Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 177
July 8, 2016
Wanted: Romance Author to Join Nights of Passion
The writing of Nights of Passion blog is a wonderful experience. Some of the Passionate Crew have started out unpublished and while here went on to become published. Every writer here shows an unwavering devotion to romance. Many of our crew are published authors and their art and careers are only getting better. From time to time, one has to leave and we understand the increasing demands of publishing. That being said, we will have an opening soon.
If you are a romance writer or author, who writes very well in English, and would like to write once a week for Nights of Passion blog, then please, email me at Susan(at)susanhannifordcrowley(dot)com Please, put in the subject line “Interested in NOP.”
Please, be aware that this is not a paying position. On Nights of Passion blog, everyone is a volunteer but benefit by the continuous exposure. We are don’t put ads on our blog (even though WordPress puts one because the blog is a free blog). We never charge romance authors who guest blog or are interviewed. No one makes money from the blog.
We are all about the romance. So if you’re an romance author who can make the above commitment, I’d love to here from you.
All the best to our Passionate Readers and Authors,
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, Writer's Life, Yule
July 7, 2016
Getting Published, Making Money & Falling Off a Cliff by Stacy Hoff
For most fiction writers I know (primarily in the women’s fiction and romance categories) becoming a published author is akin to running a marathon filled with buried land mines. For those aspiring to race on this crazy road anyway, I wanted to brake down these hazards into easy to understand categories:
Hazard 1: writing a story good enough to get published
Hazard 2: trying to get a publishing deal
Hazard 3: trying to make money on your book after said publishing deal
Writing a story good enough to get published was extremely hard for me. I was surprised at this, considering I graduated from a great (state) college and received an honors degree in English Literature. (Hey, that’s ego for you.) It turned out that although I could analyze books fantastically well—I still had no clue how to write them. It took me over five years of attending classes at a local RWA (Romance Writers of America) chapter to learn how to write “deep” POV. I also needed to learn how to effectively pace my story to avoid saggy middles. How to “arc” my character’s growth. And what constituted a true “black moment.” (For those of you who don’t know this industry term, the “black moment” is the turning point in the book where the protagonist believes all is lost.)
Once I finally had a good story down, I thought getting a publishing deal would be easy. (What can I tell you? I suffer from a lot of delusional thoughts.) My RWA chapter thankfully taught me how to query and pitch. They even set up pitch appointments with editors and agents so RWA members had hostages right there in front of us to victimize. Luckily, it worked, for me and many other “perpetrators” at that conference. But I had gone to countless other conferences where my pitches fell flat. Or (almost worse) an agent or publisher loved my pitch but ultimately declined me anyway. Every time I heard the words “thanks, but your story is not right for us,” or “I like your story but I don’t feel strongly enough to represent you,” I felt another land mine tossed onto my marathon track. Or, as if the canoe I was paddling was sent off-course, straight into a waterfall.
I was lucky to ultimately get a publishing deal. I got signed by a small press that I love. But that does not mean that I am now sailing on smooth waters. Selling is something all publishers expect an author to do. It’s an author’s job, in addition to writing the book. From the largest publisher to the indy-published to the self-published, sales remain paramount. Authors have to transition from crafting beautiful prose to crass “look at me” language. There’s a lot of competition out there, and all of us authors are desperate to be noticed. In order to be noticed effectively we use social media to scream from the edge of the waterfall, hoping our words are not drowned out.
Many publishers are cutting back on market expenses in this tough industry. Some good publishing houses are even closing down entirely. Leaving authors to fend all on their own.
Solutions have not been easy to come by. Many authors drop the prices of their books anywhere from free to less than a dollar to get people to “try them out.” But even sales of their books at full-price (still not expensive, mind you—mine are averagely priced at $2.99) can generate a very low pay-out due to the ever-changing pay schedules from on-line retailers.
In my humble opinion, all this has made it very hard for authors to earn a living wage.
So why write a novel? If you want to become a published author, ask yourself what is your motivation to write. If it’s not all about the love of creating a story, think carefully about the pitfalls ahead. Is it worth traveling on this long and treacherous journey?
