M.L. Guida's Blog, page 11
August 26, 2014
M.L. Guida's News: Death of My Bestfriend: Sadie Mae
Sadie Mae
Sadie after she was groomed.
On Monday, August 25, my little cocker spaniel, Sadie Mae, passed away. She was twelve years old. Twelve years wasn’t long enough. I miss what we had: the closeness, the love, the companionship.
Dogs bark outside. I miss Sadie’s. She’d bark at my door to let her in. I find myself looking out the window, hoping it was her. But she’s not there. Loneliness seizes my breaking heart.
After she’d be groomed, I loved her baby powder scent. I wish I had a bottle to sniff.
I love to watch paranormal shows. When I would be scared, I’d pick her up to snuggle to feel safe. Now, I feel vulnerable.
I’m writer and she was favorite office mate. She’d lay on her pillow next to my couch. I stare at her empty pillow—unable to write.
On the drive home from work, I’d be excited to see her after a long day. When I’d open the garage door, her little black nose would peer through the crack. Sometimes she’d be asleep and would be embarrassed, she wasn’t there to greet me. Her greetings warmed me from head to my toes. Now, I open the door to an empty ceramic floor.
This weekend I plan to go to the cabin. Sadie had loved going for walks in Frisco. The last walk we took was up to Rainbow Lake which is my favorite hike. Maybe this was fitting. Rainbow Lake has always held a special place for me. It’s peaceful, beautiful. Sadie and I had walked up there many times.
When I’d take a nap at the cabin, I’d wake to find Sadie asleep on the floor next to my bed. She always found where I was—my little shadow.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Sadie at the cabin
August 24, 2014
M.L. Guida’s News: What Do You Mean Paranormal Romance Is Dead?
Photo by Kristin Nador
What do you mean paranormal romance is dead? According to the New York Publishers, paranormal romance should be buried out in the graveyard, never to rise again. Never? Really? Haven’t the publishers said this about romantic suspense, western historicals? What do you do if you’re a paranormal romance writer? Give up? Or should you grab your favorite bottle of vino, tear open a box of Oreos, and sit in front of the television crying and moaning? Tempting, I know. But this is the last thing you should be doing. What should you be doing? Write. Write. Write.
When the well dries up of paranormal romance, those readers will go to the graveyard and dig up the paranormal romance left behind. You want them to find you. Have a backlist ready for them to buy.
But what do you do now?
I also believe you need to be resilient. You need to learn how to survive the rollercoaster of publishing. I went to workshop to listen to Julie Kenner. She used to write paranormal romance with her demon hunting soccer mom series, but several years ago, the publishers yanked her series. Did she curl in a ball and eat Dunkin Donuts for a week? No. She reinvented herself and wrote erotica with her award winning Stark series. However, she is now self-publishing her demon books.
Julie isn’t the only one who had to reinvent herself. Sherrilyn Kenyon, one of my favorite paranormal romance writers, also had to start over. She wrote pirate historical books as Kinsey McGregor, but the powers at be said those weren’t selling. She went underground but emerged years later with her Dark Hunter series.
Now, it’s my turn. I had a friend of mine, Jennifer Maitlen, who always gives me half day to pout. Pouting was yesterday. Now, I’ve put on my big girl panties. What am I going to do? I’m still going to write paranormal romance, but I have another plan.
In my day job, I’ve worked as a school social work for over twenty years. My favorite clientele has been middle school and high school students. I have two young adult books already published with Featherweight Press under the pen name J.L. Bowen.
The first book in the Dare to Heal Series
Grant it, they are paranormal, but I don’t have to write paranormal. I plan to write a contemporary young adult book, not under J.L. Bowen, but under my own name—M.L. Guida
Julie Kenner made a great point. Readers will find you based on your writing. You’re the brand, not your genre.
So—will my contemporary young adult be dark? Will it be suspenseful? Absolutely. It’s me!
August 17, 2014
M.L. Guida’s Haunts: Strong Heroines
I’m excited that Destination America’s A Haunting has brand new episodes. A Haunting has always been one of my favorite television series. I like the new and the old episodes, but what I like the best about the show are the strong female heroines. Instead of cowering in the corner or relying on a man to protect them, the women confront the dark forces to protect their families or loved ones. In the episode Demon Child, Jan Foster is determined to save her six year old son who is under the influence of a demon. After meeting with a shaman, Jan uses sage to bless her home to exorcise the demon. Although she is frightened, she faces the demon alone. Strong heroines are not reckless. They do not want to rush into danger, but if they do not confront danger, something worse will happen. In many of A Haunting episodes female heroines are forced to confront evil. For instance, Lorraine Warren has been in many of these stories. She offers courage and support to those under oppression. In the episode Where Demons Dwell, Debbie Glatzel and Arnie Johnson do not know what to do when Debbie’s younger brother is under attack from a demon. They contact Ed and Lorraine Warren to figure out how to help their brother. Lorraine is a psychic and can see demons. (Not a gift I would want) But she uses it to help others. She gives advice for people to stick together, drawing on each other’s strength, while they wait for an exorcism. I have not seen an episode yet where the women are too stupid to live such as in the slasher movies. These women are survivors. Sometimes they are forced to leave a home, but they never do without a fight. What is your favorite A Haunting?
