Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 95

Adding a Little Bit of Mystery by Laura Greenwood

This week has seen the launch of a brand new book for me – Spell Caster! This is a mix of two things – the paranormal, and a little bit of mystery! Cassie (our main character and a witch!) is drawn into a murder investigation alongside a necromancer, a vampire, and a shifter…

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==> books2read.com/spellcaster (there’s no cliffhanger!)

So in celebration, I thought I’d share some of my favourite crime shows/books!

iZombie!

Considering how much I love the paranormal, it’s probably no surprise that I love iZombie. The later episodes might not be quite so murder-centric, but the first ones were and it was awesome! While I had already plotted out and started working on Spell Caster, this show was certainly a bit of an influence in me bringing it forward in my writing plan!
Silent Witness

If you’re in the US, you might not have heard about this one! It’s a BBC show that’s filled with pathology and grittiness. It’s not always the neat little bow. The cops aren’t always on the right side, and the pathologists get their hands dirty…I think Nikki and Cassie have a lot in common (though not a job! Cassie is a lab technician not a pathologist)
Val McDermid Books

I’ve been reading Val McDermid since before I probably should have been given some of the subject matter. But I love them. I actually dropped everything I was doing earlier in the year because I realised the next book in the series I loved was out (the Tony Hill & Carol Jordan series) this one is more from the Police Angle but I love it anyway!

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If you’re interested in finding out more about me, you can here:

Website: www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theparanormalcouncil

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/authorlauragreenwood

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/laura-greenwood

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lauramg_tdir

Instagram: www.instagam.com/authorlauragreenwood

Mailing List: www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/mailing-list-sign-up.html

What Do You Collect?

Lots of people feel it’s fun to collect things.  What do you collect?

President Franklin Roosevelt was famous for his stamp collecting. When I saw his summer home in Maine, I admired his shell collection. William Gillette, actor, who portrayed Sherlock Holmes on the stage and in a silent film collected figurines of cats. He also had cats in his home Gillette Castle. Did you know that Tom Hanks collects typewriters?

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I collect dragons, sea shells, dolls, and pens. Above is part of my pen collection. From the left is the four Harry Potter pens (owl, tiny seated Harry, Harry’s face, and wand), after that is my dragon pen, Tinkerbell pen, a pen from the Basketball Hall of Fame, a pen from the Space Center (NASA) in Florida, a shamrock pen, and my four Egyptian pens.

On top starting from the right is my boxing vampire pen, a Uniball Deluxe pen (my personal favorite for writing books), and a pen for my Vampires of Manhattan series. To the left is a New Moon (Twilight series) pen I haven’t taken out of its wrapper yet. Above that is a flamingo pen from Florida and a blue feather pen.

Share with us. What do you enjoy collecting?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: 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 and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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More Love

I realize we are just about at the end of January and this a bit early for this (since Valentine’s Day is around the corner), but today I’d like to address the subject of love. I’m not talking so much about the undying love we read about in romance novels or classic tragedies (e.g. Romeo and Juliet), but more about our love for each other as humans. This may sound like a bit of a weird concept but truth be told is that we only seem to have this awareness of a “greater love” for our kind, our species, our fellow humans as we confront the larger threats out there. These threats most often come in the form of natural disasters and in the movies, other species out there (either natural to earth like animals or otherwise).

The truth is there are a lot more nuances amongst us as humans and we tend to gravitate toward those we feel comfortable with. That could be family, those who look like us, speak like us, share our beliefs or simply share the same interests we have. Only when we feel that we are under a great threat, do we tend to drop some of these other “barriers” between us.

I’ve been reading a series to my 4 year old about a dog that travels in time to help people out. Thus far, we’ve read about Hurricane Katrina and now we are reading about the big San Francisco earthquake. What always amazes me in these types of situations is how we come together to unite and help each other. If I think back to other large disasters we faced across the country, historically these types of disasters have always prompted some sort of unification that transcends our day to day. Reading about this and looking at how divided we seem to be these days, I can’t help but ask why it has to be so complex? I don’t have the answer to this question and I’m not under the assumption that all differences and beliefs can just be erased, but I do believe that what these instances have shown is that we are a species capable of bridging gaps, capable of loving and caring for others, capable of putting aside differences for a greater cause.

