Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 109

Understanding Ourselves

I spoke with an older friend this week who “chastised” herself for being such a worrier and I couldn’t help but laugh because the scolding she gave herself sounded very much like myself on occasion as I realize I over worry most of the time. Seeing as this friend of mine is 86, I can’t imagine she will change this trait of her within her lifetime. I haven’t even lived half as long as she has and yet I don’t believe my days of worry are over any time soon.

I could ask the question why we spend so much time worrying but truth be told, I don’t think all of us do. I believe some of us merely float through life without worries while others, spend an over proportionate time worrying. And neither is really wrong or right (unless it begins to impact us in other ways), it just is.

In fact, while I do believe that over worrying can become a problem, I also believe some degree of worry is healthy. It shows we care and depending on what we worry about, it shows us that some things are more important to us than other things or people. In fact, I do believe if we slowed down to really understand ourselves and how we feel, we’d probably be a lot more in tune with who we are. It sounds funny, but it really is easy to just exist on auto-pilot. We all have our sort of routines that at times, don’t require much thought. Stopping to understand the routines, our worries, our thoughts and what goes along with them can provide endless insight.

Happy writing this week!

Passion Fruit Paranormal-Scope

Do paranormals eat fruit? They just might. I wonder which one eats passion fruit?

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Werewolves go nuts for apples. Maybe it’s because they can chase them and eat them. It’s similar to chasing your dream. Go for it.

Taurus:

Zombies don’t understand bananas, but they will follow them anywhere. Take a class in a fun subject.

Gemini :

Shapeshifters love pineapples. Why? It’s challenging to get at the fruit but when you do it’s so delicious. A project you’re working on will bear fruit.

Cancer:

Vampires devour passion fruit! It reminds them of a simpler, kinder time filled with exotic excitement. Someone new is coming into your life.

Leo:

Pixies go for grapes, mainly because it’s their size and they can take a small bite and suck in the juice. Cool off and enjoy a vacation even if it’s a weekend away.

Virgo:

Elves eat watermelon. Then they run around and plant the seeds. Add to your home plants or buy something special for your garden.

Libra:

Faeries enjoy apricots. Take some “me” time and do your favorite thing.

Scorpio:

Dragons eat cantaloupe. It provides a natural energy boost they need when they fly. Take good care of yourself. Eat healthier.

Sagittarius:

Mermaids hunger for cherries and will often leave water just to get some. Stretch beyond your comfort zone to attain your dream.

Capricorn:

Sea dragons with climb out of the sea into cranberry bogs just to get some of that delectable tart fruit. Try out a new restaurant.

Aquarius:

Sirens are strong and will shake the tree to get the coconut. They can’t get enough of that flavor. It’s time to indulge a passion of yours.

Pisces:

Weretigers love blueberries. Sometime they end up wearing the blueberries. Add new items with style to your wardrobe.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Because Your Kiss Is On My List…By Ripley Proserpina

Next week, July 24th, my fairytale retell releases. While Beauty Sleeps, is my take on Sleeping Beauty. If Beauty had a different sort of curse, and four princes. It has a reverse harem twist, of course, because I love those.

Now, just for you, here is a teaser of the story. I hope you enjoy it! (Click the cover for buy links;))

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Chapter One

Kumiko

“Kumiko.” This prince’s voice was a smooth baritone. He probably cultivated the tone—watched car commercials and repeated phrases, “Best in class…off-road towing.” Perhaps as a child, he’d been enchanted by a good fairy with a voice so perfect it seduced his listener.

Sort of like the way my face had been enchanted to keep people away from me… 

“Kumiko,” Prince Hideto said again—he loved to repeat my name, “these past days spent with you have been…” He appeared to search for the word and I rested my chin in my hand, staring at him through the glass. He was so handsome with his dark eyes and broad shoulders. And that voice. In the past week, I’d often closed my eyes just so I could listen to the cadence of his voice. 

