C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 222

Dear David: Paranormal Advice from Vampire David Hilliard

I do not pretend to have any experience in therapy or the healing arts.  My advice is based on the common sense, I've developed in living over a hundred years.

Dear David,

My sister is very important to me.  Last week she brought home her fiance to meet the family.  I like to think I'm open-minded, but he's a werewolf.  I can see nothing but heartache for my sister.  What can I say to change her mind?

Doubtful

Dear Doubtful,

Don't say anything.  You haven't had a chance to get to know him.  He could be a real standup guy.  Invite your sister and her finace to dinner and family functions.  Really get to know him.   Don't assume he's a beast.  He could have a warm and cuddly personality.  Be open to the possibilities.

David

Dear David,

My boyfriend is a vampire.  We've moved in together are deciding on some plants.  Maybe a pet.  What do you suggest?

Committed

Dear Committed,

Congratulations on your new relationship.  For plants, I'm very fond of bleeding hearts.  As for a pet, vampires get along well with dogs and cats.  I'm personally fond of Susan's cat Buffy.  This little cat likes to stare at me.  Since I don't have to blink, it's lend itself to some fun starting contests. 

Back to you:  enjoy the process.  Pick out things together.  Shop at night.  A lot of stores have late hours.  Cherish your time together.

David

If you have a question you'd like to ask a vampire or in need of paranormal advice, email me at onlyladyknight(at)yahoo(dot)com with Dear David in the subject line.  Until next week.  Keep that romantic feeling, and remember, you're never alone in the dark.

–David Hilliard

–Susan Hanniford Crowley

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

Read For a Cure book for February and Contest with Becca Dale and Decadent Publishing

I've very excited to share with you Decadent Publishing's February Read For a Cure book: Kya's King by Becca Dale.

What could be more loving than supporting a great cause!

Kya's King by Becca Dale

Paranormal romance, contemporary, shapeshifter, fantasy romance (Ebook)

Blurb

Tender-hearted and lonely, Kya yearns for heritage and home. The staff and animals at the sanctuary where she works have become almost family, but it is not enough. She craves the stability and acceptance she hears in the voice of her dream lover and sees in the eyes of a wounded wildcat.

Chosen to guard the royal heir, Ja claims his lost charge in a desperate attempt to save her from enemies she can not imagine or comprehend. At every turn desire and obligation clash as Kya tests his loyalty to the clan and his will to walk away. Touching her breaks the rules that he has pledged his life to uphold, but fulfilling his duty might destroy everything worth fighting for.

Both must face the roles they were born to play. Hers to lead. His to protect. Can Hannah blindly accept her responsibility as queen or will she turn her back on the extended family she longs for in order to keep the one who destroys her loneliness? Does she even have a choice?

   

Except

Help me.

 

The voice from her dream floated from the cage. Malachi's eyes held hers without wavering. Hannah looked around for someone playing tricks on her, but the night remained still, eerily quiet as it had been every night since the big cat arrived. "Who's out there?" No one answered her call. She strained to see beyond the dim circle of the yard light. Nothing moved.

Help me, Hannah.

Fear edged its way into her thoughts. Unconsciously, she slid toward the big cat to protect him. Her hand brushed the back of his massive paw. Malachi did not move. She crawled a little closer. The putrid smell of infection drifted from his open sore. "Do you trust me, Malachi?"

He lay still as she reached carefully through the bars and patted his neck gently. With a shaky laugh, she pulled her hand back glad it remained on the end of her arm.

"Maybe we should try this alone, you and I, huh?" She considered the insanity of the idea only a moment before she ran to the medical lab and gathered the necessary equipment. She had never treated an animal by herself but had assisted Harry often enough to feel confident in what she was doing.

Within moments she stood outside Malachi's cage once more. The cat lay as she had left him. On her knees so as not to frighten him, Hannah inched across the safety line and sat next to the animal's outstretched paw. She readied the antiseptic on a clean cloth and laid out bandages and antimicrobial solution. "Are you ready for this?" With a shaky smile, she gently patted his leg. "I hope so because I'm not sure I am." Her hand shook as she picked up the cloth. "Don't eat me, okay?"

Kya's King is the February 'Read For a Cure' selection from Decadent Publishing. 'Read For a Cure' is a Decadent publishing program. All publisher profits from one book per month benefits the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This month, the author is also donating HER profits to the Cause. To find out more about Relay For Life and how each dollar helps cancer patients in your community, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/hemetca . You can also make a tax deductible donation to our team if you like!

