Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 132

Giving Advice as an Author by Mandy Rosko

Every once in a while I get someone who will ask me to do a guest blog on this, or a quick talk about that, or some advice about something or other.

And it never stops being weird. Somehow, at least in my own smaller circle, I’ve given off the impression that I know what I’m doing. Which I don’t. I’m just incredibly lucky, worked hard to create as many books as I possibly can, and lack what I would consider to be a normal amount of shame.

I was trying to explain this the other day to a group of writers. I was trying to keep it short because we were in the middle of accolades and those can’t last long, but when I got into talking about what I’m doing on Radish and where my newer books are coming from, I started rambling about no shame.

When I was trying to convince some other authors around me that Patreon might be a good idea, I was told that other authors who tried this method tended to get laughed at behind their backs, and I’ll never say that I’m one of those people who cares nothing for the opinions of others, I do, but apparently not enough to let the idea of people laughing at me behind my back stop me from potentially making an idiot of myself anyway.

I’m successful enough that I’ve managed to live off my writing alone for the past 5 years, and though that will come to an end if I’m hired to work at my local bookstore as a seasonal employee, I’m not rich. I still live in an apartment, have credit card debt (my own stupid fault on that one) and have to watch what I spend on certain things. Add to the fact that I live alone with my dog and have no children to care for, and most other expenses most other authors have are ones I don’t need to worry about.

But I think it’s the fact that I’ve still managed to do it that people find interesting. So I try to explain to the best of my ability what I am doing and why. How I’ve been growing my Youtube Channel (slowly), how I’ve been trying to grow my Wattpad and Radish Subscribers (also slowly) and my Patrons on Patreon (With as much love and care as possible ^_^)

I try to explain how I throw anything at the wall I can get my hands on and see what remotely stick, and I think I’ve finally nailed down the method that has worked best for me over the years.

Hard work. Can’t be a writer without Writing some books, right? Luck is a big one. I got into some places at the right time and things fell into place. My Writer’s Group. They taught me a lot about self publishing and pointed me in the right direction many times.

And a less than healthy lack of shame apparently.

At first I thought my method was a triangle, requiring the three above pieces to fall into place, but that’s not entirely true. The lack of shame makes up the fourth pillar, and maybe all writers need a little of that to put their work out there, market it, and try new and stupid things to see if anything works.

Which is why I do the guest posts and talks whenever I’m asked, few times that might be ^_^

 

What are your thoughts on this?

 

Mandy Rosko

 

Mandyrosko.com

I’m now on Radish! Check out the Radish Fiction app on your phone or tablet and search for Mandy Rosko for some awesome free romances

A Very Pumpkin Paranormal-Scope

The image of pumpkins rolling down the highway to escape Hurricane Nate keeps flowing through my brain.

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:

Gnomes offer to help keep your pumpkins in place. Accept help. Other people care about you.

Taurus:

Elves prefer pumpkins that sparkle. You will be offered an opportunity. Check it out carefully before proceeding.

Gemini:

Goblins are particular about the pumpkins they choose. Consider who you spend time with. Choose those you cherish.

Cancer:

Dragons love to change their pumpkins around. A change could be beneficial. Be open to the possibilities.

Leo:

Werewolves keep count of their pumpkins. Keep a watchful eye on your money.

Virgo:

Shapeshifters love big pumpkins. Dream big! Don’t let go of your dreams.

Libra:

Gremlins enjoy adding different pumpkins. Some different is on its way. Get ready for excitement.

Scorpio:

Zombies have an uncanny sense when it comes to picking the best pumpkins. Opportunities coming your way will require careful inspection to pick the best one.

Sagittarius:

Mermaids don’t understand pumpkins. It’s time to stay focused at work to better understand new developments.

Capricorn:

Vampires enjoy carving pumpkins and going to spooky parties. Socialize more! Networking with friends could help your career.

Aquarius:

Faeries are straight forward in carving their pumpkin faces. Be straight forward at work, put everything in writing so everyone is clear.

Pisces:

Pixies like to like the insides of Jack-o-lanterns. Someone you know will light up your life.

