Sunday, January 28, 2018

A Lover from her Past #WeWriWa #8Sunday #excerpt


The Weekend Writing Warriors hosts a group of writers who share excerpts of their published works or works-in-progress every Sunday for reader's enjoyment. Please, be sure to check out the other writers in this group. You might find your next great read!

In my last #WeWrWa excerpt, I introduced readers to Arianne. You can read that here. This week, we continue with that scene where Arianne identifies the mysterious voice that intrudes on her solitude.

Excerpt:

“What makes you think to find it here?”

Now she heard it, what she should have been on guard for earlier; the crunch of sand under boot. He
walked with slow, measured steps. She refused to leap to her feet to face him. He had caught her unawares.

She’d not let it happen again.

“Because, Love, you are here.”

She inhaled sharply and held her breath for several long seconds.

Marco.

If you'd like to read more:



Captain Marco Dante was captured and sentenced to hang two years ago, but he escaped before his punishment was carried out. Now he's come back to the woman whose memory kept him alive those long months in prison. Arianne had been his grand passion, but he failed to see how much she meant to him until it was too late. Can he recapture her heart? Or has he lost her forever?

Ariann never imagined she'd see her notorious pirate lover again. Though her heart sings with joy at his return, she knows he hasn't come back for her but for the treasure he left behind. She agrees to help him find it, but can her heart withstand one more adventure with him?




Check out these other Weekend Writing Warriors!



I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!
Happy Reading!
Tricia

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Second Chance Career #MFRWAuthor #writinglife


Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2018 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.


Week 1"What would I do if I couldn't be a writer"

This is a question that I need to answer soon since my personal life is currently facing upheaval. I love writing and I will continue to write, but the household bills will not wait for my books to become bestsellers. This is the first year since I became published, that I am looking to find a "real" job as my husband likes to say. I have four children who are growing out of their clothes faster than the seasons allow and they keep eating all of the food in the house! It's getting more difficult to stretch the dollars we have to allow me to stay at home to raise my kids and to write in the little free time that I can find.

Which brings me to this week's question.

In my heart, I know the answer because I've already done it.

I'd be a bookseller.

I worked as a bookseller and Assistant Manager at Waldenbooks for 12 years. I started at one of the stores as a Seasonal Part-time Bookseller. I worked at the Day-by-Day Calendar stand that Walden's used to run, selling calendars from September to January. A few months later, I discovered one of the other Waldenbooks in my area was hiring, so I applied there. Thanks to my previous job and the high praise of my co-workers, I became a Part-time Bookseller in that store. It was challenging and exciting. I loved it! So much that I quit my other job working as a seamstress to become a Full-time Bookseller. It didn't take long before I was promoted to Assistant Manager. I knew then that this was the career (other than writing) that was perfectly suited to me. I learned so much about the publishing industry while working at this job which helped with my writing career. The Manager in my store and I got along famously and we had a marvelous crew of booksellers who have become like family to me (we still get together for coffee and other outings). It was my goal during those years that when my Manager eventually got promoted to District Manager (which was her goal), then I would become Manager of our little store and work there until retirement.

Sadly, my bookselling career was cut short as Borders, a sister company of Waldenbooks, went bankrupt. Within 2 years, all of the Waldens and Borders stores were closed and all of their wonderful employees were out of jobs.

I discovered a month before the bookstore closed that I was pregnant. After a lengthy conversation with my husband, we decided that I would become a stay-at-home mom, raising our 2 little boys and soon-to-be daughter while I pursued my writing career and he would continue to work to pay the bills. Later that year, my first book, The Witch and the Wolf, was published by The Wild Rose Press.

But, raising a growing family (we now have 4 children) and my husband's ill health has taken its toll on our finances and I don't have the time or support to write more books faster. I need to look elsewhere for money.

But, with no bookstore in my county (the nearest Barnes & Noble is an hour away), I'm not sure what kind of work I might enjoy that brings a decent paycheck home. I'm looking for suggestions if anyone has any. This is a situation that is both unexpected and daunting, but I know I will persevere. And no matter what happens, my readers will never need fear. I will continue to write. I've found the time to write while raising a busy family, and I will continue to squeeze time in with an outside job, too. Hopefully, my readers will be patient with me as I try to figure out what to do with my life.

