Behind-the-scenes of Into the Dark #KindleVella #pnr #mustread #dystopianromance #writinglife #WhatToRead

 

This story is just moving along! It's got to be one of my favorite books that I've written. I'm so excited I get to share it with you chapter by chapter. This format has really helped piece this story together.

I'll give you a little behind-the-scenes info that I haven't shared anywhere else. I wrote this book roughly 5 or 6 years ago. Finished the rough draft of 50k in about a week. I was obsessed with this story! Wrote like a madwoman! So much that my (then) husband complained that I was neglecting cooking my typical high-standard family suppers for him and the kids (which I retorted that he was fully capable of making supper himself. After which, I ordered pizza because clearly, that wasn't going to happen.)

The scene where Allison is pushed through the portal which is an opening in the ground that leads to a cave is what started this story. I dreamt of this scene. It was terrifying! With her cowering in the dark, listening to the approach of the stranger, feeling disoriented and not knowing if he meant her harm. And then when he grabbed her - not to hurt her, but to protect her, to protect them both from the monsters crawling out of the dark.

This entire novel was created from that one scene.

Everything fell into place as I wrote. I had no idea where the story was going, or what was going to happen to these characters. There was no outline. I was thrilled to enjoy the ride of what happens next??

A week later, I had the first draft finished. But it was so different from my typical writing that I didn't know what to do with it. Over the next few years, I fixed it up, polished it to a brilliant shine, then sent it off to publishers. I had a few nibbles, requests for more, but nothing ever came of it.

It's different.

It's not exactly horror. Not fantasy or sci-fi. Not completely romance, although this is clearly represented. It's not post-apocalyptic. More like an odd combination of all.

I see it now as Alice in Wonderland meets The Walking Dead. That really is the best way for me to describe this story.

Eventually, I decided to publish it myself. I bought an amazing cover that fits this story perfectly. As I began my 20th time reading through it (seriously, I lost count reading this one!), I heard about Amazon's new venture, Kindle Vella. After exploring that and learning more about serialized fiction, I realized that was what I had with Into the Dark. Each chapter, each scene, was written with a cliffhanger, a suspenseful ending to get the reader to turn the page. It's basically how I kept writing it. With endings to scenes like those, I was constantly left with the question What Happens Next? Well, I have to keep going to find out!!

I realized quite quickly that Into the Dark would be a perfect fit for Vella.

And really, what was there to lose? The poor novel had been languishing on my desktop for years. I wanted to share this story with readers. I wanted to hear what others thought of Allison and her adventure. I wanted readers to fall in love with Brian. And what about Donovan? Is he friend or foe? And also, what happens to Noah!? These are complex characters set in a strange, frightening environment.

So, I took the jump, plunging myself and my novel into the world of Kindle Vella and it has been exciting! I've met some amazing people. Read some fantastic stories. And I'm learning more about my writing as I pick apart the chapters and scenes to make them fit Vella's short episode format.

I promise you, this story is complete. I'm dusting off each chapter and editing it as I schedule them to post. I know some readers tend to be wary of serialized fiction because of writers who stop writing. But, the manuscript is finished! I've been posting around 2 to 3 chapters a week to stay active and have accumulated more than half the story online already.

With over 30 episodes, it's ready for you to binge-read! One short episode at a time!

It's been a fun ride! I hope you'll join me! 

The first three chapters (episodes) are free to read! Give them a try! But I'll give you a little hint, the scene that started this story with my dream is actually episode 4! I'd love for you to read it and let me know what you think!

New chapters available to read for Into the Dark!

If you haven't started, now is a great time to get caught up.

Investigative journalist, Allison Reed, has been sent an anonymous tip regarding the strange disappearances of several seemingly random local people. When she's caught snooping around a wealthy recluse's house, she discovers the man's daughters are witches who are abducting people and casting them into another world where magic feeds from the living and zombies are real.

Now, Allison has to learn to survive with the help of a mysterious stranger. Together, they work to find a way home. As they search for a way to escape this nightmarish world, Allison finds herself growing closer to Brian, the man who saved her. But living in this dimension presents its challenges and horrors, as Allison learns more about the witches who abducted her as well as the other victims.

Will they find a way home?

Or will they remain trapped in a world where the dead walk among the living?

Find Out Now!
Only on Kindle Vella!

Finding Vocab Words in Novels #LongandShortReviews #BlogChalleng

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge hosted by Long and Short Reviews.

This week's topic: Book with the most words I had to look up

I don't find the need to look up words in books often these days, but there was a time when I did. I think it was 9th grade Enlish class. My teacher, Mr. Palamar, gave us reading assignments. We were allowed to read a book of our choosing, but we had to list words we didn't know and their definitions as we read the book.

Out of the many books I read that year, I remember the most I had to look up was from The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. It was one of the first times, if I recall correctly, that I chose to read a classic novel on my own instead of having it as required reading for English class.

