Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Close to the Heart


I'm curious to know how many writers out there have that one special novel or even a short story that means more to you than all the others. For me, that extra special book was written in a genre I rarely write. I market myself as a paranormal author but no matter how many werewolf or vampire tales I spin, I continuously receive more fan mail about this book.

The Wooden Nickel is a vintage romance set during WWII and The Great Depression and is loosely based on my grandparents. I've had readers approach me at book signings with a bummed look on their faces because I'm only signing copies of a current paranormal release. So, I've decided to sign The Wooden Nickel at the 4th Annual Buns and Roses Tea for Literacy on October 11th.


It's a fun event where authors have the wonderful opportunity to have tea with readers. I promised some of the readers last year that next year I would sign The Wooden Nickel so I can't disappoint.






Another reason I think this book is more popular is because of its wide appeal. It's appropriate for young and old alike. Perhaps the biggest appeal though is the message, ever lasting love.

I visited my mother the other day and she told me she just finished reading it for the third time and cried all over again. My grandmother volunteers at the hospital and convinced the gift shop owner to purchase my book and sell copies. She said the owner loves to tell shoppers that the author is a granddaughter of one of their volunteers.

My grandma rocks! She's a marketing genius. She really knows how to spread the word. She started talking up a product sold in my uncle's pharmacy. He sells those emergency necklaces to call 911 for the elderly and disabled to wear. She wears one and told all her friends about it. My uncle called her and said, "What did you do? I'm selling out of these things and the customers all say you sent them."

So, I'll just sit back and wait for Grandma to run into a movie producer. In the meantime, I'll dream about my favorite actors playing the characters I created. Do you have a favorite book you've written and dream of seeing it on the big screen one day? I'd love to hear about it.

Here's the book video for The Wooden Nickel. I'd love to hear your thoughts.




Happy Tuesday,
Alisha

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Silent Lucidity...Writing From Dreams



To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.
Anatole France (1844 - 1924)

Hope is a waking dream.
Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC), from Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers

Dreams that do come true can be as unsettling as those that don't.
Brett Butler, 'Knee Deep in Paradise'

To want to be what one can be is purpose in life.
Cynthia Ozick, O Magazine, September 2002

He felt that his whole life was some kind of dream and he sometimes wondered whose it was and whether they were enjoying it.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001), "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809 - 1849), "Eleonora"

The wisest men follow their own direction.
Euripides (484 BC - 406 BC)


Dreams are sifted reality, our mind's way of filtering through the thoughts we don't dare think during the day. ~ Alisha Paige


How do you come up with new ideas for your latest novel? I'm always curious to see what inspires writers. I'm a big dreamer..yeah, I dream big and I actually remember very vivid dreams. I've been known to wake up from a dream and jot down everything before I forget it. Have you done this?

Once I dreamed I was this teenage girl that moved to a new world (Early America) with my parents. I was very wealthy and our home was ready for us when we arrived, built with the best materials of the day. Servants were carrying my large trunk inside our new home. I watched from the windows, looking out at this foreign, new land as a very handsome man rode up on a horse. I'm watching all of this out the wavy oval glass of our front door. A bear approaches and the man pulls out a knife and spars with it. I gasp and know right then and there that I will marry this man one day. Then I woke up. Ahhh! How disappointing! I immediately wrote the dream down. I usually don't dream of other time periods. This was really odd.


Another night I dreamed I was the member of a wedding party. This is the weird part..my ex husband was there too. After the wedding, there was a huge party in this hotel and we were all staying in two adjoined, very luxurious hotel suites. It was late night and everyone had crashed. In my dream, I wake up when I hear voices, whispers really and doors creaking open. I look over the shoulder of the person sleeping next to me..again, this was highly odd....I don't make a habit of sleeping with a herd of people...and I see all these men coming in, posing as waiters in white coats, pushing room service trays. Very methodicallly, they go from room to room, executing people. They had come from the room adjoining where the bride and groom slept. I watched from the dark as they lifted sheets off of faces. Some they killed. Some they did not. When they finally, very quietly left, everyone is on their feet, screaming. The police are called and word spreads that the bride and groom are dead. I awake for real, shortly after and jot everything down. This dream was so real. I was shaking when I woke and remember the feeling of utter terror. I wrote the introduction to a story called Wedding Day Massacre but have not finished it. Maybe I'll dream the rest of it.

