Happy Holidays!

It is upon us, the time we have been working for, prepping for, dreaming of (especially if you are under the age of ten) - CHRISTMAS!  I just wanted to take this time to say "THANK YOU!!" to all of my readers and to the authors, friends, and family who have been so amazingly supportive over this past year that has been so very challenging in so many ways.  I am looking toward tonight and tomorrow with growing optimism as I prepare for the onslaught of Christmas cheer emanating from my little ones.  They are beyond giddy.  I am grateful to be holding myself together, to be soaking in their excitement to bolster my spirit and guide me through this next week into the new year which HAS to be better than 2012 was.  I count my many good fortunes and focus on the good things that have come about, the dead weight that has been cut loose, the freedom and multitude of new paths stretching before me in every direction. 

Here is wishing you all the best for the holidays and the coming new year!

Deadlines

So, 2012 has not been particularly kind to me, not that I am ignoring the good things that have happened but I am not one to miss deadlines - those that are set for me or those I set for myself - but this year has been full of missed deadlines and that brings me to my first New Years resolution.  So I am a little early, apologies but after this year I figured that getting a leg up on them would be a move in the right direction.  Edits for Love Her Madly's paperback edition are not even underway because I am having difficulty ending End of the Night.  While I completed NaNo with End of the Night I am still dissatisifed with the ending and I simply cannot leave it as is so I am stepping away for a bit and hoping it is all of the recent upheaval coupled with the finality of those last chapters that keeps me from finishing my work.  It will be strange to say good-bye to Storm but I have so many other projects I wish to explore that I know it is for the best.  This year has brought about a lot of good-byes for me, maybe I am just not ready to say good-bye to Storm.  I do know that I cannot rush her, cannot rush her story because that would be the greatest injustice.  So, to those wondering when the Emerald Seer saga will end I can only apologize and hope that you will be pleased with the finished outcome as opposed to the version I have now that leaves even me feeling empty. 

I set a lot of deadlines this year and have acted out of character in watching them float past me, 2013 will be different because my life is different already as I take back control that I lost over the last nine months or so.  I may not have hit my deadlines, but I am more determined than ever to do what I love and anybody who knows me knows that means I will dig my heels in until I make it, until I achieve what I am setting out to do. 

So, this is a bit of a personal pep talk as much as an update on the Emerald Seer saga, but I have to say, I am starting to breathe again for the first time in months and that can only mean good things for my characters.  I am closing with one of my favorite quotes in hopes that it will be a pep talk for everyone who reads this.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's learning to dance in the rain." 

The Next Big Thing

Title: Ryder on the Storm (Emerald Seer I)

Where did the idea come from?  Hm, well, I was wanting to write something that could be read intermittently, you know for busy types who only get to read on their commutes or in the afternoon when their kids are sleeping or on a lunch break in a busy office - all for people to escape into somebody else's life for a while - without having to re-read parts because they forgot or missed some massive plot marker.  I am an epic fantasy gal at heart (I have a tattoo in Elvish on my wrist!) but not everyone can put that time or attention to detail into their reading these days and I understand that.  The Emerald Seer series is meant to be easy on the mind, a fabulous escape, a bit of romance, a sprinkle of adventure and a lot of fun. 

Genre: Paranormal romance?  Urban Fantasy?  Contemporary Fantasy?  Classifying this series has been difficult.  Ryder and the second installment, Light My Fire, are heavier on the romance aspect with some more adult content while Whiskey, Mystics, and Men (a bonus novella) and Love Her Madly are heavier on the back story, magic, and fantasy aspects.  In short, pick your poison, it is contemporary, it is fantastical, and it does have a strong vein of romance.

Casting Ryder....this is fun for me.  I love movies and when I write I picture my characters very clearly in my head so here goes:

Storm Sullivan - sarcastic, tough, and a fiery redhead, I always pictured Storm as a cross between Rachel McAdams, Kate Winslet, and Kate Beckinsale but I had to reign it in to get her age right.  Judging solely on appearance and potential, I stand by my choice of Ashley Greene. 

Ryder Cohen - smoothe, charismatic, and older than he appears, I pictured a cross between Stuart Townsend and, wait, no, I just pictured Stuart Townsend.  This led me to Ben Barnes who actually fits the bill a bit better than I imagined.  He's pretty spot on for Ryder - in my opinion at least.

Trin Sullivan - so, she has to be cast in this movie....why not make her the unbelievably Seer turned ghost whose death initiated Storm's transformation.  Rachel McAdams would be perfect as Trin Sullivan!

Lucian Nightstalker - by far the toughest to cast as he is one of, if not the most complex character in the series.  Sam Worthington was my final choice after weeding through the young actors in Hollywood. 

Angeline Corsova - picture her with blond hair and a killer attitude!  Bonnie Wright is perfect as the fairy who holds much together over the course of the Emerald Seer Series.

Damarra - a goddess and Storm's grandmother, Damarra could never be played by anybody less.  Kate Winslet is one of my favorite actresses and I would be a happy woman to see her portray any of my characters but especially Damarra.

Roane - an Immortal and Storm's grandfather.  I love the idea of the fabulous Tom Hiddleston being cast in my epic fantasy (another story), but I cannot lie and say I did not picture him when writing Roane in this tale.

I think I could go on and on casting all of the roles in this but that would take forever....and give away too many things!  Maybe I will have to do another post just for casting!

One sentence synopsis:  I am not good at this but here goes.

Storm Sullivan returns home after years on the run to find her life is changing faster than she can imagine and the destiny she tried to flee manages to find her in the end - along with a heap of trouble and a romance for the ages.

Self pubbed or represented?  I opted to go the self publishing route though I have and continue to look into all of my options. I do not like the idea of closing doors without leaving some windows open to ventilate my work space.  Who knows, for the right deal I would be willing to pull my self-pub status but only if the deal is right.

How long did the first draft take?  Actually, the first draft took a little more than a month to finish, it was all the drafts after that and the editing that took the time.  I finished book 2 (Light My Fire) in a month for NaNoWriMo last year and book 4 (End of the Night) in a month for NaNoWriMo this year.  My epic fantasy took a lot longer (as in years).

Other comparable books: I would say the Emerald Seer Series falls in line with Black Dagger Brotherhood, the Sookie Stackhouse books, and that type of storyline.  Lots of supernaturals, some heavy romance, and some more serious undertones.

Inspiration:  Well, the entire series is named after songs by the Doors - one of my favorite bands of all time.  But, the inspiration came from friends who didn't have time to read or become invested in my epic fantasy because it was just too involved for them.  So, I branched out and created something they could read, something I could enjoy and something lighter to give me a reprieve from the in depth world I created elsewhere.

In the end, I just hope people will give the series a shot - love it or hate it, like any author, I just want my books to be read.

NaNoWriMo occupying my time!