The reason I chose it? The Three Musketeers was made into a film that year starring Keifer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Oliver Platt, Chris O'Donnell, Tim Curry and Rebecca De Mornay. I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. Because, let's face it. Books are almost always better than the movies!

Swashbuckling novel, filled with high adventure, royal intrigue and romance, relates the escapades of D’Artagnan and his three friends—Athos, Porthos and Aramis—and their involvement in the secret plots of Cardinal Richelieu and his beautiful but treacherous spy, Lady de Winter.

I'm so glad I chose this book! The Three Musketeers was an adventure I had not been expecting, filled with suspense, intrigue, twists and turns. I was hooked! Shortly after, I got a copy of The Man in the Iron Mask and The Count of Monte Cristo.

Who knew these old classics could be so adventurous and fun?

It was quite a thick book compared to some others I'd read at that time, so I guess that accounted for the increase in vocabulary words I added to my list. Also, out of all the books I read that year, The Three Musketeers was my favorite!

Nowadays, I don't have to look up as many words while I'm reading novels. Mostly, when I feel the need to look things up, its the modern day language that baffles me. I cannot tell you how long it took me to figure out what ROFL meant!!

Be sure to check out the other blogger's suggestions at ...

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!

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Happy Reading!

~Tricia

AMAZON

Nighthawk by Kristen Kyle #summerofsfr #scifiromance

It's the Summer of Sci-fi Romance! Hosted by S. J. Pajonas, I will be featuring Sci-fi Romance books on my blog. I'll add reviews to some and others I will share because they're on my TBR list.

Today, I'm sharing a book I have re-read several times. One of the first sci-fi romances that I had the pleasure of discovering, Nighthawk by Kristen Kyle had me hooked from the first page. The best way to describe this book is a combination of Star Wars and Firefly. If you like either of those, then you'll love this book!

Not only was I captivated by the hero and heroine, but the cast of secondary characters were memorable and I really wanted to see the hero's brother, Rand, get a book of his own. There were so many elements that made this book fun and entertaining and I recommend it to anyone who loves romance mixed with high-stakes adventure set in a galaxy far, far away.

A Woman with a Mission

Determined to earn her father's approval, Kari Solis set out to capture the commander of the rebel forces wreaking havoc on their world. But she didn't count on her plans being upset by a rogue smuggler--a handsome loner concealing a shadowy past and an even darker secret.

A Man with a Past

After he managed to turn the tables and take her hostage, Talon should have rid himself of Kari's dangerous company at the first opportunity. Instead, he found himself torn between a raging hunger to possess her and a driving need to escape a passion that jeopardized everything he strived for.

A Love For All Time

Confronted by a dark menace threatening all they held dear, the two reluctantly joined forces, igniting a firestorm of cosmic passion that took them to a final battle--putting the power of betrayal against the strength of their love.

AMAZON

Be sure to check out the other blogs participating in the Summer of SFR!

HERE!

I write sensual paranormal, sci-fi, gothic 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!

You can Follow me on ...

BookBub | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Happy Reading!

~Tricia

Mermaidia ~ Hot New Release! #mustread #pnr #fantasy #mermaids

Look what I woke up to this morning!

Mermaidia is making its mark in the charts!

#2 in Fiction Anthologies
#3 in Literary Anthologies & Collections
#4 in Fairy Tales

Get it here!

I am thrilled to see these numbers! These stories are amazing! The authors have really outdone themselves with this one. I'm honored to be a part of this collection!

If you haven't grabbed your copy yet, better hurry because the low price of 99cents is temporary. Also, this collection is only available for a limited time!

Don't miss the chance to read the paranormal romance that I wrote for this set called, The Mermaid. It was such a fun story to write! I hope you enjoy it!

Love mermaids and all creatures aquatic? This limited time anthology is just for you! With more than 1500 pages of captivating fiction, you'll be enchanted by sirens, dive the depths with a mermaid, and fear whether the sea witch is friend or foe.

Are you ready to dive in before your chance is lost forever? Then order this limited-edition collection of exclusive material from USA Today and award-winning authors TODAY!

Including stories from:

Catherine Banks, Kai Ellory Viola, Anthea Sharp, Kristi Lea, LA Fox, Nicole Zoltack, Mara Amberly, Raine English, Margo Bond Collins, Sara Elizabeth, Tricia Schneider, Merrie Destefano, Bokerah Brumley, Rachel A. Marks and Pauline Creeden




Check out the reviews coming in on Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub! When you're finished reading, be sure to include your review, too! With many thanks from the authors!

#BookReview: Passion Never Dies by Anna Durand #PNR

Passion Never Dies: The Complete Reborn Series by Anna Durand

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In March 2014, Anna Durand introduced a unique new series of paranormal romance novellas. For the first time ever, all four tales in the Reborn series are collected in one book.

Dawn woke up drowning, inside a tank in a laboratory straight out of a science fiction movie. Blinded by amnesia, she has no choice but to trust in the alluring stranger who pulls her out of the tank, but Jake Maxwell knows more than he cares to admit. Now Redeo Biotech, the company responsible for Dawn's resurrection, is hunting them both.

