Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Guest: SCOTT LANG
Meet Scott Lang, a talented author and friend...
S. C. Lang was born Scott Charles Lang on August 21, 1967 in Smithtown, New York to a German immigrant father (Luther Roth Lang, 1935 - 2008), and a Lithuanian immigrant mother (Rita Elizabeth Lang, 1936 - 1994). S.C.'s father had a successful career within the FAA, while his mother stayed home and took care of their three children, Karen, Karl and S.C. Luther's job forced his family to bounce around the country often, exposing a very young S.C. to a variety of people, places, life-styles and cultures. Lang has often speculated that it was these early relocations, along with his father's flamboyant storytelling skills and antics, that helped carve his own storytelling style.
"Telling a story," Lang said in a recent interview with Cory Lockwood of Harvard Radio, "is a lot like playing with Dominoes. In the beginning, when you're introducing your characters, that's you showing the reader what Dominoes you plan on using. The middle part is you setting up the Dominoes where you'd like them to be. The end, of course, is simply a matter of knocking them down." Lang also added, "You have to be original and grab the reader right from the first page. Otherwise, you're just some guy playing with Dominoes that nobody cares about."
By the time the youngest Lang was 7, he and his family had lived in New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and California. "It's cool that my dad spread us all over the place instead of keeping us in the same general area. I mean, how boring would that be? Load up the troops just to go twenty minutes down the road? That was so not his style. 'If you're going to move the family, Dad liked to say, move them right'." The Lang family would eventually settle into the quiet Illinois town of Crystal Lake, a northwest suburb of Chicago in the late 70's, and S.C. would reside for the next two decades in the area.
Lang fell in love with reading while in high school, and was always considered a great storyteller by his friends and family, but never tried his hand at writing until a friend dared him to finally put one of his stories down on paper. Original Sin, his debut novel, was the end result of that dare. "I really don't think she realized the monster that she was unleashing," Lang chuckled during an interview for a local newspaper. "But, I sure do thank her for that dare. It's completely changed my life."
On October 5, 2001, Lang relocated yet again. This time he went to Craig, Colorado, where he still resides, and two years later married the love of his life, Shellye. S.C. and his wife have two beautiful children, Ashley and Trenna (pronounced Tree - na). A few years ago, Lang was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a disorder that causes painful inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Lang, however, has vowed not to let his infliction stop him from achieving the lofty goals he has set for himself. "If anything, having Crohn's has made me even more determined to succeed. " Lang concluded the interview by saying, "I promise my fans some great books in the future. I have some very exciting ideas of where I want my work to go."
Lang is currently busy working on the sequel to Original Sin, another fast-paced thriller called, A Deeper Well.
To find out more, and order your signed copy of ORIGINAL SIN, visit Scott's website: http://www.sclang.com/ - Enjoy the trailer below, too....
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mothers...
MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up...
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth
is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn’t know everything!
14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn’t have a clue.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Guest: DOT RYAN
Boxing Match of the Century
Is Speedy, Self-publishing Upstart a Threat to Slower But Powerful Champ?
By Dot Ryan
Author of Corrigans’ Pool
If you are a writer or published author, you have likely read dozens pro and con blogs and articles about the publishing world. Self-publishing versus traditional publishing has apparently become a high-stakes boxing match in recent years, with sour grapes being hurled from both corners. Both publishing entities have come out fighting, and their below the belt punches have turned the match into a free-for-all. The self-publish/publish-on-demand challenger appears to be seeking recognition as a viable contender … while the long-reigning champ, traditional publishing, is hell-bent on maintaining his crown.
For the horde of unpublished spectators, the gory match has created a roller coaster of emotions, the worse of which is the confusing message of “damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”
The message coming from the self-publish/POD industry is enticing. They urge writers to be their own publishers and let the reading public decide whether their work is worthy—not some agent or traditional publisher who seldom reads past your query letter. The self-publish/POD people go on to say, and truthfully so, that as your own publisher you can choose how your book is marketed, and you can market it for as long as you want. Whereas, if a traditional publisher miraculously accepts your manuscript, he will give your book one quick run and if it doesn’t sell right out the gate, it’s all over for you and your masterpiece.
