Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 84

Admiring the Moon Paranormal-Scope

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Photo Courtesy by Martin Adams on Unsplash

It isn’t the length of the journey that gets you there. It’s the view.

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:

A vampire has noticed you. No matter how good looking they are, you need to know more. It’s important to get to know people first before getting too familiar.

Taurus:

Mermaids are always in the swim of things, but they also go with the flow. You’ve been scheduling yourself so tightly, there’s no room to breathe. Schedule breathing time between tasks and events.

Gemini:

Pixies don’t often collaborate, which can become a disadvantage. Be patient in all your relationships. If they grow into a collaboration, all the better.

Cancer:

Elves enjoy the elegance of their silvery clothes. Preparing for a formal event, will put you in a new light both in your personal and business life.

Leo:

Yetis can be tender-hearted and easily misunderstood. You will be working with those tender hearts. Be gentle and considerate of their feelings when negotiating any deal.

Virgo:

Faeries know to have a bunch of flowers is better than having only one. Increase your assets by evaluating your resources and collaborating with others.

Libra:

Zombies maintain a steady gait toward their prize. Keep your goal clearly in sight. Don’t go off track, or it may delay the success of your project.

Scorpio:

Sirens wail when they miss an opportunity. Don’t wail, but be aware that an incident in your past is hurting you. Talk it out with someone you trust. Resolve it.

Sagittarius:

Shapeshifters enjoy socializing with those of like mind. You may want to do the same. This week indicates a turn to a more spiritual view on life.

Capricorn:

Big Foot is attracted to things creative or romantic. So are you. Indulge your attractions.

Aquarius:

Imps like to spend their wealth without a thought. Now is not the time to splurge. Save instead for a better deal later on.

Pisces:

Dragons know that some places heal. Visit an enjoyable place from your past. That positive energy is still there. Let it heal any past injuries.

-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 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

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).

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Booksigning Today! By Susan Hanniford Crowley

Today is the Booksigning at the Fall in Love with New England conference. Be sure to come and see me. I will have my paranormal adventure romance books there. If you have any of the books in which my science fiction and fantasy resides, feel free to being them too, and I’ll sign them. Be sure to ask for my new book The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars. See you in New Hampshire!

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For all my books in print and ebook see below. Enjoy the autumn colors.

-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 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

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).

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For the Love of Strong Women

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So many books out today have strong women in them. Warriors in urban fantasy, the sword wielding, princess-in-disguise in YA, and hardened law enforcement in thrillers and procedurals, the kickass heroine is everywhere. Which is great as long as what it means to be ‘strong’ is well represented.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore the characters who can throw down better than everyone around them. Give me Eve Dallas from J. D. Robb’s In Death series, the Kate Daniels series from Ilona Andrews, or the Crows from Shelly Laurenston’s Call of Crows series and I’m a happy woman.

But I believe that there are myriad versions of strength and they should all be celebrated so that we can show the generations following us that who they are and how they live their strength is valid and true and treasured.

In my Zodiac Assassins series (if you’ve read any of my posts to date you had to know this was where I was going, lol), I have a slew of strong women currently on the page and many more planned. Some are brutal fighters, others fight only for their loved ones and friends, others are strong in quiet ways but just as devastatingly effective as their more physically aggressive sisters. They all have a place and I celebrate them as I celebrate the women in my life and all around me.

Before I go, here are some examples:

Lyon’s Roar – this is an exchange between Lyon aka Beast of the InBetween, and his personal healer:

Lyon fidgeted while his old healer barked orders at the guard coating his wounds with an unguent that reeked of the anal-gland discharge of a striped polecat. She swore the foul goop worked miracles on bruising and open wounds, but who cared about miracles if it meant no female would spread her legs for him? Not that he’d plowed anyone in years.

“You still won’t let me tend to your wounds?” She flung out a hand at the guard. “I would have been done by now.”

Lyon scowled. “I have enough blood on my hands, I’ll not add yours to the list.”

“By the goddess, my touch isn’t going to make you lose control.”

Lyon raised his hand to stop her. “Enough. Let it rest, hag.” He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck.

She lowered her voice. “I heard about the pit match.”

