Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 157

Our Lot in Life

I’ve recently been listening to a podcast called On the Media which released a series on poverty. While I’ve had the good fortune to never experience extreme poverty myself, I have seen poverty in many forms. What struck me particularly interesting about the take on this series was the position that luck plays a role on how we end up in life. This is something I agree with.

Now I won’t deny that I believe hard work and enduring stamina or determination go a long way towards progress in ones life. By progress I mean upward mobility and/or attainment of a comfortable lifestyle. That being said, I also believe our “system” leaves a lot lacking and often times, seems to trap people in a circle of poverty versus giving them a step up.

So what does all of this have to do with any of us? Well, I personally believe it has everything to do with each of us but many may say the opposite. You see, we are each given our lot in life (we can’t control the circumstances we are born into) and from there we can work our butts off to make something of ourselves, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Looking beyond our country, one only has to read a bit about all the displaced immigrants from Syria and it is easy to see how circumstances can trap a person.

But what can we do? There is a ton we can do in the way of donating time and money. A bit of research can show us ways to do that. But if you walk away with one thought from this blog, I’d like it to be that we can each pay it forward in some small way. Life gives us our lot but from there, we rely on each other to some degree. Without sharing and giving, our race will never climb out of poverty and many of us will fail to reach our potential.

Happy writing this week!

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

Trying to Keep Up by Mandy Rosko

With Deadlines looming, and sales running south, it seems now that a lot of authors might be facing the stress of keeping up with the work load while getting the bills paid :S

 

And Tax season is right around the corner @_@

 

I might have to make some decisions about the trips and purchases I was planning on making this year just because of this, though I’m hoping it doesn’t come down to that. I’ve had some great experiences and made some awesome connections by going to RT, so I’m hoping I can keep up that momentum

 

Because of a few other financial commitments I’ve signed myself up for this year, it makes it all the more important that I keep my eye on the prize.

 

The writing is important. The reader is important. Not buy swag, cool pens and trips, though those last things are helpful.

 

And I really want to go to RT and I really want to get those pens O.o yeah, I’m pretty bad at managing all this sometimes.

 

Which is why I’m looking for a program I can use to easily and properly manage my finances. If You have any suggestions on something that will work for a Mac, Trust me, I would love to know, and give you a virtual author hug for your time

Misty Paranormal-Scope

The mist rolls in and you have a January paranormal night filled with adventure, eeriness, and a bit of a chill. I have come down with a case of the sillies. Beware anything below this point.

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 running amok. Duck for cover. But avoid real ducks.

Taurus:

Goblins bite. Don’t get too close to strangers, and stock up on first aid supplies.

Gemini:

Vampires can be a class act. Live dangerously but go formal.

Cancer:

Pixies are crazy with pixie dust. It’s everywhere. Some people are allergic. Just giving you the heads up.

Leo:

Werewolves are rough on shoes. Time to buy some new footwear. Wearing ripped up ones just aren’t in style.

Virgo:

Shapeshifters can be indecisive. Waiting for their advice is going to bend you out of shape. Take up yoga.

Libra:

Mermaids are wild and adventurous. Let your wild side free. Try something like naked painting. Be sure to wash after every painting.

Scorpio:

Faeries have misled you. Magic isn’t want you need. You can get through this with have plain old human common sense. Good luck.

Sagittarius:

Griffons may have written the book on manners, but not on how to enjoy premium solitude. Write poetry or star gaze or go for a spa day.

Capricorn:

Dragons can be gruff and all fire. But tickle their fancy and they will do anything for you. The hard part is in finding their fancy.

Aquarius:

Gremlins are headed your way. You have two choices. Turn off everything electrical or plan a small vacation. A vaca sounds fun!

Pisces:

Werebunnies do not make good pets. They tend to multiple their cuteness. Consider adding a pet carefully. Eliminate wild multipliers and those with razor sharp teeth.

-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

In Which I Ponder Why Jo March Didn’t Choose Laurie. By Ripley Proserpina

In my last week’s blog post, I talked a little bit about reverse harem, and the idea of the female lead character not having to choose between love interests. Thinking more about this, I realized there are a lot of times when I appreciate a good love triangle, or a main character making a hard choice. Whether it’s choosing the man who supports her passions or wants her to play it safe, or the one who understands who she truly is versus who she used to be. I get it.

Mostly.

My caveat to the love triangle is the character has to choose right (and yes, I decide who is right, not the author— it’s my reader prerogative).  I was all about Peeta  over Gale, and Edward over Jacob. I never wanted Jane Eyre to end up with St. John instead of Mr. Rochester, even if he did look like Adonis and Jane clearly told Mr. Rochester, “she did not think him handsome.”

But one story has been bothering me since I read it and re-read it, and watched it, and found myself, despite knowing the ending, still hoping for a different outcome.

So I proclaim here: I’m pissed Jo March didn’t marry Laurie in Little Women.

Most people have read Little Women, but in case you haven’t, it’s the story of four sisters living with their mother in Civil War-era Massachusetts. Jo is the second oldest sister, and the one who wants to be a famous authoress. Laurie is the rich boy who lives next door and worships Jo and someday hopes to be a great composer. They get into scrapes together and have adventures, and he’s handsome and funny.

