Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 58

Accomplishments

Today I want to talk/write about accomplishment. We usually think of this word in a positive light. When we call someone accomplished, we think of that person as skilled in some way or form. As a parent, there is a big sense of pride both on my side and on my sons’ sides as they have their own accomplishments—big or small. This week, I experienced one of those moments and I couldn’t help but wonder why we don’t emphasize or celebrate these moments more.

I was recently talking with a friend of mine who is a bit of “Negative Nancy”. He is constantly going on about all the things wrong in the world, so much so that it is hard for him to celebrate the fact that he is retired and has set himself up very well financially. I actuality, he has the type of situation so many strive for or even envy but he can’t see what he has accomplished due to all the noise. I get this. I see it all the time and am guilty of it in my own way, but it is important to remember that all the issues in our lives and all the issues in the world are not the full picture.

The important thing to remember is that we do and we don’t, we win and we lose, we succeed and we fail. That’s life and it all makes us who we are, so celebrate that and don’t forget it.

Happy writing this week!

Pocket Creatures Paranormal-Scope

I love it that some paranormal creatures are very small. While we can’t always see them, apparently dogs and cats do. Since our furry companions are also our bodyguards and guardians of our homes, they growl and swat at them. Often they just stare at them and we think they are looking at nothing.

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:
Brownies (not the scout) are helpful around the house. They also wear rags. Don’t judge by appearance as both brownies and people can surprise you.

Taurus:
Bogarts are a Brownies which had turned to the dark side. They break things and are horrible guests. Keep your calm when you have company. Remember they will be going home.

Gemini:
Tommy Knockers are known to work in mines. They sometimes warn of imminent danger. They also play pranks. Be aware of the prankster you know and take it all in stride.

Cancer:
You have found something once hidden by a Stow, who usually live underground in mounds. You will have good luck.

Leo:
Kobolds are a type of house sprite. They can be helpful or hurtful depending on mood, just like some people you know. Always smile and say thank you. It will help your in the long run.

Virgo:
Pixies can lead travelers astray. Always double check your travel plans and necessities. Know where you are going.

Libra:
Leprechauns protect faery gold, which disappears. There are a lot of scams out there. Don’t leap into an opportunity before checking it carefully.

Scorpio:
Clurichauns are cousins to the leprechauns. They love a good party. Plan a party for close friends and/or family. Keep those you love close.

Sagittarius:
Duendes are elven though very, very small and like hiding under beds. It’s time to do a Spring Cleaning including whatever is under the bed.

Capricorn:
The Korean Dokkaebi is a goblin with all sorts of powers limited only by its imagination. You have vast potential. Are you taking advantage of your talents?

Aquarius:
The tsukumogami of Japan inhabits old tossed out tools. If you can recycle and give something a new life, all to the good. But it something is truly worn out or broken toss it away.

Pisces:
French Lutins are a form of hobglobins who love to mess with hair and knot it. They are frightened away by salt. Treat your hair gently and know that some problems are easily solved.

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).

Self Wellness by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Between the pandemic and trying to live our lives, most of us have not been looking out for ourselves. Our self wellness has taken a back seat to getting food and supplies, getting to work, taking care of our family, and being safe. It’s been a strain on our finances and overall health.

Worry can wreck you. I know it does me. So what can you do?

If you’re ill, see a medical professional. I mask up and go see my doctor when I need to.

What else can you do to keep spirits up?

Do everything easy first.

Make a cup of tea! Enjoy a favorite beverage! I like lemon seltzer water and almond tea.Take a bubble bath!  Get a rubber duck.Read a book. Try a book outside your comfort zone for a change, or read a favorite. Lots of readers have a ‘to be read’ pile.Take a walk. Become an observer of life.Do you have pets? Play with them.Do you have children? Have a game or movie night. Make some arts and crafts with them.

Do everything challenging second.

Listen to music and move to the beat. Make up your own song.Learn new things. I like to watch Rachel Maksy on YouTube. She sews clothing and is fun at the same time. https://www.youtube.com/c/rachelmaksyExplore hobbies. On HBO Max, there’s the Great Pottery Throw Down. It’s amazing what people can make. It’s inspiring.Make something for yourself. It could be a knitted scarf. Something that makes you feel good.Indulge your whimsical side. Visit a little shop and just something fun for your home. I think those figurines that dance when the sun hits them are funny.

The world has always been a changing place. It will change yet again. The best any of us can do so we can help the people we love is to keep well. You are important too.

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!
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).

 

We Feel

We are volatile in every sense— some of us more than others. As a writer I love this. I love trying to capture these emotions and display them through my characters. These emotions define my characters in many ways—at least in my mind.

