Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 20

Paranormal Romance Blog Tour Day 2: Behind the Scenes Blog Post

Day 2 of the Paranormal Blog Tour: Behind the Scenes Blog Post

Welcome to Day 2 of the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour. Today, all of the authors will be posting about their “Behind the Scenes” tips or experiences to give you a sense of what it’s like to be a paranormal author. I’ve picked as my subject today, my cat editor and muse, Samantha. She is my dear furry baby. At this time of year, I’m always reminded of what it’s like to be an owner of a black cat around Halloween. Not only is she a walking Halloween decoration all year long, but an inspiration of how we shouldn’t be deceived by appearances or stereotypes. Black cats make the most wonderful pets, and really should be loved this time of year, not feared.

The Cat Muse, Samantha.

So, let me introduce you to Samantha. I named her after the TV show “Bewitched” main character, Samantha. She almost was Xena, but I decided she fit more personality wise with Samantha. Xena ended up as her middle name. She is very stubborn, and humphs whenever she is picked up. She’s past 17 years now, and I cherish every new day with her. Her back legs are a bit stiff, but she still lends me her presence while writing, laying next to me while I’m typing this blog post now. The picture shows her in cat muse position moments before I’ve written these words. She definitely is a cat friend tried and true. Though, she is hard to photograph since she is black. I have to have her on a blanket or surface that is lighter than her. Even so, it’s hard to see her cute face unless there is direct light.

Which brings me to being an owner of a black cat. This time of year is dangerous for black kitties since there are so many stereotypes. I remember taking her to the vet and she needed a medical bath. I had dropped her off and gone home when the phone rang. The attendant called me to come back and pick her up since she wasn’t allowing anyone to touch her. When I got there, my cat was in the cage, arched back, hissing, looking like all Halloween decorations. But I knew what it was. Her cute face was VERY scared. I started talking soothingly, and the attendant said, “Don’t open that cage. She’ll scratch you.”

“No. Can’t you see she’s just scared?” I reached in, and started talking calming words again to my cat. She started to debristle, and ease into my hand. I realized the lady was scared of my cat because she was black. I figured a good attendant would sense a scared cat. But the stereotype of black cats had probably been so ingrained in her with the image of scary black cats, she really thought my cat would hurt her. Thing was, I took my cat, and switched to another vet.

There’s a day in August called National Black Cat Day where pictures are posted of black cats since they tend to be the least adopted kind of cat. Plus, today is #BLACKCATDAY on Twitter. Unfortunately, black cats are the ones that can survive really well on their own since they are black. It makes them invisible to find or catch. My cat is literally invisible when outside at night. I have to watch her or call her with cat food making sounds, because she’ll be sitting in the dark and I can’t find her. She differently is invisible at night.

Black cats make great pets, and Samantha’s my black kitty muse all year long. She’s sat next to me while writing the entire Beware of Warlocks series. I can’t think of her anyway else than as my constant cat companion, cat editor and muse. She helps my writing in so many ways, she’s almost a co-writer. When I get stuck, I’ll reach out and give her a pet and stroke to get my mind going again. She just helped me now, with a big purr as I reached over to help with this post. What writer could ask for more?

She’s everything but unlucky. She walks in front of me all the time. But it’s mostly to get me to feed her. I’m lucky to have her love and support.

So, this Halloween, think of black cats as well, a myth as those scary creatures depicted in horror films. Just like vampires, zombies, and werewolves, the spooky, black cats of Halloween are mythical legends that really don’t fit the real life cuties out there as pets with so many people. I salute them, and my cat, in all they do for their owners.

Beware of Warlocks is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iTunes.

For more great “Behind the Scenes” posts, visit the other participating authors in the blog tour.

Marilyn Vix Website/Blog: http://marilynvix.com


A. Armitage Website: http://jarmitageauthor.blogspot.com/


Kessie Carroll Website: http://netraptor.org/blog


Sara C. Roethle Website: http://saracroethle.com/


Ani Gonzalez Website: http://www.anigonzalez.com


Sherry Soule Website: http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

**GIVEAWAYS and Book Discounts listed at the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2015 Page!

Plus, enjoy my newly released Beware of Warlocks Box Set. It’s Bewitched meets Eat, Pray, Love. Until tomorrow, -Marilyn

Today’s website to visit is:

October 27
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom
www.creativelygreen.blogspot.com
My first guest blog(different from above) will be featured on the tour.

