Shannan Albright's Blog, page 16

Pick Me Up Monday - 5 Day's to Hot Mojave Knights!

Happy Monday!Sorry this is getting out so late today. So many last minute preparations are happening at this time I forgot I didn't post my blog today. Bad me, I know.So, it's obvious what has been eating up all my time for the past few weeks. Writing has been  catch as catch can due to all the last minute details which come with putting on a reader event of this caliber.This may be our maiden year, but we pulled out all the stops to make it as great an experience as we could. What does it take to put on an event like this? Well Night Owl Reviews is doing an article for their website on this topic. I am very excited they picked my event to interview. Even more excited to have Lizzie T. Leaf, my dear friend, as the one to interview my committee and I.So what the heck is up after the 20th? I will be doing my best to catch my second wind so I can plunge into writing. I have serious time to make up and plan on making my goal for the end of the year. There will be two more books coming your way. Soul Fire, the novella which kicks off my historical paranormal series and the fourth installment of the Dark Breed Enforcers book, Dark Desire. Zeke's book is a major game changer as things get down and dirty and the repercussions to the dark breeds get much more serious.Well, best be getting back to my to do lists. We will chat again! 

Pick Me Up Monday - Countdown to Hot Mojave Knights

 I do so love this pic. I love history and swords. A hunky man with a sword and I'm drooling! I've accomplished a lot this week, and feeling very positive I'll have everything checked off my to-do list by next week. I've done all the favors for all attendees, scribes, featured authors and sponsors. All posters for featured authors are completed and look awesome!Costume sewn and working on completing four more tabards for the Knights. Music is set and ready for the masquerade ball and dinner, baskets done and just waiting for the release date on my anthology. Yeah, I've been crazy busy and love every moment of it, even as it stresses the hell out of me. All my swag is now finished for the swag bags. I'm currently ready to start printing out the program and registration packets for all who are coming...I know it's impossible to catch every single thing when putting on an event like this, and I also know there will be something, which will go wrong, but overall, with the help of my awesome committee. We are going to have a kick ass event!With things heating up there hasn't been much writing as I normally do, but I can make up for that once the event is finished and things slow down. As it is right now, I'm lucky not to have lost my mind at this point. So now I'm signing off since more work is waiting... Have a wonderful week!

Merry Christmas from Crescent Moon Lodge - Coming this Month!

   Coming this month a Christmas anthology which has it all. Hot and steamy to sensual these are stories to please anyone.It may be three months before Christmas, but anytime is great to bring holiday cheer. Here is a little teaser of my story A Howling Yuletide. Blurb: 
Fleur Delecourt knew her Christmas holiday was doomed from the start. Not only did she hate the cold and snow, but also she found herself saddled with a ski instructor, courtesy of a friend’s twisted sense of humor. Werewolf Rory Furr left Scotland to find a life and pack of his own. What he was not prepared for was finding his mate in the form of a petite redhead who tests both his self-control and patience.  Excerpt:



“You have got to be freaking kidding me,” Fleur snapped with exasperation, her breaths coming in small puffs to surround her head like a halo.
The morning deteriorated as soon as she opened her eyes. The digital clock showing her in blue glowing numbers she overslept. With a foul curse, she ran into the bathroom, brushed her teeth and hair. No time for makeup, she pulled on a pair of jeans and a light blue  sweater, thick socks and her brand new  cowboy boots, taking a moment to enjoy the snug comfortable fit. Jamming a wool cap on her head, she pulled out her bright green-and-pink parka.
 There would be no coffee for her this morning. Bemoaning the fact, she broke into a sprint. Her boots sank into the thick fresh snow. Picking up speed, she flew past the lodge at a dead run, nearing the lift area where she was to meet her instructor.
To her horror, she felt herself go airborne as the slick soles of her boots met with a patch of ice. Gravity took hold as she went down hard on her back. Her head hit the ground with a heavy thwump. Her vision dimmed as stars burst through her vision, and the air left her lungs with a very unlady like grunt. Struggling for air as the world spun around her prone body, she realized she should have heeded the warning, listening to her instinct and stayed the hell in bed with the covers over her head.
“Are ye all right, lass?”
She looked up and saw him. Lily’s brief description of him didn’t do him justice. He was way beyond hot and into Celtic god territory. Her coffee-deprived brain made words impossible as she took in his stunning looks.
“That was a verra nasty fall ye took. Did you break anything?”
She opened her mouth, but no words would come so she pressed her lips tightly together. Mutely she shook her head mortified to feel her face flame hot. Damn, she didn’t blush, could this be more humiliating? Desperately, she wished for the ground to swallow her whole, but of course nothing like that happened. Instead, the cold seeped into her bones making her shiver.
Yeah, Lily, embrace the fun of the season, enjoy the snow. Well, not in this freaking lifetime.
She struggled to get to her feet and felt the man’s large hands gently grip her arms to steady her. 
The man towered over her petite frame, his broad shoulders stretched over his red ski jacket. Long muscular legs were encased in heavy jeans. Glossy dark hair was pulled away from sculpted features of flawless masculinity. Dark brows enhanced his light blue eyes. A straight romanesque nose gave him an aristocratic air, and good lord… those full sensual lips were enough to make her want to press them against her own just to see if they tasted as good as they looked.
“Ach, ye seem fine to me. You need proper shoe's, lass. Those willna do.”
His thick Scottish brogue rolled over her in a warm erotic wave. His voice, deep and husky, nearly made her pant.
No one could be so deliciously perfect. He must have some flaw. Maybe he was a serial killer, or a criminal on the run from Interpol for a jewel heist gone wrong.
“Are ye fine, lass?”
The sharp spike of concern in his voice shook her out of her imaginings. “Um, y-yes just a bit cold. What’s wrong with my boots?” She changed the subject quickly.
“The bottoms are smooth. Nary a groove tae be found. Ye need tae grip the ground. Verra dangerous, as you just found out.”
“Well, I guess we will have to cancel then since I don’t have anything but these and my sneakers with me.” She felt a pang of regret at the thought of not seeing him again.
Oh, this was bad on too many levels, besides, she reminded herself how much she hated snow and cold. She just needed to keep that thought firmly in her mind.
“No worries, ye will be in ski boots soon. Yer friend Lily told me tae go slowly with you. Said you are no’ too fond of the cold?”
“Uh-huh.” She blinked up at him.
Damn, he could recite the alphabet and she would be a happy woman. Those dark brows slid downward forming a crease between his eyes. It only made him even sexier, if such a thing could be possible. The urge to smooth the frown made her clench her hands into fists at her sides. Great, she was acting like a teenager with her first crush. How pathetic could she get?  I hope you enjoyed this little snippet look for the release party full of prizes to win coming soon.  

Pick Me Up Monday - New Release coming in October

Happy Monday! Now here is some inspiration to go work out. If only the men looked like him in my gym, I may have not let my membership lapse lol!  Well, things are getting down the wire with Hot Mojave Knights only three weeks away and still a million things to do. On top of writing whenever I can, sewing my costume - I can't do anything the easy way- and working a day job. I need more time during the day to get things done.   What I have completed it my short story a Howling Yuletide for the anthology Christmas at Crescent Moon Lodge. It will release here in October, and it's my first collaboration with these authors. It's also my first venture into the self-publishing arena, but not my last.  Soul Fire will also be released as a self-published  work and should be ready for release by November. Dark Desire is also looking to be submitted to my publisher Evernight, and release is yet to be determined.  Well, Time to get back to work, have a great week, and we will talk again. 

Pick Me Up Monday - Bahama Memories and Christmas Anthology

I thought I would do something a bit different and share my vacation photos. So no hot guy this time...but one heck of a hot elephant huh?  Here is Miami as we were going to port. It's a colorful and crowded city with incredible architecture, a perfect blend of new and old.   
 
 
Here is our ship The Norwegian Sky which is one of their smallest (only 2,000 passenger occupancy.) It still took me a lot of time to figure out where the heck I was and often would get all mixed up.
Our first port of call was Grand Bahamas' Freeport      Our balcony cabin was very nice, even if a bit tight. I didn't get a chance at Nassau to get a ride on the horse and buggy...maybe next time.   


