Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 167
October 16, 2016
A Homage to Fall in Love with New England Romance Readers/Authors Conference Paranormal-Scope
I just came back from the Fall in Love with New England Romance Readers/Authors Conference, and it was a magnificent event put on by author Ashlyn Chase and her wonderful helpers. Everyone there was just fantastic, friendly and just filled with fun. So I decided to have a little mischief with the paranormal-scope this week.
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:
Faeries are chattering. New friends are on your horizon.
Taurus:
Dragons are insightful creatures. You will receive insights that inspire you to new heights.
Gemini:
Shapeshifters are always changing. Changes are coming your way with new people and new ideas.
Cancer:
Werewolves howl their praise. You have congratulations coming your way. Bask in the glow.
Leo:
A Weretiger or two are coming your way. You will be surrounded by stimulating company. Take time to write down your thoughts.
Virgo:
Pixies enjoy counting pennies. An investment may pay off. Investigate before deciding to cash out. You might let it grow.
Libra:
Elves are notorious for finding all the facts of a matter. Don’t sign legal papers without thoroughly investigating.
Scorpio:
Griffons are eager to the flight. Get in enough exercise. Get out more and explore your world.
Sagittarius:
Werebunnies are all lovey-dovey. With new people hold your cards close. Let them reveal themselves to you.
Capricorn:
A vampire stands behind you. It’s nice to have that kind of strong support. You have great friends.
Aquarius:
Unlike a ghost, you’re communication skills will get you where you want to go. Refine them and get ahead.
Pisces:
Mermaids love to splash. You will be splashed with good fortune. Remember if it comes in cash, always put away some for a rainy day.
-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
October 15, 2016
Thank You for Supporting Ovarian Cancer Awareness
I’m so grateful for your support of my efforts to raise money for the Granulosa Cell Tumor Research Foundation. Granulosa Cell Tumors are a rare form of ovarian cancer, the same 
one I was diagnosed with last year.
Together we raised $250.
Thank you for joining the fight against ovarian cancer.
A Vampire’s Passion is the third story in the Romance In Central City Series. The seventh story, Her Vampire Protector releases on November 22nd in the Under The Kissing Bough box set, now available for preorder.
Filed under: romance 
October 14, 2016
Booksigning in New Hampshire
As I write this, I’m packing books for the big
booksigning I’m attending in
New Hampshire.
Free and Open to the Public Booksigning
Best Western Executive Court Inn
Roosevelt Room
Manchester, New Hampshire
Oct. 15, 2016 2-5 pm
I’ll be there with print copies of The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais and Vampire King of New York. Here’s for everyone having a great weekend!
-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.
Save
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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
October 13, 2016
Why Print Books Will Never Leave Me Cold by Stacy Hoff
A while back, an author I know posted a link to an article saying that the future of print books is actually a lot less dim than had been predicted (http://mentalfloss.com/article/85655/readers-still-prefer-physical-books-digital). I was glad to read that perspective because I am one of those holdouts – someone who loves to hold a book. (Ha ha.)
That’s my feelings as reader, anyway. As an author, I have my doubts. Most of my sales are from e-books. Sure, I sell print copies, but nowhere near proportionately to my ebook sales. From speaking with the many authors I know, I am not alone in this sales reality.
I’d love the market to change. Even if just a little. At least I’m doing my bit to help books stay in print. I’ve just got one more e-book formatted for print—DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC. The timing is great, ARCTIC had recently been made a finalist in the Las Vegas Romance Writers’ 2016 “I Heart Indie” contest.
I’ll be curious to see how DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC does with print sales. I hope well. Of course I will benefit, but so will printmakers, shippers, and good ‘ol fashioned readers. Like myself.
Yea for print! I’m so glad ARCTIC won’t leave me feeling chilled.
Do you prefer your books in print or e-format? I’d love to hear your opinion!
DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC – print edition http://amzn.to/2cubwCf
DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC – kindle edition http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES print version http://amzn.to/2dXO1zV
DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES Kindle version http://amzn.to/1YEseie
JOCKEYING FOR YOU http://amzn.to/2clOJK3
LAWFULLY YOURS print version http://amzn.to/2e6Ug8k
LAWFULLY YOURS Kindle version http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm
SEASON OF LOVE http://amzn.to/1NsByfu
Filed under: A writer's life, New Release, Promotion, Publications, publishing, Reading, romance, romance novels, romance reader, Stacy Hoff
October 12, 2016
Tips on Writing Dialogue by A.J. Norris (by Heather Novak)
Hello Nights of Passion Readers,
I’m off getting hitched, so please welcome my second guest blogger, romantic suspense and paranormal romance author A.J. Norris! See you all in a few weeks.
Love,
Heather
***
A.J. Norris is a romantic suspense and paranormal romance novelist. She began writing as a way to dim down the voices inside her head. She enjoys being able to get inside someone else’s head, even a fictional one, and see what they see. Watching how her characters deal with difficult situations or squirm with the uncomfortable ones makes the hard work of writing all worth it. She is a movie buff, especially book adaptations, loves watching her son play baseball and communing with other writers. She lives with her family who are extremely tolerant (at least most of the time) of all her late nights behind the computer.
Dialogue Writing Tips
Writing good dialogue is often tricky. Stilted unnatural sounding dialogue can ruin an otherwise fantastic story. Here is a list of some dialogue writing tips I’ve picked up along my writing journey. This list is by no means all-inclusive. They are just some of the things I try to keep in mind when writing. Please comment if you have any other helpful tips, I’m always open to suggestions.
Always read dialogue out loud. I cannot stress this enough. Dialogue should feel natural and never forced or stilted. In others words, keep it conversational.
Don’t use dialogue to spoon feed (info dump) information to the reader. Instead, show them with action. In other words, don’t give unsolicited information to your characters from one another. It not only slows the pacing but is a form of telling rather than showing.
There are some writing experts that will tell you not to use ellipses in dialogue. However, I find them useful to show pauses in speech, interruptions, words trailing off, to indicate a character is going to be droning on and on, or for emphasis on a particular word or phrase. You may also use an ‘em’ dash to show the character was cut off mid-sentence.
Use italics to emphasize a word.
Example using several of the tips taken from one of my books, Her Black Wings:
“I must have you. You’ll be my queen. Anything you want I shall give you.”
Anything? Really? She wanted to believe him. It.
“What are you?”
A low chuckle rumbled up from his gut. “I am everything,” he proclaimed.
“But what are you?”
“Darkness.”
She crinkled her brow. “What does that mean?”
“What does it sound like?”
“You’re nuts.”
He pulled his head back slightly. “Maybe.”
5. It’s not necessary to write dialogue using complete sentences all the time, as people often don’t speak in complete sentences. They sometimes cut each other off and answer questions with another question.
6. Don’t make your characters too polite. It’s unnatural for characters to be super nice and always listen and let others finish their sentences.
7. Use exclamation points sparingly. Generally, you won’t have to tell people the person is yelling with punctuation, the reader will be able to infer that through what’s happening in the scene or what is being said.
8. If the reader is clear on who the speaker is, it’s not necessary to use dialogue tags.
9. Read it out loud. Did I mention that yet?
10. Try to limit the narrative in between a character asking a question and another character’s response. Otherwise, the reader may forget the question before they get to the answer and get confused.
Thanks for joining us A.J. Norris! Make sure to check out her awesome books…I mean, how can you say no to the guy who looks like Hook from Once Upon a Time? (Just sayin’)
Find A.J. Norris at:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
A.J. Norris’s books:
Her Black Wings, Book one of the Dark Amulet Series
Her Black Heart, Book two of the Dark Amulet Series
Tattoo Killer, releasing October 18, 2016
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Instagram: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Hunting Witch Hazel: Now available
Threat of Raine: 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: 2016
Filed under: romance
October 11, 2016
Time to Reflect
It’s been a while since I’ve written anything beyond a blog or an email—specifically I mean it has been a while since I’ve written a novel. Do I miss it? Yeah, of course. But at this point in my life I’m choosing to expend a bit more effort and time to my day job. The hope is that in the long run, this will free me up to spend a little more time doing the writing I love. That being said, all this time has certainly given me a chance to reflect more. Reflect on what I’ve written and published, what I’ve written and not published and what I still want to write.
