, you’ll see that I promised you goodies. I lost my head in a synopsis and just now found my way out. I have another one to complete by Friday, so we’ll see…

Anyway, Naughty Nikki made some scrumptuous desktop wallpapers to share with you. Aren’t they gorgeous??? To save to your own desktop:

These directions work for Windows XP (and maybe others–not sure)
1. Click on the desired image and it will open a larger image of it
2. Right-click on that image and choose Save As
3. Save it someplace on your hard drive where you’ll remember it
4. Go to your computer’s Control Panel
5. Choose Display
6. Click on the Desktop tab
7. Click the Browse button on the right
8. Find the image you saved to your computer
9. When you find it, click on it, then choose Open
10. Then click OK

You can also click the image you want, let it open the larger image, right-clcik on the large image and then click on Set as Desktop.

That should do it! Hope you enjoy. Big thanks to Nikki! Enjoy, everyone!

Totally off the usual topics, but I wanted to mention a few words about using musical playlists while writing books. Music is a HUGE part of my process, so when I received a survey recently about it, I couldn’t wait to read it and see how others were using music to expand their creativity. I wanted to answer the questions in the hopes it would help others find a boost for their muse via music.

Here are the questions I received and answers I gave. For those of you writing to music–or just using music in your every day life to channel energy–I’d love to hear about your process.

Do you develop a playlist/soundtrack for specific works in progress (WIPs) (as opposed to using music in general for inspiration)?
I’ve actually done it both ways. I try to build a whole playlist to represent the general flow of the action and emotions in the story, but I don’t always find the exact series of songs that call to me. So sometimes, for me, a book is represented by a single song. But I always write with music that expresses the general mood of that part of the story. For instance, when I wrote a book with a hero with Puerto Rican roots, I choose to write to a lot of Latin music. I recently wrote an erotic suspense with a very hard-edged hero, so I wrote a lot to the music of Hinder, Seether, Three Days Grace, Nine-Inch Nails, etc. I taught myself to write to music with lyrics recently, and it’s really expanded my playlist and boosted my creativity.

Do you develop this playlist before you start or does it develop as your writing progresses?
Usually, I develop it as I’m plotting. It helps me to tune into the emotional notes of that story that are important for me to put front and center in the book. And if I get stuck, it reminds me why I wanted to write the book and what’s important about the story, at least for me.

Do you use this technique only with certain genres? (e.g., yes for contemporaries but no for historicals)
I’ve used it for nearly every book I’ve written (17 and counting). When writing historicals, I tend to write more to classical or new age. Contemporaries obviously means I listen to more contemporary music. I just adjust the type and mood of the music with the type and mood of the book.

Respondents have indicated a variety of applications for their playlists. Which of these do you do?

1. Music piece for each chapter. Not usually. If I can find enough representative music, it’s usually a song per plot point or something similar.

2. Each major character gets a theme song. Yes, I do this A LOT. It really helps me to tune into the characters and put myself in their shoes at pivotal points.

3. One theme song for entire work. Sometimes. If I find songs that seem to represent the body of the work. My upcoming Berkley HEAT Decadent (Oct 2007) has 1 theme song: Precious from Depeche Mode. It really encapsulated what I wanted to say.

4. Heroine (Hero) gets a playlist that matches her/his character ARC. Never tried this. The search for music is a bit organic for me. If I run across it, good. If not, I go without it until I find something. It seems the search for this could be long and time-consuming. Deadlines don’t always give you this luxury.

Respondents have indicated a variety of uses for their playlists. Which of these apply to you?

1. Choose pieces that match tempo of the chapter. (e.g., uptempo for happy scenes, slow for sad, to help keep pace of the writing appropriate to the scene.)
Not really. When I start writing, I generally listen to whatever is playing unless it’s completely and totally wrong for the scene, like hearing Don’t Worry, Be Happy in the middle of a character dying.

2. General theme of WIP is represented in the music chosen and use it brainstorm plot and envision character’s journey.
Absolutely. This is the minimum for me. I MUST have this or I struggle. In fact, I’m working on a paranormal for Pocket to be out in Fall 2008. Right now, I have no theme music. It’s tough.

