IMAGINATION IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE

I'll have a plate of zombies and my eggs sunny side up!

2012-01-25T09:13:00.006-06:00

Alisha: Published authors get tons of writing tossed their way. Do you know how many people have sent me their work so I can read it and do what? Breathe magic into it so an editor will love it and offer the writer a big ass contract? We don't have the connections new writers think we do. I can hook you up with a kick ass editor and a kick ass cover artist. That's about it. But ever so often, I get something in my inbox that excites me. If I were an acquiring editor, I'd grab this dude by the collar and not let go! This guy can write!!! Very well! I love his voice, his humor and he needs no help from me or anyone else. Dialogue is his very best friend and I love that in a writer! Makes the story pump along at a fast, exciting pace! Please welcome...well, I'll let him introduce himself. Watch out world, here he comes! And if you're one of those people who don't "get" zombie books, don't fret..you soon will.

Name: Daniel "El Jefe" McElhaney (No one calls me "El Jefe")
Age: 21 (secretly ageless, like Cthulu)
Favorite Genre: Horror/Suspense
Favorite Books: John Dies At The End by David Wong and House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

I started writing about 5 years ago. I was heavily into zombie/horror movies, and I was sad that, aside from World War Z, there was very little zombie literature. I took it upon myself to write a little story about a guy walking through an airport, getting coughed on by a second guy, and starting the zombie outbreak in New York. I was happy with the work, so I posted it to Myspace. My friends and family all devoured it, and begged for more. I turned a short, 500 word excerpt into an 11,000 word work in progress, but I soon hit a wall, and couldn't overcome it. My current project, Zombie R&D, was inspired by a book I read called John Dies At The End by David Wong. I read this book and decided that I wanted to write a zombie based novel about these two best friends who are forced to face the zombie apocalypse from the confines of their workplace. I'm about 9000 words into this one, and a full head of steam to keep going. I hope you all enjoy the read.

Excerpt
I should have known something was up when I noticed the smell, but I was too caught up in thinking “damn fire extinguisher,” and “what the hell is this stuff anyway?” It wasn't a particularly unpleasant smell, but near the door, it did get slightly overwhelming and made me want to swear off Thai food for at least a month. I felt bad for the guy who had to pass that stuff though, and hoped it tasted better than it smelled coming out.

Upon entering the bathroom I was greeted with what was probably the most gruesome sight I had ever seen in a bathroom, and I had walked in on Devon shaving his nether-realm once. A strange liquid covered the floor. Too black to be poo, too red to not be blood. It looked like a color a goth-kid would wear to prom, if a goth-kid would ever go to prom. I'm not really sure if liquid is the best term to describe it. It ran like liquid, and it soaked into paper towels like liquid, but it was chunky, like Chinese food vomit, but it didn't smell anywhere near as good. I looked under the stall from which this liquid was expanding slowly.

Juan, the over-night janitor (this was Texas, I'm not being racist) was laying face down in the toilet while below him his entrails we hanging in the wind. The black liquid covered the front of the porcelain bowl with some chunks of gore littered here and there. His work boots were soaked with the stuff, and as I got closer, I could tell he had also soiled himself, but that was the least of his worries.

Suddenly, I had some tequila flashbacks, and that feeling where your tongue sinks back in your throat hit me. I had connected that Thai-food-not-so-happy-ending smell with the seemingly dead body and bloody expungement and my weak digestive system could hold it in no longer. I ran to the sink behind me and immediately regretted my choice of vomiting into a vessel with such a small drain. Just as I got done getting rid of the terrible food from the party the night before, I heard the last thing I wanted to hear. Terrified of what I would find, I turned around.

His feet shuffled slowly behind me, and I could hear him moaning as if he had just, well, thrown up after being disemboweled. Juan was fighting, trying to rise to his feet, but his body and the extremely slippery floor had made it one hell of a task. His legs and feet slid around in the muck on the floor as his hands tried in vain to grasp anything at all for leverage.

Like Juan had done hours before, I nearly evacuated my bowels when, from behind me yet again, Devon beckoned aloud, “Juan! Do you need an amberlamps?”

“Jesus Christ Dev, you would make a bad-ass ninja, but scare me like that again, and I will make sure you end up like Juan here. Also, why do you say that, amberlamps?”

“Well, jeez, Ricky, I don't know, maybe because Juan Delgado, our janitor, could use one right about now, seeing as he's face down in his own intestines!”

“Not that, jack ass, it's called an ambulance. Amber lamps are what you put in your car for turn signals.”

“How is that even important? He needs medical attention, and the fastest way to get him medical attention is, say it with me, an amberlamps!”

“Now I understand why you were in summer school for English class.”

“I told you once, you sonofabitch, I only failed so I could ogle Mrs. Whatsherface's perfectly round ass.”

“Mrs. Perkins? Dude, she was closer to 60 than she was to your age.”

“I don't care. You can't deny that that booty was on point.”

“Whatever, we need to get Juan some help. What should we do? Emergency Services won't be here until noon. He's going to die. Sweet zombie Jesus, Juan is going to die. Here. In the bathroom. At Fred's Electronics.”

“Could have been worse. We could have found him naked.”

“Devon, show some respect. Go get Brian. You know what, never mind, go announce that we're closing the store.”

“You are looking for every reason to ruin my day today, aren't you?”

“DEVON! GO! NOW!”

“Alright, jeez, calm your tits.” He finally left the rest room. My hand trembled as I reached for the walkie-talkie in my pocket. I didn't realize it then, but this was the second, I don't know exactly what to call them, that I would see. I would come into contact with about thirty of them on this particular day. They've got a list of names: Ghouls, Zombies, Zeds, Drones, Crazies, Freaks, Geeks. My preferred term for them at that time was, “those bitey assholes.”

For All the Dead Girls

2012-01-20T10:34:00.004-06:00

When I spoke to survivor, Betty Lee Hanson over the phone last week, she told me the horrifying story of her escape from a serial killer on Christmas night, 1973. Betty Lee was 15-years-old. I was 3-years-old and still remember the brand new kitchen I got from Santa that year. My mother tells me it took them hours to put together and they finally went to bed at 3 am. While I was sleeping in bed after a huge Christmas with all the wonder of childhood, Betty Lee was going through Hell. She was fighting for her life in the middle of a blizzard, on the side of the highway, face to face with serial killer, Ralph Andrews.Betty Lee survived a stab to the heart and lived to testify against Andrews many times.

This is my first non-fiction book and I'm proud to take on this project. If you ask Betty Lee why she wants this book written, she'll tell you this: "For all the dead girls. These girls want this story written."

When Betty Lee uttered those words to me, a chill snaked down my spine and I knew I had to write this book.

THE PREY THAT GOT AWAY is Coming soon!

And this book is for all the dead girls. May you all rest in peace.

~Alisha

The Road to Tangerine

2012-01-13T01:11:00.005-06:00

First of all, I would like to thank Alisha for the opportunity to do a guest post.

My co-author and I began writing our first novel, Tangerine, in 2009. Here it is almost three years later and we have just published it. In the interim, we published three volumes of short stories and another novel, Betrayed. Although Tangerine was the first book we wrote together, Betrayed was the first one we published together.

We started our collaboration with the same starry eyes most authors have, and spent months (almost a year) seeking a traditional publishing contract for Tangerine. We were, for the most part, regularly rejected or ignored. However, one helpful publisher made some suggestions he felt would improve the story. At the time, we set his recommendations aside for later review and put Tangerine on hold.

It was decided that our short story collections would serve several important functions for us. They would be a way of introducing readers to our writing. We priced them low and in each one added a bonus "silly" tale or short piece of fiction that was just for fun. We also wanted to assess the indie market for our co-written works by using our short story collections as test subjects. And they have served their exact purposes. Besides that, we simply love writing short stories, so each of the three books represented a labor we enjoyed. These books also gave us the freedom to explore various genres as each collection includes a variety. And, we got our feet wet as indie co-authors. But our main focus remained the completion of a novel.

Betrayed was written and re-written, honed and revised countless times, mainly due to its controversial subject matter. It had to be harsh enough to illustrate the broken condition of our female main character at the time she stumbles across her potential rescuer, but not so harsh that the average reader would have to put it down without finishing the story. While we wrestled Betrayed into the form we wanted, Tangerine simmered on the back burner.

Since publishing Betrayed, we are very pleased with the result of our decision to go indie with our novels. Sales have been good and reviews mostly favorable. It was time to pull our old neglected friend, Tangerine, out of the shadows and put it on the table for some scrutiny. We carefully considered the suggestions made by the helpful publisher so many months before, incorporated some of his recommendations, and revised the entire book. After much editing, Tangerine is finally out there for readers.

Tangerine is a very different story than Betrayed. Tangerine is not hard science fiction, although it might be considered sci-fi by some. To us, it is simply a story set in the future. Most of the situations our main character faces are the same as people face today: completing her education, the untimely death of her parents, the decision to take a new job, forming a romantic relationship. Of course, most of us will not spend a decade and a half getting an advanced degree in the sciences or train to pilot a spacecraft. Nor will most of us take a job off planet Earth, struggle with the complexities of a time-travel device, or end up in love with a man who was hired to track our moves. So there are definitely some sci-fi elements in the book. Tangerine is a character-driven story set in a future time when long distance space travel is commonplace and aliens are a natural part of daily life.

Finally, several years and books later, our first novel has been pushed from the nest to perch alongside other books on the shelves. We hope you will enjoy it!

Author bio: In addition to writing with co-author PJ Hawkinson under the name Wodke Hawkinson, Karen has written numerous articles and published a book for young readers entitled James Willis Makes a Million. She and her co-author maintain a website for their works, another website for other indie authors, and a blog.

Website

Author/Reader Website

Tangerine on Amazon

Wodke Hawkinson's Amazon Author Page

Twitter: @WodkeHawkinson

Aloha!! Toby Neal is in the House! A treat better than Hawaiian Pizza!

2012-01-11T01:11:00.004-06:00

Twenty Things I’ve Learned as a Therapist and Writer:
1. Niceness: it DOES matter. What kind of world would this be if we all gave into our nasty, jealous, greedy, murderous, slanderous impulses? So, when in doubt be NICE and even though not everyone will like you (that’s inevitable) the world will be a pleasanter place. If you must, get those evil impulses out by writing crime novels, like I do!
2. Global Warming: if it wasn’t that, it’d be something else. Because of #3.
3. Death and Taxes: yep, no matter how you wriggle and squirm, they’ll get you in the end.
4. Gum: chew it often, it makes you smarter. Research shows it increases circulation to the brain.
5. Dreams: they aren’t just too much pizza and beer. Your subconscious is trying to communicate! Listen to it or it’ll keep tossing you off that cliff (or having that bear chase you, etc)
6. Dogs: they are here to keep the human race company, make us laugh, warm our feet, and give us stuff to do in the yard involving shovels and shit.
7. Chocolate: there is a God, and there’s proof he loves us because of chocolate. (I like creamy milk chocolate with almonds or hazelnuts, mmmmm)
8. Orgasms: they are everyone’s right and you don’t always have to be granted them by a partner. Figure out how to get some and get some regularly. (Men don’t seem to have a problem with this)
9. Old Age: unless Death & Taxes get you first, it’s going to happen to you. Planning for it and taking care of yourself physically are a good idea or you’ll end up somewhere you don’t want to live, not wanting to live.
10. Nature: daily, extended doses will improve your perspective and mental health. I pity the poor souls who live in cities and can’t understand how they do it.
11. The Zombie Apocalypse, Piercings and Tattoos: I don’t get it. I just don’t. Chalk it up to the Generation Gap.
12. Laughing: also makes you smarter, not to mention happier. Laugh at Zombies if nothing else.
13. Doing Good: The best antidote to feeling crappy is to do something for somebody else. Next time you are grumpy, make yourself do something NICE and see if it doesn’t help. C’mon, I dare ya!
14. Money: You CAN have too much. But most of us will never have that problem, so don’t worry about it.
15. Jobs: It’s REALLY important to figure out what you enjoy doing and can make a living at because you’ll spend more waking hours working than any other activity. It’s worth experimenting around until you find that thing—then any amount of time, money and education is worth it to get to the goal. I love what I do and it took 12 years of college (at the speed I went) to be able to do therapy with people, and it was well worth it.
16. Stereotypes: they exist because humans’ brains categorize things as a way of saving energy. They should, however, be examined when they pop up as they may not be useful (see blog entry It Will Make You Fat)
17. Red Meat: I prefer not to dwell on where it came from, but I’m not giving it up until my doctor makes me because of encroaching #9. Very little food on the planet can beat a perfectly done ribeye with some rock salt and mushrooms. We evolved eating this kind of thing, so how can it be wrong? True, we didn’t live much past forty…
18. Health Care: We should all be able to have the health care we need, not just the rich and steadily employed. I say make a constitutional amendment to that effect, and yeah, charge me more if you must, for eating steak!
19. Cell Phones: I used to hate them. Now I believe more and more, we’ll do everything on them and hopefully save trees in the process. But people, please don’t fight, scream, gossip and grumble on them in front of others. We’re listening, and we don’t want to know.
20. Internet Friendship: Facebook has brought people back into my life I hadn’t seen since high school and deepened many a relationship. Twitter has brought hundreds of new readers to stop by my blog at least once—and I’m delighted to tell you, most people are exactly as they represent themselves when you meet them in person. I used to think everyone making friends online was really a paunchy, middle-aged pedophile in a pair of boxers, and I’m very happy to be wrong.

So there’s Twenty Things I’ve Learned, in no particular order. Why don’t you tell me some of yours?

Toby Neal is a therapist and writer living life large in Hawaii. Her first novel, Blood Orchids, recently debuted to rave reviews and is available at:

Barnes and Noble: Buy Link

Amazon.com: Buy Link

Smashwords for Kobo and Ibooks: Buy Link

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Watch your @$%* Language: Sevastian Winters on Cussing in Fiction

2012-01-08T11:17:00.000-06:00

I get in trouble from the language police entirely too often in a land where people have supposedly bled and died to give me the right to express myself. As an author, it irks me to no end. Just this afternoon (as I write this) I was debating with another author who found my novel Wolf's Rise graphically violent and laced with too much “profanity” for her tight-ass taste (Yup. Gonna' be that sort of post!).

I replied “No author worth their salt will ever be offended by language. Language is the tool we wield to ply our craft and it must, if nothing else, be real.”

I’m not one to mince words.

She replied, “Any author worth their salt wouldn’t feel it necessary to use the f-word so much. But yes, I know it was your characters speaking. And that’s fine, I get it, some people swear! However, most people around me don’t, henceforth, it’s just as real to not have swearing characters.”

Grammar nightmare aside, who is right?

Um... I am, of course. Why else would I be writing this? Duh!

Here's the thing.... and there is just no getting around it: Characters, just like real people, have the inalienable right to be themselves. Ours is to show their truth… not to judge it, or shape it.

For writers, (or if you, like me, prefer “Very Much Gooder Authors”) the answer about whether or not characters cuss, has nothing to do with culture, religion, nor personal experiences within a usual environment. My stories don't take place in the confines of my usual environment.

The only valid answer to whether or not an author's characters cuss, is attached wholly to the fundamental truth that the characters have the inalienable right to be themselves. Period.

Omniscient, uninvolved narrators should never cuss, or for that matter, use poor grammar, but characters... well that's another thing entirely. If you want to know whether or not your character cusses, ask the character!

Without exception, every character in a story, just like every person on the planet, has a unique relationship with language. I have a nine year old and a twelve year old. My nine year old will boldly say “I didn't know that.” My twelve year old, on the other hand would never stoop so low. Her favorite phrase is “no one told me that.” It seems a subtle difference, but to the eye of a trained author, that difference is everything.

Characters don't just cuss or not cuss. If they don't cuss, we have to ask them more. Why don't they cuss? What words do they use instead? Are there any exceptions? If they do cuss, we want to know more. What is their favorite cuss word? Are they good at cussing? Bad at cussing? Do they cuss a lot? A little? Under what circumstances? Who do they curb their cussing for? Their kids? Old people? Nobody? A Priest? Why?

Bringing a character to life with words requires attention to these sorts of details. And if we who write their stories, fail in our duty to chronicle them as they are, the result of respecting them enough to ask, and then to allow them the freedom to speak and act autonomously, as is their inalienable right, we will never succeed in our efforts to create indelible characters that lead to the author's holy grail: Immortality.

See? I told you I was right! Thanks for reading. Alisha, thanks for having me!

(P.S. If you like adrenaline pumping, visceral stories with believable characters, chest-pounding action, and guts so real you can smell them, my military thriller, Wolf's Rise is for you. Lace up your running shoes! It's time to run with the big dogs!)

How a Hermit left her cabin for a life in the WILD!

2012-01-03T08:23:00.005-06:00

ON SALE AT AMAZON FOR A LIMITED TIME ~ .99!

Discover the Wild! Escape Today...

One reader reviewer said, "The perfect blend of erotica and horror for readers who crave darker stories with a sexy storyline!"

Happy Tuesday!
~Alisha Paige

How to seduce a girl in the 1930's.

2012-01-02T01:54:00.006-06:00

Come on, beauty queen, we better get going,” Cliff said as he led Louise to the front door and out into the February night air.
Louise smiled to herself as he helped her into her father’s sparkling Tin-Lizzy. He always said the sweetest things. No one had ever called her a beauty queen. Always the charmer, she thought to herself. No wonder the women were coming in droves.
Cliff whistled as she pulled her leg into the car. He had never seen her wear stockings and he instantly hardened at the sight. God, he had always thought of Louise as a little girl, but lately, she didn’t look like one so much. In fact, she looked darn right delicious in that red velvet dress and her hair all done up in a bow, revealing that creamy, delectable neck of hers that just went on and on.
Cliff had never been tempted by all the women that flung themselves at him, practically on a daily basis. He was waiting for Louise, but it stunned him that he no longer had to wait for her to grow up. Louise had become a stunning woman and though she was only sixteen, he was going on twenty and he wondered how much longer he’d have to hold off. He told himself to drive straight to the dance. One kiss on the side of the road could be dangerous and he didn’t want to risk it. My, she was a vision and he couldn’t wait to show her off.
“Tell me something, Louise,” Cliff asked, squeezing her hand.
“Yes,” Louise asked, batting her eyes at him in the moonlight. She knew for sure that she was beautiful tonight. Even she felt it and she could tell that Cliff was pleased. He reminded her of a hungry wolf and in a way, she liked it, though she was a little afraid to explore her feelings.
Lily had already been with a man, but Louise was in no rush. It didn’t sound too fun to her, but Louise didn’t see how it couldn’t be grand with Cliff. Lily wasn’t picky and never in love with any of the boys. Louise figured love might make all the difference in the world.
“When did you decide to grow up?” he asked, cutting her a devilish grin.
“Whatever do you mean, Cliff?” Louise asked, smiling even more wickedly than he, sending his male mind whirling.
Cliff couldn’t help it; he pulled over to the side of the road and turned the engine off.
“Oh, baby, you’re so beautiful,” Cliff breathed softly as he cupped her face gently in his palms, not wanting to muss her hair or her make-up.
Louise noticed his hands shaking and his hot breath fogged up the windows in an instant.
“You like my dress?” Louise asked sweetly.
“Oh, honey, I like you and I think you know how much,” he added as he kissed her softly on the lips.
Louise closed her eyes and was in her perfect place with the perfect boy. She never wanted to leave. This memory would definitely be colored candy apple red. She kissed him back gently and could tell it took a lot of effort for him to hold back and not mess up her lipstick or her powder that mama had so carefully applied. His breathing was ragged and it made her heart race. His tongue teased her tiny lips and she opened them just enough for him to graze past her small teeth and touch the tip of her tongue. The mere hint of her taste sent a whirlwind through Cliff.
Oh, how he wanted his woman-child, but he knew he had to hold back. Suddenly he felt guilty for steaming up her father’s car, even though he knew Bill would never know and probably wouldn’t care. Shoot, Cliff was nearly twenty, how long was he expected to wait? He sighed deeply and touched his forehead to Louise’s. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw at her temples, tendrils of blonde locks bouncing. He was so close to her that he could feel her heart beating. It was beating so fast it was causing her curls to bounce. He was touched as he took her face in his large hands again and kissed her fully on the mouth, forcing her mouth open. He tasted her, devouring her warmth and perfection. Louise pushed gently on the lapel of his overcoat and he released her softly.
“I’m sorry, sugar. I didn’t mean to make a mess of your lipstick.”
Cliff put his hands on the wheel and started the engine. “I couldn’t help it. You’re better than homemade ice cream.”

Want to hear what happened next to Lousie and Cliff? GO HERE TO FIND OUT
~LOVE BIG!
Alisha Paige

Pop the Champagne! Books for the New Year and Something for the Heart!

2011-12-31T03:44:00.007-06:00

Happy New Year! Wow! We made it to 2012? Who is happy to see 2011 fade into history? Talk about one whirlwind, exciting year for me! Reflection can be good but focusing on the future is what I enjoy most. What did you learn over the past year? Do you feel a year wiser? I feel about ten years wiser and ten times more blessed for all the wonderful friends I've met in the reading and writing world. Books have truly led me to some beautiful people. And to some of the most interesting, entertaining people in the world. I feel lucky to have been a part of YOUR world. The internet has made us closer to one another in this huge world we live in and made it seem smaller.

I won't preach to you about New Year's Resolutions or past year regrets but I will leave you with something very, very special. Something that touched my daughter's life and mine as well. Before I share this special video with you, I want to wish everyone a blessed New Year, full of love, prosperity and happiness! 2012 is going to be a great year! This post is dedicated to ALL those who touched my life..and I do mean ALL of you! All my experiences have shaped my life and made me the person I am today. And as a Happy New Year gesture to my readers old and new, please check out all the blurbs and links below. Once again I'm GIVING AWAY FOUR OF MY BOOKS for FREE on New Year's Day! Enjoy!

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS VIDEO. I HOPE IT MOVES YOU AND TOUCHES YOUR HEART AS MUCH AS IT TOUCHED MINE AND I HOPE FOR SOME, IT IS PROOF. REMEMBER THAT LOVE BREEDS IN ALL OF US.

LOVE BREEDS.

The Free Links for all four books will go live Sunday, January 1st, at approximately 12:00 am PST through 11:59 pm and will be good at all Amazon stores in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

If you enjoy historicals, grab The Wooden Nickel! This book is most dear to my heart, loosely based on my grandparents' experiences growing up during The Great Depression and living through WWII. Though the story is fiction, the undying message of hope and love comes from the love my grandparents shared. My beautiful, strong grandmother is still with us today but my beloved grandfather, Poppy left for heaven October 10, 2001. This book is dedicated to the memory of their love and in memorium of my grandfather. They had a love like no other that transcends beyond death. I hate that my grandfather never read The Wooden Nickel since the 1st Edition was published in 2008 but I feel sure he is watching from above.

AMAZON US STORE ~ FREE COPY OF THE WOODEN NICKEL

AMAZON UK STORE ~ FREE COPY OF THE WOODEN NICKEL

Here are the blurb and the book trailer. Enjoy!

Blurb:
When Louise steps into a bread line in the middle of a dusty Texas town, the last thing she expects to find is a filthy hobo-boy taking pity on her. But when Cliff offers her his last piece of change, a worthless wooden nickel, her life changes forever. The Depression era coin proves to be worth far more than the five cents etched beside the wooden buffalo as it becomes a symbol of faith, hope and love, weaving in and out of their lives time and time again.

The Wooden Nickel is an emotional gripping tale about a bond between two young lovers trying to find their way in the world. An intense drama, unfolding amid the backdrop of war torn Europe and a naive America, desperately in need of new hope, The Wooden Nickel is an unforgettable romance full of mesmerizing characters, deep longing and eternal hope.

If you enjoy romantic thrillers, pick up DEADLY R&R BY RUBY VINES! I wrote this book sixteen years ago. It sat in a dusty box in my attic until I decided to revamp it and send it out into the world!

AMAZON US FREE COPY OF DEADLY R&R

AMAZON UK FREE COPY OF DEADLY R&R

Shay Reynolds was raised solely by her father and abandoned by her mother at an early age. Old enough now to take the reigns of her father's business, R&R Advertisting in Palm Springs, Florida, she's about as happy and as successful as a modern woman can get without a mother. Engaged to handsome Chase McMillan, an anchor on the popular national morning television show in New York City with her ads regularly nominated for the prestigious Clio Awards, she's a woman accustomed to life handing her roses. Her good fortune takes a nose dive when her fiance dies mysteriously. Falling into a deep depression, Shay confides in her chauffeur, Tommy Smith and agrees to hire his father's private eye service to investigate. Afraid to be alone, Shay shares her thoughts and broken dreams with Tommy. A serial killer is on the loose. Bad timing for Tommy who has always had it bad for his boss. Hot on the trail of a sicko who enjoys the shock factor of cryptic messages and creepy packages sent to the object of his affection, Tommy fights to shield the only woman who has never treated him like a hired hand.

Enjoy books with blended genres? The Hour Glass Witch is a Sexy, Romantic Altered History Time Travel Tale with a splash of Greek Myth.

Travel back to the Salem Witch Hunt when a wicked glance could have you hanging from the gallows, convicted of lustful witchcraft! Accused of being a witch, Clio, the Muse of History is thrown in prison by a former lover from another life. To escape the gallows, she flees back in time, to the Italian Renaissance, where she becomes a courtesan for a famous Italian painter, living a life of luxury while pining for her lost love. Her favorite god and good friend, Dionysus, is living it up in Tuscany. He invites her to a wild party at his palace where she runs smack-dab into her destiny, only to be separated once more by the Queen of Gorgons. While the sands of time run out, she travels to Hades to face the hounds of Hell in search of her love. Can she salvage her one true love, please the gods and save the lost souls of Salem?

AMAZON US ~ FREE COPY OF THE HOUR GLASS WITCH
AMAZON UK ~ FREE COPY OF THE HOUR GLASS WITCH

Gift Number Four for those of you with children or who enjoy reading children's literature is an Ice Age Adventure Novel by Wolfgang Pie!

AMAZON US ~ FREE COPY OF TUSK

AMAZON UK ~ FREE COPY OF TUSK

Blurb:
Two Ice Age kids are orphaned and left to survive alone in the wild after their parents are killed in a bear attack. Tusk and his sister, Flint, discover ancient cave paintings with a horrific warning and instructions on how to survive a deadly meteor headed their way. Tusk is a natural born leader and believes only he can warn others and lead the clans to the land bridge and the New World. Flint has secrets of her own and a plan with a woolly mammoth to unite the animal kingdom before their world is blown away.

~ Have a blessed New Year!! Alisha, Ruby and Wolfgang

My Christmas Ebook Gift to MY READERS! Blowout Bananza X FOUR = GENRES GALORE!

2011-12-23T03:23:00.013-06:00

My readers are very dear to my heart. I want to thank each and every one of you for reading my books and taking the time to write me and review my books. I write for YOU! I have readers all over the world...America, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, India, France, Italy, Spain and Africa. In the spirit of Christmas during this special gift giving season, I'm giving away four of my books for FREE ALL DAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23RD AND DECEMBER 24TH AT AMAZON!

The Free Links for all four books will go live Friday, December 23rd, at approximately 12:00 am PST through December 24th 11:59 pm and will be good at all Amazon stores in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

If you enjoy historicals, grab The Wooden Nickel! This book is most dear to my heart, loosely based on my grandparents' experiences growing up during The Great Depression and living through WWII. Though the story is fiction, the undying message of hope and love comes from the love my grandparents shared. My beautiful, strong grandmother is still with us today but my beloved grandfather, Poppy left for heaven October 10, 2001. This book is dedicated to the memory of their love and in memorium of my grandfather. They had a love like no other that transcends beyond death. I hate that my grandfather never read The Wooden Nickel since the 1st Edition was published in 2008 but I feel sure he is watching from above.

AMAZON US STORE ~ FREE COPY OF THE WOODEN NICKEL

AMAZON UK STORE ~ FREE COPY OF THE WOODEN NICKEL

Here are the blurb and the book trailer. Enjoy!

Blurb:
When Louise steps into a bread line in the middle of a dusty Texas town, the last thing she expects to find is a filthy hobo-boy taking pity on her. But when Cliff offers her his last piece of change, a worthless wooden nickel, her life changes forever. The Depression era coin proves to be worth far more than the five cents etched beside the wooden buffalo as it becomes a symbol of faith, hope and love, weaving in and out of their lives time and time again.

