Monday, September 27, 2010

~Meet Wicked Leanore~

Hello folks! Please put your hands together and welcome Wicked Leanore dubbed by me, Wicked One.  

  
CK: Please, tell us how and when you launched your fabulous writing career.

In 2007, my kids retired me from working. They told me to write and pursue my dream. I had worked on a novel on and off for ten years. I set out to learn and become educated in all aspects of writing. This novel is now
Soul Sacrifice The Soul Trilogy the second book was released September 25th By Silver Publishing.
Soul Betrayal


CK:  Where did you submit your first story?

Well, that’s a “Bad story” of a publisher that will remain unnamed. I learned the hard way through this experience, to always check out the publisher with sources such as Predators and Editors. This pub was a definite predator.


CK:  Do you write full time? If not, how do you fit writing into your busy schedule? 

Yes, all the time at an obsessive pace. I wrote a novel full length at 50-k edited it and submitted it to my publisher (Knight Romance) in 12 days time! It was so pretty and polished that it will be out in e-book and print by the end of October. I wrote it September 1st 2010!


CK:  Please, tell us, what are the pros and cons of being a published author?

I am sorry, but I am one of those positive saps. I only see the chance to be read. Yes, there are bad reviews, bad publishers and retailers; along with submitting your life away to a hundred different Publishers in a hundred different ways. But I don’t care about all of that. I just care about being a GOOD writer. 


CK:  Would you do us the honor of providing a sneak peek of your most recent project, if possible?

Oooh yes, Nowhere, Arizona: The Sunset Warrior, Book One (my 12 day novel) By Knight Romance Publishing written especially for their “Nocturnal Seduction Line”
Strawberry.jpg

Madeline is a driven Executive from Los Angeles and she finds herself stranded in Nowhere, Arizona. She meets Devon and he is so different from any man she’s ever met. He sets out to seduce her in many different ways, to get her to be true to her wild self and to let go of that cold, power hungry world that she has always lived in.
 ~~~~~~
He stood tall and his tan skin looked dark in the low light of the cave, his abdominal muscles rippled under the glow of the torches.
She struggled and her body seemed to writhe with this wild need.
“Woman?” he called.
She panted and heaved while her angry eyes glared at him.
He slyly motioned his head to the wall as he crossed his arms over his bare chest.
She swallowed through the gag. No, don’t look Maddy, don’t! Her head turned of its own volition and she stared.
The next drawing had the man’s face between the woman’s legs. The woman’s expression was of pure ecstasy.
She felt a shudder and she grew wet.
He stood back and watched her. His face remained impassive.
She looked at him and shook her head. Oh, god, oh god! She felt a pulsing run through her.
He stepped closer.
She was breathing heavily. I want him to! I need to feel his...No! He is trying to...Her thoughts whirled around as she felt his hot breath on her skin. Her body grew rigid.
“Do you want it?” He whispered low.
Her body quivered with the words and she shook her head.
He smiled at the lie, “I shall give you a small taste.” He lifted his head with the words. “Do you...?”
Her eyes rounded. Taste salty and sweet? Her thoughts finished the sentence.
There was flicker of something that passed through his eyes.
“Dev!” She tried to scream through the gag. It came out as a muffled scream.
He applied his tongue onto her tender skin.
Her whole body shivered.
His hands drew up and he opened her folds with his fingers. He placed his warm lips over her exposed clit.
“Mmmm...” She jumped as she felt it throb and harden.
 He slid his tongue up and then back down over it with a rapid motion and then he slowed his tonguing as he tilted her hips up. He pulled her open wider and stuck his rigid hot tongue into her, he literally thrusted her with it...... 


CK:  Please share one of your earlier novels with us.

All of my novels I have worked on for the past three years, getting them edited and publisher worthy. Submitting them to many publishers took up most of that time. Today: Beasts Of Forever was released by Wild Horse Press, it is one of a three- book series. The unique premise will make these tales popular in the Erotic Paranormal Genre with sexy Humanesque gargoyles that are insatiable, when it comes to getting satisfied. I call them “My Erotic Epiphany.”
~~~~
She did not feel fear, instead she felt something else. She spun out of his arms and stepped back.
He drew closer, placing his hands onto her arms.
She felt her own sharp nails digging into her palms. Something was happening to her body she felt a violence taking over. 
"Go ahead and fight me, but it is the only way." He pulled her close.
She felt the hardness of him stabbing at her thighs and she grew wet.
"Fight you?" She whispered. "I have wanted---"
He covered her mouth with his and her words melted. He kissed her for a long moment with a fierce possession. He pulled away and turned her around, moving her up against the dresser.
Their strange rippling reflections were there in the mirror.
She was panting now and she could not breathe. She felt on fire as though she were burning.
His eyes were glowing as he stared at her face. He picked her up by her hips and bent her over, the small mirror above the dresser casting his forceful movements. He eased two fingers into her.
 She gasped.
He watched her face in the mirror while he thrust them in and out. "It is better that you see all the ways you will turn for me..." His deep voice purred at her.
She spread her legs wider in order to get more.
He thrust his fingers deeper in side of her. "You will be filled all the way up with me."
Her eyes dilated again and she thrust herself down onto his fingers with abandon.
"I knew you would be willing." He slid two more fingers in.
"Yes, please more!" She panted and moved her hips around.
He removed his fingers. 
She gasped loudly, feeling a forlorn emptiness. I am going insane. I act as though I will die if he does not fuck me. What is happening to me? 
He continued to look at her face in the mirror as he lifted her hips. Me, that’s what has happened.
She heard his words echo in her mind while she looked into his eyes. 
"There will be no stopping this, Constance," he spoke aloud.
 A wild, crazy need surged through her and she thrashed her body around. "I need…" Her words came in gasps, "Please Jack!" Her juices flowed down her legs.
His eyes narrowed while reaching down and he swiped a finger through it. "You have proved that you need it," he spoke low into her ear. 
The vibrating sound of his voice seemed to cause a spasm in her body.
He lowered her down onto him and plunged deep.


