Just a quick blog before I get back to work. This year I'll be attending three different conferences: EPICon, Lori Foster's, and Authors After Dark. If you're interested in checking them out, I've included the links below. It's sure to be a lot of fun.
EPICon
Lori Foster's Reader & Author Get Together
Authors After Dark
I hope to see some of you there. ;-) Back to the writing cave for me!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Renfield Syndrome, Dark Hunger Excerpt
Since many of you are curious about The Renfield Syndrome, I figured I'd impart a bit of my journey in creating the story. As many of you are now aware (and if you're not, stop now, spoiler alert!) in the original Dead manuscript, Disco died. It was a very emotional scene, but I felt it was necessary at the time as the direction I wanted to take the series was somewhere else all together. Fortunately, my mother-in-law forbade such an ending. So Disco was given a second lease on life, Rhiannon was faced with a questionable future, and I wasn't really sure where in the hell the book would go.
For the first time, I had no clue what I planned to do with a book.
When it came time to write The Renfield Syndrome, I'd made some decisions regarding things, but many of the side stories were floating in the free abyss of my muse. How would I reconcile the changes Rhiannon was facing? How could I make her more vulnerable this time around? The answer came in ways I never expected, which veered me off course and worried my crit partners. When I finished, I sent the manuscript off -- and I was terrified. There is a lot of interest in what will occur with Rhiannon, her future, and her journey into the unknown. A lot of things occur that readers will not see coming. Hell, I didn't see them coming. As I wrote the story there were moments I had to stop writing and step away, take a breather, and return. I was forced to venture into very dark places, places that I generally try to stay away from.
To my relief, my betas and crit partners loved the book. Still, worries linger for me. Some of the things I've told readers about the book, while remaining true, skirt a fine line. It wasn't intentional to say something that might be taken as a lie, even though I do believe I have been honest in what people can expect. I've since learned it's best to not say anything at all, as you don't want to reveal too much.
I'm currently pondering what will occur in The Ripple Effect. As with The Renfield Syndrome, things will remain extremely complicated. Although I'd prefer not to take a journey back into the darkness of Rhiannon's past and future, it will be necessary to see her grow as a character. I just hope that her story continues to entertain you -- even if certain things might break your heart.
Today, I'm writing more on Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon. I figured since I've been stingy with snippets, I'd share a small one here. So far, the story is coming right along. As soon as I wrap up (I believe this book will be between 50-60k words), I'm going to finish The Company of Wolves and then it's back to Rhiannon.
I hope you enjoy the excerpt. Unlike Eternity and a Day, Dark Hunger focuses on the complexities of a relationship between enemies. I'm really enjoying the story so far. I hope that when it's finished, you will as well.
Dark Hunger on A Killing Moon Blurb:
Temptation is always made worse when you long for the forbidden...
Vampire King Bridon Walkyr has waited centuries for the return of his Chosen. Yet instead of the docile and fragile human he anticipates, his beloved has been reborn of the very race that wishes to destroy his kind. Unwilling to lose her a second time, he travels to the mortal realm under a guise to intercept his mate and challenge fate.
Lycae Princess Willow Miloradovic lives under the strain of a preordained destiny she has yet to commit. From the time she could conceive of right and wrong, she has been told she will bring about the downfall of her pack. For her Fated is not only her enemy, he is the very ruler of the blood drinkers they detest. Intentionally guided into the trap Bridon has placed, she has special instructions from her alpha -- kill the vampire king and sever their connection.
When Bridon and Willow clash, sparks will fly, passions will ignite, and enemies will become lovers. But with a killing moon on the rise, their union can signify only one thing -- death.
Snippet:
She cried out as Bridon’s teeth broke through her skin and the fire in her abdomen felt as if it burst and spread outward. The consuming warmth and electricity moved from her belly, traveling in a direct path to her sex. She arched her back, caught in a maelstrom of heat that seemed to lick the underside of her skin as she fell apart and shattered. Bridon was there to catch her, keeping her afloat as he drew from her neck. Each suckle sent her into a tidal wave of bliss as strong as the one before, the currents of pleasure almost too much to bear as her muscles went taut and spasmed.
Bridon swiped his tongue along her neck and, before she could protest, he was moving down her body. He grasped the top button of her jeans, yanked it open, and released the zipper. Despite the tingles left over from his bite, she started to protest. A bite, some foreplay, and mutual sexual pleasure was A-okay. Sex, however, was not on the menu.
