Writers Do It With Words

Available November 28, 2011

2011-10-12T10:26:00.002-04:00

Madelaine Alexander is on a mission. When her boss sends her to the hottest nightclub in town to meet with the owner, she won't be deterred, even if that means standing in line for fifty-eight minutes in torturous heels while she'd rather be home in her pj's with a bowl of popcorn.

A Knight of the Templar, Christien Chevalier was given immortality along with the responsibility of protecting the treasure of the Templars. He's been unwavering in his task for centuries until his one true love—who died seven hundred years ago—shows up in his club, demanding his attention.

Christien couldn't protect Madelaine when they first fell in love. She was married to a lord and he was simply a knight. Now, through some unknown miracle, she stands before him again and they have a second chance. But Christien fears that Madelaine is being used as a pawn in a dangerous game, a game of good versus evil that could affect all of mankind…

Own a Nook? You can preorder Her Dark Knight for $4.79 and it will be delivered to your Nook on release day.

On Sale Now

2010-11-17T10:40:00.007-05:00

Morgan's life takes an unexpected turn when the stowaway aboard his burning ship isn't an enemy spy but Juliana, the woman he left behind in the twenty-first century. Unwittingly thrust into Morgan’s dangerous world, Juliana gains the attention of Morgan’s enemy--the man who had once enslaved Morgan and who will now settle for nothing less than Morgan’s return to slavery and possession of Juliana. For the one woman he’s never forgotten and a love that defies the centuries, Morgan must conquer his fears and battle his deadly enemy to keep Juliana at his side.
Read Excerpt

Buy links:
Kindle Version
Nook Version
Print Version available March, 2012

Available In Print

2010-02-05T07:11:00.003-05:00

Dear Blogger

2009-03-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Blogger,

You may have noticed that I haven't been hanging around as much as I used to. This relationship, it's just not working for me anymore. Please don't be sad. It's not you. Its me. I just don't feel the love like I used to. We've grown apart, you and I.

I'll be honest, I've always felt we've had this one sided relationship where I do all the talking and you're more the silent, stoic type and lately, well, it just hasn't been working for me. I'm sorry.

I know this is hard, but it must be said. I've found someone else. Someone who will meet my needs. Someone who is willing to hold a two-way conversation. Actually, I've found two someone's. Their names are Facebook and Twitter.

Lets be honest. They're more interactive than you and I have ever been and I've become tired of trying to find something to say to you that's more than 140 characters. You require dissertations, long essays, thought provoking dives into the human psyche and that's just too difficult for me to do on a continuous basis.

We'll still be friends. I'll still be around. But I'll be spending more of my time on Facebook and Twitter where others are.

I know you'll understand and I know eventually you'll realize this is for the best.

Love,
Sharon

PS - If you want to friend me on Facebook just look me up by Sharon Cullen. On Twitter I'm sharoncullen.

Killed in the line of duty

2009-03-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

I make no secret of the fact that I am a huge supporter of the police. They put their lives on the line daily for people who have no respect for them or the position they hold. They'll willingly sacrifice themselves for those who call them pigs and rant about "no good cops".

To me they are heroes as they should be to everyone.

These two heroes are among our fallen and their killers are up for parole. If you think as I do that a cop killer should never walk free. Please let the parole board know. Link

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T09:08:00.000-04:00

My new fave

2009-03-16T14:03:00.002-04:00

Thomas's Cinnamon Swirl bagels. They're da bomb! They taste like cinnamon rolls only not as fattening. I had one for lunch and now I want another. Sigh.

Please. I am begging you.

2009-03-13T12:29:00.003-04:00

In 2007 Sergeant Bryce Bezdek was struck by a pickup truck while attempting to place stop sticks in the road to end a police chase. He suffered multiple injuries and was given a 20% chance of survival by his doctors. He couldn't speak, he was paralyzed on one side.

Not long ago, after months of hospitalization and many more months of physical therapy, Officer Bezdek walked out of the hospital, climbed into a police cruiser, and went home.

His story is beyond miraculous. His courage and his will to live mind-boggling.

