Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New year, new purpose

Taking it slow this year. I'm going to be working on several new stories as well as a new venture or two. To that end, I'd like to invite authors onto my blog!

Have a book you want to promote? A story you'd like to share? A tale you'd like to tell? Come on by. The door is always open.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas

I want to take a moment and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Peace, love, and joy to all.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Who do you want beneath the Christmas tree?

Thor. Yum. 'Nuff Said.

All wrapped up in nothing but a big red bow lounging beneath my Christmas tree? Oh yeah. It's the hair, the scruff, the muscles, and oh yeah the attitude. The cocky swagger, the deep laugh.

Sigh...

You? What fictional character, book or movie, do you want lounging beneath your Christmas tree in nothing but a big red bow?

Today's giveaway: (1) Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder & Magick (2) $10 B&N gift certificate--leave a comment to enter to win!

Susan Macatee
Caroline Clemmons
Nicole McCaffrey

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Favorite Christmas Song

You have to have one, so what is it? Are you the classic type? Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby

The new renditions? Amy Grant, Jessica Simpson

The quirky ones? I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, Dominick the Donkey, Snoopy vs. The Red Baron

Religious ones? Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night

My choices are 1, 3, 4...I do not like Amy Grant, she ruins every song she redoes with her sleepy voice and even tempo. As for other remakes, there's something about the classic version you grew up with that makes it the best.

What about you? What are your favorites?

Today's giveaway: Shadow State--leave a comment to enter to win!

Susan Macatee
Caroline Clemmons
Nicole McCaffrey

Friday, November 25, 2011

Holiday Stories: Blog Hop Weekend

Let's face it, holiday stories are awesome. Well, I like them at least. As early as July there are Christmas stories. But every year a new crop springs up--series, individual stories, one-offs--you name it and there's a Christmas theme.

Why?

Are they as popular as they seem to be? There are a number of types of Christmas stories; sweet, sexy, humorous. What binds them? The tradition of Christmas and the holiday spirit. A lonely girl any time during the year is bad enough in a romance, but during Christmas? Horrors. But by finding her hero during the holiday season makes the romance all the sweeter.


Today's giveaway: a Victorian fan and a copy of Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder and Magick (e-book or print your choice)--2 winners, so leave a comment to enter to win!

Susan Macatee
Caroline Clemmons
Nicole McCaffrey

Monday, November 21, 2011

Things I'm grateful for

I recently heard that of the top 3 things people are grateful for, technology is #3. I'm very grateful for technology, don't get me wrong--it allows me to keep in touch with family and friends distance and the general business of life have made it difficult to keep in touch with.

But in my top 3? Hmm, interesting. I'll leave it off the list for now. I'm grateful for:
Health
Family
Work--both the job and friends I've made in my time here
Writing career
Online writing friends--I may never have met you in person but don't think I don't appreciate you!

What are you grateful for?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Guest: Rebecca Royce

I have actually had my ideal dinner.  It happened five years ago.  My oldest son, now six, was just under one year old when my husband and I decided to take a trip to Europe.  (Yes, I am insane. I did spend a ton of time on the trip longing for my baby who was back in the States with my parents.) But I digress…

We went to Paris and London. Paris first with a stop over afterwards in London before we went home.  One of our first nights in Paris we ate at a restaurant called Guy Savoy.  To this day, it is probably the best meal I have ever had.  But, even beyond that, the whole evening was like a magical dream. 

We were in Paris, eating the best food I’d ever put in my mouth, and feeling like we were in a dream.  This was, ironically, not my only trip to Paris. I had been before and hopefully will get to go again.  But nothing will ever replace how extraordinary that night was and that incredible dinner.

For me, it was a life experience I’ll never forget.  As a friend of mine once said “a life memory.”
A life memory, I like it! It doesn't matter how many times you've been to a place, it's the memories that count. Thanks for sharing, Rebecca!

Blurb:
Eighteen years earlier, Charma lost her destined soul mate. Convinced he must be dead, she kept her fears to herself so as not to destroy the morale of the Outsiders who already live with a shaky prophecy as their only guide.
Dr. Jason Randall is a man used to getting what he wants. There has never been a problem he couldn't out think or a situation he wasn't capable of handling.
Now they are both hunted by not one but two demons as they lead the slowly forming group of Outsiders out of the darkness and back into the light. The two strong souls will have to decide if prophecy alone is enough reason to stay together through insane odds...or if love is their true fate.

