True to True Blood?

I have been watching True Blood and just finished season one consequently moved on to season two and watched the first episode last night.  In retrospect, I love to watch or test watch all the shows/movies in the genre I love best, of course! Research, don't you know:) Well, I will say the jury is still out on this show.  I can't seem to toss it aside as I did with Vampire Diaries--did not like that one in the least.  I will admit, in a strange way, I am hooked on TB.  At times I'm really not sure why I continue to watch but others I reflect on an episode and chuckle to myself.  The characters at times are so dumb and backwards but then that seems part of the dark charm of this series.  I find myself laughing outloud at something humorus every single episode as well as saddened by a death--by the way, if they keep killing of the regulars there won't be anyone left!

I'm not that big of a fan of Bill but I do like Sookie.  I love Lafayette--who wouldn't? Maryanne is very strange and I haven't entirely figured out what the heck she is. Tara and Sam are likeable as well.  I have to laugh at the poor Iraq vet and the waitress that surely reminds me of Flo from Mel's Diner(if anyone remembers her and "Kiss my grits!").  I did like Rene until he turned out to be the serial killer who by the way offed my most favorite character, Sookie and Jason's grandmother!  I so loved her. She reminded me of my own sweet grandmother, God Bless her soul.

Anyway, I guess you can say though I'm still not quite sold, I will keep watching--at least for now.

I am curious at what you all think. Please feel free to pipe in and voice your thoughts on this one.

D~

Author Spotlight: Jason Barrett, Paranormal Romance

After several weeks we are back with my Author Spotlight segment, and I have to tell you that I am very excited to not only have a paranormal romance author but a MALE paranormal romance author for my new season of interviews.  How cool is that?  I can't wait to sit down and drill Jason about his great new book, Dead or a Lie, and dig into a male's take on love and romance, what's hot and what's not.  This is going to be alot of fun. So grab a cushion, something to drink and let's get this party started! 

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?
Snoopy Dance? I don’t do the Snoopy Dance. Although the ladies in my romance group, CNYRW, are always taking about it and writing it on the loop I’m trying to keep some semblance of masculinity so I refrained from using the term. I use: That’s Great, That’s Awesome!, I’m so happy for you!, but, no, never the Snoopy Dance.

Oh, Jason, you know? I get that. Watching a guy snoopy dance... *shakes head and grimaces* well... just isn't a pretty picture, LOL


Angry? I suppose still social injustices and prejudices. It’s been that way since I was a youth, It’s a core value and I can’t understand hatred fostered by appearance or beliefs.

I hear that and whole-heartedly agree.

Happy? I’m just the opposite of the Dr. Phil’s saying, “When Mama’s not happy ain’t nobody happy.” I prefer to think of it in this way, “When the family’s happy, Papa’s happy.” Nothing that makes me happier than happy faces, especially those of my family.
Sad? I get sad from not being able to “fix it.” As a husband and father I’ve almost always been able to “fix” the problem, whether it be a broken heart, skinned knee, broken doll or broken furnace. When I run into things I can’t make right for my family it seems to threaten my place in the world and that makes me sad.

Spoken like a true father, Jason.  That's what dads do:)

Also, I get sad when I think of the kind of world my children will have to raise their children in. There’s way too much violence and a certain disconnection between the people that make up our society, whether it’s our neighborhoods or the world. The heart is missing. I can only hope that things will change for the better.

Oh Jason, you are so right. I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew each other and noone's doors were locked.  Kids could wander the neighborhood and play in anyone's house without a worry! Today our neighborhoods are closed and most times you don't even know who lives next door. Fortunately, for me, my immediate neighbors are wonderful but that is within a three house radius in all directions. I have no clue whose around me further out.

What inspired you to write your first book?
Social injustice inspired my first book. I never finished the book as I was seventeen at the time and other things took precedence, yes hormones and dating, but social injustices still make me angry. As soon as one starts to be resolved another one jumps up and rears its ugly head. Sadly, it’s been that way since the beginning of time and doesn’t appear to be ending soon.

How do you decide on the topics for your books?

Usually it’s something I’ve seen real life that catches my interest. For 'Dead Or A Lie' it was an episode of Extreme Home Makeover. The crew made a sun safe home for a family with a child with a sun allergy. I thought about it for days and began to create my new world accordingly. The book has nothing to do with that Home Makeover episode but the situation and the onset of the affliction gave birth to my new world.

Ooohhh...great fodder for a vampire story. Sun-safe dwelling. I see how that could get the juices going.
 Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

The first book I actually finished was a story that needed to be told. So that was for the love of writing. The characters and story rattled around in my head for years and it needed, demanded to be written. So I wrote it, and I will always love that book more than any other book I’ll ever write. I break the process of writing a book into two distinct parts. Writing the book is pleasure, and I love to do it. When the book is written it then becomes the business end of the process but I still feel that I’ll always write whether I make money or not. And I think anyone reading this knows exactly what I’m taking about.

Absolutely.  And we writers know that unless really fortunate, most of us will make some income but may never become rich.  I totally get what you are saying. I love to write stories because for me each little world I create and each character is my escape from the nasties of reality.  I know I'm in deep when I seem to stay in the fiction world even when I am living real life. It's like that movie you loved and you just can't shake.

What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?
Of course I have a website, http://www.jasonbarret.com/, and have contracted with several romance sites for online advertisement. I also have an ad in the February edition of the RWR and one in the March RT magazine. As far as drawing attention to myself I plan on doing interviews and author spotlights on Long and Short Reviews, The Romance Studio, Coffee Time Romance and the Vampire Romance Books site, but this will actually be my very first author interview, thank you Dayana!

OMG! A virgin too?  I love it, LOL  You are very welcome, Jason.  I love having you here. You are always welcome here.
What is your favorite holiday? And why?

I love Christmas. Not for the presents but for the family side of it. I loved seeing the kid’s faces on Christmas morning when they came down the stairs and saw the tree all lit up with the presents under it. It was a time of wonder, and I could see it in their eyes. I still see that wonder in my grandchildren and when I play Santa each year at an elementary school, K-2nd, where my wife works. I suppose it’s selfish because the children are so unconditional with their love for Santa. I guess that’s my present to me.

It is such a beautifully festive time of year. It and Halloween are my favorites. I remember being that child who couldn't sleep for anything and who ran to wake my parents up who had just gotten to bed because I just couldn't wait a moment longer!  Then the only light was the beautiful Christmas tree and the mountains of presents! OMG! It seemed truly like mountains when you are so small.  Also, the crumbs on the plate and the milk gone where we'd set them out for Santa.  Oops! Sorry, got carried away...

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

I work as a construction inspector from spring to late fall, even winter. This year I was in the field on December 28th working with a crew in a minus 14 degree below zero wind chill factor. It was cold, and I was very happy to leave it all behind and start writing again. Normally I try to write whenever I can but long days at work sometimes interfere with my writing. Now, during the winter, I will try to write daily in the quiet solitude of the empty house.

I hear that.  Working a full-time job can crimp a writer's style:)  I live in that world as well.

Are you someone who can write on demand? Or do you have to stew and coax an idea before you sit down and write? Or maybe you write when the muse knocks you upside your head, like me?

