Jessica E. Subject's Blog, page 172
August 12, 2012
The Lure of the Masked Man – Guest post by author Jenna Jaxon
The Lure of the Masked Man
People have been enthralled by masks for centuries–all the way back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. There is something alluring about the unknown, and trying to find what’s beneath the mask can lead to all kinds of mayhem.
The first masked men I think I came into contact with were heroes and superheroes: The Lone Ranger, Batman and Robin, Zorro, Spiderman. And of course super villains like Darth Vader. These iconic figures were protected by their masks, so they could do good deeds (like save the world) without revealing their true identity. They were the good guys (except for Vader). So people are attracted to the masked man, in some respects, because he represents the fight for good over evil.
The masked man also has the allure of the disguise. We’ve all dressed up for Halloween–put on a costume and mask, changed our identity and had fun. Because, again, no one knew who we were. We could act differently, because we didn’t have to be ourselves. It’s a very freeing experience.
In the 18th century, when Only Scandal Will Do is set, one very popular pastime was to attend masquerade balls. Everyone was masked and the game was to keep people from knowing who you were until the unmasking at midnight. It was said that sometimes husbands would arrange a tryst with a woman in disguise and not know until they unmasked that it was his own wife! We are attracted to the masked man because they relieve us of our inhibitions. They represent a fantasy world where they and you can be anyone. Such situations can create quite the advantage for seductions, tête-à-têtes, and assignations of quite a scandalous nature.
But the primary lure of the masked man is our fascination with the unknown. We are drawn to anything that piques our curiosity. To anything strange and mysterious. The man in the mask is a romantic figure who can seduce us because he has the advantage. Since we cannot see his entire face, we cannot read all his subtle non-verbal clues that help explain how he thinks or feels. In Only Scandal Will Do, Katarina wishes she could see her purchaser’s face, because it’s so hard to read with the mask covering it. And even though she’s on guard against him, he still seduces her because she misreads his intentions.
The masked man also sets a challenge –to make him reveal himself. What woman can resist trying to make a man take off his mask (literally or figuratively)? She seeks to make him more open, truthful, vulnerable by cajoling him into removing his mask. The masked man is most alluring, then, because he represents the ultimate test of wills. Are our heroines up to the challenge?
Only Scandal Will Do pits a feisty heroine against a masked man who has bought her in a brothel auction. Here’s an excerpt where Lady Katarina fights him with wit and courage:
“Who are you, sir?”
“Your master, slave.”
Harsh words cloaked in a voice of deep velvet. A shiver of dread raced down Katarina’s body, as much from the words as from his tone. She gathered her courage and replied, “I am nobody’s slave. There has been a dreadful mistake.”
“I think not, my lovely. I paid a small fortune for your ownership this evening. Make no mistake about that.” He continued to stroke her hair and she twisted her head to the side. His mouth below the half mask twitched into an insolent smile. “I am pleased, however, that you possess courage as well as beauty.” His fingers touched her cheek. “The mask hid the slave’s wealth well.”
She jerked away. “You may have paid for a slave, sir, but what you find in this room is a lady in distress. Will you prove a gentleman or a rogue?”
“A lady in distress?” He laughed and straightened. “How did a lady come to find herself on display at an auction, scandalously clad in a transparent Greek costume, in Madame Vestry’s House of Pleasure?”
“House of Pleasure?” she squeaked.
“Where else would such a thing occur?” The man’s amusement seemed to deepen at her indignation. “And there will certainly be pleasure here tonight, slave.”
He ran a hand slowly down her arm, fingers trailing silkily against her bare flesh. Mouth agape at such a liberty, she slapped the hand away and ran for the door. With a long arm, he snared the diaphanous folds of her gown. The material strained against her body. Kat froze lest it rip, exposing her completely. Cursing her own folly for choosing such a costume, she swung around to face her captor.
“Please release me, sir,” she demanded, trying to keep her temper in check. She needed to woo this man to her cause. And though it galled her, she could only do so with soft words, not blows. Perhaps the blows could come later. “I beg you to aid me in my hour of need.” She put every ounce of charm into her smile; she could cajole him, as long as he couldn’t read her mind.
“Ah, but I have needs too, slave.” His hands were in her hair again, as though he could not help himself.
