C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 190

The Sixth Day of Christmas with Susan Hanniford Crowley by Gerri Brousseau

Welcome.  We're so excited to have Nights of Passion's own Susan Hanniford Crowley here with us today.

NOP:  Please tell our readers about A Vampire for Christmas.

SHC:  A Vampire for Christmas is set in New York at Christmas.  Our heroine, Georgia, is a human with a special gift.  She's a Harmony.  There are those people who spread inexplicable joy with the smallest act.  If a Harmony gives you a cup of coffee, you will think it is the most wonderful coffee ever.  The slightest interaction with a Harmony can fill you with happiness.

But Georgia's life hasn't been happy.  She's lost her job and about to lose her apartment and become homeless.

Trevor is an Arnhem Knight and vampire.  He has sworn to protect humans from death by vampires and assist supernaturals in danger.  Georgia is marked for death by demons.  She may also be his one true love.  He needs to talk to her but finds himself tongue-tied, and to make things worse, she thinks he is a stalker.

NOP:  What inspired you to write A Vampire for Christmas?

SHC:  I was asked by my publisher to write a Christmas story.  Before I went to bed, I was thinking about looking in the store windows of New York at Christmastime.  Then I dreamed the story.

NOP: Of all the characters you have created, do you have a favorite?  If so, who is it and why is he/she your favorite?

SHC:  My favorites are always the couple I'm writing at that moment.

NOP: How would your hero and heroine have spent Christmas?

SHC: Well, I can't tell that or I've given away the story to A Vampire for Christmas.  LOL

NOP: What advice do you have for new writers who are striving to get published?

SHC: Persistence is patience and consistency.  Always write.  Always send out.  Never give up and never surrender.  Okay, now I sound like the movie "Galaxy Quest."  But it's true.  The people who are published never gave up.

NOP: If you were unable to write, what other profession would be of interest to you?

SHC: I've been an artist.  I find art very relaxing.

NOP: How do you deal with the dreaded "doubt monster"?

SHC: I call my best friend and talk about it.  I've had doubts.  Everyone has them.  They can get to you if you believe them.  Stop doubting yourself.  Have fun with what you're doing.  Do it for you.  Surrender to your writing or your art or whatever gives you joy.

NOP:  Do you ever get writer's block and if so, how do you deal with it?

SHC:  I write scribbles if I have to.  I play role-playing games.  I sleep and dream.  My dreams will not allow me to be blocked for very long.  All my stories come from dreams.

NOP: If you could be any fictional character, who would that be and why?

SHC: I'd be Catherine in Wuthering Heights, but I'd change the story and run off with Heathcliff.  Why?  If you've read Heathcliff, you'd understand perfectly.  LOL

NOP:  Who is your favorite author?

SHC:  Paul Twitchell.  He wrote a book about inner worlds called The Tiger's Fang that changed me forever.

NOP: What is your favorite novel?

SHC: The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula LeGuin.  It's a science fiction novel about a guy that dreams and every morning when he wakes, the world has changed to match his dream.  When he learns to control his dreams, it gets doubly exciting.

NOP:  What's next for you?

SHC: Writing and more writing.  I've got some vampire projects going and also some out of the box things.  I'm always having new dreams.

For my contest, I'm giving away one PDF ebook of A Vampire for Christmas.  If the winner already has that one, then they can choose a PDF ebook from my romance list.  This is a worldwide contest.  Good luck, everyone!  The deadline is Midnight … tonight.  In order to qualify, you must put the words, "I want six geese a'laying" in your comment.  Good luck to all.

Filed under: romance

Ringing in the New by Gerri Brousseau

New Year's Eve, the night we celebrate the end of one year and the birth of another.  Some go to house parties and celebrate with family and friends; others spend time with a significant other; and others, the brave or perhaps the crazed, travel to Time Square to ring in the new among a throng of thousands of strangers.   I admit, New Year's Eve in Time Square is on my bucket list, although I must say, as the years pass, the idea is losing its appeal.

