Northanger Alibi--1st GIVEAWAY X 2!!

Due to high demand, Northanger Alibi has gone on Pre-Order almost two months earlier than when it was scheduled to. I know, right? Like, holy cow! Anyway, Valor Publishing is trying to gauge how many books will need to be released on June 1st by tallying up pre-orders.

So why should you pre-order Northanger Alibi, instead of waiting until June 1st like everyone else?

Well, two reasons:

1. Valor Publishing has guaranteed anyone who pre-orders Northanger Alibi will receive it on their doorstep a whole week earlier (May 25th) than the stores will (June 1st)!!

2. I will be signing ALL pre-ordered books!!!

Tell me that isn't the coolest incentives ever!!!

So, in celebration of such High Demand AWESOMENESS, I have decided to have my very first "official giveaway" for Northanger Alibi. Remember that post with all those amazing prizes? Well, today is the day the fun begins!!! WAHOOO!!!

There will be two winners, each receiving the same thing...

Check out the prizes! The winners will get their very own set of cool eyeshadow pots (w/mascara), two uber cute makeup bags, stripey socks to pamper your toes and curl up in, a fun cupcake celebration cup--to mark the upcoming birthday of my new book, and of course CHOCOLATE!!!

All of it will be packaged up nicely and shipped to your door.

These are such awesome prizes, there are a few rules involved. Here we go:

1. Pre-Order Northanger Alibi=3 entries

2. Leave a comment/Follow the blog=1 entry each

3. Advertise my Pre-Order Giveaway with links to my blog on your Facebook, your Twitter, your Blog=2 entries each spot of advertising you do for me.

4. Text/Email/Smoke Signal all your friends who love Jane Austen/Twilight=2 entries

5. Tell all random strangers, small children and old men about my awesome pre-order giveaway=1 entry just for being brave.

6. FOR Every person who found this giveaway because of your awesome advertising--both you and your guest get an extra entry. So make sure they mention your name.

7. IF YOU DO ANY OF THE ABOVE, PLEASE COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE--While my Psychic powers are phenomenal... I'm er, not that talented.

(DON'T forget to mention that everyone will receive their AUTOGRAPHED copy a week earlier than the release date! --I even have a heart in my signature, so you know it's special. LOL!)

For those of you who want to pre-order, read reviews, or the blurb CLICK HERE! If you want to read a couple of sneak peek chapters first CLICK HERE!

***Valor is taking overseas pre-orders as well with a $15 shipping charge (but when you're talking the Euro/Pound over the Dollar that's cheap!)***

I would like to say a HUGE Thank you to you all!!!

Without your help spreading the word about my giveaways and Northanger Alibi, I'd be lost. As an author I can only reach so many people, and whether you buy the book or not doesn't matter--what matters is how many people know about it. Getting the buzz out makes all the difference on whether a book succeeds in the publishing world. So thank you! Thank you for coming to my blog and reading and connecting with me. I've enjoyed so much the love you've shown me, especially as you've followed my journey to publication. You guys rock!!!

BOOK NUMBER two DONE!!!!!

Hallelujah!!!! I'm alive still breathing and book number two is done! Finished last night at 12:30am (57,500 words! and 7 1/2 weeks from 1st chapter to last!) SO AWESOME! Ooh! And I LOVE the ending! Seriously! SOOOO cool! hehehehe! Now all i have to do is start editing... Whew! I can't wait!

That said, still drumming my fingers waiting to hear back from agent Amy Tipton on Pride & Popularity.... totally nervous at that too! And i'll be away from the computer most of today.. so hopefully I won't refresh the email page a gazillion times! hahah! <--Man, gotta stop doing that! Yes, I am slowly going crazy...!

Good writing days--and not so good writing days!

Yesterday could’ve been better. I mean, don’t get me wrong it was good, just not GOOD! See what I mean, it’s all great calling yourself a writer and an author, but a whole other kettle of fish to actually be able to think long enough to write out your thoughts.

So Persuaded has come to an end now… Book Two in the Austen series rewrites I’m doing. I expect to finish the last chapter completely today/tonight… GO ME! Yeah, big accomplishment, that--writing two complete novels since mid March! WAHOO! Never thought it possible. ANYWAY.. like I was saying yesterday… eh, good just not GOOD!

