Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 251

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

The Fourth of July for most people means the start of summer and a day to celebrate our Independence. For me it’s time to honor the military and their service to our county. We have the freedoms and rights thanks to all their sacrifices. Thank you also to their families who have given up so much so they can serve. My family, from my grandfathers, father, brothers, nephews and cousins have served.

We are very proud of them of their service and commitment. So, HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, ESPECIALLY, TO OUR SERIVCE MEN AND WOMEN.

If you are celebrating with family and friends, I hope the soggy weather hasn’t put a damper on your barbecues and picnics. Here in the northeast the wet weather took away most of the humidity (you see it dropped form 90% to 76%). The temperature also cooled considerably. Hopefully, the summer heat will return soon. I love it. How about you? Summer hot, or spring cool–what’s your choice?

Wow, I almost forgot. What are you reading on this long holiday weekend? Hot and Steamy or a Mystery? I’m reading Bones in Her Pocket by Kathy Reichs.

Filed under: romance

Music, Scents, and Emotions by Gerri Brousseau

Today I heard a song on the radio and it instantly brought me back to a place and moment in my life. The memories triggered by the first few strains of that song were vivid and are etched into my mind forever. I recall exactly where I was and who I was with when I first heard that song.

This got me to thinking about how much music shapes our lives. There is one particular song that reminds me of a guy (friend) I have known for years. No matter how old I get, that one song will always make me think of him. Then there are the melodies that become the “our” song in a relationship, and no matter how long it has been since the relationship had fallen apart, when you hear that song you can’t help but remember him/her. Then I started to think about how many hundreds of thousands of songs that I know the words to. The number is countless, and many of them trigger fond or not so fond memories. I wonder if certain songs really can help a person feel better simply because it triggers a fond memory of a happy time in a person’s life. Have you ever listened to the soundtrack of a movie (not while the movie is playing)? It’s amazing how the music can transport you, control your emotions, and bring you to a different time and place.

It’s amazing how different things like music, or even a scent, can trigger our emotions. For example, my dad who passed away in 1980 wore “Old Spice” cologne. If a man wears that scent, I instantly get the feeling of a warm hug and the feeling I can trust him (which is not always a good thing because sometimes that is not the case). What songs or smells do that for you?

Filed under: romance

Eye on the Goal

For anybody who has been living under a rock these past few weeks, we are in the midst of the 2014 World Cup and we are just a few days short of July 4th. Happy early Independence Day!

I’ll admit it, I don’t watch much soccer the rest of the year or years between World Cups but something about this time is just so contagious. I love watching the soccer games at this time because there is a sense of truly heightened competitiveness when we are playing between countries. Perhaps that’s why I can’t pay attention the rest of the time—there are so many teams and players world-wide that is overwhelming to keep track of.

At the time I’m writing this, Team USA is still in and scheduled to play Belgium next so if we win and you are reading this, hooray! If not, I have to say I am disappointed but very proud of how our team played this time around—we definitely hung with some of the world’s best and didn’t make anything easy. Although, wouldn’t it be great if by the time Independence Day rolled around, we were still in the midst of it all? I mean talk about spirit and how it drives you! I went to a university where football was huge and have to say the spirit makes you feel amazing. I can’t even imagine the adrenaline high our players would get.

And now tying this back to writing. I imagine what we feel with an awesome review or a bunch of happy readers must come close to some sort of high like these players feel (of course theirs is probably more along the lines of J.K. Rowlings or Stephanie Meyers just due to volume of people and voice). It helps keep our eye and their eye on the goal!

Happy writing this week and enjoy the games!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Farewell by Leia Shaw

It’s with a heavy heart but a hopeful note that I announce today that I have to leave the Nights of Passion crew. I’ve enjoyed my time here as a regular blogger and I’m grateful to Gerri and Susan for grabbing me up as a newbie author and letting me join in their network of followers.

I learned a lot from the other bloggers and regular readers here. I’m happy to have had this experience.

