Jerrie Alexander's Blog, page 13

Wednesday Coffee with Donnell Bell

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I’m thrilled to have Donnell as my guest today. She’s not only a great person, she also spins a chilling romantic suspense.

Donnell Ann Bell is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist. Her debut novel The Past Came Hunting became an Amazon and Kobo bestseller, reaching as high as #6 on the paid overall list and finaling in 2012 Gayle Wilson Award for Excellence, RWA’s® Greater Detroit Bookseller’s Best, and the 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Deadly Recall, a 2010 Golden Heart finalist, is brought to you by Bell Bridge Books, and is her second published novel. Learn more about Donnell at www.donnellannbell.com

Cowardly, Paranoid? Why wouldn’t I write suspense?

Hi Jerrie. I’m so excited to blog with you and your readers. Though whenever that happens, I panic and think what have I got to say to anyone? And then a gleam of an idea pops into my head – or miraculously a phone call like the one I just received – (my friend’s a Realtor and she’s showing a house at ten a.m. with a couple she doesn’t know. (She’s googled them and they look legit, but you never know so she’s sent me the address where she’ll be. And now we’ve established code words for when I call to make sure that she’s okay.)

To call me a paranoid would be like calling a cooling tower from a power plant a tea kettle. When my husband goes out of town, I hardly sleep. If I’m walking through a parking lot (even in broad daylight) my head is up, my keys are out and I’m on high alert until, and even after I’m safely ensconced in my car, after inspecting the under-carriage and the back seats of course.

You might be asking, did something terrifying happen in my childhood to make me such a mess? Not that I recall. I’m simply built this way. Then why on earth would someone like me—a natural born coward–write suspense? The plain truth is I can’t help myself and I love suspense. With every real-life scenario I live through, the “what ifs” accompany me like a shadow or a wayward sidekick.

Some might call this a curse, but in my chosen profession I call it a gift. Because when I’m writing a suspense scene, I live it up close and personal.

Scenes like this from my new release DEADLY RECALL:

Eden used her key to access the compact entrance to her loft, then noted the upstairs light in the hallway was off. Mr. Lucero, the owner of the building, was a stickler for keeping it on. Considering the eccentric old man who lived in the unit next door to her, Eden sighed. She’d meant to bring him a piece of wedding cake, which, as much as she’d advise against it, he’d likely share with his cat.

          She left the downstairs light on and trudged upstairs. She’d make him brownies come morning. Strike that. It was morning, and it was Sunday. All she wanted to do was climb into bed, forget that Detective Kevin Dancer existed and sleep till noon.

That was until she reached the top landing and something crumbled between her toes. Thoughts of sleep disintegrated as Eden let out a squeak. Lifting her foot, she willed her heart to still and her eyes to adjust to the dim. Moonbeams drifting through a skylight helped identify what looked like blackened bread crumbs. Near her front door she discovered the source. Her antique terracotta planter and her recently planted pansies were scattered all over the wooden planked floor.

          Whirling, she scanned the hallway and rafters in search of the culprit, then whispered, “Where are you, General?”

          A hiss sounded overhead and she startled. With smooth, dark gray fur and eyes a penetrating shade of green, the gorgeous Russian blue was a pest, but normally a pussycat in every other way. She’d caught him recently swatting at her flowers. How he’d knocked over the heavy pot was anyone’s guess, but before he tracked in any more dirt or woke up his owner, she’d keep him with her and let Mr. Lucero deal with the cat come daylight. Keeping her voice low, she murmured, “Here, kitty, kitty.”   

          He sprang to another beam, out of reach, rounded his back and hissed again . . .

For as long as I can remember, my imagination has veered in a far-fetched direction. I’m such a brat I convinced my little sister late at night when our parents weren’t home that an murderer was sitting in our father’s company car. (Turned out to be my dad’s hard hat and his overalls) or the time I convinced her that a killer was coming through our bedroom window (turned out to be moths hitting the screen).

Don’t worry, my sister got her revenge She got the looks in the family and turned into a well-adjusted human being, while me, I still make stuff up! Though most of my fear might be labeled irrational, some of it is because I refuse to be a victim. In my Realtor friend Robin’s case, I think we’re very, very smart. She just called, the couple arrived (with their kids) and she’s perfectly safe.

Am I alone in my over-active imagination? Please tell me I’m not alone. Has your imagination ever gotten the best of you? For those who comment or share, you’ll be entered into a drawing (North American entrants–your choice of paperback or digital. International residents, digital, please) to receive my newest release, DEADLY RECALL. 

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A terrifying memory is locked deep inside her. A killer wants to keep it that way.

