Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 40
May 30, 2022
Remember on Memorial Day
Graves at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial DayOn Memorial Day, we remember those men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military to protect this country and defend our freedom.
On this day, we honor their sacrifice by placing flags on service people’s graves, laying wreaths on war memorial monuments, and parades.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
All the best from the Nights of Passion Crew
May 28, 2022
Writing Tools: Light and Dark! By Susan Hanniford Crowley
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.comIn writing, the use of light or dark or the in-between creates an atmosphere, a mood that affects your characters and the story.
Light can be expressed in many forms. Sunshine for many people brings happiness and hope. Sunshine on the flowers in a meadow calls forth animals to feed. Young to frolic. Sunshine on a city street awakens a city to its daily business. Colors fill the vision with excitement, radiance, and splendor. Natural light is usually an expression of the good things in life.
A character can see clearly what is around them with the exception of anything in shadow. Shadows in a time when the place in the story is enjoying sunlight is a tease of something mysterious. It could be seductive. Or it can lead the character into a shadowy world where not everything is seen and bad things happen. Shadows may hide the truth of what is really happening in that alleyway. Drugs. Murder. Death. Shadows can hide the evil in a character’s heart.
Breakthrough light gives the impression of hope, a spot of safety whether it’s light coming through a prisoner’s cell window or a sparse city bedroom where a young woman dances wishing for a spotlight. It can signify a chance of success or happiness.
Artificial lights change possibilities giving a chance at happiness or casting a dreary light on a hopeless situation. Streetlights can form a type of spotlight marking a fraudulent form of safety or highlighting loneliness and despair. Carnival lights can be exciting and fun, temporarily hiding the night to fill the air with the scents of popcorn and cotton candy. They can also be ominous in a story.
Spotlights can put pressure on a character to perform and show their success or failure. Headlights can show a clear road ahead or sudden danger.
The light within that a character sees can beckon them to the afterlife. A character waking from surgery experiences a growing light until they can see those around them.
Dawn stretches out with its colors and breakthrough light to embrace a new day giving hope. Sometimes revealing the tragedy on the battlefield. Dawn can bring relief to those that have survived war or illness. Dawn is a new beginning and often a do-over.
Twilight can be romantic or a foreboding of evil yet to come. Sometimes it’s both. Unlike dawn, the colors of light play as they withdraw leaving behind growing shadows. Characters can cling to the last remnants of light hoping for the best, reminiscing about the past, or fearing what’s to come. In fantasy, twilight is when the faeries come out to play.
Starlight and moonlight can create an atmosphere of romance. Your characters might dance in the moonlight and wish on a star. But in those places where the light fades or is gone entirely something scary might lurk.
In the dark, there is loneliness and a fear that something frightening is hiding. Nightmares rule. The characters might lock up their house to be safe and then go to bed to dream of good times. Unidentified sounds in the dark indicate peril. Fear of the unknown rules when darkness falls engulfing the world your character lives in. Pitch dark is terrifying because a character loses their sense of direction. It’s harder to determine where a sound is coming from. Without even the tiniest bit of light, hope is lost.
Unless the character is armed with a flashlight or a candle, they feel helpless.
These are all examples of how light and dark are used in stories, novels, and movies. Use light and dark in your tales to make a richer experience for your readers.
Happy Writing!
Truly,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance and now YA novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
More detailed descriptions for all my books are on https://susanhannifordcrowley.com or https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG
New Release: (sweet romance) EverWarm is available in Kindle and Paperback at Amazon.
New Release: (sweet romance) Lady Fallon’s Dragons is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, Scribd, and a Paperback through BAM’s online store, paperback by ordering with Waterstones.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Paperback and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 is available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords,
May 24, 2022
Open to Happiness
If you were to ask me who the happiest being I know is, I would answer that it is my dog. And why not? He spends the day sleeping, eating, playing, pooping and being loved by the entire family. He is ever excited to see us even if we’ve only left the room for a matter of seconds. Yet despite his quite relaxing life, I’ll openly admit that I want more from my life, even if that means that at times happiness eludes me. And I don’t think I’m so different from many others out there.
Why is this? Why is it that we all seem to be gluttons for punishment? I’m not sure I know the answers to these questions but I would guess that they have to do with us being complicated. We are truly like onions, full of layers and intricacies. What may make us happy at one moment in our lives may make us unhappy at another moment. You’re ever evolving and our hopes and dreams evolve with us.
Overtime, I’ve learned that being happy is also something we have to let ourselves do. It is something we have to teach ourselves. Sometimes it comes naturally and sometimes it just requires a little bit more effort.That doesn’t necessarily mean that happiness is something we need to go out and buy—quite the opposite. Happiness is something we have to be willing to open our minds to. And true, lasting happiness comes from within.
