Excerpts From The House By Sebastiana Randone @sebasti29567440

EXCERPT  FROM THE HOUSE – SEBASTIANA RANDONE
Page 50
He was passionately in love with Sebastienne de Pellier, an actor that
Percy had introduced to Lord Fairchilde, the year before. Percy had originally
fallen in love with Sebastienne, during one of his lengthy visits to Paris. At
the time of their meeting, Sebastienne was living a life of indigence, as was
the experience of most artists, born to impoverished homes. Unfortunately
or (as those of an egalitarian bend would say) fortunately, nature does not
discriminate to whom the gift of artistry falls. More often than not however,
the gods dish out creativity, and talent to those trampled souls, who find
it impossible to combine earning a living with creative discipline. Art, that
great thief, is a robber of time and cunning.
Working as an actor, Sebastienne was celebrated for his interpretation
of Moliere, Racine and Shakespeare. His dark and feline beauty also
made him suitable for Greek tragedy, where he was mostly cast in the
female roles. These transfigured interpretations were accomplished with
great aplomb; the actor’s lithe and graceful gait delighting audiences,
whom were often ignorant of the handsome performer’s real sex.
Notwithstanding Sebastienne’s celebrated artistry, he was in a constant
state of want. He had the fiscal discipline of a hedonist, whose soul
regaled in the mysteries and excesses of the night, enjoying therein all
the pleasures that he could procure. Paris, of course, was filled with
all manner of meandering nocturnal pleasure seekers. The day was
non—existent to Sebastienne, who loathed to be seen in the revealing
and cruel light of day. When he was not performing the serious works
of respected playwrights, he would unleash his female alter ego “La
Marise” at the local underground theatre house ‘La fleur noir’. A popular
night spot, frequented by an array of disparate denizens, allured there,
by the eccentric performances of macabre black humourists, satirists
and performers, who aimed solely to parody the establishment, in
blasphemous and immoral ways. It was a type of freak show where only
strange and ostracised beasts of society were given flight to perform all
manner of monologues, songs and dance. The material was often lewd
and lascivious, which made the venue very popular amongst all manner
of non—conformists, relieving for many, the ennui that a bourgeois
existence inevitably propagated. At the fleur noir, one encountered a
cross section of humanity; politicians, writers, the clergy and upper
classes mingling with indefinable creatures of the night, whose existences
were based on whimsical excesses. Sebastienne’s “La Marise”, portrayed
an incongruous and voluptuously turned out character, combining
vulnerability and ribaldry through song, dance, and the recital of famous
stanzas, which had been tampered with to hilarious effect.

The House is an adult fairy tale rich in mystery and intrigue.

Here is a tale of a woman so absorbed with historical novels that her own reality ceases to offer any hope of romance and beauty.

Until one day this dreamy idealist finds herself in a mysterious forest. How she arrived there is unknown. Soon she encounters a dilapidated house, within whose ancient walls magical rooms that transport to parallel worlds lie in wait.  There she is transmigrated to 18th century England, where our heroine interacts with an odd mix of characters whose dysfunctional lives become immediately apparent.

Her first tribulation involves a nefarious lord, an archetype of the monstrous characters one encounters in fairy tales. The ramification from this confrontation sets the tone for the narrative.

A magic portal finally enables escape from the austere Georgian dwelling. She is then spirited back to the enigmatic house, and a journey to Regency London follows, where a large cast of eccentric identities present themselves.

Late one night, following a long stay in Florence, a young, heart-broken poet arrives. His introduction to the beautiful time traveller offers promise of restoration and love. But there are several more obstacles ahead before her destiny in this curious adventure is made apparent.

In the end an unexpected twist is revealed. But like all good fairy tales, this surprising conclusion is pleasing, even though the means of getting there are dark, and at times sinister.

Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre - Historical, Fantasy, Romance

Rating - PG-16

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Sebastiana Randone on Facebook & Twitter

Author Interview - Stan Spencer @DrStanSpencer

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Just a little closer to the beach.

Tell us about your family?

My wife Amy makes books (bookbinding) in several styles, when she has a little free time. My older daughters are studying biology at BYU. My high school girls like creating art and useful crafts, chemistry, and animals. My younger kids love learning and trying new things.

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

I prefer using my laptop at the kitchen table, although much of my writing is done in my head while I am driving.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

I need 8 hours of sleep, but rarely get it.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

My patient wife, for enduring the countless hours I’m at the computer researching and writing.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

To me, success is being able to help people with the things I have written.

Tell us about your new book? What’s it about and why did you write it?

My new book, The Diet Dropout’s Guide to Natural Weight Loss, is a practical summary of scientifically supported approaches to healthy living and weight loss. I wrote it as the conclusion of about 10 years of literature research that I conducted to sort through the endless diets and weight loss approaches to find those that are genuinely useful.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

Galileo, who spoke truth to popular culture.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

When I’m not writing, it’s because I don’t have time. I’ll relax when I’m dead. OK, this probably isn’t the best lifestyle, but time is precious and I have so much to learn and right about.

Do you have any tips on how writers can relax?

No.

How often do you write? And when do you write?

I try to write a little every day before going to work or on my lunch break.

This book isn’t about the latest celebrity diet, wonder food, or miracle supplement. It’s about creating a personalized weight loss plan—your own easiest path to naturally thin. While you can lose weight with almost any diet, keeping the weight off is much more difficult, requiring permanent changes in eating and exercise habits. This book provides a science-based approach for making those changes in a way that works best for you, without wasting time, money, or effort.

Dr. Spencer explains why we gain weight and why the fat lost by dieting almost always comes back. He then presents an array of practical weight loss tools for controlling emotional eating, calming cravings, boosting metabolism, and improving nutrition and exercise. In the final chapter he has you create a natural weight loss plan based on your unique set of needs, abilities, and preferences. Simple recipes are provided for weight loss foods that reduce cravings and prolong satisfaction.

