Catherine Wolffe's Blog, page 15
June 19, 2013
Win an ebook copy of my next book in the Western Werewolf Legend – Name the Warlock
Character names are fun to come up with and I wanted to share the brain storming with you, the readers. Below, you’ll find a short synopsis of the latest character in my third book of the Western Werewolf Legend. Leave suggestions for an evil warlock name in the comments below and you’re automatically in the drawing for an ebook copy of the third Western Werewolf Legend book which comes out later this year. Don’t be shy, give me your best evil warlock name and perhaps a trait you’d like to see in this character. Give me a short reason why you picked that particular one.
Mystical and enthralling, the latest character to appear in my series is a Warlock. He’s in charge and out for blood – Sonja’s blood. He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.
The warlock is a sinister creature, who’s long, flowing white hair swirls around his tall, bony frame. But don’t let his lack of physical prowess fool you. He’s strong and his magic is powerful. With crystal clear pupils surrounded by purple irises, he resembles a fanciful human most of the time. He’s ageless and adapts to his surroundings readily. He can appear and disappear on a whim.
Of course, he is from a dark underworld few have seen. Don’t look directly at him, for his hypnotic talents are paralyzing. He can take many forms and often does to secure what he craves. Vampires have fallen under his spell and obey his commands. The one creature he can’t contain is the Werewolf God, the Guardian. As long as the Guardian lives, perhaps the western werewolves have an edge against this new and intimidating foe.
Thanks for following and send me your ideas!
June 13, 2013
Ascend, An Interview and Peek at the 4th Book in the Vampire Destiny Series by Alexandra Anthony
I’d like to thank Catherine Wolffe for having me on her blog today. I’m here to discuss the launch of my newest book in The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend. It’s the fourth book in the series…and I’m excited to answer a few questions and reveal a small excerpt from the book.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m rather boring outside of my little writing world. I’m a mother to a wonderful nine-year-old that keeps me on my toes. I’m also a vampire fan girl (along with having tiny obsessions with Alexander Skarsgard and Norman Reedus). Ok, maybe tiny is an understatement.
What book are you reading now?
You’ll laugh. The Encyclopedia of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories. It’s research for a stand-alone novel I’m working on. I also happen to love conspiracy theories, so it’s a win-win.
What motivates you to write?
I suppose it’s just the enjoyment of writing. It’s the freedom to create your own world and be in total control of fates, lives and love. It’s almost a power trip!
What was your inspiration for your latest book?
Ascend is the fourth book in The Vampire Destiny Series. My inspiration is Stefan (my hero of the series). I enjoy “seeing” him in action!
What are your favorite type of scenes to write?
I’d like to say dialogue, but I’d be lying. My favorite scenes to write are the sexy, smutty scenes. If I can make someone fan themselves, my job has been done.
Who is your most popular character? Why do your readers like or dislike this character?
I’d have to say Stefan is probably a favorite. I also think a few fans would be partial to Nick Hart from my other series, The Dark Hart Chronicles.
What are your current projects?
I have a lot on my plate. I’m working on a novella from Stefan’s POV (due out late summer), Book 2 of The Dark Hart Chronicles, Book 5 of The Vampire Destiny Series, and I’m working on a non-paranormal, erotic thriller. It will be a stand alone book with a kick-ass female!
Excerpt from Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4)
***
Did he regret that I’d no longer be so fragile? Would he miss the small remaining human part of me…my blood, my heart beat?
“Never.” He vowed, reading my unspoken worries. He tilted my head back to gaze into my eyes. His face was streaked with pink tears, standing boldly out against the paleness of his handsome face. “I was terrified that you would not wake. I could only sense your pain in the bond until you touched me. You were a complete void to me.”
I felt my lips tug up at the corners. “As if you could get rid of me so easily. You’re stuck with me, Stefan. Forever.”
His face relaxed and the soft smile he reserved for me relaxed the
tenseness of his lips. “There us nothing I want more than that. Jag alskar dig.”
His large hands smoothed my hair away from my face as his bright blue eyes searched my face. “I did not think it would be possible for you to be more beautiful. Yet you are.”
