Star-Crossed Romance

Review - Acquainted With The Night

2012-02-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

Acquainted With The Night

Piper Maitland

Berkley Publishing

December 2011

A crank call wakes Caroline ‘Caro’ Clifford from a restless sleep populated by nightmarish figures. But when the phone rings a second time, she’s devastated to learn that her uncle, the man who’d raised her from a small child, had been murdered at an archeological site in Bulgaria. She hastily dresses and packs so she can meet a government car coming to take her to the airport. Before she leaves, she packs a small, ancient icon in her bag. Her uncle had always instructed her to take it with her, no matter where she went.

When she arrives at the airport, a handsome man with a pony-tail asks to speak to her. But she really doesn’t have time. She desperately wants to catch her flight. Getting to Bulgaria and her deceased uncle is all she can think of. But the stranger catches her attention when he tells her his name, Jude Barrett, and that he’d planned on having tea with her and her uncle. She isn’t sure what to make of that but the man insists that he still wants to talk to her. In fact, he follows her to Bulgaria.

Once there, Jude has some crazy ideas about vampires, that they’re real and constitute a threat to humanity and Caro is at first skeptical. But then she recalls some of the strange things that have happened to her in the past few days…including being attacked by a man wearing thick layers of sunscreen. The man had tried to steal her bag but Caro managed to keep it from him. When the same man and another man wearing sunscreen show up at her Bulgarian hotel, she begins to fear Jude is right.

Caro receives some of her uncle’s belongings from the embassy, among them her uncle’s passport. Inside, odd anagrams provide clues which lead her and Jude on an adventure to a cliff-top monastery. There Caro learns about the icon she carries with her. The icon is connected to an ancient text on immortality and a prophecy that might be somehow connected to her. Caro learns about Jude’s run in with vampires, how they destroyed his life as a research scientist and almost took his life in the bargain. Jude understandably hates vampires. He wants to destroy them all.

But vampires aren’t the only ones threatening Caro and Jude. The vampires are actually following the orders of a man who wants Caro and the icon. He needs them both in a search for his own immortality.

Ms Maitland has combined her vampires with science and history and I found that truly fascinating. I also found the plot with all its intricate twists and turns equally fascinating. Had the world and characters been less well developed, this might have resulted in confusion but, in reality, it was a lengthy but easy to follow read with a good deal of suspense.

The relationship between Caro and Jude at first seemed to be incredibly rushed. Not that I am really complaining though, as they sure made for an incredibly steamy couple. That said, I thought the relationship between Caro and Jude was rushed. Even though their love scenes were hot, the couple never struck me as one that would stay together. It was no surprise then that, when a shocking reveal is made, Jude retreats from a relationship with Caro. I wanted to slap him, then turn around and slap her for practically begging for his attention.

For the most part, Acquainted With the Night read very quickly with only a few sagging spots. However, I was disappointed at the ending. While it seemed inevitable, it also seemed somewhat clichéd. I enjoyed the book but when I can tell almost exactly how the book will end 50 pages before I get there, that’s a problem. It might be that I've read too many vampire/love stories and perhaps I'm jaded. Other readers may not have this problem. Also the ending was very open-ended indicating that there would be a sequel and from the feel of it, more than one. Nothing wrong with that. I usually enjoy sequels.

Readers of urban fantasy will enjoy Acquainted With The Night. Readers of vampire stories will love the new mythology Ms Maitland has created as much as I did.

Guest - Resa Nelson

2012-01-30T06:00:00.034-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is author Resa Nelson. Resa is a longtime member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) and a graduate of the Clarion SF Workshop. Her first novel, The Dragonslayer’s Sword, was nominated for the Nebula Award, the highest honor in science fiction and fantasy. It was also a Finalist for the EPPIE Award. Book 2, The Iron Maiden, was recently published. Book 3 is scheduled for publication in Summer 2012.

Resa's standalone novel, Our Lady of the Absolute, is a fantasy/mystery/thriller about a modern-day society based on ancient Egypt. Midwest Book Review gave this book a 5-star review, calling it "a riveting fantasy, very highly recommended." In real life, Resa is a fan of chocolate, travel, summer, museums, ballet, movies, and Broadway musicals (her favorites are Les Miserables and Wicked). She lives in Massachusetts.

Resa is offering giveaways which she tells us about in her post. Check them out.

Enjoy!

-- Lynda
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Characters, Transformation, and the Dark Side of Romance

By Resa Nelson

What I love most about writing is creating characters and taking them on a journey that changes them in some way. I’m a big fan of transformation. In fact, one of my favorite reality TV shows is The Biggest Loser because it’s all about transformation – not just physical transformation but emotional and psychological transformation that results in people shedding their facades and letting the world see who they really are instead of who they think they should be. I love that.

A few years ago I saw a news report about a famous singer who was beaten and battered by her equally famous boyfriend. My heart sank, because when all was said and done, she made excuses for him instead of kicking him out the door. At the same time, I understand this behavior because I’ve paid a lot of attention to the reasons why battered women stay with their husbands or boyfriends, so I feel a lot of compassion for them.

However, I’m also very concerned because in recent years some popular books have featured characters that strike me as having the same kind of mindset as abused women – and some readers say these books are romantic. I feel very strongly that love isn’t about feelings. It isn’t about words. Love is about action. For example, if a man tells you he loves you more than anything else in the world but then smacks you across the face, he’s lying. His words say he loves you, but his action proves that he doesn’t. And if someone tells you you’re “less than” because you’re a woman, that isn’t love – and I don’t understand what’s romantic about it.

So I began thinking how I wish I could write novels to help women see their own value. It dawned on me that the novels I’d written so far each have a strong woman as the main character. Hey! I thought. What if all of my novels have a strong woman as the main character?

Then I thought, What if I write about a woman trapped in a marriage with an abusive man, and I focus on how she transforms into someone who is no longer willing to stay with him?

This decision excited me. I was in the middle stages of writing my 4-book Dragonslayer series (set in a world of ghosts, shapeshifters, and dragons) that’s modeled on the Middle Ages. Women were treated pretty horribly in a lot of cultures during that time, so it felt like a logical fit.

But I had to figure out how I was going to take this character through her transformation. I had to figure out who she was at the beginning of the relationship and who she would grow into. I also wanted to portray abusive relationships as realistically as possible and show her struggle in going back and forth between wanting to leave and wanting to stay and remembering the happy times she’d had with her husband because it’s common for abused women to think the abuse will stop and the relationship will go back to being a happy one.

First, it helps that I have a degree in sociology, because that means I’m always paying attention to social trends and what causes them. I’m especially interested in women’s issues, so I’ve been paying attention to abusive relationships for decades. It seems to me that being in an abusive relationship is a bit like being brainwashed. An abuser succeeds because he tells a woman she’s stupid or weak or worthless, and if he does this long enough she’s likely to start believing him. Some women who end up in situations like that can be so starved for love that they reach a point of desperation. Some don’t have the confidence to live on their own and support themselves and are afraid of becoming homeless. Others have never had the opportunity to learn that love isn’t violent or hateful. And then there’s the fact that abusive men are often charming and promise they’ll never do it again – and a lot of women don’t know that actions tell the truth, not words.

So in Book 2 (The Iron Maiden) in my Dragonslayer series, I had to figure out which category my character, Margreet, fits into. I decided to make her a strong-willed woman. She has opinions, and she doesn’t hesitate to express them. She’s a firecracker. And she’s not the kind of person I’d expect to end up in an abusive relationship, which made her come alive to me. But I also had to figure out how someone like Margreet ended up in such an unlikely situation. I asked myself questions like, what kind of loss has she experienced? How did that loss change her? Maybe she was at an especially low point in her life when she met her husband, and maybe they genuinely loved each other in the beginning.

What if something happened that acted as a catalyst for her husband to begin to abuse her? What if he misinterpreted something Margreet did or said? What if it began a cycle of misunderstanding? What if he genuinely believed he loved her, all the while not knowing what love is?

And what if Margreet began to notice another man who has truly loved her since the day they met but kept his feelings to himself out of respect to her marriage?

These are the questions that helped me figure out who Margreet is and how to take her on a journey that she would begin as a woman controlled by her husband to one who gains her freedom, sees herself in a new light, and is ready for true romance and love.

To those who are fans of dangerous romance in novels, I know that everyone is different and if that’s what floats your boat, more power to you. You are the only person qualified to decide what works for you, and I support that wholeheartedly. My concern is for those who think that dangerous romance is cool in real life, because it’s not. It could cost you your safety or even your life, and I don’t wish that upon anyone.

If you’d like to sample my work for free, you can download a free “mini” ebook called “Dragonslayer Stories” from my website at http://www.resanelson.com/files. No cost, no obligation, nothing to sign up for, no information gathering. I like giving away samples of my work so you can decide for yourself whether you like it or not. I’m also doing a book giveaway on GoodReads (Books 1 and 2 in my Dragonslayer series), and you can enter to win at http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/19270-the-dragonslayer-s-sword.

Resa Nelson’s links:

Resa’s website: http://www.resanelson.com

Free “mini” ebook of Dragonslayer short stories: http://www.resanelson.com/files

GoodReads giveaway: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/19270-the-dragonslayer-s-sword

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Resa-Nelson-The-Dragonslayers-Sword/122200661871

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ResaNelson

Email: ContactResa@aol.com

Ebooks ($4.99 each) are available directly from Mundania Press at: http://mundania.com/author.php?author=Resa+Nelson (get a 10% discount at checkout with the coupon code MP10)

Paperbacks are available from Mundania Press, Amazon, and Barnes&Noble:

http://mundania.com/author.php?author=Resa+Nelson (get a 10% discount at checkout with the coupon code MP10)

http://www.amazon.com/Resa-Nelson/e/B002C78D2Q/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1325972739&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/resa-nelson

The Dragonslayer’s Sword (Book 1)

For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover--the dragonslayer--disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning.

Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child.

Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

The Iron Maiden (Book 2)

Astrid is reluctant to travel the winter route beyond the Northlands, even though it’s her duty. She’d rather stay home in her village, surrounded by friends and neighbors. Ignoring the bonds of tradition, she decides to spend the cold winter months in the warmth of her blacksmithing shop. Why should she leave the comfort of her cottage to serve and protect foreigners who might raid and harm her native Northlands?

Everything changes when a traveling merchant steals Starlight, the first dragonslayer’s sword Astrid forged and her last link to her sweetheart DiStephan. Having no time to alert her friends, Astrid races in pursuit of the merchant, determined to reclaim Starlight as her own and return home in time for dinner. Instead, her quest leads her to new lands, unexpected friendships with foreigners, and a harrowing encounter with the damage done by the followers of a new god that considers women as nothing more than servants to men. All the while, she must be ready to face any dragon traveling the winter route.

In Book 2 of the Dragonslayer series, Astrid must learn that deciding who she is isn’t a decision she can make just once. It’s a decision she must make every day.

Workshop: Professional Manuscript Formatting: Make It Easy For Editors To Say Yes

2012-01-29T20:37:00.002-05:00

\\***** Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged *****//

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents

Professional Manuscript Formatting: Make It Easy For Editors To Say Yes -- Presented by Lauri Blasch

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=142

In order to ensure proper credit when paying for a workshop registration fee by PayPal, you must indicate what the payment is for in the message portion of the PayPal transaction at the time you pay. Thank you.

Have you’ve ever had a submission package rejected and honestly not known why? If your query letter, synopsis, and manuscript were polished and in really excellent shape, the culprit could be your formatting, not your story. Is formatting really that important, you ask. As an editor, I can tell you it is that important. In a normal week, editors and agents get hundreds if not thousands of manuscripts to slog through. Bad formatting makes them harder to read, which means it takes us longer. If the formatting makes your submission package too difficult to read, most editors and agents will simply reject it and move on to the next submission package in line. Many a good story has been rejected, not because it wouldn’t sell, but because the formatting made it too much trouble to read. Don’t let this happen to your story. Learn how to turn in a professional submission package that will showcase your work in the best light. In this class, we will discuss how to interpret a publisher’s submission guidelines, the dos and don’ts of basic formatting as well as the not-so-basic formatting, what you should and shouldn’t include in your submission package, and much more.

When: February 6, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Registration:

The cost is $20.00 for FFnP members and $25.00 for non-FFnP members. Payment is due at the time of registration. Refunds / credits are determined on a case by case basis. If a class should be canceled, then participants have a choice of a credit to be applied to a future workshop or a refund.

Join FF&P: http://www.romance-ffp.com/join.cfm

This workshop will be conducted via a Yahoo! email loop. Email invitations will be sent 48 hours prior to the beginning of the workshop. Just register for the workshop and complete the payment process via PayPal.

Speaker Information:

Lauri Blasch has been a professional editor for over ten years, first as a freelance editor then as a non-fiction, technical writing editor and now as an acquiring editor for Black Opal Books. She has a BA in special education and taught disabled as well as gifted children for a number of years before switching to a less-stressful career. She loves working with authors, especially with new authors because they are so willing to learn. She’s a single mother of four pre-teen children. When not working or tending her children, she takes night classes at the local community college, working toward her masters in education.

Workshop: Lining Up the Bones - Crafting Your Paranormal

2012-01-29T20:33:00.002-05:00

\\***** Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged *****//

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents

Lining Up the Bones: Crafting Your Paranormal -- Presented by Angie Fox

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=130

What will it take to sell your paranormal? From dynamic hooks, to compelling characters, sizzling sexual tension to creative world building, we'll explore the elements you need to make your paranormal stand out in an increasingly crowded market. This workshop will provide real life examples, as well as exercises, so you can refine your plot, craft your story and take your writing to the next level.

Topics covered:

1: Introduction/Worldbuilding 101

2: Compelling Characters/ Sexual Tension

3: Dynamic Hooks

4: Major Plot Points

5: Truly Dangerous Dark Moments

6: Wrapping it all Up

When: February 6, 2012 through February 19, 2012

Registration:

The cost is $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members. Refunds / credits are determined on a case by case basis. If a class should be canceled, then participants have a choice of a credit to be applied to a future workshop or a refund.

Join FF&P: http://www.romance-ffp.com/join.cfm

Speaker Information:

Angie Fox is the New York Times bestselling author of several books about vampires, werewolves and things that go bump in the night. She claims that researching her stories can be just as much fun as writing them. In the name of fact-finding, Angie has ridden with Harley biker gangs, explored the tunnels underneath Hoover Dam and found an interesting recipe for Mamma Coalpot’s Southern Skunk Surprise (she’s still trying to get her courage up to try it). Angie earned a Journalism degree from the University of Missouri. She worked in television news and then in advertising before beginning her career as an author. Visit Angie at www.angiefox.com.

Workshop: Inside the Criminal Mind

2012-01-29T20:32:00.000-05:00

\\***** Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged *****//

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents

Inside the Criminal Mind -- Presented by Lucinda Schroeder

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=133

This fascinating class shows writers how to mix true crime stories with fiction writing craft. The result is writing that is realistic yet highly engaging. Students will learn how to create criminal characters that live quietly within the common fabric of society until they pull a trigger, grab a knife or concoct a poison. Cases like the one of a Sunday-school teacher who murdered two husbands, illustrate how to develop authentic motivations for their murderous characters. Students will also learn how to write from the POV of a criminal. "Inside the Criminal Mind" covers the childhood backgrounds and the specific mind-set of murderers, rapist, robbers, and serial killers. This information is critical to making criminally inclined characters multi-dimensional and real.

When: February 6, 2012 through March 4, 2012

Registration:

The cost is $20.00 for FFnP members and $30.00 for non-FFnP members. Refunds / credits are determined on a case by case basis. If a class should be canceled, then participants have a choice of a credit to be applied to a future workshop or a refund.

Join FF&P: http://www.romance-ffp.com/join.cfm

Speaker Information:

Lucinda Schroeder is a retired federal agent who spent 30 years investigating crimes. She holds a BA in criminology and is the author of "A Hunt for Justice," www.ahuntforjustice --a true crime story that reads like a mystery.

Workshop: Breaking Things Down Into Threes

2012-01-29T20:27:00.002-05:00

\\***** Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged *****//

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents

Breaking Things Down Into Threes -- Presented by Beth Daniels

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=139

You’re a Pantser and you like things that way. And yet, it sure would be handy to have some sort of plan in mind so that you can write faster and more efficiently, right? The trouble is, all the books and articles that tell you how to do that are written by Plotters -- the sort of people who like to work out all the details in advance rather than let them flow. And you’re definitely a go with the flow type. Well, there is a solution...or if not a total solution, at least a way to have both your Pantser's cake and pour it into mini-Plotter cupcake cups. After that, it's all icing. What are these cupcake sized manuscript bits? Well, I call them the act of BREAKING THINGS DOWN INTO THREES. It's easy to do, it doesn’t make you feel like you’ve pitched your tent in the midst of the Plotter camp either. Just bring your current manuscript or a story idea that's bursting to escape onto the written page. This doesn't force you to write 50,000 words in 30 days, although you could. It helps you move ahead at a constant pace with some idea of what to do next, even if the light at the end of the tunnel isn't showing just yet. Or looks a bit like it's a 15-watt bulb rather than a 100-watt. That's all that's necessary to plunge into BREAKING IT DOWN INTO THREES!

When: February 6, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Registration:

Join FF&P: http://www.romance-ffp.com/join.cfm

Speaker Information:

Beth Daniels is the author of 26 published novels, a number of articles on writing, and a handful of published or soon-to-be published short stories. She has written -- or is currently writing – under the pseudonyms Beth Henderson, J.B. Dane, Lisa Dane, and Beth Cruise. Diversification is nearly her middle name for she writes historical romance, romantic-suspense, contemporary romantic comedy, has dabbled in YA, writing seven books based on the Saved By The Bell television series, and is currently deep into steampunk/fantasy storylines. Her books have appeared in a dozen languages in over twenty countries, and she's worked with a baker’s dozen worth of editors, two agents, and seven publishing houses since her first book was published in 1990. Beth is also the author of the non-fiction WRITING STEAMPUNK, available through Amazon in trade paperback or Kindle and through Barnes and Noble's Nook. As J.B. Dane, she has a short story, "The Dragon's Tale", in the MOTHER GOOSE IS DEAD anthology from Damnation Press. A past national coordinator of RWA's Golden Heart contest, she has been a member of numerous national or international writing organizations. With a BA in History, a MA in English Composition and Rhetoric, and over a dozen years teaching writing, including Novel writing, at local colleges, she comes to the world of online writing workshops with credentials nearly tripping over each other. Visit her at www.RomanceAndMystery.com for information on titles or forthcoming workshops.

