Who wants to chat?
I’ll be checking in throughout the day over at the Love Romances eCafe!
Come join us while we discuss the Sweetest Romance – Inspirational Romance – and the like!
I’m visiting – along with Miss Mae, Wendy Davy, Laurean Brooks, and Linore Burkard!
~Ashley
Blogging today at MamaWriters.com
I’m guest blogging today at www.mamawriters.com
Come join me where we’re discussing our works in progress, sweet vs. sensual romance, and how on earth we ever get things done with all the social media at our fingertips!
See you there!
~Ashley
By Another Name – Reviews & a Contest!
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As reviewed by You’ve Gotta Read Reviews: Review by Roseanna White
Another wonderful review for By Another Name! 5 *s!!!! “A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run.” Gossip can cause scars that are hard to heal. Reviewed by Lynn for ReviewYourBook.com More … Another lovely review on White Rose Publishing, by Larry Hammersley! Thanks, Larry for the 5 ***** Review!
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Ashley Ludwig’s Interview with Author, Alisha Page! Enter the Coolest Contest!
Alisha Paige: An Interview with Ashley Ludwig and the Coolest Contest Ever!
Come on by and join in the fun!
~Ashley
By Another Name… Excerpt
“Hello?” The familiar, deep voice called out. Her stomach dropped to her knees. Kade. He was here.
The metal baking sheets clattered to her feet, a crescendo of orchestra cymbals. How did he find her? “Back here!” Lee’s voice cracked.
She knelt, gathering the metal baking sheets together. Suddenly, he was helping pick up the mess. Their shoulders brushed. He was so tall. His rich auburn hair looked like he’d just rolled out of bed, his cheeks rough with at least two days of beard. Had Kade always towered over her, so? He’d certainly never looked at her this way.
His sea-foam eyes sparkled. She might as well have been a three-course meal for a starving man. He seemed to eat up the sight of her with those heavy lidded eyes, making her blush to her roots.
“Lee’s Treats, huh…?” His gravely voice played a symphony on her eardrums. “Let me help you.” He easily freed the trays from her shaking hands.
Lee’s pulse zinged at his half-smile. Her emotions ran the gamut as she snapped, “It’s okay. I’ve got it.”
Kade stood to his full height and frowned, and then blinked through whatever clouded his expression. He merely held the heavy baking sheets as if they were pieces of paper.
One by one, she retrieved her trays, laying them on the stainless steel prep counter. “I’ll take that, please,” she said, the last one becoming a tug-of-war match between them.
He held on to it like a shield. “Must be fate. Or a God thing. I only came by because my sister…and here you are!”
“Sorry. We’re closed.” She yanked again. He smirked, pulling her towards him. “Have dinner with me. Tonight.”
Lee closed her eyes in silent prayer. Lord, did you send him here to taunt me? “Give me the tray, Kade.” She tugged.
Or coffee, if that’s easier. We can do whatever you want.” He pulled.
“Just give it to me, already!” She shouted.
“Or, that…but, I didn’t peg you as that kind of girl…” He laughed aloud, and she let go, scalded with the dripping innuendo.
Lord, his sideways smile is going to kill me. Dead. On the floor. Head in hands, she sighed. “The tray. Just lay it on the counter. Please.”
His generous mouth twitched in amusement as he did as she asked.
“Well, thanks for dropping in. I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one day.” Heat radiated from her cheeks to the top of her head. She must be three shades of red, by now.
“You saved me. Buying you a latte is the least I can do.”
She eyed the purple bruise at his hairline, biting her lip. “I don’t suppose you’ll leave me alone until I say yes.”
“Think you know me that well already?” His eyes were positively dancing.
Was it possible that he didn’t recognize her?
*****
Purchase your copy:Â By Another Name, now available at White Rose Publishing.com
Thanks f0r stopping by!
Promotional Plan
I’m looking for suggestions for promotional plans! I’m already signing up for author interviews, blog tours, and shopping my story to booksellers in hopes of having them host book signings for me! I’ve got bookmarks, a web site… I’m twittering! for crying out loud!
My message loop friends, you know I love you. So, what’s next?
First Review – By Another Name
Thanks, all who participated in our little Easter Egg Hunt! The prize winners are noted in the comments of Saturday’s post.
In other news!
I must share with you all a lovely review I received for By Another Name from “You’ve Gotta Read Reviews!” My reviewer gave it a “You Need to Read” level – which is marvelous! Here’s a little tease – head on over to read the full review:
By Another Name is such a touching and pleasurable read. I don’t think there is one person who wasn’t taunted in one form or another in high school…I really felt for Kade’s character… Directly or indirectly, he was responsible for some of her past and he would do anything in his power to fix what had been done.
…Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig did an exceptional job relating to the reader. The story had characters that I really enjoyed and the message was perfect… I recommend this book to all those who love to read a super sweet love story with very real emotions. It’s a story of forgiveness, love and the fact that when you get older, yes, you really can have what you desire.
One of the fears of an author is letting your stories go — and be read or not read, enjoyed or “flung against the wall” by your readers. This one had me happy dancing today. Thanks to Val and to You Gotta Read Reviews!
For more information on how to get your own copy, shoot me an e-mail: ashley@ashleyludwig.com – or head on over to www.whiterosepublishing.com.
Happy day!
What does Easter mean to you?
Happy Easter Weekend, everyone!
Welcome friends – new and old! It’s Holy Saturday – April 11, 2009 – and this year I’m celebrating with the release of my Rosette – By Another Name – Now Available at www.whiterosepublishing.com
Can I tell you how AMAZING it feels to write that? This is my first true release -And, in celebration, I’m offering An Easter Lily Spring Cleaning Giveaway in honor of my characters! (see today’s contest information for what YOU CAN WIN at the bottom of this post…)
I had the pleasure of being interviewed earlier this week at Romance Junkies – along with my fellow Easter Lilies. I was asked about the theme of this story — Redemption — and what it really means to be redeemed.
By Another Name – Blurb:
What happens when a reformed high school bully falls for the girl he tormented seven years earlier? When Kade Sinclair crashes into the girl of his dreams, she quickly wrecks his heart. Not one to take no for an answer, he pulls out all the stops to win her over. What he learns changes his life forever.Rosalee Timmons is coming home. A single mother, new business owner, and the object of the most popular guy in town’s attention–starting over will be the biggest hurdle of her life. She may be hiding behind a new name, but that doesn’t heal the old scars on her wounded heart.
When Kade realizes that confident, aloof Lee is actually little Rosalee Timmons all grown up, it seems he hasn’t a snowball’s chance. But when opportunity knocks, he finds a way back into her life. Will Lee accept an apology seven years in the making, or will Kade give up before she finally gives in?
Perhaps because the path I’m walking in this life has taken several jigs and jags, I’ve had to “do things over” a time or two. Like the kids game. I watch my daughters do the time honored tradition of the “do over” as they play pretend. They don’t care for the way things are headed, so they shout! “do over!” and move on in a different direction.
Check my “About” page if you want to see where I’m coming from – spiritually – but what I’d like to share with you all is this: Easter is the perfect time for Do Overs. Spring Cleaning of the soul…It’s a time for righting old wrongs, or at least facing them. It’s about checking your heart. And most importantly, about making amends.
So, if I might be so bold, I invite you all to check your own hearts… see if there is an area of your own life that needs renewal — a do over of your very own. Sweep out those old cobwebs, clean out those closets & drawers, and throw open the blinds! let some sunlight shine onto your soul.
You Found It!!!
In honor of my character Rosalee “Lee” Timmons – a phenomenal caterer in her own right – I’m delighted to give away a “Chef’s Delight” package!
All you have to do to win is comment by Monday Morning! either your favorite family recipe, house hold cleaning tip, or if you are so inclined – a moment in your own life where you realized you needed a do-over! All names will be entered! TWO winners will be selected!!!
Enter to Win A Chef’s Delight – GRAND PRIZE:
A Cooking Gift Basket – Surprise cooking odds & ends AND my EXCELLENT (highly coveted) Scone Recipe
I’ll also be giving away a copy of each title from the Easter Lilies Bouquet:
Under the 5th Street Bridge Wildflowers In Bloom By Another Name
Remember! Join the blog hop for our ULTIMATE grand prize. Find all 4 sparkly Easter Eggs… Put some more romance in your basket by visiting Sharon Donovan at the next post in our blog hop tour tomorrow – April 12th, 2009: http://sharondonovan .blogspot. com
If you’ve missed any part of our blog hop – start over here: http://www.silverjames.com
(FYI -to my Inspy friends – my fellow blog-hoppers write in all heats or romance – so be advised! and blog-hop at your own discretion! – They’re lovely people, and excellent authors in their own genres… each and every one.)
Good Luck! and have a happy Easter…
Could We Start Again, Please?
It’s Good Friday – I remember being confused by that as a kid. What’s so good about Jesus dying on a cross? That’s HORRIBLE. It was the worst thing I’d ever heard! Why would God do such a thing?
My mother sat down with me, and we listened to her record album – the double album of Jesus Christ, Superstar. I remember sitting on my swing, feet in the dirt, seeking some alone time — while tears coursed my face. Mary Magdalene was singing “Could We Start Again, Please.”