There wasn’t an instance in the book where Laurie wanted Jo to be something she wasn’t. He never asked her to give up writing or settle down (though he asks her to marry him— but he wants her to “bash” around Europe with him! Bash!), or act like a lady, or any of those other things that would have immediately turned me off from him.

But she says no, and instead chooses Professor Bhaer! Huh?!

I remember the scene where Jo writes a book she believes is a masterpiece and shares it with Mr. Bhaer, the German school teacher who lives in the boarding house where she resides. And he tells her it stinks! She ends up in tears, and yeah, okay, maybe he felt bad telling her that, but just because he didn’t like paranormal romances, did that mean she shouldn’t continue to write them? Perhaps this is what endeared him to Jo. Compared to Laurie, though? There was no contest. Laurie had so many other great qualities— he was passionate, and had an unsinkable belief in Jo’s awesomeness.

And you know what the ultimate betrayal was? Because yes, reader, it gets worse. Laurie marries the most annoying of Jo’s sisters, Amy.

Amy. The snobbish little brat. GAH! Come on! I will allow the Amy who married Laurie wasn’t the little girl Amy who so annoyed me, but I certainly hadn’t come around to her side. The pain of reading the scene where Laurie and Amy return from Europe and tell Jo they’ve married. I felt hope die. It literally died in my poor little twelve year-old girl heart.

It turns out I’m not the only one who remains upset about Jo’s choice. Besides bloggers like myself who mourn Laurie, there is also an article in a philosophy journal, The American Transcendental Quarterly, reflecting on this very issue. Clearly there’s a doctoral student somewhere who seethed over Jo’s choice as well. (See, “Why Jo Didn’t Marry Laurie, March 2001, Volume 15, No. 1).


Take Our Poll

For me, Jo choosing Professor Bhaer was akin to Anne Shirley not choosing Gilbert Blythe, or Elizabeth settling for Whitcombe and not Darcy. Blasphemy! In fact, I would have been fine if Claire stayed with Jamie and died with him on the battlefield rather than return to Frank (I’m a harsh reader. Die for love, Character! Die! Die!). As an aside, I’m a much nicer writer than reader— having birthed my characters, I like them to be happy. Just sayin’.

Filed under: Book Reviews, films, Louisa May Alcott, Reading, Ripley Proserpina, romance, Twilight, YA

Thank you to the Readers of Nights of Passion Blog

Many things are happening on Nights of Passion blog. First off, I would like to thank all [image error]those who voted for Vampire Princess of New York in the Preditors and Editors Readers’ Poll. My novel finished in the Top 10 for Romance Novels in 2016.

This particular honor is special to me because it’s from the readers. While there was a deadline, there was no limit of entries or fees that might prevent a novel being entered. Also it is on the Critters website. http://www.critters.org/ Critters is 21 years old as a site and does many things, two of which is to provide online workshops and critique groups. A long time ago, I got my start there in one of the critique groups. Andrew Burt who is the founder of Critters is also a member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America).  The Preditors and Editors site is currently and hopefully being redone. The authors that ran that site rendered an invaluable service to all writers in investigating and listing possible scams in publishing.

Being honored in the Top Ten in this particular readers’ poll means a lot to me. Thank you to the poll’s sponsors and to the readers.

Second, I want to thank you for being a dedicated reader of Nights of Passion blog. We have welcomed a new member of the passionate crew Ripley Proserpina who is blogging on Sunday.

As you’ve noticed we’ve been undergoing some changes and some just plain stuff. I’m sure you’ll join me in sending HUGS to Heather!  For a while the wonderful Cara Carnes will be blogging on Thursday.

We appreciate you reading us each day! Thank you.

-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

The Real World vs. the Writer’s World by Stacy Hoff

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The Internet offers plenty of distractions from writing. Tons of websites provide viewers with a steady stream of world news. Some news is positive. Most news is negative. I try to be savvy about current events and yet still shut out the world so I can focus on my writing.When I feel anxious about world events, it’s hard for me to create my own world—one for my characters to live in.

I need to focus. It’s important that I forge ahead with several writing projects. I’ve got a new series coming up, premiering this March. Plus, I’ve got two new novels I’m working on. The best way for me to meet my word-count goals is to keep my fingers typing on the keyboard, and my eyes off of the Internet.

Will I be able to do this? I’m not sure. Yahoo perpetually beckons. So do all my social media sites. Staying connected is soooo tempting. But then again, so is staying on deadline.

What do you do to keep focused?

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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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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: A writer's life, Business, problem-solving, stress, writing, journal, diary, resolve, worked, relax., publishing, Social Media, Stacy Hoff

Know When to Tap Out by Heather Novak

Last week, I wrote all about cutting yourself a window when a door closes. Then life kicked me in the gut. Woke up Tuesday morning to a snow storm and my mom being rushed to the ICU. The week got worse from there.

I’ve been completely unable to write. Heck, I’ve been unable to read. I don’t even want to look at a book right now (and y’all know that’s some serious stuff right there). I’m angry and anxious and exhausted. 

