A.K. Michaels's Blog, page 16

My Writing Process – Blog Tour

I would like to say a huge thanks to J A Ironside,  author of fantasy and sci-fi for YA and adults, for inviting me to join in on this great blog tour.  Here is her link for you guys to peruse and enjoy.

J A Ironside’s Site

Now down to the questions:-

1          What Am I Working On?

I am getting The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire, book 2, ready for release – editor doing his magic as we speak!  My editor works miracles and has copious amounts of patience – thank goodness ’cause I’ve none! I would like to think we work well together and usually get the job done pretty quick. It carries on from book 1 and we join Peri (the Witch) and her mates – Josef (Vampire) and Gabe (Wolf) on their journey. One that none of them could have envisioned only a few short weeks ago. However, the bonding/mating ceremony doesn’t go as it should and the two men are terrified for their little Witch! I don’t want to give too much away as there’s lots going on in this one – including Peri’s father finding her! Now that is a good part – who will win? Peri or her extremely powerful and insane father? Guess you’ll have to read to find out lol! Book 2 will be released very shortly guys but this is the cover for it.

 

I am also working on Sabrina’s Vampire book 3, Hunted,  which is also almost ready for release and should be out very soon. I have literally just finished it a couple of weeks ago but I’m pleased with the way the story went with a couple of things happening that I hadn’t planned for! My brain takes turns I don’t expect it to at times which can be exciting and a little bit scary.

I have already started The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire, Book 3 and really enjoying that and also started a little novella about two of the characters in Defender’s Blood – Vlad and Irina. It tell’s how they met and their backstory as some folks wanted to know – so that’s what I’m doing with that.

I also have a completely new series in my head and trying not to let it ‘take over’ at the moment until I get those other works done.

2          How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I try hard to put a different slant on my work – which falls into both the Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy genres. I am a romantic at heart so there’s always romance but also with thrills and action – fight scenes and such. In the Defender’s series there’s just about everything you could think of – Vampires, Witches, Wolves, Angels, Demons and even a Fairy! There are some battles in those too – a large one in book 2 which I loved writing! The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire series is at heart a love story but also with danger and mystery and it’s different from my other series in that Peri has not one Supernatural as a mate – but two! An ancient Vampire and his friend who is a Wolf. That took a bit of sorting through in my head I can tell you.

Sabrina’s Vampire is different again from the other two – the first book I had thought of as just a standalone Vampire erotica novella – but when I finished it I was niggled with thoughts on the characters and then one of my readers, Colette, wrote that she would love to read more about Sabrina and Kyle so that just set my mind whirling around. Soon I had books 2 and 3 in my head! Book 2 is out and book 3 is almost ready for release.

My editor says my style of writing is ‘breathless’ and I have to agree – I love getting things out quick and sharp and run with whatever’s going on. I try to keep folks interested with lots happening and my style is fast and furious at times. Sometimes I find it hard to reel myself back in but if I’ve gone wrong anywhere then the glorious editor points it out.

3          Why Do I Write What I do?

That’s quite easy – it’s what pops into my head. I’ve always had a vivid imagination and read books on Vampires, Wolves etc long before they were the hot items they are now. I’ve always imagined the powers they would have and how they would use it – some for good but many for evil. Then that brings in what would be done – to stop the evil ones – so I just ran with it. As I’ve said before I am a huge romantic – so I always have love and romance in my books – all of which are for adults folks – due to the bedroom scenes in them lol. I hadn’t planned the bedroom scenes beforehand they just came out of my head as I was typing! As I said – vivid imagination. I love to write about Supers and their powers, struggles, loves, fights and downright battles with evil and even had some Fallen Angels in the Scottish Highlands that had to be dealt with – Defender’s series for that. Basically I write what my imagination comes up with and so far it’s been a total blast, love every minute of it even if it’s hectic at times.

