Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 142

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Published on July 01, 2017 21:00

Happy 4th of July! How Are You Celebrating?

[image error]So much is happening in around the 4th of July for me! My book Vampire Princess of New York is being released in print. Keep an eye out for it on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. As soon as I have that link, I will be putting it on my Facebook Profile and Page and everywhere including my website.

Also on July 3rd on Facebook, I will be participating in a party with contests for Fall in Love with New England Romances Readers/Authors Conference. As soon as that is underway, as it’s a bunch of authors from the conference and me, I will be posting that everywhere too. I’ll be posting at 7 p.m.

Some of you know how I feel about Vikings. I mean if you’ve read Vampire King of New York and met Max, then you know. Well I’m going to be seeing a Viking long ship on July 4th. I’m excited.

[image error]What are you going to do on July 4th?

-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!

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] [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.

[image error][image error][image error]

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, A writer's life, Christmas romance, contest, Contests, Facebook Party, Fall in Love with New England Romance Reader/Writer Conference, Holiday, Holiday Posts, Holidays, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, Mystic Seaport, mythology romance, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, party, Readers Conference, 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, werewolves, When Love Survives, Writer's Life, writer's inspiration, Writers Conferences, writing life, Yule

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Published on June 30, 2017 21:00

Viola Russell Talks About Books That Inspire Her by Stacy Hoff

Hello Passionate readers! Today on Nights of Passion I have author Viola Russell talking about books that inspire her. Welcome, Viola!

Books that Inspired Me, or Why I Wanted to be Jo:

Lately, I’ve seen posts on Facebook asking readers and/or authors to list their favorite books or what book most inspired them. As a writer, I find the two ideas intertwined. My favorite books are often the ones that inspired me for various reasons. Because I write historical fiction, I love reading other authors who work in the same genre. Philippa Gregory’s amazing depiction of the lives of the Tudor family placed me in the British Renaissance with all its intrigue, decadence, and turmoil. I, too, love re-creating past times of adventure, romance, and conspiratorial plotting. My historical novels require a great deal of research; my characters soon become living and breathing people to me, not characters of fiction.

Of course, I also love to write mysteries, and the masters of British suspense, such as Agatha Christie, Ruth Rendell, etc., gave me a lesson in how to present a puzzle to be solved. I also love modern mystery authors like Elizabeth George, and I devour the Sebastian St. Cyr period mysteries by my friend Candice Proctor, a.k.a C. S. Harris. However, probably the novel that has taught me the most about the psychology of a killer was CRIME AND PUNISHMENT by Dostoyevsky. The tale of crime, sin, and redemption set me on fire as a sophomore in high school; I never forgot Raskolnikov, his murderous past, and his path to redemption. His rather murky, unclear motives fascinated me. I only hope I can bring that kind of complexity to my characters.

My biggest inspiration has remained LITTLE WOMEN. My mother encouraged me to read it when I was little, and reading it together has provided me with precious memories of my mother. Even before I majored in Romanticism and understood the Transcendentalist philosophy, I loved the characters. Never having sisters, I enjoyed the relationships among the March girls. More than anything, Jo moved me. Her independence at that that time in history and her determination to follow her dreams sealed my desire to be a writer. She conquered her doubts and defied the social norms that would have held her to the dictates of the status quo. Sadly, I didn’t always follow my dreams; I now wish I could have drowned the sirens of doubt that sang to me. I lingered too long following deceptive goals that only confined me or set me up for failure. Still, I remembered Jo, and I revisited her and her sisters when I taught the book to ninety high school kids. My pen began to burn, and then, personal tragedy (just as in Jo’s case) propelled me to write again. Never will I forget the debt I owe to LITTLE WOMEN and the determined heroine that is Jo.

Bio for Viola Russell:

Viola Russell is the pseudonym for Susan Weaver Eble. A homegrown New Orleanian, she holds a doctorate in English literature from Texas A & M University. She has traveled far and wide and relishes the memories she has made in places as distant as England, Ireland, Canada, and Jamaica and as near as Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, California, and Massachusetts. She lives with her husband Ben, the love of her life, in a New Orleans cottage and is most comfortable at her computer creating the worlds that drift into her imagination.

