A Little Mysterious by Elodie Parkes

 

Elodie Parkes, A Little Mysterious

 

‘A Little Mysterious’ my November 27 release with Evernight Publishing was inspired black swans and a man I met in my work. I say met, but it was a fleeting meeting. I don’t even know his name. The black swan idea has been with me since I went to Australia on holiday and saw them, flocks of themswimming in the edge of the ocean in a place near Melbourne. There was also a tame one that lived on the pond where I was renting a holiday house in Perth.

The man who inspired, Dhruv, my alpha male in ‘A Little Mysterious’ came into the antique shop where I work. He was gorgeous, so polite, and cool, that I went to the window so I could secretly watch him walk away down the street.

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Below the blurb for A Little Mysterious (mine, Evernight haven’t yet provided one)

 

He’d been sent off course…he thought he was lost…until he found Daisy.

 

His vampire abilities were special. He belonged to an elite group. Moving home, they are set off course by a storm that lands Dhruv alone, hungry, and desperate in a strange town.

A story of lust, love, and coincidence.

 

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Today the main characters from ‘A Little Mysterious’, Dhruv and Daisy are visiting the blog.

 

Daisy, would you like to tell the readers about how you and Dhruv met?

 

Daisy

We met on the high street in the café I worked in didn’t we Dhruv?

 

Dhruv: We did formally meet then, although I took a while to sat much to Daisy. I liked her as soon as I saw her. That was before we actually met. I’d seen her around shall we say. I don’t want to give spoilers.

 

Daisy: That’s true, but I wanted you right away. I could hardly take my eyes off you. When I went up the back of the café and cleared the tables, I used to stare at you.

 

Dhruv: You did more than stare you sighed over me. I knew it. I could sense it. I could feel your need and it fuelled mine.

He leans across and kisses Daisy, then keeps hold of her hand.

 

Dhruv, Can you describe when you first knew you were in love with Daisy?

 

Dhruv: You know, I’m sorry but I can’t. It was weird for me. I couldn’t admit it to myself. I think Daisy loved me right away. Did you Daisy?

 

Daisy: I knew I wanted to make love with you, but I felt such a strong attraction to you I think I might have loved you right away. Then I knew the first time we made love, it was sex that turned into making love. For me anyway. Although I liked him the moment I saw him, in the cafe doorway. I wanted those arms around me right away.

 

She leans across and kisses him this time .I better ask another question since now they are starting to get a little heated.

 

What’s one thing you might have changed about your story?

Daisy: Nothing, since it’s the real story. Although I’ve never been happy with my name, and that I’m not very tall, Dhruv can tuck me under his arm. Although things are a little different now since we really got together, but I can’t tell you that. It would be a spoiler.

 

Dhruv: That’s so sexy Daisy, that I can pick you up and cuddle you into my body. You’re beautiful the way you are.

As for me changing the story, more sex, although there’s loads, I’m addicted to Daisy now and I find it hard to keep my hands off her. I might have said a little more about our lives after we got together, but that might be better in another book.

 

Dhruv, tell us something about Daisy, how would you describe her in a few words?

 

Dhruv: She’s very pretty, slender, intelligent. I think she’s kind and generous, and she treats people really well. She’s brave too. She likes the countryside and water. Starts to laugh and hugs Daisy.

 

Daisy, describe Dhruv in a few words.

Very sexy, giving, clever, thoughtful, a great lover, knows what he wants or needs to do and goes for it. He’s very creative, and talented artistically.

 

So what’s hot about the story?

Dhruv:

The steam rises from the love scenes.

I think the way Daisy responds to me.

Daisy:

I think it’s the way you talk dirty to me.

Dhruv: Do I?

Now Daisy is stroking his arm, okay time for an excerpt.

 

How about you both choose your favorite scene from the book.

 

Daisy: It has to be a love scene for me, what about you Dhruv?

Dhruv: I think so, the hotter the better. (Grins)

 

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Buy the book:

http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00GXAMHZC

http://bit.ly/1b4OF3r

http://bit.ly/1ifJ1W1

http://bit.ly/1iTJzPi

Available All Amazon sites, AllRomance, EvernightPublishing and Siren Bookstrand

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About Elodie:

About Elodie:

Elodie Parkes is a British author writing romance, erotic, contemporary, and often with a twist of mystery, paranormal or suspense. Her books are always steamy, cool stories and hot love scenes.

Elodie lives in Canterbury with her two dogs. She works in an antique shop by day and writes at night, loving the cloak of silent darkness that descends on the rural countryside around her home.

Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing,Eternal Press, and Evernight

She has also released titles as an individual indie author.

 

Find Elodie online: Blog  Tumblr  Facebook  Twitter  Google + Pinterest  YouTube  Amazon USA  Amazon UK  Smashwords Barnes and Noble  ARe  Bookstrand  Evernight

 

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Please choose one excerpt suitable for your blog

 

1.

“Hi, Dhruv. What can I get you?” She gave him a special look. It said he could ask for anything he wanted.

Dhruv waited for a few seconds before he answered. He leaned on the counter top with his elbows and returned her look. “I think you know, Daisy.” There was more said in his tone of voice than the words.

They gazed at each other, and Daisy was mesmerized by his beauty. She gave an involuntary sigh as she looked at him. She wanted him so badly it made her dizzy. Each night she thought about him as she lay in bed waiting for sleep to overtake her. He would kiss her, not waiting long to put his hand inside her panties and feel her. Feel the throb between her legs, as she got wet wanting his fingers in her, wanting his cock in her. It made her needy. Sometimes had to reach her fingers down and stroke her clit for relief.

“Black coffee, please.”

Daisy broke into a grin. “One day, Dhruv, you’ll surprise me.” She left him watching her with his cool stare as she went to get his coffee.

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2013

 

2.

The sun was warm on her shoulders as she walked to work. Daisy looked forward to the night, as she’d never done before. She went into the cool interior of the bar and sighed in relief.

“Wow, you look very special,” Ivor said. Grinning, he continued, “This has to be for the pale stranger.”

Daisy smiled. “I like him very much, Ivor.”

The older man gave her a kindly look. “I hope it works out.”

Daisy put her belongings in the small locker assigned to her. Her bag held the concealer and a lip-gloss, as well as her wallet. She put her cell phone by the side of her bag and locked the door. Without a pocket now, which she would have if she were wearing her usual Capri pants, she slid the key down inside her bra.

The bar was busy at lunchtime, and Daisy found the afternoon flew by.

