Thank you for having me here today to talk about my newest release, LEAN ON ME.  This book is the second in a series set in the fictional town of Holloway, West Virginia. The hero in this book is the brother of the heroine in the first book in the series, IT’S NOT CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU.  The books all standalone. The connection is through characters.  This one is related to that one…you get the idea.

I am a huge fan of connected books. I love reading about one family member, starting to care about another character, and then reading books about him or her. When I began reading romance, which was a later-in-life thing for me, I was really attracted to books by authors who wrote these connected series. Even now, years later, I love reading books with this characteristic.  But those earlier ones are still some of my favorites.  Here are a few examples:

1.     Linda Howard’s Mackenzie family – Honestly, I adore pretty much all of Linda Howard’s early category (Harlequin/Silhouette) romances.  She wrote a series of books that included DIAMOND BAY and some others.  The characters weren’t biologically related, but they were a makeshift family, and that totally worked for me. Then I read the Mackenzies, these larger-than-life alpha heroes, and I was hooked.

2.     Lori Foster’s TOO MUCH TEMPTATION and NEVER ENOUGH – Half brothers, completely different in personality, both strong and determined and deliciously readable.

3.     Nora Roberts Chesapeake Bay saga – This series is often cited by people as a favorite. There’s a reason for that. The characters are rich and the devoted to each other. The setting, the heroes…loved it all.

I think the appeal of these books is the sense of community.  There is something hopeful and exciting about seeing these character build relationships. I’m not alone, right?

Giveaway:

E-copy of LEAN ON ME

open to all.

Amazon | B&N

Cassidy Clarke once climbed the world’s highest mountains, but after an unexpected illness ends her career she’s back in her hometown, broke and hoping for a little luck. But the townsfolk aren’t exactly putting out a welcome mat for the woman who once snubbed them in the media, despite her apologies now.

Mitch Anders knows someone has set up camp on the grounds of his plant nursery, and he’s surprised to find his sexy high school crush ducking questions about where she’s staying. Though he’s sworn to stop cleaning up other people’s messes, Mitch offers Cassidy a job and a place to stay—his place. Bedsharing optional, but definitely welcome.

Out of options and too attracted to Mitch to keep things platonic, Cassidy says yes to his offer. She wants to get back on her feet financially and start a new career. She never expects to suffer a different kind of fall, one that has her believing Mitch just might bring her something bigger and better than luck.

Familiar with a Twist

One of the best things about writing fantasy is that I get to create my own world.

One of the hardest things about writing fantasy is that I get to create my own world.

If that seems contradictory, it’s because… well, it is. To quote Voltaire (or Uncle Ben from Spiderman, if you’re more comic book inclined), “With great power comes great responsibility.” I have the power to create a world that shapes everything from the characters to the plot. It has to make sense. It has to be unique and engaging, but it also needs to be familiar enough for the reader to relate to.

Enter familiar with a twist. I’ve made no effort to disguise the fact that I based the Deizian Empire on Ancient Rome – even the characters’ names are Roman. And to me, it made sense for the world I was creating. I wanted a ruling race with advanced technology for the time, skilled in war craft and possessing a strong army. I also wanted a world that was a mix of enlightenment and hedonism, a place where the mind was constantly at war with the flesh.  And lastly, I needed a world where freedom and prosperity were enjoyed by many, but only on the backs of conquered slaves.

If you could create a world based off a known civilization, which one would you choose, and why?

Learn more about Crista here:  Website

Tangled Web
by Crista McHugh

10/16/12
Amazon | B&N

Azurha, a beautiful former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge–seduce, then murder the new emperor.  But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs.

Titus Sergius Flavus has yet to master the powerful magic of his ancestors–magic he must wield if he’s to protect his people–but his father’s death has left him no choice.  Rule the Delzian Empire and attempt to right his ancestor’s wrongs, or watch her fall to his greedy kin.

More than just Titus’s ideas hold Azurha captive.  Night after night, he awakens desires she thought lost and uncovers the magic of her hidden lineage.  As her deadline approaches, Azurha is forced to make an impossible decision–complete her job and kill the man she loves, or fail and forfeit both their lives.

The year was 2009. I was supposed to be learning all about the craft of writing in San Francisco at the Romance Writers of America National convention. Instead, I sat in my hotel room with my two best buds talking story ideas and eating junk food.  I wanted to write something different. I’m a romance addict, and I write erotic romance in a variety of genres. But I wanted to write something even more off the map than I normally do.

Two words came to be my next big idea—AMAZON WESTERN. Fast forward three years and Tip of the Spear arrived.

Perfect. I love strong women. Vulnerable yet kick-ass heroines are more my style. And I absolutely adore the western period. It’s raw, powerful,  and pure. There’s beauty in a world dominated by nature, not electrical and mechanical conveniences. But then, being me, I couldn’t just write a historical western with strong protagonists.

And so, I ended the world, restarted it, added mutations to the world courtesy of the sky rocks that nearly destroyed life, threw in the Nature Laws out West, and made sure sexy cowboys would meet up with sexier Amazons.  A quest to retrieve a stolen Amazon crown pits four women up against four rough men in a time when unnatural things roam the west and women are scarce. Sexy, dangerous, fast-paced. The first book pits Thais (Tay-iss) up against Hinto Dakota, a bounty hunter with secrets of his own.

Learn more about Marie here:

website link :  http://www.marieharte.com
blog link:  http://marieharte.blogspot.com
facebook link:  https://www.facebook.com/marieharteauthor

Here’s an excerpt from Tip of the Spear. Enjoy!

Order from AMAZON

TIP OF THE SPEAR ~ AN AMAZON WESTERN

Publisher: MHP
ASIN: B009N835VQ
Release Date: October 10, 2012

BLURB:  Welcome to the New West, where the Nature Laws dictate who lives and dies by the way they treat the land, carnivorous horses and blood trees are accepted mutations courtesy of the sky rocks, and the Impact Zone separates the earth-friendly territories of the West from a more sophisticated, steam-powered East. Women are rare commodities, living in extended families with more than one husband, and children are a necessity in a world where sterility is often the norm, not the exception. Life is full of challenge, romance and adventure. Something one courageous, wounded Amazon will find out first-hand.

