Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 164
November 13, 2016
An Observation of the Moon or A Writing Prompt?
I took a photography class a while back and learned that the camera does not always see what the human eye sees. This is a photo of last night’s moon. To my eye, the moon was a clearly defined full orb with shadows across it’s face. There was a ring of pale dark fuschia and then a wider ring of ghostly white. White clouds floated against the black night sky. Trees almost devoid of leaves reached for the moon out of their reach. Now for me this was an observation that I chose to share with you. Interesting that the camera saw the moon differently from how I saw it.
For writers out there, this is a writing prompt filled with the promise of a story.
Which is it for you? Were you out too last night moon gazing?
-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
November 11, 2016
Early Holiday Shopping: Vampire Princess of New York
I don’t know about you but I’ve already started my holiday shopping. Last year, I ran out of time and frankly I was panicked. This year will be different. Books are on my list of course. If they are on yours and you love vampires, I have two for you from my 2nd and newest series.
Vampire Princess of New York, Book 2 in the Arnhem Knights of New York Series
Noblesse is the daughter of the Vampire King of New York Maximillion Vander Meer. In the over two hundred years, she’s been a vampire, Noblesse has never found a true love or discovered what happened to her mother who disappeared just prior to the French Revolution.
Noblesse has to choose between two men. Both profess their love. Both are keeping a secret from her. One wants to destroy her, and one wants to love her forever. But which one?
Excerpt: (In the excerpt, you’re going to meet one of the men, Noblesse has to choose from.)
*
Noblesse felt him before he arrived. In her mind’s eye, she could see him roaring down the streets of New York on his Harley. Resisting the urge to respond to his thoughts, she contented herself in watching him and feeling the many human emotions rushing through him. Besides, the last time she’d tried mindtalking with him while he was driving, he nearly crashed.
Donovan pulled his Harley neatly into a parking spot right in front of the posh SoHo antiques shop. He got off the bike and secured it, then raked his hair with his fingers. His nerves tingled through her body too, as if the two of them were connected. Sometimes it was just so much fun being in his head, feeling what he felt.
Donovan looked at the building looming over him. Each window framed imagined eyes that pierced with disapproving frowns. He shook it off. A long stretch across the desert to nowhere called to him, a place he’d been many times when life seemed empty.
At least he’d felt free flying on the Harley across the black strip of tar. The ideal of freedom embraced him when nothing mattered. The only time he came back this way was to see family. Now something else pulled at him. As he peered through the glass and saw the elegant brunette waiting for him, the desert faded from his mind’s eye. Noblesse was everything lovely and adorable. He loved the way she moved, and the way her pencil skirt hugged her hips. He appreciated hips on a woman. She loved how he thought of her.
His thoughts warmed her all over, and Noblesse blushed. She was certain he didn’t know she was in his mind at that moment. She waved to him through the window, and his heart skipped a beat. When he was in her presence, it didn’t matter how many times he reminded himself they were just friends, his heart danced. Joy made him laugh, and a slow burning fire engulfed him. Donovan liked to think he was too old for passion. At any rate, he was too old for Noblesse, and knew it. Combing his fingers through his gray hair again, he stepped through the door.
Noblesse walked briskly up to him, her green eyes had a sparkle that had nothing to do with contact lenses. She was a vampire, so her eyes were perfect. Why did she melt him like a school boy with his first crush?
“Donovan, thank you for coming.” She kissed him on both cheeks.” I really need your advice on this.”
He kissed her on each cheek. The second kiss caught him spellbound in the mass of midnight hair hanging in waves and falling just below her shoulders. Was it her honeysuckle perfume or the softness of the silky strands against his face that lingered? It was a hard question to answer.
“Donovan?”
Snapping out of his revelry, he laughed. “Yes, Sha. What do you need advice on?” Sha was a Cajun way of saying my love. He didn’t use it for everything cute or sweet like some people. Somehow it fit Noblesse perfectly.
She took his arm and guided him toward the middle of the shop. A thin man in a gray suit with brown hair and beady eyes stared at him through round silver glasses.
He stood by a large mirror with an elaborately carved wooden frame in shades of deep blood red etched with gargoyles, dragons, griffins, pythons, lions and every beast known and imagined, all entangled in a battle to the death with claws and teeth gnashing, biting, and slashing. On the top, two words were engraved in French—“Miroir de Sang.”