Paranormal Blog Tour Day 1/Beware of Warlocks Blog Tour Day 1

Starts today, Oct. 26, 2015 with the launch of my series box set for Beware of Warlocks!

WELCOME! Everyone to a huge day for me. Today is the release of the Beware of Warlocks Box Set. Let the festivities begin! Today kicks off the Paranormal Blog Tour Day 1 in which it’s time to say “Hi” to all of the fabulous paranormal authors joining me to a week of fantastic book deals, giveaways, interviews, book reviews and general fun! So without waiting any longer, here are all of the fabulous participating authors and their websites to visit daily this week:

Participating Authors:

A. Armitage Website: http://jarmitageauthor.blogspot.com/


Kessie Carroll Website: http://netraptor.org/blog


Sara C. Roethle Website: http://saracroethle.com/


Ani Gonzalez Website: http://www.anigonzalez.com

As promised, here is the awesome list of giveaways going on this week:

Giveaway Links List for Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2015

1) Marilyn Vix’s Giveaway: http://gvwy.io/329hzoy

2) Sara Roethle’s Giveaway: http://saracroethle.com/giveaway/

3) J. A. Armitage’s Giveaway: http://jarmitageauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

4) Kessie Carroll’s Giveaway: http://netraptor.org/blog/index.php/paranormal-romance-2015-blog-hop/

5) Ani Gonzalez’s Giveaway:

http://anigonzalezblogs.blogspot.com/2015/10/paranormal-romance-blog-tour-giveaway.html

Book Discounts:

Beware of Warlocks Box Set Discount on Smashwords

Smashwords Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/582969

Coupon Code: TA42V

Malevolent by K.M Carroll Free on Amazon Oct. 26 -27  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z2FVAPW

Books by Ani Gonzalez $0.99 discount Oct. 29-30

Must Love Ghosts: http://www.amazon.com/Must-Love-Ghosts-Paranormal-Halloween-ebook/dp/B014GF8GS2
Ghost of a Chance: http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Chance-Paranormal-Romance-Banshee-ebook/dp/B014GH0I8G/

Sara Roethle’s Truth or Death is $0.99: http://www.amazon.com/Truth-Death-Bitter-Ashes-Book-ebook/dp/B010R0VGSC/

And that’s not all: I have my Beware of Warlocks Blog Tour going on as well. Each day I’ll be posting the websites to visit to check out interviews by me, guest blog posts, and even a character interview from the main character in the Beware of Warlocks series, Catherine Banks.

Today’s websites to visit are:

October 26
3 Partners in Shopping; Nana, Mommy, &; Sissy too!
http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com/

October 26
Lisa’s World of Books
www.lisasworldofbooks.net

So, help me in doing my happy dance! Visit and share in comments how you’re enjoying the tours. It’s going to be a week full of paranormal romance! Wahahahahhahah!

Beware of Warlocks Box Set Release Events

It’s going to be a busy week for me starting on Oct. 26. It all starts with the release of the Beware of Warlocks box set on Monday and the launch of two blog tours. I will be hosting the Paranormal Blog Tour and starting my own blog tour to promote the box set release. You can win double the prizes if you check out both. On my site will be links to fabulous paranormal romance authors and links to giveaways, interviews and book reviews daily. Plus, during the Paranormal Blog Tour, secret discounts and freebies for ebooks will be revealed. You go to come back for that, right?

Starts Oct. 26, 2015 with the launch of my series box set for Beware of Warlocks!

For the Beware of Warlocks Box Set Book Tour, I’ll be heading over to a website daily with interviews, guest blog posts, and of course, more fabulous prizes to be won. Look for the participating website(s) daily to be posted along with the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour.

Most fabulous will be the Release Party held on Wednesday Oct. 28 on Facebook. Head over to chat with me, play games, win more fabulous prizes, and just celebrate the end of a series that has been a blast to write. So much so, I’m writing a sequel series called “Beware of Vampires”. Cassandra, Catherine’s mortal friend, is going to run into more trouble than she bargains when she meets up with an ex-boyfriend of Catherine’s that happens to be a vampire. What could possibly go wrong, right?

