Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 9

I Went on a Paranormal Investigation to Research My New Novel: My Experience on Nick Groff’s Tour on the Queen Mary

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Meeting Nick at Meet & Greet for Nick Groff’s Tours.

So, I have to admit, of the things I’ve had to research, this was one of the most fun things I’ve done. Last weekend, I was able to go on a paranormal investigation tour with Nick Groff from (formerly on Ghost Adventures). The investigation tour was held on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. As a lot of people know, the “Grey Ghost”, the Queen Mary’s nickname during WWII, is rumored to be super haunted. I managed to stay on the boat too, making it the ultimate experience. The Queen Mary is still very beautiful, but does have the tale signs of some decay that reminds you it was headed for the scrapyard when the city of Long Beach bought it. But thank god they did. We would have lost this beautiful ship to Japanese steel scrapers. It is full of art deco beauty, from murals to staircases and light fixtures, it screams the late 30s and 40s, ultimately giving a glimpse of what it was like to travel the Atlantic before airplanes took over. And I think the ghosts were thankful it was done, because I think not only does it have resident ghosts, it has portals so people that experienced it alive can come back and visit.

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“A” deck hallway near my suite on the Queen Mary.

So, why did I need to do a paranormal investigation as research? Well, I’ve always had an interest in ghost hunting. I’ve tried on my own for two decades, from ghost tours through London, San Diego at the Whaley House, Alcatraz, the Brookdale Lodge, and others. I love history too. So, staying in old, haunted places and just seeing if I got impressions or EVPs is always fun. My best photo was a picture of a guard at an Irish Prison outside Dublin. He had pantaloon pants and was a dark shadow figure. That was on color film. Um, yes, I even was using those disposable cameras way back in the day.

But of course, it’s because I am writing a supernatural romance that involves a TV show paranormal investigator and a skeptic tour guide at the place he’s investigating. So, I not only needed to get a sense of TV show investigators, I needed a seance too, which is a scene I’m currently writing.

So, this is how I ended up on Nick Groff’s Tours. For a decent price, I got to do a meet and greet with Nick, Elizabeth Saint, and Steve Gonsalves from Ghost Hunters. Then, there was an one and half hour “lecture” Q & A. And the Saturday group of investigators (about 60 people) didn’t hold back about getting into some awesome questions. I learned so much, and I hadn’t even gone on the investigation yet.

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Walking at night on the sundeck of the Queen Mary.

That night was amazing. They broke the group into 5 smaller groups to rotate to stations manned by paranormal investigators. We went to the engine room, boiler room, haunted rm B340 for a seance, the Captain’s and officers quarters and ended in the isolation area (for people that got sick on the ship). The most activity seemed to be in the engine room and boiler room. Many people brought their own equipment, but we also got to share equipment that the professional investigators brought including spirit boxes and digital recorder. I, being a newbie, just had apps on my phone. I’ll tell you now, I didn’t catch anything really on my own apps. But I tried. That’s what counted. And I took pictures and videos to document some of the spirit box work.

I made up a video of the experience here on YOUTUBE> Link to see it here.  I am also hoping that some other people will put up their own videos of some of the evidence that night. If there is, I’ll link it in this blog post too.

But what was the best experience for me, was actually paranormal investigation in one of the haunted places in the US with TV show investigators I’ve watched for years. The best moment was in the boiler room with Nick. I was lucky enough to be right next to him, between the metal wall divider for the boiler rooms. To note: They removed the boilers from the Queen Mary, and all that is left is the large areas they used to be. So, this is where we set up with the group to do EVP work.

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Investigating with Nick Groff in the boiler room of the Queen Mary. 2-2-19

We all took turns shouting out questions in the boiler room, each person pausing to see if later there would be an answer. Nick had placed his digital recorder in the space where the wall had been cut out for a passage for tours through that area. The boiler room we were in had a history of a collision and accidents. So, imagine my surprise when Nick did the live playback when I heard a male voice answer my question. I asked, “Do you need help?” And a male voice answered, “Yes, I do.” And it was very clear, like class A EVP. Not only that, you could catch the bit of irritation of, yeah, of course I do. Duh.