For me, this is the time when I reflect upon what has happened over the past year and I ponder new goals for the new one.  Yes, I am referring to the infamous New Year's Resolutions.

This year, I have gratitude for my good health and will strive to maintain it;

I am thankful for any success I may achieve, and also for the successes of others;

I lift a glass to toast my friends, all of whom I am grateful for and I will endeavor to keep close, as at the same time I reach out to make new ones;

I am thankful for those who are kind, and I vow to look for opportunities to perform random acts of kindness;

I will endeavor to utter no unkind word;

To live my life with passion.

Vow to lend a helping hand.  To assist wherever I can and help others achieve their goals;

To count my blessings rather than worry about counting my pennies; and above all to value my family and tell them I love them every chance I get.

Sappy … perhaps.  But if we could all take a moment to extend our hand to each other, wouldn't the world be a nicer place?

So, as the clock ticks toward midnight, think about it … what are your resolutions for 2012?  Please share some of your goals with us.  If you are not so inclined, that's ok too … but please know that I have enjoyed sharing with you this past year, and look forward to another year of writing entertaining blog articles for you.  On behalf of the entire crew here at Nights of Passion, I wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Filed under: romance

The Fifth Day of Christmas with Angela K. Roe by Gerri Brousseau

Christmas is my favorite time of year. When I think back to some of my favorite memories, I give thanks for the magic my parents brought to the lives of myself and my brother. As a child, I was very ill and missed two or three days of school each week. In 2nd grade, I had surgery to partially remove a kidney. Because I was so sick, I was eventually hospitalized in October and kept until I was well enough to have the surgery. When I was released, it was December 23rd and I was devastated that I was unable to see Santa that year.

I clearly remember the day I was released. I was awake early and even though I had an IV, I was fully dressed, including socks and shoes, before breakfast. I'd climbed up on the bed to unhook the IV bag from the poll and strung it through my shirt sleeve. Dressed and ready to go, I awaited the doctor's and my parent's arrivals so I could end my very long hospital stay.

At home, I was both sad and delighted to see the Christmas tree and all the decorations up. When I'd been admitted to the hospital, it was far too early to think about Christmas. Leaves were turning colors and the air was chilly, but no winter coats were needed and the holidays still seemed far away. I didn't help hang decorations on the tree and I didn't help arrange things on the faux fireplace in eager anticipation of Santa's visit.

I remember my mother's admonitions to take it easy that day, rest on the sofa and not exert myself. The day passed and after dinner, we were in the living room when there was a knock on the door. My mom told me to answer it. I was shocked; I'd not been allowed to be in the front room when someone opened the door in case I got a chill or a virus and got sick again. I ran to the door and threw it open wide and there, on my front porch, stood Santa Clause. Red suit, black boots, big belly and full white beard, the big guy was standing at my house, talking to me. Since I was unable to go and see him, he'd come to see me.

Those of you who know me are already aware of the fact that I am not a shy person. In fact, I have been told on more than one occasion, that I am obnoxiously outgoing. That night, I jumped back so far, I nearly landed in the kitchen and I'm pretty sure I didn't speak a single word directly to Santa. I refused to sit on his lap and I have a vague recollection of whispering the answers to his questions into my mother's ears so she could talk for me. When faced with the most important figure in my life, outside of my family members, I was simply awestruck.

This is only one example of the memories I have of Christmas. My mother would fill big bowls with nuts and we kids would spend hours trying to crack brazil nuts and still be able to get the nut out of the shell. I am amazed at the patience shown by my parents who must have dug hundreds of nuts out of shells so we could munch on them during each season. My father used to till under the very large garden each year. He'd build a 2×6 frame around it, overlay that with thick plastic sheeting and flood it, creating our own personal ice skating rink. Every year, new skates were found under the tree on Christmas morning. We had snowmobiles, horse drawn sleighs complete with bells, skis and snow shoes. November was filled with cleaning, decorating, baking and hiding goodies so my brothers and my father didn't eat all the sweet treats before Christmas day. Winter remains to this day, my very favorite season.

