Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 174

#StrongWomen #Giveaway

In the month of August I’m participating in a giveaway with 150 authors in the genres you love! We are celebrating strong heroines by giving away $100 each week and 2 $1000 grand prizes, not to mention a bunch of free books!

Enter to the StrongWomen Giveaway here.

I’m please to be celebrating my heroine Eva Prim, who is best defined as a cross between I Love Lucy and Elvira! She’s a vampire on the hunt for friends. Her husband, Stefan, is best described as a Greek combination of Ricky Riccardo and Gomez Adams. He can hardly keep his hands off her and is always trying to stop her from wreaking havoc everywhere she goes!

Enjoy an excerpt of a letter Stefan writes to Eva from the first book in the series, The Demon Mistress.

October 3rd

Exeter, Rhode Island

My Flower,

I wish I were with you, but maintaining the sovereignty of our region calls me away from home, from you, the one I love above all others. Tonight being your birthday brings me added pain. Not being with you to celebrate the anniversary of the most glorious day in all my existence breaks my heart.

Each morning, when I lie down to rest, my memory is flooded with thoughts of you. Your brown eyes sparkle as your hot, demanding gaze wanders over me. That hungry smile sets my blood aflame. Your long, auburn hair tickles my skin while you trail soft, urgent kisses over my chest to my neck. I can barely contain myself as I enjoy the memory of your body against mine, the scent of your skin, the taste of your blood.

I shall do my best to deal with this situation in Maine and swiftly return to you, to your arms, to your love.

I’ve sent your gift with the messenger, a laptop computer to keep you connected to the world around us, to me. I look forward to your first vmail.

Your faithful and loving husband, Stefan

P.S.—Remember, Chrysanthemum, I am still your master so don’t try anything in my absence. This includes but is not limited to: creating a fledgling, scaring humans who refuse to see things from your perspective, fighting with the wolves (who by the way told me about the incident at the Tasty-Freeze), attempting to force any of the remaining captains to answer to you, excessive use of the credit cards (This includes online shopping. The computer is not to be used as a portal into every store in existence.), and spending time in my personal library. REMEMBER, YOU ARE FORBIDDEN FROM READING THOSE BOOKS!

Enter to the #StrongWomen #Giveaway here to win!

Contest void where prohibited. Contest is not run by Nights of Passion.

Filed under: romance

Guest today! Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Author Carole Ann Moleti

Welcome, Carole. We’re are so glad to have you with us today.

I’m so honored and excited to be appearing on the Nights of Passion Blog! Thanks for having me.

I just got back from Cape Cod, where I began this summer’s Novel Fun on the Summer Sun tour with fellow CTRWA member Deborah Ann Davis. I’m celebrating the Unfinished Business Series of paranormal romances. Both Breakwater Beach and The Widow’s Walk are set in the historic sea captain’s town of Brewster, Massachusetts. The rich seafaring history and timeless, ethereal beauty of this enclave and its beaches is the perfect setting for a romance. Ghost stories abound. The peace and quiet create an optimal environment for me to write, but I experienced something very special this year.

I’m currently at work on the third book in the series, Storm Watch. Well past the midpoint, I’ve been finding it hard to keep up momentum. But even though I’ve been living with the characters for over ten years. I’ve been living with myself a lot longer. I’ve vacationed on the Cape all my life, and there are so many memories and so many ghosts lurking in the sunbeams, hiding behind rocks, and lingering in the shadows at sunset.

Paine’s Creek at Sunset

In addition to being a fantasy and paranormal writer, or maybe because of that, I’m also a memoirist accustomed to switching to fiction when the story needs embellishment, a more interesting plot, or a more dramatic presentation. I grew up on the waterfront, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and motor boating. The taste of salt on my lips and its tingle in my nostrils when I dive underwater brings back powerful memories of my childhood, particularly my father, grandfather, and uncles who often took me along on their adventures. The male characters in the Unfinished Business Series are composites of these devoted family men who now only live on in my memories. Add in my mother, grandmothers and aunts, and there are enough loving, sometimes eccentric, and always boisterous moments to recall. Even the neighbors were full of local color: one raising ducks, lambs and chickens, and a retired iceman who still had his horse.

As I took my solitary, early morning walks on the Brewster Flats, the magnificent vistas breathed life back into the characters, who once again insisted on telling their stories their way. I dictated several key scenes, including their spirited, vivid dialogue, as I waded through tide pools to the horizon more than a mile offshore at low tide. An equally amazing moment was when, seated on Breakwater Beach, the boats left high and dry on the sand tricked me into thinking I was 10 years old again and that my father was the one scraping barnacles off the bottom to help it go faster when pulling me on a wakeboard (which was called something different way back then).

