Wistful Wednesday

The Hits Just Keep on Coming

Hello, Everyone, I am still reeling from the news I got yesterday that my older sister has breast cancer (it's stage one, so they caught it early, thank god), so I want to take this post and send out some positive vibes into the universe for her and for everyone out there dealing with this issue. And to do that, I am going to share with you some of my favorite things - things that make me happy no matter how many times life kicks me in the pants. I hope they make you smile, too.

So these are just a few of my favorite things. I hope you enjoyed them!

Mystic Monday

Return to Reality

Okay, I've been dealing with some sad times the past couple of weeks, and haven't felt silly (thus no Silly Saturday) or very enlightened (thus no Spirit Awareness) posted the past two Saturdays. I apologize for not being able to navigate the fog sooner. Not saying this for pity, merely the truth of things. I had to take the time to face it head on, so it would go away and stick around plaguing my every move.

However, I'm glad to report that the fog has cleared and I am back to my silly and chaotic self, and perfect timing because October, my favorite month, is right around the corner. Yay! And of course, basketball (and hopefully another year as a Squad 6 member) begins soon too. I am especially happy when reports of Milwaukee Bucks' Center Andrew Bogut's return in time for the season recently surfaced. Rumors were abound that he would not be ready, but I refused to believe anything said until it came straight from him. According to sources, he's back and working to be ready for the opener. While I don't expect him to play all the minutes early on, it does my heart and soul good to know he'll be ready. The team is shaping up and I am eager and excited to watch the boys in action!

The Legend of Drizzt

What have I been doing? Well, I did what I always do in times of trouble, I turned to my favorite fantasy/action/adventure saga - Drizzt Do'Urden by R.A. Salvatore. What you need to know about Drizzt is that he's a drow elf, an ebony-skinned race of evil elves created for the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms role-playing campaign. By nature, drows are despicably evil. They do not care for anyone, not even themselves, really. They twist and manipulate all other races to suit their needs and to create chaos all with the goal of pleasing the Spider Queen Lolth. There are others, but in this saga, Lolth is the main chaotic evil goddess referenced. There is one goddess (and only one) that many drow may worship with the chaotic good alignment - Eilistraee. Even the actions of the goddess may not always be "lawful" they are meant for the greater good.

[Note: a character/god/goddess's alignment is composed of two axis. Originally, it was just Lawful, Neutral, and Chaotic but was later expanded with a second axis to include Good, Neutral and Evil.]

Drizzt was born very different from others of his race. While drow elves traditionally have red eyes and are adverse to sunlight, Drizzt has purple and prefers the sunlight to darkness even though his innate drow abilities allow him perfect night vision.

What do the purple eyes mean? Well, no one could really say because it hadn't been heard of before, but some could argue that, once his true nature was revealed, they were a sign of his innate goodness, or purity of soul. He never lost that. In fact, his true father (a man who remained unknown to him for the earliest, formative years of his life) worked very hard to keep that purity intact and foster a love of all forms of life and beauty.

His father had red eyes but did not share the chaotic evil alignment but, in the matriarch-based society of the drow, feared retribution and hid his true alignment from the women lest they kill him outright or send him to a worse fate - make him a drider (half-drow/half-spider).

The first trilogy (The Dark Elf Trilogy) chronicles Drizzt's birth through his climb from his Underdark home of Menzoberranzan to the surface world on the planet of Toril. Just because Drizzt reaches the surface, it doesn't mean all is well. Most of his time is spent proving himself and his alignment to others. In fact, for a time, Drizzt doesn't really have an alignment - as in he did not worship any god or goddess because he only knew of Lolth and she and her ways disgusted him. So, his tale continues as he proves himself time and again to others and eventually finds himself a friend and mentor as well as a temporary place to live. Then he eventually finds four friends who accept him for who he is, a home with them and a place where he is "tolerated" in Ten Towns. While they appreciate all that Drizzt has done for them, they can't let go of their fears because as anyone could tell you, any other drow might help them only to turn on them later on. It is this aspect of the drow they fear.

The second trilogy (The Icewind Dale Trilogy), although written first comes second in chronology and will make much more sense if read in order. While Drizzt is tolerated in Ten Towns, he doesn't live among them, but on the outskirts of town, in the wilds of Icewind Dale - a very northern and snowy place. It is in this trilogy that Drizzt really begins to make a name for himself through his quest to help fend off a barbarian attack on Ten Towns and later defeat sorcerer Akar Kessel and the evil crystal shard, Crenshinibon. Drizzt also helps his dwarven friend, Bruenor Battlehammer and his dwarves reclaim their ancestral home of Mithril Hall and later must race to save his halfling friend, Regis - a.k.a. Rumblebelly.

At this point, you'd be best to read The Canticle Quintet - not because they have any bearing on Drizzt, but because it builds the story of other characters who make many appearances throughout the rest of Drizzt's Saga, especially the Bouldershoulder brothers.

Then on to the quad of books, Legacy of the Drow, then to the quad Paths of Darkness. After that comes The Hunter's Blades Trilogy - which I am currently just finishing. After that, I will be on to the Transitions Trilogy (out now) and then on to the latest trilogy Neverwinter which is set to be released October 2010 if it hasn't reached shelves by now.

This is my comfort series because I have "watched" Wulfgar grow from a timid boy to a proud and brave warrior. I have "seen" him overcome odds and torment that would have destroyed most. I have laughed, cried, loved and hated with these people. They are like a second family to me. Their lives are unpredictable and they surprise you at every turn.

Guenhwyvar, Drizzt's 600 lb black panther that can be summoned from the Astral Plane through an enchanted figurine. Originally found in the possession of a crazy and mean drow wizard, Masoj Hun'ett. During Drizzt's escape from the Menzoberranzan, Drizzt kills the wizard and takes the figurine for himself. Rather than a creature to summon at his will, Drizzt treats her like a friend, and that she has been since he left.

There's Cattie-brie a fiesty human girl too. Her and Wulfgar are adopted children of Bruenor Battlehammer, the dwarf, but all six of them - Drizzt, Regis, Cattie-brie, Wulfgar, Bruenor and Guenhwyvar prove to be a strong family of warriors.

I'm off to read more of The Two Swords, the third book of The Hunter's Blades Trilogy. In case you're wondering why I didn't elaborate on the other trilogies - besides making this post even longer, these contain the best stuff! Where's the fun in spoilin' it? 

What are your favorite "go-to" reads - they don't have to be romance either...

PHANTASM FRIDAY

Blurb:

For over a thousand years, LORD AIDAN HARTLAND OF WESTLAKE and his lover have in turn been eating each other’s hearts in order to regenerate. Now he’s back with his new identity- and the perpetual mission of protecting his woman and mankind from the demon Zendor that has no mate and eats human hearts at random to survive.

FBI agent ROBYN WAINRIGHT, assigned to investigate the strange deaths, is still unaware of her past, and determined to nail Westlake, with his mad tales of demons, paranormal powers and his eternal love for her. But the erotic visions she keeps having are driving her insane…

Review:

My biggest beef is that this story isn't long enough. I wanted more time with the characters because they're both likeable and I would have loved to have gotten into the head of the demon Zendor. But, hey, I'm weird that way because I end up loving the evil characters as much as I do the hero and heroine. The first scene where Lord Aidan Westlake arrives with his Great Danes is a very strong visual. I got this mental image of Aidan standing on a hill, above everyone else, with his Great Danes (beasts) straining against their tethers and Lord Aidan restraining them with ease. I can't remember if the sun pierced through the clouds to shine on just him in that moment, but if it didn't, it should have! :-) I loved Aidan's arrogance—who doesn't love reading arrogant men?—and Robyn's snarky attitude was just as much fun. She was definitely a tough as nails sort of woman. I won't give away the shocking details of the moment I sat straight up and said "WTF". For several pages Nancy left me worried how I could give a favorable review after the way she traumatized me with what she did to her characters. lol Nancy cleared that dilemma up by the time she wrote "the end".

Nostos The Homecoming is a creative story, built with a great imagination. Action punched through scenes in short lively bursts and Nancy Barone Wythe sure knows how to wallop you with great descriptions. For example:

"He had the timeless gaze of an immortal to whom the world had entrusted all its
secrets."