Workshop: BDSM for Writers: Characterization and Scene Analysis

2012-01-29T20:26:00.002-05:00

\\***** Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged *****//

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents

BDSM for Writers: Characterization and Scene Analysis -- Presented by Dr. Charley Ferrer

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=148

Starting with the knowledge you've gained in BDSM FOR WRITERS: BEGINNER and BDSM FOR WRITERS: ADVANCED, this critique-only workshop will address characters and BDSM scenes in your book. You will learn the tricks that lifestyle practitioners use and incorporate them into your writing. We will analyze your scenes and ensure they work! Authors are encouraged to submit scenes from their upcoming novels to work on. As we discuss various WIPs, you’ll learn how to tweak your scenes to make them more realistic. You will also discover various ways to encourage your Muse to help you create new obstacles and erotic scenes which will incorporate the various elements of the Power Exchange. Dr. Charley will provide constructive analysis (feedback) on your scene submission to help you discover what works and what doesn't. Explore in greater depth the aspects of humiliation, punishment, Edge Play and "Mind F**ks" to enhance your stories. Discover the value of using your BDSM FOR WRITERS CHECKLIST to unlock the secrets to your character’s desire, create/overcome internal and relationship conflicts and develop amazing D/s scenes that will have your readers coming back for more. Assignments/homework: * Submit BDSM FOR WRITERS CHECKLIST for your two main characters. If writing a menage submit up to three characters. * Submit one scene, no more than five (5) pages for review. Scenes must be submitted 5 days prior to first class. Once you have registered for the workshop, submit scenes to FF&P Workshop Coordinator Michaela Davidson (davidson_michaela AT yahoo DOT com). Be sure to mention the email address you used to register, if it's different than the one you're using to submit your scene.

When: February 6, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Registration Costs:

The cost is $20.00 for FFnP members and $25.00 for non-FFnP members. If you attempt to register for this workshop and the website indicates that it's full, you can email FF&P Workshop Coordinator Michaela Davidson (davidson_michaela AT yahoo DOT com) and ask to be put on the waiting list in case of cancellations or future sessions (to be scheduled at FF&P RWA's discretion, depending on student interest).

Join FF&P: http://www.romance-ffp.com/join.cfm

Speaker Information:

Dr. Charley Ferrer is a Clinical Sexologist and Psychotherapist with over 15 years experience. She produces and hosts a TV Talk Show called PLEASURE on relationships and sexuality. She's an award winning author with eight books on sexuality and self-empowerment. Her new books BDSM FOR WRITERS and BDSM THE NAKED TRUTH are being released June 17, 2011. Dr. Charley teaches Psychology & Human Sexuality courses at Rutgers University and lectures throughout the US and Latin America on various topics dealing with sexuality. She's the Sex Expert for various TV/Radio shows. She writes for various newspapers & magazines, including Fox News Latino where her first Live interview was providing relationship advice to the Royal couple. In her spare time, Dr. Charley enjoys traveling and exploring ancient ruins and conducting research. She has created a Yahoo Group for BDSM writers to share their knowledge and learn from each other. For 2012, she’s hosting a BDSM FOR WRITERS Conference in New York City where authors will not only receive information but gain a little hands-on experience. Plus she’s hosting a BDSM Writers Contest for published and unpublished authors starting September. Please feel free to visit her site www.bdsmforwriters.com or for general information about sexuality www.instituteofpleasure.org.

Workshop: Agents and Editors: We Don't Bite...Much

2012-01-29T20:23:00.002-05:00

\\***** Permission to Forward Granted and Encouraged *****//

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA Presents

Agents and Editors: We Don't Bite...Much -- Presented by Lynn Price

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=136

Filling a gap that exists in today's writing reference manuals and writer's conferences, this two-week online course offers a unique look at the publishing business and the submission process from the agent's/editor's viewpoint. This one-stop-shopping class also will provide a thorough breakdown of the elements that go into a cover letter, synopsis, biography, and promotion plan. You will learn about: * Differences in publishers and what is a Print On Demand publisher versus print on demand printing technology? * What is a vanity press, and can they get my books on store shelves? * What's the advantage to going e-book? * Should I care about distribution? Added to the mix will be Lynn Price's own special collection of common writing mistakes that often result in a rejection letter - point of view switches, comma misplacement, bad transitions between new paragraphs. This fast-paced, two-week look at the publishing world will cover the whole enchilada so writers can become better at their craft and understand how the industry works.

When: February 13, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Registration:

Join FF&P: http://www.romance-ffp.com/join.cfm

Speaker Information:

Along with being the editorial director for Behler Publications, Lynn Price is the award-winning author of the novel, Donovan's Paradigm, and of the writing reference book, The Writer's Essential Tackle Box: Getting a Hook on the Publishing Industry. Debuting last year as part of the Get It Write series, this second work provides "an insider's view geared to inform and educate writers as to how we work, why we work, and the pitfalls to avoid." Since 2003, Behler Publications has been publishing best selling and critically acclaimed works chronicling personal journeys with socially relevant themes: stories that deal with how people are influenced and changed by their experiences and how they deal with those repercussions. The books invite introspection: "I'm a better/more thoughtful/ smarter person for having read this book." In addition to extensive speaking engagements at writer's conferences all over the country, Lynn also assumes a lighthearted and somewhat irreverent tone in addressing the many issues facing today's writers on the Behler Publications blog:http://behlerblog.com/

Review - The Lure of Song and Magic

2012-01-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

The Lure of Song and Magic

Patricia Rice

Sourcebooks, Casablanca Inc

January, 2012

Dylan "Oz" Oswin is a man with a mission. His son was kidnapped, twice. Once by his late wife and then when Oz had the boy back, by the nanny. He’s used his considerable knowledge and connections to find Donal but to no avail. Donal has been gone for a year and it’s breaking Oz’s heart. Now he has a mysterious entity known as the Librarian who is sending him text messages and emails that he hopes will lead him to Donal. The messages have led him to Pippa James, formerly known as Syrene, a teen singing sensation.

But Pippa, practically a hermit, is now a successful children's author and wants nothing to do with Oz or the music industry. She is convinced her unique vocal talents are responsible for the death of her first husband and fears it can lead others to their deaths or destruction. She wants to be left alone to write and to interact with her small group of friends.

Oz is persistent and eventually gets Pippa to accept him…to an extent. When she challenges him to find her non-existent family, Oz knows she’s using the challenge as another way to keep everyone at a distance. He’s intrigued with her as she goes from a calm Zen-like state to an emotional tornado full of sass and wit. He prefers the emotional tornado because it’s real. Slowly, the two discover a strong attraction and admiration for the other. Neither is looking for love. Pippa is mainly seeking human contact since she’d cut herself off from just about everything. Oz is seeking comfort to ease his shattered heart. But though Pippa thought Oz would never be able to find her family, the Librarian gives him leads and they discover Pippa’s mother as well as other information about her missing family and the unusual disappearances involved.

Kudo’s to Ms Rice on this book. There were so many twists and so much pain in both Oz and Pippa that I worried that they’d never find a happy ending. But Ms Rice has the ability to grab and keep a reader’s attention. I went from wondering if Pippa’s ‘siren’ like voice was real or a figment of her imagination to knowing how powerful her voice really was so gradually I can’t say precisely where the change occurred. It was the same with Oz, the arrogant, persistent ‘bastard’ who, by his own words, bullied Pippa into helping him then, as he grew to know her, became conflicted over what he had done. And I went from thinking Pippa was simply a psycho diva to realizing she was so full of pain and loneliness it was a miracle she was still sane.

I have one caveat for this otherwise fantastic book. I was not impressed with the ending. It seemed rushed and somewhat clichéd compared to the preceding parts of the book. Nevertheless, this is a book the reader will want to read several times just to pick up all the nuances in the characters and plot. I know I will.

Guest - Kristin Battestella

2012-01-25T06:00:00.012-05:00

Good morning all! We have a great guest for today. Kristin Battestella is discussing human and vampires today. Enjoy!

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Human versus Vampire- It’s Not A Contest!

By Kristin Battestella

“The surgeons wrapped Samantha in a canopy of blue sheets and hooked her up to machines.

“Scalpel,” The masked doctor ordered.

The shiny silver glinted in his hand, then it dove in. Blood soaked the sheets and dyed them purple. Through some of our lost magic still remaining, I spaced out of the operating room. Memories not my own, thoughts and recollections of my Father I still held. From his dying breath to his most treasured moment, I saw my Mother. I saw my mother giving birth to me.

Antonio had been there, and there I was small and bloody and screaming. The vision was black and white, but red blood was everywhere. My mother’s eyes were fading, yet she was lovely, angry, happy, and sad all at the same time. She gasped her last breath, and I heard my own baby cry…”

That’s Gaston, star of Fate and Fangs: Tales from Vampire Family Book 6 Humanity, having a shared memory of his human birth. More and more in vampire fiction, it seems the brood or romance of the vampire is so wham bam glitter and cool. This dark underbelly hip power almost always happens at the expense of real world reality and discussion. Humans are simply stupid, paranormal clueless, or just simply not as cool.

Think outside the coffin people! Vampires originally rose up as myths and legends to explain the unexplained or mirror the dark fears and evil tendencies of humanity’s past. Why are these parallels not being used in today’s paranormals? Go there, go deep, get to the soul of the races to tell your tale in multi layered dimensions and relations. Can a vampire born of such a vile exchange ever be anything good? What makes a human of such righteous potential go so bad?

So many of us work the 9 to 5 monotony, addicted to coffee, stressed, depressed, a drone in the routine for the man. The Vitamin D deficient cubicle workers are indeed vampires, getting their souls and zest for life sucked from them in exchange for finances to curb the minimum existence and continue the vicious cycle over and over again. Likewise, today’s confused youth listen to emo, go wild, fml, and where’s the meaning while the recent sappy boy vamps of fiction yearn for high school and sunlight and the freedom of their lost youth. Suffice to say, art and life seem a little backwards. Use this to your advantage!

In my Fate and Fangs series with Muse It Up, there are seven books to explore these issues beyond vampire coven wars, teen dreams, or vampire cool. We have some very ugly and unlikeable folks, like Victoria in Tale 4, Debauchery. Some of it is solid, healthy romance, too, Book 1 Love for example. In Humanity, however, the Welshires have to face the music. …

Welshire brother Gaston is trying to move on with his life now that the Vampire Family is human again for Professor James’ sixth chronicle. Unfortunately, Gaston’s sister Victoria cannot cope with the change and turns to her former fledgling Caine for unfulfilling excess and access. Should their pregnant sister Samantha risk the journey to London- and the lives of her unborn children- to save what’s left of The Vampire Family?

How’s a vampire who’s a human again going to deal? What would - or wouldn’t - you do to be a vampire again? Would you be happy to be rid of the predatory vampire cravings and night time bindings? Or would you become a different kind of soulless person- one who leeches energy, time, money, and materials off others? Our final Fate and Fangs title, Resurrection, asks a very simple question- which would you choose if you had the chance to do it all over again?

Former Lilithan vampire and newly divorced scientist Stephanie can’t get over how much she misses being a vampire in this final tale from Professor James. After a harrowing car accident, Stephanie meets Mestiphles, the giver and taker of vampire power on both sides of the coven wars. His charm and seductive powers sweeten the demonic offer he extends, but will Stephanie accept his dark opportunities?

Go for the jugular by all means, but also snare the soul, askew the lines between the living and the dead, and warp the mind! Be unique in the supposed human or vampire game, turn it on its vein, and tell your story as it needs to be told. Don’t waste the opportunity of examination the vampire mythos naturally brings for some fleeting and trending thin-skinned vampy cool. Really, how mundane is that?

Fate and Fangs: Tales from The Vampire Family

Feel Love, experience Punishment, know Struggle, indulge the Debauchery, crave Lust, learn Humanity, face Resurrection, and choose: Fate or Fangs?

No Blood necessary for the participation in any Vampire Family events.

Yet!

http://vampfam.blogspot.com

http://jsnouff.com/kristin

http://kristin724.livejournal.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vampire-Family/157922293588

http://www.myspace.com/kristinbattestella

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella/

http://www.facebook.com/kristin.battestella

Bio:

Kristin Battestella writes for her hometown newspaper The Cumberland County Reminder in New Jersey and has been writing non fiction speculative fiction, dark fantasy, paranormal, and horror for fifteen years. She enjoys being at home with her family, collecting records, and creating web pages in her spare time. Along with numerous sports articles, online reviews (Her review of the film 300 earned 11,000 hits and crashed the Fire Fox News server!), the South Jersey Books Column at Examiner, and fiction work; Kristin's first eBook was published in 2005. She is a member of EPIC, the Friends of the Mount Laurel Library, and has her eyes set on joining the Online Film Critics Society. Kristin's first full-length work The Vampire Family has been re-released with Eternal Press; and in addition to numerous reviews, interviews, chats, and blog appearances, Kristin recently attended the Philadelphia and Collingswood Book Festivals.

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-- Lynda Again
Very interesting post! I'm intrigued by the idea of a vampire-turned-human with the potential to return to a vampiric existence. What do you, our Star-Crossed Romance readers think? Let's discuss it.

Dreaming of Spring

2012-01-23T06:00:00.019-05:00

Good morning everyone!

I’m not a winter person.

I don’t like the short days. I don’t like the cold. I don’t like ice. I don’t like snow that has to be shoveled. I don’t like having to wear heavy winter coats and boots just to stay warm and upright.

But…it’s part of Nature’s cycle in this part of the world so I’ve resigned myself to it. Luckily, we only have a few months of winter followed by…Yay, Spring! At this time of year, I start the Spring count down. As the numbers of days till Spring gets smaller, the days get longer, the air warms and the snow…well, the snow tends to turn to rain. If it isn’t warm enough outside, the rain and snow mix into a nasty, dangerous icy combo that causes accidents and falls and downed lines and, sometimes even, roof damage.

Yeah, I definitely don’t like winter, lol.

So I trick myself into anticipating Sping, glorious Spring! I count down the days. I study the spring catalogues with all the newest plants. I plan my garden. My plans are always more grand than the actual project turns out but I live in a dreamer’s world. I believe in the right to dream.

Dreams are great things. Dreams help us visualize our plans (like my garden or my books). They can show us how we can get there. I’ve been known to use my dreams to come up with book plots and sometimes entire stories.

Some of those dreams turned into scenes in my novel, Heartstone (yep, the scarier scenes—I have a scary mind, lol, but the hero is to die for) and some went into

scenes in Altered Destiny (okay, there are scary scenes there too but some of those scenes were with the hunky hero, Devyn who makes it worthwhile). Some dreams turned into complete stories, like my novella, Heart Of A Dragon (a lonely dragon is robbed of his greatest treasure and sets about retrieving it). Though Heart Of A Dragon is more fantasy, there is a very sweet romance in it. One day I may expand it into a novel size or build on it for a different book altogether.

I’ll have to dream on it to decide ;-)

Do you have any mid-winter rituals to get you through the cold, dreary months? Share them with us. If you include your email addy in your comment, I’ll have my alien kitten, Wookie, pick one person to win a e-copy of either Heartstone or Altered Destiny (winner’s choice). Leave your comment by January 27.

Oh, as of today, Monday January 23, there are 57 days till Spring! I can barely wait.

Heartstone, Mundania Press http://www.mundania.com/book.php?title=Heartstone

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Heartstone-Lynda-K-Scott/dp/1606592335/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307896585&sr=8-1

Heartstone is available in print and ebook format

Altered Destiny,

Kindle, http://www.amazon.com/Altered-Destiny-ebook/dp/B00579FKFO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1308692836&sr=8-2

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/altered-destiny-lynda-k-scott/1103871700?ean=2940012882417

Heart Of A Dragon,

Kindle

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FQTONI

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-a-dragon-lynda-k-scott/1104680990?ean=2940013179981

Have a Blessed Day!

FF&P February Workshops

2012-01-22T17:20:00.000-05:00

BDSM for Writers: Characterization and Scene Analysis -- Presented by Dr. Charley Ferrer

Starting with the knowledge you've gained in BDSM FOR WRITERS: BEGINNER and BDSM FOR WRITERS: ADVANCED, this critique-only workshop will address characters and BDSM scenes in your book

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=148

When: February 6, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Breaking Things Down Into Threes -- Presented by Beth Daniels

You’re a Pantser and you like things that way. And yet, it sure would be handy to have some sort of plan in mind so that you can write faster and more efficiently, right?

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=139

When: February 6, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Inside the Criminal Mind -- Presented by Lucinda Schroeder

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=133

When: February 6, 2012 through March 4, 2012

Lining Up the Bones: Crafting Your Paranormal -- Presented by Angie Fox

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=130

When: February 6, 2012 through February 19, 2012

Professional Manuscript Formatting: Make It Easy For Editors To Say Yes -- Presented by Lauri Blasch

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=142

When: February 6, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Scene CPR: Breathing Life into Ailing Scenes with Scene Goals, Disasters & Sequels – Presented by Laurin Wittig

This class will show you a simple but powerful way to turn your ailing scene into a robust part of your story with scene goals and disasters. She will also teach you the power of the four stage sequel and how to combine it with your scenes to create a story that keeps your readers turning the pages long into the night.

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=145

When: February 6, 2012 through March 4, 2012

Agents and Editors: We Don't Bite...Much -- Presented by Lynn Price

http://my.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=136

When: February 13, 2012 through February 26, 2012

Guest - Stephanie Rowe

2012-01-18T06:00:00.008-05:00

Good morning all! We have Stephanie Rowe visiting today. Stephanie will be talking about living your dream. Her publisher is offering one copy of her latest, Hold Me If You Can, to one lucky Star-Crossed commenter. You'll want to read my review here and, seriously, we have to keep Wookie, my alien kitten, happy. She likes lots of entries to choose from ;-) Check out how to enter down below.

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Finding Space to Live Your Dream

I have a dream, a big dream, of a way I want my life to be, or of something I want to do with my life, but the reality of my day-to-day responsibilities suck all my free time from me. Every night I go to bed, I think "Tomorrow, I'll start to work on it. Tomorrow I'll make time." And then tomorrow comes, and time for me never appears. I don't know what to do. I can't make it happen. Tell me your secret.

I receive emails with that question, I get tapped on the shoulder at book signings, I get asked that by friends and family. It's not always phrased that way. Sometimes it is simply, "I want to write, but I don't have time. How do you make time?"

It's not only aspiring writers who have dreams. Many people, most people, have secret dreams of things they want to do, be, accomplish, but sometimes it's really to find a way to fit it in! So we sit there, hoping for a break, for a window to act, and yet time slips away.

The truth is, there's no easy way to find time. There's no Magic Time Fairy who will wave her sparkly wand over your head and make time stop for three hours a day so you can go do your thing and not have the world waiting on you. I sure wish there was!

For me, the first thing I did to make time to write was to decide that it was of top importance to me. At the time, I had a full-time job with a high level of responsibility. I was exhausted at the end of every day, so I knew I had to work in the morning. I started getting up before work to write, and as time went on, I kept getting up earlier and earlier, so excited by the idea of writing. Eventually I was getting to the computer at 3:30 in the morning and working for almost five hours before the day had even started! To do that, however, I had to make choices. I stopped playing tennis for four years, I gave up television, I stop going out at night (hard to do that when you're getting up at 3:30) and really streamlined my life. The elimination of those other activities was gradual: I started simply by getting up a half-hour earlier and making time for my writing. We can all manage to get up a half hour earlier, right? Sure we can. There's your half-hour, there's your start. That half hour when the rest of the house is asleep is all yours. Love it, embrace it, and dance it in guilt free… and DON'T use it for ANYTHING but pursuing your dream, whether it's writing, getting fit, knitting, building furniture, baking desserts, or whatever it is.