It inspired the opening of Storm Watch:

Either it was age or too much on his mind, but forgetting your morning routine was like getting lost in your own back yard. Mike was in the parking lot before he realized he’d forgotten to stop for tea. There was some water and soda aboard the Whaler-warm of course-some stale snacks too. The sun peeked through a bank of puffy white clouds, giving the hint of a beautiful day to come. But to the west, a dark expanse rolled over itself like a giant octopus, its tentacles undulating, slapping the shit out of the cottony sky. “Damn ghosts.”

Early morning beachcombers, at least a mile off shore, skim boarded, fished, and tended oyster farms. The golden glow of early morning glinted off water so blue it blended into the sky, with just a touch of whipped cream clouds to provide some perspective. Mike walked around the boat, trying to ignore the ominous counterbalance in the west as a nor’easter gathered strength over the open ocean. He pulled some seaweed off the bottom of the boat, lovingly replacing it in a tide pool. He not so lovingly scraped off the barnacles with the putty knife he kept in his pocket for such occasions, and they retaliated by ripping a gash across his knuckles.

Images: Starting with top left: microburst storm clouds in the distance, Mike’s Boat, errant rocks on Breakwater Beach

I’ve been preparing to write this series all my life, and it will be difficult to say goodbye to Mike and Liz, Sandra, Mae and Kevin. But writing their stories has helped me remember my own, and to enrich the prose with ethnographic as well as historical research.

The Unfinished Business Series

Webpage with excerpts and background: http://bit.ly/1Pr1y1x

Subscribe for updates and a special gift: http://eepurl.com/bfNver

Breakwater Beach: Book One

E-book now available, print coming Fall 2016

http://amzn.to/1VfwnZR

Liz Levine is convinced her recently deceased husband is engineering the sequence of events that propels her into a new life. But it’s sea captain Edward Barrett, the husband that died over a century ago, who has returned to complete their unfinished business. Edward’s lingering presence complicates all her plans and jeopardizes a new relationship that reawakens her passion for life and love. What are Captain Barrett’s plans for his wife, and for the man who is the new object of her affections?

Excerpt:

Mike tipped his hand in salute and went out to his truck. “Morning,” he said to Mae who was getting out of her van.

“Good morning’ to ya, too,” she replied, looking at him askance. “Come along, lassies, still plenty to do.”

Mae looked at Liz standing in the doorway wearing Mike’s sweatshirt. Her eyes traveled from Liz’s hair, still damp and caked with mud and sand, all the way down to her bare feet.

“Ehh . . . a change in plans, girls. We’ll start downstairs today. First, polish the woodwork and then clean all the fixtures. Then upstairs, after the missus has time to get dressed.”

Mae herded them out of the foyer then followed Liz upstairs, smiling like she was about to solve the crime of the century. “From the looks of ya, that was one wild night on the beach. Now ya best be hoppin’ into the tub after passin’ me the nightie. I’ll soak it and get that mud out before it’s ruined. I’ll freshen the big guy’s sweatshirt, too.”

“It was nothing like that, Mae.” Liz couldn’t bear the thought of having to explain this to another person she knew from another life.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not passin’ any judgment. To be honest, I’m relieved. Ya took my advice. There’s nothin’ wrong with livin’, Liz.”

The Widow’s Walk: Book Two

Available in e-book and print

http://amzn.to/1RNz7ce

Mike and Liz Keeny are newlyweds, new parents, and the proprietors of the Barrett Inn, an 1875 Victorian on Cape Cod, which just happens to be haunted. By their own ghosts. The Inn had become an annex of Purgatory, putting Mike, Liz, and their infant son in danger. Selling the historic seaside bed and breakfast was the only answer, one that Liz and her own tortured specter refused to consider. Were they doomed to follow the same path that led to disaster in their previous lives? Was getting out, getting away, enough?

Excerpt:

Silk rustled as she ran her hands over the dress. The lavender scent deepened as Elisabeth swirled around inside, Her mind went numb as the ghost took control. Liz slipped out of her clothes and stood naked in front of the mirror. She put up her hair, preening for her husband, before she stepped into the middle of the deep green skirts and pulled them up over her waist, slipped her arms into the sleeves, and twisted them behind her back to fasten the buttons. She used the buttonhook to do up the shoes, then peered out into the hallway.

Liz and hurried to the attic door. It wasn’t until she placed her hand on the banister and started up the steep staircase to the roof that Elisabeth’s needling eased. Like an addict in the throes of withdrawal, just the promise of being up there, her spirit communing with the long lost sea captain, offered relief.

