C. Desert Rose's Blog, page 4

CV3 IS OUT!

[image error]Greetings, and thank you for joining us in the phenomenal yearly celebration, that we call, “Concordant Vibrancy’s Book Release”. Every year, thus far, we’ve had an amazing collection of authors collaborate in narrating their interpretations of that year’s theme question.

[image error]The very first Concordant Vibrancy revolved around the theme of Unity, represented by the element of earth. In that collection we had amazing talents come together to bring us stories like “Butterfly Mask”, “Lester’s Release” and “Coalesce”.

[image error]The 2nd installment of Concordant Vibrancy, called Vitality, was focused the question, “What moves your spirit?” This was embodied by the element of wind. In this remarkable collection we had the combined components of literature and essays, some of which were, “An Ocean of Questions”, “Arvum” and “Letting Inspiration Take The Wheel”.

[image error]Today, we present the 3rd installment of Concordant Vibrancy, called Lustrate, which is exemplified by water.

Blurb:

What embodies the composition of fluidity?

This is the query of the third installment of the Concordant Vibrancy collection, presented by All Authors Publications & Promotions, entitled “Lustrate”.

Nine incredible writers unite—through a combination of poetry, essays, and short stories—to produce unique responses flowing with vitality.

Works include:

“Unsui” by Harmony Kent

“Exiled” by Carol Cassada

“The Satiationship” by Synful Desire

“Twin Planets” by Y. Correa

“Threes” by Queen of Spades

“Luster Lingers” by Adonis Mann

“The Boo Thang Convention” by C. Desert Rose

“Overcome (Holy Water)” by Beem Weeks

and

“The Bunny” by Da’Kharta Rising

You can go out and get your copy today!

With Concordant Vibrancy there is something for everyone.

[image error] On Kindle
Or Paperback

OOH! Excitement! Cover Reveal!

[image error]Hello and thank you for visiting!

Today, the members of All Authors P&P bring you a spectacular cover reveal for a phenomenal story. But to know more about this story, you must first understand its origins.

[image error]In 2013 Y. Correa brought you a Historical Romance for the ages. It was called “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis”.

[image error]Within its pages you found a compelling story that could leave on mark on the soul of those who read it. Many compared it to “Tristan and Isolde” as well as “Romeo & Juliet”. However, “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis” was much more than that—it was a love story AND an adventure. Riddled with magic, mayhem and drama, “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis” was a story to be reckoned with.

[image error]The year 1585. The Anglo-Spanish War. England’s greed for Spain’s crops, land, and supplies gives birth to the inertia of intolerance on both sides. Yet, even then, Love surges forth.

MarcoAntonio, a Spanish gentleman and knight, defied all boundaries of color and culture, when setting eyes on the English lady Amaryllis. Although to others, he may be a bit reserved, he dares to lower his defenses solely for her.

Amaryllis is an English lady. One with an open heart, gentle spirit, and shining eloquence. She knew that she should not desire MarcoAntonio. Still, a love feeling so right couldn’t be so horribly wrong!

Travel with MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis as they duel with internal and external forces threatening to tear their powerful love apart. In the midst of troubles the likes of which have no compare, MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis find themselves having to fight the most unexpected of adversaries, just for the right to love each other.

Discover why their LOVE is the result of ALL things conquered!

[image error]Now, three years later, Y. Correa brings you the story of their son, MarcoAntonio Jr. and the legacy that their story left behind.

[image error] What happens when the Legacy of Love intersects with Legend?

For many years, legend spoke of two instruments—a sword and a shield. Together, they would act as catalysts to destroy the indestructible. At one point, all elements were in play, with the end result being a substantial sacrifice, along with the ultimate personification of love. That symbol is MarcoAntonio Junior—the Legacy of MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis.

With the legend seemingly at rest, fresh starts are on the horizon. A decade has passed, and Aishe and Damon—serving as caregivers for Junior—choose Borinquen as their new stomping ground. MarcoAntonio Junior is still haunted by the loss of his mother and father, but his budding friendship with Taino youth Yarisneth offers a shine of promise to counteract the sadness.

When fulfillment of legend is unsatisfactory to some, forces emanate to deliver their own resolution—affecting a positive present and blossoming future for all involved.

