by Sarah | Sep 13, 2013 | All About Home, All About Me, All of Us, Holidays
It’s that time of year.
Can you believe it?
102 days until Christmas.
I started some minor Christmas shopping recently.
But what I’m most focused on is what happens right after Thanksgiving for me.
Cookie time!!
Every year at this time I start making my list – the ultimate list of cookies & candies to be made. This year, since I have a job, I’ll have to make more than usual for sharing.
Always on the list, of course, is my Ultimate Christmas Cookie Cutout Recipe. I’ve made those every year for 3+ years, and they are so good, they remain on the list without fail.
I also make poor man’s toffee every year (easy as pie), and some sort of bark (I’ve done Oreo and white chocolate cranberry before).
From there I never know. Depends on what I find on pinterest, or in magazines.
I’ve got all my recipes gathered…but do you have a favorite you can direct me toward? I’m always open to suggestions!
by Sarah | Sep 12, 2013 | Author Interview, Friday Dialogues, Guest Authors, Writing
Personal
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a stay at home Mom from the Midwest. I enjoy all things vampire and paranormal and love to read (when I get the chance in between writing books)!
Do you have a day job?
As a stay at home mom that also home schools my daughter, I consider that my full-time job!
Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Occasionally. Sometimes when I’m writing and I come up with a good line…I can’t help but chuckle.
Where can people find you on the web? Where can they read more about your books?
You can find me at www.alexandra-anthony.com and all of my books are listed there.
Your Novel
What is your book about?
This book is a Companion to The Vampire Destiny Series. The book is written from my heroes POV…his take on Fated (Book 1) and Illusion (Book 2). It also features his backstory…his human death, his struggles with immortality up until he meets my heroine, Josephine.
What about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Many of my fans love Stefan and wanted to hear his story…especially since my books are written in 1st Person POV. It was a fun journey to write as my dashing vampire hero.
You got the call – your novel is being made into a TV series or movie – who’s in your dream cast?
Stefan-Alexander Skarsgard
Josephine- Olivia Wilde
Lukas- Rupert Everett
Anna-Evangeline Lilly
Nikolaus-Adam Levine
Georgia-Catherine Bell
These are my core characters…I could go on and on!
Writing
How many people (i.e. characters) have you done away with in the course of your career?
Five.
Have you ever regretted killing one of them off?
No. Each character’s death was important to the story line…and had to be done!
What’s your writing schedule like? Do you strive for a certain amount of words each day?
My writing schedule is crazy. With school back in session, I now get up early to write or brainstorm…and then it’s school time. I also try to sit down in the evening and write for an hour or two. It’s hectic, but it works!
What is the most difficult part of the writing process? The easiest?
Editing is the worst. The easiest part is coming up with the story!
Have you written any other books?
Yes, I’ve written 4 books in The Vampire Destiny Series and 1 in The Dark Hart Chronicles. I’m working on Book 2 right now.
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
Are you a neat freak? Or clutter-bound?
I’m a total neat freak…which does not work well with a writing schedule!
You were just given a yacht. What would you name it?
Mitt hjärtas önskan (My Heart’s Desire in Swedish)
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Invisibility
Quick Questions
Sing in the rain or dance in the streets?
Dance in the street. My voice might scare innocent people!
Pen or pencil?
Pen
Summer or Winter?
Winter
Movies or TV?
TV
*~*~*~*
Odyssey (The Vampire Destiny Series Companion Book 1)
| [amazon_link id=”B00EZ8A4FE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords |
Book Blurb
In this first Companion Piece to The Vampire Destiny Series, we follow our hero, Stefan Lifsten, from the time of his human death, through his early years as a vampire until he meets Josephine Anderson, his fated mate.
We’ll travel along with him during his initial struggles to accept his immortality, his betrayals by friends and foes, and experience his joy of meeting the woman from his vision…experiencing Fated and Illusion through his eyes.
This book is a Companion to The Vampire Destiny Series and will feature missing scenes and character information. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, it is highly recommended that you read Fated and Illusion to fully experience this book.
*This book contains sexy vampires, graphic language and highly erotic scenes that are not for those 18 and under or are of the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned.*
Excerpt
“Lukas? What happened?” I demanded harshly. I needed to know who had done this to her.
“I don’t know. She hasn’t had the chance to tell me anything.”
“Kian,” she sputtered. “Stefan, let me show you.”
