When Inspiration Strikes #IWSG #writing #writinginspiration #storyideas

    

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: When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Inspiration comes from several sources. For me, I get a lot of inspiration from the dreams I have at night while I'm sleeping. Since I was a child, I've always had vivid dreams. My mother once suggested that I write my dreams into a notebook, and maybe one day I could make stories from them. I followed her advice. I've been keeping a dream journal since I was a teenager. It has become a source of many of my story ideas. For these, the dreams are so strong, the images so striking, that the dream haunts me for days afterward. Not in a bad way. But one that compels me to write it down and craft a story from it.

My paranormal romance, Into the Dark, was inspired by a dream I'd had about a woman captured by witches and thrown into a dark hole in the ground. She was not alone. Someone was with her. A man with shaggy brown hair and a long face. His clothes were badly torn and dirty. Not only dirt stained his clothes but also something that looked like blood.

From that dream, a 90,000-word story developed and is now available on Kindle Vella.

Another story I created from a dream was Loving Boone. This dream didn't play out as a story in my head like Into the Dark. Instead, it felt more symbolic. In my dream, my family was being attacked by a dozen or more large cats. It was scary. Then one of the cats morphed into a young man and begged us to stop fighting his family. From that image, the young shifter in my dream became Boone Evans. The idea of two families at war with each other unfolded, and soon I had developed a paranormal romance with cougar shifters.

Sometimes I'm inspired by listening to a piece of music that sparks an idea. Or perhaps an emotional scene from a movie. I once overheard a couple at the mall arguing with each other which created an idea for a line of dialogue in a story. 

Then there are times when inspiration strikes at the oddest moments. The idea for The Pirate's Lady hit me while I was driving to work one sunny day. For whatever reason, I had an image of a man and a woman sword-fighting on a beach at night pop into my head while I was driving along the highway. I was curious and kept playing the what if game until a story emerged. I couldn't get that image out of my head until I finished writing the story.

When all else fails, what truly inspires me is my desire to simply write stories. I love writing! I've been writing since I was a child. I'll never stop. Stories fascinate me! Intriguing characters, fantastic settings, spellbinding plots. I feel like this is what I'm meant to do in this life. So, that's what I'm doing. :) 

Be sure to visit the other writers in the 

Insecure Writer's Support Group!

I write sensual paranormal, sci-fi 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, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

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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:

The Pirate's Lady

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?

Other Place to Buy

Check out these other Weekend Writing Warriors!

Become a VIP Reader!

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

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:

The Pirate's Lady

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?

Other Place to Buy

Check out these other Weekend Writing Warriors!

Become a VIP Reader!

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

New Goals for 2017 - Author Update #newyear #resolutions

With the start of a New Year, comes a time of reflection and planning. We often look back over the last year to evaluate what we've achieved or didn't achieve. Then we look forward to the coming year and the infinite possibilities that it brings.

Good-bye 2016

From what I understand, 2016 has been an extremely tough year for many of us for different reasons. Aside from the long list of celebrity deaths that seemed to occur on a clockwork basis, I've talked to many people who've had a rough year, too. From losing jobs to failing health, there are many of my friends who needed some extra prayers and positive thoughts sent their way to help them cope. 

In the Schneider household, we had our share of difficulties. My husband was in a motorcycle accident and had 2 separate surgeries, all of which put him out of work with no pay. Not such an easy thing for a growing family. I won't even begin to discuss the most recent discovery of the theft of royalties from the ARe debacle. You can read about that here and here. That hit many authors, publishers and readers quite severely. To add to the struggle of having a reduced income was the string of bad luck concerning our appliances. The list of broken down appliances is almost amusing. Two air conditioners, a dehumidifier for an overly damp basement and the washing machine broke down exactly a week prior to the dryer as if they had conspired together to make life as challenging as possible for us. I've been spending a small fortune at the local laundromat for several months. I'm there with my kids several hours each week to clean clothes for 6 people. If I had the chance to save that money instead, I might've been able to buy 3 or 4 washers and dryers by now. 

C'est la vie. 

On the bright side, I've managed to keep a positive outlook on every negative thing that happened using my talent of viewing the world through rose-colored glasses. In addition to that, there were some good things that happened in 2016, too. I dipped my toes into a new romance genre this year. The Pirate's Lady was published in November, my first historical romance with nary a hint of a paranormal element present. It was quite an accomplishment for me and it was educational to work with a new-to-me editor.

Also, I completed NaNoWriMo for the first time. Well, actually the second time. I completed it with a 65,000 word gothic novel the first year I joined the challenge, but never had the chance to verify the word count since my computer crashed on the last day of November. This year, I managed 52,209 words for Loving Boone, my newest WIP and it was verified.

Reviewing the lovely word count tracker that I obtained from the talented Svenja Gosen last year, I wrote a total of 97,485 words during 2016. Just a little shy of my goal of 100,000 words, but I'll take it. Besides writing most of Loving Boone, I'm in the midst of writing an untitled alien romance which is where most of the other words came from and I edited and revised an untitled paranormal romance featuring zombies.

