Terrific Tuesday with Olivia Starke:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

I’m happy to be here, thank you for the opportunity to interview! I’m Olivia Starke, a paranormal erotic romance writer. With my latest release I’ve taken a jaunt into fantasy—A Sorcerer’s Pleasure is available now at Cobblestone Press. http://cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/sorcererspleasure.htm Here is the blurb, it’ll best give you an idea of the tale. I’m already getting great reviews with it!

Evelyn Bowers has had it with dead end relationships. She is ready to swear off men, until she is rescued by a mysterious stranger who sets fire to her libido. Will she open her heart--and her mind--to what Savaric has to offer?

Savaric has carried a centuries old curse of celibacy when he meets a luscious damsel in distress. Evelyn makes Savaric realize it's not just sex that's he's missing in his life. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice to break his curse?

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

They are all a little scary lol. Just the task of getting a really vibrant story from my head to mere words down on the page can be daunting. I want to provide my readers with a really thrilling experience, as well as do justice to the characters I’m creating. I feel readers and characters deserve my all.

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

Oh gosh I wish! No my life is pretty dull so I live vicariously through my characters.

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

I mostly write first and research as needed, though at times I research first to get the names for my characters.

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

I want readers to have faith in a happily ever after ending, as well as accepting themselves for who they are. I try to write my heroines with faults such as being curvy, or with some type of physical/emotional scars. We all deserve love and we all deserve the best possible future!

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

Pantser all the way! My stories always lead me and they always take on lives of there own. I’ve tried over and over to do outlines and planning, and I HATE it. I feel confined and I invariably rebel against my own restrictions. I figure life can be unpredictable and so should my stories. That’s half the excitement of writing for me—never knowing where I’ll go or where I’ll end up.

How long did it take for you to be published?

A few months, I took a romance writing course, and afterwards sent out my first ‘baby.’ I received a few rejections, but eventually Cobblestone picked up Mind Games, paranormal Tryst.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

Get involved eyeball deep in everything! I currently edit and proofread, I am a book reviewer, I have a close knit circle of gals who are fellow romance authors, and I take class after class for writing/character development. I am also a member of RWA and Passionate Ink. I wish I’d have invested more time back then.

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

Laptop, though I currently am playing with a new story on pen and paper. It keeps me from over-editing as I tend to do. I’m seeing if I can get a story out quicker that way. I don’t really have must haves other than my muse.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

Okay, okay, I love Stephanie Meyer—yes I’m one of those. I get so emotionally invested in her work and I’d love to be able to offer my readers the same experience.

I love her too, though I admit I'm not a fan of The Host. I love the Twilight series, but I have friends who want to take a red pen to herbooks, LOL!

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

I’m in a bellydance troupe, but all in all I’m a pretty big tomboy.

Hahahaha….saw that on Face Book! Sounds exciting!

For Fun:

Bellydancing, reading, working out, and of course I have my four horses I love to death. Working and training them is a lot of fun. I also have 4 dogs and 2 kitties.

Favorite ‘Summer Food’ (ie: Veggies, fruit, or fair food):

Fresh organic veggies from my garden, as well as watermelon and peaches locally grown. Yum! My mom makes the most incredible fresh peach cobbler.

Mountains or Beach?

Mountains all the way! I lived in Colorado for several years and I miss my mountains so much.

I love Colorado, and used Estes Park as a setting:)

Favorite amusement park ride?

Oh I am a total rollercoaster junkie. I love love love love rollercoasters!

Favorite drink?

Water lol What can I say, I’m a health nut.

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

Again thanks for having me! Currently all my work is published at Cobblestone Press (www.cobblestone-press.com) but I am expanding out.

Blurb:

Evelyn Bowers has had it with dead end relationships. She is ready to swear off men, until she is rescued by a mysterious stranger who sets fire to her libido. Will she open her heart--and her mind--to what Savaric has to offer?

Savaric has carried a centuries old curse of celibacy when he meets a luscious damsel in distress. Evelyn makes Savaric realize it's not just sex that's he's missing in his life. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice to break his curse?

Excerpt:

Savaric slid his spent cock from between Avelina’s soft, spread thighs. She stretched her arms languidly above her head and smiled dreamily at him as her eyelids fluttered open. His gaze feasted on her huge lush breasts which jiggled tantalizingly with her every movement.

