Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 56

Cats Are Smiling Paranormal-Scope

Buffy Crowley

Cats have long had a reputation for being paranormal. In some cases, it’s because they hang out with witches but actually they hang out with a variety of people. Maybe it’s because their eyes glow in the dark. All I know is that they save their grins for those special moments. Buffy is obviously saving hers.

How do you get a cat to hang out with you? Have a sardine in your pocket!

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:
Cats love to watch TV. They love all the jumping around on some programs. Consider watching something fun with your cat. You will smile all day.

Taurus:
Cats are meticulous groomers. They are always in style. Time to go through your closet and get rid of the fashion woe-be-gones.

Gemini:
Cats never beg. They wait patiently for food like being in a fine restaurant. Smile, be gracious, but never diminish how great of a person you are.

Cancer:
Cats have favorite toys. Don’t we all? Consider adding a new toy.

Leo:
Cats are great mousers because their focus is impeccable. Focus on your work and get it done!

Virgo:
Cats know you can’t always get a new toy. They will make do with an old beat up one. But if it’s dead, it’s dead. If your toaster is dead, get a new one. Buy a needed gadget for the home.

Libra:
Some cats are very social and love engaging with others. A purrrrrrrr can go a long way. Time for you to socialize!

Scorpio:
Cats are courageous, moving forward on their dreams. I met Buffy in a cat rescue and she held onto my hand with all her feet. Explore moving forward on your dreams. Make plans now.

Sagittarius:
Cats will collaborate on a project like mouse chasing. Chase that dream with the help of others. It’s more fun in a group anyway.

Capricorn:
Cats don’t miss an opportunity to play. Opportunities are coming your way. Check them out thoroughly, before leaping on them.

Aquarius:
Even in a game, cats are seldom outwitted. Work hard and team up with people who share your goals and are good team players.

Pisces:
Cats are confident creatures. Smile, have self-confidence, and it can carry you far.

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).

9 Ways to Get Unstuck When Working on Something by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Photo by Einar H. Reynis on Unsplash

Just as there are many colors in the rainbow, there are many choices.

Sometimes the brain can’t think or fathom the next thing to do.

Here is a list of things to do when you are working so hard on something that you can’t see the solution to the problem or the next step.

A change of venue or scenery can often do the trick. Even briefly going outside and walking can clear the mind. Sometimes it is as easy as changing rooms for a few minutes. Take a break and hydrate. Take a break and do something else. Sleep on it. Sometimes I’ve been left with a puzzle I couldn’t solve during the day. I went to bed and in the morning often knew exactly what to do.Let it go. (All of these ideas are just methods of letting go.) Is it something you absolutely need to do? Do something else and come back to it later.Do it differently. Change the order in the steps of how you’re doing it. Change your tools. For example, if you are typing your book and you get stuck, change to writing it out in a notebook or journal with a pen or pencil. Tell the story into a recorder that you can playback later. Change the color of your ink. Listen to music. Organize it. When my girls were young, I used a chore chart. For trips and projects, I make checkoff lists. When book building, you can get a large cardboard and use sticky notes or index cards you tape on to organize the sections. I like to use Padlet.com which is a digital version of that cardboard.

The brain doesn’t like to be tedious and do everything the same way all the time. We are fun loving creatures. Doing something differently is what we’re all about essentially. You might even find a better, easier way to do the task.

Even when you are doing a routine task, remember to take your brain on a holiday with something new even if only for an hour or two. Play a game or change the visual imagery you see everyday.

After all, life is an adventure. Enjoy it!

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 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).

The Fight

Have you ever just felt like something is just not meant to be or meant to happen? I’m talking one of those instances where obstacle after obstacle keeps happening and you just can’t help but feel this twinge of suspicion that destiny is steering you in a different direction. Or perhaps that you don’t have what it takes to see something through.

I’ve had one of those weeks and at this point it just has my head turning. It’s always an unsettling experience because I never really know what if anything is true. Sometimes life is simply complicated and that is the logical explanation. Other times, I really do believe you need to “read the signs” and listen to your gut. Either way it can be exhausting but we are all there at some point—fighting our fights, pushing our agendas and simply trying to navigate the complexity of life. This is important to remember because these so called fights and journeys of ours can feel very lonely, but we aren’t really alone.

Happy writing this week and keep fighting the good fight.

Small Dogs Frolic Paranormal-Scope

Dogs, in general, are either paranormal or gifted. They own a keen insight into our ways and feelings. They can at times lead us around to their viewpoint. Small dogs can get us to do almost anything in trade for a cuddle.

