Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 191
February 19, 2016
How Do You Pack for A Conference? Packing for Albacon!
I’m going to Albacon in Albany, New York which is on March 4-6th. Why am I 
packing now?
Well, I have different agendas. I’m going as a panelist, and I’m having a reading and book signing. Since I’m driving rather than flying, my list is different.
For the panels, I need my notes.
For the reading and book signing, I will need my book bag with copies of Vampire King of New York and The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais and also my new brochures, business cards, and some book cover flats.
Then I have to look at the program events, and I’ll choose what clothes to bring.
Meds, bath items, toiletries, sleeping stuff, slippers. I always bring slippers to every conference.
Phone charger
Since this conference usually has a free table, where people leave books they are done with to pass to others. I’m going through my person library to see what to pass on.
Hm, my list seems a little short. I must be forgetting something. Anyone see anything I might have missed?
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, Readers Conference, romance, romance novels, shapeshifters, 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, werewolves, When Love Survives, Writer Workshops, Writer's Life, Yule
February 18, 2016
Knights in Shining Armor by Stacy Hoff
The fact Valentine’s Day was just here got me thinking about romance. Actually, as a romance writer, I pretty much think about romance all the time. But why? What is about romance that always seems so fresh and new, even if the story is old?
How old? Colleges still have English students read “The Knight’s Tale,” (in original Middle English, “The Knightes Tale”) the first story in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. In fact, when I was a student in college, I read this. Today’s romantic stories are a lot less “courtly” and a whole lot hotter, but the theme of longing and desire remain the same.
Below is a picture of two of my college text books, which I still cherish today.
While our technology may have changed over hundreds of years, the “wiring” of a human being has not. Our hearts function exactly the same way as they did during Medieval times. We still yearn for the euphoric feeling we get when we find a person who makes us feel loved, valued and desired. It is as powerful an emotion to an eighteen year old as it is to someone who is eighty.
There is still the same desire to be protected. To have a modern day “knight in shining armor” willing to swoop down and save us, no matter how dire our circumstances or what personal cost. It’s a romantic notion intrinsic in us to this day. Don’t believe me? Look at all the billionaire and military hero books that are currently on the market. These books cater to the very same basic human need Chaucer fulfilled long ago.
The military hero/protector/knight in shining armor is a trope that I, a published author of several romance novels, have utilized. My “Desire” series (DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES, and the sequel DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC) is based upon this concept. And why not? I love a good damsel in distress, with a man willing to risk his life to save her. It’s fun to put my modern twists (and the characters’ modern sensibilities) into a “knight in shining armor” tale. It’s my modern spin on a story theme as old as Geoffrey Chaucer.
Even in 2016 our romantic hearts are forever hopeful. We want love for ourselves, our family, friends and our neighbors. It makes sense we want happy endings for our favorite characters. So why not say loud and proud—I read romance books, and I love the “happily ever after.”
Bring on the knights in shining armor!
What are your thoughts about romance books? Who is your favorite “knight in shining armor” character?
Top picture taken by Stacy Hoff in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Medieval wing, New York City. All photos Copyright Stacy Hoff 2016. All rights reserved.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC by Stacy Hoff (a new release!):
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):
AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR HOT SEDUCTION (box set with Stacy Hoff):
Filed under: A writer's life, Heroines, historical romance, medieval, romance, romantic., Stacy Hoff, Valentine's Day
February 17, 2016
Wine Time With Author Aria Glazki by Heather Novak
Friends, I am SO excited to have contemporary romance author and friend Aria Glazki on Wine Time today! Aria writes the kind of stories that make your heart sit up and take notice. Aria has come prepared with her lovely wine collection, so grab a glass (read: bottle) of wine and join me for one awesome Wine Time!
Aria, thank you for appearing on Nights of Passion! Can you tell us about yourself?
I should probably start off by saying I’m terrible at talking about myself! Let’s see: I’m an immigrant, from Russia; I’m the youngest of three girls; I grew up in California, but moved to the Boston area for school, then to France for a little while, and then back to California so I could be close to my family; I’ve written three full novels, and am working on my fourth; I am the absolute worst at marketing, so I spend a lot of time trying to work on that…
And I wasn’t kidding about being bad at this, so if people want to ask me specific questions in the comments, please feel free! I’ll do my best to answer them all.
Can you tell us about your book Mending Heartstrings, (which I loved by the way!)?
Mending Heartstrings Summary:
Kane’s a country singer who’s tangled with too many deceitful women. He’s learned his lesson: girls are for flirting and fun; emotions are for his music. But after spending a night with an earnest woman unlike any he’s known, he can’t force her ou
t of his mind. So he goes in search of the woman he knows only as “Elle.”
