Penance!

Niteblade Issue #9 Dead Teenagers at Make-out Point will be released at Midnight. My short story, Penance, will be featured and has it's own illustration.

If you like your horror good, and your stories creepy, then do yourself a favor. Buy a copy!!

CLICK HERE!!!

A Kiss Before Dying Excerpt

Shameless self promotion, what can I say. Check out Amira Press for A Kiss Before Dying on September 4th. Next week, it's all about Moon Kissed!

Blurb:

Katja Morgan has committed the ultimate taboo in the life of a blood slave; she has fallen in love with her master. Vampire Lord Sebastian Arsov is everything she has ever wanted - gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, kind. As their time together nears an end, she carefully constructs the ruse that will allow her to belong to her shellar in both body and soul.

But sharing an evening with her beloved comes at a high price - the cost of her life.

Disguised as a bed slave, Katja enters Sebastian's chambers to experience the pleasures she's been long denied. Including the bite that will ultimately kill her -what slaves refer to as a kiss before dying. As the night fades into the day, will Sebastian discover Katja's true identity before it's too late? Or will he lose the slave he's come to love above all others?

Excerpt:

The large oak door opened with a protest of squeaking hinges, interrupting my thoughts and memories, and Sebastian entered the bed chamber. His massive frame took up a large portion of the bedroom, as did his tremendous presence. He pulled the door closed behind him, walking to the center of the room, and then stood before me.

I knew what to expect. I had seen him come to those fortunate enough to grace his bed in those first days of my tenure, exiting just before the females doomed to die glorified in the last dizzying moments of pure bliss. For though they partook in the pleasures of his body, it was I that shared a portion of his mind, and the only reprieve I was allotted from his chamber was when he entertained.

As required, I donned a black mask embossed with blood red jewels that revealed only my cherry stained lips and darkly kohled chocolate brown eyes, which worked in my favor to keep my identity hidden. Many of the Lords preferred to think of their bed partners as little more than disposable pleasures. None of them enjoyed killing, even when it was necessary. The mask also held an enchantment, masking my unique scent. Otherwise, Sebastian would easily recognize the aroma of my blood, and by association, my identity.

To continue with the illusion, I chose a long pale blond wig. Disguising the waves of brunette collected beneath. Sebastian loved my hair, claiming it was a prize of its own. Masking those heavy strands was as important as obscuring my face.

He continued standing there, observing me with a trained and critical eye. His body was covered by only the most expensive materials, each piece custom fit to conform to his frame perfectly. The black jacket molded to his wide shoulders, left open along the center to reveal the crisp white shirt beneath with pearly white buttons opened at the collar.

“Rise,” he murmured in his thick rich voice, slightly accented and entirely erotic.

The mere word caused my thin panties to become drenched with hot liquid arousal. I began to shiver, goose bumps gathering along the surface of my skin. Wantonly, I envisioned the lips that uttered the word against my breasts, sucking and nipping playfully. My nipples, aching and sensitive, hardened at the prospect, and I shifted uncomfortably in the chair.

Scenting my desire, Sebastian chuckled at my reaction. “Rise, little beauty, and come to me.”

This time, I did.

Call for Contests!

Writing Status - Editing
Mood - Errr
Playing on ipod - Nara by E.S. Posthumus

I'm putting a call out to the few people that visit my blog. I'm visiting the lovely author Alisha Paige on September 3rd, the day before A Kiss Before Dying releases. We will be having a contest that only involves a small comment to enter. The winner will receive an e-copy of A Kiss Before Dying. I will also have another contest the following week for Moon Kissed, on September 10th. The same rules apply. Leave a comment and enter to win.

I'll announce the winner on the following days (each are separate).

Please spread the love. This is a difficult avenue to overcome and all you have to lose (or hopefully gain!) is a free read!!

Edits...

Writing Status - Are you kidding?
Mood - Already Tired
Playing on ipod -Here with Me by Dido

The rest of the week and the weekend following will be used up on edits. It's incredible. The line process has truly allowed me to see and correct mistakes I missed before, which I like. Learning more about production and the process has given me a greater appreciation of what editors suffer.

