Katie Allen Blog

Breaking the Silence in Print!

2012-01-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

More for the print-book fans! Breaking the Silence is now on actual physical paper pages: check it out here!

Also, I'm getting really close to (finally) finishing the second book in the Human Design series, Darwin's Natural Selection. It's slightly longer than I originally planned (ahem...almost twice as long), plus I've been writing at a lose-to-a-tortoise-in-a-race-even-if-he-(the-turtle)-gets-a-head-start pace, but the bastard--um, I mean, the cherished manuscript--is just about done.

Private Dicks in Paperback on March 22, 2011!

2011-03-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hey all you print book lovers! Private Dicks will be out in paperback on March 22, 2011. Check it out if you like your M/M hotness on actual paper pages. :-)

One-Two Punch Up for Best Book of 2010!

2011-02-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

One-Two Punch is up for Best Book of 2010 at The Long and Short of It Reviews (Whipped Cream Reviews). If you read One-Two Punch and liked it (or if you haven't read it but appreciate the fine boxer abs on the cover ;-)), click here and vote for OTP in the Best Book of 2010 poll!

Experimenting with Ed Nominated for a CAPA!

2010-12-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

I just found out that Experimenting with Ed has been nominated for a Cupid and Psyche Award in the "Romantic Suspense" category at The Romance Studio--yay!

Good News for All the Print Book Lovers...

2010-11-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

I just got a peek at the list of print books coming out in 2011, and four of my books are on it! Breaking the Silence, Raw Footage, Chasing Her Tail and Private Dicks will all be out in paperback next year. This makes me happy, since I love to see my stories in actual, hold-in-my-hands, words-on-paper type books. Also, I have to admit that I still prefer to read books in hard-copy format. E-books are amazingly handy, sure, but I'm just old-school that way.

Out of the Writing Closet...

2010-09-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

I told my cop-school buddies that I write girl porn...um, I mean, erotic romances. Now I'm under strict instructions to use their names in future books. I can do that.

I'm still plugging along on the second book in the Human Design series, Darwin's Natural Selection. It's turning out to be a little longer (ahem...twice as long) as I first planned. I will (eventually) finish the bastard, though--I promise. :-)

I hope everyone's fall is off to a smashing start!

Take care,
Katie

Private Dicks and Hide Out: Recommended Reads!

2010-08-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

There are two new reviews out from Blackraven's Reviews--one for Private Dicks and one for Hide Out. Both got five stars (okay, five ravens :-)) and both are Recommended Reads!

Progress!

2010-07-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Where did July go? I've been so busy working on Darwin's Natural Selection (Human Design #2) and learning the new job that the summer is just flying by.

DNS (which sounds more like an acronym for a government agency than an erotic book title) is back on track. After doing some much-needed reconstruction work, the writing is (finally) flowing smoothly again. I have to say that, even though I love all my characters, I'm growing extra fond of Darwin and Tom. I can't wait to see what everyone else thinks about them. As things continue to progress, I promise to post updates.

Back to writing!

Take care,
Katie

Happy July 4th!

2010-07-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

The first review for Experimenting with Ed is out! Thanks, Seriously Reviewed! What great timing--this way, I can pretend that all the fireworks are in celebration of my book's great review.

I didn't quite make my end-of-June deadline for finishing Darwin's Natural Selection (Book 2 in the Human Design series). I would have probably been able to do it, except that I decided that a fairly big chunk needed to be scrapped and rewritten. Sigh...rewrites are not my favorite thing to do, but I just tell myself how much better the book will be after they're done.

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Experimenting with Ed on Amazon!

2010-06-22T19:07:00.001-07:00

Experimenting with Ed is now available in Kindle format on Amazon!

First Day!

2010-06-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of my new part-time job with the local police department. Despite the usual first-day woes ("Where's the bathroom again?"), it was a fun day filled with tons of information. There are still two weeks of training to go, but my brain's already crammed full. I'm going to have to get rid of some of the info I'm storing in my head that I don't need in order to make room for all this new stuff. Maybe I could dump all the words to the Velveeta commercial jingle? Or possibly the plotlines to every He-Man episode ever aired?

On the writing front, the second book in the Human Design series, Darwin's Natural Selection, is progressing smoothly. I'm still on track for finishing the book by the end of June, as long as I can keep my word count semi-reasonable. What can I say, though--I'm wordy. :-)

Take care,
Katie

Experimenting with Ed Release Day!

2010-06-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with Ed, the first book in the Human Design series, is out today! Yay!

Totally Unrelated to Book Stuff...

2010-05-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

On the dog walk this morning, I saw a HUGE turtle next to the path. A woman a little ways away was yelling at me to get back. I told her that it was okay; I was keeping my distance. The woman said, "You should get farther away--they're really fast."

To which I thought, "No, turtles aren't really fast. They're really slow. In fact, there's a whole fable based on the fact of their complete slowness, with a moral and everything." However, I decided not to argue about turtle speed with a stranger on the walking path, as it probably would have given the turtle enough time to very slowly walk up to me and bite me.

As I warned, this post is totally unrelated to book stuff, but it made me laugh, plus it was cool to see the turtle, plus I have a pic.

Nine Days and Counting...

2010-05-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

As the release day for Experimenting with Ed approaches (just over a week now!), I'm plugging away on Book 2 of the Human Design series, Darwin's Natural Selection. My goal is to have it done by the end of June.

I've also started a cop-school journal of sorts, since my classes are flooding my brain with so much excellent research material and I don't want to forget anything. I was able to play a crazy, armed cult member in an ERU (previously known as SWAT) training exercise last week, and that day alone gave me enough raw material for ten books (plus it was an insane amount of fun).

