Six Sentence Sunday #13

Hello and welcome back to my little corner of cyberspace! I'm so glad you are joining me today. Here's another taste of my current WIP called PRIDE RULES. Be sure to stop by www.sixsunday.com for links to more fabulous authors.

Eshe grumbled under her breath. She did not have time for annoying salesmen today.  She grabbed her purse, slung it over her shoulder, and swung open the front door. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m not–”

            

          One glance at the phenomenal specimen of man standing on her doorstep caused the 

words to catch in her throat. 

          Delicious! 

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Carrie Ann Ryan

So excited to have one of my absolute favorite authors on my blog today! Please help me welcome Carrie Ann Ryan.


Without further ado.....

Tell us a little about yourself.

First off, thank you so much for having me here today. I'm really just a typical romance author, if there was anything technical about it. I used to be a chemist by day, a wife, a kitten mother, and author by night. As of a couple weeks ago, I'm just little old me, someone who loves to dive into new worlds, and see where the romance takes her.

Did you always want to be an author?

I've always been in my own head and screamed up new stories, but the idea of sharing them in becoming an author is relatively new to me. However, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. To be able to let the characters speak and to let others see what I'm thinking, the most amazing thing.

I totally agree.

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

I think there are two parts of this, I love meeting new characters in my head and figuring out what they would do if I put them in different situations. And even then they get their own situations, and I have to figure out how to get them out.

But another thing I love, is hearing from readers. When I first started out I had no idea anyone would actually read these I thought, hey, why not try it out and see if I can get one or two readers. Boy was I wrong. And I'm happy about it. I love hearing from readers saying that they love my Redwood Pack boys, and tell me which man/wolf they want to end up with. And now that I'm starting this new series, I can't wait to hear what they have to say about this new group of characters.

I'm one of those and so far Jasper is my favorite to drool over. *giggle*

Tell us a little about your new book.

Dust of My Wings is the first book in my Dante’s Circle series. Here, I have an angel, Shade, who was sent to earth to recover his angel dust. However, things don't go as easily as he'd hoped, since Lily, a lab tech, has recovered the dust first. So now Shade needs to decide how he's going to do his job and not fall in love with the woman with big green eyes.

But underneath it all is another faction trying to destroy him and his secret about the humans that may just blow up everything. In this book you get to meet Lily, and her six girlfriends, who become their own family and are each different and unique in their own way. I'm so happy I get to write a story about each of them and then they all love with along the way.

So yes, this is not a Redwood Pack book, but it's still me. It's still hot, funny, and just a little dark. I can't wait to hear what you think about it.

I already read it and it is FANTASTIC!

What was your favorite part of the book?

I think meeting new people and breaking out a new world. I didn't stick with just werewolves this time, which scares me. I know people love my walls, and I love them too, but keep an open mind and know that the matter what they shifted to their still my characters.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

Hmm, let's see on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is your Nana's knitting project, and 10 is OMG through some ice water on her she's on fire, I think this is around seven or eight. Definitely hot scenes, but it isn't the whole point of the book. But you know me and my hot scenes, so of course I had put a few in there. Wink wink

Dust of My Wings Blurb

            Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.

Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.

Dust of My Wings Excerpt

The motorcycle vibrated beneath Shade as he pulled off the side of the road and parked. The rain pelted him, the cold seeping into his bones, but he shrugged it off. He was in northern Washington and this seemed to be the norm in terms of weather.

He lifted his leg and got off the bike, ignoring the stares of the women around him. They watched him stroll, his powerful legs leading to long strides. He’d tucked his wings into the slits into his back to hide the fact he was an angel, but he couldn’t hide his face or the fact that women seemed to fawn over it.

It had been a long time since he had a woman. Not since that were jaguar a century or two ago in a night of deep depression and loneliness for him. But the heat, claws and desperation and only served to fill a physical need that left him even lonelier than before. From then on he left his carnal needs up to his hand. Before the jaguar it had been even longer, but he didn’t want to think about her. The one he’d lost. She was long since gone.

When did you start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I wrote my first story when I was six. It was about Free Willy, and what would happen if he met a young girl, and she would help him instead. It was horrible, that I still have it.

But my first book that I wrote for publication, was a book about a group of seven men, brothers, who lived in the South and have a crazy life. I set that aside for now, because it too was horrible.

Then I met Kade, the hero of An Alpha’s Path, and everything clicked. That was a year ago this month. Who would've thought I'd still be doing it. I'm so happy I am.

It just took the right man to bring it out of you :-)

Where do you get your inspiration, Carrie?

Pretty much through anything.  I'm usually a character author, meaning if the character talks to me through something they'll find a story for them. Who knows I may change it the other way around eventually. If I'm watching a TV show, see someone walk past me, or to see a picture of something beautiful or scary, I can usually find inspiration.

