Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 61

For The Love Of…Excerpts #8 by Artemis Crow

Spring is almost here, though it doesn’t feel like it just yet here in New Hampshire! Today I wanted to share the first chapter of a book that will come out in December of this year, titled “Bryn’s Flight”. It’s a Valkyrie book and a little raw yet, but I’m so excited about this story and the amazing women and horses in it!

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“Bryn worked her way through the sweaty, testosterone-drenched cretins who’d tightly packed the warehouse that squatted in the middle of the mountains in nowhere Colorado. She could scarce breath in the thick cloud of body odor, beer, and farts without gagging. She certainly couldn’t hear anything over the shouting. You’d think they were in a Roman coliseum the way they were carrying on.

A hand reached out and grabbed her ass.

She whipped her hand back and gripped the offending appendage, wrenching it around as she turned, the man’s thumb bent back until it was close to breaking.

He dropped to his knees and cried out.

She leaned close to the rude bastard. “You aren’t worth the effort,” she said, ending her statement with a growl. She shoved him away and returned to her search, when another hand whipped out, grabbed her wrist and jerked her back.

“That’s my brother you put your hands on,” said a taller, larger, uglier version of the man on the floor.

“He needs to learn some manners. Maybe you ought to see to that before you let him off his leash again,” she snarled, pulling out of the man’s grasp.

He lunged at her back, grabbed her upper arms and pulled her into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her upper body, trapping her arms and squeezing. “No one puts their hands on me or my family.”

Bryn closed her eyes and smiled. That’s all she needed to hear. “I couldn’t agree more.”

She dropped her head and rounded her shoulders as much as her attacker’s arms would allow, then threw herself back, slamming the back of her head into his nose, if the sickening crunch told the tale.

The warm liquid splashing against the back of her neck? Gross. Although, it was the blood of her adversary, so that made it not so gross.

His soprano-worthy scream? Delightful.

He dropped her and reeled back, his hands cupping his nose.

Bryn wiped her hands together, job done, when asshole number one jumped up and roared.

He crouched low and ran at her, his arms out in front, questing for a grab.

Bryn turned sideways to him, bent her knees and clenched her right fist. She waited until she could just smell the halitosis jetting out of his mouth, then she stepped forward with her left foot, twisted her torso to the left then backhanded the man before he could touch her. Fist meet temple.

He was unconscious before he hit the floor.

She stood tall and raised her head.

“Uh-oh.”

Every man in her immediate vicinity had stopped shouting and drinking, and started staring at her, their already small eyes growing beadier by the second. 

She smiled and raised her hands. “All good, gents. Nothing more to see here.”

The throng didn’t move, even when the rest of the men in the place shouted and a bell rang. Another match over.

Time to move.

Bryn backed a step and ran into a wall of flesh. She whirled, ready to fight, but all she saw was a flat stomach covered in flannel. She tilted her head back to see who this mountain of a man was, noting his craggy face, a mop of dark brown hair, and beautiful blue eyes. Surprisingly handsome. 

He took her by the arm and turned her around. “Mr. C wants to see you,” the giant said simply.

She tried to peel back one of his thick, sausage fingers gripping her arm, but even she couldn’t budge those kielbasas.

“They started it,” she said, hating the petulant phrase that was unworthy of a warrior, even if it was the truth.

“Mr. C will finish it.”

With that, Paul Bunyan—’cause all this mountain was missing was a blue ox—marched her to a hallway that led to a suite of offices. He passed all the regular sized doors—he probably couldn’t fit through them anyway—in favor of the double doors at the very end. 

Of course.

He opened both doors and pulled her inside. 

The doors closed, not by magic, but by two hulking henchmen. They weren’t the same size as Paul, but they were open carrying. 

And she didn’t do guns.

“Paul” hauled her to the ridiculously ornate desk and forced her to sit in a chair. Then he parked himself behind said chair and placed a platter-sized hand on top of her head and held it there as if she was five years old and she couldn’t leave the table until she ate her carrots.

She hated carrots.

Mr. C kicked back in his reclining throne, placed his fancy Western boots on the desk and studied her. Add in a lasso and a Stetson hat and she could have broken out with a few yeehaws and not felt the least bit embarrassed.

He snapped his fingers and pointed at the security monitors occupying a good portion of the wall to her right. “You took down two men.”

