Enemy Mine Blurb & Update

I have good news to share. Early this morning (at three o'clock to be precise) I finished Enemy Mine, book two in the Alpha and Omega shifters series. I told my editor I'd be turning the book in shortly, so I'll be sure to share news as I receive it. In case you missed the update, I also finished The Ripple Effect in January (Rhiannon's Law book three). I'm waiting for info on release dates, etc. When I receive any new information I'll share that as well.

If you're curious about Enemy Mine, I've included the blurb below (subject to change at publisher's request). I'm not sure what story I'll be writing next, but I'm hoping to stay on track and finish up the projects I'm committed to. I'm also working on a few ideas for additional stories. There just aren't enough hours in the day.

I hope you're all doing well! I'll be back with another blog post as soon as I have anything to pass along.

Enemy Mine Blurb:

Divided by blood. Destined by fate. 

Tormented by his turbulent past, Emory Veznor is a shifter living on the edge. For years he struggled with his Alpha nature. Nothing went according to plan, leaving him a lone wolf without a place to call home -- until he met the one woman capable of soothing the savage beast. Mary is a mate that he never imagined he would have. Sweet, kind and impossibly beautiful, she is everything he’s ever wanted in a female. Unfortunately she is also something else, something dangerous -- a Shepherd, the very hunters bred to destroy his kind. 

When Emory finds Mary and brings her to New York, he discovers earning her trust is the least of his concerns. Her relatives have followed, and they want Mary back in their ranks. If Emory won’t hand her over, they’ll do everything in their power to take her from the pack -- dead or alive.

Le Red Hair

Okie dolkie, folks. This blog entry has nothing to do with writing. Please forgive me. Rather I wanted to write about something I get asked quite often: How do you get hair that red? Is it hard to get it like that? How long does it last? How much does it cost? Do you do it yourself? Do you have to see a stylist? Most of the time I give simple answers. Yes or No. However, this time I wanted to share a bit about the process with you beauty junkies or those curious.

Alrighty then? Are we ready? Let's rock and roll.

Most of the time I get the questions on social networks or when I venture into town. Oftentimes I forget my hair is red, but I confess I get more comments now. Granted my hair is Crayola Red, not the brassier, somewhat natural hue I had last year (see picture to the right). I can say for certain that when I dyed it black in December people didn't have a whole lot to say (see below). Certainly a bonus when you don't have time to shower and look like shit. However, I did miss the red hair and decided to color it back. Tonight, in fact, was the inspiration behind this blog. I had to put color on again, which brings me to the one thing about red hair I tell everyone.

Keeping the color up SUCKS. It's not hard. It's not rocket science. It is, unfortunately, time consuming, costs money, and requires a lot of upkeep. It also stains my shower (pink, anyone?), my clothing, my pillowcases, and anything else that comes in contact with my head. Not convinced of how much it can suck? Picture this: I'm at The Death Star and it's raining. I get hit before I venture inside. When I do, I notice I'm dripping -- red. Not like blood, more like Kool-Aid. Wearing black helps, but it doesn't prevent the color from drying all over my neck. By the time I leave, there are streaks all over my pale skin. It's like a tie-dyed nightmare.

Another annoyance? The comments are not always positive. Fortunately, most people are very nice (or complimentary) but I've had a few who approach me just to state how odd it looks. Others have mentioned it's not "natural" which is fine because it's not supposed to be. It's just important to be aware of. Especially when you forget you have red hair, a weirdo approaches you and says, "I think your hair is on fire!" and you just stare at him blankly (yep, that happened). 

But if you're willing to venture into the land of red, here are a few things that I hope will help. I'm just using questions I remembered. If you have any others you can leave them in the comment section and I'll do my best to answer!

How do you get hair that red?