I love November - NaNovember if I may, but I neglect my blogs this month.  It's been a long, rough week on a personal level but I have been trudging through and writing in all my spare time.  I am doing a novel and working a few short stories so all in all it is A LOT of writing and it feels good.  Writing has always been a coping mechanism for me.  Journals, poems in columns of my notebooks for school, play on words or interesting sentences on post it notes at work - the list goes on.  In fact, sometimes it was a list, a simple list on whatever scrap of paper (receipts on occasion!) I could drum up.  I think that's why I like NaNoWriMo so much.  It pushes me to go further, write more, work faster and just get the words out of my head and onto paper.  It feels good to take a break then.  Last year it took me a bit to recover from so much writing but I edited with a fervor I have not seen since.  Anyway, I just wanted to put it out there that my terrible blog neglect has been for a very good cause.  I am trucking away on END OF THE NIGHT and still have every intention of releasing it for the holidays. 

Please forgive the blog neglect, my novel is coming along beautifully though.

End of the Night sneak peek!

Okay, I am excited.  I can't help it.  NaNoWriMo brings out so much in me and I am really thrilled to finish up the Emerald Seer Series.  End of the Night is shaping up well and I feel the need to share a little piece of it.

Excerpt from End of the Night:

Storm

Beep, Beep, Beep.

Storm groaned and rolled over, right into PacMan’s back.  “PacMan, you bad boy.”  She halfheartedly mumbled the reprimand and attempted to push his body to no avail.  “Fine.  Be that way.”  Slapping the snooze button to silence the alarm, Storm draped an arm over her dog and snuggled into the short soft fur, relishing the gentle rise and fall of his chest. 

Beep, Beep, Beep.

PacMan snorted and licked Storm’s face.  “Alright,alright, I’m getting up.  I don’t know why you’re so put out, you get to lay around in bed all day.”  Pushing off the bed, Storm reached down and flipped the alarm to off before breaking into a yawning stretch that was highlighted with a serious of soft cracks and pops as her spine realigned.   For a second, Storm swore she heard a baby crying.  She laughed to herself and shrugged.  Must be the neighbors.  The apartment walls were paper thin after all. 

It's almost here!

National Novel Writing Month is quickly becoming one of my very favorite months of the year.  NaNoWriMo inspires me to push through the hard parts of writing, challenge myself and focus on my work in progress rather than jotting down a variety of new story ideas.  I need that sometimes.  Okay, I need it a lot of the time.  I have been laying off the heavy writing for the last week or so and focused on short projects like my current participation in a little writing - re-writing? - contest where I get one page of a nineteenth century vampire story to rewrite.  Page 111 to be exact.  I have a few different versions and am re-reading the book once more to prepare me for my final decision on which one to enter.  Not only has it been a refreshing break, this particular exercise has been a different type of challenge with very few rules which has allowed me to push the envelope - something I am rather fond of doing!

I am quite excited this year to have some amazing groups to participate with and a rocking awesome Nano-buddy (Hi Kate!!).  NaNoWriMo will also mark the end of an era - my first series - as the Emerald Seer Series comes to a close with End of the Night.  Though I have enough material and ideas to put something else together for the series I do not have any intentions of doing that now as I embark on some other projects. 

Next month should be REALLY busy but I am driven and I WILL "win" NaNoWriMo this year. 

In the mean time, I hope you are all pulling together some costumes for my 2nd favorite holiday!!  Halloween is the best time of year for paranormal/fantasy lovers!!

Meet the Author! Tomorrow at Beehive Books

I am very excited to head into downtown Delaware tomorrow where Beehive Books is hosting a Meet the Author for me. It should be a great time and a fabulous way to kick off the weekend before my second favorite holiday - Halloween!!

Patience is not one of my virtues ... but I'm working on it

I try really hard.  I mean, REALLY HARD.  I have never been a patient person and I have known that for many years now which has allowed me some level of personal growth and improvement in this particular area - I think.  Now, I have never entered this publishing world with delusions of grandeur, never thought my books would leap off the shelves and I would have people clambering over each other to get a copy of my amazing novel.  I have dreamed about making enough money to buy a nice house and live where I want to and travel when the desire strikes me.  Admittedly, I have imagined my works being made into a movie or TV show - come on, who hasn't?  When I write a novel my characters tend to act the entire book out in my head so why not make the leap to envisioning more?  Still, in all of these daydreams I never considered instantaneous fame, I can say that quite honestly.  I digress.  The whole point of this post is an affirmation for all other writers out there who are feeling down because they have no sales, wondering if they made the right choice by leaping into publication, or just plain wonder if anybody cares about their work half as much as they do.  We have ALL felt that way.  You don't have to take my word for it.  I have researched it and there are hundreds of entries on hundreds of blogs and interviews and so on where authors who have "made it" talk about their early days and all of their rejections and so on.  Are we all going to "make it?"  Nope.  Statistically that just is not possible, of course.  Can we all find some successes, no matter how small, to bolster our self esteem and reaffirm our decision to publish a piece of ourselves for the world to see?  YES.  Absolutely, positively yes. 

Patience.  It all comes back to patience.  Writing, like every other craft, takes time and practice and determination.  Above all, it takes patience.  We keep plucking away and putting pieces out because we as writers have things to say, ideas to share and nothing, nobody can bottle them up.  So keep plugging away at your work in progress, keep editing the drafts on your shelves, keep taking the feedback you receive and polishing your work until YOU are satisified with it and then wait.  Wait for that one person or ten people or a thousand people who read your work and relate to it.  Somebody out there will and that is all it takes.   

Perhaps I am nostalgic as I approach the one year anniversary of my first published novel.  Perhaps it is just self affirmation to remain patient with everything (and everyone including myself).  Perhaps it is just because I have read a lot of posts from frustrated writers lately.  Does it matter? 

Take what you will from what I wrote and leave the rest at the door.

Whiskey, Mystics, and Men available in paperback

Finally! Looks to be all set, the bonus edition/novella is now a paperback! To keep the price of the book down, I have opted not to enroll it in extended distribution so it will not be carried at B&N or any other bookstores (just Ammy and my storefront).

I have been wondering about the benefits of paperback and biproxy extended distribution options. It doesn't seem particularly cost effective to do paperbacks at this point asthey are not big sellers online and even with extended distribution the print on demand books are not carried in actual bookstores unless a small independent store is willing to carry it. Bottom line - that sucks!

On the other hand, holding MY book in my hot little hands is a pretty amazing feeling....hmmmm....I suppose it is worth it for that feeling alone. I've always loved the smell and feel of a real book.

Seasonal Pop Tarts, Halloween, and my love of fantasy

So, not a horribly original title but I feel the need to blog today and I have little to say at the moment beyond the awesome Pop Tart I just devoured, Halloween and all that goes with it, and of course, my intense fondness of fantasy that rears its head every time I flip through the movie channels and see Lord of the Rings is showing (and I really don't care which one though I am partial to Fellowship and Return of the King over Two Towers).

First off, the Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts warrant an acknowledgment because I found the one I had to be quite enjoyable.  The nice crisp "crust" with the scrumptious pumpkin-pie like filling was a nice treat on this dreary afternoon.  I was meandering through the grocery store picking up those odds and ends we needed when I saw this display filled with seasonal Pop Tarts and I simply could NOT pass up the box marked Pumpkin Pie.  To say I am glad I made the lapse in my normally well thought out diet is an understatement because this little excursion from the norm was truly worth it.  Just the right combo of sweet and spicy I found myself pleasantly satisfied all around.  And yes, I acknowledge that this was a pointless blurb about a less than healthy snack but goodness it was good and I could have done far worse!  I strongly suggest you run out and try a box sooner than later!