The point is that you will get out of self-publishing what you physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially put into it; the success of your book is up to you. If you aren’t business minded and didn’t take time to learn the ropes of marketing before you published, then you better have enough money to invest in professionals to do the work for you. Even then, there is a caveat worth heeding: Have you edited, rewritten, and then edited and rewritten again, to the point of insanity … after which, you initiated the most necessary step of all by having the finished product evaluated and edited by professionals with years of experience in the business? If not, your book is riddled with unsightly things that will jump off the page like fleas off a wet hound, irritating anyone who reads it; especially so, if their hard earned dollars were spent. Error ridden and poorly written books are the stuff that compels the traditional publishing world to legitimately berate self-publishers and their authors.
Granted, this “throw the baby out with the bath water” attitude is tremendously unfair to authors who have written creditable, error-free books and, for one reason or another, have chosen to self-publish. They don’t deserve to be yoked with the unedited, unevaluated, and clueless self-published majority. Nor should they be deemed irrelevant because they deigned to take a different fork in the road and are doing the hard work themselves in attempting to reach as many readers as they can.
Among most self-published authors, the reality that they must battle the stigma against them is ever in mind. That is why the sensible ones edit, edit, edit, and then present their work to experienced eyes and minds for that all-telling evaluation. If your manuscript is found promising but otherwise needs work, it is no crime to go one step further and get the advice of a skilled Developmental Editor. They will point out areas to be improved while leaving you to make the changes. If you are a capable writer, you will complete the polishing without any problem. This was the case with my historical novel, Corrigans’ Pool. The original manuscript was a huge tome of twelve hundred pages—three times as long as a first novel should be. I took months to pare it down to nine hundred pages then wisely submitted the still weighty version to a developmental editor. Every suggestion she offered made me a better writer. What I learned from her was eagerly applied to Corrigans’ Pool and remains the guide for novels I am currently writing.
I am being redundant, but this cannot be said too many times—if you want to be taken seriously by book buyers and hopefully by the traditional publishing industry, your book better be well-written, interesting, entertaining, and correct in every detail; therefore, worthy of being in print. Do this, and someday, with a bit of luck, you will help to make nil the traditional publishing worlds’ complaint that the self-published writer is a vain wannabe who wastes good money to see an "error-riddled piece of un-publishable junk take the shape of a book." Their reasons for insisting that all self-published writers are “vain, non talented wannabes,” will not be psychoanalyzed by me. However, since when is it a crime to be a wannabe who happens to be a bit vain?
It is true most self-publishing/POD businesses glean their highest profits from services rendered rather that book sales. Unfortunately, there will continue to be clueless writers lining up to self-publish sub-standard books. Having said that, self-publishing is still the only option left many writers when they have a first-class book but can’t get their foot in a traditional publisher’s door. And yes, there are highly intelligent self-published writers who can realistically and accurately judge their own work—this group would also “battle a killer combination of Bubonic Plague and Swine Flu” before they’d give the go-ahead on a book that had not been thoroughly edited and evaluated by professionals.
To answer the question asked in the sub-title: It is my humble opinion that neither contender is a threat to the other. Each has its place and purpose. There will be no knockout, not even a T.K.O, in the boxing match between the two—nor will either one ever throw in the towel. They will continue to dance around the ring, jabbing and clenching, but when the bell rings, the champ will still be the champ and we all know who that is.
No one can dispute the traditional publisher’s clout. He is the one that ninety-nine percent of us writers are after. When he smiles down on our offering, the clouds disappear, oceans calm, heavenly beams shower us from above and, if the book is truly exceptional, it is praised to the four corners of the globe.
Maybe far too many error-filled books are published by self-publishing authors these days, but to tell any writer—good, bad or mediocre—that he should keep butting his head against the brick wall indefinitely, is no longer resonating. The present slow economy has landed a solid blow to the champ’s midsection resulting in cutbacks and layoffs. Consequently, fewer and fewer new writers are getting the chance to prove their worth.