August 10, 2014
M.L. Guida News: Ravaged Soul
Today, I finished the first draft of Ravaged Soul, the second book in the Underworld series. This is Toby’s story. Toby suffered humiliation in the first book. Gryffin Drake degraded him and no one protected him from the most heinous crimes.
Toby must learn to forgive in order to heal. Sometimes forgiveness is a hard pill to swallow. Revenge is always so tempting. It’s easier to think if we lash out at those who hurt us, than we’ll feel better.
My experience is that proves to be false. I like the motto: A man who desires revenge should dig two graves.
It’s hard to be the bigger man (or woman) and turn the other cheek. I know I’m not always successful. I’d rather hold onto my hate than release it. However, I’ve watched people hang on to their resentment, and it’s actually a lot of work. People waste a lot of time, hanging onto it.
In this book, Toby learns this lesson, and it’s definitely an uphill battle for him. What about you? What do you think of revenge?
August 6, 2014
M.L. Guida's News
I’ve decided to have a Back To School Sale. For one weekend only, A Pirate’s Curse will be on sale for .99, beginning on August 8th and ending on August 10th.
I know my sister is busy getting her crew ready for school. The oldest one is returning to Wyoming and moving into his own apartment for his second year in college. The second oldest is getting ready to go to Los Angeles to play in a high school football game and then will return for his junior year, while the twins are returning to middle school. On top of getting school supplies, she has to pay sport fees and start transporting them to football and/or basketball practice.
Busy! Busy! Busy!
I’d like to wish both parents and students to have a happy school year.
August 3, 2014
A Vampire's Fallen Christmas Star
A Vampire’s Fallen Christmas Star
I’m excited the book is finished, and it’s now in my editor’s hands. I’m looking at releasing it the middle to the end of September. This is the second book in the Vampire on Holidays series. I love rock stars and decided to write about a rock star turned vampire. He’s not a top star, but a local legend in Frisco, Colorado, my favorite mountain town. Frisco has always held a special place for me, since I consider it a second home. My family has a summer cabin, and I look forward every year going to our little cabin. It’s nestled between mansions, but it was there first. In this book, I refer to Rainbow Lake which is one of my favorite places to hike. It only takes about an hour to get there from the cabin. I’ve introduced new characters in this book, but it’s still in the same world as Deirdre and Janus. Janus does not make an appearance, but he’s referred to in this book. There are new villains that Eleanor and Jayden must battle.
A Pirate's Revenge-Giveaway
July 23, 2014
M.L. Guida’s News: New Release: A Pirate’s Revenge
A snippet of A Pirate’s Revenge
I wanted to announce that A Pirate’s Revenge is now available. I’m so excited. This is William’s story, and you’ll find out about his curse. It’s available on all major sites.
Here’s an excerpt:
Tonight was the full moon. Tonight he’d turn into a vampire. Tonight, for the first time, he’d be forced to suck human blood.
William O’Brien rested his head on his arm against the Green Parrot Inn’s window. It had been a month since he, his brother, and the Soaring Phoenix’s crew had battled the Fiery Damsel. Kane had granted the crew shore leave at Tortuga while repairs were made, the wounded healed, and supplies gathered.
The glowing sun sank lower and lower behind the mountains, changing white clouds to purple, yellow, and orange. Blue sky dimmed, turning to a light gray. He’d always loved watching sunsets, the clouds, the soft colors. Until now. His heart pounded hard, and with each thump, he knew he was alive, he knew he was human. But with each beat, he worried it would be his last. Thanks to the demon Zuto, he’d change into his worst nightmare.
The door opened, and William turned around. Doc strolled inside and closed the door behind him. He flashed one of his famous smiles, his white teeth highlighting his black skin. Despite his glowing red eyes, the man still remained jovial. William couldn’t help but smile back.
Doc’s knowledge of medicine never failed to amaze him. He had learned much in the way of remedies, sutures, and anatomy, as a plantation slave before escaping his cruel master. “Da Capt’n done sent me to find you, lad,” he said.