But as you may have heard, I’ve had some big opportunities come up where I’ll be starting writing under two new pen names. My schedule is also shifting and I’ll have less time to work, mostly this summer. And my son is having some medical issues that are causing some extra stress. Basically, it comes down to time, like most things. I’m short on it and very overwhelmed so I’ve had to let some things go.

I’m sad but I know Susan has found someone to take my Tuesday spot. She’ll probably be better spoken and more prompt too. Lol.

Anyway, thank you to Nights of Passion and all the followers for letting me share myself with you the past year.

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

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:

Mermaids are blowing tropical winds your way.  Enjoy more leisure time.  Napping is included as leisure.

Taurus:

Maenads are in your area.  Avoid people known for trouble.

Gemini:

Elves love dancing in kitchens.  Spend some time dancing and cooking delicious meals.

Cancer:

Hobbits are homebodies.  Enjoy the company of loved ones.

Leo:

New opportunities are coming your way.  Invest carefully.

Virgo:

Goblins love counting money.  Take advantage of some good sales coming up.

Libra:

Faeries love beautiful things.  Add one beautiful and inspiring thing\to your home.

Scorpio:

Dragons love the beach.  Schedule in some beach walking in the waves.  It will make you feel better.

Sagittarius:

Werewolves eat a lot.  Have a party and invite family and/or friends.

Capricorn:

Dragons have given you their hearts a long time ago.  There is nothing you cannot do.

Aquarius:

Shapeshifters love new adventures.  Do something you’ve never done before.

Pisces:

Pixies have left you a surprise gift.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

New release: Vampire King of New York now in print at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Also in ebooks.

Filed under: Max Vander Meer, paranormal, paranormal romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

A Good Book and. . .

 

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

I don’t read as much as I used to–too busy writing these days–but when I do, I still find that reading is hard work. I always need sustenance for all that exhaustive brain power that goes into reading.  So nowadays I always have a cup of hot tea and some cookies at hand when I pick up a book.  I used to eat apples–some times two or three at a sitting while I was reading.  (I remember picking that habit up after reading Little Women because Jo ate apples when she read.) The crunch factor was awesome!

Now that I think of it, what I read has often influenced what I ate while reading.  I remember reading One Hundred and One Dalmatians as a teenager–the original book, not the Disney version–and going into the kitchen to make buttered toast to eat when the dogs in the book at it.  Not usual reading fare, but it still sticks in my mind.

I’ve found that writing is a different story (pardon the pun).  Usually, because of my eclectic schedule, I stay up late at night to write.  Quite often I find myself eating to keep awake.  I’ve always got my hot tea by my side, but I’ve found I’m not really picky about what I eat while trying to keep my eyes open and focused on writing.  It just has to be crunchy.  From potato chips to nachos to cereal, whatever it takes to keep me going just a little bit longer. (Last night it was potato chips, the night before cheese and crackers.  Is there any wonder I battle my weight constantly?) It’s especially tough right now as I’m under the gun on edits for Beleaguered, which comes out in a little less than two weeks.  I foresee many late nights–and snacks–in my immediate future.

Do you have a favorite snack you like to indulge in while reading (or writing)?  Does your reading ever affect that decision?

Filed under: Jenna Jaxon, Reading

From 8Pi-Con and More to Come

Our day started slow with getting registration and badges.  I was on one panel that that talked about How to Be A Good Panelist.  I met the Women of Broad Universe.  They have set up their room like a store and my books are there for sale.   I also met up with some other friends from other conventions here.

When you’re on some many panels and events like I am,  I you have to pay attention to eating.  I went to the bar and ordered a salad.  I chatted with Ceceilia Tan there.  The salad was huge, I put half in the little refrigerator for tomorrow.

I have two photos to share.  There will be more up next week.

That’s me trying to do a selfie.   I will get better with practice.  I’m hoping to get people to pose for me this convention.  So much of my time is scheduled.

There’s my badge with my Broad Universe pin on it.

