Ally Shields's Blog, page 87
March 27, 2013
Coffee Chat with Author Katya Armock
Good Morning! It's time for another chat. With me is Katya Armock, who writes steamy paranormal fiction for Etopia Press. Since she warned me she doesn't drink coffee but prefers tea with cream and sugar, I also brought along the tea service today. Since we both have our drink of choice, I think we're ready to begin with Katya's bio.
Bio:
I like books that are funny and fun to read (and hot!) but also make me think or look at the world in a new way. I am influenced by magic realism, comparative mythology, and esoteric spiritual practices from around the world.
I spent too many years chasing someone else’s definition of success. My life simplified, I returned to my first love of writing. These days you’ll find me writing, pet sitting, juggling a number of freelance gigs, and reigning as my home’s domestic goddess. I live in the Midwestern U.S. with my husband, dog and cats. Alas, I have, as of yet, been unable to teach my husband how to purr.
Ally: Lol. Well, now that you've revealed something about your husband, how about a secret about you? Something you wouldn't normally include in a bio.
KATYA: I’m tongue tied but I have always been able to speak and eat fine so it has never been repaired. Consequently, my tongue is quite dexterous in its limited range of motion. I can make it look like my tongue is flipping in circles.
Ally: That is unusual. Aren't you glad this isn't live TV? I might have asked you to demonstrate! But getting back to the questions, I'd like to talk about your writing. I know you are another of Etopia's authors who write erotica. How did you choose this genre? Do you think you'll ever write another type of fiction?
KATYA: I didn’t intend to write an erotic book. I wanted to write a humorous book, which I did. But Chloe, my main character, likes to make things hot in the bedroom, so it ended up erotic too. I found it’s rather fun to write these types of scenes, so there are more to come.
I do intend to write other types of stories as well, but sometimes what I intend and what the character wants are two different things, and the character always wins.
Ally: I guess a lot of us have characters who have a mind of their own. So, when and where do you do your writing? Time of day, special place?
KATYA: I have a home office, so I generally write there. The time of day is random, but I’m not a morning person, so very little, if anything, happens in my life before 10 AM.
Ally: That's because you don't drink coffee. I'm just saying... Okay, now for some quick answer questions:
a. favorite color: green
b. favorite TV show: The only one I’ve watched multiple times is Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
c: favorite feel good movie: Clueless or The Secret of My Success
d. the man, real or character, you want stranded with you on your remote island: my husband. He’s my best friend.
Ally: I'm glad to hear you've been able to overlook the fact that your husband can't purr! :)
Since Katya writes erotica, we're not going to show her book cover or buy links, but she brought a photo of her hero and a brief book summary. Although this book blurb is PG-13, the content of the novel is for eighteen and over.
Book Blurb:Chloe can “talk” to animals…so why can she hear the thoughts of this hot, green-eyed man?
Abandoned by her mother and raised by a father who’d given up on life, Chloe doesn’t let anyone get close. Lucky for her, she can communicate with animals—telepathically. Animals are the only people she needs. When a suspected dogfighting ring comes to her attention, Chloe decides to do a little spying. In her rush to win the dogs’ trust, she almost gets caught.
Until a sexy stranger intervenes, and she finds she can overhear his thoughts. She’s never been able to hear people, and this man’s about as sexy as she’s ever seen. It’s more than intellectual curiosity that drives her to discover his secret: he’s a jaguar shape-shifter, and the presence of this cat among the dogs might be a bit too much to handle. But the animal attraction is just too hot to resist, and the passion between them makes both the sparks—and the fur—fly…
If you'd like to contact Katya, you'll find her at the following links:
Website: http://katyaarmock.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katyaarmock
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KatyaArmock
Katya, thanks so much for visiting us! As usual, I want to thank everybody else for stopping by. Come back soon!
_
March 26, 2013
I've Made My Last Book Trailer
Like this photo? I did too, but It didn't make the cut. Why I've Made My Last Book TrailerA few months ago I paid to have a trailer done of my first book. Although I loved the trailer, the person who made it took it down from Youtube without notice. I found a next to last copy and uploaded it to Youtube again. It's not the final version, but the trailer is back.