CK:  Oh dear, I need a little ice water because that was so hot Wicked One. Ahem--Um, now where we? Where do you see yourself two years from now? 

Well, my dream-sights are closer than that. I feel that by the middle of 2011, I will be read on a wide scale. I channeled these stories as though I was merely a witness and I write down what I see. Others will see how unique and intriguing these tales are. I do write depth to my characters too, it’s not all just hot sex, you know? The stories and suspense escalate and while emotions are high? That’s when we have the great sex! (Wicked-giggle)


CK:  What are your hobbies? 

My huge family, yes I call them my hobby, though they do come first. Because there’s writing and then there’s: A hubby of 29 years, a fulltime job of chasing a three year old, endless pets that include 8 cats, 3 dogs, fish and a mountain lizard. Six 20 somethings’ live here with my writer-Hubby and I, and their drama would keep anyone occupied. With all the huge meals and clean-up? I also have a jungle garden that I raised from my own two green thumbs.


CK:  How do you unwind?  

I get away by getting into the stories. It’s like I get to read and write them at the same time and I feel so lucky to be able to do that! I know it’s dumb, but like I said; OBSESSED!


CK:  No dear, that isn't dumb. That is how our stories come to us. Sometimes you get a little choked up, especially with an emotional scene, and sometimes you just burst out laughing over a funny scene, and well, there are those hot scenes that make you squirm in your seat. LOL Now, do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life? 

I have a highly talented Muse and she is oh, so, wicked. I even named her ‘Wicked Leanore’ in fact. There are no limits to what she may show me and readers are gonna feel like I do about these Romantica Tales that she spins. They are gonna eat it up, because it makes you feel so... out of yourself and away from the real world and you end up...Satisfied?


CK:  What methods of research do you utilize? 

I do enough so that I know what I am speaking about. I wanted so very much to use the Hualapai Indian language in the Nowhere Series. But alas, there was almost none on record. So, I avoided using it. The research for my gargoyle beasts took me on a long journey and I was wowed by their long vibrant history, it reinforced my feeling of reality with those sexy beasts. For the Soul books? I learned Cajun and Creole “Quoi faire!” And say it... For True! 

CK:  Where can you be found on the internet? 

Several places: One is My Facebook Tribute Page and you just cannot miss SOUL CIRCLE my huge colorful website. Its a true Phenom Library of 150 books where I promote 85 authors!
Soul Redemption


 CK: Awesome, you are a true gem for what you do, and I would like to say, thank you. Authors promoting authors is where it's at. What advice can you pass on to new writers? 

Forget YOUR Ego, period and add an exclamation point to that. Perfect your grammar, punctuation and learn the rules for dialogue! Watch for redundancy and repeated phrases, find ways to shorten it when it’s too long. Don’t have an ego about most of your critic’s remarks. Instead, look at it again and see if they have a point. Learn to use you word processor properly and remember that there is no such thing as the “Perfect” book. Meaning: it can never be good enough. So go over it and over it. Or, hire an experienced editor. This will make or break your career.


CK:  Awesome advice, my dear! Leanore Elliott thank you so much for sharing. It was awesome having you here today! 