It depends on the product. There are several I've used over the years. Right now I'm on a Manic Panic kick. The colors are semi-permanent, meaning I have to color at least once every two weeks (preferably once per week if I wash my hair often). The thing is, the color fades...FAST. One wash and it's obvious. By the third or fourth wash, the color isn't half as bold. That means you have to apply the color often.

Is it hard to get it like that?

Hard? Not really. If you have a stylist you can get him or her to bleach your hair and apply a permanent red color. If not, Manic Panic (and other companies) makes kits just for the purpose of stripping your natural hair color. Then you can apply your dye as you like. I do have to say those with longer, darker hair probably have a harder time. I had long hair once, and I learned first hand how horrible upkeep could be. Bleaching the hair damages it. Period. Yes, you can use conditioners to make dry hair softer. But the products will (even if it's minimal) dull hair color.

How long does it last?

This is why unnatural, non-brassy red can suck. If I don't wash my hair every day, I can get away with coloring it twice a month. If I shower daily, I have to color it at least once a week. My hair is bright red, meaning it doesn't fade to an appealing color afterward. It just becomes this dull lifeless red, like the paint on an old car.The good thing is Manic Panic can be worn for hours (I keep it on for 2-3 usually) or overnight. You just have to find the time to get everything together, apply it, and let the color soak.

How much does it cost?

Manic Panic isn't too bad -- like $12.99 at Hot Topic. You can also get another version of it at Sally Beauty Supply for $8.99. I get at least 3 uses from those (long hair, of course, will require more). Then there are plastic gloves (a MUST or you'll have red fingers that will last for a week), shower caps, a mixing bowl and an application brush. I'd also recommend vinegar. Mix 1/2 parts vinegar with 1/2 parts water. Apply after your first rinse, comb through, and wait a minute before you shampoo clean. It will settle the pH balance and make your locks beautimous!

I also see a stylist, which costs money. See question below.

Do you do it yourself? Do you have to see a stylist? Combining these two (they are the most commonly asked).

Yes and no. I see my stylist every 4-6 weeks. He applies a pure red color creme with a processor to my hair. Usually I'll apply Manic Panic within a day or two of visiting him. The color he uses, while wonderful, fades to the orange color I told you about. This is where upkeep comes into play. In order to keep the vivid red I have to make sure I use shampoo with Manic Panic mixed inside, wash my hair as few times as possible, wash and rinse with cold water, and prepare to color again when I notice the red isn't as vibrant.

When you're done, it'll look something like this (loveable puppy not included):

For those who asked about the color, here you go. I hope it helped (or provided a bit of information on what I mean by serious upkeep). I do love my red hair and can't bring myself to part with it. My hair is actually my only indulgence besides buying books. Despite the amount of time it takes, I do feel its worth the effort. I've been contemplating dying my hair blue lately, but I haven't made up my mind. I'm pretty sure the upkeep is just as bad, if not worse.

With that, I'm off again. I have a lot of writing to do. Hope you have an awesome weekend!

Please Hear What I'm Not Saying

I remember reading this poem a long time ago. I recently stumbled across it again and wanted to share. It reminds me of Rhiannon in a lot of ways. I'm sure you'll understand after you give it a read. I'm currently working on Enemy Mine but The Ripple Effect is done. I'm very nervous, but I do hope you enjoy the newest installment in the series. Like I said, the book is VERY dark. So just make sure you brace yourself beforehand. As a bonus, I was able to get a very small snippet from Disco's perspective. It'll be included in The Ripple Effect.

I'll be back soon with another update. Until then, have a fantastic week!

Please Hear What I'm Not Saying

Don't be fooled by me.
Don't be fooled by the face I wear.
For I wear a mask, a thousand masks.
Masks that I'm afraid to take off
and none of them is me.

Pretending is an art that's second nature with me,
but don't be fooled,
for God's sake don't be fooled.
I give you the impression that I'm secure,
that all is sunny and unruffled with me,
within as well as without,
that confidence is my name and coolness my game,
that the water's calm and I'm in command
and that I need no one,
but don't believe me.

