Krystal Shannan Features - Garden of Sorrow by Dale Mayer @dalemayer #cblspromos #suspense #pnr

Garden of Sorrow (Psychic Visions #4)

by Dale Mayer

Paranormal Romantic Suspense

Published by Valley Publishing (Indie)

Release Date: December 3, 2012

Heat Level: Steamy

Length: 330 pages

Available at…

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Psychic-paranormal-romantic-suspense-ebook/dp/B00AHPRNNU/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/garden-of-sorrow-dale-mayer/1113947068

Blurb

Her world is in chaos. His world is in order. She wants to help the innocent. He wants to catch the guilty. But someone is trying to make sure that neither gets what they want.

Alexis Gordon has spent the last year trying to get over the loss of her sister. Then she goes to work on a normal day...and reality as she knows it...disappears.

Detective Kevin Sutherland, armed with his own psychic abilities, recognizes her gift and calls in his friend Stefan Kronos, a psychic artist and law enforcement consultant, to help her develop her skills. But Kevin has never seen anything like this case - a killer with a personal vendetta to stop Alexis from finding out more about him...and his long dead victims.

The killer can be stopped. He must be stopped. But he's planning on surviving...even after death.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt:

"Ouch." A thin stream of red oozed up from her mud-covered fingers. Whatever that thing was, it had scratched her palm. She stared at the surrounding puddle. Where had it gone? There, beside her right foot. Alexis leaned over for a closer look. 

It couldn't be.

Several voices called down to her. She ignored them, and tugged the muddy piece free. Blowing away several strands of hair blocking her view, she swished the item around in the rainwater and managed to clean off most of the dirt. 

Small, white and with a distinctive shape, it resembled a bone. More like several tiny bones barely connected by stiff mud. And oh, God… It looked like…a finger! 

Ice settled into her spine. She held a finger. 

A tiny finger. 

A child's finger, still wearing a toy ring.

Her fingers tightened around the bones. Her insides warred to keep the precious item safe while another part of her wanted to throw it far away from her.

Then something changed. 

Dizziness and nausea fought for supremacy as her vision blurred. Disoriented, she wavered as the ditch before her suddenly lengthened and narrowed, morphing into an interior hallway.

Alexis froze, her horrified gaze locked on the changing scene.

Dear God, what was going on? Her mind raced to sort out the change. How had the dirt bank turned to gray paint? And the sewer smell smothered by heavy cooking odors? Fried chicken? 

Where was she? 

Alexis stared down the hallway. A young child, caught inside this peculiar scenario, stumbled toward her with both hands clasped over her ears. Tears streamed down her young face, and her t-shirt was inches above the dirty shorts. Bruises decorated her lower legs, and well…dirt covered the rest of her. As if she'd recently been playing in a dirt pile. Alexis tried to run to her, to hug her tight, to protect her…only to find she couldn't move. Her feet were paralyzed in place. Terror filled her heart.  

She opened her mouth to scream. No sound came out.

Run. The scream seared through her mind.

Dimly in the background, loud crashes and yelling could be heard, as if someone gave chase. Fear of retribution accentuated every step the distraught child took. The sound and tone distorted.

Alexis shuddered. Tears clogged her throat and pain choked her heart. 

"Alexis. Alex? Alex!"

Scott's alarmed voice pulled at her from outside the vision that held her transfixed. Caught between two realities, Alexis jerked toward Scott, the object dropping from her fingers.

Instantly, the hallway disappeared. 

It was if a vacuum sucked the dirt walls back into place, with a rush so powerful it forced Alexis to lean forward. Then as if caught in a giant rubber band, the force suddenly released, to throw her into reverse. She flew backwards and landed, once again, on her butt in the middle of the large puddle. 

Her gut screamed and bile tried to escape her throat. She shuddered. What the hell had just happened? She swallowed convulsively, willing her breakfast to stay down. Tremors started at her toes and rattled up her spine. 

"Alexis, damn it. Answer me!" Scott demanded.

"I – I'm fine." Was that croaking her voice? The finger... Where was it? More than a little daunted by the prospect of touching it again, she remained seated and eyed the surrounding mud. 

There. 

It rested on the muddy surface…waiting for her.

Eerie. She hated to touch it again, the last experience too horrific to repeat. She reached for it, but her fingers shook so badly she stopped. Yet, she couldn't force herself to leave it behind. Compromising, she pulled a tissue from her pocket and gingerly picked it up. 

