Wow! June really got away from me, but I just posted an article called "Writers Groups" in the Advice for New Authors section of AOER.

I've also posted it on my website, so you can check it out here.

I promise to be better in July!

My friend and critique partner, Maya Reynolds, just sent me a link to the American Museum of Natural History's website. Last week they opened an exhibit called "Mythic Creatures", and it looks like SO much fun!

Here's a bit from the Introduction to the exhibit:

"The world is full of stories about brave heroes, magical events and fantastic beings. For thousands of years, humans everywhere—sometimes inspired by living animals or even fossils—have brought mythic creatures to life in stories, songs and works of art. Today these creatures, from the powerful dragon to the soaring phoenix, continue to thrill, terrify, entertain and inspire us.

We seem to catch glimpses of these creatures all around us: hiding beneath the ocean waves, running silently through the forest and soaring among the clouds. Some symbolize danger. Others, we think, can bring us luck or joy. Together mythic creatures give shape to humankind's greatest hopes, fears and most passionate dreams."

Gives me goosebumps. :-)

It's hard to tell from the website how well balanced it is, ethnically, but it looks like they did a decent job. Creatures from European and Asian mythology are well represented, of course, but I also caught mention of myths from Africa, Australia and South America.

A part of me is a little afraid that seeing the physical representations of the mythic creatures might make take away some of their "magic" -- but mostly I just think it would be cool. :-)

I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that this exhibit will travel -- It looks fun, but I don't think I could justify a plane ticket to New York...

The image above is from the "Creatures of the Deep" portion of the exhibit.

It's the fifth of the month and that means I'm blogging over at Authors of Erotic Romance!

Today I'm blogging about this question: "Can romance be queered?"

I had a nice little surprise today: My Book Cravings just reviewed A Good Man is Hard to Find!

Here's a little of what Nicole had to say:

"This was one of the sweetest, great love stories I have read. I have a passion for these types of books, and reading the male/male ones are new, but oh my God. Great book, especially for a historical. This male/male relationship story is one you have to read about from this author."

5 out of 5 Roses

Thanks, Nicole!! I'll be smiling all day.

[You can check out the complete review HERE, and more reviews of A Good Man is Hard to Find, HERE.]

The Loose ID authors have banded together for a June Bash ! Come join us for excerpts and prizes and fun on the Loose ID Community loop!

Starting the weekend of June 8th, the Loose ID authors will be stopping by the Loose ID Community Loop to post excerpts for current as well as past releases.

We're going to be talking about all Loose ID books!

There will be prizes! Every reader will have a chance to send an email to our prize email address for a chance to win. One $25, two $10 and two $5 Loose ID gift certificates will be given away each of the four weeks. At the end of the four weeks, one grand prize of a Loose ID VIP membership will also be given away.

Offical contest and themes are on the following weekends (yes, Fridays are included in the weekends):

• June 8-10 - All contemporary books
• June 15-17 - All non-contemporary books
• June 22-24 - All contemporary books
• June 29-30 & July 1 - all non-contemporary books

All other genres--i.e. BDSM, m/m, BBW, fantasy, paranormal, science fiction--will fall into the contemporary or non-contemporary themes as the author sees fit.

Official rules--including the prize email address and what needs to be included in the emails--will be posted before the contest weekends.

Come join us for some early summer fun!