I can write on demand but only if I can get myself to sit down and open the darn book! That’s my hardest part- avoidance. I’m not sure where it comes from but I’ve spoken about it with other authors, and they too have experienced this. One actually told me she’d rather dust the house with a Q-tip rather than sit down to write! She does have several books published though.

Wow! That's heavy... I can not write on demand and only sit down to have at it when something needs to be written.  Unfortunately, sometimes a lot of time passes before that happens. Once I get into a project, I'm usually okay.
Where do you write?

We have a study upstairs where my wife works on her photograph and I write. It’s quiet and away from the rest of the house. I can’t write with distracting noises like the radio, or TV. I just loose total concentration when I hear those things and it takes me some time to get back into the moment.

When do you read? Where?

I just got a Kindle and I love it. It actually read my book to me. How cool is that? I normally read while on vacation usually in a beach chair; sunglasses on, Pepsi to my side and a willingness to nod off whenever I want. I enjoy reading books by fellow authors from my romance group, CNYRW, like Alee Drake, Mary Reed McCall, Gayle Callen, Christine Wenger, Maggie Shayne and CJ Barry. Unfortunately, I had to stop reading Maggie’s books in fear that it would influence my thoughts when creating my world of vampires. There are so many wonderful others in our group I can’t name them all here. I try to sneak in some reading on my lap top, now my Kindle, while on break when substitute teaching in the winters.

Where do you go to think?

I do my best thinking while driving. One of my daughters lived in Virginia and it was a 10 hour drive so I would have my trusty recorder available to record any good ideas I came up with while driving. I also go to sleep while plotting my books. I don’t know how beneficial it is because I probably forget half of what I was thinking but it helps push out the day to day stressors.

How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

The title to Dead Or A Lie was recognized by one of my critique partners, Alee Drake. We were in critique one night and while I was reading a dramatic scene from the heroine’s black moment Alee stopped me and said “That’s your title, Dead Or A Lie.” She was right; I hope everyone loves the book as much as the title!

Oh, I'm sure they will and the title begs me to read it. I really must get a hold of it. Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

Yes, I think my values are always part of my books. I really don’t like a lot of violence and I love a happy ending, and that’s why I turned to Romance. My first book got a little too close for comfort. I tried to write in the same way some actors prepare for a part by using method acting. In method acting you bring yourself to a point in your own life that is associated with the emotional you need to portray. That first book had a lot of conflict and sadness so I was continually bringing myself to different points in my real life that stirred emotions needed for that scene. Bad idea- won’t do that again.

Funny you should say that, Jason.  A really emotionally distressing time brought me back to writing in the year 2000. I'd lost my father and my first Sheltie, Kazzy both to cancer within months of one another and writing through the grief is what helped me. So I can definitely relate to what you are saying.

 Do you have an upcoming release?

Yes, 'Dead Or A Lie' released on February 19th by the Wild Rose Press. It will be in both e-format and paperback. In 'Dead Or A Lie' I create a new genre of vampire. A group of vampires caught somewhere half way between man and beast. An ancient ritual promises to produce a savior, the Sacrosanct. She will bring those unbound by the shackles of hell back to the world of the living. The vampire hero has waited centuries for the coming of the Sacrosanct but now that she has arrived can he help her fulfill her destiny before the evil Lord Trevacular captures and destroys her? I really thought the day would never come but now that it has come and gone I am so excited. You can find me at The Wild Rose Press or you can always look on my site.

What do you do for relaxation?

I like to kayak with my wife, Janice. We paddle up some streams where you can almost believe no man or woman has ever traveled before. When we get close to a picturesque site or we spot some sort of wildlife she puts down her paddle and picks up her camera. Then says, “Scout, get me in close.” We’ve paddled up to within a few feet of a doe (female deer) resting under an evergreen tree on the edge of the stream. We also like to golf without keeping score and I personally enjoy restoring my 1972 MGB European sports car.

Dayana you’ve asked me how and why a man actually got involved with romance so here it goes.

Yes! and that is a question we hit on when we talked about this interview and I am so glad you brought it up, Jason.  This is something I'm sure would interest readers and authors alike.  Please do tell all:)

I had just finished that first tragic novel, Unrequited Love. I think the title was a give away to everyone but me, but what did I know. I was a guy who primarily read Sci-Fi and mysteries but was now writing a story I needed to tell. I bought a copy of Writers Guide and from the short description I knew I was holding a Romance novel. So out of the blue I looked up a local romance author, Mary Reed McCall, and asked her advice. She was so nice just to take a phone call from a total stranger, but she did and suggested that I go to a conference that was hosted by the Central New York Romance Writers in Syracuse, New York. So I did.


I walked into a room with 80 or more romance writers and slapped a name tag on my shirt. I was greeted very warmly and introduced all around, you see, Mary had called ahead! I was in awe. I wasn’t prepared to be in a room with so may other authors, it’s a memory and feeling I’ll never forget. There were Sci-Fi writers, paranormal writers, time travel, historical, you name it they were there and all there to listen to Deb Dixon speak about GMC, a lucky day for me in so many ways.


Then came lunch, I was waved to a seat at a table by my future critique partners. We all ate and talked excitedly about the conference and our works in progress. When it was my turn I jumped right into a verbal short synopsis of my book, then it happened. I told them that my heroine died at mid-book. Gasps, forks dropped, and a deadly silence enveloped the table. At my best memory there were ten little pairs of unbelieving eyes just staring at me in utter disbelief. I thought I swore and didn’t realize it. Finally, my soon to be critique partners, Alee Drake and Jenna Gray, took pity on me and delicately told me that my book was not a romance but, not a problem, everyone is welcome at the CNYRW group. I came to understand romance writing with their help and I’ve been a member of the RWA and CNYRW since that day. A reviewer once said to my editor, Amanda Barnet, “you can tell it’s written by a guy!”
“Thank God,” I thought to myself.

Great story, Jason. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself here today.  I am so glad to have had the chance to get to know you better and you can be sure I will be purchasing my copy of Dead or a Lie right away.

Below is an excerpt from Dead or A Lie:

“If there’s a scenic route back to Astoria, I guess we took it. Here let me get your door.” He stepped out of the car.


“I can manage.” But as she opened her door, he was already there. “Now that was quick. I suppose in the rest of your spare time you do a little sprint training too? Okay, Mr. Sir Lancelot, you win.” She gracefully extended her hand, which he took. On the way up the dark walkway to her front door, she took her keys from her jacket pocket. Instinctively, she let several of them slide between her fingers, allowing them to protrude past her knuckles. She made a fist, transforming her hand into a formidable weapon.

As they approached the foyer, the warnings she had gotten from the stranger on the internet, Man O War, and Charlie raced through her mind. A battle raged within her, a battle between those warnings and her heart. She gripped the keys tighter, all the while cursing herself for doing so. When they reached the door she turned and when she did, their eyes locked. However, she saw no threat in his dark gaze. Despite the closeness of the foyer and the shadows surrounding them, she loosened her grip on the keys. First, allowing them to dangle with her pinky through the key ring and finally she slipped them back into her pocket. For this moment, the battle was over.

“It’s been a wonderful evening, Lee. I hope we can do it again.” He paused and she saw his eyes grow vacant, like when he looked out the window at the sea, but this time he was staring into the depths of her eyes—her soul.

I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he afraid to make the first move? Oh to hell with it.