The second step, and this is a biggie, is realizing that you can make steps toward your dream in little increments. For example, I write in seven minute increments. If I have seven minutes, I will write. There are so many snippets of time in a day that are just waiting for you to grab them. What about when you're cooking dinner and waiting for the water to boil? Or when you're waiting for your kids to finish getting ready for school in the morning. Or when you're waiting in line at the doctor's office. Or if you get to lunch a few minutes early—whip out your laptop and get to work. Even if your dream is to build cabinets, you can still accomplish things in those seven minute increments in the parking lot: look at your designs, study photographs of your work-in- progress to figure out next steps or changes you want to make, make phone calls to find out what store has the wood you want, slap some stain on some samples and see what you like, or simply whip out your notebook and start making a list of things you can do in your seven minute snippets of time.

It takes creativity, determination and a peaceful, strategic mind to carve out space for your dream, but you can do it. The first step is to make that decision, the next step is to figure out those little openings you have, and the third step is to seize those openings for yourself with great excitement, no guilt and a sparkle in your eye. One you pry open that door, you will discover more and more opportunities to pursue your dream will open up. Little by little, it will happen. Be patient, be kind to yourself if it seems to take a while, and tell yourself that you deserve to take those little moments for your dream.

Each step might be small, but when you put enough of them together, you can make it all the way to the moon.

What is your dream? What steps are you taking to get there? And if you haven't taken any steps, what is going to be your first one? Did you ever have to make it through tough odds to get what you wanted? Share your story in the comments, and a winner will be randomly selected to win a copy of HOLD ME IF YOU CAN.

BIO: Four-time RITA® Award nominee and Golden Heart® Award winner Stephanie Rowe is the nationally bestselling author of more than twenty published books with major New York publishers, including HarperCollins, Grand Central and Harlequin. Stephanie has received starred reviews from Booklist and high praise from Publisher's Weekly. Stephanie writes romance (paranormal, contemporary and suspense), teen fiction, middle grade fiction and inspirational non-fiction. A former attorney, Stephanie lives in Boston where she is actively working on her next projects, which include a re-release of her sexy Alaska Heat romantic suspense ICE, as well as the dark paranormal series The Order of the Blade, which will be launching in February and March with a trilogy. For more information on Stephanie, visit www.stephanierowe.com.

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-- Lynda Again

To enter the drawing,
1) Leave a Comment for Stephanie
2) Send an email to me at Lynda@LyndaKScott.com with 'Hold Me If You Can' in the subject line and your snail mail addy in the body
3) On Friday, January 20 I'll let Wookie select the winner. We'll announce that lucky person here :-)

Have a Blessed Day!

Review - Hold Me If You Can

2012-01-17T19:34:00.000-05:00

Hold Me If You Can

Stephanie Rowe

Sourcebooks, Casablanca

January 2012

In this third installment of the Stephanie Rowe’s paranormal romance series, Nigel Aquarian, warrior-artist, meets Natalie Fleming, chocolatier. Natalie is a Sweet and the Sweets are irresistible to demonic deedubs. Natalie knows that only too well—her entire family has been killed by poisonous deedub bites. Natalie managed to thwart the poison (set up in Touch If You Dare) but apparently the deedub is back. And he’s wanting to sink his teeth in her. Again.

Nigel comes to the rescue. He’s been interested in Natalie for a while but, with his baggage, seriously doubted that he was good enough for her. However, when he can’t convince Natalie to take off for her own safety, he realizes he’s the only one who can keep her safe.

At least, that’s what he thinks until a problem with his art puts him and his warrior brothers in jeopardy. And if he can’t use his art, he won’t be able to protect Natalie.

Even though this is the third book in the series, Hold Me If You Can stands alone quite well. The references to characters or plot lines in the earlier books are explained easily and with no fuss. The plot, like both the other books in this series, is fast-paced and action packed. It has amusing moments, a few which are downright laugh out loud moments.

I enjoyed watching the warrior and the chocolatier fall in love and I loved the way Stephanie created these characters, giving them unique personalities and problems. I particularly liked the way these two wounded characters fought to overcome their fears in order to find their strengths.

The secondary characters, Pascal and Christian, and Ella and Maggie are well crafted and probably (I hope) in search of their own books.

Uniquely imaginative and well written, Hold Me If You Can will keep you entertained on these long, cold, mid-winter nights.

Guest - Linda Wisdom

2012-01-16T06:00:00.021-05:00

Good morning all! We have the talented and lovely Linda Wisdom visiting us today. I decided it was time Linda did one of my mini-interviews. She gave some really fun answers. So enjoy!

Oh, before I forget, Linda is offering a giveaway of one copy of her newest 'A Demon Does It Better' to one lucky commenter. You can see my review here. All you have to do is email me at Lynda@LyndaKScott.com. Put 'A Demon Does It Better' in the subject line and your snail mail address in the body. Friday, I'll ask Wookie, my alien kitten, to select the winner. She likes lots of entries (to play with) so be sure to enter!

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What’s the one question you wish people would ask you when you tell them you’re a writer? How would you answer it? If they asked me why I write. And that answer is easy. I’m convinced it’s in my blood. The need to write is as strong as my need for coffee and chocolate. There’s days I’m so frustrated with my work I dramatically declare never again. The next day I’m back at it.

If you were doomed to spend the rest of your life on an island with only one book, one person, one food (coconuts and fish aside), and one object from the modern world (computer, deodorant, etc.), what would they be? Oh boy, talk about tough! Only one food? I guess I’ll blend the two and say chocolate flavored coffee. A Nook that never runs out of books. It’s electronic. Heh heh heh. And that covers the book part. One person. Captain Jack Sparrow. I’m sure he’d demand rum.

What’s the sexiest feature on a man to you? Why? That’s easy, his smile. Especially when the smile reaches his eyes. A man’s smile is like a nice warm blanket.

What’s your own sexiest feature? LOL! I think I’m past that. Although I get a lot of compliments about my smile.

Do you have a favorite character out of all the ones you’ve written? If so, who is it and why is s/he your favorite? I guess I’d have to say Fluff and Puff, Jazz’s magick bunny slippers. They have their own power, are great footwear, and you’re never bored when they’re around. Just make sure to keep plenty of licorice root and chocolate around.

Who is your favorite character in ALL the books you've written? Why? LOL! See above. I honestly didn’t think they would take off the way they did. Those critters even get their own fan mail! I have bunny flip flops and there’s times I’m positive they’re not where I originally put them.

What is the ONE novel you think everyone should read? I honestly can’t say one book. The best part of so many books out there is that we have a wide variety of choices. What I might think everyone should read might be something others wouldn’t care for. All I ask is that everyone read at least one book and if that one book happens to have been written by me, so much the better. :}

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-- Lynda Again

Don't forget my review of Linda's 'A Demon Does It Better'. You can see it here. And don't forget to enter the drawing. We don't want to disappoint Wookie, now do we? ;-)

Available Now

Review - A Demon Does It Better

2012-01-13T21:38:00.001-05:00

A Demon Does It Better

Linda Wisdom

Sourcebooks, Casablanca

January 2012

A vulture perched outside the Crying Souls Hospital screeches, "You're all going to die!" But Dr. Liliana Carter, witch-healer extraordinaire, just sneers, "You wish."

This second book, in Linda Wisdom's Demon series, is just as witty and fun as all Linda's books. But it does have a darker edge threading through the plot. Dr. Lili hasn't admitted that her return to the hospital where she'd worked years earlier is a desperate search for a missing friend. This friend had worked at Crying Souls but simply vanished one day while working in the hospital.

While most of the hospital is shiny and modern, when Lili enters the psychiatric ward (in the dungeon like lower level), she is shocked by the poor physical conditions and the cruel care of the staff. But the treatment given to Patient 1172 is even more unsettling. The ward physician, Dr. Mortimer, who committed Patient 1172, has medieval ideas on how to treat mental problems. Dr Lili is aghast but knows that the ego-driven Mortimer must be handled carefully.

Lili's shock is even greater when she discovers that Patient 1172 is Jared, a devastatingly handsome demon she'd met while shopping with her feline cohort, Cleo. How he could be incarcerated in the hospital, chained with iron shackles, and still wander free in the witchy community arouses every bit of curiosity and healing compassion she holds.

It soon becomes clear that her missing friend and the medieval treatment in the psychiatric dungeon are somehow related. Lili and Jared set out to discover the secrets hidden in the dungeon but the dangers of discovery begin to mount. While Jared visits her outside the hospital, they uncover more than they expect when they discover their mutual attraction turning into a smoldering love affair. But will they be able to solve the mystery before it's too late? And will Lili be able to help Jared return to a normal life?

In my opinion, Jared is one of the best characters Wisdom has created. Chained in the dungeon, the reader can empathize with his fear and rage but when he's free? Whoa, Mama! Charming doesn't half describe him and the reader will certainly agree with me. Then there's Lili who as a healer and a witch doesn't give up on her patients – or her lover. She even tries to help a lost ghostling child find its mother...and the fact that the reader will probably get damp eyes when the little ghost finally is reunited with her mother shows that even the minor characters in this book are superbly well-drawn.

Linda Wisdom has a real winner in A Demon Does It Better. This book has it all – humor, wit, romance, danger and mystery. Fast paced, it draws you in from the first screech of the vulture to the last humorous screech. The reader will want to go through it a second and third time just to savor the plot, the characters and the romance. I certainly did.

Guest - Margaret Breashears

2012-01-09T06:00:00.015-05:00

Good morning all! To start our guest blogs off this year, we have Margaret Breashears, who'll tell us how she used research and creative license to create Wanted: Ghostbusting Bride. Enjoy!

The Trouble Among Ghosts – Creating a Ghostly War

My writing partner, Donna Helmedag, and I decided to use two warring ghosts, Lady Anne and Desdemona, in our contemporary paranormal romance Wanted: Ghostbusting Bride. Each diva demanded a unique story and personality, but a shared history. And our story required a conflict between the ghosts be so strong that the divas would carry their fighting down to the present. So Donna and I dove into historical research for likely examples then added creative license to create a ghostly mayhem lasting five centuries.

First we sought plausible stories that would cause a feud between two women. The tumultuous years of the War of the Roses provided us with ample the historical precedents.

The inspiration for our feuding ghosts came from the reason for Anne Neville’s imprisonment by the Duke of Clarence. Anne’s inheritance would go to her betrothed, the future Richard III, after their marriage. The Duke of Clarence saw Richard III a threat for the control of the English throne. Jealousy of wealth, standing, and influence are foundations of our ghostly war.

The prize our ghosts fought for during their lives was one callous, ambitious, unprincipled Earl of Ryne. We modeled the fictional Earl of Ryne after the real Thomas Stanley. Stanley had committed to fight on Richard III’s side at Bosworth Field, but withheld his troops during the battle until he saw the way the campaign was developing. Finally, he committed his troops to fight on the side of Henry Tudor against Richard III when the king’s horse bogged down in the mud. Stanley was married twice, and controlled his wives’ lands for his own gain.

Love wasn’t part of Stanley’s marriage plans or our Earl of Ryne’s. The treatment of our earl meted out to our ghosts in life exacerbated the hard feelings one ghost had for the descendants of earl. But the earl’s use of his two wives created a bond of victimization both ghosts shared.

The center of the ghostly controversy was the control of the earldom. Each ghost had a son by the fictional earl, and both ghosts sought for their son to inherit the earldom of Ryne. They willing fought to the death and carried their struggle on from beyond the grave in an attempt to control Ryne. Our model for such a brutal and vicious conflict came from Richard III and Henry Tudor vying for the English crown at the Battle of Bosworth Field.

English history even provided us with the example of a feisty woman determined to rule the country through her son. This woman wrested power from her husband and legitimate king, Edward II, for her son Edward III. Then she ran England as his regent for a time. If Isabella of France could rule England until her son neared manhood and took back control of the government, it wasn’t too much of a leap of creative license for our two ghosts to control the fate of Ryne down to the present.

Margaret Breashears

www.wantedghostbustingbride.com where spirited lovers meet feisty ghosts

Coming soon from Tell-Tale Publishing Group – our first romantic suspense novel with a ghostly twist, WANTED: Ghostbusting Bride.

At the age of fifteen, Lady Anne became the first duchess of Ryne when Henry VII offered her in marriage as a reward to Godfrey Markham. Godfrey was not the best of husbands. While he valued Lady Anne for her family’s land and wealth, their marriage was not happy. To make matters worse, Godfrey’s former lover returned to set her illegitimate son up as the duke of Ryne’s heir. The two women’s struggle ended in Lady Anne’s death. Since then, Lady Anne’s ghost has haunted Ryne castle.

Desdemona had a very unhappy life. At the age of fourteen, she found herself pregnant by Godfrey Markham. But he chose to marry Lady Anne for her family’s land and wealth. Desdemona was married off to an old man. On her husband’s death, she sought to have her son recognized as Godfrey’s heir. For a short time she convinced Godfrey to marry her and place her son above Lady Anne’s. However, Lady Anne’s family, hearing of the double-dealings of the duke, laid siege to the castle. Desdemona and her son were slaughtered, and Lady Anne’s second son became the next duke. Desdemona has haunted the ruined west tower of Ryne castle ever since.

Now the two warring ghosts are driving Spencer Markham, the new earl of Ryne, to seek a ghostbusting wife. He has one week to convince Kailyn Baker to marry him, but she has a bad attitude, wants nothing to do with marriage, and refuses to believe ghosts exist. Can he convince her to join him in defeating the warring specters before the ghosts’ violence turns deadly?

Bio

Donna Helmedag lives in Fairview, Texas with her husband, Ron. After almost thirty years of teaching Algebra and Geometry she has retired to pursue her dream of writing romantic suspense novels with a paranormal twist.

Margaret Breashears lives in Allen, Texas with her husband, Eddie. Retired from teaching history, she can be found either at the stable riding her horse, Evento Rex, or at Donna’s house writing about spirited lovers and feisty ghosts.

A gripe session in the teacher’s lounge at the local community college started their writing partnership. The pair quickly found out they shared a quirky sense of humor and a gift for telling action-packed stories. They’ve been writing together ever since.

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-- Lynda Again

Great article! The book sounds terrific! I'm sure our readers enjoyed it too. How about it, folks? Any comments or questions?

Have a Blessed Day!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:40:00.000-05:00

This year has been good for the Scott family and for Star-Crossed Romance. We've had great guests and wonderful books to review. 2012 looks like it will be on the same path with plenty of giveaways for our lucky readers.

As for me personally, I've had good luck with my self-published book, Altered Destiny (it's also available on the Nook) and with my book, Heartstone, published via Mundania Press. And I'm considering self-publishing a collection of my short stories and a new SF romance in 2012.

So 2012 is going to be a Very Good Year.

I hope your New Year will be blessed and filled with joy. If you're going out tonight, have fun but be safe. We don't want to lose any of you!

New Year 2012 Pictures Comments - Photobucket

Blogging at Writers and Writing today

2011-12-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning all! I'm over at Kris Neri's blog, Writers and
Writing, today talking about muses and the importance of
routines. I'd love it if you could stop by and say hi.

http://krisneri.blogspot.com/2011/12/breakfast-with-my-muse.
html

Guest - Terry Spear

2011-12-21T06:00:00.004-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is a long time favorite - Terry Spear! Terry is taking a little time from her family to share how an author balances holidays, family and writing. Sourcebooks is offering a giveaway of her book, Dreaming of the Wolf. Read on to find out how you can win a copy.

Oh, and look for my review of Dreaming Of The Wolf here.

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Balancing Writing with the Holidays

There’s supposed to be balance???

This year is my second year to have a December release, and next year will make it a third. So for me, the only way I’m going to write and be ready for the holidays, when I have a month long blog tour coming up also, is to do everything early.

Which is kind of like organizing my paperwork all year long for tax season the next year and being prepared. It isn’t going to happen. At least not all of it. :)

Which isn’t really true. I’m never prepared for tax season. And I always have all my blogs ready before the month of December rolls around.

But still, writing 30 or more blogs in the month before that, not to mention all the ones I do on a regular basis, working full time, and thinking about shopping—which reminds me, I still need to get a mother-of-the-bride gown for my daughter’s wedding in January, makes it hard to write books. Too.

Not to mention keeping up with editing deadlines. Also.

So I try to do everything that I can early and not procrastinate as much as possible (except on picking out a mother-of-the-bride gown—only because I looked once and couldn’t find anything), and that means writing all my guest blogs in the next couple of weeks that I can. I also ask my kids and their significant others what they want for Christmas so I can buy them early.

That really helps. Get the stuff done early, and then when the holidays get here, I’m ready. Sort of.

Last year when my kids and their significant others arrived, we were cooking the turkey, so we thought, for about two hours when my son remarked that we didn’t have any nice turkey smells.

Hmm. Yeah, he was right. The oven was dead.

So he cut up the turkey and we cooked it piecemeal in the small counter oven.

The thing about Christmases like that is they make them memorable. The turkey wasn’t beautiful when we put it on the table, but it was just as good eating. And we all had a laugh.

Which brings to mind that no matter how well planned things can be…a monkey wrench can easily be thrown into the middle…and there goes all that balance.

I’m currently writing about Tom, the triplet brother of Jake from Dreaming of the Wolf, and the sequel to the 1^st jaguar shifter story. So while I’m celebrating Dreaming of the Wolf’s release, because no matter what, that’s what all that writing is about—the ultimate release of the new book!—I’m still working on book 11 of the wolf series, and book 2 of the jaguar series as if I had total balance in my life.

Now, if I had one of those hunks in my life, it wouldn’t matter if my life was balanced or not. LOL

What about you? How do you handle the bustle of the holidays with your everyday life? Do you think a wolf like Jake would help or hinder your well planned days?

Terry Spear

“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy IS reality.”

www.facebook.com/terry.spear

www.terryspear.com

www.myspace.com/terryspear

http://terry-spear.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/TerrySpear

DREAMING OF THE WOLF by TERRY SPEAR—IN STORES DECEMBER 2011

A fierce hunter…

Alicia Greiston is a no-nonsense bounty hunter determined to bring a ring of mobsters to justice. Her dogged pursuit of the crime family has forced her to avoid relationships—any man would only become a target for retribution. Luckily, Jake Silver is more than a man, and his instincts are telling him to stop at nothing to protect her.

