C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 212
June 5, 2011
Weekly Paranormal-Scope
I have inherited the Paranormal-Scope from Mason. I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. But I am linked into the paranormal in the world.
The week ahead for:
Aries
Something about you shines. There may be a fae in your family tree or not. Regardless, make that shine work for you.
Taurus
The treasure you've been seeking is coming your way. Be wary of pirates.
Gemini
Knowing the future won't be a help. Brush up on the past.
Cancer
The local vampires are calling your name. It's your decision whether to go out and play.
Leo
Werewolves know that getting to the head of the pack is rife with blood and scars. Enjoy being a member of the pack.
Virgo
Your heart is your treasure. Supernaturals everywhere will smile when they see you.
Libra
Tomb raiding might be a new job opportunity. Remember not to get too wrapped up in your work.
Scorpio
X marks the G-spot. It's time to go after the love of your life.
Sagittarius
Even zombies are picky eaters. Take a lesson and guard your health.
Capricorn
The night is young and you've been invited to the dance of life. Enjoy it.
Aquarius
Following Big Foot into the forest may not be a bad idea. Pack up the camping gear and head out to relax and breathe the fresh air.
Pisces
Stress is like a giant spider. Don't let it eat you. Try crocheting to make the best of that web.
Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope
June 4, 2011
Ah, England!
Sometimes we have a home that is not the place we were born, but the place we return to time and again — where our feet naturally set out for when given the chance. For me this is England. So many of the books that formed my first impressions of the world came from here, like Lewis Carroll's classic tales of nonsense, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, or P. L. Travers' peculiar and mythology-filled series Mary Poppins (they are not at all like the movie).
In my teenage years, all the music I listened to and humour I discovered (and became obsessed by) was all British, too: The Beatles and The Who filled many of my afternoons with friends as we listened to the songs over and over, discussed the "real" meaning of lyrics and yeah, which of the guys we loved best (John, George and Keith).
So did a lot of teens, I know. Probably a lot fewer were as mad about comedy in the way I was (was? HA! am 
). Funny how British comedy came along and whacked me upside the head in the same way. Monty Python, the Goons and especially Peter Cook all filled my head with absurd laughter. The only American comedian to have anything approaching the same impact at that time was George Carlin. I don't know why this awkward adolescent in the quiet North connected so profoundly with that particular realm of comedy, but it has stuck with me. My tastes may have broadened but there's still a strong connection to British comedy that has only grown.
By tomorrow I should be back in London, the city of my heart. Once again I will be in the mad swell of the Big Smoke, mudlarking along the Thames, visiting my favourite museums, spending all my money going to the theatre and hanging out in my favourite pubs writing and listening to all the voices around me, trolling for inspiration. So many of my stories take place here. My novel Chastity Flame used a wide variety of locations very special to me: the National Gallery, the Green Man pub, the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge and of course her home in Tavistock Square.
With luck I'll be finishing the sequel, Lush Situation, while I'm there. One of my tasks while I'm distracting myself with friends and other fun. Hard to remember sometimes that there's work to be done when there are centuries of history to explore and enjoy. The picture above is the famous greenhouse in Kew Gardens. A gorgeous place to visit! The English take their gardens very seriously and the love shows. My story "Park Larks" takes place in the secret garden at Regents Park. I shall be wandering through there: who knows what inspiration I might find! 
Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, historical romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, Recommended Books, romance, Romantic Places, Settings, What inspires you?, Writing Topics
June 3, 2011
Contest & Interview with Paranormal Romance Author Rebecca Royce
Nights of Passion is thrilled to welcome back the incomparable Paranormal
Romance Author Rebecca Royce. Rebecca, you write amazing books. What would you say has been your most exciting life adventure?
My most exciting life adventure thus far must have been becoming a mother. I know it sounds cliche but the kids have really kept me on my feet and it feels like every day is an adventure.
Please, tell us all about your latest book.
Sure! This is Eye Contact.
Thirty years ago, after the breakdown of an oil negotiation, the President of the United States decided that all people born with unusual abilities, which he would now refer to as "the condition", would be locked away from the general public where they couldn't harm others. Parents and loved ones of these people, most of whom were children, were forced to turn them in upon penalty of death. Formed to keep the institutions secure, the Committee for the Protection of a Free Society now rules these institutions with an iron fist.