I wondered. Why couldn’t we start again? Why didn’t He stop it? He could have — we all know. At any moment, Jesus could have stopped the whole mess. But, He didn’t. And in an age when there were no phones, no internet, no post office, nothing – His message went out to the world. It is truly a miracle – an answer to prophecy and promise. That every language would hear and understand God’s love. I still listen to Jesus Christ, Superstar every Good Friday. Another amazing thing my own mother did for me…instilling that sort of love and understanding just by being herself…
My good friend, Jackie, posts a morning devotional that I’ve come to rely on. Today – I’d like to end by pointing you to her “morning manna.” And her take on God’s enduring love, and what forgiveness means to her.
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:32-34 (NIV)
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Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, according to Philippians 2:5. When people betray us and try to harm us, may we have the humility and lovingkindness to pray and ask God to forgive them. As Jesus hung on the cross, all appeared lost to His followers, but here is a perfect example of how God works everything together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Praise God.
Remember, to continue in your Easter Lilies boquet – visit White Rose Publishing for your copy of Janelle Ashley’s – “Wildflowers In Bloom”
All or Nothing
A widow finds love, a soldier seeks redemption, and a murderous bandit threatens to destroy them both.
His Darling
Love can bloom at any age, but will it wilt under the spotlight?
BY Another Name
When an ugly-duckling made good returns home, will she find forgiveness for the one who drove her away?
Who’s Visiting?
Author Ashley Ludwig 
All a Twitter
I’m an Anthropologist.
I’m a novelist.
I study people. I write about people. And now, facing the release of my first novel – and analyzing the beleaguered publishing industry – I’ve been analyzing the social networking platforms that we writers can use to promote our wares.
First of all – there’s the blog. No brainer. Here, I can show you (not tell you — wink) my writing style. My sense of humor. Where my interests fall. If yours match up, we’ve found each other. The music can play, and we can run across a field of flowers, spinning while the hills come alive with music. Or, at least, you can get a free read, a cheap fast, fun e-read, and news of the much awaited Novel… note to self! start the countdown clock! it’s almost May 1!! So, I have my “About Ashley Ludwig” Blog – current place of residence. I am also a regular blogger at www.mamawriters.com. This is where other ladies, like myself, who work, write, and raise kids, discuss our foibles and follies. The ups and downs. The ins and outs of the trade. On Wednesday, we highlight the authors who have “made it.” With publishing contracts or agents, or what have you. I drool over someday being a Wednesday MamaWriter.
Secondly – there’s FaceBook. I’ve friended many. I love FaceBook. Where else can you refriend someone you sat in front of in Journaling class in 4th grade? 🙂 Waves to Kym!
Third – there’s twitter. Now, Twitter is something that I have eyed much like the container in the back of the fridge that could be cookie dough, or could be meat loaf from two weeks ago. I’m happier thinking it’s cookie dough, and leaving it alone as testament to my new bent on health! but, it’s probably meatloaf. Still. I must determine the truth. It must be inspected. It must be dealt with. One cannot put off moldy meatloaf forever, however one wants to.
The point is this: The world is twittering. The news is twittering. The entertainment industry is twittering. And no one really knows why.
So, as an author – who could use some followers, and as an anthropologist, who is vastly interested in social behavior – I’ve taken two steps to twittering:
One, I am @QuickieReads. I read and review books in 140 characters or less. Is this fair? Well, as an author – I’d say, yes. I want to know how the review moved you. But ultimately, I want to know if you recommend it or not. SO, @QuickieReads will tell you this.
Two, I am @WireMamma. (See MamaWriters Blog above.) This is where I plan on twittering about the novel, about interviews, about my writing career in 140 characters or less.
The question becomes, who to follow and why? Should I follow Nathan Bransford, literary agent – because everyone else does? Should I follow fellow authors? Editors? Publishers? Publisher’s Weekly? The New York Times? As my list of following and followeds gets larger, this really gives me pause. Too much information ceases to be news and becomes noise. If everyone is tweeting, does anyone really pay attention? that said…if everyone is following each other around (mental picture of Verizon ads)…is anyone actually going anywhere? Are we all just stumbling around in circles, yammering into space?
Now, I realize I’m an inspriational author. But I have to give props to a blog I follow: Smart B*****S, Trashy Books. They are only following about 30 people. Their following is much larger – close to 3,000. But, these ladies are actually vetting their follows. In that small bit of information they receive, they are actually filtering out the noise to determine some sort of news. I’m fascinated with how they operate. Though the content is abrasive – ahem, that’s their point: They call them like they see them – their method is pure. I’m a fan. I love the irreverence. I respect the platform in the spirit it’s being given. And, (hangs head) I follow them on Twitter.
My goal over the next few weeks is to see how @QuickieReads and @WireMamma can work to deliver meaningful content to the twitter-sphere. I promise to strive to deliver meaningful news, and not random observations about cleaning out the fridge. Give me a follow… We’ll see where we go, and return to analyze the results one month from tomorrow…which, incidentally, is All or Nothing‘s release day.