When Michelle, Edie, Liz and LaDonna started Magical Musings six years ago, we envisaged a place where we could connect with other writers and talk about our passion – writing – in a positive environment. Through the Magical Musings blog, we’ve gained friends, made connections and had the time of our lives. But now that we all have books out, with Michelle’s debut, Illuminations, scheduled for a Spring 2011 release, and Edie’s debut, Cattitude, already out on Amazonand Smashwords, we felt the need to grow, to change. And to reach out to readers as much as to writers.
We’ve gotten to know some fabulous writers through the years and we really, really wanted to do something with them. Amy Atwell was the first one we invited — probably the busiest person we know with her 5 GIAM groups, her writing and everything else. Then we put together a list. We wanted writers to represent different genres and we started with our dream team members. And they said yes! So, we’re over the moon and the sun happy to welcome them to the team. And we have created a new look for the site to launch the new MM. You’ll find the same warm, friendly atmosphere, with the added bonus of a whole host of new and wonderful bloggers!
Festivities will include cyber champagne, any type of munchie that you can imagine and of course, the dancing cabana boys … or kilted Scots if your imagination takes you in that direction.
So without further ado, Michelle, Edie, LaDonna and Liz are ever so pleased to let these very talented authors introduce themselves so that we can get this party rolling.
Hello, cyberworld, Amy Atwell here. I’m so happy to be joining the terrific team here at Magical Musings. I’m a former theater veteran who turned to writing mainstream historicals and contemporary romance and suspense ten years ago. My debut book LYING EYES will be a November 2010 Carina Press digital release. When not writing, I run an online writers community and juggle a lot of freelance projects. The laundry list of details: I’m a writer, traveler and adventurer, a lover of fine wine and top-notch food, and someone who believes you should never let go your dreams. I have cats, no kids, laugh out loud when I find something funny, and I’m still in love with my husband after 20+ years of marriage.
Hi, everyone! I’m Marilyn Brant, writer of contemporary women’s fiction and lover of all things musical, humorous or chocolaty. Before becoming a mom and full-time writer, I was an elementary school teacher who spent summers backpacking in far-flung places with my history-teacher husband. My debut novel, ACCORDING TO JANE (October 2009), was about a woman who had the ghost of Jane Austen in her head giving her dating advice. My new novel, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE (coming out at the end of this month!), is the story of three suburban forty-something moms who begin to wonder if they married the right man… While I love exploring all aspects of dating relationships and marriage in my fiction, I’m happy to be here in Chicago with the guy I married in real life (and with our son, too 
, and I’m thrilled to be joining the lovely ladies of Magical Musings!
Hello, everyone! I’m Cynthia Eden, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the fabulous crew at Magical Musings. I’ve been a long-time visitor (and huge fan) of this site, so it’s a real pleasure to be participating as a poster now! For a bit about myself…I primarily write paranormal romances (lots of demons, vampires, and shifters—oh my!), and I also write dark romantic suspenses. (Though I do have a light-hearted Christmas tale coming out soon—I like to mix things up!). I’m a southern girl who enjoys watching horror movies, eating lots of chocolate, and, of course, reading good romance books.
Born in California and raised in the Midwest, Carrie Lofty met her English husband while studying abroad–the best souvenir! Since completing her master’s degree in history, she’s been devoted to raising their two precocious daughters and writing romance. Carrie’s Robin Hood-themed What a Scoundrel Wants and its Spanish-set sequel, Scoundrel’s Kiss both received four stars from RT Book Reviews: “Lofty writes adventure romance like a born bard of old.” Her latest, Song of Seduction, helped launch Harlequin’s new digital-first imprint, Carina Press.
In November 2011, Carrie will embark on a new Victorian series from Pocket, beginning with Flawless. Also, her “Dark Age Dawning” trilogy of hot-n-dirty apocalyptic romances for Berkley Sensation, co-written with Ann Aguirre under the name Ellen Connor, will kick off with Nightfall in June 2011.
Hello, world. Karin Tabke aka Harlow here. Yeah, I know, I get confused sometimes too. Here’s how I remember which Karin is in the house: Karin Tabke writes medieval set historical romance for Simon and Schuster, aka The Blood Sword Legacy series. K-Tab (corny, I know but it does have a funky little ring to it. And don’t think for a minute I thought it up. Blame my friend Josie Brown!) is debuting the Blood Moon Rising trilogy with Berkeley Heat next year. Think Sons of Anarchy (only hotter) meeting up with Rise of the Lycan. The other Karin, Karin Harlow, who goes by Harlow, writes action packed paranormal romantic suspense for Simon and Schuster. My debut novel, ENEMY LOVER, book one in the L.O.S.T. (Last Option Special Team, think Dirty Dozen meets Mission Impossible with a paranormal twist) series hit the ground running last spring. I couldn’t be happier. Look for book two, ENEMY MINE next summer!
There isn’t much I love more than writing, with the exception of my family (and special hugs and kisses to my granddaughter Gianna!) and the ladies here at Magical Musings. I’m thrilled to be a part of this lovely group of uber smart and very magical women! So, let the games begin, and FYI: to everyone who reads this, I’m an open book when it comes to the trials and tribulations of this crazy industry, so please, feel free at any time to ask me anything. One of the Karins will answer!