Thais (Tay-iss) lost her mother, her queen, and most of her tribe at the hands of brutal foreigners, all while she enjoyed a respite from duty. But the young Amazon with vengeance in her heart refuses to lose anything else. She’ll bring back the queen’s crown or die trying. Life in the Territories has its perils: the Nature Laws, carnivorous beasts, and treacherous men who survived the Time of Dying. One man in particular, a warrior in his own right, has an odd effect on her senses. She comes to desire him, to trust him, and she doesn’t like it. Men are good for war and breeding, neither of which Thais has time for, not when she’s so close to finding those responsible for the crown’s theft. In the course of her quest, Thais finds much more than atonement for her troubled past, but a pure and lasting love, if only she has the courage to accept it.

Excerpt: 

“I don’t want no trouble. I just need to get back to my family.” The young man tried to go around them, but the foursome boxed him in. “I got a younger sister to feed,” the boy said quickly. “Honest. If I don’t help her, she’ll have to go whoring for food.”

“What?” One of the men stepped forward and punched the boy in the gut. His friends grabbed hold of the youngster’s arms and held him upright. “You saying your sister’s too good to whore for us?”

“No, no,” the boy rasped. “But Momma never wanted her to—”

“Dammit, Hank. Let the boy go. I wanna see his pretty little sister,” the farmer said with a sneer.

And again, Hinto thought of that word “abuse.” There was no doubt in his mind every one of these good men would rape the boy’s sister until they’d had their fill. Sex had never been more necessary than it was lately. As if humanity sought a hold on its own existence, men wanted nothing more than to shove a pecker in a warm hole and strive to create in their own image. Even he had thoughts of making a child someday. A fantasy, but one that haunted him despite his troubles.

With a sigh, he moved forward to help the kid when a familiar form stepped in instead, gripping a troublesome, ivory-hilted knife.

“Let him go. If it’s not a fair fight, you shouldn’t trouble yourselves.”

The stranger’s voice was husky, low, and…feminine? Hinto stopped a few feet away just as the kid ripped his arms free and dashed to freedom.

“Well, now, friend, you just ruined a fine day’s entertainment,” Hank said.

Hinto heard the slur of alcohol in his words.

“I’m not your friend. But if you want a fight, I’ll happily give it to you.”

She spoke with an odd accent. To his surprise, up close, Hinto couldn’t see her as a male at all. That the others did attested to her height, her leanness, and the clothing that hid all but her eyes from view.

“You’re everywhere you shouldn’t be today, aren’t you?” he drawled.

She didn’t give him an answer, not that he thought she would. Instead, she nailed Hank in the balls and slammed her fist into one wrangler’s neck. He fell to the ground next to Hank, gasping for breath.

His friends roared their displeasure. One of them managed a punch that grazed off her arm as she turned and crouched low with a leg sweep that took his friend off his feet.

Hinto grabbed her other attacker and knocked him out cold. He turned to help her with the one on the ground and saw her calmly tying the man’s hands together with his own belt. Hinto waited until she finished. “Not bad. Your hat’s falling, though, and your bandana’s too low to hide that smooth chin of yours. How do you keep the hat on, anyway?”

She ignored him and stood. When she tried to walk away, he cut her off and intercepted the fist meant for his throat. Her eyes widened.

“I like your moves, but I’ve seen them before.” She met his stare, her green gaze bright beneath the brim of her hat. “Damn, honey, you’re pretty,” he whispered, conscious of the men around them and the fact that she dressed to disguise her sex.

Pretty didn’t come close to describing her, but it was all he could manage. Green eyes dominated a face full of character and strength. High cheekbones, a slim nose and stubborn jaw hinted at control issues. Her full lips remained flat, though a rosy flush told him she wasn’t immune to his study. As he looked at the rest of her, his body responded. How could it not? Despite the vest hiding her chest, this close, he could see the faint swell of her breasts against the denim underneath. She had a slender build, but no one fragile could take down the Appersons or these louts. She stood only a few inches shorter than his own formidable height. Were he to lean down, their lips would meet at the perfect angle…

She pushed away from him so suddenly she freed herself from his hold. She stepped back and continued to stand in silence, watching him without expression. After a few moments, she frowned, and her lips parted. He envisioned her on her knees, her mouth open to receive him, and he had trouble stifling a groan of pure need.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re too scared to talk?” he asked in a thick voice, captivated by the sweet femininity he could almost taste, wrapped in such a tough package. He’d seen a few women who could handle themselves, but none of them had been this fine. Or smelled so damned good. When the breeze blew, he caught a faint flowery smell, one he couldn’t identify, but one that seemed to encapsulate the woman before him. Pleasing, not overpowering, and addictive.

“I don’t suppose you’d like to thank me for helping you by meeting me at Kitty’s?” The cathouse rented rooms as well as provided services for paying clientele.

“Kitty’s?”

Definitely new to town. “Kitty House is a whorehouse, a fine one, with a red awning over the front porch.” Unlike Delware’s, Kitty didn’t advertise by forcing her women to hang out the windows and flaunt themselves half-dressed.

She blushed a bright red and focused on his mouth. “I have need of Kitty House.” She licked her lips, and he wanted to shout out thanks to his maker.

“You do?” He’d expected a refusal from this one. Not much shocked him, but this woman continued to surprise him. “Well, hell, follow me.”

He walked with a spring in his step, contemplating all the ways he planned to slake this sudden lust. The fatigue weighing him down seemed to have all but vanished. Conscious of her behind him, he wondered about her name, where she was from, what brought her here.

And then she walked around him to enter Kitty’s and requested a private audience with the madam.

“What the hell?” He walked in after her and saw DeeDee lounging in the blue room. Shit. He didn’t want to upset her, but he couldn’t possibly ignore the opportunity to slide between the thighs of this intriguing woman. He couldn’t explain his urgent need to possess her, but until he rid himself of it, he’d get no peace. He tried to follow her into the madam’s private quarters.

She stopped right in front of him and turned around with an irritated expression on her face. “Why do you follow me?”

“Honey, you said you needed Kitty’s. And I sure as hell need you.” He glanced down at himself, pleased when she followed his gaze and stared, her eyes growing wider by the moment.

“I—I do not need you. I need Kitty.”

Shocked anew, he watched her enter at Kitty’s invitation. Kitty shook her head and grinned. She winked, throwing brown ringlets in waves around her painted face before she closed and locked the door behind them.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

1 lucky commenter will win a kindle copy of the book

This is only available in Kindle format.

If you want a chance to win.  Please leave a comment or question for Marie along with your EMAIL

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CONFESSIONS OF AN AUTHOR

Take three wacky aunts, two talking animals, one nervous bride, and an upcoming hit, and you’ve got the follow-up to JB Lynn’s wickedly funny Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman

Knocking off a drug kingpin was the last thing on Maggie Lee’s to-do list, but when a tragic accident leaves her beloved niece orphaned and in the hospital, Maggie will go to desperate lengths to land the money needed for her care.