She leaned into him and her hand rose to his cheek. He didn’t retreat. He didn’t protest. Instead, he turned and gently kissed her fingertips. Lee let her hand slide to the back of his neck and pulled him closer. He smiled as she gently played with his long hair. Her breath quickened, and the heat rose within her. She kissed him gently. When she released him he lingered at her lips barely touching them with his and then he kissed her cheek. “Beautiful,” he whispered.

Hmm… me or my perfume. Either way is fine with me.

He embraced her, his powerful arms pulled her as close as two bodies could get without being one, and she felt his passion rise. His need obvious. As they kissed his hand slipped down and pulled her into the cradle of his thighs. A too long absent heat raced through her. She wanted more and pushed forward against his hardness, their burning desire now only separated by the delicate threads of their clothing. Yes, she wanted more of his touch—more of him.

“Luke,” was all that quietly escaped from her lips. This time there was no questioning his passion in their kiss, but just as quickly as it peaked, and he pushed himself away, removing her arms from around his neck. He brought her hands to his lips, kissed both palms, and gently released her.

“I’d better go,” his words were barely audible.

She delayed speaking for a moment. “Yes, I suppose so. Maybe it is a little too soon to get things messy.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.”

“Well, I wouldn’t actually say that,” she said giving him a demure smile, “and don’t be sorry. I enjoyed every minute of the evening.”

“I’ll see you at work tomorrow, Lee. I had a great time too,” but his sad smile told a different story.

“Me too, Luke. I’ll see you tomorrow. We can do that blood sample thing. I’ve been thinking that I should put the lab level on my security rounds anyway. After all, the autopsy room is right next door, and we don’t want any of those bodies walking off on us, now do we?”

“Yeah, that whole walking dead thing, doesn’t it just creep you out?” he asked, followed by a gallows laugh. “See you tomorrow. Good night, Lee.”

“Night.” Lee slipped her key into the lock and entered the building, looking back one last time at Luke through the glass pane. He gave her a playful salute and headed back to his car. When he got in, she saw him hit the steering wheel with the heel of his hand.

Once inside her apartment she heard the predictable greeting from Rocky. “Hello, Doll,” but she was also greeted by something that took her by complete surprise. A fragrance so enchanting, so lovely, she stopped for a moment and inhaled it, as Luke had her perfume. Wanting to make the moment last, she slipped into a warm tub and the heavy, moist air mixed with the scent of the jasmine in an intoxicating way. “Thank you, Luke,” she closed her eyes and allowed herself to slip further into the water until it was just below her chin. With her eyes closed, she inhaled the steamy elixir. “Could you be the one?”

****

The tires only chirped when he drove away from the curb, but as soon as he was a short distance from her door he slammed the gearshift violently into second, then third, and right on through to fifth gear. He rocketed towards the quickest route out of city and to a winding country road he had visited countless times before. He attacked each curve, each bend in the road as if it were his enemy. At every turn, he tempted fate with his ungodly speed. The scream of his tires echoed through the mountains like a lonely mournful cry. His tires cried for hours that night.

More about Jason:
Jason grew up in Upstate New York at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains where he still resides with his wife and high school sweetheart, Janice. They now have two married daughters, and two grandsons. Jason enjoys activities like kayaking with Janice, candle making, and restoring his antique MGB, a European sports car. The experiences he’s accumulated over the years with his first and only love, Janice, and then their wonderful children help him write of relationships. His college background in math and science inspire him when writing Sci-Fi and Paranormal.

He started his first unfinished book when he was seventeen and has had a few other starts before actually beginning a book that he eventually finished. That book still awaits publication but he’s moved on to other projects, including his new release, Dead Or A Lie, published by The Wild Rose Press . Jason enjoys writing of relationships, real science twisted enough to make a new world come to life, and things belonging to the realm of the paranormal.

Jason’s site: http://www.jasonbarret.com/
Purchase Dead or a Lie

Author Spotlight: Tamelia Tumlin, Paranormal Romance Author

Oh do I have a treat for you today.  Tamelia Tumlin dropped in to share some hot and fiesty vampires with you.  Welcome to my Author Spotlight segment, Tamelia.

Thank you for having me, Dayana. 

Okay, since it is the holiday season, I think I'd like to begin with the obvious question, what is your favorite holiday? And why?

This is an easy question! LOL. Christmas-hands down! I love everything about it. The lights, sounds, smells. the whole season is special to me. Somehow the spirit of giving has a way of turning any die-hard Scrooge into a holly, jolly elf. :)

I can't debate you there.  Isn't it strange how disaster and the holiday season bring out the best in people? I love the season because it's so festive bright and full of good will towards other and animals as well.  What made you decide to write?

I knew God gave everyone a special talent and I also knew I couldn't sing, dance, or act, but I could write stories about people falling in love so that's what I did. Now, it's addicting. Once I'm through with one story I can't wait to start on another one with two new characters and a boatload of trouble to work through. :)

Great answer and it is so true of me, as well.  You don't even want to hear me bellow out a tune! My mom used to beg me not to sing, especially when I had earphones on, LOL When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)

I write when I can. Day. Night. Holidays. But, I do my best writing at night when I know no one will be needing me for anything and I can concentrate on my hero and heroine.

When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

When I recieved my first e-mail from a fan. I thought, "Wow! I actually have a fan! Someone really likes my stories." I was so excited, I sent her a free copy of my latest book. From that point on I realized I actually was a writer.

That's wonderful, Tamelia.  Did I mention that fan was me???  LOL Just kidding:) Where do you write?

At home. Usually on the couch with my laptop. Sometimes with the TV on (low, of course) and sometimes with just music. I can’t write with complete silence. I have to have some kind of background noise. LOL.

Funny, I love quiet. Just the sounds of the environment around me. A siren in the distance, traffic faroff, the windchimes in my yard, a barking dog or classical music because its background.  Okay, that's what I like but most of the time the TV is blairing and my husband is channel surfing or the music is on surround sound and I do everything I can to hit the turn off switch.  Do you like to read? Where?

Everywhere. Home. Work. In waiting rooms etc. Right now I’m reading several of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas books.

I love Christmas stories, in fact, I made a promise to myself that this year I would catch as many of my favorites as possible. I love the movies and specials as well as holiday books/stories.

Now on to you. Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?

I’ve always loved vampires and I’ve read many of Amanda Ashley’s novels, so it only seemed natural to write about a deliciously sexy vampire and the woman who loves him. *grin*

Where do you go to think?

I do my best thinking when I’m driving. If I’m stuck on a plot point or character trait a good long drive helps me work through the problem.

Ooooh, I love long drives and yes they can be a great time to work out a plot issue or a strategy to move forward in a story. How do you come up with your title and main characters’ names?

I usually have a working title until the book is at lest 2/3 finished. By that point, I can use the overall theme to find a title which fits the whole book. As for the characters I do come up with their names first and work from there to build three-dimensional characters.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

I tend to fall a little bit in love with all of my heroes, but if I had to choose one I suppose it would be the crown-prince Luke from Her Royal Protégé’. He’s the bad boy ( a biker no less) with a surprisingly tender side and by the time the heroine is finished with him, he’s definitely royal material.