 Nassau is also where Atlantis resort is. It's an impressive resort with a water park, massive aquariums for all kinds of sea life and this is where I swam with the dolphins...Zeus to be accurate.

Norwegian Cruise lines has
their own island called
Stirrup Cay. As you can see
it was an absolutely beautiful island.




 Now that I'm through with my show and tell it's back full swing into writing and prepping for Hot Mojave Knights! It only four weeks away and the committee and I have a special surprise, We are releasing a Christmas Anthology slated for release October 1st. titled  Christmas at Crescent Moon Lodge. I will be sharing the blurb and a snippet with you later this week. Well back work, I have books to finish, costumes to sew and a reader event to put on...sleep? What the heck is that?


Meet Zeke and Friday Snippet

Meet my inspiration for Zeke in Dark Desire, Jeff Tsoutsos. You can find him on Facebook and Hunk du Jour. The man is incredible right? Zeke is not only a dark breed enforcer who comes from Atlantis, he is also the heir to the Atlantean throne. Not something he is too happy about, seems he feels his time would be better spent protecting all of earths citizens and not just worry about his people.The man is fast and deadly with his weapons of choice, two sai's he keeps very close at all times. Zeke his handy to have around since he can "port" in and out of a location before you even know he's there.  Dark shades keep his eyes hidden, refusing to take them off in front of anyone. Even his closest friends Tegan and Marcus have no clue what lies beneath his ray bans.  As promised here is a snippet from Dark Desire  Zeke bit out a vicious curse as he tore hell through the alley, his boots pounding the pavement with in a quick thumping tempo. He burst out onto the street, taking a sharp right, startled to find a homeless man pushing a grocery cart full of his belongings right in his path. The old man cried attempting to move out of the way abandoning his belongings in a frantic effort to avoid the collision. Gathering his strength, muscles bunching he leapt. His long legs carrying him clear of the cart. The heavy thud of his boots on the concrete, drowned out by the old man shouts. Zeke ignored it, bolting forward, his arms pumping to give him greater speed. His eyes riveted ahead at the dark haired lycan sprinting ahead of him. God damn Pure Bloods. He didn’t have time for this shit. He thought he kept upwind of Lucien’s sensitive nose. As he chased after Temple Fox’s top dog…or wolf, he cursed the March winds notorious in the Las Vegas valley. Shifting direction with a sudden microburst of air Lucien stiffened, raising his head to sniff the air and just that quick he’d been made. The quick and easy grab and dash for Oman’s Seal dying a quick death as the asshole took off leading him a merry chase through old town Las Vegas. So far the crowds have been sparse, but he knew his luck wouldn’t last. When it came to this particular lycan it never did. “Where the hell are you Zeke?” His fellow Enforcer demanded in his ear bud. “I’m kind of busy Christophe.” He snapped, watching Lucien duck into another alley between Main Street and Charleston, getting closer to more populated areas. Damn, looked like porting in front of this bastard would be a no go, the risk of materializing in the same spot as another too dicey. Messy shit, plus a one way ticket to the afterlife, for him and the sorry SOB. Christophe’s voice crackled in his ear, the edge of irritation clear. “What the fuck, Zeke? How did he get a bead on you?” Zeke’s gritted his teeth in frustration. “I’m busy here, so if you don’t mind just stow the ass chewing.” He ripped the bud out of his ear with snarl and poured on more speed, hitting another alley just in time to see Lucien leap over the retaining wall and disappear from view. Oh, hell no. The big bastard wouldn’t get away from him that easily. Pumping his arms and legs even harder he ran toward the wall. Leaping high he pushed off the side wall, hands gripping the top bricks of the wall, his momentum carrying him over in a back flip worthy of any gymnast. His feet touched ground with a solid thud, knees flexed he surged forward in a dead run. Lucien’s dark head bobbed up ahead, ducking into alleys and side streets in an effort to lose him. Zeke dug in with single minded determination as he kept on his tail. Weaving through the throng of the Strip crowded with people. The irritating sound of cards snapping on his right broke through his concentration; a hand flashing a picture of a bare breasted blonde was shoved at him. With a snarl, he shoved the man back, not staying to watch the man lose his balance, cards flying into the air as he went down hard on his ass.       He gained on Lucien reaching out a hand he could almost touch him. He heart pumped, breath coming in ragged gasps as his lungs threatened to seize from the effort. So close, almost there… Hope you enjoyed and look for the release of Dark Desire coming soon.  