She tilted her head and nodded. “Some asshole put a hand on me, so I put a hand on him. The other idiot objected.”

“That asshole and idiot are my sons.”

Bryn sat very still and wondered at the vagaries of the universe. Not how she’d planned to introduce herself, but if her training taught her nothing else, it taught her how to role with the punches. “Seems they need a little training up before they’re let loose in society again.”

Mr. C narrowed his eyes—so that’s where his son’s beady eyes came from—and pondered her for more than a long minute.

She was about to get antsy when he slapped the top of the desk and turned his focus on the giant. 

“You got any slots open tonight?”

She tried to turn her head to look up, but Paul squeezed her head a little tighter, keeping her in place.

“Slot? What do you mean by slot?” she asked, when she found her words.

“A fighting slot,” Mr. C said.

“There’s Jimmy. He’s been wanting to get put in.”

Mr. C shook his head. “Nah, Jimmy’d never hit her, he’s too soft on the ladies. Probably ask her to marry him,” he added, pointing to her face, “if it weren’t for that road-kill-ugly scar on her face.”

Bryn bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at what the human thought to be an insult. Instead, she stuck her bottom lip out and gave him her best I-been-whooped look.

“Aw, did I hurt your feelings?” Mr. C asked in a soft, chiding voice.

She stuck her lip out farther since she couldn’t nod with Paul holding her head.

“Good.”

That was the moment Bryn decided she didn’t like Mr. C. She definitely didn’t like his sons.

Mr. C dropped his feet and leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. “Why are you here? This isn’t a place women come to, except for the adventurous whores who don’t mind the rough trade. The men out there get their juice up and they want to stick it hard to anything that can’t run away.”

Correction: she hated Mr. C.

“I came to fight.”

“Oh, you’re going to get a fight. The question is: who can I put you in the ring with to teach you a lesson without killing you? I don’t like dealing with dead bodies.” He waved a hand in front of his face. “It’s the smell.”

“And the mess,” Paul added in.

Mr. C pointed at him and nodded. “Too right.”

Correct the correction: she loathed Mr. C with the fury of Surt on Muspelheim.

“I already know who I want to fight,” Bryn offered to get them to shut up.

“Well, it couldn’t be Buddy,” Mr. C said. “He’s even bigger than Ira here.”

She jerked her head hard to free it just because she had to see the giant’s face. But no go. “Your name is Ira? Your parents named you that, when you’re this big?”

“I wasn’t born this big.” Ira grunted and pressed down a little on her head like he was trying to compress her spine. “Family name.”

“They named him after his mom’s favorite Chi-Weenie dog. The little bitey bastard,” Mr. C added helpfully.

Bryn could feel Ira tremble through the grip he had on her head. Scratch that, the gleam in Mr. C’s eyes spoke of cruelty, not in an interest of “the more you know”. He was the type to belittle and bully until you were down, then crush you out of existence.

Bryn savaged the inside of her cheek this time because she had to survive this interview. Too much was riding on getting in the ring with the right person. Neither laughter nor derision would get her what she wanted.

“It’s not Buddy, whoever he is,” she said. “And what’s with all the names ending in –y? Jimmy, Buddy, I mean, come on.”

“We’re simple folk here in Colorado,” Mr. C said, a slight frown of irritation at her mocking pulling his jowls down. “You’d know that if you were from here. You’d also know that no one messes with my kin.”

She held up her hands. “Alright, fine. I’m sorry I hurt your precious boys. Are we good?”

“You aren’t getting out of a fight that easily, girlie. Tell me, who did you come to fight with?”

She folded her hands in her lap and smiled sweetly, ignoring the stretch of the scar on the left side of her face, pleased when Mr. C flinched in disgust. Her scar had been hard won and she was proud of it. Didn’t mean she couldn’t have fun grossing out any human in her vicinity.

“I came here to fight your undefeated champion. I came here to fight Rota.”

Mr. C and Ira remained completely still. So still Bryn itched to snap her fingers to get them to wake up from the hypnotic trance she’d inadvertently put them in.

But she needn’t have worried.

All four men in the office burst out laughing at the same time, as if they had coordinated the move for the greatest, most insulting effect.

Correct the corrected correction: she wanted to flay all four with flames from the god of fire Loki himself until all that remained of them was ash.”

I hope you enjoyed this little excerpt!

