Michelle Scott's Blog, page 19
February 3, 2014
Excerpt – Straight to Hell
We’re now on day three of the We ! There’s still plenty of time to enter for a chance to win that wonderful romance e-library. (See the bottom of the post for the entry forms!)
Just to give you a taste of what you’d be getting, we authors are posting excerpts of our books today. Just follow the linked list in the picture to read a little smackerel of everyone’s book.
Here’s an excerpt from my urban fantasy, Straight to Hell”
…Bracing myself, I stepped through the doorway. Instead of finding myself amid the fiery pits of Hell, I entered an office. Not a government bureaucrat-type office with filing cabinets and computers, but a gentlewoman’s study. A delicate writing desk stood in front a pair of French doors overlooking a well-manicured garden. An enormous, potted palm sat near a painted silk screen, and a Persian carpet covered the floor. If this was Hell, then the nuns had gotten it all wrong.
Miss Spry guided me to a chintz-covered chair while she sat behind her desk. She put on a pair of steel-rimmed reading glasses. “Ms. Straight, I will get right to the point. You were hit by a car earlier, but you are not dead. Not quite.”
I felt my mood lift the tiniest bit. Not dead? Was I just in a coma? Or, better yet, drugged up and dreaming? I held my breath, waiting.
“You’re, let us say, in between realms.” She pushed a sheet of monogrammed note paper towards me and drew three dots. “This,” she said, pointing to one, “is where you came from. Call it ‘life’ if you want. This,” she pointed to another, “is where you would have ended up if I hadn’t prevented it. You can think of it as ‘death’.” She drew a line connecting all three dots, making a triangle. “Right now, you’re in the middle.”
“What’s that third one?” I pointed to the dot she hadn’t named.
“Don’t worry about that.”
Not worrying was the last thing I was capable of right now. I just had to know. “But what is it?”
Her eyes went hot. That’s the only word I can think of to describe it. An enraged fire blazed behind them, making it perfectly clear that no matter how much this Miss Spry looked like Katharine Hepburn, she was not. Her unearthly rage instantly rekindled my fears about demons and pitchforks and hellfire. The room, despite its French doors and view of the garden, was not a safe place. I shrank back in my chair.
“We don’t talk about that one,” she said, clearly enunciating each word. I nodded quickly, eager to show her that I did understand.
“Now you are in the center of all this.” She put a little X in the middle of the triangle. Her temper had blown over in an instant, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Not living, not dead. Right.” So what did that make me? A zombie? A vampire?
Miss Spry smiled slightly, as if guessing my thoughts. “My dear, you are a succubus.”
My jaw went slack. A succubus?
There was a knock at the door, then the prison guard entered pushing a tea tray. Miss Spry thanked her and began pouring tea from a china pot. She offered me a cookie from a silver tray.
A succubus? In college, I’d taken a course on mythology and remembered that a succubus was a female demon with insatiable sexual desires who slept with men before sucking out their souls. And now I was supposed to be one of these creatures? Was this woman kidding me?
“I’m an elementary school teacher,” I told her.
“I know.”
“I haven’t had sex in over a year.”
She pursed her lips. “Let’s just keep that to ourselves, shall we?”
“Look at me,” I insisted. I stood up to give her the full view. Since the divorce, I’d added several extra pounds. I also hadn’t had the money to visit a salon so my roots showed under the dye job and highlights. My nails, once perfectly manicured, were bitten to the quick. “I’m a soccer mom, not a super model.” I had a thought. “Maybe you’re confusing me with my stepsister Jasmine?”
“No, you’re the one,” she said firmly. “My dear, it’s what’s in here that counts.” She tapped the side of her head.
“What’s in here?” My voice was climbing octaves, making me shrill. “What’s in here is trying to make sure that my daughter has clean underwear every day, and that she’s done her homework. And that my niece, Ariel, isn’t going to burn down the house again. And that my sister doesn’t get a hold of my credit cards. And that there’s enough cat litter in the house so that the cat won’t start peeing in the plants…”
“Ms. Straight.”
“And then there’s my ex-husband. Don’t even get me started on him…”
“Ms. Straight!”