Lyon remained silent and tuned out her chatter. Why he put up with the hag was a mystery. Maybe because she wasn’t afraid of him, despite his nasty temper and sullen silences. That was gutsy, impressive even, but more impressive was her penchant for InBetween gossip. The first few years after losing his mother and his freedom, Lyon had said nothing to the woman, so lost in his grief and shame and anger he could barely breathe, much less get words out. But the woman’s incessant magpie chatter about the goings-on outside his cell finally broke through his pain. They’d had one conversation; now he couldn’t get her to shut up.

Lyon’s Roar– Lyon and his estranged, very angry sister, Leona:

After winding up and up from the deepest bowels of the dungeon, they reached a set of steps. Lyon stopped. Carved out of stone centuries earlier, the risers dipped in the middle from the wear of boots and bare feet, cloven hoof and paw. The day he’d first descended the steps, his world had changed from purpose and luxury and love to a dark, barren cell punctuated only by an occasional death match that kept him from perishing of boredom.

A sharp sting between his shoulder blades jolted him  back to the present; Leona had poked him with the tip of her dagger.

She removed the blade and passed him. “Move it,” she said over her shoulder. The group climbed the stairs and entered a hall. Leona picked up the pace until she was several feet ahead of Lyon.

“You’ve turned into a royal bitch, little sister.”

Leona stopped, and bowed her head. She whirled, one arm raised, her palm facing him. Her fingers curled inward and blanched as if wrapping around something more substantial than air.

Despite the distance separating them, he could feel her squeezing his throat tighter and tighter, until no air passed. He clawed at her fingers, gouging deep tracks in his flesh to gain purchase but there was nothing to grab, only five depressions in his skin. His heart raced, his ears buzzed. The hall faded to black in his narrowing vision until all he saw was her savage expression. He fell to his knees.

Leona’s hand followed him down. Her amber eyes shifted to a glittering gold, her face turned blue. She finally dropped her hand, breaking the attack, and collapsed to the ground.

Lyon keeled back, both hands around his neck. He sucked in air, then coughed until he dry heaved. The Creepers grabbed his arms and forced him to his feet.

One reached for Leona, but she slapped him away. Bright red lines appeared on her neck, as if her assault had ricocheted.

“What the hell, Leona?”

Lyon’s Roar – Lyon with Persephone, one of three women he has to bring out of the human world and into the InBetween in order to earn his freedom:

“How are we going to save Abella andTaryn?”

“We’re not. I’m going to get you as far away from here as I can in the next hour.”

“What will he do to them?”she asked, her voice high and tight.

“The same thing he’ll do to you if I hand you over.”

“He’ll hurt them?”

“Probably.”

“No.”

Lyon brushed past her and bundled up the remaining sheet strips. He stuffed them in his coat for later. “What does that mean?”

Persephone crossed her arms. “I’m not going with you. I’m going to help my friends.”

Lyon grabbed her arm. “You will go where I tell you.”

Her faced paled, but she lifted her chin. “No.”

Lyon leaned close, bared his teeth, and growled.

She cowered from him, her body trembling. “No.”

He crushed her against his chest and pushed her chin up so she could see his face. “I’ll just throw you in the trunk and drive away.”

“No.”

He released her arm and backed her into the closest wall, pressing the length of his body against hers. Her pupils dilated until the black pushed out the purple. Her nostrils flared, her mouth opened. Lyon breathed deep and nearly smiled when the bitter scent of her fear shifted to the musk of her sex weeping with lust.

I have her.

She shook her head. “You can’t keep me in the trunk forever. You’ll have to let me out to  eat and go to the bathroom, unless you want a horrid mess. Plus, my car is so old I’ll probably die from carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Son of a bitch, I lost her.

“You’re a fool. Your compassion is a weakness that will get us all killed.”

“Then go—or stay here, I don’t care. I’m going after my friends.”

He shoved off the wall and roared his frustration. He ripped the locked door off its hinges and walked outside, where he paced back and forth in the yard. “Damned insufferable woman.”