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

For Sanity’s Sake

When was the last time you treated yourself? For real? I’m not talking your birthday or 20th anniversary but simply because you deserve it. Why? Because you are a good person, good friend, good wife/husband, generous person, caring person and most likely you haven’t thought about you in a while.

Look, I talk to people all day every day and all I hear is about how folks are doing (and many times they are doing well) but also how bad they feel about how well they are doing because others aren’t. And maybe that is the truth to some degree but it is also important to remember that we each matter as well. If we keep sweeping our own woes and difficulties under the rug, we won’t be any better of and we certainly won’t be there to support those around us.

I’m not saying to splurge unreasonably or suddenly become greedy. There is a lot of hurt and suffering out there and sometimes we are part of that mix. That’s okay and as such it’s important to remember to give ourselves that pick me up. Take that day off of work to read books and do puzzles. Have that glass of wine after work. Treat yourself to those cozy, trendy pants. Whatever it is, keep your spirits up and your sanity intact. It makes all the difference as you try to help those around you.

Happy writing this week!

Creatures of the Deep Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Shaun Low on Unsplash

Throughout Earth’s history, sailors have long told tales that fell into legends about the mysterious creatures of the ocean’s depths. Put on your deep-diving gear, as we go exploring.

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 Nautilus (pictured above) has lived for hundreds of millions of years. It eats well and exercises. Treasure yourself in the same way.

Taurus:
The Vampire Squid is actually six inches in length. They are like problems that have big names but actually are small.

Gemini:
The Deep Sea Dragonfish is a very private fish keeping any personal news to himself. Listen to others but share little unless you want everyone to know.

Cancer:
The Snipe Eel is as thin as a ribbon but five feet long. It moves like an artist through the water. Consider taking up an art form to relax.

Leo:
The Viperfish has a little fishing pole that’s lit on its dorsal fin. Going fishing may become a nice hobby.

Virgo:
The Giant Squid can grow up to 60 feet. Even at this size, they can squirt black ink to hide their retreat. Ink! Writing letters to friends can be very satisfying in these times.

Libra:
Another living fossil is the Coelacanth. Inside its long fins, there are long bones that resemble toes. Surprises abound in life. Be ready for them.

Scorpio:
The Firefly Squid is three inches long and actually sparkles like a firefly. This is your time to sparkle. Celebrate your accomplishments.

Sagittarius:
The Giant Isopod looks like a 16-inch long pale lobster tail walking along but it is rarely eaten. This sea-going creature is related to the pillbug. Things are not what they seem so be cautious.

Capricorn:
The Lanternfish produces light from tiny organs all over its body. To understand the lives of these fish, scientists have had to dig deep. Did deep into studies that you enjoy!

Aquarius:
The Sixgill Shark prefers the deepest waters during the day, but rise at night to gaze at the stars. Give yourself “me” time for your favorite pursuit.

Pisces:
Sperm Whales have the largest brain of any mammal on the planet, and they love to sing. Time to expand your music collection. Have you tried whale song?

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

New: 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, and 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).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing A Vampire Around the World by Susan Hanniford Crowley

One of the fun things in the digital world of ebooks is how a book can be available in so many places.

My romance adventure novel The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars spans the time from the beginning of WWII in Romania to the present day. I thought it would be fun to put the links where it’s available around the planet.

Amazon Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/dp/1796926760

Amazon India: https://www.amazon.in/Vampire-Blanket-Stars-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Vampire-Blanket-Stars-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vampire-Blanket-Stars-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Vampire-Blanket-Stars-Arnhem-Knights-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon France: https://www.amazon.fr/Vampire-Blanket-Arnhem-Knights-English-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon Germany: https://www.amazon.de/Vampire-Blanket-Arnhem-Knights-English-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon Italy: https://www.amazon.it/Vampire-Blanket-Arnhem-Knights-English-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon Mexico: https://www.amazon.com.mx/Vampire-Blanket-Arnhem-Knights-English-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

Amazon Spain: https://www.amazon.es/Vampire-Blanket-Arnhem-Knights-English-ebook/dp/B07X7SS8TY

The book is also available to Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords

It is interesting that by doing contests, I found I could not send a Kindle gift through the US Amazon to the winner in England. But I could send the book (in Mobi format) to England through Smashwords. Just good to know. Some countries will not let you cross borders with ebooks.

