C. Vonzale Lewis's Blog
June 20, 2022
SHE
My skin glowed with a luminescence that came from within.
It felt like my veins had been replaced with live wire. I studied my once light brown complexion in the long mirror in my killer’s—my husband’s dearest friend—room.
Joseph locked me in the cabin of his yacht—Islia Sea—while we sat moored off the shores of Tulare Island waiting for his guests to arrive. Everything—from the overly large bed that sat upon a white marble dais adorned in gold velvet to the claw-foot tub with gilded fixtures—seemed to be from another time and place. Just like the ballgown he wished me to wear. None of it felt real.
I turned my head to the side to better study my neck. Not a single bruise marred its smooth surface. How had he managed to remove the bruises his hands would have made when he choked the life out of me? But then again, how had he managed to raise me from the dead?
In the mirror’s reflection, I stared at the door opening behind me. Joseph walked in, his dark brown eyes roaming hungrily over me as his nostrils flared. “Why aren’t you dressed?” he asked, demanding. When I didn’t answer, he stormed over, snatching the red velvet dress from the bed. Gold embroidery had been stitched into the bodice of the gown. The stitching looked like marionette strings. “Put this on before my guests arrive.”
I lifted my chin. “I will not!”
His hand was like lightning, the sound like thunder, as he struck me. I stumbled back, falling against the vanity. “You are mine to command. To control. You will do as I say. I am your master now.” His words raked across my skin.
I did not belong to this man.
Rage bubbled to the surface, and my hand gripped the scissors behind me. A smile spread across my face. By his expression, he believed my smile was for him until I buried the scissors in his neck. Blood gushed, running down his gold jacket. I turned away and picked up the dress. Maybe I would put it on and wait for his friends to arrive.
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Behind the Scenes of the Blood and Sacrifice Chronicles
When I was offered the opportunity to give a peek behind the scenes of my series, I was like. “Yes, I can do that!” Then, I sat down to write, and my new response (internally) was, “I thought I could do that.” For an author who has just released a book that is well over 140,000 words, I was at a loss. My mind grew fuzzy, and my self-doubt kicked in.
Let me back up a minute.
I’m often asked what I do for a living. My head swells with pride when I say, “I’m an author. A published author that is.” (Insert cheesy grin) But soon, that unbridled joy turns to fear when they ask, “Oh. Well, what is your story about?” It is at this point words completely fail me. Yes, I know what my story is about. But to voice it? Yeah, no. I even suck at synopses.
I gave you that brief introduction to help lead into my main character and as most ask, where my story comes from.
We recently went on a wine tasting tour. Very adult activity and extremely fun. Especially if you are surrounded with engaging people. One of the ladies asked me that question I so love to answer, “What do you do for a living?” Now mind you, I’ve had quite a few sips of wine at this point and self-doubt has as well. She stood up just as proud as you please and announced loudly, “I’m an author!”
Queue follow up question.
And surprisingly, I was able to talk about my story. But, as I said above, I was among those who wished to go past the niceties and ask additional questions. “Well, where did you come up with your idea?”
I’ve never had a problem disclosing this one. I find it rather amusing to be honest. My kernel of an idea, while starting with a character much like myself, was based on the idea that my employers were sacrificing people. Dark and morbid, I know. But I worked in customer service. So, I’m allowed this bit of darkness.
Well all the couples, who at this point were actually listening to me, laughed at the mere thought. But also found the logic in it. I mean who really knows what the big bosses do all day??
A few more sips of wine, and my tale grew, and I was finally. FINALLY. Able to voice my idea. My story. The one that started off as a short story to answer a question a frustrated service representative needed answer between calls.
This brings me to Nicole Fontane. Like I said above, she is me. Well, the parts of me I’m not afraid to show. She has my sarcasm. My sense of longing. My restlessness. And most of all, my curiosity. It’s that curiosity that gets her into the most trouble. But it’s also what I love most about her.
I didn’t plan on infusing so much magick into my story. Yes, I do spell it with a ‘k’. I shall tell you why in a minute. My first mission was to create a scenario in which my main character got a job and stumble upon a sinister plot and, of course, save the day.
During the course of my writing the first draft, I believe I achieved this. But when I was finished, I didn’t feel whole. I used no outline for my first draft. I wrote by the seat of my pants. It was freeing and exciting. Yet, I knew, deep down, something was missing. So, a few months later, I read through that first draft and made a vow.
No one shall see this!