She began to watch the time as it ticked past five, six, then seven, and finally eight at night. Outside darkness enveloped the street. Lights on in the late-night stores and eateries threw pools of glowing yellow, white, and pink on the sidewalk. She stood by the window after serving steak sandwiches to a customer at a table nearby, and looked down the high street.

It was nine-thirty when Dhruv finally walked in. Daisy was already shaking from worrying he wasn’t going to show. Her heartbeat sped up. She watched him as he walked towards the bar counter. It was as if the groups of people magically stood back to provide him with a clear path. When he was in front of her, she smiled.

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2013

3.

Long after she’d showered, and lay in bed, it was as if she could still feel him inside her pussy. Daisy felt swollen, sexy, and sensitized. She knew if he showed up at her door right then she’d beg to have his cock back inside her, sliding in, stretching and filling her. It made her sweat. She pulled her pillow down to hug and rub against it. The love bite he’d given her pulsed slightly as she rubbed her clit on the end of her pillow. Daisy pushed the corner of her pillow hard between her legs and thought about Dhruv kissing her. It didn’t work. She couldn’t come rubbing her clit that night. She told herself it was because she’d already had a gorgeous orgasm, and fell asleep thinking about Dhruv.

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2013

4.

“Let’s sit for a while. You can tell me about yourself.”

He watched as she placed her bag down on the pebble path, then sit down on the park bench. He sat close and breathed her in. She turned to him. There was hunger in her eyes. He knew that look. She desired him. It was strong and matched his hunger. He sighed. She was so pretty and he wanted to fuck her right then. Take her on the pebble path.

He let himself think about stripping her naked and licking her all over. He imagined stroking her stomach and then her clit. She would be wet for him, and his fingers would slide into her creamy pussy. She would moan and writhe under him, coming over and over, as he fucked her all night.

I need to feed, but not from her. I need her in a different way. I need to fuck her so hard I can’t think any more.

“Daisy…”

His voice was low and deliberately soothing. He took her hand, watching her face, waiting to see the look in her eyes that meant she was afraid of his cold touch. It didn’t come. As he took her hand, and traced his fingertips around the palm of her hand and over her fingers, she closed her eyes in pleasure, leaning toward him. Dhruv bent his head and kissed her.

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2013

FEATURING Kay Glass

Day 5 of 12 Days of Christmas Author Takeovers featuring Kay Glass. This fun and exciting author has a lot of books available so I am only listing a few here. Be sure to look for the others on her Amazon page.

Love Bite (Just One Bite #1)
Diandra Malone is only 28 years old when her life changes forever. Years of infertility left her depressed, but she's finally pregnant. Before she has a chance to process the news, she finds out her husband has been brutally murdered.

Lizbeth Snyder was a cop before she was framed for a crime she didn't commit and kicked off the force. Living a desperate life on the streets, salvation comes from the oddest direction: the finding of Jonah Malone's body.

Now she's living a wonderful life with Diandra and baby RaeLynn. The downside? Diandra is a vampire, and Lizbeth is being hunted by a very dangerous vampire- dangerous, and held in high esteem in the community. What will the future bring for these women, and how will Diandra handle her new vampire life? Find out how life changes with just one bite...

***This novella contains adult content, including f/f relations.

Available on AMAZON

Bitten By Regret (Just One Bite #2)
Four months can change so many things. Diandra has come to terms with being a vampire and what that means for her. Lizbeth has landed a new case, and it's a nasty one: someone is selling tainted heroin on the Delaware streets, a potent mix that's intended to kill. Jonah returns, seeking a favor from his former wife, and grudgingly from her new love as well. Is a favor all he wants, or is he seeking a way back to the life he had before? RaeLynn is older, growing more every day. This special baby has more tricks up her tiny sleeves!

Lizbeth races the clock to stop the tainted drugs from killing anyone else, while Diandra deals with the regret she feels over the twists her life has taken with just one bite.

Available on AMAZON

Taste of Grief (Just One Bite #3)

Diandra and Lizbeth are back, and this time things are very different. Cocaine overdose victims are turning up in Bethany Beach and Lizbeth and Alexar are busy trying to clean it up. But when a surprising twist turns the case upside down, Lizbeth may have to compromise all she holds dear to make things right.

District Attorney Giles Carson has plans for Lizbeth, as well. He's not done with her, and he's not forgiven her for ruining his clandestine efforts. Now a death threat hangs over her head and Diandra won't just stand aside and let someone come between her and the woman she loves.

The more things change, the more they stay the same- until they change again with just another bite.
Available on AMAZON

Bite of Envy (Just One Bite #4)
Diandra and Lizbeth are back for the final installment of the Just One Bite series. District Attorney Giles Carson is still out for blood, and he's leaving plenty of it behind in a series of lesbian murders around the shores of Delaware, striking too close to home for Lizbeth when a face from her past becomes a target.

Together with RaeLynn, Adrian and Eamon, the group will face unending emotion: Love, Regret, Grief, and above all, Envy. Can they stop Carson before they find themselves grieving anew?

***This novel contains adult content, including f/f relations.***
Available on AMAZON




Puppet of the Fates (Strange Curses #1)

Serene Poole has the worst luck- and it shows no signs of getting better. Alone, lonely, she doesn't understand why she suffers the way she does- she knows she's a good person, after all. Until a dream shows her the wrongs she's done in a former life, and it all makes a kind of tragic sense.

Ryder Whyte is the boy next door, and against all odds they fall in love. She may finally have the fairytale she's waited her whole life for. But the Moirai, the Three Fates, aren't through with her yet. For their destiny is greater than that of young love, and her story will only end happily if she lives long enough.

A tale woven with true love, reincarnation, and Greek mythology, the first in the Strange Curses Young Adult series will leave you wanting more!
Available on AMAZON


Survival Instinct
Nadine Chesterfield was a forensic technician when the first body sat up in the middle of an autopsy, changing the world as she knew it. She was engaged and pregnant, and her life was all she'd wished it would be.

All that changed in the blink of an eye. The government was testing a new vaccine- a cure for the common cold- but it had deadly consequences.

Now Nadine is on the run, not just from the creatures that were once human but from the military who want to stop her before she can tell the truth. She'll meet other survivors along the way and learn that instinct is the only thing that can truly keep her alive

Available on AMAZON ebook
and PAPERBACK


THE AUTHOR
Kay Glass is the author of the Just One Bite series, Puppet of the Fates, and a variety of short stories. She also writes and publishes under the pen name Kendra Glenn. Kay lives in Delaware with her husband, their two children, and a variety of beloved pets. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, swimming, playing video games and spending time with her family.