Links:

Blog

Purchase

Publisher

For the contest:

We will give away one ebook copy of 'Kya's King' by Becca Dale to a commenter who tells us what animal they would like to be if they could shift and why! The deadline Feb 28 2011 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Void where prohibited by law.

Filed under: Becca Dale, Decadent Publishing, Read For a Cure book

Read For a Cure book for February and Contest with Kya's King by Becca Dale and Decadent Publishing

I've very excited to share with you Decadent Publishing's February Read For a Cure book: Kya's King by Becca Dale.

What could be more loving than supporting a great cause!

Kya's King by Becca Dale

Paranormal romance, contemporary, shapeshifter, fantasy romance (Ebook)

Blurb

Tender-hearted and lonely, Kya yearns for heritage and home. The staff and animals at the sanctuary where she works have become almost family, but it is not enough. She craves the stability and acceptance she hears in the voice of her dream lover and sees in the eyes of a wounded wildcat.

Chosen to guard the royal heir, Ja claims his lost charge in a desperate attempt to save her from enemies she can not imagine or comprehend. At every turn desire and obligation clash as Kya tests his loyalty to the clan and his will to walk away. Touching her breaks the rules that he has pledged his life to uphold, but fulfilling his duty might destroy everything worth fighting for.

Both must face the roles they were born to play. Hers to lead. His to protect. Can Hannah blindly accept her responsibility as queen or will she turn her back on the extended family she longs for in order to keep the one who destroys her loneliness? Does she even have a choice?

   

Except

Help me.

 

The voice from her dream floated from the cage. Malachi's eyes held hers without wavering. Hannah looked around for someone playing tricks on her, but the night remained still, eerily quiet as it had been every night since the big cat arrived. "Who's out there?" No one answered her call. She strained to see beyond the dim circle of the yard light. Nothing moved.

Help me, Hannah.

Fear edged its way into her thoughts. Unconsciously, she slid toward the big cat to protect him. Her hand brushed the back of his massive paw. Malachi did not move. She crawled a little closer. The putrid smell of infection drifted from his open sore. "Do you trust me, Malachi?"

He lay still as she reached carefully through the bars and patted his neck gently. With a shaky laugh, she pulled her hand back glad it remained on the end of her arm.

"Maybe we should try this alone, you and I, huh?" She considered the insanity of the idea only a moment before she ran to the medical lab and gathered the necessary equipment. She had never treated an animal by herself but had assisted Harry often enough to feel confident in what she was doing.

Within moments she stood outside Malachi's cage once more. The cat lay as she had left him. On her knees so as not to frighten him, Hannah inched across the safety line and sat next to the animal's outstretched paw. She readied the antiseptic on a clean cloth and laid out bandages and antimicrobial solution. "Are you ready for this?" With a shaky smile, she gently patted his leg. "I hope so because I'm not sure I am." Her hand shook as she picked up the cloth. "Don't eat me, okay?"

Kya's King is the February 'Read For a Cure' selection from Decadent Publishing. 'Read For a Cure' is a Decadent publishing program. All publisher profits from one book per month benefits the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This month, the author is also donating HER profits to the Cause. To find out more about Relay For Life and how each dollar helps cancer patients in your community, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/hemetca . You can also make a tax deductible donation to our team if you like!

Links:

Blog

Purchase

Publisher

For the contest:

We will give away one ebook copy of 'Kya's King' by Becca Dale to a commenter who tells us what animal they would like to be if they could shift and why! The deadline Feb 28 2011 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Void where prohibited by law.

Filed under: Becca Dale, Decadent Publishing, Read For a Cure book

The Process of Writing

When I'm in deep, writing a book, I sometimes switch back and forth between the computer and a notebook.  When I feel a lull, I just switch.  Right now, I'm working on a book for Vampire Max.  I'm carrying around a notebook with me wherever I go.  When I'm home or in a waiting room, out comes the notebook.  Having it with  me, keeps me on the edge so when I've left the day job, I can throw myself back into the story.

Talking with my critique partner usually keeps me on track, as I'm distractible.  Sometimes I'll discuss how the plot is developing or a favorite scene I'm writing.  When I'm writing I am totally there. 

For me the first draft is always a mini version of the book.  Then I dive back in and flesh out everything.  For me, instead of cutting, I expand and really get into the emotions, the description, the action making it more vibrant and intense.  I go chapter by chapter until I am totally in love with the chapters.