Giving me access to her memories, she replayed her confrontation with her father at the art gallery for me. I stiffened against her and was ready to find Kian and rip him apart piece by piece.
“What?!? Will someone tell me what’s going on?” Lukas asked, tapping his foot impatiently.
“Josephine had an argument with her father. He apparently has been following her and confronted her today,” I said, placing a kiss against the top of her head.
Lukas was on the floor beside of us before I even realized he had moved. His fangs had dropped and he looked terrifying, so unlike the sweet Lukas we knew. “If that bastard even thinks he’s going to mess with her, I’ll end him, Stefan.”
Letting out a resigned sigh, I reached to place a hand on my child’s shoulder. “No one is ending anyone, Lukas. Only the game has changed. We knew it would happen eventually.” I focused my attention back on Josephine, smoothing her hair back from her tear-stained face. “Vackra, did he harm you at all?”
As I comforted her, I knew in that moment that I would kill Kian Ahearne and rejoice at his blood on my hands. His demise meant freedom for not only Josephine, but also for me. Her fear, her agony gave me the justification I had been waiting for.
“No. But he’s a monster.”
“You are safe now.” I nodded towards Lukas, who stroked Josephine’s arm gently before rising gracefully to his feet and leaving the apartment.
I scooped her up in my arms and carried her into the bedroom, sitting her down carefully on the edge of the bed. I motioned for her to lie down and I sat next to her. I removed her ankle boots, placing them on the floor beside the bed. The bed shifted under my weight and I collected her in the strong embrace of my arms, whispering against my temple. “Han kommer aldrig att röra dig. Om det är det sista jag gör på denna jord, kommer jag att dö skydda dig. Du är mitt liv, min kärlek.”
She let out a shaky sigh as she breathed in the smell of my skin. “When you speak in your native tongue, it sounds so beautiful. What did you just say?”
I snorted and closed my eyes. “You will not be happy with what I said.”
She pushed against my chest. “I’m already unhappy. Unless you just told me we’re over, I think I can deal with whatever you said.”
I let out a weary sigh. “I used to be a much stronger vampire. I give in to every whim, every request you have.” Smiling sheepishly, I rested my face against her hair. “I told you that he would never touch you. If it is the last thing I do on this earth, I will die protecting you. You are my life, my love.”
*~*
About Alexandra Anthony
Alexandra Anthony is the independent author of two romantic, erotic book series: The Vampire Destiny Series and The Dark Hart Chronicles. Both feature sexy vampires to die for, steamy love scenes and follow the twists and turns of her character’s many adventures. Her books are not for the faint of heart.
She was most recently featured in USA Today in an article by Joyce Lamb titled, “It’s time to put some Paranormal Activity into your Reading” and was featured under Self-Published/Indie Authors for the release of Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4). Her paranormal, erotic romance Tempted (The Dark Hart Chronicles Book 1) was nominated for Best Erotica in the 2013 Orangeberry Hall of Fame Contest.
by Sarah | Sep 11, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
What is your story?
I am a 975-year-old vampire from Scandinavia. Turned into an immortal after being mortally wounded, my psychic ability survived the change…only now I can only see the futures of other vampires. On a quest to find my fated mate after a vision I had of her, I scoured the earth for nearly 200 years to find her.
Who are you?
My given name was Steafedn Hlífsteinn. Over the years, I chose to make my name more modern. I now go under the name Stefan Lifsten.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
I think Alexandra did an exceptional job in portraying my inner thoughts…and desires.
What makes you happy?
Finding Josephine after 200 years of searching for her. It is a long time to look for your other half.
What are you afraid of?
I am afraid of little; however, I worry about the safety of Josephine above all else.
What in your past had the most profound effect on you?
Turning my maker over to the Council for her misdeeds. My part brought upon her final death. There is still a part of my that mourns her and second guesses my choice that day.
Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.
Cell phone, wallet, receipts, keys…and a krona.
What is more important – sex or intimacy? Why?
Before I met Josephine, I would have said sex. Prior to finding her, females served two purposes. Since I set my mate, sex and intimacy are one in the same.
What trait do you find most admirable, and how often do you find it?
Honesty. And I find it very little in immortals or humans.
How do your friends see you?
A protector. It is my job to keep my friends and family safe.
How do your enemies see you?
*Grins* A threat.