Will the Legacy show that Love is still the result or will these tenacious energies—antiquated and modern— give proof that the legend is a farce?

[image error] “The Legacy of MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis: Mother Haydie’s Revenge” Coming Soon!

Cover Reveal

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Hello!

Thanks for visiting.

In celebrating a new tradition, All Authors Publications and Promotions is rejoicing in the forthcoming release of the 3rd Annual installment of “Concordant Vibrancy”.

First there was “Concordant Vibrancy: Unity”, the first book in this multi-genre anthology collections.

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Then there was “Concordant Vibrancy 2: Vitality”, the second book in this unique series.

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Today, we celebrate the Cover Reveal of “Concordant Vibrancy 3: Lustrate”.

[image error]First a little about the book …

The Blurb

What embodies the composition of fluidity?

This is the query of the third installment of the Concordant Vibrancy collection, presented by All Authors Publications & Promotions, entitled “Lustrate”.

Nine incredible writers unite—through a combination of poetry, essays, and short stories—to produce unique responses flowing with vitality.

Works include:

“Unsui” by Harmony Kent

“Exiled” by Carol Cassada

“The Satiationship” by Synful Desire

“Twin Planets” by Y. Correa

“Threes” by Queen of Spades

“Luster Lingers” by Adonis Mann

“The Boo Thang Convention” by C. Desert Rose

“Overcome (Holy Water)” by Beem Weeks

and

“The Bunny” by Da’Kharta Rising

Now, without further ado, All Authors Publications & Promotions presents you, our precious readers, writers and precious patrons with the cover of the upcoming “Concordant Vibrancy 3: Lustrate”.

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Learn …

What embodies the composition of fluidity?

Free for a limited time!

Hello everyone! Author Synful Desire is in the giving spirit and does not care if you are naughty or nice.

For a limited time, she is offering not one but TWO of her novelettes, absolutely FREE on Amazon!

Genre: Contemporary Urban Drama

What happens when passion blinds reason? The ardent fire of desire meets the shocking and harsh blows of reality in this Prelude of Prism. The convoluted relationships of three individuals morph into a rainbow of disarray.

Grab Your Copy Here

Genre: Erotica/Contemporary Romance

Erotic

Never underestimate the steam of a hot caffeinated beverage infused with the flavor of imagination. Wake up your senses while savoring “Kona”.

Experimental

A simple ad gives a curious skeptic a lot more than he was bargaining for. Check out the hair-raising experience while combing through “Tresses”.

Entertaining

Darbi has her share of bad luck. She is unexpectedly in job purgatory and has no chance of ever getting a promotion. Her online dating profile sat months without any responses. Why should she continue?

As she signed on to delete everything entirely, three responses catch her eye. All are different but each has something about them which makes Darbi want to meet all three. Ade appears to be the guy next door. Boyde looks like a supermodel. Choise looks like the rugged type.

When all is not what it seems, Darbi has concluded that her love life is mating with her job status in purgatory. Will anything come in handy to turn her luck around?

This version of “Handy” includes an epilogue, as well as Darbi speak.

Erotic, Experimental, and Entertaining—All come in Handy when experiencing a Good Release.

Grab Your Copy Here

Blasting a Cover #Westmore

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Greetings,

Today the members of All Authors P&P are bring you a phenomenal cover reveal, celebrating the re-release of “Westmore” by Author Carol Cassada.

First, the blurb:

Three families come together in this soap opera style romance. Westmore is the story of the Greens, the Braxtons, and the Reynolds—families’ enveloped by drama threefold.

Charlette Green mourns the loss of her husband while battling her dislike for her son’s new love. One day, handsome Detective Bryant comes into her life, rescuing her abandon. Meanwhile, Scott and Alicia, musical siblings, fight their way to the top of the charts when tragedy strikes.

Andrew Braxton is a ruthless and influential businessman who runs his household the same way he runs his company … with an iron fist. Upon learning his son Wayne plans on abandoning the family company, which Andrew has dedicated his life to, Andrew will do everything and anything in his power to stop Wayne from leaving.

After Laura Reynolds’ divorce, she and her daughter Megan move back home to live with her father. Her plan is to start life anew, relinquishing all sorrow. Little does Laura realize that it is harder than she thinks to leave the past behind.