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

Oh I plot everything. I have an outline for my series, and outline for my characters, a timeline for my characters, and outline for my book, and the detailed outlines for the chapter. Some people think this stifles them, but this lets me think about where I'm going some characters evolve. Just because I write an outline doesn't mean I have to stick to it, I can change and add things if I need to, but it's nice to know where I'm going so that way my fingers catch up to my brain.

Do you have another book in the works?

Oh my, I have so many. I'm still working on the Redwood Pack, because I have at least three more full-length novels and a few novellas coming out with that. I'm also working on another series called Holiday, Montana, where the five book series and they all come out between now and next summer. Plus, there's going to be more the Dante’s Circle world. So yeah, I'm a little busy.

You just keep it up, girl, cause I have to feed my addiction. LOL

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business?

Write, don't think about writing, do it. And ask for help. You don't know everything about writing, I don't know everything about writing, nobody knows everything. You could learn, listen, and ask. Plus, if you don't love your work how do you expect others to?

Boxers or Briefs? Boxer briefs or nothing at all. *wink wink*

Pizza or hamburger? A hamburger. I don't like pizza. I know, I know don't hate me.

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? Beer for me. Though I don't like anything to hoppy.

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Would you write or read there, or do something else?

I grew up all over the world, but I'd love to be able to go back to the Himalayas, immerse myself in the forest, right. That just sounds amazing to me.

(Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

Shade:  The first time I saw her I knew I wanted her, but a new it would be easy, after all she was the one holding my fate.

Lily: When I first saw Shade, I thought I'd hit my head, or just still had a headache for the night before. She was beautiful, and so caring, but still bad ass, I mean come on he has a motorcycle.

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Lily: His protectiveness, I know he can protect me but he also knows that I can protect myself. Plus he's training me, so watch out world.

Shade: *laughs softly* I love the way she picks herself up the matter what happens. Plus her eyes.

Lily: Shade…

Shade: I'll tell you how much I love you and how beautiful you are later

Lily: I can't take you anywhere.

Shade: I'll show you where I can take you.

Lily: *clears her throat* Okay, enough of that.

What are your plans for the near future? 

Lily: figure out how to live this new life of mine. I mean, I'm within angel, it's so different.

Shade: I'm just living it day by day for now, as long as Lily is by my side, I'm happy.

***Giveaway Info***

Carrie Ann is giving away an autographed swag pack to a person who comments. Be sure to leave your email address to be entered to win.

Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate - even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near - even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:

Website | Blog | Heartthrob Haven | Facebook Author Page | Facebook Friend | Goodreads |

Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan | Tumblr

An Alpha’s Path Amazon  Barnes & Noble ARe A Taste for a Mate Amazon Barnes & Noble ARe Trinity Bound Amazon Barnes&Noble ARe A Night Away Amazon Barnes&Noble ARe

 Thank you for being my guest today! 

It was such a pleasure.

Scene and Structure #5 - Pitfalls!

I'm on vacation this week with my daughter in sunny Florida, but I made sure to have a little something to share with you from our good friend Jack Bickham and his book SCENE & STRUCTURE.


Let's talk about our friends from last week, Jack and Jill. Now their goal was climbing a hill/mountain and we are trying to come up with conflicts for them. Be sure the conflicts you choose for your characters are not trivial. (Believe me your readers will care!) We don't want to read about how Jack and Jill don't have the proper equipment to scale their mountain. If the story is about them climbing, they sure as hell better have the proper climbing equipment. 


Now.... If the story is about them surviving in the Alaskan Tundra and they were in a plane crash and they have no equipment and they have to climb a mountain to escape a bear.... that's one thing.... but then the story goal is no longer them climbing a mountain it's about them surviving in the wilderness and readers will now expect them not to have the equipment they need.  


See how that changed everything.


Another point he makes in this chapter - don't sidetrack your characters (Pitfall #1). If Jack and Jill need money to finance their trip, don't create a thought process that says if the bank doesn't give us financing we have to rob a bank to get the money to climb the mountain.  OMG! Jack and Jill's story is about climbing a mountain, not becoming bank robbers! Be sure you don't back your characters into conflicts that distract from your story goal and possibly alter it in the process.


(Pitfall #2) - The Strongman
Don't let the characters run away with the story. Yikes! I know all my pantser friends out their are gasping. For you guys. Let the story run, but then be willing to go back and look at the scene and realize that you might not want all of it. For example, if Jack and Jill go to the bank to get financing for their climb and start a screaming match with the the bank manager... what's going to happen. What might you introduce into your story at that point that you don't want to explain to your readers? Jack says "what if the characters say they can get the money somewhere else and the bank manager sees it as a threat and calls in the loan on Jack's business... or Jack says he can just go get the money from his grandfather..." Well the reader is going to want to know why Jack didn't just go to the grandfather first. Is the grandfather part of the story, or did Jack just grab you by the ear and drag you along with him for no good reason.


