C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 216

Depth: Part 2 – Setting

As a continuation to last Wednesday's blog on depth, I'm going to talk about depth in setting today.  Have you ever wondered why vampire novels in places like Hungary or Romania work so well and have therefore been common settings for these types of novels?  Whether your knowledge of Dracula stems from fictional novels or nonfictional accounts of persons in history such as Vlad III, Prince of Wallchia, the point is there is a tendency of many to associate these settings with legends and dark mysteries.

Just like with characters, different settings can work if an author takes the time to weave in details and add depth to the setting. That doesn't mean setting something in Ireland and having Leprechauns dancing around the place. Depth goes beyond the stereotypical. It's what truly pulls your reader into your book so they are there with your characters and not just identifying with them from afar.

My current work is set in Rome, which I've had the fortune of visiting before. In order to add a bit of depth I think about the little things I noticed while there. For instance, the fact that I found Italian woman amazing because they could manage cobblestone streets in daunting stilettos. I have one part of my novel where my heroine is hobbling along because the hero bought her heels which were too big. This might be a good area for me to introduce a bit about how the Italian women make walking on cobblestone seem effortless.

Now I gave an example using a place I've been but with the internet, books, magazines, TV, etc., writers no longer need to travel to pick up on the details about a place. Want to know the not-so-touristy places to go when visiting Ireland? Try the internet or a book. I have a friend who just left for Ireland last week and was able to plan an entire vacation around visiting non-touristy places. Nothing is a secret anymore and learning about almost anything can be just a couple clicks away.

So what about you all? What do you use to add depth to you settings?

Filed under: Settings, Toni Kelly, Writing Topics

Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope

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

You are one with the Jedi force.

Taurus

See beyond what your eyes show you. Something wonderful awaits you.

Gemini

Your link to others provides you with otherworldly insight.

Cancer

The flame of passion within starts slow but only grows in intensity.

Leo

Contain your power a while longer.

Virgo

Think outside the gaping hell mouth in your basement.

Libra

You are all brainpower now. Very sexy.

Scorpio

If the vibes aren't right, some of them are coming from you.

Sagittarius

Align your chakra as they are about to get some play.

Capricorn

You've got to toss out the demon to let something good in.

Aquarius

Relief and good vibrations are coming your way.

Pisces

If you've got hungry zombies outside your door it's okay to keep it shut.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope

Melange Authors Weekend Giveaway

by C. Margery Kempe

Welcome to our weekend spotlight with Nancy and the authors from Melange Books! Read through to get to know the writers and to find the fabulous prizes they'll be giving away.

Herbert Grosshans

Herbert lives near Winnipeg, Canada. He spends his free time spinning tales about imaginary worlds and the strange creatures inhabiting them. His first published story `The Anniversary Gift' appeared in `Sweet Revenge' published by Midnight Showcase. Even though he writes in other genres, his love is Science Fiction. He enjoys building alien worlds and societies. Most of his stories contain an element of Erotica. All of his books are available from Melange Books.

Book title: OUTPOST EPSILON

Genre: Erotic Sci-Fi

Format: Trade Paperback, HTML, Adobe PDF

Book Blurb:

A rescue mission on Planet Epsilon turns into an adventure Terrex Stonewall did not sign up for. Captured by aliens, he finds love where he didn't expect it.

Author Website

Blog

Meet Herbert Grosshans

When I was in high school, we were supposed to write a story about friendship. The teacher gave us one hour. I wrote a story about two soldiers and how one saved the other soldier's life and the friendship they developed. My teacher gave me a 5. When I questioned him about it he said, "You didn't write this story. You copied it. You're not that good." That's when I knew I was a writer. I write, and I used to read a lot, but now I prefer writing my own stories. I love gardening, hunting, fishing. I make wine and occasionally

beer. Sometimes I draw pictures. I watch TV. And I love spending time with my grandchildren. Will I ever retire from writing? No.

In 10 years I see myself looking back and saying, "I've written all these books, and I have many fans who love my stories, because I gave them hours of reading pleasure. Some of my books have been bestsellers and most of them are still available and selling. My head is full of new ideas and I will be writing many more books." Currently, I am writing Volume Six in my Xandra series. The story I'm working on right now takes place on the fifth planet in the Worlds of the Xandra. It is Science Fiction/Fantasy/Erotica. Readers can look forward to reading my trilogy 'Web of Conspiracy'. In a way it is a murder mystery but there is more to it than just a murder. The background of the story is the war in the Middle East, and it deals with terrorism, with traitors and patriots.

Melange Author

Ellen Margret

For as long as I can remember I have loved to write. I let my imagination come up with highwaymen, pirates and knights, all larger than life and, I hope, very sexy. The paranormal has always fascinated me and I love to write about that too. Faeries are such fun to write about especially when I make them a bit naughty.