I write because I have a desire to write stories. I enjoy manufacturing drama, adventure and humor. I love dreaming up crazy scenarios and then picturing how anyone would live through it. Plus, I have voices in my head that just won’t shut up. So it’s either let my characters loose on on paper, or have them continue to pester me in the recesses of my mind. Besides, writing “happily ever afters” keeps me happy.
Writing is a journey I am sometimes tortured by, but love. Excuse me while I go to my canoe.
Do you write? What’s your motivation?
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: A writer's life, Business, Contemporary Romance, Marketing, Marketing, Promotion, Promotion, publishing, Rejection, romance, RWA, Social Media, Stacy Hoff, What I have Learned so Far: Sharing Secret, Writer Workshops, Writers Conferences, Writing, Writing Advice, writing life
July 6, 2016
Searching For A Fairytale by Heather Novak
World building is hard. World building in a fantasy world is even harder. While I’m currently on a “writing break” until after my wedding in October (and by “writing break” I mean only casually writing notes instead of bleeding at my computer), I’m researching my next project for the traditional publishing market – My modern fairytale. Trust me, it’s going to be amazing.
My research happened accidentally. Over the weekend, fiance and I headed to the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (yes, those Fords) in Grosse Pointe Shores to map out where we want our engagement photos taken on the property. The moment I stepped foot on the trail, I knew this had to be the setting of my book. Right on the border of Lake St. Clair, it’s like something out of a…wait for it…fairytale. (Yes, I went there.)
From the old stone buildings to the stunning lake views, I wanted to stay lost there forever. Or at least until November, because snow. Here are my favorite photos of the property.
Makes you want to curl right up on a bench and lay out in the sun, am I right?
I took dozens more pictures, but you get my drift. This land and these grounds are magical, which makes them super easy to put into a story.
Whenever I have trouble world building, I spend hours looking for real places that will help me visualize what I’m writing. For instance, I wouldn’t have thought twice about how to describe the windows until I saw this window. Now, I can’t imagine my story any other way. What about that view from the swimming pool to the lake? Halfway across that lake is Canada. How amazing to be able to recreate a similar stunning view in my book.
It only takes one picture to get the ball rolling.
How do you like to world build?
On this day in 1994 – was founded in Seattle, Washington under the name “Cadabra.”
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 5, 2016
Keep Your Head in the Game
I’ve never run a marathon, although I do believe it is something I would one day like to try. Right now, I feel as if I am preparing for a marathon of a test. There are a lot of them out there…certifications, degrees…all for the purpose of improving our knowledge and adding to perceived credibility.
As I go through this my mind is like a roller coaster–up and down filled with doubts yet trying its darnedest to cheer me on. It’s amazing how it can so greatly affect my mood and how much I’m willing to push myself or not. As I started this quest over a year ago, I never would have thought a test can come down so completely to mental strength (my term, not a professional’s) or at least that is what it feels like.
I imagine running a marathon is similar. Of course this is with the assumption that we’ve put the time into it. We’ve done the studying or the training, now it is just maintaining and pushing forward, bit by bit. We will have the moments of doubt, we will have moments of pain and we will at times feel burned out, but our minds are often much stronger than we believe.
So what use is this to you? Nothing worth having comes easy in life. If you want to write, I can tell you that is going to take an immense amount of strength to push forward, deal with rejection and still create the worlds and characters you so love. Lesson of the blog? Keep your head in the game.
happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
July 4, 2016
Finally Started Book 3! by Mandy Rosko
I finally managed to get book 3 started for the Alpha Bites series! Not too far in, only 3k words in what I’m betting will be at least a 60K word story, but it’s a nice solid start, and I’m excited to get this baby written.
Like dragon shifters? I do too, that’s why this will be Jax’s story, when he finally decides he can’t wait around anymore, and he will make a claim on his woman, wooing her the way he should have so many years before when she needed him to
July 3, 2016
A Gnome’s Paranormal-Scope on July 4th
Happy 4th of July, United States of America!