I am such a pantser too and I have seen this happen in my own work from time to time. I take a step back and go 'what the hell?'. As a pantser you have to be willing to take it out and go at it again. Remind your characters to "stay on task" LOL. When this happens I usually highlight the scene, cut it and paste it at the bottom of my doc so that if I need it I can go back and and get it, but if I don't, I don't worry about it.


(Pitfall #3) - The Weakling
Don't duck your conflicts! "After the showdown with Jacob Simms, David drove directly home, feeling....." OMG! The author skipped the best part. He/she left out the showdown. 

Don't skip over conflict because you don't think you can write it well enough. "You will find that boldly going ahead into the 'impossibly difficult' conflict portion will stretch your abilities as a writer - and make you better than you thought you could ever be."

Happy Writing, Happy Reading

Krystal Shannan

Be sure to follow the blog if you haven't already. The July drawing  for an Amazon giftcard is next week! You have to be a follower to be entered :-)

Six Sentence Sunday #12

Darren Hamlin - Lion Shifter (Isn't he yummy?)

Welcome back for another six sentences. I think I'm going to give you something different. This week I'm letting you peek at a WIP called PRIDE RULES. It's a paranormal shifter romance. Here's a glimpse into the mind of the hero of the story, Darren Hamlin. He's following the heroine's scent through town and it has led him into a bookstore.

           Romance novels? Really? What self-respecting lioness would ever read a romance novel? Females of the species were over-the-top feminists and didn’t want men around except when they needed to breed. His own mother had told him ‘goodbye’ this year and ‘good luck’.  Fuck good luck!

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Lorraine Nelson

So pleased to welcome Lorraine Nelson to the blog today!


Without further ado.....

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a Canadian author, born and raised in New Brunswick on the East coast. I’ve always enjoyed reading, and English was my favorite subject in school. I won a writing award in grade six and the Canadian Legion published a poem I wrote in grade nine. I always seemed to have a book and pencil in hand back then, jotting down poems that came to mind, or writing up short stories. In the early nineties, I wrote and published stories for children, but it wasn’t until 2009 that I began writing for adults.

Did you always want to be an author?

Oh, yes! Most definitely! But my life took a series of turns that meant putting it off.

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

Reader reviews and fan mail. I love hearing from readers and getting their take on what worked for them and what didn’t. It’s rewarding to know that I can craft believable stories of romance and romantic suspense that people actually enjoy reading. J

Tell us a little about your book.

Blessed Homecoming is a story that is close to my heart. My faith has seen me through plenty of troubling times over the years and I challenged myself to write a good, clean story. I’m proud to say that I accomplished just that. This is a book that mothers can share with their daughters and women everywhere can share with family and friends without worrying about content. My mother is already anxious to see it in print. J

Wendy Danforth and Jake Roberts have to work through a lot of emotional baggage and outrun a crazed ex in the process.

When did you start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I wrote my first adult novel in the spring of 2009. It took seven weeks, start to finish, although it has been edited a few times since. Love on the Rocks is a sweet romance and it’s scheduled for release through Breathless Press on August 10^th.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes it’s an unusual name, an idea, or a location. Every story seems to come about in a different way.

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

I’m very much a pantser. I do a general outline, or GMC sheet, which lists names of main characters, their goals, motivations and conflicts. Sometimes it even lists the plot, black moment, and resolution. Once I have the basics figured out, I write.

Can you tell us a little about the process of getting your first book published?

It was a long process. J I wrote Zakia and the Cowboy during NaNo 2009. I submitted to it different publishers during 2010-11 and the story was rejected seven times. Then I received two contracts within a week of each other. I signed with Evernight Publishing and haven’t looked back.

What book have you most recently released?

Blessed Homecoming is my ninth release. It’s an inspirational romantic suspense contracted through Breathless Press and I’m proud to say it’s the first release in their new Blessings line.

Blurb:

The hometown girl and the handyman both carry emotional baggage. Are they destined to remain friends or is there room in their hearts for more?

***

Wendy Danforth is preparing to be a single mom, her ex-husband in jail for spousal abuse.  She returns to her hometown, to renew her faith and to heal. Caught off guard by the handyman in residence, attraction hits, swift and piercing, but she quells her unruly emotions, in no hurry to get involved in another relationship. Besides, at almost nine months pregnant, she wasn’t exactly looking her best.