The community rallied and sent cards and prayed for him, now he is asking something of us and I am honored to pass his request on.

I will let him tell you in his own words:

My wife made a video and uploaded it for a contest to win a vacation to
> Disney. It's about my crash. Originally she made the video as an
> introduction for a brain injury conference I'm speaking for at the end of
> this month, then she tweaked it a little and uploaded it for this contest.
> You can vote every day until Friday the 20th. Please forward this on to
> everyone you think of who would be willing to help out.
> 
> Here's the link: http://modernmom.com/main/polls_video/2/10
> 
> I hope things are going well for you.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> -Bryce Bezdek


Please remember that these police officers put their lives on the line for you every hour of every day. They have family and friends who wait at home, hoping they return to them. Miraculously and against the odds, Bryce did. Please vote for him.

Isn't it beautiful!!!

2009-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

American Idol

2009-03-11T22:48:00.002-04:00

I didn't get to watch it last night so I couldn't give my picks as to who was going to be kicked off. I will say that I'm not as into this season as previous seasons. For me, they're all a little boring. But I will go out on a limb and give my prediction of the winner. I think its going to come down to Lil and Danny and I think Danny's going to win.

My last nerve

2009-03-09T19:35:00.002-04:00

My youngest has a problem keeping her bedroom clean. I'm not unreasonable. Clean to me is stuff off the floor, maybe being able to walk into the room. Clean to her is. Well. Not that.

Last night I walked into her room. Actually I hopped in, jumping from one clean spot to the next. I stubbed my toe on a book that was lodged between her bed and her desk. It hurt. I said, "This room is getting on my last nerve."

She looked up at me, her face angelic. "How many nerves do you have, Mommy?"

Ugh!

Guaranteed to make you laugh

2009-03-07T13:58:00.002-05:00

I got this from Jill Shalvis' blog who I believe got it from dooce.

NOOOOOOO!!!!!

2009-03-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tell me they didn't bring back Tatiana on American Idol. Please tell me I heard that wrong. Ugh! I told my daughter that I just may have to stop watching. I can't stand her theatrics or her tantrums and would she please stop getting on her knees!!! What the heck is that all about?

Ugh. Just...ugh.

My top 3 picks for this weeks American Idol

2009-03-04T08:54:00.003-05:00

Felicia Barton

Ju'Not Joyner

Kendall Beard

Happy Birthday to meeeeeee!

2009-03-04T06:57:00.002-05:00

Today is my birthday. This is what I got.

Isn't it pretty? Last night my daughter loaded it with songs but a lot of them are her songs and I want my songs so after I log some writing time today, I'm going to play with my new toy.

My top 3 for American Idol

2009-02-25T22:26:00.003-05:00

Here are my picks to make it on from Group 2:

Allison because her voice is awesome
Nick because, well, he's Nick and he made me laugh
Adam because I agree with Simon that he's the most relevant and he's a great singer

Redemption receives an A-

2009-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Madame Butterfly loved Redemption!

You know how you’ve had a bad day, everything that could go wrong did and you just want to relax and slip into a world of being taken care of loved? Reading Redemption was that world for me. It’s a beautifully written romance wrapped in a mystery that unfolds in an unhurried but highly intriguing way. Both lead characters are written so compellingly authentic that I didn’t want to let go of them when the story finished.

Ultimately, Sharon Cullen has written an exceptionally beautiful and gratifying romance, which I wanted to keep reading about. I’m definitely going to read more of her work.

The entire review

American Idol thoughts

2009-02-18T21:57:00.007-05:00

I can't tell you how happy I am that Tatiana got kicked off. Don't get me wrong, she had a great voice but, man, was she a diva or what? She stepped on, kicked, and climbed over anyone she could to make it through Hollywood week. Unfortunately, she didn't think ahead and didn't realize that America was watching and remembering. Don't tick the viewers off. Golden rule of American Idol and she paid the price for it.

I'm excited about the three going on. Danny is probably the best singer of the group, IMO. Alexis nailed it last night and Michael? His story just touches my heart and while I know it takes more than wanting to give more to your family, it is all about the American dream. You have to admire a guy who thinks of his wife and kids like that.

