I'm Now Officially ... PUBLISHED + Giveaway

I did it ... I am "officially" a published author! I can't begin to describe what an amazing feeling this is and I am SO grateful to everyone who helped cheer me along! Surprisingly, my first release isn't strictly a romance *insert gasp* I know, shocking isn't it? It's a novelette and introduction to my urban fantasy series called Mystic Wolves and the title is Without Mercy. You may recognize it as the title that was going to be included in the Dream On anthology but I couldn't wait so here it is...

Without Mercy

A Mystic Wolves novelette

Urban Fantasy

Published by 4 Corners Press

Buy from: Smashwords

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

When Darcy’s outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense – it was all a dream.

Or was it?          

Pinch Me, Please!

This was me yesterday. Maybe it's all the good ju-ju and karma I've been stockpiling the last few months but I've never had such an overwhelming and exciting day where I had the manic urge to run around my house dancing and singing. It's no wonder I'm DOG TIRED today and barely able to breath from all the heart racing and head spinning. So what happened? Let me show you....

First off, I gathered enough to courage to send out a copy of my short story Without Mercy for a beta read and review. It's officially been set for a November 15th release but the impatient person I am, I wanted to know sooner what everyone thinks. Once the email was sent, I felt so nervous and then I received the message "Hey Bel, I've downloaded it to my Nook. It looks good." A quick trip to my email and what do I find??

That is MY story on that ereader... something I wrote! I can't begin to describe how validating it was to see that or how rewarding it felt to know this was going to become real. I'm a doubting Thomas, I thought it'd never happen and this was such an amazing way to say "Yes, Belinda... keep going. You're about to realize your dreams!" First major SQUEE of the day!

A little later I get the message, "Bels, there's something wrong with your story." My stomach sank and then I whooped when I kept reading, "IT WASN'T LONG ENOUGH!" Are you one of those people who can have a million people tell you something is good but you still have those moments of insecurites? It was at that moment I could imagine my BFF Lacey holding up a sign saying, "I told you so.... ROCKSTAR" Yeah, I need to work on that.

Shortly after that, I got my FIRST EVER reader review!! It was about this time that everything started getting a little surreal and I'd wondered if I'd fallen into the Twilight zone or something. A quick check and there it was on Goodreads under the Dream On book link:

Review by Stephanie Overton ~ 5 stars

"The Sneak Peek Gods were looking down on me today!

I got the wonderful gift of being allowed a sneak peek into the up coming release of Dream On, an Anthology of short stories.

So, what should appear in my inbox . . but an ARC of Without Mercy by Belinda Boring.

Darcy and Jasmine were only suppose to run into town for a quick stop and come right back. Mason, the pack Alpha and future mate of Darcy, had "fought" with Darcy about this very topic. He didn't want them out without back up, but he gave in and allowed them to go . . Now, Darcy is wishing she hadn't fought for this freedom. Staring down the barrel of a gun and no possible way to call for back up, Darcy tries to pull together a plan. . .

You won't want to miss how this story plays out. Be prepared to feel a handful of emotions come rushing at you while you read this short tale of Pride loyalty.

I for one will patiently await for more from this up and coming author.

Ok, so I never wait patiently for anything ."

Second major SQUEE for the day!

As if I couldn't get more excited, my book cover for Broken Promises FINALLY became official. This book (and series) is such a labor of love for me and I've wanted the perfect cover. I thought I had it but Hell decided to drag me in and some tough decisions had to be made. Thank goodness, I was able to have something created that not only has the EXACT feel I wanted but has made it mandatory the story I write matches it. The intensity I feel when I connect with the story and characters, the seductiveness I was after and heat I needed, is all right there on the cover. I am BEYOND happy with it and it features my favorite model and all time good guy, Jimmy Thomas. Want to see?

Hot as heck where all I want to do is stare all day and lick my screen! This has been such a team effort and a HUGE thanks go to Elizabeth Sharp, for braving the streets late one night to get the perfect alley shot. To Lacey Weatherford, who stayed up all night and braved the person "snoring" beside her and the helpful critiques from none other than Jimmy Thomas. Big smoochies to you all.... except for you Jimmy because if I do, I just might melt all over the place. Either that, or get a little "carried away" *blushes* Have you seen him ladies? Third major SQUEE of the day.

So there you have it. The day where I felt the constant need to pinch myself and one that will go down as unforgetable. Good thing about sharing it here is I now have it recorded, so each time doubt comes kicking down my door, I'll just reread this and know "Bels, you're on your way!" Happy writing everyone!

Much Needed Advice, Perfect Timing

Don't you just hate it? This has basically been me for the last few months when it came to writing on my WIP Broken Promises.With the stress of life and health issues, whenever I reached out to write, I found myself blank and unconnected. I'd try and struggle to reach for the story I knew was desperate to continue but after I while, I'd give up and move onto something easier to access and in the meantime... I'm miserable.

Are you like me in when you are "in the groove" and knee deep in creative productivity, you can't write fast enough? It's seems effortless and when you finally come up for air, you're left in awe over what you've accomplished. You're instantly recharged and begin setting goals on how to get the story finished. Problem is - how do you get there and more importantly, stay there??

This is where I am right now. It's time to get Broken Promises out of my heart and soul and onto paper. It's time to share with everyone the incredible story I've been going over and over in my mind since this time last year. I have a music playlist, a book trailer in the process of being created and a book cover so incredible, I can only hope I can do it justice. I can get my heart pumping and my muse beginning to dance but wouldn't you know it... sit at my computer and there I am staring at my screen again.