On to more writing and researching!

Take care,
Katie

Experimenting with Ed--Cover Time!

2010-05-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

The cover art for Experimenting with Ed (the first of four books in the Human Design series) is here!

Hide Out a Recommended Read at Joyfully Reviewed!

2010-05-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

There's another great review for Hide Out--check it out here! A big thank you to Joyfully Reviewed!

Experimenting with Ed (Human Design #1) Coming June 2nd!

2010-04-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with Ed, the first of four books in the Human Design series, will be released in e-book format from Ellora's Cave on Wednesday, June 2, 2010! There is no cover art to ogle as of yet, but you can read the blurb here or the excerpt here. Enjoy!

Hide Out Reviewed by Tracy at The Book Binge

2010-04-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

The fabulous Tracy reviewed Hide Out at The Book Binge blog--check out what she said here.

Busy Bee(otch)

2010-04-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have been blog-slacking lately, but I have a good excuse (really!). In addition to studying for cop-school classes and working on the second book (Darwin's Natural Selection, a M/M) in the Human Design series, I've been trudging my way through the application process for a part-time job with the local police department. After making it past the application, assessment test, panel interview (ack!) and fitness test portions, I will now need to pass the physical exam and psych test (yeah, that might be a tough one for me ;-)).

Despite the craziness of my life right now, things are progressing well with the first book in the Human Design series, Experimenting with Ed. After finishing the first round of edits, I tossed the manuscript back to my long-suffering editor. As she's been making her masterful way through the book yet again, she has been sending me edit-related e-mails with subject lines such as, "Closet Scene" or "Joy Ride on the Back of the Van," which make me giggle. One discussion we had regarding this book was the correct spelling of Porta Potti. I could have probably lived a long, long time without knowing that tidbit of information.

I will keep posting updates on both the progress of the books and the police dept. job. In the meantime, wish me luck!

Take care,
Katie

Experimenting with Ed--Edits!

2010-04-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

I've started edits on the first book of my Human Design series, which is about a group of men who escaped from a lab where they'd been subjects of an experiment intended to create the perfect soldier. Experimenting with Ed is Edward and Claire's story. As soon as I know more about release dates and have excerpts and blurbs to share, I'll post that info.

Also, there've been lots of great reviews for Hide Out--check them out here!

Take care,
Katie

And Two More (Thanks to Chris)!

2010-04-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the marvelous Chris, who uses any and all means necessary to...um, encourage (cough*bully*cough ;-)) people to read my books, there are two new (and fab) reviews out--one of Hide Out and one of Private Dicks. Check them out here!

Another Great Review of Hide Out!

2010-03-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

Sensual Reads gave Hide Out 4.5 stars--check it out here!

Wait...What Was I Thinking??

2010-03-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

When I first thought of doing a series of four books, I figured it would be fun (hah!). Now that it is about to become a reality, and I'm coming up with four titles (hard) and writing four synopses (harder) and, you know, finishing all four books (actually, not as hard as the titles and synopses), I'm beginning to wonder what I was thinking (ack!). I promise to post more details as soon as the books have been officially approved.

Hope everyone is having a great spring (it's actually warm here! I know!).

Take care,
Katie

Win a Copy of HIDE OUT at Stumbling Over Chaos!

2010-03-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Want to read Hide Out for free? Stop by and leave a comment at Stumbling Over Chaos (Chris' hilarious blog) for a chance to win an ebook copy. Good luck!

HIDE OUT Gets 4.75 Stars from Reviews by Jesse Wave!

2010-03-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited by this--I love Wave's site. Check out the review of Hide Out here.

HIDE OUT Release Day!

2010-03-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

Aren't release days fun? Hide Out, Trevor's story (although Wash and Rhodes from Private Dicks are there, too) is out in ebook format today. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Chasing Her Tail Now Available in Kindle!

2010-03-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Chasing Her Tail is now available in Kindle format at Amazon!

Hide Out Coming Soon!

2010-03-02T18:26:00.001-08:00

The Hide Out cover is up at the Ellora's Cave "Coming Soon" page! It'll be out on Friday, March 12th.

Hide Out Cover

2010-02-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Here's the cover for Hide Out! The ebook will be released on March 12th, 2010.

Chasing Her Tail Up for Book of the Week at Whipped Cream

2010-02-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Come on over and vote for Chasing Her Tail over at Whipped Cream Reviews!

HIDE OUT Will Release on Friday, March 12th!

2010-02-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

Hide Out, Trevor's story (from Private Dicks), will be out at Ellora's Cave on Friday, March 12th! You can check it out here or read an excerpt here. I'm still waiting on the cover art, so ignore the stock cover that's shown. In other words, don't worry about the woman on the cover--Trevor didn't turn straight! :-)

One-Two Punch Up for "Book of the Week" at Whipped Cream!

2010-02-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

If you liked One-Two Punch, vote for it on the Whipped Cream "Book of the Week" poll (because winning stuff is fun!).

Great Reviews!

2010-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Check out the Reviews page on ktallen.com--there have been some new (and great) reviews lately for Chasing Her Tail and One-Two Punch.

Ow...

2010-02-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

It's a good thing that writing only involves moving my fingers, because the rest of me is not about to move. I just returned from working out, as I am preparing for the cop school fitness test (there are pull-ups!!!). Although my run, push-ups, sit-ups, broad jump, vertical jump and, of course, the dreaded pull-ups need work, I am confident that I can excel in the sit-and-reach. One down! Woo!