—————————————————————-

The screech of the screen door’s rusty hinges alerted him to Persephone’s presence. He  turned. She crossed the yard and stopped just outside his reach, her purple eyes glowing like they were lit from within. The moon bathed part of her face in cool silver that matched her hair, while shadows enveloped the rest of her in fierce black.

His heart slowed. The anger in him cooled. The wind stopped and Lyon struggled to breathe. The world fell away, leaving only her. He wanted to freeze this moment so he could figure out why it felt so important. The answers were right in front of him, but…

Persephone squared her shoulders like the bravest warrior, yet her hands trembled like the  fallen facing death. “I know what to do.”

———————————————————————-

Lyon shook his head. The why didn’t matter. Confronting the Zodiacs alone would be a disaster that would cost him Persephone and his freedom. “So your plan is to walk into the middle of a house filled with the most highly trained killers in any world, get your friends, then waltz out? Do you have a death wish? Or are you just that foolish?”

He sighed, his mind made up. If he could get Persephone to the InBetween in the next few hours, he could turn around and try to run down the other two women. “No, we’re running.”

Lyon turned away, but stopped when she placed her hand on his arm. Her casual touch made him shudder.

“My friends that you dismiss so easily? They’re my family. They mean everything to me.”

He whirled on her. “Family?” He leaned into her, his body trembling, his flash-fire rage all-consuming. “These people called family, they sidle up and say ‘I love you’ over and over until you believe it,until you relax and trust that they’ll be there when you  need them most.”

Persephone backed up but Lyon followed her, pressing into her space. He wagged his finger. “But that’s when they have you. That’s when they rip your heart out and stomp on it. Family.” He stopped advancing and dropped his  hand. “You better run as fast as you can away from them, before you learn this truth the hard way.”

Persephone shivered. She wrapped her arms over her chest, as if that would protect her. “Don’t you have anyone you would lay down your life for?”

 

Do you have strong women in your life, in your writing? Do have any favorite authors with strong women in their books? Comment so we can dish!

 May your words flow freely,

Artemis

www.artemiscrow.com

The Zodiac Assassins series

Available on Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

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Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IB




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Leona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjW




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Libra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNg




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Leona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

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Gemini Asunder  Book 3 coming Fall 2019

Worth the Effort

The past couple weeks, my life has been absolute chaos and forgive me if at any point during this blog I go past the point of venting and onto extreme complaining because that isn’t my intention and the last thing I would want to read for leisure is someone else’s complaints. So… despite the chaos, I don’t really want to dwell on the specifics but more the coping of the chaos.

I don’t know about everybody else but lately, it seems that some many folks around me are on edge. Emotions are running high, people seem burned out. It is full steam ahead all the time! You don’t have to be a genius to look at all of this and think that, “Gosh we can’t keep going at this pace forever. And when we stop, what happens?” The answer? Who knows but does it really matter at that point?

As I’ve looked at the chaos around me lately, I question the reason for all of it? The point so to speak? I don’t mean that in a depressing sort of way but for all of us who push, push, push ourselves all day long, it really helps if you can align those efforts with an overarching goal—something worthy of those efforts. If at the end of it, you realize you have no really great reason to drive yourself to the end either emotionally, physically or spiritually, you have to contemplate why you are doing it after all.

Have a great week and happy writing!

Zombie Autumn Foliage Stroll Paranormal-Scope

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Photo Courtesy by Simon Wijers on Unsplash

We will have peak foliage colors soon, and everyone is enjoying walks and drives just to see the trees.

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:

Zombies need to relax. There’s just too much stress to find brains. A spa day may do you a world of good.

Taurus:

Being dead, zombies often pause to embrace their spiritual side. Take some time for reflection. Maybe start a list of what you are grateful for.

Gemini:

Zombies love the fall fashions. Leaves fall, and well, they tend to have falling parts, too. Check out your wardrobe and get rid of the worn and tired.

Cancer:

Zombies are very goal oriented. That could help you a lot at work. Set a goal and stay focused.

Leo:

Zombies are fond of carnival food. Consider going to a country fair this weekend.

Virgo:

Zombies are the original couch potatoes. Pick a day and binge on movies you love.

Libra:

Zombies often visit different restaurants. When it comes to food, they are adventureous. Be adventureous, too. But I won’t recommend brains.