But the drug kingpin is the least of her worries. Maggie’s aunts are driving her crazy, her best friend’s turned into a bridezilla…and a knock on the head has given Maggie Dr. Dolittle abilities—she can talk to animals. Unfortunately, they talk back.

It’s just another day in the life of this neurotic hitwoman…

 That’s the premise of FURTHER CONFESSIONS OF A SLIGHTLY NEUROTIC HITWOMAN. Here are some confessions from its author, JB Lynn:

1) Yes, I ALWAYS wanted to be a writer. ALWAYS.

2) No, I don’t always write about what I know. I’ve never killed anyone. I don’t believe my pets talk to me. (I believe they sometimes try, but I don’t understand them.) I don’t have three aunts.

3) I don’t write only when I’m inspired. If I waited until I was inspired, I’d never finish anything. Inspiration comes in wonderful little bursts, but the real writing of a book comes in the daily work…and it IS work.

4) I’d like to befriend some of my characters, tell some of them off, and I’ve even been known to develop a crush on one or two.

5) I interact with my characters all the time: when I’m driving, when I’m doing the dishes, when a real life person is chattering away at me and I’m staring off into space.

6) Hearing from readers is a rush. I don’t write amazing literature. I’m not trying to make people wrestle with deep thoughts. I’m just trying to tell a story, transport them to another world/life and keep them entertained for a few hours. When readers write to tell me that I’ve done that, the sense of satisfaction is immense.

7) I still write by hand, usually with purple ink.

8) I’m more comfortable sharing my work with complete strangers rather than people I know.

9) I know a little bit about a lot of stuff, but there’s no subject I’m an “expert” on.

10) I tend to forget what I’ve written. If I were to pick up a book I wrote a year ago, there’d be entire scenes I won’t recall. I assume this is because I’m always moving on to the next thing.

To learn more about  JB Lynn, please visit: www.jblynn.com

Now Confess something to me! Make sure to leave your email, so that we can contact you if you’re the winner!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take three wacky aunts, two talking animals, one nervous bride, and an upcoming hit, and you’ve got the follow-up to JB Lynn’s wickedly funny Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman

Knocking off a drug kingpin was the last thing on Maggie Lee’s to-do list, but when a tragic accident leaves her beloved niece orphaned and in the hospital, Maggie will go to desperate lengths to land the money needed for her care.

But the drug kingpin is the least of her worries. Maggie’s aunts are driving her crazy, her best friend’s turned into a bridezilla…and a knock on the head has given Maggie Dr. Dolittle abilities—she can talk to animals. Unfortunately, they talk back.

It’s just another day in the life of this neurotic hitwoman…

For links to purchase her books, please visit: http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/38895/JB_Lynn/index.aspx

Excerpt: FURTHER CONFESSIONS OF A SLIGHTLY NEUROTIC HITWOMAN

“I see a disco ball in your future.” Armani Vasquez, the closest thing I had to a friend at Insuring the Future, delivered this pronouncement right after she sprinkled a handful of candy corn into her Caesar salad.

Disgusted by her food combination, I pushed my own peanut butter and jelly sandwich away. “Really? A disco ball?”

If you’d told me a month ago that I’d be leaning over a table in the lunchroom, paying close attention to the bizarre premonitions of my half-crippled, wannabe-psychic coworker, I would have said you were crazy.

But I’d had one hell of a month.

First there had been the car accident. My sister Theresa and her husband, Dirk, were killed; my three-year-old niece, Katie, wound up in a coma; and I ended up with the ability to talk to animals. Trust me, I know exactly how crazy that sounds, but it’s true … I think.

On top of everything else, I inadvertently found myself hurtling down a career path I never could have imagined.

I’m now a hitwoman for hire. Yes, I kill people for money … but just so you know, I don’t go around killing just anyone. I’ve got standards. The two men I killed were bad men, very bad men.

First Kisses

By Katie Porter

I absolutely love the title of this blog. What more do you need in life but books and kisses? Chocolate, maybe. I can’t even say coffee anymore because I’ve quit caffeine. Books, kisses and chocolate are all I have left. (Imagine that said with overly dramatic sigh. I do a good swoon if I’m in the right mood.)

But there’s really something special about first kisses. No matter where the relationship is going to end up, it all starts with that first spark. The meeting of lips seems like an easy thing…but it’s totally not. It’s intimate. Connected. It’s also got so much potential, doesn’t it? A great first kiss can’t make a relationship all on its own—but an awful one can sure put the kibosh on one that was wavering.

One of my favorite first kisses is at the end of North and South. “You don’t need Henry to explain.” Oh, Richard Armitage. How you slay me. I really couldn’t care less that they’re supposedly breaking all the rules of propriety by kissing in a train station in the Victorian age. It’s a lovely, sweet, all their hearts on the line kind of kiss. One of the best sorts there are.

Leap Year is kind of a kitchen sink sort of romantic comedy. The scene where Matthew Goode rescues Amy Adams from hooligans who’ve stolen her suitcase is utterly predictable. The aren’t-they-cute scene where they cook is kind of out of nowhere. But they’ve got chemistry—and it’s visible in their forced-first-kiss in spades. The way Goode’s character wraps his hands around Amy Adam’s jaw…Seriously. It’s swoon time.

I’ve also had a particular fondness for the first kiss from Dreaming of You, by Lisa Kleypas. Who doesn’t, right? I’m so boring. But Derek doesn’t know who Sara is! Oh noes! The mysterious mask and fancy dress she puts on for the masquerade have completely fooled him. Except half way through some exciting makeouts with a wanton masked lady, he realizes exactly who it is in his arms—and things really take off.

Leah and Michael from Hold ’Em  have technically already had their first kiss because they dated years before the book opens. But it’s not the same thing, because that time around they were missing a few pieces of the puzzle. The things that make them really click as a couple. It’s also the thing Leah never realized was missing from her life: Michael’s submission.

She wrenched his hair. “Kiss me.” Another order. They spilled out of her mouth more easily each time.

“All you had to do was tell me,” he growled.

He stretched up and she leaned down at the same time. Hot. Fast. Immediate. A coming together of more than lips, more than his tongue in her mouth. Their teeth clicked together. Hard.

She moaned into him. His hands spread across her lower back. The blend of cold metal and warm leather scraped her skin. She bit his lower lip, which gave slightly under her teeth.

Leah pulled back, gripping his silky hair when his mouth tried to follow her.