This brings me to Halloween.  I  may have mentioned it before and if I have, pardon the repeat, but I adore Halloween.  I love the decorations, the costumes, the candy, and the haunted houses.  I love fall with all of its amazing smells and colors but Halloween is exceptionally fun and in my mind the highlight of the season (with the exception of football because, let's face it, football is the reason for the season!).  My kiddos are struck with that ever impossible task of deciding on a Halloween costume.  Yesterday my daughter landed on her final choice and I am slightly tickled - Hermione Granger.  She is very concerned about having the wand and making her hair look just right and I have to say that it pleases me greatly to see her so invested.  Ryan is not quite as excited about costuming so I am grateful that my kiddos took after me and got the dress-up gene!  My son is still whittling away the choices but I suspect he will end on something Star Wars related as he desperately wants the family to dress up as Anakin Skywalker (Ryan), Padme Amidala (Me), Leia (my daughter), and Luke Skywalker (him).  My daughter about broke his little heart when she insisted on being Hermione but I think I put an end to that war - thankfully.  We will have to save the "Mommy and Daddy are not dressing up this year" discussion for later.  Then again, perhaps I will throw something together just for the fun of dressing up.  No, it won't be my usual outlandish and extravagant costume but how can I allow my second favorite holiday to come and go without any pomp and circumstance on my part? I can't.  I really think a small part of me may shrivel up if I don't dress up...hmmmm.....

Finally, fantasy.  I love it.  The whole idea of another world with different rules and full of magics and unusual creatures.  I am sitting here watching Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King for about the thousandth time (not kidding) and even though I know exactly what's going to happen and what parts of the movie I take exception with, I still enjoy it immensely.  I prefer to read the books, naturally, but having the movie going in the background while I write/edit/promote is soothing and somehow keeps me motivated through the not so fun parts (writer's block for example).  It helps my mind roll around the hard stuff, the sad stuff, and so on.  Though the Emerald Seer Series started out as a romance (paranormal as it were) I re-read it and find that it is much heavier on the fantasy with some romantic undertones and the occasional steamy scene.  No matter how I try I simply cannot shake my true love of fantasy fiction.  The worlds I can create in my head are more fun and make for the best vacations from the mundane errands and yawner jobs that occupy a good chunk of my time.  Fantasy worlds are built on very real principles but I love that I can bend them anyway I want.  I worry for those who can't get lost somewhere in a fantasy world - film or book - because they are truly missing out.

Speaking of fantasy - pick up a good book today, get out of this world and dive into another one, even if it is just for a bit.

Book conventions and authors

Context 25 was a blast. I had a spectacular time in the Dealer's Room with some of the friendliest, most helpful people I have met in a long bit.  I received some stellar advice and while it was a slow day on the book sales front, it was more beneficial than I ever imagined. 

I have been quite fortunate to find some amazing author groups online (shout out to my Froggies!) and some incredibly talented artists who critique/support/advise me on all aspects of my writing.  I don't think everybody is quite as lucky.  To them I say - keep looking and hit up some book conventions!  Had I known book conventions could be so helpful I absolutely would have worked my way into one much sooner!  I met some fantabulous people who are just as eager about books and writing as I am, just as involved in spreading the written word - dare I say - kindred spirits?  Yes, I believe I dare. 

A special shout out to the the lovely ladies from Ohioana who sat beside me the entire day and to the fabulously talented people from Hydra who took me under their wing and helped me through my very first convention! 

Why do I do it?

Bad reviews, self promotions, bad sales weeks (months?), editing - aw, shucks, the list goes on and on.  The bad and the ugly of indie publishing smacks me in the face daily to the point where I am emotionally and mentally bruised to various degrees.  I have quit my fair paying, full time, stable job to devote more time to writing and consequently have picked up far less demanding part time work to bolster the household income.  It is thankless work that brings me face to face with a public that doesn't care what else I contribute to this world outside my four to five hour shifts, doesn't respect that I am a human being with a whole other life outside the walls of that job, doesn't understand that the world does not revolve around them anymore than it revolves around me or anybody else for that matter.  I don't have money to put into advertising, I spend weeks editing only to go back a few weeks later and re-do it. 

So why on earth do I keep on?

Because I can't help it.  I spent thirty or so years writing and doodling and being creative, I just wasn't getting paid to do it.  I tried very hard to mold myself into the perfect little office employee, tried in several capacities actually, and succeeded to a large degree.  Or so it seemed.  I was pretty miserable in fact.  Just because I could do the work and perform the tasks at a high level didn't mean I found any measure of joy or satisfaction in what I did.  My mind drifted - a lot - to the point where I wondered about ADD/ADHD.  I found it increasingly difficult to sit in an office, no matter how brightly adorned it was, no matter what awesome and childish toys I filled it with, no matter what feng shui, new age devices I tried.  It was not just the office.  It was not just the job.  It was everything about the life I was trying to lead.  It wasn't me.  So, I had a lengthy discussion with my family and since we already determined the need to move back to Ohio it became feasible for me to make a sizable change.  It hasn't been exactly easy on the financial front and we are struggling more than we would like, but I am better.  Our relationships are all better.  I have had days where I have put out more than 8,000 words and others where I have edited a few chapters without interruptions.  I am exercising regularly and starting next week I get to volunteer in my kids' classrooms.  There are book conventions coming up in the area that I actually get to attend. Instead of scrunching prose onto scraps of paper, inservice packets, and post-it notes I can actually develop my ideas on my laptop or netbook, continue story lines as they strike me and actually devote real blocks of time to interviews and promotions. 

Many of my friends think I am a bit off for taking such a risk.  I have seen more than my share of raised eyebrows and fielded dozens of questions about how I plan to make this work but in the end, the only people whose opinions matter are happy to see me smiling more often than not. 

Why do I do it?  Because life is short and I want to love the one I live. 

Back from the Emerald Isle

Amazing.  Wonderful.  Glorious.  Inspiring.  My list of adjectives continues to grow as I describe my experiences in Ireland.  They were the most gracious people, lovely and welcoming and helpful in every way.  I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and return to the States quite refreshed and ready to roll.  I was able to do some research for the final installment of the Emerald Seer Series - not as much as I would have liked - but I did some.  There was so much to see and do and so many amazing people to talk to!  I am going to take a small break from writing and work on editing the paperbacks for Whiskey, Mystics, and Men as well as Love Her Madly so they are both ready to go for the last weekend of the month for Context 25 in Columbus, Ohio and my Meet the Author at Beehive Books in Delaware, Ohio at the end of October. 

Busy, busy, busy!  But loving it!

Happy travels, all!

Check out my on air interview on the Author's Corner!

Authors Corner Review with Host Elaine Raco Chase 08/23 by Triangle Variety Radio | Blog Talk Radio

FINALLY!!!

I am pleased to say that LOVE HER MADLY is uploading tonight so it will be for sale VERY soon barring any weird tech issues.  I am very excited about this installment and how it has turned out and I hope it will not disappoint any readers.  I have started END OF THE NIGHT which will tie everything up and be the final installment of the Emerald Seer Series.  However, that said, I am taking a break for the next two weeks to celebrate my birthday and take a vacation - to IRELAND! 