In my limited experience, when I first did a head dive into writing, it was writing every free moment I had. It is exciting because you can’t wait to share your story. You get wrapped up in the story and with the characters—it’s like it is coming alive around you. What it doesn’t give you is space and honestly, in the moment, you really don’t feel like you need space (at least I didn’t most of the time). All that being said, as I look back in my reflections, I do think there is a lot I might do differently in my books—not all of them but some of them. Some of this falls into planning, some of the changes may just be in my approach to characters and some of it comes from having a forward vision. At times we are so excited to get out that one book but the truth is that many publishers and readers look forward to a career author. Where that one book turns into more books, be they separate but just as good or better or be they a series spin off from that first book.
While I do think that at times we authors are always looking to change something, I also believe that reflecting over time, I’ve simply learned more, read more and given myself a chance to look at the industry on a larger scale. While I can’t necessarily change experience (and truth is I don’t think I would simply as it has all been a chance to learn), I can continue to grow going forward.
Happy writing this week folks and if it turns out all you have time to do this week is sit and think, that’s fine! It may benefit you more than you know.
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
October 10, 2016
Kidnapped by the Dragon by Mandy Rosko
I hope to one day get to the level where I can give them a monthly free novella. To all Patrons, even to the Patrons who drop me a dollar a month, since I am super grateful they would do that at all, and I know other Patrons have tiers were some people are cut off and others are not based on their donation amount.
I don’t want to do this. I want to make sure everyone gets something or has the chance to get something for being so amazing as to support me on Patreon. One thing I came up with was to post some of my new books as their being written. I have to post a minimum of 10-15K words a month I figure to make this worth it for Patrons, though I’m hoping to get more than that. When the book is finished, all Patrons will have access to the edited ebook version for free before I post it to Kindle and Draft2Digital as an extra reward
October 9, 2016
A Wet Paranormal-Scope
The rain has come and gently. It’s a blessing since we’re in a drought.
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:
Pixies bring surprises. Fascinating people are coming into your life. Go out and socialize.
Taurus:
Faeries are enchanting. The company you keep affects your moods and inspiration. Try to hang out with uplifting friends.
Gemini:
Werewolves go for a run when they have to make a life changing decision. A walk or other exercise may do the trick for you. It’s important to be clear headed.
Cancer:
Shapeshifters go with the flow. Music can inspire you at this time. Enjoy it and free your mind.
Leo:
Werebears have integrity and other admire them for it. These bears aren’t pushovers but stand by what is right.
Virgo:
Dragons love the feel of flying. They aren’t so hung up on where they’re going. Enjoy the journey of what you’re doing.
Libra:
Gnomes nourish plants knowing they bring fresh air into the world. Bring a new plant home and make a green friend.
Scorpio:
Elves trust their instincts. Trust yours. You may not be headed down the same path as others. You may have your own path.
Sagittarius:
Griffons are great leaders and many depend on them. But don’t forget you need someone to depend on too. Trust in a close friend.
Capricorn:
Dragon soars down to get you. Life is going to speed up — a lot. Be prepared for anything.
Aquarius:
Salamanders are fire spirits. Right now things are not what they seem. Don’t jump into the flames with visions of fortunes. You may get burned.
Pisces:
Mermaids love to express themselves. Do the same with fashion or art.
-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
October 8, 2016
Columbus Day Weekend Traditions
We all have traditions. Some are handed down from generation to generation like certain recipes used on holidays. Others are just begun by you and your kids. One of my favorite traditions happens this weekend.
It’s Columbus Day Weekend and that means an apple picking trip with my niece, who is no longer a little girl, but rather a fourteen-year-old young lady. In spite of her phone, tablet, laptop and having to be connected to her friends, she still comes joyfully along to pick apples with me.
