Random Musings

Le Red Hair

2012-01-27T19:14:00.006-06:00

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

2012-01-23T19:54:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-17T09:21:00.000-06:00

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!!

2012-01-16T20:40:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-14T13:22:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

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.

And Away We Go...

2012-01-02T05:00:00.001-06:00

I'm afraid that for the next month you're not going to see me. I have two books to complete and that means it's time to buckle down. I've put my email to "vacation" so if you contact me you'll get a message letting you know I'm going to be slow to respond. I will try to answer but be patient if it takes a while. It's important that I focus and get these books done.

See you all in February! Happy New Year!

A Good Way to put things in Perspective

2012-01-01T18:57:00.000-06:00

Last blog of the day, promise!

I stumbled across this People magazine article about Ben Breedlove -- a teenager who has been battling a heart condition all his life. His final videos were made just before he passed away at the tender age of eighteen on Christmas day. If you get a moment, click the links below. It might inspire you as it did me. What a courageous young man.

This Is My Story (Part 1)

This Is My Story (Part 2)

Books You're Looking Forward to in 2012

2012-01-01T15:10:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of books coming out this year I'm looking forward to -- especially the one pictured above (isn't that cover smokin'?). I love Joey W. Hill and I'm certain this series will be as good as her other works. This got me to thinking: What books are YOU looking forward to this year?

I know most people want the newest J.R. Ward (I have the last book but need to read it) as well as some upcoming young adult novels, etc. Although I don't need to add to my bookshelves (I really, really don't) I'm asking for suggestions. So the floor is open -- what books should I read this year? I like all genres but prefer romance, urban fantasy, young adult, and horror.

Now it's time to return to work. Hope you all are enjoying the first day in the new year.

An Addendum

2012-01-01T09:22:00.000-06:00

Okay, so -- after hours of emails, some screenshots providing proof of purchase, etc, allow me to state this:

The person I accused of pirating my work did not in fact do so. I have apologized privately but I'm also doing so here as well.

With that said...

I truly did believe this person engaged in pirating activity. I won't go into the reasons for this, as they don't matter. What matters is the facts that led me to believe this were incorrect. Normally I contact pirates via the piracy forums they frequent. This time I made a bad judgement call and did something I never do -- I contacted a person I "believed" was the pirate in question. Huge mistake, not something I can take back, and is an extremely important lesson learned.

Those of you who speak to me regularly know I'm not the sort of person to fly off the handle. It's not my style. I prefer to address situations privately when I can. However, I am vocal about piracy and I always will be. In the future I will stick to my primary source of contact, so nothing like this occurs again.

As to the readers who support me, well, you know I love you. As for the reader I've apologized to, I hope you accept what I've written here. When you make an assumption and an ass out of yourself, the only thing a person can do is admit it. I'm doing so right now for the world to see.

With that, I'm off to bed. I've been up a majority of the night and need some zzzz's. Happy new Year!

In Light Of Recent Contact...

2012-01-01T05:40:00.002-06:00

In light of recent contact from the person I'd collected information and who claims he/she is NOT who I think they are and does not pirate, I have removed the blog entry about piracy and Goodreads (I'll save it, in the event it needs to give live again for some reason). With that stated, if in fact this person hasn't pirated my work, I will apologize. I have over a year of information on several pirates (including ISPs, email addys, etc) that I have to sort through. Make no mistake, however, that I will rectify my statements in the event they are incorrect. I didn't make the accusation lightly. I used time stamps, dates, etc as I researched each person.

Also -- there was only one person I "believe" pirated my work. Stating two people did is incorrect and I apologize for this statement, (although I didn't mention anyone by name, it should be mentioned). However, this person did contact me using a false email addy to tell me she found an erotic work of mine "offensive" as God was not capitalized. I responded to her -- politely -- to clarify the issue.

Now I'm going to bed. In the morning I will compile my information and contact the other person who has stated she does not pirate the works of authors. Depending on how that goes, I will have a new blog post to follow.

Happy New Year. Way to bring in 2012. I don't regret what I've done, as piracy is an issue many of you know I'm vocal about. However, I'm also not afraid to man up and say I'm sorry when I've made a mistake. It's a two way street.

Looking Back: 2011

2011-12-30T16:03:00.000-06:00

Looking back on 2011, I realize so much happened in my career. In fact, I've referred to it more than once as the year of crazy. I re-released a series, got contracts with a publisher I've long admired and have finally settled in to this "author" thing.

So what did I learn?

First: Never give up. I had a book that was rejected numerous times that ended up being my top seller of the year. I'd lost sight of how subjective this industry is, so I'm thankful to have an open-minded perspective again. Not only was I shocked at how well the book was received, but I gained contract offers for future works because of it. Not bad for a story I was this close to shelving.

Second: I can't please the world. If I can't do something, it's okay to politely decline. Most people understand that I have a life and won't damn me to hell for being busy.

Third: As an author, I have to prioritize my time and writing schedule. For the better part of two years I've focused on a series that is the most heavily pirated of all my books. In an effort to please fans, I devoted most of my writing time to the series despite the fact it takes me the longest to finish and I'm not breaking even financially. That is about to change. I have other options and can support my family writing different material. Sometimes difficult decisions have to be made but publishing is business, not pleasure.

Which brings me to my next lesson.

Fourth: I write for the love of it. I publish to make a living. These are very different things, and that's okay. This lesson was probably the most important one for me this year.

And last but not least...

Fifth: I'm still learning. Writing is a craft that continues to evolve. This is a good thing. After all, once you know everything what's the point?

Now to the fun stuff!

My Favorite Movie of 2011: Insidious

My Favorite Album of 2011: Adele 21

My Favorite TV Show of 2011: Game of Thrones

My Favorite Book(s) of 2011: I can't pick just one, but I will name a few from the top of my head.

Vampire Instinct by Joey W. Hill.

Lost Wages of Sin by Rosalie Stanton.

Go The Fuck To Sleep by Adam Mansbach, Samuel L. Jackson (Narrator).

My goals for 2012: To wrap up my contracted works, finalize getting requested works into a print format, finish the new urban fantasy I've been working on and take a small break. With five books contracted (and possibly releasing) next year, my plate is pretty full. I have new ideas for future stories that I've jotted down and will get to them as soon as I can. However, I want to spend some time with my family, so I'm thinking next year I'll take a small break during the summer and Christmas.

Now that I've shared my favorites why don't you do the same. What did you learn this year? What are your plans for 2012?

Guilty Pleasures

2011-12-28T13:45:00.000-06:00

When I write I have to have background noise. Usually it's music but sometimes I'll throw in a DVD to get the job done. This morning I chose Showgirls. My husband gave me an odd look when he saw my selection and said, "Showgirls? Really?" What followed was a friendly debate on a movie that I enjoy but he thinks is horrible. It's kind of funny because I know a lot of people dislike Showgirls, but I consider myself a fan. I can't really say why. It's kind of like The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I love that flick so much I own both the film and the soundtrack.

This got me to thinking about guilty pleasures. You know -- the movies, music and books that most people think is garbage yet we make a connection with. As a smut reader and author, I'm not ashamed to admit I enjoy reading erotic romance. However, I know many people who would rather tote around a copy of Pride and Prejudice when they travel so the people around them don't know they're enjoying a book about a couple engaging in explicit sexual acts.

This brings me to my question: How many of you have guilty pleasures? What are they if you don't mind me asking? Is there a movie or book that you love that you just can't bring yourself to talk about because you know the reaction you receive won't be a positive one? An oddball blog entry, I know, but I'm curious. Enlighten me!

Again, I hope all of you are enjoying your holiday!

Off With Their Heads

2011-12-27T23:30:00.000-06:00

Hello awesome people! Let me preface by stating this isn't a topic I wanted to discuss. In fact, I've straddled the fence on whether or not to say something for months. However, due to recent events I feel it's necessary to take a stand and address the situation.

*Takes a deep breath*

Okay, ready? Here we go.

Recently I've been getting a lot of rude, disrespectful and disgusting emails. At first I did what I always do: I responded with a brief "thank you for your time," and let it go. My hope was that eventually the haters would go away or find something better to do with their time. Sadly, this isn't the case. Not many know this but I had to change my phone number, get a post office box and contact the police due to a situation with a stalker. Downright scary when you have children in your home and a weirdo calling your house. Trust me, you don't want to know how it feels. It's gotten so bad that I've turned to colleagues for advice. The majority of them say the same thing -- stop using social networks -- which is disheartening. After all, I love chatting with all of you. I try to make myself available to every single fan who emails me and always make a point to respond. No longer doing so would make me sad.

So I'm writing this blog entry here and now to say that, while I will respond to emails, I will delete those sent from anonymous (throw away) email addresses or those that serve no purpose but to insult, degrade or delve into my personal life. Granted, those who do this probably don't visit my blog, but in the event they do there you go. This isn't to say people can't email me if they have questions about future works or want to point something out. Rather I'm letting everyone know that I'm a person -- a mother and wife -- not a simple name, and I will no longer tolerate this behavior from strangers. My characters are fictitious, as are my stories. They do not represent who I am as a person. They are figments of my imagination, nothing more.

I'm going to put away my soapbox now and wish you all a fantastic holiday. I hope you're enjoying time with your friends and family. As always, I can't thank you enough for your support. It means the world to me. It's a shame some people try to ruin a good thing.

Merry Christmas Wishes & Updates

2011-12-25T10:15:00.000-06:00

Wowza!! So hard to believe Christmas is here. My kiddos are super happy. We managed to give them an awesome Christmas this year, and I can't thank you enough for making that happen. Due to your support of my work, we were able to do things for them we couldn't last year. So THANK YOU!!

Today I'll be running ragged going from one home to the next. I'm looking forward to spending time with my family. Some of them drive into town once per year and it's the only chance I get to see them. For that reason I adore Christmas. There's nothing like family.

I did want to let you know that next week I'll be gung-ho working. I'm over halfway done with The Ripple Effect and Enemy Mine. I'll wrap those up soon. Until then I do have a few books you can check out if you haven't done so (and are interested), including Make Me Shiver which is now on Kindle! Check out the blurbs and links below. All purchase sites are listed on the webpage, so it's as simple as clicking a button to venture over to the retailers.

Again, Happy Holidays. I'm sending you all tons of hugs and love.

A special excerpt is on the website for Make Me Shiver now. It's rated R, so keep that in mind. You can read the excerpt by clicking HERE. As a side note, the book is 53k words, so it's not a short story. It is a novel.

If you haven't read Omega Mine, now's your chance. It's pretty steamy and not for youngsters. A blurb is also on the website and you can read it by clicking HERE. This book is a novel plus, complete at around 86k words.

This is a short story that will have a full length follow up -- Twisted In Knots. I really enjoyed Zeke and Diane and can't wait to revisit them. You can read a blurb on my website HERE. Keep in mind the story is a Quickie and complete at around 9k words.

On a side, I have received a release date for Crimson Sunrise. It will be available on May 18, 2012. I apologize for the delay but hope the book is worth the wait. Thank you again for your patience. My hope is to return to the series and write the last book sometime next year. And for those who asked, I will be returning to The Desires of the Otherworld series soon. I've also contracted someone to put Eternity and a Day in print, so you should be hearing more about that soon.

Again, Merry Christmas. 2011 was a great year but I'm hoping 2012 is even better. I'm sending you tons of virtual hugs and cookies. Have a wonderful day with your friends and loved ones. I'll be back with another update soon.

All My Best!

Jaime

Make Me Shiver is Here!!!

2011-12-21T09:46:00.001-06:00

Make Me Shiver is finally here! I'm so excited and hope you enjoy the story. It was my first attempt at contemporary (prior to No Strings) so it's different but sexy. :) The book will be available at Amazon.com within 24-48 hours. I'll update this blog with the link when I receive it.

Make Me Shiver at Ellora's Cave

Make Me Shiver at Amazon (Link Coming Soon)

The Ripple Effect Blurb

2011-12-19T22:25:00.002-06:00

It's finally here -- the blurb for The Ripple Effect. I'm working on the manuscript and will (God help me) have the book done in January. After I turn it in my editor (and cover artist) Skyla Dawn Cameron promises she'll start working on the cover art. I'm so excited to see what she comes up with!

So do you want to hint of what the book is about? Here you go!

The Ripple Effect Blurb:

There is always a price to pay…

Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.

Until death comes knocking at her door.

When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.

Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.

It’s about getting even.

Make Me Shiver Celebration!

2011-12-17T16:58:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe Make Me Shiver releases on Wednesday! In celebration I'm giving away a $10 Ellora's Cave Gift Card. Want to enter? It's not difficult.

Visit my Facebook author page...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JA-Saare-Aline-Hunter/205937709416811

...and leave a comment. That's it! I will only accept entries in the comments for the contest on my Facebook, so make sure to head over there. It's so much easier to keep track of things in one place. I'll announce the winner on December 21st and email the lucky duck with their winnings!

As always, thanks for your support. I couldn't do this without you!

Make Me Shiver Release Date!

2011-12-08T07:57:00.000-06:00

Make Me Shiver has a release date: December 21st! So you'll be able to read the book before the end of 2011. Huzzah!

Here's the official blurb:

When Lacey loses control of her vehicle and finds herself trapped by ice and snow, she knows there’s only one person to call for help. Unfortunately, Michael may cause more turmoil than relief. She’s lusted for the gorgeous Dom ever since she first laid eyes on him. Trouble is, he doesn’t do vanilla and she’s not a submissive…or is she?

Michael’s hungered for Lacey for months, so when he notices her fleeting glimpses and blush-stained cheeks as he rescues her from an altercation with a guardrail, he decides it’s time to push the sultry beauty’s boundaries…only to discover Lacey’s not as reserved as she thinks.

Physical attraction blossoms into something neither anticipates, taking Michael and Lacey beyond kink, dominance and submission. Their newfound connection is strong until a flame from Michael’s past returns, shatters the fragile trust he and Lacey have only just developed and threatens to destroy something neither wants to surrender.

If you'd like to read an excerpt click the cover art to redirect. I hope you enjoy the book. It was interesting to write something other than paranormal or urban fantasy. :) As for me, I'm back to work. There's tons of writing to be done. Thank God the weekend is almost here!

What to Expect in 2012

2011-12-07T12:53:00.001-06:00

Wowza. I have received over a dozen emails in the last few days asking virtually the same question:

When is *insert book title here* coming out?

Let me state that I always answer my email, so that isn't the issue. Rather I realize some people might visit my website and see what's "coming soon" but have no idea when coming soon is. For that reason I'm going to let you in on what you can expect this year, barring any interference.

The Ripple Effect: I'm working on this. It's revised but has to be finished. As soon as it's done it will go to my editor and I'll get a solid release date. If I get off my ass it should be summer or early fall. This series is the most difficult for me to write, so it takes longer to complete the manuscripts.

Enemy Mine: Another book I'm currently writing. To answer the primary question -- this is Mary and Emory's book. The next, Vampire Mine, is Trey and Sadie. So fear not, you'll get your fix. Enemy Mine should release in the spring.

Then we have contracted books that will release in 2012 but haven't been started: Vampire Mine, Make Me Surrender, and Twisted In Knots. These books are on my calendar to be written. They are contracted and will be turned in next year. I'm hoping to release at least one book everything 2-3 months. As for Edge of Darkness (Rhiannon's Law, Book Four) -- it's not contracted so I'm not sure of the time frame. It all depends on sales.

So there you go, a rough estimate of my releases next year. I'm going to be extremely busy but hopefully the payoff will be worth it. I will be taking a break to attend two conventions this year: Romanticon and Lori Foster's. I'll be sure to share more info as the dates get closer.

Back to work for me! Happy Hump Day!

Carolyn Crane's Head Rush is here!!

2011-12-06T01:00:00.000-06:00

Happy release day to the uber-awesome Carolyn Crane! Her third book in the Disillusionist Trilogy is available for purchase! If you've not read this series, get books one, two, and three right now! Don't hesitate. I absolutely love this series and I'm sure you will too. Despite my workload, I'm going to slip time in to read Head Rush. I've waited so long to find out what happens.

Here's the blurb (minor spoilers included if you've not read the other books):

In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, Justine Jones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to Otto Sanchez, the man of her dreams. But something is off. Random details aren’tadding up…and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiancé keeping secrets from her? And what’s with this strange sense of unease, and her odd new headaches?

Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martial law, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycat violence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mindgame yet.

With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dad and best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe…and unravels the most startling mystery of all.

Get your copy ASAP!

Samhain

Amazon

Congrats again, Carolyn!!

No Strings Contest

2011-12-04T19:30:00.001-06:00

For those interested, I'm giving away an ebook copy of No Strings on my Facebook Fan Page. If you'd like to enter swing by the page and leave a comment:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JA-Saare-Aline-Hunter/205937709416811

18+ adults only. The story isn't for minors. Information on the book can be found here:

http://www.jasaare.com/AlineHunter/NoStrings.html

Holy Contracts Batman!!

2011-12-02T15:33:00.000-06:00

The picture above pretty much summarizes how I feel. A couple of days ago I received a congratulatory email from the Editor-In-Chief at Ellora's Cave for hitting the romance best sellers list on Kindle (Omega Mine made it to #86). Due to this, my schedule went from "maybe" to "slammed."

I almost fell out of my chair.

New contracts mean I'll be absent for the next few months. I've worked on my calendar and the times are tight. I've got five books planned next year (yes, this includes Edge of Darkness -- The Ripple Effect should be completed this month or the beginning of January). That's a LOT of words. Too many to think about. So I'm going to take it one book at a time and cross my fingers.

Thank you so much for the continued support, word of mouth about my books, emails to keep me going, and for simply being so damn awesome. I'll be on Twitter here and there (you can find me if you hit the Twitter button on the right of the blog), but otherwise I'll be slow to respond to emails and the like. Please bear with me as I bust my arse and try to create books that will -- hopefully -- entertain you.

Until next time, happy holidays! I hope Santa brings you tons of presents.

Update and Turkey Day Well Wishes

2011-11-23T15:10:00.000-06:00

It's so hard to believe Thanksgiving is here. It seems (literally) like yesterday I was bemoaning a brand new 2011. Now it's almost 2012.

Jeezus.

Anyhow, I wanted to stop by and wish you all a happy holiday full of food, fun, and laughs. I enjoy this time of year very much, even if I complain about it. After tomorrow a local station will start playing nothing but Christmas music, and I'll gleefully drive the family nutso by listening to it ALL DAY, EVERYDAY, until Christmas has come and gone.

Who says there is no joy in torture? *grin*

On the work front...I'm sad to say I've not had much progress on Enemy Mine. I'd started on the project only to be sidelined with things for my children. This time of year is very hectic and I didn't anticipate just how busy I'd be. Fortunately I have this weekend and the last week in November to attempt to get to the 50k mark. If I can do this I should complete the story in December. As for The Ripple Effect -- I've been editing and revising. Once that's done I can write the rest and wrap up the book. My goal is to complete the MS by the end of Dec/Jan.

