Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 113

A Plan

Why are goals so hard for us to reach at times? It’s not all the time and sometimes it really depends on the goal, but those larger, life changing goals really seem very difficult simply due to all the distractions that life puts in the way. Sure the goals themselves can be difficult. After all, they are meant to be life changing or at least impactful. But even more than that is our own inability to focus. I find this true in my own life as I try to plan out and stick to a larger theme or path so to speak.

My day job allows me to meet people who do this all the time. What I find is that we get the mechanics of the small things. Like for instance, people can figure out how to buy or sell bonds and stocks but do they know why they are doing it the way they are doing it? Most don’t. Even us writers. A lot of times, you aim to write because the idea of becoming a famous author is just so cool but there is so much more to it and it really doesn’t happen overnight for most (if at all). Sure there are planners versus those who simple write without planning but when you are dealing on a larger level about where you see yourself going or how you want to evolve, it requires a bit more thought.

My advice? Think about what you want in life and then draw out the plan to get there. It doesn’t mean things won’t change or that you couldn’t possibly change your mind. It happens and then you simply adjust. Not only will it help you get where you want to go but it’s make you more adaptable overall.

Good luck and happy writing this week!

Crunch Time Deadlines by Mandy Rosko

I sometimes wish I was an insomniac. If I only needed four hours of sleep every night, I sometimes imagine all the things I could get finished in my spare time. The books I could write, the practice drawing or painting sessions I could do.

And the work I could do to catch up on my Patreon rewards.

After this post I’ll be finishing off my word count for Siren, and then doing my level best to finish the Patreon chapter, which was due 4 days ago, to posting up my Calendly link, which I totally forgot to do, too 0.o

Heh, I’m terrible at time management.

But! I am curious to know if anyone here is also the same. It doesn’t even have to be with writing. Do you find yourself getting in trouble with your day job? With a craft you’ve been meaning to get back into, or anything of importance. How do you keep yourself on the ball. The use of a timer? Writing things down in your schedule or planner?

Even if you’re not a writer, I’m curious, and it would make for good tips and tricks for staying on the ball with writing related goals as well

Memorial Day Paranormal-Scope

Thank you, everyone, for waiting. I wanted to pay separate homeage to all those brave people who gave their lives by serving in the United States of America’s Armed Forces to protect the country and defend our freedoms.

I am aware that if the Paranormal-Scope wasn’t posted, some people would miss it.

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:

Werebutterflies are fluttering to new places. Plan a vacation.

Taurus:

Weremonkeys are up in the trees. Up in the air about an important decision? Take time to investigate your options. The time will be worth it.

Gemini:

Wereowls are hooting! Time for a party with those you love or like a lot. Don’t forget the barbecue sauce.

Cancer:

Werepugs are snuggling. Keep those you love close, and enjoy your times together. Take photos and make memories.

Leo:

Werelions are roaring for food! Try out new recipes! Perhaps take a cooking class.

Virgo:

Werekoalas are climbing new trees. Career opportunites are coming your way. Research which would be the best move or if staying up is better for now.

Libra:

Wereturtles are methodical. Your persistence and talent will be recognized. Smile a lot and let the sunshine in.

Scorpio:

Weretigers can’t change their stripes. Some people can’t change theirs either. Accept people for who they are. Wear polkadots at least once this week.

Sagittarius:

Werebunnies are hopping for joy. Put on a happy face. Good luck is headed your way in all aspects of your life.

Capricorn:

Werefrogs are taking a day off. You should, too, occasionally. You’re a workaholic, and you need to take care of you. Plan a spa day.

Aquarius:

Werezombies are totally imaginary, unlike the others here. Misunderstandings are imaginary insults. Make up in a real, truthful way and enrich your relationships.

Pisces:

Weremoles are everywhere. There are more holes than usual. They might even be to blame for potholes. Plan a getaway to a new place.

-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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Memorial Day Remembrance

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Graves at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day – Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

On this day in the United States of America, we remember those who gave their lives for us while serving in our Armed Forces.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Founder of Nights of Passion Blog

P.S. For those, who enjoy and would miss the Paranormal-Scope, it will post at 5 p.m. Eastern time today. Thank you!

