Double Crossing - Lily Granville and Ace Diamond Square Off

What do you get when you pair up a wealthy, well-bred heiress – sheltered and educated with an impulsive streak – and a gambling, mercenary Texan cowboy?

Double Crossing is a twist on “True Grit” but it takes place on the 1869 Iron Horse – months after the Union and Central Pacific railroad lines joined at Promontory Point. Nineteen-year-old Lily Granville is stunned with her father is murdered and vows to track the killer across the country to California - who also stole a valuable gold mine deed.

Once Lily arrives in Omaha, she discovers that someone is now tracking her. Could it be the killer? And why? Lily decides to enlist “Ace” Diamond, who agrees to protect her – for a price.

Q for Lily – how did you feel when you first met Ace?
A – Since he literally crashed his way into my life, I did feel a twinge of compassion… he was injured, and I felt my Christian duty was to help… until I caught sight of his Confederate belt buckle with the Texas Lone Star. I *know* my father would never have approved of an ex-Rebel soldier – and that deepened my guilt. However, after someone searched my hotel room and my personal belongings, I had no choice but to hire Ace Diamond for protection. He was the most unlikely “angel” as an answer from God after I’d prayed for help! I suppose beggars can’t be choosers, though.

Q for Ace – what was your first impression of Lily?
A – First time I set eyes on that pretty filly, all golden-haired and sweet, with the most kissable mouth, I was bushwhacked. Couldn’t remember my own name.

Q for Lily – were you surprised that Ace bargained with you over his fee?
A – To be truthful, I was. I offered him a fair wage, but then he demanded an exorbitant amount in addition to the expense of a Pullman ticket! But it made sense that he had to be near on the train. Still, he insisted on a bonus once we reached California. And I was furious when I discovered that Ace had bragged to the other gentlemen in the smoking car about that bonus I promised my uncle would pay - him when we arrived in California! And that was before we were halfway across country. Really, Mr. Diamond was quite presumptuous. And forward, given his roving—well, let’s just say he’s no gentleman. I shouldn’t have been surprised at that!

Q for Ace – why did you accept Lily’s offer?
A – Easy as ropin' a baby steer, riding shotgun on a train. But that stubborn little gal sure fooled me. I earned my fee. And then some.

Q for Lily – before the railroad trip, what was your dream for a happy future?
A – I wanted… well, I wasn’t really certain what I wanted and whether I'd be happy becoming a missionary to China. I know my father wanted me to marry and provide him with grandchildren. He believed I deserved a decent man, a good provider and one who supported my ideas. I did want to experience adventure and independence, since I'd lived a sheltered life in Evanston, just north of Chicago, but I also wanted to come home again where I felt safe. I so enjoyed long talks with Father, sketching my pet lizard in the lovely garden and watching the leaves change in fall and the snow fall in winter. Father’s death changed everything, however. I was devastated. And I *had* to see that justice was done.

Q for Ace – what about you, same question?
A – A good woman in a nice, cozy bed. I’ve got my eye on a certain woman now.

Hmm -- seems Ace is a man of few words. Lily will soon find herself in hotter water in the sequel, Double or Nothing -- I hope readers are looking forward to more adventures!

~ For more information about Meg Mims and her books, check her website. 

Interview with Kinnik Watkins from HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME by Chicki Brown
On Kindle and Nook: http://amzn.to/dWZSxA & http://bit.ly/k4Z172

Seven very different singles – four women and three men – rent a New Jersey beach house for the summer: author Shontae Nichols, self-employed accountant and realtor, Linda Harris, Linda’s sister, hip-hop video dancer Kinnik Watkins, cosmetologist, Jovita Blassingame, Calculus professor Curtis “Doc” Whetstone, actor and drama instructor, Kip Lee, and new housemate, up and coming film actor, Devon Burke.

During their two month stay, romances bloom, friendships are tested and when a tragedy strikes one of the housemates, they all learn the answer to the age-old question: Can men and women ever be just friends?