Well aware from his husky tone what needs the man likely had, Kat winced. If only she could see all of his face. It was so difficult to judge the man under that golden mask. She forced herself to relax, though the thought of his hands on her raised gooseflesh everywhere. It was only her hair, after all. No great sin. Perhaps if she softened her demeanor, she could convince him of her plight. She could offer honeyed tones for a little while.
“Will you hear my story of how a lady ended up in this House of Pleasure, sir?” Even to her own ears, her innocent tone sounded false. How would it sound to–
Releasing her hair, the stranger grabbed her hand. “We both know how you will end up, my slave. Come.” He pulled her toward the four-poster and she dug her toes into the rough, worn carpeting. Honey be damned, she had no intention of going anywhere near that bed.
Only Scandal Will Do:Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.
Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her.
Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared.
He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?
WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.
Lyrical Press /Amazon.com / All Romance
Author Bio:
Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary romance who has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own writing.
Jenna lives in Virginia with her family and a small menagerie of pets. When not reading or writing, she indulges her passion for the theatre, working with local theatres as a director. She often feels she is directing her characters on their own private stage.
She has equated her writing to an addiction to chocolate because once she starts she just can’t stop.
Hot Summer Heroes Blog Hop
Thank you to Caris Roane, H.D. Thomson
& Bella Media Management for hosting this blog hop!
What Makes a Hero Hot?
While I do love strong alpha heroes who are more than willing to rescue a lady, I enjoy seeing their vulnerable side as well. A broad chest with pectoral muscles helps, too. 
Giveaway!!
Leave a comment below, telling me what makes a hero hot for your chance to WIN! TWO randomly selected commenters will win their choice of any one of my ebooks (gifted through Amazon.com or All Romance). For extra entries, subscribe to my newsletter, and/or “like” me on Facebook. Let me know in your comment about the extra entries, even if you’ve already subscribed and liked previously.
AND there is a GRAND PRIZE! One lucky person during the tour will receive a $100 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. So be sure to visit all the stops to increase your chance to WIN!
August 11, 2012
Six from my #WIP Alien Adoration #SixSunday
Thank you for coming to read my Six Sentence Sunday post! I’ve taken the past two weeks off, but I’m back to share six sentences from a story I’m working on.
Today I’m sharing six from ALIEN ADORATION
which will be the first book in my ALIEN NEXT DOOR series:
She sucked in a breath, hoping to catch a glimpse of him to use as happy thoughts before going to sleep.
Seeing him walk out to his JJ Construction truck in only his flannel pants provided plenty of sexy mental images, the view from behind just as appealing as from the front. The muscles of her pussy clenched, and she craved the rubber dildo in her nightstand drawer.
Jake reached for the door handle, but turned around before he opened it. He glanced up at something above her house. No, he was staring at her.
And be sure to visit http://www.sixsunday.com/ to find out who’s participating in Six Sentence Sunday this week or follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter.
August 9, 2012
Inevitable: Interview with Romance Author, Kerrianne Coombes
It is a pleasure to welcome Kerrianne Coombes back to my blog. She just released her fourth book last month, Inevitable. So, Kerrianne, tell us about your new release.
KC: My new release is a sweet contemporary erotic Romance, called Inevitable. It is a story about two people who have always known each other. They have shared more, or less their whole lives together having grown up in the same village. They have laughed together, cried together—slept together—often and are basically the perfect match. BUT, neither want the same things from life. It’s a bitter sweet story of being torn between love and aspirations.
Describe the heroine in three words.
KC: Brave, loyal and determined.
What traits does the hero posses that makes the heroine swoon?
KC: Well, he is ruggedly handsome, he is a famer so he has a swoonable physique. But aside from looks, Jake is a loyal, intensely determined man, who would do anything for the people he loves.
Sounds like my kind of hero. What was your inspiration for this story?
KC: A short snippet of an argument popped into my mind one day. I heard the words, ‘So for all these years you have just used me? You have just expected me to be here for you, whenever you want? Well no more!” I heard this in a male voice and the idea for Inevitable was born there—that simple.
Wow, story ideas come from everywhere. Who is your favorite character from this book & can you give us an excerpt?
KC: I love the main characters, but Giles, Jake’s best friend is exciting to me. I am writing his book as we talk! LOL He is a very fun, loving person—a joker. This excerpt from Inevitable might show you x
“Oy, oy! Someone’s getting laid tonight!” Suddenly remembering that she was in a full pub, and that she and Jack were not alone, Sky flicked her eyes to the culprit who shouted those cocky words. Her gaze fell upon Giles. She grinned and flicked him The Bird. Giles cupped his heart and pretended to fall back. His beer sloshed over his hand, and covered his jeans. Giles cursed loudly and swiped the spilled beer away, and Sky laughed.
