Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 173
August 18, 2016
Cover Reveal by Stacy Hoff
Of all the posts I do for Nights of Passion, cover reveals are my favorite. Cover reveals are my time to celebrate a melding of two arts – visual art and the art of writing. Seeing how a graphic designer interprets my written story is always a thrill for me. Even better, each new book cover gives me fresh insight into my own story.
So, without further ado, here is the new cover for my upcoming full-length contemporary romance, JOCKEYING FOR YOU, to be released September 28, 2016! (Cue fanfare trumpets!)
I hope you like this new cover. I think it sums up my newest story quite well. But see for yourself – here is the book blurb – and then let me know what you think. I’d love your feedback!
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?
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: Cover Art, Cover Reveal, Marketing, Promotion, romance, romance novels, Stacy Hoff, Writer's Life
August 17, 2016
I Survived Rust City Book Con! by Heather Novak
As I look at my collection of awesome – books everywhere, posters, hand drawn promo, signing bags, and I am in awe of how amazing my life is!
I’m coming down off the high of a book convention (August 12 – 14). Rust City Book Convention in Troy, Michigan was brilliant! Being my third conference, my second book signing, and my first experience speaking on panels, I was simultaneously excited, nervous, twitchy, flammable…
You get it.
If you’re a reader, you know the benefit of a con – YOU GET TO MEET ALL THE AUTHORS AND GET ALL THE SWAG! Free books, free pens, free games, free buttons, amazing pictures, etc.
But why go as a writer? Why go as a writer who is struggling? Why go as a writer who is very successful?
Because, as my new author friend Sara Dobie Bauer puts it, we are all “high–functioning introverts.” (You can read about her experience here)
We need the connection, the feeling we get walking into a room full of people who think like us and act like us, sniff books like us, get excited over characters like us. We need the people who know how to get through rejections and contract negotiations; the writers like Robyn Carr who fell down for eight years before getting back up and launching to the top. We need the connections! NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK!
Also, let’s not forgot, improving your craft. My two favorite things that I learned were:
1) Your hero is only as good as your villain.
2) Treat books like three acts, as opposed to beginning, middle, and end, so there’s no saggy middle.
The second line was said by a friend I write with all the time. But had I not been at that panel, I would not have heard her say that line. That line really helped me rethink the structure of my story.
So why Rust City? Why a small conference in its first year?
The benefit of Rust City was proximity and price – it was half the cost of most conventions/conferences I’ve seen AND it was 5 miles away. I was so in. Also, open to ALL fiction genres. Sci-fi, young adult, new adult, suspense, and romance were the top hitters this year. But you know us romance folks, we travel in packs!
A group of t
he Greater Detroit Romance Writers crashed the gates Thursday night to gab, drink wine, and pick up our registrations. Jackie, the master of ceremonies, thoughtfully put our schedules on the back of our name tags. EVERY CONFERENCE EVER SHOULD DO THIS! This was amazing.
My first panel on diverse locations was Friday morning, bright and early. I was freaking the heck out! It was a small room, which helped the nerves, and my fellow GDRWA members were there to support me and ask questions. I sat next to Elizabeth Hunter (check) who writes books in Russia and Antarctica. Her research process was amazing! We ended up sitting next to each other a few more times and I can’t wait to download her ebook!
My next panel was Saturday morning and it was EPIC! Improv Flash Fiction is exactly as fun as it sounds – the audience gives us a setting, a genre, and one object and set us loos
e. I sat between a paranormal author and an erotic author, which was as amazing as it sounded. I laughed until I cried and snorted at least once. (Seriously, someone find a picture of this!) An hour of making stories up was not only great for my creativity, but I ended up buying most of the authors’ books on the panel.
Saturday afternoon was the charity book signing. There is nothing like a book signing to make you feel like a real author. Sitting in a room with old and new-found friends, I sat up straight and ready to roll when my book club ladies cruised in and made a ruckus – just the way I like. A few of my friends followed, along with my fiancé and my family. It was amazing to be supported by them. I even sold books to a few people who had never heard of me before
August 16, 2016
Go For It
Why do we spend so much time living in fear? Will it really matter to us as we are lying on our death beds? And if it does matter, what will be thinking about, the fact that we never tried something due to fear or the fact that we might have failed?