The Giveaways: We’ll be drawing random names today and tomorrow. Because we are called Magical Musings – although the Magical in our title has always, to us, meant the magic that is story, of all kinds, not just those with actual magic in them – we’d like to know who or what is your favorite historical magical character or creature (e.g. Merlin, Dracula, Beowulf, or the Ents) and also who is your favorite modern day magical character (Harry Potter, Sookie Stackhouse or Edward spring to mind). Nine lucky commenters will receive one of the following giveaways over the next two days.
LaDonna Paulette will giveaway: Flower Net by Lisa See
Michelle Diener will giveaway: The Owl Killers by Karen Maitland
Liz Kreger will giveaway: Forget About Tomorrow or Promise For Tomorrow — trade paperbacks or digital
Edie Ramer will giveaway: Blood Lust by Zoe Winters — trade paperback or digital — and an e–copy of Cattitude.
Amy Atwell will giveaway: a brand new trade paperback copy of Break Into Fiction by Mary Buckham and Dianna Love.
Marilyn Brant will giveaway: a signed ARC of Friday Mornings at Nine
Karin Tabke, aka Karin Harlow will giveaway: a signed copy of ENEMY LOVER and a down and dirty quick crit of a one page 250 words or less query letter.
Cynthia Eden will giveaway: A copy of THE NAUGHTY LIST (my Christmas anthology) and an ARC of Eternal Flame (December Kensington release).
Carrie Lofty will giveaway: Both WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS and SCOUNDREL’S KISS as a set.
Just added: the fabulous Margie Lawson, a friend and inspiration to many of us at Magical, is giving away two of her lecture packets. Margie, we heart you!
Hi everyone. Wow! Lots of people arriving. I had best pop out and get some more cyber champagne. Can I get anyone anything while I’m gone? Let’s see … chocolate, of course. What’s a party without chocolate.
Huge, huge welcome to the new bloggers on MagicalMusings. This is an exciting line up with some really stellar authors. Excitin’ stuff coming up.
Favorite characters? Hell, I’m with Brenda when she mentions Jeaniene Frost’s Bones and Cat. Love ‘em. Also agree with her on Mercy from Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series. Older characters … well Dracula, of course. Love the way Jeanine Frost incorporated him into her series. Well done.
Enjoy the party.
I love that my verifying word above is “connect”
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What a fabulous group of visitors today! Thanks for being so supportive and welcoming. I stepped away from the Blogosphere for a few hours to do some revising (and more revising!), and it was such a nice surprise to come back to see the party in full swing. So many Merlin fans, too!! Maria G., you made me laugh with that comment about the power of a Fairy Godmother!! And in the modern magical realm, does Sam Winchester from “Supernatural” count? He’s got kind of a half-demon thing going on, trying to use his powers for good…mostly. And I like his brother Dean — I don’t care if he has special powers or not — LOL.
Hola! As usual, I’m late to the party! Can I blame it on California time? Ok, fine I was lazy this morning. Thank you again to the original MM ladies for asking me to be a part of this amazing group, and to everyone who commented, thank you for the warm welcome!
Now to answer the question: I love vamps. So historical character, Dracula. Current? Marcus Cross from ENEMY LOVER of course!
Nice to see you Amy. Congratulations to all the ladies here at Magical Musisngs. Angi
And oh yeah—Between these: Merlin or Gandalf And modern? how about Jedis
Oh, what an exciting blog! I’m sorry to be tardy for the party! But I’ve arrived, ready for fun!
Who is my favorite historical magical character? Oh, this is difficult for an English major to decide upon. There are so many from which to choose! Oh, of course, Beowulf is in the top three. What English major doesn’t love that ancient epic herioc tale? Then there’s Gawain from “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”. Then poor old Oedipus. Hmmmmm……..Nope. It’s Beowulf for me!
Who is my modern day magical character? Well, besides the hero in my novel, Cicada, it would have to be Dumbledore, of course!
Thank you for this wonderful blog and fun contest!
~Belle
Congratulations! The place looks fabulous! Let’s see… I don’t know.
That’s a tough one! I can never choose favorites.
Margaritas all around!
Congrats! My favorite historical magical character is Dracula because I love vamps. My favorite modern day character is Damon from the Vampire Diaries because he is a sexy vamp with a snarky attitude.
Angi, Dumbledore is a great character, but I always wondered why he didn’t tell Harry more. In every book, Harry almost gets killed while discovering the more.
Natasha, I’ll take one of those margaritas. It will go with the brats my husband is grilling tonight.
Merlin has always been my favorite magical character.
Great blog! It looks great. Congrats to everyone!
Wow so many good choices historically but I guess as magic goes it would have to be Druids, if you get a chance to read Barbara Erskine’s new book TIME’S LEGACY brings Druids into a a whole new light.