“You promised,” she said in a voice that was throaty and hoarse.
“And I’m not breaking my vow.” He yanked her panties down along with her pants and cursed when he came to her boots.
“What are you doing, then?”
The hands on her jeans went still, and he nailed her with a look that promised future pleasures. “We’re just getting started, love.”
Fates, it was impossible to turn away from him. His hair was messy around his shoulders, his eyes now a steely grey. “Getting started?”
He began removing her boots, his motions rough. “I’m going to worship you until the moon rises once again. Before this day is done, you’ll know what it means to be loved. By the Gods, you’ll never forget it.” He looked her in the eye once more as he removed her jeans and socks, baring her from the waist down. “You’ll never forget me.”
For the first time, I had no clue what I planned to do with a book.
When it came time to write The Renfield Syndrome, I'd made some decisions regarding things, but many of the side stories were floating in the free abyss of my muse. How would I reconcile the changes Rhiannon was facing? How could I make her more vulnerable this time around? The answer came in ways I never expected, which veered me off course and worried my crit partners. When I finished, I sent the manuscript off -- and I was terrified. There is a lot of interest in what will occur with Rhiannon, her future, and her journey into the unknown. A lot of things occur that readers will not see coming. Hell, I didn't see them coming. As I wrote the story there were moments I had to stop writing and step away, take a breather, and return. I was forced to venture into very dark places, places that I generally try to stay away from.
To my relief, my betas and crit partners loved the book. Still, worries linger for me. Some of the things I've told readers about the book, while remaining true, skirt a fine line. It wasn't intentional to say something that might be taken as a lie, even though I do believe I have been honest in what people can expect. I've since learned it's best to not say anything at all, as you don't want to reveal too much.
I'm currently pondering what will occur in The Ripple Effect. As with The Renfield Syndrome, things will remain extremely complicated. Although I'd prefer not to take a journey back into the darkness of Rhiannon's past and future, it will be necessary to see her grow as a character. I just hope that her story continues to entertain you -- even if certain things might break your heart.
Today, I'm writing more on Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon. I figured since I've been stingy with snippets, I'd share a small one here. So far, the story is coming right along. As soon as I wrap up (I believe this book will be between 50-60k words), I'm going to finish The Company of Wolves and then it's back to Rhiannon.
I hope you enjoy the excerpt. Unlike Eternity and a Day, Dark Hunger focuses on the complexities of a relationship between enemies. I'm really enjoying the story so far. I hope that when it's finished, you will as well.
Dark Hunger on A Killing Moon Blurb:
Temptation is always made worse when you long for the forbidden...
Vampire King Bridon Walkyr has waited centuries for the return of his Chosen. Yet instead of the docile and fragile human he anticipates, his beloved has been reborn of the very race that wishes to destroy his kind. Unwilling to lose her a second time, he travels to the mortal realm under a guise to intercept his mate and challenge fate.
Lycae Princess Willow Miloradovic lives under the strain of a preordained destiny she has yet to commit. From the time she could conceive of right and wrong, she has been told she will bring about the downfall of her pack. For her Fated is not only her enemy, he is the very ruler of the blood drinkers they detest. Intentionally guided into the trap Bridon has placed, she has special instructions from her alpha -- kill the vampire king and sever their connection.
When Bridon and Willow clash, sparks will fly, passions will ignite, and enemies will become lovers. But with a killing moon on the rise, their union can signify only one thing -- death.
Snippet:
She cried out as Bridon’s teeth broke through her skin and the fire in her abdomen felt as if it burst and spread outward. The consuming warmth and electricity moved from her belly, traveling in a direct path to her sex. She arched her back, caught in a maelstrom of heat that seemed to lick the underside of her skin as she fell apart and shattered. Bridon was there to catch her, keeping her afloat as he drew from her neck. Each suckle sent her into a tidal wave of bliss as strong as the one before, the currents of pleasure almost too much to bear as her muscles went taut and spasmed.
Bridon swiped his tongue along her neck and, before she could protest, he was moving down her body. He grasped the top button of her jeans, yanked it open, and released the zipper. Despite the tingles left over from his bite, she started to protest. A bite, some foreplay, and mutual sexual pleasure was A-okay. Sex, however, was not on the menu.