A cherished gift

2009-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

He could have touched her hand. That was safe. That was harmless. But he didn’t. He pushed his boundaries, blocked the panic that reared up and leaned over, touching his lips to her forehead. For a moment, he closed his eyes and just felt her smooth skin against his lips, the warmth of her body and the clean scent of the soap he used and which she now smelled of. For a moment, he enjoyed the feel of touching another human being. Of touching a woman.

Until, inside him, the panic won and he had to pull away. But he took with him a gift. A gift he would take out and cherish when the dark winter nights in his lonesome cabin got to be too much. When he wanted to remember what could have been, instead of what was.

Taken from Redemption.

The funny thing about Hope

2009-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

An excerpt taken from Redemption:

Hope.

Funny thing about life was you never knew what was coming next. One day you’re boarding a plane to Peru to kick some terrorist ass, the next you’re imprisoned, tortured, near death. One day you’re saying your final goodbyes to a life that had turned on you, the next you’re caring for a woman who crashed into your yard bringing…hope.

Yeah, funny how things could change in the blink of an eye. He bet Hope never imagined her life would irrevocably change as she walked into her father’s home for Christmas. Probably never imagined running for her life to a man who’d given up on life.

Irony didn’t even begin to describe it.

First Kiss - For Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

Romantic Movie Clips - To get you in the mood for Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T10:09:00.000-05:00

Thank you Romance Junkies!

2009-02-12T22:43:00.002-05:00

Romance Junkies awarded Redemption a 5 Ribbon review! This is what the reviewer said:

REDEMPTION is an edge of your seat; thrill a minute, romantic suspense. John and Hope work together to overcome their nightmares and find a new life with each other. Ideally suited, the characters are so well developed that by the time you finish reading this story, you feel you know them. Readers can feel the despair and panic that Hope must have felt out in the blizzard, lost in a snowstorm and five months pregnant. Brimming with intrigue, mystery, steamy, yet tender love scenes and an adventurous plot, I found it impossible to put it down until I was finished reading it. REDEMPTION is one roller coaster ride of an adventure you won’t want to miss!

I am thrilled beyond belief! My goal has always been for my readers to connect with my characters until they feel they really know them.

Thank you Romance Junkies!

Entire review

These facts are mind boggling

2009-02-08T14:45:00.001-05:00

Vote for Redemption

2009-02-07T16:32:00.001-05:00

Just a short reminder that the voting for Best Book of 2008 is about to close. If you think Redemption deserves the honor, vote here.

This gave me goosebumps

2009-02-05T13:34:00.001-05:00

American Idol Hollywood

2009-02-04T13:38:00.002-05:00

Is it just me or are you too tired of all the crybabies on American Idol? I don't mind drama but I'm about sick of all the contestants crying. Buck up! Why the heck are you asking for another chance? They said NO!

And what the heck was with the guy with the headband? The one who cried all the time? He wasn't very good and yet he was still passed on. In fact, there were a few that weren't very good and still passed on. What's up with that?

Of course none of that will make me stop watching :-)

Redemption up for an award

2009-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was notified yesterday that Redemption is up for the 2008 Best Book award at LASR. The best book poll opens today. If you've read Redemption, and you think it deserves the 2008 Best Book Award, then please go here and vote for it.

Thank you!

Can you find the man in the beans?

2009-01-29T09:36:00.001-05:00

Let it snow!

2009-01-28T11:16:00.003-05:00

This is what my back yard looks like right now. Isn't it beautiful? What you don't see is the layer of ice sandwiched between two different layers of snow and more is coming. They say it might end at 6:00 tonight.

I have a pot roast in the crockpot and homemade bread baking. I'm still in my jammies. What a great day!

National Handwritten Note Day

2009-01-23T13:40:00.002-05:00

Far be it for me to disparage the computer. After all, I'm trying to make my living with the written word using the computer. But this I had to pass along. Today is National Handwritten Note Day.

There's nothing like receiving a handwritten note, knowing the note writer took the time to sit down and actually pen a letter. Every Christmas I send letters out to friends I haven't seen or spoken to in a long while and I hand write them. I think it's a little more special to get a handwritten letter rather than a generic computer generated letter.