-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! Available now 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 , 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

Magic, Myth, and Minnesota…An Author Interview by Ripley Proserpina

I like to write about my writing, and my books, but one of the best things this blog allows me to do is talk to other writers.

Generally, we’re an introverted group. Yet each time I’ve reached out to an author I love, they’ve willingly, and excitedly, agreed to share their thoughts about how they write.

For the month of October, I’ve got a line-up of wonderful authors who write within the paranormal genre. Consider me gearing up for Halloween.

The first author I wanted to highlight is Heather R. Blair. I’ve featured her here before, but she’s about to release (October 12th), the final book in her complex and rich Toil and Trouble series.

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You’re from Minnesota. I feel an affinity with the state because I think it’s almost as cold as Vermont, and you have an appreciation for snow. From what I understand, Minnesota’s early settlers were often from Scandinavian countries like Norway and Sweden. Did this figure into your latest book, Magpies and Moonshine? And how important is setting to your series? 

Yes, I adore my adopted state and city! Having been raised all over, but mostly in Arizona, enjoying four seasons is my idea of heaven. I rarely get sick of our weather, except maybe in February. And lol, if we are comparing harsh winters, I have a feeling we’d win in the temperature department, though you all in Vermont might bury us in actual snowfall.

It’s Pumpkin Season

 

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Courtesy of Wikipedia

As Halloween approaches, it’s time to carve a few pumpkins into Jack-o-lanterns. Some people prefer painting them instead. Still others after hollowing them out, carve images lightly but not cutting all the way through. It’s said that the tradition started in the 1800s with carving turnips at Halloween in Ireland to ward off evil spirits.

This week we will be hunting for pumpkins to carve and decorate.

Some of the family have been to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island. I’ve yet to see it but I’ve been told it’s amazing.  Here’s the link in case you want to check out this event for yourself. http://www.rwpzoo.org/jols/  It runs from Oct. 5th to Nov. 5th.

How does your family celebrate Halloween?

-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! Available now 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 , 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

Pre-Order Pleasure (And Panic) by Stacy Hoff

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Yea! The pre-order link for HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN (Building Love #2) is alive on Amazon! I’m excited! I’m thrilled! I’m… panicked!!!

It’s ironic that even with the book written, and edited, that there is still so much work left for me to do. How much, you ask? Well, let’s see.

This week I contacted a cadre of book reviewers. I write to each one of them individually. Book reviewers are important, and worthy of individual attention. I depend on them to help me get the word out. It makes my job as a small press-published author a little easier.

I’m also lining up guest spots in various blogs. The more people who get to know me, the more HOTTER will have a chance to succeed.

I’ve been working with book promoters so readers can find HOTTER, and give it a try.

Then, I’m going to eat a highly fattening piece of cake to celebrate HOTTER’s pre-order status. Calories be damned!

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

Book blurb  for HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN (Building Love #2)

Luis Serrano, the unwanted love child of a hotel construction magnate, is determined to reach his father’s level of success. When Luis finds himself pitted against his half-brother for control over their ailing father’s company, sibling rivalry comes to a head. The stakes are high—the brother that best completes their portion of the Caribbean construction project will gain control over the entire company. To win, Luis hires an interior design firm. But the firm will have to perform difficult work under serious time constraints.

Melanie Merritt is used to sibling rivalry. She’s always been second best to her older sister, the “golden child” of their parent’s interior design firm. Melanie’s desire is to be an artist. She works for her family to appease them. Her newest task is to implement a complex project for Luis Serrano in an impossibly short deadline. If she fails, her family’s company may go bankrupt. But Melanie can’t keep her too-creative ideas away from her family, and the client.

Completing work on time won’t be easy. Especially when dual sibling rivalries threaten to destroy the project—and a passion hotter than the Caribbean.

HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN Amazon Pre-Order Link: http://amzn.to/2xW3WtJ

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BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS – Love is the biggest gamble of all

Book blurb for BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (Building Love #1)

Catherine “Cat” Warner has problems. The profits from her inns are down. The pressure from her parents is up. Her love life is non-existent. But Cat did manage to get the attention of tough, powerful, gorgeous hotel magnate Ty Orland. Unfortunately, his interest in her is for all the wrong reasons. Instead of wanting Cat, this debonair CEO only wants her land—a parcel he desperately needs for his next big development deal. Too bad, it’s not for sale. A people pleaser by nature, Cat knows to stand strong. If she caves in to the demands of this sexy, alluring man, it will be her own neck on the line.

Ty Orland has a lot of things going for him. Success. Power. Respect. Unfortunately, he’s also got an old chip on his shoulder and a new financial nightmare. His development deal is going down in flames—and fast. His only way out is if Cat sells him her strategically located parcel. But romancing the land from her is not easy when love gets in the way. The woman is as beautiful as she is beguiling. And Ty no longer knows which prize is more valuable.

BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series #1) Buy links:

Print: https://www.amazon.com/Betting-Love-Vegas-Stacy-Hoff/dp/1682913422/

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

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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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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 

Filed under: New Release, Pre-Order, Promotion, Publications, publishing, romance, Romance News, romance reader, Stacy Hoff

Accidentally Forever

This is release week for an anthology with a fun premise, one I couldn’t resist but write a story for. Can you imagine waking up married–and not remembering how it happened?

Poor Megan has been in love with her best friend’s older brother for years. He’s tall, dark and handsome. And…oh, yeah. A billionaire bad boy. And she’s….well…She’s just sort of there. Or not. Or so she thinks. She’s about to find out that her new hubby isn’t nearly as aloof as she thought.

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When I was writing this story I couldn’t help but cheer Megan on. Not too many people wake up with their dream man. Their road to happily ever after isn’t an easy one though. His family is…well. We’ve all know someone with this kind of family. LOL.

If you could wake up and discover your dream has come true, what would it be?

Mine? I’d be financially secure enough to enjoy my life and focus on my writing full-time.

Check out Accidentally Forever in the Married. Wait! What? anthology. Available at your favorite retailer now.  https://books2read.com/u/mBM2wp

Filed under: Cara Carnes, Contemporary Romance, New Release, romance

Learning From Our Mistakes

I want to start off today’s blog with a moment of silence in acknowledgement and sorrow for the horrific event that occurred in Las Vegas this past Sunday. I know many of us have been glue to our TVs, iPads, laptops, phones, etc. for understanding as to why something like this could and would happen. I personally don’t know if events like this can even have a logical explanation. That being said, it has happened and I send out my condolences to all those who lost their loved ones.

Beyond Las Vegas, this week my thoughts have been on learning from my experiences. I’ve had so many of these as a mother, it isn’t even funny. I don’t think I completely want to rewind time, but looking back, I definitely wish I hadn’t been such a brat to my mother! I hate hearing the words “I told you so”? I even hate saying the words “I told you so” because they usually mean that something I didn’t want to happen, has happened. I had an experience like this over the past few days. I’m not going to go into the details because it really doesn’t matter and probably will just make me mad again, but needless to say, I ended the situation shaking my head and thinking (not saying as in this case it wouldn’t be polite) I told you so.

So why do we insist on plugging away instead of learning from others’ experiences? Why is it we can’t listen to our parents and insist on making our own mistakes? Or even as a country and a world, why do we insist on repeating history?

I know I’m asking these questions but I really don’t have answers.  I think we do learn from others’ experiences at times but I also believe that many of us believe we are different or it will be different this time around. There is also something about experiencing life ourselves that flips the switch in us. As a parent, I’ve felt this way. No one could have quite prepared me for the experience of giving birth and taking care of a newborn. Many tried but until it happened, their descriptions simply fell flat.

So what do we do? Well, for some, nothing. We’ll just make mistakes and live through them. For others, I think the occasional pause and thinking through possible situations may be best. It is kind of like envisioning having to rely on insurance in any form. It’s hard for us to imagine some scenarios, but it doesn’t mean they don’t happen, right?

That’s all folks! Take care and may this week be full of writing and productivity!