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Guest Blogger Yvonne Nicolas

Happy Saturday folks! Please give a warm welcome for my guest blogger, and author of Black Rayne Silent Screams, Yvonne Nicolas. This is book one of The Dragon Queen Series. First, let me say, this book is riveting! The cover attracted me, and after reading the excerpt on Yvonne's FB page, I purchased it. What can I say, if you're a lover of the paranormal, this is a must have. To sum it up, Black Rayne Silent Screams is a dark read that pulls you in from the beginning and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. This series is going to go far, I can feel it. I see it as a NY best seller. A movie should be made..
Oh, and don't even get me started on Demetri. Mr. Suave, 17th century nobleman dude that has the power to melt the panties off you with a mere gaze. Now, that's my kind of vampire. He's so intriguing and mesmerizes you with his first appearance. If death presented itself to me in the form of Demetri, I'd be more than willing to embrace it.  Damn, how dark is that? Buy the book. If you're a true lover of the vampire, you'll be able to relate once you read it....

                                            * * *

Thank you for having me Charisma! I’m honored to be here.
Five years ago if someone told me I’d be an author one day, I would’ve laughed at them. In the back of my mind, I had always wondered if I could write an erotic novel, but was content with just reading them. I remember the day I sat down at my computer and told myself I was going to give writing a try.
Two authors in particular were my inspiration. Zane and Anne Rice.
After I realized I could actually write a book, I wrote, Designing Love. The idea for this novel came to me while working as an Architectural Designer for a small firm in Florida. The storyline for this one came easy to me and the love scenes came even easier.
The hero in the story, Devon, has the attitude many architects have to this day. Arrogance, yet brilliant. On the other hand, Josephine shares his brilliance, but is humble about her work, which mirrors the personality of a friend of mine who is a fabulous interior designer.
In my head, their love affair started out as a sweet romance. By the time it streamed from my brain to my fingers, it became a hot, steamy bowl of lust. LOL! Hey, what can I say? That’s where my muse takes me.
I appreciate and love all of the emails I’ve received from readers expressing their enjoyment of my writing. And to answer the question that many have asked, yes, I am writing a sequel to Designing Love.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you who support me. As long as God spares me with life and health, I’ll continue to wow the readers with my off the wall tales.
Black Rayne Silent Screams was a novel I’d wanted to write for some years, but was too chicken to do it since the very idea of it was pushing boundaries and breaking rules. Rules are made to be broken, right? *grin*
This story played over and over again in my mind as a dark journey where there are many obstacles and unrestrained sexual desire along the way. After being persuaded by a few friends, I typed my thoughts out and the edgy urban fantasy was born.
The idea to put a 17th century nobleman with a 21st century hip-hop diva seemed farfetched at first thought, but I somehow made it work. Though they are total opposites in every way, shape and form, they are drawn together by the sheer fabric of dark passion and the duty to protect a world that has no knowledge of the impending doom that’s about to fall upon them.
The next book in the series is Black Rayne Scarlet Moon. Like Silent Screams, this story is filled with lust, action and death. But on this one, I had to push the boundaries ju-u-ust a little further. *snicker*
You can find both novels and Red Rose Publishing.

Black Rayne Silent Screams Blurb

R&B sensation Sharayna “Rayne” Piers lives a life dedicated to her music. On stage and in the studio, she pours her heart and soul into the lyrics of her songs. But every since her twentieth birthday, her seemingly normal life has taken a turn to the dark side.
Piercing screams and horrid visions of horrendous acts of murder haunt her night and day. Women similar to her in age are vanishing all over the world without a trace, leaving Rayne wondering if the mass of disappearances are connected with her visions.
Soon she will discover that the world she was raised in is just a cover to what really hides in the shadows, and that her life as a human is a deception to mankind, a guise to conceal her true nature. Will she shun the darkness that has befallen her or step up to the throne to become what she was created to be…the Dragon Queen?
Black Rayne Silent Screams
                             
