Elizabeth Raven's Blog, page 3

Author Spotlight – Bella Jeanisse

We are so happy to present Bella Jeanisse, an author with fast and wild Rockin’ Romances — and a new novel releasing today!  She and a dozen other authors joined me this past weekend to celebrate Matanzas Moon’s Bookiversary Blast!  And a blast it was!  Be sure to check out Bella’s Amazon page for more details about Rockin’ Rhythm!

Bella’s Bio:

In case you don’t know me, I’m Michelle, otherwise known as Bella Jeanisse. I write erotic Rock Band Romances, (among other things.) My life has gotten quite complicated lately, since I am transitioning into a full indie author by March 2017.  I’m from Brooklyn, NY, but now live outside of Tampa, FL. Huge change, but I can’t go back.

Rockin’ Rhythm: 

Ash Taylor lives life without making deep connections with anything other than his brothers and his bass. His past has jaded him to love and makes him fear getting too close. Then Michelle walks into his life.

Every night, she invades his dreams and stars in his fantasies. She makes him question himself and his ways. However, he is sure she could never date someone like him. So much so, that he convinces himself that she is married.

Michelle Reynolds has been jilted so badly, that she doesn’t want to date again. Her friend Beth tries to encourage her, but all of her relationships end badly or don’t last. She is sick of disappointment. When Ash comes into her life, she feels an immediate spark. He makes her feel special without effort. His big heart and deep voice mesmerize her. As soon as she finds out he is a rock star, her hopes are crushed. In her eyes, it could never work because musicians are not faithful, and she is not good enough for him.

Can these two polar opposites find a way to make a relationship work? Will all that dating a rock star entails break them or bring them closer? Find out in the first book of the Velocity series.

Add it to your TBR on Goodreads:

Rockin’ Rhythm Excerpt: 

Warning: For those 18 and over only. May not be suitable for all readers.

Michelle palmed Ash’s cheek. “What’s the plan tonight?”

“You’ll see.” He wrapped one arm around her back and pulled her to the sliding glass door. “Step one.” He opened the door and smiled at the sun just over St. Petersburg. “Watch the sun set.”

Her eyes widened when she saw the scene. “Beautiful.” She leaned back when he pressed against her from behind. “The house is in the perfect spot.”

“Same idea, huh?” Bryce shouted as he sat in a lounger on his balcony and stared at the setting sun.

Ash nodded and guided Michelle to the balcony rail. His hands briefly smoothed her long skirt. Then he held her around the middle. He glanced to the right. Bryce was far enough away not to have a clear view of them. Ash was sure she would balk at any intimacy with Bryce outside, though. He let it go and leaned his head on Michelle’s.

The sunset was just as beautiful as it always was. Bryce was out there as often as possible. Ash knew it had a lot of meaning for Bryce. That wasn’t Ash’s thing, though. He just liked the beauty of it and hoped it eased Michelle’s nerves. “Best place to watch this.”

“It is.” She sighed. “Wish I had my camera.”

He pulled his phone out and quickly spun them around. Then he snapped a photo of them with the sun clearly in the background. “My new background.” He turned them again and took a few photos of the colorful sky. “I’ll send these to you.” He had a top of the line iPhone, so he didn’t need a separate camera.

When the sky had finally darkened some, he turned to Bryce’s balcony. It was empty. Slowly, he moved one hand down and ran it under her skirt. He found smooth legs then silky underwear. His fingers slid over the fabric until he reached the edge of her crotch.

“What’re you doing?” She checked to make sure Bryce was not in sight then looked to the beautiful sky again. “Find anything you like under there?”

He hummed in her ear and pressed his fingertips against her clit through the fabric. “I think I did. This nice long skirt’s gonna come in handy.”

Friend BELLA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bella.jeanisse

Join BELLA’s Facebook fan group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/866525666714069/

Join BELLA’s Facebook street team:https://www.facebook.com/groups/339160419575295/

Read what’s next on BELLA’s Wattpad:http://www.wattpad.com/user/BellaJeanisse

Follow BELLA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BellaJeanisse

Connect with BELLA on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6449103.Bella_Jeanisse

Follow BELLA on Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Bella-Jeanisse/e/B009J0QN6C

Find BELLA on Smashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/BellaJeanisse

Check out BELLA’s website: http://bellajeanisse.com/

Sign up for BELLA’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bZ62XD

Bookiversary

A year ago, I made a huge leap of faith. Putting my heart and soul out there for the masses was hard. Doubts and insecurities tormented my brain as butterflies swarmed my insides, but I had to do it and not look back to safety. From that moment, there was no return.

