Rebecca's Lair

Uncertain Claim Excerpt

2011-12-04T22:35:00.003-06:00

Does a werewolf date his mate?

Blurb

When Gavin tells Protectorate analyst Diana that she’s his mate, she doesn’t believe him. After all, a werewolf doesn’t date—he claims. Diana knows this, and therefore assumes her time with Gavin is limited, even though she aches for more than just a few months of hot sex. She’s prepared to grab any moments of happiness and make as many memories as she can before their affair ends.

From the moment he met her, Gavin knew Diana was his mate. He simply wanted to give her everything a human woman would want from a man. Lust burns hot between them, but only claiming her will truly satisfy his wolf. When he’s attacked and put into protective custody, he refuses to stay unless Diana is near. Now he’ll have to protect her from the killers stalking them if he hopes to finally claim his mate.

Chapter One

Strains of recorded music filled the night air as the crowd slowly filtered out of the open-air theater. Diana leaned into Gavin’s side as they waited to the side of the stairs for the people leaving the concert in the park to thin a little. Her head rested against his soft white shirt. She savored the warmth coming off him on the chilly evening as well as the firm support of his muscles.

The music had been thrilling and the gorgeous man beside her was more than the cherry on top of a wonderful night. She looked forward to him taking her home. Good night wouldn’t be a kiss at the door. More like a murmured word and cuddle as they went to sleep.

She peeked up at him. Most of the time, she had to stop herself from staring at him, but she could look her fill at him now, since his attention centered on the people around them. He drew eyes everywhere they went. The man was that good-looking. His blond hair was a little mussed and curled near the white collar. She longed to reach up and stroke her fingers along that strong jaw, but didn’t.

Gavin’s eyes scanned for possible threats. He was in protection mode, obviously a little uneasy about the crowd around them. He worked in security. It was more than habit from his job at Contech Security, a business owned by Evan Connors, the alpha of the werewolves in Dallas. Gavin was a wolf shifter and that came with a lot of protective instincts.

She’d give a lot if any of those feelings were focused toward her, but knew that wasn’t possible. If she’d been his mate, she’d know it by now. Weres didn’t keep that information to themselves. Still, she enjoyed being with him and was determined to savor every moment they were together.

It was not as if a woman like her dated a man like him every day. He had muscles on his muscles. Not that she’d seen any evidence that he worked out religiously to get them. With his eye-catching looks, he should have been modeling or in movies. Well over six feet and built like an ancient warrior, he drew feminine stares like a seventy-five-percent-off designer shoe sale.

Gorgeous, muscled hunks normally didn’t go after the geeky, average girl. Diana had been surprised when he asked her out that first time. It wasn’t that she didn’t think she could attract him, but it usually took time for men to discover there was more to her than what was on the surface. On the other hand, hunger had blazed in his green eyes the moment they’d touched her curves.

Diana tilted her head to the side, fascinated by the clenching muscles beneath Gavin’s shirt. She stepped forward, wanting to be as close to him as possible. His fingers closed around her wrist as he urged her back. Sighing, she relaxed and let him scan the crowd without worrying about her. His eyes remained fixed on the men and women filtering out of the concert. Such a protector, or maybe that should be predator.

With a quick tug on her hand, he drew her into the last trickle of exiting patrons. Ahead of them, two women in designer gowns and high heels slowly tottered up the stairs. Gavin pressed her forward and to the right, keeping his body firmly between her and most of the crowd. Overprotective wolf. Eyes glued to the staircase, she focused on not tripping over her own feet. Cool night air brushed against her left side, drawing her attention. Gavin had stopped. She frowned and a heavy weight settled in her stomach.

“Ally?” He sounded a little confused.

Turning to look at him, she tried to brush away the rush of fear. Simple paranoia. He saw someone he knew. His body jerked and his face tightened in a grimace of pain. His arm swept out, pushing her behind him, just as his other shoved at someone.

Her heart slammed against her chest. She eased back into the rows of seats to give him room. He’d flinched. Was he hurt? Her jaw tightened and she shook her head, pushing away the gut churning thought. She frantically searched the ground and nearby seats for something to use as a weapon. Nothing. Her hands tightened into fists. She needed to help him.

She swung her gaze back to Gavin. His arm rose defensively. A low growl rolled through the air. Hair stood on the back of her neck and a shiver rolled down her spine at the animalistic sound coming from Gavin. A blonde woman stumbled back. The long skirt of her evening gown nearly tripped her, but she dove forward again. Silver flashed in the light as a knife sank deep into Gavin’s arm.

Diana wished she had a gun on her. She’d distract Gavin if she rushed forward. A shrill, feminine scream pierced the night from somewhere below them. She jumped, but so did the blonde attacking Gavin. The woman’s head swung wildly from side to side. Her hands dropped to her side. The bloody dagger hung limply from her fingers for a moment before they tightened around the hilt. She’s crazy. Diana stared open-mouthed at the woman who seemed only now to realize that there were people around them.

The blonde woman spun. She and two men sprinted down the stairs and around the stage area. The woman’s evening dress looked designer and the two men were in suit jackets and slacks like everyone else in the crowd. Diana cursed under her breath. Not a mugging. Not the way they were dressed. Her heart thudded against her chest. Her knees almost buckled as horror froze her. Those people had targeted Gavin.

Gavin slumped a little and the movement tore Diana’s thoughts away from the people who’d attacked him. That bitch hurt Gavin. Diana rushed forward. Curving an arm around him, she pushed him into a chair. He winced as he landed. Red stained his shirt, drawing her attention.

Her hands shook as she pushed the jacket back. She drew in a hissing breath. Her teeth clenched against the need to scream. He’d been stabbed once in the side. The hole in his shirt was small, but dark red blood plastered it to his skin.

Tears burned her eyes and her throat tightened. The coppery scent of blood filled her nose. She couldn’t lose him. Not like this.

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Step into a world of Love and Adventure

Rebecca Airies

www.rebeccaairies.net

Ugh, but there is hope

2011-07-24T22:40:00.007-05:00

In the past few days, I've been working on a new schedule because I've been in a hell of a writing slump. It's felt like a block, but most days I could write something even if it wasn't quite the number of words I'd like. I've started to spend about some time at the computer or with a notepad scribbling ideas or rough sketching a scene that might appear later in the book early in the day. It hasn't been that long, but so far, it's helped me focus and get my head into what I want to write that day. The word count hasn't been staggering, but it's better.

I'm still struggling with the first of Dragon's Keeper, the overplotting with the notecards of the first few chapters is still haunting me and has kept me from making much progress. I will eventually get past that and to the more loose sketch of the last of the book. I'm not going to give up on actually finding a way to plot ahead that works for me. Too much detail obviously doesn't work. I might even find a way to make it work with the storyboarding because I do like the concept.

Why am I so determined to find a way to plot? One to make my life easier. I'm always looking for ways to better the craft or new tools to help make things easier. (One of the best finds I've ever made is still Lynn Viehl's Novel Notebook.) I've modified some of the sections to better suit my style and what I need to know for the way I write. As I've written before I'm not fond of the midnovel slumps or having to rewrite most of a book. The last hasn't happened lately. (Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!) I have had to rewrite a few chapters when I pushed a character in a direction it wasn't in her character to go. I know it's not totally going to fix those problems, because hello, dealing with characters, a muse and my own brain here. There will be troubled times ahead regardless.

All my progress has been on several other WIP notably on Rana's story, a secondary character from Fire Princes' Bride. There's still a long way to go, but I'm happy to be getting back into this world. The Santir Ancients characters have also been quite fiesty and I'm hoping to encourage them into finding some sort of accord soon, but Cami is a bit stubborn.

My Newest Release--Exile's Longing

2011-07-24T22:15:00.003-05:00

Blurb:
Bianca Bryant is back in Louisiana, needing help to destroy the Beast hunting her, but it’s the last place she wants to be. Immediate attraction bursts into flame the moment she meets the gorgeous twin alphas, Matt and Max, but discovering they’re her mates horrifies her. Thinking about hot sex with them is one thing. A future is another. She’s not sure she can trust men in power, much less the sons of the men who sent her into exile.

Matt and Max Vargus are thrilled to find their mate, but the wariness in her eyes confuses them. Resisting the fierce urge to claim her immediately, they seduce her slowly, showing her that she’s found a home, family and men to stand by her side. But danger still stalks Bianca and they’ll have to fight to protect her.

Excerpt from the first chapter:

“You know if you’re not going to listen to me, there’s really no reason for me to be here.” Bianca gritted her teeth. If that creature had been something she could handle on her own, she wouldn’t be here. Louisiana would be the last place she’d run to hid or for help. She wanted to hit something or someone. She looked over at the head of the New Orleans Protectorate, Paul Barr. Her first choice would be him.

The blond-haired man looked like a combination between an executive and surfer boy. His skin was so golden he could have just walked off some beach. Well, if he could relax enough to have fun at the beach. He’d been wearing a nice conventional gray suit and burgundy tie earlier this morning but now the jacket was gone and the collar of the shirt was open. She hadn’t ever met anyone as buttoned-down and controlled as he was.

“You knew we’d bring in some shifters to help.” Paul tapped a finger on the large rectangular table in the drab brown and beige conference room.

There was tension around his mouth and the muscles of his neck and jaw. She knew he didn’t understand her resistance. He hadn’t taken the time to try to listen. The mission would involve shifters and maybe vampires. They’d need the strength of at least some nonhumans. The Protectorate tried to work with the paranormals as much as possible and he seemed determined that it had to be her clan.

He dressed and had the commanding attitude a man of his rank should, but he didn’t pay attention at all. That was frustrating the hell out of her. She’d known he’d look for help. That was a given.

But she hadn’t had a clue they’d be bringing in tigers. They definitely hadn’t said a word about sending out an image of her to try to find her clan since she wouldn’t tell them which group it was. Those were important distinctions. Tigers hated magic and she’d been up to her neck in it for a few years. Her involvement with witches had been cut except for the witches with the Protectorate, but that probably wouldn’t matter. She didn’t want her old clan involved. The alphas and her father had a reason for throwing her out of the clan and she wasn’t sure the men in charge now were any different. Those men had believed she was a danger to the clan among other things. The fact that there was something even more dangerous than any tiger or human chasing her made contacting them even worse. This wasn’t how she wanted to meet them.

“Yeah, shifters in general. Since the New Orleans Protectorate works so well with paranormals I thought you’d put together a group of different shifters, maybe a few vampires and witches who’d have the best chance of fighting and killing the Beast. Not trying to find one specific group.” She glared at the blond man.

“Your clan deserves to know where you are.” Grant Cassin said as he walked into the room.

And there was irritation number two. She’d wondered where he was. He looked as if he’d just come from a night on the town. His shoulder-length, light blond hair appeared finger-combed, but his eyes were sharp and clear. He didn’t fit in with business attire and uniforms most of the people in this building wore. Today, he had on a black leather jacket, a black t-shirt and blue jeans. Casual attire seemed to be his preferred clothes.

Grant was a tiger shifter who worked for the Protectorate and had met her when she’d landed in New Orleans. She’d been a little cautious at first and he’d pulled out his badge as proof that he’d been sent for her. He’d been trying to pry the name of her clan out of her since that first meeting. She suspected he was the one who’d put the idea in Paul’s head. Neither man had paid any attention to her denials. As far as she was concerned, her clan didn’t deserve to know shit about her. Not where she was, what she did or anything else. They’d lost that right long ago. She might have been thinking about a home and maybe looking at her clan to see if the new alphas were different from the old ones. That didn’t mean that she wanted to contact them at one of the worst times of her life.

“How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t have a clan. I haven’t had one since I was thirteen.” She leaned forward and glared at him. This was getting on her nerves. She didn’t know when the Beast would find her and they were too busy tracking down possible relatives of hers to pay much attention to setting a trap for it. Not to mention the fact that her clan and family believed her to be dead. That was something that had stunned her.

“They didn’t—” Grant began.

Bianca felt a little trapped and had to stand. She leaned toward him her hands braced on the smudged and scratched, muted brown surface of the wooden table. “Let me tell you about my clan, the condensed version because I’m not going through it all for you. I was a thirteen year-old girl. I couldn’t shift and my father called me a freak and a piece of shit. He and the alphas of my clan sold me to a group of witches to free the alphas’ sons from a spell cast by other witches. That’s all I was good for you see.”

Grant just stared at her.

“So before you start defending them and telling me that it could have been dangerous for me to stay in the clan, you should be aware. I know all about the hate some people feel toward what I can do. I also know the alphas had their own agenda and that I wasn’t important enough to count. I wouldn’t want anything to do with them if they were still alive. Even though it wasn’t necessary, I legally changed my name to Bryant even though the Protectorate helped me obtain ID and documentation under that name. No way was I going to use Carver, my father’s last name.” Bianca shook her head, turned and looked out the long wall-length window to the parking lot below.

She was restless and she needed out of this room. It wasn’t cabin fever. She’d been in cities too long and needed to let her tiger roam free. The absence of trees in the immediate area helped a bit. If she saw a group of trees together, she wanted to get out and run, shift forms, climb or hunt. She’d relished shifting and running in her tiger body since she’d first become able to do it about three and a half years after she’d been sent away from the clan. Changing into a tiger had given her a little freedom during a time filled with pain and turmoil. When the silence stretched, she turned back to face them.

“I didn’t realize that it was that bad.” Grant looked toward Paul and she could see the regret on his face.

“I was a bargaining chip and they thought they’d gotten the bargain. They got rid of me and freed the alphas’ sons. I don’t want any of them near me until I know if any of this generation is better than my father’s.” She slid back into her seat. “So are you going to call off this stupid search?”

“I’m sorry.” Paul shook his head and looked distinctly uncomfortable.

“Yeah, I’ll accept your apology if you stop sending out my picture to every clan in the country.” She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him.

“No, I was saying I was sorry, because it’s too late. We’ve already found your relatives and your clan.” Paul shrugged as if there was nothing he could do.

“You contact them again and tell them there’s been a mistake.” She rose from her seat and began to pace. Nervousness and fear raced through her and her heart slammed inside her chest. Her stomach churned and she felt like throwing up the delicious crepes she’d had for lunch.

“I can’t do that. We didn’t track them down. Your uncle saw the photo and immediately knew you were related to him.” Paul shook his head. “It took them some time but they finally discovered exactly who you were. Your brother and the alphas of your clan are on their way here.”

Fucking great. She hadn’t been sure she wanted to meet them ever and now they were coming here. “You could turn them away when they get here.”

“Why would I do that?” Paul looked genuinely curious.

“Because it’s too dangerous here, because you’re an asshole, I don’t know and don’t care. Just make them go.” She turned to face him, tempted to bare her fangs at him again, but she knew Grant would just come to his defense.

He was more protective than a mother toward her cubs when it came to Paul. She didn’t know what was behind that and neither one seemed inclined to talk about it. Although when she’d last asked, it hadn’t been in the most civil tone. Maybe when they weren’t pissing her off, she’d try asking the question again.

“I’m not going to do that. They deserve a chance to prove they are better than the men you knew from your father and the old alphas. There’s no better way to prove that than now. If they step up to help when you’re in danger then you know they at least care enough to try,” Paul said with an encouraging smile.

“Or maybe they don’t want to lose face with the other clans if it gets out that they walked away from a female of their clan when she was in danger.” She slid a glance toward Grant. He knew tiger shifter society. From what she remembered, the opinion of other clans had seemed to be important to the alphas.

“You’re remembering it from the eyes of a child or the alphas of your clan likely were throwbacks.” Grant must have thought about what he was saying because he sighed and grimaced. “Considering what they did to you, they probably were throwbacks.”

“Don’t know, but thanks to you two, I might never be sure if they accept me because they really want me to rejoin the clan and find a place there or if they’re only doing this because of the pressure to keep up appearances.” She turned away and stared out the window again.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know there was a reason you wanted to wait. I thought you were afraid to take the risk of making the first move.” Paul’s voice sounded a little hesitant.

She rolled her eyes. Afraid, maybe she was a little, but it wouldn’t have held her back if the other reasons had been resolved. She’d wanted a chance to gauge their genuine reactions. That wasn’t going to be possible now. The message had gone out to all of the clans and they would know that. They had reason to hide their true reactions.