Just like old times.
How long have you been writing with the hopes of publication?
KC: Um only four years. But I have always written something—I find it cathartic.
Me, too. How did you get started?
KC: I just had an idea and went for it. I wrote my first FULL AND VERY LONG book four years ago, and really enjoyed the journey. So I continued.
What genres do you write in, and what appeals to you about those genres?
KC: Well, I have books out in both contemporary and Paranormal, but I also have books I am working on in Sci-fi and Urban Fantasy.
What other titles do you have published?
KC: Running Home is my first book, and it is a contemporary Romance about an ex-military man who finds love in a runaway abused wife—very exciting and tense. The One That Got Away, is another Contemporary romance which explores the idea of second chance at love.
Then, I have a paranormal romance called Beauty and the Beast: The Demon Tales. It is a demonic take on Beauty and the Beast. Very dark and sexy. The sequel to this book is out in September—Cinderella: The Demon Tales.
Exciting! Can’t wait! What are you working on now?
KC: So much! LOL Giles book, A sci fi and an Urban fantasy. But I am also working on the third book in my paranormal Demon tales—out in December. Busy busy.
Can you describe your daily writing routine?
KC: The moment I have silence, I just make coffee and disappear into my office. I usually don’t surface until I have to pick up kids, or do something mundane like housework. LOL I would write all day and all night if I could.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
KC: PANTSER!!!!! I wish I could plan, but my muse hates a plan—she purposefully ruins any plans I make.
What genres do you enjoy reading?
KC: All and any. As long as it’s a great premise and written well, I’ll read it.
What author(s) have influenced your writing style?
KC: Kathleen Grieve (My CP) She has influenced me greatly.
Where do your best ideas come from?
KC: My imagination. Music and watching people.
What is your favorite book that you’ve read?
KC: Too many to name. Really.
Who is your favorite character from any of the books you’ve read?
KC: So many. But the characters from Michel Grant’s Gone series are just fantastic!
What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
KC: READ!!!
Great advice! Where can my readers find you?
KC: Twitter @Kerrianne_xx, Facebook, and my blog http://kerriannecoombes.wordpress.com/
Where can my readers find your books?
KC: Amazon, Secret Cravings Publishing, All Romance Ebooks
Thanks so much for visiting today, Kerrianne! 
Inevitable:
When Sky Denholm moved to the city to peruse a career with a large accountancy firm, her dreams of being independent and successful quickly turned into a reality. Brought up to believe that women were useful for nothing but housework and sex, Sky is desperate to prove her father wrong. She packed her bags at the age of eighteen and moved from the British countryside to the city. She would like to say that she never looked back, but one man with dark eyes and a body to die for, tempted her back regularly. Jack Rogers, a farmer and Sky’s best friend, is her anchor in life. And Sky can’t seem to break the intense pull he has on her, no matter how much their relationship goes against her own, personal code. But when her boss blackmails her, Sky begins to question her choices. When the love of Jack’s life decided that she had to taste life outside of the country, he let her go. Six years later, he is seriously regretting that choice. Sky Denholm is slipping through his fingers, and he has no idea how to bring her back home.
Inevitable Excerpt:
Jack looked back over his shoulder at Sky and grinned. She had ditched that stuffy tailored jacket by throwing it over a bar stool, and her good-for-nothing-heels had been thrown—by him—out the window by the time she had had her third drink. Sky was grinning from ear to ear, and laughing with head-thrown-back abandon just like the old days.
She was stunning.
“So, you and Sky, huh? I thought that ended years ago when she left town.”
Jack tore his hungry gaze from Sky and her infectious smile, and looked at Sarah standing to
his side. Sarah was the same age as himself and Sky, she had been in their grade at school. Now she was a teacher at the little primary school in the village. She was a good friend, someone whom Jack had laughed with on many occasions inside this very pub. She was pretty—not his type, but pretty enough.
“Well, on and off really, when she’s in town,” he replied, not wanting to give too much away about his true feelings. What he really wanted to say was, No, me and Sky never broke up, I just gave her some space to fulfill her dream, but she’ll be back—I just know it. But he bit his tongue and played it cool instead.