Once, when my daughter Kym was about ten, she said to me, "Christmas must be sad when you're grown up." I tried to explain to her how fun it is to search out those most amazing Christmas gifts, the ones the kids didn't even know they wanted until they unwrapped them, and to see their faces light up on that most holy morning. I don't think she understood it until she had children of her own.  Now she's learned the real meaning of Christmas, the giving of joy and love. My hope for each of you this Christmas season is that you too, find the real meaning of Christmas. I hope you bring love and joy to those you meet and I hope you are the recipient of the love and joy of those who surround you during the holidays. Have a blessed, holy and Merry Christmas, my friends.

I am a romance novelist, a freelance writer, editor and photographer. I have a variety of published EBooks and online articles based on topics as diverse as home improvement, ballroom dancing, fitness, marketing and research, computer programs and business associations. I provide SEO copy to industry-leading Web content providers.

Purchase my books by following any of these links.

AngelaKRoe

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Amazon

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Angela has agreed to participate in our 12-day give away.  To qualify to win one of her works, please type "I want Five Golden Rings" into your comment.  Thank you for commenting and good luck.

Filed under: romance

Reminder about Contests and Deadlines

Please, note that all contests end at midnight of the day our guest is on unless otherwise noted.   We hope you're having fun on Nights of Passion, and be sure to enter the contests.

It's been a lovely holiday.  Still no snow, but after getting clobbered in October, we don't miss it.  lol

–Susan

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley

The Fourth Day of Christmas with Leia Shaw by Gerri Brousseau

Nights of Passion is excited to have Leia Shaw here with us today.

NOP:  Please tell our readers about Destiny Unchained.

Leia Shaw:  Destiny Unchained is a paranormal romance novel about a cold-hearted vampire assassin and a warm, passionate werewolf pack alpha, who team up to catch a serial killer stalking the wilderness in the Northwest.

NOP:  What inspired you to write Destiny Unchained.

Leia Shaw:  Well, this is the third in a series. Though each can be stand alone, the characters are repeated throughout. Natalia, my heroine, was the wife of Marcelo, the hero in the second book before they were turned to vampires. In many romance books, the male lead is the strong, brave, closed off character and the woman softens him. I wanted to reverse the roles a bit. Natalia was hurt long ago and has built a wall around her heart. She's a fighting machine – a deadly assassin who's shut off her emotions. Cristian is exactly opposite. He's kind and warm. He's suffered throughout his long werewolf life too, but has healed. He only wants the same for Natalia.

NOP: Of all the characters you have created, do you have a favorite?  If so, who is it and why is he/she your favorite?

Leia Shaw:  Sage, the sorceress heroine from my first book, Destiny Divided. She's my favorite because she's the most like me. A sarcastic, smart-ass who wears her emotions on her sleeve. Though she's got a bit more of a temper. She shot a lightning bolt at the hero in the first chapter. Lol!

NOP: How would your hero and heroine have spent Christmas?

Leia Shaw:  Hmm…well, werewolves are a family-oriented culture so Cristian would have been surrounded by his pack, playing with the young children, enjoying a hearty meal. Sadly, Natalia would have spent in alone, hunting down whatever her target was at the time. That's before she met Cristian anyway. But I won't spoil the ending and say what they'd do this Christmas.

NOP: If you were to give a Christmas gift to your hero, what would it be and why?

Leia Shaw:  Me! No? Not even with a bow? Okay, okay. Well, he's surrounded by his pack and gets a lot of respect, but he yearns for more. He's lonely too. So I'd give him a wife and kids. Cristian is the perfect family man.

NOP: What advice do you have for new writers who are striving to get published?

Leia Shaw:  Consider self-publishing. I've talked to writers who've been sitting on manuscripts for up to ten years. If you self-publish, at least someone will be reading them. I know it's a lot of writer's dreams to have a hard copy of their book in the bookstores. But times are changing. You'll be better off if your dreams change with them.

NOP: If you were unable to write, what other profession would be of interest to you?

Leia Shaw:  Comedian. I live to make people laugh.

NOP: How do you deal with the dreaded "doubt monster"?

