Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 137

Preciously Small Moments

I have a new niece and like many babies, she is cute as a button and I can’t wait to hold her within the next couple weeks. But what gets me most about new babies entering the world is how we are forced as parents to slow down a bit. I’ve mentioned this before but life is such a whirlwind and the older I get, the more I realize just how short it is.

In talking with my sister, I find myself simply pulled to a slower pace. It’s not to say life is easy with a new born—quite the opposite. But you do have this feeling that everything just comes to a standstill and that nothing really matters. Not the traffic outside, not the wasted meetings at work, not the fact that the person at the drive thru got your order wrong. It just doesn’t matter and quite frankly, if we spent a little less time worrying about these things we might just be happier as a species. But, that is also easier said than done.

What I do learn from these moments and instances (even though my newborns have grown into big little boys) is that we need these preciously small moments that ground us. They slow the pace down and help us really realize what matters during this infinitely small time on this earth.

So the lesson for today? Try something new… go outside, listen and watch. Breathe and just take your time. No rushing, no yelling, just complete calm and enjoyment of what a day can bring.

Happy writing this week!

 

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

Growing My Backlist and Readers on Radish by Mandy Rosko

So the Radish App is growing fairly well

Solar Eclipse Paranormal-Scope

If you are viewing the Solar Eclipse, please, do it safely. For details on how, I give you NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-recommends-safety-tips-to-view-the-august-solar-eclipse  You can also watch their live stream of the eclipse. They have the link on that page. Be safe. Your vision is precious. Now onto the paranormal-scope.

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:

Solar eclipses cause zombies to be confused and walk in circles. So there’s no danger from zombies this week  One less thing to worry about. Relax.

Taurus:

Pixies don’t fly during a solar eclipse. They’re afraid of getting burnt. Check every new opportunity carefully.

Gemini:

Shapeshifters manage changes through careful preparation. They are the ones prepared for the solar eclipse. Make sure you have the right equipment for that new project.

Cancer:

Vampires are not fond of solar eclipses and will sleep in. Have you been getting enough sleep lately?

Leo:

Werewolves prefer a lunar eclipse. A solar eclipse means work as usual. Focus and put in your best effort. Others will notice your hard work.

Virgo:

Elves celebrate by decorating their hidden gardens and spending time with those they love. Do likewise.

Libra:

Faeries sparkle in the morning light and tend to get the most done then. Do errands early. Avoid the heat of the day.

Scorpio:

Mermaids take the solar eclipse to mean a party at the sunken pirate ship. Plan a get-together for friends.

Sagittarius:

Gnomes bake during a solar eclipse. Try out new recipes. Have a feast.

Capricorn:

Dragons take a vacation during the solar eclipse. They avoid crowds and spend some “me time.”

Aquarius:

Sirens don’t notice anything above water. They are more interested in cultivating friendships. Avoid anyone who gives you a sinking feeling.

Pisces:

Goblins love the eclipse because it signals a shopping spree and redecorating the home.

-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 in Barnes and Noble Print.

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Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

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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

The Actual List… By Ripley Proserpina

This is the time of the summer where I start comparing my summer reading wish-list with what I actually read.

Not surprisingly, like my to-do list, I didn’t quite get finished what I had planned. First of all, there were so many amazing authors I discovered this summer, and sometimes my planned to-read books got pushed down the list.

This summer, I seemed to choose books that left me thinking long after I’d finished them. So here’s a quick list of what I found.