“Well, what do you think?”
“It’s says, Blood Mirror. That can’t be good.”
“It was created for the court of his majesty, Louis XVI,” the thin man added.
Donovan frowned. “Wasn’t Louis XVI beheaded?”
“Yes.” The man gave Donovan the once over.
Maybe he shouldn’t have thrown on his boots, jeans, T-shirt and beat up old bomber jacket. He did own designer clothes. His daughter had insisted he have an entirely new wardrobe before the wedding, but as soon as Evie had gone on her honeymoon he’d fallen into his old ways. Donovan was glad he couldn’t read minds like a vampire. He didn’t care what the man thought, but Noblesse’s opinion was another matter.
“From Marie Antoinette’s palace?” Donovan asked.
“Oui,” Noblesse replied.
Her smile almost made him forget his objections. “You don’t want this mirror, Sha.”
“Why?”
“It’s ugly. Besides, weren’t the mirrors of that time period gilded in gold, and smaller?”
“Very large mirrors were made for the palace. Not all were gilded in gold. This, however, is an unusual piece.”
“Ma chérie, it’s ugly. You don’t want that. Get something else.”
“Aww, mon cher,” she murmured.
Turning to the thin man she said, “Please, pardon us. We would like to discuss this in private.”
“Certainly.” He walked off in the direction of the Ming vases.
“Of course, Sha, if you want it, I will not be able to talk you out of it. You only want it because it’s French.”
“It’s more than that. Come and look.”
As she stood before it, Donovan finally saw what she was talking about. Vampires could not be seen in mirrors made of silver. When he should have seen nothing at all, he gazed upon her lovely reflection.
Donovan examined the surface more closely. “How old is Sydney Lucente? Could he have made this mirror?” He walked around the back to see if there was some mark made by its maker, and found none.
“Sydney is old, but only started making his vampire mirrors within the last ten years. When I first saw it, I called him. He said that it wasn’t his.”
He spoke to her mind. Sha, why do you want this? It’s from the palace of the king you hated.
She answered so quietly her words barely brushed his thoughts. I just want some control over my life. I feel empty, and I don’t know what to do, mon cher. Please, say that it’s okay for me to buy it. I need your help in this. I’m lost and looking for me.
Donovan knew all about needing control and being empty and lost. How much is it?
It’s only $26,900.
Only? Noble, that’s too much. Let me talk to the man.
You don’t like him, do you? She rubbed the surface of the mirror with her hand. “Ouch.”
Donovan took a step forward. “What happened?”
The thin man came running.
“It’s only a cut,” she assured him. “A sliver of silver. It won’t bother me.” There was a narrow line of red on her finger.
“Do you see this?” Donovan moved closer to the mirror. A drop of blood glistened on a small section of the raised uneven surface. “Your mirror is defective.”
“Oh my,” the man said.
Donovan, mon cher, I still want the mirror.
“Noblesse, we’re going.” He extended his hand to her.
“Oh, please,” the man said. “We will get it cleaned.”
“Can you get the mirror surface fixed?” she asked.
The man shook his head. “Not without ruining its value.”
She took Donovan’s warm hand and turned to leave with him.
“We could drop the price.”
Noblesse turned back. “It depends.”
Noble, are you sure you want this?
Yes, please, mon cher.
Donovan looked at Noblesse and then the man. “Noble, please look at the desks while I discuss matters with this gentleman.”
“You need a new desk?” she asked.
“Perhaps.”
Donovan didn’t have a desk. This was all for the shop manager’s benefit. She walked off into the direction of the desks.
“Let’s talk business,” Donovan said to the shop manager.
“Yes, sir.”
“How much are you dropping the price?”
“We can let it go for twenty-four thousand.”
Donovan laughed and scrolled on his phone. “Yes, and we can walk two blocks and buy a comparably sized Louis XVI mirror with gilding for eight-thousand five hundred.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“That’s what we’re willing to pay for it, and the other one is not butt ugly.” Donovan turned to search for Noblesse, spotting her near an aisle of vases. “Come, ma chérie, I have found you a better mirror.”
She took his arm, and they headed for the door.
“Wait. Please, wait.” The man rushed to the office.
What is that all about?
You wanted the mirror, right?
Yes.
I negotiated the price down. I’m guessing he has to get an approval.
