Shannan Albright's Blog, page 7

Author Spotlight - Mister Jmi

Here is a special treat for you all. I haven't been available for a while for an author spotlight, but there are those who shine and you make the time. This author is one you make time for. So grab your coffee and get yourself settled in while we meet Mister Jmi and his latest book release, The Glory.  Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write? Yeah definitely. I put together a couple hours worth of songs into a playlist aptly titled, "The Zone" and those songs just kinda calm me down and clear my mind. That and I also make a cup of homemade hot chocolate.  It's kind of a ritual of going to the same process and listening to the same songs that trigger my brain to know it's time to focus and get to work. The only problem with it is now I can never listen to a particular song without wanting to make hot chocolate. (laughs)  Which authors inspire your writing?There wasn't really an author that inspired me to pick up the pen. I've known I wanted to be a writer since I was 12 years old. So I've been building and sharpening my abilities since then.  What is your favorite book, character and why? You know, I don't ever tell anybody what my favorite book is. It says too much about me. (laughs). Sorry, folks.  Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet? Uhhh...neither. I write sci-fi books populated with multiple alien races and I don't think the world is ready for that just yet.  Which famous person, living or dead,  are you drawn to?I'm sure a lot of people would say William Shakespeare or Leonardo Da Vinci but I'm definitely going to have to say Muhammad Ali. He was amazingly physically and athletically gifted, intelligent, wise and overwhelmingly charismatic. What else do you want in a person? Ali probably was that great of a painter or a writer but he could definitely kick The Bard and Da vinci's ass with ease.   Where do you see yourself in five years?Filthy rich and famous. (laughs) I mean, that's the dream right? Um, besides that I see myself in the same place that I am now, giving everything I have to create a fantastic story that people will love and appreciate for years to come. Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when_______________? I'll know that I've made it when people get into arguments on the internet over my book. That...that is true success, ladies and gentleman. (Laughs) What advice would you give aspiring writers?Believe in and cultivate your own voice. Don't feel the need to write in the style of those that came before you or those you look up to. Develop and champion your own style. What do you see yourself writing in the future?One of the thirty-thousand stories that I have stuck in time. My fingers just can't move fast enough. It's sort of depressing.  If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?Is time travel a super power? Because, I would love to back in time and just watch all the major and minor historical events take place. I wouldn't intervene but sit off in the distance and watch the pyramids be built. If time travel isn't a super power then I choose the ability to fly. Because well....flying.   What time of the day are you at your best to write?Deep in the jaws of the night. The world has stopped ,the distracts are gone, your mind is more active at night and there is nothing to watch on tv. (laughs)  And now for something completely different…  What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile?.....Her...personality? Yup that's what I'm going to go with. (laughs) Her personality. Her nice, round, firm, shapely personality.  Explain your perfect day.I don't believe in the concept of a perfect day. That idea was dead to me when I came to grips with the fact that I'll never be able to ride into battle on the back of a T-Rex in defense of my kingdom.  What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to?Come on now, it's chocolate. I don't even care what form it is in, I want it. I doesn't have to be good chocolate or even real chocolate. As long as it reminds me of chocolate, I'll take two.  Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you?At the risk of sounding narcissistic (which I am) I'm going to say my birthday.  Why? I feel like the day I was born is pretty special date.  What key words describe you best?There is no way to answer this question without sounding like a self-absorbed, pompous, prick so...pass. Describing yourself is kind of like giving yourself your own nickname. It's obviously going to self serving to your ego in someway.  Now here is a bit about his release The Glory. 

 
The Glory
 
The first in a new series, The Glory is a fun, funny and exciting character-driven sci-fi adventure that follows Adam Whitlock, a young, brilliant, fiercely determined boy who gives up everything to join the United States Space Force in hopes of becoming captain of the fabled and prestigious warship, The Glory.
On his rise to the top, Whitlock gains a great friend and ally in Nathaniel Oaks, as well as a bitter rival in Omar Baptist. Despite his extraordinary talent and dedication, Adam Whitlock’s path is riddled with opposition from naysayers and nonbelievers.
            Meanwhile, Admiral Douglas C. Calhoun is tasked with quelling the rising tensions between mankind and the Kelzmisians, a group of alien races, as their long-standing Cold War is about to turn hot.
 
Stargaze. Trail Blaze. THE GLORY
 

Pick Me Up Monday - One Week before Hot Mojave Knights!

