Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 55

What Matters

For anyone who reads my posts with some degree of frequency, you’ll quickly notice that I spend a lot of time writing about how important time is and how we should spend it doing what matters. I also write about stress and my own struggle to prioritize in life.

This past week, a close family friend passed away. We all knew it was coming—not simply because we each have our own timeline, but because he had recently been diagnosed with a terminal disease. Still, when doctors said 3-5 years you can’t help but feel angry that his body only last 6 months before it gave in. Not angry at him but angry about the time that seems stolen.

Reflecting back, I don’t have regrets about time spent with this friend but I do wish I had told them just how special they were or how they influenced me to live my life differently. I think many times we think about others and how much they mean or what we should tell them, but often we find ourselves putting it off because, well, there’s always tomorrow, right? Not really.

So to my friend, I hope you are in a better place and the suffering is over. You will be missed by so many. And to those reading this, think about what and who matters and spend your time where it is most valuable.

Ancient Wonders Paranormal-Scope

The Griffin, 15th Century, Martin Schongauer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Creatures from the ancient world still surround us, filling our imaginations with wonder. No matter how modern we become, our hearts don’t truly venture far from our ancient roots. We want to know the tales that our ancestors heard, remembered, and in some cases passed 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.

Aries:
According to legend, Griffins guard a treasure. Many people immediately equate treasure with money. You have such a treasure beyond money. Cherish it!

Taurus:
Chiron was a centaur of great wisdom and is created for tutoring some of the Greek heroes. Listen to your teachers, as we never stop learning. It will benefit you.

Gemini:
Golems were made from mud to do their master’s bidding. Be careful what you say at work as some people are very literal.

Cancer:
Too many think that Cyclops was just a scary one-eyed giant. In truth, they were also inventors. They loved making things. Here is your time to do some inventing of your own.

Leo:
Sirens love to sing but it’s mostly to lead ships to untimely deaths. Invest in some music for your collection.

Virgo:
A Selkie would shed its seal skin to become human. Shedding some unnecessary items will do your home a world of good.

Libra:
Some say the Kraken is a giant squid that will rise at the end of the Earth. It’s sleeping. There are some topics of conversation that could remain asleep as well.

Scorpio:
The Hippocampus, half horse and half fish, pulled the sea chariot of Poseidon. It has several powers. There are several things that you do well. Spend time enhancing those powers of yours.

Sagittarius:
Amarok is a giant wolf of lore that hunts in the frozen wastes. It prefers to be alone. Cherish your me-time. Use to work on your next project or take a bubble bath.

Capricorn:
Dragons have always been with us. They are learned creatures. Take a course in history to expand your knowledge.

Aquarius:
The Basilisk can kill with one stare. Don’t be frozen by the mean looks of others. You are heroic in so many ways in your life. Lift your head and smile. Overcome your obstacles. You can!

Pisces:
From the striking hoof of Pegasus, a spring flowed pure. Your knowledge is going to shine through for others asking your advice.

Thank you and stay safe.

-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!

New Release: 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.
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).

Beach Reads: Sweet or Steamy! By Susan Hanniford Crowley

I love going to the beach but when it is less crowded. Strolling across the sand, I collect sea shells and sea glass. While reading, I prefer the shade of an umbrella. But I’ll admit that sometimes I am writing instead. The sea is an endless source of inspiration for me.

Today I will share two beach reads that are very different. One is steamy and eternally romantic with a vampire prince named Răzvan. The other is a sweet YA dragon adventure book set in the contemporary world with a young woman coming into her own as Lady Fallon.

The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars is set mostly in World War II Romania and then goes on to present time in Romania and New York. There are a few other favorite places like Paris and Iceland.

It’s all about a vampire prince who was once a human prince of ancient Dacia. He sometimes has prophetic dreams and is on the road with his two closest friends to see the human king about the evil approaching their country.

They say that vampires can hypnotize.

When the travelers come across a gypsy camp, Răzvan meets a woman who will change his life and give him purpose. Her only spell is love.

When the war tears them apart, their love and courage will be tested.

The Paranormal Romance Guild review called it “a love story for the ages.”

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.

Lady Fallon’s Dragons is a wondrous tale about contemporary dragons (lots of them) and a young woman fighting for her life.

Imagine dreaming of dragons all your life. Imagine an assassin hunting your family and you don’t know why.