The truth is I don’t know the answers to any of the questions, but in my mind, I’m the type of person who doesn’t really see there is much to lose in most cases (I say most, not all). I have a peer of mine who was meant to take a financial exam the same week I was and he backed out. Said he wasn’t ready. But I don’t believe it. I saw him studying, I had him explain things to me. He has the skills, just not the nerves which I get… and I’m not a doctor… perhaps that is enough to keep you out of the game for a prolonged period. Gosh, I’ve thought about running a ½ marathon for ages, hoping that someday I’d start thinking about a whole marathon. I’m definitely not in shape now but I never really get in shape—partly because I can’t ever get my mind wrapped around accepting that pushing myself is going to hurt a bit in a way that I’m not quite used to.
I will say I’m proud of myself for passing that damn test and for now applying for a job I’m truly excited about. I set out to do it over a year ago and it honestly felt like it was never going to happen. Determination and commitment are pretty hard traits to stick to, especially when plans go beyond a couple weeks.
So what’s it going to be for you? Anything you want so bad but are too scared to go for? Do you really think you are going to care when you are an old man or lady rocking out on your front porch (I know that is not the image all of you see for yourselves but humor me) and your grandchild asks you about regrets in life? My thought, go for it and see what happens. It may be the best move you’ve made yet or at least, we learn another one of life’s many lessons
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
My Alpha Chick is Here! by Mandy Rosko
The mug didn’t come in, but the pillow and the tote bag did.
August 14, 2016
Summer’s Burning Wet Paranormal-Scope
Summer is fun for some people, when it’s not scorching hot or flooding.
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 have their fans going full blast! Drink water and take it easy. Are you taking care of yourself?
Taurus:
Fire ants are on the march. Keep your head low and focus on work. Let trouble pass you by.
Gemini:
Water sprites are in your area. Take precautions for severe weather. Expect delays to get where you’re going.
Cancer:
Mermaids rule. They swim deep to avoid storms. Make your home a sanctuary with emergency supplies as well as comfort items.
Leo:
Salamander are fire sprites. They light the way to wisdom. Take a course in something you’ve always wanted to know.
Virgo:
Sirens led sailors to destruction. Don’t be mislead by the gossip of others. Keep true to your path and don’t listen.
Libra:
The Hippocamp (half fish, half horse) pulls Poseidon’s chariot. You will come to the attention of higher ups. Keep doing your best work.
Scorpio:
A Selkie has come into your life to spend some special moments. Enjoy the time you have and don’t worry about the future.
Sagittarius:
A Chimera with its many heads can multi-task easily. You have only one head. Make lists, and don’t overload your plate.
Capricorn:
Avoid the Kraken. Avoid trouble this week and keep calm. All will resolve itself.
Aquarius:
Be like the Phoenix and rise from the ashes of past disappointments. Take wing. Your future is ahead of you. Don’t look back.
Pisces:
Dragons are cozy creatures, concerned for the comfort of others. A friend will come into your life and make it better.
-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
August 13, 2016
This summer I had the great opportunity to work on a box ...
This summer I had the great opportunity to work on a box set with nine other writers called Roar, Growl, & Kiss. Maria & The Angel, from my Short Seductions Series is included. I’ve doubled the length of this short story, adding never before published scenes. (Each story in the Short Seductions Series can be read as a stand alone.) If you love shifters and .99 box sets, check out Roar, Growl, & Kiss.
A SIZZLING SET OF 10 SEXY SHIFTER STORIES!
From a pack of New York Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling paranormal authors comes a collection of 10 shifter romances that will leave you howling for more! Grab it today before it’s gone forever!
Walk on the Striped Side by Jessie Lane —Gage Ivanov is a stupid beast. He let the woman who should be his mate go because she couldn’t be told of his Other identity. Now Elena’s back, but she refuses to give in to his demands for her to be his mate. Does he have his claws in her for good? Or is she just yanking his tail?
Alpha Wolf Rising by Eliza Gayle — Before she can become Alpha, Sierra must take a wolf mate. However, she’s in love with two men, one of whom is strictly forbidden. When the pack is attacked and a temperamental stranger from the past threatens to send them spiraling apart, she must choose between love and duty.
London Howl by HM McQueen — International settings, a super model wolf shifter and off the charts chemistry make this a sizzling read.
Dragon’s Honor by Mina Carter — Misson: Protection duty. No one said anything about black magic or the most powerful magic of all. The call to mate…
Bearly Hanging On by Marina Maddix — It may be against the rules, but when a hot eagle shifter lands at an exclusive resort, one employee really wants to ruffle his feathers. What’s a curvy kitty to do?