“Oh, right…” Sarah suddenly sidled closer and pressed her breast into Jack’s arm. Jack frowned and imagined that the amount of beer he had consumed was now muddling his brain. Shy Sarah wouldn’t do something like that… He moved his arm subtly away so she wouldn’t get embarrassed if she realised what she had done, and reached for the beer waiting on the bar.
“See you later, Sarah. Take care.” With his other hand he picked up Sky’s fresh gin and tonic, and wandered over to where she laughed loudly at whatever Giles was saying.
“Here’s your drink, wench,” he said teasingly as he handed it over. She jumped down from the back of the bench seat and wrapped her arms around his neck. The rugby game had finished long ago, and now the juke-box blared out tacky tunes. Jack grinned down at Sky and kissed her nose. “Want to dance, beautiful?”
Her eyes sparkled and her face split into a smile so perfect, he nearly dropped to his knees— would have dropped to his knees, if his friends weren’t there. She made him weak, made him dream, and Jack knew there was no one else in the world like her—no one else in the world for him.
“Yes, I would love to dance.”
August 8, 2012
Changing it up: VBT tour for Carrie Ann Ryan’s Dust of My Wings & Giveaway!!
Changing it Upby Carrie Ann Ryan
Jessica asked me to talk about the difference between writing Angels and writing werewolves. To me there are some similarities and differences that make a series worth it. So you have your normal idea of the fact that you have werewolves changing into a different animal, and having to deal with that type of shift. My wolves in the Redwood Pack series actually have another spirit that shares their body with them and they change into wolves when needed. With my angels, they are always Angels, but they can hide their wings into their back. This way they can blend into human society well.
So the difference really was finding a balance between what my muse wanted to do and what made sense for the story. My wolves are much more in animalistic and growled a lot more. And of course, there’s a lot more binding involved. *wink* With my angels, there were little more old world. They aren’t godly, but they are immortal, so they do have an air about them. They aren’t as growly, but they’re still alpha.
And I think that’s what the main similarity is. I write alpha males. No matter the species, my heroes are strong, capable, alpha, and know that their women are just as strong. So it really doesn’t matter if they have teeth and claws or wings, their inherently a male worth loving.
So yes, the mythologies are completely different, the worlds are different, the way that they walk or interact within a group are completely different. And I had to be careful with that. However, I enjoyed it. But, their souls are pretty much similar, in that there’s still men who care and are strong. And that’s the thread that I love in my books, and I love reading other books.
So what do you like about different species in books?
BLURB:Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?
Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.
Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.
Dust of My Wings Excerpt:
Lily huffed out a breath and placed another tile. “I don’t hate my job, exactly. It’s just not that big of a deal.” She gave a triumphant smile. “And I win.”
Shade looked into her eyes and groaned. Damn, she was sexy when she looked so confident.
“Indeed you did. Congratulations, Lily.” Now for the part that could hurt them both. “How about I buy you a cup of coffee as your winnings?”
Lily looked taken aback, but Shade didn’t budge. He needed to know exactly what she knew about this dust. Breaking into her lab and stealing it would do nothing if the die were already cast.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. In fact, I really don’t even know you, so I can’t. But thank you.”
She gathered the tiles quickly and started to stand up, but Shade touched her wrist. She jumped, knocking a few tiles back on the table. A jolt of electricity ricocheted through his arm and they both gasped. His erection pressed against the zipper of his jeans and he groaned, but he didn’t let go. Lily’s breath quickened and her pupils dilated. Her strawberry scent wrapped around him like velvet, intoxicating.
Author Bio:
Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.
Her first book, An Alpha’s Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She’s also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.
Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:
Website: http://www.carrieannryan.com/
Blog: http://carrieannryan.blogspot.com/
Heartthrob Haven: http://heartthrobhaven.blogspot.com/
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrie-Ann-Ryans-Author-Page/243643205647654
Facebook Friend: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002584098860
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5360266.Carrie_Ann_Ryan
Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan
Tumblr: http://carrieannryan.tumblr.com/
An Alpha’s Path
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
ARe
A Taste for a Mate
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
ARe
Trinity Bound
Amazon
Barnes&Noble
ARe
Author Giveaway!!Carrie Ann will be awarding Dust of my Wings “swag” packs to one commenter at ever stop and a $25 Amazon GC and necklace to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/05/virtual-book-tour-dust-of-my-wings-by.html
Book Review & Giveaway from Jessica Subject
Hey everyone!
