Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 214

Story-telling and Innovation?

Buzz words… every industry has them. I’m sure every company/business out there has their own spin on them too. Lately, my job seems to be about conceptual thinking, strategy and innovation. We use the words so much and yet at times, I wonder if we truly understand what we are asking for. In the corporate world, it is very easy to align these words with growth and moving forward and keeping pace with this ever-changing world.

I don’t know the origins of story-telling, but my guess would be that for as long as we have been in existence, we have been telling stories—to our children and grandchildren, to our friends and family. As writers, that is essential what we do—tell stories. And yet our world is changing as much as the world around us. Stories once told are now written down, paper has gone electronic in many instances, how readers read has changed with new apps and hardware and of course, what is popular amidst various markets changes every few months.

So how do we keep up? For anyone who has read my blogs before, you may know I am not a fan of following the crowd unless it is natural to you—basically write what is in you to write and what you are passionate about. That being said, I do believe it is important for us to keep up with what is going on in the market(s), what appeals with our target audience(s) and innovate along with changes out there. Whether that is through e-books or self-publishing or trying new techniques with your craft. It could be through new technology or new formats, you choose. The point is that you are getting your stories out there in a way that pleases both you and your audience.

That’s all for this week! Have fun innovating and happy writing!

Filed under: Writer's Life, Writing Topics

When is it Too Much? By Mandy Rosko

Okay, so I think I might have screwed myself a little this year, but hopefully I can still dig my way out.

I took on a lot of projects this year. Not a whole lot, but considering I need to write 105,000 words for Siren every month (sometimes a little less), it might be a little much. Basically, I signed myself up for four projects, some of which will go into digital box sets, and others that will just be parts of a series with other authors, and I’m also doing my Wattpad story, and then there are the edits for As Cold as Ice that were supposed to be done by now, but keep getting pushed back.

One of those box sets was canceled, but the story was still written and finished, Another is done and handed in, so that means I have two more stories to work on, along with the Wattpad story and As Cold As Ice.

And it’s already July.

I find myself stressing just a little about this, and figuring that I’ll have to push back what I can give to Siren in order to make these other stories fit properly into my schedule, and get them handed in by their proper deadlines. I’m pretty sure I can do it. I just need to stop messing around on Osu :S

Anyway, why would I take on so many projects? Well, part of it was because of my New Year’s Resolution.

Read more and write more.

I wanted to get as much written as possible, and so far I’m on track for keeping my goals, but I think I just looked up and realized it was the 7th month of the year, and now the jitters are starting to get to me.

Just out of curiosity, I wanted to know if anyone else, be you a writer, an artist, or someone else who lives by deadlines, do you do this to yourself? And if so, how do you find that it helps or hinders you?

I’d love to hear some answers on this one. Might also keep me motivated :3

Cheers

~Mandy

Filed under: romance

Summer Blast Paranormal-Scope

Five days ago there was a double star in the sky, except it wasn’t double star but the conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. What does that mean? When these things happen when we notice them, we are lifted for a moment out of our lives with a view to a bigger beyond. For some people it’s a momentary pause to gaze at the extraordinary, while for others it can be a life changing moment to consider bigger possibilities.

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:

Vampires of power have noticed you. Smile a lot and eat Italian. This could go either way for you in the way of your career.

Taurus:

Mermaids love sunbathing on rocks. Get into the swim of things. Do all your favorite relaxing things this week.

Gemini:

Hobbits plan for trips with meticulous care. Choose somewhere fun that won’t require a lot of luggage.

Cancer:

A vampire has been lingering around your residence. Something from the past will reveal itself. Be prepared.

Leo:

Shapeshifters don’t enjoy the heat. Politics are brewing at work and change is ahead. Go over your options.

Virgo:

Mermaid are singing your praises. A celebration is coming you way.

Libra:

Gnomes enjoy the company of friends and family. They pay particular attention to beautifying the home. Pay attention to your decor.

Scorpio:

A faery has given your a gift. Use it wisely.

Sagittarius:

Zombies avoid barbecues. They find fire threatening. Time to barbecue and invite others to share the fun.

Capricorn:

A dragon has taken you under her wing. Extend all your energy into your career. It’s important to make a mark now.

Aquarius:

Werewolves roar over injustice. Evaluate everything, and choose which battle has the most merit. Sad too say your resources are limited, so choose wisely and win.

Pisces:

Dragons protect those they admire. You will be protected by an unknown admirer.

-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

God Bless the USA!

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

My post comes the day after the 4th of July, but I still wanted to celebrate our independence, our country’s leaders’ decision to break with the mother land that had given them so much, except for the freedom to become what the needed to be: a sovereign nation in their own right.

For almost 400 years, men and women have sacrificed their blood, their sweat, their families, their lives to achieve that freedom and keep it. My favorite song that explains what Americans should feel, not just on our nations’ birthday, but every day of the year, is Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” Please listen and enjoy on the 5th of July, another day to celebrate our independence.

Filed under: Holidays

Happy Birthday, USA! Happy 4th of July!