“You wouldn’t listen to me when I tried to tell you.” She turned around and sent a glance toward both of them. “You interrupted me or walked out of the room.”

“Well, we can’t turn them back. They’ll be here soon.” Paul took a deep breath.

“And they wouldn’t go anyway. Not when they know you’re here and they do.” Grant’s hand lifted in an almost soothing gesture. “And I have to admit that male pride might be behind part of that if you try to deny them.”

By his tone, she knew he thought she should have realized it without anyone telling her. She didn’t care about why they wouldn’t go away. It wouldn’t have happened if Paul and Grant had listened to her just once. She clenched her fists. If she had a short temper it would have already exploded. All it would have taken was a few minutes to actually listen and they wouldn’t be talking about this now.

“When will they be here?” She tossed a venomous look toward Grant. She blamed him more than Paul for this fiasco. Mister I’m-not-part-of-a-clan couldn’t leave it alone.

“If you look out the window, you might see them arriving.” Paul gestured to the windows. “I know they’re on their way, but I don’t know if they’re stopping to get rooms or are coming directly here.”

“Do they have any idea of what they could be getting into or didn’t you send the specifics with my picture?” She looked back at the commander of the New Orleans Protectorate. She wanted to kill him. Taking a few deep breaths she tried to calm down. She really wasn’t dealing well with this change. Anger filled her as she thought about what they’d done. All her plans and dreams were ruined by their stubbornness.

“I didn’t tell them the specifics, but they know that you are in danger. I didn’t keep that part out. I wouldn’t let them walk into the situation entirely unknowing.” Paul looked a little offended by the question.

She wasn’t going to apologize for asking. He’d been single-minded so far and getting someone from her clan here had been one of his primary goals. She didn’t know if he’d be completely honest in his quest to get someone here. Hell, her only information about him came from files, missions statements she’d read and her short time here. In some ways, he was a typical autocratic leader that thought his decisions were best in every situation. It frustrated her. She didn’t know what to expect from him. That and his stubborn refusal to listen to her had her questioning his decisions.

“So they have no idea how dangerous this could get and that the creature they’ll be facing isn’t even of this world.” She turned away from him and shook her head.

She’d never wanted something like that to happen. It was just wrong to bring someone into this blind. Anyone involved in this fight needed to know exactly what they were facing, because it wasn’t going to be easy to stop the Beast. People could die before this was finished. She grimaced. Images of a dark city street and screams of terror filled her mind. People already had died. The Protectorate was the organization that dealt with this kind of thing. They had all the information so at least they’d be prepared, but the shifters he was bringing here wouldn’t have that luxury. Few people had seen anything like this outside of nightmares.

“No, but they’ll want all the information about why you’re in danger. Don’t worry. They’ll find out.” Grant sounded certain of the fact.

She didn’t doubt they’d ask the questions when they got here, but she doubted any of them even imagined anything like the Beast. They wouldn’t know how hard it was to kill it and that they’d need an army-sized arsenal of weapons to do it. Stopping that thing wasn’t going to be a Sunday hunt.

The small phone at Paul’s side beeped. He lifted it and listened. When his eyes locked on her, she knew that the tigers had arrived. Her heart raced in her chest and her stomach lurched. She felt very much like puking or running. The conflicting emotions stirred anger. She couldn’t ever remember being this nervous. Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm herself. The last thing she wanted was to let them see how much this affected her. She didn’t know if they were anything like her father, but she did want some connection with her past. She’d always wanted it. That desire had only grown as the years had passed. She wished she could have picked the time and the place.

“Send them up. You know where we are,” Paul instructed tersely. He looked at her and raised his eyebrows as he slid the phone back into the holster at his waist. “You can delay this meeting for a day or two if you run out of here. It’s obvious you don’t want this to happen”

“Not with tiger sense of smell. They’d track me down before I got out of the building. Since you arranged this meeting, you’d better stick around for it. You can suffer through the yelling and whatever else happens since this is your fault.” She walked over and flopped into one of the conference chairs.

“It probably won’t be as bad as you think.” Grant rose from his chair and came to sit on her side of the table. He didn’t sit next to her, but he was there. In a way, the annoying man was showing his support.

“You’d better hope so, because you’re not blameless in this fiasco either.” She stared at the door, but didn’t hold back the growl in her voice.

Putting her hands flat on the table, she tried to ease the tension from her body. Her eyes slowly closed as she concentrated only on breathing. She wasn’t going to let these people know how nervous this meeting made her. Or how much it meant. When she felt a little calmer, she opened her eyes.

All her efforts to relax and let the anger flow away were washed away as three men came into the room. All three men had black hair, but two of them were twins. Those must be the tiger alphas. For the moment, she ignored them. The man she thought was her brother had brown skin like she had and deep brown eyes. He was tall and muscled, but he didn’t look Familiar. As far as she could tell, he didn’t even resemble her father. This man had kind eyes and her father hadn’t looked kind even in her earliest memories.

As for the other two, both men drew her. One of the twins had cut his black hair in an almost military buzz. His golden tan looked like he spent his time lounging by some pool, but the muscles and the hard look in those hazel eyes belied that impression. She couldn’t see him wasting much time at the side of a pool, but he didn’t look as intimidating as the man at his side. The other twin had long glossy black hair to his shoulder blades. Like his brother, he was muscular and tall. She’d bet he relaxed by going for a run, stalking prey or something active. Both men had a presence. She’d seen it in other alphas. It was almost an invisible cloak of power and confidence. Most people recognized it even before they said a word. They didn’t need to yell or threaten to get their point across. Following them was instinctive.

“I don’t see a smile on your face. Aren’t you happy to see your family again?” The alpha with longer hair ran his eyes over her as he walked over to the table. The two were dressed similarly, but she had a feeling it was mere coincidence. The one with short hair wore a green shirt and the other wore a blue shirt. They both wore black pants.

“I didn’t want this yet.” Her answer was low and flat and her voice rang with anger. She wasn’t going to smile or lie about it. They’d know it just as she’d know if they started lying. It was in the scent and in the facial expression.

“Yet. You didn’t want your clan contacted when you were in trouble.” The alpha with the shorter hair raised an eyebrow, but didn’t break stride as he walked over to the table.

“I don’t have a clan. I haven’t had one since I was thirteen. I’ve been on my own and before I contacted anyone from my past I wanted the trouble following me finished. Hell, I don’t know if I would have contacted anyone or if I can live in an established clan after so long. There were things I wanted to know first.” She shook her head. If she couldn’t deal with life among other tigers, getting others involved would only cause hurt and regret.

Note cards and doubts

2011-05-01T02:40:00.006-05:00

I mentioned in a previous blog about trying storyboarding with notecards. Well, I've plotted out all of newest WIP with it. Though I've kept the middle and last of it kind of loose because I didn't want to push myself into a corner. (Some of the articles I read before I started warned against getting overly detailed with it.) I didn't want to get to a point where I could feel that there was no mystery left and nothing for me to learn about my characters, because if I got to that point, I don't know if I'd want to actually write the book. There was a point during the task when I wondered what happened if I put scenes on the cards, got everything in an order that I wanted and wrote the first scene only to discover that it was totally useless I still didn't know where the book went from one scene to the other. After some thought I shrugged. That's the way it sometimes go anyway, so I'm not any worse off by trying a new technique. Finding something I can actually use to help me through any problems is definitely worth the time.

What I like about it so far is that I can move things around if I need to do it or toss a card out completely if it doesn't fit as the book grows and develops. I also enjoyed working out from the few scenes I knew, discovering what happened and why. I'm trying to avoid that dreaded point in the middle when I sit in front of the computer and wonder what next because my ideas all desert me and my muse is unexpectedly stuck in the next zip code.

I'll try to keep posting about how I'm doing with the process and what's working and what isn't, what I'll keep and work with next time, and what I'll toss away and forget. It's all about finding what works with how I write and what helps me get the job done easier.

As for what I'm doing now, I'm writing on a short that's grown longer than I expected it to. I'm at 16k now and I expected it to only be that long in the first place, but the characters are pushing the story along and as long they're doing that, I'm happy. Still working intermittently on my Santir ancients story. The other night I had an epiphany on a story that I've been wanting to write for a while now, but I needed a plot to go with the characters. I can't get to it right now, but those details that I needed are now written down and waiting for me to have time to get to the story. I love it when things like that happen.

Tiger Eyes and what's new

2011-03-03T23:50:00.003-06:00

I've finished Tiger Eyes and am working on the revisions. I'm about halfway through those. I'm planning to start another book soon and am doing some plotting. Doing something a little different this time. I'm trying to avoid some of the pitfalls of writing totally by the seat of my pants. The stops and starts wondering where to go when I get stuck are a real time suck not to mention annoying and frustrating.

I'm trying a character-based plotting system and a little story boarding with notecards. It's new to me. I'm going at the character based plotting for both my hero and heroine. I don't know if that's making things more difficult than it should be, but since they both have a hand in moving the story forward and are very different that I needed to go at it from both perspectives.

I have tried the character based thing a little with some of my WIP (in the last few days) and it has helped me move them forward. One of those stories, I thought I'd have to restart and try to take it from a different tack, but I think I've managed to get out of that problem. I don't expect to follow the entire list of ideas and scenarios that this generates. It's something to guide and ideas to fall back on if I come to a point where I'm wondering what happens next. More on my new foray into plotting to come.

New Release!

2011-01-21T19:13:00.004-06:00

I'm excited announce the release of Hunted Intensity!

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9031-hunted-intensity.aspx

It's been a trying first month of the year so far. I can't seem to find the focus that I need and my mind wants to be anywhere but on the project that I'm trying to finish. I'm getting things done in small bits. I'm feeding my muse to keep my creativity up and will work through this slump and finish off the last two chapters of Tiger Eyes and get more work done on the short story I'm writing. Enough about my lack of focus and onto the excerpt.

Tori brought more wood into the large cabin. She wanted to have enough to last through the night and into tomorrow although she doubted the storm would last past the morning. She’d have to shelter here until the storm passed. Not that her aunt would miss her. Tori knew her aunt had made a place for her there after Tori’s brothers disappeared only because Tori’s uncle had ordered it. Since her uncle wasn’t there now, her aunt didn’t hide her animosity. If he had been at home, Tori wouldn’t have been sent to the city to deliver those goods on her own.

Still, the drop off of the wares had happened as planned. The trouble had happened on the way back to the valley when the storm had hit. The michkal had run off when one of the first claps of thunder had sounded. The sturdy pack animal wasn’t the fastest beast, but she didn’t have a hope of catching it when it was panicked. She had no doubt that it would make it back to the stables on its own, but Tori wasn’t risking the mudslides and floods that could happen on this mountain on foot. Those bulging, deep gray clouds promised more than the small patches of rain that had been dumped so far.

She’d never been so glad to see a place as she had to see this isolated hunting cabin. Coming back from the town, she’d known she wouldn’t make it back to the valley before those heavy clouds burst. In good weather, it took nearly two days to reach the village from this point. On foot and in bad weather when there was a chance of flooding from rain, it could take more than extra time. It could take her life. The forest trails could be treacherous, not to mention the rivers. She expected a lonely, but hopefully short stay at the cabin. She didn’t think any other villagers were travelling and only someone familiar with the area would know of the shelter and that it would be stocked with the essentials.

Putting the wood down along the inside wall, she turned and whistled. Mirlu, her big, gray canil trotted over to her and into the cabin. She closed the door and barred it. Wiping her muddy boots on the thick brown woven rug near the door, she hung her wet coat on a peg near the door. Finally, she could get warm and rest for a while. She took the wood to the rough hewn box near the fireplace and pulled off her boots as she settled in for the night.

Tori added a couple of logs to the fire and stirred the soup in pot hanging in the huge rock fireplace. The cabin was stark and definitely bare. There weren’t even chairs or beds, only the essentials, supplies and a couple of pots for cooking. She took a seat on the cushions she’d placed on the bare plank floor in front of the fireplace and leaned back on her arms relaxing for a moment. She had a fire for warmth, a comfortably padded pallet for the night and soup to eat.

Now, she could rest while the storm rolled overhead. It was a relief and a much better option than having to stay out in the cold rain and eat whatever she could find in her bag or on the trail. That could have happened if the michkal had run off a little later in the trek around the mountain and through the forest to the valley.

Dozing slightly as the warmth of the fire filled the cabin, her eyes snapped wide in alarm as the door rattled against the bar holding it closed. Mirlu stood and walked to the door, but he didn’t growl or even seem alarmed. His head cocked to the side and his long, pointed ears swiveled. Must be the wind. She turned back to the fire. The door banged against the bar again, but this time, it did it three times in a row. That couldn’t be just the wind.

The fact that Mirlu wasn’t agitated reassured her. The canil was protective and if it was anything or anyone he considered a threat, he’d be all fangs and growls. She rose to her feet and walked over to the door. She cautiously slid the board free of one of the loops and pulled the door open a little to look outside. Even though Mirlu wasn’t worried, she wasn’t going to take chances. The plank would keep it from opening fully.

She looked out and at first didn’t see anything, but then she looked down. A sleek black form stood right in front of the door. A big feline paw with long, sharp claws raked at the door. A tiron. She blinked. She’d only seen the animal form of a Santir shapeshifter in a book, but she couldn’t mistake it. Looking back at Mirlu, she raised her brows. Not a threat? The animal was huge. He stood chest high, muscled and she’d bet those claws of his had left marks on the door. She’d never met one of them, but she knew there were a couple of groups in the area.

The tiron stumbled sideways as it raised its paw to scratch at the door again. It didn’t even seem to be aware that she had it partially open. Okay, something was wrong. Maybe it, he or she, was hurt. Now, that she wasn’t gaping in shock, she noticed that the tiron’s sides heaved with labored breaths. Where were the tiron’s friends? She knew shifters tended to stay in groups and seldom traveled alone. Wondering why the Santir was here during one of the worst storms to hit the area in years was going to have to wait. He was in trouble and obviously needed help.

She pushed the door closed far enough to remove the bar fully and then opened the door. Stepping to the side, she held open the door so the tiron could enter. The tiron’s eyes fixed on hers and it took a slow step forward. Its rounded head pressed into her stomach and even through the fabric of her shirt, she felt him take in a deep breath. A rolling purr rumbled through the beast as he turned and entered the cabin. The beast’s triangular ears swiveled and tipped back. He couldn’t seem to walk a straight line as he moved into the room.

She frowned as she followed after shutting and barring the cabin door. What had that been about? Who was this shifter? Mirlu seemed comfortable with him, but right now she was questioning the canil’s ability to know what was dangerous. That shifter was huge and the claws on those paws looked lethal.

The tiron plopped on his butt in the middle of the floor and watched her with deep green eyes. Tori raised an eyebrow. She’d expected the tiron to change into human form. From what she knew about them, they weren’t shy about nudity, but maybe he was being considerate of her.

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T21:58:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

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Wishing everyone all the love heath and happiness in 2011!

Desperate Measures Release

2010-11-04T03:42:00.004-05:00

Blurb:

Raine’s caught in an impossible situation. She needs to get to another planet to help her friend. Forced to take a temporary position on a Feiral trade ship, she’s surrounded by trouble and shifters determined to build a clan. She has secrets to keep, but the gorgeous captain could be a problem. She has to distract him—and a few nights of hot sex might work.

Connal knows Raine is more than she appears. He looks forward to peeling away the layers of her deception as much as stripping the clothes from her beautiful body. The hunger between them deepens even as he struggles to get past her defenses before she leaves his ship.

When they’re thrown together again, Raine’s faced with a choice. Walk away from Connal and choose the life she knows, or take a chance and grab the passion and love that waits.

Available for purchase from Ellora's Cave today!

Lisia's Journey Releases!

2010-09-17T05:41:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited! Lisia's Journey Releases today!

Want to see how Lisia and Jarritt first meet? It's certainly memorable, but can you imagine what they might say if someone later asks them how they met?