I had a very disturbing dream just a few nights ago. I was vacationing with all my family near NY. We rented a home on the water. It was summertime and we were swimming when we noticed all this debris blasting through the skies above her heads like there had been an explosion. There's total confusion and then we witness a hideous thing. The statue of liberty shoots way into the sky. Everyone is pointing and screaming. It was awful. I don't even want to write about that. **Shudder**



Dreams are fascinating. I remember once being terrified in a dream and I actually knew it wasn't real. I spoke to this ghost and said, "Hey, this is my dream. I'm in control, not you." I stuck my tongue out at the phantom and she disappeared. I always have ghost dreams. Very strange.

I never dream about werewolves or vampires and I write about shapeshifters. Why is that? Has anyone out there studied dreams? I really should read more about them. In my opinion, they are our thoughts sifted. In other words, the stuff we think about but don't dare admit. Who dreams about your ex boyfriend or ex girlfriend? Hey, I don't share these with Michael. I think those dreams are about unresolved issues...maybe things we should have said to the other person...for closure. They seem to be for me at least.

What about when you dream about someone you loved who has died? Now I'm not convinced those are real dreams. I think they're REAL, but that's another topic all together.

Do dreams help you come up with new ideas? I'm dying to hear about your dreams!



Happy Reading and Writing
~Alisha

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Ultimate Hero: Patrick Swayze




Yesterday, my heart broke. God must need dancers in heaven. He was one of the most talented, sexiest alpha men to ever grace us with his presence. He is an excellent example of the ultimate hero we authors strive to create in our books. He was so very in love with his wife. The two of them dancing is so beautiful.












Thank you for your gift to the world, Mr. Swayze. The world is a darker place without your light.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

In Memory of Bela Lugosi! Carpe Nocturne!







That is one hot alpha vamp!





I'm getting really excited about what I call "my season". When the leaves begin to fall and the nights turn colder, I get an itch to cook a giant pot of chili...do I sound like a witch or what? I watch old scary movies, build a fire, decorate my house with jack o'lanterns and fake spider webs. My kids love it! Besides, Halloween is the busiest time for a paranormal author. I'm kind of in hibernation all year and all of the sudden, I have book signings at local book stores, coffee shops, wine shops. I participate in the annual Buns and Roses Tea every October. We raise money for literacy and have tea with the coolest readers!

Last night I kicked off the start of "my season" by watching the one and only Bela Lugosi in Dracula. What a fantastic actor! Today I'm dedicating my blog to the memory of this fascinating artist.

I did a bit of research on Bela. He was born in 1882 in Lugos, Hungary, not far from Transylvania. How perfect! His name came from this town. Bela was a master actor, perfecting the role of Dracula on the stage as a theatre actor before he was cast in the role of Dracula because Lon Chaney died, Universal's first choice for the role. Because Bela did such an amazing job playing the part of Dracula, he was type cast and unable to obtain any starring roles unless they were for horror films.




Most difficult for me to believe is that Bela was not paid very well for his roles. He even declared bankruptcy and lost his Hollywood home, but look at how much he has given us all. An unforgettable image of Dracula. Before the 1931 film, Dracula, most people had not read the book and did not know vampires turned to bats. Did you know that Bela also turned into a wolf in the film? People had no idea that a crucifix repels a vampire. Bela showed us that vamps have no reflection in a mirror and only walk at night. All of these characteristics were brought to light with such grace and power. No wonder Dracula is still the scariest, most revered monster of all. Bela IS Dracula.

Watching old classics is a great exercise for writers. We can go back to the beginning and watch the old fables unfold, remember things we have forgotten about the legends. There are a few I saw that I won't share here. You'll have to go watch it yourself. The audience never saw Bela bite a neck. There was no blood and gore, yet when he bends over one of his victims and the screen fades away, I'm more scared than ever.

Go check out Bela's official website. His family has created it and it's worth a look see. Read the bio written by Bela Lugosi, Jr. and you'll probably cry right along with me when you read that he buried his dad in one of his Dracula capes.





