Jami Gray's Blog, page 27

Character Interview w/ @JadeKerrion and her #DOUBLEHELIX series… #newrelease #PERFECTIONCHALLENGED #scifi #fantasy

I’d like to welcome Jade Kerrion. She’s brought along one of her award winning characters, Zara Itani, from the Double Helix series.  

Today, on our character interview, we’re pleased to welcome Zara Itani, from the seven-time award-winning Double Helix series. Her author, Jade Kerrion, has insisted on sitting in on the interview. It’s not quite the norm, but we’ve agreed to Jade’s request. Let’s start with some easy questions, Zara. How did you first meet Jade Kerrion? Want to dish about her?

Zara: I think Jade was having a midlife crisis when we met. She was growing older, and realized that she was going to live out her life in the frantic corporate rat race of America, while being a mom with husband, two kids, and a mini van. She probably felt that she needed to live vicariously through someone else, namely me.

Jade: I am not having a midlife crisis!

Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book?

Zara: I’m a mercenary, and I own an agency of mercenaries. No, I do not crave the spotlight or expect to make headlines, at least not with my name in print next to my unfortunate victims. Jade, however, appears to be a strong proponent of full disclosure—it’s amazing, though how her novels are full of people who never disclose anything to anyone else—and she decided to get my name out there.

Tell us about your favorite scene in the Double Helix series.

Zara: My favorite scene from the first three books takes place in the second book, Perfect Betrayal. It’s an intimate moment with Danyael Sabre. It’s especially memorable because, if you know Danyael, then you know that Danyael doesn’t do “intimate” often. Danyael, of course, swears the encounter never took place. He’s lying, of course. We have a daughter and five genetic tests to prove it. (smiles) Of course, I have many favorite scenes in Jade’s upcoming novel, Perfection Challenged. The closing scene is particularly memorable.

It sounds like you have a complicated relationship with Danyael. Tell the truth. What do you think of your fellow characters?

Zara (arching a perfectly tweezed eyebrow): They’re…charming, like black mambas are charming. Still, we’ve gone through a great deal together, and on a good day, I’d trust them, but not too much.

What do you like best about Danyael Sabre? What do you like least?

Zara: Do we have to talk about Danyael?

Well, your name is frequently mentioned in conjunction with his name and Galahad’s. How do you choose between two men who look alike?

Zara: Danyael is Galahad’s physical template, but in every other way that matters, they are nothing like each other. Galahad, the lab-created perfect human being, is eager and impatient to seize the world. On the other hand, Danyael, after a traumatic childhood as an undiagnosed alpha empath, wants nothing more than to be left alone to do his job as a doctor in a charity clinic. I used to think Danyael was evasive and a coward, unwilling to face his past or embrace his mutant powers. He isn’t really. He’s both courageous and compassionate, but most people don’t see him for what he is.

And what about you? What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? How about after they’ve known you for a while?

Zara: Ideally, they’d know me as a practical, levelheaded person who isn’t afraid of doing what it takes to get things done. After they’ve known me for a while, I hope they’ll continue to say the same thing.

Jade (in a stage whisper): Ask her about that compassionate streak…

Zara (shrugs an elegant shoulder): Not there. It doesn’t exist, and you can’t prove it.

Ladies, please. Zara, what would Danyael say about you?

Zara (flashes an amused smile): Ah, he’s much too polite to say anything, but if he did, I imagine he would say that I’m more abrasive than steel wool, and that I have a cruel and ruthless streak several miles wide. He wouldn’t say anything about compassion.

Jade (scowling): He wouldn’t have fallen in love with you otherwise…

Jade, if you don’t mind, I’m interviewing Zara here. Zara, if your story were a movie, who would play you?

Zara: Kate Beckinsale would do a great job. She’s beautiful, and she knows how to kick ass. She’s not Lebanese-Venezuelan, but nobody’s perfect.

Will you encourage your author to write a sequel?

Zara: She’s already written four Double Helix novels, five, if you include the Young Adult spinoff, When the Silence Ends. She insists that Perfection Challenged is the end of the Double Helix series, but that’s not to say that there aren’t other stories to be told about the world of the Double Helix. Knowing her, she’ll be back with another fascinating story about my world and the people who live in it.

What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?

Zara: You already know what I do for a living; I find ways to keep busy to pay the bills. I also have a two-year-old daughter, Laura. She’s learning her alphabet by reading Dr. Seuss and gun catalogs.

Jade (pulls Zara to her feet and drags her away): I am so sorry. This is why I don’t let my characters out unsupervised. I think they say stuff like that just to embarrass me.

Ah, okay, and that brings to an abrupt end our interview with Zara Itani today. Thank you for joining us for this character interview, and we hope you’ll take the opportunity to get to know Zara better in the DOUBLE HELIX series.

“The best of the four books…the perfect ending to an amazing series.”

Perfection Challenged, the thrilling conclusion to the multiple award-winning, bestselling DOUBLE HELIX series, is finally here. Grab your copy today.

If you’ve never picked up the DOUBLE HELIX series, keep reading for a special offer on the six-time award-winning novel, Perfection Unleashed.

PERFECTION CHALLENGED

An alpha empath, Danyael Sabre has survived abominations and super soldiers, terrorists and assassins, but he cannot survive his failing body. He wants only to live out his final days in peace, but life and the woman he loves, the assassin Zara Itani, have other plans for him.

Galahad, the perfect human being created by Pioneer Labs, is branded an international threat, and Danyael is appointed his jury, judge, and executioner. Danyael alone believes that Galahad can be the salvation that the world needs, but is the empath blinded by the fact that Galahad shares his genes, and the hope that there is something of him in Galahad?

In a desperate race against time and his own dying body, Danyael struggles to find fragments of good in the perfect human being, and comes to the wrenching realization that his greatest battle will be a battle for the heart of the man who hates him.