In other, less painful news, I'm still plugging along on the second book of my four-book series about a group of men who escape from the lab where they've been subjects of an experiment intending to create the perfect soldier. My friendly neighborhood detective informed me today that he didn't have enough evidence to charge the suspected burglar who took my laptop, TV and back-up flash drive (although he was able to give the guy a ticket for giving a false name), so I've accepted that my electronics are never to be seen again, including the partial manuscripts. It's interesting rewriting a book--this is the closest I've ever come to plotting! ;-)

Hope everyone is doing well!

Take care,
Katie

One-Two Punch Now in Paperback!

2010-01-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Speaking of the (sexy) devil(s)--One-Two Punch is out in paperback! Check it out here.

Didn't I Write This Once Before?

2010-01-22T15:31:00.000-08:00

Don't worry--even with all the excitement and homework of cop school, I'm still writing. In fact, I'm working on the second book of my series-in-progress (still unnamed, since why hurt my brain thinking of a title today, when I can hurt my brain thinking of a title tomorrow) for the second time. After my laptop was stolen and I lost the half-finished manuscript of this very book, I jumped ahead to work on the third book, because I was living in my happy place, where my laptop might be returned to me, all work fully intact. Yeah, I know...not very likely. I have now returned to reality and accepted the fact that my laptop is now probably someone's vehicle for porn, and the only way I'll get the second book back is to get it out of my brain. Therefore, I am hard at work doing exactly that.

I don't have release dates for the ebook version of Hide Out (Trevor's story) or One-Two Punch in paperback, but I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

Take care!
Katie

Cop School!

2010-01-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

I survived the first week of cop school! It's actually less dramatic than it sounds, since it didn't mean thousands of push-ups or shooting simulations, but it did mean doing some textbook reading, which I...well, survived. Plus there was a worksheet. I am a little traumatized from having class with a whole bunch of 18-year-olds, and already feel a tad bit den-motherish, but I suppose I'll survive that, too.

My classes are actually fascinating--even the parts we're warned will be boring (like the history of law enforcement). Just a week in, I've already jotted down a half-dozen ideas for new plots. As book research goes, cop school isn't half bad! :-)

I hope everyone's new year is starting out well!

Take care,
Katie

Trevor's Story, HIDE OUT, Accepted!

2010-01-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

Great news! The follow-up to Private Dicks, Hide Out, has been accepted by Ellora's Cave! This is Trevor's story, although Rhodes and Wash play a big part in the book, as well. I promise to share more info about the release date, etc. as soon as I hear.

Free Download of 12th Night Anthology!

2010-01-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

All the 12th Night short stories have been compiled and are available for free download on the Books page of my Website. It's in .pdf format, but (for all you Kindle-lovers) it will be on Amazon soon.

Twelfth Night: Day Twelve!

2010-01-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Here's the last free short story in the Twelfth Night anthology: Wherever You Are by Amie Stuart. Enjoy!

Twelfth Night: Day Eleven--It's Emma!!

2010-01-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Today's short, All I Want for Christmas, is written by the fabulous and hilarious Emma Petersen. Enjoy!

Twelfth Night: Day Ten

2010-01-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

Today's short is Epiphany, by Jackie Barbosa. Enjoy!

Twelfth Night: Day Nine

2010-01-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

And the holiday short stories just keep on coming! Today's is Light My Fire by Alisha Rai. Enjoy!

Raw Footage Now Available in Kindle Format!

2010-01-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

Raw Footage is now available at Amazon in Kindle format.

Happy New Year! Twelfth Night: Day Eight

2010-01-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Day Eight of the Twelfth Night anthology brings you Wicked Resolutions by Karen Erickson. Happy reading!

Kindle Version of Private Dicks Now Available at Amazon!

2009-12-31T14:50:00.000-08:00

Private Dicks is now available in Kindle format at Amazon!

Twelfth Night: Day Seven

2009-12-31T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here's the seventh story in the Twelfth Night anthology: Three's A Charm by TJ Michaels. Enjoy!

Twelfth Night: Day Six

2009-12-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

The sixth story in the Twelfth Night Christmas anthology is Holiday Traditions by Christine D'Abo. Enjoy!

One-Two Punch Now in Kindle Format at Amazon!

2009-12-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

One-Two Punch is now available in Kindle format at Amazon.com! It will also be out in paperback soon (within the next few weeks). I promise to post as soon as it's out!

Twelfth Night: Days Four and Five (I'm late--I know!)

2009-12-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry this post is a little late--the whole fam is visiting, so things have been a little hectic.

Here you go: Day Four of Twelfth Night is Raine Weaver's Stroking Midnight and Day Five is Amy Ruttan's Ghost of Christmas Second Chance--Enjoy!

Day Three of Twelfth Night: My Turn!

2009-12-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

It's Day Three of Twelfth Night, which means that my short story, The Best Santa Ever, is available! Just visit Jackie Barbosa's blog to download it.

Enjoy!

Twelfth Night: Day Two

2009-12-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

And the free short stories continue...

Today's is A Perfect Fit by Lacey Danes. Enjoy!

Stop back tomorrow to download my contribution to this anthology, The Best Santa Ever.

Merry Christmas! Day One of Twelfth Night

2009-12-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I hope you are all safe, warm and well-fed. As a Christmas gift, I and eleven other authors are giving you Twelfth Night, a compilation of short stories. One will be released each day, starting today (mine will be available for download on December 27th, 2009).

The first is Christmas Spice by Anna Leigh Keaton. Enjoy!

CAPA Noms!