The Wooden Nickel is an emotional gripping tale about a bond between two young lovers trying to find their way in the world. An intense drama, unfolding amid the backdrop of war torn Europe and a naive America, desperately in need of new hope, The Wooden Nickel is an unforgettable romance full of mesmerizing characters, deep longing and eternal hope.

My second free gift for all my lovely readers is DEADLY R&R BY RUBY VINES! I wrote this book sixteen years ago. It sat in a dusty box in my attic until I decided to revamp it and send it out into the world! In honor of the season of gift giving, I'd like to give you a copy for free!!!

AMAZON US FREE COPY OF DEADLY R&R

AMAZON UK FREE COPY OF DEADLY R&R

Shay Reynolds was raised solely by her father and abandoned by her mother at an early age. Old enough now to take the reigns of her father's business, R&R Advertisting in Palm Springs, Florida, she's about as happy and as successful as a modern woman can get without a mother. Engaged to handsome Chase McMillan, an anchor on the popular national morning television show in New York City with her ads regularly nominated for the prestigious Clio Awards, she's a woman accustomed to life handing her roses. Her good fortune takes a nose dive when her fiance dies mysteriously. Falling into a deep depression, Shay confides in her chauffeur, Tommy Smith and agrees to hire his father's private eye service to investigate. Afraid to be alone, Shay shares her thoughts and broken dreams with Tommy. A serial killer is on the loose. Bad timing for Tommy who has always had it bad for his boss. Hot on the trail of a sicko who enjoys the shock factor of cryptic messages and creepy packages sent to the object of his affection, Tommy fights to shield the only woman who has never treated him like a hired hand.

My Third Gift to you is The Hour Glass Witch!

The Hour Glass Witch is a Sexy, Romantic Altered History Time Travel Tale with a splash of Greek Myth.

Travel back to the Salem Witch Hunt when a wicked glance could have you hanging from the gallows, convicted of lustful witchcraft! Accused of being a witch, Clio, the Muse of History is thrown in prison by a former lover from another life. To escape the gallows, she flees back in time, to the Italian Renaissance, where she becomes a courtesan for a famous Italian painter, living a life of luxury while pining for her lost love. Her favorite god and good friend, Dionysus, is living it up in Tuscany. He invites her to a wild party at his palace where she runs smack-dab into her destiny, only to be separated once more by the Queen of Gorgons. While the sands of time run out, she travels to Hades to face the hounds of Hell in search of her love. Can she salvage her one true love, please the gods and save the lost souls of Salem?

AMAZON US ~ FREE COPY OF THE HOUR GLASS WITCH
AMAZON UK ~ FREE COPY OF THE HOUR GLASS WITCH

Gift Number Four for those of you with children or who enjoy reading children's literature is an Ice Age Adventure Novel by Wolfgang Pie!

AMAZON US ~ FREE COPY OF TUSK

AMAZON UK ~ FREE COPY OF TUSK

Blurb:
Two Ice Age kids are orphaned and left to survive alone in the wild after their parents are killed in a bear attack. Tusk and his sister, Flint, discover ancient cave paintings with a horrific warning and instructions on how to survive a deadly meteor headed their way. Tusk is a natural born leader and believes only he can warn others and lead the clans to the land bridge and the New World. Flint has secrets of her own and a plan with a woolly mammoth to unite the animal kingdom before their world is blown away.

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Prosperous, Happy New Year! I love my readers and cherish all of your emails and letters! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your world!

Cheers to a 2012 filled with Love, Wonder and Endless Joy!
~Alisha Paige, Ruby Vines and Wolfgang Pie

Who Wants to Ride A Woolley Mammoth?

2011-12-18T10:47:00.003-06:00

It is day three of my Christmas blowout giveaway! Today's FREE BOOK is suitable for all ages, an Ice Age Adventure Novel!

Free all day from Sunday, December 18th Midnight PST to 11:59 pm and available at Amazon US, UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain!

AMAZON US FREE LINK FOR TUSK

AMAZON UK FREE LINK FOR TUSK

Blurb:
Two Ice Age kids are orphaned and left to survive alone in the wild after their parents are killed in a bear attack. Tusk and his sister, Flint, discover ancient cave paintings with a horrific warning and instructions on how to survive a deadly meteor headed their way. Tusk is a natural born leader and believes only he can warn others and lead the clans to the land bridge and the New World. Flint has secrets of her own and a plan with a woolly mammoth to unite the animal kingdom before their world is blown away.

~Merry Christmas!
Alisha
http://wolfgangpie.blogspot.com

Ebook Santa Strikes Again!

2011-12-17T00:19:00.004-06:00

Happy Saturday to all my readers and writer friends!
I had a blast playing Santa yesterday while I gifted over 1,000 copies of Deadly R&R to my loyal readers! So much fun in fact that I've decided to play the jolly old elf again and give away my newest release!

Fire up your Kindles, baby! Today I'm giving away my historical romance, The Wooden Nickel! This book is most dear to my heart, loosely based on my grandparents' experiences growing up during The Great Depression and living through WWII. Though the story is fiction, the undying message of hope and love comes from the love my grandparents shared. My beautiful, strong grandmother is still with us today but my beloved grandfather, Poppy left for heaven October 10, 2001. This book is dedicated to the memory of their love and in memorium of my grandfather. They had a love like no other that transcends beyond death. I hate that my grandfather never read The Wooden Nickel since the 1st Edition was published in 2008 but I feel sure he is watching from above.

The Free Link will go live Saturday, December 17th, at approximately 12:00 am PST through 11:59 pm and will be good at all Amazon stores in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

AMAZON US STORE ~ FREE COPY OF THE WOODEN NICKEL

AMAZON UK STORE ~ FREE COPY OF THE WOODEN NICKEL

I'll leave you with the blurb and the book trailer. Enjoy!

Blurb:
When Louise steps into a bread line in the middle of a dusty Texas town, the last thing she expects to find is a filthy hobo-boy taking pity on her. But when Cliff offers her his last piece of change, a worthless wooden nickel, her life changes forever. The Depression era coin proves to be worth far more than the five cents etched beside the wooden buffalo as it becomes a symbol of faith, hope and love, weaving in and out of their lives time and time again.

The Wooden Nickel is an emotional gripping tale about a bond between two young lovers trying to find their way in the world. An intense drama, unfolding amid the backdrop of war torn Europe and a naive America, desperately in need of new hope, The Wooden Nickel is an unforgettable romance full of mesmerizing characters, deep longing and eternal hope.

~Merry Christmas!
Alisha
www.alishapaige.com
Twitter: @Alishawriter (Be my Tweetheart! xoxo)

Horrotica, Romanticilla or Myth-Travel?

2011-12-16T01:36:00.008-06:00

I love words! Who doesn't love to make up new ones? I do!!!

With Christmas right around the corner, I'm having a huge HOLIDAY SALE! READ ON FOR INFO. ON A SPECIAL GIFT FOR MY READERS AND BOOKS UNDER 1 BUCK!

If you read romantic fiction, you know there are a whole ton of blended genres out there. All my novels are blended genres.

So, do you prefer Horrotica, Romanticilla or Myth-Travel? Do you even know what those crazy made up names stand for? Hey, I can't help it..the dork in me is rearing her ugly head! You can probably guess that Horrotica is a blend of Horror and Erotica. Easy enough, right? Well, what about Romanticilla? Stumped? Stands for Romantic Thriller. In my book it does. Are you surprised that the Urban Dictionary folks don't just get me on the horn and ask me to come up with all kinds of new words? **Gasp!** Me too! What about Myth-Travel? That one is a DOOZY. (Another great word. Doozy. Love it. Dorky word but says it all.)Do you give up? Okay, I'll let you in on the secret. Mythological Time-Travel.

I have three titles, one for each of the crazy genres listed above on sale for Christmas from now until New Year's Day and one of the titles will be FREE TODAY ONLY, DECEMBER 16TH FROM 12 AM PST TO 11:59 AT AMAZON!

MY FREE TITLE IS MY ROMANTICILLA, DEADLY R&R BY RUBY VINES! GET YOUR FREE COPY TODAY ONLY AT AMAZON! I wrote this book sixteen years ago. It sat in a dusty box in my attic until I decided to revamp it and send it out into the world! In honor of the season of gift giving, I'd like to give you a copy for free!!!

AMAZON US FREE COPY OF DEADLY R&R

AMAZON UK FREE COPY OF DEADLY R&R

Shay Reynolds was raised solely by her father and abandoned by her mother at an early age. Old enough now to take the reigns of her father's business, R&R Advertisting in Palm Springs, Florida, she's about as happy and as successful as a modern woman can get without a mother. Engaged to handsome Chase McMillan, an anchor on the popular national morning television show in New York City with her ads regularly nominated for the prestigious Clio Awards, she's a woman accustomed to life handing her roses. Her good fortune takes a nose dive when her fiance dies mysteriously. Falling into a deep depression, Shay confides in her chauffeur, Tommy Smith and agrees to hire his father's private eye service to investigate. Afraid to be alone, Shay shares her thoughts and broken dreams with Tommy. A serial killer is on the loose. Bad timing for Tommy who has always had it bad for his boss. Hot on the trail of a sicko who enjoys the shock factor of cryptic messages and creepy packages sent to the object of his affection, Tommy fights to shield the only woman who has never treated him like a hired hand.

For the Horrotica lovers out there, Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I will be on sale for .99 in the U.S. and .86p in the UK. AVAILABLE AT AMAZON AND BARNES AND NOBLE!

WELCOME TO AXL WOLFDORN'S WORLD WHERE THE WOLFEN HAVE LIVED AND THRIVED IN UNDERGROUND CAVERNS FOR 1500 YEARS...

On the edge of civilization, there is a place called Circle City, Alaska. The last town before the Yukon Flats gives way to frigid desolation.

DON'T TAKE IN STRAYS IN CIRCLE CITY...

When Zoe O'Brien, a secluded widow, kills a crazed mother wolf and saves the only cub from sure death, she ignites a war between the Wolfen Clan and the Kontar Clan. The wolf people have been enemies of the dog people for centuries and the cub she takes in is heir to the Wolfen throne.

CAUGHT AND IMPRISONED BY WILD CREATURES WHO CARE NOTHING FOR HUMAN LAW...

Taken prisoner by the Wolfen for murder and kidnapping, Zoe is forced to see and do things with creatures she never knew existed, held against her will in a world she both desires and fears.

A MAN ON THE EDGE OF TURNING INTO A BEAST...

Axl Wolfdorn is coming of age, ready for his Unleashing and on the hunt for his Moonswan, the female he will choose for the Chase and the royal Feral Consummation.

A WOMAN WHO SHOWED COMPASSION....

But how can he consider bonding with a mate when the only scent deep within his nose is the tangy scent of the woman who saved his life, the very woman who forced his clan into war, the woman he must now kill to avenge his mother's death?

AMAZON US

Amazon UK

WARNING: CIRCLE CITY IS RATED R FOR VIOLENCE, NUDITY, AND SOME DRUG USE. NOT YOUR MOM'S ROMANCE. ONLY BUY IF YOU WANT A SUPER HOT, TERRIBLY SCARY ROMANCE. THIS IS A BOOK ON THE EDGE. AND OH HOW I LOVED WRITING IT! ;)

My Myth-Travel is The Hour Glass Witch, on sale for .99 in the US and .86p in the UK, available at Amazon!

The Hour Glass Witch is a Romantic Altered History Time Travel Tale with a splash of Greek Myth.

Travel back to the Salem Witch Hunt when a wicked glance could have you hanging from the gallows, convicted of lustful witchcraft! Accused of being a witch, Clio, the Muse of History is thrown in prison by a former lover from another life. To escape the gallows, she flees back in time, to the Italian Renaissance, where she becomes a courtesan for a famous Italian painter, living a life of luxury while pining for her lost love. Her favorite god and good friend, Dionysus, is living it up in Tuscany. He invites her to a wild party at his palace where she runs smack-dab into her destiny, only to be separated once more by the Queen of Gorgons. While the sands of time run out, she travels to Hades to face the hounds of Hell in search of her love. Can she salvage her one true love, please the gods and save the lost souls of Salem?

AMAZON US
AMAZON UK

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!
~Alisha

Can you mix sexy with ghosts?

2011-11-11T09:24:00.004-06:00

If you're Sky Purington, the answer is YES!!! Ooooh how I love a good ghost story! The wait is over!

If you love series like SyFy’s Ghost Hunters and The Travel Channel’s, Ghost Adventures with a healthy dose of edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance than you'll LOVE Sky Purington's new story, The Victorian Lure (Calum’s Curse: Ardetha Vampyre). As an added bonus,a few characters from this very talented author's The Maclomain Series make an appearance in this trilogy. After all, Calum is the son of one of it’s main characters!

Blurb
Is it true love or is the magnetic pull just another part of the Victorian's lure?

Dakota Allerton depends on no one but herself, but then she's never needed a ghost hunter. When her dream home becomes a house of horrors that is holding her hostage, her only hope is a Scotsman who investigates the paranormal.

The supernatural is nothing Leathan Stewart can't handle. However, trapped in Dakota's cursed Victorian home, he finds himself falling back in time. Only those who persevere can survive the dark domination.

Fear has a way of drawing two people together but so does the need to be loved. Dakota and Leathan must fight against unknown enemies, discover the secrets of Calum's Curse and defeat a vampire bent on finishing the legacy it began.

SEXY EXCERPT
Standing within inches, the smile he bestowed made her grasp the counter behind. If she didn't know better, she'd swear he must be the poster boy for the Scottish Highlands. Her mind drifted once more to the sight of his backside. Dakota couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever worn a kilt. Did they even wear those there anymore? Probably not. As if she was into guys wearing skirts anyway... please.

"Like it light and sweet?" He asked.

"What?"

"Your coffee."

Of course that's what he meant. After all, no such thing as a light and sweet kilt! She chuckled. He cocked his head.

"You should laugh more often, Dakota," he murmured, still standing close.

"I should?"

"Aye, lass."

The way he said it-brogue soft and full of encouragement-made her find the counter with her other hand. Full support was needed. Lord. Only ten hours ago, no, two, she had found him obnoxious and overbearing.

Now she wasn't so sure.

"Was I right about the coffee?" he asked.

Coffee? Right, light and sweet. "Yeah, how'd you know?"

His eyes fell to her lips. "Just a feeling."

"Good feeling," she said softly. The room faded away. Idle chatter vanished. She liked the sensual cut of his lower lip. The edges curved down a bit, as though he spent too much time frowning. His top lip was carved into strong slopes. She imagined running her tongue between his lips, tracing the smooth edges. Where had that thought come from?

When he leaned across to set his mug on the counter, he came so close she could smell a fresh, soapy spice burn from his skin. Or was that the candle? He was so tall, lips so close. If she only moved forward a fraction, closed the distance, would his lips taste as good as they looked?

BUY LINK

Alisha here again...woohoooo...Good Lawdy! I'm still fanning myself. What a hot ass description of his lips! Holy shit! **clearing my throat*** Okay, sorry. I rarely cuss on my blog...but I couldn't help it! I gotta go buy my copy. Happy release day to my beauiful friend, Sky! Sending you a big, fat virtual Texan hug!

Happy 11-11-11 and Happy Veterans Day to all our brave soldiers all over the world who have fought for this great country in year's past and who are fighting today.

Spread love,
~Alisha

The Real Life of a Romance Author ~ Champagne, Caviar and Chocolate

2011-11-02T23:03:00.007-05:00

Vicki Batman confesses: THE REAL LIFE OF A ROMANCE AUTHOR--Champagne, Caviar, and Chocolate

Ha-ha. If you only knew...

I go to fabulous lunches at wonderful restaurants. The truth? mostly I eat cereal, or half a sandwich, or whatever with...my cat.

I drink champagne every day. Champagne cocktails are my drink of choice. But I rarely drink anything alcoholic. I'm usually the designated driver.

I eat chocolate. It's hard not to eat a piece(s) a day. Godivas, Hershey (especially the nuggets with toffee bits), chocolate chips... I'm pretty sure it keeps the doctor away and gives me a youthful appearance.

I lounge around and read lots of books.

If only. I get about thirty minutes a night to read. This is a problem for me because I love to delve into a good book. But I also love to watch television and embroider or needlepoint.

I go shopping all the time. I adore handbags and for me, it isn't necessarily about buying an expensive one.

I look for something different, unique. Sometimes, my characters love handbags, too. *giggle* But no, I don't go shopping every day, unless it is the grocery store.

I love cake. Mmm, talking about cake makes my mouth water. If I ate lots of cake (and the chocolate), I'd resemble a tank. I feature it regularly in stories 'cause if I can't have it, my characters can. The opening scene in "I Believe" features a chocolate and strawberry concoction.

I drive expensive cars.

My handsome hubby has two Austin-Healey bug-eyed Sprites. We get all kinds of comments when we are driving around town. Even get asked to have our picture taken at stop lights and in parking lots. My drive of choice is an old Jeep and my characters drive one too.

Here's the real skinny on a writer: Most of the time… I write! I work as a professional at my craft. I sit down every day after my workout and write, blog, write blogs, visit blogs and write something, visit Facebook and write. Write, write, write. I love it!

And did you notice no caviar-Ick!

We all know everyone has a secret indulgence. He-he-he. Care to share yours?

Here's a blurb from "I Believe," my sexy novella with a touch of magic:

Allie deeply desires what her sister and cousins have--the man of their dreams. And they assure her she can…if she’s willing to believe. When her sister shares their grandmother's spell for conjuring her own true love, Allie's deeply conflicted. After all, magic is a risky business. A woman died when a potion went wrong. Did she want to mess with magic, knowing it might not work?
"I Believe" explores what happens when someone is so desperate, she'll do anything to -- and quite possibly will -- find true happiness.

And an excerpt from "Taking Flight," a short story featured in Lavender Dreams:

Charley tilted her head. “Oh my God. Look at the butterflies.”
This definitely wasn’t ordinary. Forgetting about class, we raced to the door, only to be stunned by what we saw when we got there. There were hundreds, thousands, maybe even a bazillion, orange and black butterflies.
The monarchs were migrating.
In my lifetime, I’d only heard about their migration; I hadn’t seen it anywhere.
Simultaneously, Charley and I shared a “Wow.”
This was no ordinary thing.
Something compelled me to venture outside and truly experience what was happening there. To see where they traveled, what they’d do, to just watch.
I grabbed Charley's hand and whispered, "Let's go."

Vicki Batman is hanging out with her computer and drinking Diet Coke. Find her at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com. Lavender Dreams is available at: https://museituppublishing.com. "I Believe" is available at: https://nobleromance.com.

How to Contact the Dead ~ WARNING: VERY SCARY!!!

2011-10-31T09:19:00.007-05:00

Today is All Hallow's Eve, the day when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Have you ever seen a ghost, communicated with a ghost or felt a ghost? Some have even smelled a ghost..the scent of rose or the stench of death.

NOTE: In honor of this day, I'm giving away one ebook of my full length werewolf romance, Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen to the person who posts the scariest real life experience with a ghost.

I myself have experienced some paranormal activity of the friendly kind in my own home. I live in a house built in the 50's. Mostly one family lived in this home and we're pretty sure it is haunted by the man of the house but he mostly stays outside in the backyard in the work shed. He likes to slam the big heavy door, even though it has a spring and could not be opened without force. He enjoys flipping the lights on and off too. Creepy! Other than that, he stays pretty quiet. His name is Mr. Crawford and is a friendly spirit. Mrs. Crawford moved out of this home six years ago and moved in with one of her three grown sons. I wonder if he ever visits his wife?

I've also had what psychics call a "Spirit Guide" visit me in my dreams during a very difficult time in my life. I was pullled aside by this spirit, physically and spiritually. I call it a virtual slap to the face. I was told not to worry about the turmoil in my life and that the evil spirit working against me had a very long history of this type of behavior and others knew about it. I was made aware of the fact that I'm taken care of and watched over. This dream was very real and with it came much peace and comfort. Was this real contact with a spirit guide or a dead person or what? What do you think? Do you talk to the dead? How do we talk to the dead?

Let's find out.

THE OUIGA BOARD

Wikipedia Definition - It uses a planchette (small heart-shaped piece of wood) or movable indicator to indicate the spirit's message by spelling it out on the board during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the planchette and it is moved about the board to spell out words. It has become a trademark that is often used generically to refer to any talking board.

Following its commercial introduction by businessman Elijah Bond on July 1, 1890, the Ouija board was regarded as a harmless parlor game unrelated to the occult until American Spiritualist Pearl Curran popularized its use as a divining tool during World War I.

Mainstream religions and some occultists have associated use of the Ouija board with the threat of demonic possession and some have cautioned their followers not to use Ouija boards.

While Ouija believers feel the paranormal or supernatural is responsible for Ouija's action, it may be parsimoniously explained by unconscious movements of those controlling the pointer, a psychophysiological phenomenon known as the ideomotor effect. Despite being debunked by the efforts of the scientific community, Ouija remains popular among many young people

Who has a ouiga board? I do but I don't use it. I brought it out for Halloween mostliy as a decoration. When we first moved into this house, we tried to use it, just playing around one night while drinking wine. We asked who lived here. We kept getting one answer. MOM. Uh....ok. We asked when this person lived here. We got this answer. 1956. Mr. Crawford didn't want to talk. Maybe Mom is the one in the shed but I don't think so. Mr. Crawford built that shed. Who is Mom? A family before the Crawfords? To my knowledge, the Crawfords were the main family to live in this home. Maybe there was another home on this property years ago. This home was built in 55 though so maybe the Crawfords had a mother live here besides the Mrs. Crawford who we believe is still alive or was alive six years ago. Maybe the grandma. She definitely wanted to talk to us but we were a little freaked so we stopped.

Scrying

Wikipedia Definition - Scrying (also called seeing or peeping) is a magic practice that involves seeing things psychically in a medium, usually for purposes of obtaining spiritual visions and less often for purposes of divination or fortune-telling. The most common media used are reflective, translucent, or luminescent substances such as crystals, stones, glass, mirrors, water, fire, or smoke. Scrying has been used in many cultures as a means of divining the past, present, or future. Depending on the culture and practice, the visions that come when one stares into the media are thought to come from God, spirits, the psychic mind, the devil, or the subconscious.

Although scrying is most commonly done with a crystal ball, it may also be performed using any smooth surface, such as a bowl of liquid, a pond, or a crystal.

Scrying is actively used by many cultures and belief systems and is not limited to one tradition or ideology. As of 2009[update], Ganzfeld experiments, a sensory deprivation experiment inspired by scrying, provides the best known experimental setting for detecting psi abilities in the laboratory.

MANY SCRYERS TODAY USE MIRRORS.

Man in the mirror taken in room 410 in the Place D'Armes hotel in the French Quarter, New Orleans

The following article is copied from Ghostvillage.com and posted by Moon Child

Some people feel the intense need to communicate with someone who is dead. Usually, they desire to contact a loved one that they have lost or some simply harbor a fascination with death or the dead. When one wishes to reconnect with the presence of someone they have lost, they may turn to methods involving communication with the dead.

When one is interested in contacting the dead, there are a few techniques that can be followed, according to a Dr. Raymond Moody, who claims to be quite an expert when it comes to near-death experiences, as well as the afterlife. Moody suggests a technique that was used during ancient times for those who wanted to receive a vision. It is said that Nostradamus used this approach when he was foretelling the future. It simply involves a large mirror, as well as a variety of suggestions to ensure a positive and successful line of contact. Below you will find a checklist to follow when you want to attempt communication between the dead.

1) To gain a clear state of mind, one should refrain from consuming products that contain dairy and caffeine the day before an encounter is attempted. Fruits and vegetables should be the only simple foods that are consumed.

2) When attempting to contact the dead, you should position yourself in the quietest section of your dwellings. Watches and jewelry should be removed; loose clothing should be worn. Relaxation is the key for those who wish to contact the dead. Distractions, such as clocks and phones should be unplugged. When complete silence is achieved, a large mirror should be placed in front of you. The mirror should be at an angle that promotes comfortableness.

3) If you are having trouble reaching an altered state of mind, looking at artwork or listening to calming music can achieve a sense of awareness conducive to this type of act.

4) If you are trying to contact a loved one, you should surround yourself with some of their photographs, as well as their personal items. Touching the objects will bring you closer to who you are trying to contact. Some of the items you may choose to set about you may include family films, photo albums, old letters, glasses, a piece of their clothing, as well as a few of their favorite things. Anything that evokes feelings or memories should be used.

5) Light a candle and put it behind you. When dim light is used, it is best that it be placed behind your body. It is said that twilight hours is the best time to communicate with the dead because many people experience altered states. Some can mirror gaze surrounded by bright lights, but this takes time to get use to, as well as achieve.

6) When you are ready to mirror gaze, you should be in a comfortable, relaxed position. You will gaze into the mirror without trying to see anything; it will be similar to looking at something that is located far from view. You may start to feel a tingling within your fingertips.

7) The mirror may seem cloudy after some time, while others have reported that the mirror becomes darker in color. When things within the mirror do not seem as clear as they did before, you may be ready to experience contact with the dead.

8) Complete silence should still be maintained. Allow yourself to view the images that appear to you within the mirror (if you are lucky to experience this phase). The images that you may encounter will probably last for only less than a minute. Some people are able to view images for as long as 10 minutes, but this may take some time to develop. Sometimes you may not see a thing, but will instead hear the voice of your loved one. Some have claimed to actually feel their touch. Experiences with mirror gazing can be quite varied.

****taken from an article by Yona Williams****

THE SEANCE

Wikipedia definition - A séance is an attempt to communicate with spirits. The word "séance" comes from the French word for "seat," "session" or "sitting," from the Old French "seoir," "to sit." In French, the word's meaning is quite general: one may, for example, speak of "une séance de cinéma" ("a movie session"). In English, however, the word came to be used specifically for a meeting of people who are gathered to receive messages from spirits or to listen to a spirit medium discourse with or relay messages from spirits; many people, including skeptics and non-believers, treat it as a form of entertainment. In modern English usage, participants need not be seated while engaged in a séance.

One of the earliest books on the subject of communication amongst deceased persons was Communitation With the Other Side by George, First Baron Lyttelton, published in England in 1760. Among the notable spirits quoted in this volume are Peter the Great, Pericles, a "North-American Savage," William Penn, and Christina Queen of Sweden. The popularity of séances grew dramatically with the founding of the religion of Spiritualism in the mid-nineteenth century. Perhaps the best-known series of séances conducted at that time were those of Mary Todd Lincoln who, grieving the loss of her son, organized Spiritualist séances in the White House, which were attended by her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, and other prominent members of society.

HAVE YOU EVER CONTACTED THE DEAD? I'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR EXPERIENCES TODAY! I'M WRITING A BOOK ON CONTACTING THE DEAD. LET ME KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDED IN MY UPCOMING BOOK or email me your experience at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com.

TODAY'S CONTEST: I'm choosing the scariest experience as the winner and will award an ebook copy of Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen ~ Book I. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 1ST, HERE!

~Happy Halloween to those living and especially those who have gone before us!

Spread Love and Goodness,
Alisha

**Photos courtesy of Photobucket.com***

HALLOWEEN BASH ~ Movie Day!!! Grab your popcorn!

2011-10-29T00:01:00.006-05:00

Alisha: Grab your popcorn. You're in for a huge treat! I love book trailers and Sky's are the very best! As if we didn't want to read her books bad enough!!! These will leave you salivating for more! A big huge thank you to Sky for playing Elvira
all week and hosting my Halloween Bash! I've had a blast. You always bring such class to everything you do. I'm so honored to have such a talented author as a guest. Please come back soon.

Sky: Welcome! I’ll admit, I’m feeling kind of sad. Why? It’s my last day here at Alisha’s blog. I’ve been here all week and have really enjoyed myself. But all’s not lost! I intend to go out with a bang. It’s book trailer time! Totally love it. *Wide smile*
Because I’ve re-launched The MacLomain Series, I’ve also been re-doing the trailers to go with them. Regrettably, I only have three done so far but I hope you enjoy them. Be sure to turn your speakers up, lassies. The music is bloody fantastic! (Thank you, Kevin MacLeod)

Be sure to check out the contest info. after. HUGE giveaways!