This is the time of year when a lot of people travel. Let’s see where the cosmic winds or the gnomes blow us.
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:
When the gnome is in Paris, love is in the air. So is the divine fragrance of French food.
Taurus:
Basking on the beach in Hawaii, the gnome is first to remember the sunblock and the umbrella and the water. Stay healthy while getting your Vitamin D.
Gemini:
Gnomes love being cooled off. Consider going north for fresh air and a new attitude. Canada is lovely.
Cancer:
Spain inspires the gnome to dance. Time to rev up your muscles with some fun exercise. There’s always time for dancing.
Leo:
Japan fascinates gnomes. They love the food and anime. Let loose and try something new or revisit a passion.
Virgo:
Gnomes don’t like mummies much, but there are mummies in the British Museum in London. Discover antiquities of the ancient world.
Libra:
Taking a photographic safari in South Africa, gnomes love photo ops with the wild life. Is your life wild enough?
Scorpio:
Australia inspires gnomes to surf. A new hobby can be very exciting but take everything in moderation.
Sagittarius:
Gnomes sometimes get confused for trolls in Iceland. Don’t sweat it. Make new friends and try new things.
Capricorn:
Alaska calls to the gnomes. Get physical and let go of everything bothering you. Feel the wind in your hair.
Aquarius:
Italy is fun. Gnomes go for the pasta. A new opportunity is coming your way and it isn’t pasta. Examine it carefully.
Pisces:
Romania isn’t full of vampires or gnomes just wouldn’t go there. Actually they go for the natural thermal spas. Give yourself time to relax. Have a spa day.
-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 2, 2016
Happy 4th of July! by Jenna Jaxon
In the spirit of our upcoming Independence Day, I’ve been taking pictures at Colonial Williamsburg. My daughter also works there as an orientation interpreter, so I’ve been
getting some Revolutionary War info from her as well. Having her work there has given me a new appreciation for Revolutionary War history. That’s never been my period, but I’ve developed an interest in 18th century Colonial America both from her experiences there and from our shared love of the Broadway musical sensation, Hamilton.
One of the things I’m excited about is how theatre is making history, especially the time of the birth of our nation, somehow new and relevant in different, more vital ways. Hamilton’s use of modern hip-hop and rap music, its multicultural casting which the writer, Lin-Miguel Miranda (who also plays Hamilton) is reported to have used to “represent… a nation not of African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans and White 
Americans living together in racial harmony, but of Americans living together in national unity.” I think it’s brilliant and so appropriate for the 21st century.
So my Fourth of July is going to be spent actually on the ground where it all happened. I’m going through the Yorktown battlefield to get to Williamsburg via the Colonial Parkway. Then my daughter has arranged passes so we can go into all the exhibits (expect more pictures next week!) and then we’re eating dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern just before watching the fireworks display at 9pm.
As you might think, this is going to be one of my more patriotic 4th of July’s on record.
To leave you with something stirring, here is “The World Turned Upside Down” from Hamilton (which the British actually played as they surrendered Yorktown.)
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
Filed under: Colonial Williamsburg, Holidays
What Are Your Favorite Summer Movies?
Summer is a time to kick back and take it easier. With the July 4th weekend, there will be beach parties and barbecues throughout the United States. I will enjoy my air conditioning and watch movies. Lately I haven’t had any favorites at the theater, so I’m looking at long time favorites. Here’s a list of my top favorites? What are yours?
Guardians of the Galaxy – I don’t know what it is about this intergalactic romp that puts me in a good mood every time. One, I love space adventures where the hero gets to test his meddle. Two, Chris Pratt is so much fun in this.
Shaun of the Dead – Yes, it is an old zombie comedy. Two words that don’t make sense together – zombie and comedy – but Simon Pegg is able to pull it off. It’s a clever take on not taking life for granted and be prepared for the unexpected.
Howl’s Moving Castle – I don’t love all anime, but this one never ceases to amaze me. It’s based on the book by the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, who was a student of The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien. The story is about a girl in a hat shop who through a witch’s curse becomes an old woman and her quest to regain her youth and life. It’s beautifully drawn by artists who would later form the famous Studio Ghibli.
