Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 231

Night Views of a City

Views inspire and from the 10th floor of the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, here are some views of Boston.�� They say that cities today create so much light pollution, that at night you can no longer see the stars. Cities in themselves are stars.

I love the night everywhere.�� Maybe that’s why I love writing about creatures of the night. What night view inspires you?

- 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, A writer's life,

A New Year���A New Image by Stacy Hoff

I love reinvention. Coming with fresh, new themes and characters for my romance novels is always a challenge I relish. Reinvention keeps my mind ���on task��� and open to new possibilities.

Given this, I started thinking���maybe this should apply not just to my work, but to me as well? And what better time to reinvent myself than at a new year? So I���m starting off 2015 with a brand new image!

Gearing up for my reinvention took some time, effort and planning. I had to track down an artist who could accurately capture my personality. I finally found who I was looking for when I came across talented artist Alex Bradley. He���s on the opposite coast than me, living in California, but I think my search was well worth it.

Here���s his formal bio (though I think you���ll get a better sense of his talent if you click on his links):

Alex Bradley is a writer, illustrator, and animator with nearly 20 years of experience. Alex founded an independent video and animation production studio in the Washington DC area before relocating to Burbank, California. In 2012, he launched his ongoing webcomic��Miskatonic U (www.misk-u.com),��based on the writings of H.P. Lovecraft. He currently creates graphics and blurs naked people on Discovery Channel’s��Naked and Afraid.��In the time left over, Alex isn’t satisfied unless he is creating. For more of his work visit www.alexbradley.org

Let me know what you think of the new me!

More about Stacy Hoff can be found as follows:

Facebook: Stacy Hoff

Twitter: @authorstacyhoff

Web: StacyHoff.com

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES on sale now on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/

Filed under: romance

What I’ve Learned: Sharing Secret 3: Sex or Twister

In romance writing, the love scene is the goal and the excitement.�� Depending on the type

Available in Kindle

of romance, it’s either the climax (okay, pun intended) wrapped up sweetly with a wedding or commitment of some type, or it’s the tension of the intimate couple getting to know more and more about each other and deciding if their love is the one.

Some authors will use irresistible attraction to get the couple into bed rather fast. There is something so powerful and sexually arousing, that they are intimate early on. Other couples spend more time exploring each other emotionally and physically, moving slowly toward a more intimate relationship.

Writing love scenes is an art. I’m always studying how other writers do it. One of my favorite romance authors had a five page love scene. I laughed to myself that I could do it in six. After my editor read it, she cut me back to five but asked me to fill out another later love scene, which turned out to be the champagne bath in Vampire King of New York.

I will always remember what my first editor said to me. She said, “Why are you playing Twister? And how many arms does David have?” After I laughed a lot, I slowed the scene down, made it more tender and got rid of the extra arm. That was one of the pivotal love scenes in The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais.��

Here is one way of writing a love scene?

1. Talking becomes whispering becomes kissing.

2. Kissing leads to kissing everywhere and exploring.�� Exploring to touching.

3. Touching heightens desires and leads to sex.

Now the approach is individual and different for every writer. It’s also different according to the characters. That’s why I recommend you read authors you enjoy and see how they do it, use your own experience if you want to, but write what you feel comfortable writing. Be natural. Don’t do tab insert here. Don’t come up with fancy terms for the human body. Let nature take its course with your characters. Do what they would do? Would they jump into bed immediately with each other or would they take their time? What is natural for their story? Take it sentence by sentence.

Watch where those arms and legs go and don’t play Twister.

“Action, reaction, motivation, emotion, all have to come from the characters. Writing a love scene requires the same elements from the writer as any other.”
- Nora Roberts

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nora_roberts.html#U1utq9jbLMDmobs7.99

 

Here are some good articles to further explore the topic.

http://www.writing-world.com/romance/love.shtml

http://www.writing-world.com/romance/essentials.shtml

http://www.theromancestudio.com/articles/writinglovescenes.htm

-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

I will be at Arisia 2015 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel in Boston from Jan. 16-19. My books will be available in the Dealer’s Room with Fantastic Books.�� Hope to see you there.