There needs to be a way I can "switch" it all on whenever I want to and not be at the mercy of when I feel like it. Honestly, life happens and there isn't always going to be ideal moments. I've been stewing over this and came across a blog post from an author I absolutely love. Kim Harrison, author of the popular urban fantasy Rachel Morgan series, was offering up some sound advice to aspiring authors and she shared something that struck me and I truly believe this is the answer to my problem.

She wrote in her post An Open Letter To "I Am Special" Writers:

1. Write every day, same time, same place, even if it's only for 20 minutes. This will train your creativity to turn on at a drop of a hat. Two weeks of agony, and you will start to notice you will not be staring at a blank page when you sit down, but writing immediately. I don't know any authors who write only when they feel like it. They treat it like the job that it is, even if it is a part-time job. This is hard, but it is worth it.

So this is my goal. Each day at the same time, I'm going to train myself to get in touch with my creativity. No longer will I wait for my Muse to come to me... I will now go to her. Wish me luck because I'm excited and before I know it, Broken Promises will be released.

Happy writing!



More Mock Covers!

I am so excited. I have completely fallen in love with Jimmy Thomas - a romance cover model who is amazing! He saw a niche in the market and created a company where he creates romance stock photos to then sell to the public. My BFF and I could seriously live on his site, each picture making us swoon. You would think it would be expensive to buy him but NOPE, just $15 an image!! Crazy, right? So with the free time I had off today, I designed two book covers for future stories. Please note: I'm a complete novice on Photoshop - doing this I wanted something visual to inspire me. Once it's time to publish, these will be tidied up by the fabulous Elizabeth Sharp, graphic design extraordinaire *grins*

So what do you think?

* If you're interested seeing more of Jimmy's work, go to Romance Novel Covers *

I Have An Author Bio!

Ask me to write about you, ask me to write about a book I've reading, heck - ask me to write about anything and I'll give you something. Ask me to write about myself and I'm drawing a blank. With Dream On being released within the month, I needed to write an author bio for it (I would've needed one eventually) but was stumped on what to include. I wanted something that gave a snapshot of who I am, something that was fun. I love reading bios where it adds a little quirk but when it came time for mine? I've sat on it for WEEKS! Finally, I got started yesterday and voila - here it is!

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!


Would you buy my book based on my bio? Slowly but surely, it's becoming official !!

SQUEE! Mock Cover For The Curse Of Illusions

SQUEE!! Nothing beats some visual motivation so without further ado, let me present the cover for my historical romance, The Curse of Illusions. It's of course, a mock cover but this is the general look and feel I'm aiming for. Just looking at it makes me a little giddy and kicks my Muse into hyper drive. All fingers (and toes and eyes) crossed, I'm aiming for an early 2012 release. Here's a snippet of what I've been working on. It's in the early stages but I want to share something:)

 *The Curse of Illusions Teaser *

One moment by the wall, now before her, Lord St James held firm to her and she recognized his intent. He meant to kiss her hand and she relaxed a little. Questions rose in her mind on how he’d been able to move so fast but she shrugged them aside. Maybe he wasn’t as far away as she’d thought.

Lowering her eyes out of habitual respect, all nicety of the moment vanished when he flipped over her hand and buried his mouth in her palm, nudging her with his lips. Heat pulsed through her as she felt the tip of his moist tongue caress her skin in light swirls.

Her knees buckled this time and strong arms banded around her waist, pulling her flush against his hard body. Every inch of her felt electrified at the closeness between them. Propriety demanded she ask to be released but her mind was muddled from being in his embrace.

Nipping the meat of her palm with his teeth, Catriona couldn’t help but shudder with pleasure. Something about the feel of his teeth caused her to conjure up the most erotic of images and she melted into him further.

That's it folks *grins*  I promise this will be a swoony read!

Progress Update - Broken Promises

A little snippet

“Look at me, Bree.” he ordered. Quinn’s voice had lost everything that made him the man I loved. It was harsh and cold, totally void of any emotion. If it wasn’t for the fact I knew it was him, I would have thought it was stranger talking to me.

“No Quinn, I’m won’t.” Maybe defiance wasn’t the way to go but I couldn’t let him think he had total control over the situation. I continued to stand there with my eyes closed, taking in deep slow breaths to steady my beating heart.

There was a long moment of silence where if my body wasn't so in tuned with Quinn’s, I could have been standing alone. But I knew he was there and he was waiting.

“I know you’re there, Quinn and I’m not going to open my eyes so you might as well just let me leave.” I knew it was a long shot, there was no way he was letting me go.

The silence was deafening. I frowned, doubting my ability to sense him when I heard him move slightly. Next I heard a whimper that turned into a gasp. Something was happening and as much as it killed me, I kept my eyes closed.

“Bree? It’s happening again, isn’t it? Oh my gosh, have I hurt you?” The small flicker of hope I had grew brighter as I heard Quinn finally speak to me.

“Quinn?”

“Bree, why didn’t you run when I told you to?” he asked. “I really could have hurt you.” With those few words, the confusion and sorrow in Quinn’s voice melted away what little resistance I held onto. I opened my eyes with the hope I’d see brown ones looking back at me.

I crumpled into myself as his cold blue eyes bore into mine. Quinn began to chuckle and took a step closer to me.

“Surprise, Bree.” He moved his finger in a mock wave, a smirk spread across his face. He didn’t even look the same anymore. He laughed again as he added, “And they said I couldn’t act?”