Interview with Kinnik Watkins, the female antagonist in HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

I have been invited to Beach Haven, New Jersey to the house where Kinnik Watkins and her friends are spending the summer. To give us some privacy, we cross the beach and sit in the gazebo about 100 feet from the house. All the tall, voluptuous bronze goddess is wearing is a microscopic bikini and a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Me: (I stand and introduce myself.)  Before we get started, can you tell me the correct way to pronounce your name?

Kinnik: (with a coquettish smile I find a bit strange.) It’s Kinnik. It rhymes with unique.

Me: You’re my second interview. As I explained to Shontae, I write for a magazine that wants to do a story about real singles living at the Jersey shore, considering how the TV show has become such a big hit.

Kinnik: (She slides her shades to the end of her nose and glances at me with soft, light brown eyes.) Something’s always on and popping on that show. I love it.

Me: (I sit on the chaise next to where she is reclining.) Thanks for agreeing to talk with me.

Kinnik: (flashes a captivating smile and runs her manicured fingers through the long strawberry blonde hair that complements her café au lait complexion) Sure, why not? You’ll probably need me to straighten out whatever Shontae told you anyway.

Me: I’m going to ask everyone the same questions, and I’ll be taping this, if you don’t mind.

Kinnik: (She crosses legs that make me want to hurry and call the nearest plastic surgeon for an emergency liposuction appointment.) No problem. I’m used to being recorded.

Me: I understand this is your third year together, so you must know your housemates pretty well. Can you tell me a little bit about each of them?

Kinnik: I guess this is the best they can do when it comes to vacations, considering none of them are really big money. I’m only here because my sister begged me to come. Personally, I think she has something up her sleeve.

Me: (checking my notes) Linda’s your sister. Is she older or younger?”

Kinnik: (rolls her eyes) Older, and she always has to make it a point to remind me. “She says she wants to talk to me about my career. Since she paid my rent for the summer, I couldn’t very well refuse. Linda doesn’t like me dancing, but I am not a nine-to-five person. She forgets that I make more than she does in a year, and I have two kids to take care of.”

Me and Jo have been friends for years. She’s for real people, the only one in this house that doesn’t judge every more I make. Jo is my makeup artist and hair stylist and she’s got mad skills. She’s just here to chill and see if her old man is going to pop the question.”

Me:  Tell me about the men.

Kinnik: (Flips her hair over one shoulder) “Kip is my boy. We spent some time together during our first summer in Beach Haven, but that’s ancient history. Kip’s here to see how much coochie he can conquer in eight weeks. Doc, well there isn’t much I can say about him. When he doesn’t have his nose stuck in a book, he’s sniffing after my sister. Linda is the only reason he’s here, but he’s wasting his time, if you ask me. Kip and Devon provide the testosterone. They’re both so fine; you can hear the panties dropping when they walk into a room.

Me: You forgot Shontae.  

Kinnik: (with another eye roll) No, I didn’t. She’s just not worth mentioning.

Me: Why is that?

Kinnik: “Because she’s easily forgettable.”

Me: “That’s funny. Shontae seemed very pleasant.”

Kinnik: (stiffens and haughtily raises her chin) “That’s because you don’t know her. That bitch is boring as hell and thinks she’s better than everybody else. I can’t understand why. All she does is stay closed up in the sunroom banging on her laptop. She lives in her little fantasy world cooking up stories in her head. Shontae wouldn’t know how to deal with a real man if her life depended on it. She thinks she’s better than everyone else. I can’t stand her cheap dressing, snobby ass.

Me: Do you think each of your housemates has a motive for being here this summer?

Kinnik: They sure as hell do. Doc is chasing Linda. Jo says she’s researching her new stylist business, but she’s really waiting for Walter to ask her to marry his dusty old ass. She’s been waiting for five years. Devon is rehearsing for the lead role in the new movie Denzel’s directing, and he needs to study the script.

Me: (smiling at the way she’s avoided telling me about herself.) “So what about you, Kinnik? Why are you here?”

Kinnik: I’m just breezin’ in and out when I’m not in the Hamptons with Q. I’d much rather be there.”