God, it was like she’d been waiting six years for this force. This energy. Every move he’d ever made was recast as a silent promise of that moment…

Leah reached out and found the matching cuff in the drawer. It locked around his other wrist with another quiet click she could barely hear over the whooshing in her ears. Lacing her fingers through his, she pulled his hands into the small space between their bodies to look at the matching cuffs. Strong, rough wrists. Taut tendons. A light dusting of golden hair. All of it bound, as he’d allowed her to do.

“Fuck, that’s hot,” she breathed.

“You’re telling me.”

So luckily, even though it’s not really, truly their first kiss, I like to think it’s the first kiss that counts for Leah and Michael. Because it’s the first kiss that begins the rest of their lives.

***

Up next for Katie Porter, the co-writing team of Carrie Lofty and Lorelie Brown:

Now that the first three of the RT BookReviews 4½ Star Top Pick “Vegas Top Guns”  series have been released, readers can anticipate the final two installments, HARD WAY and BARE KNUCKLE, in 2013.

November brings the m/m Christmas-themed CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR , described as “masterful” by Publishers Weekly. In January, LEAD AND FOLLOW  will launch the five-part “Club Devant” series of erotic multi-partner romances set in a hot New York City burlesque club.

Where to find us:

 http://KatiePorterBooks.com

Twitter: @MsKatiePorter

Or individually: @carrielofty and @LorelieBrown

 Thanks again to Books-n-Kisses for featuring Katie Porter and Hold ’Em!

We’d like to give away a copy of DOUBLE DOWN, INSIDE BET or HOLD ’EM (winner’s choice) in any format.

During the construction of every novel, I learn the most amazing things.  Trivia mostly, but still…entertaining to say the least. Here are some fun things I learned while writing BLAZE:

• More than I ever wanted to know about Area 51
• How snipers are tested and ranked in marksmanship
• The stipple pattern a bullet makes on the skin when it enters the body
• A heck of a lot of Greek!
• More than I ever wanted to know about swingers clubs
• How official biological reports are written and that the Method pages hold the key information
• How much an anatomical model of a penis and testicles would cost
• The sexual position ‘reverse cowboy’ (no I really didn’t know it was called that!)
• That the paranormal ability of remote is actually based on a theory in quantum physics
• The different makes, sizes and amenities to various private planes
• Different areas of the brain and what they control in our bodies
• That brain-computer interfaces are utilized today to enable people to mobilize prosthetic limbs.
• All the different nerves of the eye
• Details of Joseph Mengeley’s gruesome tests on human patients during WWII
• Construction of different types of military helicopters
• That vasectomy’s can be performed in a doctor’s office!

Aren’t those…um…fun??? What is something memorable you’ve learned while reading (or writing) a book?

Lets take a look at the Phoenix Rising Series

FEVER

Book 1

Dr. Alyssa Foster will admit to a bad boy fetish…

But when she finds herself face to face with a convicted murderer with a ripped body, a determination for freedom and an eye on her as his get out of jail free card, Alyssa knows she’s in deep trouble…. Not just because Teague Creek is a prisoner desperate for freedom, but because his every touch makes her desperate for more.

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose…

Teague Creek has one shot at freedom, but his plan to escape with a hostage develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives who know of his strange abilities, he needs to avoid trouble, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever.

Purchase Links:

Kensington / Amazon / Amazon Canada / Barnes & Noble / B-A-M Book Depository / Chapters / IndieBound / Powell’s 

Add to your Goodreads Shelf

BLAZE

Book 2

The hotter they come, the harder they fall…

With a man like him, every mission becomes personal… Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. Sheneeds to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.

Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…

Purchase Links:

Amazon / Amazon Canada / Barnes & Noble / B-A-M / Book Depository Chapters / IndieBound / Powell’s

 Add to your Goodreads Shelf

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Want to check out Joan’s other stops?  

Here is a list of the BLAZE Tour

September 17 – Grave Tells – http://gravetells.com/

September 18 – Book Reader Addicts – http://bookreaderaddictsgiveaways.blogspot.com/

September 19 – Pearl’s World of Romance – http://pearlsworldofromance.wordpress.com/

September 20 – Under The Covers – http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.ca

September 21 – Reading Between The Wines – http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

September 22 – Riverina Romantics  – http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

September 23 – Reading on The Wild Side – http://readingonthewildside.blogspot.com/

September 24 – United By Books – http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

September 25 – My Keeper Shelf – http://mykeepershelf.blogspot.com/

September 25 –  The Reading Café  – http://thereadingcafe.com/

September 26 – Ramblings From This Chick – http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

September 27 – I Smell Sheep – http://www.ismellsheep.com/

September 28 – Paranormal Haven – http://www.paranormalhaven.com/

September 29 – Just Romantic Suspense – http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/

September 30 – Just Romantic Suspense – http://www.justromanticsuspense.com/

October 1 – Close Encounters With The Night Kind – http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

October 2 – Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction –

                Book Monster – http://bookmonsterreviews.blogspot.com/

                Literal Addiction – http://www.literaladdiction.com/

October 3 – Books-n-Kisses – https://books-n-kisses.com/

October 4 – Readers Confession – http://www.readersconfession.com/

October 5 – Book Lovin’ Mamas – http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

October 6 – Cocktails & Books – http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

Romance is a lot like Chocolate

By Merrie Destefano

TITLE: Romance is a lot like Chocolate

By Merrie Destefano

TEXT:

Your palms are sweating, your heart is racing, you’re tongue-tied and you’re certain that whatever you do, this situation is only going to get worse.

The brief scene described above could be from two very different stories.

THE FIRST: For the past two days, you’ve been tracked by a serial killer. You finally make it into a Mini-Mart and you want to tell someone what’s going on, you want to ask for help, but you’re afraid they won’t believe you.

THE SECOND: You think you’re falling in love.

As strange as it may seem, many of the symptoms of falling in love are similar to those experienced during moments of stress. Queasy stomach, inability to sleep and lack of concentration. Is it any wonder then that romance often finds itself frequently mixed in with other, seemingly incongruent, genres?

Why does this technique of genre blending work so well? Probably because it gives the author two distinct plot lines. Whenever one subplot feels like it’s cooling down, the other subplot begins to heat up. By switching from one plot to the other, the author is able to keep the reader on the edge of her seat, wondering if a) the heroine is going to be eaten by zombies or if b) the heroine is ever going to realize that the hot boy she’s hanging out with is really in love with her, and she feels the same way.