 Be sure to visit the posts for the MFRW's Blog Challenge!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

Happy Reading!
Tricia

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Pouring Heart & Soul into Stories #MFRWAuthor #writing


Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2018 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.


Week 1"How much of myself is in my writing"

When I first began writing, I poured my entire soul into my story. I was 15 when I wrote my first novel. The story was from a dream I'd had and although I gave the main character a different name, she was basically me. Mostly, everything about her was me. I also used writing as therapy. Well, I still do! But, I was an emotional mess as a teenager, dealing with my mother's death and my father's abandonment. I had no one to help me deal with any of that trauma, so I wrote about it. I'd create a character and throw all of my life's problems at her and see how she'd deal with it. Those stories often ended with happily-ever-after because that's what I desperately wanted for myself. In doing so, I think that's part of what made me fall in love with the romance genre. There is so much sadness and grief in real life. When I read fiction, I wanted to know for certain that the characters I invest my time in are going to have a satisfying end.

As my writing skills have grown, the amount of myself has lessened somewhat as I explore other elements and possibilities of the world, but my heart and soul is still in there woven between the scenes and characters. It's rather unavoidable, I think, for a writer to put something of him/herself into their writing.

The Merriweather Witches are a result of my love for the world of the paranormal. The 1960's TV drama, Dark Shadows, introduced me to vampires, witches, werewolves and many other supernatural creatures that ignited my imagination as a young child. That fascination grew and continues to grow to this day. So far, in my stories I have written of witches, werewolves, vampires, necromancers, and demons. Those are just in my published stories. I've just submitted an alien romance for a submission call and I'm in the process of writing a romance set in a world filled with zombies.

My other obsession is history. Dark Shadows might also have influenced me with history. There was time travel in that show, too, where they went back to Colonial and Victorian times. Although I have many favorite time periods, I've become fascinated with the Regency era and everything to do with pirates. This is also revealed in my writing. My newest pirate romance, To Kiss a Pirate, will be published in Pirates: A Boys Behaving Badly anthology coming out on February 27, 2018. 

Sunday, January 14, 2018

A Voice from the Past #WeWriWa #8Sunday #excerpt


The Weekend Writing Warriors hosts a group of writers who share excerpts of their published works or works-in-progress every Sunday for reader's enjoyment. Please, be sure to check out the other writers in this group. You might find your next great read!

It's been quite a while since I joined the Weekend Writing Warriors. But, its a brand New Year and I have new books, and new sentences to share with readers. I hope you'll enjoy!

This short excerpt comes from my historical romance, The Pirate's Lady, where a voice from the past intrudes upon Arianne's solitude.

Excerpt:

“I’ve come for what’s mine.”

The voice came from behind. She hadn’t heard footsteps approach. The rolling waves crashing on the
shore and the stars twinkling in a black velvet sky had lulled Arianne into a dreamy trance. Her back stiffened at the sound of the voice. She tried to estimate how far away he stood from her position kneeling in the sand without turning to see.

Only a few steps she reckoned. Her hand crept to the sword on her belt. She gripped the handle, comforted by the leather covering the sturdy carved wood. The blade was sharp and deadly.


If you'd like to read more:



Captain Marco Dante was captured and sentenced to hang two years ago, but he escaped before his punishment was carried out. Now he's come back to the woman whose memory kept him alive those long months in prison. Arianne had been his grand passion, but he failed to see how much she meant to him until it was too late. Can he recapture her heart? Or has he lost her forever?

Ariann never imagined she'd see her notorious pirate lover again. Though her heart sings with joy at his return, she knows he hasn't come back for her but for the treasure he left behind. She agrees to help him find it, but can her heart withstand one more adventure with him?




Check out these other Weekend Writing Warriors!



I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!
Happy Reading!
Tricia

Thursday, January 11, 2018

My Earliest Memories #MFRWAuthor #childhood


Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2018 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.


Week 1"My earliest memory"

I have a lot of memories of my childhood where I really don't know how old I was, so it's difficult to say what my earliest memory could be, but I was 2 years-old when my brother was born and I remember my mom and dad coming home with him as a baby. I have a clear memory of thinking that my parents brought me a baby doll. I was excited to have a new toy. I was at my grandparent's house (I probably stayed there while my mom was in the hospital), and I recall them walking in carrying a bundle wrapped in blankets. My mom sat beside me to show me my new brother. Yes, I thought, definitely a new doll to play with. And, I suppose, I was partially right. I have many, many memories of the games my brother and I played together. I was lucky to have a wonderful and happy childhood. 