So today pick up a pen and scribble something on a piece of paper and pop it in the mail. Chances are, the recipient will be really touched that you took the time.

Shades of Suspense

2009-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm blogging over at Shades of Suspense today about Reality vs Perception. Come visit me.

Change and Hope?

2009-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing a lot about change and hope. People seem to be really excited about Obama becoming president today. I don't know. I'm not so sold.

I definitely hope he can turn the economy around. I definitely hope he doesn't pull out of the wars too soon. I still wonder if the only change we'll see is the change in our pockets of whats left after he taxes us all.

I'm not ready to pass judgment just yet and I'm not ready to put all of my hope in one person.

I think people need to remember that the country is not one person. It's not just George Bush, it's not just Hilary Clinton. It's not just Barak Obama.

Neither am I willing to write him off before he even gets in office. I guess you could say I'm in a wait-and-see state of mind.

New Favorite Author

2009-01-19T16:46:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Rita, a writing buddy and critique partner, I've found a new favorite (to me) author. Rachel Lee writes romantic suspense like no one I've read before. Her dialogue is absolutely brilliant and the storyline so well researched you just know something like that can really happen. The only thing I wish was that there had been more of the romance in this particular story. I've already raced to the library and checked out another of her suspenses and definitely plan to read them all.

My Date

2009-01-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

In my previous post I said that one of the things that make me happy is going on a date with my husband. We try to go out at least once every two weeks. My kids are a little older, my oldest definitely old enough to babysit the youngest, so getting away this often is easy for us. I know those of you who have younger kids will find it harder (babysitters are sooo expensive) but I recommend you try at least once a month to schedule a date with your husband/wife.

Last night we ended up at a popular restaurant/bar. We love to sit at the bar because that's where the action is. You can listen to the bartenders complain about each other, about the customers and everything else. It always amazes me how efficient and fast bartenders are. And if its a little slow, they love to talk to you. We've met the most fascinating people sitting at the bar.

This time we sat next to a group of girls out for the night. They were drinking Jaeger Bombs, interspersed with the occasional beer. They weren't loud or obnoxious, just having a fun time. Well, one of the girls started talking to me and she couldn't get over the fact at how drunk she was so early in the evening (it was 9:30). She offered us her appetizers. We declined. We talked about a few things and she went back to her friends.

A little while later, hubby and I are talking and suddenly she's right beside us. She leans in close and says, "You two are going to have dirty sex tonight. I just know it." And she walks away.

I burst out laughing. Hubby was speechless.

Needless to say, she made our night and now I'm wondering how I can fit this into a story.

Six Things That Make Me Happy

2009-01-18T00:07:00.002-05:00

I've been tagged! Ciara Gold, a fabulous author and good friend, tagged me on her blog, The Magic Mavens. I thought this would be fun to do so here it is:

1. My husband. After over 18 years of marriage I'm even more in love with him than the day I married him. He's my everything.

2. My kids. They are my pride and joy and sometimes I stop in the middle of the chaos of our lives and think I wouldn't trade this for the world.

3. Writing. The one thing that grounds me. The one thing I do that makes me feel complete (besides the kids and hubby). When I write, I know I'm doing what God put me on this earth to do--entertain people with my stories.

4. A night out with my husband. I just came from a date with him and going out, just the two of us, makes me really, really happy. We've been together almost 25 years (married 18) and we still find so much to talk about and laugh about. If there's one thing I'd recommend to every married couple, its to keep dating after you're married. Its essential to a healthy marriage.

5. Christmas mornings with my kids. The joy, the magic, the anticipation and excitement--you can't beat it.

6. Reading. My passion right beside writing. I'll read anything I can get my hands on, especially romance. If I don't have a book with me, then something's wrong.

Americn Idol!

2009-01-14T14:55:00.002-05:00

If you know me at all, you know I don't watch much TV. I'd rather read. Or write. Or spend time with the family. Lately I've been playing on the Wii Fit. But one show I do watch is American Idol. I'm addicted! I love it. I count the days until it starts. Last night we had a pre-show party and broke out the Rock Band and sang our hearts out to prepare for it.