I woke up to a wonderful review for SATIN SHEETS IN SPACE on Tracy Riva’s blog. She says: “It is hot, like scorching, not just steamy.” You can read the entire review here:
http://tracyriva.com/satin-sheets-in-space-by-jessica-e-subject/
And be sure to stop by the 1Night Stand blog where I’m interviewing Tamara Johnson, the heroine from BENEATH THE STARRY SKY. I’m giving away winner’s choice of one of my Decadent Publishing titles. All you have to do is leave a comment over there for your chance to WIN:
http://decadent1nightstand.blogspot.ca/2012/08/interview-with-tamara-johnson-from.html
August 6, 2012
Interview with Wendi Zwaduk, author of Sunshine of your Love
Describe the heroine in three words.
WZ: Smart, quiet, sexy
What traits does the hero posses that makes the heroine swoon?
WZ: He’s the tall, strong and silent type. Plus he was in the military so he fills out a uniform in sweet style.
What was your inspiration for this story?
WZ: This book is a recent historical set in 1970 in Ohio. The hero is a returning Vietnam vet and the heroine is a school teacher. He’s been traumatized by the things he’s seen in Vietnam. She’s been the one person to serve as a rock in his life.
My inspiration came from family members in the war plus watching the television program Vietnam in HD about 15 times. The characters simply started talking and I let them talk.
Can you describe your daily writing routine?
WZ: Easy. I don’t actually have one. I wish I did. In a perfect world, I’d get the EDJ done by 10, then have from 10-2 to write. That’s a perfect world and with the totlet in school. Otherwise I write whenever I can grab five minutes. The laptop is always open, whether its with me in the RV, on the coffee table, on the kitchen table or across my lap while I sit on the bed. I bring notebooks with me everywhere and have resorted to writing in it in the dark when the character shouted and I NEEDED to write something down. It wasn’t terribly legible, but I tried.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
WZ: Both. I write a lot in the notebooks I carry around. But I don’t generally know the end until it comes to me. Sometimes the ending comes while I’m typing, other times it comes while I’m jotting things in the notebook. When I get stuck on a scene, I revert to pen and paper. Sometimes I get maybe three lines in the notebook before the story starts flowing again. Other times it will take me a good three or four days for the story to get going again.
Where do your best ideas come from?
WZ: The characters themselves. I let them talk and lead me. Sure, I see things on television and think, what if I put those two characters together? Or I wonder what happened afterwards. But mostly I let the characters run. I’ve taken suggestions from readers as well. I have one book where the readers wanted to know what happened before the novella. So I told it.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
WZ: Read. Read. Read. Then write. Write. Write. Why? The more you read, the more you know what’s out there. The more you write, the more you develop your style. And be true to what you feel. Editors are there to edit but a good editor won’t mess with it. They’ll make the story stronger and still in your voice.
Is there anything else my readers should know about you?
WZ: I have blue hair, love racing and married my college sweetheart.
Where can my readers find you?
Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Fan page / Amazon / Goodreads / Google+
Where can my readers find your books?
http://www.total-e-bound.com
http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
Under the name of Megan Slayer at
http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/
http://changelingpress.com/
It’s 1970. The world is in upheaval. Can two people really make a difference and find love at the same time?
Noel Flynt signed up for the Army to carry out his family duty. He never expected the travesties of Vietnam to take their toll on him. He’s coming back to the world he thought he knew, but with everything changing around him, he’s going to have to learn he can’t live in the past.
Cindy Stephens couldn’t wait for Noel to return. She sees the man within the uniform and has loved him for as long as she can remember. But times have changed. She’s not the timid schoolgirl any longer. Can she accept his changes, too?
The only constants are time and love.
Reader Advisory: This book contains one war hero, the woman who loves him, lots of hot sex, with a little spanking mixed in for good measure.
Author Bio: Want to know more about Wendi Zwaduk? Here you go:
I always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I earned a BA in education at Kent State University and currently hold a Masters in Education with Nova Southeastern University.
I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. I also write under the pen name of Megan Slayer. I’m published with Total-E-Bound, Changeling Press, Liquid Silver Books, Turquoise Morning Press, Decadent Publishing and The Wild Rose Press. Come join me for this fantastic journey!
If you like my work, tell your friends and email me. I love hearing from readers!
August 5, 2012
Remedy Maker blog tour: An interview with author Sheri Fredricks & Giveaway!