Me: That’s Q.E., Quentin Edwards, the rapper?

Kinnik: (a proud smile lights her beautiful face) That’s right. I’ve been staying with him for the past couple of months, but Linda insisted I spend some time with her.

Me: Isn’t Q.E. the one who was recently assaulted his personal assistant?

Kinnik: (puckers her lips then sucks her teeth) That’s never going to court. The heifer is still working for him, so she can’t be too upset about him clocking her in the head and pushing her into the pool. (Her face spreads into a proud smile.) “Yeah. This place is okay, but his estate is off the chain. It’s all about luxury. The food is better, and I don’t have to do any housework when I’m there. His chef and butler wait on me hand and foot.”

Me: “So are you two a couple.”

Kinnik: (her eyes becoming flat and unreadable as stone before she picks up her sunglasses and puts them back on.) “When we’re together, we’re a couple.”

Me: (the thread of warning in her voice lets me know it’s time to end the interview.) “Kinnik, it’s been a pleasure. As I mentioned to Shontae, maybe I’ll be back at the end of August to hear what actually happened during your vacation.”

Kinnik: (rising to her impressive full height. Adjusts her bikini to make sure it’s covering everything important.) Yeah, check in and see who’s left standing.
You can follow Chicki Brown at:

Website:  http://www.chicki663.webs.com
Personal Blog: http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Chicki663
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chicki.brown

Interview with a Vampire and a Gift for One Lucky Commenter

I suppose I should tell you a little about me. My name’s Jennifer T. Alli, feel free to call me Jen J. I write paranormal romance novels and am getting quite prolific. Not anywhere near as many as Kresley Cole or Gena Showalter who I adore, but still…I have 5 books under my belt and a sixth on the way. I realised the other day that I’ve written over half a million words and I think anyone would agree that’s a lot. I’ve been writing for quite some time, initially I kept my writing private but then I discovered the internet and made everything public. The internet is awesome and I met some lovely people by posting my work online but after 3 separate cases of plagiarism I decided to start self publishing and so here I am.

I think that’s probably quite enough from me we’re here to have an interview with a vampire not listen to my ramblings. If you’ve not read anything in my Elemental Passions series then I suppose I should introduce you to Lucian. I still don’t know whether I’d be intimidated or enticed if I met him in a dark alley late at night. Dark hair, even darker eyes, tall and wide with a no nonsense mouth that only a certain someone has ever managed to make smile. If I’m honest he has a bit of an attitude problem so bear with us I’ve had to coerce him into this interview but here goes.

JTA: “Evening Lucian, how are you tonight?”

Lucian: “Busy. Just ask your questions so I can be on my way.”

JTA: *mumbles to herself* “Rude much?”

Lucian: “I’m a vampire, I can hear you.”

JTA: “Fine, tell us a little about yourself.”

Lucian: “Are you serious? If that’s the sort of question you’re going to ask then I’m leaving.”

Sara: “Lucian, you agreed to do this remember? If you don’t want me to wear my sword crafting clothes you’re going to do this. Ask your questions Jen.”

JTA: “Okay, so we’ll try that again. Tell us  a little about yourself.”

Lucian: “If you haven’t already guessed I’m a busy man. Wars don’t win themselves.

JTA: “War? Do tell.”

Lucian: *Sighs* “I’m not going to be able to get out of doing this am I?”

Sara and JTA: “No.”

Lucian: “Fine. I’ll tell you about myself. I’m a vampire. The oldest of my kind and I’ve spent hundreds of years at war.”

JTA: “Why?”

Lucian: “Because I got sick of people trying to take my head when I was asleep. My people needed a leader otherwise we were going to get ourselves all killed by silly humans like you. For the sake of pride if nothing else. We don’t need to kill as we feed. William didn’t quite understand that but don’t worry, I fixed that problem easily enough.”

JTA: “You’ve made me want to know more. Spill it! Tell us what happens to you in your story.”