When book two came out, I was left with a problem. No trailer maker. So what did I do? I decided to make my own. How hard can it be? Ha. I found out this weekend...
I searched through Google and found I could use Movie Maker, so I was all set. Luckily, the program is very intuitive, and I was really happy that I could use it without going through a bunch of tutorials and help files.
Next I needed pictures to use and a script. It took some doing, but I have several royalty-free sites bookmarked, and I located a 8-10 photos I liked. I poured over the script, changed it umpteen times, but finally settled on the words I thought I wanted. A half day into the project, I had photos and a script properly aligned in Movie Maker.
Then came the really hard part. I searched for HOURS for music to go with my video. Nothing seemed quite right. Too perky, too quirky, too dramatic, too much orchestra, too much hip hop. I finally gave up and just picked something. By this time I had lost my enthusiasm for the project, but I put it all together and declared it done.
I uploaded it to Youtube and was feeling quite pleased with myself until I received feedback, and it wasn't so good. The music wasn't appropriate - well, yeah, I kind of knew that. And the last picture - what was that about?
So I took it down and spent another day searching for music, changing out some of the pictures, tweaking the words and video effects. I finally ended up with a better product. Far from perfect, but much improved. I'm still not sure the music is right for the atmosphere I wanted. Probably because I can't put what I'm looking for into keywords that music sites use. I wanted a sound similar to the book one trailer (found here) but had no idea what to call it.
Sooo, after all the time and angst, I have a trailer for book two. Making this trailer was an interesting experience. Next time, I'll find someone who knows what they're doing, and I'll have a great deal of sympathy for how difficult this task can be.
Have you made a book trailer or any Youtube video? If so, how did yours turn out? Can I hire you? :)
March 24, 2013
Sneak Peek Sunday Mar 24
Hi, everyone!
This week's sneak peek is not from the Guardian Witch fantasy series but is a snippet from my unedited thriller, entitled Pursuit of Terror. Alexis Girard is an ex-CIA assassin working for a private black ops agency. She's been tracking an Israeli Mossad agent who has entered the US illegally, and she is trying to find out why he is here. Having finally located him early one morning, she is entering his hotel room while he is in the shower.
Here's the snippet:
The sound of water stopped, and she slipped inside, silently closing the door behind her. She glided toward the bathroom, Glock in hand, and met him coming out.
"Stay right there," she said.
He stopped, dripping water and clad only in a towel around his waist. He'd been using a second towel to dry his hair and face. The short dark locks were rumpled, the masculine stubble still shiny with water.
"Do you intend to shoot?" he asked.
"I might. Drop the towel, and do a 180."
He dropped both towels, displaying no unease. "Like what you see?" He grinned.
As a matter of fact, she did. Under other circumstances, she might have made a different response. "Where's your firearm?"
~ ~ ~
Thanks for stopping! I hope you'll click on the hop button above and read all the other fantastic snippets!
_
March 22, 2013
I've been Honored with a Sunshine Award!
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 EC Newman, the fabulous blogger who passed the award to me. Check out her blog post here: http://wp.me/p2diuW-cp.
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.
Here are my answers to the questions:Favorite Color: Sea green. It's so cool and refreshing.
Favorite Animal: That has to be my little dog, Ranger. He's a fifteen pound Miniature Pinscher who thinks he runs the house (and often does!). :) Here he is ready to play...
Favorite Number: 3 or 7 I'm pretty predictable in choosing one or the other. I wonder if it says something when you pick the "odd" numbers?
Favorite Non-alcoholic Drink: Definitely coffee, but add a little Baileys and you really have something special! I became addicted on a trip to Ireland. Yummy.
Facebook or Twitter: Twitter. I'm there a lot! I think Facebook is becoming rather user un-friendly.
Your Passion: At this time of year, its the NCAA basketball tournament. I love it!
Giving or getting presents: Giving is so much more fun.
Favorite Day: Hmm. No special day of the week, but any lazy, sunny day in spring.
Favorite Flowers: I love daffodils. Bright, perky. They are such a cheery flower and so welcome in the spring- my favorite time of year.
