Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 195
January 10, 2016
A Wet Paranormal-Scope
Umbrellas are nice. It’s great to have rain instead of snow for a while. We do need the rain as 
long as it isn’t so much that it washes out roads.
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:
Hobbits are practical gardeners. Water is important. Are you drinking enough water?
Taurus:
Werewolves shake off the rain like they do negative comments made by others.
Gemini:
Shake your shape like the shapeshifters too. Exercise or dance a lot. Your choice.
Cancer:
Pixies and puddles are to be avoided.
Leo:
Elves believe dancing in the rain will free your spirit.
Virgo:
Dragons love flying in the rain. It’s very cleansing. Take a nice long soak.
Libra:
Goblins complain about rain. The size of a puddle can be misleading. Watch out!
Scorpio:
Faeries enjoy licking the drops of rain. Drink more water. Laugh more.
Sagittarius:
A vampire is headed your way. You have a choice between going ahead or stepping out of the way of someone else.
Capricorn:
Mermaids come to the surface to wash their hair in the soft warm rain. Float away your stress.
Aquarius:
Griffons take cover and wait out the rain with old friends. Do the same.
Pisces:
Hounds of hell whimper in the rain. They don’t like getting their feet wet. New boots are in your future.
-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
January 9, 2016
Anticipation by Jenna Jaxon
I’ve always thought myself a patient person, willing to play by the rules or wait my turn for something without undue stressing over it.
Well, in the case of my latest release, this did not hold true.
My Time Enough to Love medieval series boxed set was set to be released on Tuesday, November 12. I’m self-publishing it, so there was no stress concerned in when the book should be released. It’s whenever I want it to be released, right? I guess “whenever I want” is a loosely defined phrase.
Amazon said I couldn’t put the book on pre-order because I missed a pre-order deadline last year. So I had to wait, again until I was ready, to publish. Not a problem, right?
I had decided to release on the 12th because it was a Tuesday and I had been told that Tuesdays were the best days to release a book. So I was going to reveal my brand new cover on Tuesday, January 5th and the book released the following week. Yeah, good luck with that.
The cover reveal went off well and people on social media and on my loops started asking when TETL was releasing. So by Thursday, I was pretty anxious to release. It just didn’t make sense to wait, you know?
So I uploaded to Amazon and hit “Publish.”
The power of that moment never gets old. :)
I am pleased to announce that Time Enough to Love is now available on Amazon and ARe! It includes all four novellas from the series. Here’s the blurb and an excerpt to help you decide to snap up this book for the excellent price of .99!
Blurb for Time Enough to Love
When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.
From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing
Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.
As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?
TIME ENOUGH TO LOVE EXCERPT 1
“Lady Alyse de Courcy!” King Edward called out again, bringing Alyse’s head up like a startled deer. “Present yourself before the court.”
Alyse shot off her seat. Oh, Lord! She had kept King Edward waiting.
“I beg pardon, sire.” She hurried from behind the table, too aware of all the eyes now on her. As she moved to stand before the king, the low drone of many voices rose around the room.
“Impudent girl.”
“I’d not want to be in her place.”
“Do you think the king will…”
Each snatch of conversation made her heart beat faster.
What will he do to me?
Her normal embarrassment at being the center of attention tripled at the thought of this blatant lapse of protocol. She stopped several feet from the dais and the room hushed as though everyone held their breath.
“What do you require of me, Majesty?” Her mouth so dry she could taste sand, Alyse fought to speak in a normal tone. With a sigh of relief, she dropped into a deep curtsy, hiding her face in the folds of her skirt. If only she could remain bowed thus before His Majesty for the remainder of the evening.
King Edward laughed. “Obedience, Lady Alyse, as I require of all my subjects. As your father requires of his daughter.”
Her heart thumped wildly in her breast. That could mean but one thing.
“Rise, my lady.”
She did so on unsteady feet. “I am ready, as always, Your Majesty, to obey my father as I would you.”
Holy Mary, let it be Lord Braeton.
King Edward lifted an eyebrow toward Alyse. “A very pretty answer, my lady. And are you ready to accept your father’s decree for your betrothal? His messenger has today reached me with the contract, as I am to stand in his stead in this matter.”
Alyse took a deep breath and hoped her voice did not tremble. “Yea, Majesty, I will obey my father.”
King Edward nodded and leaned over to whisper something to Queen Phillipa, who sat beside him, heavy with their twelfth child.