Over the years our day’s events have changed from visiting the farm animals at one orchard to building a scarecrow and taking a hayride at another, then to picking apples. One year we even attempted a corn maze. That year we confirmed what I suspected. I hate mazes and cannot get out on my own and should never do them. That was the only year I considered never picking apples again!
Over the last couple years we’ve gone to breakfast at a local diner, then picked apples, and then an afternoon of shopping (because apples are fun, but shopping is funner!).
As little girls grow up some traditions become memories. I already have many wonderful memories of the little girl picking apples, but I’m so hoping we’ll be picking apples until she’s the one driving me around.
Here’s wishing you a Columbus Day Weekend filled with traditions that become beautiful memories.
Under the Kissing Bough, a 15 story Christmas box set is available for preorder now. My story is Her Vampire Protector, Novella Seven in the Romance In Central City Series.
Preorder today!
Filed under: romance
October 7, 2016
Book Launch Party & Contest for Vampire Princess of New York
Today I’m celebrating the book launch of Vampire Princess of New York which is available on Amazon Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Princess-York-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B01LWXYX1G/
I’m putting out a few cyber munchies for our guests. Lobster tails, shrimp cocktails, all kinds of tasty appetizers, wine, champagne, and my specialty double chocolate cake.
Oh, I almost forgot the blood wine and blood champagne.
This is the 2nd book in the Arnhem Knights of New York series, and it’s about Vampire King Max Vander Meer’s daughter Noblesse. She has some unique problems. In addition to ruling the vampires of New York in her father’s absence, she has been trying unsuccessfully for year to find out what happened to her mother who disappeared just prior to the French Revolution. As if she didn’t have enough on her plate, two men profess love for her. Unfortunately both are keeping secrets from her and it’s a matter of live and death.
Here is an excerpt from the book:
Having eaten in all the best restaurants, he enjoyed watching the woman eat. His own sensory appreciation was enhanced in her presence. Donovan wondered if it was just because Noblesse turned him on in every way imaginable.
When finished, they cleared everything away and sat on the settee in front of the fireplace. He shook his head.
“What’s wrong?”
“This is not comfortable, Sha. Please, stand up.” He moved the antique Louis XVI settee against the wall.
Disappearing for a moment into the bedroom, Donovan emerged with a blanket and two pillows and plunked them down in front of the fireplace.
“Now this is comfortable. That’s the problem with most antiques, ma chérie, they’re too hard to sit on.”
Noblesse laughed and flopped down on a pillow. Donovan sat on his facing her.
“Noble, I’d like some truth now.”
She sat up straight. “What do you mean, mon cher? I always tell you the truth.”
“When you don’t want to tell me, you avoid the subject by changing it. Why does your apartment look like rooms from the palace of Louis XVI? I know you hated the royals, so why would you do this?”
A blood tear dripped down Noblesse’s face. “My mother went to Paris to get a job. She sent letters with money back to my grandmother for us, then the letters stopped. It hurts me to talk about it.”
“You’re still searching for her?”
“Yes.”
Donovan took off his boots and socks, laying with his feet near the fire to warm them. “I want to help you search. Do you think her disappearance had something to do with the royals of that time?”
Noblesse nodded, kicking off her shoes and doing the same. She wiped her hand across her face, not wanting any tears to escape. Crying only caused blood stains and she hated that.
He bent downward and ever so lightly brushed his lips against hers. She leaned up accepting his kiss. They relaxed into each other. I wish his kiss could last forever. Donovan heard her wish and pulled her closer to his heart.
*
Now for the contest. One lucky commenter will win a Kindle ebook of Vampire Princess of New York. All you have to do to enter is make a comment in the comment box here and include “I love Noblesse,” your name and email. The deadline for the contest is Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 at noon Eastern time. The winner will be randomly drawn and posted in this post’s comment box on Sunday. Contest void where prohibited by law. Good luck, everyone.
If you can’t wait for the book. It’s here. https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Princess-York-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B01LWXYX1G/
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
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, Blog Party with Contests, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, Nothing is Impossible!, paranormal, paranormal romance, Pre-Order, 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, When Love Survives, Writer's Life, Yule
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