Scorpio:

Depressed zombies are coming down your street. Avoid them. Don’t let others bring down your good mood.

Sagittarius:

Zombies are wild about dancing. Consider dancing for a new exercise. Always check with your physician first.

Capricorn:

Zombies enjoy socializing. Go out and make some new friends. Attend a conference on a subject you enjoy.

Aquarius:

Zombies have trouble communicating. Give people more time to express themselves.

Pisces:

Zombies walk new paths eagerly accepting new opportunities. Keep your eyes open. New 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 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

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).

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Happy Announcements and Other Sundries

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Photo Courtesy of Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

So many things are happening that I am rushing to keep up.

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For those in Connecticut or the area that would like to buy an autographed print copy of Vampire King of New York, they are available at my favorite furniture store Classic Country Furniture, 1921 Route 32 in Uncasville, CT

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I am in the process of preparing for the Fall in Love with New England Conference next weekend. I am still putting together my author basket, which I think may just be overstuffed.

I have packed all the books for the event. Now I’m going through and printing out things I need to play my game there.  Save the date for the booksigning if you’re going to be in New Hampshire. Be sure to ask for my new book The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars.

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For all my books in print and ebook see below. Enjoy the fall. There is something about autumn that I find soothing to the heart.

-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 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

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).

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Limping Elf Paranormal-Scope

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Photo Courtesy by Lukasz Szmigiel on Unsplash

 

 

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When autumn leaves burst forth with warm colors, the elves of every wood begin their annual pilgrimage to the warm springs. One elf is injured, and he stumbles and falls trying to keep up with the others.

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 limping elf is relieved when the path becomes less rocky. Obstacles that have been in your way are now moving. A workplace collaboration can prove beneficial to all involved.

Taurus:

The limping elf left behind finds a door in a tree opening for him. Doors are opening both in your social and business life.

Gemini:

As the elf limps along, he sees a clutter of rocks, roots, and rocks. Clear out the clutter in your home, and you’ll find your mind energized and ready for new things.

Cancer:

The limping elf pauses to create a stick figure with leaves and a bit of string. Your creativity will encourage you to succeed.

Leo:

As twilight fades to night, the limping elf takes shelter inside the tree to dream of tomorrow. The past is past. Reorganize your personal schedule to free up some time you’ll be needing.

Virgo:

Noises disturb the elf’s sleep, but he doesn’t open the door. Stay focused on your goal, and you’ll accomplish more than you expected.

Libra:

The elf dreams of his sweet home in the glen. Now is the time to go bargain hunting. The money you save will provide for something special at a later date.

Scorpio:

The elf rubs his sore leg and cries. Feelings will come to the surface. Share them with someone close to you to gain a new perspective.

Sagittarius:

An elder elf always gave him good advice. Look toward your spiritual side to find what you want out of life.

Capricorn:

The elf opens the door when he sees sunlight around its edges. Socialize more. You may have been having a rough time of things. You will gain in energy and motivation.

Aquarius:

The elf steps out into a new day. The possibilities are endless. Try something new.

Pisces:

The elf discovers the pain has gone from his leg. As he rounds the bend on the forest path, he finds his friends waiting. True friends remain true. If they can’t come to you, visit them.

-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 available in Amazon Print and Kindle!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

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).

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Personal Story By Susan Hanniford Crowley

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Two lavender roses on my miniature rose bush

Everywhere I go, I see the pink shirts, pins, ribbons, even hats. It’s all to make people aware of Breast Cancer. Through early detection, they really do save lives. Get a mammogram. Do a self-examination of your breasts every day. Guys, too! I’m not kidding. Men can get breast cancer.

Where am I going with this?

On Christmas Eve 2018 as I got ready for bed, I found something on the bottom of my left breast, near the rib cage. I had a lump more like a rock. In my March mamogram, there had been nothing. Now I had a rock inside me.

The next business day, I was busy calling my doctor to set up an appointment. I would take any cancellation to get in as early as I could. I would see one of the colleagues if my doctor was booked solid. Then began a month of tests, meeting doctors. and choosing my team.