*~*~*~*
Odyssey (The Vampire Destiny Series Companion Book 1)
| [amazon_link id=”B00EZ8A4FE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | Smashwords |
Book Blurb
In this first Companion Piece to The Vampire Destiny Series, we follow our hero, Stefan Lifsten, from the time of his human death, through his early years as a vampire until he meets Josephine Anderson, his fated mate.
We’ll travel along with him during his initial struggles to accept his immortality, his betrayals by friends and foes, and experience his joy of meeting the woman from his vision…experiencing Fated and Illusion through his eyes.
This book is a Companion to The Vampire Destiny Series and will feature missing scenes and character information. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, it is highly recommended that you read Fated and Illusion to fully experience this book.
*This book contains sexy vampires, graphic language and highly erotic scenes that are not for those 18 and under or are of the faint of heart. Consider yourself warned.*
Excerpt from Odyssey
Bitter tears of defeat fell from my eyes and streaked down my temples, dampening my filthy, bloody hair. I was losing more than my life tonight; I was leaving behind the love of my existence. She was more than human, that much I knew. She had been a part of my life as long as I could recall, my first memory of her as a young man of 16. As of late, I had grown restless. I no longer wanted to walk this earth without her at my side. She had invaded my every waking thought, bewitching me with her presence. Was this my penance for my impatience? For my insolence?
My warm exhale blew out into plumes, spreading into the dark night. The haze from my breath was testament to the bitter chill of the night. Slipping in and out of consciousness, I did not have much time left.
It was time for me to let go of this life and everything I cherished.
“Steafedn.”
Her voice pulled me from the abyss and surrounded me like a lover’s embrace. It
took a moment for her face to come into focus, my vision clouded and blurry. Brilliant eyes like emeralds stared back at me. Even in my weakened state I could see the sadness and desolation that had taken residence there. She reached for my hand, her skin warm against my cold, dying flesh.
“I cannot lose you.” My words sounded empty and weak. I refused to beg for my life; even it was possible for her to grant me a second chance at living. Attempting to reach for her, I found that I no longer had the strength to move. She stared down at my failing, mortal body and tears rimmed her vibrant irises.
“Steafedn,” she sobbed desperately. Her free hand rose to stroke my dirty, blood soaked hair with trembling fingers. “There is nothing I can do, my love. Not now. It is too late. I failed you.”
My breath rattled in my chest as I stared into her eyes. She was flawlessly beautiful, ethereal with her pale skin and long hair that framed her face in wild, copper waves. Her hand clutched mine tightly, her skin like the finest silk.
I inhaled in a deep breath, the frigid air filling my lungs. It was a struggle to keep my eyes open and focus on her. “There was nothing you could have done to prevent this end for me. Shoulder no blame for my recklessness. If this is to be our farewell…our final goodbye, I offer thanks to Freya that she granted me this final reward. Know that I will love you for an eternity, min gudinna.”
She lowered her lips against mine, offering me a gentle kiss of farewell. She did not move and spoke to me softy. “There will always be a part of me with you, though you may not remember. I will be the wind in your hair, the whisper in your ear, the love you will bury deep in your soul. And one day when our fates align, we will be together again. You will lose your way; however when the moment is right you will see me. You will find me, Steafedn.”
Her cryptic words confused me. Did she not comprehend what was happening? I was dying a mortal death, yet she was speaking as if I would live. She was speaking in circles, her words perplexing. “Isophina?”
“You will not understand now. There is no time to explain.” She sighed and glanced up at the moon that hung high in the night sky. Her fingers drifted over my grime-covered face, her eyes tracing the contours of my skin as if committing it to memory. “I wanted this to happen another way, yet I was given no choice. This was the only way to save you, my love. Please forgive me.”
She paused for a moment. Her mouth pressed to mine with surprising force and her hands gripped both sides of my face. Our eyes met and she lowered her chin to her chest. Her voice was a whisper as she spoke again, “Remember me, Steafedn. I ask for nothing more than that.”
She disappeared into the darkness, leaving me alone in my final moments. My eyes closed and I cried out a final request, surprised at the hoarseness and desperation in my voice. “Let me die. Release me from this suffering.”
***
About Alexandra Anthony
Alexandra Anthony is the independent author of two romantic, erotic book series:
The Vampire Destiny Series and The Dark Hart Chronicles. Both feature sexy vampires to die for, steamy love scenes and follow the twists and turns of her character’s many adventures. Her books are not for the faint of heart.
She was most recently featured in USA Today in an article by Joyce Lamb titled, “It’s time to put some Paranormal Activity into your Reading” and was featured under Self-Published/Indie Authors for the release of Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4). Her paranormal, erotic romance Tempted (The Dark Hart Chronicles Book 1) was nominated for Best Erotica in the 2013 Orangeberry Hall of Fame Contest.
Ms. Anthony is from the Midwest (Ohio to be precise) and was bitten by the lure of the vampire at an early age. She chose to take up writing and put her own twist on these mysterious immortal creatures…making them day-walkers that could easily blend in with their human counterparts. She also enjoys weaving Old Norse and Greek Mythology into her stories, adding a bit of realism into escapism.
Coming up on the horizon for Alexandra will be the second book in The Dark Hart Chronicles, Rapture. It is slated for a late fall/early winter release.
by Sarah | Sep 11, 2013 | All About Me, Story of Me
I posted this last year and the year before at this time. I’m re-posting it. I will always repost it every year at this time…
I know what today is. I know what it means to our country. I remember every detail of 2001 in vivid detail…but since before 2001, this date has been difficult for me, for my family…in 1996 my family’s core was lost, the heart of us…my grandfather…so my post on 9/11 is for him. Oh, and at surface glance I hate this picture of me, but then I see the pure joy on my face dancing with my grandfather and aesthetics be damned, it’s my favorite picture.
It was his birthday. I was young and a very short kid…and he was TALL. I remember watching him put our coats in the closet and staring up, up, up at him and asking, “How tall are you?” With his sparkling eyes and laugh he informed me that he was over 6′. My eyes grew wide, and all I could say was, “But you’re so close to the ceiling! If you have ANY more birthdays you’ll go right through!”
His chair sat by the front door and the minute he sat the race was on – who would get the privilege of sitting on his lap, carrying on as deep a conversation as a child was capable of? Who would get to play with his round pot belly, and listen to his laughter?
He worked for GM and he was proud of it, and so were we.
When I close my eyes I can still smell his pipe and see the pipe carousel on his dresser. I can smell the cigarettes that he and grandma smoked.
I remember that after he retired he would watch soap operas during lunch.
And I remember the weddings – when my cousin and I would trade off and share him for the dance. “Grampa” by the Judds.
I remember his smile.
I remember his belly.
I remember the strength that he always carried in his soul and body.
I remember the pain that shot through my heart at the word…”cancer”. Once it was uttered it was less than a year. 10 months.
I remember the first time I saw him in the hospital-and how I had to run from the room because it made me physically ill to see my big strong grandfather lying in a bed weak and hooked up to tubes.
I remember his fight.
I remember when it was acknowledged in our hearts that the time to fight was over.
I remember how he held on – hours past when we thought we would lose him – because he would not let go until he’d gotten to hear the good-bye of all of his grandchildren, and my brother had been in surgery for his shattered wrist. Half an hour after the final phone call, he was gone.
I remember the sound of the tennis balls scattering across the hallway when my professor’s assistant walked up asking if she knew where I was…and all I could do was run to my car to get home as soon as I could.
From there it’s a blur…a long car ride from NC to NY. The arrangements. The funeral home. The droves of people I didn’t know, but who all knew him, overflowing the room.
The pain has lessened, resorted to a memory. For the most part I remember the love, the good things, the joy. But on this day every year the pain comes back to the forefront.
The pain seems so much stronger now that Grandma has gone to join him. Refreshed and renewed. Now they are together forever, but they will always be here in our hearts.
We love you still, and will always love you, Grampa.
by Sarah | Sep 10, 2013 | Books, Dark Territory, Hump Day Hook, Writing
Another Hump Day Hook!
Back to Dark Territory! I ran through my proof copy just this week, so I’m feeling share-y. 😀
Back to Katherine’s predicament from couple weeks back. She’s been thrown into a wall and now has a gun leveled at her by the mysterious “no name” man:
“Yes, you do, messy and complicated. What you did to Jane…”
“Oh, you foolish child. There is no Jane. It’s Clara. She fooled you all. I’d be impressed if it hadn’t cost me.” Johnny quirked a brow. “That’s why Mr. Krenshaw’s attitude toward Clara was fortuitous. It gave me a way to stay close and exact some revenge, as well as a way to recover some of my funds lost to that little whore.”
*~*
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It’s that time of year.