Mere seconds before she learned her fate. She could scarce affect an indifferent pose before the court when inside every inch of her quivered with anticipation of the name. His name, pray God, on the king’s lips.
Thomas.
In her mind, she heard the word.
The king straightened, glanced at her then at the man by her side.
“What say you then, Sir Geoffrey? Does the lady not speak fair? I vow she will make you a proper wife and a dutiful one as well.”
Alyse turned, until that moment unaware that Geoffrey Longford stood beside her. Chills coursed down her body as the king’s words echoed in her mind. The sensation of falling backward assailed her, as though she rushed away from the tall man at her side even as his figure loomed larger and larger in her sight.
Not Lord Braeton.
Her numbed brain repeated the phrase, trying to comprehend that instead he would be her husband. Geoffrey Longford.
God have mercy on me, for by the look of him, this man will not.
Hope you enjoyed this little taste of the medieval world. :)
Filed under: Historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Promotion, romance, Time Enought to Love
January 8, 2016
How Do I Get Rid of Pink Dyed Fingers?
There are many adventures to being an author. If you’re a parent or grandparent there are 
even more rather unique ones.
To add to the festive occasion of a sleepover, my husband got pink and chocolate cupcakes from the bakery. My granddaughter and I both had cupcakes. She got pink frosting all over her face and hands. This bright pink really, really stays with you. It washed off her face, but her fingers were another matter.
Soap and water worked so so. Germ-free soap also had limited results. Now I didn’t want to scrub too hard and hurt her. We washed her hands again and they are clean just bright pink. My dilemma is that I will be returning my granddaughter with bright pink hands to my daughter. What to do? While the family slept, I went online to look for a solution.
Apparently food color dyed hands and faces are a common problem in society. I looked over the solutions and in the morning, I will try the ones I consider safe for a pre-schooler.
Here are possible solutions I found for gently removing food dye from hands. All advised against scrubbing and irritating the skin. All solutions require adult supervision.
Baby wipes – Why didn’t I think of that?
Use toothpaste
A solution of baking soda and vinegar – One person who did not have vinegar said warm water and baking soda worked great.
Some solutions were rather radical and I would not use them on a child.
Tomorrow when she wakes I will use the baby wipes first. I’ll let you know what happens. I’ve been told that the color will eventually wear off with daily regular hand washing.
I give this warning: Beware pink cupcakes! If anyone has advice, you’re welcome to suggest it in our comment box.
Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for entertainment purposes only and that we are not providing medical or other professional advice. Please, understand that reading and/or using any of the information from this blog is at your own risk.
-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, A writer's life, 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
January 7, 2016
New Year’s Resolutions by Stacy Hoff
Lots of people have resolutions for the new year. Lose weight. Exercise. Stop smoking, etc. My new year’s resolution is the exact opposite of being healthy. That’s right, I want to live a sedentary lifestyle by forcing my big ol’ butt in the chair. And staying there.
Do I love living the sedentary lifestyle? Yes and no. It’s not great on the body but it’s good on the brain. I can’t write unless my bottom is in a chair. And if I can’t write, how is my next novel ever going to get finished?
The secret is to live life with a balance. To become more organized so I have the time to do fun, physical activities with my family and still keep on track with my word count goal. No problem, right? Suuuure, it’s about as easy as fitting my rear-end into jeans that are size two.
Maybe it’ll help if I’m realistic with my goals. Setting my sights too high can set me up for disappointment. So I’ll pick a relatively low word-count goal just to know that I can do it. Keep my writer’s self motivated and on-track. It will also leave me time to play outside with my kids.
Who knows, I may even go down a dress size in the process.
I might as well give it a go. Because that’s what new year’s resolutions are all about.
What are your resolutions for 2016?
Next week: Cover reveal for my upcoming new release—DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC!
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 EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR HOT SEDUCTION (box set contributors: Jamie K. Schmidt, Stacy Hoff, Holly Roberts, Theresa Hissong, Susan Griscom & Leia Shaw):
AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):
Filed under: A writer's life, Holiday Posts, Life, romance, Stacy Hoff, Writing
January 6, 2016
Seize the Day! Learn a Lesson from Newsies by Heather Novak
Nothing is better than when the musical you’ve been dying to see comes to town…especially if you’ve been obsessed with it since 1992. Yep. 1992.
Never heard of Newsies? I’m so sorry. Newsies was a Disney musical movie starring Christian Bale and Bill Pullman about the 1899 newboys strike in New York City (based on a true story that led to labor reform). It was a giant flop. In fact, it’s rumored that Christian Bale’s biggest regret is Newsies! (Say it ain’t so, Christian.)