On a side note, I've just finished up the edits for A Kiss Before Dying. I'm doing a "final" read through and afterward it will be off in the mail to Amira. I can't believe it releases in just a week! It's surreal and exciting and terrifying.

Moon Kissed

Writing Status - None so Far
Mood - Sleepy
Playing on ipod - A Little Respect by Erasure


Just got the release date!! Moon Kissed will be released by Amira Press on September 11th! Be sure to drop by and pick up a copy!

I Heart Brains

Writing Status - Doing Edits
Mood - Blah
Playing on ipod - Where's your head at? by Basement Jaxx

I just wrapped up a spur of the moment 5k horror short entitled, "I Heart Brains". It's a zombie love story...well, my version of one. I'm seriously thinking of taking the concept and rolling with it. The end result of my endeavor was stinted due to the word restriction.

If it's not accepted by Ravenous Romance, I'll post the sucker as a free read. If anything, it's good for a laugh.

Do you ever?

Writing Status - Lick of Frost nearly complete
Mood - Blah
Playing on ipod - Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues


I have to ask. Do any other writers read something so profound they look at their own work and think - "I SUCK!"?

I recently wrapped up The Vampire Queen's Servant and The Mark of the Vampire Queen by Joey W. Hill and I'm awestruck. It's not often I read something that haunts me, but these stories have managed to do just that. Joey's words are not words at all. They are feelings, emotions, and hurts. Each one marks your soul, twining into your heart, before lodging itself violently into your stomach.

It's not easy to read, but damn it, that's why it's so incredible. There are certain elements I abhor in romance/erotica and in this, they are so very fundamental. There is a rawness to the work, a truth most refuse to dig that far into themselves to reveal.

So, yeah. My work blows. This woman, God love her, is what I aspire to be.

Joey, if you ever read this (and even if you don't), you are MY religion.

Crimson Moon "Official Cover"

Just received it tonight.

All about Writing

Writing Status - Getting Started
Mood - Tired
Playing on ipod - Ain't No Rest For the Wicked by Cage the Elephant

Today I will write and complete at least one (possibly two) chapters of Lick of Frost. I am determined to have this done and polished by August 31st.

No more piddle farting around.

A Kiss Before Dying

Writing Status - Gearing Up
Mood - Excited
Playing on ipod - Don't Forget The Rules by Charlie Clouser (from Saw II Motion Picture Score)

It's here! The release date for my first work (aside from the Niteblade story, Penance. Which will be in the upcoming September issue). A Kiss Before Dying will be available to purchase from Amira Press on September 4th!

Katja Morgan has committed the ultimate taboo in the life of a blood slave; she has fallen in love with her master. Vampire Lord Sebastian Arsov is everything she has ever wanted - gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, kind. As their time together nears an end, she carefully constructs the ruse that will allow her to belong to her shellar in both body and soul.

But sharing an evening with her beloved comes at a high price - the cost of her life.

Disguised as a bed slave, Katja enters Sebastian's chambers to experience the pleasures she's been long denied. Including the bite that will ultimately kill her - what slaves refer to as a kiss before dying. As the night fades into the day, will Sebastian discover Katja's true identity before it's too late? Or will he lose the slave he's come to love above all others?

Here's an excerpt.

*****

The large oak door opened with a protest of squeaking hinges, interrupting my thoughts and memories, and Sebastian entered the bed chamber. His massive frame took up a large portion of the bedroom, as did his tremendous presence. He pulled the door closed behind him, walking to the center of the room, and then stood before me.

I knew what to expect. I had seen him come to those fortunate enough to grace his bed in those first days of my tenure, exiting just before the females doomed to die glorified in the last dizzying moments of pure bliss. For though they partook in the pleasures of his body, it was I that shared a portion of his mind, and the only reprieve I was allotted from his chamber was when he entertained.

As required, I donned a black mask embossed with blood red jewels that revealed only my cherry stained lips and darkly kohled chocolate brown eyes, which worked in my favor to keep my identity hidden. Many of the Lords preferred to think of their bed partners as little more than disposable pleasures. None of them enjoyed killing, even when it was necessary. The mask also held an enchantment, masking my unique scent. Otherwise, Sebastian would easily recognize the aroma of my blood, and by association, my identity.