Storm Watch: Book Three

Coming 2017

Mike and Liz thought they’d gotten control of the specters haunting the Barrett Inn. But things get very complicated when they’re the ghosts from your past life. The Category Five Hurricane bearing down on Cape Cod appears to be headed directly for them–or has it been spawned from inside them?

Visit Carole at:

http://amazon.com/author/carolemoleti

http://Twitter.com/Cmoleti

http://caroleannmoleti.com  Fiction

https://caroleannmoleti.info/ Nonfiction

https://www.facebook.com/CaroleAnnMoletiAuthor/

http://caroleannmoleti.blogspot.com

plus.google.com/103609323247390103301

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomCmoleti

Bio

Carole Ann Moleti lives and works as a nurse-midwife in New York City, thus explaining her fascination with all things paranormal, urban fantasy, and space opera. Her nonfiction focuses on health care, politics, and women’s issues. But her first love is writing science fiction and fantasy because walking through walls is less painful than running into them.

Books One and Two in the Unfinished Business series, Carole’s Cape Cod paranormal romance novels, Breakwater Beach and The Widow’s Walk, were published by Soul Mate Publishing. Book Three, Storm Watch, is expected in 2017. Urban fantasies set in the world of Carole’s novels have been featured in Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance, Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft, and Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires.

Excerpts of her memoirs, ranging from sweet and sentimental to edgy and irreverent, have been published in a variety of literary venues. Carole was awarded the Oasis Journal award for best nonfiction in 2009. She has a mommy memoir piece in the acclaimed Shifts Anthology.

Thank you so much, Carole, for visiting Nights of Passion.

-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

A Writer’s Ever Changing Finish Line by Stacy Hoff

A short while back, I wrote about the upcoming publication of my fourth novel, JOCKEYING FOR YOU http://wp.me/prBca-4vj.  The thrill of getting another book over the finish line has been a real high for me. This time more than any other. Because my upcoming new release is based on a sport I originally knew nothing about—horse racing.

There were plenty of times I doubted myself. Would I ever get this book done? would I be able to accurately convey the complex world of horse racing? Would the story line be as compelling as the sport?

When this story was finally sold to my publisher I felt like one of the thoroughbreds in my book, standing in the winner’s circle. Sweaty. Heart pounding wildly. And out of breath.

The high of having an upcoming publication date still hasn’t faded. But like a thoroughbred, I cannot rest on my laurels. There are still more races left for me to compete in. For me, that means entering the authors’ race with more books.

To be honest, releasing a new book is scary due to the sheer volume of other contenders. Thousands of other authors racing to cross the finish-line, too. Sometimes I worry. Will my entry stand out? Or be lost in the crowd?

The winner’s circle awaits.

What are your goals? Do you find it hard to cross your finish line?

JOCKEYING FOR YOU will be released September 28, 2016! Stay tuned for a cover reveal!

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

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

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

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC by Stacy Hoff:

http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V

AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:

http://amzn.to/1YEseie

AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:

http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm

AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):

  

http://amzn.to/1NsByfu

 

Filed under: A writer's life, publishing, romance, Sports romance, Stacy Hoff

How NOT to Get an Agent by Heather Novak

On Twitter, I follow several agents because I think they’re awesome follows. Some of them I query, some of them I don’t, some of them reject me, some of them ask for more material. Searching for an agent is tough, but just because they reject me doesn’t mean I’m going to stop responding to their tweets with hilarious GIFs and links to wine ice cream (yes, ice cream that is made from wine. You’re welcome.)

Imagine my shock and surprise when one of my #favoritefollows posted that she was viciously attacked in a blog post by an author she met in person. As someone who hates bullying and has a secret fascination of baiting trolls and grabbing popcorn, I quickly Googled the agent’s name and the blog was on Google’s front page. I read it with my mouth hanging open. Then I read it again in disbelief.

Like, say what?!

This previously published author mercilessly tears apart the agent, from her looks to her personality, because she seemed “bored” with his pitch. Here’s the thing. The author made it very, very clear that he didn’t really understand what he was supposed to do for an in-person pitch. 

I hope I don’t need to tell you all that is an INCREDIBLY bad idea to tear apart ANYONE on a public forum. Like an INCREDIBLY BAD IDEA! As someone who has been in the arts since I was four: NO ONE OWES YOU ANYTHING! The director doesn’t owe you a call back, the record label doesn’t owe you a contract, and that agent doesn’t owe you a full manuscript request or representation.