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:
Chihuahuas love being portable. It just goes to show you that there’s no such thing as too small a love.

Taurus:
Having a beard and being well-groomed is important to a Brussels Griffon. Would you benefit from a new hairdo?

Gemini:
Pomeranians are loyal, cheerful, and good watch dogs. You have a friend who is watching your back. Appreciate those close to you.

Cancer:
Yorkshire Terriers balance a life of duty and play. They are equally the watch dog and the player of games. Are you working too hard? Schedule in some play time.

Leo:
The Toy Fox Terrier loves to learn new things. Take an online course in a subject that will benefit your job or something you’ve always wanted to learn.

Virgo:
The Japanese Chin is sensitive to the emotions of others. Be a listening friend to someone who needs your sympathetic ear.

Libra:
The Shih Tzu is the Chinese Lion Dog of history. They also love being the center of attention with funny antics. Watch a show that makes you laugh. Bring more laughter into your life.

Scorpio:
The Miniature Pinscher is fearless and needs training. Courage doesn’t come naturally to all. Be brave with your dreams, but prepare and train too.

Sagittarius:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves spending time with family. It doesn’t automatically warm up to everyone. Making good friends takes time.

Capricorn:
The French Bulldog loves good food. Make some new recipes you’ve been dying to try.

Aquarius:
The Pug is mischievous in play. Make a game out of it. Relax with a good friend and have fun.

Pisces:
Corgies are famous for their smiles. Just by walking in the room and smiling, can lift everyone’s moods.

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 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).

Two Wonderful Events by Susan Hanniford Crowley

This is Heather of Purring Pottery in Colchester, Connecticut

My family spent a delightful afternoon learning hand building and making pinch pots with clay. Heather is a wonderful teacher, and I highly recommend booking a family event with her. We had so much fun.

You can contact Heather through her website: https://purringpottery.com/

Now for the second event! It is more like fabulous news. Lady Fallon’s Dragons is starting to appear in lots of places even Japan! Reviews on the different websites are welcome!

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

Amazon Print and Kindle

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

Nook

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

Smashwords

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

Rakuten Kobo

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

Rakuten Kobo (Japan)

https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rk/3b3a73ace3da353fbdce3289eacd3919/http://<!– wp:paragraph –>

BookBub

https://www.bookbub.com/books/lady-fallon-s-dragons-by-susan-hanniford-crowley

Goodreads

https://www.bookbub.com/books/lady-fallon-s-dragons-by-susan-hanniford-crowley


This has all been exciting and as the new ebooks formats come through I will let everyone know. I want you to know that Smashwords has many formats you can buy. You can also review too if you like there if you like.

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 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).

Celebrate Juneteenth by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Courtesy of Milwaukee VA Medical Center, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

“Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1866.” From Wikipedia.

Though people have been celebrating Juneteenth for a long time, it has only this year become a National Holiday!

I looked up how to best celebrate the day and found people do many things today!

Go to re-enactments, parades, talks, speeches, readings, choir singing, laying flowers on graves to rememberEnjoy family re-unions and parties with music and great foodFestivals, music concerts, picnics

I am sure I’m forgetting something. If I have, please, add it to the comments so our readers can see it too.

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 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…Slogging Through by Artemis Crow

Slogging is such a great sounding word for such a physical act. Today, however, I’m talking about the mental slogging we do when the writing is difficult, when sales are scarce, when you wonder why you’re putting yourself through the effort.

I know I’m not alone when I have those times that I question why I continue to write when so few are reading the books. Word of mouth? Pffft. Sales? I need to look up the word in the dictionary to remind myself what it means. 

Maybe it’s because Mercury is in retrograde until the 22nd, but wow, have these last few weeks been a drain. On my productivity, on my enthusiasm, on my will to keep going. I’m struggling with it all as I write this. But the one question I keep asking is what will I do if I stop writing?

The first and most compelling answer is: I can’t not write. It took me years to figure out that this was my path. It took me years more to learn craft and then decide what I wanted to put out in the world.

My second answer: My series has so many more stories to tell, the world I created can’t be allowed to wither on the vine, the characters need to be seen and read.

Thus, the slogging. As difficult and seemingly impossible it seems to become a successful author, it’s the stories that motivate me to keep trying, to keep writing. Maybe my books will be nothing more than a vanity project, but they are my books. I’ve spent years worldbuilding and character creation. I will not let it all go, no matter how painful it feels now. I will put one foot in front of the other, I will write the books and release them in hopes that readers find them and love them.