An animal passion…

However, the mob isn’t entirely human either, and soon Alicia must flee for her life. When Alicia and Jake’s passion begins to spill over into their dreams, Jake learns he will have to do more than defend her—he’ll have to show his mate the way of the wolf.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Terry Spear has written a dozen paranormal romance novels, with over 60,000 copies sold. She received Publishers Weekly's Best Book of the Year in 2008 for Heart of the Wolf. A retired officer of the U.S, Army Reserves, Terry is a librarian by day. She lives in Crawford, Texas. For more information, please visit www.terryspear.com.

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-- Lynda Again
As I mentioned earlier, the fantastic Danielle of Sourcebooks is sponsoring a giveaway of a copy of Dreaming of the Wolf to two of our lucky readers. To enter the drawing:

1) Leave a comment answering Terry's questions above include your email addy

2) Send me an email with your name and address. with Terru in the subject line.

On Friday, Dec 23, I'll have my alien kitten, Wookie, pick the winner. Good luck!

Have a Blessed Day!

Review - Dreaming Of The Wolf

2011-12-20T23:58:00.000-05:00

Dreaming Of The Wolf

Terry Spear

Sourcebooks, Casablanca

December 2011

Alicia Greiston is determined to bring her mother's killers to justice. But not just the thug who pulled the trigger. She wants the mobster who ordered her mother's death too. She's a thorn in their sides and they want her stopped.

That's why, when a big bruiser tries to intimidate the woman who's caught his eye, Jake Silver comes to her rescue. He pretends to know the intriguing woman, even kisses her to prove it, and the thug backs off. But he leaves Alicia with the threat that she won't always have someone to defend her.

Alicia can't believe that a man with Jake's rugged good looks is a knight in shining armor. Her experience with men has been less than successful. But with the threat the thug left, she knows that Jake might be hurt if he sticks around her. When he asks to spend time with her, she accepts but plans on ditching him.

Jake is more than a man though. He's a werewolf shapeshifter and his instincts are telling him to keep Alicia close, to protect her even if she doesn't want his protection. He's confused because the level of attraction and the instinctive need to protect her makes him think she's his mate but she's human. That instinct doesn't apply to humans even though Jake's passion for Alicia is so intense. When she ditches him, he follows her just in time to see her best two thugs who had also followed her. He's impressed, relieved and even more intrigued but after an afternoon of hot sex, she vanishes again. No amount of hunting gives him any clue as to where she went.

Alicia hates having to leave Jake but it's for the best. The note that threatened his life if he stays around is proof of that. Besides, she has no time for sexy men. She has to catch her mother's murderers if they skip their trial and bring them in. Unfortunately, her informant, who's left her clues as to their whereabouts, has other ideas. He's been changed, made into a werewolf, and doesn't want to be alone. He wants a mate and Alicia is it. His bite leads Alicia into a world she's never known. Then she starts dreaming of Jake. Every night.

Jake is morose after he loses Alicia. Then he starts dreaming about her, hot sexy dreams that leave him emotionally unsettled. After several weeks of not sleeping, he gets a call that she might be back in town and goes looking for her. What he finds explains everything but may cost him everything he holds dear – his family, his pack and his mate.

Dreaming of the Wolf is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat read from the very first page. Terry Spear knows how to capture her readers with her well drawn, attractive characters and her tantalizing love scenes. Although it's part of the Silver town series, it stands alone quite well and some of the secondary characters definitely need books of their own.

If you haven't got it, treat yourself to a fantastic read.

Guest - Jordan K. Rose

2011-12-19T06:00:00.014-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is Jordan K. Rose who will be discussing the holiday tradition of cookie making. She's even given us a recipe for some yummy cookies. I may try making these yummy sounding cookies this week too. Read on and enjoy!

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Hi Lynda! Thanks so much for having me on the blog. Christmas is my favorite time of year and I’m so happy to share a little bit about my holiday traditions.

I’ve always loved the Christmas season from the lights to the music to the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. But I’ve found that it’s far more stressful as an adult than it was when I was a kid. To combat the worry that I’ll never get anything done I make lists. One for gifts, one for cookies, one for food I need to bring to parties, and one separate list of gifts for my husband. That last list actually starts in January and inevitably I lose it at some point during the year and have to start over!

My favorite list is the cookie list. I bake every year and make cookie trays or baskets or tins, depending on what strikes me. This year, like last year, I used little holiday bowls. I filled them up, wrapped them in clear cellophane, added a pretty bow, and off they went to family and friends.

But it’s not as easy as just making a cookie list. The cookie list ends up with check marks, hash marks, stars, circles and the occasional arrow. Which cookie will get made in which order? Which recipe requires preparation a day in advance? Which cookie requires refrigeration after baking? Which cookie needs frosting? Which cookie can’t go in someone’s bowl because of allergies?

Lists! I need more lists!

Then we have the ingredient list. How many bags of flour do I need? Chocolate? Nuts and what kind? Sugars- - granulated, brown, dark brown, superfine? Vanilla? Do I have enough? Yes, I do. I made my own vanilla this year. My fingers are crossed that the result of that experiment is flavorful enough.

I typically begin my cookies the first week of December and deliver them by the end of that week. I’ve learned to be early, if I want my cookies eaten and enjoyed. Too many treats right near the holiday means my efforts get wasted.

I have such wonderful memories of baking with my grandmother each Christmas. We played music and baked cookies and talked about everything under the sun. As she grew older and less physically capable I did more of the up and down and rolling and cleaning. She supervised. We had a wonderful time. Though, I will admit to being thrown out of my grandparent’s house on December 23rd one year.

It seems that if you break too many items, your grandfather will lose his mind. That’s a bit of advice I’d like to share. Try not to let this happen to you:

So first, grandma told me to go put on the Christmas music, Mahalia Jackson to be exact. While I’m in the living room getting the stereo going, grandma calls my name, repeatedly. Not in a hurry-up-the-toaster-is-on-fire sort of way. More in a hide and go seek, sing-songy way. You can imagine my surprise when I came around the corner and found the toaster on fire. That was the first issue.

The next day we set off the smoke detector, again. This time from the cookies baking in the oven and not the flaming toaster. I couldn’t get the noise to stop so I climbed on a chair to remove the batteries and accidentally pulled the whole thing off the ceiling to crash to the floor and shatter. Issue number two.

The next day I loaded up the dishwasher and turned it on when we were done baking. They had a dishwasher that you hooked up to the sink for the water. I did hook it up. I simply forgot to turn on the water. (I can’t remember everything.) In any case, every plastic utensil or bowl melted in the dishwasher.

That’s when my grandfather told me to leave and not come back.

Thank God for moms. My mother and grandmother got me back into the house for Christmas Eve dinner. Every time my grandfather looked at me he shook his head. And for the next several Christmases he mentioned how I broke everything I touched.

Twenty years later both my grandparents are gone. I still listen to Mahalia Jackson when I bake Christmas cookies. I make a number of the same recipes we made together and I’ve tried lots of new ones, including this one from my husband’s grandmother.

Butterballs

2 sticks of butter at room temperature
½ cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
powdered sugar

Cream the butter with the sugar and vanilla. Add the flour and salt. Shape the dough into the teaspoon sized balls.

Bake at 325 degree for 15-20 minutes.

When the balls are still slightly warm, roll in powdered sugar. Roll again before serving. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! I hope your holiday is filled wonderful moments that become memories to fill your heart for years to come.

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After trying her hand at many, many things- from crafting and art classes to cooking and sewing classes to running her own handbag business, Jordan finally figured out how to channel her creativity. With an active imagination and a little encouragement from her husband she sat down and began to write, each night clicking away at the keys with her black Labrador, Dino curled up under the desk.

A few short years later she’s entered the publishing arena with no plans to ever turn back.

Jordan’s a member of Rhode Island Romance Writers, as well as RWA National, and the New England (NEC), Connecticut, and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FFnP) Chapters.

Her first book, Perpetual Light, releases in February of 2012 from Crescent Moon Press.

Find Jordan on her website at www.jordankrose.com.

Follow her tweets on https://twitter.com/#!/jordankrose

Friend her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jordankrose

Perpetual Light

Fate is cruel. Especially when the one you’ve sworn to love for all eternity, the very soul who changed your destiny is the last person you should trust.

After more than three hundred years of running, Lucia Dicomano must make a choice.

Forced to take her place as a Pharo of Redemption, the divine slayer needs to master her forgotten powers. Lucia turns to Vittorio, the one vampire she’s failed to deliver from eternal damnation. But overcoming smoldering remnants of love, lust and anger aren’t their only obstacles.

Samuel, who may know Lucia better than she knows herself, hunts her with a fervor stoked by a thousand years of vengeful hatred. His plan—capture and enslave the weakened Pharo then take control of her elusive power.

Can Lucia trust Vittorio long enough to reclaim her powers? Or will she have no choice but to kill him and battle Samuel alone?

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-- Lynda Again

The cookies sound like just the thing to go with your favorite coffee or tea and a good book, don't they? I can just imagine now...hazelnut coffee, yummy cookies, a fire in the fireplace and a good book? Good times!

Hope you all have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Stephanie Julian

2011-12-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning all! We have author Stephanie Julian visiting us again. Today she'll be discussing how she researched the Forgotten Goddesses of her books. I think you'll find it very interesting!

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Several years ago, I had this idea to write a book about witches. But I didn’t want to go the traditional Celtic/Neo-Pagan route. I wanted something different, something that could tie into my Italian heritage.

So I plugged “Italian witchcraft” into Google, and was amazed at the wealth of information. The first information to pop up were several books by Raven Grimassi on La Vecchia Religione, the old religion, otherwise known as the magical folk traditions of the Italians.

Jackpot! But I didn’t stop there. I kept pushing farther back. From Grimassi, I found Charles Godfrey Leland’s ETRUSCAN ROMAN REMAINS and things started to fall into place. Then I discovered Etruscan scholar Larissa Bonfante’s ETRUSCAN LIFE AND AFTERLIFE and immersed myself in Etruscan history.

I’d visited Italy three separate times as a teenager. I’d visited Tuscany but I hadn’t known that the ancient Etruscans, who came before the Romans and from whom the Romans assimilated much of their culture, had their own pantheon of gods and goddesses and their own mythology.

The first book that came out of that research was SPELL BOUND (Amazon, B&N) and it dealt with a group of 500-year-old cursed witches. Then came the Magical Seduction series, which focused on the fairy races of the Etruscans. Next up were the lucani, the Etruscan werewolves in the Lucani Lovers series.

Finally, I decided to explore the love lives of the deities in Forgotten Goddesses and what happens when deities become obsolete.

First, I had to decide which goddesses I was going to start with. That was easy. I’d start with the Goddess of Dawn because, well, dawn is the start of the new day. And I also had this idea about playing off the concept of light and dark.

And so Tessa—bright, sunny and sweet—and Caligo—dark, a little bitter and definitely not sweet—came about. They were the perfect pair and I got to play off the whole light and dark aspect.

Obviously, the next book should be the Goddess of the Moon. And Lucy, who had created the lucani, the Etruscan werewolves, needed a man strong enough to break through the walls of the goddess who had faced down Titans. Since I love hockey players and think they’re the toughest of all professional athletes, I knew exactly what Brandon would be. Or course, Brandon also has a secret that even he doesn’t know about.

Next July, readers will get to read about Amity, Goddess of Health, and her men, Remy and Rom. Yes, there are two of them. And they need her as much as she needs them.

When I’m working on a new story, I always start with character first. I have a general idea of what the plot will be but the story is always more about how the character reacts to the situation. Then I follow along with the character learning the plot as I go.

And finding out so much more about the character than I could ever hope to discover if I’d simply plotted out the book and followed a strict synopsis.

Yes, I’m a pantser and proud of it. But all that research I’ve done is always in the back of my head, weaving its way through every story.

HE'S EXACTLY WHAT SHE'S ALWAYS WANTED,
AND SHE UNLEASHES HIM LIKE A FORCE OF NATURE...

Lucy was once the beloved Goddess of the Moon, and she could have any man she wanted. But these days, the goddesses of the Etruscan pantheon are all but forgotten. The only rituals she enjoys now are the local hockey games, where one ferociously handsome player still inflames her divine blood...

Brandon Stevenson is one hundred percent focused on the game, until he looks up and sees a celestial beauty sitting in the third row. A man could surely fall hard for a distraction like that...

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-- Lynda Again

It's always fascinating to see how other people work, isn't it?

Stephanie's latest book is the second in her series. You can see my review of it here. Let me know what you think.

Have a Blessed Day!

Review - How To Worship A Goddess

2011-12-13T21:04:00.002-05:00

How To Worship A Goddess
Stephanie Julian
Sourcebooks, Casablanca
December 2011

Lucy Aster, a once powerful Etruscan Goddess of the Moon, spends her time like many other mortals, cleaning clogged drains, watching hockey games, or singing in her bar. Though she still has worshippers, the Lucani who came with her to the new world several hundred years earlier, she knows they don't need her the way they once did. She feels obsolete and, worse, alone. But her passion for watching the local hockey team helps salve some of her loneliness...mainly because of one big, tough, thoroughly handsome player, Brandon Stevenson.

Brand is 35 and doesn't recuperate from the hits and injuries as quickly as he once had. He's nearing the end of his professional hockey career with nothing to look forward to, no wife or kids, nothing to do when he hangs up his skates. The only thing that he looks forward to is a glimpse of a etherially beautiful woman who always comes to the home games. He doesn't her but he wants to. He finds her name, Lucy Aster, from the season ticket holder list but her address is fake. That doesn't stop him. He's determined to find her. When he does, Lucy poses as much a mystery as she ever did. And so do the people surrounding her.

Two thousand years ago, Lucy have a small Etruscan village the power to transform into wolves. The remnants of that village are still faithful and still worship her even though Lucy fears she no longer deserves it. She has her sons, Ty and Caeles, who pretty much run the bar but feels that she needs more. When Brandon appears in her bar, it's as if fate has brought him there. She doesn't know why she's so attracted to him but she's done fighting it.

Brand had always had a problem with keeping his temper and used his natural aggression as a tool when he's on the ice. When he walks into her bar, he's just in time to hear Lucy sing for the patrons. Her voice is as beautiful as she is and Brand is captivated. But when Lucy finishes her set and approaches him, he's at a loss. Talking to her is easier than he expected but talking isn't what either of them want. Before long, Lucy leads him upstairs to her apartment above the bar.

Neither of them realize that Charun, the God of the Underworld, is after the power that Lucy still has. He sends his demons to capture her but Brand saves her. Unfortunately that doesn't stop the demons. They take her adopted son Caeles instead. Lucy is devastated. She wants to give herself up to Charun if it will save Caeles. Brand, however, is willing to fight anyone or anything to save the woman he loves. The question is what can a mere mortal do to fight an ancient god?

Though this is the second book of the series, it isn't necessary to read the first book to understand what's going on (you'll want to read it eventually because it's a good book too). The characters are wonderfully written, both at the 'ends' of their 'careers' and both looking for something else. Ordinarilly, I'd say that would make them too needy but not so. Lucy, even though her powers are fading, is a strong heroine, whose past leads her to take care of those who follow her. Brandon shows her that she doesn't have to be alone or take care of everyone around her. He can help her and does.

The romance between these two is hot and sensuous and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you reading. All in all, a fine read and definitely worth a second read just to make sure you didn't miss anything the first pass through.

Guest - Karen A. Wyle

2011-12-12T06:00:00.005-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is Karen A. Wyle who'll be talking about one of my very favorite genres - Science Fiction. Karen is offering a giveaway of her ebook to one lucky commenter so read on to find out how to enter the drawing.

Enjoy!

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Why I Love Reading and Writing Science Fiction

Karen A. Wyle

I'll start with a caveat. I do not always write science fiction. For many otherwise fallow years, I wrote picture book manuscripts. More recently, between my current release and the sequel (still in rough draft), I wrote what I suppose is general fiction, if a novel in that category can take place in my fanciful notion of an afterlife.

That said, I am proud to write science fiction.

I don't remember when I started reading science fiction, but I'd guess I was around ten or eleven. I have been reading it ever since. The day I met my husband, twenty-five years ago, we talked for two hours about Robert A. Heinlein and assorted other SF authors. As you might suppose, our marriage exposed me to even more of the genre.

How do I love science fiction? Let me count the ways. . . .

Science fiction explores how human beings – whether acknowledged as such, or in any of innumerable disguises – react to the unexpected. How do they – how would we – cope with the fulfillment of anything from dream to nightmare? How will the future we anticipate surprise us? How will we surprise ourselves when we confront it?

Science fiction's imaginative settings allow us to examine familiar themes and problems with a fresh eye. (Star Trek, despite its flaws, was often excellent at using the trappings of science fiction to explore issues like racism, war and peace, patriotism, gender identity, ambition, love versus career, et cetera.) I am a lawyer; I am writing a series of short stories which will eventually include legal issues raised by certain future technologies. I have long been fascinated by twins: my novel Twin-Bred features fraternal twins (carried by host mothers) belonging to different species. I have been deeply interested in parenthood since becoming a mother: I can create aliens for whom parenthood is in many ways different, and in some fundamental ways the same.

Science fiction paves the way. Its authors, often scientists themselves, extrapolate from current technology and knowledge, and make educated guesses about what we will be able to invent. Often they guess correctly. It might be easier to identify the scientific advances of the last sixty years that were not predicted in science fiction than to list those that were. By working within the constraints of scientific theory, science fiction honors those who have spent their lives helping us understand our universe (and any meta-universe which may include it).

Finally, science fiction gives the would-be builder of worlds a place to play. While fantasy does the same, science fiction imposes certain constraints – and as many a poet would testify, some constraints can actually spur creativity. At any rate, I find satisfaction in knowing that what I have imagined, or what another author lays before me, could possibly exist. Science fiction authors differ in how hard they strive to ensure that the physical features of their planets, aliens, and technologies fit within our current scientific theories (or at least, scientific hypotheses held by at least one adventurous scientist out there). No scientist myself, I still try fairly hard. I use my husband, whose scientific knowledge runs broad and deep, as my technical adviser – but if I really want to make the sky green, or put multiple sails on the sailboat, or whatever, and he is skeptical, I just keep researching until (with luck) I find some more or less plausible basis to do so. On the other hand, unlike historical fiction, where the possibility of error lurks behind every detail, the amount of research need not be too intimidating.

I'd love to see comments about what visitors to this blog like most about science fiction -- or about any problems they have with the genre.

* * *

Karen A. Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana, home ofIndiana University. She now considers herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age 10, she was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to the goal at age 9.

Wyle is an appellate attorney, photographer, political junkie, and mother of two daughters. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Her personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.

Links for Karen A. Wyle

Website and Social Media:

Author website: http://www.KarenAWyle.net

Author Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/KarenAWyle

Twin-Bred Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Twin-Bred-by-Karen-A-Wyle/222985574428006

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/WordsmithWyle

Blog (Looking Around): http://looking-around.blogspot.com

Can interspecies diplomacy begin in the womb? After seventy years on Tofarn, the human colonists and the native Tofa still know very little about each other. Misunderstanding breed conflict, and the conflicts are escalating. Scientist Mara Cadell’s radical proposal: that host mothers of either species carry fraternal twins, human and Tofa, in the hope that the bond between twins can bridge the gap between species. Mara lost her own twin, Levi, in utero, but she has secretly kept him alive in her mind as companion and collaborator.