Here’s how it started. I’m at the end of a teen romance novel. So it’s of course the kissing scene. Let me show you what a good rehearsed—sans children interruption—kissing scene looks like:

Excerpt PERSUADED Chapter 16 Jenni James copyright©2008

“Oomph,” my back connected with the wall.
“Andy,” his hand was on my shoulder; his other hand reached down and gently held mine. “Don’t—don’t shut me out. Please let me say this.”
I looked up, right into dark intense eyes that were too close for comfort. My throat was so dry I couldn’t have spoken even if I wanted to.
“I want you to be happy, okay?” His fingers slowly laced through mine. “Please, be happy. It’s all I have ever wanted for you.” Gregory leaned forward then, slowly and surely he leaned so close there wasn’t a hairsbreadth between us.
Instinctively, my eyes closed--they couldn’t focus on his nearness. I could feel the warmth of his lips as they hovered just above mine. I gasped, but did not move a millimeter. I was too scared to move.
He did. I could feel Gregory’s lips as they lightly skimmed up to the tip of my nose and followed the slant gently on to my forehead, before they settled there. A long soft kiss lingered, while the tip of my nose tickled against the sensation of Gregory’s slightly stubbled jaw. He smells so good! And then my eyes fluttered open as he moved away. He stepped back, two, three steps before he felt the tug of my hand still laced through his. Gregory stopped then, and we both looked down. Carefully, I removed my fingers one by one until my hand fell motionless to my side.
“Goodbye,” he mumbled, slightly shaken.
“Bye,” another croak. I blinked. When I opened my eyes, he was gone. I few moments later I heard the front door slam shut. With a great sigh, I closed my eyes and slid down the wall and collapsed into a puddle on the floor.

YEAH! Steamiest forehead kiss ever, right? That is how a kiss scene should turn out! That, was of course, written at night, without children. When I prefer to write a good kissing scene-at night. BUT, no... Gregory HAD to kiss Amanda/Andy yesterday—during the day—(no idea what I’m talking about? refer to blog: I’m going insane!)

So this is how my day went:

PERSUADED excerpts Chapter 23 Jenni James coppyright©2008

“I can’t believe you’re here. I half expected you to be gone.”
“Hmm … Are you kidding, after that email?” My hands stilled again, this time Gregory didn’t notice.
“You liked that, did—

Son: Mom? Mom… Mom!
Me: What?
Son: Can I ask you something? It’s real important.
Me: Fine. What?
Son: Can I get a drink?
Me: Of course you can get a drink… you get drinks everyday. Now, go get your cup and use the fridge dispenser, okay?
Son: Okay!

“You liked that, did you?”
His warm breath on my cheek splayed out and caused a million tiny sparkles to dance and shiver their way down my spine. I was having a hard time concentrating. “I-I—yes. I-I liked it, very much.”
He pressed his face into my hair and—

Daughter: Mom? Mom… Mom!
Me: (Deep breath) What?
Daughter: Did you say Carson could have a drink?
Me: (Another deep breath) Yes. Anything else?
Daughter: No, that’s all. I was just wondering.
Me: Good. Now, go watch you movie.


He pressed his face into my hair and inhaled slowly. I felt his nose nuzzle its way down to my ear and then just below it, before he placed a delicate kiss there and whispered, “Andy, I’m not going to let you go. I can’t. I’ve already—

Daughter 2: Mom? Mom… Mom!
Me: What???
Daughter 2: Did you say Carson could have a drink?
Me: (Huge breath) Yes.
Daughter 2: Oh, that’s not fair. Can I have one?
Me: For crying out loud! You kids. It’s water, get a grip. WATER! YES! You can have as much water as you want. Got it? Now go watch the movie, while mommy works on this, okay?
Daughter 2: Okay!

I’ve already lost you twice. Once, because of your stubborn pride.” He kissed below my ear again sending sizzles everywhere. “And—

Son 2: Mom?
Me: WHAT?!
Son 2: Can I--?
Me: YES! You can have water! Now go!
Son 2: Uh, okay… but…
Me: (Huge breath) Yes?
Son 2: Okay, but I was wondering—if I could have lunch—I mean, I mean, after my water?
Me: What? Lunch? It’s not lunchtime! (Looks at clock 1pm—Dang!) Fine! Give me as sec, I’ll make lunch for you guys! Ten minutes! Okay? TEN! Now, watch your movie.
Son 2: Okay! Thanks, Mom.

“And once because of mine; I don’t think my heart could handle losing you a third time.”
“Your heart?” I gasped as he kissed below my ear a third time. “H-have y-you any idea what mine has been through? Knowing—

Son 3: Mom?
Me: UGH! WHAT?!
Son 3: Uh—
Me: What? Is someone bleeding? Is the house on fire? Are wild bulls running down the street? What?
Son 3: I was just wondering if we could have lunch--?