Another reason blending romance with another genre works so well is the fact that falling in love and fleeing for your life are both adrenaline-packed actions that are fraught with danger. Ever tell someone you’re crushing on them only to have them answer, “I don’t feel the same way.” Life changing. You instantly wish you had a cloak of invisibility.

When it comes to storytelling, romance is a lot like chocolate. It goes with everything. It goes with mystery, horror, science fiction, fantasy, action adventure and literary fiction. It not only goes with these genres, it enhances them. It makes them stronger, gives them deeper themes, greater stakes, higher rewards.

In other words, the addition of romance almost always makes stories better.

Some popular YA examples of genre blending:

Mystery/romance: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Horror/romance: Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Sci-Fi/romance: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Fantasy/romance: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Action adventure/romance: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Literary/romance: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Are there any other books you’ve read lately that successfully blended romance with another genre?

A little about Merrie: 

With twenty years’ experience in publishing, Merrie Destefano left a 9-to-5 desk job as the editor of Victorian Homes magazine to become a full-time novelist. Her first two novels, Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles and Feast: Harvest of Dreams were published by HarperVoyager. Fathom is both her first YA novel and her first indie published novel. When not writing, she loves to camp in the mountains, walk on the beach, watch old movies and listen to alternative music—although rarely all at the same time. Born in the Midwest, she now lives in Southern California with her husband, their two German shepherds and a Siamese cat.

Author website | Author blog | Twitter |  Facebook | Author’s HarperCollins micro author site

Fathom

by Merrie Destefano

Pub Date: 9/24/2012

Order here: Amazon

Everything is changing . . .

Turning sixteen can be hell, especially if everyone in town thinks your mother killed herself and your sister. All Kira Callahan wants to do is swim, hang out with her best friend, Sean, and ignore the kids who torment her at school. That is, until one day when she gets invited to a party. For three minutes her life is wonderful—she even kisses Sean. Then somebody spikes her drink and some girls from out of town lure her into the ocean and hold her underwater.

Kira soon discovers that the group of wild teenagers who have come to visit Crescent Moon Bay are not as innocent as they seem. In fact, nothing is as it seems—not the mysterious deaths of her sister or her mother, not her heritage, not even her best friend. And everything seems to hinge on the ancient Celtic legends that her mother used to tell her as a child.

Read a Fathom excerpt HERE

Dating and Other Dangers by Natalie Anderson 

Writers often get asked which is their favourite of their own books. This is, usually, an impossible question often likened to being asked to name a favourite child. And generally it is impossible – when I think of each of my books there are things that make me smile about all of them—I love all my characters.

But some stories are definitely easier than others to get onto the page and a very, very few (in my experience) are pure joy from start to finish. Dating and Other Dangers falls into that category for me.

The idea came to me in a flash one night after I’d had a phonecall with my editor. I needed to come up with an idea for a new story fast. I’ve always been net-addicted—reading the news, and I’ve always found forums and social media fascinating (not to mention terrifying). I’d read about some online dating reputation websites and thought this was a very interesting thing. What if I had a heroine who ran such a forum? And what if the hero was one of the guys dissed on that forum?

So I came up with a hero (an extremely successful corporate lawyer) who’s become ‘internetorious’ – labelled as a shameless seducer of women, arrogant and apparent believer that he’s ‘god’s gift’. Ordinarily he’d laugh it off (after all, its only the internet and ‘there’s a lot of rubbish out there’), but he realises those most dearest to him actually believe it of him too and it hits a nerve. So he tracks down the ‘hell hath no fury’ woman behind the website. He threatens to sue (and expose) our heroine as the woman behind the forum. She’s an HR assistant (‘making more people’s lives hell’ in his opinion) and doesn’t want her online persona and her real life to collide – not yet anyway. But she stands up to him, pointing out that the defence to defamation is truth. So he decides to ‘prove’ to her he isn’t that shameless seducer… and she’s to prove this by going on three dates with him.

So it’s a battle of the dates and a battle of the blogs as well—the rest of the internet is ablog about it and their hits go sky high.

But the problems arise when my once bitten, seventy-seven times shy heroine is beyond attracted to the super seducer who’s now playing it so snakily straight… what’s a girl to do?

Writing their blog entries was absolutely hilarious and the story just flowed as I got Nadia and Ethan tangled up in their online battles and real world desires… I hope you find the story fun too!

Nadia Keenan’s first date Do’s and Don’ts: 

1. Do boost your confidence by looking hot

2. Don’t put out until at lease date two

3. If the man is trouble (however sexy!) do report all on www.WomanBWarned.com

After being trashed on Nadia’s website, serial dater-and-dumper Ethan Rush is about to put Nadia’s rules to the test. He’s determined to change her mind about him. She’s determined to prove him for the cad he is.

Let the battle of the dates begin…

Dating and Other Dangers is on the shelves in stores in North America in October and you can also grab it online from Amazon | Barnes and Noble   If you’re in the UK, it’s also just been rereleased in digital form and you can grab it from Amazon UK

USA TODAY bestseller Natalie Anderson writes fun, frisky, feels-good contemporary romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon and Entangled. With over twenty books published, she’s also been a Romantic Times Award nominee & a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year). She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with her husband, four children and what feels like a million ducks. Find out more at her website http://www.natalie-anderson.com and be sure to sign up for her newsletter there as she often has subscriber only eTreats.

She’s also on Twitter and Facebook:

http://www.twitter.com/authornataliea

http://www.facebook.com/authornataliea

I’d like to thank Books-n-Kisses for having me today. It’s great to emerge from my writing cave upon occasion.

What type of research goes into writing historical romances?

The type of research conducted for writing historical romances depends much upon what the author is aiming for. Perhaps the story is only going to be told during a certain timeframe and setting i.e. England, 1705. In this situation, the author would want to research England in the early 1700’s. What happened during that timeframe? What politics were involved? What was life like in those days? What was the dress? What was the landscape like? All of this is necessary in order to set the stage for the author’s tale.

Some authors weave actual historical events into their stories. In those cases, rest assured, there’s much more research involved.

While doing research for Temptation in a Kilt, I kept thinking in the back of my mind that I did not want to give readers a history lesson. Don’t get me wrong. King James was indeed King James I of England, and the MacGregors and Campbells did have a turbulent past. Whereas Archibald Campbell, the seventh Earl of Argyll did exist, Laird Ciaran MacGregor did not. I remember my eyes glazing over in history class as the professor lectured about something I didn’t care a darned thing about. Reading provides escape for us all.