To continue with the illusion, I chose a long pale blond wig. Disguising the waves of brunette collected beneath. Sebastian loved my hair, claiming it was a prize of its own. Masking those heavy strands was as important as obscuring my face.

He continued standing there, observing me with a trained and critical eye. His body was covered by only the most expensive materials, each piece custom fit to conform to his frame perfectly. The black jacket molded to his wide shoulders, left open along the center to reveal the crisp white shirt beneath with pearly white buttons opened at the collar.

“Rise,” he murmured in his thick rich voice, slightly accented and entirely erotic.

The mere word caused my thin panties to become drenched with hot liquid arousal. I began to shiver, goose bumps gathering along the surface of the skin. Wantonly, I envisioned the lips that uttered the word against my breasts, suckling and nipping playfully. My nipples hardened at the prospect, aching and sensitive. I shifted uncomfortably in the chair.

Sebastian chuckled at my reaction, scenting my desire. “Rise, little beauty, and come to me.”

This time, I did.

Halloween

Writing Status - On the Move
Mood - Erratic
Playing on ipod - Here with Me by Dido

Lord help me. I don't know why my brain can't settle on one story and let me finish. Instead, I challenge myself by creating new things and over extending myself.

In any event, the sequel to the novella "Soft as Moonlight" is underway. "Lick of Frost" will focus on Luke Trevlian, the Beta of the Bacchus pack, and will feature the hero of the next installment, Sheriff Trevor McAvoy, the Scottish Warlock Judge.

The events take place on the day before and the day of Halloween, meaning I'm going to bust balls and try to get it out to a certain press I adore before the August 31st deadline.

I.Have.Lost.My.Freaking.Mind.

Jessica Lee

Writing Status - Writing two things at once
Mood - A-Okay
Playing on ipod - Running up that Hill by Placebo

All right, my loves, listen up! There's a new author on the move and she is INCREDIBLE. I had the pleasure of snagging her first release, Desire To Die For, and I'm clammoring for more. It's paranormal romance at it's finest.

If you like your romance dark and gritty, with a hero you'll wish would come nipping at your throat, go show Jessica Lee some love.

Seriously, what are you waiting for?

The Renfield Syndrome

What better motivation is there for a writer than a cover? For me, nothing comes close. It's not official as the story isn't fully written and there is no contract. But when I'm done, this is the cover I envisioned for the sequel to Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between.

Now it's time to work.

Cherise Sinclair

I read her BDSM Shadowlands series and was instantly hooked. Her newest title, Master of the Mountain, is out today.

Go show Cherise Sinclair some love. She an artisan at her craft. If you like your erotica HOT, with characters that linger long after that last page is finished, she'll do you right.

As for me? I purchased Master of the Mountain and am waiting for some time alone to devour the entire story in a single serving.

Crimson Moon Book Excerpt

Here it is, the "official" book excerpt!

“You have a rock quarry?”

The fresh rain water inside the stone barrier was a glorious mushroom blue, the surface still and unaffected as the breeze was blocked by the large rock walls surrounding it.

“Let’s sit over there,” he pointed to an expanse of grass growing along the side, shaded by several large trees.

We reached the spot and he removed the tote on my shoulder, pulling it from my arm. I watched as he plopped the satchel onto the ground and dug inside, removing a thick blanket and then carefully spreading it out.

I sat down when he finished, laying on my back and lifting my arms over my head. The sky above was gray with heavy clouds, the sun barely visible. Amazingly, the temperature wasn’t as hot, the air far less humid.

“I could spend an entire summer out here,” I murmured, closing my eyes and basking in the serenity of this heavenly warm place.

Caleb nestled next to me, an arm coming around and fingers brushing against my stomach. I opened my eyes and he was leaning over me, weight balanced on his elbow.

“Emma,” he breathed my name like a caress, a promise, face descending and lips brushing tenderly against mine.

I knew then that my surprise wasn’t the quarry but something else all together. This was the last time we would have before I was sent away, the only time we could be completely alone. My heart began to race and my body began to tremble.

“Are you afraid?” he whispered, lifting away.

“I am,” I nodded, swallowing, “But only because I don’t know what to expect.”

“You don’t have to be afraid, Emma. I’ll be as soft as moonlight with you.”