by Sarah | Oct 9, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
Today G.D. Ogan stopped by to talk a little about himself.
*~*
Personal
*
Can you tell us a little about yourself? As a youngster I loved to run long distance events up to marathon length (gets the endorphins really flowing) and I continued my running during the military, I’m a retired Air Force Major. I have a pair of graduate degrees unfortunately not in English or Literature. I’m also retired from a second “calling” as a psychologist with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice where I evaluated inmates for various treatment programs and in another area of work I wrote treatment programs for overcoming addictions.
* What do you like to read? What’s your favorite genre? Well Vampire Novels, as long as they’re not the “slasher” type novels. Like humans there would be good as well as bad vampires, at least in my novels there are many extremely good vampires! I also like steamy romance where humans care for each other enough to share passionate love and sometimes with a vampire and human or vampire and vampire, all of which are found in my books. I also like novels with action and political intrigue (also found in my own works), also some non-fiction, such as military hitory.
* What’s your favorite place, real or fictional? Why? I MUCH prefer being inside the world of my novels be it in Prague, The Czech Republic, or Cayuga, Canada, with Magdalena, Eviana and members of the coven or all of us fighting the Chinese Communist invaders in Siberia. It is world where people and vampires fight for what they believe in and let the passion flow!
* What piece of advice would you give your teenage self? This may seem weird: “Get better running shoes…that way you may not have the hip and knee problems in your later years!”
* What’s the best thing you’ve done in your life? From a personal perspective, having two wonderful children with my wife of 45 years (and counting). From a military perspective, serving as the Logistics Project Officer helping set up the first B-1 Bomber Base.
* Describe yourself in 5 words. Passionate about freedom and animals.
* Where can people find you on the web and read more about your books? Book 1: http://amzn.com/B006ZCBT6G Book 2:http://amzn.com/B00A4IEHL6 Book 3: Out in October. Web: http://immortalrelations.blogspot.com/ http://amazon.com/author/guyogan http://facebook.com/writervampire http://twitter.com/thecarphotoguy1
Your Novel
* What is your book about? Finding Love, passion and new reasons for “Living,” even when you had thought you were on life’s downhill slopes.
* What about your book might pique the reader’s interest? What started the series was when I found out that my late father had participated in a “tryst” while stationed overseas at the end of WW-II, it confirmed some things my mother had said those many, many, years ago, but which I was too young to understand. The photographic evidence and a discussion of that event are on the first two pages of the first book (you can see and read that in the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon and the facts are mentioned again in the second book).
* What inspired you to write this particular story? “Immortal Relations, Love and War” continues the characters in “Immortal Relations.” It is a story I felt compelled to write and as the love and passion between the characters grows, they will not be denied their existence, if only in print. They have become more than just friends and lovers, they are the breath of life itself! I could no more cut them off than cease loving my own children…maybe that is what the characters have become for me (I care for them that much)! IMHO the world would be a far, far, better place were my characters “alive” on the surface of the planet rather than locked up inside the covers of my novels. If I could wish it so…I’d be with them!
* How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book? Nothing hidden about Gary Logan, he is me with just a tweak of the name. His desire to save the dogs in books one and three are examples of our shared passion for animals.
* You’ve gotten the call, your book will be made into a series! What is your dream cast? OH WOW! How I would love that…not for the money but to see my “friends” animated on the movie or television screen! The male characters are not as important in my book as the female characters but if I could have anyone I wanted play the parts:
From the movie RED: Helen Mirren as Grandmother
From the Underworld Trilogy: Kate Beckensale as Magdalena (if she was unavailable, then from Lost Girl: Anna Silk)
From Lost Girl either Anna Silk as Eviana or Ksenia Solo (also from Lost Girl) If neither of them were available, then Candice Accola of Vampire Dairies (would need a dark wig or a dye job)
From Vampire Dairies Ian Somerhalder* as Gary (his eyes speak volumes!) If he wasn’t available then John Malkovich (the consummate actor)
From the movie RED
James Remar as Adam
*okay, I know, Ian Somerhalder is probably too good looking and too young but THOSE EYES!!! So we’d go with John Malkovich for Gary.
Writing
* Are you a pantser or a plotter? Pantser. Since I’ve had Attention Deficit Disorder all my life I have a million ideas bouncing around in my head all the time…writer’s block is not something I’ve ever had, just the opposite, I have to pick from among all the possible scenarios.
* Are there any occupational hazards to being an author? I can think of several, first I like to sequester myself alone in a quiet area, and my propensity to being a hermit can upset my wife. Second, unless you write like Fifty Shades of Grey author E. L. James; Harry Potter’s J. K. Rowling; The Vampire Diaries, L. J. Smith or the prolific action writer Tom Clancy, then it is doubtful you will make money writing novels. For me, as a storyteller, getting my unique stories out into the hands of those interested in reading them is my motivation.
* Where do you get your ideas? They really do just continually pop into my head and I have to use, modify or discard each one (I mostly use or modify, rarely discard).
* What is the most difficult part of the writing process? The easiest? I think you will hear the same thing from almost all indie authors on this one: “Writing the stories is the easiest, doing all the ‘commercial development’ (trying to sell the books) is the hardest.” Of course if you are like the authors mentioned in the previous question and answer, you’ll have minions to do all that ‘little stuff’ and your books will automatically make the best seller’s list even before they are available because of all the pre-paid orders! LOL
* What are you working on now? I’ve sent my third in the series, “Immortal Relations Coming Out” to the publisher (Create Space) and it should be on Amazon & Kindle in October.
* Have you written any other books? Yes, in addition to my “Immortal Relations” series, when I was working in the field of Psychology I wrote a book titled, “Can Anyone Help My Child” on assessment and potential treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder. The book has been out of print for many years but I still have some copies of it.
Fun (Crazy, odd questions just for fun)
* Any unusual or hidden talents? Don’t know if either qualifies; however, I used to have a pretty good singing voice (choir) and I loved to dance.
* Most frequently played song. Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lot of Love” (mentioned being Gary Logan’s often played song in book three).
*
If you could be any comic book character, which one would you be? Captain America
Quick Questions
* Sing in the rain or dance in the streets? At this stage of my life, I’d better stick with Singing in the Rain.
* Pen or pencil? Pen
* Summer or Winter? Winter. Here in my part of Texas it never gets all that cold but it does get SWELTERING HOT!
* Movies or TV? TV
* Theater or DVD? DVD
* Rural or Urban? Rural
* Facial hair or clean shaven? Facial hair
.
* Marvel or DC? Marvel
* Cowboy or Bad Boy? Cowboy
* Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset (I write at night)
* Fall leaves or Spring flowers? (I like Winter but love Spring Flowers)
* Peanut butter or jelly? Peanut butter
* Spender or Saver? Spender
*~*~*~*
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Blurb: In “Immortal Relations, Love and War,” in order to help those who haven’t read the first book, “Immortal Relations,” there is a conversation between Magdalena and Gary discussing a few major events in book one. It isn’t long before our guardian vampires discover that their old friend Field Marshal Kolukov was dying of cancer. He had been instrumental in ending the evil vampire gang when they sought to steal biological weapons to use on innocent populations. Our guardian vampires immediately made arrangements to travel in order to make him an offer they hoped he wouldn’t refuse. Not really having the time to even settle in, our vampires were surprised when a gang of terrorists effectively decapitates the government of the Russian Federation. This forces the dying Field Marshal into heading a wartime government as it is learned that the Chinese troops have invaded Siberia to gain control over not only the vast oil and gold reserves there, but other mineral wealth and room for a burgeoning population. The Marxist regime in Washington acts like they may have had prior knowledge of the pending invasion and rather than trying to stop it seem to be somehow supporting the take over of Russian resources by the Communist Chinese. If stopping a war between two nuclear powers isn’t frightening enough, there are ecological disasters poised to do ruinous things to Western Economies if not the outright destruction of mankind. There is an ancient Chinese Curse which says, “May You Live In Interesting Times” and times are highly interesting in this “fictional” novel. Still, with all the dangers of war and threats of ecological disasters,“life” goes on, Magdalena and Gary become wed and there are new little vampire feet heard in the halls of the Residency once again.
*~*
Excerpt:
Maggie laughed and said, “You know you’re an incurable romantic.”
Around you, how could I be anything other than that?”
Maggie laughed her musical laugh again and that made me smile and we kissed. I said, “Well, you certainly were dressed to the nines,’ as they say.”
Maggie replied, “It’d been years since I’d worn that dress to attend an opera or symphony. Several lady friends and I had spent all night in town, but we were about to head back to the Residency since the Sun was rising, not that it caused any concern, unlike Vampire lore. That is when Evy called me about seeing you.”
I said, “That was a beautiful dress you were wearing when I saw you, your appearance took my breath away, as it always does.”
She teased, “Since you no longer have to breath, that shouldn’t be a big thing anymore, but would you like me to put the dress back on and model it for you?”
“I don’t know if my wild, still beating heart, will withstand you looking more beautiful than you are now, but yes, I’d love to see you in that dress again.”
At a speed that would have made her invisible to faulty human eyes, Maggie flew to her closet and then into the bathroom. Within minutes, the bathroom door opened and she appeared in the doorway looking both sultry and sophisticated.
I jumped out of bed, arranging the top sheet around me like a Roman Senator going to the Forum. I carefully approached the vision of loveliness before me, and put out my hand to touch the dress. Maggie grabbed my hand and wagged the finger of her other hand saying, this dress was hand made for me decades ago and is too delicate.”
I backed up, dropping my hand, and asked Maggie to turn around for me. As she pivoted, I sucked in a ragged breath at her beauty, accentuated not only b the light blue, lacy, scalloped, and layered, haut-couture dress, but perfectly quaffed hair and makeup she’d done in only minutes. Vampire speed and accuracy certainly helped in many aspects of our existence.
Appraising me as I watched her, she saw my ardor rising. To protect her dress, she quickly retreated to the bathroom and changed. I was sitting on the edge of the bed when she next appeared wearing the sexist red lingerie I’d ever seen. I couldn’t hide my reaction and she giggled as she pounced on me.
An hour later she said, “What was that you were saying about even if we never had physical relations again you’d still feel the same way toward me?”
Spent, but feeling better than I had a right to, I merely smiled at her and shook my head in disbelief at the fabulous lover she was. “You know, I consider myself the luckiest man who has ever lived, human or immortal, because you love me.”
*~*
Author Bio: I’m a retired Air Force Major (if anyone would have told me I would someday be writing adult paranormal-romance novels I would have laughed at them). I have a pair of graduate degrees (none in English or Literature as my writing will clearly attest) and I also retired from a second “calling” as a psychologist with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where I was mostly involved with developing treatment programs for inmates with addictions in addition to determining what mental health services they might need. I enjoy collector vehicles (anything from antiques to modern “muscle cars”). I was a marathon runner “back in the day” and enjoyed racing motorcycles and cars in my youth. I have always enjoyed writing and have had articles published in “The Long Distance Log” and other running publications, I had many articles published in Florida’s “Cruising Style Magazine” about car show activities in and around Texas. Of course I did a lot of technical writing while in the service as well as in my work for the State of Texas. In addition to my “Immortal Relations” series, I wrote a book on evaluation and treatment of ADHD many years ago titled, “Can Anyone Help My Child?’98
Additional (random) Information:
I offer a comment by one of those who bought the book. His name is Richard Rasmussen: “Being a bit of a vampire-phile, I find myself constantly searching for the next vampire series to reach out and grab, or, more appropriately, bite me. I believe I have found my holy grail of vampire novels. You see, the Vlad books are typically a bit gory for my tastes, while the Twilight series is campy, sophomoric, and I feel, is most appealing to teenage girls. Mr. Ogan has delivered a tale at breakneck speed, one that jumps out of the starting gate and never loses steam. A tale filled with life lessons, love, sex, action and adventure. Complete with new insights into the powers of the immortal vamps, and fresh takes on the complex inner workings of their existence. From page 1 until the very end, Immortal Relations promises to have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more…”
by Sarah | Oct 2, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
- What is your story?
Gwyn: My story is one of a dedicated scientist who trusted the wrong people and ended the world as we know it. Yes—I (inadvertently) caused the zombie apocalypse.
Sorry about that.
If it helps, I’m working to fix it, and I’ve made good progress on solving the problem.
- Who are you?
Goodness. That’s a difficult question. If you had asked Rafe, he would have tossed something flippant your way and moved on. But I find myself unable to do that, although I envy him the ability.
Who am I? Well, I am more than the person I was when my story began in Hero for Hire. Then, I was a scientist. That encompassed the important pieces of who I was. Now? I’m a foster mother to a pack of boys. I am a lover to the most amazing man I’ve had the privilege to know. I’m a terrible cook, with a family who eats my unappetizing offerings and pretends that they like them. I’m the destroyer of the world as we knew it. I’m trying to become restorer of the world, one infected at a time.
I’m Gwyn.
- Do you embrace conflict?
I do not. Before everything went badly, I used to avoid conflict at all costs. It’s part of what led the events that caused the end of our world. Now? I don’t like conflict, and I certainly don’t seek it out, but I do not run from it, and when necessary, I can fight as hard as Rafe and our boys. Some things are worth the battle. I’ve learned that.
4. How do you see yourself?
I’m strong. I never knew that about myself before the world ended. Now I do. I’m strong, and I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible.
- What, if anything, haunts you?
As you can probably guess, I really regret having trusted Miriam. I really regret not acknowledging her jealousy, and protecting against what she might do. My failure to stand up to her back at the beginning caused the deaths of so many. There are people that I will never have the chance to cure, and it could all have been prevented. I try not to think about it too much, because that much guilt can paralyze, and I still have a job to do. I still have a world to restore.
- Has anyone ever betrayed you?
Miriam didn’t do me any favors. But the people in my life now? I’d trust them with my life. I do actually, every day.
- Have you ever failed anyone?
I failed everyone. The apocalypse was my fault—at least in part. I’m trying to mitigate the damage now, but I will never make that right.
- Who was your first love?
Is it pathetic to say Rafe? I dated off an on before him, but he was the first person to really see me. And he was the first person who really touched me, who reached that secret place inside that we all have but never intentionally let people into.
- Was there ever a defining moment of your life?
When I left Rafe to go back to the lab, that moment was a defining one for me. I knew what I was choosing, and I did it anyway, because the reward was worth what I was giving up.
- What one word best describes you?
Determined.
- What don’t you like about yourself?
I’m awkward. My family adores me, and they don’t mind, but I know that socially I am awkward. I wish I were warm, and open and easy to know like Rafe is. But I’m not, and I suppose that is okay. Because I do like who I’ve become.
- What is more important – sex or intimacy? Why?
Intimacy. What is the point of sex without it? Just two people satisfying a base urge? For me, to let someone have that sort of access to me and who I am requires intimacy. Otherwise I just can’t do it.
- Do you think redemption is possible? If so, can anyone be redeemed, or are there only certain circumstances that can be? If not, why do you think nothing can redeem itself?
I certainly hope so. I’m working on that redemption every day.
*~*
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One day her prince would come…disguised as a zombie-killer. Having been disgraced and tossed out by her own scientific community, Gwyn is convinced she can develop a cure for a SuperVirus that has turned the Infected into zombies. By pure luck and determination, she has survived on her own for years, but while out scavenging, a clash with the local zombies leaves her potentially infected. Now, running out of time, she needs help and takes a chance on a hero for hire.
Rafe loves the apocalypse. Since the world went to hell, everything’s come up roses for him. Having procured a mansion in the Hollywood hills, adopted a slew of homeless boys and one cantankerous but useful Doc, Mr. Charming is benefiting from the nasty zombie infestation. His job? Killing the bastards, which he considers fun anyway. Gwyn Snow needs Rafe Charming to help retrieve her research from the Paragon Pharmaceuticals lab, also known as Zombie Central. Believing she can yet save the world, Gwyn makes Rafe question what’s right and what’s worth the fight.
CONTENT WARNING: Prince Charming, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves as you’ve never seen them before. Tales From Beyond the End, #1 A Lyrical Press Fantasy Romance – Once Upon”
*~*
Excerpt:
“I was on the vaccine team,” she said. “The team leader was a woman named Miriam Armstrong. She’s a brilliant woman, but her aspirations clouded her vision, so when I came up with a workable vaccine, she stole my formula. She re-engineered it, thinking she could make improvements. I complained, but no one was interested. Because she was the team leader, she took credit for the vaccine. When the vaccine was distributed and administered, my best guess is that it reacted with the live virus to cause mutation.”
“That’s just shitty.”
“It appears there are a couple of levels of mutation, producing a higher level of functioning in the infected individual, much like what you described–strong, fast, cunning, violent and with some heightened senses.”
“Right. But there are also some who are just lumbering meat sacks. I think the smarter ones eat those when they can’t find anything fresher, so to speak.”
She shuddered. “The point is, I can fix them. I can still cure them. That’s what I’ve been working on for the last eighteen months, but I need my journals at the lab to reconstruct my original work.”
I cocked a brow at her, displaying my best you’ve-got-to-be-shitting-me expression.
“You really think you can cure those things out there?”
“I know I can.”
She pushed the hair out of her face again, looking me in the eyes. The conviction shining there and echoed in her voice, almost made me believe her. But, I had no faith those animals would ever be human again. The point was she believed they could be cured. Now I had a much better grasp of the guilt and pain that ate at her conscience.
Not only was she gorgeous, she was smart, she was vulnerable and she had an adorable awkwardness that did crazy things to me. I’d never met a woman like her. Ever. I tried not to, but I fell for her, just like that. This was probably not the reaction she was looking for–it sure as hell surprised me–but being the go-with-your-gut kinda guy I was, I did the only thing I could in the circumstances.
“What the hell,” I said, and leaned in to kiss her. The shock when our lips met sent a jolt down my spine, settling somewhere just south of my belt buckle. I couldn’t stop the growl in my throat as I took her deeper. My hands reached up, fingers tangling in the hair at her nape. I gave into the need and pulled her body into mine. She kissed like she didn’t know how, tentative, almost dainty. I smiled against her lips at her sharp intake of breath when I introduced my tongue into her mouth.
God, she tasted so sweet it made me dizzy. She mewed a little sound, returning my kiss, convincing me she had actually done this before. When I placed my other hand at her lower back and pulled her against the enthusiastic bulge in my jeans, she broke the kiss. She took a step away, a shocked look on her face.
“What’s the matter, Princess, too much for you?”
About Merissa
I love to read, write, drink strong coffee and eat dark chocolate–not necessarily in that order and sometimes all at once. I live in the deep South, with my very own superhero, and my three minions. Together, we attempt to take over the world.
When not otherwise occupied with planning world domination, I’m a voracious reader and adore happy endings. I write what I love to read, so I write romance and stories with romantic elements to them.
My novella Hero for Hire, written jointly with the fabulous Margaret Bail is due for release on October 1, 2013. It’s a Paranormal Romance featuring a campy post apocalyptic take on the Snow White tale, and is the first in our Tales from Beyond the End series.
I love feedback and messages, so please feel free to contact me at www.facebook.com/MerissaMcCain,
twitter.com/MerissaMcCain/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7199113.Merissa_McCain,
http://triberr.com/MerissaMcCain
or via email at merissa.mccain@gmail.com
*~*
About Margaret
Hi. I’m Margaret Madigan. Or M.K.D. Bail, depending on what literary genre we’re talking about!
I live in the vast Northern Plains where it’s quiet and mostly empty, and very conducive to letting my imagination run wild. As a result, I have difficulty focusing on just one genre of storytelling. Of course, I love romance, so I write a lot of that, but I also write science fiction, and dabble in other genres just for the fun of it.
When I’m not writing you’ll find me in a college classroom teaching English, or working as a literary agent for an amazing agency…and of course enjoying time with my family.
Thanks for visiting my page. Like Merissa, I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to contact me with comments, requests, feedback, or messages at
Twitter.com/mmadiganauthor/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7242698.Margaret_Madigan
https://www.facebook.com/mmadiganauthor
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)
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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 | Aug 28, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
What is your story?
I thought my life was set. My career as a financial analyst was secure, and I was engaged to be married, living in New York. However, it all fell apart when the market crashed and I lost my job. Thoughts of all I gave up for my job, the betrayal I felt at being discarded washed through me. I couldn’t continue in that line of business; I wanted something less demanding. Not sure what I wanted to do I began researching different careers. But when Porsha, my fiancé, found out she flipped and left me. There went my chances of starting a family; all the time I invested in our relationship was gone. So, that’s when I decided, if I couldn’t have a family of my own, I’d care for someone else’s.
Do you embrace conflict?
Well, I definitely don’t run from conflict. I feel like I handle conflict on an as needed basis. If I’m the one that needs to confront it, I do. However, if Mia needs to go off the handle, it’s my job to ground her. Mia is very protective of her family and strong headed, but I’m also a protector by nature. We balance each other and take care of each other and that means all conflict.
What in your past would you like to forget?
I think past mistakes are important to our futures. They teach us things and, hopefully, in the end make us stronger. Regretting things gets us nowhere really and it is an opportunity to learn and grow. So, I wouldn’t change anything from my past.
Who was your first love?
Kristen Montgomery, we were in the ninth grade. At the time, I loved her so much, well, as much as a thirteen year old could. We dated for two weeks before she left me to go out with some kid, Chaz. My heart was broken for ages.
Who is your true love?
My true love and soul mate is Mia Balducci. From the moment we met, I knew she’d be a part of my life forever.
Was there ever a defining moment of your life?
Yes, the moment I lost everything I thought I wanted and decided to become a manny. It all brought me here.
What one word best describes you?
Loyal
Who was your best friend when you were growing up?
My brother was/is my best friend. We’ve always been really close, and never had any animosity toward each other.
What is the perfect romantic date?
I’m not sure if it’s the perfect date, but it’s a great one. For our anniversary, I’ve scheduled to have limo pick us up at home and take us to an Italian restaurant in Long Beach. After the romantic dinner we will be taken to the canals in Venice, which look just like the canals in Venice, Italy. Once there we’ll get to take a gondola ride with some wine and wonderful singing. Then I’ll take her home and ravish her.
What is more important – sex or intimacy? Why?
Being a guy, you all probably think I’d say sex. Well, yes, I think sex is important, but without intimacy there’s no relationship. Sex without intimacy is what people who don’t love each other do. And a relationship without intimacy is a friendship. We need the intimacy more than anything and the rest will come and bring it all together.
Is it okay for you to cry? When was the last time you cried?
Men don’t cry. But Mia thinks she saw me cry when we watched The Notebook. I wasn’t, really.
*~*~*~*
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Blurb:
Mia Balducci misses her childhood days and yearns for the big, Italian family that she left behind in small town Massachusetts. At the tender age of sixteen, Mia moves with her bachelor father to Los Angeles, but no matter how many years pass, it never becomes home to her. The years spent living with her father aren’t easy, especially since she can’t stop thinking about what she once had. Her enrollment in the University of Southern California promises to bring exciting changes to her life, but Mia winds up with big problems instead. When she runs into an old friend from her old hometown of Winthrop, she gets swept up in nostalgia, and she soon loses herself in a quickly-progressing romance. When the fantasy falls apart, she is left to raise her precious little girl, Lucia, on her own. The demands of Mia’s work schedule and Lucia’s needs increase, and their lives become increasingly hectic. It is soon clear to Mia that she needs help. Luckily, her life-saving cousin saves the day and brings the mother and daughter a male nanny – their new “manny.”
After losing his high-pressure job on Wall Street, Dominic Roberts wants to follow his dreams to have a family. He’s already one fiancée down, and there are no likely prospects for another. In order to find the family he so desperately wants, he finds himself getting into the manny business. Since he is fully qualified to provide child care and is eager to leave New York City behind, his sister-in-law is able to land him a job in California working for his first client – the beautiful and intriguing Mia Balducci.
Will Lucia like the new man in her mother’s life? Will Mia? And will this new trio discover the happily ever after they all so desperately seek?
Excerpt:
I had never seen this man undressed before. Standing in my room, feeling shy all of a sudden, I watched while he removed his clothes and unveiled his beauty. In all honesty, I didn’t know what to expect. I had seen glimpses of him, small parts here and there, while we groped like kids on the sofa during our movie nights. When his shirt went over his head, I savored every toned muscle and found myself eager to touch every part of him. Anxiety ran through me while my eyes bounced over every bare piece of his skin. I felt the instant need to skim my fingers through the light scatter of hair on his chest that disappeared into his jeans. I wanted to taste the salt on his skin when I licked the “v” at his hips.
The confidence I had in the living room faded when we faced each other. I wanted to close the distance, to touch him, but my nerves set in. My mind was running with different, crazy thoughts. What if he didn’t like my body? I had a baby, after all. What if he didn’t find me experienced enough? What if I couldn’t please him? I steeled myself and began to undress alongside him. My body shook with nerves and anticipation, and I couldn’t wait to feel him. My body begged for fast and rough, but my heart yearned for soft and sensual.
“Whoa, not so fast, baby. I want to do that,” he said in a playful tone that relaxed me and made me giggle.
Standing back, I watched when he let his pants drop to the floor so I was able to appreciate his strong legs. They were long, with defined muscles covered in black wisps of hair. He placed his pants on the chair behind him, and I caught a look at his tight ass in his dark gray boxer briefs. As a full package, Dominic was complete perfection. Hell, even in parts he was beautiful. When he turned back toward me, he looked right into my eyes, and I let out a shaky breath. My eyes were sucked in by his, and I watched while they changed color, turning darker. In the look we shared, our souls just spoke—connected. It was the kind of moment I had read about in fairy tales; it was not something that happened in real life, but it happened now. It happened for us.
Author Bio:
Jennifer Garcia’s (aka Forbes Arnone) love of travel began when she went to the West Coast to visit her father at the age of three. Her home until she was sixteen was a small coastal town near Boston. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Her lifelong love for reading and writing was put aside for many years while she made her way in the world and nurtured her young family. Even though she is older, and life never seems to settle, she’s finding her way while attending college full-time in pursuit of a B.A. in English Literature. She also runs a business, and is still caring for her family. Believing she can do it all, with the help of her family, she worked on her first novel during the late hours of the night while balancing the rest of her life during the day. Her hard work paid off, as her first novel, My Mr. Manny, will be published August 27, 2013.
Find Jennifer on:
Facebook
Goodreads–Forbes Arnone
Goodreads–Jennifer Garcia
Twitter
Blog
About.me
Authorsdb
Amazon
by Sarah | Aug 14, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Thursday Tell All, Writing
- What is your story? Heartland (Black Irish #2)
- Who are you? Abigail O’Riley
- Do you think the author portrayed you accurately? I do. I think Tricia did a fantastic job.
- Do you have any special strengths? Patience. I live with a very sexy, fast tempered Irishman. I have to be able to soothe him at time while keeping myself in check.
- Do you have any special weaknesses? The same dark, sexy Irishman.
- What makes you happy? My husband, Sloan. And my extended family – my Mom, Gordon, Maggie, Bartholomew. Oh, and Robert. I guess.
- What are you afraid of? I am afraid of losing Sloan. There is a large price on his head and many evil men who want him dead.
- What in your past had the most profound effect on you? I was bullied in high school. It made me kind of an introvert. It also caused me to be very critical of myself seeing myself as the bullies saw me. Sadly, they didn’t change even though we’re adults.
- Who is your true love? Sloan O’Riley.
- What is the most important thing that ever happened to you? Why? The most important thing that happened to me was the day I married Sloan. The funny thing is that we did it so he could get a visa to stay in the United States. I thought he was gay. Little did I know he was telling me a little white lie so I would stay in New York City with him.
- Was there a major turning point in your life? When I discovered Sloan’s lie I ran. I didn’t know my ex-boyfriend stole all my money. I was left alone and penniless in New York City.
- What is your most closely guarded secret? My closely guarded secret is Sloan’s. Not many people know he used to be a member of the Irish Republican Army. And he’s still a wanted man for murders he didn’t commit.
- Do you have any hobbies? Writing, reading, running the gallery with Sloan.
- Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets. My cell phone that I’m not allowed to turn off per my husband (“Non-negotiable” he says), pre-natal vitamins, Kleenex (my pregnancy is making me emotional), the gold shamrock pin Sloan gave me in New York City and a small sea shell we found on the beach in St. Thomas.
- How do you envision your future? I envision a house full of children with black hair and blue eyes, just like their Daddy.
- What is your most prized mundane possession? Why do you value it so much? My gold shamrock pin. Sloan pinned it on me personally before our meeting at Panda Publications to see our first book in print. Every time I see it I remember him smiling at me with his beautiful blue eyes.
- What was your family like? It was just Mom and me. I have no siblings. My dad left us when I was little. I’m glad. He wasn’t very good to my Mom.
- What is your worst childhood memory? My entire high school experience. There were three popular girls – Dani, Violet and Sami – who made it their personal mission to make my life horrible. Unfortunately they succeeded
- What is the perfect romantic date? Cuddling on the couch to watch TV after a wonderful dinner I cook with my husband.
- What is more important – sex or intimacy? Why? Intimacy. I want to be part of Sloan’s heart and soul. We can only get there through intimacy. Sex is just the bonus.
- How private of a person are you? Why? I am a very private person. Which doesn’t exactly work well when I’m married to the great Sloan O’Riley.
- If you were to gain an obscenely large sum of money (via an inhertiance, a lawsuit, a lottery, or anything else) what would you do with it? *giggles* Sloan is a billionaire. He has an obscenely large amount of money. I did buy a firetruck for our town, Mount Vernon. They desperately needed it.
- What would you wish for if you found a genie? To keep Sloan and our family together and safe forever.
*~*~*~*
| SCP |
Blurb:
Sloan and Abbey move to Abbey’s hometown of Mount Vernon, Iowa, to start their new lives together away from the chaos of New York City. And they are not alone – they are joined by Gordon, Maggie, and Bartholomew each looking for a fresh start and new love in the small rural town.
Their marriage is put to the test by the reappearance of Abbey’s father, bullies from her high school days, a business opportunity in Miami, and a new baby on the way. When a person from their past comes back looking to make Abbey his own again, will he be able to tear Sloan and Abbey apart forever?
Excerpt:
Abbey stepped aside to open the glass door wider. Nathan brushed past her into the spacious, opulent penthouse grasping the handles of a bulging leather briefcase. Before she could offer him a seat, he sank into the chocolate brown leather armchair.
She wrinkled her nose in disgust. That was Sloan’s chair. It’s where he sat to watch SportsCenter and read the paper. They cuddled in that chair. They made love in that chair. Seeing another man sitting in it seemed wrong. Very, very wrong.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Her voice slightly betrayed her insincerity. She really wanted him to leave.
“No, thank you. Sit,” Nathan commanded. He reached across to the sofa and patted the cushion. “We have a lot of ground to cover, and I have another appointment in an hour.”
Abbey complied hesitantly. “If we need to do this another day…”
Nathan unzipped his briefcase and pulled free a stack of documents. The pile was easily over two inches thick. “No, we need to do this today. Sloan insisted.”
“Do what?”
Nathan carefully arranged the stack of paper into several neat piles. “Sloan called me the other day to have me draw up some additional contracts for San Francisco. He told me the news of your nuptials and the little one coming. I advised him that we strong arm you into a post pre-nup to protect his investments.” Nathan looked up at her from sorting. His glare gave Abbey the chills. “By the way, congratulations.”
Classy. Abbey fought the sneer from her face. “Thanks,” she responded sarcastically. “So, this is the pre-nup?”
“No. I barely got the word pre-nup out before Sloan laid into me. Hard. I’m glad he’s in San Francisco, or he would have torn me limb from limb. After calling me some very colorful names, he very distinctly and clearly ordered me to add you to his accounts. Immediately.”
“His accounts?”
“As his wife, you share in his assets—bank accounts, properties, car titles, etc. Billions of dollars’ worth of assets.”
Abbey’s eyes flew open wide. “B-b-billions?”
*~*
Bio:
Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband, Brian and her three children – her sons, Jake and Jon, and her daughter, Alex. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations. Along with writing (which she loves to do), Tricia coaches and participates in track and field, does kickboxing, reads, sews and is involved in many of her children’s activities. Tricia is also the co-host of Freshly Booked on Blog Talk Radio. Freshly Booked is a member of Writers Online Network.
Tricia is a member of the Romance Writers of America and RWA Chapter 177 From the Heart Romance Writers.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/t.l.andersenauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/triciaandersen
Blog: http://insidethiswritersmind.com/
Website: www.triciaandersen.com
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