I was pacing now, too aggravated to sit still. “And my job. My stupid job. You’d think the school district would want to hire a woman with a master’s degree in women’s studies, but no! How am I supposed to pay bills on a substitute teaching job?”
“Sit down!” The eyes behind Miss Spry’s steel-rimmed glasses glowed hotly.
I sat.
“Now drink your tea, and listen.”
I took the cup with a trembling hand and took a careful sip. After years of living with my stepfather, the tea expert, I consider myself quite an authority, yet I’d never tasted tea like this. It was strong but not bitter. Its rich flavor reminded me of fall leaves, the smell of the first frost, and honey.
“How much do you know about your family?” Miss Spry asked. When I shrugged, she said. “Did you know that your mother was a succubus?”
My mother, the ex-hippie, who claimed that she’d traveled (and slept) with every rock-n-roll legend who’d ever tuned a guitar at Woodstock. My mother who would willingly tell anyone (her hairdresser, her gynecologist, the paper boy) about the time she’d spent with Ken Kesey and his Merry Pranksters aboard their psychedelic bus. My mother whose freak flag could have been the official banner of Haight-Ashbury. My open-yourself-to-all-experiences mother was a succubus.
At last, something that made sense.
She continued. “Your grandmother, too, was a succubus.”
My grandmother? I’d never met my grandmother – she’d long died before I was born – but I still couldn’t imagine it.
“As was her mother and her mother and so on. It’s a line of women extending back to Sarah Goodswain.”
Sarah Goodswain? I’d never heard of her. My mother wasn’t one for genealogies, and I wondered if she even knew this information.
“Sarah was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1723 and, in 1744, she was arrested for being a witch.” Miss Spry smiled slightly. “She wasn’t a witch, of course; none of those young women were. But Sarah was a clever girl. She realized that the only way to escape hanging was to do exactly what she’d been accused of and make a deal.”
A deal? With whom, the Devil? Could people actually do that? Then again, I was hardly an expert on religion. Yes, I’d gone to Catholic school, but that place had taught me only two things: (1) everything I did was a sin and (2) I hated God as much as he hated me. When Grace went through a religious phase and asked me about God, I acted like he was a bad boyfriend. “You’re better off without him. Trust me,” was all I’d said.
“So you’re telling me that my great-great something grandmother made a deal with the Devil?”
“We don’t use that word here,” Miss Spry said tartly. “Let’s just say that Sarah made a deal with someone who could get her out of prison and away from Cotton Mather and his father. She promised that she would do the Master’s bidding in return for her freedom. But the Master is clever, too, and he drives a hard bargain.” Miss Spry’s eyes twinkled. Clearly she admired this Master person. “He made Sarah agree that every female descendent in her line would follow her path and become a succubus. And that path, Ms. Straight, has finally led to you.”
I shoved my cup aside, slopping tea over Miss Spry’s spotless desk. “Don’t I get a say in all of this? I mean, a succubus? A demon that sleeps with strange men? No. Way.”
“First of all, you are not a demon. You house a demon. The same demon that your mother and grandmother had. In fact, the same demon that Sarah herself had. You are essentially still human, but now a demon shares space inside of you, and gifts you with its powers.”
I started to object, but she held up her hand. “Secondly, a succubus is a seducer, Lilith, not a slut. It isn’t so bad.”
“It’s not so bad! Are you kidding me?” I leaned forward in my chair. “What if I refuse?” I might have acted brave, but my legs trembled and my mouth was bone dry.
I expected the older woman’s eyes to go hot again, but instead she smiled. “You may choose not to become a succubus if you wish.”
There was an unspoken ‘but’ at the end of that sentence. I just knew it.
Miss Spry didn’t disappoint me. “But then, of course, you’ll remain here.” She hesitated just a moment. “Dead.”
Dead. The word hit like a jab to the solar plexus, and I sank backwards in my seat. “I can’t be dead! I know I was hit by a car, but still.” I stood up. “I mean, look at me! I look fine. I feel fine.” I spun in a little circle. “No injuries. No scars.”
She shrugged. “Believe me. You are dead. In fact right now, your broken body is crumpled on the road, and a stray dog is lapping up your blood. But don’t worry. The funeral director will do a fine job of covering up the damage, so your young daughter won’t have to witness the gruesome condition of your corpse. Of course, it won’t prevent her from becoming hysterical when she sees you lying in your coffin.”