Lisia's eyes kept straying to the trees around them. The deep greens and vivid colors of the flowers and berries drew her. Even the sounds of the animals chittering and chirping made her want to go explore. She doubted she could slip into the forest without being spotted, but she wanted to do it. Knowing that she'd be here for even a short time didn't make the urge any easier to handle. Her eyes lingered on bushes and trees. She thought she spotted a faint path leading into the forest.

The dense forest on each side of the path called to her beast. Just the sharp crisp smell of the trees and the sweet scent of the flowers lured her toward the cool darkness. Her skin itched and tingled and she had a hard time resisting the desire to investigate. She wanted to go run through those trees, tear off her clothes and let the wind move over her skin. It had been so long since she'd run in her animal form or even walked in such a lush area. The temptation was almost too much to resist.

The hair on the back of her neck rose and uneasy feeling crawled up her spine. The feeling tore her thoughts away from the forest. Someone was watching her. She rolled her shoulders, unconsciously trying to lift the almost physical weight of someone's stare. Cautiously, she looked around the group of people, but couldn't see anyone even looking at her much less focusing on her with the intensity she felt.

Something moving across a faint gap in the bushes caught her eyes. The big dark feline shape continued moving. She saw it walk past a tree just in front of the first Aridi males. A big black Aridi in animal form stepped out in front of the group. A ruff of black hair surrounded the large round head, designating it as a male in the prime of his life. Dark brown eyes looked over the group, locking onto her.

The big male stalked forward powerful muscles moving beneath the sleek dark coat. He growled as he moved forward, snarling at one of the UDA soldiers who just happened to be in his way. His lips pulled back revealing dagger sharp teeth. The soldier hastily backed away.

Lisia frowned. She could feel his arousal and a strong wave of possessiveness pulsing over her. A strong clear feeling. Not the light brush of emotion an Aridi usually felt from another person. His scent hit her, musky with a spicy undertone and too appealing. Who was he? She was sure she hadn't met him anywhere. She'd have remembered feeling this connection with someone.

He came closer until his muzzle pressed into her leg. He drew in a deep breath and rumbling purr rolled through his body. Lisia practically felt the jolt of arousal slam through him. His head moved and pressed against her crotch. Her mouth dropped open in shock. At first, she just stared down at him. Shaking her head, she pushed away the last of the surprise. She grabbed handfuls of the rough black hair on the sides of his head and held him. Stepping back, she looked down into the large rounded face.

"Get your face out of there. I don't know you." She frowned down at him, keeping her arms straight.

"For future reference, the Shi'an's name is Jarritt E'sain," Arik advised. "I'd say he wants to know you."

"This is the Shi'an?" She glanced over at the man, but didn't loosen her fingers from the thick mane she was holding.

The big Aridi was still trying to get close to her. Fortunately, he wasn't using all of his strength. She knew he was letting her put some distance between them, but she was simply happy for the space. The combination of his emotions hitting her and her embarrassment over the position was a little overwhelming. That wasn't a common greeting even among an exclusively Aridi group. She ran her eyes over the large animal. Just judging from his size and build in animal form he had to be tall and well muscled.

"Yes. Now do you have something to tell us?" Arik's voice sounded annoyingly cheerful.

She took a deep breath and then licked her lips. The situation had just exploded in her face and she couldn't think of a way out of it. She didn't know if it could get any worse. If it could, she didn't want to know about it. There was no denying the truth now. Not after big and furry had gotten personal.

Not much work, but progress

2010-07-12T03:26:00.003-05:00

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Okay not really in the planning stage, but it's the small stuff that gets you. I've been trying to clean up Desperate Measures, what I once referred to as my Feiral Future WIP and I realized that there were a couple of things I needed to make sure of before I delved any deeper into it. So I went back to the first place the Feiral have appeared. The Zarain world and specifically Primal Quest. I looked at my worldbuilding notebook, but although there was some of the detail I needed, the specifics weren't there and I had to go back and reread to make sure that I didn't contradict myself about them.

I had a good weekend although I didn't get as much work done as I planned. Just general procrastination and the missing information added into that, but I didn't mind at all. Now I'm relaxed and I don't consider the time wasted. I had a few breakthroughs on a couple of my WIP. Tonight, I've been trying to discover why my blogs not importing to facebook like I'd set it up. I finally remembered that I might need to change some settings to get it to come through again. I hope what I've done allows it to get through again.

Quote
It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone. That is where the writer scores over his fellows: he catches the changes of his mind on the hop. ~Vita Sackville-West

Overactive muses

2010-07-10T00:24:00.005-05:00

My muses, subconscious, whatever you want to call the creative part that forms the characters and situations in my stories, is on overdrive this weekend. Now, I'm not griping about that. I love it when my muses are cooperative. What I'd love is if they'd decide to work on what I'm working on not give me new stuff when I already have more than enough stories in the works.

I've been cleaning Desperate Measures so that I can finally submit it and that's going slower than it should. I've also been working hard on my Santir Ancient's WIP although that story is going to be long. I've added about 4000 words in the last week, and managed to get a little work on a couple of others.

Now, I mentioned my muses above for a reason. I've been working on two WIP set in the world of my Protectorate books, but these two are barely related to the others. I admit that has been concerning me, but the stories were too good to put aside because of that. Now, I don't know how I'll present them in relation to the Protective Affairs series, but I'll deal with that later. I knew there were stories still to tell in the PA series that were related, but there was something missing, some connection to the next step that I hadn't found. Well, my muses handed me the hero, the heroine, a hell of a conflict between them, and a fairly good idea of how to move the series ahead. Problem is: I can't work on it right now even though I want to dig right into it.

I'll just have to use it as incentive to get to work and finish something.

New release and teaser sexy excerpt below

2010-06-04T06:33:00.000-05:00

Chosen Destiny releases today! To celebrate I wanted to post a teaser excerpt, but warning this is a bit sexy and does contain explicit language. I've been looking forward to the release for over a month! And now without further ado, the gorgeous cover and below the excerpt.

Chosen Destiny
m/m/f menage, fantasy
Available June 4 from Ellora's Cave
http://www.jasminejade.com/ps-8400-50-chosen-destiny.aspx

Blurb:

Meagan’s village is under attack and she’s been accused of being a spy. She has no choice but to try to take up the weapons of her ancestors, because she refuses to let her home fall to the Dark Sorcerer. Dealing with the two gorgeous men who come to aid her in the fight is another matter.

Samiel and Jaeson came to fight the Dark Sorcerer, but finding the woman whose magic matched theirs surprises them as does her reaction. She’s so focused on the battle that she barely seems to notice them. With kisses and sensual caresses, they turn her attention to the desire building between them.

Meagan’s tempted by their seductive touch, but defining her place in their life is difficult and time’s running out. The Dark Sorcerer has to be stopped before Meagan can discover if what the men offer is forever or a moment in time.

Chosen Destiny, a little unedited sexy preview

"Now that we've both relaxed a bit, we can talk. As for your comment about finding out that my scent's not a drug, I'll make sure you have ample opportunity. Were there any questions you have now that you didn't earlier today?" He sat on the bed.

Meagan watched him. He looked a lot more comfortable than she felt in the hard straight-backed wooden chair. The green blanket set off Jaeson's dark clothes. She just didn't believe he was as relaxed as he seemed to be. He hadn't suddenly come to the decision to give her all the time she needed. The man wanted her. She could see it in the way he watched her.

His entire attitude was that of a man on the hunt. She'd have to watch him and make sure she didn't let things get out of control. She was more than tempted to relax and let the attraction take the lead, but knew that he wouldn't consider it just sex. She wasn't willing to think about anything more. Two mates. Just thinking about it made her nervous. The thought was great as a fantasy, but the reality came with a lot of questions. And she knew only time and being close to them would give her the answers.

"Your questions or are you just going to stare at me for the night." He grinned and she could see the humor in his eyes.

Meagan felt the heat rush into her cheeks. She hadn't realized how much time had passed. Rising from her chair, she began to pace a bit. "I know that you two were telling me the truth earlier about a Tiria having two mates. I'm still not sure it's necessary and I can't see much to recommend it aside from having someone always near to help with the power levels."

"Was there a question in there that I missed?" Jaeson's tone was openly provoking.

She glared at him. He didn't seem at all worried about staying on her good side. She'd have loved to put him in his place but couldn't think of a way just yet. Walking around the bed, she tried to put her thoughts in order. The chaos in her mind was making her restless. She stopped when he was directly opposite her. He moved to the end of the bed so he could turn to see her without bringing his boots onto it

"You and Samiel how will it work? Won't someone get jealous? I'm not agreeing to anything. It's just something I wondered about." She titled her head and bit her lip. That was only one question of many.

"Samiel and I will each want time alone with you at times, that's natural just as we'll make time to be with each other. We might feel envy, want to be part of it because we know just how good it feels, but no real jealousy, because we all belong to each other." Jaeson smiled, his voice turning a little husky.

She gaped at him. They'd want to be with each other. She hadn't even thought about them having anything other than a friendly relationship with each other. She felt utterly stupid for a moment, but that feeling was pushed aside as her mind began supplying her with details. An image of the two men in each other's arms kissing flashed through her head. It was disconcerting and arousing at the same time. She hadn't even though that they might be lovers. She might just be the one who would be jealous. She'd never even thought about sharing a lover.

"You didn't realize that Samiel and I were lovers did you?" He smiled obviously enjoying her surprise.

"No, I didn't know. There wasn't anything about the relationship in the books. As far as I know, you two could have just met." She shrugged.

"We've been together for years." He brought his knee up and rested the ankle on his thigh. He was utterly relaxed and at ease.

"If we have sex, are you going to immediately assume that we're mated?" She sat on the bed across from him, one leg tucked under her.

"We are mates. Having sex or not having sex isn't going to make it any more or less true." He angled his body a bit more so that he was fully facing her.

She shook her head. That really wasn't what she'd meant. She had been thinking more about his attitude than his philosophy. Apparently, she was going to have to ask in another way if she wanted an answer.

"Are you going to be all possessive and expect to act like my mate if we have sex?" She sighed. "I'm not just going to jump into something permanent. To me, having sex will just be sex. Is it going to be more to you?"

"I'll undoubtedly be possessive. So much that you'll object to it? I don't know. You are my mate. I'm not going to pretend that you're a woman for only a night." His intent golden stare didn't waver from hers.

She didn't have any doubts that he was absolutely serious. She couldn't change his attitude, not even dent it. Running her fingers through her hair, she exhaled slowly. She suspected that even if they didn't have sex, he'd be possessive. So she'd have to deal with his attitude regardless.

"Have we dealt with all of your questions?" He raised an eyebrow and looked significantly at the bed.

"You may consider me your mate but I don't consider myself bound in anyway." She clenched a bit of the blanket in her hand. "I don't have any other questions at the moment, but there will probably be more later."

"Good. Then come over here. I wanted to kiss you when I walked into the library." He held out his hand.

She smiled. The man had a one track mind. She had to admit that she'd been thinking about having sex with him too. Her questions had managed to distract her a little. She still had doubts about having sex with him, but it wasn't going to stop her. She was going to take the chance. It would probably complicate things, but she knew the desire building between them wasn't going to disappear. It was too strong. She was enough of a realist to know that it was going to happen. Samiel and Jaeson wouldn't just ignore the attraction between them. She wanted to make the choice, not have it made for her. Also, she had to find out if the pull between them was entirely physical or some sort of binding spell wrought by the blades to keep them together.

She stood and walked around the bed and took his hand. He tugged her into his lap. The move caught her by surprise and she lost her balance. She braced her hands on his shoulders as she fell. He caught her and settled her across his thighs. She looked up and found his beautiful eyes locked with hers.

"As much as I would love to take this opportunity and make love with you, I don't want you to regret it." He drew his hand down her back. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"I've made my choice. I want you. I suspect you knew before I was ready to admit it. I'm ready to have sex with you. I'm not ready to even talk about anything permanent. This is my home. I'm needed here." She lifted her chin. No matter what they thought, she would have a say in this.

He frowned. "You can't think that you can just walk away from us after this battle is finished. You belong with us."

"I'm not going to talk about that right now. We'll deal with it later. Now do you want me or should I go back to my research?" She pushed against his chest putting just a little distance between them.

"You're not going back to your research." His hands tightened on her hips. "Not tonight."

Her hands stroked over his chest to his shoulders relaxing against him. His scent swirled around her. It seemed to intensify with every breath she took. Her need rose to an even higher level. He leaned down and his lips brushed over her cheek. She turned her head and met his lips. Her mouth opened beneath his. She licked at his lips when he did nothing more than brush his mouth from side to side. He laughed softly. His tongue stoked into her mouth. She relaxed against him and let the hot sensation sweep through her, but she wasn't passive. Her tongue tangled with his. She wanted to draw him as deep into the kiss as she was. His groan and the tightening of his arms only spurred her to do more.

She hooked an arm around his neck running her fingers through his hair. The feel of it amazed her. It was so soft and she loved running her fingers through it. She couldn't help wondering what it would feel like running over her body as they made love. His hand slid down her back and under her shirt. She drew in a gasping breath. His hand was so warm and she wanted to feel more. She pushed back into his touch.

"I want to see you naked. Let's get you out of these clothes." He drew back and looked down at her shirt.

"Only if we get rid of your clothes too. I'm sure you'd be much more comfortable without them." Her eyes trailed down his chest and stopped at the close fitting pants. She traced her hand down his chest and to the hard ridge of flesh below his waist. She wanted to touch and explore just as much as he said he did.

He froze as her fingers slid up and down over his cock. His breath sounded raspy as he drew in a quick breath. She loved the quick intense reaction to her touch. Only the fabric of his pants separated her fingers from his cock. She wanted that barrier gone.

Her fingers moved up seeking buttons or laces. She found laces that fastened his pants, but the ends seemed to be knotted. She frowned as she looked down at the jumbled mess. It looked like it would be impossible to untie. How did he get out of them? His hands covered hers, pulling her fingers away from his pants.

For more excerpts, go to my website
www.rebeccaairies.net

News

2010-04-12T21:53:00.004-05:00

I've got news. Not sure if I've posted this but Chosen Destiny has been contracted by Ellora's Cave and I've got cover! Cue squeal. The art department did an awesome job with a description and a few ideas. Gorgeous isn't it? Let's see what else. I'll be submitting Lisia's Journey in the next few days. Basically, I need to write the synopsis but that's always something I procrastinate on. Not my fave thing to do. My Feiral future WIP is a few scenes away from THE END. I've got to remember what I'd decided to title that then I'll start cleaning it up and get onto my next story to be a WIP. My newsletter readers know this and a few people who've emailed to ask about it also know, but the next in line is Rana's story, Karissa's friend from Fire Princes' Bride.

I'm trying out a new word meter to see how I like it. Although if I don't have to do math to get the percentages, that's always a good thing.

I'm back

2010-03-01T06:21:00.003-06:00

I'm back. I missed announcing a lot of important things during my absence (Like releasing books and more). I've been a very bad blogger.

Right now, I'm working on a couple of WIP, my Feiral Future WIP and a Santir Ancients WIP steadily, but I'm also working sporadically on Tiger Eyes, a tiger shifter WIP set in the Protective Affairs world.

Thought of the day: Don't get so involved in your mood music, theme music that you begin typing the lyrics into your manuscript.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T04:40:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

A quick update

2009-11-04T05:04:00.002-06:00

I've been a bit busy lately. I just sent in a round of edits and am working on revising Fated Choices. I'm working on my Santir Ancients WIP, Tainted Magic, and my Tiger Protectorate WIP the most right now, but my Feiral future is getting a little time and I expect to work on it more.

I posted over at the Goddess blog (Goddesses of Storytelling). This entry is a bit of flash fiction that I whipped up. Click here if you'd like to check it out.

On Stalling and rewriting.

2009-10-04T07:36:00.000-05:00

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This is appropriate. I've been stuck on two of my WIP for a while. The story I'm writing about the Santir Ancients, tentatively titled Tainted Magic and a Tiger shifter book were Stalled, emphasis on the going nowhere. (It felt like an eternity!) I couldn't seem to find a way to get either story back on track. (For more on that go to the Goddesses of Storytelling blog.)

