C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 228

Lindsay's Post 12/28/10

Guest Blog for M&M

With the new year fast approaching, I'm sure we've all made new year resolutions and determined come heck or high water to keep them. Well, years ago I made one and have kept it ever since-not to make any more resolutions.

Over the past several years I've, instead, made lists of things I want to try to accomplish over the coming year. Some items remain from year to year, not that I didn't meet them but because I want to make sure I continue to. So, without further ado, here's my top 10 list for 2011.

10-Have a roof over my head and food on the table.

     This is always on the list. A reminder of tough times in the past.

9-Figure out what Kebi is thinking about.

     For those of us with pets, cats and/or dog isn't this one of the great mysteries of the universe. The best I've come up with is when he's sleeping and his paws are moving like he's running. Probably chasing some squirrel.

8-Get a tattoo.

     I never had a midlife crisis, at least I don't think I did so, instead, I'm having a late life crisis.

7-Figure out how not to have a sagging middle.

     This one isn't just for the author in me. If my middle gets any bigger I won't be able to see my toes. As for the author part of me-I might have found the solution.

6-Write a 95,000 word book in 6 months.

     Target Identified took about 18 months start to finish. Of course I had to rewrite the first 30,000 words several times. Then, there was the writer block periods which didn't help.

5-Get the opening to the book right the first time.

     This one sort of goes along with the one before. A darn near impossibility.

4-Figure out which works better-plotter, panster or a combination of both.

     Target Identified was a panster work. In some cases I had no idea where the book was going from one scene to another. Which made it difficult to keep track of the previous action. AWOL, the current WIP is being plotted. Maybe over plotted at times. What I may end up doing is replot but only the major points, not even scenes. Then let the chips fall as they may.

3-Figure out the perfect murder.

     I've got a few ideas.

2-Go to England.

     It's been about 40 years since I've been there and want to revisit the country. I'm hoping to have several books set in southern England around the Devon, Cornwall area.

And the Number 1 thing I want to accomplish in 2011-

1-Get a three book deal.

     I might settle for a single book deal. And I'm not talking short story or novella length either.

So these are ten of the more important thing I want to maintain or accomplish during the coming year.

What is your top ten list for the new year?

Filed under: Discussion, dream writing, Lindsay Downs

Mason's Paranormal-Scope ~ 14. The last week of 2010.

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're on fire but may turn to ash. Slow down.

Taurus

Keep a cool head. You don't want to let someone dazzle your mind and get you by the horns.

Gemini

Brainiac you're in for scorch marks as your favorite flaming fling heats things up. Enjoy.

Cancer

You are tapping into some very powerful vibes from the other side. Listen up.

Leo

You see what is veiled to most. Don't be afraid it's a gift.

Virgo

Seeing through another's eyes shows you what's really going on and provokes strong emotions.

Libra

You can charm the robe off a priest. Just makes sure he isn't an evil clone from another dimension.

Scorpio

You are the goddess of the moon working your way into the hearts and souls of others. Word of caution be careful what you seek to uncover as it may change the tide of the sea.

Sagittarius

This week is like a paranormal 007 movie. So lock and load and make sure you come out on top.

Capricorn

Information is power and by the end of the week you'll feel a rise in both. It's not clairvoyance either.

Aquarius

A stake of holly through the heart might help you get to the point. But only on a nonliving being please.

Pisces

The rough seas are on the inside and helping others will help calm your troubled waters.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

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

Saturnalia v St. Stephen

For most of human history there have been celebrations surrounding these darkest days of the year. You can understand why: in the northern hemisphere, the darkness seems frighteningly ominous and the first signs of the return of the light bring a new sense of hope and energy. In the southern hemisphere, there's those long languorous days to enjoy.