Aside from the thousands of unpublished writers attempting to get their foot in the door, there are those who, after being smiled upon once, twice, or more, are now struggling at the brick wall again. Have they suddenly turned into bad writers? Not unless they’ve suffered brain damage from banging their heads on that impenetrable wall. If many of these writers are now choosing to take their manuscripts to the champ’s challenger, who is so wise as to say they shouldn’t?
The argument "if you are deserving of being smiled upon, it will happen eventually" is no longer valid in today’s market. Consequently, if there is a way for writers to get their masterpieces out there—and they are willing to work hard and spend money in the process—then why not?
Oh, no! I believe that last question may have rung the bell for round two!
Dot Ryan, born and raised in Bee County in South Texas, makes her home in “the sparkling city by the sea,” Corpus Christi, Texas, with husband, Sam. Corrigans’ Pool is Dot’s first novel. She is busy writing her second and third works of fiction. You can visit her website at http://www.dotryanbooks.com/
Is Speedy, Self-publishing Upstart a Threat to Slower But Powerful Champ?
By Dot Ryan
Author of Corrigans’ Pool
If you are a writer or published author, you have likely read dozens pro and con blogs and articles about the publishing world. Self-publishing versus traditional publishing has apparently become a high-stakes boxing match in recent years, with sour grapes being hurled from both corners. Both publishing entities have come out fighting, and their below the belt punches have turned the match into a free-for-all. The self-publish/publish-on-demand challenger appears to be seeking recognition as a viable contender … while the long-reigning champ, traditional publishing, is hell-bent on maintaining his crown.
For the horde of unpublished spectators, the gory match has created a roller coaster of emotions, the worse of which is the confusing message of “damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”
The message coming from the self-publish/POD industry is enticing. They urge writers to be their own publishers and let the reading public decide whether their work is worthy—not some agent or traditional publisher who seldom reads past your query letter. The self-publish/POD people go on to say, and truthfully so, that as your own publisher you can choose how your book is marketed, and you can market it for as long as you want. Whereas, if a traditional publisher miraculously accepts your manuscript, he will give your book one quick run and if it doesn’t sell right out the gate, it’s all over for you and your masterpiece.
The point is that you will get out of self-publishing what you physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially put into it; the success of your book is up to you. If you aren’t business minded and didn’t take time to learn the ropes of marketing before you published, then you better have enough money to invest in professionals to do the work for you. Even then, there is a caveat worth heeding: Have you edited, rewritten, and then edited and rewritten again, to the point of insanity … after which, you initiated the most necessary step of all by having the finished product evaluated and edited by professionals with years of experience in the business? If not, your book is riddled with unsightly things that will jump off the page like fleas off a wet hound, irritating anyone who reads it; especially so, if their hard earned dollars were spent. Error ridden and poorly written books are the stuff that compels the traditional publishing world to legitimately berate self-publishers and their authors.
Granted, this “throw the baby out with the bath water” attitude is tremendously unfair to authors who have written creditable, error-free books and, for one reason or another, have chosen to self-publish. They don’t deserve to be yoked with the unedited, unevaluated, and clueless self-published majority. Nor should they be deemed irrelevant because they deigned to take a different fork in the road and are doing the hard work themselves in attempting to reach as many readers as they can.
Among most self-published authors, the reality that they must battle the stigma against them is ever in mind. That is why the sensible ones edit, edit, edit, and then present their work to experienced eyes and minds for that all-telling evaluation. If your manuscript is found promising but otherwise needs work, it is no crime to go one step further and get the advice of a skilled Developmental Editor. They will point out areas to be improved while leaving you to make the changes. If you are a capable writer, you will complete the polishing without any problem. This was the case with my historical novel, Corrigans’ Pool. The original manuscript was a huge tome of twelve hundred pages—three times as long as a first novel should be. I took months to pare it down to nine hundred pages then wisely submitted the still weighty version to a developmental editor. Every suggestion she offered made me a better writer. What I learned from her was eagerly applied to Corrigans’ Pool and remains the guide for novels I am currently writing.
