a.c. Mason's Blog
May 25, 2012
by a.c. Mason
September 15th – 30th, 2012
$15 for Members
$20 for Non-Members
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Plot beats in your story are the timekeepers of its rhythm and anchor your other instruments: characterization (emotions) and writing craft techniques (such as length of scenes, type of scene action/revelatory, dialogue, word usage, description, theme(s), tension (conflict) etc…)
There will be twelve lessons through which the attendees will be encouraged to assemble a five-act story worksheet as we complete the twelve beats to construct a plot, develop characters, and decide on writing craft technique tools to create the full score of the story. Each beat and instrument will be explained, broken down, then an example will be provided with comments as to how it feeds into the whole of the story. An easy-to-use worksheet will be provided at the end as a framework for future stories. These methods can also be used by plotters and pansters (while writing your first draft or during rewrites/revisions). This workshop is aimed to improve: where to start/end, pacing (fast/slow), conflict, saggy middles, tension (conflict), consistency, characterization (emotions), and when to use writing craft techniques: length of scenes, type of scene action/revelatory, short sentences, dialogue, description, etc…
We will cover: plot, characterization (emotions), and writing craft techniques.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Born from the union of her Scottish and Belgian mother and an African American and Cherokee father, a.c. Mason’s youth was filled with dichotomies and moving from place to place. She developed a curiosity to explore through writing the seedy side of our nature and desires. Given her own diverse background, she writes stories that represent the world she grew up in. She is fluent in French and English. For the past eight years of her life, she has worked with one foot in the past spanning such times as the 18th century, the Bering Strait theory to modern day, and now late Victorian. Her stories are the place where darkness meets human desire and fairytales endings are not promised but earned. In 2011 her work was nominated for six 2012 Bookie Awards. If you’d like to learn more about a.c. Mason, go to www.acmason.com.
HOW TO REGISTER:
To pay via PayPal, please send payment to workshops@passionateink.org and make the subject line WORKSHOP: 12 BEATS. Please be sure the information field includes the name and email address you will be using for the workshop.
To pay via check, please include WORKSHOP: 12 BEATS in the memo area. Also, please include a note containing the name and email address you will be using for the workshop.
Mail checks to:
Robin L Rotham, Treasurer
P.O. Box 2412
Norfolk, NE 68702
May 4, 2012
Night Reins is also nominated in Paranormal.
Paranormal
Night Reins by A.C. Mason (Pink Petal Books)
To learn more about the swirl award go here:
The swirl award are for IR/MC Romance.
May 3, 2012
I wanted to share the exciting news that Wolf-Spirit is up for Best Series and Chocolate Damsel is nominated for Historical.
The swirl award are for IR/MC Romance.
Historical
Chocolate Damsel by A.C. Mason (Lyrical Press)
Best Series Voting is Now Open!
First round of voting is now open for BEST SERIES of 2011! One vote per day, per IP address for the next 30 days, so take your vote seriously!
Wolf Spirit series by A.C. Mason
May 1, 2012
“HIS MORTAL SOUL is an absolute MUST read for fans of emotional and sexual romance.” J9
His Mortal Soul
From Lyrical Press (March 5, 2012)
Can she save his immortal soul… and help him find heaven on earth?
Touching Sephora may cost Kieran his mortal soul…
Kieran has always been a good Catholic, even studying for the priesthood. But there are complications. A few weeks before his ordination into the priesthood, he was made a vampire.
And then there’s Sephora, the beautiful, independent American student who draws him to her. His “blackbird”, she seems to hold all the secrets to life and happiness, like the mythological creature of the ancient Celts. Despite his best intentions and though he knows he can only hurt her, her hold on him increases by the minute.
Although Ireland promised Sephora an escape from the horrors of a brutal attack she suffered two years ago, she has discovered that the true scars lie within. But being with Kieran melts away the pain and his touch provides her the refuge to reclaim her body.
WARNING: A gorgeous Irish hero and gutsy heroine. Biblical and religious themes that might offend. Graphic sex. The theme of survival and healing after sexual assault.