Mara succeeds in obtaining governmental backing for her project – but both the human and Tofa establishments have their own agendas. Mara must shepherd the Twin-Bred through dangers she anticipated and others that even the canny Levi could not foresee. Will the Twin-Bred bring peace, war, or something else entirely?

Excerpt Twin-Bred

[Context: The human colony on Tofarn and the indigenous Tofa have great difficulty communicating with and basically comprehending each other. Scientist Mara Cadell is running a project where host mothers carry twins, one human and one Tofa, in the hope that the bond between twins can bridge the gap between species. Alan Kimball, a member of the governing human Council, is hostile to the Tofa and has inserted agents into the project.]

Tilda looked at her twins, cuddled close together in the crib. Mat-set had all four arms wrapped around Suzie. They seemed to cuddle any chance they got. Maybe they were glad to be free of separate amniotic sacs.

She looked down at Mat-set and remembered the rumors of Tofa with five arms instead of four. She had even seen pictures, but who knew whether they were authentic. Certainly none of the Tofa Twin-Bred babies had been born with extra limbs.

Tilda glanced over at the big dormitory clock and then back down at the babies. She gasped and staggered a step back. Mat-set was still holding Suzie with four arms. So how was he scratching his head with another one?

Tilda looked around wildly for a chair, found one blessedly nearby, and sank down on it. She pinched herself. Nothing changed. Well, who said you couldn’t pinch yourself in a dream and keep on dreaming?

She got up and walked, a bit unsteadily, to the intercom and buzzed for a nurse. Then she went back to the crib. Of course. Four arms, only four, and what was she going to do now?

She decided to be brave and sensible. If she had really seen it, the staff had to know. And if she hadn’t, and she didn’t wake up, then she was ill, and she should get the help she needed.

The chief nurse tucked Tilda in and watched her drift off to sleep, sedative patch in place. Then she went back to her station and called up the monitor footage on Tilda’s twins.

Well, well.

* CONFIDENTIAL *

CLEARANCE CLASS 3 AND ABOVE

LEVI Status Report, 12-15-71

Executive Summary

Anatomical Developments

Observation of the Tofa infants has shed some light on the longstanding question of whether the number of Tofa upper appendages is variable among the Tofa population. The thickest of the four armlike appendages is apparently capable of dividing when an additional upper appendage is desired. . . .

Councilman Kimball bookmarked the spot in his agent's report and opened his mail program. He owed an apology to the young man who had claimed his poor showing against a Tofa undesirable was due to the sudden appearance of an extra appendage. Apparently the man had been neither dishonest nor drunk.

After discharging that obligation, Kimball made a note to seek further details as to the divided arms' placement, reach, and muscular potential. His people needed adequate information to prepare them for future confrontations. After all, forewarned — he laughed out loud at the thought — was forearmed.

Purchase Links for Twin-Bred:

Amazon (Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VDVHQ2

Amazon (POD):

http://www.amazon.com/Twin-Bred-Karen-Wyle/dp/1463578911/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Nook Store:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twin-bred-karen-wyle/1106674642?ean=2940013311077&itm=1&usri=twin%2Bbred

Smashwords (various ebook formats): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94490

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-- Lynda Again

Wow! Talk about an intriguing premise and excerpt! As I said earlier, Karen is offering a free copy of Twin-Bred in any format the winner wants to one lucky commenter. So leave a comment WITH your email addy so she can contact you by Friday, Dec 16. Good luck!

Have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Sidney Ayers

2011-12-07T06:00:00.004-05:00

Good morning all! I hope your Christmas plans are coming along nicely. If not, remember the reason for the season isn't the gifting or grand parties. Your family and friends will love you just as much if you don't become frazzled ;-)

Now on to our guest, author Sidney Ayers, who'll be talking about how she handles the writers life. Enjoy!

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I think I’m kind of lucky when it comes to my writing life. I’m single and I don’t have any kids, but I do have five nieces and nephews that give me my kid fix. My family knows that writing is my life and job. They’re some of the most supportive people I know. It’s give and take, though. Sometimes my family needs me, yet they know that I need alone time too. It’s an understandable balance, I guess.

My routines had been varied. Sometimes I wrote in the morning, sometimes at night. Whenever my muse struck, I try and accommodate him or her. I have more than one muse, and that, in and of itself, can make things difficult. Unfortunately, that is a topic for another blog. Sometimes, this varied schedule caused issues. I found myself forcing myself to write when my brain was ready to go vegetate. All I ended up with was a huge migraine that even Excedrin couldn’t touch.

What I’ve done is set up an actual schedule. I’ve allotted a set amount of time for writing, editing, lunch, and of course free time. This allows me to be accountable and on schedule. I’ve discovered that setting aside a particular amount of hours a day for writing works better than chaining myself to the keyboard until I write a set amount of words a day. I post the schedule where everyone can see. That way, my family knows when I’m working and when have free time. I’m on a steep deadline right now, so they all know how important my writing time is. I know it may seem kind of tacky, but it works for me and my family. It keeps me productive and the tensions considerably lower. Of course, if there’s an emergency, I will find a way to work around the schedule. Family should always come first, after all.

How do you as writers and or working parents balance your careers and family?

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-- Lynda Again

It's always interesting to see how some writers allocate time between their writing and their family. Thanks Sidney for sharing your routine.

I've posted a review of Sidney's latest book, Demons Like It Hot, that you may be interested in. To see it, click here.

Have a Blessed Day!

Review - Demons Like It Hot

2011-12-06T22:45:00.001-05:00

Demons Like It Hot
Sidney Ayers
Sourcebooks, Casablanca
December, 2011

Serah SanGermano, a successful caterer, accidentally helped her friend unleash a legion of demons (Book 1 – Demons Prefer Blondes). Since then, her life has become a bit out of kilter in and outside her kitchen. Trying to cope with supernatural skills that are more nuisance than anything else have interfered with Serah's normal, mundane life. She doesn't want anyone to know about these skills. What she wants to do is focus on her try out for a cooking reality show. That's hard to do when her focus shifts to include a demon bodyguard, but one look at the 'Rambo-esque' hunk has all her burners set to high.

Matthias Ambrose remembers what it felt like to lose the ones he loved and he doesn't want to suffer through that agony again. But one look at Serah and his emotional walls start to crumble. He doesn't want to be responsible for her safety but he's not willing to let anyone else take on the job either. But as he discovers what the evil Infernati are planning and the dire threat they pose to mankind, he has to risk letting Serah know his darkest secret so he can protect her and the world.

While Demons Like It Hot was slow in the first half of the book, the increasing action in the second helped the pacing quite a bit. Most of the time the dialogue was deft and witty but the characters had the irritating tendency to utter 'Whatever' far more often than I prefer. While that may not bother other readers, it bothered me because it seemed like a cop-out, a way the characters could stall the emotional action. One other thing bothered me and this may be related to the 'whatever' problem. The main characters seemed less well developed in this book than they did in the first book of the series. In fact, some of the secondary characters were more well rounded.

That said, though, Demons Like It Hot has an imaginative premise that many readers will find interesting and entertaining. Because it is the sequel to Demons Prefer Blondes, some readers may find reading the first book helpful before tackling the second book.

Guest - Dr. Debra Holland

2011-12-05T06:00:00.086-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is Dr. Debra Holland, who has given us a wonderful tribute for Andre Norton (one of my all time favorite authors). Enjoy!

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REMEMBERING ANDRE NORTON

GRAND DAME OF SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY

I first read Andre Norton’s book, Star Man’s Son, in seventh grade because it was in our classroom library. From that book, I fell in love with science fiction and fantasy. Star Man’s son was a futuristic dystopian story, (although it was missing a romance.) I then went to the public library and started checking out every book they had by Andre, probably about ten of them.

When I went to high school, I was pleased to discover the school library had several more of Andre’s books that I hadn’t read. While sitting at a table with a bunch of other students, I had one of her books in front of me. One of the boys mentioned that Andre Norton was a woman, which surprised me (although I pretended to already know.) Later, I found that her real name was Mary Alice. In my opinion, Andre was a much more dashing name.

As the years went by, I continued to read her books, amassing quite a collection by buying them secondhand at garage sales, used bookstores, and library sales. I own most of her 100 plus books, most of them tattered, much-read paperbacks. Since discovering the books of Andre Norton, I read all the science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance tales I could get my hands on. As you can imagine, my house is overflowing with books.

When I wanted to write fantasy, I queried Andre with a short story to go in her Witch World Anthology. She wrote me back that she no longer did the anthology. But that letter was more than a brief statement. It was a real letter, letting me know some of what was happening in her life.

So I replied to the letter, asking questions and telling her a bit about myself. She responded. Thus began a correspondence that lasted the last couple of years of her life. When I made that fantasy story into a book, Sower of Dreams, she read it, made some suggestions, and endorsed it—probably one of the last endorsements she gave before she died.

I wasn’t the only fan Andre wrote to. Apparently, she had a big group of fans and writers she wrote corresponded with. She wasn’t really writing books anymore when I knew her, although she did mention one she sometimes toyed with, but it wasn’t coming together. So her correspondence was where she seemed to channel her writing energy.

The world has come a long way since Mary Alice Norton had to take on the name of a man to sell her science fiction and fantasy. She started writing during a time that science fiction and fantasy was perceived as a mostly male genre. Male authors wrote for male readers. Even coming on the writing scene much later, J.K. Rowling also had to mask the fact that she was a female author, although the truth about her gender came out early on.

I don’t think the women who publish today are asked to change their name to something more masculine. We are lucky. Women like Mary Alice and Joanne Kathleen and all the terrific female fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romance authors have burst open the gates of what people—both men and women, boys and girls—will read.

What’s that saying about standing on the shoulders of giants?

Most female authors take for granted their freedom to choose the name under which they write, whether real or a pen name. Those of us who started writing and publishing in the last ten years owe a debt of gratitude to who've gone before--the giants whose shoulders we stand on, the women who opened the doors. Some of those women we still have with us, and I’m so very thankful that I can look forward to reading more of their books. Others like Andre (and the recently deceased Anne McCaffery) have passed on, leaving a legacy that I’m also so very grateful to have.

So during this busy holiday season—a time of gratitude—take a few moments to appreciate what we writers have today and give thanks to those who’ve gone before us.

Sower of Dreams
A kingdom invaded.
A warrior princess on the run for her life.
A hero from another world.
And evil god who wants their souls.

Can they join forces to defeat the evil one and win freedom for their people?

Buy It Now
http://amzn.com/B005FA30V6
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/78076

Debra Holland is a three-time Golden Heart finalist and one time winner. She has self-published her Golden Heart winner, Wild Montana Sky, a sweet, historical Western romance, and its sequel, Starry Montana Sky, as ebooks and had almost 30,000 sales in her first six months. She has also self-published the first two books in her fantasy romance trilogy, Sower of Dreams and Reaper of Dreams.

Website: http://drdebraholland.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000627753221

Twitter: http://twitter.com/drdebraholland

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-- Lynda Again

What a great tribute to Andre Norton! I'm sure we all have personal favorites, authors who've touched something inside us that has stayed with us all our lives. For me, it was Andre Norton, Isaac Asimove and Anne McCaffrey...all of them are now gone but, for many of us, they will never be forgotten.

Do you have an author like that? One who has been a personal favorite or unofficial mentor for years?

Have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Paulette Forshey

2011-12-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good morning all! Bonus! We have the talented and lovely J. Paulette Forshey visiting us today and she's talking about naming characters. Paulette is also offering a giveaway...read on to find out how to enter her drawing.

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Character and Name Building

Choose your characters and their names wisely for the time period you're writing. A gum chewing valley girl named Muffy in a bustier and stilettos isn't going to be dating Henry the VIII. I'm pretty sure there weren’t any Tiffany's and Buffy's, in the 1600s, but plenty in 1990s. And warrior or knight, unless it's a comedy, wouldn't say "for sure dude" when addressing a king in the 14th century.

How do you form and name your characters? Do you start with a name and build your character from there? If so how do you come up with the name, see it, hear it, or make one up? Or do you have a person in mind then come up with the name?

I've use all three methods at different times trying to get the "feel" for a certain character. One time, after naming a villain and trying to insert him into the plot, I found that no matter what I wrote it just wasn't working. The more I wrote the worse it became, to the point I nearly scrapped the entire project. Thank goodness we have to sleep, that's when the answer came to me, or in this case, the individual showed up and introduced himself. He explained to me he was my hero's best friend, not the villain. Then Nairn St. Clair (from "The Tarczal Alliance") gave me the physical description and the name of the murderer in my book.

A physical handicap or war wound might give you a nick name for an individual in your novel, like One-eyed Pete, or Lefty. How many red-haired men and women have the nick name of "Red"? I have a hero that because of his blond-white hair, plus his last name being Cynewulf, gave me the nick name of the "The Pale Wolf" for him.

Use family genealogy to help you out. I had a paternal grandfather named Armistead Roseberry Carter who owned a meat market. A sales person who came once a month to his store, and couldn't for the life of him remember Granddad's name, started calling Granddad "Frank", and it stuck for years afterwards. Grandmother Cater went by the name of Daisy, a nick name her father called her, because she was as bright and sunny as a daisy in spring. Her actual name was Lennabelle. So shake that family tree and root out names for the people in your novel.

If your characters won't help you by showing up in a dream try bouncing around ideas with your critique or writing groups. If all those can't assist you there are sites to help name that elusive hero's or heroines. Here are a few: Vampire Name Generator - http://www.emmadavies.net/vampire/? or Fantasy Name Generator - http://fantasy-name-generator.com/ or Character Name Generator -

http://www.languageisavirus.com/characternamegenerator.html and from the Writers Spot - http://thewriterspotonline.com/2010/12/15/fun-with-generators/

My favorite character name is from my friend and author Lisa Cooke's book "Texas Hold Him" her hero's name was Obediah (Dyer) Straights.

To the person who sends me the funniest or most interesting character name you've ever come across, I'll give them a copy of my e-book "33 Days Til Christmas" due out Dec. 09, 2011 and an angel wing necklace. Don't forget to include your email addy in your comment!

33 Days Til Christmas

Gabriel lie on his back and dipped his chin to look at the bundle he held tight to his chest. Pansies. Big. Spring. Purple pansies, was his first thought. He’d never seen eyes that shade on a person. Her skin, almost translucent, made the dots of pink from the cold on her cheeks stand out like paint on a doll’s face. A red and green knit cap adorned hair as black and shiny as a crow’s wing, hair that swooped forward to brush and tickle his nose.

“Sir, are you okay?” said the bundle that wiggled against him stirring things down below that shouldn’t be stirring. After all, he was an angel, and angels weren’t supposed to have stirrings.

My other books: "The Tarczal Alliance" a paranormal romance,

"Chances Taken" a contemporary romance both with Whispers Publishing, and "Cat and the Wizard" with Smashwords.

I'm working on a horror short "The Estate" due out in July 2012 from Whispers, and the next in my Tarczal series titled "The Archway".

Bio: Paulette lives in a small Ohio town with her husband, a Basset Hound, and a Jack Russell who thinks she owns the place. Her mornings belong to her writing, her days are spent loving her five grandbabies, and her nights belong to her husband, the inspiration for her heroes. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Central Ohio Fiction Writers, Southeastern Ohio Novel Writing Group, Northeast Ohio Romance Writers of America, and the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of RWA. She also writes under the name of Genevieve Delacroix.

My web site: www.jpauletteforshey.com

Email: lvkkincaid7@yahoo.com

FaceBook: paulette.forshey@facebook.com

Twitter: @ForsheyJ

Book buy link: www.whispershome.com - www.amazon.com - www.smashwords.com

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-- Lynda Again

Thanks for a great post, Paulette! And good luck to all who enter her drawing. I'm waiting to see what funny or unusual names come up ;-)

Have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Judi Fennell

2011-11-30T06:00:00.017-05:00

Good morning all! We have author Judi Fennell visiting us today. I sent her a mini interview with some questions I thought her readers might find interesting. Enjoy! And check out my review of her newest book, Genie Knows Best, here.

Oh, and check out the Lynda Again section for a sponsored giveaway.

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What were some of your favorite novels when you were growing up?
JF: I devoured the Dr. Doolittle series, the Wizard of Oz books, and every Nancy Drew there was at the time. Then in 8th grade I discovered romance, and, well, the rest is history. I started with Harlequin Romances, then moved up to Presents, and then branched out from there. One of my biggest thrills a few years ago was to have lunch with Anne Stuart, whose books I grew up adoring.

What are your current favorite novels or genres?
JF: It’s funny that while I love to write light-hearted paranormals, my genre of choice to unwind is Romantic Suspense. Cindy Gerard, Roxanne St. Claire, Karen Rose, Allison Brennan, Kate Brady… those ladies can keep me up at night! I do also enjoy reading light-hearted paranormals but I have to be choosy because I want to make sure I don’t read something that I then can’t use but would have thought of… For example, I made the mistake of watching the movie Aquamarine while I was writing my Mer series, and the minute the mermaid (on land) picks up a sea shell in the human girl’s bedroom and talks to her father, I smacked my head. I knew what she was going to say before she put that shell down: “Shell phone.” I soooooooooooo would have come up with that, but since I didn’t, I couldn’t use it. Therefore, my poor Mers have to have an archaic system of communication with messengers or banging on the transatlantic cables in Morse (Merse) code…

What are you reading right now? And why did you choose it?
JF: Right now I’m reading Stephanie Julian’s (my critique partner) December release, How to Worship a Goddess. I chose it because, well, she asked, and I love her world. She writes about Etruscan mythology which no one else, to my knowledge, does. Her heroes are to-die for and the love story hot! Highly recommend. But then, I might be just a tad biased…

If you could travel anywhere you wanted tomorrow, where would you go?
JF: Western Europe. Just give me a Eurrail pass and I’m good to go. I lived in Spain in college and am so upset that I haven’t been back since. I want to see every country there. I’m half Irish and half Italian and my great grandparents came from Florence and Sicily so I’d love to see that, plus all the history and architecture… If I were independently wealthy, I’d spend the rest of my life living in little villages throughout Europe to experience the culture.

Where do you live and what do you like best about living there?
JF: I live in the Northeast, outside of Philadelphia. Best thing about living here is the change in seasons, though I absolutely love winter. I love the cold and the snow, and the fact that I live in a cul-de-sac that is always the last place to get plowed means I sometimes can’t get to work (thank God for tele- and cloud-computing), so I can work in my pjs. Also, we’re pretty central to NYC, DC, and Philly, as well as the Jersey Shore and the Poconos. Even Niagara Falls is only a 5 hour ride, so we can go and see so many things within a short time frame. Very diverse.

When you get some downtime in your busy schedule, what do you like to do to unwind?
JF: What is this “downtime” of which you speak? I went back to work full time within the last year after being home with the kids, and downtime was a casualty of that decision. I’m a huge Real Housewives junkie, so I do spend some time trying to catch up on my DVR’d episodes, I have a group of women who’ve been getting together once a week for the past ten years, so I keep that up because girlfriends are so important, and I try to get some reading in. A great thing about being an author is all the books you get for free; a bad thing about being an author is that you’re always writing your books so you don’t have time to read all the free books you get.

Can you tell us a little bit about Kal and Sam in Genie Knows Best?
JF: Kal is an alpha male in a beta role because if you think about it, a genie is subservient to his/her master. No matter that he or she is an all-powerful being; the very nature of the relationship is to be subservient. That’s got to be hard on an alpha male and Kal is the quintessential one, so I knew he’d be a fun character to get to know. I really fell for him and I hope the readers do, too. Samantha is someone you’d think you wouldn’t like. Beautiful, wealthy, pampered… what could she possibly have to complain about? A lot, as it turns out, because not only does every wish come with complications, so too, does wealth and privilege, and all Samantha wants is for someone to see past the trappings of her situation to see her. It’s a voyage of self-discovery for both of them, that shows that what you thought you wanted isn’t always what you really do want.

Is there any other news of upcoming projects or events that you’d like to share?
JF: The third book in the series, Magic Gone Wild, is in and slated to come out early Fall 2012, about Nirvana Aphrodite (yes, it’s a mouthful, and yes, quite possibly her parents did set her up to fail with that name—but that’s no less challenging than the expectations her twin sister Aphrodite Nirvana has to live up to) who “accidentally” ended up inside a bottle and The Service before graduating from the Djinn Academy. And if her magic isn’t quite up to snuff, well, she does mean well. But try telling that to Zane Harrison. All he wants to do is ditch the family homestead he’s inherited so the stories of his crazy great-grandfather will finally be put to rest. But then he opens a bottle stored in the attic and all hell—or Nirvana—breaks loose. With enchanted armoires and coat racks, a bewished carpet, and a talking, gender-optional phoenix named Merlin Pendragon, Zane is afraid that he’s just going to add flame to the stories—but he hadn’t counted on the flame that erupts between him and Vana.

Thanks so much for having me and readers can check out excerpts and outtakes on my website, www.JudiFennell.com. Hope you all enjoy the (magic carpet) ride!

Genie Knows Best by Judi Fennell – In Stores November 2011
Be careful what you wish for…

Samantha Blaine is about to make a fateful discovery. A tall, dark, handsome, ohmygosh kind of fateful discovery…

Kal is very pleased to meet his attractive new master—especially since he intends to seduce her into granting him freedom. But when seriously dark magic spells trouble for both of them, Kal can’t help himself from falling for the woman who holds his fate in her hands…

Warmly acclaimed by readers and critics alike, Judi Fennell brings to life a fabulous world of magic and mayhem where wishes come true in the most unexpected ways!

About the Author
Judi Fennell is an award-winning author and writes what she calls “fairy tales with a twist.” Her romance novels have been finalists in Gather.com's First Chapters and First Chapters Romance contests, and have won numerous RWA Chapter Awards, including the FF&P Prism Award, and the New Jersey Golden Leaf Award. Judi lives with her family in suburban Philadelphia, PA, where she is working on the next book in the Genie Trilogy, Magic Gone Wild, set for release in August 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.judifennell.com/.

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-- Lynda Again

The generous Danielle at Sourcebooks is sponsoring a giveaway of Genie Knows Best to two of our readers. Sorry, the drawing is only for US and Canada.

(Don't forget my review of Genie Knows Best posted here. Leave a comment and tell me your thoughts on the review/book)

1) Leave a comment/question for Judi

2) Send me an email (lynda@lyndakscott.com) with Genie in the subject line and your snail mail addy in the body by Friday, Dec 2. I'll have the infamous alien kitten, Wookie, select a winner. Good luck!

Have a Blessed Day!

Review - Genie Knows Best

2011-11-30T01:47:00.001-05:00

Genie Knows Best
Judi Fennell
Sourcebooks, Casablanca
November 2011

On the eve of her father's funeral, Samantha Blaine is further hurt by her soon-to-be-ex-not-quite-fiance's betrayal when she overhears him promising to pay off a gambling debt by marrying the 'stupid, useless' heiress. More than anything, she wanted the happy-ever-after with true love but it seems that Albert, the slime, wasn't the man she'd thought he was. And that meant she was stupid and useless, only good for the money she inherited. Retreating into her father's office, she opens the safe to find...a lantern. Before she knows it, she's enveloped in a glittery, orange cloud and on her way to Izazz with the hunkiest genie ever.

Kal is delighted that Samantha has released him from his lantern. She's his last master, fulfulling his sentence for illegally removing his genie bracelets 4000 years earlier. As soon as he'd granted Samantha her last wish, he'd be free to get the job he'd always wanted and get on with his life. But he finds himself enjoying the time with Samantha and admiring her generous wishes as she begins to bring Izazz back to its former glory.

When the inhabitants of Izazz praise and thank her for her efforts at repairing their city, Sam realizes that they're praising the wrong person. Yes, she made the wish but it was Kal who'd done the work of granting the wish. This convinces her that she is useless. She wants nothing more than to be useful in her own right. Well, not just that. She also wants the hunkie genie, Kal, who is the answer to all her wishes. But that's another problem...her wishes. She doesn't want him to want her simply because she wished it. She wants to be wanted for herself.

Kal has no idea why Sam doesn't want to be able to wish for anything but it's his job to do what she wants. He just wants to please her, wishes or not. As he spends time with her, he comes to realize that she would be very easy to love. Love is something a genie can't do without risking all their powers. He's spent too many years waiting for his chance to become the Grand Vizeer.

But Arnold, the slimy soon-to-be-ex-almost-but-not-quite-fiance, finds the orange cystal and an amulet in the open safe that also take him to Izazz. He wants Kal even more than he wanted Samantha's riches. After all, a genie who can grant his every wish is so much better than a company and its bankroll. And the fact that Samantha has given up her ability to wish proves he was right - she's spoiled and stupid and useless. He plans on getting the lantern, and Kal, from her and he doesn't care what he has to do to get it.

Genie Knows Best is fast paced, full of bright humor and sensuously romantic love scenes. The characters are right out of the Abrabian Nights...and, well, possibly a few other mythologies but it all blends so well to create the world of Izazz that the reader never blinks. The secondary characters are fun. The plot is perfectly balanced between humor, adventure and romance. While this is Ms Fennell's second book in her genie series, it stands alone quite nicely.

I'd definitely recommend this as a break from the hustle and bustle of the coming holiday season. Besides, we all deserve a treat and this book is definitely a treat.

Guest - Anita Clenney

2011-11-28T06:00:00.060-05:00

Good morning all! We have a special guest, an author with a fantastic new paranormal series, with us today. Her publisher, Sourcebooks, is offering up a copy of her book Embrace The Highland Warrior to two lucky readers. Read on to find out how to enter the drawing.

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How a Book is Born…

A writer’s books are like his/her babies, but they don’t all come about the same way. They might be created through snippets of a secret conversation overheard, or from a dream, or an idea from a movie or a story on the news. But regardless where the brilliant idea comes from, or what we hope is a brilliant idea, that’s just the beginning. We might start the story with a scene or a character, but lots of thought and planning has to go into the story before it’s born. Plotter or a pantser, you have to eventually get from point A to point B. This usually requires research. I don’t like research, and I’m lucky that most of my stories are already tight in my head, so I don’t have to do as much as if I were a historical writer, but there are always facts to checked.

I love Google. I will eventually dedicate a book to it. When I start researching something I get sidetracked. We live in a fascinating world, and we have more access to more information now than ever before. I could be checking out styles of sporrans or 19^th century toilets and I’ll end up looking at pictures of Scotland or reading about fairies. Later on, it will occur to me that I forgot what I was doing and I have to go back and do it all over again. When I’m really into research, I’ll jot a note down to remind myself what trail I’m on so I don’t end up in Never Never land.

Embrace the Highland Warrior is the second book in the Connor Clan series. Cody and Shay’s story picks up where Awaken the Highland Warrior left off. Both hero and heroine were born in modern times so that eliminated the need for some research. This story was fun to write. Cody and Shay have a strong history together but time apart has made them feel like strangers, which makes for lots of sparks. Here’s a glimpse of their first meeting after 9 years, a lot of lies and secrets.

The essence of him was still there; the boy next door who’d kept her secrets, bandaged her scrapes, and comforted her against his scrawny chest, but there was nothing scrawny about him now. He was tall, with broad-shoulders and lean muscles undisguised by his soft gray T-shirt and worn jeans. Dark hair brushed his collar, giving him a rugged, dangerous look. His face was still stunning. Strong jaw, straight nose, and those intense hazel eyes that even at nineteen had tempted married women to watch as he walked past. Her gaze caught on the scar above his eyebrow, trophy from the motorcycle wreck when he was sixteen, and she remembered the terror of finding him sprawled on the rocky hill, so still she thought he was dead.

Shay didn’t expect to run into Cody, but he’s not about to let her go again, not with a stalker on her heels. But when he finds out that the stalker isn’t human and that the entire Underworld is after her and the sacred book they believe she’s taken, he calls in the entire Connor Clan. Meet the warriors.

There’s Faelan, the only warrior who’s ever been assigned two ancient demons. Born in the 19th century, Faelan was most powerful warrior of his time. He was trapped in a time vault and slept for 150 years, waking to a strange world filled with modern technology and even stranger…modern females. For God’s sakes, they’re even warriors, now. What will they do next, he ponders, send children into battle? Then there’s Ronan, 6’3 inches of raw, sexy warrior, better than Robin Hood with his bow, and equally at home with a sword or a bonny lass. Cody, the only other warrior who’s been assigned an ancient demon, might have pretended to be the tough boy next door, and he’s good at hiding secrets, but his world will never be the same when he finds out what’s been hidden from him. Shane is quiet but the fastest with a sword, and Niall is a one-man army, with legs like tree trunks. Tomas is a clan medic and Brodie’s the prankster of the bunch, always getting into trouble. Duncan is brooding and frustrated, and Sorcha likes flirting almost as much as killing demons. Anna, a stunning beauty, has chosen to remain a warrior forever, but destiny has some surprises in store. And my heroines are more than just mates to these sexy warriors. They have talents that will shock even them.

Sourcebooks will be giving away two copies of Embrace the Highland Warrior to commenters, US and Canada only, please. My question is what is your favorite setting for books? Small towns, big cities, forests, or creepy castles?

Embrace the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney – In Stores November 2011

They were driven apart by a timeless secret…

Cody MacBain let the woman of his destiny slip away. A member of an ancient clan of Scottish warriors, he grew up beside Shay Logan as her secret protector, but his heart compelled him to become more. Until Shay’s true identity was revealed, and the fated pair’s chance was gone…

But danger will drive them back into each other’s arms…

Shay fell for the boy next door, suspecting nothing of the ancient secrets he guarded. After a stinging betrayal, she’s determined to banish the memories of her first love forever. But the past can’t let go, and the boy she once loved has returned to her a warrior determined to protect her from the unspeakable evil fate has planned…

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Anita Clenney grew up an avid reader, devouring Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books before moving on to mysteries and romance. After working as a secretary, a Realtor, teacher’s assistant, booking agent for Aztec Fire Dancers, and a brief stint in a pickle factory (picture Lucy and Ethel--lasted half a day)…she realized she'd missed the fork in the road that led to her destiny. Now she spends her days writing mysteries and paranormal romantic suspense about Secret Warriors, Ancient Evil and Destined Love. Anita lives in suburban Virginia, outside Washington DC, with her husband and two kids.

You can find out more about Anita and her books at:

http://www.anitaclenney.com

http://www.facebook.com/anitaclenneyAUTHOR

http://www.twitter.com/anitaclenney

http://www.mysteriesandmargaritasblogspot.com

http://www.goodreads.com/anitaclenney

http://www.redroom.com/anitaclenney

Some of the places Embrace the Highland Warrior can be purchased:

http://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Highland-Warrior-Anita-Clenney/dp/1402251262

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embrace-the-highland-warrior-anita-clenney/1100076266

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Embrace-Highland-Warrior/Anita-Clenney/9781402251269

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/embrace-the-highland-warrior/id468777516?mt=11

We’ll leave you with another excerpt from Embrace the Highland Warrior:

Cody sighed. Might as well get it over with. He removed the shackles, returned them, and bent over her. “Shay, wake up.”

Her eyes flew open. She planted both hands against his chest and shoved, knocking him on his back, then sprang on top of him. “How dare you handcuff me to a bed?” she yelled, punctuating each word with a shake that rattled his brain. He didn’t fight back. She had to get it out of her system, and he didn’t blame her. He’d be more than pissed if someone shackled him.

She landed a fist into his stomach, and the breath rushed out of him. Okay, enough was enough. He captured her hands and rolled, trapping her under him.

“Get off me, you oaf.”

“I’ll get off when you stop beating the snot out of me.”

She let out a war cry and lunged for his throat, teeth bared. Intrigued, he hesitated a second too long, and she sank her teeth into his neck. A jolt of desire shot straight to his groin. He’d never been one for the rough stuff, but damn! He pulled back before she could do more than leave a bruise. He trapped her legs with his and held her hands above her head, letting his full weight press her into the soft mattress. She still struggled but could move only enough to get him excited.

“I’m sorry, Shay. I had to do it. It was too dangerous to let you go traipsing through the woods. I had to keep you safe.”

“What if he was hiding in one of the other bedrooms and sneaked in here while I was handcuffed to the bed? You left me so I couldn’t even protect myself.”

“Lach heard him out in the woods, but that’s why I locked the door, just in case. If this guy had broken it down to get to you, you would’ve screamed, and I would’ve come running. I was never far from the house.” He’d heard every name she called him.

Her eyes still flashed fire, but her breath was steadier, and she kept glancing at his mouth. He thought that was a good thing. He wondered if she’d calmed enough not to hit him, because he should move. She had to notice the effect all the wiggling around was having on him. He felt her hips push against his, and he groaned. He relaxed his grip and lowered his head, letting his lips touch her chin. He kissed his way to her mouth, and she head butted him in the nose.

While the stars exploded in his head, she shoved him aside and bolted out the door. He jumped up and went after her as she pounded down the stairs. He caught up with her outside. She was swinging her purse like a whip, headed for the car.

“Where are you going?” he demanded.

“Get away from me.”

“You can’t leave.”

“Watch me.” She opened the door. “I’m tired of people hiding things from me. I thought you were going to stop. Now you’re handcuffing me to the bed.”

“I explained it to you.”

“Don’t touch me,” she said, jerking away when he grabbed her arm.

“You’re not leaving.”

Shay straightened her shoulders. “You can’t stop me.”

He grabbed her, tossed her over his shoulder, kicked the car door shut, and stomped up the steps.

“Put me down!” Shay kicked and twisted, cursing at him. He dumped her on her feet inside the door.

She blew her hair out of her face, and as soon as she could see, she threw a punch at his chin. He deflected it and grabbed her arm. “Stop hitting me.”

“How dare you throw me over your shoulder like some kind of caveman,” she spat, trying to wrench her arm free. It didn’t work, so she used her knee.

“Ah, not there.” Cody trapped her knee. “I made the mistake of letting you leave here nine years ago without listening to me. By God, I won’t do it again. You’ll listen if I have to sit on you,” he growled.

She drew back her other arm, and before she could throw the punch, he had her on the floor and was sitting astride her, pinning her wrists to the floor. She bucked and twisted, but he held her down. “We can do this all night if you want, but you’re going to listen to me this time.”

“Listen to more lies? You’re still hiding things from me. Like the fact that you have Nina’s entire house under surveillance. Like the fact that you’ve got a Bat Cave in your basement. Like the fact that you were in

Scotland

when the stalking started.”

“You think I’m your stalker?” he yelled. “Me! I’m trying to keep you alive. We’re all trying to keep you alive. That’s what the clan’s been doing your whole damned life, trying to keep you alive! And just like always, you’re making it hard as hell. Your father wasn’t a bloody spy, and that thing in your living room wasn’t a man!”

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-- Lynda Again
That was a great insight into how a book gets started. And a terrific excerpt for Embrace The Highland Warrior. If you've seen my review of it, you'll know I think this is a terrific book and a terrific series. I read it and promptly went out to buy the first book in the series. But...you want to know how to get into the drawing for Anita's book, right? Here's how:

1) Leave a comment for Anita here on the blog
2) Send me an email at lynda@lyndakscott.com with your snail mail addy by Dec 2 with Anita Clenney in the subject line.
3) I'll put all the names in the prize box and have Wookie, my alien kitten, pick the winner.

Good luck and have a Blessed Day!

Review - Embrace The Highland Warrior

2011-11-28T05:00:00.095-05:00

Embrace The Highland Warrior
Anita Clenney
Sourcebooks, Casablanca
November 2011

After years away from her childhood home, Shay decides to spend the night there. Her aunt Nina is away, the house and all its memories are hers. But the first night, she awakes from a nightmare, hearing the floor boards creak under an intruders weight. Shay grabs the nearest weapon, a candlestick, and goes to investigate. She attacks the large shadowy form in the hallway but the man's reflexes are astounding. Before she knows it, the intruder has her in a death grip and demands to know who she is. The voice brings back memories, both good and heartbreaking. The same memories she's determined to face and conquer so that she can move forward with her life.

Cody Connor, one of the famed Warriors of the Connor Clan, can't believe Shay is back in Virginia. But there she is just as stubborn and independent as always. And just as tormentingly beautiful. He's always known she was his destined mate but he'd been forbidden to let her know who he and his family really were or that they'd been trying to keep her safe all her life. When he was just entering the service, he'd let her get away. Now she was back and he meant for her to stay.

The demon who thought he'd killed Shay years earlier, though, has just discovered her empty grave. Her death is the only thing standing between him and eternal life.

Embrace the Highland Warrior is a fantastic combination of romance, sexy Highland warriors, and the paranormal. This was actually the first book I'd read in this series. I loved it so much, I ordered the first one Awaken the Highland Warrior from Amazon and couldn't wait until it arrived. You can see my review of it here.

During the story, Shay is assailed by painful memories of her past but not just painful ones. She has many happy memories which lead inexorably to her deep love for Cody, the playmate then the handsome boy next door. Ms Clenney's skills are clearly in evidence as she develops both Shay and Cody, how they grew up, grew together, and fell in love. She made these two characters so real, so sympathetic, that they draw us into the story and the plot seduces us into staying. Yes, these books are the sort that you can't put down. You'll find yourself carrying the book from room to room or in your purse if you have to go out.