“You promised,” she said in a voice that was throaty and hoarse.
“And I’m not breaking my vow.” He yanked her panties down along with her pants and cursed when he came to her boots.
“What are you doing, then?”
The hands on her jeans went still, and he nailed her with a look that promised future pleasures. “We’re just getting started, love.”
Fates, it was impossible to turn away from him. His hair was messy around his shoulders, his eyes now a steely grey. “Getting started?”
He began removing her boots, his motions rough. “I’m going to worship you until the moon rises once again. Before this day is done, you’ll know what it means to be loved. By the Gods, you’ll never forget it.” He looked her in the eye once more as he removed her jeans and socks, baring her from the waist down. “You’ll never forget me.”
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Renfield Syndrome Excerpt
Hi Everyone! This will be showing up on my website soon, so I figured I'd share it here as well. I hope you're doing well and enjoy the excerpt. I'll returning to Twitter and the blogosphere next week!
The Renfield Syndrome Excerpt:
The Renfield Syndrome Excerpt:
“Help him,” Marianne begged, rushing to me, and reached for my arm.
The ground shifted when her hand touched my shoulder, an odd and profound trembling overwhelming my body. The aches and pains in my back and legs faded, muscles and limbs strengthening and contorting, becoming strong despite my prior fatigue. The room came into a vivid focus, allowing me to see everything clearly, even those things marred by my peripheral vision. My spine went straight as I stood upright and I lifted my head, nourished and guided by this unexpected surge of power.
Jackson’s free arm came back, rounding into a fist, and I didn’t hesitate. I snagged the bitch by the wrist and brought it back, applying just the right amount of pressure as I went. The bone broke cleanly, jamming through the skin -- pink, ivory, and vivid red creating a macabre anatomical art display. I didn’t know where this inhuman strength came from, and I didn’t really care. When I saw the blood pooling and escaping from Joshua’s mouth, I wanted to see the hairy werehound suffer.
Jackson dropped Joshua’s body, releasing the hand twined around his throat. He went limp, brown eyes sliding closed. As she turned to face me, I wasn’t afraid. The pendant against my skin throbbed and pulsed, very much alive and aware. The beating of the black blood center trapped inside the amber pounded in chorus with my heart, each pulse sufficing my muscles, eyes, and limbs with an unexplained, yet undeniable, energy.
“What are you?” she demanded, staggering and wobbling on unsteady legs. Both of her eyes were in bloody tatters, portions of flesh and egg white tissue drifting to her cheekbones.
“A person you never should have fucked with.”
It didn’t take a rocket scientist to predict her next move. She came at me like a brick shit house, balls-to-the-walling-it, wild and crazed. Her teeth shone in the light, large and bright, transcended only by the narrowing of her hollowed out eyes and the claws that lashed out. I shouldn’t have been able to perceive the moment; it was too fast, too fucking quick. Yet my body reacted instinctively, moving into a defensive position as I prepared for the offensive attack soon to follow.
Each violent thrust and punch I evaded or blocked, seeing what she intended before the blow found its mark. Each rage enhanced roar goaded me, driving me onward. As she lashed out with one hand, I encouraged her to try harder, to try again. I wanted to watch this beastly woman crumble.
I wanted to see her on her fucking knees.
A hollow pain struck my chest -- directly beneath Marigold Vesta’s amulet -- knocking me off balance. The strength began to ebb, and I heard Marianne’s weak cries flittering inside my ears. Through a thin haze I listened to her pleas, her desperate begging to return to her child once more before she crossed over. As I focused on her voice, my energy waned, and Jackson’s forehead butted my nose, breaking the vessels and creating an unbridled flow of blood.
Heavy punches from her good hand rained down upon my shoulders and face, sending me into a huddled ball at her feet. Her boots found the vulnerable hollow of my side, hard rubber soles leaving imprints behind on my skin. I attempted to cough the blood that was collecting in my mouth, forcing the bitter and warm liquid from the confines of my lips. The brutal blows continued, going on and on.
A solid punch sent me on my ass, forcing my chin up and back. As my back pressed against the couch, the familiar and welcome coolness of metal flickered against my palm. I grasped the gun as Jackson descended upon me, her features half human and half wolf. I didn’t know squat about werewolves, but I figured the general rule of thumb applied.
When in doubt, aim for the heart or the head.
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