Her Shifter Secret by Flora Dare — She’s a witch trying to forget the past. He’s a shifter who never wants to forget. But if they don’t worry about their future…they won’t have one.
Maria & the Angel by Jordan K. Rose — If pack law requires every wolf to mate and mating an outsider is forbidden, why has fate bound Maria’s heart to an angel?
Mate for a Month by Georgette St. Clair — Spoiled city girl Eileen Pennyroyal will do anything to seal a business deal that will win her father’s approval…but does that include a mating of convenience to a deeply damaged wolf shifter? Can Eileen convince semi-feral Marcus that he’s worth saving, before dark forces from his past come back to claim him for good?
Werewolf Wedding by Lynn Red — Delilah is barely keeping her head above water. Jake is the reluctant alpha of a secretive pack of werewolves whose brother is gunning to take over the pack. When their worlds collide, will they survive? Or will they end up bait before there can be a werewolf wedding?
Fast & the Furriest by Celia Kyle — One headline changed weretiger life forever: Ladies, like a tiger’s stripes? Tug his tail and keep him forever! Now Ares has a town of stripe-hunting women looking for a tiger’s tail to pull and… a full moon on the horizon.
Grab your copy of Roar, Growl, & Kiss here.
Find me on:
Website Twitter Facebook Pinterest Goodreads Amazon author page
Filed under: romance
August 12, 2016
Putting a Book to Bed – Almost!
Recently I returned the semi-final version of my novel, Vampire Princess of New York, 
Book 2 of the Arnhem Knights of New York series, to my editor. When I was reviewing it, there were details I looked for.
Was the English correct?
Was the French correct?
Did I leave anything unclear?
Since my vampires are telepathic, were those sections clear?
Were there still unnecessary sections bogging down the story?
So what do I do now? I wait for the final. I work on Book 3 in the Arnhem Knights of New York series. I write notes for the books that follow. My husband wanted me to go to Mystic Seaport with him and I went. Why? Because life is meant to be enjoyed. Also whenever I get “edits” back, I glue myself to my laptop until they’re finished.
I’m getting very excited and can’t wait to see the cover. It’s also a story I’m completely in love with. You get to know the Vampire King’s daughter Noblesse. In Book 1 of the Arnhem Knights of New York, she was her father’s assistant and bodyguard. Noblesse was the straight arrow with her mind always on business or watching Max’s back.
In Book 2, she really lets her hair down. You also get an insider’s view of her family including a secret vampire ritual. Being torn between two men, Noblesse has a lot to decide. The fact that both are keeping secrets from her is not a good thing. It’s an intensely passionate book once she finds love. Then two cities claim her heart. How can she choose between New York and Paris?
So I’m putting a book to bed . . . almost. In this middle space of waiting, I’ll live life and write other things. What would you do?
-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
August 11, 2016
Live Action Writing by Stacy Hoff
My new release is coming up, and this book is one of my favorites. That’s because the real life research I conducted exactly one year ago (August, 2015) was as enjoyable for me as the writing process itself. What’s even better is that I’ll be heading back to Saratoga, where a lot of this research took place.
I expected to learn lots of important information in 2015 while visiting the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, as well as the Oklahoma Training Track. And I did. These fine organizations helped me construct the framework for my story. I would never have understood the mechanics of the horse racing world nearly so well without seeing these facilities, taking their tours, and speaking to their wonderful staff in person.
What I didn’t expect was all the “soft” learning I would experience from several other locations in Saratoga Springs. These ancillary facts would weave their way in to my story. These opportunities happened by kismet, such as:
Wandering into derby hat shops to find out why these hats are so popular in the horse racing world, and why they are so ornate.
Taking a water tour hike (and drinking the fabled waters of) New York’s Saratoga Spa State Park.
Taking a mineral bath at the historic Roosevelt Baths & Spa (I REALLY enjoyed this one. Soaking in a beautiful private bath, filled with waters purported to heal, was a true treat. Ahhhhhhh!)
Having cocktails at one of the hippest spots in downtown Saratoga Springs, a restaurant known by its address, 15 Church.
Strolling along sidewalks to see town-sponsored artwork that makes this Victorian-era town modern, fun and utterly unique.