Now, because I love you, I wanted to share an image I discovered on Facebook. Hopefully it will give you the same giggle it did me. I'll return soon with another update and perhaps a contest.

Change of Plans

2011-11-11T21:09:00.000-06:00

Holla! Hope you're all doing well. I'm back with an update.

Unfortunately, my plans to write 25k per week were sidelined. As much as I hated to put work aside, my father returned to the hospital due to complications with his diabetes. He's on the mend now and home, but I lost almost a week -- meaning I'm waaaay behind. So my new plan: 25k per week starting next week. If I push it, I can wrap up at least one project.

Also, for those who are interested, I had a visitor in the hospital. Someone who wouldn't shut up and prattled on about her next book, what should happen, and managed to give me a few sentences and a brand new law. Yes, I'm talking about our girl. None other than big mouth, love her or hate her Rhiannon. It's really weird having conversations with characters while you're standing in line at the cafeteria for a cheeseburger and fries. She informed the food would kill me, even if it was prepared in a hospital. I also got to listen to her complain about people who don't wash their hands and dip their grease sticks (french fries) in mayo.

Weird but interesting.

Anyway, I'm back to work next week (possibly this weekend). The goal is different, but I think it'll make everyone happy. If I can wrap up Enemy Mine I can move on to The Ripple Effect and get things ready for all of you.

I hope you had a wonderful and safe Veteran's Day. To those who serve (or have a loved one who does), there are no words to properly convey just how much your sacrifice means to so many. So I'll simply say this:

Thank you.

Author Dina James Is Here!

2011-11-01T08:03:00.000-05:00

Today I have author Dina James visiting the blog. She's promoting her new release, All Wounds, which is now available for purchase. Please show her some love and support by saying hello and checking out her book.

Thanks for stopping by the blog, Dina!

Q. What inspired you to write All Wounds?

A. Ninjas and aliens. Oh, you said "what," not "who!" I gotcha!

It was my original short in The Eternal Kiss anthology that inspired the complete novel, and what inspired that was being given the challenge to write a vampire story for a young adult audience. I'd never thought about writing YA...I write for adults, but it turned out to be fun, and it was indeed a challenge. This is the result.

Q. What do you think is missing in the YA genre? What would you like to see more of?

A. You're asking the wrong girl. I know what I'd like to see LESS of, but that's my own, personal problem.

*cough*sparklydaywalkingstalkervamp*cough*

I honestly don't feel I read enough YA to talk about what's missing from the genre. All the YA authors I read seem to have everything pretty much covered. YA is an awesome genre!

Q. What advice would you offer to aspiring writers?

A. I would give them the best advice I was ever given: accuracy lends credibility. If you're writing about something and you're not sure how it works or if it exists or anything at all, make sure you know what you're talking about. If you set your story in a certain time period, and you bring up stuff that isn't around then (no, we didn't have XBoxes in the 80s - we had Atari and Nintendo), you're going to look weird. A little research won't kill you. If you're writing about a known city (like Paris) or object (like the Eiffel Tower), make sure you know where it is if you're going to bring it up. People who read your work will know that the Eiffel Tower is on a specific street in a specific area of town, and if you move it (without justification) or get it wrong, people will notice. Take 5 minutes and Google where things like that are if you're going to reference them. It adds just that much more depth to your story.

Q. What's your favorite snack to have on hand when you write?

A. French fries. I know, they're horrid, but I could live on them. Not fast food ones. The kind you make at home from real potatoes, or the frozen ones you get from Ore-Ida in the freezer section and cook yourself. Totally french fries!

Q. Pencils or pens? (I hate pencils lol)

A. Pens.

Q. Twilight or Blade?

A. Did you seriously just ask me that? Seriously? Blade. All the way. (Pictures included with Dina's answer ROFL)

I actually saw these, which is where the question came from. *snicker*

Q. Angels or Demons?

A. Demons. Angels are scarier, though. (Don't believe me? Watch "The Prophecy" with Christopher Walken. Remember, Lucifer was once an angel....)

So true! I've got a fallen angel in one of my books. Verra scary! Which begs the question...

Q. Good or Evil (God, I know the answer to this one lol).

A. DUDE! Evil. Evil. Evil. Evil is good! Being good is evil. Evil, however, is not to be confused with mean. I'm not mean, I'm evil. Huge difference!

Now for All Wounds. This story sounds fantastic. I'm ordering my print copy as soon as I gets paidz. Check out the awesome cover and blurb!

Blurb:

It's said that when opportunity knocks on your door, you have only one chance to take it.

No one said what you're supposed to do when it kicks it.

All Rebecca MacDonnell wants to do is get through high school with grades good enough to win a prestigious scholarship so that she can finally leave her miserable life behind. One evening, after a particularly bad day, she finds out that people other than her aging grandmother need her help, and desperately so.

Well, not "people," exactly. Vampires, werewolves, demons, ghosts, goblins, and other things thought only imaginary all need help sometime, and Rebecca was born with the unique ability to heal ethereal beings. She is about to turn seventeen, the age at which her talent will manifest in its entirety, and become a true Healer…if she lives through the event.

A war between various ethereal factions is brewing, and Healers are a valuable commodity to any side. Those who wish to harness Rebecca’s manifesting healing powers for their own purposes must get to her before her seventeenth birthday.

Only two vampires and a rogue werewolf stand between Rebecca and those determined to make her serve them, and the fact that Rebecca has no clue what she's doing doesn't exactly help matters.

Neither does being seriously attracted to more than one of those just trying to protect her.

For a soon-to-be seventeen-year-old Healer-in-training, that's a lot to handle.

Especially on top of her homework.

You can learn more about Dina by visiting the links below:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Thanks again for stopping by, Dina! Best of luck with your new release! Huzzah!

A Final Update Before Going Dark

2011-10-31T00:39:00.000-05:00

So the time has finally come. One more day and I'm turning off my social networks. I am having the lovely Dina James by on Monday but other than that I'm outta here. If I get a release date or other news, I'll pass it along. Otherwise I'm updating my websites, getting things in order, and preparing for the long month ahead. With that being said, I did want to let everyone know a little something about my plans before I unplug.

First: I am not "officially" taking part in NANO (National Novel Writing Month). I'm not signing up on the Nanowrimo site, I'm not adding friends, and I'm not keeping track of the progress of others. Last year was the same. I place too much pressure on myself as it is. If I start worrying my word count is less than this or that person, I'll drive myself insane. Therefore I use NANO as a reason to get my arse in gear and push myself to get 'er done. My goal is to write 5k words per day (or 25k per week -- I'll be working weekends if I don't reach my daily goals to make sure this happens) and wrap up Enemy Mine (Alpha and Omega Shifters, Book Two) and the full length follow-up to my Ellora's Cave Quickie, No Strings. If I reach this goal prior to the end of November, I'll be focusing all of my attention on The Ripple Effect.

I know, I know! I can hear the emails now:

Why aren't you writing The Ripple Effect first? Are you off in the head? Don't you know people wanted the third book yesterday? We have to know what happens to Rhiannon, Disco, and Paine! What's the hold up?

Well...truthfully...I'm the hold up.

Wait, don't go! I can explain.

Writing The Renfield Syndrome wasn't fun -- AT ALL. Cleaning toilets in public restrooms probably would have been more pleasant. I worked myself up over that book, in ways that most people wouldn't and couldn't possibly understand.

I lost sleep.

I drove my husband and crit partners nuts.

I agonized over the same things over and over again.

I wrote, erased, wrote, erased....and ended up in the same spot I started.

Despite sitting in front of the PC for hours I COULD NOT WRITE that fucking book. I saw everything. I KNEW what was going to happen. But I couldn't get it out. It was constipation of the brain, as if the the central command center was in working order but the plumbing beneath was clogged. You know, it felt kind of like this...

It wasn't writer's block; it was self-doubt. I couldn't do what I once loved, because I was no longer writing for me -- I was writing for everyone else. This does not for a happy writer make.

While I'm thrilled readers enjoy the Rhiannon's Law series, I really need to unwind a bit, let the next book settle in my head, and then I'll return to it. I've already started the process of revising, which must be done completely before I can start wrapping up the book. Due to this I will resume work on The Ripple Effect in December. I realize now that I've been neglecting my writing by revising the manuscript like crazy in an effort to make the third book "even better" than the first two. I can't keep doing that. There is a reason there was such an enormous length of time between the release of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between and The Renfield Syndrome. If I want a Summer release for The Ripple Effect, I've gotta shake those inner demons.

The button below sums up everything nicely, I think. I've even printed it out and posted it on my cork board -- for clarity and all that.

So fear not, awesome people. I will return. And when I do I hope to have completed manuscripts in my possession. I've got a lot of stories to share and they won't write themselves. The Ripple Effect is on that list, and it is a priority. I just want to prepare myself for the dark places I'm about to take my favorite character. Despite what you might think, Rhiannon has been through a walk in the park. Something bigger, badder, and more dangerous than anything she's ever faced is about to hit town. Too bad the dumbass I'm talking about doesn't know our girl.

It's going to be bitchin'.

I'll see you on Monday when Dina visits. I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween with your loved ones.

Peace Out!

The Renfield Syndrome up for Book of the Week

2011-10-29T22:52:00.000-05:00

The Renfield Syndrome is up for Book of the week at LASR. Voting ends Sunday night. If you get a chance would you consider swinging by and voting? Rhiannon appreciates your support.

CLICK HERE TO REDIRECT.

As always, thanks for being awesome to the sauce. Have a wonderful weekend!

New Releases & Shout Out!

2011-10-25T14:38:00.000-05:00

As you know, tomorrow if my official release day. I'm nervous since this is my first contemporary offering (no vampires, demons or werewolves in this one!), and I'm not sure how everyone will react. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. If you're interested in the story and want to check it out (an excerpt is included at Ellora's Cave) CLICK HERE and head on over. Thanks again for all your support.

Now for the shout out...

I'd totally forgotten the third book in the awesome Dissillusionists Trilogy, Head Rush, is out in audiobook today! If you like listening to books, you can learn what happens now instead of waiting for the eBook to hit Samhain in December. Interested? Just click the cover art below to redirect.

Congrats, Carolyn! I can't wait to learn what happens to Packard! *LOVE*

Visiting Dakota Cassidy!

2011-10-24T17:25:00.001-05:00

Me and the fabulous author Dakota Cassidy are chatting over on her Facebook page tomorrow! I'll be giving away a signed copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between OR The Renfield Syndrome (in the event someone is new to the series or has the first and would like the second). Stop by and say hello. All it takes to enter is a comment.

https://www.facebook.com/DakotaCassidyFanPage

Also, she's going to list the winner of the contest on her blog, since Facebook says "No Contests" on their site:

http://www.dakotacassidy.net/

I'll be back on Wednesday since No Strings releases at Ellora's Cave and I need to do the promotional/information thing. *g* Hope you're having a fantastic week!

No Strings Coming Soon & Other Things

2011-10-20T21:51:00.000-05:00

You're probably wondering where I've been? *grin* The answer is all over the place. I've been attending school functions for my kiddos, gearing up for projects (I'll get to that in a second), and trying to get my calendar in order for next year (it never hurts to think ahead). Fortunately everything seems to be going as planned, so I'm hoping my good luck (aside from a horrible case of the flu that sidelined me for a couple of days) holds.

For those of you who are interested, No Strings releases at Ellora's Cave on Wednesday (October 26th). It's only $1.49 which isn't bad for a short story. The best part is I'm plotting the full-length book for the characters and plan to have it done next year. So if you decide to give the story a go, there will be more in the future -- promise.

Here's the blurb:

Diane and Zeke have one tragic thing in common—they’ve both lost their spouses. Despite years of group therapy, neither has been able to move on with their life. So when Zeke suggests a one-night, no-strings fling, Diane decides she has nothing to lose. It will take a passionate evening to reawaken desires, fantasies and sexual pleasures they’ve long forgotten. And before the sun rises, they’ll discover letting go isn’t as bad as it seems.

Onto other things...

I'm waiting for edits on Make Me Shiver but hope to get to work on the manuscript soon. The second book in the series is another I intend to work on and have out next year. In fact, it's probably a good time for me to discuss NANO while we're on the subject.

During the month of November I'm not going to be online much (if at all). I plan to use NANO to complete Enemy Mine (sequel to Omega Mine) and hopefully finish up (or at least put a dent in) The Ripple Effect. Because of this I will be slow to respond to emails and the like. If you send me an email, message on Twitter or Facebook, and I don't respond that's why. I realize now that there are numerous projects I have to write and I've fallen behind. If I want to meet my deadlines, I have to get my arse in gear.

For those who have asked about Crimson Sunrise -- the edits are done. I'm simply waiting for a release date. When I receive the information I'll pass it along. Also, I will have a guest on November 1st -- the lovely Dina James -- who is promoting her new release All Wounds. Aside from that, I'm going into the cave. I'll probably pop online once a week for a progress report but assume that no news is good news.

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying October. It's hard to believe Halloween is almost here! I'll be back with a release day post on Wednesday. Until then, enjoy your weekend!

Vampire Book Club Giveaway

2011-10-14T07:50:00.000-05:00

Vampire Book Club has an amazing review of The Renfield Syndrome (spoiler free, although there are minor spoilers from Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between) on their site today, but that's not all. I'm giving away a signed copy of The Renfield Syndrome (worldwide), so if you're interested head on over!

CLICK ME TO REDIRECT

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. :)

Rhiannon Interview

2011-10-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

I'm just dropping in to let you know Rhiannon recently did an interview. If you've read her books, you know what to expect, but if you'd like to see what she had to see about Halloween, demons and her love life head on over. There is also a contest to win an ebook copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between OR The Renfield Syndrome.

CLICK ME TO REDIRECT.

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Finding Time

2011-10-03T09:42:00.001-05:00

To preface: Forgive me if this blog entry doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I have a lot of thoughts and at times like these my words shoot out at random.

With three recent releases I've gotten a higher volume of email. This is a great thing. I love hearing from readers and answer each and every email I receive. I also respond to @'s on Twitter and comments on Facebook. I attempt to be gracious and available to those who have taken the time to purchase my work and support my family. However, there is also a small downside to this. Something I feel guilty bringing up but feel is necessary to say.

I'm going to take things back a bit. In 2008 I'd just had my youngest child. She was a total handful and kept me on my toes. Combined with her three older siblings, I quickly found myself in a rut. I wanted to do something, ANYTHING that made me feel like a person again. So I did something I'd never done before -- I wrote a book. That story is flawed in a lot of ways. Yes, I love it, but I didn't know shit about writing. I simply constructed a story with characters I cared for. When I wrapped up Crimson Moon, I thought I'd never write again. Then, a few weeks later, someone named Rhiannon Murphy appeared in my head.

The rest, as they say, is history.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that when I started I felt as if I had to push really hard to get my name out there, to tell the big wide world, "Hey, I have this book you might like." I never did the hard sell. I just chatted with people, sent the book for review, and crossed my fingers. When things took off I worked even harder to be available as a person (I still have a hard time referring to myself as an author). I chatted with everyone who wanted to talk with me. I accepted every offer to guest blog or do a contest. I knew it wouldn't be easy to carve a niche in the industry. Let's face it, without a well-known publisher who has a built in audience an author has to make themselves as visible as possible to gain recognition. I've done the networking song and dance for almost three years. There have been good times and bad, but mostly, I've loved meeting and talking with new people. Also during this time, I continued writing, completing four full length works (50-88k) and a short story. Not bad all things considered.

Now I'm going to talk about the present.

With releases coming out, I've been doing my thing. I've also been attending conferences and promoting my new work. Meanwhile being a mom has gotten a lot harder. There is more work, a lot of school related responsibilities, and I've started dealing with the petty drama and squabbles that occur when you have a daughter who's growing and maturing. I'm always doing something -- be it chores around my home or errands for my kids.

My writing time has suffered as I result.

I'm lucky if I can squeeze in 2k words a week; really bad if you consider I used to write that or more per day last year. Between family obligations and such, I either have no desire or I'm too busy to write. Making matters worse, I have two books I HAVE to complete this year. First is The Ripple Effect, a book that I'm dreading like crazy. I can tell you future books in the series are going to go to extremely dark places. I always intended for Rhiannon's Law to be dark, gritty, and unpredictable. That is what I want to deliver.

Likewise, I have to write the second book in the Alpha and Omega series. I was truly shocked by how many emails I received from readers about Omega Mine. In order to keep the public happy, I've got to sit my ass in the chair and start the process of tying up loose ends in the next books to bring it all together by the end of the series. Not easy or fun when you've got multiple characters and plots.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I won't be around as much. I know, I know, I've said that before. Why do I keep coming back? Because I feel obligated when someone asks me to visit a blog, to do questions, to do a giveaway, to take part in a blog tour, to do an exchange on YouTube (where I review for The House of Horror), to do a movie review on YouTube, to...

Well, you get my drift.

This isn't to say I won't be around. I have a brand new Facebook fan page. I'm going to focus on talking to all of you there. If you'd like to "Like" the page and chat with me, that would be great. I plan to check it every evening and catch up with folks. I'm also switching over and posting exclusive content on the page when I have it. Why? Well, for one it's easier and for two it's a nice medium to use. However, if people dislike that idea I'll be sure to work something out. Also, I'm holding a contest right now (more on this is mentioned below).

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE REDIRECT

I'll also be checking Twitter, but not nearly as often. It's @JASaare if you're interested. I'm not on there much, although you're bound to get random crap from my mind from Twitter. I use it often when I'm on the town and have to talk about the weird things I see.

If you made it through this blog entry, I'd also like to let you know that I will continue posting on the blog. This will be my primary place to talk shop, catch up, do contests, etc.

That's it for me. I'm going to try and get some work done. Have a great week and, as always, thanks for listening!

Author Chat

2011-09-30T20:45:00.001-05:00

The details are here! Tomorrow (Saturday) KLB is hosting an author chat on Twitter. Hastag is #JSRS. It'll start at 6PM EST and run for an hour. Please stop by and say hello if you have the opportunity. I'll be talking shop and answering questions.

Hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

Do You Torture Yourself?

2011-09-30T00:46:00.000-05:00

This blog entry is likely to cause a stir. I actually considered "not" writing it. However, I've started noticing an odd trend. As I did a little research, I discovered it's not an isolated phenomenon. In fact, it's something that occurs rather often.

I'm referring to those who detest a book but decide they want to read the next book (or books) in a series.

I'm not just an author, I'm also a reader. With my budget and lack of free time I have to make sure everything I purchase is something I really want to read. If I truly dislike something I won't revisit it -- especially in regard to series work (To be clear, I will check out other books by the same author in the event they might create something I enjoy). Granted, some books have a heavy world build in the first installment, or maybe there was something minor that annoyed me but no so much that I don't want to discover what happens next, so sometimes it's worth giving the follow-up a go.