Excerpt:
Jason shook his head. This wasn't going to be easy. Maybe her arrival was a good thing. Maybe she was another piece of the puzzle he needed to solve his dilemma. "Self-loathing, the woman I've invented to come here and cause me tremendous pain as a way to punish myself for killing a man who assaulted me in the parking lot." Jason gestured around the hillside. "This whole thing is one giant guilt trip."
Standing up, her eyebrows pressed inward, and she held a confused look in her eyes. They seemed to be searching for something but he wasn't clear on what.
Finally, she spoke. "Listen to me very carefully. So much of what you just said makes no sense to me and we have zero time to sort it out. I'm not sure how to convince you that what I'm about to tell you is the absolute truth but it is. This is not some grand illusion. Not really."
"That's just what a falsehood that didn't want to be proven wrong would say."

About Rebecca:
As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Monday Monday

First, I'm over at Unusual Historicals talking about pets in the Victorian Era. Well, dogs mostly.

Second, The Scandalous Victorians are doing a Black Friday Blog Hop Extravaganza! Interested? If so, answer the following questions:
  1. Do you write in the years between 1837-1901 on any continent on Planet Earth?
  2. Do you have something to give away? Book (e- or otherwise), gift card, swag?
  3. Do you have the time to post not only a short blog about the era, Black Friday, Thanksgiving traditions, or Holiday shopping? AND put up the rest of the stops on this weekend long hop?

If you answered YES to the previous three questions, then welcome! Drop me an email so you can be added to the list.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Friday Guest: Liia Ann White

First off, big thanks to Isabel for having me today! My pleasure, Liia Ann. And I have to say, I love your 10 things! Not a fan of chick lit movies, either. Classic romances, yes. Action with a believable romance, yes. Today's nerve-grating, embarrassing chick-lit? Nope. Alas, I think we're in the minority given the popularity of both the books and movies.

When I was asked to do this post about 10 things people don’t know about me I was a bit stumped and wondered if I could come up with 10 things – I’m a very honest person – if you ask something, I’ll give you an honest answer. In cases like this my honesty backfires.

1.    I had my first short story published when I was 15.
2.    I have a handbag obsession. It’s the most girlie thing I indulge in – if I see a gorgeous handbag, I just can’t pass up buying it.
3.    I’ve never eaten pork. And now that I’m Vegan, I never will.
4.    I LOVE sharks, especially Great Whites. I’ve been swimming with sharks before (sometimes not on purpose) and one day will go on a cage dive with Great Whites.
5.    I have vitiligo – the disease that causes depigmentation of the skin. Luckily I’m so pale that it’s not particularly noticeable from a distance. But up close (and to me) they’re clearly visible.
6.    Of the 26 years I’ve been alive, I’ve slept in the same bedroom for 23.
7.    I saw a UFO when I was 10.
8.    I saw a ghost/demon thing when I was 16.
9.    I didn’t have my first haircut until I was 5. I was almost bald until then.
10. I LOVE horror movies and HATE chick flicks. A bit odd for a romance writer right? But if you put a chick flick on, I’ll leave the room. I do not enjoy romance films at all.

Blurb:

Elora’s parents mysteriously disappeared when she was fifteen. She vowed to find answers – discover what really happened to them. But after twenty-five years of travelling the world she has come up empty handed. Feeling tired and lonely, she settles down in the city her best friend, Caleb, calls home. To lead a regular human existence for a while; like he does.

One problem; they’re not human. They’re Different – a rare supernatural race known for their beauty, strength and supernatural abilities.

Elora is lead to a man by a series of visions. Cue Kadin; powerful, sexy and also Different. He is her match – her soul-mate. Her life has never felt so complete.

But it’s not all good news. Elora must now deal with a rogue demon Elder hell-bent on taking over Lucifer’s reign over Hell. To succeed she needs to steal Elora’s power. When she’s facing the fight of her life, can Elora really trust Kadin?
Excerpt:
After a morning of wandering around the house, getting used to the surroundings again, I needed air. Walking through the woods that surround the house, I inhaled deeply. The fresh scent of pine, moist dirt, and running water filled my nose. Being surrounded by nature was relaxing. Birds chirped in the distance and animals scurried away as they heard me coming.