This post isn’t meant as a pity party for one. It’s a frank talk about that which so many experience but are too often afraid to bring up. And creatives aren’t alone; we don’t own these feelings. There may be a lucky few who never feel weighed down, but they’re not the majority.

My point is that we all doubt. It’s what we choose to do in the face of that doubt that makes the difference. Me? I’m pulling on my big girl Wellies and slogging through the emotional muck until I come out the other side. When I slip and fall, I’ll scrape the muck off, pick up my computer, and slog through until I finish writing the next chapter, then the next, then the next.

Are you slogging through? Share your story so we can motivate each other to keep going!

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

Change and the Unpredictable

The school year is wrapping up (and yes it feels late this year but that’s because they started a month late) and we are heading toward summer. My kids, like many others, are overjoyed at the transition, most especially due to this crazy past year and the fact that they won’t be wearing masks Day in and day out as the did during school.

This past year has taught us so much and while some of us had experiences we’d rather have avoided, we are all moving forward in way way or another. For me in 2020, I learned that one of my sons just does not deal well with change and the stray from the predictable really made this past year hard for him as a you g person and hard for me as a parent. Change is inevitable and it is the one constant— at least that’s the way the saying goes. We can fight it, sure, but how far will we get? Maybe one time we will have luck or perhaps twice, but not continuously. No, the best way to navigate life’s surprises is to expect the unexpected and learn to adapt.

As a parent trying to teach this concept, it is a work in progress. Some days I make headway and others I don’t but that’s life isn’t it? I simply change my approach and try again in hopes that some of this will stick for the long term.

Happy writing this week!

Chipmunks Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Matthieu Pétiard on Unsplash

Chipmunks are a gateway to the paranormal creatures that don’t get any credit or respect. First off, some of them sing. They have also been known to dance, to stand up to birds and dogs and yell at them, and to build their door to their underground home opposite my front door. When they see me, they wave and laugh. At least, I think they are laughing.

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:
Chipmunks gather supplies for rough times. It wouldn’t hurt to have extra of some necessities.

Taurus:
When chipmunks party, they go nuts. Invited some friends to a picnic. Don’t forget the chicken and the music.

Gemini:
Chipmunks are mathematicians. First, they calculate home many nuts will fit in their home. Then they get rid of all the clutter to make extra space. Declutter your home.

Cancer:
Chipmunks like to socialize and show they are the alpha chipmunk. There is always one in the workplace. Smile and nod and you’ll do well.

Leo:
Chipmunks cherish their family in friends and keep in touch as often as they can. Often they bring a basket of nuts. Give someone dear a call.

Virgo:
Chipmucks are all about redecorating. Move a nut there, a berry here. Redecorate your home and make it more cozy and cheerful.

Libra:
For a chipmunk, a hawk means trouble. Keep a low profile. Some people just like to argue and you don’t need that.

Scorpio:
Snakes in the grass are avoided by chipmunks. Scams abound right now. Take care with all choices you make involving your private information and money.

Sagittarius:
Sleeping in a nice warm burrow is a paradise for a chipmunk. Plan a vacation to a warmer place. Or you can take up knitting or crocheting blankets.

Capricorn:
A chipmunk will climb the tallest tree to see the world. Their view is bigger than themselves. Go somewhere you’ve never been to expand their friew.

Aquarius:
Sometimes a chipmunk will sit on a rock to reflect. Solitude and relaxation enrich us.

Pisces:
Staying in a burrow too long can make a chipmunk nuts. Plan a walk or a little outing. Get out of your home and breathe fresh air.

All the best,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

Brand New: Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available in Amazon Kindle and Print. 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).

It’s Here! Lady Fallon’s Dragons by Susan Hanniford Crowley

I am excited to announce that Lady Fallon’s Dragons is here. It is available in Amazon Print and Kindle ebook.  It is a wondrous tale about contemporary dragons and a young woman fighting for her life. There is a clean romance in it. This book is appropriate for ages 13 to 113, and it is the first in a series.

In the coming weeks, it will also become available in the other online bookstores. I will announce it here as each is released!

Here’s the current link: https://www.amazon.com/Fallons-Dragons-Susan-Hanniford-Crowley-ebook/dp/B096MNG5BR

Reviews are welcome. Spreading the word is always appreciated. Keep an eye out for the upcoming contests.

Thank you.

All the best,
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

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).