First- a good friend of mine, looking for a book about redemption, suggested Stoned by Mandi Beck. She said it was a story that would stick with me, and she wasn’t wrong. Even now, I can’t decide how exactly I feel about the male MC. Did I love him, did I not? Jury is still out.

https://www.amazon.com/Mandi-Beck/e/B00SJVQDDA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1503184844&sr=1-2-ent

The amazing Amanda Milo, author of Rescued by the Alien, suggested I read Venomous by Penelope Fletcher. This was a book, a wonderfully loooong book, about an alien who looked like an alien, and a female MC with no chance of returning to Earth. This was science fiction world building like nobody’s business.

https://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Milo/e/B071V6N5CN/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1503184812&sr=1-2-ent

https://www.amazon.com/Penelope-Fletcher/e/B004BH6KH0/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1503184912&sr=1-2-ent

Rebecca Royce released two books in her Last Hope series, Tradition be Damned and Past Be Damned. I can say, unequivocally, I adored these books, and will re-read. Ms. Royce managed to combine dystopia and demons, and the result is incredible.

https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Royce/e/B004E50FPW

Finally, I returned to my favorite nonfiction author, Nathaniel Philbrick, with a re-read of Mayflower. This book is better than any multi-novel fantasy Tor has ever put out, and is all the more mind-blowing because it’s true. Want to be frightened? Read about what the pilgrims did when they arrived in the new world. It’ll give you nightmares.

https://www.amazon.com/Nathaniel-Philbrick/e/B000AQW3A4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1503184968&sr=1-2-ent

Hope everyone had as an enjoyable a reading list as I did. Enjoy August, and the few weeks left to read on the beach (or porch, or hammock, or chair during a baseball game) wherever you are. ~Ripley

Filed under: Rebecca Royce, Ripley Proserpina

Sit Back and Enjoy some Confluence Readings on Video

This weekend I’m featuring two videos from the science fiction and fantasy conference Confluence. My reading is actually from the middle of my novel Vampire Princess of New York.

 

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!  Newly published in Print at Barnes and Noble.

Chet Gottfried, a wonderfully funny science fiction author reads from his hilarious novel Into the Horsebutt Nebula.

This book and others can be bought at https://www.amazon.com/Chet-Gottfried/e/B001KCUJG2/

So many times, even though I go to some conferences, I never get to meet all the people I wish I could. Besides, most of my readings are not filmed so it’s a treat for you and for me. Thank you for spending some time with us, and thank you to my friend, Chet, who did the filming.

-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 in Print at Barnes and Noble.

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Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

[image error] [image error]

 

 

 

 

 

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, A writer's life, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, 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, vampires, videos, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, When Love Survives, Writer's Life, Yule

Belle Ami’s Take-Away From RWA’s 2017 Conference by Stacy Hoff

Hello Passionate readers! Today on Nights of Passion I have author Belle Ami talking about her experience at the 2017 Romance Writers of America annual convention. I was sad to miss RWA’s mega meeting this year (affectionately called “Nationals” by those of us in the romance writing world.) Belle will fill us in on the highlights of what we missed! (By the way, I have heard Damon Suede speak at a RWA chapter, CTRWA, meeting this year and I learned quite a lot from him!)

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Having just returned from the RWA conference, I thought it would be interesting to discuss the pleasures derived from getting out from behind your computer and intermingling with fellow authors. Writing is such a solitary endeavor that we, as authors, often live in a vacuum. We spend our days fighting for the time to write between family commitments, and we struggle to market ourselves and our books, hoping to find a measure of success and an audience. Let’s face it, life just gets in the way. Every day we face frustration and obstacles, yet we pursue because writing is who we are, it’s what we love, it defines us.

RWA is an opportunity to recharge, find inspiration, and know that we are not alone in the creative world. If you have a problem, whether it be finding time for your writing, organizing your priorities, creative stagnation, fresh marketing ideas, or any other author ailment, I can assure you it will be, and is, addressed at the conference by authors just like you who have struggled to find success and have found real solutions that they are willing to share.

Even the keynote speech given by bestselling author, Susan Wiggs, was a lesson in patience and stick-to-itiveness, labeling herself, “the thirty-year, overnight sensation.” Believe me it wasn’t lost on me that if it takes that long I’ll be writing my bestseller behind the pearly gates of heaven, and I’ll have to forego all eroticism. No sexy love scenes, I shudder to think how boring that would be. But then, I have no intention of going to Hell just to derive a little lascivious pleasure even if it’s in the purpose of my passion for the printed word.