As I’ve gone back and read some of my earlier writings, I’ve seen where I’ve struggled to define and express my characters. I’ve also seen where my writing and characters evolve over time, becoming less two dimensional and a bit more alive.

Emotions are so powerful. Think of a book you love and ask yourself how it makes you feel? If it is fictional or if it tells a story, what is the protagonist like? So they appeal to you as a reader?

As I’ve evolved in my writing and reading, I’ve noticed my preference for stronger characters and stories has changed. I love those characters we love to love but also those we hate. Why? Because they make me feel that hate or anger. I appreciate the artistry of the emotions elicited. It’s complex. Think about it. What makes you feel? There is so much, right? Family, friends, music, a touching scene, food… I mean really the possibilities are endless. Have fun with it

Happy writing this week!

Join my Book Launch Team and Read My Book Before Anyone Else by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Cover by Cindy Samul

Join my Dragon Book Launch Team! I will need your help to spread the word. If you do join, you will be reading the book before anyone else. This is all voluntary. This book is appropriate for ages 13 to 113.

What does it involve?

If you are interested, email me at Susan_Dragon_Book@yahoo.com with Lady Fallon’s Dragons in the subject line.Every member will get an advance reader’s copy in PDF secured form, two weeks before it is published.Each member will receive an email on the day of publication, so you can post your review on Amazon and other online book retailers.You will be asked to spread the word about the books to friends and on social media, blogs, and newsletters.You will receive an email when I have another dragon book coming out to see if you would like an advance reader’s copy to review.

Criteria for becoming a member:

Must love dragons.Must enjoy sweet or clean romance. That means no sex.Must have an Amazon Account in order to write an Amazon book review.

If you have previously written reviews, I would love to see them. Send me a link. If you haven’t but really want to try this, writing a review is simply a couple of sentences about your thoughts on the book. Always included in the review that you received a free review copy.

Thank you!

If you are not interested, thank you for reading the blog today! 

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!
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…Using Animals In Your Story by Artemis Crow

What is it about a pet in a story? Adorable, heartwarming, mystery solving, funny, they add so much to a story for me. They add so much to my life. I suppose that’s why most of the books in my series have an animal(s). 

When thinking about this post, I was reminded that most of my favorite books have pets/animals in them, as a throwaway character used to create funny situations, or my absolute favorite when the animals are used so extensively in the story that they could be classified as secondary characters.

That’s what I did with the next book in my Zodiac Assassins series, Cancer’s Moon. In it, I have a black jaguar who plays an important role from the very first page, and I fell in love with this big cat. I have dogs and cats and Fenrir wolves, Hellhounds and Stryx, and there will be more. 

Consider having animals in your books they add so much, and can do so much work for the story. There are a couple articles I found talking about this and I’d like to share them with you.

The first article is: 

Five Ways to Use Pets in Your Story – Without Killing Them by Ariel Anderson

Five Ways to Use Pets in Your Story – Without Killing Them

Add novelty to your story and make it more memorable – the Hellhounds in Leona’s Cage end up bonding with her and one even saves her life. Hellhound lapdogs are memorable!Character Development – you can really show who your protagonist is or mirror their emotions. In Lyon’s Roar, Lyon helps save two dogs from a cruelty situation and punishes the owner. It was the first time the heroine saw a gentle, caring side from him and allowed the reader to see the same.Use the animal to foreshadow – the animal doesn’t like a person and they turn out to be the villain, or the pet gets sick (but doesn’t die) from eating something and it turns out to be poisoned and would have killed the protagonist. In the Valkyrie book I’m currently writing, one of the horses will get in a pickle, foreshadowing the black moment.Give the animal some agency – the dog saves the hero’s life after the hero rescued the dog, or the pet raises the heroine’s spirits at a crucial time encouraging her to go on. In Libra’s Limbo, the paranormal creature known as a Stryx is critically injured and the heroine treats the creatures wounds. From that moment on the Stryx is bonded to her.Increase the story conflict – the protagonist has to rescue the animal, or the protag has to learn to deal with a species they’re not familiar with like Cancer and a black jaguar in Cancer’s Moon. Their relationship is a big part of the story.