2009-12-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

The title of this post looks a little bit like I'm drunk-blogging and have forgotten how to spell, but I'm not--I received two nominations for The Romance Studio's Cupid and Psyche Awards! Chasing Her Tail is nominated for Best Erotic Paranormal Romance and I'm up for Favorite Erotic Author. Woo!

The winners will be chosen on Valentine's Day 2010.

Exciting News--Twice!

2009-12-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Two exciting things are happening! The first is that I'm being interviewed today over at the Ellora's Cave editors' blog, Redlines and Deadlines. Check it out, and learn all sorts of new things about me and my neuroses. It's a good time.

Secondly, One-Two Punch will be coming out in print this month! Woo! I'll let all you print-readers know as soon as it's hot off the presses.

Hope you are all doing well!

Take care,

Katie

Chasing Her Tail Gets Five Stars from Night Owl Reviews!

2009-12-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

Chasing Her Tail has gotten another great review--this one from Night Owl Reviews!

Great Review of Chasing Her Tail!

2009-12-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Coffee Time Romance gave Chasing Her Tail Five Cups! You can check out the review here.

My Books on Kindle at Amazon!

2009-12-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

If you're a Kindle reader, you'll soon find my books at Amazon! Breaking the Silence is already available, with my other five titles coming very soon. Very exciting!

Online Intellect--A Pimping Post

2009-12-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

The snow has finally stopped (at eighteen inches), and now it's eyelashes-freezing-shut-if-you-blink-for-too-long cold. Welcome back to Minnesota! Oh well, that's just more indoor writing time for me.

My internet marketing geniuses at Online Intellect have a fab new Website. I normally don't do too many posts-that-pimp (well, except for those that promote my books :-)), but these guys really know what they're doing when it comes to getting readers to my site. Plus, they're just generally awesome.

Hope everyone is staying warm!

Take care,
Katie

It's a Blizzard!

2009-12-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

The first blizzard of the season is here! Since I'm tucked away inside my cozy house with my laptop and cookie dough, rather than sitting at an office, dreading the commute home, I'm okay with the snow. In fact, it gives me excuse-free time to work on the third book in my Lab Rats series (yes, don't worry--I'll come up with a much better name...um, eventually).

I just finished up a holiday short story which should be available as a free read soon. Yes, I did say short--I'm very proud that I actually reined in the babbling and squeaked under the 5K limit at...wait for it...5K words. Exactly. How cool is that?

I'll have details on where and when you can find this story (for free!) soon.

In the meantime, stay warm!

Take care,
Katie

Fits and Starts

2009-12-01T14:28:00.001-08:00

Post-burglary writing has been a bit erratic. Despite all my new law-enforcement-related material, it's been hard to start over. In a fit of self-delusion, I decided to wait on restarting the second book of the series (the book which had 20K or so words written when my laptop and back-up flash drive were stolen) and jump ahead into the third book. That way, if my laptop and/or flash drive is recovered (not bloody likely), I won't have redone all that work for nothing. I'm sure I'll snap out of this delusional behavior eventually, but, for now, I'm going to hang out in my happy place for a while. :-)

Thank you for all your supportive comments and e-mails!

Take care,
Katie

Chasing Her Tail Gets Five-Hearts from The Romance Studio!

2009-11-21T07:56:00.000-08:00

Yay! The first review (that I've seen, at least) for Chasing Her Tail is out at The Romance Studio, and it's a five-star-er (or a five-heart-er, actually)! Thank you, Shannon! You can read the great review here.

Not the Laptop!

2009-11-19T15:56:00.001-08:00

It has been an interesting two days. I returned to my new house from a dog walk yesterday to find my laptop and week-old TV missing. Apparently, someone had watched as I left (creepy) before kicking in the basement window and dragging my stuff out the back bedroom window. The laptop is the hardest, since he also took my main back-up flash drive, which means I've lost all of my latest work-in-progress, plus all the plot ideas I've written down since July.

On the bright side, both of the cops were super hot and very nice (I autographed a copy of Seeing Blind for the lady cop and promised to include a hot female officer in a book sometime), and the whole process was fascinating (good thing I'm going to cop school to learn about this stuff, because it's cool). From experiencing fingerprinting powder (a bitch to clean up) to watching the police dog following the burglar's trail across the backyard, it's clear that the hot lady cop isn't the only addition for future books! :-)

Plus, I found out today that a building inspector was at a neighboring house and saw a small man lugging a big, flat-screen TV over my back fence and across the yards. The sharp-eyed inspector got not only a physical description of the burglar, but also the licence-plate number of the guy's car.

Things will all work out. They always do. In the meantime, I'm off to start the second book of my series...again. Oh well, guess I'll consider that first one a practice run.

Take care,
Katie

Another Chance to Win a Copy of Chasing Her Tail!

2009-11-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm that nice. :-) Check out my interview at the I Don't Want to Wait; I Want the Book Now! blog, leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of Chasing Her Tail.

It's My Birthday!

2009-11-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

I love birthdays!

This year has been a wild one. I've moved, lost my day job, started writing full-time, had four more books published, moved again and signed up for cop school. Despite the chaos, things have actually turned out really well. I love my new city and the tiny, adorable house where I'm living now. My horse is happy, my dog is happy, my family's happy that I'm closer now--now all I have to do is worry about making my editor and readers happy! Hopefully, this new year will be another great one for me. I'm hoping it'll be a little quieter and more...well, boring. After the past crazy year, dull sounds kind of nice.

Now that Chasing Her Tail has been released, I'm hard at work on new projects. While I wait to hear whether Trevor's story (the Private Dicks follow-up book) will be accepted by Ellora's Cave, I'm a book and a half deep into a new series. As always, I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday!