Drama, mayhem, love and heartache are the ruling elements in this small New England town called Westmore.

Now, little bit about the author.

Author Bio:

Carol Cassada hails from a small town in Virginia. Growing up, Carol loved to read, but it wasn’t until her teens when she decided to be a writer. After taking a creative writing class, Carol set out on her writing journey.

After graduating from college, Carol began writing her first book, Going Home Again. Since then, she’s written and published 6 volumes in the Westmore series. With a penchant for romance and drama, Carol’s books draw you in with their soap opera essence.

Although romance is her main genre, Carol has expressed interest in writing other genres. With a notebook full of ideas, Carol promises there’s more to come with her stories.

Links:

Website

Twitter: @dramacjc

Facebook

Now, without further ado we present you with the new cover of “Westmore” by Carol Cassada.

by
Carol Cassada
Coming December 1st, 2016

Sessions with C. Desert Rose: Nethayel’s Movie

Hello!

It’s the time again.

I was asked:

If “Nethanyel’s Lady Lune” were tuned into a move who would play the characters?

Great question! And, fun to boot! So … here we go.

Nethanyel, the Main Character

Nethanyel, in the book, is a ruggedly attractive man, but not supermodel status. So, he’s averagely handsome, if that makes sense.

So, as Nethanyel I would choose Josh Stewart. Not that Josh isn’t great looking, but he isn’t Chris Hemsworth, that’s for sure. But, it’s more than that. Josh has perfected the art of the Bayou accent.

So, Josh would be the best choice to play Nethanyel, only he’d have to have brown contacts on.

Jax, Nethanyel’s Sidekick

“Nethanyel’s Lady Lune” wouldn’t be the great story that it is without Jax. Jax provides comic relief and unequivocal entertainment. Jax is the embodiment of nerdiness and fun. Who better to play Jax than Jay Baruchel, the Canadian comical genius.

Jay has the perfect balance of jittiness, funny voice, skinniness and awkwardness. If Jay could pull of a New Zealand accent, then we’d be golden.

Rona, the Heroine

I think that the idea candidate to play Rona would be Q’orianka Kilcher. Rona is exotic looking, beautiful and strong. In my mind Q’orianka Kilcher embodies all of those things.

All she’d need is blue contact lenses, and she’d be the perfect representation of Rona.

So, there you have it. The  would-be the cast of “Nethanyel’s Lady Lune”.

Sessions with C. Desert Rose: My World

Yoohoo, I’m over here!

Oh, there you are! How goes it? I hope you’re doing well. Today I’m bringing you yet another “Sessions with C. Desert Rose”. The question I was asked was:

“Could you describe what a world that you would fit in actually be like?”

That’s a great question because I’ve thought about this a lot. So, let’s get into it, shall we?

In a world where I am seldom understood, it would be a grand feat of the imagination to evoke a place where I would.

So, here we go. Time to imagine said place. Ready to take the ride?

Once upon a time there was a world called Earth, a place filled with difference, and acceptance. A place where everyone was open to the idea of divergence. Earth was also a place where conditions such as Depression, Anxiety and Mental Illness did not exist. Neither did physical ailments. People lived happily with what they did or did not have. There was no hatred on Earth, therefore there was no war. People there cared about their fellow humans, thus there was no famine or  suffering. Earth, with little or much, was a utopia. Not because of its commodities, but because of its unification.

There, on Earth, lived a woman by the name of Rose.

Rose was a sensitive person with a big heart who did not have many friends or acquaintances, not by circumstance, but by choice. You see, Rose believed in the old adage, “Quality over quantity.” Rose preferred to keep her circles small, ensuring that she was given the people she cared about the best of herself. Ergo, attempting to the best of her abilities, to not spread herself too thin in any facet.

What Rose loved best about her life choice was the capacity to form a closer bond with the people she loved. In so doing, Rose knew that at the best of times and at the worst of times, she would be able to count on them and vice versa.

Added to this marvel was Rose’s understanding that the people of Earth would not belittle, insult, or think less of her for wanting to live her life this way.

Due to the nonexistence of pain, suffering or illness, Rose had no worries, no problems whatsoever, actually. On Earth, Rose and every resident therein, lived happily ever after.

Yes, yes, I know my answer is unrealistic. But, that is the point, methinks. The point was to imagine a place that would be ideal for me. LOL.