Website for Viola Russell:

www.violarussell.com

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series, #1) http://amzn.to/2kAgBvK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Filed under: Author Interviews, Stacy Hoff

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Published on June 29, 2017 21:00

Eating My Way Through Fourth of July by Heather Novak

Why is it we celebrate holidays with food that we really shouldn’t stuff into our mouths? I mean, I’m not complaining or anything. This is why I’ve added additional time to my work out routine…ish.

Here are a few recipes I will be trying over the weekend. Some are new, some are old favorites, and some I will probably throw away and never talk about again.

Watermelon Granita

[image error]

Ingredients

4 cups seedless watermelon chunks

1/2 cup sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Pour into a shallow, wide pan and freeze for 1 hour. Rake mixture with fork and freeze for another hour. Rake and freeze for one more hour. Rake and serve in cups.

***

Fireworks Red, White and Blue Daiquiris

[image error]Ingredients

Red:

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 cup watermelon chunks, frozen

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

2 tablespoons white rum

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup ice cubes

White:

1 cup coconut sorbet

1/4 cup rum

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

1 cup ice cubes

Blue:

1/3 cup blue passion fruit liqueur, such as Hpnotiq or Alize

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)

2 tablespoons blue curacao liqueur

2 tablespoons white rum

2 tablespoons sugar

2 cups ice cubes

Directions

Begin by making the red layer: Put the frozen strawberries, watermelon, lime juice, rum, sugar and ice in the carafe of a blender. Blend until thick and smooth. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons water if the consistency is too thick. Transfer to a large measuring cup or small bowl and place in the freezer while you make the next layer.

For the white layer: Rinse out the blender and add the coconut sorbet, rum, lime juice and ice. Blend until thick and smooth. Transfer to another large measuring cup or small bowl and place in the freezer while you make the final layer.

For the blue layer: Rinse out the blender and add the passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, blue curacao, rum, sugar and ice cubes. Blend until slushy and there are no chunks of ice left.

Pour the red layer into the bottom of six 8-ounce glasses, about 1/3 cup each. Gently spoon 1/3 cup of the white layer over the red layer so they stay separate. Finish by spooning 1/3 cup of the blue layer over the second layer in each glass.

***

Red, White and Blue Layered Flag Cake

Ingredients

[image error]

Red Cake Layers

1 box white cake mix

1 pint (2 cups) strawberries, stems removed, pureed in blender or food processor to about 1 1/4 cups

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 egg whites

1 teaspoon red paste food color

Blue Cake Layer

1/2 box white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)

1/2 cup blueberries, pureed in blender or food processor

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 whole eggs

1/2 teaspoon blue paste food color

3 tablespoons white star-shaped candy sprinkles or nonpareils

White Cake Layer

1/2 box white cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups dry mix)

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 egg whites

Frosting and Sprinkles

3 containers Whipped fluffy white frosting

Red, white and blue sprinkles, as desired

Steps

To make red cake layers: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray two 8-inch round pans; place 8-inch round piece cooking parchment paper in bottom of each pan. Grease or spray parchment paper. In large bowl, beat red cake layer ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on high speed about 2 minutes or until smooth. Spread in pans. Bake 29 to 34 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool 10 minutes; run knife around sides of pans to loosen cakes. Gently remove from pans to cooling rack; remove parchment paper. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Flatten cake layers by trimming off rounded tops. Cut layers in half horizontally to make 4 thin red layers. In 1 layer, cut small round out of center, using 4-inch biscuit cutter. Wrap and freeze 1 thin layer and the layer that was cut out of; save for another use.