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Remembrance by Ripley Proserpina

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.   Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

“In Flanders Fields,” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae on May 3, 1915 after attending the burial of his friend who died during the Second Battle of Ypres in World War I. McCrae died of pneumonia in 1918, eleven months before the war ended.

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Knowing What You Want As A Writer

I have been traditionally published by smaller publishers, and I’ve taken my returned rights on some of my books and re-published them on my own. The tide keeps changing in publishing, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up.

Currently I have a lot on my plate.

1. I have to get back to a convention and set up those plans.

2. Vampire King of New York is being re-edited and having a new book cover.

3. A colleague of mine told me that certain of my books that are in ebook only really should become print books, too.

4. I’m waiting on a publisher that has my newest book.

5. I’m writing another new book.

6. I’m editing a book that’s been on my desk for awhile. There’s an agent to send it to.

In all the different things I’m doing and keeping track of, I came across a wonderful newsletter in my email box that answered a lot of questions. It came from Joanna Penn and her website The Creative Penn with an article on publishing print books. I have to tell you that in all the years I’ve been a writer, Joanna has the most clear and refreshing article on the subject that I’ve seen. https://www.thecreativepenn.com/how-to-self-publish-a-print-book/

We all have enough on our plates. It’s hard to move forward without the facts. I just love it when someone has those facts and is able to present them in a way that good decisions can be made. Do yourself a favor and visit The Creative Penn.

-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 re-editing and a 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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Vulnerable Writing

I had a conversation this week about writing and it felt so good. Why? Because I haven’t really spoken about writing in ages. Interestingly enough, our conversation touched on how writing can at times leave us vulnerable. Early on, this would have bothered me. Despite writing a blog each week, I consider myself somewhat of a private person. But these days, it isn’t that I no longer want to have my privacy, it’s simply that I realize what vulnerability can lend to our writing.

Many times, when we first set out to write, we have an idea in mind of what we want to write and how everything is going to play out. We’ll write a book of course and it is just going to need to be read by a family member or two. We’ll send it to a few agents or even publishers and of course one of them is going to pick it up and then the next thing you know, we are an overnight sensation and we spend the rest of our life on book tours, doing interviews, etc. Right? Wrong.

For most of us who write fiction, that idea we start with begins to blossom until we realize that what we imagined isn’t quite that simple and as such, we may need to do some research to get our facts right because nobody likes books that don’t make sense (even if they are fictional). Then, we sit amongst a pile of notes and pages of our manuscript and we realize that we can’t think straight because we have been living in the fictional world of our book. Once we do finish, we then can start to rip it to shreds as we work with friends, critique partners, possibly editors or agents should we get that far…. And then there is the rejection, which is a whole different topic. I know, I’m not making this sound wonderful and honestly, it is a humbling process filled with lots of learning. I also have found the experience rewarding in its own way and as with anything else, you get better the more you practice.

Good luck and happy writing this week!

Zero Fox Given Print Cover :D by Mandy Rosko

It’s here

Zombies Frolicking through the Flowers Paranormal-Scope

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Photo by HISANARI KUNIMOTO on Unsplash

Imagine frolicking through lavender or better yet pausing to inhale the fragrance. It’s wonderful for great dreams.

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:

Zombies love frolicking. It looks slow and swaying but believe me, it is frolicking. Achieving your dreams may look slow and swaying, but stay focused and believe in yourself!

Taurus:

Zombies can’t communicate well. You have that beat. Smile and listen more than talk and things will come together.

Gemini:

Zombies settle for whatever person is in front of them. Don’t you settle for less than what you love.

Cancer:

Zombies hang out in groups. Friends can be a real support for you now.

Leo:

Contrary to some movies, zombies don’t rush. They know they’ll get there eventually. Slow down in life and consider all life changes carefully.

Virgo:

Zombies aren’t the best conversationalists. You, however, can enjoy chatting with those close to you. Deepen your relationships.

Libra:

Zombies don’t have a concept of work, only stop and go in a direction. Things are picking up for you. Eat and sleep well, so you have energy for all this excitement.

