A.E. Jones's Blog, page 32

Wedding Buzz

One week and counting until the release of IN SICKNESS AND IN ELF. This series has been fun to write and I hope to bring even more stories to this paranormal wedding planner universe!

I actually got the idea to write these books while sitting in front of the TV one night. I was flipping the channels and a wedding show came on and everyone was all stressed out and emotions were running ridiculously high. And I thought to myself…what if I could write stories centered around paranormal weddings. Cue amazing twist! Yahoo!

Over the rest of the week in preparation of my release, I’ll be sharing some more teasers (I especially love the included here).

The other fun thing I have included in my book are wedding tips. I’ll try and share some with you as well just to let you know what you have to look forward to.

Stay tuned.

 

 

Expect the Unexpected…

One of the favorite things I like to do in my writing is introduce the unexpected. For me the unexpected comes out in my stories through twisting the everyday normal and making it abnormal (or if you have ever seen the wonderful movie, Young Frankenstein,  it’s known as Abby Normal).

Case in point – paranormal wedding planners. And what better way to introduce the story than to see it through the eyes of a human who until 5 pages into chapter one does not believe in the supernatural. Well, not until she is handed irrefutable evidence that is. But even then, she thinks she is having a breakdown. I mean, things that go bump in the night are part of our imagination, right?

So for my newest teaser, we dabble in frog demons… Expect the unexpected!

As May 2nd (aka release day) comes closer, I hope to share more of the unexpected with you. Stay tuned!

 

 

Picture This

In three short weeks IN SICKNESS AND IN ELF (aka ISAIE) will be released. And leading up to that celebration, I will be sharing more tidbits with you. Tidbits with pictures – what I call teasers. There is something so wonderful about offering a line or two of the story and linking it to a picture. Pictures convey mood and help give dimension to the words. Did the picture above help bring you a little further into the story? I hope so!

If you would like to see some more hints about the ISAIE universe, you can also visit my boards on Pinterest! Haven’t been there before? Well I have boards for all my books. Come check them out HERE.

What has been so great about this new series is that it centers around weddings and wedding planners but with a twist! These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill weddings. Nope. They are weddings for paranormal. And every time I think about the fact that my stories are about paranormal wedding planners it makes me giggle. So much to play with in this fun-filled world of mine. And even though the story has humor, it also has mystery and romance! A wonderful trifecta of storytelling, if you will.

So come along with me and share in the fun!

 

Excerpt, Excerpt, Read All About It

So are you ready for some more info on my paranormal wedding planner series? Well, I can’t think of a better way to get the feel for the new series than to read an excerpt! And I thought it made sense to give you something from the very beginning…

Chapter 1

It was time. Alex peeked out the door of the inn and clutched the bouquet of orchids to her chest to hide her trembling hands. Hundreds of guests were perched on white wooden chairs in the grass. Many of them, celebrities included, turned frequently to glance back at the inn, hoping to catch the first glimpse of the wedding party. Excitement buzzed in the air as a small group of invited paparazzi circled the crowd like gnats, snapping pictures.

The inn was the spot in San Diego. The timeless stone and wood inn overlooked the steep cliff, while waves crashed below at the perfect volume—not so loud as to drown out the string quartet, but in the background as an important part of the ambiance.

Her grandmother made sure the wedding was all about ambiance.

Alex took a deep breath and tried to remember the relaxation techniques Dr. Jennings taught her. Nothing. Two years of counseling and she was drawing a blank. Her heartbeat sped up, the pounding so loud it pulsed in her ears. Alex switched the flowers to one hand and wiped her sweaty palm on her dress. The movement stirred the petals, perfuming the air with a hint of vanilla. She sucked in another deep breath and concentrated on the flowery fragrance.

She could do this. She owed it to her grandmother. Heck, she owed it to herself.

She checked the clock in the entryway. Three minutes and counting. Her friend Peggy walked toward her, smiling.

“Is everything ready?” Alex blurted.

“Of course. Your grandmother is in charge.”

The crowd let out a collective gasp when Bradley took center stage. His dark Armani suit fit his toned, fit body to perfection, and his blond hair was cut short and styled flawlessly. He looked like a movie star…which made perfect sense, since he was a movie star.

Alex giggled. Oh, no, there would be no uncontrollable giggling, laughing, or guffawing. Although inappropriate laughter would be a far better choice than projectile vomiting. Alex bit her lip to stifle another giggle from erupting.

Peggy leaned closer, nudging Alex’s shoulder with her own. “He’s downright edible.”

“Peggy!” Alex released the breath she’d been holding. Everything will be fine. It is all going as planned.

Only one thing was missing…

The bride.

As if on cue, supermodel Sydney Thompson descended the staircase of the inn with her entourage of three bridesmaids, a hairstylist, and a makeup artist in tow. Alex’s grandmother, Lorinda Bennett, wedding planner for the ridiculously rich and fabulously famous, completed the procession.