“Why? So, he can gloat?”
Doc shook his head. “Da capt’n’s worried about you. He’d have been here, but Hannah’s still not fully healed, and after one of Palmer’s men was seen in Tortuga, he’s too scared to leave the lass.” He lowered his voice. “He never wanted you to suffer our fate.”
His warm tone reminded William of a father consoling the youngest son abandoned by an older brother. William didn’t argue. Christ, he knew his brother didn’t want him to be cursed. Hell, William didn’t want to be cursed. He waited for his incisors to lengthen and waited for the undeniable thirst. He’d seen how Kane suffered. Soon food would turn to sand in William’s mouth, and he wouldn’t be able to swallow anything, not even water. He’d be a roaming corpse, lusting for his next pint of blood. Trying to get his mind off his upcoming gloom, William tilted his head. “Any word on Palmer and his damn witch?”
Doc’s face clouded. “Da devil’s gone into hiding. No doubt da bastard’s stolen another ship. We won’t know who she is until da ship fires on us.”
William placed his palm on the cool window. “Aye, I’m sure of that.” The Soaring Phoenix was anchored in Tortuga’s bay, her sails doused. The crew nailed the last boards to repair the Phoenix’s damaged hull from their recent gory battle with Palmer. Men mopped and scrubbed the wood while others rolled barrels of water and gun powder onto the deck. Cook was busy hustling in boxes of vittles. “The repairs are almost done,” William said. “And we’ll hunt Palmer down and finish him once and for all.”
“Capt’n’s says tonight’s our last day for shore leave. Tomorrow, we sail out to sea to pursue Palmer, the devil himself.” Doc studied him, the merriment leaving his face, replaced with his intense surgeon’s eyes and tight-lipped mouth. “William, d’ye not feel anythun’?”
William sat on the edge of the bed, tapped his foot rapidly on the floor, and gripped his trousers. He flitted his tongue over his teeth and felt nothing jagged. Maybe he had escaped his brother’s fate. Mother of mercy, he hoped so. “I feel well. Maybe I’m not cursed.”
“Then why would Lark ask for your forgiveness after he cast da spell?”
“How the hell would I know why a witch would ask for forgiveness? Witches are liars and in league with demons.”
Doc lowered his gaze. William winced at his harsh tone. He shouldn’t have spoken to Doc that way, but he was drowning in fear, a fear of what he was going to become. Why had Lark asked for forgiveness? The witch’s face had been filled with sorrow when he uttered nogard. Kane suspected it had been an incantation straight from Coaybay. After Lark had said it, William had twirled around in the air like a tornado. He passed out and remembered no more until he awoke a few days later on board the Phoenix, the battle forgotten. All except that word. It haunted him. Lark’s voice echoed in his mind over and over. What the hell did it mean?
July 20, 2014
M.L. Guida’s Guest Author: Cd Brennan
I’d like to welcome Cd Brennan. She is a fellow author at Lyrical Press and has a new release out. This is her second book in the Love Where You Roam series—A WORLD APART
Cd Brennan’s New Release
She left home to find herself…and found love along the way. Lizzy travels to Scotland to track down her roots, hoping where she comes from will help her figure out where she needs to go. An Aussie girl through and through, tough as nuts and a bit wild, she believes there’s nothing so wonderful as a world seen through wine-tinted glasses… …until she meets Hottie Hamish, Bridge of Allan’s most eligible bachelor. Hamish is Lizzy’s polar opposite in every way. He’s serious, driven, and motivated, focused on becoming the youngest associate professor at the Glasgow School of Art. But he’s hiding a social phobia behind his gruff exterior that makes it almost impossible to connect with people… …until he meets Lost Lizzy, all sunshine and lightness, an Australian beauty with the proverbial heart of gold. Where they come from may be worlds apart, but atop a Scottish Munro, they begin to realize where they’re going is best traveled side by side. CONTENT WARNING: Graphic descriptions of haggis ingredients. Just side note, Cd, I’ve eaten haggis and liked it, but it needed seasoning! Lots of seasoning. At an added bonus, her first book, Watershed, is on sale for $.99 for a limited time (July 20th – July 26th). 
July 15, 2014
M.L. Guida’s Guest Author: Cate Masters
I’d like to welcome fellow author, Cate Masters. She also writes for Lyrical Press and has a new book, Goddess Awakened.