Nine-year-old Eden Moran thought she was saying good-bye to her mentor that fateful day in St. Patrick’s. She had no idea she’d witness the nun’s demise, or that her child’s mind would compensate. Now seventeen years later, Albuquerque cops have unearthed human remains, and the evidence points to Eden as being the key to solving Sister Beatrice’s murder. When a hellbent cop applies pressure, Eden stands firm. She doesn’t remember the woman. Unfortunately for Eden, Sister Beatrice’s killer will do whatever it takes to keep it that way.

 

Monday-Monday The Sunshine Award

I’ve been Honored with a Sunshine Award!

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The Sunshine Award is a lovely sunny flower that bloggers give to other “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere”.

Thanks so much to Ally Shields, the fabulous blogger who passed the award to me. Check out her blog post here:

http://allyshields.com/blog.html 

Here are my answers to the questions:

Favorite Color:

Red. Although, I’ve been told by others it’s black and white. For business wear, they were probably right.

Favorite Animal:

That has to be Buddy. He was a throwaway. He’d been wandering a while when he collapsed in our back yard. He’d been in a fight with a big dog and he’d lost. That was over a year ago and here’s a picture of Buddy today. I’d say we saved him but I’d be wrong. More like he saved us!

Favorite Number:

483. It became the family standard and my kids used it for years. Somewhere along the line, I must’ve have used 483 repeatedly because they picked up on it. So any time we exaggerate, it’s 483 times.

Favorite Non-alcoholic Drink:

Definitely coffee. I like green and black tea, but first thing in the morning, I reach for hot coffee.

Facebook or Twitter:

Both! Too often. I’ve started limiting my time on social networks. If I don’t I’ll hang out and chat all day.

Your Passion:

At this time of year, it’s my granddaughter’s volleyball. She’s an amazing athlete and on the Head master’s List every semester.  Can you say…proud Nana!!

 

Giving or getting presents:

Giving. I love to give the unexpected.  

Favorite Day: Maybe Saturday.

It’s the day I kind of slack up and chill out.

Favorite Flowers:

I love peonies. Have tried to grow them for years. Let’s just say, I don’t have a green thumb. Plants love my husband. His tulips have returned for four years now!

 

 

Finally, these are the 12 fantastic bloggers I’m tagging for this award (Now, I’m off to tell them, so maybe they’ll have posts up in a day or two. If not, at least you can look around some terrific sites!):

As with most awards, the Sunshine Award comes with a few simple rules:

(1) Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post.
(2) Do the Q&A below
(3) Pass on the award to 10-12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs.

Marsha R West: http://www.marsharwest.com

Kayelle Allen: http://wwwkayelleallen.blogspot.com

Ellis Vidler: http://www.theunpredictablemuse.blogspot.com

P. L. Parker: http://www.plparker.blogspot.com

Larissa Reinhart: http://theexpatreturneth.blogspot.com

Krystal Shannan: http://www.krystalshannan.com

Cat Cavendish: http://www.catherinecavendish.com

Jeanne Guzman: http://www.romanceinflight.blogspot.com

Clover Autrey: http://www.clovercheryl.blogspot.com/

Linda LaRoque: http://www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com

Niecey Roy: http://www.nieceyroy.com

Calisa Rhose: http://www.calisarhose.wordpress.com

 Tell me…what are you passionate about?

 

Wednesday coffee with Linda LaRoque

Joining me today is the fabulous and fellow Texan, Linda LaRoque! Let me tell you a little about her.

Linda is a Texas girl, but the first time she got on a horse, it tossed her in the road dislocating her right shoulder. Forty years passed before she got on another, but it was older, slower, and she was wiser. Plus, her students looked on and it was important to save face.

A retired teacher who loves West Texas, its flora and fauna, and its people, Linda’s stories paint pictures of life, love, and learning set against the raw landscape of ranches and rural communities in Texas and the Midwest. She is a member of RWA, her local chapter of HOTRWA, NTRWA and Texas Mountain Trail Writers.

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Q. Linda, I’m thrilled you’re here today. I’ve read and love your books. It’s obvious you research! Do you do any special research for your novels?

Thank you, Jerrie! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. Most of my research is on the internet, but some of the information I’ve garnered over the years. My degrees are in Home Economics, back before they called it Family Consumer Sciences. I took courses in Fashion Design and Interior Design which focused on furniture styles and types. Both included influences of early historical influences. I’ve always been interested in vintage clothing and furniture and love to pore over books on antiques.

We like to travel and the places we’ve seen have helped when creating a setting for a story. People are a great resources also and when my mother and mother-in-law were living, they provided a lot of information on what life was like in during the thirties and forties. But, I have to say, the internet has been my best resource for research.

Q. You write in three different genres? What made you branch out? And do you have a favorite?

I started out writing Contemporary Western Romance and then became interested in time travels. One thing I love about them is the historical and research aspects. Of my seven time travels all begin in the present and then, one takes the characters back to 1940s UK, one the hero and heroine go back to 1000 AD to garner help from the Anasazi in that time period and the remainder take us back to the Texas frontier.

