Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 163

Thankful

First off, Happy Thanksgiving… it’s almost here! I love this time of year as it really is dedicated to a bit more reflection about what we have versus what we want (the rest of the year seems dedicated to that whether we mean it to or not). This year, it seems especially important as there has been so much about this year that has either shocked us or that we as a society seem to rebelling against. Brexit, discussions of race and religion (and at times violence), protests and our recent election are just a few examples.

I spoke with a friend the other day and she seemed completely worked up about the state of our country, our global economy and our recently elected president. It isn’t that I don’t think some of her concerns valid, but I acknowledged that she can only do what she can do—we can all only do what we can do and that has to be enough for now. Really what I’m saying is control what is in your power to control.

Tomorrow we give thanks for all the good we do have in each of our lives—some of us more than others. For this one day (at least), I encourage us all to reflect on what went well personally for us this year. And if you can’t think of much, perhaps reflect on what you want to change about the coming year and how you aim to change it.

As for me, I’m forever thankful for my family and for starting a new job that I see to love. I’m thankful for my health and for my country (yes I still believe the USA to be an amazing place) and for those who protect it. And lastly, I’m thankful to be so blessed as I truly believe I am.

Happy writing this week and may you not go into any turkey comas (they aren’t conducive to writing)!

 

Filed under: A writer's life, romance

NaNoWriMo Almost There by Mandy Rosko

Okay, so I might be overworking myself since I totally slept in until 2pm today, which is insane. I don’t even think I stayed up that late, but I guess that’s what happens when you’re determined to hit your goals.

 

I am now at 39K words for my novel for Nanowrimo, on top of the 10K words I wrote for my Patreon group for my other new novel (check that out here if you wanted to learn more) and then there were the 60K words I wrote for Siren so far.

 

I have 9 days left to get everything I want done. I’m kind of wishing that was more like twenty days at this point @_@

 

Luckily, the roads finally look clear, even though it’s still windy as hell outside, so the Dog might get to go for his walk since I can drive again, and then I’m heading out for a coffee because I desperately need it at this point.

 

Is anyone else on the verge of collapse because of Nanowrimo? Let me know and we can totally share in our pain

A Happy Thanksgiving Paranormal-Scope

Thanksgiving in the United States is meant to be a holiday of gratitude. The pilgrims of Plimouth Plantation had been dying. When they celebrated, they were thankful for those still alive (approximately half had perished) and for the help of their Native American friends, which made their survival possible.

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:

Griffons are thankful for strong winds and wings that carry them to new adventures. The future is looking bright but check the details.

Taurus:

Werewolves scent love in the air. Don’t restrict yourself to old ideas. Go with the flow.

Gemini:

Shapeshifters love who they are. Embrace yourself. Don’t try to be someone else. You are great.

Cancer:

Vampires are party animals. Try to tidy up work and then forget it. Party on! You deserve it.

Leo:

Dragons love solitude but now is not the time. Enjoy the warmth and company of others.

Virgo:

Aslan is a planner. You’re working hard toward success but exhausted. Pace and plan.

Libra:

Pixies are creative and so are you. This is a great week to expand your creativity.

Scorpio:

Elves tough it out. Things may see hard but you will get through it. It’s building your strength. Plan a little “me” time.

Sagittarius:

Eagles soar to great heights because they trust themselves. A project you’ve put aside may be perfect for now.

Capricorn:

Salamanders dance in fire.  A tricky situation will test you. Trust yourself and be open to new possibilities you haven’t considered.

Aquarius:

Elves enjoy meeting new people. Expand your experience with new places and people. But don’t forget quality time with dear friends.

Pisces:

Mermaids don’t know every current or sea. Sometimes it’s good to get the advice of more experienced people and plan from that point on.

Happy Thanksgiving.  And if you want to enter my contest at The Romance Studio, visit http://trsparties.com/author/shcrowley/ and comment at my posts. Read the directions there. Good luck and have fun.

-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 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, contest, Contests, Holiday Posts, knights, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, Promotion, 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, When Love Survives, Yule

Art like Literature is in the Eye of the Beholder

I originally saw this on Bored Panda on Facebook and was blown away. This is the work of Turkish ebru artist Garip Ay doing one of the oldest Turkish arts described as painting on water. Garip Ay is recreating Van Gogh’s Starry Night on dark water! Watch and enjoy. Each human has a gift that expands the imagination. We all have to remember that. What is your gift?

-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  Nook and 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 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, holiday shopping, Holidays, knights, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, 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, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule

Early Holiday Shopping: Vampire King of New York

It always makes me smile when it comes around to Max. We’re coming up to Thanks giving and family time. Max is the head of his family and the vampires in New York.

Vampire King of New York is the first book in the Arnhem Knights of New York series, my 2nd series.

