Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 117

Dr. Linda O’Connor Inspiration For Writing Romance by Stacy Hoff

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Hello Passionate readers! Today I have a special treat—Dr. Linda O’Connor as my guest host! Read all about Linda, her hot new release, and a chance to win a free copy of her book!

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Thanks so much for hosting me, Stacy!

As an author, I get inspiration for my stories from everything around me – news headlines, snippets of conversations, lyrics of songs, watching people and putting a story behind their body language or expression – and even from my own quirky characteristics.

As a physician, I’m always concerned (okay completely anal :D) about infection control. I taught my three kids to wash their hands whenever they came home from school, after playing outside, really anytime they walked into the house. We all have separate toothbrush holders, and we each have our own tube of toothpaste. And don’t even get me started on sharing drinks. Infectious mononucleosis, influenza, herpes simplex, even hepatitis A lurk everywhere. So imagine my chagrin when, now that they’re older, they taste-test each other’s beer or share water bottles on the bench when they’re playing hockey!

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This trait crept into Behind the Bench, the second book of the In the Game Hockey Romance series. Dr. Danni Angelo, the team physician for the local professional hockey team, is forever chirping at the players to use their own water bottles. The players tolerate the advice, even appreciate her concern, but they pretty much ignore her. When she “borrows” a couple of water bottles to test a theory about a drug scandal, she hopes the players won’t notice. Of course, that’s the one time they’re keeping track. Busted!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance series, Book 2)

Dr. Danni Angelo is the team physician for the Clarington Quakes hockey team. She’s worked hard to earn the players’ respect, but the new coach, Trey Mason, is stirring things up, and Danni’s worried her job may be in jeopardy.

Trey finds Danni…distracting. Beauty, brains, and sexy moves on the ice have him uncomfortably attracted. He’s the new guy on the block. He has a reputation to build and a standard to set. The last thing he needs is a complication.

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

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Excerpt

Danni debated for a moment and then took one of the water bottles Dave had just filled. Hopefully Todd Webb wouldn’t miss his. It wasn’t as if they each used their own, she thought with chagrin.

She hustled back to the clinic, ducking around the corners and looking over her shoulder, hoping to avoid Cliff and Dave. When she passed the treatment room, Ben called out to her. “Do you want to come and take a look at this ankle?”

Danni looked at the two drinks in her hands. She’d been hoping to stash them, but she couldn’t just ignore Ben. Resigned, she walked into the treatment room.

Ben looked up and smiled at her. “Thirsty?”

Danni rolled her eyes and didn’t answer. She set the bottles on a counter and went over to the player sitting on the examining table. She chatted with Nate as she did a thorough exam and was satisfied that the ankle was strong enough to play. He could be shifted to a healthy scratch, and would be able to join the practices.

Danni finished up and, taking the bottles, made her way through the dressing room to the clinic. A handful of players were getting ready for the pre-game skate.

“Hey, Doc. That’s my water bottle,” Todd Webb pointed out from across the room.

Danni’s forehead broke out in sweat. “I’m doing an experiment to see if you actually use your own,” she said sardonically. “Good job, Webber.”

He laughed. “That’s okay. I’ll use Veet’s.” He grinned, gesturing to the player sitting nearby.

“I prefer NickNac’s anyway,” Veet said, poking Nick with his stick as he checked the curve on the blade.

“I usually grab Watty’s,” NickNac chimed in, sitting on the bench sipping a Score.

Danni shook her head and shut the clinic door as their laughter filled the air.

Well, she’d had the samples she wanted, but she’d better stick to medicine. She made a terrible spy.

For a chance to win a Kindle Fire and a big box of books, enter the Coming in Hot: Rescue Me Rafflecopter:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1be7623365/

Buy links: 

Behind the Bench is part of the Coming in Hot: Rescue Me medical romance collection. It’s available for pre-order for only 99cents! Coming April 17!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07942MKP1

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coming-in-hot-gina-kincade/1127238374

Author Bio

Linda O’Connor started writing a few years ago when she needed a creative outlet other than subtly rearranging the displays at the local home décor store. It turns out she loves writing romantic comedies and has a few more stories to tell. When not writing, she’s a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic (well, even when she is writing she’s a physician, and it shows up in her stories

Balance of Life

I speak with people every day. I realize that all of us probably do to some degree but I mean I really speak to lots of people because my job requires it. And I have to say, it always amazes me how volatile our moods can be and how easy at times it can be to trigger emotions. Those emotions can be happy or sad, angry or calm, scared or elated—they run the gamut!