Noblesse smiled, and her smile was everything to him. That lonely ride on the desert road was getting further and further away. The more that ride faded in his thoughts, the longer he would stay in New York.
***
Leaning against his warm body, Noblesse gazed up into those dark blue eyes. Vampires always found humans warm, but for her it went beyond that. She ran her fingers through his salt and pepper hair, pushing a lock out of his eyes. Donovan had only allowed a trim around the edges for the wedding, but now it was getting bushy. You need a haircut, mon cher.
The little man hurried back with phone in hand. “I’m authorized to match that price of eight thousand five hundred for the mirror. As is, of course.”
Donovan turned to her. “It’s your choice.”
“I’ll take it,” Noblesse gave him her credit card.
The man looked at it. Then at her. “You’re Noblesse Vander Meer, the industrialist’s ward. I’ve read about you in the Journal.”
She smiled, making a concerted effort not to show her fangs. “Yes, that would be me.”
“I’ll be back in a minute.” He took the card and handed it to a woman behind a desk.
Noblesse wandered over to the desks again, and Donovan followed her. “Did you find something interesting?”
“Look at this?”
He laughed and shook his head. “Now that is an ugly, giant desk.”
“Not that one.” Grabbing him by the arm, she led him behind it to where a delicate small writing desk with a chair stood in the shadows.
“That is a lovely piece. Sit at the desk and try it out.”
Excited as a child, Noblesse scurried over and sat in the ornately carved white and gilded chair. It was sturdy enough. She leaned on the matching desk and imagined writing notes and reviewing reports. The chair was surprisingly comfortable for one so old. The desk’s surface was smooth and warm. Noblesse opened up each drawer. Some had additional compartments.
Ooh, I like this very much. But it is not necessary. She got up and left the desk.
The little man came back. “Oh, I just finished processing the transaction on your card. Did you want the desk too?”
“No.” Noblesse took back her card and signed the slip. “We’re fine with the mirror.”
Donovan grinned. “I’m not fine.” He handed the man his credit card. “I would like the desk and the matching chair. Who owned it and how much?”
“For an antique, it’s in near perfect condition. The ownership is unclear. It’s priced at $6,500 for the desk and chair.”
“I’ll take it.”
“Yes, sir.” The man was off again.
Are you buying that for me? You didn’t even bargain down the price.
Oui, ma chérie. It’s perfect for you, and you’re worth it. Not like that monster of a mirror.
Noblesse hugged him.
“Sir, we need your signature,” the manager said.
“I’ll be right back.” Donovan followed the man to the desk where his assistant worked processing the transaction.
Noblesse turned to look at a Ming vase. With her vampire hearing, she could have been at the far end of the store and still hear them.
“You are a very lucky man to have such a beautiful young wife,” the manager said.
“Yes, I am lucky.”
Noblesse couldn’t help but smile. Her heart fluttered like an excited butterfly. It didn’t bother her that Donovan let the man have his impression. She actually liked the idea a lot. Since dancing with him at the wedding almost four weeks ago, they’d been nearly inseparable. Noblesse loved meeting him for lunch and after work. The thought of being his wife made her breath catch.
He walked up to her. “Well, it’s done.”
“Oh, sir, to what address should we deliver the items.”
“To VMeer Industries,” Noblesse replied. Nothing from a human business was ever delivered to the Arnhem Society. It would go in her office, and from there vampires would deliver it to her apartment in the Arnhem Society.
They walked out holding hands. Evening descended on the city, and all the lights blinked on like a million stars. Noblesse loved that about New York.
A winter chill blew down the street a bit early. Her limo pulled up behind Donovan’s Harley.
May I ride with you on your hog? She spoke to his mind.
Of course, Sha.
Even though he didn’t say it, she felt happiness radiating through his body. Smiling, Noblesse waved her limo away.
***
Donovan climbed on his Harley. The moment she climbed on behind him and put her arms around his waist, he blocked his thoughts. He imagined driving out of the city to some country inn, where he would make love to her until he died of pleasure. These erotic flights of fantasy were frequent now, and Donovan knew it wasn’t a matter of lust.
One secret he managed to bury deep, so she wouldn’t see it in his mind. Donovan loved her.
*
Currently, Vampire Princess of New York is available at Amazon Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Princess-York-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B01LWXYX1G
Happy Shopping and may your holidays 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 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
November 10, 2016
The Inspiration of Ryan Jo Summers by Stacy Hoff
Hello Passionate readers! Today I have on author Ryan Jo Summers to talk about what inspired her to write her new release, BESIDE SILL WATERS. Take it away, Ryan Jo!
