Melissa Snark's Blog: The Snarkology, page 38
April 15, 2015
The Snarkology: Those Dastardly Villains: It isn’t easy being mean by Maureen L. Bonatch #amwriting #TWRP
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch…
But, oh I loved him. I felt bad for his green, misshapen body and unfortunate hairstyle, no wonder he was a cranky pants. Which identifies another factor that may have been the root of the Grinch’s hatefulness- he had no pants. That ‘s enough to make anyone a little cranky when you live on a snow-crusted mountain.
Now I must apologize, because if you’re anything like me that song will be stuck in your head all day.
But I digress…villains. Despite the word being one that makes me stop to consider the spelling every time I write it, I have several villains in my novel, Destiny Calling. But I’m only going to talk about one of them today, Drake. I loved writing him. His character came across so clearly in my mind that as I talk about him now I’m glancing over my shoulder fearing he might flash in at any moment.
Several of my readers have told me he was one of their favorite secondary characters in the story. That could be because a few of my villains strongest threats are heavy sarcasm and general creepiness for they, like us all, just want to find their place in the world. Or maim or kill you…
Only Max, the Grinch’s dog, stayed true to him when no one in Whoville wanted anything to do with him. My hero, Griffith, undergoes similar struggles with his relationship with Drake throughout the story because like most villains, Drake’s needs come before anyone else in his mind.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to Drake. Starting with what, rather than who, is Drake? I’d love to tell you a little more about exactly what Drake really is, but that would give away some of the story you discover along with Hope in Destiny Calling. Here’s a little of what he had to say to describe himself while chatting with my heroine, Hope.
“I’m yours…” He winked at me. “…and everyone else’s, worst nightmare.”
“I’m your deepest, darkest fear. I’m your shortcomings, your mistakes, your secrets hidden away.” He ticked his fingers off one by one. “Oh, I know all the dirty little secrets.” He nodded and his long locks swam around his head. “The skeletons in your closets, and…I make sure you never, ever forget them.”
I averted my gaze, absorbing his words. Despite the despair surrounding Drake, he was beautiful, as one can appreciate the beauty and grace of a predator.
Who’s your favorite villain you love to hate? Or hate to love?
Destiny Calling
The Enchantlings
Volume 1
Maureen L. Bonatch
A Paranormal Romance from
The Wild Rose Press
Released: December 22, 2014
Key Words: The Wild Rose Press, Kindle, Fantasy, New Release, paranormal, romance, suspense, fantasy, New Adult, demons
Hope Doesn’t Know If The Man She Can Touch Is A Dream Come True, Or A Nightmare Just Beginning.
Hope only wants to find out if her ability to infuse euphoria or despair with her touch makes her the devil’s spawn, or his exterminator. But when the woman who raised her is murdered by something not human, she loses the only family she knew and discovers one she might wish she hadn’t.
Drawn back to the hometown she vowed never to return to, her ability is seen as an asset to everyone but Hope, and she doesn’t know who to trust. Her family wants her to help them overcome an enemy oppressing the human population, while the man of her dreams is courting her for the Underworld.
Time is running out, and Hope’s choice may be made for her, as she discovers she’s a pawn in a bigger game played by a merciless ruler who doesn’t lose.
Excerpt:
I strained to release my arm from Griffith’s vise-like grip while scanning the surrounding trees, trying to determine which was less of a threat, the beast of a man holding me or those who might be waiting for me in the woods.
“You will come inside, now.” Griffith spoke slowly and deliberately as if I were a small child.
I batted at the hand Griffith placed on my head. “I’m not a puppy, quit petting me.”
“I will protect you.” Griffith’s warm breath caressed my ear. “If for no other reason, to find out what I’m giving up and why she wants you so badly.”
I inhaled his masculine scent, like musky earth. It washed over my face, and the tension in my jaw released. I stopped struggling. “Are you the devil?” My tongue was thick and heavy so the words came out slurred.
“Not even close.” His words soothed and comforted, like having a weighted blanket cocoon me. Each movement was an effort. It wasn’t the same as the thing in the woods. This was more like the feeling after a long massage or bubble bath.
“It’s not safe.” Griffith wrapped his arms around me, and I rested against his broad chest.
“It’s not safe.” I nodded. My muscles relaxed and my eyelids grew heavy.
“It’s cold. We’re going inside.” Griffith kept his arm supporting me as he steered me toward the house.
“We’re going inside.” I parroted and walked up the steps, leaning heavily on him.
Out of the corner of my eye, something was cautiously moving at the edge of the woods. Branches snapped as whatever was observing us crept closer.
