Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 564

Interview with Author Jenny Twist

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired to write in this particular genre?
I am retired and live in the mountains of Southern Spain. I have always loved ghost and horror stories, and I have always longed to write, but I was too busy earning a living until ten years ago when we retired.
What is it about the paranormal, in particular ghosts, that fascinates you so much?
I have been fascinated by the idea of ghosts for as long as I can remember. All my life I have collected ghost stories told to me by friends and sometimes strangers under bizarre circumstances. The story The Apple Tree was inspired by the averred true story told to me by a fellow student one very drunken evening after the college ball. I like the idea that there are things out there that we can't explain. There is, if you like, another world which operates by different rules and anything can happen. I mean, how exciting is that?
What inspired you to write this book?
I've had a lot of the stories in my head for years, but none of them were written down. After I came to Spain I started writing stories and articles for a local magazine and about half of the tales in this book were originally published then. The rest were stories I wrote for competitions or simply stories that were ready to be written down. I eventually realized I had enough for a collection.
Please tell us about your latest release.
Take One At Bedtime is an anthology of horror, Sci-Fi and romance stories, most of which have supernatural content.
Here is the blurb:
Nobody ever goes upstairs in Margaret's house. So what is making the strange thumping noises up there? And why is there a toy rabbit under the kitchen table?
Margaret's Ghost is just one of a collection of short stories consisting mainly of horror and science fiction, ranging from a classic gothic tale – Jack Trevellyn – to the Wyndhamesque Victim of Fortune, and the modern Waiting for Daddy, with its spine-chilling twist.
There is also the occasional excursion into romance with A Castle in Spain and Jess's Girl.
But most of these tales take you to a place which is not quite as it seems.
It's bedtime now. Time to go upstairs. Time to take a look.
Just one look.
WARNING: Do not exceed the stated dose.

Do you have a special formula for creating characters' names? Do you try to match a name with a certain meaning to attributes of the character or do you search for names popular in certain time periods or regions?
I never make up names. All my characters have existing names, most of them very ordinary.

Is there a character that you enjoyed writing more than any of the others?
I rather like the mother in The Problem with Mother. She is forceful and doesn't care what anybody else thinks.
Do you have a formula for developing characters? Like do you create a character sketch or list of attributes before you start writing or do you just let the character develop as you write?

All my characters just happen. I don't consciously develop them. Once they exist, they take on a life of their own and I don't have to make any effort.

What is your favorite scene from the book? Could you share a little bit of it, without spoilers of course?
I rather like this scene from Victim of Fortune:

She reached up and switched on a hanging lamp above the table, then marched across to the door and switched off the main light. Instantly the room was plunged into near total darkness. Only the space in the middle of the table was illuminated with a deep, rosy glow. He noticed that the lamp was draped in some soft, silky material of a deep red. Behind him came a stumbling sound and a muffled curse as the old woman tripped over something on her way back to the table.
After some fumbling, she resumed her seat and carefully unwrapped the object she had removed from the windowsill. It was a simple glass globe on a wooden stand, but she gazed at it reverently as if it were a holy relic.
Passing her hands over the top of it several times and crooning under her breath, her face bloodied by the red light, she could have been some ancient priestess communing with her dreadful gods. Gradually, he began to get the impression that her face was under-lit, that the globe itself was giving out a milky luminescence. She closed her eyes and swayed slightly, then opened them wider than before and peered into the globe.
"I can see a strange land," she declared in a sonorous chant, her voice suddenly taking on a deep and powerful note. "It is a dreadful place, all red desert and black rocks. And it is hot." She drew her hands back from the globe as if she could feel the heat scorching her flesh. "So hot." She moaned.
She seemed to have forgotten the presence of the young man and he leaned forward, trying to see into the globe. It remained clear and empty, bland and innocuous.
"There are terrible storms here. The winds rage over the surface and rains fall on the black rocks. A terrible place." She drew her breath in a long whistle. "The rain is poisonous. Nobody could live here. How could anyone live in this desolate place?"
She lifted her eyes and looked at him, but it was clear that she wasn't really seeing him. In a daze, she returned to the crystal.
"Yet there are people here. There are buildings, and I can see people walking amongst them. I think they are people."
She uttered a low moan, closed her eyes and shuddered, then her eyes snapped open and she looked directly at him, seeing him.
"You!" she cried. "You come from this place!"