Even more amazing is how fragile the state of our emotions can be. We can be awed as we hang-glide over the French country side one day and brought to our knees the next when we return to a dead-end job. Part of me wonders if it has always been this way or we’ve just evolved with the rest of the world. Technology has gotten more advanced, life moves at a faster pace—does that mean that our moods are more unstable to some degree? Sound silly, but it does make me wonder as it seems we are much more dependent on support these days (whether that come chemically, through counseling, etc.). It’s possible that a lot of the issues we face these days seem more prevalent because we are more aware of them but I’m not sure if that is the case—I’m not a professional and I certainly don’t presume to know the answers to some of these questions.

What I do believe a lot of us have learned is that life is full of balance. You can’t have highs without lows. We balance eating with exercise, work with play, spending with saving. We all learn this is healthy—all in moderation. And yet, it is easy for us to stray.

My thought is that it is okay to remind yourself of this balance and embrace the fluctuations in life. We have them for good reason and we appreciate the highs of life so much more because of them.

Happy writing this week!

 

 

Monsters of Latin American Mythology Paranormal-Scope

Change is coming.

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:

Luz Mala is a light that shines in the dark through the forest. It is said that it often shines over treasure but with deadly consequence. Don’t follow false lights of any kind.

Taurus:

Duendes are small gnome-like creatures that enjoy wrecking mayhem in a home. You have company coming. In your case, they won’t be staying long.

Gemini:

El Chupacabra drinks the blood of livestock. Time to take another look at your food choices and eat healthier.

Cancer:

El Culebrón is a super snake with a lot of demands. Fail just one and you’re eaten. Avoid that demanding person in your life.

Leo:

The Peuchen are blood sucking flying snakes that paralyze their victims with a stare. Consider going north for a vacation.

Virgo:

Pishtaco doesn’t care about blood. It finds fat to be delicious. Try out new recipes. I’m not advocating fat by the way.

Libra:

The massacooramaan preys on unwary passengers in boats in Caribbean waters. Take up a hobby you’ve always wanted to do. Hopefully it’s not canoeing in the Caribbean.

Scorpio:

La Ciguapaon looks like a woman with her feet on backwards. They lure anyone they find attractive to kiss then devour them. Be cautious and go slow with new friendships.

Sagittarius:

The Yacumama is a horned sea-snake. Some legends say it can shapeshift. Remember things are not always what they seem.

Capricorn:

Acalica look like shriveled up men with wings. They control the weather and protect nature. Take a hike and enjoy what they protect.

Aquarius:

Malinche might be an evil fairy that floats chocolate cups on water. But if you reach for it, it will bite like a snake. Not everything you reach for, you’ll want.

Pisces:

Carbunclos look like glow worms only with a shell that conceal their light. They are frequently found near riches. An opportunity to increase your fortune comes 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 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

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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The End? By Ripley Proserpina

 I just finished watching Netflix’s Alias Grace. This show was based on the Margaret Atwood novel, and it brought up a topic I’ve reflected on after multiple books and shows—unfinished endings. Endings of interpretation. Not cliffhangers. There’s nothing at the end of these types of series that are meant to wrap you into the next installment. It is the end. Le fin. 

I am often so unsettled by these endings that I leave these experiences wondering if I’m just not smart enough to get it. Did I miss a key piece of information in the book that would point a resolution? Or did I misread a character? Did I fail to interpret the thing that would make all of the story come together?

Part of me adores this. What more can I ask for than something that sticks with me? Something that makes me think about what I’ve experienced long after I’ve finished it. 

The other half of me wishes for resolution—you know—a happy ending. 

But life isn’t like that, and if art reflects life then…. 

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Chillin’ Between Books

Right now I am between writing books. Writing is an intense experience that totally absorbs me when I’m in it. During that time, I tend to miss TV, new books, movies, and being seen by most people in general. My husband said that now is a great time to get out of the house.

So what am I doing?