The size bothered her. The vague image of the running child from a few moments ago slammed back. Ruthlessly, she pushed the vision out of her mind. She couldn't even begin to analyze what had happened. It had been way too weird. Alexis focused on what was important right this moment. Where there was a finger…

She studied the high expanse of dirt wall. She dimly remembered digging her fingers into the bank on her downward tumble. But how high up had that been? The ditch stood eight to ten feet deep.

"Here's the ladder, Alexis," Scott said as Mike, another coworker arrived with the ladder. Scott held the long metal structure several feet off to the side. 

"No!" she motioned. "Please, bring it over here. Where I fell in."

Scott shrugged and the two moved the ladder to the right spot. 

Alexis struggled to position it the best she could near her original flight path. Once the ladder was secured, she moved upward, one rung at a time. At each new level, she stopped and searched. The bone had to have come from somewhere. 

"Oh, for the love of God. Alexis, what are you doing?" Scott peered over the ladder at her.

Alexis didn't answer. What could she say? Three, maybe four feet from the top, a speck of white caught her eye. Reaching between the ladder rungs, she gently brushed some of the dirt away. Another bone, possibly another finger. Vomit lined her throat. She rested her forehead against the steel frame of the ladder for a long moment.

"Scott?" Her hands squeezed the ladder tight. She kept her voice low.

"Yes, beautiful. What's going on?" He crouched down for a better look, but he was at the wrong angle. 

"Are there any police close by?" She cleared her throat, tears suddenly clogging her throat. Willing him to not ask her any questions. "If not, go get one – now."

Startled, Scott stared at her for a brief moment before disappearing from sight, his heavy footsteps fading rapidly. Mike held the ladder steady. Alexis rested her head against a rung, and waited with her arm wrapped around one side of the ladder. The steel dug into her forehead as she realized something important.

This wasn't just a ditch. This was a grave. 

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars--BEST of the Psychic Visions Books

“I've been a fan of this series ever since I read Tuesday's Child. The whole concept of psychics who work alongside police and rescuers and use their talents to tap into victims and killers really grabbed me. Because of their psychic abilities, these people are special and yet are often outsiders to society, trying to fit in. This is #4 (I think) in the series, and it's the best so far. with one, platonic with the other--no menages in this book!) and endearing. If you've read the earlier books, you'll remember Stefan and he's more central in this story. I rate it as a Must Read.”--Amy Atwell "Getting To The Heart of the Story"

5.0 out of 5 stars--Fantastic!!

“Wow! Dale Mayer has done it again. I've read this whole series and it is exceptional. This is the fourth book in the series (I hope there will be many more) and I think it's the best one yet. I love a book that pulls you in and this one definitely does that. Be prepared to read it from cover to cover in one sitting. A definite MUST read.”--BizzyBee

5.0 out of 5 stars--Dale Does IT Again! Another Page Turner

“I've been a student of intuitive development for ten years, and this book could be an instruction manual - boldly going where no one has gone before. Great plot. Great suspense. The characters are realistic. The crime is real. The author's compassion for humanity shows through in this page turning novel. I didn't want it to end. I WANT MORE. Gimme more!”--Angelika Love "A Love"

Prize is 15 eBook copies of "Garden of Sorrow" (1 each to 15 winners). Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Feb 4. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Enter to win by commenting and through the rafflecopter below.

Visit her other stops here! 

About the Author

Dale Mayer is a prolific multi-published writer. She's best known for her Psychic Visions series. Besides her romantic suspense/thrillers, Dale also writes paranormal romance and crossover young adult books in several different genres.  To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series . All her books are available in print format as well.

Connect with Dale Mayer:

Website: http://www.dalemayer.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dalemayer

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author

BOOKS BY DALE MAYER

Psychic Visions Series

Tuesday's Child (Book 1)

Hide'n Go Seek (Book 2)

Maddy's Floor (Book 3)

Garden of Sorrow (Book 4)

Single Title Romantic Suspense/thrillers

Touched by Death

Novellas

It's a Dog's Life (Romantic Comedy)

Young Adult Books

In Cassie's Corner

Dangerous Designs (Designs, Book 1)

Deadly Designs (Designs, Book 2)

Vampire in Denial (Blood Ties, Book 1)

Vampire in Distress (Blood Ties, Book 2)

Gem Stone (Gemma Stone Mysteries, Book 1)

Non-Fiction Books

Career Essentials: The Resume

Career Essentials: The Cover Letter

Career Essentials: The Interview

Career Essentials: 3 in 1

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Aphrodite from OPEN HOUSE swings by for a visit!

Aphrodite walks into the interview room. She twirls a finger through her long curly auburn tresses. Twinkling ice blue eyes and a friendly smile meet the gaze of Krystal Shannan.