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!):
Dani-Lyn Alexander: http://www.danilynalexander.com
Jerrie Alexander: http://www.jerriealexander.com
Katya Armock: http://katyaarmock.com/
Marie Carhart: http://kabrinimessage.blogspot.com
Cat Cavendish: http://www.catherinecavendish.com
Charley Descoteaux: http://cdescoteauxwrites.wordpress.com/
Martha Emms: http://marthaemms.blogspot.com
Terri Herman Ponce: http://terriponce.com/
Kirstin Pulioff: http://www.kirstinpulioff.com
Rhonda Lane: http://rhondalane.com/
Anne Lange: http://authorannelange.com
Kath Boyd Marsh: http://kath-lettersfromearth.blogspot.com
March 20, 2013
Coffee Chat with Author Milly Taiden
Hi, everyone! The Coffee Chats are back today after a couple of weeks off to get my newest book launched!I'm happy to be drinking coffee with Etopia Press author and friend, Milly Taiden, who writes paranormal erotic romance and also writes contemporary erotic romance under the pen name of April Angel. Milly prefers her coffee decaf, sweet with light cream, and I've already filled her mug.
Milly is the first smexy author who has joined me for coffee, and in deference to my youngest readers, we aren't showing her book covers or direct buy links. For those of you who are over eighteen, there are lots of ways to reach her! :)
Let's get started with her bio:
Want to know about me? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee.
A bookworm when she can get her hands on a good story, she loves reading all Mina Carter and Dianne Duvall among others.
Ally: That's all good and interesting, but tell us something other people don't know. Something they'd never find on a book jacket.
MILLY: I can move my ears. LOL. yeah ok that sounds retarded but I can. I don’t know how. I have been able to since I was a kid and freaked my mom out a bunch of times. LOL. I can feel the muscles separately (kind of like when you lift your brows) but can move them back and forth.
Ally: ROFL. Well, that was unexpected! You must be a big hit at parties! But, maybe we should now move on to the more serious questions. Why did you decide to write under two different author names, and would you make that same choice again?
MILLY: It was a suggestion by my editor and the owner, and I think now that each is defined I like it. Not sure if I would do it again, but I can understand some readers prefer paranormal while others like contemporary and the two names doesn’t confuse them into buying something they may not like.
Ally: There seems to be a lot of variation in defining mainstream romance, erotic romance and erotica. Where do you draw the lines?
MILLY: I think language and details. While I am a lot more vocal and raw with language and description--I don’t hold back, yet there’s still romance in my books and so it’s not full blown erotica.
Ally: I haven't read any of your contemporaries, but your paranormals also have really good plots. Okay, let's finish off today with some quick answers:
a. favorite color: BLUE!
b. favorite TV show: Big Bang Theory
c: favorite feel good movie: Aliens (Ally: WHAT!?! You must have a different definition of "feel good" than I do! )
d. the man, real or character, you want on your deserted island: Darce from Mina Carter’s Blood Mate
Ally: You have to come back and visit again. You're such fun! Thank you for being here!
Milly is a very busy and productive writer! Here are her contact links, and below that a list of her books. If you like your romances hot, hot, hot - follow her linky links for more information!
Author contact links:
Email: millytaiden@gmail.com
Website: http://www.millytaiden.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fansofMillyTaidenAprilAngel
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/millytaiden
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Milly-Taiden/e/B00978C7TI/
As Milly Taiden - Paranormal Erotic Romance
Caged Heat
Wynter’s Captive
Halloween Heat III – Mate Event
Fate’s Wish
Sharp Change
Coming Soon
Fever
Wolf Protector
As April Angel - Contemporary Erotic Romance
Party Crasher
Wicked Valentine – Sizzling Encounters – Book 2
Stranded Temptation
Mr. Buff – Sizzling Encounters – Book 1
Coming Soon
Lucky Break – Sizzling Encounters – Book 3
A Hero’s Pride
March 16, 2013
Sneak Peek Sunday Mar 17
It's time for Sneak Peek Sunday again!Since Fire Within (Guardian Witch #2) was just released March 8, I'm still giving a few peeks inside for those who haven't yet read it.
(You can find it here.)
To set the scene: Ari, my cop witch, is interviewing a gang member and murder suspect named Bernie. They are seated at a table in a room with her two partners on the case. It hasn't been going well...