The granddaughter of one the Committee members, Addison Wade has lived her life wary of the institutions and all they represent. A woman of secrets, she is forced to turn to Safe Dawn, one of the facilities designed to hold conditioned people, when her nephew is kidnapped and, despite her best efforts, cannot be recovered. She knows the last thing anyone in 'Safe Dawn' will want to do is to help a Wade with any problems, but she is desperate and out of options.
Spencer Lewis is famous for being the premier conditioned 'locator.' There's no one he can't find and he has a soft spot for missing children. But, Spencer has been through a trauma and locating Jeremy Wade may be dangerous both to himself and to those around him. In addition, he takes one look at ice cold Addison Wade and wants nothing more than to knock her down a peg. Never having turned down an opportunity to help a child, he reluctantly agrees to help recover Jeremy.
In a world where nothing is as it seems and every person they encounter has his own agenda, Addison and Spencer will find that the only people they can trust are each other. But how can anyone fall in love living in a world that wants you dead just for being born?
Genre: Paranormal romance, fantasy romance, action/adventure
~Excerpt~
Spencer nearly swallowed his tongue when he'd stormed into the room in one of his too common rages and stumbled on the blonde with the cold blue eyes sitting in the chair to the left. Stunning didn't begin to describe her. She had made the world stop for a moment.
That she was a Wade didn't surprise him, not in the least.
Despite the heat of attraction, he could almost feel a chill. Then again, the whole family was said to have ice instead of blood running through their veins. Addison Wade sat frigidly in her chair, her expression haughty and removed, as if she was more concerned with not wrinkling her skirt than noticing that he was in the room. They had come asking for help to find a missing boy? She looked like she was making a quick stop before some trendy lunch date.
Spencer had some experience with finding missing children, he was used to the families falling apart, not sitting calmly looking like they had just come from a day at a hair salon.
At least they had come.
Surprising as that was, until then, Spencer would have sworn a Wade would rather swallow their tongue then come near one of the institutions. The whole thing was ironic, considering he was in the presence of two of the people responsible for the misery that plagued so many of his people and necessitated the continuing use of these places.
He should tell the Wades to go screw themselves.
Why was it his problem that they couldn't keep track of their own child?
Even as the thought crossed his mind, he dismissed it. In his life, he'd always helped a child if he could. In this case, he could would be the ultimate question. Spencer had no idea if he was even capable of performing the functions they would need to locate their nephew.
Knowing that every eye in the room was focused on him, including Will's, he turned around to regard the women who sat behind him. Leaning on the desk behind him, he gave Addison a good long stare. If she already thought he was a savage, why not live up to the role? There would be hell to pay from Will later, but just watching the woman squirm would be worth it.
"Your nephew has gone missing." He made his statement sound like a question. He knew the kid was gone, Will had just said he was and Will was, as far as Spencer could tell, never wrong.
"Yes, he disappeared from his bedroom a month ago."
"Spencer, I told them you aren't available for the assignment. I'm going to assign someone else." He dark tones clearly expressed what he thought of Spencer's presence in the room at that moment. "Your other issue, the one that had you storming in here like a lunatic, I'll look into the matter later."
Ignoring Will, he continued his long stare at princess Addison. "And it took you a whole month to come here? What were you doing?"
"Why we were too busy to come here, naturally. I had a ski vacation in Aspen and my aunt needed to get her nails done every day." Addison's sarcasm spit from her mouth and Spencer nearly laughed aloud. So, the cat had claws. What was wrong with him that he liked it so much?
"Temper, temper, Ms. Wade." Spencer ignored the tug in his groin that said he was more than just a little aware of how attractive she was.
"I don't like your implication, Mr. Lewis. For your information, we have been working with the authorities and trying to handle this nightmare ourselves." She looked down and for a moment, Spencer swore she was biting the inside of her cheek. Her foot still tapped on the floor. When she looked up, her gaze was not on him, but on Will behind him. Spencer narrowed his eyes. He didn't like that one bit.
"I realize this is the perfect opportunity to attack and humiliate us. We are sitting here in your office, easy targets. But, we've come here in good faith, to ask you for help in our most desperate situation. Can you help us or should we leave?"