As many writers would agree, the fruits of your labor may only taste sweet to you and your loved ones. Sometimes, that is good enough. Much of my writing is for an audience of one. Me. When you share yourself, you are suddenly vulnerable, and that, my friends, is terrifying. I had to swallow the huge frog in my throat and just DO IT.

MATANZAS MOON was officially published 9/9/2015. This past year has brought me incredible highs, and desperately dire lows.  Oh, Life.  How vast an arc your pendulum swings. So many challenges have crept up from every direction imaginable, and I’m not inclined to force something that simply isn’t meant to be.  But, so many signs along the way have shown me brief glimmers of hope.  Radiant images of a life to come, for my family and myself, that proves every moment of struggle is justified. So, I fight on.

Thank you all for the love and support throughout this journey.  My destination is still light-years away. Even though the path is dark and foggy, and my candle has blown out once or twice, …Okay, more often than that, but it doesn’t matter. I will continue.  I know in my heart that the possibilities are endless, and I fully intend to explore them all.  Stay tuned, my friends.  I’m just getting started. So Happy Birthday to my second born, MATANZAS MOON!

Matanzas Moon is almost a year old!

We have an amazing line-up of fantastic authors joining us for this online Facebook Event! Genres range from Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Horror, and more! Plenty of Give-Aways, New Releases, and Prizes!

Shawnee Small      Melissa Robitille         Julie Wetzel     Our Write Side     Renee Scattergood

Elle Klass         Tabitha Barret          Myra Nour       Destiny Hawkins      Stella Price (S.A. Price)

Nancee Cain      Madison Granger     Bella Jeanisse       Susanne Leist     Winfield Strock, III

Stop by Matanzas Moon’s Bookiversary Blast! to join the fun!

August Give-Away from The Paranormal Romance Guild!

We’re gearing up for the anniversary of Matanzas Moon‘s publication! We were fortunate enough to have to book in print in time for St. Augustine’s 450th Anniversary Celebration! Sharing the Old City Life through my stories has been an adventure and an honor.  St. Augustine is rich with history (AND GHOSTS!), so developing a series here is a dream come true!  If you haven’t experienced the Matanzas Moon series, here’s a chance to score hardbacks and some swag FOR FREE!   Visit http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com... and post in the comments to be entered to win!  Membership not required! ENJOY!

The Joy of Research

Ah, Research. The process of amassing information with which to compose your stories. Also, the process of verifying facts to substantiate the realism of your story. Whether you love it or hate it, it is a vital part of the writing process. Personally, I LOVE research when it’s a subject I find fascinating. Luckily, I have control of that decision. Seriously, why write about subjects about which you aren’t absolutely thrilled to research? Methods may vary from author to author, but here are a few that I find satisfying.

Immersion: Just as its name implies, immersion is doing just that. Immersing yourself in the area or activity you will be writing about. It can be as simple as strolling the streets and experiencing the local flavor, or accompanying a local police officer for a Ride-Along. Since several characters in my novels are on the force, I’m grateful to have developed some friendships with members of corrections/law enforcement agencies. They help me comprehend the endless procedural details to which they must adhere, as well as understanding their unique perspective. And, oh, the stories they can tell!

 

Internet/Online Resources: Of course online searches are a staple, but have you considered watching some youtube video tours of an area you are writing about, just to see it from a different perspective or for repetition? I found this a particularly helpful tool while writing Ablaze. Though I’d visited Ripley’s Warden Castle at least 6 times in so many months, for the purpose of research and photography, I found myself doubting my recollection while I wrote the big, action-packed climax scene. My pictures were specific enough for me to adequately recall the exact layout of the museum. Thank goodness for youtube videos!! I watched several videos multiple times as I envisioned how everything would go down. How splendid it is to have such resources available any time of day or night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWYpK9SXGBk

Books: Libraries and local government offices are a wealth of information. I love “getting lost” in it to see where the information trail takes me! Also, your own personal library can offer so much information right at your fingertips, in the comfort of your own home no less! I’m lucky enough to have grown a lovely library over the years, I’ll share a few pictures but this is not a complete representation of my personal library. The books range from fashion to animal care, to a variety of metaphysical philosophies and practices. I find myself delving into these treasured tomes, time and again, for verification, as well as inspiration.