What this book offers is a solid approach to weight loss—self-directed, gradual, and lasting—in contrast to the quick but fleeting weight loss offered by most one-size-fits-all diet plans.

Buy Now @ Amazon & iTunes

Genre – Non-fiction

Rating – G

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Stan Spencer on Facebook & Twitter

Author Interview - Denise Dowdell-Stent @valaoakley

 

Tell us a bit about your family.

I am married with an exceedingly intelligent young son who shares my love of history and the paranormal. My parents live a few blocks away, and I have a large extended family in London and Australia.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

I just continue to do what I always do – whatever I have planned for that day, whether it be a writing endeavor or something else – I keep on going, and try to ignore any negative mental chatter in my head.

What scares you the most?

Anything bad happening to my close family, particularly my son – as a mother, the protective instinct is especially strong. I also have an irrational fear of spiders!

What makes you happiest?

Being with my family, but also being truly in the zone when I am writing and accomplishing several chapters in one day.

What’s your greatest character strength?

I am very passionate about everything that matters to me, whether that involves being a good mother to writing something evocative and meaningful.

What’s your weakest character trait?

I tend to be rather over-sensitive and very easily hurt.

Why do you write?

Writing is my passion and provides an escape route from real life allowing me to indulge in my imagination and fantasies. When I am writing, I am living vicariously through my female protagonist, feeling her emotions and thoughts.  I believe this really helps create an authenticity and realism that would not otherwise be there. However, although I find writing provides solace, it can also be quite isolating at times; this is part of the reason I enjoyed making my trailer – it was a wonderful experience to work with others who shared my vision and we had a lovely camaraderie between us.

Have you always enjoyed writing?

Most definitely, yes! I have been writing stories from the time I could form coherent written sentences at six years old – I have always had a wild, untamed imagination and writing provided a means to structure it and share it with the world.

What motivates you to write?

It is a truly immersive experience and allows me to explore a different reality as a different version of myself, albeit vicariously. I also love inventing stories and being able to share them with others.

What writing are you most proud of? (Add a link if you like)

Actually, the writing I am most proud of is my debut novel ‘Eternal’: (see www.eternaluk.com for all retailer links and a free sample chapters download)

Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/1fU46yX

Amazon (USA): http://amzn.to/1ecaVA8

About the Author

Denise Dowdell-Stent is a YA Fantasy Fiction author but also writes scripts, poetry (published in various anthologies such as 'A Passage in Time' and 'Speaking of Love' by Forward Poetry), song lyrics, and maintains a blog at http://www.eternaluk.com.

She has just released her debut novel, Eternal as an ebook on Amazon, iBookstore, Kobo and Google Books (retail links on website). She lives in Cambridgeshire, UK with her husband and young son. Eternal is a YA Arthurian themed Fantasy, chock full of adventure, romance, suspense and intrigue.

Website: http://www.eternaluk.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eternaltrilogy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/valaoakley

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRIOmPViSbI

Amazon (USA): http://amzn.to/1ecaVA8

Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/1fU46yX

Vala believes she is just an ordinary teenager trying to find her place in the world with her closest friends, Jelly and Max. But her splendid normality is quickly turned upside down when she happens upon Elvar, a handsome fae boy that Vala finds impossible to resist. The connection between Vala and Elvar is electric but their euphoric bliss quickly comes crashing down as Vala discovers the truth about her family, revealing who she really is.

Little does Vala know, this truth would be the catalyst for her parent’s disappearance and the reason for the darkness hovering over the fae realm. With friendship and love as her only allies, Vala must face her fears in order to triumph against the evil that has beckoned her.

You’d better be prepared to put everything on hold as Denise Dowdell-Stent’s enthralling Young Adult Fantasy will keep you gripped right to the very end. This first book in the Eternal Trilogy fantasy series, is the start of an epic adventure.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - YA Fantasy

Rating – PG 13

More details about the author and the book

Connect with Denise Dowdell-Stent on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.eternaluk.com

Justin Blaney – For Evan Burl Fans @justinblaney

For Evan Burl fans, There’s a lot to be Excited About in the Next 6 Months.

by Justin Blaney

Part 1 and 2 of Evan Burl and the Falling released in January

As noted in a previous post, I’m combining part 1 and 2 of Evan Burl’s series into a single book. We’re going to do a huge launch (hopefully huge, with your help it will be) on January 9, 2014.

For those of you waiting for book two (I love you!), you might be disappointed with the amount of new material in this book. It depends on what version you read last. The easiest way to know is looking at the chapter count. The book being published in January will have about 66 chapters. If your version has less than 66 chapters, there will be some new stuff in that final version for you. If your version already has 66 chapters, there probably won’t be much new until the new Book Two comes out down the road. Even if you have read a 66 chapter version, the new version will be all shiny and edited and worth downloading a new free ebook when it launches.

The reason for this confusion is there are at least 5 different versions of Evan Burl. I’ve been adding new material to book one since December, 2012 to test it with a public audience. In fact, the book available on Amazon right now is actually the combined version of 1 and 2.

If you have already finished any version of Evan Burl, I recommend waiting until the final launch in January. I’m doing a ton of work editing it down and adding details that I think will make the book even more enjoyable.

If you haven’t read any version of Evan Burl yet, I’d love to have you pick up a free copy at evanburl.com/download and give me some feedback to incorporate into the final release. I’m actively seeking feedback on this advanced reader version and your input will make a huge difference in the quality of the final book.

Thanks for your patience with the number of revisions and confusion. I’m planning to explain more about why I’ve released so many versions in a future post that discusses a new take on the philosophy of today’s publishing world.

Amazon shopping spree and book giveaway

To celebrate the launch of Evan Burl in January, I’m giving away 10 signed books and an Amazon shopping spree (at least $250, maybe more). I planning tons of ways to get more entries in the giveaway like downloading the free ebook, joining this mailing list, writing a review and sharing the giveaway on Facebook. If you’ve already done any of those things, don’t worry, you’ll automatically be entered.  This contest is for you so if you have any ideas for how to run it better, please leave a comment!