The girl across from me also asked a question right after me. She asked, “What year is it?” and she got a different male voice answering, “1961 or 1967”. It was had to make out the last numeral. So, Nick kept playing it over and over, I kept hearing myself ask that question with a ghost answering, and then debated on whether I heard 1961 or 1967. It was really exciting to catch evidence like that with Nick. It was like being in an episode. I really hope the several people that took video of it on phones and one video camera, actually put it up on YouTube. It would be nice to see it, because it was so exciting to get some good, compelling evidence.

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Getting ready for spirit box session with Elizabeth Saint near famous Door #13 in Engine Room.

The rest of the night, there were spirit box sessions, EVP work with Steve Gonsalves and up in the Captain’s quarters. There wasn’t really much caught in those areas by myself. But the experience of trying meant a lot. After years of doing a lot of this on my own for fun, it was so awesome to be with other people that took it seriously. Plus, the seance had not only spirits on the ship come through, but relatives from people in our group that came by to say “hi”. So, it was an intense evening, and one I’ll never forget.

So, I encourage all writers, go out and research those areas you’re not sure of. If you can find some kind of tour or experience that goes along with your current novel project, go out and do that. It can turn a weekend getaway or vacation into so much more. And add so much to your novel writing process.

Until next time,

Marilyn

 

 

A Look Towards 2019: What to Expect from Marilyn Vix

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Greetings everyone. I know it’s been what seems like a year of absence for me, but I promise you I’ve been writing up a storm. I have been working on a kpop romance novel that hopefully will be turning into something soon. Plus, I’ve been working on a sequel with Lynda Belle for “Thankful In Vegas“. We’ve been working in the vein of writing “Never Marry A Warlock”, churning a small novella out at a time in a series. Then, the whole series will come out as an omnibus edition paperback. Which brings me to my goal for the year.

For 2019, I’ve decided to go with what I know best, writing novellas and sticking with my passion of the supernatural and paranormal. I have started a supernatural romance which involves past lives, ghosts and a paranormal investigation TV show scenario. Which is going fabulous. But I have to recognize I had to get the kpop romance story out of my head. But thankfully it’s done, and I can go on. But I still have a few kpop ideas floating around in my head for other novel ideas. They might come out someday too. You never know.

[image error]But, I’m back to my regular fun place in my head. I’m really enjoying the sequel to “Thankful…” which is looking like the title is going to be “Love In Vegas”. I’m not jumping up and down with that title, so it could change. But it will be a nice bridge for the over arching story that is forming for Dex and Fran. It’s got a bit of a romantic suspense element going on, and it’s loads of fun right now. So, look for that in the beginning of 2019. It takes a few months to get it through the publishing process.

[image error]I’ve been working on ideas to continue the Time Rogues series, and the next book after “Everything For Love”. I’ve got them landing in New York 1928, and I’m feeling a draw to 1930s Hollywood. How they get there will be part of the fun. So stay tuned.

I’ve also recently lost my dad a few days before Thanksgiving. So the end of 2018 has been rough. Yes, I was close to my father, and it’s been hard the last few months which has been affecting my writing. But he was so proud of my writing and also for my years working as a teacher. So, I’m going to keep on writing some awesome stories in his name. I know it’s what he’d want to see me keep doing, bringing joy and love to people in books. I’ll know that my Dad is watching over me and cheering me on like he did when he was alive.

So, that pretty much brings you all up to date. Thank you for being part of my blog family. I’ve started this journey back in 2013, not knowing where writing paranormal romance would bring me. And I tell you, I feel honored to be writing for people that love my stories as well as being able to write what I enjoy.