To make blue cake layer: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray 8-inch round pan; place 8-inch round piece cooking parchment paper in bottom of pan. Grease or spray parchment paper. In medium bowl, beat all blue cake layer ingredients except sprinkles with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on high speed about 2 minutes or until smooth. Fold sprinkles into batter. Spread in pan. Bake 29 to 34 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool 10 minutes; run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Gently remove from pan to cooling rack; remove parchment paper. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Flatten cake layer by trimming off rounded top. Do not cut in half horizontally. Cut small round out of center, using 4-inch round biscuit cutter. Wrap and freeze 4-inch round; save for another use.

To make white cake layer: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray 8-inch round pan; place 8-inch round piece cooking parchment paper in bottom of pan. Grease or spray parchment paper. In medium bowl, beat white cake layer ingredients with electric mixer on high speed about 2 minutes or until smooth. Spread in pan. Bake 29 to 34 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool 10 minutes; run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Gently remove from pan to cooling rack; remove parchment paper. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Flatten cake layer by trimming off rounded top. Cut layer in half horizontally to make 2 thin white layers. In 1 layer, cut small round out of center, using 4-inch biscuit cutter. Wrap and freeze the layer that was cut out of; save for another use.

To assemble cake: Place 1 red cake layer on cake stand or serving platter; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Top with 1 white cake layer; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Top with second red cake layer; spread 1/3 cup frosting on top. Gently top with blue layer. Carefully spread thin layer of frosting on cut edge inside of blue cake layer. Gently insert white 4-inch cake round; top with frosting and then red 4-inch cake round; press slightly. Frost side and top of cake using remaining frosting. Top with sprinkles. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.

***

Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to go fill my plate, grab a fancy drink, and put on my Pandora Fourth of July station. Happy birthday, America.

[image error]On this day in 2003 – Katharine Hepburn passed away. American stage, film and television actress, known for her versatility as an actress and long successful career, winner of four Academy Awards for Best Actress (b. 1907)

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.

Filed under: romance

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Published on June 28, 2017 21:00

How Do You See You?

I am loathe to admit that while I do attend a Sunday mass each week, I often find I miss much of what is said simply due to trying to get my kids to sit still for an hour. This weekend, however, I did get the rare chance to listen and found the message resonated so much with what I’ve seen and experienced of late.

In summary, the message was love yourself. If you want others to see you as confident or brave or strong, that is how you must see yourself. If you see yourself as weak, dumb, inadequate, etc. then eventually that vision will become reality and those around you will see you that way as well.

I’ve lived long enough to know this as true and though I know it and have experienced this with myself and others around me, it hasn’t stopped it insecurities from sneaking in. But the truth is we all have our faults and we all need to learn. In Spanish my husband always tells me this saying that translates to “The devil knows more because he is old and not because he is the devil.” Basically, we grow wiser with age or at least that is the hope, right? While I agree that this is the case, I also feel that the older I get, the less I know. It may just be the realization there is so much out there to learn. Still, I’m game, are you?

Happy writing this week!

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

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Published on June 27, 2017 21:00

Vampires Don’t Share With Dragons by Mandy Rosko

So last week, and I don’t know why I didn’t talk more about this, or with better detail, but I had a brand new release, first in a 3, or possibly four volume set, Vampires Don’t Share with Dragons, and it’s going to be one of the first, if the only, M/F/M books I’ve done in a long time

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Published on June 27, 2017 00:18

Hilarity in the Heat Paranormal-Scope

It’s heating up and so is life. Find your joy where you can, and luxuriate in the cool shade.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Zombies are coming your way! Protect yourself. Eat fresh fruit. They will pass you by.

Taurus:

Werewolves admire fun clothes. When togs are worn or torn, toss them. It’s time to go through your closet and shop. Focus on fun.

Gemini:

Vampires love to run through sprinklers again and again. Keep cool and release your inner child even if it is 100 years old.

Cancer:

The phoenix loves to bedazzle. I mean it with glue and fake gems. Shine like a rock star.

Leo:

Gnomes are cute in swimwear, except they insist on wearing those hats. Don’t forget the sunblock.

Virgo:

Griffons play in mud puddles and make mud pies. Chocolate mud pies are delicious. Delight in a special meal.