THE KING’S DRUIDESS (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- PRELUDE)

FATE’S MONOLITH (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 1)

DESTINY’S DENIAL (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 2)

Hope you enjoyed the trailers. Okay, contest time! It’s kick-back Saturday and I’m all about simple SO all you have to do to win an ecopy of the ENTIRE MacLomain Series, The King’s Druidess- Prelude, Fate’s Monolith (Book 1), Destiny’s Denial (Book 2) and Sylvan Mist (Book 3) and a box of chocolates. Leave a comment! Yep, easy as that.

As a last little ‘We’ve almost hit Halloween’ snippet I’d love to share with you that I have a print novel coming out November 11, 2011 (11/11/11). If you love series like SyFy’s Ghost Hunters and The Travel Channel’s, Ghost Adventures with a healthy dose of edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance than my story, The Victorian Lure (Calum’s Curse: Ardetha Vampyre) might be for you. Fun extra… a few characters from The Maclomain Series make an appearance in this trilogy. After all, Calum is the son of one of it’s main characters!

To include The Victorian Lure with your ‘Win package’ you must add the following to your comment. #1… my favorite piece of ghost hunting equipment is… #2… I’d love to go on a paranormal investigation because…. #3. I once had an experience with a ghost, here’s a brief explanation of what I experienced.
Pretty easy, eh?

Find all titles at Amazon KINDLE, Barnes & Noble NOOK, and Smashwords.

Thank you so much for joining me this week. And another ‘Thank you’ to Alisha for hosting me at her blog. It’s been great fun and a true pleasure.
Best wishes and a very haunted All Hallow’s Eve to you all.
~Sky

Alisha: Thanks again, Sky! What a treat to have you here all week! Huge cyber hugs! I'll leave all our wicked readers with some snapshots from the Classic Charlie Brown, my kids' very favorite! Happy Halloween! ~ Alisha

Trick or Treat!

HALLOWEEN BASH ~ Some Rock Stars are Cover Artists!

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Wicked Witch of the West: **Evil Cackle!** Hello my pretties!!! Welcome back to my Halloween Bash! Hey, you...yes, you...drinking water! Don't throw that! Noooooooooo! I'm melting....ahhhhhhhh..I'm melting.......

(Cue the Ding Dong the Witch is Dead Music and rush Sky in the room...crazy ass old hag trying to ruin my Halloween Bash!)

**Clears throat and waves the dead witch smoke away**

Alisha: **Cough, cough** Sorry, everyone. The wicked witch is just a pile of wet clothes and broom. Welcome back to the party! Sky, I'll just kick her wet laundry out of they way. Here, have a candy corn and a glass of wine. I hear you have a fun surprise for our readers! :)

Sky: **muttering to herself with a fake smile plastered to her pretty face** Hi everyone! Guess what? It’s ‘Free Friday’ here at Alisha’s blog. Lucky me, I’ve spent the entire week at this blog and I’m well and cozied in. Might not leave. *Grins* Seriously, it’s been great fun. But it’s not over yet. I’m here today and tomorrow.

Alisha told me I could do whatever I wanted to with today’s post so I’ve decided to ‘pay it forward.’ How’s that you ask? Simple. I want to give credit to someone who has helped me sell my books. Do I have a co-writer? No. But I do have a cover artist. And quite frankly, had she not come through for me over the years, my name might not be known to this day. Yes, a cover artist is that important. And when one finds one as talented as mine, they don’t let go!

She’s so good that for the cover of The King’s Druidess, she implemented a picture of an oak tree trunk from her yard and created magic with it. She creates thousands of covers a year and did that for me. I’ll forever be ‘wowed’ by her dedication to her craft.

I’ve had this cover artist for four years and intend to keep her for at least forty more (knocks on wood).

A HUGE thank you to the talented Tamra Westberry. For your chance to win The King’s Druidess (The MacLomain Series- Prelude) and Fate’s Monolith (The MacLomain Series- Book 1)
you have to shoot over to her website, HERE, then swing back and leave just one title she’s created in a comment. To keep this fair, you must list a different one than previous commenters. Indie covers or TWRP covers. All’s good. (To keep it easy I suggest that you copy and paste her website URL, minimizing Alisha’s blog window, then copying Tamra’s URL into a new browser. That way we all stick together. *Winks*)
As you can see, all my covers are shown here and every single one she created.

Be sure to pop back in tomorrow to check out some fabulous book trailers. (You’re gonna love the intense music!) One lucky commenter will win the entire trilogy plus a box of chocolates!)

And of course, there’s that LUCKY WINNER who wins a print copy of my upcoming, The Victorian Lure!

Hugs,
Sky

Sky's Website
Sky's Blog

Alisha: What a great way to pay it forward, Sky! Tamra is an AMAZING COVER ARTIST and I'm super thrilled that you chose to dedicate today's post to her. All of my Tamra covers ROCK because our cover artist is a ROCK STAR! ;)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

HALLOWEEN BASH ~ DELICIOUS TEMPTATIONS FROM SKY

2011-10-27T00:00:00.004-05:00

Alisha: Okay, readers! Ready to sink your teeth into some luscious treats from Sky? ME TOO! Enjoy! Mmmmmm....

Sky: Welcome all! I’ll admit it… I’ve been looking forward to this day all week. Why? I get to share some excerpts from my recently re-launched MacLomain Series. In case you’re popping in for the first time, this series consists of one short story and three full length novels. ATTENTION: Prizes being given away tomorrow and Saturday. Stay tuned!

THE KING’S DRUIDESS (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- PRELUDE)…. An almost super-steamy scene *winks*
At arm’s length, he stopped. "Druidess, you are even lovelier than I remember."
I wish I didn’t have to abide by formalities. I wish I could tell you what I’m feeling. She touched his bare chest. His skin felt hot, as if he burned with tightly restrained energy. "Were we not still in macdacht, children when we last met?"
His muscles rippled and his hand covered hers. "We were as you say, but we are grown now. And we are both led to this place at this time."
Thump. Thump. Erc's heart beat strong beneath her fingertips. His heat scorched her blood. "So we meet with one purpose."
He gently pulled back her hood. "I cannot promise you that."
Erc’s fingers ran though her hair, sifted through the ebony lengths. Chiomara drifted closer and whispered, "Do they not foretell us coming together for one purpose?"
His words turned sensuous and contemplative. "They do. But what do they know of how I will feel once I’ve tasted you?"

FATE’S MONOLITH (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 1)
An intense, dramatic scene….
He scooped her up into his arms.
Arianna pushed against his chest as though that would accomplish anything. "Put me down." Don't put me down.
He said nothing while he strode down the hallway. They entered the bedchamber where he paused long enough to throw her onto the mammoth bed.
"I don’t want you." She should have left by now. She knew this would happen.
Iain came down on top of her. "Is that really how you feel, lass.” He ground his urgent erection against her. “Truly?”
She couldn’t move as his muscled body pressed against hers. Too aware of every hard, aroused inch of him, Arianna stilled.
"I am of my own mind." He was too close. Too perfect. "I should always be free to act however I choose. I won't be controlled."
"Aye, luv." He ran his lower lip along her jaw line, sweeping just below her lips. “And I liked the way you acted on the field. Nothing like a Scottish lass with a temper.”
He called me love. He did not say he loved me. She longed for breath as his lips hovered over hers. "You're willing to accept that?"
“What?” He pulled his lips away and pressed them tenderly between her eyes and then her forehead. “Anything, luv.” Iain used his weight to pin her and rained kisses on every inch of her face. Hungry, he traveled down her neck. He wrapped his arms around her lower back and pulled her slightly off the bed, exposing the shear plane of neck he now dominated.
Air came to her in short sporadic wisps. She breathed as though she'd cried for hours. Vulnerable to his aggression, she slid her hands up to push him away. They met bare, muscled flesh.
I have one more chance to stop him. Salvage this beautiful man for the woman to whom he belongs. She had to stop him. What if she became pregnant? Was already pregnant? Under different circumstances, she'd be thrilled. Regrettably, their situation was far too precarious. The woman coming, the 'real' Arianna, did not deserve such a situation. Nor did Iain.
With ferocious resolve, Arianna lashed out. She pushed his chest away and managed to wiggle out from underneath him.
Iain protected himself when she attacked. He shook off the slap she'd dealt him. "What fire burns in your belly?" Anger combined with lust. "I have done you no wrong, lass."
Aye, but you have. You don’t love me. You only wish to lay with me! Heck if she’d ever tell him that though.
"I have told you before and it appears I will have to say it again. I'm not the woman you think I am." Arianna ran to the door and gave it a quick tug. It was locked?
"Bloody hell." This is silly. Why was she doing this? Arianna could admit that she continually yanked him in different directions when it came to intimacy. Right. Wrong. Right. Wrong. It was simply a tug-of-war within her mind. She turned to confront her husband. Thinking he was still on the bed was foolish. Before she knew what hit her he had her backed against the door, his wolfish eyes mere inches from hers.
His voice was low and dark. He clenched his jaw. "You make no sense, lass. You never have, so lose this tired tale and know that you're mine, completely and thoroughly mine."
He must’ve seen something in her eyes he didn’t like because the next thing she knew he turned, strode to the hearth and flicked his wrist. A fire sprang to life. He leaned his forehead against the stone and stared deep into the flames. "I’m sorry. I didnae mean to scare you. You vex me."
Arianna didn’t move. Scare her? She’d never heard such tormented words when he spoke. Did he really consider her his? Aye, as a possession of course, not as his love. Closing her eyes, she tried to find solace in the burning need she’d heard in his voice, the unabashed need in his gaze when he’d spoken. Opening her eyes, she ignored the tears that fell from her eyes and accepted the truth.
She was lost in time. Lost in him. Misplaced by fate.

DESTINY’S DENIAL (THE MAC’LOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 2)
I loved writing this scene. I grabbed a portion from the end of one chapter and the start of another. Let’s label this one a…. “Oh no, run for your life!” scene. *Smirks*
Shane looked at Adlin and pursed his lips. "I'm pretty sure he's getting ready to give the go ahead to every single man here to chase you women down into the woods behind us, pair up and spend the night together."
Caitlin grabbed her brother's arm. "You mean sex?"
"Yep." Shane pointed at the forest behind him with his thumb. "In there, all night, no questions asked."
Caitlin's eyes whipped to Adlin. "Not me?"
Shane nodded. "I'd say you’re part of the package."
She looked to where Arthur and Alan stood. They looked right back. Their bodies were locked and their expressions feral. This was ridiculous.
"Ah, Caitlin?" Shane shoved her to the edge of the log.
She looked at him, panicked. "What?"
"Run!"
Adlin's cane came down and the crowd burst with life. She didn't bother holding her ground or questioning the sanity of this.
She ran.
Chapter Break….
The night had turned moonless.
Black puddles of nothing swallowed Caitlin while she ran through the Highland forest as fast as she could. Please don’t let me run into a tree! The pine needles underfoot muffled the sounds of dozens of feet behind her.
No. No. No. She ran harder, pushing her leg muscles to an impossible pace. All she could focus on was escape. She didn’t want to sleep with either Arthur or Alan and knew with horrible certainty both of them were closing in.
"Slow down, lass." Alan's voice was right behind her. She banked a hard left and sprinted forward. After a three second count she veered right. Evade. Evade. She repeated the words in her head and prayed for sanctity wherever she could find it. Mid-flight a hard arm came around her midsection and pulled her back. She was lifted and flung over his shoulder.
Then he was running.
Caitlin couldn’t breathe. Darkness pickled her vision and bore through coherent thought. Then water poured over her back briefly in icy sheets. She closed her eyes and tried to grab at the granite muscled back. As she worked to clear her muddled mind and find the words to get herself out of this situation, scent flooded her…male and sweet.
This was not Alan.
Flipped down onto a bed of soft grass, she opened her eyes. A single torch burned in a bracket attached to the wall of a wide cave. The air simmered warm and humid. A glass of silky white water crashed over the entrance like a magical door. Wild orchids grew in clusters everywhere, their scent potent.
A man kneeled over her, his features hidden in the shadows.
"You're a foolish lass, Caitlin." His eyes blazed blue as he pulled her forward. "You didnae run fast enough."
Caitlin kneeled. She didn't run fast enough? Did that mean—?
Her thoughts were cut short when he wrapped his hands into her hair and angled her head to look up at him. "Now, you're mine."
Ferchar. But of course it was Ferchar.
His hair and skin were wet. Drops slid onto his neck and whirled down his wide chest. Yellow dandelions and cat's ear bloomed beneath them and verdant moss covered the stone beside them in plush velvet.
Her eyes met his. The nerve of the man! "No, I'm not."
Ferchar's mouth took hers with such vengeance she leaned back. He guided her lips, allowing her no control. One hand kept her head and the other wrapped around her waist. Oh dear God! Her body suddenly felt weak and light and very, very needy.
Cool water dripped from above and mixed with the taste of his hot lips. Pull away. Say no to this! But she couldn’t resist him. He felt too damned good. Caitlin wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held on. The man could kiss. When his tongue swooped in and twirled with hers, she moaned and ran her fingers through his thick hair.
The Devil's whip couldn’t be as fiery as the searing burn that filled her veins. Magic. His magic. She didn’t fight it but followed his lead. The grass steamed below and the torch flickered.
"Ferchar," Caitlin whispered as his talented lips trailed the length of her neck. His wet hair brushed her collarbone and ripples of pleasure raked her from head to toe.
"Just this. Us. This eve." His words scorched her skin, branding it.

SYLVAN MIST (THE MAC’LOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 3)
There’s nothing quite as powerful as that first moment of pure, unabashed romance. How it always seems to catch you off guard… Lord, I love William! And he only gets better.
Coira yawned and snuggled closer to the fire.
Had she ever been this comfortable? The heavy thud of rain pelted the ceiling overhead. Her mother must be cooking something scrumptious. It smelled wonderful, slightly sweet, apples? No. More like cinnamon and nutmeg melting over a low flame, yet earthy and potent. What was that?
She smiled and opened her eyes. My, it was dark in her room, must be the storm outside. Then the rain became the steady thud of a heart and her pillow became the muscled chest of a man.
Coira froze. Where was she?
"I know you're awake, lass." The brogue was as deep and sensual as smooth whisky.
She jerked up and slammed into the pewter gaze of the man staring down at her. She sat cradled in his lap, both his strong arms and a rough tartan cocooning her. Darn it.
"Release me this instant, you lout!" she hissed.
William did not release her but bared his straight white teeth in a wolfish grin and pulled her closer. "But you seemed so peaceable a moment ago. In fact, if I didnae know better I would have thought you—"
She clamped a hand over his mouth, knowing full well he was about to say something appalling. She narrowed her eyes. "Shush."
"Shush?" He pried her hand from his mouth but did not release it. Instead he turned it over, his eyes falling to the glimmering diamond engagement ring on her finger. "Do you love him?"
She hadn't expected the question and he knew it. "Of course I do."
His silver regard returned to her face. Whatever he saw there pleased him. "As a friend."
She frowned. No. Not as a friend, as a fiancé. "No, as a man."
Were his lips edging closer?
His hand rose to her face and traced her jaw line. "A man who is a friend."
What did he just say? His forefinger and thumb clutched her chin. She would not be distracted and spoke with a level of calm she didn't feel. "A friend who is a fiancé." Lord, that hadn't come out right at all.
"So 'tis to be a marriage of convenience." His throaty declaration brought his lips closer.
Her eyelids became very heavy, and her lips throbbed. "Is it not convenient to marry a friend?" Again, not what she intended to voice.
His lips were within an inch of hers, his burr soft. "Aye, 'tis convenient enough, but what of passion?"
Never impulsive, she was shocked by her own curiosity and closed the distance. When her lips touched his, everything fell away. Searing heat flooded first her face, then neck, until it burned a path to her stomach. Tendrils of pleasure engulfed her torso and magnified sensation when his lips spread hers and dove deeper.
She heard a distant moan and was shocked to realize it came from her. All she could taste was heat and sweetness. When their tongues met, gravity released and her hands wandered without control. She traced the hollows beneath his strong cheekbones, the cords of his muscled neck. Then the threads of tendons that led to the rapid pulse above his collarbone.
His growl filled her mouth and his hands cupped either side of her face. She had no choice but to respond and wrapped her hands into his hair. An eagle overhead tossed a cruel cry into her reverie, and William pulled back.
Then Coira realized what she had been doing. And who she had been doing it in front of.

SKY HERE! Hope you enjoyed all these excerpts. I totally adore all of my characters and hope you’ll take the time to get to know them better. .99 cents a title for years of work and love. Win, win. But they’re worth it! If they’ve already caught your attention zip on over to Amazon, Barnes & Nobles Nook or Smashwords to grab your copy.

I have a super special post planned here tomorrow. It’s quick and to the point. All you have to do is show up and…well, details will be given then. The prize on the table? The King’s Druidess (The MacLomain Series- Prelude) and Fate’s Monolith (The MacLomain Series- Book 1).

Saturday, I’m giving away EVEN more. One lucky commenter that day wins not only the entire MacLomain Series but a box of chocolates! Yum!

AND, in honor of Halloween and all you ghost lovers out there, there’s a bonus prize. Chance to win the first novel in my upcoming romantic Paranormal Ghost Hunters trilogy, The Victorian’s Lure. PRINT version! (Due to be shipped the second week in November)

Until then… be good.
Sky

HALLOWEEN BASH ~ Tasty Morsels to Tempt

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Alisha: As I sit here munching candy corn
and sipping red wine
, I've been reading Sky's blurbs. Okay, I couldn't wait...so I went ahead and read her excerpts too. I started stuffing more candy corn into my mouth and slurping the wine! Oh my! I feel sorry for all you readers out there because you'll have to wait one more day to read the yummy excerpts! ****evil witch cackle**** But fear not! This gives you one more chance to LEAVE SKY A COMMENT today so you will be entered into her drawing on Saturday for chocolate and books! Now I'll give the floor to Sky. I'm out of wine and I have....let's see..one..two..three candy corns left! That just won't do!!!

Sky: It’s day three at Alisha’s blog and I’m having such a blast!
Today I’ll be sharing blurbs. As previously mentioned I’m dishing out about my MacLomain Series this week. .99 CENTS PER TALE. One short story, three full novels. Be sure to swing in tomorrow for some super-yummy and oh-so-naughty excerpts.
Hope you enjoy!

THE KINGS’S DRUIDESS (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- PRELUDE)
Chiomara Ruadh, Druidess of Ulster, will not be swayed from prophecy. If the Gods of Ireland request that she couple with the king, so be it. If it is also their wish that he marry another woman, who is Chiomara, a simple Druid, to stand in their way?
Erc Breac, king of the Dalriada, can only think of Chiomara. Her beauty is surreal and the tales that follow her across the land unsurpassed. But that is not enough when faced with the obligations of a king. His people must come first. His future wife and queen, Macha, must come first. Yet, fate is a slippery thing. Will Erc risk the whole of his kingdom for what lays in his heart?

FATE’S MONOLITH (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 1)
Arianna Broun, a Scottish born colonial American has been haunted by the reoccurring dream of a phantom Scottish warrior. Her infatuation with the dream intensifies until All Hallows' Eve, when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. After several bizarre encounters she runs to her safe haven deep in the woods. When dawn comes too early, Arianna is eager to go home. But fate has other plans.

Laird Iain MacLomain has long awaited the arrival of his promised bride. She claims to not be the woman intended for him but she fits the description given him of her, all fire and defiance. That defiance will end up costing them everything and rips them apart. However, a Scottish Chieftain with magic at his disposal is capable of most anything. Will he hold Arianna in his arms again or is she lost to him forever? Only time will tell.

DESTINY’S DENIAL (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 2)
Caitlin Seavey relives the same nightmare every night for three years. Then one day, the dream seeps into reality when an ethereal Scotsman visits. Horrified, she confides in her grandmother who then gives her a two hundred year old novel titled Fate's Monolith. It tells the tale of her distant relative's journey to medieval Scotland and can only be a myth. When Caitlin discovers a family heirloom in the attic she soon learns the book is based on truth.

Chieftain Ferchar MacLomain found what he was looking for. Caitlin. He should have left her alone. For to bring her to Cowal will spell disaster-a foreseen threat to himself, his clan, and Caitlin. As a visionary, it's his obligation to protect her. As a man, he's determined to ignore his heart. Can he thwart his destiny? Or will he forever be a slave to the gods of old.

SYLVAN MIST (THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- BOOK 3)
Coira O'Donnell refuses to acknowledge the Scotsman haunting her. Why should she? She carries no magic and she's newly engaged. Well aware of the mysterious tie between the medieval MacLomains and her mother's clan, the Brouns, Coira will have no part of it. She much prefers a proper English gentleman to a barbarian living six hundred years in the past. However, as one whirlwind day will prove, she has little choice in the matter.

Chieftain William MacLomain did not call her back, yet she arrives. Coira is not the woman meant for him. Or is she? Her arrival marks the start of a highland war unlike any Scotland has witnessed before, one born of magic. Soon, he finds himself in a tangled web of duty, loyalty and unexpected love. A love so unattainable and powerful it may cost him the war; and his heart.

SKY HERE. Don’t forget, tomorrow’s all about the excerpts. You don’t want to miss them!

Sky's Website
A Writer’s Mind Blog
Find Sky on Twitter: @SkyPurington

LEAVE SKY A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN CHOCOLATE AND BOOKS ON SATURDAY! TRICK OR TREAT!

Halloween Bash ~ The Evolution of a Writer

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Alisha: Welcome back to my Halloween Bash! Day two is upon us and I'm really excited because I love to hear about other writers' methods. Every writer goes through what I call The Writer's Evolution. This is a necessary process to find our own unique voice or writing style. Today Sky is talking about characterization! Excellent topic! What would stories be without out characters? I'm a funny writer. My stories are all built around the setting. I choose a location first and build my story from there. How odd is that? What is your writing method? How have you evolved as a writer? Have you noticed how your favorite authors have evolved over the years? Now let's hear from Sky.

Sky: I’m back! Having so much fun already. Love this blog! Yesterday, I gave you a brief run-down about myself. Today, I’ll be sharing a bit more about my writing method.

Honestly? It’s changed a bit over the years as I imagine any writers would. In this post I’ll skip the research and plotting phase and skip right to what I needed to work on… characterization. I used to be a lot more rigid when it came to conveying my characters. For a long time, though I wrote about them, I was on the outside looking in. What do I mean by that? Well, imagine that you’re watching a movie. Ever find yourself expecting what an actor would do next and sure as heck, he did just that. Pretty predictable, huh? That’s sort of how I used to treat my characters. I made sure they did everything the reader expected of them. Only made sense.
Ugh. Boring. No more!

While I still embrace believability in my characters and reasonable reactions when faced with certain circumstances, I’m now firmly entrenched in their heads. Guess what? Characters like people are unique and different. Often times, how one person responds is not necessarily how another would. I’m not sure how I made it through those early years of ‘boxing’ in my poor characters. But I take everything as a learning experience and always look at my writing as something in which I can improve. Arrogance is for the birds (and some of my male characters *winks*). The wild world of writing is a humbling field. One in which I’m thankful every day that I’m part of.

I’ve rambled on enough. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Cheers,
Sky

Sky's Website

A Writer’s Mind Blog

Visit Sky on Twitter: @SkyPurington

COME BACK TOMORROW WHEN SKY WILL SHARE HER BOOK BLURBS WITH US!

REMEMBER TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN CHOCOLATE AND BOOKS AT SATURDAY'S DRAWING!

~Happy Halloween

HALLOWEEN BASH Kick Off with Sky Purington!

2011-10-23T23:28:00.010-05:00

Alisha: I'm thrilled to death to welcome my very good friend and amazing author, Sky Purington to my Halloween Bash! You're in for a real treat this week! No tricks here! Sky will be joining us ALL WEEK LONG to kick off Halloween! Get your candy corn and hot apple cider ready. Pull up a broomstick and soak in all that is THE fabulous Sky! Thank you, thank you, thank you celebrating Halloween with me, Sky! I'm busy making candy apples, carving jack o'lanterns and baking Halloween cakes for the big day! Please tell us about your journey to publication, your books and your upcoming books!

Sky: Hello everyone! I’d like to thank Alisha for having me over this week. Hard to believe it’s nearly Halloween. Without doubt, this is one of my favorite times of the year. After all, next Monday the veil between the ‘worlds’ is at its thinnest. If you’re a fan of anything paranormal, especially ghosts, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

That said, let me introduce myself. My name is Sky Purington and I write a cross-genre of fantasy/paranormal romance. From the day I was able to write full sentences (around seven) I’ve been penning stories. In 2007, I published my first story with The Wild Rose Press. Since then, I’ve been typing away and have quite a few more tales under my belt. This year I re-launched my Highlander Series and joined the fabulous world of Indie Authors.

To date, I’ve covered everything from Irish Druids to sexy time-traveling, Scottish Highlander wizards. Added to the list, sexy-as-get-out vampires and coming soon, a novel trilogy that covers three hot paranormal investigators turned warlock.

In my upcoming Calum’s Curse trilogy (which includes characters from my Highlander Series), think not only vampires but werewolves and reapers. While not erotica, all of my novels are very sexual and intended for a mature audience. *Wicked grin*
This week I’ll be chatting about my MacLomain Series (Highlanders). One short tale and three full novels available through Amazon, Nook and Smashwords now for .99 cents each. Hope you enjoy!
Best Always,
~Sky

Sky's Website

A Writer’s Mind Blog

Visit Sky on Twitter: @SkyPurington

COME BACK TOMORROW! SKY WILL BE TALKING ABOUT HER WRITING METHOD.

LEAVE A COMMENT TODAY AND IF YOU'RE A LUCKY LITTLE GOBLIN, YOU'LL WIN BOOKS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN SKY DRAWS A NAME ON SATURDAY!

~HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Virtual Book Tour ~ Fezariu's Epiphany ~ An Interview with Vintaro

2011-10-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

Interview with Vintaro from Fezariu’s Epiphany

Alisha: Tell us a little about yourself?

Vintaro: My name is Vintaro and I’m a toldere from the island of Lemanto. Many in Elenchera reckon that we’re an assertive and outspoken bunch but they clearly don’t know us at all. I don’t think we talk too much or outstay our welcome. You’re certainly not having any trouble getting a word in are you?

Alisha: Indeed! What part do you play in the novel, Fezariu’s Epiphany?

Vintaro:I have issues with that title for a start. I think my name should be in there somewhere, don’t you? I come into the story in the second part. I left Lemanto to join the Merelax Mercenaries and when I arrived at Archangel University and found a line of recruits standing in the rain I thought to myself, “I’m not standing at the back when there’s drier spots towards the front.” Under the shelter of the overhanging rooftops of the university I bumped into Fezariu, Tessera and Arshea. We soon became friends, inseparable you might say.

Alisha: Author David M. Brown has described your character as offering light relief in the novel. How would you respond to that?

Vintaro: I think he’s complimenting me. Secretly, I think he likes me the best. I’m certainly the funniest character in the book, that’s for sure, but I have a big part to play as well. Fezariu, Tessera, Arshea and I fight and bleed together out on the colonies. Ours is a solid bond of friendship and camaraderie that cannot be broken. I never imagined I could meet such people, especially in the mercenaries. Each of us has a story and although Fezariu’s tale is central to the novel each of us have something to say, all of us matter to this story.

Alisha: What are your thoughts on a Vintaro fan club? Any sign of your own spin-off?

Vintaro: If the public wish to honour me with a fan club then I would be most grateful but I’m just happy knowing many readers have enjoyed my contribution to the novel. They have also taken a shine to Tessera, who is an amazing mercenary, Fezariu of course, and his mother Jessamine. A spin-off with me as the main character sounds interesting. I’ll see what David M. Brown comes up with. He’s working hard on a new novel, A World Apart, now.

Alisha: Is there anything else you want to add about Fezariu’s Epiphany?

Vintaro: Only that I hope readers enjoy the book. I’m just one of many characters within its pages. Fezariu is the main man, that’s without question, and he’s one of the finest men I’ve ever met. His story, as difficult as it is, is one you should consider hearing. Keep your fingers crossed for that spin-off. I think I’d make a dashing protagonist.

About the Author:David M. Brown was born in Barnsley in 1982 and first conceived the idea of Elenchera in college. His love of history and English led him to read these subjects at Huddersfield University. David is inspired by medieval history, Norse mythology and Japanese role-playing video games and anime films. He lives in Huddersfield with his wife Donna and their six rescue cats.