"We can help you. I'll assign you someone." Will stood up and walked around the desk to stand next to him, placing a hand on his arm. Spencer started. When was the last time the other man had touched him? A jolt of psychic awareness filled the room, although he was sure the two non-sensitives wouldn't feel it. Why was Will pushing on his senses so hard? "But it won't be Spencer here helping you. As I said, he's not capable of doing what you need him to do right now."
Addison's eyes showed relief. "That's fine. We'll be most grateful."
Oh, hell no. "I can do it."
"What?" Will and Addison spoke at the same time. Spencer crossed his arms over his chest.
"I said I could do it. I'll find the missing Wade child, your nephew."
"No." Addison stood up.
Looking left and right between Addison and Spencer, the older woman Will had called Morgan stood up too, a pained expression on her features showing her worry.
"No?"
"Mr. Rhodes says you are not capable of doing the job. Therefore, we need someone else."
"I said I would do it, and I'm the best there is. No one else can find your nephew as quickly as I can. You do care about that, don't you, Ms. Wade? Or do people in your position, who wait a month to get the services of freaks like us, not care about things like the mental health of the missing child?"
Addison's mouth gaped open and he had the momentary pleasure of watching her do her best imitation of the number zero. Satisfaction crept up his spine. Let the spawn of all things evil feel lower than low for a while. Nothing he'd ever said had felt better.
Until he saw her hand shake.
Where can our readers find your work?
All information about my work can be found on my website www.rebeccaroyce.com and my blog www.rebeccaroyce.blogspot.com
Thank you, Rebecca, for visiting Nights of Passion. For more information on Rebecca Royce and her books, visit:
website: www.rebeccaroyce.com
publishers: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/ http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/ http://www.nobleromance.com/ http://silverpublishing.info/
blog: http://www.rebeccaroyce.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Royce/172551376131638?sk=wall
Twitter: rebeccaroyce
Now for the Contest: Rebecca will be giving one lucky commenter an ebook of Eye Contact. To be eligible to enter, all you have to do is comment on why you would like to win the ebook. Deadline for entries is midnight EST on Sunday, June 5, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.
Good luck, everyone!
Filed under: contest, Interview, paranormal, paranormal romance, Rebecca Royce, romance, romance novels
June 2, 2011
Mason's final reflections…
It's been a wonderful experience for Susan to have welcome me to the Nights of Passion family.
I've been surrounded by wonderfully talented authors here. Though, I'm leaving to be part of another blog, I'm never really far. Toni and Susan will still be a big part of my writing circle.
In the time that I have been part of NOP blog I've had the chance to interview authors, start the paranormal-scope and talk about my evil master mind ways.
A lot is changing in my writing world, I'm going to my first conference as a featured author (Authors After Dark), I'll have an article out in Passionate Ink's newsletter, my fifth release will be out in July followed by my six in September 2011. I've moved into my new evil lair. It's still not unpacked and in any shape for my minions to move in. I've been too busy.
I'm not a person that waits for change. I'm an agent of change. The only thing any of us control is what we do with our time. I've been honored to have spent over two interesting years letting you into my worlds. And sharing of myself with all of you.
I'll miss you. Thank you Susan and all the NOP reader that have stop by to read my posts.
I hope you've felt encourage to write or just spread your wings. And get back to your writing.
I can't wait for my first visit to give all of you an update on what I've been up too.
Be happy for me. A new chapter begins!
It's only until next time…
Mason
a.c. Mason
Darkness ♀♂ Desires
www.acmason.com
Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason Friday
June 1, 2011
Gratitude Is An Attitude
Gratitude is an attitude. I learned that a long time ago from a fellow named Elmo. It's a perspective on life, seeing the gifts. Today I was grateful for the Space Shuttle Endeavor coming home. I was watching, hoping it would come home safely. I was concerned for a Congresswoman whose husband was aboard. She has already been through so much. For them, for all those aboard, for their families, and for a weary country, I was hoping it would come home safely. When it landed Wednesday morning, I was grateful.
I am grateful that I have a computer, and I'm able to talk to people across the globe with a single blog post. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to write and be published.
It appears to be that time of year again for my gratitude list, where I write down everything I can think of that I'm grateful for. I usually start with family. Pete my dog, and the cats Buffy and Bella are always there too.