The inspiration for this novel is rooted in a single catalogue photo. I work security for a high fashion clothing retailer, in their distribution center as my day job. Some years ago I was browsing through their latest monthly style guide and one image caught my attention—and imagination. The setting was made to look like a library or den in someone’s house. A handsome model guy reclined comfortably in a high-back chair, modeling corduroy pants. How corduroys could be new was beyond me, or even considered fashionable, but that was not the point. What got me was the entire scene. He could have been modeling tuxes or boxers and gotten the same response. He was holding a tome of literature, pretending to be reading, while soft light spilled out over him from the vintage lamp on the table next to the chair. Literary classics piled around him in perfect stacks. The scene was peaceful and provocative, stirring something within me.
The seed for my book was planted, and over time, it grew. Storyline, characters, setting, all came to life.
And the scene is replicated in “Beside Still Waters”. The hero, Clay Michaels, retreats to his den after a precarious situation with the kids at the camp. The heroine, McKayla Buchanan, finds him, and the camp dog, there. High backed chair, shelves of books, soft light, they all come from the pages of the catalogue to the pages of the book. Clay is reading a copy of “Pilgrim’s Progress”, looking for insight to the circumstances. Her heart melts at the tenderness of the picture he makes. They chat a bit, discussing the situation with the kids, and various literary classics, and then they go out to the labyrinth. One had been created for Clay’s birthday years ago and it is a constant within the story.
With the full moon and twinkling stars watching, they begin a walk along the labyrinth that will bring them closer together.
Blurb:
Top Journalist and corporate climber, McKayla Buchanan, is sent to a remote California mountain camp for inner-city, at-risk teens. Accustomed to political corruption and high-society drama assignments, she is suddenly a fish out of water. At Camp In As Much, she meets eight hostile and distrustful teens, assorted volunteers and rescued horses—and Clay.
Clay Michaels is the man who founded Camp In As Much and made it the success it is now. His hope for the highly recommended journalist is to come and write a feature to send seeds out to form other camps like his nationwide. He never considered the reporter would turn out to be a lovely woman, or for him to have such an attraction to her.
Between McKayla’s worldly experience and Clay’s strong faith, they form a partnership to help with the endless challenges of the kids. While McKayla’s assignment is supposed to be temporary, it isn’t long before she and Clay are each wishing it could last longer. A serious situation will force McKayla to decide if she can give up her worldly ways and place her faith in the same higher source that earthy and godly Clay does.
Bio:
Ryan Jo Summers writes romance across the genres. Her books contain love stories blended with any combination of mystery, paranormal, time travel, shape shifting, Christian and humor elements. She comes from a family of wordsmiths. Her dad is a songwriter and his aunt wrote poetry. Ryan Jo dabbles in poetry, short stories and non-fiction articles.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, spending time with friends,
growing plants, playing chess, mah jongg, and wiggly word find puzzles and exploring the great outdoors. She lives in the heart of Appalachia in Western North Carolina in a charming old cottage with a menagerie of rescue pets
Links
Website: http://www.ryanjosummers.com/
blog: http://www.summersrye.wordpress.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ryan-Jo-Summers-author-page/312875648810797
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RyanJoSummers
Amazon buy link: http://amzn.to/2dvkUEe
Excerpt:
“Haven’t you ever done anything out of character for you? Something you regretted later?” His eyes fell on the skeleton pendant again.
“Recently? Or further back?” She gave a little laugh.
“Either. Or both,” he said, lifting a shoulder. “Whatever you want to share. Hey, I just bared my soul to you here.”
She reached out for his hands. “And I thank you for that.” She rubbed her thumbs over his knuckles, moving back to lean against the gazebo railing. Clay was glad she was holding his hands so he would not be tempted to move her flyaway hair lifting in the breeze.
“I’ve always been a believer in myself. In things I could see. In climbing the ladder of completion. Either the ladder of success at work or the ladder of society. But I always had to do it under my terms and in my style. High style of course. Nothing else ever occurred to me. It was always just me.”
He nodded, thinking that sounded pretty much like the McKayla that first came to In As Much.