The Elencheran Chronicles: http://elenchera.com
The World According to Dave: http://blog.elenchera.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elenchera http://www.facebook.com/fezariu
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/elenchera
Book Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPgcNNLMBvY

Follow David M. Brown's Tour Here

An Interview with a Werewolf!

2011-10-20T01:08:00.006-05:00

Alisha: Please welcome Karilyn Bentley to my blog today! Your guests were kinda chummy in the green room. Is it a full moon or what?

Karilyn: Hi Alisha, Thank you for having us visit with you today! I’ve brought along special guests, the hero and heroine from my novella, Wolf Mates. Please welcome Zane and Margie.

ZANE AND MARGIE: Thank you for having us blog with you!

KARILYN: Thank you for coming! Zane, let’s start with you. Tell us a bit about yourself.

ZANE: Until I met Margie, I was an enforcer in my pack. Hated the job since the pack’s alpha controlled us. You’ll have to read to find out more about what a *** Sid was.

MARGIE (elbowing ZANE): Hon, I think this is a PG-13 blog. You probably shouldn’t use those kinds of words.

ZANE: Sorry. But it’s an accurate description.

KARILYN: I know, but Margie’s right. I’m glad that you are no longer in that pack.

ZANE: Not as glad as I am.

KARILYN: So, Margie, please tell us a bit about you.

MARGIE: Gladly. I’m the London, Montana pack’s alpha. Yes, I know it’s odd for a female to be an alpha, you don’t have to look at me like that. You’d be amazed at how many werewolves come visit a single female alpha’s pack. We still get some coming to take a look and I’ve been mated for months now.

KARILYN: Sounds like you enjoy the job.

MARGIE: Very much so. I run a good pack, right down to the young pups.

KARILYN: It’s so nice to hear when people enjoy their jobs. Let’s go back to Zane. Tell us what you first thought of when you saw Margie.

ZANE: I smelled her first and knew she was my mate. I was injured at the time and was out of it. When I woke and saw her, I thought she was the best looking woman ever. Then she got pissed at me.

KARILYN: I’m glad to see she’s no longer upset with you. Margie, what about you? What did you first think when you saw Zane?

MARGIE: This is a bit embarrassing, but my first thought was oh no, I don’t need a mate. I knew he was my mate from the way I reacted to his scent, but it was so hard to let go of my pack. It’s worked out pretty well though.

ZANE: Just pretty well?

KARILYN: Moving on. Zane, what was the best thing Margie ever did for you?

ZANE: If I say that, it’ll give the story away. Mating me is right up there, so I’ll say that instead. She mated me and took me into her life.

KARILYN: Aw, that’s sweet. I’m glad it worked out for you. Margie, what about you? What was the best thing Zane did for you?

MARGIE: He defers most of the pack’s decisions to me. A lot of alpha males wouldn’t, but he doesn’t seem to mind. It might sound silly, but being able to lead my, I mean our, pack, is very important to me.

ZANE: And it’s hot, babe, hot. I like watching you lead.

KARILYN (fanning face): Okay, it’s getting a bit warm in here. Zane, is there anything you’d change about Margie?

ZANE: I love her just the way she is. But I would change her position right now. Come here, babe and—

KARILYN: Okay, okay. PG-13 blog remember? None of that. Margie, is there anything you’d change about Zane?

MARGIE: I have to admit, I do agree with him about the changing position thing. But we are on a blog. So, my only complaint is that he leaves the toilet seat up. I fell in the other night. It wasn’t pleasant.

ZANE: I said I’d work on it.

MARGIE: I know. Karilyn asked, so I had to answer.

KARILYN: Well, our time is up. It looks like you are about to have a good evening. But before we go, is there anything else you’d like to tell the readers?

ZANE: Tell them thank you for checking out our story.

MARGIE: We hope they enjoy it.

KARILYN: Thank you for stopping by! Hope you have a good trip home.

Excerpt
“Hey, in there. I’m going to open the door. Don’t even think about taking me down.” As if he could. If she knew he was her mate, she assumed he could sense that she was his. And a male would never hurt his mate. Although if he wanted to take her down and sex her senseless she wouldn’t oppose him.
Pull it together, Margie! How can you think of sex at a time like this?
She shook her head-who would have thought meeting her mate would cause sexual thoughts to overwhelm her common sense-and rapped on the door. “Do you hear me?”
“I do. Why am I locked in?”
She liked his voice. Maybe she could get him to speak more just to hear the melodious rumble as it crossed her skin. By the saints, what was she thinking? Hello, Margie, pull your head out of your hormones and channel your inner alpha.
After she pushed the code into the keypad, she turned the knob and pushed open the door. Spilled soup lay in twisting rivulets across the floor, flowing from the broken bowl. The tray lay behind the mess. Zane stood in front of the bed, arms crossed, completely naked with the exception of a silver torc around his neck. Oh yeah, she could get used to the eye candy. It was impressive.
Eye contact, Margie, eye contact.
Like meeting his eyes helped. Black brows and thick lashes framed amber eyes that gleamed with questions. Sleep-tussled black hair shot through with silver and tan hung in waves to his shoulders. Above a white bandage wrapped around his middle, tight curls dusted his chest and below the bandage the curls led in a trail from his navel to...
Eyes, Margie, eyes.

Wolf Mates is available from The Wild Rose Press HERE.
Karilyn can be contacted at karilyn@karilynbentley.com or stop by her Facebook page: HERE or her webpage HERE.

Secret Confessions of a Romance Reviewer

2011-10-18T00:49:00.009-05:00

Alisha: Welcome to my blog, Barb. So happy you are here! I'm excited to hear some juicy confessions from a romance reviewer! First off, tell us about Risqué Reviews.

History of Risque Reviews (Scroll down to read JUICY STUFF FIRST)
Barb: Risqué Reviews is an adult romance review site. We opened our doors in May of 2010. Some assume it is purley an erotic review site. While you can have romance with erotica, that does not mean that ALL erotica is about romance.

Confused? I know. Most are. I'm trying to break that stereo-type for my site and branch out into more venues such as satire and more mainstream. The only genre we do not review is YA. Remember, this is still an adult site.

I have a strict policy. When a book is checked out for review, it MUST be reviewed. Not every book will receive a good review but I will never tolerate crude reviews. I have been reviewing for a long time, close to eight years now. I've learned you do not have to be cruel, even if you did not care for the book. I am willing to teach new reviewers, but they have to check there egos at the door if they want to be a part of my team. I won’t allow my reviewers to rip out the author’s heart if they find a book lacking for whatever reason. I constantly remind my reviewers that there is a person behind every book and I'll never let them forget that.

We do not guarantee that we will love every book, but we will be honest and fair.
The gals that are with me now are great and I love them!! They have no problem when I or one of my editors makes a suggestion or changes needed to help their review. I also have two great editors and without them I’d be lost.

Our goal is to give readers honest and thoughtful book reviews intended to fairly represent the authors' work while providing readers with the information they need to make informed buying decisions concerning their reading material.

But the most important part is to have fun. When I'm no longer having a good time, belive me, I'll stop. :)

Alisha: What inspired you to create your very own review site?

Barb: A friend. I had just left another review site and was pretty down in the dumps. I still loved reviewing, but didn’t want to start up with another site. She said to me “Barb, you are one of the best reviewers I know. (She loves me so she had to say that) I don’t know why you don’t just start your own review site.” (She however didn’t have to say that.) She has this great southern accent. Well, anyway after a lot of contemplation, I finally got off of my butt and did just that. That friend was you, Alisha. I don’t know if I ever told you how much your encouragement helped me and has continued to help me to this day. Thank you, my friend.

At first it really was only a hobby, a way to combine the two things I love: reading and writing reviews. But I wanted Risqué Reviews to offer more. That’s when I really got to work and have been driving my husband crazy ever since!

Alisha: You are so sweet. I just know a good thing when I see it. ;) What can we expect from Risqué Reviews?

Barb: I’m working on so much that at times I’m not sure which end is up, but right now I’m talking to a few web-designers to help me take my site to the next level. I want the new site to be as user friendly as possible. I hate it when you go to a site and it feels like you just fell into the rabbit hole with Alice, with all sorts of things vying for your attention. Like an acid trip that’s gone bad…now how would I know about stuff like that?

Seriously, my first goal is to get my website more consistent and orderly. That is my priority. And right now I don’t have the capability to do that. This is just not in the realm of my expertise.

What I’d like to do is incorporate a top notch blog into my website as well as expanding my capabilities for ad space. Right now I’m spread in too many directions and it just doesn’t flow like I would like it to. I also need some better behind the scenes ways of keeping tabs of things and managing pages so they also are more consistent and better managed. Right now the day to day stuff is taking up way more time than it should. That is why I’ve been talking to those that have that knowledge and can help show me what steps I need to take to help achieve my goals.

SECRET CONFESSION TIME!!!! (How many people scrolled down to this part..lol!)
Alisha: Now we get to the juicy stuff! How old were you when you decided you just couldn't live without books?

Barb: I was 12 when I discovered the power of a book. Until then…I have to tell you, I actually hated reading. Nothing held my attention. If I may quote a part of another interview I did that I think sums things up nicely…quite by accident I found my mom’s copy of Valley of the Dolls. It had been out for 2 years. I was 12 years old. I knew this was hidden for a reason, so I started reading. I was captivated, it was right there in front of me and I loved every heart pounding, rock and rolled, sex drugged moment it could throw at me. It was gritty, raw and intensely emotional. I was enthralled. It was like being right there. These weren’t just “characters” in a book. This felt real. There were no innuendos or hidden meanings. It was right there in your face. This was like Christmas morning and I had just opened up the best gift ever, my imagination. I felt everything.. their pain and sorrow; I cried and laughed OUT LOUD. Amazing. These were adults living life, and I was just a kid and outside of the four walls of my bedroom and TV (which only had 4 channels), I had no idea the outside world could be so exciting. For the first time I truly understood the power of a book and I liked it.

Alisha: Wow! I know that first sexy book opened up new doors for you, especially for a girl on the verge of womanhood. I remember experiencing something similar in my early teens. Heavy stuff. Tell us something funny about yourself. ;)

Barb: Sometimes when I sneeze, I pee a little… Ok maybe not that… How about instead of telling you something funny about myself, I give you a funny quote that describes me?

Some people say that I am going insane, but I know that they are wrong, I've been there for a long time.”
― Ron Person

Alisha: *Snicker* sums you up perfectly. I love your insane side..or wait..do you have a sane side? Hmm...not sure. What do you look for in a great story?

Barb: When it sneaks up on me and knocks me on my ass. How? Well first by catching me off guard by giving me a story I didn’t see coming. And by that I mean it got me to go beyond my boundaries, comfort zones, if you will. I like it when I start reading and am caught totally by surprise by a story that I thought was one thing and, oh mama, was so much more. I like a book that challenges me to look beyond preconceived ideas of right and wrong and good and evil. But not by shouting at me. I like it when it does it in such an ingenious way that I never see it coming. Not just in dealing with sexual preferences, but in all things human and beyond.

The characters should be fully developed, coupled with scenes so vividly drawn they become a character themselves. There should be sub-plots effortlessly flowing within the story, drawing the characters together to the end.

Also, within a story you should find a lesson to be learned, as it touches on the social etiquette of the era. There should also be another message to be conveyed, moral and otherwise, that will be as important a hundred years from now as it is today.

And mostly if I’m sad when I’m finished, I know I’ve just read a great book. At least for me.

Alisha: How important is chemistry in a relationship? How important is it when you're reading romance?

Barb: If we’re talking a sexual relationship (and I’m sure we are) without chemistry well, there is no relationship. That’s like peanut butter without the jelly, toast without butter! Man! That’s just crazy, woman!!! Oh this is precious, because the blog, "When Was The Last Time You Read A Good Book?", which is posted now at Reviewer Extraordinaire discusses chemistry…here’s a taste.

OK, I’ll admit I like a story that revolves around romance and where there is romance there should be sex. I just find when I’m reading a story where the sexual chemistry is stimulating between the characters, it makes it soooo much more…motivating. So sue me!

It’s not just genetic instincts driving us to have sex in order to procreate. Hell, we don’t even need the act for that anymore; it’s also a very human need for touch that drives us. And man...it just feels so damn good.

How’d I do? Did that answer your question?*snicker*

Alisha: Yep! Pretty good answer! What does your ultimate hero sound like, look like, smell like and what are his three best traits?

Barb: Mmmm well, he’d sound like Clint Eastwood …

…look like Hugh

and he wouldn’t need any cologne, because he would have the invigorating natual scent of musk that is all man gritty, sensual and just so lick-a-lious…

Well here’s my take on what traits I like in a man…the art of being a man is knowing when to control and how to surrender.

Alisha: Yum! Let me know if you meet this man in person and invite me over for Cosmos!!! Name three of your guilty pleasures.

Barb: Oh, dear! I’m 54! I don’t have any guilty pleasures left. I did them all and then went back for seconds! And now I’m pretty much an open book… (pun intended) and I don’t feel guilty about any of my pleasures, past or present. What you see is what you get. I make no bones about what I like; you can find my desires in most of my writings.

Alisha: Do your neighbors and family members know you review romance?

Barb: Most do. I don’t keep it a secret. I’m not ashamed of what I do or what I write or what I read. I do however get a few snickers and remarks when those who didn’t know find out. It’s quite entertaining. Mostly I hear, “Why do you so this?” When I tell them I enjoy it… well, some just don’t understand. That’s ok. I don’t mind. I don’t expect everyone to understand, just like I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t enjoy reading as much as I do.

That’s why I wrote the blog, "When Was The Last Time You Read A Good Book?", because of some of the attitudes I get about the “types” of books they seem to think I read.

I guess I have a rep for only reading ‘dirty’ books. Don’t get me wrong, I do read them, but I read a lot of books. And sure they mainly revolve around romance, but…wait for it…wait for it… not all of them are jammed full of scene after scene of sex.

Actually I just finished two books. Although there was a sex scene in one, both of these books clearly did not revolve around sex in any way at all. The stories did not call for them and the authors knew that. The stories did not suffer for the lack of them and again the authors knew that too. Have these authors written books that had plots with more sex scenes in them. Yep. And guess what? They were good books, too. And you know why? Because the characters and the plot called for them!

When people allow themselves to be led by what ‘polite society’ believes is inappropriate or unacceptable without judging it for themselves, they are doing themselves an injustice and missing out on so much that life has to offer. Not just in their choices of reading materials, but in all things.

Alisha: Do you ever remember reading a genre or book that you normally wouldn't pick up and loved it? If so, tell us the title and author and why you loved it.

Barb: Here is a perfect example of thinking you’re getting one thing and getting something totally different and being blown away. This happened when I was with the other review site and a reviewer had left, leaving behind a number of books she had checked out. So instead of putting them back in the database we tried to distribute between all of us so they could still be reviewed.

I chose a book by the title thinking it might be something I’d like, Dark Beginnings: The Demon Within by J.E. Marshall. What an incredible book. It however was not a paranormal book like I thought. It wasn’t even a romance. It was in fact a Mainstream/M/M/Thriller. Best mistake I ever made.

This was my opening statement… The Demon Within grabbed me at the opening prologue and truth be told this story took my breath away.

This book did exactly what I said in question #4; it challenged me to go beyond my comfort zone and to explore a contemporary mainstream story about a man struggling with his sexuality. This is what I wrote at the end… I just do not feel that I could do justice by trying to explain who Christen is. I have therefore decided to leave that up to him. I will however tell you what this story is not. It is not just a love story, but love is a driving force in it. It is not just about lust, but lust is what will cause Christen to begin this journey. It is not just about a gay man, but about a man who happens to be gay.

Understand.. I don’t have a problem with a person's choice of who they want to be with and never will. I just didn’t think I would find anything I myself could relate to tin that book. I was clearly mistaken and I’m pleased to say that I have never made that mistake again. A love story is a love story. That story will always hold a special place in my heart for showing me that.

Aisha: Leave us with a great recipe. I'm in a cooking mood!

Barb: Ok here’s a great one and just in time for the cooler weather.

You’ll need:

• Brown Sugar (light or dark doesn’t matter but both would be best!)
• BBQ Sauce (any kind whatever you like)
• Bourbon
• Whole chicken (cut up)

Very important…Do not remove skin!! This recipe needs both the skin and white and dark meat in order to work. And the chicken must be cut up.

Cooking time 3 hours

Preheat oven to 300.

Place chicken in roasting pan
Cover generously with BBQ sauce, make sure to cover thoroughly
Toss Brown Sugar over all the chicken (don’t worry you really can’t put too much)

Cover and cook for the first two hours

Take out of oven and add one cup (or more, your call) of Bourbon

Put back in the oven UNCOVERED for one hour.

If this doesn’t knock your socks off, you did not follow the instructions!!!

Alisha: Barb, Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy reviewing schedule to give me your secret confessions! Best of luck with Risque Reviews i enjoyed every delicious moment of it! And thanks for the recipe! Yum!

You can find Barb at Reviewer Extroidinaire

and at Risque Reviews

Weaving Real Life Stories into Fiction ~ INTERACTIVE POST

2011-10-16T16:14:00.002-05:00

I love to weave real life stories into my work. In fact, research is what I love most.

My writing has taken a darker turn. I've always loved writing paranormals but now they border on romantic horror. Can the two even exist together? I think so. What blended genres do you enjoy reading?

Have any of you used a true story or legend to build a story? I did this with Nocturnally Vexed when I incorporated Jack-the-Ripper into my paranormal romance. I'd love to hear about your story building techniques.

I'm fascinated with ghosts. Voodoo Moon contains the true story of Annie Palmer, owner of Rose Hall Plantation in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I've been to the plantation and believe me, it's pretty creepy. As legend goes, she killed several of her husbands and called many slaves to her room. She had them all killed as well. I used the premise of this legend to build Voodoo Moon while incorporating paranormal elements, magick and voodoo rituals.

Here's the photos of Rose Hall Plantation from the front and back. Note the back high window where Annie stood every morning giving out orders to her slaves. The first picture is her grave. The slaves built an above ground tomb to ensure that her spirit would not walk the earth. I don't think it worked. There have been many sightings of The White Witch. Her room in particular is extra spooky. Her face has been seen in the bedroom mirror. You can google her name and find many ghost photos.

Happy Haunting, Happy Reading and Have Fun Weaving Real Life into Your Work!
~Alisha

Book Signings...the Good, The Bad and the UGLY!

2011-10-15T13:50:00.001-05:00

DEAR READERS: THIS IS A REPOST OF AN OLD BLOG FROM YEARS PAST, AS REQUESTED BY SOME OF MY WRITER FRIENDS WHO THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUNNIEST DAMN THING..AND MOST PATHETIC...THAT THEY'D EVER READ ABOUT BOOK SIGNINGS. SNORT! ENJOY!

I'm getting ready for a big book signing this weekend with a very cool writer friend of mine. He's one of those writers that always has the coolest book signings while I'm stuck at a back table at Borders or B&N. They might as well put a sign that says "Information" on my table because that's generally what I do at signings. I can't tell you how many people ask me where the dang bathroom is located or what books I can friggin recommend. Duh! How about the one I'm signing? RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE?

I'm not much of a sales person or too pushy. Makes me uncomfortable...like those carnies at the Fair, "Come on over, see the amazing fat woman!" Yeah, maybe I should try that? Hey, that would have worked when I was signing books with my buddy, Rita, aka Regina Carlysle at the WORST EVER West Texas Book Festival signing from Hellllllll (see pic above)! We were the only authors there NOT selling a cookbook or Bible hymns. And the youngest....and hey, we aren't spring chickens. I was about to bust in my 7th month, looking like a beached whale in the Texas heat of September. Good Lord! Not pretty. Yeah, the fat lady line might have worked that day...snicker. I even had some old curmudgeon from across the aisle (this guy sold creepy old westerns) tell me that my book wouldn't sell because it was too short. Uh, it's 90,000 words. Thanks for the advice, bub. I was selling a paranormal that day, my werewolf romance. I got all tingly inside when this lady wearing a wolf shirt walked up to me. She picked up my book and read the back blurb. Her nostrils flared. She looked down at me, over her little spectacles. Her husband said, "Your cup of tea?" I thought I'd melt right then and there...from the heat of her church lady stare and the Texas humidity put together..."Nooooooooo!" she bellowed as she slapped my book back down.

The best book signing I ever had was a multi-author signing I did to benefit literacy last year. Brace yourself....I had to...I was seated next to freaking SHERRILYN KENYON.....I'm not worthy...I'm not worthy! Very cool lady!!!! Thank God, her 3 thousand mile line trickled to me FIRST..WOOOO HOOOOOOO...thank you, Sherrilyn...and thank God I was signing a paranormal. The lady selling the Inspirational book next to me...not so good. Poor thing. I know how she feels. It all depends on who is in the book store on that particular day. (That's me and my daughter with queen of shifters and vamps!)

And hey, if you sign books in Dallas, don't do it on a Sunday. If the Cowboys are playing, the world shuts down here. Go grocery shopping instead. No lines. Not kidding either. It's like nuclear fall out when the Boys play. Oh and I did a signing during a damn ice storm for Valentine's Day too. (See the pic below. That's me on the left. Can you tell I'm bored and miserable?)

My girlfriend showed up with her annoying military husband...thank God she doesn't read this...please, Lord...anyhow, I've told her this to her face and she still laughs about it..I digress...anyhow, do you think I've had enough coffee today. Not yet. I'll go on...military man shows up..this is a multi-author signing...and he starts asking me why I haven't come by lately. "Well, I did just have a baby," I say. "So what? Are you her friend or not?" Huh? I try to whisper to him. "Um, the baby isn't bottle fed. It's hard for us to take long outings." He scrunches his face up and says, and not in a whisper, mind you...."Hell, I've seen titties before. Bring a blanket." Nice. Very nice. That's my book signing experiences. Thank you, Sherrilyn for giving me one good one..snort!

So, back to my book signing this Friday. I latched onto my good buddy, Jason Leary after his first signing and begged him to do one with me. No book stores, no questions asked about how to navigate one's way to the powder room, no annoying, bored girlfriend's husbands showing up to torture me. We're having a wine tasting/book signing. How cool is that? And I love wine. I get nervous at these things too. I NEED to drink. And I don't know where Jason finds all the damn people but they come in droves. Again, I begged him to sign books with me. "Uh, do your friends read romance? Tell them to buy it for their mom or their wife or their lover. Whatever." He laughs at me and my stupidity and says, "Sure. It'll be fun."

And I know it will. I can't wait. If anyone's in the Dallas area, I'll be signing books and tasting wine at Wine Styles in Grand Prairie this Friday, March 27th from 6 to 8:30. Go to alishapaige.com for more details and directions...to the signing, not the bathroom.

How to Recharge the Writer's Soul

2011-10-14T00:08:00.003-05:00

One thing is for sure about writers. We sit on our bums all day or all night, depending on when you write. And that's just not good for the bones or the soul. We all need to recharge and I'm sure you all have your various methods. What are yours? Share yours today and I'll pick the most original and give the winner his or her choice of any of my books in virtual format.

One of my favorite ways to recharge is gardening. I love digging the earth with my giant cooking spoon. Do you think I should invest in some gardening tools? I have and they aren't as good as my spoons. I go nuts in the kitchen aisle and I'm shopping for garden stuff. My mother doesn't have a green thumb. She has a green body, a green soul, green hair. She looks like freaking Oscar the Grouch. No kidding. The woman's house is like one giant African violet. She's constantly bringing over cuttings, bulbs, baskets and flats of whatever plant is overtaking her garden. I have news for you mom...uh, it's a lost cause. And get this, I'm not kidding either. When my parents go out of town, I take care of their kitties..no problem, a couple of cans of Fancy Feast, fresh water and rubbing behind the ears. No joke here...it takes me nearly 2 freaking hours to water her stuff. Groannnnnnnnnnn....so there I am lugging a baby on my hip for two hours while I talk to the garden hose about my latest WIP. I complain a lot but really I love it. This recharges my battery as much as working in my own garden. Nothing more soothing then being outside, listening to the birds chirping, giving the earth and the flowers a nice, long drink. I once saw a psychic that told me if I'm ever stuck on a book, to run water. She said it makes everything flow. I thought she was nuts until I realized I get my best story ideas in the shower. Watering plants works too. Try it.

Okay, many of my wicked blogger friends know that I adore wine, particularly red wine. Well, last year I planted a grapevine. Well, I affectionately call it my winevine. Cause that's what it is really. It's gorgeous this year. Last year it was a stick with one leaf. Check it out.

I love watching my plants start out as tiny little things in the spring and grow to full bodied beauties in the summer and this baby is just getting started. This really recharges my battery. And I love the sunshine on my skin and face. You know, sunshine is prescribed for people in dreary climates. Sunshine is rich in Vitamin D and helps with depression. I think many writers fall into depression needlessly because we are shut inside like mad scientists, working furiously on a deadline. Stop it! Go outside! Thankfully, many of us have laptops.

I love to take my kids to the park or get a glass of wine and hang out in the backyard while they play. Pack a picnic lunch and head to the ole swimming hole. We have a great creek nearby. My honey and I have had some wonderful days there too. The kids love to catch turtles, watch minnows, dig in the mud and collect rocks and shells. Take the dogs on a walk, take the kids out in the stroller or mix it up and do both! Venture outdoors and recharge that battery!

Another thing that we often do to ourselves as writers is deprive ourselves of precious sleep. This is a big fat no-no! We need our sleep! And if you're like me and you're forced to write at night because of the rugrats, then take a nap with the baby. Your body and mind will thank you for it later and your brain will be recharged, refreshed and wired, ready to go for several hours of good writing that same night. If you don't, you might end up like Tiny down below.

Okay, now my ultimate favorite way to unwind, relax and recharge is...I bet it's yours too....snicker. Hmmmm....I wonder...what could it be...that's right....some good ole fashioned kissing, face sucking, lip hugging, neck licking, you name it. I love to kiss, as most women do and many men generally like to skip this MOST important bit of foreplay. For me, it IS the foreplay and the very best way to revel in your lover's scent and special brand of love. *Sigh* Kissing is oh so intimate and seductive and then of course, it leads to the really good shit so let's all recharge our batteries with this baby. Put this at the top of your list at RECHARGE LESSON #1....WE MUST MAKE LOVE AND LOTS OF IT!!!! And hey, it's a fabulous reason to post more hot as hell eye candy pics!

Now all you writers, readers, blog hoppers out there....UNITE, GO FORTH, RECHARGE THOSE BATTERIES!!! I double dog dare you to seduce your lover the second he or she walks through your door today. Say it was an assignment. Report back with the details. All of them. The more vivid the better. Now, DO IT! Then you can garden.

~Alisha

Meet Cujo's Sister, Jezebel!

2011-10-13T03:00:00.002-05:00

Alisha: Welcome to my stop for Jezebel's Virtual Book Tour! Glad you're here today, Gordon. ;)

ATTN BLOG READERS: LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $50 Amazon Gift Certificate!

[Gordon Kessler] Thanks for hosting Jezebel on your blog, Alisha! I thought I’d turn the interview over to Channel Two News reporter Henry Haskins—he is a professional, and a bit of a pompous ass, as well.

Haskins: Look who’s talking. You’re just lucky there’s a lady present. Oh, and what a fine lady it is—good evening Julie Newton. I’ve been so-o-o looking forward to this interview.

Julie: It’s Parker. You know that, Henry. It’s been Parker for over eight years, now.

Haskins: Oh, I remember…. I also remember some of the really good times we had in the back seat of my Chrysler....

Julie: That’s a lie, and you know it. You’re just trying to get things riled up with Tony, again.

Haskins: Well, can you deny we had a little fling?

Julie: Yes, I can. You asked me out. You were nice on the first date so I thought a second time wouldn’t hurt. I was wrong…you got handsy and I had to fight you off with my shoe. I see you still have that little scar above your right eye from the heel.

Haskins: Oh, come on, baby. You can tell the truth…what we had was—

Julie: What we had was a fight, you grabbed where you shouldn’t, and I gave you a heel to the head. Let’s get on with the interview, shall we? (reaching for her shoe)

Haskins: All right, okay…don’t get all weird on me, again. So, tell me about your part in Jezebel. I’ll bet you were scared witless.

Julie: There were times. I was mostly afraid for the children. But when Jezebel was after me…well, I can’t even describe the fear.

Haskins: Yeah, she’s one big, mean bitch, isn’t she?

Julie: Well, not in the way you might think. You’d have to read the story to understand, but she was very misunderstood.