Then one night I had a dream about a futuristic world under the sea, but I didn’t start on it for several years. The result was Born in Ice. While on one of our Route 66 trips, an idea for a romantic suspense, A Stolen Chance, started brewing in my mind. We took another trip to New Mexico and visited the Zuni Reservation to research the landscape the their art.

Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?

I’m in the editing phase of another time travel. It’s titled Birdie’s Nest and takes place in Waco, Texas in 2012 and 1890. The heroine is a modern Texas Ranger and the hero a vintage rancher. Haha, couldn’t resist that.

Okay…enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.

Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?

Mmmm, I’m going on a cruise along the west coast. So, I’ll take five pair of jeans/slacks, five tops/blouses, 3 pair of shoes, two semi-dressy outfits that can be mixed and matched, a little jewelry, a jacket, my pi’s and makeup. Oh, and I never leave home without my laptop, a notebook and pens/pencils. 

Q. Are you more likely to be spotlighted on the TV show Hoarders or Fashion Police?

Definitely the Fashion Police!!!

Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?

Oh, my. If Sally Field could put on a little weight, I’ll like her to play me.

Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.

My husband says I talk too much. We have no secrets.

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Blurb:  A STOLEN CHANCE

 

A STOLEN CHANCE

Romantic Suspense

49,000 words

Available for purchase at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, and B&N

 

 

Mystery and danger lead two people on a path of discovery.                             

Running from a violent ex husband bent on revenge, website designer Susan Lawton flees the Midwest, leaving no clues behind. She finds refuge at a small motel along old Route 66 in Siesta, New Mexico. But how long before her past catches up with her?

Albuquerque police detective Carson Rhodes accidentally shot a child during a drug raid. The recurring nightmares, even after counseling, push him to resign from the force and go home to run his family’s Siesta Motel and Café. Susan brings out all his protective instincts, and he persuades her to stay. It’s as safe a place as anywhere, they hope.

Mysterious Zuni Indian fetishes, the ghost of Carson’s great-grandfather, a lost treasure, and preparation for battle against the relentless evil stalking Susan keep the pair busy even as they realize their attraction to each other.

Can a lasting love be their reward for success against the odds?

Here an excerpt from A STOLEN CHANCE

Susan lay stunned, flat on her back, her head throbbing from where it had struck the hard ground. A heavy weight lay atop her chest. Dang! What had happened? She lifted her head to see Hans stretched out on top of her. She wrinkled her nose at his stinky breath and the dirty odor of his coat. It’s time for a bath, buddy.

Reality hit. Hans! Dewayne shot him. She folded her arms around the animal and gasped with relief to feel his rapid pants. She stroked his side and whispered, “Lie still, boy. Play dead.” Maybe he’d think he got them both.

Susan slipped the .38 revolver from her coat pocket and eased it under her right leg within easy reach. The sound of running footsteps drawing nearer alerted her to Dewayne’s approach. Eyes closed, she tried to let her body go slack and pretend unconsciousness. No doubt he’d be able to see her erratic breathing under the animal. Willing it to slow, she waited.

This is it, Susan. Your chance to kill the man who beat you senseless, scarred your face, and caused all the grief you’ve suffered. The death of Lauren. Hate boiled inside and steadied her nerves. Slow breath, wait…let him think you’re dead or at least unconscious.

The sounds of Dewayne’s footsteps slowed, and then stopped. His harsh breathing was the only sound on the desert air. Evidently he hadn’t kept in shape and his run had winded him. Slight noises rustled from another direction. His position had shifted. Damn, he was suspicious and approaching cautiously. She forced herself to keep her eyes closed and still.

Cold steel touched her forehead.

 

 

Monday-Monday WW ll poetry from a young girl

From time to time, our granddaughter likes to hang out at our house, and we’re thrilled when she does. We love to hear how school, volleyball, and life in general are going. This past Friday, I picked her up at school and brought her home with me. She’d taken a history test and was confident she’d done well. She sat quietly for a minute before sharing that they had been studying World War ll.

She confided this part of our history, the struggles of the people at that time, their fears and hopes, had taken her to some dark places. That war and people could be so cruel disturbed her deeply. We listened while she talked and learned she’d written a couple of poems about those emotions.

A few minutes later, she took her grandfather’s notepad and started writing. If I haven’t told you before, by the age of seven she was writing songs, short stories, and poems. (Can I say I love that about her?)

The first poem is the result of our conversation. She’d written two others and carried them in her backpack. She let me read them and when I asked to share them with you, she agreed.

These thoughts from a young teenager gave me great hope for the future of our country. She understood the pain and suffering war causes. I believe these poems are perfect examples of the intelligence, understanding, and heart of our youth today.