Only her father’s advice prior to his suspicious death spurs 18-year-old Aleasya Fallon to flee the country. The first flight out was London.

A chance meeting with a dragon will change her life for all time. Romance will find her too, but evil is still on her trail.

Aleasya must become Lady Fallon of Skye Over Castle in Scotland. Dragons and their keepers turn their eyes to Skye Over and wonder why? Some say she is only a child!

Having a dragon as a forever friend will change you. Will you soar or go down in flames?

Visit https://susanhannifordcrowley.com/lady-fallon’s-dragons for an excerpt.

(YA/Fantasy) Lady Fallon’s Dragons is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, Scribd, and a Paperback through BAM’s online store with more to come.

Thank you.

All the best!
-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!

New Release: Lady Fallon’s Dragons is now available at Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, Scribd, and a Paperback through BAM’s online store
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now 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).

For The Love Of…Character Introductions by Artemis Crow

“Gentlemen!” Mr. C yelled into the microphone. “This is going to be a bloody one, so put on your protective raincoats or tarps if you got ‘em! With us tonight, straight from I-Don’t-Know-Where-And-I-Don’t-Care, US of A,” he said, pausing when the crowd roared. “I give you…the Valkyrie!”

Bryn’s ears rang from the noise of the crowd, but her focus remained on her opponent.

Rota oh, so slowly raised her head, still looking forward.

Bryn smiled. Oh, yeah, she’d heard the name. She knew what it meant.

Rota dropped her hands and turned around to face Bryn, her face stripped of any emotion, her stance relaxed and ready for what Bryn might bring. But her dark eyes had a fire in them, “staring into a flame” as it was called, that spoke of battles fought and won, of choosing who lived and died, of carrying the slain to Odin to wait by his side in Valhalla for Ragnarok. It spoke of the blood that had soaked them for all the centuries of their kind’s existence.

Rota may have left the Valkyrie, but she hadn’t forgotten who and what she was.

Bryn took a step forward and Rota matched it, both women assessing.

Rota was taller than Bryn, and her body had the depth and thickness of muscle that only years of training could build. She hadn’t lost any of her strength—her fighting men and winning proved that—and it didn’t appear that she had lost any of her renowned courage. But what about her will to fight? Had she softened over the years? Had she reduced her training to just what she needed to win against humans?

Bryn finally looked hard at Rota’s face.

The dark brown skin stretched over the high cheekbones had crosshatched scars. Another scar cut through the middle of her right eyebrow, bisecting the arched peak. Her jaw was square and strong. Her lips were full and soft, a contrast to the hard planes of her face. The dark eyes with a hint of blue spoke of a knowing that only came with the passage of time and the pain that too often accompanied it.

The woman was beautiful, fierce…and tired, old in Valkyrie years.

Rota walked closer then circled Bryn. “Valkyrie? Really? A bit on the nose, isn’t it?”

Bryn watched her, her body tensed for attack. “Like these humans would ever get it.”

“That’s no reason to get sloppy. And you are sloppy, based on the ruckus you caused earlier.”

Bryn walked around Rota; two can play this game.

“Saw that, did you?”

“No, heard it. And you got Mr. C’s attention. Not smart.”

Bryn spread her arms. “And what do you call what you’re doing?”

“My business.”

The crowds jeered, their restlessness for a fight turning ugly fast.

“Well, I’m making you my business now.” Bryn stopped stalking and waved Rota to her. “Let’s get on with it.”

“If you win,” Rota said, “what do you want?”

Bryn had to press her lips firmly together to keep from smiling. The woman was already conceding. “I want you to come back to the Valkyrie with me.”

“When I win, you will leave and bother me again.”

Bryn snorted and crouched, her hands up. “Let’s do this.”

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
Available on Amazon Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IBLeona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjWLibra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNgLeona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

Gemini Asunder – https://amzn.to/2PyNUig

Pirate Ghost Ship Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

Though many people head for the beaches during the summer, how many linger past sunset to spot a pirate ghost ship on the horizon. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!

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:
Pirates ghosts dance around legal matters. This is the best time to review anything legal and financial.

Taurus:
Pirate ghost shipmates bond over battles and shore leave. They accept their friends as they are. Loving relationships and friendships can be yours.

