The Sweet Taste of Success

No, I'm not talking about making piles of money or getting critical acclaim through reviews. I've not experienced either.

What I mean is I'm at a sweet spot in my writing, and one of my favorite times as a writer. Monday night, I finished the first draft of my dragon book and it came in at 91K. What's more, I don't hate it. It's one of the those scary good moments and I'm excited about it.

Why is this a good time? Because it means I'm in between projects, when I'm hovering on the edge of what to do now and new projects clamor for my attention.

I can't wait to see what my Muse decides for my to work on next.

So anyway, I'm off of new writing for a couple of days while I wrap up other projects I'm way behind on, like revising manuscripts and subbing them, making book videos, cleaning house LOL

Happy writing!

Nothing Abnormal about the Paranormal

Happy Tuesday! I’m guest blogging today, at the invitation of Rebecca Royce, even though I’m not thought of as a paranormal author. As I thought about what topic to blog about, I came to realize that maybe I've got some paranormal in me after all! 

What is paranormal? Anything outside the norm? Websters says it’s anything “unable to be explained or understood in terms of scientific knowledge”. In that case, we live in a paranormal world. Who can explain a man’s superhuman strength when he lifts a vehicle off of a trapped child?

What about the church explosion that should have killed the usually punctual choir members, but no one was injured, when each of them was late to practice that day due to varying reasons?

So many things in life can’t be explained. How did my mother know to show up at the hospital when I was in labor with my third child, before I called her? She said she just knew she had to be there, and so she went. (This also explains why I never got away with anything growing up, but that’s another post.)

My book Préjà Vu could be called a paranormal story. Although I don’t have any shifters or vamps, the heroine Ryann is a psychic, who sees glimpses of future events each night. Then she has to make sense of it, and live with the consequences. Here's a little excerpt:

Ryann grabbed her purse and the folder with the sketches she’d done the night before, then hurried out the door and into the waiting car.

“You look like shit.”

Ryann looked at her friend, who was steering back into early morning traffic. “Thanks a lot, Ashley. I know I can always count on my best friend for some encouraging words.”

“You also know that you can count on me to tell you the truth.” She shot another appraising glance at Ryann who had flipped the visor down to check the truthfulness. “Did you stay up all night working on those drawings?”

“No, actually they came together surprisingly fast. I was done by ten. Wait ’til you see them; I added an atrium on the south facing entrance. Remember how Mr. Brackus wanted to bring the outdoors in?”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to see them. Your architectural genius never ceases to amaze. Now, tell me what’s up. You had a dream, didn’t you.” It wasn’t a question.

Ryann sighed, and pressed three fingers against her forehead, as if that would keep the vision from beginning again. “I had a dream,” she said simply.

Ashley kept silent throughout the remainder of their commute. Ryann was glad for it; Ashley seemed to know when to push and when to back off. Soon she drove the little four-cylinder hatchback into the covered parking garage and parked. It took a moment for them to adjust their eyes to their dim surroundings. Ashley cut the engine and turned toward her friend. “So do you want to tell me about it? I assume it was a death dream this time, otherwise you wouldn’t be looking like a corpse yourself.”

Ryann’s dreams had been a daily discussion since the two met in college. Ashley was the first person Ryann trusted enough with her secret, and since she believed Ryann without question, she’d become more than just a confidante.

Ryann met her best friend’s gaze. “Yes, it was a death. A murder.”

“Oh, God.” Ashley groaned.

“I know.”

A murder meant that Ryann and Ashley would spend the next few days trying to find the victim before the event. The possibility that the complete stranger would be found before being murdered was practically impossible, but Ryann couldn’t pretend that she didn’t know about it. If there was any way she could save a life, she would.

Albert Einstein once said, “There are only two positions you can take. Either you believe that nothing in life is a miracle or you believe that everything in life is a miracle.” Makes sense, huh? The next time I credit good luck, coincidence, or a crazy dream...I'm going to think twice.

Thanks to the ladies at Paranormal Romantics for allowing me to meet you all. Take a moment today to appreciate the paranormal in your lives.

~Alanna Coca

How Happily Do You Like Your After?

Happy Manic Monday. Pull up a chair and pour a cup of coffee. I’ve got some Jamaican Blue Mountain brewing.


