Eleni Konstantine's Blog: Eleni's Taverna, page 13

Musa Monday: Wench Holley Trent

Today, I have wickedly funny Wench, Holley Trent on Musa Monday. 
Over to Holley... 

 



by Holley Trent
There’s this bit in my new release Her Resident Jester where my protagonist, Shane, waxes poetic about her identity:

I’d almost forgotten about that ultrasound. I didn’t generally volunteer for medical studies, but one of my coworkers’ kids was on the investigative team and I got strong-armed into it because I’m from an underrepresented ethnic group. That is to say noparticular ethnic group. I’m more mixed up than Vin Diesel, but far less coy about it. I leave that to Marcia. She’s really uptight about that sh*t.
Shane and Marcia are sisters (you’ll meet Marcia formally in April in Love by Premonition ), and constituents of the Great American Melting Pot. They can’t simply itemize what they are, because at some point in the family tree the colors blur. They’re sort of a lot of things and nothing in particular.
Shane’s fine with that. She’s okay with her ambiguity and having people ask her about it. Culturally, she’s North Carolinian, Southern, and American. Marcia is far more sensitive about her perceived identity. She’s not self-hating, exactly, but as a lapsed physicist, she sort of likes being able to put things into neat little boxes. So, when people question her on what she is (and isn’t), she dances around the subject and deflects. It’s not easy for her to answer, and she doesn’t like other people guessing about it, either. She could hedge and say “I’m black,” but she isn’t. Bi-racial wouldn’t be accurate, either. Tri-racial would work, but it’d be imprecise.
Shane doesn’t mind imprecision so much, but it makes Marcia twitchy.
I made this a “thing” with Marcia because I think people should sometimes come in shades of gray (even if they don’t have cool names for themselves like Cablinasian)…and I think sometimes they should be sensitive about not having a tidy label.
Although I identify very well with characters like Shane and Marcia (good luck trying to itemize all my components), they make requesting cover art extremely tedious. I could spend an hour scanning through stock art depositories looking for models who are suitably ambiguous and only come up with one or two.
For Her Resident Jester , we stepped around that casting issue and put the hot doctor Derek on the cover instead of Shane or a couple. (Isn’t he pretty?) We’ll see what happens with Marcia’s story.
Here’s the gist of Her Resident Jester :
Marketing executive Shane Andrews’s reluctant participation in a research study leads to the stunning discovery she needs immediate surgery.
Out of sorts, and in a moment of spectacular tactlessness, she insults a man wearing a red rubber nose and big floppy shoes. He turns out to be Derek Palmer: Edenton’s hottest young surgeon…and the resident observing her operation.
With her body and pride both on the mend, Shane hides out to prevent further humiliation. She can’t avoid the gorgeous clown too long, however. Edenton is a small town, and Derek isn’t content with letting her wallow. What kind of clown would he be if he did?
Her Resident Jester is available for purchase in most major eBook formats at the Musa store and also at third-party retailers like Amazon and All Romance eBooks.
To learn more about Holley Trent, visit her website or watch her navel gaze on Twitter.
~yia~

Super Sunday: One Step at a Time...

You may have noticed other than having guests and featuring other authors on my blog, I really haven't been around much. Yes, pesky health issues has struck again. Firstly a back issue, then headaches and then a wrenched neck issue. Apparently when you wrench your neck in your sleep it's called a 'wry' neck. Laughed when I heard that one.

So I'm feeling a bit sore and sorry for myself (but not too much) and I'm actually following orders and resting. The neck problem has been hard as it's hard to be too long at the computer and of course I do a lot of work at the computer. You can imagine my to do list.

My focus lately has been on my course and some other design work and unfortunately I haven't been writing. Not even editing, which is bumming me out a bit. However, I have managed to do some reading lately. In between rests as even holding a book or iPhone can be painful if I do that too long. Looks like the universe is MAKING me slow down. :)

Right now, I identify with this.


Silver lining people. 
I did manage to watch Supernatural season 7 and Sons of Anarchy season 4, so all was not lost in the last couple of weeks. 
April is birthday month and so a big shout out to all my peeps who have birthdays. There's a lot of you!

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday: Amanda Ashby

Today on Writing Buddy Wednesday, I have the wonderfully witty YA author, Darksider Amanda Ashby. I've known Amanda for a few years now via cyberland and have been lucky enough to meet at conferences a couple of times. I've read her YA books and have loved them. Totally fun reads.
Now let's have a chat with the talented, Amanda. 
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In 2012, you had a busy year with your all the books of Sophie’s Mixed Up Magic series books being released. How did you cope with such a schedule? And can you tell us a bit about the books?