So bookmark and come by from Oct. 26 – Nov. 9. This is going to be one heck of an on-line party affair. I would love if you could join me. -Marilyn

Release Party on Facebook Oct. 28 Link  Please stop by and join the event so you’ll get email notices on when it will start. See you there!

Paranormal Blog Tour 2015 Underway! Starts Oct. 26

Starts Oct. 26, 2015 with the launch of my series box set for Beware of Warlocks!

It’s here! The planning is in full swing for this year’s Paranormal Blog Tour. We have a few returning faces, and brand new authors for your paranormal reading pleasure. Behind the scenes stories and tales of what it’s like to write paranormal romances will be shared along with author interviews, book reviews of featured books, and best of all, GIVEAWAYS! There is even some free discounts and books in the works. So, please stop by next week starting Monday, Oct. 26 for a goulish romantic affair with some of the best Indie paranormal authors on the planet. We’ll be serving up tons of treats for you. No tricks, I promise. -Marilyn

Participating Authors:

Marilyn Vix Website/Blog: http://marilynvix.com


J. A. Armitage Website: http://jarmitageauthor.blogspot.com/


Kessie Carroll Website: http://netraptor.org/blog


Sara C. Roethle Website: http://saracroethle.com/


Ani Gonzalez Website: http://www.anigonzalez.com

Preorder the Beware of Warlocks Box Set Now!

Beware of Warlocks Box Set releases Oct. 26, 2015!

It’s up and ready for your consumption. The whole Beware of Warlocks series is coming out as a box set on Oct. 26! You can preorder it HERE WITH THIS LINK ON AMAZON!  So if you didn’t have a chance to catch up on the series, or just finding out about it, here it is in one swoop. Pretty much, all the novellas together form a short contemporary romance. So, do enjoy! I’m pretty proud of how it turned out.

And it doesn’t end there. I’m planning all sorts of problems to come up for Cassandra, friend of Catherine in the Beware of Warlocks series. Though Cassandra is mortal, she can have her run-ins with the paranormal. Or rather, she might become a yummy snack. Anything can happen in Vegas, especially if vampires become involved. So, yup, here’s to the end of one adventure and the starting of the next. Girls have got to stick together when it comes to warlocks and vampires. I’m going to have fun writing how they do.

Amazon Beware of Warlocks Box Set Preorder Link For Amazon Here

Amazon Beware of Warlocks Box Set Preorder Link for Smashwords Here

Sponsor Gifts Announced for NaNoWriMo Night Of Writing Dangerously 2015: Marilyn Vix

Support Marilyn Vix to write another year during NANO 2015!

We’re getting near to the Night of Writing Dangerously, and I’ve noticed my donations bar a bit low. So, I’ve decided to up the stakes and add some motivational gifts for donation levels. I thought it over and came up with the list below. Keep in mind that this is all going to help others support their writing, and the NANO website. I don’t get to keep the money. I do eat free and get free wine. But it is to fuel for writing. It’s all in the name of art, of course. To help support the creation process, my future writing projects that I’ll be writing during the evening, here are the gifts you can earn for your donation:

$5 Never Marry A Warlock Novella Ebook

$10 Never Marry A Warlock Keychain Swag

$15 Never Marry A Warlock Bookmark Swag

$25 Promo copy of the new ebook box set for Beware of Warlocks Series

$75 Get a character named after you in the next novella: Beware of Vampire series

**All gifts are cumulative. So the more you donate, the more you get, folks. ;-)

I’ll keep it going until it’s time for the write-a-thon. If I earn over the $275, that’s great. I’ll keep it open. So, this is a win win for everyone. I do love the way NaNo has helped with my word count speed and how they help support writing programs in schools and soon, in prisons. So, dig out that spare change and help support a writer, and help other writers in return.

LINK HERE TO MARILYN VIX’S NIGHT OF WRITING DANGEROUSLY SPONSOR PAGE

My New Addiction: Korean Dramas (BOYS OVER FLOWERS)

New Boys Over Flowers Fanfiction by Marilyn Vix on Wattpad. Entitled: Firsts

SO, I have found a new addiction. My friend was watching a series on Netflix called Boys Over Flowers. So, I watched the first episode with her. That’s how it started. I had to binge to get through the series. I’ve been deeply immersed in Korean drama for the last week.

Sad part is reaching the end. You want more. But the series ending might just leave things hanging, or leave a big space before the HEA. And that’s where my writer brain kicks in, filling in the details in between.