His soft words made me smile, and if I could have blushed, I would have. Looking up at him through my eyelashes, my vampiric eyes took him in. I saw details I couldn’t have seen before with my much weaker human vision. He was more beautiful than my human eyes and mind could ever comprehend. The flawless skin of his face glowed, the intense blue of his eyes sparkled. The prominent arch of his high cheekbones tapered to the sharp square of his jaw. My fingers traced the contours of his face, relishing the satin of his skin under my fingertips. My thumb dragged across his lower lip, aching to feel the powerful sensation of his mouth against my own.
“I love you too,” I whispered. He was always perfect to me, but he’d never looked this stunningly gorgeous. Studying his face even closer, I could see more than the light blue of his eyes; there were tiny flecks of green that I’d never seen before. I noticed the feathery laugh lines that seemed more prominent. His flesh was smooth, his once hard body pliable under my hands. I placed my fingers against his cheek and smiled as he leaned into my touch.
“You are back with me. The way it should be.” He touched his lips to mine, slowly, tentatively. I melted against his powerful body, my lips working in tandem with his. Wrapping my legs around him, I squeezed him closer and heard him grunt softly in pain. “You are stronger now. Unbreakable.”
“Unbreakable?” I echoed, loosening the grip my legs had around him. My mind whirled into overdrive as I thought of all the things I no longer had to fear. No illness could touch me and I’d walk away from a car crash literally unscathed. No human death could take me away from him.
“Yes. You are unbreakable.” His mouth began a slow descent down my neck. His tongue circled over the now silent pulse point. “And you are perfection.”
A moan slipped from my lips at his words. As his mouth continued to nip at my throat, his hands roamed over my clothes, lingering over the heaviness of my breasts.
“You know what I want, Stefan. I want you to take your time with me…I want you to show me what you’ve been holding back from me.” I laced my fingers through his and squeezed his fingers around mine, tightening his hands around my breasts. My head rolled back and hot desire clawed at me, sharp and begging to break free.
***
Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4) is available on:
Other ways to find Alexandra Anthony
E-mail: alexandraanthony80@gmail.com
Website: www.alexandra-anthony.com
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/authoralexandraanthony
Facebook Book Page: http://www.facebook.com/TheVampireDestinySeriesByAlexandraAnthony
Twitter: @AlexAnthony80 https://twitter.com/AlexAnthony80
Blog: www.alexandraanthony.wordpress.com
AuthorGraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/AlexAnthony80
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/alexandra-anthony/58/56b/252
Indie Author Network: http://www.indieauthornetwork.com/alexandra-anthony.html – .UTeavhkx_UQ
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Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6438033.Alexandra_Anthony
Your Book Authors:
Kindle Promo: http://kindlepromo.com/alexandra-anthony/
Alexandra Anthony YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC45xJSiIdpSj5zKI_z0LNcQ
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/AlexandraAnthony/e/B0086EI9PK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Smashwords Author Page:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/alexandraanthony
June 12, 2013
Free ebook & new YA series by Ally Thomas
For some love begins in Hell...
I'm starting off a new YA paranormal romance series and the first part is FREE on Smashwords.
As work continues on the next installment in The Vampire from Hell series, I'm at the keyboard typing away. While I'm getting back into writing after struggling with writer's block and a few other demons over this past year, I'm again writing.
The fabulous, Ally Thomas shares the first in what is destined to become an awesome series. Download for Free at Smashwords! Don't miss out!
June 10, 2013
Love Begins in Hell for Emily Meadows - New YA Paranormal Romance
Reblogged from Fanged Love and Vampire Confessions:
New YA writer Emily Meadows has her first romance out. We're featuring it here today!
About "Love Begins in Hell"
For some, love begins when you least expect it. For Elana, falling in love begins in Hell. When twenty-one-year-old Elana is kidnapped and finds herself in Hell of all places, she discovers something unique in her ancestry. She's a werewolf and she's fallen in love with someone unexpectedly Dante, the young demon who agrees to help her escape.
