Tuesday, November 30, 2010
So you want to write a novel...
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Tenth Dimension
This gave me credibility for when I write about the shift to another dimension. My character doesn't go into detail like this guy did but at least it will be believable and not within the category of 'science so advance it's in the realm of magic.' I love a story that has a foot in fiction and the other foot in reality.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
ISBN: 978-1-59578-753-8
eBook: $6.10
Buy Link - http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=44657.44535&product_name=Nightwalker&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact
Rating:
Mystery, sexy men and danger...and that’s only the beginning. Leah Wolfe is a character that I’m sure anyone will connect with. She’s very real. And without spoiling anything, a scene happens very early on in the novel that had me balling my eyes out. Literally, sobbing while I read each page. Ms. Print captured a very sad moment, and wow, did I ever feel it.
Not only is there one love interest, but there’s two. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure by the end of the story who I wanted Leah to be with. And considering her ex-fiancé, Joaquín doesn’t deserve her it surprised me I felt this way. His character really grew on me and I found myself forgiving him for his wrongs.
This brings me to Ian, the new love in Leah’s life. Their relationship is the only reason this book isn’t getting a 5 star review from me. Time and time again, Leah contradicted herself and it left me confused. I’m sure it had something to do with her being cautious when it comes to love, but it left me not believing in their relationship, and unable to really connect with them as a couple.
Regardless of my little qualms with Leah’s and Ian’s relationship, this author has become one that will top my to-be-read list. Leah’s special gifts held me captivated the entire novel and the adventure she goes on is fantastic. If you love the paranormal, a quick witted heroine, love and a compelling adventure, then go and buy this book now! You won’t be disappointed!!
THE BLURB:
Leah Wolfe has retired from serious police work in favor of seeking a normal life. Her unique, yet not fully discovered supernatural abilities allow her to speak to the souls of the dead, providing vital information in the search for their killers. Her abilities have also cost her almost everyone she has ever loved including her mother, who abandoned her to fend for herself on the streets, and, most recently, her ex-fiancé Joaquín Wildhorse, Chief Detective of the Native American Reservation Police Department. But when Joaquín’s new lover is found brutally murdered on the reservation, he turns to Leah for help. The hunt for a vicious killer leads Leah to sexy Ian Nightwalker and Leah is unable to walk away from the case that may cost her her most guarded possession of all. Her heart.
(Warning-bad words ahead) A LINE THAT HAD ME DROOLING WITH WORD ENVY ― “A fucking accident. You just happened to have a hard on and ‘accidentally’ fell into her. Is that what you’re going to stand there and tell me? Fuck you. Fuck this.”
Saturday, November 27, 2010
When Souls Collide, Chapter 15, Part 1
Enjoy.
All rights are the intellectual property of the author. No part may be copied or reproduced without the permission of the author.
***Warning. The following story contains erotic elements, explicit language and violence. Read at your own risk.***
Tesza opened her eyes. A haze floated over them like oil drifting across her pupils. Blurry images moved before her through half-closed lids. Whirls of congealed color and shapes.
“Stasis, put her in Cryo-stasis.” A voice, familiar but it sounded distant.
“Why bother, she’s already dead? She’s nothing more than a Kalos whore anyway.”
There was a loud thump followed by the sound of a body hitting the ground. A hand brushed her forehead. “I now know you didn’t mean for me to become sick.” Fingers stroked down her cheek. “The bastard tricked us. He’s alive. I left him alive. Only for you.”
“You have to remove your hand. I can’t shut the cell.” Another voice as icy as the air encasing her body. Unfamiliar. Hostile.
“If she doesn’t make it back alive, neither will you.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ursus. Tesza’s heart struggled to beat. She willed her brain to give her one last word. One last thing to be said. Her lips fell open, but only the fog of her breath escaped, sliding from her mouth like a phantom. She refocused. She didn’t want to die. Not before she told him.