In the meantime, I hope you will all take a moment to check out this blog that features a lot of awesome authors and books.  Many thanks to Jaidis Shaw for hosting me yesterday, it was lots of fun and I am hoping for a good turn out on the giveaway!  Take a few moments and stop by her blog!
Juniper Grove Blog

Also, I will be at Context 25 in Columbus, Ohio at the end of September and Beehive Books in Delaware, Ohio will be hosting a meet the author/book signing on October 26th to celebrate the release of Love Her Madly in paperback.  If anybody is in the area please stop by!

Cover for Love Her Madly

Courtesy of the fabulously talented Tammie Gibbs at Once Upon a Book Cover, Love Her Madly has a stunning new cover!

My obsession...

I love to write.  Sometimes I forget or find myself distracted but in the end the exhilaration and subsequent peace I feel when writing re-emerges.  It's one of those things that animates me and keeps me talking.  I cannot help it.  However, that also means I disappear for periods of time, participate in family activities half-heartedly on occasion, and even miss some conversations because I am jotting notes or typing on my netbook/laptop/phone as necessary.  It's a sickness really, at the very least it has to be classified as an obsession.  Are there groups for such things?   Hello, my name is Tracy and I am addicted to writing.  It affects my "real" life in so much as the writing does not yet pay enough to be classified as my "real" life.  Someday it will be.  I know it.

My kids ask me how I know.  Well, my daughter more than my son.  It is as if he believes in me as much as I believe in myself.  My son never questions when I say I will be an author.  He says, "Mommy, you ARE an author."  My daughter corrects him and says "Not yet, Mommy will not be a real author until she pays her bills with her books."  I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle.  But maybe that is me just trying to validate both children.  It says a lot about their personalities, I think.  My daughter is very grounded and logical with a VERY solid head on her shoulders - not that she doesn't dream or enjoy writing and creative outlets, she just looks at the reality of our situation and keeps us all well-grounded.  My son on the other hand will always be my dreamer.  However, he is the more intuitive of the two.  He sees things as they are and as they should be all at once.  I believe it is a gift, a wonderful, glorius gift that he has such insight at such a young age.  Yes, yes, I brag on my kiddos.  What mother does not?  They amaze me and inspire me.  I write as much for them as for myself.  This summer has seen me taking many risks in this leap of faith and I hope it teaches them to do what they love - what they obsess over - rather than live life halfway in an empty, lackluster job.  Yes, I have to work ever so much harder but how much work is it when I find it this enjoyable?  In my aging mind I understand more than I did at 16 or 19 or even 24.  As my birthday approaches (at the end of next month), I understand that life is too short and without fighting for our dreams and obsessions we watch our life pass by.   Days pass and memories are tainted with regret and "what could have beens" innumerable. 

So, I ask you all now, do you sit in your office or your shop or your factory and watch life pass you by, watch your dreams fade into dust?  I hope not.  Your dreams may be nothing like mine.  You may like your office job but don't you want to travel?  Own a convertible?  See an NFL game in every NFL stadium?  I hope you all find your obsession and see it through.  Big or small, it can change your life and make it exponentially better.  Good luck and obsess away!

Huge EMERALD SEER news

After much deliberation, a lot of re-writing, editing, and more re-writing I have decided to break the last Emerald Seer book into two books.  I will be releasing the first half of my current manuscript under the title LOVE HER MADLY and the second half will continue as END OF THE NIGHT which will be the final Emerald Seer installment as originally planned.  I finally figured out, after a long discussion (mostly with myself) that what isn't working is me trying to cram too much into one book.  As I have been writing and editing and re-working it has become painfully clear that the book was becoming WAY too long and something needed to be changed.  I have always loved the song "Love Her Madly" and it was one of the potential titles for a while so I am thrilled to be able to use it.  To, that end, LOVE HER MADLY is nearly complete, just needs a final scene and one more edit.

*SPOILERS for those who cannot wait*

I have elected to disclose some key story details for those who have been eagerly awaiting END OF THE NIGHT.  LOVE HER MADLY will include:

1) The real story of Olivia's (Angeline's sister) purpose
2) The vampires officially sign on to Team Emerald
3) Storm will give birth at the close of this book

Excerpt - End of the Night

It has not gone through final edits so forgive any typos/grammar but this is still set to be the opening chapter of End of the Night:

Storm

A rough, damp tongue flicked across her cheek.  Opening one eye, Storm found Pac Man staring at her, tongue hanging out in a soft pant.  His tail started thudding against the floor.  Storm groaned.  Her stomach rumbled in response to the glorious scent of breakfast.  Pac Man licked her again.

“Okay, boy, okay.  I am coming.”  Storm rolled to her back and stretched, her body protesting to the movements as the babes gave a light roll through her core.  Now she could feel them it seemed more real, more magical than she ever imagined.   Storm rolled up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.  Pac Man plopped his head on her knee.  “I said I’m coming, what more do you want?” 

Pac Man snorted and bounded out of the room.  Storm stretched her arms overhead and arched her back.  As she pulled on a pair of sweats, the outer alarm sounded, blaring through the house and causing her to jump.  Storm met Sophia, the Phoenix, and Lucian in the hall.

“It is the front gate.  Soph, go with Storm back to her room.” Lucian kissed his wife lightly on the cheek and took off down the stairs, two at a time.

“I hate it when he does that.”  Sophia Bedeaux inclined her head as the Phoenix leapt onto her back.  “We are not helpless to be banished to hiding.”

“I know.  I have more power in a hand than they have between the pair of them.  It doesn’t matter, they really need to stop overreacting, it is just Frederick.”  Storm rolled her eyes.  She reached out and petted The Phoenix.  “You would not let anything hurt either of us would you?”  The creature whipped her tail around Sophia’s waist and licked at Storm’s hand, her soft humming filling the hall.  “She is lovely, isn’t she, Sophia?  Have you made any progress with a name yet?”

“Well, I - wait, how do you know it is just Frederick?”  Sophia frowned.

Linking her arm in Sophia’s, Storm led her new friend toward the staircase.  “Easy, he called last night to say he would be over first thing.  I told him to join us for breakfast.  Ryder forgot to give him the new code and I would recognize the sound of his motorcycle anywhere.  He still needs to get it into a mechanic.  Honestly, if the men would just try to use their other senses once in a while…” Storm trailed off as they reached the foyer.  Frederick leaned against Ryder, his face covered in blood and dirt, barefoot and clothing hanging from him in shreds. “What the hell?  Ryder, take him upstairs.  Lucian, re-seal the gate and change the code again.  Sophia, could you please grab one of the first aid kits from my bathroom?”

Frederick groaned and tried to speak as Ryder dragged him toward the stairs.  Storm hurried to the study to collect one of the many healing potions she crafted with Sophia over the past few weeks.  Good thing she had so much time on her hands lately.  Two weeks, four days, and thirteen or so hours to be exact.  Storm had not left the security of Willow Wood since they decimated Elba.  She would not have minded so much if Roane turned up.  Damarra, Angeline, and the Scots had been searching for her grandfather since that night and it unnerved her to be left behind.  Storm shook off the warmth from her hands and forced the frustration away.  She needed to focus her energy on Frederick right now.  Storm grabbed a salve and vial of her homemade morphine. 