Photo of Fireworks over the Washington Monument in Washington, D. C.  By Camera Operator: SSGT. LONO KOLLARS       [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Happy Birthday, United States of America!

Today I think of all the Americans who are far away fighting for our freedom right now.

God bless you!

God Bless America!

From all of us here at Nights of Passion

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Vampire King of New York, Book 1 in the Arnhem Knights of New York Series is 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, fantasy romance, holiday greeting, Holidays, 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, When Love Survives, Yule

Independence Day by Stacy Hoff

As we in America celebrate our independence from mother England, my kids are celebrating their independence from me. For the first time ever, my ten and thirteen year old boys are traveling without me or my husband. Of course, they’ll be with family—aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, but I still worry about them.

Is it egotism for a mom to think they have to hover around their child to keep them safe? To spend time learning? To have appropriate fun?

Definitely.

Is this a problem I have?

Definitely.

Sigh… 

Now I know what England felt like back in 1776 when America’s  young whippersnapper colonies had the audacity to claim independence. Didn’t Ben Franklin and George Washington have any pity for mother England? Why couldn’t they realize that, as a parent, it’s hard to let go?

I hope my boys grow and prosper when they are finally old enough to rule themselves. Just like the U.S.A.

Happy Independence Day, America! And happy travels to my beloved boys.

LINKS FOR STACY HOFF

Find Stacy on Social Media: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com https://www.pinterest.com/authorstacyhoff/

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS: http://www.amazon.com/Lawfully-Yours-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00U7U2WCC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425508177&sr=8-2&keywords=book+-+lawfully+yours

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES: http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

 

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE: http://www.amazon.com/Season-Love-Box-Merry-Holly-ebook/dp/B00X3ZAR3E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431122019&sr=8-1&keywords=Season+of+love+-+stacy+hoff

Filed under: A writer's life, Holiday, Holidays, romance, Stacy Hoff

Holding Out For A Hero by Heather Novak

 Happy Fourth of July week!

Err…what was I saying??

I’m proud to share that two of my brothers, my sister in law, and my cousin have served in the United States Military, with several tours of Iraq and Afghanistan between them.
Thank you to all of our service women and men!

Today, I want to focus on the other unsung heroes. The people who also give their all as we stay home in our Snuggies watching bad reality TV. I really love bad reality TV. #noshame.

To the American Red Cross, Americorp, the Peace Corps, and so many in between, to people so much braver than me (really it’s not that hard to be braver than me), thank you for doing amazing things to help mankind.

 

So my hero of the week? Meet my youngest brother, Matt Novak!

On July 4, Matt is boarding a plane to the Philippines for two years!

Fun fact: The spiders are as big as your face!

 
 He’ll be on the coast, helping rebuild ecosystems, saving coral reefs, and teaching fisherman and farmers how to meet their needs without destroying the environment. As well as making friends with spiders and learning to breathe in 500% humidity. I can tell you, he’s way smarter and cooler than me!
 

In May, Matt graduated from the School of the Coast and Environment at Louisiana State University! After traveling across the country to see all the family, he arrived back in Michigan where we binge watched movies and ate more ice cream than I care to admit.

 

And the best part? Many hours of watching:

Air. Guitar. World. Championships.
View this amazing international spectacle here.


Team Eric “Mean” Melin!

So what is the Peace Corps and why should I care? ‘Cause really, Catfish is on my DVR and I have to get to that, ASAP!

I got the phone call one weekday afternoon at work. Matt screamed, “I got accepted to the Peace Corps! I’m headed to the Philippines!”

My first reaction was, “YAY! You’ve wanted to do this for so long!” My second reaction was, “YOU’RE LEAVING ME FOR TWO HOLIDAY SEASONS?! WHO WILL BE MY COHORT AND HIDE IN THE BASEMENT WITH ME AND A BOTTLE OF WINE?!” My third reaction was, “What the hell is the Peace Corps?” So, I looked it up.

According to the website, www.peacecorps.gov, the Peace Corps is:

As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps Volunteers work at the grassroots level toward sustainable change that lives on long after their service—at the same time becoming global citizens and serving their country. When they return home, Volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences—and a global outlook—that enriches the lives of those around them.

The Peace Corps’ Mission

To promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served
To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans

So, from what I’ve gathered, it means that Matt is going to do really awesome work and be really important. More awesome than you, probably. Let’s be honest.

I’m so proud of my littlest brother, who isn’t quite so little anymore. So everyone, wish Matt a safe and wonderful trip! If you’ve served in the Peace Corps, I’d love to hear from you.

If you’d like to follow along with Matt’s adventures, you can do so here: matthewinthephilippines.blogspot.com

Fun fact alert! July 2, 2015 is known for:

I Forgot Day – I think…I can’t remember…
World UFO Day – Get out your tinfoil hat!

 

Want to know another, awesome, super great fun fact?!?!?

Today, July 2nd, 2015: I will officially be in remission for 12 years!

*sings* “Happy Tumor Free to Meee!”