The group swarmed the lobby, making tiny adjustments here and there to assure Sydney looked her best. They didn’t need to worry. Statuesque and almost otherworldly, Sydney glowed. Her strapless mermaid gown hugged her curves, and her long, blond hair hung in loose waves around her shoulders.

Lorinda’s regal voice broke through the high-pitched chatter. “Alexandra, the bouquet.”

Alex maneuvered through Sydney’s anxious entourage and handed her the flowers. “You look amazing.”

Sydney flashed her gorgeous, insured-by-Lloyd’s-of-London smile. “Thanks.”

The music changed, signaling the bridal party’s entrance, and Lorinda took over, reminding Alex of a symphony conductor. Grandmother was in her glory, as well she should be. Landing the Bradley Prentice and Sydney Thompson wedding had been a coup of epic proportions.

Alex slipped outside with Peggy to watch the bridesmaids proceed down the grassy aisle.

Peggy patted her shoulder. “It’s good to have you here today, Alex.”

Alex nodded, since her voice had deserted her. She hadn’t been to a wedding in two years, not since her own almost-wedding. And she wouldn’t be here now if this wedding wasn’t so important to her grandmother and to Bennett Bridal, Incorporated. Working the ceremony today was her first step toward becoming the old Alex Bennett again. The one her grandmother would be proud of.

In the middle of her thought, irrational fear wrapped its icy fingers around her spinal column and squeezed, and she had to lock her knees to keep from sprinting for cover.

Peggy continued, “This is a huge day for the business. It’s icing on the cake to have you here to help us.”

Alex smiled, although she imagined it looked a tad maniacal. Peggy was Bennett Bridal’s office manager and she was always in control. These days Alex was never in control. It was quite annoying, really.

The Wedding March swelled, and Alex swallowed hard, as if each chord was a new lump joining the growing pile in her throat. For her, attending a wedding was as much fun as a root canal without Novocain. But she couldn’t bring herself to confess her phobia to Peggy or her grandmother, or tell either one about her panic attacks.

Rational human beings didn’t have wedding phobias.

******

Preorder:  Amazon     Kobo       iBooks

And there you go! So what do you think?

Cover Reveal – In Sickness and In Elf

Join in my cover reveal celebration! I have been so excited to share this cover. I love my Mind Sweeper covers, but THIS one rocks the house. Gabrielle Prendergast pulled out all the stops once again and delivered an AMAZING cover. And I am also releasing the blurb at the same time so you an find out all about the book. Check it out!

Preorder:  Amazon     Kobo       iBooks

Blurb:

Meet Alex Bennett—wedding phobic in a family of wedding planners. Not the best combination, but being left at the altar can wreak havoc on one’s self-esteem. When Alex’s grandmother requests her help with a high-profile wedding, Alex sets aside her fears to attend. But when the bride runs away, and her grandmother’s business faces ruin, Alex will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. Even when the truth leads to sabotaged weddings and a runaway bride who isn’t human. The last thing Alex needs to deal with is the overbearingly handsome man brought in to lead the investigation.

Meet Devin Cole—a paranormal with no powers. Guilty until proven innocent, his powers have been rescinded until his upcoming trial, which he should be preparing for. He doesn’t have time for a runaway bride case. But the bride is a supermodel who also happens to be supernatural, so he and his team must handle damage control. The last thing Devin needs to deal with is a tempting woman who insists on being part of the investigation…and has half the horny supernatural male population chasing after her.

But with humans and supernaturals bent on destroying each other, Alex and Devin must put aside their differences and work together. Can Devin protect Alex and defeat the enemy without his powers? And now that Alex knows supernaturals do exist, can she once again believe in a fairy-tale happily ever after?

***

Well? What do you think about the cover? The blurb? I want to hear from you!

Preorder:  Amazon     Kobo       iBooks

 

Save the Date

Since this new series is all about weddings, I thought I would kick off the start of my book release ramp up with an appropriate graphic.

There’s something to be said about anticipation and setting the mood for an event. Weddings are all about anticipation, as are book releases. So why not pair the two together? In six short weeks, book 1 will be released. And while I’m not having to pick out linens, or dresses, or go to cake tastings (although the last one sounds yummy), I will be celebrating the release with:

Preorders
Cover Reveals
Excerpts
Teasers (I so love teasers)
Etc, Etc…

So mark your calendars for the celebration ahead! Next week will be the COVER REVEAL!!! I am not exaggerating when I tell you I cannot wait to share the cover and see what you all think. Woo Hoo!

So what do you think, did I set the right mood? Are you anticipating the book release?