Only a few steps in, I found the large eucalypt I'd been looking for. My parents planted it here for me, so I would always have a piece of Australia with me at this house. In Perth, eucalypts grow everywhere. The expansive bushland behind our home was a virtual eucalypt forest. With a push of energy to my legs, I jumped and flew to the top branches of the sixty-metre high tree. Nestling against the trunk, I closed my eyes, listening to the leaves rustling in the light breeze.

In complete peace, I watched the sun set on the horizon. Beautiful shades of orange, pink, and yellow danced through the wispy clouds surrounding the city. Though nothing compared to the beauty of home, this came pretty close.

The air temperature cooled quickly once the sun disappeared. Around me, owls hooted, other birds fluttered, and rodents ran from tree to tree. Leaning forward, I looked at the ground, preparing to return to the house when my phone rang in my pocket. It was Caleb.

I flipped it open, and Caleb's voice came loud. "Where are you?"

"Where am I, exactly? Sitting on top of a tree in my back yard."

Author Bio:
I’m an Aussie writer, born and bred in Perth, WA.

I love all things paranormal. I spend my childhood daydreaming about far off lands and living in my own little fantasy world. I watched shows like ’Unsolved Mysteries’ and read books on witchcraft, fairies, demons, ghosts and all other sorts of supernatural creatures, including mutants (I love X-Men).

I’m a complete geek and collect Disney and Star Wars memorabilia.

When not writing, I can be found reading, playing video games or spending times with my adorable doggies.

I’m a big animal lover and vegan. I live in Perth with my family, which includes two adorable dogs, two birds and a handful of feisty fish.

I’m always interested in meeting new people, so drop me a line!
Links:

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Guest: Elise Hepner

Fairytale Retellings
For as long as I can remember I’ve been devouring fairy tales both old and new re-tellings. When I first got big into reading a book a day in middle school it was my go-to genre making my shelves lined with fairy tale goodness. It’s only natural that this fun and addicting habit would translate to my own work at some point. Now I can’t seem to beat the fairytale writing bunnies off with a stick—maybe not even a flame throwing. So for now, I’m going for it. I’ve released two fairytale re-tellings of my own with Ellora’s Cave and I have at least two more planned for this year.
In honor of my obsession I’ve decided to share some of my favorite fairytale retellings from middle school until now. Much of my middle school reading was more mature than it should have been anyway—I was determined and naughty. Not much has changed. Here we go:
Tanith Lee’s White as Snow
Francesca Lia Block’s The Rose and The Beast
Anything by Donna Jo Napoli
Alison Tyler’s  Alison’s Wonderland
 All of these books represent a special time in my life and I read a good deal of them over and over every year. Much of the content in these books changes meaning as I grow older, gains depth and emotion. It’s fun watching the same words evolve in my brain every year. Neat that books can change a person’s emotions while the words themselves don’t move or adjust. When I was a teenager, The Rose and The Beast was very angsty, dark, and full of twists. Now, I can see past it into the light spots, points where the every story evolves into a point of peace.
Even with the Sleeping Beauty Series, it’s not so much about titillation and eroticism as it is a journey for a woman who’s forced to find herself despite everything going on in her insane world. What are some fairytales that you’ve enjoyed with multiple meanings throughout your life?

Blurb:
White runs from her prison of a past and enters into a sexual deal with seven men that alters the course of her life for eternity. Caught between her need to take control and making up for her serious lack of good sex, she enters a wonderland of kinky possibilities with men who show her that Prince Charmings come in all shapes and sizes. For White and her men—once upon a time doesn’t cut it—three or four times sound just about right.