However on a more realistic note, I guess I would just be happy with a little more understanding, or ATTEMPT TO understand. And, if I were to push the envelope a little bit more, I would say a place with a bit more caring. Or, as I said before, THE ATTEMPT to care a bit more.

Well, that’s it for now.

See you next time,

Rosie

Para-Con with Rose & Carol Part 3: Dialogue and Backstory

Hello everyone and welcome to Part 3 of Para-Con with Rose & Carol. Today our focus will be dialogue and backstory.

Two every basic elements, yet you would be surprised to know that it isn’t something some writers even think about. Yet, it plays an enormous role in the world of proper storytelling.

Without the correct dialogue and backstory a story can easily fall through the crack.

Before I keep going, I’ll allow my buddy Carol Cassada to say hello.

Hello everyone.

I hope you’ve enjoyed Para-Con with Rose & Carol.

We’ve touched on a lot of stuff, everything from heroes to heroines to settings. Now, we’re delving into the nitty gritty of the story.

We’ve got a lot to discuss, so Rose I’m ready whenever you are.

Dialogue

Once, not too long ago—about a year or so—I picked up a book that claimed to be historical, yet in the dialogue and backstory one wouldn’t have realized. Had it not been for the blurb, I wouldn’t have automatically understood that this story was supposed to have been based on WWI.

When I started reading the story I was expecting the characters to speak with the term and slang that they would’ve back in that time. Something like, “My chum and I went to see that blighty down the street, ‘cause he was knockin’ around my other buddy. We wiped the floor with him like a strip of bumf paper for my bum.”

Translated into modern verbiage this would mean, “My friend and I gave this foreigner near by a visit because he beat up a friend of ours. We pummeled him to the ground, wiping the floor with him as if he were a strip of toilet paper on our butts.”

SIDE NOTE: I apologize in advance for the violence of the above, but it was the best example I could give.

Back to what I was saying … so instead of the characters in the story speaking more like the former, they actually spoke more like the latter. It just didn’t seem realistic to me. I’m a firm believer that a story MUST have all of the elements that signify the time that they are representing. Most of this happens in the dialogue.

A great example of this is my Fate’s Endeavor Collection.

I use angels and demons as the primary element in the collection. It is a common belief that these deities are as old as time itself. If that’s the case, then they WOULDN’T sound anything like you and I.

Some time ago a fellow author did a character interview on Gabriel, the villain of If Death Should Love Me. That character interview was the perfect means of demonstrating how both dialogue and backstory work together. You can see it here:

If angels and demons are as old as time itself, wouldn’t they speak in a very cryptic way. Also, I would assume that they would be blatantly honest, as they have nothing to lose otherwise. They’d be powerful, even in their speech pattern and tones. They’d be majestic, showing that through their words. They would be transcendent and it would be their language.

So, implementing these key elements in the way the characters communicate is imperative to making the story realistic.

How about for you, Carol?

Rose, I’m laughing so hard at your toilet paper example.

But I agree with you about how the dialogue should reflect the time and characters of the story.

With my stories, everything takes place in the present. So it’s important the dialogue reflect the time.

For instance, I like to spruce it up having characters mention current trends or use slang terms such as chillax and yolo.

While these words are a good representation of the time, you’ve got to be careful with which character uses them. Younger characters like Westmore’s Alicia and Scott can get by with using this language. Yet, you wouldn’t find a rich snob like Andrew Braxton using these slang terms.

Backstory

A powerful character is nothing, if he/she does not have a believable backstory. Backstory can be told in many ways; through flashbacks, through narrative, through character conversations. Just about anything in a book can establish a good backstory. The most important thing an author can use to give the character viability and substance is to give him/her a probably backstory.

What is backstory?

back·sto·ry

ˈbakˌstôrē/

noun

noun: backstory; plural noun: backstories; noun: back-story; plural noun: back-stories

a history or background created for a fictional character in a motion picture or television program.
similar background information about a real person or thing that promotes fuller understanding of it.

When creating a viable backstory to a paranormal character it is important to consider some things.

WHAT TYPE of mythical character are you writing about?
How old is the character?
What does history dictate about the time/age in which this character was ‘born’. Using the word born loosely, of course.
How can true past events be applied to this character’s history to make his/her life more plausible?
What is the most practical way of narrating his/her history in the story?