Did you find anything really interesting while researching this or another book?
I am presently writing a story about the mantequero, which is the Spanish equivalent of a vampire. It is a nightmare figure used to frighten children into good behavior and its main characteristic is to suck the fat from your bones. When I researched it I discovered that, as with vampires there have been real life people who believed themselves to be vampires and murdered people and drank their blood, so there have been real life mantequeros who killed people and stripped the fat from their bodies and sold it. Isn't that spooky?
What is the most interesting thing you have physically done for book related research purposes?
I have visited countless haunted houses and never seen anything myself, but I have talked to many people who have seen ghosts, the most believable being a highly intelligent and respectable museum curator, who regularly saw ghosts in the house he looked after.
Do any of your characters have similar characteristics of yourself in them and what are they?
Quite a lot of my characters share characteristics with me. I hadn't noticed any major similarities until my line editor said she loved the theme of revenge that ran through the stories. I initially denied this and then realized she was right. Not all of them, but a significant amount, are about revenge. I realized I was using the stories to get my own back.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you deal with it?
Never. I had so many stories in my head for so many years that I haven't run out yet. And there are always new ones coming up. I live in dread that it will happen one day.
Do you have any weird writing quirks or rituals?
I don't think so. Unless it's weird to wait until the story has brewed, so to speak, in my head and then download it all in one go.

Do you write in different genres?
I've just written a historical romance, set in Southern Spain in the 1950s. There are subtle suggestions of the supernatural, but it's basically straight-forward historical fiction.
Do you find it difficult to write in multiple genres?
I've never been able to write a murder mystery, even though I love the genre and read lots of it. But I have no difficulty writing horror, Sci-Fi and romance; although I think they quite often overlap. Several of the ghost stories, for example could just as easily be interpreted as travel through time or other dimensions.
When did you consider yourself a writer?
I think I always thought I might be a writer, but didn't really take myself seriously till I was published in the magazine. Seeing your name in print at the top of the page makes it real.

Other than writing, what are some of your interests, hobbies or passions in life?
I'm really boring. I read – a LOT – knit and do logic puzzles. I used to sing in folk clubs in England.
What was the last amazing book you read?
Kate Atkinson's When Will There be Good News.
Where is your favorite place to read? Do you have a cozy corner or special reading spot?
I read everywhere. On buses, in cafes, in the bath. Anywhere. I always have a book within reach.
What can readers expect next from you?
Domingo's Angel, the historical novel I told you about, coming out this month. And I have a story appearing in Curious Hearts, an anthology about altered lives. I don't yet know the publication date.
Where can readers find you on the web?
https://sites.google.com/site/jennytwistauthor/

Would you like to leave readers with a little teaser or excerpt from the book?
Here is an excerpt from Waiting for Daddy:
The voice receded and she felt a lurch of panic in the pit of her stomach. So that was it. Quite distinctly she felt every separate hair on her scalp move, as if a small electric current was passing over her head, and felt the goose pimples come up in little hard knots on her arms. She looked down and saw them standing out, each with its individual shadow in the bluish light of the television screen. And at the same moment she heard the footsteps coming down the stairs.
They came stealthily, almost too quietly to be the footsteps of an adult man, but she knew who it was. He was coming for her and he would kill her. And there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. Her mind leapt and panicked, but her body refused to move. Every muscle locked, her knuckles white as she gripped the arms of the chair.
The smell of after-shave grew even more powerful, coming in great waves, Old Spice mingled with extra alcohol. She'd know it anywhere. Desperately she tried to make herself move. She felt if she could just get going, just move a fingertip, it would release her from the spell. Some detached part of her mind was amused to note that the hairs on her head were still moving independently even though she was utterly unable to move her limbs. She focussed with all her might and her left leg twitched slightly. "Run, run," she urged silently, "Get out of the house". She'd have to leave Kitty and at the thought a huge wave of guilt swept over her. But he wouldn't hurt Kitty. He had never hurt the child.
And then it came. She felt the thump as the blade came down through her back and into her lungs. But, oddly, no pain, just the blow and a warm, wet sensation spreading across and down her back.