Tesza blinked again and everything faded to gray. A cold mist coated her skin. Cold, so cold. “Ursus,” she whispered. But no further words escaped her.
“Here. I won’t let you die. Sleep.” A clanking sound as the case closed.
I love you. She gathered all her energy and pressed her palm against the frosty glass, and blinked, watching as he pressed his hand down over hers. Her energy escaped in a rosy color, lighting the glass, moving through, swirling with his green and blue. It was true. Their auras moved toward one another, even when separated. Tesza closed her eyes and drifted off.
#####
“Save her first and she will save us.” Ursus ran alongside the stretcher, grasping her icy hand. The surgeon coughed into a rag and shook his head, eyeing the bloody mess.
“I don’t think I can repair the damage.” The tone in his voice implied he didn’t even want to try.
Ursus yanked his lazr’ from the holster on his hip and pointed at the man. “Her blood contains the anti-virus. You will. Without her we all die and I’ll make sure you’re first.”
The doctor’s eyes widened. He rushed off to gather staff, yelling orders at the top of his lungs. Everywhere around them, men, women and children, all sick. Dying.
Ursus put his hand to his mouth and coughed more blood. So much blood. He stared down at the pale woman on the stretcher, and brushed the hair from her face. She’d risked her life to bring the cure to him. He ached at the knowledge she’d not betrayed him and he’d doubted her. He slid his hand down her neck to feel for a pulse. Still there. Very weak. “Gods, don’t die on me Tesza.”
Pilot walked up behind him. “They’re taking her to surgery and drawing what blood they can for the anti-virus.”
“She hasn’t got blood to give.” Ursus fell back against the wall. “She’ll die.”
“Does it matter? We’ve got her blood and the anti-virus.” He clamped a hand on Ursus’s shoulder. “You’ve saved us.”
“No, she saved us. She sacrificed everything.” Ursus turned to stare down the corridor where a group of doctors approached. “Yes, it does matter. I won’t let her die. I’m going in with her.”
“Ursus. You can’t go into the operating room. Let her go.”
Ursus pointed the lazr’ still clasped in his hand, at his commander, taking all his strength to hold it steady. “Don’t try to stop me. That’s my wife.”
Pilot’s eyes widened. “Well, that changes things. She’s a Kori citizen and protected under our laws.” He peeled the lazr’ out of Ursus’s grip. “I will personally execute anyone who tries to harm her.” He tucked the lazr’ away and guided Ursus toward a side room with an empty bed. “I can’t guarantee she’ll survive. She needs blood as desperately as we need hers. Rest. I’ll post guards outside the surgery. I will come myself when they’re done.”
Ursus nodded and dropped onto the empty bed, letting the fever take him into sleep. Tezsa had the most dangerous man in the galaxy watching over her. No one would dare to touch her.
Friday, November 26, 2010
It's Friday...
I had a circular somewhere...but I can't find it. Someone is selling a toaster for $3, there was even a big screen TV for $298. Does anyone know where? Nix the toaster, but 42 inches of HD at this price is worth picking up for when mine dies. FYI--I'm on my second 40+ inches of flat screen TV in 4 years. Changed models, fingers crossed the one I now have lives longer than the leftover turkey in my fridge!
Whew--a whirlwind of shopping til you drop.
Now that I think about it, the hustle and bustle could be a good way to shed some of the extra pounds absorbed yesterday. Hmm, there's a thought...nah, I plan to make that a New Year's resolution. It's just around the corner, and I've got lots of time to take care of that situation. Don't want to get ahead of myself.
Because...
Next up is Christmas. For those that celebrate, there will be more turkey and stuffing, maybe a roast or a ham. There will be food aplenty somewhere, everywhere.
So, are you ready for round 2 of the holiday season? Have you started, or finished, your shopping. Did you find any really good deals? Share them...I want to know where the heck that TV is? *grins*
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Bucking Tradition
Why?