3. After playlist is built, use it to get back into the frame of mind for that particular WIP, either during the initial writing or when revising (when already started on the next WIP… helps to keep them separate!)
I don’t revise much, so I haven’t used a playlist for that, but to get into the frame of mind for a WIP? Absolutely!

4. Specific pieces “click” when stuck in the writing and inspire character action or plot solutions.
Yep. It’s great inspiration to help you remember the character’s signature note and/or the reason the idea of writing the story inspired you in the first place.

Do you prefer music with lyrics or without? Why?
I can do both now. The lyrics used to step all over the words in my head, but I’ve forced myself to adjust to expand my playlist. It really helped when writing contemporary novels. I’ve also expanded the music I listen to. It was always eclectic, but now even more so.

Enjoy your weekend!

Monday, May 21, 2007 10 p.m.

*Ahem* Welcome to the Monday evening broadcast of the Shelley Bradley/Shayla Black network. In today’s top stories, recent historical re-release THE LADY AND THE DRAGON snags 2 fabulous reviews, including one recommended read!

Natasha from Romance Junkies said:

5 out of 5! “Historical romance at its best. Filled with gripping romance combined with a well-written plot and realistic emotions, THE LADY AND THE DRAGON was consumed in one sitting.”

Jennifer at CK2s Kwips and Kritiques stated:
Recommended Read! “THE LADY AND THE DRAGON is one of the best first books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, and I guarantee you it will be one I will save to read again and again in future years. I am proud to name this book my Recommended Read for the month of May 2007!”

In other news, the print volume for Watch Me, in the Sneak Peek anthology, is now available for pre-order at Amazon here. The official release date is January 15, 2008. The electronic version of Watch Me is due out at Samhain on July 10. 9 out of 10 women surveyed said they would pick up the book based on the cover alone. The 1 woman who stated otherwise is missing and presumed to be on her way to a mental facility for help.

New reports indicate that the upcoming Shayla Black title Decadent could be a hit. October 2 is still a few months away, but advance reports state:

5 out of 5! “Brimming with the most tantalizing love scenes and two undeniably mouth-watering heroes, Decadent is undoubtedly one of the hottest books this year! But underneath it all, Shayla Black has nestled one of the most touching stories of romantic love you will read this year. Decadent will sweep you up and run you through a gamut of emotions – frustration, desire, fear, love, and more – until it finally leaves you ultimately satisfied.” ~ Jennifer, CK2s Kwips and Kritiques

More to come on that story soon! Now for an editorial about television today:

Go Joey! (Dancing with the Stars) See, I knew Nathan was a good guy! (Heroes), I’m glad Earl won if Yau couldn’t (Survivor), Yeah! Mike and Susan finally tied the knot! (Desperate Housewives), Go Jordin!! (American Idol)

And that’s tonight’s news. Good evening and good night. How’s that for a broadcast? And in case you weren’t motivated to turn in just yet, maybe I have just the someone to change your mind…

Now don’t you want to go to bed? Sweet dreams!

I know I’ve been quiet lately, but I fear I’m going to get even more quiet. I’m going back into deadline mode. The book, the first of what I hope will be my Doomsday Brethren series, is due November 1. I’m really excited about this book. But it’s hugely complicated.

I’m finding myself asking why the hell I agreed to write this, then I remember that, despite it being very difficult, it’s also really interesting. But if I’m going to finish on time, I need to start now. I meant to start last week, but life… Okay, that’s not totally true; it was TV that kept me away. A thousand lashes for me.

So I finished watching this season of The Apprentice. Stephani? I really thought the Donald would pick Frank, rather than someone who had never project managed, but she’s an interesting choice. Time will tell. I wonder if Tim and Nicole are still together. Somehow, I think not. I think he was way more into her than she was into him.

The Amazing Race concluded recently. I was happy to see Eric and Danielle win after all they’d been through. Not so happy to hear they are no longer dating. It’s the romantic in me, wanting them to stay together. *sigh* RAH was, of course, rooting for Dustin and Candace. They were tough, go-get-`em women, and I would have been happy to see snag the million bucks. Charla and Myrna…they just got on my nerves.