Yes, it was a mess, but it was still something. That is where my first inspiration of infusing more magick into the story came from. But, my curiosity also had to play a part in the crafting of the next draft. I had to know where the magick came from.
**Side note: The spelling of magic(k), as I’ve been told, used a ‘k’ in ancient times. At least that’s what a man at a rest stop told me when my husband was holding my sign up at the Tennessee state line. He said, after looking at my sign and actually taking a picture of it. “Oh, and you spell it the right way, too.” (I hope he ended up buying the book 
)
I didn’t know that tidbit of history. My reasoning for spelling it that way was because I always associated magic with magicians. By adding the ‘k’, it gave it a more real feel to me. Kept me from picturing a man in suit pulling a rabbit from his hat. But I like his explanation too.
Queue my love of Egypt.
Like Nicole, I’ve always wanted to know why. You read so much about ancient civilizations. So much about how they borrowed from past practices and made them their own. So, my main question while writing was, where would magick come from? And how was it created? More importantly, what part did the ancient gods and goddesses play as well.
For these answers, I went back. Back to a time that is rarely talked about. And using what us writers use best, my own creative skills, created a magick system based on the idea that all human beings have magick. Yet all human beings are not able to use it. And since gods and goddesses play a major part, they too had to have magick. A deeper well of it for sure.
This leads to modern day. Power is a seductive mistress. Even without the aid of extraordinary abilities, people fight to gain more. To be more. And are so willing to crush anyone who gets in their way. This is the overarching theme of The Blood and Sacrifice Chronicles. The desire for power. The series itself answers the question of why. Why seek this power?
And the place this all takes place?
Well, like I said, as a writer my first instinct is to create. So, I made up Tulare Island. A place created by the Old Ones (The gods and goddess who inspired the myths of the Egyptian gods) to hide an Ark with the soul of one of their kind inside. He too, plays a major role in the series.
And Nicole?
She is the guide I chose to take the reader on this journey filled with blood, pain, and death. But also love and friendship and healing. A complicated, powerful woman who has experienced so much pain in her life. Whose growth I hope to convey over the course of the next eight books.
I hope you will join me.
And if you have a set of pearls, I suggest you wear them. You will be clutching them by the end.
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April 7, 2022
Tidal Wave Scavenger Hunt!
Welcome to the Tidal Wave Scavenger Hunt!!
This bi-annual event was inspired as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to bonus material from their favorite Midnight Tide authors, and a chance to win some amazing prizes.
During this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, but you also get a clue (in number form,) for the hunt. Add up all the clues, and you can enter for our grand prize!
One lucky winner will receive one book from each author! But play fast, because this contest, and all the exclusive bonus material, will only be online for 96 hours.
If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, and see a list of all the participating authors, as well as the prizes up for grabs, go to THIS BLOG POST!
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***THE SCAVENGER HUNT***
Directions: Each author has a lucky or secret number hidden on their blog and it’s up to you to find it! If you do, keep it safe, you’ll need this later. At the bottom of each author’s post, you’ll find a link to the next author where you’ll repeat this process. Collect all the numbers and add them up!
Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by April 10th, at noon Eastern Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
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Well, Hello There!I trust you’ve gotten your tea. My name is C. Vonzale Lewis and I will be your hostess with the 37 (THIRTY-SEVEN) books on her nightstand. LOL! I can just IMAGINE what you thought I was going to say. Now, a little about myself. If you’ve had the opportunity to quietly move about my website while sipping your tea, you know that I love all things dark. Yes, I tend to write tales that have sinister undertones to them. With some mystery, a healthy helping of romance, and sarcasm for days, my stories tend to have lot’s of characters and yes, a few dirty words tossed in for good measure!
And, if by some chance you haven’t perused the website, be sure and do so to find all of my available works. 
WONDERFUL!!!
Here’s a little bonus content for you!
Allow me to introduce you to the cast of my Blood and Sacrifice Chronicles!!
Blood and Sacrifice Character Guide (2)
I’m curious, what did you think of my crew? Let me know in the comments. And, while you’re at it, take the quiz below to find out what Egyptian God/Goddess you would be in my story world!
What Egyptian God/Goddess Are You? (tryinteract.com)
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AAAANNNDDD… I’m also holding two giveaways! One is part of TWSH and one is separate.
For TWSH, I’m giving the winner a physical copy of Beyond the Cogs Anthology, a themed candle and bookmark with be included!