 

 

 

Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Love/Sex Scenes, Norse, Nothing is Impossible!, 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, What I have Learned so Far: Sharing Secret

Continuity

Continuity. It���s such a simple word but something I���m finding is very important in the world of coaching and self-development. In my day job, I feel one of the main opportunity areas I���m going to focus on is the coaching of my team. It���s not to say that I didn���t do that last year, but in 2014, my coaching was somewhat haphazard and lacked the continuity and reinforcement.

The truth of this experience is that I���m not sure why it took me a whole year of messing up to realize a way to do it right. That is life and it is frustrating as it makes me realize that I probably won���t even be remotely wise until I���m near 90 in this life and by then, the world has changed and there will be new things to know and learn.

I came across this through writing. To me, it seems that some are just naturally talented when telling a story, but the actually skill of writing it out and creating emotions through your ���voice��� and writing is a craft and a skill that takes a lot of practice and reinforcement. It takes continuity to truly develop your skills and learn how to show versus write or to elicit emotion from your readers or to create tension in a scene. None of these are what any experienced writer would call easy but they do become more natural with continuous practice and as such, you then start to practice and learn another skill.

The continuity of learning is a constant cycle with some more voracious in their learnings than others. Still, I���d say it is one of the attributes that make us humans so unique and allows us to grow in many ways.

Thanks for joining me today and happy writing this week!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

New Books for the New Year

The first week of release for Burns Like Fire is over, and I have to say that I still have a lot to learn about promotion and keywords. Aside from that, and my New Year’s Resolution to get more writing done under my Mandy Rosko name, my other resolution is to also read more books than I read last year.

Last year was pretty bad for reading, and I’m already tearing at the the eyes thinking about giving up some of my precious video game time in order to my reading done >.< So I’m curious, and I already made a quick post to Facebook about this, but in the spirit of searching out amazing new books to read, what were your favorites of 2014? They don’t even necessarily have to be romance. I’ve been getting back into Teen lately, and Hugh Howey’s Wool series in next on my list after I’m done with the current book I’m getting through.

On that list is also the Laini Taylor’s Smoke and Bone series, the Throne of Glass series (Because it looks super badass) and Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Cheers :)

Mandy Rosko

————————–

Burns Like Fire (Dangerous Creatures Book One) is��Available Now!

The Princess’ Dragon Lord is Now Available at��Amazon��and��B&N

Connect with me online:

Facebook

www.goodreads.com/Mandyrosko

Twitter: @rizzorosko

Mandyrosko.com

Want the latest on hot guys, erotic romance, and sizzling action? Add your super cool name to my Newsletter list and I’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about new releases the day they come out:��http://rizzorosko.com/contact.html
Filed under: romance

An Unexpected Weekly Paranormal-Scope

This week is just filled is unexpected events.�� Enjoy or avoid as you wish.

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 Vampire from your past is back in town. You decide whether you want to try again. You’re choice.

Taurus:

Hobbits are great organizers. It’s time to organize your work and home. It will be grueling, but worth it in the end.

Gemini:

A luck dragon flies your way. Be ready for anything. Be open to good luck.

Cancer:

Elves have gifted you with a new idea and a new opportunity.

Leo:

Gnomes are great packers. They know how to pack for a spur of the moment trip.

Virgo:

Faeries are attracted by the love glow you are giving off.�� Love will open your eyes to new wonders.

Libra:

Dragons can be awful when grumpy. Avoid them when they act this way.

Scorpio:

A mermaid calls you from the deep. The surf will sing you to sleep and give your wondrous dreams.

Sagittarius:

A mime is a terrible things to waste. How did mimes get in here? This is a hint to listen to what people are saying and learn.

Capricorn:

An elf offers you protection on your journey. Pack lighter than normal and relax more when you can. You are making great progress in your next project.