Can't wait to read this one! Check it out!
June 5, 2013
Four Stars for Waking Up Dead from The Jeep Diva
Available at Amazon! Click the image to learn more.
These are the kind of posts I love to wake up and read. Rachel at The Jeep Diva gave Waking Up Dead 4 stars and 4 flames! Without further excitement on my part, here’s the review:
New post on The Jeep Diva
Review: Waking Up Dead (The Western Werewolf Legend #2) by Catherine Wolffe
by Rachel
I really like this series. I think part of it is the setting being during the Civil War. Also the vampires are the bad guys in this so that is also a little change up from other books.
Let me start with the villain first. It is revealed at the end of the story just who is behind the vampire attacks in this story. I was very surprised and was not expecting it to be who it was. Not spoiling it for you though! I did like that the vampires were hard to kill. It just made it seem more authentic to me because they are already dead and shouldn’t be easily killed in a fight with a werewolf.
There wasn’t quite as much romance and sex in this story as there was in the first one because of the circumstances present in the story but there was still enough. I like that they had General Jeb Stewart back in this story as well as Sonja’s sister was also in it a lot more.
I did have some problems with this story at times though. It seemed like it jumped around a little bit and it made me get confused and had to re-read it in a couple spots. Also I thought that Sonja was more cross with Ty more often than what she needed however I also know she was frustrated but it made me want to shake her at times. She was determined to show that she could do everything that Ty could do and refused to ask for help.
Even though it still had a couple things that confused me I feel it still deserves a four star review because I feel the plot itself was even better that the last book and that action and adventure was also better. I will continue to read this series. I like where it is going.
June 4, 2013
Free on Amazon??
Bob Myers referred to Amazon as the ‘Death Star’ in a recent post. I have to agree. Time for authors to stand up and be heard! We won’t stand for their arbitrary changes to our prices based on what? A logarithm? A whim? For kicks? I have a situation where a couple of weeks ago, Amazon decided to switch my sample of The Lady in the Mist to .99. The book was free for almost a year! I had it published as free at Smashwords and sold it for free at B&N with no problems. Of course Amazon doesn’t like to play with these other guys and decides authors can’t list their books for free on their site. I waited until the ‘Death Star’ discovered everybody else was selling the book cheaper and finally decided to make it free too! Needless to say, the purchases at Amazon went through the roof and so did my sales for the complete book, The Lady in the Mist, The Western Werewolf Legend # 1. Everything in my world was good, or so I thought until a couple of weeks ago when suddenly the price at Amazon was back to .99. What gives? Amazon will only change the price back if contacted by potential buyers. So, I’m sending out a plea for help.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/181516
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-in-the-mist-catherine-wolffe/1114795820?ean=2940044715424
Here are the two sites where the book is listed for FREE. I need your help! Please go to the Amazon page for The Lady in the Mist, the sample http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KFPB7Y and tell Amazon you found a lower price!!! The price went to 99 cents sometime in the last two weeks. I need to get the sample back to free for advertising of the complete book, T. Thanks in advance for your help. If you like, PM me with a copy of your request along with your address and I’ll send you a bookmark like the banner on my page. My way of thanking you for your help. Please share with your friends as well. Here’s two locations to use as proof of a lower price. Please copy into your Amazon “I found a lower price!” message.
May 31, 2013
Giveaway Winner – Waking Up Dead – Autographed Copy
Thanks to everyone who commented on my last post regarding the paperback release of the second book in the Western Werewolf Legend, Waking Up Dead.
I have a winner – Fran Swarts!
Fran will receive an autographed copy of Waking Up Dead.
Waking Up Dead at Amazon
May 30, 2013
Writing is Best When We Get Out of Our Own Way
Kristen Lamb shares some wonderful advice on editing your work. Check it out! Writing is Best When We Get Out of Our Own Way. Check out her book as well – We are Not Alone.
Comment here for a chance at a autographed copy of Comanche Haven. Hurry, the contest ends tomorrow. Be sure and leave your email. Thanks for dropping by!