I am being redundant, but this cannot be said too many times—if you want to be taken seriously by book buyers and hopefully by the traditional publishing industry, your book better be well-written, interesting, entertaining, and correct in every detail; therefore, worthy of being in print. Do this, and someday, with a bit of luck, you will help to make nil the traditional publishing worlds’ complaint that the self-published writer is a vain wannabe who wastes good money to see an "error-riddled piece of un-publishable junk take the shape of a book." Their reasons for insisting that all self-published writers are “vain, non talented wannabes,” will not be psychoanalyzed by me. However, since when is it a crime to be a wannabe who happens to be a bit vain?
It is true most self-publishing/POD businesses glean their highest profits from services rendered rather that book sales. Unfortunately, there will continue to be clueless writers lining up to self-publish sub-standard books. Having said that, self-publishing is still the only option left many writers when they have a first-class book but can’t get their foot in a traditional publisher’s door. And yes, there are highly intelligent self-published writers who can realistically and accurately judge their own work—this group would also “battle a killer combination of Bubonic Plague and Swine Flu” before they’d give the go-ahead on a book that had not been thoroughly edited and evaluated by professionals.
To answer the question asked in the sub-title: It is my humble opinion that neither contender is a threat to the other. Each has its place and purpose. There will be no knockout, not even a T.K.O, in the boxing match between the two—nor will either one ever throw in the towel. They will continue to dance around the ring, jabbing and clenching, but when the bell rings, the champ will still be the champ and we all know who that is.
No one can dispute the traditional publisher’s clout. He is the one that ninety-nine percent of us writers are after. When he smiles down on our offering, the clouds disappear, oceans calm, heavenly beams shower us from above and, if the book is truly exceptional, it is praised to the four corners of the globe.
Maybe far too many error-filled books are published by self-publishing authors these days, but to tell any writer—good, bad or mediocre—that he should keep butting his head against the brick wall indefinitely, is no longer resonating. The present slow economy has landed a solid blow to the champ’s midsection resulting in cutbacks and layoffs. Consequently, fewer and fewer new writers are getting the chance to prove their worth.
Aside from the thousands of unpublished writers attempting to get their foot in the door, there are those who, after being smiled upon once, twice, or more, are now struggling at the brick wall again. Have they suddenly turned into bad writers? Not unless they’ve suffered brain damage from banging their heads on that impenetrable wall. If many of these writers are now choosing to take their manuscripts to the champ’s challenger, who is so wise as to say they shouldn’t?
The argument "if you are deserving of being smiled upon, it will happen eventually" is no longer valid in today’s market. Consequently, if there is a way for writers to get their masterpieces out there—and they are willing to work hard and spend money in the process—then why not?
Oh, no! I believe that last question may have rung the bell for round two!
Dot Ryan, born and raised in Bee County in South Texas, makes her home in “the sparkling city by the sea,” Corpus Christi, Texas, with husband, Sam. Corrigans’ Pool is Dot’s first novel. She is busy writing her second and third works of fiction. You can visit her website at http://www.dotryanbooks.com/
Friday, January 22, 2010
Haunted... a vampire tale...
I've done so many blogs and interviews lately, when I was asked to drop by a friend's blog, I thought I'd do something a little different. Why promo or talk about me - why not just write a special little story, exclusively for this spot? So, I did... if you would like a quick tale to start your day, I've written a haunted vampire/ghost love story? So drop by and let me know what you think...