Take care,
Katie

Chasing Her Tail Release Day!!

2009-11-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

Just to make the Chasing Her Tail release day even better, I'm giving away a copy at Teal Ceagh's Blog. Come, see how I feel about vamps and Spandex (not necessarily vamps in Spandex, though--that's a whole 'nother post) and leave a comment.

See you there!

Chasing Her Tail Released Tomorrow, Nov. 4th!

2009-11-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

Chasing Her Tail is released tomorrow!! Check it out here. Also, I'll be visiting Teal Ceagh's Blog tomorrow to chat about Chasing Her Tail and why I prefer the beasties to the vamps (hint: pale and clammy). Come and say hi!

Sorry for my recent silence--I have been moving again. This time it was to a new place only an hour away, but it was still the hell that only moving can be. Now the boxes are unpacked, the horse is settled, the dog has already found her neighborhood squirrel nemesis and my internet has been hooked up! Yay! I am back on my couch, laptop on lap, safely away from the coffee shop with its tempting caloric drinks and peanut butter Rice Krispy cookies (damn you, coffee shop with your free internet access and too-tasty snacks!). I'm ready to jump back into writing the second book in my four-book series.

Take care,
Katie

Plotting! Eek!

2009-10-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Since it's so close to Halloween, I thought I'd write a scary post about...plotting! (Dum Dum Duuuum!)

I'm completely on the seat-of-my-pants side of the plotting spectrum. In fact, any kind of flowchart, pre-writing synopsis, spreadsheet or any other kind of logical plotting tool makes me hide in the closet.

In fact, due to my absolute terror of plot outlines, I'm going to be writing all four books of my current WIP series before I submit the whole lot together. I tend to change things as I write. Big things. For example, Private Dicks was a M/M/M until I was three-quarters of the way through writing the book. It just didn't work, so I yanked Trevor out of the threesome (poor guy) and gave him his own book. I've altered heroes' names after the entire thing is written, tossed in new plot twists, killed off characters and changed appearances.

This is kind of a strange thing, because I looove order. Change freaks me out in every other part of my life except for writing. I create tons of lists and schedules, measure three times before cutting and hate traveling anywhere without very specific directions. Plotting, though...that just gets tossed on the computer screen--no plan, no outline--and I have to sort it out while sitting in the messy middle of it.

I have to admit--seat-of-the-pants plotting is kind of exciting. It also makes me very flexible about edits. If my editor suggests chucking a scene, or adding one, or changing it beyond all recognition--I'm fine with that. In fact, edits are fun.

I don't like to think much about my plotting method, since the free-for-all nature of it could really freak out my order-loving brain. I just try to accept it. This is what has worked for eight book plots now, and, hopefully, it'll be the method I use for many more books.

Take care,
Katie

Both Sides of My Brain

2009-10-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've been juggling some freelance mechanical engineering design work and writing the first book of my planned four-book series, and both are going surprisingly well. There's something about ventilating a crawl space that really gets the creative chunk of my brain working :-). I'm at 30K on what I really, really hope is a 50K book (unless I get carried away and write an extra 30K, like I always do).

In other news, the countdown continues for the Nov. 4th Ellora's Cave release of Chasing Her Tail. Can't wait!

Take care,
Katie

Chasing Her Tail Release Date: November 4th!

2009-10-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Chasing Her Tail will be out at Ellora's Cave on November 4th, 2009! As you can see by the cover (if you can look away from that fine backside for a moment... C'mon now, eyes up here), it's a menage (and a were-mutt menage at that), in which Hammer from One-Two Punch finds his match(es). Read more about it here!

Trevor's Story is Done! Woo!

2009-10-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

I know I've been trying to cut down on my "Woo!"s, but I had to put this one in--at 79K+ words, Trevor's story has been finished and sent to my editor! I think it's good (I was reading it at two in the morning yesterday and got a little misty at the ending. My tearful exclamation, "This is the best book ever!" could've had something to do with my lack of sleep, however), but I can't wait to see what you all think about it.

Now, with Trevor's book in my editor's lap(top), I've already jumped into writing the first book of a four-book series. This was originally intended as a short story, but when I hit 16K and the bad guy was still after them and the heroine didn't know the hero's big secret and they hadn't actually had sex yet, I realized yet again that I don't write short. I just don't. Therefore, this short story will become a novel-length first book of a four-part series (Whoa. I really don't write short, do I?).

Thank you for all the e-mails--they definitely help keep me motivated! :-)

Take care,
Katie

End of Round One!

2009-09-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

The bell just dinged (dung? donged? Hee...dong) for the end of round one of edits on Chasing Her Tail! I kicked the manuscript back to my wonderful editor, and now I'm polishing up Trevor's story (Private Dicks follow-up). Looks like I'm going to make my Sept. 30th deadline (unless I get sucked into a marathon sweet-corn-shucking/blanching/freezing event).

I should have a release date for Chasing Her Tail very soon, so stay tuned!

Take care,
Katie

Chasing Her Tail--It's Back!

2009-09-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

I just got the edits for Chasing Her Tail back, so I'm diving back in!

Have I Finished? Um, Not Exactly...

2009-09-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

What? Have I finally finished Trevor's book?

Uh...no.

I know, I know--I'm typing like a mad writing dog, but more things just keep happening! I've topped (heh--topped) 70K (yesterday, I was on 69K, and I really wanted to post so I could put (heh--69) behind it, but I guess finishing the book takes priority over my juvenile sense of humor), and I'm definitely wrapping things up. I do have to go back and fill in a few more scenes, but that shouldn't be more than 20K--okay, so maybe 25K--more words.