Upon digging around, I noticed there are many who will hate something yet decide to read not one, not two, but all the books in the series (and hate those as well, mind you). I'm not sure why. Perhaps the reader hopes the next book will be better. Or maybe they have more time on their hands than I do. Still, it's odd to me. Chances are if you read a book and find the voice, the structure, or the characters are those you loathe you'll experience more of the same. Aside from the "plot" much isn't bound to change. Every author has their own style. You'll gel with what they're offering or you won't.

Therein comes my question: Do you continue to read a series despite the fact you dislike it? If so, why? Is it the hope that things will improve? Or is it because you invested in the first book so you feel obligated to see where things go?

Leave a comment. Let's discuss.

**And to clarify, this isn't about my work. I stumbled across another series I'm going to start soon in which a person disliked all the books but continued reading them. It was after this that I started sleuthing.**

Time to Work & Author Chat

2011-09-27T21:07:00.001-05:00

So my break if officially over. I've had a lot going on and my writing has suffered as a consequence. Due to this I won't be online much (aside from checking emails). I have a lot of stories to finish, edits to do, and obligations to fulfill. I apologize in advance if I'm slow to respond to emails or comments on Facebook and/or Tweets. Bear with me. I haven't written nearly as much as I should. It's time for that to stop.

Starting tomorrow I'm going into work mode. I plan to wrap up at least two projects before Christmas. I've also learned No Strings has a release date (October 26th). As the release date nears, I'll do another blog post with details. Again, thank you for all you've done. I appreciate your emails, your time, and just how amazing you are.

Be sure to check back later this week. I'm having an author chat and you're all invited. Do you have questions about Rhiannon, Disco, Paine, The Ripple Effect? Or how about the newest Aline Hunter novels and where the series is headed? If you swing by, I'll be more than happy to answer them for you. There will also be prizes. I'll be sure to share the link as soon as I receive it!

Omega Mine is now on Amazon

2011-09-23T22:02:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that Omega Mine is now on Amazon! So for those of you who have asked about the book for your Kindle, you no longer have to wait. You can also purchase the book at Ellora's Cave. Thank you for all your support. I hope you enjoy the book and future installments of the series.

As a side note, I'm going to a haunted house tomorrow and hope to take a few pictures. I'll be sure to share them with you if I can snap a few decent ones. *grin* I LOVE this time of year. Halloween is right around the corner!

Release Day & Contest Results

2011-09-22T18:55:00.001-05:00

Release day is technically tomorrow, but due to circumstances beyond my control I'm posting about the book today. It will be available in all formats at Ellora's Cave and costs $6.99. Not bad for an 85k book. If you'd like to purchase a copy CLICK HERE and redirect to the publisher website. Thank you in advance for your support. I hope you like the story. Just remember -- there's a lot of smexing goin' on!

Now, for the winner of an e-copy of Eternity and a Day...

Random.org chose #1...That's Scott!! Congrats! I'll be in contact soon to see which format of the book you'd like. :)

With that out of the way, onto other pressing matters.

I recently received bad news about my father. This means I will be away from my computer and the internet. I plan to answer emails and such but as far as networking you won't see me very much. I plan to Tweet and do a Facebook message about the release of Omega Mine but otherwise I'll be missing in action. This is a very difficult time and I'd like to thank you in advance for your patience in the event I don't respond to emails and the like. Cross your fingers that things take a turn for the better. I appreciate any and all well-wishes.

As always, thanks for purchasing my work, promoting it, and spreading the word. Each and every one of you are the reason I am able to do this. I can't thank you enough.

Much Love,

Jaime

Release Day Celebration & Giveaway

2011-09-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

Hiya, peeps!

I'm sorry I haven't been on the blog. Trust me when I say things have been crazy.

Our youngest child is on the mend from an infection that sent her to the hospital, I'm dealing with school issues for our special needs son, and I've been doing my best to write, edit, and revise when I have time.

It's been busy, busy, and BUSY. Meaning I haven't been able to promote upcoming releases and the like.

Which brings me to the topic of this entry.

On Friday Omega Mine releases at Ellora's Cave. I'm extremely excited and hella nervous. I completed the book last year, right before I ventured to Lori Foster's Reader and Author Get Together. It was unlike anything I'd ever written. For starters, the smex is smoking. Diskant (the hero) is unapologetic and takes what he wants. The instant I heard him in my head, I knew I was going on a wild ride. From start to finish, I followed the characters and let them guide me through their story. The result is a book that features shifters, vampires, hunters, and all sorts of dark, unexpected things. I hope that you enjoy it.

As you may recall the second book in the Desires of the Otherworld series, Darkest Hunger, released last Tuesday at Loose Id. This was a story I really enjoyed writing. The characters are ones I love to revisit, and it's very easy to slip back into their heads. I can't wait to return and start writing Elizabeth and Alucard's book. After that, I'll dive into the story most of you want to read -- Byron and Elsa's. There are several installments planned, if only I can find the time to write them.

So, why am I bothering you with all of this information? Of course it's to let you know where the books will be available, but it's also because I've decided to have one last contest before I fall off the radar. Soon I have to get to work, meaning I won't be around. Curious about the prize? Check out the image below...

Up for grabs is an e-book copy of Eternity and a Day, the first book in the Desires of the Otherworld series (click image to read the blurb and an excerpt). If you'd like to put your name in the hat, leave a comment with a valid email address and I'll enter you. I'm going to run the giveaway until Friday, when Omega Mine releases. It's my way of saying thanks for all your support and generosity. The winner will be able to choose the e-book format of their choice.

Have a wonderful week! I'll be back to announce the winner Friday morning. Just in time for the weekend!

**PS. Books at Loose Id and Ellora's Cave do not go to third party distributors right away. I apologize in advance. If you'd like to purchase a copy of any of my works from these publishers the only way to do so is to purchase directly from the publisher website. If you'd prefer to wait, it will be two or three months before the books appear on Amazon and other resellers.**

Contest Winner

2011-09-17T09:48:00.001-05:00

As usual, I went to Random.org to chose a winning number for the contest.

The winner is #12: YzhaBella's Bookshelf

Congrats YzhaBella! I'll be in touch shortly to get your information.

This weekend is going to be a busy one. If you don't see me around (I know I've been absent on Twitter the last few weeks) please forgive me. I have edits, revisions, and writing to do. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Another Contest!

2011-09-15T11:50:00.003-05:00

As promised, I have a couple of books from AAD I'm going to give away. Check out the images and blurbs to see if you're interested.

Beyond The Night Blurb:

A man with no future . . .

When Dr. Elliott Drake wakes from a mysterious fifty-year sleep, the world as he knew it is gone. Cities are now desolate, and civilization is controlled by deadly immortals. Stranger still is Elliott's extraordinary new "gift"—he has the power to heal, but it comes with fatal consequences.

A woman with a past . . .

Jade barely escaped the immortals and is now hell-bent on revenge. She trusts no one . . . until Elliott. His piercing gaze and tempting touch shatter her defenses, but the handsome doctor seems to have dangerous secrets of his own. Is it safe to trust him with her heart?

If they are to survive in this dark new world, Jade and Elliott must work together to fight the forces that take them beyond danger.

Beyond desire.

Tempest Rising Blurb:

Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.

Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly- all of which perfectly describe her new "friend," Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.

It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever rub the genie's lamp.

Want to enter? Leave a comment (with an email address). I'll use Random.org to choose a winner on Saturday and announce the the lucky duck! The contest is international. Have a wonderful weekend!

Guest Blog: Typical Writing Day by Elise Hepner

2011-09-14T05:15:00.000-05:00

Please welcome Elise Hepner to the blog. She's celebrating her new release, Roped Emotions, at Ellora's Cave today. In celebration, she offered to share what a typical writing day is like for her. I'd like to take a moment and wish her much success on her new book and thank her for stopping by.

Take it away, Elise!

I wouldn’t say every day as a full time writer is the same as the last—because I don’t think I’m that boring—but there are certainly similarities to the order that I do things every morning (or afternoon). There’s an epic social networking check-in because I’m a little addicted to Twitter. After that I watch online whatever trash TV I missed the night before because of writing or I had to pick something else to watch in that same time slot.

Then there’s the list making. Every morning I make a new list with things I can accomplish, things I want to accomplish, and items I know I need to do but might not get to it until later in the week. Normally these little tasks get moved around all week to different versions of my list but sooner or later everything gets done. Don’t ask me how it works out. I’m convinced gnomes do all the work during the night like in David The Gnome.

Eventually there is writing and editing in the mix—I promise. It just depends on the day and what my priorities are for the afternoon because my list determines the word count I can expect for the day. I know most writers have a bottom line for word count every day and I try to keep to a thousand words a day minimum if I can help it. Sometimes things don’t happen that way but I try my best. So far my best word count to date was five thousand words in one day. That high a word count exhausted me for the next three days however and I had to take a large break.

At the end of the night I like to total my word counts or pages edited. Then I go over my goals for the day and see if there are a few more little tasks I can squeeze into my night. My list for the next day gets complied based on what I completed that day and the night is my own to do with what I please. It’s an extremely organized system for someone so all over the place in my brain—but maybe that’s why I need it? The majority of my system was taken from ideas from other writers, organizational books, and the way I handled deadlines in college, which is about all college was good for, putting me under pressure and making me write. But that’s another post for another day.

*Makes a note on her list*

Roped Emotions Blurb:

Rapunzel is trapped by the harsh, inescapable reality of her prison, so she builds vivid sexual fantasies where she has full control and no one can take it away. If nothing else, at least she has command over her thoughts.

When Prince Samuel climbs into her tower it’s a small, satisfying excuse to break the rules—until his gentle touch coaxes out her trust. But it’s not enough. No longer can she keep her dark, sexual secrets inside. Rapunzel yearns for rough, passionate sex—a way to unlock her sensual freedom for good.

Vulnerable but unable to turn back, Rapunzel leads Prince Samuel on an intimate journey to define their sexual limits while twisting their definitions of control forever.

Excerpt:

“What in Christ’s name…”

I must be hearing echoes from the town nearby, where Mother sells her herbs and braided goods. No one ventures this far toward my tower because Mother’s gone to great lengths to see that they don’t—bear traps are her new favorite method of discouragement. Once one life is claimed, I imagine word spreads fairly quickly to stay away from the area. Why then are there hoof beats that make my head pulse with a slight pain?

There’s no understandable excuse I can delude myself with any longer. Before I can focus on the consequences, I swing my head out the window into the oppressive, humid summer air. Just the very top of his head is visible, his hair brushing past his cheekbones, glowing from the sunshine and shot through with gold. Never have I seen a color so close to my own before—not that I see many people.

For a few moments I can’t quite come to terms with his presence and it’s not for a lack of staring that my pulse inevitably echoes inside my head like an overbeaten drum. This is my chance. Mother won’t be back for quite some time with her wares. He’s circling the tower, slouched over a horse who looks a bit like a nag. Certainly not a proper horse for a man with such fine clothes in gorgeous colors and sumptuous fabrics.

There’s no going back from this moment. It’s a certainty that makes my teeth chatter in a wash of cold fear, despite the heat, and my hands clasp around my middle as I try to hold myself together. He hasn’t looked up yet, more intent on studying the free-standing structure than noticing my shadow plastered across the grass. My mind is desperately working out what I’ll cry out to him. Even as my throat closes with an infusion of happiness that makes me rock on my feet.

“Excuse me?” A tentative question I’m not sure he will hear because it can’t be any louder than a frightened whisper. “Sir, you’re really not supposed to be here.”

Somehow, I’ve managed to make this part louder because he glances up—and his slack-jawed expression is a blow to my chest. He possesses the most gorgeous cobalt blue eyes. Underneath my ribs, the pain grows until taking a full breath is hard. Mother is right, he hasn’t even overcome his shock as my heavy plait of hair rests down the stone side of my prison. He’s not to be trusted.

What am I thinking? He won’t even come near me to aid my escape and his eyes are swamped in confusion—and there’s a flash of unreadable emotion that I refuse to question. He must leave here now and I must somehow convince him to bring no one back with him. I won’t be paraded around for anyone’s amusement. This man has made a mistake coming here.

Yet, there’s still a part of me that grips the windowsill until my palms are numb and that clings to the hope that he will at least acknowledge me. So long since I’ve had any kind of normal conversation. One that didn’t revolve around my hair, my rules or my mother’s day. Won’t he say anything? I’m as trapped by his thick silence as I am by the beauty of his face.

“Please, you must go and tell no one about what you’ve seen. You shouldn’t have ignored the traps. They are there for a reason.”

I don’t know how I’ve gotten that all out because my main focus lies on the foreign stirrings of heat in my cheeks as the pulsing sensation twists lower in my abdomen. What is happening to me? With a certainty that surprises me, I find myself clenching my thighs together, only to have the subtle touch of flesh-on-flesh be more than I can bear. He has yet to take his gaze from mine and a shudder slips up my spine.

“How long have you been here?” His voice carries the strain I hold back and I’m slightly put at ease that at least we are on similar ground. “Who did this to you?”

“For a man who is about to leave, I don’t believe it matters.”

The words barely tumble out of my mouth before I clamp my hand over my lips. I hadn’t meant to be so harsh and instantly regret it. He is so handsome—and these sudden urges, they are overwhelming and confusing to the point where I wish to completely remove the problem. My lips part in an apology and I watch a jovial grin span from ear to ear as he laughs at me until I can’t hear anything but the frantic beat of my heart.

Who is this man? Now he stares at me with a playfulness that washes a wave of goose bumps across my flesh. He doesn’t seem offended, merely amused at my suggestion that he leave. To further that fact, he quickly dismounts and ties his horse to a nearby tree branch. While I can only stare at the way his tight riding boots and breeches hug his muscular body from his calves all the way up to his perfectly rounded buttocks.

Though I’d learned of desire from my mother—and all its wicked principles—I never expected it to rear its head in my lonely, simple world.

However, now my life spirals out of control quickly enough that I tilt back against the wall to my left and watch with trembling hands. This mysterious man climbs the wall of my tower as if it had been built to be climbed so easily—without any aid from my hair. One strong, sun-kissed hand and booted foot at a time. When he offers up his hand to me to pull him over the side, what choice do I have? Even a man that strong would eventually grow tired and plummet to his death—and I want him tucked close to my body, not on the ground.

“I was beginning to wonder what it took to get some assistance.”

He softly grunts and clasps my hand hard enough that I gasp as I shift my weight to pull him over the side. Muscles I didn’t know existed inside me burn with sharp pain from disuse because of my isolation. His touch radiates heat all along my arm. If it wasn’t for his precarious situation, I would fight to pull away on instinct—but as it is, he manages to throw himself into my home with as much grace as a charging boar—and he trips, falling on top of me and sending us to the hard, stone floor.

His surprisingly soft hand brushes the hair out of my face and lingers, gently stroking, down my cheek. Should I be frightened? Probably. At the moment I can’t bear the thought that my first sincerely gentle touch from a man would be anything but special. His sharp leather scent surrounds my tingling skin.

“Isn’t this a day for surprises?” His gaze cuts through all the fear inside me and his mouth holds the subtle curve of a half smile. “I should move myself off you, this isn’t proper at all when we’ve barely been introduced.”

Yet he doesn’t move an inch.

A realization whips through my mind and would have left me on the floor if I wasn’t already pinned there by a gorgeous man who touches me with such reverence I might weep. When will this happen again? After this twisted, meandering path of fate, there is no doubt I will be alone again—and I want a loving memory to cling to at night when my old fears tighten my chest until I can’t breathe. This is a choice I can make for myself. And I won’t live the rest of my ordinary, sheltered life not knowing true passion when it burns across my skin.

“They call me Rapunzel.”

“Samuel.”

His inviting smile lights up my whole world.

Purchase Link:
Jasmine Jade/Ellora's Cave

Author Link(s):
Facebook
Twitter
Website

Darkest Hunger

2011-09-12T03:07:00.000-05:00

Several folks have asked about the cover for Darkest Hunger (formerly Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon). Well, here it is. The book will release tomorrow at Loose Id and is the second installment of the Desires of the Otherworld series. While different than Eternity and a Day, the story does have a few returning characters.

Here's the 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. Unfortunately, with a killing moon on the rise, their union can signify only one thing -- death.

I hope you enjoy the story! For those who have inquired about Byron and Elsa, I will be doing their book. I just have to wrap up other projects (*cough* The Ripple Effect *cough*) first. Don't forget to check back later this week when I give away a few books and some swag!

Rhiannon/Smackdown/Winner

2011-09-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

Talk about crazy! For some reason I was confused about the way the smackdown worked. I thought it was done character to character. Turns out it was the overall number votes to determine the winner. Thanks to you Rhiannon took the prize!

See smackdown results here.

As promised, I wrote down all the names of those who voted on Twitter, Goodreads, the blog and Facebook. I put them in order of when I received them and used Random.org to find out who would receive the Amazon gift card.

And the winner is...

Number 47: Mamakitty

Congo-rats! I'll be getting in touch to get your Amazon GC to you! Next week starts a new round. I'm not sure how the smackdown will work, but I'll be sure to post here when I do. Also, I've been going through the books I received at AAD. Since I have a few doubles and some swag, I'm going to be giving those away next week. Be sure to swing by and see if you'd like to enter your name in the hat.

Okay, that's about it. I'm off to the Death Star. There's nothing like one stop shopping.

Rhiannon in a Smackdown

2011-09-09T10:42:00.005-05:00

Rhiannon is currently in a Supernatural Smackdown with Katherine "Kitty" Katt. If you're interested in hearing what Rhiannon has to say about this (as well as vote for her if you're inclined) click on the link below.

Rhiannon v/s Kitty on Parajunkee (with an introduction from Rhiannon) CLICK HERE

**Edited to add I will be giving away a $25 Gift Card to Amazon.com if Rhiannon wins. If you vote for her, please let me know here and I'll toss your name in the hat. I figured moola was better than books since you can choose what you'd like.**

I hope you all have a great weekend. I'll be back on Saturday or Sunday with another blog!

Omega Mine Release Date

2011-09-02T10:27:00.000-05:00

I just learned Omega Mine is on the coming soon page at Ellora's Cave. The book will release September 23rd. If you want to learn more (and read an excerpt and the blurb), CLICK HERE.

Two releases in two weeks (Darkest Hunger releases September 13th -- no cover art yet). I'm definitely going into hiding! :-)

Bloodlines Winner!!

2011-09-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who entered! The winner of the copy of Bloodlines, chosen by Random.org, is...

Commenter #8: Robin K!

Congrats, Robin! I'll be in touch shortly.

Make Me Shiver Cover

2011-09-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

I just received the cover art for Make Me Shiver, the first book in the Make Me series. I absolutely love it and hope you do too! Here's the (unofficial) blurb:

Lacey Walsh has had an extremely bad day. Not only did she catch her boyfriend porking his secretary after business hours, but upon fleeing the scene of the affair, she finds herself crashed into a guard rail and trapped by blankets of snow. There’s only one solution to her problem -- Mike’s Wrecker Service. Contacting owner and Adonis, Michael Gilchrist, may or may not cause more turmoil than relief. She’s lusted for the gorgeous Dom ever since she first laid eyes on him. Trouble is, he doesn’t do vanilla and she’s not a submissive...or is she?