                                                           Excerpt

Rayne’s heart began to thump erratically. A static charge started at her head then worked its way down to her toes. In waves, it rolled back up her body and left the center of her back pulsating.
Bewildered, she dropped her eyes to the ground and reached back to brush her fingers over the dragon tattoo she had slapped on her back years ago in Hong Kong.
Why was it throbbing?
In the thick of her confusion, time shifted in slow motion, and then everything went mute. No longer could she hear the sounds of cars whizzing by, or the chatter of the people walking along the strip. She could only hear the rapid heartbeat knocking against her chest.
A presence, she felt a presence that made her insides churn. She’d felt this presence before, in her mind. Could it be him? Demetri? Had he actually found her? Nervously, she clutched the end of her shirt and scanned the area for just a glimpse of him. No one stood out. No one even looked her way.
Was he teasing her, or was her mind truly playing tricks on her? Damn!
Along the side of the street, a cab pulled up next to her. The driver, a middle aged man with a cropped haircut and broad smile, stepped out of the car, trotted around it and opened the back door for her. Compelled, she found herself sliding into the vehicle without a question asked.
It was a quiet ten minute ride to the beach. Still smiling, the driver helped her out then waved for her to follow him. The rubber soles of her Tims dug into the sand as they trudged along the deserted beach.
Off in the horizon, the pale pink tint from the moon beamed over the small waves in the ocean and the light grains of sand. They sparkled under her appraisal like a trillion tiny diamonds in the spotlight.
The driver led her to a small gazebo with sheer red curtains covering the openings. Through the transparent fabric, a chaise lounge sat in the center of it. On the side was a tall bucket filled with ice, chilling a large bottle of wine. Long metal torches set on either side of the shelter added to the glow already cast from the orb above.
She turned to question the driver to find him nowhere in sight.
A sudden breeze blew ripples over the water and pushed the curtain back, as if to welcome her into the cozy enclosure. Swallowing hard, she moved forward.
“Do you like it?” A deep croon brushed the side of her neck.
Startled, she whirled around and tumbled back. Before she could hit the ground, a pair of hands caught her. She was drawn against a hard body. Her breath came out in shorts spurts as his arms circled her waist.
“Oh God,” was all she could whimper.
Deathly afraid to look up in his face, she clutched the lapels of his jacket and squeezed her eyes shut. Panic picked at her nerves then she realized she was holding her breath.
Breathe Rayne, breathe.
This was no dream, nor vision. It was actually happening. The alluring scent of him swirled around her. He smelled so good she almost passed the hell out.
His fingers slipped beneath her chin and tilted her face up to his. “At your request, I am here for you.”
She opened her eyes and her next breath got caught in her throat.
Jet black, wavy hair draped his broad shoulders, and framed his porcelain face. Accented by a fan of thick black lashes, bright and exotic eyes, shimmering like the ocean beneath a full moon, were fixed on her.
Never in her life had she seen a man so incredibly beautiful. Just looking at him made every muscle in her body tingle.
“Demetri?” she whispered, giving into the shudders ripping up and down her spine.
His sexy lips curved up in a smirk, enhancing his beauty as he slowly removed her shades. “Hello, Angel.”

* * * *

Extra Excerpt
Dark Rapture
Bound by his sweetly spoken command, Rayne closed her eyes. Pure rapture flowed beneath his skin. Her nipples hardened and stung, her clit ached to be touched. Her breathing hitched as he drew her closer to him. She slipped her palm around his neck. His hands circled her waist then slid over the curve of her ass.
The temperature between their bodies rose to a blazing inferno. His veins began to pulsate beneath her touch.
She felt the blood, sensed it—the new evil blood that coursed through his being. This blood aroused her, called to her. It evoked a yearning within her, which kindled a ravenous fire. She wanted it. Her lips quivered with the need for a taste.
Digging his fingers within her hair, he inhaled deeply, pressing his lips against her temple. “Feel it,” he whispered.
Suddenly, gut wrenching screams entered her mind followed by images of unfamiliar faces, tortured faces, bloodless faces. Gasping, she withdrew her hands and attempted to pull away, but he locked his arms around her waist and held her against him.
“Embrace it,” he demanded hauntingly.
Her mind was swamped with panic, but she couldn’t erase the need to have him inside of her. She felt so damn twisted. “You killed them.”
“I did,” he responded softly, teasing the few strands of hair hanging along the side of her face. “You knew I would before I left you tonight.” The flames from the floating candles flickered violently with his words. “You knew I needed to, didn’t you?”
Not able to form words, she shook her head. Would it always be this complex while with him, torn between being scared shitless and horny out of her mind?

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

~Guest Author Felicity Heaton~

Hello everyone, I'd like to present my guest author, Felicity Heaton! Put up your feet and grab a cup of your favorite coffee and check out Felicity's newest release!


Bio:
Felicity Heaton is a romance author writing as both Felicity Heaton and F E Heaton. She is passionate about penning paranormal tales full of vampires, witches, werewolves, angels and shape-shifters, and has been interested in all things preternatural and fantastical since she was just a child. Her other passion is science-fiction and she likes nothing more than to immerse herself in a whole new universe and the amazing species therein. She used to while away days at school and college dreaming of vampires, werewolves and witches, or being lost in space, and used to while away evenings watching movies about them or reading gothic horror stories, science-fiction and romances.