The Sophie’s Mixed-Up Magic series is about an eleven year old girl who (accidently) gets turned into a djinn the day before she’s due to start sixth grade. She then has to learn to use her new powers—including being turned orange—with the help of her dead djinn guide, Malik. Unfortunately, Malik tends to create more problems than he solves. The books were actually inspired by my love of old TV shows like Bewitched and The Ghost and Mrs Muir and they really were lots of fun to write!

Even though they were all released close together, I had about eighteen months to write and edit them so it really wasn’t that hectic. Actually, the best part of having them all out like that was that I got all the covers at the same time!




In August your next book, Demonosity, is scheduled for release. Tell us a little about this book and how it came about.

Demonosity is about Cassidy Carter-Lewis, a girl who unwittingly becomes a guardian for an ancient alchemist treasure called the Black Rose. She needs to protect it from a horde of demon knights who have travelled forward in time to find it. Unfortunately, the Black Rose has housed itself in the body of the most popular girl in school, which makes Cassidy’s job even harder. It’s a bit darker than my other books and definitely has a lot more sword fighting and cute guys in it so I’m excited to see if readers enjoy it!

The idea for the book has been with me for a long time when I read about the Rosicurianism and alchemy. There was so much cool stuff there but despite how many times I toyed with it, I could never come up with a plot to do it justice. Then my agent emailed me to ask me what happened to the outline I had promised her months earlier. It had been for another book idea that I’d since discarded so in a blind panic, I forced myself to get a plot for my alchemist book. I then spent the entire weekend writing a very long outline, which I sent to my agent. I thought she would read it and then say whether she thought the story had merit. But instead she sent it directly to my editor who bought the book (if only it always happened like that!) 



What is it about the YA/MG genre you enjoy and are attracted to?

Everything! And I meant that in a literal sense because the genre is so wide! There are romances, tragedies and action books all under the same umbrella and it means as a writer you don’t have any boundaries, which I love. The other reason I love YA and MG is because these are the books I read.



What or who inspired you to write?
Writing was such a gradual process for me that I really can’t trace what the inspiration was. But I do know that books have always been a huge part of my life. I’ve always been a reader and since I’ve never had any other career ambition I think it just gradually dawned on me that perhaps I should try and do something that I’m really passionate about. Plus, the idea of not having to leave the house and brush my hair is very appealing! 

What do you love about being a writer? 
See above! But seriously, the things I love best about being a writer is being surrounded by other writers and readers. Because books are so important to me I just really love talking about them – though not about my books since that is normally hideously embarrassing and makes me pull strange faces!


What are you working on now? And what’s in the near future for Amanda Ashby? 
I’m working on two new Middle Grade projects and a new Young Adult book as well. I’ve also been moving a bit away from paranormal and more into science fiction and fantasy, which has been both challenging and really satisfying all at the same time!