Michael has hungered for Lacey ever since they shared a casual drink and conversation at the local bar. She’s smart, beautiful, and everything a man -- and Dom -- could possibly ask for. Unfortunately, upon learning of his sexual preferences, she split and never looked back. Being around her will surely be hell and he doesn't know why he’s willing to torture himself. Still, he can’t help but notice her reactions to him, or the fleeting glimpses and blush-stained cheeks as he rescues her from the snow and ice.

When Michael finally gets the opportunity to push Lacey’s boundaries, she responds in a way neither of them anticipated. Their newfound connection is strong...until a flame from Michael’s past returns, shatters the fragile trust he and Lacey have only just developed, and threatens to destroy something neither wants to surrender.

No release date yet, but I'll be to pass along the information when I receive it. Omega Mine and No Strings edits are almost done, so I should have release dates soon.

Don't forget I'll be announcing the winner of Bloodlines tomorrow! :-)

Hunter Release Day -- Bloodlines Contest

2011-08-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

Happy release day to Skyla Dawn Cameron. The second book in her Demons of Oblivion series, Hunter, is available for purchase CLICK HERE to redirect (the book will also be available in print and all ebook formats at Mundania.com).

Here's the blurb:

Sometimes natural predators need to be kept in check, and for that, there's Ryann David. Orphaned as an infant and raised by an exiled branch of the church to become a warrior for God, she and her fellow members of Venatores Daemonum have trained all their lives with only one purpose: destroy all demons in the mortal realm.

But when Ryann and her team are sent to hunt down a vampire who has killed one of their own, a new world of danger, betrayal, and conspiracy greets her. Allied with an irreverent psychic detective and the very monsters she was raised to kill, Ryann will risk everything—her life, her faith, and her heart—in pursuit of the truth as the black and white existence she knew turns a murky shade of gray.

To celebrate her release, I'm going to be giving away a print copy of the first book in the series, Bloodlines.

Bloodlines blurb:

After three hundred years of unlife, vampire Zara Lain has seemingly done it all, and she's now making a living as a successful thief-turned-assassin. Her newest assignment seems simple enough--kill the aging leader of the O'Connor Coven and his only heir, and she'll have another ten million in the bank.

But in the dangerous world of the supernatural, few things are ever "simple."

When a massive assault decimates the continent's population of powerful witches and warlocks, and its orchestrator has vampires being hunted down and captured, Zara realizes the tables have turned and now she'll be playing the hero. Forced to join with a smart-mouthed fellow vampire, a demonologist who's also a fan of hers, a recently widowed--and frequently brooding--warlock, and her best friend's mom, Zara's grudgingly willing to do what she can to save the day.

If only people would stop ruining all her outfits...

Want to enter? It's not difficult! Just leave a comment with a valid email address (no email means I'll move to the next person in line). I'll announce the winner on Friday. The contest is international.

Congrats again, Skyla!

Contest Winners!

2011-08-29T07:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest for Carolyn Crane's Mind Games. Without further ado, I'm going to announce who will be receiving the copies of the books.

Random.Org picked...#10 and #9! So going in order of comments left that means the winners are:

Ceridwen83! You'll be receiving the autographed copy.

And...

Luvdaylilies! You'll be receiving a copy to read that is equally enjoyable.

I'll be contacting each of you shortly!

Thanks for entering. Be sure to stop by tomorrow when I share a blurb from Skyla Dawn Cameron's new release, Hunter, and offer the first in her series, Bloodlines, for your reading collection!

Giveaway -- Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

2011-08-26T18:47:00.002-05:00

Most of you might not know it (until you get the print copy -- if you ordered one -- of The Renfield Syndrome) but the fabtastic author Carolyn Crane read an early version of The Renfield Syndrome and gave me an author blurb! I was super excited because:

A. She's full of awesome!

B. Her books are A-MAZ-ING!

So when I made the trip to Authors After Dark, I decided it was time to share the love! I have two copies of Mind Games up for grabs. The first is autographed by Carolyn! The second is my personal copy that I'm passing along since I got her to sign a brand new one for my bookshelf.

So how do you enter? Simple! Leave a comment.

The Dissillusionists trilogy is one you do not want to miss. The third book (as yet untitled) releases in audiobook in October and in ebook (and print later) at Samhain in December! Need another reason to check it out?

There you go -- the sexy Packard in all his glory. You want to know more about him? Then you have to read the books! Team Kabob, all the way! Leave a comment and put your name in the hat. I'll announce the winners (first name gets signed copy) drawn from Random.org on Monday. The contest is international.

Thanks again, Carolyn!!!

An Author's Plea

2011-08-26T14:08:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone.

First -- thank you to everyone who has supported me and my work by purchasing The Renfield Syndrome (and Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between) the last few days. I've been floored by the response and can't thank you enough. Although I was worried about the reception the book would receive, I hoped I would be able to bring something new to the table. I'm thrilled so many of you like the books and want me to continue with the series.

Which brings me to the topic of this blog entry.

As an author, I've done my part. I wrote the books, spent hours editing and revising them, and have numerous promotional stops planned for the release. We're talking months upon months of work here. Writing The Renfield Syndrome wasn't easy and took me almost a year due to a little something called e-piracy. Why? Because after hours of work, when I discovered my book was being given away for free, I questioned if it was really worth it.

The truth is I make less than minimum wage. I do not get an advance. There is no up-front money. As a small press author every single sale of the book counts. I have a family to support and bills to pay. If I don't make money writing, I will be forced to return to the nine to fiver when my youngest child goes to school. If/When this happens, I won't be able to publish my material. Instead I'll write for me when I have extra time.

But why won't you publish, you ask? Well, it's actually pretty simple. For one, writing a book isn't just about "writing" a book. After you're done you start the process of revising, then it's on to editing. If I'm working all day, I'll want to spend my free time with my family when I come home. I won't have time to devote to editing, or tightening up a manuscript so I can give it away to those of you who want to read my work but don't want to support me. Think about it -- after you get off the clock, do you want to work? Or do you want to enjoy life with your loved ones? I'm not sure about you but it seems like a simple concept to me.

If you want me to keep doing what I'm doing, show your support by legally purchasing a copy of my books. Don't take them for free and punish those who have done nothing wrong because you feel entitled to steal from the pockets of the people who entertain you.

The Renfield Syndrome is on sale right now on Amazon Kindle ($3.89). It's also on sale (along with Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between) if you use the Mundania coupon code NINE (less than $3.89 for all formats) at Mundania Press. That is a bargain for a full length book and costs less than a Happy Meal. Do the right thing and buy the book. Otherwise what happens to Rhiannon, Disco, and Paine will remain entirely in my head (or, when I'm finished with the book, on my bookshelf) and you'll never know what happens.

Not a threat, just the truth. While I'd love to be able to write for all of you free of charge, I have obligations and responsibilities. This isn't a "choice" this is life. While I write for fun, I publish to provide for my family. For those of you who deprive me of that and force me to seek out other means to maintain a steady income, there is no one to blame but yourself.

Thank you.

The Renfield Syndrome -- It's here!

2011-08-22T18:08:00.001-05:00

The Mundania (print and all ebook formats): Mundania.com.

The Renfield Syndrome is available on the Kindle: HERE.

All Romance Ebooks: HERE.

I will update this entry as information becomes available. Time to go underground for a few days. Operation Hobbit is a go!

Release Day Angst

2011-08-21T00:11:00.002-05:00

Two days until release (or two and a half, depending on how you look at it). So hard to believe. The writing is done, my part is finished, and now it's coming to all of you. I'm equal parts excited and terrified. It's impossible to describe, really. I can honestly say no other release has left me twisted in so many knots. I want to deliver, I want to make you all happy. I know that's a lofty goal, but there you go. Will it happen? I hope so.

Advanced reader copies were sent out a couple of days ago. Thus far the positive response has been more than I could have possibly dreamed of. Unfortunately, when release day arrives, I'll be doing what I said I would -- going into hiding. Sure I'll be lurking (and checking my emails, etc), but I'll only come out when I have to. I'll also do a post on release with links to purchase sites. Since you might not hear from me, I wanted to let you know a few things.

1. The book WILL be on Amazon.com within 24 hours (on Kindle). Print takes a bit longer, so please be patient.

2. Mundania is having a sale on their site and the book is available in all ebook formats there. For those of you who have inquired about the Nook, you can purchase the book there and upload it to your device no problem.

3. The book will NOT be available in the bookstore on the shelves. As much as I wish it was, I am an e-press author. That means my print books are created via POD (Print On Demand). I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. I purchase books too and know how frustrating it is not to be able to own print on the day of release.

I think that about covers it. I'm going to end this post with a super-special author blurb graciously given to me for The Renfield Syndrome (will be on the back of the print version).

Yow! I loved the new places this book took me, and the inspired twists along the way...The Renfield Syndrome roars with fun, danger, and sexy intrigue. ~ Carolyn Crane, author of the Disillusionists Trilogy

It's almost here. The clock is winding down.

Home

2011-08-16T21:25:00.000-05:00

I arrived home from Authors After Dark Sunday afternoon. The trip was tiring, but I loved chatting with several of my favorite authors, book bloggers, and readers. In the picture above you'll see my roomies Sarah and Larissa (Sarah's Reviews and Larissa's Bookish Life). We laughed, we goofed off, and we stayed up 'til the early hours of the morning. I'll never forget this trip, or the time I spent with everyone.

Since The Renfield Syndrome releases next week, I'm currently wrapping up promo, which means time is limited. However, I wanted to share a few pictures from the event (I forgot my camera, so thanks to those who sent or shared pictures with me). I managed to get a few books at the conference that I'm going to be giving away (including a signed copy of Mind Games by the super awesome Carolyn Crane), so be sure to check back in a couple of weeks when things settle down and I can host a few giveaways.

Six days until release! It's hard to believe. The next month is going to be crazy.

Lara Adrian

Bells

Allison Pang

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-08-07T11:51:00.002-05:00

The new cover art for No Strings arrived a couple of days ago. I already knew what to expect, but I realize I haven't shared it here. When it comes to Exotika Quickies, you get to choose from premade covers. This is the one I snagged. Curious about the story? Here's the (unofficial) blurb:

Diane Marcus and Zeke Greer have one, tragic, thing in common -- they've lost their spouses. Despite years of group therapy, neither have been able to move on with their lives. So when Zeke suggests a one night, no strings fling Diane decides she has nothing to lose. It will take a passionate evening to reawaken desires, fantasies and sexual pleasures they’ve long forgotten. Before the sun rises they’ll discover letting go isn’t as bad as it seems.

I'm currently working on a full-length book for Diane and Zeke. As soon as I completed No Strings, I had an epiphany. I told my editor about it, she's on board, so hopefully it'll be accepted and available some time next year.

Which brings me to something else...

My EC editor recently offered a contract for Make Me Shiver (the title is subject to change), my contemporary BDSM (I revised, cut, and took the original manuscript from 21k to 53k). I'm extremely excited since she wants me to hurry and write the three remaining books in the series (that's how many are currently planned). I've already started the second, Make Me Surrender (again, title is subject to change). I didn't realize how much I would enjoy writing contemporary. The genre gives me a much-needed break from paranormal, which is nice.

As for other things...

The Renfield Syndrome will release on August 23rd at Mundania Press. I know you've waited a long time for the book, so I hope you enjoy it. Next is Darkest Hunger (formerly Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon), which releases September 13th at Loose Id. Talk about totally different. The Renfield Syndrome is dark and brooding (if you can call a book that) and was difficult to write. Darkest Hunger is hot with a bit of mystery and I had a blast wrapping it up. Just goes to show that certain projects affect your mood when you create them.

I'm sorry if this update is all over the place. I've got another trip into town today, more edits, and early packing for the trip. I have a feeling I won't be getting any rest for the next two weeks. UGH. If you've never suffered from revision brain, YOU DON'T WANT TO! I second guess every single word I write, so it's best to rush through and not think. Odd but true. So here ya be -- a strange update that may or may not make any sense. I hope all of you are doing well and are enjoying the last of the summer.

Contest Winner!

2011-08-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

Random.org chose a winner for the book generously offered by Shelley Munro. It chose number two, so the winner is...

Abby Niles!

Thanks for entering and stopping by, Abby! I'm going to pass your information along to Shelley and she'll be in touch.

Guest Blog & Contest: Rugby and Romance by Shelley Munro

2011-07-27T23:51:00.004-05:00

Today I have the super talented, multi-published author Shelley Munro on the blog. She's going to talk about one of her favorite sports and how it fit into her latest release, Wanna Do Bad Things To You (a story I loved, by the way). She's been kind enough to offer an e-book of your choice -- either Best Man or Issy's Infatuation (click titles to be directed to a blurb with story information).

Contest info: Answer the question posed after her guest blog, leave a comment and tell her which story you'd like to win (please include an email address -- no email address means I'll move to the next commenter in line). I'll use Random.org to draw a winner and will announce the lucky duck on Monday.

Without further ado, take it away, Shelley!

Rugby and Romance

Mention the subject of rugby in New Zealand, and you’re likely to get wide-ranging reactions. Some people live and breathe the sport and go into mourning when our national team loses a match. Others just can’t understand our nation’s obsession with a game where grown men chase around an odd-shaped ball.

I remember, as a child, getting out of bed at two or three on a winter’s morning to watch a televised test match between New Zealand’s All Blacks and the South Africa Springboks. My grandparents, uncles and I would all sit around the telly, wrapped in blankets to keep warm, and cheer on our home team. I used to enjoy running and kicking around a football outside and practicing kicking goals at school. Yep, I was a bit of a tomboy. *g*

These days girls can and do play rugby. It’s always fun watching the teams in the beginning grades. I think they allow girls to play on the same team as boys until around the age of 10. Often the young girls are much better than the boys, and they run and tackle in a very determined manner.

I played netball during my teen years, the main sport for girls/women, and even represented my county, but given the opportunity to play rugby, I would have embraced it. Running. Tackling. Scrapping for the ball. I could do that! Our women’s national team, known as the Black Ferns, is the current world champion, beating out England to take the title.

As a writer and a New Zealander, it was inevitable that rugby would find its way into at least some of my books. In fact, Playing to Win, the very first book I wrote featured a rugby hero. The following of my books feature rugby:

Playing to Win, a romantic suspense, has one scene at a rugby match.

Issy’s Infatuation, a contemporary is set in the world of women’s rugby.

Best Man, a gay romance features two rugby playing heroes, but the rugby is very much in the background.

My recent release, Wanna Do Bad Things to You is set in the world of rugby and both main characters are rugby players. There are several rugby scenes, but I think I’ve managed to write them to hold the attention of readers who aren’t as sports mad as me.

Here’s the blurb:

Tyson Hamlin lives and breathes rugby. With loads of natural talent, he’s destined for the big time. But Tyson has a secret—his perfect life, complete with doting girlfriend—is a lie. While he loves the game, he’s not quite as driven as he used to be, and his girlfriend is a beard he hides behind because the truth is—he prefers men.

Darcy Nichols transfers from Dunedin to pursue his dream to make the national team. He’s giving his all this one last season and intends to focus on his goal. Openly gay, he arrives in Auckland to suspicion and hostility.

One look and Ty is smitten. He wants the sexy Darcy to do all sorts of bad things with him. Game on. The sparks fly in private as they burn up the sheets, but they can’t live in seclusion forever. They’re under public scrutiny, and one wrong step could derail their rugby careers and end their dreams forever.

Contains sexy rugby players with their eye on the ball.

To finish my post, I thought I’d introduce you to the world of rugby through a video. The New Zealand All Blacks do a traditional Maori war dance called the haka at the start of each match. This clip shows parts of the haka plus actual game footage. There are two additional clips of the haka and some rugby facts at my website: http://www.shelleymunro.com/for-readers/behind-the-scenes-rugbys-the-game/

Do you like romances featuring sport? <~~ Answer this question to enter the contest!

Shelley Munro lives in New Zealand and writes spicy romances for Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. Her latest release is Wanna Do Bad Things With You (a rugby romance) while her next release is a paranormal werewolf story called Lone Wolf. Lone Wolf is due out at Samhain Publishing on 23 August.

You can visit Shelley and learn more about her books on her website: http://www.shelleymunro.com

Buy Links:

Wanna Do Bad Things With You

Lone Wolf

Thanks again for stopping by and sharing, Shelley. If you haven't read her work, be sure to enter the contest. You won't regret it. :-)

The Renfield Syndrome, Almost Here

2011-07-21T15:50:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that The Renfield Syndrome will be releasing in a little over a month. So many of you have wanted to get your hands on the book, and I hope the wait is worth it. I was fortunate enough to have Carolyn Crane (author of the fantastic Dissillusionists Trilogy) give The Renfield Syndrome a read and write a author blurb for the book (thank you, Carolyn) so things are finally winding down. Not too much longer now...

I'm currently doing a read through before my editor gives the manuscript one more go. It's impossible to describe how terrifying it is to share it with all of you. The Renfield Syndrome takes the series in an entirely different direction. It was a situation that made writing it all the worse. Ultimately, I stuck to my guns. What will happen as a result? I'm not sure. The hope is you'll be interested enough in what transpires to pick up The Ripple Effect which will release (I'm currently writing the novel) in 2012. And, guess what? The first chapter of The Ripple Effect will be included in the book, so you'll get an idea of where things are headed. Sound good? I hope so!

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started writing this series. In the beginning it was all fun and excitement. Now it's nerves, dread, and anxiety. I will promise you this -- regardless of what happens I will keep writing. It's not as easy as it once was, but it is something I enjoy. Thanks for giving me a reason to keep pounding away at the keyboard. Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between continues doing well, so I hope The Renfield Syndrome will widen the readership and will encourage new book addicts to give it a try.

With that, I'm off. I've got to get this final proofing done. For those who are curious I am attending Authors After Dark in Philly in August. If you're attending I'll have new copies of Dead,Undead, or Somewhere in Between for sale (at a substantial discount) as well as book plates to sign for The Renfield Syndrome in the event you plan to purchase a copy and want one.

Thanks again for your awesomeness!

Vlogging about movies I've watched, vampire bites, birthdays....

2011-07-18T19:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around. This is why. Have a great week!

Vampire Queen Series Winner!

2011-07-15T15:12:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. I'll be having more soon in the future. ;-) And thank you to Joey for stopping by. Now, using Random.org, I took the number of individual comments (28) and allowed the computer to select a winner. And the number it chose was...

Number ONE

Congrats, Scott!! I'll be in touch to get your shipping information soon.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Interview with Joey W. Hill & Contest!!!!

2011-07-11T15:11:00.002-05:00

Today I'm positively thrilled to have one of my favorite authors on the blog. After reading one of her books, I purchased her entire backlist. Trust me, she's that good. I contacted Joey to tell her about a contest I wanted to have and she was kind enough to answer a few questions to go along with the giveaway. So please, welcome her to the blog, say hello, and keep reading to find out how you can win the first six books in her Vampire Queen series! **Which she has offered to send signed book plates for, so the winner can have them personalized!**

Hi Joey! Thank you so much for visiting. As a longtime fan, I think everyone who loves vampires has to read the Vampire Queen series, which is why I’m eager to spread the word.

