Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 168
October 5, 2016
Inspiration by Linda Bradley (by Heather Novak)
Author Linda Bradley
Hello Nights of Passion Readers! I’m off getting hitched, so please welcome my first guest blogger, women’s fiction author Linda Bradley! See you all in a few weeks.
Love,
Heather
***
Inspiration
John Steinbeck said, “A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.”
Writing the Montana Bound Series was my road trip on the highway of life when I needed it most. After spending years writing, going to conferences, and attending writing meetings, I wasn’t sure when or if I’d see my work in print so when Maggie Abernathy and her cast of misfits crept into my thoughts, I knew I had to listen.
The catalyst for my debut novel, Maggie’s Way, was cancer itself. Being diagnosed with 
breast cancer at the age of forty-eight seemed to be the wake-up call that put my world in perspective. While raising two boys, they came first, but I promised myself that I’d follow my dream of being a published author when the time came. And when the opportunity presented itself, it was important for me to show them that with sincere perseverance I’d obtain my goal regardless of the obstacles. Someone once told me that I was a master at manipulating negative energy to fuel productive and beautiful things and this was no different, there was no part of me that would accept anything less than my best effort when the chips were down. Beating cancer was just as sweet as seeing my name in print. Maggie’s Way, began as a single title, but as I neared the end, I realized Maggie’s journey had just begun.
For both of us, the journey continued when I wrote Maggie’s Fork in the Road. In this book, Maggie begins the next chapter of her life feeling content, then the pesky neighbors that have stolen her heart break the news they’re moving and not around the block. Her 
world is turned upside down with the reality that her eight-year-old sidekick Chloe won’t be barging into her life any more. And where there’s Chloe, there’s drama, along with her handsome dad, John. Although, I don’t live next door to a youngster named Chloe and a Montana born man, I think we all know that finding our footing doesn’t come easily when someone yanks the carpet of stability from beneath our feet. And with this book, I veered from the path yet again and discovered new avenues of inspiration.
Montana called to me, and I listened.
I stood behind the counter of the retail store where I was working to supplement my full-time teaching gig and I knew if I didn’t go I’d regret it. So I made the impromptu trek and took someone very special with me, my oldest son, who was twenty-two at the time. Not being familiar with Montana, I didn’t know what part to explore, so I let him choose the destination. Trusting my intuition that I was on the right path, we flew into Bozeman and headed for the 320 Ranch. When we stepped into the 
sweet aroma of wildflowers and sage, I knew we’d found a slice of paradise and a missing piece to my puzzle.
By nature, I’m a worrier, a planner, things I suppose John Steinbeck would find fruitless according to his quote and rightly so, so I’d like to believe that when I wrote the Montana Bound Series, I let the “trip take me”. Beautiful things happened. Beautiful people happened. Meeting fabulous people along the way has been just as much an inspiration as what drives the storyline.
Maggie’s world will continue in the release of Maggie’s Montana on October 12, 2016, but she and her sidekick, Chloe McIntyre, will not be at rest after this episode. I’m working on another Montana series written from Chloe’s perspective as an adult. So, I guess you could say that when I met Maggie and Chloe, I found my voice and the path I’d been searching for.
Like anything, one thing leads to another. All forks in the road lead home and presently Montana is showing me the way.
Bio
Linda’s inspiration comes from her favorite authors and life itself. Her women’s fiction highlights characters that peel away outer layers of life to discover the heart of their dreams with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. Her writing integrates humor found in everyday situations, as well as touching moments, thus creating avenues for readers to connect with her characters.
Linda has an Associates Degree in Interior Design and a Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts with undergraduate work in Elementary Education and Fine Arts. She wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled The Hunter for her Master’s Degree. Linda is a member of RWA, as well as the Greater Detroit Chapter of RWA.
Linda has two grown sons and lives with her husband and rescue dog in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Blurbs
Middle-aged, Maggie Abernathy just wants to recuperate from cancer during the solitude of summer vacation after a tiresome year of teaching second grade. Maggie’s plans are foiled when precocious seven-year-old Chloe McIntyre moves in next door with her dad, John. Maggie’s life changes in a way she could never imagine when the pesky new neighbors steal her heart. With Maggie’s grown son away, her ex-husband in the shadows, her meddling mother’s unannounced visits, and Chloe McIntyre on her heels, somehow Maggie’s empty house becomes home again.