Miss Spry’s cunning little smile lit a fire inside me. “You can’t do this!” I lunged across the desk. Miss Spry lifted her hand in defense, throwing me across the room. I hit the wall so hard that all the air in my lungs expelled in a single gasp. My chest ached as I sucked wind.
Miss Spry left her desk to stand over me. Her face was hard; her eyes hot. “You either become a succubus, or you die and the next female takes your place. Either way, the line will continue unbroken. There are no exceptions.”
Die now or allow the Devil to take my soul. It wasn’t much of a choice. Still, I didn’t have to think it over. My mother had abandoned me when I was a child, and I wouldn’t do that to my own daughter. When my lungs reached equilibrium, I gasped, “Fine. I’ll do it.”
Want to read more? You can buy Straight to Hell on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Kobo books!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 31, 2014
We
I’m so excited!
I’ve paired up with nine other authors to bring you the amazing Valentine’s event in which one lucky person will win an amazing prize package of romance e-books (one from each author).
Each author is hosting a giveaway on her blog along with the overall giveaway for the romance library.
The event runs from Feb. 1 – Feb. 13 with the winner announced on Valentine’s Day!
First, here’s a little giveaway I’m hosting myself. I’m giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card and an e-copy of my new adult, urban fantasy Stage Fright.
Rules: The winner will be drawn at random by Rafflecopter. The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have seven days to reply. If the winner does not reply, a new winner will be drawn.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now, here’s the romance library raffle! a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 29, 2014
Writing my Winter Blahs Away
About this time of year I start dreaming of my flower garden. I mean I literally dream about working outside and seeing all of my flowers. It’s always a cruel shock to wake up to the cold, hard truth: it’s still winter.
Yesterday, it was negative eleven degrees when I woke up, and the windchill was around twenty-two below. Even the house didn’t warm up!
So, to combat my blues (blue because I was turning numb!), I started to write. Luckily, my work in progress takes place in the nice, warm summertime which lets my imagination stretch and warm itself. I always feel warmer when I’m writing about the warmer months.
How about you? Are you feeling the chill where you are? If so, how are you coping?
January 21, 2014
January 17, 2014
Straight to Hell
I finished my graphic for Straight to Hell. I’m kinda proud of it! 
January 13, 2014
I was so excited to see that my favorite TV show, Game of...
I was so excited to see that my favorite TV show, Game of Thrones, released their trailer for episode four! Yay! I’m about to start reading the series, but I’m paranoid about spoiler alerts, so I may only read the first two books.
The trailer just whets my appetite for what’s to come. My predictions: Daenerys makes it across the ocean (finally!), Jon Snow finds out about the red wedding and vows revenge, and Joffrey finally is taken from the throne. Then again, the writer is certainly one for surprises, so you can never tell!
January 8, 2014
The Ultimate Book Tag: You’re It!
I found this fun game over on Books with Bite. It’s called The Ultimate Book Tag and it was the brainchild of Chapter Chicks.
After you read this, you are IT! Leave your blog address in the comment section, and I’ll stop by to say hi!
The Ultimate Book Tag
1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?
No, I don’t. I read the entire HP #5 while driving home from Colorado.
2. Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?
If we’re talking unique, I’d go with China Mieville, author of The Scar. His world-building is phenomenal as is his prose. He’s the first steampunk author I ever read.
3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.
Harry Potter!
1. Molly Weasley is my role model.
2. Every character is amazing!
3. I want to teach at Hogwarts.
4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books…)?
Well, my Kindle goes right into my purse, so I guess that would be a book bag with keys, wallet, phone, and (sometimes) money.
5. Do you smell your books?
I’ve been known to do that. 
6. Books with or without little illustrations?
Either or. My son gave my daughters the anime Full Metal Alchemist, and I’ve enjoyed reading it.
7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing? (Ex. I read Twilight before I read HP and thought the writing was amazing but read HP and now think Twilight is a little bit of a joke.)
Flowers in the Attic. (hehe…the defining book for women of my generation!)
8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
Not really. Reading is serious business!
9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?
Hmmm…so many shelves to choose from. Probably a copy of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.
10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?