Exotic Bahamas and a Fractured Ankle!

Hope everyone had a wonderful week. I'm a bit late but with a fractured ankle I had to wait until I could get to my computer. Klutz is my middle name when it came to getting out to the car in time to catch my plane to Miami, I twisted my ankle...or so I thought. I didn't stop me from having an awesome time on my cruise to the Bahamas' where I swam with dolphins, kayaked and snorkeled in the beautiful aqua seas. I had the time of my life! It was only after we returned home, and the swelling and pain seemed to get worse that I found out that I fractured my ankle along with sprained it and messed up my ligaments on top of it. Figures huh? Oh well, it's worth wearing an air boot for three months, and I wouldn't have changed a damn thing.  As far as writing? Um...I blame it on the beautiful scenery and gorgeous men all over the ship and on land. I didn't write a word all week but oh boy, do I have character inspiration! Now, I'm putting my laptop on the bed so I'll be back at it, with foot up and iced. Have a great week and see you next week!


Pick Me Up Monday - Sun, Surf and Writing!

Happy Monday! While, it's true I'm away for a week, the wonderful thing about writing is you can do it anywhere. Have no fear I'm still hard at work getting Zeke's book out there for you. I'm just doing it with a exotic drink, complete with the little umbrella.With two WIP's due around the same time I needed a week to slow down and get more inspiration.  I'm hoping by next Sunday to have at least one rough draft done, so bring on those frilly drinks and let the cabana boys do whatever cabana boys do...maybe I'll get one to pose for a picture? Have a great week and we will talk next Monday.

Pick Me Up Monday -The Crafty Side of Me

 Happy Labor Day!
I'm running a bit late this Monday. I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday. I've spent mine in a crazy rush to get a bunch of odds and ends finished early for Hot Mojave Knights. Now, with all of those time-consuming  details finished I can concentrate on my writing and get at least Dark Desire out to Evernight this month. Whoot!
 What the heck have I been doing for the past three days? Here is a picture showing the other side of me...the crafty side lol!  The committee badge is on the left and the Knights favors for all Authors of the Court and Sponsors are on the right. Just to give you an idea. Every one of the authors has their latest book on the scroll. The sponsors have their trademark picture on theirs.   I don't get much time to pull out the Sculpey and let that side of my creativity flow. It usually is with my painting, so it gave my muse another area to concentrate on while gathering ideas for story lines to write. A win-win for me.Now, with this finished I am free to put my energy back into writing without having to worry about getting this done. Well, back to writing, since my muse is screaming at me, I'd better listen. Have an awesome week and I'll talk to you next week.

Pick Me Up Monday - Meet the Next Hero

Happy Monday all! Hope you had a wonderful weekend and are gearing up for Labor Day. I had to look at the calendar because I've been so busy lately It didn't register there was a three day weekend coming up.Why, you ask? Me and my three other colleagues at Hot Mojave Knights- A Reader Event, have been up to a little something extra, coming mid-September there is going to be a very special release. I'm not going to give everything away, I thought I would just give you a little teaser to wet you appetite.   Meet Rory. Your sexy bad boy next door. All of us fantasized having someone like him as our neighbor.I'm not getting into much more because I'll be holding a contest for the new release and giving you questions about my characters. If you answer correctly you win and advance copy of the eBook. Sound good? Hope so, keep checking with my blog and watch for the announcement. In other news, I'm busy with several WIP's and getting all the last minute touches done for Hot Mojave Knights. Things are really jumping as we passed the two month mark and narrowing down the last month before the event and let me just say it's been one hell of a ride. Getting this up and running has been a team effort and I couldn't have done it without the help of Johanna Melaragno, R.M. Sotera and Siobhan Muir.  Thank you ladies and let's get it done!As for all of you, my dear friends. I'll catch up with you next Monday. Keep safe and have a wonderful week.