Jake Roberts, hired to renovate the Danforths’ house, took one look at his employer’s daughter and wanted to run far and fast. He hadn’t possessed an ounce of faith or been around a pregnant woman in three long years, not since his wife and unborn son died in an auto accident.  They become friends, and when her ex-husband escapes custody, he steps up to protect Wendy and her unborn child. Will the danger and close proximity test their friendship? Or will it lead to more? Can Jake regain his lost faith, or will it elude him forever?

Excerpt:

Jake found it hard to believe what he'd overheard, what that sweet, caring woman had endured at the hands of a man who had vowed to cherish and protect her. He'd been heading down to retrieve a package of wood screws when he heard Wendy crying and didn't want to interrupt. He didn't want to eavesdrop either, but her pain-wracked voice kept him an unwilling captive as she relayed events.

Broken bones, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder and bruising over seventy-five per cent of her body. Then to heal and find out she was pregnant! Why would she be so happy about having that man's baby? Surely, she couldn't still love him after all that.

Hearing her speak of her faith in the midst of all that suffering struck a rusty chord inside his gut. Somehow, deep down, her quiet acceptance and determination spoke to him in ways that expensive therapy had not. She was a survivor, he'd give her that, but if her friend hadn't found her—no, he wouldn't go there. He couldn't. Divine intervention, she'd called it. He called it lucky. 

She'd come home to heal and build a new life for herself and the baby. Surrounded by family and friends, she'd never have to fear for her life again. Although he'd barely known her twenty-four hours and had a definite aversion to getting involved in her problems, he'd do what he could to help her adjust to living in a small town again. If the gossips wanted to pair them off, so be it. He'd been through worse—much worse.

He sat on the step with his head in his hands, undecided whether to let her know he'd overheard or pretend ignorance. How could he ignore the pain she'd suffered? More surprisingly, he realized he wanted to be there for her, to prove that not every man was prone to acts of violence. Although, like her father, he'd had some thoughts on what he'd like to do to her ex if he ever had the chance.

She took the matter out of his hands when she sat a couple steps below him and, placing a hand on his knee, asked, "How much did you hear?"

His head jerked up and he searched her eyes, expecting to see anger and disgust at his audacity, but there was none. "Pretty much all of it. I'm sorry, Wendy. I didn't intend to eavesdrop, but I didn't want to barge in on you either."

"Are you all right?"

"You're asking me? After all you've suffered, I should be asking you that question."

"My suffering ended the day he was found guilty. All that's left now is the sentencing in two weeks' time and I don't need to be there for that."

"But you're expecting his child. How is that not suffering, considering what he put you through?"

"Every life is a gift from God. I don't always understand His methods, but at least I have one good thing resulting from a failed marriage."

"Did you love him that much?"

"At first, yes, very much. He was the man I'd always dreamed about, kind, caring and it didn't hurt that he was gorgeous to boot." She smiled at the memory, then sobered. "The love died a slow death when the abuse started. He always made me feel like it was my fault, until the day I ended up in the hospital with a broken arm and didn't go back. I realized then my dreams of a happy ever after were never going to happen."

"What did you do? Where did you go?"

"A social worker at the hospital made a couple of calls and arranged a bed in a shelter for abused women. My arm being broken meant I couldn't work for a couple weeks, but when I returned, I found out from my boss, Emma, that he'd been haunting the place, waiting for me to show up. She'd had to call the police on a couple of occasions.

She became my best friend. Emma encouraged me to lay charges and file a restraining order against him, which I did. I also filed for divorce. He didn't show up in court, didn't contest it, so the judge granted the petition based on the abuse."

"I would think so," he huffed in agreement.

"I saw Clyde around from time to time after that, and he never made any effort to approach me, for which I was thankful. But the night before the divorce became final, he showed up after I got home from work. The rest, as they say, is history."

"Can you really put it all behind you that easily?"

"Believe me, Jake, it hasn't been easy. Easy started yesterday when Mama met me at the bus stop with her arms wide open. Until then, I'd hoped, but wasn't at all certain of my welcome, circumstances being what they are."

He placed a hand over hers where it still rested on his knee. "For what it's worth, I'm glad you're here. You are one remarkably strong lady and I'm honored to be your friend."

"My faith is what's strong. I had to believe the Lord has a purpose for me in this life. That's when I decided it was time to come home. I'd been away too long." She gently disentangled her hand and rose to her feet, slightly wobbly at first, causing him to reach out and grab her upper arms to steady her. "Thank you."

***

Available @: http://www.breathlesspress.com/blessed-homecoming

What was your favorite part of the book?

I’m not sure I have a favorite part. From the time the idea popped into my head, Wendy and Jake’s story seemed to write itself. I guess the time they spent in the wilderness was pretty special though.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

It’s an inspy, so it’s not steamy at all. I set out to write a satisfying, clean read of love and faith, and I accomplished just that.

Do you have another book in the works?