Hope everyone is ending the week smiling and with a great weekend ahead?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
GUEST: Skhye Moncrief
Thanks for inviting me over, Denyse. I write fantasy romance. I'm Skhye Moncrief, and I write about men who should wear kilts and the Druids they marry. If you're into swords in stones and time-traveling dragons, you might find HE OF THE FIERY SWORD's King Arthur your cup of tea, especially since it's set in medieval Ireland. My contemporary time-traveling shape-shifting shaman turned time guardian in FORBIDDEN ETERNITY is just a bit more naughty! ;)
"FORBIDDEN ETERNITY ... spine-tingling suspense. The story is dynamite; it explodes off the pages and leaves you breathless for more." ~Tulip, LASR
"Arthur is a masterpiece..." He of the Fiery Sword's King Arthur ~Diane Mason; The Romance Studio
A war wages among the Gods. Two Celtic Orders from the future intermarry as soul mates to safeguard history. Paradox is but a stolen heart away. Open the door to a new reality where legend becomes history and destined love defeats timeless evil. http://timeguardians.com/
Here are some reviews of my other Time-Guardian tales:
“THE SPELL OF THE KILLING MOON offers the best of spine-tingling suspense. The setting is perfect... Moncrief’s ability to wield magic and emotion are without compare. Her words twist together emotions and visuals until you experience this tale as if the trap were set for you. Some lines blend a kind of poetic magic: “Moonlight wove a special kind of magic, a spell so vacillating that a person never knew if reality were anything other than a dream.” Darkness and premonitions and deadly intent fill these pages... a unique blend of mystic Medieval Gothic and romance…and a true blood-curdling thriller." ~Snapdragon, LASR
"Intense, original, suspenseful, and dramatic... an unpredictable topsy-turvy romance... the suspense builds with every page in SACRIFICIAL HEARTS. In a world where symbols mean everything, magic is the way..." ~Snapdragon; LASR
WIN A CLADDAGH NECKLACE!
Please enter my Valentines' Day contest to be in the running to win a small sterling-silver claddagh pendant on an 18" chain. To enter, join me at my yahoo group for details. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/skhyemoncrief/ The winner will be announced February 14th!
I blog about reference books at http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com. Every Friday, I host a guest blogging about the research he/she did on one of her available stories. If you'd like to be featured, please e-mail me at skhye@skhyemoncrief.com. Feel free to surf through last year's posts to see what other authors have suggested as great reference books or websites! You may find just what you've been looking for to finish that work in progress. ;) I hope to see you all there! ~Skhye
Skhye's Kindle books
Skhye's novels in print are available at amazon.com, bn.com, and borders.com
All versions of Skhye's books are available at The Wild Rose Press
Visit Skhye on the web here:
http://www.timeguardians.com/
http://www.skhyemoncrief.com/
"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~Ghandi
Saturday, January 16, 2010
NEW FROM LUCY MONROE!
Well, it's no secret that this wonderful lady is someone I adore and love, so imagine how happy I am to introduce you to her newest release! By popular request, or is that demand? Everyone, my fabulous and incredibly special friend, Lucy Monroe...
New Children of the Moon Book from Lucy Monroe
Moon Craving
Feb 2010 - Berkley Sensation
ISBN-13: 978-0425233047
Children of the Moon Book 2
If it were up to him, Talorc—laird of the Sinclair clan and leader of his werewolf pack— would never marry. But when the king orders that Talorc wed an Englishwoman, the lone wolf is shocked to find his mate in the strong-willed Abigail. And after an intensely climactic wedding night, the two fiercely independent souls sense an unbreakable bond…
Deaf since childhood, Abigail hopes to keep her affliction from Talorc as long as possible. And for his part, he has no intention of telling her about being a werewolf. But when Abigail learns that the husband she’s begun to love has deceived her, it will take all of his warrior’s strength—and his wolf’s cunning—to win his wife back. And Talorc will have to face his biggest challenge yet: the vulnerability of a man in love…
Watch the trailer:
As a special thank you to readers, Lucy is giving away a prize pack of pamper yourself products and paranormal romance. All you have to do to enter is send an email with Moon Craving Contest in the subject line to moon_craving at yahoo dot com before February 28th, 2010. The drawing will be held March 1st and the winner will be announced on her blog at http://www.lucymonroeblog.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A peek at my next book, and a sexy FREE read!
Once in awhile, a story presents itself that is not the usual way one expects. When the concept for this particular novel began to take shape, it surprised me. This one is difficult to classify, it's many genres, some romance, some horror, and some mainstream thriller fiction. So, if you are curious to discover a new way to look at the vampire legend, you just might like my next release!COMING SOON from
HEARTS ON FIRE BOOKS
HEARTS ON FIRE BOOKS
SHADES OF DEATH
Deep within the ageless Carpathian Mountains, an ancient evil wakes. Imprisoned many centuries ago, the creature has waited, patiently, for the one destined to grant her freedom.