Aquarius:

Pixies are pranksters. Watch out for well meaning jokes.�� Keep smiling and show that you are unaffected.

Pisces:

The Dormouse sings you a song to celebrate your narrow escape. It’s smooth sailing from here until next week. Except for the rock. Look out for the rock.

-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, Nothing is Impossible!, paranormal, 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

B is for Black Moment

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

With the whole rebel alliance counting on him, Luke Skywalker has one shot left to kill the Death Star.����His on-board targeting system has failed to work.�� The Death Star has cleared the moon and is about to blast the planet killing everyone. And Darth Vader has��Luke in his crosshairs.

Talk about a Black Moment for our hero!

Every movie, every book, every hero or heroine has their black moment.�� It is this point at which things cannot get any worse for the H/H and they are forced to make a decision to act, usually doing the one thing that they would never have imagined doing in a million years.

In Star Wars, Luke’s black moment compels him to turn off his targeting computer and trust the Force to save the day.�� And he does, resulting in the movie���s HEA.

Black Moments are essential in romance writing.�� According to the article “Learn the Elements of a Novel: Structure�� and Plot,”��the “black moment”��is the point in a novel “at which all is lost and the goal cannot be achieved.”�� By this point in the story the hero has struggled against external and internal forces until he/she has reached��“a ‘Black’ moment, where the stakes are highest and danger at its worst. During this moment, the hero draws upon the new strengths or lessons he’s learned in order to take action and bring the story to a conclusion.”

When crafting the Black Moment, many writers have found the advice of Donald Maas extremely helpful:��

1.�� Work out the one thing your character would never do, then make him/her do it.��������������������������

2.�� Work out the one thing your character would never sacrifice, then make him/her sacrifice it.

3.�� Work out your character���s greatest fear then make him/her face that.

Using one, two, or all three of these wrenching scenarios will help you craft the��darkest black moment imaginable for your H/H.�� It is a matter of craft to pick and choose the perfect set of circumstances that will torment each particular hero/heroine from the beginning of the novel.�� Anna Campbell suggests that the seeds of the black moment should be sown in the first pages of the novel, so we see��the potential for it��develop throughout.�� Just remember: each Black Moment��must be tailored to each individual hero if it is to have the most heart-wrenching effect on the audience

Filed under: Craft, Jenna Jaxon

Preparing for Boston Arisia 2015 by Susan Hanniford Crowley

One of the highlights for me every year is returning to my home con (convention).�� I vampires and rare supernaturals so even though I write romance, I’m a crossover author, as what I write is very accepted in Science Fiction and Fantasy as well.�� I started out in science fiction and fantasy and am an active member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America). Active means professional.�� So I’m packing and preparing notes for Arisia.

Arisia 2015

New England’s Largest and most Diverse Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention

January 16-19, 2015

Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel

I’m on panels there and my books, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais and Vampire King of New York, will be on the Fantastic Books table in the dealers’ room.�� If you want a book, see me after a panel and we’ll head for the Fantastic Books table.�� I will sign books that people bring from home as well.

Here is my schedule:

Friday, 5:20 pm – Otherkins and Therians

Saturday, 11:30 am – Paneling 101: A Primer

Saturday 4 pm – 30 Years of Studio Ghibli

Saturday 5:30 pm – What Makes a Good Panel

Sunday 7 pm – Self-Publishing 101: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and RPGs

Monday 11:30 pm – The Hobbit: An Unexpectedly Long Journey

Where can I be found?�� I will be making time to drop by the Fantastic Books table, at my panels, and also at some of the parties, in particular the NOLA (New Orleans, LA) Worldcon bid party.

If you want to say hi, but all means say hi.�� Arisia is a very laid back convention.�� It’s lots of fun and is famous for not only its authors but for the outstanding children’s track programming and the masquerade which features amazing costuming.