What would be your ultimate research trip? ;))
I’d love to spend a month in California and just hang out. Most of my books are set there so it would be fun to actually see what it looks like!!


~~~Thanks, Amanda!

Other YA books include:
    


Check out book 1 of the Sophie's Mixed-Up Magic, Wishful Thinking

Be careful what you wish for…

After Sophie accidentally gets herself turned into a djinn, she starts to think that it might not be so bad after all. (Of course, that’s after she gets the whole orange skin problem sorted out.) Who wouldn’t enjoy having the power to grant wishes! But when Sophie develops RWD (Random Wish Disorder) and can’t STOP granting wishes, things get more than a little mixed-up!

Puffin June 14 2012
ISBN 978-0142412565

Amazon
Book Depository
IndieBound


You can catch Amanda on her website, blog, Twitter, Goodreads and Facebook.

~yia~

Musa Monday: Wenchy Sloane Taylor

Today, I'm featuring one of Sloane Taylor's books. Sloane is the Wench that keeps all the others in line and she couldn't more wickedly funny about it. She's a great person to have on your team and is totally a lovely person....




The Magnificent Men of Munich , featuring rugged Wolfe Deider, are back in book two of the fiery four book series.
As the games heat up, the stakes grow higher, and Lonnie must decide whether to play along or leave her heart out in the cold.
BLURB:  Lonnie Copley may be a genius, but not when it comes to her personal life or road maps. A series of wrong turns puts her far from reality and the German autobahn. The last thing she wants on the eve of a snowstorm is to be dangling at the edge of an Austrian mountain in need of rescue—especially by a leather-clad giant with Johnny Depp eyes. As luck would have it, Lonnie’s not the only one in need of rescue.
Wolfe Deider has spent his adult life recovering from the pain of childhood. He is too aware romance is unattainable for him. Try as he might to keep the troublesome American at arm’s length, her spunk is disarming, and forces open all his old wounds.
Lonnie loves Wolfe’s special brand of complications, but can she afford to indulge in his winter games?EXCERPT:“Shall we set the rules of the game?” Wolfe knew how he wanted this evening to progress.
“Checkers? I’m good at those.”
He rattled the torn box. “Would you like to make the game more interesting?”
“Of course. How much money can you afford to lose?”
“How about for every disk you jump of mine, I must remove an article of clothing?”
“And for every man you jump, I lose something I’m wearing?” She drummed her fingernails on the tabletop.
He grinned and dumped the pieces onto the chessboard.
“Ja, I believe that would be the fair way to play the game.” He laid out a few of the black disks on his side of the board. Eleanor scooped up a handful of pieces and plunked them on appropriate squares, then turned the board.
“You start. After all, you’re the host.”
He shoved a red circle into play. She concentrated, then moved her black disk onto the square that forced him to conquer her.
“I believe you lose your first disk, Eleanor.” His dick tingled.
“Guess so.” She kicked off a boot. Grinning, she lifted a checker and jumped his disk, then glanced up. “Not just yet, Herr Deider. I have another move.” She swooped up the next disk.
Both of his shoes clomped to the floor.
He leaned across the board. A strategy was mandatory if he wanted the outcome in his favor. Looking her in the eyes, he slid a disk on the diagonal keeping his finger on top of it. She glanced down, a smile tweaking her lips, and raised her hand to play.
“Not yet, Fraulein.” He slid the red circle back onto its original square. “I think this a better move.” He crossed jumped two of her disks.
She never flinched. Her other shoe hit the floor, followed by a sock.
“You are a good sport.” He raised his glass in salute.
Another play and he pulled off both of his socks.
He moved. She snorted and flung her other sock into the air.
She made an outstanding move he never suspected. His shirt flew onto a side chair.With a grin he glanced up and conquered another checker.
She grabbed her sweater at the hem, peeled it up her body and over her head, then tossed it onto the floor. Her low cut purple bra barely covered her puckered nipples. And his dick stood at attention.
His hands shook as he lifted another red disk over her black one.
She slid back the chair then stood. Her graceful fingers worked the button free. Wolfe held his breath as she wiggled the pants past her curvy hips. She glanced at him over her shoulder with the look of a woman who knew what she wanted. Her hands glided over her sleek ass, guiding the material down her long legs. She bent over to pull them off. He gripped the edge of the table at the sight of her ass cheeks gripping a purple thong and… BUY LINK
Sloane Taylor believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives and carries that philosophy into her books. She writes sexually explicit romances that take you right into the bedroom. Being a true romantic, all her stories have a happy ever after.
Her books are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. They also bring more than lust to their men’s lives.
She is an avid cook. Check out “It’s Wednesday. So What’s Cooking?” with complete menus posted once a week on her blog .  The recipes are user friendly menus, meaning easy. Feel free to email her at sloanetaylor@comcast.net to be included on the Cooking Pals list. These are people who receive an advance email of the new menu.
Learn more about Sloane Taylor on her website , and of course her blog blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday: Imelda Evans

Today, I have the bubbly and witty Destiny Romance author, Imelda Evans. I've know Imelda for a number of years via Romance Writers of Australia. I believe I  met her in person in Brisbane back in 2009 and it's always a party when she's around. 
Enough of me, here's Imelda....


I wanna know what love is – or why I write romance 
Hello. My name is Imelda and I am a Romance Writer.

