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Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Friday, November 7, 2014

Book Blast, Giveaway & Interview: Haedyn’s Choice by @Jenn_L_Oliver @RoxanneRhoads

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clip_image002_thumb[1]Haedyn’s Choice

The Haedyn Chronicles

Book 1

Jennifer L. Oliver

Genre: Dark fantasy

Publisher: Small Escapes Publishing, LLC

ASIN: B00CPCCSRY

Number of pages: 212 pages

Word Count: 54,000

Cover Artist: Jennifer L. Oliver

Book Description:

There’s always a choice.

Haedyn chooses to survive. As the last Unnamed, a species mistakenly created from angels and demons, she is an abomination to both the human and supernatural worlds. If survival means being the favorite servant of the demon Azazel, it’s a choice she can live with. Until she meets Lex.

Former investigative reporter, Lex Carter knows more than the average human - he saw his brother murdered by vampires. Now he’s dedicated his life to learning everything there is to know about monsters, how to kill them, and what happens to their victims. But when he’s kidnapped by a super-human albino who claims she's protecting him, he realizes that not all supernatural creatures are monsters and there may be one that's worth saving.

Together, they just might be able to discover the truth about Haedyn’s past and free her from Azazel’s bonds. But will she still choose to survive when it means risking the souls of those she loves?

Available at Amazon

excerpt

The concrete cell reeked with a mixture of rotten trash, burning flesh, and the sweet tanginess of blood. Haedyn twitched her nose. No matter how often she had to deal with it, she'd never get used to that smell. It was horrible.

Dirt crunched and rolled under the soles of her boots as she circled the silver chair in the middle of the room. Its occupant was furious, snapping and snarling at her. Not that she blamed him. Being captured by a demon's minion wouldn't rate high on her list of fun, either.

The prisoner struggled against his restraints. “Bitch. My Alpha’s gonna kill you. Just wait," he growled, pupils wide with the animosity of a trapped animal. "He’ll come here and rip through that white skin of yours like it's a sheet of paper, then hang your head on the wall like a trophy.”

She rolled her eyes and ignored his aggression. Werewolves had the worst tempers, especially when they were wounded or trapped. This one was both. Plus, he’d been drugged and was unable to change to his more powerful wolf form. Yeah, he was beyond pissed.

She sighed and continued circling. He'd wear himself out eventually. The anger and vile comments were all part of the process. Then the next phase would begin, full of tears and begging. That's when she'd break him, make him tell her where to find the human. But for now, she'd play the game until he was ready.

“Where's the human?”

"I ain't telling you shit." He spat on the floor at her feet.

"Tell me where the human is and I'll set you free."

The werewolf narrowed his yellow eyes. "You won't set me free. You think I don't know who you are? You're that demon Azazel's little bitch. You don't set no one free. You kill 'em."

Haedyn clenched her jaw. The werewolf was right; he wasn't going to leave here alive. She needed that information and there was only one way he was going to tell her. Poor sap. He just forced her hand.

She circled the chair again. This was the part of the job she hated. Inflicting pain. Killing. Every time she heard them scream, made them bleed, she swore a piece of her insides turned to dust.

It was the price she paid for serving a demon. But she didn't have a choice. Either she did what was expected of her or she faced punishment from her master.

Demons didn’t give second chances, and Azazel was no different. Disobeying his orders meant death. And even if she was stupid enough to go up against him, she had no one to turn to for help.

She was the last Unnamed. A mistake created by the demons and angels, which is why they killed off the rest of her kind. Humans mistakenly called her “albino” and kept their distance once they saw her deep red eyes. The supernatural world thought she was an abomination. If they weren't scared shitless of her, then they wanted to kill her.

She didn't fit in and she was all alone. Which is why she made the decision fourteen years ago to do whatever she had to in order to survive. Serving Azazel was the only choice she had.

Besides, what else would she do? She was evil, part demon. And like Azazel said the night he found her at the orphanage, she had a gift for death. One which he had honed. Now, she was his best interrogator, his best assassin.

Haedyn looked again at the werewolf. He shifted and squirmed, pulling at his shackles. Drops of blood beaded along his forehead. She smelled the panic and the fear mixed in with his sweat. Then she met his eyes. For a brief moment, a part of her screamed to let him go. She quickly pushed the impulse away.

Discipline. She had to maintain discipline. Compassion was a weakness. How many times had Azazel pounded that into her during their sessions? Fourteen years of intense training and still she had to remind herself.

She closed her eyes, burying the whispers of empathy deep inside. A stillness settled within her. Then she re-emerged as the cold-hearted, unemotional assassin Azazel had molded her into.

This is what she was trained to be. This is what she was trained to do. Save them. Deliver them. It's what kept her alive, and that’s all that mattered.

Playlist for book

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-IPkwQd99OxquJtkZd_MTDZQKlCRHsNi

  Authorcage

Q: Hello. Please tell us something about yourself, where you’re based, and how you came to be a writer.
A: Hi everyone! Thanks for having me here today.
So, I’m just a normal person, kind of on the boring side. I’m a native of North Carolina but since I fell in love with this awesome man who lived in Florida, I had no choice but to force a love potion down his throat marry him and move to the sunshine state. Most of my family is up north but I love it here, especially being able to Christmas shop in flip flops.
As for writing, I’ve done that my whole life. When I was in grade school, creative writing papers were my favorite assignment. Most of the writing I did while I was growing up was purely for my own enjoyment. I wanted to be an author, dreamed about it even, but I never thought it was something I could actually “do.” I just thought it was some fanciful dream a young person has, like being an astronaut or some famous singer. It wasn’t until 2008 that I realized the only thing holding me back from following my dream was me. So I stopped standing in my own way and began reading and researching everything I could find about becoming an author.

Q: What genre do you generally write and have you considered other genres?
A: I typically write in the dark fantasy and paranormal genres. I have considered others, though. Right now, some of my work borderlines on horror (the suspenseful kind, not the gory kind) and some can actual slide into paranormal romance without much trouble. I would like to try my hand at contemporary romance one day.

Q: Do you have a favorite of your books or characters?
A: This is a tough one. I think my favorite character overall is Haedyn. She’s tough, but she’s got a vulnerable side, too. She portrays a lot of what happens to us in our early twenties or so. She’s trying to figure out who she is and find her place in the world.
BUT, my favorite character to write is definitely Azazel. There’s always conflict and tension around him. He’s forever scheming and plotting to get his own way. He’s just so… evil. It’s kind of fun to build him up and then have him get all ticked off when things fall down around him.

Q: What are you working on at the moment / next?
A: Right now, I’m working on two different projects. First, is Demon Rising, the next book in the Haedyn Chronicles. This one has been giving me a hard time. Haedyn has to deal with some major betrayal and breach of trust in this story, but those emotions are conflicting with her gut instincts. Her confusion only leads her to focus more on wanting to avenge her friend’s death. Which of course, means I have to dig deeper into my own experiences and relive them so that I can make her feelings seem more realistic. That’s probably the toughest part for a writer, in my opinion. Getting to the core of those hard emotions and putting them out there for the world to see.
The second project is a paranormal short story that I’ll be giving away for free to my newsletter subscribers. It’s about a Djinn who doesn’t want to be in the family business of rescuing other supernatural beings, but she finds herself drawn to a young Siren who has no idea of her abilities, and is being used by a thug in nefarious ways. :) Think Shield meets The Rescuers (yes, the cartoon movie).
It has series potential but I won’t really know until I finish writing it.
Q: Do you manage to write every day? Do you ever suffer from writer’s block?
A: Writing every day is actually a goal of mine. I’m trying to create a daily habit, which of course helps battle my writer’s block. And yes, I do suffer from that occasionally. To be honest, that’s another challenge I’ve been facing in writing this currently novel, Demon Rising. But I’ve learned that writing in shorter sprints, several times a day, really helps me. I’m all about the baby steps!
Q: Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?
A: I don’t have a method, per say. Most of my stories start out because I have characters that appear in my mind. Some come to me fully formed with a name, like Haedyn did. Others tend to come to me with just a little info and I give them a name I think fits. If I have a sense of their background or heritage, I may Google names or look in name books.
Q: What do you do when you’re not writing?
A: When I’m not writing, one can usually find me tending my flower garden, reading, watching TV with my husband, or playing with my dog, Jake. He’s listened to me work out story issues many a time. ;)
I read all sorts of things. Craft books, paranormal/fantasy, romance, you name it.
My husband and I have a list of shows that we keep up with - Supernatural, Sleepy Hollow, The Following, Gotham, Castle, Bones, and Criminal Minds. I tend to watch a lot of paranormal shows and movies. Anything by Joss Whedon is a must for me.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring writers?
A: Read everything. Read other books in your genre. Read books that are not in your genre or ones you wouldn’t “normally” read for entertainment. Read craft books and blogs. And in between, keep writing!

 

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abouttheauthor

clip_image004_thumbDuring her many years of working at a daily newspaper, Jennifer L. Oliver honed her writing skills in secret. As an avid reader, she enjoys books that give her an entertaining and temporary escape from the ruckus of everyday life. Now, she hopes to bring the same enjoyment to others through her own work.

Jennifer is the author of The Haedyn Chronicles, and other dark urban fantasy and paranormal thrillers. She is also a freelance proofreader and always looking for the opportunity to help other authors reach their publishing dreams.

Although she was born and raised in North Carolina, she now lives on Florida's gulf coast with her husband, two cats, and a Royal Bahamian Potcake dog who is more than half her size and thinks the world revolves around treats. When she's not writing, you can find her playing in the flower garden, giggling with her granddaughter, and enjoying time with her family and friends.

www.jenniferloliver.com

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLOliverAuthor

https://plus.google.com/+JenniferLOliver

https://twitter.com/Jenn_L_Oliver

http://pinterest.com/jennlewisoliver/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6561912.Jennifer_L_Oliver

Monday, October 20, 2014

Book Blast, Giveaway & Hot Interview: Words That Bind by @ashkrafton

Words that Bind Banner TOUR 851 x 315

 

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clip_image002Words That Bind

Ash Krafton

Genre: paranormal romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Date of Publication: Oct. 10, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-62830-560-9

ISBN: 978-1-62830-561-6

Number of pages: 314

Word Count: 75000

Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor

Book Description:

Social worker Tam Kerish can’t keep her cool professionalism when steamy client Mr. Burns kindles a desire for more than a client-therapist relationship—so she drops him. However, they discover she’s the talisman to which Burns, an immortal djinn, has been bound since the days of King Solomon…and that makes it difficult.

Ethical guidelines are unequivocal when it comes to personal relationships with clients. However, the djinn has a thawing effect on the usually non-emotive Tam, who begins to feel true emotion whenever he is near. Tam has to make a difficult choice: to stay on the outside, forever looking in…or to turn her back on her entire world, just for the chance to finally experience what it means to fall in love.

Available at Amazon and Wild Rose Publishing

excerpt

“So. You’ve destroyed a stereotype for me. A genie who lives in a library. Different.”

“When in Rome, no?” He stirred his cup before setting down the spoon with a light clink against the saucer. “Or, I suppose it is more accurate to say when in human form. When I am Burns, I prefer here.”

“Human form.” It didn’t sound right. Who said things like that, and meant it? “Can you change into anything you want? Any shape at all?”

He stretched out his legs and cocked his head, sliding his gaze up and away. “I suppose I could. I’m getting old and set in my ways. There’s this…” He swept his hands down the line of his body.

Her eyes were unable to keep from following, not even when he lingered over his midsection. Even lounging, his shirt was tightly tucked into his beltline. No belly fat there.

He tilted his head and gave her an upper-teeth smile, nibbling gently at his lower lip. “And apparently this form is pleasing to the eye, so I wear it often. But there are others. Tiger, a favorite. Savage and regal and the colors of flames in the night. Fearsome to behold, but very useful when dealing with physical conditions in which a human form may be outmatched. Plus, I can lash my tail.”

His voice took a teasing, conspirator’s tone. “I love my tail. You’d love it too, if you saw it.”

She trained her eyes firmly upon his. No way would she give him the pleasure of checking out his tail.

Long Excerpt Chapter One

Damn, but this was a miserable city.

A miserable city, in a miserable season, with a miserable chilly dampness oppressive enough to put out the hottest of fires. If he didn’t have to be here, he’d be reclining on a low couch surrounded by silken-clad women and the open sands of the high desert.

If he didn’t have to be here, he wouldn’t be standing in a cramped parking lot in an East Coast city (really. East Coast. The very thought made him curl his lips in disdain) staring up at a balcony three floors up.

If he didn’t have to be here, he wouldn’t. But it was here, and it was close, and he wouldn’t have to put up with this permeating on-again off-again rain much longer.

The thought of it being so close made him dizzy enough to sway on his feet. Ah, well. Wearing a human form had so many limitations. Take skin, for instance. And this ridiculous human obsession with trousers.

A loud argument erupted on the balcony above, catching his attention.

Women. Of course. Emotional, volatile, dangerous, loud…sometimes, good qualities. Especially where low couches could be found.

On balconies, peppered with vulgar language…just annoying.

Still. It was here, its presence burning like a dull itch in the back of his brain. That particular sensation, too, was annoying, but after so many decades of not feeling it all, it was a good kind of annoying. One that soon would be quenched.

Forever.

Suddenly, the sensation brightened, became sharper, clearer, like the full moon sliding free of the clouds. The argument stopped.

Ah. Finally. He turned up the collar of his overcoat against the nip of a sudden breeze and tilted his head, scanning the balcony, watching. Waiting.

A young female with tousled purple hair hunched over the railing, resting on her elbows, trying to light a cigarette. Repulsive things, cigarettes. Lacked elegance. Why not a hookah, or even a slender golden pipe? This modern age was all substance. No style.

He unfocused his gaze and looked through the girl. Nothing remarkable about that female whatsoever. She had nothing to do with the object of his desire and so was of no consequence to him. He disregarded her completely.

Another figure appeared at the rail. Another female. This one seized his notice, snapping his spine ram-rod straight.

Long chestnut hair swept in waves over her shoulder, hiding her face. He zoomed in on her and almost fell flat backwards, buckling under the smacking impact upon his heart.

Her. She had it.

Suddenly, the low gray clouds burned off in a blaze of summer brilliance, so great was the feeling in his chest. Hope. Hope eclipsed centuries of despair in that single moment.

She had it!

He side-stepped the BMW behind him, wanting a better angle, wishing to see her face. So intent was he upon the other woman that he nearly missed the cigarette that sailed past his cheek to land on the car. He curled his fists, an oath on his lips. He should be used to the crude behaviors of mortals, but still, how it bristled against his insides. Obviously, they’d been raised by very different mothers.

But then woman turned, and his scowl melted from his face. Her dark eyes met his, a split-second connection that felt like the bite of an electric current. His heart tripped on a beat and he gaped.

Remarkable. This noisy, chaotic city where all was a tangle of technology and confusion and those odd diagonal streets—she stood out: a straight line, a calm constancy, the eye within the storm. He was confounded by the impression of her psyche. Unique was too commonplace a word.

A place to sit. He rubbed his mouth, staring up at her. To sit would be good right now. He didn’t want to end up on his knees, not here amidst the puddles and wet leaves.

The young girl twisted around and hopped up on the rail. Odd. The railing didn’t look wide enough to make a comfortable seat. Well. Considering her choice of hair color, he wasn’t surprised by her action. Obviously, she was a little off.

He thumbed the edge of the business card in his hand, one that bore the address and the name of the counselling center to which the balcony belonged. Of course, she was. Why else would she be visiting a therapist?

Apparently, the bird reconsidered her perch, because she disappeared in the next moment. A piercing shriek sounded, loud enough that he had to cover his ears. It only lasted a few seconds, however, followed by a few more desperate shouts.

And then there came no sound at all, except for the traffic and the sparrows making a racket in the hedges bordering the parking lot. The women and the mental itch had retreated back into the building.

He stood a few moments longer, watching the balcony, hoping for another glimpse of her. But the remarkable woman and that wonderful sensation did not return.

He brushed his fingers together and tugged his suit jacket straight. No matter. She may have that which he sought, but she did not need to come back out.

Because he was going in after it.

And this time, he was going to get it.

Authorcagehot

Welcome to Darkest Cravings, tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a speculative fiction writer from Pennsylvania who has a serious obsession with Darjeeling tea, Bollywood, and shiny things. I practice Tai Chi and am seriously concerned that my sensei is going to have me go through Adrenaline Training. I don’t want to fight the Bulletman!

Writing adult fiction isn’t for everyone, how did you end up writing for the toughest audience?

I never thought of it that way—I think writing for younger audiences is infinitely harder because, as my teen daughter says, I need to learn my boundaries. And, as my husband says, I need filters between brain and mouth/keyboard.

I enjoy writing for adults because I think so much of what we do and think as adults comes from experience of living. I’m not sure I can strip all that away and write without all that experience coloring every word I set down. It’s just who I am.

Most of the intimidating parts of being an adult fiction writer is the steamy scenes, how did you overcome the “stage fright”?

I’m not sure I ever will! But that’s the thrill of it. It never gets old, does it?

Which fictional character would you like to go on a date with? Why?

John Thornton from Elizabeth Gaskill’s “North and South”, but only if Richard Armitage played him again. I’m totally down for and afternoon tea and a lovely ball afterwards. Quiet, reserved, an absolute force of strength and will. I find the nineteenth century romantic in its modesty and decorum and propriety, just as I love historical romance in Bollywood films. I am a very cerebral romantic, so the verbal and visual courting is truly important to me if physical romance is to follow.

Do you think adult fiction have reached its full potential yet, or are we still in for a huge surprise?

There is always room for a surprise. Adult fiction is continually evolving, because people continually grow and change and react in new ways to the world around us. Books will always do their best to keep up with us, and we’re nowhere close to our peaks.

We all have a treasured possession, what is yours?

My grandfather’s big roll top desk.

I grew up sitting at this desk, peeking in all the slots and drawers, trying unsuccessfully to open the cash drawer (which had a finger-operated combination lock.) It was only last year that I was finally able to move it into my home from where it’d sat in Pop’s cellar since the 1940’s. I hugged it and cried when the movers brought it in…it still looked the same, felt the same, even smelled the same.

I don’t get a lot of writing done at that desk, because I’m so distracted. It makes me feel like a kid again, and all I want to do is play!

Are your characters based on real people or did you create them from scratch?

Some characters have been inspired by real people, although I would never tell them so. The ones I create from scratch evolve all on their own, and eventually real people begin to exhibit the characters’ traits.

That always earns me an odd look—when I say things like, “You remind me of this guy I once wrote.”

Do you think adult fiction helps improves relationships?

It believe it has the potential to do it. Since romance literature describes the issues that separate a couple as well as bring them together, a reader has an opportunity to identify with the couple and the issues at hand. The best part about romance literature is that it is so diverse—every kind of couple in every kind of situation. The opportunities are boundless.

If you have to pitch adult fiction to someone that’s too shy to read it, what would you pitch?

Are they too shy to read it, or too sky to own up to it? *grin* Remember the days before ebooks when sky readers would disguise books with other covers so they can read without getting those looks? (You know the looks that I mean…the ones that precede the clucking of a disapproving tongue.) Ebooks mean that readers can enjoy anything they want, without nosy judgement from others.

But if someone was hesitant to read my books out of shyness, I’d be sure to tell them that, while there is a steamy scene or two, I don’t write explicitly. More importantly, though, one or two steamy scenes are just a tiny aspect of the story—WORDS THAT BIND is full of magic and fantasy, of human relationships, of trials and sacrifice…the story has so much more to offer than just “naughty bits”. The focus is on the personal growth of the characters and the emotional depth of their relationship, with a plot of mystery, magic, and suspense.

What’s to be shy about?

What is your motto?

Persevere. All good things are worth the fight to claim and keep.

Why did you choose to write Paranormal/Fantasy?

I was a paranormal kind of girl all my life. Writing in the wonderful spectrum of speculative fiction satisfies all my cravings—fantasy, horror, even science fiction. I also have written short stories and pages upon pages of poetry of every kind of speculative fiction, so I don’t feel limited by and rules or conventions when I daydream or when I write.

What creature/species do you think makes the ultimate lover?

You know, up until this point, I was strictly Team Vampire Boyfriend. However, writing WORDS THAT BIND have led me to a deeper appreciation of the benefits a genie has to offer. *big smile* Broad shoulders, trim waists, and lots of hot-weather outfits, coupled with searing intensity and smoldering glances. I’m sure a genie could make any woman happy.

What creature/species is your favorite?

Vamp, all the way, with a special affection for demivamps.

 

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  abouttheauthor

clip_image003

Ash Krafton is a speculative fiction author from northeastern Pennsylvania. Krafton’s first novel, Bleeding Hearts was published in 2012 as part of a three-book urban fantasy series The Books of the Demimonde (Pink Narcissus Press).

An urban fantasy novella, Strangers at the Hell Gate, was published by Wild Rose Press in 2013. Her latest project, Words That Bind, won first place in the HeRA RWA “Show Me the Spark” 2013 competition; it is also available through Wild Rose Press as an October 2014 release.

Krafton also writes New Adult speculative fiction novels under the pen name AJ Krafton. Upcoming titles include The Heartbeat Thief, Face of the Enemy, and the award-winning Takin’ It Back. She is part of a YA/NA collective known as the Infinite Ink Authors.

In addition to novel-length fiction, Krafton enjoys writing poetry and short prose, some of which earned distinctions in various writing competitions. One of her poems was also nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She’s a proud member of Pennwriters, Romance Writers of America, and Pikes Peak Writers. Krafton is also a staff blogger for the Query Tracker Blog.

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Friday, October 17, 2014

Series Blast & Giveaway: After the Silence–Bree by Jacqueline Paige

ATS Vol 1_thumb[1]

 

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clip_image002_thumb[1]After the Silence - Bree

Part 4

Jacqueline Paige

One woman’s journey through the chaotic new world.

Those left standing make the paths for the future generations.

Those the planet allowed to live still have to survive the trials of the virus. If you manage to come out of it alive you are left with some form of mutation that could give you an ability that could be harmless or lethal.

Bree Taylor is the last survivor of her family. With no other choice she sets off on her own to escape the clutches of the new government’s army—that does not place safety and security in their code of behavior only the highest bidder get their protection and loyalty.

The entire volume 1 will be released in January 2015.

First part of volume 2 (Kane's story) is TBR in November 2014

Excerpt for #4:

It felt like months, the hours dragged on. I’d listen carefully to the voices to try to figure out when the guards changed, but without ever seeing daylight or night I couldn’t be sure if it was three times a day or only twice. My hands no longer throbbed; in fact I couldn’t feel them at all.

I tried not to think about the woman I’d known only for that one day, I tried not to think about Kismet and Tremor and what was happening to them without me to keep them safe. I drifted in and out of sleep, or maybe I was just numb, not feeling or sleeping at all.

When I stopped feeling thirsty, I knew I’d reached some sort of bridge. A person should always feel thirst to some degree I imagined. My stomach, was insistently reminding me that I hadn’t had more than a few sips in the time I’d been here—I still didn’t try to identify what the taste had been. With each second I lay there in the dark, I felt myself starting to accept not getting out of here.

My teeth hurt from trying to chew the cord around my wrists to free my hands. Why they only tied my hands I didn’t know, was I a threat to the two men that were always outside the door? In my weakened state probably not much of one, unless they were afraid I’d flick dirt off the floor at them when they came in.

 

 

clip_image004_thumb[1]After the Silence - Bree

Part 3

Jacqueline Paige

Excerpt Part 3

The sound of wings flapping had my undivided attention; I stopped and held my breath trying to locate the direction it was coming from. The moment I honed in on the area the bird had been I wished I hadn’t. Here I was half way to the middle of the clearing in snow up past my knees and coming out of the trees roughly thirty feet from me were two very rough, huge men. I had twenty seconds grace before they spotted me, just enough time to turn in the snow and take the first step in what would likely end up being the most difficult run of my life.

Running in snow this deep was like running through water. If your feet didn’t clear it you got nowhere. I hadn’t stopped long enough to measure the height of the men quickly gaining on me, but I was fairly certain their long legs would move through this snow faster than my own.

As I hit the tree line again, I hesitated long enough to pick a direction. Kismet and I had been through this area enough times I knew most of it without thinking now. Slipping in the snow I changed directions and headed towards the hill that led to the river bed. If I could out-maneuver them in the densest part of the trees I might just be able to put a big enough gap between us that they’d give up.

Chancing a glance over my shoulder I noted one thing. They were large enough it would take four of me to make this anywhere near equal. My heart was thrumming, pumping blood through my veins in a chaotic beat. A part of me knew I couldn’t outrun them, but I had to try. Turning, I bolted back towards a tight grouping of trees. I could hear the pounding of their feet hitting the ground behind me and had one second to regret the one time I didn’t let Kismet come with me. He would have evened the odds.

One of them was close enough I could hear his heavy breathing over my own as I dodged between two trees I knew he wouldn’t be able to go through. My coat was actually slowing me down, but it held the knife and gun and there was no way I was dropping either of those right now. I heard him curse behind me and knew I only had seconds before he would have me. Ducking left, I stopped and spun around at the same time. My knife was now in my hand held down against my side as I gasped to settle my breathing. He stood a foot away from me and looked really pissed with the fact that I had made him run after me.

I wanted to look around for the other one, but didn’t dare take my eyes off of him. A familiar flick sound brought my attention to his hand to see a blade slide smoothly from the handle it had been folded into. There was nothing I could say that was going to change this man’s plans. His eyes were wide and bored into mine with a look of craziness. A branch snapping behind me was the only warning I got before a big arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me back into a hard chest.

They spoke to each other and it wasn’t in any language I understood, then again I only knew English. The tone the man in front of me used and the sudden smirk on his face told me I was in deep shit. There was no way, no how this was happening to me. I refused to be a victim. The one behind me tightened his hold, making breathing hard. He rubbed his face against my neck making my skin crawl. The other one waved the knife in front of me a few times and then used it to push open my coat. He grinned and said something to the one that was breathing on my neck.

The adrenaline was pumping so fast through my body I didn’t know how I was able to not vibrate. Now or never! Lowering my head, I relaxed my body as much as I could. Taking a deep breath, I threw my head back and brought my hand with the knife up at the same time, aiming for the arm around me. The loud crack and sudden pain in my head told me I’d connected hard with the face behind me. He cursed and let me go just as the other one lunged towards me. I felt the sting across my cheek as I brought the knife down and across his chest.

 

 

clip_image006_thumb[1]After the Silence – Bree

Part 2

Jacqueline Paige

Excerpt Part 2:

Claws dug into me as it climbed to my neck at the same moment ice cold water swallowed me. My breath left my body so quickly it felt like my lungs were going to burst. The intense pain from the incisions the animal was making across my chest brought me the strength to kick as hard as I could towards the surface. I wasn’t the strongest swimmer by far, but I had more than enough will to live to try for both of us.

In the brief glimpses I managed to keep my head above the water, I didn’t spot the shore once. We were being sucked into the middle. Through the white choppy water that blurred my vision I was only able to catch a quick look each time before we were dragged under again. I could feel the rocks rake over my back and hoped there would be enough flesh left to survive it.

The cat was practically wrapped around my neck and holding several layers of skin and flesh captive in its young claws as we swirled around again in a deep pit of rushing water. Each time we surfaced, I gulped as much air into my lungs as I could before water filled my mouth again. The undercurrent calmed just long enough for me to find the direction of shore and with every ounce of strength I could find I kicked and paddled with my arms trying to shove us in that direction. I could make out a tree that was floating near the bank just seconds before I was inhaling water again.

Hitting the bottom I shoved as hard as I could and tried to aim to the calmer water near the shore, not even knowing if I was going in the right direction until air hit my face once more. The tree was still in sight and I somehow knew if we didn’t reach it we wouldn’t be on land after that. Releasing my hold on the animal that was anchored to me so deeply that no way was it going to jump off and float away I swam towards the tree and prayed I’d reach the limbs lying in the water before we were dragged beyond them.

 

 

 

 

clip_image008_thumb[1]After the Silence – Bree

Part 1

Jacqueline Paige

Excerpt Book 1:

The snapping and crunching of branches told me something was moving through the trees. Turning the flash light off, I hunched down to be as small and invisible as possible. I listened in the darkness for anything that would let me know where the noise had come from and what had made it. Voices were carried to me in the dark, a man and a woman. I moved slowly back towards my things and sat with my back against the tree straining to see in the dark.

Time stopped as I waited to see if the voices kept moving or came closer. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if they did come closer. I touched the handle of the knife inside my coat, hoping this wasn’t when I find out if I could use it. Leaves rustled from behind me. I held my breath and pushed back against the tree, waiting. When I heard a low growl coming from around the tree I think even my heart even paused.

I had strangers coming closer on one side of me and an animal voicing a warning behind me. Tremor shook his head and pranced a few times and the growling got louder. I sat there trying to gauge what was the most important and decided there was no way I was going to let something happen to my horse. Sliding up the tree as quietly as I could, while focusing on the voices, I tried to recall every skill instilled in me, drawing more blanks than anything useful.

Pulling the knife from the pocket, I prayed it was sharp enough to cut the rope I’d tied Tremor to. I guessed I had about fifteen seconds to cut it and get to the horse before whatever was growling took a bite off one of my legs or other body parts. Chewing my lip, I hoped I could still get on his back without the saddle. The plan was to ride like hell and come back later for my stuff—if we could find it again.

  Authorcage

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

I don’t know if I always wanted to be one, but I have always been writing stories in notebooks as far back as I can remember.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

It dawned on me somewhere between my second and fourth book being published. lol

How long did it take to get your first book published?

I wrote From Beltane Magic in 2006 and didn’t even send it until 2009 – by then I had four in the series and several others under way.  After submission it was accepted and then things started getting interesting as I learned all about this ‘being published’ thing.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

I actually just took a year off to recover a bit from not taking time off for four years. I was a manager before I left. Now I’m thinking I don’t want to go back to 17 hrs a day 7 days a week.  I’ve discovered I like my bed and pillow after all and waking up after the sun does so I’m not sure if I am going back.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

After the Silence – Bree (volume 1)

If the earth is the enemy, there are no rules and all you can do is try to survive.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

First Realm Publishing. They’re a new small publisher.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

That depends on the book. IF the story is flying along without any hitchs and I have cooperative characters I can write one in a month.  For longer books it can take up to six months to get it all on the page.  After the Silence was one of the longer ones. lol

What can we expect from you in the future?  ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

I also just released  my very first NA book (The Alterealm Series The Huntress by J. Risk) it’s paranormal fantasy.  I’m writing Volume 2 of After the Silence but also have other Paranormal Romance books coming out : The Witch Within,  The Solitary Witchling, Animal Scent – the list is always full.

What genre would you place your books into?

They are always some flavor of paranormal. Whether romantic, romantic suspense, shifter or post – apocalyptic there has to be that paranormal in there.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

I think I like that there are no definite rules carved in stone with this genre.  I get bend the worlds the way I want them to be.

How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I tried years ago when the kids were small and fewer but it was too crazy to keep up with at that point ( I had five in 11 years! ) It was 2006 before I sat down and wrote a whole book – it’s been a blur since then.  I think the count is 23 releases in five years now.

I don’t know if it’s inspiration or not but the first book was actually me trying to get in the last word. Lol  A friend was going away for a month and I asked her what I was supposed to do with all that time without her and she flippantly told me to write a book . So I did – to her surprise when she returned and I sent it to her. J

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

I do.  I think if someone has taken the time to read my book and write a review it’s the least I can do to read what they thought. I may not always like what they say, but they’re entitled to their opinion or translation of what I wrote.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

For the most part I always have a title just after the idea comes to me.  That’s not saying I haven’t changed a few along the way, but it’s easier for me if I know what I’m working on and not just “project blank”.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

I labor over the names more than anything else.  Usually I know what the basics of a character and try to find a name that goes with it.  Names are so important in my books.  I like to believe that with a brief description of the character and the names helps give readers a picture of them completely.

I may just be dreaming there, but it works for me.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I know the basics when I start, I’ve usually seen a scene with them in it but I don’t know everything until its being written. Let me tell you there have been a few surprises doing it this way.

Your favorite food is?

Cheesecake – isn’t everyones?

Your favorite singer/group is?

I like almost any music and group ALMOST or at least one of their songs.  I use music a lot with my writing so it’s good to have a wide variety to choose from.

Your favorite color is?

Dark purple.

 

  abouttheauthor

clip_image010_thumb

Jacqueline Paige lives in Ontario in a small town that’s part of the popular Georgian Triangle area. No one has ever heard of Stayner, so she usually tells people she lives “near Collingwood” and no, she doesn’t ski at Blue Mountain or at all, in fact she’s not even fond of snow.

She began her writing career in 2006 and since her first published works in 2009 she hasn’t stopped. Jacqueline describes her writing as “all things paranormal”, which she has proven is her niche with stories of witches, ghosts, physics and shifters now on the shelves.

When Jacqueline isn’t working at her ‘reality job’ or lost in her writing she spends time with her five children, most of whom are finally able to look after her instead of the other way around. Together they do random road trips, that usually end up with them lost, shopping trips where they push every button in the toy aisle, hiking when there’s enough time to escape and bizarre things like creating new daring recipes in the kitchen. She’s a grandmother to four (so far) and looks forward to corrupting many more in the years to come.

Jacqueline loves to hear from her readers, you can find her at www.jacqpaige.webs.com , www.jacqpaige.blogspot.ca or http://magicseasonsbooks.blogspot.ca

Friday, September 26, 2014

Book Blast & Hot Interview: The Position by @authordahliaS

The Position Banner 851 x 315

 

blast

 

clip_image002The Position

Dahlia Salvatore

Genre: Erotica

Publisher: Entice – BookTrope Publishing

Date of Publication: August 27

ISBN: 978-1-62015-484-7

ASIN: B00MW1BRNY

Number of pages: 186

Cover Artist: BookTrope Publishing

Book Description:

Dylan Farrow puts on his pants every morning one leg at a time, just like everyone else at the Kerrigan Advertising Agency. He handles high-pressure projects with a fast turnaround. He’s prized for his keen intellect and admirable performance. But how did he get where he is today—to the level of Junior Executive of Design Production?

Well, that involves how he takes his pants off…

and for whom…

Hoping to break through the glass ceiling under which she’s been trapped for years, Valerie Caplan picks up her life and moves to Seattle. After hearing about the position of Senior Executive of Design Production from an art director at Kerrigan, she decides to apply. When she lands the big interview, she never thinks for a minute that she’ll have any serious competition. She assumes that she has the job in the bag…until she discovers that the only competition has something she doesn’t have—the willingness to go outside the office to impress Danica Stewart, their uptight female boss.

Available at Amazon

Authorcagehot

Welcome to Darkest Cravings, tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm an author living in Seattle, Washington. When I'm not writing, I'm a homemaker and reader.

Writing adult fiction isn’t for everyone, how did you end up writing for the toughest audience?

I wrote what I like reading the most and people encouraged me to keep going, so I'll be doing that for the foreseeable future! :)

Most of the intimidating parts of being an adult fiction writer is the steamy scenes, how did you overcome the “stage fright”?

I never really had stage fright. Most of my issues come with making sure the scenes are balanced between fantastic and realistic.

Which fictional character would you like to go on a date with? Why?

My main character would be great. Dylan's a catch and mysterious enough to where I'd be asking for more.

Your favorite adult fiction books is-?

The entire Falling series by Jasinda Wilder. Those are some of my favorites.

Do you think adult fiction have reached its full potential yet, or are we still in for a huge surprise?

I think there is always something new to look forward to in the world of literature. There are only a few groundbreakers on the market at a time, but there will always be new writers mixing things up.

We all have a treasured possession, what is yours?

My computer. That's where I do all my writing and planning.

Are your characters based on real people or did you create them from scratch?

I created them from scratch, but I did use visual references. Danica's appearance is based on the actress Monica Bellucci.

Do you think adult fiction helps improves relationships?

I think it should be treated as its own entity. Real relationships should never be modeled off of literary relationships. There's a reason they call it fantasy. Real life relationships are about endurance, understanding and patience. Fantasy relationships are usually about satisfying passionate impulse and coming together. Real life deals with what comes after the initial passionate explosion.

If you have to pitch adult fiction to someone that’s too shy to read it, what would you pitch?

I'd tell them to open up to the possibility that they may discover something about themselves that they weren't previously aware of. Sometimes if you have an unwilling partner or someone who doesn't want to experiment, you can indulge in your fantasies through the characters. That becomes valuable when working out your own feelings and urges.

What is your motto?

I don't really have one. I think every day requires a new mantra. To set sights on one motto might reduce your chances of discovering a new one the next day.

You have a few steamy moments in your novel. Were they created from fantasy or is there real life experience behind it?

There were some instances taken from real life.

Why did you choose a virgin rather than a more experienced woman? (Or vice versa)

Valerie isn't a virgin, but she's not very experienced either. She's been too busy with work to date, and meeting Dylan kind of wakes her sexual side up.

Foreplay, some say it’s just a waste of energy, others feel that it’s a must. You’re opinion?

Foreplay is a must. I'm not much for receiving, but I love giving.

What sexual position is your favorite?

The one where the guy is trussed up like a holiday ham, licking my boot. Hahaha.

Have you ever used your nails and left marks?

I haven't left marks with my nails.

Do you think lingerie is a must for a relationship?

No. Men and women alike are just as sexy completely naked.

Are you a screamer or the bite it down kind of lover?

Screamer

Have you ever participated in BDSM?

Yes.

BDSM have been describe as the ultimate form of trust between two people, do you agree?

Yup

Any favorite toys?

Masks, floggers, whips, cuffs, chastity devices, clips, electro-shock equipment, racks, leashes, clothes pins, inflatable dildos.

Does pain really enhance the sexual experience?

I'm a masochist not a sadist. I enjoy inflicting pain versus feeling pain.

Who is the better Dom? Male or Female?

I read both. In real life I prefer to be in charge.

You’re perfect male Dom would be?

He'd have to be a HELL of a strong male to be able to overpower me effectively. He'd have to have a lot of power and bearing to be able to pull it off. I haven't met one that could do the job yet...

You’re perfect female Dom would be?

The current female main character I'm writing in one of my upcoming novels. ;)

What is you’re perfect game setup?

I'd like to dominate more than one person at a time, possibly an instructional session with another married couple.

 

 

abouttheauthor

Dahlia Salvatore is a thirty-two-year-old female author living in Seattle, Washington with her husband. She comes from Coos Bay, Oregon and moved to Seattle six years ago. She loves the west coast and doesn’t see herself anywhere else.

Her influences include contemporary writers J.K. Rowling, Mary Balogh, Christina Dodd, Stephanie Laurens, Laurell K. Hamilton, Anne Rice, Stephen King, and many many others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDahliaSalvatore

Twitter: @authordahliaS

Website: http://www.dahliasalvatore.com

Book Blast & Interview: Saving the Hero by @sabrinasumsion

Saving the Hero Banner 851 x 315

blast

 

clip_image002Saving the Hero

Book One

Sabrina Sumsion

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Sanguine Publishing

Date of Publication: 8-8-2014

ISBN: 9781500569693

ASIN: B00LWTO9K0

Number of pages: 248

Word Count: 67,000

Cover Artist: Victorine Lieske

Book Description:

Two and a half weeks. That’s all the time he has left.

When loner vampire hunter Kassy is interrupted by nosy veteran, Mike, he ends up bitten, and infected with the vampire parasite. The warrior becomes her prey as she fights to find him before powerful vamps. A couple kidnappings later, she’s hiding in a cabin with him chained to the floor, and an eight-year-old girl in her care.

Death? Inevitable. When the parasite takes control, he’ll do or say anything to get non-infected blood—including seducing her. But, as they spend time together, she finds her resolve weakening. A kiss won’t fix him, but it might mend a deep hole in her heart.

Kassy is too practical to believe in miracles, but if he survives eighteen days without ingesting human blood, there is a chance he could be the hero she's been looking for.

Odds are he’s a dead man.

excerpt

Chapter 1: Bite, anyone?

“Vampires don’t lose their souls after turning. That folklore is easy to disprove without venturing into religious debate. In the days of medieval medicine, doctors wouldn’t have known how to find or identify the vampiric parasite.”

Journal Entry, Mark McDougal: April 3, 2005

I stalked a woman through side streets and dimly lit alleyways. Her name wasn’t important. I preferred not to know what to call the victims just like I don’t want to know a rabid dog's name. It’s easier to stay unattached that way. Easier to do my job.

Keeping up with the vampire in the making wasn’t hard. She meandered. The problem was the heat wave and the black trench coat I wore. Noticing it, a few people shook their heads as I passed. They probably thought I was a little crazy, but harmless. Without it, people would call the cops when they spotted my gear.

A bead of sweat slid from my hairline behind my ear, tickling my skin and irritating me. I brushed it away, my fingers momentarily tangled in my frizzy locks, the strands I was chewing on yanked out of my mouth. Once again, I considered shaving the mop I called hair. It wasn’t the lovely auburn tresses that men fantasize about. Mom used to call the orange-red jarring. I’d been told that my hair made me too memorable. Maybe that was so, but it took attention away from the scar that ran from my top lip to my temple. Besides, if I hacked it all away, I wouldn’t have anything handy to gnaw on. I snagged a new small curl and pulled it to my mouth. Mom used to bat my hand away. Now, there was no one to stop me.

Half a block behind the woman, she set the meandering pace. Normally, I’d keep more distance between us. I’d be concerned about the still air making me into an olfactory billboard. I could almost hear Uncle Mark’s voice in my head. “Kassy, the new ones can smell you even if they don’t know what they’re smelling. Keep your distance.” Tonight, this woman was blinded by her hunger. I could have hung back farther, but I didn’t see the point.

Around a corner, garbage cans lined the street. Good for hiding behind; bad for breathing. The muggy weather made the smells more pungent. Who was I to complain? The odor would mask my scent.

The sound of a group of people chatting and laughing echoed down the street. We’d passed a club two blocks back with bass so loud my chest vibrated. By the group’s outfits, I guessed they were heading there to dance. The woman I followed turned her head as they strode by. Her right hand reached over and unconsciously rubbed her left shoulder. The shoulder some psycho had bitten three weeks before. It had healed quickly. Miraculously fast according to doctors.

One of the guys stumbled over a trashcan, knocking my prey against the side of a brick building. She inhaled deeply as he apologized. He and his companions watched their step to avoid the trail of refuse he’d strewn. No one noticed her wrapping her arms around herself, her steps following them, or her abrupt turn into the alleyway. No one but me.

Wisps of steam from storm drain vents filled the narrow passage with an eerie aura. The dim lights reflected off the suspended water, creating a halo around the vampire’s head. The irony wasn’t lost on me. One could argue that she retained her innocence – for now.

I slipped behind a commercial dumpster filled with decaying Italian food and spotted a large box farther on that would be my next hiding spot. Before I moved, she stopped in the middle of the alleyway about thirty feet away. She squeezed her head between her hands. I sucked in a quick lung full of rancid air and waited. She paced, kicking bottles, cans and other debris in her path. She walked over to a wall, rested her head against it, and then hit a few times with her palms. I could almost see the cracks forming in her self-control.

She stopped, sniffing the air.

Busted. The billy club strapped to my right thigh reassured me and I brushed my fingers along its length to find the handle. Muscles taut, I waited for her to draw near. I still had the element of surprise and she had no clue what she could do.

How could she? It’s not like someone had handed her a pamphlet that said, “You’ve been infected: 10 ways to survive turning into a monster.” She didn’t know what her cravings were. She didn’t know why the pickle jar lid popped off so easily. She couldn’t understand why she healed quickly. The guy who had bitten her hadn’t whispered in her ear the secrets to avoiding a guard like me.

She stumbled more than walked to a pile of boxes against the wall across the alley. A drunk or homeless person was trying to sleep there. With her attention averted, I crept closer. The timing had to be just right. I couldn’t let her bite her prey, but she needed the chance to resist the siren call of blood coursing through the body in front of her. Uncle Mark insisted. “Kassy Lassy, they’re still human. Just infected. We have to find one who can survive without human blood. It’s humanity’s only hope.” It was his last request, so I honor it.

He would have tried to take this woman in. Tried to save her. How many people had he tried to help over the years he cared for me? Twenty? Fifty? He’d failed every time. The parasite always ravaged the host body without human blood. I couldn’t stand the sight of the emaciated remains. I figured that a quick death was less cruel. I didn’t kill the newly infected right away, just in case the magical immune savior would appear, but mostly I grant them death. An escape from the monster they will become.

The woman dropped to her knees, sobs echoing through the alley. Legs stuck out of an old dishwasher box before her. The odor of piss and alcohol gagged me. Maybe the stench is what helped the woman hesitate.

Maybe, but not for long. The sobs stopped and I moved closer.

No one ever made a sound before their first kill. None of them ever thought to bring a knife the first time either. She knew what she wanted. I could almost see her thought process written out like a thought cloud in a comic book. How do I get a taste? How do I get to the blood?

I pulled the billy club out of its holster. We hovered at the point of no return. My silent steps drew me closer as she lowered herself down. Brown roots showed against her dyed blonde hair. My heart thumped. Another human, lost to the parasite. One quick crack to the skull and I could drag her off somewhere secluded then finish disposing of her body in peace. One breath, then strike.

“Hey!” someone shouted from the end of the alley.

It startled me. Threw off my rhythm. She looked up. Crap. There went my element of surprise. I swung down, but she ducked out of the way. Adrenalin surged through my body. She needed to go down fast. I put too much into the swing, and stumbled off balance. She leapt at me, her face set in a determined grimace. I matched it with one of my own. Did she have any clue what she could do? I raised my billy club and deflected her to the side. She spun and lunged again. She was fast, but that time, I was ready. I smacked her in the head while stepping to the side. She fell hard and didn’t get back up. I hefted the billy club again to crack open her skull.

A body crashed into mine from behind and hammered me to the ground. I tried to counter with ground fighting tactics, but my lungs were screaming for my attention. All I could do was suck air in. For some reason, my body was stuck and refused to exhale. I’d never felt that sensation before. Normally, I’d tell myself to take deep breaths to calm down. That was worthless advice when you can’t breathe out.

A masculine voice shouted in my ear. “Leave her alone!” This guy was a special kind of stupid. Trying to play the hero. Probably saw a pretty blonde and hoped to score her phone number.

I squirmed under his weight and managed to flip myself onto my back and gasp for air. He grabbed both of my hands and held them above my head. That made breathing even harder.

“Police are on their way. Stop fighting me.” His face was close to mine, a hint of alcohol drifting by. Just what I needed, an inebriated do-gooder poking his nose where it didn’t belong.

My wind wouldn’t come back, so I couldn’t yell at him. The air would only go one way. I needed him off. The idiot was in danger, and I was flopping on the sidewalk like a fish – as helpless as when Uncle Mark died. I stared into his black eyes and wished I could communicate telepathically. He wouldn’t like what I would say, but maybe we’d both survive the night.

The blonde’s face came into view over his shoulder. Fear stilled my struggling against the man. I’d had a feeling she wouldn’t be out for long since the vampire parasite caused elevated adrenalin levels. A smile crept up at the corners of her lips. Crap. The look in her eyes. She figured out a little of what she could do. She was committed to biting, and the fool on top of me would be her first meal if I don’t do something.

The guy looked over his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re okay miss. I have her pinned. The police are on their way. Can you go flag them down at the end of the alley?”

There was no fighting him even while his attention was diverted. Sure, he was strong, but it was the effort to breathe that crippled me. He turned back, and I shook my head, eyes wide, trying to choke words out.

The monster behind him put her finger to her lips in a silent gesture for me to be quiet. She tip toed up behind him. I fought the man, trying to get him to pay attention.

“Stop struggling!”

He thought I was the bad guy. If I could have, I would have laughed.

She leapt on his back. Her eyes gleamed in the dim light, face contorted in a wild expression of glee. My stomach churned. Let me go and pay attention to her!

He tried to shrug her off and hold me at the same time. The ineffectual move appeared to delight her.

“What the hell are you doing?” The timbre in his voice belied his wavering confidence. Finally, this guy was getting a clue that the blonde was not all she seemed.

She giggled in reply then bit his shoulder near his neck. He bellowed in agony, but her sucking noises were louder. Now, she had his attention. He let go of me and pried at her head. Her death grip wasn’t loosening, so he punched her in the face. At the third blow, she fell back. Blood sprayed from her mouth onto my jacket and the ground. She crouched, a grin on her face, scarlet rivulets running down her chin. She ran her finger along her cheek and lips, wiping the blood into her mouth. “You are delicious,” she said with a satisfied moan. She had watched too many vampire movies. I hated the ones who thought they had to fit the stereotypes.

I scooted back, finally exhaling. Although my heart raced, I forced myself to take even breaths, changing from desperate gasps to a quick, adrenaline-driven pace. The woman loomed over the man, whose hand was clamped over his wound. I grabbed my billy club, hoping she was too blood-crazed to notice me. The iron scent of the man’s blood filled my nostrils. I’d have to go past him to reach her, but he made a good distraction.

When she lunged again, I aimed my billy club at her forehead. With a satisfying crack, the blow landed. She fell. I was pretty sure she would be out for a while, but I wasn’t taking chances. I smacked her on the top of the head again. It wasn’t a death blow, but if I let her live, she would probably have brain damage.

“What is she on?” The man’s voice shook as much as his hands. After a few deep breaths, he looked as though he might be okay again. Most people would have been on the ground crying. He warranted a second glance.

He was taller than my five-foot, ten-inch frame, muscular and dressed as if to pick up women at a bar. He had almond-shaped eyes, dark hair and a slight yellow hue to his skin. His rugged good looks convinced me he would have been successful picking up a woman had he not seen the altercation and come to investigate. Now, he was infected with the parasite. He was another vampire in the making. I would have to kill him, too.

I pushed my hair from my face, wiping the perspiration away –trying to drag my ugly reality with it. My fingers wrapped around a lock and pulled it to my mouth. The chewing helped me relax. Would gum have the same effect? I wished I had money for a luxury like that. I felt stupid with hair in my mouth in front of him. A glance revealed he wasn’t even paying attention to me. He was staring at the blonde.

What was going through his mind? I don’t remember my thoughts from the first time I’d witnessed a vampire succumb to the blood lust. Probably best I didn’t. I doubted that people stayed sane if they lingered in that moment. I stuffed those memories back and focused on the matter at hand.

Time to get out of here. I grabbed the woman’s arms and start dragging her down the alley.

“Where are you going?” he demanded, following.

Not only does he mess up a clean vamp hunt, he has to ask questions. I ignored him. It was easiest to do what I did when I didn’t talk to them. When I knew a victim, it made it harder to remember that they were turning into vicious killers. The last thing I needed to know was if he had a family or even his name. When they had names, it was harder to put them down. I dragged the woman another ten feet.

“You can’t leave. The police will be here any minute!” He shouted as if the police could fix the situation. Poor fool.

We stood about three quarters of the way down the alley. I knew the guy had been traumatized, but he didn’t know what he walked into. It was better for me to leave with the vampire and let the authorities spin this however they might. The headlines would probably say something like a drug crazed female attacked him. The real story would never come out. The government wouldn’t let that happen.

He grabbed my arm, putting his face in mine. “Stop, now!” My muscles tensed. I forced myself to relax. He was obviously used to being obeyed. His grip was strong, and I could tell through my jacket that his hands weren’t soft and manicured. This guy worked hard and gave orders. Military maybe? Possibly a boss at a construction company?

I had a spark of admiration for him that I immediately tried to stomp out. I couldn’t respect him. He was going to become a killer. I’d be back to stalk him after I finished dealing with her.

Right then, if he made much more noise, there would be more spectators. Ones that weren’t hurt. Ones without alcohol on their breath. The authorities who weren’t in the know could write off this guy as in shock and a poor witness. Any more people telling the same story and I’d have a harder time evading the cops.

I dropped the vampire’s hands and faced him. He had a look in his eyes like he was thinking “finally, she’s come to her senses!” The guy’s shoulder wound was bad. His hand was firmly clasped over it, but the blood seeped past his fingers. When I reached for it, he jerked his shoulder back like I would hurt him more.

“You’re bleeding.”

He sneered. “You think?”

“You need to apply pressure.” I reached into my Sash purse hung underneath my leather jacket and found the medical pads and tape I kept there. He snatched them out of my hand and slapped them on the wound. “You were going to drag her away and not give these to me?”

With a shrug I said, “You look big enough to handle yourself. I didn’t realize you would be an idiot and follow me while bleeding everywhere.”

A glare was his only reply. Maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to kill him after all.

Retrieving the woman’s hands, I dragged her further away from him.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Man, he irritated me. “Walk away. You don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into.” We were almost to the end of the alley. There was a sewer access by my foot, but I couldn’t go there with him watching. He’d rat me out.

He grabbed my arm again. “She attacked me. She needs to be arrested. I don’t know what the heck you were doing in this alley.” He pointed his finger in my face. “But you tried to attack her. You should probably be in jail as well.”

Obviously, he wasn’t good at convincing people to turn themselves in. I stared at his bandages. His efficient wraps told me he probably had field medical training or something. However, blood was still seeping through. I pointed to his shoulder. His glance was the amount of time necessary to catch him flat-footed. I used my billy club to pop him with a brachial stun, and he went down with a groan. The strike had been careful since I wasn’t ready to kill him, yet. He wasn’t unconscious, but I was sure he was seeing stars. Too disoriented to notice where I was going. I only needed a minute to disappear.

I didn’t like to attack people when they were still in control of themselves, but time was running out. Police response wasn’t fast in this neighborhood, but we’d been dallying about 15 minutes. I needed to leave.

I flipped my jacket back and grabbed the pry bar hanging from my belt. A quick jab and tug later, I had my escape route. I shoved the woman’s limb body through the hole. She slid over the lip and crunched onto the cement below. If she wasn’t dead before, she was now. Her body lay in a crumpled mess below. The dry spell in the city helped me with my job. No slogging through cesspool tides and a quick way to end things. One bright side to my dark task.

The next tool I pulled from under my coat was a whiskbroom. Sweeping back and forth, I obscured the drag marks starting ten feet from the manhole and moving towards my escape. I went around the vet. As he struggled to recover, he’d conceal everything beneath him. When I reached the hole, I scrambled half way down the ladder. The lid was heavy and awkward as I dragged it back to the opening while balancing precariously.

I heard the guy moan again. He rolled a bit as though he was trying to regain his feet. Luckily, he rolled away from me. He didn’t see as I nestled the lid back into place.

The thought of returning to pick up his trail caused my stomach to drop. If my life had been normal, maybe we would have gone to the same club. I’d have spotted him and tried to catch his eye. Probably would have danced too close and drunk too much, then woke up at his place in the morning. Now he was another prey to stalk and kill when he succumbed to the parasite.

Authorcage

Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

A: I had no interest in writing for a long time. I wanted to be a veterinarian, a neurosurgeon, a lawyer, a computer programmer, etc. If you ask my English teachers, I’m sure it shocked all of them to learn I started writing.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

A: I worked as a literary publicist and was content to digest as many stories as possible. Unfortunately, there are so many scams in the writing industry that I became concerned for those who didn’t know enough about publishing to avoid scams. That’s when I started writing my first book, Produce, Publish, Publicize. It started as a white paper that eventually evolved into a novel. After that, I wrote Aliens Are Real so I could explore Amazon’s new fangled digital publishing platform. Around that time is when I decided I was a writer –mostly because I wasn’t going to stop!

How long did it take to get your first book published?

A: I spent 2 years evolving Produce, Publish, Publicize. I chose to self publish because I wanted a product to sell in the back of the room when I presented at various conferences. I figured it would be my one book and then I’d be done.

Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?

A: As a ninja, I’m not allowed to discuss that sort of thing. Hee hee hee.

Alright, mostly, I’m a homeschooling mom which is a job in and of itself. I help a gal in a wheel chair twice a week as well. I still do presentations where ever people invite me to teach about publicity, marketing, branding, platform building, etc.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

A: My latest release is Saving the Hero. In summation: Loner vampire hunter Kassandra is looking for the cure to vampirism. Recently returned veteran Mike might be the key.

Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?

A: I chose to self-publish. Sometimes it’s a nightmare. Sometimes, it’s a delight.

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

A: Right now, I average six months. I’d like to pick up the pace, but I only have about an hour a day to type as furiously as possible.

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

A: There will be at least a sequel to Saving the Hero. I have 3 more books in the Aliens Are Real Series. I am 1/3 of the way through a fantasy novel. A mystery series is percolating, but I keep pushing that to the back. I tend to write what I have passion for at the moment. I hope to learn better discipline, but right now, it’s fun and a stress reliever. I don’t want to lose the fun.

What genre would you place your books into?

A: So far, I’m mostly under the Science Fiction/ Fantasy umbrella. I didn’t see myself writing in Urban Fantasy, but the idea for Saving the Hero wouldn’t leave me alone.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

A: The inspiration for Saving the Hero came from reading an article about Jaroslav Flegr, a Czech scientist who is studying the effects of Toxoplasma gondii on humans. His hypothesis is that the parasite affects the way we humans behave. The concept is fascinating and chilling at the same time. How much can a little organism control the actions of the host? Well, that got my old grey matter churning with what-ifs and eventually, I landed on what-if a parasite is the cause of humans acting like vampires. Kick out the whole losing your soul thing in the vampire mythology and a parasite can explain much of what remains.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

A: I like a good, strong man who also has a gentle side. I like Mike from Saving the Hero and I also like Kaipo from my Aliens Are Real Series.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

A: I find that I write better with music in the background. Right now, I’m listening to a play list on YouTube from Capo Productions. The music has to be instrumental or else I start transcribing the songs I’m listening to. It’s counterproductive. LOL!

Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?

A: I do. I’m trying to break myself of that habit simply because the time I take reading the reviews is time I’m not writing.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

A: I start outlining and eventually the title comes to me. I did change the title of Aliens Are Real once, but that was because the original title didn’t make sense to anyone who hadn’t read the book.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

A: I like to steal names from people I know and mish-mash them in most of my writing. They are usually people from my past that I don’t interact with a lot. I’m always curious if I’ll get a message from any of them calling me on it. That way I know if they’ve read my writing. Aren’t I a sneaky little devil?

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

A: I typically know the characters before I start writing, but sometimes the characters surprise me. One of the topics I bring up in Saving the Hero is PTSD. I didn’t realize it was a component in the story until I was half done writing.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

To read at home, I love paperbacks because I’m not as scared to take them into the bathtub. On the road, I much prefer packing my skinny Kindle than trying to stuff 4-5 books in my bag.

Your favorite Author is?

A: Currently, I’m a Brandon Sanderson addict. I read all of his books. Well, I would. He has one book with one copy in existence. I have to plan a pilgrimage to the BYU library to read it. They won’t let it go on inter-library loan. L

 

 

abouttheauthor

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I’m a ninja disguised as a homeschooling mom, former literary publicist, craft-aholic and all around reading diva. Really, I kick down doors –no, wait, that was my husband when I locked us out of the house . . . Well, I engage in combat on a regular basis –online when I play MMORPGs with my children . . . OK, maybe I’m not a real ninja but my husband says I stole his heart. Does that count? No?

Shoot. Well, I love reading and I love writing. I think imagination is the biggest advantage a child can get in life and I try to allow my children many opportunities to expand theirs every day.

I love teaching authors how to avoid publishing traps and scams as well as how to market themselves and their works. There is nothing better in life than giving someone information that helps them become successful.

I also take a few hours each week and create jewelry, make lotions or paint something. I have little creation stations scattered through the house. My daughter gets into it a lot and scatters things which drives my husband crazy but remember how I mentioned that he says I stole his heart? Yeah. I’m not giving it back. He’s stuck with me forever. Bwah ha ha ha!

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