Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 64

What Determines A Person’s Destiny By Susan Hanniford Crowley

I do believe there are many factors that determine the course of one’s life. But in the end, the choices are ours.  Even more, it is what we do with that choice that makes us unique. We create our own destinies.

There are so many pathways for a human being to take.  In many cases, there are no wrong choices, just different possibilities.

I find it endlessly interesting that two people can come from the same circumstances and yet end up living a different life. I’ve been studying the life of Abraham Lincoln. He grew up in poverty, had a formal education of less than a year, but continued his studies on his own through reading. He eventually became the 16th President of the United States.

You can be at any point in your life and still change your destiny!

-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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

For The Love Of…Being An Artist by Artemis Crow

I found a wonderful article titled, How to Be an Artist, According to Georgia O’Keeffe, written for Artsy by Alexxa Gotthardt.

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-artist-georgia-okeeffe?fbclid=IwAR1rfFNX8J3bEr7g2R6AeFp6x4miVJb3t0sYwUzJz0PZNeh6AmixD3jBcP0

The article had this great quote by Georgia O’Keeffe: “Great artists don’t just happen, any more than writers, or singers, or other creators,” she continued. “They have to be trained, and in the hard school of experience.” 

Often you’ll hear people talk about nature vs. nurture when it comes to being a creative, the arguments flying back and forth that the greats are born that way versus the greats made themselves great with a lot of hard work. Personally, I think you have to have at least a nugget of talent, somewhere around your left pinkie toe (you know, the one the bed and various other pieces of fiendish furniture make sure you stub), and with that nugget, the passion for it, the drive to pursue it. Without that passion, it would be too easy to give up, walk away, convince yourself that your creativity is a wonderful outlet, but not something to work, sweat, bleed, and cry for on a daily basis.

With that passion, you can hang on, persevere until you reach the pinnacle. Not that the pinnacle is a stopping point. No, I think when you reach one peak in your life, there’s another one waiting that you didn’t see until you reached the top. A Mount Everest climber’s nightmare. I think being a creative means always discovering more about yourself, about the human condition, about our place in the world. Because, for me, that is what the best writing does: it gives me a window into lives that are like our own, or, not like ours at all. Either way, we are richer for spending our lives expanding what we understand the world around us; we are more compassionate when we strive to understand the people around us.

The author goes on to list four lessons gleaned from O’Keeffe’s interviews and letters that all artists can use to cultivate the creative inside you. 

Lesson #1: Observe the world around you—closely, hungrily

This one I already do, though, granted, it’s more difficult to be around people right now. But the idea is important for writers. I’ve always been a watcher of people, animals and nature, because they do the darndest things, and because the world is beautiful and ugly, simple and complicated. There is a depth and breadth of knowing that can be found just by watching the world when it is wrapped in solitude, or amidst a throng. All of it fodder for your writing.

Lesson #2: Organization is key to productivity

The article talks about O’Keeffe’s organization of materials and her studio, of cards of information about the colors used in her paintings, and about her daily routine. All things that important for an artist. For my writing, I take this to mean multiple things. Foremost, for the books I’m a plantser: a cross between a plotter (plot points, spreadsheets, note cards about every scene) and a pantser (writing by the seat of my pants). Being a plantser is what works for me, but every writer needs to organize at the level that works best for them. I do believe that having at least a skeleton of a plot can be a huge help to keep you on track, to prevent the sagging middle, and provide a tight relationship between your beginning and your ending, thus making both stronger, more impactful to the reader.

I like to have the story’s opening scene, inciting incident, the first, second and third turning points, the black moment, and the realization. I also have a character grid (long and short-range goals, character flaw, relationship barrier) filled out for the protagonist, antagonist, villain, and secondary characters. This helps me braid the emotional impacts the characters have on each other.

Outside of the story, organizing your book covers, interiors, blurb, taglines, urls, etc. all in one document for every book is a huge timesaver as you write more and more books. It’s too easy to lose files if you don’t have a central file. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.

Lesson #3: Don’t sweat mistakes—learn from them

Oh, boy, is this ever true. We all make mistakes; it’s how we learn throughout all stages of our lives. What’s important is you must forgive yourself when you do make mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Also, don’t be afraid to ask. The writing community that I know is incredibly generous with their insight, but you have to reach out.

Lesson # 4: Pay no attention to trends—be yourself

So, I must say at the start that this lesson may or may not work for you as a writer. Many writers track trends and tailor their books in service of that trend with great success. If you are a fast writer who can take advantage of the shifting desires of readers, do it. If you’re a slower writer like me, following the trends doesn’t work. You have to be able to turn on a dime and produce content fast enough to capture the moment, then turn again when interests shift.

There can be a cost though for chasing the trends, burnout being number one. I could probably write faster and take advantage of what’s popular, but personally, I wouldn’t be happy. I’m writing the books that are in my head, while being cognizant of what people are buying over time. So, you do you. Just make sure that what you are creating is also nurturing your soul. That is the way to feed the passion inside you so you can be a creative for a lifetime.

