C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 227

Mason Friday is hodgepodge dancing?

What a first week of the year it's been for me. I'm happy dancing!

I have some great news to share with all of you. Lyrical Press has extended a contract to CHOCOLATE TEMPTATION, novella two of the Wolf-Spirit Series.

I wanted to highlight what Decadent Publishing and Kate Richards are doing.

January "Read for a Cure" story One Night at the Beach by Kate Richards

A rejuvenating moonlit stroll into passion, love and reunion.

After a bad break-up, Andi sets off to find herself, only to come across the one man whose opinions and friendship had mattered most in the past—if only she hadn't destroyed their relationship from their last meeting.

Sam has waited years for Andi to come back to him. She was his best friend, his love, but he'd never told her how deep his feelings ran, until their paths crossed once again on a moonlit beach. Will the chemistry between them be enough to overcome the reason they parted in the first place?

Heat level – 3

Genre – Contemporary romance, erotica

Book cover by Dara England

Excerpt-

"I can stay over, but I probably shouldn't."

"We've covered could, would, and should. Let's try one more question. We will call it question two, part b. Andi, will you please stay over tonight at my house? I will make coffee or hot chocolate or popcorn. I have wine. Anything I have is yours. I just want to spend some more time together. I've missed you."

"Samuel, I'm not looking for a relationship right now. And I've never slept with anyone but Mark."

"Andi, you're making this much more difficult than it should be. Let me put it this way. I am not asking you to make love with me. If it makes you feel better, I promise I won't have sex with you tonight even if you beg me to."

"I won't beg," she protested, pulling away from him. "Did you really think I was that desperate that I would beg you to, to…?" Her voice was rising with each word.

Samuel reached for her hand and drew it back into his warm one. "Andi, just come home with me, out of the cold. We can sit in front of the window, watch the full moon on the ocean, and catch up. We'll sit up all night and talk like we used to, and then maybe go out to breakfast. Okay?"

Don't for forget about that on February 3rd 2010 Darynda Jones author of First Grave On The Right will join us.

Try and read a book,

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Chocolate Temptation, Hodgepodge day!, Mason Friday, Wolf-Spirit series

Packing and Revealing Secrets

After a celebrating my birthday, two things suddenly hit me. One I need to get back to writing the book and packing for Arisia.

What is the book about? Max, yes, I'm finally working on Max's book. Vampire Max Vander Meer is the king of the New York vampires and the founder of the Arnhem Knights. He's also gorgeous, fun and … well, I'm not going to tell everything. You'll see.

I also realized that I needed to pack my things for Arisia next week. Arisia is the largest science fiction conference in New England. Arisia is January 14-17 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, 425 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210

At Arisia, I will be on panels, doing a booksigning, and a reading.  I will have books on me for sale.  Just ask.  Here's the schedule as I have it.

Friday, Jan. 14   9:30 PM     Paine (room)   How to be a Good Moderator

Sat., Jan. 15    11  AM   Galleria (area)   Autograph Session   (one hour and 15 minutes)

Sun. , Jan. 16   9:30 AM   Hale (room)  Reading  (I will have books for sale)

Sun., Jan. 16   12:30 PM   Paine (room)  Harry Potter & the Deadly Hallows

So if you're in Boston be sure to drop by my signing or reading.  I believe you have to be a member of the convention to attend the panels. 

How was my birthday?  Good so far.  The family is celebrating on Sunday.  I received today the most wonderful necklace with two charms–one an apple like Bella's apple and the other a little Harry Potter Golden Snitch.   Things can only get better.

Enough secrets for now.  LOL

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Characters, paranormal romance, Readers Conference, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, vampires

The Essentials of a Routine

I'd like to start off by saying Happy New Year and welcome to 2011. You've made it this far, now keep at it.

Today's topic is routine. It's a fresh new year and you're maybe bored or disappointed with something about yourself. You want to lose weight, write that book you've been putting off, save more money, learn another language… list can go on and on. But why? Why do we crave the need for change? Why even half way through the year, are we "bored with ourselves" or our lives and begging for something new, something out of the routine?

My thoughts are that we are creatures of habit, whether that habit is a fixed routine or required "spontaneity" every few months. Without some routine, our systems tend to go crazy. For example, you usual enjoy a home cooked meal almost daily; however, you go on a road trip and must eat fast food for a week. By the end of it, all you want is a salad. Or, you live alone in your fairly quiet apartment and meet your friends in Vegas for the week. You have a blast but usually by the end of the trip, you're ready to get a goodnight's sleep.