Oooh, he sound hot and an interesting read.  And I have to mention that I have read the below mentioned book, Seducing the Night. What a positively wonder vamp read. You want hot romance and a love that transcends time and all else, you will want to pick this one up.  Great read!

Links on where to buy my latest books.

Seducing the Night
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/seducing-the-night-p-3713.html

Rana Cartwright wanders into The Voodoo Den for one reason and one reason only. To seduce and kill the man she once loved. The only way she can save her son's life is to destroy the vampire who sired him. There's only one problem. She soon realizes that she never stopped loving the man she must destroy.

Alexandru Milkos has lived six long years of torment since turned by an elder vampire. He lost the only thing that ever mattered to him. His fiancée, Rana.

Now she's back. Though his love for her has never wavered, he senses she has a motive much deadlier than a simple reunion. However, what concerns him the most is the shameful secret he's harbored for the past six years. A secret that could turn Rana away from him forever, that is if he lives long enough for her to realize the truth

Home is Where the Heart Is

http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=624

An unexpected inheritance…

Jenna Wade was homeless, poor and orphaned as a child. Now as an adult she is desperately seeking stability and financial security. An unexpected inheritance promises to bring her the financial freedom she craves: until she reads the clause.

An unexpected love…

Temporarily confined to a wheel chair, Ridge Townsend's stubborn, self-reliant pride refuses to accept his new caregiver's help. He suspects Jenna is nothing more than a con artist who manipulated his mother into writing her into her will. Especially since Jenna maintains that she has never met his mother. With her caring nature and tender heart Jenna is slowly breaking down his defenses and finding a way into his heart. Then he asked her to do the unthinkable: give up her part of the inheritance. How can she choose between financial security and love?

Where to find Tamelia Tumlin:
http://www.tameliatumlin.webs.com/

Author Spotlight: Faith V. Smith, Paranormal Romance

Please welcome Faith V. Smith, creator of the Bound By Blood series and a dear friend of mine. I believe with her are a couple of very hunky Vamps to keep things interesting:)

Hello, Faith!

Hey, Dayana. Thanks for having me today. Can't wait to get started. Our last get together was such a hoot!

I know. It was a lot of fun and so steamy with those big vampire hunks you travel with, LOL I don't suppose they'll be joining us today, will they?

No, sorry. They had other obligations. To be honest, Dayana, I think we wore them out last time.

LOL That's a good possibility. Well, let's get started then...

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

Angry:When people don’t seem to listen, and when I can’t fix something myself.

Happy: I am happy when I’m peaceful.

Sad: Sad, well thinking of things I could have done that might have changed things.

Snoopy Dance: When the blessings come in from above.
When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

I don’t think I have a first moment. I’ve always thought I was a writer since I penned my first poem in my teens. If we had to define it, it would be when my first 3 songs I wrote were recorded.

Wow, Faith! You wrote songs and got them recorded? That's pretty impressive. What kind of songs?

Southern Gospel songs with soul and some where you just had to tap your feet.

Sounds fun and inspirational. What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I try to write stories that give hope, are full of sensuality, and make readers believe anything can happen.

Where did you get the inspiration for (your current book)?

A Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in Kansas City. The Vampire Ball that Heather Graham threw.

How many manuscripts had you written by the time you had your first publication?

3 full.

Do you have an upcoming release?

Dunbar’s Curse, the second book in the Bound By Blood, The Legends, my vampire series will be out March 19th 2010. Miles is a great character, and I love how he loves the heroine, Hope.

Where can we find your upcoming release? When will it be available?

The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and others. March 19th 2010.
Dunbar’s Curse, the second book in the Bound By Blood, The Legends, my vampire series will be out March 19th 2010.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

I think my first hero in my medieval. He’s not had his place in the limelight yet, but I’m hoping. So please don’t tell my vamp boys. They might get upset…lol.

Your secret is safe with me, no worries:) Now I think I'd like to hear a bit about your current release, Kensington's Soul. Zacke is one hot vamp. I know I've met him up close and personal:)

Vampires can be such sensual and titillating creatures when it comes to what they want or whom they want. It’s been my pleasure to tell one such vamp’s story in Kensington’s Soul, Book 1 of the Bound By Blood, The Legends series with The Wild Rose Press.


Zacke was an excellent vampire, hot, edgy, tormented and determined to protect the woman he loves while he tries to redeem his soul. In Dunbar’s Curse, Book 2 of the same series, Miles is a vamp also driven by emotions. He wants what he is sure he can’t have and when he gets it, he is frightened it will be snatched away.

Please enjoy a short blurb and excerpt. Zacke and Miles both will be here to field any questions from curious and intrigued readers.

A VAMPIRE WITH MORALS AND A DOCTOR WHO'S AFRAID OF MONSTERS.


Erotic dreams haunt Dr. Hope Morgan. The man who makes her burn with desire is only a figment of her imagination—or so she thinks until she meets him at a party. She fears she is losing her mind and flees the handsome stranger but finds she can’t seem to get him out of her heart.

Miles is over four hundred years old and a bit long in the fang department to fall in love. But when the child he rescues grows up into a beautiful and sensual woman, he can’t keep his heart or desire under control. When Hope’s life is in danger once again, he moves Heaven and Earth to protect her but wonders who will protect her from him.

Excerpt:

She stepped off the bottom step and almost tripped over an uneven patch of floor.

She aimed the beam of light at where the window should be. What on earth? A bookcase blocked out her expected light source. Miles was the only one who could have done that, but why would he?
The cold penetrated deeper, spurring Hope toward the furnace. Her foot caught on something soft but unyielding. She stumbled and ended up sitting on the something. Her hand recognized the contours of a mattress. A mattress that should have been stuffed in a corner, not lying out in the open.
Once again, she sent the light spiraling over the basement, but nothing else seemed out of place. She brought the beam back to shine on the mattress and a body.
Her heart beat triple time before she recognized the body resting on its side, a scant two feet from her hand. Miles! Why was he sleeping in the basement and not upstairs? Her hand reached out toward his arm. Should she wake him or let him sleep? Common sense won—he had to be freezing. He didn’t even have a sheet. This time her palm brushed his sleeve before she gently shook his shoulder.
A hand caught her wrist in a cruel grip.
She bit back a cry of pain.
A second later she was flat on her back—Miles’ face above hers. But not the face she loved. His eyes were so dark they were almost black. His beautiful lips were drawn back in a snarl. A snarl that revealed one-inch incisors. The hand that held her down sported claws.

Now sit back, enjoy, ask your questions, and have a good time!

Faith

BIO:

Faith started her journey to publication when she joined the Romance board at iVillage.com, where she has long since become a community leader. She has written book reviews for Bridges Magazine, MyShelf.com, and for the past six years, Romantic Times Book Reviews. She also pens a column for a local magazine. Her path veered into editing and marketing for a small press before she joined The Wild Rose Press staff. Her dream of having her own work published is a blessing and an honor. Faith resides in the south with her daughter Amanda, memories of her now angel husband Rick, and a special zoo crew of furry babies.


Please visit me at www.faithvsmith.com, www.faithvsmith.blogspot.com,
I’m also on Twitter! http://twitter.com/FaithVSmith
And visit my fan page on Face Book Access it through my blogspot.