That is important when taking on a career like this, writing what you love. I look forward to each day when I can go back and reread what I wrote the day before, only when the story is to continue, there is a blank space I need to continue myself. So, the reader in me is only satisfied if I keep going. I have to keep writing so I know what happens next.

So, here is to a new year and what happens next. Let’s take that journey together.

Thank you for your love and support in 2018! I look forward to sharing all my new projects and books in 2019.

-Marilyn

 

 

Marilyn Vix Book Signing Appearance Saturday Dec. 8 at Barnes & Noble

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Marilyn Vix at Barnes and Nobles book signing in 2016.

Marilyn Vix will be making an appearance in support of a fundraiser for her local RWA chapter, Silicon Valley chapter of the Romance Writers of America. There will be a panel of authors selling their books in which a portion of sales for their books and purchases in the store will go towards the chapter. There is a special code to use for purchases. The code is: 12468286. You don’t need to be present to support the chapter. You can use this code to make on-line purchases as well.

So, come on out and join Marilyn Vix at Barnes & Noble at Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose, CA this Saturday Dec. 8 from 12pm to 3pm. All purchased books will be personally signed by Marilyn. Feel free to chat and ask questions, and meet the other romance authors in her chapter. Get some Holiday shopping done and get the added special touch of an author signature for your gift. She looks forward to meeting you this Saturday!

Location:

Barnes and Noble Book Store

3600 Stevens Creek Blvd.

San Jose, CA 95117

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018

12pm- 3pm

 

 

 

Christmas Surprise: Interview with Lyndell Williams

Christmas is coming, and there are holiday parties to attend or shopping to do. But if you want to get away from it all and curl up with a good book, I’ve got an author you’ll want to meet. I had a chance to interview Lyndell Williams. She is a cultural critic with a background in literary criticism specializing in romance. She is the managing editor of the NbA Muslims blog on Patheos and a cultural contributor for Radio Islam USA. Her novel, My Way To You, is an interracial romance that takes on controversial topics head-on. I had a chance to talk with her about her writing routine, what future subjects and projects she will tackle, and what writing romance means to her.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you. 

Lyndell Williams: I have two must-haves when I’m writing. I make myself a huge pot of coffee before hitting the keyboard. It’s not for the caffeine, not entirely. My mind switches gears into writing mode whenever I set a mug on my desk. I’m not sure how it works, but I’m sure glad it does.

I also need to have my earbuds to block out hubby, our six kids and the world. The playlist varies, depending on the type of writing I’m doing at the time. When writing a novel, the plot and character often drive the tunes pumping. For example, while writing my new book, My Way to You, I listened to a lot of Latino tunes like Pitbull, Nicky Jam, J Blavin, Enrique Iglesias.

With the new novel I’m working on, Eminem has taken over my playlist. I don’t know why, but it seems like the characters vibe him because they come out to play with him booming.

What subjects would you like to write about in future projects? 

Lyndell Williams: I’m presently in the process of outlining a non-fiction work about American Muslim romance fiction. American Muslims are increasingly contributing adult romances to the genre, which is a shift away from the usual YA and children’s book that dominate the American Muslim literary canon. I want to address romance along intersections of race, faith, gender, and nationality. I can’t wait to delve into it.



What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lyndell Williams: Writing is stamping your mind, heart and soul onto humanity.My W

[image error]My Way To You is an interracial romance that isn’t shy when it comes to conflict. Simon Young is swept away by his best friend’s sister, Regina. He becomes involved with the beautiful social justice writer, Regina Kent, risking his friendship to follow his heart. Regina, cannot stay away from the gorgeous Simon, and they plunge into an affair keeping their love hidden from her brother and a world that might not except them. Will they survive the pressures that pull them apart?

My Way To You is available at Amazon.com.

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Way-You-Brothers-Law-Book-ebook/dp/B07K3PZXHY

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/My-Way-You-Brothers-Law/dp/1684116473

For more information on Lyndell Williams, please visit her website.