Blurb:

Max Vander Meer, is a modern day Viking, CEO of VMeer Industries, and a Vampire. He makes a plea to the Goddess Freya to find the only woman who can heal his heart, the woman haunting his dreams. But, the Goddess strikes a bargain with him. To find this special woman, Max must return to the city he helped build–New York, which is threatened by an ancient terror. When he meets Evelyn, he is astounded. Could she be the one who inhabits his dreams? But Evelyn is haunted by loss and betrayal. How can Max win her love when she doesn’t trust him as a man, and she doesn’t want to be a vampire? If Max returns to Iceland without her, he will be encased in ice . . . forever!

For some people holiday shopping can be eased a bit through contests. For example, I am in the Thanksgiving Party over at The Romance Studio. I will be posting every day around noon and also around 7 pm with my contest.

An easy way to find me over there is to put “Susan Hanniford Crowley” in the search, and my posts come up. Every post you comment on gives you another slip of paper in the hat. So be sure to drop by http://trsparties.com

Good luck and may your shopping be fun!

-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, contest, Contests, fantasy romance, Max Vander Meer, 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, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, When Love Survives, Yule

The Importance of Amazon Book Tags by Stacy Hoff

The conventional wisdom of the publishing industry is that authors should keep writing within one genre, and even sub-genre. That way, readers know what to expect from an author and will readily pick up the author’s next new book. The end goal is to create both happy readers and solvent authors.

But do I stick to this rule? Sort of. Within romance (my genre) I always stay with “contemporary” (the sub-genre that requires books to be set in a time period between 1950 to the present day). I do, however, select various different smaller categories within “contemporary.” I hop from “action/adventure” and “military,” to “women’s fiction” and, for my new release, “sports fiction.” Perhaps you can tell from my very different looking book covers just how much my books shift around these different sub-categories.

   

Above: The DESIRE series: action/adventure, military; LAWFULLY YOURS: Women’s Fiction; JOCKEYING FOR YOU: sports fiction

There are zillions of other “contemporary” sub-categories – commonly known as “tags” on Amazon. Everything from “billionaire” to “MC” (motorcycle club) to “secret baby” to “step-brother” to “small town.” Have some fun clicking around on Amazon to see many more tags for yourself.

When I write creatively, my mind jumps everywhere, landing in a diverse world of Amazon tags. On occasion, I force myself to stay focused. Right now, I’m in the midst of writing another series that will finally be straight-out contemporary, although these books have multiple topics for which there are no specific tags: family drama, secrets, and power plays (the BUILDING LOVE series, release dates TBD).

How much are my sales effected by wandering around the world of Amazon tags? Who knows? There is no reliable control group I can use. In a way, it doesn’t matter. I write all kinds of things because my mind goes everywhere. If the result of my quirky brain is my not being brand-able, maybe I at least can offer readers a lot of options for books, so they can choose one that’s right for them.

Do you care about Amazon tags or sub-categories as a reader, or as a writer?

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

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

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

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

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

 

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

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

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

 

SEASON OF LOVE http://amzn.to/1NsByfu

Filed under: action / adventure, Business, Contemporary Romance, Historical romance, Marketing, publishing, romance, romance novels, Sports romance, Stacy Hoff, Writing Advice

One Week More by Heather Novak

Well Nights of Passion Folks,

I’m currently on week 2 of Fast Draft (you can read week 1 here) and at this point I’m contemplating my life choices. Why did I want to be a writer? Why did I think this was a good idea? Why didn’t I major in business or go to medical school? Did I change my socks today?

…You get my point. It’s been a long week…for more than one reason.

Alas, I will keep writing because the voices in my head will never, ever shut up if I stop.

Since I am mostly brain dead and lost in the fictional world of Hayvenwood, Michigan, I would like to share with you a favorite recipe of mine for my “super lazy chicken fried rice.” A favorite go-to dinner that I make when I need comfort food. I don’t have a wok, so I use a giant frying pan or dutch oven.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked chicken (I love picking up a rotisserie chicken from the grocer when I’m short on time)
2-3 cups cooked rice, refrigerated for at least 2 hours. (In a pinch, swing by your favorite Chinese restaurant at lunch and stick it in the fridge at work.) In a good week, I’ll cook the rice the night before.
1 egg
An assortment of veggies. I like to grab peas and carrots in the microwaveable bags. You only need like 8-12 ounces, depending on how veggie-loaded you want to make your rice. 
2 tablespoons of soy sauce (gluten free if needed)
Pepper, onion to taste. I like sesame oil on mine.

Half-a**ed directions:

Once everything is cooked and set aside, put the egg in the VERY HOT pan, whip it around a bit so it scrambles, throw in the chicken and veggies, slowly put in the cold rice, and mix. Then, add soy sauce and seasoning, and maybe even a smattering of sesame oil.

Is it as good as my fav Chinese place in Burlington, VT? No, because I live in Michigan and miss it terribly. But it’s a good substitute when I need food in a hurry. 