Maggie’s Fork in the Road (book 2)
Maggie Abernathy learns that pesky neighbors, John and Chloe McIntyre are moving to Montana. The only problem is…she can’t fathom living without them now that they’ve stolen her heart. While trying to digest the news and accept John’s decision to leave Michigan, Maggie ventures to Chicago with Chloe to see Chloe’s Hollywood mother in a photo shoot, where the three kindle a quirky bond. With the support of Maggie’s meddling mother, best friend Judy, and a surprise visit from Montana rancher, Winston Ludlow McIntyre, Maggie begins to fathom that all forks in the road just might lead home.
Maggie’s Montana (book 3)
Maggie Abernathy, best friend Judy, and Judy’s two young sons travel cross country to visit John McIntyre and daughter Chloe at their Montana ranch. Maggie’s convinced herself that she’s only making the trip to fulfill her promise to visit Chloe, but once there she can’t help but fall in love with the horses, the land, the ranch, and the Montana ways of life. With Chloe’s loving antics, Winston’s gift, and a handful of wranglers showing her the ropes will Maggie have the heart to return home?
Keep track of Linda!
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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 4, 2016
Start Small
There are many times where we each have the intentions of completing a very big task. We start it and it dawns on us just how big it is…and then we realize that it may be a bit or a lot more complex than we were initially thinking. We become overwhelmed and it is at this time we feel that we simply need some space– a break from the crushing load. Ever been there? I certainly have.
So why bring this up. Well, this to me was writing a book the first go round. And I share this because many folks start to write books and don’t necessarily finish them. I’m not sure there is any remedy for this. It is like many things we set out to do–we simply push our way through to the end. That all being said, if you enjoy writing and weaving the storyline, spending so much time doing so is not a hardship. Even still, there is some wisdom in taking a break every now and then. Absence does provide some degree of clarity.
So back to the title of this blog and the bit of sage advice I can provide when it comes to writing or any other thing that seems overwhelming. Start small and take it step by step. If you think back to nearly everything you’ve tried in life (driving, washing clothes, cooking, school, etc)they may have seemed difficult at some time or other. Starting small and chipping away will make the large and complex seem small and simple or at least a bit easier to tackle. What have you got to lose?
Happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
October 3, 2016
Sometimes I Spend My Money On Stupid Things by Mandy Rosko
But those stupid things can be awesome
Autumn Trees Paranormal-Scope
Brilliant Autumn Tree
Like a flame
Our trees are just starting to change color. I love this time of year. There are storm winds blowing south of here.
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:
Dragons love to decorate their caves for the holidays. Get in the mood. There is still time to get a pumpkin.
Taurus:
Griffons are fierce in any storm. There are some problems you don’t need. Don’t get involve unless it directly involves you.
Gemini:
Were-penguins kiss. It’s true love is in the air. You will find a passion! It could be a person or an activity.
Cancer:
Elves think you’re cute and have bestowed a gift of good luck.
Leo:
Pixies may be cute but never judge a book by its cover.
Virgo:
Were-tigers love pie. Expand your cooking prowess. Gather with family or friends for a feast.
Libra:
Shapeshifters are bargain shopping. Look for the deals and watch your pennies.
Scorpio:
Werewolves run for exercise. Re-evaluate your exercise regimen. Put more fun in it. Always check with your doctor first.
Sagittarius:
Faeries light the way for the brave. You are brave inside. It’s time to be brave in life outside too.
Capricorn:
Dragons fly straight and with focus. A journey is ahead. You’ll be fine as long as you relax and flow with the air current.
Aquarius:
Unicorns can purify water. Look to your health. Are you taking good care of yourself?
Pisces:
Mermaids float on the surface to see the colors in the tree leaves. They are ready for an adventure. Are you?
-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.
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 1, 2016
Under The Kissing Bough
I’m off to an incredibly busy autumn! I’m revamping my website, which is coming along quite nicely, though requires that I think about design and placement and brand and all the other things I’d rather not think about.
On October 14-15 I’m going to the Fall In Love With New England conference, the only conference I’m attending this year.
And, I have a new book coming out! I’m super-delighted to share that Her Vampire Protector, Novella Seven in the Romance In Central City Series is being included in the holiday box set Under The Kissing Bough with 14 other wonderful stories.
15 brand-new novellas. 15 best-selling romance authors. A holiday-themed collection like no other.
What happens under the kissing bough doesn’t necessarily stay beneath the kissing bough….
According to lore, the origins of which date to the late 12th century, no lady should refuse a kiss beneath the mistletoe, else she will not marry in the next year. In exchange for the kiss, a berry is removed from the sprig until all of the berries are gone and no more kisses can be stolen. Some also believe that a sprig of mistletoe collected from a local church and placed beneath a maiden’s pillow will inspire dreams of her future husband.