Jaime, I’m all for that! Honestly, I love writing about vampires, so I would have written the books even if they never saw the light of day outside my nightstand drawer. Though of course I’m glad they have reached a bit wider audience than that (wink). Thank you for spreading the love for the series.

Q: Let’s start with writing. Can you tell us a bit about your process? Do you have a word count you have to meet each day?

You may be sorry you asked this question. JJ The Vampire Queen books work out to anywhere from 150k-175k (that’s due to my story development, not a publisher mandate – they’d probably prefer closer to 100k – lol), so I take the mathematical approach. If I have four months, I break it down to five writing days a week, first draft plus three full edit rounds. I give the first draft about ½ of that time, and divide the three edit rounds between the rest of the time, with each subsequent round getting a smaller slice of time, under the assumption the book is needing less tweaking with each round. So I just divide the word count up among those time slices to know how much I need to accomplish each day... Zzzzz…okay, I hear that person snoring in the back! Yeah, it’s not hugely exciting in theory, but the creative process itself, seeing the book come together over each round, getting drawn into the characters and seeing them take unexpected turns, evolving into more than I first envisioned – that is exciting.

Long and short, it’s a balance between knowing how much progress I have to make to meet the publisher’s deadline and trying not to let that practical schedule stifle the creative flow. An author’s job is a curious mix of those two things – you have to deliver the work, like any job, but it also requires a creative spark that doesn’t always come on command, so you learn little tricks to keep that spark fanned and alive amid all the nose-to-the-grindstone stuff. I’m a firm believer in the “keep writing until it loosens up” method, rather than waiting for that creative spark to go from a sputter to a steady burn. That seems to work for me.

And of course, no talk about process is complete without mentioning the days where the writing takes a backseat to the unexpected family and domestic issues. For instance, I just realized my car registration is three months overdue (grimace), so valuable writing time will be sacrificed tomorrow to the inspection and other tweaks the car needs to pass. Of course, I’m doing the copy edit round on Bound by the Vampire Queen, so I have that loaded on my e-reader to review while waiting for the car – I try to make the most of every scrap of time I have to stay as close to “on schedule” as possible with current first drafts, edit rounds, copy edits/final galleys from the publisher, etc.

As you can probably tell, once you’re writing on contract deadlines, those deadlines establish the parameters of your process – you basically set aside the time you need to get it done, and scramble to stay on schedule with all the other demands on your time (grin).

Q: Most authors have a place the muse strikes (for me it’s when I’m driving). When do your best ideas come to you?

When I’m working on the last edit round for the current WIP, I turn my mind to brainstorming for the next one. Like you, that works best for me in the car, specifically on road trips. I take my recorder along, and just start ruminating. Anything that comes into my head, I put down on the recorder. It could be story progression, specific bits of dialogue, narration, etc. Then I load those snippets into MS Notes, organize them into a rough outline, and I’m good to go. Once I start that brainstorming process, it seems to heighten my senses, such that I’m more likely to notice things around me that will feed the story. For example, there was a storm the other night, and the way the wind was swirling across the ground, picking up items and drawing my gaze to follow their path made me think about the opening scene to the next Arcane Shot series book. Raina, my heroine, is going to wake in the middle of the night, go out on her tower balcony porch to watch a storm building. She’ll feel the currents of danger and magic in the air, know something is about to happen, to change…and then all hell breaks loose, with our hero, Mikhael, right in the middle of it!

Q: You had to divide Vampire Mistress and Vampire Trinity into two books. When it comes to editing and revisions, what is your approach?

I curse profusely and wonder why my publisher won’t let me publish 1000-page books. LOL That’s Step One of the process. Every time one of these two-part books happens, it starts out as one book that grows far beyond the publisher’s word count limit. Often there’s not a really good breaking point, so a new opening has to be reworked and backstory has to be loaded into it. The backstory part gives me migraines, because I don’t want to put in too much and bore the reader who’s read the previous book, or put in too little and leave the new reader clueless. I’d almost prefer to do it the 1950s movie way – have this lovely webcam with a man in a suit and a neat white handkerchief, who explains in a radio-quality voice: “Here’s what’s happened so far….now, on to the rest of the story.”

However, until the publisher is willing to try out my retro idea, I basically figure out where to break the book in half, tear up the first half of the new Book Two, send a prayer up to the literary gods that I haven’t zapped a key fact that needed to be in the second book, and check in with my editor to see if she thinks the new opening will work. If she says “No”, I beat my head against the wall to give the sheetrock a nice marbleized look, and work on it some more. All while getting perilously behind on the next contracted work.

Yet another reason being insane and a writer go hand-in-hand, as you well know! (laughter) The trade-off is getting to spend time with wonderful characters and having the chance to be pulled into their journey, which is worth every aggravating moment.

Q: The authors I speak to love to read. Can you share a few of your favorite books?

I read mostly on vacation now, because it’s the only time 1) I can somewhat turn off the internal editor and 2) find time to read for my own pleasure. I need to prioritize it more, consider it more a requirement than an indulgence, because it’s actually pretty vital to keeping writing style fresh. At least that’s what I tell myself, every time I go by my book shelf or e-reader and look at the 40 some books there that I haven’t had a chance to read yet. Lover Mine, by JR Ward, is one I’ve been itching to read for some time! However, in terms of old and not-so-old favorites, these are the ones I consider absolutely awe inspiring craft work and wonderful must-read stories – Lover Awakened (Zsadist’s story) by JR Ward, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (first three particularly), Audrey Niffenegger’s Time Traveler’s Wife, Laura Kinsale’s For My Lady’s Heart (actually, pretty much everything she did in the 80s-90s was awesome), The Black Lyon by Jude Devereaux, Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen Woodiwiss, Once in a Blue Moon by Penelope Williamson. The JD Robb In Death series is my candy – love to just hop on the ride with Eve and Roarke and see where we go. Denise Rossetti’s Phoenix Rising series with Ellora’s Cave, Daniel’s Surrender by Violet Summers, Bound Odyssey by Michelle Polaris, Roarke’s Prisoner by Angela Knight and Exit to Eden by Anne Rice are some of my favorite erotic work to date. I’m sure I’ve left out some important ones, but that’s a snapshot of my reading taste.

Q: Last but not least: Can you tell us a bit about the Vampire Queen series and its conception?

I love the idea of the vampire as a romantic dominant hero/heroine, versus the horror movie version. Years ago, when I watched Fright Night with Chris Sarandon, I was mesmerized by the scene where he “took over” and danced with Charlie’s girlfriend. It kind of annoyed me when he turned out to be this horrid, monstrous beast. Likewise, I was intrigued by Laurell K. Hamilton’s portrayal of Richard as Jean Claude’s blood apple in the early book of the Anita series. As an erotic romance author who integrates BDSM in most of my work, I felt the vampire-servant relationship possessed huge potential. A bound, eternal Dominant/submissive relationship, where the vampire considers himself/herself a superior being, yet is dependent emotionally and physically on the servant in some vital ways? Wow – that’s a power exchange relationship that could stretch way beyond the usual limits, due to the paranormal setting.

When I started off the series with Lyssa, a thousand-year-old vampire queen, and Jacob, the former vampire hunter and alpha male who has been trained to serve her, it was a continuation of my interest in the “palace guard” form of male submissive. He submits to her sexually, but there’s a strong, protective element to him that won’t be subjugated in the slightest. Jacob wasn’t a natural submissive, but he was a male with an overwhelming code of chivalry and service to his chosen lady. Of course I had to explore both sides of that coin, so Beloved Vampire, another book in the series, has a male vampire, Mason – one of your favorites, Jaime! – who has to protect a female servant from his world who has killed her vampire master. Then of course, the latest two books, Vampire Mistress and Vampire Trinity, feature a ménage, with two vampires, a male and female, who become involved with Gideon, a hardcore vampire hunter who happens to be Jacob’s brother. So the series has so many possibilities and pairings (or triplings – grin).

Like the newest one you’ve mentioned/discussed – Vampire Instinct. Mal is my first “made” vampire hero (all the other have been older, “born” vampires), who was a Cherokee born right before the Trail of Tears. Since the heroine, Elisa, is an Irish maid, and the story takes place in the 1950s, it has a different tone than the other books. I think the different perspectives help keep the stories fresh and interesting, and of course I hope the readers agree!

Thank you so much for stopping by, Joey! I’ve already devoured Vampire Instinct (Malachi is to die for -- no pun intended), and I’m eagerly awaiting Bound by a Vampire Queen. The months can’t go by fast enough. By the way… Give Lord Mason my love, will you? *grin* I hope you decide to give him and Jessica another story (when I saw you mention this on your site I was ecstatic)!

Jaime, I’m glad you enjoyed VI, and thanks for having me here. Yes, there’s definitely enough material to write another book about Mason and Jessica down the line, so I’ll look forward to sharing that with you sometime in the future! And I’ll pass your message to Lord Mason if I can manage to get it out without stammering – he’s pretty overwhelming, even to me (wink). Best wishes to you and everyone!

Now, for the contest. Check out the image below...

Those are the first six books in the Vampire Queen series that I owned prior to getting signed copies from Joey (LOVE). Interested in owning them? All you have to do is be a follower of the blog and leave a comment with a valid email address (the contest is international). No email means I'll move to the next commenter in line. Like before, I'll use random generator to choose a winner. I'll announce the lucky duck on Friday when Vampire Instinct, the newest in the series, releases. The book isn't included in the contest because I'd love you to show Joey your support by purchasing the latest installment. I had the good fortune of reading the book and it is AMAZING. So do yourself a favor, don't miss out!

Joey has been kind enough to offer to drop by and answer any questions, so feel free to leave a comment to enter and chat with her if you'd like. She doesn't bite -- much. *smile*

New Contracts & An Amazing Contest

2011-07-07T17:57:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned a while back, my story Omega Mine as contracted at Ellora's Cave. Now I have more contract news! I've recently been contracted for an Ellora's Cave Exotika Quickie. No Strings is a sizzling hot contemporary short with emotion. I wasn't sure I could pull it off, so I hope you enjoy it. You can read more about the story by clicking HERE. I've also gotten a release date for Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon (September 13th), a release date for The Renfield Syndrome (August 23rd), and I'm wrapping up edits on Crimson Sunrise and Omega Mine so I should have release dates for those stories soon.

I've received a few emails about The Ripple Effect. I had planned to finish up the book by the end of June. Now it's looking like it might be August. With the children home for the summer, it's difficult to find time to write. Compounding this issue is my father is sick again. His other foot is now infected due to diabetes and he's having a difficult time moving around. I'm very concerned for him, so I'm not in the proper head space to write at the moment. Hopefully things will resolve and I can get back to my usual routine.

Now for the contest I mentioned...

I spoke to my absolute favorite author Joey W. Hill. I wanted to do a contest giving away all of her Vampire Queen books with the exception of her new release on July 15th, Vampire Instinct. Why? Because I want you to go out and buy the new book! Her writing is amazing and any BDSM/Vampire fan should read them. On Monday, she'll be stopping by to answer a few questions. On that day I'll have all the contest details (the contest will run through Friday -- her release day). So if you're interested in owning the first six books, be sure to swing by.

With that, I'm off. It's been an extremely draining day. I hope tomorrow is a bit better.

Contest Winner Announced

2011-07-04T10:41:00.000-05:00

First -- Happy Release Day Fwah!! I know you have to be extremely excited to see Jericho go live. For those of you who didn't win, please consider purchasing a copy HERE. Proceeds do go to cancer research, so you get to enjoy a great comic and help a worthy cause. I numbered people according to the order of their comments on blogger and Facebook. Random generator chose number four. So the winner is...

Sharon!!! Congrats. I have your email and will be in contact shortly.

Thanks again for stopping by, leaving a comment, and supporting a dear friend. I have a contest coming in a couple of weeks that I think you'll like so stay tuned. Happy 4th of July!

Interview with Fwah Storm Part 2 and Contest!!!

2011-06-28T03:51:00.001-05:00

Today is the second part of my interview with comic book artist and musician (just two of his many talents) Fwah Storm. If you missed the previous post just scroll down to read the entry below. Fwah has generously offered a signed copy of Jericho to a winning commenter -- but wait -- this one is incredibly special. On Jericho's release day (Tuesday July 4th) I'll use random generator to choose a number. The lucky duck chosen will receive, get this:

Copy 1/100 (yes, the one and only) of the first edition of Jericho.

Sound good? Fantastic. Check out the contest information below.

Now, back to the interview.

**All images belong to and are the copyright of Fwah Storm.**

Q. All authors go through editing. What sort of executive decisions do you have to make, or what changes are necessary, during the process?

A: It's surprising because every decision that is made, no matter how small, has a huge effect on the story. This is one reason why early on I try to make as many decisions as possible like what is this characters sexuality, what is their star sign, what is their religious beliefs, what is their political point of view, what is their favourite color, what is their passion in life, were they raised by one parent or two......all of these things may seem a little unimportant to some, but to quote Brandon Lee: 'Everything is trivial. If you think that only certain things are trivial then you are missing out on some of the most beautiful and important things in life'.

So these need to be changed until everything fits in place. Then along the line decisions can range from how many panels are on a page, what shade of red should be used for Jericho's hair, should we reveal this fact about her this early on, is she left handed or right handed.....like I said, there is so much to be thought about when it comes to a story like this.

Q. I know people receive work differently, depending on the source material. As Jericho deals with a touchy subject (cancer) do you receive any sort of prejudice or negative reactions to your work?

A: So far it has been received well, but you do get the occasional person that seems to think I'm a bad person because I want to not only do what I can to help find a cure, but because I want readers to understand what it's like to not only go through suffering with cancer, but what it's like to have someone you care for suffer with it.

Everyone has the right to be offended, butI don't fully understand the offence that people take to the issue of cancer. It comes across to me that because a lot of people still don't know a lot about the illness, they tend to hear it mentioned and then decide to run away from the issue which doesn't help at all. And I've had to remind people before that some people have survived, so there is hope, and the more we do to help cancer research, the closer we are to finding a cure, but once again, some people take offence to this. But if I'm brutally honest, taking offence towards the subject doesn't help in anyway what so ever. Becoming educated on what cancer does not only to the patient but to those who care for that patient the most can help. Donating proceeds to help cancer research helps mankind get a little closer to finding the cure.

If the people who take offence at the subject matter, and take offence at the fact that I want to do what I can to help those with cancer. If they just take the time to realise that this desease effects not only adults, but children as well, then maybe they'll see how important it is to talk about this subject. A child shouldn't have to spend their few years wired to a machine and being pumped with chemicals while they lay in bed. Children should be out there climbing trees and playing with their friends. If they think about that, then they'll realise, there is no point in taking offence towards the subject of cancer. I'm proud that not only myself, but one of my characters might, just might make a difference. And if it doesn't make a difference, then at least I tried.

Q. I started writing as a hobby, but I know that's not the case for some authors. When did you know that you wanted to create comic books? Was it something you were aware of early on? Or was it something that just happened one day?

A: I always wanted to write, and even though I have been a huge fan of comic books since I was very young, it wasn't until I was in my early twenties that I knew I wanted to create comics. However, I didn't want to create super hero comics. I enjoy reading stories about super heroes, but there are so many different styles of stories that can be told through the medium that cover all types of heroes. So I really enjoy the fact that if I get the opportunity with Jericho to write and illustrate what seems and looks like a superhero, but really isn't. I mean, she doesn't have any superpowers. She has her intelligence that leads her down the path of life that she chooses.

Q: I think every author can see a version of their work on the big screen. If your comic became a movie, who could you see playing Jericho?

A: That's the sort of thing that often plays on my mind with every project I have ever worked on. I knew before the script was complete that I wanted Doctor Foster (one of the antagonists of the story) to be played by Jason Statham who starred in Snatch, Crank and The transporter. I just think that he could not only pull off that pissed off villain with a grudge against the world, but I also think that he could pull off the sleazier side of that character.

As for Jericho herself there are a few actresses who would be too old for the part, but they would be able to nail the character without trying. If scarlett Johansen was younger then she could really pull it off. But I would probably have to go with Jennifer Lawrence who recently starred in X-Men: First Class. I think she has the look and the skills to play an emotionally complex character like Jerry.

Q: Writing takes up a lot of time. Since creating a comic is so much more involved, what are the sacrifices you have to make to get the job done? Have you seen a significant change in your life and lack of free time as a result?

A: Absolutely. When I work on a project like Jericho I have to sacrifice a lot of things due to the fact that the work is labor intensive. I normally work six days a week. On the one day off I have I help take care of my brother who is severley autistic. On the days I work it is pretty much wake up and shower say around 8, or if I'm feeling lazy, around 10, and then I work right through until about midnight because sometimes it can take a day or two just to get one page of artwork done depending on details and coloring and inking. If I'm lucky I might get an hour and a half to watch a movie or a TV show, so a lot of sacrifices do have to be made, but it's worth it. Plus, at the end of the job I can take a week or two off.

Q. I'm a huge fan of your music (Along Came A Spider is AMAZING).Can you tell us about your band and what you do when you're not working on Jericho?

A: Abuse was formed back in 2002, and during our time we recorded an album, played various shows all through the UK, and got to play with some great bands like Skindred, Esoterica, Breed 77 and Stampin' Ground who are all well known in the metal scene. We had our music played on various radio stations and podcasts all over the US, and sadly, we split back in 2006.

Since then there have been several rumors that we are getting back together and so forth, but I cannot deny nor clarify those rumors at this stage. All I can say is, myself and the guys have been meeting up regularly to talk, and if something happens then great. If not, then nevermind.

Q. As a teen, I was an enormous fan of comic books. Do you have any favorites that you would like to share?

A: Oh, absolutely. There are quite a few titles out there, some of which don't get enough credit. Growing up as a kid, I loved reading Fantastic Four, Spider-man, Batman and 2000 A.D. But as I got older I steped away from more of the conventional super hero comic books and discovered some incredible titles. Preacher by Garth Ennis is just pure twisted genius. Watchmen by Alan Moore really does go to show that there is something more to comic books past the typical stereotype. Death Note is probably one of the best Manga series since Akira. Frank Miller's Sin City was beautifully written and helped put the noir style back on the map. The Crow by James o'barr speaks for itself. The Walking Dead, Y The Last Man, Nemesis, Kick-Ass, The Losers, Alan Moores The Lost Girls (which is still Banned in The UK)...........there are just so many great titles out there.

Q. Your work is currently based in the UK. Can we expect to see more of your work in the US in the future?

A: I hope so. The US is the homeland of the comic book, and I think it would be a shame if Jericho never made it over there. I constantly hear from people in the states who want to read Jericho after hearing about the concept, and I honestly think there are more fans in the states than there are in the UK. We've made it so that US readers can order from the Reload Comics website, however, because of currency differences it does work out that US readers are paying a little extra for the title which I think is very unfair. So we're gonna keep our fingers crossed, and hope that one day Jericho makes it's way to the US

Q: Speaking of the future, what can we expect following Jericho? Do you have any other projects in the works?