May 29, 2013
6 Reasons Writers See No Value In Facebook
This kind of information is why I follow Author Kristen Lamb’s blog. Check it out!!
6 Reasons Writers See No Value In Facebook.
Thanks for dropping by and leave a comment. I’m celebrating this month by giving away a paperback copy of my latest release, Waking Up Dead, The Western Werewolf Legend # 2.
May 24, 2013
Heat Warning For Your Furry Friends
This is a repost of a very important reminder for our pets.
#FurbabyFridays Revisits Heat Stroke and Warm Weather Death Traps
I originally posted the following blog on May 9, 2012. In light of the death of a patient because it was left in a car at a BART station for nearly 7 HOURS while the owner went off for the day to Goddess knows what, I thought it was important to bring up the topic again. The day this Pit bull died? It was in the low 70′s and clear blue skies. We weren’t dealing with a heat wave, just a sunny day and a dog left in a car that quickly became an oven and an instrument of death.
Don’t like the thought of a dog seizuring out of control for hours? Don’t like the image in your head? Me either and neither did the Good Samaritans who called the police when they saw the dog seizuring in that car. Please, please, please! Don’t leave your pets or your children in cars alone unattended while you “run a quick errand.” Leaving them home or with supervision and the air conditioner on could save their lives.
Read on to learn more about heat stroke.
~Dr. Tammy
People don’t often realize how dangerous warm weather can be for their pets. Not only are there the obvious dangers of being hit by cars, allergic reactions to insect bites, snake bites, and the ever “evil” pieces of weed seed called foxtails commonly found here in California, there is something else that ranks up pretty high in the danger list as the temperatures rise above 70 degrees.
Heatstroke is unfortunately a very common occurrence this time of year, and not just for dogs left in cars. Although rare in cats, it has been reported in cases were the feline was trapped in a clothes dryer, left in carriers in hot vehicles or indoors with little or no ventilation. Exotic pets can also be victims. Rabbits, chinchillas, rats and guinea pigs are frequently presented to emergency veterinarians near death because their hutches and cages are placed in areas with little or no shade and are provided with little to no water while their body temperatures soar.
For the purpose of this article, I will focus more on dogs, but honestly all the information discussed here can be applied to the other furry friends. There are many ways animals can become dangerously overheated. Dogs have sweat glands only on the pads of their feet and cool themselves primarily by panting. When the air is hot and humid, they cannot rid themselves of the excess heat efficiently. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke is more likely to occur during the first hot days of spring or summer when it’s 70-75 degrees than on a 100 degree day in August.
Why? Because by the end of summer dogs are used to the heat and typically their owners know enough by then to take it easy with themselves and their pets. It’s early on when dogs and people are simply not acclimated to the heat and can easily overexert themselves in the new warm temperatures.
Quite a few people travel with their pets when the days are warm, even running errands with their pets “riding shotgun.” Unfortunately, unless you plan on leaving the engine running and the air conditioning on full blast, leaving your dog in the car while you run into that store for a “few seconds” is simply NOT an option. Whether or not you leave the windows down or up, park in the shade or not, it doesn’t matter. Here’s a chart demonstrating how hot the inside of the car can get at various outdoor temperatures.
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Pretty frightening isn’t it? Within 20 minutes your car can be 30 degrees warmer than the outside temperature! Being left inside a car isn’t the only cause of heat stroke. Here are a few others.
1. Physical exertion during the heat of the day. This can include going for a run with their owner, playing outside, running along the backyard fence, etc. Heat stroke can even occur inside if the house is warm and the dog becomes excited.
2. Being outdoors in hot weather without access to cool water and shade. Dogs that are tied or kenneled outside can sometimes get trapped out of reach of shade or water.
3. Being a certain breed whose physical conformation makes them unable to cool themselves effectively. Bulldogs, Boxers, Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Boston Terriers, etc all have short noses, small airways and excess tissue at the back of their throats that can make it difficult to get rid of excess heat.