Leia Shaw:  I read my good reviews. Lol!

NOP:  Do you ever get writer's block and if so, how do you deal with it?

Leia Shaw:  Oh yes, of course I do. Taking a break works well. I fill up on inspiration. Reading, watching movies, listening to music, talking to other authors, browsing the internet mindlessly. Okay, maybe that last one isn't so helpful. A lot of people insist on writing through the block but I can't do that. Eventually, I get unblocked. Hmm…that has a whole different meaning, doesn't it?

NOP: If you could be any fictional character, who would that be and why?

Leia Shaw:  Easy. Kate Daniels from Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniels series. She's totally kick-ass but still has her femininity and a soft side. She's funny and smart. Not to mention she's got Curran for a mate. *Swoon*

NOP:  Who is your favorite author?

Leia Shaw:  I have to pick one? It depends on the genre but I'll go with paranormal since it's my genre. Kresley Cole is my idol.

NOP: What is your favorite novel?

Leia Shaw:  Again, I have to pick one? My God, what a difficult question. Umm…I could mention something really profound and sound super smart, but I think I'll go with the childhood classic, Matilda by Roald Dahl. I read it countless times as a child. It's funny and magical and has a very good message: don't piss off your kids.

NOP:  What's next for you?

Leia Shaw:  Now that I can answer easily. Right now I'm working on a contemporary erotic novel that's based on the true story of a young woman who was raped as a child and thus couldn't have sex with her husband. Through her gradual journey into BDSM, she's discovered a way to connect with him she never thought possible. I know it doesn't sound like it, but it's a very sweet, heart-warming story full of humor (not to mention steamy sex). I'm co-authoring it with the traditionally published erotica author, Cari Silverwood, who is just an amazing writer and person. This will be released around Valentine's Day 2012. After that I have four more books planned for my Destiny series. Book 4, Destiny Bewitched, is due out this summer. The rest of this series will keep me busy for a while.

Leia has agreed to give away a copy of Destiny Unchained to one luck reader.  To qualify, please leave a comment and you must include the words" I want Four Calling Birds" in your comment.  Thanks for participating and good luck.

Filed under: romance

The Third Day of Christmas with C. Margery Kempe by Gerri Brousseau

Welcome to Nights of Passion.  We're so excited to have C. Margery Kempe here with us today.

NOP:  Please tell our readers about Four Play.

Margery:  This is a collection of four stories that explore the flowering of relationships, some new, some old, all quite different. I joshingly said it was like Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham because they're on a golf course, in a kitchen, on a bus and in the library.

NOP:  What inspired you to write Four Play?

Margery:  When you write a lot of very long projects that can take months or even years to complete, there's something wonderful about writing a story that you can finish in a number of hours or days. Puting four of them together makes the collection robust and yet still a bargain at 99¢.

NOP: Of all the characters you have created, do you have a favorite?  If so, who is it and why is he/she your favorite?

Margery:  It's hard to choose, but it would probably be between Chastity Flame's title character or Constance Wynne Hare of The Big Splash (under my other romance name, KitMarlowe). Chas is like a female James Bond, who can cope with any situation and stop bad guys with style. Constance is the kind of wealthy spoiled woman of leisure that I would love to be

NOP: How would your hero and heroine have spent Christmas?

Margery:  Constance and her fiancé would doubtless spend it fighting with each other and not speaking. Chas would doubtless spend the day in bed with Damien if they could elude her co-workers long enough. I, however, celebrate Yule.

NOP: If you were to give a Christmas gift to your hero, what would it be and why?

Margery:  I would give Damien a new job so he and Chas could finally be together without interference from their boss and all the people busy trying to kill them!

NOP: What advice do you have for new writers who are striving to get published?

Margery:  I steal my advice from Ray Bradbury, who said, write, finish what you start, send it off and keep writing. I'd also add get as much criticism as possible: it may not all be good, but you need to hear it. Know your goals: if you want to be a published writer, you need to meet your editors and readers at least half way.

NOP: If you were unable to write, what other profession would be of interest to you?