You can find all the books listed above and many more on Kay Glass’s AMAZON page.
Follow her on FACEBOOK
And follow her BLOG

FEATURING Debbie Christiana

Day 4 of our 12 Days of Christmas Authors features Debbie Christiana.  She just released a new anthology for the holidays. Be sure to check out her thrilling Solstice, a tale of witches and an ancient curse and Twin Flames, an eternal love story that transcends time.

Things That Go Bump for the Holidays
A collection of ten holiday themed paranormal short stories by ten authors

Debbie's story is called Making Spirits Bright

A Spookie Millane Holiday Short Story
Check out this excerpt:

Their touch is invisible but I know they’re near.
I’m not psychic nor do I see dead people. My visitors are what I affectionately refer to as the nearly departed. Those souls who come to me in the hours before their death for help to finish something they have run out of time to accomplish.

How is part of their life essence able to leave and appear to me while they are still alive? I couldn’t say. I have no formal knowledge of the metaphysical and intend to keep it that way. Blessing or burden, it’s my fate in life and I don’t question why.

Along with any otherworldly guests I may have today, I’m excited to meet with Jocelyn Jordan, a psychic paranormal investigator and filmmaker. When I received her hand-written letter asking for an interview, I was intrigued. In this day of emails a posted letter is odd and she described in detail her visions of my unusual talent. As private as I am about my skill, it’s a lonely existence. I sometimes ache to talk to someone who might understand.

The clock chimes two forty-five. Fifteen minutes until she arrives. I’m a bit perplexed at what to do. I rarely entertain actual people.

The nice thing about the almost dead is their simplicity. They don’t care that I prefer to dress in gothic style, that Halloween is my favorite holiday or if my house is clean. The other side of the coin is they don’t make appointments, often appear at importune times and have issues with personal space.

My humble abode reflects the festive time of the year. A small Christmas tree is lit near the fireplace and the alluring aroma of frankincense and myrrh swirls around the room. My life size Jack Skellington, dressed as Santa Claus, and his love, Sally the ragdoll, are positioned under the mistletoe by the door. Their dog, Zero is at their side, his jack-o-lantern nose glowing bright.

In the kitchen I turn the teapot on and place gingerbread cookies on a plate. I take out two of my favorite holiday mugs. One with a black and white picture of Morticia and Gomez Addams decorating their dead Christmas tree, the other with a headshot of Lurch dressed as Santa Claus. I keep Lurch for myself.

I’m ready.

Then I feel the familiar tingle down my spine.

Available on AMAZON as an ebook
Or in paperback

Twin Flames
She’d never met him before…or had she?
The last thing forty-year old Natalia Santagario expected was to be sitting on a Manhattan barstool ogling a man she’s never met, but swears she knows.
He didn’t know her at all…or did her?
The mysterious dark-haired woman at the end of the bar stops twenty-eight year old Marc Tremonti in his tracks. His head assures him she’s a stranger, but his heart tells him otherwise.
Together they embark on an adventure that will change their lives forever.
Their attraction instant and enigmatic, they undergo past life regression and discover that, not only have they spent hundreds of lives together as lovers, Natalia holds the secret to Marc’s puzzling birthmark.
But what should have been a joyful reunion is complicated by a kind, albeit confused, almost ex-wife, an unfortunate accident in a taxicab, and a bout of temporary amnesia that threatens to ruin everything. On top of all that, they must contend with a mischievous ghost from their past.
What else could possibly go wrong?
Available on AMAZON

Solstice 

Time is running out for Armend Zogu. The 250-year-old family curse on his head will claim his life on his 30th birthday, the winter solstice.
Sofia Palmalosi might be just the Strega who can save him. A descendant of a long line of powerful Italian witches, her family’s magic was a gift from the Goddess Diana.
Together Sofia and Armend embark on a journey from New York, to Sicily and the ancient ruins of Diana’s temple, and back to New York, all the while fighting a battle of magic and wits with a psychopath who wants them both dead and the curse intact.

If the curse doesn't kill Armend, breaking it just might.
Available on AMAZON


Debbie Christiana loves to read and write about mysteries, unusual love stories and things that go bump in the night. She’s been fortunate to publish two novels, Twin Flames, a paranormal romance and the romantic suspense, Solstice, with Black Opal Books. Forever Flames, A Twin Flames Novella will be out in 2014. She also has published two dark fiction short stories in The Ten Tales anthology series. Debbie is a member of RWA, her local RWA chapter and the International Thrillers Writers, Inc. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.

You can find Debbie Christiana here:
WEBSITE
BLOG
TWITTER 
FACEBOOK 

AMAZON

FEATURING Susan Griscom

Day 8 of our 12 Days of Christmas Authors features Susan Griscom. She writes beautiful stories for Young Adults/ New Adults that are exciting and complex with depth that all readers will appreciate. The Whisper Cape series is paranormal romance and Allusive Aftershock is contemporary thriller.
And Brief Interludes is a fun collection of short romance stories. Erotic Interludes is an exciting pair of longer short stories.

Whisper Cape (Book 1)
A powerful woman, an extraordinary man, and a maniac who wants to destroy them. Fate has brought them together, but will it make them stronger or destroy them all in end?

Escape to a world where the impossible becomes possible and sparks ignite.

Whisper Cape is a town of secrets and Addison MacKenna soon becomes tangled in a web of them. Plagued with nightmares of her father's sudden and brutal death, Addie struggles with her anguish and refuses to believe his demise was accidental.

Fighting to shake off one of those devastating early morning nightmares, Addison finds it even harder to escape from the vision of a man lying on the side of the road--a man she may have just killed. When she frantically tries to locate him, he seemingly disappears, just the beginning of strange occurrences in her life. She also cannot ignore the weird sensations in her own body. Suddenly, the impossible seems possible, but is that a blessing or a curse?

Believing that her continual and worsening nightmares are both the key to her own new abilities and the clue to her father's death, Addie knows she will not rest until she has the answers she craves. As she strives to cope with her new remarkable talents, someone else learns of her abilities--a disgruntled maniacal psychopath with his own agenda that involves eliminating Addie. The only one who can protect her, instruct her in the use of her powers and teach her how to destroy the murderous monster is the same man who makes Addie's heart race and her blood heat with passion. The same man she'd left for dead.