Once you’ve figured all of these things out then you have the right tools to put together a believable paranormal backstory.

Trust me when I tell you that backstory is one of THE, IF NOT THE, most important elements in executing a good and credible fictional story.

A great example is the history of Zita and Roman from Demoness Enchanted. You see, they are both still very young, but it was their parents who gave Zita and Roman the necessary substance and backstory that they needed in order to reach their prime potential and make the story more profound. Everyone knows that family drama is the best method of establishing a feasible means of current conflict. It was through Zita and Roman’s parents the their current hardships were founded.

Backstory at its best.

Heroine & Setting

Welcome Readers! Today we began part 2 of Para-Con with Rose & Carol.

Carol Cassada, here and I don’t know about you, but I’m excited.

Hey there, Rose here! Super-uber (No, not like the cab.) excited too! Yay!

For those of you just tuning in, Para-Con is a series where Rose and I discuss the differences between contemporary and paranormal romance.

Last time, we discussed writing heroes and villains. This week’s topic is creating heroines and settings. We’ve got a lot to discuss, so let’s get started.

Rose, are you ready to begin?

You know it! Like a boss!

Female Lead vs Damsel in Distress

No hero is complete without his lady love.

The yin to his yang.

Any romance author will tell you the hero and heroine are important parts of the story. In the previous post, I discussed how I preferred heroes with a combination of strength and sensitivity. Those are the same qualities I love to have in my heroines.

A recent trend you see in contemporary romance novels is the heroine having an independent side. She has her own life, speaks her mind, and doesn’t let anyone control her.

With the heroine’s soft side, you have to delve deep inside her personality. For me, I like to show why she’s hesitant to take a chance on love.

A perfect example of this type of heroine is Alicia Green in Westmore. On the outside, Alicia’s a tough rocker chick complete with tattoos. Yet, inside she’s a sensitive soul. Throughout the book, it’s revealed Alicia’s exes cheated on her. Because of their infidelities, Alicia’s lost trust in men. In fact, at one point she swears off of them. Yet, as the series progresses, she meets her hero and begins to rethink her stance on love.

Much like heroes, you’ve got to have the reader relate to the heroine. These are two characters that you’ll want to cheer on, and have them live happily ever after.

Rose, tell us what it’s like creating your heroines.

I do agree that it is important for the audience to relate and connect to the heroine. Personally, I like to create the awkward or misfit heroine. Much like myself, if I were to be completely honest.

For example, Sophia, from “If Death Should Love Me” is strong, yes, but she is the blundering self-sufficient sort. That is to say, while she is strong like most independent women of our time, she is also eccentric, widely misunderstood and never quite fit in.

I often feel like this type of heroine is more relateable than the “I have everything under control” type. Because when the heroine has a clumsy side, it’s easier to see her as human. Hence, the reader being able to connect with her more rapidly and profoundly.

Also, the fact that she never quite fit in is like a nod and whisper in the direction of paranormal. It speaks to the genre, if you will.

Real World vs Supernatural World

One essential part of a book is the setting.

When choosing a setting, you’ve got to have a place that fits with the story.

With contemporary romances, the setting is in the present time. The places chosen for the location are usually a real city. In Going Home Again, I used New York and Norfolk, VA as the two cities. When describing the cities, I use attractions to grab the reader’s attention. As they’re reading the book, I want them to visualize that they’re going to a Broadway show or dining at a fine restaurant. If it’s a place readers have never been, I want them get a sense of what the city’s like.

Another option authors have is creating our own fictional towns.

That’s what I did with Westmore. I created a setting in a small, New England town. I found it fun making up my own setting for Westmore. I can get as creative as I wanted with the scenery and the names of the local businesses. For instance, in Westmore the characters can be found shopping at the Charie boutique or enjoying dinner at Jack’s Bar.

With the setting, it’s important to create a place where readers can escape to. When they’re reading the story, they need to envision themselves there with the characters.

Rose, what’s it like creating a supernatural world?

That’s a great question, Carol.

Dear reader, if you missed me, I’m C. Desert Rose.

LOL.
Now, to answer your question.