As to modern magical characters really not into contemporary fiction unless … Josh Gates from the Syfy channel is kind of magical
I wish you all a great success with your new venture and new teammates I will be stopping by often to find out what is up with you all. I salute you with a wee dram of whisky ( see no ‘e’ in my whisky) and toast to your success…
**** May the hinges o frien’ship ne’er rust, nor the wings o love lose a feather!***
J
So much talent in one place, not to mention so many of my favorite peeps!
Blogtopia.
Amazing.
Oh, Karin Harlow! i love your picture. This is my first visit to this blog but it looks really exciting. I love talking the the authors of the books i read….they are my celebs. As for my favorite past hero….jeez that is a toughy. I do love me some vamps and shape shifters, so Dracula would do it for me. And hey, I get both in scott speedman in Underworld….both vamp and werewolf. And he is super hot in that movie too. (would sexy knee baring, fighting Highlanders qualify for historical??? They seem to have magic from the books i have read
)!
Congrats on six years. Gandalf is my favorite historical magical character. He’s powerful and wise. My favorite modern day magical character is definitely Harry Potter.
Melanie, Jody and Lainey, thanks for stopping by.
Jody, I love that quote! A wee dram of whiskey sounds good, too.
Christy M, I love Karin’s picture too!
Hello, everyone. I just wanted to pop over and congratulate all the new members of Magical Musings.
As for my favorite magical characters, if I have to pick just two over all the ones that are out there, I have to go with Merlin for the historical character. Yeah, I know, it’s bit of a cliche, but he really is the archetypical “magician.”
More modern magical being would have to be Willow from Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.
hello everybody! congrats – you ladies sure know how to throw a party!
Favorite historical magical character? I’d have to go with Dracula.
Modern? Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So bad and so sexy!
welcome there and some new to me authors there and some old favs. I am looking forward to reading your blog.
shoot forgot my favorite character old would be either merlin or morgan le fay
new would be man that is hard. I love HP but my favorite would be whatever I last read. I know I am a fickle reader at heart but that is what I immersed myself in last so it’s what’s dearest to my heart lol
My favorite historical character would probably be Merlin and my modern would be Hermonie Granger. I love her
Amy, Harlow, Cynthia, Marilyn and Carrie–
Congrats on becoming part of such an awesome blog!
My favorite magical historical character? I have two: Banshees, harbingers of death and Brownies, little helpers.
Look forward to reading your blogs!
Tracey
What excellent additions to the already fab team for Magical Musings! Congratulations to all, and welcome!
Wow, so many amazing comments. Thanks to everyone who has participated so far! I am still stunned at the number of Merlin fans. Even though I literally inhaled Mary Stewart’s series about Merlin in my youth, and love the new British TV series, I can’t seem to settle on him as my choice. I can’t actually choose one, LOL. For the more modern character I would probably choose someone like Mary Poppins – complex, surprising, very goal focused yet still able to do the most spontaneous things.
I’m a day late, but welcome to all the new stars on Magical Musings! I look forward to seeing you often!
No need to enter me in a drawing (if it’s still open). I just wanted to say hello!
This sounds so exciting, and I’m so pleased to know so many of you. Hey there, Amy, Marilyn and Carrie. Good luck with all your endeavors.
Whoo-hoo magical.
What a great line-up you have. Looking forward to seeing the changes taking place and all your books start firing up the marketplace!
Good luck!
Hi! Great blog
My favorite magical historical creature is definitely Dracula, and my modern day magical creature would be Eric from True Blood
I’m so grateful to everyone for coming to our party! Nancy, you aren’t a day late at all. The party is still on today.
Chelsea, like Michelle says, Merlin is the favorite historical character, but Dracula is the runner up.
Ladies,
This is wonderful. I’ve loved Magical Musings for some time now and can only see this change as making it even better.
Congratulations to all of you!
What an exciting group — am looking forward to checking in!
Thanks, Margie Lawson, for connecting me.
Betty Booher
Wow, more of my favourite people have joined one of my favourite websites. Very cool. http://magicalmusings.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif
Hmm… seems I did the smilie wrong. Lemme try again…
Thank you Cynthia for telling us about this blog. Great meeting everyone!
Okay, so I worked out the smilies but didn’t mention my favourite magical people.
Historical: Morgan Le Fay. I like Merlin, but am a fan of girl power. 
Morgan was great in Mists of Avalon, among others. Contemporary: I like Harry Potter and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Great Party! Sorry I’m late.
My favourite magical characters are: historical -Merlin
modern -Harry Potter
Historical character? Wicked Witch of the West.
Modern? Mork from Ork.
Great blog!
I didn’t think this group could get any better, but it just did!
You ladies rock! The new members will so happy here.
How exciting – I’m looking forward to reading posts by the new members of the team! Probably too late to name my favourites, but I choose the prophetess Cassandra, protagonist of The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley. And Dobby the house elf.
I’m new to your blog and it looks gorgeous! can’t wait to explore it!
my favorite characters are Merlin and Harry Potter, but I can’t say who is my most favorite one…
greetings, Ina
Ooops, supposed to have come here a week ago, but forgot
But fun party, gotta love that.
And as for magical I am going with Blodeuedd, since it’s her name I wear. created from flowers, and later turned into an owl
And newer ones, hm, Elena from Kelley Armstrongs books