By the time she made it back upstairs, Ryder was waiting for her outside the guest bedroom beside the nursery.  “Sophia is cleaning him up.  He will only speak to you, Storm.”

“I think we should wait for Lucian.  I will help Sophia and make him more comfortable.  Would you bring some breakfast up for us?  It smells delightful, Ry.”  Storm pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed her man, gently at first but with growing intensity until he withdrew.

“My love, you know what happens when you kiss me like that.”  Ryder’s eyes flashed silver in the low light of the hall. 

“Sorry, sometimes I can’t help myself either, you know, hormones and all.”  Storm pulled back and ducked into the guest room.  The Phoenix curled into herself at the foot of the bed while Sophia wiped at his wounds with a rag.  She looked up when Storm entered, a deep frown etched on her face.

“Poison.  He’s been poisoned, Storm.”  Sophia went back to cleaning Frederick’s face.  Storm walked to the opposite side of the bed and looked for herself.  Sure enough, the gashes across his chest were bubbling with an iridescent liquid.  Storm leaned in and sniffed, withdrawing quickly. 

“Hemlock acid.  Gross.”  Storm opened vial of salve and handed it to Sophia.  “This will work on his lesser wounds at least.  Good thing we made the morphine, he is going to need it.  What do you think did this?  I would say banshee judging by the gouges but the brutality reeks of weres or goblins.  Either way, why use hemlock acid?  The shifter in him will burn it out in a day or so.”  Sophia shrugged and kept working.  Storm fell silent as well, tossing the possibilities over in her mind.  Too many unknown variables and Frederick would not be able to speak until the hemlock acid wore off.  Dammit.  “He knows something Soph.  Whoever attacked him just wanted to silence him for a while.”

“Then we need to get him talking.”  Storm turned to see Lucian filling the doorway, a satchel in his hand.   He crossed the room in two strides and cast it on the bed.  “This was the only thing on his bike.  There is nobody around the perimeter so either Frederick lost the attackers or coming here was never their endgame.”

Sophia continued cleaning Frederick’s wounds.  Storm marveled at how many he’d sustained yet still managed to stay alive long enough to make it to Willow Wood.  The hemlock acid continued to bubble and sizzle in the wounds across his chest.  She popped the vial of morphine open and knelt on the bed next to him. 

“Do not give him that.”  Ryder stayed her hand and deftly recapped the vial.  “Do not dull his senses yet.  I have an idea.  Sophia, can you and the Phoenix direct the flame to the poison and help him burn through it faster?”

Sophia looked skeptical.  She did the strange silent communication thing with the Phoenix who nodded her scaly white head and slithered up the bed toward Frederick.  Storm was continually struck by the beauty of the creature though it sometimes reminded her of a dragon.  Yes, the Phoenix looked more like a bird but something about its movements and tail brought the comparison.  Her.  Her movements.  Her tail.  Storm still found it difficult to think of the Phoenix as a female.  Regardless, Storm slipped off the bed and stood beside Ryder, taking his hand in hers to watch as Sophia and the Phoenix worked on Frederick.  A white flame rippled across his skin but Frederick did not move.  The poison hissed and returned to liquid form, dribbling down his abdomen.  Sophia wiped it up, careful not to let it touch her skin.  A few minutes later, the Phoenix withdrew and curled up beside Frederick.  Sophia wiped the last bit of hemlock acid from Frederick’s chest and deposited the rag in the basin.  “He is clean but weak.”  Frederick remained limp, his head lolled to the side, eyes still closed.

“Storm, why not do your glow thing over him?  That should help, like a little jolt to wake him.”  Lucian did not take his eyes from the Phoenix as he spoke, his face a strange mask of curiosity and repulsion.  Storm wondered if he would ever accept the connection between his wife and the Phoenix he carried as a burden for five centuries.  The last few weeks had seen an uneasy truce between man and beast but a truce nonetheless.  Ryder squeezed her fingers.

“I suppose that could work.”  Storm knelt on the bed again, allowing power to well in her fingertips when Frederick’s eyes opened.  He registered her face and offered a weak smile.

“I made it.  Emerald, you must help them.”  Frederick grasped her hand, his eyes more pleading than his whisper.  “It is a trap.  They think they have found him but it is an illusion.  You must call them here; summon them, whatever you need to do to turn them away from their course.”

Storm forced the power out of her hands, watched the glow recede, and settled back on her heels.  “Who Frederick?  Who is close?”

“All of them.  Ang, the Scottish Immortals, the Goddess.  They all have been given false leads.  It is a massive plot to trap them all.”  Fear flickered in Frederick’s eyes, “You have so many enemies, I did not realize, I was just trying to help.  I tried to help but they caught me.  I am sorry.”

“Frederick, we need more information.  Who did this to you?”  Ryder spoke up from behind her. 

Frederick looked over her shoulder at Ryder. “Call them back.  They do not know what they are up against, it is so big.  We have all been betrayed.”  His eyes flared once and then the familiar passed out.

“Shock him, Storm, we need more than that to go on.”  Lucian’s voice sounded eerily cold.

“I can’t, Lucian.  He is too weak now.   Look at him.”  Storm noted how suddenly Frederick paled, his breathing shallow and erratic.  Too much blood lost, he needed rest.  “Frederick needs sleep.  We can call the others back and give him some time to recuperate.”

“She’s right, Luc.  Look at him.  I will finish patching him up while you guys call everyone else back.  If he says anything else, I’ll call you.”  Sophia had taken to petting the Phoenix whose gentle hum seemed to be soothing Frederick.  Ryder handed the morphine vial to Sophia.

Storm nodded to Sophia and backed off the bed pulling Ryder after her.  Lucian grudgingly followed, silent until they reached the study.

“This is foolish.  We needed more information.”  Lucian headed straight for the liquor cabinet.  He had cut back so much since being free of the Phoenix.  Now he poured a tall glass of scotch, muttering to himself while Storm prepared to summon her grandmother.

“You can shut up any time now, Lucian.  It does not help my concentration and it does not change our plan.  Go call the Scots back.”  Ryder already appeared to be on the phone with Angeline.  For the hundredth time since they left, Storm wish they had decided against splitting up.  Now it seemed pointless but what if the Scots were out of range of a cell tower again.  What if they didn’t reach them soon enough?  Storm’s hands glowed brightly, she turned her focus to Damarra, picturing her face, dancing eyes, flowing gowns, long unruly hair.  And it came, completely unbidden, the room went white.

Forcing the story and other injustices to a tale...

I can't help it.  I cannot apologize enough for the gross delays in End of the Night but I cannot bring myself to rush the story.  It has been a rough 2012 on a personal level with a lot of challenges and while I have tried to write I remain unsatisfied with End of the Night - so much so that I have considered taking a hiatus more than once.  The most I have managed is a day or two here and there but even that has not helped me correct the problems I face with the culmination of my Emerald Seer Series.  It just is not working the way I want it to, just not flowing readily like the others have.  It is not writer's block though - strangely enough - it is more of an inability to control the tale.  This last installment must accomplish so much and I am finding it difficult to reign them all in - as if the disorganization of my personal life is bleeding into my characters.  Is this possible?  Yes, I suppose it must be since it is happening.  The worst part?  I have dozens of other story concepts flittering around my brain including the sequel to my YA epic fantasy - Estelan - that is pushing VERY hard to get out of my head.  Even as I read this blog post I see the lack of focus and it makes me cringe but then again, it offers a glimpse into the reality of my writing at this juncture. 