But even worse...Ms Clenney has other drool worthy warriors just waiting for their own books. They're not alone. Many readers are waiting too. If you haven't read the two books in this series, buy them for yourself as a Christmas present but go ahead and read them. You'll be happy you did.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who Celebrate It

2011-11-24T22:41:00.000-05:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends and lots of good food. The Scott clan and a few friends feasted on turkey, roast beef, sausage and sauerkraut, smashed potatoes, green beans and corn and pumpkin pie. No one left hungry ;-)

And we were Thankful for the food, for the family and friends, and for the little lives that keep us company (our doggies and kittens). There's so much to be Thankful for that it's often too easy to forget. I try to remember that each day when I say my prayers but I still forget some of the Blessings I've had...I wish you all could have been here. I can guarantee that you were part of the friends that I'm always Thankful for ;-)

Hope you all had a Blessed Day.

Guest - Kristin Battestella

2011-11-23T09:44:00.003-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is Kristin Battestella, who's giving us a glimpse into her Vampire Family series and what a writer needs to do when rejections come their way. Enjoy!

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A Vampire Thanksgiving Inspiration!

By Kristin Battestella

“Hello Mother,

I have never conformed to normal societal standards; you know I have looked after my own cares, perhaps even selfishly some might say. However, amid this sad state in America’s affairs, it was in my best interests to marry. Yes, marry. I’m sure you wish to know his titles and ancestry for your histories, but none such matters to me. His name isn’t even important, for he wasn’t around long. His funeral is tomorrow in fact—a gentleman’s funeral for a wealthy gentleman from North Carolina.

I apologize if I’m late in my correspondence. You know I don’t like to write. I imagine you might have wished a traditional spectacle at this news, Mother, your one moment of pride and pretense that you have a normal daughter and a proper family. Ha!”

That’s the opening paragraph to my November release with Muse It Up Publishing, Debauchery: Victoria’s Burning, Book 4 in the Fate and Fangs: Tales from the Vampire Family series. We began the set in August and are schedule to run all 7 through February. Awesome, isn’t it?

But it almost wasn’t.

About this time last year, we were just signing the contract with Lea at the Muse and I was simply ecstatic. By the end of last summer, I had finally resigned myself to the fact that Fate and Fangs was unpublishable. I told my husband I wouldn’t have any books out in 2010 then, and though I wasn’t happy about it, that’s how it would have to be. The calendar time wasn’t what upset me as much as the fact that what I had worked on for so long wasn’t going to be read. For a writer, that is the absolute worst!

I hadn’t intended to immediately continue the universe begun in my 2008 novel with Eternal Press, The Vampire Family, but the moment we were re-released at EP, interviewers and reviewers were asking for more. I have my drafts and am continuing work on the next two full-length novels in the universe, but I didn’t want to go forward with all the heavy vampire action and coven wars just yet. There was actually one negative review for The Vampire Family, and the complaint was that there was too much action. This did surprise me; as it was meant to be a heavy war historical battle vampire piece, not a paranormal romance.

Fortunately, I did have more pieces and partially done short stories that I had originally excised from The Vampire Family. These personal, individual, first person accounts just didn’t fit with the style of the novel. I still thought these pieces were critical to the characters and establishments at hand, and after revising and updating and falling in love with them all over again, I sought publication for Fate and Fangs…

Only to find that no one wanted them.

Naturally, I could understand a lot of the passing- these are after all novella length tales that fall into the realm of $.99- $1.99 sales. It’s time and effort that just doesn’t add up for some publishers, and that’s fine. Writing is an art to us, but Publishing is still very much a business- and I’m sure we’re tough to market, too. Fate and Fangs varies in its eras and themes: Book 1, Love is obviously more paranormal romance than Book 2 Punishment, which is much more abstract horror. Debauchery has some very inappropriate subject matter, too. I get it. Logistics. But that doesn’t make it easier to get the rejections. After awhile, you get tired of listening to editors say, ‘I love it, I really really do, but no.’ It’s actually easier when you have a publisher say no because the subject matter is too touchy and out there rather than lose on technicalities. Again, either way your hard work is for naught. One less wise to the industry might simply give up, been done with compromising oneself for the business that is publication.

No!

I’ve been doing several speaking panels about the nuts and bolts of writing and getting published with the New Jersey Authors Network. So many other new, aspiring, or stumbling writers have told me how they’re afraid of getting rejected because they have an unusual format, or taboo topic, or just don’t feel like their work has a place in the industry standard. Fortunately, I can tell them that in today’s publishing world, there are no such stumbling blocks or obstacles. I first looked into e-publishing as a viable format way back in 2005- pre Kindle magics and when vampires weren’t so played as they are now- simply because I knew what I wrote was too out there for mainstream traditional publication. There is really every opportunity to publish today, regardless of if your topic is touchy or if your word count isn’t up to snuff to some.

If Fate and Fangs didn’t find a home with Muse, I might not be able to share and inspire other authors to keep at it. I’d probably just stay at home plugging away on the next story at hand in hopes that that would be the one to see the light of day. Thankfully, I can indeed say anything is possible. Sure, I didn’t have any books published in 2010. However, I will have 5 in 2011 and 2 forthcoming for 2012. With one publisher taking a chance, my portfolio literally doubled overnight.

So, the humble morale of my tale is to keep writing! Put the tale you have to tell on the page. Shape it to what the story needs to be the best told tale it can possibly be. In seeking publication, do your research, know your options, and consider the possibilities and opportunities available too you. Don’t despair after rejection! Keep at it! The publisher you need to get your book out to readers is there. It just takes another round of writerly elbow grease. And we’ve all got plenty of that, don’t we?

Fate and Fangs: Tales from The Vampire Family

Feel Love, experience Punishment, know Struggle, indulge the Debauchery, crave Lust, learn Humanity, face Resurrection, and choose: Fate or Fangs?

Kristin Battestella writes for her hometown newspaper, The Cumberland County Reminder in New Jersey and has been writing non fiction, speculative fiction, dark fantasy, paranormal, and horror for fifteen years. She enjoys being at home with her family, collecting records, and creating web pages in her spare time. Along with numerous sports articles, online reviews (Her review of the film 300 earned 11,000 hits and crashed the Fire Fox News server!), and fiction work; Kristin's first eBook was published in 2005. She is a member of EPIC, the Friends of the Mount Laurel Library, and has her eyes set on joining the Online Film Critics Society. Kristin's first full-length work The Vampire Family has been re-released with Eternal Press; and in addition to numerous reviews, interviews, chats and blog appearances, Kristin recently attended the Philadelphia and Collingswood Book Festivals.

You can find us anytime online

http://vampfam.blogspot.com

http://jsnouff.com/kristin

http://kristin724.livejournal.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vampire-Family/157922293588

http://www.myspace.com/kristinbattestella

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella/

http://www.facebook.com/kristin.battestella

In Professor Welshire’s fourth Fate and Fangs chronicle, Victoria uses the fallout from the American Civil War to her advantage-or so the beautiful but deadly blockade-runner hopes. After all her using, abusing, and feedings, Victoria’s slaves finally take matters into their own hands, forcing Antonio’s daughter to face her own mortality.

You can shop for Debauchery at Muse It Up or find each of the Fate and Fangs tales on Kindle

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=245&category_id=69&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1

http://www.amazon.com/Debauchery-Victorias-Burning-Fangs-ebook/dp/B0060YCX2S/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320454507&sr=1-5

For December, look for Fate and Fangs Book 5, Lust: James at the Sundowner!

The Sundowner offers steamy Welshire vampires Jessica, Pamela, and Slava for underground vampire sex and biting fetishes in this mid-century tale from Professor James. Victoria’s twin brother James, however, is content with his gig as piano player at the club owned by their brother Stephen. James’ own love Catrina is the alluring singer at The Sundowner, but can he keep his longtime vampire companion away from the tempting, exciting young clientele?

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-- Lynda Again,
My apologies to Kristin. I had some problems getting the blog to properly post today and in my haste to get it up here, left out the two terrific covers she'd sent me. I hope everyone enjoys her post as much as I did and that you all have a Blessed and Wonderful Thanksgiving.

Guest - Linda Wisdom

2011-11-21T06:00:00.014-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is one of our very favorite authors, Linda Wisdom. Linda has an entertaining post for us as usual and a chance for one lucky Star-Crossed Romance reader to win an ARC. Read on to find out how.

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Three days to that fantastic turkey dinner!

Are you ready? Or wondering just what have you put yourself in for?

I want to be one of the witches and hex up dinner. Same with the dirty dishes afterwards. That way I can indulge in a good book. I’d even settle for minions to do it all.

Not that I can complain since we’re going out to dinner this year.

If you get a chance to get some good reading in, more power to you!

To get you in the mood, I’m including a Thanksgiving story about Jazz and Irma.

And for one lucky commenter I’m giving away an advanced reading copy of A Demon Does It Better, my January release. US residents only please. (See the instructions at the bottom--Lynda)

And for all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Too bad we don’t all have Irma to oversee our culinary efforts!

"I have to do what?" A horrified Jazz stared at the pale-skinned turkey lying on the counter.

"You have to reach inside the cavity and take out the giblets." Irma peered over her shoulder sending a shock of cold through Jazz’s body.

When Jazz broke down and asked Irma to help her cook Thanksgiving dinner, she had no idea it would involve putting her hands inside a raw turkey and pull its guts out. Can you spell euww!

She settled for sticking her hands inside two plastic bags before sticking them inside the turkey's butt. She kept her eyes closed and mouth scrunched up as she scooped out the innards.

"This is disgusting!"

"Perhaps if you'd cooked more often and not been out there doing witchy things, you'd know what to do in cooking a proper meal."

"Spare me from self-righteous spirits," Jazz muttered, dumping the giblets and the neck in the sink. She quickly peeled off the bags and dropped them in the trash.

"And don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly since you just handled raw poultry."

Jazz paused in wiping her hands on her jeans and reached for the hand soap instead.

"How big is the turkey?" Irma asked, pursing her Tangeed lips. While she now wore clothing designed for this century instead of the last, she still enjoyed some of her 1950s make up.

Jazz stared at the pale bird. "Big."

Irma sighed. "No, how many pounds."

"I don't know. I didn't exactly put it on a scale!"

"Then look at the wrapper! You determine the time it takes to cook it according to the number of pounds. We always bought our turkeys at the Farris Turkey Ranch. Such beautiful birds too."

Jazz ignored Irma reminiscing about the good old days when she was still alive. "Yeah yeah. Okay, the bird is twenty-three pounds since Krebs wants lots of leftovers and Stasi and Blair are coming down for dinner."

"Are you stuffing it? If you are, it will take longer to cook."

"Stuffing it? I just took stuff out of it!" Witches normally didn't get headaches but Jazz was well on her way to a doozy.

"And you make up a nice stuffing to put into the turkey cavity. There's cornbread stuffing, oyster, herb. Take your choice."

"Then I choose Stove-Top which I can put in the microwave and it doesn't have to go anywhere near a turkey's nether regions."

"That's not stuffing! That's pieces of Lord knows what in a box!"

Jazz studied the red and yellow box. "The box stays stuffing, it's stuffing."

Under Irma's guidance Jazz had the turkey rubbed with butter and herbs, placed in a large electric roaster, and the timer set.

"Off the counter!" She ordered Fluff and Puff as the bunny slippers scampered up to investigate what was going on. She gave each them of a piece of licorice root for a treat and watched them retreat to a corner of the kitchen.

"Brown sugar, molasses is nice and miniature marshmallows for the top of the candied yams," Irma told her. "Are you making cranberry sauce?"

Jazz held up two cans. "Jellied and whole-berry."

"You modern girls rely too much on canned goods. I always bought my cranberries and made my own sauce with ginger and a hint of orange peel." Irma's face seemed to fill the entire screen. "Does that jar say gravy? You can make it from the drippings! You picked up butter and cream for the mashed potatoes, didn't you? And I mean real butter, not that oleo or what you call margarine now. We had to use oleo during the war and it had no taste. Also did you pick up the makings for the green bean casserole? That's a classic dish for Thanksgiving. The French-fried onion strings make it look so fancy. Please don't tell me that tube holds biscuits? I made my biscuits from scratch. Harold said they tasted light as a feather."

"Light as a feather biscuits sure didn't keep your husband in line, did it?" Jazz muttered.

"Maybe if you worried less about eliminating curses you'd have a man to cook for! Look at that! You're not even using real whipped cream for the pumpkin pie." Jazz flicked her fingers at the screen and muted the audio. She smiled at the picture of Irma talking away. "Ah, silence."

All too soon, she realized she did need help. She flicked her fingers at the screen again.

"You are a very rude girl," Irma huffed. "You asked for my help and I was only too willing to give it, yet on a whim you shut me off. Perhaps I should return to my program. Rachael Ray is coming on soon. She knows how to cook a Thanksgiving dinner."

Jazz briefly considered zapping Irma back to the garage, but since she needed the spirit's help, she didn't dare. Irma was a ghost who could hold a grudge with the best of them and Jazz wasn't even halfway through preparing dinner. She looked at the cans, jars and bowls scattered across the counters. Nothing had ever looked so intimidating.

And all because she wanted to do something nice for Krebs this year and give him a family-type dinner.

"Fine, I'm sorry I muted you. I lost my mind." Which she had in planning this dinner.

"I forgive you." A lit cigarette appeared between Irma's white-gloved fingers. "Now, you need to melt some butter to use in basting the turkey."

Jazz's head spun with the rapid-fire instructions Irma shot at her. And every time she started a new task she was tempted to use her magick.

"No wonder Samantha Stevens kept breaking her word in not using her magick," she muttered, mentally envisioning the potato peeler under six feet of concrete. By the time the timer for the turkey went off, Jazz was ready for a nap.

"Where's our feast?" Krebs asked, coming into the kitchen with Jazz's sister witches, Stasi and Blair on his heels. "Do you want me to carry the turkey into the dining room?"

She waved her hand at the roaster. "Knock yourself out."

Except as Krebs lifted the turkey out of the roaster it looked more pink than golden.

"What did you do to it?" Irma demanded from the TV screen.

Jazz was horrified. "I cooked it! 5 ½ hours at 225."

"You cook it at 325!" Irma shouted. "That bird is still raw."

With a flick of the wrist, Jazz shut off the TV, faced the turkey, saying "Forget the book. Forget the look. Damn turkey needs to be cooked, because I say so damn it!"

In the wink of an eye, the turkey turned a well-cooked golden brown. Just as fast the food disappeared from the kitchen, leaving it clean and neat and reappeared on the dining room table.

Jazz snatched up a dark green bottle and marched into the other room. "I'll bring the wine."

Hopefully your Thanksgiving will be filled with good food, good friends and family and maybe a glass or four of wine.

Linda

Coming Soon

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-- Lynda Again

Hope everyone enjoyed Linda's little Thanksgiving interlude. Her newest book A Demon Does It Better will be available in January 2012. I've read it and it's fabulous (stay tuned for my review in late December). If you want to be entered in her drawing, leave a comment AND your email addy so she can contact you. Oh, and the deadline will be Wednesday for the drawing.

Guest - Cindy Lynn Speer

2011-11-14T06:00:00.020-05:00

Good morning all! Today's guest is Cindy Speer, who'll be discussing fencing. I don't fence but I do love characters who do ;-) so I'll be reading this with great interest. Hope you enjoy it too!

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Since I am absolutely certain that people really aren’t that excited about hearing about me when I do a chat, I tend to tell people more about my main hobby…historical fencing.

And people get enthused. Swords always get people enthused. I’m all for that, of course. But then people ask me if I write about fencing in my books. And you think, since I spend a fair amount of my life during the week attempting to become an excellent swordswoman, that my books and stories would be chock full of people trying to kill each other with the sharp and pointies. Even a few years back, the first guy to ever teach me how to fence said something along the lines, “When you write your novel with a huge sword scene in it…and you will...” But, honestly, no. And I can hear the chorus of writing professors and editors yelling, “Write what you know!” but somehow I just can’t.

I think that this is not uncommon. Writers do tend to write what they know…they can’t *not* do so, if they don’t know about something then they need to research, to find out enough details to make whatever it is that they are writing about real in their heads so that it will be real in the minds of their reader. You can’t just write about climbing up the side of a building unless you know what the bricks would feel like under your fingers, what the weight of your body would feel like, what the world is like when you look down. Maybe you never climbed up the side of a building, but you have, in your life, gathered data. You’ve picked a brick up and felt it, before putting it back on the pile. You’ve held your weight by your hands when climbing over a wall, that few seconds before you let go to drop a half foot. You’ve been high on top of a building, and you’ve looked down to the streets below.

But then writers also know that their audience is smart and knows things, too. You can’t trick people into thinking bricks would feel like the waxed skin of an apple unless you make lots of context to lead them to think bricks would feel like that in this world or situation. In my case, I hang around with fencers and long swordsmen. I hang around with bright people who have read books like Salvatore’s Drizzit Do’Urden series. Like me, many of them love it, but they will also explain to you why most of the sword fights won’t work. Don’t believe me? Go ahead and get two broom sticks and try and do the scene where he crosses the swords and kicks through them, but do me a favor…do them where a) no one will see you and laugh and b) where when you fall on your bottom you won’t get hurt. If you do manage to do it, do it again with a friend (gently) attacking you. Be prepared to glare at them from the floor as they laugh at you. It’s extremely fun to read until you know how to fight with a sword, and then you’re sitting there, trying to imagine it, and you think, “My favorite character should be dead by now.” And Drizzit *is* one of my faves, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t want the same thing happening to me…especially since I don’t have Salvatore’s built in cool points to save me.

So, how do you get over that? How do you write about your passion without feeling like you’re exposing yourself to looking less like a knowledgeable professional and more like a geek girl who has watched too many B-movies?

The secret for me will be to pass the scenes around to people I trust who also are readers…you need someone who has read enough books and stories to be jaded enough that a story isn’t cool just because someone they cared about read it. And since this is sword fighting, I might just get a friend who act it out with me. Because, eventually, knowing me and my love of swords, the day will come when I’ll just have to write that scene.

Have you ever encountered something like this? How do you write what you know? As a reader, how deeply do details matter to you?

Cindy Lynn Speer jokingly refers to herself as a swashbuckler and author, but it is not far from the truth. A historical fencer who writes fantasy, murder mysteries and retold fairy tales, she divides her time between proving that the pen and the sword can be equally mighty. Find out more about her at www.apenandfire.com

http://www.zumayapublications.com/title.php?id=252

-- Lynda Again

I hope everyone has enjoyed Cindy's blog today. Fencing is always fascinating to me. Hope you all have found it as intersting as I did.

Have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Brinda Berry

2011-11-07T06:00:00.037-05:00

Good morning all! Today we have author Brinda Berry who lives in the southern US with her family and two spunky cairn terriers. She has a BSE in English and French and a MEd in Learning Systems Technology. She's terribly fond of chocolate, coffee, and books that take her away from reality (just like the rest of us, LOL). She doesn't mind being called a geek or “crazy dog lady”. When she's not working the day job or writing a novel, she's guilty of surfing the internet for no good reason.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliders

My Love for "Sliders" and Worldbuilding

I think about "Sliders" quite often. No, I'm not talking about the delectable tiny cheeseburgers so popular at restaurants. I'm referencing the television show that aired during the late 1990s. "Sliders" was an American sci-fi series with a wonderful plot. In the show, travelers move through a wormhole to visit alternate realities. My debut YA fantasy, The Waiting Booth, has a portal and people travel to other dimensions. That's probably where the similarities end. Before writing my book series, I had to make up rules. Shows like "Sliders" and certain sci-fi books gave me much food for thought in worldbuilding.