My Approach to NaNoWriMo 2018: Finding Inspiration This Year

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Marilyn Vix standing in the lobby at the Zak Bagan’s Haunted Museum in Dec. 2017.

So, I love doing NaNoWriMo in November each year, but I’ve found I’m not always up to the hard push it takes to get that 50k written. I’ve won NaNo twice now. I know I can make the 50k if I really want to, but it does cause me to burn out and not write much in December. Plus, it depends on what project(s) I’m working on, do I really need the push?

So this year, I like the atmosphere of fellow writers supporting and pushing me on, but I’m not trying to win this year. I just want to get a novella written, which could go longer, but we’ll see. Not having a limit helps. I’m just letting myself write.

It’s a supernatural romance with the Winchester Mystery House and The Zak Bagan’s Haunted Museum as inspiration. I am crazy about old Victorian mansions or just old mansions in general. So much so, I wrote a Wattpad Novel about saving one in “Saving My Heart”. 

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Marilyn Vix lives near the Winchester Mystery House which is inspiring her new NaNoWriMo 2018 project.

So, I think this new project is a good way to go. Believe me, I’ve tried some other directions like writing a sequel to “Never Marry A Warlock”. I actually have a few chapters done and mapped out some more scenes. But it just isn’t sending a spark through me that you need to do NaNo. You need a strong motivation, driving force, to write everyday to get a project done in November.

So, the supernatural romance novella it is. It’s about a nonbeliever that works as a docent at a Victorian Mansion, and a ghost TV show comes to film an episode. That’s my premise, and I’m going to write the crap out of it. You all will benefit when it’s done. We’ll have to see if I can pitch it later or self-publish it. Not sure yet. Got to write it first.

But hey, at least I’m doing NaNoWriMo, and I’ve got a project I like and am passionate about. My project from last year, my Kpop romance novel, is off and being looked over by an editor and I’m asking everyone to cross their fingers. Maybe I’ll get an offer, or not. Don’t know yet. But I’ll be sure to let you all know.

Thank you readers and followers for all of your support. I had someone tell me I was their favorite paranormal romance writer at RT Booklovers Con this May, and I still think of that to keep me going in times like this. Because I’m not a writer unless someone is reading it. Thank you so much for purchasing my books, reading my novel on Wattpad, and saying “hi” to me at Facebook parties or at cons. It means a lot. You are my motivation.

Until next time,

-Marilyn

Day 5: Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2018

 

[image error]Today is the last day of the blog tour, folks. I hope you have enjoyed meeting new PNR authors and hearing about their books. I also wanted to recap the fabulous giveaways and discounts going on. Most are ending today, so pick them up while you still can.

Parker de Vesci’s giveaway of her book, The Wyld ends today.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/797c6c041

The Magic of Burrows Bay by Lorri Moulton is FREE at Amazon.com until end of today.
The secret code good for a FREE copy of  Sweet Cure  by Serena Spacey on Smashwords.Code is: YL44Y

Code is good until Nov. 22, 2018.
Bordello of Vampire Pleasures by Lynda Belle is Free until Halloween. Plus, Lynda Belle is hosting a fabulous erotica/erom promo with FREE & $0.99 deals. Listed on her blog HERE!

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Thank you to all of the fabulous authors that participated this week. If you’d like to stop by their websites and check out more about them, click on the links below. Plus, after reading their featured book, please consider writing a quick review. Even if it is as simple as saying, “I liked it.” It really helps other readers if they know how others thought of the book, and it supports the author.

Parker de Vesci
Lorri Moulton
Serena Spacey
Lynda Belle

Thank you to all of the participating authors for making this a great blog tour again this year. If you liked this kind of event, please let me know and subscribe to my blog. I try to support the Indie Paranormal Romance community and get the word out about authors. It helps to know what I did right and what I can do to improve. Please leave your ideas, opinions and what you thought of the blog tour in the comments below. And thank you readers for your support. Without you, none of this would be possible.