Cate Master’s New Release
With a little help from a goddess, battling evil is a piece of cake for Jocelyn Gibson. A descendant of the goddess Iris, Jocelyn Gibson may have forgotten about the realm of magic, but it hasn’t forgotten her. When Eric Hendricks is targeted by a demon, Joss must step in to battle the evil and save the town’s awkward, but endearing, vet…who also happens to be the man she loves. Joss’s new inn, a culinary career specializing in cooking with lavender and a new love all make for a fine recipe of disaster. She needs to embrace her inner goddess and harness the powers she never knew she had before it’s too late. Goddess, Awakened The Goddess Connection, Book 1 Fantasy/paranormal romance novel About 89,700 words Amazon | Barnes & Noble |All Romance eBooks| Kensington
The Goddess Connection Series Every woman should embrace her inner goddess. What’s your connection? In each novel of The Goddess Connection series, the heroine is somehow connected to a goddess. Her lifelong quirks will become strengths once she finds her true place in the world, and accepts herself for who she really is. And in each, the heroine is encouraged to embrace her inner goddess. And the hero treats her like one! As it should be for every woman.
About the Author Cate Masters has made beautiful central Pennsylvania her home, but she’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart. When not spending time with her dear hubby, she can be found in her lair, concocting a magical brew of contemporary, historical, and fantasy/paranormal stories with her cat Chairman Maiow and dog Lily as company. Look for her at http://catemasters.blogspot.com and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.
Contact Details Website: http://catemasters.blogspot.com Email: cate.masters@gmail.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cate-Masters/89969413736?ref=ts Twitter: @CateMasters
Book video Direct link: http://youtu.be/_HZ2hb_wcz0 Embed code:
Excerpt The sting remained with Joss long after Eric fled the inn. Deep-rooted pain emanated from him when he’d first entered, and his palm against her arm sent an electric shock straight to her bones. The poor man. Grief kept him its prisoner. Joss understood how easy it was to fall into that dark trap. The way he’d held her, he sought escape. Comfort. He awakened deep-seated sensations in her. In the few moments with him, she’d felt more alive than she had in three years. So strange. Normally, one look allowed her to see the person inside. With Eric Hendricks, her receptivity went into overload. His soul, pent up for years, stirred to life and churned up love, fear, joy, hopelessness, yearning, jumbled and shifting faster than light. He displayed great strength in his firm stance and gentle touch. Beneath a hard veneer of sheer pain, one other trait came through clearly—purity of spirit, and integrity enough for many men. The arrival of more guests drew Joss to the foyer again. Another matronly witch and an older man wearing a checked flannel shirt, jeans, and boots stepped inside, followed by a princess and a boy in a fabric turtle shell. Joss recognized the girl as one of the riders whose horse was boarded at the inn’s stable. After greeting them and pointing them toward refreshments, she returned to Lydia. “Sorry about Dr. Hendricks.” “Don’t apologize. It’s wonderful you have so many guests.” Lydia fingered the flowers in the vase on the table. One woman stood in the archway to the front room, her bright-eyed glare directed at Joss. Wearing a short white shift adorned with large red hearts, the woman held a wand topped with a glittering red heart. Confused by the woman’s malevolence, Joss approached and fought to overcome the negativity oozing from her. “Did you try some of the booscotti?” The woman tilted up her chin. “I’m not hungry, Mrs. Gibson,” came her familiar nasal reply. Recognition finally hit. Of course—the girl who worked at the diner in town. “Sheree?” At her curt nod, Joss forced a smile. “I love your costume.” Sheree’s gaze darted her length. “Likewise.” What could be her problem? The woman wielded her wand like a weapon, ready to strike. “Please have a drink and make yourself at home.” “Thank you.” Her narrowed eyes swept the room as if suspecting an ambush, and then she moved stiffly away. Joss crossed the room to Lydia. “That was weird.” Lydia whispered, “Be careful of her.” “Sheree? I can’t imagine why.” Could she be nervous the inn would take away some of the diner’s business? Though Joss would have liked to think it was the cause of her strange behavior, Sheree’s vibes told Joss otherwise. Business had nothing to do with it. The waitress directed her bad juju at Joss personally. Had Joss unintentionally insulted Sheree? She’d barely met the woman. Leaning close, her aunt spoke sternly, “I warned you to watch for others who seek the power of this place.” Sheree? Her aunt must be mistaken. The woman’s terrible attitude resulted from something. Maybe an imagined slight? Joss would find a way to put Sheree at ease. More guests entered, and Joss excused herself. She left Lydia deeply inhaling the air. Joss couldn’t deny the charged atmosphere was one of the reasons she’d bought the place. Not to tap into any lines of power for herself, but maybe to enhance the lavender field she planned. Joss needed the garden to thrive so the inn would as well.
I’d like to thank Cate for stopping by. She also sent a haunted pictured that supposed to contain haunted faces. How may do you see?
Haunted House