4          How Does Your Writing Process Work?

I don’t have a process per se – I have quite a weird and wonderful brain and can sit for an hour or more and ‘see’ the book in my head. How it starts, unfolds, who’s in it and what they do – it’s all in my head. I don’t write anything down at all – until I’ve typed things then I take notes for continuity etc. When I sat down for the first time to begin I had no idea what was about to happen, wasn’t sure if I could even write a book, but was going to try and before I knew it I had the first three in the Defender’s series written and had the ideas for Sabrina and Witch, Wolf and Vamp in my head plus more. My head gets a bit crowded at times and I have to take a break to focus it on what I’m writing at the time and try and not let it wander too much to other things.

Sometimes it makes it difficult to concentrate on one project if I’ve got ideas popping into my head for other books so on more than one occasion I’ve written two alongside each other. Having both documents open on my laptop and switching between them depending on what my head was doing at the time.  I know it probably sounds a little weird but I’ve no control over my mind at times. I can honestly sit and think through an entire book before I even start typing and then it just floods out of me – kinda like a dam breaking – wild and uncontrollable.  It’s such a rush – there’s no words to describe it and that’s saying something coming from me lol!

I absolutely love writing and when someone lets me know they’ve liked my work – wow is the only thing I can say.

That’s me folks you can have a gander around the site and see my books and links and of course you can leave a comment below.

I would now love to introduce the next stops in the tour:-

We have the fabulous Nav Logan and this is his link so pop over and see what he has to say: Nav’s  Site

Nav Logan is an Irish writer who has spent much of his adult life as a new-age traveller. This has given him a rich tapestry of experience to draw from when he writes. His books are part of an Epic Fantasy series called The Storm-bringer Saga.

I have a love of Nature, sport and literature. I have currently self-published two full length novels, and am currently writing the third book in the series.

Books by Nav Logan, available so far: – Maerlin’s Storm: Book One of the Storm-Bringer Saga, and The Gathering of the Clans: Book Two of the Storm-Bringer Saga.

We also have the lovely Matt Drzymala and this is his link so you check out his answers here:  Matt’s Site

Matthew Drzymała was born in Manchester in 1981 and started to write seriously in 2011 when he took part in NaNoWriMo. Since then he has relocated to Liverpool, where he lives with his girlfriend, Elaine.

Matthew attended creative writing classes in 2012 and 2013 and has been writing almost every day since. He is the author of the popular book series, The Bumpkinton Tales but he also delves into darker, psychological stories.

He hopes to one day live in a nice flat with a balcony, overlooking a river where he can sit and write while drinking tea and eating scones.

Also we have the wonderful Celeste Carrara, check out her fabulous site here:  Celeste’s Site

Celeste Carrara grew up in New York City where she spent her days exploring all of its amazing treasures. Her writing started as a teen when she turned her heartache into poetry. From then on, she found a love for reading romance novels as well as books in other genres such as paranormal, mystery, poetry, thrillers and more. Celeste never dreamed that one day she would be lucky enough to become a full-time writer.

After having a dream that she couldn’t get out of her head, Celeste decided to put that story on paper. She was amazed at how fast her pen flew with the help of her characters leading the way. The result was book one in her Paranormal City series, Give Me Forever. A paranormal erotic romance based in her favorite city, New York.

Celeste has been on an amazing journey and has self published four additional books in her series. Recently, she tried her hand on new genres that produced two novellas, an erotic romance and a new adult contemporary romance. She spends her days writing in her office in her home in New York that she shares with her husband, and their two children. She has no plans on stopping and is currently working on the next novel in her Paranormal City series.

 

 

A Fabulous Friday!!

I had the absolutely best Friday yesterday! Did a giveaway on Facebook page and got so many nice folks popping into the page and commenting. So thanks guys – I had great fun!

A big congrats to Renee, Melanie and Carolyn who won a copy of The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire! Really hope you enjoy it and remember and let me know!

I’ve got a post pinned to the top of the page for votes for next weeks giveaway so pop over and place your vote! I can’t wait to have another great day like yesterday, so much fun.

I’ve also got my proofreaders sorted out so that’s my little team of beta’s and proofers all ready now. Can’t wait to start working with everyone and thanks for joining and helping me to make the books the best they can be! I am hoping for a long and close relationship with you all.

Okey doke, I’m going to do some work now! Have a fantabulous weekend everyone!