Author Spotlight: M Flagg, paranormal romance

Please welcome Michelle Flagg a good friend and peer paranormal romance author. Her series is AWESOME! I've read Retribution! and look forward to the next book.

Thanks for having me here, Dayana. It’s always such a pleasure to visit with you.

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

I’m a left-handed Virgo who loves chocolate. That just about covers it! Been blessed with a wonderful family who brings happiness and joy to my life. I tend to snoopy dance a lot, and the only thing that truly ruffles my feathers are mean-spirited people. I don’t tolerate bullying, either in the classroom or out of it.

How many books have you written?

3 – Retribution! is my first release. Consequences is also contracted with TWRP, and Inheritance, Book 3, has not yet been queried. All are full-length novels.

What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used to gain visibility for you and your book(s)?

I’ve done pens, postcards – the usual. Also, I spread the word about my work on blogs, Facebook, and anywhere anyone will listen.

What are some unique methods?

Recently, I was interviewed on blog talk radio. Now that was a very strange feeling. Taking out ads, even short news releases to a local paper have worked really well. The latter led to a fantastic invitation for a book signing at a busy coffee house. I sold well over 30 copies of Retribution! I’ve been invited back there for a Halloween book signing, but this time, I’ll be joined by Noble Blood’s author, Linda J. Parisi. Two Black Roses in costume! I’m so looking forward to it J

Oh blog radio is strange. I had an interview with Paranormal Palace last year and was so nervous, but you know? The host was so warm and friendly we ended up talking like we were longtime friends. BTW I listened to your interview, Micky, and it was great:)

When do you write (daytime, nighttime, on your lunch hour, before the kids get up, after everyone is asleep? In large chunks of time or stolen snippets?)

My two children are in their 20’s, and I totally give kudos to authors with little ones around. I don’t believe I could have written one sane word while my two were small. I usually write on nights and weekends. Some Saturdays, I’m so involved in the characters that the day fades to black before I realize it. Being a teacher, snow days have me jumping for joy and raring to write. The ambiance of a blizzard just thrills me!

Now that is something I truly miss from my life in New Jersey. Snow days were always the best.

Do you write every day? Or when the muse strikes?

Nope – I’m strictly a ‘when the muse strikes’ kind of gal. I can edit most anytime, but the creative process of writing only happens when the muse makes an appearance.

Ditto, Micky. Me too!

Where do you write?

Ah, I love this question! There’s a small eating room at the back of my home. The table becomes a perfect desk, the view, an entire wall of window. My laptop faces open space full of greenery. There’s a really neat forest on my left. Deer, fox, groundhogs, bunnies, chipmunks, and various species of birds are often present. I love the feeling of solitude in the midst of Mother Nature when I write.

Oh that sounds wonderful. I am so jealous. I grew up venturing through forests and loving nature. I miss it. The flora and fauna is so different in the tropics.

Do you put pieces of yourself or your life in your stories?

Yes. I think most writers do. I also put pieces of my family’s lives in the characters as well.

Again, I tend to do the same thing. My first book a crime suspense has a lot of my father in it:)

What is your least favorite thing to do as an author?

Jeez, can’t I have more than one?? Making the query letter perfect, penning a thrilling synopsis, shameless self-promo… The uncomfortable tasks one must accomplish if we choose to entertain others with our creations. If it helps, writing the book is what I like best.

Tell us about your Hero. Do you have a favorite, if you’ve written multiple books?

Michael Malone is a tall, dark, and handsome vampire with moral conscience and tons of depth. Reclaiming his soul after 200 years of lusty kills changes him. Michael’s complex disposition makes him fun to write. His arrogance hides a very caring (but metaphorical) heart, and devotion to Alana, my heroine, never wavers.

As I've told you on numerous occasions, I love Michael and Alana. They are just amazing. And the strife they muddle through is so well written. All your characters are so very well fleshed out, I felt as if I knew each one of them. You guys really must read this book.

Are any of your characters modeled after people you know?

Bits and pieces of the good people in my life show up in each of my characters. Thorn, the empath who helps Michael, is a combination of three wonderful men that I have the pleasure of being related to. I love each one of them in a different way, and Thorn is a tribute to their persistence and importance to me.

What do you do for relaxation?

Very little. No lie… I’m wound pretty tight.

What TV shows do you watch? I never miss Bones, The Closer, or Mad Men. I’m a sucker for drama and complex characters.

Oohhh, I love Bones as everyone already knows.

What type of music do you favor?

Being a music teacher, I find different types of release in different genres. I’ll escape into my thoughts with Bach’s Cello Suites or anything Chopin. But I get equal satisfaction out of Santana, Janis Joplin, the Beatles, or Louis Armstrong.

Quite diverse taste, Mickey. I tend to do Alternative and Classical which totally on two different ends of the scale, LOL

Do you use music as a motivational source when writing?

Nope. Never. My head starts analyzing the piece and I slip into the musician and out of the writer. I prefer total silence when I write.

Fun question (possible blackmail material down the line, LOL) What is the most uncharacteristic thing you have ever done? Please, no censoring? I have no qualms about placing a content warning on my blog!

I gave up a tenured teaching position to study acting in London and traipse around Europe when I was 26. For five months, I lived without a plan, without a care in the world. Anyone who knows me will attest to that being the most uncharacteristic thing I have ever done!

It's been a pleasure having you here today, Micky. I look forward to reading Consequences and please do get Inheritance submitted, woman!

More about M. Flagg:

Mickey brings the joy of music to hundreds of students every week in an urban K-8 school. Named a Distinguished Music Educator at the 2009 Yale Music Symposium, she also accompanies a church choir on Sundays and writes paranormal romance. Retribution, her debut novel, was released in 2009. Book 2, Consequences, is also contracted with The Wild Rose Press. Living in northern NJ, she shares her home with her children, a rescued, bright-orange Main Coon who only bites her ankles, and a very sweet JRT who doesn’t know he’s a terrier. Her novels can be purchased at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ as well as various sites on the web. You can contact Mickey at http://www.mflagg-author.com/

Interview with Zacke Kensington, Hero of Kensington's Soul part of the Bound By Blood Series by Author Faith V. Smith

Please welcome Faith V. Smith, paranormal romance author and my good friend. She has brought a very special guest today. Take it, Faith:)

Morning everyone! I am so glad to be here with you today. I want to introduce to you a very dear friend of mine who is such a hottie! Detective Zacke Kensington on loan to us from the Savannah Police Department.

Morning Zacke, how are you?

Zacke: Doing great Faith and yourself?

Faith: Much better now that I’ve seen you again. Do you think you could tell everyone a bit about yourself?

Zacke: You already know I’m a detective but I’m also a former vampire. My story began in the late 1500’s and my life or after death in or around 1623 when Lady Gabriella Sanspree turned me into a fanged monster.

Faith: Oh dear, that sounds awfully painful.

Zacke: You cannot imagine the pain of my mortal death and rebirth as a vampire. I truly would not wish that on my worse enemy.

Faith: I completely understand. So what is this about being a former fang-toter? I thought once a vamp always a vamp.

Zacke: So did I. I’m still not sure what happened, but at the moment I’m as human as the next man.

Faith: Well, strictly speaking, I think you make most men look a tad inferior.

Zacke: Thank you… I think. My darling Miranda has told me, I’m a handsome man, but I’ll allow you to judge that for yourself when you read my story, the first novel in the Bound By Blood, The Legends called Kensington’s Soul.

