Rae Lori's Blog, page 36
October 13, 2011
Now Available! The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels: Volume 1
The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels: Volume 1 is now available from Dragon Moon Press! I'm proud to be among some awesome writers in compiling this great guide for authors and aspiring authors. My goal is to help writers via my blog, articles, classes and workshops as others have helped me so I'm very proud to be apart of this effortFrom the blurb:
Friendly. Useful. Current.
Written by a collection of well-known authors for new authors, The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels: Volume 1 covers a wide range of topics necessary for building your first paranormal novel. Paranormal novels are found in all sections of the fiction bookstore. One of the most prevalent forms of fantasy masquerading as romances, mysteries, general fiction and urban fantasy, this guide has tips and topics specific to writing a
variety of paranormal novels.
With chapters on:
Angels & Benevolent Spirits
Yes, Virginia, There are Ghosts
Fae, Fey, Faery, Fairy—A Quick Glance into the Abyss
A Map to the Charted "Unknown" Love,
Romance, Sex and...
'Tis A Mystery
World-building
Self-Editing: Have fun with It
How to Win Agents and Influence Editors
Dropped Eyes and Unattached Tentacles
Were, Oh Were
Vampires
Lesser Creatures of the Paranormal
Writing for Children and Young Adults
It's Time to Travel
Marketing for Writers
A Hard, Honest Look at Critiquing Critique Groups: Another Experience
A League of Extraordinary Characters
This guide will provide a solid path to completing that first novel by offering detailed help and reference material to get you writing.
Now available at Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Also available at other online bookstores!
October 10, 2011
Wild and Crazy Works Coming up the Pipeline!
Hey blog readers! Your friendly blog host here.
Wow, it's been a nutty year and only 2 months left after this one! Gah! Personally, I've been through some rough things recently and getting back to really trailblazing my writing forward has been helping me to get back to doing what I love. First off, I want to apologize for the delay with 'Inheritance of Ashes'. I had planned to release the book later this month to conclude the series but as I'm still adding to the book, I'll have to move the release up a bit. I won't give a date this time. I want to wait until I'm really close to the finalization process so you guys won't be frustrated with the constant moving dates but I will tell you it's not too far away. ;-) Apologies for the delay, nonetheless! As you all know I'm a perfectionist in bringing my books out in the best condition I can (no rush jobs here ;-D) and this last book in the series is definitely no exception.
I've also moved some other works up a bit as I'm going to see if they garner outside interest first before I take matters into my own hands. ;-) I'll definitely keep you guys updated with the process with any good news I may receive.
For those in Second Life, we're going to be counting down to NaNoWriMo again on October 31st! So grab your candy corn and your manuscript idea and join us in-world! A few writing and book related sims will be joining together for some write-ins, word wars and other NaNo related writing events so stay tuned! Feel free to join my kiosk at my writing cabin (#4) at the Written Word for updates and newsbits. :-)
Wow, it's been a nutty year and only 2 months left after this one! Gah! Personally, I've been through some rough things recently and getting back to really trailblazing my writing forward has been helping me to get back to doing what I love. First off, I want to apologize for the delay with 'Inheritance of Ashes'. I had planned to release the book later this month to conclude the series but as I'm still adding to the book, I'll have to move the release up a bit. I won't give a date this time. I want to wait until I'm really close to the finalization process so you guys won't be frustrated with the constant moving dates but I will tell you it's not too far away. ;-) Apologies for the delay, nonetheless! As you all know I'm a perfectionist in bringing my books out in the best condition I can (no rush jobs here ;-D) and this last book in the series is definitely no exception.
I've also moved some other works up a bit as I'm going to see if they garner outside interest first before I take matters into my own hands. ;-) I'll definitely keep you guys updated with the process with any good news I may receive.
For those in Second Life, we're going to be counting down to NaNoWriMo again on October 31st! So grab your candy corn and your manuscript idea and join us in-world! A few writing and book related sims will be joining together for some write-ins, word wars and other NaNo related writing events so stay tuned! Feel free to join my kiosk at my writing cabin (#4) at the Written Word for updates and newsbits. :-)
October 9, 2011
Six Sentence Sunday - Inheritance of Ashes
A big mondo update is coming up from some works I have in progress. One of which is Inheritance of Ashes, third book in the Ashen Twilight House. More on in the next post but for now, enjoy this snippet of the book to celebrate Six Sentence Sunday!In the third book, Alexandru Drago takes up the reins to bring down the Ashen Twilight House on his own. In A Kiss of Ashen Twilight we were introduced to the origins of the House of Blood, the Nightwalkers centering around the Archane home. In Within the Shadows of Mortals we got to know the Hammond Clan and the origins of the House of Lycan. Now, Inheritance of Ashes will reveal the history of the mysterious House of Shifter Elves, their origins and their enigmatic leader.
This is a conversation between Alexandru and a main character whose true identity is unmasked in this installment.
"You do realize once you exit that door, you will be declaring war on me. Not only will I come after every one of the members of the Ashen Twilight House—and their loved ones, of course—I will come after those delicate, little mortals you value so much. My undead soldiers will rip through them like rice paper. In the end, it will only be us immortal creatures on a dying planet. Do you really want that, Takashi? Do you really want that on your head?"
Visit SSS around the blogsophere!