Kelli? You okay? I think my editor just burst into tears reading this. Okay, okay--I'll try to be concise (Me? Concise? Hah!).

In other news, my aforementioned, long-suffering editor is busy finding all of my mistakes in Chasing Her Tail, a weredog menage featuring Hammer from One-Two Punch. I'll let you know how that progresses and what the release date will be as soon as I find out.

Hope everyone had a marvelous weekend!

Take care,
Katie

Epic Erotic Romance?

2009-09-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Trevor's story keeps getting longer and longer. I think it's because it's so fun to hang with him, not to mention Rhodes and Wash from Private Dicks and Trevor's own sexy cop, Pete. At 60K, there's a murderer at large and Trevor is still on the run (actually, he's hiding out, not running, so I guess he's more "on the hide"). The end is sort of in sight, but Trevor and Pete keep hopping into bed together, so I don't know if I'll ever get things wrapped up. Darn these horny characters and my convoluted plot!

Okay, okay, enough bitching. I'm actually having a great time writing this book. When I finished Private Dicks, I just wasn't ready to let the characters go (obviously, I'm still having that problem). I need to get the book wrapped, though, since I have a great idea for a four-book series that I'll be leaping into as soon as I submit my current W.I.P. I'll tell you more as things progress.

Back to work!

Take care,
Katie

Private Dicks Review--4.5 out of 5!

2009-09-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

On Reviewsbyjessewave.com, Wave rated Private Dicks a 4.5 out of 5! I'm especially proud of this review, since this is a great M/M review site. Thanks, Wave!

Laboring on Labor Day

2009-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

I really did labor over this Labor Day weekend--I'm closing in on 45K on my latest manuscript. It is going to be a long one, since it's not even close to ending. In fact, I just killed someone off, so that's going to take some writing to wrap up. What can I say--I just can't resist a dead body. I think it's going to be a good story, though--I keep giggling as I write, which is either a sign that the book is funny or evidence that I've finally gone completely nuts. Since both options are possible, I'll leave it to my editor to decide.

Take care,
Katie

Moving Right Along...

2009-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

I've hit 35K on my latest manuscript (Private Dicks follow-up--Trevor's story). Wash and Rhodes have just shown up, so things should get really interesting now. I'm shooting to submit by Sept. 30th, unless the sucker turns into a 100K-word monster (I keep threatening my editor with this possibility to make her whimper).

I'm still learning my way around Twitter. It's probably a good exercise in brevity for me--I write out what I want to say and then edit it down to the 160 characters allowed. As a self-admitted babbler, I have a difficult time with this. It's also hard to not become totally Twit-obsessed. In order to get anything at all done, I have to limit how many times a day I go on Twitter--I'm like my own controlling parent.

I'll keep the updates coming as I find out more (release date, etc.) about Chasing Her Tail, the newest book to be accepted. Wish me luck in beating my Twit-addiction.

Take Care,
Katie

Chasing Her Tail was accepted!

2009-08-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yay! Chasing Her Tail, a were-dog menage, is my sixth book to be accepted by Ellora's Cave. Give me a few weeks and I'll get you all the good stuff--release date, cover, etc. This is Hammer's story from One-Two Punch, and it was fun to write about him again. Harry, Ky and Beth do show up, as well, in case you've been missing them. :-)

It was a good weekend!

Take care,
Katie

I've Been Twit-ified

2009-08-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true...I've gone over to the dark side--I'm on Twitter.

My Favorite--Good Reviews (Yum)

2009-08-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

There's been a run of great reviews of Private Dicks. Curious? You can check them all out on the Reviews page of my Website. Speaking of Private Dicks (yes, I just like typing that title--cracks me up every time), I'm 15K-ish deep into Trevor's story.

A lot has been happening on the non-writing front. I'm trying to decide if I should go back to school. If I do, I'm torn between getting my PhD in Professional Writing or...um, getting my law enforcement certificate from the local tech college. The cop classes look much more interesting, but maybe I'm just excited about being able to carry my own handcuffs. Think I should line mine in leopard print faux fur? See? The girl porn/law enforcement crossovers are limitless!

I'll keep you updated, on both book progress and general life progress.

Take care,
Katie Allen

Drive-By Post...

2009-08-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yet another sister visited this past weekend. Although it is always good to see the sibs, they sure put me behind on the writing. Therefore, this will be a lightning-fast post just to say that I'm alive, I'm writing and, despite the multiple sister interruptions, I'm still on schedule to finish the latest manuscript by the end of September.

Hope everyone is well!

Take care,
Katie Allen

And...It's Done!

2009-08-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Where did July go?

The latest manuscript is flying across cyberspace toward my editor, who so kindly extended my July 31st deadline for a week so I could get the @$%&! thing done. It ended up at a porky 71,000 words, and the story kept going on and on and on... Phew. It's not that I don't love the characters in this book, because I really do, but I'm so glad to get a break from them for a while.

Now, as I wait with bated breath to see if it's accepted, I'm going to work on Trevor's story (from Private Dicks). It'll be fun to write about him again and delve into his murky past. Maybe Rhodes and Wash will come for a visit in this book (you know they won't be able to stay away).

Sorry for abandoning you as I finished up the latest manuscript. I won't promise it won't happen again, because it probably will. I'd guess right around the end of September, when Trevor's manuscript is due.