Margery:  If I were unable to write I could not live. I have never been able to do any other job without getting bored.

NOP: How do you deal with the dreaded "doubt monster"?

Margery:  I surround myself with creative, positive people. We all have those moments and we remind one another how fabulous we are and cheer each other on until we get back into the groove.

NOP:  Do you ever get writer's block and if so, how do you deal with it?

Margery:  I've gotten blocked on projects. If it's my own, I might just abandon it until inspiration resurrects it. If it's contracted work, I buckle down and write a crappy first draft and then fix it, which does usually work. I find that when I am blocked it's because my head is empty, so I go off to fill it up again with nature, art or music. Anything but words.

NOP: If you could be any fictional character, who would that be and why?

Margery:  Alice in Wonderland

NOP:  Who is your favorite author?

Margery:  Oh, too too many to answer that! Among my favourite romance-themed authors are Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.

NOP: What is your favorite novel?

Margery:  Again, impossible! I have favourite novels for different moods. One fave is Jane Eyre which is a good acid test to determine how I will get along with people. If they do not love Jane's story, I am unlikely to feel completely warm to them. My currentserialnovelhas Jane's daughter as its protagonist.

NOP:  What's next for you?

Margery:  I have a football-themed story with a publisher now, not sure when that collection's coming out. That's real football, but the way (soccer to you Americans). I'm working on the much-delayed sequel to Chastity Flame which is called Lush Situation. I have several projects in the works for next year including more fairytale-themed shorts for Noble Romance and another Gothic tale.

Of course I'm hoping that my new home in Ireland will offer a lot of inspiration. I have penned a couple of very dark crime stories that came out under my given name (K. A. Laity) but the lush countryside and the gorgeous bay will inspire some happy stories as well. There seems to be magic around every corner here: I've got magpies outside my window, which always delights me. The streets are full of music and here in Galway you hear a lot of Gaeilge spoken. The rhythms fill the English as well. The square below me hosts the Xmas market, so there's a carousel and sparkly lights and smiling faces everywhere. Magic.

Margery has graciously agreed to have a give away.  One luck winner will get a copy of Four Play and here is what you need to do.  In your comment you MUST put the words "I want three french hens" to qualify.  Good luck.

Filed under: romance

What Creature Strikes Your Fancy?

We watched Underworld: Evolution this weekend. Oh I've seen it before. Actually, I've seen all three of the movies released in the series, but not for a while. Maybe it was the Twilight craze or all the vampire and werewolf books that bombarded the market for a bit and tired me out. Still, I found the movie as good as ever. Truth is, I'm not sure vampires (and in some cases werewolves) will ever disappear. They're classic.

What's been interesting to see over the past couple years is how many other creatures have made it to the market: angels, demons, mermaids and mermen, fae, nymphs, witches, wizards, and I'm sure the list goes on and on. Sometimes it's hard to keep it all straight and while I agree the variety is nice, I also believe a good story stands out on its own (even if it does use the classic old vampire or werewolf as the principal character).

My thoughts in writing today's blog were really to get your thoughts on what creatures strike your fancy.  Are you more of stick to the species type (humans) or do you like to mix it up? I personally tend to stray toward writing contemporary or paranormals as they allow my imagination to sort of run wild both in a realistic world and a surreal world, but when it comes to reading, I read the whole spectrum. As we move into 2012 in the next few days, I wish you luck in whatever you decide to write. May this New Year bring you a great year for writing.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

The Second Day of Christmas with Anna C. Bowling by Gerri Brousseau

We welcome Anna C. Bowling to Nights of Passion.  We're so excited to have you here with us today.

ACB: Thanks. I'm excited to be here.

NOP:  Please tell our readers about Orphans in the Storm.

ACB:  Orphans in the Storm is a historical romance set at the end of the English Civil War, which is one of my favorite eras, ripe for intrigue and adventure.

Raised in isolation on the remote Isle of Man, Jonnet Killey never expected to learn that she was an exiled countess in her own right, or that her return to her birth family would release funds needed to bring Charles Stuart back to English soil.