Anyone who knows me or follows me knows I’ve been struggling ALL weekend with a plot to my next work in progress. This story came to me in a dream of all places and has taken over my brain. The characters are all developed and the world building has begun but I can’t move forward until I know how it’s going to end.

I can’t find a happily ever after. My poor characters are put in a situation where they need to find happiness in what they have. Is that good enough?

A-Happy-For-Now is slim possibility. How disappointed would you be as reader if a heroine/hero can find a sort of happy ending? What do you NEED to be satisfied and not stomp on the book when done?

It's Furday...

err...Friday!

I haven't done furry creatures for a long time. So I went hunting around the web yesterday for some baby fur balls. Boy, I love looking at little animals! They're cute, cuddly and carefree. At least those who haven't come up against the real world yet.

This thought was on my mind because I'm close to finishing the next book in the Extra Cream series. Zader's Menagerie is a little different in that it is about the Kind species, but this time--I'm bringing out the big dogs. Yes, there are wolves infected with the vampyre curse. Talk about howling at the moon! I think the title gives away the fact that it's a menage. It's been tricky mating a mountain lion with a wolf who is the pack alpha's mate! Hey, that's the fun of creating new worlds.

Here's an unofficial blurb:
Zader Montana is Sovereign Kind. A cougar infected with vampyre blood, he refuses to embrace his undead half but it’s that part of him who prowls the night looking for the she-wolf he desires. His problem--she’s mated to the alpha of the pack sharing his mountaintop.

Skye wants a taste of the cat who trails her every night. Will her mate, Leaf, let her have a bite? They’re infected with the vampyre curse too but the wolves aren’t finicky. Skye’s willing to be shared by both leaders--as long as she gets what she wants!

Zader’s Menagerie: This cat will learn to howl at the moon--and like it!

Stay tuned for more information.

In the meantime, aren't these little critters beautiful?

Don't mess with a Tasmanian Devil's babies!

Yes, I 'm a Meerkat Manor fan.

                                                                                                                        This is one determined Snow Fox.

Don't worry, Momma cougar will reach him!

A baby Tapir

Meet Lord Greystoke who appeared in With Extra Cream as 'Big Guy'. This is my baby.









Until next time: Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

I'll read it if you tell me to

Oh god I have to blog tomorrow…

This has been a very good week for me, reading wise. You see, Lora Leigh’s book Lion’s Heat came out and Juliana Stone released His Darkest Hunger. It’s been hard to write because all I want to do is lose myself in their stories.

So, I forgot to Blog. So forgive me if I’m a little crazed.

But here is my blog for today and it’s not a copout, I really want to know.

Whose books are you anticipating coming out? You can’t wait to read them?

I’ve just told you about how much I loved Lora Leigh’s book (JONAS and it was so worth the wait) and how much I just fell in love with Juliana Stone’s work. She’s a brand new author and so talented.

How about you guys out there? Tell me, tell me. I read all the time. I’ll read it if you tell me to!

A contest within a contest

Today is your lucky day--well hopefully!

I'm having a contest. It's more like a contest within a contest, actually. You see, I have a few book releases happening this summer and I'm searching for a really cool contest idea to promote them all.

I'll call it the Summer of Fangs, Fur and Bad Boys with Fast Toys.

You'll find out a little more later with the first release in May. And no, I'm not gonna say any more about it until then.

So, here's what I'd like to ask you. What do you want to see in a contest? Free book, swag bag filled with stuff, edible prizes? Do you want to blog hop, look answers up on websites? What will make a contest fun for you?

Now here's where today's contest comes in. I'll pick the best idea from the comments and you'll get to pick one of my 2009 backlist of e-books.

So, wrack your brain and give me your best shot. You may just win!

The unusual suspect a.c.Mason. Sweet tooth and all.

Thank you Paranormal Romantics for having me over for visit. I don’t often leave the evil mastermind lair and mingle. Please call me Mason. I'm happy to be joining all of you.

Why the unusual suspect? One I didn’t want to take from the movies and two I’m not very romantic. Though when I tell fellow writers who’ve read my work about my lack of romance they usually start to list of the all the romantic stuff in my writing. Don’t get me wrong I’d love to write romance but when I write that isn’t what comes out of my brain. lol.I do write romantic and erotic element. Parts of the story involve a romance and hot love scenes.