I live in England, in an old cottage by a river. The wildlife here is plentiful. On any day we can watch swans, ducks, and mink, but I have yet to see the otters. We have wild birds on the bird feeder and water shrews in the river bank.

Today the sun is shining and the garden beckons. Spring is such a lovely time.

Book Title: A KNIGHT FOR LOVING

Genre: Historical Medieval Romance

Format: Trade Paperback, HTML, Adobe PDF

Book Blub: Sir Robert Hardford had always loved Leonora. When she disappeared with her brothers it left him devastated. When they returned and accused him of crippling the younger brother, he was astonished. He convinces Leonora of his innocence, and their love is rekindled. However, Sir Morven stands between them and happiness.

Meet Ellen Margret

I first considered myself a writer when at eight years of age I showed a little tatty, folded paper booklet to my mother. I had written a short story and drawn a cover picture. On the cover I wrote something like, "This is a very good story written by Ellen, aged eight." Hey, an eight year old is allowed to think she's good, even if she isn't! I can't recall what my mother said, but I don't think she was that interested. Anyway, that was the moment I knew I would like to write a book which the world could read. However, that took about another forty years to achieve.

To me writing is fun and relaxing. I probably have an over-active mind which, unless it's channeled, will worry. Writing lightens my mood for which my family is, doubtless, very grateful. When I'm not writingI am looking after my hens, walking the dog (I now have a seven month old kitten that comes with us on long walks), or gardening. I love to grow my own vegetables and herbs.

Someday, I would love to get my books on the shelves in stores. I guess I'll still be writing about rakish men and feisty heroines. Currently, I'm working on another mediaeval romance. This is my favourite period in time. My current project is set in the time of Stephen and Matilda during a time of great unrest and lawlessness. We have the heroic knight and his feisty damsel who, of course to begin with, thinks he's a bad lot. At the moment they have to work on sorting out a misunderstanding. That done, they can kiss and make up. LOL I sometimes juggle two works at the same time. The other work still fresh on my hard drive is a fantasy about a faery and a shape-shifter. It seems I can never go long without writing about fairies or angels. You might ask what will I write in the future. Well, I'll have to see where the next dose of inspiration comes from. Sometimes I even get ideas in dreams.

Melange Author Nora Weston

Nora Weston's poetry and fiction slips in-between and all around science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Her work can be found online and in print. Coming soon from Melange Books are her novels, Guardian 2632, which is a science fiction adventure/romance and The Twelfth Paladin, which is a supernatural/romance that escalates as good and evil battle for ownership of souls.

Book Title: GUARDIAN2632

Genre: Erotic Sci-Fi

Format: Trade Paperback, HTML, Adobe PDF

Book Blurb:

Travel through time with Dr. Zane Grayson, executive director of Guardian TMF…a monstrous time traveling facility, as he fights against corruption, Elites, Time Mercs, and his own obsession with time surfing to realize his future may actually exist in the past, 1998 to be exact. Guardian 2632—a story of epic proportions depicting what a man will sacrifice to save a life.

Meet Nora Weston

I first considered myself a writer while teaching in Pennsylvania, because I wrote stories for my class, and they were received with smiles and lots of laughter. At first, many of the children only liked to write nonfiction, but that soon changed. Making the children happy with unusual characters, and richly detailed settings, helped them to learn about using their imaginations while writing. The best part of the entire process was seeing how proud my students were while reading their magnificent stories to the class. Yes…the power of the written word is truly amazing.

As a wife, and mother of six…there is no such thing as relaxation! Fun? Let's see…maybe that would be seeing the laundry room with no laundry in it. If that ever happens in my household, I will have fun.

I'll jump for joy. Fun might also include being able to shop for groceries using only one buggy, but then that would mean some of my kids have left the nest…so I must take that one back. I enjoy reading many different genres, but usually I choose something action packed and frightening. I love spending time with my family and friends, and two ridiculously small dogs…who think they are Doberman Pinchers, plus I love a good movie, especially with scorching hot tea and a warm glazed donut. I like action/adventure, horror, and science fiction movies the best.

In the next ten years, I hope to see myself as a writer who has entertained readers from all over the world, but more than that…I hope my writing inspires someone to take up the craft itself. How amazing would it be to know the joy I get from writing has been passed to someone else? My fingers are crossed that one of my six children will be bitten by the writing bug. All of my children are creative…so we shall see what the future brings.