The second article is:

4 Ways Animals Can Improve Your Story by John Bucher (@johnkbucher)

https://www.la-screenwriter.com/2015/11/18/4-ways-animals-can-improve-your-story/

Animals as symbols – example: Life of Pi, The Sopranos, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Wizard of OzAnimals as us – example: The Muppets, Bambi, Babe, A Bug’s Life,  The Lion King , Rango, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and The Fantastic Mr. Fox Animals as the enemy – example: Batman, Spiderman, Wolverine, Jaws, Anaconda, Arachnophobia, Congo and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Deep Blue Sea, Lake Placid, King KongAnimals as friends – example: Free Willy, Air Bud, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, and Beethoven, Turner and Hooch, Drive and  Silence of the Lambs , to  Big Fish  and Old Yeller

Do you have animals in your stories? I hope you do, and if not, please consider incorporating them to add depth and joy and heartache and fist-pumping glory. Your readers will thank you for it!

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

The Other Side

I was speaking with a friend recently about their children. This friend is older and as is common with age, they worry about their loved ones and what will become of them once my friend passes on. It’s not a fun thing to contemplate I imagine, and yet I know that one day I will do the same. In fact, I have these worries now, only I hope my timeline is much longer but then, who knows?

Anyhow, through the conversation I learned this worry stemmed from one child being bipolar and as such, they’ve been somewhat paralyzed in their own life and in regards to their own abilities. The other child (both are adults) is unsympathetic to their sibling’s plight. They feel their sibling is simply lazy and unmotivated to overcome their problems. I really don’t know what is the right view here, but in talking with my friend, I realized just how common this situation is. It is so very hard to put ourselves in others’ place and see things from the other side. I’m sure we’d solve many of the world’s problems if we were willing to do this a bit more. In the meantime, we can only try and hope we gain a better understanding of those around us. That makes us better people and sets the type of example we need to see more of in this world.

Happy writing this week!

A Seaside Paranormal-Scope

Photo Courtesy of Cera Crowley

Remember to breathe! Good things are coming!

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:
You’ve heard the expression: Happy as a clam! Happiness is yours to have if you want it. When you met a new friend, don’t clam up.

Taurus:
Seagulls are mystical! They take a higher view of things and from different angles. A current matter is not as it seems.

Gemini:
The hermit crab likes to travel with his home on his back. Consider a vacation in a camper or release yourself from stuff and go minimalistic!

Cancer:
The Slipper Snail loves family and they bunch together. Plan an outdoor family event and remember to be safe!

Leo:
Hold a piece of sea glass in your hand. Close your eyes. Dream of what it once was. There are endless possibilities in your life.

Virgo:
Sandpipers dance in the surf. Move to some music. You will feel better.

Libra:
An egret pauses on one foot standing in the ocean. That pause is significant. Don’t wear yourself out in life. Enjoy it more. Pause!

Scorpio:
Not far from the ocean in a stately garden pond, koi swim flashing their orange and gold at the world. Smile. Be friendly. You will shine at work and at home.

Sagittarius:
Pelicans love fish shopping. They will try new things if they can catch it. Consider trying new foods.

Capricorn:
A mussel flashes its blue-toned shell in the surf. There are hidden mysteries in the world and your chance to explore will come soon.

Aquarius:
The conch shell sympolizes truthfulness and inner strength. You’ve been blessed and it will take you far.

Pisces:
Only good things come from finding angel wing shells. Keep your eyes open for the subtle gifts coming your way.

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).

Take A Break and Go to the Beach by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Photo Courtesy of Cera Crowley

Between working on an online course and going through my proof book for my next novel coming out soon, I reached a point of exhaustion. My oldest daughter and I are seashell collectors. So to get out in the sunshine even though it was on the cold side, my husband, daughter, and I went off to Harkness Memorial State Park. Part of their beach is sandy and part rocky.

There is no swimming there at the moment, but that didn’t prevent people from walking the beach and the beautiful grounds and gardens. There are lots of seashells. We found mussel, clam, slipper, and tiny conch shells. The birdwatching was fun too.

Sometimes you have to take a break, breathe, and take in the world around you. The off-season is a great time to go to the beach.  (I wore my winter coat.) Smiles!

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!
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).

 

Going to the Beach by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Photo Courtesy of Cera Crowley

Between working on an online course and going through my proof book for my next novel coming out soon, I reached a point of exhaustion. My oldest daughter and I are seashell collectors. So to get out in the sunshine even though it was on the cold side, my husband, daughter, and I went off to Harkness Memorial State Park. Part of their beach is sandy and part rocky.

There is no swimming there at the moment, but that didn’t prevent people from walking the beach and the beautiful grounds and gardens. There are lots of seashells. We found mussel, clam, slipper, and tiny conch shells. The birdwatching was fun too.

Sometimes you have to take a break, breathe, and take in the world around you. The off-season is a great time to go to the beach.  (I wore my winter coat.) Smiles!

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!
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).