With each partner—not always one at a time—White beats back her trust issues. But the shadow of her past comes back to haunt them all. Now she must introduce them to her personal battle, hoping they’ll fight beside her as their sinful nights turn into hellish days. Happily ever after isn’t by the books anymore.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Interview with Mark Harmon

Sunday, November 6 at 9pm on USA network airs “Certain Prey” staring NCIS lead Mark Harmon. I was given a unique opportunity to participate in a telephone conference interview with the handsome Mr. Harmon and bring to you all today a rundown of what transpired:
John Sanford’s Prey novels feature a male cop protagonist that has been a successful businessman, dresses sharp and chases the ladies without remorse but what Lucas Davenport likes best is being a cop and hunting down the criminal. Mr. Harmon is very respectful of the original material and hopes he has brought to life as accurate a representation of Lucas Davenport as possible.
Mr. Harmon considers the characters of Lucas Davenport and his character on NCIS of Leroy Jethro Gibbs as different as can be both personally and professionally. Davenport has a darker side than Gibbs and while they might get along during the course of a case it is unlikely they’d associate outside of the law enforcement world.
One of the highlights for Mr. Harmon was playing against two very strong – if ‘bad’ females in Certain Prey. These are two ladies people will enjoy with their sharp tongues, quick wit and clever tricks.
As to NCIS: he feels that the work has never become routine and with the camaraderie with the other actors it continues to be a pleasure to work on NCIS. No one on the NCIS set phones in their acting – everyone is present and generous with the work.
I went on to ask a hypothetical question and asked what Gibbs would think if McGee and Abby and Tony and Ziva broke his rule 12 (never date a co-worker). He took a moment to consider the questions and said that these things happen in the work place and as long as they all continued to be as professional at their jobs as they have always been he doesn’t believe it would be a surprise to Gibbs.
Perhaps a glimmer of hope for the ‘shipper’ fans there!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Interview with Mark Harmon

Yes. That Mark Harmon. Currently known as Leroy Jethro Gibbs of NICS and Lucas Davenport of USA's upcoming TV movie based on the book by John Sandford, Certain Prey.

I've read maybe 16 of the current 21 Prey stories and have enjoyed each one. I'll catch up on the newest 5 soon. Honest!

So this interview, which lasted 32 minutes (and I recorded it all!) involved others asking questions, I just filled in for a NCIS buddy who couldn't make it. She was the journalist invitee, but to take her place? I was all over that!

Some of the questions asked were about Certain Prey and some about NCIS, since it is the #1 scripted TV show out there. I'll post some of the answers tomorrow, but don't forget, Certain Prey debutes this Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 9pm on USA.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Guest: Dana Littlejohn

No country girl here!
Hello everyone,
I am Dana Littlejohn, multi-published author of erotic romance. I was asked if I could travel anywhere in the world where would I go, outdoor or city inspired. I consider myself an avid traveler. I go on a trip outside my state at least three times a year. So as I thought on the question a list of places I would to go sprang up rather quickly. I also noticed as I mentally went over the list, although they were mostly outdoor oriented places none of them were very forest-like.
None of my ‘yes, I’d go there’ spots were nature inspired at all. Now I don’t have an issue with nature. I think it is beautiful. I appreciate the beauty in all kinds of trees, flowers, the greenery of a meadow and even how pleasant a really kept golf course looks. I just don’t want to partake in it hands on.
I’m so not into bugs flying around me, leaves, webs, branches touching me and especially coming across some weird exotic plant or bush that make me sneeze, choke or scratch. I feel like if I don’t go into its environment than I don’t have that issue. I can see pictures, paintings, sculptures or any other renditions of nature people want to throw at me and I will “oooh and ahh” the same way they do when they see it in real life. I’m perfectly cool with that. I do believe that some things in life one must experience for themselves in order to really appreciate it, but I’m not interested in appreciating nature in an up close and personal fashion.
My mental list consisted of places like Paris to view the villas, architecture and sample the food. I also have Italy, Ireland, most of the Caribbean and several states I have plans to check out in the same manner, but there are no hiking trips, camp outs or ‘roughing it’ activities to be found at all. My idea of roughing it is grilling in my back yard using paper plates! (which, by the way, my husband doesn’t allow me to do. After an incident a number of years ago, he no longer allows me to touch his grill. I can only come close to it to bring him necessities.) I have no to desire to catch, conquer or kill my food before eating it. In fact the thought makes me consider being a vegetarian so that won’t be an issue. I’m just not that person. I mean, I love the look, the whole jeans tucked in the rugged leather boots with the fur. The flannel shirt hanging open with a tank top and a really cute belt, maybe something shiny to give it a little bling…very chic and fall-like. I could probably work that, too, just not in its native environment.
I’m a confessed girly-girl. It drove my sons crazy and puts a damper on my husband’s need to visit the outdoors every fall. The thought of sleeping in a sleeping bag on the ground when I know there’s a perfectly good bed somewhere waiting for me makes my face twist in some crazy formation that is not cute. I am so over fishing it’s not even funny. I used to fish when I was a kid and found then that although I like to eat fish, I never want to catch and handle it again. I would starve if that was my way of life. I am a fan of the boots. Dark brown leather, laces up the front, warm fur peeking out the top, very fashionable with the right ensemble, but I’m so much into the ones that zips up the sides that make your legs look sexy more. J Oh! And I can’t even express how mad I would be if I broke a nail trying to put something together, start a fire, gather wood or anything outdoorsy like that.
When I go to the Caribbean I plan to sightsee and sip Mai Tai’s by the beach while eating food indigenous to that island. No hiking through their marshes will be involved. When I get to Paris, Ireland and Italy I have every intention on renting some type of native transportation device.
Wherever I end up around the world provisions will be in place to keep my ‘girlyness’ in tact and I won’t be visiting anywhere they have more than three trees gathered in one place, a span of grass that exceeds a half an acre or that shows possibility of me not sleeping in a queen size bed. J
Thanks for having me!
Dana Littlejohn