Please welcome Sheri Fredricks to the blog today. It’s a pleasure to have her here for her debut release, Remedy Maker.
SF: Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for having me here.
I’m holding a contest for the hosts of my book tour. The host with the most commenters will receive this gorgeous rhinestone studded, hand decorated book bag crafted by Tina Garcia of Blingitude.com. Come on everyone! Let’s get in the game!
And before you feel left out, there’s something for the commenters too. Details of the contest are below.
Sounds great! So, Sheri, how long have you been writing with the hopes of publication?
SF: I’ve been writing with an eye to publication for three years. And I clearly remember the night I made the decision. For a long while, I struggled to find my niche in the world. My husband excelled in his hobby to the national level, but I had nothing to do—and I tried everything from showing horses to making cards.
Knowing I loved reading books, he suggested I try writing my own. So I did . . . and loved it!
What genres do you write in, and what appeals to you about those genres?
SF: I straddle the fence between Paranormal and Fantasy. Because I have characters that shape-shift, that’s classified as paranormal. With my leading creatures of Centaurs, Wood Nymphs, Satyrs, and Trolls, those are considered fantasy. I also dabbled a bit in a western time travel that I’m seriously thinking of dusting off. A modern day girl meets a two hundred year old cowboy. Yee-haw!
With beings of another world . . . anything is possible. Appealing, isn’t it? Imagine riding on a centaur’s equine back! Visualize as he transforms into his human body.
It’s a modern mythic romance world undiscovered — until now.
What titles do you have published?
SF: My debut book is Remedy Maker.
Man by day, centaur by night, a remedy-maker battles his nightmares to save the herd’s kingdom, and the life of a beautiful nymph.
What are you working on now?
SF: I’m currently writing two books — Book Two of the Centaur series tentatively titled Trolly Yours. The outline is complete and I’m digging in with all ten fingers to finish by December.
I’ll also be coming out with a short story named Portals of Oz for one of my publisher’s anthologies (Love Down Under). I had so much fun that I decided to write additional shorts for two more anthology calls. The stories are based on the mythological characters I created for Remedy Maker, who live in the Boronda Forest.
Can you describe your daily writing routine?
SF: A typical writing day would start with dropping the kids off at school, coming home for a quick two-mile run, then heading for the barn to feed the animals so they’ll stay quiet and not scream at me.
Then I zip through my emails, and bounce from Triberr to Facebook.
After downing two very large mugs of decaffeinated java (two sweeteners and lots of cinnamon-vanilla creamer), I’m ready to write!
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
SF: My critique partner came up with a funny term: plotsner
I create an outline of the story from start to finish, including character charts, and when I feel it’s ready—I start writing. It’s not a full detailed outline with bullet points marking each chapter. It’s more of a working synopsis that I grant myself permission to deviate from.
I did try pantsing once, but wrote myself into a corner I couldn’t claw my way out of . . . even if I had my rat terrier digging alongside me. I’ll never do that again.
What genres do you enjoy reading?
SF: Truly, I’m a sucker for paranormal. I don’t care if they fly, shift, twist, or turn . . . I’ll read it. There’s something about a story that isn’t of my world, to take me away from the here and now. I like my mini mind vacations.
Other romance genres I first started reading, and still take pleasure in to this day, are historicals and time-travels. And since many of them go hand-in-hand. . .
. . . I get more enjoyment bang for the buck.
Who is your favorite character from Remedy Maker?
SF: Though I have many secondary characters in Remedy Maker, I have two primary: Rhycious and Patience. Having personally known a soldier who came home from combat with flashback issues, I felt a deep connection to Rhy because of his troubled mind.
This is the scene where Rhycious breaks down, believing human hunters have taken Patience and the war with the Wood Nymphs still rages on:
Rhycious pressed his armored back to the wall of the once idyllic cabin, he faced an unseen enemy in the woods. Bent grass and outlined footprints directed a path to follow. He’d rather plant a fucking GPS chip on her Nymph body than ever go through this again. Body angled, bowie knife drawn, he set off into the dense forested growth.
The hunted Centaur now stalked his hunter prey. He grinned ruefully.
Past and present coalesced into one. Odors of acrid battlefield smoke found only in his memory filled his nostrils, tearing his eyes, blurring his vision. A rumble, low and angry, filled the empty air between the tree trunks.
Thunder?
War drums?
It was getting louder, whatever the phantom sound was. He pulled a second weapon—his broadsword, steeling himself for a full frontal attack.