Here is the snippet:
His face was flat, the tone careless. “Can’t exactly say where we were at any particular moment.”
Ari clenched her jaw. Now, he was playing dumb. “Then begin when you crawled out of your coffin. Or wherever in hell cockroaches like you sleep. Relate everything you did, and I’ll tell you when you can stop.” He’d gotten under her skin, and her witch blood began to stir.
Bernie grinned. “Now, honey, you sure are cute when you’re mad.”
He had such a short freaking memory.
He leaned toward her, broadening the grin, smug, showing full fangs.
At the first hint of fang, a flash of blue fire erupted from Ari’s fingers. The stun sent Bernie flying backward and planted his butt firmly on the floor for the second time that evening.
Thanks for visiting the blog. Come back soon! Be sure to read the other Sneak Peeks by clicking on the banner above!
March 14, 2013
Irish Gold Blog Hop
Click to continue hop! Irish Magic - Three WishesMy witch Ari doesn't believe in luck, but she certainly believes in Irish magic! After all, some of her best friends are leprechauns. :)
I asked her about looking for the pot of gold, and here's now that conversation went.
"It exists," she said, "but not like you think. No gold coins. It's a pot of magical wishes--spells. If you can catch the leprechaun who guards it, he is required to grant you three wishes."
"So what would you wish for?" I asked. "Other than world peace and all those big picture things. Something personal."
"I don't have many personal-type needs. As long as I have coffee, occasional junk food, and my friends are okay, I'm good."
"Come on, Ari. Just three things!"
She sighs, rolls her eyes. "Boots. I love smexy boots, and I don't have a red pair. A year's worth of Club Dintero's coffee and, oh, a nice human girlfriend for my cop partner Ryan. Now what about you? What would your wishes be?"
"Mine?" I wrinkled my forehead. "Hmm, this is harder than I thought."
Ari tapped her toe.
"Um, well, I see what you mean. It's the big picture things that count. Good fortune and health for my family, friends, and my readers, of course."
"That's cheating," she says.
"Okay, how about getting more books successfully launched in the Guardian Witch series? Fire Within just hit the online book stores, but I still have Burning Both Ends, Blood and Fire, Stirring the Flames--"
"Stop! So, many? How much more are you going to reveal about me?" she demands, looking appalled.
"Depends on how many times I find the pot of gold!"
~ ~ ~ ~
GIVEAWAYS: Be sure to continue the hop (Click on the Irish Gold button above) and read all the wonderful Irish posts! And enter the $85 and swag giveaways, of course.
AND, if you tell me the first wish you would pick if you found the leprechaun, you'll be entered in a drawing on this blog for a $5 Amazon gift certificate.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Ari Calin has sworn to keep the peace in Olde Town, but she's got a lot on her hands between werewolves, exotic drugs, and increasing violence. With a human cop and a way-too-sexy vampire, she tracks the enemy from the vampire strip clubs to the caverns. Each step draws them deeper into an old feud and closer to a supernatural war...See both books at Amazon:
http://goo.gl/2rjis
Evil stalks the city… Fire witch cop Ari Calin is looking for a serial killer targeting vampires. When her ex-boyfriend, Andreas, a sexy, charismatic vampire, joins the hunt, he becomes potential target. And while Ari might feel like killing Andreas sometimes, she doesn't want anyone else to do it...
See both books at Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/?series_id=842187
March 9, 2013
Witches, Witchcraft & the Calin Family Book of Shadows
Image courtesy of scottchan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net ~~Watch for the Giveaway at the end of this post!~~Witchcraft & the Calin Family Book of Shadows
As used in the Guardian Witch series, witchcraft is the practice of magic primarily by a race of supernatural beings known as sorcerers. It is not a religion, although it can be closely aligned with Goddess worship and most of Ari's family have chosen to be white witches, those who abide by the Witches' Creed: Do ye no harm; proceed as ye must; and they believe in the Rule of Three: whatever ye do, good or evil, is returned threefold.
The race of sorcerers has two distinct branches: witches and wizards. Witches have magical powers that are inborn and an ability to conjure; wizards have an enhanced ability to conjure magic using objects, often called magicks. Witches are male or female, but a dominant male is called a warlock. Dominancy tends to run in families, and Ari's family is dominated by the maternal side. For this reason, they are known as the Calin family of witches, rather than warlocks.
