Kate Collins's Blog, page 341

I saw an article in the newspaper a while back about the healing powers of a mother's voice. Scientists have previously measured the chemical responses to a mother's hug or kiss, showing how levels of hormones involved with trust and love shoot upward and stress hormones drop. A new study, however, proves that just hearing a mother's voice can generate the same reaction, even when the voice is on the phone.

The scientists also measured the hormone oxytocin, responsible for helping moms bond wi...

by Leann

Okay, I am a sports fan. Except for boxing and other "events" where people are punching each other. But it's amazing how involved I can get in a sport that only comes around every four years. Take the Olympics. I'll even watch curling and stuff like Nordic combined--although marathon type races do find me getting a little sleepy. It's about rooting for your country, I guess. A form of patriotism.

Today, England and the U.S. squared off in a World Cup soccer match. Since the day my son ...

By Lorna


There's nothing like a rip-roaring good thunderstorm in the middle of the night.  I prefer them under the cover of darkness.  It makes a better light show.  I prefer low-rumbling thunder over the CRACK right over heard, make-your-heart-stop kind, too.

With one thing and another, I didn't get around to writing my blog post until this morning.  So when I heard the rumble of thunder my first thought was, "Crap.  I won't be able to fire up the computer."  My mother lost one of her compute...

By Heather

My daughter's high school band lives by this motto:
To be early is to be on time.
To be on time is to be late.
To be late is to be left behind.
It's a motto I can relate to—somewhat. I really hate being late. For anything. Yet having said that, I'm not exactly the most punctual person. I try, I really do, but my success rate at arriving anywhere on time is around 50% or so. It is truly rare for me to be later than 10 minutes. Rare to the point of something Must Have Gone Horribly Wrong ...

JB: In two sentences, describe why readers need to rush out and buy NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEED:EJ: First and foremost, because I think they'll like it--it has mystery, intrigue, ghosts, real estate... and it's funny. But also, so that I can keep this job; In the current economy, the last thing we need is another unemployed author walking around with a sign reading "will write for food."

What's unique about your book's setting? The Jersey Shore isn't like anywhere else, "reality" show aside. We...

By Deb

Back when I was a newbie writer searching for clues to the secret of perfect plots, I realized that every contemporary mystery I read had some kind of romance in it. Even if it was just a hint. Even if the person-of-interest wasn't interested at the moment. Eventually, sparks would fly.

That wasn't always true. Sherlock Holmes kept his distance (although Watson fell in love and married). Poirot and Marple kept their minds on crime.

So I'm wondering how important the romantic angle is to u...

Unfortunately, May's winner never claimed the prize within the allotted one week time frame. And though we hate to do it, we have to choose another winner.

Fortunately, someone else gets a second chance. The new winner of the $10 BN gift card is Lover of Books (Krista), chosen randomly from your post on May 2.

Congratulations. Krista, you have one week to contact me at [email protected] with your email address to claim your prize (gift cards are sent electronically). If I don't hear fro...

And what's in it for you? A contest, of course! Simply post a review of one of these fab ebook titles on Amazon or BN.com and you're entered to win a Cozy Chick button and a signed bookmark from each chick. It's a win-win! You get a great story plus the chance to win a prize and the chicks get a sincere review.

Three winners will be drawn at random this time next week. Good luck and happy ereading.
Here are the titles: L.L. Bartlett (aka Lorna Barrett) - These links are for the Kindle, but...