And if you want to share our contest with your friends now, all they have to do to enter is download the book. Here are some links: Twitter, Facebook and email. Thanks! Blog tour

I hope to get Evan Burl reviewed and have our giveaway featured by 100 blogs. If you’re a blogger or know one, please let me know! I’m also planning to do some Facebook parties, but have no idea what I’m doing. If you want to help out, email me or leave a comment. I don’t know much about blog tours and release parties, but I know they’re important to getting the word out and would love your help if you have some experience.

Kickstarter campaign

Along with the release of Evan Burl in January, I’m planning a kickstarter campaign to print several thousand hardbacks. I have several goals for this campaign that I think are really exciting.

1. With your help, I want to donate 1000 copies of the book to libraries around the world to encourage reading, especially with young men, and increase awareness for issues related to fatherlessness.

2. I love small, independent book stores and want to support them by printing a high enough volume to keep our prices low. In today’s publishing world (even Barnes and Nobel is bleeding money) small, independent bookstores need our support more than ever. Together, we can ensure that we always have inviting, comfortable places to browse and discover great new books! Plus, book stores smell great. The world just wouldn’t be the same without them.

3. In addition to donating copies to libraries, I hope to see Evan Burl used by reading groups to stimulate conversations around the social and personal issues brought up in this novel. As part of the kickstarter, I plan to release support materials and make highly discounted books available to make participation affordable. (the ebook will be free, but not everyone can afford an ereader).

4. Wonder what Evan Burl’s world looks like? (Sometimes, I do too) I’m planning to work with a great artist based here in Seattle to develop a series of original digital canvases which could be included in the hardback version.

5. 10% of the proceeds from the kickstarter will be donated to support at risk youth and orphans.

6. Promoting and participating in the kickstarter will also earn entries to the Amazon shopping spree giveaway.

Book trailer

You may not know that I own a video production studio, which pays for my writing habit. I’m planning to get our whole production team involved in something special for Evan’s book trailer and can’t wait to share it with you. Look for the trailer to be released around the first part of September.

Book two progress reports

Starting in 2014, I plan to release regular progress reports on how work is going with the next book in Evan Burl’s tale. This was originally going to be book three in the series, but because I combined books one and two into the new Evan Burl and the Falling, this will be the currently-unnamed, book two. No release date is planned yet, but you’ll be the first to hear as soon as I know.

About this blog

Over the next six months, I’ll continue to update you on launch activities. I also have a few other writing projects I think you might find interesting, including an illustrated children’s book called Isfits, and plan to share more about those projects in the future. That said, I don’t want this to be some kind of continuous commercial for all my junk. If you ever have any ideas for something interesting you’d like to read about here, let me know. I’ll also be on the hunt for content to write about that I think you’ll find interesting. Thanks for being along for the ride as we figure this blogging/writing/publishing thing out together!

That’s it for now. I’ll be in touch.

Your friend,

Justin

PS, if you want to let any of your friends know how to get a free copy of Evan Burl, I’ve made it easy with these links: Twitter, Facebook and email.

About the author

Justin Blaney is the #1 bestselling author of Evan Burl and the Falling. He’s a blogger at JustinBlaney.com and I4J.org, the creator of Isfits, and a film producer with Inkliss. He lives outside Seattle with his wife and three daughters. Connect with Justin on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube.

My father abandoned me when I was an infant.
My friends have turned against me.
My uncle beats me.
The most powerful men in the world want me dead.
They all have one thing in common.
They think I’m turning into a monster.

I’m starting to worry they’re right.

Genre - Young Adult

Rating – PG

Giveaway Link

More details about the author & the book

Connect with Justin Blaney on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://www.justinblaney.com/

Author Interview - Demelza Carlton @DemelzaCarlton

Tell us a bit about your family.
I’m married to a wonderful man and we have a seven-year-old daughter who thinks mermaids are silly.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I rarely get them. I started writing Ocean’s Gift because a fun story crept into my head and wouldn’t let go until I’d written it down. I had a reasonable job and publishing started as an experiment – one that’s been a lot of fun so far. I don’t doubt myself…but I do celebrate every time I sell a copy of one of my books, because that’s one more person I get to share my story with.
What scares you the most?
Losing the people I love. I’ve been skydiving, I’ve swum with sharks, I’ve cuddled snakes and patted tigers, I’ve even stood on stage and spoken confidently to thousands of people  – but my worst nightmares all involve something horrible happening to my daughter.
What’s your greatest character strength?
Stubborn optimism. On a particularly tough day at work, one of my work colleagues accused me of being Pollyanna, with unicorns, rainbows and sunshine. I just laughed and said that even the worst work day was an excuse for a glass of really good wine afterwards. It’ll get better and I will get my sunshine and rainbows…or there’ll be some really foul language until I do.
Why do you write?
To get the characters and their stories out of my head. Having a lonely fisherman trying to seduce a mermaid in your head is hellishly distracting to normal life, so I did my utmost to write down Joe Fisher’s story so he’d leave me alone. I’ve published two books in his series, but he hasn’t left yet, though he has invited a whole party of other people into my head without my permission. Maybe one day…
What book genre of books do you adore?
I prefer science fiction best – yet I’ve never really written any. I live walking distance from a library with the largest science fiction collection in the Southern Hemisphere – and I’ve read a fair whack of it so far.
What book should everybody read at least once?
One they enjoy so much they want to read again.
Is there any books you really don’t enjoy?
Erotica. It’s not that I feel there’s anything wrong with the genre – it’s just that I don’t like reading other people’s sex scenes. I don’t want to know where he put his bits in relation to her bits. I’m more into practice than theory, so I tend to skip over detailed sex scenes in books – especially when roosters (cocks) are described as throbbing.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up in Perth, Western Australia and I live here still, though I’ve travelled through a fair bit of Australia and Asia. All my books are set in locations I’ve visited – so if there’s a tropical island, I can tell you exactly what’s living on the beach that can nip your foot or what’s worth eating nearby. But I won’t put it in the story unless it’s necessary to the plot.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywhere. The day I first got the idea for Ocean’s Gift, I asked my daughter what she thought of mermaids. Her response was, “Mermaids are silly, because humans don’t have tails.” From that one comment, an entire twisted plot evolved.