Vampire Wedding

Vampire Wedding is a horror/ Comedy about Sophia Heartfield, a wedding planner who ultimately has to battle vampires to save the man she loves. "THE SEXIEST VAMPIRE COMIC SERIES AND ROMANTIC HORROR COMEDY FILM OF THE YEAR! All ambitious but heartbroken wedding planner Sophia cares about is her fiancé Michael, who apparently just dumped her. Neither the high profile wedding of aging silent movie legend Angelyne Argyle nor the nomination for the Wedding Planner of the Year Awards help to brighten up her day, when all of a sudden she finds herself surrounded by vampires plotting to take over the world. With the help of photographer Paula and florist Raymond, Sophia jumps to rescue her fiancé, to ruin Angelyne's evil plan and to save the world from impending doom"
More Information on vampire wedding can be viewed at
http://www.vampire-wedding.com/comic.html
facebook group, www.facebook.com/vampirewedding.
tumblr : http://vampirewedding.tumblr.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/vampire_wedding

myspace: http://www.myspace.com/vampirewedding

youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/vampirewedding

The comic cover art for VAMPIRE WEDDING was created by Franke, an illustrator from Vienna. He has worked for production companies all over the world, and specializes in production design, mood boards, concept art, characters and storyboards. The comic pages are penciled, inked and colored by Eduardo Baretto, a top comic artist from Montevideo who mainly works for Marvel and DC. His work includes Superman, Batman, Star Wars, Marvel Knights, Aliens vs. Predators and Indiana Jones.The VAMPIRE WEDDING comic mini series and film is produced by Castalides Pictures. Castalides Pictures' director, Robert Huttinger, is also the writer and creator of 'Vampire Wedding'. He lives and works in London and Los Angeles. Among Robert's credits are best-selling RTL action TV series Cobra 11, and Cops 2000. His latest project, a motion picture called Kiss the Frog, is a romantic comedy in pre-production.

VAMPIRE WEDDING CASTING COMPETITION!

CASTING CALL FOR ALL THE 'TRENDY & FASHIONABLE VAMPIRES'
Your very best vampire ATTIRE/IMPRESSION is wanted!
Upload your PHOTO to the Vampire Wedding Facebook fan page or via their VAMPIRE WEDDING iPhone CASTING APP which will be live in the next couple of weeks or if you prefer, upload your VIDEO to their brand new Vampire Wedding YouTube channel
This is your chance to play a VAMPIRE alongside REAL A-LIST ACTORS on a FILM SET!
Don't forget to send your contact information to info@vampireweddingmovie.com
For FACE-TO-FACE meetings with the VAMPIRE WEDDING CASTING TEAM visit the pop-store at the LONDON COMIC CON on the 8-10th of JULY or follow on twitter for more updates! http://twitter.com/#!/vampire_wedding

The 2011 Flint Vampire Ball

Who will join me at the Flint Vampire Ball this year?
http://vertigotheatrics.com/themed-events/2011-vampire-ball/
Details taken from the Vertigo Theatrics Site:

The hinges creak as the lid of the coffin lifts. The darkness of the interior of the box stirs with the movement of the undead.
The re-animated hand of the vampire Amir Ayyish Mayyit Minalibir moves and reaches out for the streets of Flint. He is patiently awaiting the arrival of his minions when the Historic Masonic Temple will once again be filled with the reveling of those wishing to join the festivities.
Save the date as the Amir will once again host Vertigo Theatrics 4thAnnual Vampire Ball
at the Historically Haunted
Masonic Temple at 755 S. Saginaw St. in downtown Flint on
Saturday, October 22, 2011.
Only 333 tickets available….Order your tickets early to ensure your presence at this yearly Gothic Gala –
the Amir awaits you……


mark your calendars for October 22, 2011…
you don't want to miss this fangtastic event!!
The night will once again be full of exotic scares and pleasure. The first three years welcomed the gothic genius of Voltaire, The Hellblinki Chamber Ensemble, The Lunatic Vagabonds Gothic Belly Dancing Troupe, DJ cypher of Dark Nation Radio, Bellamorte, Versailles, Ego Likeness & Covert Operations.
The Vampire Ball has proven to be a Halloween treat that spookily brings out the bloodsucker in all of us. The darkness and children of the night cool a spiral through the heart and makes you question your future. If you have need for prognosticating there will be psychic readers Lynda Forbes & Friends on hand to help guide your path.
The prior years have been enchanting and eerie, yet combined with a festive atmosphere of continued surprises by not only the entertainers but the audience as well. There is little ability to predict the full evolution of the night or the mystic spirits that will possess the guests.
Speaking of spirits, the cash bar will once again be serving the specialty drinks of The Blood Bath, Vampire Kiss Martini, Vampire Wine, Blood (Bud) Lite, True Blood and the Familiar, heavy hors 'd oeuvres are included with your ticket. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door. Tickets can be ordered on line at www.vertigotheatrics.com or by calling Vertigo Theatrics at 810-239-7469. Join us for this one of a kind event in mid-Michigan, Saturday, October 22, 2011. Doors open at 7:30. You must be 21 and over to enter the vampires lair…ID's will be checked at the door. The Amir is anxiously waiting to greet his guests.