Libra:

Medusa couldn’t bear others seeing her hair, so they turned to stone. Do something new with your hair and walk proud!

Scorpio:

Zombie brain cake is a new exciting dessert. It’s time you bought a new recipe book. Try something new.

Sagittarius:

Sirens love to sing even off key. It’s fun. Give it a try! Indulge your creative side!

Capricorn:

You’re on fire! The dragon within rejoices with all your great ideas you are putting in action. Just watch where you’re stomping.

Aquarius:

Pixies are chasing the zombies! Never underestimate anyone because of appearances or pixie dust.

Pisces:

Mermaids are on vacation in the Bermuda Triangle. Consequently watch out for sharks, and don’t forget the sunblock.

-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!

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] [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.

[image error][image error][image error]

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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

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Published on June 25, 2017 21:00

Here Comes the Sun? By Ripley Proserpina

There’s a woman who works at the tiny market in town who is sweet, but sort of a Debbie Downer, and the first thing she said as I paid for my Pringles today was, “Next twenty-one days will be rain.”

Now, I started my vacation today, so the idea of that much rain sucks. Here’s the thing though, I’m on vacation. No matter what, I will not at work. I will have time to write, and read, and go to the movies, and I can do all those things in the rain.

In fact, I can go see Wonder Woman now, guilt-free. I don’t have to worry about wasting a perfectly lovely day.

This isn’t a natural state for me—positivity. The snark is strong with this one, as my Jedi master used to say, but I’m trying. In fact, maybe tomorrow I’ll go to the Christmas Tree Shop and buy a lounger, complete with cup holder, so I can float down the road and paddle myself around town.

I mean—twenty-one days? That’s a whole lotta water. ~Ripley

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Ripley-Proserp...
Finding Honor: https://books2read.com/u/4Xg2E9

Finding Valor: https://books2read.com/u/47kvEg

Finding Nora: https://books2read.com/u/mK9qPB
Matched with the Demon: https://www.amazon.com/Matched-Demon-Marked-Book-ebook/dp/B071SK8P2B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498352059&sr=8-1&keywords=matched+with+the+demon

Filed under: romance

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Published on June 24, 2017 21:00

Do Words Move You?

[image error]Words, especially written words, have enduring power. It doesn’t matter whether it is a handwritten letter, an email, a sign, a poem, the words of a song, or a book.

I’ve seen a person comforted by a genuinely written note of sympathy.

Others are inspired by a poem. It may inspire their entire life.

Sometime it takes only a few words like: I miss you.

Three little words bond people together and create families – I love you.

For two years, one of our bridges was broken and the repairs were extensive. Everyone local had to use different routes for a longer work around. One light-hearted person who understood the power of words added a little paint to a stop sign. The sign said, “Don’t STOP Believing!”

One of my favorite poems is also by Rumi.

A Star Without a Name

When a baby is taken from the wet nurse,

it easily forgets her

and starts eating solid food.

Seeds feed awhile on ground,

then lift up into the sun.

So you should taste the filtered light

and work your way toward wisdom

with no personal covering.

That’s how you came here, like a star

without a name. Move across the night sky

with those anonymous lights.

*

What set of words have inspired you and moved your life forward in a positive light?

-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!

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] [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.

[image error][image error][image error]

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Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, A writer's life, 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, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Advice, Writing Craft, writing life, Yule

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Published on June 23, 2017 20:50

Yea! Vacation! by Stacy Hoff

I am so excited to be going on vacation in a few days! I need time off from working both my day job (lawyer) and my night job (writer). Because all work and no play makes Stacy a dull girl.

The great news: I’ll be spending time with my mom and my two boys.

The not-so-great news: my poor husband will be stuck at home working. I’ll miss him terribly.

I’ll pack some books into my suitcase. Some bathing suits. Sunscreen. And a whole bottle of Zen.

I’d love to know about your vacation plans!

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE series, #1) http://amzn.to/2kAgBvK