Okay, back to work. See you next week for Thanksgiving and…drum roll please…MY BIRTHDAY!

On this day in 1980, Isaac Hanson of the band Hanson was born. (Yes, they are still around. Yes, they just released a new album, and yes, I am still in love with all of them.)

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,

Heather Novak

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Instagram: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Hunting Witch Hazel: Now available

Threat of Raine: Coming Soon

Rosemary for Remembrance: Coming Soon

Filed under: romance

Dive Right In

I started a new day job this week. Funny as I’ve been waiting and planning for this change for a while and yet I hardly feel ready. Kind of reminds me when one sets out to right a book. I don’t remember what the stats are (and perhaps they’ve changed) but I believe there are quite a few people who plan to write a book versus those who actually finishing writing a book. I definitely remember that sense of achievement upon finishing my first book, even if I didn’t do anything with it. It’s such a great feat and if you think about all it takes from the beginning, it can be overwhelming but while you are doing it, it is simply one day at a time.

That’s how my new job feels-overwhelming! I’m enjoying it but I’m filled with the newbie jitters and that sense of insecurity that comes with not knowing everything or even some things that seem quite simple. I find myself having these internal pep talks. Telling myself simply to just “dive right in.” I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but it is in moments like these I really envy my kids’ fearlessness. This week my two year old bit his lip and then bumped his mouth in the space of two hours. Did the bleeding lip and bruise stop him from running around just twenty minutes afterward? No, of course not. Call it fearlessness, joy of life, curiosity or simply some hormone that allows him to forget he was just in a really bad mood. Whatever it is, it fascinates me.

But alas, that is not meant for us adults who seem to whine and I’m taking the stance of diving right in. I’m not sure where it will lead me and I know I’m going to make mistakes along the way, but I’ll grow and tomorrow will be better. If it isn’t, I’m going to do an Amy Cuddy and fake it until I make it!

Happy writing this week and… be adventurous!

 

 

 

 

 

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

NaNoWriMo Day 15 by Mandy Rosko

Soooooo…..

 

I’m a bit behind on Nanowrimo. I stopped working on my book for a couple of days. To be honest, I stopped working on all books for a couple of days because this cough is really starting to get to me. A friend tried giving me Fisherman’s Friend, but it was so gross I couldn’t do it.

I keep seeing memes everywhere that compare the taste of cough medicine to death. I don’t know if I would go that far, but it’s definitely up there on the gross scale. Then it just doesn’t work ;_;

 

 

The good news is that my Patreon campaign went amazingly well, considering I was dumb enough to hold it on election day. Lots of people got their books, and now my plans are to make sure future rewards will be worth their support❤

 

I’ve gotten some feedback on the Narrator I hired to do the audio version for Alpha, and I’ll give it a couple more chapters and see how it goes before continuing. He definitely needs a filter, however. Apparently his cat destroyed it, and I love kitties, so forgiveness is in order ^_^

 

With their help on Patreon, not only can I write books exclusively for Patrons until release day and get the audio book on the move, but I can also pick up premade cover art without fear of not having the cash on hand. I’ve also got some plans to put some of the funds towards swag for the Romancing The Capital Event where I will be doing a signing. Can’t wait for that one

A Leonard Cohen Inspired Paranormal-Scope

I was a huge fan of singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen and his passing the other day saddened me. My favorite songs were “Famous Blue Raincoat” and “Suzanne.” I know he was famous for “Hallelujah” which many people have sung and even given it differing lyrics in places. It’s been used in movies. My favorite use was in the animated movie “Shrek.” Ah, so the day shines and we are richer that he came our way.

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 travel for adventure. What adventure do you have stirring in your heart?

Taurus:

Werewolves are compassionate. Show your compassion to a friend or colleague that needs it.

Gemini:

Elves have an old wisdom. Sit down and have tea with an old friend or family member you admire.

Cancer:

Vampires stand in the dark, but they dream about sunshine. Time to finish a project you love.

Leo:

Dragons are great friends. They see the world from a height to get a better picture of things. So the same.

Virgo:

Weretigers are not always what they seem. Beware the stranger that promises something too good to be true.

Libra:

Shapeshifters enjoy those close to them. Plan a special outing with someone you love.

Scorpio:

Faeries rarely give their hearts. You’ve been blessed.

Sagittarius:

Griffons look for treasure. Take care with buying big ticket items. Do your research first.

Capricorn:

Pixies are the mischief makers. They are here to make you laugh. You need to bring more laughter into your life.  Read comics. Watch funny movies.

Aquarius:

Mermaids travel deep waters and explore ancient secrets. Take up a study in a subject you’ve often wondered about.

Pisces:

Snowmen can be paranormal. But you have the power to melt anyone’s heart. Just smile.

-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  Nook and 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 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