The teeth of this situation is that I had to cut big chunks out of what I had already written to fix the problem that was holding me back. Now I'm happy that I've finally gotten those stories back on track, but that kinda hurt.

On my other WIP, the characters of Dragon's Keeper and my Feiral Futuristic story are keeping me busy so I wasn't completely blocked. Just really frustrated because I wanted to work on those other stories too!

Have a great Sunday!

Lost Memories has released!

2009-09-18T04:50:00.003-05:00

Guarded Beginnings

2009-08-29T00:24:00.005-05:00

Guarded Beginnings was reviewed by Vallerianna at Night Owl Romance.

She gave it a 4 out of 5

Also at the bottom of the review check out the trailer I made for Guarded Beginnings.

Review:

Denise Arensal is supposed to be protecting a brother and sister not confronting her past in the form of two overgrown Norik first gens, especially since her memories of that time are not ones of love and devotion on their part. Davik and Camin know that they have to win Denise's trust, but they did not expect to have to confront their own behavior at the root of the problem. They've decided to tease and tempt, seduce and sex her into their arms and lives, but Denise wants more than bed space and tolerance, she wants love. But things are heating up in the form of repeated mercenary attacks and rebellion on the part of the sister.

Rebecca Airies is a great author. This is the second book in her Norik series, but can be read as a stand-alone since there are no references to the previous book. I love Ms. Airies turn of phrase and ability to draw a picture in the readers mind. The conflict and resolution were wonderful, I really hate it when the heroine just rolls over and gives up, but Ms. Airies is queen of the spunky heroines and they like to give their men hell. All in all a great way to while away the late summer afternoons.

2009-08-12T22:32:00.002-05:00

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I thought this lol pic was great and wanted to share.

Earlier today, I wrote the last few words on Fated Mates. It still needs some work, major revisions as well as at least one additional scene. I'm excited. Not only because I've been trying to get those characters in line for weeks. They haven't wanted to behave and let the story progress. I'm also excited because I get to start a new story soon. I have several I'd like to begin working on, but I don't know which will get moved to the front of the line. I'll have to look them over and see which characters are the most eager to get their story told.

Have a great day!

My list of Writing Resources.

2009-08-01T00:13:00.005-05:00

Another author, Minette Meador, recently shared some of the links she'd gathered over the years and it got me to thinking about all of the articles and stuff I'd found searching for help with synopses, characters, and just about anything else writing related. I checked and all of these links should work.

Language-Slang
http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~wrader/slang/a.html
http://www.slangsite.com/slang/L.html
http://www.mvhsdrama.com/50sSlang.htm (50s slang)
http://www.cougartown.com/slang-dict2.html (60s slang)
http://www.inthe70s.com/generated/terms.shtml (70s slang)
http://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/slang.htm (80s slang)

http://www.urbandictionary.com/

Editor Interview

www.lindastyle.com/files_ten_tips.html

Query Letters

http://www.passionatepen.com/query_article.htm

http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/apr98/keegan7.htm

http://www.lisaplumley.com/query-article.html

www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/17564/893/3

Synopsis

www.pammc.com/Synopsis.htm

www.stellacameron.com/contrib/synopsis.html

www.writing-life.com/fiction/synopsis.html

http://fmwriters.com/Visionback/Issue%2015/workshop.htm

http://www.lisagardner.com/tricks/article_pdfs/synopsis_pdfs/lecture5.pdf

World Building

http://www.sfwa.org/writing/worldbuilding1.htm

http://www.cynnara.com/home/articles/worldbuilding101/

http://scififantasyfiction.suite101.com/article.cfm/worldbuilding_in_your_writing

http://scififantasyfiction.suite101.com/article.cfm/worldbuilding_essentials

http://www.stormthecastle.com/mainpages/for_writers/worldbuilding.htm

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/2008/07/vw3-world-building-i.html

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9382.asp

Fight Scenes

http://alliancemartialarts.com/bowietech.html

http://writingcraft.deep-magic.net/article.php?id=83

www.fightscenes101.co.uk/step1.htm

www.writing4success.com/tipsheet22.htm

http://writers-united.blogspot.com/2005/11/fight-scene-tutorial.html

www.creative-writing-solutions.com/suspense-writing-part2.html

http://bubblesinmyhead.blogspot.com/2005/10/writing-fight-scenes.html

Love Scenes

www.writing-world.com/romance/steamy.shtml

Assorted Articles

http://ezinearticles.com/?20-Ways-to-Keep-Your-Writing-Inspiration-and-Creativity-High&id=4081

http://www.theplotdoctor.netfirms.com/workbook.html

There's an assortment of links to articles on various writing topics here--

www.darkerotica.net/EroticQuills.html

http://www.fictionfactor.com/characters.html

http://www.fictionfactor.com/articles.html

http://nopurpleprose.blogspot.com/

http://catauniversity.com/?page_id=92

http://editingcircle.blogspot.com/

http://marilynnbyerly.com/marilynnbyerly/page9.html

http://www.writergazette.com/articlelist.shtml

http://www.writing-world.com/

http://www.specficworld.com/resources/advice.aspx

http://hollylisle.com/fm/

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/ The list of freebies on the sidebar. I especially found the novel notebook helpful.

Writer's Resources

2009-07-18T05:42:00.003-05:00

For all of the writers out there, I wanted to pass along a link to a great post with a lot of good resources. Minnette Meador has listed a huge number of links for writers. Click on the link on the name or here's the full link: http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/2009/07/cleaning-out-closet-101-links-for.html

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Guarded Beginnings

2009-07-17T01:13:00.004-05:00

Guarded Beginning's releases today, the 17th and I thought I'd share the blurb and a short excerpt of it.

Blurb:
Denise Arensal is stuck on an isolated planet, trying to protect a man and his flighty sister. When help arrives, at first she’s thrilled, but then she sees the two men from her dreams. Memories of another time tell her she can’t trust them. Yet, her fears can’t hold back her desires…

Davik and Camin know she’s wary of them. They seduce and tempt her into giving them what they want—her love and trust. They entice her closer with teasing kisses and carnal games, determined to show her they belong together.

Denise needs to know if the men are offering more than just hot sex and a warm bed, but there’s little time to find out. Between sensual stolen moments, ever-increasing mercenary attacks make every day a fight for survival. The trio will have to rely on each other if they want to make it off the planet alive.

Excerpt:

Denise looked up and watched as the men began to walk toward the door. All except for one of them. The man with blond hair tossed his bag to the redhead and took a seat on the opposite side of the table.

“Hello.” He leaned forward a bit, meeting her eyes and smiled. “I’m Camin Arohn.”

She didn’t return the smile. Her feelings were too confused. “I’m Denise Arensal.”

“You’ve been dreaming of us.” He placed his hand on the bar, his fingers almost touching hers.

She took a deep breath. His scent filled her lungs and hit her with the force of a body blow. Memory and sensation rushed at her. Hot moist breath fanned across her neck as a muscled arm pulled her tight against him. The rich exotic essence of kinas spice seemed to surround her. For a moment, she relished the security and desire she felt in that phantom embrace. That hadn’t been a question. She knew she hadn’t been able to hide her shock at first seeing them.

Reality returned with a thud as he repeated his remark in a more forceful voice.

“I dreamed of two men but we both know they weren’t really you or that other man. You should be glad you’re not them. Both of those men were bastards,” she said.

His smile died as he sat back. He ran his hands through his gold hair, mussing it. She saw his eyes close.

“There’s a lot you don’t know.” He looked down at her and put his arms on the table, leaning forward.

“We have all the information from the known bases. I don’t think there’s anything about those labs that I haven’t heard or read.” She resumed her task of wiping down the table before moving on to another.

“It’s not about the labs. It’s about the Norik men.” He rose from his seat following her as she moved to the next table.

“Then I don’t really need to know, do I? I’m here to watch Nials and his sister until a secure location is found for them. I won’t be getting involved with you or the other man. I don’t know if I could ever get past the resemblance.” She tossed a smile at him and then threw the used cloth into a bin under the counter.

Even though the container was only half full at the moment, she picked it up and began carrying it toward the door to the living quarters. Anything to be able to walk away from him. The conflicting desires only made every feeling sharper, more intense.

He didn’t follow her. Walking down the hall, she frowned. She didn’t feel relieved, just a little disappointed. Somehow, she hadn’t expected him to just give up and let her go without even asking her to stop and listen.

* * * * *

Davik walked out of the large room he’d chosen. On a level below the bar, each man could have a private room if they wanted. He’d put his bags as well as Camin’s in the spacious room. The room was a little bland for his taste, minimally furnished with a bed and a small round table. With a little rearrangement, it would serve for the short time that they’d be on the planet. When he turned at the top of the stairs to go back to the bar, he saw her striding down the hallway with a slatted gray box in her hands. Her brown eyes sparkled with emotion and a flush darkened the skin over her high cheekbones. She stopped and her pink tongue slicked over her lush lips. He wanted to taste those lips again.

“Camin is out in the bar. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you joined him. Keep an eye out for Sela. She’s a blonde. Straight, long silver-blonde hair and the lightest skin I’ve ever seen. Don’t let her out of the bar without an escort. I can’t make her understand that she’s as big a target as her brother.” She looked back down the hallway to the main bar area.

Davik frowned as she gave him a sweeping look and stalked away at a fast clip. Astonishment curled through him. She’d just given him orders and dismissed him. If he hadn’t guessed just by the fact that she was working as a bodyguard, he now had undeniable proof. This woman was so very different from their sweet Aeva. Aeva had never even talked back to them, much less ordered them to do something as if they were servants.

He was more than tempted to go after her but he knew something was wrong out there in the bar area. Camin would have been right behind her if she hadn’t said something to him that held him back. They both wanted this woman in their lives. There had to be some reason Camin wasn’t beside her, talking until she listened.

Davik headed for the bar, intent on discovering just what had happened. Whatever it was, they’d get past it. She’d been taken from them once. It wouldn’t be happening again. This time, she would be safe and happy with them.

I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

Funny picture

2009-07-14T02:34:00.002-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I had to post this because it was so familiar. My big black cat likes to do this, although he's not as gracious about sharing as this guy seems to be.

While I'm here, a quick update. Fated Mates is giving me a little problem. The last scenes aren't coming together, but I'm determined to finish it soon. I'm working on my newsletter at the moment and preparing for the upcoming release of Guarded Beginnings. Coming out on July 17th!

Summer Breeze Contest

2009-06-22T23:24:00.004-05:00

JOIN THE SCAVENGER HUNT TO WIN PRIZES FROM OVER 40
OF IWOFA MEMBERS! CLICK THE BANNER TO ENTER.

Whether you like your books hot or sweet there's a heat level for to satisfy your taste.

Contest runs from June 21-30, 2009

Good luck!

Update

2009-06-04T03:54:00.003-05:00

I've been concentrating on two of my WIP lately, the Santir Ancients WIP and Fated Choices. I know where I'm going on Fated Choices and am trying to get the story to the climax, but my characters are still bogged up in personal conflicts so I have to tie those up first.

By the way, go check out the Goddess of Storytelling blog today the fourth. You'll find my first book trailer and a Contest.

Quotes

2009-05-28T03:52:00.003-05:00

Today's quotes are inspired by a blog post by Taylor Tryst here. It's a great post on writing and starting out so if you get a chance go here.

"Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was."
-Richard L. Evans

"Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right."
-Henry Ford

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

-Winston Churchill

And this one made me laugh--

Seize the opportunity by the beard, for it is bald behind. ~Bulgarian Proverb

Release Day!

2009-05-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

For In Sorcery's Hold! I'm so excited! Available from EC today! Click here to go to the EC site.

Cute!

2009-05-11T02:37:00.001-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Just because this is too cute.

Writing Rituals? Got them?

2009-05-04T03:40:00.003-05:00

I'm working on edits for Primal Encounter and getting some work done on my WIP. The second Sword and Sorcery WIP is going good. That's not the official series title. (The first, In Sorcery's Hold, releases the 13th! Yeah!) It's just the way I've classified them. I'm revising Close Contact.

I've been thinking about writing rituals. I like music as I write, usually something to suit the mood of what I'm writing. In the computer crash a few months ago, I lost a good bit of what I had and I haven't been able to fill a few of the slots like triumphant or dark and edgy yet. I usually have something to drink close at hand, tea, soda, water something. I like to be dressed comfortably. It interrupts the flow if I'm irritated by something I'm wearing. Depending on my mood or the state of my back lately, I'll either sit at the desk and type or find a comfortable chair and write. I try to write through a complete scene and leave it at a place where I just have to get back and discover what's happening next.

I have to admit that when I follow them, it seems a little easier, the words tend to flow. When I don't, I usually end up frustrated and slogging through. There are still times when I have the music, the

There are many articles on writing rituals. Here are a few:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/right_writing_rituals.htm

http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/456

Do you have a writing ritual?

Word Count meters

2009-04-16T01:07:00.006-05:00

For those looking for a word count meter, I found this article listing six. I knew of two of them and I'd also worked up a manual one for November when NaNo kicks in, but I really hate math so I'm always looking for alternatives. For those who can't click the link, here's one you can copy and paste.

http://www.spontaneousderivation.com/2008/02/06/6-word-meters-and-trackers-for-the-word-count-obsessed/

I'm going to give the Curious Device Meter a try on the two new WIP I'm entering in the sidebar. (edited) Since the other meter I have seems to have some technical difficulties, I'll be using the Curious device on all of them. Just realized that you'll have to customize it a little unless you want the meter to be tiny. It's not that hard to do though. You only have to change a few things-width, height and font size were all I changed.

Looks

2009-04-16T00:33:00.003-05:00

Does beauty matter in a heroine? I'm not talking about knock-em dead gorgeous beauty. This doesn't come out of left field for me. One of the heroine's in one of my WIP has a facial scar that she's really hung-up on. It's a factor only to her, the heroes have their own problems.

It got me thinking about stories where the heroine is described as plain or just not beautiful except to the hero. I'm sure I've read stories where the heroine has a scar, but I can't remember the name of any specific books.

When I'm reading, I do envision the heroine, but scars wouldn't matter to me.

So would a scar or bad scars matter to you?

Goddesses and more!

2009-04-04T03:23:00.002-05:00

I'm blogging today at at the Goddesses of Storytelling blog and you'll find news there.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I am making some progress on my WIP and the revising I need to be doing, between rounds of editing. More news later.

Have a great weekend,

Rebecca

Quotes

2009-03-27T07:45:00.001-05:00

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking. William B. Sprague

Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.
George Herman "Babe" Ruth

Failure teaches success.
Japanese Saying

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination. -Tommy Lasorda

Determination and desire have been on my mind a lot lately. Well, since I read an article in an old Writer's Digest.

Rites of Spring Contest

2009-03-26T17:25:00.003-05:00

The IWOFA is having a contest to celebrate spring. More than 40 authors are participating with prizes from each author as well as three grand prizes of $65 gift cards up for grabs. I'm a little late posting this, but there's still time to enter. The contest runs through March 28. Click the graphic to go to the contest page or copy and paste this link: www.iwofa.net/SpringContest.htm

Have a great day,

Rebecca

Release day!!!

2009-03-18T16:21:00.003-05:00

If you heard a squee ringing around the internets, that was probably me.

Between Two Tiron released today!

Excerpt:

The insistent buzz of her communications alarm woke Lina from a light sleep. She rolled over on the bunk and swiveled a nearby monitor around so that she could see the readout. The ID signal showed a familiar origin at Central Command, an agency that had intergalactic jurisdiction in hate crimes, terrorism, and many other areas.So much for the vacation, Lina thought as she opened the com-link and with a groan rolled to her feet, stretching and yawning.

The smooth, silver-gray floor was cold beneath her bare feet and above her hands, the textured gray ceiling hid storage space. Her ship was roomy and the communications camera would follow her wherever she moved inside of it.

“Cadian here, are you just checking up on me, Callie or is there a reason for this?”

Dark haired and slender, the image of Callie Meuru grinned at her from a cushy office in Central Command’s headquarters. “There’s a reason, but it shouldn’t interrupt your vacation too much.”