Copper beads dangle from her ears and wide bands of engraved copper clink on her wrists. White denim leggings, brown leather high-heeled stiletto boots, and a sparkling champagne colored tunic finish off the Vogue worthy ensemble. 

Aphrodite: Thank you for having me over today, Krystal. 

K. Shannan: I super excited you came by. I poured a glass of your favorite.

Aphrodite: Mmmmm. Thank you.

She sits down on the chair facing Krystal.

K. Shannan: Could you tell us a little about the book?

Aphrodite: It’s about a young couple, Rebecca and Robert, who missed their first chance at bonding. They are soul mates and it takes some intervention on my part to get them where they are supposed to be. I don’t usually like to interfere on the mortal realm, but Ares left me no choice. 

K. Shannan: Tell us a little about Ares. I know you and he have a history.

Ares, the God of War, is a complicated situation. We had a relationship and then he ruined it and now…. I don’t know…. I think he is trying to piece it back together. He’s certainly making a valiant effort, but we’ll just see. I’d rather not get into details at this time.

K. Shannan: Do you want to share a little about soul mates?

Aphrodite: Of course. You know your soul is immortal, right? Well, now you do. Most humans refuse to believe such nonsense, no scientific proof and all. Well, they are wrong. Your souls live lifetime after lifetime, always looking for their mate. Once two souls have joined as mates, they are together for the rest of eternity. When one dies, it will wait until it’s mate dies and then they will reincarnate together in the same decade so they can be together again. Joined souls are drawn to each other like magnets, once joined it would take an act of a god to separate them. Believe me, that is not a pleasant experience.

K. Shannan: I'll take your word for it.

Aphrodite: Souls that are looking for their mate, but haven’t found them yet, are also drawn to each other, but the pull is not nearly as strong. That is where I come in. I assist with that little extra push to make sure the soul mating is complete. Of course that assistance only happens when I have physically meet the person the soul resides in. I must touch the soul to be able to track it. Needless to say, you might meet me at a local wine festival and not even know it. *wink* I love wine festivals. Dionysus and I have a long-standing partnership.

K. Shannan: Why are the souls so important to you?

Aphrodite: I’m connected to them and them to me. When souls ache, I ache. When souls are joined I am refreshed. It is a symbiotic relationship. One cannot exist without the other. 

Mother Gaia gave me a gift no other Titan received. I am linked to humanity in a way that can never be broken and the other gods have never been pleased by that fact. It keeps me stronger than any of them. All the other Titans were banished or killed, but they cannot get rid of me without getting rid of the human race. And that would just be stupid. The Olympians are not stupid. Petty and vindictive, yes, stupid…. No. 

K. Shannan: Several people have asked why you say you are a Titan. Most people think of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, as an Olympian.

Aphrodite: There is an Olympian named Aphrodite, but she is not the Goddess of Love. Zeus named his daughter after me to irritate me. *hiss* Which it did. That sniveling little cheerleader called a goddess deals in physical lusts and instant attractions. Superficial passions, I suppose you could call it. She has nothing to do with actual love and true human passion.

K. Shannan: What do you like to do when you aren’t helping souls?

Aphrodite: *Huge grin* I love fashion. I subscribe to every human fashion magazine I can find. Dionysus teases me, but I love clothes. We may be gods, but we can definitely appreciate many human conveniences –coffee, clothing, chocolate. I just joined social media, too. I was tired of being told I needed to join the twenty-first century. You can visit me at my FaceBook fan page, Aphrodite – Pool of Souls Series, for all kinds of updates and musings. 

K. Shannan: Thanks again for coming by today. It's been so nice chatting with you today. Readers, Aphrodite has graciously offered to answer questions. So please ask away.

In the meantime we have a little excerpt to share with you......

Intrinsically woven into the fabric of human existence, Aphrodite, Titan Goddess of Love and Passion, dedicates herself to matching soul mates. 

Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their original chance to bond when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career ten years ago. Their souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance at love, but... How far will the gods go to get their own way? 

Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?

A deep male voice boomed through her garden, breaking her concentration. “Aphrodite!” The images of Robert and Rebecca swirled and were lost as the pool’s surface went clear. She turned to face the irate male.

“Ditee! Why can’t you just leave well enough alone?”

Aphrodite leaned against the cool rock and gave him a lazy smile. She’d expected Ares to complain. Robert Corvin played a key role in research and weapon development for the United States. No human got into his position without a little shove from the god of war.

“I will do exactly as I wish, especially when it comes to souls who have searched as long as these two have.”