Six Sentence Sunday - Walking The Edge: Snippet #18
http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com/2011/10/six-sentence-sunday-walking-edge_09.html
SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY: An Eternity of Roses, Snippet #3
http://angelaguillaume.blogspot.com/2011/10/six-sentence-sunday-eternity-of-roses_09.html
October 7, 2011
An Open Letter to TV Networks: Contrary to Popular Belief, Sci-Fi is Not a Bad Word
Dear Television Networks,
Now I know we haven't been the best of buds and I'm still one of those strange beings with whom you try to reach out to without looking as if you are reaching out to me: the elusive sci-fi fan. I enjoy the comforting way you talk to me, the sweet risky way you sometimes go out on a ledge to make me happy. But I'm sorry to say we are in an abusive relationship. I am Charlie Brown to your Lucy and I keep falling for your football trick every time. I swooned when you gave me Firefly. I looked twice when you flashed your sexy Legend of the Seeker. And I nearly tripped over myself when you gave me Forever Knight but crushed my heart when you ended it the way you did. I even came back begging for more when you gave me Blood Ties and almost fell for your nice words when you dangled Jeremiah and Jericho in front of me.
But then you left me high and dry...only to come back later and try to entice me back with your shiny new Invasion, Surface and Threshold as a triple whammy and recently again Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (and on an unrelated genre note, Raven-Symone's State of Georgia show). "No more!" I shouted to the heavens. I will not fall for you anymore! But there I go again trailing behind you like a panting puppy when you introduced Terra Nova to me with it's sexy dystopia opening and adventure/mystery storyline with so much potential to turn into something interesting. Falling Skies, I'm still trying to ignore you but the temptation is strong.
Networks, will you let me down again? Can I trust you to leave these shows alone and let them find their wings before they are clipped?
You lament the fact that no one loves you. Everybody hates you. You threaten to eat worms since everyone took their toys and went home. Can you blame us? We fell for the trick for too long and had the wind knocked out of us too many times to trust you. Then you take away our the good premiums items and try to sell us cheaper and lower grade versions.
And to top it off, you speak so softly and nicely to us genre fans. Sweet talking us on the side while pretending you don't know us or that your work is more Drama with a capitol 'D' and not sci-fi (oh no not that crazy sci-fi stuff no way. It's Drama in a sci-fi setting). But when your numbers start trailing down, who do you come to for numbers boosting?
Networks, we won't bite. It's okay to promote your sci-fi show as just that. Science Fiction. Sure we have some folks who like to call anything that's not Drama cheesy these days but not everything has to be 'gritty', 'dark' and 'realistic'. Some of us love that escapist fun and want to see a glimpse into a future of hope and wonder. Let a show find it's legs and don't be afraid to give us some compelling storylines in a futuristic/advanced setting. Cheers didn't come out running right out the gate. Star Trek wasn't a runaway hit until sci-fi lovers like us said "hey, give us more!" and now look at the legacy it left behind. Remember that feeling of wonder and imagination when you were a kid before the world came and introduced you to that mysterious stranger. The stranger called Gritty Cynicism? He was fun to hang out with in the beginning but after a while, you begin to miss your old friends.
Many have said they chucked their television sets and canceled their cable because they have had enough and aren't taking it anymore. They aren't falling for the football trick no longer! And thus you lament the lack of numbers that keep falling each day. Chuck the antiquated numbers system (brought to you by some fella named Nielsen, I understand?) and check out the forums, reviews and online blogs where the actual viewers are. There are fans, not numbers, who hurt when their entertainment is yanked out from under them without ever being given a resolution. There fans, not numbers, who invest their hard won time and yes money, to check out new shows that you have offered to them after a long week of working. Chucking well written shows and trying to sells fans cheap knock-offs does not build trust.
Sci-Fi is not a bad word (SF Channel, listen up, this is for you too). It is not synonymous with a platoon of basement dwelling nerds. Sci-Fi fans from way back before TV was invented were visionaries about the future and human society. They became trailblazers in technology, human relations, medicine and yup, entertainment to name a few things. Your brother Book Publishing gets this idea and even cheers you on from behind the scenes (see TV series book adaptations). Your older sister Movies are light years ahead of you, setting records and igniting the next generation of genre fans with their imaginative stories and far off worlds. Unfortunately, you are not as faithful. Be careful, your little brother Web Series is slowly taking over and your big sister Video Games are bringing a new form of storytelling that is engaging the very fans you seek. Plus, they're not afraid to pull up a chair at our table once in a while and chat a bit with us.
In conclusion, Networks...Sci-Fi is not a bad word and Sci-Fi fans won't lap up everything you dish out to them (SF Channel, I'm looking you with your original movies. We won't start Imagining Greater until you do). We'll get tired and go find someone who respects us. Sure we may be divided from time to time and argue amongst ourselves, but we are a faithful bunch and will give you our eyes if you give us a chance with some inventive stories and productions. Some of us may be picky but despite the complaints, we will still tune in and hope for the best if we see there is potential. Entertain us, enlighten us and challenge us and we will be right there waiting for the next delivery while we keep the worlds alive through discussion and debate.
Feel free to get in contact with your brother Book Publishing. There are some gems in the classic sci-fi and fantasy vault waiting to be adapted to the small screen. ;-)
Now I know we haven't been the best of buds and I'm still one of those strange beings with whom you try to reach out to without looking as if you are reaching out to me: the elusive sci-fi fan. I enjoy the comforting way you talk to me, the sweet risky way you sometimes go out on a ledge to make me happy. But I'm sorry to say we are in an abusive relationship. I am Charlie Brown to your Lucy and I keep falling for your football trick every time. I swooned when you gave me Firefly. I looked twice when you flashed your sexy Legend of the Seeker. And I nearly tripped over myself when you gave me Forever Knight but crushed my heart when you ended it the way you did. I even came back begging for more when you gave me Blood Ties and almost fell for your nice words when you dangled Jeremiah and Jericho in front of me.
But then you left me high and dry...only to come back later and try to entice me back with your shiny new Invasion, Surface and Threshold as a triple whammy and recently again Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (and on an unrelated genre note, Raven-Symone's State of Georgia show). "No more!" I shouted to the heavens. I will not fall for you anymore! But there I go again trailing behind you like a panting puppy when you introduced Terra Nova to me with it's sexy dystopia opening and adventure/mystery storyline with so much potential to turn into something interesting. Falling Skies, I'm still trying to ignore you but the temptation is strong.