Staring across the forest floor, he couldn’t differentiate reality from fantasy. An odd sight spilled forth, like an army of invading ants. At the foot of the tree where leafy piles had built, pine needles and twigs vibrated off the ground, dancing around one another. Root structures, tough as steel cords, heaved and rolled.
Rhycious took a deep breath and the temperature fell a good twenty notches.
Get ready, Rhy. Here they come.
The sound reached a bellowing howl. The ground shook so violently, particles fell from the canopy in a snow of debris.
In the deep recess of what remained of his splintering mind, Rhycious struggled to escape the sticky web of his mental deceit. Stampeding Centaur warriors appeared in ghostly form, jumping Wood Nymphs lying dead as logs. Swept along, he took up the familiar battle cry and swung steel, slashing beside them.
From then on, otherworldly beings reigned.
Phantom infantrymen filled the battlegrounds, contorting his reality with their vengeance, with foreboding, with the assurance of death. The empty eye sockets of his brothers were upon on him. A booming roar trumpeted forth, so loud it hurt his ears.
Across the soil burning in his mind, Wood Nymph soldiers advanced. Spires of smoke drifted up, blanketing the ground in a gray haze of confusion.
In spite of the weapons he carried, hand-to-hand combat it would be. Rhycious quickly secured his sword in its scabbard, swiping mini missiles from his vest pocket along the way. Chinese fighting stars left his hands, hurdled through space, impaling his spectral enemy in the head and torso. Blood spurted between boney fingers clutching at the wounds. A growing red wave seeped downward to splatter at his feet as a stain upon the dirt.
Tall, stately, and non-animated, a wide tree offered safe cover from flying arrows and crossfire traffic. He dared not lean against the gnarled bark to rest. Grunts of apparitional warriors sparred with the clang of steel swords louder than an explosion of crashing cymbals. All around him, mythic beings were locked in a mystic fight for life and death. He weaved the bowie knife in the air in front of him. Indecision and confusion welded together in one upsurge of devouring madness.
An overwhelming desire to sink to his knees and cover his ears broke over him. What a pansy. A filly warrior. No wonder the wraithlike military herd galloped past, ignoring him to give chase to their enemy. Rhycious locked his knees and raised a trembling hand to his forehead.
***
What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
SF: Your family and friends love you. In doing so, they won’t tell you which part of your writing might need help. Joining a critique group will enrich your writing and give you valuable insight to the profession that you won’t find anywhere else. In return, you’ll critique their work and possibly read the next bestseller in the making! Win-win all the way.
Fabulous advice! Where can readers find you?
SF: I’m so glad you asked! I hope you’ll stop by and visit.
Website: www.sherifredricks.com
Blogsite: www.sherifredricks.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SheriFredricks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sheri_Fredricks
Google+: http://gplus.to/Sheri Fredricks
Jessica, thank you for your hospitality!
Author Giveaway!
I have a prize for one lucky commenter, so don’t forget to leave your email address! Among other goodies, your name will go into the grand prize drawing for a $20 Amazon gift card at the end of my book tour.
Remedy Maker:Man by day, Centaur by night, Rhycious is a remedy maker who needs his own healing.
He’s the royal physician, famous for his cures. War and posttraumatic stress disorder has broken his spirit, preventing him from finding true happiness. Then a direct order from the queen to investigate an uprising forces him out of his secluded cabin at the edge of the forest.
Patience is an optimistic, good-natured Wood Nymph who works as a mediator to ensure harmony within the Nymph sector.
Environmental pollution in the aquifer stream that feeds the taproot tree of her heart is slowly killing her. Resigned to the fact she will not live long, she sets out to discover the mysterious disappearance of her sister. Experience has taught her to deny herself the love of a male, but the gruff Centaur is different. He doesn’t push his expectations on her, only his healing nature.
When Rhycious loses his grip on reality, he believes his inability to control his disorder will drive Patience away. Nevertheless, desire flares, and Patience draws him close. Kidnapping and betrayal turn their mythic joint venture into a deadly bout.
Will their love endure when survival hinges on trusting each other?
Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B008S29WT2
Author Bio:
Always on the hunt for the uncommon things in life, author Sheri Fredricks thrives on creating adventures in her mythological kingdom for her readers.