My stories usually involve a oh so hot man and a woman. She’s probably not someone you want to annoy or be on the other side a battle with. My writing voice is described as a unique mélange of complex characters, well-crafted suspense, and mesmerizing visceral erotica. My stories are the place where darkness meets human desire and fairytales endings are not promised but earned. Oh and I really like leaving the reader hanging. Don't let that get out. lol.

I’m mischievous and blunt which makes for a spicy mix. At least that's what I tell my friends. I do have a book out called Aequitas I Betrayal and just finished the sequel Aequitas II Punishment. What took so long? I was writing another book at the same time CHOCOLATE DAMSEL a historical and really it wasn't that long.

What are Aequitas?
The Aequitas, part angel and demon, have kept the balance between the forces of good and evil-until now.

Yes, there is a oh so hot man. His name is Etienne Grant but I’d watch out for him. There are others but you’ll have to read the book to meet them.

When I was asked to come over and visit Rebecca gave me some ideas about what to write about. One of the topics was writing. My favorite activity in the world aside from eating ice cream. I love ice cream. Maybe I should write about eating ice cream. Ice cream with pie. Butter tars or sugar pie go nicely with vanilla ice cream. Mint chocolate is another good choice to cool down with. All those candy bar flavors are heavenly.

I’m getting a little pit in my tummy. Aren’t you?? I know just the thing….sh sh don’t tell anyone I skipped out to get myself a heaping bowl of delicious icy confection. I do hope they have me back. I have a sweet tooth.

Mason
a.c.Mason
Darkness ♀♂ Desires http://www.acmason.com/
Monday and Thursday blog contributor and author interviewer: http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/

Going to the Dark Side

Happy Manic Monday! Grab a cup of virtual coffee and pull up a comfy chair. There’s some Easter chocolate on the table. Please have some or I’ll eat it all. What out though, some of those foil covered eggs are dark chocolate.


You gotta watch out for the dark ones. They look harmless and tasty yet once you taste some it’s hard to stop. Next thing you know you’re writing becomes darker and you’ve penned ‘the end’ to a piece of work from a dark side of your soul.

All from chocolate? No, I guess not but where did it come from?

The things I’ve put my heroine through. Heck, the things I put myself through since I’m there every step of the way with her. This is the darkest thing I’ve ever written and it makes me wonder who I am. My outer shell isn’t something that corresponds to this type of story. I’m a soccer mom. What shadows lie within? Well, wait until the PTA gets their hands on this book. LOL

I know most paranormals have a touch of murky gloom but when is it too much? I love suspense and when a writer sends chills down my back. I can’t read horror anymore since I’m alone at night sometimes, left with my imagination is more than enough. Sometimes following a character to the pits of personal hell and accompanying them on their journey to salvation just hits the spot. Maybe they remind me how good I really have it.

How dark do like your stories?

Welcome Charisma Knight

It’s Friday and you know me--J. Hali. Today, I’m doing something I haven’t done for a while—an interview with an author who brought along a friend. You never know how these things will turn out but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk with Charisma Knight, who happens to have a release today, Just An Average Vampire, at Amira Press.

Hi, Charisma, I’d like to welcome you to Paranormal Romantics and thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I know how busy release day can be.

CK: Thank you for inviting me, it’s good to be here.

Can you tell us a little about who you have with you? I’m trying really hard not to stare.

CK: This is Cecil McKagan, vampire and mate of Trina Jones. Cecil lives in the Edison, New Jersey area with Trina. Isn’t he hot?

Uhh, yeah. He’s gorgeous, all six feet of him. And I do have a thing for long, black hair! Shoot, wonder if he can read my mind?

Cecil: Well, Ms. Steele, I never suspected I would find love again. Love can be quite painful, and after my wife and child were murdered, I swore I would never allow myself to feel that emotion again. I wished for death after that startling discovery. I was 'sired' by Nydia, she-demon from hell, and now that I’ve discovered love once more, Nydia has threatened to destroy what Trina and I have. So…I must take matters into my own hands.

Please, call me Joann. OK, that was intense. I’ll be keeping my eyes on him! Charisma, can you tell us a little about yourself?