Faith: It sounds interesting. So care to tell us a bit about the book?

Zacke: Within the pages you will discover what makes me tick, what angers me, and what and whom is important to me. There you will also have an up close and personal view of my love life. I’ve not always been a one-woman man, but with Miranda by my side, I find she is more than enough to keep me satisfied.

Faith: How romantic. So how did you two meet?

Zacke: I rescued her from a car jacking.

Faith: No wonder she fell in love with you. I don’t suppose you have any male siblings?

Zacke: No, sorry, Faith. I do have some male vampire friends, you ladies might be interested in.

Faith: I think we just might be, but let’s get back to you. What was the hardest thing about giving up being immortal?

Zacke: I think it would have to be the inability to read my wife’s thoughts. But there are times we both know what the other one is thinking.

Faith: Do tell. Maybe we shouldn’t go there or should we?

Zacke: I will say this, out of all the women I’ve made love to before and after I became a vampire, Miranda is the one woman who makes my knees weak.

Faith: That is so sweet. I just love it when a man admits he has an Achilles Heel. I take it Miranda is yours?

Zacke: Miranda is the light of my life. I would do anything to keep her safe even if it meant giving my own life for hers.

Faith: That kind of love is truly a blessed one. I’m sure Miranda feels the same way. Now, any news on your other male friends? What are they up to?

Zacke: Well I think I’ll let them tell you their own story. Miles Dunbar one of my oldest friends tale will be coming from The Wild Rose Press March 2010. From what I hear, Dunbar’s Curse, is going to be a nail bitter.

Faith: Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure to mark it on my calendar. I just want to tell you thank for being here today. May you always fight evil and win.

Zacke: Thank you and may you all be blessed with long life and good health, prosperity, and love.

More about Faith:

Faith started her journey to publication when she joined the Romance board at iVillage.com, where she has long since become a community leader. She has written book reviews for Bridges Magazine, MyShelf.com, and for the past six years, Romantic Times Book Reviews. She also pens a column for a local magazine. Her path veered into editing and marketing for a small press before she joined The Wild Rose Press staff. Her dream of having her own work published is a blessing and an honor. Faith resides in the south with her daughter Amanda, memories of her now angel husband Rick, and a special zoo crew of furry babies.

Visit her at www.faithvsmith.com
Books by Faith V. Smith
Beware What You Wish The Wild Rose Press
Kensington's Soul The Wild Rose Press
Dunbar's CurseThe Wild Rose Press/March 2010

Please welcome Lucien St. Albans, one SEXY vampire ~ Did I say that aloud? Oops...

Hello, Lucien. Whoa! is he hot! Welcome to my blog. I'm looking forward to hearing all about you. Winks and tosses hair. Why not start with a formal introduction, hmmmm? Moves just a bit closer.

Sure Dayana, and thank you for having me here today.

My names is Lucien St. Albans, and I am a vampire. In fact, I am Chief Councilor of the ruling council of our race, and I am the most powerful vampire in the world. That said, I should introduce myself further. I was born in Rome when Caesar ruled and Centurions marched. I was in the crowd when Jesus was crucified. Over the centuries, I have been many things and am at the moment a lecturer in Medieval History at Oxford. Evening classes of course.

What I haven’t been is the main character in one of Linda Nightingale’s books. She and I are both enthralled by our handsome pianist Morgan D’Arcy, but he has his own novel, and he has been in love with his Isabeau since she screamed her first breath. I am the villain in Sinners Opera. I admit that I play the villain quite well.

She gave me free rein in Black Swan, her—how does she describe it?—oh, yes, a spicy vampire story. Ladies, I’m the spice. I had Carol on go until Tristan returned from his hiatus in America.

Do you know what Black Swans are? Shaking my head no. Mortals who willingly submit to us to enjoy the euphoria of the Kiss.


Since mind-reading is one of our powers, I know that people have asked her to write my book. Perhaps, if I charm you, she’ll be persuaded to do so. She has the title for another Morgan novel. I am a supporting actor in Morning of the Night. Since people are so visual in today’s world, I have included a photo.

Excerpt from Black Swan:
Carol looked up, halted, gripping the rail. She’d never seen the godlike creature standing regally at the top of the stairs, one long, elegant hand resting on the head of a stone lion. He radiated power—and arrogance. Straight, thick hair, black and soft as the country night, washed over his shoulders. He was so intense, so handsome that the people greeting him faded to ghosts. Lisa captured her hand to pull her along. When they mounted the step beside him, black eyes captured Carol's and, in one fluttering heartbeat, the stranger had taken the measure of her soul. He didn’t smile or hold her gaze long enough to mesmerize, yet Carol felt wobbly on her feet—and enthralled. For a moment, she actually forgot Tristan.

Like an incubus, shall I invade your dreams? Shakes head yes.

I shall leave you with one request. Convince Linda to write my book.
Mumbles, "okay."

Most sincerely yours,
Lucien

PS. Visit Linda’s web site: http://www.lindanightingale.com. From the free story, Vampire Hunt, please answer this question for a chance to win a Black Swan coffee mug. What is Morgan’s manservant’s name?

More about Linda Nightingale:

Linda loves piano, horses, sports cars and the ocean. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Houston Symphony League and organizes the Orchestra Luncheons for the staff and orchestra. Of course, she is addicted to reading and writing! She has won several awards including the Georgia Romance Writers Magnolia Award, and she was a semi-finalist in the first Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest.

Here's Mickey! Please welcome Parnormal Romance Author, M Flagg:)

Hi, Mickey! Thanks so much for coming over to blog today. I read Retribution! and got totally lost in Michael and Alana's struggle to come to terms with the purest love possible. An amazing story of selflessness and true worshipful love between two people. Michael is the true Champion over the darkness.

Hi, Dayana. I am so happy you enjoyed Retribution! and thank you for your kind words. I'd like to discuss how at times life-memory ends up on the page.

Have you ever written a scene with one particular item stuck in your mind? For me, it was cherry cheesecake—with chocolate cookie crust. Just to be clear, chocolate goes with everything under the sun. But you need to be clever and a bit sneaky.
Let me not digress too far. While writing Retribution! an off-beat mini-vision hammered at my brain. This set up the “big rescue” scene. Why cherry cheesecake? The thought had come out of nowhere to steal my attention. But before snappy dialogue filled the page, I sat back, let a memory play out.

Growing up, food had a starring role in our family. Check out some old movies, like “Moonstruck” and the hilariously sweet “Fatso” with Dom DeLouise if you have any doubts. My Mother was Italian, and most of those characters could have been relatives. Every holiday meant multiple courses that took hours to eat through. It was a ritual. Peasant dishes, nothing fancy, graced the family table. Once married, our home became the gathering place. Plan for eight but be ready to serve eighteen. My sister helped with the cooking. Since I loved to bake my most memorable part of any meal was dessert. One Easter, a friend who was preparing for Passover suggested I make a cheesecake. Hmm… Dare I shake up tradition?