Blade Runner – This is a science fiction thriller shows a young Harrison Ford as the Replicant Hunter Deckard. A replicant is a bio-engineered android used for work in space colonies. They are not supposed to return to Earth, but four do and Deckard is sent to terminate (kill) them. Rutger Hauer plays one of the replicants, giving a brilliant performance. I love the romance in this movie too. If you love science fiction, check out this classic. This film is based on the novel by Philip K. Dick called Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – This is based on the book by J.K. Rowling and is the first book in the series. I always find beginnings of a character, where they came from, fascinating. Harry, who lives in the cupboard under the stairs, begins receiving some interesting mail carried by owls. From where? From Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry much to the disapproval of his aunt and uncle. So it begins
With the exception of Blade Runner, most of my favorite films have wonderful ensembles of friends or strangers who become friends to accomplish great deeds.
What are your favorite Summer movies?
-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, science fiction with romantic elements, steampunk romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire in the Basement, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Yule, ZOMBIE
June 30, 2016
Author Tracey A. Wood Will Inspire You by Stacy Hoff
Hello Passionate readers! I hope everyone in the USA is ready to celebrate July 4th. I know I am! Three glorious days for me to sit back, relax and enjoy. During my time off, I’m giving you remarkable author Tracey A. Wood to inspire you. Here she is, talking about her amazing fortitude, and her new release!
In 2010, I started to write my very first book. My husband and youngest son wondered why I was writing it and what I aimed to achieve. At that point, I didn’t really know, but I enjoyed myself and got those long dormant creative juices flowing. It tinkered on and off with the book and even at one point sent it to a publisher. Unfortunately, they turned out to be a self-publishing company, you know the sort. Have you written a book? We will publish it. Self-publishing is alright if you can afford to go down that route but their plans were an expense, I wasn’t prepared to pay. So I sat on my book and revisited it every now and then.
In 2013, I was getting the evening meal ready and preparing food for work the next day. I had been offside all day. Drained and out of sorts. I put it down to stress at work. We all know how that feels. I found that I was struggling to eat, and my husband kept asking me if I was alright. I felt fine, just tired. I was sitting working on my computer, and my husband asked if I was sure I was alright. I answered, with what I thought was a sensible reply. He asked why I was talking funny. I told him I wasn’t. I was just tired and would be alright after a good night sleep. He was due to go to work on a night shift but knew that there was something the matter with me, even though I didn’t. We’d been married for 28 years at the time.
He insisted on taking me to the hospital and to cut a long story short. I had three strokes which were caused by a blood clot on my brain. I didn’t realize I was having the first two, but when the third one hit, I couldn’t move or speak. I was fighting to get my body to work and losing the battle. When I tried to think it was like I was trying to push or should I say pull the thoughts to the front of my brain through a thick fog, very scary. Apparently they are called crescendo TIA’s (transient ischemic attacks) or mini strokes. Then two days later I found out that my carotid artery had a 90% stenosis (narrowing) on the right-hand side. I also found out that I would have to have an operation to solve the problem. If I didn’t have the operation, it was very probable that I would have more strokes. The hospital told me that I was lucky as it was and I might not survive another one. I was also told that they couldn’t guarantee that I would survive the operation. I could possibly have another stroke and possibly end up blind or worse.
I had the operation within two weeks of having my strokes which left me with a six-inch scar from below my ear and down my neck.
I was off work for six months but was finding that I was extremely tired all of the time and my body hurt all over. I was slurring words and bumping into furniture. Twenty months later and a lot of hospital appointment I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Yes I know, I hadn’t got a clue what it was either. From what I can gather, it is a whole host of problems which don’t really fit together. The last doctor I saw told me he didn’t like to label my symptoms into this illness and call it chronic full body pain which cannot be explained??
After going through this illness I decided to send my manuscript to Soulmate Publishing in New York and low and behold, Debbie the Senior Editor liked it. I had to tinker with it and then resubmit it but in January 2015 she sent me a contract. Wooohooo.