Gemini:
Pirate ghosts lead a life of balancing when to plunder other ships and when to party and relax. Look at your schedule and see where you can be more balanced and happier.

Cancer:
Pirate Ghosts will tell you. Sometimes you are sailing the seven seas. Sometimes you’re stuck on shore. Don’t be blue. Just do what you need to do. Vacation will be that much sweeter.

Leo:
Getting together with old shipmates continues to be fun for pirate ghosts. Plan a party or reunion.

Virgo:
Pirate ghosts didn’t live in a world of misinformation! We do. Don’t believe everything you hear. If it’s important, check it out from various sources.

Libra:
When storms strike, pirate ghosts feel stress when no safe harbor appears. When you feel stress, slow down and examine its source. Plan a relaxing time to regroup.

Scorpio:
Pirate ghosts complain about the lack of gold. Good times may have to wait awhile. Be patient. The tide always changes.

Sagittarius:
Pirate ghosts still get rigorous exercise in caring for their ship. Talk to your doctor about your exercise routine before changing it.

Capricorn:
Over the sound of the surf, you can hear pirate ghosts singing. Explore your creative side in music, art, or writing.

Aquarius:
Pirate ghosts will tell you they sailed to the same ports too much, but a new place fired their excitement. Try going to someplace new even for a day trip.

Pisces:
A pirate ghost may have had a great idea, but knew they needed to focus to get the job done. Trying new things came later. Think about doing the same. I don’t mean being a pirate.

Thank you.

-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!

New Release: 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.
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).

Writing Tools: Ensemble Writing-How to Do It and More!

Photo Courtesy by Jack Anstey on Unsplash. “Snaefellsnes, IcelandThe most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Worth battling minus temperatures and ice wind to witness.”

I am talking about writing characters that are family or group of friends. This type of writing is more complicated to get right. We see this a lot with ensemble acting, where the writer wants to give all the principal actors equal screen time. The complication is that the viewer/reader needs focus. One, two, or three people should be the focus of your audience. 

I chose the above photo for a reason. Notice one band of light is strong and draws your attention first. That’s what you want for the main character or couple in that book.

How to do ensemble writing? I have seen it done in different ways. Here are some tips to start with and possible ways to do it.

Keep your characters straight. I’m adding a website here that says it wonderfully. K.M. Weiland does a great job of explaining how to manage a large cast of characters. https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/help-readers-keep-your-characters/Each main person in the ensemble of characters has their chapter. Some authors name a chapter for the point of view character. When you know you are doing a series of books, start strong with the main characters. I’m going to use “The Big Bang Series” as an example. In episode one, Sheldon is interviewing roommates and meets Leonard. Then Penny moves next door. Leonard is immediately attracted, but Sheldon thinks his friend is daydreaming about someone he can’t have. As the series continues in that first year, even with the other friends there, the storyline revolves around Sheldon, Leonard, and Penny.In writing a series of books, each principal character or couple has their book. Many authors do this. In the next book, the main character becomes a support person. I do this myself in the Vampires in Manhattan series and the Arnhem Knights of New York series.Once you choose that character that will be the focal point, the other characters are support players. They move into and out of the main character’s view. The main characters have the storyline in that book. Always have together time for all the characters who will become the principal players. Screenwriters and novelists do this with family/friends gathering. They could hang out together after work, have meals together or go out for coffee, come together to worry (a character is in the hospital), gather for a funeral to say goodbye, or join in a celebration such as a wedding, birthday, or graduation. Doing this shows their interaction and personal qualities. I recommend watching “The Big Bang Theory” or “Friends.” I also recommend typing ‘The Big Bang Theory episode guide’ into Google. Start with season one. In season two, the other characters take turns as the focus of a storyline. By the last season, you see three storylines per episode. Authors sometimes have a reunion book after several books in a series for this reason. If you haven’t done it yet, you want to do this by the end of your first book. To keep characters, backgrounds, and plots straight, create a book series bible. This notebook is your reference when writing the next book in the series. The book series bible helps the authors stay consistent. Lorna Faith does a great job of explaining it. https://www.lornafaith.com/how-to-create-a-series-bible-for-your-fiction/

I know I’ve given you a lot to process. Print out the page if you like, and put it in your Writing Tools binder. 