On her last night in Nashville, the staunchly pragmatic Sabella found herself in a situation more suited to a romance novel than reality. Swept away, she ignored her rigidly self-imposed rules, succumbing to the fantasy just this once. But she knows real-world relationships have nothing in common with their fictionalized portrayals. When Kane unexpectedly shows up at her Portland apartment, she must choose between the practical truths she has learned and the desire for a passionate love she has struggled to suppress.
Despite the distance, Kane’s tour schedule, and their meddling friends, both are drawn to the chance for a romance neither quite believes is possible.
Mending Heartstrings is the first novel I ever finished writing. It’s the story that took me from having given up on my writing to becoming an author, so it will always hold a particularly special place in my heart.
This story is really about two people who both have reasons to avoid relationships, especially spontaneous ones, who still can’t deny the connection they feel during one lovely night together. But of course, they have to reconcile that interest with obstacles like living thousands of miles away and with their own trepidation, their pasts. So they each have to make the choice—do they even try, do they put in the effort, or do they simply give in to reality, to being practical?
And this is a choice many of us have to make when we first meet someone who interests us: are they worth the effort, and the potential of ending up hurt?
You can pick up your own copy of Mending Heartstrings here!
I loved this book! I was so glad to be on a plane when I started it so I didn’t have to stop for hours. How did you think up this book?
Yay!! Thanks, Heather! I never get tired of hearing comments like that :D
The idea grew mostly out of my discovering a number of country songs that I like, even though previously I would have had no problem saying, “I hate country music.” And taking someone from that perspective, someone who is just starting to dabble in the genre, then putting her together with a country singer—how would that work? Would she be able to handle frequently listening to country music, like she would need to, to be supportive of him? How would he feel about her not liking his genre? And for that matter, how would they even meet?
Those questions and more started me thinking, piecing together who these characters would need to be, how they could ever come together, and then one day that turned into the first conversation Sabella and Kane have. That brought more questions, and then eventually I had to listen to the impulse to sit down and give these two their full story.
Where is your favorite place to write (ex. Coffee shop, couch, office?)
Any soft surface with good back support, really. All I need is to be comfortable, have my laptop & charger, headphones if I’m not in a private place, and of course an idea. I break the “rules” of working from home and write from my bed all the time.
Do you prefer soccer or hockey? Beer or wine?
Hockey and wine, since you’re making me choose. Though really, I’m good with soccer and beer too haha. And (blasphemy?), I don’t actually watch either sport.
This book deals with music, which I love. What are some of your favorite songs to write to?
You know, my writing “playlist” changes with each story, and not necessarily to something related to the work. For Mending Heartstrings, it was predominately country music, of course, including many songs from the TV show Nashville (don’t judge!). For my latest project, it’s Notre Dame de Paris the musical—I have no idea why, though of course the music there is gorgeous. I went through an entire phase in university where the easiest way for me to focus on studying was to turn on the movie Rent; again, who knows why? I’m weird that way, I guess. ;)
(For the record, I LOVE Nashville and can pretty much recite every line from Rent!)
Who was the inspiration for your hero?
There isn’t really one “who.” Kane is an amalgamation of some core traits, like his protectiveness and chivalry; and some dreamy traits, like knowing how to cook super well, or of course playing guitar; and some realistic, humanizing pieces—like his tendency to jump to conclusions.
If you had to give up chocolate or coffee to save the world, would you do it? And which one?
Coffee. No problem. (Should I mention that I don’t drink it anyway? I’m allergic…)
Who are some authors you love to read when you find time?
I definitely have some big go-to authors, like Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Lisa Kleypas, and Laurell K Hamilton, or of course classical authors (from Shakespeare to Jane Austen). But I try to throw in books from newer authors I meet along the way as well, and often their new releases will take priority for pleasure reading—it’s so important for all of us to support each other!
What is up next for you?
Good question, haha. The follow-up story to Mending Heartstrings is finished, so I’m working on figuring out that book’s path to publication. The last couple of stories I’ve started to write have still been focused on people coming together, on the role and hardship of romantic relationships in our lives, but they can’t strictly speaking be called romances, so I’m not sure if or when those will make it out into the world. I also have a few more characters from the world of Mending Heartstrings whom I’d like to revisit in future stories.
The closest answer I could give you is probably that I’m going to keep working, and seeing where life takes me, and hopefully along the way readers will enjoy what I’ve written!