Giveaway and Interview!

Good morning guys! Hope u r all well? I’ve had a great start to the weekend with my FB page at over 550 likes now – yippee! So I’ll be doing a free giveaway on the page today – pop over and check it out and enter to win a free ecopy of one of my books.

Facebook

I’m also on the fabulous Wicca Witch’s blog – with an interview we did and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Amanda (Wicca Witch) is a fantastic host and you can check out the interview and the rest of her great site at the link below. Go along and comment, ask questions, anything u want – I’ll be happy to answer any queries any of you may have.

Wicca Witch’s Blog

Have a Fab Friday folks!

Great post on ChasedByWords!

Hi Guys

My friend Jules has a great post on her blog just now – giving a great insight into her work and her writing process.

She gives us details of how she writes and lots of fab info – here’s her link for you to pop over and have a read.

ChasedByWords

 

Facebook and random thoughts.

Hi Guys,

Well the Facebook takeover went absolutely fab! I had an absolute ball and loved all the interaction from everyone. I loved the buzz even if it was a bit manic at times trying to keep up with everything! The ‘guests’ also had a good time – think Gabe thoroughly enjoyed himself lol.

I love doing that sort of thing – letting a character take over answering questions – gives such a sense of freedom and fun. So I may start doing something similar on my own FB page every now and then. If you think it would be a good idea either comment here or on my FB page – if it’s something you would like I’m def up for it!

So lost an hour’s sleep as clocks went forward here last night – hate it – but at least it’s only an hour. Knocks the internal body clock for six tho and takes me a wee while to get it back on track – then we have it to do all over again later in the year – the opposite way! It’s also Mother’s Day here in the UK and one of ours has already visited with a new vase and flowers – in my favourite colors – pink with some cream thrown in. Lovely.

I’m pretty sure the other two have got me The Game of Thrones boxset! Which I will be ecstatic about – just have to find the time to watch them! I think I will put a day away next week with no laptop, iPad, phone – nothing – and sit and drool my way through. Even tho watched most of them I want to do a marathon and take it all in again. So I’ll have to figure out what day is best and tell everyone to leave me in peace and don’t phone or text lol.

I hope you all have a great Sunday or Mother’s Day if you’re in the UK!

Facebook Page Takeover!!

Hi Guys,

Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock

If you’ve been on my Facebook page this week you’ll probably know this, if not, here we go – I am going to be ‘taking over’ the Facebook page of Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock tonight for three hours!!!!

I start at 8pm GMT which is 4pm EST and I’ll have the page all to myself woot woot! So please come along and join in, ask questions, comment, especially those of you who have read anything of mine and enjoyed it – I would really appreciate your support and comments. Although it is very exciting it is also a teeny bit scary!  So if you can pop over that would be fabulous!

I’ll be doing some questions, posting pics, reviews, covers and doing giveaways each hour! A little birdy also says that there may be a cover reveal – or maybe even two! So if you want to see the brand new cover for Sabrina’s Vampire, Book 3, Hunted – pop over.

As I’m going to be up way past my bedtime I think I’ll have a little nap this afternoon lol. Always up early in the morning and go to bed early at night – mostly as that’s the only place I get a chance to read nowadays. I’m so far behind in my reading I think I’m getting withdrawal symptoms! You know the ones – eyes wide, shaking hands, sweat on your forehead – oh wait that may just be a hangover! Only kidding.

So I hope you can all come and join in tonight! I think it may just be good fun.

Indie Book Bargains

I am very proud to be featured on Indie Book Bargains site today as a Rising Talent with Defender’s Blood Alex’s Destiny. I got very excited this morning when I saw it. The site is a fabulous website which has loads of books and genres – great bargains too!

So if you’re looking for a bargain pop over to the site and get yourself one. There’s so many to choose from you definitely won’t be disappointed. You can subscribe to their mailing list to receive updates on all their bargains and news. It’s a great way to get info on new releases, bargain books, free books – jeez a host of different things.

Go on – pop over and have a look, you may just find the perfect read!

Ice Diaries by Lexi Revellian – My Review

My review of Ice Diaries by Lexi Revellian! A good 4* for this fab book!