E-books available at Amazon / Amazon UK / Apple iTunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Smashwords

Paperbacks available at Amazon / Amazon UK

PERFECTION UNLEASHED

“Higher octane than Heroes. More heart than X-Men.”

Recipient of six literary awards, including First place in Science Fiction, Reader Views Literary Awards 2012 and Gold medal winner, Science Fiction, Readers Favorites 2013.

FOR A LIMITED TIME, E-BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR JUST $0.99 (Discounted from $2.99)

E-books available at Amazon / Amazon UK / Apple / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Smashwords

Paperbacks available at Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository

Connect with Jade Kerrion: Website / Facebook / Twitter

Look who I found…@JDTylerAuthor and she brought #ALPHAPACK Friends! #pararom #shifters #HuntersHeart #giveaway

Welcome to a special post, my lovely Swamp Visitors. We almost lost this one, what with her dodging Willie Wispie and friends, then she had to out run Eerie’s free range Zombie herd (which has somehow grown in numbers), but never let it be said that we don’t do our best to ensure our guests make it out alive.

Today the talented, award-winning, multi-published author of the sexy and dark paranormal romance series, The Alpha Pack, J.D. Tyler shares an exclusive interview with Ryon Hunter and his fellow Pack Mates.  There’s something to be said for a bunch of Nay SEALs who just happen to grow claws and fur that really gets to me…

Her fourth book, A HUNTER’S HEART is available now and before we begin, here’s a small peek:

Exclusive Interview: Ryon Hunter And The Alpha Pack

 

When I requested this interview with Ryon and The Alpha Pack, the guys weren’t sure whether they could take the time to sit down and talk. They’re really busy these days fighting all the dangerous things that stalk the night, and there’s a new problem on the horizon for our brave heroes. But they graciously agreed to take a few moments to give us an update on what’s been going on their world and satisfy our curiosity.

We’re sitting in the Pack’s recreation room because it’s more comfortable, and the guys are lounging around, waiting for me to begin. The room quiets, and I have to admit, being the focus of so many scorchingly sexy, strong men has me shaking in my boots. I try not to show my nervousness as I soldier on.

Nick Westfall (Alpha Pack Commander/white wolf/Seer): Can I get you something to drink?

JD: Oh no, I’m fine! Don’t go to any trouble—

Nick: Micah, get JD a soda or something.

Micah Chase (brown wolf/Dreamwalker): Sure thing, boss.

He flashes a smile at me, which pulls some at his scarred face, and rushes off. I turn to Nick.

JD: Thank you. And thanks to all of you for agreeing to take time from your busy schedule to talk with me. (I shuffle my notes) I know you guys have been through some rough situations in the past few months. Why don’t we start with what recently happened to Ryon and his new mate?

Nick (nodding to Ryon Hunter): I think Ryon’s the best source for that story.

I turn my attention to Ryon, and try not to ogle the man—but it’s not easy. Like all of them he’s stunning, but his looks are totally different from his teammates. His hair is blond and sort of shaggy, his eyes crystal blue. He has an “honest” face, one of those All-American mugs that screams apple pie and pro football. And I soon discover that he’s a sweet man with a ton of integrity—and one who loves his mate very much.

JD: Ryon, it’s great to finally meet you in person.  (His beautiful smile about knocks me off the sofa)

Ryon: Same here. What would you like to know? But keep in mind some of the story is still classified info—sorry about that.

JD: No worries, just tell me what you can. First, how did you meet your mate, Daria Bradford?

Ryon (face softening with obvious love): That’s an easy one. I’d been with the team in New York hunting a group of rogue vampires. We found them and in the fight, I got pinned by one of them.

Aric Savage: Yep. Pretty boy nearly got his throat ripped out. Would have if it hadn’t been for us.

Ryon (shooting the redhead an annoyed look): Anyway, they rushed me home to the compound and I had to spend some time in the infirmary. While I was recovering, this gorgeous spirit with long black hair visited my bedside. She needed help, but I didn’t think I could help her, you know?

JD (nodding): Your gift is a Channeler/Telepath allows you to speak with the dead—but many times you aren’t able to help them because they can’t communicate with you clearly, correct?

Ryon: That’s right. But with Daria’s spirit, it was different. She told me she was alive, and I knew right away that I had to get to her, fast. She wasn’t a ghost at all, but was using a Psy gift called astral projection to reach out to me. I rallied the team and we found her just in time, lying in a ravine. She was near death, and I had to do something extreme to save her life. I thought she’d never forgive me for that one, but she has a huge heart.

JD: Can you talk about what you did?

Ryon: Not yet. Let’s just say she and I worked through it. But that was the least of our problems, considering what came next.

Micah returns with my soda, and I thank him, taking a sip.

JD: You’re referring to the monster in the Shoshone that was killing campers and hikers?

Ryon (expression grim): Yeah.

JD: What can you tell me about that? What—or who—was this creature and how did he come to be in your neck of the woods?

Ryon: I’m not allowed to discuss specifics, but I can tell you that this was one of the most dangerous and heartbreaking cases we’ve ever worked. What happened to this creature wasn’t his fault, believe it or not. We solved that case the only way we knew how, and I think it worked out all right for everyone in the end.

JD: Except you were nearly killed in that battle…

Ryon: That’s the risk that comes with the job.

JD: Unfortunately, yes. And during your mission, you and Daria learned something important about the origins of the Alpha Pack, correct?

Ryon: Yes. But I can’t reveal that information yet, sorry.

JD: No problem. Let’s go back to an issue you already mention—the rogue vampires. I get the impression this is a recent development?

Ryon: That’s right. We’ve been called out in the past to deal with rogue vamps, but it’s always been a light problem, until now. It takes centuries for a vamp to turn rogue, and normally there aren’t many. But for some reason they’re everywhere lately.