Thank you! ~Aria
Links:
Website: www.AriaGlazki.com
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/AriaGlazki
Facebook: http://Facebook.com/Aria.Glazki
Goodreads: http://Goodreads.com/Aria.Glazki
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aria-Glazki/e/B00DHUXFY8
On this day in 1974 – KISS released their first album “KISS.”
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Instagram: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Hunting Witch Hazel: Spring 2016
Threat of Raine: Spring 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: Spring 2016
Filed under: romance
February 16, 2016
Get What You Want
We have all heard “you can’t always get what you want” and “you can’t have our cake and eat it” a time or two or more during our lifetimes. Well, I’m tired of hearing these words and I don’t believe them. Almost every time I ask my son to choose what he wants to do between two of his favorite things, he tells me both. I’m the one who says no at times because I’m tired, hungry, etc. still, he remains determined with some sort of convincing argument.
I know, we aren’t all four and the world is much more complex as we get older. But does it have to be? Everyday, I see and hear so many unhappy people. My focus is on them because it seems to happen more and more and I can help but ask why we do this to ourselves?
I realize each of us our on our own journey but the point of a journey is to get somewhere and I can help but wonder how many of us actually reach our destinatio. Speaking from my own experience, I do believe it is possible for each of us to get what we want even if that means baby steps. We don’t all have to take drastic measures to follow our dreams such as quitting a stable job or moving cross country with nothing. But it’s also important not to give up on dreams. If you like to sing or want to play the piano, take lessons after work. If you want to write, dedicate a bit of time each day to sit down in front of your laptop to type or study the craft. If you want to start a business, do the research, perhaps take a class and put together plan.
Nothing is impossible and we always have a choice. Don’t be your own obstacle! Okay, that’s all for today. Go conquer you world and happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
February 15, 2016
Lol, More Expensive Crafting for Readers :D by Mandy Rosko
I’m pretty sure I don’t *actually* have a shopping addiction. I just like to joke that I do, since, you know, I can’t often keep my money in my wallet. I need to start freezing my cards to prevent anymore spending. -_-
Here’s why: I found something else to keep the little artist in me happy when I’m not writing.
Making Jewellery.
Now I’m still a novice at this. I only made three necklaces so far, but am planning on more later on. I gave away one necklace at the Valentine’s Day Facebook event blast I was part of, looking back, the design could have been better, but the other two necklaces I made are so awesome. I put some pictures up of them on my Facebook. I think. Anyway, I’ve been wearing around the little bottle with the wolf and the purple beads for a while, and aside from some minor improvements that need to be made, I love these things.
As it happens, buying beads is expensive, unless you have the 40% off coupon from Michaels. I try not to leave home without it ;)
So first it was Copic Markers, now it’s jewellery making and water colors. I add that in there just because I am going on a water color binge, but that’s not for readers. See? I have to buy all the pretty colorful things @_@
I figured I would give the purple wolf in a bottle necklace to someone on my newsletter list to celebrate Alpha being released next month. God, I can’t wait for that, but the rest, I might sprinkle around here and there. The free classes at Michaels are an awesome way for me to get some inspiration for reader swag and prizes. The sticker maker I bought also works wonders, thank God that thing was cheap
Next time I have a better photo, I’ll have to post it, but right now it’s one in the morning and I’m dying for bed.
Anyone else here a reader who likes glittery things? For scrapbooking, jewellery making, painting, etc, or just another writer who likes making the things you give to your readers. I’m curious to know :)
Cheers,
~Mandy
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Filed under: romance
I’m Late Paranormal-Scope
I’m feeling a bit like Alice today. In the last weeks we had almost summer-like weather, and then snow and below freezing temperatures.
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:
A half cup may be all you need to succeed with. Don’t overindulge and see where that leads you.
Taurus:
How is a raven like a writing desks? A puzzling matter will come your way.
Gemini:
Time for tea with friends to relax and enjoy their company. Tea warms the heart.
Cancer:
Have you changed your wardrobe recently? A new hat is in order.
Leo:
Being on time is of great importance this week. People will see you in a new light.
Virgo:
Something is jamming up the works of your life. Keep company with people who inspire you.
Libra:
If that spot for tea is taken, move to another. Be flexible in your plans.
Scorpio:
The dormouse is small but should not be forgotten. Even a single person can make a remarkable advance affecting others.
Sagittarius:
If you can’t find the information you need, go to the teapot. I mean go to the source.
Capricorn:
Remember the adventure begins down a rabbit hole. Be daring in your life.
Aquarius:
No need to worry or rush. Enjoy the tea of life. Open your eyes to new vistas. Take a trip.