I don’t think change to love more happens overnight. I believe it is a conscious effort to look beyond. So today, my encouragement for those reading this blog is to try and “love” more– as corny as that sounds.

Happy writing this week!

Zombies on Parade Parnanormal-Scope

Zombies have peculiar habits. Be cautious around people in general this week.

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 love hats and will wear whatever they find. Actually getting a hat might be a great idea for you. Get something stylish. Looking your best builds confidence.

Taurus:

Zombies are free to change their course and frequently do. Be satisfied with the path you’ve taken. Work at it until you are.

Gemini:

Zombies will often wander into new neighborhoods and jog with joggers. Enhance your lifestyle with a new or upgraded home or new exercise. Since you’re not a zombie, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Cancer:

Zombies love collecting Mardi Gras Beads. As in New Orleans, choose carefully who you give your beads to.

Leo:

Zombies moan and grimace, but you can share feelings with friends in more accurate ways. Visit some old friends and reconnect.

Virgo:

Zombies ignore naysayers. They just wander by. Remember not all who wander are lost. You know what you’re doing. Follow your dream.

Libra:

Zombies sometimes group together for strolls. Find a group to have with or volunteer in a cause you believe in.

Scorpio:

Zombies travel and enjoy sociallizing. Do the same. You need some me time to relax.

Sagittarius:

Some zombies stick close to home. They love decorating and making a comfy place for themselves. Freshen up your abode. Redecorate.

Capricorn:

Zombies can’t be pushed into doing what they don’t want to do. Actually pushing a zombie could end badly for the pusher.  Don’t be bullied. Do what is best for you.

Aquarius:

Zombies have emotions and courage, but just can’t express themselves. You have the verbal skills to take advantage or upcoming opportunities.

Pisces:

Zombies enjoy doing something productive whether it’s searching for food as a group or cleaning out rubbish. Find a project you would like to do with a group.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: 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 and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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We’re Getting Closer to the New Novel by Susan Hanniford Crowley

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Background photo by Cole Keister on Unsplash.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: 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 and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Fresh Perspective

Kids seem to have a way with wisdom. Or perhaps they have a fresh perspective on the world and that has a way of making me see things differently. My two boys often share their opinions on the world—asked or not. This week it was a welcome change as my mind has been tired from work and the world of today can feel stifling at times.

This week my youngest has also been sick—the kind of sick that justifies keeping him home so he doesn’t spread germs to the rest of his preschool and yet he isn’t sick enough to keep from acting like a normal, high-energy four-year-old. In fact, he’s well enough to point out that he  shouldn’t go to school because he still is a bit sick and that alone tells me that he’s well enough to go. And to top it off, my 1st grader remarks to his brother that the worse thing about getting sick is getting better. My immediate reaction to this comment was what?! I mean, what does a four-year-old have to complain about school-wise? Their day mainly consists of letters, numbers, nap time and recess!

And yet it isn’t that simple. Kids of all ages have feelings just like adults do and in there limited experience preschool can still be trying. Learning the basics, making friends, discovering more emotions…these can be difficult experiences for some.  I just got caught up in comparing realities which isn’t fair as I dealing with quite a big age difference and quite a bit more responsibility. And as much as we can at times wish to go back to a time in our life when things were a bit less complicated, that’s just not the way it works.

So instead, I choose to learn from my kids’ so called “wisdom”. See the world differently because if we don’t try to do this, we risk never growing in mind and spirit. Or even worse, we risk going through the motions to become spectators in our own lives.

Happy writing this week!

 

Snow, Ice, and Rain Parnanormal-Scope

The weather has been strange. We were prepared for the worst and got rain. Does that have a deeper meaning? I wonder.

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 walking through the woods carrying lights to show the way. Listen to friends to have your best at heart.

Taurus:

A vampire walks down the street carrying an umbrella. It doesn’t really rain on them, but they like to be like everyone else. Join a fun group! Expand your friendships.