Here's some memorable lines from the movie.

"I am DRAH-COOL-LAH.I bid you welcome."

"Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make."

"I never drink...wine."

Bela's Website

Rest in peace, Bela!

~Enjoy the start of the Halloween season! ~ Blessings, Alisha

Friday, September 4, 2009

A Teaser from J.A. Saare's Moon Kissed!


I just can't get enough of J.A. Saare. This author really knows how to make her readers melt. Check out this steamy excerpt from Moon Kissed and grab your copy on Friday, September 11th from Amira. J.A. Saare will be having a contest for a free copy on the 11th.


J.A. Saare


Moon Kissed Blurb:

When Kassia Lambert wakes in a nice warm bed, alive and intact, she can’t believe her good fortune. She should be dead, considering she was sent head first into brick and mortar. So why isn’t she?

Lycae Adam Trevlian has waited three long years to claim his mate, a human that battles for the Thymeria vampires. After he saves her life, he brings her with him, intent on doing just that. But betrayal and heartbreak is hard to overcome, and even with the kiss of the moon on his side, Adam knows Kassia may or may not forgive his past mistakes.

Excerpt:

His hand shot out, negating my progress. He guided me back against the wall and stood in front of me, his massive body blocking out the room behind him. The scent was stronger with the source so near, swamping me, encasing me, and I had to bite down hard on my lower lip to silence the moan that threatened to slip past. I slammed my eyes shut to block him out in the only way I could.

“Do you want to know who killed Demetrius?” His words, spoken in a husky timbre, were accompanied by his warm breath against my face. “Aren’t you curious?”

My entire body melted at the verbal caress, and a dumb nod was all I was capable of.

“I did,” he whispered thickly, violently. “I ripped out his goddamned throat before I severed his fucking spine.”

My eyes flew open, and I stammered, “W-what?”

Lycae did not get involved with the Thymeria without the promise of compensation. They detested the blood drinkers, thinking them little more than cold-blooded parasites. If Adam killed Demetrius, he would be owed a heavy boon.

“That’s right,” Adam murmured as I caught on, and he brushed his nose lightly against mine. “Since I relieved the Thymeria of their burden, they relinquished what I desired most.”

He pulled away to look me in the eye, and I blurted, “I don’t understand.”

His warm fingers wound into the hair at my nape, twining gently into the thick blonde strands. “The Thymeria knew of my intentions. That’s why they waited until you were twenty-one to send you after their most sought after Fallen. They banked on the fact I would be there, and that I’d kill the fucking bastard if he so much as touched you.” My hitched gasp of surprise amused him. “You shouldn’t be surprised, love. Vampires are shrewd creatures, if anything.”

As he spoke, I found myself moving closer to his enticing warmth, drawn to the cadence of his speech. His lips appeared so full and soft, so tempting . . .

Damn it! I cursed myself, shaking my head to clear my mind and ripping my eyes away from his sublime face to stare blankly at the wooden floor. My body refused to settle despite my best effort. My breasts felt heavy, my nipples going hard as the soft cotton shirt brushed painfully against the agonized flesh.

“Why would you follow me?” I choked out the question in the same instant I thought it. Distraught by the reaction he produced in me. “You made your feelings clear in New Orleans . Nothing’s changed.”

I tried to move to freedom and was rewarded with Adam’s impressive body pressing flush against me. My knees gave out with the contact of his heated skin, and he wrapped a strong arm around my waist to keep me upright.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Kass,” he rasped and nuzzled my neck, sending vibrations along the nerve endings and creating a scattering of goose bumps along the surface. He brushed his mouth against my ear and whispered, “Everything’s changed.”

Our eyes met, hunter green clashing with mushroom blue, and I froze, unable to move as his face descended, coming closer, then closer . . .

His lips were softer than I’d believed them, and far more gentle than I’d imagined. My eyes fluttered closed, and I moaned when his tongue slid past and caressed mine, darting in tenderly before retreating and coming back once more. Already frazzled senses heightened, allowing me to revel in the smell, taste, and feel of him. Eager and wanton hands caressed the hot smooth skin along his back without shame, fingers delving into solid and unyielding muscle.