 

Be thankful today and hug a vet!

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,

Heather Novak

Bold. Bewitching. Breathtaking. 

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Website: Heathernovak.net

Author of Hunting Witch Hazel featured in Falling Hard (A New Adult Anthology).  

Hunting Witch Hazel Trailer

Available Now!

Amazon U.S.

http://amzn.to/1G0aCoQ

iBooks

http://apple.co/1Fb1Nrp

Amazon UK

http://amzn.to/1bKvOmc

Kobo

 

Filed under: romance

Goodreads Challenges by Mandy Rosko

My bragging post of the week!

Last year I epically failed my Goodreads challenge, and it was only 50 books. I probably already wrote about this at some point, but I can’t really remember. I also added another book to my completed list yesterday and was super happy about it, so I wanted to write about this.

So far my New Years challenge of writing more, reading more, and losing a little weight, is actually coming swimmingly. I say this now, but tomorrow I’ll check the scale and realize I still have stretch marks and…whatever. Back to books! The reading and writing challenges are healthier than ever. I love it.

I’ve mostly read Teen books since I’ve been getting back into that. Me missing my youth. Sigh. Well, either way, I’ve been making good progress, and I might actually beat the challenge, too. Some of the books I added on were short, like, read in an hour type of short, so if I overshoot my goal, I’ll at least feel like I wasn’t cheating. The counter says I’m 8 books ahead of schedule (I think)

Anyway. Just wanted to share all this good news. I know I make things a little easier for myself by listening to audio books, but it just makes things easier when I’m walking the dog. Turns out I can read while at the dog park, but don’t get so many pages in compared to listening to the book. This can be a plus and a minus since I prefer to read the words on the page, but it helps when you don’t have much time.

The writing is going excellent as well. I’m on schedule to hand in my next Siren book tomorrow, and after that I start the Christmas story I’m to be working on for a box set :3 I also added another chapter to my Wattpad Billionaire story yesterday. I had to warn readers that the next chapter probably won’t be up until the fifth while I work on said Christmas story, but I think it will be all right. So far people seem to really like it, which is awesome since I’ve never written Billionaire style books.

So far it’s got 650 views on it. Nowhere near as impressive as the other books that have a couple hundred thousand, or a million plus, but still pretty awesome for me :)

Tomorrow my awesome newsletter goes out with free and sale books linked in it, and I think I’m just high on sugar right now because I’m kind of jumpy with the excitement all this stuff give me :D

Cheers, and Happy Reading!

~Mandy

Filed under: romance

Summer Heat Paranormal-Scope

It’s summer time in some places on Earth, and where I am it’s a hot one.

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 can still get burned. Drink a lot of water and take care of your health.

Taurus:

Mermaids enjoy dancing in the sunbeams in the water. Get exercise and some sun but don’t overdo. Remember always wear protection. From the sun that is.

Gemini:

Elves take risks. The sunlight seems to supercharge them. It’s time to get a lot done. New opportunities are coming your way.

Cancer:

Vampires don’t really care for sunlight. Moonlight, however, is another matter. Someone from your past will come to light.

Leo:

Shapeshifters find flexibility to be an asset, which you can use on the job. Things are not set in stone so go with the flow. Get as much information as you can on any new project.

Virgo:

Hobbits are into everything. Don’t overextend yourself. Choose those things you really enjoy.

Libra:

Salamanders are ancient creatures of fire. Sunlight nourishes them. Plan a new activity or place to visit this summer.

Scorpio:

Gremlins cannot stay up past midnight. Burn the midnight oil for special occasions. Getting enough sleep and getting up early can improve how you feel.

Sagittarius:

You have a Zombie problem. Sunlight doesn’t matter to them. Avoid trouble, drive carefully and keep a low profile.

Capricorn:

Faeries dance in sunlight. Eat well and plan a  party. Bring together those you hold dear.

Aquarius:

Gnomes love to travel. Plan a trip even if it’s a day trip. Time to relax.

Pisces:

Dragons bathe in sunlight. Get some fresh air and exercise. Enjoy the nice days before they’re gone.

-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

Love Wins!

I am not one who is political in any way, but I had to do a little Happy Dance yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled that  same-sex marriage was a right in all 50 states. Hooray!

I have had gay friends since college and have seen their anguish that they couldn’t have the security of a relationship sanctioned by legal marriage. So yesterday I was cheering right along with all the other people who believe that love knows no boundaries. And I was very proud that the United States has stepped up to the plate and made same-sex marriage the law of the land.

My daughter said to me today, “Now kids in school are going to have another date to memorize.” I somehow think it may not go that far, but I know a lot of people will remember that date.

“No longer may this liberty be denied. No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.” I read the words of Justice Kennedy and think about my own marriage. I celebrated my wedding anniversary a week ago, and I now look at the meaning of the act with new eyes. And with gladness that those who were denied this wonderful institution are now free to express their love “from sea to shining sea.”

Love wins! Can there be a greater joy than that?

Filed under: Jenna Jaxon