About the Author:
Penning stories boasting laughter, light suspense and something magical in the hope of sharing her love of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary world.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbonatch
Blog: http://www.maureenbonatch.com/blog/
Website: http://www.maureenbonatch.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/1AV4L
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maureenbonatch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureenlbonatch
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3103486.Maureen_L_Bonatch
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgkN2_ghCas
April 14, 2015
The Snarkology: Those Dastardly Villains: Antagonist of Fairy, Texas by Margo Bond Collins #amwriting
The author is sponsoring a giveaway for one ebook copy of Fairy, Texas. The winner will be randomly chosen from comments so be sure to comment for a chance to win!
Oh, those dastardly villains! I know that I—and probably most authors—love to write the characters we hate. But the very best villains are the ones who truly believe they’re doing the right thing. So today I’ve got an interview with Roger Bartlef, the villain of my YA novel Fairy, Texas. Bartlef is the counselor at the local high school, and he’s got a pretty unsavory reputation. But in the end, he is convinced that any damage he causes is for the good of his people.
Character Name: Roger Bartlef
Book Title: Fairy, Texas
Today Roger Bartlef, the primary antagonist of Fairy, Texas, stops by to chat!
Thank you for coming to chat with us today. How did Margo Bond Collins learn about you?
Margo was driving across Texas and saw the cut-off sign for the tiny town of Fairy, Texas—it made her wonder why anyone would name a place “Fairy.” And then she got the idea for an evil fairy—a cadaverous old man with mostly invisible bat-wings.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a high school counselor at Fairy High School. There are rumors around school that I practice black magic. The students avoid me when they can—but often, they simply can’t. I like it that way. I’m doing what’s best for Fairy, even when the people around me don’t know it.
How old are you?
Not as old as the children think I am, but older than most of my colleagues assume.
Where do you live?
Fairy, Texas. Protecting this town and my people is all that matters to me.
What’s your favorite music?
Opera. I am particularly fond of Puccini.
What’s your biggest turn on?
Making sure that I am in charge of my people so that they are well cared for.
What your favorite ice cream flavor, chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?
Darkest chocolate.
Do you feel the cover accurately represents you?
It accurately reflects Fairy, and some of my people—the younger set, in particular.
Laney Harris thinks there might be monsters in Fairy, Texas.
She’s right.
When her mother remarried and moved them to a town where a date meant hanging out at the Sonic, Laney figured that “boring” would have a whole new meaning. A new stepsister who despised her and a high school where she was the only topic of gossip were bad enough. But when she met the school counselor (and his terminal bad breath), she grew suspicious. Especially since he had wings that only she could see. And then there were Josh and Mason, two gorgeous glimmering-eyed classmates whose interest in her might not be for the reasons she hoped. Not to mention that dead guy she nearly tripped over in gym class.
Boring takes on an entirely new dimension in Fairy, Texas.
If she’s going to survive in this small town, she’ll have to learn to wing it.
Buy Fairy, Texas
E-Book:
Paperback:
Excerpt:
Fairy High could have fit into one wing of my old school. The three-story, red brick building looked like it had been around for at least a century—it actually had carvings over two of the doorways that read “Men’s Entrance” and “Women’s Entrance.” I was glad to see that none of the kids paid any attention to those instructions.
“Counselor’s office,” I muttered to myself. At least I wasn’t starting in the middle of a term—though given the fact that there were fewer than 500 students in the entire high school, I didn’t think I was going to be able to go unnoticed, even in the general bustle of the first day back from summer vacation.
I walked through the door marked “Men’s Entrance,” just be contrary, and faced a long hallway lined with heavy wooden doors. The spaces in between the doors were filled with lockers and marble staircases with ornate hand-rails flanked each end of the long hallway. Students poured in behind me, calling out greetings to each other and jostling me off to the side while I tried to get my bearings. None of the doors obviously led to a main office; I was going to have to walk the entire length of the hallway. And people were already starting to stare and whisper.
God. I hated being the new kid.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward. I made it halfway down the hall without seeing anything informative—all the doors had numbers over them and many of them had name plaques, but neither of those things did me any good since I didn’t know the name or office number for the counselor. I was almost getting desperate enough to ask Kayla, but of course she was nowhere to be seen.
I turned back from scanning the halls for her and caught sight of the first adult I’d seen—and almost screamed. As it was, I gasped loudly enough for a guy walking past me to do a double take. The man standing in the open doorway was tall, over six feet, and way skinny—so emaciated that it looked like you ought to be able to see his ribs through his shirt, if his shirt didn’t hang so loosely on him. He had white hair that stuck out in tufts, thin lips, a sharp nose, and pale blue eyes that narrowed as he watched the kids walk past—and all the kids gave him a wide berth without even seeming to notice that they did so. He stood in an empty circle while students streamed around him in the crowded hallway.
But none of that was what made me almost scream.
For a moment, just as I’d turned toward him, I could have sworn that I’d seen the shadow of two huge, black, leathery wings stretched out behind him.