 

Yourself: Never underestimate your inner voice. We all have our own perspective and experiences to draw upon. Especially in an area in which you are extremely well-versed. For me, it is Paganism/Divination and Veterinary/animal fields. I’ve worked and studied in the veterinary field since 1990, and have divined by Tarot, Palmistry, and Astrology since my pre-teen years. Whether I trace a fact all the way to an obscure reference, or just pull it out of my head from decades-long familiarity, the validity of my suppositions are grounded in truth. The truth of my experience.

Research may seem daunting, but with the correct mindset, it can be a high point of your writing journey. The most important thing is to stay fascinated. Write about what you love, and it research is a joyous excuse to revel in the fascination.

Quiz: Which Matanzas Moon Character are YOU?

Quizzes are fun. I do way more than I should.  Here’s a fun one based on Matanzas Moon characters.  Check it out!

 

Quiz: Which Matanzas Moon Character Are You?

Tolomato Cemetery

OK, so this is the ONLY hint I will give for the third book (Matanzas Moon:Shadows) of the series… The Tolomato Cemetery, as a location, will be featured.  Of course, the lore surrounding this gorgeous cemetery will certainly color the story, as well.  Those who’re familiar with the Matanzas Moon series understand that these stories are steeped with ample doses of intrigue, so  this revelation hardly spoils the mystery.

Since the Tolomato has many monuments for past US Soldiers (some confederate, others Union), I post this in memory of those who’ve passed, as well as those who protect us today.  Happy Memorial Day!

Tour Huguenot Cemetery in St. Augustine

Huguenot Cemetery in St. Augustine, Florida
Spending a day in historic downtown St. Augustine, FL is never a hard sell for me.  Especially when I get to drag around a friend! Once a month, we’re all allowed to tour the gorgeous cemeteries which are usually locked up tight in an effort  to preserve what remains after the ravages of time and endless tourist traffic. Huge thanks to my dear friend, Karlie Heinz for the company, and fantastic pictures!  Will post pics from the Tolomato soon!
Huguenot Cemetery. St. Augustine, FL.
Huguenot Cemetery. St. Augustine, FL.
Huguenot Cemetery. St. Augustine, FL.
Huguenot Cemetery. St. Augustine, FL.
Huguenot Cemetery. St. Augustine, FL. Matanzas Moon — Paranormal Romance series set in St. Augustine, FL by Elizabeth Raven

Author Spotlight

Elizabeth Raven Author Spotlight

One of the best things about the indie publishing industry is how supportive we are to each other.  Tabitha has been a great resource and fantastic support for me, as well as many other authors.  Check out her blog: The Third Throne

Even better!  Check out her series!

Until next time!

 

 

 

RIP Ryder’s Character Interview

For those of you who are familiar with Matanzas Moon and it’s colorful cast of characters, you already *know* RIP! Especially since his backstory is well-fleshed out in book 2 of the series, Matanzas Moon: ABLAZE.  But we got our hands on a copy of the written transcript for a video-blog interview he did.  Take a look!

“Rydin’ with RIP” Video Blog interview.. By Monica Scott

EXTERIOR (late afternoon): Interviewer and interviewee are sitting at a bistro table in a breezy portico off St. George Street in beautiful Historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida.

(Close up of Ms. Scott for Introduction)

:

Good afternoon, and welcome to “Monica Matters”. I’m Monica Scott,

a student at Flagler College. Today, I bring you a rare treat! With us,

today, is RIP Ryder, the notorious man behind RIP Rydes Hearse Ghost

tours of St. Augustine. If you’ve visited Old Town in the past 10 years,

you’ve likely seen, heard or been nearly maimed by one of his hearses; maybe

you’ve even survived one of his tours. Let’s welcome the Ghost-Host himself.

(PAN OUT for MASTER SHOT, showing Monica seated next to the rakishly handsome RIP dressed in his basic uniform: skater pants and a T-shirt saying “I make Ghost Hunting Look Good!”).

: (managing a pleasant smile)

We appreciate you meeting with us today.  I know you’re a, uh, very

BUSY man. RIP.  That’s an interesting name.  Is that your given name?

(with an enticing smile)

Well, actually Claire… It’s not. I was born Ridley Tatum Ryder, III.

:

Um, pardon me? What did you say?

:

(leaning forward, the setting sun dancing off his blondish spikes and glinting in his impish amber eyes)

I said my full name is Ridley Tatum Ryder, III

:

(mildly flustered)

No. I mean, you called me Claire. I’m Monica. My name’s Monica Scott.