For my personal giveaway, I’m gifting five people an ebook copy of Lineage! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below. That’s it! And I will, using a random number generator, pick five people. Be sure and provide your email address to receive your book!
Now, on to the last stop on your hunt…Gianne Rabena!
Before you go, be sure and write down the secret number!
Until next time, Peace, love, and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
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December 23, 2021
Map of Tulare
FEAST YOUR EYES ON THIS, MY FRIEND!
Well now, I get to stare at it and Smile!
One of the first beta readers for Lineage told me she had looked up the world I created and couldn’t find it. That revelation tickled me to no end. I couldn’t believe someone loved my world enough to actually try and find it on a map. But once she told me that (others would do the same in the future) I decided to draw one. Of course, what I ended up with was a crude drawing that I REFUSE to show anyone! Well, that’s not true. I had to show Lena Frank so she could take my pile of cow dung and shape it into what you see above. She actually paid me a compliment on it. Said it was pretty good. I think she was just being nice. A, “Bless her heart she tried,” kind of moment. LOL!
In my Blood & Sacrifice series, the different areas on the map are called settlements. As my girl, Nicole says, they named them that and the name stuck. As for me, the author, I just wanted to be different.
Tulare is the name of the island but also the name of one of the settlements. It has a more commercial environment about it. Housing hotels, the main mall on the island, the carnival, and a few swanky hotels. It’s also where Ezra, one of the OLD ONES, resides, living in the back of his Krav Maga dojo.
Next to it is Dulean. This is where the wealthy elite spend their time being wealthy and wearing their pearls. They also spend some time knee deep in blood magick and other such nefarious activities. You will have to read the series to find out!
Moving to the right, you find Alice. This settlement is more of an upper-class commercial area. Comprised of over-priced condo’s, big business, and the island’s only university. That little marsh-like area to the side, yeah….so much evil in those woods!!!
Traveling around, you find Pleasanton. Now this is the most family-friendly area on the island. It’s also where my vigilantes have decided to rest their heads. Now how about that!
To the left you find Perry. This settlement was divided into North and South Perry. You want to steer clear of South Perry. Nothing good will come of your visit to that crime infested area. Now North Perry should be okay. Mostly homes and apartments and people keeping a watchful eye on their southern neighbors.
Next to that is Brunswood. Home to the nightlife and other such things. Not really on the same level as South Perry, but they can get a bit rowdy. It’s where you go if you want to let loose and have a good time. It’s also where my girl, Nicole has decided to rent an apartment. In a building that has a VERY colorful past!
The two land bridges, Coeur D’ Alene and Sandpoint, along with the Cherokee Nation are where the immortal protectors reside.
Ready to dive into my series yet???
Well, until next time, Peace, Love, and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
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December 22, 2021
Frost Mates is coming in HOT!!!!
This steamy Krampus (Yes, I said Krampus) story has hit the shelves today and I wanted to share the news! Candace Robinson has teamed up with Elle Beaumont to bring you a tale that is sure to get you on the Naughty List. Who am I kidding? You are probably already on the Naughty List! LOL!
Grab your copy today! AMAZON
Blurb:He’s the CAPTAIN, and she’s the TRAINEE. Will a mission get in the way of their fated bond?
Captain Korreth spends his days training Morozko’s Army, wanting nothing more than to quash the Changelings as they wreak havoc on Frosteria. But when a new trainee enters the barracks, he feels an inexplicable pull.
New recruit Zira has one thing on her mind, and it’s taking out the Changelings that slaughtered her family. She’s full of vengeance, but she can’t deny how difficult it is to focus in the presence of the captain.
With tensions rising in Frosteria and the mortal world, Korreth and Zira must work together, however, it will take the strongest of wills to ignore the call of a mate bond. That is, if they even wish to.
Until next time, Peace, Love, and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
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December 21, 2021
Cover Reveal for MADDIE by Candace Robinson and Amber R Duell
Hello there!
Today I wanted to step in and show off the cover for MADDIE. A lovely, dark tale brought to you by Candace Robinson and Amber R. Duell. They read the Alice and Wonderland books and said, “Yep, love. But let’s add something truly dark and delicious to it!” So, this writing duo set to work on a twisty tale that includes…wait for it…VAMPIRES! What the What????
I’ve had the chance to read the prequel story, RAV, and I have to say, you are in for a treat. (Review for RAV)
Sooooo, without further ado…Here is what MADDIE is all about!