Teaser:
This curse of being bitten and becoming a vampire was a test of his faith. And so was she. Kieran couldn’t let her lure him from saving his soul–from lifting the hex. Admittedly, stalking her wasn’t helping him achieve that. Nor did he have any intention of stopping. Father
O’Brian would be disappointed, but tonight was Kieran’s last on earth. Better he spend his time where he wanted to be–with her.
A well-dressed male student wrapped an arm around her and guided her away from the hall through the exit. Inside, students wasted money and brain cells in the name of a good time.
The door shut behind the clift–fool–and her, muting the blaring music. The asphalt pathway where they walked was deserted. The freckle-faced man laughed as he stumbled. The scent of his illicit intent reached Kieran. He hadn’t thought she was that type of woman, but lately he’d learned he was wrong about a great many things.
The devil and demons weren’t just the stuff of myth and legends. Evil dwelled within the heart of every human. All that was needed was something to unlock it.
March 22, 2012
Blurb:
Melody Manning's workaholic ambition, coupled with a slave-driving former boss, has made her the youngest market analyst in her firm. It's also killed her personal life, including losing her fiancé. When she receives a message from him on New Year's Eve announcing his engagement to another woman, Mel loses it. Her new, more compassionate boss has the perfect solution for her—get laid. Good and laid.
At his suggestion, she signs up with the 1Night Stand service, listing her deepest sexual desires on the application. A speedy response from Madame Eve has Melody on her way to Sonoma Valley wine country and a one-night stand with a mysterious Dom.
The sexy, masked Master promises to get to the bottom of her guilt and provide ultimate satisfaction under the safety of his stern hand. After an emotional night of submission and uninhibited passion, will her lover's unmasking lead to the end of their encounter or give Mel another chance at love?
EXCERPT
Mel sucked in a breath, and opened the door. The darkened room flickered with the light of at least a dozen candles. She squinted as she walked in. The smell of incense and roses wafted in the air. Her sight adjusted, and the darker shadows of the space became visible. She scanned the scene.
In the middle of the room sat an oversized bed covered in black velvet and satin. Her arms and legs quivered. A roughly made wooden table stood with two straight-backed chairs in the corner, and a tray of appetizing food awaited.
She stood frozen, anticipating his appearance. Her heart thumped in her chest. Was he hiding? She began to turn—
"Do not turn around, Miss Manning." His voice whispered against her ear.
She jumped at the husky sound, but didn't try to move away.
He ran his hands across her shoulders and trailed his fingers down her bare arms. "Are you frightened, kitten?"
Her skin tingled at his simple, but intimate touch. The heat from his massive body radiated against her back though he never made contact with it. Although she couldn't see him, his presence filled the room, and the walls seemed to shrink at his closeness. "I'm a little scared. I've never done anything like this before, but I guess you do—"
His finger glided up her shoulder to press against her lips and his whispered rebuke filled her ear. "Silence."
Her eyes fluttered closed. Pleasure and fear mingled in her mind and over her skin. She wanted so bad to turn her head and look at him, but somehow she knew she shouldn't.
The spicy masculine scent of him filled the air, and his moist, heavy breath sent waves of heat down her neck. "During this portion of the evening you will only speak when asked a direct question, and you will address me as 'Sir'. Understand?"
Concentrating on his words, she had to strain to hear him over her pounding heart but nodded. In the dim light of the candles, her chest rose and fell rapidly. Excitement and fear zinged to her extremities and every place in between.
"There's nothing to be frightened of."
He trailed his tongue from her earlobe down to her nape. She gasped and tensed her shoulders as he nipped and sucked the sensitive skin. Goosebumps covered her from head to toe. Her nipples hardened and throbbed. The mystery of him enticed her as much as his touch and scent.
He swept his hand slowly over her stomach. She melted back against him, the heat of his body wrapping around hers, instant, carnal and very real. Throbbing need pulsed between her legs, replacing the chill of fear.
"I'm going to remove your dress."
"Okay." The word whooshed from her. Dizziness caused her to sway. Is this really happening? His velvet baritone held a familiar lilt she couldn't place, but surely if she'd heard that sexy sound before, she'd remember. Right now she was so aroused, it could be her high school boyfriend and she wouldn't know—or care.
"Okay, what?"
Her body tensed at his rebuke. "Okay, Sir."