A point of interest: I will be making a book series bible for Lady Fallon’s Dragons since the first book in a series and sharing the process with you. You might want to read the book to match the process in the bible to the characters and parts of the book. Creating a book series bible can help you in writing your series. Hint: I have taught creative writing for over 30 years. 

Lady Fallon’s Dragons is in Amazon Kindle and Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and now on BAM, and Scribd so far. Please, see links below if interested. Visit https://susanhannifordcrowley.com/lady-fallon’s-dragons for an excerpt.

Lady Fallon’s Dragons is filled with adventure, intrigue, romance but most of all dragons. My contemporary dragon fantasy is for ages 13 to 113. The links are:

Amazon Paperback and Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096MNG5BR

Nook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-fallons-dragons-susan-hanniford-crowley/1139650036

Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lady-fallon-s-dragons

Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1088492

BAM  Paperback (available through their online store)  

https://www.booksamillion.com/product/9798559906027

Scribd

https://www.scribd.com/book/512170234/Lady-Fallon-s-Dragons

Thank you.

All the best and to our friends in the USA, Happy 4th of July!
-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!

New Release: Lady Fallon’s Dragons is now available at Kindle and Amazon Print, Nook, Kobo, & Smashwords
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now 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).

Independence Day Paranormal-Scope

July 4th celebrates USA’s Independence

If a national holiday in the United States falls on a weekend, it is also celebrated on that Monday. In this case, it’s our day of independence – July 4th. Many people have today off, but not all and we continue to appreciate those that are working today to benefit everyone else. Thank you.

Thank you to our ancestors that started this country and risked their lives for it. Some gave their lives.

Patriot Nathan Hale Was Hanged
September 22, 1776
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Have you heard this famous declaration before? American patriot Nathan Hale said it on September 22, 1776, his last words before he was hanged for spying on British troops. How did this come to pass? Hale, born in Coventry, Connecticut, on June 6, 1755, and a teacher by trade, joined his five brothers in the fight for independence against the British.This is from http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/revolut/jb_revolut_hale_1.html

Now for the pararnormal-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.

Aries:
Vampires have all the time in the world, but they know time is precious too. Don’t put your goals aside any longer. Get started this week.

Taurus:
Shapeshifters are very sensitive to the needs of others. Spend time with those you cherish. Someone close to your heart wants to hear from you.

Gemini:
Werewolves never keep things past their time. Declutter your house. Throw out the worn out. If you have a fix it box, go through it. There are things you are never going to fix.

Cancer:
Mermaids love having an adventure but they know focusing on details makes the adventure better. Plan out your excursion. Pay attention to details.

Leo:
Dragons really work well as a team. You have that gift too. Collaborate with others on a project. Add to the knowledge base so all are on the same page.

Virgo:
The feelings of pixies are easily hurt and remember, they bite. Be gentle around others are feelings are at the forefront for everyone this week.

Libra:
Gnomes enjoy helping others. Sometimes they overbook themselves. Do you do that too? Get a calendar you can carry with you before you make promises refer to it.

Scorpio:
Leprechauns have been celebrating in a mad rush. You too? Time to regroup and enjoy some quiet relaxation time.

Sagittarius:
Faeries understand that too many emotions can make any situation chaotic. Give yourself some calm thinking time before discussing an emotion-charged issue.

Capricorn:
Nessie is detail-oriented and makes lists on plants. She eats them when the list is done. Make a priority list of tasks for yourself. Know everything can’t be done in a day but you will see progress.

Aquarius:
Unicorns have self-confidence. They believe in themselves. Be confident that there are things you are expert in. Shine this week at work.

Pisces:
The fiery light of the phoenix will carry it far. You too have that light. Just be yourself and let others discover the you, you want to share.

Thank you.

All the best from Buffy and me,
-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!

New Release: Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available at Kindle and Amazon Print, Nook, Kobo, & Smashwords Other ebooks formats will follow.
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).

Checking Out Mystic Village Shops in Mystic, CT

We are having two of the delicious potion drinks at The Cloak and Wand. Inside The Cloak and Wand store Outside the Irish Eyes Shop

There is a lot to see there but we only saw two or three more shops as it was down pouring something intense. We got drenched even wearing hoodies and holding umbrellas. Many people did too as they felt the shops there are worth the visit.