I also have a few precious memories of my grandfather. He died shortly after my brother was born. I wasn't quite 3 years-old when my grandfather passed away. One time, I remember walking into my grandparents house, having to lift my legs really high to step up the porch stairs to their front door. I was in front of my mom and dad who helped me open the door. And there my Pappap Bud as I called him, was sitting in a chair by the window. He leaned over as he heard the door open. As soon as he saw me, his face lit into a bright smile. I loved that smile! He slid off the chair and greeted me on the floor with a hug.

Years later, I mentioned this memory to my grandmother. She always sat at the chair by the window and it became known as Nana's chair. I told her that I remember Pappap Bud sitting there and wondered why he'd be sitting in her chair. She told me, of course, it was his chair back then. I realized at that moment, that memory wasn't something I had created about my grandfather. It was real. I had only been 2 years-old!

I remember my grandfather's funeral, too. Well, not the funeral exactly, but the viewing. My father was carrying me in a room full of people who were all dressed up. I was wearing a dress, too. I saw my Pappap Bud sleeping in a box. I wanted him to wake up so he could play with me. But, he didn't.

Another memory of my grandfather has confused me for most of my life. I'm not even sure if it was a memory or a dream. I hadn't seen my Pappap Bud in a while and I missed him. I was in my grandparents house when I saw him in the dining room. I chased him, wanting to play with him. He went upstairs, so I followed. He wanted me to follow him, because he kept looking back at me and waving for me to keep going. When I reached the top of the stairs, he had disappeared. I walked down the hallway to find him in my grandmother's bedroom. He was sitting on the floor with a brown puppy dog stuffed animal toy. He handed it to me. Then he went on to say that he loved me very much and wanted me to be a good girl. I promised him that I would.

That was the last time I remember seeing him. The thing about this memory that has trouble me is that I have the distinct impression that this memory occurred after he died. I remember being so happy to see him because I hadn't seen him for a while and I missed him so much. I told my grandmother about it years later, probably when I asked her about the chair. When I mentioned the brown puppy dog toy, she told me that my Pappap Bud had given me that stuffed animal. At that point, I was older and had no idea the stuffed animal was from him. It was one of my favorites, though, and I kept it on my bed all the time. For some reason, I got chills when she told me this. Was this a memory or a dream? Or had he come back to say good-bye?

My family has some interesting stories about my grandparents house. Strange noises. Things moving when no one was there. I had my own share of experiences there. My grandmother said the house was haunted, but everyone who had died there was from our family, so there was no reason to be frightened of anything otherworldly. And, I was comforted by that. I lived in that house on and off when I was young while my parents tried to find a house of their own and then again when I was a young adult. I've never felt more safe or loved than when I was in that house. And I think its because the ghosts of my family were always watching over me. I hope they still are. 

Since I'm posting today (Jan. 11), I'd like to mention that today is my mother's birthday. If she had lived, she would've been 60 years-old. I try to imagine her as an older woman, but its a difficult thing. She's forever 31 in my mind. She passed away when I was 11. She graduated from college (Summa cum laude) and achieved her dream of becoming a teacher. A year later, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Four months after that she was gone. Words cannot express how much I miss her. I cherish every single memory I have of her and I wish I had more. Sadly, I best remember the many days she was in the hospital before she died. I remember the very last time I spoke to her. The very last time I saw her alive. These memories are difficult, but I cherish each one because I'll never have new memories of her. 

Mom, I love you!

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Pre-Order Pirates: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology #Kindle #Nook

Now Available to Pre-Order!

Looking to add a little heat to your cold winter nights? This collections of hot romantic stories might be just what you need! 

Pirates: A Boys Behaving Badly Anthology 

Sail on the high seas or into uncharted galaxies! When it comes to love...pirates risk all!

Delilah's next delectable anthology is filled with roguish pirates! Readers who crave adventures set on the high seas - or in deep space - will find plenty of sexy bad boys, naughty alpha males unafraid to risk life and limb for treasure - or a lucky lover's heart!

Just a few of the titillating stories inside... 

