Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 148

Working Through The Feelings by Heather Novak

Let’s get real, friends. Writing is hard. Like, “everything is on fire and the world is caving in around you and you’re pretty sure the water you’re drowning in is polluted, but you still have to make word count” hard. Add in the turmoil of being tossed around in the ocean and against the jagged cliff that is grief, it’s nearly insurmountable.

But book deadlines don’t care that you’re sitting in the corner of your office in the fetal position chewing on your hair, they care that they’re done. So how do you keep writing? You just do.

Ugh, that sounds like such a cop-out. It’s never that easy. But sometimes you just need to listen to The Queen:

“My top three pieces of writing advice? Stop whining and write. Stop f*cking around and write. Stop making excuses and write.” – Nora Roberts 

When The Queen speaks, you listen. 

I needed to edit an #ownvoices story a mere three weeks after my mom passed (this story, of course, had a dead mother in it, because, why not?) It was really the worse time editing I have ever had in my life. It made me physically ill. But it also helped me process my grief and helped me pack that emotion into the words. 

Learn to use your words as a tool to transfer the grief and guilt and loss onto the paper and fill yourself with peace. And know 80% of what you write is going to be sh*t. I stuck with some first drafts since they’re always crap anyway. Pro-tip, you can edit a terrible draft when you’re having a good day, but not a blank page.

Cut yourself some slack, take care of yourself, breathe. Write ramblings, write blog posts, hand write journal entries. Watch The Great British Bake Off.

Edit when you have good days, write sh*t when you have bad ones. Take a break and read a book once a week. But keep your butt in that chair.

Writing can be a lifeline if you let it.

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On this day in 1749, Charlotte Turner Smith was born. She was an English poet and novelist, instrumental in a revival of the sonnet and establishing the conventions of Gothic fiction (d. 1906)

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

Get Back Up

Overall, I’m a pretty optimistic person and in general, I try to keep the topics on this blog more upbeat. Today is going to be no different even though I may not be feeling it. But here is why…

We all have our support networks we depend on—some greater than others and we all have our outlooks on life—some better than others. I’ve had my share of the good times and the bad times just like any of you out there reading this blog. And what I’ve learned from the bad times is that sitting and wallowing in my sorrow really doesn’t get me anywhere. From an emotional perspective and a need for mental clarity, it definitely helps to come to terms with the reality that you’ve been “hit” and you’re down for the count, but staying down, isn’t going to improve that reality. Each of us needs our time to realize this, but it’s also important to realize when time is passing you buy and you’ve overstayed your welcome.

It’s cliché but life is short. I had someone give me some really wise advice today and tell me to stop thinking about what I don’t have and start thinking about what I do have. The list of don’t haves is almost infinite for each of us because there will always be more things out there that innovate this world. The list of “Do haves” isn’t finite as we can continue to learn and acquire skills but the truth is, until we realize what we have and capitalize on that, we won’t be the best we can be and we won’t be giving all we’ve got. And if we give it all we’ve got and we still get knocked down, then it’s time to absorb the hit and then get back up.

Happy writing this week!

 

Filed under: A writer's life, Toni Kelly

Heading to Atlanta! Woot! by Mandy Rosko

Anyone going to RT in Atlanta? If you’re going you should definitely come to Maple Syrup and Mounties event on the 3rd, it’s going to be lots of fun, especially since I just realized I forgot to send in more cover art and facts about myself, so the lady in charge is free to make up all kinds of kinky stuff about me

Blooming Paranormal-Scope

Life is blooming in many ways for everyone.

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 work long on projects and when it’s not right, dismantling and reorganizing is okay to make it better. Be open to change.

Taurus:

Vampires hold their cards close to the vest. Keep a new opportunity secret until it works out.

Gemini:

When dragons soar they see endless possibilities. It’s best to choose one or two rather than spread yourself out too thin.

Cancer:

Elves study horizons. It’s time to broaden yours and seek out new opportunities. A new friend may be very helpful.

Leo:

Shapeshifters are always changing. Things are changing for you. New opportunities and some travel are coming your way.

Virgo:

Werewolves pack with like minded individuals. A new pack is possible for you. Explore all new offers carefully.