“He’s mine, Ditee. I’ve finally got him where he will be of most use, and now I hear he has moved. Because of a girl! I knew it was your fault. Hands off.” His eyes flashed red, and a deep growl rumbled from his chest.

Aphrodite rose to face him. Her power rose and flamed within her, causing her skin to glow white. Ares took a step back. “You will not speak to me so rudely,” she said, her voice taking on its godly attributes, booming across the garden like a sonic wave. Ares stumbled a little from the force. “I am your superior. These souls deserve to be together, and you will not interfere.”

“The hell I won’t.”

Find it Now
 ~ Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ All Romance  ~ Kobo

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Krystal Shannan Discusses - Strategic Master Plot....How to Write one - Scene and Structure #14

We've reached the end of a fabulous book. I'm sad and excited at the same time. I've learned so much from Jack Bickham's Scene and Structure, but at the same time I am so ready to pick up a different book and learn new stuff from another teacher. This final post discusses his last chapter on the Scenic Master Plot. First off, what I'm going to post is NOT a fill-in-the-blank recipe for a novel. It's an example of form. It's a picture of how a novel "could be" organized. 

"Good fiction is characterized by movement - meaning linear development from A through B to C in some kind of cause-and-effect relationship."

In building your master plot or blueprint for your novel, the ultimate goal is to keep the suspense high. As a reader myself, most of the times that I abandoned a book was for this reason. It let me disengage.

The example Jack uses is a short novel (225 pages/50K words) REMEMBER, nothing is set in stone - this is merely a peek at one perspective and the planning that might go into it.

Prologue
This may or may not be used. If used, it is made of a single scene, or two or three fragments. Its sole intention is to establish an immediate threat, aura of violence, ense of drama or romance, or whatever will intrigue and hook the reader. (4-5 pages max)
Ch 1
2-3 scenes. Establish main character POV. By the end, we should know the main question or story goal for the character.
Ch 2
2-3 scenes. Establish opposite lead character's POV. Romantic question should be introduced by the end of the chapter.
Ch 3
Subplots start to take shape. Be sure to escalate the stakes, keep the reader engaged.
Ch 4
2-4 scenes main character POV. He/she is struggling with a problem. Ticking clock. Quest.
Ch 5
3-4 scenes opposite lead's POV. More subplot, perhaps some background. Remember to tantalize the reader. Don't tell them everything.
Ch 6 
3 scenes in main character POV. ACTION ACTION ACTION. Be sure to hook this chapter to the next so the reader can't take a break.
Ch 7
Climactic scene continues, still in main character's POV. Hidden problem arises, throws a wrench in plans, DISASTER STRIKES, totally unexpected
Ch 8
3-5 scenes and sequels. Possibly a couple in main character POV and then switch halfway through. Everyone is trying to recoup and catch their breath from the disaster and make plans. Romance becomes stronger.
Ch 9
2-5 scenes all in main character POV. Starts ahead with best laid plans, but all are thwarted, ticking clock, more ACTION. Hook to next chapter.
Ch 10 
No time gap. Switch to opposite lead POV. Trying to solve the problem standing between two main characters HEA.
ETC.......... 

As you can see, with these short blips on what he put in each chapter, you can start to envision your own WIP or project. Think about the blueprint of what needs to happen and you will be surprised where your characters lead.

Be sure to check out everyone else's tips today too!

Tammy Dennings Maggy (Tammy Smith) http://tammydenningsmaggy.blogspot.com

Paloma Beck http://romancebeckons.blogspot.com/search/label/WoW

Jessicca Collins http://thatsexactlywrite.blogspot.com

Happy Writing,

Happy Reading,

Krystal Shannan

Krystal Shannan Interviews - Heather Long - Yesterday's Heroes

Please help me welcome Heather Long to the blog today!

Heather Long lives in Texas with her family and their menagerie of animals. As a child, Heather skipped picture books and enjoyed the Harlequin romance novels by Penny Jordan and Nora Roberts that her grandmother read to her. Heather believes that laughter is as important to life as breathing and that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus are very real. In the meanwhile, she is hard at work on her next novel.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose to write romance?

I've always had a passionate love affair with books. I could see the world, explore my desires, discover new things—so yeah, I think I always wanted to be an author. Romance is a natural fit—love unites and brings tears—of course, I also hated Romeo and Juliet and I wanted to write a different ending.

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

The writing. Hands down. I love to sit down and visit the worlds and characters I create in my head.

Tell us a little about your book. What inspired you to write it?

