Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 124

Finished The First Part of Zero Fox Given

So the day before yesterday I finished the first part of Zero Fox Given, my latest Patreon novel.

I’ve decided to go about this a little differently this year. I think I want to switch this up just to make sure I can get into a smooth rhythm, figure out how I would like to publish these books, and if I want to continue to do this in volumes.

Even though I’ll be releasing the book in parts to my patrons, when it’s finished and the times exclusive is up, I will be publishing it as one book. No 3 in 1 on the cover, no publishing to Amazon in parts, that kind of thing.

Not that there was anything wrong with that, in fact, publishing in parts has been amazingly helpful in getting my audio books out. Having the books broken up into 20K chunks like that made it easier for me to commission the audio just because the cost was also broken up as well.

However, I hear that ACX is a bit cheaper to use than the previous options I was going with, and now that it’s open in Canada, I’m going to give it a shot and find some quotes

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

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Today would have been Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. In the United States of America, we honor him with this federal holiday for his non-violent activism in fighting for Civil Rights and against racial discrimination.

The King Holiday and Service Act is a federal legislation that challenges Americans to transform the King Holiday into a day of citizen action volunteer service in honor of King. The federal legislation was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on August 23, 1994. (The above has been paraphrased from Wikipedia.)

May today be a day of reflection and action in helping others.

All the best from myself and the Passionate Crew of Nights of Passion.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Founder of Nights of Passion Blog

Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

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Dream Paranormal-Scope

This week will be filled with remembrances, reflections and opportunities.

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 are chasing options like balls. You might be able to catch one. Look for the support of friends. Be open and explore all possibilities.

Taurus:

Faeries will bring new people into your circle. A new friend maybe an important influence on your life.

Gemini:

Shapeshifters enjoy the passion of working on a great project. Enjoy collaborating. Ask for help when you need it. Be sure to balance work with social activities.

Cancer:

An elf will bring humor and fun into your life. You will begin to feel better about so many things.

Leo:

Pixies are all about speed. It will seem that your career and life are on the fast track. Go with the flow.

Virgo:

Werewolves are about teamwork. Working with others will be an asset for you this week.

Libra:

Dragons are about family and friends. Be honest with others. Be kind above all. Listen to what people have to say and you will gain a new perspective.

Scorpio:

Zombies can run but is it necessary. Take your time and make careful decisions. Spend time with loved one and cherish the moments. They are fleeting.

Sagittarius:

Goblins understand that change is about more than coins. Change is coming your way. Prepare.

Capricorn:

Mermaids keep secrets but for you keeping them from one you cherish could cause hurt. Trust in those you love.

Aquarius:

Gremlins are work obsessed. Make time to social. Balance in life is the key. Don’t forget those that love you.

Pisces:

A faery leaves a bag for you. In it is Luck and Change. You are in for an adventure.

-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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Fix me, Oh Delightful Editor…by Ripley Proserpina

If there is one thing for which I am eternally grateful, it is my editor. I’m not sure the best analogy for an editor. Are they a priest? A magician?

They keep a thousand details at the front of their mind as they read, “There was only one deer earlier, now you have two.” And then there’s the critique… Think about it, because it’s not easy. There is more to editing than saying, “This character is really hard to sympathize with.” There is a need for both specificity and compassion, because there is an author attached to the other end of the book, and no matter how much we say, “I can handle it,” sometimes, we can’t (at least not right away).

 

Though inevitably, once we take some cleansing breaths, we straighten our shoulders, crack our knuckles, and get to it.

This is turning into a bit of a love letter to my editor, but I think she should hear it. And I think, we authors who are made a thousand times better than how we began because of our editors, we should tell them what they’ve done for us. There is something about sending a manuscript, rough though it’s been through many drafts, and having it returned so much better, that is only a little bit short of miraculous.

So thank, my dear content editor, for your humor and your ability to remember the color eyes of five romantic leads. Thank you for using song lyrics to help me understand grounding a scene, and for your eternal patience. I endeavor to deserve you.

This Weather Is the Bomb… By Ripley Proserpina

I’m in the northeastern part of the US, and we’ve been struck by the snow bomb. It’s really not that bad, not here in Vermont. School was cancelled, but I have two cords of wood and a pretty efficient wood stove. So even if it’s cold as a witch’s…you know…there’s still hot cocoa and electricity and snuggly kitty babies.

Tomorrow, it’s supposed to drop to negative 7 and I plan to hunker down. It’s after Christmas, so like I somehow knew what was coming, I’ve managed to pad my body with some extra fat.  This forced inertia is a great excuse to focus. I won’t be thinking, “I should really go snowshoeing,” or “I should really get groceries.” It’s too cold for that. Now my biggest decision should be, chicken soup or minestrone?

So wherever you may be, stay warm. And if you’re warm, and the weather is sunny, don’t tell me, that’s just bragging…

Filed under: A writer's life, Ripley Proserpina, romance

How to Write A Fiction Novel, Part 7 – Settings Are More Than A Place

When writing your novel, you will want to really examine your setting. Some writers make the mistake of info dumping, which gives too much about the setting in one spot in the book. The more experienced author sets the stage with some great sentences where their character is interacting with the setting. That gives the setting more meaning for the reader. You relay how the character feels about where they are or where they’re going through interaction, action and dialogue.

While the story moves on, the character continuously interacts with the setting and other characters.

You will want to highlight the important locations within the place.

In my book The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, there are several settings, and I had to know about them all. More than that I had to choose specific locations that held significance for either David or Laura. These are the places that mark events in your characters’ lives.

1. New York City

2. New Orleans

3. Tallahassee, Florida

4.Orlando, Florida

5. Big Pine Key, near Key West

6. Underworld

The important part is to make a place alive with its decor, flora, and occupants. I’m giving you a sample from New Orleans, when Vampire David Hilliard goes to meet Mama Joe, a voodoo practitioner that even the vampires fear. It’s his only way to find Laura whose been kidnapped.

*

Catalina led them on that starless night, several blocks through the French Quarter to a stately green and black Victorian house on Dauphine Street. Not only had the storm overlooked this house, but so had time. The door was carved with spirals and demons. The sign bolted to the wall beside it read: Way To Go Joe’s Voodoo Emporium. They walked up the steps. Catalina did not.

“This is where I go home.” Marchon’s companion disappeared in a blink.

“Why is she so afraid?”

“When she was young, before becoming one of the blood, she witnessed a ritual where a vampire was murdered. After they beheaded him, they boiled the skin off and fed it to the hogs. Then they cleaned the bones for future use. There is a rumor, that Mama Joe keeps the skull of that unfortunate on the desk in her parlor.”

“Rumors are one way to instill fear.” David shook his head.

Marchon tried the door. It was locked. He pressed the buzzer.

A crackling voice through the intercom answered, “Evil cannot enter here, Vampires.” The door remained locked.

David pressed the buzzer and quickly said, “Please, I need Mama Joe’s help.”

He heard an audible sigh. “Who are you, Vampire? You are not from the Big Easy.”

“I’m from the Big Apple.”

They heard scuffling behind the door and then the intercom shut off.

Minutes later, the door opened and they walked in. Candle sconces on the purple walls of the foyer provided a dim glow. Glass cases displayed all manner of religious artifacts and items ranging from statues of saints and portraits to boxes labeled as the blood or the bones of the holy. Jars of dried herbs sat in neat rows on the counters. Voodoo dolls were lined up like a chorus line. Next to them were boxes of “Your Own Voodoo Kit.” Gris-gris bags hung from a rack in the corner, and shrunken heads hung from a curtain rod against a window, as if to give them a view.

“The one on the end looks like an old friend of mine,” laughed Marchon.

“Could be. Could be,” said a voice behind them as old as the North Wind. They turned to see three young black girls in faded pink dresses. They were maybe 11 or 12 years old at most. Triplets. One of them stood behind the wheelchair of an old black woman who wore sunglasses and a purple robe covered with amulets. Every talisman and religious symbol hung from a gold chain around her neck. She sat regally in her wheelchair like a queen addressing her court. David felt the woman’s power. Marchon bowed. David did not.

“Hmm,” she half-chuckled. “Come into my parlor, and we’ll talk.”

Marchon looked nervous. David made the first move by following the woman into the next room. It was a pleasant, pale pink room with floral paintings and a large round table with a lace tablecloth. No desk and no skull. Once seated around the table, Mama Joe gave David a long appraising look.

“So, Mr. Hilliard, what can I do for you?”

David narrowed his eyes. He didn’t like the fact she knew his name without introductions. What else did she know? “My wife has been kidnapped, and I want her back.”

Mama Joe laughed. “Don’t you know? Vampires don’t have wives. Why have a wife, when a handsome man like you can have any woman he wants, another vampire for a companion, a human for a pet. Vampires were made to be free of such encumbrances.”

“Nevertheless, I do have a wife, and I need her.” This woman annoyed him.

Mama Joe smirked. “What will you give me, if I help you?”

*

This a sample of using setting with character interaction and dialogue. I gave you a bit more to see how it works. Setting is more than a place. Here we have the shop and house, the interior, items within it and the occupants. Each part is intended to evoke a feeling in the reader.

For your enjoyment, I’ve including the book blurb.

Lightning

Being descended from an ancient race blessed by Zeus doesn’t help Telkhine Laura Cordelais, when she’s desperate and standing between life and death. Her destiny looks bleak. Every choice leads to death, and there is no winning door. Or is there?

Thunder

Begging God for love, Vampire David Hilliard finds his request answered in the form of the tormented and dying Laura. In saving her, he falls in love and dooms them both to a dark underworld of voodoo and sorcery from which nothing can escape.

The Storm Begins!

Curses, Keres, demons, oh my! And the unicorn’s horn.

