Love is in the air!

Winter is a time of blustery winds, warm blankets, and book friends to fill your heart.

Monday, January 16, 2012


Jan Daiker has a wonderful short story in Snowbound Hearts from Still Moments Publishing. She has graciously offered to send an ebook to the lucky person whose comment is chosen at random.
Here's Jen!!!
I love telling stories. When I was young I’d spend my days writing silly stories about cupcakes and Polly pockets (yes, I had a huge fascination with both). I’d play Barbie’s and they always had their lives figured out. I suppose I’d always wanted more for myself. I grew up in a small town and hated everyone knowing my business, knowing my dad, and always tell on me when I found myself in trouble. I promised myself when I had the chance to leave I’d take it. When I was 19 I had the opportunity. My (now husband) and I picked up and moved to the big city (Houston), for new life experiences.
This is a little of how Snowbanked, my first published short story, came about. It’s only when I moved away that I realized the small town life was peaceful and more me. I gave up the snow which broke my heart. Every year I try and make a trip home to enjoy the white fluff puffs that grace the lawns of decorated holiday homes. It’s the little piece of home that truly feels like the holidays.
Now my main character, Parker, left behind her boyfriend in spite of her love for him, for the opportunity to live a little. Taking a job in a big city hoping never to return home. Of course, family never leaves, and she’s forced to return home for a party. Love never really goes away and in this story I wanted to put all my loves in once place – snow, small town, and obviously a whole lot of love.
Here’s a little more info on Snowbanked!
Tag Line:
Returning home can hold the best surprises, especially when love’s involved.
Excerpt:
What had I done last night? I held my forehead as I walked to the bathroom. A zombie version of my former self appeared in the mirror. The ball of fur on my head would have to be brushed out before I even attempted a shower. Mascara was smeared down my face, and my rosy cheeks were covered in soot. The ladies who promised me water-proof lashes would later be scolded for not divulging the truth. I splashed my face with water, hoping to relieve the headache destroying my thoughts.
            I walked to my suitcase and got sidetracked checking the clock on the swanky red side table. I had less than an hour to perfect my look and get to the venue for the big reveal. Just as I reached into the shower stall and twisted the hot water handle, a knock on the door startled me. I walked to the front door and looked through the peep hole and Grant stood on the other end. Why couldn’t he disappear? Didn’t he have someone else to torment? The surprises weren’t supposed to be mine. Didn’t he get the memo?
             “Parker!” he shouted.
            I unlocked the door. Each thud of his fist, mixed with his need to holler my name, sent shots of pain through my skull. “I’m here. Why are you yelling?”
The devilish grin on his face sent my heart racing. He didn’t look this good yesterday, did he? His jeans fit tight around his muscular legs and his brown sweater had me daydreaming about what was underneath. When our eyes met he dazzled me. He brushed his fingertips down my cheek and a cold shiver raced through my entire body.
Pick up a copy of Snowbanked and email me your thoughts! I love hearing from people. You can find me on twitter (jenunedited àhttp://twitter.com/#!/jenunedited) and avidly over at my blog, Unedited (http://jennifer-daiker.blogspot.com) ! Stop in for a chat!
 
Available now:


8 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for having me! Your blog is simply the cutest. I love the colorful font, makes me feel even cooler!

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  2. Jen, You are cool. I can't wait to read your story. It is one to warm me on a cold New England day.

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  3. I can't wait to read it too!!! I was kinda the opposite. I grew up in the city...though not in the downtown area, a neighborhood outside the metropolis, but still within the city. When I met my future husband, he was from a small town about a half hour away...and it was just so quiet and peaceful there. BUT, everyone does know your business (oh the drama!) and it was just too far away from everything for my liking. We ended up settling between the two....and it's perfect for us! Good luck!!

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  4. Congratulations Jen!! I love the cover Keri designed for this anthology!

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  5. I just wanted to say CONGRATS JEN, I really really can't wait to read it:) Adding it to my TBR list right away:) xx

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  6. Not showing off, but I HAVE read it, and it's a wonderful story.
    ;)
    Liv

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  7. OK, I'm intrigued after reading the excerpt. I'd like to add it to the top of my TBR pile...

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  8. In a random drawing the name pulled out of the cooking pot was Karen. Congratulations on your win. I am sure you will enjoy the Anthology.

    Liberty

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