Nick: We don’t know where the problem is stemming from, but we’re working on finding out. In the meantime, I’ve put in a call for assistance from the vampire’s leader, Prince Tarron Romanoff.

Jaxon Law (grey wolf/RetroCog/Timebender): The arrogant jackass. (snorting)

Zander Cole (black wolf/Healer), who lost his hearing after an explosion a few months back, has been doing his best to read lips. He agrees with Jax about the vampire prince.

Zander: True that.

Nick: Be that as it may, we need Tarron’s help or we’re soon going to be overrun by rogues. If that happens…

The commander leaves that thought unfinished, but the Pack agrees with mumbled curses. I know there isn’t much more they can tell me on that subject, so I decide to finish the interview on a positive note, addressing Ryon again.

JD: So, tell me about Daria? She seems amazing.

Ryon (beaming): She’s the most wonderful woman in the world, and I’ve been blessed to have her as my mate. She’s not just beautiful, but kind, smart, and funny. Her passion is studying wolves in the wild, real ones, which is sort of ironic.

JD (smiling): So I take it your mating is happy now?

Ryon: We had a lot of stuff to work through, but yes. She’s made me the happiest man on earth.

Aric (wrinkling his nose): Barf, gag.

Ryon: Shut up, asswipe. Like you’re not seriously whipped after mating with Rowan!

Aric: Yeah, well…

JD (laughing at their antics): Nick, thank you for giving up a few minutes to give an update on what’s been going on with the Pack. Ryon, I’m so glad everything worked out for you, and I’m sure our readers will love your story.

Ryon (winking): Thank you, sweetheart. Who doesn’t love a happy ending?

Kalen Black (black panther/Sorcerer/Necromancer): On that note, what do you say we all go get something to eat? I’m starved! JD?

JD: Sounds great, lead the way!

And so, I got to spend the entire afternoon soaking up the welcome attentions of a Pack full of sexy shifters. I guess that makes me, literally, one lucky bitch.

Happy reading!      

Whew…okay so are you ready to pick up your copy? How about we also offer one SIGNED copy of Hunter’s Heart for a randomly chosen commenter? Leave us a message, sharing which shifters you love most and it could be you! Don’t forget to leave your email.

Great!

BUY LINKS ARE HERE!

Big thank you to JD for taking the time to come over and share with us! We are honored!

J.D. Tyler is an award-winning, multi-published author who writes for New American Library under three pseudonyms. Whether this is due to an overdose of ambition or a multiple personality affliction, she’ll never tell.

J.D. writes dark, sexy paranormal romance and has a huge thing for shifters, vampires, the Fae, and just about everything else that goes bump and grind in the night. She can’t get enough of those dangerous supernatural heroes, and the fun of creating her own was just too much temptation to resist… so she didn’t. J.D. doesn’t do self-denial.

When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. She lives in Texas with her two teenagers.

You can find her:

Website (www.jdtyler.com)

Facebook

Twitter (@JDTylerAuthor)

Character Therapy…When they’re too messed up… #writing #characters

Last week Eerie gave us some insight into why we use flawed characters.  Of course, me being me, I had to point out the only interesting character is one who is flawed. C’mon, no one likes reading about Perfect Polly and her Awesome, Astounding Life of Ease.  Yet, can a writer hobble their character with too many flaws?

Our motley group of eight (because why have seven if you can do more?), we’ve considered numerous challenges to place before our various protagonists, be it a solid box where magic can’t operate, a juice mixer that only works with certain souls, or a snowy day in New Orleans.  The whole point of telling a story is to take your character, give them a few hurdles, some hidden pits with stakes, and shiny pot of gold at the end of the wacky rainbow and see how they turn out.  Are they better? Worse? A little more colorful or holey?   It’s one of the more fun aspects of being a writer, coming up with some great challenges that utilize creative thinking to get around or under.

Yet the goal of these challenges is to shine a great, big spotlight on our character’s flaws (or give it a steroid shot).  There is a fine balance a writer must navigate–creating a likable, flawed character a reader can connect with.  That’s a great deal more difficult than it sounds.

I’ll be honest, I’ve been puttering along, my Muse occasionally sticking her foot out so I trip, then snickering at me, when I suddenly realize I really don’t like my characters all of sudden.  Why? They’re just too…too…good.  They aren’t suffering enough or they’re not asking enough questions or they’re playing way too nice with the other characters.  That’s when I know, my character is becoming well adjusted…NOOOOOOO!

I don’t have a magic formula or chart (especially since Math is not my forte) on how many flaws or how deep those flaws have to be for a character to work, but think about it.  How boring is it if we aren’t challenged through out our life?  Same with our characters. We’re picking up a book so we can jump into the most exciting point in a character’s life, therefore as writers, we must make sure that the challenges and flaws they must face will keep a reader hooked for the entire story. Readers (and I say this since I, too, read) want to see the main character emerge triumphant over evil and themselves at the story’s end.  Or if not exactly where they should be, pretty darn close.

However, I have read some books when I hit the end, I need some serious therapy. The character faces such overwhelming odds from themselves and their world that it’s all I can do not to hand them a gun and just nod sadly.

So, is it just me or have you read something similar? Can a character be too flawed to read?

Fall Into Romance Blog Hop with The Romance Reviews & Jami Gray, plus Giveaway! #TRR #giveaways #prizes #newreads #bloghop

Come hop with me and The Romance Reviews as we dive into the Fall Into Romance Blog Hop from 9/13-9/21!