Vampire BallAdvance Tickets: $20. At the door: $25.

Guest Blog, Giveaway and Paranormal YA Book Tour Party with MM Shelley

Follow the Beat of the Drums

I have taken up the art of the Djembe drums at the encouragement of a good friend of mine. She told me that it creates a Zen like atmosphere; it clears the mind and will help unclog any creative blocks. Deciding to see what it was all about we met at a park in Whittier, California where I found a group of Djembe drummers. There were extra drums and chairs and after careful consideration I decided on a drum. We sat in a circle and I watched and listened as each drummer took a turn. Bass. Tone. Slap.

The Djembe is an African drum; it makes three sounds which I was able to pick up. Bass. Tone. Slap. Using my hands on the drum which was made with goat skin and sits on a mahogany stand, I took my turn with my Djembe.

There are three different points of the Djembe that are hit in order to form the sounds. My friend had been right. It does create a feeling of Zen. After the class I found out that one of the Djembe drummers participate in what is called, "Dragon Boat Racing."

Which I had no idea what Dragon Boat Racing entailed, apparently it consist of 22 people on a row boat. There are 20 paddlers who sit in pairs, 1 steersperson and 1 drummer. The job of the drummer is to create a beat and flow for the paddlers who in turn keep to the beat of the drum. The drummers' job is an important one in the Dragon Boat Race.

Drums are a unique way of expression and have been used as a form of communication since the beginning of time. Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart has a book, "Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion." It's about his journey through the myths and legends of drums or rather percussions.

While writing my own book, Mishap & Mayhem, which is set on the islands of Hawaii, I decided to look into the history of the Hawaiian drums. I have heard them played many times at luau's but I have never thought about their origins. The Hawaiian drums are called Pahu, they are wooden drums and are different heights and they originate from Polynesia. Interesting fact: they are made with sharkskin.

By following the beat of the drums I have come across many people who have shared their music and culture with me. Learning new things is what keeps me creative and to grow as a person.

Thanks to Fang-tastic Books for letting me share with you all today. You can find me over at my blog mmshelley.blogspot.com and on twitter @MM_Shelley

Much love,

M.M. Shelley

July 1 Guest Blog at Sherry Soule's blog
http://www.darkangelwritingtools.com/2011/07/interview-with-author-mm-shelley_01.html

July 8 guest Blog and Tour Party at Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
July 8 Guest Post All things books
http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com

July 9 Review All-Consuming Books,
http://tigersallconsumingbooks.blogspot.com/

Monday July 11th Guest Post
My Bookish Fairy Tale
http://www.kristenhaskins.blogspot.com

July 12 Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
http://www.hopelessbibliophile.com/

July 13 Guest Blog
Bittersweet Enchantment
http://syco4twilight.blogspot.com/

July 14 Interview Truthfully Fictional at
http://www.truthfullyfictional.blogspot.com/

July 15 Guest Blog at ParaJunkee and GIveaway
www.parajunkee.com

July 15 guest post
http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/

July 19 Guest Blog The Book Worms
http://thebookworms.org

July 20 Guest Blog and Review
http://mysteriousrose.blogspot.com/

July 21 Guest Blog
http://faybaysbooks.blogspot.com/


July 22 Guest Post and Review Reader Girls
www.readergirls.com

Blurb:

For centuries magical beings have hidden in the darkness, waiting. Some good, some evil. A battle is brewing, and only twins, Grasiella and Tatiana, have the power to stop it.

Buy links: Amazon, B&N, Smashwords

Want to win a print copy of Mishap and Mayhem?
Leave a comment or question for MM Shelley
Be sure to include your email
Open to US shipping

Review Demons Prefer Blondes by Sidney Ayers

DEMONS PREFER BLONDES BY SIDNEY AYERS

A Bad Day For A Demon

Rafe Deleon is a senior demon and he resents like hell his assignment to Earth to retrieve the Chest of the Damned before it falls into the wrong hands. But then he meets beautiful, intriguing succubus Lucy Gregory, and she's just unleashed a whole load of trouble…

Really Sucks For A Succubus

Lucy's chic suburban beauty salon has suddenly become the Underworld's center of mass chaos and destruction. The only good thing in a day going rapidly down the tubes is the arrival of a gorgeous demon who's adamant that he can help her…

But Lucy has quite a few deeply unpleasant—not to mention deadly and hateful—surprises ahead of her, and surely there's never been a worse time to try out a new boyfriend…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sidney Ayers writes light paranormal and erotic romance. Her manuscripts have won or placed in the MORWA Gateway to the Best, the Valley of the Sun Hot Prospects, the Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight, the Heart of Denver Molly, and the Finally a Bride contests. She lives in Michigan where she is working on the next book in the Demons Unleashed series, Demons Like it Hot—in stores December 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.sidneyayers.com/.