Because we both work and we spend time shuttling our daughter back and forth to her after school activities, competitions, rehearsals, etc,. For living in the same house, its rare for the three of us to all be in the same place for more than a few hours. The last thing my husband and I decided we wanted was one of us working in the kitchen all day on one of our days off. It was a tradition we decided to start to buck tradition. How else do traditions get started? LOL
For Thanksgiving, we go out. Yes, that's right. We. Go. Out. No one cooks. No one washes dishes. We get to sit around a table for a while, have a good meal and have actual conversations. We then typically go to the movies and see whatever silly family movie just happened to have released (there's always one). It's a relaxing day for everyone and we enjoy it.
The one single downside? No leftover hot turkey sandwiches for the next three days. Hrm....maybe that's not a downside after all!
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A Time for Thanks
Anyway, I’m taking this moment to utter a few words of thankfulness. This last year has been incredible in my writing career. I’ve expanded out of my comfort zones and written things I’ve never dreamed I could—or would ever—write. What’s more, I enjoyed every moment of it.
This week signals the third anniversary of signing my very first book contract, the time when I took my first fledgling steps into the big, bad world of publishing. I’ve floundered a few times but I’ve kept on going.
Now, as I get ready to celebrate starting my fourth year of writing for publication, I can’t help but feel that I’m standing at the edge of a new adventure. I can’t wait to find out where I can go from here.
And readers, if you’re lurking about the blog today, a hearty THANKS to you. Without you none of this would be possible.
I also want to give thanks for my wonderfully patient husband who has to listen to my plot ideas, character issues and general up and down moments in my life. We survived the bad times this year, babe, and here's to another year down.
Everyone, I hope you enjoy your holidays this weekend and shop till you drop. Eat turkey responsibly and enjoy fun and fellowship with all those you see this weekend.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Choosing a Publisher
Monday, November 22, 2010
I'm Playing with Wordle Again
This next picture is a book I'm working on at present. The picture will change since I've only three chapters done but I wanted to have a before picture and after one to compare the changes. Give it a try.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Derrick and Mark, werewolf twins, are stuck in their house as disembodied spirits, all because of an evil witch. When their fated mate suddenly becomes the new owner, they end up taking haunting to a whole new erotic level.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Blown Away: Chops From the Cutting-Room Floor.
Chops from Blown Away.
Cut #1: She had other concerns. Missing lingerie topped the list. She glanced around for her underwear. “You haven’t seen my underwear anywhere, have you?”
“I launched them into space.” He said it so casually, that if she hadn’t been listening, she’d have missed it. He tore open one of his meal pouches and reached in. He popped a dehydrated vegetable into his mouth. Not taking his eyes from her.
Jenna’s mouth dropped open. Did he have any clue how much she’d invested in those scraps? The cost was the least of it. She visualized her panties stuck to the side of Jayson’s ship and the poor maintenance man that would have to go out and scrape them off. If that wasn’t bad enough, she had labels in all her garments that identified them as hers. Now her underwear were floating around in the icebox where anyone in the immediate sector could pick them up on their scanners. “Why would you do something like that?”
He dropped down next to her on the bunk. “I like the thought of you naked under that suit. Saw the opportunity. Took it.”
“Doesn’t mean you’re going to see what’s under this suit again.”
“That sounds like a challenge.” He gave her a crooked grin.
She flipped him the bird again and gave him a smile back, something that would send her father into a fit. A proper lady didn’t react to vulgarity with vulgarity.
Cut #2: There was more. Jayson ground his back teeth together. Panties with Jenna’s name on the label had gotten caught in the GDI shuttle’s manifold as it approached. Their mechanic pulled them free when they docked. It appeared someone launched them into space and Jayson had a good idea who. That who was going to get their ass kicked when he got his hands on him.
Getting into Jenna’s pants shouldn’t have been the foremost thing on his brother’s mind, not that Jayson wasn’t surprised, and all would have been fine if it ended there, but it hadn’t.