Whenever I write a very emotional scene, I usually pace afterward, trying to get all the energy out of my body.  Then at other times, I pause in writing to look up something.  I like to get as much right as possible.  Sometimes I find strange little facts that spice up the storyline.  Sometimes I file them away for another story because it doesn't fit.  The bottom line is the romance between the couple and how it develops, what gets in the way, the obstacles in their lives, and the choices they make.  Every couple is different .  Max has big dreams of love, having lost his true love a long time ago.  The human woman of his dreams is standoffish.  She a widow and was betrayed by her late husband.  She isn't so eager to fall in love.  So one of the obstacles is their different expectations.   There are other conflicts they will face, but that's just the way it is in a vampire romance. LOL 

For me, writing is a very active process even when I'm not glued to the laptop.  There's the tranquil writing into the dark, the going places to verify settings, and the research into dark mysteries. 

That's the tip of the iceberg into the process of writing.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

The View from Up Here

On the go this week—traveling by plane specifically. Destination: peace and relaxation or at least as much as one can get when visiting their family.  I am truly looking forward to having the opportunity to sit down and do a bit of writing. The day job has been pretty taxing recently and has eaten into the writing time so it's nice to push back a bit.

Now back to the traveling by plane. As I sit up here in the sky, it's interesting to see that there is some order in the chaos of our world. Down on the ground, the world can seem so full and confusing at times but up here, you can see the little neighborhoods broken off into sections. You see where the highways (freeways, interstates, etc.) curve or break off, connecting cities and states.

Watching all these connections and making sense of the chaos reminds me of writing. Sometimes you're so deep into your edits and story that you can completely lose yourself. I've mentioned before that critique partners are very useful in this case. Another way of helping this is stepping back—and I mean waaay back.

I'm not sure if any of you have little plot devices that help but sometimes I try excel spreadsheets or even post-its to organize my thoughts. In a way, it is kind of like writing a synopsis. To write a synopsis you do need to step back and fully understand what is happening in your story.

So why is this even important? Have you ever read those stories that just don't seem to flow or the plot feels choppy. As writers, you can probably identify this. As a reader, you most likely just see it as not making sense or quite frankly, it makes you tired and you decide to put the book down, unsure IF or WHEN you'll pick it up again. I've come across quite a few of these books in my lifetime and truth be told, I very rarely pick that author up again.

So I've said it before, but I'll say it again, give it your all when you are writing. Enjoy it and most importantly if you want to be published, take the time to make sure it flows together and is the absolute best story you can tell in this moment of time. Your reader will forever thank you. And for a writer, that's the biggest praise you can get.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Nights of Passion Newbie: Cara North

A blog, a new blogger, and the blank page…

When Susan asked if I would be interested in joining this group I thought about what in the world I could do on a weekly blog. I have always wanted to be a part of an active blog. I am a part of a publisher blog, and another blog with a few authors, but this blog, Nights of Passion, has a schedule, structure, communication. I am not ashamed to say that I run better on a scheudle. If I do not have a set plan I will find something else to do. As planning goes, there are often glitches. Hence, the reason I am using Susan's ID this time around.

As a new blogger here I hope to bring the readers a little bit of me, my world(s), and at the very least provide a bit of entertainment if not useful information on top of shamelss self promotion from time to time.

So, as the newest member, I would like to open with a discussion:

What would you like more of at Nights of Passion? What would you like to know about me and my writing?

What are you passionate about?

What should I name my Tuesday Blogging?

Cara's Corner, Talk About Tuesday, any suggestions?

Filed under: Cara North, romance

Mason's weekly Paranormal-Scope.

As you know, I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets. I do however; have practical advice for those of you that might encounter paranormal of some sort.

The week ahead for:

Aries

You need a full world map including the other dimensions. Then you can really make things happen.

Taurus

You need a third eye this week. You might want to get one at the local freaky boutique.

Gemini

It's still about the stimulus. So keep it out of this world.

Cancer

Creepy creatures' litter your path watch were you step. Yuck.

Leo

Go deep. Mystery, smoke and mirrors only go so far. Reach in and find the core.

Virgo

You need to speak to Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Libra

If not you, than who. If not now than when. Judgment day is coming.

Scorpio

It's about getting your vibrations back in sync with that of the universe.