Currently, I'm doing the final edit on The Twelfth Paladin, which is a smoking-hot supernatural romance. It tells the horrifying tale of Jake Cottrell, who is a seeker of mischief. Foolishly, he becomes involved with dangerous email antics, and dares hell to burn him. Hell agrees. From there, the plot thickens with a banished angel, named Micah, a rookie demon, and Rachel Darnell…a temptress extraordinaire. After I complete the final edits on The Twelfth Paladin, I'll return to Guardian 2632's sequel. The sequel,

Guardian 2647, centers on Lindsay Grayson and her unique abilities that were inherited from her mother, Julia Emerson, and her father, Zane Grayson. Secretly recruited by Victoria Merrick, who's a wise, but conniving Elite, Lindsay becomes a guardian in 2647 the likes of which the world has never seen. In the near future, I have plans for a novel that is a mixture of science fiction and horror. A sequel to The Twelfth Paladin is possible because the ancient paladins are quite interesting, and I have many short stories that need to be pulled together for an anthology…or two.

Guardian 2632

by Nora Weston

Excerpt

"Hey, you can trust me. Come on, I know something is wrong. What is it?" He moved in closer to her. "Maybe I can help. You never know." Looking confident, but compassionate with those dark eyes of his, Zane said, "You really need to come clean, huh? And, Julia, your secrets are safe with me."

Julia's body tensed up as she looked away for a few seconds. Then, staring at Zane, she said, "Yes, for some unexplainable, totally whacked out reason, I do feel safe with you." A smile showed itself as her shoulders dropped and tension was replaced by relief. "Okay, I'm in a mess, and I'm not sure what to do. My husband, Jack, is out of control. He drinks, gambles, and deals drugs, plus I'm not sure what else he's gotten into."

"I see," said Zane. "You have your hands full, that's for sure."

"Yeah, he's a good cop, gone bad. He's abusive, just mean as hell, and I've tried giving him the benefit of the doubt, but I must leave him. He'll kill me if I stay. I know—I should've already left him."

"Um, yeah, I'd say that's a must do. Go on, Julia, tell me everything."

Within minutes, she unloaded all of her troubles and fears, confiding in Zane about the torment Jack had been causing her. A few tears ran down Julia's slightly blushed cheeks.

"Everything will be okay." Zane wiped those troubled tears away offering her hope and then touched her face ever so lightly. "I know you'll leave him. You won't have a future if you stay. Guys like Jack rarely get better. Usually, they get worse until someone they love, or they think they love, dies. Bridget…you said she was your best friend, she'll help. Just get away from that monster."

He moved Julia's vanilla-scented hair away from her sad eyes. This time, Julia held Zane's hand pressing it to her face. She then kissed his hand and then released his touch from her. "Thanks. I feel like a weight has been lifted from me."

Hours passed, literally vanished as Julia filled Zane's timehole with her lovely presence.

All at once, Julia's eyes lit up with more than just candlelight. "Come on, leave with me. We must get out of here." She tugged at his arm saying, "Tonight, I'm forgetting who I am. I've been in hell way too long. I think you've been sent to me from above. Coming?"

Excitedly, Zane followed Julia to her car. Unable to wait, he pressed her against the door kissing her neck like he'd die if he didn't get a bite of her sweet flesh. "Um, you smell divine," he whispered while holding her tight.

Julia's hands slid through Zane's hair to finally caress his back as she kissed him releasing years of sorrow. "Oh, wow…I feel unleashed," said Julia softly. Laughing, she squirmed away and opened the door. "Get in."

Unable to fight against fate, they invaded each other's space while Julia drove. After twenty minutes, she pulled into a beat up parking lot. The sign above the tiny motel read, "Hollow Creek Inn." She turned the car off and then whispered, "Tonight is our time."

Zane glanced around. "Uh, classy place, huh?"

"Yep, only the best for us," replied Julia. "Well, it's a dive, but no one will recognize me here. Come on."

Staring at Julia, Zane said, "There's no place I'd rather be." He pulled her close. As Julia's hair brushed across his skin, he closed his eyes saying, "Remember, I don't have long. Damn government job, but I wish to God I could stay longer." Opening his eyes, he smiled while stroking her face. "You have no idea how much I want to, yet it's impossible and—"

Julia interrupted him. "Yeah, it's okay. I get it, Zane. You've been upfront with me, but I don't give a damn about your job. I need you right now. You do want me…don't you?"

"Want you? I've never wanted anyone more."

Within minutes, they rushed inside of their tacky hotel room unaware of the downright pitiful surroundings. Flowered wallpaper peeled, dusty copper and green plaid curtains hung on for dear life, and a dead plant had spilled on the small side table…but at least the bed looked clean. And yet, despite the bleak accommodations, the air smelled heavenly, like it had been tainted with an ancient spell.

Clutching Julia's hand, Zane pulled her against his chest and then pressed his lips upon her delicious mouth.

In absolute denial of their stolen situation, they fell onto the bed. Two boards from underneath dropped, as their clothes flew into the air. Laughter ensued.

"I don't want this night to end," said Julia.

Outlining her lips so gently…Zane nodded in agreement and then a half smile crossed his handsome face. Two seconds later, fate took over as their mouths met.