Lucian: *groans* “This is going to take much longer than I was told it would…If you must know I was trying to win a war when this woman shows up and ruins everything…Well at the time I thought she was going to ruin everything. I know better now. But it still stands that she was a distraction. One that literally came into my life and turned everything upside down. I wanted to bite her so badly…She was a walking, talking temptation especially in those ridiculous clothes she uses to craft her swords.

JTA: “You’re a vampire, you’re meant to bite people and you said it yourself you don’t need to kill as you feed. I’m not seeing the problem. If you wanted to bite her you should have just done it.”

Lucian: “You sound just like Sara. It was complicated.”

JTA: “Complicated? That means interesting. Spill the beans.”

Lucian: “I’m not telling you anything. Why would I want to publicise my one and only weakness?”

JTA: “Good point, good point…But we do find out what it is if we read the book right?”

Lucian: “Sadly I can’t kill everyone who knows the secret all I can do is keep it contained.”

JTA: “Fine, next question. Tell us about your relationship with Sara.”

Lucian: *A small smile touches his lips.*

JTA: *mumbles to herself* “A smile like that should be illegal, it’s a lethal weapon. Yup, I’ve decided if I met him in a dark alley I’d definitely be enticed…”

Lucian: “My relationship with Sara is complicated. The relationship between a vampire and his bride always is.”

JTA: “Details!”

Lucian: “I didn’t want her. The first time I saw her, smelt her blood I knew she was the one but I left her…unconscious on the street.”

JTA: “You did what? You really left her passed out alone on a street? Anything could of happened to her!”

Lucian: “But it didn’t. I assigned someone to watch her but I knew without even speaking to her that she was going to be trouble. She was on fire and calling out for help. What normal person does that?”

Sara: “I was cursed at the time.”

Lucian: “You’re not really saying anything that contradicts my point. In fact, that’s another point. I was trying to win a war and this woman, who I didn’t even want anywhere near me forces her way into my life and says that I’m the cure to her curse. If that isn’t a distraction then you tell me what is.”

JTA: “So you don’t want her then?”

Lucian: “………If you ever make such a suggestion again I’ll cut your tongue out so that you can’t ever ask such a ridiculous question again. She’s mine.”

JTA: *mumbles to herself* “Changed my mind, I’d be terrified if I met you in a dark alley. I don’t think I’m ever leaving my house at night again.”

JTA: “Fine, so you want her. That’s fine, keep her. If you had to describe Sara in one word then what would it be?”

Lucian: “I’ll describe her in three.”

JTA: “But I said one…” *Remembers the flash of red in his eyes* “Fine, have three.”

Lucian: “In a nutshell Sara is brave, fierce and a menace to my sanity.”

JTA: “That was more than three…but moving on. Sara, I know we’re technically not interviewing you but could you describe Lucian in a word?”

Sara: “Determined.”

JTA: “Well I was going to go for rude but to each her own…”

Lucian: “Are we done yet? Some of us have better things to do.”

JTA: “Fine, you can go I just have one last question for Sara.”

Lucian: “I told you she was a menace to my sanity. I can’t leave her anywhere by herself. She’s a magnet for trouble. Just ask your question and we’ll both leave.”

JTA: “Fine. Sara, can you tell us a little about the Elemental Passions series as a whole?”

Sara: “Well the Elemental Passions series is about four people who have each been cursed. Each curse is different and we’ve got to try and figure out a way to break it. Lucian was the cure for my curse but I needed the one to cool my flame and who better than a vampire? If he’s not touching me he can be freezing at times. Is that everything?”

JTA: “Just one last thing I promise. What was your curse?”

Sara: *Smiles as she gets to her feet* “If I hadn’t met Lucian I would have died. If you want to find out more about my curse and my three siblings of the soul then the information is out there somewhere right?”

JTA: “Yeah, it’s on my blog.”

Sara: “Perfect.”

Lucian: “Can we go now?”

JTA: “Yes, go.” *Waits until they’re both gone* “I think I’d rather be dead than tied to that man for all eternity…to each her own I suppose.

Visit Jennifer T. Alli or find her books on Amazon. 

Please comment for a chance to win a free copy of Seared by Desire!!

Another Revealing Character Interview with Adora

This week Adora interviews, Mac Caldwell, hero of Now and Forever 1, a Love Story:

Adora: So, Mac, hunky guy, how are you today?
Mac: A little annoyed, Adora. Danny Maine said he got his name in the title of his book by sleeping with Jean. Well I've been sleeping with Jean for a much longer time and I don't have my name on a book and she says she’s not putting my name in the title for book three either!
Adora: Really, Mac. Grow up. Jean is telling you what you want to hear, just to get at your hot body. And it is hot, I'll admit that!
Mac: *blushes* Thanks, Adora. She has actually said I'm her favorite hero. Oh, don't tell Callie about Jean and me. I haven't slept with Jean since I started sleeping with Callie. Don't want to get them confused, Jean might write Callie out of the next book and I'd be a horny and frustrated guy. Not to say I don't love Callie...

Adora: Yeah, yeah Mac. We get it. You love Callie's body, be honest here.
Mac: Callie is more than a body to me, Adora, you know that. Why are you trying to cause trouble between us?
Adora: Okay, okay, Mac. No harm meant *Adora holds up her hands*. Geez. Sensitive aren't we? So tell me, what is your favorite position with Callie?

Mac: Any position. I love making love to her anyway I can. And you can print that...wait...is Jean going to read this? *Mac starts to sweat.*
Adora: She better read this or I'm quitting!
Mac: Then maybe you should take back what I just said.
Adora: *wearing an evil grin*, Too late, Mac. It's already in print.
Mac: Oh, crap!

Adora: So how many times a week do you and Callie make love *Adora picks up pen, poised over paper*
Mac: What? I'm not going to answer that. Jean said you'd try something like this. She said to stick to the plot of the book. Ask me about the drug gang...or how I felt about Callie doing things without telling me...
Adora: Doing what things? Is Callie sleeping with someone else?

Mac: She is? Where is he? No, no, that's ridiculous. Callie would never...
Adora: Is she sleeping with Danny, the hero of Now and Forever 2?
Mac: She'd never do that! Eliza would kill her. I would kill her, then we'd both kill Danny. *Mac comes halfway out of his chair*

Adora: Had you going there, didn't I?
Mac: Danny said you were a real ball buster and I didn't believe him. Maybe I should ask you who you’re sleeping with…there’s a rumor you made a play for Danny but he turned you down.

Adora: *blushes* That's all we have time for today *gestures neck cutting with her hand to cameraman.*
Mac: You don't get off that easy. I want to talk about the book.
Adora: Come back again soon, Mac. For “Love Talk”, this is Adora Smutz, signing off!

About the author
Jean Joachim is an author, married, a mother of two boys and owner of a rescued pug named Homer. She lives in New York City.

Check out the book on my www.jeanjoachimbooks.com

Black Friday at The Wild Rose Press Today!

Some wonderful holiday savings at The Wild Rose Press today!

All day Friday, November 25th, digital titles are 30% off!! This is a fantastic time to stock up on some great books to read. Just use the coupon code during checkout to get your discounted price. And while you're adding titles to your shopping cart, don't forget to add The Witch and the Wolf and The Witch and the Vampire! Have fun shopping!

Also, to those of you who like the word FREE....

The 2011 Garden Gourmet is currently available to purchase for FREE! This book is filled with delicious recipes from an assorted collection of TWRP authors. A special gift to you, our loyal readers!

THE WITCH AND THE WOLF-Excerpt

Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.

Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

Excerpt:
There were several moments Jeremy North suspected he suffered hallucinations. Most of those times had been when he had first begun to change into the beast during the full moon. And now, as he answered the knocking he had at first imagined to be the pounding in his skull, he wondered if the brandy he had been drinking this evening was perhaps tainted. He could not quite believe his eyes.

A woman stood on his doorstep, covered in a layer of snow, her bright blue eyes silently pleading to him just before her eyelids fluttered closed, and she crumpled at his feet. He managed to set the candle down safely on a table in time to catch her before she cracked her head on the stone beneath her. He lifted her effortlessly into his arms, brought her into the house, slamming the door closed with his foot. He hurried into the library with his unexpected guest. North had returned earlier seeking the warm oblivion of yet another glass of brandy. He grimaced at the memory of countless other sleep-deprived nights spent in much the same way. Sans an unconscious woman, however.