Sagittarius

Jupiter is the largest planet in this solar system and it's not a mistake that it's your ruling planet. Nor that he is the king of the Roman gods. Be your magnificent self.

Capricorn

Tap into your personal power and direct it toward your own goals.

Aquarius

Enemies make for great friends if you can flip them.

Pisces

Toss out the rulebook. You've got to rewrite it.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

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

Interview: Karenna Colcraft

I'm pleased to welcome Karenna Colcroft to Nights of Passion. Her latest publication is You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This from Pink Petal books. Catch up with Karenna on her website and be sure to follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

What inspired You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This?

The Toby Keith song of the same name was the first inspiration. There's a line in the song about "lost on the dance floor, spinning around," and that made me think of dance instructors, for some reason. My husband used to be a West Coast Swing dance instructor, and a competitive dancer, so that cemented the story idea in my head. The hero, Stefan, is based on hubby.

How wonderful! Handy to have inspiration so close to hand. What started you writing romance?

It was a challenge from a friend of mine almost five years ago. He was helping me deal with some stuff, and as part of that he challenged me to write something showing "sex in a positive light." I wrote an erotic romance scene, was surprised at how well I did with it, and I was hooked. (That scene ended up being part of my paranormal romance novel Eternal Love, which is available from Pink Petal Books.)

How did you develop your craft?

I've been writing stories since I was five years old, so it's been a combination of practice, joining writers' groups and taking tips from more experienced authors, and paying attention to my editors' notes.

What's sexy?

Intelligence and a sense of humor. Caring about your partner.

What makes you laugh?

My husband. He has a very quirky sense of humor, and he's told me that he loves to hear me laugh, so he's constantly doing or saying something weird or funny to get me laughing.

Do you ever incorporate real people/events into your stories?

Frequently. As I mentioned, Stefan in You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This is based on my husband, as is Micah, the hero in my next Pink Petal release Their Home Port, and Corin, one of the two heroes in myupcoming Passion In Print release Shiny Objects. Several of my heroines are based on me, at least in part, and I occasionally have characters who are based on friends of mine.

How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?

I'm supposed to have a life outside writing? Seriously, I try to stick to a schedule as far as when I'm working vs. when I'm spending time with my family. On school days, I stay away from the computer while my kids are getting ready for school and I spend an hour or so with them after they get home. During the weekends that they're home, I make plans with each of them for a one-on-one mom-daughter event. Every night, I try to be off the computer by 6 p.m. I do have a day job, but it's part-time, very flexible, and I can often get some writing work done while I'm there.

What's the most common mistake people make about you?

I'm very shy and pretty awkward socially, so a lot of people think I'm stand-offish. Really it's just that I'm not quite sure what to say to people.

What ambitions do you have ahead of you?

Keep writing, keep being published. Hopefully find an agent for a couple of projects that don't quite fit into the romance genre.

What's the best advice you ever received?

A quote from a friend of mine when I was dealing with health issues: "I learned at a young age not to worry about things beyond my control, and you are allowing yourself to wallow in it. You are a very intelligent woman. Act like it. The 'victim' does not become you."

If money were no object, what would be your ideal vacation?

I'd love to spend a week or two in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

My favourite part of the world for sure. What's next for you?

My next release from Ellora's Cave, a Quickie titled Hear Me, See Me, comes out February 24. My next Pink Petal release, a full-length novel called Their Home Port, comes out March 3. I have contracts (but no release dates yet) for three other projects: The Eye Is the Mirror of the Soul is a fantasy novella for Pink Petal Books's "Spellbound Treasure" line. Shiny Objects is an MFM novel from Passion In Print Press. Salad on the Side is a M/M shifter romance from MLR Press.

Excerpt:

Outside the studio, Erin took a few deep breaths. If going home had been an

option, she would have. Her lie about the headache had begun to turn to truth,

and no one would mind if she didn't stay for the entire two-hour dance. She didn't

want to leave, though. She wanted to dance. Dancing had always helped clear

her mind.

For the next two hours, she stayed on her feet, moving through the basic

West Coast steps with some of the students from that night's class, and through

more elaborate steps with some of the regulars. The music captured her mind as

it always did, and she nearly forgot how upset she'd been.

She expected Stefan to ask her to dance. He didn't. Each time she spotted

him, he was either dancing with someone else or standing near the stereo talking

to some of the regulars. Of course, he would dance with her if she asked, she

knew that. Nearly every class night, she asked him to dance, and he never

turned her down.

