It's barely February, but already this year is shaping up to be a busy one for me. Lots of travel, a few releases, and more to look forward to in the second half of the year. And speaking of years, I've got a lovely 2014 calendar to give away with all my gorgeous Dreamspinner Press covers (my last one!). Just leave a comment and you'll be entered to win. I'll draw a winner on February 19th.

Which brings me to February 19th - my first release of 2014. Or re-release, you might say, since this is a brand spanking new edition of the original Blue Notes ! The 2nd Edition contains new text based on my short story, "Knowing," and a wonderful new edit to polish it up. Haven't read any of the Blue Notes Series yet? They can be read in any order, but Blue Notes is a perfect place to start. The 2nd Edition is available for pre-order now at Dreamspinner Press. Readers who purchased the 1st Edition will be entitled to a free ebook copy of the 2nd Edition.

Next up on the writing schedule is the release of the sequel to Stealing the Wind . Into the Wind is book 2 in the Mermen of Ea series that chronicles the story of Taren Laxley and Ian Dunaidh, mermen shifters who inhabit an earth-like world filled with magic and adventure on the high seas. Into the Wind will be released in May, 2014. Look for the last book in the trilogy in early 2015. Taren has come to live amongst the mermen/shifters, but war between the island and mainland factions of the Ea is brewing. Ian and Taren set sail to find the fabled run stone, which they hope will help protect their people. You'll meet a few new characters in this story, but at its heart is the developing relationship between Ian and Taren and the challenges they face.

First up for travel for me? A trip to Chicago to hear the incomparable David Garrett in concert and a girls' weekend with my friend and co-conspirator, Venona Keyes. I'll be drooling over David on March 15th in downtown Chicago.

Also happening the first half of this year? Rainbow Con in Tampa over Easter weekend (April 17-20th), where I and a ton of other rainbow writers will be meeting to mingle with readers and attend great panel discussions. I'll have a table with goodies and paperbacks for sale. Or bring your already purchased copies and I'm happy to sign them!

And if that isn't enough excitement, I'm headed to Portland, Oregon for this year's Dreamspinner Press Author Workshop the next weekend (April 25-27th). I'll be hanging with all the wonderful Dreamspinner staff and authors for a great weekend of panels and socializing. I had such a great time at last year's event - I can't wait for this year's!

Things to look for in the second half of 2014? I'm planning on attending GayRomLit2014 in Chicago in October. I may make it up to San Francisco for Yaoicon, as well. I've also got a few projects in the works that I hope to submit this year, including a contemporary romance I'm working on with the wonderful Michael Halfhill, and the first book in my vampire series, Blood and Rain. But more about those goodies later, along with more information about the next Blue Notes Series book, Dissonance , that I'm working hard to finish up.

Don't forget to comment to be entered to win the calendar! And stop back for more goodies around release day for the 2nd Edition of Blue Notes! -Shira