Lina rolled her eyes as she walked forward to the pilot’s seat. Idly, she checked the readouts on the advanced instruments on the gray panels in front of her. She would believe that when it happened. The last time Callie had said something like that Lina had been stranded for two months, playing nursemaid and guardian to six scientists at an isolated base until Command personnel could get there.

Lina wasn’t an agent for Central Command, just someone they found useful at times. Although she was a shifter, she had no qualms about working for them. They paid well and when she had first started taking assignments from them, she had badly needed that money.

“What is it this time?” Lina settled back into the well-padded, black, pilot’s seat waiting for the worst. If it was just a normal mission, they would have sent one of their own agents on it. She got the assignments where they didn’t want to be directly connected to the mission or the ones that required a shifter touch.

“A woman on a planet known as Nariu Minor, a large world in Shifter protected space, has gone missing. She was there with a group of researchers studying the ruins on the planet.” Callie paused and thought for a moment.

“Why do you need me for a disappearance?” Lina narrowed her eyes. She knew there was more to this than just a mere missing person report. “One of the Shifter patrols will take care of it. They certainly won’t welcome interference.”

“A distress call has come in from her. When I heard it, I thought of you.” Callie smiled, an annoying, this-is-just-your-type-of-mission, encouraging smile.

That drew a groan from Lina. A woman went missing in Shifter controlled space usually for one reason and it wasn’t pirates. This woman had been chosen by a shifter as mate and had run. Lina would rather go up against a shipload of the worst space scum in the known universe than mess with a shifter mating. “Show me the distress call.”

Callie nodded, a satisfied smirk crossing her face. “Here it is. Audio only, no vid on this one. The method she used was archaic.”

“Help me . . .” The sound of panting breaths and breaking foliage, as if the woman was running through a forest or an overgrown area, came clearly over the link. “You’ve got to come get me. They’ll come after me. I drugged them, but they know where our camp is. I can’t go there. They took me from there.” The woman’s voice was thready and high-pitched. She sounded panicked, almost incoherent. “They’re animals. They can be animals. Please, send someone for me.”

“It sounded as if she was dealing with one of your kind.”

“Well, she is probably dealing with a shifter. The message did seem to indicate that. My kind, I don’t know. I can go there, look for her.” Lina pursed her lips as she considered the difficulties of this mission. There were obviously some shifters there or somewhere nearby which could make it difficult.

“You don’t think you can find her?” Carrie raised her brows, but her smile taunted, challenged.

“If the man is already mated to her when I get there, she won’t want to leave. I won’t try to take her from him. As long as she isn’t mated, any help I give her won’t get me killed.” Lina nodded accepting the assignment and giving Callie the conditions.

“Why would they kill you?” Callie frowned, clearly perplexed.

Lina ignored that question, trying to explain the seriousness of a shifter mating to a non-shifter was useless. “If she is still free and not mated, I’ll get her off the planet and rendezvous with one of your ships. As I’ve told you before, even getting her off of the planet probably won’t help in the long run.”

“We’ll get her out of Shifter Space. She’ll be safe if you can get her to us.” Callie radiated confidence in her cheerful smile and perky attitude.

“Shifters are persistent. I’ll need everything you have on her. If she’s hiding, I’ll need to know where she’s most comfortable.” She doubted that Callie believed or even grasped just how intense a shifter would be in the search for his woman. He would come after the woman he considered his mate. Tracking her across galaxies was normal for them.

The transmission of the woman’s files as well as those of the people with the research group came almost immediately. There was no information about the shifters.

Inspirational

2009-03-12T02:14:00.005-05:00

Tonight, I've been a little lazy in actual writing, but I've made a start now. It may have been Wednesday, but it felt like Monday. Nothing went right and it felt like I was going backwards at times. But I'm not here to whine about that.

No, I'm here to talk about inspiration. I've been inspired by dreams, by people and other things. Tonight I was watching tv. It's one of my big time sucks. But today, it might actually be useful. I caught the end of a show on the National Geographic Channel about a crystal cave. I can't find a picture of it other than the ones on the Nat Geo website and I know those are licensed, but if you google crystal caves of Mexico you'll see how beautiful it is.

Now I'll probably find time to watch that all the way through, because it definitely caught my interest. But you know after a moment thinking 'ooh, that's pretty' my mind started whirling. Where could I use something that cool? One of my heroines needs to see something like that, be trapped.

My first thought was to have it be the lair of a dragon. Cause dragons like cool caves, but maybe not. My mind still hasn't stopped. What if... I've got ideas, but I'll have to see if they grow into plot.

Have a great day and my inspiration be your companion.

What's Up

2009-03-05T00:08:00.002-06:00

more animals

Okay so I haven't been working on string theory, but I have been super busy. Edits and more edits, revisions and some progress on some of my WIP. I'll be sharing some cover art hear soon. Yep, I have some fabulous, gorgeous covers, but you'll have to wait. Yes, I'm a tease. I had a little trouble with one of the characters from Fated Choices, and I've had to take a closer look at him, but I think I've got a handle on him now. I'll be adding a couple more WIP's to that list soon so keep looking.

2009-02-15T23:40:00.003-06:00

Here is a picture of two of my cats/writing inhibitors taken a while back. They're much bigger now.

I've been very busy and it's been an eventful two months. Writing and revising of course and editing, lots of editing. But I do have some good news. Primal Encounter--contracted by Ellora's Cave publishing! Woohoo! And I have a release date for Between Two Tiron! It will be making it's debut March 18!

I'm getting back to my revisions and fated choices!

Have a great day

A brief WIP update

2009-01-11T04:10:00.003-06:00

I finished Guardian's Protector, formerly known as Making Magic. Yea! Finally, it seems like I've been so close forever. Now, it will go on the back burner for a month or so to give me time to get a little distance. Then I'll begin the rewrites and additions I already know it needs. I know which story I'm going to start next, but I haven't yet. Right now, it's called Dragon's Keeper. I need to get some of the basic information about the story and the world down before I write it even though I'm raring to tear into it.

Fated Choices is chugging along, those characters have no problem with providing me conflict to spare. I'll be updating the progress bars on the sidebar sometime this week.

Have a great Sunday!

Website Contest

2009-01-03T05:54:00.002-06:00

Winner of my website contest is Sue A! Congratulations!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T17:14:00.001-06:00

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous 2009! Happy New Year!

Want to win some books?

2008-12-16T20:16:00.003-06:00

Where would authors be without readers? The holiday season being one of fun, friends, family and being thankful for what we have, IWOFA (Infinite Worlds of Fantasy Authors) is giving something back to the readers we love!

Join us from Dec 15th through Dec 31st for the IWOFA Holiday Contest, one of four yearly contests IWOFA will be holding. Sponsored by 73 of the more than 300 IWOFA authors, the scavenger hunt is split into three sections, to appeal to the tastes of all spec fic/paranormal readers. Sweet Cocoa is for straight genre, sweet romance and YA books. Spiced Cider is for traditional to sensual cross-genre romance books. Hot Toddy is for erotic romance and erotica cross-genre books. Entrants can enter only their favorites or for all three. The choice is up to you.

The prizes are as varied as the styles of the sponsoring authors. From t-shirts and bath items through Celtic goodies, stuffed animals, jewelry, and a fluted ivory vase, that's just the tip of the iceberg. The authors are offering a sum total of 89 books valued at more than $600, four gift certificates, not to mention the grand prize of three $100 gift certificates.

Rules for entry can be found at this link! Good luck and happy holidays from the authors of IWOFA.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T01:40:00.002-06:00

For those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you have a wonderful day.

It's time to stop and give thanks for what we have. I'm thankful for my family who loves me even though my minds off creating worlds at times, that I get the chance to live my dream. I'm thankful for my friends, most especially Mel, who read through Lisia's Journey and gave me the objective opinion I needed.

A bit of cute!

2008-11-20T01:49:00.002-06:00

more animals

Well, I'm not filing, but I am getting a bit more organized at the moment. I'm making progress on my WIP. And I am getting back into regular writing. I'm feeling much more enthusiastic than I have in over a month and I hope to be finishing another WIP at least by the end of December.

Primal Pursuit Excerpt

2008-10-25T01:48:00.002-05:00

Blurb:
The world of the Zarain shapeshifters is dangerous and unpredictable, with oppressors and wild beasts never more than a short distance away. So when Zaden spots his mate just as she is disappearing through the travel gate to another planet, he becomes determined to find her again before something else does.

Tara and her companions are searching for a safe place to colonize when a band of brutes descends upon them. Having never seen shifters before, Tara's first instinct is to flee them. But their alpha male seems determined not to let that happen. And despite her anger and lingering fear, Tara doesn't completely mind being Zaden's captive.

Excerpt:

Zaden stopped where the path split into two roads. The group had separated. Two women had taken the right path. His woman had gone with two others on the trail to the left.

"Naral, go after the women who went to the right. We'll meet back here and return to the gatehouse." He turned in time to see the man nod. "Tell them that we have the others."

While it wasn't true at the moment, it would be by the time that they met again. Even if he had to toss his woman, screaming and clawing over his shoulder, she'dbe coming with them. If he had her, the other two with her would probably follow.

He knew he was getting closer to her. The scent he followed was stronger. He noticed that there was something unusual about that fragrance—something not quite human.

Before he saw the women, he heard the murmur of their voices. They were still together. He couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but he did pick outthree distinct female tones.
Zaden followed the scent trail around a bend in the path. He stopped as he sawthe women just standing on the stone road talking. They were looking up the roadand their backs were to him. Their hoods had been thrown back and they weredeeply immersed in their discussion.

A tall blond woman pointed down the path to a crumbling stone column. A redhead of average height shook her head and said something so quietly that he didn'tcatch it. They both looked to the petite dark skinned, brunette standing betweenthem as if waiting for her opinion.

"Tara's right. No-one's been here for a long time." The brunette pushed her hair back.

"There's a reason for that." Zaden smiled, enjoying their surprise.

All three women whirled around to face him. The surprise was quickly hidden as the women stepped away from each other. They all moved their staffs in front oftheir bodies. Their grip assured him that they knew how to use the weapon.

"Why's that?" The tiny dark haired woman barked the question.

"The gate on this planet doesn't work for long periods of time. We're going back to the gate now." Zaden folded his arms across his chest and waited.

The redhead tilted her head her braid falling forward the end dangling above herwaist. She just watched him for a moment. Green eyes narrowed. "Well, go. We'renot keeping you here."

Zaden held back a growl and reminded himself that the women weren't shifters. A shifter female would recognize an alpha male and wouldn't waste time arguingwith him. He focused his attention on the bold woman. He didn't doubt that inthe past men had always done exactly what she wanted. This would definitely be adifferent experience for her.

"You're coming with us." Zaden took a step forward and two of the staffs loweredas if to keep him from approaching any closer.

"No, take your orders and your cautions and get off the planet if being here scares you so much." Full pink lips curved up into a smile as the redheadallowed the bottom of her staff to rest on the ground.

Zaden lunged forward, knocking aside one staff and dancing around the blunt end of the other. Before any of the women could react, he wrapped his hand aroundthe redhead's upper arm and tugged her close, taking her staff and throwing it into the bushes. A red tinge climbed her pale creamy cheeks as she struggled topull free.

Her scent rose around him with her exertions. His cock hardened and his teethl engthened. The need to claim her, to change her slammed through him. When he saw the frightened look on her face, he resisted the urge to pull her into his arms and reassure her. She wouldn't believe him and would probably knee him for his efforts.

"You're only choice is over my shoulder or at my side. I'm not leaving you here.The gate could stop working at any time." He leaned down, locking his eyes with hers.

He heard a whoosh and then felt a staff across his upper back. Turning, he glared at the black haired woman raising the rod for another blow. He glowered at her until she dropped her weapon. At that moment, a solid kick landed on his ankle then a fist collided with his jaw.
He cursed, turned, dipped down and lifted her over his shoulder. As she squirmed and promised to gut him, he turned to the other two women. They stood there staring at him with wide eyes. He wasn't in the mood to offer them any comfort.

"If you want to make sure she's safe, follow me." He spun on his heel and strode down the cobbled path, his long stride carrying him back toward the gatehouse.

The woman on his back wriggled and swung her fist, her blow landing on his thigh. Zaden lifted his palm from her well rounded rear end. He smacked her buttocks just once.

"Settle down. You're not going anywhere." He smiled as he heard a low growl. "My name is Zaden Arcinian."

"Doesn’t matter. You're going to be dead soon." The woman slid her hands under his black leather vest and sank her nails into his stomach.

He lifted his hand pushed her feet up just enough to give her the feeling that she was slipping off his shoulder. She gasped and clung to him until his hand once again settled over her buttocks. He could practically here her gritting her teeth in frustration and anger. She had no idea that hurting her was the last thing he would ever do. He was more than willing to use her ignorance.

"It's good manners to respond in kind when someone gives you their name." He looked over his shoulder when he heard a slight noise. The other two women weref ollowing and Varon trailed after them, carrying the redhead’s bag.

He frowned. According to everything he’d been told, she should be relaxed now. Her only thought should be getting closer to him. His scent should have her thinking of sex and more sex. Either someone had exaggerated the effectivenessof Zarain scent on humans or his mate was a special case. She burned with anger, her scent sharp and clear.

"And it's such excellent manners to toss a woman over your shoulder and cart her away without her permission." She took in a deep breath and relaxed. "I'm getting dizzy."

"In some cultures, it's the ultimate compliment to a woman." He kept walking until they'd reached the fork in the path. He stopped walking and waited for Naral. "Now, tell me your name. What will my knowing your name matter if you kill me?"

"My name is Tara." She placed her hand in the middle of his back and pushed herself up. "Please, let me down." Each word sounded as if it had been pulled from her.

"You didn't want to walk earlier." He lifted her off his shoulder and put her on her feet. When she tried to move away from him, he slipped his fingers around her wrist and shook his head. "You have this one opportunity to walk on your own, but try to run or fight me and you'll go back over my shoulder."

She bit her lip. Her white teeth worried at her lip for a moment before she lowered her head just once. When he released her wrist, she stayed where she was. Clearly, she didn't like being told what to do. She'd finally seemed to realize that this was a battle she couldn't win.

"If we go with you to the gate and off of this world, you'll leave us to ourjourney." The petite black haired woman drew his attention.

Thankfully, he didn't have to answer her. The answer would have sent them all into an immediate panic. Naral followed very slim blond woman and blue eyed brunette down the cobbled path.

Character Interview: Zaden

2008-10-20T01:15:00.004-05:00

Today, I'm interviewing Zaden Felinian from Primal Pursuit which releases on October 22nd! Here's a short description just to give you an idea of what the gorgeous man sitting across from me looks like.

Hair: Black, long, nearly to the bottom of his shoulder blades

Eyes: Golden eyes

Skin: golden tan skin

Build: height around 6’3”, muscled, broad shoulders, long legs

Face: square, strong jaw

Hello Zaden, I hope you're comfortable. I have a few questions I'd like to ask you just to let my readers know a little more about you before your book comes out on Wednesday.

Zaden: The chair is too soft, but let's get on with the questions. I'll answer them, but I need to get back to my journey soon. You know I do have to be somewhere soon. You're the one who made the schedule so tight.

Thank you. I know you need to be at a certain place and I'll let you continue your traveling soon. We'll start with the basics. What are you?

Zaden: I'm a Shadatai Zarain. A Zarain is a shapeshifter. I believe you compared our shape to something you call a grizzly. Shadatai is another group of Zarain. We're bigger. We have more abilities.

That's grizzly bear and yes, that is what your shape reminded me of although a Zarain is bigger than a bear. Why do you have more abilities?

Zaden: They developed over many years, because the enemies the Shadatai faced were different, more dangerous than those other Zarain faced.

You just recently found a permanent home on the world of Cordares. Did you just start looking for a mate or did you look before you were settled?

Zaden's head tilts and he looks at me like he can't believe I'm asking that: You know the answer to that.

They don't know as much about you as I do. So answer the question.

I was looking for my mate on every world I ever visited since I reached maturity. A Zarain male does not walk away from his mate once he's found her no matter when that happens.

Ever? I think I know of an exception to that rule.