Hideto couldn’t see me. None of the princes who arrived at my home could see my face until I showed it to them. 

And then? 

Well. Let’s just say, the evil witch who’d cursed me did a fantastic, and thorough, job. 

“…amazing.” I’d forgotten Hideto hadn’t finished his sentence, but now I let out a groan of disappointment. Amazing? I’d hoped for more. Not even his voice could mask the tone of falsity. He was lying. 

Next to the glass was an intercom and I pressed the button that would allow him to hear me. “Amazing?” I asked. “How so?” I bit my lip, and behind me, my older sister Miori gave a long suffering sigh. 

“Why are you encouraging him?” she asked. 

“Shh! Let’s see what he comes up with,” I said. Maybe he’d surprised me.

“Just tell him to leave,” Fuyumi droned. Next to me, she stuck out her tongue at the prince. With one word, he’d gone from having potential, to being yet another liar in a long line of liars. “Haven’t you seen him posing when he thinks we aren’t here?” 

I hadn’t, but still, I flapped my hand at her. “Shut up!” 

“I haven’t seen your face,” Hideto went on, oblivious to our decision. “But each word we speak to each other only shows me how beautiful you are. The curse won’t keep me from you. It won’t keep me from seeing who you truly are.” His dark-eyed gaze traveled over the mirror as if he searched for me. 

In that instant, when he spoke about seeing who I was, who I truly was, the fight went out of me. 

“Right.” I smoothed down the pretty skirt I’d chosen to wear today and stood. A waste of a nice outfit.

“You’re not going to just foist it on him, are you?” Fuyumi asked, but I was already moving.

With a yank, I opened the door that was hidden cleverly in the wall next to the mirror. Then I stood in it, framed like a spotlight illuminated me, and smiled at the horrified prince. “And what do you see, Hideto?” 

The beautiful prince with the beautiful voice paled as his gaze raked me from head to foot. Part of me wished I knew what he saw when he looked at me, but another part was glad I didn’t.

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The Cat That Reads Books

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Two cats are part of my family. One is Buffy who I’ll talk about another time and she ran away when she saw I was taking photos, and there’s Bella. They are sisters and we got them from a cat rescue when they were kittens. They are 8 years old now.

Yesterday when I migrained, Bella’s view of things was that I should get up, take some medicine, and go sit on the sofa. Bella has a portable house which we set up everyday on the bed. So techinically I was in her spot. Since she kissed my hand until I agreed with her that it was important that I take care of my health, I got up. (Laughs.)

When I’m writing, she comes by to check on how I’m doing. Books are very important to Bella, and she reads them from every angle. She’s also fond of sitting on them.

Do you have a furry family member that inspires you and keeps you on track?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Friday the 13th by Stacy Hoff

Today is Friday the 13th! Conventional wisdom dictates that I should hide under the table. Regardless, I am feeling brave.

I’ve had a round of good luck in 2018. My horse racing romance, JOCKEYING FOR YOU, recently won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

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Plus, my latest work-in-progress, a dystopian “cli-fi” (climate change related sci-fi), just won the Diamonds in the Desert contest.

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It also entered the final round in another contest, the Rosemary Award of Excellence. I’ll be biting my nails for another two-weeks until the Rosemary winners are announced.

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Lastly, as a bit of good news, I’ll be signing books this summer. You’ll find me, pen in hand, in Saratoga Springs, NY on August 17th at a wonderful indy bookstore, Northshire! Save the date because I’d love to see you!

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SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/bG0HZD

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

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HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN – In the Caribbean, the secrets, sex, and scandals are hotter!