Tonight, she didn't want to be the one doing the asking.

Shortly before the end of the night, he finally worked his way over to

her. "Thought you planned to dance with me," he said.

"I've been waiting." She grinned. "What did you think, I'd throw myself at your

feet and beg? You want to dance, ask me right, buster."

He laughed and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

"Certainly."

She let him lead her onto the floor. When the next song began, so did their

movements, as if the music controlled their bodies. Dancing with Stefan here was

even better than in class. In this setting, they had no limitations on the steps they

could do. He led her through advanced steps and variations, and she didn't miss

a beat.

Some of the students nearby stopped to watch. Erin barely noticed. She kept

her eyes only on Stefan, holding his gaze with her own. A small smile touched

his lips, and something kindled in his eyes. Something she hadn't seen there

before.

He spun her into his arms. Instead of releasing her, he kissed her.

Startled, she looked up at him. Before she managed to speak, he returned

to the dance, spinning her back to arms' length and then leading her through

another sequence of basic steps before spinning himself under her arm. He was

tall enough that he needed to duck, which brought laughter from those watching.

The song ended, and he walked her back to the side of the floor. "Thank

you."

"You're welcome." She narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?"

"Um, it's called West Coast Swing. You know, the dance we teach here?"

She shook her head. "You know what I mean. You shouldn't kiss me like

that. Everyone saw."

"And that's a problem?" He lowered his voice. "I shouldn't kiss you, huh?"

"Not unless you mean it." Her heart fluttered. Surely he hadn't meant

anything.

"Who says I don't?" He grinned. "See you on Tuesday, Erin."

Without waiting for her response, he walked out the door.

Filed under: Author Interviews, C. Margery Kempe, Characters, contemporary romance, erotic romance, Interview, Kit Marlowe, romance, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics

Dear David: Paranormal Advice from Vampire David Hilliard

Dear David,

I'm going out with this guy who is always nibbling on my neck.   He also never stays for breakfast.  I have his cell phone number, but he never returns my calls until after dark.  We never eat in Italian restaurants or have pizza, because he doesn't like them.  I'm getting suspicious.  Do you think he's a vampire?

Suspicious Sally

Dear Suspicious Sally,

You have every right to be suspicious.   I wouldn't press him for too much.  He may or may not be a vampire.  What you describe fits various occupations, including covert operators.  There are also some humans who are allergic to garlic.  What you have to decide is whether you want to continue a relationship with a man who has so many secrets.  Are you happy with this man?  I think your answer lies there.

Good luck.

David.

Dear David,

How do you get rid of pixies in your garden?  I noticed that some of my leaves have tiny bite marks.  What should I do?"

Perplexed

Dear Perplexed,

I checked with the Supernatural Congress on this.   Lucky you.  Enjoy your pixies.  They bring good fortune. 

David

Dear David,

My boyfriend broke up with me, and now I have the post Valentine blues.  What should I do?"

Tearful

Dear Tearful,

Go out and buy yourself something frilly.  Take a bubble bath.  Then go clubbing with some friends.  You need to realize that love is like a bull and you have to take it by the horns.  Have fun.  

David

If you have a question you've been dying to ask, email me at onlyladyknight@yahoo.com  and put Dear David in the subject line.

–David Hilliard

–Susan Hanniford Crowley

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

Where's the Contest? Dance, Magic, Dance!

I'm having a contest and guest blogging on "Loving Characters" on Friday, Feb. 18 at The Romance Studio blog  http://theromancestudio.blogspot.com

Be sure to drop by and say hi.  I adore questions.  I give two excellent and very romantic excerpts from my vampire/supernatural romance The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais and from my steampunk romance Mrs. Bright's Tea Room.

To enter follow the directions.

Right now, I'm watching "Labyrinth" one of my all-time favorites.  David Bowie sings "Dance, Magic, Dance" and all the goblins dance around him.  It's a lot of fun.  I love the character Ludo and his ability to call the rocks.  Now that is a supernatural talent.  As he says, "Rocks, friends."

Speaking of magic, we have a surprise.  Lindsay Downs is leaving Nights of Passion and although we are sad to see him leave,  Lindsay is always welcome to return as a guest.  Romance Author Cara North is joining Nights of Passion on Tuesdays.  So be sure to drop by and give her a warm welcome.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Cara North, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, steampunk romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires, What are you watching?