He pulled away, breathing heavy, and whispered possessively, “You are mine now. The Thymeria have severed the tie and have placed you into my keeping. You’re of proper age to claim and take as a mate, and that is exactly what I intend to do. I’ve waited far too long for you.”

The words had meaning, but they didn’t compute, buzzing through one ear and out of the other. My mind couldn’t fathom anything but the man directly in front of me. I’d fantasized about Adam for so long I wondered if I had died and went to some eroticized version of heaven.

His laugh was rich, throaty, and deep. “You’re not in heaven, love. Not yet.”

Thursday, September 3, 2009

An Interview with Talented J.A. Saare and a Drawing for A Kiss Before Dying!


Please welcome J.A. Saare to my blog today! I'm thrilled to have this exciting new author stop by. Her work is delish! Check her out!

Alisha: Can you tell us a little bit about your childhood? Favorite memories?

J.A.: I grew up in an underprivileged community, but I have to say, it was made all the more colorful because of it. A majority of the time I was on a mission to discover the best trees to climb or creeks to splash around in. My favorite memories are those I spent on my Aunt Laura’s farm. She had chickens, horses, and cows. Her old barn was my castle.

Alisha: Tell us about the hero and heroine in your latest release.

J.A.: That would be Katja Morgan and Sebastian Arsov from my short erotic story, A Kiss Before Dying.

Katja is a human that has been taken from a life of poverty on the streets and placed into a vampire house as a blood slave. Once loud, brash, and unrefined; she is now older, smarter and wiser. Her master, Sebastian, is everything she’s ever wanted, but remains someone she can never have. Blood slaves are not permitted to have sex with their shellars because the bond in sharing blood combined with the intimacy of making love ensures their memories can never be fully wiped clean when they are returned to the mortal world. When her tenure as his companion nears completion, she decides losing the memories of Sebastian are a fate equal to death and schemes to have all of him before she meets her end.

Sebastian is an ancient vampire that has waited centuries for the one woman that belongs to him alone. The vampire race is dying out, and because of this, they’ve turned to humans in mortal society to fortify their numbers. He’s knows he’s found his equal in Katja, but vampire law prevents him from claiming her. I can’t really say more, or it would ruin the story. But Sebastian is without a doubt one of my favorites characters.

On a side note, A Kiss Before Dying was actually my first ever “erotic” story. I was having issues writing erotic scenes in my work and decided it was time to get over it! I wrote the story on a business trip with my husband while waiting in the airport lobbies. It was a unique experience, and one I look on fondly.

Alisha: Okay, I'm already hooked!!!! If you were granted three wishes by a genie, what would they be?

J.A.: My first and foremost wish would be that my family remains healthy and happy. They are my lifeline and reason for waking each day. Then I would wish to replace materialism with love. If we could only bring ourselves to value people as much as we do property and wealth – could you imagine? My last wish would be that the war and poverty across the world would end.

Alisha: If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

J.A.: There are a ton of places I want to visit, but oddly enough, I’d love to return to Colorado Springs. I didn’t get to enjoy the scenery (what I did see was gorgeous). I can’t wait to return there.

Alisha: If you could see anyone tomorrow (dead or alive), who would it be?

J.A.: My Aunt Laura. She passed away suddenly and I still regret not having the chance to say goodbye.

Alisha: If you could choose six people to spend one week on a desert island, who would it be and why?

J.A.: My husband, four children, and my Mother in Law. I would be lost without them. Doesn’t sound interesting, I know. But it’s the truth!

Alisha: I think it sounds perfect! What word or phrase tingles in all the right places for you?

J.A.: It’s by Elizabeth Lowell in her story, Only His. The hero tells the heroine, “I’ll be as gentle as sunlight with you.” In fact, I gave it my own twist and incorporated the phrase into my upcoming paranormal romance contracted by TWRP, Crimson Moon.

Alisha: Wow..that is a beautiful line. If you had one day to spoil yourself, what would you do?

J.A.: That’s easy. Spend the day in the bookstore with my ipod and a mug of coffee. I adore the bookstore!

Alisha: If you could change one incident in your life, what would it be and how would you change it?