I thought it was fun to see my novel in so many places! The world appears to be getting smaller. What do you think?

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!

New: 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).

 

Excuses

I feel like I’m talking about this all the time even if I don’t always follow it— balance in life. I certainly try but it isn’t that easy and judging by what I hear around me, it doesn’t seem easy for others either.

We hear about Gallup polls and engagement surveys, work life balance or integration, mental health and managing in this more virtual world. We are aware of issues and yet we are unable to pull away? Why is that. If someone told you your actual future included death by heart attack in the next three years would you live differently? (I’m not talking predictions but actual future). You most likely would live differently—I know I would.

So why do we find it so hard to make changes when we know we are most likely going a bad direction? It’s too hard, we aren’t sure of the timeline we are dealing with and/or we may not be truly convinced we are in danger. It could be any one of these, all of these or even a combination of these and other reasons. They are excuses. I have them too and sometimes I m just too mentally exhausted to take on what would change things for the better. But we don’t live in silos. We we do affects our future and that of those we love. So ask yourself what do you want that future to hold?

Happy writing this week!

Birds That Prey Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Jesse van Vliet on Unsplash

In paranormal tales, there are birds of legend. Let us explore these mysterious creatures on the wing that can go anywhere.

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:
Two Crows are a sign of good luck. Enjoy an unexpected gift.

Taurus:
The Phoenix is a symbol of rebirth, a new beginning. A part of your life is going through the excitement of rebirth.

Gemini:
The Peregrine Falcon has a keen sight and can things easily dismissed. Be keen-sighted when looking over new opportunities.

Cancer:
The Osprey is particular about its diet. Go over what you’re eating and see where you can make some fun and healthy choices.

Leo:
Turkey Vultures like to go through the clutter to find something yummy. Go through a closet may reveal a surprise.

Virgo:
The Golden Eagle soars above the hurried life on Earth and dances in the clouds. Let your mind do the same and you will find peace there.

Libra:
The American Kestrel is the smallest of the falcons but has many gifts. You have gifts, too, that others do not see.

Scorpio:
Merlins, another small falcon, were called ‘lady hawks’ in the Middle Ages. They were famous for their burst of aerial speed. Names are important. Choose or advise wisely.

Sagittarius:
The Snowy Owl is headed north. Perhaps we should have asked the Snowy Owl about Spring instead of the Ground Hog. The time for spring cleaning has arrived.

Capricorn:
The Barn Owl loves its barn and will do everything to make it homey. Consider some home accessory redecorating. A new rug or throw pillows might do the trick.

Aquarius:
The Northern Goshawk love to check out backyards. Time to consider gardening. If you have no backyard, a few plants in the home will brighten your view.

Pisces:
The California Condor spreads its wings and it soars to new heights. So will you. Opportunities are coming your way.

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

New: 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, and 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).

 

 

How to Enjoy the Many Ways to Read by Susan Hanniford Crowley

There are many ways of reading books these days. Some publishers publish books in print and ebook forms. Other publishers published books only in ebook forms. You don’t want to miss out on a truly great book.

I read on my iPad with my Kindle app, Nook app, and Kobo app. I do own a Kindle but prefer the flexibility to read anywhere. If you have an iPhone or an android phone, iPad or a tablet, or Mac Computer or a PC, you can read anything with the free apps available.

This link will provide the tabs (which are links) to the free downloadable Kindle app for whatever device you are using. https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=16571048011

For those that would like to read books in Barnes & Noble/Nook, here is the link to their links for downloadable apps.  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/h/nook/apps

This page gives you the links for the downloadable app for Kobo, so you can read books that are in Kobo. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/p/apps

The Apple Books app is available only for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-books/id364709193

I have downloaded the free apps for Kindle, Nook, and Kobo to my PC laptop, my iPad, and my iPhone. It’s easy. It’s a free app. Enjoy reading a bigger world or books.

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!

New: 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…Making People Feel by Artemis Crow

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou

As a writer, this is a goal that I work on every day; making my reader feel. It’s not always easy for me as my writing is fast-paced, action-adventurey, with a large dollop of world mythology and fantasy creatures that I created. That makes for fun reading, but I have to remember that being on the edge of your seat isn’t the only emotion I’m hoping to evoke in my readers. I also want them to laugh and cry and sigh at the ending; a story well told about people they’ve come to care about. With luck, and some continued hard work on my part, the reader will want to continue reading my series through to the end.