Ever the king's man, Simon Burke embarked upon the dangerous mission, hoping to make amends for past failures. He never expected to lose his heart to the wild Manx minx or  that necessity would require him to link his life to hers.

A new life awaits Jonnet, with a mother on the brink of madness and a treacherous uncle who will stop at nothing to keep Jonnet's inheritance to himself. While the end of exile nears, danger mounts. Simon and Jonnet must depend on their inner strength and their newfound love to sustain them while the storms of treachery rage.

NOP:  What inspired you to write Orphans in the Storm?

ACB: Orphans in the Storm actually had its roots in a role playing game a friend was running.  She invited me to play, and asked if I could come up with a female character from the British Isles, who would have been born in the seventeenth century… but she couldn't be English, Irish or Scottish. Which left either Wales or the Isle of Man. I knew nothing about the Isle of Man, but I liked a challenge, so I dove in, and fell in love. As soon as I saw the Three Legs of Mann symbol and read its motto, translating to "whichever way you throw me, I stand," my heroine, Jonnet, popped into my head fully formed, and the turbulent events and aftermath of the English Civil War were the perfect world to shape her resourceful and resilient character.  The game fizzled, but by that time, Jonnet and Simon were too deeply ingrained in my head to let them vanish.

NOP: Of all the characters you have created, do you have a favorite?  If so, who is it and why is he/she your favorite?

ACB:  Right now, it's Angus MacLaren, the hero of my time travel manuscript, A Dance in Highland Time. Angus loves deeply, has a strong sense of responsibility, and will do whatever it takes to make amends for his greatest regret.  Though his heroine, Summer, has made her share of mistakes and isn't the easiest person to get along with, Angus loves her exactly as she is. Plus he can dance and has a fabulous accent.

NOP: How would your hero and heroine have spent Christmas?

ACB:  Since Jonnet grew up in isolation and Simon has been living in exile, Christmases haven't been grand affairs for either of them, and Christmas celebrations had been banned in England under Oliver Cromwell. Charles II, known as "the merry monarch," loved a good party, and as the king goes, so goes the country. This would be a time of new traditions for them, which is perfect for two newlyweds.  I think they'd find a good balance between the excitement of the new/old festivities and the quiet spiritual side of the holiday that is more familiar to them.

NOP: If you were to give a Christmas gift to your hero, what would it be and why?

ACB:  After all the time Simon has spent in exile and in disguise, I think he's earned a new wardrobe suited to the needs of a courtier.

NOP: What advice do you have for new writers who are striving to get published?

ACB:  Tell your story until it's told. Bottom in chair, fingers on keyboard. Rough drafts are rough; finish the story and then edit. Write, finish, submit, repeat. Nobody can tell your story but you.  If writing romance, I highly recommend joining RWA and a local chapter or online special interest group.

NOP: If you were unable to write, what other profession would be of interest to you?

ACB:  Artist or actress.  I have come to accept that I am hardwired for creative pursuits.

NOP: How do you deal with the dreaded "doubt monster"?

ACB:  Kick it in the teeth and keep going. Doubt Monster isn't very smart, so it keeps trying to sneak in, but if I don't tell my stories, nobody else will. I like to keep a file and/or scrapbook of good reviews and positive comments, so a look through either of those usually yields the added boost of confidence needed for the aforementioned monster kicking.

NOP:  Do you ever get writer's block and if so, how do you deal with it?

ACB:  I do, and sometimes a big case. Usually, that's when my creative well needs filling, so that's time to take in story; read, watch tv or movies that inspire me, make art, and once the well is full enough, I'll be back to writing before I know it. If that's still not doing the trick, then I probably need to talk.  We extroverts process thought by talking, so I'll find a writer friend and talk out what's blocking me; usually, all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes to point out the right solution that's been there all along.

NOP: If you could be any fictional character, who would that be and why?