Gemini:

One werewolf throws a snowball and ten go out to catch it. What is wrong with this picture? Get a second opinion on anything that doesn’t make sense to you.

Cancer:

Yetis love puzzles of every kind. Spend some time exercising your mind with puzzles and games like crosswords, Sudoku, and such. It’s fun and healthy.

Leo:

Bear shifters enjoy burrowing in the snow and making a comfy place below the ground. Is your place comfy? What can you do to improve your home?

Virgo:

Were Ants believe in building and picnics. Since it’s too cold for picnics, enjoy building in the snow. Consider it snow art.

Libra:

Sirens sing of rough seas. It’s time to stay ashore but on a better day, take a walk and inhale some fresh air.

Scorpio:

Were Sharks lurk just off shore. Exercise caution in swimming. A pool may be best.

Sagittarius:

Pixies are bad tempered during storms. So are people suffering from cabin fever. Be extra kind to everyone at work.

Capricorn:

Queen Mab gives you a gift from the fae folk. They remember a kindness you did. Consider this good fortune a repayment for giving from the heart.

Aquarius:

The Dormouse loves to sing and dance. Put on some music and do the same.

Pisces:

Dragons take shelter in their caves. Surrounded by food, warm blankets, and DVDs, they have their fun under control. Make an entertainment emergency kit for these times.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: 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 and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords and iBooks (on Apple devices).

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Exploring a Universe by Laura Greenwood

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One of the things I’m very passionate about (and do a lot!) in my writing is creating a whole world and having multiple people and stories in it. A lot of my books are set in the same world, The Paranormal Council (the name of my first series and of my reader group!) and it’s got a special place in my heart – which is good considering more and more stories just seem to keep happening!

Stories from the Paranormal Council Universe is a collection of six stories that serve as a sort of taster for the rest of the books. It has two novellas and four short stories and is on sale for just 99 cents.

Spellbound: A second chance romance between two witches who were separated as teens and are now forced back together by work.
His Lost Bear: Two grieving shifters find each other by accident and start to heal themselves.
Under Her Spell: A witch goes after the one person she shouldn’t…her best friend’s brother.
Catching His Ladybird: Two unusual shifters get their chance for a happily ever after.
Snakes & Ladders: An enchanted snake discovers who his fated mate is.
Falling Ashes: A woman chooses whether or not to sacrifice everything for a child.

==> books2read.com/PCStories

Each story links into others in my universe, but all are outside the confines of a series themselves – it’s a lot of fun to be able to experience other aspects of my universe.

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If you’re interested in finding out more about me, you can here:

Website: www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theparanormalcouncil

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/authorlauragreenwood

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/laura-greenwood

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lauramg_tdir

Instagram: www.instagam.com/authorlauragreenwood

Mailing List: www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/mailing-list-sign-up.html

 

More On An Upcoming New Novel by Susan Hanniford Crowley

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Photo Background by Alexandra Mirghe on Unsplash

 

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: 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 and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Trade offs

We bought a car this week. It’s a good car and one we hope will last a good decade at least. Sound long? Well, truth be told, I hate having a car payment so if I can, I run my cars until they die. But, I digress… I am actually writing this week about trade offs because this whole process of buying a car reminded me of how life is full of so many trade offs. Moonroof or not? Maintenance plan now or later? Longer term or shorter term?

For us, the process of buying a car is not a fun one. First off, no one likes to sign that many documents. And second, unless you are one of the lucky who can just pay outright in cash, the whole endeavor becomes quite grueling as the add ones keep driving the price up. In fact, while I understand the benefits of customization and advertising a low base price, This world of add ones and trade offs really drives me nuts. Some things just seem so basic— like choosing where you want to sit on a plane. There is even an extra charge at times to chose seats while reserving a ticket. It isn’t as if I’m going to see a show where there are orchestra seats or the nosebleed section. What’s next? A cost for roomier bathrooms for those who want to stretch their legs while relieving themselves?

Either way, we rarely go in and capture the whole picture. It is all about what is important to each of us and that can change person to person and day to day. Lesson learned? Know yourself well enough to determine what you’re willing to trade off or even do without .

Happy writing this week!