Mermaids don’t fall in love with humans. For centuries it has been so…
But Sirena is different. She lost her first love to sharks and a storm, cursing the islands that stole him from her.
Times have changed and she must swim ashore once more, to the islands she once cursed.
Gone are the boats powered by sail and steam - jet boats with GPS are now the order of the day.
Enter Joe, the deckhand on the Dolphin. A handy man to have around when the lights go out. He’ll fix your generator and have the lights back on in no time, no worries.
But can he seduce a siren?
Or will she swim away before he can uncover her secret?
A book about lobsters, beer and boobs, on some cursed islands off the coast of Western Australia. At least, that’s how Joe tells it.
For Sirena, it’s a very different story.

A tiny taste of what’s in store:

The boat was almost full of water now, I realised in panic, as I groped for a bucket to start bailing. Throwing bucket after bucket overboard, I couldn’t tell if I was making any difference to the water level in the boat.
One moment I was holding the bucket, about to scoop up more water, the next I was flying through the air. Immersed in cold, black water, I couldn’t see the surface. I struggled, kicking in the direction I thought was up, and hit a rock. I jerked back reflexively and my head cleared the water. I gulped a huge lungful of air and grabbed for the rock. I had to hold on ’til daylight.
Another big wave broke. I tried to keep hold of the slimy rock, but I was pushed out of reach, drifting in the current. I tried to kick my legs, but I wasn’t sure if I did. I couldn’t feel my feet and the numbness was creeping up my legs.
I could hear the breakers on the outer reef, louder than they were from shore. I could feel the spray on my face. A wave washed over me and I was under the water again.
I thought I could feel someone beside me, rolling me over so my face was at the surface, pulling my body through the water.
All I could hear was an unearthly singing, high and sad, like some kind of suicidal dolphin. I could say I blacked out, but everything was already so black I wouldn’t have noticed the difference.
I checked out of Hotel Consciousness. At least I got to dream of Vanessa naked.

Ocean’s Gift series

This is the first book in Demelza Carlton’s Ocean’s Gift series, which currently includes:

Ocean’s Gift (Book 1)
Ocean’s Infiltrator (Book 2)
Water and Fire

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Australian sea adventure,contemporary urban fantasy,paranormal romance

Rating – PG 13

More details about  the author and the book

Connect with Demelza Carlton on Facebook & Twitter

Blog http://www.demelzacarlton.com/

Madeleine McLaughlin – Inside The Mind Of The Writer @Madoxane

Inside The Mind Of The Writer

by Madeleine McLaughlin

Every writer is curious (nosy) and wonders about the world and people around them. A writer hears an airplane overhead, she imagines the lives of the passengers or wonders who they are and where they’re going. A writer sits in a restaurant and listens to conversations going on around her.

We love to look at people, too. Over there, there’s a young girl with a long pelvis. How does she walk? Hey, I can use that for a character. Gossip is thrilling for every writer. It’s what interests people in each other, therefore what will interest the reader to keep reading. That man talking about never realizing his boss was siphoning off money from the firm is placing a plate of author-food in front of you. The character and the reaction of others. Everyone reading the story would react the same.

There’s something else, the need for the world to know what you think and approve of your stories. I know it sounds pathetic but who wouldn’t want their inner thoughts to be accepted and even complimented. Communication is a wonderful thing, people respond and when you’re a writer, they’re responding to something very personal and important to the writer.

Writers live in the past. Some people respond to adversity or tragedy by wanting to forget it happened. The writer lives the tragedy over and over again, until she has extracted every emotion and thought about it and put it down on paper. Everything is of use to a writer, every bit of information that others see as useless or trivia is fuel for the writer.

Delving deep into the soul, whatever that is, is another thing writers do a lot. It’s like we’re in continual therapy, rooting around in our emotional root cellars looking for scraps. And strangely, the writer is visual. She sees the image of the scene and pulls out the words to match it.

The writer likes newness and oldness, both are fodder. She likes babies and old people. She watches to see how they behave and figures out how she can use them. What will make them good characters. Does it sound like the writer is always working? True. Well, we take vacations and don’t think then but most of the time, at work or at play, the writer is thinking.

Throwing a frisbee around in the backyard with the children could be a story when she puts all the elements together. Innocence. Great horror movies and books have been written with innocent characters becoming monsters. Or a heartwarming story might be in store for the imagination.

Just remember, it’s all good in writing. Every single thing is of use. The writer notices everything.

She works to put it all together so that others will understand her point of view about it. So just know that when you’re reading that book you can’t put down, that what is in it is actually a lifetime of thought and imagination of the writer. The end result of years of play.

When Kevin learns of his mountain town’s evil past, he must struggle to understand his father’s part in it and how it affects himself.

Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre – Horror

Rating – PG

More details about the author

Connect with Madeleine McLaughlin on Facebook & Twitte

5 Things New Writers Should Know – Michele Kimbrough @Madambition

There were so many things that I didn’t know as I ventured into the field of writing. I started professionally as a corporate copywriter then went on to freelancing before novel writing. In all three areas of writing, as a newbie, there were times when I wanted to give up, quit. I didn’t understand that the life of a writer isn’t just roses and ice cream — sometimes there are thorns and lactose intolerance.  Here are a few things new writers can add to their survival kit.

1. Don’t take it personally.  Not everybody is going to like your story (or subject for nonfiction writers).  There will even be some people who’ll give your book a low rating or poor review because they didn’t like the behavior of the characters. Don’t take it personally. It’s not about you. And unless they say so, it’s not about your writing.

2. Talk less, write more.  Talking about your book doesn’t get it written. Sure, sharing ideas or bouncing a situation off of a trusted advisor/friend/co-writer is fine. But the more you’re talking about the story, the less writing you’re doing. Spend more time writing the story than talking about it.

3.  Don’t cave.  At some point, you may be pressured to do something that doesn’t feel right to you. It could be changing a character’s personality or a story outcome. It could be just about anything. If you don’t feel good about doing it, don’t cave into the pressure.

4.  Get a mentor.  There will come a time when you need someone to mentor you, particularly after your first book is on the market. You will be surprised the gamut of emotions and self-doubt you will endure if your book doesn’t sell well or, if it is selling well, the fear of the follow-up (or next) book falling short.  I call that the writer’s obstacle course.  Having a mentor could help grow you through the obstacles.

5.  Enjoy the journey.  Sometimes we get so mired down with “creating” that we forget to enjoy ourselves. Celebrate each accomplishment: fleshing out a character’s conflict, completing a scene, filling a hole in the story, overcoming writer’s block — celebrate all of it. The journey will be that much more enjoyable.

Things aren’t always as they seem.

Attorney, Prudence Payne, seems to have it all: beauty, intelligence, love and a sure path to making partner with her law firm. The reality is her boyfriend, James, is unable to commit. She’s dealing with recently revealed family secrets and lies. And, she’s doing it all without her best friend who died a year ago.

Richard Mayweather is a single father raising two daughters. He’s been in love with Prudence since they were tweens, and now he thinks it’s time that she knows it. But when James decides to finally commit, is it too late for Richard? Or will Prudence realize, at last, that the love she’s always searched for has been right in front of her the whole time?

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - Romance, Interracial

Rating – PG13

More details about the author

Connect with Michele Kimbrough on Facebook

Dylan Madrid – The Life of a Male Romance Writer

The Life of a Male Romance Writer

A Guest Blog by Dylan Madrid

It’s not secret: what I do is very unconventional. I write love stories for a living. Whether they are about a single gay man looking for love in London or a female investigative journalist who is trying very hard to deny her attraction for a rough-around-the-edges male detective in Chicago – I tell tales about people falling madly in love. Sure, the love might start out as lust, but that only makes the story more enjoyable to read – and write.

I’m a minority in my genre. A quick glance down any author list of major romance publishers will reveal that I’m outnumbered by about 100 to 1. While some male romance authors make the decision to write and publish their work under a female pseudonym, I am one of the rare few who believes in the theory that what a reader really wants is a great story, regardless of the gender of the author. When a reader picks up one of my books, I want them to be intrigued by the content, not by who did the work.

My creative process is no different than my female counterparts. Like them, I spend hours upon hours sitting behind a computer crafting and revising, outlining and plotting. Like me, my characters are also unconventional. My novels are wide-ranging from gay romance to romance suspense to new adult fiction. I aim to write books that will appeal to readers who don’t often always find versions of themselves in traditional romance novels. I create characters that are just as complex, unique, and surprising as my writing career has been. I take risks on page and even greater ones by sharing my work with the curious public and often befuddled critics. But, as I teach my writing students to do, I believe in writing fearlessly. It’s really not my objective or life goal to forever change the romance genre, but I do feel my presence in the arena is needed and, for the most part, welcomed.

I’m often amused by the reactions I get from people I meet for the first tine when they ask the question, “What do you do for a living?” and I answer, with pride, “I write romance novels.” The expression is usually an odd mixture of surprise and pity. One woman actually said to me, “I’m so sorry. Did your other books get rejected?” as if I had turned to writing romance novels when my real writing career failed before it began. Typically, people are very intrigued what I do and find it refreshing. Sometimes I’ll get a very blatant “Why?”

My answer to that question is always the same: I write romance novels because love makes people happy.

Sometimes love can blow you away.

When struggling college student Adam Parsh accepts a tutoring position, he is immediately drawn into the unknown world of the wealthy Vassalo family. Fighting off the sexual advances of Dario Vassalo, the Greek tycoon and patriarch, Adam finds himself the object of the dangerous desires of one of the most powerful men in the world—his married employer. Torn between his attraction to Dario and his deepening love for his best friend, Victor Maldonado, Adam is forced to choose between right and wrong. Surrounded by lust, glamour, and greed, Adam soon uncovers dark secrets strong enough to destroy lives forever.

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Genre - Gay Romance, Suspense

Rating – R

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Connect with Dylan Madrid on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://dylanmadrid.blogspot.com

August Wainwright – The Reason Behind the Writing: Why I Do It

The Reason Behind the Writing – Why I Do It

by August Wainwright

Writing is a profession. Being an author in today’s environment of publishing means being an entrepreneur. I get it; and anybody who wants to succeed should embrace that idea too.

I’m as guilty as everyone else when it comes to obsessing over the numbers. It is an absolute must that at least three articles per week will be consumed that discuss the business of selling books on Amazon; the more specifics on numbers sold and dollars brought in, the better. Give me screenshots and graphs and, while you’re at it, throw in a venn diagram (love those things). I want bone-deep specifics about what you’re doing over there on your side of the fence. It’s the game we play.

But this new environment demands something of us, something that us author-entrepreneurs might possibly be overlooking.

As the number of ereaders skyrockets and we pump out books for the growing consumer base, what is it that we’re actually delivering to readers? A highly planned-out marketing juggernaut or a creation of passion?

We, the proverbial we, have an opportunity here. Brilliant, philosophical people have been told NO by the publishing industry for so many years now, simply because their manuscript doesn’t fit into a sell-able box. Or better yet, maybe the publishers have wanted something different and earth shattering all along, but we’re just now moving into a time where the environment is ripe for such works. *I seriously doubt that’s the case, but who knows.