Networks, will you let me down again? Can I trust you to leave these shows alone and let them find their wings before they are clipped?
You lament the fact that no one loves you. Everybody hates you. You threaten to eat worms since everyone took their toys and went home. Can you blame us? We fell for the trick for too long and had the wind knocked out of us too many times to trust you. Then you take away our the good premiums items and try to sell us cheaper and lower grade versions.
And to top it off, you speak so softly and nicely to us genre fans. Sweet talking us on the side while pretending you don't know us or that your work is more Drama with a capitol 'D' and not sci-fi (oh no not that crazy sci-fi stuff no way. It's Drama in a sci-fi setting). But when your numbers start trailing down, who do you come to for numbers boosting?
Networks, we won't bite. It's okay to promote your sci-fi show as just that. Science Fiction. Sure we have some folks who like to call anything that's not Drama cheesy these days but not everything has to be 'gritty', 'dark' and 'realistic'. Some of us love that escapist fun and want to see a glimpse into a future of hope and wonder. Let a show find it's legs and don't be afraid to give us some compelling storylines in a futuristic/advanced setting. Cheers didn't come out running right out the gate. Star Trek wasn't a runaway hit until sci-fi lovers like us said "hey, give us more!" and now look at the legacy it left behind. Remember that feeling of wonder and imagination when you were a kid before the world came and introduced you to that mysterious stranger. The stranger called Gritty Cynicism? He was fun to hang out with in the beginning but after a while, you begin to miss your old friends.
Many have said they chucked their television sets and canceled their cable because they have had enough and aren't taking it anymore. They aren't falling for the football trick no longer! And thus you lament the lack of numbers that keep falling each day. Chuck the antiquated numbers system (brought to you by some fella named Nielsen, I understand?) and check out the forums, reviews and online blogs where the actual viewers are. There are fans, not numbers, who hurt when their entertainment is yanked out from under them without ever being given a resolution. There fans, not numbers, who invest their hard won time and yes money, to check out new shows that you have offered to them after a long week of working. Chucking well written shows and trying to sells fans cheap knock-offs does not build trust.
Sci-Fi is not a bad word (SF Channel, listen up, this is for you too). It is not synonymous with a platoon of basement dwelling nerds. Sci-Fi fans from way back before TV was invented were visionaries about the future and human society. They became trailblazers in technology, human relations, medicine and yup, entertainment to name a few things. Your brother Book Publishing gets this idea and even cheers you on from behind the scenes (see TV series book adaptations). Your older sister Movies are light years ahead of you, setting records and igniting the next generation of genre fans with their imaginative stories and far off worlds. Unfortunately, you are not as faithful. Be careful, your little brother Web Series is slowly taking over and your big sister Video Games are bringing a new form of storytelling that is engaging the very fans you seek. Plus, they're not afraid to pull up a chair at our table once in a while and chat a bit with us.
In conclusion, Networks...Sci-Fi is not a bad word and Sci-Fi fans won't lap up everything you dish out to them (SF Channel, I'm looking you with your original movies. We won't start Imagining Greater until you do). We'll get tired and go find someone who respects us. Sure we may be divided from time to time and argue amongst ourselves, but we are a faithful bunch and will give you our eyes if you give us a chance with some inventive stories and productions. Some of us may be picky but despite the complaints, we will still tune in and hope for the best if we see there is potential. Entertain us, enlighten us and challenge us and we will be right there waiting for the next delivery while we keep the worlds alive through discussion and debate.
Feel free to get in contact with your brother Book Publishing. There are some gems in the classic sci-fi and fantasy vault waiting to be adapted to the small screen. ;-)
August 22, 2011
Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest
Welcome to AWD's Celebration of the Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest! Thanks for dropping by to check out my picks and a big ole thanks to Ellie for creating this awesome event.
I've been a fan of Star Trek since as far back as I can remember. My father and brother got me into science fiction and we watched tons of television shows and movies within the genre. Everything from the original Doctor Who to the original Battlestar Galactica, Space 1999, Thunderbirds, U.F.O., The Invaders and tons more I can't think of at the moment. I fell in love with the amazing adventures and variety of characters offered in the genre. I also never got my fellow nerd wars battling over whether Star Trek and Star Wars. I thought they were both awesome! ;-)
When I heard about Star Trek blogfest for today, I was jazzed! August 22nd should be declared as official Star Trek day, especially since Star Wars has it's own day. We need days when we can just complete geek out on awesome sci-fi. ;-)
Anyway, I made my picks for my fave characters, movies and episodes to commemorate the day. Enjoy the post and don't forget to check other related posts around the blogosophere.
Grab some Romulan Ale and mosey on down to the picks!
Beam on over to read more
Rae's Top Fave Trek Characters
Spock
While all the ladies swooned over Kirk and his swagger, I was drooling over Spock. The quiet, brainiac alien of the group with those awesome pointed ears. There's something about a guy with brains that gets my train rolling and Spock had a quiet dignity and strength about him, even when he got royally ticked off at his ward Valeris in The Undiscovered Country.
Lt. Uhura
Uhura, in a word, rocked. She is definitely one of my childhood (s)heroes! To the outside world she may have just been known as a chick who had the communicator thing in her ear but she was a revolutionary. A woman of color on a starship in the future where she was treated just like one of the crew. It was a bold move in the turbulent 60s and one that also made television history.
Uhura was the epitome of grace and femininity and I loved how she was a brainy empathic character to top it off. She seriously showed some chops when she put Mr. Adventure in his place after he made a crack at her age and in the mirror version when Mirror Sulu got too cozy for her liking. I'm probably one of the few people who loved her chemistry with Scotty in the later movies. Thanks to one of the stories in the Trek anthologies edited by Dean Wesley Smith, Uhura finally got her starship and Captain's chair in a story she shared with Carol Marcus and Dr Gillian Taylor.