I truly love Scotland and try to be respectful of its heritage. With Highlanders, it was very important for me to get the details right i.e. the colors on the clan tartan. And Ciaran’s kilt on the front cover is definitely the MacGregor kilt. If I didn’t do my homework, the MacGregors and Campbells would’ve been waving some other clan’s tartan. It would’ve been an injustice to both clans had I not done the research.

So how much research is involved in writing historical romance depends on the author and what he/she is writing. As I look around my office surrounded by my favorite romance novels, Scottish castles, Highlander books, Scottish customs, and too much Scottish paraphernalia to name, I believe a good author researches and draws a fine line between reality and fiction.

Thank you so much for having me today! Happy Reading!

Victoria

www.victoriarobertsauthor.com

She’s on her way to safety

It’s a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s desperation that

she’s seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging

as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn’t care about

hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master

of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is

completely beyond her control…

He redefines dangerous…

Ciaran MacGregor knows it’s perilous to get

embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as

headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise

to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he’s stuck

with her, even though she challenges his legendary

prowess at every opportunity. When temptation

reaches its peak, he’ll be ready to show her who he

really is…on and off the battlefield.

Praise for Temptation in a Kilt:

“Roberts’s debut features appealing
characters and an interesting background
of ancient clan feuds and spurned lovers.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Well written, full of intrigue and a sensual,
believable romance, this book captivates
the reader immediately”
—RT Book Reviews/4 stars

About the Author:

Victoria Roberts writes sexy, Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past.

An avid lover of all things Scotland—simply, she writes what she loves to read. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young-adult novella (never published) at sixteen years old. Who knew her leather studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt donning Highlander wielding a broadsword?

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of nineteen years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish romp, she enjoys reading, nature and antiques.

GIVEAWAY TIME: 

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Northwest Perks

Kristine Grayson

When people hear that I live in the Pacific Northwest, they assume I came for the rain. I did come for the weather—I was raised in Northern Wisconsin where the summers hit 90 degrees and the winters could go to minus 30 (without wind-chill). So living in a temperate climate truly appealed to me.

But everyone assumes writers stay indoors, and rain keeps them there. Naw. In fact, I like the rain. It’s usually warm, and I take a daily walk, rain or shine.

What brought me to the Pacific Northwest were other writers. Science fiction and mystery writers Damon Knight and Kate Wilhelm lived in Eugene, Oregon. After my future husband Dean Wesley Smith and I visited them while on a trip looking for neutral territory to live, we thought Eugene might be a good environment. Lots of writers lived nearby. Even more moved to the city later.

Ultimately, Eugene wasn’t to our taste. We moved to the Oregon Coast, where even more writers live. From Jean Auel to some playwrights whose work you know, but whose names you never heard of, writers flock to this place. And even more show up to visit. Just last week, two bestselling mystery writers dropped in unannounced.

We have a weekly lunch for professional writers only, and anywhere from ten to twenty writers attend. We keep up with the industry and we gossip about cats. What else would writers do?

But I have to admit that one thing I love about the coast is its quiet. I do get a lot done, primarily because there isn’t a lot to do here. We have seven movie theaters, a summer concert series, and that’s about it. The beach appeals, but everything else in town shuts down around 9 p.m.

I can’t get distracted because there’s nothing to distract me. And except when I’ve finished a book and want to Party!!!, I like it that way. At those times, I visit places like Los Angeles, where my latest novel, Charming Blue, is set. I get some business done, I see friends, and I do lots and lots of things you can’t do on the Oregon Coast.

Then I come home, climb into my little office, and make things up—rain or shine.

Charming Blue

Fates #8

Giveaway Time: 

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What’s With the Spanking?
by Patricia Green

Sometimes, when I’m talking about my writing to people who are open-minded, I describe my current projects as “spanking romance.” I haven’t always worked with strong spanking themes, but I am now, and it hearkens back to my early reading of historical romance from the ’70s and ’80s, when spanking was much more commonplace in mainstream works. I’ve always enjoyed romance stories with plucky heroines who sometimes overstep and need a bit of a OTK (over the knee) reminding to mind their manners. That may make me a little odd to some, and it certainly gets titters and odd looks from people. Occasionally, it’s a conversation stopper. But, the fact is, it’s a sub-genre that has a steady, elite (skeptics might say small), readership.

A close friend also has an interest in spanking stories, and he was enthusiastic about a few spanking fiction sites he found on the ‘net. I was between projects at the time, so checked into them. The one I found most enjoyable was Blushing Books [link: http://www.blushingbooks.com]. I looked through what they had to offer, bought a few delicious-looking books, and checked out their sister site The Woodshed [http://www.herwoodshed.com]. I was enraptured by what I found at this duo of delectable sites. It made me want to write for them. So I did!

In traditional historical romance from the 20^th century, there were often situations where the heroine needed a few swats to get her attention or make a point regarding her safety or behavior. It often drew the hero and heroine closer together, and had a sexy component (though those early books didn’t really fall into an “erotic” category, they were pretty titillating). Spanking was used to emphasize that a woman had a place in the world (historically) and she ought to remember it. I didn’t mind the sexism then, and I don’t mind it now.

In current, contemporary romance, spanking isn’t prevalent. It kind of got lost in the rise of feminism and über-heroines. Nothing wrong with that, times change. But it does make those of us with an interest in spanking romance search for resources beyond the Big Six publishing houses and their desire for political correctness.

Enter Fifty Shades of Grey and its sequels by E L James and an interesting spanking scene therein. A scene that has a lot of otherwise thoroughly modern women quaking in their lust. I can’t speculate where that is going to lead us, but based on the enormous popularity of the Fifty Shades trilogy, I’m guessing you’ll see a few more spankings in contemporary romance novels on your supermarket shelves very soon.

Trends in publishing are fascinating, and the spanking trope is only one. It’s one that I’m happy to take advantage of and, of course, I’m hoping that it’s on the upswing. I’m unlikely to hit the author lottery like Ms. James, but if I can entertain a broader spectrum of readers, I’ll be a happy camper.

Title:  Liv’s Journey:  Book 1

 In the Journey Family Series

Author:  Patricia Green

Publisher: Blushing Books Publications    .

Length:  115 pgs

Sub-Genres:  Erotic, Spanking, Romance

Liv’s Journey /- Blushing Books –
http://www.blushingbooks.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=687

Amazon –
http://www.amazon.com/Livs-Journey-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B007RQIN9K/ref=sr_1_1

BLURB:

Trey likes to spank and he makes that pretty clear early in their acquaintance by spanking Liv during a walk among the pecan trees. It turns out that Liv likes it, but he holds some back as a reward to be given at a more appropriate time.