My Review:

First of all woo hoo Sidney great job- gotta show some love for a fellow Michigan author.

Demons Prefer Blondes is a fun and sexy read set in a fictional little town in Michigan where all sorts or mayhem and mishap occur after Lucy opens a Pandora's box right in the middle of her salon.

Lucy had no idea she was succubus until the sexy demon showed up. Then she still wasn't too quick to believe anything.

How on earth could her normal little world suddenly become so very paranormal?

Humor, snark, witty dialogue and very entertaining scenarios make this book a fun and memorable read. You won't forget these characters anytime soon.

Ayers manages to make demons both sexy and delightfully, dangerously scary. The combination is a heady cocktail of reading wonderfulness.

Even the secondary characters are fun, quirky and filled with humorous remarks that make this book an all out fun read- perfect for a summer escape.

Review of Heart of the Highland Wolf by Terry Spear

HEART OF THE HIGHLAND WOLF BY TERRY SPEAR

Each holds a secret they can't possibly overcome alone…
Julia Wildthorn is sneaking into Argent Castle to steal an ancient relic, but reluctant laird Ian MacNeill may be the key to unlocking the one answer she really wants discovered…

From brilliant storyteller Terry Spear, modern day werewolves meet the rugged Highlands of Scotland, where instinct meets tradition, and clan loyalties give a whole new meaning to danger…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry Spear has an MBA from Monmouth College. An eclectic writer with a PW Best Book of 2008 (Heart of the Wolf), she writes paranormal romance as well as historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit www.terryspear.com

My Review:
Scottish highlands + Werewolves + kilts = OMG awesome!
Set in a Scottish castle in contemporary times Spear seamlessly weaves a bit of history and a whole lot of paranormal werewolf elements into a romance novel peppered with suspense.
I love Spear's werewolf series. The novels always feature a great alpha male and a strong female heroine. This was another great blend of characters that made for a quick and sexy read that I don't want to put down.
Julia and Ian are a great pair with a sizzling attraction even though Julia's scheming threatens to throw a wrench into their connection from the get go. But I loved that she's a romance writer and can totally relate to her plotting and thinking about writing all the time (occupational hazard).
Ian...sexy werewolf in a kilt. What else is there to say? Seriously his character is fabulous- strong, true, with a lot of responsibility. He is a honorable man which is so hard to find these days and thus makes him that much more appealing.
Spear definitely delivered another page turning book in her series. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

E-Book Collections from Pocket

Title: Origins: First Books of Three Paranormal Bestsellers: Cole, Showalter, Kohler: A Hunger Like No Other, Awaken Me Darkly, Marked by Moonlight, with excerpts from their three latest novels!

Authors: Cole, KresleyShowalter, GenaKohler, Sharie

ISBN: 9781451652161

Price: $18.99 /Can $25.99 /Int'l $22.99

On Sale Now!

Description:

THREE PARANORMAL ROMANCE NOVELS IN ONE!

All first books in their series: A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER by Kresley Cole, AWAKEN ME DARKLY by Gena Showalter, and MARKED BY MOONLIGHT by Sharie Kohler. also contain teasers from each author's latest novels: DREAMS OF A DARK WARRIOR by Kresley Cole, DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE by Gena Showalterand NIGHT FALLS ON THE WICKED by Sharie Kohler.

So, what are you waiting for!

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Origins-First-Books-of-Three-Paranormal-Cole/Kresley-Cole/9781451652161

Urban Fantasy Collection - Vampires: A Rush of Wings, Staked, Wicked Game

Author: Phoenix, AdrianLewis, J. F.Smith-Ready, Jeri

ISBN: 9781451652154

Price: $18.99 /Can $26.99 /Int'l $26.99

On Sale Now!

Description:

Ebook collection of three urban fantasy novels: Rush of Wings, by Adrian Phoenix, Staked by J.F. Lewis, and Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready.