Always! J I’m currently working on Book 5 in my Thunder Creek Ranch series with Evernight Publishing. By the way, Monday, July 16^th is my birthday and Evernight has agreed to list all four TCR books at $1.99 for the one day. My way of saying thank you to my readers. If you’ve started the series, or if you’ve been wanting to read them, Monday is a great time to pick up the rest of the books.

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business?

Learn your craft. Writing is hard work. You write, rewrite, revise, edit, edit again, submit your work, suffer through multiple rejections and finally get published only to learn that you need to do a lot of promo as well. Build your following as you go. Learn to blog, build a website, tweet, and any other social media you can handle. Don’t give up on your dreams. Perseverance, patience, and dedication win out in the end.

Boxers or Briefs? Briefs!

Pizza or hamburger? Pizza

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? Wine coolers

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Would you write or read there, or do something else?

I’d love to rent a cottage on a beach anywhere warm, but not too hot. I would walk the beach daily, and read and write to my heart’s content.

(Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

Wendy thought Jake, a drifter, was using her parents for a place to stay.

Jake took one look and Wendy and wanted to run fast and far.

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Wendy likes the way Jake always does the heavy labor during renovations, taking it easy on her father’s weak heart condition.

Jake loves Wendy’s outlook on life, even though he doesn’t share in her faith.

What are your plans for the near future? 

Like all newlyweds, leaving to start their honeymoon.

Where to find you @

I so love hearing from my readers! It’s important to know what works and doesn’t work for them as I continue to craft stories of love and mystery. You can find me at:

http://www.lorrainenelson.weebly.com
http://www.lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author
http://twitter.com/#!/lornelca
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5254629.Lorraine_Nelson
http://www.amazon.com/Lorraine-Nelson/e/B005XMAYFQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Thank you for helping me celebrate this new release. Please follow along on my blog tour (schedule listed at: http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com) and comment daily for several chances to win a free download of Blessed Homecoming. Remember to leave your email address so I can reach you. :) Winner to be announced on July 31st.

It was so good to get to know you today and hear all about BLESSED HOMECOMINGS. 

Thank you for having me here today, Krystal! It’s been fun.

My pleasure!

Special Author Spotlight ~ Lynn Myshe' Joseph

Please help me welcome Lynn Myshe' Joseph to the blog today!

Without further ado........

Tell us a little about yourself.

Married, mom to 3 beautiful children-I have a handful at home!

Began writing at the age of 15 and 15 years later, I still love it- I work in corporate America by day, so at night, I release by writing when I can

Did you always want to be an author?

Yes! I knew from the 13 I wanted to writer and be an author- My parents always told me I had a penchant for getting my way across with words so have teachers, friends, etc. so I knew I was destined to be an author.

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

Being able to create characters and build worlds that aren’t limited- I love the fact that one day, people will see my works, and whether good or bad, I’ll appreciate it.

Tell us a little about your book.

Well, it’s an anthology of fantasies that we ALL have had at one point in our life; from being “shared”, having an intimate encounter with a sexy co-worker or being able to bed your favorite celebrity- the stories provide a little of background and plot, but it kicks it all into gear once the intimacy begins.

When did you start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I start writing this book last December and I finished in March, published April- it went pretty fast!

Where do you get your inspiration?

I have a VERY vivid imagination; I can overhear a conversation at work and plot an entire scene or story-- Hubby is also an inspiration, but not in the way you think! (wink)

Do you plot and outline or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

I just write; I sit down and pound out 4000 words and then go back to see where I need to add or take away-for my next book, I have begun to plot and I am loving the way it’s turning out, but I just get to it and write.

Can you tell us a little about the process of getting your first book published?

It kinda smacked me in the face- I was on Google looking for publishing companies, sending emails, etc. within 2 hours, I got a reply from a publisher, saying she wanted to feature me on her site- once I mentioned I wanted to get published, she sent me the contract! I edited, re-read, edited more and sent her the final draft..I am lucky to have such a great editor to work with and I know many do not get that lucky the first time out.

What book have you most recently released?

Submit to your Fantasies

What was your favorite part of the book?

The Domme I asked For- I really got into that one and I feel it’s the best in the book.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

The entire book I would rate as VERY steamy- some BDSM and explicit sex scenes.

Do you have another book in the works?

I have 2 actually in the works- they will be novellas and then I’ll go for the gusto and complete a full novel.

What advice would you give new authors?  What have you learned about the business?

DON’T GIVE UP! It took me 15 years to get to this point and if you keep going, you will be there as well and you have to want it- be passionate!

So far, I have learned it’s a competitive market, but that won’t deter me- Im not looking to be on the NY times bestseller- I’m happy just knowing a few people out there have like the works of Lynn Myshe’ Joseph!

Boxers or Briefs?

Briefs- Love to see the clinging like a second skin- that’s sexy.

Pizza or hamburger?

Pizza- deep dish- Chicago style!

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?

Mixed drinks- all the time!

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Would you write or read there, or do something else?

Greece- I want to lie on the white sand beaches and blue, blue ocean and just take it all in- I’d write, write and write more- places like that inspire creativity.

Character Questions: 

From the story, The Domme I asked For- Benjamin and Sophia:

What were your first impressions of each other?

Benjamin- Sophia was just this……exotic creature that I couldn’t take my eyes away from- and I still can’t

Sophia ( Giggles)- Benjamin’s eyes held me- blue, with a touch of gray and so penetrating- it’s like they looked right through me(Giggles again)

Benjamin- See that giggle she does? Its my undoing

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Sophia- Other than his eyes, I’d have to say his hands- they are big, warm and when he touches me, I hate to sound cliché’ but I melt all over him

Benjamin-Her lips-full, moist- so damn kissable…can we end this interview now?

What are your plans for the near future?

Benjamin- well, I plan to take her to bed- No! I’m kidding- am I? But really, this gal has me hooked and I’d hope that the woman I saw I’ll see more of (Sophia giggles)

Sophia is a classic beauty with a hell of a brain and so far, its been amazing-

Sophia- We have awesome chemistry, which makes it easy for us to be with each other- our friends and family all gag when we come around, so that’s a good sign. Right?

Benjamin- You know it is, Mistre-, I mean, Sophia (smile wickedly)

Sophia- (Giggles)

Here is a short treat from Benjamin and Sophia's story!

**Contains explicit language**

“Welcome.”

A throaty, raspy woman’s voice rang in his ear, making his cock go from half-staff to full-on salute and when he began to turn so he could face her, she abruptly jerked him back into position. The sudden movement stunned him.

“No turning around, Benjamin.”

She patted his ass and worked her moist tongue on his ears, nipping the lobes with her teeth. So, Sophia was hiding a naughty side to her?

A snicker escaped his lips. “Damn, the shy ones are always the sex kittens, aren’t they?”  She laughed and continued to wind her tongue, now to his neck, offering another pinch of teeth. He hissed and shuddered from the sensation of her tongue there, pondering what her tongue was going to feel like on the shaft of his dick as he looked into her eyes , on her knees, beneath him, taking him deep. He reached behind to touch her and she whacked his ass, hard. A groan escaped his lips.

“No touching, Benjamin. Now, be a good little boy, and you will get so much from me. Understand? Nod your answer.” Her voice went from throaty and soft, to now husky and challenging, enticing.

Hmm….seemed as if he was in for a treat this evening.

Thank you Lynn for sharing about yourself today. It was a pleasure to have you on the blog.

Remember to visit Lynn@

Twitter-

https://twitter.com/?iid=am-133564127713260370403855900&nid=15&uid=458443906&utm_content=profile#!/LynnMysheJoseph

Blog-

http://lynnmyshejoseph.wordpress.com

Scene and Structure #4

Well, today I was greeted by my two year old in the hallway at 6am... LOL, It's just going to be one of those days. I fed her and clothed her.  Lucky for me, she wandered off to play with her stuffed animals and I can sneak in a few moments to share what I've learned from my latest reading in Jack Bickham's SCENE & STRUCTURE. Although, I hear an approaching floor popper, so this is probably going to be quick today.

Jack is talking about overall goals today in your scenes. How to avoid the circular arguments that plague many children and non-comunicative adults..... *snicker* 

When we read a book, we don't want the characters to just argue and go back and forth at each other, we want problems, crisis, choices that must be made, action that must be taken. We want to hope and cheer on our heroes and heroines in their epic struggle to reach their goal and we want to be made to believe that they might not make it.

Remember to have your long-term story question in mind when writing each chapter all they way down to each individual scene. If the story is about Jack and Jill climbing a hill. Every scene should be their struggle to do so until they ultimately succeed. Unless something else relates to that goal and question, it is unneeded and distracting to the reader.

Authors do this successfully by placing conflicts in their characters' paths - usually a villain figure.

Now for the 'disaster' as Jack calls it. The final twist in a scene that keeps the hero/heroine from achieving their quest or attaining their goal.

'It seems clear why this should be so. If a character enters a scene, has a big struggle, and comes out with exactly what he went in for, then he is happy as a lark. Again -just as if there had been no fight at all - Jack and and Jill are happy, the reader is happy - and all story tension just went down the drain.

This is why the scene, if it is to work as a building block in your novel, must end not well, but badly. Jack and Jill can not be allowed to attain their scene goal. They must encounter a new setback. They must leave in worse shape than they were in when they went in. Any time you can build a scene which leaves your character(s) in worse shape, you have probably "made progress" in terms of your story's development!