How do I find a release from all this anger when I can’t run or do yoga or punch a bag?

Let go.

Okay, much easier to type those two words than to actually let go. 

Step one: Forgiving my mom. Her life choices directly lead to this moment. This isn’t easy.

Step two: Take care of myself.

I cleaned the house. I removed myself from Twitter and only check my Facebook messages, I do not scroll my newsfeed. After writing letters that I needed to write, I deleted the news app from my phone. I put away my books and called up some friends. Some I talked to on the phone, some came over and watched movies, some sent funny memes.

Acknowledge the anger. 

I know everything is setting me off right now. Something that would’ve rolled off my shoulders last week is devastating to me this week. This is not the time for heavy movies, career decisions, even “should I cut my hair?” decisions. I need to eat well, rest, and be careful who I talk to on the phone. 

Do not react, respond.

This one is important. There are a few things that happened this week, both book and personal wise, that made me want to lose my s***. As angry as I am, I can’t go around punching things. (First and foremost, have you ever broken your hand? It hurts. I just got my splint off.)

Stop. Take a deep breath. Seal lips.

I can’t take back a negative reaction. I can’t take back calling someone a name or severing an important bridge that is attached to an array of other bridges. I can’t un-quit my job. Because I’ve acknowledged my anger and because I know I shouldn’t react, I’m able to set my phone down/nod politely and walk away. 

Maybe I’ll text my besties about what’s happening, maybe I’ll go to the bathroom and run water over my inner wrists, sometimes I put on some Bob Ross. I tap out of the fight. I give myself permission to focus on taking care of me, and that means not reacting out of anger but responding out of thoughtfulness or in most cases, not responding at all.

As my mom continues to decline, I will be stepping away from the blog for a bit. But for now, we’ll go week by week. 

Take care, Nights of Passion friends.

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On this day in 1908 – Fleur Cowles, American writer and illustrator, was born.

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

Our Own Obstacle

I may have mentioned this before… I can be impatient. As a kid, I took piano lessons and asked my teacher on my first day when I could and would play Beethoven. Even worse, I never stuck with the lessons long enough to play something simple like Hot Crossed Buns. The same happened with ballet lessons and now we have a trend.

I know my impatience with progress leads to further frustration and if I let it spiral I will quit activities I start. This is an awful thing to admit but here you have it and this is another reason why writing books and actually finishing them has been so important to me. But it is also all a matter of talking myself through the experience–my inner dialogue.

I recently started a new day job and have hit my toughest point. I want to play Beethoven better than everyone else and yet I’m still learning the notes while others are starting to play songs. As frustrating as this situation is, it can also be used to fuel healthy competition. Wanting to match or out do my peers is one of many variables that drives me. That being said, it doesn’t define me.

Most of us aim to do well in our lives, but life sidetracks us. We come across obstacles, compare ourselves with others and magnify our flaws. In summary, we become our own obstacle. My thoughts on this are give yourself time and have patience. It has worked for me thus far and my plan is to keep it going.

Happy writing this week!

 

Filed under: A writer's life, romance

Audio Books! by Mandy Rosko

So in a couple of days there’s going to be a webinar I can watch where I can learn how to self publish Audio Books.

Or something like that. I think that’s what’s it’s going to be about, I skimmed the email [image error]

 

It’s 4 in the morning, be gentle with me ;_;

 

Anyway, this is something I’ve been pretty interested in as of late. I’ve been getting a narrator to read over one of my books chapter by chapter, since it’s cheaper, but it’s also a slow process, and so far I have two audio chapters up on my Patreon Romance Page for readers to get their hands on

Waning Gibbous Moon Paranormal-Scope

Into each life, a little snow may fall.  Change is coming. Don’t you love 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:

Werebunnies are hopping like crazy. Unexpected company may catch your unawares. Keep a few fun things in the house for these guests that are sure to please.

Taurus:

Gnomes always say, “There’s no place like Rome.” A trip may be just the ticket to add excitement to your life.

Gemini:

Werewolves collect too much. It’s time to de-clutter the home.

Cancer:

Vampires are great dancers. Consider this fun exercise. Learn a some new steps in life.

Leo:

Love makes an elf weak. They cannot fathom the intensity of the emotion. Indulge in love. You deserve it.

Virgo:

Faeries love beauty in all its forms: decor, art, music, and dancing. Enjoy the beauty in your life. Dance more.

Libra:

Pixies sometimes jump to conclusions. Be sure to have all the facts and remain calm. Things are not as they seem.

Scorpio:

Goblins like to finish projects to get them out of the way. You’ll feel better for it.

Sagittarius:

Mermaids join together for group fun. Don’t let this fun distract you from accurately evaluation opportunities coming your way.

Capricorn:

Shapeshifters love teamwork and this week working with other will be important to you. Be sure to hear what each has to offer.

Aquarius:

Griffons are methodical in planning. Be clear of emotions when making important decisions.

Pisces:

Like a werewolf you are full of fun and energy. Enjoy yourself with friends but watch your spending.

-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