The Regillions had boarded with Jenna’s bra in their possession, and a ton of questions resulted from snagging the rogue undergarment in their hydraulics. Questions he couldn’t answer. What were the chances in a galaxy this size it would happen twice?
Apparently—pretty damned good.
As Jayson listened to the accusations he mentally pummeled Tyson. His randy behavior might have put a nail in all their proverbial coffins.
Tyson should be the one sitting in this room, listening to the pompous Regillion representative go on and on and on… So where the hell were they and why hadn’t they tried to contact him?
What a mess his brother had gotten them into. Not that he didn’t expect Tyson’s behavior to be any different. Hell knows he’d tried to keep him on a leash as long as he could.
Cut #3: “This is insane. I can’t believe you want me to walk in there.” Jenna looked at her torn blouse. The older bruise from when she’d been attacked on the shuttle showed around her neck. “Are you sure this is going to work?”
“Everyone who walks through the doors is watched, with one exception.”
“Victims.”
He nodded. “They give you a comfortable place to sit that’s not in a high security area and it’s on the top floor where all their records are kept. Your excuse for not having identification is simple. You were mugged. They don’t take fingerprints or run your data through the computer and the process is a sit down interview.”
“They’re still going to take a statement.” There was no way she could walk in there and out with the information. Jenna wished she had as much confidence as Tyson that the plan would work.
“Not a problem. I’ve hacked the port passenger lists and found someone that fits your description who arrived yesterday from Naxor Port. It’s a primitive world without bio-tagging. They won’t expect you to have a digital identification chip imbedded in one of your bones. Plus Naxor Port is on a Regillion world. Your accent and appearance will fit in.
“Okay.” They’d no choice. If they wanted access to the information, they had to walk into the beast’s lair. She could do this, had to do this. There was no way Tyson could walk in there. They’d know him on sight and he didn’t exactly pass for the mugging-victim type. That same intense energy Jenna found impressive would also call attention to him.
“You’ll excuse yourself to go to the ladies room.”
“Got it.”
“Since it will be the early hours of the morning, most of the floor will be unoccupied. Third door from the room you interview in is where they process anyone they’ve arrested. You’ll want to find the terminal where they run background checks. Scan the passport and see if whoever that card belongs to comes up on any of their special lists.”
“You sound like you’re familiar with the layout.”
“I’ve been in their offices a time or two.” He gave her a crooked smile. “Bar brawls.”
Jenna nodded. Yeah, she could see that. He did have that bad-boy persona to live up to. “Once I get the information?”
“Walk out. I’ll be waiting for you. Depending on what you find, we’ll either be able to prove it wasn’t us or we’ll have to find another way.”
It seemed too easy, but as Jenna had begun to learn, nothing about this was easy. The bomber had so far managed to stay one step ahead of them. They’d attempted to kill them, framed them and the only person who could have given them any information terminated his life, making them look even more guilty.
They’d gone to a planet swarming with GDI agents and still didn’t have a way to contact Jayson without alerting the authorities to their location. “And this processing room is unoccupied?”
“No. Just look like you know what you’re doing. They have over fifteen hundred employees on rotating shifts. Many have never met. If they question who you are, tell them you’re with their CI department. Their agents never carry identification on them. Then let them scan your retina. You’re in a Terran protection program, so you’ll come up with a blocked file the same as a counter-intelligence agent would, confirming what you say. They won’t know the difference.”
If you'd like to see what all the fuss is about, pick up a copy of my erotic sci fi romance novel, about the Explosives Ordnance Disposal in space and on alien worlds.
The E Novel is available here or through Amazon: http://passioninprint.com/ShowBook.php?CR=DLJBLOWNAWAY
Coming in print soon.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 19, 2010
It's Friday...