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT! http://bit.ly/2GZxfx9

Kindle version: http://amzn.to/2xW3WtJ

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BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series, #1)

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT: https://www.amazon.com/Betting-Love-Vegas-Stacy-Hoff/dp/1682913422/

Kindle version: http://amzn.to/2kAgBvK

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JOCKEYING FOR YOU print version http://amzn.to/2eanq2o

JOCKEYING FOR YOU Kindle version http://amzn.to/2c8Hi5t

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DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC print version http://amzn.to/2cubwCf

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC kindle version http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V

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DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES print version http://amzn.to/2dXO1zV

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES Kindle version http://amzn.to/1YEseie

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LAWFULLY YOURS print version http://amzn.to/2e6Ug8k

LAWFULLY YOURS Kindle version http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm

Gut Feelings

Somebody very wise once told me that the “feelings” we have—those stirrings in our gut about whether someone is good or not, whether something is right or not—come from years of experience and learning. Over time, I’ve learned too that these “feelings” can sometimes steer us wrong, depending on our evolution from child to adult (meaning we all have things we can now look back at and say “____ was wrong”).

This week for me has been one full of feelings. Strong feelings about somethings and indifference about others. Either way, it has led me to a time of reflection on how our gut feelings are formed, how important they can be as in the most primal of senses, these feelings are very much about our base instincts for survival. But as with many human traits, more astounding to me is our ability to begin to separate which instincts we will and should listen to and which we should learn to ignore. It adds a layer of complexity to the mix because many times, we don’t know until afterward, which was the better “voice” to heed. I guess that is why we can easily say “hindsight is twenty-twenty.”

But alas, life is not easy and we are destined to make mistakes rather than always choosing the correct “voice” or path. And despite this, I don’t think I personally would have it any other way. I’ve certainly learned from my mistakes and they’ve made me a better person. I also feel I’ve earned my way and that gives a sense of worth that I know drives me to achieve more.

So moral of the story this week? Listen to yourself and reflect on why it is you choose what you choose. It can take time but the lesson and internal growth is well worth it.

Happy writing this week.

RTC Goodies Coming In by Mandy Rosko

RTC is just around the corner, so is RWA now that I think about it :S

I’m still getting items coming in. The other day three T-shirts came in for preorders, and they are lovely

Heat Wave Paranormal-Scope

I’m having a heat wave. Keeping cool is a challenge. What do paranormals do in a heat wave?

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

The heat rises and the werewolf heads for a vacation with family and friends. Open your heart to those closest to you.

Taurus:

Vampires keep cool at the office away from windows. Be eager to take on a new opportunity at work.

Gemini :

Shapeshifters look to increase the heat in romantic relationships to keep that beloved one happy. At work, be professional and get agreements in writing. Listen to others for hot opportunities.

Cancer:

The Siren sings of love but promises nothing. How do you get past someone like that? Focus on your life goals instead and move forward.

Leo:

Pixies see hot weather as a reason for a shopping spree whether in cool malls or behind the computer screen. This is not the time. Set a budget so you don’t overspend.

Virgo:

Elves avoid the heat in cool glades. Even though your popularity is rising both at work and among friends, reserve some time for yourself in a cool place. Everyone will want to come with you.

Libra:

Faeries love surprises. Keep cool. Surprises are headed your way. Share with those you love.

Scorpio:

Dragons soar into the higher atmosphere to keep cool and meet with friends. Such meetings have advantages. Invite friends over to your place.

Sagittarius:

Mermaids dive deep for the cooler waters. You will meet someone that could help your career.

Capricorn:

Vampires cherish the cool nights. Time for you to party. You’re working too hard.

Aquarius:

Sprites steam forward toward success. Don’t give up on your dream. Charge ahead, but keep cool, too.

Pisces:

Weretigers love lounging in a lake or river. Find a cool spot and work on your career objectives. Write steps to help you along.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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New Releases by Ripley Proserpina

July is going to be a busy month for my book releases! Like a lot of authors, writing is one of my jobs and the summer time is when I go balls-to-the-wall Hamilton-style “why do you write like you’re running out of time?” 

So I’m really excited about these upcoming releases and wanted to share them. 

While Beauty Sleeps is a reverse harem fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty that releases July 24th! 