Melange Author

Anna James

Anna James currently lives in Connecticut with her husband and children. She has been writing for years but has only been published recently. Publishing credits with MS Fiction / Melange include: A Picture

Perfect Christmas – 2010 Christmas Collectibles, scheduled for release in November 2010 and Coming Home, scheduled for release in May 2011. Stay tuned for more to come!

Coming Home

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Trade Paperback, HTML, Adobe PDF

Book Blurb:

Two years ago, Christine Kincaid found her sister, Andrea, in the arms of her fiancé, James Buchanan. This after Andrea confessed to having an affair with James and being pregnant with his child. Distraught and wanting to escape the pain of James's betrayal, Christine fled her home, just outside of Washington D.C., to London, England, her birthplace.

As startling details of her parents' tragic romance come to light, Christine now suspects she was deceived by Andrea and is determined to return home and win James back. Only James seems to hate her now. She'd known that it wouldn't be easy. She'd hurt him deeply by leaving. But she believed that somehow he'd forgive her and they would finally be together. Why did he have such a bad opinion of her? And what was she going to do to make him see that he was wrong?

Website

Facebook

Meet Anna James

I first considered myself a writer when I received my first contract on December 11, 2009 for Coming Home available from Melange Books in May 2011).

For fun and relaxation we have a cottage on a lake and I love to go there in the summer after a long week at work and sit on the deck and watch the sun go down. I also enjoy having my first cup of coffee in the morning on my deck and watch the sun come up. Being on the water is so relaxing for me. I also enjoy kayaking on our lake in the early morning when there's no motorboats on the lake. When I can't get to the lake I listen to relaxation music or my meditation CD and that helps me relax and recharge.

Ten years into the future, with any luck, I will have a lot more time to dedicate to my writing. Right now I am still working full time and raising my family so I can't spend as much time writing as I'd like.

I have a few things I'm currently working on. The first is what I hope will be a trilogy featuring three sisters. The second is really only in the concept phase but is based on a couple that meet in college. Coming Home will be released in May 2011 and "To Love and Trust Again" will be released in January 2012 from Melange Books, LLC.

Melange Author

Elaine Cantrell

Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina. She holds a Master's Degree in Personnel Services from Clemson University and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary sorority for women educators. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America and EPIC authors. Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest and was published in 2004 by Oak Tree Books. At present she teaches high school social studies. In her spare time she enjoys reading, collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, and playing with her grandchildren.

Visit Elaine online and at her blog. She's on Facebook and would love to be friends.

Book Title: THE BEST SELLING TOY OF THE SEASON

Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance

Format: Trade Paperback, HTML, Adobe PDF

Book Blurb:

Can a beautiful unwed mother from the wrong side of town find happiness with a rich lawyer? Not if hisfamily can help it.

Meet Elaine Cantrell

I think I first considered myself a writer when my first publisher called me on the phone to say that she wanted my book. It was the most amazing feeling! I was getting myself a bowl of ice cream at the time she called, and in my excitement I let the whole thing melt on the cabinet. Yuck. It was a sticky mess, but I was so jacked up I didn't even mind.

This probably won't surprise anyone since I'm an author, but I do a lot of reading. I have a Goodreads page at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/... if anybody wants to be friends and see my reviews. I also love movies and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments. And don't get me started on my grandchildren.

I'd love to write a few bestsellers, but I'll be happy if my writing skills grow and develop, and my readers still keep reading. I plan to retire in four years time so that will give me more time to spend on my writing. Right now I'm working on a sci/fi-fantasy novel. I love science fiction movies so it wasn't much of a stretch for me to write a sci/fi novel. In my as yet unnamed sci/fi- fantasy, white magic transports my hero and heroine into a troubled world populated by green cannibals. To get back home they'll first have to defeat a powerful wizard whose spell casts a pall on this dreary, dangerous world.

In the future, I'd like to do an inspirational novel and a sequel to one of my releases. I'd also like to write a ghost story.

Melange Author

Mysti Parker

Mysti Parker is a full-time wife, mom of three, and a writer. Born and raised in Kentucky, writing has always been her first love. After many years of pursuing other things, she began her writing career in earnest in 2009. Look for more romantic tales from her fantasy world of Tallenmere, where magic, passion, murder, and mayhem are a part of everyday life.

A Ranger's Tale

Format: Trade Paperback, HTML, Adobe PDF

Book Blurb:

Set in the fantasy world of Tallenmere, the high elf Caliphany Aranea longs to explore the world and escape from her controlling father. Her dreams are fulfilled when she meets ranger and ship captain Galadin Trudeaux. But, when secrets from the past bring tragedy to those she loves, Caliphany must fight to hold on to the life she's always wanted.