I don’t write only romance. Over the years I have written many things: essays, magazine articles, newsletters, brochures, ads, websites, stories for telling, stage shows, some fairly ordinary poetry and some excruciatingly bad songs. I am also working on a genre-bending crime and women’s fiction hybrid which I’m quite fond of.

But as far as published work goes, I write romance. And sometimes I am asked why.

This question comes in two main forms.

The first is from people who don’t read romance, mostly because they have bought into the stereotype of it being trashy. To them, I answer that romance is far and away the biggest selling genre of fiction. Interestingly, I notice that the men I say this to tend to accept it as a complete and quite satisfactory answer.

To those who need more, I say that I like the challenge of romance. I explain that Romance readers are a widely-read, erudite and exacting audience who love books and who wouldn’t want to write for an audience like that? Most reasonable people then say that maybe they should look into it then, whereupon I recommend some good authors and we part with mutual satisfaction.

The second argument has the added benefit of also shutting up the unreasonable, persistent ‘trash’-talkers, as no-one wants to class themselves as narrow, ignorant and uncritical readers. I call it the ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ factor. Feel free to borrow it. It helps, in situations like this, to know your fairy tales. *grin*

The second variety of question is from fans of the genre who genuinely want to know and for them (you, really, since I’m sure all the readers of this blog fall into that category) I have been building up a more complete answer because it’s a question that interests me too.

Part of the answer is in this old pop classic from which I have borrowed the title to this piece:


foreigner - i want to know what love is by kareem93

In a nutshell, that really is it. I wanna know what love is. But that’s a short and fairly glib answer, so if you bear with me, I’ll try to explain.

One of the main reasons I write romance is that I like its values.

One of the earliest things I discovered about being a writer of fiction is that is not possible to do this job without your emotional slip showing.

By that, I mean that, when you dig into yourself to find characters, to make them real and tell the truth as you see it, you can’t avoid exposing what you think is important and how you see the world. I think it was Jenny Cruisie (great author, look her up if you haven’t read her) who said in a workshop I did once, that if anyone wanted to know her they just had to read her books. It was all there.

And it’s true. To create fiction, you have to care about what you are writing about. And I care about love. I believe that love can truly transform people and their lives. I believe that sustaining love in a tough world is one of the greatest adventures that we can go on and one of the most worthwhile. Money may make the world go around, but love makes it worth living in.

And I like writing stories that celebrate that. 
quotesworthrepeating.com

I also like that romance has, for the most part, always been a genre written by women, for women. It’s an art form that is unashamed in its prioritising of women’s worldview, women’s issues and women’s pleasure. The world I and my daughter live in sometimes – nay, sadly, often – horrifies me with its misogyny. A genre of fiction that celebrates women, their lives, their strengths, their way of thinking and doing things is still very much needed and deserving of the stoutest of defence.

I should add here that I don’t for one minute think that love is only, primarily or predominantly a female concern. Men need and value love just as much; I believe that wholeheartedly. And I don’t think they’re as averse to seeing it in their entertainment as some would have us believe. But this weird society we’ve created is as limiting for men in some ways as it is for women. They’re not supposed to be interested in love and love stories. So if society is to have stories of love preserved and perpetuated, for the time being at least, it’s down to women to do it.

And I believe very strongly that society needs these stories.

Societies have always used stories to share what they value, to reinforce what’s right and should be rewarded, what’s dangerous and should be avoided, what’s risky but can be fun and what’s bad and should be punished. When stories were told around the fire, they were not just entertainment, but vital tools for creating societal norms, cultural bonding and cohesion.

In modern times, we gather instead around the TV. The TV is not bad in itself. It can, indeed, be a great disseminator of stories that do all the things I mentioned above. But when all our stories come from the tele, we get a story diet that is heavily skewed by the interests of advertisers. Again, advertising is not bad in itself, but it’s interests are not in societal bonding and cohesion and function. They are in selling. And when that is the only source of stories, what happens to cultural values?

They go very skew-wiff. They get, in the modern parlance, messed up, and tend not to reflect what most people feel, deep down, is right – or at least not enough.

In this environment, stories that celebrate love, self-knowledge, self-actualisation, care for others, moral decision-making and the like – stories like romances – are a vital counterpoint. 
quotesworthrepeating.com

I want to see those stories. I want to see stories of love. I want to see people who haven’t found love work out why and release themselves so they can. I want everyone to have a happy ending. And if I can work them out for my characters, broken, misguided, trapped or just blind as they are, maybe people can do it in the real world, too.

And wouldn’t that be a good thing?

So I guess, in short, I write romantic books for the same reason that Forgeigner wrote the song. The same reason why the world never tires of Jane Austen adaptations and why, in the butchest of movies, there is always room for a love interest.

I wanna know what love is – and I want the stories to show me. What about you?