Had there ever been a homemade cheesecake at our dinner table? Fresh ravioli or melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, zucchini cake or biscotti could be found, but cheesecake? Never. Cheese is cheese. Cake is cake. Nothing “cheese” goes well with perked coffee after a meal. For decades, the family’s iced Italian cookie recipe ruled our dessert menu. My mother and her favorite sister could whip them up with their eyes closed and bake enough to feed several city blocks. But a scrumptious cheesecake topped with cherries?

Never!

Fear crept into my fingers while I cracked the eggs. This recipe wasn’t engraved on my grandmother’s mind when she came to America’s shores. My aunts, 10 just on my mother’s side, often withheld one special something. This recipe didn’t look like it had that infamous wiggle room. So goes another tradition.

Cheesecake had to be precise or it cracked and crumbled! Could there be a patron saint of cheesecake? No such luck… I’d be doing this alone. Carefully measured ingredients went in without an extra dollop of this or that. Just to be authentically ethnic I hand smashed chocolate cookies into a thick crust. Two pans baked side by side—with love and a litany of prayers. Only one had a huge crevice running through the center. Potholders wedged the oven door ajar for an excruciating hour. Heavenly aromas of vanilla and cream cheese wafted through every room.


Eventually, fresh berries drowned in store-bought cherry filling topped them off. I whipped up six dozen Italian cookies just in case.

No pun intended, but success was sweet. Full of pride, my mother took two pieces home.

That’s why I had to make cherry cheesecake part of my first novel. It would surreptitiously spark a hero’s rescue. Perhaps I not only craved that particular confection. Perhaps I wanted my mother and her favorite sister with me once again.
Real-life shapes the writing process. So do memories. Whether we create paranormal fantasy or inspirational romance, who we are appears on the written page. Do you agree? If so, will you share a memory that crept across your page?

One poster will receive a copy of Retribution! The Champion Chronicles: Book 1. And of course, you can find the family cookie recipe at http://www.mflagg.blogspot.com

Retribution! Excerpt
Night Shift

“You did good, Phil, and half the night’s over.” Denny Kim laughed. “Jeez, for all that fluff in your head, you really got this down faster than even Big J did—and he’s one hell of a smart guy!”
“Thanks a whole bunch, Mr. Kim,” Philip said with a huge grin. “I went home and my friend helped me study. We just moved to this fab condo in Fort Lee. Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you a slice of cherry cheesecake.” He pointed to the plastic container on Denny’s desk.
Denny scratched his head. “It’s my favorite. Isn’t that something?”
Denny ate it at 3 a.m., got up from his desk, and Philip caught him before he hit the floor, down for the count. At the same time, the “temporary” security supervisor checked his watch. At 3:15 there’d be a pre-recorded CD confirming that everything had been routine during the dead man’s shift. Philip would only have three minutes before the back-up alarm showed an elevator door open.
Philip ran down the cell list on the clipboard, charting statuses and times until he got to Number 5027. Next to “Second Rotation” he noted: Rapid Deterioration. He replaced the clipboard on the desk and got the metal gurney. After unsealing 5027, the ex-Guardian lifted Michael onto it and wheeled it down the hall.
As the elevator reached “Loading Dock”, he placed a piece of duct tape over the motion sensor. When the doors opened, he started the countdown.

Short bio: Mickey spends her days bringing the joy of music to hundreds of children. She has recently been named a Distinguished Music Educator at the 2009 Yale University Symposium on Music in Schools. The itch to write a paranormal novel occurred while finishing her second masters, a degree in Educational Leadership. The journey to publication led her to The Wild Rose Press where a talented editor, Callie Lynn Wolfe, entitled her series: The Champion Chronicles. Consequences, Book 2 continues Michael Malone's road to redemption. Learning more about the craft of good story-telling each day, Mickey is putting the final touches on Book 3, Inheritance.

Thanks so much for having me today, Dayana. It's always a pleasure to visit with you. I'll be checking back after a morning of summer school antics. Now that's a whole 'nother story completely!!

Good Morning! Great News!

Faith will be hanging in a bit longer and drawing a lucky winner who will receive a free download of her book, Kensington's Soul, today! So come on out and get involved. I know there are many vamp loving lurkers out there. Why not join in the conversation.

If you haven't read this book, you have no idea what your missing:) For all the dirt and details, see Faith's post and the ensuing conversation below.

D~

Vampire or Myth?

Good Morning!

I found this interesting piece on AOL News last night. Check it out:)
VAMPIRE REMAINS FOUND IN MASS GRAVE
March 9) - A skeleton excavated from a 16th century Venetian grave site may be the earliest example discovered of a body being treated at the time of its burial as a vampire.
A small brick deliberately lodged in the mouth of a dead woman is a key link to vampire legend, reports NewsScientist.com. The "vampire tomb" was unearthed by archaeologist Matteo Borrini on Lazzaretto Nuovo Island, in a mass grave of victims of Venice's 1576 plague.

During the Middle Ages, many believed that the plague, or "Black Death," was caused by "vampires" chewing on their shrouds after death. According to Borrini, grave-diggers put bricks in the mouths of suspected vampires to stop them from spreading the disease this way.
Borrini, of the University of Florence in Italy, says that the partial corpse he exhumed offers the earliest "exorcism evidence against vampires" to have been forensically examined.
NewsScientist reports that this claim is disputed by at least one other: Peer Moore-Jansen of Wichita State University in Kansas says he has found similar skeletons in Poland and that while Borrini's finding is exciting, "claiming it as the first vampire is a little ridiculous."

To check out the complete article and some images of this particular find follow the below link:

Vampire in mass grave

Please welcome Linda Nightingale, Author, Paranormal Romance

Hullo, I'm Carol, and I am a Black Swan. Sounds like an addiction, doesn't it? But we don't have meetings or go on the wagon.

And we don't confess our sins!

From the trailer, you'll gather that Black Swans are treated to rather special pleasures. While Tristan is off in America trying to find himself, I'm attempting to forget him with other handsome members of his species. A girl can get spoiled to the best, and vampires are the best in every respect—sensuality and sexuality but fidelity isn't high on their list of priorities—unless you snag his heart. I really shouldn't be revealing these secrets, or breaking the Pact as they call it, but you won't tell, will you? Our story released yesterday from The Wild Rose Press. Please join me in falling in lust—and in love.

A friend who doesn't read paranormal romance, horror or fantasy asked me how I "came up with these stories." I begin with one character who then tells me his/her story, and the journey can sometimes be a wild ride. (I've thrown away a lot of pages getting to know the character). I have written four full length book manuscripts and several short stories. In each instance, it is the same. In Sinners Opera, the hero Morgan D'Arcy manifested full-blown as if I'd known him from the past. In Cardinal Desires, Katy McCaully, a forensic psychiatrist, was the first to speak then her vampire lover, Sterling Fox spoke up. Both Sinners Opera and Cardinal Desires, which was a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest and a Maggie winner, are spicy vampire novels. But in my latest effort, I, Azazel, a fallen angel decided to take center stage.

Black Swan started as two "companion" stories, Tristan's quest for self and Carol's adventures in the night. When I sent the two stories to The Wild Rose Press, the Mistress of Darkness herself, Callie Lynn Wolfe, told me that what I'd submitted was two parts to one story. She was right, of course. I combined them, added a little more love than lust (or maybe a bit more of both) and Black Swan, with Callie as midwife/editor, was born.