You can’t see it but it has an author ribbon on it and also a ribbon that says “I met Allen Steele at ConClave.”  He was passing them out to a few people like me.  LOL  You’re also seeing my name in the program and my I love the Vampire King of New York.

I will be doing all I can to get more photos of the fun and enchantment of  Pi-Con.  Saturday I’m going to be crazy busy.  But I will stop people for photos.

Have a happy weekend.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

P.S. The print book for Vampire King of New York is in a lot of places.  It can also be found at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-King-Susan-Hanniford-Crowley-ebook/dp/B00D70NC6O

 

Filed under: paranormal, paranormal romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer

Writing Quotes

What are you read reading this week? I’m reading Detective for the Innocent by J. H. McCarthy

I like to search out and read different writers. But before I read their works, I look for quotes from them. It helps me see their prose and understand their motivations most times. The quotes also help keep me motivated.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

“Go beyond yourself — write.”

― Pearle Louise Munn Bishop

“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”

― Anne Frank

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

― Stephen King

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”

― Mark Twain, The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain    

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

― Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath    

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.”

― Robert Frost

“How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.”

― Henry David Thoreau

I hope these quotes have motivated you like they do me. I’m off to work on my book. Remember on days you are struggling to put words to the paper, seek out other authors in person, on the internet or in a book. You’ll be amazed how fast your inspiration and creative muse jump out at you. Enjoy your weekend.

 

Please share some of your favorite quotes here:

Filed under: romance

Meet The Head Scribbler by Gerri Brousseau

Hi Readers,

Last Friday, Marian Lanouette talked about a great writing prompt group on Facebook called “Scribblers Ink.”  I thought it would be a great follow-up to have the founder, Robert Lerman, here today to tell us how Scribblers came about. Please help me give her a warm welcome.

Thanks for having me at Nights, Gerri!

When did you first get the idea to start Scribblers Ink?

A couple of years ago, a friend who was part of my weekly writing prompt group was moving out of state and suggested I could maybe somehow post the prompts on line so she could still participate and stay in touch with the group. I thought it was an interesting idea that would also work for the members who couldn’t make a weekly session, but wanted the prompts.

From there, Scribbler’s morphed into this amazing, supportive community of writers of all levels, from all walks of lives and cultures coming together in a positive writing environment. I think the group has grown mostly through word of mouth and the face that Scribbler’s focus’s on the actual act of daily writing, writers sharing ideas, offering encouragement and not just a place where people self-promote.

How do you come up with the daily prompts?

 My prompts come from a variety of sources. Most I create myself. I typically set aside a couple of hours at the end of each month where I find a quiet spot, disconnect the phone, make sure there is chocolate within easy reach (a bowl of good chocolate never fails to help the creative juices flow) and make up the prompts for the following month or two. Sometimes I invite a friend or friends to brainstorm new prompts with me. (This requires more chocolate and often a bottle of wine…or two) Once in while a fellow Scribbler will email me a prompt and I’ll post it, giving the author credit of course. 

Do you ever get writers block, and if so do you write from the prompts?

Yes, I’ve suffered through bouts of this dreaded demon and have survived. I wish I could say I was a person who sits down and words immediately flow from brain to fingertips to page. I’m not. For me periods where I struggle to put words on the page is simply part of the writing process. Getting through those times is part of what makes me a better writer 

What’s my cure for writer’s block you ask? It’s simple. I keep an abundance of good chocolate close at hand. I walk. I read stories by authors whose work I admire. I write to prompts even if I believe no words will form. I write to prompts allowing whatever ideas and words form in my brain loose without censor until words and ideas for my story comes flooding back to me. 

Why does this formula work you ask? Also simple! Chocolate is good for the mind and spirit. Reading good writing inspires, motivates and goes a long way in making a better writer. Writing prompts not only help break through those nasty blocks, but writing to prompts strengthens writing style and story voice. Prompt writing is practice and with practice perfection is not required or necessarily wanted. Inner critics are banned. I treat my inner critic like a vampire. As we all know, vampires need to be invited in to gain entry and I never extend the invite. By the way always feel free to add more chocolate to this cure at any stage.