Scorpio

Deep thinking and and being considerate isn’t a zombie’s forte. For you, choosing words thoughtfully and being kind will get you far.

Sagittarius:

Zombies overreact to loud noises and sudden movements. Don’t be so sensitive and keep your attention on your career. Move forward.

Capricorn:

Sadly, zombies don’t have many options. Opportunities are opening up for you. Keep your eyes open.

Aquarius:

Zombies aren’t very devoted to anything, unless you’re in their path. Devotion is going to pay off for you.

Pisces:

Zombies don’t keep a schedule and go where the scent leads them. Unexpected company is coming your way.

-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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Reverse Harem Romance V/R IRL…by Ripley Proserpina

When I began writing romance with a reverse harem twist nearly two years ago, there were very few authors and readers. In recent months, there have been a surge of RH books being published—which is awesome. Often, people wonder where reverse harem came from. It has its origin in Japan and South Korea, in anime and manga. In many of those stories (unlike the American reverse harem) characters will end up with only one of the many suitors who make up the harem. 

Otome games are extensions of the RH (or RH is an extension of otome games, it’s a chicken/egg thing). Originating from Japan, these games are geared toward women. You play as a character and end up with one of several love interests. It’s RH VR. The games are often visual novels with pages of dialogue and background. It is only after the stage has been set that the female character is asked a question or offered a choice which leads to the romance.

Available on itunes (many are free but have in-app purchases), these stories great for waiting between appointments or playing on rainy days. Titles are links:)

Love is a Game:

Willow Bates is a recent college graduate who works at a small cafe and lives alone in her childhood home. Lonesome and suffocated by the tedium of working at an unfulfilling job, Willow found a quiet joy in Otome games. With few friends and a non-existent love life, shes grown attached to the happiness brought by romance novels.

We join our heroine as her mundane days are interrupted the morning she stumbles across strikingly handsome, vaguely familiar men. After a second glance, it all becomes clear: her favorite characters are now real.

“Be careful what you wish for.”

The Ultimate of Otome games: Mystic Messenger. This one is hard to describe. You start off as a character with an undefined job. You receive “texts” and “phone calls” from the characters and interact over days. From the description: A new type of female-oriented mobile game that you can experience a love story through an interactive messaging app. Receive phone calls and texts depending on how intimate you become with the game characters! 

*Don’t read “intimate” as sexual. These games are PG. 

Otome: Is-it Love? Gabriel

So- I planned only to talk about games I’ve played, but I read about this one, and I think it’s next on my TBP list. 

It is a visual novel, which means more reading than playing.

Choose Your Story

Enter the fantastic world of interactive story games, where the choices you make shape the rest of your love story! Fall in love, get caught up in your own love triangle, and become the heroine of your story as it evolves in to a stunning romance.

Will you develop meaningful relationships? Will you find true love? Download today and find out on the most breathtaking visual novel. Start your role playing and constantly unlock new episodes & love stories on the most passionate Otome game you will find!

A Fresh Start

Your love story begins on your first day at Ryan Corp., founded by the mysterious and elusive Ryan Carter. Your workload is overwhelming, as is the endless amount of faces you encounter, but you manage to make sense of it with a few good friends at your side including Lisa Parker, the loyal secretary with a big heart; Matt Ortega, the playful Graphic Artist; and many more mysterious characters you will encounter along the way.

Your manager is the dreamy Gabriel Simons, who has established a reputation as a serial romantic with many broken hearts following his trail. Will you be one of those girls, or will you beat him at his own flirting game? Your choices will affect the outcome!

Exquisite Features

Choose you own adventure and unlock secret love stories and flirting games as your love story progresses in this sensational free otome visual novel. Enjoy spectacular features such as:

•Superb Anime style illustrations to go along with the romance novel you create

•Real story telling from the creative work of a real author in this beautiful Otome love story 

•Replay a completed episode for alternative outcomes and previously undiscovered visuals

•These role-playing romance games for girls are available in 6 languages (English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian) 

Whether you’re after the thrill, the romance, or the breezy read, Otome: Is It Love? Has something for you! Will you choose drama? Will you choose romance? Write your story and choose your own path!