Margo Bond Collins lives in Texas with her daughter and several ridiculous pets. She teaches college-level English courses online, though writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about cowboys, vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and the women who love—and sometimes fight—them.
Connect with Margo
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/margobondcollins
Email: MargoBondCollins@gmail.com
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/116484555448104519902
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/vampirarchy
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MargoBondCollins
Facebook Novel Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waking-Up-Dead/502076076537575
Tumblr: http://vampirarchybooks.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mbondcollins/
Be sure to add Fairy, Texas to your Goodreads bookshelves: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19502285-fairy-texas
April 13, 2015
The Snarkology: Those Dastardly Villains: An Interview with an anti-hero by Judy Ann Davis #TWRP #amwriting
Judy is giving away a free autographed copy of Under Starry Skies, randomly selected from those who leave a comment with their email address so she can contact the winner for his/her shipping address.
INTERVIEWING ANTI-HERO EMMA MCNEIL
from Under Starry Skies
by Judy Ann Davis
Emma McNeil, Maria and Abigail O’Donnell’s aunt, was gracious enough to answer a few questions about her anti-hero role in UNDER STARRY SKIES and her life in the Colorado Territory in 1875.
Rumor has it, Mrs. McNeil, you married Henry, your second husband, after your first husband, a miller, drowned in his own millpond. Is that true?
–“Why, yes, it’s true. I’m sad to say, my first husband wasn’t really missed since he was a stingy quarrelsome man. Even though my second husband, Henry McNeil, could squeeze the number five off the face of a nickel, he did permit me to purchase new dresses and other fine baubles.”
So Henry was rather thrifty as well?
–“Well, to be fair, he was not as parsimonious as my first husband. But Henry, God rest his soul, was far too generous and tolerant of wretched souls who couldn’t afford to buy a meal at the Inn. Yet, he would get angry when I ran up my accounts around Golden at the millinery shop and local store. Odd, isn’t it that he would give free food and drink to hungry families in the area when he knew they couldn’t pay, yet reprimand me when I bought a few new hats, shoes or parasols? And he wasn’t terribly fond of me parading around town in my new finery. But how else would the paupers and less fortunate know what cultured folks wore?
Do you shoot, Mrs. O’Neil? Or ride a horse or drive a carriage?
–“No, no, and NO! Heavens forbid. Why on earth would I want to act like an indigent settler or common farmhand? I have hired help to provide those services, including a housekeeper and cook.”
What did you think of your nieces, Maria and Abigail O’Donnell?
–“I warned Henry that they would be charity cases and cause only more work and trouble. He didn’t listen. They’re brazen little hussies. It’s rumored Maria is teaching an Indian to read; and Abigail, manager of the Inn, is selling imported Canadian and French whiskey and wine! And if that isn’t enough, those silly young ladies have somehow managed to take in a horrid hungry puppy and are expecting me to give them a daily pan of milk from one of my cows to feed the little ravenous beast. ”
I hear that “The Bonnie Blue Flag” is one of your favorite songs.
–“’Like patriots of old we’ll fight, our heritage to save.’ Young people today have no idea about the importance of customs, traditions and birthright. Why, young women out here ride astride, carry guns, drink whiskey, own their own businesses, and disrespect their elders. Henry knew I wanted to return to Georgia and a more civilized life than the Colorado Territory could offer, but he kept refusing to move.”
Did you kill your first husband?
–“I shall overlook your boldness and impertinence by refusing to answer such an improper and insulting question.”
Did you kill your second husband?
–“My, what a brash young person you are! I think this interview is finished!”
Title: Under Starry Skies
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date Published: May 2014
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
Word Count: 81,000
Buy links:
Hired as the town’s school teacher, Maria O’Donnell and her sister Abigail arrive in the Colorado Territory in 1875, only to find the uncle they were to stay with has been murdered.
Rancher Tye Ashmore is content with life until he meets quiet and beautiful Maria. He falls in love at first sight, but her reluctance to jeopardize her teaching position by accepting his marriage proposal only makes him more determined to make her part of his life.
When their lives are threatened by gunshots and a gunnysack of dangerous wildlife, Tye believes he is the target of an unknown enemy. Not until Maria receives written threats urging her to leave does she realize she might be the target instead of the handsome rancher.
With the help of Tye, Abigail, and a wily Indian called Two Bears, Maria works to uncover her uncle’s killer and put aside her fears. But will she discover happiness and true love under Colorado’s starry skies?
Excerpt:
Tye rolled up into a crouch, reset his hat, and faced Maria. “Listen, I have an idea. I’m going to take you farther back into the forest, hide you, and then I’m going down the mountain a bit in search of my horse.”
“You’re going to abandon me, Tydall Ashmore?”
He winced, his expression was almost apologetic. “No, I’m going to leave you for a few minutes. I promise I’ll return.”
“No, take me with you. Please.” Icy fear glistened in her eyes.
