Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 232

Specificity and Ambiguity

Specificity and ambiguity, both have a place for me in 2015. I���ve been thinking a lot about this year as I���m sure many of you have as well. Do we keep with the same old resolutions? How can we ensure our results will be different this year versus previous years? The truth is I���m not sure we can one hundred percent say that 2015 will be as perfect as we want. There are just too many variables beyond our control, but I also believe there is a different approach I can take that just may make a difference.

At my day job, we value specificity. I work in the financial world so the truth of the matter is we better be pretty darn specific as we���d have a lot of unhappy clients. So truly, this goal of specificity is a byproduct of my industry. Still, I have to admit that having specific goals really does help as we can create milestones in order to achieve these goals (baby steps!).

On the other hand, I���m a true believer in that out of this world, amazing excellence doesn���t always come from prescribed steps. I recently saw this movie called Chef where a chef was technically there. He worked hard, had all the right skills, etc. And yet, his food lacked passion. We see a bit of this in The Hundred Food Journey as well. To me, true excellence requires passion too for what we do and this is not easily spelled out in a schedule or a prescribed formula.

So what does all this mean and what exactly am I saying to make 2015 great for you? I say go for both. Have your goals, keep to your specificity for somethings, but at the same time, aim to be excellent each day. Find something that you are passionate about in your place of work (or play) and give it everything you���ve got. It redefines us as to whether we need to be perfect across the board or just really great at a few things. I���d say the latter!

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: A writer's life, Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Burns Like Fire is Released Today!

I’m incredibly hyped up right now because today is the day that Burns Like Fire was released, or, depending on how you’re reading this, it was later yesterday night, and it’s now available here. Anyway! I’ve spent most of my day not writing like I’m supposed to be, which is freaking me out just a little bit, but I’m still super happy that Burns Like Fire is out. And to celebrate, the preorder $3.99 price will remain for a couple of days until it goes up to its normal $4.99 price point.

Anyway, I just wanted to make this short post to thank everyone who read the book when it was in the Captured box set, and those who accepted ARC copies for review, or retweeted or did whatever to help me spread the word. You are super awesome, and I appreciate your help :)

Cheers,

-Mandy

————————–

Burns Like Fire (Dangerous Creatures Book One) is now available for��Pre-Order!

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

A Birthday Paranormal-Scope

It is seldom that the Paranormal-Scope falls on my birthday, so no holds barred people. LOL  Let’s see what’s going down.

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 pass right by you. My, this is your lucky week. Whatever you do, don’t change that cologne you wear. You are bound for more good fortune.

Taurus:

A vampire walks down your street. A blast from the past is headed your way with baggage. Attitude is everything in this visit.  Smile and make it a good one.

Gemini:

Aliens landed on your neighbor’s doorstep. You were not home. You missed all the excitement but it’s okay. Fun is coming your way too.

Cancer:

Hobbits think you’re adorable. This is a week to stay warm and comfortable. Eat healthy.

Leo:

Dragons will tell you that love can be hypnotizing. Enjoy a new friendship but don’t forget responsibilities and be on time for appointments.

Virgo:

Gnomes know it’s important to keep your spirits up, even when other disagree around you. Be neutral and focus on week. Give yourself a gift this week.

Libra:

Werewolves are very strong. Take their strength to heart and be a comfort to others. You will be smiling by week’s end.

Scorpio:

A dragon brings you to its nest to protect you. You are letting ill winds blow you around. Stop that. Smile more and bring joy with you where you go.

Sagittarius:

Goblins think you are cool.  A small windfall lets you enjoy something special.

Capricorn:

A vampire loves you and your nights are going to liven up. Enhance your wardrobe. Find out what cologne Aries is wearing.

Aquarius:

Mermaids are photo shoot maniacs. Have some fun with friends and take photos.

Pisces:

Elves are curious. Explore something you always wondered about. Now is the time. Make sure what you explore is legal. LOL

-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, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, 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

A is for Attraction

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

What is it that creates an attraction between two people? The whole romance genre is built around the premise that people become attracted to one another and that attraction blossoms into love. But exactly what causes attraction?

Here are some of the “laws of attraction” in men and women:

According to Huffington Post Science, women tend to go for men with a large jaw and prominent brow — shaped by high levels of testosterone. Men are attracted to women with a smaller chin and less prominent brow, which signal higher estrogen levels.

 

Also in this article scientists found that men found women wearing red to be more attractive and sexually desirable, compared to women in blue. The study suggests that red serves as a signal for sexual excitation, since the effect also occurs in nonhuman primates.