Do you have lessons that you want to share, about writing or other forms of creativity?

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

The Zodiac Assassins series
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All About Creativity

We made it! 2021 has got to be one of the most highly anticipated years of this century and with good reason whe we consider all that happened in 2020. But now we’ve entered this new year and for the most part everything feels… the same.

Well, today’s blog is a little reminder that this is okay. It is okay that we entered a new year and the topsy turvy world we’ve come to know over these past eight or so months is not yet set right. That doesn’t make 2021 a bad year it just means perhaps we need to look at it a little bit differently or maybe we need to be a bit more creative.

So what do I mean by creative? I mean that it is going to take time for us to reach a new normal but that doesn’t mean we stop living our lives. This last year has shown us the boundaries of creativity are not so defined. We worked and connected through technology. We consumed more online or curbside and we jumped through hoops to see our friends and family (if we were so lucky).

This year we may do more of the same as well as our other goals. Perhaps we want to lose weight or get in shape or read more or drink less or smoke less… you get the picture. Bottomline, these are all still achievable goals. They just may take a bit more thought and creativity this year but don’t let this set you back. We can do it (yes corny but true)!

Happy writing this week!

Creatures of the Lake Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Susan Hanniford Crowley.
Copyright 2021 Susan Hannniford Crowley. All rights reserved.

Up the street from me is a lake. I managed to capture its reflection of the sky. But what lurks in its depths?

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:
Nessie of Loch Ness, Scotland, is photo-shy. So many photos come out blurry. This is a good time to practice your photography skills.

Taurus:
Morag, in Loch Morar, Scotland, has been seen on multiple occasions. Are you keeping in touch with those near and dear? Try Zoom, Facetime, or the phone.

Gemini:
Lagarfljót Worm, in Lagarfljót, Iceland, has had numerous sightings, though some think it is a big slug. Some things you hear might not be true. Withhold judgment until you have the facts.

Cancer:
Ogopogo, in Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, Canada, has been documented by the First Nation. Some say he’s evil. Some say he’s sacred. Some things remain a mystery. Therefore, let it go.

Leo:
Lariosauro, in Lake Como, Italy, may actually be another animal. When you meet a new friend, you want to give them time to reveal who they really are.

Virgo:
Is Champ, in Lake Champlain, Canada, and the US the real deal? Sometimes deals are too good to be true. Be aware there are a lot of scams going around.

Libra:
Memphre, in Lake Memphremagog, Canada, and the US, has his own coin. Now is the time to go over your budget. You may have to reign in some spending.

Scorpio:
Bessie, in Lake Erie, Canada, and the US, organizes all the rocks on the bottom of the lake. It’s so deep, no one notices. This is a great time to reorganize your home.

Sagittarius:
Nahuelito, in Nahuel Huapi Lake, Patagonia, Argentina, likes to look his 3 humped best. It’s time to go through your wardrobe and discard anything worn out.

Capricorn:
Muyso or Monster of Lake Tota, in Lake Tota, Colombia, has a long recorded history. You might consider writing your memoir or doing some family research.

Aquarius:
Van Gölü Canavarı or Lake Van Monster, in Lake Van, Turkey, is a secret cookie monster. Try out some new recipes just for fun.

Pisces:
Inkanyamba, in Howick Falls, South Africa, lives in a lake with a waterfall according to Zulu tribal legend. Start looking now at pleasant vacation spots once the pandemic ends.

-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!
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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

 

New Year’s Resolutions By Susan Hanniford Crowley

I know some people make New Year’s Resolutions, and it works for them.

I know some people make resolutions and a short time later they quit. Either they lose interest or feel it’s too hard. 

I have tried it in the past and usually forget about the resolutions. Instead, I go with what the year has to offer me. 

What do you think about resolutions? 

-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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

The Longest Year

2020 is many things to many people. To me, it is the longest year that ever passed so quickly. Everything seems to have happened so fast and yet I’ve felt as if I’ve been in my house forever!

But really, we started off the year with Qassem Soleimani’s (Iranian general) death them jumped back into trade war issues with China before the trickle of news about a mysterious coronavirus started. And from there we were all over the place. The stock market dropped so quickly and So deeply before rebounding equally as fast. Cases of what we now call Covid 19 multiplied exponentially around the world.

We’ve had world health crisis, political issues, economic issues and social issues. Some of us have lost our jobs or friends and family we love. Others of us have found ourselves during the pandemic. Either way, we won’t be forgetting 2020 and everything it brought any time soon.

Now as we look forward, 2021 is a hard year to imagine. We don’t know when enough people will be vaccinated. We don’t know if these vaccines have long term side effects. We don’t know when we will travel again or see our family openly. We don’t know the day we will walk around mask free. There is so much more we don’t know and for that reason it is hard to imagine what this future looks like. That being said, we can only plan and aim for what we know or can influence—and this is okay because whatever the future, we must start somewhere.