A former engineering secretary, Sheri lives on the beautiful central coast of California. “I wanted to move away from inflexible right angles and create an unboxed world with no boundaries.” A voracious reader since her early years, Sheri found her brain crowded with stories and characters of her own. “Ultimately,” she says, “my husband encouraged me to write them all down.”
Sheri loves to spend time at home. A computer hutch keeps her focused on creating stories, but the panoramic view of life on a ranch will call her outside to play in the sun.
August 2, 2012
Reluctant Angel: Interview with Romance Author, Chastity Bush
It’s a pleasure to welcome Chastity Bush to the blog today! Chastity, can you tell us about your latest release?
CB: Thanks for having me here today, Jessica! My newest release is a paranormal/fantasy titled Reluctant Angel. This was one of those stories that just hit me out of nowhere. I had a great time writing it and can’t wait to get started on the second book in the series. Here’s a little blurb from Reluctant Angel!
When a tragic accident takes the life of Killian Sams, she enters the one place she never thought she’d see. Heaven … or something like it.
Desperate for a second chance, Killian’s willing to do whatever it takes to regain her human life, including falling to Earth and facing the Destroyer.
If she can defeat the Destroyer—a creature who awakens once every century to take the souls of as many people as possible for power—she’ll earn any one of the countless souls he’s harvested over the years, including an immortal one.
But there’s a catch. In order for her to be sent on this mission, she has to agree to help Chase Crawford—a mercenary who’s in desperate need of saving—see that his life is still worth living. However, she never expected to fall for the ruggedly handsome soldier of fortune.
Now, not only does Killian have eight days to find, face, and defeat the Destroyer in order to stay on Earth, she has to do it while fighting her growing feelings for the man she’s vowed to save … or lose him forever.
What other titles do you have published?
CB: Right now I have: Reluctant Angel, Guarding Eden, The Stranger Next Door, Killer Kisses, Tumbleweeds, A Taste of Terror, and Passions Bite.
They’re all laced with humor and red-hot passion.
Intriguing! What are you working on now?
CB: Right now I’m working on a paranormal/suspense titled Melody Massacre To The Rescue. This has been my favorite book to write by far. I wanted a heroine that was totally different, sarcastic, funny, witty, tough, and girly all rolled into one. I think I got that with Melody. Here’s a little sample!
Melody Massacre’s always been a little different, so her choice of career as a member of the Immortal Eradicating Unit or, IEU, isn’t a big surprise. It’s the IEU’s job to conceal and control paranormal species, who roam the world, living and oftentimes killing humans.
When the bodies of charred and mutilated men start popping up at truck stops across the U.S., Melody, along with fellow agent Bennett McClain, follow the trail in search of the killer. Soon she finds herself facing past demons, new dangers, and a raging desire she’s never before experienced, all while sporting a pair of high heels and a pair of pink 9mm’s strapped to her hips.
Oh, can’t wait! What genres do you enjoy reading?
CB: I read all genres. Paranormal may be my favorite to write, but in all honesty, a good regency romance is my favorite.
Where do your best ideas come from?
CB: Believe it or not, I get a lot of my ideas in the middle of the night. I have one of those minds that just won’t shut off, even at bedtime. I’ll wake up and be like, “What a great idea!”
What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?
CB: Don’t write for money! Write for the love of writing. If you start writing with idea of becoming rich and famous, you’re writing for the wrong reason, and will likely be disappointed.
Very true! Where can my readers find you?
CB: I’m just about everywhere, but here are my most used links.
Website- http://www.wix.com/chastitybush/1
Blog- http://chastitybush.blogspot.com
Email- chastitybush@yahoo.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chastitybush
Twitter- twitter@chastitybush
Where can my readers find your books?
CB: Links to all of my books can be found on my website and blog, but to go straight to the buy page visit: http://www.amazon.com/author/chastitybush
Thanks so much for being here today, Chastity!
Chastity Bush is the author of several romance novels known for their spicy romance, suspense and humorous edge. When not hard at work on her next novel you can find her spending time with her husband and their two daughters. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers all email she receives.
Send questions or comments to Chastity at: chastitybush@yahoo.com.
Find Chastity at: http://www.wix.com/chastitybush/1, http://chastitybush.blogspot.com, facebook.com/chastitybush, and twitter@chastitybush.
I’m on Backward Momentum talking about Alien Invaders
Come join me on Backward Momentum, and find out where I discovered alien invaders while on holidays.
http://backwardmomentum.blogspot.ca/2012/08/alien-invaders-on-my-holidays.html