Enjoy!

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Urban-Fantasy-Collection-Vampires/J-F-Lewis/9781451652154

Bestselling Highlanders, Howlers, and Heroes: Chapman, Mayhue, and Gideon: Secrets of the Highlander, Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband, Masked by Moonlight

Author: Chapman, Janet Mayhue, Melissa Gideon, Nancy

ISBN: 9781451652147

Price: $18.99 /Can $25.99 /Int'l $31.00

On Sale Now!

Description:

THREE PARANORMAL ROMANCE NOVELS IN ONE! eBook box set of bestselling Highlanders, Howlers, and Heros: SECRETS OF THE HIGHLANDER by Janet Chapman, THIRTY NIGHTS WITH A HIGHLAND HUSBAND by Melissa Mayhue, and MASKED BY MOONLIGHT by Nancy Gideon.

TEASERS INCLUDED! This eBook anthology will also contain teasers from each authors' latest novel:

MYSTICAL WARRIOR by Janet Chapman, HIGHLANDER'S CURSE by Melissa Mayhue, and BOUND BY MOONLIGHT by Nancy Gideon

So, what are you waiting for!

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Bestselling-Highlanders-Howlers-and-Heroes-and/Janet-Chapman/9781451652147

Gena Showalter - The Alien Huntress Series: Enslave Me Sweetly, Savor Me Slowly, Seduce the Darkness

Author: Showalter, Gena

ISBN: 9781451651966

Price: $21.99 /Can $31.99 /Int'l $36.00

On Sale Now!

Description:

This eBook anthology contains three books in Gena Showalter's bestselling "Alien Huntress" series

TEASER OF UPCOMING BOOK!

The eBook anthology will include a teaser of Gena's upcoming Alien Huntress

novel, DARK TASTE OF RAPTURE (on sale 8/23/11)

So, what are you waiting for!

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Gena-Showalter-The-Alien-Huntress-Series/Gena-Showalter/9781451651966

Release Day Party: Break Out by Nina Croft

Entangled Publishing officially launches August 2 with a fabulous line up of books but to give you a sneak peak of what Entangled has to offer Break Out is being offered as an early release and is now available for just .99
Today we're celebrating with a guest blog from Break Out's author Nina Croft BTW if you'd like to have Nina as a guest at your site, I am her publicist for Entangled so you can contact me to set up interviews and guest blogs with Nina

Space Operas, Vampires and Living Forever.

I first came across the term, space opera, a few years ago when I saw a publisher's submission call. I looked it up on Wikipedia, and here's what it says:

Space opera is a subgenre of speculative fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in outer space, generally involving conflict between opponents possessing advanced technologies and abilities…. Perhaps the most significant trait of space opera is that settings, characters, battles, powers, and themes tend to be very large-scale.

Well known TV examples are Star Trek, Battlestar Gallactica, and my all time favorite, Firefly. And I realized that I've actually been a huge fan of space operas for most of my life.

My novella, BREAK OUT, book 1 in the Blood Hunter series, is primarily a space opera. It has romance, adventure, it's set in outer space, and it involves opponents with advanced abilities. But it also has something not included in the Wikipedia definition—vampires.

My hero, Ricardo Sanchez is a vampire. Rico has been around for a long time. He was born in the Middle Ages on Earth and he's seen a lot of changes. Like me, he's also a big Star Wars fan, which is probably why he's ended up as the pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador. He sees himself as a sort of Han Solo with fangs—he's living a dream.

As a vampire, Rico is immortal and that's one of the reasons I was happy to include him in my space opera. I've always been fascinated with the idea of immortality—what people would do to gain it, what price would they pay, how they would cope if they did somehow find a way to live forever—and this is the main theme running through the Blood Hunter series.

Break Out is set in a future where man has fled to the stars. There they have discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, it's exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few, and a new ruling class has evolved—the Collective. Everyone in the universe dreams of getting enough credits together to pay for the Meridian treatment and join the Collective. Everyone that is, except Rico, who is already immortal.

Everything has a price. The price Rico paid for immortality is that he lives with a darkness within him. A darkness that craves blood and death. He's accepted it and has a code, which he tries to live by, and most of the time he succeeds. He's also found that plenty of sex helps keep the darkness at bay, and that's really not a problem for Rico, because he likes sex. But there's also another price—Rico has never allowed himself to love, because mortals have a bad habit of dying and leaving him. And then he meets Skylar…

In the later books, I'll explore further the price of immortality. Because the Collective are going to find the price is higher than they thought. And some of them are going to decide it's too high.