~~~Thank you, Imelda!
You can find Imelda on her website, blog, Facebook, G+ and Twitter. 
You can check out Imelda's ARRA Finalist book, Rules Are For Breaking.


Jo is a smart and determined young woman with a clear-eyed view of men and what she expects of them. Put simply, she is over searching for 'The One'. When challenged by a friend who thinks she can't do it, Jo goes one step further and vows not to date, sleep with or even kiss a man for six weeks.

Enter Declan, Jo's gorgeous yet unwelcome house guest. Convinced he can win her over, Declan views Jo and her vow as an irresistible challenge.

An infuriated Jo declares that Declan is like all the others – attracted to her for all the wrong reasons. She insists that he devote time to getting to know the real her and to doing the things she loves. Will Declan survive the test? Or will a major misunderstanding spoil everything?

Rules Are For Breaking is a witty, entertaining romance certain to have even the most disenchanted believing in love again.

Available from Destiny Romance.

~yia~

Anna's giveaway winner announced

I want to thank everyone who commented on Anna Campbell's Writing Buddy Wednesday post last week.

And to thank Anna for generously offering a giveaway on this blog.

The winner of Anna's These Haunted Hearts is.....

Sloane Taylor!!
Sloane, I will contact you about the prize.


Thanks again everyone.

~yia~

Musa Monday: Nancy's Apollo

Today, I have Apollo from fellow Wench, Nancy DiMauro's book, Apollo Rising. It's in my current reads pile and I'm enjoying it. 



