Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 175
July 27, 2016
Keeping Sane When Life Has Other Plans by Heather Novak
This week has been very intense for me, as I try to move a parent from independent living to assisted living. Suddenly, the cost of care is expected to double, even triple (one of the facilities was quadruple!). In between prepping for a book signing/meet and greet in August as well as planning a wedding, I am losing my mind.
(No seriously, I was at work and freaked out that I forgot to put on pants. I started crying, saying I need to run home since I had only worn a shirt to work and everyone could see my underwear…only to realize I was, in fact, wearing a knee length dress. So…yeah…)
Just thinking about this blog post made me anxious! I honestly didn’t know what to write about. Then I remembered that writers and readers alike deal with the issues of aging parents and family members.
Here’s how I’ve been trying to keep sane:
1) Scheduled fun time! Every Wednesday for the next month and a half, I will be taking dance classes with my fiancé to choreograph our first dance. This is time that’s just for us. No talk of parents or wedding stress or chores that need to be done.
2) Audiobooks. I can listen to them while writing thank you notes, while driving to facilities to tour, while driving to work, while making dinner. They distract me from being completely overwhelmed by things like…pants. (I’m LOVING The Wallflower Series by Lisa Kleypas!)
Little trick – if you buy the ebook on Amazon, many times you’ll get the audiobook for only a few dollars more! It saves more money than buying the audiobook outright. Keep your eyes peeled for deals!
3) Getting enough sleep. This one is tough. Sometimes I fret too much to sleep, sometimes I’m too swamped with work to sleep. Seven hours or more is my target.
4) Eat healthy. My diet was carefully crafted by my nutritionist, so for the most part I eat healthy. But I need to watch my dessert intake. All I want is ice cream ALL THE TIME. I use a small bowl to keep my portion under control.
5) Staying active. The dancing thing helps, walking, Zumba, yoga, friends. Staying on my feet and off the couch is the way to keep my anxiety lower.
6) Understand that everyone is human. I’m angry. I’m angry at the independent living home where my parent fell and didn’t get adequate care. I’m angry at how much more assisted living costs. I’m angry that the budget isn’t magically working out. I’m angry at a lot of things. But therapy is a godsend. It helps remind me that we’re all human and working to the best of our abilities. Hopefully I’ll be less angry soon.
At least this distracts me from waiting for agents to respond to queries, am I right?!
*Crylaughsob*
On this day in 1939 – Judy Garland recorded “Over the Rainbow.”
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
July 26, 2016
Our Own Cell
I’m not talking Biology today, but a sort of freedom. I’ve had a few peers at work retire recently. Retirement in itself is momentous. We often spend a ton of time thinking about how to plan for it, but very little time thinking about what to do once we get there. As such, it can be very daunting for some. Still, for those who get past their fear, it seems to be such a freeing passage.
My peers certainly got past their fears. It seemed as if suddenly they glided instead of walked, smiled instead of frowned, and we’re willing to help in any way they could– where had these strangers come from?! Even sadder, it made me ask why work had to be a sort of jail for so many. I know this doesn’t apply to everyone but those I meet that seem to be truly passionate about their jobs are very few.
The world of writers is fascinating for the simple reason that many writers seem to love what they do. There is a great degree of freedom and autonomy for many, even with the ties to what readers, editors and publishers want. Even with the demands of social media and branding. At the end of the day, a writer can choose to write what they want–assuming they are okay with the consequences of doing so.
So why not choose writing or something we are passionate about? Until we are willing to release ourselves from everything else that has a hold over us (technology, money, material goods, luxury items, etc), we remain in our own little cells, constructed by the lives we aim to lead. Basically, we do what we do because we feel there isn’t much in the way of options or what we’d need to sacrifice simply isn’t worth it. Don’t believe me? What keeps you from following your passion? An even bigger question… How are you going to change it?
Happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance
July 25, 2016
Word Counts and Book Covers by Mandy Rosko
Sooo, I need to get off my ass and put more time into Alpha Dragon. I wanted to have 30k words done for this book by the end of this month, and as of this posting I’m still sitting at 12.5K
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So yeah, I need to stop with the putting stuff off until the last minute garbage that I’ve been doing and for real get my hands on the keyboard. I know I said I should get off my ass earlier, but now that I think about it, most people do their writing while they’re sitting…
My goal is still to make it for the October release, however. I hated that it had to be pushed back from September, so I’m not going to do that shit again. Which is why I’m posting this here. To give myself some sense of accountability #dreambig
But in other news, and this is something I don’t think I should post a picture of, yet, but I picked up the most awesome book covers this morning. Got them paid for and everything
July 24, 2016
The Burning Paranormal-Scope
Fire can strike at any time. The good or the bad kind.
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 do not allow clutter to pile up in their caves. It’s time to de-clutter your home.
Taurus:
Were-moths sometimes flutter too close to the flames. Tread cautiously around an old flame.
Gemini:
Salamanders are fire spirits. They love to dance in the flames releasing their passion. Release your passion in dance or another creative outlet.
Cancer:
Vampires avoid flames. Fire is too revealing of their nature. Don’t reveal too much of yourself to others before you know them better.