Survivor Fiji aired its final episode last Sunday. Damn Dreamz for not keeping his word. I would have loved to see Yau win! But since Dreamz turned into a lying snake (which was idiocy–he wasn’t going to win after stabbing the “Four Horsemen” in the back, and adding to his sins was only making it worse), Yau was the logical choice to vote out. Cassandra was a hanger-on who did absolutely nothing but ally herself with smart people like Earl and Yau. If Yau couldn’t win, I’m glad Earl did. He was the first unanimous Survivor. That’s awesome!

Dancing with the Stars is in its final weeks. I was sad to see Ian and Cheryl go last night. I like them both. They aren’t the best couple, so I guess it’s to be expected. Go Joey!

Desperate Housewives season Finale is this coming Sunday. Honestly, now that Mike and Susan are together, I’m not sure I care anymore. The opening season was so gripping. The mystery and danger, flavored with wry humor, were so addicting. The storyline lately has been blah and sloppy. If I didn’t enjoy the characters, I’d probably tune out.

Heroes… I love this show. The first episode back from hiatus was stunning! The following two…eh. Next week is the season finale, and I’m holding out hope they somehow manage to save the world. They’ve killed off a lot of people: Isaac, Simone, Ted, DL, Linderman. It’s going to be interesting to see if anyone can really destroy Syler and save the world. I keep wondering if they intend to have NYC still blow up and somehow try to say that act saved the rest of the world. Time will tell…

Now that I’m back from my TV tirade, you know what I’ve been up to lately. And it’s not writing. So I hereby solemnly swear that I will not pick up more than 2 shows for the summer. Quick, someone hold me to that. Pirate Master is looking interesting…

I just wanted to take a quick moment to wish all the mothers out there a wonderful mother’s day! Being a mom can be the most uplifting, frustrating, wonderful, scary and joyous part of your life. I know this from experience, as I’m sure many of you do. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I received lovely cards and flowers this morning from RAH, the munchkin and Missy Meow. Yes, I even got a card from the cat. Very sweet of her, wouldn’t you say? And now, instead of writing, as I probably should be, the munchkin and I are going to have a movie day together. RAH can do the laundry. Later, they’ll be taking me to a lovely brunch, where I’m sure we’ll all eat ourselves into a calorie stupor, then finish out the evening quietly. It probably sounds somewhat dull to some, but I’m really looking forward to it!

I hope that, whatever your plans, you savor the time with your family.

Or in this case, just 1 god – Scott Carpenter. He sent me a draft of a cover for the electronic release of my upcoming Samhain novella, Watch Me. There was nothing wrong with it; it just didn’t say sexy to me. Entirely my fault, as it turns out. When I filled out the art form, I told him to give me a dancing couple in a nightclub. What the hell was I thinking? Clearly, I wasn’t.

So, after having seen Jaci Burton’s awesome cover for her connected novella, Show Me, I told Scott to just give me some sexy nekkid people. He did, and I love it. What do y’all think?

THE LADY AND THE DRAGON is out!! I am very excited to have this book re-released by Samhain and that it’s available now!

THE LADY AND THE DRAGON
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance – Regency England/Caribbean
Click HERE to purchase

A Runaway Heiress
Lady Christina Delafield was as bold as she was beautiful. When her overbearing grandfather threatened to tame her in a Swiss finishing school, Christina stowed away on the first ship leaving London harbor, determined to make her own way in life. But the mysterious captain of the Dragon’s Lair was a seductive reason to relinquish her independence–and embrace desire.

A Gentleman Pirate
Drexell Cain had lived for four years as the merciless Black Dragon, the scourge of the seas. Bent on rescuing his brother from the British Navy, Drex would do anything to return him to his wife and son in Louisiana–even kidnap the Lord Admiral’s granddaughter for ransom. A lovely blonde stowaway was an unexpected complication, until he discovered her real identity–and her passionate claim on his lonely heart.

Here’s another excerpt!

“Get in the house.” He didn’t raise his voice. Then again, he didn’t need to in order to convey his anger.

Follow him like a servant? No, a slave. A whore. He’d bought her, after all. But by God, he was a fool if he thought he owned her.

Retrieving another of Grandfather’s more scandalous sayings from her memory, she yelled, “Bugger off!”