I love superheroes and I love romance. It was a match made for me. And once the idea occurred to me to write it, most of the story began to form in my mind—it was like reading a mental graphic novel and I couldn't shake it—at all.  It wasn't long before I didn't want to shake it. Loved writing this book—and while I rarely pick favorites this series is like teenage me, twentysomething me and thirtysomething me getting together to party.

Aurora “Rory” Graystone

Codename: Halo

Abilities: superior reflexes, I.Q. and aptitude for calculating probabilities

Mission: find missing teammates

Rory knows she’s being watched, and she’s not about to let the hunter catch her in his trap. She’ll confront her stalker, a man she suspects is involved in the disappearances of other superheroes--if she can ignore the sensual heat that fills her every time he’s near…

Michael Hunter

Codename: Hard Target

Abilities: expert tracker and sniper

Mission: kill Rory Graystone

One of five desperate men sent back in time to save the future, Michael believes eliminating Rory is the key to his mission. But even as he takes aim, a split second of doubt causes him to miss his shot.

Drawn together by passion, and on a collision course with fate, can Rory and Michael work together to change the future? Or have they set in motion the horrific history the time-travelers are trying to prevent?

Excerpt:

He missed.

He never missed.

Michael stared at the sidewalk swarming with citizens and shopping debris. His bullet had hit one of the shopping bags, turning it into scraps of leather, metallic buckle bits and paper drifting in the air.

How the hell had he missed?

Michael allowed himself the twenty seconds it took him to collapse the rifle back into his bag to analyze. But it was twenty seconds too long.

Her slender, lithe body appeared over the roof’s edge and landed, one knee and one foot down for balance. Power coiled through her body’s compact musculature. Intelligence shimmered in her violet eyes. Danger sheathed her like a halo.

She was absolutely magnificent.

“Going somewhere?” Her voice undulated, low and husky, the sardonic notes pinging his nervous system as though they were played on a too-tightly-strung guitar.

“Unfortunately, no.” A flick of his wrist dropped the small-caliber weapon into his hand, but the woman rolled, twisting and turning through the air as she avoided his bullets.

Incomprehension tangled with irritation. He never missed.

Until today.

Twice in as many encounters.

“Tsk, tsk. Didn’t your mother teach you not to play with guns? If you’re going to shoot at something, hit it. Otherwise, what’s the point?” The come-hither voice was close and the liquid heat in her tone tormented his cock. He narrowly jerked his head back, avoiding her fist whiffing the air just millimeters from his nose. But he had no time to savor his victory as her arm completed the arc, punching down on the crook of his elbow.

Nerves screaming, he released the gun and jerked himself to the right to avoid the blow of her leg lashing out at his knee. He struck back, unsurprised that she avoided the strike. She used her forearm to send it wide and swiveled so that his own mass and velocity sent him flying over her shoulder.

An unexpected grin turned up the corners of his mouth. Despite her slighter frame and fragile appearance, the she-vixen offered him a challenge.

God she’s fast.

He slammed against the rooftop and rebounded to his feet, pivoting to face her. Gone was the sweet white t-shirt that hugged her breasts. In its place was an almost-white body suit that lingered like a lover on every curve. A rainbow swath of color wrapped around her right thigh, cut up across her hip and over her abdomen to blaze a trail of treasure to her left breast. The Kevlar-based polymer shimmered in the morning sun.

It was both practical and erotic.

Deep within his brain, the microchip he’d thought dead flared to life. Data scrolled across his internal eye, a mechanized voice reciting the information

Target acquired: Codename Halo.

Abilities: Superior reflexes, high I.Q. and an uncanny knack for discerning the possibilities

Suggested defense: Unknown

Suggested offense: Unknown

Computers were not meant to be sarcastic, but the advice carried the weight of dry humor that Michael associated with the programmer it imitated.

“Got a name big boy?” Her words were a provocative tease and his body tingled in response.

Her voice spawned a physiological side effect on his anatomy. It must have a correlation with her ability, but the chip remained silent on the matter. Her second attack came in a flurry of kicks and palm strikes.

Michael could take a man down with three moves or less. She was slender, slighter in build, and he should be able to snap her in two. Instead, he blocked, evaded and turned her blows until he was able to capture a wrist and spin her back against his chest, his arms coming down to cage her. She turned her palms down, her suggestive little ass rubbing his crotch as she tried to break the hold.

Using his size and associated muscle mass, he bent with her, his fists shackling her wrists, his knuckles brushing her firm breasts. She twisted her hips, going for the side spin. Michael moved with her, boxing her tighter to his body. The motion brought the rich, velvet of her hair to his nose. He drew in a lungful of her scent. The tart lemon was a top note, but beneath the citrus was a distinctively musky, feminine scent.