Most people are familiar with Christmas, Hanukkah and Yule. But are you familiar with the Saturnalia? As the name implies, it's a celebration of Saturn, the stern patriarch of their pantheon. Ironically, the celebrations at his temple were fairly light-hearted and the public attitude was relaxed. People visited one another to give gifts, went to the public baths for intellectual discussions or — in some accounts anyway — orgies. Even the slaves were allowed to gamble and in public with their masters. There was all manner of wild, spontaneous behaviour, the wildness tolerated because it was only once a year. Traditionally, it kicked off on the 17th of December — yes, I know this because it's my birthday — but it quickly grew to be a week-long celebration. The Encyclopaedia Romana tells us:

At the end of the first century AD, Statius still could proclaim: "For how many years shall this festival abide! Never shall age destroy so holy a day! While the hills of Latium remain and father Tiber, while thy Rome stands and the Capitol thou hast restored to the world, it shall continue" (Silvae, I.6.98ff). And the Saturnalia did continue to be celebrated as Brumalia (from bruma, "the shortest day," winter solstice) down to the Christian era, when, by the middle of the fourth century AD, its festivities had become absorbed in the celebration of Christmas.

There's probably more than a touch of this that got carried over well into the Christian era, as the tradition of Boxing Day suggests. December 26th is traditionally associated with St. Stephen, the early martyr for the faith who was stoned to death. his tale is captured in the medieval collection of saints lives known as The Golden Legend. Chances are if you're not in the UK you only know him from the carol "Good King Wencelas" and nothing else. How stoning a man to death got connected to the day after Christmas and the tradition of giving boxes of food to servants and the less well off (one of many competing explanations for the designation) is less clear, but it has been celebrated since the Middle Ages.

Does it really matter? When we get a holiday, we're generally pleased to have it stretch out a little longer. The excuse to spend more time with friends and family, to eat good food and raise a glass or two – surely that's reason enough, eh?

Hope you're all enjoying a relaxing time whatever your beliefs: everybody likes a day off. Light a candle and eat some chocolate. Put your feet up. Read a good book — or write one .

Happy Holidays!

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, erotic romance, historical romance, Kit Marlowe, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Season's Greetings to all!

All of us at Nights of Passion wish you and yours the best of holidays!

May your home be warm!  May you have good cheer!

May you have great food!

B.B., Lindsay, Toni, C. Margery, Mason, and Susan

Filed under: romance

Mason Friday is a hodgepodge Christmas Eve!

Happy Christmas Eve!

I'm not going to keep you too long. I did however want to wish you the best this holiday season.

As I've mentioned before tonight is the big night in the Mason house hold. The house will be filled with joy, laughter and hugs. My favorites.

I'm deep in the edits for CHOCOLATE DAMSEL so without further delay I will get back to them.

This week's word is damsel:

–noun Literary .

a young woman or girl; a maiden, originally one of gentle or noble birth.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

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

Dear David: Paranormal Advice from Vampire David Hilliard

This column is meant as entertainment. I have no credentials in psychology or therapy. I just have the common sense any vampire over a hundred years of more would have. Now for a letter.

Dear David,

Something amazing happened the other day. I heard a crash in my backyard and found a winged man floundering in my pool half trapped by the pool cover. I was able to get him out, but one wing was broken. I was able to set it and make a splint to hold it in place.

How long does it take for an angel's wing to mend? He's a guest in my house until it does. What should I do with him?

Eva

Dear Eva,

You lucky girl. It's the holiday for miracles and an angel fell in your backyard for a reason. He's suffering from a broken wing. You're suffering from a broken heart. You didn't say it, but I could feel it.

What should you do with the angel that came to meet you? Enjoy his presence. It's a present in the truest sense. May joy and love be with you during this holiday.

David

If you have a question you'd like to ask me, email me at NightsofPassionblog@gmail.com   and put Ask David in the subject line.

Have a splendid holiday everyone!

David Hilliard

–Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Author of the Vampires in Manhattan series

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

Let the Countdown Begin!

To what you may ask. Well, the New Year for one. I know, I know, some of you still have Christmas to go and I'm rushing you along, but the truth is the New Year is around the corner which means either one, you're wrapping up a great year and hoping for an even better one (or one just as good). Or two, you're getting through a bad or mediocre year and rearing to go for a fresh start.