CK: I reside in the Maryland area with my two daughters and truly enjoy writing, especially for the paranormal erotic genre. I possess a love for vampires and anything that goes bump in the night. Writing makes me happy.

How long have you been writing, and is it something you’ve always wanted to do?

CK: I started freelance writing for virtual assistant clients in July 2007, so this July will be three years. It wasn’t until March 2009 that I decided to write erotica.

Things have been moving pretty fast for you then. I know you have other books out, can you tell us a little about your favorite character? Is there one you prefer or like better than the others? Not sure I like the look in Cecil’s eyes…

CK: My favorite character is Cecil McKagan from my new release, Just an Average Vampire. Cecil was a knight who fought in the Crusades for King Richard. Upon his return, he was ‘sired’ by Nydia, a blood-thirsty, yet beautiful vampire. In the story, he exists in modern times and is a dear friend to Trina Jones. Actually, he wants to be more than just a friend. Cecil worries he’ll emotionally damage Trina since she came from an abusive relationship. As a vampire, he’s afraid he may hurt her physically if he can’t control his bloodlust. He’s the epitome of a woman’s white knight in shining armor. He has nothing but unconditional love for Trina and he gives her strength and encouragement. That is a trait I find sexy in a man.

That’s good news because it was a little tense in here earlier. Who inspires your writing most?

Cecil: I’m your inspiration, correct? I don’t mean to be blunt, however, you have a knack for loving alpha males.

Did he just wink? Maybe he’s not as bad as I thought. Cecil, I can see you’re inspiring but I meant other writers who inspire Charisma.

CK: True, Cecil, you are the epitome of a loving man, every woman’s dream because of the unconditional love you provide Trina. Now you know it’s not within your nature to be cocky, Cecil. What’s wrong with you? Have you been hitting the pubs with your buddy, Izzy, again? Please, don’t be so full of yourself. It does not suit you.

Cecil: My bad, C. Please, forgive me.

Umm, it sounds like Trina’s a lucky girl, Cecil. Dang, he’s breathtaking when he smiles!

CK: No worries. Many authors have inspired me. Joann, you are one of them. I need to say, you have been a great inspiration to me as a new author. In my time with Eirelander Publishing, I have really seen you grow and put out some pretty awesome titles. You are one of my favorite authors.

Thanks very much, Charisma! That’s always really great to hear, and Eirelander was a true help in improving my skills as a writer. When you’re not writing, what are some of your favorite things to do? Do you ever hang out with your characters?

CK: Reading! I love to read in my spare time. I have actually been making time for my reading. There is so much talent, and sometimes not enough time to cover all that talent, but I try. I have two beautiful daughters and of course I must goof off with them. I’m like a big kid myself, so I can be found watching movies with them, going shopping, visiting Chuck E Cheese’s. The weather has broken, so we won’t let any grass grow beneath our feet! I also love to go shopping! My characters do hang out with me in my head, especially the ones in my WIPs. They visit with me and jam to my favorite music. I find they enjoy heavy metal. ; )

I’m with you on the shopping! Sounds like the girls keep you busy. Are there any genres you’d like to try writing in?

CK: Yes, I have a ménage on the back burner. The cowboy scene is looking rather inviting! I have a few werewolf shifter stories in the making too.

Tell us a bit about what you’re working on without giving away too much.

CK: I’ve been adding to a few of my WIPs. The titles are Gunnarr The Ancient, The Ache, Under a Native Moon, and Forbidden.

Great titles, sounds like we’re going to be hearing a lot from you. Of the books you have out now, which has your favorite cover, and tell us a little about the artist?

CK: I’m quite taken with the cover of Daywalker, I truly love the colors, not to mention the hottie with the long hair, Lord Daegan.

I read Daywalker, and I have to say, the story was HOT! Let’s show the cover:

CK: Anastasia Rabiyah created the cover for Just An Average Vampire, Daywalker, and a few of my other titles. Both cover artists are talented women.


Rae Lori created my cover for Soul Seduction.

You’re right, they’ve both done good work. Do you have any advice for new writers?

CK: Definitely! If you truly want to pursue writing, read up on the industry. Never give up and strive to write a little each day. With each story, your craft becomes stronger. Also, don’t be afraid to approach your favorite authors. Talk to them. Fellow authors will give you much inspiration. Another important fact: Look out for each other. Authors give one another support. That is very important.