See you all next year,

Marilyn Vix

 

 

Day 4: Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2018

[image error]Greetings! Welcome to the fourth day of the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour. I’m excited to introduce you to a good friend of mine, Lynda Belle. Lynda is an erotic romance and erotica writer that has a vampire series that takes place at a bordello in Las Vegas. She also has several different erotic shorts that can tickle your fancy. From Highlanders, a male escort in Sydney, an exotic BDSM sex club, to groupies conquering their favorite rock star, she’ll help you explore your dirty love thoughts and build them into a frenzy. I got to ask Lynda about her favorite Halloween memory, why she enjoys paranormal spicy romance, and what she has in store for us next.

What is your favorite Halloween costume or memory?

Lynda Belle: I think one of my favorite costumes is when I was a kid and made a robot when I was 15. I had a compartment that opened and people could slip in the candy. Funny thing is everyone assumed I was a boy. Since I had build it with a box around me covering my face, no one knew it was just a crafty girl inside.

Who is your favorite romance or paranormal author and how did they influence you?

Lynda Belle: Monique Martin got me into reading paranormal romances to begin with. I loved her time travel adventures and the fact vampires were a part of them, even better. From there I moved onto Vivi Anna and her Vampire Affaire series. I was hooked. Throw in my love for Anne Rice and her Claiming Beauty series, and I just started writing what I love to read, hot paranormal. I also expanded into rockstar romance, Highlanders, and Aussies. Because, once you write about vampires, nothing is the limit.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Lynda Belle: Yes. I can happily say that NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November helped me get into a routine to get word count done daily. It got me disciplined to write each day. However, it was living in Sydney for several weeks that got me into a routine. Since my family was on California time and I could talk to them in the morning on Sydney time, I started my social media and blogging in the morning or when I woke up. This has continued into my regular routine where I check emails and work on the social and business part of writing in the morning before lunch.

After, I use the afternoon and evening for my writing sprints on the project I have assigned to work on for the day. I’ll average anywhere from 500 to 1200 words. It has gone up since I first started doing NaNo. I started out around 300-500 daily. So, NaNo has made me faster.

What paranormal creatures or subjects would you like to write about?

Lynda Belle: I have been wanting to come up with a shifter series that is different from the others out there. I’m still trying to figure out a creature worthy to shift. I’ve written about a fey creature and a Highlander. So, I’m getting closer. Some day I’ll figure the perfect combo and write it. I’m welcome to suggestions from those that read shifter paranormal.

Why did you start writing paranormal romances and what is your advice to anyone that is thinking of writing paranormal romance?

Lynda Belle:  I was reading one of my favorite writing boards and looking over the romance writers’ posts and thinking, “Wow, it would be cool to write romance. I’d probably have fun, make some sales, and be able to decently market it.” Then I thought, “Why am I not writing romance?” So, I gave it a try and loved it.

My advice would be just try writing what you love. If you love reading paranormal romances, try writing what you’d like to read. If you don’t see what you want to read out there, go out and write that book. We can never have too many books.

What projects are you working on right now?

Lynda Belle: I am currently working on the sequel to one of my historical erotic series, “For the Women Of Rome”. This will be the second installment, and I’m enjoying being with the characters again. It is based on an experience I had at the Renaissance Fair when I fellow dressed in nothing but a loin cloth, and is a professional Mexican wrestler for his day job, asked if I’d like to lead him around fair a bit. He handed me his lead rope which was also attached around his neck. So, I got to lead his gorgeous self around the fair. That was the opening scene idea for Women of Rome. So, now I continue the tale finally, and it will be exciting to see how everyone likes it.

[image error] Lynda Belle’s featured book is The Bordello of Vampire Pleasure #1. It will be FREE through Halloween! Plus, the next two exotic shorts in the series will be at the discount price of $0.99 through Halloween as well.
He’s been screwed by his ex-wife.

Now, his friends are treating him to a brothel hook up to help him forget.

But vampires? Really?