Not too bad.

Goals for 2017

Looking forward to a new year brings with it a list of new goals. I have some personal goals such as finish incomplete projects around the house, get better organized and try to teach my kids better organization (I can hear parents laughing as you read this!), as well as some goals I didn't finish last year. I want to further my study of the German language and my guitar lessons sort of got set aside. I'm teaching myself to play and my 20 month-old son loves music and thinks my guitar is a toy for him to play with. Trying to find the right notes at the same time as keeping his little paws off the instrument presents a unique challenge.

As for my writing... 

I found my writing groove during NaNo this last November. I write during my son's afternoon nap time. That gives me about an hour or two each day to work in relative peace and quiet (at least on the days the rest of my brood is in school). I write new words in the afternoon and work on edits in the morning or at night.

If I plan it correctly, I have the opportunity for a productive year.

• Edit and/or revise Loving Boone
• Finish writing the first draft of the Untitled Alien Romance
• Complete edits for the Untitled Paranormal Romance with Zombies
• Write a new novella for Camp NaNo 2017
• Write a new novel for NaNoWriMo 2017
• And, of course, I have a long list of books that I'd like to read and review 

I have a few other WIP's that might join this list later in the year. I'm also considering joining the self-published author community this year. The wonderfully successful spec-fic author and my dear friend, Ash Krafton, has offered to help me through this big step in my career once I was ready. I'm thinking this year I might take the plunge. 

Here's hoping everyone enjoys a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2017!

Happy New Year!

Tricia

Vote for Your Favorite in #CoverWars

My historical romance, The Pirate's Lady, is up against some fierce competition this week in Author Shout's Cover Wars. If you have a moment to pop over, take a look at the covers competing and vote for your favorite. You can vote once a day, but you must wait a full 24 hours before voting again.

Of course, I'd be thrilled if you vote for The Pirate's Lady and I appreciate all of the support my readers have shown. The book cover was designed by RJ Morris and is newly published by The Wild Rose Press.

The cover portrays the characters of my book perfectly. RJ captured just what my imagination created!

Captain Marco Dante and his lady love, Arianne, are featured aboard his ship, The Black Rose, as they sail for adventure.  



Here's a little more about the book if you're interested...

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?

Arianne 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?

To Vote in Cover Wars

To Purchase The Pirate's Lady...

The Wild Rose Press

Kindle

Nook 

To Read an Excerpt of The Pirate's Lady

Stock Up Your Bookshelves! 40% Off All Digital Titles @WildRosePress #TWRP

These Romance Titles are Included in the Sale!

Captain Marco Dante was captured and sentenced to hang two years ago, but he escaped before his sentence was carried out. Now he's come back to the woman who's 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?

Arianne 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?

Read More & Purchase

Was: $1.99 

Now: $1.19

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 of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

Read More & Purchase

Was: $1.99

Now: $1.19

 

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.

Read More & Purchase

Was: $2.99

Now: $1.79

To save her sister’s life, Julia Grey seeks a spell hidden somewhere within Merriweather Manor. Her

position as a lady's companion affords her the freedom to search the house. But time is running out. The necromancer she's bargained with is growing impatient. And an unexpected appearance of a man from her past makes matters worse in an already complicated situation.

Basil Merriweather returns to England after ten years abroad to discover his childhood sweetheart living in his home. But, he's no longer the carefree man of his youth and she's hiding something--deadly secrets Basil vows to uncover even as he hides a dark secret of his own.

While neither Basil nor Julia will trust in the other, their hearts speak a truer language.  In a grand attempt to save Julia's sister and Basil's life, the two must finally confess sinister truths. Will their admissions help or hinder any future they may have together? Or will the necromancer destroy all in a vile attempt at revenge.

Read More & Purchase

Was: $3.99

Now: $2.39

Marianne Grey is a ghost.

But, she's not dead. Cursed by a necromancer, Marianne searches for the elusive spell needed to merge her spirit with her physical body. She's not alone in her search. Her neighbor and best friend, Sage Merriweather, has vowed to help her break the curse.

Sage suffers from his own demons. Literally.

After surviving a horrific attack, a demon has bonded with him, mutating Sage's magic so he can only conjure fire. Until he can break the bond, he is a danger to everyone near him, including those he loves.

From the glittering ballrooms of London to eerily dark graveyards, Marianne and Sage battle forces of evil destined to claim their souls for eternity. Though their newfound love for each other may be the toughest battle of all.

Read More & Purchase

Was: $3.99

Now:  $2.39

Find These Books & More at The Wild Rose Press!

Romances of every style!

Paranormal, Contemporary, Historical, Romantic Suspense

And if you like your romances HOT check out the Wilder Side of the Garden!

And a FREE Gift For You!