Why am I packing now?�� I don’t like to forget stuff.�� Book, notes, clothes, extras.�� I’m excited to be going to Arisia in Boston next week. Perhaps I’ll see you there.

-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: Arnhem Knights of New York, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, party, Readers Conference, 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, What Are You Reading?, Writer's Life, Yule

The First Road Trip of 2015 by Stacy Hoff

My December/January vacation wasn���t entirely restful���I traveled long distance with my family. Driving from New England all the way to the South was my kids��� idea. For them, it was either Atlanta or bust, because the lure of seeing the Georgia Aquarium was too much for them to resist.

America has aquariums everywhere, including my own state, so why travel a gazillion miles just to go to the Georgia Aquarium? I���ve got a two word answer���whale sharks. Atlanta has the only aquarium in the U.S. that houses whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.

And it has four of them in one massive tank. (And I do mean massive!)

This ���fish��� is so big it looks exactly like a whale���a large whale. Seeing these enormous creatures up close ���face to fin���almost gives a sense of vertigo. It is hard to believe anything so big can actually be real.

You would think a gigantic shark would be terrifying. But instead of screaming, my kids were in open-mouthed awe. Whale sharks are gentle giants, they���ve got no teeth. Instead of being fast moving predators, they are slow moving congenial creatures. Good thing, because there are plenty of other fish in the sea���I mean tank���for them to get along with. Including several manta rays, which are each over six feet long. Of course, to a whale shark, the manta rays are mere guppies.

If you haven���t seen this phenomenal aquarium yet, I encourage you to do so. There are plenty of other wonderful things to do mere steps away. The World of Coca-Cola gives visitors the chance to try dozens of sodas from around the world. There is also a sprawling, beautiful park across the street with kid-friendly playgrounds and an impressive tribute to the Summer Olympic games Atlanta hosted in 1996.

I came back from my family trip fully recharged, although not rested. Running around with the kids after a loooooong car ride was hardly relaxing. But it sure as heck was fun. (Good thing, since I didn���t get any writing done.)

What great car trips have you taken with the kids? Post your answers here to give other readers inspiration for their Family Road Trip 2015.

Pictures, from top to bottom: (1) whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium, (2) Manta Ray at the Georgia Aquarium, (3) downtown Atlanta at night (4) Atlanta skyline in the early morning. All pictures by Stacy Hoff, 2015. All rights reserved.

Find Stacy on Social Media:

www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff���� Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

Desire in the Everglades available now. 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.

 

 

Filed under: romance

What I Have Learned So Far – Sharing Secret Two!

Secret Two was hard won and hard to believe at first.�� Change can be hard to take and at times we’re just not ready for it. What do you do?

I learned recently from a very creative and long-time bestselling author that it’s best to diversify. That’s the secret. I had grown up with the dream of being a writer and writing for one publisher, having one agent and sitting in my home office happily spinning tales for the rest of my life. Well, happily spinning tales for the rest of my life is already happening but the world around me is changing. I was surprised by my friend that she has more than one publisher and has republished (self published her reprints) books that have been returned when the publisher’s rights ended. Looking at her website, I see some of the biggest publishers in the industry all selling her books.

Diversify is good advice in every occupation as well as in investments. I know that’s why people are hurt so badly when they lose a job. Remember this–repeat this–your job is not who you are.�� I know as an author when my first publisher closed doors, I was sad. Okay, devastated. But you pick yourself up and move ahead to the next adventure. Maybe there’s a new job calling you… a dream job. One you would never have gotten if you stayed where you were.�� One you never thought of. We are all multi-talented with many possible adventures in our lives.

I’m looking at 2015 with eyes of wonder.�� I’m going to diversify.�� How about you?

What’s coming up for me next? I’m going to Arisia 2015

-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: Business, paranormal, paranormal romance, problem-solving, stress, writing, journal, diary, resolve, worked, relax., romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, the romance of life, 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, What I have Learned so Far: Sharing Secret, Writer's Life, Writing Topics, writing workshop, Yule