So to recap... 

1) Start with a goal in mind

2) Plan your conflicts

3) Devise a solid disaster 

Now, go torture those characters for our pleasure and enjoyment! 

Remember it's for a good cause. You want to write a bestseller!

Happy Writing, Happy Reading.

Krystal Shannan

Six Sentence Sunday #11

Welcome back for another six from OPEN HOUSE.

Be sure to check www.sixsunday.com for lots more links to other great authors.

“I forgot I have an open house today.  There’s nobody at the office to cover it, so I have to run.”

“Those don’t look like very good running shoes.” He gestured to the heels dangling from her fingers.

“Seriously?”  She considered chunking the heels at him, but he might not give them back.  

Fabulous Author Friday ~ Sheri Fredricks

Please help me welcome Sheri Fredricks to the blog today! I am so excited to have her here.

Without further ado..........

Sheri please tell us a little about yourself.

I’d like to give a huge thank you to Krystal for having me on her blog today!

You are very welcome!

I was born on September 5, which makes me a Virgo, I fit the attributes of that Zodiac sign to a tee. Before I became a writer, I worked in an engineering contractor's office. It was great: 65 men, 3 women, and as close to heaven as a single girl could get. Now I write full-time, work in my husband's home office full-time, and cater to the kids, livestock, and ranch around the clock. 

Sounds very busy.

So beautiful Sheri!

Did I mention I live on the scenic central coast of California, where the weather is always near perfect?

Did you always want to be an author?

No. In second grade, the teacher had us draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up. I seated my hugely grinning self on a golden throne and drew sacks of money all around me.

The caption beneath read: I want to be RICH!

That's fantastic! LOL

What is your favorite part of being a writer/author?

Here’s two answers to your question.

Personally:  I’ve always been a geek— never athletic enough, uncoordinated, and live with freaky ideas in my head. My husband is the complete opposite, achieving top shelf results in whatever he sets his mind to. When I wrote my first story, it blew him away. That was a glorious moment for me!

Professionally:  It’s a tough tie between creating stories that have never been told, and all the GREAT people I’ve met along the way.

I completely agree! The writing community is unlike any other. It really is a lot of fun and filled with awesome people.

Tell us a little about your book.

Remedy Maker is about Rhycious, an ex-military centaur medic whose battle scars are hidden beneath the surface. Moments of high stress trigger hallucinating flashbacks, a condition he continually fights to overcome. When he meets Patience, a beautiful wood nymph and the race of the late enemy of his people, he learns about unconditional love…and the healing power of a single touch.

Together they must battle human hunters who wish to enslave the mythological beings, rebels taking over the centaur kingdom, and the affection they have for each other in a mythic world filled with prejudice.

When did you start writing and when did you finish your first book?

It was November 2008. A fire was burning in our living room while my husband and our boys were watching The Cowboys, starring John Wayne. I was probably whining about something to do FOR ME that I would be GOOD AT and RECOGNIZED FOR.

My husband suggested I write a story instead of reading them. It was my “ah-ha” moment.

I penned two other books before I started Remedy Maker. It took just over a year to complete, from outline to submission.

Where do you get your inspiration?

From a bottle of gin and a liter of tonic. 

ROFL! Personally, I like tequila and margarita mix.

Do you plot and outline, or do you just write?  Plotter or Pantser?

I plot. As a list-maker, I plot out my day. My kids’ day. My husband’s To-Do list.

I’m a Plot-a-holic!

With Remedy Maker, I wrote an outline, which was a narrative form of the book. It ended at 13,400 words and 33 pages long. Yeah, I plot.

Holy smoke!!!

Can you tell us a little about the process of getting your first book published?

When I was ready to query, I hit all my favorite agents first. When all of them rejected me (lol), I submitted to all my favorite ePublishers. A week would pass without a word. I sent more submissions out. A second week went by.

By the third week, I had my first contract offer. Then another. And yet another!! In total, I had 5 contract offers in just over a week. At that point, it was a matter of feeling them out, reading the fine print, and making a decision.

That's so great! It must have been a good feeling, I know when I got my contract on my novella with Ruby Lioness I was ecstatic! 

What book have you most recently released?

Remedy Maker was released by Ruby Lioness Press on July 27 in both print and eBook formats.  Portals of Oz was released the month prior, on June 29, in an anthology named Love Down Under.

What was your favorite part of the book?

My favorite part is also one of the darker scenes. Where the hero, Rhycious, returns home to find the heroine, Patience, missing from his home. He suspects the worst and suffers an all-out PTSD breakdown. It was an extremely hard scene to write, but the most rewarding.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

Above sensual, but below erotic.