Just to add a little flavor and enticement, one of the seminars I attended was given by award winning author, Damon Suede. His presentation entitled Power Couples: Making Lovers, was a total inspiration, practical, and hysterically funny (he’s clearly a brilliant madman). The description in the catalog reads: “Great romance starts with fascinating relationships: it takes two to tangle. Bring your fictional folks to the next level with a simple, powerful technique that will strengthen your ideas, your voice, and your projects. During this session, we’ll tackle a characterization strategy that goes beyond boilerplate traits to build the perfect duo and amp the action, attraction, and interaction between them. Whether you like to wing it or bring it, you’ll leave this workshop with a new set of practical, hands-on approaches to making lovers who pop off the page.”

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Wow, did he deliver. From my notes on Damon’s session:

ENERGY: the active forces which drive your story FIRE & WIRE
TENSION: suspension between two possibilities creates attention
TRANSFORMATION: Amplification of stakes sustains reader interest. Everything must matter in a book nothing is random

Damon’s session was only one of umpteen that I attended. There was so much great advice and inspiration.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the benefits of fellowship and camaraderie to be found from meeting authors you’ve only had contact with in cyberspace and social media. All in all, RWA Conference is a satisfying and worthy experience that should not be missed. I look forward to meeting you all next July 18 through the 21st in Denver, Colorado.

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Buy links & Social Media

For ESCAPE

Amazon buy link

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

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

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

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escape-belle-ami/1125408729?ean=294015729178 5

For ONE MORE TIME IS NOT ENOUGH, THE ONE, and ONE AND MORE

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

 

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://belleami.us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Filed under: A writer's life, Business, romance, romance novels, RWA, Stacy Hoff, Writer Workshops, writer's inspiration, Writers Conferences, Writing Advice, writing life, writing workshop

Welcoming an Old Family Member Home by Heather Novak

Many, many (many…many…) years ago, I was a world-titled organist. After my grandparents passed away, one of the many instruments I inherited was a Grinnell Brothers piano. Grinnell Brothers was one of the leading piano/organ manufactures in Detroit until the late 1960’s.

My best guess is that the piano was from the mid-1940’s, as it was a graduation gift from my great-grandparents to my grandma. 

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This piano sat unused in my father’s house for way too long, with me struggling to figure out how to fit it in my tiny 1950’s postage-stamp style living room. The biggest issue was what to do with my 5ft marble antique coffee table, also from my grandma. With a 14′ room, I couldn’t fit the giant coffee table AND the piano. 

But something needed to change, because piano. Gorgeous, gorgeous piano. 

We moved the coffee table to my office, and it worked out pretty well! I have it covered in books and pictures. 

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Then, I called in specialized piano movers and they easy moved my piano to fit against my living room wall with ease. Sure it cut the already limited seating in half and left me with a folding table. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT!

Almost all of my memories of my grandparents’ home involve this piano. It feels like having a piece of the love they shared right here, in my living room. Almost every person I’ve loved in my family has touched this piano in their lifetime.

The wonderful thing about playing music (versus writing music) is that you get to be creative without having to create anything. It’s simply a test, if you will. It’s reading notes out loud with your fingers.

I find it calming and energizing. As I find myself get more and more comfortable with the music again (it has been over a decade after all), I find my mind wandering to book problems and starting to sort them out. Hopefully, in time, the music will get me through my grief and back to my words.

Stay awesome, NoP.

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On this day in 1979 – Vivian Vance, passed away. She was an American actress, best known as Ethel Mertz on the television sitcom I Love Lucy (b. 1909)

 

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,[image error]

Heather Novak

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Instagram: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Hunting Witch Hazel: Now available

I was happy with my West Coast life – 24-hour pizza delivery and bikini-clad bodies as far as the eye could see. Now I’m in the small-ass town of  Hayvenwood  to extract a ransom to save my little brother’s life. And that ransom is locked inside of the sexiest witch I have ever met, Hazel Evanora.

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Filed under: romance

Our Little Big Luxuries

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Charleston, SC. I’ve been there before for perhaps an evening over ten years ago so as you can imagine, I didn’t really remember much. And quite frankly, I felt this weekend trip to the city too short as well so I’ll definitely be back there in the future.