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

Plotting My Next Patreon Book :D

The plotting has begun!

I did a live stream today where I plotted out the basic idea and the first volume. I stayed live for about 2 hours. I meant to stay live for another hour or so, and do some actual live writing, but I started to feel not so well again, so I cut it short.

Ragweed needs to hurry up and die -_-

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The first plan is to get the cover updated, since when I was live streaming I realized I needed a more medieval looking sword

October Skies Paranormal-Scope

When was the last time you saw a pumpkin sprout legs and run away? Don’t think about 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:

Vampires love the growing darkness. Build in time for baking fun and other night pursuits.

Taurus:

Dragons have amazing focus. This is the time to get a lot done in work and at hobbies.

Gemini:

Pixies are in a mad rush. Don’t be in a rush. Pay attention to details. It’s important.

Cancer:

Orcs are running down your street. Avoid grumpy people this week.

Leo:

Mermaids float in the last rays of warm sun. Plan an outing to get some fresh air and a new perspective on things.

Virgo:

Shapeshifters love dancing. Put on some music and dance. Lighten your heart.

Libra:

Werewolves have hair problems. Think about getting a new hairdo, a cut perhaps.

Scorpio:

Zombies think you’re delicious. Stop wearing fruit or candy scents and colognes. Try a new scent and enliven your wardrobe.

Sagittarius:

Gremlins love to read. Visit the library or a bookstore and get something new to read. Broaden your world.

Capricorn:

Goblins enjoy counting money. Be careful of your spending this week. Not every sale is really a bargain.

Aquarius:

Elves value family and friends. Plan a get-together. Try a new restaurant.

Pisces:

Faeries are adventurous. Plan a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to see.

-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! Available now 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 , 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

They Liked It So They Put a—You Know How It Goes… By Ripley Proserpina

On October 3rd, the anthology Married. Wait. What? comes out, and I’m excited to be included with a short standalone story.

The anthology is built around the theme of getting married, but with a twist. Each story is about characters who wake up married to each other.

Perhaps you’re thinking each story will take place in Vegas?

Nah…

Think: space slave market… or permafrost in Hudson Bay.

Here’s a teaser from my book, The Ice Bride. It’s paranormal romance with a reverse harem twist.

Raising three boys alone would test the patience of any woman. I loved my husband, but if he wasn’t already dead, I’d kill him for leaving me this way. It wasn’t that I minded being a matriarch. Even if he was with me, I’d have been in charge. It was the way I was built.

But there were times when I needed a little support. Someone who could listen to me and say, “You know what, Freya? You’ve had some good ideas and some bad ideas, and this is not good.”

This was one of those times.

My three boys were hurting, and they were at risk of making a mistake they couldn’t take back.

I watched the sleeping human, tiny compared to me and my boys, but big trouble. The moon reached a zenith, and I could feel it in my bones. It pulled at my power, and beneath my skin my magic hummed and ached for release.

I’d never done this before, not without the full consent and knowledge of the people involved. My mother had done it for me when I’d met my husband, but we’d been wide awake and preparing for the event for months before it happened. As a bride, I’d met my man beneath the stars and our mothers had thrown herbs on the fire and whispered the magic to tie our souls together in a knot so intricate only death had undone it.

And even then, sometimes I wondered if he was still with me. On the wind, I could smell his scent, and when the change came over me, ice covering me from head to toe, I swore I heard his voice whisper in my ear.

Creeping closer to the sleeping woman, I pushed her thick blonde strands away from her face and tucked them behind her ear. My magic began to gather, tingling like a bite of frost on my fingertips.

“It is time for you to know your mates.”

The girl released a breath, a puff of white in the quickly chilling air.

It was working.

Without a doubt, I knew it would find my boys and embrace them. They’d awaken, and the truth would be laid out. No longer would they be able to deny what they’d felt the moment they’d laid eyes on Betha.

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Married. Wait. What? is available on Kindle Unlimited!

http://amzn.to/2x52G8P

Filed under: anthology, Married. Wait. What?, paranormal romance, Ripley Proserpina