After you post a prompt do you go back and read any of the posting?

Always! After I put up the days prompt each morning, I read any prompt writings posted even if I don’t have time to comment. They never fail to inspire me to get to my own writing.

I know you run writing contests. Tell the readers a little bit about that?

Scribbler’s contests are bi-monthly. (I’m taking a break this summer due to the imminent arrival of my first grand daughter) The contests focus   on various aspects of the writing craft. One month it may be about the most intriguing opening hook, the next month it could be about ending a scene with a cliffhanger most likely to keep the reader wanting to turn the page. What level a writer you are doesn’t matter. Did I mention there are prizes? 

Being an author yourself and working full time as well, how do you find the time to keep up with the group and your writing? What’s your typical day like?

That’s a toughie! I keep hoping I win the lottery and then I can quit my day job, but I’ve been told my chances of getting struck by lightening twice in a row is better than my chances of wining the lottery. Ah well! Keeping up with Scribblers is an act of love for me. I plan as much as much as I can ahead of time like creating the daily prompt, lining up author interviews or guest bloggers which makes running the group less work and more fun.  

 As far as writing time, I’m a morning person. I get up at around 5-5:30 in the morning. I write my morning pages (check out Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way) while the water for my first cup of tea heats up. Then I go for a walk, post the daily prompt on Scribbler’s, comment on various postings, write to the days prompt to warm up for whatever writing project I’m working on and then by eight, I’m getting ready for work to be out the door by 8:45. (my office is literally five minutes from my house) There are days I can only manage to carve out fifteen minutes of writing time and there are others I can find an hour, maybe two. There are also those days I intend to write but life gets in the way. I try and not beat myself up over it. 

Tell us a little bit about what you like to write

I write historical romance, travel essay, and personal essay (memoir) My current travel essay is called Coffee in St. Andrews, and can be found at; http://www.viewfromthepier.com/2014/04/01/coffee-in-st-andrews/ 

I’m currently working on a revision for my medieval historical set in 1309 Scotland and a first draft of an erotic romance.

 How can we find Scribblers on Facebook?

If you’d like to check us Scribbler’s out, you can find us at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/scribblersink2013/ or check out the Scribbler companion blog at: http://scribblersinkblog.wordpress.com

Thanks for sharing with us today, Bobbi  I look forward to posting my short quips on Scribblers for years to come.

Filed under: romance

Weather and Motivation

I live in the desert and it is beyond hot at this time of year. Even worse is that I know it will only get hotter over the next few months. My husband’s uncle who lives down in Nicaragua amidst the heat and humidity (at least where he lives) near year round told me on our last trip that heat breeds laziness. Never did I believe his words to be truer than now.

Of course there are many times we aren’t necessary able to give into the laziness because quite frankly there is too much to do, but it’s still no fun feeling like you’re swimming upstream to get the daily ins and outs done. A week or so ago, I flew to Denver, Colorado and have to admit that I was shocked at the energy boost the cooler whether gave me, and in cooler I’m taking about high 70s or mid 80s.

I believe what surprises me the most (and what probably shouldn’t) is just how volatile we as humans can be when it comes to what motivates us to what demotivates us. Not to mention there are internal motivators versus external motivators. Internal ones are truly what drive us to achieve our goals. Those could be our personal writing goals, our reasons for writing, etc. Basically what makes us tick. The external motivators can vary widely but when it comes to writing, I like to think of our environment (weather, where we write, music, who is around us, etc.) as well as money, publishing, audience, etc. as these motivators. My reference to the weather above would definitely fall into an external demotivator and as such, its affects are short lived (thank God!) and somewhat avoidable if I stay indoors.

What about you all? What drags you down when you are trying to be productive and how do you manage it?

Happy Writing to you all this week!

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