• Table of Contents
  
  
  
  Breakfast – Page 1
  Lunch – Page 25
  Dinner – Page 51
  Soups and Stews – Page 79
  Breads, Biscuits, and Muffins – Page 101
  Salads and Sides – Page 124
  Desserts – Page 154
  Cookies and Bars – Page 184
  
  About this cookbook
  All recipes contributed are from the kitchens of Wild Rose Press authors. Any similarity to existing recipes is coincidental.  This cookbook is a free digital download. No royalties are paid on this book. Print editions are available for the cost of production. No profits are made on this cookbook.

The Pirate's Lady Blog Tour #newrelease #historicalromance

This week I'm touring the internet with a blog book tour featuring my new release, The Pirate's Lady! Several generous fellow writers and bloggers have agreed to host a Book Spotlight or Book Blast on their blogs to celebrate my new release. They're posting the blurb, an excerpt and several links so you can find out more about my new book.

Also, there's a chance to win a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card and a hand-painted Pirate Treasure Chest Trinket Box. While you're visiting these authors to find out more about The Pirate's Lady, be sure to check out the books these authors have written. There are amazing stories to find on these blogs! I've added substantially to my TBR list!

Nov. 11: Marin McGinnis

Nov. 13: Daphne Dubois

Nov. 13: L.A. Kelley

Nov. 15: Linda Nightingale

Nov. 15: Barbara Bettis

Nov. 16: Lori Sizemore

Nov. 16: Sandra Dailey

Nov. 17: Sharon Buchbinder

Nov. 17: Mary Morgan

Nov. 18: Darlene Fredette

Nov. 19: Ash Krafton

Nov. 20: K.J. Pierce

The Pirate's Lady is Available for Pre-Order #historicalromance

My historical romance debut, The Pirate's Lady, is coming soon! 

The release day is November 11, 2016, 

but you have a chance to reserve your copy today at the following retailers:

Amazon 

All Romance eBooks

Barnes & Noble

BookStrand

Kobo 

itunes/ibooks

or add it to your wishlist at The Wild Rose Press

Captain Marco Dante was captured and sentenced to hang two years ago, but he escaped before his sentence was carried out. Now he's come back to the woman who's 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?

Arianne 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?

Excerpt:

"I have a life here now."

"There's nothing for you here. Your place is by my side. In your heart, you 'tis true."

She looked away, turning her gaze to the ocean’s waves pounding the beach with hypnotic rhythm. A few moments ago, she sat here, mulling over her life’s misfortunes and attempting to reach a decision about her future.

Her fate.

Arianne shook her head. “I no longer travel your path. You sail without me, my friend.”

She pushed her bare toes into the grainy sand and stood, brushing the remaining sand that clung to her petticoats. In the silence of the crashing waves, she turned and walked away.

Inside, her heart bled. Yet, she deserved no better. Her life led to this heartache. That she walked away from this man now, after all this time only confirmed it.

“Arianne, you’re coming with me.”

His serious tone warned her of his intentions. She spun to face him, unsheathing her sword in time to block his attack. The sound of metal striking metal pierced the moonlit darkness. Her ears rang with the sound.

They stood, neither moving. She stared into his eyes. “You would take me by force?”

“Never by force,” his voice lowered to a growl. “You will come willingly.” And he
smiled, that knowing one she hated.

She let out a howl of outrage and swung her sword. He easily blocked. They stepped
a deadly dance of striking blades, until again they were trapped by heated gazes.

Her breathing was heavy, labored, filled with excitement. She looked at his lips, wanting to taste them but knowing she dared not. Her will was never strong around him. With one touch she might lose herself and want him again for forever. But that dream would never be achievable with Marco.

With him, she’d always be alone.

“Come with me, Arianne.”

“No.”

She pushed away and again they danced. Her feet moved lightly as she sprang, her petticoats swirling with each movement though she hoped they would not entangle her legs. Her arm swung with lithe movements as she fought. She equaled him with skill and grace. Each time their swords clashed, the noise pierced her soul. That she fought him was a testament to her determination to escape his tyranny over her heart. She could not succumb to him again.

As they battled, a sheen of sweat appeared upon his brow. The exposed skin of his chest glistened in the moonlight. His arms flexed as he swung his sword. His grace, his power, his energy seduced her.

Her heart pounded. Her skin ached to touch his. The heat in her lower regions grew to a fiery inferno. She trembled.

Again, they locked blades.

They stood a moment, staring. His gaze burned into her soul. She licked the salty sweat from her upper lip, and his eyes followed the movement with utter fascination.

He pushed their swords away. With his free hand, he grabbed her shoulder, pulling her tight against his chest. Arianne tilted her head to look into his eyes. The blue depths called to her, like the ocean’s waves licking at her feet. The yearning to go to him was too great. She hadn’t the will to fight.

Happy Reading!

Tricia

The Pirate's Lady #CoverReveal

I am super excited to share the cover of my newest romance, my historical romance debut, The Pirate's Lady!

A little about the book:

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?

Arianne 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?

Coming Soon! 

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