I’ve joined up with some more fabu authors and The Romance Reviews as we share some of our favorite Romance Writers of all time.  Not only that, but I’ll be giving one lucky commenter a $5 Amazon GiftCard, so make sure to click the link below to join in.
Rafflecopter giveaway
Now for the fun part! As the long summer evenings drift into Fall and the scent of burning wood filters through the air, the urge to partake in the joys of comfort food while curling up with a good book tend to dominate.  I thought I’d share one of my all time favorite romance authors–Christine Feehan.  I picked CONSPIRACY GAME, one of her titles from her series surrounding the psychic warriors known as the Ghostwalkers.  

What, pray tell Jami, makes you read and re-read this book obsessively?
Well, let me share a little about this particular one.  It centers around one half a twin brother duo (yes, I realize that’s redundant), Jack Norton and the high wire artist, Briony who finagles her way past all his very sharp edges. Check out this blurb:

Jack Norton is a GhostWalker, a genetically enhanced sniper with a merciless sense of justice, a phantom welcomed by the anonymity of the night. But a mission to rescue his brother in the jungle has left him vulnerable to rebel forces. His only salvation is his power of telepathy. Then he meets Briony, an unusual beauty on a mission of her own. But they share more than the sweltering heat…

Briony shares the GhostWalker powers. Yet she’s different. She doesn’t know what she is, or what she’s capable of. But her enemies do. And Jack and Briony’s flight will take them into frightening conspiracy of mind and body–across the globe and into the heart of darkness, where the shocking truth is something neither of them could have foreseen–or can escape..

So if this makes you want more, good! Click on the link below to continue on the hop to discover more great authors and take part in more giveaways!

HOP TIME: SAFARI HEAT’S #SultrySummerReads IS READY TO SET YOUR SUMMER ON FIRE! #Giveaways #Prizes #SummerReads

Check out all the participants in the Sultry Summer Reads Blog Hop!

 
It’s Blog Hop time, my lovely Swamp Followers!   We’re going to kick things off with The Sultry Summer Reads Blog Hop from Sept. 11th – 16th where our grand prize is a loaded Kindle Fire HD 7″, Second Prize is $100 Gift Card to Amazon or B&N. (Rules for the hop are listed on the Safari Heat site. Click on the image above, below or the one coming up…)

 Discover some great authors and check out their giveaways
http://safariheatbooktoursandauthorservices.blogspot.com 
Want to know who’s participating?  We have best selling authors Maggie Shayne and Dianne Duvall, plus awesome authors Bella Street, Mimi Barbour, Amber Kallyn, Linda Kaye Frazier and oh so many more!
Since we’re trying to compete with the scorching summer temps and I live in the oven known as the Southwest, I figured, I wouldn’t go that hot, but maybe enough to send you for something chilled and fruity afterwards.  Without further ado, I give you Raine McCord and Gavin Durand from my first book, SHADOW’S EDGE….

“You can run and hide, Raine.” His eyes were dark. “But I’m a damn good hunter.”

His challenge sparked her pride. She shocked both herself and Gavin by reaching up and threading her fingers through his thick hair. She ran her nails against his scalp, sending visible chills down his arms. Using the velvet strands as a handle she brought his head down for a kiss. Not some wimpy kiss either. If she was going to do this, she was going to do it right. It may be her only chance.

Using the tip of her tongue she traced his lips, startled at how soft they seemed. When he parted them for her, she took advantage of the opportunity, sliding her tongue inside. She closed her eyes, feeling her body respond, arching closer to his heat. It was like mov- ing into the warm sunshine after standing in the cool shadows. De- sire moved under her skin, warming places she hadn’t known existed.

His taste, like warm sherry and dark spices, invaded her, making her breath catch. She was losing herself in this moment, in this man.

And she wanted to stay lost.

That unfamiliar thought jerked her eyes open, and she saw his green ones focused solely on her, dark with arousal. She felt an un- expected flare of pride in bringing such a totally male expression to his face.

She slowly ended the kiss with her body fully pressed against his, totally aware how in the moment he was. Her fingers relaxed, releasing his hair, letting the strands slide over her skin before mov- ing her hands to his shoulders. He truly was a beautiful man.

Then, because it was almost too serious, she leaned up and dropped a light kiss on the tip of his nose. She caught his startled grin as she pulled out of his arms.

Her voice was unsteady, almost husky. “I wouldn’t call it run- ning, Gavin.” She turned on watery legs, every hormone screaming for her to stay, and walked down the hall to the front door.

He followed, reaching above her to hold the door open as she stepped onto his front porch. “Then what would you call it?”

She turned and met his eyes, her gaze as serious as her voice. “Trying to decide if you’re worth the risk.”

Hooked yet? If so, you can get your copies of SHADOW’S EDGE and SHADOW’S SOUL here:  
I WANT A COPY!
Want to win a gift? Then leave a comment below sharing your fav title/author who’s heated up your summer and include your email (Don’t forget your email!) so you can join in the fun for $5 GiftCard to Amazon to spend however you like and daily giveaways. Let us know, are you a reader or an author! US or International?  
Plus, commenters will be chosen from all the blogs for various giveaways EVERY DAY OF THE HOP and for our GRAND PRIZE : A loaded Kindle Fire HD 7′”  and SECOND PRIZE: $100 GiftCard to Amazon or B&N! 

Want more? Okay then, click on the link below to continue on the hop and check out our rules! Good luck!

http://safariheatbooktoursandauthorservices.blogspot.com

Award Winning @ElleKennedy Stops by the Swamp to share some #KILLERINSTINCTS! #romance #romsus #MIDNIGHTGAMES

Gather round, gather round my lovely and odorous Swamp Followers for today we are being honored by the RITA-award nominated, ELLE KENNEDY for our questioning delight. Normally, we’d waylay her on her way past the Swamp, but I had to tread a bit more carefully, she has some very dangerously wicked friends.  Take a peek after our questions and check our her newly released third book in her Killer Instinct series, MIDNIGHT GAMES.  I highly, highly recommend this read as it’s carving its way through my Kindle as we speak. We have to work fast, because she’s slippery, is our Elle, so before she escapes, come join the fun!