I've never heard of it happening.

When you meet Tara, what are you doing? What do you think of her?

Zaden scowls at me: I'm on my way back to Cordares when I first scent her. I know she's my mate. Other than that...

I said meet. When you first realize she's your mate, you don't even know what she looks like.

Zaden: I thought that she was much too bold and needed to realize who was in charge. And that she was very sexy.

What do you think when you're trapped on Deral with her?

Zaden shrugs: In a way, it's good, but in other ways the situation couldn't be worse. It will give her time to realize that I'm not just lying to keep her with me, but I hate that she's in danger of any kind. Her survival is the only thing that matters.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today. I'll let you return to your journey. If I have more questions, I'll ask you about them later. Any questions for Zaden?

Character Interview: Evan Connors

2008-10-09T04:11:00.000-05:00

After taking some time away from my current Wip to finish a short story submission with a deadline, it hasn't been easy getting back into them. To get back into the heads of my characters, I'm trying a few different things. For Evan Connors, my sexy werewolf hero from Close Contact I'm doing a character interview. I'd better start before he tries to slip out on me.

First off I'll give you a little description of him, but when you're thinking about drooling remember he's annoyingly persistent. He's dressed in a t-shirt and jeans today and he's pushing his luck by having his feet up on my coffee table.

Straight black hair, cut conservatively

Gorgeous brown eyes

6' 6"

Cocoa brown skin

High cheekbones, full lips

Muscular and athletic

And a werewolf/wizard

Hi Evan, are you ready to answer a few questions?

Evan(frowning and glaring): Kind of familiar don't you think? Shouldn't you call me Mr. Connors?

After the way you distracted me from your sister's book, insisting that your story had to come first, I can call you what I want.

Evan: Shouldn't you be doing a character interview of one of the characters from a recent release or the one that will be out soon?

I'll be posting an interview of Zaden or Tara from Primal Pursuit soon. Now don't try to distract me. First off, for those who don't know anything about you, what do you do?

Evan: I own a tech security firm.

Explain what you mean by tech security.

Evan: We do a little of everything in the security field. Security system design, inventory control, body guard or escorts, security and surveillance devices. We've even done a little private investigation, but mainly our work is about keeping a company or individual's data secure.

You're a werewolf and a wizard. Is that a strange combination?

Evan: It's not common, but it's not as if it's never happened before.

Why isn't it common?

Evan shrugs: Witches and wizards have mates just like were's do, but they tend to mate within their own group.

How many other were-witch mixes are there in your area?

Evan: In Dallas, my sister and I are the only ones. In the surrounding areas, maybe twenty.

Were you trained by a coven?

Evan: No, the local coven doesn't accept us. We were trained by my mother. Before you ask, that's more the norm than the exception. Most coven's don't train witches and wizards of mixed heritage.

You recently met Geneva Black. What did you think of her?

A slow smile curved his lips.
Evan: Do you mean the first thing I thought of her?

We'll go with that for now.

Evan: I didn't want to let her out of my sight and that she had a sweet ass.

What do you think about her problems?

Evan: You mean the spell keeping her close to me? We'll get the spell off of her.

Do you think you're going to have any problems catching the witch or wizard who did this?

Evan: We'll catch the person. It might take a while. They want her in constant pain, but they don't want to get too close to her to do it. It's going to take some time to make them come into the open. I think it could be a little harder to make Geneva see that she has to be patient.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today Evan. If you have anything you'd like to ask Evan, please do. I can wrangle him in here for another quick answer session.

I will be doing an interview of one of the characters from Primal Pursuit soon, so please check back.

Getting back into the swing.

2008-10-02T04:47:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to get back into the writing swing after finishing the short story. But I'm currently working on Close Contact again. I put it aside so I could finish the short and it took half a day to get back into the story. To get fully back into the character's heads, I'll probably do a character interview. I'll post Evan's here when I get it finished.

Website redesign and an update

2008-09-27T22:41:00.005-05:00

Diana at Wolfden Creations has redesigned my site and she's done a great job! I absolutely love it! Check it the new look.

In writing news, yesterday I finished the short story I've been working on. I'll spend the next few days reviewing and rewriting it, but I'm still feeling the glow of satisfaction from getting to the end of it. Short stories always feel a little more challenging to me.

LOL cat, newsletter, and update

2008-09-19T22:39:00.003-05:00

more animals

I thought this was cute. I just sent out my newsletter. If you'd like to read it, simply join my yahoo group.

I've had a good writing week. Right now, I'm working on a short story, but I'm also very close to finishing Close Contact, my werewolf story set in the Protectorate world of Devon's Vix. Yeah! I'll reveal a bit about the short story a little later.

Quote Day

2008-09-11T01:09:00.002-05:00

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

Scott Adams

To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.

Anatole France

The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them.

Alfred North Whitehead

Primal Pursuit

2008-09-05T21:57:00.002-05:00

I'm marking my calendars. Primal Pursuit is scheduled for release on October 22. Woohoo!!!

Jewels of the Nile II reviews

2008-08-16T23:46:00.003-05:00

Ellora's Caveman: Jewels of the Nile has been getting some good news and I wanted to share this one. It received a recommended read from Dark Angel Reviews. Part of it's above the cut and the rest is below the cut.

AFTER DARK by Kyann Waters

Kayla March is sexually unfulfilled. She has never reached an orgasm. After her seven year marriage is over she decides it’s time to find a tall, dark and handsome stranger and talk him into bed. Her choice will change her life forever.

When Alandro Blackwood realizes that his one true mate, Kayla is still alive, he can’t wait to meet her. Their bond is much more than either can imagine. Will Kayla trust Alandro when she finds out that he’s her mate for life, and a vampire? Or, will the sight of his fangs send her running?

What an excellent story! I loved everything about AFTER DARK. Kayla immediately grabbed my attention and heart. She’s so lonely, with no family left, and her marriage is over. All she wants is a partner who can fulfill her sexually and bring her to an orgasm, but she hasn’t found anyone to do that. She thinks there has to be something wrong with her and decides to pick up a stranger at a club call After Dark. In walks sexy, mysterious Alandro. Boy, what a hot male vamp this one is. His raw sexual power just pours off him and I love it. I have to say my favorite is that Kayla just flows with her life and destiny. If you are looking for a great all around story, Ms. Water’s, AFTER DARK is the story for you.

FROM THE SEA by Maxie Cooper

Kelli Rhodes is vacationing far away from her work life. She has a little beach house, on a stretch of empty beach, where one night, a gorgeous naked man comes right out of the water and beckons for Kelli to come to him. She has no idea that he will change her life forever.

FROM THE SEA is a tale about two mermaids, one who lost her way long ago and was raised as a human. I enjoyed this story tremendously. Mermaids and mystical creatures under the sea have always been fascinating to me and this story hit the nail on the head. Kelli knows something, out of her reach, is calling to her and it shows when she paints beautiful things of the sea and what maybe underneath. She feels unconnected with her life and can’t quite figure out what it is, until a naked man steps out of the water in the moonlight. Ms. Cooper has written a superb, erotic story with a mystical feel mystical thrown in. If you love mermaids and the sea, FROM THE SEA will not disappoint.

LADY’S CHOICE by Rebecca Airies

Kyna has worked hard to earn her solider rank and prove that she’s nothing like her father. She’s learned that when people find out who she is, they immediately dislike her and don’t trust her. However, Kyna is about to meet two men who not only like her and trust her, but want her. Commander Finn and Commander Drace are about to give her something she craves, being loved.

LADY’S CHOICE is a tantalizing erotic tale that shows how two men can love one woman and make her know her true self.

I loved all aspects of the story. First, we have Kyna, who I thought fit right into the lives of these two men perfectly. These two are somewhat opposite, but fit, one each side, of Kyna to a tee. It’s as if they were all born for one another and that makes the story so exciting. I was a bit apprehensive to see all three of them together, but once I started reading it, I realized I had nothing to worry about. Ms. Airies writing is tasteful, yet still erotic and the scenes will leave you hot and bothered. I was reading this story as fast as possible to see Drace, Kyna and Finn together again. What an exciting story, and I hope to read more from Ms. Airies in the future.

SUNRISE by Natasha Moore

Caroline has been meeting Alan, in the shadows, at sunset for months. She’s more than happy with just sex; she doesn’t need any special treatment. Alan, however, wants it to be a little more than that. He doesn’t want to meet outside, in the shadows and lay on the ground. He wants Caroline in his bed, now if he could just convince her.

SUNRISE by Natasha Moore is more of a slow-paced erotic romance. I really enjoyed the tug of war Caroline had with her heart. She meets Alan, when she can, in the shadows at sunset. In her mind, it makes it anonymous. However, as time goes on, they learn one another’s names and more about their lives. Soon, Caroline is panicky because she just wants hot, steamy sex, not romance. She’s afraid she’ll lose it all when he walks out. This is why, this was one of my favorites in the book. I could relate to Caroline and understand why she just wanted sex and nothing more. Ms. Moore has written an erotic, yet romantic, story that leaves you hot and happy at the same time. Watching Alan talking Caroline into staying with him, and to return his love, was an awesome moment.

SURRENDER DOROTHY by Anna J. Evans

When Gelsey took the job as the costume seamstress for the Wizard of Oz she’s grateful for a place to hide out in the shadows and still have a job to do. She’s hiding from the dark forces that seem to follow her and call to her magical. She tries to entertain herself with fantasies of the Tin Man, but he’s a jerk and really like the story goes, heartless.

Woo-hoo! SURRENDER DOROTHY is totally sexy and mystical. Ms. Evans has created a super sexy story with a main female character who is trying to hide from something, but instead, faces head on, which I loved. Gelsey is a bit quiet and just wants to stay un-noticed, because something dark is chasing her. She has these super sexy fantasies about the Tin Man, AKA Stephen, that would blow her quiet girl image out of the water. Stephen, on the other hand, doesn’t seem interested at all. In fact, he seems to insult her every chance he gets. I was surprised by how fast their relationship goes from so-so, to downright sexy. As you read on, you see the magically, dangerous side, come into play. The paranormal aspect mixed with the raw erotic makes this story a hit and a must read.

THE DEBUTANTE by Samantha Kane

Dominic, Viscount Lethbridge, is tired of the same boring virgin ladies. He wants someone, well different, and passionate. Clari is what he wants and the more he’s around her, the more he’s sure of it. But, you see, he’s into more than normal sex and he’s afraid that once Clari finds out about Ben, she’ll go running for the hills.

Let me just start out with WOW! THE DEBUTANTE is one of the sexiest stories I’ve read, by far, this year. This story draws you in from the first page and has you thinking about it long after the story is over. The raw sexual power coming from Dominic is amazing. He’s so sexy that when he spoke to Clari in the book, I had goose bumps. I couldn’t get enough of Dominic and Clari and I was on pins and needles, waiting to see them do everything together. You see Dominic likes to have his best friend Ben join them in bed. I was apprehensive about how the story was going to go once Ben joined in, but it was even more enjoyable. Clari is completely innocent, but has read books and experimented with herself and I think it’s so sexy that she trusts Dominic the first time out. What is even more exciting is seeing Dominic, Clari and Ben together as friends and lovers. Ms. Kane, job well done on this terrifically sexy story.

I recommend JEWELS OF THE NILE II to everyone. There are all types of stories in here, something to strike everyone’s fancy. A bit of paranormal, a little futuristic and even one I considered historical. No matter what sub-genre, the erotic stands out and all of these authors have put together a wonderful book. I hope to see something more from all of these ladies in the future.

Becky Gaede

Quotes, craft,

2008-07-25T23:54:00.007-05:00

I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.
- Thomas A. Edison

Remember when you see a man at the top of a mountain, he didn't fall there.
- Anonymous

These quotes seemed appropriate because last night I had to trash nearly 2k of one of my current WIP to get it back on track. It seemed like a huge chunk, but there was no way to go forward without cutting out the scene that went wrong. Right now I'm working on fixing the problem and add more words back to the total. A lot of hard work, but I'm aiming for that mountaintop.

I'm currently revising Primal Encounter, as well as trying to get a little closer to the end of Close Contact. I'll continue working on Close Contact because I do want to finish that soon, but I also want to work on Making Magic. The characters are getting demanding. MM will be getting a new title soon. I'm working on a few combinations that better fit the story.

For other writers out there, you might want to check out the newsletter Writing for Success sent out by Marg McAlister. I've found it to be a great resource on craft. Last week's tip was 7 essential plotting questions and they're great even for pantsers. I looked at them and realized that I know those things before I begin writing on almost all of the WIP's I've finished within the last year (even if I don't think of them in the way she worded it).
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Fire Princes' Bride Excerpt--Hot

2008-07-09T02:29:00.002-05:00

I've been revising and getting a little writing done. I'm working on the revisions for Primal Encounter now. I'm taking a small break from Making Magic. I'm a little over halfway through it now and I needed to think about the direction I'm taking the story.

Now, for the excerpt of Fire Princes Bride, available now from Ellora's Cave.

The waiting was making Karissa nervous. They'd returned to the couch and for some time the two men had been talking of inconsequential things. She hadn't been paying much attention especially as her anxiety grew.

Who says you have to wait for them to make a move? Ijina chuckled. You want it. Go get it. You already know that they're interested.

A low chuckle rolled in the back of Karissa's throat. Ijina was right. They wanted her and they were about to get her.

Callan looked up sharply at that sexy sound.

Karissa caught the confusion in Callan's eyes and smiled as she turned and looped her arms around his neck. Her lips slid over his, her teeth nibbling on his lips before her tongue prodded the sealed flesh. With light, lapping strokes, she sought entry into the warmth of his mouth.

Her tongue drove into his mouth when his lips parted. The rich intan spice taste flowed into her mouth as his tongue stroked into hers. She took his wrist in one of her hands and urged his palm to her breast. Almost automatically, his fingers tightened on the full mound, squeezing and lifting.

"I thought we were going to take this slow and let her relax." Tyral didn't sound upset with the change of plans as he moved up behind her.

"We forgot to tell her.” Mumbled against her lips, the words were indistinct. Callan moved his hand as Tyral's fingers came around and began to play with her long nipples through the smooth, green material of her tunic.

Karissa moaned against Callan's lips as his callused fingertips rolled and pinched her nipples.

"Did we forget that there are two men who want your sweet body, my Ice Lady?” Callan brushed kisses along her jaw and then back to her lips.

"No, I didn't forget. It just feels good.” Karissa moaned and arched pressing her breasts into those talented hands.

"I think we're going to need more room than this couch allows.” Tyral pressed his hard shaft against her back, letting her feel how much he wanted her.

Tyral pulled her with him as he rose to his feet. He swept her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. "This first time, sweet Karissa, we'll have the comfort and room of a bed. As you're obviously ready to begin, there's no reason to delay.”

Her arms looped loosely around his shoulders. Her lips nibbled at the column of his neck. They wandered up to his left ear, her tongue roaming over his pointed ear before she began nibbling on his earlobe, moving to the rim of his ear.

A harsh groan tore from his lips. "You don't know what you do with that mouth of yours, tana.”

Release Day!

2008-06-20T21:43:00.005-05:00

For Ellora's Caveman: Jewels of the Nile. I intended to have this post earlier today, but a storm last night interfered with those plans before I could even finish the post. Six fabulous stories for your reading pleasure available at Ellora's Cave. Lady's Choice Blurb

Kyna has fought long and hard to establish herself as a dedicated, capable soldier in the Laurati army. Now she is determined to let nothing about her past tarnish her reputation as she works to advance among the Calazi militia. She'd wanted to impress her commanders, but not like this.

In the midst of a power outage on their base, Finn and Drace make their intentions toward Kyna crystal clear. Kyna is intrigued and aroused but wary of sleeping with a superior, let alone both of them. As the heat between them rises, however, she quickly realizes she needs to make a choice—and not between the two men.Sexy excerpt below the cut.

Excerpt

"We're trapped in this section," Commander Tarn said gently. "We might be able to get a few of the other doors open, but the door to the main hall is too heavy and has an auto-lock. While we're locked in here, we have no ranks, no hierarchy. All right?"