Blurb:She’s a mad hatter. He’s a loyal brother. Together they must survive a world steeped in blood.
Maddie has been trying to rescue her sister from the Queen of Hearts’ prison for two years. When her last hope to infiltrate the palace fails, Maddie is left with no choice but to join forces with a sexy man from outside of Wonderland.
Noah’s life has become a repetitive cycle ever since breaking up with his long-time girlfriend. But then his sister, Alice, arrives at his doorstep sporting a new pair of fangs. Noah vows to cure her, even if it means sacrificing himself.
Tensions rise when the Queen of Hearts threatens to take down Maddie and Noah’s sisters, putting both their worlds in peril. They must combine their strengths to bring their enemy to her knees and protect their hearts … or risk losing them.You can order your copy here: MADDIE
Well, until next time, Peace, Love, and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
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December 20, 2021
A Career in Madness: The Life of An Author
No truer words have ever been spoken!
That might have been a bit of a stretch. There have been many words spoken that have been true but having spent the last two weeks consumed with edits for Zealot, I am feeling EVER LAST ONE OF THOSE WORDS!
It is a scary thing to send your work out into the world. To give others the opportunity to either love or hate what you’ve spent so much time creating. No story is for everyone. But you do hope that enough people will love yours.
I wrote Zealot in the year we shall not name. That year was more than a little challenging for all of us. But inside my tiny bubble, I felt lost. Friends came and went. The world held its collective breath worrying about what’s to come, and in the midst of it all I was able to put a little over 80,000 words on the page that needed so much work. To say I was not happy with my first draft would be an understatement. It was coherent and I sunk so deeply into a pit of worry over whether or not I would be able to get it to where it needed to be. Thankfully, my friend, I had some awesome support along the way!
Now, over a year later, the second book in my Blood and Sacrifice series is finally done. Has gone through all editing rounds and sits at over 140,000 words, ready to make its appearance in the world on March 22, 2022.
Am I happy with it? Yes and No. As I writer you never truly are satisfied with what you’ve written. I could spend month after month trying to fine tune my words, the characters, the story, etc… But at some point, I have to let it go and hope that, as I said above, there are some out there who will love it.
And in three months, I will know. Until then, I shall get back into it and spend the next few months on book 3…Tribe.
Until we talk again,
Peace, love, and chocolate chip cookies!
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December 2, 2021
Beyond the Cogs Blitz!!!
Welcome to the first post on my brand new PURTY site!! And I thought, how fitting it should be a stop on my anthology tour!!!This story was a true labor of love and I so enjoyed sharing the spotlight with my fellow authors, Elle Beaumont and Nicholas J. Evans. This, my friends, is an anthology you don’t want to miss!!!
Beyond the Cogs: A Steampunk Anthology
C. Vonzale Lewis, Elle Beaumont, Nicholas J. Evans
Published by: Midnight Tide Publishing
Publication date: November 17th 2021
Genres: Adult, Steampunk
When a world is reimagined…
This anthology contains three impeccable steampunk stories. Ranging from the gritty tale of battling a creature who steals the souls of others, to dabbling in the taboo art of imbuing a human soul into an automaton, and even a man venturing back home only to discover he’s been demonized.
The Soulless Ones by C. Vonzale Lewis
The Rogue of Vangard by Nicholas J. Evans
Gossamer & Thorns by Elle Beaumont
For those who love adventure in new worlds, gritty stories, and heart-wrenching tales, this collection is sure to resonate with you!
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo
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Bonus!!! Click on the link below to be entered into the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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September 29, 2021
Awaken the Three Book Blitz!!
I’m excited to share Awaken the Three (Highglade #2) by D. L. Jennings, a must read for Fantasy readers who love imaginative new worlds and epic adventures!
Awaken the Three (Highglade #2)
Publication Date: August 11, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Beyond the Wastes of Khulakorum, a storm is rising . . .
The Shaper of Ages is gone, and along with her, the Breaker — yet gods are not the only threat to the peace of the living.
Aldis Tennech, the once-great general of the armies of Gal’dorok, finds himself in exile. His only hope of reclaiming glory lies in the hands of a self-proclaimed emperor, and the unearthly powers that put him there. Meanwhile, improbable alliances are forged in the north as unexpected enemies rear their heads and threaten ruin-with a single thread in common, connecting them all.