Like all bad musicals (yeah, I’ve been to Rocky Horror at midnight in a corset, too) it had a 
huge cult following that lead to the successful rewrite of the musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2011…and proceeded to win a Tony. How did a crap Disney musical turn into a successful Broadway show?
Simple.
They erased the plot holes and tweaked the music. (Oh, is that all, Heather?) Let me start off by admitting that I have the movie memorized, so I was hesitant about the changes. But I dutifully and super ecstatically bought my tickets and took my friend for her birthday to the Detroit Opera House. All I’m saying — there are only 3 women in the show. The rest? Guys who can dance. IT. WAS. WONDERFUL. ON. THE. EYES.
Holy crap the muscles on these men.
The show was absolutely incredible. It also got me thinking about how to apply the changes that the musical made that took this cult classic movie and made it into something epic (without spoiling the musical).
1. The love interest. In the movie, the love interest is the sister of a supporting character. Yawn. The love interest in the musical is the villian’s daughter. Suddenly, the stakes are higher. The higher the stakes, the more suspense you have, the more page turning your novel is.
2. Better song lyrics. Some of the lyrics in the movie didn’t make a whole lot of sense because they were trying just a little too hard. Remember this with dialogue. Read it out loud to yourself. Ask your friends to say the sentence more naturally. Do whatever you need to do to get rid of that awkward…like this sentence.
3. Three-dimensional characters. How great are three-dimensional characters? In the movie, all our hero could do was sell papers. In the musical, they gave the hero additional talents that not only rounded out his character, but made him more sympathetic to the viewer and got him a happily ever after.
4. Phenomenal dancing aka practice. The dancers literally dance on top of newspapers. Do you know how difficult that must be? They throw stacks of newspapers all over set, never missing. How do they do this? Practice. You dance and dance and dance until you can dance on that newspaper without falling. Translation: You write and write and write until you have the confidence you need to do something epic. It’ll happen. (You can watch a version here. Yes, that is Alex from SYTYCD.)
5. Not always a clean cut ending. We know that romance is supposed to be happily ever after, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Unlike the movie, the musical does a good job at showing how the villain and hero came to a compromise. It was much more believable that a perfect ending tied with a perfect bow.
6. Making us believe again. It doesn’t matter how you wrote in the past. What matters is that you’re always trying to better yourself. Newsies survived because it was a story line we all connected with (Damn the man, save the Empire anyone?). A good story line will survive the test of time. You don’t need to be a poet, just someone who can tell an honest story.
The journey of Newsies is definitely a journey we can all learn from. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go tap dance around the house to King of New York!
Today is known for: Old Rock Day! It’s time for those old rocks and fossils to shine.
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Bold. Bewitching. Breathtaking.
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Instagram: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Website: Heathernovak.net
Author of The Lynch Brothers Series
Be careful what you wish for…
Hunting Witch Hazel: Spring 2016
Threat of Raine: Spring 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: Spring 2016
Filed under: romance
January 5, 2016
Planner or Panster
if you haven’t heard the word Panster and you are in the world of writing, you will at some point, but whilst we are here, let me explain.
There are those of us who plan out our books, our life, our everything and there are those of us who plan nothing. In my mind, there is no real right or wrong– I’ve seen it work out for both sides, but I personally have moved to the “dark side” of planning (there really is no issue here, I’m just being dramatic). I guess I always looked at the pansters as more talented as amazing words just naturally flowed from there fingertips onto the white screen, but with time I’ve gro to have a new appreciation for planning. Perhaps it has been the birth of my sons (planning is essential with kids) or perhaps I just realized that for me, quality takes a bit more preparation and that’s not simply with writing.
I’m writing this blog as I take a break from reading about retirement. My day job is in the world of finance and there, it seems good planning is essential for some sort of future where we know our kids and ourselves can be provided for. I know there is never a guarantee as we can’t plan for everything, but for me, it is a small sense of accomplishment and something to aim for.
What about you all? Planners? Pansters? A bit of both or has it changed over time?
Happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
January 4, 2016
New Covers! By Mandy Rosko
Okay, this week I’m hoping the Internet works better so I can show off these babies :D
They’re the three books for the Alpha Bites series, and the new and updated cover for The Arrangement, which is now titled: Arrangement with a Billionaire.