That said, what are you plans for this New Year? I'm not talking your party plans, I mean your goals or better said, resolution. And no, it's not too early to get the juices flowing and the mind thinking about this. Otherwise, you are less likely to stick with your goals (as you may have found out in previous years). Seeing as I'm a writer, I've decided to toss out some ideas to you fellow writers in case you have not yet set some goals.

Finish your current work in progress.
Start and finish a new work in progress (at least the first draft).
Research potential agents and send out X number of queries
Read, research and learn new ways to improve your craft.
Join your local RWA chapter or a writer's group.
Start a blog or join an established one.

These are just a few of many ideas, but the overall point of this next year is to grow as a writer and push yourself into new territory. Doesn't mean you need to be published or famous or whatever it is many assume is success. It just means you need to take that next step to your specific goal. So take some time, think about it and enjoy the rest of this year (even if it hasn't been all that good) with your family and friends. The new one will come soon and along with it more opportunities. Take advantage and plan now. Oh yeah, and Happy Holidays!

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

Mason's Paranormal-Scope ~ 13 ~ Happy Holidays!

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.

Since this is Christmas week, I want to send all of you some paranormal beings for under the tree.

The week ahead for:

Aries

A vampire. May your inner light shine through.

Taurus

A grounded tree spirit to cultivate roots in your earthy nature.

Gemini

Dr. jekyll and Mr. hyde, May your Saint and Sinner side find play mates.

Cancer

A werewolf. May the loyal and nurturing nature permit you to flourish.

Leo

A merman/mermaid. May the fun and playful side combine with being just out of reach bring you're a mate that keeps you on your toes.

Virgo

An incubus/succubus. May your sensual nature thrive with a partner with an equal appetite.

Libra

A warlock/witch. May they bring magic and excitement into your balanced world.

Scorpio

A Greek God/Goddess. May their sexual potency equal your own and their power rein you in.

Sagittarius

An Elf. May their grace, affection and control over their own emotions give you the space and independent you seek to thrive.

Capricorn

A fallen angel. May your cautious and committed nature find a soul seeking to be understood.

Aquarius

An immortal wizard. May they have the patients to break through and whet your mind to stimulate your sexual appetite.

Pisces

A fae. May their magnetic charge mirror your own as they give your erotic fantasy rein over them in the bedroom.

Mason

a.c.Mason

Darkness ♀♂ Desires

www.acmason.com

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

Interview: Sarah Ballance

I'm delighted to have my fellow Noble Romance author, Sarah Ballance as a guest today. You can visit her website to learn more about her publications and drop by her blog for news, or find her on Twitter or friend and fan her on Facebook.

What inspired RUN TO YOU?

I'd just submitted my first novel (a romance) and really wanted to write a romantic suspense. I had no clue what to write until hubby and I snuck away for what should have been a romantic – or at least pleasant – walk on the beach. But we caught the edge of a heckuva storm and the darkness was bitter and scary. Between the roar of the wind and the crash of the waves, I was terrified someone would sneak up behind me and I'd never hear them. It was there, in the throes of paranoia on an actual "dark and stormy night" that RUN TO YOU was born. I still feel that night in my bones, and readers will get a good dose in the story.

Wow, that's a very vivid scene! In what genres do you write?

I've only written two stories – the first a romance, the second a romantic suspense, and both published with Noble. I'm currently working on a similar pairing, although this time even the romance has suspenseful elements. I love the hint of danger or mystery in a story!

So what started you writing romance?

Not long after I began writing nonfiction for clients in 2008, a friend suggested I give fiction a go. I said no way, I couldn't do it – it's too personal. It took a while for my own words to hit me, but when they did, I realized I do NOT like being told I can't do something (not even by me!) so I went for it. That first story is DOWN IN FLAMES (a June 2010 release from Noble Romance). The rest is history in the making. ;c)

How did you develop your craft?