So what do you think—would you like to live forever?

Win Break Out at http://booksonthehouse.com/

July 1 Teaser PromoVanessa Romanowww.thejeepdiva.com
July 4th: Fresh Fiction
July 4 Guest Post http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
July 5 Interview at Paperback Dollshttp://www.paperbackdolls.com/

July 5 Guest Blog and Release Party Fang-tastic Bookshttp://www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/
July 5 Entangled bloghttp://www.entangledpublishingblog.com/
July 5 Guest Post Romancing the Darksidehttp://romancingthedarkside.blogspot.com
July 5 Guest Post Authors By Authorshttp://authorsbyauthors.blogspot.com
July 6 Guest Post Reader Girlshttp://www.readergirls.blogspot.com
July 7 Guest Bloghttp://authoraubrie.blogspot.com
July 8 Guest Post Getting Naughty Between the Stackshttp://gnbstacks.blogspot.com

July 9 Interview and Review The Wormholehttp://wormyhole.blogspot.com
July 11 Interview at Rachel Firasek's bloghttp://www.rachelfirasek.com/apps/blog/
Book Boost: August 4th

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BLOOD HUNTER SERIES - Book One by Nina Croft

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they've discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they're called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can't resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective's maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun!

Title: Break Out
Author: Nina Croft
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance/Vamps
Length: Novella
Release Date: July 5th, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-937044-04-6

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/break-out/

"An exciting roller coaster ride… Loads of fun!"
~ Julia Rachel Barrett, Award-winning author of Captured

Here's a quick excerpt from Break Out:


Rico pressed his comm unit. "Tannis?"
"What?" Her tone was grumpy, and he suspected what he was about to say wouldn't cheer her up any.
"If you're not already strapped into anything right now, you might want to consider it."
"What the…"
He closed off the connection and settled back in his seat, locking his safety harness in place. Everyone was still standing. Was no one capable of taking orders anymore?
"Sit," he roared.
Rico gave them ten seconds to comply, then hit the new coordinates. The Cazador slowed, shuddered, but before the ship had time to come to a complete stop, he hit the boosters and sent her into overdrive. The engines shrieked as she spun and shot off in the opposite direction, the force of her speed pushing him back into his chair.
Behind him, someone crashed to the floor. They really should have listened.
It was only seconds before he saw the speck of the space cruiser on the screen. They were hurtling toward it, but he didn't slow down. They had to do this quickly, before the other ship realized what was happening.
The ship grew bigger, definitely the same one from the attack the other day. If attack was the right word. He locked on the lasers and fired. The Cazador wasn't powerful enough to do any real damage, but he was betting he could still wind them up.
Now was the moment they should retaliate. But he didn't think they would. Of course, if he was wrong they would all be space dust in about two seconds, and while he liked to think he was never wrong, there was always a first time.
The other ship wouldn't even have to shoot. They could just keep going, slam into them and El Cazador would be smashed into tiny little pieces. The bigger ship probably wouldn't sustain more than a scratch.
He held his breath, fighting the urge change course as the image of the space cruiser filled the screen.
Mierda. He was wrong. They were going to crash.
At the last minute, the cruiser veered. The power of her back-thrust washed over El Cazador, rolling her, and for a minute, he hung upside down from the harness. He ignored the crash and subsequent yelp as someone collided with the ceiling.
When the ship righted itself, the screen was empty. Rico released his breath and assessed the place for damage. A few red buttons blinked on the console, but nothing too drastic.
Skylar was picking herself up off the floor. He should have guessed she'd be the one to disobey orders. She winced and rubbed a spot on her hip, but otherwise she appeared okay. Perhaps he would offer to kiss her bruises better… later.
Check out the smoking hot reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Hot Vampire/Space/Alien Romance HOT HOT HOT, July 2, 2011By Rachel F. -

I've not read much sci-fi/space opera romance, but if they are all like this, I may be hooked. The story begins with Rico running for his life and doesn't stop the fast paced race until the very end. He's one hot hero. I love that he's not stupid and stayed one step ahead of the heroine.

Skylar is one tough cookie, too. She's vulnerable yet strong, and isn't afraid to ask for what she wants. I found myself cheering her on when she would one-up Rico--no easy task.