Having tried her hand at various romance genres, it was only natural for her to turn her focus back to the paranormal, fantasy and science-fiction worlds she enjoys so much. She loves to write seductive, sexy and strong vampires, werewolves, witches, angels and alien species. The worlds she often dreams up for them are vicious, dark and dangerous, reflecting aspects of the heroines and heroes, but her characters also love deeply, laugh, cry and feel every emotion as keenly as anyone does. She makes no excuses for the darkness surrounding them, especially the paranormal creatures, and says that this is their world. She's just honoured to write down their adventures.



Author: Felicity Heaton
Title: Her Dark Angel
Genre: Paranormal Angel Romance
Format: Ebook
Length: 30,000 words / novella / 124 pages
Heat level: Hot
Price: $2.99
Publisher: Alinar Publishing
Release Date: 28th August 2010
Series: Her Angel (all stories cross-over by character only, not plot, so it's a stand alone), First book in series
Link: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/herdarkangel/
Amazon sales link: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Dark-Angel-ebook/dp/B00408AQ98/

Blurb: 
An angel without a mission, Apollyon lives trapped in Hell guarding the bottomless pit. Surrounded by endless darkness, he longs to fly free on Earth once more but his master hasn't called him in centuries. When the call finally comes, it's to serve a new master, a beautiful woman he has often watched over, a woman who has always captivated him.

Serenity is shocked when a gorgeous black-winged angel shows up in her city of Paris claiming that she called him when she was only casting a simple vengeance spell. He's no other than the angel of death! When Apollyon offers to obey her and help her have revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend, she can't resist the temptation, but can she resist him? Can an angel as dark as Apollyon ever fall for a mortal woman like her?

Their charade as lovers quickly becomes reality when one dance leads to another and Apollyon proves that he's as sinful as he looks. His sensual and hungry touch brings Serenity back to life, freeing her from the hurt of being betrayed and reigniting her passion, but she can't ignore her growing fear. Lost in their moment together, Apollyon realises that there is a reason he heard her call—he's in love with her.

But will Serenity see past the wings and believe that Apollyon returns her feelings and won't hurt her? When her ex-boyfriend asks her to forgive him and be with him again, will she take the easy route or will she find the courage to fly away with her dark angel?

Dark, passionate and erotic, Her Dark Angel is a tale of intense desire and deepest forbidden love guaranteed to get your heart racing.
EXCERPT:


“Oh God, you’re going to kill me.”

 Apollyon frowned at her. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“It’s what you do.” There was accusation in her tone and a hint of bravery.

Courage in the face of death?

A moment ago, she had been fleeing him and now she looked ready to fight.

“I have not done such a thing in a very long time.” He sighed. It was never going to leave him. Spend a few centuries as the angel of death and no one forgets. Everyone presumes you’re still in charge of taking life’s final breath from mortals. Still, it was better than the other rumour that he was the Devil. “There is a fleet of angels who do it now.”

She didn’t look as though she believed him. Her hands trembled in front of her.

“I didn’t ask for my powers. Please don’t take me there.”

“Where?” His patience was wearing thin again and he seemed to be unable to get his question out into the open. He tracked back over what she had said.

Powers?

“All the fires of Hell are in your wake... I don’t want to go there. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Apollyon looked behind him. All he could see was Paris. The edge of the stone bridge and the murky river, and the city beyond.

“You are gifted.” He looked back at her, deep into her hazel eyes. She nodded. Was this how she had called him? He frowned and looked at the fountains at the other end of the bridge behind him and then at her. “What were you doing there?”

She looked past him, blinked a few times, and then her eyebrows rose. “Nothing really. Contemplating life, I guess, and how shitty it was.”

“You did not ask for anything?” He stepped closer to her and this time she didn’t back away. She kept staring at the fountain with wide eyes. Tears lined her dark lashes. All of her fear disappeared and the pain returned. She clutched her hands to her chest, and he felt the hurt well up inside her, overwhelming her.

“Revenge,” she whispered and her gaze darted to him. “I asked for vengeance against that cheating bastard.”

Cheating? A sinner?

She had called for vengeance and he had heard her, and he had felt compelled to answer and accept her mission. He couldn’t. Contracting with her would break the one between him and his master.

Apollyon looked at her, studying her pale beauty.

She had called him and he had come. She was his master now. He had accepted the mission and the contract the moment he had left Hell.

He was going to get into trouble for this.

It had been a while since he had been on Earth though, and although the angels who watched over mortals now tolerated the old sins and only took them into account at death rather than punished the sinner during their life, he did still hate some of them.

Infidelity in particular.

“Are you really here to kill me?”

Apollyon smiled and a hint of colour touched her cheeks. “You called me and I came to you, not to take your life but to ease your suffering.”

She swallowed and looked as though she was going to deny that she was in pain. Apollyon stepped up to her and touched her face. Her skin was warm, soft, and felt good beneath his fingertips. He caressed her cheek, placed his fingers under her chin, and raised her eyes to his.