BLURB:
Jerri Ivory was over divorce cases, but when your boss asks you to do him a favor...

During the important case, her boss is killed and she becomes a suspect all while she is trying to get to know Felix, a man her friend Linda hooked her up with. With all the mayhem going on in her life can Felix slow her down long enough to show her they were meant to be?

EXCERPT:
Linda nodded. “Yes, ma’am, Pumpkin. Her mother was a flower child back in the sixties so she ended up with a name no one can say without practice. Pumpkin is just simpler,” she explained.
Bob and Helen looked at each other, then nodded a greeting to her.
Pumpkin waved at them. “Hi.”
Felix chuckled. “Then Pumpkin it is. Hi,” he said, offering his hand.
 Frieda barely nodded at the older couple then pushed Pumpkin out the way to shake Felix’s hand.
“How are you, Felix?”
“I’m fine, Frieda. How are you?”
“I’m doing much better now,” she said, flashing him a smile.
Linda bumped her out of the way, breaking their handshake. She pulled Jerri in front of her. “And this is my friend Jerri.”
“Jerri? I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman name Jerri. Is it short for something?” Felix asked.
“No. My mother had a major crush on Jerry Lewis when she was young. When she found out she was pregnant she announced to my father that whatever the baby was she was naming it Jerri.” She shook his extended hand and shrugged. “Needless to say my father was not happy about it, but here I am anyway, Jerri Ann Ivory.”
Felix laughed. “Does he call you Jerri?”
“Oh, no. He gave me my middle name and always called me Annie.”
“Well it’s a pleasure to meet you, Jerri.”
Author bio:

Dana Littlejohn was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, but has called Indianapolis, IN her home for over 10 years. Her love for writing started as a young girl in junior high school where she discovered her first romance novel. Falling in love with love she started writing her own ongoing story in weekly installments to entertain her friends as they passed it around the lunch room.

When she became an adult she put her love for writing on hold to do the start a family, but in 2003 with encouragement from her husband she picked up her pen again. This time she has no intention on putting it down. To date she has written 3 full length novels, 11 novellas, 36 short stories and has had her stories in 3 anthologies under her own name and a pseudo for another genre. Her do-do list grows daily and the ideas flow freely. Keep an eye out for what she has coming next.

http://wwwauthordanalittlejohn.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @authordanalittlejohn

Friday, October 28, 2011

Guest: Leslie Soule

Today's guest is Leslie Soule and her first fatasy novel, Fallenwood. Please join me in welcoming her!



Favorite TV or movie hunk:

My favorite movie hunk is definitely Orlando Bloom as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He’s hunky, but the difficult part comes from trying to define what exactly makes him that way. After all, personality-wise, the elves of Middle Earth tend to come off as a bit cold and stoic, mysterious and…different – it creates a kind of allure. Also, there’s just something about pointy ears.

I remember reading something in a magazine about Orlando Bloom commenting on the elves, saying that there’s nothing sexually threatening about an elf, and this is part of their charm as well, I think – that they don’t seem like domineering creatures, berserkers or barbarians, and yet they are not entirely passive either. Rather, the elves seem like a race whose interests are elsewhere than sex. Ironically, this is what makes them sexy.
           
Also, there’s something very attractive about the idea of the “good guys” rushing in and attempting to defeat a seemingly unconquerable evil, and battling the forces of darkness even if hope is forlorn. You see, “sexy” exists in the mind, a collection of perceived truths about the world. A person’s recognition of something sexy, signals that an idea has occurred to them that is presenting itself to the person’s mind as a fulfillment to a lack (i.e. Legolas’s battle prowess against the orcs is alluring because my own battles against the darkness don’t seem to go as well as his, sometimes). But that’s getting in really deep, philosophically.

Suffice to say, I think Orlando Bloom makes a very hunky Legolas. J

Back off Orlando...he's mine! At least you have great taste in men. I found his humor and honor and the fact that he WAS so different from the other elves attractive. And then I saw him in Pirates and yum. Just yum.

Blurb:
Fallenwood—a land where magic is the life force, dragons are sages, and wizards good and evil battle for supremacy. When 23-year-old Ash is thrust into the middle of Fallenwood’s power struggles, she is also forced to face her own inner battles. Life on Earth was hard enough on Ash, who is locked in grief for her stepfather. Now, the fate of Fallenwood rests on her shoulders. She must destroy the Great Crystal—the catalyst for all the land’s magic. As the kingdoms prepare for war, Ash must look inside to find the power to save the world, and herself.

Excerpt:
The dragon’s eyes glowed, for a flickering moment, with white light.

“Ash,” the dragon continued, “Welcome to Terra Illumina…or as it is more commonly known, Fallenwood.” Then a fierce roaring laugh erupted from the stone, as though the dragon thought the new name a joke. “A dark, difficult, dangerous path lies before you, Ash Kensington.”  

Ash’s heart grew heavy. In truth, she knew that she was destined to some terrible, dark fate. For so long, her life was filled with sadness and doubt, and one horrible thing after another. What else can I hope for?

 “But Ash, you must not lose hope. Our world needs you..."

About the author:
Leslie Soule lives in Sacramento, California. Fallenwood is her first fantasy novel. She has received her B.A. in English from Sacramento State University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in English at National University.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wednesday Review: Geek Wisdom

From the publisher who brought us Pride & Prejudice & Zombies and all those many spinoffs now comes Geek Wisdom: The Sacred Teachings of Nerd Culture by







Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Tuesday Comings and Goings

Spent the weekend at the New Jersey Romance Writers conference. Other than signing books at the author book signing and giving a workshop on Writing with Someone Else (Not Already Talking in Your Head) I enjoyed meeting up with writing friends and attending workshops.

Victorian Alexander is one funny lady! I've heard her speak before and it's well worth it. If you ever get the chance to hear her, do it.

Over all, if you're a writer (or want to be or even just want to understand the behind-the-scenes-of-writing) attending writing conference. Local ones are better or at least less crowded and gives you a chance to meet more authors, listen to more of them answer your questions, and really get to know some of the other writers (and readers!) attending.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Monday Excerpt: Shadow State

Shadow StateOriginally from The Wild Rose Press anthology Taming of the Wolf, Shadow State is now available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance eBooks. A free sample is available for download from Smashwords.

Fighting to prevent the Nazi’s from gaining a wehrwölfe army, Christoph and Elsa tread a serpentine path between an ambitious party man and their primal need for each other.
Hidden for centuries in the German countryside, the Arminius Clan has amassed power, wealth, and respect. All that changes when the Nazis come to power. Christoph von Berangar, Alpha, makes his way to Berlin to claim his mate. But then one of his wölfes is captured, and experimented on by the Nazis.
Elsa von Skyler, leader of one of the Arminius Packs, is forced to experiment on the captured wölfe. Along with her father, an esteemed doctor at the Charité Hospital, they do this only to facilitate the wölfe’s escape. Together, she and Christoph form a plan to rescue their fellow wölfe, but when things go awry, will Elsa survive? Or will Christoph’s fervor to protect his mate compromise them all?