She whirled about and darted for the beach, anger enabling her to make ground-eating progress.

Behind her, the captain followed.

Faster she ran, sprinting down the narrow path to the deserted sandy surface below. The scent of salt in the breeze barely pierced the haze of her anger.

With a curse, the captain grabbed her wrist and turned her around to face him.

She collided with the solid breadth of his chest.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he snarled.

“You do not own me!” She tried to tug her hand away.

His nasty grin sent shivers down her spine. “Oh, I do. And I plan to prove it.”

Christina tried to ignore the zing his nearness shot through her body, but his familiar scent made her senses blossom with awareness.

No! She wanted to stay angry with him. He was insulting, infuriating and—

Very good with his mouth, she realized as the Black Dragon bent his head to her neck. She felt his lips caress her skin in a velvet sweep. His teeth grazed her earlobe. Christina shivered as sensations rioted down her spine.

“What are you doing?

“Not another word,” he whispered against the shell of her ear. Goose pimples broke out across her arms at the vibration of his deep voice within her. “Kiss me.”

With that, he thrust his hands into her wind-tangled hair and claimed her mouth.

Christina tore her lips away and scanned the beach for someone, anyone who could help her. Not because she was afraid he would hurt her. Because, despite how much he infuriated her at times, the captain roused dangerous yearnings inside her.

Only the surf and its gentle crash against the distant rocks surrounded her.

“Looking for help?” he mocked. “You won’t find it here.” He lowered his mouth gently, ever so slowly, daring her to resist, before he laid a blistering kiss on her lips. “This beach belongs with the house.” He nodded to the white structure on the hill above. “Both very private.”

“Hancock,” she reminded him, breath shallow.

She knew she should find the strength to twist away—but she couldn’t. Somehow, whenever the man touched her, common sense melted away and left only an ache, an odd need, for his touch.

He laughed against her mouth, his tones low. “He’s no doubt had the presence of mind to occupy himself elsewhere.”

The Black Dragon leaned forward, pulled her closer. Christina felt her will to resist ebbing away. He cinched her surrender with a drugging kiss. She tried to resist, to wield her anger to ward off desire’s rush. But they both knew she wanted this.

At once, his kiss chastised and absolved her, persuaded, worshiped, and demanded more. Her anger receded into the haze of memory under the insistent temptation of his mouth. She found herself straining toward him, eager for his touch. He burned fire against her lips, singeing her inside and out. Every muscle in his body grew taut, affirmed his want, from the clench of his arms about her waist, to the heavy rasp of his breathing. And the unmistakable erection pressing into her belly.

Need shook her. She clung to him, shocked at the ache he evoked—low and between her legs. The want spiraled her into sighs and husky murmurs of urging between the sensual assaults on her mouth.

He drew his lips over hers again in a possessive kiss. Intimate. Explicit. No longer gentle or cautious or patient. He took, commanded that she give. For once in her life, Christina obeyed.

She opened for him. His unrelenting invasion robbed her of breath, of the ability to think. Clinging to him, she melted as his tongue made a full sweep through her mouth, his arms crushing against every inch of his work-hardened body, pressing his erection against her again.

Before she caught her breath, his lips descended in a blaze to the sensitive hollow of her neck. He breathed against her damp skin, sending shivers of pleasure racing across her skin. She answered with a ragged exhalation, clutching at his arms, his neck.

As he spread kisses down her shoulders, over the swells of her breasts, the fire within erupted to an inferno. Her fingers brushed the silk of his mask, then tangled into the soft length of his hair. The scents of salt, earth and man seduced her.

He reached for her breast, his fingers lifting her flesh from the snug confines of her dress. An instant later, he fit his mouth over the aching tip, sucking, licking, then giving her a shocking nip with his teeth. An arrow of need flashed straight down, converging between her thighs. She gasped and arched into him. If the end of the world felt this good, she’d follow him to its fiery finish.

“God, you taste so sweet,” he rasped.

His tongue circled and teased her rigid nipple before he shoved the dress further down, then devoured the tip of her other breast. Her breathing grew fast and harsh. She threaded her fingers into his hair and drew him closer to her.