He raised his hand and caressed the side of her face with his knuckles. “You have to trust me, Maria, if we’re going to get back down this mountain alive.”
Author Bio:
Judy Ann Davis writes both historical and contemporary romantic suspense as well as short stories.
She began her career in writing as a copy and continuity writer for radio and television. Many of her short stories have appeared in various literary and small magazines, and anthologies, and have received numerous awards.
When Judy Ann isn’t behind a computer, you can find her looking for anything humorous to make her laugh or swinging a golf club, where the chuckles are few.
She is a member of Pennwriters, Inc. and Romance Writers of America.
Website: http://www.judyanndavis.com/
Blog: www.judyanndavis.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudyAnnDavis4
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyanndavis44/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudyAnnDavisAuthor
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Ann-Davis/e/B006GXN502/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4353662.Judy_Ann_Davis
The Snarkology: Naughty Beach Fling (Are You Watching? #1) by Mia Dee #mfm #erotica #voyeurism
Naughty Beach Fling (Are You Watching? #1)
Tags: #mfm #erotica #voyeurism
Almost 11K
Buy link:
Wendy Anderson’s good girl halo tarnishes in a big way when she discovers a few secrets about her husband’s sexy best friend, Travis Smith. Back in college, Travis made porn films to make ends meet. More surprising, her husband, Justin, used to film them and act as director. While on vacation, Wendy’s imagination goes wild and she can’t help but wonder if the two guys will indulge in some naughty beach fun.
This short novella is a work of erotica. It’s short, hot, and contains: Wife watching and a little m/f/m action at the end. 10,800 words
(Mia Dee is the pen name for erotic romance author Mia Downing.)
Bio for Mia Dee…
Shh… Mia Dee is the naughty pen name for erotic romance author Mia Downing. She’s always wanted to bridge over into some naughtier, feistier stories that explore sexual fantasies and situations without the standard romance formula from start to finish. If you enjoy erotica, then this is the place for you!
For more naughty fun, visit Mia Dee’s page on the blog!
April 12, 2015
The Snarkology: He’s so hot his kilt’s on fire! KILTS ABLAZE #humor
KILTS ABLAZE
Genre: Historical Scottish Firemen Romance
Cover Artiste: Farah Evers Designs
The heat is on…
Book 1 in the Blazing Kilts of Scottish Firemen series is sure to be the hottest historical Scottish firemen romance read of the year.
English bastards raped and murdered Angus Wallace’s secret child bride. Despite the trauma, he recovered. Three months later, he married the real love of his life, Mollie, a plaid seamstress from Dublin.
One evening their Scottish terrier ran away. Angus went out to search for the little bugger. Tragedy struck when he got hit on the head by a rampaging livery. Rendered forgetful by amnesia, Angus took up a new life as a member of Fire Company 95.
Grief stricken, Mollie never recovered from her loss even though she adopted a new dog.
Haunted for years by images of spinning wheels and knitting needles, Angus begins a revolt and leads Scottish warriors against the cruel English tyrants who rule Scotland with an iron fist.
When Mollie’s house catches fire, will Angus put down his mobile phone long enough to save her?
Excerpt:
“Whaur is ma kilt, Mollie? A’m aff tae rammy fur Scotland’s freedom fae they sassenach bastards!”
Mollie sobbed. “Oh, na, Angus! Please dinnae gang tae rammy th’ sassenach bastards wha rule Scootlund wi’ an iron fist! We’ve ainlie juist fun ilk ither again efter decades apairt. We ur twa beats o’ th’ identical hert, ye stubborn, idiotic man!”
“I’m sorry, Mollie, bit afore god ‘n’ jimmy, ah hae tae gang rammy fur Scots freedom against thaim sassenach bastards wha rule Scootlund wi’ an iron fist!”
Mollie choked on her final sob. “Oh, gey weel then.”
“Just promise me yin final thing, wifie. Afore ah go.”
“Aye?”
“Promise me ye’ll keep th’ damn dug ben this time!”
Brilliant Trailer by Farah Evers Designs:
I owe a big thanks to Farah Evers for her help in putting this presentation together. The spectacular cover and brilliant book trailer are her genius. So thank you, Farah! I had a blast working on this with you.
English to Scottish translation courtesy of ScoTranslate.com
Originally posted here.
April 9, 2015
The Snarkology: Those Dastardly Villains: The Villain of My Dreams by Jana Richards #amwriting #contemporary #romance
When one of my books calls for a villain, I always feel a touch of glee. Villains are fun to write, especially the truly evil, dastardly, over the top kind. They can do and say truly outrageous, terrible things. I get a lot of vicarious satisfaction in having my characters defeat them.