It feels like sh*t to get rejected and it stings. But you need the thick skin in this business. You NEVER want someone who isn’t 100% behind your book representing your work. It seems this author couldn’t figure that out on his own.

But my faith in humanity was restored when Twitter exploded to this agent’s defense.

Other agents (because guess what folks, they’re all friends who know how to use Google) were blacklisting this author from their agencies. Editors put him on a “look out” list. Readers shunned his previously published books. Will it stop this troll? Maybe, maybe not. But he will have a much harder time getting an agent now, an already difficult task.

Folks, listen to Cinderella: Have courage and be kind. 

On This Day in 1735 – Freedom of the press was established with an acquittal of John Peter Zenger. The writer of the New York Weekly Journal had been charged with seditious libel by the royal governor of New York. The jury said that “the truth is not libelous.”

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

What are you Waiting For?

I know I’ve written about grit a time or two. It makes a difference–at least for me it has. I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily smarter or more talented than most, but I am persistent and I am willing to put in the time to succeed. It’s cliche but what is worth having is worth working for. That all being said, I also never feel alone in my quests.

I recently passed a big financial exam I ha been studying for–for perhaps about a year. It is a great feeling and days later, I’m still walking in some kind of half-believing stupor. I put in a massive amount of time preparing for this exam, but much of my success comes beyond me. My husband, my kids, grandma, my friends and co-workers. And for those who believe, God–I spent a lot of time praying.

This experience was very much like writing and publishing my first book, only that seemed an even lengthier process. There is so much that goes into the process. we give time and effort, we look to critique groups, family and friends for support, and we as writers are always working to be in the right frame of mind to produce. This last one is especially hard as it is important to be close to your work to understand your characters and their motivations, but at some point we need to evaluate and requires pulling back to some degree.

So what have I learned? Going for what you want is rarely simple. It is often complex with a lot of moving pieces and needs. Still, the win feels amazing and it is most definitely worth it. So, what are you waiting for?

Happy writing this week!

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

I’m Done My Alpha Girl! by Mandy Rosko

Mostly done.

I’m debating changing the look of the text on her since I do want to make her into a cute little mascot for readers as part of prizes, giveaways, etc, or for buying

Demons of the Deep Paranormal-Scope

Summer has been sweet. Beware those sharks falling from the sky. Giggles.

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:

Sharks are eating machines. Don’t you be! Reconsider your nutrition.

Taurus:

The Kraken has been released. That isn’t your problem. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Gemini:

Watch where you’re going and want you step in. Box jellyfish are on the beach. You can still have a good time if you watch your surroundings to avoid trouble.

Cancer:

A Tiger Shark swam past you. You lucked out. Good things are coming your way. Just get out of the shallow water before it comes back.

Leo:

A Clown Fish circles you. Laugh your way to the bank, but consider any new investment carefully. (Now how did a non-demon get on my demon list?)

Virgo:

Young Moray Eels are self-sufficient. You can be too. Re-evaluate your lifestyle for long-term success.

Libra:

A Sea Lion at work is behaving territorial. Avoid that person if you can and focus on the job.

Scorpio:

The Puffer Fish is a dangerous delicacy. Eat healthier. You deserve a full and happy life.

Sagittarius:

Algal Blooms are toxic to swimmers. It’s time to clear your life of harmful debris. Do you really need all those things.

Capricorn:

The Pacific Striped Octopus doesn’t belong on the dangerous demon list. It’s actually very sociable, loves hanging out in groups. Plan a get-together with friends.

Aquarius:

Merbunnies are overpopulating the seas. If you believe that, I’m worried about you. Expand your education in a field you don’t know.

Pisces:

Starfish aren’t on the dangerous demon list either. (How is this happening to me?) You are a rising star. You’re going to find yourself in the swim of a new adventure. Enjoy!

-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

Keeping the Well Full

When I began writing I had no idea what I was doing. I’d received a copy of Stephenie Meyer’s book, Twilight on my anniversary, November 1st. That week I read the series. From the first week in November to the last week in January I read some 18 more vampire novels, most of which were romances. Then I decided to write my own book.

I wasn’t the best student in high school or college, believing that I knew all I needed to know. (Funny how a little age can help you realize just how much you don’t know!) I didn’t know the first thing about writing a book. All I knew was I had an idea.

Since that time I’ve read countless craft books and attended many conferences, worked with the most wonderful critique partners and editors. With each book I’ve written my writing has improved. I continue to learn as I go, reading more books on craft and analyzing my writing.

However, too much analyzing makes the creative mind silent. When I focus on questions like “am I developing this character enough” or “is there enough conflict” or “what’s the theme of this book,” my creativity is stymied.