In "The Treasure of Devil's Crag" by Lisa Fox, two rival pirate captains seeking the same treasure, discover the competition isn't the only thing that heats up between them. A modern day pirate boards a yacht seeking revenge and captures a runaway bride who tempts him in ways he's never experienced in January George's "Captive Desire." In T.D. Rudolph's "Lust in Space", a space criminal teams up with a fearless vamp to steal a cache of titanium - from the dark side of the moon. In "Full Fathom Five" by Rhidian Brenig Jones, a pirate captain, forced to give a disgraced young surgeon a berth, discovers a rich treasure in the other man's arms. And this is just a hint at the sexy stories inside this satisfying volume. 

These pirates will pillage and plunder their way into your hearts! 

This book includes stories written by: Alicia Aringdale, Lizzie Ashworth, Winter Blair, C. Marie Bowen, Genevive Chamblee, Delilah Devlin, Alyssa Drake, Jayce Ellis, Lisa Fox, January George, Downey Greene, Rhidian Brenig Jones, M. Marie, Joyce Palmer, T.D. Rudolph, Tricia Schneider, Lana Sloan, and Augustina Van Hoven 






Saturday, January 6, 2018

New Release: Heroines & Hellions #UrbanFantasy #Fantasy


Here's a New Release you're not going to want to miss! And its only $0.99 for a limited time so hurry and grab your copy! 


NO DAMSELS ALLOWED!

22 Kickass Heroines.
22 Exclusive Urban Fantasy and Fantasy Novels.
0 Damsels in Distress.

Do you like your leading ladies to save the day...or raze it?

No matter which you prefer, this set is brimming with 20 magical stories (many BRAND NEW) told by some of the leading voices of urban fantasy and fantasy in the industry, including several New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors!

If you want strong female leads who strike back against the captivating worlds of vampires, elementals, fiends, and paranormal monsters, then you're ready to charge into the adventures of HEROINES & HELLIONS, a pure Urban Fantasy/Fantasy collection!

Grab your stake, silver bullets, and your limited edition copy of HEROINES & HELLIONS today!

The Authors:

Margo Bond Collins & Erin Hayes, Monica Corwin, Melanie Karsak, Bec McMaster, Heather Marie Adkins, Jade Kerrion, SJ Davis, Rene Folsom, Michelle Hercules, LJ Andrews, Louisa Klein, Mell Amade, Ashley C. Harris, Kim Cleary, Maria Monroe, Christina Walker, Alex Owens, D.D. Miers, Gina A. Watson, Ash Krafton, Elise Marion, Carly Fall


Here's a taste of what you'll find in this collection of books: 


Takin' It Back by Ash Krafton

Twenty-year-old Aerie works for her father's magical supply shop, but it's a job she hates: she's the repo man. She'd much rather be the store's new Aquisitioner but Dad says it’s a job for someone who finds things, not loses them. Totally unfair, since the only thing she ever really lost was some crummy old book when she was a kid. Even more unfair is that he's considering her worst enemy for the job. When she finds a file on a mysterious amulet, she sees the perfect opportunity to prove her worth to her dad and takes off after it.

Collateral recovery is a nasty business. What makes repossession even nastier is when the collateral possesses you. Sure, demonic possession comes in handy when getting out of speeding tickets or facing off with one's nemesis, but no one flirts with damnation without being tainted. And if that doesn't suck enough, it turns out the spirit in the amulet belongs to your mother. Your nagging, dissatisfied, know-it-all, thank-God-she's-gone mother. 

Thursday, January 4, 2018

My Favorite Story #MFRWAuthor #writing



Blogging is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers. Despite being writers, blogging is an entirely different style of writing and often stumps us. To help our authors blog consistently, thoughtfully and with purpose, Marketing for Romance Writers is announcing the 2018 Blog Challenge. Each week, authors use our writing prompt to create a meaningful blog post. We'll be posting every Friday... join us as often as possible.


Week 1"Favorite thing I've written, and why"

I've heard many authors say that their favorite book is the one they're currently writing. Before I became published, I couldn't understand how they could feel that way. I cherished each story I wrote. How could I possibly pick a favorite among them?

After being published for 8 years now, I understand better. A writer continues to learn her craft and grow with each written word. The skill of the author grows with each book, so the newest book should be the best book. Which could explain why the story they're currently writing is their favorite.