“Whatever he did to you, I will make him suffer for it, but no man is worth such tears. Your heart will heal in time and you will love again.”

Her hazel eyes searched his.

Apollyon stared deep into them, feeling a strange warmth travel along his hand from where his fingertips touched her face. It chased through him and finally settled in his chest, burning there, stirring feelings that he had long forgotten existed.

“I will give you the revenge you seek.”

Those words were distant to his ears even though they issued from his lips.

He was lost in her eyes, in the way she was looking at him with so much warmth.

Was it gratitude that made her look that way?

Or was it something else?

“Are you a goddess?” he whispered, trying to keep his thoughts on track and on his mission.

She shook her head, moving his fingers with her, and licked her lips. He made the mistake of looking at them, watching the soft pink tip of her tongue sweep over them. A surge of hunger swept through him and he took his hand away, shocked by the strength of his desire and the suddenness of it.

“I’m a witch,” she said, matter of fact, with a little shrug.

Apollyon stared at her. Was he making a terrible mistake by helping her? A part of him said to leave now before it was too late and he became too deeply involved with her.

He couldn’t though.

She had cast a spell on him.

And he was a slave to her.



* * *


Want to learn more about Felicity? You can visit her at:


Links:
website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk
blog: http://felicityheaton.blogspot.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/feheaton





Paranormal Romances with Passion


Author of:
In Heat -- best selling hot shapeshifter romance series
Vampires Realm -- critically acclaimed paranormal romance series
Sons of Lyra -- best selling science fiction romance series
Daughters of Lyra -- best selling science fiction romance series

Monday, September 20, 2010

Upcoming Releases, Updates and WIPs

Hey folks, happy Monday to you! I just wanted to let you know, my upcoming release date, Revealing Thorn has been changed from 10/26 to 10/29. Not sure if this will change or not, it is a huge possibility. Anyway, as you know, this is the anthology Amira Press invited me to. I'm close to finishing edits, and will turn these in some time late this evening or tomorrow.




My Dark Lord and Master is due for release mid-October, I just received the book cover today! It is part of their Halloween anthology, so I'm really excited! Check out the short blurb below!


Blurb:

Ever wonder what dreams and fantasies are made of? Some believe one mirrors the other. Perhaps a fantasy is based upon a dream you had one restless night. Maybe a dream, once a fantasy has presented itself to you in the form of a half man, half beast, conjured by the darkest depths of your imagination.


Once manifestation has occurred, how will you react when your dark Lord and Master projects you into his domain, placing his mark upon you for all eternity? When it is all said and done, would you regret the strong power of imagination?


Another update is, I have two more stories that have decided to make themselves known. Characters have screamed and thrown hissy fits for release, and I've granted their wish! This first story idea was created just last Wednesday, and manifested Thursday. So far, I'm over 11,000 words. I have a few pages on the other story, but it will grow. The second one is a shorty, probably will be no more than 5,000 or 7,000, that just depends. My first baby, well, let's just say, that remains to be seen.

I'll post more on Thorn and Lena's blossoming relationship once edits have been completed. Until then, check you later.  ; )

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

~* Spotlight on Author Stacy-Deanne*~

CK:  Hello folks! We've got a special treat here for you today.  ; )  Please welcome Crime/Mystery and Interracial Romance Novelist, Stacy-Deanne!!


Hey Stacy-Deanne! I see you’ve been writing professionally since the age of nineteen! Please, tell us how you launched your fabulous writing career.

SD:  Well I never intended to become a writer professionally to be honest. I always loved reading as a child and people told me I had special talent for writing stories when I was younger. It wasn’t until I got my first computer and began writing my very first story that I decided I wanted to try and become published. It was like a bolt of lightening hit because from the moment I started with that very first book, something awoke inside of me and I knew this was what I was put on earth to do.


CK:  Where did you submit your first story?

SD:   I submitted my very first story many places. It didn’t go anywhere. Then some years later after I’d written many other manuscripts, I flipped the script. I decided to write this music bio chronicling some of the late 90’s and early- 2000’s most popular black singers. It’s true that you never know what gets you in the door because that was my first book published. I submitted it to Amber Communications Group, Inc. formerly known as Amber Books. ACGI is the biggest independent publisher of self-help guides and biographies for black books and audiences. It was a wonderful experience and I am grateful for it but I knew it wouldn’t last because my heart was always with fiction.

CK:   Do you write full time? If not, how do you fit writing into your busy schedule?

SD:   Right now I am just writing. I still have a busy schedule because I treat it just like any other job. I am always working on something and I am very disciplined.

CK:  Please, tell us, what are the pros and cons of being a published author?