Pisces:
Alice felt very small, but events changed that. New opportunities are 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 available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo
A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle
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
February 14, 2016
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Candy hearts, valentine cards, chocolates, flowers. All Valentine’s Day images. The roots of St. Valentine’s day, however, are a little darker, shall we say?
According to The American Catholic website, St. Valentine himself, for whom the holiday is names, has a sketchy background, hard to pin down. He may have been a priest who helped persecuted Christians and was beheaded, or a bishop who was beheaded, or a priest who married couples illegally when marriage was forbidden and beheaded. Not even the Catholic Church is able to confirm which of these individuals actually was St. Valentine.
However, his name is associated with love for a very good reason.
For 800 years the ancient Romans had celebrated the Festival of Lupercalia, honoring the god Lupercus. On February 15, young Roman men would draw the name of a young woman who would then become his sexual companion for the following year. Pretty good festival, at least for the guys.
Pope Gelasius changed the lottery so that young men and women drew names of saints whose lives they must then emulate for a year. Much more Christian, don’t you think? He 
also changed the patron of the festival to St. Valentine. In addition, during the Middle Ages the belief arose that birds took their mates in mid-February, so the tradition of love continued, with people sending notes of love and small gifts to their spouses or loved ones.
I’m celebrating St. Valentine’s Day this year with a giveaway on by blog called Sweets to the Sweet. The “gifts” are an Amazon gift card, Godiva chocolate, and a complete set of Jenna Jaxon books (3 full-length novels, 4 novellas, and the out-of-print short story Heart of Deception). It’s not too late to enter! The contest is open until midnight tonight on Jenna’s Journal. I hope you come by and enter to win!
Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Filed under: Holidays, Jenna Jaxon, Promotion, St. Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day
February 13, 2016
Happy 7th Birthday, Nights of Passion Contest!
St. Valentine’s Day is the birthday of Nights of Passion Blog. Some people might call it an 
anniversary, but I prefer cake, candles, presents, and a youthful playfulness. In my family, we turn around the numbers on the person. If they are 61, the candles say 16. Smiles! Yes, I will be getting back to the presents. The contest starts now and ends on Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern time, and is void where prohibited by law. Yes, I have made this a Worldwide contest, unless prohibited by law in a country.
What is the prize: Winner’s Choice! The lucky winner will receive their choice of one of my books in one of its available formats.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook and Print, and Kobo.
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.
There is a Free Kindle App that allows you to read Kindle books on your cell phone, tablet or computer. http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200783640
For descriptions of each book, please, visit my website: www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
How to enter: Just give Nights of Passion and the Passionate Crew Happy Birthday wishes and say what you want to win and why. Convince me. Those 2 things will make you eligible.
Good Luck to everyone! Here are some covers for your enjoyments!
All the best and good luck!
Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, contest, Contests, fantasy romance, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, party, romance, shapeshifters, 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, When Love Survives, Yule
February 11, 2016
A Happily Ever After for Valentine’s Day by Stacy Hoff
Valentine’s Day is upon is almost upon us. I thought this would be a good time to explain what we in the romance writing industry call the “HEA” (Happily Ever After). The HEA is really the heart and soul of every romance novel ever written. An HEA should also be at the center of our own lives. After all, why should literary characters keep all the happiness for themselves?
Publishers often seek an HEA, too. They define an HEA as follows: the hero and heroine get married (or at least engaged) at the end of the story. Other publishers only require a “HFN” (Happy For Now). They define a HFN as when: the couple agrees to be together at the end of the story, although not engaged or married. Personally, I am open to reading both, but I write only the HEA.
In the story I wrote about Valentine’s Day, “Love Delights” (in the SEASON OF LOVE box set) I succintly sum up both the holiday, and the HEA philosophy. No matter how much people convince themselves they can not, or should not, be with the one they love, they never feel quite complete without that person in their life. The hard part, of course, is taking the risk of opening up one’s heart. (The book blurb follows below, if you’re curious, and an excerpt of the story for you to enjoy, because, hey, it’s Valentine’s Day weekend.)
Of course, having happiness in life does not require a fiancé or a spouse. I do believe a person can be content living alone. But I also believe that a person can be even happier with someone who challenges them, supports them, and compliments who they are as an individual.
Once we find that person, we have our HEA.
This Valentines Day, I wish all of you an HEA. How are you going to spend February 14th?
Hope you like the fun, brand new cover for Season of Love!
Book Blurb for “Love Delights” in SEASON OF LOVE box set
Two co-workers—former lovers—vie for the same big job promotion in their NYC advertising agency. The agency’s next Creative Director will be the one who pitches the better ad campaign to a major potential client, Love Delights, a gourmet chocolatier. Too bad they both need more time, and each other’s help, to come up with the perfect pitch.