 

A 2006 study linked men’s hunger to the traits they find desirable in women. During an experiment, men who were hungry preferred women with higher body weights. These hungry men found heavy women more attractive than did the men who were not hungry at the time.

 

In a recent study, men found women with feminine faces attractive– but only when these men were looking for a short-term relationship.

 

Research has found that during ovulating, women prefer masculine looking men. But at other times of the month they seek men with softer features.

 

Women are more attracted to men who have ideal hunting physique, narrow waists, strong shoulders and broad chests. (The romance hero ideal!)

 

When we are attracted to someone, our bodies release specific chemicals that produce a state of euphoria.  The three chemicals that combine to create this phenomenon are oxytocin, phenylethylamine, and endorphins.  Together they produce intense feelings of pleasure within the body, hence the attraction to the person who makes you feel good. This phenomenon is called a chemical romance.

 

People with a prominent or very dark limbal ring (the darker circle around the iris of your eye that makes the whites stand out) are considered more attractive because the darker circle is an indicator of youth and good health.

 

Men have odorless testosterone in their sweat called androstadienone. When women breathe this in they give higher ratings of attractiveness to men than they would otherwise per a study by Claire Wyatt at the University of California, Berkeley.

 

Women are more likely to judge a man to be more attractive when they see another woman looking and smiling at him.

 

Filed under: Craft, Jenna Jaxon

What I Have Learned So Far – Sharing Secret One!

During the course of the year, I’ve learned quite a bit. I’m going to share it a little at a time. No need to overwhelm anyone.

Secret 1 – Never give up. Never surrender. This isn’t an easy thing, but I’ve notice those

In the public domain and free to use from Wikipedia and Creative Commons.

that persist usually win their heart’s desire in the end. This happens for a many reasons. Over time when we practice a profession, by doing the same thing and adding new things that we’ve learned we can’t help but improve. Another benefit of expanding your knowledge and practicing it daily (mostly) is that you meet people. You’ll make friends, and you’ll help each other progress. You’ll have setbacks, but family or friends or maybe both will hold you and your dream together.  The important  thing is not to lose sight of your goal.  When I was a teenager, I read about a sixteen year-old named Robin Graham set out to sail about the world in his sloop Dove. Things happened: storms, damage to his boat, meeting people, falling in love, complete disaster, and landing in Long Beach, CA, instead of Hawaii, but for me and millions of others, he had followed his dream and won.  No matter what it is you dream of doing, don’t give up. Chase that dream around the world and back and open your heart to accepting your accomplishments.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Kindle Bestselling author of vampire romance

http://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 Writing Sirloin Tip, Helping Other Writers, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, writing workshop

Happy New Year! by Stacy Hoff

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2015 will be good for you.

I also hope you are still off from work (or school) and can spend today in bed. I know I am. It’s my chance to revitalize before Monday, when the weekly grind and back-to-work blues set in.

And why not take the day off? New Year’s is the ultimate proof that time will eventually roll around. That Monday will inevitably come. So what’s the harm in playing a little hooky?

I know it’s January 2nd, but until Monday starts, 2015 hasn’t really kicked in. Instead, I’m suspended in time. Lost in my “happy space” bubble. To prove it, I’ve got family around me, hot coco to drink, and a warm robe wrapped around me.

The house is a mess, but I’m not going to clean up. The kids’ new toys are everywhere, but I’m not going to harangue them to put them away. I’ve got eggs in the fridge, but I’m not going to cook. Repeat after me, people: “happy space.”

Yes, I’ll make sure to get everything done–next year.

How are you ringing in the New Year?

Find Stacy on Social Media:

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

Desire in the Everglades available on Amazon. 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: A writer's life, Holiday, romance, Stacy Hoff

Happy New Year from Nights of Passion!

 Happy New Year

from the Passionate crew:

Susan, Gerri, Jenna, Mandy, Stacy and Toni!

May your year be healthy, happy, and prosperous.

I will be watching the ball drop in New York City via TV,

but what if you could party somewhere else?

I’ve been to Scotland but not on New Year’s Eve,

so I decided to take a peek at how they celebrate over there,

since they have already had their celebration!

Courtesy of Happy New Year 2015.

Filed under: holiday greeting, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Writer's Life

A New Year and a New Me?

In this long but short life of mine, I have to admit it feels a bit like a record as we finish one year and begin the next. This is probably the 3rd or maybe even 4th year that I am writing a blog about New Year’s Day and what the next year holds for me or even all of us.

Strange enough, I recently attended a children’s mass where the priest calls the children up to go over the gospel reading. Through his homily (or review of the reading) he spoke about each of us being a new us. Not so much within the New Year but just as we aim to better people. Well, it gave me food for thought as I contemplated whether I wanted another year and a bunch of half-finished New Year’s resolutions. I decided I didn’t.