It's cold, it's gray...we need some heat in here! Not talking about artificial heat provided by electric, gas, or fire--wait, a fire place would be nice to snuggle in front of with your choice of partner.
Here's a few to choose from...but I want them back!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Where to Go from Here
IMHO, it really shouldn't have taken me that long to write (and yes, I am my own harshest critic). I've written the first draft of a 90K word book in a month and a half. Yes, I realized not every book is the same, each will come in the time that it allots. Fact of the matter is the story was easy to write out with this WiP. The minute details not so much. Why you ask? Once again, I evidently felt the need to explore foreign territory on this one and reach outside the comfort zone. Further than that comfort zone I talked about when I wrote my newest release, Hardware. (One does have to wonder why I do this to myself. LOL)
Fact of the matter is, the book is a good story, heartwrenching in a few spots as well--which I'm getting better at (IMHO) but I'm looking forward to working on something completely different. I had planned to go back into extremely familiar territory for me and finish up the first draft of the 3rd Rebirth book--which is only about 6K-7K from finishing. But I'm aware that edits for my next book, a sci-fi romance, should hit my desk before the end of the year, Working on them always makes me want to write something fresh for my brain in science fiction. So, I've got something else to work on...though now that I think about it, it's unfamiliar territory still as it's a short.
Oy. O_o
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Push yourself
Just like weight loss, writing is intricately connected to the emotional health of the writer. You can’t move forward unless you deal with the stuff you’ve been carting around with you for awhile. I think it’s interesting that the episode of the Biggest Loser dealt with this week the same as I did.
Fascinating, really.
But that’s not the point of this post today. In last night’s episode the two trainers really pushed the contestants to go beyond their comfort zones. Not only that, but the folks working out pushed each other to do the best job they could.
That’s something I miss in the writing community. The accountability to someone who makes sure you haven’t fallen off the edge of the world and you’re still working. Sometimes, the job of being a writer is way too scattered and isolated. Also, more often than not, the community is only interested in tearing each other down instead of building them up. Sometimes it’s a problem.
And sometimes, when there are people in our lives that do offer insight and tell where we need to improve and actually care about what we’re doing, we don’t always listen. That’s too bad because sometimes these lessons don’t come around again.
Moral of the story? Embrace the chance to change when it’s offered. Hold onto it with both hands and accept that someone is pushing you to do better and be the best you can be. These people in your life are not trying to hurt or demean you. They’re trying to make you better and push you into the next level.
So, that’s my thought for the day. I’m always looking for the next rung on the ladder and welcome any help or encouragement I can get.
Pay it forward, folks. Have a great day!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
An Interview with author Stacey Kennedy
So glad to be here today with my friend Stacey Kennedy. If you haven’t had the chance to read her books, you should. She’s fabulous. And I’m going to be asking her some questions today about her new book An Everlasting Bite!!
Big thanks to Rebecca for taking the time to come up with some fabulous interview questions!! I’m super excited to share a little about my writing process and the characters that have touched my heart.
Tell me about Everlasting Bite. What is about? Is this a series from you that we've already seen?
The Blue Bloods Series is a spin from The Magical Sword series. Truthfully, I didn’t know I was going to write Rynn and Briggs lives. But as I was halfway through writing The Devil’s Kiss, which they’re secondary characters in, I was captivated by them―mainly because of Rynn’s story. Her life is surrounded by heartbreak, which is the center of this story. It’s her accepting her traumatic past and dealing with all the emotions she suffers because of it. But more than that, it’s witnessing the love that is growing between her and Briggs.
Of course, I can’t just have a romance, there has to be action and mystery too. And Rynn will soon discover that being mated to the Beta of the Patriarch, Valor―the leader over the Alpha’s― is more dangerous than she’s prepared for.
Where do your ideas come from?
Anything and everything. Sometimes, it’s from my own stories. While I’m in the middle of writing one I’ll leave it to write another. Other times it can be from a single event―one moment where the characters show themselves―little ideas that are the pivotal part in a story or even sometimes the opening scene. I can only say I’m grateful that I haven’t run out of ideas and hope it stays that way.