I'm thrilled and grateful to have the incomparable Paranormal Author Rebecca Royce visiting on this Saturday's blog. Gerri will be back the following Saturday with the wonderful Romance Author Eloisa James. I'm also excited to be part of the Night Owl Reviews Summer Web Hunt, so visit their site and follow the directions–lots of prizes. http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Pages/Hunts.aspx
Ah, so much to be grateful for. Who and what's on your list?
–Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
Filed under: Gerri Brousseau, Interview, paranormal, paranormal romance, Rebecca Royce, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What inspires you?, Writer's Life
Gratitude Is An Atitude
Gratitude is an atitude. I learned that a long time ago from a fellow named Elmo. It's a perspective on life, seeing the gifts. Today I was grateful for the Space Shuttle Endeavor coming home. I was watching, hoping it would come home safely. I was concerned for a Congresswoman whose husband was aboard. She has already been through so much. For them, for all those aboard, for their families, and for a weary country, I was hoping it would come home safely. When it landed Wednesday morning, I was grateful.
I am grateful that I have a computer, and I'm able to talk to people across the globe with a single blog post. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to write and be published.
It appears to be that time of year again for my gratitude list, where I write down everything I can think of that I'm grateful for. I usually start with family. Pete my dog, and the cats Buffy and Bella are always there too.
I'm thrilled and grateful to have the incomparable Paranormal Author Rebecca Royce visiting on this Saturday's blog. Gerri will be back the following Saturday with the wonderful Romance Author Eloisa James. I'm also excited to be part of the Night Owl Reviews Summer Web Hunt, so visit their site and follow the directions–lots of prizes. http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Pages/Hunts.aspx
Ah, so much to be grateful for. Who and what's on your list?
–Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
Filed under: Gerri Brousseau, Interview, paranormal, paranormal romance, Rebecca Royce, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What inspires you?, Writer's Life
May 31, 2011
Could You Be a Heroine?
The last couple weeks I've written about villains and heroes. Now onto the heroines.
For me as a writer, heroines have always been the most difficult to write. Perhaps they really are difficult or perhaps it's because I, as a woman, tend to let my voice blend with my heroine's. As I continue to grow as a writer, I can see my heroines become more distinct and one day, I hope to be a strong enough writer to have them jump off the page. Because the truth is, as interesting as we are, sometimes we need to focus on one specific feature to make unique heroines (say for instance you eat dessert first or maybe you have a nervous tick or habit).
Many times, we think about our heroes and what we'd like out of them, but not as often do we consider the heroines. So what do you think? As a reader, do you prefer the strong Joan of Arc type or the witty Bridget Jones type?
Probably a bit of both depending on the novel you're reading. I honestly think we all like to see a bit of ourselves in our heroes and heroines. So in saying that, her are the qualities that I believe make a great heroine in a great story:
1) Strong: (notice I didn't say brawn like the heroes). Whether it's at the beginning or at the end or maybe the story is transitional in nature, nobody likes to read about screaming, whining woman (or men for that matter) for the entire length of a novel. There has to be some internal strength to your heroine at some point in the book.
2) Flawed: This could really go for all your characters to endear your readers to them but heroines are especially important in romance because many times, they are the character we most identify with. While we all admire Barbie, she isn't realistic. Your heroine should have some kind of flaw or flaws that makes her identifiable to the reader. Maybe she's gorgeous but hates being loved for her beauty or maybe she's plain but plays the violin like an angel. Create a balance.
3) Brains: I mentioned this with heroes but it goes for heroines as well. We all hate the girl who goes down the basement stairs in
the horror flicks, so unless she has a really good reason for doing so (like the neighbor's little boy might be down there), don't have her do it. This is on you the writer. Think before you have your characters do anything.
4) Courage: Many times this comes at the end or at a turning point in the book, but it is always inspiring to see women with
courage. We spend our real lives with so many fears—for our families, jobs, ourselves. A woman who could overcome real obstacles will always be someone we can relate to.
5) Real: This can refer to pretty much anything that ties a reader to your heroine. Her humor, her body shape, her talents, her
humor, etc. Readers will always look for some kind of characteristic to relate to. If you make your heroine too perfect, it might be more of a turn off then an appeal.
If you have any other thoughts, please share. Heroines are some of the most important characters of our novel but in my thoughts, some of the most difficult to make stand out. Good luck and happy writing!