I found the city fascinating from a historical perspective and beautiful structurally as history really lends itself through the architecture of the homes and even how much of the city was built (over marsh). I could really imagine the city as the back drop to one of those enchanting historical romances that I’m sure many of us pick up every now and then. But as we may be able to imagine and as factual accounts point out, life during the 1800s was not all romance and enchantment. I was reminded of this as we toured the city and had it pointed out which churches recently got air condition.

As I walked into work Monday morning, our air condition was out of commission as well. Now my bosses are absolutely not ogres and were giving folks the option to reschedule appointments or work remotely, but neither of those were a great option for me and Mondays are simply busy days. So… I toughed it out. I sat down at my desk and cranked out emails as sweat beaded at my temples and while I’m glad I did because I made headway and didn’t fall behind on my work load, I have to say that I have a much greater appreciation for air condition—one of our little big luxuries that we easily take for granted.

My point? The next time you wish you were transported back in time for some reason – a simpler life, the romance of the time period, less complexities, etc. remember that each time and place comes with its advantages and disadvantages and that sometimes we have to remember what we have less we take it for granted.

Happy writing this week and may it be a great one. Our air condition is back on and I plan to do the same!

 

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

Wattcon 2017 by Mandy Rosko

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Soooooo… the tickets sold out before I could grab one ;_; Sadness abound for that level of stupidity, but from what I understand, they sold out only a couple of hours after being posted, so my bad for not F5ing that sucker the day it was ready -_-

 

But I won’t give up! I put my name down on the list for tickets should any get canceled, and I know my chances are still slim, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can grab a ticket. I really want one. The event is being held in Toronto, which apparently is only a few hour train ride away from Ottawa. I hear the building is within a walking distance to the building, too

Dust Bunnies Attack Paranormal-Scope

It’s like the title of a horror movie, isn’t it?  Is summer decluttering and getting ready for fall getting you down? You haven’t checked your paranormal-scope yet! (Cue evil laugh.)

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 run in fear of dust bunnies. It means they are getting old if only their ideas. Time to take a course in something! Maybe sponge cake baking?

Taurus:

Werewolves play ball with dust bunnies. Of course, that makes them multiple. Which? Both. Be careful in your personal life. Beware of dirt and multiplication!

Gemini:

Gnomes collect dust bunnies and make statues of other gnomes to honor them. Time to honor someone in your life, just not with dust bunnies.

Cancer:

Shapeshifters never take the form of dust bunnies. They hate being beaten with brooms. Time to get vigorous with a broom and clear all the dust you see.

Leo:

Werebutterflies sometimes still dust bunnies and drop them to see where they will land. It’s sort of liking taking a vacation by sticking a pin in a map. Try it! The pin part.

Virgo:

Mermaids don’t understand dust bunnies. They think they are so old–the ones in the wrecked ships–that they might be wise men. Learn something new today. Don’t gather dust on yourself.

Libra:

Orcs think dust bunnies are another form of marshmallows. Yeah, yuk. Try a new cuisine just for fun.

Scorpio:

Faeries are cruel to dust bunnies. They recycle them, add glitter, and voila you have faery dust. Good luck is coming your way. You’re been dusted.

Sagittarius:

Dragons blow dust bunnies out of their house. They don’t care about homeless dust bunnies. Invest some time with a charitable cause.

Capricorn:

Elves think dust bunnies are ancient travels and often request stories of them. Go to the movies, you’ve spent too much time searching out dust bunnies.

Aquarius:

Pixies are jealous of dust bunnies. They want to be everywhere. Plan a getaway.

Pisces:

Salamanders are fire spirits. Dust bunnies see them and roll for the hills. Enjoy a favorite hobby and watch for opportunities to make new friends.

-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!  Coming soon in Print on July 4th!

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Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print and  Barnes and Noble Print

[image error] [image error]

 

 

 

 

 

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, mythology romance, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, 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, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule