This may seem like a random post but I believe that what we like, read and watch determines who we are as a person. What movies you love, for instance, says a lot about you. Likewise, quotes that speak to you say something about you as well.

Off the top of my head, here are 4 of my favorite quotes from movies. I hope you’ll leave a comment with a favorite movie quote or two as well.

“I’ll shoot myself, then her.” Tom Cruise in Knight and Day

“If you’re gonna send someone to save the world, make sure they like it the way it is.” Vin Diesel in xXx

“Why do you get to punch him and I don’t?” Charlize Theron in The Italian Job

“Houston, we’ve got a problem.” (A classic, yes?)

First things first, I’m still learning my way around Facebook. Why is that site so confusing?!

Second, I’ve noticed a rather distrubing trend in recent weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I love making new friends. But I’ve had a bunch of authors friend me and as soon as I approve them they send me invitations to events and book releases. Or they post an ad to my wall. Come on people. That’s spam!

I don’t think Emily Post covers Facebook Etiquette yet so I understand we’re learning as we go. But let me suggest that you talk to me, engage me in conversation, ask questions, etc. before spamming my wall or sending me messages. I understand you’re exciting about your event/book/project. I’m excited about mine!

But I try to temper the amount of “buy my book” I post with genuine interest and conversation with my readers. Readers. Think about that. I’m a reader. You’re trying to entice me. But you spam me instead? That’s not a good way to start a friendship in my opinion and I will most likely unfriend you or tune you out. Sorry.

What do you think? Agree or disagree? Have you seen a good list of Facebook Etiquette? Let me know!

PS. Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Madison-Chase/1506624891

There’s a new guest in the hot seat today. My guest, author Selena Blake, writes erotic paranormal and contemporary romance. First published in 2008, Selena’s books have been called “a steamy escape” and have appeared on bestseller lists, been nominated for awards, and won contests.

Madison: Everyone take a seat and get comfy. Please help me give a warm welcome to Selena Blake. Let’s dive right in! Readers can learn more about you by reading your bio on your website so I want to talk about your books. You released your backlist to Kindle and Nook. Tell us about that.

Selena: Thanks Madison. I decided to release my backlist to the Kindle and the Nook last year after my contracts had ended. It’s a pretty nail biting move, I won’t lie. One minute you have a publisher behind you and the next minute you’re doing everything on your own.

So far I’ve rereleased the first two books in my erotic paranormal romance series, The Cajun’s Captive and Bitten in the Bayou. I hope to release the last three books in my Stormy Weather series in the next few months. I’ve also retitled and rereleased a short erotica that was part of a multi author series. It’s now called Just a Little Taste. I’ve also published an original, previously unpublished erotica novella called Surprising Darcy.

Madison: Any thoughts, advice on self publishing? How’s the reader reaction been?

Selena: I have lots of thoughts on self publishing. Far too many to list here. First, it’s hard work. It’s lonely work. It feels weird publishing a book without a publisher behind it. For me, there’s a lot of anxiety to make sure my readers are getting the best I have to offer writing wise, and in formatting, cover art, etc. There shouldn’t be any difference between my books and something a major NY publisher would offer digitally.

There are just as many steps, for me, to get a book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. I have my work critiqued, edited, proofed and then I have professional covers designed and go through dozens of back cover blurbs. I tinker with those blurbs a lot, especially if I feel like something else might work better.

Reader reaction? I don’t think any of my readers care or have even noticed there’s not a major publisher behind my books. I haven’t heard a single mention of “self published” from anyone’s lips. So, in my opinion, I must be doing something right.

Madison: Readers are eagerly awaiting the third book in the Stormy Weather series. I understand it has had a title change as well.

Selena: They are! I’ve gotten lots of emails from them, which I’m so grateful for. Their encouragement really keeps me going when I’d rather go watch a movie than tackle a plot problem.

I changed the title from Bound and Determined to Seduced by a Cajun Werewolf. I think it fits the rest of the series titles better. And it has a hot new cover that readers (me included) have been drooling over.

Madison: Switching gears here a little. I note that you’ve got another series, sci fi, at Changeling Press. Care to tell us about that project?

Selena: That series is called Deep Space Encounters. Each is a short story, a romp through space on the way to finding true love (and steamy sex.) Books one and three are menages. The characters all have a common enemy. The women are being held captive (and brainwashed) on a planet that impregnates them only to steal the babies and then sell the women off as sex slaves. The books are about their journey, their rescue, from that awful place and the love they find (or rediscover) on the way home.