I was at Stage 1, but it was growing and near Stage 2. They looked at the options available for the type of cancer I had. The team decided it was best to shrink it and then have surgery. Even in breast cancer, there are several types. Doctors have been able to figure out which cancer reacts to and is killed off by which medication.

Months of chemotherapy was in my future. I decided it was time to retire from my part-time job and become a full-time author. Even though my novel was finished and edited, I was going through final edits with my editor.  When I was feeling particularly gloomy, I made my editor promise that she would publish the book if I died.

My editor is tough. She sent me a galley to go through for the final of the print version. We decided to publish the print first to prepare for the conference I was going to in October. She had me thinking of things I had to do for the book, which lightened my mood and definitely distracted me.

My immune system was compromised, and under doctor’s orders, I could not do things where I could catch the germs of others. I love playing with my grandchildren. Sitting on the floor and building houses of blocks is so much fun. Then we knock them down and laugh. I love going to church  then chatting with folks afterward and going out to lunch. I love sushi! I miss going to conventions and meeting people. When I wasn’t at the hospital, I was a homebody proofing my book and randomly napping. I even started to write a nonfiction book. That one won’t be out until next year.

There were many amazing people I met throughout the process – doctors, nurses, technicians, staff, and other patients. My family and friends supported me through the darkness when my hope slipped. Each had a hopeful vision that carried them through. It changed my world of thinking. It gave me courage and the hope of a future.

On August 12, I had surgery.

Lab results came back negative. The cancer was gone! Technically, I can’t say I’m cancer-free until five years have passed, but I am dancing with glee. Now I’m going through the process of rebuilding a breast. For me, there are some after-effects from the chemotherapy which will take awhile to wash out of my system. Important to know: Some people never have side effects from chemo.

My life is a joy filled experience. I have grandchildren to play with. I’m working up to longer walks. I will be back going to church soon. The October conference will be here soon! I’m making my author basket and so excited to be going to Fall in Love with New England Readers/Authors Conference again.

D[image error]uring all this, my novel The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars came out. The book is about love, courage and fighting through darkness. Was it really a coincidence, that I was proofing the final galley while fighting cancer?

The book is now available at Amazon Print and Kindle.

I encourage everyone reading this to commit to a daily self-exam. If you find something, don’t dally. Make that phone call to your doctor. It could save your life. It saved mine.

-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 available in Amazon Print!  Kindle has arrived!

Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

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).

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For the Love of Changing Seasons

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Most people have one season they love. Some folks are lucky enough to be able to afford to migrate to the city or town that is predominantly warm or cool in accordance with their preferences, but I think the majority of us have to live where our careers take us, or our finances/family keep us.

Me? I’ve lived the bulk of my years in the south and southeast; the lands of tsunami-worthy humidity with the power to blowup that salon blowout. Where you have to carry a change of clothing to stay fresh throughout the day; bonus points are given to a prospective job if they have showers. Where the delightful combination of heat and humidity slaps you upside from head to toe the moment you step outside of your air conditioning force field and leaves you sweating like the condensation dripping down your glass of teeth-twinging, supersaturated sweet tea.

Whew! I need a moment to fan myself at the mere memories!

My preference is four seasons, so when we moved to New Hampshire, I got my wish. The cool days of fall and spring, the cold and snow of winter, and, yes, the heat of summer, though it’s more commonly a dry heat here. Yay!

Why talk about the seasons? Before we moved to the northeast, I had developed a species of paranormals for my Zodiac Assassins series. There are four subspecies, each responsible for shepherding in a season because the goddesses Hecate and Persephone, along with the other world deities, have been trapped in Hades since humans stopped believing in them. Doing this was a way to celebrate the beauty and bounty of what this planet gives us, and flesh out more story around the power of belief and the consequences of losing that belief.

But why tell you their story when a passage can do it for me? Here is a scene with the protagonist, Libra, the antagonist, Taryn, and Solange, the leader of the Hibernus Sol, from Zodiac Assassins book 2, Libra’s Limbo:

 

Libra crawled as close to the group as he could, then settled in the hollow of another tree to watch.

The old woman cocked her head and smiled at Taryn, her eyes gentle, knowing. “You have thought us to be Romany.”