Happy Monday!What's better than a beautiful male in your home? Why finding him in your kitchen of course? Especially if he has coffee ready.
Well it's down to the wire and lots of last minute details to tie up before Hot Mojave Knights kicks off it's second year. We have the Knights ready to go and oh wow, are they a great bunch of men. Our authors are in place and swag bags are being prepared to be filled. Our speed date an author has been checked twice before the list goes out to the participating authors and all the last minute details of costumes being finalized for the ball and decorations for the dinner done. 
Whew, just thinking about it makes me tired lol! 
So this week along with all these preparations I hope to finish my short story which is a prequel to another series I will be introducing to you next year.  All in all I'm really looking forward to a slower pace after October where I don't have to divide my time in so many directions. I'm eager to answer my emails and reconnect with my readers some new and some old. 
So on that note, I better get busy! I'll be chatting with you soon and remember...have a wonderful week and reach for your dreams. 

Pick Me Up Monday - Countdown to Hot Mojave Knights and More!

Happy Monday!Here is a powerful pic and a beautiful tattoo on his shoulder and bicep is not too bad either.
Well, at this moment in time Hot Mojave Knights is only three weeks away! So much still to do, but it's all last minute details. A year of planning and I find myself both excited and sad. Such is the way these things go when you work a whole year to bring an event to reality. 
What I love about it is how different each year it will be. The events schedule is created by our featured and spotlight authors. It guarantees that each Hot Mojave Knights will have different events. This makes each year a unique experience. And as this one gears up my committee and I are already planning next years.
In addition to Hot Mojave Knights I was asked by an awesome author Sarafina Donovan to join her in a paranormal anthology. And of course I had to jump at the chance to work with her and a group of other awesome writers. Deadline is October 1st for 15k to 18k word story so I am spending some of my spare time on this. Then around the middle of October I am free again to finish Firestorm and prepare for release days. 
Release days is my favorite part of writing. After having no feedback at all you get to put your baby out there in the world, then pray your ass off it is well received. We writers must have a twisted skew on life to put ourselves through anxiety hell like that, but the reward is so worth it. The connection with a reader who really gets your work is an amazing high. Yeah, and THAT's why we do it folks. For those readers who follow, encourage and keep with you no matter what.  It's a wonderful connection that I hold close to my heart and am thankful for everyday.
And that is why I put myself through all the craziness. For without the readers why do it?
Well back to the writing and preparations for my dream event Hot Mojave Knights. In case you don't know, this is our second year and has been something I dreamed about having in Las Vegas for many years. It begins September 25 to 28 at Sunset Station in Henderson Nevada. If you are in the area come on by the free book signing and say hi. 

Pick Me Up Monday - ARC full of Awesomeness

Hey Myra Nour, this is my absent pirate mate extraordinaire who missed the party in NOLA. Ha!
Well I'm back and getting back into the swing of things. I fell head over heels in love with the French Quarter of New Orleans...I know, what's not to like right? 
The first year of Author Reader Con was a good solid convention with a very bright future. Vickie Dold, a consummate professional in every sense of the word, gave us insightful panels, an awesome carriage ride through the French Quarter and there were also ghost tours for the brave at heart.
I felt like family as Vickie and the other authors and readers welcomed me. Some, old friends I'm met before and some new. All of them touched me with their support and open caring. I have memories to last me until next year when I can come "home" once again to a place called ARC NOLA. 

Pick Me Up Monday - NOLA Bound

Happy Monday!Here is a bit of eye candy to perk you up for the week ahead. 
As I write this I am also doing laundry, sorting the clothes for my trip to pack, and oh, yeah...writing lol! Such is the glamorous life of a writer. We are an odd sort of breed, living most of our lives in our heads than in the real world, but if you ask any writer they will tell you that's exactly how they like it. We all use conventions as a time to let loose and get out of our heads long enough to see the world and catch up with old friends. And of course...party!!!Not hard to do when you go to New Orleans. It is a mecca for writers, lending an air of mystery and romance, with a touch of danger. The old southern charm still lives in the heart of the city, a city where my family originated. One in which I will see for the first time. I'm already in love with the thought of it.My itinerary is full the to brim with panels, carriage rides, the bar crawl on Bourbon Street, book signings and so much more! But this visit will be extra special since I will have a cousin with me to explore the wondrous sites of this charming city. I will try to take lots of pictures, but hey I'm not that great at remembering things like that when I'm struck by sudden inspiration. I think my muse must forget we are in the twenty-first century lol!So my good friends I leave you with positive energy and wishes you have a wonderful week ahead. I will check in next week with lots to share. Beignets anyone? 