Perhaps, as has been suggested by one of my beta readers, that I am smashing too much into one book.  Perhaps I should take the advice and split Damarra and Roane's tale into another Emerald Seer novella.  I have considered it more seriously lately and wonder if it isn't the solution I have been looking for.  Decisions, decisions. 

In the end I will not rush this story, I will be true to my characters, and I will force them into submission - even the ever unruly and headstrong, Storm Sullivan.

End of the Night and some housekeeping

First things first, End of the Night is coming along, I promise I have been working hard on it which has unfortunately met a lag in blogging, tweeting, promoting, etc.  I am still working up some merchandise when I need breaks, but the re-writing is going well.

On to other info - I have expanded Ryder on the Storm into extended distribution through Createspace so it can now be purchased in paperback through B&N (available for nook too!), it is int he premium catalog for Smashwords, and should be available in some local libraries and coming soon to some local bookstores so yippee!

Once I complete End of the Night I am going to finish paperback reviews for Whiskey, Mystics, and Men and then do a re-release of the Emerald Seer Novella which will include adding it to Smashwords, B&N, etc since it will be out of the KDP Select program as of 7/19.  I cannot wait!

Beyond that, I am looking at a few book expos and other appearances to get my name out there some more - if anybody has suggestions I am all ears!!

Happy summer - don't melt in this ridiculous heat!

KDP Select and why I left

Yes, formatting for Smashwords is a pain in the rear and Barnes&Noble's PubIt is not particularly indie friendly but Select has more than lost its edge.  I found myself increasingly disappointed with sales/numbers/outcome over the last few months.  It is unfortunate that I am losing the five freebie days as a promo option but after taking a serious look at my numbers, I realized that the freebie promos and borrows were not enough to justify alienating the potential sales via B&N and Smashwords.  Why would somebody waste a once/month borrow on a 99 cent or $2.99 title when they could use it on a ridiculously overpriced ebook from a trad publisher?  It is pure economics, I would do the same thing.  $14.99 for an ebook is outrageous but if you borrow it for free then there's no big, right?  You then can purchase several ebooks by lesser known authors if you so choose.  Not that I didn't have my share of borrows or successes with the freebie days, I just found that after the first one or two freebies the benefits tend to dwindle.  Yes, I got wonderful exposure that I otherwise would not have but the time has come for my Emerald Seer Series to sink or swim on its own - and believe me, I hope it swims.  I am very thankful for the opportunity KDP offered but that chapter has come to an end and I am ready to start the next one.

PS - Re-writing parts of End of the Night to smooth things out and it is going to be longer than anticipated!!

End of the Night delayed

I sincerely apologize for another delay to End of the Night.  It is with some measure of sadness that I put off the release but I know that I must do right by Storm and her clan especially since this last installment tells the love story between Damarra and Roane and ties up all the loose ends.  I have run it by my nearest and dearest beta readers and they both agree it is not right.  I do not know if I am having a hard time saying good-bye to Storm or if I was pushing it too hard to begin with.

I am working on a giveaway that will include at least one ARC of End of the Night.  Stay tuned for more on the giveaway and a new release date for End of the Night.

Summer Fling

Check out this amazing blog with a few books you make recognize and several you should purchase if you haven't already! There will be more added as time goes on so keep checking back!!!

Summer Fling

Expanding availability for the Emerald Seer

Just a note to let everyone know that I am pulling the Emerald Seer books from KDP Select so they will no longer be exclusive to Amazon.  After several requests for expansion and a few less than satisfactory freebie promos (we won't discuss this now because it irks me that the Ammy had to alter algorithms and make their freebie promos less appealing to indie authors) I have pulled Ryder on the Storm and Light My Fire from the program and uploaded them to Barnes and Noble as well as Smashwords.  Both books are live on both sites so spread the word if you would!  Whiskey, Mystics and Men is stuck in the Select program until July but after that I will put it up on both sites as well. 

I appreciate all that KDP Select did for the Emerald Seer Series as far as initial exposure but I think it gets to a point where the program can no longer help and with End of the Night's release coming in the next month or so, I no longer want to be handcuffed to the program that cuts off a lot of readers. 

Just one more quick apology for the limited posts in the last month or so, I have been working hard on End of the Night, spending time with my kiddos, and reacclimating to my home state where I have recently relocated.  These are no excuses but they have been delaying completion of End of the Night and I really want this last installment done right.  A lot has to happen so I hope readers will forgive the delays and enjoy Whiskey, Mystics, and Men in the meantime. 

One of my new fav sites - addictedtoebooks.com

Seriously, check out this site, it is wonderfully managed and easy to navigate.  Of course, it helps that Ryder on the Storm is being featured today but I will be returning to this page regularly!  Take a few moments and check it out, maybe you will find a book (or several) that will pique your interest!!

To Website or not to Website

I tried one.  I really did.  I tried to compile a website with all of my interests and I admit I liked where it was going.  Not only did this one website serve as a convenient portal for me it let people know a little bit about me.  The problem?  I could not stand the layout and there was little room to make the changes I wanted.  I don't particuarly want to pay for some super jazzy website since money is tight (hey! I am a mom and an indie author!) but I think I want something and I have to think it would be good from a marketing standpoint.  I want to do giveaways (I am working on Emerald Seer AND Estelan lines of super cool merchandise), run polls, and link to some other awesome indies.  So, I pose this question, what is the best way to accomplish this?  Through which service?  How much should it cost?  Anybody?

Writing .... And the words are flowing fast!

End of the Night is moving along at a good pace in spite of all the uproar in my life over the last week. I do believe it will be the last Emerald Seer novel though I have not ruled out a second novella and I intend to carry over some of the characters into another series that has already taken form in the back of my mind. In the meantime, I have had some questions on End of the Night and am working on some promo ideas as well as some giveaways so stay tuned!!

End of the Night moving along again

I feel awful.  I loathe writer's block and I detest life circumstances interfering with my writing.  Fortunately, neither issue keeps me away for long.  Now that things are settling down in my personal life I find the writer's block dissipating as well - very fortunate for End of the Night!  I laid out a few thousand words yesterday and only stopped because my eyelids grew surprisingly heavy all of a sudden and coffee succeeded only in increasing my trips to the restroom.  I am back at it today however while my kiddos put on a show around me (too cute for words).  By now they are quite accustomed to Mommy writing when it hits her and I could not ask for a better cheering section than my kiddos.  Of course, I suspect their motives are slightly less than pure since they are eager for me to continue writing our joint effort - Weather Girl. 

I am still pushing to have an end of June release of End of the Night.  I am grateful to everyone who has shown support for Storm and her friends and to that end I want to push out this installment which may be the last with Storm as the feature character. 

*blush* I have been neglecting my blog!