Taryn pulled her knees into her chest, forming a ball. “And you’re not.”

“I’m not.” She nodded to the group surrounding them. “Nor are the Nox. We aren’t Romany, but calling ourselves such has made it easier for us to move freely.”

“The Romany are treated like second class citizens. Why would you choose them for a cover?” Taryn asked.

“They are nomads, not connected to any place. They roam, just as we do, giving us the perfect lifestyle for our needs.”

“And the persecution?” Libra’s asked.

She chuckled. “The stories of the snake oil salesmen offering great beauty or genitalia enlargement happened in this, the human world. They offered what people most desired then swindled them with sugar water and powerful drugs. We have ways to make the wishes come true, so we are welcomed everywhere.”

“Then what are you?” he asked when Taryn remained silent. “How are you able to perform such magic?”

She opened her arms, indicating the others. “We are in service to the goddess of the witches, Hecate. Tonight we have come together in Hecate’s stead to initiate the Vernal Equinox, to pass the cold mantle of winter to the warm rebirth of spring.”

“Sol? Nox?” Taryn asked.

Libra glanced at her. “It means the sun and the night.”

The old woman clasped her hands together and smiled. “Yes, very good. He is a smart one, Taryn; I approve. Specifically, we’re the Hibernus Sol, also known as the winter sun people. Our friends here are the Fons Nox, the spring night people. There are also the Aestas Sol, of the summer sun, and the Cadent Nox, of the fall dying.”

Taryn closed her eyes and frowned. “Please back up. Hecate? Everything keeps coming back to her.”

The old woman patted Taryn’s knee. “Yes, child. When the goddess Hecate, your grandmother, was trapped in Hades, we pledged our great numbers around the world to keep the seasons coming and going, for years, for centuries. Without us, the seasons would fall into chaos, coming in and out at will, growing seasons and dying seasons appearing randomly, meaning no food for the people and animals. We stand in the way of worldwide starvation and possible extinction.”

“Are you witches?” Libra asked. “Hecate’s coven?”

“We were, but with the passing of the years, and Hecate’s absence, we separated from the witches and evolved into more. Focusing our power into one skill until only we could control the changing of the seasons.”

“I thought the planet moving around the sun did that.”

The old woman cackled. “Yes, it does, but the changing relies on more than this planet spinning around the sun. Humans swallowed that simplistic tomfoolery without question, which has allowed us to work our magic without scrutiny.”

 

Do you have a favorite season of the year? Do you incorporate the seasons as setting in your writing? Leave a comment so we can dish!

 

May your words flow freely,

Artemis

www.artemiscrow.com

The Zodiac Assassins series

Available on Kindle and Print, Nook and Kobo

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Lyon’s Roar – https://amzn.to/2IB




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Leona’s Descent – https://amzn.to/2yaDfjW




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Libra’s Limbo – https://amzn.to/2q3VkNg




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Leona’s Cage – https://amzn.to/2QTbVyp

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Gemini Asunder  Book 3 coming Fall 2019

Fall Giving

Fall has officially started and it seems that a good portion of our country is still an oven! No really, I know I can’t complain as I moved from the desert a couple years ago but we are hitting near 100 this first week of October in the Carolinas and it just feels brutal. But beyond the heat, the arrival of October just makes me feel good.

I can already see the leaves starting to change colors and pumpkins are filling the stores. The scents of gingerbread and apple cider wafting through the air. And at least in my neighborhood, Halloween is a big deal. Folks go all out for decorating. But more so than all the decorations and scents and the fact that delicious meals seem to be in abundance throughout the fall, is that people’s moods begin to change. I know there are the scary stories as we near Black Friday and holiday shopping about shoppers getting trampled, but overall the fall and winter really seem to be more about fun and family and giving.

I realize it is early yet but perhaps this gives us more time to think about how we would like to approach this season. What truly makes you happy and not for an instant but for a long time. Do you want this season to be about bonuses and big gifts or do you want to start the fall with giving. I’m choosing the latter this year and there are tons of events (food banks, soup kitchens, etc.) to do so. Think about it.

Have a great week and happy writing!