Many writers have that first novel which will never see the light of day. Out of curiosity, do you have one stashed somewhere?  Inquiring minds want to know: what was your first attempt at writing and how old were you?

I have many unpublished novels stashed somewhere, but I think I have three official “first” attempts. Sounds strange, but since they were all written at drastically different points of my life, I consider them all first attempts. I wrote my first book when I was twelve—it was a middle-school somewhat-romance title, like the Sweet Valley Twins series. It was 90 pages, and pretty damn good for a twelve-year-old, if I say so myself. Clearly it never sold, because at twelve, I had no clue that you needed to submit books to a publisher. I figured they just magically appeared on bookshelves.

My second first book was written when I was seventeen. I had other random books written between 12-17, but I consider this one a first because it was the one I started submitting to agents (this one was more like Sweet Valley High as opposed to Twins lol). Unfortunately, it didn’t land me an agent, but I did get some wonderful feedback from everyone who read the first three chapters.

And my official first book, I wrote when I was twenty. It was a submission to the Harlequin Temptation line, and the editor actually requested to read the full manuscript. The book didn’t end up selling, but I still think fondly of it when I’m remembering my early writing days.

–I have one of those, more along the lines of 125 pages handwritten sounding a great deal like THE DARK IS RISING meets TRIXIE BELDEN…ahh, being young, when writer’s cramp wasn’t a consideration!

What’s some of the funniest/sweetest/strangest things you’ve heard from your readers?

I get a lot of sweet emails from readers, usually letting me know how much they’ve enjoyed a particular book, or demanding to know when a certain title will be released. I can’t think of any standout funny ones, but there have definitely been some strange ones. A male reader wrote to tell me about his sex life with his wife, and then asked for “tips.” Oh, and one time, a female reader wanted to know what I had against “double penetration” (??? I’m pretty sure that at least two of my erotic titles have featured DP scenes LOL) So, yes, sometimes the messages that show up in my inbox are total head-scratchers!

–kudos to you for, umm…handling?…such requests, I think I would spend a lot of time just blinking and trying think of helpful tips…

What’s the one genre you won’t ever try and why?

Paranormal romance, specifically shapeshifter romances. I read some paranormal—JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is in my top 3 of all-time favorite romance series. So I’m okay with vampires. But shapeshifters…Gosh, I don’t know. I just don’t see the appeal. Maybe it’s because I’m both a dog and cat owner, so I can’t imagine one of them transforming into a really sexy man, or finding a man sexy knowing that sometimes he turns into a wolf or something.

If my publisher asked me to write a shapeshifter romance, I wouldn’t be able to do it. My confusion and dislike for the genre would come across in my writing, and I don’t think anyone would enjoy the final product.

 –it’s okay, Elle, I really like your alpha heroes, they don’t always have to turn furry!

What is some of the best advice you were ever given?  

Don’t let one rejection stop you from trying again, and make sure to develop a thick skin. Trust me, that thick skin is a MUST if you want a career in writing, and you don’t just need it for the submission/rejection process. Because even after you sell, you’re still going to face obstacles, whether it’s editors making you cut scenes you slaved over, or critique partners telling you they didn’t like something, or readers and reviewers announcing that they hated, hated, hated your book!

 –Thick skin…yep, I’ve been trying out this new lotion that’s suppose to toughen you up, but man, it takes time to develop!

Before she runs off into another hair raising adventure, let’s shoot Elle some of our favorite questions….ready? Go!
Blades, guns, fists or feet?

Guns (says the girl who’s never even held one!)

Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?

Beauty and the Beast

Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?

Inferno by Dan Brown, What Doesn’t Kill You by Iris Johansen, and Fantasy Life by Matthew Berry.

Greatest one liner of all time?

That’s what she said

Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?

Sarcastic witticism. Duh.

–(giggle-snort!)

Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?

The weirdest puppy on the planet, who decided to fall asleep on my computer and phone chargers. (see pic!)

 –I have a floor rug that sometimes resembles a Hellhound he can hang with!

Favorite supernatural creature?

Um, mermaids, I guess? Actually, no, can I just say psychics? Normal humans who can see the future. I’m not into creatures!

Much love and thanks to Elle for her visit! Check out her latest release: MIDNIGHT GAMES, the third book in her Killer Instincts series (August 6th, 2013, Signet Eclipse)!

She wears a thousand deadly identities.

He sees through them all.

A master of disguise, Isabel Roma spends her life pretending to be other women.  Normally, her emotions are reined in tight—but sexy mercenary Trevor Callaghan has a knack for getting under her skin. The elite operative’s quiet strength and raw magnetism affect her in ways she’s never felt before, a distraction that can quickly turn deadly in their dangerous line of work.

After putting his tragic past behind him, Trevor is ready to focus on his future—and he damn well intends for Isabel to be in it. When their entire operation is thrown into chaos, Trevor enlists Isabel’s talent for deception. And as they attempt to save their team in a world where the stakes are high and the danger is grave, Trevor must convince Isabel that the woman beneath all the disguises is the one worth having…

Grab your Copy NOW:

http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Games-Killer-Instincts-Novel/dp/0451240022/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371440102&sr=8-1&keywords=midnight+games

Want to hang out with Elle some more, you can…

Elle Kennedy currently publishes with Signet Eclipse, Harlequin Romantic Suspense, and Samhain Publishing. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!  Her latest release, MIDNIGHT GAMES, is the third book in a new romantic suspense series Killer Instincts, featuring a team of male mercenaries and female assassins. MIDNIGHT GAMES is available now!  Check out Elle’s website www.ellekennedy.com, like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter (@ElleKennedy).