Libra:

Pixies enjoy the company of others. Invest some time in those you hold dear.

Scorpio:

Faeries love to party. You can still party on a budget. Be wise with your money.

Sagittarius:

Orcs indulge their need for strength. Take an honest look at your exercise routine. Health and wellness is going to matter to you.

Capricorn:

Mermaids know the past of the sea. It’s all treasure. Explore your family tree. You may find treasure too.

Aquarius:

Griffons cherish the nest. It’s time to put your attention there. Make it more homey and share time with those you love.

Pisces:

Goblins know that things need repair. That’s why they save. Don’t be disappointed. Just build up the savings again.

-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!

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

Well, Fiddle Dee Dee! By Ripley Proserpina

Tuesday is a big day for me! I’ll be landing in Atlanta, GA for the Romantic Times convention. I’m hoping to catch up with some great people, and immerse myself in all things writer-ish and reader-y. I’m coming from Vermont, which means I’m leaving jeans and sweaters and headed straight into summer. But I’m prepared, because I’m checking a bag and all options are on the table!

The third book in The Searchers is about halfway through, and my character would kill me if I left him stuck in Montreal, where I’ve paused. So I’m taking my work with me. I don’t know if there’s much hope for actually getting work done—but there’s a twenty-four hour Starbucks, so anything is possible!

Happy Reading!

Finding Valor:  books2read.com/u/3Lr6Z0

Finding Nora:  books2read.com/u/4AgDNJ

Finding Honor:  https://books2read.com/u/mgKdaz

Missing Linc:  books2read.com/u/m2Xkzr

Filed under: Falling for Them, Finding Honor, Finding Nora, Finding Valor, Ripley Proserpina

How Do You Write When Life Happens?

[image error]Not every author gets the opportunity to quit their day job and only write. Often you have to juggle a job and sometimes children and even the care of a spouse, parents and/or other relatives. You have your sacred times to write – early in the morning, late at night, on the weekends. All are times when you can be along with your thoughts.

I’ve often heard it said that “life gets in the way.” If deep inside you are an author, even when life gets in the way, you find ways. Lately, I’ve been ill and I’m awaiting surgery in a few weeks. So here are the little things I have found to give me a writing outlet.

Padlet – It’s a program for organizing and collaborating. I use it like a sticky note board to keep track of chapters.
A collection of interesting looking journals when I can’t look at a computer screen. I switch into journals which I can put in my purse and take anywhere with me.
My Kindle Fire which I use to open my email and write chapters or sections of chapters into emails I send myself.
When I am able, I bring everything together in my laptop. Above is a photo of my garden at night. My oldest daughter set all the solar lights there. It reminds me of all the chapters I need to put together to form the book. One light at a time.

How do you write when life gets in the way?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle!

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, A writer's life, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, 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, When Love Survives, Yule

Author S.C. Mitchell – A Man Who Writes Romance by Stacy Hoff

Why is there is stereotype that only woman write romance novels? That notion is simply untrue. Thankfully, author S.C. Mitchell is here to prove that a man can write romance just as well as a woman!

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What is a guy doing writing romance?

Yes, I am a guy. A guy who reads, writes, and loves romance. We’re few, but we’re here. I love writing romantic tales set in fantastic worlds, and I’ve created a few of them.

I started out writing science fiction and fantasy, and I am still pursuing projects in those genres, but I found when I mixed in a romantic element, the story always got stronger and more satisfying.

I was an avid comic book collector as a kid, right up into my 20’s. From comics I discovered Robert E. Howard’s Conan series of books. It was only a short jump from there to Tolkien and other fantasy and science fiction authors. My all time favorite is Anne McCaffrey. I’ve spent many wonder filled days on Pern and her other fantastic worlds. It was my wife that introduced me to the romance genre with Nora Roberts book Enchanted. (You never forget your first romance.)

I never looked back, and now read more romance than any other genre, and that prompted me to try writing romance as well.

My first published work, Swiftly Beats the heart, is a romance novella about two superheroes, a direct tribute to my misspent youth neglecting my homework, lost in a comic book. There are a lot of fantasy and science fiction elements (magic, fantastic creatures, dimensional rifts) in my Demons Rising trilogy. And in my Heavenly Wars series I’m able to blend in my love of Norse mythology as well.