Excerpt:
Dinner was barely a half hour off, and Christoph hadn’t seen Elsa since she’d told him of Erik. After putting the fate of their captured member into his hands, she’d waited for his response.
He had no answer for her, not until he learned from Gerard what Strasser believed. Though he wanted to speak with her of personal matters, he’d needed to get the business of the Clan out of the way first. She’d left him to see to the other guests, without his answer.
 Now, he set out to find Elsa in the large townhouse. It was an eclectic mix of old and new, but the art deco suited her well. The unique style matched her personality. Efficient, sleek, sensual.
Following her scent into the library, he stumbled upon a far corner she’d clearly marked as hers. Lancet Medical Journal lay open on the window seat, with several more journals in various languages stacked in a corner. He sat by the window, letting the late afternoon sun warm him.
A fresh whiff of her reached him a heartbeat before the clatter of her rushed footsteps. Standing, he moved into one of the shadowed archways. Elsa scanned the shelves nearest her window, oblivious to his presence. Christoph took the opportunity to study her.
The sunlight glinted off her golden hair, neatly coiffed despite her rush. Her hands were delicate as they skimmed over the spines of her books, taking one from the shelves and stepping to the side, she skimmed it. He knew from her letters, and the diplomas lining the walls, that she was adept in her field of biochemistry. Her skirt accented her curved figure, and he wondered how she’d look with the material bunch around her hips as he took her.
Stealing out of the shadows, he stepped behind her with a growl. She startled, dropped the book and tried to turn, but he held her arms at her sides, trapping her between him and the diploma-lined wall. His lips tasted the side of her neck, the smooth, fragrant skin there. The feel of her body against his told him everything he needed to know.
My woman.
“We are creatures of instinct, are we not?” he asked in a low rumble. “Mine are very clear.”
Her heart pounded, he could feel it jump where his fingers brushed the sensitive underside of her wrists. Her scent intensified, an added undercurrent of muskiness, and he knew she was as aroused as he.
Her head turned, but she didn’t struggle. She leaned further into him, pressing her arse against his throbbing erection.
“I wondered what your instincts would tell you,” she whispered. “You were inscrutable this afternoon.”
“That was not the moment for us.”
“Have you decided this is our moment?” she asked.
He pulled away just enough to see the eyebrow raised in amused question. But he could also see how her blue eyes darkened, could feel her breath coming in gasps. Could smell the change in her scent.
Trailing his lips along the back of her neck, he breathed her in. Another growl escaped him, louder and stronger, establishing his dominance over her. When Elsa growled back, his cock hardened further.
Yes, mine.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Friday Guest: RJ Silver

Today my guest is RJ Silver, author of My Thrid World Girlfriend and The Princess and the Penis. Yes. You read that right. I read chapter 1 and it's pretty darn funny! If you want to read My Thrid World Girlfriend, for the next 48 hours (or 2 days) you can download a free copy of it from Smashwords using this code: TW68L


Hung Like A Bull
When Jan (my Thai girlfriend) was in her early teens, she used to ride a male buffalo. While I was drifting aimlessly through my mid-twenties, she was literally taking the bull by the horns.

At first, I was jealous of her. Then she said, “He very strong. One-thousand kilos of muscle beneath me, thunder across field, bounce me up and down, up and down, make me scream whole time.”

That made me jealous of the bull. No guy likes to hear his woman describe how another male “made her scream the whole time”, so I swept her up in my arms and ran all around the apartment with her, prompting a couple of small cries of surprise. “Like that?” I said, setting her down.

Having recovered from her initial shock, she shook her head and said, “No, not same. When you sit on bull and feel his broad back beneath you, you know you cannot control what he do. All you can do is hang on while he bounce you up and down, up and down – boom boom boom.”

I spun around, crouched down, and hoisted her onto my back, then again ran around the apartment as fast as I could. She didn’t scream much, but she did clamp her arms around my neck to hang on, so I figured that had to be worth something. “Like that?” I said.

“No, no,” she replied. “He two-meter tall at shoulder. He very fast, and his feet thump the ground heavy when he run, go—”

“Yeah, yeah – I know. Boom, boom, boom.”