As writers we have to challenge ourselves to write stories that not only hook the reader, but keep them sucked into the story, rooting for the protagonist through the full book. We have to push ourselves to make our writing better, stronger, more vibrant.

But we also have to relax. We have to read for pleasure. We have let our minds wander to the place they go for ideas and freedom. We can’t always be in a state of “working.”

Writers are first and foremost readers. We love to read. We need to read. It’s what makes us write better. That ability to fall into a story and forget the rest of the world for a period of time is a paradise that everyone can relate to.

When I find myself at a loss for words, unable to get my story moving, I know I have not allowed myself time to be “off of work.” I’m spending every minute on my story (or busy with life) and not spending any time filling the well.

It’s summertime, which means beach season for me. I’ve read several books on the shiny new Kindle I purchased a few weeks back. I’m working my way through some classics this summer. I’ve just started on Tarzan, having seen the movie with Alexander Skarsgard, which I highly recommend.

I hope you’re taking time to “fill the well” and enjoy some great reads.

Here’s an excerpt from Her Vampire’s Promise, Novella One in the Romance In Central City Series. Free on all retailers. It’s a great beach read.

 

 

The woman beside Reade huffed. “Assholes.” Her voice muffled into her glass as she tipped her head back, letting the last few drops of her sugary drink roll into her mouth.

He watched her long neck swallow and felt an ache in his gut. He hadn’t fed tonight. In fact, he hadn’t fed in two nights. Without realizing he swallowed along with her.

Despite her incessant babbling, something about her intrigued him. Her scent was familiar, though he was certain he hadn’t encountered her before. The pretty little crazy ones were impossible to forget. They were the ones who sparked his interest.

She banged her mug onto the bar and waved the bartender over. “Mic, I’ll have another.”

The bald man glanced over his shoulder, turning his head so slowly Reade wondered if he’d ever stop. He gave her an almost unnoticeable nod and headed to the blender.

“Make sure you add the liquor this time.” She snickered at the tattooed Neanderthal. “Cheap bastard. Always trying to cheat the customer. Like I need to be jerked around by him, too.”

The bartender shook his head. “You’re the one who ordered the virgin daiquiri.”

Reade chuckled.

“What are you laughing at?” She gave him a sideways glance, her pale blue eyes narrowing to slits. “You laughing at me, too?” She turned to face him, resting one hand on the bar.

Her right hand balled to a fist, and she clenched her jaw.

Reade couldn’t help but smile. She’d said she was pissed. She’d spent the last twenty minutes ranting about why. She’d been very clear about wanting to smash someone. The little thing wanted her fight, and she was willing to have it with anyone.

But a fight was not part of his plan tonight, least of all with a woman.

“I’ve had just about all I’m going to take of being laughed at today. So, unless you want me to move that stupid grin to the back of your head, I suggest you lose it.” She leaned forward, one hand gripping the bar hard enough to turn her fingers white. The other hand curled so tightly her nails had to be cutting into her palms.

The pungent scent of anger perfumed the air. Anger and blood.

Reade shook his head. The poor girl was just aching for a chance to unleash a world of pent-up rage. She was so consumed by her anger she couldn’t possibly be thinking straight.

What woman challenged a man twice her size, a stranger even, and never mind the fact that he was a more lethal predator than she could possibly know?

If she held a gun in her hand, she still stood no chance against him. With vampire speed and the ability to seduce any woman or man he had no worries. He hadn’t lost a fight in years, decades, quite possibly two centuries.

His gaze dropped from her face. With her chest puffed up her boobs stood out nicely. He guessed her size to be a full C cup, if not a D. His mouth watered. What he wouldn’t like to do to her. The possibilities were endless.

“That’s it.” She jumped up from her seat. “You were warned.”

Reade saw the blur of her hand. He even noticed the lion’s head carved in her ring before it made contact with his nose. The fact he was lying flat on his back on the barroom floor was less surprising than the echoing sound of bones crunching under the power of her little fist. His ears rang with that awful noise.

“Ow!” He grabbed his nose, pressing fingers on either side and forcing it back into a straight line. “What the hell are you doing, woman?”

Kindle     iBooks     Nook     Kobo     aRe

Filed under: romance

You’ve Got This! By Casey Wyatt

First off, thank you, Susan Hanniford Crowley for hosting me today. It’s been a few years since I’ve visited the Nights of Passion and I hope everyone is living large and doing well.

Speaking of living large, I’d like to share a bit of wisdom I’ve learned since publication. And, I might add, this doesn’t apply only to writers. It’s for everyone.