In my latest series, I’ve given myself the whole galaxy to play in. Inspired by Star Wars/Star Trek/Guardians of the Galaxy, Hearts in Orbit is my interstellar playground for adventure and romance.

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My latest release, Between Venus and Mars, has a unique distinction of being part of two different romance series. This third book in the Soul Mate Tree Saga, makes it part of a multi-author series of books featuring the Soul Mate Tree, a magical tree that brings destined lovers together. The Soul Mate Tree authors were allowed to write in any genre, and the series features historical, contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction stories. I set my story in my Hearts in Orbit universe and consider it also to be Hearts in Orbit 2.5. It’s a completely stand alone story, but chronologically it fits between Hearts in Orbit 2: Pirates of the Dark Nebula and my upcoming release, Hearts in Orbit 3: Captives of the Kratzen.

Despite all the fantastic elements, the heart of my story is always the romance. Two people finding each other and falling in love. The prize/triumph/payoff isn’t defeating the nasty villain. It’s the love the two discover along the journey and the happy ever after ending.

So, can a guy write romance? Judge for yourself. Check out Between Venus and Mars at: https://www.amazon.com/Between-Venus-Mars-Soul-Mate-ebook/dp/B01N7OXSND/

Author Bio:

S.C.Mitchell grew up an avid reader of comic books, science fiction and fantasy literature. He credits his wife with introducing him to the paranormal romance genre. He’s been writing stories for over thirty years. In 2010 he left his job as a computer desktop support specialist to pursue his passion for writing. He is a member of the Romance Writers of America as well as the Wisconsin chapter.

When he’s not writing, Steve enjoys reading, music and computer gaming.

Links:

Home Page: http://scmitchellauthor.com/

Blog: http://scmitchell.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSCMitchell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSMitchell

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B007D0Z1MW

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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, book #1): 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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SEASON OF LOVE http://amzn.to/1NsByfu

Filed under: Author Interviews, romance, romance novels, science fiction romance, science fiction with romantic elements, Stacy Hoff, Writer's Life, writer's inspiration

The Long Road Home by Heather Novak

Hello My Dearest NoP Readers!

How I have missed you so. I need to thank the amazing NoP team for being so wonderful when I asked for a leave of absence. I’m heartbroken to share that my mother has passed away, but comforted that she was in no pain and was at peace. (Thank you Hospice of Michigan!)

For those of you who have been sitting where I am, you know that every day is a new challenge. It’s been a little over two months and slowly I’m remembering how to breathe…ehhhh sometimes. Mostly I eat a lot of cookies. I know it’s going to be a long road home, but it feels great to be with you all again.

So how have I managed to get out of bed, go to work, and write a blog? Devouring books. Specifically, cozy mysteries, cowboys, and TJ Klune.

Here are the books that keep me sane: 

TJ Klune – The Lightning-Struck Heart

[image error]This takes the cake for my FAVORITE AUDIOBOOK OF ALL TIME (sorry The Raven Boys, you’re now second.) If I break down and have a crying fit, this is the only thing that can make me stop most days. It’s very NSFW and FABULOUS. You’re welcome.

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City Of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam’s pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King’s Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam’s fourteen, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At fifteen, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle—Knight Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can’t control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the King sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan’s boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or so he thinks.

I will be #TeamGary forever. Bonus? The audiobook is Whispersync, so you can get the ebook and audio for one low price. 

Best part? There’s a bonus chapter on TJ’s website AND there are more books coming out this year. YEEEEEES! 

Jana DeLeon – Miss Fortune Series

Louisiana Longshot – Miss Fortune Mystery #1

It was a hell of a longshot…

CIA Assassin Fortune Redding is about to undertake her most difficult mission ever–in [image error]Sinful, Louisiana.

With a leak at the CIA and a price on her head by one of the world’s largest arms dealers, Fortune has to go off grid, but she never expected to be this far out of her element. Posing as a former beauty queen turned librarian in a small, bayou town seems worse than death to Fortune, but she’s determined to fly below the radar until her boss finds the leak and puts the arms dealer out of play.