What happens when fifteen daring heroines pin their hopes on mistletoe, a little luck, and a kiss in this multi-genre, limited edition holiday collection from 15 bestselling authors? Pure holiday magic!
This set includes USA TODAY bestselling and National bestselling authors Sandy Blair, Suzanne Ferrell, Kathryn Le Veque, Jeanne Adams, Anna Campbell, Tina De Salvo, Barbara Devlin, Joan Kayse, Catherine Kean, Anna Markland, Hildie McQueen, Meara Platt, Elizabeth Rose, Jordan K. Rose, and Lana Williams.
I know we’re all still working on our halloween costumes and then we’ll start thinking about turkey dinners and Thanksgiving, but Christmas will be here before we know it. And, anytime is a good time for a bit of holiday romance!
Under The Kissing Bough is now available for preorder. It’s only .99. Don’t miss out!
Her Vampire Protector is Selene and Oswald’s story. He’s a brash playboy and she’s not very experienced in the ways of love. Together they are completely out of their elements and hopelessly in love with each other. But can Selene possibly trust a man with a reputation for sleeping with every woman he sees?
Filed under: romance
September 30, 2016
3 Fun Things Now and Coming Up
Things are happening at light speed, and I’m working to keep up. While I prepare for the conference in New Hampshire, there are three fun things happening now or coming up.
I was interviewed by Uncaged Book Reviews magazine for their special October paranormal issue. It’s a fun read and it’s free. My interview begins on page 63. Here’s the link so you can check it out too.
http://uncagedbooks.blogspot.com/2016/09/uncaged-book-reviews-issue-3-october.html
The 2nd fun thing is the pre-sale of my book Vampire Princess of New York on Amazon Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Princess-York-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B01LWXYX1G/
It will also be available on Kindle Unlimited.
The 3rd fun thing is the booksigning that is free and open to the public in Manchester, New Hampshire on October, 15th from 2-5 p.m. in the Best Western Executive Court Inn’s Roosevelt Room.
It’s part of the Fall in Love with New England Romance Readers/Authors Conference, but you don’t have to be part of the conference to go.
-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, Author Interviews, Book Reviews, Booksigning, Halloween, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, Nothing is Impossible!, paranormal, paranormal romance, Pre-Order, Readers Conference, 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, Writer's Life, Yule
September 29, 2016
Multi-Tasking Madness by Stacy Hoff
Wow, release week for JOCKEYING FOR YOU has brought a storm of activity for me! I’m in the heart of book promo tours, guest blogs, and a social media frenzy. And I have not had even one psychotic episode. Yet. Time has yet to tell.
This may be my fourth release, but the process hasn’t gotten any less daunting. Or exhausting. The upside, however, has been a surging adrenaline rush. Without this, I would surely crash and burn. By the time the holidays arrive I’ll be a babbling idiot. But until then, I should be able to keep coherency. I will do my best to try.
For those who want to see proof my my multi-talking, click the link to another place I’m blogging today—the well-respected website, Jaunty Quills, where I am the guest of best-selling author Kristan Higgins. http://jauntyquills.com
Thanks to everyone who has shown support during my wild ride!
CONTEST – enter the contest to win an e-copy ARC of LAWFULLY YOURS, DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES or DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC, plus a $5 Amazon gift card. Void as prohibited by law, see the link for details: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...
Jockeying for You – Book Blurb
Jake Carter is on a mission—to prove his family wrong. He may have bought a troubled horse, but he’s hired Ryder Hannon, a “horse whisperer,” to get his horse back on track. She’s more than just a trainer to him, she’s the woman he’s been looking for.
Ryder Hannon, a thoroughbred horse trainer, has a big problem—fighting her fear of racing again. Her emotional scars run deeper than her physical ones. But her romantic feelings towards handsome, uber-rich, stable owner Jake Carter is a bigger problem. Is Jake truly in love with her or is he using her to get back at his smug family?
When Jake’s jockey gets injured, he wants Ryder to race. He knows deep down she wants to live up to her family’s legacy. So why does she keep fighting him—and her destiny—so hard?
Buy Link for JOCKEYING FOR YOU: http://bit.ly/2dAuOr3
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
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, New Release, Promotion, publishing, romance novels, Sports romance, Stacy Hoff
September 28, 2016
This is the Final Countdown by Heather Novak
Here we are, Nights of Passion. Eight days until my wedding. I’m so ready.
Where does that leave you, my fellow readers? Don’t worry. I have some AMAZING guest posts and interviews coming up in the month of October and I’m rounding it all off with one awesome giveaway on October 27!
Aww, we’re so cute when we try and be serious!