Haskins: Uh-huh. Like when she tore her master’s throat out?

Julie: (sighing) Like I said, you’ll have to read the story to understand. It’s very deep. And there was a lot going on around that time. Things seemed crazy all over. The entire town seemed under some kind of strange spell. Regardless, I knew Tony would keep us safe.

Haskins: Oh, yeah, your big stud, ex-Marine hubby. The guy you caught rootin’ like a hog on that slutty little Sarah Hill.

Julie: (slipping one shoe off) That will be enough. As usual, you have the story completely turned around. I trust Tony—I trust him more than anyone. And Sarah, well, she’s a bit of a tease, but that’s all. I’m sure nothing happened…

Haskins: (chuckling) Yeah, you’re sure—okay, now put the shoe down…Well, anyway what about Lt. Jack Simpson? He’s been Tony’s best friend for a long time. What kind of a guy is he.

Julie: Jack’s the best. He’s a real family man, and he’s been a really good friend. He’s always there when we need him. And he’s a great detective.

Haskins: Uh-huh. Rumor has it that Simpson might not make it through to the end of this story. We know he’s not a big fan of dogs—something about a traumatic attack when he was a child. There’s even talk that this could be the last we see of Doc and Patsy White Cloud. Even a rumor that Tony’s got some sort of terminal disease….

Julie: Talk, talk, talk. Read the book and you won’t have to speculate. Are you a reporter or a rumor chasing busy-body.

Haskins: (with a creepy sneer) Busy body? I wouldn’t mind getting our bodies busy, if you know what I mean. No one has to know. I’ll cut it out of the interview, and ….Ow! Hey, stop it! You’re going to put my eyes out with that thing. Ouch, damn it! Ah, man, you chipped a tooth. Can’t I ever finish an interview without a black eye or broken nose?

Julie: (slipping her shoe back on and heading for the door) An eye for an eye and heel for a heel. Next time you’ll be eating the entire shoe!

Haskins: Good lord! That woman has fire! Anyway, if you get into reading stuff—I’m more of a game player, myself—you might want to check out Jezebel. I’ve heard it’s nothing like what you might expect, and it has a great ending that will give you a smile and a chill at the same time.

Jezebel and Kessler’s other thriller novels Brainstorm and Dead Reckoning are on sale for a limited time as eBooks for only $.99, everywhere eBooks are sold (Amazon, iBooks, Sony, B&N, Kobo, Smashwords). And there’s a great Jezebel book trailer on YouTube HERE and one for Brainstorm HERE.

Happy Halloween!

Blurb

Sleep lightly tonight…

A madman has come to town seeking a diabolical revenge and large dogs begin attacking their masters for no apparent reason and with heinous results.

Animal Control Director Tony Parker must find out why and stop the murderous attacks. Meanwhile, Jezebel, a huge black Great Dane has killed her master and is loose, terrorizing the city and stalking Parker and his family. Parker and Sarah Hill, his beautiful and seductive young assistant, attempt to unravel the mystery and stop the terrible carnage while dealing with their own demons and lusty desires.

The attacks must be stopped. Jezebel must be found-and soon, you see--there is one other complication. Parker seems to have come down with an annoying little virus. No, it's not one of those irritating summer colds. It's certain death.

She's a murderess, huge and black as a hell-bound night.

Beware. Jezebel is on the loose!

Excerpt

In the grayish soup, a dark vision appeared. Floating down the middle of the street, it slowly formed into a recognizable shape.

An animal. A large black animal. A huge Great Dane. It walked with confidence. Long, thin legs. Mouth closed, head and eyes fixed straight ahead. Occasionally, its feet splashed one of the pools. Light from the streetlights caused a sparkle from underneath its neck with every step of its left forefoot. A large diamond, set on a gold tag, captured the light and shot it out like a laser. The dog maintained its pace for what seemed like minutes.

Finally, it stopped. With its body still pointing down the street, it slowly turned its head to the right and looked up a sidewalk leading to the front door of a house. It stared, still emotionless, at the door. At Tony Parker’s door.

About the Author:Gordon A Kessler is a former US Marine parachutist, recon scout, and Super Squad team leader, with a bachelor's degree in creative writing. He is a Master Instructor for Johnson County Community College, National Academy of Railroad Sciences, and the BNSF Railway. He has taught novel writing for Butler County Community College, English Composition for Hutchinson Junior College and has previously indie-published the thriller novels Brainstorm and Dead Reckoning, and a book about the novel-writing craft, Novel Writing Made Simple.

He is a founder and current president of the Kansas Writers Association and tries to stay connected to writers and the writing industry by doing speaking engagements at writers conferences and for writers organizations, and does his own "The Storyteller" seminar in Wichita, Lincoln (Nebraska), Kansas City, and other Midwestern cities based on his Novel Writing Made Simple book.

You can find Gordon at Writers Matrix and Indie Writers Alliance where writers go for help with their writing endeavors.

His author website is HERE.

Other links:

Readers Matrix
Twitter
Facebook
Linked In

Tour Stops and Dates for Gordon can be found HERE.

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM AMAZON!! The more you comment on the book tour, you better your chances of winning! Good luck and Happy Halloween!

Alisha: Gee, thanks, Gordon! I was once chased down by a ginormous dog when I was 7 months pregnant. As if I wasn't afraid of dogs enough..yikes!

More from The Diary of a Pantster ~ Find Your Method

2011-10-12T09:30:00.002-05:00

My last blog entry really forced me to think about our craft. It truly is a craft, is it not? And as I mentioned in my last diary entry, we all have our methods.

If you're new to the writing game and you're busy learning all you can about our craft and have no idea if you're a planner, a pantster or a mixture of both...get a pen and paper. Write down three columns titled Planner, Pantser, Both. Put a check mark in the appropriate column. Whichever column has the most checks, that's the method you most often choose. The longer you write, the more you will lean to one of the three and find your "zone", the perfect method for you.

Do you brainstorm before writing? If you do, put a check mark in the Planner column.

Do you look for names in a baby book for your characters? If you do, put a check mark in the Both column. This isn't really planning a plot but it is taking the time to research for a name..so it's a little of both.

Do you make character charts for your characters? If you do, put a check mark in the Planner column.

Do you have a vague theme you would like to write about and turn on your computer and envision a scene, start typing and come up with your character's name and description on the spur of the moment? If you do, put a check mark in the Pantster column.

Do you find holes in your story and then go back and plug them up? If you do, put a check mark in the Both column. You probably tend to write by the seat of your pants, read over your manuscript and realize you left out a small detail. This is common in pantster writing but a skilled pantster will pay attention. If you do this, you are really both planner and pantster. Put a check mark in the Both column.

Do you sit down to write, your mind a blank, focus on the story you've written so far, think up a new scene and attack the keyboard? If you do, you are 100% Pantster. Put a check mark in the Panster column.

Okay, count up your check marks. We don't have to choose our method by what we hear at writing conferences or from writing friends. Choose what feels right. Hopefully this little exercise will help you to recognize your method and embrace it fully.

Happy Writing!
~Alisha

(Photos courtesy of Photobucket.com)

My Favorite Hobby: People Watching

2011-10-11T09:46:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite hobbies is people watching. Every single person has their quirks and this is what I'm looking for, as well as listening to vocabulary, slang and interesting physical traits.

Next time you stop at Starbucks to get a cup of coffee, do what I do. Before you open your laptop and start writing like mad, sip your hot java and watch for a bit. The characters in your current WIP may change before your eyes...literally! Watch the adorable elderly couple and imagine them forty years before. Notice how he still opens the door for her and helps her to her seat. Notice how there's not a hair out of place and her red lipstick is applied with perfection. Catch a whiff of his cologne and imagine them having a picnic in their youth. It's not hard.

Watch the mom toting three kids, her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail, juggling a baby on her hip, shushing a toddler and scolding a teen insisting on buying another CD. BTW, that mom is me. Watch as her husband takes the baby for her, kisses him on the cheek and buys a chocolate milk for the four year old. Notice how he pats his wife on the behind when he thinks no one is looking. A frazzled mom turns into a sexpot kitten and you can imagine what the two of them will do when the teen heads over to a friends house tonight and they put the little ones to bed.

Watch as she kisses his scruffy cheek and tells him to wait another day before shaving. "I was hoping to get some, tonight," He half whispers as he adds a ridiculous amount of sugar to his coffee. Remember, you're still sitting there pretending to work on your masterpiece when really you're recording all kinds of cool characteristics for your current hero and heroine and all secondary characters. Pay close attention. Notice how worn his hands are and the tan lines. He's a laborer. Watch him smile and see that crooked tooth that would have any dentist charging you half a week's paycheck to fix and realize that it makes him sexier. Hear the snort at the end of her laugh and write it down. It's cute. Goofy, but cute.

Watch the woman in her forties stroll through the door in workout clothes and no make-up. Write it down. Make-up would cover up this woman's true beauty. Notice the mole on her face and her sexy laugh lines. Her skin is as pale as milk but a tanning bed would conceal her glorious complexion. Notice how she sings to herself as she chooses a bag of coffee to purchase. And write down what kind she buys. She chooses a dark roasted full bodied bean. What does this mean? Plain Jane, workout queen picked the heartiest flavor of all. The bitter stuff that makes your toes curl. There's much more to her beneath the surface. You need to scratch at it and find it. Find it all. Uncover her layers and see what lies beneath.

This is what we must do with our characters and people watching is a terrific exercise when forming our characters. Remember little quirks that made you fall in love with your own lover. Write them down. Use them. There's no better way for a writer to honor another. And on the flip side of the coin, remember all the villians you've come across in life. You better believe that I have and I use their wicked traits in my books and it's oh so lovely to kill these people off. Yes, I might be a little nuts but I haven't met a writer who isn't..just a tad.

So, here's your assignment...go forth my wonderful readers and people watch to your heart's content! Do it at a restaurant, a coffee shop, a bar, the grocery store, the beach...ooooh, yes, the beach is a good place for my favorite hobby...especially on a warm summer day.

Spread Love,
~Alisha

Diary of a Pantster

2011-10-10T17:18:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about my method. For readers out there in blog land who have never thought about it, writers have various methods in which they write.

We have those who outline and plan everything from beginning to end, those who plan the ending first and then plan the book around the perceived outcome, those who have a vague plan and write as they go (by the seat of their pants) and then there are the flat out Pantsters as some are called, those who start with a blank page and have virtually no idea where they are going. These writers truly write by the seat of their pants.

I'm this kind of writer. I read an article once by a very famous novelist of years past. This particular author had very meticulous, detailed outlines for his books. He once said that to write by the seat of one's pants was totally unprofessional. I was quite offended by this comment. And a little shocked. Hey, I don't knock the planners and outliners. Every person's brain works differently. We all approach our craft at a different angle. If it works for you, do it. I've tried to plan. It never works out. I never stick to the outline. I start writing and my characters pretty much just come alive on their own and take over.

And this is really how it seems to a real pantster. It's as if the book writes itself. Once a pantster is in the zone, our fingers are really just mediums for our characters, the ouiga board from which to speak and come alive. Our characters surprise us. Characters we never intended to have a large role become some of the most unforgettable characters ever. The plot may take a nose dive or take a fork in the road that we never saw coming.

It is both exciting and frustrating to be a panster. And frightening. We never know the outcome of our books. Even if we start out with a general idea, the theme of the book will change many times. We discover hidden messages our characters are trying to say. There are many great writers who plan and there are many great writers who write by the seat of his or her pants. I think I would feel more secure if I were a planner, if I had a detailed outline and knew when I would finish each book. My life would be less stressful but I wouldn't give up my panster style for anything now. Why? Because it has never let me down. I listen to my characters. They speak to me and take me to places all on their own. Writing a book is no different from reading. I simply have to keep typing to turn the page and find out what happens.

For those that don't believe in such a thing. True pantsters are real. We do exist. And yes we are always worried that we'll lose it and stare at that blank page and nothing will come forth. But when those days comes, we simply set our hands on the keyboard and listen. No, we're not any more gifted than the writes who outline. For me, I build upon scenes. We do have our own ideas but they are simply more spontaneous and last minute. The ideas literally come to us as we write. Our ideas flow to us as we write dialogue, a new scene, introduce a new character. Our brains just work this way.

Being a panster is like taking a road trip without a map.

Have a beautiful week!
~Alisha

Writer's Workshop: Lesson 2 ~ Make Your Readers Hungry

2011-10-09T14:23:00.002-05:00

My daughter was watching cartoons the other day and shrieked her frustration at the television when it went to an ad just as the cartoon was getting really good. She asked me this..."Mommy, why does it always stop when something big is about to happen?" I explained to her that the television station wants her to keep watching even after the boring two minute ads. She asked me why they would do that. She just couldn't understand why her favorite cartoons would leave her hanging, desperate for more. I told her that it made the cartoon more exciting. She seemed satisfied with that answer and sat back down on her Elmo chair, anxiously awaiting her cartoon.

This is something we must all learn as writers. Make your readers turn those pages, begging for more. Leave them hanging with questions at the end of a scene, at the end of every chapter, even at the end of a book if the book is part of a series. Keep your readers guessing. Keep them hungry and they will keep coming back for more. Mystery is a good thing, in every genre. I hate to be spoon fed as a reader so I try so very hard to not underestimate my readers and allow them to think.

Here's an example of my leaving my reader's with something to ponder, taken from Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen.

Zoe woke in the dead of night. There was movement outside her cage and no light. The creatures didn’t need it to see but rarely did they enter at night. She knew they were nocturnal and instructed servants to tend to her mostly during the day. She made sure to pay attention to all their conversations, realizing long ago that it might help her escape one day. She sat up and strained to see, blinking. Nothing. It was pitch black. The hair on her arms stood on end. She could feel many around her and could tell by the clinks on the cold stone floor that they were in wolf form, their nails clicking as they passed. She heard low grunts and groans and knew they were shifting, thankful for the veil the darkness provided. She’d never get used to watching them change. She heard a match strike and knew they were lighting the lamps. Ever so slowly, she opened her eyes, surprised to see females. She had yet to see a female since her capture. And they were smiling at her.
Zoe stood, wrapping the sheet around her, shivering, squinting into the dim night. She watched as one of the females pulled a key from her pocket and unlocked her cage.
“Don’t worry,” the blonde female whispered. “We’re here to bathe you.”
“Bathe me?” Zoe managed to squeak out the question. She could certainly bathe herself but usually a male filled her tub and left her alone. This was most odd.
The female nodded and smiled again. “We must prepare you.”
“Prepare me?”
A red headed female spoke next. She seemed older and in charge. “For the Unleashing.”
Zoe shook her head and cleared her throat. “The what?”
“Our master has chosen you for his haremlik.”
“His haremlik? Who is your master?”
“You will take part in the Unleashing in an hour. We must prepare you.”
“I don’t understand…I don’t understand your words.”
“Our words?” The redhead giggled as she removed the sheet from Zoe and guided her to the tub.
Zoe wracked her brain, trying to think of a way she could tell them that she just didn’t understand their lingo. “Your vocabulary. The terms. I don’t know what they mean.”
“You soon will,” the red head assured her as she helped her out of her night gown and into the tub.
“You won’t tell me?”
Zoe watched the females exchange glances and thought she caught a twinge of pity but she couldn’t be sure.
“We are not permitted to do so but don’t worry. You will be safe.”
“Am I going somewhere?”
The red head looked her in the eye and smiled. Zoe took that as a yes. It was all she could do to not whoop and holler.
“Am I to be freed?”
She searched their faces and saw sadness, pity. Her heart sank as the two females bathed her. Three other females moved around her, carrying clothes, laying out make up, lotions, a hair brush. Where was she going if not home? Why would they take such trouble to bathe, clothe and primp a prisoner? The blonde whispered something Zoe didn’t catch. She listened harder.
“You’re wrong. I think she’ll be the Moonswan,” the red head explained in a rushed whisper.
Zoe peered at them both from beneath lush lashes. She watched the face of the blonde female light up.
“Do you think so?” she asked, dragging a sudsy sponge over Zoe’s arm.
“Yes, I do. Why else would our master choose an enemy? I think he’s in love with her.”
Zoe couldn’t help but comment. “Are you talking about me?”
The red head shook her head. “No. Just our master and his haremlik.”
“What is this haremlik? I’ve never heard the word.”
Again the redhead smiled at her. “I wish I could tell you but don’t worry.”
“So, this is not a bad thing?”
“Oh no! It’s a very good thing. An honor. And you were chosen first.” The redhead leaned over and whispered into Zoe’s ear. “We do this in secret. There are guards outside to alert us of our Lord’s coming, should he find out.”
Zoe’s eyes flashed open wide and she sat up, bubbles drizzling down her full breasts. “Someone has ordered you to prepare me for this haremlik without the king’s consent?”
The blonde hissed. “Yes. Shh!”
“You’ll all be punished. Are you not afraid?”
“The only one to suffer might be our master but we don’t think so,” the blonde explained.
“Why not? What makes him so special? It is a him I presume?”
The females snickered as they each shaved a long leg while Zoe held herself up by gripping the sides of the tub. “Oh yes. It’s a him all right. You’ll soon see. Now, hush. We cannot say another word. We’ve told you too much.”
“Will I ever be free?”
The redhead took her hand and squeezed, looking her straight in the eye. “I would bet my life on it that after tonight, you’ll never wish for your former life.”
Zoe blinked. Never had she felt such fear of the unknown. What was bliss to females able to shift into wolves in mere seconds may not be bliss to her. She closed her eyes and resigned herself to her fate. She was amazed she was still alive. Just the shock of living as a prisoner of wolf people was disturbing enough. Sometimes she wondered if she’d died back in those woods. Wondered if she was a vegetable lying in a hospital bed somewhere with only her delusions to keep her company. When would this nightmare end? But what did it matter? She had died long ago when she’d lost her husband and child.
Zoe groaned as they washed her hair, their long fingers massaging and scrubbing her scalp with care. The warm water rushed over her and her mind drifted to thoughts of Jack. Where was he? He seemed to be the only male who cared at all for her safety. The rest of them treated her like garbage, even kicking at her to wake at meal times. She slept constantly. It was a way to escape if even for a while. She had dreamed of Jacob last night. Even though he died as a baby she was watching him grow up in her dreams. He spoke to her. Told her that he was happy with daddy. They were playing in a park and it had felt so real to her. She smoothed the fine, blond hairs out of his eyes when the wind tossed them about. She held him to her and smelled him. It was all too real. He told her he loved her and soon they’d all be together.
Maybe the females were preparing her for her execution and only trying to decrease her stress level. She had heard the guards discussing her before. She couldn’t be sure because of their hushed tones but she could have sworn they mentioned Axl. She still called him Jack and always would but it was as if the little puppy she saved had also died. She never saw Jack as an animal. There was the one time he had burst into her cage and he was now a full grown man. She knew her punishment was connected to him but why they kept her alive in a cage was a mystery. Why was she still alive and why was she punished for saving Jack? She’d had no choice but to kill his mother. She’d have killed them both. If the Lord of the Wolfen ever spoke to her, she’d ask him. What did she have to lose? She’d lost everything.
The females helped her from the tub and led her to the bed where they rubbed oils upon her skin. They sprinkled crushed lavender, rose hips and gardenia petals over her, making a colorful mosaic on her fresh pink skin. Two females went to work on her make up and hair. Zoe remained silent. She recognized a shimmer of excitement, unspoken electricity shared among the women. It was a good sign. Whatever she was being prepared for had to better than existing inside her cold cage. She’d watch for a way to escape but knew the Wolfen had the caverns locked down tight. Even if she escaped, she was miles from home in the dead of an Alaskan winter.
“She reminds me of Sakti,” said the female brushing her hair.
“Both of them blessed with hair the color of moon glow,” replied the female pressing white powder onto her cheeks and chin.
“That would follow in the tradition would it not?”
Zoe sighed. There was nothing more frustrating than hearing others speak of her and only understanding half of it. And if she asked what they were discussing, she knew they’d tell her very sweetly that she would soon understand but they couldn’t yet explain. Why not? Weren’t they breaking Wolfen law at this very moment? She couldn’t fathom why they all seemed so relaxed about it all. There were guards outside but they seemed to be taking their sweet time. She noticed her hair was being fastened into tiny braids, dressed with crystal beads and feathers. One long white feather tickled her shoulder and she brushed it away. Crushed flowers covered her hands, arms and legs, stuck by the oils. She didn’t think she ever remembered smelling this lovely in all her life. She was almost certain she wasn’t marching to her own death today. The redhead finished painting her toes a shimmering silver and began to braid as well.
Zoe watched as the blonde crushed pomegranates and black berries into a thick oil with her palms. The colors swirled, bright red and black as she mixed them with a tiny brush. “Open your lips,” the female ordered.
Zoe opened her mouth so the female could stain the color onto her pale lips.
“This is an old custom, passed down for generations. Pomegranate for passion. Blackberry for your soul. Olive oil for love.”
Zoe gasped and closed her lips. “Haremlik. Does it come from the word, harem?”
The blonde looked frantically at the redhead who placed a hand on Zoe’s shoulder. “Yes.”
“You want to tell me but you can’t.”
The redhead nodded.
“I’m to be part of a harem? Forced to have sex?”
“Not forced but I assure you, you are his first choice. Prepare yourself.”
“I thought we agreed we shouldn’t tell her,” the blonde hissed.
“I changed my mind. As she said, we’re already breaking Wolfen law. If she’s to be the Moonswan, we should prepare her.”
“Moonswan?”
“In your language, it means wife.”
Zoe stood up, the beads in her hair clinking when she did so. “I’m to marry a wolf man and be part of his harem?”
“That’s only for the Unleashing. Usually the wolfen male chooses a wife from his haremlik. The haremlik disbands after the Chase. Once Feral Consummation takes place. Sometimes.”
Zoe squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head, covering her ears with her hands.
“You shouldn’t have told her!” the blonde said.
“I had to. What do you think she’d have done during the Unleashing and on national television?”
Zoe opened her eyes and stared at the female. “Wh…what did you say?”
The other females eyed one another. Everyone watched the redhead. She had just dropped a bomb in Zoe’s lap.
The redhead pushed her back gently, guiding her back to the bed. “Listen to me. You need to relax. Take deep breaths. There is no way out of this. If you want to live, you’ll go through this without creating a scene.”
“A scene? Are you telling me I just better suck it up? I’m going to be forced to take part in a nationally televised orgy?”
The female cringed. “Well… it sounds so awful when you describe it that way.”
“It sounds awful to me too.”
“This is a good thing.”
“Will it free me?”
“No.”
“Then I’m confused.”
“How so?”
“Are you serious? You said all of you were going against Wolfen law. I’m the enemy, right?”
“It sort of goes against Wolfen law.”
“What do you mean sort of?”
“Our orders come from next in line.”
“To what?”
“The throne.”
“A prince.”
“Sort of. Uh..yes, that’s a good way to look at it. The prince, next in line to be king.”
“But Lord of the Wolfen is unaware of all this?”
“Yes.”
“Couldn’t he have me killed if this angers him?”
“Certainly. But he won’t.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“He’s made promises, vowed to change the old ways.”
“What old ways?”
“Things like banishment of kin. Besides, Wolfen law dictates that a Wolfen male may choose any female, wolfen or human, for his haremlik.”
“Ah…a loophole.”
“Exactly.”
“So I’m protected in a way.”
“We hope so.”
Zoe wanted to scream. She was tired of the riddles, the talking in circles, the guessing games.
“How could this possibly be televised? Is there Pay Per View porn now?”
“Sort of.”
“Would you stop saying that?”
“Yes, my lady. Forgive me.”
The other females gasped. Zoe was a prisoner, not royalty. This female wolf was playing with her mind.
“My lady?”
“Get used to it. And close your mouths, girls. We will soon be serving her in her wedding chambers. She will be the Moonswan.”
“What if I don’t want to be his wife?”
“I don’t see you refusing him.”
“Why?”
“Because you love him now.”

Happy Writing and Reading!
~Alisha Paige
www.alishapaige.com

(Photos courtesy of Photobucket.com)

Writer's Workshop~Lesson I: World Building

2011-10-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

Let's be honest. The stories that stick with us through the ages are stories with a little extra touch of magic. Think about it. Examples of books later turned into movies because they were so loved are The Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter. All of these are stories within their own world. Highly imaginative stories that truly took us to another world, a world with objects and creatures completely made up from the creator's/author's mind. This is true world building at it's finest. The first rule you need to learn about world building is: 1. There are NO RULES!

HINT FOR NEW WRITERS: Aside from the regular rules of POV (point of view), 1st person, 3rd person, etc....only because most every editor will chunk your manuscript if you head hop or flip from 1st person to 3rd person...anything else goes. Remember this: One POV per scene. This is a hard lesson for beginner writers to learn. Do not stray from this one thing. Head hopping screams, "I'm an amateur writer!" Just don't do it.

NOW BACK TO WORLD BUILDING. Whether you're writing Sci Fi, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal...remember, this is your world. You can make up new words for nouns, such as creatures that live in the world or really anything your heart desires. Wow...just think of all the amazing creatures in Lord of the Rings...and all the names J.K. Rowling gave to hers as well...even the unmagical beings had a special name. Remember? What about the Wizard of Oz? The Ompa Loompas..and I have no idea if that is spelled right...lol.

What is MOST important to remember is that this is YOUR WORLD. You make the rules, the laws, the morales and let me tell you...IT IS SO MUCH FUN! And if you're a Panster like I am....whoa...there's a new surprise every day.

WORLD BUILDING TIP: Start a Glossary. A planner would create a glossary before writing but I keep adding to mine as I go along. I keep my glossary open on my computer screen and minimize it so I can refer to it when writing. I'm nearly half through a full length novel right now and every day, my glossary grows with new terminology for rituals, objects used by my characters, names of clans, titles given to characters within the world, gods within my world, names given to servants, etc. And when my book is published, I plan to have the glossary published in the front of the book as well. Without the glossary, a reader could still follow the book fine but I think it's a good idea, especially since this is a series. If a reader chose another book within the series to read first, the glossary will come in very handy. And now days, more and more glossaries are showing up within books to aid the reader along. Just as some authors like to have a drawing of a map of their world. Also, another great idea.

If you're starting a new manuscript and have been looking for something different to do. If editors and agents have told you that your writing is good but the manusccript just wasn't that different from everything else out there in your chosen genre, you may want to try World Building.

You never know. You could create the next BIG THING....a new world for your readers to fall in love with.

I'll leave you with one more excellent example of SUPREME WORLD BUILDING. Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse Vampire Mystery Books. Sublime. This lady really knows how to world build. My God...she created Civil Rights for Vampires. Charlaine...you rock! I bow down to your greatness! I am not worthy!!!! *snicker* But seriously...have you watched True Blood on HBO? Scrumptious...all taken from Ms. Harris's fascinating world of vampires who live and mingle with humans and drink synthetic blood. Wow!!!

Well...I'm off to write some more! World Building...here I come!

Happy Reading and Writing!
~Alisha Paige

Photos Courtesy of Photobucket.com

An Inteview with Author Steven Montano and a 2 Book Give Away!

2011-10-07T02:35:00.004-05:00

I have the pleasure of interviewing Steven Montano today. He'll be giving away two Kindle copies of Black Scars today. Leave a comment and I'll do a drawing around midnight tonight and repost the winners.

Alisha: Yarn shop? Tell us more about your wife's business.

Steven: Liberty (my wife) started up Liberty's Yarns in 2008. She's an avid knitter, and when our son started kindergarten she fired up the business to take her hobby to the next level. The results? She's been WILDLY successful, gathering a solid body of followers who eat up both her yarn and her hand-crafted soaps. She's also an advocate of local businesses and independent entrepreneurship. I'm terribly proud of her. =D Check out her stuff at LIBERTYS YARN.

Alisha: Going to go check out her website today. Awesome! How cool is that? So, you're an accountant? Seriously? Why? Do you like being bored? Tell us more.

Steven: LOL.I had to get a job fast when my Dad took ill shortly after I graduated from college. The temp job that I managed to land had me working in the mail room for a healthcare company, but while I was there an entry-level position opened up in the Accounts Payable department. I found that I strangely had a knack for solving numbery problems, and before I knew I had a better position and a couple of years of experience under my belt, and I've been rolling with it ever since.

It's not my dream profession, by any means, but it's steady employment (I've been doing it for....God...15 years...) and it pays the bills.

Alisha: Well, you impressed the hell out of me. I'm terrible at math. Rain shelter? What the heck is that? You live in a rain shelter? Tell us more.