Newly out of the undead closet, vampires are now members of the 21st century. But can one special vampire help John forget the horrible pain of his wife’s affair? He’s going to get schooled in the ways of vampire pleasure even if it’s the last thing he does.
Bordello of Vampire Pleasure #2-Only $0.99 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013UZP4XE

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bordello-of-vampire-pleasures-2-lynda-belle/1129636638

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bordello-of-vampire-pleasures-2

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1437609230

Bordello of Vampire Pleasure #3-Only $0.99

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bordello-Vampire-Pleasure-Pleasures-ebook/dp/B016NP1HXO

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bordello-of-vampire-pleasures-3-lynda-belle/1129708856

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bordello-of-vampire-pleasures-3

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1438308382

For more information on Lynda Belle, visit her website here. 

Come back tomorrow for a recap of all of the giveaways and deals this week, and a final good-bye. -Marilyn Vix

 

Day 3: Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2018

[image error]Wow! Time flies when there are awesome books to read. It’s already the middle of the blog tour. So to kick off Day 3, I’d like to introduce you to Serena Spacey. I got to talk to her about her new release Sweet Cure, passion for writing, anime, her Halloween memories and all the exciting future projects she has in store for us.

What is your favorite Halloween costume or memory?

Serena Spacey: I am rubbish at making Halloween costume but when I was very small my mom used to always make us our costumes. They were never store bought so we often wore them for years in a row. My favorite costume was a mouse because she gave it an extra long tail. It was material stuffed with cotton and flexible enough I could play jump rope with it.

My sister was a cat with a similar tail and we just jump roped with our tails in the front yard before we went trick or treating.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Serena Spacey: I don’t have a job, but my husband does and my daughter goes to school. So from the time she goes to school and he goes to work (8:00 AM), the world is mine to conquer on the keyboard! Oh yeah but that means I’m responsible for the chores too. Which I’m terrible at because I’d rather be writing. My writing usually stops around 3:30 when my daughter comes home because it’s harder to concentrate.

What paranormal creatures or subjects would you like to write about?

Serena Spacey: I write about whichever I want to write about at the time I want to write them, so that question doesn’t quite work for me. Instead, I can answer that better in the last question.

Why did you start writing paranormal romances? Or what is some advice to anyone that is thinking of writing paranormal romance?

Serena Spacey: Inuyasha! Sorry, was that too strong? I started writing paranormal romances before I was even publishing, just for free on the internet. Although the anime Inuyasha isn’t technically shifter (one of my faves) and is a half demon? The shifting concept I always envision coming from him and his brother. Watch the show and watch his brother Sesshoumaru shift into a gigantic dog demon.

Even though Inuyasha doesn’t exactly shift, he has things that are flawed about him because he’s a half demon half human. Yet, he still has a lot of power behind him because of his half demon side.

That’s just shifters though. I’ve always loved playing around just in the paranormal too. I don’t see the paranormal characters as just aggressive, I see them as heroes with an extra burst of power from strength or special powers.

Advice to anyone wanting to write paranormal romances? Please love it. Don’t see it as a hot ticket genre spot to make some money with a sexy guy. Add something. Add fun to it. Add some plot pretty please?

Actually, confession? I did the opposite at first. I wanted to write my paranormal so bad, but I knew people saw the words PNR and expected lots of sexiness. So, I tried to make it sexy. It sort of worked, but it wasn’t something I always wanted to do. So now I am writing them for the romances and the plot I want without pages of anything else. They might not sell as well now, but I really just want to make the greatest books I can.

What projects are you working on right now?

Serena Spacey: I am working on a book called Demon Wedding. It’s about a girl who was raised in a world that lives next to a wormhole with a planet of demons. It’s huge and it’s been there for years. She comes by to see her best friend who is marrying a demon, but events occur and she accidentally gets pulled over. The demons can come over to her side, but she isn’t supposed to go over there.