Thank God for Wattpad. I can write some fan fiction using the characters to fill in the spaces that my brain craves, and practice some tropes in the process. Nothing like some good exercises with some sweet romance to hone the writing tools.

I’ve come up with Gu Joon-pyo (Main alpha Korean male billionaire from Boys Over Flowers) two years into his stay in the US before coming back to propose to Geum Jan Di. He seems to come back a bit self-assured. So what happened, right? Well, what if he bumps into a Taylor Swift-like American pop star that is more famous and rich then he? I know, right? Should be fun.

Photo of Capitola Beach in Capitola, CA last time I traveled over the hill to the beach.

LINK TO FIRSTS: BOYS OVER FLOWERS FANFICTION BY MARILYN VIX

Well, if you have no idea who I’m talking about, it’s all good. Even if you haven’t seen the show or watched Korean dramas, you’ll get it. I’ve put up my new project onto Wattpad. It promises to be a lot of fun. I’m not sure how many chapters it’s going to take to finish it. We’ll let the characters decide. So, join my writing play land on Wattpad.

Oh, and yeah, I am working on my other writing projects. I’m just playing hooky for a while. It’s just so much fun. Then, I’ll return to my paranormal romances. Vampires still rock. But Korean vampires, now that’s fun too.

LINK TO MARILYN VIX ON WATTPAD

Meanwhile, now I’m watching “The Heirs” which has got a lot of English and takes place in California. Already has my attention, though we Californians don’t all live by the beach. That’s like a million dollars for a one bedroom house. But hey, would be nice if we could. I still have to drive 45 minutes to get to the beach if there’s no traffic. But I digress. Looking forward on bingeing on this series next since it’s got home in it.

So, take care, and I’ll see you around the writing block. -Marilyn

NANO 2015: ALIVE TO WRITE ANOTHER DAY! Support Marilyn Vix to Write Dangerously 2015

Marilyn Vix writing dangerously at the annual 2014 NaNo Fundraiser in San Francisco, CA.

On November 15, National Novel Writing Month will be bringing together the most mighty of endurance novelists for an event that will define our generation forever.

I’m speaking, of course, of NaNoWriMo’s Night of Writing Dangerously. It’s a write-a-thon, and it will take place at the beautiful Julia Morgan Ballroom in downtown San Francisco. With your help, I can be sitting in one of these empty seats, writing my heart out. Of course,  it’s my little heart that almost gave out on me last year. It is amazing that I’m still here to write at another NANO. In fact, I want to celebrate it by going to Writing Dangerously again this year.

Last year, I had the motto of Write or Death, Nano 2014. I almost did just that. I’ve been having to go through a lot of physical rehab and therapy, see lot’s of doctors, and just write to keep my sanity. When I got out of the hospital at the end of December, writing was a way to keep my mind busy and rehab my thinking abilities. Over the months, writing kept me sane. I’ll be continuing my rehab. and have taken a year off from my day job to regain my health and write. This event will be a highlight of my celebration of what I’ve done to heal myself. Writing has been a large part of it. And NaNo has really helped be a vehicle to motivate me now and in the past.

Some of you might remember some of the posts I was doing last year in regards to NANO. I tried it for the first time, and loved it. In fact, it has been keeping my sanity for the last year with all my health issues. With the Camp NANOs during the summer, it’s kept my writing on track. I’m now taking the year off and writing full time as I get my health under control.

So, I could really use your support to attend the write-a-thon. Last year, I got tons of writing done, had a lovely dinner, and enjoyed the company of fellow writers. I’d like to keep this going as a tradition. This year my motto is: I LIVED TO WRITE ANOTHER DAY NANO 2015.

Support Marilyn Vix to write another year during NANO 2015!

LInk To Support Marilyn Vix for NANO 2015

My novel, Everything For Love is half done. I plan to finish it during NaNo along with starting the next series after Beware of Warlocks. It is Beware of Vampires, and will have Cassandra, Cat’s friend, as the heroine. So, there will be lots for me to write.

Attendees like me must raise $275 to get in the door, and from there, a rich array of prizes, delicious food, and sumptuous writing time awaits. But this is not about me getting a treat-filled night of literary abandon. This is about children and adults getting the encouragement, structure, and inspiration they need to achieve their creative potential. Proceeds from the event will fund National Novel Writing Month’s free creative writing programs in hundreds of schools and communities around the world. You know me. I’m a sucker for any thing that supports writing eduction. It’s the teacher in me.