First, let me tell you more about "Sliders", the television series. Brainiac grad student, Quinn Mallory, creates a machine that can send a person to an alternate universe. Quinn has a timer that can ensure that he returns to the original spot at a certain point in time. Of course, he has company. Quinn, his female friend Wade, a professor, and others get stuck in a messy situation during their universe sliding when the timer is activated before planned. They can't seem to slide back home. We learn that there is a Quinn and Wade in each universe. Also, their actions influence and change the course of events. Being a romantic at heart, I enjoyed the spark between Quinn and Wade. I only watched the first two seasons and loved every minute. The series lasted for five seasons, but many changes were made with the writers and storyline, so they lost me as a viewer after that.

In The Waiting Booth, my dimensions do not possess "alternate selves" of the characters. A technologically advanced society from another dimension has created some controls for travel through portals. Additionally, portals are a natural phenomena in every dimension. The main character Mia not only discovers a portal near her house; she discovers that the Bermuda Triangle is a portal. Mia also questions why the travelers from another dimension are so similar to herself when she assumed they'd resemble aliens.

So, this is where I'll let you in on my worldbuilding notes. I created a theory to use for writing The Waiting Booth. Want to hear about how this works? There are simultaneous dimensions of infinite number. The farther one travels, the more dissimilar the physical structure of the traveler. So, the ones doing a lot of traveling are the same or close in terms of human species. That doesn't exclude the possibility of those who are extremely different, but it does mean it would be rare to see the alien from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The neighbor living next door can look just like you and be from another dimension.

In "Sliders", all the action takes place in an alternate reality. Come to think of it...I'm not sure if they ever made it home. That made it very interesting to see how characters would react when bumping into their "alternate selves." In The Waiting Booth, most of the action takes place in Whispering Woods. Mia does get to travel through the portal, and I did make up some rules for that. Mia is a synesthete (a real medical condition) and is constantly overwhelmed by an overload of sensory perception. When she "senses" a portal, it is an area devoid of the things she usually finds. In my rules, I determined that sound and light could not travel through the portal, but that matter can.

Worldbuilding for my book was a lot of fun. I began this article by telling you about how much I enjoyed "Sliders" and even hinted that it inspired me. Although a lot of my worldbuilding is different from the "Sliders"' world, we have a few things in common. I love the concept that there is something out there beyond our known world. Also, I couldn't write a book without some romance to go along with the adventure. I've already written the second book in the Whispering Woods series and am currently writing the third. I find the worldbuilding to be one of the most enjoyable parts of writing. I get excited when I imagine all the possibilities. Do you have a favorite show or book that takes place in an alternate universe, reality, or dimension?

THE WAITING BOOTH

A missing boy, government agents, an interdimensional portal...

Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High—find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia’s drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it’s no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia’s secrets, she begins to wonder if there’s more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...

Brinda can be found at:

WEB: www.brindaberry.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/BrindaBerryAuthor

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/#!/Brinda_Berry

Review - The Storm That Is Sterling

2011-11-03T00:45:00.002-04:00

The Storm that is Sterling
by Lisa Renee Jones
Sourcebooks Casablanca
November 2011

Returning to her home after a visit to Germany for experimental cancer treatments, Astrobiologist Rebecca 'Becca' Burns finds herself in the middle of the battle between the two factions of GTECH Super Soldiers – the Zodius and the Renegades. Both groups want her. But only one group, the Renegades, sent her high school crush, Sterling Jeter, to bring her in. Sterling has grown even more handsome over the years since he stood her up for their one and only date. But his appearance here is fraught with danger as her house comes under fire from his enemies, the Zodius.

The next thing she knows she's thrown into the trailer of a big 18-wheeler along with a bloody and nearly dead Sterling. Her captor forces her to take a dose of the deadly and highly addictive ICE, telling her that he has cured her cancer, become her drug lord and sugar daddy and that she could figure out how to pay him for her addiction.

Sterling finds Becca more beautiful now than she was at 17 but too many questions in her past make him suspicious. Is she working for Adam Rain, the leader of the Zodius, in exchange for a cure for her disease? He doesn't want to believe it but he's seen worse things happen when people become desperate. Then her home is attacked and his back up team is gone except for Damion, one of the few men he trusts. Badly wounded, he gives Becca to Damion then turns to fight the Zodius. When he turns back, Becca is held by Tad Bensen, Adam's second-in-command. He's confused and outraged and terrified that Becca will be hurt but he's been too badly wounded and succumbs to unconsciousness.

So begins The Storm that is Sterling, the second book in Ms Jones Zodius series. Sterling and Becca are soon reunited and just as quickly separated in Zodius City when all hell breaks loose and Becca escapes. Aware that she's been addicted to the drug, ICE, Sterling sets out to find her by tracking down ICE dealers. But Becca isn't interested in being found. She's seen pictures of Sterling alongside Adam and she isn't sure she can trust Sterling. All she wants to do is find a cure for her addiction and cure others who are also addicted. She's determined to stay out of the Zodius' clutches.

Sterling will do whatever is necessary to protect Becca. She's the Renegades best hope to find a cure for ICE but, more than that, he feels a protectiveness for her that exceeds what he would normally feel. Could she be his life bond? He's not sure. He has certain GTECH limitations which make him believe that he isn't capable of forming the life bond no matter what he feels.

I have to say...this is one of those books that you will not want to put down so make sure you have plenty of time to read it. The action is fast, the plot intriguing and the characters are fascinating. With the emotional tension and the wonderful love story, Ms. Jones has created a powerful new paranormal series that will captivate all her readers. This series is definitely a must buy.

It would be handy to read the first book (The Legend of Michael) in the series but it isn't necessary since The Storm that is Sterling stands alone quite nicely.

Check out the quickie interview with Lisa Renee Jones at
http://star-crossedromance.blogspot.com/2011/11/guest-lisa-renee-jones.html

Guest - Lisa Renee Jones

2011-11-02T06:00:00.004-04:00

Good morning all! We have a quickie visit from author Lisa Renee Jones who has a fantastic book out this month - The Storm That Is Sterling. You want to get it, trust me!

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Me: What draws you to the romance genre?
Lisa: Life is about love and happily ever after. I think everyone wants that someone special.

Me: Do you prefer alpha/omega relationships in stories, or alpha/alpha relationships, and why?
Lisa: I do tend to favor a good alpha male as I’m sure my readers would agree. But part of being a good alpha hero is knowing how to balance that with respect and love.

Me: Have you ever written outside the romance genre? If not, do you ever plan to?
Lisa: I have! I just had an editor request extra pages of an Urban Fantasy I wrote. I just finished those up today and I love writing UF. It fits my style because even my romances tend to be very action oriented.

Me: What themes do you like to write?
Lisa: It really depends on the genres. When I write for Blaze I love a good Cinderella story like Santa Baby and I love friends to lovers. When writing paranormal I really love a damaged hero and/or heroine that is healed by the love of the other.

Me: What one thing would you want your readers to remember from your book?
Lisa: It really depends on the genre but ultimately I hope they smile and wish the book wasn’t over yet.

About Lisa: Award-winning author Lisa Renee Jones has published more than fifteen novels in several different languages, spanning multiple genres of romance–contemporary, romantic suspense, dark paranormal, and erotic fiction. Her heroes are dark, dangerous, and sexy, her romances emotional and steamy. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Storm that is Sterling: Second in a military-themed paranormal romantic suspense series by award-winning Lisa Renee Jones.

Villainous Adam Rain uses a synthetic serum to create a human addiction only he can satisfy. Renegade Super Soldier Sterling Jeter’s mission is to save the beautiful scientist in Adam’s captivity, but their attraction threatens to put them in the path of death... or worse...

See my review of The Storm That Is Sterling
http://star-crossedromance.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-storm-that-is-sterling.html

Guest - Gabriella Hewitt

2011-10-31T06:00:00.003-04:00

Good morning all! We've got one of the most interesting writer combinations we've ever had on Star-Crossed Romance. Gabriella is writing about ancient Aztecs and their customs. It's a little scary so make sure all your lights are on, LOL.

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Sacrificial Blood to Appease the Gods

Happy Halloween! Today is a day to get dressed up, have fun and scare the pants off you. I don’t know what’s more frightening than to talk about human sacrifice.

In the course of researching for my Shadow Warrior’s series, I’ve run across numerous references to sacrifice amongst the Aztecs. While there’s still dispute on the numbers—was it thousands, tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of victims in a year—evidence dug up during excavations tell us that sacrifices did take place.

According to the Aztec calendar there were eighteen months each lasting twenty days. In each month a festivity was held and on each festivity a sacrifice was made. Furthermore, the Aztecs believed that the universe ran on a fifty-two year cycle and that the universe would collapse at the end of this cycle if the gods were fed enough blood over the course of this period to sustain them. The gods sacrificed themselves to give life to man; therefore, it was up to man to sacrifice in return to keep the gods appeased and strong enough to maintain the universe’s existence. The gods required blood. They received it in the form of sacrifices and bloodletting on the part of the Aztecs. So, at the end of the fifty-two year cycle a big fire was lit and at midnight it was extinguished and a sacrifice made. If at dawn the sun rose, this meant a new fifty-two year cycle would begin. The priests lit the body of the victim and then fire was carried to all the houses throughout the town.

Sacrifices were also made to particular gods to achieve a desired result. Here are some:

Huitzilopochtli

In the case of a sacrificial offering to the Aztec sun god, the victim was placed on a stone slab in the temple. Several priests would hold down the limbs of the victim. One priest would take an obsidian blade or flint and make an incision in the rib cage. He would then rip out the still beating heart with his hands and hold it up to the sky. The victim’s body would be burned or given to the warrior who had captured the victim. If the warrior took the body, he would cut it into pieces to give to important people or us it in rituals of cannibalism. This would ensure his rise in status in Aztec society.

Tezcatlipoca

The god of night, sorcery and destiny was considered all seeing and all knowing. He had the ability to change man’s destiny, but being a trickster, he was more likely to cause a reversal of fortune. Each year a youth was chosen to dress up as Tezcatlipoca. Throughout the year he would be treated as a living incarnation of the god. He was given four beautiful women to accompany him. He spent his days walking the streets and playing his flute. During the Aztec month of Toxcatl, he would be sacrificed. On the day of the sacrifice he attended a banquet in his honor and ate a huge feast. When it was finished, he climbed the temple steps, broke his flute and surrendered himself to the priests for ritual slaying.

Huehueteotl

The fire god was responsible for light in the darkness. The Aztecs would hold a great feast and at the end they would burn their captives. Before the victims died, they were pulled with hooks from the fire and their hearts cut out. To do otherwise risked the wrath of the fire god, who might take offense and burn down the villages.

Tlaloc

It was important for the Aztecs to keep the god of rain appeased. Without the benevolence of this god, the people might suffer from droughts, or diseases such as leprosy and rheumatism. For this god, they believed in the need for tears of the young. Priests made children cry on the way to their immolation. One researcher I read of during my studies estimates that one in five Aztec children were sacrificed to the gods.

These tales are only some of the kinds of sacrifices that took place. The Aztecs were a fierce people, whether in life or in death.

Happy Halloween! Have fun and stay safe!

The Aztecs are a fascinating culture and I had a lot of fun weaving them into my SHADOW WARRIORS series from Samhain Publishing. Sacrifices and tzitzimime are both featured in OUT OF THE SHADOWS, the first novella in this series. Keep your eye out for SHADOW VISIONS coming in March 2012!

When the last shadow warrior falls, so will all humanity.
With each demon he vanquishes in service to the Aztec sun god, Tomás fulfills his duty to defend humankind—and surrenders another piece of his humanity to his wolf spirit. All hope seems lost until a mission leads him to the door of the one thing he thought he’d never find…his spirit mate. The only woman who can save him from oblivion.

When Carolina hears the wolf’s howl, it pierces the very core of her lonely heart. Yet she dare not answer. As the last guardian of her land and the secret it contains, she is haunted by the mistake that cost the lives of her family. Never will she repeat that mistake, especially with a warrior who is more beast than man.
Chasing away the demon is easier than breaching the barriers around the heart of the young woman who possesses a strange power over water—and his very soul. But if they are to survive the night, he must convince her they are destined to stand together.

EXCERPT

A wolf’s howl pierced the desert silence, causing the animals to stir restlessly in their stalls. Wolves had been reintroduced into Arizona, but she had yet to see or hear one so close to her ranch. Was it an omen?

Carolina paused in her chores to stare out the open barn door into the gathering darkness.

For a moment, she let herself get caught up in the long, solitary note. It felt like a kindred spirit. She knew loneliness intimately. Only her loneliness did not come from the vast miles of the sun-parched Sonoran desert that surrounded her, but out of the necessity to protect her goddess, her land’s secret. As one of the few amongst her people to become a guardian, her choices were limited.

The one occasion she’d invested herself in another, he’d betrayed her. She’d foolishly placed her hope and trust in Billy and she’d paid a horrendous price. Her desire to find someone to share the workload, her joy and sadness, and the burden of her secret—just as her parents had done—had blinded her to the trap she’d walked into. By the time she understood what was happening, it was too late. Her parents were dead.

Her heart weighed heavy in her chest as if it had happened recently and not five years ago. The memory of her parents lingered too close to the surface today. This had been their land, their dream, and now it was hers to fight for. She’d vowed never to fail them again. Above her own needs came the higher purpose of protecting her goddess at all costs.

Her mare, Mariposa, snorted and reared up, pulling Carolina from her thoughts. The animals had been growing edgier with each passing minute. They sensed the evil that blew in with the warm desert breeze. She berated herself for not paying more attention to them.

Goose bumps prickled her skin. Her tattoo, a gift from the goddess, began a slow burn on her shoulder, a sure sign that evil was approaching. She felt the heat radiating through the fabric of her denim shirt. The last time she’d experienced the odd sensation, her world had fallen apart.

Cautiously, she turned her head, seeking the source.

Her breath came out in a gasp.

Less than ten feet away sat a magnificent gray wolf, watching her. Waiting.

***

So tell me what scares you?

Leave a comment with your email address and be entered to win an ebook copy of OUT OF THE SHADOWS, a contemporary paranormal romance based on Aztec mythology.

Gabriella Hewitt is the pen name of creative writing talents Sasha Tomaszycki and Patrizia M.J. Hayashi. Together they weave tales of romantic suspense and dangerously sensual paranormals. Check out the website www.GabriellaHewitt.com to find out about upcoming releases and events on her blog.

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-- Lynda Again
What a fascinating post! Leave a comment for our guest with your email addy so she can contact you if you're selected as the winner...and

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Pictures Comments - Photobucket

2011-10-24T06:00:00.047-04:00

Good morning all! Today's guest, Lynn Rush, has stopped by to talk about the adrenaline rush she gets...read on to find out what prompts it ;-)

Lynn is also offering a giveaway! Check out the details below.

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Such a Rush…

Now, I’ve been known to seek out a rush through athletics. To me, there’s nothing like screaming down a hill at twenty miles-per hour on inline speed skates.

And on a road bike, make it thirty-five miles per hour.

That’ll get the blood pumping.

**Whew**

But now, I seek my rushes in a different way: Sitting before a blank page and typing “Chapter One.”

**Le Sigh**

There’s just nothing like it. Some writers would disagree, but for me, I love that part. It really brings back the feeling of speeding down a hill or the side of a mountain on my bike. The pumping heart, sweaty palms, and racing mind.

Maybe that’s why so many of my ideas for stories happen during exercise. But that’s a post for another day.

By sitting down in front of that blank page, I get free reign. I can go any direction I want, dream up the craziest twists and turns, and just…write. Sure, the editing process takes a bit longer, but I’m okay with that.

I love the idea of bringing life to characters that have been roaming around my brain and haunting my dreams (and sometimes steaming them up). And I can even connect the rush of exercise to the rush of writing that first intense look between the hero and heroine. The first touch. The first kiss.

You sometimes have the same things happening…pumping heart, sweaty palms, racing mind…See what I mean?

And that’s what I love to read, too. Deep characters, their intense connections, and then how they face the obstacles thrown their way. I want to feel what they’re feeling.

It’s such a rush.

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What books have you read recently that have given you a heart-pounding, sweaty-hand, mind-racing rush?

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Lynn Rush began her writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge to develop unique characters.

A former inline speed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of her athletic endurance. So, when she's not writing, she spends time enjoying the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of fifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Catch the Rush: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa

Amazon: http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer: http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk

Wasteland

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.

The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.

Excerpt:

Her teeth grated her lip. Must be a nervous habit. But the action chipped at my resolve each time.

One quick taste.

I brought my other hand to her face, the side with the mark, and curled my fingers around her neck, moving my thumb behind her ear. Her hands cuffed my wrists, but not to push me away. Instead her stare bore into mine like a freight train. The flashing lights of the club bounced a coral, teal, and violet rainbow over her shimmering skin.

The people surrounding us blurred into oblivion, and the music faded into a storm of muffled pitches and tones.

I concentrated on her shining lips and took in the warmth of her body so close to mine. I wanted only the sense of touch to be awake while I reveled in the silky texture of her skin. For so long I’d touched nothing. If I was going to break my rules, I would enjoy it.

Her hands glided from my wrists down my forearms and up my biceps, sending a ripple of desire through my soul. I could resist no longer. I brushed my lips against hers and tasted melon. She heaved a sharp breath and clamped her fingers around my shoulders, holding me in place.

Scents of lilac permeated me. My heart hammered, and my demon pounded, wanting out.

Wanting her.

I turned my head, severing our connection. Too intense. Must stay in control. She let out a whimper. I pressed my mouth to her cheek and tilted her head.

I almost wished I hadn’t.

She bore the mark of a Guardian, immortal protectors of the humans.

I drank Beka in for three long breaths, knowing it may be my last chance to hold her close. Because if Beka truly was guarding Jessica Hanks I would more than likely have to kill her to get my Mark.

Thanks for coming by today and hanging out with me.

I’d love to give away a signed copy of Wasteland to a commenter. Just leave a comment (include your email addy) and I’ll choose a winner on Wednesday. If you’re international, I can send an electronic version of the book instead.

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-- Lynda Again

I hope you've all enjoyed Lynn's visit with us today. I have to say...I think the best books will cause that speeding heart, that rush of feeling as you read them. So I'm eager to see which books you've read that cause that feeling too. I can always use another book on my TBR, LOL. And you'll have a chance to win Lynn's giveaway (don't forget to add you email addy so she can contact you if your name is drawn).

Have a Blessed Day!