I have been working hard, setting up my website, editing my book and generally preparing for my release date. If I hadn’t of been ill, I would probably still be sitting with my book on my computer. Reading it and re-reading it. So, in my opinion, everything does happen for a reason. I hope this give you, the reader, the push to follow your dreams. No matter what they are. Life really is too short.
book blurb for Midnight Angel
After almost losing her life in a vicious, bloody attack. Kat Shaw, a thirty-something, divorcee, discovers that there are such things as monsters. And the predator who attacked her is not human. She starts to develop unusual skills which have murderous consequences. And is an unwilling witness to multiple, brutal murders, seen through the eyes a killer. Thrown into a battle of Good vs. Evil, she falls in love with two men who are not what they seem. While her attacker stalks her and continues to murder the innocent. She has to find the inner strength to take on and fight the demons from hell. To protect her family and friends while also trying to save her own life.
Author’s Biography
Tracey A Wood has lives in Staffordshire, in the United Kingdom. She has been married for over thirty years and has two children. One of her boy’s lives at home due to being disable the other has flown the coup. She has three cats that are her babies, and she talks to them all of the time. Funny thing is they don’t answer back.
She loves snowboarding, skiing, jumping out of aeroplanes and bungee jumping. Well, that is when other people are doing them. She prefers to have her nose in a book or writing one. She also loves to people watch which her husband is always telling her to stop doing. She has a job that she enjoys and works full time. Although if she won the lottery, that might change! She has also got a very good imagination.
Her books are fast paced and centered on a female lead who finds an inner strength after being thrown into situations that are beyond her control.
Excerpt for Midnight Angel by Tracey Wood
The park was empty at this time of night. All the children had gone home hours ago. The nights were getting colder and the evening air bit through my clothes, making me shiver. A light dew clung to my hair and skin as the darkness closed in around me, shrouding me from the main road.
After a long day at work, I made my way along the manmade path. It was a good shortcut taking fifteen minutes off my journey. I would soon be home, safe and warm.
What to have for dinner? Hmm. Pizza! Yeah, I’ll dial a pizza. Treat myself. Why not?
Happy with my decision, I carried on my way.
Pulling my jacket collar up around my neck, I tried to beat the cold and the shiver running up my spine.
A sharp pain shot through my head, stunning me, and suddenly I was flying across the path. My forehead hit the ground with an audible thump. Another powerful flash of pain. Black blotches blurred my vision as I tried to focus on my surroundings.
I attempted to get up but something struck my back, flattening me to the ground. The wind rushed from my lungs. I couldn’t move! A heavy weight sat on my back, holding me down. I struggled to draw enough air into my lungs. Something sharp penetrated my back, then my arms and the top of my leg. It was pure agony!
What’s happening? Have I been stabbed?
Tucking my flailing hands under my body, I attempted to get up, a silent scream trapped inside me, but the weight held me in place.
Snaking my body, I wriggled across the compact soil of the path, attempting to pull myself forward. It was no use. I couldn’t even get to my hands and knees.
My clothes were ripped from my back as the onslaught continued.
The pain slowly dulled, even though I was still at the mercy of my attacker. My heart pounded with fear as this predator snatched at my body. I was shaken violently from side to side. My gut told me my attacker was male. He was dominant, strong, and overpowering.
Oh God, this can’t be happening. No, please. I don’t want to die!
Glancing around frantically for a weapon, I realized I still had my keys in my hand. Without thinking, I slashed them behind my back with as much force as I could. They bit into something soft. Warm fluid flowed over me.
I had hurt him and possibly made him angrier. This unseen person was going to do the unthinkable. He was going to violate me, rob me of my life, or both. I desperately needed to get away from this monster. But how? I couldn’t fight back. Damn it, I couldn’t even move.
Nausea washed over me as my body weakened, my life draining away. A dark mist clouded my mind, consuming me, consuming my thoughts. I was going to die here in a lonely, dark park in the middle of London. I would never see my family and friends again.
Why? Why? I want to live. Help me, please help me, someone!