“Then I met you, with your belief in something other than yourself. In invisible things. A belief I found almost naive at first. Then I started to wonder at it. You were fearless in this belief. And unstoppable.”
“Thank you. Quite the flattery from before.” This time his smile was real and deep.
“I regret now having always lived like that, without knowing this belief was available.”
“I’m glad to hear that. A belief in something other than our own limited self is an empowering thing.”
She nodded. “I think I see that in you now. And I also regret I was not better prepared when I came here.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was not ready to come here. I had no idea what I was getting into.”
He nodded. “I had wondered about that.”
“It showed?”
He nodded again, waiting.
“Oh, great. Well, my boyfriend, Steve, left me the Friday I was assigned to come here. My boss was a little vague in what In As Much was about. That’s no excuse, I know. Usually I research any subject before I go on assignment. But my boss had said some harsh remarks about my job performance and then Steve dumped me within hours after. I was just overwhelmed and didn’t care. Again, no excuse. But I was hurt. I only wanted my promotion and I didn’t care about anything else, even coming up here. This was just a step to get me there.”
Clay cupped her chin, gently tilting her to face him, seeing the tears glistening in her eyes.
“And what about now? What do you care about now?” he asked gently.
She blinked back the tears. “I don’t know. I feel so different. I am different. This place has changed me.”
“I can tell. Perhaps it’s more the people here then the place itself.”
“Somehow it doesn’t seem to matter what the change is caused by. But it’s real, inside me”
“But what do you want, McKayla? Now that you can feel a difference in your heart?” He traced her chin again.
She gave a sad shake of her head. “I wish I knew. But the longer I’m here, the less I seem to care about the promotion and my personal success. I look at you and see so much personal success. You have no corner office, no eight-figure income, but you seem so content. I want to understand that.”
He swept her into his arms, holding her tight. “I can help you with that, McKayla. I would love to help you with that.”
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
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: inspiration, romance, romance novels, Ryan Jo Summers, Stacy Hoff, writer's inspiration
November 9, 2016
I Probably Need a Writing Intervention… by Heather Novak
Right now, as you read this blog post, I am knee deep in Fast Draft. Fast Draft is what I like to call the “on crack version of NaNoWriMo,” where you write 5,000 words a day. Like a crazy person.
This, in fact, is not the first time I’ve done this madness (you can read about the first time here) but I’ve gotten smarter. This is what I’ve learned from my first trip down to crazy town:
Make a character board. I have a bulletin board filled with pictures and notes about each person and how they connect. This is important because you will go brain dead. Make a location board. Know what you’re describing and where it is in your fictional town. Make notes.
Write out an elevator pitch. This should have your main character(s) and their conflict. It helps focus the story in a moment with only a few lines. Trust me, no need to go off on tangents and waste word count.
Stretch. HOLY CATS, STRETCH! My lower back seized last time. I’m not ashamed to say I cried a bit. Stretch, see a chiropractor if you have one, do some yoga. Also, if your lower back and hips hurt, try icing your tailbone/butt crack area. Freaking MAGIC.
Understand and accept that you will hate everything for two weeks, but still try to enjoy it.
Don’t eat crap. If you need to munch, choose carrots over candy, Skinny Pop popcorn over chips.
Now, many of you are freaking out going, “BUT I CAN’T WRITE THAT MANY WORDS A DAY! I CAN’T EVEN DO NANOWRIMO!” Listen, at the end of the day, every writer works best with a different writing style. The thing that makes the author successful is that they WRITE. Once the first draft is done, the hardest part is done. You’ve got this. Just take the computer keys by the, er, well…keys!
Well folks, when this is done, Threat of Raine will be ready for editing. I cannot wait to bring you this full length book.
See you on the flip side
– Heather
On this day in 1969 – “Sesame Street” made its debut on PBS.
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
November 8, 2016
The “Controllables”
Okay, so I know just about everyone out there is talking about the election this week and by the time you read this it will be over… hopefully! Not to add to all the traffic on this but I can’t help it. By day, I work in finance and if you’ve been watching the stock market this past week or month or quarter, it’s been a bit of a ride to say the least. By night, I’m a writer and well, there is no getting around that fact that this election is overwhelming and stressful to many to say the least.
Here is the thing though-at the end of the day, we can only control what we can control and we have to be okay with that. And to many of us, it is a surprise just how much we can control. In finance, we talk a lot about risk and reward and market timing and focusing on the variables we can try to eliminate, like some of the costs in investing.