*

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais is available in Amazon Kindle and Print at https://www.amazon.com/Stormy-Love-Life-Laura-Cordelais/dp/1493789546

It’s also in print and can be ordered online at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-stormy-love-life-of-laura-cordelais-susan-hanniford-crowley/1118066352

(An interesting thing about Amazon is that if you click on a book, you will see the author’s name in small print. Click on the name and it will bring you to the author’s page which lists all the books and their formats that are available.)

If you have missed the other lessons in “How to Write a Fiction Novel,” here they are:

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/02/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-2/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/11/25/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-1/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/09/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-3-do-your-characters-breathe/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/16/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-4-how-to-avoid-the-squishy-middle/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/23/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-5-climaxes-and-how-they-happen/

https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2017/12/30/how-to-write-a-fiction-novel-part-6-real-dialogue/

Happy Writing. Next week we will talk about “Items of Importance.” If you have any questions or comments, feel free to write them in the comments box.

-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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Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Dialogue, How to Write A Fiction Novel, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, Nothing is Impossible!, paranormal romance, Part 5 - Climax, Part 6, Part 7- Settings Are More Than A Place, romance novels, steampunk romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire in the Basement, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, Vampire Princess of New York, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, When Love Survives, Writer's Life, Writing Craft, Writing Topics, writing workshop, Yule [image error]

A New Year by Stacy Hoff

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I’m slowly getting settled into the New Year. Very slowly, that is.

Why? Because 2018 is already promising to be a very busy year. My calendar is filling up quickly with a whole lot of commitments, both personal and professional. My pens are running out of out of ink while I jot everything down.

Ack! How can I have this many events and deadlines to calendar so fast?

Before I get myself overwhelmed, I’m going to keep myself in vacation mode a little bit longer. After all, the holidays aren’t over until I say they’re over, right?

Ah, denial.

Okay, I’m going to take a deep breath and dive into 2018. Just as soon as I take the holiday lights down.

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

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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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Filed under: Holiday Posts, New Year, romance, Stacy Hoff

What is in a New Year

A New Year has begun and with it our new ways– or so many of us hope. But, as we have all learned a time or two before, that is easier said than done.

I recently read that it takes 66 days of doing something to make it a habit. That surprised me as I’ve read before that it only takes 21 or at most 28 days to form a habit. Whatever the true answer, my thought is that if it is a good habit like exercising or eating right, it couldn’t hurt to do it longer.

This year I haven’t really come up with my plans. I was eating healthy and trying to exercise prior to the new year so I will simply continue doing so. I know in my future plans I want further education, making more of my own food, teaching my kids to read better and ride bikes and swim…the list goes on but none of it is really constrained to 2018.

I think the real reason the new year becomes a time of resolutions and habits formed is that it feels like a new start. Even during the year, most people don’t start diets on a Friday. There is something about waiting for that fresh start that makes it seem like a more achievable goal. This is simply my opinion but I believe this way of thinking becomes a hindrance at times. If we mess up, it becomes an excuse to throw in the towel and start again tomorrow or next week or even next month or year. Don’t let that happen to you this year. Stick with your plan or goals even if only for 66 days. See how you feel and how it impacts your life and then you can decide whether to throw in the towel.

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly

Happy New Year! by Mandy Rosko

So I know it’s two days after the fact, but I wanted to wish everyone reading this a very happy 2018!

 

I’m doing the standard thing for the New Year. New reading goals, new writing goals, new business goals, all that fun stuff.

My best reading year was getting 52 books read in a year, and I figured that if I was going to have time to do the actual writing and other items that came with running a business, that maybe I should tone that down a little.

So! My reading goal for this year is 30 books

Happy New Year 2018 Paranormal-Scope

 

Happy New Year, everyone! The new year has a lot in store for all of us.

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:

There’s no place like Gnome or at least that’s what the gnomes say. Splurge a bit on home decor so that you love your place of sanctuary.

Taurus:

Aslan roars, “Good things are coming your way. Keep your eyes open!”

Gemini:

Pixies get fairy dust everywhere. Sorry, you’ve been dusted. Get out the vacuum cleaner.

Cancer:

Elves come in all shapes and sizes. An elf will bring you a surprise.

Leo:

Mermaids think you’re great. An accomplishment of yours will come to light. Smile a lot and make new friends.

Virgo:

A faery inspires you to take up a hobby or rediscover an old passion. You have the right to enjoy yourself.

Libra:

Shapeshifters can’t stop dancing. Take dance lessons or just put on some music and get moving.

Scorpio:

Gremlins have been tinkering in your house. Check your fire detectors and other appliances. Be prepared for some new purchases.

Sagittarius:

Goblins are counting pennies. You will want to make a budget for the coming year.

Capricorn:

Dragons take you under their wing. It’s time to learn to soar. The roar comes later.

Aquarius:

Werewolves sniff out opportunities. A new opportunity is coming your way. Be sure to check it out carefully. Take nothing for granted.

Pisces:

A vampire admires you. You will make an unexpected friend who will be worth it.

-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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Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule