Her Demon, His Angel; An Erotic Contemporary Paranormal Romance by Kari Thomas

Blurb:

Sara Winters never had reason to acknowledge the existence of Angels or Demons. Not until a rare being, half angel and half demon, rescues her from a demon attack. As an antique book dealer she has spent her adult life looking for one particular, mysterious Book, and her search has led her straight into Drake Domitaine’s arms.

Drake doesn’t have time to deal with a frail human woman but he has to protect her from the very same demons that are now planning a war on the human race.

Sara and Drake’s fated love is doomed from the start. Or is it? Can a human woman and Angel-Demon be together? It’s now a race against time to find the Book which has become an important part of pending war to save humankind.  And in the end, will Sara and Drake overcome the insurmountable odds of their love continuing?


Excerpt:

Sara knocked softly on the door to room twenty-eight of the Amenity Suite Hotel. As she waited, she glanced down the hallway in both directions. At a little past midnight, the emptiness of the halls wasn't unusual but she still felt a twinge of unease. Something was out of place. Wrong. But, what? What is making me this scared?

Knocking again, she grimaced at the loud echo. No answer. Chewing on her bottom lip for a moment, she reached out and slowly turned the doorknob. To her surprise, the door was unlocked. The dire, mental warning that something was definitely wrong started screaming louder in her head, but she resolutely ignored it. That fear had passed after the last two events involving the list of names. Still, she was more than a little cautious as she stepped into the dark room. Stretching her hand out, she located the wall light switch and flipped it. The room flooded with light.

“Mr. Franklin?” She perused the unmade bed in the center of the room, and an opened suitcase on the table next to the bed. Nothing seemed out of place, or disturbed. Something isn’t right. I can feel it. Hesitant, but determined, she advanced into the room. “Hello? Mr. Franklin? It’s Sara Winters.”

Her gaze went to the bathroom. The door was ajar and the light off so she was almost sure he wasn’t in there. Where is he? I told him I’d meet him after midnight and he promised he’d be waiting. Advancing into the middle of the room, she abruptly stopped. Suddenly, she became acutely aware of the obvious sense of utter stillness, an eerie feeling of frozen time as though the entire room was enclosed in a blanket of cold nothingness. Goosebumps rose across her bare arms, and she half expected to see her breath come out in cold puffs of air.

Her mind shouted one stark word: Death.

Death was here, just like the other two times. It had been too late to talk to either men, both dead of what had been termed as natural deaths, one with a heart attack, the other with a stroke.

David Franklin was third on the list of six men. And she had the sickening feeling he was dead too.

Someone wanted to make sure that none of the men talked. But who? And why?
She didn’t want to take the time to dwell further on it. It wasn’t safe hanging around here any longer. When she turned to leave, her gaze immediately zeroed in on the bare foot partially hidden beneath the floor length bed coverlet. She bit back a gasp as a cold shiver of dread overtook her. The rest of the body lay hidden under the bed, but she didn’t have the courage to go over there and prove it was David Franklin.

The killer might still be near. Sickening fear rushed through her in forceful waves. Without hesitation, she rushed out the door, slamming it closed behind her. Cringing, she leaned back against it and attempted to calm her racing heart.

The third time she’d faced death, didn’t make it any less frightening or sickening. Her stomach rolled with the threat of vomiting. Taking several calming breaths she then exhaled slowly. It didn’t work. She was dealing with something far more sinister than she’d anticipated, leaving her feeling hopelessly clueless and she hated feeling so vulnerable.

Her special vision of sight wasn’t even working. It was hard to get a grasp on anything. I can’t give up. It wasn’t in her nature. Maybe the visions would come when she most needed them. In the past, her visions of the Book had led her to clues just at the opportune time. If she was going to solve this, she had to be strong. And patient, she added.

I need answers, but I don’t think I will find them here, now. The previous two events the killer, he or she, left no clues behind. She wasn’t a detective, but she’d spent her adult life following clues to help her obtain rare books, so she recognized the signs of a clean-up when she encountered the last two murders.

I have to get away from here. For some strange reason, the fear was stronger here than at the other two deaths. Hurrying from the room and out into the night she saw movements in every shadow. The hair on her arms rose. The uncanny feeling someone was watching her made her hurry her steps. Stopping in the parking lot of the hotel she took one last thorough look around, but saw nothing out of the ordinary, then took off running toward her car.

Oddly weak and suddenly, violently nauseated, she leaned against her car door to catch her breath. A few long minutes later her body relaxed. The after-midnight air was warm and muggy, with the threat of a summer storm hovering above the city. Sweat trickled down her neck into the ‘V’ of her silk bra. Anticipating the cold blast of air conditioning, she reached into her jeans back pocket and fished out her car key.

The only warning was the soft swish of wind overhead, and the darker-than-the-night shadow that covered her and her car. Startled, she looked up.
And screamed.

---


Buy Link for Her Demon, His Angel

Secret Cravings Publishing/July 2014

http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=905&zenid=38bd800527b2badb43e790ddbbce694d


ISBN: 978-1-63105-242-2
Cover Artist: Dawne Dominique
Word Count: 88304
Formats: LIT, EPUB, MOBI, HTML, PDF

Enter "The Portal" A Hot and Sensual Contemporary Paranormal Fantasy by Daisy Dunn

Scribal Love Welcomes Daisy Dunn!

Daisy Dunn is an author of paranormal/contemporary/fantasy.  Her newest work The Portal is available from Secret Cravings Publishing. 

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

My latest book is called The Portal. It is about a doorway that sucks people into it and transports them to an alternate universe. To escape from this universe, they need to wait twelve hours before they can open up the portal again and return to safety. 


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in? 


This is a cougar/contemporary/fantasy short story about a woman named Gianna, who steps through a portal into an alternate universe. She is taken prisoner by the ruling queen, who is sexually attracted to her. Cole has been in love with Gianna for years, but she has pushed him away because of their ten year age difference. Cole also ends up in the alternate universe, but he is a guard. When he sees the love of his life taken prisoner, he will do anything to free her and take her back through the portal to safety and his arms. 


Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them? 


Gianna Thomas is almost forty, and I wanted someone with confidence and a settled down type of attitude.


Cole Evans is ten years younger and a student when he first meets Gianna. He looks young and hasn't quite filled out yet. She pushes him away, not because of his looks, but she feels he has to sow his wild oats. Little does she know that he only has wild oats for her. Five years later, he is a brilliant scientist and has filled out looking like a grown man, big, strong, and still in love with Gianna. I wanted Cole to be confident, like Gianna, but know he has some growing up to do. I also wanted him to be like a bookworm with a super hot exterior and a heart of gold…sigh J


What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc.. 


My favorite scene is when Cole, as a guard for the queen, is finally alone with Gianna, the queen's prisoner, and reveals himself to her (he is wearing a helmet with a visor that covers his face). She is taken back by how much he has matured, and he finally lets his bad boy come out and kisses her passionately for the first time. I felt like a voyeur in the room while typing this scene.


Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?


I fell in love with Cole. He is so sweet, and so in love with Gianna. She has pushed him away, but he never could let go of her. He bides his time, matures and finally takes charge of the situation, which he wasn't able to do five years ago when he first met her. His confidence grew before my eyes and I found myself cheering for the sexy bookworm.


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books? 


I wasn't planning on making this into a series, but I got so much positive feedback about the alternate universe, that I have book two already outlined. I'm not sure when it will be out, but definitely next year. I'm thinking of calling it “The Sinful Portal” but that has yet to be determined.


If not?  Are you considering expanding it?


Since I'm writing a sequel, I think I'll expand the story and bring in old characters here and there. I have at least two more books in mind.


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


No, I'm very happy with the way it turned out. Yay!!


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I based the whole book on one small thought (okay, it was a naughty fantasy of mine) and knew I could do something with it. I spent a week building the fantasy in my mind, giving faces and emotions to the characters and building the scene. After a week of intense thought, I typed my fingers to the bone and “The Portal” was born. I learned to think things through thoroughly and write what excites me and hopefully, it will excite the readers.


Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them?   


Yes, I'm with Secret Cravings Publishing. I have four books coming out with them in the next few months. They are an amazing company that's growing in leaps and bounds. They believe in communication with all the authors, and after getting to know them and the other authors, it feels like one big happy family!! I also just received a contract with XOXO Publishing this week for a Christmas anthology coming out in November. It's been an exciting year!! 


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


I have three…


1. Christine Feehan - her books were the first paranormal romances I have ever read, and I love her style of writing. I am a huge fan and wait anxiously for her next novel.


2. Charlene Teglia - her books introduced me to the world of erotic romance. Once I read her books, I knew I not only loved erotic romance, but I wanted to write it as well.


3. Lacie Nation - her first book just came out on August 31^st called So Beautifully Broken. Her second book comes out in November, tentatively called One Courageous Dare. We have met through Secret Cravings Publishing and shared our stories back and forth being critique partners. She has helped me so much and given me wonderful tips that I have taken to heart. She is a fabulous friend and mentor.


What books are you reading now? 


I'm reading the erotic Viking Series by Jaid Black…HOT!!


What are the current writing projects that you are working on?


As I mentioned earlier, I'm working on a sequel to The Portal, but I have two other books I'm working on. I'm writing a paranormal (vampire) series called the Hunger Series and books one and two are slated to come out October 11, 2011 (Hunger's Prey) and January 2012(Hunger's Desire). I have book three outlined and ready to go. I also have another fantasy erotic romance short story I'm working on. The problem is, what to work on next?


Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?


I wish I could write full time. I have a Monday to Friday office job that I actually like. I have wonderful friends and co-workers there that really make going to work not a chore (except for getting out of bed early every day…yuck). So, I squeeze writing in where ever I can. Even if I'm sitting in front of the TV, my laptop is always within reach to work on my books. One day I hope to retire from work and write full time. This has always been my dream in life. Fingers crossed J


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


I've always wanted to write ever since I read my first romance novel at seventeen, but I doubted myself terribly. This year, I said to hell with it…I have stories to tell and why not write some and see what a publisher thinks of them. Well, I've submitted three books this year and all three are being published. I'm kicking myself for the self-doubt I had and not doing this sooner.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


GRAMMAR!!! I know the basics, but there are always things that I over look in the grammar department. I have a grammar software program that I use to help me before I submit a book to the publisher. It has helped me so much and taught me where and when to use the dreaded “Comma”.


Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time? 


Don't give up or listen to that negative voice inside your head that says you aren't good enough to be published. YOU ARE!! I still fight with self-doubt, but when it comes, I try to shoo it away. Stories are mean to be shared, not hidden away, so get on your keyboard and type like a fiend. J


Where I can be found:


Website: www.daisydunn.ca
Email: daisydunn23@gmail.com
Facebook: Daisy Dunn
Twitter: @daisydunnauthor
Where to buy: http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/DaisyDunn.html


THE PORTAL


Blurb:




Cole Evans has been in love with Gianna Thomas from the first moment he laid 
eyes on her when he was a student at the University. He pursued her 
relentlessly, but Gianna would not date him because of their ten year age 
difference. She broke his heart when she pushed him away for good, afraid to 
be known as a Cougar.






Five years later, Cole is now twenty-nine years old and is ready to fight for 
Gianna. Before he does, he takes one more trip through the portal he created 
into the alternate universe he has stumbled across. He has been chosen as a 
guard for the ruling queen of this world and is shocked when he sees that one 
of the prisoners is Gianna. He needs to get her out of this place, away from the 
hungry gaze of the queen and into his arms once and for all.


Excerpt:


The queen walked up to the row of women and looked them up and down one by one. Gianna was about to say something to the queen as she stepped in front of her, but decided it would be best to keep her mouth shut for now. I need to be an observer for now. Don’t open your mouth or draw attention to yourself in any way. Gianna told herself over and over. She was never known for holding her tongue at the best of times, so she was trying extremely hard to do so. She was still confused about where she was, but the answers she needed would come in time. She hoped.
Once the queen looked at each of the women, she walked to her throne and regally sat down. She snapped her fingers, and the guards moved into action. Every woman had a guard grab her arms from behind and hold her firmly in place. Then five different guards walked to the front of each of the five women with a knife in their hands. Their tops were gently cut open and their bras sliced apart in the front, exposing their breasts. The guards, who had just cut the tops and bras, placed their knives back in the sheaths attached to their belts. They then stepped out of the way for the queen’s viewing.


Gianna was horrified. None of the other women fought back or said anything. She wanted to scream and tried to pull her arms out of the hold the guard had on her from behind, but to no avail. He was far too strong for her. She was so embarrassed by her nakedness to a room full of people. She turned her head back and forth to see if the other women were protesting, but none of them moved or made a sound. She didn’t know what to do, so she decided she would hold her tongue just a little longer.


The queen sat quietly for a moment staring at the women. No one made a sound while the queen deliberated. She then spoke three words, “Three and five.”


The guards pushed Gianna, who assumed she was number three, and the woman who was standing in the fifth position, forward. The rest of the women were led out of the room by the guards that were still holding them.


The guards then looked back to the queen for guidance. She blatantly stared at Gianna’s breasts and then to the other woman’s breasts.


The queen spoke again. “Make them hard.”


Two guards stepped forward, one in front of each of the two remaining women, and started stroking their nipples. Gianna was even more horrified then she had been when her top and bra were cut open. She stared to struggle, but the guard behind her held on tight. She kicked his lower leg with her high heels, but ended up striking his  knee-high leathers boots. Two other guards quickly stepped forward and grabbed her legs, pinning them down on the ground, so she couldn’t kick. The guard standing before her resumed his stroking of her nipples.


He rolled her nipples between his fingers, and as they grew in length, he pinched and stroked them till they were hard and extremely erect. He seemed to be enjoying the task he had been commanded to do.


Gianna was devastated by what was happening to her, but even more upset because her body was enjoying this guard’s touch. She could feel it all the way to her core. Her pussy throbbed with every one of his tugs and twists on her nipples. She tried to look him in the eyes, but his visor from his helmet covered them. She could see part of his face, but not much. His mouth looked familiar, the shape of his full lips looked sexy and inviting. She had let down her guard and was enjoying his electric touch.


The queen interrupted her now blissful state. “Enough. Step back.”


Gianna almost thought she saw a look of disappointment on what she could see of the guard’s face as he released her nipples and stepped out of the way of the queen’s view.


The queen stood up and stepped down from her throne. She walked up to the two women and stared at their breasts. One by one she ogled the women and then finally stood in front of Gianna. She flicked her elongated nipples, first one and then the other. She turned and walked away through the hidden door in the wall.


The guards knew which one of the women the queen had chosen. The one holding Gianna passed her to the guard, who had stroked her nipples only moments ago and said, “The queen has made her choice. Take her to the bathing room so she can be prepared for tonight.”

End Excerpt

Thanks Daisy for Dropping By!

Contemporary Romance Author Lacie Nation's Newest Book 'So Beautifully Broken'

'''

Scribal Love Welcomes Lacie Nation

Lacie Nation is an author of contemporary romance.  Her newest work So Beautifully Broken is available from Secret Cravings Publishing.  

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title? 

So Beautifully Broken, the title popped into my head when I was on the verge of sleep one night. I literally sat up and said “That's it!”  


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in? 


It's a contemporary romance novel about overcoming pain and addiction.
 
Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them? 


Lilly Banks and Jack Hollister, I chose them because they just fit together. She is a broken mess with nowhere to go, and used to be. The balance each other out.
 
What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc..)


The coolest part about the book is when Lilly finally overcomes her fears about trusting Jack. When she finally realizes he won't hurt her the way so many others have. 


Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why? 


Lilly, of course, she is so innocent in so many ways. In the beginning of the book, she is just so lost and broken in her addiction. When she decides to get better and is in a clear mind, she realizes she is an amazing person. She learns how to love and let someone love her.  


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books? 


No, it's not part of a series.  


If not?  Are you considering expanding it?


No, I couldn't stand the thought of putting these characters through any more drama. I decided to let them live on in fictional peace.  


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? 


No, I don't think I would. I'm happy with the way it turned out. 


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learned that I don't like writing fluff and fillers. LOL… if I could write dramatic scenes I would be a happy camper! 


Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them?


I do have a publisher, Secret Cravings publishing; I submitted my manuscript to them because they were extremely helpful when it came to answering all my questions. They take the time to help new authors grow into their own. I don't think I would have gotten through this entire process without everyone associated with them.
 
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? 


There are so many authors I look up to, I couldn't begin to choose just one. 


What books are you reading now?


 I'm in between books at the moment. I don't really know what I will read next. 


What are the current writing projects that you are working on?


I just received a contract for my second book called One Courageous Dare.  


Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day? 


I am extremely lucky because I work from home. That gives me the ability to write when I have ideas. One day I would absolutely love to write on a full time basis.
 
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


I have always loved to write. It's very cleansing and helps me deal with things I wouldn't normally discuss with anyone. 


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


Creating characters that people can connect with, anytime I write one, I worry if people will love them as much as I do. 


Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?


Don't give up. The publishing world is huge and there are plenty of opportunities out there. You just have to find the publisher that's right for you.


 

Spicy Romantic Suspense Author M.S. Spencer Captivates Us With Her Novel "Losers Keepers"

Scribal Love Welcomes M. S. Spencer!

M. S. Spencer is an author of contemporary romantic suspense.  Her newest work Losers Keepers is now available from Secret Cravings at http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/MSSpencer.html.




What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?


Losers Keepers. In my answer below I claimed I am not interested in writing a series yet, but I confess I have indulged in a series of sorts when it comes to the titles of my books. Thus: Lost in His Arms, Lost & Found, and now Losers Keepers. Since in the story we meet the heroine after she’s lost her own true love, just before she finds him again, it seemed apt.


My fourth, just contracted, is simply titled Triptych. I tried subtitles: Loss, Love & Larceny, or Three’s Company, but everyone shook their head in dismay and I gave up. Still, if anyone has a good idea how to insert a form of “To Lose” into the title I’m open to suggestion. 


What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?

Losers Keepers is a full-length adult contemporary novel, combining spicy romance with suspense. It is set on the Atlantic barrier island of Chincoteague (where Misty’s descendants live). Dagne Lonegan, aka Dear Philomena, advice dispenser extraordinaire, hoped that spending a year on the Eastern Shore island of Chincoteague to write her novel would clear her sinuses, if not her heart, of any feelings for Jack Andrews, erstwhile lover and long-time jerk. It’s just her luck that her first week on the island she’s in the right place at the right time to be involved with a murder. Only she doesn’t know it. Unfortunately, the murderer doesn’t know she doesn’t know. Strange and dangerous things begin happening to her, interfering with her new romance with Tom Ellis, the handsome manager of the National Wildlife Refuge. Complications ensue when her Jack arrives to take charge of the murder investigation.


My family and I have been visiting the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the beach on Assateague Island since my (now grown) children were small, and I know and love the place. Imagine my surprise and joy when photos of the famous annual Chincoteague Pony Swim were splashed across the front page of the Washington Post the day my book was released. How cool is that?


Here is the purchase information:


Losers Keepers, by M. S. Spencer


eBook, 72,000 words, M/F (3 flames), contemporary romantic suspense


ISBN  978-1-936653-95-9


Buy link: http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/MSSpencer.html



Who is/are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?


Like my first heroine, Dagne Lonegan is a writer. You know what they say: Write what you know! The novel she is expecting to write is not a major part of the story, however. Her advice column is. Every chapter is prefaced with a letter from a lovelorn young creature which mysteriously mirrors the events in her real life. The hero is purely fictitious. Really.  


What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc.?)


I love the ending.  I always have a smashing denouement and this one is no exception. But actually an image toward the very end, after the dramatic conclusion, is my favorite.  It involves a very old fisherman and a halo. That’s all I’m saying.


Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?


That would be the ancient fisherman, old Bill Nettleton. He is both part of the story and a kind of deus ex machina, a little mysterious and too, too sweet.


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books?  If not?  Are you considering expanding it?


No to both options. The characters, plots and settings in each of my five books are unique.  I have too many stories to tell to settle down with one. Perhaps down the road I’ll want to expand a story or follow the heroine on her next adventure, but not yet. Besides, once you have the happy ending, what else can happen? 


If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?


Not at all. Although I had to oust one character I dearly loved. But I mitigated the pain by adding a new and equally annoying character.


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I always learn stuff while researching my books. While I know Chincoteague very well, I still had to check out fish and wildlife regulations on hunting, the historic cemeteries, folklore and history of the island, including men’s lodges at the turn of the century and famous murders. I also learned the correct terms for the phases of the moon. And I added a new word to my vocabulary: “coriaceous” meaning chewy. Isn’t that a glorious word?


Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them?
  
I have 2 publishers.  Red Rose published my first two books, Lost in His Arms and Lost & Found. They are still available.  Losers Keepers (and the upcoming Triptych) are published by Secret Cravings.  For my first book I did research on publishers interested in my genre. I had decided to go with e-publishing for various reasons, the most important being my belief that it would be the preeminent publishing format in the near future (was I right or was I right? The latest study shows a 160% increase in sales!). I also like the quick turnaround, the higher royalties, and the ability to do everything from submission to editing on-line.  That way I can keep my bunny slippers on all day. 


If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?


Probably Jane Austen. Her writing is so precise and perfect—it’s as though she spent whole days pondering every single word she wrote.  Her sentences are like miniature paintings, drawing a scene or emotion in only a few sharply appointed words.


What books are you reading now?  


In the Garden of Beasts, by Erik Larson. It’s about the last American ambassador to Berlin before World War II. It’s a fascinating account of life under Hitler’s regime before he revealed his plans. I find on-site accounts given while history is in the making provide an alternate view that can help explain why people acted in a certain way, one which those of us with the benefit of hindsight may find inexplicable.


What are the current writing projects that you are working on?


I have signed a contract with Secret Cravings for Triptych, a tale of three sisters, three lovers, and three spirits guarding a dangerous river. It involves lost artworks, stolen prototypes and a resident genius. The inevitable result? Jealousy, sex, love and a little larceny.


Both Miranda Cabot and her sister Honor prefer their solitude to romance, Miranda having watched her husband die in flames on the Potomac River rocks called the Three Sisters. Not so the youngest, Sybil, who invites a mysterious Frenchman calling himself the Chevalier du bon Arnaque to stay with them in their mansion overlooking the Sisters.


Misgivings about the stranger’s intentions lead Miranda and Honor to ask their neighbors Dieter Heiliger and his grandson Corey to chaperone. Three beautiful, strong-willed women living in a house with three handsome, virile men results inevitably in an intricate web of jealousy, sex, and intrigue. Add in long-lost master artworks, stolen prototypes and a resident genius and you have a recipe for romance. Who will end up with whom, and will the Three Sisters take another life as the legend calls for?


While I await an editor for Triptych, I’m editing my latest romantic mystery, The Torpedo Factory Murders. 


Here’s a taste:




Waiting out the rain, Georgia Delaney takes stock of her widowhood and the handsome man standing in the door to the bar.  Little does she know she will meet that man again and again under both passionate and terrifying circumstances. 


Hugh Brody waits for his date, too conscious of the beautiful woman sitting by the door. Little does he know that she will hate him for trying to destroy her beloved art center, and even suspect him of murder. Nor that she will be drawn inevitably into his arms.


Little do either of them suspect they will be embroiled in not one, but two murders, in which the fate of the Torpedo Factory, an art center housed in an old munitions factory on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, will be decided.


Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?


Pretty much. I have a pension which enables me to spend most of my time writing. I have a part-time job as Executive Director of the Friends of the Torpedo Factory, which permits me to get out of the house and mingle with creative souls (the Torpedo Factory is a former munitions plant on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, now home to over 150 artists in all media).


Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?


Interesting question.  Like most authors, I have been writing since I learned to hold a pencil (the wrong way as it turns out—which is why I still have a callus on the ring finger of my right hand). I’m not sure whether I wrote because I had something to say or whether I wrote because I wanted to do something with my hands and after failing miserably at visual art and music went with Option #3. Perhaps both. 


The desire to create and to share that creation is a strange phenomenon.  It depends a bit on ego—the assumption that what you say is important. But there are other factors. Most artists are rather solitary in their habits. When I’m writing I won’t answer the phone or the door. I enjoy being alone. On the other hand, I’m not satisfied unless I know someone else is reading it. I don’t think that is unique to me. 


Before I get too far into the weeds, I’ll stop here. But I blogged on July 31 on the Urge to Write at Long and Short Reviews (http://lasrguest.blogspot.com). By all means, tune in and sound off. 


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?


It is extremely difficult for me to write the first draft of a novel. When I have a story in mind I may not see all the details but I know what the ending will be. I’m as impatient as readers to get to the denouement (or the sex, or the answer to the puzzle). My first draft of Losers Keepers ran 30,000 words. As I started editing it I found great gaps in the story where my galloping desire to get to the happy ending made me leap ahead (how’s that for a metaphor?). By the time I’d finished the second draft it was 60,000 words. 


Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?


I recently blogged on the top ten do’s and don’ts for aspiring writers (see Joanne Troppello’s blog, http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/1/post/2011/07/guest-author-meredith-ellsworth.html.  If I were to distill that I’d have two indispensable bits of advice: (1) Submit, and (2) Trust your editor.

Thanks M. S. for Stopping By!

Can the Navy Seals Survive Against Their Non-Human Foe?

Cool Scifi for a Hot Summer!

Blurb for 'Fugue'

Lt. Chad Meyer and his team of Navy Seals on a simple arctic training mission in the Gates of the Arctic National Park find more than bargained for when a normal day goes awry. Attacked by an unknown and deadly force, the team

now outgunned and out manned must fight for survival.

Chad, determined to safeguard the lives of his men, must use all of his courage, will and stamina to make sure that they survive against their non-human foe.

Excerpt:

Giving, his second in command, Chief Petty Officer Easely, a slow nod, he and the rest of the team who had become alert to the change in their behavior, prepared themselves to go.

“To our nine o'clock and watch my back,” Chad mouthed, knowing they had to get to cover. They were weapon‟s poor and needed to procure safe ground if they were to make it out alive.

Easely cracked the slightest of grins, signaling to Chad that it was a given. The rest continued talking casually as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. The adrenalin began pouring into Chad‟s veins. As if toying with them, the pebbles continued to fly through the air, pelting the trees in front of them. Taking one big breath, he bolted to his feet and headed towards the forest, away from the clearing. As they regrouped in the trees, they tapped each other‟s shoulder, one behind the other, assuring they were friendly and alive.

The pebbles followed them to the trees but this time with more force.

“What the hell are they doing?” Easely asked in a harsh whisper.

“Toying with us.”

“Shit, if all they have are rocks then—” Easely said, just as an energy bolt popped a tree four feet in front of them. The smell of creosote filled the air.

Soon, the weapons fire came in barrages, pinning them. Then suddenly, bright beams of

light pierced the darkness. It was as if whoever was searching for them had a flashlight to see them. He and his team pinned their backs to the trees, unwilling to be spotted so easily. Looking toward the southern slope of the Brooks Range, the wind caused the clouds to shift at the top of one of its peaks.

Rushing down the mountain, it was not long before the frigid air reached them, causing moisture to run down Chad's nose. Shifting once again, the wind reversed its direction in the jumble of trees, and the lights went out as quickly as they came on. A barrage of fire soon followed.

http://secretcravingspublishing.mybigcommerce.com/products/Fugue.html

Paranormal Romance Author Mindi Ferrari discusses her newest work 'Midnight Assassins'

Scribal Love Welcomes Mindi Ferrari!

Mindi Ferrari is an author of Paranormal Romance.  Her newest work “Midnight Assassins ” is available from Secret Cravings Publishing.

What is the name of your latest book? 

Midnight Assassins

And how did you come up with the title? 

Love of course reminded me of hearts and while writing one of the scenes the main character gives a certain object to his love interest that's shaped like a heart. To me incorporating a line from the book and using it for the title always works. I even look for it in any book I read.

What is this book about?

Annie was definitely not ready for the life that was about to be handed to her.  She was dealing with a job she liked, but a boss she hated. She had no family and only one true friend. One horrible day took her life by surprise. Beaten and almost dead she finds her life in the arms of a handsome, over bearing vampire and wants nothing more than to stay put there forever, but can't seem to let go of her past.

Nicholie was definitely on a mission in his life; to kill the hunters that killed his sister Emma, and maintaining his life as an assassin which was more than time consuming. Closing in on a lead, he ends up finding Annie instead, and falls head over heels with this breathtaking human that he wants to make his own, testing his very belief system as a vampire.

And what genre is this book in?

Paranormal Romance/Erotica

Who is/are the main characters? 

Nichole Telfair(vampire) and Annie (Human) 

And why did you choose them? 

Nicholie had this overbearing, tough personality that completed Annie's soft unspoken, very docile attitude. In my mind they were both completely meant for each other. I pictured him holding her in her arms. Her sweet big blue innocent eyes looking into his strong face. The scene of them standing in front of his bedroom window holding each other completely nude was what started the whole story.

What is the coolest or best part about your book?

I laugh thinking about this scene every time. While it may not be about the main character, Nicholie's best friend Jude is at a bar and Nicky watches him grab a woman and start dancing to Feel like making Love By Bad Company. It was just hilarious picturing this giant vampire with layers of muscles twirling around a small female on the dance floor. He became this giant lustful teddy bear. And given Jude's personality it just cracked me up and was the highlight of the book.

Do you have a favorite character in the book? 

Jude, oh boy Judey(lol) 

If so, why? 

He such an arrogant prick, that gets all the women. His comments are hilarious and I built his character around being this man that dishes out so much friction in their lives. He's truly a jerk. But a big enough teddy bear that you want to see what he is about to say next. I truly looked forward to writing such a sexy mean man.

Is this book part of a series?

At first I didn't want it to be one but I felt Jude's story needed to be told and I myself wanted to see what would happen with the war on hunters. 

If so? What can we expect in future books?  

Definitely a lot of action and some heartbreak (a lot of sadness), my vampires pride themselves in their ability to torture the hunters. This next book in the series will focus so much on Jude's character and even a love interest which is huge for this boy.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? 

No.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? 

Wow I learned to be patient with myself and I learned that the characters as much as you want to change them, really do have a mind of their own.

Do you have a publisher? 

Yes Secret Cravings! 

And if so, why did you choose them? 

I loved what they stood for and I felt like they were more than a company but family. All the other authors are amazing as well. 

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? 

Definitely J.R. Ward by far. She holds the bar so high in my world.

What books are you reading now? 

Gena Showalter, Darkest Passion

What are the current writing projects that you are working on? 

Wicked Games, another paranormal romance centered around angels. And a Contemporary Romance about a navy seal who falls for a romance writer. Also a self help/memoir on Lupus, RA, Fibromyalgia.

Do you write full time? 

Well full time for me (winks) 

If not, do you hope to do so one day? 

Always like every writer out there we want to earn money doing what we love. But if not I will enjoy doing it even if one person reads my stories

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? 

I was reading R.L. Stine and I was nine years old. I finished his first book and thought wow I will do this when I grow up.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I have always had a tough time describing emotions and feelings. For example, 

Here a sentence in my new novel I'm working on. “Vampire.” He scowled. 

Finding the right word is very difficult and sometimes you have to dig really deep. I wonder if there is a book for this sort of down fall. haha

Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?

Be patient. You will get a hundred no's but the first time you get that one yes it will be the best day of your life, hell I jumped for joy and screamed. Always remember to write for you and never changed your direction or your strengths because one person does not like it. It will be hard work but it will be worth it. 

Never give up your dream and always push. And most important, find the publisher that wants you for you, don't sign with the first one that says yes just to be out there. Make sure it  is a good reputable company that respects their writers. I truly believe to that even the best writer needs advice on their work or could use a good critique partner because when you are trying to get published you need to be polished to perfection.

Thank you Mindi for Dropping by!

You can find Mindi on the web at: 

Mindi Ferrari Paranormal Romance Writer

http://www.mindiferrari.com  

http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/MindiFerrari.html

http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/author.php?id=6692