Face it, you need routine. Sometimes it's refreshing. For those of you who are constantly spontaneous, that is your routine. And for all you writers out there, you know you have a routine.

What I'm getting at here is that despite the new year and the desire for change, remember there needs to be a routine in there somewhere (especially for writers) otherwise you run out of steam. I'm not saying New Year's resolutions aren't valid—I've a few in mind myself—but make sure you set realistic expectations that will fit in with the way you currently are or the way you want things to be going forward. The change should not be a temporary run of the mill decision (as most resolutions later become) but something that becomes a lifestyle. Only then will you reach those goals that have been eluding you for so long.

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Lindsay's Post-1/4/2011

During the two plus hour flight Alison forced herself to put the events of the day out of her mind. Especially Richard Bosch, Sergeant, US Army. Reading didn't help. Though it usually did. Of course having, what's his first name, try to pick her up hadn't hurt. Except she, and she even admitted to herself, wasn't really in the mood for probably what he had to offer. A one night stand. But her gut said he was the kind you got for only one reason-the long haul.

No secret, her sex life, hell, even her personal life left, not a little, but a lot to be desired. So, with that depressing thought Alison snuggled her head deeper into pillow.

Maybe her dad was right. Maybe she did need to get away for a few days. Not romance, but to clear her head. Refocus on the big picture. And the small note she and her parents had received. She closed her eyes.

It hadn't been that many months, but seemed like years, since she'd been down to see Aunt Maddie, one of the few people, outside her parents and Maggie, in the world who really understood her. Slowly, she reflected back. Mom and Dad understood her, but on one level. Daughter first. Employee and third major stockholder, second. But then neither she nor Bob (thinking about him suddenly brought a tears to her eyes) ever gave them pause to worry. Much. She gently rubbed her fingers over her eyes, trying to drive the tears away. I lose, she thought, as another tear slipped down her tanned cheek. She sniffled loudly, unconcerned if anyone heard.

A soft cloth caressed her hand. She looked down, her petit nose wrinkled in curiosity. Desert camo. Without looking up she suspected who'd handed it to her.

"Sorry to bother you miss, but I saw you crying. Thought you might need that." His voice, satiny butter soft, drifted over her like a warm summer breeze. Barely delicate enough to gently rustle aspen leaves.

She tilted her head up, peering through teary eyes toward the voice, a saddened smile on her face. "Thanks." Scrunching the cloth in her hand she dabbed her eyes before returning the damp, cloth to him.

"No. You keep it. Think you might have more use for it than I will. Anyway, I've got lots of them."

With her guard down, Alison blinked her long softly curled lashes while casting a glance up at him. That's when she caught a look, again, at his profile. There was something vaguely familiar about him. When he'd tried to pick her up earlier, she'd basically ignored everything about him. Which, for her, had been hard. The clean angular jaw, straight nose. Piercing hawk brown eyes beautifully set under dark, but not as dark as his hair, eyebrows. Straight forehead. High, well placed cheekbones.

He was definitely her kind of eye candy. He knew the right things to say to make her feel, not worse, but little better. The thing that really chewed on her mind was he looked familiar.

Right now she didn't know if that was good or bad with the vague threat she and her parents had gotten. Was he involved somehow? That plus his offhanded comment about being in security.

Her gut said to stay away from him. He's dangerous.

Her heart, on the other hand had a different take. It said trust him. He's good for you.

"Are you sure?"

His lips curled into a smile, dimpling his cheeks. "Yes. And I'd hate to rescue and run but we're about to land so I'd better get back to my seat. See you, soon," he whispered.

He disappeared down the aisle.

Filed under: Lindsay Downs, Mystery, romance

Mason's Paranormal-Scope ~ 15 for the first week of 2011.

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.

Welcome to a shiny new year.

The week ahead for:

Aries

The cosmic vibes you give off are what you get back so before you charge forward with a new plan make sure the legions of minions are on board.

Taurus

It's all about multiverses now so keep that in mind as you forge ahead into the future. The one you love may not see things as you do and an overblown reaction might leave you in the cold.

Gemini

Meet with other worldly being and discover things you never knew were lacking.

Cancer

Angry undead are headed your way so stand firm without killing indiscriminately.

Leo

You might need the help of shaman to make sense of the other realms and get things back on track.

Virgo

Don't be a clone of those around you. You must be yourself to create a path perfect for you.

Libra

The universal energy will give you a swift kick in the a&$ later in the week for now finish off incomplete projects.

Scorpio

There are bloodsuckers around you, pulling you from reaching your personal goals cut them loose and make you a priority.