He placed the bundled woman onto the sofa, ignoring the fact that the snow was bound to create a water stain on the fabric once it melted. He leaned over her, pushing the curly brown strands of wet hair off her face and checked to see if she still breathed. Satisfied when he felt her breath on his hand, he went back to the corridor.

“Amery!” He roared.

Turning back to the woman on his sofa, he again felt the necessity to blink his eyes, wondering if they played a trick with his senses. He lit more candles to brighten the room and added more wood to the fire. Then he walked back to the woman and knelt at her side. He found her hand dangling over the edge of the sofa and took it gently in his, the digits frozen stiff. He inhaled a gasp. He cupped both of his hands instinctively around hers, hoping to lend her his warmth.

He heard the shuffle from the hallway and Amery’s muttering, then a noisy yawn.

“Bloody hell! What is this?” Amery bellowed from the doorway.

North ignored the query. “We need blankets,” he said, instead. “She’s frozen through.”

Amery nodded and left.

A muffled groan from behind drew his attention, and he turned to see the woman’s eyelids flutter open. He inhaled sharply as her bright blue gaze fell upon him.

She studied him for a moment.

And then, she smiled.

 The Witch and the Wolf is available to purchase at:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

THE WITCH AND THE VAMPIRE-Excerpt

Melora Merriweather is searching for a fellow witch to protect her from a scheming uncle with plans of marriage. When her carriage overturns on her journey, she is rescued by a mysterious man whom she learns is the very person she seeks. But, he’s not the witch she thought he was…

Sebastian Collins should have left for London days ago. Now a snowstorm has trapped him with a woman who has come seeking protection, a woman who intrigues him like no other. And with each passing hour, his hunger for her grows…hunger for her kiss, her caress, and her blood.

Excerpt:
“You are Sebastian Collins? Of Caldwell House?” she asked. Had she made some horrible mistake? Who knew how old this letter might be? There had been no date written on any of them. Could this have come from a previous owner of the single address she had managed to discover leading her here? But, no, it could not be possible. Her dreams never misled her.

“Indeed, I am,” he answered, relieving her fears. He paused briefly, and then continued, “But there is no Mrs. Collins.”

Comprehension dawned. The blush of embarrassment and dread crept up her neck. To her surprise, Mr. Collins stiffened in agitation.

“I-I am truly sorry,” she stated, suddenly understanding his reaction. At least, now it made sense why Mrs. Collins never entered her dreams. “I had not realized she had passed. I apologize for the grief I have surely inflicted on you.”

“No, no,” he said, with a shake of his head. He appeared to have difficulty speaking for a moment until at last, with a deep breath, he reclaimed his composure. Still, he kept his eyes cast down, toward the fire. “You fail to understand. I have never married.”

Melora stared at him. Confused, she looked again at the letter in her hand. “But the letters…?”

This time, his head snapped up, and he looked in her direction. She inhaled sharply at the sight of his light blue eyes staring at her. Into her. Through her. Sharp. Piercing. As if he searched her soul for the answers to his questions.

The Witch and the Vampire is available to purchase at:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

Character Inspirations: Who Would Play The Part of My Characters?

Many authors and writers use photographs for inspiration during their writing, whether those are pictures of scenery, paintings or people. I've used scenery pictures often enough and years ago I used pictures of people that I imagined were my characters. I haven't done that for quite a while, probably because now that I'm a mother I don't have much spare time to browse magazines or the internet for fun things to do. I have books to write, books to read, kids and husband to feed, wash clothes and dishes and okay, the list goes on and on and on...

But last week, I stumbled upon a photo of an actor that an author was using as inspiration and it renewed my interest in pondering who my character people might resemble in the real world. If my book were made into a movie, who would play the parts of my hero and heroine?