Capt. Benjamin Sisko
I'm in the camp that Sisko should have been a Captain from the get go (ahem). DS9 is my fave series behind the original series. I loved the fact that they took this series further and made the characters more complex and sometimes even a bit grim at times. Sisko may have went into some sketchy waters at times (i.e. the Dominion War) but he always stuck by his guns and gave his all. Strength, dignity and diplomacy with a side of butt kicking if necessary, Sisko is the kind of starship captain one can always count on to look after his crew.Commander Data
I'm not a huge fan of TNG but I sure loved Data, especially his scenes with his best bud Geordi. He reminded me a lot of Spock in the way he tried to understand the ins and outs of humanity and emotions. Though he was somewhat childlike at times, he was an android with a heart of gold and according to Tasha Yar, fully functional. Ahem.
Lily Sloane
I flippin' love Alfre Woodard squeed when she guest starred in a Trek film. I'm sure I'm not the only one who saw the chemistry between her and Picard (where's the goodbye kiss?!) especially during the 1940s Dixon nightclub scenes. Lily was an awesome female character and as a woman of color, I was so jazzed to see her on the screen as a smart, capable woman who wasn't afraid to tell and show a starship captain what he needed to do to save his crew and ultimately himself. Lily is the type of character I wish they brought back for more stories on the screen or at least gave more side stories to in other mediums.
Rae's Top Trek Episodes
Far Beyond the Stars (DS9) - Emmy? Do I smell an Emmy? The fact that this episode of Deep Space Nine didn't get an award, much less a nomination, is a great sham upon entertainment awards. And yet not unsurprising when you consider how mainstream media likes to hide from shows that shine a light on it's ugly past.
Star Trek is no exception. Since the early TOS episodes, there have been eps that talk about social commentary of the time and this is one that really brings the prejudice and injustice that many minorities, namely African Americans to the forefront in a way that is usually glossed over. Avery Brooks brings out an amazing performance as Benny, a writer who pens the story of starship Captain Benjamin Sisko in the future where diversity is encouraged and expected rather than something to be feared or shunned. I loved all the performances here and I loved seeing all the actors zipped back in time to don fedoras and suits instead of their uniforms and alien masks. It was interesting to see how they looked outside!
This scene is probably one of my faves in the ep (and that's a tough call to make considering the overall episode)!
Also on the list: Amok Time (TOS), A Piece of the Action (TOS), City on the Edge of Forever (TOS), The Trouble With Tribbles (TOS), Yesterday's Enterprise (TNG), Trials and Tribulations (DS9), Unification I and II (TNG)
Rae's Fave Trek Film
I've never really been one to run with the crowd so why start now? :-D
Star Trek II is a fan favorite but my fave will always be:
Star Trek III: The Search For Spock!
After much understood anger over Spock's death, the powers that be put this movie together to bring him back in a massive way. Christopher Lloyd and Dan Ackroyd as klingons! An awesomely epic James Horner score and the planet Vulcan! Uhura showing a newbie Lt. who's boss! I squeed. :-)
I'm a huge vulcan fan so I loved the overall theme here of vulcan tradition and customs from the beginning with Sarek asking Kirk for assistance in finding his son and at the end when they bring Spock back. As a story, this one had some great adventure, suspense (the death of Enterprise A *tear*), tragedy (the fate of Kirk's son), humor (Sulu showing an arrogant guard who's boss), air and ground battle scenes and an awesome ending (the reunion of Spock and the crew). I love the overall mood of this movie and how it fits into the overall arc as it connects it's predecessor and next movie. Shakespeare has always inspired many a Trek scenes and considering the arc involving The Wrath of Khan, The Search For Spock and The Voyage Home, I think the bard will be very proud.
August 18, 2011
Steampunk Podcast and a New Cover
Woo hoo! I have more news to share. :-D
The BrodPod August Steampunk podcast is up and live at the BP site here. I'm hosting some awesome talents this month: Jody Lynn Nye, who tells a tale of clock-work heart stimulation; Danielle Ackley-McPhail, who shares a singing angel in a steam-powered saloon; Pauline Baird Jones, who explores varying levels of "crazy" in her steam-punk-sci-fi-romance mash-up; and Emilie P Bush, who discusses the usefulness of various simple and battery-powered weapons on an airship.
And speaking of my fellow broad Danielle Ackley-McPhail, I'll be sharing writing contributions with her and many other awesome authors in the upcoming Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels: Vol 1. The writing guide is slated for a September/October release date with Dragon Moon Press. I'll be contributing with the chapter entitled: World-building: Bringing the Impossible to Life.
The BrodPod August Steampunk podcast is up and live at the BP site here. I'm hosting some awesome talents this month: Jody Lynn Nye, who tells a tale of clock-work heart stimulation; Danielle Ackley-McPhail, who shares a singing angel in a steam-powered saloon; Pauline Baird Jones, who explores varying levels of "crazy" in her steam-punk-sci-fi-romance mash-up; and Emilie P Bush, who discusses the usefulness of various simple and battery-powered weapons on an airship.
And speaking of my fellow broad Danielle Ackley-McPhail, I'll be sharing writing contributions with her and many other awesome authors in the upcoming Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal Novels: Vol 1. The writing guide is slated for a September/October release date with Dragon Moon Press. I'll be contributing with the chapter entitled: World-building: Bringing the Impossible to Life.
August 8, 2011
AWD's Author Spotlight for August - Latrivia S. Nelson
AWD's Author Spotlight is coming out of hiatus for a very special author spotlight this month. I love showcasing my fave authors as well as those who are on my shelf and this August, we are having a new favorite of mine: Latrivia S. Nelson!Ms. Nelson has published ten novels including the largest interracial romance novel in the genre to date, Ivy's Twisted Vine (2010). She is also the President and CEO of RiverHouse Publishing, LLC and author of two series: The Medlov Crime Family Series & The Lonely Heart Series. She's also a powerhouse publicist with an impressive resume of public relations and marketing experience as well as teaching under her belt.