Happy writing this week!
May 23, 2022
Whispers in the Dark Paranormal-Scope
Can you trust whispers in the dark? It might be a whisper of truth? Then again it could be a lie? How do you tell which is which?
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.
Aries:
Were-crows love to collect shiny things. I do too, but shopping therapy could lead you down the wrong path. Keep a tight fist on your money this week.
Taurus:
Dragons roar when angered. This is the time to think things through first before expressing rage. Self-control will benefit you.
Gemini:
Gnomes are very trusty-worthy when you just have to vent. Choose a good friend that keeps secrets to confide in.
Cancer:
Faeries are great networkers. Move toward your goals by networking. Meet new people and smile.
Leo:
Werewolves have a natural grace and easy smile. So do you. Use it when talking to people. Everyone enjoys a great smile.
Virgo:
Shapeshifters are great at negotiating and collaborating with others. When it’s something important, use these skills and work with others.
Libra
Pixies are eager to try something new. See a movie outside your usual genre. Read a book you wouldn’t ordinarily choose. Broaden your world.
Scorpio:
Griffins may look grumpy but they can really soar when it matters. Don’t a book by its cover. It’s what is inside that counts.
Sagittarius:
Vampires that live a long time do so because of the enduring relationships they create with loved ones and friends. Spend time with those you care about.
Capricorn:
Elves are the creative ones. To them, the sky’s the limit. Use your free time to enhance your creative talents. Have fun!
Aquarius:
Sirens take the time to make love and not war. Cherish your close ones and create memories with them.
Pisces:
Mermaids love to plan getaways even if only for a weekend. Enjoy going somewhere new!
Thank you and be safe.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).
May 21, 2022
Life Tools for Everyone: Connections! By Susan Hanniford Crowley
Human contact is vital to human health. You may be wearing a mask (and that’s okay), but make sure you are staying in contact with those dear to you.
I was honored with the experience of being on a Nebula Awards Conference panel yesterday. In Writing through the Pain, five authors discussed how to manage writing while having a chronic illness. It was eye-opening. I didn’t know there were timer caps for pill bottles. We talked about Done Lists to show progress, times when it’s okay not to write, little rewards, and having support.
The support of friends and/or family is important in achieving successful writing and happy living. Even in pain, the support of others can get us through. It keeps our connection with the world.
We talked about the feeling of being connected through social media. Reaching out and seeing what others are doing and saying makes us feel part of the world. Virtual writing groups were also discussed even a group of two or three authors that critique each other can make you feel connected.
I hadn’t seen anyone in SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.) in three years due to my illness and the pandemic. I missed them. By being on the panel, I felt reconnected. Normally I go to science fiction and fantasy conferences as well as romance ones, so I would see my writer friends. The act of writing is usually a solitary action. But being part of the world is vital to writing a living story and to happiness in general.
Being part of the world is vital to everyone, whether it’s seeing friends at a picnic, going to church, rejoining your knitting circle, going to the beach, or any event that you enjoy! Of course, do what makes you feel safe. Use video chat to talk to dear ones over a distance. I have used Facebook chat, Facetime, and Zoom.
Stay connected. People miss you too.
For those interested in the Nebula Conference and Awards, it is still going on and you can still register. Connie Willis and Neil Gaiman will be the hosts for the awards tonight at 5 pm Pacific Time. https://events.sfwa.org/
The Awards ceremony will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. Visit the link above to get the links.
Truly,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance and now YA novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
More detailed descriptions for all my books are on https://susanhannifordcrowley.com or https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG
New Release: (sweet romance) EverWarm is available in Kindle and Paperback at Amazon.
New Release: (sweet romance) Lady Fallon’s Dragons is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, Scribd, and a Paperback through BAM’s online store, paperback by ordering with Waterstones.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Paperback and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 is available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords,
May 18, 2022
For The Love Of…Plant Something Day 2022 by Artemis Crow
Today is National Plant Something Day. That’s a new holiday for me, but what are you going to do? Celebrate, that’s what to do! I realize the meaning behind the name – let’s take a day to plant a tree or a bush or flowers or corn. All fantastic ideas and ones my husband and I have already done for this year.
So instead of planting plants, I decided to celebrate this day by planting ideas for my story garden. Now, I already do this by jotting down scene ideas, saving images to my Pinterest boards, creating mood boards, song playlists, etc. But today, I want to spend time creating lines of dialogue, anecdotes, brainstorm symbols and motifs, jot down quirks of personality, fears and dreams, and hopes and goals for the characters in my next book.
Make a list of what you love to see in a story so you can write the book you want to read. Let those lists and images percolate in your mind so you can plant a story garden and let it be transformed into magic on the page.
Do you make lists for your writing? Do tell!