"You have enough discipline coming this evening for past transgressions, Miss Manning. Let's not complicate matters by increasing their number. All right?"
"All right, Sir." She sucked in a breath at the mention of punishment. What would he do to her? She had stipulated mild discipline, but what did that mean to him?
He moved his hands from her abs upward, smoothing his palms across her breasts, grazing her nipples with every finger as he passed over the fabric of her dress. A long, hot breath blew from her lips, and liquid desire gushed between her legs.
He trailed his fingers to her back and unzipped the dress, allowing it to fall to the floor with a whisper. The cool air of the room played across her bare skin. The vulnerability of her position built a pressure in her stomach not unlike the apprehension she suffered before her yearly employment evaluation.
Pulling her back against his bare chest, his arms slipped around her waist. His hands splayed across her flesh and grazed the lace of her bra. His touch scorched her skin and desire for more flooded her. She ran her hand over his forearms. The fine masculine hair stood at her touch, and he sighed into her ear.
March 5, 2012
Irish Dreams Blurb:
It's one thing to resist an Irish dream, quite another to resist a dreamy Irishman.
After being traded for another woman by her fiancé, Maggie decides she's had it with men. Good thing she's far away from him, in Ireland fulfilling her best friend's request to be maid-of-honor. Wicklow and the Emerald Isle are more than she expects-—green, lush, and exactly what she needs. What she doesn't need is rescuing by some emerald-eyed charmer.
Newly divorced, Ethan Moore is ready to enjoy bachelorhood. Only one problem—-the fiery-haired Maggie Christy. Unlike any woman he's ever met, Maggie draws him close and turns him inside out. The attraction is unexpected and inconvenient, but nobody ever said true love was easy.
WARNING: Exceedingly charming Irishmen and sexually explicit scenes.
Publication Date – or when it will be ready.
March 5, 2012
Where people can buy your book including your website – please provide links.
Lyrical Press: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/
Amazon: www.amazon.com
Barnes and Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com
All Romance Books: http://www.allromanceebooks.com
My Website: www.toni-kelly.com
Mini Excerpt (Lyrical used longer one and I only see one excerpt approved):
"What?" Maggie met Elsie's gaze. "You're leaving?"
"We'll be right back. Ethan won't bite, right?" She pinned Ethan with her most take-charge stare.
"Definitely not." He raised his hands in surrender as his mouth curved upward. "I will behave like the utmost gentleman."
"All right." Turning, Elsie followed her fiance, leaving Maggie standing alone with Ethan.
"Married gentlemen don't kiss or ask for kisses, especially with unknown women," she said.
Ethan frowned and adjusted his cuffs. "You're right."
With one look at his contrite expression, sadness and a hollowed out feeling filled her. How could one man affect her this easily? After Rick, how could she ask such a silly question? It appeared learning from mistakes was beyond her capabilities.
"I'm sorry if I offended you."
"No worries. After what you did yesterday, I owe you."
"How about a dance?" Hand held out, he nodded toward the floor below. "Friends. Completely platonic dancing."
Absolutely nothing with this man could be completely platonic.
She quickly quashed the thought and slipped her hand in his.
Bio:
Toni Kelly writes principally paranormal and contemporary romance. Her background is a mix between Ireland and the Caribbean, something which has always fascinated her. Growing up in a household where dinner could be pilaf rice and curry chicken while dessert was Terry's Orange chocolate and Earl Grey tea left her mind wanting to delve into the myths and magic which lay in these two cultures and many more.
When time permits, Toni loves to travel and explore the world bit by bit. She is fluent in English and Spanish and teaching herself Italian. Toni loves incorporating her experiences in travel (even if they are just scents, sights and tastes) into her writing. Come explore the world with her.
His Mortal Soul hit the Best Selling Fiction eBooks on ARe Lyrical Press, Inc. Irish Stories Collection http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hismortalsoul-739226-139.html
March 3, 2012
From Lyrical Press (March 5, 2012)
Can she save his immortal soul… and help him find heaven on earth?
Touching Sephora may cost Kieran his mortal soul…
Kieran has always been a good Catholic, even studying for the priesthood. But there are complications. A few weeks before his ordination into the priesthood, he was made a vampire.