But how do we go about accomplishing this you ask?  I’m glad you asked!

One article I read by Beth Hill was titled, “Creating Emotion in the Reader”. In it she lays out several important points. This is just a partial list; you can find the article and the remainder of the list at: https://theeditorsblog.net/2011/01/30/creating-emotion-in-the-reader/

Show your characters emotions, rather than tell them – put the reader in the characters head, make them feel just what the character is feeling.Make your character sympathetic – when the reader aches for the character, you’ve got them.Make a character unsympathetic – when the reader wants to wring their neck, you’ve got them.Don’t hold back – this falls under the category of “Make your protagonist suffer”.Tease the reader with the use of foreshadowing – drop subtle hints to build anticipationWord choice can be used to evoke emotion – remember to give your character a voice.Make sure the stakes are high enough – if the biggest conflict is your protagonist is craving Cadbury Cream Eggs and the stores are closed…mmm, not too angsty. Unless you’re addicted to CCE, then my heart bleeds.Time constraints – a ticking clock is a great way to build tension in your readers.Make your protagonist choose between bad and worse and watch the reader bite their nails.

Another article I like is How to Evoke Reader Emotions With “Surprisingness” by C. S. Lakin

How to Evoke Reader Emotions With “Surprisingness”

In it, C.S. talks about that the element of “surprisingness” that drives readers to read the same story over and over because it evokes such unexpected emotions in them.

She quotes Donald Maass: “Artful fiction surprises readers with their own feelings.”

When done well, your reader will reread your books. Not because they’ll be surprised, but because they love the anticipation that builds knowing what’s about to happen. To do that in your work, follow Hemingway’s advice: 

“Find what gave you the emotion . . . then write it down, making it clear so the reader will see it too and have the same feeling as you had.”

When a story is “believable, masterful and moving”, predictability won’t matter; your reader will be moved, and that’s what will keep them coming back for more.

Last, I love the book “The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface” by Donald Maass. He does a deep dive in how to dig into the emotional journey of your characters and bring your reader along for the ride. It’s a key part of my reference library!

Are you looking for ways to evoking emotions in your readers? 

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

Elves Prepare for Spring Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Boris Krizmanic on Unsplash

Elves are quite remarkable. Their talents are many. It isn’t shyness that keeps them hidden. It’s their intent to complete their work. Elves are that focused.

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:
Elves are creative creatures as they decorate forest paths. Unleash your creativity this week. Perhaps try painting, writing, or another creative expression.

Taurus:
Elves close their eyes and float to relax. Stress may be getting to you. Building in a nap to rejuvenate can help tremendously.

Gemini:
Elves enjoy reading ancient texts and the tales of their ancestors. You might like to do the same.

Cancer:
Elves support each other when collaborating on projects. They love it when one elf shines. When you do something great, go ahead and announce your accomplishment!

Leo:
Elves enjoy the company of those they admire. Keep in touch with those close to you that inspire your efforts.

Virgo:
Elves love a special project! You have one you’d love to do. This is your time!

Libra:
Elves are very confident in their endeavors. You have what it takes! 

Scorpio:
Elves cherish those they love. Spend some time talking to someone you love.

Sagittarius:
Elves love to celebrate! You are making progress in many aspects of your life! Celebrate these special moments! 

Capricorn:
Elves are great listeners. Catch up with a friend that requires a great listener.

Aquarius:
Elves are great archivists of their history. This is your opportunity to sort those photos you’ve been collecting, date them, tag them with names and events, and arrange them in a form you will enjoy.

Pisces:
With the start of spring, elves clear the forest paths. New opportunities and choices are ahead. Always choose wisely.

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

New: 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, and 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).

 

 

Embrace Joy By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

Lately, we’ve all been hoping that we’re close to the end of the pandemic. I got my first shot and am looking forward to going to the beach this summer. I am writing happily more than I ever have.

Whether the pandemic finishes or takes some while longer, we as beings on this planet are courageous. We have it in us to be fun, act kindly to others, burst into song, be inventive, and be strong against any adversary.

For myself, I am going to embrace joy. I’m going to put it into everything I do. I’m going to dance more in life. I’m going to cherish every moment I’m here.

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!

New: 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).