Wow! Immediately I knew Aidan had the look of an 'old soul' in his eyes. Another great line is when Aidan said this to Robyn…

"'You are like daybreak in my darkness…you leave me stunned and bewildered…'"

Dear God, I want someone to profess that type of emotion for me! :D

To get your own copy of Nostos The Homecoming by Nancy Barone Wythe, click here.

Wistful Wednesday

Healing

Hello, everyone! I just wanted to give everyone an update on my daughter. Last Tuesday, she had surgery on her back, a procedure called spinal fusion, which is basically the installation of rods in her back to straighten the spine (she had a severe case of scoliosis.) To give you an idea of what this meant, here are some visuals:

The X-ray from before the surgery:

And the one from after:

As you can see from these images, there was a huge difference and I have to tell you, just looking at her back, you can see it. I am absolutely amazed at the job the doctor did on her. And the crazy thing is, you could see it right after the surgery, even with her just lying flat in bed; the way she laid was different after the surgery than it was before.

Well, after just a week in the hospital, my daughter is now recovering at home. Already, she is easing back into her life and slowly starting to do things for herself again. It's really hard to tell that she just had major surgery - even the nurse who came to visit yesterday was amazed at her progress and how rapidly she is recovering. Needless to say, I am very proud of my girl. She was so brave going into the surgery and she did everything she was asked to do by the hospital staff afterward and all without a complaint. She is such a little trooper!

I would like to end this update post on an even more positive note. Here is a nice message that some of the hospital staff wrote for her when she was in the ICU. They are members of The Hole in the Wall Gang camp (the one founded by Paul Newman) and they work with the Child Life people in the hospital to bring camp to the kids in the hospital. The word they wrote was chosen by my daughter and she picked all of the colors and designs they used (they were just her tools, she was the artist!).

In closing, I just wanted to acknowledge all of the staff at UMASS-Memorial Hospital in Worcester, MA. Thank you so much for taking such great care of my daughter. You were all amazing!

PHANTASM FRIDAY

Please welcome Raine Delight, creating some magic in the moonlight today. Raine is the author of numerous books. I was excited to learn that Raine's muse was male like mine!! To learn more about Raine, visit her website.

Gracen: For many of us, September brings the start of NFL and College Football. In the confines of these games, many writers find inspiration for stories and heroes. In honor of these forces of nature, we want to know: Do you watch NFL or American College Football or both? Neither? Or, are you the type of person who thinks of a round, black and white ball when you hear the word, "football"?

Raine: Oh egad, no. I am not a sport nut whatsoever. For me, Fall means apple picking, hiking in the hills with Fall foliage and cooler temps not tailgating and screaming hoards of fans. LOL


Gracen: What is/are your favorite NFL (or college) Football team(s)? If you don't watch the game or have any favorite teams, do you know someone who does? Who is this person to you and what is (are) his/her favorite team(s)?

Raine: Again, I don’t watch it but my mom and siblings love the local NFL team, Buffalo Bills (though they are not great the last several years). My mom asks for Bills items at Christmas and watches the games when she can on Sunday when they play.


Gracen: As with any sport, many of us American Football fans have favorite players. Do you have a favorite NFL (college) player? Who is it and why do you like him? If not, does anyone you know have a favorite NFL (college) player? Who is this person to you, who does he/she like and why?

Raine: Nope no one I know watches or enjoys College Football.


Gracen: While not every area has an NFL team to call their own, most areas have a college team, and in some cases more than one and books like Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger have brought to the forefront the popularity of college football and how it can make or break careers and people's lives while the movie We Are Marshall told the true story of how college football can impact an entire town. How strong is college football (NCAA or lower divisions) in your area? If American Football isn't present, what is the big college sport in your town and what college(s) is (are) the best in that sport?

Raine: No idea. I don’t follow that sort of thing here.


Gracen: If not into American Football, what sport is your favorite? What's your favorite team and why? Who is your favorite player?

Raine: Again I don’t get into sports at all. To me it is not a fun activity but to many others it is the best thing since sliced bread. *Shrugs*


Gracen: Some fans cookout, gather with family and friends or go to a sports bar to enjoy good food and beer while watching the game. What kind of festivities do you (or have you) participate(d) in for a game of your favorite sport?

Raine: I don’t do tailgating or parties for this.

Gracen: Watching a game on TV certainly isn't as exciting as actually being part of the crowd. In many areas (Wisconsin and Alabama being big ones since this occurs everywhere for every sport as long as weather permits), people arrive at the stadiums early to cookout, drink beer and socialize with other "tailgaters". Some even get into the act by playing a rag-tag game of impromptu football with people they don't know. What kinds of pre-game activities and food can be found in the parking lot before, "the big game"?

Raine: I think I went to one Super Bowl party long ago and they had pizza, wings, and snack food as pre-game stuff then at half time brought out chili, sandwiches, etc. It was fun but again, I just watched for commercials. :-)

Gracen: As with any sport and any fan with favorites come the not-so-favorite and sometimes downright hated teams and or players due to rivalries, ethical or not-so-ethical reasons. Are there any teams and or players that just get (or got) on your nerves more than any other? Who is the team/player and why?

Raine: No idea on that.


Gracen: We've had our fun, now, let’s switch gears and focus on your writing.

Raine: Oh thank god…all that sport talk had me in a panic. LOL


Gracen: LOL Sorry about that, Raine. Since we enjoy reading as much as we enjoy writing, tell us, what books/authors are you reading right now? Why these books, why these authors?

Raine: Currently I am reading Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins whichis phenomenal. Then my stack includes: Sparks (Laura Bickle), Devil’s Playground (Jenna Black), Night Myst (Yasmine Galenorn), No Mercy (Sherrilyn Kenyon) and many more.

I love these authors’s writing style and frankly, I am in my paranormal/urban fantasy kick right now. There are just so many talented authors out there with some great books that I miss all the time. :-(


Gracen: There are many reasons that bring us to the genres we write in and many more that keep us from writing in the genres we love. Is there an element or genre that you love and enjoy reading but will never use yourself? Why?

Raine: I cannot write a good suspense (Romance or otherwise). I like reading it but for the life of me, I cannot get the right components in this genre in a story.


Gracen: Heroes and heroines can be anything we choose to make them, whether the girl next door or the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. With your latest novel/story that we're promoting here today, Devon Falls 5: Moonlight & Magic, how would you classify the hero and heroine? Why did you choose (do you think your muse chose) to write them that way? (Without giving too much of the plot away, please share with us a bit of dialogue between the hero and heroine to demonstrate what makes you classify the hero and heroine the way you have, thanks!)

Raine: Oh man, Dixie was a secondary character in earlier Devon Falls books and the muse loved her wit, spunk and humor. She was cynical in romance but wanted what her cousins’ found-love. Michael was a quiet man who was hurt by a past betrayal. When these two characters met, my muse went “WOOT-a winner”. They clicked and in Moonlight & Magic we see how two cynical people find a way to each other. Now the question is can Michael convince Dixie to take a chance on him for longer than one night?

My muse is very particular. He keeps my characters on their toes and gets testy when I decide to change things. Case in point, early drafts of Moonlight & Magic had Michael almost wimpy and man, was he not happy. Between my muse and Michael ganging upon me to let them tell the story, it was enough to drive a woman nuts. *Laughs*

Ok *thinks* Let me see what I can find to show you the dynamics of Michael and Dixie (please remember this is rough draft as my edits are unfinished as of right now-it may change for release).

Scene set up: Dixie is coming home after a long day at work.

Opening her door as she grabbed her mail from the floor, “Honey I am home” she shouted. “Damn no man in site.” Putting water on for tea, Dixie took off her shoes with a sigh of relief and sat down on the couch. Looking at the mail, she tossed aside the junk and bills and rested her head on the back of the couch. “I need to kill Alicia tomorrow for leaving me like that. I swear whenever she or Jax is not around, all things go to hell. Right, Mr. Fish?” She tapped the fish bowl by the side of the couch. “Great I am talking to fish now. I must be mental now.” Disgusted with herself, Dixie got up and poured herself a bowl of cereal for dinner. “I need a date or something. This dry spell of mine is making me go psychotic or something. First I get every electric device at work out to get me, and I am left with a hoard of customers all wanting coffee. Is there a shortage or something in this town?”

Scene set up: Michael just came to town and spies Dixie at a local bar. Roped into walking her home, he finds himself drawn to the spunky Dixie and finds himself falling for her.

Michael leaned forward and when he finally touched those kissable lips, he felt the spark that hit me the first time he touched her turn into an inferno. Pulling her close, he felt her body mold itself around him, fitting against his and it was pure perfection. He couldn’t get enough of her. Kissing her was like the pure molten fire. She was a drug he craved and he was determined to have it. Feeling her kiss him back had him aching in more ways than one. Sliding his tongue along her lips had her gasping and taking advantage of that, slipped in and began to duel with hers. The deep kisses made him want more and before he took her against the trees, he gathered his last shred of control and with a last deep kiss, he took a deep breath as he leaned his head against hers, his breath choppy and his jeans a tad bit too tight at the moment.

“I am not going to say I am sorry, Dixie.” Michael said, as he tried to get his equilibrium back. Dixie had him so off-center that it was amazing he didn’t collapse from it. “I wanted to kiss you the moment I spied you dancing around the table. You looked so free and happy.”


Gracen: Since every good story needs a villain to make it interesting, tell us about Moonlight & Magic: Who is the villain (if a big part of the story is the mystery of the villain, we'll let you be vague,:-) !)? What does he/she look like and what is his/her personality?

Raine: I don’t have a villain per say. My characters are the main props and their personal issues are the villains.


Gracen: Besides a villain to create havoc, every good story needs conflict (some problem to be resolved) to make it interesting, tell us about Moonlight & Magic: What is the major conflict? How does it affect the characters' lives in the story?

Raine: The major thing between Dixie and Michael is that Dixie doesn’t believe in fairy tales, happily ever after or that she deserves love. Too many broken promises, heart been broken numerous times and cynical after all that, she is a woman who doesn’t believe in the Disney version of HEA.

Michael is a man haunted by his past. Tossed out of his pride by a coup by his uncle, forced to roam like a gypsy, he longs for a mate and a home. Something that he can call his own. Meeting Dixie was like a breath of fresh air for him. She got him to laugh, smile and believe. Michael got Dixie to believe in forever again.

Their past has them questioning their present and future and it was fun to show how they got past that even as they fell in love.


Gracen: What scene did you have the most fun creating and why? (Please, without revealing too much of your plot, share some of that scene with us!)

Raine: By far the dining room table scene was fun. *grins* I am not going into too much detail but I can safely say no china dish was hurt in the creating of this scene. *giggles*


Gracen: Some authors have trademark elements or personality traits that can be noticed in every book they write. Do you have any trademark elements or personality traits that tend to pop up in your books whether you want them to or not? (Example: Many of Amanda Quick's Regency era heroines are considered "originals" and are on the fringe of society even if socially accepted in certain "polite" circles.) What are some examples?

Raine: Not sure…have to think on this.


Gracen: What is your favorite kind of ending for a book (dramatic, action-packed, typically tied with a big red bow, suspenseful, cliffhangery, low-key, etc.)? Is this evident in the ending of Moonlight & Magic? Why or why not?

Raine: My stories have that happily ever after or even a Happy for now sort of ending. I love seeing the characters ride off into the sunset, arms around one another.


Gracen: What do you hope readers take with them after reading your story?

Raine says: I just hope they enjoyed the story and that they were able to get into the character’s lives a little bit.

Gracen: It was a pleasure having you join us today, Raine. Sorry for the SNAFU on Tuesday. I really appreciate you swapping to today instead!

BLURB:

Can a were-tiger convince one stubborn woman that she is his for all time and show her that falling in love is just as sinful as a chocolate kiss?

Dixie Sinclair has watched her cousins all fall in love and now she wants the same. Dared to go to the annual Masquerade ball, Dixie finds the one thing she desires: love…one problem…can she trust that it will last after that one night?

Michael Barnes is a rare white were-tiger who was thrown out of his pride long ago for a trumped up crime, Michael roams the world searching for the one place to call home. Finding that peace in Devon Falls, he finds the one woman who stirs him like no other. Can he convince Dixie that she can trust in him forever?


EXCERPT:

*NOTE-this is unedited. It may change after editing*

Michael had to swallow hard in order to not give into his baser instincts of tossing Dixie over his shoulders and going off into his den. The way she nestled into his body had him harder than a rock and ready to explode. With his hands on her waist he swayed to the music, letting the scent of peaches and flowers tease his senses and as the people around them faded, his entire being was centered on the one woman meant to be his. Growling low in his throat he couldn’t help the tightening of his hands as they drifted down to cup her ass even as he tried to keep a tight reign on his lust. Oh damn, I am in heaven and hell, was Michael’s thought when he lifted his head to stare down into the eyes that seemed to change color, of a woman who called to the tiger within him. The tiger that was itching to claim his mate. If he didn’t know better, it was as if his inner beast had decided that Dixie was to be his and was making its demands known in more ways than one.

“”Damn” Michael whispered as he felt her hips sway against him, teasing him while she smiled seductively. It was enough to drive him wild. Visions of having her on her knees while he took her from behind had him melting on the spot. It was wild the way he felt for this curvaceous woman. It was like another person was in his body; One that he didn’t recognize and was afraid to give into.

http://authorrainedelight.com/

Twilight Thursday

K.A. LAITY JOINS THE MOONLIGHT

K. A. Laity is the author of Pelzmantel, Unikirja and many other easier to spell titles. She is Associate Professor of English at the College of Saint Rose and writes a weekly column for the global women’s lifestyle network, http://www.bitchbuzz.com/. She also writes romance as Kit Marlowe (http://www.kit-marlowe.com/) and erotic romance as C. Margery Kempe (http://www.cmkempe.com/).

Now…please sit back, sip on your favorite beverage and enjoy getting to know K.A. Laity:

GRACEN: For many of us, September brings the start of NFL and College Football. In the confines of these games, many writers find inspiration for stories and heroes. In honor of these forces of nature, we want to know…Do you watch NFL or American College Football or both? Neither? Or, are you the type of person who thinks of a round, black and white ball when you hear the word, "football"?

K.A.: I don't watch American football. It's incredibly boring to me. Ten seconds of action and then lots of standing around in armour so thick you can hardly see the human. Real football on the other hand is a lot more fun.


GRACEN: Personally, I like all that armor when it's my child playing the game. I don't know how he moves, but I like it! =D What is/are your favorite NFL (or college) Football team(s)? If you don't watch the game or have any favorite teams, do you know someone who does? Who is this person to you and what is (are) his/her favorite team(s)?

K.A.: I have friends who support Arsenal and friends who support West Ham so I cheer according to whoever it is I'm with. I have a friend who supports Man U, but I won't cheer them.

GRACEN: As with any sport, many of us American Football fans have favorite players. Do you have a favorite NFL (college) player? Who is it and why do you like him? If not, does anyone you know have a favorite NFL (college) player? Who is this person to you, who does he/she like and why?

K.A.: I grew up playing sports. There were four baseball diamonds and a football field behind my house. So for me, sports are for playing not watching. I've never understood the hero-worship of athletes.


GRACEN: I agree, K.A. I don't get the hero-worship of athletes either, but even my boys suffer from it. While not every area has an NFL team to call their own, most areas have a college team, and in some cases more than one and books like Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger have brought to the forefront the popularity of college football and how it can make or break careers and people's lives while the movie We Are Marshall told the true story of how college football can impact an entire town. How strong is college football (NCAA or lower divisions) in your area? If American Football isn't present, what is the big college sport in your town and what college(s) is (are) the best in that sport?

K.A.: I'm delighted to be in a contested zone sports-wise (upstate NY near the MA border). There are as many Mets and Yankees fans as Red Sox fans, and football is evenly spread between various teams whose names escape me, so there's no monolithic fan base. Living in Texas was hell: football is a religion there (so is Christianity, apparently).


GRACEN: LOL So true, K.A. Football is a religion in Alabama just like in Texas, people eat, sleep and breathe college football. So, if you're not into American Football, what sport is your favorite? What's your favorite team and why? Who is your favorite player?

K.A.: If I must pick a sport, it's croquet. My favourite player is me with a cold beverage in my hand and a fetching hat on my head. I do have a crush on Mesut Özil, though.


GRACEN: Hey, I like playing croquet! Some fans cookout, gather with family and friends or go to a sports bar to enjoy good food and beer while watching the game. What kind of festivities do you (or have you) participate(d) in for a game of your favorite sport?

K.A.: Well, I spend the summer watching the World Cup in various pubs around London. The city hummed with the sound of vuvuzelas. It was good.


GRACEN: Watching a game on TV certainly isn't as exciting as actually being part of the crowd. In many areas (Wisconsin and Alabama being big ones since this occurs everywhere for every sport as long as weather permits), people arrive at the stadiums early to cookout, drink beer and socialize with other "tailgaters". Some even get into the act by playing a rag-tag game of impromptu football with people they don't know. What kinds of pre-game activities and food can be found in the parking lot before, "the big game"?

K.A.: I would like to think champagne brunches with caviar and lobster thermidor accompanied by wit rivaling the Algonquin Roundtable, but I suspect I would be mistaken.


GRACEN: Your pre-game activities would probably be more entertaining, K.A.! As with any sport and any fan with favorites come the not-so-favorite and sometimes downright hated teams and or players due to rivalries, ethical or not-so-ethical reasons. Are there any teams and or players that just get (or got) on your nerves more than any other? Who is the team/player and why?

K.A.: England's team in the World Cup this year was atrocious. They lost me £10. At least I got it back in ale.


GRACEN: We've had our fun, now, let’s switch gears and focus on your writing, K.A.…Since we enjoy reading as much as we enjoy writing, tell us, what books/authors are you reading right now? Why these books, why these authors?

K.A.: I'm reading Angela Carter's Nights at the Circus because she figures in my next project; I'm reading a biography of Dorothy Parker because I am addicted to writer bios and I love Parker's wit; I'm reading a book on Night of the Hunter that a friend lent to me. I don't generally read much fiction, but I have a manuscript from a fellow writer that I can't wait to read, except I also have a manuscript that my editor just sent back, so I'll have to work on that first.


GRACEN: There are many reasons that bring us to the genres we write in and many more that keep us from writing in the genres we love. Is there an element or genre that you love and enjoy reading but will never use yourself? Why?

K.A.: I don't think there's anything that I would rule out. My problem in establishing my "brand" as the PR mavens call it, is that I write across genres so much of the time and create mash-ups that don’t quite fit any particular genre: interstitial is the only way I can be.


GRACEN: Heroes and heroines can be anything we choose to make them, whether the girl next door or the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. With your latest novel/story that we're promoting here today, Pelzmantel, how would you classify the hero and heroine? Why did you choose (do you think your muse chose) to write them that way? (Without giving too much of the plot away, please share with us a bit of dialogue between the hero and heroine to demonstrate what makes you classify the hero and heroine the way you have, thanks!)

K.A.: For the names, I chose two of the most hated characters in the medieval Icelandic novel, Njal's Saga, Hallgerd and Mord. I'm perverse that way. They're both royals, but he's been a pampered young man and she was raised in exile. When they first meet, things don't go well. Oh, and her friend Nana (our narrator) has become a fox:

The lad below us offers his hand up to help Hallgerd step out from the hollow of the tree. She clutches me tight. I get only the briefest glimpse of the lords and ladies gathered below, arrayed in their bright hunting clothes, before Hallgerd turns and makes her slow way down the trunk of the tree behind the nimble youngster. Reaching the soft ground, the princess faces the curious crowd, chin in the air and arms wrapped possessively around me.

“Well, well, quite a wily prey we have caught today, eh friends? Pray tell, Karl, what do we call such a creature? I don’t know that I’ve ever seen such a pelt as this!” The smiling king reaches out to Hallgerd’s mantel and strokes the soft fur. I growl as menacingly as I can and he pulls his hand back nervously.

“Goodness! Perhaps we should let the huntsmen take care of that creature for you, little one.”

“Never! You shall not touch her—him!”

Fortunately, the young king find amusement in this sharp girl. “Do you know who you address, my fine lady?” He turns to the hunting party with a sizable grin. They take their cue and titter appreciatively as he continues to scold Hallgerd, who remains sullenly—and wisely—silent. “Why, I am the king. You do not wish to displease the king, now do you my dear?”

Hallgerd takes another tack. “This fox saved my life. I owe it protection.”

That really makes the king guffaw. “Such a noble lady! Whom do I have the honor to address?”

“I am no one of any importance…your majesty,” Hallgerd adds with distaste. She casts a discerning eye over his own wardrobe, an excess of finery seldom seen in her more practical world.

“No one of importance? Yet you are dressed so well. I do not recognize the cut of your coat, but it is a very fine mantel—surely you come from a dukedom nearby? Perhaps to the south, where they get more of the sun?” He brushes a very pale hand against her soot-blackened cheek. A couple of the ladies shriek with laughter at that,
waving their handkerchiefs at his recklessness.

“I am no one and nothing but a poor kitchen maid,” Hallgerd replies through clenched teeth, “this cloak my only treasure.”

“But what are you doing in the woods, child? So far from home?”

“I—I ran away,” Hallgerd says and I see the gleam of the story-teller in her eye. Go with it, my girl!

“Ran away? Dear me!”

“My parents wanted me to marry a warty old man and I couldn’t bear it because he was so unkind. So I ran away—many days—until I was nearly captured by evil robbers, but this fox—he saved me…”

“How did he do that?” the king asks breathlessly.

“He—he ran at them, barking and growling. They thought it was a wolf, I believe, and they were quite frightened.”

The king steps a little closer but keeps away from my muzzle. “And this fox? Why do
you think it helped you, child? Do you enchant animals regularly?” More laughter from the lords and ladies follows this suggestion.

“No, I do not. But he is one of the animals whose pelt is sewn into this cloak so we have special bond. We must protect each other.”

“Fascinating! What shall we call you, my child?”

“They call me Pelzmantel for my coat of many furs,” Hallgerd replies, burying her face in my fur.

“Well, little Pelzmantel, your story has touched my heart. Shall I rescue you from your woodlands adventure and give you shelter in my kitchen?” He chortles at his gallantry to one so unlikely, but notices his fine lords and ladies murmur restlessly now. “I know my cook can always use a good kitchen maid. Are you a hard worker?”

“Yes, your majesty.”

The king already walks away, bored with this novelty. “Well, if you can keep up with the horses, follow us back to the castle and I’ll put you to work in the kitchen. Come, ladies, gentlemen! Let us return to the castle and enjoy the fruits of the hunt.” They turn away from us and mount their fine horses.

GRACEN: Oooo…that snippet ended much too early! I wanted to read more. Since every good story needs a villain to make it interesting, tell us about Pelzmantel: Who is the villain (if a big part of the story is the mystery of the villain, we'll let you be vague,=)!)? What does he/she look like and what is his/her personality?

K.A.: His name is really Maldachta, which is Old Irish for "evil speaker" but he gives his name as Thomas, which was the name of someone I particularly detested at the time I wrote it (beware the writer's wrath!). He has insidious charm, which is the kind of thing that really provokes me. I see through people like that and can't understand why others don't.


GRACEN: Besides a villain to create havoc, every good story needs conflict (some problem to be resolved) to make it interesting, tell us about Pelzmantel: What is the major conflict? How does it affect the characters' lives in the story?

K.A.: The novel is a retelling of the Grimm tale, All Fur, which is a kind of donkey skin fairytale. The princess who is denied her heritage must live in disguise in exile. Her father—who tried to marry her—is left behind with the evil Thomas, the land falls into disarray, the princess works as a kitchen maid and Nanna trades skins with a fox.


GRACEN: What scene did you have the most fun creating and why? (Please, without revealing too much of your plot, share some of that scene with us!)

K.A.: My favourite is when Nanna convinces the fox to trade skins while she is imprisoned. There's magic and cajoling but the real reason the fox agrees is surprising and, I hope, touching.


GRACEN: Some authors have trademark elements or personality traits that can be noticed in every book they write. Do you have any trademark elements or personality traits that tend to pop up in your books whether you want them to or not? (Example: Many of Amanda Quick's Regency era heroines are considered "originals" and are on the fringe of society even if socially accepted in certain "polite" circles.) What are some examples?

K.A.: I like to think humour is one of my trademarks. My characters usually use humour to cope with the terrible situations into which I throw them. Not surprisingly, my characters are often liminal figures with a foot in at least two different worlds. In my next novel, Owl Stretching, this becomes quite literal.


GRACEN: What is your favorite kind of ending for a book (dramatic, action-packed, typically tied with a big red bow, suspenseful, cliffhangery, low-key, etc.)? Is this evident in the ending of Pelzmantel? Why or why not?

K.A.: I don't know that I'm enamoured of any particular kind of ending. Every story has it's own trajectory. You can guess that as a fairytale, Pelzmantel ends satisfactorily, though there is some ambiguity. Evil seldom simply disappears. I don't like things to wrap up too neatly most of the time, but I also write romance which has to do so.


GRACEN: What do you hope readers take with them after reading your story?

K.A.: I want people to see the magic of the Middle Ages: the real magic! There's an essay in the back of the book that explains some of the things I used in the story and the way people looked at magic back then. I can't seem to help being a teacher.

GRACEN: Sounds fascinating, K.A.! Best of success with all your novels. Your Pelzmantel cover is fabulous, so kudos to whoever the artist is! It was a joy and pleasure to have you join us today.




BLURB:

A woman who's a fox—a kitchen maid who's a princess—and a walnut with a wardrobe!

EXCERPT:

I run off into the night. Patches of late snow still lie on the ground here and there and I run through them exhilarated by the sharp coldness of it on my fur. Everywhere are scents! I can recognize many of them but not all. I can still smell the dampness of the dark cell, even the unevenly cooked fowl on the dish. The pungent aroma of the ointment overpowers my senses and I stop at one of the irregular piles of snow to wipe the bulk of it from my forehead. Better but still the scent lingers, amazing!

I run across the courtyard, fearless, easily, my four legs flying with the easy joy of it. It is difficult to pull my mind back to the task at hand. I want to run and run and run. I have not felt this energy for many a year, maybe not since childhood. And he called himself old! He does not know age yet. I admire the play of my muscles—musical!—and jump whenever I can, over bushes, over logs, over snow banks.

Skirting the village itself, I head out toward the south, casting around for the scent of the princess. It distresses me, though I am not surprised, to find that I pick up almost immediately the smell of the hunting dogs. They were tracking her after all, though surely since night fell they had to return and wait for morning light. I don’t need it.

I follow the dog tracks for some time and finally, as the pack spreads out, beneath their odor I sniff the beautiful scent of lavender and rose—the princess! It is unmistakable. Unfortunately, the tracks of the hounds continue to follow her too. Surely, I scold myself, if they had captured her Thomas would have come to me to gloat. They cannot have caught her yet.

At the first stream I can see where she has waded downstream to try to throw the dogs off the scent. Many tracks line the banks in a wild riot of smells and confusion. But a trampled area shows that they found her trail again and hurried after it. Too bad. But my princess is wise. At the next stream, she wades even further though surely that night was very cold and she must have suffered for it after. I hope her mantel has kept her warm, a good gift to have and no mistake. But the dogs eventually discovered her track far down the stream and were off once more in pursuit. Again I feel a stab of fear. Has she made it, is she still free?

At the third river I lose her entirely. So too did the dogs. Footprints of the dogs and trackers wander for miles up and down the stream…and then turn back. They lost the trail! Hurrah! But now I realize that I have as well. And despite my initial elation, I am beginning to feel tired and cold. No warm fire to keep the chill away tonight. Where did she go? I wander up and down the river for some time. What should I do? Find a place to sleep and begin again in the morning? Ah, but the scent is already faint, perhaps it would be gone by then and if it should rain, ah, then what?

I sit down on the bank and curl my tail around my paws. It does help to warm them. I look around the banks of the river where I last smelled Hallgerd’s scent. What did she do to foil her pursuers? It seems an unremarkable stretch of land, if anything the banks are rather tall and the trees are old and tall, their branches spreading across the sky, hiding the moon’s new face. A glimmer of an idea pops into my head. I look up and down both sides of the brook. A ha! A likely one over there. I splash through the cold water, convincing my toes that this is essential work and that we will soon be with the princess and warm. On the other side, I look up. Yes, with a desperate jump, she could have made it to that low-hanging branch. But how to tell? My body is much too small now to make such a leap. If only I could be sure—maybe? Is it only wish furthering the hope that I catch a slight whiff of rose?

I walk around the mammoth tree which must be at least as old as I am. If she did climb up there, where did she go next? I look around to the big oak’s neighbors. There—that one, surely. Not quite as huge, but sturdy, a low branch that she could easily have reached, intermingled with the oak’s own branches. And from there? No where to go but into that thicket of pines. Certainly though, they could not hold her weight, nor even mine, little creature that I am now and yes! There! Broken branches and the lovely perfume of lavender and first roses. Clever girl!

Places where you can find K.A. Laity:
Buy link: http://www.immanion-press.com/info/book.asp?id=394&referer=Hp
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjbzVflTCq0
Chapter One: http://www.scribd.com/doc/36865887/Pelzmantel-Excerpt
Website: http://www.kalaity.com
Blog: http://katewombat.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/katelaity
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/k.a.laity
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2915710.K_A_Laity

WISTFUL WEDNESDAY

Margay will be unable to join us today. Her daughter is having surgery and she'll be stuck in ICU all day today and possibly tomorrow. So, please send prayers and positive thoughts for Margay and her daughter.

Any positive comments you'd like to make, I'm sure would be very much appreciated upon Margay's return.

We love you, Margay!

~huggles~
Gracen

Tantalizing Tuesday

There was a SNAFU on my end with the guest blogger today. BUT stay tuned...RAINE DELIGHT will join us today.

Starlight Saturday

Sexy Someones!

For a little fun this weekend to help with the chaos of the beginning school year, we thought you might enjoy a peek at those men we find as hero inspiration.

Since there are three of us, we'll each give you one. Now, if you've been following us with some regularity, you may recognize these men, but we don't care because they still inspire us.

Our first offering, Jensen Ackles, is no stranger to TV.

While he has a slew of acting credits, a few stand out to me. My first encounter with Jensen Ackles came in his portrayal of the teenage version of Eric Brady (twin brother to Sammy) when I was still watching Days of Our Lives in 2000. But he was destined for much greater things than whiny, boring Eric Brady (the writing was boring). About a year later, Jensen went on to join the cast of James Cameron's Dark Angel in its second season, where he proceeded to shine and make me take notice, as one of Manticore's special bred males, Alec - the one chosen as Max's (lead played by Jessica Alba) breeding partner. Together, they escape. If memory serves, Alec only goes along because he was bored and he had some sort of physical attraction to Max. From there he went on to Dawson's Creek playing C.J., a councilor. While he did a decent job, the role itself was nondescript and I barely remembered his character. After that role, Ackles reentered the sci-fi world by joining the Smallville cast in 2005. From there, Ackles got the role of his life, playing Dean Winchester on Supernatural, where he caught Gracen's eye!

Our second offering, Richard Armitage, comes to us from across the ocean and has appeared in Margay's posts quite often and now he finds himself here!

My only encounter with him, though, is from his role as Guy of Gisborne on BBCs series, Robin Hood. In case you didn't know, Guy of Gisborne is an arch rival of Robin and his merry men, so while he might look good shooting an arrow, he just couldn't hold my attention - but I may have been a bit biased, lol! But he's here because he caught Margay's attention!

Our last offering for this month's collection of sexy men comes from one of the longest running soaps on TV, General Hospital. While this show has a bevy of sexy men to choose from, I'd have to say that my first true choice came early on in the face of Port Charles mobster, Sonny Corinthos.

He got his start on All My Children as Nico Kelly and went on a few years later to star as Desi Arnaz in Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughs, but it wasn't until 1993 when he walked onto the set of General Hospital that he made his mark as an actor. For 17 years he's played the mobster you can't bring yourself to hate. While he commits RICO violations that the Feds can't seem to make stick, and launders money, a big part of you says, "That's okay, we don't care!" and it's not because he wears a suit or a scowl so well, it's because, as a mobster, he does his best to keep and take drugs off the street and fights for people with AIDS. While other mobsters have come and gone on GH, only Sonny has truly stood the test of time!

Who are your faves?

Enjoy!

PHANTASM FRIDAY

TGIF, Moonlightees! I hope everyone has had a great week. Do any of you have any special plans for the weekend? Nothing much here and I'm rather excited about having nothing to do. So, a couple of weeks ago I explained that I was neck deep in edits. I thought I'd share an excerpt from what I just finished editing, Where the Road to Hell Begins, Part One - Pandora's Box. Yeah, I know I need to work on the title, but that's the working title. I plan to have it sent off at the latest on Monday. *fingers crossed* Writing the synopsis is next and that always stumps me. I have trouble condensing 95K words into 2-5 pages. No easy feat! Okay, so I'll shut up and give you the excerpt. Tell me what you think....like? Dislike? Suggestions? Comments? I'm all ears. ;-)

WARNING: Some content may not be suitable for all readers. Please read with discretion.



EXCERPT - WHERE THE ROAD TO HELL BEINGS - PART ONE PANDORA'S BOX

Instead of a 'hello', she received a gruff, "Nix."

"Hey, sexy," Mads said, forcing cheerfulness into her tone. She leaned her elbows on the rail of the balcony and chewed on the inside of her mouth.

"Mads?" She thought he sat up.

"Yeah." At times like this, she wished she smoked. Had some nasty addiction to turn to for comfort.

"What's wrong?" He definitely sat up this time, the rustling of covers and the squeaking of bedsprings loud through their connection.

"Nothing." Everything!

"Mads…" He whispered furiously, the sound of a door opening and clicking closed coming through on his end loud and clear. "You didn't call me at two A.M. to tell me nothing was wrong."

Madison expelled a long shaky breath. "I think we made a mistake tonight."

Concern tensed his voice, "What'd you do?"

"Oh, nothing much, just released a genie from its crystal prison." And used Pandora's Box to bust him out. Oh and let's not forget how dirty she felt now with the magic still thrumming through her so hard she couldn't sleep.

He whistled low. "That sounds diabolical."

She laughed. Nix could lighten any situation. "He had to be trapped for a good reason, right?"

"Depends." On what? "Where are you, Mads?"

"Mexico." She looked out on the Mexican city. Poverty stark in every direction. "You?"

"South Beach, Miami," the sound of his voice drooled enough she didn't have to see his expression. "The news said a level six earthquake struck Chihuahua, Mexico today."

Yeah, that earthquake was little ole' me channeling the awesome power of the box.

"South Beach, huh?"

"Yeah, beautiful beaches."

Skirt chasing Nix would be in his element there. Jealousy made more vibrant by Pandora's magic hit her hard, had her hoping her phone call interrupted something naughty before it happened. "I guess there aren't any hot babes there."

"None as smoking hot as you."

"Flirt." But the corners of her mouth turned up at his compliment.

"Guilty." On his end came the honking of horns and the revving of engines. "Tell me exactly where in Mexico you are and I'll be on the next flight."

"No."

"You need me or you wouldn't have called," his voice turned a shade darker. Agitation maybe, but it was hard to tell without seeing his expression.

"I don't need you here." She pinched the bridge of her nose. She shouldn't have called Nix. No need for him worry along with her.

"What do you need?"

Loaded question.

"I don't know." She tapped her fingernails on the rail. "Someone to tell me we made the right decision."

"Okay." A long pause screamed between them. "Why'd Amos break out this…this crystal genie?"

"He didn't. I did." Sirens blared in the background, fitting for their conversation and probably his reaction. "With the power from Pandora's Box."

A sharp intake of breath. "You think that was safe?"

"Most likely not." Definitely not. "We didn't have a choice. Amos couldn't break the crystal. Only the box could."

"Uh huh." She could picture him rubbing his eyes, deep in thought over her disturbing news. "Why did you break this crystal genie out?"

"Amos's idea."

"You do everything he tells you to do?"

"Pretty much. He's always right on these supernatural things." She jerked toward the door as a hard bang rattled the lamp beside the bed. "Hold on…" She peeked around the door from the balcony. Amos lay on his side, facing her, sleeping peacefully. A quick glance about the room didn't expose anything lurking in the shadows. Silence too loud pulsed in her ears, her breathing growing ragged as she moved across the room and looked out the window.

"Mads?" Nix's voice expressed his alarm. "Mads! ?"

"Sorry," she whispered, stepping quickly through the hotel room and back out onto the balcony. She yanked hard on the sliding glass door, but the irritating thing kept sticking. "I thought I heard something."

"Next time keep me at your freaking ear."

Madison laughed. "What would you have me do, Nix, hand the phone to my attacker so you can talk him to death?"

"Not amused, Mads."

He would be if he realized how protected she'd become from supernatural entities. They all scrambled to get away from her and Amos. She bet the Birminghams never had that reaction.

"Phoenix…are you coming back to bed?" Madison went brittle still at the sound of the faint female voice coming through the receiver.

The fumbling noise led her to think he covered the mouth piece of his cell phone. "Business call," he whispered furiously.

"Oh, God…." She squinted her eyes shut and rubbed her forehead. She should have asked if he was alone. "I'm interrupting. I'm…." She gulped, but couldn't bring herself to utter the word 'sorry'. It'd be a lie if she said it.

Kill the bitch! The green eyed monster surged through her system so fast she stumbled, managing to catch her fall against the banister. Stark evidence she didn't have Pandora closed as tightly as she wanted. She hoped she could eventually replace the air tight seal. Never, never did she want to tap into the diabolical power ever again.

Pain as sharp as a scalpel cut without anesthesia through her breastbone. How long would it take before she wrestled the power back under control?

"No…um…we're finish—erm…it's over…" It sounded like he pulled the phone away from his ear. "Shit! " she heard distinctly even though the word was muted. "Mads, I'm always here for you. Regardless…"

Regardless that he was screwing someone else silly?

Dear God…

"I shouldn't have called."

A threesome. A threesome would work. Madison bent over and tapped her forehead on the railing, but she knew it wouldn't eliminate Pandora's manic thoughts. A threesome was not an option. Not with any man.

"Don't you dare hang up on me!" She turned toward the door to the hotel room. "Tell me about your crystal genie."

A dark shadow walked toward her. Fear should have propelled her into fighting action—killkillkill…fightfightfight¬—but with Nikolas's unwanted protection she didn't figure it posed much of a threat. The figure stepped into a beam of moonlight.

Zennyo….her crystal genie.

"He's not mine." No one would ever own this crystal genie. The power she'd sensed coming from him in the cave was magnified in his direct presence. "I gotta go."

"Mads, don't hang up. Mads—"

Madison disconnected the call. Zennyo stepped into the doorway and braced his hands on the frame.

"How much of that did you hear?" she asked.

"All of it."

"Sorry." Sorry that he heard her, but not about any of the words she'd said.

"Why? I haven't decided if I should let you or Amos live either."

Madison swallowed. Nothing demonic would dare harm them, but Zennyo wasn't demonic or angelic. His moral system rested on a plane she didn't comprehend. Why, had Amos insisted they needed him?

"Comforting," she drawled. "A thank you isn't necessary for busting you out of that crystal crypt. Veiled threats say thank you so much better, don't ya' think?"

Zennyo stared at her, the wind ruffling his bangs and resettling them over his forehead. "I don't understand the translation of your words. I will assume you were being sarcastic."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "You think?"

"I could kill you without lifting a finger and still you speak to me this way?" He cocked his head to the side as if she were a curious bug he inspected. "Your brazenness amuses me."

He didn't look amused. Actually, he didn't look anything.

"You're hurt," he said.

"No." Amos had healed her palms before leaving the cave. Minor injuries like that he could take care of.

"I know your head is hurting."

Her head didn't hurt. It felt like it would combust at any moment and right now, she welcomed that end just to stop the pain. "A very different thing from being hurt. But, yes," she rubbed her temples, "opening the power of Pandora's Box to shatter your crystal home was more taxing than I expected."

"Yes." He stepped onto the balcony. "You're having trouble keeping the lid closed."

"How…do you know that?" She shook her head. "You reading my mind or something?"

"Yes."

"Yes?" She flinched when he took her left hand in his own, cocooning it between both of his. "To which part? Reading my mind? Or something?

"I read minds."

"Great." Warmth pulsed against her hand, but his eyes had begun to glow.

His forefinger circled the emblem of Pandora's Box. "I can turn it off, but your pain and worry were screeching too loud to tune out."

"Sorry?"

He looked at her and shrugged. "Think about closing and latching the lid."

"Okay." She closed her eyes and unbidden images of Nix and some unknown naked and sweaty floozy rose behind her lids….the floozy's legs anchored around Nix's hips, copulating to Queen's We Will Rock You staggered so hard through her mind's eye a gasp escaped her lips.

"No! No!" Zen said and her eyes snapped open. "Focus! Close and latch the lid."

"Okay…okay." The erotic images tried to rise again, but she tamped them down and called up the image of the box. She slammed the lid down with a mental shove and gave a dramatic flick of her wrist to latch it tight.

"Good," Zen said, sounding pleased by her success. "You learn fast. There may be hope for you yet."

Lucky her. She'd live to fight that battle with Nikolas after all…if Zen didn't change his mind and kill her.

"What'd you do?" She nodded toward her hand. "While you were holding my hand?"

"Trapped the power in one place so you could concentrate."

"Thanks."

"Sure."

His eyes had returned to their normal silver, but he stared until she began to fidget.

"What?" Did she have something on her face? In her hair?

"You torment yourself with sexual images of Nix Birmingham. Why?"

"We're just friends."

A lone black eyebrow arched. "You see images of all your friends doing that?"

Thankfully, no. "You wouldn't understand."

"Indeed. You mortals have confused me for centuries." He turned, pushed the glass door open. "You should sleep, get some rest before morning."

"What about you?"

"Zennyo's don't need sleep. All we need is meditation to recharge."

She guessed he didn't need any meditation. He'd been meditating every day since his imprisonment. However long that had been.


If you wish to read a more graphic/violent scene from this book, please visit her: http://wickedthornandroses.blogspot.com/2010/09/buried-in-edits.html

Wistful Wednesday

Something to Interest Writers,

Something to Interest Readers

I've always felt that the purpose of this blog is not only to entertain readers by bringing them news about the best stuff out there to read, but to help aspiring authors on their quest to write and publish their work, as well. To that end, I've got a multi-purpose blog today! Not only will there be something of interest to readers, there will be something of interest to writers.

Have I gotten your attention yet?

Good. Let's continue.

For the readers, I am going to present to you the opportunity to win great prizes - like free ebooks and a Kindle3 - and to discover some interesting new blogs. And for the writers, I am going to show you how to network and do a blog tour, something that you absolutely MUST know how to do when you become published as these days, it's all about the social networking and it is mostly on the writer to get it done. The best part is, I'm going to achieve these two ends with one link. How, you might wonder?

Simple.

With one click, readers are going to be introduced to a new writer who will not only show them new blogs to read (but, please, still come back here to read this one!), but will give them a chance to win the above-mentioned prizes (ebooks, Kindle3), and writers are going to see a networking genius at work. Pay attention because this guy knows what he's doing. His name is Scott Nicholsen.

So, without further ado, here's the link:

http://hauntedcomputer.blogspot.com/

Have fun! And feel free to come back here and tell me what you think of this.

Tantalizing Tuesday

Welcome Author

Jade Lee !

Last time we spoke with Jade, she was in between books. I just had to interview her because of her fiery novels set in historical China, but she writes paranormal romances too, so that's how you might know her. Because she's such a neat lady, I had to bring her back to promote her latest release, Wicked Surrender.

Before we get to Jade's post, I have two words for you: Viscount Blackthorn.

Take it away, Jade!

Back in college, I dated a guy named Simon. We were two extroverts sparking off of each other. We were witty, passionate, and wild. We spent months in an on-again-off-again roller coaster, probably because all that passion was completely exhausting.

In one of our off moments, a guy named David asked me out on a date. I agreed because I wanted to make Simon jealous. (I never said I was mature in college.) David was low key, a genuinely nice guy, and being with him was like lounging around a family room and eating hot apple pie. We talked for hours. And yeah, we got to some passion, but it took a while. I didn't care. Hanging out with Dave was like coming home to the best home ever. By the time Simon got around to being jealous, it was too late. I was already in love with Dave.

My happily ever after started then, but I've often thought about the choice I made in those early days. Passion or peace? Constant go-go-go that pushed me to some real highs but dropped me in some bad lows? Or hot apple pie out on the back deck watching my kids chase butterflies? I made the right choice in Dave, but what about my heroine Scheherazade? (Yes, I know her name is odd, but there's a reason). I built for her a choice between passion and peace, love against respectability. Nothing in life comes without a cost. For me, I gave up some wild moments with Simon for the quiet life with Dave. Scher's costs are a great deal higher. More than anything, she wants to be respectable, which for her means a wedding ring.

What if to get everything you've ever wanted, you had to give up your true love? Could you do it? Or would you risk everything to have both? 

Oh! You probably want to see the Wicked Surrender book trailer. It's my first trailer, so I'm really nervous about it!

Make a comment about a choice you had to make or just tell me my book trailer is awesome, and one lucky person will get a free Jade Lee book!!

Starlight Saturday

Saving the Earth Saturday

No, it's not really called it, but in light of these tough economic times, I thought that I'd post some great ways to not only save money, but be green at the same time.

This will be a monthly feature, so some of the ideas may seem like simple common sense to some of you, but some of you might be glad for the reminder. On the same token, some of them might not be feasible for some of you while they are for others. The goal of this feature is to help people realize that even the smallest steps can make the greatest impact when it comes to saving our planet.

I've participated in some debates with people on Facebook, so I know that there are skeptics out there who don't see the point of being green when "no one else" seems to be making the effort. It's sad that some people feel this way, but despite what you think, every little bit helps.

Why?

Think of yourself as that little snowball rolling down a mountain. As you roll down that mountain, you gather more snow, growing in size until you're big enough to crush a town. That's how ideas work. It takes time, I know, but if just one of your friends sees how easy it can be and how cost effective it can be to make even small green choices, he/she might think, "Hey, if you can do it, I can do it," and there starts the ball rolling.

I know the basic story that many of you learn, that when the switch is open, current won't flow. Well, I've got news for you, when something is plugged in to the outlet, the circuit is complete, and it will draw power from the socket. Sure, it will be residual, but it's still a power drain, and money down the electrical toilet. While just one appliance might not seem to be that big of a draw, you need to look at the big picture.

By big picture, I mean small appliances and electronics that you use everyday but don't even think about because they are such a part of your life.

10 Small Power Drain Offenders

1. I know many of us might use them multiple times a day, but things like printers, scanners, monitors and speakers can still drain power when not in use and we usually keep those on because we find it safer to keep the computer powered up then shut it down.

Note: Although, shutting the computer down regularly when not in use can save money, we do realize that there are types of computers where it's actually more cost effective to leave it running because the start-up power drain is more costly that leaving it run and some systems tend to last longer when left running, thereby saving you from costly repairs, or the cost of replacing the entire computer.

2. I know most of you might unplug it, but in case you haven't thought about it, even your toaster can be an offender. Sure, it doesn't have a light to let you know it's plugged in and ready to go, but it still draws electricity when not in use.

3. The next offender on the list is a coffeemaker. Many of these have clocks and programs that allow us to program them to have coffee ready when we get up in the morning. Okay, I admit for some it's a great convenience however, it's still a power drain. The power drained to keep the clock running, while small, is still more than a toaster would drain.

4. By now, you might be running through your own kitchens wondering what might be there to unplug when not in use, so this next one might not come as a surprise, your microwave. Yes, again, this might have a clock on it that you rely on, but how often do you really use the product itself?

5. Here's an electronic gadget that many of you use all the time and probably would have a hard time functioning without it, your cellphone. Sure, you might unplug it from the cord when it's done, but do you unplug the cord from the wall when you're not charging your cell? If not, there's another source for power drain waste.

6. What about your iPod, PSP or other rechargeable hand held gaming and/or audio devices? There are chargers and docking stations. Do you unplug these when not in use? You should because these are other sources for power drain waste.

7. This leads me to something else used but not paid attention to, your electric razor/shaver. Yes, this needs to be plugged in to charge, but when it's fully charged, do you make sure that you unplug the charger from the wall? If not, power drain waste.

8. By now, you might be thinking of all kinds of other smaller electronic I haven't mentioned yet, so let's see if this is one you thought of, game stations. While the newer systems have online capability, older ones don't. Either way, they are sources for power drain waste.

9. We've covered computers and game stations, so here's something to go along with that, TVs. Your television, whether new or old, still draws a small amount of power when "turned off". Sure, it's easier to leave it on because you have to keep reprogramming the channels whenever you plug back in, but how often do you really use it?

10. Okay, here's the last in this list, VCRs and DVD players. These are two devices that are also left plugged in because the cord are usually difficult to get to or because they're on a power strip with something we can't turn off.

This list isn't complete in any sense, but I hope it helps you identify possible power drain waste offenders in your home. Also, there are things, like cordless phones powered by our cable companies that must be plugged in to work. This is a necessity because we all need to have a working phone in case of emergency and can't be avoided. Or can it? Below are some solutions or questions to ask yourself.

Solutions

For items that are plugged in, like computer accessories, it can be to your benefit to have these items on a power strip separate from your computer so that you shut all of these items off at one switch. Same thing goes for TV accessories (VCRs, DVD players, gaming systems). Having these items on a power strip separate from the items that go with a TV that you don't need to have on can make it much easier to "unplug" them when not in use.

Yes, I understand that it might be more convenient to leave them plugged in because they are in a hard to reach area, but it might be to your advantage to have them put on a separate strip connected to a grounded extension cord so you can just "unplug" that strip from the wall from a socket you can reach.

Also, think about your main, larger sized TV. Chances are, it sits from the time you go to bed at night until after you get home from work and eat dinner. Yeah, okay, you have kids, but don't they go to school? Are you home all day watching? Seriously, if it's not in use for a decent chunk of a 24 hour period, unplug it. It's not needed for your DVR to work or for your VCR to record programs. Because your TV is the last stop in the Video chain, DVRs and VCRs do not need it plugged in for them to work. Don't believe me, test that theory by recording/DVRing something that you don't care about while the TV is unplugged.

Those of you saying, "I can deal without my TV, but I need my coffee made for me when I get up in the morning!" - I have two words for you - light timer. That's right, instead of paying for a programmable coffeemaker, just get a simple one and use a light timer. How will that make a difference? A light timer doesn't need to be plugged in 24/7 to work, unlike a coffeemaker. In fact, you can unplug your maker and timer after your wake up in the morning and then just plug it back in before you go to bed at night, you'd have to set it up for brewing anyway, right?

Change is never easy, so if we find a way to make change easier, it works. In fact, I like the idea I mentioned about the different power strips and will have to implement that with my husband, so we can be even more conscious than we've been.

Anything not listed here you feel is a power drain waste? Tell us! Please talk about what you do to save electricity!

PHANTASM FRIDAY

It's Been A Long, Hot Summer!

The one thing I've learned in my life that doesn't change is the fact that everything changes. Sometimes those changes are expected and planned. Sometimes they are unexpected and one just has to adapt and do the best given the situation. In my case things changed very quickly on June 18, 2010 when my house burned to the ground reducing everything inside to ashes—so much for sentimental items.

Over the course of my many, many years here on planet Earth I have had to adjust to change countless times but there is something about having everything I've worked for go up in flames that puts everything in perspective and brings about a few lessons I'd yet to learn.

First, nothing is forever. You can't take it with you and sometimes you can't keep it while you're still here. Things can be replaced and life goes on. Second, make sure you know what you're getting with your insurance company. Even though my house and belongings were insured I had no idea how underinsured I was. I also didn't know that the insurance company didn't insure personal property on replacement value but deduct depreciation and they have a cap on some items like cameras, computers, and other electronic devices so no matter how much you pay for one of these items, the insurance company is only going to give you a certain amount no matter if you just bought the item yesterday.

Insurance companies do not have your best interest at heart. They are only concerned with getting your money every month and paying out as little as possible when you make a claim. No matter how friendly they seem on their commercials or while selling you the insurance, make a claim and you find out they don't provide the lube either. Just grab your ankles, take a deep breath and hope you come out of it with your dignity in tact.

Living in Oklahoma comes with its own set of problems sometimes. Property values are much lower here than in other parts of the country, which is awesome when you're buying a home. When you are trying to insure a home though, the value is much lower making the payout in the event of a disaster much lower.

I have learned quite a few things however. Take a picture of each item of personal property and attach the original receipt to the picture. Record each item along with the serial number, date/place of purchase and price. Don't wait until there's a claim to be made and try to remember everything in your house. You will be surprised at how many things you own and how much it's worth, but you won't be able to remember everything after it has gone up in smoke. Keep copies of important papers in your house and the originals either in a fireproof lock box or a safety deposit box along with your pictures and record of purchases.

When insuring your property always assume the worst will happen and insure accordingly. I insured thinking the most that I had to worry about was a storm taking the roof because the building was new, the wiring was new, the hot water heater was new and a fire was the farthest thing from my mind. We rarely have tornadoes in this part of Oklahoma but we do get some hellacious storms so I only thought of the roof. My bad! So as I get ready to move into my new house I am thinking of all the things I need to do to get ready to present to the insurance agent. I am also thinking I feel sorry for my new agent because this person is going to get the grilling of a lifetime and will probably think s/he has just sold insurance to a witch from the deepest pits of hell! Having put up with the last insurance agent/adjuster and the hoops I had to jump through to get a settlement, I won't make the same mistakes again.

Of course, there has been an up side to this debacle that I do want to mention. Jay Hartman of Untreed Reads is by far the coolest person I have ever met and publisher of the year in my books. After hearing of my house fire he wanted to help as much as he could. My short story A WINTER'S NIGHT was just about to be released and Jay decided to donate 100% of the royalties from every purchase to me through December 31, 2010. The cover artist, Dara England also donated her time in creating the awesome cover for me. I cannot express just my gratitude but also how in awe I am at their selflessness in this endeavor.

You can contribute by purchasing a copy of A WINTER'S NIGHT at http://www.untreedreads.com/?page_id=1806 then email a copy of your receipt to rieanswers@gmail.com and get a free copy of GHOSTS OF VALENTINES PAST courtesy Noble Romance Publishing. So that's two e-books for one low price and you can't beat that with a stick!


Excerpt from A WINTER'S NIGHT:

Round and low, the full moon settled into the tops of the trees as if the leafless limbs were spearing it. The sky clear and so cold. The snow had fallen deep upon the land and lay quietly awaiting a spring still several months away. The blanketed earth would be frozen solid by daylight and neither man nor beast would dare venture out in this bitterness. Fires had been banked in the hearth of every cottage, animals lay warm in their dens, and the stillness across the land broken only by the sound of labored breathing.

The old woman heard it clearly and rose from her bed. She wrapped her shawl about her shoulders and went to the fireplace, and stoked it to life. The time had come and she knew she must hurry before it was too late. The bitter air hurt her lungs when she stepped into the cold night. The snow crunched loudly beneath her feet as she hobbled quickly along. Her cheeks burned from the freezing air and her gnarled fingers were already frozen and numb, but she hurried onward, sensing the urgency that vibrated through the air.

When she came to the dense woods she leaned against a pine tree to rest and catch her breath. When her breathing regulated she moved on, and a scream suddenly pierced the still night. Old and arthritic, the cold caused her joints to scream even louder. Her toes, nose and fingers were numb, but she continued onward and hoped she wasn’t too late.

At last she came to a clearing and found the girl writhing on the ground, cold and crying with water and blood spreading over the snow, appearing black in the moonlight. Kneeling beside her, the old woman sucked her own fingers into her mouth to help thaw them, and then unwrapped the bundle she’d brought with her.

The girl shook from both fear and cold as she looked up with wide eyes, pain evident on her young face. “I tried to rid myself of it, but I did it wrong and it grew anyway,” Gwynellian cried out as another contraction contorted her body.

“Don’t fret now, it’s much too late. The babe will come and I will help her and you, but you must help me, too.” The woman spread Gwyn’s legs and bent her knees up. She placed a cloth on the cold snow and when Gwyn pushed, the babe emerged and the old woman wrapped the child securely in a blanket as she worked to stop the blood pouring from Gwyn onto the ground.

“Is it a boy or a girl?”

The old woman said softly, “A girl.”

“Call her Rowan,” Gwyn whispered, and breathed her last.

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Don't miss Rie on Red River Radio September 14, 2010, 7 pm (CST) as she joins April Robins in reviewing Lifetime's hit TV show DROP DEAD DIVA! http://www.robinfalls.com/RFMagRadio.html

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Rie McGaha writes books in all genres from paranormal to fantasy to time travel to suspense and sometimes all in the same book! Her most recent release CLOSURE is available from Champagne Books, and COMES AN OUTLAW is available from Silver Publishing. You can check out excerpts of Rie's books, get the latest free reads, and contest news at www.riemcgaha.com. Rie lives in SE Oklahoma with her husband Nathan, is the mother of 12 and Nana of 29.