My surface may be smooth but
my surface is my mask,
ever-varying and ever-concealing.
Beneath lies no complacence.
Beneath lies confusion, and fear, and aloneness.
But I hide this. I don't want anybody to know it.
I panic at the thought of my weakness exposed.
That's why I frantically create a mask to hide behind,
a nonchalant sophisticated facade,
to help me pretend,
to shield me from the glance that knows.

But such a glance is precisely my salvation,
my only hope, and I know it.
That is, if it is followed by acceptance,
If it is followed by love.
It's the only thing that can liberate me from myself
from my own self-built prison walls
from the barriers that I so painstakingly erect.
It's the only thing that will assure me
of what I can't assure myself,
that I'm really worth something.
But I don't tell you this. I don't dare to. I'm afraid to.

I'm afraid you'll think less of me,
that you'll laugh, and your laugh would kill me.
I'm afraid that deep-down I'm nothing
and that you will see this and reject me.

So I play my game, my desperate, pretending game
With a façade of assurance without
And a trembling child within.
So begins the glittering but empty parade of Masks,
And my life becomes a front.
I tell you everything that's really nothing,
and nothing of what's everything,
of what's crying within me.
So when I'm going through my routine
do not be fooled by what I'm saying.
Please listen carefully and try to hear what I'm not saying,
what I'd like to be able to say,
what for survival I need to say,
but what I can't say.

I don't like hiding.
I don't like playing superficial phony games.
I want to stop playing them.
I want to be genuine and spontaneous and me
but you've got to help me.
You've got to hold out your hand
even when that's the last thing I seem to want.
Only you can wipe away from my eyes
the blank stare of the breathing dead.
Only you can call me into aliveness.
Each time you're kind, and gentle, and encouraging,
each time you try to understand because you really care,
my heart begins to grow wings --
very small wings,
but wings!

With your power to touch me into feeling
you can breathe life into me.
I want you to know that.
I want you to know how important you are to me,
how you can be a creator--an honest-to-God creator --
of the person that is me
if you choose to.
You alone can break down the wall behind which I tremble,
you alone can remove my mask,
you alone can release me from the shadow-world of panic,
from my lonely prison,
if you choose to.
Please choose to.

Do not pass me by.
It will not be easy for you.
A long conviction of worthlessness builds strong walls.
The nearer you approach me
the blinder I may strike back.
It's irrational, but despite what the books may say about man
often I am irrational.
I fight against the very thing I cry out for.
But I am told that love is stronger than strong walls
and in this lies my hope.
Please try to beat down those walls
with firm hands but with gentle hands
for a child is very sensitive.

Who am I, you may wonder?
I am someone you know very well.
For I am every man you meet
and I am every woman you meet.
And I am you, also.

Charles C. Finn

The Ripple Effect: Music

Okay, so the picture is a cheat. It's true this actress I can kinda/sorta see as Rhiannon (Sophia Bush). Due to that I included this picture. (In case any of your are curious) So last night I did what I always do: I combined music I listened to while writing The Ripple Effect and made a playlist. Lots of different artists. And, again, a bit of darkness. Curious? Here you go:

If that doesn't work, CLICK HERE. I'll have it on my website soon.

Also in other news: Mom finished The Ripple Effect last night and gave it an enthusiastic "Yes!" while the husband read it and said, "I couldn't stop reading." They could be saying that to be nice, but I'd like to hope they liked the book. Both of them read it in a single day (chores were forgotten -- which I was totally fine with), which encourages me to believe what they say.

Anyhow, I hope you like the music and that it provides some hints for all of you. The book will be between 80-85k. As long or longer than The Renfield Syndrome (Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between was 80k).

Back to work for me. Time to wrap up Enemy Mine!

Sinfully Scandelous by Rosalie Stanton is Here!!