Latrivia popped by for an author Q&A and gave some insight into her writing and what her readers can look forward to in both series!
AWD: When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
LSN: When I was about five years old, I started to write stories in Kindergarten. I would pass them out to my classmates and read them to my aunt and mom. I knew then that I wanted to be an author.
AWD: How would you describe the genre in which you do most of your writing?
LSN: Interracial Romance is about breaking barriers and showing that love is love. It has no barriers and it should not be regarded as something different simply because people are from different cultural, ethnic or religious backgrounds. Interracial Romance is the sub-genre of Multicultural Romance but it is a hard genre to write in simply because of the readers who purchase these books. These readers are highly intelligent, intellectual, successful women and men who enjoy a combination of romance and drama in all of their stories. I respect each and every reader of Interracial Romance, and I always have their interests and lifestyles in mind when I write stories for them.
AWD: What motivated you to start writing in this genre?
LSN: I was involved in interracial relationships very early in my adult life. And I remember looking for movies or books that highlighted relationships like mine. Needless to say that there were only a few movies and a few authors out there. I was always taught that a person should not just identify where their needs to be change but that they should also change it. I started to write IR novels to highlight beautiful interracial couples and their stories.
Now that I am in an interracial marriage and have interracial children, it is important for me to write so that they have stories that are out there for couples like me and for readers who enjoy a good book regardless of the genre.
IR is not just for women who like white men. This genre is for people who like good books. I truly believe that.
Click to continue reading the full spotlight!
AWD: How have your personal experiences influenced the direction of your writing?
LSN: I may be young but I have experienced so much in life. I have been blessed to meet and befriend people all around the world from many different cultures. I use those relationships to write fun stories and sometimes to work through my own personal issues.
Plus, writing allows an open-door policy with your readers. They share their experiences with you and how they have dealt with problems and come into their own. It's truly therapeutic.
The combination of my own experiences combined with my readers' experiences and a splash of an overly creative mind makes for a very happy writer.
AWD: What would you say are the biggest challenges that you face?
LSN: The biggest challenge that I have faced has been balancing my professional ambitions with my home life. I am the mother of two beautiful children and the wife of one brave Marine. Essentially, I must live two lives every day. I have to push myself to learn new things about becoming a great writer one day and at the same time be the best mother and wife I can be every day. The two lives don't always mesh. Hours in front of a computer means time away from the family. It's an opportunity cost.
AWD: How do you deal with these challenges?
LSN: Even though I write romance and sometimes steamy love scenes, I deal with my challenges by forming a relationship with Christ. I depend on him for everything. Going to church on Sundays, praying with my family and asking God for discernment gives me the peace I need to deal with bad reviews, pushing my publishing company to become the best it can be, multitasking like a psycho and still trying to have some personal time for me.
I can't complain. My life is busy, hectic but oh so rewarding. I am speechless about how blessed I truly am both personally and professionally.
AWD: How many books have you written so far?
LSN: 10 books and counting…
Ivy's Twisted Vine (2008) Published by AuthorHouse. The largest interracial romance novel in the genre to date. Love story about a college queen in a triangle affair with a promising politician and an Italian cop.
Dmitry's Closet (2010) Published by RiverHouse Publishing. The first book of the Medlov Crime Family Series.
Dmitry's Royal Flush: Rise of the Queen (2010) Published by RiverHouse Publishing. The second book of the Medlov Crime Family Series.
The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Volume 1 (2010) Published by RiverHouse Publishing. First book of short stories outlining the early life of Boss Dmitry Medlov of the Medlov Crime Family Series.
The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Volume 2 (2010) Published by RiverHouse Publishing.
The Ugly Girlfriend (2010) Published by RiverHouse Publishing. First book of the Lonely Heart Series. Novelette about dark-skinned, overweight woman who finds love with an Irish architect.
Anatoly Medlov: Complete Reign (2011) Published by RiverHouse Publishing. The third book of the Medlov Crime Family Series.
The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Volume 3 (2011) Published by RiverHouse Publishing.
Finding Opa! (2011) Published by RiverHouse Publishing. Second book in The Lonely Heart Series. Novellette about a reclusive black female author and a Greek OBG/YN.
The Grunt (2011) Published by RiverHouse Publishing. Third book in The Lonely Heart Series. Full-length novel about a widowed Marine and a free-spirited librarian who also happens to be the colonel's daughter.
AWD: The Medlov Crime Family Series seems to have been a favorite with IR readers, including yours truly! I'm sure many readers are eager to see what's in store with their favorite characters. Can you give us a few tidbits on what's in store for the series and characters?LSN: Saving Anya, the last book in the Medlov Crime Family Series will be released for Christmas. It's going to be a great story about the abduction of Anya, Dmitry's daugther, the return of Dmitry to to the Medlov Crime Family as the head and we'll see Gabriel take his place in the family. We'll also learn more about Royal's mother and Renee and Anatoly will have their first child. Plus, there is going to be so much more. Trust me. You'll enjoy it.
The Chronicles will release another few books, including Volume 4, which will be out in August. These books give detail about Dmitry's rise to Czar and Ivan's fall to death. But there is so much in between. Each story will be small. The largest of the series was Volume 3, because it required more background. However, the rest will be about the same size as Volume 2.
AWD: I love the diversity of heroes and heroines in the Lonely Hearts series. Do you have any plans on what your readers can look forward to within the series?