Filed under: Characters, Toni Kelly, Writing Topics
May 30, 2011
Desserts and the Desert
After living in the Mojave for over a year I have come to accept the summer and the triple digit temperatures.
When the weather is hot, I like to eat lighter and cooler foods. Therefore, the desert has had a nice side effect on my waistline.
One thing that I find I cannot resist during the summer, or any other time for that matter, is dessert.
I started wondering, what is my favorite dessert? Do I have one that is really top on the list, I can't pass it up no matter the season? Yes, yes I do. My all time top of the list is fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.
I know, they are warm, so it does not make sense. However, I can't pass them up! Nothing is better than a couple of fresh baked cookies and a tall glass of cold milk.
Since living out here, I have had some great cool temperature desserts. They do not beat my cookies, but they are still pretty irresistable.
For example, I went to the student art show and they had strawberries on top of a cool whip and chocolate covered waffle cone mixture. Oh it was delightful!
My neighbor had a key lime frozen thing on top of a crust of crushed oreos.
Brownies topped with ice cream and drizzled chocolate and caramel seem to be a staple at the restaurants around here.
So what is your favorite?
Have you had anything great this summer? Or are you looking forward to anything?
Filed under: romance
May 29, 2011
Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope.
Happy Memorial Day my Armerican friends!
Thank you to the men and women who serve their country.
As you know, I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. But, I'm linked into the paranormal in the world.
The week ahead for:
Aries
It's like you are in a video game on a quest. You grab some magic mushrooms, get some coin and save the king. Something like that.. if you don't know you'll figure it out along the way.
Taurus
You're in a magical garden of love with a the decadent pleasure you desire.
Gemini
I hope you juiced up on mega power or you are pinky form Pinky and the Brain cause you'll need real smarts this week.
Cancer
Celebrate with the fiends in your hood.
Leo
No need to bring a bag of blood, a body part, or a cadaver to impress a mate if they are the one, all they will need is you.
Virgo
It's Mary Poppins, but set in a cemetery.
Libra
The earth's gravity has increased, but only where you stand.
Scorpio
All fired up but nowhere to unleash… It's not the time to burst into flames.
Sagittarius
You've gotta sort out the dispute between vampires, demons and zombies. Oh Joy!
Capricorn
It's a big paranormal world out there. Have some fun!
Aquarius
Truths reveal themselves. Some of them might crack your personal delusions.
Pisces
If nothing feels real, you might be trapped in the world of dreams.
Mason
a.c.Mason
Darkness ♀♂ Desires
www.acmason.com
Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope
Giddy
While talking with a friend yesterday, I felt a familiar feeling overtake me: that giddiness of new love. It wasn't even mine. It was completely hers. But her words and obvious happiness filled me with some of that feeling, too. Think of that — a contact high from love! I knew I had the same lopsided grin. All the things we catalogue for a new love — the way they talk, the stuff they like, the way they make us laugh — they all form handholds on the newness of love, making it actual, making it tangible.
Because sometimes, it's jut hard to believe it's all real.
Love is such an elusive thing. We all want to capture it but we also know how delicate a creature it can be. And therein lies the conundrum; you want a robust love, one that can weather storms and disagreements, but at every turn you're conscious of just how easily it slips away if your push too hard or try to hold onto it too tightly. It's hard to avoid when a precious thing suddenly comes within your orbit. But it's worth remember the lines from Chaucer's tale of the Franklin:
For o thyng, sires, saufly dar I seye,
That freendes everych oother moot obeye,
If they wol longe holden compaignye.
Love wol nat been constreyned by maistrye;
Whan maistrie comth, the God of Love anon
Beteth hise wynges, and farewel, he is gon!
Love is a thyng as any spirit free.
For one thing, sirs, I safely dare say,
That friends each other must obey
if they would hold their companionship long:
Love will not be constrained by mastery (control).
When mastery comes, the God of Love soon
Beats his wings and farewell! He is gone.
Love is a thing as free as any spirit.
We have to keep that in mind and trust in the mad ride that is love. It may not always have a path of wild turns and giddy heights, but the adrenaline those sudden swoops inspire can stay with us to keep us breathless and laughing when the path runs more smoothly. It's a wild ride, sure; but most of us will step up and buy a ticket because it turns out to be such fun.
Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Emotions, erotic romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, romance, What inspires you?
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