Artemis
The Zodiac Assassins series
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo
Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IB
Leona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjW
Libra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNg
Leona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp
Gemini Asunder – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig
May 17, 2022
Making it Through
I’ve spent the last few days researching moles, voles, chipmunks, squirrels and the like. If you couldn’t tell I’m clearly having some sort of pest issue and fortunately it isn’t in our home but they are in our garden, which doesn’t make it much better. On the home side, we’ve got bats and there is already a plan in place to relocate these lovelies to a nice new home. I know, my home sounds like a zoo.
Despite the start, today’s blog really isn’t meant to be about pests. It is simply to show how the unexpected knocks us off kilter in many ways. I can think of many more things I’d rather be doing than researching rodent feces. This week alone I spoke to two acquaintances of mine and asked them how they were doing. One head recently recovered from a horrible bout of Covid—turns out he spent a couple long weeks in the hospital. The other recently had a heart attack. Admittedly, these updates made me a little weary to ask anyone else how they were doing. They made my last few days seem like a walk in the park.
Where I’m going with this is that we are all living our lives. Sometimes for sailing along smooth as a breeze and the next moment we are riding rough seas with no end in sight.Either way, neither situation last forever—there is a beginning and an end. It is just a matter of making it through no matter how insignificant the situation or how big the situation.
Happy writing this week!
May 16, 2022
Super Flower Blood Moon Paranormal-Scope
Photo by Nick Owuor (astro.nic.visuals) on UnsplashThings have been dramatic and will continue to be so because of the speed in which things in the world are changing.
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.
Aries:
The Phoenix soars into new mysteries. New opportunities coming your way will help you soat.
Taurus:
Dragons are feeling all blissful having friends and family near. Plan a get-together with your friends and/or family.
Gemini:
Faeries dance on the night winds among the flowers. Add some new plants to your home.
Cancer:
Siren are silent. They want to be quiet to better catch what’s going on. Listening can get you far.
Leo:
Gnomes enjoy a good pampering. Practice self-care and relax.
Virgo:
Shapeshifters can easily move around in life, but even they need encouragement. Call a dear friend and be supportive.
Libra
Pixies are fun. Get together with those you enjoy!
Scorpio:
Pixies look cute but they bite. Not everything is as it seems. Consider first the inner person regardless of how they look on the outside.
Sagittarius:
Shapeshifters are easy going and problems rolls off their back. Don’t get stuck in a problem. Ask for help from someone you trust.
Capricorn:
Vampires are usually solitary but they cannot ignore a good feast among friends. Put on your party hat and have some fun.
Aquarius:
Werewolves love to learn new things. Considering taking a course on a subject you want to know more about.
Pisces:
Goblins are counting their pennies and taking extra time to make a choice. Be careful of your spending at this time.
Thank you and be safe.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance and now YA sweet adventure novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback. More to come.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also in Amazons around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).
May 13, 2022
Writing Tools: Bread Crumbs! By Susan Hanniford Crowley
One of the things about writing from the seat of your pants or even for those that plot that suddenly finds themselves off course, you need to give yourself some way to get back to where you belong in the story or understand who your main character is talking to if you have more than three characters.
I called them Bread Crumbs. What are the tools?
A Flip Chart – Use it to show who the characters are and any important traits or aspects they have. The Laundry List. – use a flip chart or white cardboard to write the series of events. Think of each chapter as being a big event and make your listFamily Tree – Use it to keep keep track of your characters, how they are connected to each other and what they do.So if you’re writing a tale, don’t get lost in the woods. Leave some bread crumbs. At least, these bread crumbs won’t be eaten by birds. Keep your story straight!
Truly,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance and now YA novels too.
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
More detailed descriptions for all my books are on https://susanhannifordcrowley.com or https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG
New Release: (sweet romance) EverWarm is available in Kindle and Paperback at Amazon.
New Release: (sweet romance) Lady Fallon’s Dragons is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, Scribd, and a Paperback through BAM’s online store, paperback by ordering with Waterstones.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Paperback and Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available in Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 is available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords,
May 10, 2022
Life’s Languages
My kids seem to be learning another language. It isn’t really another language although sometimes it seems that way when they come home with all sorts of abbreviations or substitute words for what they want to say.Then falls upon me to learn these new words or abbreviations to understand what it is they are trying to say. Of course, this all has me thinking.
Because I work to understand the language evolution today I can’t help but think of the language of our past. What made writers like Jane Austin so timeless?
I thought about it quite a bit and realized that perhaps it had nothing to do with the language at all but more the issues that remain the same throughout time. We have a different way of going about it but courtship is courtship and love is love. We still aim to be wooed and the game of playing hard to get is still the same. It is a different language altogether.
Happy writing this week!
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