I sat down on the couch, a little winded by my exertions. I knew I was being ridiculous. So she rode a bull in her teens. So I wasn’t the biggest, strongest beast she’d ever mounted, or the greatest thrill she’d ever experienced bouncing up and down. Get over it, I told myself. Don’t be so immature.

The problem, I soon realized, was that the apartment was too small. She wasn’t getting as much of a thrill riding me because I didn’t have enough space to reach my top speed. “Let’s go outside,” I said, “where I can carry you across an open field, just like he did.”

So we went to the park. I picked a downward slope to help me go faster, full of mounds and potholes to make the ride rough. Up she went, piggyback style once more, and down the hill I went, accelerating with each step, bouncing her all over the place. I even tried to sound like a bull, though, in retrospect, I probably mooed like a cow.

Halfway down the slope, I caught my foot on a rock and began to stumble. Sensing I was about to fall, she gingerly dismounted and landed on her feet. I, meanwhile, fell sideways and tumbled down the rest of the slope into a small pond at the bottom. My head had just popped out of the water when I saw her crouching at the edge of the pond. “Boom, boom, boom?” I said hopefully.

“No,” she answered. “But he go in water, just like you. He was water buffalo.”

That still wasn’t good enough for me. So I took her home and made mad, passionate love to her. “Boom, boom, boom?” I asked when it was over.

“Hmmm,” she said, scratching her cheek and looking sheepishly at the ceiling.

“Damn!” I said, frustrated.

“Oh, don’t worry,” she replied. “At least you not hung like bull.”

“Pardon?”

“One year, we hungry, have to kill him for food, hang him upside down to cure the meat.”

“Really?” I asked.

“Yes.”

Relief swept over me. My rival had been reduced to mere mincemeat. Despite his massive size, bulk, and power, in the end the only thing he could carry was the top of a hamburger bun.

My Third-World Girlfriend
Then I remembered that Jan had once ridden that bull for the sheer fun of it. She talked about him like he was a pet, yet, when pressed, she still killed him for food.

That made my situation crystal clear. If I don’t want to end up hung like a bull myself, I’d better keep her well fed!

And Remember: If you want to read My Thrid World Girlfriend, you can download it for free for the next 48 hours (or 2 days) from Smashwords using this code: TW68L

Hurry! The code expires Sunday October 23, 2011!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Thursday Progress

I have no progress to report. Except I've finished 3 books within the last 2 days and am now scouring my Goodreads list for what I'm in the mood for.

Recommendations?

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Wednesday Review: Ides of March

March 15 isn't as popular a voodoo day as Friday the 13th but it should be. If your name is Cesar and you're a tyrant that is. This movie had its moments, but overall I found the ending a little flat. I suspect it's because 1) it's based on a play (the real kind not a Broadway musical but a real play) and 2) I'm cynical enough to believe everyone loses their idealistic nature about something sooner rather than later.

Granted, I also think it's probably one of the more honest political films in years. And given the recent protests (OccupyWallStreet or OWS, OccupyPhilly, OccupyBoston) rather apropos.

It'll probably be an Oscar contender but won't get my vote. Because while I think it's timely and decent, it never really moves into "Stays with me afterwards" or "grips my attention" or even "I'm not looking at my watch or checking my email".

An idealistic staffer for a newbie presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail. Based on the play by Beau Willimon.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Monday Musing

Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Thursday Progress

I haven't posted much because I'm deep in editing mode. Trying to get a couple books ready for public consumption. Between that and life, it's difficult to keep up with all the social networking I'm a part of. I am reading several books now--well listening to 1, reading 2 (one on my nightstand, one on the table for lunch breaks)

Canticle for Leibowitz on the dining room table
Geek Wisdom on my nightstand
Thereby Hangs a Tail on audio

Friday, October 7, 2011

National Writing Month

Which is technically November but I saw this on today's BBC America and needed to share. If you ever wanted to write a book, November is the time to start. 50,000 words in 30 days is rough. Traditionally, November is a busy month for me, but probably not for others.

NaNoWriMo challenges authors to write novel in month

Goddess Fish Blog Tour Partner

Goddess Fish Blog Tour Partner
Goddess Fish Blog Tour Partner