I am editing. Beta readers are reading and giving me feed back. A treasured editor is editing and giving me line corrections (typos, grammatical errors, dropped out words, and extra words) and context corrections (not showing enough action, missing information, taking a path off the storyline). So far she’s told me, I’ve nailed the story and it’s very exciting. YAY. I’m also getting together all the bits and pieces in Romanian for my Romanian consultant. I want to make sure I’m as authentic as I can be.
When I’m not doing this, I could be writing the next book but honestly, my brain is a bit fried. What do I do now? Recharge! Here’s how.
Watch Murdoch Mysteries (about a Canadian detective in the early 1900s), Bob’s Burgers (a cartoon series), i Zombie (comedy/detective series about a zombie).
To celebrate this new phase of my book, I’m also going to the Wadsworth Atheneum  in Hartford and see the Edward Gorey exhibit called “Gorey’s Worlds.”
Gorey’s Worlds from Wadsworth Atheneum on Vimeo.

So as I pause from entering in all the feedback. I go forth to be further inspired. You go out and have fun too.

-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 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

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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Belle Ami, Book Blurbs & Da Vinci by Stacy Hoff

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Hello Passionate Readers! Today I have a treat for you—author Belle Ami!

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Thank you Stacy Hoff and Nights of Passion for hosting me on your wonderful blog.

One of the hardest things for a writer to do is the dreaded blurb. How does one condense several hundred pages into a few paragraphs? How to capture the essence of a complicated story, your labor of love, and compel the reader to make that purchase? The “dreaded” blurb has the power to make or break a book. If you get it wrong, if you don’t capture the reader’s attention you’re toast.

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The pressure is immense, and there can be no avoidance of the task, no getting around it, and no easy way out. In many ways writing the book is easier than writing the blurb. In the actual manuscript, there’s room for error, a bit slow here, a bit underwritten there, can be overcome by the next exciting passage or character interaction. The reader once committed to the book is likely to forge on and if the pace picks up the few pages not up to snuff are forgotten. Not so the blurb, where every word matters. This is your back cover and the reader will only give you a minute to win your case.

My new novel that goes up for pre-sale on April 15th, fittingly on Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday, is titled The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci. It’s the first book in my Out of Time series, a romance/paranormal/thriller. My hero, is a cocky art detective named Alex Caine and my heroine is Angela Renatus a Ph.D. art historian doing her internship at the Getty Museum.

My blurb, which went through numerous edits and rewrites was a daunting task, but I’m hopeful that it will entice readers. I thought I’d share it with you in hopes that you’d give me some feedback. So put on your thinking caps and let me know what you think.

My “Dreaded” Blurb

In the spirit of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and Shadows of the Stone Benders by K. Patrick Donoghue The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci by Belle Ami unravels an unforgettable mystery.

Three destinies, one remarkable painting.

Will her visions lead her to the truth?

Art historian Angela Renatus is haunted by dreams of Leonardo da Vinci and a mysterious painting of Giuliano Medici and his mistress Fioretta Gorini. A painting that, as far as the world knows, doesn’t exist. Compelled by her visions, Angela is determined to find out the truth.

When Angela is contacted by art detective, Alex Caine, she’s shocked to learn that he too is seeking the same painting. Alex’s client, a wealthy German financier, is determined to clear the name of his late uncle, Gerard Jaeger, an art historian, who went missing in Florence, during World War II. In letters written before his disappearance, the historian describes his love affair with a beautiful young Italian woman named Sophia Caro, and the discovery of an extraordinary painting by the great master himself—a painting depicting Giuliano and Fioretta.

Alex and Angela journey to Florence in search of the priceless treasure. Is it a lost da Vinci, potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars, or a wild goose-chase that will only lead to a dead end? But someone else is searching for the elusive painting—Alberto Scordato is a powerful man in the art world and a sociopath who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even murder. Scordato knows something about Angela that even she doesn’t know, something that could threaten both Angela and Alex’s lives, forcing them into the crosshairs of fate.