Steven: Actually, I kid about the rain shelter. But it rains in Washington a frickin' lot. Sometimes it feels like we need an extra tin plate over to roof to make sure we stay dry.

Alisha; What are you working on now?

Steven: Next up are the revisions for ...SOMETHING BLACK, the prequel to the BLOOD SKIES series. After that I need to get back on SOULRAZOR, Book 3 in the series, which with any luck will be finished as a Nanowrimo project.

Alisha: You have a creative writing degree? So did you actually get a diploma for that? Tell us about your classes? Maybe I should have taken some too. Tell us a cool experience or assignment or hey, tell us about a cool professor. Love those professor stories.

Steven: They do! The University of Colorado at Boulder had a heckuva good Creative Writing degree, which primarily consisted of writing workshops with local published authors. I took classes with Lucia Berlin, Steve Katz, and Ron Sukenick, each of whom offered some wonderful insight into the writing process.

The best part about the Creative Writing courses were the workshops. I still do these assignments from time to time to keep my writing brain fresh...

* Write a story with nothing but dialogue.
* Come up with your ten favorite words. Use each of them ten times in a single story.
* Steal dialogue from a conversation that you overheard. Use that dialogue as the opening to a story.
* Keep a writing journal by your nightstand. Write down the first thing that comes into your head as soon as you wake up. Go back to it from time to time and see if there's anything you can use in a story. (Note: this is how BLOOD SKIES came to be.)
* Keep a vocab notebook. Write down words you don't know from books you read. Once a week, look up their definitions and write them in.
* Keep a prose notebook. Write down passages or lines that you like from the things that you read, and use them as inspiration.

BLACK SCARS

Alisha: I've loved having you on my blog today, Steven. You're an interesting guy and an author I want to read. Thanks for being my guest this week. Come back anytime. :)

Excerpt from VAMPIRE AUTHOR, Steven Montano's BLOOD SKIES

2011-10-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

BLACK SCARS
Blurb
Something ancient has awoken. Primordial and wholly evil, a living shadow emerges from a prison made weak by the magical cataclysm called The Black. Now the Sleeper stalks the land in search of its old enemies, leaving a trail of madness and destruction in its wake.
Eric Cross, a Southern Claw warlock, has been sent to find the Woman in the Ice, the only known means to stopping this evil. Aided by a grizzled ranger and a band of wardens and inmates from a sadistic prison, Cross’ mission will bring him into conflict with an array of foes: the barbaric Gorgoloth, vampire shock troops out of the Ebon Cities, and a cadre of mercenary nihilists called the Black Circle.
On a mission that will take him from a lost temple once ruled by insidious wolf sorcerers to the vicious gladiator games of the vampire city-state of Krul to the deadly ruins of an ice city, Cross will play a pivotal role in an ancient conflict whose outcome will determine the future of the world.
Return to the world of Blood Skies in this exciting military fantasy adventure!

Excerpt from Chapter 2: Dreadnaught
They rode quietly across the ghostly ice plains. They stepped carefully to avoid sharp stones, patches of ice, and areas too brittle to support their weight.
Hours passed in near silence. Cross would have liked to sleep in the saddle, but it wasn’t going to happen. His nerves were alight, thanks in no small part to the nagging paranoia of his spirit. But that wasn’t entirely it: Cross disliked the notion of being directed by a prophecy. The fact that Sajai seemed to have known there was going to be something there in the Reach that Cross needed to follow unnerved him. It was like a trap had been laid by the universe, and he was walking straight into it.
The plains sloped down near a cluster of bone white trees rimed with dark frost. The skeletal remains of a tall humanoid creature sat near the trees; one of its hands was frozen so that it looked like it pointed back the way Cross and Dillon had ridden from.
Cross tried not to take it as a sign.
At the bottom of the slope was a thin canyon that was maybe twenty feet across. The only apparent means to cross to the other side was to use a thin log that traversed the distance like a crude bridge. Frozen pools of blood waited at the bottom of the slope, next to the log.
A cluster of thick trees and rocks waited at the far end of the gap, and beyond the tress waited the unseen source of the streaming smoke.
“You smell that?” Cross asked. He smelled fire and fuel. “It’s an airship.” They couldn’t see any wreckage from where they were, but the smell made him certain.
“Could it be one of ours?” Dillon asked.
“I can’t think of a reason why a Southern Claw airship would be this far north,” Cross said. The Ebon Cities’ vessels used hexed organic fuel that smelled entirely different than that used by Southern Claw airships, so it was unlikely that the vessel was of vampiric origins. Cross deduced that it was probably a stolen or reconstructed vessel, like those used by smugglers and raiders.
Cross’ spirit moved ahead on her own. Thin lines of spectral essence connected them, which gave Cross an awareness of the area ahead. He felt the heat of fires and he smelled burning skin. He heard voices, and saw auras of pain. Lost and dead spirits roamed the air like predators in blood waters, but Cross’ spirit had become expert at protecting herself, and she eluded those wailing souls before they could do her harm.
Cross felt multiple living presences ahead, moving on the other side of the trees and stones. There were voids there, as well, unspaces where beings should have stood, but didn’t.
“We’ve got vampires ahead,” Cross said, and he and Dillon dismounted.
They readied their weapons.
“How many?” Dillon asked.
“I’m not sure. Two, maybe three.”
“That could be rough for just the two of us.”
His spirit bristled at that. She didn’t like Dillon not counting her as part of the group. She’d developed quite the temper.
I need to be careful of that. If she flares out of control and catches me off guard, we’ll all be in trouble.
“There’s more,” Cross said. He had his HK45 in one hand; he molded his spirit in the other, his gauntleted hand. He didn’t latch onto her form too tightly, but held her ethereal tendrils like a rein, firm enough to let her know she’d be needed back soon. She extended her form to the other side of the open canyon, but at his command she moved, smoke-like, back to him, and she surrounded his body and filled his lungs with a burning sensation. Warmth filled him, vaguely erotic and invigorating, but at the same time painful and poisonous. She was like some dread hashish.
“There are a half-dozen other life forms over there, too. Maybe more…it’s hard to say.”
Dillon chewed on that for a moment. His dark beard was cut close to his angular face, which always looked grim.
“Human?” he asked.
“Can’t say.”
“Damn.” Dillon spat. “Is there anything you are sure about?”
“I’m sure I don’t want to go over there,” Cross nodded.

About the author: Steven Montano started writing at the age of 18 and never really stopped. A graduate with distinction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Steven took his Creative Writing degree and became an accountant, instead. He still hasn’t figured out why.

Now, Steven writes the Blood Skies series. His wife runs a popular online yarn shop, and his kids just drive him crazy. They all live in a rain shelter in Washington State.

Visit Steven’s official website, bloodskies.com

Interview with Vampire Author Steven Montano's character: Warrior Mike Kane from BLOOD SKIES

2011-10-04T23:55:00.006-05:00

In the time after The Black, human survivors of the Southern Claw Alliance clash with vampire legions of the Ebon Cities in a constant war for survival. Earth as we know it has been forever damaged by an arcane storm that fused our world with distant realms of madness and terror. Now, things that once existed only in our nightmares stalk the earth. And they are hungry…
BLACK SCARS, Book 2 in the BLOOD SKIES series, is an apocalyptic military fantasy in which a Southern Claw warlock named Eric Cross has been dispatched to uncover the truth about a dangerous entity that threatens the human lands. One of Cross’ “allies” on this mission is the subject of today’s interview, a blonde warrior of dubious reputation named Mike Kane…

Steven: Hi, Mike!
Kane: Uh….hi. This is weird.
Steven: I know. Just roll with it. So, you’re one of the new characters in BLACK SCARS, right?
Kane: I am?
Steven: Trust me.
Kane: You’re the author.
Steven: Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living?
Kane: I’m a prisoner.
Steven: And how’s that working out for you?
Kane: It sucks. Especially if you’re a prisoner in Black Scar. It’s run by a bunch of mercenary ass-hats called the Revengers. They’ll lock anybody up if they’re paid enough, and they’ll let anyone go for the same reason. They pretty much suck. They treat the prisoners like dogfood.
Steven: You mean “like dogs”?
Kane: I meant what I said.
Steven: So what are you doing in Black Scar?
Kane: Oh, just partying.
Steven:…
Kane: What?
Steven: I mean how did you get there?
Kane: Ah. Well…that’s a long story.
Steven: It’s an interview, dude.
Kane: Ok. Well, my parents died during The Black. I was only a baby, and some lady found me and raised me for a while before she sold me to slave traders. I worked in the mines, but later I earned my freedom, and kind of meandered around doing odd jobs. After a while, I wound up being kidnapped by a criminal gang. That was…awesome.
Steven: And that’s where you met Ekko?
Kane: Hell yeah! She’s mine, keep your hands off.
Steven: Thanks, I’m taken. Tell us about her.
Kane: Ekko was the only member of the gang with any brains. She pretty much ran the show all by herself, but that wasn’t enough to keep the other idiots who worked for her from getting them all in trouble.
Steven: Yeah, I understand that whole situation didn’t work out too well.
Kane: Nope. We were captured by vampires and sent to the city of Krul. That suuuuuuuuucked.
Steven: Elaborate.
Kane: Suuuuuuuuucked a lot.
Steven: …
Kane: Ok, look…imagine being stuck in a tiny cell, pumped full of drugs, given weapons and then made to go fight in gladiator games for the amusement of a bunch of pasty-faced vampires. Sounds awesome, right? It isn’t.
Steven: Both you and Ekko did this?
Kane: Yep. She’s as tough as steel and a lot more beautiful.
Steven: But you guys managed to escape…
Kane: Yup.
Steven: Can you tell us how you managed that?
Kane: I’d rather not.
Steven: Ok, fine. But you didn’t stay free for very long, did you?
Kane: Rub it in, why don’t you?
Steven: Sorry.
Kane: Whatever. Yeah, after we escaped from Krul, we were free for all of a month before we were rounded by the Revengers. That’s how we wound up in Black Scar.
Steven: But as BLACK SCARS opens…
Kane: Huh?
Steven: Uh…never mind…right now, you’re not at Black Scar, are you?
Kane: No. I’m in a prison ship called the DREADNAUGHT, flying off to hell knows where. Wait a second…how are you even talking to me? Are you on the prison ship?
Steven: That concludes today’s interview with Mike Kane. Mike…
Kane: Wait a second, who are you? Am I on drugs again???!!!
Steven: …and his criminal girlfriend, Ekko, can be found fighting against the vampires in BLACK SCARS, the sequel to BLOOD SKIES. BLACK SCARS is a dark military fantasy on sale October 8th!
Kane: Wait!!!! What the hell just happened???!!!

About Steven: Steven Montano started writing at the age of 18 and never really stopped. A graduate with distinction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Steven took his Creative Writing degree and became an accountant, instead. He still hasn’t figured out why.

Now, Steven writes the Blood Skies series. His wife runs a popular online yarn shop, and his kids just drive him crazy. They all live in a rain shelter in Washington State.

Visit Steven’s official website, bloodskies.com

Alisha: Okay. Can I just say how much I loved this character interview? Kick ass.

Craziest Halloween Book Signing Ever by Alisha Paige!

2011-10-04T17:22:00.001-05:00

As the leaves begin to turn and fall from the trees, I generally do more book signings because of the simple fact that I'm a paranormal author. Sometimes I may do four to five signings in October.

Well, last year I was asked to sign books at a wine shop in my hometown on Halloween afternoon! Coolest! I'd get to sign books, wear my silly witch hat and drink wine with other wine drinkers who might just get tipsy enough to stroll over and talk to the goofy witch and maybe, just maybe buy a book. My book signing was scheduled for a couple of hours and I'd have time to run home, grab my three little goblins and head out the door for trick or treating! Awesome! I was all set! I had my books lined up on my spooky Halloween table cloth, wine in hand, witch hat on and I was ready for my fans. Well...I think my only fan for the first hour or so was the cricket in the corner. BTW, it didn't help that the wine shop owner forgot to advertise my signing with the adorable posters I'd sent her. Nice...sigh.

So, I was there, burning up in a long witch dress, pointy witch hat and gold eye lashes longer than the Mississippi River. After a while a group of young women come in and sit at a nearby table and order lots of wine and cheese. Cool. Drink up, girls and mosey on over here. Come buy my Jack-the-Ripper Tale. Please! I'm lonely and my wine glass is empty. So, a few minutes pass and the wine shop owner comes to my table and leans over to whisper in my ear. "You about ready to do some readings?"

I swear my fake eyelashes hit my forehead! Readings? What readings? "Uh...readings?"

The lady's mouth falls open. "Yes. Readings. You said you were a paranormal author."

Uh..yeah, lady. I write about paranormal stuff...in the romance fiction world that means I write about vampires, werewolves, other-worldly stuff...ghosts..maybe..but I sure as hell don't talk to them. I DON'T see dead people. Ever.

"That's right. I'm a paranormal author. I write mostly werewolf books. Paranormal is a genre, not to be confused with paranormal activity."

The lady is not pleased. Her lips pucker and she stares at me with Lucille Ball eyeballs! "That table of women are all expecting readings!"

I lean over and say, "Are you telling me I need to give them readings, as in psychic?"

She nods.

"But I'm not a fortune teller."

She just stares and stomps her foot for a full minute, then says in an icy tone, "I think you should read for them."

"I can do that. I'll just fake it."

She smiles. Sort of. "Good. I'll tell them you're ready."

Holy crap! I can't believe I have to read for these people! I'm not a damn psychic! But I remember back to a psychic fair I went to with my good friend and remember all the psychics who read for me. I can do this. Just fake it. Tell them a bunch of happy bull crap! They're drunk! They won't know! Just do it! So the first girl rushes up, all excited and I ask for her hand. Hell! I don't even remember what all these lines stand for. I think this long one is the life line and then the love line...wow..uh..okay..here goes.

"Looks like you have had two very interesting romantic relationships. Both of them were very dear to your heart."

The girl nods and whispers. "Wow. You can see that?"

"Sure. See that line there? That's the love line. See how it breaks off into two here and then a third line, it goes to the end of your hand. That's your soulmate."

She giggles. I feed her some more bullcrap and she leaves all giddy and happy. Hell yeah! I can do this. The next girl comes up and I change it up a bit but say some more happy sunshine crapola and she trots off happy as a lark too. A line forms. I see like twenty women before the night is over and half of them tip me five bucks!

And I don't sell a single book. The wine shop lady rushes over as I'm making my way to the door and thanks me for a great night! "Can you come do this next Halloween?"

"Sure. Call me."

I walk to my car and toss my box of unsigned books into the back of my car and slide behind the wheel before glancing at my reflection in the rear view mirror and winking with golden eyelashes and giggling to myself. I drive off and floor it home, excited about dressing up my little ones for a night of trick or treating.

Happy Halloween!
~Alisha Paige

www.alishapaige.com

Guest Blogger: Author Glenn Gamble!

2011-10-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Glenn: I thank Alisha for being kind enough to feature me on her blog. I hope she won’t mind me bringing a guest. His name is Jim Money, and he’s the main character in all four of the books in the Jim Money Series. I was going to self-aggrandize about how great a writer I am and why you all should love my books and kiss my ass, but Jim here was compelled to give the ladies some *ahem* dating advice. Without further ado, here’s Jim Money.

Jim Money’s Dating Advice
Ahem? What the hell does Glenn mean by *ahem*? I swear I’m going to kick his ass before the end of this blog tour. He already doesn’t pay me enough to do all the ass kicking that I do in his books, but today I’m going to tell you my top five dating tips for women.
1) If you can cook, please do –a lot.
2) The less you talk during football games, the better. Especially when your man has action on one of the teams.
3) Men love a woman who brings beer.
4) Men love a naked woman who brings beer even more.
5) Men love a woman who doesn’t feel the need to go to the salon, buy a new dress and shoes for a first date. Wear one of those nice outfits that are hanging in your closet, a simple hairdo and clean nails go a long way. Giving it up on the first night goes an even longer way.

Glenn: I’m apologizing for allowing Jim to hijack the thread. Apparently Mr. Money is not the most tactful guy, yet he hooks up with pretty women somehow. It really blows my mind how hot some of his women are. That’s why I thought he would pass on some good dating tips. I should have known that he would be up to his usual antics. My goodness, what have I created here!

Alisha: Wow! Thanks for stopping by, Glenn and uh...thanks, Jim Money..hate to say it but women ARE attracted to cavemen like yourself. You actually remind me of my own caveman. He likes me to deliver his beer naked too. That happens, maybe once a year..on his birthday or in his dreams!! Good thing I enjoy cooking and good thing he is more of an MMA fan than a football fan! I love watching sweaty men wrestle and kick one another. Come again, Glenn and feel free to bring Jim back for more giggles!

Glenn Gamble is the author of A Thousand Chances, Bon Appetit, Escape, On the Run, and James. All of his books are available on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook and Smashwords. He also encourages you to go to his website

Birthday Give Away!

2011-10-01T11:40:00.005-05:00

My favorite month is here! October! My birthday, fall leaves, cooler nights, comfort foods and Halloween!

In celebration of my birthday today, I'm giving away READER'S choice of 2 Ebooks! Choose Circle City:Lord of the Wolfen or Deadly R&R.

HOW TO GET YOUR FREE EBOOK:
1) Join my Blog by clicking JOIN on the right hand side.
2) Go to Facebook and Like my Author Pages for Alisha Paige and Ruby Vines.
3) Don't forget to Leave a comment for me with your Book Choice and Email Address so I can send your free book to you.

ALISHA PAIGE FAN PAGE

RUBY VINES FAN PAGE

Happy Reading and Happy Birthday to all the October Babies out There!
Alisha Paige and Ruby Vines

America: Land of the Brave

2011-09-11T09:34:00.003-05:00

In memory of all the lives lost and affected on September 11, 2001. And in honor of all of America and her children from sea to shining sea.

God Bless this land I love.

Deadly R&R Book Trailer!

2011-09-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

Check out my new book trailer for Ruby Vines' debut novel, Deadly R&R! Available now for .99 at Amazon and Barnes and Noble Worldwide! I'll be reflecting with my family this Sunday, September 11th. God Bless all of those souls who lost their lives. God Bless the firemen who lost their lives that fateful day and God be with the families who lost loved ones on that tragic day. God be with all of us as Americans! We all mourn and reflect on this day. God Bless! ~Alisha Paige and Ruby Vines

Karilyn Bentley Interviews the Hero and Heroine of Magical Lover! And A Chance to Win A Book!

2011-09-01T22:24:00.006-05:00

Pleaes welcome Karilyn Benley to my blog today! Very excited to have you here today, Karilyn!

Hi Alisha,
Thank you for having me here today. I have brought along special guests, the hero and heroine of Magical Lover. Please welcome Thoren and Keara.

THOREN AND KEARA: Thank you for having us!

KARILYN: Thank you for coming. Thoren, tell us a bit about you.

THOREN: I’m a Draconi. For those of you that haven’t met a Draconi, we’re a race of shapeshifting dragons from the land of Draconia. When I first met Keara I worked for the Council as a reconnaissance specialist, or as you might call it, a spy.

KARILYN: Oh my. I bet you have a lot of adventure stories to tell.

THOREN: I do. Unfortunately, I’m not supposed to speak of them.

KARILYN: I understand. Keara, it’s your turn. Tell us a bit about you.

KEARA: Well, I’m an apothecary by training. My grandmother was an apothecary and she taught me the knowledge and skill. That was before I met Thoren, though. When he told me I was a Halfling, half Draconi and half human, I left my apothecary shop behind and traveled with him to Draconia. I’ve learned new skills now.

KARILYN: I’m glad things have worked out for you and that it’s better than where you were. Ok, Thoren, back to you. When you think back to when you first saw Keara, what comes to mind?

THOREN: I wanted to kill the man that held her.

KARILYN: I mean, what did you notice about Keara.

THOREN: Sorry. Her beauty. How the sun sparkled like rubies in her hair. The look of fear mixed with trust in her eyes as she gave me her hand.

KARILYN: Aw. That’s sweet. Keara, what about you?

KEARA: He saved me from a very bad situation. I remember his strength, the set of his jaw as he glared at Lord Simon. I was scared, but he inspired trust. I’m so glad I went with him.

THOREN: I am too.

KARILYN: I’m glad to hear it! Thoren, what is the best thing Keara ever did for you?

THOREN: She agreed to be my mate. I’d be nothing without her.

KARILYN: What about you, Keara?

KEARA: He saved me. Took me away from my village and all the people who hated me and brought me to his home. And he loves me.

KARILYN: I’m sure you love him too.

KEARA: Of course!

KARILYN: Thoren, is there anything you’d change about Keara?

THOREN: Nothing at all. I love her just the way she is.

KARILYN: Keara, is there something you’d change about Thoren?

KEARA: Well, there is one thing. I mean, I know this is just a dragon characteristic and he can’t help it, but occasionally he burps and sets the drapes on fire.

THOREN: Keara, I can’t believe you’d say that on here.

KEARA: I’m sorry, but it’s true. The poor drapes are looking rather threadbare.

KARILYN: Oh my. Well, I’m sure every relationship has issues.

KEARA: It’s all good. I wanted new drapes anyway.

KARILYN: Ok then. Is there anything else either of you would like to say before we close?

THOREN: I’d like to tell your readers thank you for listening to us today and I hope you enjoy our story.

KEARA: I echo his thoughts.

KARILYN: I appreciate your time with us today and hope you have a good journey home.

BLURBIn a world where men can become dragons, Thoren is one of the most powerful. As a shape-shifting Draconi, Thoren wants nothing more than to continue searching for Halfling children and returning them to Draconia. The last thing he wants or needs is a mate—until he meets Keara, an outcast unaware of the power that lies within her. Keara doesn't know what to make of Thoren or of the magic he practices. She learned early to keep her magic hidden—her witchy red hair and green eyes are burden enough. When Thoren offers his hand in place of a forced marriage with Lord Simon, Keara jumps at the chance to leave her town behind. But she fears Thoren will shun her when he discovers the truth about her abilities.Can Thoren convince Keara she is his lifemate, or will her secret talent be the wedge that drives them apart?

BUY LINK

KARILYN BENTLEY'S WEBSITE

LEAVE A COMMENT FOR KARILYN AND YOU'LL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR A PDF OF MAGICAL LOVER! Don't forget to leave your email address. HAPPY READING! ~ Alisha and Ruby

Deadly R&R is NOW AVAILABLE for .99!!!

2011-08-28T18:36:00.001-05:00

For all my Texas readers who are still dealing with this HEAT WAVE from Hell...hang in there...there is a cold front coming! Next week it will be in the 90's and we will have lows in the evening in the 70's! Can I get a hell yeah? HELL YEAH!!! Woot! I need to go get some firewood..lol!

Ruby's debut novel, Deadly R&R, IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FOR YOUR KINDLE
Here's the blurb! Have a fantastic day and don't forget to spread love!

Blurb for Deadly R&R

Shay Reynolds was raised solely by her father and abandoned by her mother at an early age. Old enough now to take the reigns of her father's business, R&R Advertisting in Palm Springs, Florida, she's about as happy and as successful as a modern woman can get without a mother. Engaged to handsome Chase McMillan, an anchor on the popular national morning television show in New York City with her ads regularly nominated for the prestigious Clio Awards, she's a woman accustomed to life handing her roses. Her good fortune takes a nose dive when her fiance dies mysteriously. Falling into a deep depression, Shay confides in her chauffeur, Tommy Smith and agrees to hire his father's private eye service to investigate. Afraid to be alone, Shay shares her thoughts and broken dreams with Tommy. A serial killer is on the loose. Bad timing for Tommy who has always had it bad for his boss. Hot on the trail of a sicko who enjoys the shock factor of cryptic messages and creeepy packages sent to the object of his affection, Tommy fights to shield the only woman who has never treated him like a hired hand

David M. Brown ~ Fezariu's Epiphany ~ Virtual Book Tour! And Prize Drawing!

2011-08-17T00:00:00.003-05:00

Please welcome David M. Brown to my blog today. I'm thrilled that he has stopped by on his book tour to discuss world building!

Mr. Brown was born in Barnsley in 1982 and first conceived the idea of Elenchera in college. His love of history and English led him to read these subjects at Huddersfield University. David is inspired by medieval history, Norse mythology and Japanese role-playing video games and anime films. He lives in Huddersfield with his wife Donna and their six rescue cats.

A World Like No Other
Having spent more than ten years building the world of Elenchera I’d like to think I have an idea or two about creating worlds. I’m no expert with all the right answers, you understand, in fact my approach to world building may be completely and utterly wrong in most people’s eyes but these methods have allowed me to make Elenchera what it is today i.e. 2,000+ pages of history, 500+ maps and many memories of aching hands from drawing maps and tired eyes from forming extensive timelines and an A-Z of all things Elenchera (that one is still in progress I’m not ashamed to say!).

I first decided in 1999 that I wanted to start writing fantasy and that it would have to take place in a fictitious world called Elenchera. World building hadn’t been in my list of life experiences up until that point so I was something of an amateur in how to about it. My primary concern was having a world map. I spend a bit of time drawing different lands and continents before feeling the need to colour in the land, mountains, rivers, lakes and the surrounding oceans. Once finished I already had some basic ideas in mind about how the history was going to work out. The positioning of the different islands had left a large body of water effectively splitting the world into East and West Elenchera. Drawing on our own history I decided the two halves would exist oblivious of each other for the first eleven Shards (my term for ages of history in Elenchera). In the Twelfth Shard, voyages of discovery began and what follows is imperialism and colonialism on a huge scale. That strand of history came just from drawing a world map so I’d certainly recommend doing maps of your own. You don’t need to be a cartographer to do so. My maps are absolutely shocking, I don’t mind admitting that, but I am judged on my writing rather than my drawing skills, right?

Elenchera began as one large landmass but during the First Shard it was divided into twenty-three individual lands. Having made that decision I drew the individual maps so I knew the geographical layout for each land and then I drew a different map for each Shard to demonstrate the many changes occurring i.e. new towns erected, settlements destroyed or renamed. Having to draw one for each Shard was laborious work, I’ll admit, but it’s been more than worth it. Having a map with all the landmarks, towns and villages in place is ideal for reference but when working on those early maps I was conscious that they would have few settlements to begin with. Pioneers had to find suitable sites first of all, building isolated settlements in one part of the land before gradually progressing and erecting new villages and towns as they travelled further afield and, of course, the populations increased. These were just the basics I tried to abide by but making sure these aspects were correct made it easier to build the rest of the history.

Rather than do the entire history of individual lands I tended to work on a Shard by Shard basis, ensuring everything was correctly cross-referenced e.g. land A is at war with land B so this must be noted in the individual history of both lands. There were was a time when I did nothing but the history for three years in a row and it became arduous at times but I always reminded myself what I would have once it was finished – an encyclopaedia for a fictitious world, the perfect reference book for writing as many novels as I wish. While Elenchera is still not completed, it is in a position where I can draw inspiration from it for my novels and Fezariu’s Epiphany is the first result of those years spent world building.

Blurb
The White Oak, Clarendon’s oldest brothel, lured and destroyed men by the thousands. Fezariu was different. He had never been drawn by the White Oak’s vices but the brothel had still ruined him when he was just a boy.
Salvation came in the form of the Merelax Mercenaries – Elenchera’s most prestigious hired hands. They gave Fezariu the chance to escape from his past. Immersed in the world of dangerous assignments in the colonies Fezariu longed to forget everything about his childhood but only in facing the past would he ever be free of it.
RRP: £9.99/$14.99 (paperback), $4.99 (ebook)

Excerpt
Prologue
A sudden lull in the snowfall allowed the overhanging moon to bask the valley in its nocturnal splendour. Fezariu’s gaze fell upon the crystalline glitter on the surface of the snow and he felt a slight ironic smile come to his numb lips as he absorbed this intricate beauty in the midst of countless fading lives. In his arms, Tessera awoke and now seemed oblivious to the mortal wound she had suffered in the battle the mercenaries had so decisively lost.
‘Do you remember when we first trained with General Bayard, Fezariu?’ Tessera asked, briefly closing her eyes, causing tears to run down her face, their trace briefly alleviating the bitter and enveloping cold.
‘My erstwhile teacher with selective hearing,’ Fezariu replied with a wry smile. ‘How could I forget?’
When Tessera failed to respond, Fezariu began to feel her edging closer to delirium. Her questions became frequent though she awaited no response or acknowledgement of any kind from Fezariu.
‘Do you remember sitting on the wall overlooking Redemption with Vintaro and smoking Mizuansi?’ Tessera asked, between painful coughs. ‘I can still see the luminous stars through the myriad of colours rising from the bowls of our pipes. The seemingly endless conflict throughout the streets was over and with it the rebellion. The city stood subdued and silent save for the foundations of the tallest buildings that still trembled in the aftermath of the devastation. Do you remember the torches that lit up the harbour at Strathmore? Our journey to Clarendon changed everything. We should never have gone there. It was never the same after that. Do you remember, Fezariu?’