:

(his smile twisting to a sheepish grin as he lit a cigarette)

Of course it is. Monica CLAIRE Scott, right? Junior Journalism Major

from Jacksonville… Where everyone calls you Claire.

:

(continues hesitantly, disturbed that her subject clearly researched her, as well)

Uh, yeah. Sure. Whatever. Moving on! You’re quite knowledgeable

about St. Augustine’s history. Did you grow up here?

:

(leaning back in his seat, bracing his well-muscled, copiously tattooed arms behind his head)

Nah. The Left coast. In Sunny San Diego, California, where the beaches

are as gorgeous as the women… But, I must say… You Florida girls are wicked

Hot. That’s why it’s called the Sunshine State.

:

(The countless rumors and warnings she’d heard crowds her mind as RIP’s tiger eyes travel up her long legs)

So, uh, tell us about your family. What were they like?

:

(his play-boy smile flattens)

They were awesome, and I miss them.

:

Were? Oh, I’m sorry. What happened?

:

Another story for another day.

:

(narrowing her eyes to study her notes)

With all your exploits, “paranormal” and otherwise, you’ve become

a legendary character around here.  If you could meet a legendary

character from any novel, who would it be, and why?

:

(smirking)

Easy! Hannibal Lecter. I hear he has a killer recipe for fava beans.

:

(pausing to consider his potential psychopathic tendencies before continuing)

Umm. Okay… If you could compare yourself to a character from

another novel, who would it be?

:

(without hesitation)

James Bond.

:

(surprised, and relieved)

Why?

:

(with mock indignance)

WHY, you ask? Isn’t it obvious?

(lighting a cigarette before tossing the lighter onto the table with mild annoyance)

Rude.

:

(regains her stiff, professional demeanor)

Back to the interview.  Tell us about the world of RIP Ryder.

:

(his dangerous smile returns, thawing her icy resolve a smidge)

We’re lucky enough to live in a city where history is under our every

footstep. Ghosts and legends surround us. Few locations in America

are this supernaturally dense, if you know what I mean.

:

(incredulous)

So you really believe all that? Y’know.  About the ghosts?

:

(soberly)

Every word. You don’t?

:

(scoffs)

Hardly. Call me a skeptic, but I find your stories to be outrageous and

Unbelievable.  Clearly your tales are exaggerated, as I’m sure many of

your other “claims” are. Good for you, we always have fresh tourists to fleece.

:

(clears his throat to swallow a laugh)

That’s quite a specific opinion to derive from hearsay.

Perhaps you care to reserve judgment until you’ve experienced

the RIP Ryde firsthand. Tonight, if you wish.

(with an inviting half nod and an eyebrow wiggle that waggled his piercings)

Complimentary, of course.

 

:

(gulps her sangria in response to his unmistakable invitation)

Next question! You’re well known as a party-hound.

(uttering under her breath)

Among other things…

(resumes normal conversation)

What is the strangest situation you’ve ever found yourself in?”

:

(leaning back casually)

Ah, yes. I remember it vividly. I suspect I may’ve been involved in a threesome with

a clown, and a hermaphroditic midget. All I remember is waking up naked, floating on my back

in the middle of a motel pool. It’s all a bit fuzzy. I shudder at the memory

of it to this very day, Claire. … To. This. DAY.

:

(flabbergasted)

Wait. You’re not serious, are you?

:

(looking at the butt of his cigarette in his hand, stubbing it out, and exhaling his cloud of indifference)

Only one way to find out…

:

(drains her sangria glass; signals for refill)

You’re not seriously suggesting I go on one of your tours… I have better

Ways to spend my time than participating in your ridiculousness. I’ve heard plenty about your “private tours”.

:

(challenging her playfully)

It’s cool.  Not everyone can handle it.  Just thought you might want the real story.

But keep living in your little bubble, Claire. Maybe one day, if you’re lucky, you’ll see.

:

(with a hiccup, leaning forward to point an accusatory finger at him)

See what? Want to know what I see?

(resting her chin in her palm, unable to look away from his hypnotic eyes)

I see an enterprising man using his imagination and charisma to capitalize

on the gullibility of the masses.  Tourists and skanks may believe your web of lies, but I, Mr. Ryder, am immune to your charms.

(realizing that even she didn’t believe her words)

Well, I don’t believe you, and I DON’T believe in ghosts.

:

(with a sizzling promise in his eyes)

Gimme one night.  I’ll make you a believer.

(camera pans out to show Monica take RIP’s hand.  With a glance over her shoulder, she follows him to his awaiting hearse for a night she’ll never forget)