What is this wisdom? It’s simple.

Take chances. Do something you’ve never done before.

Even if it scares you. Even if you think you can’t do it.

Case in Point:

I decided to apply for two panels at a local convention – ConnectiCon. I’ve attended for a few years with my family. It’s a mid-sized convention with average attendance around 11,00 – 15,00. Each year, I’d sit in panels and workshops and think – I could do that.

So this time around, inside of tucking the idea away, I decided to act on it.

First thing I did was approach Corrina Lawson (fellow geek, romance writer, and conference attendee). We brainstormed a few ideas then agreed to do it.

That meant from January – March 2016, I stalked the convention’s website. I created the proposals, ran them by my co-presenter and we decided to add another person. Invitations were extended and Jamie K. Schmidt joined our duo making us a trio.

A trio of kick butt women presenters. Yay us!!

Long story, short. I applied for one panel, one workshop and nail-biting ensued as I waited. In mid-June, we received the good news – both panels were accepted. I then scrambled to complete two presentations.

Woohoo! (That’s us, 9:30 am, Saturday and Sunday)

 

 

 

 

 

Oh wait, that meant we had to lead a discussion in, what we hoped, was a room that contained more than just our family members. Corrina, Jamie, and I are friends and colleagues but this was the first time we’d done anything like this together.

We hadn’t even done a dry run. How would we do that anyway? The Saturday panel: Kick Butt and Ask Questions Later: The Take No Prisoners Women of Television, Comics and Film, didn’t exactly lend itself to practice.

Here’s the thing about taking chances – it can be a bit frightening. Okay, maybe even terrifying especially if you don’t like speaking in front of crowds.

I told myself, “You’ve got this.”

This wasn’t my first or even tenth time speaking in front of people. I’d done stage plays from ages 12-19. I’d addressed an auditorium full of co-workers at my day job. I was a public speaking Merit Badge counselor for Pete’s sake. I’d even done presentations for my romance writer chapter.

Yeah, I could totally handle it.

I wanted to do it. I asked to do it.

By golly, we were going to rock even if it was only in front of five people.

Well, the appointed day arrived. Our panel was at 9:30 in the morning. There was a huge line outside waiting to get into the conference, and we figured no one would be there in time. My co-presenters arrived and finally the doors opened and we raced inside.

Or at least I did.  My younger son set up our PowerPoint presentation on the big screen. He also informed us that the conference organizers had a camera in place to record the whole thing – disaster or otherwise.

No pressure, right?

I’m happy to report. We did awesome. The room was packed, the attendees vocal and enthusiastic. They had to turn people away!! Later, when it was over, my husband informed us that the conference organizers were impressed and wanted us to return for 2017.

The second day, our writing workshop was well attended and included familiar faces from the day before.

 

 

 

 

 

I’d call that a win.

And it was all because I decided to take a chance (and Corrina and Jamie decided to join me). I chose not listen to that voice that said, “Why bother, they won’t want you.”

Yes. That could have happened (rejection is a reality). But, I’ll leave you with this old chestnut: Nothing, ventured, nothing gained.

Now, go forth and take chances. (And, yes, the Kick Butt Women will be returning in 2017!)

What chances have you taking recently? Nothing is too big or too small. Dish in the comments below.

About Casey:

Casey Wyatt is a multi-published paranormal romance and urban fantasy author. From August 22 – September 19th, she’ll be on tour for her latest book: Dead Girls Don’t Cry. Stop by her website: caseywyatt.com for the schedule. She loves talking to fellow readers and writers, so do stop by and say hello!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thank you so much, Casey, for coming on Nights of Passion. That’s a definite WOW!

-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, Casey Wyatt, Guest Blog, Helping Other Writers, Max Vander Meer, Norse, Nothing is Impossible!, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, shapeshifters, Susan Hanniford Crowley, the romance of life, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, urban fantasy, 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, vampires, Viking, Warrior women, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, When Love Survives, Where do you find inspiration?, writer's inspiration, Writing Craft, writing workshop, Yule

Author C.D. Hersh Speaks About Character Control by Stacy Hoff

Hello Passionate readers! Today I have husband & wife author team C.D. Hersh talking character mutiny! If you survive the uprising, read an excerpt of their new release at the end of this post!

What to Do When Your Characters Revolt

When we began our Turning Stone series we had a basic plot idea for each of the planned books. Books 1-2 were solidly plotted. Books 4-6, not so much. But we had skeleton plots and knew where we wanted the books to go. Along the way we had to ditch one of the books because we couldn’t come up with a decent plot. Fortunately, we hadn’t pitched all the books to the editor when she bought books 1-3, because book four got turned upside down-twice.

Originally meant to be a book that highlighted the paranormal power of the Promised Ones, Alexi and Rhys Temple and their child, book four morphed . . . a lot. First we decided that we needed to add more romance in that book, so we shelved the trio of power idea and came up with another more exciting plot—a love triangle and a kidnapping. We had three characters in mind: Mike, Mary Kate, and LJ who would be trying to keep the villain from kidnapping LJ’s baby.

Then a character from book three—Fiona Kayler—who hadn’t even been written into our original plot—decided she wanted her own book. Kicking and screaming for a starring role, she repeatedly insisted our planned heroine had to go. No matter how much we tried to silence her, Fiona was determined to have her way.

We hear you saying, “What? A minor, unplanned character changed your whole book?” Trust us. It happens. Rather than fight Fiona, we decided to run with her desire to take over the book.

Here’s what we did to make Fiona’s insistence on stardom and our original idea work. Hopefully, these tips can help you, too.

We went back to the drawing board. Just like time away from a finished manuscript shows you the errors you’ve made, replotting from a different perspective can do the same thing. We looked at the story from Fiona’s perspective asking, “Does she have more to lose than our original heroine, Mary Kate?” She did. So she got to be the heroine. Mary Kate, by the way, became the secondary heroine in the book and will be the heroine in book five.
We listened to the character. Sometimes we get so tied into our designated ideas that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Think about it like this: When your critique partners and editors look at your work they see plot issues you miss. Things that make you say, “Duh! Why didn’t I see that?” When issues are pointed out they often make sense. Listening to your character is a like that. You don’t have to do exactly what your character wants, but their ideas are usually spot on.
We found additional elements of danger and problems we added to the overarching series plot because we listened to Fiona and allowed her to get into trouble. Who doesn’t like more danger and conflict?
We melded plot lines. Once we’d decided that displaying the paranormal power of the Promised Ones wasn’t enough to carry the original plot, we looked at what elements from our original idea we could carry into the new plot. This worked for us because we usually have a couple of subplots in our books, as well as two love stories. If you don’t have room for subplots, do what we did in #5.
We used the opportunity to create another story for the demoted heroine, Mary Kate. A new plot, a new hero, and a HEA for Mary Kate in book five of the series. Because of her demotion, she gets roles in three books. Lucky Mary Kate.

Looking back on the process, we’d say it was a fortunate happenstance that a minor character in book three decided she wanted a starring role and would not leave us alone. So, if an unruly character decides to take over your story, don’t freak out and think all is lost. It’s not. You’ve only reached a fork in the creative road, one that might even prove to lead you to places you only dreamt of.

Book Blurb

When mercenary soldier Michael Corritore answers a desperate call from an ex-military buddy, he finds himself in the middle of a double kidnapping, caught in an ancient war between two shape shifter factions, and ensnared between two female shape shifters after the same thing … him.

Shape shifter Fiona Kayler will do anything to keep the shipping company her father left her, including getting in bed with the enemy. But when she believes the man trying to steal her company is involved with kidnapping her nephew, she must choose between family, fortune, and love. The problem is … she wants all three.

Book Excerpt

Mike Corritore wheeled up the circular drive of the impressive house on Lakeshore Road and cut the engine on his motorcycle. After a quick glance around, he shouldered the bags containing his clothes, ammo, pump shotgun, and talwar sword. Then he headed for the carved front door. The doorbell echoed inside indicating the mansion had a cavernous entry hall. He searched the entrance stoop for security cameras and found none.

What the heck had he gotten himself into? A rich bitch, with no security on her home, mixed up with a bad syndicate spelled major trouble. With this chintzy level of security, it would take more time than he originally anticipated to make her house and business secure.

After a couple of minutes the door opened.

“Can I help you?” asked an attractive redhead.

“I’m Mike Corritore. Here to see Fiona Kayler. Will you tell her I’ve arrived?”

The redhead looked him over, then braced her legs shoulder width apart and crossed her arms over her curvy bust. “Do you have identification, Mr. Corritore?”

Mike returned her once-over. Her porcelain complexion blushed pink at his bold examination, and she tossed her mane of wavy, mahogany hair defiantly.

Damn, she was gorgeous.

If she thought her insolent pose enough to keep him, or intruders out, she’d better reconsider.

“Hugh sent me.” He stepped forward but she blocked him.

“A driver’s license for your very expensive motorcycle will suffice,” she said, wiggling her fingers at him. When he didn’t comply, she stepped back and reached to the side of the door.