I haven't taken any formal steps. In fact, I had no plans of becoming a writer and went for well over a decade without writing a word. I will say, however, the early draft of my first novel was horrendous. I'm pretty sure my crit partner laughed herself to sleep, or at the very least threw virtual darts at me for the 1,001 times she told me not to use "had" or "that" in a single chapter. I do read, though, and I read a LOT.

It's the best preparation for any writer. What makes you laugh?

It doesn't take much. ;c) I rarely keep a straight face, but I think if I didn't manage to find the humor in pretty much anything, I'd go nuts around here. I do love, love, love a book infused with humor. Rosalie Stanton's RIPPLES THROUGH TIME is so packed with clever quips and one-liners, I actually laughed out loud. Spur a guffaw out of me, and I'm a fan for life.

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

I've yet to do so intentionally, but personalities I've known have definitely crept into my work. Even more interesting, my work has crept into real life. My first novel involves an unexpected pregnancy, and just four days after I subbed it, my husband and I found out we were pregnant … after a tubal. As for RUN TO YOU, my murderer has a specific location and technique. I've never known it to happen where I live, but eight days after I finished my edits the EXACT thing happened to a woman on a local beach. Thank goodness she survived!

This seems like a given what with your name (!) but how do you balance writing with the rest of your life?

We are a homeschooling family with six kids 12 and under. I don't know if I ever really balance it, but writing is something I absolutely have to do. I have "me" hours between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. – if you're dying, hurt, or found a huge wad of cash, we'll talk. Otherwise, I will glare at you until you go away. I am so, so blessed to be able to spend all of every day with my kids, but I need to recharge, period. And I'm so much happier and nicer when I take my time, so they're great about giving it. When I write, I smile all the time. ;c)

Wow, that's a huge responsibility. It's wonderful that writing provides an outlet for you. What's the most common mistake people make about you?

They think I'm outgoing! Oh, no, I am SO not outgoing. I'm more than a wallflower … I'm the wallflower looking for the least conspicuous spot on the wall. Thank goodness I can hide behind my computer, but that built-in web cam taunts me a little, LOL.

I think most writers prefer to have their characters do the talking. What ambitions do you have ahead of you?

As a writer, I want to improve with every book. The growth I experienced from my first novel to my second is an incredible source of pride for me – a priceless sense of accomplishment I wouldn't trade for accolades OR royalty checks. They're just a nice bonus. ;c)

What's the best advice you ever received?

I don't know who originally said this, but "The days are long and the years are short" gets me through every day of my life – in particular the cringe-worthy moments. Some of my best memories are of things I saw with NO sense of humor at the time, like when my toddler son gathered eggs from the hen house and didn't bother telling me they were in the pockets of his jeans. When I start to lose my patience, those words flash through my mind and put things in perspective. When you know you won't ever get a moment back, it's much easier to go with the flow. (And I do mean FLOW … those eggs were so gross!)

Ha ha ha! Oh dear! Well, to turn to pleasanter thoughts, what would be your ideal vacation?

Anywhere I can find peace of mind! If the never-ending "to do" list would disappear and I could manage not to worry about anything for more than five minutes, that's awesome at any venue! And if I could do it on a boat … BLISS. We live on the coast and spend a lot of time on the water, and I can't think of anything that relaxes me more.

I find water soothing, too, though I'm more often found on rivers than on coasts. What's next for you?

I'm working on two novels and not sure which will finish first. One is a romance with a secondary bit of suspense. The other is a guns-a-blazing romantic suspense I'm totally digging right now. I didn't mean to write it, at least not yet. It swooped in and demanded equal billing, and I have to say it's a thrilling ride!

Here's a treat — an excerpt from RUN TO YOU:

"So do you want to be on the top or on the bottom?" Hutch asked, throwing himself on a well-appointed king-sized bed with unreasonable exuberance.

"Excuse me?"

He grinned and pointed to the ceiling. "Upstairs or downstairs master?"