NaNoWriMo does inspiration like nobody else (did I mention I’m writing an entire novel this November?). And on their behalf, I am asking you to donate. They really help motivate me to get the writing done. Nothing like a goal and some dazzling prizes to act like a carrot to motivate you to sit your butt in a chair and write. At this event, it’s sit in a chair and write, with candy, wine, and dinner. Nothing better. I would appreciate your support. Whether it’s $1, $5, $10 or any amount you wish, it will go to support NaNo. I also have participated in Camp NaNo for April and July. So, I find it is a fabulous way to get focused on writing your novel.

I’m taking an Advanced Fiction Writing class to gear up for NaNo 2015. So, I feel sharpening my writing tools will produce some fabulous writing. As a reader or follower, you will benefit by having new, awesome stories to read. You won’t be disappointed.

LINK TO SUPPORT MARILYN VIX TO WRITE DANGEROUSLY FOR NANO 2015!

Thank you for supporting me in my novel-writing quest, and for helping National Novel Writing Month create a more engaged and inspiring world. And thank you for helping me to write another day!

Wattys 2015: Let the Games Begin! Deadline: Aug. 31, 2015

The Wattys 2015 deadline is Aug. 31, 2015. Tag your story with #Wattys2015 to enter.

By now, I’ve been regularly blogging about my adventures on Wattpad. I finished my new adult romance a few weeks ago. Just in time to enter it into the Wattys 2015 competition. What are the Wattys? It’s Wattpad’s version of their annual award. It’s the Oscars for writing on the internet. This is an award that it certainly is an honor to be nominated. Why? The exposure! Talk about a way to get your writing into the hands of many. Here’s the bottom line: If you win a Watty, you get promoted by Wattpad’s main site and on Wattpad’s social media. You get an award sticker to add to your cover. Stories that win this award jump into the millions of reads category.

How can you get in on this award action? The deadline to enter is August 31, 2015. All you have to do is add #Wattys2015 to your story, and you’re entered into the award. Granted, you need a Wattpad account. Your story needs to have been written in 2015 or had 3 chapters written/updated in 2015. All lengths and types can be entered. There are special categories this year for popular genres. They include New Adult Romance, LGBT, Urban Fiction, and Fanfiction Feels(less visible fandoms). There is also an International Award for stories written in other languages than English such as Spanish, Filipino, German, Russian, Turkish, and Portuguese.

Even if you don’t have a story yet, you can enter up to Aug. 31, 2015. You could open an account and write a story. The catch: excerpts from novels won’t count. A lot of writer’s will put up some of their self-published novels as a taste of the book hoping people will go buy it. Unfortunately, these excerpts don’t count for the Wattys. It needs to be the whole story available on Wattpad.

If you want all official information, here is the official link.

LINK FOR OFFICIAL WATTY 2015 INFO

So, to everyone out there, good luck! Those who want to join in the fun, there is still time. Open an account at Wattpad, and write your story. Let’s cross our fingers together.

Saving My Heart is entered in the Wattys 2015. Share the love at: Wattpad/users/marilynvix.

Plus, if you’d like to sponsor my efforts, feel free to Tweet about my story, SAVING MY HEART on Twitter between Aug. 24-30. The most tweets will be deemed the People’s Choice for the Wattys.

LINK TO SAVING MY HEART

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Saving My Heart is COMPLETE: Entered into Wattys 2015

Saving My Heart is complete. New adult romance available by Marilyn Vix at: Wattpad/users/marilynvix.

OMG! I can’t believe it. I just typed the last words of the last chapter of Saving My Heart. I feel absolutely amazing. I just finished my first short novel. It’s just over 33K words. Can’t believe it!

To everyone that has been with me on this incredible writing journey, thank you. It has been fun. Than you for the encouragement, support, comments and votes. I SO APPRECIATE it! You kept me going to the very end. I have to say Wattpaders are responsible for kickin’ my butt to finish. Knowing I had you waiting for the next chapter really motivated me to finish. Thank you again! It’s for you that I write, the readers.

If you want to check out the whole novel on Wattpad:

HERE IS THE LINK!