Leo:
Were-bears don’t care for fire, unless it’s controlled and cozy in their fireplace. Cozy with those close to you.
Virgo:
Were-frogs are mesmerized by fire. Someone vibrant and exciting will come into your life. You decide how close you want to be.
Libra:
Fire serpents eat flames. Try out some new recipes! Nourish your adventurous heart.
Scorpio:
You’ve gone through a lot of changes recently. Rise like the phoenix into new opportunities. Embrace change.
Sagittarius:
Fire ants are painful. Lay low and let all the drama pass you by.
Capricorn:
The fire horse has started its run. Don’t try to wrap your mind around this. Just hold on and enjoy the ride.
Aquarius:
Were-bunnies avoid fire. They prefer serene settings and good munchies. Plan a vacation to chill out, even if only for a day or two.
Pisces:
A dragon loves you. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities coming your way!
-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
July 23, 2016
Introducing Jordan K. Rose!
Hello Nights of Passion Readers!
I’m excited to have this opportunity to write for this wonderful blog. Thanks to Susan Hanniford Crowley for this opportunity. I’m jumping into Jenna Jaxon’s Sunday spot. Jenna’s great fortune of multiple Kensington contracts has a trickle down effect, allowing me to join Nights of Passion.
In my first post I thought to tell you a little bit about myself. So here are the basics:
I live in beautiful Rhode Island and LOVE the beach.
I’m married to the LOVE of my life.
I have two extremely LOVE-able black Labradors. Dino, the one who looks like
Gandolf the Gray, and Enzo, who looks like a giant stuffed animal.The food I LOVE to eat more than any other is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate covered anything works, with one exception. I actually do not like dark chocolate peanut butter cups, which seems illogical to me, given how much I like peanut butter and dark chocolate!
Without a doubt I LOVE reading vampire novels above all other books. Though, let’s not kid ourselves, I enjoy any romance and lots of other fiction. I read 3-4 books a week, including one personal or professional development book.
I began writing about five years ago, and because I loved vampire romance so much, that’s where I started. I’ve wavered a bit, writing some other paranormal romance, but mostly, I’ve stuck with the vampires. I just finished writing Her Vampire’s Protector, Novella Seven in the Romance In Central City Series, due out this Fall. As soon as edits are done on this book I’m working on an Eva Prim novella for Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Kindle World, due out in February.
I have a little something for everyone in my library. Each book in the Romance In Central City Series follows the romance of a different couple connected to The Vampire Guard. The Short Seductions Series is a set of ten sexy paranormal short stories that are just long enough to be read on your lunch break. (Don’t get caught reading those at work!) My Eva Prim series is for anyone who loves to laugh. She’s a mix of I Love Lucy and Elvira—consistently up to something that lands her in hot water.
For an opportunity to read a free story from each series join my readers group at www.jordankrose.com.
To stay connected:
Thanks for stopping by! See you next Sunday.
But before you go, what are YOU reading?
Filed under: romance
July 22, 2016
Upcoming Wonders!
Some things are happening fast. Some things are scheduled. Me? I’m working at break neck speed trying to keep up.
What is coming?
Today I’m on two blogs. This one and also The Soul Mate Publishing Authors Blog: https://smpauthors.wordpress.com/
We have guest bloggers scheduled to appear on Saturdays starting with next Saturday. I don’t want to announce them as I would rather it be a surprise.
We have a new author for Sunday on Nights of Passion Blog. I won’t announce her either as I’m so into surprises.
What am I doing when I’m not on Nights of Passion? I’m entering the last stages of production on my newest novel, Vampire Princess of New York, Book 2 in the Arnhem Knights of New York series.
I’m also preparing to be on the program of the Fall in Love with New England Romance Reader/Author Conference. I’m trying to figure out things like a special table centerpiece, a raffle basket, and what costume I’m going to wear. http://fallinlovewithnewengland.blogspot.com/
Thursday we had a pre-conference Facebook party with giveaways. I’m expecting that we will have more events as we get closer and closer. Don’t miss out on all the fun and there’s still time to go to Manchester, New Hampshire for the conference. The link above will tell you all about it.
So if you don’t see me, don’t worry! I will still be watching over Nights of Passion and writing and editing my brains out! LOL
Exciting times are coming up!
-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, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, Readers Conference, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire in the Basement, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, When Love Survives, Writer's Life, Yule
July 21, 2016
Keep On Writing by Stacy Hoff
Ever since I decided to get back in the writing saddle I’ve been diligently typing away. It’s been one heck of a ride. I’ve fallen off. Gotten back on. Only to crash on the dirt track once again.
I am partially to blame for my rough journey. As a true “pantser” (someone who “writes by the seat of their pants” instead of plotting out their story) I often face roadblocks. Sometimes I can easily steer my script around. Other times the beast stops dead.
I’ve done my best to self-diagnose the problem. When I hit a roadblock I either suffer from: (1) my internal movie screen going dark, or, (2) I have the next scene(s) play out, but I think it’s too dumb/off-the-wall/not “romance format-y” enough to actually write it down.