On a rainy day like today and possibly this weekend, drinking something warm, dressing in clothes soft and cozy, and readying a fun book makes for a satisfying time. Not everyone wants to run around in the rain. Unless of course, you’re dancing. Then it’s completely understandable.

Lady Fallon’s Dragons is in Amazon Kindle and Paperback, Nook, Kobo, and Smashwords so far. Please, see links below if interested. Visit https://susanhannifordcrowley.com/lady-fallon’s-dragons for an excerpt.

Here is my contemporary dragon fantasy for ages 13 to 113. The links are:

Amazon Paperback and Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096MNG5BR

Nook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-fallons-dragons-susan-hanniford-crowley/1139650036

Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lady-fallon-s-dragons

Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1088492

Thank you.

All the best and to our friends in the USA, Happy 4th of July!
-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!

New Release: Lady Fallon’s Dragons is now available at Kindle and Amazon Print, Nook, Kobo, & Smashwords
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is now 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).

For The Love Of…Positivity by Artemis Crow

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – 

Abraham Lincoln

You’re Writing A Book – Creativity helps you find positivity

My self-editor can be such a drag. Seriously. Standing on my shoulder, criticizing word choices, or worse, laughing at an entire day’s work. Take your thumb and forefinger and flick that editor off your shoulder. I’m not kidding, give it the heave-ho and carry on with your work. So many people allow self-doubt and that inner critic to slow them down, or worse, make them stop writing at altogether. Writing is hard enough without putting the undo the stress of self-doubt frosting on that cake. Get through the first draft, then edit that baby into submission! And when you’re done, step back and look at what you’ve accomplished. You wrote a book!  

You’re Moving Your Body – Exercise feeds positivity (yay endorphins)

I’ve been riding the recumbent bike almost daily for that last several weeks. It can be a drag to get started but I always feel better when I’m done. The sweat drips, and I’m a mess afterword. My heart and lungs and muscles are working; endorphins are pumping. Be happy that you can move. Understand that the goal is to stay healthy, not necessarily end up with a hard body (though for some that is the goal). 

You’re Seeking The Positive To Dispel The Negative – Seek and ye shall find!

The world isn’t easy. It can weigh you down and even crush you if you let it. Goodness knows, the past year was tough. When presented with a situation, try to find the positive rather than let the negative suffocate you. Talk with friends or family, listen to music, read a book, watch a movie, snuggle with your other half (2 or 4 leggers), take a nap, make your real-life nemesis a character in your next book and put them through hell. You may not be able to will yourself into a Miss Mary Sunshine state, but you can find other ways to bolster your mood until positivity pushes negativity out of your away.

You’re Filling Your Soul Instead Of Emptying It – Drain not, lest you be drained…

Finding joy each day is essential to filling the well. Whether at home or at work, there are ways to find the pleasure in what you’re doing. Whatever you’re doing. It can be as simple as getting through the next five minutes, as fun as planning a vacation, as centering as sitting outside for lunch, as uplifting as petting a dog or cat. You can choose to fill your soul with small and large joys and refuse to let the defeats empty you. 

You’re Sharing Your Joy – Hand out to give yourself a hand up.

I love smiling and saying Hi to strangers. I love giving compliments, holding open doors, leaving kind notes on bathroom mirrors, buying the food of the car behind me at a fast-food restaurant. The funny thing is, the more positive energy I put out there, the better I feel. And you never know what kind of struggles a person has, or how one kind word can make the difference in their day. It costs you nothing to be kind; to others it could mean the world.

Practice positivity in your life, share it with others, fill the well…

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
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Navigating the Mess

We are just about halfway through this year and it seems to have been the longest yet shortest year ever and all at the same time. Each day and almost everything I do seems so much more cumbersome. At this point, a lot of places domestically have relaxed mask wearing but at least for me, it is still second nature to walk around with it just in case.

Finally, I am planning again for a couple trips in the fall and thus far the planning is daunting. Planes and security were cumbersome before the pandemic so add anything else on top and it only adds to the complexity. Still, I’m not alone in my planning and I get that. Folks are tired of being pent up and want to live their lives. I am no different but I still remain cautious and will do my utmost to respect others’ boundaries, wishes, etc.

So what do we do with this increasingly complex and convoluted world? Well, short of making it more simple, which is not as simple as it sounds, we can only teach ourselves to navigate the mess and hope we make it to the other side.

Happy writing this week!