The first one is her rebuttal to Hitler’s book titled MEIN KAMPF (My Struggle)

                KAMPF

Darkness, darkness fills the night

Struggling against the hopeless fight

No help in our sight

But we will fight with all our might

It seems like there is nothing we can do

And our group is more like a tiny crew

Through the night the bombers flew

All of us just want to start anew

Our chance of survival is thin

Just like it has always been

Our grasp, success is within

And in the end, we will win

The desperation of the soldiers ring true in this second poem titled:

                                                             HOME

 Fighting all around

World burning to the ground

Wind blowing everything like a rattle

And living is like a battle

Planes bombing every night

Wiping out all life in sight

Soldiers never coming home

And some will forever roam

War has forever changed them

It results in total mayhem

Just end the combat

Because home is where safety is at

Bring our soldiers back

Call away from the attack

We will fight together to the end

But I don’t want to lose a friend

Our schools and teachers get a lot of negative press, which is unfortunate because we seldom read or hear about the great things they accomplish. Our granddaughter, at least to me and her grandfather, is a perfect example how a good teacher can bring the past to life.

Can you think of a teacher or professor who impacted your life? Today’s a good day to give them credit.

 

 

 

Wednesday Coffee with Ally Shields

Welcome Ally, I’m thrilled to have to here today. Let’s learn more about you.

 Q. What made you pick your particular genre?

A: It picked me! I started out to write a mystery but found out my heroine was a witch. I had been reading both urban fantasies and mysteries for years. An urban fantasy using a mystery framework was kind of a natural for me!

Q. How long have you been writing?

A: All my life. Seriously, I wrote my first novel-length story at age nine, and I have boxes full of stories or story ideas. I have been writing full-time for five years, and absolutely love it!

Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?

A: I’ve just started book five in my urban fantasy series. It’s entitled Stirring the Flames and takes place mostly in Europe, primarily Italy. I can’t tell you much more or I would get too far ahead of the published story. You can count on their being plenty of danger and drama!

On the back burner, I have a thriller series starring a female ex-CIA assassin.

Q. Do you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?

A: I’ve never hit a blank wall, but I have written my characters into a corner. I’ve been able to brainstorm through those issues with friends, or sometimes the answers come to me in the shower, on the treadmill or overnight. I don’t think my muse ever sleeps!

Okay…enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.

Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?

A: Egypt. I adore the country! My laptop, my kindle, Birkenstocks and sunscreen. Oh, and chocolate!

Q. Are you more likely to be spotlighted on the TV show Hoarders or Fashion Police?

A: Fashion Police, needing a make-over!

Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?

A: Any gorgeous, long legged blonde. This doesn’t have to be realistic, does it?

Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.

A: I used to own several horses and ride a lot. Many years ago I rode across the desert in Arizona visiting ancient Anasazi ruins. It was one of the most fascinating trips I’ve taken, and I think it added to my interest in the spiritual/supernatural.

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Fire Within Book Blurb:

A hidden evil stalks the city…

Fire witch cop Ari Calin refuses to believe her human friend Eddie murdered a vampire—in spite of his confession. When a second vampire dies, Andreas, the sexy, charismatic vampire she dated and split from eight months ago, joins her in the hunt for the real killer.

But Riverdale may have a special kind of serial killer who’s looking for its next vampire victim. The roles of hunter and hunted become murky. And while unterHunAri might feel like killing Andreas at times, she doesn’t want anyone else to do it…

Quick Excerpt:

(Ari stopped by the Otherworld forensics lab to see what results they have from the crime scenes. She’s just located Gillian, the elf in charge of the case evidence.)

“Couldn’t wait for me to call, huh? Since you’re here, take a look at this.” She (Gillian) pointed to a jar on the counter in front of her and stood aside.

Ari looked at the squishy mass inside. “It’s a bunch of tiny eyeballs. So what?”

“Eye of newt,” Gillian said.

“What do you want with lizard eyeballs?”

“Technically, salamander. Ari, I’m surprised at you. As a witch, you should be familiar with Macbeth. ‘Eye of newt, toe of frog.’”

Stunned, Ari stared at her. “You’re trying to make a potion? Gillian, that’s an old wives’ tale. That stuff,” she point at the jar in distaste, “isn’t good for anything.” 

Gillian’s merry laugh broke out. “Gotcha! You and I may know that, but the fake sorcerer we raided didn’t. This was one of his staple items. You should’ve seen his crystal ball. It was plastic.”

Ari rolled her eyes. Couldn’t the frauds at least do the research?

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Within-Guardian-Witch-ebook/dp/B00BQN1YUU/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-within-ally-shields/1114797385?ean=2940016295343

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-firewithin-1112003-139.html

Author Bio:

Ally Shields was born and raised in the Midwest, along the Mississippi River, the setting for her urban fantasy series. After  a career in law and juvenile justice, she turned to full-time writing in 2009, and Awakening the Fire, the debut novel in her Guardian Witch series, was released in September 2012.  Ally still lives close to the Mighty Mississippi with her Miniature Pinscher, Ranger. When not writing or reading, she loves to travel in the US and abroad. Way too often she can be found on Twitter.