In the sequel to his award-winning novel Gift of the Shaper, D. L. Jennings once again brings to life an epic tale of war and chaos as earthly armies fight for otherworldly prizes. Ancient powers lying dormant must be called upon, bringing strength to those who need it and conquest to those who seek it; battles will rage and cities will fall, but only the most desperate or reckless would seek . . .
. . . to awaken the three.
Add to Goodreads
Purchase Here!
Gift of the Shaper (Highglade #1)
For thousands of years, the Breaker of the Dawn has been locked away in the ethereal plane of the Otherworld. Now, a young blacksmith’s apprentice finds himself trapped in a war between the noble Athrani, a subset of humanity gifted with the ability to transmute matter, and the malevolent and powerful Khyth, who seek to free the ancient god from his prison.
When his father, Olson, is kidnapped, Thornton Woods and his childhood friend, Miera, must leave their small village of Highglade to find him. On their way, they are joined by Ynara and Kethras, cat-like humanoids called Kienari, who use their skills as hunter/trackers to follow Olson’s trail. When it comes to light that one among them possesses the key to the Breaker’s release, Thornton and his friends must defy the might of the Khyth as armies on both sides collide in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Gift of the Shaper chronicles the epic struggle between the existing forces of good and evil, with both sides vying for control of the key that unlocks the Otherworld. The very powers of creation and destruction hang in the balance, and only a heroic effort by Thornton and Miera, backed by the power of the Athrani, can possibly stop the Khyth from unleashing ruin — and the Breaker — upon their world.
About the Author
Once again, D. L. Jennings, who won the “Beverly Hills Award for Fantasy” in 2018, brings life to an epic tale of war and chaos as earthly armies fight for otherworldly prizes. Reminiscent of Game of Thrones , AWAKEN THE THREE is a riveting page-turner, and a must-read for fantasy readers who want to escape to a different world, time and place ruled by other-worldly beings. It’s the perfect book to escape from the anxious times of our COVID-19 reality.
D. L. Jennings is a fourteen-year active-duty veteran of the United States Air Force, serving under the Air Force Special Operations Command. In 2005, he earned his associate degree after graduating at the top of his Korean class at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California, and earning the Korean Consul General’s award for excellence. He is a graduate of Bellevue University in Nebraska, earning a bachelor of science degree in security management in 2008. He finished writing his debut novel, GIFT OF THE SHAPER, which won the Beverly Hills Book Award in 2018 for Fantasy, while serving on his ninth combat tour. He has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as well as several countries in Africa. When he is not reading or writing epic fantasy, he enjoys traveling, listening to ‘90s punk, and watching Ohio State football. Jennings lives in South Florida
Book Blitz Organized By:
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Link by Link Cover Reveal!
Yes, I have returned to my blog after a long hiatus and for good reason. While this is a cover reveal, I wanted to share a little bit about this wonderful anthology. She has some battle scars, ya’ll. Work on this anthology started earlier this year with the intent to be published in December. A group of awesome authors all submitted their stories and edits, cover, and formatting was done. Then the publisher pulled the plug LITERALLY and we all were left with this hollow feeling. Or maybe I’m just speaking for myself. My story, THE RECIPE FOR CORNBREAD, was written with my family in mind. I had planned on giving everyone a copy for Christmas.
So, when Meg, the editor for Link by Link, contacted me with this new opportunity, my heart soared!!!!YES!!! I screamed! Because now, I get to share my story with not only my family, but the entire world. I do require everyone on this planet to buy this battle-scarred book!!!
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!!Not only will everyone get to purchase the book, but Beacon Book Box will also feature our lovely anthology in its Christmas book box. NOW HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT???? Click the link below on Monday October 5, 2020 to get your special edition copy along with a box full of other goodies!
Beacon Book Box I THINK IT’S TIME TO SEE THE COVER!
Ain’t she purty!!!!BLURB:“‘I wear the chain I forged in life,’ replied the Ghost. ‘I made it link by link…’”-Charles Dickens, A Christmas CarolLink by Link is a collection of 9 stories of ghosts, spirits, and creatures unnamed, all come to teach lessons we won’t soon forget. From sweet Christmas tales to terrifying holiday hauntings, these stories take a dive into the past in the hopes of creating a better—or at least different—future.
Publication Day: December 2nd, 2020
Publisher: Midnight Tide Publishing
Make sure you add this wonderful title to your Goodreads: HereOh, I know you want a copy! Don’t worry, I got you covered!!AmazonUntil next time,
Peace, love, and Chocolate Chip Cookies!
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