And it didn't disappoint. I wondered how that 4th judge, Kara, would do. I still can't quite figure out how the voting works. Does Simon overrule? Is he the tie breaker? Either way, it doesn't matter.

As usual there were some good and bad performances. What was up with the b*tch and the bikini? Yeah, she had an okay voice and a more than okay body, but mark my words, that girl will be trouble with a capital T. They're going to regret passing her through.

Can't wait for tonight's show. I might have to belt out another rendition of Pinball Wizard or Livin' on a Prayer to prepare.

Journey through an 8 year olds thoughts

2009-01-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

The other day I had to take my 8 year old to the podiatrist for an injury that occurred awhile ago but never healed correctly. A podiatrist's office is not really set up for kids. Very boring. So we're already back in the room, waiting for the doctor to come in and my 8 yo points to a poster on the wall.

"What does that mean?"

I start reading it so I can explain it to her but her agile mind is already onto something else.

"Why is there dust in the air and why can we see it when the sun shines on it?"

I make some noise, still reading the poster.

"What's in that blue bottle over there? What does the poster mean when it says you can start wearing your shoes after a week?"

I try to explain that the poster is about a non-invasive surgical procedure and the patient can't wear shoes for a week but she's not listening.

"Why's the back up on the bed? What does abnormal mean?"

The abnormal part came from that stupid poster.

"Abnormal means not normal," I manage to say between questions.

"Spongebob had an episode about not being normal? Do you think those are germs in that blue bottle?"

Thankfully the doctor walked in at that point and being an 8 year old, she suddenly had nothing to say. Sheesh! I went home and took a nap.

This is really cool

2009-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Procrastination

2009-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have edits for Obsession due on January 21 and I have to have the print galley turned in for Deception on January 27. For three hours today I sat at the computer and do you know what I did? I redesigned my website. Yup. Redesigned a website that didn't really need redesigned.

Luckily the edits for Obsession are almost done and I do have daily goals set for Deception. And I finally figured out what was wrong with my ending for Night Visions. So, maybe it wasn't a total waste of time.

And if you're interested, this is what my website looks like.

Seriously??

2009-01-10T14:55:00.002-05:00

Just in case you can't read it (not sure if its too blurry with Blogger), this is what it says:

Virginia's Marquis Weeks caps off his 100-yard kick-off return for the touchdown. "That was just instinct. Kind of like running from the cops," said the senior tailback.

I'll bet his mom's really proud.

A Forever Kind of Thing Nominated for a CAPA

2009-01-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

I just found out today that A Forever Kind of Thing was nominated for The Romance Studio's CAPA.

First Deception, then Redemption and now A Forever Kind of Thing. Whoo hoo!

I'll find out on February 14th if it won.

Man Wants Kidney Back from Unfaithful Wife

2009-01-08T18:05:00.003-05:00

This ventures into the realm of the bizarre. Basically this man, Dr. Richard Batista, donated his kidney to his wife in 2001. In 2004 she files for divorce after having an affair for the past 18 months. This, my friends, is what gives women a bad name!

What the heck? She takes his kidney then leaves him?

Thanks for the kidney, see ya around!

Heck, I'd want my kidney back too. Except the courts are saying it ain't happenin' but that's okay, Dr. Batista said he'd settle for $1.5 million instead.

Wow. Some things just boggle my mind.

Here's the entire article if you're interested.

WARNING! HOUSEWORK HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!

2009-01-03T17:16:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to warn you all. Today I was cleaning my shower and I bent down to wipe the wall and I threw my back out. So, please, I implore you DON'T DO HOUSEWORK! Its hazardous to your health.