Charisma, I like that advice, and it’s so true. How can readers get in touch with you, and where can they find your books?

CK: Readers can find me at: http://www.amirapress.com/ and they can read more and contact me at http://www.charismaknight.blogspot.com/ or http://www.charismaknight.webs.com/

Here’s a Blurb for Charisma’s newest release, Just An Average Vampire:

After discovering the courage to divorce her abusive husband, Trina Jones rises from her ashes like the legendary Phoenix. Strong-willed and determined, she rebuilds her independence. After her divorce, a string of bad luck sets her back tremendously. Faced with eviction and repossession, Trina becomes frustrated. To make matters worse, she is laid off from her job.

Vampire Cecil McKagan graciously accepts Trina into his home once he discovers her hardship. The bond between them ultimately strengthens, and the pair become lovers. However, past negativities threaten to tear the couple apart...

Readers love to find out new things about their favorite authors, before you leave, can you tell us one thing about you that no one knows?

CK: I love to create silk flower arrangements. At one point in time, that was going to be my business. It’s very time consuming, and I rarely make them anymore.

Just for fun, I found out some other things about Charisma:

What’s your favorite vacation spot? Ocean City, Maryland and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I love them both!!

If you could own any car you wanted what would it be? Lexus

If you could do it all over again, is there anything you’d change about your life? Yes, I wouldn’t have married at the age of nineteen.

What’s your favorite food? Seafood and Italian

Where would you like to live if you had a choice? San Diego California!

What’s your favorite color? Black!

Who’s your favorite actor/TV show? Hugh Jackman, quite the hottie!/True Blood! Geez, I like Stephen Moyer too!

Charisma, and Cecil, thanks for stopping by and sharing with the readers. Keep us posted on your new works and congratulations on your newest release.

CK: Joann, it was my pleasure and an honor. Thank you for having us!

Hey, everyone stop by next Friday. I’ll see what new things I can dig up. In the meantime:
Growl and roar-it's okay to let the beast out.-© J. Hali Steele

The Flight Down

Hi everyone, its Rebecca here. As some of you know--and if you don't you will soon know if you read this--I am on vacation with my family. We left the rather cold, rainy north for warmer climate (although my parents and grandparents think it is chilly, but that is just because they have not been where we have and don't know that this is extremely pleasant!)

What you may not know is the degree to which I hate flying. And before you tell me that I'll just get used to it you should know that I fly a lot and have flown a lot since I was a very small child. I've flown overseas, I've flown over the country, for a while there I was flying every month back and forth from where we were living while my then fiance was in school to where we would be moving to right after his graduation.

I have never, ever, ever gotten used to it.

Except once....

A few years ago, my husband and I took a vacation by ourselves, meaning without our then two children (now there are three.) We took a week by ourselves on Martha's Vineyard, which is an island off the coast of Massachusetts. To get there, we ended up going on this private airline that flies during the summer solely back and forth from various destinations to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Approaching this plane, I was very very nervous.

It was small. In fact, you and and the fourteen other passengers (if its full) are sitting with the pilots. We took off and the most surprising thing happened to me-- I LOVED IT. Sitting with the pilots, seeing what they witness from the cockpit, watching the coastline on the perfect clear morning as we travelled to our destination, I finally "got it." That was why people love to fly. The whole world was spread out in front of them. Later, on the return trip, we would come out of a cloud with Manhattan at night spread out in front of us. That, and granted I love NYC, was almost a spiritual experience for me. The lights seemed to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time....It was incredible.

How does this relate to my writing? Well, I guess for me it always reminds me not to take the hard or scary for granted, sometimes life's most gifted moments come when you expect something to be really horrible. As I struggled to edit a monumental full length book where my editor-gasp-wanted massive rewrites, I never could have known that at the end I would read the book and feel that it was so good I couldn't wait to read it again.

I try to remind myself of this when I'm writing. Just because it scares me doesn't mean that I shouldn't be doing it.

This is not to say that I have enjoyed flying since my trip to MV. No, in fact, every time the planes bounces in the air I hate it. I grip the seat and hope that I'm not making my kids afraid of flying. Because I don't want them to be. Some day I want them to see NYC when they fly out of a cloud with the lights spread out like angels in the nighttime sky welcoming them home.

RR