As if this monster had heard my silent plea, the shaking suddenly stopped. The weight lifted slightly and I could breathe. Relief washed over me.
Had the attack finished? Did he think I was dead?
I lay still, faking death, struggling not to take deep, gulping breaths. I fought the panic pumping through my body.
I became aware of a stroking sensation on my back, a light caress. Small strokes, followed by a sound I could not identify. The strokes became harder and the noise louder. A wet, squelching sound.
What is that?
My head spun with confusion and panic as I strained to locate my attacker. I saw a movement from the corner of my eye. I turned but couldn’t focus. It was too dark and I was in shock.
Warm liquid ran down my back, arms, and legs. Blood. My blood, but there was no pain, still no pain.
In a moment of clarity, I knew I had to move. To get away before my attacker struck again.
Web Links for Tracey Wood
Buy Link: US link: https://goo.gl/3Lk91d
UK link: https://goo.gl/e7L7DV
Website: http://traceywood.wix.com/tracey-a-wood
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraceyAWood.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/traceya_wood
Google +: https://plus. google.com/+TraceyAWoodAuthor
Blog: http://tracey-a-wood.blogspot.com
WordPress: http://traceyawoodblog.wordpress.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/tracey_a_wood
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: 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, Holiday reads, Holidays, inspiration, Interview, publishing, romance, Stacy Hoff, Writer's life
June 29, 2016
Red, White, and Blue by Heather Novak
We are only one day away from a long, holiday weekend! It’s time to plan which delicious treats we will eat while reading some of our favorite military romances.
Here are my book recommendations for the weekend:
Ambrose Young was beautiful. The kind of beautiful that graced the covers of romance novels, and Fern Taylor would know. She’d been reading them since she was thirteen. But maybe because he was so beautiful he was never someone Fern thought she could have…until he wasn’t beautiful anymore.
Wild Card (Elite Ops Series Book 1) by Lora Leigh
It was supposed to be simple. All Navy SEAL Nathan Malone had to do was rescue three young girls from a Colombia drug cartel, then allow himself to be captured just long enough to draw out a government spy. That was before his mission went disastrously wrong…and before his wife, Bella, was told that Nathan was never coming home.
Bella’s mourned her husband’s death for three long years. But she has no idea he’s still alive. Forced to assume a new identity, the man Nathan was is now dead. If he can get back to his wife, can he keep the secret of who he really is…even as desire threatens to consume them? And as danger threatens to tear Bella from Nathan’s arms once more?
Now, snacks!
I’m addicted to popcorn! Here’s some red, white, and blue deliciousness.
yield: 16, 1-cup servings (if 3 batches are made)
ingredients
1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
3 to 4 tbsp white sugar
approximately 1/8 tsp gel food coloring (Wilton or Americolor)
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
salt to taste
Instructions
in a 5qt pot that has a lid, heat the oil on medium-high heat until hot.
add the sugar, food coloring, and popcorn kernels. give it a quick stir with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon and place the lid on the pot. wait until the kernels start to pop and then, using hot pads, shake the pot vigorously, back and forth, until most of the kernels are popped. if you leave it on too long, the sugar will burn.
remove kettle corn from heat, and pour the popcorn into a large heat-proof bowl. add salt while it’s still hot until desired saltiness.
wash out the pot, dry it well, and repeat the process for the other colors.
Ingredients for the Red Smoothie
1 cup frozen raspberries
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup pomegranate juice (or coconut water)
juice from half a lemon
Ingredients for the White Smoothie
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 frozen bananas (sliced)
1 can of coconut milk
2 tablespoons of hemp seeds
Ingredients for the Blue Smoothie
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 dates (pitted)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup of pomegranate juice (or coconut water)
Directions
Combine ingredients for smoothie and blend in blender. To keep the layers separate in the glass make sure the blender is cleaned before each different smoothie. Spoon the ingredients into the glass gently making sure to coat the walls of the glass first with each separate layer. You can also try freezing before adding each layer.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!
On this day in 1936 – Margaret Mitchell’s book, “Gone with the Wind,” was published.
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
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