Sagittarius

Others are seeing you with deeper clarity and jump into your sacred dark waters to enjoy basking in your warmth. A star in the making.

Capricorn

Aim for the stars but make sure it has a fiscally responsible component. You too can be part of the celestial array.

Aquarius

Be a beacon of love and hope for those fiends that have lost their way.

Pisces

You are the one in the know of all realms, with a killer smile and just the right stuff.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

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

Interview with Mary Abshire

Mary Abshire is the author of Claiming the Evil Dead from Noble Romance. She's also a Pro member of RWA and the Futuristic, Fantasy, and Paranormal Chapter. Friend her on Facebook!

If you were a book, what would your tagline be?

She's a hot-blood half-demon. He's a cold-blooded vampire. Sending evil souls to Hell has never been more dangerous, or steamy.

That sounds very appealing! What inspired Claiming the Evil Dead?

I love struggles with good vs. evil. I also love vampire books but I didn't want to write solely about vampires. I wanted something different. I wanted a character who struggles with…her inner demon, kind of like we all do at times. Add a vampire and a demon, and my imagination went wild.

What started you writing romance?

Reading romance books.

So many writers start the same way. How did you develop your craft?

Reading and writing every day. I went to the RWA conference. I've taken a few classes on line from authors. Getting critiques helps.

It sure does. What makes a great heroine?

Solid morals, creativity, emotion, not being afraid to take the leap, looking out for others. A bad ass with a heart and sense of humor!

What's sexy?

The guy on my cover. (Thanks, Fiona).

Fiona rocks! I love her covers for me, too. What makes you laugh?

Oh, where do I begin… when I make silly mistakes, falling, bumping into things, silly stuff people do…

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

Not events or people, but I do use real places. Sometimes I change the details a bit.

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

Sometimes, it is difficult, but I've made writing a priority in my life. For me, it's all about prioritizing things. I'll admit, sometimes I put off vacuuming and other chores if I'm engrossed in writing. Better done late than never.

Hee — my thought is better never. But I'm a slob. What's the most common mistake people make about you?

People think I'm shy. (Sh!)

What ambitions do you have ahead of you?

Well, I'd like to build a strong reader base. I'd like to keep the soul catcher series going and get my Urban Fantasy romance series out. I'd like to explore other fantasy romance series or stand alone books as well. I have plenty of ideas, just not enough time (sigh).

What's the best advice you ever received?

Don't let rejections get to me. And they don't!!

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

Traveling the world.

I'm with you. What's next for you?

I'm finishing the third Soul Catcher novel. I'll start the forth next. Then I'd like to start the sequel to my UF novel.

Here's a sexy excerpt:

Knowing I would have to leave soon, I headed to the bar for one last drink.

Weaving my way through the clusters of people standing around and talking, I reached the end of the bar. I sat on a round stool and waited for one of the bartenders to look my way. One more drink, and then I'd leave.

"Well–well–well. If it isn't the devil in disguise," a masculine voice said from my

right.

I swiveled on my stool. "Excuse me?" I politely asked.

A smile inched across my face while I gaped at the tall man with caramel colored

eyes and short, light-brown hair standing close to me. Though he had a somewhat big nose that—if I guessed—had probably been broken one too many times, he held a strong and commanding look.

"Can I offer you a drink?" he asked as he removed money from his pocket. A hint

of dynamism laced his deep voice.

My gaze lingered on his large chest and bulging muscles, clearly displayed

beneath his tight, black T-shirt. The man was huge. Heat from the core of my belly flamed with the intensity of a grease fire. My temperature kicked up several degrees, and my body felt an electrical charge. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face if I'd tried.

"Sure. I'll take a drink, if you're offering," I replied, heart thudding against my

chest. How could I refuse such an alluring man, er, offer?

He wedged his large body between the neighboring stool and me. Arm extended

over the counter with a bill tucked between his fingers, he called out, "Bartender."

"Yes?" the young bartender asked.

"Two shots, your strongest." My hot friend ordered.

My eyes enlarged, seeing a tattoo on his arm. A gray and black snake coiled

around his muscle and extended along the inside of his arm. Past his mid forearm, the mouth of the snake stretched open and sharp, white fangs dripped from the upper gum. A thin, red tongue stretched out of the mouth to the center of his wrist.

"My name is Jeremy," he said, scooting one of the shot glasses my way.

"I'm Jessie," I replied, accepting the drink. Keeping my eyes on him, I gulped the

shot and lowered the glass, wincing. Jeremy did the same minus the wince.