Blood surged into his cock and she stilled as his arousal pressed solidly against her backside. The teasing curve of her body was soft against his hardness, filling his mind with erotic images and the desire to determine just how the sexy little body suit came off.

Had any battle been more fun?

Or more exciting?

“Done?” He touched his lips to her ear, stealing the smallest taste of her flesh. Her tender skin tasted of schnapps and cool malt, both decadent and sweet.

“Nope.”

Buy Links:

Carina Press / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

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

I do both. I give myself a road map and then I enjoy the ride.

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

Never give up and keep writing. It sounds simple and it's not—but writing, writing, writing is the only way to get there.

Do you have another book in the works?

I have several, but yes, fingers crossed we will see Boomers #2 – so go buy lots of copies so they want to continue the story!

Boxers or Briefs?  Boxers

Cookies or cake? Neither

Pizza or hamburger? Pizza

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink? Beer

(Hero/Heroine Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

Michael: She shops. A lot.

Rory: He's monosyllabic. A lot.

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Michael: *silent*

Rory: *snickers*

What are your plans for the near future? 

Michael: That's classified.

Rory: We're going to save our friends.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

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Fabulous Author Friday ~ Elysa Hendricks

Please help me welcome Elysa Hendricks to the blog today! So excited to have her back with us sharing about her new book!


Without further ado......

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I've been writing for over twenty years, which means I must have started when I was about five? Yep, that's about right, since once I hit thirty I started deducting a year from my age every other birthday. Then again, I'm not so good at math. Well, anyways, I've been writing for a long time and creating stories in my head for even longer.

Besides being an author I'm a wife of many, many, many years - more than the twenty I've been writing. I'm the mother of two wonderful young men. Actually, according to my math (counting on my fingers and toes) they're older than I am.

Did you always want to be an author?

I've always been a storyteller, spinning tales in my mind, but I didn't actually think about writing an actual book until the Christmas Eve my sister-in-law passed away. My husband and nine-year old son took my mother-in-law and went to Arizona for the funeral, leaving me home alone with our younger son. After putting him to bed I sat down to write what I thought would be a short contemporary romance. Strangely enough it turned out to be about a winged telepathic alien who stows away aboard a passing space craft. At that point I realized I wanted to write stories set in different worlds.

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

Being able to play God with my characters and their worlds. Unfortunately, it turns out all my characters are atheists.

Tell us a little about your book.

In THE SWORD AND THE PEN when his fictional creation, warrior woman Serilda  appears in his living room, Brandon Davis, an author of sword and sorcery novels, discovers that his characters are atheists too.

THE SWORD AND THE PEN was inspired by a combination of things - the Keenan Wynn Twilight Zone episode A World Of His Own, the TV show Xena The Warrior Princess and the movie Stranger Than Fiction. If your fantasy became reality, what would you do?

Oooooo... sounds fun!

What was your favorite part of the book?

I think the scene where poor Brandon finds himself surrounded by the things he fears most - women and small furry animals.

Rate your story in terms steaminess?

Probably comes in at about 7 out of 10 on the steaminess scale. There are several explicit love scenes. I'd rate it PG-13. 

THE SWORD AND THE PEN

Amazon Link:

http://tinyurl.com/sword-pen

If your fantasy became reality, what would you do?

It was time. After penning ten popular sword-and-sorcery novels, Brandon Alexander Davis was ready to move on. Ready to stop hiding in his fictional world. Ready to start living a real life. There was just one problem: as he plotted the noble death of Serilda D'Lar, his fictional creation, complete with mile-long sword, skimpy leather outfit and badass attitude, appeared in his study.

Was she nothing more than a crazy fan, or had Brandon finally cracked?

This warrior woman whom he knew so well, so strong yet vulnerable, was both fantasy and reality. She was an invitation to rediscover all he once knew--that life is an incredible, magical journey and, for love, any man can be a hero.

Excerpt:

"Yeeek!"

At first Brandon thought the shriek was an electronic whine that came from his computer. Panic threatened. When was the last time he'd backed up his files? It had been during that bad electrical storm three months ago when he'd almost lost everything, the same time his writing troubles began. Fortunately the freak power surge from a lightning strike only fried his monitor; his CPU hadn't been harmed. He should have learned from the experience, but writer's block had driven him past rational thought. The idea of losing what little work he'd managed to accomplish these last few weeks made him choke in fear. He scrambled to hit Save.

"Hell, no! Roark doesn't deserve a chance to defend himself. And even if he did, I'm not stupid enough to give him the opportunity to skewer me. That's something Donoval the Honorable would do."