Such was the case with the terrible General Dietrich in my WW2 romantic suspense FLAWLESS. Dietrich is the sadistic Nazi commander who has stolen the valuable blue diamond, Le Coeur Bleu, and is trying to trade it for war materials that could kill many Allied soldiers. Hunter and Madeleine must steal the diamond back. Keeping her out of Dietrich’s clutches forces Hunter and Madeleine together. I won’t give away the ending, but suffice it to say that I enjoyed giving the bad guys what they deserved!
Another truly evil villain I had a lot of fun with was Mr. Gardiner in BURNING LOVE. Gardiner was a landlord/property developer who cheated Riley’s aging great aunt and uncle out of their home, and Riley out of his inheritance. I enjoyed Gardiner’s comeuppance; the police and the IRS were made aware of his shady business deals. Nothing scares a villain more than the IRS. Just ask Al Capone.
Speaking of fun, talk-show hostess Jessica in THE GIRL MOST LIKELY is a self-involved villain who enjoys making Cara’s life miserable, just because. When Jessica has an accident – she’s trying to read a book while driving – Cara fills in for her as host of the show and eventually gets the job permanently. But sometimes you can’t keep a good villain down. Jessica gets a new and better job in Los Angeles!
Occasionally a story calls for a more subtle villain. In my small-town romance FIRST AND AGAIN, Tina Wilson was Bridget’s nemesis back in high school. When circumstances force Bridget to return to her small hometown in North Dakota, Tina takes great delight in humiliating her on her very first night in town. But Tina is not who she first appears to be. No one is more surprised than Bridget when Tina turns into an ally.
In HOME FIRES, which is set in Canada just after World War Two, Erik believes his younger brother Anders is his enemy. Their late father always preferred Anders over him. Anders made it through the war without a scratch while he was badly wounded and scarred. And now Anders has abandoned Anne, his beautiful English fiancée, leaving Erik to clean up his mess. But Anders is just as much a victim of war as Erik and Anne; sometimes a person’s scars are on the inside.
That’s the thing about villains; one size does not fit all. Their reasons for being bad are wide and ranging. Sometimes a villain must simply be defeated, like my Nazi General Dietrich. But life is not always so black and white. There are times when a villain is not who he seems to be at first glance, and there are good reasons for his bad behavior. When a villain redeems himself, it’s a totally satisfying triumph over evil.
Who are your favorite literary, movie or TV villains? Do you like villains who are purely evil, or are you intrigued by more complex villains?
I’m having a special promotion on my blog and my Facebook Page between April 7 and 11th that I call my “Over the Hump” event. Like my Facebook Page and/or follow me on Twitter for a chance to win prizes, including one ecopy each of the books featured in this post, and Amazon gift certificates. I’ll be giving away the prizes randomly using Rafflecopter. For complete information, please check out my blog, Journeys with Jana.
Title: FIRST AND AGAIN
Publisher: Carina Press
Date Published: October 7, 2013
Genre: Contemporary romance
Word Count: 87,000 words
Bridget Grant is back in Paradise. Paradise, North Dakota, that is.
She’s swallowed her pride and moved back to her hometown with her daughter after her divorce and the loss of her catering company. Now she’s trying to navigate the strained relationships she’d left behind – including her first love, Jack Davison.
Jack never forgot Bridget, or the day she left town – and him. When Bridget caters a lunch at Jack’s tourist ranch, old flames reignite. They have more in common than ever – Jack’s also a single parent. Though they both try to keep things casual, Bridget, Jack and their girls are starting to look a lot like a family.
But Bridget’s only planning to stay in Paradise until she’s saved enough to relaunch her business. Jack’s invested too much in his ranch to leave. And with their daughters involved both have a lot more at stake than heartbreak. How can they risk falling in love?
Buy links:
Excerpt:
“So why did you leave your catering company?”
“Tina, maybe Bridget doesn’t want to talk about it,” Celia said, a note of warning in her voice.
Tina had always had a knack for finding her weak spots and going straight for the jugular. Bridget’s only hope was to show no fear.
“That’s okay, Celia,” she said. She turned to Tina with what she hoped was a composed expression on her face. “The business went under.”
“Really? What a shame. What went wrong?”
The massive lawsuit might have had something to do with it. “It was probably the downturn in the economy.”
“That’s too bad. And I understand your husband left you after that.”
Her heart dropped into her stomach. She lifted her eyes to Tina’s and in that moment she hated the woman. Though Tina’s face was the picture of innocent inquiry, the predatory gleam in her eyes revealed the enjoyment she took in asking these humiliating questions.
“It was an amicable split.”
“But to leave you without any money and then to take up with a younger woman. Well, that’s just too much.”
She heard her sister’s sharp intake of breath before an embarrassed hush fell over the group.
“Knock it off, Tina,” Jack said.
Tina gave him an indignant glare. “I was just trying to express my sympathy for Bridget’s situation.”
He didn’t look convinced. “Sympathy, my ass.”