Meet Mysti Parker

Though I've loved to write ever since I learned to hold a pencil, I'm finally getting used to calling myself a writer. I've been a stay-at-home mom for the past nine years, and a biologist before that, and began

my writing career in earnest in 2009. It's getting easier when people ask, "What do you do?" I can now say, "I'm a writer," and be proud.

Writing is both fun and relaxing for me, plus it's my therapy. When I'm down, writing picks me up. Reading a great book always relaxes my mind. Then, there are those staples of TV and internet browsing.

I also enjoy baking and playing board games–especially when I can get my husband and kids to play along.

Ten years from now, I hope to have written several books in my Tallenmere series, and hope they will be a success. I also expect to surrender to the writing bug's direction and try many different genres. The writing bug has carried me to the world of Tallenmere, where I am writing a series of romantic fantasy novels meant to thrill and inspire. Tallenmere itself is a world of many races, including elves, humans,

faeries, halfings, dwarves, trolls, ogres, and a few races no one has seen before. It's a world where magic, passion, murder, and mayhem are a part of everyday life. Many, many stories are hidden away in

Tallenmere, just waiting to be found.

A Ranger's Tale, the first in the series (released February here at Melange Books), is about a high elf, Caliphany Aranea, who at nearly a century old, has never been allowed to travel farther than a few miles

out of the capital city of Leogard. Her father, Sirius, leads the Mage Academy, and after losing his only son, he expects Caliphany to take his place one day. The trouble is, she doesn't want to study magic and

doubts she'll ever be as good a wizard as her father. She dreams of leaving Leogard to explore the world and strike out on her own–lofty goals for Sirius' daughter, who also happens to be King Leopold's niece.

When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap her while she dreams of faraway lands, half-elf ship captain and ranger, Galadin Trudeaux, comes to her rescue. From that chance encounter, her life

is forever changed, and Caliphany will face more adventure, more love, more heartache, than she ever thought possible. This book also introduces several characters who will appear in subsequent books in the series.

Pick up a copy of A Ranger's Tale, Book One of my Tallenmere romantic fantasy series, followed by Serenya's Song, then Hearts In Exile, a story of lost love… and dragons! All coming to you from Melange Books.

Thanks to Nancy at Melange for bringing all her authors over to Nights of Passion. And we've got a great giveaway for you:

On April 23rd we'll have 1 free download giveaway of 5 books (one from each author) to the first 6 people (aside from the authors) who make a comment on the blog. So that would be one free copy of:

One download of A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker

One download of Outpost Epsilon by Herbert Grosshans

One download of A Knight For Loving by Ellen Margret

One download of Guardian 2632 by Nora Weston

One download of The Best Selling Toy of the Season by Elaine Cantrell

Wow! So comment and win –

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, fantasy romance, Kit Marlowe, Melange Books, paranormal romance, romance, science fiction with romantic elements, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

a.c. Mason: Contest and Book Release Party

Hello and welcome!

We've got something really exciting for you today. Our very own a.c. Mason's Surrendering to the Right Man releases today and I had the amazingly fun task of interviewing her. All right, Mason, take it away!

Toni, I appreciate you taking the time to interview me.

I have to tell the reader's I'm a little nervous given you know me more than most. Toni and I have been working together since Tue, 7 Jul 2009. I'm interested to see the types of questions you've chosen to ask me.

Q: At this point, you have several books out and many more to come. What inspires you in general?

A: You didn't want to throw me an easy one to start off I see…  Everything.  Movies. TV.  Music. People. My life. My brain then puts it through my creative processor and strange situations come out.

Q: I know you are a panster and yet your books do not lack depth or complexity. How do you keep it straight and do you have any recommendations for other writers out there who may have panster tendencies?

A: STOP BEING SO HARD ON YOURSELVES. Sorry, I had to get that out of the way. I've know many a pansters ,who've been told/chastised by plotters (I'm not picking on plotters) but pansters don't work in the same construct of order as plotters do. And it's okay. Yes, it's okay.  As for how I keep it straight, I don't expect it, to happen all at once.  The story that is. I write in layers. Each book is different. Sometimes the plot layers come first and other times the character/romantic layers. I adjust as I go. I don't feel bad about cutting nor needing to add. It's how I work. I nourish that part of myself, not beat it up. I surround myself with people who respect that part of me.  

Q: Mason, can you tell us how the story for "Surrendering to the Right Man" came to you? What is the work about?         

A: It was the movie Clueless. I know Toni loves movies and talking about plots in relation to them. I used to watch a lot of TV. It was on some weekend movie thing on one of the stations and I started to thinking about Dionne. What would it be like to be Sunsational Malibu Christie? She was the first African American Barbie I got as a child. I made up what her life was like then. Indy's life is way hotter and much more interesting. She's at a crossroad between who she once was and the woman she is becoming. Liam her best friend and his older brother Tim represent a separate path, but which will she choose?

Q: What makes this work different from others you have published? Also, do you have a favorite character in this work and why?