Arienne Lereaux has studied the preternatural menace called "vampyre" for most of her life. She is an expert in the field. Loosely affiliated with a secretive organization called The Institute of Paranormal Research and Investigation, she turns to them when she unearths what may be the first representation of the vampyre ever to exist.
The enigmatic and attractive Head of the Institute, Adam Raven, has spent a lifetime tracking the clues left by his mother's disappearance in the mountains of Romania nearly twenty years past. When Arienne arrives at the secluded island headquarters of the Institute, he wonders if she holds the key to finding his lost mother. But before too many days pass, the city of Vancouver is rocked by a series of grisly murders. As it races to find the culprit, the Institute faces an evil unlike any it has encountered before...
In the middle of their hunt, another branch of their network is making a scientific breakthrough in genetically heightened telepathy. The team responsible may soon hold a weapon that will have world powers at their door—until their lead scientist vanishes after leaving Toronto to consult Raven and his people. Ancient myth is suddenly not myth, and evil may take many guises before the Institute can restore the delicate balance that was destroyed the night Arienne stumbled into a remote castle in the mountains half a world away…
Deep within the ageless Carpathian Mountains, an ancient evil wakes. Imprisoned many centuries ago, the creature has waited, patiently, for the one destined to grant her freedom.
Arienne Lereaux has studied the preternatural menace called "vampyre" for most of her life. She is an expert in the field. Loosely affiliated with a secretive organization called The Institute of Paranormal Research and Investigation, she turns to them when she unearths what may be the first representation of the vampyre ever to exist.
The enigmatic and attractive Head of the Institute, Adam Raven, has spent a lifetime tracking the clues left by his mother's disappearance in the mountains of Romania nearly twenty years past. When Arienne arrives at the secluded island headquarters of the Institute, he wonders if she holds the key to finding his lost mother. But before too many days pass, the city of Vancouver is rocked by a series of grisly murders. As it races to find the culprit, the Institute faces an evil unlike any it has encountered before...
In the middle of their hunt, another branch of their network is making a scientific breakthrough in genetically heightened telepathy. The team responsible may soon hold a weapon that will have world powers at their door—until their lead scientist vanishes after leaving Toronto to consult Raven and his people. Ancient myth is suddenly not myth, and evil may take many guises before the Institute can restore the delicate balance that was destroyed the night Arienne stumbled into a remote castle in the mountains half a world away…
And if the more traditional appeals to you, check out my release from last week, ROGUES - pirates, historical and vampiric in nature.... always HOT and very SEXY.... You get three tales in this one!
Three stories, one kind of hero, pirates anyone? Includes the short stories Angel-Fire, Storm-Singer, and The Phantom’s Lair… Historical adventure, and the darker mystery of an ageless vampire who keeps a witch at his side, his protector and his lover through eternity
Angel-Fire: A short intro to the world of Captain Jack Stanton, an honourable man with a tarnished reputation. Stranded in Nassau, caught up in a pleasant interlude with a barmaid, Jack has a vision that will lead him to his past and his future, if he can survive to get back Tortuga to discover what it all means…
Storm-Singer: The Isle of Nyx has become the dread of all sailors who must dare the waters surrounding the mythical island. Local legends say a vampire prince resides in the ancient castle that can be seen from the harbor of the island. At his side is a powerful sorceress whose song can control and summon storms.
In a desperate attempt to end the eternal threat looming over them, the people of the Aurora Islands sacrifice their greatest treasure, the princess Sarita, entrusting her with the task of seducing and destroying the dark prince who has been plundering their wealth and their people for centuries?
The Phantom’s Lair: Upon her arrival in the pirate port of Tortuga where her father is acting as Governor, Katheryn Hollinsworth is determined to choose her own path, and follow her heart wherever it may take her. On the streets of Puerta de la Plata, she encounters the mythical buccaneer known as The Phantom, and very quickly loses her heart to the handsome rogue.
Jack Stanton is a man who has never fully come to terms with his past, and in the Governor's pretty daughter he finds a most unlikely champion. But when his past threatens her life, and any chance of a respectable future, The Phantom must face the demons of his past, and accept the dictates of his own reawakened heart...
AVAILABLE NOW
And, today you can drop over to the Whipped Cream site and pick up a very HOT and SEXY quick read called: NEW YEAR'S EVE - just click the title.