Life as a God
Today we’re talking to the Sun God himself, Apollo, about his story Apollo Rising. 
Thank you for coming to chat with us today. Why do you think Nancy DiMauro choose you to represent her?
I think it’s the blonde curls. [Absently flicks a lock of his hair.] She’s got a thing for them, and being the Sun god and all, I traded an extra hour of sunlight for the opportunity. She wanted to give her kids one last day of summer. Fair trade.  Tell us a little about yourself?The family thing’s a bit complicated. I have a twin sister, Artemis. You so don’t want to see her when she’s mad. When we were children we had to protect our mother, Leto, a Titan, from Hera’s wrath since Zeus is our father. When Hera sent her pet, the Python, after Mom, I killed the beast when I was only four days old. We gods grow up so quickly. [Smiles.] We celebrated Python’s death with games. It was there Cupid shot me with a gold arrow. [Runs hand through hair and furrows brow.] I’ve never been what you would call lucky in love. What is your birth date?  We didn’t really have calendars back then, and the passing of the years doesn’t mean as much to an immortal as it does to you. I have a number of feast days but tend to think of my “birthday” as the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Where do you live? What is it about that area that drew you there?I have houses all over the world, and of course, my palace on Olympus. The place I consider home is just outside Old Towne Alexandria in Virginia. I love that it’s so close to the Potomac River, which reminds me a bit of the Styx. Olde Town is an eclectic mix of old and new, and that appeals to me. 
What do you wish people would know about you?That I’m not my father. I’ve only ever loved Daphne, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t care about my lovers through the eons, and most of them didn’t end with bad fates. The ones that did. . . they still haunt me. 
If you loved Daphne so much, why did you wait until now to try to break the curse? Fate is a funny thing. It unfolds as it will. A person needs to be ready to embrace whatever Fate has planned for him. For me, that means a few thousand lessons in humility and asking for help. Arrogance, you see, [Shrugs.] it’s my fatal flaw. I wouldn’t be part of the Greek Pantheon without one. What music do you listen too?God of Music, remember? I listen to all of it. I just love when one of the Muses prods someone into doing the unexpected. 
Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the lime light?I’m hoping to step out of the lime light, but I doubt the Fates will allow it. 
What is your perfect evening?Evening is Artemis’s time. She’s the moon goddess. Now, my perfect solar eclipse? That’s a different story. 
Why?I’m an aspect of the sun, and light refracts. This means at any given moment, I can actually be in two thousand places at once. While, I’m sitting here with you, some of my other aspects are driving the sun chariot, inspiring artists, listening to a symphony, and having a discussion with my oracle.  
Sounds exhausting. What do you do to relax?I play my lyre, and spend time with Daphne. 
Is there anything you wish Nancy had kept her mouth shut about?[Gaze wanders to the ceiling.] I wish she hadn’t mentioned my collection of art that depicts Daphne. Alex, my oracle, is right. It makes me look more than a bit stalker-y. 
Tell us about Daphne. What drew you to her?Do you have an eternity? For me, it started long before Cupid shot me with that damned arrow. From my chariot, I look down on the world. I saw Daphne running through the fields and hunting game. The way the light flashed on her throat was entrancing. Her slender wrists and ankles begged to be caressed, and the sinuous lines of her body drove me mad with desire. 
Then, my rival Leucippus disguised himself as a girl and hid within Daphne’s troop of nymphs. I told Daphne that she had an intruder in her ranks, and that the nymphs should bathe naked and thus expose him. They tore him apart. She was… remarkable in her fury. I would have seduced her then, but I knew she swore to follow Artemis’s path and take no lovers. I intended to honor Daphne’s choice. Then Cupid shot me with a golden arrow, and reason had no place in my heart. I had to make Daphne mine. 
What really pushes your buttons?Cupid. Enough said. 
You’re not on the cover. How come? Did you see how beautiful Daphne looks? Besides I am there in the way the sunlight and the rainbow bathe her skin. I’m really very happy with the cover. 
What’s you biggest turn ons?Daphne. [Laughs.] Could I be any more predictable? Music is also wonderful. It’s kept me sane through the eons Daphne’s been trapped in the laurel tree. What are your biggest Turn offs?Wow. There’s really not much that can ruin the mood. I’m a very sensual being. What your favorite Ice cream flavor, Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?Yes. 
Do you believe in ghosts?You’re kidding, right? I’ve seen, and talked with spirits of those long past from the mortal realm in the Underworld. Hades rules over what you would call ghosts. So, yes, I believe in ghosts.  
What is your biggest fear?Losing Daphne forever. Why should the readers be interested in Apollo Rising?Who doesn’t like a good love story? Cupid once said that the reason heroes go on quests is to prove that they deserve the prize. The winged freak was right about that. Even for the gods, love extracts a terrible price.  
Like most of the Greek myths, Apollo Rising is about so much more than whether I can break Daphne’s curse and restore her to her true form. It’s a story about accepting responsibility for our mistakes, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for love. Would you make a deal with Hades, the devil himself, if it was the only way to free your love even at the cost of everything else? I have to tell you, my uncle’s not a fun man to barter with, and he hates giving up the souls in his care.  
Thanks for joining us. I look forward to reading about your quest. My pleasure. 
EXCERPT: A soft glow beckoned from around a corner. While Hades pretended to be a traditionalist, he indulged in modern conveniences every chance he could. Ultra-violet panels, the ones mortals used to simulate sunlight, glowed from inside the walls. They brought day into the vaulted cavern. Hades had encrusted the ceiling with aquamarines since Apollo’s last visit. The light played off them simulating a summer sky. Another token of Hades’s love. Stalactites wider than a city bus hung from the ceiling. Others met stalagmites to form fluted columns reminiscent of the Pantheon. Stone draperies served as curtains, which separated Persphone’s chamber, and Hades’s media room from the main audience hall. 
Reaching the center of the room, Apollo dropped to one knee. 
“Lord Hades, I come to you as a supplicant.” 
Hades could have passed for one of the stalagmites with his sharp and jagged features. His skin held a bluish cast from lack of sunlight. Obsidian color hair hung loose to his shoulders. Flint hard eyes glared at Apollo. 
Persephone, on the other hand, reminded Apollo of a spring breeze. Sunshine colored hair swept away from olive skin, slightly pales in her time in the Underworld. Her bright ginger-colored tunic broke the unrelieved grays and blacks of the great hall. 
“What brings you here?” Hades’s voice reverberated through the chamber. 
Apollo raised an eyebrow. “I seek information, and possibly a trade.” 
“Rise.” 
The few times Apollo had needed something from Hades, he’d been treated as an honored guest. But not this time. 
Enraged to the point of incivility by Persephone’s upcoming desertion, Hades was likely to vent his temper on any target. Sadly, Apollo provided him with one that could give him a decent fight. Daphne’s soul might cost more than Apollo could pay. 
“What do you wish of me?” Hades asked. 
“I wish to barter for Daphne’s soul.” 
“I never said I had her.” 
They’d never been friends, but then, they hadn’t been enemies either. There really wasn’t any reason for Hades to oppose Apollo’s attempt to rescue Daphne. 
“Does that mean you are going to vie her to me?” Apollo asked. 
“Give? Give? Now why would I do that?” Hades’s laugh grated in Apollo’s ears. 
“What do you want, Hades?” 
His gaze went hard. “A boon.” 
“What kind?” 
“Unlimited. To be provided when I demand.” 
Apollo choked. If he agreed Hades could demand anything from him. Even the sun. The God of the Underworld had never been happy with his lot. Hades had helped his brothers, Zeus and Poseidon, wrestle the cosmos from Cronus. The brothers then drew lots for their domains. Zeus chose the sky, which is why Apollo as his son, was the Sun God. Poseidon chose the sea. But the brothers tricked Hades into becoming Death. In choosing the underworld, Hades lost the ability to walk comfortably in the sunlight. But if he took the sun from Apollo, Hades could remain above ground with Persphone. 
Could Phoebus Apollo lose the sun? 
Who would he be without it? 
Amazon BUY LINK  