Why write books that are in a series? Why not write Stand Alone Books?
Why write series???? Well, the answer is quite simple, I love them! I love how you can let characters grow in a way that you just can’t get in a Stand Alone story. But most of all, I write series because my books are focused around a woman coming into herself. Owning who and what she is. That acceptance I feel just can’t be found in only one novel. It takes a series of events for the character to discover all there is to know about herself and love who she is.
I have written two Stand Alone Books to date, which are both in submission with publishers. Only time will tell if I’m capable of producing single title books. Presently, I’m working on another. But they all tend to be steamy erotic pieces that focus more on the relationship then on the growth of one’s soul.
How has your perspective about writing changed since getting published? Do you approach writing differently?
Hmmm....that’s a tough one. In ways I’m sure my perspective has changed, but maybe because I’m more knowledgeable now. I knew nothing when I first got published, including grammar and such. But how I approach writing hasn’t changed one bit. I still sit down and dig in—don’t plot. Well, unless they story confuses me too much to do otherwise.
Do you have a favorite hero?
Yes, by far my most favourite character is Briggs. I tend to write arrogant men, who at times you’d like to smack upside the head, when other times you wished you were in their arms. Briggs, however, is a man who stole my heart the second I began An Everlasting Bite. Sure, he can be tough, he is a werewolf after all. But there isn’t a pig-headed bone in his body. He’s loving, support and I swoon over his every move.
Heroine?
Oh this is an easy one too, Nexi. Her character was simply fun to write. It’s not just one part of her character that I’m fond of, it’s all of her. Her humor, kick-ass attitude, the way she deals with events in her life, and her smart mouth. She will be a character that will stay with me forever.
What is next for you?
Well, I’ve got tons of releases still to come, and hopefully some more if my submissions go well. The next release is The First and The Last, the very last novel of The Magical Sword series. You can imagine how emotional this will be for me. Nexi and Kyden started my writing career so saying good-bye to them will be hard. Luckily, I have Rynn and Briggs to keep me busy!!
Blurb of An Everlasting Bite:
Love is born between strangers, yet built upon a bond soul deep―one Alpha’s vow to protect his mate from looming danger, all the while, mending her soul and stirring her wolfish desires.
A vicious werewolf attack in Plymouth, Minnesota leaves a young woman violated, bitten and now, transformed into werewolf. But Rynn Murphy doesn’t have to face this transformation alone—she has her mate by her side. And the charming Briggs―Beta to the Patriarch, Valor―is eager to ease her into this new life and mend her battered soul.
With only weeks to adjust to her new fur, Rynn, follows Briggs while he assists in locating the daughter of the Montana’s Alpha, who was abducted from her home. But this journey is not without danger. And soon, they discover the ones who have taken this young wolf do not want her found and will stop at nothing to keep her hidden. Or so it may seem, as bodies begin to drop around them, the murderous attempts start to appear more as a hit than a smoke screen—leaving only one question, who is the intended target…
Buy link http://www.staceykennedy.com/books/blue-blood-series/an-everlasting-bite
Website - www.staceykennedy.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=100000956942180
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy
Twitter - http://twitter.com/Stacey_Kennedy
PRAISE FOR THE WILLOW
RT Book Reviews
“…Kennedy has created a world that readers will want to visit again and again!” Dawn Crowne
PRAISE FOR THE WICKED
Bitten by Paranormal Romance
“Do you love magic, dominant men, adventure, humor, evil villains and a talking cat? Well here is an excellent book for you to try.” Laurie
PRAISE OF A DEADLY WHISPER
Happily Ever After Reviews
The readers will find themselves snickering and crying with the characters. I highly recommend this book. Read it, go get it right away. ” Hunter
Thanks Stacey!! This was really really fun!
RR