Contact links:

Website: http://allyshields.com

Blog: http://allyshields.com/blog.html

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShieldsAlly

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AllyShieldsAuthor

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6527209.Ally_Shields

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/allyshields

 

 

 

 

Monday-Monday Writing to the market

I recently read a blog post written by Donnell Bell. Donnell is an author I admire and whose books I love. Forgive the fan girl moment, but this is a really nice lady.

Her article spoke about writing to the market. Or not writing to the market. And what worked for her.

OMG! It was as if she was walking around inside my head, putting my thoughts on paper and doing a much more eloquent job than I can. I agreed with every word she wrote.

    

 

 

 

I hadn’t met Donnell the first time I sat in a conference workshop and listened to every word of advice the agents and editors imparted. The subject finally turned to what they were in the market for. You know, the all important ‘what’s hot’ and ‘what’s not’.

I’d heard the rumors that romantic suspense was a hard sell. That knowledge didn’t prevent the rock from forming in the pit of my stomach when not one person on the panel was on the hunt for my chosen genre.

I learned vampires were still selling. Several on the panel wanted anything Jane Austin or shape shifters.  My conference buddy and exchanged bewildered glances at the announcement that steam punk and zombies  had found a good market. Not that we don’t enjoy reading a good shape shifter story, but neither of us write them.

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Things have changed since that conference five years ago, the last one I attended, contemporary romance was experiencing a resurgence, BDSM, and erotic romance books were selling great. As were shape shifters and vampires.

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So I had to ask the question? Should I leave my genre behind and try my hand at something new? Maybe someday, but for now, I love writing romantic suspense. I’ve found my footing. I’m walking down the right road.

That doesn’t mean I’m right. It means this is what works for me.

 

 

Wednesday Coffee With Chrissy Szarek

Welcome Chrissy! Even though we’re chapter mates, today will be fun getting to know you better!

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Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?

Totally depends on the novel. In my fantasy series, not really. Most of it comes from my head. But for my romantic suspense series, it’s more necessary. It’s important to me that things like police procedure, crime stats and even day-to-day investigation stuff is credible. I also have a hero in an upcoming book that lost his right leg below the knee, so I had to research things like ghost pain and prosthesis, because I had no experience with such things.

Q. What made you pick your particular genre?

As a teen, I read two things, for the most part. Fantasy and Romance. I have always been inspired by Anne McCaffrey, in particular. I also read a lot of Harlequin Intrigue. I always thought I would write those type of stories, which cracks me up now because though I do write Romantic Suspense, I am not cut out for category. Fantasy will always be my first love. I started my first paranormal recently, so we’ll see how that one goes, as well. I also write YA on occasion. I guess I will always write whatever genre comes to me if it’s a good story.

Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?

I’m almost done with the second book in my fantasy series, and very soon I will also be working on the second book in my romantic suspense series.

Q. Do you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?

I think everyone does this occasionally. I’m a diehard pantser, so I suppose it’s happened to me more than once. All I can do is re-read the scene. From there, I am faced with editing, rewriting or scrapping. Sometimes I struggle with getting rid of large amounts of words, but sometimes it’s necessary. One thing I’ve learned is you can always change the words.

Okay…enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.

Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?

I am going to Scotland! WOOO HOOOO! I’ve always wanted to. Hope I became suddenly rich. Hope I have clean clothes, cuz I tend to procrastinate laundry. I would make sure to pack jeans and long sleeves. I hear it’s a bit nippy there. I would love to go to the Highlands and look around. I would bring my camera, for sure!

Q. Are you more likely to be spotlighted on the TV show Hoarders or Fashion Police?

Probably Fashion Police. I’m a comfort dresser. That is all.

Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?

Wellllllll, I’m not sure. I’m 100% original! I’m not sure anyone would be interested in *my* life like that. I’m a really boring nerd, really.

Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.

I work at a Shelter for teenagers. Sometimes it can be tough, but I love the kids even when they make it hard to do so!

Please tell us about your recent release.

Sword’s Call is the first book in the King’s Riders series, and it’s my first novel! I love this story and I am so excited to share it with the world!

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Blurb for Sword’s Call:

For generations, the Ryhans, ruling family of the Province of Greenwald have been keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. Lord Varthan, a former archduke and betrayer of the king, covets the sword and invades Greenwald.

Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser—magically bonded to her. Cera needs nothing more to aid in her fight. 

Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before, but finds Cera with Varthan and his shades on her tail instead. His dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera in ways she never thought she’d desire. But can he convince her trust and love can pave the path to redemption or will the epic battle end in tragedy and evil conquer them all?

 

Excerpt

Chapter One

Heart pounding and fists clenched, Cera sat in the Dragon’s Lair’s darkest corner. By choice, the candle on the table was unlit. The bowl of stew half eaten, food the last thing on her mind.