Learn more about Nancy DiMauro and her impressive work on her website Falcons Fables and blog . 
Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday: Anna Campbell

This week, I have as my special guest,  the infectiously bubbly Anna Campbell. I've known Anna for many years via Romance Writers of Australia. She's a lovely lady who is gracious with her time and her knowledge, and always willing for a chat. 
Anna writes gorgeous Regency Noir Romance stories, and has been blessed by the cover dames with the most gorgeous covers.  

Welcome to the Taverna, Anna! 


Hi Eleni! Is that Greek roast lamb I smell? Yum!

I’m feeling very lucky to be here, not just because you were nice enough to invite me, but because I’ve spent most of March with no phone/internet. I can’t tell you how AWFUL that was for a social media loon like me. I broke out in spots! Spots shaped like Grumpy Cat (if anyone follows me on Facebook, you’ll recognise that I’m a Grumpy Cat groupie).


Congratulations on scooping up 5 awards at ARRC2013 including the big one – Favourite Australian Romance Author (the fourth time in a row)! For those who were not there, here's the round up:
Best First Meeting Between Couple: Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed by Anna Campbell.
Best Love Scene: Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed by Anna Campbell.
Favourite Cover: Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed by Anna Campbell.
The Favourite Historical Romance is Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed by Anna Campbell.
Favourite Australian Romance Author 2012 is Anna Campbell.

Everyone was thrilled. How did YOU feel?

Thank you! Still completely astonished when I look at that list. I was beside myself with delight and surprise on the night. To the point where when I got up for the final award of the night, the fave Aussie author, I was pretty much speechless. Anyone who knows me understands that this is not my normal state! I’m so grateful to the Australian Romance Readers Association for their amazing support. There’s something lovely about your home crowd giving you a cheer. 

You latest release is an Indie-Publishing novella called, These Haunted Hearts. What made you go the Indie-Published route? 

It’s a brave new world out there and I wanted to stick my toe into the ocean and see what the temperature was like. The answer is, just right! Last December, I put out a Christmas novella called The Winter Wife and was overwhelmed with the lovely response I received. Like TWW, These Haunted Hearts is an extended version of a long short story that originally appeared in one of the Mammoth anthologies. With both stories, I’d wanted to give them a little more room to breathe away from the 13,000 word limit that the Mammoth people have to impose.  These Haunted Hearts was originally called ‘The Chinese Bed’ and it appeared in The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance in June 2012. You can read the blurb and an excerpt on my website here.  It’s going live on Amazon this week at $1.99. 


What attracted you to the Regency period?

I’ve always loved reading books set during the first quarter of the 19th century. It’s such a fascinating era with its high society glamour, elegance and decadence. I’m an avid Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen fan too, as I think so many Regency mavens are.

At ARRC, you mentioned that Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed is part of a new series. Can you tell us a little about that? 
Sons of Sin is my first series and I’m really enjoying writing it. 7 Nights came out from Grand Central Forever last October to some very nice reviews, and the second book A Rake’s Midnight Kiss is out next September. Isn’t that a gorgeous cover? Love the blue. The heroes are friends linked by a scandalous family background.


What was your road to publication like and is there anything you would rather do differently?

My road to publication was VERY long and VERY meandering. I finished my first full-length manuscript after grade 12, a medieval. I then spent many years writing in various genres (pretty much all romantic or romantic elements), including eight full manuscripts that I submitted to Harlequin only to get the dreaded ‘lacks emotional punch’ response. In 2006, I sold Claiming the Courtesan to Avon in New York at auction and I’ve been a full-time writer ever since.

There are lots of things I should have done differently. After those eight rejections from Harlequin, I didn’t submit anything to a publisher for thirteen years, although I kept writing. I should have put on my big girl pants and sent something off earlier. I really should have joined Romance Writers of Australia earlier than I did (I joined in the very late 90s). Once I had access to the friendships, support and information there, things started happening for me. Before that, I was pretty much Robinson Crusoe reinventing the wheel with every manuscript!

What or who inspired you to write?

I always loved books and reading, right from when my parents read me fairy tales when I was a really little girl. My first reading crush was Enid Blyton and I’ve had numerous reading crushes since. So I’d like to thank all those wonderful writers for inspiring me to follow in their footsteps.