A: It's contemporary. Not paranormal, fantasy, or urban fantasy. 

Indy, my heroine is smart, gusty, loads of fun, makes mistakes and gets back up. I respect that about her even when I'm thinking, what are you doing.

I do like Greg. He's part of the supporting cast. He says the wrong thing at the wrong time and always makes people uncomfortable. Lol. Don't we all know a friend like him?

Q: While you've been working to get Surrendering to the Right Man out, you've also released and/or worked on other works in addition to being a supermom and go-to lady at your day job. How do you handle it all and what advice do you have for those writers out there trying to balance writing, other careers and home life?

A: I treat writing like a second job. So when people call me and say hey Mason wanna do such and such. I'm like no can do, I'm working tonight at my second job. When I have time, I'm spending it with my family, giving back to fellow writers or going to workshops.  It's a struggle. I didn't get where I am at my day job showing up on the days I felt like it or not consistently delivering.  I believe the same goes for writing. The only thing I control is how I spend my time. I made my dream a priority. I think it's the greatest gift I can give my kids. I show them the importance of dedicating yourself to your own dreams. If I don't make me important why should anyone else. 

Q: Lastly, can you share an excerpt from Surrendering To The Right Man with us.

A: I'll start with a blurb first.

Indy Kent's motorcycle accident last New Year's Eve forced her to fight for things she took for granted. This holiday she makes a special request of her best friend, Liam Boyd, the "I want you to deflower me." Desperate to get Liam out of her system, a holiday sexecapade seems like just the cure from her long harbored, unreciprocated feelings.

But there is a complication, and his name is Tim, Liam's older brother. Tim's touch last New Year's Eve ignited an unexpected flame between them. The time they spent together during her recovery only furthered her attachment to him.

Emotions whirl; her secret looms. The hotter the burn between the sheets with Liam, the more Indy's yearning drifts toward Tim.

The incident that caused her accident and changed her life might save her heart.

Can she ultimately surrender her heart to the right man?

Content warning:

This book contains graphic sex including some traditionally considered taboo. A love triangle. Voyeurism. Light to mid-range discipline, dominance, and submission.

And now for the excerpt…

A spasm in Indy's leg forced her to clench her teeth together. She hated not being able to stand on her own two feet. The pain she was in wasn't about to force her to remain seated.

"Are you okay?" Tim's eyes softened with concern.

"I still get the tremors, ghost sensations from muscles I no longer have." To reconstruct her leg, the doctors had used muscles from donors. She felt sewn together by patchwork, like Frankenstein a quilt of mismatched pieces.

"You push yourself too hard, always have. I like that about you, but you need someone who'll help you ease off." He drew up behind her. "Put your weight on me."

"Tim."

"Do it," he ordered.

As he gathered her up, the heat of his hard chest pressed to her back, and he lowered her into the lawn chair. "Bossy."

"Only around you, Miss Independent." The rise and fall of his chest accelerated. Calm, blue eyes warmed to flames.

Heat weaved a path in her insides turning her to mush.

"I'd better go." He tossed his bag on his shoulder.

Pain burned her eyes. Being with Liam meant loosing Tim, and she needed him. "You shouldn't go just because the others have."

Tim lifted her chin, forcing her gaze to his. "Yes, I should. Merry Christmas Eve, Indy, and I hope Santa gets you your heart's desire."

"You, too." She nodded and grabbed his large, warm, kind hand. In April, his hands had stabilized her when she took her first steps since the accident.

"Unfortunately, mine is no longer available. Never really was for that matter." He exhaled. "I shouldn't have said that."

She tightened her hold. "Tim, thank you for everything. I don't know how I would have managed without your help and support."

"It's the least I could do, given—"                     

"Given what?" Liam asked, standing by the open gate to the backyard.

Toni thank you for having me. I'm sweating bullets, but made it through to the end and didn't even have to open the red file. If you want to find my other books or me!

And last but not least, the Contest:  One lucky commenter will win an ecopy of Surrendering to the Right Man. Answer in the comment box with what your favorite Soul Food dish is? The contest ends on Sunday April 24, 2011 at Midnight EST. Contest is worldwide and void where prohibited by law. Good luck!

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Decadent Publishing, Interview, romance, Toni Kelly

A True Love Story–James and Julia

Many tales authors write are actually inspired by real life.  This story inspires me everyday.

Menaleus  lived in Greece.  He had dark hair and flashing dark eyes.  His gift was the flute; his playing moved people.  He had a brother and four sisters.  His brother moved away, so when their father and mother died, Menaleus became responsible for his sisters.  He decided to put aside studying music at the university in Athens to go to America so he could earn enough money to send to  his sisters.  He went to New York City where dreams are made and not just on Broadway.