LSN: We continue the diversity through the end of the year. There are several stories I am working on now that I plan to release every other month until 2012. I don't want to give too much away, because I have to decide which ones to release first, however, I promise that each one has its own flavor. I hope that you all enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
Latrivia S. Nelson's Official Website
http://www.latrivianelson.info
Latrivia S. Nelson's Unofficial Website
http://www.larivianelson.com
RiverHouse Publishing, LLC
http://www.riverhousepublishingllc.com
Blog
http://www.latrivianelson.wordpress.com
http://www.anatolymedlov.wordpress.com
http://www.dmitryscloset.wordpress.com
Second Official Facebook Page (First one is maxed out):
http://www.facebook.com/people/Author-Latrivia-Nelson/100001389536666
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/Latrivia
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/Latrivia2009
August 7, 2011
New at AWD!
After a long hiatus, we got some goodies coming up here at AWD. I'm jazzed to spotlight one of my fave authors Latrivia Nelson who will be stopping by to share some of her writing insight and upcoming works. So if you're a fan or looking for a new author's work to check out, drop by to check out Latrivia's work!
My newsletter should be going out this week. I have big news to share that I can finally confirm and post so keep an eye out for that.
For all you Steampunk fans, I'll be hosting the upcoming episode of Broad Pod Fabulare's Steampunk Episode featuring authors Jody Lynn Nye, Kathryn Hinds, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Pauline Baird Jones, and Emilie Bush.
Also, keep a keen eye on this blog for a new short story coming out followed by the continuation of a certain series that's very close to be released for the public.
Lots of goodies coming up starting this week so stay tuned!
I'm also signing up for the Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest. All you Trekkies, Trekkers, and Treksters out there come on down and join us to share your fave Trek memories, movies and characters on August 22nd!
My newsletter should be going out this week. I have big news to share that I can finally confirm and post so keep an eye out for that.
For all you Steampunk fans, I'll be hosting the upcoming episode of Broad Pod Fabulare's Steampunk Episode featuring authors Jody Lynn Nye, Kathryn Hinds, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Pauline Baird Jones, and Emilie Bush.
Also, keep a keen eye on this blog for a new short story coming out followed by the continuation of a certain series that's very close to be released for the public.
Lots of goodies coming up starting this week so stay tuned!
I'm also signing up for the Star Trek As We Know It Blogfest. All you Trekkies, Trekkers, and Treksters out there come on down and join us to share your fave Trek memories, movies and characters on August 22nd!
July 18, 2011
Where to Find Rae!
Popping my head out to give a howdy hello to all out there in blog land! I have a few appearances this month including a fair well posting at one of my stomping grounds.
First, check out my Featured Author Spotlight at ARe from the past holiday weekend: http://www.arecafe.com/behind-the-books/meet-rae-lori/
Also check out my last posting at Pop Culture Divas where I chat about my fave writing locations. Some of my readers may recognize many of these locations over the course of my work!
http://www.thepopculturedivas.com/2011/07/writing-vacations-at-home.html
More updates will follow as I finish up tackling some upcoming projects!
First, check out my Featured Author Spotlight at ARe from the past holiday weekend: http://www.arecafe.com/behind-the-books/meet-rae-lori/
Also check out my last posting at Pop Culture Divas where I chat about my fave writing locations. Some of my readers may recognize many of these locations over the course of my work!
http://www.thepopculturedivas.com/2011/07/writing-vacations-at-home.html
More updates will follow as I finish up tackling some upcoming projects!
June 14, 2011
Surprise Excerpt ~ Inheritance of Ashes - Coming this Fall
Here's a blog surprise for my readers hanging about! A pretty sizable excerpt of Inheritance of Ashes book 3 in the Ashen Twilight trilogy which will round out the series with a conclusion. 'Inheritance' is still set for an October release and is currently one of my big projects I'm working on finishing in the next few months before prepping for release.
For those who voted to see excerpts before the release, here is a lil treat for ya! I won't say where these scenes take place but here is a snippet of what's to come. ;-)
(Keep in mind this text is a bit unedited but still cleaned up for reading purposes. Text may be different in the final release version).
Enjoy!
Jace awakened with a loud gasp as he struggled to sit upright. He breathed in huge gulps of air as if it were the last to ever grace his presence. His bare chest heaved up and down as he took a moment to gather himself. If he were human, his body would be covered in sweat. Cold and clammy with echoes from the nightmare. His sleep cycle was completely thrown off. He was dead until the night came. Unknown to the world. But after his ordeal in the prison, he had somehow awakened before his conscious returned him to the land of the living.
Jace took a few more deep breaths. Feeling a presence next to him, he turned to his lower right see Ariya fast asleep on his bed. She lay on her stomach, her wings splayed against her back and fluttering softly every few moments. Her dark curls fell across her face and her arm lay outstretched as if she were holding his hand or resting her arm on his chest at one point during their slumber. He peered down at his own hand, already missing her touch. Ariya.
Then he realized the Claddagh ring on his finger. Looking over at Ariya, he saw the ring he had given to her on her ring finger of her left hand. He had told her once it was his mother's gift to him to give to whom he loved. Like the woman who had waited for her mate to return whom to her after so many years.
Would she wait for him in the same way?
He had slept the last few hours but it felt like months. From the nightmare that haunted him, it was still in his subconscious. Ariya hadn't known what went on down there, despite him telling her. How could she know what he went through? Humans who tried to make him destroy his own house members. Ones who had looked up to him for guidance and protection like they did his Uncle Julian. A human who tried to make him feel less than a man. Less than the noble he was.
Jace shook his head. He wanted to forget it all and pretend it never happened. But somehow the more he knew he tried to suppress it, the more it would haunt him. All he wanted was peace…
With these words in his mind, he leaned down to Ariya and gently breathed in her scent. She smelled like a warm, inviting garden of fresh flowers after a cool rain. Her cinnamon brown curls were soft to the touch, as if they were made of silk. He allowed his face to graze hers, pale cold against dark brown warmth. His lips gently touched her soft skin across her cheek, eyes, nose and finally her mouth. A soft moan escaped her lips and she stirred. Jace felt his body grow rigid as if it were shutting down. He wanted to indulge in her, go into her arms and let her tell him everything would be fine because they would be together. She stirred again and he could tell she was on the verge of waking up. Something deep inside him wouldn't let him stay. He needed to get out of this room.