Monday, January 11, 2010
GUEST: Kim Smith
Today, please welcome my guest, Kim Smith... the post is great, the book sounds like a lot of fun, and I'm sure it'll be fun!
Kim Smith is the hostess with the mostest for the popular radio show, Introducing WRITERS! on Blog Talk Radio. Her show http://www.blogtalkradio.com.kims has been hailed as the most fun, most relaxing, and best show for an author to let their hair down and talk shop. She is also the author of the zany, Shannon Wallace mystery series available now from Red Rose Publishing, and many romances short and long.
Planting Clues in a Mystery
I started writing mystery novels because I love puzzles. It may take me a month to put one together, but I enjoy every step of the way. It’s satisfying to find that one piece that was missing for so long.
I learned to write mysteries first by reading them, (and believe me, there is one to fit every taste out there today), and then, by writing one myself. In my opinion, writing a mystery is a lot like gardening. It’s all about the planting. You have to plant clues, raise suspicions, create rabbit tunnels.
I am the “I-Don’t-Have-Any-Idea” sort of writer. That means, I write the entire book from my hip, never knowing who the guilty party is until I get pretty far into it. Then, once the killer unveils himself, I go back and plant clues to point the reader to where they need to go.
I started writing mystery novels because I love puzzles. It may take me a month to put one together, but I enjoy every step of the way. It’s satisfying to find that one piece that was missing for so long.
I learned to write mysteries first by reading them, (and believe me, there is one to fit every taste out there today), and then, by writing one myself. In my opinion, writing a mystery is a lot like gardening. It’s all about the planting. You have to plant clues, raise suspicions, create rabbit tunnels.
I am the “I-Don’t-Have-Any-Idea” sort of writer. That means, I write the entire book from my hip, never knowing who the guilty party is until I get pretty far into it. Then, once the killer unveils himself, I go back and plant clues to point the reader to where they need to go.
Usually I do not plot ahead of time as I feel it stilts my writing. I don’t like to write “toward” a definite conclusion. I want to know the general direction and head off just like a whirlwind adventure at the mall. I don’t know what I am going to get, but when I get there and see it, I will know.
There is no right or wrong way to write a mystery in my opinion. Some people use outlines and some do not. I do not. I want to try and make the book into something that will make the reader slap their forehead and say “aha”! I try to make it something they knew about, but didn’t put the thoughts together until I point it out at the end.
In the immortal words of Janet Evanovich (I am reported to write like her) I work really hard to make the writing look simple. My adage has always been KISS, keep it simple, silly.
I have learned through the process that it is important to withhold information from my amateur sleuth, or detective, but it is suicide to keep this info from the reader. Keep the reader involved and you will have them from first page to last!
You can visit Kim’s website at: http://www.mkimsmith.com/
Blog: http://writingspace.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mkimsmith
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mkimsmith
There is no right or wrong way to write a mystery in my opinion. Some people use outlines and some do not. I do not. I want to try and make the book into something that will make the reader slap their forehead and say “aha”! I try to make it something they knew about, but didn’t put the thoughts together until I point it out at the end.
In the immortal words of Janet Evanovich (I am reported to write like her) I work really hard to make the writing look simple. My adage has always been KISS, keep it simple, silly.
I have learned through the process that it is important to withhold information from my amateur sleuth, or detective, but it is suicide to keep this info from the reader. Keep the reader involved and you will have them from first page to last!
You can visit Kim’s website at: http://www.mkimsmith.com/
Blog: http://writingspace.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mkimsmith
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mkimsmith
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The beautiful Giada Valenti...
This incredible lady has been a friend for several years, she is so talented, and so beautiful in all ways... I admire and love her very much...
Monday, January 04, 2010
AVAILABLE TODAY!
AVAILABLE TODAY!ROGUES
Publisher: Hearts On Fire Books
BUY IT HERE
Genre: Adventure Fantasy/Romance (mildly erotic)
Cover by: Dara England
Cover Model: Jimmy Thomas
Cover Model: Jimmy Thomas
Three stories, one kind of hero, pirates anyone? Includes the short stories Angel-Fire, Storm-Singer, and The Phantom’s Lair… Historical adventure, and the darker mystery of an ageless vampire who keeps a witch at his side, his protector and his lover through eternity...