I’ll admit they were really tough for me to write. It’s hard to have characters (much less 3) fall in love in a short story. It’s really hard to make everything believable. And I wanted a lot of emotion to go with the sex (which is a requirement at Changeling). I’m very pleased with the results.

Madison: What’s something that readers might be shocked to learn about you?

Selena: Shocked…hmmm…well, I’m a self professed wine lover. But I love Heineken too.

Madison: Do you have a favorite number?

Selena: Any number that’s a positive integer followed by lots of zeros.  *g*

Madison: How about color?

Selena: Oh, that’s an easy one. Purple.

Madison: I’m a flip flop girl. How about you? Flip flops, flats or heels?

Selena: Heels!

Madison: What’s been playing on your iPod lately?

Selena: A fair amount of Crystal Method and Frank Sinatra.

Madison: That’s quite a combo. I wonder what ol’ Blue Eyes would have to say about Crystal Method’s music. LOL But I digress. You’ve been writing for several years, published for two. Do you have any advice for writers?

Selena: I don’t know how much my advice is worth but I’m happy to offer it. While you’re writing and learning the craft, develop a thick skin. You’ll need it in this business almost as much as you’ll need to know the craft. Even after publication, you’ll need to be able to let harsh words and brutal reviews run right off your back. Otherwise you’ll find it hard to keep writing new books.

Madison: Excellent advice. How can readers find you? You’re on Goodreads, right?

Selena: I am. I love connecting with readers and comparing books. http://www.goodreads.com/selenablake

Madison: And facebook?

Selena: Yes, I’m there too. http://www.facebook.com/authorSelenaBlake I’m pretty much wherever my readers are. And of course readers are always welcome at my website: http://www.selena-blake.com

Madison: Thanks so much for being my guest today! Good luck with you upcoming release.

Selena: Thank you Madison!

I’m hoping that spring is just around the corner. I’m ready for the first blush of green on the trees, tiny yellow crocus blossoms peeking their little heads above the ground and cleansing spring rains.

Spring is the season I look forward to the most. It’s the time when I throw open the windows and doors and air out the house, get rid of dust and give everything a good polish.

The good news is, I don’t have to wait for good weather to clean out my blog. A few weekends ago an event took place in the blogosphere called Bloggiesta (presented by MawBooks.) I came into the party fashionably late. And unfortunately that didn’t give me much time to plan for or complete this wonderful event. Bloggiesta is all about updating, rejuvenating and cleansing your blog. At least that’s the way I looked at it.

I’m still working my way through the list of awesome mini challenges. So, this is fair warning that things will be changing a little around here.

You may have already noticed the swanky RSS icon thingy on the right of the navigation bar. If you’re a fan of RSS, please consider adding my feed to your list. I promise to keep it clean (mostly) and entertaining (usually.)

Goodreads has issued a challenge for readers. How many books will you read in 2011? It’s up to you. Decide on the goal, input it into goodreads and then each book you enter as “read” on goodreads will count toward your goal. Sound fun? Join me!

My challenge goal for 2011 is 52 books. I’d better get busy!

It’s Monday again which means it’s time for FMM! If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add a link at the bottom of this post so we can all see your post. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts.

A Short Survey

1) What is your favorite household chore?  And what is your least favorite?
Favorite: washing mirrors. Least favorite: toilets!

2)What is your favorite city?
Paris

3) Have you found real love yet?
Yes. Absolutely. With out a doubt.

4) What’s one thing you eat almost everyday?
Oranges – in the winter, peaches in the summer

5) What was your last thought before falling asleep last night?
What a wonderful husband I have and how blessed we are.

6) What’s the worst injury you had as a child?
I had a hornet sting me in the face one summer. That was pretty awful. Imagine the worst migraine on earth. It hurt so bad I passed out.

7) Will you/have you worked out today?
I did actually. I walked this morning. I’ll do some weight training later.

8) Do you tweet? If so, what’s your name?
Yes! I’m @MadisonChase

9) List three things you wouldn’t want to live without:
My family, my computer, my Nook

10) Hold old were you when you had your first kiss?
I kissed a boy on the playground in Kindergarten, does that count?