Pride and Popularity Snippet

Okay, so I have a gazillion favorite scenes from Pride & Popularity... but this is one of my favorites and it's great because you don't have to have a lot of background to read it! Hope you enjoy!

Excerpt from Chapter 9: Dating Fumbles

Jenni James Copyright©2008


I knew this date would be a disaster from the get-go. I mean, it’s completely evident that you have an odd date when the guy actually asks you out through your mother. But, does he have to sit there in public and continue to be odd?
Pardon me, but I thought the reason you took a girl out on a date was so you could get to know her a little more. Not so you can play with your Smartphone all night, studiously avoiding her.
I let out yet another silent sigh as I watched my finger twirl around the rim of my goblet of lemon water. We had ordered our food a few minutes ago, but I knew it would be a wait due to the amount of people here. The Lion’s House was only the nicest restaurant in our city. I was a bit surprised at first when Collin pulled into the parking lot. It actually made me have some respect for him that he had thought to make reservations. I have always wanted to eat here, but no one I had ever known could afford this place. Well, that is except Taylor, but he doesn’t count. His family owns the restaurant. It was actually named after his Dad, Lionel Anderson.
With another sigh I moved my hand from the goblet and began to refold the creases in my linen napkin again. The other customers all around me were having a marvelous time as they laughed and enjoyed each others’ company.
With regret I looked across the table to Collin. I watched his face light up as he read another email from one of his online friends. I’m not sure he has any real friends, just online ones. Collin laughed. He must’ve read a joke.
He really does have a nice smile.
When I had told Blake that Collin was cute I wasn’t kidding. Collin was really cute. Unfortunately, his personality and mannerisms needed some work.
Would it kill the guy to share what is so funny with me? It’s like I don’t exist. What was the point of taking me out anyway? This is even a cute outfit dang it and he hasn’t even commented on it, or me, for that matter. Frustrated I glanced at my watch.
Let’s see, we have a good thirty minutes before our food comes. Then fifteen to twenty minutes to eat it. If we skipped dessert we could be out of here in about forty-five more minutes. Forty-five minutes! I’m never going to last that long! Thank goodness, I convinced the waiter we didn’t need salad.
After another fifteen minutes I had begun to feel a bit desperate and was debating whether or not I would be missed if I walked out the door. The same door that every three or four minutes released another happy couple to explore the world beyond this boredom. Envious, I followed the progress of a young romantic couple in their twenties as they departed. I was reminded briefly of Blake.--Which would’ve led to morose thoughts of a missed date had I been given the chance, which unbelievably I wasn’t. Because as that couple left, an arm stayed a moment and held the door open for them. An arm I travelled up to discover belonged to Taylor Anderson. His other arm was wrapped around the waste of Kylie, his new girlfriend.
Oh my gosh! Taylor! What is he doing here? What are the odds Taylor would show up for a date here tonight, of all nights?
If I had thought the restaurant was alive with marvelous action before, it was nothing compared to this. It seemed that Taylor had the same effect on people wherever he went. Instantaneously the room zinged to life as the guests became aware Mr. Anderson’s son was present. Every worker did his best to present a flawless performance. Conversations buzzed with the importance of Taylor’s entrance. Women everywhere adjusted their clothing and hair while they fluttered their eyelashes. I could make out scant whispers of the words, “new girlfriend” and “so beautiful.”
It’s like he’s the reigning prince. Good grief!
I was amazed that a small city, which had raised a boy from infancy, would create so much excitement just by his presence. You think they’d be used to him by now. Ironically, the only person not aware of Taylor was Collin. He was still completely engrossed in his Smartphone.
I followed Taylor’s progress across the room as he, with Kylie in tow, followed the hostess to their seats. Many tables along the way were graced with his wit and charm. He stopped for a brief moment at each in his path. He called the patrons by name and made sure to introduce his latest model cheerleader to them. I couldn’t have been more grossed out by such a display.
Spare me! Why do people go to such great lengths just for him?
As Taylor neared our table I quickly averted my eyes and proceeded to refold the napkin. For an instant I was jealous that I had nothing else to occupy my hands, like Collin did.
Oh, please don’t let him recognize me! Don’t let him recognize me!
“Chloe Hart. Hello.”
Dang!
Reluctantly, I looked up into his amused eyes and faked a smile, “Oh, Taylor! Hi, I didn’t see you.”
I offered my hand to him. He leaned down lower than necessary. As he placed his hand into mine to shake, he nonchalantly whispered for my ears only, “Liar. You’ve been watching me since the moment I walked into this building.”