Links
The Elencheran Chronicles
The World According to Dave
Facebook Elencherea
Facebook Fezariu
Twitter
Book Video

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift certificate!Follow the tour and comment! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. TOUR DATES HERE!

Happy Reading!
~Alisha

Teaser....Wolfgang...Coming October 2011!

2011-08-13T23:58:00.007-05:00

Thank you to all my fans in the UK who have made me a best seller! Circle City is now #46 in the UK at Amazon! Wow! I appreciate and love all your fan mail! Soon to release in August is Deadly R&R and my young adult novel, Tusk. Stay tuned for Tusk's upcoming cover art!

Here's a teaser from Wolfgang, a tale of religion and vampirism! Happy Reading!

“I ate half the dust those last hundred miles.” Wolfgang Stone stepped off his shiny black Harley. “I’m getting a beer, want one?”
“Hell, yes.” Rage Stone had talked his brother into riding cross country on a whim. “God, this place is out in the middle of no man’s land.”
“I’ll pay for the gas. You get it next time.”
“Okay.”
Wolfgang wiped his sunglasses clean with the tail of his tailored Armani shirt. He kicked the beat up screen door open with the steel toe of his boot. The place looked like it was stuck in a time warp. The ancient gas station was smack dab in the heart of the 70’s. The scent of bacon and country eggs wafted through the dusty service station. Wolfgang noticed a bell on the counter. How many years had it been since he’d rang one of those? He scratched his jaw and frowned. Movement caught his eye. He saw a woman dressed in a short silk nightie. She hadn’t noticed him and he didn’t want to startle her by calling out. He glanced at his watch. No wonder. It was a quarter to eight. The brothers had driven through the night. They’d have stopped earlier but the oncoming storm provided sufficient cloud coverage for travel without injury. They could continue onward if the rains came.
“Darla! Where are my fucking eggs?”
Wolfgang removed his sunglasses and peered down the hallway. The gas station was connected to a home. The woman walked past again. He watched her fumbling in the cabinets. She cried out when the bacon grease spat her on the arm.
“Make sure you burn them to a crisp.”
The woman looked up when Wolfgang placed two bottles of beer on the counter. He nodded in her direction and she gasped, rushing down another hall. He thought he heard her mumble something to the man. There was no mistaking what the man said next.
“You let him see you dressed like that? You fucking slut! Go get some god damned clothes on and then get me my fucking eggs.”
“I have to cook the bacon first,” she hollered from the hallway.
Both of them had been out of his line of vision but within seconds, the woman was airborne. Without even realizing it, he was entering this couple’s private Sunday morning routine. He stormed down the hall, just in time to see her land against the gas stove. The impact knocked over the pan of sizzling bacon. It splashed onto her backside and she screamed in agony. Wolfgang kneeled over her and placed his palm on her back. The burns disappeared. The damaged skin was left looking pink and new. She raised her head to speak but the man spoke instead.
“Who the fuck are you?”
Wolfgang stood and met the bald man, eye to eye. He smiled, showing off his fangs. The man’s eyes bulged.
“I’m your worst fucking nightmare.” He grabbed him by the shoulders and tossed him into the sky like wedding day rice. Baldy landed on the antlers of a large buck.
The woman screamed, scrambled to her feet and ran to the back door. Wolfgang moved like lightning and landed in front of the door, facing her. She screamed again, pushing against his chest but this time he took her face in his hands and forced her to look at him.

Their eyes locked and her arms fell to her side. She took one shuddering breath, closed her eyes and fell into his arms. He tucked her honey colored hair behind one ear and sniffed her long neck. His crotch tightened. A groan escaped his throat. His fangs grew as he picked her up. He would enjoy her more lying down and right now he couldn’t decide if he wanted to fuck her or suck her.
“Wolfgang! Put her down!”
The elder vamp hissed at his brother. Rage was at his side in a flash, his fangs withdrawn.
“I will not. Let’s share her.”
“Fuck that. You promised not to kill. That’s why we’re on this trip.”
Wolfgang’s blue eyes dilated to tiny pin points. His fangs shortened a bit. “She smells so good.” He sniffed her again. “Isn’t she beautiful?”
“Gorgeous. But she’s not ours.”
One last grunt came from the hanging corpse. Rage turned to see. “Holy shit! What have you done?”
“He threw her across the room. She’s abused.”
Rage dug his fingertips into his eye sockets. “You can’t just kill him.”
“I just did.”
“So I see. Put her down.”
“I will. When I’m finished.”
“I won’t let you kill her.”
“Then I’ll just be her maker. She’ll make for good company on the road. I just saved her from a lifetime of abuse.”
“Are you insane?”
“I’m sure of it.”
The girl moaned. Her eyelashes fluttered.
“Let’s get out of here. She’s waking up.”
“I’m in no hurry.”
A car door slammed. Rage peered down the hall. “Fuck, it’s a state trooper!”
“Shit!”
“Shit is right! We have a dead man hanging on the wall.”
There was a knock at the back door. Rage peered through the peep hole. “It’s him. Let’s get out of here.”
“I’m not leaving her here to take the fall for this.”
“How many women can throw their husbands onto a pair of antlers? Leave her.”
Wolfgang ran down the hall and busted through the screen door. Rage flashed himself outside but his brother was gone. He heard footsteps coming from the side of the house.
"Damn! I’ll come back for the bike."
A bolt of lightning shot across the dusty parking lot. A tumble weed rolled over his boot. Rain slammed into the hot asphalt as Rage disappeared like the wind.

100 Blog Fest ~ Martin King

2011-08-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled to be a part of Martin King's 100 Blog Fest! 100 Blogs in one month! Here is his childhood memory. I left a favorite memory of mine too. ~ Alisha

Martin: I grew up in a town that used to shut down for two weeks in the summer. All the factories would close at the same time. It’s hard to imagine a whole town grinding to a halt like that these days, but that was the good old days.
Quite often, half the street would all go on holiday together too, the destination – Primrose Valley. Back then places like Butlins and Pontins were popular family destinations. And as a kid, what better way to spend a holiday, than to go with all your best friends as well! Can you imagine that nowadays, the whole street going on holiday together? A lot of people don’t even know the names of the next door neighbours these days.
So there you have all the neighbours and their families and your own family too, it was like home from home. Well on this one particular occasion when I was about ten, my grandad had given me a pocket watch, not because he was being generous but because it didn’t work. It was one of the best presents ever.
So there we are at this cabaret show that was really boring, but it was okay because I had my new toy to play with. Well can you believe what happened next? That’s right, somehow I managed to get it working.
I was so happy and leaned over to my grandad, proud as punch that I fixed it. I thought he would be so pleased for me. He was pleased, pleased to have a working watch again. Yep, you guessed it, he took it back. SOB!
These blogs are all about fun and sharing. Thank you for reading a ‘#100blogfest’ blog. Please follow this link to find the next blog in the series:

Martin King's Blog

Alisha: My grandma played shoe store with me when I was a kid. I'd go get all my mom's shoes out of her closet and take them into the living room where my grandma sat in a recliner. I'd help her try on all the shoes and then she'd pick one pair and give me a nickel as payment. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized that the shoe story she'd always told of growing up during the Great Depression was probably to blame for her shoe fetish. Every year as a child, her mother ordered each of her nine children one pair of shoes from the Sears catalog. One year, Sears sent the wrong pair of shoes to my Grandma...beautiful feminine, soft leather shoes with straps.
My grandmother was overjoyed but her dream was soon dashed when her mother told her that they'd have to send the shoes back. Sears had sent the wrong pair. They were too expensive. So the pretty shoes were sent back and the clunky, cheap shoes were reordered. Today my grandma has many, many beautiful pairs of shoes. For more stories of The Great Depression, buy The Wooden Nickel, loosely based on my grandparents' lives.

Don't forget to Tweet #100blogfest!

Happy Reading and Writing!
~Alisha

Improving Book Reviews

2011-08-10T03:54:00.001-05:00

Note: THIS BLOG POST IS A POST FROM JULY 2010 WHERE I DISCUSS BOOK REVIEWS AND REVIEWERS AND THE NEED FOR MORE EDITING AT PROFESSIONAL REVIEW HOUSES COUPLED WITH AVOIDING SPOILERS IN REVIEWS. I WANTED TO REPOST THIS BLOG TO CLARIFY THAT I DO APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR REVIEWS AND REVIEWERS WHO ARE REALLY JUST READERS. I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK EACH AND EVERY REVIEWER WHO HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO READ AND REVIEW ANY OF MY BOOKS. (Please feel free to comment again about this posting and re-read the comments left last year. Interesting topic. Interesting comments.)

Note 2: TO ALL READERS: THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTERS AND EMAILS. I'LL BE REPOSTING MANY OF MY ORIGINAL OLD BLOGS FROM 2010. COMING SOON: THE INSPIRATIONAL MARIJUANA BLOG I USED AS RESEARCH FOR DRUG USE IN CIRCLE CITY WHEN I WITNESSED THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE AND SUBSTANCE ADDICTION. (With links to helpful websites and examples of drug addiction found within art history, modern art and literature from yesterday and today.)

Improving Book Reviews
When I first began my writing career, I knew I'd need to develop a thick skin. Quick! Just to handle all the rejections in the beginning. Too bad a writer's career doesn't come with full body armour. Because we need it sometimes.

I hate reviews. Absolutely detest them. Movie reviews, book reviews, etc. I like making my mind up for myself. I really decided this years ago when I was listening to movie reviewers tell me what to watch and what not to watch. Almost every single time, if they said the movie was great, I was thoroughly disappointed and if they said it was terrible, I loved it. I noticed the pattern and started watching the ones they did not recommend. Then I started ignoring movie reviews all together.

I had one really, really bad review and two reviews that weren't great. The reviewers pointed out flaws in the story but by no means did they trash my book. I admit, it does make my day when I get a great review. However, it is one person's opinion. And a bad review can ruin your entire week.

Here's an example of two reviews for the same book. One is a great review by Bitten by Books and the other one is not so great by Night Owl Romance. (Both are great review houses and greatly help to promote my genre, though I shy away from reviews all together. This is not an attack on either house or the reviewers.)

For me, reviews are simply part of the business I shudder at. Besides acting, what other business in the world do you have your work reviewed by total strangers. Not higher up management but by strangers. Strangers you have never spoken to or ever asked to read your work. You might as well strip naked and say, "Here I am. What do you think?" That's what it feels like for me. Yikes!

Reviewers should be reviewed as well. What do you think writers? I can hear the applause growing out there! Admit it! Some reviewers summarize the book very well without giving away key points. Some spoil it for the reader. Read these two reviews, ignoring which is the more positive review. The review's score is usually explained in the last paragraph. But look closely at the paragraphs before the final one. Read how each reviewer discusses the book. What score would you give each reviewer? I find it interesting as I read reviews that some of the nastiest reviews are poorly written, often giving away the entire plot to the reader. I really wish some of the reviewers would have better editors, making sure the reviewer doesn't spoil the book for others by giving away too much. And reviewing is a form of writing. Some reviewers just are not cut out for it. ~Alisha

REVIEW FOR VOODOO MOON BY STORM AT BITTEN BY BOOKS

In 1825, the Rose Hill Plantation was the horror of Jamaica. Annie, the White Witch, had been orphaned as a child and raised in the blackest form of voodoo. As an evil voodoo priestess, she killed her slaves for the smallest slight and the rest lived in terror. She used male slaves as her lovers, and none lived for long. She made a terrible mistake, though, when she called Talon to her bed. Talon had been a white voodoo priest in Africa before being captured and sold into slavery. Slavery, though, had brought him his wife, Daisy, and he was determined to protect her and end the terror of the White Witch. He planned a voodoo ceremony for Daisy to do while he pleasured the witch, but Daisy’s fear and jealousy caused her to do something different, and that difference led to death and tragedy for all of them.

200 years later, Talon was given a second chance. And although the forest guardian told him to use this chance for healing, he was consumed with his need for revenge. He knew that the White Witch’s spirit still roamed Rose Hill, and now one of her descendents, Tammie, was living there. Talon has to decide whether he will take the path of revenge or the path of love and healing.

“Voodoo Moon” is a powerful, intricate story of the worse and best aspects of humanity. Although love does not conquer all, it endures and teaches. The author has created some of the most authentic and interesting characters I’ve ever met. The tale is full of twists, surprises, terror, creepy atmosphere, and passion. They say that good things come in small packages, and this is a whole lot of story skillfully crammed into a novella.
(Rated 5 out of 5)

REVIEW FOR VOODOO MOON BY VEE AT NIGHT OWL ROMANCE
Aside from the time he’d spent with his secret wife, Daisy, Talin, a slave, has led a tortured life. When his master, a cruel voodoo witch, turns on him and Daisy, Talin, a voodoo master himself, calls on a voodoo spirit for help.

He is turned into a wolf, but before he can rip the witch’s throat out, she succeeds in murdering Daisy.

Both Daisy and the voodoo witch dies while Talin is caught between worlds. Stuck in limbo for 200 years, Talin remains trapped until a young couple dabbling in voodoo unwittingly calls forth his spirit.

Talin is dislodged. Hatred and revenge fill his heart. After orientating himself to the new world, he decides to murder, Tammie, the voodoo witche’s descendant. He hopes to use her death to resurrect Daisy.

For her part, Tammie thinks the house her family left her in Jamaica is wonderful. What will happen when Tammie’s world collides with Talin’s need for retribution?

Voodoo Moon packs in a large cast of characters and plot twists into a short book. Characterization suffers, but there is plenty to hold the readers attention. For my tastes, it was too much, too fast and left too many unanswered questions.
(Rated 3.5 out of 5)

And Evil Will Unfold Upon Itself In The End

2011-08-09T04:00:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from The Hour Glass Witch by Alisha Paige

Clio held tightly to the object within her hand as Ben led her up the steps of the gallows and secured the noose around her slender neck.
“I love you,” he whispered from behind his black hood. Then he put on a show for the bloodthirsty crowd, his voice booming, loud and clear. “What say you, Miss Clio? Are you not a witch? Have you made no contract with the devil?”
“I have not! But you have! All of you!”
The crowd hissed and then chanted, “Die, witch! Die!”
She looked at Ben. His eyes darted to her, beneath his hood and she knew by the curve of his lids that he was smiling. She opened her hand and held it out to the crowd.
“Come see for yourself! Look at what I hold for all of you to see!”
The crowd quieted, drawing closer. Curiosity rose like a fever. Something sparkled within her opened palm and one by one, the townspeople filtered by, looking down at her hand. The first woman to look pulled on Clio’s hand, bringing it closer. She stared down at it, opened mouth, screamed and fled into the woods.
Then a man came; he first looked at Clio. “Is this another spell, witch?”
“See for yourself,” she said. Ever so slowly, his gaze traveled down the length of her and into her palm.
“Oh, my God! My God!” he screamed, holding his hands over his face and then following the woman into the woods.
Another and another came, all of them deathly afraid of what the witch held.
“Stop her!” someone cried. Clio looked up. Minister Parris walked down the center of the now silent crowd. “Enough, witch! Reveal what it is you hold that has crazed half the good folk in Salem!”
“Are you sure, Minister?”
“Put a stop to this, Ben! Take it from her! Reveal what she holds!”
Ben smiled beneath his hood and took her hand in his. He took hold of the object with her and held it up high. Something glittered in the sun, reflecting bright rays upon them all. The crowd gasped, afraid the witch would now cast a spell upon them all. But staring back at them all was the town itself; the people, the accusations, those already dead. It was a tiny mirror. What all of them saw was a reflection of their own cruelness, harsh and crystal clear, reflected within their own souls. The mirror grew like a bubble, expanding over the crowd. The townspeople looked up and saw their own faces, wicked and mean, staring back at one another. Their evil chanting bounced back onto their own ears. They felt what the accused had already gone through. Some were able to escape before the bubble closed over them all. Innocents, really. Children mostly, and those that were only following the frenzy to avoid death themselves. Those of pure souls were salvaged when the bubble closed, enveloping the hate mongers who had started it all. Ben removed the noose from Clio’s neck and pulled her into his arms as they both watched history unfold onto itself. The townspeople screamed, pounding against the mirror that had taken over their world, a reflection of their own hatred and ignorance. Ever so slowly, the mirror tomb rose off the ground and into the brilliant sunshine, floating on a summer breeze of death long ago but not forgotten. Flying higher and higher into the clouds where it burst into fire.

The Hour Glass Witch Buy Link

The Reckoning ~ Kimberly Van Meter ~ GREAT INDIE FIND!

2011-08-04T02:59:00.003-05:00

The Excerpt

Isabella stepped from the shower, her thoughts moving in a linear line straight to the tasks set ahead for the day. She wrapped a thick towel around her body before reaching for her cell phone on the bathroom counter to send a quick text to Mary-Ellen. God help her if Mary-Ellen forgot to input the blood quantum results as she’d asked her to do first thing this morning. It seemed since the vampire had been acquired, Mary-Ellen had gone from competent research assistant to hormonal teenager. Although she’d miss Mary-Ellen’s signature wry humor, Isabella thought with a sense of resignation, that it might be a good idea to find a less hands-on job for Mary-Ellen. She didn’t trust Mary-Ellen around the vampire and any slip up in protocol could wreak terrible consequences. She hit send — her thoughts already traveling to the next task on her mental to-do list — and swallowed a horrified shriek when Julien de Valsan stood framed in her doorway.Impossible…how? Her throat worked convulsively on a scream that wouldn’t budge. The slow, terrible smile on his finely aristocratic mouth caused her to take a faltering step back until she touched the shower door. No escape, her mind cried though she kept her lips seamed shut until she quieted the fear under a blanket of iron will. “How did you get out?” she asked, mentally going through the exhaustive fail-safes that somehow, he’d managed to circumvent.
A muffled twittering sounded from his pant pocket and he fished out a cell phone with a wicked curve of his lips. She gasped when she recognized Mary-Ellen’s cell phone. “I’ve always found the modern age with its gadgets and technology to be tedious and tiresome with all their beeps and bells but I must confess, your assistant’s device was most helpful in finding you. I might have to get one of my own. Or I could just keep this one. Mary-Ellen won’t be needing it any longer.” He crushed the phone in his palm and dropped the fragments to her floor as he advanced. “Enough with the pleasantries. There will be a reckoning between you and I, and I do not wish to delay my gratification a moment longer.”
Her eyes watered. “What did you do to Mary-Ellen?” she asked, knowing her own death stared at her through the eyes of the man stalking her, yet she had to know what had befallen her assistant. The memory of her parents’ death bloomed in her mind and her knees threatened to buckle. “What did you do to her?” she cried, hating him, hating his race of monsters.
In an instant he was on her, ripping the damp towel from her body and yanking her against him, her frantic struggles as she beat his chest and kicked with her bare feet did little to loosen his grip. If anything, her attempts at violence seemed to spark a hunger that had less to do with sustenance and more to do with sex and dominance. His face so close to hers, she could feel his breath on her cheek, could see the irregular black spirals in his pale blue iris that gave away his alien nature. Yet, as horrific as it was, there was a hypnotic beauty that sucked at her, seduced her with its difference. Noooo, she wouldn’t succumb to die at his leisure. She ceased her useless flailing to conserve her strength and lifted her chin to stare into those deep, fathomless eyes, daring him to kill her now or forfeit his chance. “Likely a platoon of heavily armed Marines are canvassing this house this very minute,” she said with a calm that was only surface deep. Inside something quivered and shook, but not entirely from fear. She pushed aside the obscenity, not willing to examine it more closely. “If you wish to live, you will leave me and go. You have only a few minutes before the sun rises. We’ve watched you long enough to know that you cannot withstand the sun.”
He ignored her statement for the moment and chose instead to inhale deeply at the junction where her shoulders met her neck. She couldn’t quite quell the shiver that followed. “I could kill you and be gone within seconds,” he murmured, his lips touching her bare skin with the softest touch until something sharp grazed and she realized with a shudder he’d raked her flesh with his canines. “The question is…do I slake my hunger now with little preamble or finesse, or do I take you with me to savor for many nights to come?”
Take her with him? She stiffened in horror. “I would never be your plaything. I would kill myself first,” she hissed, wishing for something sharp and deadly to plunge through his black heart. “I swear I’d die before letting you touch me in anyway.”
He chuckled as if her spitting fury amused him but when he drew away, she saw nothing of mirth or merriment in his strange eyes. In fact, she saw deadly promise. “Oh my pet, you will die. Be assured of that. But when you gasp your last breath, it will be I who hastens your end and none else.” Isabella gasped as his grip tightened, hating his touch and the traitorous flutters in the pit of her belly as he snarled softly, revealing the tips of his sharp canines, “I’ve made my decision. You come.”
She opened her mouth to scream but within seconds all was black and she knew of nothing else.
****

BUY LINK

The background:

I've been fascinated by vampires since I can remember, though oddly, my first book was a straight contemporary. Realizing my career trajectory was headed in the contemporary romance genre, I shelved my secret love for men with fangs and focused on writing amazing men without a penchant for blood. Don't get me wrong, I love writing contemporary romance but deep inside pulsed the raw idea for a vampire story that finally wouldn't stay silent. I built the story of Julian de Valsan and Isabella Beckett and submitted to Silhouette Nocturne. Alas, it was rejected. I won't lie, I pouted for a bit but then shelved it once again and moved on. Except...I couldn't let it go. Then, a friend of mine told me how much fun she was having writing cozy mysteries and self-pubbing on the Kindle. Immediately, I thought of my beloved vampire story that was currently homeless and receiving no love from its cyber shelf and thought, "I'm gonna go Indie with this bad boy!" And, so with a fair amount of trepidation but whole lot of chutzpah, I went for it. And, to be honest, I've been thrilled with the reception this little novella has received. So many readers have asked me when the next installment is coming and it thrills me to my toes that it's been so well-received. Unfortunately, I'm bound to sticking with novellas due to my agent clause but I'm very excited to start the next story, which will be about Savannah, the abducted sister. The problem? Keeping to the short format! The story keeps expanding and I have to rein it in! Anyway, going Indie has been a blessing and a journey that I never could've foreseen. Everything is still new and I'm stumbling around trying to gain my footing but one thing is for sure, I'm thankful for this opportunity that Indie publishing has given me. Without it, THE RECKONING would likely remain shelved, gathering cyber dust and creating dust bunnies...with fangs.

Kimberly Van Meter

Don't miss Kimberly's newest Harlequin Romantic Suspense series, Native Country.
• SWORN TO PROTECT, July 2011
• COLD CASE REUNION, August 2011

Come on In, Boys...the Water's Fine!

2011-07-26T15:52:00.004-05:00

I made a very cool discovery recently. My books are appealing to men! As my paranormal romance novels have turned darker, my audience has widened and that is a very good thing!

Welcome to my world, all you Testosterone filled readers! Seems I'm tapping into new territory...horror readers, dark fantasy, dark paranormal readers...and as one male reader said, "I go for your fiction that is a little farther out there." Best compliment I've received in a long time! So nice for him to write me and give me feedback. I truly appreciate it when I hear from readers. He also gave me some great advice:

"As long as you are writing what makes yourself happy, it will show through your work. That's what makes people so talented, they are just doing what makes themselves happy, and the end product is usually amazing, and other people dig it."

Thank you, Mike! You go down in my book as my first male reader. Anyone else out there?

Genre blending has always been something I'm inclined to do and now I'm experiencing some growing pains with it. Some good stretching pains and some not so good from readers who feel my writing has turned a little too dark. While I'm gaining new readers, I'm also losing a few but that is how we as writers find our true audience.

I can't feel bad about it. I just sold my 1848th book since Circle City released in late March. I could get used to this new audience.

Spread love,
Alisha

Another Milestone! 1732 Books Sold!!!!!!

2011-07-19T12:19:00.006-05:00

Today I'm celebrating another milestone! I crossed over the 1700 mark! Thank you to all my wonderful readers and all my very supportive author friends and family! I am reading and enjoying all of my fan mail and promise to write to every single one of you.

Thank you to our kind mailman for dropping off the mail bag with all the reader fan mail. I can't believe he had to make a special trip. I'll be sure to do something special for him this Christmas with all his trips to my house delivering books, mail and promotional items.

To keep everyone updated....I'm still waiting to hear back on the agent interested in pitching Circle City as an HBO series. I will let you know as soon as I hear back.

Spread love,
Alisha

Virtual Book Tour ~ Minnette Meador ~ A Ghost of A Chance! Kindle and Amazon Giveaway!

2011-07-12T20:25:00.008-05:00

Alisha: Please welcome the lovely and very talented Minnette Meador to my blog today! I've asked her to do a character interview so we can learn more about the hero and heroine in A Ghost of A Chance.

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A KINDLE OR A $100 AMAZON GIFT CERTIFICATE!!!!

Minnette: First of all, I want to thank Alisha for inviting me to share her amazing blog! What an honor it is to be here!

Today we are joined by two extraordinary people. The lovely Isabella and Keenan Swanson, our local psychic. Welcome!

ISABELLA: Thank you. It’s very nice to be here.

KEENAN: Thanks for having us.

HOSTESS: So Isabella, let’s start with you. Tell us a bit about yourself.

ISABELLA: Well, I’m the head of HR at an advertising agency and my folks are from Italy. The rest is… well, I’d rather not talk too much about my past.

HOSTESS: Why is that?

ISABELLA: (after a pause) I’m afraid it’s rather sorted.

HOSTESS: Sounds intriguing. Where did the two of you meet?

ISABELLA: We met at work.

HOSTESS: I hear your romance started out on an interesting note. Can you tell us about that?

ISABELLA: Actually, Keenan left a voice mail on the company phone and I happened to hear it first. Thank God! He was in jail needing bail, so I went over and picked him up.

HOSTESS: Jail?

KEENAN: Hey, it was all a misunderstanding.

ISABELLA: (laughing) They found him half-naked in front of an all girl’s Catholic school. One of the cops there wanted to teach him a lesson.

KEENAN: It wasn’t funny. (Isabella pats his hand) I was completely innocent… I was running from the succubus and she wrapped me in magic… Well, not magic, but something, and my pants fell down.

ISABELLA: He’s always had problems keeping his pants on.

KEENAN: (kissing her) Only around you, dear.

HOSTESS: (Blushing) Well, moving along… Keenan, I hear you’re a psychic, but have an even more exciting quirk. What is that?

KEENAN: I see ghosts.

HOSTESS: Really? I had a guest recently that saw a ghost…

KEENAN: I see all of them.

HOSTESS: All? What do you mean all?

KEENAN: I mean all of them…

HOSTESS: How many is that?

KEENAN: (shrugs) Hundreds… maybe thousands. I haven’t counted them.

HOSTESS: How exciting. That must really be fun.

KEENAN: Fun? Lady, have you ever had your life turned upside down and inside out? That’s what it’s like.

HOSTESS: But I thought dead people that hung around only wanted help…

KEENAN: (snorting) Yeah, right. Hollywood’s got it all wrong; all they want to do is torture the living… especially anyone who can see them. They flip me off, moon me, turn the lights on and off, watch TV at all hours, throw things at me, sing in the bathroom, pee on the drapes…

HOSTESS: They live with you?

KEENAN: Sure. Where else would they live?

HOSTESS: Amazing.

KEENAN: I guess… I don’t like talking about it.

HOSTESS: I understand. So, I hear the two of you saved the world.

ISABELLA: (blushing) Yes, well…

KEENAN: It was no big deal... the angels helped.

HOSTESS: There were angels?

ISABELLA: Oh my, yes. You need angels to fight demons.

KEENAN: Well, and ghosts. Of course, being dead helped…

HOSTESS: You mean the ghosts were dead…

KEENAN: No, me. But I got over it.

HOSTESS: How long have you been able to see ghosts?

KEENAN: Since I was 13. I saw the first one up at Diamond Lake.