Alpha and Alpha Bear are currently being updated to include the series name, but for now, Book three, Alpha Dragon, has the title stamp, and I’m in love with it :D
These look so awesome. Last week I couldn’t properly show them off, but here they are now! I got a little over 5K words written for Alpha Bear, officially starting that series up! :D Can’t wait
And now, here’s my new cover for Arrangement with a Billionaire! Woot!
Happy reading and happy writing everyone!
Also, I’m giving away a free starter library to anyone who signs up for my mailing list!
Cheers,
~Mandy
Filed under: romance
January 3, 2016
Happy Birthday Januarys Paranormal-Scope
The cold winds blow but the gifts are plentiful and surprising. Don’t give up on your dreams. Hold tight.
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:
Zombies can be a problem for you. Keep to those you can trust and avoid the others.
Taurus:
Hobbits are cleaning like crazy anticipating an early spring. Redo your decor and clean out clutter.
Gemini:
Orgres can be heroes. Don’t judge a book by its cover and be surprised.
Cancer:
Pixies are spreading faery dust to increase your good health. Rest and eat well.
Leo:
Trolls have moved up. Beware getting too close to new people. Smile but set boundaries.
Virgo:
Faeries are lighting the hills. Trouble is brewing. Find a safe place with friends you can trust.
Libra:
Pegasus doesn’t give everyone rides. You have been chosen. Enjoy the respite of pure splendor and freedom.
Scorpio:
Goblins are annoying. Finances and health are current worries. Take things slow. Don’t sign anything important without passing it by a trusted pair of eyes.
Sagittarius:
Ents are careful in their decisions. Investigate all opportunities. Also add more plants to your home.
Capricorn:
Dragons roar and build power before taking flight. Do the same. I’m serious. It’s time to step up.
Aquarius:
Elves dance to their own music. They value their individual gifts. You are a gift. Take heart and dance.
Pisces:
Eagles take wing to discover new places. Do things you haven’t done before. Stretch your wings to new possibilities.
-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
January 2, 2016
Goals for the New Year by Jenna Jaxon
Usually I make New Year’s resolutions, however, this year I’m taking a page from my dear friend Patricia Green, and setting New Year’s goals instead. Goals and resolutions may seem the same, but resolution focus on the determination of the individual to achieve something, It displays a firmness of purpose, whereas a setting a goal focusses more on the end product. At least that is my take on the difference. I have not had a good track record of upholding my New Year’s resolutions in the past, so this year I’m going to focus on the goals alone, rather than on the determination to achieve them and hope for a better outcome.
My number one goal this year in writing is to increase my fan/reader base. I plan several strategies to help with this, including increased social media coverage, a quarterly newsletter, and possibly the creation of a street team.
My second goal is to release my publications as evenly spaced as possible. Last year I released five works: a re-issue of my contemporary romance Almost Perfect, my erotic medieval short story Beloveds, a full-length novel in my House of Pleasure series Only Marriage Will Do, a time travel novella called Crashing Through Time in the boxed set Crashing Into Love, and my recent Christmas Regency novella A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe. This might seem like a lot, except the first was released in January, then three within two weeks of each other in June, which made the release of the last one in December seem too far between books. Timing is everything, so not only increased production, but more evenly spaced releases.
So my third goal is to release six novellas or novels during 2016. The first will be in mid-January, with others to follow hopefully every other month.
If I can meet these goals in 2016, I will be one very happy author come 2017.
What goals or resolutions have you set for yourself in 2016?
Filed under: Craft, Holidays, Jenna Jaxon, Writer's life
January 1, 2016
What Were Your Favorite Things of 2015?
Everyone’s list will be different. But these were my favorite things in 2015? I’ve listed them 
randomly and not in order of importance!
Irene’s Family Restaurant – I loved her holiday Italian cookies
My grandgirls
Hanging out with family
Having sushi with Anne
Trying to take photos of Buffy. My cat Bella poses. Buffy does not.
Vampire in the Basement and Poseidon’s Catch came out before the year’s end.
Hunger Games movies
Turning in my next novel to my publisher which is about the Vampire King of New York ‘s daughter
Getting to meet people
Being at the last Pi-Con, the writers’ workshops and the steampunk tea with old friends and new.
Going to Boston with my daughter and meeting YA authors and seeing the Cambridge Turkey, who was walking down the street as if he owned the place.
There is so much more as I had a pretty good year, did a lot of fun things, went to conferences, and talked to people online and in person. What did you do in the year of 2015 that was fun or memorable? Share it with us. Happy New Year!
-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 
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