J.A.: My last pregnancy was horrible, and when our daughter was born, I was told we couldn’t have any more children. If I’d have known that, I would have cherished carrying her, even at the worst. Pregnancy, for me, is a beautiful time.

Alisha: Sniff..sniff....I totally agree with you. It's some of my happiest times too but like you, I know how hard it can be. What’s the sexiest thing a man has ever done for you or said to you or both?

J.A.: My husband doesn’t have to say anything. One look is enough to make me weak in the knees and happier than a lark.

Alisha: Pant...pant...great answer!

A Kiss Before Dying – Available September 4th at Amira Press
Excerpt

The large oak door opened with a protest of squeaking hinges, interrupting my thoughts and memories, and Sebastian entered the bedchamber. His massive frame took up a large portion of the bedroom, as did his tremendous presence. He pulled the door closed behind him, walking to the center of the room, and then stood before me.
I knew what to expect. I had seen him come to those fortunate enough to grace his bed in those first days of my tenure, exiting just before the females doomed to die glorified in the last dizzying moments of pure bliss. For though they partook in the pleasures of his body, it was I that shared a portion of his mind, and the only reprieve I was allotted from his chamber was when he entertained.
As required, I donned a black mask embossed with blood red jewels that revealed only my cherry stained lips and darkly kohled chocolate brown eyes, which worked in my favor to keep my identity hidden. Many of the Lords preferred to think of their bed partners as little more than disposable pleasures. None of them enjoyed killing, even when it was necessary. The mask also held an enchantment, masking my unique scent. Otherwise, Sebastian would easily recognize the aroma of my blood, and by association, my identity.
To continue with the illusion, I chose a long pale blond wig. Disguising the waves of brunette collected beneath. Sebastian loved my hair, claiming it was a prize of its own. Masking those heavy strands was as important as obscuring my face.
He continued standing there, observing me with a trained and critical eye. His body was covered by only the most expensive materials, each piece custom fit to conform to his frame perfectly. The black jacket molded to his wide shoulders, left open along the center to reveal the crisp white shirt beneath with pearly white buttons opened at the collar.
“Rise,” he murmured in his thick rich voice, slightly accented and entirely erotic.
The mere word caused my thin panties to become drenched with hot liquid arousal. I began to shiver, goose bumps gathering along the surface of skin. Wantonly, I envisioned the lips that uttered the word against my breasts, suckling and nipping playfully. My nipples hardened at the prospect, aching and sensitive. I shifted uncomfortably in the chair.
Sebastian chuckled at my reaction, scenting my desire. “Rise, little beauty, and come to me.”
This time, I did.

Alisha: Oooooooooooh.....chills. Can't wait to read all of it! Thank you for giving us this special treat today, J.A! XXXXOOOOXXXX

J.A.: Alisha, you romance goddess! Thank you for having me on your blog today! I always enjoy chatting with you. A Kiss Before Dying will be released by Amira Press on September 4th and I’m so very excited! I’d like to offer a free copy to a random commenter which will be announced and delivered on release day. Tell me what your favorite phrase or word is and why it gives you those happy tingles. Then check back on the Alisha’s blog on September 4th when I’ll reveal the winner. Please check my blog http://www.jasaare.blogspot.com for future contests and prizes! I’ll be giving away another copy from there as well.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Eye Candy and A Drawing for Voodoo Moon!



I don't have much to say today so I'm going to tempt you with some serious eye candy. Hey, we have a long Labor Day weekend coming up so if you get the chance to spend some extra time with your honey, I'm sure these pictures will help get you in the mood. Actually, my honey has been working out of town. I'll see him Friday so I'm having serious withdrawals. I'm on Michael crack.....


and it's some good shit...better than chocolate.... check out these hotties...so maybe some eye candy from Clive Owen, John Travolta, Rick Springfield, Brad Pitt, Matt Dillon, Matthew Fox or sweet Jon Bon Jovi will keep me satisfied until then....whinnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Who is your favorite and tell me why? I'll enter you into a drawing for an ebook of Voodoo Moon. Scroll down so you can drool along with me.

(Photos courtesy of Photo Bucket)
















I think now I'm motivated to write the steamy sex scene I've been putting off all week. Sigh...