Self-published and indie authors have at their fingertips the conditions that allow for any and all opinions, no matter how unbelievable or ridiculous.

Take an essay that was recently published by Stephen King. It’s called simplyGuns and discusses the role of gun control and gun ownership in our country. As of this writing, it has over 1400 reviews. King published the essay as an Amazon Single and said his goal was:

to provoke constructive debate -

I would have to assume that even a world famous, can’t-miss-author like King wouldn’t have been able to publish an essay like this just a few years ago.

And regardless of your feelings on the issue of gun control, regardless of whether you’re a Prius-driving, Berkeley-educated, California liberal or a down south country boy who thinks the best way to stop school shootings is to give underpaid and overweight teachers a .40, it matters not my friends. The single most important part is that this essay exists and is being consumed by lots of readers.

I don’t presume that any novice self-published author can write an essay or short story about a socio-political topic, publish it on Amazon and garner thousands of readers. Maybe some can – I don’t really know. After all, Stephen King is still Stephen King. But it’s the opportunity that amazes me. Nobody can tell you no anymore.

Write something that matters, format it well,create or purchase a great book cover, and do your best to spread the word. Start a conversation, or at least add to one that is already out there. What do you have to lose?

My Story:

For the last two years, I’ve been building and writing a series that will eventually be released as a trilogy. For now, it’s still in the first draft phase. I don’t even have a title yet. I’m not happy with the overall message so I’ll keep my head down and write on. But these books are a labor of love, a pursuit of truth, a struggle to understand the problems of our society, and a passionate plea to every single reader to do more, to represent more, to stand for more.

The scope is too big – quite frankly, I’m not sure I’m up for the challenge. But I’m sure as shit going to try. Every knot has someone to undo it (an awesome Arab proverb). And in the current iteration of our society, there’s knots everywhere you look.

For me, the success of these books won’t be measured on the same scale as my other works. Commercial success and profitability aren’t inherently what I’m after. It’s about saying what I believe needs to be said. And although my efforts are far from in the same league (not sure if we’re even playing the same game) as books like Fahrenheit 451, Atlas Shrugged, A Brave New World, or 1984, I have the unfathomable opportunity to write whatever the hell I want.

I’ll let the readers decide. I have to believe the general public is much more intellectual than most of today’s authors give them credit for. I believe they want to be stimulated in ways that affect them. I believe they want more than just entertainment.

The Point:

Even in this golden era of publishing for authors, I still see daily articles about the things that are “tearing us down”. If it’s not that the market is being flooded with crap, it’s that Amazon and Createspace aren’t crediting all of your sales. Come on. I like a good conspiracy as much as the next guy but give me a break.

The growth of ereader devices is drastically outpacing the growth of books in the market. Not to mention the international markets that are exploding all over the world. And you know what, if you’re worried that your 8 sales of paperbacks should actually be 9, well, then maybe you should refocus a little. Just saying.

As environments heat up and die out and new ones sprout up, you’ll undoubtedly hear that you’re too late; that the door has already closed. Readers won’t be happy until books are a nickel and can be re-sold for a penny. Amazon is going to hold your work hostage. Piracy is robbing you of all your profits.

I beg you to ignore that bullshit. Focus on your product. Research. Write. Re-Write. Forget about “author platforms” or “creating your brand”. Write because you love it. Write because your readers interact with you and tell you they can’t wait for more and you feel like what you’re doing actually matters to them. Serve them, not the machine.

Things will change. Companies will go out of business, new ones will take their place, and the marketplace will evolve. Stay up-to-date, adapt, and change with it.

Go read Kristen Lamb’s stuff, specifically the parts where she says to “Know your stuff cold, be confident, think a few steps ahead, and believe you’re special.” Prepare for what she calls The Resistance:

The Resistance is made up of two types of people. Those too chicken $#!& to follow their own dreams, or those so full of themselves they can’t bear to share the spotlight. Both types of people build themselves up by putting others down.

Again – ignore all of it. Learn to filter the lessons from the overwhelming sea of crap that will most definitely be thrown in your direction. Take the small steps and move towards your goal. If your goal is to make people laugh, then go entertain. If you want to affect change on the highest level, well, good luck to you – I’ll be the one next to you at the coffee shop, chasing down my own version of change.

Never forget why you write and who you write for. If you keep that at the forefront, the readers, and the income, will come.

A wildly intriguing, intimately suspenseful story about the human capacity for good and evil – and what pushes us to inevitably, and often tragically, turn to our darker emotions for comfort.

Jacob Watts broke his neck in Afghanistan. Now he’s in D.C. with no job, a therapist, an uncontrollable tick in his arm, and PTSD. And he can’t pay his rent.

His new, and monetarily necessary roommate, Remy Moreau, isn’t helping either. Cold and detached, she might be a savant – but she’s also socially inept, has absolutely no boundaries, and is possibly dealing drugs out of their apartment. When the two come in contact with a stiff and blood-covered body in Capitol Row, the ambiguous Remy Moreau will lead him on an obsessive-compulsive hunt in pursuit of a tormented killer.

Can Remy, with Watts in tow, catch a murderer before he strikes again? And what are Remy’s real intentions with Watts? Is she even capable of anything resembling real human emotion?

A Study in Sin is a fast-paced modern update of a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery.

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Genre – Mystery / Thriller / Suspense

Rating – PG13

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Connect with August Wainwright on Google Plus & Twitter

Website http://augustwainwright.com/

Marilyn Holdsworth – Why Book Covers Are Important

Why book covers are so important.
Book covers are very important because they are the first thing your potential reader sees. A good cover must have an enticing appeal to draw the reader to it. An attractive cover design immediately rouses the reader’s curiosity in the book’s content. And there is a much greater chance they will want to buy it. The old addage “you can’t tell a book by its cover” may be true but the book cover is still most important in generating sales. Eye catching color and an alluring design that harmonizes with the book’s title will be much more likely to capture the reader’s interest. Also, the use of an endorsement of the book by a well known person or periodical can add to the impact of the cover. A few praising words or lines for the book can draw the possible reader to it. A book with a pleasing color design and intriguing title is much more likely to sell than one without. People do tend to buy what they see. A book’s cover is the first thing they see and will remember. First impressions are lasting.

Elloree Prince is an attractive, creative young woman who marries a wealthy businessman, Tom Randall. After courting his bride with unrelenting determination, Tom moves her into old-moneyed Oak View, where generations of Randalls have lived for years. Outwardly, Elloree appears to settle into raising their two sons within Oak View’s stifling social structure, but inwardly, she yearns for her artistic work. An unexpected phone call from Mark Williams, her former employer, offers her the career opportunity of a lifetime, and she must make a choice. She is torn between her devotion to her sons and her love for her work. Her decision to return to Wishes, Inc. brings dramatic life changes to her and the people she loves.

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Genre - Women’s fiction

Rating – PG-13

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Connect with Marilyn Holdsworth on Facebook & Twitter

Blog http://MarilynHoldsworth.wordpress.com/

#Excerpt - Chapter 2 - The Howling Heart by April Bostic

Chapter Two

The dream lingered when I arrived for work. I sat at my desk and immediately booted my laptop. I should’ve been reading company e-mail, but I went on the Internet, instead. After a quick Google search, I found a photo of a white wolf and saved it as my wallpaper. I immediately closed the browser, my eyes darting around the office. I had to be cautious when browsing the Web. My boss could walk by at any minute, and she didn’t tolerate a moment of company time spent indulging in personal, online pleasures. If she caught you, you had better have a convincing reason, or she’d fire you on the spot.

I took my position seriously and enjoyed my dream job at Elle, a prestigious fashion magazine. I started as an intern five years ago while I was a freshman at New York University. When I graduated last year, they offered me a position as the Assistant to the Creative Editor.

Nina Fuentes is my boss and one of the most respected Creative Editors in the magazine industry. She’s also the first Latina to hold the position at Elle. I’ve always been ambitious and hoped to sit in her office one day instead of outside of it.

My phone rang, and I heard our receptionist, Lacey’s, voice on the other end.

“Nina is on her way up and wants to see you in her office, now.” Her voice sounded serious.

“Sure, but how did Nina sound when she called you? Did she sound pissed off?” I nibbled my bottom lip nervously.

Lacey giggled. “No, she sounded normal. I don’t think you’re in trouble.”

I released a breath. Although I’m ambitious, I tend to be a little absentminded at the wrong times. It’s never intentional, and I hope I hadn’t exhausted Nina’s patience. I couldn’t count the number of instances where I thought she’d fire me. I guess she realized I had potential if I could organize myself better. The BlackBerry she gave me really helped, and I’d gone five months without forgetting anything important. That was a record for me. She was the one who hired me as an intern. I thought that perhaps she saw me as her protégé. Any opportunity she presented to me, I always tried to impress her and give 110%.

After I hung up the phone, I walked swiftly to Nina’s office. I should be sitting in her office when she arrives, not the other way around.

The door to her office was open, so I took a seat on the other side of her massive, birch wood desk. She’s meticulous about her belongings, and everyone in the office knows never to touch anything unless she gives you permission. I sat patiently with my hands folded in my lap and watched the second-hand tick on the fourteen-karat gold Tiffany clock on her desk. I heard her voice within close distance, so I quickly retrieved my BlackBerry from my pocket. In addition to working on my absentmindedness, I worked hard on my preparation skills.

I heard Nina’s voice behind me, her Spanish accent prominent. “Ah, Paige. I needed to see you.”

I turned my neck to look at her, but she quickly walked to her desk. She wore a turquoise dress by Donna Karan featured in this month’s issue, and silver pumps with stiletto heels that clicked on the floor. My gaze followed her every move intently. I was secretly envious. Nina always dressed like she could be photographed at any moment.

“Yes, is everything all right?”

Her black tresses were styled bone-straight with a part in the middle. She put her Coach bag on the desk before she sat in her cream leather office chair. She didn’t answer me right away, and I just looked into her toffee brown eyes in anticipation.

She smirked and lifted an arched brow. “Don’t worry. You’re not in trouble.”

I sighed in relief before I let out a nervous laugh. “Oh, that’s good.”

“I wanted to thank you for helping us get Hilary Duff for the August cover. I saw her photos from the shoot, and they’re beautiful.” She smiled brilliantly with perfect Veneers and leaned back in her chair.

“You’re welcome. When Keira Knightley canceled, I knew Warren would be pulling his hair out and running around like a headless chicken trying to find a replacement. I had the contact number for Hilary’s publicist, so I figured it was worth a shot.”

“When Farrah was injured and went on disability, you stepped in and took the lead on her unfinished projects. The people from Burberry told me they were very impressed with you. I want you to know I appreciate you coming through for us in times of desperation.” Her voice lowered. “I know I don’t always thank you.” She leaned toward me and crossed her arms on the desk. “I’ve noticed how hard you’ve been working.” She paused and sighed. “I know you’ve had problems organizing, but you’ve improved tremendously. I think it’s time we recognize everything you’ve accomplished here.”

I felt my blue eyes widen. The anticipation to hear the rest of her conversation was killing me.

With a smile, she said, “As you know, we’re doing a shoot in three weeks for Vera Wang’s new Princess bridal line.”

I unconsciously leaned toward her and felt my BlackBerry about to slip out of my sweaty palm. I clutched it tightly.

“I want you to lead the project. I’m giving you full creative control. This will be your photo shoot. Consult with me if you need anything that requires my approval.”