"Jessie . . . you smell . . . ." He paused, inhaling. "Delightful." He looked

bewildered, but with a pleasant grin.

I smell delightful? Well, at least it was better than saying I had BO. For a second, I

wondered what his definition of delightful was. Then my thoughts floated out to sea from the liquor and I no longer cared how delightful I smelled.

"I haven't seen you here before."

My lips pulled into a new playful smile. "I'm visiting with a friend."

"Where's your friend?"

"Waiting for me outside," I said, gazing into his radiant eyes.

"Then you don't mind if I keep you company." He flirted.

"I'd prefer it." I flirted too.

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, contemporary romance, erotic romance, fantasy romance, Noble Romance, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, Romance suspense, RWA, urban fantasy, vampire books, vampires, Writer's Life

Happy New Year 2011

All of us at Nights of Passion

wish you our passionate readers and friends

and all the soldiers serving our nations

a Safe and

Happy New Year!

A long time ago, in a country not really far away, a poet wrote this poem and we sing it every New Year's Eve.

Auld Lang Syne (long, long ago)    

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,

for auld lang syne,

we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!

and surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes, 

and pu'd the gowans fine;

But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,

sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,

frae morning sun till dine;

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!

and gie's a hand o' thine!

And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

By Robert Burns

 

Filed under: romance

Mason Friday is a hodgepodge New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve!

This is the second year in a row I've been blessed with posting on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Thank you Nights of Passion for having me as one of the blog contributor. I feel like time is speeding up on me. How about you?

A lot of people are taking stoke of last year and planning for the next. Much like my writing I do a little of both but I will let the storyteller in me guide the words.

I will plan on trying to take over the world.

I will continue to bring you paranormal scope when possible.

I will continue to write.

That's all you are getting out of me and trust me when I tell you, it will be more fun if you don't know I'm up to before it happens.

Don't for forget about that on February 3rd 2010 Darynda Jones author of First Grave On The Right will join us.

Try and read a book,

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

Filed under: a.c. Mason, Hodgepodge day!, Mason Friday

Insights on Life in 2010

Well, 2010 has been eventful for us all. In reviewing the year, this is what I learned:

1. To be kinder to everyone. Everyone is having a hard time.

2. To listen more. Sometimes just listening to someone else helps them feel better.

3. To be more adventurous. I went places I had never gone before. I went to Secaucus, New Jersey for the Authors After Dark Convention 2010.

4. To find humor in life. After I had gone over the George Washington Bridge, the GPS Navigator I had borrowed and was perched on my a/c grill jumped into my lap when I hit a pothole. It turned itself off. I was so stunned I couldn't stop laughing. So I was really lucky to find Secaucus.

5. To fill loss with love. When my beloved cat Isis died, my family was grief-stricken, but my honey in his wisdom said we should find a cat shelter. We did and adopted Buffy and Bella.

6. To be grateful for what I have, especially the people in my life. Thank you to my family and friends, to my co-workers, and to my publisher Tease Publishing and their staff. Thank you to the readers of my books and to all the friends of Nights of Passion.

7. To live every moment in constant amazement. Welcome, 2011!

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark.

Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

A Summary of 2010…How Was It For You?

Was this year everything you hoped it would be? Last week, we discussed the upcoming New Year and some potential New Year's resolution ideas, but what about this year? I'm not sure about you all but if I were to really evaluate how this year went as far as writing goes, I'd say I've done fairly mediocre. For that reason, I'm working on planning out 2011 and setting realistic but challenging goals.

Not to say that 2010 was a waste. Quite the opposite. While I did not do as much writing as I hoped I would and I did not send out much in the way of queries, I still learned a great deal. I had the opportunity to attend Nationals which was a huge learning experience, I started a second book and started the querying process on my first novel. I realized my first novel needs a bit of an overhaul. I've thought long and hard about what I want from writing and how I plan to get it. So you can pretty much chalk up 2010 to an exploratory year; a lot of thought, a lot of learning and some action with not a whole lot of purpose.

Don't get me wrong. The learning process isn't over; I'm not sure it ever will be. But for 2011, I want a better organized year. I want to be sure I am reaching my goals and driving myself in a direction for the long term.

I don't believe it is ever too early to start laying out you writing career. In fact, it is better to start that as early as possible otherwise you can fall into a black hole and lose who you are writing for. Sure we write for an audience, we write to tell a story and entertain, but we also write for ourselves. If you aren't passionate about what you are writing, do you really think you can do it justice? Answer honestly.

All right, some homework. List out your 2010, the good and the bad.  How do you feel you did?

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