STEAMY:  Mainstream audience. Heavy sexual tension; graphic details; may contain coarse language; sex scenes contain some adult language. Still suitable for the general audience.

Do you have another book in the works?

Absolutely! I working on the next novel in the series, tentatively titled Trolly Yours. The outline is complete and I'm digging in with all ten fingers to finish the book. The story involves a side character with a huge ego named Aleksander, introduced in Remedy Maker. He meets the only mythic female in the Boronda Forest who isn't fazed by his charms and good looks…and the sparks fly!

There is also a time-travel western romance I dusted off to finish writing. Her Future Past is novel length and is sure to be Yee-Haw good! Trey MacPherson, a marshal from the 1880’s, is tracking a murderer and finds himself sucked through a wormhole with his posse. He meets Holly Laurens, owner of the ranch they appear at, and realizes the murderer has come forward in time as well.

Sounds like fun!

What advice would you give new authors? 

Join a critique group and sign up for classes. Savvy Authors has many low cost workshops, as well as FREE classes. If you’re serious about writing, and your goal is to seek publication, then NEVER GIVE UP!

Good advice!

OMG! I LOVE THIS ONE SHERI!

Boxers or Briefs?

Can I choose commando? 

Of course, you wouldn't be the first! LOL 

Pizza or hamburger?

Pizza— It’s the most perfect food in the world. You’ll notice how a pizza holds all five food groups and keeps our meals balanced.

  

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?

Hi there. Sapphire and tonic girl here. Add a twist of lime and throw it in a bucket. (that’s a large high-ball glass for you newbies)

I have those in my cabinet, LOL, my hubby drink whiskey out of them.

If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Would you write or read there, or do something else?

If there's one destination to blow my savings on in the name of love, this tiny, pricey South Pacific island is it. Novelist James A. Michener described Bora Bora as, "the most beautiful island in the world" and if I ever reach this romantic getaway's far-flung shores, I doubt I’d disagree.

To answer the second half of your question, I would hope my husband and kids are there with me. I’d soak in the experience and BE THERE in the moment.

If you're looking for a book that will take you away to a mythic world that might exist…

If you love hot guys with insatiable appetites who have a dash of vulnerability…

If you're looking for a sensual read with the power to make you gasp…

This would be the book for you.

Man by day, Centaur by night, Rhycious is a remedy maker who needs his own healing.

He's the royal physician, famous for his cures. War and posttraumatic stress disorder has broken his spirit, preventing him from finding true happiness. Then a direct order from the queen to investigate an uprising forces him out of his secluded cabin at the edge of the forest.

Patience is an optimistic, good-natured Wood Nymph who works as a mediator to ensure harmony within the Nymph sector.

Environmental pollution in the aquifer stream that feeds the taproot tree of her heart is slowly killing her. Resigned to the fact she will not live long, she sets out to discover the mysterious disappearance of her sister. Experience has taught her to deny herself the love of a male, but the gruff Centaur is different. He doesn't push his expectations on her, only his healing nature.

When Rhycious loses his grip on reality, he believes his inability to control his disorder will drive Patience away. Nevertheless, desire flares, and Patience draws him close. Kidnapping and betrayal turn their mythic joint venture into a deadly bout.

Will their love endure when survival hinges on trusting each other?

Excerpt

“You ever see her before?”

“No, I haven’t.” Rhy ran his hands down both bare legs and a slender exposed arm. He checked for broken bones, noting her supple skin and a clean woodsy scent.

Her blouse had an unusual design, made of homespun fibers. It had a diagonal cut neckline with tiny puff sleeves, pink and soft. Created from the same material, a short skirt flared, and was embroidered with spring-green leaves.

A tickle teased his neck again, but not from annoyance this time. He repeated the examination of her other arm. Tension curled tighter in his gut, suspicion spread like spilled wine.

Tilting her head with care, he pushed her dark brown hair from her smooth décolletage, sucked in a short breath, and froze.

“What is it? Snake bite?” Samuel raised the brass lantern higher and leaned over for a better view.

Rhy tapped his thumb against her neck. Designs a few shades darker than her natural color marred the creamy complexion. The millennia old skin formation carved its way into his painful memories. It started behind her ear, an inch wide at the hairline, and extended to the other side.

The words choked out of him. There was no use trying to hide his revulsion. “Wood Nymph.”

That was fabulous Sheri! 

Thank you so much for being my guest today! 

Thanks for having me! You have a beautiful blogsite, and I really enjoyed being here!

Readers, be sure to leave your email address in your comment for the chance at a great swag pack from Sheri.

Be sure to visit Sheri@

Website:           www.sherifredricks.com

Blogsite:            www.sherifredricks.blogspot.com (home of the infamous Friday Flames!)

Facebook:         http://www.facebook.com/SheriFredricks

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