Creating a world for a paranormal romance requires the ability to marry the real world with a fictional one. I find that the best way to do this is to use a real location for the real world, so that your fictional location seems more probable. For example, in the Fate’s Endeavor series I’ve created an entire “universe“.

The ability to conjoin these two elements flawlessly requires a lot of skill. Because the last thing you want is for the reader to question their validity.

Another facet that is important to look at is the setting of the story background.

Personally, I incorporate a lot of history when it comes to my characters lives. When doing that I have to consider things like “what they are, who they are, how they live, how they used to live, what their part in the story is.” When all of these things have been figured out, then I can come up with a viable past world that can effectively tell the characters story from a place of both logic and necessity.

Let’s take Zita from “Demoness Enchanted”, for example. Zita was born and raised in a secluded section of the Amazon Rainforest, hidden from everyone and everything. In setting up her history effectively, I had to consider what this place might look like, be like, sound like and how it played into the overall role of who Zita is.

I believe quite a bit in the fact that our surroundings play about 50% of the role in our lives that make up who we are. THAT is why the setting is SO important. Because if I am not authentic in the portrayal of the character as per the influences of the setting, then people WHO ARE from there WILL be able to tell the difference.
And, like you said, the funnest part it to take those who have never been there to that place to enjoy the sites and sounds of it.

Creating characters and settings can be hard at times. But once the creativity sets in, it’s fun to write.

You’re right, Carol. It IS hard, but that’s just half the fun!

Rose, as always it was a pleasure talking with you.  

Gratitude Challenge, The Update

All right, so I was supposed to have taken the month of June to do a “Gratitude Challenge”.

Update …?

I’ve failed horribly.

I’ve only gotten like 7 days done and the month is almost over. Funny thing was that this was something I really wanted to do. So, in light of my recent failure in this challenge, I am going to play catch up via my blog. And guess what? I’m just going to do the whole month.

Okay, so let’s do the math.

June has 30 days, and I only completed 7 so that leaves …

23 Things to be Grateful For!

PS: I hope I make it. LOL

I am grateful to have gotten out of an abusive relationship.
I am grateful for having gotten away from an abusive family.
I am grateful that my self-esteem is starting to rebuild. I can now, sort of, see the beauty in me.
I’m grateful to have had my books published, because for far too long I was told that I was a talentless nothing.
I’m grateful for the All Authors P&P and the Family. They are a wonderful bunch and help lift me up when I need it the most.
I’m grateful for my best-friend, Synful Desire.
I’m grateful for my Mentor, Queen of Spades.
I’m grateful for Da’Kharta Rising, who always tells me like it is whenever I need to hear it.
I’m grateful for Carol Cassada, who has become like a partner in crime.
I’m grateful for Adonis Mann, he always keeps my arms lifted when I think they are going to fall.
I’m grateful for Y. Correa, her sisterhood has been a push in the right direction.
I’m grateful for A. Lopez Jr. who always gives me his support and never ending loyalty.
I’m grateful for Mr. Beem Weeks and Ms. Harmony Kent, who, while I don’t get to share much time with, never cease to lend a helping hand when I need it most.
I’m grateful for every waking day that offers me a small light of hope, as they come so seldom.
I’m grateful for my computer, because without it I wouldn’t be able to write my works.
I’m grateful for Concordant Vibrancy and Divergent Ink, 2 amazing anthologies which I have the privileged to be a part of each year.
I’m grateful for MY FANS! Whoever and wherever you are! YOU keep me invested in telling my story.
I’m grateful for love … it comes so rarely, and when it does, no matter what the conduit, it is precious and treasured.
I’m grateful for grief. Had it not been for the pain I’ve endured in years past, I wouldn’t know a good thing if it hit me in the nose.
I’m grateful for imagination, without it my works wouldn’t be possible.
I’m grateful for music and the joy, peace and harmony that it brings my weary heart when I need it most.
I’m grateful for work. It’s just nice to have a job. Pays the bill, you know?
I’m grateful for the air I breath, for it tells me every single day that I am here and I am alive, and I CAN MAKE TODAY WHATEVER I WANT IT TO BE!

I HAVE TRULY SURPRISED MYSELF! I didn’t think I could do it! Truth be told, I could have gone on for a bit longer.

Anywho … That is my Gratitude Challenge for the month of June, 2016. Thanks for reading!