Take care,
Katie

Just a Quickie

2009-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Colorado again to help out the fam. My July 31st deadline for Hammer's story is rushing at me like a runaway water buffalo, so I'll be frantically writing girl porn in some corner of the MSP Airport.

Ack! Must...finish...manuscript!

The Idea Vault

2009-07-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

Not to sound like a broken record, but I've been blog-slacking again. I do have the best excuse, though--I've made major progress on my latest work-in-progress. It's not finished yet, but my July 31st submittal deadline isn't making me hyperventilate anymore.

As promised, I wanted to talk a little about some writing topics. I have warned you before that I am not a plotter, so these blogs will probably follow the same wandering path.

Someone asked me a few days ago if I ever run out of ideas. I laughed. In retrospect, I see that my response was not very polite, but of all the problems I stumble over while writing, new ideas are not one of them. In fact, I have to be careful not to let the new ideas derail my current book. I allow myself to write whatever I need to keep the idea once it pops into my head, whether that's a sentence, a paragraph or a first chapter, but then I force myself to go back to my main project.

If I let myself to work on each new book idea for as long as I wanted, I wouldn't be published. In fact, I wouldn't have a completed book. The problem is that, once I get a few chapters into the story, it gets to be work. I'm not just hanging out with my fun new characters anymore. Now they're acting up and arguing and refusing to cooperate, and all I want to do is drop them and their convoluted plotline and just start fresh. Unfortunately, starting fresh does not finish a book.

My sentence or paragraph or first chapter ideas are not just tempting distractions, though. They serve as a starting point for all of my books. That's probably my favorite part--choosing my next book from the forty or so barely started ideas, all new and fresh and sparkly. There are so many possibilities with a story that's just starting...who knows where the characters will end up? Not me--as I warned you, I don't plot. I'm too lazy for that.

Getting all of these ideas down on paper also takes them out of my brain. If I didn't allow myself to pause and jot down some new character or plot idea, I'd keep thinking about it, trying to hold onto it in my mind, worrying that it will slip away and that I won't be able to retrieve it when I need a new idea. My started-stories bin is a release valve for me, allowing me to put that idea aside until my current work-in-progress is completed.

Speaking of work-in-progresses, I'd better get back to mine. I've crossed the 50K point, though--it's all downhill from here!

Take care,
Katie

Travels

2009-07-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Sorry to neglect the blog, but I've been on a quick trip to Denver. One overnight trip later, and I'm a little punchy, but at least I'm back in the right state again.

Soon I'll have a series of blogs about different stuff--inspiration, craft and other miscellaneous writing topics. You'll have to excuse me today, though--I need more sleep before I'm coherent.

Take care,
Katie

Schedules are good. Yes, they are.

2009-06-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Now that I've locked myself into a schedule, the words have just been flying from my brain onto my laptop screen. I'm up to 23K now--woo! I'm now at the stage (which starts at the first page and ends... Okay, so it never really ends) where I don't know if what I'm writing is any good or not. I'm trying to write my first paranormal since Seeing Blind, and it's very different from anything I've written before, so that adds a little extra neurosis to the brain stew, which is already pretty meaty (okay, I think my metaphor got a little out of hand right there, as did that sentence). Since this will be my sixth book, I'm wondering if the self-doubt ever goes away. Oh well, I guess it keeps me reading my own stuff with a critical eye.

I planned for this to be a longer blog entry, but the coffee shop I'm shamelessly using for free wireless is freaking hot today. Maybe I can find a pool somewhere in my new neighborhood. Or maybe I can just borrow someone's hose and make my own fun. Okay, that came out sounding a little strange. You'll have to excuse me, I'm really hot (um, not hawt, but just hot, as in "Where's the *$&%! is the ice cream truck?" hot).

Hope everyone's staying cool and having a good Monday!

Take care,
Katie

Discipline (No, not that kind, unfortunately)

2009-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Since I get absolutely nothing done without a schedule, I've enlisted my editor (best. editor. ever) in helping me put together a writing plan for the next year. Of course I'm panicking about the first deadline already. Hopefully, though, this will be enough of a shove for me to get Hammer's (from One-Two Punch) menage finished in the coming month. After that, I'm going to get started on a follow-up to Private Dicks. Gotta get that Trevor a man. Later on in the year, I'm jumping into my very first series. I promise to blog more about that as it gets closer.

Check out the new reviews on my Website! Many thanks to my Web genius for posting these (after returning from his European vacation. I have a very well-traveled Web genius).

Back to writing--I'm on a schedule now (eek)!

Take care,
Katie

10K--Woo!

2009-06-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...so maybe 10K isn't very much at all on a full-length novel, but I plead moving. Plus, I'll be blogging at DIK Island on June 4th through 6th, plus Emma sent me a link to the most distracting site ever, so I have lots of excuses.

Did I mention that I love small towns? After living in the area for just a month, I've already managed to snag the local sheriff's cell number. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I'm going with good. I'm optimistic like that. Excuse me while I go back to my half-full bottle of vodka.

Happy Tuesday!

Take care,
Katie

Crazy Brain Carnival!

2009-05-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hola!

My current work-in-progress (no working title at the moment--I have the worst time with titles. They have to be dragged slowly and painfully out of me at the very last minute. If I had my way, my titles would be Book One, Book Two, Book Three, etc. Sure, it'd be a publicist's nightmare, but it'd make my life a lot easier) is flowing smoothly--yay! I have a feeling that the characters (Hammer, included) are going to be extremely cooperative. That's always nice. Maybe they're feeling sorry for me after my traumatic move.