The door to the tavern swung open. Her white wolf growled low and deep beside her. Cera glanced up, squinting in the sudden flood of sunlight. As the door slammed shut and her eyes adjusted to the renewed murkiness, she took in the newest arrival.

Then she focused on Trikser. She couldn’t have him going for anyone’s throat.

“Shhh, Trik, it’s okay.” She ran a hand through his fur, smoothing his hackles along the length of his spine. The big wolf looked up at her and licked her hand. One corner of her mouth lifted and she bit back a sigh.

The only reason the owner of the tavern, Marshek even let him in was because no one else was allowed to enter the Dragon’s Lair if she was inside without him. No one according to Trikser, that is. He’d almost taken the hand off the last guy who’d tried.

“What’ll ya have?” Marshek barked, revealing his instant dislike of the newcomer.

She fixed her eyes on the bartender. Then she took a closer look at the man sitting in front of him. His pointed ears betrayed his heritage, but his height suggested he was not of pure blood.

Marshek was known to be tolerant of elves but he hated what he called half-breeds. Cera could imagine what the grumpy, middle-aged tavern owner was thinking, and it wasn’t friendly.

She rose, Trikser also immediately rising, awaiting her move. The white wolf was her bondmate and had been since he was young.

Relax, she thought-sent.

Trik sat, but his body was tight, tense. He didn’t respond to her mental order.

Moving to the bar, her wolf followed, slinking close to the floor, moving in a slight crawl. His belly probably touched the filthy planked flooring of the tavern.

Cera made a face but forced a breath. Detached control. Sliding onto the stool next to the half-elfin man, she was just in time to hear his order. His voice was clear and deep.

Marshek filled a mug with ale and started to put the jug in its place on the shelf.

“Wait, Mar,” she said with a wave of her hand, “I’ll have some of that, too.”

With a curt nod, the older man poured her a mug. She brought it to her lips, glancing nonchalantly at the stranger. His coal black hair brushed the collar of his hooded gray cape, giving him a rather unkempt look, but rugged rather than messy.

Cera couldn’t see the hue of his eyes from her seat but his high cheekbones made his profile appealing, his sleek tapered ears adding to the attraction. His powerful jaw line was clean shaven, an oddity in these parts. She could tell he was aware of her perusal. He was young, not much older than her, and had the stunning beauty of the elves.

His chest heaved as if he’d taken a breath, and he finally glanced at her. Blue. His eyes were a deep, sapphire blue. Her heart skipped a beat but she ignored it. The man said nothing, not that she’d expected him to.

 

Monday-Monday Go ahead. Walk down that dark alley.

Does it make you crazy? It does me. My favorite shows, Criminal Minds, Hawaii 5-O, and so many Law and Orders that I’ve lost count have scenes that make me talk to the TV.

Did you see the one where the female Federal agent, drew her gun, and walked into the house fully aware the killer was waiting? Hello? Was she suicidal? Well of course, he came up behind her, knocked her out, and escaped.

It’s the old clichéd version of the female being so dumb she walks down the dark alley, knowing a serial killer is on the prowl. And he is waiting for her! Arrg!

Aside from being illogical, I my humble opinion, it’s downright insulting to the female gender. In all fairness, the men do the same thing. They rush into the building only to be hit from behind because they went in without backup. But today, I’m keying on female heroines.

What are the writers thinking?

I can’t do it. My heroine has to be intelligent.

Why? Because we are. We’re not necessarily good with a gun (although, I’d take Marsha West to a gun fight to back me up any day), and maybe we aren’t skilled enough in martial arts to take down a grown man like Ziva (NCIS and my husband favorite female on TV). But we have common sense, and we know better.

I’m not beyond letting my hero save my heroine from the jaws of death, but I want her to be able to save herself…maybe to even save him.

What about you? When you’re watching TV, at the movies, or curled up in your easy chair reading a book, what type of female personality do you prefer?

 

Wednesday Coffee with Krystal Shannan

Welcome Krystal Shannan to the blog today.[image error] Let’s learn more about her!

Q. Do you do plot? Or are you a panster? Share your process with us.

Let’s see. I never used to plot. Then I met this fabulous critique partner (CP) April London and she plots everything. Needless to say, it wore off onto me and now I plot. My technique is what I like to call ‘sceneing’. Yeah, I don’t think it’s a real word, but it works for me. I see my books like movies in my head. Camera angles, cuts, POV switches all happen with definite purpose. I plot scenes, not chapters or whatever. I don’t even worry about chapters until I start writing. Normally my chapters end of being about 10-12 pages and they might include 2-3 scenes. After I write a good amount I just go back and read through and look for the natural breaks where a chapter would start and stop. Because I write in scenes, it’s usually really easy to find them. Every once in a while I have to go back and alter a scene to get a better hook.