And that’s all she wrote. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. My website & link to my exciting new newsletter is:

http://belleamiauthor.com

Connect with Belle Ami on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belle.ami.96?fref=ts

Twitter: @BelleAmi5

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/belleami96/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belle-ami-86916094/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/temamer/

Website: http://belleamiauthor.com

Belle Ami Book Links:

Vengeance (Tip of the Spear Book Two)

Escape (Tip of the Spear Book One)

The One (The Only One) #1

The One & More (The Only One) #2

One More Time is Not Enough (The Only One) #3

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Vengeance-Romantic-Suspense-Thriller-Spear-ebook/dp/B074XZ7BNN

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Tip-Spear-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01N1X508R

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/692572 Escape

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/743304 Vengeance

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/escape-120

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/vengeance-142

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escape-belle-ami/1125408729?ean=2940157291785

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vengeance-belle-ami/1126997237?ean=2940158969164

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/One-More-Time-Not-Enough-ebook/dp/B01HSDJLLA#navbar

Amazon buy link: http://bookshow.me/TheOne

Amazon buy link: http://bookshow.me/TheOneAndMore

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Ever-After-Nora-Flite-ebook/dp/B01M8KZIRK

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SIGN UP FOR STACY’S 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!

AMAZON LINK: http://amzn.to/2xW3WtJ

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BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series, #1)  Love is the biggest gamble of all!

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 

 

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Patience and Planning

This week, my family and I are in Walt Disney world. And yes it is magical and fun. It is also hot, the lines are long and people are biting each other’s heads off every which way you look. I’d love to tell you that I’m immune to it all but even my family has fallouts and tired kids and parents only exacerbate that.

Of course, getting this many families together in one place really does magnify the meltdown. The one thing I’m truly learning is to have a lot of patience with the planning process as well as the plans themselves. There are so many unpredictable variables when it comes to planning. Will everyone be in the mood or state of mind to follow your plans? This week one of my sons got sick– who wants to be sick while at Disney World? Definitely not in the plans. What about weather? Unless you are a mutant Xmen with super powers, you aren’t controlling that either. Then of course there are the surprises–both good and bad. This week I rode Avatar Flight of Passage three times at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It has become by far my favorite ride and I never thought I’d say that about a ride I had to wait 2.5 hours to experience.

So what did I learn after all of this? I learned to plan beforehand (it saves time and money). Have patience, be flexible and open to new experiences. And enjoy!

Happy writing this week!

Starting Off April With an Actual Schedule by Mandy Rosko

I am one of those people who has a hard time getting anything scheduled. And keeping to a schedule. It’s something the new VA has offered to help me with as she’s also helped with my website, with cleaning up Patreon rewards and folders. All that fun stuff

Werebunnies Run Amok Paranormal-Scope

Will the sun shine? Will it snow? Lately the paranormal-scope has been more predictable than the weather.

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:

Werebunnies are cute. But they have teeth. Honestly, do you trust everything that is cute? Should you?

Taurus:

One werebunny is funny. Two is hilarious. Three are going to eat everything in your place. Consider eating out.

Gemini:

Werebunnies enjoy exercise. They run with purpose and never forget eating healthy. Review changes to  your wellness plan with your physician.

Cancer:

Werebunnies should not be confused with pug puppies who are cute and won’t mistake you for a carrot.

Leo:

Werebunnies have a passion for fashion. They often dye their fur fun colors. Indulge in some bling and change up your wardrobe.

Virgo:

A rich werebunny knows his weight in carrots. Time to check your spending.

Libra:

Werebunnies are crazy over video games, only they can’t fit the new virtual reality headsets. They do know how to play. Add more play in your life.

Scorpio:

A werebunny has entered your life with an energized sense of fun. Work will become more interesting. A new friend will come your way.

Sagittarius:

Werebunnies are hopping in your neighborhood. What does that mean? Party time with friends or family.

Capricorn:

They call her the Lone Werebunny. She rights wrongs and goes on adventures. Okay, you don’t have to be a super werebunny, but some adventuring will expand your horizons.

Aquarius:

Werebunnies dig holes and hide when things are tough. Taking a day to regroup is good, but hiding only hurts you. You are brave enough when the hard stuff hits. Smile! You are strong.

Pisces:

A colony of werebunnies has moved into your area. You’re going to hear a lot of thumping. It’s how they communicate. Thumping is good. If you hear howling, run.

-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 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

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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Happy Holidays! By Ripley Proserpina

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to those of you who celebrate. Here are some treats for your holiday!

This Easter Quiz will Reveal Your Best Quality… 

Go on an Easter Egg Hunt

Which Famous Person Should Come to Your Passover Seder?

Which of the Four Sons of Passover Are you?