PERFECTION CHALLENGED–A Cover Reveal of award winning @JadeKerrion #newrelease #SCIFI

Perfection Challenged, the thrilling conclusion to Jade Kerrion’s multiple award-winning, bestselling DOUBLE HELIX series, will be released on September 17th and will be available in paperback and all electronic formats. Beta readers have declared Perfection Challenged “the best of the four books…the perfect ending to an amazing series.”

If you’ve never picked up the DOUBLE HELIX series, keep on reading for a special offer on Perfection Unleashed, the book that launched the DOUBLE HELIX series.

PERFECTION CHALLENGED

An alpha empath, Danyael Sabre has survived abominations and super soldiers, terrorists and assassins, but he cannot survive his failing body. He wants only to live out his final days in peace, but life and the woman he loves, the assassin Zara Itani, have other plans for him.

Galahad, the perfect human being created by Pioneer Labs, is branded an international threat, and Danyael is appointed his jury, judge, and executioner. Danyael alone believes that Galahad can be the salvation that the world needs, but is the empath blinded by the fact that Galahad shares his genes, and the hope that there is something of him in Galahad?

In a desperate race against time and his own dying body, Danyael struggles to find fragments of good in the perfect human being, and comes to the wrenching realization that his greatest battle will be a battle for the heart of the man who hates him.

PERFECTION UNLEASHED

Recipient of six literary awards, including first place in Science Fiction, Reader Views Literary Awards 2012 and Gold medal winner in Science Fiction, Readers Favorites 2013.

“Higher octane than Heroes. More heart than X-Men.”

Danyael Sabre spent sixteen years clawing out of the ruins of his childhood and finally has everything he wanted—a career, a home, and a trusted friend. To hold on to them, he keeps his head down and plays by the rules. An alpha empath, he is powerful in a world transformed by the Genetic Revolution, yet his experience has taught him to avoid attention.

When the perfect human being, Galahad, escapes from Pioneer Laboratories, the illusory peace between humans and their derivatives—the in vitros, clones, and mutants—collapses into social upheaval. The abominations, deformed and distorted mirrors of humanity, created unintentionally in Pioneer Lab’s search for perfection, descend upon Washington D.C. The first era of the Genetic Revolution was peaceful. The second is headed for open war.

Although the genetic future of the human race pivots on Galahad, Danyael does not feel compelled to get involved and risk his cover of anonymity, until he finds out that the perfect human being looks just like him.

FOR A LIMITED TIME, E-BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR JUST $0.99 (Discounted from $2.99)

E-books available at Amazon / Amazon UK / Apple / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Smashwords

Paperbacks available at Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository

To be the first to receive news of Jade Kerrion’s latest book releases, sign up for her New Release Mailing List. If Perfection Challenge makes it to the bookstores before September 17th, you’ll be among the first to know.

Connect with Jade Kerrion: Website / Facebook / Twitter

SURVIVING THE WRITING WARS… #writingtips #writing

While Mighty declares unparalleled war against the Urban Bed Bugs and Big Mouthed Neighbors, Snarky is battling the Snot Monster. This has left poor Eerie all alone as he wanders the maze of Hellish Queries and Ninja is quietly working in the shadows to shut out the Demons of Rewrites.

As for moi? Well, I’ve got maybe two more weeks left in my initial Test of Endurance with First Person POV. Once I have hacked out the last 100 pages, I shall mark it on paper in typeset ink and then carve through it with my swords of Red, Purple and Blue. After which I’ll join Eerie in the Hellish Queries maze, while simultaneously begin laying the ground work for SHADOW’S CURSE.

Do you feel sorry for me yet?

Don’t.

This is part and parcel of being a writer. Here’s the deal. In the last few months I’ve been considering, then reconsidering what I really expect out of my writing career. Where do I see my work in two, five or even ten years from now? All in one house? Scattered throughout numerous houses and publishing formats? How many titles? Are they all series? How do I get my name out there? Hire out the floaty blimp thingy at football games? Run ads on Craig’s List? Do a viral video? (The oldest of the Prankster Duo came up with that one!)

My answers: Let’s skip the flashy crap and stick with why I started writing in the first place. I wanted to share the worlds in my head with readers. But, since I’m a voracious reader, the story had to be damn good. If I read something that bothered me (editing wise, plot wise, character wise) then make damn sure I don’t repeat that mistake. So step 1: Craft a great story.

Story’s done, I’m hitting my word count goals (because if you don’t write things down, they don’t exist), I’ve edited, re-edited, and did it again. Just so I can send it in to a team of better editors. Now what?

Step 2: Send the sucker out. Not just to one house, but every damn one you can think of that’s looking for your type of story. Because who wants to deal with all your eggs in one basket? I’m a klutz. Therefore, there will be broken eggs.

The publishing industry is changing. Faster than most of us can keep up. There are so many avenues of getting your stuff out before your readers. I like the support of a publishing house, they make me feel wanted. Since this is me, not all the other awesome writers out there, I’ve had to ask self publishing to unfriend me on Facebook. We’re just not a good fit right now. Instead my efforts are focused on luring in the Big 5 located out of reach on the East Coast or some of those rising, hot stars from the smaller houses. Either way, I’m good. Having a support team with edits and formatting gives me the warm fuzzies.

Now comes the biggest hang-up for me. I finally admitted it was time to pull up my big girl panties and figure out how to DO MY OWN MARKETING. I don’t care if you’re published through New York or Topeka, Kansas, time and budgets have conspired against authors and we are now in charge of our destiny. This means, we MUST MARKET OURSELVES. I know, I hear your groans. I’m with you, but really, if we want people to know us and our work, we have to suck it up and do it ourselves. We’re a huge community and there are TONS of resources out there. Go forth and indulge!