Unfortunately, she hasn’t even unpacked a suitcase before her newly-inherited dog digs up a human bone in her backyard. Thrust into the middle of a bayou murder mystery, Fortune teams up with a couple of seemingly-sweet old ladies whose looks completely belie their hold on the little town. To top things off, the handsome local deputy is asking her too many questions. If she’s not careful, this investigation may blow her cover and get her killed.

Armed with her considerable skills and a group of old ladies referred to by locals as The Geritol Mafia, Fortune has no choice but to solve the murder before it’s too late.

These books were fun, laugh-out-loud, and quick reads. There’s even a slow burning romance. Fair warning, the series is not finished yet, but the books wrap up nicely with each ending.

Kelli Ireland – A Cowboy Returns

Okay, yeah, I know this isn’t the cover for A Cowboy Returns, but I adore all these books and let’s be honest, Cowboy Strong has the best cover. Really awesome heroes, really fabulous heroines, and amazing animals that make me want to be on a ranch. Until I had to do any work involving poop or lifting…[image error]

I blew through her entire cowboy series in like 4 days because, well, COWBOYS! Here’s an excerpt from A Cowboy Returns:

Eli Covington erased all traces of his cowboy upbringing to become a high-powered attorney. Then his father dies, and his brothers need him to rescue the family ranch. So, after fourteen years, Eli returns to the life he left behind—and the one woman he can’t resist. 

Veterinarian Reagan Matthews was furious with Eli for leaving her all those years ago, and yet she was never quite able to let him go. Their attraction is as incendiary as ever, and Eli is very good at stoking the flames. But Eli doesn’t belong in her world, any more than Reagan belongs in his. So until Eli leaves for good, why not take her pleasure where she can? Pleasure only her cowboy can provide…

Kelli power packs each sentence to make it punch, and the family dynamics are spot on. I know she’s married to an IRL cowboy, so you can bet everything is spot on accurate in terms of ranching. I’m pretty much obsessed with her books, GIVE ME MORE NOW, KELLI!

Last week, I was able to add Netflix into the rotation. The two shows nearly always on, even if I’m reading, are:

The Great British Bake Off (On US Netflix as The Great British Cooking Show). 

This show is everything I want a cooking show to be. Everyone is so friendly and encouraging! I don’t know what half the stuff they’re making is, which is half the fun. There are so many puns and lots of dry humor. And the accents? NOMNOMNOM.

And, OF COURSE, Mystery Science Theatre 3000 – The Return

I only have two words to sum up everything about this epic and well done reunion:

Cry Wilderness.

(You’re welcome).

It’s good to be back. I’ve missed you all. 

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On this day in 1882 Jessie Redmon Fauset was born. She was an American author, poet and editor, editor for the NAACP magazine The Crisis and the children’s magazine Brownies’ Book, considered one of the most intelligent novelists of the Harlem Renaissance (d. 1961)

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

Don’t Let Rejection Rule

There has been a theme in my life lately. A theme of rejection. Not necessarily all at once or even all for me, it just keeps coming up and more apparent than anything else, is our fear of it. The other thing I realize is that for many, this fear seems to evolve to some degree with age. I’m generalizing now but it does seem that lately, the older folks I meet, don’t seem to stress out about rejection and the looming sense of failure that comes with it. Why is that?

As I sit and think about what bothers me now that I’m older, I realize that a lot of my preoccupations when I was younger really don’t have the same effect on me. I don’t need to be a size 4 or date a guy with a six-pack (yes, I know I was very superficial as a teenager). It isn’t the end of the world if I don’t ace a project. I’m sure my boss would prefer it and it is not to say I won’t try, but either way, I know I’m not doing anything so impactful that the world would end should I make a slight mistake.

So back to my theme and wondering thought… why is it that we take rejection so heavily and is it worth it? Anyone who’s read my blog a few times, knows that answer by now. Of course it is not. And quite frankly, I prefer to come to this realization while I’m still young enough to take chances and live my life. I don’t want to wait until I’m older to no longer let rejection affect me—or at least affect me negatively.

Moral of today’s blog? Care now, make now count and let rejection propel you to greatness versus bring you down.

Happy writing this week!

 

 

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

Got Some Magnets! And A New Release!

So I threw down the design I got from my cover artist for those business cards and put the design on some magnets, and I love them