I was interrupted while writing last night but didn't want to stop. I was in the middle of a suspenseful scene and thought, "But I want to find out what happens!" Since it comes from my own brain, you'd think I'd know what was coming next. However, as I think I've mentioned before, I have a rough idea of the plot outline when I start writing, but, for the most part, it's a wild and crazy free-for-all.

I'm fairly orderly in the rest of my life (some even say I have a touch of OCD (rude bastards!)), so you can see how this non-plotting brain carnival makes me a little nuts. Oh well, who am I to question the creative process?

Take care,
Katie

Progress...Sort Of

2009-05-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

My books have gotten some great new reviews, which you can check out on my Website's Reviews page.

The follow-up book to One-Two Punch is progressing (although at more of a tortoise pace than a quick-like-a-bunny pace) as I settle into my new home. Despite the moving pains, annoying amounts of house cleaning and the usual disruptions of relocation, it's good to be back in Minnesota. Those words will probably haunt me next January, however, when it's so cold that the horse tries to sneak into my living room (I never let him stay, though--he always insists on watching "Mr. Ed". Yes, that was a totally lame joke. Leave me alone--I just moved).

Take care,
Katie

Still Unpacking and Blog Slacking...

2009-05-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the blog slackitude--I've been moving and finding wireless internet takes some effort (more effort than my previous method of sitting on my couch with my laptop on my lap, at least). Just to warn you--blog entries over the next few weeks (months?) might be a bit sporadic.

I'm so happy with readers' reactions to my newest release, Private Dicks! In answer to just about everyone's question, there will be a follow-up book. I just need to finish my current work-in-progress (Hammer's story) before I tackle the Private Dicks sequel.

Thank you to everyone who e-mailed--I love hearing from readers.

Take care,
Katie

Private Dicks is out!

2009-04-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Private Dicks was released last Friday! Check it out here and let me know what you think.

I just returned from the Romantic Times Convention in Orlando, where I had a great time, especially at yesterday's book signing. I'll post pictures as soon as other people e-mail them to me (yes, I'm not a very reliable photographer).

Take care,

Katie

We Made It!

2009-04-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Well, the cross-country trip pulling the beastie went smoothly. Coming back to Denver without the horse or trailer was a little more exciting. After being pulled over in Omaha (which answered the question, "Is singing along to 'Donkey Butt' and car dancing (which mostly involves head bopping and bouncing up and down in my seat) illegal in the State of Nebraska?" Actually, the official warning was for going six miles over the speed limit (Really, Officer? Really??).), it started to rain, then snow, then snow while blowing, which I believe is called a blizzard. I did make it home eventually, but the knuckles--they were white.

Now I have a week and a half to finish things up at the former job before heading to RT! Yep, I'll be signing (Seeing Blind in print and One-Two Punch, Breaking the Silence and Raw Footage as cover flats for the ebooks) at the Romantic Times convention in Orlando, FL. If you're going to be there--stop by and say hi!

Have a happy Easter!

Take care,
Katie

On the Road Again...

2009-03-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

See this picture? See this angelic face? That's Mr. Toby Polkadots, and we'll be hitting the road on Thursday for the cross-country haul to bring the spotted one to his new home in Minnesota. Despite his innocent appearance, he's can be a bit of a terror in the trailer, which could make for an interesting two days.

In book news, Private Dicks is on the "Coming Soon" page at Ellora's Cave. Read the blurb here and an excerpt here--just three more weeks (and a few days) before the release date of April 24th!

Private Dicks Cover!

2009-03-19T19:14:00.001-07:00

Here it is--the cover for Private Dicks! As I might have mentioned 2,000 times already, it'll be out on Friday, April 24th, 2009.

I'm heading to Minnesota for the weekend (until Tuesday, March 24th, actually), so I'll be out of touch for the next five days. If you e-mail, comment, call, write, stop by, etc., etc., I'm not ignoring you--I'm just trying to set up my future life as a full-time writer (so, so scary and so, so exciting).

Take care, and have a great weekend!

Katie

Interview and Contest

2009-03-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

Learn all sorts of interesting tidbits about me in my interview on the "Good Books, Bad Books & Every Book in Between" blog! Check it out here. Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of Breaking the Silence or Raw Footage!

Private Dicks Release Date!

2009-03-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

It's coming--Private Dicks will be out on Friday, April 24! I'll post the cover as soon as I get it.

Interview Madness!

2009-03-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well, okay, so it's not madness exactly--I've only been interviewed twice in the past week, but still...twice could be called madness, right? Okay, so maybe not. Anyway, I'll let you know where and when you can find the interviews as soon as they come out (is it egotistical to say that I love doing interviews? I can't help it--they're so much fun!).

Big, big changes are happening in my life. As I mentioned earlier, my day job will no longer exist as of this Friday, so I am turning into a full-time writer (ack! scary!), at least until I run out of food or start craving a benefit package. In order to do this and continue to, um, live, I'm relocating to Minnesota, land of cold winters, friendly people, above-average children (thank you, Garrison) and a much lower cost of living.

So, over the next two months, I'll be hauling the horse across the country, packing up, renting out my house, finding a new place to live, hauling my own ass across the country, cleaning out closets, wondering when and why and what the Hell I was thinking when I bought certain items that I find in said closets, etc, etc, sigh...etc.

Please bear with me as I make the transition--I promise to be a good blogster as soon as I settle in to my new (old) state.

Take care,
Katie

They've Arrived!

2009-03-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

I just got home from the day-job to find that my author copies of Seeing Blind in paperback have arrived! Very exciting! Why does a book look so different when it's in print, compared to seeing it as an ebook? Want one? You can get your very own copy here! I'm on Amazon, too!