Not long after they meet, Liv finds out that spanking isn’t always fun—she gets mouthy and disrespectful in front of some of Trey’s friends, and he takes her out to his truck to teach her some manners. Unfortunately, while he’s spanking her, a paparazzo snaps a photo of her bare-bottomed and face turned toward the camera as she’s being spanked.

Liv is mortified and sure that her career will be over if that photo gets published. Trey feels guilty for putting her in that position, not to mention that his commanding officer is displeased with his behavior. They simply must get the rights to the picture so that it can’t be published.

Title:  Ace-High Flush:  Book 2

 In the Journey Family Series

Author:  Patricia Green

Publisher: Blushing Books Publications    .

Length:  106 pgs

Sub-Genres:  Erotic, Spanking, Romance

Ace-High Flush/ – Blushing Books –

http://www.blushingbooks.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=717

Amazon –
http://www.amazon.com/Ace-High-Flush-Journey-Series-ebook/dp/B0082PLBBC/ref=la_B002RCB0IK_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1336943982&sr=1-11

BLURB:

Gabriella Appleby is a struggling young, large-size model who can’t quite behave. She tries, but sometimes telling the truth just doesn’t seem like the right thing to do. Making foolish choices also seems to be high on her list of to-do items.

Ace Journey is interested in Gabby, and cares about her enough to want to make an indelible impression on her. No one has taught her to behave, and he figures he’s the man to do it. Although their New York/New Jersey rendezvous takes him out of his natural element, his ranch in Texas, he’s smart and capable, and more than a match for the city streets.

Gabby wants Ace, and Ace wants Gabby. Unfortunately, her errors in judgment lead them to a fork in the road where they must part. Miserable about it, they find that an unlikely matchmaker—billionaire Jonny Chow—steps in to show them just how much they mean to each other.

Title:  Spanking Her Highness:  Book 3

 In the Journey Family Series

Author:  Patricia Green

Publisher: Blushing Books Publications    .

Length:  105 pgs

Sub-Genres:  Erotic, Spanking, Romance

Spanking Her Highness/ – Blushing Books –
http://www.blushingbooks.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=779

Amazon –
http://www.amazon.com/Spanking-Highness-Journey-Series-ebook/dp/B008RI7ZM8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1343838212&sr=1-1

BLURB:

It’s another Journey Family story, with all the warm fannies that entails.

Queenie Journey has a trust problem. Her ex-husband left a bad taste in her mouth, and now she’s afraid of making emotional attachments to a man. Even a man like her neighbor, the handsome Will Mazie. She’s determined to keep him at arm’s length.

Will spent many years as a screenwriter in Hollywood, and yet always yearned to be a rancher. He chose Texas because of its friendly residents. Except for his new neighbor, Queenie, who seems to have a big chip on her shoulder where he’s concerned.

Getting her rump tanned by Will helps Queenie find her manners, and Will soon falls for the feisty blonde. Circumstances keep getting in the way, and yet they can’t keep themselves away from each other. Maybe they aren’t meant to.

Title: Deuce’s Dancer  :  Book 4

 In the Journey Family Series

Author:  Patricia Green

Publisher: Blushing Books Publications    .

Length:  110 pgs

Sub-Genres:  Erotic, Spanking, Romance

Deuce’s Dancer /- Blushing Books –

http://www.blushingbooks.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=789

Amazon –
http://www.amazon.com/Deuces-Dancer-Journey-Series-ebook/dp/B008X5YXBQ/ref=sr_1_1

BLURB:

The next day was spent wind-surfing followed by lazing at the beach until the sun went down. She and Deuce took a boat tour of the nearby reef at sunset, and discussed politics and religion. They had both in common, but they found points on which they differed and it made for a lively conversation. They kissed several times, and Pilar’s breasts firmed and her nipples got hard as pebbles under his fingers.

Though Deuce made it very clear that he desired her, that he found her attractive and sexy, he didn’t push hard. He was watching her closely, like a jaguar, waiting for the moment that she couldn’t stand keeping him away any longer. It was a scary and thrilling thought to consider sleeping with him with no commitment and no future. In this case, what happened in Jamaica would stay in Jamaica.

EXCERPT #1:

Excerpt from Liv’s Journey by Patricia Green

At first, there was a cool breeze on her bare bottom, as the pecan trees shielded her from the harsh sun. Birds chirped incessantly; it seemed like all the birds in the world came to Texas in the spring. Trey’s thighs under her belly were warm and hard and there was a growing lump against her left hip where his excited cock lay tucked into his jeans. As his hand passed over her bottom, Trey hummed softly. It was a sound of pleasure, a calm sound, a controlled sound.

Liv’s heart beat faster, knowing what that sound presaged. The humiliation of being bare-assed and over his lap was nothing compared to what was to come.

The sharp retort of the strap on her butt cheeks silenced the birds entirely. Some flew away in fright. And it hurt, but Liv gasped not out of pain but surprise at the sudden smack. Even knowing that it was to come, the exact moment it fell was always one second before it was expected. The first blow was still echoing through her mind when there was a second, third, and fourth. Heat blossomed over her rear and a sharp sting became a bright bloom. She moaned as the count rose above ten, and she couldn’t help but squirm.

“Still, angel.” His free hand pressed down on her back to keep her steady. She couldn’t do it herself. Her body wanted to wriggle away from the pain. Or, parts of it did. Some parts, the parts that sometimes wouldn’t heed her better judgment, got wet and slick and very ready for the reward Trey would share with her.

As the count reached twenty-two, tears began to stream from Liv’s eyes and her moans became sobs. She wanted this spanking, she knew she both needed and deserved it. Tears would cleanse any lingering feelings of guilt over poor behavior and her reward for taking her punishment would be hot, hotter than her flaming ass.

Liv lost count after twenty-five blows from the strap. She knew her bottom would be striped and fiery red. She’d seen it in the mirror after times like this. Perversely, she wore those stripes like a badge for the day or two they lingered. She’d earned her pleasure. She’d paid for her transgressions. Conflict was over and only sweet contentment remained.

Crying freely, she sobbed and sniffled as the spanking stopped. Trey’s big, hot hand glided over her stinging behind reverently, and sometimes a finger would trace one of the welts left by the strap.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice thick and watery.

His fingers slipped between her legs and found her pool of excitement. Her hot face got hotter. “You gonna be a good girl now and mind when I’m tellin’ you to do what you know you should?”