I am also working on a coyote shifter book. Coyotes already have interesting folklore about being skinwalkers, so that just made it better. He gets to know a girl as they grow up together. She lives in the desert in a home but he lives in the wild. When she gets older though she gets in trouble and he transforms to save her. Then she finds out why he never transformed before and that’s when the story gets good.

I have more. I am always working. I love it.

[image error]Serena Spacey’s featured book for the blog tour is Sweet Cure. Secrets must be uncovered to find the cure that is plaguing the world. But will the ultimate sacrifice, the blood of their newborn child, be something they are willing to surrender?

Link here for a list of buy links for available online retailers:

https://books2read.com/u/bMQJ6B

And because we love you so much, we are giving you the secret code good for a FREE copy of Sweet Cure on Smashwords.

Code is: YL44Y

Code is good until Nov. 22, 2018.

****For more information on Serena Spacey, please visit her website.

 

 

Day 2: Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2018

[image error]Welcome to the second day of the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour. I’m honored to introduce you to the next author. I had the chance to talk with Lorri all about her favorite Halloween memories, the joys of writing paranormal romance, and what she is working on next for us. Her book, The Magic of Burrows Bay, will be FREE on Amazon all this week during the blog tour.

What is your favorite Halloween costume or memory?

Lorri Moulton: I think one of my favorite memories is last year’s Halloween. My mom and I dressed up and went to have dinner with some of her friends. I was Little Red Riding Hood, she was Cleopatra, and I’m trying to get her to dress up again this year because it was a lot of fun!

We live in a small town, so a lot of people dress up and go to the charity events in the park/fairgrounds. The businesses are all open and handing out treats for the kids, too. My husband does not dress up too often, but it was fun to get my mom to do it. After all those years of her getting me ready for Halloween as a kid…it was great surprising her with a costume. This is what happens, when I go to big box stores during the last week of October.

Who is your favorite romance or paranormal author and how did they influence you?

Lorri Moulton: I love Gothic romances, so I would say those were a big influence…especially the ones written in the 1960s. My mom had a stash of favorite paperbacks and I read them all as a teenager. Nothing like a mysterious mansion, brooding owner, and stormy night to set the scene. My favorite authors win this genre are Mary Stewart, Victoria Holt, and Phyllis Whitney.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Lorri Moulton: I try to write first thing in the morning if at all possible. I work full time, so it’s either that or evenings and weekends. When I can get at least 500 words done in the morning, my entire day seems to go more smoothly.

What paranormal creatures or subjects would you like to write about?

Lorri Moulton: I love to write about regular people, who find themselves in unusual circumstances. What would happen if you suddenly found out you were a witch or a shifter? Or if someone attacked you and you were transformed into a vampire? I’m working on a series right now with two cousins, who find out they may have more magic in their family tree than they ever realized.

Why did you start writing paranormal romances? What is some advice to anyone that is thinking of writing paranormal romance?

Lorri Moulton: I love magic. It makes the ordinary truly extraordinary. Paranormal characters are another way to take a romance or mystery and set it apart from the other books in that genre. If you have a good idea, but decide to make your MC a vampire or a shifter that can really add to the story. For me, it’s important that the characters and plot would drive a story even without a paranormal element. Make your characters as real as possible, then add that paranormal twist. That would be my advice.

What projects are you working on right now?

Lorri Moulton: I am trying to finish the sequel to The Magic of Burrows Bay before Halloween. I don’t know if we’ll get there, but it will be close! There’s one more book planned in the series and we’re trying to finish it before we move on to our next projects. Abigail McKee and I have been friends for a long time, so that relationship is reflected in the two main characters. As soon as we finish this, I will be working on the sequel to my paranormal romance/mystery Moonlight, Roses & Murder.

[image error]The Magic of Burrows Bay is a story about family, love and magic. Taking place on Fidalgo Island north of Seattle, it’s a small town story of a legacy of magic passed down from grandmother to granddaughters. But there is a catch. Two cousins, Gabriella and Moira, inherit a house, the grounds and all the things that go with it. What they don’t bargain for is the magic they will have to learn to master to save the house and themselves.