A: At present there are a long line of projects that I want to do, and a lot of projects that I have been asked to do, and there is one exciting opportunity that I was approached for by a film studio. However, during the early creative process I have realised that I am left in a difficult position. I can either take the offer and make a book that I would not be proud of making in return for some recognition and money, or I politely decline, work on titles that I am hugely proud of, and keep fingers crossed that those projects get the recognition and following that I believe they deserve.

It's a difficult position to be in, and sadly, I cannot reveal who the studio is or the book that they have asked me to work on, and the situation is alot more complex than how I have described it so far, but at present I am leaning towards declining the project.

However, on the plus side, there are plans for another story arch of Jericho, but this is still in talks and won't be confirmed till nearer the end of the first story arch.

Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to mention the other projects until Reload has confirmed them.

Q: When you're not working, what do you do to relax and unwind?

A: As little as possible, but it's not always easy to unwind until the whole project is done. I enjoy many things. Playing music, bowling, playing pool, origami, performing magic, watching movies, so I find that any combination of those things help me to unwind, but they also make me think which means that somewhere along the line one of those thoughts could turn into more work.

Q. My best ideas come when I'm driving. When does your muse normally strike?

A: I find that my muse can just strike anywhere at anytime. Sometimes someone could say something like, "I was watching a documentary on submarines the other day," and there might be something in that statement that intrigues me and starts the gears in my brain. But if I had to name one place that does seem to help me with creative ideas it would either be my office because that's where my computer is and my books and my music and my movies, or it would be in the bath.

Q. I know what inspires me and turns me on when I need to create fresh ideas. What is it that 'clicks' for you? What do you turn to when you are having a difficult time deciding what to write next?

A: I really like unatural situations that take unforseen turns. I once wrote a short story about a man who was laid on the floor of a mall and wasn't moving, but he wasn't hurt. This simple situation turned into something quite sinister. I also like the stories that come from what if situations like: What if the grim reaper felt guilt for taking a soul? What if making a deal with god was actually worse than making a deal with the devil? Or What if England became a complete no mans land, and martial law was declared? These sort of things appeal to me as well as concepts that could have a political or moral undertone to them.

If I have trouble coming up with ideas then I just simply force myself to just relax and not think and just take a little time for myself because normally this leads to an unforseen moment that will inspire me some how some way.

Q. Playlists are vital to my work. If you could create a soundtrack for Jericho, what songs would you include?

A: That is a fantastic question! Music is very important when I write, and it really helps getting the creative juices flowing, so I do try to come up with play lists for certain stories, and the songs involved in the playlist have to move me in a way that I can see scenes of the stories play in my mind like a movie trailer.

The first song I would pick is 'Call To Arms' by English Metal act The Defilied. Their use of Drop B tuning really helps create a certain atmosphere that gives the song an epic sound even in the sludgy verses, and the chorus just reminds me of an anthem. When I hear that song it doesn't just make me think of the first story arch of Jericho, it reminds me of some of the plans I have for future archs.

I would also pick 'What have you done now' by Within Temptation because of their orchestral backing in that song. Thier music always reminds me of a movie.

I would also pick some songs that remind me of certain characteristics of characters, and some of the hardships they will have to go through in the story, so for that side of things I would pick 'Goth Girl' by my good friends Esoterica, '9 Crimes' by Damien Rice, 'Rose of Sharyn' by Killswitch Engage, 'Parasites' by A Beautiful Nothing, 'A Decent Cup Of Tea' by Frank Turner, 'This Will Make you love again' by I Am X and 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails.

And obviously with any comic book , there are a few action sequences, so for those I would probably choose 'Switchback' by Celldweller, 'Won't back down' by Fuel, 'Kill The Headlights' by Adema, and 'Through My Eyes' by Threat Signal.

Q. Of all my characters, only one is always there to talk to me. Do you have have characters you have a difficult time hearing? If so, how do you get past that?

A: I do indeed. Infact a certain character in Jericho who shall remain nameless, otherwise I will give too much away, is never talking to me. I think this is because I decided very early on that they weren't going to survive this story, which I have to admit made me feel really bad for a while. But that character has nothing to say to me. I worried at first and then realised that if this character was a real person then they are the sort of person that would take one look at me and judge me before even trying to get to know me. Because I realized that, it suddenly became easier to write that character because I just had to look back at all those types of people I had met in my life and it just became easier.

Q. I know I can't be alone here (at least I hope not). Do you have a night when you'll wake up and get to work because you get an idea and it just won't wait?

A: Absolutely. Every now and then, insomnia and I become friends. When I have an idea that I'm so passionate about, it just cannot wait, and it has to be done there and then. And those moments will happen without warning.

Q. Of everything you have created, what is the one thing you are most proud of?

A: Well, I am my own worst critic, but if I had to choose, then I would say that my short story 'Pegasus' is something I'm very proud of, and I'm extremley proud of a script I have for a graphic novel that I hope to make in thefuture called 'The Paperchase'.

Q: Are there any books or movies you've enjoyed recently that you would like to make into a comic?

A: Well I had the pleasure of watching 'Source Code' recently, and it was an incredible experience that left me in awe. I think it's the perfect style of story that could make a revolutionary comic title. I also watched 'Brick' for the one hundreth time recently, and I think that it's a great noir story, and in general I think noir stories do translate well in the medium of comics.

Book wise I think that anything by Edgar Allen Poe could work as a comic, and I think that Jeff Lindsay's 'Dexter' series. Even though the TV show is amazing, I think it could also benefit from a comic book audience.

Q. You donate proceeds of Jericho to Marie Curie cancer care. I know finding a cure is very important to you. Can you tell us why?

A: Unfortunately, many people in my life have passed away due to cancer. My father passed away after a ten year battle with cancer. When he was first diagnosed he was given six weeks to live, and it didn't just put a lot of pressure on my family, but it caused a lot of disaster and hurt as well.

I also lost my cousin, Emma, to cancer just before Christmas last year. She was the same age as me, and she was a teacher who was married and had a whole life ahead of her, but it was cut short due to this heinous desease. And I went through my own cancer scare as well.

I have an autistic brother who the doctors have said will die because of cancer at some point in the future. Luickily, he hasn't been diagnosed as yet, but it's only a matter of time.

I've lost pets to cancer as well, which is also heartbreaking, and I know many people who have lost their children at young ages because of this desease, and it's just fucking terrible how it destroys lives. It does more than just slowly devour a person from the inside, it effects so many people, so it's extremley important to me that a cure is found, and hopefully that will be one day soon. So to anyone who has picked themselves up a Jericho T-shirt, then wear it as a sign of hope for finding the cure!

Q. Okay, you're a horror movie fan. I'm a horror movie fan. Give the blog a list of your favourites.

A: Hahaha, I love horror movies, and I love all the different sub-genres of Horror movies, so I warn you this could be a very long list, and there will probably be a few titles on there that some may think I'm a disturbed individual for putting them on this list.

I would have to say that my first ever horror movie experience was 'The Monster Squad'. To me this movie is like the family horror version of 'The Goonies'.

In the more commercial side of horror I would have to mention Hellraiser, Child's Play, The Exorcist, Saw 1-4 (I did not enjoy Saw 7, but that is one hell of a rant that no-one wants to hear), Paranormal Activity 1 & 2, Nosferatu, Dracula, Dawn Of The Dead, The Evil Dead, Black Christmas....infact, If I keep listing commercial horror movies we could be here for a while.

Foreign horror, or horror related movies I would have to Say Tenebrae, A Serbian Film, Cannibal Holocaust, Sleepless, The House On The Edge Of The Park, Zombie Flesh Eaters and Bad Taste (which I count as Foreign considering it's an australian movie...i think).

Then there is the underatted movies, and also the underground movies. For that I would probably say Prince Of Darkness (very underatted John Carpenter movie), They Live, Sella Turcica, The Redsin Tower, Untraceable, Brainscan, S&man, Vulgar, The Poughkeepsie tapes and a documentary called Video Nasties: The Definitive Guide.

Q. How long does it usually take to complete a comic book from start to finish?

A: Depending on the amount of pages per issue, the style of art, and the size of the team you work with, it can take anywhere between 6-8 weeks to complete one issue.

Q. Finally, What advice can you give to aspiring comic book authors?

A: I think if you want to become a comic book writer, then the most important thing you can do to help your career is learn how to draw. It doesn't have to be perfect, but when you start out it is very hard to find an artist that will do the work for you without you having to chase them up on the progress of the pages. Also, everyone who wants to work in comics shares the same common first thought of 'Everyone wants to be an artist, so they are not in short supply, but writers are' and it's actually the other way round.

For anyone who wants to be an artist, then I suggest you take your time and have fun with the project. Don't make it a chore, and learn how to write. This will definitely help you along the way.

And the most important piece of advice I can give to any writer of any genre or style is to spend time developing their idea and characters, but don't over develop it. I have witnissed several times writers who get a great idea, they develop it and it becomes better, and when they develop it to the point of it being a masterpiece, they end up saying to themselves 'There is still more to add to this' and all of a sudden a masterpiece that is absolutely flawless becomes a complete disaster.

CONTEST TIME!!!

Entering to win isn't difficult. All you have to do is be a subscriber to the blog and leave a comment. For those of you who are interested in entering but don't have blogger, you can enter by leaving a comment on the post I'll make in regard to our Q & A session on Facebook. The contest is international. I will write the names in the order I receive them (via blogger and Facebook) and announce the winner on Tuesday July 4th (in one week). In order to be entered you must provide me with a valid email address in which to contact you. Failure to provide an email address will mean I'll move on to the next commenter in line.

Thank you so much, Fwah! I can't wait for the next issue of Jericho!

Interview With Fwah Storm Part 1

2011-06-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Please welcome comic book creator, musician, and all around talented artist Fwah Storm to the blog. His comic, Jericho, releases next week. I had the pleasure of reading the first issue and it's fantastic. The atmosphere is dark, and the story is just beginning to unravel.

Q. Readers want to know -- who and what is Jericho? Can you tell us a bit about the story?

A: Jericho is the story of Jerry Collins, a young , shy and very intelligent young woman who suffers with depression and low self esteem. She tries to just get on with life while she is studying medical science at university, but like a lot of us find, there are always little complications and incidents that are out of our control that change our course in life, and Jerry is definitely experiencing that. She receives a letter from her father who has spent the last five years or so in jail, The local authorities are up in arms because there is a serial killer on the loose who is targeting Terminally ill patients, and Jerry has to deal with possible expulsion from the university because a project she has been working on to make an ultrsound glove for use with cancer patients has gone wrong. In fact, her first experiment with the glove puts a lot of people at risk, because rather than creating a safer alternative for chemotherapy, she has accidentally created an acoustic weapon.

Now, if that wasn't enough to bring her down, there is her best friends brother, Carl, a guy who is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Jerry and Carl have been friends for years, but Carl is the only guy Jerry has ever felt anything for. She secretly loves him, but she would rather keep their friendship than possibly ruining everything they have by dating each other. However, once he diagnosed with the tumor she is filled with a lot of anxieties and worries.

She has no money to perfect the glove, but she knows full well that if anything can save Carl it's the glove. But even if she did have the money to continue the project, there is also this killer on the loose who could possibly target Carl as a victim. So she has to make a huge choice. Does she become a bad guy and go against her own morals and ethics to save Carl's life, Does she stand back and allow any of the millions of possibilities to happen, or should she listen to that voice in her head, and become the anti-hero.

Q. First and Foremost -- Most don't know the difference between Noir Comics and colorized comics. Can you clear the air and explain the difference?

A: There are many different art styles that are used for comic books, and my preferred art style, or should I say my expertise when it comes to comic art, is noir comics. Now, a Noir comic doesn't just utilize a similar style of writing that was founded from pulp crime novels and film noir. Normally the noir art style makes use of negative space in a scene, and focuses solely on the two elements of dynamic lighting and shadow. This means that there are only two colors. Pitch Black and Stark White. Even though flat colors can be used with noir style art, adding such color pushes it into more neo-noir. There are some comics that also use grey along with the black and white. These comics are neither noir or colorised. They sit in a league of their own. Then pretty much all other comics that utilise more than just black, white and grey and use a lot of different rendering techniques are refereed to as colorised comic books.

Q. Most comics take place in their own 'World'. Is this the case with Jericho? If so, how did you create the environment?

A: The environment of the story is a very important element in my eyes. I took time to think about the advantages of a fictional universe versus a real world scenario, and to me I could only see fault in a fictional environment. Also, I have always been a fan of stories that take place in a real world setting, and find that it helps add to a sense of relateability, which is another factor I find important in a story. So after much thought, I decided it would be best for this story and any future stories and characters I plan to work on should take place in the very real town of Bournemouth. By doing this I can have characters cross over in titles, or they can all have their own universe and still be set in a real location.

Q: What inspired you to become a comic book artist and creator?

A: Ever since I was young, I enjoyed writing, and I also enjoyed drawing. I must admit, as I got older certain events stopped me at first from following that dream, but then I started to meet a few like minded people.

At first I thought my ideas were stupid, and that no-one would be interested in them. However, once I started talking to various people about my ideas, I noticed that they became very passionate about encouraging me to create them as they really wanted to read them. So eventually I thought 'Why not give it a try'? And the rest is history.

Q. Where did the idea for Jericho come from?

A: I use to work for 8mm Comics with Callum Bowler (the man in charge of the lettering for Jericho) and Tom 'Wez' Dorrington. We were getting ready for the release of two comics, Morlock and The Fallen. During this time we began to plan out other titles and characters that we wanted to release, so there were many creative meetings.

During one of those creative meetings, myself and Tom were waiting for Callum as he was running late, and when he arrived he said to us 'I think I'm being stalked by a word...it seems to be everywhere that I'm going'.

I was confused at first, and asked him what the word was, which he replied 'Jericho...everywhere I go, this word seems to appear, however, I don't know where it originates from, and what it means'. So I explained to him that it comes from a bible story called the walls of Jericho.

Callum then came up with the idea that both of us should go home, read that particular story, and see if we could come up with our own story that some how related to the word Jericho.

At the time my late father was going through chemotherapy, and I got to see first hand how it effected him, so that was a factor that was already on my mind. After re-reading the walls of Jericho I became fascinated with how in the story it was the sound of the trumpets and horns that brought the walls down, and from that I came up with the idea of using ultrasound as an alternative to chemotherapy.

So I researched Ultrasound, and even spoke to a few people who had gone through ultrasound treatment on muscle and ligament damage to make sure that at least the theory of using ultrasound could possibly work in a real world scenario, and then I pitched it to the guys, and they loved the idea. In fact, Callum asked what the character of the story would be called and when I said 'Jericho' his jaw hit the ground and he just started ranting and saying 'That's amazing! The word that has been stalking me has proved to be of great use....this story needs to happen'!

And then 3 years later I'm here making that story happen.

Q. Titles for books can be made early on. Was this the case with Jericho? Since it's an adult comic with sensitive material, did that have any bearing on what you chose to name your work?

A: Well, I found that most comic book titles are focused on the protagonist of the story. for Example: Batman, Spider-Man, Spawn etc.

Originally, I wanted to stay away from naming the book after the anti-hero of the story, but then I realised that the only title that could work was 'Jericho'.

At first I feared that this could encourage readers of a young age to try the book, which didn't please me, but then I realised that the majority of comic book readers are aged between 25 - 50 years of age. So I realised that the chance of children reading this story was extremely minimal, and most fears surrounding that particular problem dissappeared.

Q. Male comic book heroes are popular. What made you decide to go with a female protagonist?

A: Originally Jericho was a male protagonist, and during the first year of hording the story idea in my brain and slowly developing it, I found that there was something that didn't quite click, so I found that I was slowly losing interest in the project. This lasted until I was doing volunteer work for a children's charity, and during my time there I met all different walks of life, but one in particular caught my attention.

She was a fellow volunteer who was incredibly shy, and we got on as friends, and before long she really opened up and I discovered very quickly that she was a fascinating and intelligent person who had such little confidence in herself because of a tough life growing up. Once I had discovered this it really made me think in depth about what sort of characteristics a hero should have.

later on, I sat down to watch an animated Wonder Woman movie and the thought of 'There are so little strong female leads in the comic book industry' came into my head. It didn't take long before that fact and thoughts about the girl I worked with collided and for some reason I thought of Jericho and realised that the reason why the story wasn't working for me was because Jericho was perfect as a female character, and severely flawed and uninteresting as a male character. So the decision was made, and I haven't looked back since.

8. So far you've managed to keep the identities of the antagonists and protagonists secret. What can you tell us about the antagonists versus what we've seen so far?

A: I have a lot of fun creating the antagonists of Jericho, and originally I only wanted there to be one, but as the writing process went on, I found that more and more antagonists were making their way into the story.

The first antagonist is the youthanasia killer, a sadistic and extremely self-righteous and narcissistic serial killer. I would love to say more about this character, but one of the fun elements of reading Jericho is that whole murder mystery thing of 'Who could the killer be'?

Then we have Doctor Foster who later on takes the name of Sound Shock, although, that alias for him may change. He's Jerry's tutor at the university. He thinks very highly of Jerry because he has spent the best part of his life trying to not only help progress medical science in order to help others, but he wants to be remembered. He see's Jerry as his most intelligent student, and that if he is to get his name into the medical journals it will be because of her. However, because he has focused so hard on his job his marriage has failed, and he has taken to dating students and younger women, until one tries to frame him for rape, which in turn ruins every thing he has ever worked towards. So he takes Jerry's project, and adapts it for his own use, and takes on the attitude of 'Screw or be screwed'.

There is also Wreckage who has a small but important part to play if I want there to be a second story arch. So we don't get to see much of him yet, but the best way to describe him is he makes Satan look like a girl scout. If he calls you a name, he laughs. If you call him a name, he burns your house down with you in it and sends the ashes to your family.

Then there is the most important one, which I never thought about till half way through writing the story, but the main antagonist of the story is actually the desease of Cancer itself. Many villains or nemesis' in comic books are more powerful than the hero, and they can be stopped. Only temporarily, but they can be stopped and the hero knows this. However, having a disease as the arch nemesis actually puts an interesting perspective on the story. Jericho will never be able to defeat this abomination. This disease is not human and does not have a brain but will always be able to stay ten steps ahead of her, and even though she knows this, she is determined to stop it's reign of terror, which I think also shows us some of the more primal but heroic qualities in Jerry as well.