I drove to Saratoga Springs in August, 2015, with a checklist of research goals to be accomplished. I drove out with an armload of knowledge, and several fabulous real life experiences I will never forget. And I’m driving back this summer because there’s no place like Saratoga.
Have you ever done any real life writing research? Or gone some place so wonderful you wanted to write about it?
Below is the Book blurb for JOCKEYING FOR YOU (to be released 9/28/16) Cover reveal next Friday, August 19th!
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
Book Blurb for JOCKEYING FOR YOU
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?
Pictures above taken of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga Spa State Park by Stacy Hoff. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.
Filed under: romance, Stacy Hoff, writing research
August 10, 2016
Rust City Book Convention – Live Appearance – by Heather Novak
Hello Friends!
I’m super excited to tell you about the awesome convention I’ll be hanging out at this weekend! If you’re around Troy, Michigan, make sure to stop by the Troy Marriott to check out panels for writers and readers, meet and greets, and the charity book signing! (Full schedule here.)
But where can you find me?
Friday
9:30 am – 10:30 am
A DIVERSE WORLD (D2)
Jon David, Elizabeth Harmon, Jordin Mack, Heather Novak
Steampunk is often set in Victorian London; Urban Fantasy is often set in the middle of a large city; Romance is often set in a picturesque town. What is it about these locales that have made them so common? Why haven’t we seen seen settings in different cultures or areas? Where would we love to see a story take place? Where should genre fiction explore next?
Saturday
10:45 am – 11:45 am
IMPROV FLASH FICTION (D2)
Nancy Holzner, Lita Lawson, Heather Novak, Marianne Wieland, Duane Wurst
Fast paced and quick witted, authors create stories in real time, “round robin” style, using prompts from the audience.
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Charity Book Signing – Open to the Public (Grand Ballroom)
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
YOUNG ADULT / NEW ADULT MEET & GREET (D4)
J. Leigh Bailey, Vanessa M. Knight, Jordin Mack, Heather Novak, MK Schiller, Alexandria Sure, and Duane Wurst
(You should all come to the meet and greet. I gave up VIP Josh Groban/Foy Vance tickets to be awesome with you instead!)
Sunday
10:45 am – 11:45 am
ROMANTIC ENTANGLEMENTS (D4)
Linda Bradley, Elizabeth Heiter, Kristina Knight, Heather Novak, Gina Sterling
How important is the romance to a story? Balancing the chemistry with the plot – slow burn vs explosion.
So, Heather. What is this charity book signing you speak of?
From 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday, August 13, you can come visit a slew of authors who are signing autographs, giving away swag, and generally making mischief for the cost of a used book. That’s right! Here’s how to get in:
The signing is a FREE activity, open to the public, however we are asking everyone to bring a gently used book (childrens through adult) to help fill a new #FreeLittleLibrary to be installed within the community after the event. The location of the library, as well as the library itself, will be revealed/displayed during the book signing.
I will be there with copies of Hunting Witch Hazel, as well as cover reveals for Threat of Raine and Rosemary for Remembrance. To check out the AMAZING list of authors, click here.
Then, go have dinner at any of Troy’s amazing restaurants, including P.F. Chang’s, and come visit us for the Meet & Greet after the signing!
BONUS: If you come to see me and mention this blog post and promise to leave a review, I will give you a free copy of Hunting Witch Hazel.
Hope to see you there!!
On this day in 1969 – Diana Ross invited 350 guests to a Beverly Hills club to see the newest Motown act, The Jackson 5.
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
August 9, 2016
Slow & Steady Wins The Race by Mandy Rosko
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
How do you write a book? A thousand words at a time
Between edit deadlines, word counts for other books I’m contracted for, and wasting time on Youtube, I finally managed to get another thousand words in on Alpha Dragon. It’s at 24k words now, which isn’t even half of the estimated goal.
Oh yeah, and that goal looks like it just jumped by another 10K words.
Yay writing!
So, I just keep reminding myself of that little saying above. I hear it from time to time on an artist’s podcast that’s made for people who like drawing, painting, digital art, etc, and every time I hear it, I know that the same idea can be applied to writing, because it’s true. No one finishes a 70-100k word manuscript without slowly, or quickly, chipping away at that mountain of words that needs to be put on the page.
So this is a nice little pick me up for both myself and for you. If you’ve got a project going, whether it’s writing, scrapbooking, painting, just remember how you eat an elephant, and everything will be fine, you’ll hit that October deadline, and you can stop freaking out
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