The Magic of Burrows Bay is FREE all this week during the blog tour, Oct. 22-26. Get it here at Amazon.com.

For more information for Lorri Moulton, visit her website here. https://lavenderlassbooks.com/about/

Day 1: 2018 Paranormal Romance Blog Tour

[image error]Welcome to the first day of the 5th Annual Paranormal Romance Blog Tour. I am so excited to bring you these fabulous authors all week long. Plus, there are giveaways or discounts/deals listed with the authors interviews. So check back each day to see what goodies are available.

Our first author of the blog tour is Parker de Vesci. Parker is the author of the reverse harem paranormal romance, The Wyld. I had a chance to talk to Parker about her love of paranormal romance, memories of Halloween, and what she is working on next for us.

What is your favorite Halloween costume or memory?

Parker de Vesci: When I was in high school, I loved to sew my own crazy costumes, and I decided to be some sort of alien invader for Halloween. I sewed this to totally surreal lime green spandex catsuit and paired it with a sparkling golden cape. My big brother was great with electronics. So, he helped me make a “targeting helmet” complete with a scope that was attached to a wire that ran down my sleeve. When I would press a secret button on my palm, the scope would flip into place over my eye. The only problem was that we were a little overzealous with the power, so when the scope flipped into place, it would really whap me on the nose!

Who is your favorite romance or paranormal author and how do they influence you?

Parker de Vesci: I am a big lover of literature. And when you put together lit with romance, I’m totally sold. Give me Jane Austen or Hemingway, and I’m so there. I eat that stuff up.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works.

Parker de Vesci: My writing routine is…write like crazy. I’ll go through long spurts of writing six-eight thousand words per day, then I’ll get burnt out and I’ll need to take a breather before I come back and do it all again.

What paranormal creatures or subjects would you like to write about?

Parker de Vesci: Ghosts. I think there’s something terribly romantic about ghosts. So much tragedy and complexity.

Why did you start writing paranormal romance and what advice would you give someone wanting to write PNRs?

Parker de Vesci: Whatever I’m writing, I want there to be romance in it, because that’s just me. It interests me and draws me in, and I write what I love. But I also love stories that are out of the ordinary and take me somewhere far away. Pairing the two was absolutely natural to me. As far as advice for someone interested in writing PNR, I would say that you really need to know your characters and make them the stars of their stories. I think that all stories, no matter what genre, need complex, well-developed characters. Without them, your story will fall flat.

What projects are you working on right now?

Parker de Vesci: Right now, I’m working on writing more of The Wyld, telling the backstories of the characters that we’ve gotten to know through the main storyline. The main storyline follows Alex as the reincarnation of an ancient, immortal empress, and when we meet her, all of her love interests already know her, even if she doesn’t know them. The books I’m working on now tell each of the guy’s stories as they came to know her and fall for her. It’s tons of fun. I’m also working on another reverse harem series that is less PNR and more high fantasy. I can’t wait to share that one with my readers.

[image error]The Wyld: A Fantasy Paranormal Romance, is Parker de Vesci’s first book in her reverse harem series. Orphaned and alone, Alex has been on the streets not knowing that another realm will soon be at her disposable. Sage, Silver and Ice have spent their lives looking for their beloved empress imprisoned in human form. Her secret is revealed finally, but she also finds out that there are others looking for her. Enemies of the crown since the beginning of time. She must return to claim her throne with the help of her warriors. She’ll need to sacrifice her love to save them all from one of their own.

Available at Amazon.com as a KU title.

Also, here is your treat from Parker de Vesci, a giveaway of her book, The Wyld.

Three lucky winners will each win a copy. GOOD LUCK!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/797c6c041

For your own copy or to read as a KU title, here is the link to The Wyld on Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H83M9XV

For more information on Parker de Vesci, visit her website at:

http://www.parkerdevesci.com/