ACB:  Good question; I don't normally think about being someone else's character. Though every romance heroine is guaranteed a happy ending, in the books I like best, they have to go through some pretty trying times first. On more stressful days, though, I wouldn't mind being one of the survivors in The Walking Dead graphic novels; busting zombie heads sounds like it would be cathartic. Then again, I like electricity, a dependable food supply and the lack of zombies, so I think I'll stay myself and create any character I want.

NOP:  Who is your favorite author?

ACB:  That's a hard question, as I'd hate to leave anyone out, but right now, I'm very happy reading books by Marsha Canham and Judith James.

NOP: What is your favorite novel?

ACB: Skye O'Malley by Bertrice Small. I remember where I was when I started and finished reading it, and I can quote the closing scene pretty close to verbatim. Skye and Niall are star crossed lovers who have to work for their happy ending, even going toe to toe with Elizabeth Tudor herself.

NOP:  What's next for you?

ACB:  The next new project for me will be a Georgian era historical, with an independently wealthy heroine and a hero who has no concept of self.  Slate and Melanie are another pair who came to me fully formed, and I can't wait to give them my full attention. Right now, though, my main focus is polishing A Dance In Highland Time, to fill a request for a full ms. I'm very happy to be blogging at Heroes and Heartbreakers (www.heroesandheartbreakers.com) and my own blog, Typing With Wet Nails (www.annacbowling.blogspot.com).

Anna has agreed to give away a copy of Orphans in the Storm to one lucky reader.  In order to qualify to win you must use the words "I want Two Turtle Doves."  Thanks for entering and good luck.

Filed under: romance

The First Day of Christmas with ZsuZsa Simandy by Gerri Brousseau

Welcome to Nights of Passion's 12-Days of Christmas Special Giveaway.  We're so excited to have you here with us today.  ZsuZsa Simandy, what a wonderful name and you have such a colorful personality, it's no wonder you have written a memoir.

Writer's Digest commented on GATHERING ROSES, THORNS AND ALL, "…fine, fine writing. Your voice is elegant, intelligent, humorous, sober and more. It is tone-perfect and a joy to read…."

NOP:  Please tell our readers about GATHERING ROSES, THORNS AND ALL, Reflections on a Charmed Life.

ZsuZsa:  Allow me to quote my website: "A timeless theme: cultivating a passion for life by embracing every aspect of it… Readers will find themselves compelled to join her, to flow with her.  Wander the haunted streets of Budapest in a trance. Listen to the music of a gypsy cimbalom player who plays just for you at the Red Tulip in Manhattan.  Breathe in the scent of lilacs with a hungry heart in the mediaeval city of Sopron.  Nestle against a man with a Cheshire-cat smile on a carriage ride at dawn through Central Park.  Stroll dreamily around the Guilford Green in softly falling snow.  Frolic with her delightful grandchildren.  And, greet her lover at the door."

It is about living a rapturous, open-ended life.

NOP:  When did you decide you wanted to write a memoir?

ZsuZsa:  I always intended to write a memoir.  A nonagenarian friend of mine asked me: "Have you lived long enough?"  To which I replied: "I have lived fully enough."  It's a sharing of a reckoning with life, something, I believe, sooner or later we are all called upon to do.

NOP: What event(s) in your life inspired you and gave you the courage to write GATHERING ROSES?

ZsuZsa:  Turning 60, needing a new challenge, a midlife review, a need to make peace with my choices in life, and leaving "me" behind for my family—me, the person, as well as mother and grandmother.  Staying connected.  All promptings from within, a bold sense of now or never.

NOP: Who is your favorite fictional hero and heroine?  Why?

ZsuZsa:  Perhaps Heathcliff and Catherine inWUTHERINGHEIGHTS.  They are so intense, so greater-than-life, yet so human and fallible—drastic choices and all.

NOP: If you were to give a Christmas gift to your favorite hero, what would it be and why?

ZsuZsa:  Well, if I'm still saying Heathcliff, then perhaps some psychotherapy session.  But then, as Rilke had said, "If I get rid of my devils, will my angels leave me as well?"  So Rilke, don't you think?

NOP: What advice do you have for new writers who are striving to get published?