As their passion for each other blossoms, Jake and Dawn must outwit their enemies and rediscover their past lives. But when their greatest foe rises from the ashes of ancient Egypt bent on vengeance, only Jake and Dawn's eternal connection has the power to save them.

This collection includes the novellas Reborn to Die, Reborn to Burn, Reborn to Avenge, and Reborn to Conquer.

My Review:
Dawn wakes up in a tank filled with blue liquid, not remembering her name or her past or how she ended up in a laboratory with a handsome man who insists she needs to follow him quickly before the scientists return to find them. That scene begins an adventurous and romantic tale about a woman who has been resurrected from a 3000 year-old mummy.

When I read the description about this book, I knew instantly that I wanted to read it. A romance involving a mummy? That seemed right up my alley. I love a good paranormal romance with a unique twist and this book did not disappoint. The fast-paced action was intense as Dawn and Jake raced to escape the scientists and their military-like security. One turn after another, they were barely out of danger before another danger arose, leaving a breathless reader who couldn't stop turning the pages. I read this book in less than 3 days, which for my busy schedule is fairly quick these days. But, I really couldn't put this book down. The chapters are short and end with cliffhangers which kept convincing me that I could read just one more page, just one more chapter before I had to put it down.

Passion Never Dies is an exciting tale that won't disappoint readers looking for a unique and action-oriented romance. It was interesting to discover more about Dawn and how she came to be revived. I liked the explanations for her understanding of modern day devices, too. I enjoyed learning about her past and her experiences in ancient Egypt.

There are a few things that might stretch the limits of believability in this story, such as the number of times someone died and was brought back to life or the chance encounters with characters who recall their inter-connected past-life memories, but considering the plot is about a 3000 year-old mummy being brought back to life via a combination of science, technology and magic, I'm willing to overlook it. Besides, this story was just too much fun to read! In my opinion, this reminds me of a combination of a day-time soap opera and the sci-fi TV series, Stargate, SG1. And I mean that in the best possible comparisons.

I didn't realize, however, until I began reading that this book was originally a type of serial, which explains many of the repeated explanations to get readers caught up with the story in each section. I'm feel fortunate that I read this completed addition, so I did not have to wait for each installment. Not having the entire collection at once would've annoyed me. I'm the type of reader who will wait until an author completes a trilogy before reading all the books back to back. Of course, that's just me, but I know there are other readers out there who feel the same. If that's the case, then this book is for you!

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Read more about Anna Durand 

#BookReview: #DoctorWho: The Forever Trap by Dan Abnett and Narrated by Catherine Tate

Doctor Who: The Forever Trap by Dan Abnett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the TARDIS is invaded by a holographic marketing scam, the Doctor and Donna find themselves trapped on the Edifice, a purpose-built complex of luxury apartments in space. Their new environs leave much to be desired: millions of beings from across the Universe have been gathered to live side by side in similar apartments. Instead of creating neighbourly affection, it’s led to terrible battles being waged in the corridors and on the stairwells. The Doctor and Donna must cross the paths of deadly alien mobs as they search for the Edifice’s ultimate authority. Who - or what - lies at the heart of the incredible complex? What destructive scourge is eating away at the Edifice itself? And are the Doctor and Donna trapped forever in this living hell? Doctor Who: The Forever Trap features the Doctor and Donna, as played by David Tennant and Catherine Tate in the hit BBC Television series Doctor Who. Written specially for audio by Dan Abnett, it is read by Catherine Tate.

Audiobook

Published October 9th 2008 by BBC Audio (first published September 30th 2008)

My Review:

Ah, the Doctor. And not only any Doctor, but David Tennant's Doctor. One of my two most favorite Doctors along with Christopher Eccleston and Tom Baker. Since I can't watch any more television shows featuring these Doctors, I'm forever grateful that I can still enjoy learning about their adventures through books. And not only that, but hearing them narrated by my most favorite companion EVER is the best! Sorry, Rose.

The Forever Trap begins with Donna and the Doctor aboard the Tardis. A mysterious man appears on the ship, something that the Doctor claims is impossible. The man is a salesman of sorts, advertising a luxurious apartment. Before they can learn much more about how he's come to be here, Donna accidentally touches the man which seals the contract he has proposed and they are whisked away to the Edifice.

The Edifice is a building which houses the likes of all manner of creatures and aliens regardless of whether they are friend or foe, or even if the environment is suitable to their lifestyle. As in water creatures who are unable to breathe air. The Doctor and Donna are horrified at the conditions they find these abducted creatures are living and they search for who or what is responsible. And as always, the Doctor's mission to put things right at rather all costs.

This isn't the first Doctor Who audiobook I've listened to, but I believe it is now one of my favorites. The story was interesting and mysterious, just the way I like it. But, also, I think the talented Catherine Tate's narration was one of the reasons I loved this story. She did a fantastic job at creating voices for these alien creatures and even the Doctor. And it was a delight to hear Donna's voice again with her snarky comments. A pure joy!




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