4. Confinement in a poorly ventilated cage or crate especially under a cage dryer such as when a dog is being groomed.
5. Being overweight
6. Having medical ailments such as heart or airway diseases that can impair breathing. Heart failure, arrhythmias, laryngeal paralysis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, and bronchitis can all make dogs predisposed to heatstroke.
7. Being very old or very young
So what are some of the symptoms of heatstroke? Each patient is different, but if you see any of these with your dog on a hot day, it would be wise to seek help from a veterinarian earlier rather than later.
1. Heavy panting: rapid or labored breathing
2. Bright or brick red gums. These may also be dry to the touch
3. Weakness or collapse
4. Elevated rectal temperature. Normal is between 100-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Seek IMMEDIATE veterinary care if the temperature is 105 or higher. Once an animal’s body temperature approaches 109 degrees, brain damage is highly likely.
5. Vomiting
6. Bloody diarrhea
7. Dark urine
8. Bleeding from the mouth
9. Seizure or coma
DEATH can occur within 20 minutes or in a couple of days from delayed complications such as kidney failure.
Now that you’ve scared the heck out of us, what do we do to prevent our pets from getting heatstroke?
It’s all basic common sense. Don’t leave your dog in the car when the outdoor temperatures are over 70 degrees and definitely not on bright sunny days. Restrict your pets activity during the heat of the day. Don’t go jogging at high noon with your dog. It’s way too hot for him and for you.
Allow your pets to gradually acclimate to warm weather, especially if they are physically active. Always provide access to shade and cool water when dogs are outside Keep breeds at risk, very old, very young or dogs with health conditions indoors in cool, well ventilated areas. If there is a heat advisory issued, please keep all animals inside. If unable to do so, use misters, fans, or wading pools to provide extra cooling measures for outdoor pets.What do we do if our pet does suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke?
First of all, try not to panic! Your pet needs swift and immediate intervention in order to give it the best chance of survival.
1. Immediately move the dog indoors or to a cool area. If in an enclosed crate, remove the dog from it immediately.
2. Wet the dog down with cool water. Do not use ice water as that will make internal cooling more difficult by constricting blood vessels.
3. Take the rectal temperature. If it’s over 105 degrees, transport immediately for veterinary care. Know where the nearest emergency clinic is located. Call en route to let them now you are coming.
4. Do not cover your dog during transport, not even with a wet towel as that can prevent heat from escaping.
5. Offer water to drink during transport, though not to a vomiting patient. Only offer small amounts of water at a time and do not force it down your pet!
6. Transport in an air-conditioned car or lower windows so circulating air can help with evaporative cooling.
7. Stop cooling measures when the rectal temperature reaches 103 degrees so you don’t over do it and result in hypothermia.
8. Even if your pet seems to respond to treatment, it is still best to have them evaluated by a veterinarian to check for internal problems. Complications from heat stroke can develop several hours to days later due to organ damage caused by high internal temperatures.
Still not convinced it could happen to you and your beloved pet? Click on the link below…
What happens to a dog in a hot car?
The above link is to a graphic that I found today discussing what actually happens to that dog left in a car on a nice day…even with the windows down! I see way too many cases of heat stroke during the nice days here in California. The biggest excuse I hear from people? “I was only gone a few seconds.” Yeah, right! You try staying in a hot car with a fur coat for just a few seconds and you tell me how you feel. What you THINK is only a few seconds is actually a few seconds too long when it comes to the health and well being of your dog.
Not only is this dangerous for dogs, it’s also a problem for cats, rabbits, other small rodents and birds. Why take the chance people! Leave you pets at home when you run errands, or have someone stay in the car with them with the air conditioner running.
Did you know that in most cities across the country it is ILLEGAL to leave a pet unattended in a car? Just because you haven’t been caught doing it, doesn’t mean that it’s okay to keep doing it. So please, please, please be a responsible pet owner and keep them safe in ALL weather!
Posted by Tammy Dennings Maggy at 11:26 AM
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Labels: danger of heatstroke, dangers for pets, Dr. Tammy, emergency treatment for heatstroke, Furbaby Fridays, veterinary medicine, warm weather dangers
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