At the sound of the familiar yet condemning voice behind him, Brandon whirled. He slipped off his chair and landed hard on his tailbone. Pain shot up his spine and blurred his vision.

"What?  How did you get in here? And who the hell are you?" He stared up at the woman and gulped. The sword in her hand pointed straight at his heart.

"You know damned well who I am."

The woman didn't sound happy-- and didn't look sane. She loomed over him. Her attire, a short, tight leather skirt, a leather bra, and knee-high boots left a lot of skin exposed to his view. The smell of leather, fresh air and warm woman teased his nostrils.

"What are you?" She poked him in the arm with the tip of her sword.

"Ow!" He scooted back, nearly under his desk.

"Warrior? Priest? Sorcerer?" She crouched down to rest on her heels, and stared at him. The position put her full breasts nearly in his face. "Definitely not a warrior." She pinched his arm. "You have muscle, but not enough to wield a sword in battle. No courage, either. Priest? Unlikely. They don't fear the sword. Only their god makes them cower.  Wizard? Perhaps, but not one of any power, or else I'd be at your feet. So…you're the wizard's assistant most likely." As if satisfied with her conclusion, she rose to her feet.

"Get up. I'll not harm you. I wish to speak to your master. He and I have business to discuss."

Brandon eyed the woman warily. Though her speech and clothing were odd, she sounded and looked extremely familiar. Why? Was she a crazy fan he'd somehow communicated with before?

To be honest, she bore a striking resemblance to Serilda, if shorter. She was five feet seven or eight inches, rather than six feet, and she was less buxom and had softer features than the character he'd ultimately developed. Actually, this woman was more like how he'd envisioned Serilda originally, when he'd introduced her in Donoval's second book: an extremely feminine woman forced to survive in a harsh world by denying her nature. Hillary had convinced him that in her own books Serilda needed to be stronger and have more sex appeal, hence the height and the bigger chest. The change hadn't sat well with him, but the public-- men and women-- loved her, and the books had hit all the bestseller lists. As a result, he had a thriving series, a pending movie deal and cash in his once empty bank account. Success was hard to argue with.

Despite the trampy clothing and hard scowl, she was attractive. Short reddish blonde curls framed an elfin face. Dark lashes fringed large, cat-like green eyes. Sun-kissed skin covered high cheekbones, and her lips, though currently set in a hard line, were full and red.

"I said get up!" She grabbed his arm and hauled him to his feet.

He was surprised that, when he stood, he topped her by a good six inches and probably outweighed her by sixty pounds. That size difference gave him a bit of confidence, but the nasty-looking sword she held with such self-assurance negated it. One could never trust the actions of a crazy person.

"Who are you?" She looked him up and down then seemed to dismiss him.

He pulled himself to his full height and stared down at her. "Brandon Alexander Davis. This is my home."

Unimpressed, she laughed. "Brandon? What kind of name is that? Bran is what I eat to ease my bowels."

Heat crept up Brandon's neck. Being compared to a laxative made him angry, which helped push fear away. "Who the hell are you? And what are you doing here in that ridiculous costume?"

"Who I am and" -- she paused, and two spots of color stained her cheeks-- "what I wear is a matter I will discuss with your master. Where is he? Has he run to hide from me? It will do him no good. I'm determined to find him and solve this."

"I don't have a master. I live here alone." Damn! Why had he told her that? He eased back from the lunatic toward the phone. Could he hit speed dial for 911 before she skewered him? Then what? Even if he succeeded, it would take the police a good fifteen to twenty minutes to reach his isolated home. Could he wrest the sword away from her before then?

His size would be an advantage, but even standing at ease, the woman radiated strength and skill. The odds seemed against him. To win he'd have to hit her-- hard-- and he doubted he could bring himself to do so. The lessons of chivalry his grandmother had taught were too deeply ingrained. In that way, he and Donoval were of one mind. No matter how greatly provoked, men didn't hit women.

Although, the thought of wrestling with this woman was appealing.

"No master? Do not lie to me." The lunatic's fingers flexed around the hilt of her sword.

"Why would I lie?" he snapped. "It's obvious your beef is with someone else. If I knew who and where he was, why would I protect him?"

"Because you're a coward. A powerful sorcerer inspires fear if not loyalty in his minions. But you should fear me more than him," she warned.

"There is no him! I'm the only one here. And I'm not a coward." Being called one triggered something inside him. Having phobias about crowds, insects and small furry animals didn't make him a coward. Not really.

She gave him a thoughtful look. "Is it possible? Are you the one?"