As if we had given birth to our stories, we love each of them, and like children, for different qualities. I love Black Swan because I enjoyed toying with the idea of a vampire being true to one woman, when the kiss is such an intimate act. If a man sets about seducing a woman in order to drain her blood, is this overstepping the bounds of fidelity? That, I suppose, would depend on whether the vampire, male or female, saw the object of bloodlust as merely food. In my mythos, the line between bloodlust and carnal lust blurs. It is difficult for my vampires to separate the two overwhelming sensations. So they face a huge problem being monogamous.

If seduction is part of the blood bargain, can a vampire be true? Any thoughts?

Contest: Answer this question from the story and win a Black Swan coffee mug. What kind of car does Tristan drive? The winner must leave an email addy so that I can contact her/him for a snail mail address.

To purchase Black Swan please click below link:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/black-swan-p-1164.html?zenid=a92814a9715df6c03859aa2000af4bd5



Visit me at:
http://www.lindanightingale.com
http://pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com

Eternal Obsession release is tomorrow! And Curse of the Marhime is available in print this month!!!

I am very excited about my newest release tomorrow, Friday, December 12th, Eternal Obsession which is my debut erotic story at The Wild Rose Press' Wilder side.

Also, Curse of the Marhime is available in print this month!

And more exciting news! It's party time! Catherine Bybee has invited me over to her blog for a visit. Please drop by and check us out at http://catherinebybee.blogspot.com/. I will give away a free download of Eternal Obsession to one lucky person who drops in and comments on Catherine's blog during my visit. I will draw the winner on Sunday night.

Blurb:

Life is precious or so we are told. But what of love? How can one distinguish between immortal love and mortal life? Tia must discover which is more important, for her lover walks the night and has given her a choice only she can make. Will she consent to be 'turned' or will she watch her love and life walk away forever?

Andres maddened a witch long ago when he refused to return her attraction. He is now doomed to wander the night for all eternity, feeding upon the elixir of life and forever alone, that is until he finds Tia, but he will not sway his love's decision. She must consent to be his of her own accord or he will walk forever out of her life.

Is love and lust strong enough to bind them for all time or is eternal obsession all they will ever share?

Look forward to seeing you over at Catherine's blog! Don't forget that if you post a comment you are eligible to win a free download of Eternal Obsession.

Dayana~

Today's Guest is Faith V. Smith, Author of Beware What You Wish, A top five English Tea Rose Release and then there's Kensington's Soul...ooh la la:)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to write. I did try my hand at it many times, even submitting something when I was a pre-teen. Graciously, the company did not reply to my pencil scribbling. I have scads of poems saved somewhere in the house, and I cannot tell you the times I have allowed my imagination to direct me into acting the heroine of a television show. Yes, even way back then, I made up lines of fantasy.

After getting married, having a child of my own, I still kept that idea in the back of my head. Finally, I begin to get serious, I wrote fifteen pages of a medieval and then got sidetracked. When I started back, I changed sub-genres and turned out almost three chapters of a contemporary. Then I quit. Life interfered; I went back to school, lost my mother and nephew in the arms of death and just tried to get through one day at a time.

Around 1999, I took the plunge and bought a computer. I had no clue as to how to set it up. A fellow DJ at the station I worked with got me up and running on the internet. Worlds began to open up. I found ivillage.com, their reading and writing boards. From there, I was blessed to meet the talented owner of a newly founded review magazine. After that, I became a reviewer for Romantic Times and other publications.


I realized that if I was to ever be published, I had to get serious. I finished the medieval, entered a contest and NO, I didn't win, but I found I also didn't fall apart too badly when it came to rejection. A good thing, because I had several rejections before I entered the Behind The Garden Gate contest at The Wild Rose Press in 2007. I entered under my real name and the name I write under not my editorial name with them. Again, I did not win but was asked to resubmit with a new portal for the time travel. I was over the moon when they contracted Beware What You Wish in January of this year and which is now available at TWRP..

Still reeling from the shock, I found out the first of March, that my vampire tale, Kensington's Soul also had been contracted. The first of my vampire series is close to my heart. My husband, who I lost in 2006, helped me research some of the sights of Savannah where KS takes place. Although it took me several decades to realize my dream it did happen.


My words to anyone out there who is sure they will fail, is you can only fail if you don't try. A rejection can be so beneficial to getting your work up to snuff and when it does happen then it will be worth all the agony of first, second and several defeats.

Write from your heart and soul!

Faith

Please Welcome Linda Nightingale, Author of Black Swan Coming Soon at The Wild Rose Press.

So you wish to become a Black Swan?

Then please allow me to introduce you to darkness. My name is Lucien St. Albans and I am, quite simply, the most powerful vampire in the world. I am Chief Councilor of Les Elus, the ruling body of our kind. I very rarely partake of Black Swan offerings but you, my dear, are different. You spark my imagination…and other things.

Brush your hair back off your neck. Close your eyes. Excellent, your heartbeat has segued to my slower beat and you wear the scent of arousal as well as a healthy fear.

There will be a little sting as my fangs enter the vein—pain is part of pleasure—then only bliss. If we were to have sex, which we won't tonight, I would give you my blood as I took yours and we would see satisfaction from both sides of the mirror—male and female. I would feel your excitement and you would feel my need until the mirror shattered.

But for now I'll take my kiss on your smooth, satin wrist. Don't be afraid. Look into my eyes. Yes, they are red. Red is the color of passion.

Beneath your sweater, your nipples have peaked. With my mouth locked to your wrist, you writhe from pentacle to pentacle of pleasure, and other than my lips, I have not touched you.

When you scream in ecstasy and I have drunk my fill, I will release you.

"Oh my God." Breathless, you cling to me. "I—oh—I…"

That is what it means to be a Black Swan.

Vampires can make the claim, "I'm always up for it," and make good the promise. Before the night is over, if you are a very good girl, I'll introduce you to my friends Morgan and Tristan. We could get into you.

Sign up sheets are available in the foyer by the fountain. I'm joking—you've already joined this select society.


I try to find a "representative" of my characters. The photo is how I imagine Lucien.


Black Swan, coming February 25, 2009, from The Wild Rose Press:
Suffering from a broken marriage, Carol Langston meets Tristan McLaghlan at a Black Swan party. Black Swans are mortals who willingly barter blood for the sensual ecstasy and euphoria vampires give in return. To Carol, this looks like the real thing until her handsome vampire runs away from her and his true nature. Separated by miles, divided across two species, can their love survive?

Bio:

In high school, my favorite teacher allowed me to write stories instead of book reports. Like other teenagers, I wrote dark, soul-searching poetry. When I showed my literary jewels to an editor at the local newspaper, the erudite critic shattered my dreams and put my writing career on hold for over 20 years. In the interim, I bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses. My magnificent stallion Bonito was twice national champion and won countless under saddle classes. I've seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a Dodge Ram truck towing my horse trailer.

I have two marvelous sons. I'm a legal assistant, love fast cars, pianos and men with long blonde hair!

My work has won several unpublished awards including the Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award, and Cardinal Desires was a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest.

Me on the half shell.

Please answer the following question to win a customized Black Swan mug: Who stars as the Earl of Rochester in the wonderful movie The Libertine? First correct answer in the comments wins. Be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact the winner.

http://www.lindanightingale.com
http://www.thewildrosepress.com