Can they win over the client? And each other? Because this Valentine’s Day, the agency’s finances—and their hearts—are on the line.
Excerpt from “Love Delights”
Deirdre’s iPhone’s appointment-book feature finally went off, letting out a sharp beep. This was it—meeting time. Positive thoughts, Dee, only positive thoughts. A cold shiver ran through her as a thought popped into her head. They do value me here, right? After all she’d gone though, she just had to get this promotion. She would get this promotion. In fact, in a few minutes when it became official she’d go down to a bar, toast herself with a coconut daiquiri, then drunk-dial her oldest brother, Jake and gloat. A slow smile spread across her face.
About to enter Mr. Fein’s office, her biggest rival for the job promotion—Trevor Reynolds—reached for the exact same door handle. “Oh!” she exclaimed. Her smile immediately dropped from her face. Confidence plummeted along with it. Stop worrying, Dee! This must be a scheduling screw-up.
“Hello, Deirdre,” Trevor said in that sexy, sultry voice of his.
Deirdre hated that voice. Specifically because it worked so well on her. Despite all her determination to be immune, immunity from Trevor’s charms was not an easy task to accomplish. His sensuous voice was only half as tantalizing as his mouth-watering good looks.
Even hearing him through the thin drywall that separated his office from Deirdre’s brought embarrassingly steamy memories racing to the forefront of her mind. Memories of their one night stand—no, one night mistake. Ever since then, she tried to keep her meetings with Trevor to a minimum. Since this was Valentine’s Day, she’d tried doubly hard to avoid him all day. She’d been successful until now. Awkward.
“Hello, Trevor.” She gave him a tight nod. “It’s nice to see you, but I have an appointment with Mr. Fein now.”
“What a coincidence,” he said, cavalierly. “So do I.”
Her brow furrowed. Having Trevor at this meeting would not be good. How could she concentrate on Mr. Fein’s words when Trevor was watching her? Her still-lingering attraction to him was hard to block out. Worse, having Trevor at the meeting would create a professional mess. How would Trevor react when Mr. Fein announced she’d be getting the promotion he’d wanted? Unfortunately, he was just as driven in his career goals as Deirdre. Would Trevor be gracious when Mr. Fein gave the job to her? After all, there was only one Creative Director spot.
Oh no—What if Trevor is the one who’s going to get the promotion? And I’m supposed to report to him now? Suddenly, Dee felt her acid reflux condition make its presence known. Only thirty years old, it was very early in life for Dee to be taking Nexium, but with a high-pressure job like this one, using the purple pill was inevitable. After this meeting, she’d be sure to pop yet another pill in flagrant disregard of the dosing instructions.
AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X3ZAR3E?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00X3ZAR3E&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20
AMAZON ORDER 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 HOT SEDUCTION (box set with Stacy Hoff):
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
Filed under: Holiday reads, romance, romance novels, Stacy Hoff, Valentine's Day, writer's inspiration, Writer's life, Writing Craft, writing life
February 10, 2016
Valentines Against Violence by Heather Novak
I’m going to talk about a very touchy subject this Valentine’s day. According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), Valentine’s day has a higher than average incidence of domestic violence. February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
Three years ago this month, I lost a dear friend to domestic violence.
There is absolutely nothing that prepares you for that phone call. You can’t remember how to breathe, especially when one of her last Facebook posts was how lucky she was. You sit there, wondering how you missed it. Where there signs? How did you miss the signs?
If you suspect you or someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help. Don’t wait.
This year, the Super Bowl aired an ad they introduced in 2015. It was based on a true recording of a 9-1-1 operator call.
So let’s talk what you can do about it.
Want to have fun and still help those in need? Find a local showing of The Vagina Monologues (which typically runs the end of January through March). The Vagina Monologues is the cornerstone of the V-Day movement, whose participants stage benefit performances of the show and/or host other related events in their communities.
V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls. V-Day is a 
catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money, and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM), and sex slavery.
Every Valentine’s Day, I donate to V-Day.
Also, we must not forget that men are victims as well. You can find more information here.
This Valentine’s Day, be thankful for the people who love you in your life and remember those who need love the most.
If you’re looking to help victims of violence, find a shelter in your area and donate toiletries, clothing, and even books. Remember, the victims sometimes leave with only the clothes on their backs.
To all the survivors out there: my heart is with you.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
On this day in 1963 – The Beatles recorded “Twist & Shout” and “I Saw Her Standing There.”
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Instagram: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Hunting Witch Hazel: Spring 2016
Threat of Raine: Spring 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: Spring 2016
Filed under: romance
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