As my brain is pretty much mush from staring at seating charts wondering why I need to separate Aunt Clara and Aunt Georgiana when a fight between the two of them would be free entertainment, I’m going to share a story with you…
The story of how I almost met my fiancé.
It all started one dark and stormy night…
No, it didn’t.
It was broad daylight.
April 2010
Friday night
I was invited to attend a (former) friend’s wedding. I was also in a wedding the following day and had dress rehearsal. I was also very newly single.
What’s a girl to do?
I invited a lady-date and hit the town. Er, in this case, we hit the wedding ceremony. At the ceremony I saw him. Tall, well groomed, pulling off suit pants like you would NOT believe, gorgeous eyes.
However, the ceremony started late and my lady-date and I took off right after the “I do’s” to hit a church on the other side of town for the rehearsal. After the rehearsal, we booked it back to the reception and made it as the bride was walking into the venue (winning!). It was by far the best food I’ve ever had a wedding, you know, except my wedding. (Seriously, we’re having maple syrup carrots, shut up.)
I saw him again. Across the room, laughing at something. Holy cats, that smile made my heart do that weird jumpy thing. The bride came over, and I asked her about him. She told me his nickname was “P” (for his last name) and divulged that he lived across the country. Well, drat.
But when did a little distance ever stop me?
I tried to catch his eye and wave. He didn’t see me. Then he was gone. Poof, disappeared.
It would take us another 9 months to meet again.
In those months, I littered the way with bad dates, a half-a-minute relationship, and 3 separate occasions when I missed meeting “P” by literally ten minutes. Seriously.
Flash forward to this very awkward blind group date where I’m the “fresh meat.” My date is very obviously into one of the married women (I’m told they later got married) and I am swearing off men (and women) for a while. I’m done like dinner.
Until my former friend’s husband sat down next to me and said, “You need to date again, but not this dude. What about our friend ‘P’?” He pulled up “P’s” picture on his phone and I saw the hot wedding guy staring back at me.
So right there, on that date, I typed him a Facebook message and introduced myself. One month later, he came for a visit and we went on our first official date. Two years later, we moved in together. Now, almost six years later, we’re tying the knot!
Sadly, the couple who introduced us had a very storybook breakup (in the bad way) and there were friend casualties on all sides. But I will always be thankful that they brought my prince and me together.
Fun fact: Earlier this year on my Facebook
memory thing, SIX YEARS after our missed meeting, I realized that my prince was SITTING AT THE TABLE NEXT TO ME AT THE WEDDING. Oh, how fickle fate can be.
I promise I’ll share fun wedding stories when I get back to blogging. Oh yeah, and book cover reveals and release dates for my next two Lynch Brother books! In the meantime, please enjoy A.J. Norris, Linda Bradley, Sara Dobie Bauer, and Rena Olsen for one heck of an October!
On this day in 1951 – The first network football game was televised by CBS-TV in color. The game was between the University of California and the University of Pennsylvania.
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
September 27, 2016
Power to Overcome
I met someone today who has an extraordinarily positive outlook on just about anything. He is a jolly sort of fellow and quite honestly reminds me of a young Santa Claus if you can imagine.
Now I am a fairly glass half full sort of person but he definitely trumped me, and when I asked how he remains so upbeat, I got the most vulnerable and astounding of answers. In short, the man attributed his attitude to having survived a brain tumor. He said having to relearn moving, walking, etc. really put life in perspective for him and as such, he takes most everything in stride.
With an experience such as this man’s, I couldn’t fault his logic, but what it also provided insight into was his persistence and grit to move forward, to overcome obstacles and to deal with what life threw his way.
Of course that got me thinking. This week on This American Life there was a part of the podcast dedicated to the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that occurred off the coast of Japan in 2011. The episode centered around a man who placed a phone booth in his garden as a way to call his cousin who disappeared (thought dead) at the time of the earthquake. The logic was that the wind would carry his messages to his cousin whom he so deeply missed. Eventually this booth caught on and the man had visitors from all over Japan. Once again, we are shown man’s ability to deal and overcome obstacle–admittedly some better than others.
I bring this up because we all go through our ups and downs, we all have our tests. What makes us unique is our ability to unite in so many ways and to use that unity to overcome anything should that be the death of a loved one, a lay off or a scathing critique of our book. Remember that as we are never alone and there is always someone else who is fighting or has fought or who will fight the same fight as we have.
Happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
Prizes Were Finally Shipped Out! Woot!
Okay, it’s been a while, but I finally got all the prizes I had lying around shipped out to the winners
From Nights of Passion Blog
- Susan Hanniford Crowley's profile
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