Step 3: Once our baby is out surfing the world, it is time to turn my attention to the next story. Time to use everything I learned from my mistakes on the last book, and put it right in the next one. My titles lend themselves to series. I read series. I enjoy them. It’s a world I can run away to when the dust bunnies join forces with the laundry. Ergo, I write series. The Kyn Kronicles has their home with Black Opal. I’m hoping the Paranormal Romance I’m about to finish will find a home with another kind publishing house. Is there a third in the works? Ummm, probably, but between these two I’m a little busy, but if I can squeeze it in, I’ve got IDEAS!

Step 4: Write. Don’t stop. So the washing machine broke, the dog barfed on the rug and the kids decided to repaint their rooms with day-glo orange, starting with your living room. Go where ever your writing supplies are (the closet, the bathroom, the office, the doghouse), lock the door, and take twenty-five minutes and let your fingers fly. They won’t miss you for 25 minutes. Promise.

So as a novice writer or a veteran of the word wars, what works for you? where do you see yourself in our ever changing industry?

If you’re a hallowed reader, I’m curious, what is the most common way you find out about new authors and their works?

Until next week, my lovely and devoted Swamp Followers…

Wicked

Meet #Romance author @NanaPrah visits w/ @JamiGrayAuthor, bringing her #debutnovel LOVE THROUGH TIME!

Greetings, my lovely Swamp peeps, today I have the pleasure of hosting the adorable Nana Prah, fellow Black Opal author, and sneaking a peek at her debut romance novel, LOVE THROUGH TIME.

As always, leave your weapons at the door, try not to shed any blood as you take a seat (I just washed the floors), and give us your undivided adoration….Smokey made some lovely finger foods.  I don’t think they’re actually from Eerie’s Free Range Zombies, but you never know.  I can guarantee they’ll be delicious though.  

Everyone have a seat? Yes? Good, good.  Okay, Snarky, lock the door.  Without further ado, my lovely Pagies (yes, I made this up, think foodies, but with pages!), may I present: NANA PRAH….

If your character(s) came with a warning label, what would it say?

Warning on the heroine, Jasmine: I have a very low nonsense threshold level, so unless you want a fantastic ass kicking, I’d behave myself if I were you. But if I do happen to stomp you down, I’ll be sure to heal you afterwards, because I’m an awesome nurse.

–hmmm, sounds oh so familiar…low patience level, no nonsense, kicking much ass, yes I do believe I know someone just like that!

Personally, I tend to be a bit on the introverted side so the thought of being in the actual presence of one of my favorite writers makes my heart race, my knees shake and tangles my tongue (yes classic fan girl behavior).  Who could reduce you to such a level and how do you imagine your initial meeting?

I love, love, love Dorothy Koomson.  At our initial meeting I’d fall down prostrate at her feet, of course she’s turn and run, and I’d dash after her screaming, “Wait, I’m not crazy. Well maybe a little, but it’s the creative kind. I love your books.”  Once she stood protected behind a police officer, she’d turn and recognize that I’m a fellow writer and a huge fan of hers, and then we’d have a wonderful chat.

–crazy is completely in the eye of the beholder, or the one buckling the straight jacket…

What’s the one genre you won’t ever try and why?

I’m staying away from horror. I have no intention of ever frightening the crap out of anyone with my writing. Plus in the midst of my writing I’d probably end up scaring myself sleepless and that does not sound like fun.

 —Eerie, back off, she doesn’t want to see your collection of severed tongues…no, not the shrunken heads either…

As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten.  Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?

I wanted to be whatever I read or saw (I was a pretty fickle kid). An astronaut, a clown, a tap dancer, an accountant (that one was the weirdest), a member of the  A Team, a chef (I lost that dream when I learned that I don’t actually like to cook). You name it and I wanted to be it. Everything except a nurse, teacher, or a writer- all of which I have become. Life sure is funny.

 –A Team, weird? NEVER!

Share one uniquely strange experience you’ve had that remains crystal clear to this day.

Experiences of de ja vu so intense that I predict what’s going to happen next, and I’m correct. It doesn’t happen often, but it freaks me out every time.

 –You’re not the first guest we’ve had that’s mentioned this one. Writers plus deja vu, I wonder….

Now for our BULLET LIST…Nana’s off and running…can you keep up?

Blades, guns, fists or feet?

I’m a martial artist, I’ll take all four of those bad boys, I know their value.

–Woman after my own heart…

Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?

Mulan (not sure if it’s a fairy tale, but I don’t care). That girl did the rescuing, no damsel in distress there. Plus I fell in love with the captain.

—Bad guys, good guys, kick ass female, magical creatures, we’ll consider it a Fairy Tale!

T hree titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read?

I hope you appreciate how difficult this is for me.

My computer holds Shadow’s Edge by the fabulous Jami Gray

On my Kindle: His Princess (Men of Valor) by Kiru Taye and The Woman He Loved Before by Dorothy Koomson

–awww, now you have me blushing….

Greatest one liner of all time?

“Just remember that I’m an artist, and I’m sensitive about my s^*t.” Erica Badu, Live.

–succinctly put!

Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?

Sarcastic witticism- I’m trying to cut down, but I can never remember why, it’s so much fun.

–Cut down? Blasphemy, Nana! More, you must use more!

Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?

A bottle of Listerine. Don’t ask me why it’s not in the bathroom.

–ummm, have hubby or kiddos, that’s generally a good enough explanation for me!

Favorite supernatural creature?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she’s not a creature, but she is supernatural.

–Buffy is always welcomed, along with Spike, Angel and the Winchester brothers….

LOVE THROUGH TIME..coming to shelves near you!

Defending her family – no problem. Recalling past lives – maybe just a small problem. Taking a chance on love again – well…

Jasmine Gibson has her world turned upside down when she meets gorgeous Sean Taylor. He’s the first man she’s been attracted to since her fiancé dumped her two years ago. But when the disturbing daydreams start, Jasmine begins to fear that her actions in a past life may have finally caught up with her.