HOSTESS: That must have been frightening.

KEENAN: Not half as much as the forest fire after.

HOSTESS: My goodness, you have had an interesting life…

KEENAN: Have you heard the ancient Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times?” That’s me.

HOSTESS: I guess so… So what now? Are you retiring from the world saving business?

ISABELLA: For now. Who knows what the future brings?

KEENAN: Yeah. I’m certain a lot more interesting times.

HOSTESS: Thank you so much for joining me, Keenan and Isabella. We look forward to your next adventures.

Blurb

Keenan Swanson is your typical, everyday graphic designer. Well, except for the hundreds of pesky, prank-loving poltergeists that make his life interesting (in a Chinese curse sort of way). He finds his situation precarious yet manageable—until witty, smoking-hot coworker Isabella enters the scene and Keenan decides he wants her all for himself. With a horny succubus who has other ideas, a burly city cop determined to lock Keenan away, and an evil entity who’s hell-bent on using Keenan’s seed to create a living demon, the reluctant psychic realizes he just might not come out of this alive—or with heart intact.

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE – LIVING WITH STRANGERS
“Isabella, isn’t it?” Keenan hadn’t seen a ring on her finger, around her neck, or a Love John Forever tattoo any place noticeable, so he assumed she was available.
“Right. You’re Keenan. We met the other day.”
“Right.”
Usually he didn’t have problems talking to girls, but now it was harder than it had ever been. A hundred witty comebacks crowded his brain for attention, but not one of them could make it past the lump in his throat. His growing cock wasn’t going to be much help either; all it wanted him to do was blurt out, “Ya wanna?”
Bracing himself against possible rejection, and telling his cock to shut the fuck up, Keenan gathered his courage and charged into the fray. “Say listen, if you’re not…”
The elevator jarred to a halt and the doors burst open in front of them. At least fifteen people piled into the box, disregarding the “maximum occupancy” sign.
Keenan hit his back hard against the railing and suddenly found his arms full of warm, healthy girl.
The sounds around him came to a crashing halt when he fixated on those gorgeous almond eyes and full red lips. The urge to devour that mouth was irresistible. He felt like he was home. Her balmy scent marinated his brain, clouding out everything else. The velvet skin of her naked arms made his palms tingle.
A sudden terror seized him when he realized his rod stood at full attention, shouting, “Yippee!” Since the crowd had crushed Isabella against him, she must have felt it jumping like an excited dog against her stomach. To Keenan’s amazement, she didn’t say a word and smiled sweetly up at him. Her expression was almost pleased. It boggled his mind.
“Sorry,” he managed after a few precious seconds.
He let go and fully expected her to scrunch as far away from him as possible, a murmured “pervert” escaping her lips. Instead, she slid up next to him and stayed attached to his shoulder, turning her lovely breasts to the doors.
Keenan had a hard time keeping his eyes off them, noting with interest that both nipples were little rocks against the black fabric. He forced himself to focus on the bald spot on the head of the guy in front of him. He hoped to God the man wasn’t pushed back; in Keenan’s current state, it might be difficult to explain what rested against the man’s ass.

GIVE AWAY
Minnette will be giving away a Kindle at the end of her Book Tour and anyone who comments on her tour, or on her blog, will be entered into that drawing. One randomly drawn commenter from the tour itself, will-- in addition-- win a $100 Amazon gift certificate!!!

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.
The tour dates can be found here:
Goddess Fish Promotions

Minnette's Website
Minnette's Blog
Amazon Buy Link
Resplendence Publishing Books Link

Almost 1600 Ebooks Sold!!!!

2011-07-05T17:46:00.007-05:00

In four short months, I've sold close to 1600 ebooks at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords!

My paranormal romance, Circle City: Lord of the Wolfen is currently a bestseller in the UK!!! As of this writing, it is #22 across the pond! It has hit the bestseller's list several times in the US as well. The Hour Glass Witch has also hit the bestseller's list in the US and the UK!

The best thing about living the Indie Dream is that I have total control over creativity, cover art, release dates and price! And the second best thing is that the Gatekeepers are MY WONDERFUL READERS. Not agents. Not editors who give us what they think we want to read. Readers. Readers decide what they want to read. They spread the word.

Indie = Freedom for both author and reader! The best of two worlds!!!!

A big thank you to all my readers in the US, the UK and my one lonely reader in Germany!! Where are you? I'd love to hear from you! I answer each and every fan letter! Write me at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com.

I hope all my friends in the US had a wonderful 4th of July!

~Spread Love,
Alisha

Who Wants to Win A Kindle?

2011-06-30T15:15:00.000-05:00

The June issue of eFiction is now out!!! Subscribe to the best eFiction Magazine in the Milky Way!

HELP TO PROMOTE eFICTION MAGAZINE VIA TWITTER AND YOU'LL BE ENTERED TO WIN A KINDLE!!!!

Retweet this: @Alishawriter #RT to win a #kindle from #eFiction http://www.efictionmag.com/ #kindle #amazon #indieauthors #webfic #Read #amreading #story

I'm a proud contributor of eFiction Magazine! Check out my ad in the June issue!
Let's help this wonderful magazine grow and grow and grow!

Spread Love!
~Alisha

Virtual Book Tour ~ Romance Novel by PJ Jones and A Contest

2011-06-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

PJ Jones began writing Romance Novel in the spring of 2009 when she was seriously ill, thinking that this book would be her last dying legacy for mankind. After you read this book, you will probably wonder if she was trying to seal her fate in hell. Who knows? But PJ Jones has conquered her illness and is much better now. But you probably don't care, as long as her writing is funny. PJ Jones is also an avid reader of real romance novels. So why does she poke fun of them? Consider it comic relief.

Blurb for Romance Novel
Smella Rosepetal must find a millionaire husband to finance her baby’s heart transplant. She flies home to her deputy father’s ranch in Pitchforks, Texas, where she falls in love with Deadward Forest, a wealthy environmentalist vampire.

When a deranged murderer is on the loose in Pitchforks, killing romance heroines, Deadward assumes Smella would be safer without him. Smella turns to her childhood friend, Snake Long, for comfort. But Snake doesn’t have the money to save her baby, so Smella places herself in peril in a desperate hunt for a rich husband.

Time is running out for Smella’s baby, and she must escape the Australian Outback, then face down Flabio, an overweight and disgruntled, aspiring cover model, plus enraged vampire wives and their homosexual, vampire, cowboy husbands, a jealous were-gerbil, James Bond, a drunk rodeo clown and Smella’s strange boyfriend who wants to drain her blood, yet is repulsed by her smell.

Introducing FLABIO by PJ Jones

When I began writing ROMANCE NOVEL, FLABIO was initially meant to be a minor secondary character, but after falling in love with his ‘mannly’ dialog and quirky mannerisms, I knew he had to have a bigger role in the book. FLABIO is introduced during a modeling shoot for a domestic violence ad, though he tries to manipulate the shoot by dressing as a rogue pirate and passionately embracing his ‘lover’. He’s angry when the photographer makes him ‘let his beer gut show’ and pummel the girl. Later, he becomes irate with Gus, his agent, when Gus tells him he’s ‘just too fat for romance’. That’s when FLABIO decides to take action. If he can’t join them, he’s determined to kill all romance heroines, and believe me, romance heroines abound in this novel.
Alisha wanted me to bring FLABIO to today’s blog, and he’s been dying to be back in the spotlight. Bear with him. He has this habit of speaking in third person.
Hello, this is FLABIO, God of Romance and Lover of Women. FLABIO has small problem. FLABIO needs woman so FLABIO can be real lover. FLABIO enjoys eating funnel cakes, romantic strolls on beach, eating donuts, shopping at Pottery Barn, eating blueberry muffins, going to movies, and eating spaghetti, hotdogs, and pizza. If you are good cook, and don’t mind to eat smaller portions, possibly only crumbs, of your meal at dinner table then FLABIO is man for you. Sorry, one meal not enough to feed God of Romance, who needs much good food for making strong muscles.
Please, ask FLABIO any questions and he’ll be sure to answer. Here’s a scene FLABIO’S infamous modeling scene from ROMANCE NOVEL.

Long flaxen hair blowing in the artificial breeze, the bronze-skinned model flexed his bulging biceps while crushing the voluptuous blonde to his chest. Crying out, she surrendered her body to his mercy.
He was a man in his prime; a god among mortals. Women desired him, men envied him. Who cared that he wasn’t as rich or as successful as his Italian cousin by a similar name? The time had come for a new king of romance.
“Hey, Flabio,” the pock-faced, aging photographer with a bad comb-over, called from behind a wide-angle camera lens. “Could you look a little more angry?” he whined with a totally unattractive, nasaly pitch. “Maybe pull back your fist like you’re gonna pummel her.”
A look of indignation and shock crossed Flabio’s dark eyes as he jutted his prominent chin. “But we are lovers!” he snapped in a thick, yet superficial, Italian accent.
The photographer rolled his eyes. “This is a domestic violence ad, not a cover for a romance novel. Maybe you could pretend like you’re strangling her.” He motioned to Flabio’s puffy pirate shirt, with pearl buttons and double-stitched seams. “Unbutton your shirt and let your beer gut show.”
Flabio’s square jaw dropped before he narrowed his gaze at the photographer. He shoved the girl with such force, she nearly fell over. He ripped his shirt off, revealing a distended abdomen and two fleshy man-boobs. Palming his fist, he stalked the girl.
With wide eyes and trembling limbs, she squawked like a deranged chicken, running circles around the studio.
“That’s good,” the photographer moaned. “Rough and dirty.”

Excerpt
“I wouldn’t drink that poison if I were you.”
He spoke with a slight accent, reminding Smella of a lonely soul from another place, another time. Or maybe just a British guy trying to sound like he was from nineteenth century Boston.
Smella’s eyes widened. Her gaze shot to the beer, then back to the stranger. “What poison?”
“You can’t pin anything on me!” The bartender hollered while stumbling backward, before falling against a shelf of beer mugs.
Locked in the stranger’s dark gaze, Smella ignored the sound of crashing glass. She was more interested in his perfectly kissable blood red lips and the cold, impenetrable aura that radiated off his stony features.
“Alcohol destroys your kidneys.” The stranger flashed a subdued smile, revealing pearly white, jagged teeth.
“You’re right.” Turning down her lips in disgust, Smella pushed away the offending glass. “Thank you for berating my choice of beverage. Throughout this novel, you may occasionally behave like a total control freak, but I know you are only concerned for my well-being, and because I am a woman, obviously I’m too stupid to act in my own best interest.”
Somewhere in the darkest recesses of her mind, she thought she heard the obese bartender scream, “Help me! I’m bleeding everywhere!” But she refused to let him ruin the romantic tension that she was trying to build with the tall pasty stranger. Leaning toward him, she playfully batted long lashes while twirling a lock of hair around her finger.
But the stranger didn’t respond to her flirtation. He was too busy pinching his nose and making a gagging sound.
She scooted back. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.” He spoke through a wheeze. “I have to go.”
In a flash, he was gone.
Smella was confused, bewildered, frightened, rejected, vulnerable, hurt, self-conscious and irritated.
But never mind her PMS.
She was more concerned about her awkward encounter with the kind stranger.

PJ's Blog

PJ's Facebook Page

ONE LUCKY COMMENTER WILL RECEIVE A $15 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO STARBUCKS OR AMAZON.COM GIFT CARD! FOLLOW THE TOUR FOR MORE CHANCES TO COMMENT AND WIN!!!

PJ JONES TOUR INFORMATION AT GODDESS FISH PROMOTIONS

Virtual Book Tour ~ T. Harrison ~ WIN A KINDLE!!!

2011-06-09T15:20:00.011-05:00

Alisha: Please welcome T. Harrison to my blog today. She's an erotic romance author currently living in the south with her impish husband, two smallish men and one smallish boxer pup. She can often be found with her nose pressed to the screen of her Kindle, reading red hot erotica, nail biting thrillers or bone chilling horror and paranormals by the small halo of illumination created by her book light. She writes to stave off the boredom of living in a small town. Her stories generally fluctuate from urban/contemporary to paranormal romance but, are always dirty.

T. Harrison: Thanks for having me, Alisha! And hello to all of your blog readers! *waves*
I’ve always been a writer. I know all writers say that but, it’s usually true. I just didn’t know that I was a romance writer until recently. My mother, grandmother and great-grandmother watched a lot of soap operas. They called them ‘stories’. “Hush now, my stories are on!” was a common admonishment during the noon hour. Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful and Guiding Light. These shows were my first exposure to the romance genre. All those longing looks, heated embraces and passionate kisses marked my young mind in a way that wouldn’t come to full fruition until much, much later but, they definitely shaped the way stories bloomed in my mind.

I didn’t write my first full length novel until much later and when I wrote it, I was sure I would get published. It didn’t happen. I queried and edited--queried and edited again and still racked up more rejections than I did contracts. Pretty soon, I began to get discouraged. Who wouldn’t? Insanity is repeating the same behavior expecting a different outcome and writing is definitely a form of insanity. So I stopped writing for a while, enrolled in some online classes and entertained the idea of getting a 9 to 5.

Right around this time, e-publishing began to really kick off. People have been reading books on their computers for years but, suddenly it was a more respected avenue of publishing. Kindles were becoming more popular and the Nook debuted at Barnes and Noble. Everyone was talking about e-books and how they were turning the publishing world upside down. This seemed like the right time to try and get published again so I began to research e-publishers. But a strange thing happened during those Google searches. Names like Joe Konrath and Amanda Hocking and H.P. Mallory kept appearing in the search results. And these brave souls were not only e-publishing but, self-publishing. I began to wonder if this was something I could do.

When I spoke to my friends and relatives about it, they all said it was a great idea. They’ve all been reading my stories for years and were convinced that this would be the best way to get my work out there. I wasn’t convinced. I decided to publish some of my shorter works, LoveWanderLust and The Undoing of Langston Black, while I continued to query my novel length works to traditional publishers. I received a few requests for partials but, still no requests for the full manuscript but, my little self-pubbed books were selling. I made a little cash from them and I also received enough feedback to let me know that my writing wasn’t hopeless and there were people out there who would read and love my stories. So, after receiving yet another rejection, I decided to jump into self-publishing with both feet and the result is my new release, In Her Closet! It features an unconventional romance heroine, a yummy hero and a cast of fun and sexy secondary characters. I hope you all will come to love them as much as I have.

Thanks again for having me and don’t forget to comment on this post for your chance to win a Kindle!

Blurb

Fresh off of a night of anonymous sex we join Yves Santiago on the curb for a cigarette. Yves is a self-proclaimed slut who vows to live her life as carelessly as a man and make no apologies for any of it--though her meddling mother and ex-fiancé seem intent on making it difficult for her to do so. She’s determined to avoid anything that looks even remotely like love and escapes most encounters with her heart and her pride intact.

Then she meets Elijah Weinstein…
Elijah saunters in like a dream proclaiming to be the next great love of her life--a declaration that Yves finds ridiculous, though it doesn't make him any less enticing. With his mossy green eyes, broad, sun-kissed shoulders and a mouth so sensual that it should have an NC-17 rating, Elijah Weinstein is damn near irresistible. She willingly accepts his challenge, certain she will be able to get what she wants without relinquishing her heart.

Excerpt

I dress casually for my evening at the Erotic Literary Salon. I’m excited about this meeting with Elijah Weinstein but, I don’t want to make too big a deal of it. I don’t believe in fairy tales, romantic or otherwise, so I’m always careful not to get my hopes too high. So in my favorite Bob Marley t-shirt and yummy ripped jeans, I sit down at my usual table and settle in to listen to the poets and wordsmiths until it’s my turn to take the stage.

I have no idea what Elijah Weinstein looks like. He told me that he would be wearing a green polo shirt. I scan the room but, I don’t see a Jewish guy in a green polo shirt. He’s late or maybe he just changed his mind all together.

“Now calling the poet Yves Santiago.”

I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans and make my way to the stage. Reading my poetry in front of a crowd still makes me nervous even though I’ve been doing it for years.

“Good evening,” My voice bounces off the back wall and I hate the way it sounds when it makes its way back to me. Any other time I fancy that it sounds deep and sultry but, up here it sounds high and nervous.

“This is more of a ramble than a poem. I call it ‘Sleek and Tawny’.”

I clear my throat, close my eyes and take a deep cleansing breath.

“She’s lost all the parts of her that were pretty.
Her shine and nubile beauty wore off long ago.
Rubbed off--rubbed raw by men.
She’s nothing sweet anymore.
She’s something feral,
something wild.
Sleek and tawny, un animal.
Something constantly in search of something--
someone to devour.
She sees her prey and when he passes her way
the scent of him enlivens her.
She pursues him because in this moment, he
is what she needs.
What she hungers for.
That tender morsel she draws across her teeth
hungrily…
But when her passion is spent
she remains discontent
until a hint of some other succulent scent
rattles her cage.”

I open my eyes. A wave of satisfaction washes over me from the appreciative smiles of the crowd. “Thank you,” I murmur, backing away from the microphone to a chorus of whoops and applause.

A man approaches me as I walk back to my table. Mmm, tasty, I think as he offers me a smile.

“Yves Santiago?”

“Yes?”

“I’m Elijah Weinstein.”

I'm barely able to keep my mouth from dropping open. This is Elijah Weinstein? Elijah Weinstein is gorgeous. Fuck gorgeous. He is damn fine. He reaches for my hand and shakes it, holding on for far longer than is necessary for a greeting. Our hands sway gently between us--a frizzle of friction forming between our palms.

“Nice to meet you,” I sigh, trying my best to keep from licking my lips.

T. Harrison's Website

Twitter: @dirtyscribbler

CONTEST: T. Harrsion will award a Kindle to one randomly drawn commenter, (limited to participants in the continental US). Follow T. Harrison's Virtual Book Tour and comment throughout the tour for more chances to win!

TOUR DATES ARE HERE!

Virtual Book Tour ~ The Promise by Tory Richards

2011-06-08T00:07:00.009-05:00

Alisha: Please welcome Tory Richards to my blog today! Tory is a multi-published, best-selling author who was born in Maine but lives in Florida with three crazy cats. She likes to travel, preferably by cruise ship, and doesn’t like to fly but she will if she has to. She collects antiques and art, loves chocolate (who doesn’t?) and good coffee.

Tory has wanted to be a writer since she was a kid, but life got in the way of her dreams. A few years ago, with the support and encouragement of her family, she decided to get serious. Her romances are laced with humor and filled with suspense and sizzling sex.

(Dear Readers ~ Leave Tory a comment today and you'll be entered to win a $15 gift certificate to Bath and Body! Follow the Tour and leave comments for more chances to win! The tour dates can be found here: GODDESS FISH PROMOTIONS )

Tory, please tell us about your journey to publication.

Tory: I was sitting in school one day, when I distinctly remember saying to myself, "I want to be a writer when I grow up." I was young, around ten, and I don't know why I just decided that. My first stories were short and written on note book paper. I can vaguely recall they were akin to fairy tales. I was really into the prince and princess thing back then. Cinderella was and is still my all time favorite.

Then at thirteen I graduated to a manual type writer. My parents got it for me for Christmas. My sister got a TV. They never questioned why I wanted a typewriter. I guess they thought it was for school work. But one day, I felt compelled to tell them my dreams. Their reaction? They laughed at the thought of my becoming a writer. I can remember my dad telling me it cost money to publish a book. Only I didn't let that stop me from writing.

Their hurtful reaction caused me to become what I call a closet writer. I began typing stories in secret. Hiding them to make sure no one found them. I'd die if someone did and read one, and then made fun of it. My parents laughing at me somehow made me feel that it was wrong to want to be a writer. That it was a stupid idea. My confidence was gone. So I was very careful where I hid my stories. When they thought I was shut up in my bedroom doing homework I was actually typing away at some romance that didn't always have a happy ending.

I didn't realize writing had become therapy for me until much later in life.

I wrote for years, until I got older and eventually got married. Then life got in the way, my daughter came along, and my writing took a back seat to more important things. I packed everything away for another day. That other day turned out to be over 20 years. When the urge came back and I dug out those old stories, the paper had turned yellow and some of the ink had faded to the point that I couldn't read it. By now I had a computer and was able to transfer some of them to that.

Still, I kept my writing a secret. Even from my husband. But then one day, out of the blue, my niece said to me, "I like to write and I've got a couple stories started." That immediately peaked my interest, and I cautiously admitted to her that I like to write, too. So we began talking about it. She and my daughter convinced me into letting them read something I'd done, they liked it, and encouraged me to submit to a publisher. I thought, what the heck, I don't want to go through the rest of my life not knowing. I should at least try.

Twp months later I was offered a contract. And that book, Cupid's Arrow was on the publisher's best sellers list for two consecutive months!

So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it:)

Blurb for The Promise

Shannon Hayes’ husband David was killed in Iraq nearly a year ago, and now she
must face her first holiday season without him. With a toddler in tow, she travels to the Vermont farm where the rest of the family has gathered for the holidays. There she comes face to face with the man who was with him when he died, and her destiny, his older brother Ryan.

For the first time in years, Ryan returns home to keep a promise he made to David —to take care of Shannon and their daughter. It’s a pledge Ryan is reluctant to keep because he’s been secretly in love with Shannon since first setting eyes on her. Their attraction to each other is instant, intense and soon the promise isn’t the only thing between them.

Excerpt

“Ryan!” If he heard her, he ignored her, and continued walking toward the garage. “Ryan!” Shannon picked up her robe and dashed down the steps and into the snow. The cold immediately went through her slippers. “Ryan, please wait!”

He rounded the garage and disappeared. Shannon couldn’t believe that he didn’t hear her. She rushed to catch up with him, almost falling when she stepped on an icy patch of snow. She entered the garage just as he opened the door to his jeep. “Ryan!”

He stiffened but didn’t turn around as she expected. Shivering, Shannon stepped infront of him, putting herself between him and the open door. She didn’t know what she was going to do; only that she had to stop him in some way. “What are you doing?” she asked, flinching from the unwelcome coldness in his eyes. It was just getting light enough for her to see his expression, hard and set as usual.

“I would think that’s obvious,” he said flatly, a tick appearing in his jaw. His gaze was focused somewhere over her head.

“Your leaving will ruin everyone’s holiday. Every year, all they ever talk about is you coming home.” His gaze zeroed in on hers with deadly accuracy. He looked so angry, as if he was about to explode. Shannon felt the urge to reach up and kiss away the firmness of his mouth until it was soft and friendly. “Are you leaving because of, ah, what happened?” She didn’t have to spell it out; they both knew what she was referring to.

“I think it’s better this way.”

“I’m not blaming you,” she began. “It’s something that just happened, a moment that got away from us.” Trying to sound as if it was insignificant didn’t come off as convincing as Shannon wanted it to. She could barely look Ryan in the eye because of the heat filling her cheeks.

“What makes you think it won’t happen again?”

Shannon’s eyes rounded in surprise. The little thrill his words caused evaporated quickly when she realized he wasn’t happy about his earlier loss of control.

Would it happen again?

She didn’t have the nerve to ask. Deep down part of her wanted it to. She
could tell he wanted to leave, but she was in his way.

“Ryan please, if you can’t stand being under the same roof with me then I’ll leave.Just, please, don’t hurt your family this way.” It surprised Shannon that his leaving would hurt her, too.

TORY'S WEBSITE

TORY'S BLOG

TORY'S FACEBOOK

BUY LINK FOR THE PROMISE

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE TORY A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN A $15 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO BATH AND BODY!!!

Happy Reading! ~ Alisha

Guest Blogger ~ Author, Alex Sinclair: Five Days Notice

2011-05-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

Alisha: Please welcome Alex Sinclair to my blog today. I'm thrilled to have him here! Alex, please tell us about Five Days Notice.

Alex: I originally wrote, Five Days Notice, a few years ago, but when it was due to come out the world went into financial meltdown. Due to the nature of the story I thought it would be far too depressing to put out at that moment in time. Five Days Notice is set in a world where the global economy has collapsed and the third world war has left the planet a dark and dangerous place. I decided to allow the novel to wait for its fifteen minutes of fame and I believe that was the right choice.

The reason I created such a harsh reality was because I wanted to stress how important a low paid dead end job actually was. Due to the economy there are no new jobs, which split society in two. You have the poor and the damned. The poor are the ones that work long hour for nearly nothing, but the job is the lifeline for their family. So the horrible world was created to cement the fact that this tedious job really was a matter of life and death.

The novel follows the lives of seven characters. They are told at the start of the book that by the end of the working week three of the members of staff will be let go. Malcolm, the manager, has five days to decide who he will keep on and who he will fire. I worked as a Christmas temp in a big superstore and after Christmas the manager came to us and said that three of us would be kept on, but the other seventeen temps would be let go. I was one of the people kept on, but it was horrible. People were gossiping, back stabbing and just being rude and nasty. It really made me wonder what lengths they would go to if their lives depended on that job. So, like reality, the character relationships start off nice and friendly, but when the pressure and the realization of losing their jobs sink, things turn bad!

Five Days Notice is a romantic suspense. The story follows the main relationship of Ariel and River. Ariel was the best friend to River’s mother. She has watched out for him and guided him these last few years, but when the boy turned into a man his feelings for her turned into something beyond friendship. She is nearly twice his age, but in a world without hope the two of them found their own little private piece of happiness. River knows that he must keep his job so that he doesn’t mirror his father. His father sponged off of his hard working mother for so many years. If he lost his job he would have to leave Ariel, which is the fuel for the fire that drives him forward.

All of the characters have justification for what they do. Hope is a depressive that needs the job to survive. It is the only reason she continues to exist. Kerry is a single mother that will do what is necessary to ensure she keeps her job for her daughter, no matter how low she must go. Alan is the victim of domestic abuse and is manipulated by his own wife. Michael is a man filled with hatred and anger for the manager, Malcolm. Bad blood between means that Michael knows he will be the first to go, but how far will he go to make sure he doesn’t lose his job?

There are no “Bad Guys” in, Five Days Notice; every character has a reason for the things they do. It is a battle of survive where friends become enemies, strangers become lovers, lovers become deceivers and it is every man or woman for themselves. The story is filled with love, passion, corrupt, betrayal and deceit. Due to the amazing reviews and fantastic sales I have already started work on a sequel. The sequel is titled, Five Days Notice: Hand of God, the story follows the characters that keep their job at the end of, Five Days Notice, but takes the story in a new direction that no one could expect.

Book Title: Five Days Notice

Author: Alex Sinclair

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Price: $0.99

Links

AMAZON LINK

Sinclair Books

Facebook

Blurb

The global economy has collapsed and third world war has left the planet a dark and deadly place. Having a job is like winning the lottery. It is a rare and cherished thing. Society is split into two classes, the poor and the damned. Only one superstore remains in the city. The seven staff members work long hours for hardly any pay, but they are considered the lucky ones.

River is in love. He is in love with the woman of his dreams. Only she doesn’t know it. Ariel lights up his dark and lonely world. She is the reason he wakes up every single morning. Her friendship and company give meaning to his existence, but when job cuts are announced his world is turned upside down. The staff are given five days notice. By the end of the week three members of staff will be fired, but how far is River willing to go to ensure that the love of his life keeps her job?

With uncertainty and doubt fuelling the fires of fear each member of staff sets out on a dangerous path of deception. The flesh of the weak is food for the strong. It is a dog eat dog world. Friends become enemies. Lovers become deceivers. You can trust no one. You can rely on no one. You must do what needs to be done to make sure you survive. You must steal, you must betray and you must kill. Betrayal, deception and corruption have never looked so sexy.

Tornado Disaster Relief

2011-05-24T10:08:00.008-05:00

My heart goes out to all the victims and survivors of Joplin, Missouri after the monster tornado that ripped their world apart.

RED CROSS DONATIONS

I'll be giving a free ebook (Reader's Choice) to EVERY SINGLE READER who donates to the Red Cross today and EVERY PERSON who donates will also be entered into two drawings for a free autographed print copy of Nocturnally Vexed by Alisha Paige and a copy of Believe by Vicki Batman.

Simply leave a comment with your book preference and an email address where to send the ebook. To view my backlist, go HERE. If you'd like to remain anonymous, send me an email at alishapaigewilson@yahoo.com.

ATTN AUTHORS: PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IF YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE A BOOK TO THE CAUSE AND I WILL DO A SEPARATE DRAWING FOR EVERY BOOK DONATED.

Please pray for the people of Joplin.

~God Bless,
Alisha