My crit partner, Rosalie Stanton, has a new release today. I've read this book and LOVE it. The first is awesome as well. If you have a chance, click on the cover art to take a look and show her some love. :)

Here's the blurb:

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

It’s an order Luxi, Sin of Lust, never saw coming. When you work for Lucifer, though, you tend to lay off the questions. She isn’t comforted when she discovers her assignment is to intern for a preacher-turned-politician, especially when her directive goes no further. As Luxi prepares for a long ride to nowhere, she can’t help but wonder if something else is at play … or what the King of Hell has up his sleeve.

Grayson Bailey’s run for state senate is going nowhere fast. The poll numbers are depressing, his campaign advisor is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and someone out there has a bullet with his name on it. Yet when temptation herself struts through the door with a sassy smirk and an attitude to match, Grayson finds it very hard to remember which obligations are at the top.

The closer Grayson gets to Luxi, the stranger his life becomes. With Election Day—and a psycho with a gun—just around the corner, he can’t afford any detours. And while Luxi never puts her heart on the line, there’s something about this man that tests her resolve … though it might end up costing her more than she can afford.

Disclaimer:

This book contains irreverent references, interactions, humor, personalities, and relationships that might be offensive to some. I am a student of religious studies, but I am not pious, and I try to make all my characters rounded and flawed, be they Lucifer or Big J. Having been raised in a strict religious environment, myself, I understand some readers might find my outlook inflammatory. If you are particularly sensitive to unconventional religious themes, this might not be the book for you.

The Ripple Effect: Done

As of today, The Ripple Effect is done. It's true I still have to write the epilogue, but as you know my endings only wrap things up and prepare readers for the next book. What can I say about The Ripple Effect? Well, for one, it nearly killed me. I thought The Renfield Syndrome was bad...WRONG.

I've always been a pantser, meaning I allow the characters to dictate what happens when I write. I have a general idea of where things are going, but I never quite "know" what will take place. I didn't see several things coming in this book, including something that totally blindsided me. I kept wanting to go back and rewrite the scene, to change what happens. Yet in the end, as much as it sucked, I felt what I wrote made sense. It's weird, but sometimes I think my mind knows all along where a story is going to go but doesn't show me the light until it's ready.

I know some fans will hate me, but I hope they can understand that authors don't always have it easy. Just because a character belongs to us, it doesn't mean what happens to them is something we necessarily want. It's just what happens when you allow the story to take over, to breathe on its own. As a consequence, Edge of Darkness (book four in the series) has changed. I'm going to take a breather from Rhiannon for a while to wrap up projects for Ellora's Cave (including Enemy Mine, for those who have asked). I'll return to her later this year.

Thank you again for all your support, for being so wonderful, and for supporting my work. I truly hope you enjoy the third book. If you like things dark and unexpected, The Ripple Effect should be up your alley. *fingers crossed*

P.S. The Ripple Effect will release this summer. I do not have a precise release date but when I receive one I'll pass it along.

Books For YOU!

I signed up for Lori Foster's Annual Reader & Author Get Together today. I can't wait to attend. The event is so much fun and I love meeting and chatting with everyone. But you don't want to hear about that, you want to know about the "Books For YOU" part.

The trip is on the first of June, so I won't be doing the contest for a few months. However, I wanted to let you know Lori Foster, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lora Leigh, Monica Burns, Jacquelyn Frank, Sarah McCarty and Virna DePaul are going (to name a few). I'm going to see if I can't get a few signed print copies of their books to hand over to you most awesome people. Cross your fingers! When I come home bearing gifts, I'll announce the contest and rules. It'll be simple to enter, no worries. This is a very small way to say thank you for all you've done for me.

Time to go back to work. I'll be off social networks for the rest of the week (although I'll check for messages). If I'm slow to respond, I'm sorry. I hope this is something you are excited by. I love sharing the love, and I can't think of a better way than passing along signed copies of books by these phenomenal authors.