The Witches' Creed, the Rule of Three, and in Ari's case her Witches' Oath which prohibits the use of witch fire except in cases of defense are entered upon a witch's formal initiation to full witch status at age eighteen. Her sixteenth birthday is celebrated as a Coming of Age ceremony, as her witch powers begin to emerge in their adult form.
The Book of Shadows in the Guardian Witch series is more than a simple grimoire, a sorcerer's textbook of magical instructions and spells. Ari's family book is genetically tied to her witch bloodline. In addition to spells and potions that work best if used by a member of her family, it contains the family history and legends and includes a complete family tree. Unlike other references to a Book of Shadows that are associated with the Wiccan religion, it does not belong to a coven or a single individual and is not always held by a high priestess. There is one keeper each generation. The book itself has magical properties of its own and only comes to the keeper when that person is ready to receive it. The Calin family Book of Shadow would appear to us much like the blank grimoire pictured above, since it can only be read by or in the presence of a member of that witch bloodline.
That's the short version of magic in the Guardian Witch universe. I hope it will enrich your reading of the series.
As I'm sure you know if you're a regular read of this blog, Fire Within (Guardian Witch Book Two) was just released March 8. In celebration, my friends are posting excerpts and interviews the next couple of weeks. Some of them are giving away copies of my books, but all have unique posts/excerpts. I hope you'll visit them. To find the entire list of participating blogs, click here to access yesterday's post or click on blog hops in the sidebar and look the release party.
For anyone who has missed the Fire Within info, I'm happy to post it again, but keep reading for the GIVEAWAY at the end!
Book Blurb:A hidden evil stalks the city…
Ari Calin refuses to believe her human friend Eddie murdered a vampire—in spite of his confession. Her human partner Ryan thinks the case is a slam dunk, even though there’s no weapon and no witnesses, but Ari’s not about to let her friend take the rap without finding out more.
When Ari attends a charity event on the arm of a handsome werewolf, she finds someone she never expected to see again—Andreas De Luca, the charismatic vampire she used to date. When their eyes meet across the room, memories come rushing back. His kiss, his touch, a savage death…and a terrifying magical bond. A reconnection is the last thing she wants. Only by staying away and forgetting Andreas can she hope to avoid the Legend of Ramora.
But when vampires keep dying, one thing becomes clear: Riverdale has a serial killer on its hands, and Andreas could be next. Ari begins to fear there’s more to it, though. Something truly evil is stalking the city, waiting to take control…
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Within-Guardian-Witch-ebook/dp/B00BQN1YUU/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/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
Kobo: http://bit.ly/YhZvgr
GIVEAWAY ON THIS BLOG: Because I am eager to get my books into your hands, I'm offering a free ebook to a random commenter on this blog Sat and Sun. Entries close at 8 a.m. CDT tomorrow March 11. Just leave me your email so I can reach you with your prize and tell me whether you want the new release, Fire Within, or the first book in the series, Awakening the Fire. (They're best read in order!)
Good luck! I hope you're the winner!
As always, thanks for visiting my blog. Come back soon!
Sneak Peek Sunday Mar 10
Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday!I've got another snippet for you from Fire Within (Guardian Witch #2), an urban fantasy that was released two days ago and is now available at Amazon and other online stores!
In this scene, my witch Ari and her former vampire boyfriend Andreas have been forced to talk with one another due to a vampire murder case. This is there first meeting since an ugly break up eight months ago after she saw him kill someone. She's trying to explain what she felt when she ran from the scene.
Here's the snippet:
“I guess…for a while I forgot what you were.” The same excuse she’d used for months, as she’d tried to understand her reaction. It had sounded lame then, still did.
They had come to a standstill in front of her apartment building. Too aware to look at him, Ari watched a beetle crawl across the sidewalk and disappear into the grass.
“You did not forget, little witch.” Andreas’s voice was softer now. “You chose to ignore it, as long as I let you. It is the one thing you could not accept and the one I cannot change. I am what I am.”
Thanks for stopping. Look around while you're here. I have lots of things going on including a giveaway! Be sure to visit the other Sneak Peeks by clicking on the banner above.
_