Jace tossed off the sheets of his bed and stood. Already he could feel the biting tinge of hunger clenching his stomach. He would need to eat soon. First, he needed to get some air. He quickly slid into his jeans, taking quick peeks in between movements to see Ariya had fully awaken. When she settled after a quiet stir, he continued pulling up his pants then he buttoned and zipped them. They would have some down time for now but soon they would have to move on. After Julian's reveal on the nightly news last night, who knows if any of the mortals knew where they were. And if they did, who knows what they will do to protect their livelihood. That situation was next on his agenda to take care of.
First, he needed to tend to a more important matter. Jace turned and reached for the vial on the dresser and then realized he had left the ring there. Looking back at Ariya, he realized it was her who placed it on his finger. A small smile covered his lips. She had stayed with him just like she promised. If she had left him for good…
No.
He couldn't think of that now. It was the only comfort he had to keep him going. The thought of Ariya being there for him, caring for him was what kept him alive in the first place. And now he knew she had actually come for him and the others. Nearly risking her life to save theirs in the process from that infernal prison.
Now he was going to turn this around in his favor.
Pocketing the vial, Jace went to Ariya and gently placed a kiss on her cheek before exiting the small condo to the outside walkway.
Outside the sun had already descended behind the horizon, leaving a soft warm yellow glow across the bed of ocean behind them. Jace would normally still be dead by now, waiting for dark of night when he could finally sleep. He wondered if there would ever come a time when he would sleep like that again. Or would he be cursed to sleep so irregularly with haunting dreams…
He leaned on the railing and breathed in the salty, clear evening air. It was cool that evening and a few of the members of the houses were wandering outside in the large parking lot that connected the three large condominiums. He didn't know what was next. Daoine was still gone, left to who knows where, and his Uncle was busy trying to form some kind of alliance with the mortals. Rich was probably off caring for his new family with Joanna and Gael had been preparing to take Keiko as his mate. Probably now more than ever since he'd be taking the patriarch mantle in Daoine's absence. Rich would be moving in as Patriarch and Jace would have to take his Uncle's side in whatever matters would come in the next few days. In a way he welcomed it. It was an easier task to tackle than handling his situation with Ariya.
Just as he thought about her, Jace turned to see two figures catch his eye a few feet down the walkway.
Cidra stood with Vex towering behind her. His arms stretched out on either side of her so that she was nestled in his embrace while he gripped the railing. They were both smiling. Cidra had usually kept to herself whenever Jace saw her. She always had a 'business-as-usual' façade and kept to Ariya's side whenever she crossed into the mortal realm. Now she was smiling…and looking awfully close to Vex who looked more relaxed than Jace had ever seen him. When did this happen?
Despite their warmth and the way they gazed at each other, Jace found himself envying their comfort with each other. Perhaps it was karmic retribution on his part. After all, he had practically stolen Shelly, a fellow Nightwalker, right from under Vex shortly before her death at the hands of the elemental that was haunting Ariya. It seemed so long ago. Like decades.
Jace refused to believe he had suffered at the hands of the mortals for his betrayal. The houses had gotten too comfortable over the years and Drago had them all fooled while he hid behind the Rens to plot his takeover. Who'd have known that Daoine would fall right behind him?
With a sigh, Jace leaned forward and pulled his gaze away from Cidra and Vex. He had to stop feeling sorry for himself. If he sat around here waiting like an eager puppy for his master to come home, he'd lose his mind. There had to be something he could do to keep it occupied.
"Looks like you lost the love of your life," a voice said next to him.
Jace turned to see Angel leaning on the railing while she cocked her head to the side and peered up at him.
He shrugged. "Does it?"
"Remember what they say. If you keep your face like that, it'll stay that way. And that would be a shame."
"I kind of want to be alone right now, Angel. If you don't mind."
She grinned. "See now judging from that look on your face, I can tell that's exactly what you don't need. Come on. I'll fix you a drink. Bring Ariya with you so she can put you in a better mood."
Jace sensed the moment she started toward the opposite end of the walkway, then stopped. It was then he remembered the vial and its contents. Angel was well versed in chemicals used to dispose of bodies they had fed on. She was leader of the Necro Cerberus, translated to Gatekeeper of the Dead. And if it was anyone who would know how to manipulate molecules, it would be her.
"On second thought," Jace said standing upright. "I think I will take that drink after all. Ariya is resting for now. I'd prefer she not be around for the moment. Angel, I'm going to need you to help me with something."
For those who voted to see excerpts before the release, here is a lil treat for ya! I won't say where these scenes take place but here is a snippet of what's to come. ;-)
(Keep in mind this text is a bit unedited but still cleaned up for reading purposes. Text may be different in the final release version).
Enjoy!
Jace awakened with a loud gasp as he struggled to sit upright. He breathed in huge gulps of air as if it were the last to ever grace his presence. His bare chest heaved up and down as he took a moment to gather himself. If he were human, his body would be covered in sweat. Cold and clammy with echoes from the nightmare. His sleep cycle was completely thrown off. He was dead until the night came. Unknown to the world. But after his ordeal in the prison, he had somehow awakened before his conscious returned him to the land of the living.
Jace took a few more deep breaths. Feeling a presence next to him, he turned to his lower right see Ariya fast asleep on his bed. She lay on her stomach, her wings splayed against her back and fluttering softly every few moments. Her dark curls fell across her face and her arm lay outstretched as if she were holding his hand or resting her arm on his chest at one point during their slumber. He peered down at his own hand, already missing her touch. Ariya.