I'm not kidding :-)

Goals for 2009

2009-01-02T14:25:00.003-05:00

I thought it would be fun to list my goals for 2009. If I write them down and especially if I tell people, I'm more likely to work toward them. So (deep breath), here goes:

1. To finish/polish my RS and my paranormal and submit them to my editor NO LATER than March 1st.

2. I would like to sell to Silhouette Romantic Suspense so my goal this year is to finish revising an older RS I wrote a while ago and submit it to Silhouette Romantic Suspense (sometime between March and June 1)

3. Write Shawn's story and submit to editor (after June 1)

4. LOSE WEIGHT! I know this is a cliche for this time of year, but I really, really need to lose some weight. I'm keeping my goal small - 10 pounds. Just enough so my clothes fit better and I feel better about myself. If I achieve that, maybe I'll set another, smaller goal. I won't set a time limit on this one.

5. Earn enough in royalties in 2009 to buy an elliptical machine. I'm hoping by June. I was able to buy a Bowflex with a royalty check in 08 so this shouldn't be too impossible. And just as an added incentive I have this picture posted on my iGoogle page so I see it every time I log in:

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

Redemption - Best Book

2008-12-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Long and the Short of It gave Redemption a Best Book rating!

This was a wonderful story full of emotion, romance, and suspense. John and
Hope both provide the other with comfort and help each other to heal. Their
story is a touching one and I really enjoyed watching them come together. I
could feel their pain and heartache as I read their story. Scarred emotionally
and physically by the past, John was a wonderful hero that one could easily fall
for. His relationship with Hope was believable and enjoyable to read.
The suspense of the plot was well-done as well and I anticipated what would happen
next with each new discovery about Hope’s identity and the past. I enjoyed the
various twists that the story took as more was revealed about the people after
Hope and John’s past.
Redemption is a highly emotional story that I recommend to
anyone looking for a wonderful read about two wounded people overcoming the past
to build a future.

Best of 2008 - Nonfiction

2008-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

This book was not published in 2008 but since I discovered it in '08 it made my Best Of list. By far the best nonfiction book I've read in years. This man's journey from a member of the Gambino crime family to time spent in prison and his reform to Jew, is awe inspiring.

Unlocked by Louis Ferrante

Best of 2008 - Fiction: Romance

2008-12-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Again, another no-brainer. This author is going to go far. I put this book down and felt disoriented. As if I had to remember I was living in the 21st century and not the 19th. Her writing is practically flawless, her characters very real to life.

The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne

Best of 2008 - Rock Concert

2008-12-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

This was a no-brainer. Kid Rock puts on the absolute best concert. He's so energetic that you can't help but be energized by him. Plus, I think he's a genius anyway. Seriously, the man can sing any genre he wants. Rap, Rock, Blues, Country--you name it, he's absolutely awesome singing it.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T16:16:00.002-05:00

Christmas - Glitter Graphics

Glitter Graphics for Orkut, Myspace, Friendster

The Best of 2008 - Household Cleaning Products

2008-12-21T13:12:00.002-05:00

I thought it would be kind of fun to list some of the best things I've discovered in 2008. Today I'm focusing on cleaning products. Specifically, the Scrubbing Bubbles Shower Cleaner.

This is by far the best product I've come across in years. No more scrubbing your shower. I swear! It's true! Just press the button after the last shower of the day and let those little bubbles go to work.

It takes about 2 weeks for your shower to get completely clean and then you'll have to wipe down your walls about once every ten days but that's it. Wipe. Not scrub. No elbow grease.

I have two of them--one in my shower and the other in the kids' shower and I LOVE it.

(No, I don't work for SC Johnson and have no affiliation with SC Johnson. I just love this product)

Starting Over

2008-12-20T18:40:00.001-05:00

I've been blogging for five years now but you wouldn't know it by looking at this blog. See, I have a teenage daughter and she wanted to create her own GMail account. No biggie, right?

Wrong.

When she created her account, it somehow took over all of my Google things. Like Blogger. And my calendar.

So I deleted her GMail account, assuming all my Google things (like Blogger and my calendar) would revert back to my email.

Wrong again.

It deleted everything.

Five years of posts.

Yeah, I didn't back them up. Stupid me.

So I'm starting over. Can you hear the crickets? Because that's about all I'll hear for awhile since I can't access my old blog and no one knows I'm over here at Writers Do It With Words (btw, I thought that was a pretty cool title for a blog).

So.

Sitting here in blogland all by myself.

Waiting for someone to notice me.

Waiting....