"The one what?"

She ignored his question and studied him. Her intense perusal made him squirm.

"Why didn't I see the resemblance?" she murmured.

"What resemblance?" He didn't like the turn of this conversation. Come to think of it, he hadn't liked the original direction, either.

"To Donoval. You are him-- in form at least." A bit of fear crossed her features, though anger quickly erased it. "I'm loath to believe it, but you are the wizard. Did you construct me so you could play God in my world? Does it give you pleasure to toy with me?"

"What the hell are you talking about? Play God? I'm just a writer trying to make a living. I write stories for people to read and enjoy. It's just entertainment."

LOVE the excerpt!

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

I started writing that Christmas Eve and finished the first draft of that book three months later. Of course, then I spent the next three years learning how to write. That first book now resides under my bed guarded by killer dust bunnies. During those three years I wrote two western historical romances - THIS HEART FOR HIRE and HER WILD TEXAS HEART. Both of them are now available as ebooks.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Oh, I just send my muse to go pick ideas off the idea tree in my backyard. Actually, my inspirations come from everywhere - the news, books, movies, TV, conversation overheard in the grocery store checkout lane - everything I see, hear, taste, touch and smell triggers the What If response in my imagination.

I love the idea tree!

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

I used to say I was only a Pantser, but have realized that while I might not rigidly plot or outline my stories before I start writing them, once I've started I have to sit back and figure out where things are going before I can finish. So while I start off writing into the mist at some point I have to stop and check my GPS.

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

I sold my first book, a western historical romance called RAWHIDE SURRENDER (now available as THIS HEART FOR HIRE) to one of the first ebook publishing houses Hard Shell Word Factory. The process involved submitting my manuscript via email, which back in 1998 was revolutionary. The offer came via email as well. No first call for me.

Do you have another book in the works?

Right now I'm working on a contemporary adventure romance. TANGO IN PARADISE is set during a revolution in a small South American country. The heroine is an idealistic school teacher, the hero a jaded mercenary.

I'm also working on several other projects: another sci-fi adventure romance in my Star Chronicle series and a series of romances featuring a matchmaking cat.

A friend and I have also written a humorous mainstream fiction book together. GRANNIES AND TRANNIES: VEGAS OR BUST is The Golden Girls meets The Bird Cage on a wild, wacky and heartfelt road trip to Las Vegas to rescue a friend from the Mob. We're shopping it around to agents.

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

 As far as advice - read, a lot! And write even more. Finish a book. Submit to publishers. And while you're waiting to hear write another book and another and another. The best and only way to learn the art and craft of writing is to write.

What I've learned is that I don't know what I don't know. Right now the whole of publishing is changing so fast it feels like a roller coaster ride and no one knows where it'll end up. But I think this is one of the best times to be an author.  The opportunities are there. You just have to reach out and grab them.

Boxers or Briefs?

For me or for my hero?

For me - white cotton, granny panties.

My hero - Commando. (Easier access)

ROFL!

Pizza or hamburger?

Definitely a hamburger or better yet a juicy rare steak.

Beer, Wine, or mixed drink?

Mixed drink - frozen Marguerita

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

On a tropical beach with cute cabana boys bringing me my frozen Margueritas and shrimp cocktails. I'd keep busy with a bit of swimming, napping, some writing and reading, as well as a whole lot of other stuff.

(Character Questions)

What were your first impressions of each other?

Brandon: She nearly scared the life out of me, but at the same time I never felt more alive.

Seri: Well, at first look I found him to be a bit of a coward, but first impressions can be deceiving. When the time came Brandon has more courage and strength than any man I've ever known.

What’s your favorite characteristic of each other?

Seri: I love his sense of humor. He makes me laugh at the most inappropriate times.

Brandon: Seri is the strongest, most courageous person I've ever met. She's taught me how to live life rather than just endure it.

What are your plans for the near future?

Seri: Learn how to be a woman in Brandon's world rather than a warrior.

Brandon: Make sure Seri never regrets she gave up her world for mine.

As a Thank You to anyone who leaves a comment I'm offering a FREE ecopy of my contemporary small town romance COUNTERFEIT LOVE. All they have to do is email me at: elysa@elysahendricks.com and I'll send them the Coupon Code for the FREE download.

Readers please be sure to visit Elysa@

http://www.elysahendricks.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elysa-Hendricks-Author/137316289643103

http://www.amazon.com/Elysa-Hendricks/e/B0034PZQP2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Thank you so much for being my guest today! I know we all enjoyed getting to hear about your new release!

Hugs,

Krystal Shannan