When it comes to the state of our country we can get out and support the causes we are passionate about, we can vote and influence others to vote but at the end of the day we can’t rein in every single ripple effect from any possible outcome. We can’t control the markets or beyond and we don’t have a crystal ball to tell us how this is all going to turn out. I’m not saying we need to turn a blind eye-absolutely not! However, we do need to stop stressing out about every possibility that could arise over the next few months or years. Choose the issues or the big concerns, research them, find the truth (I say this as there is so much bias our there) and share your views with others. Teach others. And for those of you out there who are passionate about writing, use your passion and skillset to help you.
That’s it for this week. Happy writing to you all!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly, Writer's Life
Getting into NaNoWriMo by Mandy Rosko
I’m, as of yesterday, 30K words into my new novel.
It feels pretty sweet, but I’m also crazy tired, lol.
Tired, but determined to get my hands on that NaNoWriMo Winner T-shirt. Although at least now I can get on with my other deadlines and just coast my way through the rest of NaNoWriMo doing less than a thousand words a day
November 6, 2016
A Sunrise Paranormal-Scope
Even though the time changed where I live, and I could have slept in, I was up at 5 a.m. instead of 6. Sunrises are amazing to watch.
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:
Werecats think you are wonderful. A treat will come your way! Act surprised.
Taurus:
Gnomes are packing for an adventure. Get some travel brochures.
Gemini:
Weretigers don’t like to be petted. Give people their space. They’re going through stuff.
Cancer:
A vampire has been hanging around your door to remind you of something. Hey, better looking than a string on your finger.
Leo:
Werewolves howl. It’s time to hunker down and prepare the home for winter.
Virgo:
Pixies get pushed around by autumn winds. Don’t let others push you around and prevent you from doing the things you like.
Libra:
Elves can find wonders. Expand your daily life with day trips and new experiences and you will find wonders too.
Scorpio:
Goblins are doing an audit of all funds. Do the same. Make wise decisions when spending.
Sagittarius:
A cave can be a very cozy place for a dragon, but sometimes going somewhere warm is a good thing to do.
Capricorn:
Salamanders are dancing. The fire for a new project has ignited in you. Go for it.
Aquarius:
Mermaids love music. Take some time and enjoy.
Pisces:
Werebunnies want to look better than cute. Upgrade your wardrobe.
-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 , 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
November 5, 2016
It’s time to bid you adieu.
It’s with sadness I must say farewell to the Nights of Passion blog. Though I’ve only participated on the blog a short time I’ve enjoyed the experience. However, my writing schedule is changing and that impacts my free time so I must let some things go.
Thank you so much to Susan Hanniford Crowley for this opportunity. Susan, you’re a peach, and it was a pleasure meeting you in person at the Fall In Love with New England conference a few weeks back. I look forward to seeing you again next year.
To all the NOP readers, thank you for reading my posts, commenting and messaging me. It’s been a pleasure getting to meet you.
Keep up to date on all my happenings and upcoming books by joining my newsletter here.
Thank you and all my best. Jordan
Filed under: romance
November 4, 2016
Romance Author Gerri Brousseau with Season of Promises Contest
Thank you, Susan, for inviting me here today. I can hardly believe November is already here and people are preparing for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. When I think of the holidays I get a warm feeling recalling memories of family, loved ones and joyous moments spent enjoying wonderful festive feasts. One of the things I always enjoy at this time of year is the holiday music and the wonderful holiday movies. Yes, I know we have all seen these beloved movies dozens of times, we know Charlie Brown’s friends find the true meaning of Christmas, George Bailey realizes he makes a difference in everyone’s life and Clarence will get his wings, Kevin’s mother finds him in NY, and Rudolph lights the way, yet, we can’t resist watching. And then there are the wonderful holiday romance novels that appear this time of year. This year, I’m thrilled to share my most recent release, A Promise of Forever, which is one of the novellas in the “Season of Promises, Holiday Box Set.” A Promise of Forever is the fourth story in a sort of mini-series.
When I wrote the first story, The Yuletide Bride which was included in “Season of Magic,” I never dreamed I would be able to, or interested in, writing a series. However, when I finished the story, I found I wasn’t finished with telling the story of the characters in the Nelson family. I wondered what happened in their lives and thought perhaps the readers did as well. The more I thought on it, the more the characters seemed to yearn to have their stories told, and a series was born.