Egad!  I am ashamed.  I can only plead overload with overtime at work, writing as much as I am capable, and packing/cleaning in preparation to move back across the country.  In all honesty, I am also a wee bit depressed about leaving my beloved Seattle.  In the short time I have lived in Washington State it has come to feel more like home than the midwest where I grew up.  The funny thing, and perhaps the best thing, about living here is knowing that everybody "fits in" as it has the best of everything - water, mountains, rain forest, ocean.  I love it. 

So, it is with mixed feelings that I sit here, on my last Saturday in Seattle.  I am packing and cleaning and thinking about my time here, grateful for the experience and mourning the end of my time.  Sometimes life throws things our way that alter our course and I know this is one of those times and all I can do is make the best of it.

In the end, everything will work out as it should and hopefully I will be able to return someday. 

End of the Night

I am 10,000 words into End of the Night ~ Emerald Seer 3 and I am really proud of how it is shaping up.  I have done first edits on that portion and am starting on the next segment.  Some things I planned have changed a touch but I think it is for the best on all counts.  My first 10,000 words are off to two of my beta readers and I already received an email of excitement so I am taking that as a good sign as well.  Somewhere in the midst of all this I want to do another read through of Whiskey, Mystics and Men but I need to get End of the Night out while Storm and her friends are speaking to me! 

While on the subject, somebody recently asked me about the titles for the Emerald Seer Series and I realized it may not be clear to everybody as I haven't really put it out there.  I was raised on classic rock - lived it, loved it, cherish it still (Thanks Dad!!) so I took song titles from one of my all time favorite bands - The Doors - and applied them to the appropriate content.  Of course, there are dozens of songs I adore but these titles fit best.

First interview as an author

Stop in an check it out....while you are there, see what Tears of Crimson has to offer!!

Many thanks to my dear friends at Tears of Crimson for their hospitality and the amazing opportunity!

I was interviewed by Tears of Crimson!!

Almost, but not yet

Ryder on the Storm nearly cracked the top 100 in the paid genre - almost but not quite.  It was a wonderful feeling to see Ryder doing well and I have to admit I am thrilled with sales.  To see people enjoying Ryder enough to purchase Light My Fire and Whiskey, Mystics and Men as well is humbling.  I have to thank all who have entered Storm's world!

End of the Night is moving along and I hope you will all be pleased as I am!

Successful promo!

Ryder on the Storm and Whiskey, Mystics and Men were very successful this weekend!  For a good part of Sunday both Ryder and Whiskey were in the top 10 for Romance > Fantasy, futuristic and ghost which left me feeling giddy!  Thank you to everybody who downloaded a copy! 

Paperbacks

FINALLY!

Ryder on the Storm is available in paperback with the amazing new cover.  With some additional formatting changes I was able to reduce the price to $6.99 per copy and you can purchase them via the links below. 

http://www.amazon.com/Ryder-Storm-Emerald-Seer-I/dp/1468130315/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

https://www.createspace.com/3724967

Light My Fire is available in paperback for $6.99 via these two links:

http://www.amazon.com/Light-My-Fire-Emerald-Seer/dp/146813163X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335493261&sr=1-2
https://www.createspace.com/3756673


Whiskey, Mystics and Men is not yet available in paperback but check back in the next few weeks!

FREE BOOKS THIS WEEKEND!!

The Books Debut: The Books Debut: Save the Frogs Freebie Book Bonaz...: The Books Debut: Save the Frogs Freebie Book Bonaza : Save the Frogs and enjoy some great free books this weekend! April 28th is Save the Frogs Day!! Follow the link to read more and please share! With your help we can SAVE THE FROGS!

Whiskey, Mystics and Men is LIVE

After a few delays, Whiskey, Mystics and Men is finally live!  I am still waiting for approval on the paperback so I can order the proof but the ebook is live and up for sale for 99 cents! 


http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Mystics-Emerald-Novella-ebook/dp/B007W95IFE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335023274&sr=1-1


I am going to do a final run through on the paperback of Light My Fire ~ Emerald Seer 2 and then it will be available in paperback.  My goal is to have it done by the beginning of May.  It feels good to be about caught up with all of my  projects.  By the end of May I intend to have Light My Fire and Whiskey, Mystics and Men available in ebook and paperback and have End of the Night halfway written.  If I can accomplish that I will be back on schedule with everything which I confess will feel amazing! 

NEW COVERS!

Courtesy of the very talented Tammie Gibbs (Once Upon A Book Cover) I have new covers for the first two installments of the Emerald Seer Series and a cover for the upcoming release - Whiskey, Mystics and Men.

Big things coming for the Emerald Seer Series!

Just a teaser post to let you all know that Whiskey, Mystics and Men is moving along, I am working on an Emerald Seer promo, and it looks like there will be some awesome new covers for the whole series!  Stay tuned for more!

Slight delay to Whiskey, Mystics, and Men

Apologies abound.  I devoted my weekend to my kiddos since I will be away from my family for the next six weeks as a part of our transition cross country.  That means my novella did not get as far as it needed to in order to be published this weekend.  However, I believe it is going to be quite a bit longer than I originally anticipated as I am at 20,000 words and while editing realized the need to flush out a bit more and bridge some gaps.  I am really pleased with the story so far but I want to add some more.  I am not going to delay the release too much longer and hope to make a lot of progress this weekend.

Teasers:

** Introduction of the first vampire to appear in the Emerald Seer Series
** A bit of insight into Trin Sullivan's life
** Some teasers for End of the Night

Update - Whiskey, Mystics, and Men

Just about done with Angeline's story otherwise known as Whiskey, Mystics, and Men (an Emerald Seer Novella).  I am off to write and am still on track for a release next weekend. 

Whiskey, Mystics, and Men

Just an update, I am looking at and April 13th release date for my short story/novella - Whiskey, Mystics, and Men.  Again, this is Angeline's story but gives background on other relationships as well.

Halfway on one, a quarter of the way on the other

I have been a busy bee but I am still moving along with Angeline's story (Whiskey, Mystics, and Men) and the third installment of the Emerald Seer Series, End of the Night.  Angeline's story is set for an April release and it will be a short story/novella of approximately 20,000 words.  I am halfway done and it is told only from Angeline's perspective which has been a bit different for me.

End of the Night is going a bit slower.  There is good reason for this and I hope to be forgiven for the delay.  I want this one done right, and I mean perfect because it is going to give a good deal of history via Damarra and Roane but also bring to light the major antagonists in Storm's world.  Please be patient with me as I work to do right by my characters.  There will be at least one more in the series after End of the Night.  I have not titled it yet. 

Teaser - Whiskey, Mystics and Men

This is the beginning of my new short....not the whole first chapter but just a little snippet.  Be kind, it has only been edited once so far and I am still writing the rest of the story. Enjoy!!!

“Come on, An-hell-ina!  Stop being such a stick in the mud.”  Olivia tittered as she bolted toward Fortune Row.  The sounds of the carnival died at the edge of the Row.   A dozen or so faded wagons and tents acted as an off shoot of the main affair.   Every year this particular crew rolled into town on the tails of the travelling carnivals and set up camp just off the main drag, a part of the festivities but not part of the carnival itself.  Angeline frowned.  Not again.  She swore she would stay away from them, not sure what made her more uncomfortable, the things they knew or the lies she would have to tell.   Angeline shifted uncomfortably, “Liv, you know I loathe those phonies.  And stop saying my name like that.”

Olivia stomped back over, her long, auburn hair flaring around her with each dramatic step. “How are we related?  You don’t even know fun when it smacks you in the face.  Besides, Angelina sounds so much more romantic.” 

“Yes, I am terribly concerned about how romantic my name sounds.”  Angeline rolled her eyes.  She could tell where this was headed – the lesser of two evils, fortune teller or séance.  It was not really her sister’s fault.  Angeline kept trying to convince herself Olivia would feel differently if she knew the truth but mother forbade it.   She studied her younger sibling, twelve years old and completely innocent to the truth of the world.  Part of her hoped Olivia would never learn the truth; never see the other side of their world.  But then again, that would mean – no, she would not go there. 

“Mom said you are supposed to do things I want to do, too!  Ang, please stop being so boring!”  Olivia tugged at her arm, opal eyes pleading.  “Please, Ang, I just want my fortune read.  If you take me for my fortune we can go home early.  PLEASE.” 

Angeline sighed.  “Alright, Liv.  Just one fortune.”  The sense of foreboding crept up her spine with every step closer to first tents.  There were real mystics among these gypsies.  Bloody hell.  Angeline steeled herself against the coming probes.  She built walls like mother showed her, sealing her magic in the recesses of her mind.  It mattered not.  A strange breeze rose from the nearby meadow and she heard the collective sigh from the gypsies.  They knew her.  A woman emerged from the first tent, dressed as a stereotypical gypsy, brightly colored scarves all about her frail form.  Clearly the elder of the group, Angeline nodded respectfully, gestured toward her sister and shrugged apologetically.  The woman sized up Olivia’s reaction, the younger girl clearly oblivious to the change in atmosphere.  Seemingly satisfied, the elder nodded crisply and pointed to the third tent with a gnarled finger.  Angeline exhaled, not realizing she held her breath through the exchange.  She steered Olivia to the tent, smallest of the lot and much newer than the others.  The emerald flaps parted as they approached.

“Neat trick, huh Ang?”  Olivia looked up to her, eyes glittering with excitement.  Angeline forced a smile and urged her sister in. 

“Sure, Liv.   Super cool.”  The flaps fell closed behind her as Angeline looked around the tent.  Typical set up for a fortune tent, round table in the middle of the space upon antique carpeting and set with three mismatched rickety chairs.  Angeline smelled sage burning in some of the candles lit about the space.  Olivia settled in one of the chairs and set her money on the table.  Anticipation rolled off her petite form as Angeline slid into the chair beside her.  Olivia looked around, her eyes clearly straining to adjust to the dim light.  Angeline had no problem making out the fine details including the form of their host.  A male mystic, how interesting. 

“Greetings young one, what brings you to me this eve?”  He slid casually into the seat before them, a deck of tarot cards in one hand and the other outstretched, palm up.  Olivia startled slightly at his sudden appearance but plucked her money from the table and placed it in the man’s palm. 

“I wish to know my fortune, good sir.”  Olivia jutted her chin out and made a point of holding the man’s gaze. 

“Very well, young one.”  He shuffled the cards, studying Olivia the entire time, as if looking through her.  The mystic set the card upon the table and took her hands in his instead.  “I do not need cards for you, young one.  There are two paths before you.  One ends well, the other not as much.  Loved ones fear for you but in the end you will be well enough off.  You will be presented with an opportunity that seems wrong to accept but it would be a wise choice.”  Dropping her hands the mystic reclined in his seat.  “That is all I have, young one.”

Olivia nodded and stood.  “Thank you.”  Angeline could tell her sister was disappointed but she stood and walked out of the tent without a fuss.  The car ride home would surely be filled with her ranting.

Angeline stood and turned to leave but the mystic’s voice entered her head. “You do not seek your fortune, fairy girl?”

“No.  I do not wish my decisions to be influenced by anyone.  I must make my own way, as is the way of my people.”  Angeline pushed toward the entrance to the tent which suddenly seemed quite far away.  She knew it to be an illusion and fought to see through it.

“In this you have no choice, fairy girl.  We have a message for you.”  The mystic’s voice changed suddenly, taking on the qualities of many voices as if in stereo.  “You do not wish this for your sister, this is true but would you take on her portion of your family gift to spare her?  This choice is yours to make.  Either way you have but one year left with her.”

“What?  No, that cannot be.”  She spun around, seeking the mystic in the dimly lit tent.  The gravity of the unwanted fortune struck Angeline.  “You cannot take her.  She is a child.”

“The choice is yours, fairy girl.”

Tidbits

Hey all, this is going to be super quick because I actually have a bit of time to write and really want to get further on Whiskey, Mystics, and Men which will be between 20,000 and 30,000 words.  It is basically going to fill in Angeline's story, you will find out why she became so uptight and meet her sister, Olivia. 

Also, if you Facebook, please check out (and like) Violet Patterson's page and The Books Debut where there will be reviews of new books - great for readers and authors!! 

I am pushing Whiskey, Mystics, and Men so I am out of here to get a bit of writing done before my bed calls!  'Nite

Whiskey, Mystics and Men

My first short/novella for the Emerald Seer series is about a 1/3 of the way done.  I got caught up for a bit with tone/direction simply because it is my first go at using one point of view for the entire piece.  There will be a good deal of background given on Angeline, of course but Whiskey, Mystics and Men will provide some connections between some of the characters. I intend to have it completed, edited, and with a cover by the end of March.

The love story in End of the Night

So, End of the Night is going to give a whole lot of backstory.  This will be the most involved of the series as I bring in some of the mythology of the world via Roane and Damarra's story.  I am really excited to do this book as it allows me to tie in my passion - fantasy fiction - while showing a softer side to offset the battles about to be waged.  I do not believe it will be read for a Spring release as I first anticipated but I am shooting for Summer 2012 now.  After several setbacks in my personal life I just could not put the time into End of the Night that it requires.  I am still working hard and I know where it is going but the complexity is such that I cannot justify rushing the story. 

That said, Whiskey, Mystics and Men is coming along and will be a novella telling Angeline's story.  I think it is actually a good way for me to go as Angeline has a much larger part in End of the Night and having some back story on her will be helpful.   I hope to have Whiskey, Mystics and Men out by mid April at the latest.  I will try to post a snippet or two on here as I go.

Possibly coming out of it?

Wow, this cold/flu/virus thing has been EVIL.  However, I think I may be coming out the other side of it - finally.  I managed to do some writing today and intend to do some more as soon as my kiddo decides to truly go to sleep.  I am in between my short story (Whiskey, Mystics and Men) and the third installment of the Emerald Seer Series (End of the Night) though I really want to work on Estelan because it is calling to me.  I still want to do another once over of Light My Fire now that I have the paperback in my hands but my good friend, Dave Holtz, is still working that cover so I have a little time before I have to take that one live.  A self-pubbed writer's work is never done but I am grateful for the opportunities presented by this endeavor.  Someday I hope to subsidize a much less stressful (hopefully part time) day job with my writing but I feel it is likely a long way off. That is okay.  I am not a quitter and I have a lot of stories to tell.  I am not sure how long Storm's tale will go but I have many other ideas. 

I just want to take a moment to say farewell to the fair Whitney Houston who made me "wanna dance with somebody" more than once in my adolescence.