I gasped, and her shimmering, glossed lips spread into a wide grin. “You do know what this means, don’t you?”

I swallowed against a nervous lump in my throat, and my voice was a pathetic croak. “No…what?”

She leaned back again but tapped her French manicured nails atop the desk. “I’m promoting you to Creative Designer.”

I squeezed the life out of my BlackBerry. I was so stunned that I gaped openly.

“Yes, you’re excited. I know. I can tell,” she said dryly.

I smiled in relief, and this time, I could appropriately express my gratitude. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She started typing on her laptop, indicating she was dismissing me. I rose slowly from the chair, because my knees felt weak.

As I turned to walk out, she said, “Wait, I need you to get Marc Jacobs on the phone. I must speak with him as soon as possible.”

“Sure, right away!” I scurried toward the door.

“Oh, and Paige…”

I paused in the doorway and whirled around. “Yes?”

She gave me a hard look. “Don’t let me down.”

I hoped she could hear the earnest conviction in my voice. “I won’t…I promise.”

After I connected Nina with Marc, I went downstairs to the Advertising department to share my promotion news with my boyfriend, Trevor, who worked as a Junior Executive. Relationships in the workplace were not encouraged, but we’ve successfully kept ours a secret for the last six months.

Excitement filled me as I walked swiftly down the hallway. His office had a giant window facing the hall, and what I saw inside made me halt my steps. He had a visitor, and they seemed a little too close for my comfort. Heather, one of the project leaders, was a smitten schoolgirl while she chatted with my man. With her legs crossed, her short, black skirt rode high up her thigh as she sat casually on the arm of his loveseat.

I slowed my steps and proceeded with caution. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, so I continued to observe them. Trevor has always been outgoing and friendly with everyone, but his demeanor toward Heather caused me concern, especially the way he hovered over her and rested his hand on that exposed thigh.

She flipped her long, blonde hair over one shoulder and dipped her head back as she laughed. I knew that move—expose the curvature of your neck so he wants to put his mouth there. Her tangerine top was cut ridiculously low this afternoon and showed more cleavage than was professionally necessary. The closer I crept, the more details I noticed. Her black lace bra peeked out from underneath her top, and Trevor’s long fingers made small circles against her skin.

When Heather put her hand on his cheek, and he encouraged her by moving in closer, I entered his office without knocking. The doorstop twanged as I swung the door open. Trevor jumped away from her, and his hand went to his chestnut hair in a nervous gesture.

He stammered, “Oh hey, Paige. What’s up?” Then, he cleared his throat and glanced warily at Heather.

Busted.

I stood with a fake smile plastered on my face. “Hi, Trevor. Got a minute?”

He returned a tight smile. Then, he focused his blue-gray eyes back on Heather. “Could you excuse us?”

She sucked in her cheeks and threw me a superior look.

I lifted an eyebrow and put a hand on my hip. Bitch, I dare you to say something to me.

She took her time getting up, almost reluctantly. Rolling her blue eyes, she huffed in annoyance. “Yeah, whatever.”

I held her steely glare as she walked past me, and I was tempted to extend my foot. In my mind’s eye, I saw her fall ungraciously into a heap of slutty clothes and cheap hair extensions. I heard her voice behind me, sounding like a seductive purr.

“Talk to you later, Trev.”

Trevor gave her a dismissive wave. “Okay, yeah.”

I heard Heather’s footsteps until they faded around the corner. I waited for Trevor to explain, but he just looked at me with a blank expression. I guess my hard stare was making him uncomfortable, because he moved to sit behind his desk.

“What’s up?”

I marched up to his desk. “What’s up? I should be asking you that question. What’s up with you and Heather? What was that about? You guys were a little too chummy, don’t you think? Your hand was on her thigh, and you looked like you were going to kiss her.” My jealousy bubbled just below the surface, now.

Trevor wouldn’t meet my gaze, and I felt my anger rising. To think that I came here, excited to share my good news. Thanks for bursting my happy bubble with your playboy tendencies.

“I was bribing her, because I need her help with something,” he said nonchalantly. “She’s attracted to me, and I know she’ll give into me if I pretend to flirt with her.”

I scoffed. “Really? You expect me to believe that bullshit?”

He finally met my gaze. “Yes, I do.”

He stood abruptly and came around to the other side of the desk. His six-foot-two stature towered over my five-foot-seven frame.

“I expect you to trust me.”

I sighed. “Yeah…well, it’s difficult when I see you in compromising positions like that.”

His arm encircled my waist. “I’m sorry, babe.” His expression softened. “It was nothing…really. I’m just using my natural, God-given gift of charm to get what I want from her. She means nothing to me.” He winked and gave me a roguish look.

I was about to put my arms around his neck, but I remembered people could see us. My arms remained at my sides.

“What if she wants something else in return? Like a jump in the sack?”

He laughed lightly. “No way. I told her I had a girlfriend.” My eyes widened. “Don’t worry. I didn’t mention your name.”

Deep down, I wished he had.

I sat on one of the chairs in front of his desk. “I came here to tell you some good news.” Trevor smiled and perched himself on the edge of the desk. “Nina promoted me to Creative Designer.”

His brows shot upward. “Really? That’s great, hon.” He put a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Hey, you deserve it,” he said tenderly. “I hear you’re always helping people get out of tight situations and still meet their deadlines. It’s about time Nina recognized it, too.”

“Thanks, baby,” I replied fondly.

He moved from his spot to stand behind me. “Do you know what we should do?”

I felt him massage my shoulders, and a soft moan escaped me. “No…what?”

“We should celebrate.”

“Really? How?”

He moved in front of me, his expression joyous. “What about a little get-together at your apartment? You could serve finger foods and break out the champagne. It’ll be awesome!”

 I smiled at his enthusiasm and agreed with his great idea.

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Genre – Paranormal Romance

Rating – Adult

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Connect with April Bostic on Goodreads

Website http://www.aprilbostic.com/