Then he realized the Claddagh ring on his finger. Looking over at Ariya, he saw the ring he had given to her on her ring finger of her left hand. He had told her once it was his mother's gift to him to give to whom he loved. Like the woman who had waited for her mate to return whom to her after so many years.
Would she wait for him in the same way?
He had slept the last few hours but it felt like months. From the nightmare that haunted him, it was still in his subconscious. Ariya hadn't known what went on down there, despite him telling her. How could she know what he went through? Humans who tried to make him destroy his own house members. Ones who had looked up to him for guidance and protection like they did his Uncle Julian. A human who tried to make him feel less than a man. Less than the noble he was.
Jace shook his head. He wanted to forget it all and pretend it never happened. But somehow the more he knew he tried to suppress it, the more it would haunt him. All he wanted was peace…
With these words in his mind, he leaned down to Ariya and gently breathed in her scent. She smelled like a warm, inviting garden of fresh flowers after a cool rain. Her cinnamon brown curls were soft to the touch, as if they were made of silk. He allowed his face to graze hers, pale cold against dark brown warmth. His lips gently touched her soft skin across her cheek, eyes, nose and finally her mouth. A soft moan escaped her lips and she stirred. Jace felt his body grow rigid as if it were shutting down. He wanted to indulge in her, go into her arms and let her tell him everything would be fine because they would be together. She stirred again and he could tell she was on the verge of waking up. Something deep inside him wouldn't let him stay. He needed to get out of this room.
Jace tossed off the sheets of his bed and stood. Already he could feel the biting tinge of hunger clenching his stomach. He would need to eat soon. First, he needed to get some air. He quickly slid into his jeans, taking quick peeks in between movements to see Ariya had fully awaken. When she settled after a quiet stir, he continued pulling up his pants then he buttoned and zipped them. They would have some down time for now but soon they would have to move on. After Julian's reveal on the nightly news last night, who knows if any of the mortals knew where they were. And if they did, who knows what they will do to protect their livelihood. That situation was next on his agenda to take care of.
First, he needed to tend to a more important matter. Jace turned and reached for the vial on the dresser and then realized he had left the ring there. Looking back at Ariya, he realized it was her who placed it on his finger. A small smile covered his lips. She had stayed with him just like she promised. If she had left him for good…
No.
He couldn't think of that now. It was the only comfort he had to keep him going. The thought of Ariya being there for him, caring for him was what kept him alive in the first place. And now he knew she had actually come for him and the others. Nearly risking her life to save theirs in the process from that infernal prison.
Now he was going to turn this around in his favor.
Pocketing the vial, Jace went to Ariya and gently placed a kiss on her cheek before exiting the small condo to the outside walkway.
Outside the sun had already descended behind the horizon, leaving a soft warm yellow glow across the bed of ocean behind them. Jace would normally still be dead by now, waiting for dark of night when he could finally sleep. He wondered if there would ever come a time when he would sleep like that again. Or would he be cursed to sleep so irregularly with haunting dreams…
He leaned on the railing and breathed in the salty, clear evening air. It was cool that evening and a few of the members of the houses were wandering outside in the large parking lot that connected the three large condominiums. He didn't know what was next. Daoine was still gone, left to who knows where, and his Uncle was busy trying to form some kind of alliance with the mortals. Rich was probably off caring for his new family with Joanna and Gael had been preparing to take Keiko as his mate. Probably now more than ever since he'd be taking the patriarch mantle in Daoine's absence. Rich would be moving in as Patriarch and Jace would have to take his Uncle's side in whatever matters would come in the next few days. In a way he welcomed it. It was an easier task to tackle than handling his situation with Ariya.
Just as he thought about her, Jace turned to see two figures catch his eye a few feet down the walkway.
Cidra stood with Vex towering behind her. His arms stretched out on either side of her so that she was nestled in his embrace while he gripped the railing. They were both smiling. Cidra had usually kept to herself whenever Jace saw her. She always had a 'business-as-usual' façade and kept to Ariya's side whenever she crossed into the mortal realm. Now she was smiling…and looking awfully close to Vex who looked more relaxed than Jace had ever seen him. When did this happen?
Despite their warmth and the way they gazed at each other, Jace found himself envying their comfort with each other. Perhaps it was karmic retribution on his part. After all, he had practically stolen Shelly, a fellow Nightwalker, right from under Vex shortly before her death at the hands of the elemental that was haunting Ariya. It seemed so long ago. Like decades.
Jace refused to believe he had suffered at the hands of the mortals for his betrayal. The houses had gotten too comfortable over the years and Drago had them all fooled while he hid behind the Rens to plot his takeover. Who'd have known that Daoine would fall right behind him?
With a sigh, Jace leaned forward and pulled his gaze away from Cidra and Vex. He had to stop feeling sorry for himself. If he sat around here waiting like an eager puppy for his master to come home, he'd lose his mind. There had to be something he could do to keep it occupied.
"Looks like you lost the love of your life," a voice said next to him.
Jace turned to see Angel leaning on the railing while she cocked her head to the side and peered up at him.
He shrugged. "Does it?"
"Remember what they say. If you keep your face like that, it'll stay that way. And that would be a shame."
"I kind of want to be alone right now, Angel. If you don't mind."
She grinned. "See now judging from that look on your face, I can tell that's exactly what you don't need. Come on. I'll fix you a drink. Bring Ariya with you so she can put you in a better mood."
Jace sensed the moment she started toward the opposite end of the walkway, then stopped. It was then he remembered the vial and its contents. Angel was well versed in chemicals used to dispose of bodies they had fed on. She was leader of the Necro Cerberus, translated to Gatekeeper of the Dead. And if it was anyone who would know how to manipulate molecules, it would be her.
"On second thought," Jace said standing upright. "I think I will take that drink after all. Ariya is resting for now. I'd prefer she not be around for the moment. Angel, I'm going to need you to help me with something."