She shall prick her finger and fall to sleep…”

There once was a girl who was born to be cursed. By no fault of her own, she was doomed to remind her kingdom of everything ugly. No matter how many good deeds she did or how kind she was, it was her destiny to die, and take her kingdom with her. Her mother and father wept when they saw her, and the witch who cursed her celebrated gleefully as each year passed. 

Except there was hope. Her sisters, older and wiser, and with no small amount of magic of their own, countered the witch’s curse. If Kumiko could be loved, truly loved, the curse would be broken, and everyone would see what the witch had hidden. 

But all her life, Kumiko had been let down—by the parents who hid her away and by an ill-fated curse.

Until they arrived.

Four princes, full of smug confidence and pride, were determined to break the princess’s curse before her twenty-first birthday. 

All they had to do was fall in love.

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I’m also releasing this July, Revolution and Rising. This is the final book in my Wishes and Curses duet, and has two of my very favorite characters who’ve ever emerged, fully-formed, from my brain. Polya, a princess born with fangs and a tiger’s tail, and Anatoliy, a brave soldier whose misspent wish turned him into a bear.

With every wish comes a curse… 

Polya survived the Hunt, but Anatoliy did not. Now the citizens of Konstantin are rising up, revolting against the king who tortured them and the royals who allowed it to happen. 

Mourning Anatoliy, Polya struggles to continue to fight. With Anatoliy’s dying breath, she finally made her wish, and still, the bear breathed his last. 

Except, the devil heard Polya, and granted her wish. 

Anatoliy lives, not as a bear, but as the soldier he was before he was cursed. Now, he has one mission—find Polya. 

As Polya makes her away across Konstantin, Anatoliy gives chase, determined to find her. Faced with the ruin King Aleksandr wrought, and the anger of the people, Anatoliy and Polya strive to find each other and survive.

But Polya’s wish had a consequence, and the devil is biding his time. Will Polya and Anatoliy be reunited? Or will the revolution rise up, and drag them all into hell? 

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And finally, I’m also releasing the third and final book of my reverse harem paranormal vampire romance, Diadem of Blood and Bones.

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Follow me on Facebook and my Amazon author’s page to get updates! 

 

The Author’s Cave

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Photo by Andrea Sonda on Unsplash

Sometimes a writer needs to get away from it all to finish that wonderful book in-progress. Why not a cave!

The challenge with caves is bringing a generator to power your laptop, and then gas for the generator. Because you’d want to be efficient with your energy source, it would make sense not to be on social media, blog, or read emails. Well, maybe emails from your family, publisher, and editor.

Some might say don’t bring electronics. An empty journal and several pens will do the trick. But think when you get home, you’ll then have to type up everything. Of course, you could edit while typing. Sooo….a journal and pens is a possible way to go.

You will want to bring nourishing but light weight food for hiking. On the upside, you might lose weight. On the downside, you might write like a maniac because you’re so hungry.

Light weight food does not include chocolate. It melts anyway. Twizzlers, however, goes on the “to bring” list.

Hydration is important, and if there is no source of clean water, it means you’re hauling water into the cave. The upside is that it’s great exercise. The downside is that if you’re not in shape already, you may be too tired from hauling water that you’ll sleep more than write.

Speaking of water, you will want to find a waterfall for bathing. Cold showers will be the norm. Everything in your life will be on the primitive side now. I hope you have a sleeping bag rated for frigid temperatures.

You will need clothing and great hiking boots. Don’t forget lots of socks. If you’re really cold, layers are important.

Let’s look at what we have on our list: writing equipment of some sort, food, Twizzlers, water, sleeping bag, and clothing. What am I forgetting?

1.Maybe some way to protect yourself from wild animals who would rather have the cave.

2. Some kind of emergency phone in case you need to call for HELP!

I’m sure I’m forgetting something important. Already I’m carrying more than I possibly can.

I now have an alternative to the Author’s Cave plan. How about a hotel? J.K. Rowling finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in a hotel.

Do you have any ideas for an alternate Author’s Cave?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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