“Yes… Touch me,” she whispered before she could stop the words.

He inhaled quickly, the demand in his touch conveying his desire. His gaze raked her, lingering on her breasts, now bared to the moonlight.

Christina lifted her shaking fingers to the buttons of his shirt. One button slid free from its confines, followed by another. Finally, a third. She pulled the garment from his breeches and reached for its hem.

He jerked his shirt from her grasp. “God, this is insane. But I want you.”

His whisper played like a confession. He closed his eyes. Her heart leapt as she reached out and caressed the rippling slab of his chest.

At her touch, he sucked in a breath. “I can’t stop wanting you.”

Before she could respond, the captain yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it into the sand below.

I hope that you’ll give my first book a chance. Enjoy!

I’m also celebrating the release with a free giveaway of a download of THE LADY AND THE DRAGON. All you have to do is leave a comment!

Last Thursday at the RT convention was a busy one, like the previous ones.

At 9:30 the breakfast for the Ellora’s Cave authors was held in the Skybox, which was this glassed-in eatery that sat above the lobby–cool once you figured out how the hell to get into it. I sat with Rhyannon and Mackenzie. Talked to Tawny Taylor and others. Afterward, EC provided all the authors with a lovely gift. Poor Sylvia was still in our room, frantically typing. I took her some danishes, then went back downstairs to catch up with folks. And find a Diet Coke!

The next few hours were a blur. Talking to people, generally hanging out. At lunch, I met some very cool people, including several who were members of Wicked Writers. Buttons were distributed. I also sat with a cheerful British fan who passed out chocolate all around. Now there’s a fun woman! I took Sylvia up a grilled chicken salad and a roll for lunch, then hung out with her until it was time for club RT at 3:30

Once there, I shared a table with Joey W. Hill, and we had a great time gabbing with readers and reviewers. One fan, bless her heart, brought me most of my historical backlist for her to sign, along with some of my newer titles. Wow! Our 30 scheduled minutes there became nearly an hour because I stopped to gawk at some of the wares for sale in the room and shoot the breeze with Karen Kelley and Michelle M. Pillow.

After that, I sat in on a panel about creating paranormal romances. I can talk; I figured why not. Cheyenne McCray needed an extra person, so I volunteered. It went well, and I got to sit with some very interesting folks, including Jackie Kessler, Richelle Mead, and Patrice Michelle.

I went back to visit Sylvia again, and we ordered pizza in the room. I figured a break would do her some good, so we ate and chatted. Then I joined some folks for the Heather Graham Vampires of the Wild, Wild West ball. There was quite a production on stage, a vampire/western sort of musical based on Grease. Heather sang at the front of the crowd. I give her a lot of credit for being brave, but I fear Simon Cowell might throw the the whole lot off the stage. Still, it was fun and cute.

I stayed and danced a bit, drank a bit, talked a bit, then decided to work my way upstairs. It was only Thursday, and I was tired already? Not good…

When I got back to the room, poor Sylvia was still typing. I turned in to the sounds of click, click, click…

Today’s prize is a copy of Wolf Tales III and other goodies. So comment away. You know the drill.

More soon!

Okay, so who knew the weekend would be so busy? Yes, I’m behind. Nothing new there, unfortunately. BUT I haven’t forgotten that I have some prizes to give away and soem winners to announce. Here they are…

From the Decadent Danger blog – Winner of Signed The Lady and The Dragon poster – Valerie

From the Misbehavin – Part 1 – Winner of Sexy Beast II – Melissa Kammer

From the Misbehavin – Part 2 – Winner of Insufficient Mating Material – Danielle

Congratulations to the winners. Drop me a line via the contact information form on my site to arrange delivery of your prize!

More Misbehavin’ at RT coming later today!

Thanks to Naughty Nikki, I have a spectacular book trailer to share with everyone for this book! Later tonight (when I’m not running out the door), I promise to come back and post an excerpt and the names of the winners from my RT Wrap-up parts 1 & 2, PLUS the signed The Lady and the Dragon poster. If you missed out on the latter, find that blog post and comment. I’ll enter you!

Tomorrow, I’ll return to the RT wrap ups!

Without further ado, click here to view the trailer. Let me know what you think!