Q. Authors who visit my blog know how the creative process works. How is this different for you?

A: Well, from experience of writing short stories, I pretty much take the same development process, and then I just write it, and let it take however many pages it takes. With a comic book, the development stage takes place with plenty of research and making executive decisions about the characters and their idiosyncrasies. Then the story is bullet pointed so we can see how many pages of art are necessary. Then it either has to be condensed, edited or changed to fit a specific amount of pages with out hurting the pacing of the story. After that, the first draft script can be written, followed by a second and third draft so that the dialogue can come across as naturally as possible. Then the art stage is next

With the art we start with several character designs, and then this is followed by thumbnailing. Thumbnailing is where very sketchy and rough layouts for the pages are decided, and also rough idea's of what should be on the cover and how to represent that cover image.

Then the mapping takes place, which is where we decide the angle of the shot, and draw in basic shapes to represent objects, and draw what I like to call mannequins which are similar to stick figures so that we now what positions the characters should be in, where they will be looking and so forth. Then the details of the landscape and environment are penciled along with the details of each character. This part of the process includes 'spotting blacks' which is where we decide where the shadows are to be placed, and fill those areas in with pure black. However, that's only with a noir comic, but with Jericho I wanted to keep as much of the noir element in the artwork as possible.

Then we move on to the inking, which is then followed by lettering, which is then followed by the coloring process, which is also an in-depth process with many steps to take.

Q. What sort of tools do you have to use when you're creating? not just drawing, but actual tools involved?

A: There are so many vital things needed that don't always come across as important tools, but they are, especially for the writing side of things.

Whenever I write I do my best to use the same materials. The obvious ones being pen, pencil, paper, ruler, computer and of course, my imagination. But I also have to have a full pack of smokes and a deck of playing cards. These help me to keep relaxed as I find it is very important both for the story and the art work. Also, music is very essential. some scenes I need silence, but others I need a soundtrack.

So that I stay focused on what I am doing I like to have a candy bar and large supply of soda (preferably Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew). That way I wont loose focus because of hunger or thirst.

For research I need the internet, a digital camera, and plenty of books. These books don't just need to be on the subject matters that I wish to deal with, but also photography books so that I have pictures of places and people to help me set the scene.

For Drawing I need a lot of A4 and A3 paper. the thicker the better. A decent and smooth drawing board, a butt load of mechanical pencils and various grades of regular pencils, gel pens, Copic fine liners, markers, sharpies, indian inks, steel nib calegraphy pens, sponge brushes, short haired brushes, modeling brushes, spray adhesive, latex gloves, basic shape stencils, erasers, sculpting knives and blades, cutting boards, tracing paper (you would actually be surprised how many of the pro's use this and what exactly they use it for), white out in a bottle, white out pens, blue tack, low adhesive sticky tape, ruler, compass, triangle, french curves......the list is almost endless.

Before I forget, at all stages, no matter how experienced an artist you are, you always need how to draw books of all kinds. These are great refference books.

Then for coloring and lettering and so forth, I use an A3 Scanner, an A3 printer, good computer, Adobe Photoshop (I actually use two versions of photoshop. Photoshop 7 and CS5) and the most important tool for coloring, A Wacom proffesional tablet.

Q. How do you work dialogue? Is there a story and you condense?

A: Dialogue is tricky. When a movie is being written most of the dialogue has to stay short and to the point, and that's pretty much the same with comic books, but if you want to make the characters more three dimensional then sometimes you have to ignore that rule. Especially if you have so much that a character needs to say before you can move on to the next scene, but you only have two, maybe three pages to do that in. Sometimes it's even one page of art work, but you have to get a large amount of dialogue in there so that you don't miss any set ups for future events in the story.

So what I try to do is bullet point the scene, and then write it exactly how I want it before I go back over it and make any changes. I'm lucky because sometimes it works out fine, but other times I have to re-word so much, or cut huge chunks of dialogue. I've even had to cut a few scenes out before.

Q. Do you have a general idea of what characters look like? do you draw inspiration from movies, music, people, or television?

A: Some characters I see what they should look like as I develop them in my head, so I have had the pleasure of sitting down and being able to draw the character exactly how I want them straight away. However, this is very rare, and normally if that happens it is with the protaganist of the story.

But in General I find that for the writing side of developing a character I tend to draw inspiration from people I have met in my life as well as characters from movies.

When it comes to drawing the characters I always start with how I want their facial features to look. So I quite happily sift through movies and try to find inspiration form their. Depending on the time setting of the story I will sift through fashion photo's and history books to try and piece together the characters costume and then, slowly things fall into place.

Q. How do you develop characters? Do you keep character sheets?

A: Sometimes I do keep character sheets, but this is rare for me to do. More often than not I keep the details in my head until the very last moment. Sometimes I find the best way to develop a character is to imagine that I am that character. It's similar to a method acting approach, and I try to spend some time being that character so that the development happens naturally.

Q. Some authors pants their way through stories. I imagine with a comic you have to plot. How extensive is that?

A: I would like to say that I just let it happen and hope for the best, but at the end of the day, I have only signed on to do one story arch of Jericho. We are in talks about a second and third, however, these cannot be guaranteed. But that doesn't matter, I still have to plot all three arcs just to be able to write the first one because there are so many revelations and twists and little set ups and hints at future story arcs that they have to be planned now rather than just throwing stuff together in the next arch and hoping it will make sense. I even have to plan and plot so many events they may never be seen in any of the issues, but I have to take them into consideration just in case they are referenced. In fact, there is a character that doesn't appear in this story arch, but he is referenced to once in issue two, and I have already had to do so much research and plotting just so that the reference is spot on.

Q. I know you have editors and such. How important are they in creating your work?

A: I think it is vital to have an editor for so many reasons. Luckily I was able to get Chicago Poet, Dina Darling, to be the editor for Jericho, and her work really does bring to light exactly what Jericho is able to accomplish.

However, we've taken a very different editing approach to this title. Usually the editor would receive the script and make corrections before the script goes to the artist and to who ever is in charge of lettering.

But the way we do it with Jericho is to complete the artwork, place temporary lettering and then the page is e-mailed to Dina. This way she can not only correct spelling and grammar, but she can read the story as if she was a comic book reader and let myself know what she has noticed in the artwork as well as the story, and gives us an early indication of what the reader might experience.

Q. Marketing can be tough. can you give us a rough idea of how you approach promotion?

A: Marketing is extremely tough with a comic book because the sad fact is that with so many characters who have been established for decades it's hard to convince comic book readers that they will not only experience a new and interesting character, but that they will be able to get something from this title that they won't find in any other title.

So we've been trying to push poster placement in a lot of places where they can be constantly seen, and sponsoring bands has also been an option. Apart from that, there is the internet, which is a great tool to use for marketing and promotion. Sadly, the budget we received was not enough to put together a viral video campaign that we had planned, but we can save that for future titles and story arcs.

Q. What inspires you when you create? I know your band, Abuse, has to play a role. Can you tell us a bit about that?

A: Lots of different things inspire me when it comes to writing. I wrote a story that was inspired by a counting crows song, a story that was inspired by origami, several stories that were inspired by dreams I had , and I have even been inspired because of something that someone might have said.

With Abuse I 'm normally inspired by moments in my life, or situations that have taken place in my life, and find that my work with Abuse never interferes with my work in comics.

Q. So you have an idea for a comic. Can you tell us what it's like to create your work from start to finish?
A: Creating, developing and writing a comic can be an emotional roller coaster ride for me. I find that when I start the process and I have the basic idea or concept for a story ,which normally starts with a 'what if?' question, there is this great feeling of excitement and other emotions that are very hard to describe. Then the more in depth I get with developing both the protagonist(s) and Antagonist(s) and coming up with little idea's for the scenes the more I feel this sense of importance not only in myself, but in my work as well.

Unfortunately, because I have suffered with depression since a young age there is always the occasional moment of feeling defeat. There is always an unpredictable moment when I question not only my writing but my art work as well, and I have to remind myself that imperfection is perfection. Besides, almost every comic book artist has admitted that there is always pages and panels in each issue that they do where they know they could have done it a million times better. However, it's good to show progression through each issue.

I look back at Issue One of Jericho, and there is a large amount of artwork that I know I could have done better, but it just means that I have the opportunity to not only learn from it, but I get to step things up in the next issue. And I have to remind myself that Jericho is a project where I have completely pushed myself right out of my comfort zone.

But all in all, I kind of enjoy the ride it takes me on because if I get to a point where I feel something for the characters and what they have to go through, then I think I have done a good job. There has been several times where I have felt Jerry's pain and disappointment. There have been times where I have felt Doctor Fosters anger towards the world, and I think that if I can feel those things when I'm reading the story back, then there is more chance of the reader not only connecting with the characters and the story, but of them being able to find something relateable in the story.

Q. I know how people react when I tell them I'm an author, but I imagine it's different for you. What is the general reaction when you tell someone that you're a comic book author?

A: It's very different. I started working in comics because I wanted to write them, and after having such troubles with some artists I began to re-teach myself how to draw. But during the time of being a writer, if I told someone I was a comic book writer they would for some reason interpret that as 'This guy draws comic books'.

But I find I get mixed reactions when I say that I write and illustrate comics. I find that the majority of women find it scary yet fascinating, and they normally ask a lot of questions about it because their fear is that you draw Hentai (a.k.a Manga Porn). But once they realise that it's not smut they seem okay.

With guys, especially where I live, I find there is a minority who end up saying 'That's awesome'! There is then a smaller minority that normally say 'Well, I've got this idea for a story', which I find amazing because an hour before I told them about my job they had nothing.

Then you get the majority. At this point I have to make it clear that the majority makes up 99% of the male population of where I live. These people say one of two things. The first being 'You're an idiot. Don't you know that comic books are for kids!...why don't you get a real job'!

These are the same testosterone fueled morons who think that real men must like football and don't cry and have just met you for the first time after coming out of a cinema where they have just watched a batman movie or 300 or Watchmen. I usually reply with 'Go read the first three issues of Preacher and then come back to me with that statement. If you would allow your kid to read a book like preacher at a very young age, then your parenting needs to be questioned'.

And then comes the age old statement that really shows how judgmental and ill-informend some people can be. 'Comics? ... it's not like they're Shakespeare is it'?.....this one really gets to me.....my usual reply is 'She shivers in the wind like the last leaf on a dying tree'. which for those who are not avid comic readers, that is a beautiful sentence from Frank Miller's Sin City story 'The Customer is always right'. This usually stops them in their tracks. Alan Moore quotes have the same effect, however, sometimes the ignorance of some people gets in the way and they stop listening because even though there is no evidence to support their ill-informed decision, they're going to stick with it anyway.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't expect to everyone to like comic books, and I wouldn't force someone into liking them, but when that sort of prejudice and mentality is displayed i have to question why I'm called the idiot.

Q. All authors go through editing. What sort of executive decisions do you have to make, or what changes are necessary, during the process?

A: It's surprising because every decision that is made, no matter how small, has a huge effect on the story. This is one reason why early on I try to make as many decisions as possible like what is this characters sexuality, what is their star sign, what is their religious beliefs, what is there political point of view, what is their favourite color, what is their passion in life, were they raised by one parent or two......all of these things may seem a little unimportant to some, but to quote Brandon Lee: 'Everything is trivial. If you think that only certain things are trivial then you are missing out on some of the most beautiful and important things in life'.

So these need to be changed until everything fits in place. Then along the line decisions can range from how many panels are on a page, what shade of red should be used for Jericho's hair, should we reveal this fact about her this early on, is she left handed or right handed.....like I said, there is so much to be thought about when it comes to a story like this.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Fwah. Learning about the comic process is fascinating. Be sure to come back tomorrow to read more and enter for a chance to win a signed first edition of Jericho! (Just like my pretty signed copy below -- only yours will be number 1/100!!!) The contest will be international.

New Image From Fwah Storm

2011-06-24T18:03:00.000-05:00

Today I received word that next week's guest, Fwah Storm (who will be visiting Monday and Tuesday and offering a signed, numbered first edition of the first issue of his comic book series, Jericho), was working on a new image of Rhiannon and Disco. He was gracious enough to send me several images as he worked (pictured below), so I can share them with you.

Be sure to swing by next week to enter the contest!

And the final image...

*All images and copyrights belong to Fwah Storm*

Giveaways and Other Things

2011-06-20T13:02:00.001-05:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Dead,
Undead, or Somewhere in Between

by J A Saare

Giveaway ends July 31, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Skyla Dawn Cameron is graciously offering a print copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between for free on Goodreads. If you're interested, click on the link above to enter.

Be sure to check the blog next week. I'm going to be visiting a few places, as well has hosting a special guest. Read below for a idea of what you can expect...

The Book Vixen is celebrating her birthday by giving away free books! One of those books is a signed copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between. CLICK HERE to head over, say hello, and enter if you'd like.

I'll be visiting the fabtastic blog, the Qwillery, on Thursday to answer a few questions. If you have a chance, come by and say hello! I'll be around to answer any questions you might have about Dead, The Renfield Syndrome, and Crimson Sunrise (or anything else you want to discuss!). CLICK HERE to swing by.

Now the icing on the cake! On Monday and Tuesday (June 27th and 28th) I'll be having a two part interview with comic book artist Fwah Storm. He's going to discuss Jericho, the process of creating a comic, and how he got into the industry. He's offering a signed copy of Jericho, which you most definitely WILL want. So if you have an opportunity come by and say hello (contest details will be in the second part of the interview).

Thanks again for being so awesome. All of you are the most amazing, supportive group of people. I would lost my sanity without you. I'll be holding my own contest in July. Stay tuned for more details!

Have a great week and I'll talk to you all soon!

Research

2011-06-18T21:23:00.003-05:00

Today I had the opportunity to do something I've been planning for weeks -- gun research. I knew it was time to get Rhiannon a new sidearm (the .22 Ruger LCP is great, but she needs more kick). I shot our 9mm Smith & Wesson first. The accuracy is spot on and having a clip is very convenient (I'm fairly certain whatever I choose will be an automatic). Then I tried a .45 Taurus Titanium revolver (pictured above and below -- there is no hole in my shirt, I have no idea why it looks like there is). It's got one hell of a kick, is wonderful for accuracy, and does a lot of damage. It's also lightweight and easy to hold.

In the next week or so my father-in-law is going to take me to a gun shop and target range. Since I learned a bit about creating shells (which is necessary since Rhiannon will need silver rounds), it's all about finding the right fit. Once I figure things out, I'll put the knowledge to use in The Ripple Effect. Research can be a pain in the arse, but today it was fun. Just one of the perks when you want to know what you're talking about in a story. ;-)

I hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day weekend! I'll be spending the day with family, the hubs, and our kidlets. I'll be back to work on Monday, so if I owe you an email, questions, or blog posts expect them soon!

Updates / Release Dates

2011-06-15T18:02:00.000-05:00

Despite the craziness that is my home, I have managed to get some work done. No, that doesn't mean writing (sadly), but hopefully I'll be able to return to The Ripple Effect soon. I wanted to share a small bit of news, although it isn't much in regard to my upcoming releases.

Aside from The Renfield Syndrome releasing August 23rd at Mundania, I recently learned that Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon will release September 13th at Loose Id. I know that's several months away, but if you're interested you can mark your calendars.

As for my other work:

I've wrapped up the first edits for Omega Mine, so I'm hoping it won't be long until I have a release date. I'm also on the second round of edits for Crimson Sunrise, so for all of you that have asked, I should have more information about the book soon.

I have a couple of things under submission, but for the most part I'm focusing on edits and writing The Ripple Effect. I can't believe it's the middle of June. August is just around the corner. I'm very excited to bring The Renfield Syndrome to you. I hope it's worth the wait.

With that, I'm off. There is dinner to cook, children to chase, and work to do.

Summer Is Here

2011-06-13T11:56:00.000-05:00

Talk about total insanity.

For some reason (delusion, perhaps) I thought this summer would be easier. I imagined I would have plenty of time to write, get work done, etc. WRONG. I've been in the middle of petty arguments, fighting, and the usual stuff that comes along with having four rugrats at home. Just when I think I have a handle on things, they turn it all around and I'm back to square one.

So if you email me and I'm slow to respond, or I'm not on Twitter or Facebook as much, I apologize. Two weeks in, and I'm a mess. Again I'm reminded of how wonderful school is. I just hope I can survive this summer and get back to a normal routine soon.

How are all of you enjoying your summer? Hopefully you're squeezing in some reading. Right now, that's about all I can do. It could be worse. ;-)

Red Hair? I haz pics!!!

2011-06-12T23:28:00.004-05:00

I told you I have "red" hair, now there is proof. The super-tastic photographer Shelysa Taylor (aka Belle) came over, took a few shots, and here you go! If you need a photographer, check her out. She is AMAZING! I was so floored by the pictures she took, and these are just a few of them! You can see more of her work by going to : http://bbtphotography.webs.com/

And black and white....

The Renfield Syndrome Release Date

2011-06-08T15:40:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars! The Renfield Syndrome will release August 23rd. I'm very excited and hope you enjoy the second book in the Rhiannon's Law series. Mundania is going to work extra hard to make sure the print copies are available ASAP. You can use the RHIANNONSLAW10 code to get 10% off your order at Mundania. The book will also be available at B & N and Amazon.

For those who have asked, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between will be on B & N soon. Since it's on Amazon in eBook and print, it won't be long now. I appreciate your patience and understanding.

Have a fantastic summer. It's insane here. All four kids are home and I haven't worked out a work schedule yet. I'm hoping things settle down next week.

Lori Foster's, Pictures, and other Good Stuff

2011-06-06T09:56:00.003-05:00

Talk about an amazing (but exhausting!) weekend. We had a blast. I roomed with Madelyn Ford, which was awesome, and got the chance to meet and chat with so many amazing people. I've included pictures below. I can't wait 'til next year. I had a few people ask about The Renfield Syndrome and directed them to Mundania. So thank you to everyone who spoke to Dan and Bob, pimped the book, and spread the word!

Liza, Stacy, Bridget, Me, and Bells

Me and Stacy

Me and Bridget

Liza, Me, Mandi, LeeAnn

Me and Liza

Me and Leanna Renee Hieber

Me and Rosalie Stanton

Me and Dakota Cassidy (she's a hoot and a holler!)

Me and Nikki

Me, Bells, and Rosalie

Me and Drea

Me and Bells

Getting ready to sign some books!

Signing away!!

Thanks for making this year so much better than last year!! I can't wait for 2012!

Romance Novels, Porn, and Marriages

2011-05-31T13:55:00.001-05:00

Today I was directed to an article on Twitter, discussing the impact romance novels have on marriages (you can read it HERE). Apparently, romance novels are dangerous creatures that create false expectations in women.

I call bullshit.

I've been reading romance since I was thirteen. Yes, thirteen. The book was The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Reading a romance novel (and erotica, when I was older) became an escape. Sure, some people think romance is something to laugh at. Me? It's a form of entertainment. Just like watching sports, a movie, or listening to music. It allows you a reprieve from the stresses of life. As an added bonus, when a book is extra spicy, my husband NEVER complains. *wink*

This is what is so wrong with the world, people. We see war going on all the time, death is on the news, people are bombarded with images of hate. Yet promoting love, sex, and a healthy (if not rocky, because we know there has to be some tension!) relationship is bad.

Think about that for a minute: Violence + Death = Okay. Love + Sex = Wrong.