In The Yuletide Bride the Lady Roxanne Rothchild attempts to win the heart of Stuart Nelson. She was quite the antagonist in that story, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the bad girl deserved to find love. The more I thought about it, the more I felt that I wanted to tell Roxanne’s story. Thus, the final tale in the Nelson Family Saga was born, “A Promise of Forever.”
What is this story about? Here is a little blurb:
Her virtue is lost, and her reputation in tatters when a twist of fate sends Lady Roxanne Rothchild from London to the vibrant city of Venice, and into the arms of the handsome and intriguing Danté. But she is not the only one vying for his affection. Anna Maria Delafino de Padova will use everything in her power to drive a wedge between Danté and Roxanne and win his favor, including revealing the truth about Lady Rothchild. Will Roxanne be able to put her blemished past behind her and find love, and will she have the courage to reach for a promise of forever?
~~~~~
And . . . here is a little excerpt from A Promise of Forever: 
“Signorina?” Danté said in a voice just above a whisper.
Roxanne jumped at the sound. She hurriedly wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.
“Signorina, something troubles you?” He sat upon the bench beside her and took her hand in his. His touch sent a tingle from her finger tips to her shoulders. His gaze sought hers, concern etched upon his brow.
“No, Danté. I am fine, really. I was just being sentimental over something I was reading.” She indicated the book in her lap.
He drew her into his embrace and ran his hand down her back. Warmth flooded her and pooled low in her belly. “Do not be troubled, cara. It pains me to see you cry,” he said.
She buried her face in his neck, savoring the scent of him—clean linen, soap, the warmth of the sun and the smell of the earth. I would care not if he were really only a servant. I could spend the remainder of my days in his arms.
She shook her head and drew slightly back from him. “I really am fine. Thank you for your concern.”
His gaze locked with hers. Tears lingered upon her dark lashes, and he reached up to wipe them away.
He’s so handsome. His lips are . . . but before she could complete her thought he lowered his head and his full lips brushed gently over hers. Her heart raced. She brought her hand up to his shoulder, yet she did not push him away. He drew her further into his embrace and kissed her, this time deeper, his lips begging hers to part. She leaned into him and her lips parted, allowing his tongue to dance with hers. Her head swam with remembrance of her earlier fantasy.
~~~~~
Season of Promises also features five other novellas; Unexpected Holiday Bonus, written by Merry Holly (a/k/a Marian Lanouette), The Littlest Angel, written by Vicki Batman, Bad Luck Partners, written by Cara Marsi, Tillie’s Last Match, written by Bobbi Lerman, and Christmas Promise, written by Jane Gale
It seems as if the holidays and romance go hand-in-hand, and if you love this time of year I invite you to curl up in a comfy chair with a nice hot cup of tea (or coffee, or better yet, a glass of wine) and enjoy the romance of the season with Season of Promises.
https://www.amazon.com/Season-Promises-Holiday-Box-Set-ebook/dp/B01LQUP9AS/
And now for a little fun . . . if you would like to have the chance to win a free e-book copy of this box set, please leave a comment telling me why. The contest will run until Midnight tonight, the winner will be chosen at random, and the results will be posted here. Thank you! Contest void where prohibited by law.
Thank you, Gerri, for bringing more fun to Nights of Passion. Good luck everyone!
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Filed under: A Pirate's Ransom, According to Legend, Contests, Enticed by A Laird, Gerri Brousseau, Guest Blog, Historical romance, Holiday Posts, romance, The Yuletide Bride, To Kill A Monarch
November 3, 2016
Daylight Savings Time Coming by Stacy Hoff
Daylight Saving Time is coming. We’ll be gaining an extra hour, and for that, I an truly grateful. Man, do I need some extra sleep! Or maybe I’ll take time to cook. Or clean up my house, which could seriously use it. The possibilities are endless!
Or maybe I’ll actually start to write again. I’ve been doing so much promo, I haven’t touched a computer for creative purposes for several weeks. My muse needs resuscitation before it dies.
The truth is, I have no idea what to do with free time. It’s such a rare, valuable commodity. How do I spend it first?
Let me know what you do with your spare time. And don’t forget to change your clocks. (Yes, even the one on the microwave.)
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
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: A writer's life, romance, Stacy Hoff
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