Julia's father was a farmer in Austria.  He owned six farms.  When she was 17,  she went on a holiday to America with her fine clothes, jewelry, and fur coats.  While she was in New York, war broke out and she couldn't go home.  She ended up staying with an uncle and his family.  To earn her keep, she worked in his restaurant. 

Everyday for lunch, Menaleus, I mean James (as they changed it at Ellis Island) came into the restaurant to order a modest meal.  He was a young apprentice in the fur industry, but he sent most of his money to his sisters.  The little window between the dining room and the kitchen would open and the most beautiful, delicate face with pale blue eyes would look out and hand the waiter the tray.  There began an unusual courtship of shy smiles and gazes. 

James approached the owner of the restaurant.  He wanted to court the girl in the window.  Her uncle said no.  He had unmarried daughters.  But James would not stop asking, until he finally got her uncle to allow them to meet. They each spoke a little English.  James asked to marry her.  Her uncle said James could have her but only if she left with the clothes on her back.  She would have no dowry, and he would keep her fine clothes, jewelry, and furs as compensation for giving her a home.

Julia was angry, but James was overjoyed.  All he cared about was marrying her.  He didn't care about her money.  He wanted her.  Even though, Julia was furious with her uncle who would not even pay for a wedding, she went with James.  They were married in a little Greek church called St. Nicholas and lived very happily.

(Note of interest:  Many years later, their Greek church would be flattened when the World Trade Center fell.)

How do I know so much about James and Julia?  They were my grandparents.  Do you have a true love story that inspires you?  Tell us.

–Susan 

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley

Depth: Part 1 – Characters

I got thinking about what makes a good book this weekend and while I'm sure there are lots of ways a book can be made good, I believe an essential part of a great novel is depth. Whether that is depth of character, depth of setting, depth of plot, or all three, depends on the author. But to create any kind of depth, you have to understand what it is. So first I'll start with what it isn't.

Depth isn't complication. Ever read those books where Romeo loves Juliet? Simple right? But what if a friend of Romeo's, Eve, is pregnant with another man's baby but that man is actually married and with three kids and won't leave his wife so Eve gets Romeo drunk and lies to him, telling him they had sex and the baby is his. In the midst of all this, Juliet is devastated that her soul mate has betrayed her so she runs off and has sex with another man and ends up pregnant as well only to find out that Romeo really was true to her.  Get the picture? This isn't a deep read, it's talk show material in a book.

I'll start with Depth of character. To me, depth of character is in the details and the deep point of view.  For instance, how do you choose your characters' names? Are they done at random or do you put real thought into the name and match it to the person's personality. Would you name a Samurai warrior Bobby Ray? Probably not. Or maybe you would but if so, I'm sure there'd be some kind of great reasoning behind it. Otherwise, your readers wouldn't easily buy into that character. The truth of the matter is that a writer can do anything they want but they have to convince the reader that it works and that requires depth. So now for a bit of an experiment, here is my take on Bobby Ray as a Samurai warrior:

"You ready to go trick-or-treating or not?" Chuck's eyes widened all saucer-like, as if he'd just saw some kind of space UFO or something. I hated when he acted all idiot on me. "What the hell kind of costume are you wearing, Bobby Ray?"

"What does it look like." I held my plastic shield up higher. "I'm a Samurai warrior you numbskull."

"A sama—what?"

"You heard me. A Samurai warrior."

His face crinkled like he'd eaten one of them sour patch kids. "I ain't never met no Samurai warrior named Bobby Ray."

                "Sure you have, "I said, smiling so wide I swore my mouth would crack. "What you think you're doing right now?"

So how about it? Does Bobby Ray work as a Samurai warrior in the excerpt above? I never said he had to be a real warrior but that's the trick with writing that you can pretty much do what you want. Notice Bobby Ray's distinct descriptions of a crinkled face or saucer-like eyes. Those point of view add-ins are what let us know his personality. What about you all? What helps you create depth in your characters?

Filed under: Characters, Toni Kelly, Writing Topics

The 20 Year Move

So I am in the process of moving yet again! Only this time I am set od forbid either) strikes and forces me out. I am so sick of moving! As a military memebr and then as a military spouse I have seen several states and countries and though that was great in my younger years I am ready to settle down now. Plant roots. Witness a tree or plan actually grow and become something I can reflect on instead of wonder how it is doing and if the new people like it or dug it up and tossed it!

So I am lat posting becasue I am in the crazy process of packing up my house yet again to put it into another house. I am at a cross between feeling blessed at the opportunity and feeling like my back may go out any minute if I am not careful!

Here's to getting settled!

cara

Sorry I was late. I will get it together here. H

Filed under: romance

Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope.

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

Maybe you've been away from Krypton to long and it just isn't home any more. That's ok.

Taurus

You've been seduced by a glen nymph.

Gemini

The only thing that holds you back is how open your mind is to possibilities.