If I’m dealing with (1): I find myself completely inactive until the screen magically starts showing the movie again. This is my “hanging around miserable stage” and is very frustrating. Is it akin to the ancient Greek’s concept of an artist waiting around for the muse to show? I don’t think the Greeks ever found a solution. (If they did, I definitely want you to let me know. I am not one to ignore ancient wisdom.)
If I’m dealing with (2): I waste my creative energy worrying about making my scene more acceptable instead of just writing the bugger. I’ve really got to start jumping over this self-imposed hurdle. After all, I usually come to accept what I’ve written. More importantly, writing (despite my doubt) keeps my manuscript moving.
Moving ahead is critically important to me. The better I feel about my progress, the less frustrated I become. The less frustrated I am, the easier the words flow. The easier the flow, the faster my next novel is done. Positive writing is a cycle I’ve GOT to stay on.
Maybe my muse will hang around more. Geez, I hope so. I’d sure love some company on my ride.
What do you do to keep yourself in strapped into the writing saddle?
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):
Filed under: fear, romance, romance novels, Stacy Hoff, Writer's life, writer’s block, Writing
July 20, 2016
Write Every Day, But Maybe Not…by Heather Novak
The “write every day” mantra is absolutely true…until it isn’t.
I am a big proponent of writing every day, especially when you have an active project. But I want to amend this advice: Work toward your craft every day when not under deadline.
Why the amendment you may ask? Because being in a state of constant work is terrible for your creativity.
I haven’t had longer than a two week break from writing in about three years and it’s really starting to show around my edges. I need time to stop worrying about “job” of writing, and dive into the creative space. So, with my wedding coming up, I’ve decided to take a break from writing until after the honeymoon.
As part of my day job, I get to write non-fiction and fill my brain with proposals, campaigns, and fun facts. During my long commute, I listen to audiobooks or music. Without a looming deadline and massive anxiety, I’m flying through my TBR pile and watching movies.
The result: my creativity is crazier than ever!
I’ve already drafted my next full length book’s storyline (modern fairytale!) as well as made notes on what I’ll need to research. I have notes on the sequel to Hunting Witch Hazel and notes on a paranormal new adult novel that is to follow that.
While I’m not writing every day, I’m actively engaging my brain in the book world. If I’m not reading, I’m building book playlists, reading blogs, taking classes (we start dance class this week!), or watching movies. All of these things will help my writing, whether it be prep work for a book or bettering my health.
So don’t beat yourself up about not writing when you’re in-between projects. Remember to take time to nurse your creativity back to health. Your books will thank you.
On this day in 2007 – The seventh and last book of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” was released.
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
July 19, 2016
Life’s Tests
Lately, it seems as if everyone around me is preparing for some sort of test–either literally in the form of written or electronic exams or as in life tests such as new job, marriage, babies, retirement or writing a book. These are choices we make–some more daunting than others, but they don’t always have to be to such a great degree.
I can only speak to what I know so here are some tidbits of advice on life’s tests…
A new job is only new for so long. Take advantage early on to ask questions and remember that you will master this eventually just like everything else.
Don’t go into marriage thinking about the big wedding. Think about the work that goes into happily ever after–it is a lot but worth it if you have the mindset, willingness and love to push it forward.
Kids are a joy but a ton of work. If you can, treasure your single life, wait until you are ready. Life is very rewarding with kids but you don’t want to hold what you feel you missed out on against them. Love them and have patience, your time with them is short before they want their time to themselves.
Writing a book is a process of discovery so let it happen. Take time to improve your craft and learn from your mistakes. Also think about your longer term goals as they will dictate how are where you push yourself.
As for retirement, I have experienced it, but in helping a friend, I underst a bit of planning and an open mindset are ideal. You’ve worked so hard, it is time to enjoy it–you can start a bucket list now.
That’s all for now. Good luck and happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance
Putting Stuff Together for My Alpha Team by Mandy Rosko
So I’m finally putting together a quickie little drawing, mascot, whatever you might want to call it, for my Alpha Team.
It’s not so great so far, but I’m hoping that with a few more layers and by messing around with it a little more, I can make it look decent enough to put on some thank you cards, bags, or other types of cool swag as presents, not just for the alpha team, but maybe for my subscribers in general.
I’ve posted my progress on Instagram so far, but it’s far from done. I still need to fix the ears, put in the tail, and add the highlights. I think I have several hours more of messing around with my little chibi alpha girl before she can even be close to finished, so be gentle ;_;
I want my lovely cover artist to put together the Alpha font that would be beneath her. Or above her. Not sure. I just need to color her in more. I have the background ready, but I didn’t take a picture of it yet.
I can’t wait to get her tail in there and to smooth out those ears though. The ears look funny right now on her head since they don’t match her hair. Lol, I was briefly thinking about making her legs hairy since she’s supposed to be an alpha wolf shifter, but I think the ears and tail (when I get it in there) will be enough
Cheers!
~Mandy
Want a free paranormal starter library? Hop on over to mandyrosko.com and join the reader group, and I will send you three free books from my back list right to your inbox!
Filed under: romance
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