So, I took some time away from washing the dishes (I'm never in a hurry to perform that task!) and flitted around the internet in search of my heroes and heroines. This is what I found:

Lord Jeremy North from The Witch and the Wolf...

Aidan Turner plays a vampire on a popular British TV show, but in my mind I see him as a sexy werewolf.

His heroine, Lillian Merriweather could be....

I love Emmy Rossum. She'd could be the perfect Lillian.

Sebastian Collins from The Witch and the Vampire....

Isn't he delicious? Richard Armitage plays in a lot of period dramas which I love!

And his lady love, Melora Merriweather...

Emilie de Ravin is rather new to me. And though in my mind's eye Melora has straight hair, the color is perfect.

So there you go! I hope you enjoyed this little bit of entertained inspiration! For those of you who have read my stories, I'd love to hear who you might picture as the characters! I've already been told by one fan that she knew I was thinking about Gerard Butler when I wrote Sebastian's part. Well, I can't deny that. If I'm writing about a dark-haired hero, its usually Gerry! But, I thought I'd save his picture for another time! ;)

Weekend Dirty Dozen: The Witch and the Wolf

This is my first foray into the weekend dirty dozen. After you're finished reading what I posted here, be sure to check out the other author's at the Weekend Dirty Dozen and please take a moment to 'like' them on Facebook.

This brief exchange comes from my novella, The Witch and the Wolf.

“What are we to do with her?” Amery asked, after waiting for North to join him in the hallway. North placed his finger to his lips, issuing an order for silence, then waved him farther down the hall away from the room where they had just left their guest.

“Bloody hell,” North grunted, running his hand through his hair pulling savagely at the black strands. “This could not have come at a worse time.”

“You’re not jesting, my lord,” Amery said. “The full moon is tomorrow night. This storm is likely to shut us indoors. There won’t be any way for us to ship her off to the village before nightfall. It would be inhumane to send her out in weather like this.”

“It would be inhumane to keep her here!” North whispered, savagely, his eyes wild with dismay.

Blurb:
Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.

Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

To buy:
The Wild Rose Press
Amazon

November Writing

And so another year of NaNoWriMo begins! If you're a writer, you most likely have heard of National Novel Writing Month that takes place every November since 1999. The goal is to write 50,000 words from scratch within 30 days. That breaks down to about 1666 words a day. It's a great challenge to undertake with thousands of other supportive writers to help see you through to the end.

I've known of this challenge since around 2004 or so. I didn't join in until 3 years ago. I doubted my ability to focus on such a large word count within one month, especially while working retail during one of the busiest times of the year. Remember, Black Friday occurs in November!! I really wish they would have picked another month...maybe April. Really what else happens in April? Other than April showers, keeping us indoors anyway?

But three years ago, I joined with 2 other co-workers who were taking up the challenge, too. I figured, if they thought they could do it, so could I! And you know what? I did it!! I finished that 50,000 word novel. And this year, I plan to do it again.

And if I can do it, so can you! If anyone would like to become my writing buddy, my name is listed as Tricia Schneider. I welcome you to join me in this challenge. And though I've had a slow start to it yesterday, I'm determined to reach that word count goal. Good luck!

A Visit to the ESP Realm

I hope everyone enjoyed a happy and safe Halloween last night! Did you get tricks or treats this year? Well, Halloween may be over, but that doesn't mean I'll stop reading and writing about things that go bump in the night. To a paranormal lover, it feels like Halloween all year long!

That's why I wanted to share this with you. I guest blogged yesterday at ESP: Exploring the Supernatural and Paranormal. All paranormal lovers should really check them out. Not only do they blog about anything under the dark of the supernatural moon, but they investigate the paranormal, teach classes and lectures, even make films about it!

I added my little piece on Ancient Vampires, so I hope you'll please check it out! It was fun, though a bit difficult for me to write. I have so much information on vampires, and so much that I want to say on the subject that I could write a book of my own. In fact, maybe one day I'll do just that! But, for now, I'm content to dwell in the lives of my fictional characters, where a happily-ever-after is guaranteed. At least, until I try my pen on that urban fantasy novel that's been growing in my head!