ZsuZsa:  Persist, persist, persist.  Ultimately all the energy you divest in it will come back in the physical form of a published book.

NOP: If you were unable to write, what other profession would be of interest to you?

ZsuZsa:  Singing, dancing, gardening… Of course, I'd need to write about it all after a while!

NOP: How do you deal with the dreaded "doubt monster"?

ZsuZsa:  I disregard it.  If it ever knocks, however faintly, on the door of my literary aspirations, I simply put out the sign: DO NOT DISTURB.  It stalks away.

NOP:  Do you ever get writer's block and if so, how do you deal with it?

ZsuZsa:  I don't ever get writer's block, I'm glad to say.  That may be because I'm a "pantser," that is I only write when I get the urge, the inspiration.  An image will flood my imagination and I'm prompted to tell, to describe, to share… it may turn into hours of meaningful work.  Then I rest on my laurels until I feel urged again.  Basically, I'm lazy, or, I'd rather think, languorous.

NOP: If you could be any fictional character, who would that be and why?

ZsuZsa:  I'm actually my own fictional character; I reinvent myself on a daily basis, depending on who I feel like being—it could be Anna Karenina one day, full of pathos and drama, or a character from one of my favorite mysteries, ready to pursue "lines of inquiry."  I've even "been" Stephanie Plum, torn between two equally delicious lovers.  No, I'm not schizophrenic; I'm playacting, using all my characteristics, flaws and all.  It's fun!

NOP:  Who is your favorite author?

ZsuZsa:  Still Leo Tolstoy.  He is—eternal.

NOP: What is your favorite novel?

ZsuZsa:  Always the one that moves me the most in the moment…

NOP:  What's next for you?

ZsuZsa:  I've already written a reincarnational romance based on breaking a karmic spell—RENDEZVOUS– and at the moment I'm near completion on a contemporary romance/fantasy—PARALLEL WORLDS– whose characters I'm finding very charming and amusing, and always up to something!  A psychological mystery may follow, exploring the human psyche and different faces of love—a very different mood.

Nights of Passion thanks ZsuZsa for spending the day with us.  She has graciously agreed to give one lucky winner a copy of her Memoir, Gathering Roses, Thorns and All.  In order to be in the running, please write "I want a partridge in a pear tree" in your comment.  Good luck.

Filed under: romance

Boxing Day Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone had a great holiday so far!  Important Note:  The 12 Days of Christmas starts today with visiting authors and giveaways.  On most days, there will be two posts.  Enjoy!

According to Wikipedia, it was customary on Boxing Day in the UK for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year.  I've also read that it was the day to thank people in the service industry and give money to charities.  In many countries, it is a grand shopping day.  In the US, there are a lot of after Christmas sales.

Now to our special Weekly Paranormal-Scope.  While I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planet, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world–especially this week.  You'll see what I mean.  Okay, Nights of Passion has been overrun with elves. Watch where you step.  Some are small.

The week ahead for:

Aries

In Iceland, they are called the hidden folk.  Elves will be lending a hand this week and watch for opportunities.

Taurus

Brownies are helpful elves.  Accept the help from those that care about you.  It is a special gift.

Gemini

Light elves have invited you to a banquet.  Enjoy all life has to offer.

Cancer

An elf finds you admirable and will be hanging around to foster good luck.

Leo

Cornish pixies are mischievous.  It's all in fun.  Laugh more often and enjoy life.

Virgo

Goblins can dance, but elves know all about dancing with the stars.  Enjoy yourself.  Dance with the elves.

Libra

Nature calls you to its wonder.  Enjoy some time outside and soak up that beauty, as the fae folk do.

Scorpio

You must have some elven blood.  It's time to shine and show your talents off.

Sagittarius

There's pixie dust all over your home.  Good fortune is coming your way.

Capricorn

The toy making elves are taking a break from work.  Put up your feet, watch your favorite movies, and enjoy the break.

Aquarius

Gnomes have the focus on keeping the home cozy and bright.  Time to do a little redecorating.

Pieces

Elves find you delightful.  It's time to play.  Follow their lead.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope