So today is July 3rd (in case you lose track like I often do). Someone recently asked me if I was excited about the RITA awards at the end of the month. Honestly, I haven’t thought much about it. Between a deadline (two, really), kids home for the summer, thoughts of moving (a whole other story) and the release of ENTWINED coming up, I haven’t had a lot of time to get excited–or nervous–about the RITAs. I have ordered my dress and got the call that it came in, but I haven’t picked it up yet. And I did buy a really pretty necklace to wear with the dress, but I still don’t have shoes or earrings nor have I even thought about a speech in the event I win. My hubby asked me today if he needs to have a tux. “For what?” I asked. “Your awards,” he said. When I gave him the perplexed expression, he added, “I’ve seen your dress, remember?” That drew a chuckle out of me, followed by a gasp. OMG…there are only three weeks to RWA Nationals!

The hubby is flying in for the awards. It’ll be his first full-on RWA experience. Oh, he’s met local chapter mates of mine, been to some book signings, but he has no clue what the national convention is really like. I think part of me is more interested in seeing his reaction to 2000+ women writers all gathered in one place.

For those who are interested. Here’s the dress I’ll be wearing the night of the awards. Imagine it in persimmon, which is a soft orange:

Okay, on to the fun stuff…

I’m organizing my release contest for ENTWINED! In cast you didn’t hear (and how could you not?!) Book 2 in the Eternal Guardian series releases on July 27, 2010! RT BookReviews just gave it 4.5 stars and top pick status and said…

“This second in Naughton’s Eternal guardians series has wonderful characters.  The combination of old world gods and modern technology is fascinating.  Violent and bloody, it’s action packed and exciting with a cliffhanger ending.”  –Susan Mobley

That’s my first top pick review from RT so I’m pretty happy. They also labeled it “scorching” which is a new “heat level” for me. All my other books have been labeled “hot”. I’m not sure what to make of that. I don’t think it’s any more “scorching” than the rest of my books but maybe I’m not a good judge because I’m so close to it. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see what readers think.

As for the contest…I’ll post all the really fun stuff later this week – prizes, authors,etc. – but mark your calendars. The contest will start on July 12th and run through July 27th, when ENTWINED hits store shelves. And I have some really cool authors and giveaways lined up so you don’t want to miss it!

Happy Reading, and have a fabulous 4th of July holiday!!