Q. What made you pick your particular genre?

I’m a Disney Princess at heart! I just have to have my Happily Ever After. It’s like an addiction. I don’t think I could write anything that didn’t have a HEA. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE action, adventure, fantasy, history, drama, but I have got to have a fantastic love story sandwiched in there somewhere or it loses my attention…. Can’t help it. If you really take a step back and think about the Disney stories, they have all those things too –action, adventure, fantasy, history, drama, etc. I mean seriously. Beauty and the Beast is a werewolf story. Snow White faces a wicked witch. Aurora has a dragon fight in hers. The list goes on. But… they all get their Happily Ever After!

Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?

I’m working on several things. How long do you have? Let’s see… I’m should have finished my submission to Decadents 1NS series by the time this post is up. If its not, I’m going to scream. I’m plotting a 4 book druid witch series, the second book in Vegas Mates, and the third book in Pool of Souls. I’m also writing to finish the first book in another Fae trilogy that I hope to sell to Entangled or Samhein sometime later this summer….when I finish it….ummmm… the list goes on. LOL.

Q. Do you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?

I do usually hit walls from time to time. That’s when I take a break and go read a short book or I chat with my CP and brainstorm some different options. I also have found talking out the plot with my husband yield some very good results at times. He is a fellow sci-fi geek, so he really gets into the Fae and Mythological plotlines –of which I seem to keep multiplying.

Okay…enough with the business questions! How about some fun stuff. You know, just between the two of us.

Q. The opportunity to go on a surprise vacation arises. You have 90 minutes to pack and get to the airport. Where will you go and what will you pack?

GREECE baby! I’m packing jeans, tanks, hiking shoes, flip flops, and bathing suits, plus the normal toiletry items. JEANS! I would wear them every day if possible. Jeans are my favorite clothing item. I could be happy in jeans and a tank every day of my life. Anyway…Greece is first, then a hop over to Rome, Italy, and then up to Scotland!

Q. Are you more likely to be spotlighted on the TV show Hoarders or Fashion Police?

ROFL! Ummmm….probably Hoarders. I have a lot of books, but I don’t think my wardrobe would create any need for concern….except maybe for those lime green flip flops I like to wear with everything. *giggle*

Q. If they make a movie about your life, who do you want to play your part?

Sarah Michelle Gellar!

Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.

Uh huh, I don’t believe you. I loathe coffee…. Eh, not good enough? How about that I was six-foot tall by the time I was sixteen…. Still not good enough? Well, let’s see…. Oooooooh! I have a good one. On the day I had my daughter and brought her home from the hospital, our dog had her puppies too! We had a newborn baby in the house and 10 FREAKING DOGS!!!! 7 were PUPPIES!!!! Holy Cow! I NEVER want to do that again.

This was so much fun!

I should have three books out right now. The first is the introduction to my Pool of Souls Series. It’s called OPEN HOUSE. It’s a spin off of Aphrodite and soul mates, but with lots of Olympian drama. Each book focuses on a contemporary couple’s love story, but running along parallel with them is the ongoing story between Aphrodite and Ares. I think it’s fabulous. You all should read it and let me know!

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Buy Links for OPEN HOUSE: Find it Now
Amazon | Smashwords | All Romance | Kobo | B&N

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[image error]I also have a Christmas novella out called A VERY RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS. It was released by Decadent press in December 2012. Ksenia and Matt were a blast to write and I absolutely loved working with Decadent Press. My character, Ksenia, is the daughter of a Russian mobster and Matt is a former Marine. Mmmmm, yum. They get stuck in a cabin in the snow. Need I say more?

Buy Links for A VERY RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS: Find it now
Amazon | ARe | Decadent | Smashwords | BookStrand

 

 

 

 

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My newest release is called CHASING SAM. It’s the first book in my Vegas Mates Series. I just had to have some shifters in the lineup somewhere, so when Samantha Demakis showed up in my head and demanded a book, I squealed with glee. There’re a lot of werewolves and a few other surprises as well. Here’s the blurb!

Samantha Demakis doesn’t want a mate right now. She wants to finish her degree and work as a doctor in third world countries. Her birth-rite and family obligations to her status as the first daughter of a noble family beg to differ. In fact, even her wolf seems to be against her. When a chance encounter reveals the man who might just be a perfect fit, will she run? Or will she fight?

Chase Michaels has been alone for seventy-five years. He’s fought in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan in the US Army. Somewhat resigned to never finding his true mate, he is shocked when his wolf reacts so strongly to a woman he runs into in the airport. Unprepared for the politics and snobbery of the noble families, Chase finds himself fighting in a different type of war —a war for the heart of a woman he knows should be his. 

A lot of things are chasing Sam, but who or what will catch her in the end?

Next on the list and coming soon is the second book in Pool of Souls! FINDING HOPE doesn’t have a cover yet, so I can’t share that, but let me share the blurb!