Does something seem odd here?

That's what I thought.

I will NEVER stop writing erotic romance. I love reading it, and I love writing it. I'm not ashamed of what I do, nor will I ever be. Gimme my romance (the hotter the better) and let me read, damn it! My husband hasn't complained in the eight years we've been married. And guess what? No divorce papers or marital problems in sight. Who would've thunk it?

What do you think? Is reading romance a bad thing? Chime in below!

Love Comes In Many Forms

2011-05-30T21:31:00.000-05:00

Today I had a very long conversation with a fantastic friend. This friend is younger, a guy, and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Our friendship started on YouTube but became far more when we started chatting on the phone. He's intelligent, he's sweet, and he has one of the kindest hearts you'll ever find.

That is why he's recently become a target of hazing and hurtful comments regarding his sexual orientation.

To state this clearly, my friend is straight. However, it wouldn't matter to me if he was gay. It's his life and his happiness is my ultimate concern. I want to see him happy. I love to hear him laugh. He's someone who always brightens my days and the lives of many others. There isn't a mean bone in his body, meaning that anyone with access to the net can contact him, spew acid in his direction, and there isn't anything he can do about it.

It truly makes me terrified of the world my children will inherit.

Sexual orientation is a personal thing. I'm of the belief it's something you're born with. What turns you on turns you on. Plain and simple. And as someone who supports love in any fashion, I don't think it matters who your heart latches onto -- even if that means you fall for a member of the same sex.

In a world where M/M romances are the hottest thing, I guess it baffles me as to why so many people get so upset about men loving men, or women loving women. When you break it down, the only word you should see is "love." I can't tell you of the numerous news broadcasts I've seen where husbands have killed their wives (many of them pregnant) out of hate, spite, a loss of control, or other such nonsense. That isn't to say same-sex partners won't do the same, but seriously, if it comes down to love versus hate, I know what side I want to stand on.

I know this is an odd blog, but this is where I come to share my thoughts. This was my thought, especially after the long conversation I had with my wonderful friend. People who bring positivity into the world should never be treated so horribly. It's such a shame that the WWW has become such an easy forum to spread negativity and meanness.

With that, I'm off to bed. Busy day tomorrow. It's going to be crazy. I'm not sure if I'll be on The House of Horror. I've not had a chance to view a movie with all the laundry and preparation for the trip. Have a great Tuesday!

Practice = Improvement

2011-05-30T11:24:00.002-05:00

Today I received a review for one of my stories. It was a fair review, although the reader didn't like my work, because the reviewer noted something that is (without a doubt) true.

My writing wasn't polished.

When I started writing (yes, I've said this before) it was entirely for me. I didn't want a publishing contract. I didn't want anyone else to read what I wrote. I had four young children, and I needed an escape from life. Writing gave me that. When I wrote my first book, I had no idea what I was doing. But it didn't matter. The book was my way to escape, to create my own heroine, hero, and characters. I loved the hell out of writing. I could do whatever I wanted to, in whatever fashion I pleased. To this day, I have nothing but fond memories of Crimson Moon and of the journey I took when creating it, because it inspired me to keep writing, to create more stories, and to learn as I went.

I talk to a lot of aspiring authors and the one thing I can tell you is that in most circumstances, your first book should never be published. That isn't to say Crimson Moon is a turd of a story, but rather, it is what it is -- the only thing I'd ever written. I didn't know about pacing, about unnecessary details, about improper word choice. I only knew that I wrote things as I saw them in my head. After all, those little details didn't matter. The book was for me. So when my mother-in-law read the book (books at that point) and pushed me to seek publication, I hesitated. Then, when she pointed out I had nothing to lose, I figured why not.

In retrospect, I should have kept a few things for myself versus trying my hand at being an author. I've learned a hell of a lot in three years, and you'll see those changes in my writing style in Crimson Sunrise. It's the same characters, but the voice is different. It's what happens when you practice, learn, and (hopefully) improve. The same can be said of The Renfield Syndrome. The first thing my crit partners and beta readers told me was it was a better story because the writing was stronger.

That is a good thing.

However, all good comes with bad, and the bad is that I had to learn. All authors do. I spoke with Madelyn Ford today about the craft and the way we evolve as we go. For example -- grammar. I know many people harp on this (and it is important) but for most of us, even those who have college degrees, we took literature classes, not those which focused on the grammatical aspects of writing. Truth be told, I didn't learn about the various rules of grammar, the house styles at publishers, or how important it is to have a book without unneeded dialogue tags, simultaneous actions, etc, until I was published. I'll be the first to tell ya that I had no idea that blonde was for a woman and blond was for a man. I'd always assumed it was simply "blond." I also didn't know about passive voice, show versus tell, and other important things a solid editor will teach you. Believe me when I say there is a LOT to learn. You just need the proper guidance.

So why am I writing this blog? I suppose it's a way to tell those who want to be published that it's okay not to publish your first book. I've heard it said numerous times that an author is still trying to get their first book published because they love it and they know it's good. The thing is, your book probably is good and something people will enjoy. However, just as some might love it, others may not for the reasons listed above. Remember that it's okay to move to another project and try again. If and when you receive a contract, you'll learn, and you'll become a better author for it.

All of my editors are different. Some are strict about keeping character sheets with references of names and places. Others adhere to guidelines about dialogue tags, present participle phrases, and passive voice. Each one has their own way of doing things, but I'm grateful to each one, because the information they've shared is invaluable. It makes it easier for me to convey what I want to without being wordy, too informative, or slowing the progress of the book. It also means it's changed my voice, the way I create things, and the way I approach my books. In my opinion, my editors continue making me a better, stronger author. That is why I place so much importance on them, and why I trust them with my work when I sign a contract. Yes, they make mistakes. We all do. However, chances are they'll teach you something you didn't know and allow you to reference it in the next manuscript you pen.

I can tell you that I'm one of those authors who love to read, therefore I always root for new authors. In fact, a majority of my reading list is complied of new authors at the presses I'm with, or those I meet networking. Most probably won't tell you when they get a lukewarm review and point out that the reviewer is probably right, but I will. Why? Because none of us start out perfect. Hell, I don't want to be. Perfection means there is no room to improve, and I always want to be better.

I hope you are all enjoying your holiday weekend. Things are a bit chaotic here, with summer coming and Lori Foster's this week. I can't wait to visit those who are coming to the Reader and Author Gathering. Chatting with all of you is the icing on the cake for someone like me. As much as I love writing and my characters, they can't beat actual people. So I hope I see you there.

Love The Muse Sometimes

2011-05-27T19:19:00.001-05:00

I figured I'd share it here, since I just wrote a bit about the scenes that appeared in my head. Today Rhiannon decided to introduce me to someone else who will have a spin-off book series. I won't say who it is yet, as not to spoil, but I'm very excited. Sometimes you have to love the muse. :-)

As for books -- I've told a few people via emails and messages but I'm also going to do so here. I do not have a release date for The Renfield Syndrome. I've been directing those sorts of questions to my publisher, so if you're curious, please email them. Again, I write the books, I don't have a say in the other things.

As for upcoming releases: I've added two excerpts on the Aline Hunter website for Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon and Omega Mine. You can read them by clicking these links (excerpts are for adults, FYI):

Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon

Omega Mine

I'm off to write. I've really got to push it with summer around the corner. Don't forget I'm attending Lori Foster's this year, so I'll be unavailable from June 3rd - June 6th. Have a great weekend!

Omega Mine Cover

2011-05-26T13:18:00.001-05:00

I received the cover for Omega Mine today. I have to say, I really love it. ;-)

Talking Bloodlines with Skyla Dawn Cameron!

2011-05-25T07:54:00.000-05:00

Today I have the fabtastic author, Skyla Dawn Cameron, on the blog. She's more than your average bear as an editor, a writer, and cover artist. Today we're discussing her current release Bloodlines.

Hi, Skyla. Thanks for stopping by the blog to discuss the re-release of your book Bloodlines. I suppose my first question should relate to the revisions of the book. What did you change and how has the story been altered?

The bones of the story are mostly the same, though there’s more depth (including an extra couple of scenes) and the actual writing itself was given a facelift.

I first wrote the book back in...2004, I believe. I was still pretty green broke as a writer; Bloodlines was the fifth book I’d finished and I was twenty-two (compared to now, when I’ve finished eighteen novels with another dozen in various stages of completion at age twenty-eight). If you’re a writer who is fortunate to have your early work published, you’ll probably know what I mean when I say I cringe now when I think of my first published books. Nothing seems good enough. When I had the chance to revise Bloodlines for re-release, I jumped at it.

The book is over twenty thousand words heavier now. The plot is the same, most of the dialogue is the same, but it’s a smoother read that delves a lot deeper into the world and the characters. The ebooks exclusively sold at Mundania and the paperback copies also contain a bonus short story.

A lot of authors have characters they find it easy to return to. Is Zara one of those characters?

Oh yes. That’s the thing about Zara: she never stops talking to me. She loves any kind of attention and enjoys making things about her. Even in the books she doesn’t narrate, when she shows up to the party, things go a whole lot smoother for me.

Can you tell us how she came to you? Did her voice just appear in your mind one day?

The short answer is I was out for a walk with my dog one night and she just sort of appeared there on my shoulder; I saw the opening chapter immediately, and once she gave me her name, I couldn’t get rid of her.

The long answer is...Zara saved me.

I was a young housewife in a Very Bad Place—or, rather, the beginning of a Very Bad Place that would get unbearable within the next few years. I wasn’t allowed to work and didn’t have my own money, and when you don’t have money or require permission to spend it, you lack a lot of control and freedom.

Zara was the opposite of me. She didn’t rely on a man, she went anywhere and did anything she wanted, and she had money. Lots of it. Granted, most of it was earned by killing people, but every girl’s gotta make a living, right?

I had so much fun writing her story. It brought me a lot of joy when I needed it, saved my sanity when I thought I was losing it.

And Zara Lain exists in the book to save the woman she used to be, Ana—which was a parallel between us I only noticed when revising the novel recently. To quote a bit of the book here (vaguely spoilerish for the character):

Back then, he’d had all of me. I thought the world of that man, twelve years my senior. He was so smart, so handsome. Married off at sixteen, he was everything to me when I hadn’t a clue there existed a whole universe outside of being his wife.

He didn’t just kill Ana’s body—he killed Ana. He took something I’d never, ever get back, no matter how many years I lived. And so Zara was born: a narcissistic killer who would look out for herself and never lose part of herself to a man again.

Rest in peace, Ana.

Wow, powerful stuff! Let’s talk story. Do you pants or do you plot? Did you have a rough idea in mind when you started or did you slowly work your way to the finish line?

I was a devout pantser for years. I plotted my first finished novel but found things harder to write when I knew where they were going.

I’d say that started to change about a year and a half ago, but I can pinpoint the exact moment I moved closer to plotting territory. January 2010 I woke up with a book in my head (cliché, but true). I was fuzzy on some of the details, but I knew everything—the backstory and where the series was going. And now I find I’m more comfortable when I know the shape of the book and the major hinges ahead of time, which I think is just part of my own evolution as a writer. Here's a great example of what I'm talking about from Lili St. Crow.

Of course, Bloodlines was written well before that, so I just dove in with no idea of what was going on. I didn’t know who the villain was until the moment he revealed himself, which surprised me as much as anyone to realize I’d already slipped in hints and foreshadowing before I got to that point.

Were there any roadblocks along the way? If so, how did you overcome them?

With Bloodlines, not really, except that—at that point—I was writing in short creative bursts and if a book took longer than two to three weeks to write, I would get bored. I think sometimes writers get bored because the story is boring, but other times we just hit that slog during the last third of the book and the stupid thing WILL NOT DIE ZOMGJUSTDIEDIESTAB and it feels like it’ll never be over. As a young writer, when I hit that point I had to really push myself to finish. Now I can comfortably work on something over three months time, but back then it was two weeks or I’d step away for a year.

I wrote the first three quarters of Bloodlines over two weeks, and then drifted for a couple of months before I finished. What I should have done is just stuck my ass in the chair and typed, but I was practically a kid and therefore an idiot. I’ve learned my lesson now.

There are sequels to Bloodlines. What can readers expect in future installments?

People who aren’t Zara! LOL I have this need to be a little contrary, so the next two books feature a demon-hunting-nun as the narrator and then a suicidal/homicidal quarter demon. Zara is involved heavily in each of the books, however, and returns in the fourth one—Exhumed—to once again take over the reins. Each of the first three books touches on an overriding plot arc that comes to a head in books four and five.

Lastly, a question for aspiring authors out there: If you could give them one piece of advice when it comes to publishing/writing, what would it be?

Just one? I think it would be to separate the two—writing and publishing. Writing is for you. Publishing is to supply a product to readers. Sometimes they mix; sometimes they don’t. Not every person who writes should be published. Not every book written should be published. Pursing writing requires a totally different skill set than pursuing publishing, and you need both to make it in this business. And the best way to learn about the business? STFU and listen to people around you. Become a sponge and absorb knowledge—there’s lots of it out there. And if you don’t like what you hear and want to just write for the sake of writing, that’s perfectly okay. You are under no obligation from the universe to publish everything you write.

Thanks again for visiting the blog and for the fantastic advice! I’m wishing you much success and many sales of Bloodlines!

Thank you so much for having me!

Be sure to check this story out. You won't regret it! While you're at it, don't miss River, Skyla's award winning novel that put her on the map. You can purchase Bloodlines at Mundania Press and Amazon.com.

What's the Hold Up?

2011-05-24T08:07:00.000-05:00

Hiya. This post is half-emo, hence the image above (I figured a laugh would be a good). Recently I've received emails about two things:

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between in print.

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between at Barnes & Noble.

First, I apologize it's taking so long for print copies to arrive. I did speak with the folks at Mundania and I was told things were fine. It can take 2-3 weeks for the printer to get the books out to people, which is what I'm assuming the hold up is. And yes, the book will be available in print from Amazon.com (as well as Amazon.co.uk). As for Barnes & Noble, I'm guessing it's not showing up there yet since the print isn't available (I could be wrong). However, it is on Fictionwise in eBook format, which means (hopefully) it will appear on B&N soon.

Since school will be out soon and I'm super busy, I'd like to ask that if you have any questions about your purchases or availability that you contact Mundania Press. I'm certain they'll have better answers and right now it's difficult to respond to emails. Again, I'm sorry. I just write the books. I don't have control over release dates, print, or when the book will be available at retailers.

Have a wonderful week!

KLB Virtual Journey for Dead, Undead, or Somehwere in Between

2011-05-22T18:08:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow my virtual book journey with KLB Virtual Events begins. You can find out more (as well as the places Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between will be reviewed and prizes will be given away) by clicking the image above.

Thank you again for all the support! I'm going to attempt to return to The Ripple Effect tonight. Our oldest son has been ill, meaning I've not gotten much done. Thus is the life of a mother who tries to squeeze in writing where she can.

Don't Give Up

2011-05-18T22:53:00.008-05:00

I wanted to write this post for Romancing the Muses today. However, every time I started to write, something got in the way. It's now after ten o'clock, the kids are in bed, and I'm determined to do this blog even if it's not on the Muses (forgive me, ladies. It was a crap-o day. I'll do better next week).

All authors have highs and lows. We do the happy dance when we get contract offers. Our hearts sink when we get a rejection. It comes with the territory. However, there is something all aspiring authors (and authors who are published) have to keep in mind -- good things can and do happen.

Last year, I was emailed by an agent who had read Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between and was interested in my work. To say I was excited would be an understatement. She asked if she could call me, I told her yes, and we had a wonderful conversation. She asked me to email her my works in progress, so I did. She was interested in a couple, but the primary story she wanted me to finish was a paranormal romance. After she raved about the characters and the heat, I told her I'd wrap it up in eight weeks or less. I busted my rear to get the story done, and just before I left for Lori Foster's Annual Get Together (I told you it was a year ago) I was finished. I emailed the story to her, went to the convention, and all was right with the world.

After a few weeks, I became concerned. I emailed the agent again, waited, and received word a couple of weeks later that she was no longer with the agency and the story had been given to another agent. As you probably guessed, the agent passed on the manuscript and I was back to square one. What in the world did I do? I had this story, I thought it was decent, but where did I take it?

I won't lie, I'm very anxious about submitting to agents. Not that I don't want one, but the entire process can be draining. Each agent is so different, and their tastes vary. I decided to submit to three agents on my list and waited. They, too, passed on the story. So I decided to shelve the book, work on other things, and return to it later. Months down the road, I wrapped up Make Me Shiver, which got me thinking about the story agents didn't want. I subbed it to a couple of places the book just wasn't right for. It was too hot, honestly. Too sexual. Yes, there is a story, but there is also a lot of Hanky Panky. What in the world was I going to do? It was a completed manuscript that was just sitting around collecting dust.

Then I remembered why I started writing the book in the first place; my original goal for creating a novel as hot and sizzling as possible.

I wanted to submit to Ellora's Cave.

After I'd revised my query, did another edit, and had everything ready, I submitted the book and held my breath. I got an email a couple of weeks later telling me it had made it past test readers. If an editor was interested, I'd hear something soon. Another two weeks passed and I heard from an editor asking for a full. I thanked her for the interest in the story, submitted the full, and tried not to think about it.

A little over a week ago, I received an email from the editor offering me a contract for the story -- Omega Mine.

I suppose my point is that not everyone will love what you write. Editors see hundreds of stories each year (possibly more) and they take a risk on a new author. I have to thank my new editor, Ann Leveille, for giving me a shot. Yes, the difficult times before my acceptance at EC sucked. There was even a time when I considered keeping the book for me and never sharing it with anyone. Fortunately, I continued having faith that there was someone out there who would connect with what I'd created.

So when you're struggling, when you've written something and it seems like you'll never get there, don't give up. If you need to revise your manuscript, do so. If you're rejected at one house, consider another. If you've given the agent route a shot, consider the very viable option of e-publishing. There are ways to share your work with the world. You just have to keep pushing on, have faith, and never give up.

There's my inspiration for the week. If my luck holds, I'll return to The Ripple Effect this weekend.

Onto Happier Things!

2011-05-18T08:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay, enough about reviews and all that jazz! I wanted to let you all know about the upcoming trip to Lori Foster's Annual Reader and Author Get Together. My totally awesome crit partners Madelyn Ford and Rosalie Stanton are attending. We've decided to shake things up by creating a gift basket that will be used for charity. Inside you'll receive autographed books from us, a few other goodies, and a KINDLE. You heard me right. A Kindle will also be inside our basket.

There will also be baskets from other authors to bid on. You simply buy tickets (last year they were a dollar each) and place them in the boxes in front of the baskets you'd like to win. I'm very exited about this, since last year we didn't do one.We've discussed it for most of the year, and now it's finally going to happen. Huzzah for fun and free stuff!

That trip is June 3rd -- June 5th. If you're interested, you can find out more details HERE. I hope to see some of you there. I love chatting with people, visiting with my friends, and having a great time.