SD:  Wow. I could write a book on THIS. LOL. I’ll start with the positive side.

The pros for me is that my work is being read and appreciated. I can’t see an author wanting anymore than that. I admit I like the attention and prestige that comes with being published. I like how new writers look up to me for advice and I love helping if I can. What I like the most is that I am able to fulfill my dream of writing it and sharing with people all over the world.  Being published makes you feel special and appreciative because you’ve gone through that struggle yourself of trying to become published, you finally do it and man it’s amazing. So many doors open up to you. You’re accepted into the crust of the industry. You meet wonderful people. You feel like a star sometimes. LOL.

As for cons, people don’t realize that there are as many cons to being published as unpublished.

The biggest con is criticism. People think they can say anything they want about an author or an author’s book yet the author has to always remain rigid and professional. It’s a mess in the industry if you hang around the wrong people. Your name can get dragged into drama. You have to deal with jealousy from other writers. Another thing is that once you’re published you aren’t just writing for yourself anymore. Whenever I write a story I always have a bunch of folks in my head wondering what they will think. I write with my agent in mind, my publisher, my audience, book reviewers, etc. Also the self-doubt sometimes can be very weird. You start to measure yourself by others’ perceptions of what you are. You also put pressure on yourself because you want each and every book to be good and to sell. Authors are not just writers these days. We’re promoters, business people and a ton of other things.

CK:  You know, I totally feel you about people saying anything they want about an author and their work. We can take our lumps, and deal with constructive criticism, but there is a way for folks to get their point across; tastefully, without being mean spirited and hateful. Bashing an author, or their work is simply uncalled for.  

With that said, won't you please do us the honor of providing a sneak peek of your most recent project, if possible?

SD:  Oh you got it! Let me do a quick background on it. This is my fourth book and my first installment in the Bree & Steven crime/mystery and interracial series. Those who read my last novel, “Melody” remember these two as the detectives who appeared in the book. Well now they have their own series starting with “Giving Up the Ghost” which comes out 2011!

Sneak peek:

Albany Detective Brianna “Bree” Morris is having the year from hell. A sadistic admirer has been stalking her for months and now her friend Cheyenne Wilson has been beaten and left for dead.

With her ex-lover and faithful partner, Steven Kemp, Bree thrusts herself into the case. It’s not long before they believe two unrelated British men are connected to the attack. Michael is a womanizing artist with a ferocious appetite for rough sex. Simon is a wealthy free spirit looking for love in all the wrong places, but has one too many skeletons in his closet.

Bree struggles to determine fact from fiction when it comes to Michael and
Simon but her attempts are blurred by Michael's manipulation and her sexual attraction to Simon, who Steven’s convinced cannot be trusted.

Meanwhile the stalker does everything in his power to get close to Bree and his obsession evokes a spiral of violence.

Bree must trust her heart to find answers but her heart leads her to the most dangerous man of all.

CK:  Wow, I must check out your books. Please, by all means, share one of your earlier novels with us. 

No problem. My last novel, “Melody” is a mystery and crime thriller as well as interracial romance book. It’s about a young Latina woman (Melody) who is half-white. She fights to prove that her sister’s new boyfriend is not the charming man everyone thinks he is. Meanwhile there is a stalker in the city of Albany who is raping black women. Detectives Steven Kemp and Brianna Morris are thrust in the case. The book won two YGA Literary Awards for 2008.  "Melody” is the perfect IR book because not only are the two sisters mixed, but they are both in interracial relationships and Brianna and Steven deal with their past romance as well.

CK:  Whoa chica, cool!! Excellent story line you have there, and totally digging the cover. Now tell me, where do you see yourself two years from now?

SD:   I don’t even try to guess these days, LOL. I used to have things planned out but as time goes on I realize that writing is not a career where you can plan out things. Of course I have goals of what I hope to accomplish and I am proud to say that so far I’ve accomplished at least one of those goals every year but I have no idea what will happen in two years. I can see myself writing for sure, but that’s about all that’s definite. I’ll never stop writing.

CK:  What are your hobbies?

SD:   I love surfing the net because I love researching and learning new things. I’m into photography, art, reading, music and movies.

CK:  How do you unwind?

SD:   I just try to relax, take in a good movie or book. Writing also helps me unwind and relieves stress. It’s therapeutic.

CK:  Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?

SD:   Imagination. The folks I have come in contact with aren’t people I’d wanna base characters on. I am not the kind of writer who likes to base characters on folks I know.

CK:  What methods of research do you utilize?

SD:   The Internet. What else is needed these days? LOL.

CK:  Well, there is the library, but the net is more convenient.  LOL Where can you be found on the internet?