And then there's Sephora, the beautiful, independent American student who draws him to her. His "blackbird", she seems to hold all the secrets to life and happiness, like the mythological creature of the ancient Celts. Despite his best intentions and though he knows he can only hurt her, her hold on him increases by the minute.
Although Ireland promised Sephora an escape from the horrors of a brutal attack she suffered two years ago, she has discovered that the true scars lie within. But being with Kieran melts away the pain and his touch provides her the refuge to reclaim her body.
WARNING: A gorgeous Irish hero and gutsy heroine. Biblical and religious themes that might offend. Graphic sex. The theme of survival and healing after sexual assault.
Teaser:
This curse of being bitten and becoming a vampire was a test of his faith. And so was she. Kieran couldn't let her lure him from saving his soul–from lifting the hex. Admittedly, stalking her wasn't helping him achieve that. Nor did he have any intention of stopping. Father O'Brian would be disappointed, but tonight was Kieran's last on earth. Better he spend his time where he wanted to be–with her.
A well-dressed male student wrapped an arm around her and guided her away from the hall through the exit. Inside, students wasted money and brain cells in the name of a good time.
The door shut behind the clift–fool–and her, muting the blaring music. The asphalt pathway where they walked was deserted. The freckle-faced man laughed as he stumbled. The scent of his illicit intent reached Kieran. He hadn't thought she was that type of woman, but lately he'd learned he was wrong about a great many things.
The devil and demons weren't just the stuff of myth and legends. Evil dwelled within the heart of every human. All that was needed was something to unlock it.
February 26, 2012
House of Saints is an ARe Best Selling Historical Other eBooks http://www.allromanceebooks.com/category162.html Decadent Publishing
Thanks!
February 23, 2012
In 1890s London, young Simone Baden is left with responsibility of her two brothers. Being a woman of color with very little experience, she cannot provide for them through honest means and is soon desperate. From the women at the boarding house, she hears of a brothel that caters to the unusual—supernaturals. With the ache of hunger growing in her brothers' bellies and the threat of eviction looming, she has no choice but to barter her body and freedom.
Eravas Lilu is an ancient spirit of desire who excels at what he does—teaching the arts of pleasure to women—but Simone is different. With a male and female helper, decadent instruction follows to mold his charge into Magdalene. Enthralled by her inner beauty, he finds himself at a crossroads.
Shall he let her new profession take her soul, or give up his own in exchange for hers…?
Warning: Graphic sex including m/m/f, f/f/m, and m/f. Discipline.
Teaser:
Magdalene didn't know what he was thinking. His expression remained hard. Since Eravas had shown her pleasure, her body craved for more, and more.
"I cannot allow you to disobey my instructions without consequences." As he lifted his gaze to hers, he loosened his cravat and collar. He slipped off his jacket and removed a razor strop from his pocket. The leather strip gleamed in the light of the fire.
Pain seemed an unavoidable part of her life. She wouldn't cry. No matter the sting of his punishment. She'd earned the consequence she now faced.
He unbuttoned his shirt and pushed aside his braces. A light dusting of dark hair lined the lean ridge of his abdomen. A man's body had never held as much marvel as his.
"Given my failure as your instructor to garner your obedience and respect, there must be a penalty." He removed the fabric, revealing defined muscular arms and flawless skin. He walked past her, tossed the razor strop to her lap, and stopped at the post of her bed. Between his shoulder blades were two deep craters of scarred flesh.
"Five lashings at your hand, Magdalene."
"No, I cannot." There was no way he could expect this of her. She wasn't capable of such an act. As her father's wife had whipped her, she promised never to inflict the same on another.
"And that is why you must," he shouted. "By doing so you'll never dare disobey me after this."
"I'm sorry." Tears formed in her eyes. "I won't do it again." He couldn't ask this of her. "I'll take a hundred to spare you one," she said. "Please, I beg your mercy."
"I cannot give you what even God failed to give me." He lifted her from the bed and placed the metal end of the strop in her hand. "Five, and each must count, or you will start again. The pain you shall feel whipping me is what I suffer for you breaching my request."
The leather felt warm against her fingers. Her hands trembled.
"If you do not do as I have asked, you shall force a far greater pain on me." He leaned his head to the post.