Kyna swallowed heavily. Once he said it she couldn't stop her mind from expanding on his idea. With no rank between them, there was nothing to stop her from kissing him--if not more. Even with the rank and duty as a block, she couldn't deny how attractive she found both of these men.

She gnawed on her lip and exhaled slowly. There were two choices--remain professional or let desire rule for once. She couldn't let this chance slip away from her. In the years ahead, she'd most likely only have duty and her honor and memories. She wasn't going to live with the regret of walking away from this opportunity.

"No duty, no superior officers here. Only a woman and two men," she agreed. Her heart seemed to be pounding against her chest partly because of a little anxious fear but mostly in anticipation.

"Well, the first thing you can do is call me Finn." He pulled her closer until she was leaning against him.

His breath feathered through her hair. She gave in to the urge to nestle against him and feel the strength of his muscled chest beneath her cheek. Even through his shirt she could feel the heat of his body. He smelled absolutely wonderful and she didn't think that musky essence came from a bottle.

"If there's a first, what's the second thing, Finn?" she asked. The cloak of darkness made it easier to relax, to let herself fall into the fantasy.

"Kiss me. I want to feel those lips beneath mine," he said.

Her hand slid up his chest and she found his cheek in the darkness. Her lips brushed over his cheek before she found his lips. She could feel her cheeks heating with embarrassment. His warm, slightly sweet breath puffed over her lips. She lapped at his lips, tracing their shape with her tongue.

His mouth opened beneath hers and suddenly he wasn't a passive participant. His arm cradled her back as his mouth slanted across hers aggressively. She tasted sweet spice as his tongue drove into her mouth.

With the unremitting black surrounding them every sound, every touch seemed sharper, more intense. At least that's what she tried to tell herself when her senses went wild at the feel of his lips and tongue. Her hands stroked over the soft cloth at his shoulders. His shoulders shifted beneath her hands and a deep moan rolled against her lips.

She felt his hand brush against her thigh and drew in a sharp breath as tingles danced over her skin. The nipping sting of his teeth on her lip distracted her from the path of his fingers over her stomach.

"You taste good, deliciously sweet. I want to see if you taste that way all over." He placed kisses along her jaw.

Her mind automatically supplied images of his mouth trailing over her breasts, her belly and lower. She shivered and felt liquid coating the lips of her pussy. By the great Prishu, she wanted to feel his lips and tongue everywhere. She shifted in his lap, leaning into him.

His hand cupped her breast, his thumb circling the hard nipple. "You have perfect breasts. Can I touch them without the cloth?"

"Oh yes," she answered on a sigh and her hands dropped to her shirt and began unfastening it.

His fingers traced along the underside of her breast. His fingertip felt warm and slightly rough. Flutters of sensation followed his touch to the upper swell of her breast. His thumb flicked over the hardened peak a moment before he took the distended nub between his fingers. Her back arched as sensation shot straight to her core.

The feeling was so intense that she didn't notice the absence of his warm breath over her lips until she instead felt it against the base of her neck. His teeth grazed her collarbone. She shivered as his kisses and nips marked a trail down her neck. She never knew whether she'd feel his lips, tongue or teeth and that made her arousal more intense with each touch.

When his mouth closed over her nipple, she moaned and her hands slid up his chest and around his neck. One large hand slid down her belly, pausing to circle her navel with teasing fingers. She wriggled at the prickling tingles the touch drew and groaned with regret as her nipple slipped from his lips.

His hand cupped her pussy in a bold claiming at the same moment that his tongue flicked her nipple. She jerked, feeling as if a hot brand of intense pleasure seared through her. Her body trembled and she knew she was only a few breaths away from an intense climax.

A bright light flashed, lancing across her eyes and momentarily blinding her. She lifted a hand and scowled at the offending beam. She could have cheerfully hit the man behind that light. Her frustration sizzled over raw nerve endings, leaving an empty ache.

"Looks like I came at a bad time." Commander Amon set the light on the floor to the side and changed the setting to a less blinding one. He put an extra unlit lamp just to the right.

Revisions, upcoming releases

2008-06-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

To all the dads out there. Happy Fathers Day.

I'm still working on the revisions of Lisia's Journey, but I think I've finally gotten around whatever it was that was giving me problems. I still don't know what it was, but I'm happier, more satisfied with it now than I was before. There have been some major changes to the ending and I have maybe one to one and half more days of completing the last of the additions and cleaning it up one last time. (Wiping sweat off forehead.) I can't remember any WIP ever giving me this much trouble in revisions.

I've been working on Fated Choices (a M,M,F menage in the Sword and Sorcery series started with In Sorcery's Hold). I love these characters even though their not so easy to write sometimes. Making Magic has also been geting some time. I've been getting into the head of one of the villains, not a viewpoint chararcter. He's really not the type of character I enjoy getting to know. Eeew, the guy makes me want to shower sometimes just to get the sleaze off. I'll be working on Close Contact soon. I want to get back to that werewolf and his untrained witch and they've got a vengeful villain to catch.

With all of that bouncing around my brain you'd think I wouldn't have time to think about much else. Just when I'm trying to concentrate on actual writing, I get the greatest ideas. An ad came on the other night and it had a wolf on it, guess where my mind went. And just about anything with outerspace is sure to get me thinking about hunky aliens. Here's something to make you smile.

more cat pictures

A bit of flash and more...

2008-06-05T03:17:00.000-05:00

It's been too long since I've posted here. So I'm adding a little flash fiction to the end of this post.

I should finish my newsletter in a day or two. I'm doing fairly well on Making Magic as well as getting some work done on my other WIP and am also working on revisions for Lisia's Journey. With any luck and some hard work, I should be finishing that in the next few days. This scene is giving me some very interesting ideas for a book. I call it the Hunter. Click the link or the post title to read it. I'm stil working on getting this widget to work right. Here's the flash.

A low rumbling growl floated through the night air seeming to reverberate off the walls of the buildings near the edge of the small border town. Nina threw a glance over her shoulder, half afraid of what she'd see. The flickering yellow light of the street lamp didn't reveal the predator on her trail.

Fuck! Could the day get any worse? She'd thought she'd managed to sneak away without anyone noticing. It was all her own fault; she should never have gone near him. She quickened her pace and reached up to flick a thick strand of black hair out of her eyes. Her only hope was to put enough distance between them.

One simple night of sex with a man with a gorgeous hard body. Lady, had she enjoyed it. Almost all night long. She didn't need the possessive male crap. The man seemed to work on an instinct level when it came to her. She wouldn't put anything past him, not even dragging a woman off by her hair.

A rolling chuff that sounded way to close to her shot a bolt of adrenaling through her. She didn't dare risk a glance over her shoulder. If he was close any hesitation could be the end. She heard a single footstep just behind her. Arms wrapped around her as the weight and momentum of the man sent her tumbling to the ground. Her breath expoded from her lungs as his weight crushed her. For a moment she felt his hard muscled body against her, his cock cradled between her buttocks. He crouched over her and flipped her onto her back.

Still gasping, her eyes locked with the deep brown gaze of her captor. One of his hands braced near her shoulder, the other cupped over her hip. His head lowered to her neck and he drew in a long breath. His tongue swirled over her neck.

"That was a good run little Keeper, but you didn't quite make it. You're still mine." His teeth scraped over her neck, just over the love bite he'd given her earlier.

She shivered. Her breasts swelled and desire formed a tight knot low in her stomach. His musky sent surrounded her, heightening her need. She pushed at his chest. She had to get away from him before she felt right back into bed with him.

He laughed softly. His hand slipped between her legs and cupped her pussy. The warmth of his hand seared through the fabric of her pants. She couldn't miss the possession in his expression or the hard ridge of his shaft pressing against his pants.

"My woman." He rose, tugging her up and tossing her over his shoulder in a swift motion. "I'll always come after you."

Inspirational quotes and hurray!

2008-05-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs. ~Vance Havner

Goals are dreams with deadlines. ~Diana Scharf Hunt

Life's problems wouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them. ~Author Unknown

***

I can really relate to the first one. That 100k word count isn't quite as daunting anymore. I'm slowly making ground it.

I've made the Sven word count I was hoping for! I'm still working on all of my projects, but I will be doing a little more revision in the near future. Making Magic is going to be an ongoing project for at least the next couple of months. I hope to get back to Close Contact soon and finish it up. Then there are my other two projects. I have plenty of goals to keep me busy, to keep me climbing those steps.

Cuteness, great weather and writing

2008-05-06T22:06:00.007-05:00

more cat pictures

I just had to put this picture in because it was so cute.

May's here and the weather has been wonderful. The kind of days when you just want to be outside and enjoy it before the weather turns really hot.

Writing has been chugging along this week. I'm working on my newsletter. I missed last month and am hoping to get this out within the next few days. I'm working on Making Magic a lot, although the number count doesn't seem to be going up as fast as I sometimes think it should. I'm really thrilled with how the story is flowing even if I'd like to be farther on it than I am right now. Now Fated, those characters are screaming at me. They definitely want their story told and now. I'm having fun getting the start of this story down. I've been doing a little revision work too.

Sven. I've almost hit my goal number for it, but I haven't checked in in quite a while. I just keep forgetting. I'm going to keep pushing and hope I can finish the last little bit before the challenge ends.

Chocolate and work.

2008-04-28T17:11:00.006-05:00

see more crazy cat pics

I saw a news item on MSNBC about a study on ... Chocolate! That's my kind of study. First thought was where do I sign up. But it's being done in England. Bummer.

On to what I've been doing in my looong absence from this blog. I've been writing. I'm making progress on Making Magic. Looking at the number of words I still have to write is still a little daunting. One of the new stories I'm writing is going very well, I can't seem to get the characters to shut up. But they are on a schedule so that I can work on Making Magic as well. This week I'll also be working on my newsletter. I missed last month. : (

Writing, frustration and progress

2008-04-14T00:12:00.004-05:00

see more crazy cat pics

This pic appealed to me because the cat reminds me of my Sable kitty. He's a large cat and definitely not the most graceful of felines. He lands with an audible thump almost every time he jumps off of something. He's probably also not quite sure what his name is. He get's called big guy and assorted other things. I'd share a pic of him as he is now with you, in comparison to his normal size sister, but I need a knew memory card for the digital camera.

I've been working hard on writing, but March and April I haven't seemed to be able to get what I needed to get done. It's felt like I'm slogging through knee deep mud at times. Moaning and whining finished. I'm going to do what I can, and try not to stress over what I can't.

Writing goal wise I did fairly good this week and Sven is pleased, just under 9k. I'll be updating the totals on the sidebar asap. My new story is started, but most of my progress this week comes on Making Magic. I haven't suddenly jumped over 50k with it, but I've made some real progress with it and added a few details to the plot. A 100k still seems so far away, but I'm plugging along at it.

Writing, editing...

2008-04-07T01:19:00.003-05:00

I've been really busy with edits and revision and just normal writing. So busy that I'd forgotten about a couple of things. I'll need to work on those projects this week. It's been one of those weeks that when I look back, I'm a little amazed at what I did get done in addition to the things that had to be done now.

I'll be adding another story to the WIP list soon. Right now I'm working on some character development for it. Yep, another one. Sometimes even I look at the number of things I'm working on and wonder, but it's how I work best. When something gets hot I do tend to focus on that one, but otherwise I move from one to the other.

Synopsis procrastination

2008-03-25T21:03:00.003-05:00

see more crazy cat pics

Synopsis... The word doesn't conjure up dread inside of me. It's just that it's not one of the easier, more enjoyable parts of writing. So I put it off for as long as possible. Today there's no putting it off. *I am procrastinating a bit as I write this, but I'm also online to grab a few of my synopsis resources.* I've finished the revisions of the chapters I need to send and all I need to do is work up a synopsis. A good synopsis. Sigh.

Sven's on my case because I keep forgetting to check in. I'm pretty much on track for my word count goal and am happy with that. Vampire's Witch is going to be over the 50k mark. I'm not sure how long it will go, but it's close to being finished.

Happy Easter

2008-03-20T23:05:00.004-05:00

I've been working hard on getting the last scenes of Vampire's witch finished and revising Primal Encounter and Lisia's Journey. It feels like I can't get the words down fast enough and I'm half afraid that I'm going to lose something even though I've written down the basics of what I want to do with it.

As for Sven. Well, I've been making the word count goals for the most part, sometimes just barely. I hope to do better and get more words.

Five things

2008-03-09T00:12:00.003-06:00

On one of my writer's loops I found a discussion about the five things a writer needs to focus on and I thought that's a great discussion. Of course by the time I found it, it was long over, but things happen, so I decided to make it a blog topic.

--First, keep writing. When you finish something, start a new WIP even while you're preparing it to send the first out to editors. Especially after you've sent something to an editor you need to be working on something. There's nothing worse on the nerves than the waiting.

--Set goals. Small daily ones and career goals. One of my goals is to write every day, even if it's just a paragraph.

--Read, both for your craft and relaxation.

--Write then edit. This is a must for me. I get to picky sometimes, looking for the right word and progress will bog down if I try to go proof my work as I go.

--Take time to relax. I know it kind of goes against one of my own goals, but sometimes you've got to take a day off. Burn out's bad. So is wrist pain so intense I couldn't type or even hand write for two weeks when my muse was throwing ideas at me.

In other news, I missed the first two check-ins for the Sweat but I'll catch them tomorrow. So far I'm doing good. I have around 13k for the Sweat total so far. I've been getting more done than I hoped. The only thing I haven't been doing so much is revising. I have two WIP that need to be revised and I have to find time to get to them too.

I also have a release date for Fire Princes' Bride. It will be hitting the e-shelves at Ellora's Cave on June 26.

Update on a week's work

2008-02-24T17:50:00.007-06:00

I've been working hard this week. I wrote 10k and was surprised when I realised I had written that much. The words were just flowing so much that I hadn't realized how much I'd actually accomplished. I haven't loved everything I've written, but that's what revising is for. I've been working on the character backgrounds for Making Magic, but I haven't actually written much on it this week. I just want to get all the kinks out of that so maybe I can get really rolling on that soon.

Vampire's Witch is going great and Close Contact is moving along so I'm happy with it. In my spare time I've been spending some time on Facebook. I've just put a link on my sidebar.

I found a reference to the 70 Day Sweat and went to see when the next round started. I didn't know if wanted to join again, but once I got there I started thinking about what I wanted to get done in the coming months and signed up. I guess I'm a masochist cause this is my third time. : )Really, it's a great motivator. The weekly check-ins are a great way to keep track of your progress and the daily word count breaks it down into doable chunks. So if you've got a WIP you want to work on and feel like you need a little encouragement to get it done, the Sweat is a great way to get it done. It starts March 1st.

Male Body Language article

2008-02-18T22:44:00.004-06:00

I'm always interested in articles about body language and this article gives five signs of whether he's into you and five that he's not. This article has been especially helpful. I found a book mentioned, I Can Read you like a book: How to Spot the Messages and Emotions People Are Really Sending with Their Body Language by Greg Hartley, and I want to read it.

Ok, back to the article. It's the kind of things, you'd recognize when you see it. Well most of them. I'll admit I didn't recognize the rounded shoulders sign. But again back to what I want to say. These are the kinds of things that could easily get left out when you're writing. I try to put some key body language into my writing, but I'm always looking for ways to make it better.

I'll paraphrase the signs from the article that he's interested in a woman.
He steps closer to the woman.
His voice softens
When he's close to the woman, his posture rounds softens
He speaks slower.
His eyes are locked with the woman's.

Anyone got any other body language signals that would tell a woman he's interested in her. Or in this case help a writer convey that interest.

On the writing front, Vampire's Witch and Close Contact have been getting the majority of my attention, but I'm still getting some done on Making Magic and even a little progress is encouraging when the word count is large.

Have an absolutely fabulous week!

Writing, reading

2008-02-16T01:34:00.003-06:00

I've been writing at a fairly good pace in the past week. My right wrist had been giving me a little trouble, aching, hurt to move it, but it seems better now. I've been working primarily on Vampire's Witch and Close Contact.