SD:  Tons of places but lately I’ve been on Facebook a lot. I urge people to send me a friend request and I’ll add them!  You can also find a display of icons that shows the Ning sites I am on at http://www.stacy-deanne.net. Of course you can Google to track me down too. I frequent general sites as well as writing sites especially those pertaining to interracial romance and interracial fiction.

CK: What advice can you pass on to new writers?

SD:  The most important is be realistic. I’d also say make sure you really want to become published because it’s a lot of work. You’ll be doing something where no matter how good you are or how talented you might still never accomplish this goal. You should write first of all because you love it then if you wanna try to seek publication, research! I can’t stress this enough. You need to read everything you can about writing a publishable manuscript and about how publishing really works. After that you make your own decision about what path to publication you wanna take. Different strokes for different folks.

CK:  Hear hear! Stacy, I want to thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. It was awesome having you here today! I’m glad our paths crossed!

SD:  I loved it, Charisma! Thanks for being so supportive.  Before I go I’d like to throw some love to my new publisher, the award-winning Peace in the Storm. Don’t you love that title? PITS and its authors are doing great things and I urge folks to check out PITS’ talented authors and titles!
http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com

Last but not least you IR readers and fans, put “Giving Up the Ghost” on your 2011 wish list! It’s gonna be hot! Definitely add me at Facebook to get the latest info about the book and what I’m doing!

Thanks again!

CK:  Anytime! Best wishes to you in all you do!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Indy Day #2 ~ Qualifying

Okay, today was an awesome day as well. We didn't walk around much, just sat and watched the teams qualify for the actual race which starts some time Sunday, around noon.

Today, Ben Spies came in first, Jorge Lorenzo was second, and Nicky Hayden was third! I'm loving the Ducati team, but I must say, I have a great respect for all the drivers. Wow, they are awesome because they are doing something they totally love, making lots of money, earning much respect, and setting the standard for all other riders!

Didn't take any photos today, but will catch up tomorrow!


ck


Friday, August 27, 2010

Indianapolis MotoGP Friday Practice

Howdy folks! I'm on vacation here in Indianapolis, and totally loving it!! The air is fresher, people are not in a hurry, and are very, very pleasant. Ah, just the change of scenery has pepped me up!

Got up this morning, ate breakfast, and hit the gym for an hour! I've been such a slug when it comes to that.  Loving the elliptical trainer and treadmill. I lifted some weights, and spent 3 1/2 hours at the track. So, I've had my exercise for the day.  Tomorrow, going back to the gym before going to the track. Seriously, used to work out seven days a week, and started slacking off for the past two years. Need to make that change.

Thinking I need to cut down on my internet time, too. Sad but true, but I'm an internet addict! I haven't been in front of the computer since yesterday morning. Okay, still utilizing the CrackBerry, even while at the track. LOL That's okay though, I'll never separate from the CrackBerry!! NEVER!!!!

We left Maryland Yesterday at 2 p.m, and arrived to Indianapolis at 10:30 p.m., making only one stop. I enjoyed riding through Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Those states are beautiful, and I will stop on the way back home Monday to take some pics. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous, need some pics to look at for serenity purposes. Ha Ha!! Especially when I go back to the ole day job Wednesday!  : (

Well, I got to see the guys practice today, and it was pretty awesome. There are eighteen riders, and ten different teams. Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo are my favorite drivers on the Fiat Yamaha team. They are two of the top riders. Then, there is Dani Pedrosa of Repsol Honda. My favorites on the Marlboro Ducati team are Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden. These are the top three teams, since the riders have won all the races in the past couple of years. There are other teams, but so far they aren't strong enough to compete with the three teams listed above.

Also, I checked out some awesome Harley's! I love my Harley's, but saw two Ducatis I wouldn't mind having! Harley's are made for cruisin, Ducatis are made for sportin! LOL As a teen, I thought about riding motorcycles, just never did.
The Harley above is an Iron 883, out of all the ones I saw, this stood out to me the most. Sorry, the pics aren't cropped, I only cropped the ones for my Facebook page.

Seriously, thinking about taking a motorcycle class and getting my license. The only thing is, I'd have to start out light, according to my boyfriend, so that means the Harley Sportster 883 would be suitable for me. I love Harleys in all black, black and silver, or black and gold. Red is awesome on a Ducati, but then again, so is black!!

Here in Indianapolis bikes are everywhere, and people are so much more laid back than in Maryland. I would ride a cycle around here, but not in MD, unless I were to go on the back roads. Rush hour traffic in Indianapolis is way less than an hour, certainly not used to that.

Well folks, just a short post, will upload pics tomorrow. Now, going to shower & rest up a bit before heading out to dinner!


Ciao