Warning: The plot thickens with a passel of pissed off Olympians, but Ares and Aphrodite are in for a double dose of trouble! More Olympians join the mix in Finding Hope: Pool of Souls Book 2. A jewel addict, a kick-ass possibly-virgin huntress, and an insatiable ancient oracle are just a few. But don’t worry; Ares and Aphrodite are still front and center.

Addison Connelly has given up on men. She is disappointed yet again when her best friend tries to play matchmaker, and the match falls flat…or does it? Her friend knows all Addison needs is a chance, a little hope, and maybe a dropkick in the right direction. With an extra push from Aphrodite, will this lonely soul learn to trust again? Or will she run from the only man who could make her happy?

Adrian Colter, Nashville Police Detective and certifiable bachelor, puts his foot in his mouth in a big way when his roommate’s fiancé tries to match him up with her best friend. After making a horrible first impression, can he earn the trust of a woman who won’t speak a civil word to him? 

Adrian isn’t the only one trying to earn the trust of a beautiful woman. While Ares fights to rebuild the trust he lost thousands of years ago with the Goddess of Love, his parents do what they do best —show off their greed and selfishness. Will he find the hope and forgiveness he so desperate seeks or will his parents destroy his chance at happiness?

So, that’s all for me right now, folks. I hope you will friend me, follow me, and become twitterpated with me and my books! (See, didn’t you love that Disney reference?) Please look me up any time and holler, I’m not usually very far from an electronic communication device. Oh! And please sign up for my newsletter so you can get all the juicy details about upcoming releases!

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Monday-Monday Live chickens proved my determination

Can we talk about determination?

Okay, maybe I am stubborn, hardheaded, and yes, determined. I’m finally beginning to understand that’s not necessarily a personality flaw.

I believed in The Green-Eyed Doll. I worked on it, polished it, and celebrated big time when I finally received an offer of publication…in fact I received two the same day.

My husband expressed pride but not surprise. In his wisest voice, he explained he never doubted. He believed in my determination. Now isn’t that just the sweetest, most romantic, thing you’ve ever heard? Then he looked me in the eye and said, “After the chickens, I had no doubt you could do whatever you set your mind to.”

Chickens and determination? Okay, I’ll make this a short as possible.

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A few years back I noticed an ad in the paper. Our local feed store was giving away 20 baby chicks with the purchase of 10 pounds of chicken feed. Our property was fenced and included a dog run, which we’d never used. With dear husband at work and both kids in school, I made my decision. I’d raise the chickens, put a few in the freezer and keep a few for fresh eggs.      

It was early spring, but the weather was still cool, and I knew the chicks couldn’t be left outside. Before I left for the feed store, I rearranged the tack room, shoved a couple of horse feed barrels in the corner, and made room for my new project. Fresh eggs anyone?

By the time I arrived and parked, I’d calculated that if 20 were good, 40 would be better. I loaded my chicks and feed and went home. I’d covered my corner of the tack room floor with paper, cordoned off the area with boxes to contain their wandering, hung a drop light, so I placed my chicks in their new home with a quilt covering the area. There, now all I had to do was wait until they grew enough to live in the dog run.

My husband thought I’d lost my mind. Through gritted teeth, (I know how bad he wanted to laugh) he informed me the chicks were free because they were all male. There would be no fresh eggs. What we’d have was 40 crowing roosters. He was particularly unhappy to have my chicks in his tack room. I smiled up at him, knowing he always gives in to me, which he did.

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A couple of days later a cold spell hit Texas that dropped the temperature to freezing. When I went to check on my babies, they were flat on their sides! The light bulb had burned out. I sprang into action. Bundling all 40 of them into my laundry basket, I raced inside the house, desperately wondering how to warm them up.

That afternoon when my patient husband got home, he checked the tack room and discovered the chickens were gone. I told him about how I’d found the chicks. So they’re all dead, he predicted.

Not at all, I answered, leading him down the hall to our bedroom. I’m still not sure what sound came out of his mouth…it was a cross between a choke and a laugh…but there were the chicks, nice and toasty under our electric blanket. [image error]All but one lived to adulthood. Okay…not in the house. He took charge and fixed them a safe home until they were big enough to live in the dog run. Each one

grew up and made it to our freezer. (How they got there is a whole different story, and you don’t want me to tell it.)

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But that day, my husband swears, he learned just how determined I could be. So when I shared my dream of becoming an author, he had no doubt I could do it.

Someday, I’ll tell you about Fonzie the pig. Or Charlie the steer.

What about you? Do you agree determination plays a huge role in achieving out goals?

As a point of information, my publisher has released The Last Execution for purchase on Amazon Kindle. If you’re a member of Amazon Prime you can borrow the book free. http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Execution-ebook/dp/B00BK9QU9K/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361719795&sr=1-3&keywords=jerrie+alexander

June 7th the e-version and paperback will be available everywhere.