Gavin coughed self-consciously. He and the others at the table appeared uncomfortable, but she was past caring about anyone else’s discomfort. Anger welled up inside her, anger at Tina, at Celia, at Ben, at the world in general.
“It’s okay, Jack. Tina’s right. My husband did dump me for a younger woman. But hey, my life’s an open book. Maybe there are other details of my personal life you’d like to discuss. Perhaps you want to know my bra size or maybe my bank account balance, though I’ve got to warn you, neither is very big. Go ahead, ask me anything.”
Author Bio:
When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.
In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com
Author Links:
Website: http://www.janarichards.com
Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards
Google+ Profile: https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245
April 8, 2015
The Snarkology: Those Dastardly Villains: Beyond Black & White (Contest) @FarahEversArts #amwriting
Check out the giveaway below for a chance to win a $25 voucher redeemable at Farah Evers Designs. Comment for a chance to win!
When you say the word villain, some immediately picture monsters while others think of a mustache twirling, loud roaring scoundrel. Should it really be that black and white? If your antagonist bursts into laughter at the slightest bit of wickedness, it’s time you go back to the drawing board. Otherwise, you’ll be presenting your audience with a literary love-child cutout of Dick Dastardly and Cruella De Ville.
Due to my fascination with serial killers and true crime, I dedicated years to reading about real life villains or watching interviews/documentaries. This made me—I won’t say empathize—but just have a sense of where most villains come from. Were they born evil? Were they motivated by society? Why are some people true psychopaths? As I began delving deeper into the research, I connected with the humanity behind their psyches. Of course I couldn’t connect with brain defects with which most of them are born. However, that sense in itself is the true fodder for a 100% believable bad guy.
In Origins, Demo book 1, my antagonists (yes, I had several) were all driven by their own goals and needs. They were nice, regular people who were propelled by various factors and for various reasons. One character was greedy and jealous but he really needed to be because he had been eyeing a position in the government for a long time and the tides had never turned in his favor. Another villain had the people’s best interest at heart. He had good intentions but somehow lost himself to the world of political greed and power. And so on…
Getting you to a point where you can almost feel for the antagonist—or if not, perhaps give them a nod of understanding to why they are being such assholes is something I keep in mind during character development.
I enjoy writing bad guys so much that I’ve created 2 protagonists, in various projects, who are actually antagonists at the same time. It’s risky business but I am sincerely fascinated by the psychological dichotomy that could exist within any of us.
Title: Origins, Demo book 1
Publisher: RoboImprint
Date Published: December 27, 2014
Genre: Political Science Fiction Thriller
Word Count: 84k
Blurb: Dirty politics just got dirtier.
2155. Lebanon survives the Technological Collapse Era only to end up governed by tyrannical zealots who control higher technology.
When the unholy grail falls into their totalitarian hands, Suddeek Hassan, the grail’s only heir, finds himself on a mission to instigate an interplanetary new order with laws that originate from his own bloodline.
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Excerpt:
“There seems to be a malfunction in the transporter’s influx mechanism,” a tall man in a black and white uniform reported. “There is a presence on board. I think you might want to see this, master.”
The other man turned around in his seat at a control panel. He stood up and walked toward Suddeek, studying him from head to toe.
Suddeek gawked at his doppelganger, his mouth hanging low. “You’re real.”
The other Suddeek circled around him. “Alien? Shape shifter? Time traveler?”
Suddeek shook his head, still fascinated at the sight of himself in a black and white leather suit, armed and rather muscular in comparison. “I don’t know. Where am I? Who are you?”
“I’m Suddeek Hassan, master of the Gardener’s alliance. This is my ocean-space ship, the Seven Voyager. We’re in shallow waters now. Curious as I am to know how my stunt double materialized in here, I am in the middle of something. Zakariah, show this man to one of the empty quarters.”
“No wait, I don’t have time. Please, Suddeek.” Addressing himself sounded outlandish to his ears. “I’m Suddeek Hassan as well. I am on a mission myself, and I have no idea how I ended up here or why. I often have vivid visions, but it’s like they’ve been materializing.”
Zakariah approached Suddeek with a scanner. “Signals from his corporeal form indicate a different frequency, but he is human, and he does share your exact DNA, master.”
Suddeek observed the giant view screen and noticed the red rocky formations he had visited before.
A strong flashing light flushed across.
“It’s back, master,” Zakariah said. “This is our chance to get to her before Annas.”
“Sorry, Suddeek, we’ll have to catch up another time. Invisibility mode on. I’m going out,” the other Suddeek said. He transported to the exact place where Suddeek had found him the last time he walked into this surreal vision. Zakariah zoomed in on the view screen.
The author is sponsoring a giveaway for a $25 voucher redeemable for graphics products from Farah Evers Designs. Please leave a comment for a chance to win. The winner will be chosen at random from the comments.