Cael Sheridan may be arrogant and mysterious but he's also undeniably gorgeous. A member of a secret society, he is sworn to protect the woman he believes to be the daughter of his recently murdered mentor. In the process, he finds it impossible to resist her magnetic sensuality, complicating his efforts to shield and guide her as she learns to manage her newly acquired skills. At the same time, Addison has much to teach him about trust and commitment. Will fate win in the end? You be the judge.
Available on AMAZON

Reflections (Whisper Cape, Book 2)
Book 2 in the Steamy Paranormal Romance/Suspense, Whisper Cape Series
What if you heard a voice whispering warnings while you coped with a frightening pregnancy? 
Kowing the future has its advantages...or does it?
Can love survive the reflections and memories lost?
Welcome to Maia's world.
Gerry has loved Maia from the very first moment he laid eyes on her and now that she's pregnant with his child, he's over the moon with happiness. Likewise, Maia is overjoyed about having Gerry's baby, but when she starts seeing and hearing an old woman who warns Maia about the pregnancy, Maia starts to think she is losing her mind. But Maia's nightmare has only just begun...

A beautiful woman, the talented lead singer in an up and coming rock band, sets her sights on Gerry determined to rekindle an old flame. But murder befalls the sleepy town of Whisper Cape once again, creating suspicion and betrayal, and a love once considered invincible, begins to crumble and fall apart.
Available on AMAZON

A Secret Fate (Whisper Cape Book 3)
The third book in the steamy Whisper Cape Trilogy
"Well, fate was cruel, wasn't it?"
Cael and Addison’s fate has taken an unexpected turn.
Gerry, Addie and Cael almost captured Careen’s murderer only to lose Cael in the battle—a battle that nearly cost him his life. But despite his survival, he faces a new challenge, thanks to Gerry's handiwork: will Cael remember Addie or is their love lost with him?
Addie’s family and friends think she should keep the relationship a secret from Cael so he isn't forced into feelings he can't remember. Just what she needs, more secrets and on top of everything else, someone stole the crystal. How is she supposed to get over the loss of her lover, a lover she'd barely had for only a few short months and deal with the secret of the lost crystal at the same time?

Aiden wants nothing more than to help Addie overcome her grief and get over Cael. Or is that all he wants? What happens when too many people know the secret and someone slips up?
Available on AMAZON

Allusive Aftershock
A young adult novel about destruction, friendship, betrayal, and love.
What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!

Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because ... well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can't quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.

But, Max--her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn't-know-it-yet--hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking.

When Max leaves her stranded in his parents' wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a "megathrust" earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict.

But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?
Available on AMAZON

Brief Interludes
A collection of six short-shorts—perfect for those quick-read moments. Most with twist endings that are sure to surprise you.
Lover’s Leap
Young love and a life ended too soon. It’s always the ones left behind who suffer.
Everlasting Love
Unloved, undesired, brokenhearted ... Cole Murphy is about to end it all until the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen walks into his life. Cole’s dreams and hopes of love are renewed—but not quite the way he’s imagined.
The Water of Leith
Held captive for years, Naomi is given a promise of release if she can only turn an old brown rag into a beautiful white cloth. Can she do? Does she really believe?
Unbridled Love
Two hundred years ago, monstrous storms pummeled the earth destroying almost everything. Some humans survived, stronger, different, changed by the storms. A genetic disorder passed down from generation to generation, creating a new race. A race with … special gifts. Feared and forced into hiding, Solange and Roland must fight to survive when their talents are discovered.
Stuck
Angela returns home from an exhausting business trip and wants nothing more than to relax. Her thoughts of relaxing turn to sheer panic as she walks in to find her entire house redecorated and she’d only been gone a week. Her husband Jack confesses how it all happened, but she has a difficult time believing it’s not all a joke when he tells her he didn’t win the lottery or inherit a huge amount of money from long lost relative. Jack manages to reassure her everything is okay. But is it?
Sweet Innocence
The headline plastered across the newspaper claimed they identified the body of a young woman. Jenna recognized the name instantly. Her friend Beth’s body had gone unidentified ever since its discovery in an alley near a 24-hour diner on a Saturday night in January of 1955. Today’s date was August 7, 2012.
Available on AMAZON

Erotic Interludes
A pair of exciting and HOT short stories.

REKINDLED by S.M. Griscom
Getting away from everything and spending their anniversary aboard The Coastal King, a lavish and expensive passenger paddle-steamer that cruises the Sacramento River, is just what Maggie and Tom need to spark some excitement into their marriage.
Little does Maggie know, Tom wants to turn up the heat in the bedroom and has far more tantalizing and erotic ideas planned for their long-awaited and well-deserved weekend. Hoping to rekindle their passion and ignite those abeyant feelings that have been preempted by the everyday pressures of life, kids, and jobs, Tom has some special activities planned that are sure to titillate Maggie’s libido more than anything she could ever imagine.

POWER PLAY by Anabel Blue
Some say sex is power. But for L.A. architect Jeannette Monroe, sex was obsession, and obsession meant giving it all away. And there was no one Jeannette would rather give it all to than her lifetime crush, Malcolm McVee.
McVee played for passion. Love was never part of the bargain, and now he has something Jeannette wants back. Will a night of sex and power bring obsession to its knees?
Available on AMAZON

Susan Says:
I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, spending most of my time daydreaming or playing around in the mud. I grew out of the mud play, well, most of the time, a good soak in the mud is always fun. I still daydream often and sometimes my daydreams interrupt my daydreams. So I write to remember them. If I didn't write, I think my mind would explode from an overload of fantasy and weirdness. To the annoyance of my friends and family, my characters sometimes become a part of my world. During my childhood, I would frequently get in trouble in school for daydreaming. Eventually, my vivid imagination paid off and I had the privilege of writing and co-directing my sixth-grade class play--a dreadful disaster, though not from my writing, of course. I'm pretty sure it was the acting.
I enjoy writing about characters living in small quaint towns and tend to lean toward the unusual and edgy.

My paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday I might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now I like the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets my blood running hot as does an steamy contemporary romantic suspense.
You can find Susan Griscom
On AMAZON
on FACEBOOK

FEATURING K. S. Haigwood

Day 7! Today’s featured author is Kristie (K.S.) Haigwood. Kristie writes of fantastic worlds of angels and demons and vampires and witches …. With an original vision of each. 

Forbidden Touch
Ciera has to break the ultimate vampire law to save Mitch, her mortal soulmate, from a terrible fate. Dane, the vampire who would do anything to win her affection, is responsible for Mitch being framed for murder. A fast chain of events is set in motion, which leads to the soulmates being torn apart and Ciera to lose her heart to the one person she has always despised, Dane. She finds herself completely in love with both men. But a rogue vampire puts them all in grave danger. Can she keep them both? Or will she have to accept one lover’s sacrifice, to save the other?
Available on AMAZON

Save My Soul
Kendra Larkin had everything going in the right direction. Her life was seemingly perfect, and she wouldn't have changed a thing about it. Unfortunately, the course of her life was about to be forever altered. A tragic rappelling accident lands her on Dr. Adam Chamberlain's operating table.

She agrees to a deal proposed by a guardian angel to help save the soul of the man who is both her doctor and soulmate. If she is successful, she gets to keep her life. However, she later learns that it isn't just her life that's in jeopardy, but her soul as well.

Even with the help of her handsome guardian angel, Rhyan, it seems there is no happy ending in sight. Torn between her newly discovered love of Rhyan, and the undeniable attraction she has for Adam, Kendra finds herself at a crossroad. With Adam's steadfast rejection of God, and his guardian demon conspiring against her, she fears her soul may already be lost.

Will she find a way to overcome the evil her life is suddenly burdened with? Or will Adam's guardian demon win both their souls and make Kendra his own personal puppet in Hell?
Available on AMAZON

Hell’s Gift (Save My Soul book 2)
Depression consumes the guardian angel, Rhyan, after his human charge chooses her soulmate over him. Filled with anger and despair, he lashes out. And when his hate-filled words land him neck-deep in Hell, he realizes he's gone too far. He expects trouble, but not to discover his own soulmate in the fiery depths. Abigail is there with good reason, but she's done her time, and in order to save them both, Rhyan must strike a deal with the Devil. The stakes are higher than ever before, with his soul, his friends and even the fate of Heaven and Earth in jeopardy. If he fails, Rhyan stands to lose more than he ever feared. Will true love be denied? It will take everything he's got to break down the traps Lucifer puts in his way. New lines are drawn and old scores are settled, and Rhyan is in for the fight of his life. With Abigail as the prize, and humanity in the balance, he will stop at nothing to claim...Hell's Gift.
Available on AMAZON

Good Side of Sin (A 'Save My Soul' Novel #3)

Josselyn has just spent the last three months in intense Line of Defense training so she could join Malcolm’s search party. Little did she know the archangels had no intention of letting her bring back into Heaven an angel who had opened a portal between Heaven and Hell, at least not before saving God's creations from the tight grasp of Lucifer first.
Three months have passed since the angel Rhyan released nine repented demons from Hell, and now innocent people are dying, but their souls are not going to Heaven. Josselyn's mission is to find the demon responsible for stealing the souls and bring it to justice before Lucifer gains enough power to rise and claim Heaven and earth as his own.
Her whole world is shaken when she discovers what tool Lucifer is using to track down the one key to the release of his eternal damnation. Thoros is one half-souled immortal she prayed she would never see again. The ex-Prince of Lust had stolen her heart and crushed it with a cheeky smile. Now, not only is she being forced to put her damaged ego aside and face the only man that has ever hurt her, but she has to work with him in order to complete her assignment.
Is she strong enough to keep from falling in love with him again? Or is their love the only thing that can keep Lucifer from getting the one thing he wants most? Heaven.
Available on AMAZON

Eternal Island (Book 1 in the 'Eternal' Series)

A place where vampires rule, witches play, danger lurks and dreams really do come true.
  Eternal Island is a paranormal suspense novel, deeply rooted into myth. Vampires and magic form a unique backdrop to a love story with long reaching consequences. Human girl Ariana Lochalan finds herself transported from the relative calm of her ‘Nowhere, Arkansas’ life into a diametrically opposite existence when she discovers she is a powerful witch and meant to wed High Vampire of Eternal Island, Abe Cambridge. Despite first-sight magnetism, the two protagonists are being pushed apart, obstacles tripping them at every step, outside forces interfering and threatening their peace, and ultimately their lives. A world rich in magic and intrigue, Eternal Island is the first instalment of a saga which has love at its core and delves through the mire that is human nature in a turmoil of feeling and emotion.

Would courage, resilience and love be enough to bring together two soul mates?

How much would you sacrifice to save the one who owns your heart?
Available on AMAZON
and BARNES AND NOBLE

Eternal Immortality (Book 2 in the 'Eternal' series)

Eternal Island is heaven on Earth. Love blossoms between witches and vampires, and none are happier than the King and Queen. Shortly after the wedding, the party is interrupted by a desolate plea. A man is in trouble, and soon an army is sent to his rescue — but is he who he claims to be?

Unbeknown to Abe and Ariana, a cauldron of trouble bubbles to the surface and terrible things begin to happen to innocent islanders. Dodging love triangles and intrigue, could the young Queen find the strength necessary to save her kingdom and the world, too? When the King begins to crumble and evil has won, would pure love be enough to save the whole of humanity from destruction?

Read this story with a Tiger’s Eye stone in one hand and a strong faith in your heart. Cross your fingers and toes and hope for a miracle on Evil’s finest winning day.
Available on AMAZON
And BARNES AND NOBLE

Kristie Says:
Ever find it hard to talk about yourself? Yeah, I have that problem, too. I have been married to my soulmate for 8 years, who wouldn't pick up a book unless promised that it was filled with pictures. I have a beautiful 7 year old daughter, Riley, that talks too much and has a very vivid imagination. I have no clue where she got those traits. My step-son, Hayden, is 16 and very into football and hunting. I am a writer of paranormal suspense romance. If you enjoy a great love story with a massive amount of drama about angels, demons, ghosts, vampires, witches and fairy tale creatures brought to life through a twisted mind, then you might just enjoy reading my work.
You can find Kristie Haigwood
On AMAZON
On FACEBOOK

FEATURING Jeff Dawson

Our sixth day of Christmas Author is Jeff Dawson. He is a very eclectic author who writes sweet love poetry to old-fashioned vampire horror to autobiographical musings.

Love's True Second Chance 

Did you ever wonder what happened to your first love? Did you find yourself thinking back to those carefree days of high school, when the only thing which really mattered was rushing to school so you could see and hold that someone special? I know I did. For thirty years, I always wondered how her life turned out. Was she happy? Was she married? Had life been good to her? All of those questions were answered in January of 2009 when we reunited. 

For those who wonder if love is worth a second chance, even if it ends in tragedy, the answer is an emphatic, YES! If I wouldn't have given "us" one more chance, I would have missed out on the most wonderful seven months of love two people could ever share. Get a copy today and find out how deeply one can truly love.
Available on AMAZON

And BARNES AND NOBLE

Watch for Jeff's poetry book to be released very soon. Follow his romance page on FACEBOOK.

Occupation (Book I in the Occupation Series)
Men! Are you ready for vampires to regain their standing in
the genre. Are you ready for them to return to the roots of Bram Stoker's vile creatures? Wait no longer. Occupation is a travel through the dark days of WWII. The Germans have conquered Poland and implemented their plan of "Occupation."
As the local inhabitants are rounded up, the Germans have no idea they are shipping off the food supply of rivaling vampire clans: The Romanovs and Boirarsky.

For centuries they battled each other with neither claiming a clear victory . But all that is about to change as they realize there is a new enemy: The Third Reich. Will they continue to fight amongst themselves or unite and take on an enemy more evil than themselves?

Evil versus evil; it never tasted so good!
Available on AMAZON

Keep up with the Occupation series on FACBOOK. New release coming soon!

Gateway: Pioche 
June 2016--Stanford, Ca. GRADUATION for Muki, Abdul, Larry and Judith. Six years of cramming for finals and pursuing double masters degrees has finally paid off. It's time for them enjoy the fruits of their labor. A trip to Las Vegas and the blackjack tables before entering the word of commerce and research.

Their good fortune at the tables doesn't go unnoticed by the local mob boss, Nathan Francisco, who decides, What money comes to Vegas, stays in Vegas. Instead of enjoying their winnings, the graduates find themselves in a hair-raising, life-threatening pursuit through the sleepy town of Pioche, Nevada. They find themselves northeast of the town at an abandoned military complex. Not wanting to tempt fate, they decide to stay put for a day and explore the complex.

What and who they find could unravel truths surrounding the most debated conspiracies of the past--who shot John Fitzgerald Kennedy, what happened to Judas Iscariot and did America really land on the moon in 1969. And of more consequence, would Judith get a chance to cleanse the ties her family has to the Third Reich? Great-grandfather must die!

Prepare for the most riveting tale of time travel!

Note: This book contains strong language. Not recommended for children under 13.
Available on AMAZON

Destination D.C. (Gateway) (Volume 2)
Muki, Abdul, Judith and Larry endured a harrowing thirteen days in the bowels of the Pioche Complex with Professor Leonoid Skorzenzy. Relieved they survived the adventure, will they be able to resume the summer vacation they originally started out on or will the events of the past continue to haunt them? 

And what of Nathan Francisco? Will he allow the kids to leave the confines of Nevada unscathed or will he make sure they never enjoy their new found fortune?

Did the message Judith deliver to General McCulloch reach the appropriate authorities, or is there something more sinister infecting the US GOVERNMENT?

Strap yourselves in for the continuing adventures!
Available at AMAZON

Why did Everything Happen? Death,Cancer and Recovery

The white stripes on the road are passing by at breakneck speed. The bus driver does not heed our cries "to get off the road and pull over!" The driver is fixed on his path no matter how much you plead for a different path. He just keeps shifting gears and presses down on the accelerator. "We have to get off this road. This isn't the path we chose!" That is only the beginning of the trip.

Join Jeff Dawson as he takes you on an unforgettable journey over the last twenty-five years. You will endure business failures, divorce, and the loss of his children as the world around him crashes down. And to top it off he will take you through the loss of a partner, his father and last but not least his high school sweetheart he reunited with after a thirty year absence.

He sets the tone immediately by describing his mind set in the fall of 1995. The company is going bankrupt, the mortgage companies are lining up with the courts to force eviction and to top it off he had to let the three loves of his single parenthood go live with their mother. The thought of suicide is strong he can taste it. But somehow, the thought of how they would remember their father is enough to pull him off the brink and somehow pick himself up and regroup.

It is a roller coaster ride with many more valleys than hills. Just as you believe that your life is on track and you can sit back and relax, tragedy or disaster comes crashing onto the tracks. Another business failure and the passing of his father. You feel his pain as he regroups again and finds a good job in Dallas and starts rebuilding his life. But wait, a new twist enters the picture. Jeff is not looking for love but it finds him out of nowhere. He connects with his high school sweetheart and has the most intensive love affair anyone could ask for. Unfortunately, cancer strikes her down after a brief seven month love affair. Now, all appears to be lost. No matter how hard we try, everything we have worked for and everyone we loved have been taken. All hope has been lost. But on August 19th,2009 in a little cemetery in Seagoville, TX, all his pent up emotions pour out in a shower of tears and anguish. "Why, why has all of this happened?" Those questions are answered in a most unbelievable revelation.

So, click on the button to buy this book, board the bus, take a seat, and prepare for the ride of your life!
Available on AMAZON

And BARNES AND NOBLE
Jeff Dawson says:
I spent twenty-five years in the wonderful world of road construction. Back surgery in 2010 put the skids on that career. My body couldn't handle the rigors of twelve to sixteen hour days, six to seven days a week anymore. As I convalesced, licking my wounds, I wondered what to do next. Not being out in the sun getting baked, or dodging traffic, was going to be a hard act to follow. Seriously, what else did I know? An article in the Dallas Morning News caught my eye. It was about being a professional speaker. Hmm. That sounds interesting. Becoming mobile again, I took a seat in front of the blank monitor, pondering what to write.

Let's start with something we know: my life. The first work was titled "God's Plan: A Glimpse Into One's Life." I re-titled it six months later to "Why Did Everything Happen?" This is a look back at the last twenty-five years and how the death of my partner, father and true love affected my life. I was amazed at the revelations. Since then, I've moved on to write in several different genres. Some say I should change my name when diverting from the path. Well, right or wrong, I'm sticking with my name. The current works range from the love story of my one true love: Debbie Beck--RIP 7-20-2009, an alternate historical perspective of Vampires and WWII, a newly released Sci-Fi time travel adventure to Baseball Coaching Manuals. Granted, not every book I write is for everyone. I understand that, but I hope I'm showing readers diversity can be a good avenue.

I currently live in the DFW area, spending a lot of time with my daughter, her girls and my oldest son. When I was in construction, I never had or took the time to enjoy what surrounded me: love, family and friends. My true love, Debbie and her girls reminded me what was important in life; "we work to live, not live to work."

I hope you take a chance on a book or two.

One last thought. I'm working on sequels to, Occupation and Gateway: Pioche. Other works in the pipeline are a collection of military and love poems, and a short horror flick. How's that for diversity?
See these and more books by Jeff Dawson on his AMAZON page.

And bee sure to check out his BLOG.

FEATURING Charles The Cat and Patrick O'Scheen

Day Three of our 12 Days of Christmas Author Takeover features the writing duo Patrick O'Scheen and his roommate, Charles the Cat.  Charles insists he is the star of the wonderful Christmas thriller Kris, the story of an orphan teenager and a cat who were brought to a church orphanage as infants and raised by nuns. The Marithe series takes place in two worlds, the contemporary world where problems the characters face seem insurmountable. And in the mythical, online game realm of Marithe where the characters face even more. The books are stand-alone novels and do not necessarily need to be read in order, although they do intertwine.

Kris
What would it be like to locate the father that you never knew?

For Kris Cane this is a dream come true. However, Kris’ father has other ideas about his newly discovered son… The young orphan finds his family with the help of genetic testing, but something is terribly wrong. The boy tries to discover a way to survive as he is embroiled in a murder plot. Can he escape with the unlikely assistance of his cat, a nun, and a detective who wants to see his new-found parent jailed?
Kris is available for Kindle readers and in Paperback from AMAZON

Dreamer (book 1 of the Chronicles of Marithe)
We all have a little Dragon inside of us, something that struggles to find solace.….Dreamer is the first book in a series that portrays life as a mixture of fantasy and reality. The main character, Magic, flows between the worlds, often preferring one more than the other. Both of his lives are fraught with their own dangers. He must struggle with illness and alternatively with the life of a Great Red Dragon.
Dreamer is available for Kindle and in Paperback from AMAZON

Seer (book 2 of the Chronicles of Marithe)

I BELIEVE IN DRAGONS...
The world of Marithe is back! The story of a young gamer named Xavier is woven into a plot of denial, betrayal and intrigue. He lives a double life running from those who would use him and searching for unencumbered love. Demons and gypsies fill the game panorama, entangling Xavier in a disaster that could destroy the dragon race and profoundly change his world….
Seer is available for Kindle and in Paperback from AMAZON

Watch for the third book in the Marithe series, Dancer, available very soon

THE AUTHORS:
Patrick O'Scheen says:

Who is Patrick O'Scheen? I ask myself this often. A sailor, a chef, a writer...even I'm uncertain. I know that writing is more than an enterprise for me. It's a calling. Books and stories touch lives like nothing else. So who is Patrick O'Scheen...read and find out...
It's true..I prefer writing fantasy. Give me a dragon or a talking cat any day!
I sincerely hope you enjoy my work.
You can find Patrick on AMAZON
Charles The Cat says:

Meow. If you want to have a Meowy Catmus, you should read my book, Kris. It's really good. Especially when I rescue my boy.

And you can find Charles the Cat on FACEBOOK

FEATURING Kristen Duvall

Day Two of our 12 Days of Christmas Authors is Kristen Duvall. Kristen just released not only her own novel, but an anthology she edited. 

Femmes du Chaos
From heroes to villains, Femmes du Chaos sets out to show the world what the fairer sex is really made of. You'll meet women of all ages and from many different walks of life... Warriors and schoolgirls, side-by-side in one place. One thing connects them all, and that is their ambition. Whether they use their ambition for good or evil, well that's for them to decide. Gritty, fantastical and sometimes uncomfortable to read, Femmes du Chaos is a tour de force that holds nothing back. There will be violence and there will be blood. Some will survive and come out stronger in the end... And some will let the darkness consume them. After all, no two girls are ever alike.
Available on AMAZON

And BARNES AND NOBLE

Horrors of History: An Anthology from Fey Publishing
The history of mankind has been dark, violent and oftentimes bloody.

Have you ever wondered what really happened in Roanoke or whether Vlad the Impaler was actually a 

vampire? Within these pages, you will discover a world where mermaids meet up with Jack the Ripper and the undead fight in the Civil War. You'll explore history from horrific medieval diseases to present day disasters. This is the history of the world like you’ve never seen it before.

Horrors of History is a collection of tales brought to you by both established and up-and-coming writers alike. Each story has a unique vision and voice, combining to bring you a creepy collection that will scare you like the Black Death terrifies a Medici. Gracing these pages are mermaids, demons, witches and sometimes just good old-fashioned humans doing evil things. Be prepared for anything and everything. You will never know what to expect with each turn of the page.

History just got a whole lot darker
Available on AMAZON

And BARNES AND NOBLE


Kristen Duvall is a writer of tales both real and make believe. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides in Southern California with her boyfriend, her Great Dane and a her rescued calico kitty. She's been writing and sharing her work online for several years now, and has decided to take the plunge into publishing her work for the world to read. She dabbles in horror, science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction. She enjoys both Adult and Young Adult fiction and loves to write strong female characters.
She also owns a small publishing company, Fey Publishing.

Coming Soon
"The Princess and the Piper" (title may change) - A utopian version of The Prince and the Pauper, only with lesbians.
"The Caged Girl" - A romantic tale of a girl, a boy and decapitation. First in a forthcoming sci-fi/dystopian series.
"Here There Be Dragons" - YA or possibly middle-grade story of a girl on a mission to do the impossible.
"The Devil's in the Details" - A horror novella about the devil's right-hand man.

Her nonfiction will be featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game! and she also has four personal essays featured in Idol Meanderings.
You can find Kristen here:

On AMAZON

On FACEBOOK

On her WEBSITE

On TWITTER

And you can find Fey Publishing here:

On the WEBSITE

On TWITTER

On FACEBOOK


Three Final Questions:
Q 1 - What was your favorite book when you were a child and do you think it influenced what you like to read and write now?
Kristen - As a child, my favorite book was Little Women. And for the most part, my style and storytelling couldn't be more different. However, the one thing that can be said about my writing is that it always features more women than man, and the stories tend to revolve around the lives of the women I write about. So in a way, it has influenced me, just not in an obvious way.

Q 2 - Your recent book, Femmes Du Chaos, is a collection of stories featuring women in a variety of situations and differing outcomes. Do you prefer to read books with strong women who rescue their men or the more traditional fairytale stories where the men are the heroes?
Kristen - Yes, I do. I prefer reading books with strong females leads. I was raised by a mother who insisted on raising me to be independent. My father died when I was 3 years old, leaving my mom a widow as a very young age. She relied on him for everything, and when he was gone... she was helpless and alone. She never wanted her daughters to feel that way, and thus raised me to take care of myself. I prefer reading about women who don't need men to swoop in and save the day because I admire strong women. My mom doesn't realize it, but she was very strong... She learned very quickly how to adapt to a life with just her and her daughters. I admire women like her and I want to see them represented more in fiction, I feel that strong female leads are not as common as I'd like them to be, which is why I write what I do.

Q 3 – If you could have lunch with any author, who would you choose and why?
Kristen - This one is tough for me... It changes every day. Though I might have to say Neil Gaiman right now, but only because I am reading American Gods and just finished Neverwhere, and I am in awe of his flexibility to write such different worlds with such different characters and styles.

FEATURING Christine Hughes

Today’s featured author is Christine Hughes. She has two books in her Torn series and a brand new release, Three Days of Rain.

Torn series:
Torn
With the sudden, mysterious death of her father, Samantha discovers her life isn’t what it seems. Not only isn’t she the normal teenage girl she thought she was, Sam must now take her father’s place in the fight between two groups of fallen angels, the Faithful and the Exiled, in a race to save humanity. In addition to dealing with a devastating betrayal—and having feelings for someone she’s forbidden to love—Sam must also fight the growing darkness within her as she struggles to make a choice between fighting alongside the Faithful or succumbing to the temptation of the Exiled. Both sides require sacrifices Sam isn’t sure she can make.
Available on AMAZON

Darkness Betrayed (torn series)

Even the devil was once an angel...
Still reeling from a devastating betrayal, and a shaky relationship with Ethan, her Guardian Angel, Samantha reluctantly seeks comfort with Damien - the original fallen, the devil whispered about and part of the original deception of Adam and Eve. She learns of the real reason for his existence – a sad and twisted reason that would force even the most ardent Bible thumpers to show sympathy. He agrees to help Samantha fight Sebastian but what she doesn't know is there is a price for Damien's involvement. A price she would never allow. The only problem is, she isn't the one making the sale.
Available on AMAZON

Latest release 

Three Days of Rain
Just when he thought his life was turning around... Things haven’t been easy for Jacob Morgan. Persecuted by the ghosts of his past, Jake lives each day just going through the motions, barely getting by. Then Lily Burns comes to town and befriends him. As Jake starts to heal, he begins to hope that he has finally overcome the mistakes and tragedies that have tormented him for so long. But just when he thinks his problems are solved, his past comes back to haunt him, and once again, Jake is confronted by situations he is ill-equipped to handle. Can Jake hold on to the progress he has made, or will the lies, guilt, and secrets he’s tried to ignore shove him back into an abyss from which there is no escape?
Available on AMAZON

Christine's Story:
I've always wanted to write. Ever since I was little, I would craft stories and poems but the idea to actually do it "for real" never really crossed my mind until last year. After sitting on three paragraphs of what would eventually become my first novel, I decided to expand upon what I had. At the time I had no real idea of where the story would go, I just knew I had the time to do something with it.

I hadn't researched market trends, I had no idea about query letters or the evil synopsis, and I was green on the idea of agents and editors and all that is publishing, really. I just wanted to write something I enjoyed. I didn't plot, outline, or character build, I just wrote. And then an author friend mentioned that I should take my writing to a conference.

So with the confidence that my novel would surely be welcomed by all who read it, I signed up for as many seminars and critiques as I could. I knew someone would love it. In those two days, I found out I had a lot to learn.

Funny, but as a former English teacher, you'd think I'd have figured out the importance of editing and revision and revising again. You'd think I'd have known that the first draft is just that, a draft. And when the critiques started coming in, I thought I was done for. Not that the premise wasn't good (I was told it was), not that the characters weren't believable (I was told they were), but I used too much passive voice, I tense shifted and there were some holes in the plotline.

A few agents really liked it, but the market trend couldn't support it. Some were not fond of the way I told the story. I queried and queried my way to 57 flat out rejections and a number of partial and full requests that didn't pan out. But along the way I got some great criticism and pointers and I made the story better. Then, on a whim, I trolled the SavvyAuthors website and signed up for a three line pitch to editor Lauri Wellington and I did a happy dance when she requested my full manuscript.

A month later, she responded that she loved the story and the concept but it moved too slowly but I could resubmit if I revised. I informed her I sent her a revision that was based on the opinions of agents, authors and peers but I had the original (cleaned up, of course) and I was sending it in to see if it was more of what she was looking for. And guess what? It was! One caveat, I had to revise the manuscript into past tense. Easy peasy, right? Wrong.

Revising into past tense from present is line editing your entire novel. And it kinda stinks. By the end, I thought my eyes were gonna start bleeding and pop out onto my keyboard. But you know what? That little "exercise" tightened up what was loose, filled in any plot holes that might've still been there and forced me to realize I could be a better writer.

The road to publication can be long. It can be a hop, skip and a jump from your first query. Nothing in publication is set in stone. The market is always changing. And the biggest thing I learned is that it's all subjective. Agents A-Y may pass but all you need is Agent or Editor Z to believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. And I believe in my first novel. And I am happy that Black Opal Books does too. I hope you do, as well.

A former Army brat, Christine Hughes moved quite often. She spent much of her time losing herself in books and creating stories about many of the people she'd met. Falling in love with literature was easy for her and she majored in English while attending college in New Jersey. Not sure where her love of reading and writing fit, she became a middle school English teacher. After nine years of teaching others to appreciate literature, she decided to take the plunge and write her first novel. Now at home focusing on making writing her new career, she spends her time creating characters and plot points instead of grading papers.

Music has become an integral part of her writing process and without the proper play list, Hughes finds the words don't flow. At least a few times a week she can be found at the local Barnes & Noble with her Mac and headphones working on her next novel. Her YA novel TORN is available and was an Honorable Mention at the 2012 Hollywood Book Festival.

Three Final Questions:
Q 1 - What was your favorite book when you were a child and do you think it influenced what you like to read and write now?
Christine - When I was a child…. I loved "The Monster at the End of this Book" - I think it just shaped my love of reading which pushed me to write. Now? I read lots of things - from Sarah Carr to Harlan Coben to Suzanne Collins to JD Robb. I read everything.
Q 2 – You just released Three Days of Rain. Who would you like to be caught in the rain with? And what would you do?
Christine - I love the rain. Warm summer rain is the best. Be it with the love of your life or your best friend, a walk through the rain, a long talk and memories - make it all perfect.
Q 3 – If you could have lunch with any author, who would you choose and why?
Christine - I'd probably like to have lunch with Brett Easton Ellis. I'd love to know what makes that guy tick. Otherwise, I'd like to have a beer with Tucker Max and see if he really is an asshole in real life.

You can find Christine Hughes on AMAZON
and on FACEBOOK