I just finished this and I enjoyed it immensely. I liked the character of Morgan very much – he would be the type of person most likely to survive this kind of apocalyptic disaster. Humankind being as it is, unfortunately, there would be more Mike’s around than there was in the book – that’s just us pesky humans for you and this type of disaster would bring them out of the woodwork big time. That was the one teeny, tiny, niggling thing for me, apart from him and his motley crew everyone else was nice and I’m not so sure that would be the case. I would like to think it would be but somehow I don’t think it would. As Tori, Morgan and the others rode off into the snow it would be great to follow what happened next. I can see them getting into all kinds of scrapes – with Morgan there to get them out of them and of course follow what would turn into a great romance and love story between Morgan and Tori – which we only got a glimpse of. The smoulder was there – would like to see the fire.

I liked the fact that Tori wasn’t all ‘glammed up’ and her character came across as being very believable and likeable as did the other characters.She struggled to ‘forage’ for food and other things and I could almost feel the cold as she snuggled in her bed with layers of clothing on. There were some fight scenes with Morgan and I enjoyed those as they came across as being all too real. As did her having to escape Hong and warn Morgan of danger – won’t put a spoiler in here – but the outcome was not one she had ever thought possible and her reactions were very real. I really enjoyed this and I recommend the book for a good read. Enjoy

Ice Diaries

Author Bio:-

For years, I resisted writing because I knew I’d never be as good as Jane Austen. Finally I realized no one is as good as Jane Austen – I started writing and couldn’t stop. I’ve sold over 65,000 ebooks.

My first two novels are fantasy. The third, REMIX, is contemporary fiction with elements of crime, investigation and romance, and tells what happens when Caz Tallis finds a strange man asleep on her roof terrace. He turns out to be – no, I’m not telling you, you’ll have to read it to find out… My fourth, REPLICA, is a thriller. Beth Chandler is unknowingly replicated in a flawed experiment, and falls for the man who is hunting her double. ICE DIARIES is a post-apocalyptic story with romance and humour. My latest is WOLF BY THE EARS, a thriller set in London.

My day job is designing and making jewellery and silver under my real name, Lexi Dick. I’ve made pieces for Margaret Thatcher, 10 Downing Street and Her Majesty the Queen.

WEBSITE: www.lexirevellian.com. Here you can read extracts, entire short stories and sign up to be notified when I release a new book.

EMAIL: you can email me at lexi14@hotmail.com, and I’ll let you know when my next book comes out.

 

THE HUNT IS ON!!!

What for I hear you ask – Gabe – that’s who. I want to put a face to the character – and a hot body too, I hope. So I’m putting it out there – I need some help in finding him so am asking for your help guys.

So what do we know about Gabe? He’s a werewolf and tall and muscly, with rugged good looks, shaggy blondish hair and brown eyes. Not a young, young man but say in his early thirties or thereabouts. Not a soft or feminine looking man – nope Gabe is ALL man.

I am wanting to add a pic of him to a book trailer for Witch, Wolf, Vamp 2 and possibly to add him to the cover of Book 3. So I really need you to see if you can come up with any pics – they have to be free of copyright guys – that’s very important.

If you have a photo – it could be one you’ve seen online, it could be your husband? boyfriend? brother? Wouldn’t that be cool if you got someone you loved in a book trailer and on the cover of a book! Obviously they would need to give permission for it to be used though.

If you think you have a candidate post the pics on my facebook page and I’ll check them all out.

Facebook Link

New day, lots of work!

Another new day and lots more work to be done. Sometimes I think there’s not enough hours in the day to do all that I want to get done. I’ll be working on a few things today, one of which is more of Sabrina 3 – teaser below folks!

‘Kyle paced in the bathroom of the hotel, his breathing quick and shallow, as fear invaded his entire system. Fear? Shit he hadn’t felt fear in centuries but he sure as hell was feeling it now.

His mate was in danger.’

Just how is he going to deal with the danger she’s in? Hmmm – have to read and find out folks!

I love Kyle and am loving writing this one. About half way/three quartersish through and can’t wait to get to the BIG scene in it!