The Stand by Stephen King
11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
Lol. Yup. I’m an author for Carina U.K.
12. When did you get into reading?
I was born reading.
13. What is your favorite classic book?
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. I know, I know…they made you read it in high school, right? *sigh* Why am I the only one who likes that book??
14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
Yes! Which is why I became an English teacher.
15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated…what would you do?
I’d thank the giver and then try to exchange the book for something else.
16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?
Hmmm…that’s a tough one. I think I’ll have to pass on that.
17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while filming?
While filming? Err…nothing. Otherwise, I’m obsessive about cleaning up after people. I always put dishes into the dishwasher before people are done with them.
18. What is your favorite word?
Chocolate
19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
I’d say all of the above. Except maybe not dweeb so much.
20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
Both. Hence the reason I like Kim Harrison and Patricia Briggs novels.
21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?
Angels. I love Daughter of Smoke and Bone!
22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
Spirits. Werewolves can be overdone. Still, if I can have both, I’d go with that.
23. Zombies or Vampires?
Zombies. Definitely zombies.
24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love?
Forbidden love!
25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
The latter. I need action!
January 7, 2014
I’m Getting Grimm
[image error]I’m s-o-o excited! I’m now writing a blog over on the Harlequin website about my favorite TV show…Grimm!
Each week, I’ll be recapping the episode and asking readers what they think about the series.
If you’ve never watched Grimm, give it a try! It’s part cop drama, part urban fantasy, and lots of romance sprinkled with a little comedy. The Grimm is yummy, and his pals aren’t bad either. And its always interesting to see what new monster (wesen) will appear.
January 1, 2014
Happy 2014!
Here’s hoping that you have a terrific 2014!
By the way, have you set your reading goals yet? Here’s mine fresh off the GoodReads website!
2014 Reading Challenge
Michelle has
read 0 books toward her goal of 60 books.
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0 of 60 (0%)
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And here are the books I finished in 2013:
Michelle’s 2013-reads book montage
Share book reviews and ratings with Michelle, and even join a book club on Goodreads.
December 26, 2013
Five New Year’s Resolutions for the Writer That Can Actually be Kept All Year
How many New Year’s resolutions have you made over the years? How many have you actually kept until the following December? Yeah, me neither. Making the resolutions is easy (especially after a glass or two of bubbly), but keeping them can be hard.
Writing is hard work and it takes a lot of time, but you can help yourself out by making (and maintaining) a few easy goals. Here are five things I plan to do for the new year.
1) Write every day.
This bit of advice is a chestnut among writers, but it’s true. The best way to become a writer is to write every day. Instead of measuring your success or setting your goals by word count, however, set it by time. Maybe you only have a half an hour a day to sit at the computer. That’s fine! Just make sure that you spend that thirty minutes working on your book.
2) Read every day.
This is so important, yet we tend to brush it off. Reading is not only fun, it also helps you to learn your markets and your audiences. Most importantly, you need to read other writers in order to discover how they do what they do. If they’ve created a character that’s stuck with you, study their words for clues as to how it was done. If a scene strikes you, read and re-read it until you understand how the magic was made.
3) Spend time networking.
Places like GoodReads and Booklikes aren’t just a waste of time. They’re valuable ways to connect with readers. Even if you don’t have a book on the shelf (yet!), networking is key. Find out what others are reading and what authors they follow. Build relationships with readers before marketing your book. Read reviews to find out what critical readers love (or hate) about a particular book.
4) Narrow your vision.
It’s all too easy to set unrealistic goals for yourself, and if you set the standards too high, you may become defeated and give up. Also, set goals that you’ll have control over. Instead of telling yourself you’ll get an agent, tell yourself that you’ll send out a query letter a week. You’ll feel a greater sense of accomplishment if you can meet your realistic goals than you will if you can’t meet the impossible ones.
5) Have fun!
Writing should be fun! If you aren’t enjoying it then something is wrong. Sure, it can be a lot of work, and the editing gets old really fast, but you should be able to face each new day with a desire to tell a story. If, on the other hand, writing is pure drudgery every single day, then maybe you’re telling the wrong story. Try a different plot or a different genre until you find one that’s right for you.
Making little changes like these can help you be manage your writing goals. Have a terrific 2014 everyone!