Happy writing this week and cheers to a great 2021!

Dragons of The Coming Year Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Laith Abushaar on Unsplash

Dragons are extraordinary creatures. They know how to handle hard times as well as rejoice during good times. Some say they are lucky. Dragons know how to make their own luck.

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:
Dragons have really old friends. Keep up with friends and family whether by email, Zoom, FaceTime, or phone.

Taurus:
Dragons are careful of their resources especially after using a lot. Money would fall in that catagory. Time to reign in expenses.

Gemini:
Dragons are good at making friends. Sometimes an email or card is enough to maintain that friendship during a holiday when everyone is stressed.

Cancer:
Dragons revere their ancient ones. Do the same. Some of your older friends or relatives would love to hear from you.

Leo:
Dragons have to clear clutter from their caves on a regular basis. This may be a good time to declutter your home.

Virgo:
Dragons are particular about what they eat. Take a look at the food you’re eating. Is it as healthy as you would like?

Libra:
Dragons know how to hunker down in their caves when there are storms. They would view Covid as a storm. Stay safe. Stay strong.

Scorpio:
Dragons are committed to doing their best whether it’s hunting food for the family or watching over the small ones. You are going to have some new opportunities coming your way.

Sagittarius:
If dragons had resumes, they would be refreshing them. Job opportunities will increase in the new year.

Capricorn:
Dragons know how to relax. Watch some holiday films and veg. Enjoy the holiday. Have a dragon-sized cookie.

Aquarius:
Some dragons are workaholics. They cannot achieve a balance. Try to balance your life out more, and you’ll feel better.

Pisces:
Dragons love finding gifts. The new year will provide a gift for you. Keep an eye out for it.

-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!
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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

 

Christmas, Holiday, & New Year’s Greetings By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Be safe, my friends. Know joy!

All of us at Nights of Passion Blog wish you the best of holidays!

-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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

North Pole Elves Ready for Christmas Paranormal-Scope

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

It is wild at the North Pole. Elves are running everywhere. They are packing toys at breakneck speed. Somehow they managed a few minutes to drop by Nights of Passion.

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 sometimes take a moment to regroup and drink hot cocoa to revitalize. Give yourself the same opportunity.

Taurus:
The North Pole Elves have a purpose and know what it is. Do you know your purpose in life? Schedule in time for self-reflection.

Gemini:
The elves in the North Pole are like on big family. Like any family, they don’t always get along. Be open to resolving past differences.

Cancer:
Getting lost at the North Pole can be a problem even for an elf. Fortunately reindeer are like bloodhounds. Finding yourself is another matter. Plan a future vacation for that purpose.

Leo:
One elf loved the 8-track player, but he had to let go of that ideal. Sometimes we need to let go of past concepts to move onward.

Virgo:
Elves normally love being free to do anything, but they make a commitment for Christmas. Sometimes you have to get something done to enjoy the following freedom.

Libra:
Elves at the North Pole have learned to look to their elders or the big man for direction on a hard question. Follow their lead.

Scorpio:
One elf is quite expert at making the most beautiful bows. Enjoy something you are expert at.

Sagittarius:
Elves sing and dance on their off time from packing. Enjoy the holiday. Dance within your household. If alone, you can still dance! Put on some great music.

Capricorn:
Every elf at the North Pole is wildly busy. They aren’t offended if someone is too busy to talk. Take the holidays in consideration, when you have similiar needs.

Aquarius:
Elves get frustrated when a toy doesn’t work and they have to get it fixed or replaced. Better to solve the problem now. Be confident and get it done.

Pisces:
Elves know their words can affect people. Take care in how you express yourself. Smile and share kindness and joy when speaking.

-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!
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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

 

 

Interviews, Excerpts, & Contest By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Hi Everyone!

I am doing a series of interviews with Vampire Prince Răzvan of Romania. I am a featured author at The Romance Studio’s Holiday Party this time, so to see the interviews, excerpts, and invitations to my contest, all you need to do is to look at the Featured Authors list on the right and click on the #. There will be 5 near the end of the party. Every #post will be another chance to enter.

To enter, visit  https://www.trsparties.com/a-contest-and-interview-with-vampire-prince-razvan-of-romania-part-1/

Remember to enter my contest, you must comment over there and say why you need Prince Răzvan. I am giving a signed copy to one lucky commenter over there. Please, visit! I’d love to see you there.

A Contest and Interview with Vampire Prince Răzvan of Romania, Part 1

Happy Holiday, everyone! Remember for your reading friends, ebooks are lovely gifts too. When you love a book, be sure to review it. It helps the author. Thank you.

Be safe, my friends! Have a joy-filled holiday! 

-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 and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).