What do you love about being a writer?

Going to work in my pjs? All right, you want a serious answer! It’s wonderful to know that my stories have touched a chord with readers all over the world. 


What are you working on now? And what’s in the near future for Anna Campbell?

I’m head down on the third book in the Sons of Sin series, the Duke of Sedgemoor’s story. That should be out in 2014. 2013 is a big year for releases for me. Apart from These Haunted Hearts and A Rake’s Midnight Kiss, I’ve also got a Sons of Sin e-novella featuring Sedgemoor’s sister out in August (Days of Rakes and Roses). I’m also hoping to do another Christmas story this year. It was such fun having The Winter Wife out as seasonally appropriate reading last year.


What would be your ultimate research trip? ;))

One where someone else picks up the tab? Oh, you want another serious answer! Sheesh! In 2004, I had four months of long service leave and I travelled around the UK basically location scouting (I wasn’t yet published but I’ve used stuff from that trip over and over). I’d love a chance to do that again, but this time with a chauffeur. I don’t drive and sadly public transport isn’t what it was in Britain. Hmm, perhaps a chauffeur who looks like Richard Armitage? 

Thanks, Eleni, for having me as your guest today. 
Talking about what inspired me to write made me wonder what books your readers loved when they were kids. So share your favourite childhood tales with us today. There’s a download of my latest e-novella These Haunted Hearts up for grabs to someone who comments.
~~~Thanks so much, Anna! Generous as always.
You can find out more about Anna on her website. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook. 

Musa Monday: Wench Dusty Crabtree Blog Tour...

Today, I have fellow Wench, Dusty Crabtree, who is on her whirlwind blog tour for Shadow Eyes. 





Welcome to the blog, Dusty!


Thank you for hosting me, Eleni! Hopefully your readers will get to learn something new and interesting about me!


Everyone, don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a print copy of Shadow Eyes, your full name in the sequel, and a KINDLE FIRE!



You are currently doing a blog tour for ‘Shadow Eyes’. Can you describe this book for us?

Sure! How about the synopsis:

Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.

Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.

As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be. 

Please tell us a little about your road to publication. 

It took me about 8 months to write the initial draft of Shadow Eyes. Once it was finished, I worked on revision and continued to work on revision as I sent queries to agents and publishers and got several rejections. I was actually still revising up until I was signed by Musa Publishing. From first draft to getting signed, it was another long 8 months. After that, it was fairly easy. The editing process and helping create the cover was super fun. I’m excited to go through that process again with the sequel!



What attracted you to the YA genre?

The simple answer: I have a passion for teens. I’m a high school teacher and a youth sponsor at my church if that says anything. Some people would say I’m crazy or a glutton for punishment. But honestly, I just want the opportunity to touch their lives. Whether that’s through being a caring mentor, being a good role model, being a friend when they need one, helping them through difficult times, or giving them hope through a book…I try to do what I can.


Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in between?

I am totally a plotter! I am way too much of a control freak to be a panster. Lol! However, I do recognize that there are times when my characters or a certain scene may take a direction I didn’t necessarily plan. Also, my outline obviously has some gaps, and in those moments I just let inspiration help me find a way from Point A to Point B.



What are you working on now? And what’s in the near future for Dusty Crabtree?

You mean besides this blog tour, right? Haha. I’m actually still in the midst of writing the sequel to Shadow Eyes. I’m about 2/3 of the way finished, but I plan on getting more done very soon!


What is your favourite part of the process of writing?

I love those moments when the perfect wording or phrasing just comes to you, and while you’re typing, you can’t help but smile at the perfection! Similarly, I also love when you get in the zone and the writing just flows. Pure magic!


What are you currently reading?

Um…my students papers? Lol! This blog tour has been eating up my reading time lately. But it’s almost over, AND by the time you’ll be reading this, it’ll be my spring break!!! So, by then my answer will be the last book of the Hush Hush series – Finale! So super excited for that!


And now for the Rafflecopter....


a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~Thanks, Dusty!

Check out Dusty’s blog;  Find her on Facebook; Follow her on Twitter

Buy Shadow Eyes at Musa Publishing (also available at all major online bookstores)



Youtube link

Super Sunday: To Read or Not To Read...

Now to some fun with Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie. I saw a snippet of this when watching Stephen Fry's series on language. Such fun, that I had to share. And it goes very well with the above quote too....



Youtube link 


What I'm reading currently:
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis by Sharon Ledwith (Middle Grade)
Book 3 of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin


~yia~