I've probably mentioned James Frey's The Key on this blog before. If I haven't let me tell you, I absolutely love this book. I was having a hard time with one of my characters, Jackson from Making Magic. He just wouldn't open up. I remembered that there was a section in there on creating a character bio.

Since I'm mainly a pantser I hadn't gotten too in depth with his history during my first pass before I started the story. I wanted to just let his past and his problems unfold during the story. That obviously didn't work out like I wanted and expected. He's been holding the story back, so I obviously had to know more about him.

Well, I'm learning more about him now and I'm doing a bio for Ally. I already know quite a bit about her, but since this is going to be a long book, I decided I'd better be prepared. ; )

Flirting, cover goodness and Facebook

2008-02-13T16:58:00.007-06:00

I came across an interesting article on MSN. Fun flirting facts. First off, in the body of number 10, I didn't know fish flirted. That made me smile and sent some very interesting images through my head. And second # 6, the fans, I always suspected that those fans held by Victorian ladies were used for more than keeping them from fainting. Third, # 3, illegal flirting, I wonder if some hard-nosed, or maybe ticked off, cop has recently enforced those laws.

I've been spending some time over at Facebook lately. If you're a member, find me.

I am Legend

2008-02-10T22:34:00.000-06:00

I recently saw it. Spoilers will probably follow. For the most part, I loved it. I had some doubts that a single actor could carry an entire movie. Will Smith did an awesome job and I walked out of the theater pretty much wowed. I loved the scenes of post-apocalyptic New York.

I would have liked a little more background about Robert Neville and more backstory. I also thought that they made the infected humans were a bit too obviously cg and were a little unbelievable--strength, speed.

But none of these things detract from the fact that I was pretty much glued to my seat during the movie. Imo, a great movie and well worth the price of admission.

A lazy week for me

2008-02-02T22:11:00.000-06:00

moar funny pictures

I've been trying to recover from a flu that hit me late last week. blech. Hacking cough, fever, and assorted other symptoms wiped me out. I got very little work actually done.

But I did find this: Primal Quest. That picked my spirits up. I hadn't realized it had been released yet!

Where you find it

2008-01-18T23:00:00.000-06:00

Just about anything can give me a spark of inspiration: dreams, songs, poetry, pictures, tv to name a few. Just about anything that makes me think or captures my imagination can do it. Pictures like the one below have provided pivotal scenes. This arctic fox gave me a kick start for a scene I'd been stuck on for a while.

The poem Earth Voices by Bliss Carman (1861-1929) also stirred my imagination.

What sparks your imagination?

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T22:14:00.000-06:00

Have a wonderful 2008! Happy New Year! I hope the New Year brings you happiness, health

and that you keep every one of your resolutions.

Success!

2007-12-30T22:51:00.000-06:00

Well, I hit the Sweat goal! I'm just over 90k now. I'll still be writing on the WIP but I'm also going to be concentrating on revising the finished manuscripts for submission soon.

I'll be submitting them as soon as I get them cleaned and polished.

Lately I've had an overflow of new ideas. Clear and exciting, those ideas make me want to drop what I'm doing and start on that story. I love those kind of ideas, but I have to just take notes on the idea and get back to what I'm doing. I know that I already have enough stories in the works and usually the idea needs time to grow, details to solidify.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T00:39:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! Have a safe and happy holiday!

Inspiration!

2007-12-19T22:47:00.000-06:00

Two very hunky men to inspire some great writing or maybe a festive holiday fantasy!

Sweating

2007-12-19T22:19:00.000-06:00

4293 words so far this week! I'm under 3k away from my Sweat goal!

I've mainly been working on Vampire's Witch this week and I'm liking the way things are going so far. I'm also working on the rewrites to Guarded Beginnings. It's slow going, but I'm making progress.

70 Day Sweat Goal
87709 / 90000 (97.45%)

And the total is...

2007-12-12T22:44:00.000-06:00

I did better this week. I've only started today's writing and I've written 3974 words. I feel good about what's been done. I'm going to have a short week. I really like the direction Making Magic is going even though it's the story that has the least done on it.

My 90k go is in sight and I'm getting excited.

Got distracted earlier tonight. I'm addicted to Project Runway and I'm glad I didn't miss tonight! It was absolutely great.

70 Day Sweat Goal
79800 / 90000 (88.67%)

It's cold, but I'm still sweating.

2007-12-09T23:06:00.000-06:00

Since the last check-in it's been a pretty good week. I wrote 4741 words since Wednesday and am still working on todays writing. But not all of it's new words. I had to restart Making Magic, but I'm so much happier with it now than I was and I've managed to get back to the point I was at and a little bit more.

I'm still working on the edits of Guarded Beginnings, but am happy with the way things are going with that.

Coming up probably later tonight: Inspiring hunks!

70 Day Sweat Goal
75826 / 90000 (84.25%)

A little good, a little bad...

2007-12-05T22:55:00.000-06:00

Still sweating. I wrote a total of 3539 words since Sunday's total. A little under what I'd like to have done since then.

Overall I'm happy with the total. You know there's a but here. But something about Making Magic has been bothering me for days. I'm only in the beginning of it but it feels wrong. I think I may have to rework this beginning and start over. It may be just that it's starting too slowly and I need to get into the real story quickly. Some thinking is definitely in order.

70 Day Sweat Goal
73159 / 90000 (81.29%)

An interview with Marcus Castillo from Vampire's Witch

2007-12-04T20:26:00.000-06:00

This guys character has been giving me just a little bit of trouble and I decided to try interview him. I'd like you to meet Marcus Castillo, the hero from Vampire's Witch.

First, Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Marcus Castillo. As you know, I'm a vampire. I head the Security team for a firm here in Dallas, but technically I work the Vampire Council.

So what do you do for the Council?

I hunt rogues...and deal with the younger vampires. They can sometimes forget that the world doesn't know about us in the joy of the moment.

Younger vampires, do you mean converted humans or child vampires?

(His mouth pulled down into a distinct frown and he leaned forward.)Lady, whatever you think, we're not dead or undead or whatever you want to call it. Of course, we have children. because of our longevity our females aren't fertile as often as human females.

(Just to let you know, when he says lady, it's not a compliment or even a polite address. That growling tone leaves no doubt.) I didn't mean any offense. I just haven't met any of them yet. I was just curious. Uhm... Now that you've met Serena what do you think of her?

He smiled slowly and sat back in his chair. A very interesting witch.

You find her more than interesting, but what caught your interest first?

Well, aside from the fact that she seems to be hiding something, and I will find out what that is, she's just too neat, every hair in place.

What's wrong with the fact that her hair is neat and her clothes look pressed and clean?

She's too controlled and I never said I didn't like it, just that it interested me. Seeing her all dressed up with her suit neat and tidy, make-up perfect, just makes me want to see what it takes to muss her up.

Okay, now you have to hunt a rogue in this book. Why is that?

He's insane.

I'm sure he must be to go up against you, your team of vampires and the Protectorate. But do you have any idea why he's doing this?

Like I said, he's insane. He knows some magic and thinks no one has the right to tell him what to do.

Hard question time. Serena's going to be hunting that vampire with you and your job is to get that vampire no matter what it takes. What would you do if it came down to a choice between catching your rogue or saving Serena?

He bares his fangs and puts his hand on the desk as he leans forward. It's not going to come down to that. She's not going to get hurt. Do you understand?

Writing the story is my job, stick to your rogues or I might consider renaming you. How do you like Marion?

(Marcus growls.)

Thank you so much for stopping by, Marcus. I'll get back to you if I have any more questions.

Progress

2007-12-03T22:27:00.000-06:00

A day late, but I wrote 4996 words from Wednesday through Sunday, but it's been a productive week. Finished up edits and sent them in. Close Contact is going great and I'm working on my newsletter for this month. I should be finished in the next few days and have it out too.

Another post, a character interview, coming soon.

70 Day Sweat Goal
69620 / 90000 (77.35%)

And today's total is

2007-11-29T01:26:00.000-06:00

I'm running behind for the check-in today, but I have been busy. I've written 5704 words since Sunday's check-in, all of it on the WIP I moved up after finishing Lisia's Journey. Close Contact is going good. Right now, I'm in a spot where I really know what's going to happen. Since I majorly changed the villain and the plot behind the I had to start from the beginning, but I'm happy with the progress especially since I'm working on edits and a newsletter now.

70 Day Sweat Goal
64624 / 90000 (71.80%)

Sven check-in

2007-11-25T23:27:00.000-06:00

With Thursday and Friday off, I did fairly good, not great. I wrote 2994 words. So Sven's not yelling at me too much. Just reminding me that I do have some words to make up from earlier in the week. I still have a bit to write on today's word count so I'd better get to it and make a start on the edits I got from my editor.

70 Day Sweat Goal
58920 / 90000 (65.47%)

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T01:10:00.000-06:00

I wanted to stop by tonight and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I've got so much to be thankful for. A family who loves me. A chance to share the characters who fascinate me with others. Great friends.

And because I learned tonight that my cat likes pumpkin pie, here's this cute lolcat

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sweat Update

2007-11-22T00:29:00.000-06:00

I didn't do so well since Sunday. I only wrote about 2100 words since Sunday. I'm not unhappy about that. At least I did get something written and it's been one of those blah weeks. I'll make up the words I'm behind in the week or so after the day off for Thanksgiving.

I'm almost finished with Lisia's Journey. I have the final scene to write and then I'll put it to the side while I rewrite Guarded Beginnings. Then I'll start working on Close Contact.

70 Day Sweat Goal
55926 / 90000 (62.14%)

Sweating update

2007-11-18T22:40:00.000-06:00

Word count wise I did okay since Wednesday. I added 6009 words to my total. I lost about half a day when sinus problems hit and the medecine I took made me feel foggy and unfocused.

I'm getting very close to finishing the last scenes of Lisia's Journey. Made a couple of breakthroughs this week on that story as well as just pushed through a spot that gave me some trouble. After some thought, I worked out a problem I had on Making Magic and will definitely have to come up with a different title because the focus has shifted in the story.

Right now, I'm trying to find pictures of my hero and heroine in Vampire's Witch to give me some inspiration when I'm working on it. I'll post them here when I find a match to my hero and heroine and tell you a little about them.

70 Day Sweat Goal
53742 / 90000 (59.71%)

Sweating

2007-11-15T03:35:00.000-06:00

I took a day off earlier this week so my wordcount for this check in isn't amazing, but I feel much more relaxed. 3287 words written so far this week. I still feel like I'm making great progress.

I'm working on Lisia's Journey again, but I just started today. I'm pushing through a trouble spot now and making it work. I know this part will need to be fixed, reworked somehow, but I can't wait for inspiration to strike. I'm going to make it work.

I did some character and plot development for Making Magic(working title will change). I needed more for a 100k book. I know a lot of it will develop as I write, but I felt I needed to know more about my hero and heroine before I began.

70 Day Sweat Goal
47733 / 90000 (53.04%)

Guarded Beginnings, recharging

2007-11-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned earlier, I finished the first draft of Guarded Beginnings. I'm feeling a bit relieved but also a little sad. I really like Denise and came to like Davik and Camin. I might just take a day or so off from everything before I get into the rewrites for this, recharge a little. I've been a little amazed at how great I've been doing, how much I've been producing, but I'll admit that some of the stuff has been majoryly forced and just blah.

If you haven't seen it, there's a great post on the need to recharge over at the 70 days blog. When I need to recharge, I usually first reread one of my favorite jokes/stories, The Angry Squirrel. I got that joke in the email and saved it, because it was just so funny. Then I'll relax, now in a much better mood, read a book, play videogames, or watch tv. What do you do when you need to recharge?

Sunday Check-in

2007-11-11T21:20:00.000-06:00

It's been a good week. Total words since Wednesday--6281. I finished Guarded Beginnings just today. I'll begin rewrites on this one in a day or two. Since I was stuck so long in the middle of it, the beginning of it will seem new.

I'll be moving the paranormal contemporary up next--tentatively titled--Making Magic. I'm looking forward to this one. Just from their background, I know the hero and heroine are going to have more than a few fights. Lots of chemistry and tension between them. They come at things from completely opposite positions.

70 Day Sweat Goal
44446 / 90000 (49.38%)

Update and more

2007-11-07T23:58:00.000-06:00

This week has been a little bit rough, but I did get 5277 words written. The last two scenes for Guarded Beginnings have been giving me trouble. I'm pushing through the trouble. It just seems so blah right now. I already have a few ideas about how to fix the problems, a few ways to change the scenes around, make it more dynamic, but I want to finish before I go back and start fixing things.

The Sweat is going great and I'm meeting my daily goal, sometimes more. When I look at that graph, I can hardly believe that I'm doing so good, that I've already written over 38k.

70 Day Sweat Goal
38165 / 90000 (42.41%)

Hunk Time

2007-11-07T04:17:00.000-06:00

Two more inspirational hunks! And boy do they inspire me.

In writing news, I started what I think will be the last scene in Guarded Beginnings. I'll just have to see if the characters want it to be the last scene. It feels great to be able to see the end of the book even if I will be working on it again soon.

I'll post more here later today when I do the Sweat check in.

Sweating Update

2007-11-04T22:22:00.000-06:00

I did fairly good for the last of the week. I wrote 6091 words. I'm making progress on finishing the two other WIP that I'd wanted to finish before I got deep into the new stories. I've been working most on Guarded Beginnings.

So far the 2nd sweat has been great for my output. My habit of going back and editing as I write and looking for the exact right word has almost faded. I'm not racing to my goal, but I'm more than satisfied with my progress. I know I'll have some work to do when it I finish and rewrite it. I'm at 36%!

70 Day Sweat Goal
32888 / 90000 (36.54%)

Characters and too much

2007-11-04T04:46:00.000-06:00

I love it when good characters pop into my head...generally. I've been thinking about the next book in the Elemental Realms series for a while. ( Well, there is one character in the realms that I've known about and will get to, but not now. The story needs time to grow and I wanted to tell about a few other areas in my Elemental Realms first.)

Tonight, the next characters in that series came storming into my head. I absolutely love them! The hero is a Lord in the Aevian Realm and the heroine, the daughter of a line of Kings in the Teiran Realm. I want to start writing this story right now, but I'm pretty much writing on as many stories as I can handle.

But bursts of inspiration aren't to be ignored. And I really love these characters. I might use this story as a sort of spacer, something to give me a little breathing room occasionally. But only after I've met my word count on my Sweat projects. Honest.

Sweat update coming up later. And maybe some hunky inspiration.

Wednesday Check-in

2007-10-31T22:17:00.000-05:00

I did all right this week so far. I met my goal and have written some things I like. I've also been working on my newsletter for this month. It's late again. I get it out every month, but sometimes it's later than I'd like. It should be going out later tonight after I've given it a final go through.

The story in Guarded Beginnings is coming along very nicely and I've made some significant progress on Lisia's Journey. I'll be working on that more tonight. I think there might be another 5 or 6k left to write on that story, but it should be finished soon.

I'm looking forward to seeing how much I can get done the rest of the week.

70 Day Sweat Goal
26797 / 90000 (29.77%)

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T16:01:00.000-05:00

Sunday Check-in and update

2007-10-28T22:29:00.000-05:00

On Friday, I finished the last scene in Primal Encounter. Yay! That felt great. Since last check-in, I wrote 5516 words. I've made great progress on Guarded Beginnings and started Vampire's Witch, the working title of the story set in the Devon's Vix world.I'm really sweating out the words and liking most of them. They don't always come easy, but I'm motivated and focused on my goals.

I'll set Primal Encounter aside for a little while. I want to finish Guarded Beginnings, clean it and get the last chapter of that to my editor since he's had the first three chapters for a while. I'd gotten stuck on Guarded. I'm just glad that I'm finally making significant progress on it.

70 Day Sweat Goal
22877 / 90000 (25.42%)

Another bit of Inspiration

2007-10-24T23:22:00.000-05:00

Here's a few quotes I found that inspired me.

Tomorrow may be hell, but today was a good writing day, and on the good writing days nothing else matters. ---Neil Gaiman

Being a real writer means being able to do the work on a bad day. --Norman Mailer

Writers are made, not born.--Ayn Rand

And if the quotes don't do it for you, maybe he will--