Pick Me Up Monday - Writing and prep for ARC NOLA

Happy Monday!I'm on a gladiator kick so sorry if you like more clothing on your men. For me, this looks just about right...great inspiration for my muse.
So still busy writing Rogan's book Firestorm while trying to get things ready for Hot Mojave Knights and my trip to NOLA. I swear sometimes I think I purposely make tons of things for me to do just so I'm always having to multi-task.Along with a day job it can get pretty crazy when all I want is to is write! I keep promising my muse soon it will be just the two of us and we can get down to business and finish this book since the ideas are running rampant for the next several projects I have going...including the third dragon shifter book. 
Well back to the juggling I go. Have a wonderful week, I'll talk with you next Monday before I leave for NOLA. Wish me luck since I'm a featured author :) I don't want to fall on my face lol!

Pick Me Up Monday -My Creative Family Tree

HummingBeard
This is a bit of a different post. I've been asked more than once about my creative process, how I come up with the ideas for my books. The inner working of my brain can be a scary thing...it sometimes even scares me!For those who follow my blog have notices in the past few weeks a daily funny I've been sharing. It comes from www.botaday.com the worlds only art humor blog with a decidedly twisted bent. The sole author of this site and the art therein is none other than my Cousin, Mike Martinet.
As I have said in many interviews, I come from a family of artists. What form it takes is as unique as it is inspiring. Though not all, like me have kept to canvas and oils. Denise Barr my mentor who kept me sane and believed in me enough for me to reach for my dream of writing also has taken her vision to become a top notch fashion designer. Here is a few of her designs from a fashion show a few years back. 

Creativity comes in many forms and can be as much a gift as it is a curse. It is something you can't call on at a whim, but sparks wild and untamed it takes complete possession of you not letting go until it is satisfied. The outcome of this divine inspiration is what we try to bring to life in this reality. Some are hits, some misses. We can only interpret our vision's the best way we can in the medium we have chosen. The three of us are the renegades and in many ways the survivors of our eclectic family, moving outside of the box designed for us to make our own paths. Mike, with his incredible art, Denise with her fashion and I the author who uses oil painting to work through my stories.
Mike Martinet and Denise Barr
My cousins inspire, excite the mind and nurture the soul. Without them, the world would be a far poorer place to live in. They keep my dream alive and keep me pushing ever forward. To be better at my craft of storytelling, to give you the spark of my creation at it purest. I look forward to seeing what these two create everyday and now it's time for me to get back to my creation. Keep those in your family who follow a different path close to your heart. Nurture their gifts even if you may not understand what they do, give them your support.You never know what they may turn out to be, but I'm positive it will be wonderful.

Pick Me Up Monday- Why I build sexual tension between characters

Here is a little sizzle for your Monday.
The age old question, when to make love...or not? For this storyteller it is all about the build up. I must admit, I do feel sorry for the poor heroes I write, who struggle through the excruciating hit and misses of getting any relief from the object of their desire.
How soon is too soon? These days it seems to happen around page three. In the ever growing popularity of erotica, instant gratification seems to be the sign of our times. The art of "the tease" is still there, but the books making the big sales are all about getting it on as soon as you get the characters names.
If you are looking at that type of writing then you really don't want to read my books. I go for the build of tension, the clash of wills between characters, drawing it to a fever pitch. By the time they do have sex you will want to do a hell, yeah fist pump in the air.  With Firestorm I find I must focus most on their reactions to one another more than any other book I've written. Since my shape shifting dragons are a sensual race of beings with the need of sex with their mates as soon as possible or they decline into madness. Yet, even with the urgency tugging at me to make the moment happen I hesitate knowing there must be more. I realized I'm all about the dance, the coming in close only to move away building the fires of passion as high as possible. 
When I pick up a romance book there is a specific thing I want within the story. The sexual burn between the two characters ramping up the tension to a point where you can feel it come from the pages in waves is what I crave. It keys me up until finally...finally that passion erupts on the pages nearly burning your fingers as the world around you dissolves and the intimacy you are experiencing becomes in essence yours also. 
Now that is one hell of an attraction.
So Rogan and Sabine have started the dance in Firestorm and though they may get close to that burning flame the pressure will and must continue, if for no other reason than to grab you, the reader by the throat and drag you within their world. How else can you fully appreciate the sensual experience of a dragon for a lover. 