So here is my thoughts as far as 2015 goes and perhaps every other year after that. I just want to be a better person and live my life to a better degree. I’m not aiming to write books or be a manager in 2015. I just want to write more and work smarter. I’m not aiming to lose weight or try juicing, I just want to be healthier. I’m not aiming to complete so many volunteer days, I just want to be more generous and more impactful to those around me. Sure I’m going broader and vaguer in my missions but the specificity can come as I go along. I’ve just come to the realization that a lot of times we quit early on because we aren’t meeting our “prescriptive” paths quick enough or exact enough, but I would ask what is important? Is it more important to check of the list or to grow as a person? I’m choosing the latter and this is my way of doing it. We’ll see how it goes.

Happy Writing this week and Happy New Year to you all!

Filed under: A writer's life, Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

2015 Will be my Bitch by Mandy Rosko

Okay, so I didn’t get as much done in 2014 as I wanted to, but I’m still pleased with it. I started seeing a doctor after a looong time of putting that off, went to my first RT in New Orleans, got invited into a box set (which was pretty effing awesome) and finished three books, all of which will be coming out in 2015.

With the three books in my Dangerous Creatures series finished, and the last two being worked on before sending them to an editor, I’ve also managed to get in on two more box sets and one series, so in total I’ll have six new releases in 2015. Yeah I’m definitely going to make this new year mine. Like, make it bend over and scream for mercy mine.

I also intend on catching up on my reading. I didn’t get nearly as much done as I wanted to this year. I didn’t even get my Goodreads goal, and it wasn’t a very big goal :S

This year, I intend to fix that. I want to get more written, tick off some of the audiobooks I have on my purchased list, read some more books that I bought by some author favourites that I haven’t had the chance to get to, and hopefully grow my newsletter list in the process ;)

Basically, I’m going for having double the fun of 2014. I might even try for seven releases this year instead of just six. I contacted the super awesome artist who did my Burns Like Fire cover, and when he comes back from vacation, I’ll have him start work on the second cover in the series. Maybe the third as well just to get the ball rolling.

I got a new computer just to make sure it happened, and I’m still breaking in the keyboard after nearly writing 30,000 words on it

So anyway, yeah, those are my resolutions. Not the weight loss thing since that never works out anyway and I just end up feeling like a slob at the four month point of the year when I still weigh the same, but just meeting new people, making friends, writing more, publishing more, reading more (My kindle misses me and I miss it. Love my Paperwhite) and possibly some other stuff I’m too much of a flake to remember off the top of my head.

It will be hard though. I just picked up a bunch of new video games that are proving to be a distraction. Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is pretty fun, and I’m re-addicted to Final Fantasy Theatrhythm. Turns out I really love rhythm games, and I can’t seem to stop O.o The fact that this is also on my iPad doesn’t help >.<

What about you? Resolutions? Big or small, what are your goals for the new year?

Cheers until 2015

Captured Box Set is Now Available!

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

New Year’s Paranormal-Scope

With the New Year comes a lot of changes, new adventures, and surprises. Keep on your toes.

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:

Werebunnies are everywhere munching on vegetables. Add more vegetables to your diet.

Taurus:

Zombies are lumbering down the street. Apparently they are not runners. Walking is good exercise too. As always speak to your doctor, before adding to your exercise regimen.

Gemini:

Ghouls eat too much and fall asleep.  Tiptoe and pass trouble by.

Cancer:

Werewolves think that you’re a howling success.  Enjoy the spotlight. Plan your next venture.

Leo:

Dragons leap into the air.  They don’t look down.  Look forward and work hard toward your next opportunity.

Virgo:

Hobbits are unpredictable, and so are you! You’ve been hiding your talents too long. It’s time to show off what you can do well.

Libra:

Elves shimmer against the snow as they move. First you see them and then they’re gone. Enjoy the everyday miracles that are happening around you.

Scorpio:

A faery gives you a jewel. Don’t call it “my precious.”  Let its light guide you in a dark time ahead.

Sagittarius:

Shapeshifters go with the flow of change. Learn to adopt. Also relax with a new hobby.

Capricorn:

Goblins are careful with their money. You should be too.  It’s time to save.

Aquarius:

Vampires love the dark.  Enjoy your nights more. Give yourself more sleep time to rest your body.

Pisces:

Mermaids love swimming to new lands. Travel is you can, even if only day trips on the weekend. Enlarge your world.

-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, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Weekly Paranormal-Scope