 

 

Wedding Addiction

There is something addictive about weddings. So I thought I would spend some time examining why they wow us. It ties to the universal themes we are attracted to as a people. New beginnings, coming together as one, and of course love. Nothing screams love more than a wedding. Whether it takes place in a backyard with close family and friends, or in a cathedral with half the city, weddings are a chance to see love wrapped up in a neat little bow.

Is it any surprise that a couple’s wedding day is such colossal event? It is their day to showcase the wonder of finding someone to spend the rest of their life with. That is a scary-wonderful feeling on any given day. How do you truly capture that feeling? Doves? Marching band? Chocolate fountain? Fireworks?

And with this perceived “pressure” to make the wedding day the symbol of love (aka perfect) heightened emotions can raise their ugly head. Bridezillas, monster-in-laws, bridal party meltdowns, are also potential outcomes of wedding preparations.

Is it any wonder why weddings often play a part in romance? Sitting on the fence where one side means love and happiness and the other emotional turmoil, weddings are marvelous fodder for a story.

And that leads me to my new series which follows a group of wedding planners. But in my book worlds I add a delicious twist. My stories deal with paranormal who happen to be planning their weddings! Fun, fun and more fun!!

Can you imagine the paranormal wedding planner manual for this group?

No sunrise weddings for vampire brides…Full moon weddings are a giant ‘no’ if your best man is a werewolf…well, you get the idea!

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing more tidbits in preparation for my release. For now, I’ll leave you with the title to get your imaginations ready.

Book 1 of my paranormal wedding planners series is titled:

IN SICKNESS AND IN ELF

Hee, hee. Let the fun begin :)

 

 

 

Are You Ready for a Wedding?

Yep, you heard it here first. My manuscript is heading to my amazing formatter to prepare it for release! Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing info about the new series with you and getting you prepared for a whole new cast of characters. YAH-to-the-HOO!

And I think you’re going to like these books (if I do say so myself). Teasers will be forthcoming as well as a new cover and blurb. And if you’re REALLY good, I’ll share some of the first chapter with you too!

What better way to prepare for spring than with a new story! Oh and new paranormal as well… I’m getting a little bit excited about this (can you tell?).

So what is this new series about? Well, I’ve been hinting about it for awhile, but if you’ve missed it, then I’ll tell you now in three words:

PARANORMAL WEDDING PLANNERS

Does it make your imagination take flight? Mine sure did when I thought of it. Weddings are such a hotbed of emotion to begin with. Now add in a paranormal twist and pandemonium is sure to ensue. And I’m all about the pandemonium. So hang on and get your finest duds washed and pressed. We’re heading to a wedding very soon and it will be ANYTHING but normal!

 

 

Merry-Go-Round Writing

If you have been following me for a while now, you know that I often equate my writing to a rollercoaster. I even wrote an entire blog about it a while back (click HERE if you’re curious). Today I am going to form another analogy. Not only can life be like a merry-go-round, so can the business of writing.

That can be both positive and negative, right? I mean, carousels have cool animals and music and blinking lights that draw you to the ride. You get to climb aboard and imagine you are in another place full of magic.  But when the illusion starts to wear off, you realize that you are on a ride that is going around in circles.

Every process has a beginning, middle and end. And as a writer, if I start a new project, the cycle repeats itself. I write, edit, publish, repeat. It’s a good cycle, even if it tires you out at times.

So what do I do to make that ride a bit more exciting? Well, I don’t stay on the same animal for one thing. I get up, even when the ride is moving, and find a new pretty charge to ride. And I remember too that I can adjust that ride to speed up or slow down to what I need it to be.

Even if I am going in circles, it’s still a pretty amazing ride to be on!

 

 

Inspiration For Writers

Inspiration is both a wondrous and wicked thing. When the creative juice is flowing for a writer, we can get inspiration from practically anything-a trip to the store, taking the garbage out, talking to a neighbor. Any of these seemingly mundane things can trigger ideas for authors to weave into their stories.

But at the same time, if creativity is stagnant, it sometimes feels like nothing can provide the inspiration to come up with new ideas, characters, plots, etc, etc, etc. And that’s when the wicked comes into play.

So what’s a writer to do? What I have found when my creativity has taken a siesta, is that if you stimulate other parts of your brain, it will sometimes help with your writing.

Visual: Pictures are often a great jumping off point to let your brain imagine a setting for a story, or the types of people (characters) who would be in the picture. For example, the picture in this blog could be a jumping off point for a mystical, magical story…

Auditory: Music can help with inspiration as well. Whether it is a symphony orchestra or a heavy-metal band, music can unlock the creative vault for writers. Many writers can’t write without music on in the background.

Prompts: Open ended questions or generic sentences that inspire writers to imagine what will happen next. For example, “When he opened the door, he couldn’t believe…” And you jump into the story from there. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will end up using this prompt in your actual books, but it allows you to oil that squeaky wheel of inspiration.

So go on, try something new. Inspire yourself and your readers!