“It’s a habit…”

“A habit we need to get you over or you’ll be miserable, Liv.”

His fingers dipped deeper into her pussy and explored a little. A wave of pure desire washed through Liv’s belly.

“Yeah,” she agreed, though her mind was on those fingers. They retreated slightly and slid toward her swollen clit. “Please. Trey. Please.”

She could hear the smile in his voice as he responded. “Please what?”

The last of her tears dripped onto the leaf-strewn ground. “Please, fuck me.”

He rolled her over on his lap and pressed her face against his broad chest. “You’ll have to wait until after.”

“After! But that’s hours from now!”

“Yup.”

She looked up into his face, hoping for a teasing look in his brown eyes. The crinkles at the corners told her that he was smiling, even before she noticed his grin. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am.”

“Trey!”

He slid his hand up her torso and cupped a full breast, his thumb flicking over her nipple as it pressed against her bra and thin cotton blouse.

“You’re being mean.”

“Maybe.”

She growled her frustration and squirmed, her bottom hot and itchy against his denim. One more try. “Please?”

“Nope. After.”

Trey did things in his own time, and in his own way. Liv was usually happy about that; she trusted him after all they’d been through. So she’d wait for her reward. After wasn’t so far away.

BOOK TRAILERS:

Journey Family series – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH7Hkl9a5cg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Having begun her writing career at the tender age of seven by publishing a poem in a children’s magazine, Ms. Green has spent many years at typewriter and keyboard. She’s the author of 14 published projects (13 ebooks; and one out-of-print traditional book).

Ms. Green resides in the Washington DC area, is married to her best friend, and is the mother of twin daughters.

She is a member of EPIC, the Erotic Author’s Association, and Erotica Readers and Writers Association.

Website: http://www.patriciagreenbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Patricia.Green.Romance

Twitter:  @PatriciaIGreen

Google+:  http://gplus.to/PatriciaGreen

Tour Wide Giveaway: 

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2nd $10

3rd $10

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Take Me To Your Planet
— or —
Writing Futuristic Romances
by: Myra Nour

Do you want to zoom away in a spaceship? Or be captured by a hunky alien? Perhaps your fantasy is to be whisked off to a far future society, where all diseases have been eliminated? Or maybe you’d prefer a society closely aligned with Earth’s medieval period-complete with warriors, sword fighting, and castles.

No matter how diverse all these different ideas seem, they all have one theme in common-they can all be found in futuristic romances.

Do you need to be an astronaut or have been abducted by aliens to write about other worlds? Certainly not! Studying the masters of s/f and fantasy for style is a great start. Look at the various ways the masters handle their worlds, such as: Issac Asimov’s technical expertise, Poul Anderson’s humorous touch, Andre Norton’s magic, or Robert E. Howard’s dark/magical adventures.

One aspect you need to consider is how hard you want the science to be in your story. In other words, do you like writing technical information with lots of details about the future society? Or do you prefer to concentrate on the characters/storyline and have softer science? For example, in Love’s Captive, the society I created is based on the Medieval system. It’s something I’m interested in, and I don’t care to read or write hard science fiction.

If you choose to go with hard science-you better have your facts straight or fans will call you on it. Study articles or books on science facts, recent discoveries, and future ideas. Maybe you can gleam something to incorporate into your story.

A good way to get the feel for what you want to write is to study your favorite authors style. There’s a reason you like their books-so study their works and see if you can incorporate some of their style into your work. Of course you must find your own writing voice, but imitation is the best kind of flattery. And there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. If you love Dara Joy’s Alpha males and the s/f plus fantasy elements she infuses into her stories, then perhaps that style would work well for you too.

Articles are a great resource in helping you seek information, check your facts, or maybe give you ideas. A good site where interesting articles can be found about different aspects of writing s/f romance stories, are at Science Fiction Romance. www.sfronline.com

I discovered several intriguing articles, such as Creating Believable Aliens, Worldbuilding, and Cursing in Alien Tongues. I think these would be worth a good “looksee”.

The different terms you hear in connection with the genre may confuse you. Is your book s/f romance, fantasy romance, or futuristic romance? Don’t worry about it. Write your story first. Later you can consider how to classify it. Friends can help by giving you feedback. Also, critique partners and writing groups can give their two cents worth. Ultimately your publisher will assign the subgenre they feel is appropriate for your work.

Now, write that exciting book!

Heart of a Dragon

Volarn Chronicles:  Book 2

Author:  Myra Nour

Publisher:  New Concepts Publishing.

Length:  514 pages

Sub-Genres:  Sci-Fi

BUY LINKS:

Amazon  |  B&N 

BLURB:

Can Eric, a tough, handsome Green Beret from Earth, convince Kasha, the stubborn warrior princess of Volarn, that he loves her? Not before they experience adventure in the haunted wastelands, discover a baby dragon, and explore the hot, sensual side of their relationship.

Travel back to Volarn for more magical romance and new adventure with King Rhamus’s sister, Kasha, and Olga’s brother, Eric. If you loved Love’s Captive, be enchanted with Volarn Chronicles Book Two. Find out what secret makes Kasha run from love. Follow the characters’ fox and hound game of love, as each pushes the other to their limits, climaxing in a daring rescue that changes everything. Be warned, this book is filled with humor and love that knows no bounds. And an adorable, goofy dragon that will win your heart, so that you will be asking “How do I adopt a dragon of my own!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m optimistic; happy unless something really bad happens; a good listener and friend. My best compliment came from a friend who said I was a ‘Steel Magnolias’. She thought I was kind and gentle when she met me, but then found out the difficulties I’ve had in my life, and added a “backbone of steel” to that assessment.

I was an LPN for a total of 8 years; became interested in the mind more than the body, and helped put myself through college working as a nurse. Graduated cume laude with a BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling. Until several months before I graduated with my BA, when I met Simon, I was a single mother of two small children.

I worked odd jobs until I landed my first job working in my college area – as a social worker for physically and sexually abused children. Then, I found my nitch, as a college counselor. Loved it! Spent the rest of my career in this area, except for 3 years when I taught Psychology and Sociology at a local college. Loved this even more!!

My Simon has been very supportive about the whole writing process. We both agreed that when our financial circumstances would allow, that I’d quit work and write full-time, and that happened in 1998. I’ve been very lucky. After 24 years of working in a profession that helped people, I am able to do something for myself – writing.

Website: http://www.myranour.net/author/myra.php 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/myranour?ref=ts

Tour Wide Giveaway: 

Ebook of Heart of  the Dragon

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