Author Bio:
Farah Evers is a Science Fiction writer. Her educational background is in Interior Architecture, which plays an integral role in urban development and world building. During her entire academic and professional life, Farah integrated science fiction concepts that allowed her to create unique high-tech projects, which were considered futuristic at the time. By the same token, architecture has shaped and influenced her take on science fiction. The way she thinks and sketches out her worlds begins with the fundamentals of architectural design that always bring back memories of countless overnights, sketching, conceptualizing, and drafting out perspective sketches.
Architecture wasn’t the only factor that played a major role in her understanding of life around her. Evers has a deep interest in Middle Eastern politics, anthropology, and psychology (namely sociopathy and psychopathy)
Her continuous struggle with weight led up to a short career as a gym trainer. Years of research in the health and nutrition field played a dramatic role in the birth of some of her science fiction concepts and ideas.
Her first published short story appeared in an anthology book, Elements of Dimension, in 2010. Two more e-short stories from the Expressions of Grace anthology collection was published via TTM: “The Feather” & “Julio Adriane”. (Of various genres) All short stories won third place in Twin Trinity Media’s writing contest. She then moved on to focusing on her career as a Science Fiction novelist. Her first novel “Demo” is a political science fiction thriller.
You might also know Farah Evers as a professional graphic designer, award winning book cover artist, digital artist, and performer (actor/singer)
Author Links:
Website: faraheversauthor.com
Email: info@farahevers.com
My Amazon Author Page
Twitter: @FarahEversArts
Farah Evers Designs
Contact Farah Evers Designs for author related services, formatting, professional book covers, animated book covers, contemporary website design, and more.
April 7, 2015
The Snarkology: Trancing the Tiger: A Chinese Zodiac @RachaelSlate #Paranormal #Romance @MelissaSnark
Title: Trancing the Tiger: A Chinese Zodiac Romance
Release Date: February 17th, 2015
Delve into a world steeped in tradition and superstition…
After her parents become infected with the Red Death, Lucy Yeoh flees to Malaysia seeking answers. Everything in this closed-off section of the world is paradise—from the lush tropical climate to her sexy new neighbor, Sheng…who just might be delusional. He claims the Plague God unleashed the Red Death and only a circle of Chinese Zodiac spirit animals can cleanse the Earth. Even more, he insists she’s one of them: the Rabbit. Long furry ears and fluffy bunny tail included.
He’ll show her how to fight to save the world…
As the Chosen of the Tiger, the burden of restoring balance to the world has fallen onto Li Sheng’s shoulders. When he discovers that the ally he’s long awaited, the Dragon, is actually just the Rabbit, Sheng is quick to dismiss Lucy. If only she’d stay dismissed. Lucy’s Rabbit refuses to cooperate, undermining the authority of his Tiger at every turn…and seducing him to the limits of his darkest desires. He’s not supposed to want her. Not when he needs the spirit circle complete and she’s their weakest link.
She’ll show him a love worth fighting the world to save…
Sheng’s enemies draw closer, and not everyone wants Lucy alive. Together, they’ll have to navigate a treacherous world where a line between duty and their hearts has been drawn between them. They must either sacrifice one, or find a way to surrender to both.
Buy Links: Free on Kindle Unlimited
Short Bio:
Rachael Slate resides on the West Coast of Canada with her husband and two children—or as she likes to call them, her own little blended world. One of the best parts about sharing in her husband’s Chinese-Malaysian culture is definitely the food—and the awesome celebrations!
Rachael writes stories that blend the lines between mythology, reality, and fantasy. In her worlds, you’ll encounter strong, sexy alpha males and the capable women who challenge them. And always, scorching hot romance.
To find out more about Rachael Slate, visit her website at http://www.rachaelslate.com or sign up for her newsletter to learn about upcoming releases at http://rachaelslate.com/Register/Maillist.
Rachael would love to hear from you. You can email her at rachaelslate@outlook.com or find her on social media here:
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Email: rachaelslate@outlook.com
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April 6, 2015
The Snarkology: Those Dastardly Villains: What’s a story without its villain? by Laura Strickland #amwriting #TWRP
What would a story be, without its villain? As we’ve established, bad guys come in all guises, from the school bully to the lecherous suitor, to the demented next door neighbor with his endlessly-barking dog that never stops yodeling even to breathe (not that I have such a neighbor. Oh no, not me. That was just a random example). In my humble opinion, a good villain gives depth and interest to a tale. Without bad guys, all would go well for the protagonist—far too well—and who the heck wants to read that?
So, a good villain is as necessary as a stellar hero. It all has to do with that darkness vs. light business. In many cases, the villain is like a big, pointy stick prodding the heroine/hero to accomplish what s/he must, and as such embodies that golden word: motivation.