Cancer

Angels or demons you can only play both sides so long.

Leo

Game time! You pull pieces from different realms save us all.

Virgo

Seeing things through a demons eyes can help you find clarity.

Libra

Were you bitten by a dragon. What's with the hording?

Scorpio

Star light burst from you. (The rest of us need shades in your presence.)

Sagittarius

Gandalf the vision you hold of what the world can be can be a burden but know each piece you move brings you closer to success.

Capricorn

The veil has been lifted. It ain't pretty. You need your superpower team to help.

Aquarius

Frozen in a cryostat but still hearing voices. You feel trapped.

Pisces

Reality is perception and yours is slipping. Hold on tight.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Mason's Paranormal-Scope

Book Meme

by C. Margery Kempe & Kit Marlowe

JOIN in the book meme and tell us about your reading habits:

1. One Book That Changed Your Life:

Beowulf: After taking in Woody Allen's advice in Annie Hall without really thinking about it ("Don't take any class where they make you read Beowulf!") I finally read it in the Chickering dual language version in Stephen Mitchell's class at Harvard. With the added influence of Njal's Saga, my life changed forever. I discovered the Middle Ages wasn't miladies in pointy hats, but cool and magical stories with mordant humour. Everything in my life changed from being a medievalist: languages, stories, mythologies, and most importantly, it put paid to the idea that there was any such thing as 'originality' — just individual story tellers and very old stories.

2. One Book You Have to Read More Than Once:

Alice in Wonderland: if there is one book that defines my life, it is Alice. The absurdity, the humour, the wild imagination. Yes.

3. One Book You'd Want on a Desert Island:

Riverside Shakespeare: There is so much there, I can't imagine quite getting to the end of it ever, without wanting to begin again.

4. Two Books That Made You Laugh:

Lucky Jim and Jane and Prudence: Amis' book is another that really has defined my life, even though I first read it before I became an academic and a medievalist — somehow it was fated I guess. There is just so much in the book that captures the most frustrating things about academia and my own love/hate relationship with it. I remember reading Pym's book when I was working at the Harvard School of Public Health. I was in the student lounge and laughing out loud. Time to re-read it!

5. One Book That Made You Cry:

Anything by Charles de Lint, eh? We'll say Moonheart, if you need a title, but oh any!

6. One Book You Wish You'd Written:

Pride and Prejudice? Anything by Austen — or Gaskell, or George Eliot. Sigh.

7. One Book You Wish Was NEVER Written:

Um, every celebrity's ghosted "Look at ME!" book.

8. Two Books You Are Currently Reading:

Skeem Life by Gary Robertson and The Pillowbook of Eleanor Bron. Gary's book tells about his life growing up in the housing schemes Dundeee with humour (despite the sometimes rather horrifying happenings!) in pure Dundee language. Bron's book is a sort of journal that recorded her observations as she was appearing in things like Beyond the Fringe with my hero Peter Cook and Help! with the Beatles and she's so sharply observant and mordantly funny that I wish we could be good friends and have tea every day just so I could enjoy her stories. At least Gary's on Twitter!

9. One Book You've Been Meaning to Read:

Tristram Shandy : I will get to it!

If you love books, consider yourself tagged. Link your post in the comments below. Huzzah!

Filed under: Author Interviews, C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, historical romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, medieval, Recommended Books, What Are You Reading?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Dear Vampire David: What Do Vampires Do for Fun?

If you have a question you'd like to ask on a paranormal matter or just a question, email me at NightsofPassionBlog@gmail.com  with David in the subject line. Thanks. It seems tonight's letter is carrying on a theme on the blog this week.

Dear David,

I'm curious. What do vampires do for fun?

Lola

Dear Lola,

Hmm. I can answer this two ways. What do some vampires do for fun?

Or what do I do for fun?

I'll start with the others. Many vampires enjoy luring humans to their end. Not every vampire sparkles or has a good heart. Places to be cautious in would be night clubs, cemeteries, country club cocktail parties, and political rallies. You'd be surprised some of the civilized places where you'll find vampires. Remember stay in groups and don't be alone with a stranger.

Now what do I do for fun?

1. Walking on the beach at night

2. Going to the movies–I love movies, especially Avatar.

3. Talking a shower or bath with my lifemate–lots of fun

4. Going to a night Yankees game

5. Flying (without an plane), because there's no luggage restriction. LOL! Okay, you may not think that's funny, but to vampires it's hilarious.

6. Rock climbing, but again I cheat. I can let go and float.

7. Giving and receiving foot rubs.

Thanks, Lola, for asking the question. I could go on and on. Once you're over a hundred, your fun list is pretty long.

What about you? What do you do for fun?

–David

Vampire David Hilliard

David's story is THE STORMY LOVE LIFE OF LAURA CORDELAIS

by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Characters, Dear David, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires