by Sarah | Apr 12, 2013 | Books, Challenge, Holiday, Sweet Saturday Samples, Writing
I thought another meme was in order to give my blog some life on the weekends. Thankfully fellow SCP author, Jean Joachim pointed out this new meme to show of samples of our stories.
Sweet Saturday Samples are samples of any story, published, unpublished, whatever you like. Any genre is welcome of any heat level – but the samples themselves are all rated PG-13, so yes, all samples are safe for innocent (or not) eyes.
I know this week I already did a sample of Santa, Maybe with my Hump Day Hook, but I wanted to show a more cheerful sample of the story. Again, this is an unedited WIP that I’m writing for a submission call. I hope you enjoy it. And don’t forget to check out Sweet Saturday Samples for more samples!
She sighed and placed another kiss to the top of his head. “You’ll never guess who found me online last year.”
The change in subject relaxed his tight hold on her and the tension drained from his shoulders. “Who would that be?”
“Dolf.”
“No way.” That proved enough to reenergize him and he propped himself up on his elbow to face her. “Not the Dolf Biermann from 4G.”
“Yes. The very same.” Out of the sadness of a few minutes ago, they both started to grin. Her cheeks grew tight from her smile. “The one that used to play the accordion every night at 3:30AM on the dot.”
He started to chuckle. “And there was no soundproofing in that place. My God, do you remember that apartment?”
Laughter burst from its seams and she nodded fiercely. “Are you kidding? It was our first home! Not that I’d call it an apartment. It was a postage stamp.”
“And we barely scraped by on rent.” He nestled into the covers, his hand slipping along her stomach in a familiar and comfortable gesture. “You worked your ass off.”
“You had school.”
“And you had work and lessons. I still don’t know how you did it. Or how you managed to cook anything on that—well, I can’t call it a stove.”
“It was a glorified hot plate.” Tears started to form, her laughter grew so strong. “And that landlord. He was such a peeping tom. I swear he bore holes in the walls to look in on his tenants.”
“He was so creepy.” Alan shook his head. “I hope that guy doesn’t still run a building. He’s probably figured out how to install those small cameras all over the place.”
She shuddered. “Ugh. I wouldn’t doubt it. Creepy doesn’t begin to cover him.”
“Sad that I miss that place sometimes.”
“Looking back is always easier. It was a wonderful time in our lives.”
by Sarah | Apr 11, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m pleased to welcome Layna Pimentel to the blog today. She agreed to an interview, and a little peek into her book A Gift From Fate.
*~*
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m married and have two daughters. I’m a geek/bookworm and I’m proud of it. Hmm…what haven’t I shared yet with people? I’m terrified of flying, my Achilles heel is a good red wine, my nickname used to be zappy. I can’t believe I just announced that. My husband is going to have a field day with that. LOL
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Both if you can imagine. I almost always start every book plotting first, and then my muse rears her ugly head and says “No! There will be none of that. I want it to go this way.” Dang muse.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
We could be here all day if I went into every detail, but the key problem I had was finding the right critique partner. Thankfully, my crit partner Jessica Subject has been there through thick and thin, and I’ve been eternally grateful for her help and infinite wisdom.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
I don’t really have a favorite chapter. I loved writing this book from start to finish.
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Don’t be afraid to follow your instinct, if you don’t think you’re in a critique group/have a partner that fits, save yourself the unnecessary stress of parting on bad terms and walk away. Mind you, don’t give up either. Keep trying and you will find the right person for you. Think of it as dating. Also, don’t be afraid to invest in a freelance editor either, in the event you still don’t find that perfect match. They’re worth their weight in gold, and they’re a valuable resource to reach out to.
6. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
Well if you love mythology as much as I do, then you’ll love that the story is written around one of the nine muses—which we really don’t hear too often about. Plus, I added in my own fictional twist with the Fates and their hate on for Zeus. *wink wink*
7. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I’ve been reading tarot since the late 1990’s. Oh! And I’m also a huge fan of siege weapons. So guess what I’ll be building this summer in between projects? A trebuchet. Of course it will only be a scaled down version, but it’ll be big enough to scare off those pesky pigeons in my backyard. I warned you that I was a nerd. 😉 Aside from that, video games is another thing that I enjoy. If it’s a RPG like Oblivion, or The Witcher, I’m all over it like white on rice.
8. Do you have another book coming out soon?
I do have another fantasy erotic romance short coming out this month through Secret Cravings Publishing. So check out my blog for more details about Hardened Desire. Also, this summer my historical erotic romance series Pleasure Garden Follies launches. Scandal at Vauxhall is tentatively scheduled for July, A Sinful Education in September, and Her Deviant Lord in November. It’s been a busy year.
9. How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?
A Gift From Fate was originally intended to be a standalone book, but I do have two other books planned. I mean who knows, with nine muses you never know what those girls are up to.
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00BHLTBVA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Barnes & Noble | Secret Cravings | All Romance Ebooks | Bookstrand |
Blurb:
After colliding with a stunning vision in white, retired Staff Sergeant Brent Daniels offers to drive the beautiful stranger to a hotel for the night, but instead discovers he’s with one very lost creature. He’s bewitched by her sinful curves, her dark and mesmerizing eyes, and the pull at his soul with each minute passing. Nevertheless, he can’t shake the feeling she’s hiding something.
Melpomene, daughter of Zeus, finds her handsome rescuer resembles the man who has continuously haunted her dreams. Before long, she’s in his arms, wanting more. Knowing their days are numbered, desperation leads her to reach out for help by an unlikely ally.
Just how far will these two lovers go, and what will they sacrifice to be together?
EXCERPT
“My name is Melp—Mel Pomene.” She’d nearly given herself away. Zeus, her father, would have heard had she whispered her name. Her father. Heavens, he’d turn the mortal realm upside down if he suspected she was here. And right now, she desired nothing more than to stay a little longer. With any lucky, I’ll return before he notices.
“Well, Mel, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your last name is rather unusual. I assume you’re not from these parts?”
His question silenced any thoughts drifting through her mind at that moment. A new kind of tension rose within her. She couldn’t disclose her origins or who she was. Guilt settled in her stomach for leaving her sisters behind, but she wasn’t given a choice. The Fates dropped her here, only mentioning an experience for three days…provided Zeus didn’t find out. Only the Gods knew what he’d do if he found her cavorting around without a proper escort.
“Earth to Mel? Are you all right?”
“Yes, I am. I’m just thinking of home, which is Greece. I’ve come to the United States for an adventure, it would seem.”
He chuckled before she’d finished speaking.
“What is so amusing?”
“The mere mention of seeking adventure after getting lost is rather comical, nothing else, sweetheart.” He removed his right hand from the wheel and petted her knee. The warmth of his hand stirred an unfamiliar emotion within. This was the man from her dream. Those hands had touched parts of her body no mortal would have dared, and here she sat, wishing he’d do more than pat her.
WHAT AM I WORKING ON NEXT
I’m working on the second installment of my Pleasure Garden Follies series, A Sinful Education. The series takes place in the regency era and is going to be super hot. The first book Scandal at Vauxhall will be releasing this July, so make sure to stop by my site for latest updates.
BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.
Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut. For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:
www.laynapimentel.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+
by Sarah | Apr 10, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
Today I’m super thrilled to have someone I considered a good friend, and an excellent critique partner, stopping by. I’ve known her for a year now and am so excited that her debut novel (which I had the honor of critiquing) is out in the world. Part romance, part urban fantasy, part laugh-your-ass-off funny…Fiona Druce delivers a story with snark and sass. I asked her to stop by with a few characters for an interview and well…she tried…
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
ACE: I fell on the ground. No joke. There I was, stacking books, and I fell over. I guess the commotion caught her eye or something… especially since she started the book with that very scene. *evil glare at Fiona* I own the bookstore, actually. I sell all kinds of unique books, antique books and books that fall under other adjectives that also end in “–que”.
VAL: *clears his throat and rubs his hand on Ace’s arm* My turn? Well. I came to Fiona’s attention only moments later when Ace fell on me. She had no idea who I was until I’d introduced myself. Fiona was quite excited. Ace? Not as much. *sighs* As for occupation, I’m a King.
JOHN: *shoulders his way past Val to stand in the front* I knocked Thane to the ground. And Irving. And Val. *he flexes, a satisfied smile curling up the corners of his lips* I’m sure my little girl spoke of me, but Fiona didn’t really notice me until I’d hit people. Which is fine. *he glares at Val* I have a lot more where that came from, too.
VAL: *sighs* Must we, John?
JOHN: *narrows his eyes, a low grumble in in his chest*
ACE: *whines* Really? Right now? If ya’ll don’t stop, I’m telling Mama. *stands akimbo*
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
ACE: *whacks Val on the forearm* This guy because he’s so cute when he’s ready to impale someone with his thumb-sized dragon teeth. And I would have to say it was gravity that drew me to him. I did fall on him, after all. Twice–No… it might have been three times… *purses her lips and squeezes an eye shut, trying to remember*
VAL: *says nothing, still smiling at John*
JOHN: *says nothing, still glaring at Val*
ACE: *nudges Val* Psst. That was your cue to earn brownie points.
VAL: *continues to glare at John*
ACE: *harumphs and slams her arms across her chest to sulk*
3. What’s your greatest fear?
ACE: The next few months…
VAL: *shoots a look of indignant disbelief at Ace*
JOHN: *mumbles something that includes words like acreage and shotgun*
4. What’s your motto in life?
ACE: F–
VAL: *smirks at John* A man is only as good as his virility.
JOHN: *sputters* *slams his fist into Val’s jaw*
ACE: *her shoulders sink and she stares at the interviewer* Do you see what I have to put up with?
*Val chuckles at John, who throws another punch. Val dodges it with a snakelike jerk of his head.*
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
ACE: Usually from above. I’m pretty short.
VAL & JOHN: *eye each other, John with painful intent, and Val with a self-satisfied grin.*
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
ACE: I’m a Southern girl. So… Yes, I suppose. All of the above.
VAL & JOHN: *silent*
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
ACE: We’re a…er…motley crew of…er…
VAL: *pinches Ace’s backend *
JOHN: “Get your hands off my baby girl!”
ACE: *yelps* “Sorry, what was I saying…?”
8. What was your happiest moment?
ACE: *Stands in front of them, ignoring the entire situation* “Can I answer that another time, perhaps? You know… when… er… certain people aren’t present?”
FIONA: “You mean your dad?”
ACE: *shakes her head covertly and whispers* “Val.”
FIONA: Er…
VAL: *his brow shoots up, the only sign of his indignant glower*
JOHN: *leans back and lets out a howl of laughter*
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
ACE: Pr–
JOHN: Being that guy. *punches at Val*
VAL: *dodges the punch* “Come, now…can’t we just get along?”
FIONA: *winces at the antics of the men* Sorry, Ace.
ACE: *glowers at Fiona but says nothing, then glares at Val* “Quit antagonizing my father! I expected better of you!”
VAL: “Love, it’s just a game…”
ACE: *snorts* “A game where the winner gets to sleep on the couch.” *she harumphs and then spins around to leave, throwing a last comment over her shoulder*. “As does the loser.”
JOHN: *turns to Val* “See what you did!”
VAL: *rolls his eyes* “Ace…” *follows her out*
JOHN: *follows them out*
FIONA: …Sooo… *clears her throat and looks around. Nope. She’s all by herself* Er…I like blue. *grimaces, but it might be an attempt at a smile*
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00C520WGS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | Barnes & Noble | ARe | Publisher |
BLURB:
More snarky-than-sweet Southern girl Acacia “Ace” Stanning has never been anyone’s ideal anything. Not for a lack of trying, of course.
Dark, mysterious, and utterly frustrating hottie Val Draig has always been quite the opposite. Without even an attempt at trying. Except that whole being-a-dragon bit. And the violent bloody war bit. And the fact that simply by knowing him, Ace is now drawn kicking and screaming into a secret battle between two warring dragon factions.
Then Val told her she was his ideal everything.
Now, because he loves her, a whole group of dragons want her dead. And those are the good guys.
The bad guys want both Ace and Val’s entire clan wiped from existence. To stop the bloodshed, she and Val will unravel a hidden past only to discover a future together is the key to their survival.
Ace may not be ideal, but who she is may just be wild enough to work.
Fiona Druce and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest with two daughters and a large neurotic dog. Her interests are singing, triathlons, molecular biology, qualitative chemistry, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and writing fiction. She’s positive there is somehow a connection in all that but she hasn’t found it, yet. Suggestions welcome.
| Website | Facebook | Twitter |
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by Sarah | Apr 9, 2013 | Books, Holiday, Hump Day Hook, Writing
Another Hump Day Hook!
And this week it’s time for something new and completely different!
One of the WIP’s I’ve been working on in the background is a story for a holiday submission call. It’s tentatively called Santa, Maybe although I’ve also had the quirky suggestion of Holiday Peace (which both fits the story and matches the fact that I keep calling it my “holiday piece”. :D). I wish I could settle on a name, but it’s just not happening.
If this book is contracted and published, all proceeds will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 🙂
Anyhow, here’s one paragraph from this WIP…just one…don’t hate me:
“No. No more wishes.” She had to get a grip on herself or she’d fall back into the trap. Sniffling against the tears, she pulled back and swiped at them. Her fingers pressed to the bridge of her nose to try to settle them down. “This has to be the last time we walk away from each other. There’s nothing else left to wish for.”
*~*~*
Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published. Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library! To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:
by Sarah | Apr 8, 2013 | Author Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m very happy to have Carolyn Wren stop by again today for a visit. It seems like just yesterday I had her here with her book, [amazon_link id=”B00BAXHNCY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Scientist (The Protector Series #2)[/amazon_link]. Now she’s back for her latest book in the Protector Series The Actress. Carolyn was good enough to sit down and answer a few questions for me.
*~*
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a former book keeper who decided, one day, to ignore numbers and start playing with words instead. I had never written before and quickly found out how addictive it is. Now I feel cheated if I don’t write every day, and have been known to take my laptop on planes, trains, and in automobiles in order to get down that chapter in my head.
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I plot in my head, to the point where it is word perfect. However, when I type, I turn into a pantster, and that perfect scene tends to change dramatically once my fingers hit the keyboard.
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
Self-confidence was the biggest challenge, or to be more accurate, lack of it. I never even considered getting published, all my stories sat on a folder on my desktop, and provided lunchtime reading entertainment for my friends at work. It was only when I won the 2012 RWA Emerald award and got to the finals of the 2012 Daphne Du Maurier awards that I finally found the courage to submit my work to a publisher.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
The opening chapter of book 4 in the series -and the one I had great success with in contests-The Hostage, starts with a dramatic rescue scene. To make it different, the captive is a big strong male, and his savior is a tiny woman. I liked the idea of putting a twist on a hostage/rescuer situation and it remains my favorite chapter to date.
5. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
Book 2 in the series, The Scientist, features a very outrageous, danger seeking agent called Simon Winters. He is a flirt, cheeky, and completely over the top. I was concerned people might hate him, but he seems to be a big favorite with readers.
6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Write, write, write. Even if you think what you’re doing is complete rubbish. Write what you love, because you love it. It’s all part of learning. Join an organization like the RWA, because their support network is amazing. Enter contests, let the judge’s feedback guide you into which direction you need to go.
Most importantly, enjoy it. We all have to follow the rules and regulations of publishing. Have to get our heads around correct punctuation, and correct usage of point of view, once we get that far.
But for that initial draft? For that tantalizing story in your head that won’t go away? Just write.
7. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?
My browser history would fascinate and confuse any therapist. In one day, whilst working on 3 separate books of different genres, I researched the following…
How bright is a muzzle flash from a 9mm gun in a completely dark room. How long does a stun gun render a person unconscious for. What exactly happens in a fifteen century nunnery? What was the largest battle in the Crusades. How do you track an older style cell phone manufactured in the year 2005. What were the midwife techniques in England in the 1950s. Is it possible to exist for a long period of time in the Amazon Jungle without coming across any form of civilization?
And all of the answers were very interesting!
8. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
This particular book, The Actress, follows the story of Bryce Black, and we have met Bryce in all of the books in the series so far. He is a tech wizard, not your usual shoot-them-up secret agents. He is quiet and witty and very cute. The story takes a very interesting turn half way. It goes from a fun contemporary story into something much darker. And, we get a teasing cameo from Omega, the totally secretive, totally enigmatic agent, who will feature in book 4.
9. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I have synesthesia, so I see numbers as colors. It makes remembering phone numbers very easy.
10. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
Jared Knight from Book 1, Diplomat’s Daughter, the first male character I ever wrote, still speaks clearly to me. Not loudly, as Jared never shouts. Maybe because he was the first fictional character I ever invented, and maybe because he features in all the books in the series. I feel I always know exactly what he would say, or do, in any situation.
11. Do you have another book coming out soon?
The Hostage, Book 4 is scheduled for a June release. In 2013 I have a book coming out every two months.
12. How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?
There are seven books in The Protector series, and they were all written to tell a complete arc before I submitted them to Secret Cravings Publishing. So yes, in this case, the number is set.
However I have a paranormal series I have been working on for some time, called The Stolen Ones Trilogy, and I strongly suspect it’s now turning into a four or possibly five books series, so I will have to find another name for it!
*~*~*~*
BUY LINK: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=569
The Protectors, Book 3
The Actress
A famous television actress trying to balance her fictional character and her real life. And an obsessed fan who cannot tell the difference.
The technical wizard of The Protectors agency…
Bryce Black can invent, build, or hack anything. Preferring to leave the danger to his fellow operatives, Bryce is happiest at home designing gadgets, and pursuing his hobby of creating replica diamonds. When offered an assignment to protect a fortune in real gems featured in a high rating television show, he accepts. Only to find himself falling for the beautiful lead actress.
Katrina Abbott is walking away from her acting career without regret. The loss of privacy and invasion of her personal life have become overwhelming. The handsome security advisor with his fascinating amber colored eyes has her contemplating a new life, far from the glaring spotlight. But first she needs to film the finale of her wildly popular drama series.
One female fan does not want the show to end, and has a very different view of what Katrina’s future should be.
Excerpt.
Taking the opportunity for a brief escape, Katrina headed towards catering, fiddling with the stubborn cap of the pill bottle. Turning a corner, she crashed into a solid male chest. The container flew from her hands and hit the floor, spilling its contents.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
“It’s okay,” her victim said, pulling the wet t-shirt away from his skin. “It could have been worse. I almost made a cup of hot coffee.” He gestured to the empty cup of what had been filled with water rolling around on the floor.
Katrina looked up from the damp torso to see a handsome face. Black hair curled over his collar, and he had the most startling amber gold eyes. Realizing she was staring, Katrina covered her uncharacteristic rudeness by pointing to the photos in his other hand. “Would you like me to sign those?” The glance he gave her seemed puzzled. “I don’t mind. I do it all the time. Do you have a pen?” Almost plucking the pictures from his hand, she found herself studying a photograph of some sort of sophisticated wall safe and another of a diamond pendant.
“I thought they would be of me. They usually are. Did the tour group give you the wrong pictures?”
“I’m not with the tour group. I’m the security consultant, and I’m actually searching for George Hooper.”
“Oh, sorry. I’m used to people wanting to see me.” Oh God, did that sound conceited. “Not that I expect you to‒I mean.” Katrina put her hands on her hips. “You could have said something before I went on and on.”
A smile tilted his lips at the corner, exposing a deep dimple in his cheek that caught Katrina’s attention. His golden eyes lit with amused warmth. “In my defense, I was waiting for a suitable pause in conversation to interrupt. To be truthful, I was also seeking confirmation of your identity. In the photo I have, you appear to be dressed as a nun.”
“Crisis in a convent,” Katrina said automatically. “Season two, episode three, my character was undercover.”
“Aha, well that does explain the current lack of wimple.”
by Sarah | Apr 5, 2013 | Books, Hybrid, Tuesday Tales, Writing
The prompt this week was Noisy.
Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!
Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :
“Why did you wait so long?” I leaned my cheek against his arm as I had when I was young. “I might have been able to help you smooth things over.”
“I wanted you as far as possible while Alatus made trouble. As the first hybrid to ever exist, you have been in the most danger.”
“Because the other hybrids are not natural born…”
“And therefore nothing more than noisy little humans with a bit of magic.” Jdyne’s nose wrinkled, a huff of smoke erupting with his snort. “At least according to the most stubborn and elderly of the Assembly. They never have seen the value of humans.”
“Whereas you have a great affection and weakness for them.” I frowned. “What made the situation split our people so decisively?”
“Alatus captured a hybrid in the attack on Kryztalia. He forced the lad to show what he was capable of in front of the Assembly. Unfortunately, luck was with Alatus as the hybrid he captured was one of those more dragon than human.”
I stretched out my elegantly patterned hand, to see the now red nails grown to resemble talons. “Does he have the same capability as I do?”
“Alatus tortured the boy until he was half transformed, half human. It was a grotesque display.” My father took a deep breath before he stopped avoiding my question. “And yes, he learned of the unique skill you have, and a handful of the hybrids have. It incensed the assembly that any hybrid should have more power than a true dragon. Like I said, you have been in great danger.”
“Thanks for the warning.” I responded in a dry tone. “So why risk bringing me before the Assembly now?”
“You are skilled at making them see reason. They need to hear the other side without the rhetoric of Alatus in their ear.”
“Where is he now?”
“The Other World.”
“Getting reinforcements.”
“Aye.”
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
*~*
I thought another meme was in order to give my blog some life on the weekends. Thankfully fellow SCP author, Jean Joachim pointed out this new meme to show of samples of our stories.