But what if the villain in question is also the most dastardly of things: a member of the family? This is the cruel fate which befalls Clara Allen, heroine of my new release, Dead Handsome: a Buffalo Steampunk Adventure. Clara’s devious grandfather—as indecently aged as he is wealthy and mean—never liked the man his daughter married. Following his daughter’s untimely death, he allowed Clara and her father to remain in the fine home he’d entitled to his daughter. But to hold the property, Clara must toe her grandfather’s line, which means being meek and married by age 21.
What’s a girl to do? When our story opens, Clara has only days to conform to her grandfather’s wishes or get tossed out along with her dependents—many of whom are children—into the cold streets of Victorian Buffalo. But Clara has a secret: she can raise the dead. She decides to resurrect a murdered prisoner, believing he’ll be nothing more than a blank slate on which she can write, someone she won’t have to love, honor or obey. Anyway, she reasons, what could possibly go wrong?
I enjoyed creating the character of Clara’s grandfather, Randolph Van Hamelin. I could see him so clearly in my mind’s eye: a wizened, sour-faced fellow with a head like a skull and an iron grip on all he sought to control. There’s always the danger of overplaying such a character, but Van Hamelin came to me easily and tended to display his nasty nature in ways with which I just couldn’t argue: abusing his steam servants (the only sort he could keep, because the human ones tended to desert like rats from a leaky Erie canal barge) and forcing his granddaughter to crawl to him for favor—which he then refuses to grant. And Clara does come crawling, a thing she’s sworn she’ll never do, but only in an effort to hold on to her resurrected man, who turns out charming and Irish and oh, so irresistible.
What’s Randolph Van Hamelin’s motivation? That’s an interesting question to contemplate. He could have shrugged off Clara’s disobedience, plumbed his soul for a little mercy and granted her some independence. He could have tossed a bit of money in the direction of the waifs under her care. As he enjoys telling Clara, he was a penniless boy, once. But he delights far too much in watching others squirm. Clara should thank him, really. Without his unreasonable demands, no doubt she never would have ended up with a man so completely dead handsome.
Title of Book: Dead Handsome: a Buffalo Steampunk Adventure
Author: Laura Strickland
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Clara Allen needs a husband in order to keep a roof over the heads of her assorted dependents, a roof her nasty grandfather will re-appropriate unless she is married by her 21st birthday, only a few days away. Strong-minded, unwilling to take orders from any man, she decides to solve her problem by raising a murdered prisoner from the dead and marrying him. She expects an empty-headed puppet; she certainly never dreams he’ll be so devastatingly handsome.
Liam McMahon doesn’t recall much about his life before his hanging in the prison yard, other than being Irish. He does remember the kiss Clara bestowed as she brought him back to life. Every time he looks at her, his desire gets out of hand. But his former life is chasing him down like a steam engine, and when a couple of mad geniuses decide he’d make a fine experiment, he wonders if he’ll live long enough to claim Clara’s heart or if he’ll die all over again.
Buy links:
Excerpt:
The room needed to be warm–she had learned that during past experiments. It helped if the subject awakened in an environment that was moist and heated, akin to the womb. And the breath of life was more easily received by warmed flesh.
Still obviously uneasy, Georgina rejoined Clara at the table. “You know you’re going to have to touch him.”
“I’ve already touched him. Ruella and I stripped and washed him down.”
“You’re going to have to kiss him.”
“It isn’t a kiss. It’s a resurrection.”
The room had warmed quickly. Now clouds of steam billowed and surrounded the table, lending an unreality to this thing she undertook. It blurred the edges of her vision and her reason.
She rested her fingertips lightly against the corpse’s chest and closed her eyes. He no longer felt cold but he did feel quite dead. She’d learned the difference over these many months. Against all the distractions she quieted her mind and reached for the power within.
It slept much the way the man’s flesh did, resting in oblivion. Like a separate entity within her, it mellowed and simmered until she called upon it, when it flared to life, bringing life.
She let the power grow and flare and burgeon inside of her because she would need a great quantity of it, more than ever before. When it threatened to overspill her like hot water in a steaming kettle she opened her eyes.
She felt full; she felt ready. She drew a deep breath–deep, deep, deeper than ever before–leaned down and placed her mouth upon that of the corpse.
Author bio:
Born in Buffalo and raised on the Niagara Frontier, Laura Strickland has been an avid reader and writer since childhood. To her the spunky, tenacious, undefeatable ethnic mix that is Buffalo spells the perfect setting for a little Steampunk, so she created her own Victorian world there. She knows the people of Buffalo are stronger, tougher and smarter than those who haven’t survived the muggy summers and blizzard blasts found on the shores of the mighty Niagara. Tough enough to survive a squad of automatons? Well, just maybe.
Author Web site: www.laurastricklandbooks.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002632317
Author Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Strickland/e/B001KHSACW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
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