Sean finds it impossible to stay away from Jasmine even though he can’t shake the inexplicable feeling of betrayal, simmering deep inside him every time he sees her.

To complicate things, someone is out to hurt Jasmine and every time she and Sean are together, the police have to be called. Even if Jasmine can make Sean trust her, the two of them may not stay alive long enough to enjoy their love this time around.

Buy Links: Black Opal Books | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |Smashwords|ARe

Have we whetted your curiosity? Good, our plan has succeeded then!  Nana can be found in these cyber locations for those who have more questions….

 

Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.com

Twitter: @NanaPrah

Facebook: Nana Prah, Author

Nana Prah was born in Ghana, West Africa, raised in the US and currently resides in Ghana where she loves her job as a writer and nurse educator. She has been writing since she can remember (in her journal) and has been an avid reader of romance novels since the eighth grade. She has finally been able to utilize the years and years of inadvertent research into writing her own romance novels where love always conquers all.

SIGN HERE…and here…and here… @JamiGrayAuthor #NewRelease #UF #PNR

*flopping into chair on porch of rickety cabin*  Feeling as exhausted as me yet? I swear, we’ve been running non-stop the last couple of months–blog hops, interviews and giveaways–it’s been busy.  Then add in the Prankster Duo gearing up for the Challenge of Educational Endurance, a celebration of 50 years of wedded garden bliss for the Garden Gnomes, finding out I needed a refill of iron to chase away the blahs, practicing the application of facial paint for the illusive professional head shot, and I’ve been looking forward to this small break.

I’ve plans, that’s PLAN with an S on it, for the upcoming months.  I’m considering actually getting a Newsletter together? What’s your take on Author Newsletters? I’m considering only doing one every four months because as much as I wish I could be a jumble of excitement all the time, it’s just not happening that often. Sorry.  Please share your opinion below, I promise it will help me with my decision.

I’m two-thirds done with my current Work In Progress (WIP). Nope, it’s a whole ‘nother series, nothing to do with Raine and company.  I’m hoping to have it finished and out into the big, bad query world by October.  Now that I’ve shared that with you all, I have no option but to do what I said I’d do. 

NANO 2013, it’s closer than you think.  I have declared I shall begin a new story for NANO this year (see below for hint of which title it will be!)

 Before we clean the place up in preparation for next week’s visit from the astounding Nana Prah, a fellow Black Opal Author by way of South Africa and her steamy tales of love, I wanted to share some awesome news with everyone!

Ready? 

FIRST…SHADOW’S MOON was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Claddaugh Contest for unpublished Paranormal Romance.  

SECOND…as mentioned above, I really do have an actual picture now. You can see it on my ABOUT page or even out on my Amazon author page, or any place else I’m out there (Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, Google+)

THIRD…we’ve made it through half the year with a ton of great guests, but we’re not done. We still have Nana Prah, Elle Kennedy, J.D. Tyler, Christy Reece, and Cindy Gerhard all coming this year, so keep on stopping by. These are fantastic writers you don’t want to miss out on.

FOURTH…As for moi, I’m over at Fiona Skye’s place on August 20th and on September 12th I’ve been invited to Suzanne Johnson’s blog, Preternatura. I’m doing giveaways, so don’t miss out.  Plus September we’ll be joining The Romance Reviews for their Fall Into Romance Blog Hop and I’ll be helping The Romance Studio celebrate 10 awesome years!  Run over to the Where Am I? Who’s Here? link above to see all our dates!

FIFTH…Near Christmas time, Black Opal Authors are gathering together to give you a book packed full of Holiday Short Stories, and yours truly will be in there with a lovely little tale of Raine and Gavin’s first case titled WRAPPED IN SHADOWS.  Want to see the first line? Hmmm….okay since you’ve been so good to keep visiting, here you go:

“Damn shame death can’t respect the holidays.”

I’ll leave it up to you on who you think is saying this one!

FINALLY…I am thrilled to announce I have signed my name in necessary fluids on a contract with Black Opal Books for SHADOW’S MOON and SHADOW’S CURSE, the third and fourth installments of the Kyn Kronicles. 

I will announce release dates as soon as I have them, I promise.  

In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this little teaser for SHADOW’S MOON:

As the Northwest Alpha wolf, compromise isn’t in Warrick Vidis’s vocabulary, but when his reluctant mate, Xander Cade, refuses to leave off the hunt for the one threatening their pack, will he be able to bend before they both break?  

A blonde, a brunette and a monster walk into a bar and all hell breaks loose.

It should have been the start of a bad joke, but days from a full moon Xander Cade, Tracker for the Northwest Motoki Pack, finds nothing funny about confronting an enraged Shifter in a crowded Portland nightclub filled with unsuspecting humans. The resulting carnage begins to fray the thin veil of secrecy shielding the supernatural Kyn community from public scrutiny. It also ensures there is no escaping the one man she’s been determined to avoid, her Alpha and mate, Warrick Vidis.  Dominating, protective and compelling, Warrick threatens her individuality like no other.

Warrick Vidis has no qualms using whoever or whatever necessary to protect his Pack, or his very reluctant mate. A series of unusual deaths involving lone wolves and anonymous threats against him and his Pack jeopardizes his normal steely control. Add in Xander’s continual reluctance to fully accept their Soul bond, and the line between intellect and instinct begins to blur leaving him wondering if one woman’s love and acceptance will be enough to save both man and wolf.

As the danger escalates, threatening not just their Pack but those closest to them, Warrick and Xander must find a way to trust each other and accept their rare bond or risk losing everything-their pack, their friends and each other.

Come back next week so you can meet Nana Prah! You will love her, promise!

—Jami