Ms. Croft created a whirl-wind story that ate away my afternoon with a fun world and an even funner cast of characters. I loved this book and can't wait for the next installment. I have to know who Al is!
5.0 out of 5 stars A Sizzling Hot Space Opera Complete with Vampires!, July 2, 2011By Aubrie A. Dionne "Fantasy, Sci Fi Author"

Breakout by Nina Croft

Skylar is on first solo mission as an elite intelligence officer. Disconnected from her team, she's completely on her own, and this mission cannot fail. She's trained for every situation, except a sexy vampire rogue who wants to take advantage of her and taste her blood. She can't give in to her desires, because if he gets close enough, he'll learn too much and her mission will fail.

Combine space ships with vampires, pirates, and romance, and you get Breakout by Nina Croft. The characters are so vivid, they jump off the page and talk right at you, and the brilliant dialog made me laugh out loud several times. The chemistry between Skylar and Rico starts hot and doesn't stop heating up, until I thought the ebook would burstinto flames on my computer.

A must read for science fiction romance fans.
5.0 out of 5 stars Space Vampires? Yes please., July 3, 2011By Patricia A. Eimer "bargain hunting math maste... -
When I first saw Nina Croft's Break Out all I could think was vampires in space? Really? But it's Nina Croft and she's a master so you have to give it a try just to see where her imagination will take you.

This story could have become trite and stereotypical at any point with a lesser author but Nina Croft is a master of the craft, making the ability for her readers to suspend belief effortless. Skylar is a mind blowing heroine, both vulnerable and strong while Rico makes you wonder if it's possible for a Kindle to actually melt in your hands. But when you put them together? Let's just say a nun would need a cold shower with the sparks these two give off.

If you're looking for a vampire novel with a bite then this little gem should definitely be on your to-read list.

Pre-Order Entangled Titles Now at Books on Board

Break Out by Nina Croft

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they've discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they're called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can't resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective's maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun!

Title: Break Out
Author: Nina Croft
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance/Vamps
Length: Novella
Release Date: July 5th, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-937044-04-6

Night Walker by Lisa Kessler

He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She's haunted by dreams of her own death…

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she's drawn to him in ways she doesn't understand.

They've waited in the shadows for centuries…

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he's ever loved again.

Title: Night Walker
Author: Lisa Kessler
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-12-1
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-13-8

Books 2, 2 1/2, and 3 coming December 2011, January 2012, and June 2012!

Resurrection by Boone Brux

Protecting humans is the Bringers' duty. Sending demons to the Shadow World is their pleasure.

In one night, Ravyn's life plunges from barely tolerable to deadly. Forced to flee the only home she's ever known, Ravyn stumbles headlong into the clutches of a powerful demon intent on stealing her powers. Unfortunately for him, she has no intention of cooperating.

When Rhys realizes the woman he rescued from the Demon Bane is no mere human, his obligation as a Bringer dictates he protect and train her in the ways of his people. But he's unprepared for the intense desire he feels for the fiery Ravyn. To surrender to his need may mean her death.

As the Demon Bane threat escalates, igniting terror and chaos across the realm, Rhys and Ravyn must embark on a perilous journey to unite the last of the Bringers–and explore a passion too powerful to ignore.

Title: Resurrection
Author: Boone Brux
Genre: Fantasy Romance with historical elements
Length: Novel – 306 pages
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-06-0
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-07-7

Books 2 and 3 coming February and August 2012!

Out in Blue by Sarah Gilman

In a violent world where fallen archangels are hunted for their valuable plumage, Wren knows one thing for certain: the human woman who saved him from a poacher attack will die if she stays with him. The demon responsible for his parents' gruesome deaths two decades ago pines for the chance to rip apart any woman who stands under Wren's wing.

Wren doesn't expect Ginger to stay by his side once she discovers his ability to drain life with a mere touch, yet she lingers. When an unusual talent of her own reveals the location of Wren's father, Wren's isolated world implodes. With the help of the demon protectors he's sworn never to trust again, Wren risks everything to rescue his father, confront the demon who stalks his and Ginger's every step, and claim his eternity with the most courageous woman he's ever known.

Title: Out In Blue
Author: Sarah Gilman
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel – 250 pages
Release Date: September 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-26-8
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-27-5

Paradise 21 by Aubrie Dionne

Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind's last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin anew—a planet that won't be reached in Aries' lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage.

But Aries has other plans.

When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet's native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a hefty price.

The life of the man she loves.

Title: Paradise 21
Author: Aubrie Dionne
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: Novel – 234 pages
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-02-2
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-03-9