Pick Me Up Monday-Countdown to Hot Mojave Knights

Happy Monday!Love the tough guy look. To me it says, "give me your best shot." 
Things are getting a bit crazy these days since my latest release Dark Desire on July 4th. I am finding time to work on Firestorm, but could use another eight hours in the day to just spend writing. Now, the gears are turning with Hot Mojave Knights. The event page on Facebook is now live and ready for all to use. The schedule of events is filling out and will soon be done. Then it's all the fine tuning needed, the little details no one really sees and the small personal touches to put in place. The special attention to hand made favors for each author and attendee is just one of those details we strive for to make the event memorable.
Seeing this dream grow and evolve is an amazing thing. What I first envisioned in the early stages emerged from it's cocoon totally different than what I imagined. This is a good thing in this instance, since it is the people who attend who give it life and nurture it. Every idea an author, blogger, sponsor or reader has only makes it better.
The excitement for this event fills me with gratitude. This is our second year and word of Hot Mojave Knights is spreading. We are small and will only be as big as those who come want it to be. We, the committee and I stand firm on this. We offer a unique opportunity to have a close one on one with authors who are hard to see in normal conventions. And to become fans of those who normally don't get the chance to showcase their work and build that much needed fan base.
Through it all I will continue to bring those small touches to  this event,which brings authors and readers together for one memorable weekend out of the year. One weekend you will come back to and why? Because this is the event you helped me create.
  

Cover Reveal and Teaser from Dark Desire-Releases July 4th!

As promised here is the new cover for my fourth book in the Dark Breed Enforcer series. Zeke's book promises more of the same fast paced action and electric chemistry as my previous books with plenty of twists for you, my fans.Release date is set for July 4th which gives me more than one reason to celebrate the holiday. Stay tuned for many opportunites to win a copy of Dark Desire. Now here is a teaser for you as promised.   TEASER:    He barked out a harsh laugh, his words laced with venom as his lip curled into a sneer. “There is no such thing as a peaceful Lemurian. You are all killers. It’s in your nature to war and take what you want by force. Leaving nothing but devastation and ruin in your wake.” She really didn’t know what to say to that one. His hate chilled her skin, the air so thick with his animosity she could barely pull in enough air into her lungs. The room closed in on her making her head swim. She needed to get away from this madman who just told her he had every intention of killing her. “I’m just a damned stripper.” Her voice shook with fear and desperation. “Please let me go. I won’t call the cops. Just let me go … please.” The words didn’t come easy to her, nor did the fear she felt coursing through her like icy sludge threatening to immobilize her. “Save it.” He bit out, his face as hard and implacable as stone. “You just don’t get it, do you? Nothing you say will make a damn bit of difference. Your ass is mine, and I alone will decide how long you live and how much pain you exist in. Face it. You’re screwed, so save your breath.” His movements blurred as he once again closed the space between them and gripped her arm, tugging her through the living room and down a hallway, and past several closed doors along the way. He opened the last one on the right, shoving her into bedroom. Nothing but a bed, white walls and old battered dresser adorned the room. An old brass pot stood near a wall, but it was the chains attached to thick metal manacles bolted to the wall that made her heart stutter within her chest. Her throat dried up as terror on a level she never knew existed took hold of her with unrelenting force. A scream bubbled out of her throat as he shoved her back against the chains. She fought with every ounce of strength she possessed, kicking and clawing at his unprotected face and throat, but he proved too quick and jerked away from her in time. Her nails only caught air. He snatched one wrist, attaching the cuff, then the other, effectively subduing her arms. Her foot slashed out, but again he maneuvered out of harm’s way by simply stepping back. She struggled to break the manacles, the chains only giving her a few precious inches of freedom. “Let. Me. Go.” She snarled the demand feeling anger rise deep inside, burning away the paralyzing fear from only moments before. “I don’t think so. You can scream all you want. This room is soundproof.” He shook his head and walked to the door. “Wait, what am I supposed to do if I have to go to the bathroom? You can’t just leave me like this.” She spat the words out, the taste of bitterness sharp on her tongue. His gaze moved to the pot near her feet. “I’m sure you will find some creative way to relieve yourself. Not my problem.” She shrieked, hurtling curse words at his retreating back and continuing long after he closed the door after him. Available through Evernight Publishinghttp://www.evernightpublishing.com/pages/Coming-Soon.htmlAmazon Kindle week of July 7th!For pre-sale of Dark Desire leave me a comment with your email address.