"I'll take the one downstairs." She opted for privacy. If she took the room on the main floor, Hutch would drive her crazy with his constant pillaging of the kitchen. And wouldn't the top half of the house blow away before the bottom? She didn't ask.

"We could share." Hutch sprawled over the bed, rumpling the deep blue coverlet in a way that suggested sex even more than his words did. Lovemaking without mercy, slow and lazy, like his grin, wild and out of control, like he did just about everything else. She didn't need her imagination to ponder the power of his body in bed or the tenderness behind his savagery. Her memory worked just fine.

"Hutch . . . ." She began, but the denial stuck in her throat when he rose from the disheveled bed, facing her. Forcing her to face her past.

He let the silence linger until the storm inside her rivaled the one outside. The moment toiled between them, dangerous and forbidden. Then he grabbed her and jerked her against the hard plane of his chest, taking her mouth in a rough kiss. He broke away with her bottom lip caught between his teeth—a playful nibble with nothing playful about it. Her chest heaved as they exchanged breaths of hot air. Then with agonizing leisure, he dipped his tongue in her mouth and tasted her, tangling his hands in the length of her hair to pull her head back. She gasped when he wedged his muscular thigh between her legs and claimed her open mouth without apology.

And just as quickly as he grabbed her, he released her to face the torrent of her emotions alone. When he stepped away, she knew he took what he wanted with him, and she silently cursed the pieces of her soul she couldn't seem to recapture.

His big brother may have gotten the girl, but it was Hutch she'd clung to under a veil of darkness and sweat. It was Hutch who tasted her and loved her and writhed with her beneath tangled sheets. And it was Mark's ring she wore while she clawed at his brother's back.

Hutch paused in the doorway, his form a deep shadow against the dim light from the hall. He turned to face her with a soft look, a gentle understanding to temper her guilty thoughts. But the words he tossed casually over his shoulder were treacherous. Not because she'd never heard them before, but because the raw look in his eye suggested he believed them.

"It's not Belinda or anyone else, Mattie. It's you. You've always been the one."

Filed under: Author Interviews, C. Margery Kempe, Characters, contemporary romance, Emotions, erotic romance, Interview, Mystery, mystery romance, Noble Romance, romance, Romance suspense, Suspense, What inspires you?

Dear David: Paranormal Advice from Vampire David Hilliard (5)

This column is purely for entertainment purposes.   I have no credentials of a psychological or therapeutic nature.  I bring only the common sense that having along existence brings.   Now for the letter.

Dear David,

I've given up on men, mortal men, that is.  My last two relationships were disasterous.  They started off well enough, but soon all they want to do is drink beer and watch TV.  Perhaps I should have known better.  I met them in a sports bar, where they were drinking and watching TV.  Maybe a vampire boyfriend would be better.  What do you think? 

I'm so depressed, and it's made me take stock in my life.  I used to want to be an artist, before I became an office worker.  I studied art in college.  I painted and I wasn't half bad. But after college, I needed to get a job and you know it is.  You do what you need to do to survive. 

I don't know.  I need your advice.  But I'm not sure if I'm asking about love or about my life.  I'm not happy either way.  Any suggestions?

Confused and Unhappy

Dear Confused and Unhappy,

I know it's going to sound strange to say this but males whether moral or vampire all have similar habits.  If you meet a male in a sports bar, it only makes sense that he would like drinking and watching TV.   On one level your difficulty is the preferred habits of certain males.  Vampire or mortal won't make a difference. 

What you care about is your key to making a difference in your life.  Return to your art.  Spend your time away from the office in the art world.  When you go to classes, receptions at galleries, and art shows, you are bound to meet men.  It's nice that you have a broader viewpoint on dating and you're open to dating vampires as well as human. 

In this way you are pursuing your art, what makes you happy in your heart.  When that happens, you will give off a glow that will attract others to you.  Good luck in finding love as well. 

David

Vampire David Hilliard

–Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

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