Angel-Fire: A short intro to the world of Captain Jack Stanton, an honourable man with a tarnished reputation. Stranded in Nassau, caught up in a pleasant interlude with a barmaid, Jack has a vision that will lead him to his past and his future, if he can survive to get back Tortuga to discover what it all means…
Storm-Singer: The Isle of Nyx has become the dread of all sailors who must dare the waters surrounding the mythical island. Local legends say a vampire prince resides in the ancient castle that can be seen from the harbor of the island. At his side is a powerful sorceress whose song can control and summon storms.
In a desperate attempt to end the eternal threat looming over them, the people of the Aurora Islands sacrifice their greatest treasure, the princess Sarita, entrusting her with the task of seducing and destroying the dark prince who has been plundering their wealth and their people for centuries?
The Phantom’s Lair: Upon her arrival in the pirate port of Tortuga where her father is acting as Governor, Katheryn Hollinsworth is determined to choose her own path, and follow her heart wherever it may take her. On the streets of Puerta de la Plata, she encounters the mythical buccaneer known as The Phantom, and very quickly loses her heart to the handsome rogue.
Jack Stanton is a man who has never fully come to terms with his past, and in the Governor's pretty daughter he finds a most unlikely champion. But when his past threatens her life, and any chance of a respectable future, The Phantom must face the demons of his past, and accept the dictates of his own reawakened heart...
Previous Reviews for Storm-Singer and The Phantom’s Lair:
The Phantom’s Lair:
4 Stars - A fast-paced story in what I hope is the first of a series. This is the perfect book for all the pirate lovers out there. Jack Stanton is a handsome rogue that can’t but help the innocents and downtrodden. He is honorable, quick witted, and to die for in bed. Katheryn is a strong-willed young lady that will not let convention rule her. The sparks fly between these two from the first meeting and each encounter gets a little hotter. It is probably a good thing that there wasn’t a volcano on the island or it might have blown up. As I said in the beginning, I am hoping that this is part of a series since the book ends in a way that leaves lots of questions unanswered.
—Oleta M Blaylock, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
4 Cups - A wonderful tale with the sea as a backdrop. Full of action and seduction, this short story will have you riveted until the very end. A wonderful story.
—Laura, Coffee Time Romance
4 Angels - Denyse M. Bridger has written a short story about facing the past in order to have a future. Katheryn?s desire to live her life as she chooses adds a nice twist to this story. Jack is an honorable man whose life has become something other than he planned. Jack will find himself making some hard decisions in regards to Katheryn?s safety and their hearts. The chemistry between Jack and Katheryn is instant, but the passion that follows is both breathtaking and touching...A touching pirate story for anyone that likes one about the slightly bad guy getting the good girl.
—Jessica, Fallen Angels Reviews
4 Roses - Jack is a yummy hero and Katheryn is my type of heroine?feisty and not afraid to go after what she wants! Denyse M. Bridger has written a very enjoyable read!
—Pam L., A Romance Review
Storm-Singer:
4 Cups - A tight story full of the undeniable lust of vampires. Their violent couplings add a sense of passion harnessed by sheer will. The hero is dark, but needy, in his pursuit of life?s essence, while the heroine aids her lover by seeking that which could destroy him. They are both master and slave to each other in their love. The storyline captured my attention and would not let up until I had finished.
—Katherine L. Hunt, Coffee Time Romance
4 Angels - A very quick journey into the Isle of Nyx with a vampire to lust after. Jaden is a very hot, sexy man who easily takes his victims while pillaging for more wealth. Sarita is a brave young woman who knows her people?s fate rests in her hands. Arrah is protective of Jaden but allows him to play with his victims, although she would never permit harm to come to him. All three characters are brought to life in this short tale...Denyse M. Bridger definitely packs a punch with this short, erotic story and this reviewer would love to read a longer tale about Jaden and his illustrious Arrah.
—JoAnn, Fallen Angel Reviews
Sunday, January 03, 2010
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