The distinct cachung of a gun cocking sent him flying to the right of the doorway.

“Identification, Mr. Corritore. Please,” she said as she leveled a pistol at him.

Mike dug in his rear pants’ pocket. “Hugh lied,” he said as he held out his driver’s license. “You don’t need protection.”

After inspecting his identification, she lowered her weapon and waved him inside. “For my business, Mr. Corritore. I’m capable of protecting my home, but I can’t draw my gun just anywhere.”

“You should get a conceal and carry license,” Mike said as he entered.

She put the safety on the gun and stashed the weapon in the table beside the front door.

“I take it you’re not the help,” he said, glancing around the entry hall.

She held out her hand. “Fiona Kayler. Nice to meet you, Mr. Corritore.”

“Mike,” he said, taking her hand. Her palm, warm and soft, told him she lived a life of leisure. But her strong grip screamed, No patsy. He held her hand a bit longer than he should have. She wriggled free and waved him to the left.

“Ladies first.”

With a nod, she led him toward a sumptuously decorated room. He followed, his eyes taking in the soft curves of her rear as she sashayed across the marble-tiled floor. Mike’s body reacted to the seductive wiggle of her bottom. She walked as sexy as she looked.

Keep your mind on the job, Corritore. He shifted his gaze away from temptation, searching the ceiling and corners of the entry for security cameras. If she had them, they were well hidden.

The measured click of her high heels on the hard marble tile floor disappeared as they stepped on the thick, white carpet of the living room. This room appeared cozier than the entry. A huge gold, gilt-edged mirror hung over the fireplace reflecting the scene outside the oversized plate-glass window.

She motioned to a seat beside the fireplace. Mike chose a location less exposed to the exterior, where he could watch the entrance to the room. Fiona dragged a side chair across the room to where he sat, positioning it at a right angle to his seat. Two vertical furrows appeared in the carpeting, bisecting their shoe impressions and the vacuumed paths in the thick fibers. Apparently, she didn’t use this room much.

“So, Ms. Kayler—”

“Fiona,” she corrected.

“Fiona, exactly what do you need me to do?” As he said the words, he had a lurid vision of what he’d like to do to this lovely woman. He shook it off. She was Hugh’s friend and in trouble. He had no business screwing around with damsels in distress. They were needy. The last thing he wanted.

“A couple of years ago I had a problem with smugglers. They brought in some hazardous materials which got me in trouble with Homeland Security and the FBI. They cleared me, but my business took a pretty big hit. To keep things afloat, I’ve had to get in bed with some rough characters recently.”

At the phrase get in bed with Mike cocked his eyebrow at her.

“Not literally,” she amended quickly, as a dusky pink blush crept over her pale complexion. “I need my security beefed up so I don’t have a replay of two years ago.”

“Any good security company could upgrade you.”

“I also need someone I can trust implicitly. Hugh vouched for you, and I trust Hugh.”

“We should start with your home security. I didn’t see surveillance cameras at the door.”

“My home is perfectly safe. It’s my business I’m concerned about.”

Fiona crossed her arms over her chest, her body language closing off to further suggestions. Mike followed her motions. As he did, he spotted a red dot on her chest. The dot wiggled.

“Get down!” Mike shouted as he dove for Fiona.

Amazon buy links:

The Promised One (The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 1):

eBook: http://amzn.com/B00DUMODKI

paperback: http://amzn.com/1619353504

Blood Brothers (The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 2):

eBook: http://amzn.com/B00OVNFC8W

paperback: http://amzn.com/1619358271

Son of the Moonless Night (The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 3):

eBook: http://amzn.com/B00XK3E172

The Mercenary and the Shifters (The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 4):

eBook: https://amzn.com/B01I01W2JC

Author Bio for C.D. Hersh:

Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to co-authors C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after.

Together they have co-authored a number of dramas, six which have been produced in Ohio, where they live. Their interactive Christmas production had five seasonal runs in their hometown and has been sold in Virginia, California, and Ohio. Their most recent collaborative writing efforts have been focused on romance. The first four books of their paranormal romance series entitled The Turning Stone Chronicles are available on Amazon. They also have a Christmas novella, Kissing Santa, in a Christmas anthology titled Sizzle in the Snow, with seven other authors.

Where you can find CD:

Website: http://cdhersh.wordpress.com/

Blog: http://cdhersh.wordpress.com/blog-2/

Soul Mate Publishing: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cdhershauthor

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/C.-D.-Hersh/e/B00DV5L7ZI

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCDHersh

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CDHersh

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

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

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

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

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

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADEShttp://amzn.to/1YEseie 

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

 

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

 

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