Not to mention that the book that is currently being written is the one that is uppermost in the author's mind. Those characters are the people the author is most involved with at that moment. Everything is new and fresh and exciting. Writing a new book is like riding a roller coaster. It's a thrilling whirlwind ride filled with ups and downs. Sometimes, you're not even sure if you'll make it to the end. But, when you do, its a relief and your're proud that you survived it!

Because I'm a complicated person, I have more than one favorite book that I wrote.

The Witch and the Wolf will always be a favorite because it was the first book I published. I sent it in to the Wild Rose Press for a submission call they had posted for an anthology. They didn't accept it for the anthology, but the editor who read it liked it enough to offer me a contract as a regular submission. My first book published! I still remember reading the email and dancing with my two little boys in the dining room.

And, of course, my current favorite is the book that I'm working on right now. It's tentatively titled, Into the Dark. I've been working on this one for a long while. Its been a difficult journey because it took a while for all of the pieces to come together, but finally everything is falling into place. I'm pleased to say that an editor has requested this one on proposal so I'm eager to finish it and sent it out!

Another favorite is the very first book that I ever wrote that to this day still remains untitled and hidden in a box under my bed. It came from a vivid dream one summer when I was 15. I wrote the dream into a notebook, but even after that the people and places I'd seen remained in my mind all day long. Soon, I was scribbling more notes and scenes about the dream. Eventually, it blossomed into a 50,000 word novel that I wrote in one week! This is the book that made me begin to study the writing craft and take classes and workshops. I fell in love with writing because of this one. I still think of going back and trying to re-work it into something I might publish one day.

My favorite book with a vampire is The Witch and the Vampire because I simply love Sebastian Collins. Vampires are such fun to write and I plan to work with more soon.

And, of course, my newest favorite is To Kiss a Pirate which is a short story in Pirates: A Boys Behaving Badly anthology. I'm excited to be involved in an anthology with so many outstanding authors and I can't wait to read everyone's stories!

 Be sure to visit the posts for the MFRW's Blog Challenge!

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

Happy Reading!
Tricia


Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Scheduling Writing Time #IWSG #writerslife

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day.
The Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!


IWSG Asks: What steps have you taken to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing? 

Scheduling my writing has always been challenging. I've written blog posts about this subject many times in an effort try to sort it out. I run a busy household with 4 young children and a husband who has a growing list of hobbies. My writing isn't consider 'important' to my family, so I need to work in my writing time whenever I get a spare moment. Somehow, I manage. I wrote an entire novel in 15 minute increments one summer because I have no one to watch my children while I write.

Now, that my children are getting older, they're getting more supportive. Over the holiday vacation, I managed to get an hour of writing in the morning while my kids watched TV and played. They did their best to keep each other occupied so they little ones wouldn't interrupt me. I sat at the kitchen table while they stayed in the living and dining room, fetching drinks whenever they ventured into the kitchen. I managed to complete a 6500 short story. It's not an ideal situation, but I do what I have to do.

That seems to be the motto of my life...I do what I have to do to get things done.

This year, I'm going to push myself more. My life is in turmoil right now with certain family matters that are out of my control. And I foresee many changes in the future. Writing keeps me sane, so I'm planning to focus as much as my free time on writing as I'm able. That free time might become even more scarce as I'm going to have more responsibilities, but I love writing too much to give it up. And, since I was a teenager, I've wanted to write and publish books. I'm living my dream. Now, its time to make that dream live for me. 

Since we've just welcomed a New Year, I'm re-evaluating my writing life. I'm working on a list of goals. I'll post those next week. I'm also scheduling a calendar of promotion for my books and my blog. I want to help other authors promote their books, too. And, I'm working on a 5-year business plan. I haven't done one of those for a while, so I figure I'm due.

My advice to other writers...

Even if you can only write for 15 minutes a day, do it! Those 15 minutes add up. Whether its in the morning, afternoon, night, during your lunch break at work or maybe while the baby is napping. It doesn't matter. Keep your writing close by at all times so its easy to open a notebook or screen and get right to it. If you have no one to help you find the time, then you have to find the time yourself.

I hope everyone has a Healthy and Prosperous New Year filled with writing and reading!

 

Keep a weather eye open for Pirates: A Boys Behaving Badly anthology.
Coming in February 2018!





Be sure to visit the other writers in the 

I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Become a VIP Reader by signing-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!
Happy Writing!

Tricia