“’Tis time to go, my beauty,” he said as he pushed his body off the wool blanket they’d tumbled upon in the open meadow. He reached for his breeches and pulled them on.

She rose, turning to face the mid-day sun. “Why spoil the afternoon, Savaric? Let us stay here and enjoy one another more.”

His eyes roamed down her full physique, the sun casting a shimmer on her creamy soft skin. She was rich and sinfully sweet, and she made his mouth water. Her taste was still on his tongue as his gaze roamed down to the pale curls at the juncture of her thighs.

“I must go.” Savaric pulled on his boots and mantle as Avelina pouted prettily. At last she donned her own tunic.

“There is something I must share with you, Savaric.”

The sudden urgency in her words made him tense. The sun was hot in the sky and all around the little meadow was the vast expanse of the Northern Forest of the King. Shadows in the dappled woods weaved and grew around them.

“What is it, Avelina?” he asked holding onto an inhalation.

“’Tis only that I’ve fallen in love with you,” she said to his back.

His breath left in a loud whoosh. He had sensed her deepening emotions, but had decided to ignore them.

He stared hard into the forest beyond, unable to turn and face the beautiful young woman with whom he’d experienced so many wicked delights. His hands trembled ever so slightly as they found his hips. The toe of his boot brushed against the flattened meadow grass.

“Savaric?” Her voice was as tight as the string of a lute. “Do you have no words for me?”

“I can say nothing, Avelina.”

That was all he could say. He inhaled deeply the earthy scent of the woods beyond.

“Are there others then?” Her voice was quavering and small. He could feel her energy enveloping him. “I have left behind all others for you.”

Savaric’s shoulders slumped and his gaze dropped to the ground.

“I never made the pronouncement otherwise, Avelina.”

“I don’t understand you. When I decided to end things not long ago you came to me, proclaiming that you could not live without me in your life. You seduced me back. Does that not speak of some profound emotions on your part?”

He winced at her words. It was true that he had gone to her, but it had only been because she was willing to explore areas of sexual excitement his other lovers wouldn’t. She had always been an eager and willing partner.

“This was never meant to be a commitment. That was our agreement from the beginning.” He truly had never meant to hurt her.

“How could you have spent so much time with someone, yet not love them? How could you expect me to do so? You are a beast.” Her voice broke on her last word.

“Avelina, I do care for you.” He swallowed hard. “But I cannot say that I love you.”

He prayed to the gods she wouldn’t start crying. They answered his prayers.

“You sorry son-of-an-ox,” she said. His back stiffened and he turned to face her. Her eyes were narrowed with tears shining within them. He remained silent as a sudden dread overtook him.

A sorceress was always more powerful than a sorcerer.

Raising her arms to her sides, her tunic sleeves falling back from her hands and wrists, she lifted her face to the bright hot sun. The dread turned to fear as he stumbled back from her, muttering a quick spell of protection. He feared it would be of little use.

“Savaric, from this day forward…” Her gaze dropped to his, her soft red-brown eyes becoming redder as the power built within her. “For evermore you will be unable to find release for your rampant desires.” She paused considering her words as Savaric tried to maintain his composure.

“Until the day you find a woman with whom you lose all your selfish gratifications, and feel for her as I do you. You will then know what must be done.” With a snap of her fingers a shock coursed through Savaric’s body, dropping him to his knees.

That’s the day he learned you should never piss off a sorceress.

Time Capsule

Currently Reading: I'm nearly finished with John Irving's Widow for Only One Year, and as far as ebooks go, I loved Fill 'Er Up! Recommended Read:) I also enjoyed Brynn's take on The Snow Queen fairy tale in Heart of Ice; another Recommended Read:) Now I'm getting ready to read Brynn's Blood Bought and Mahalia Levey's Merikano's Fury. And then I have to start buying again (yes, I'll post this list again in a few days!):

Stone and Sky-CSP (EC)

Single White Knight-Brynn Paulin (TEB)

Wings of the Raven-CSP (TEB)

Keeping It Interesting- Cheryl Dragon (TEB)

Circle of Wolves-Jacqueline Roth (CP)
Wicked Cool- Diane Farr (CP)


In one of the boxes unearthed from my storage unit was a tiny Steno notepad. Inside was not only my original notes for my Arbor University series, but a rough sketch of the first five books and three poems I'd written about K. The first one was about K at 1 month; then Bathtime at 3 months; and finally, his journey to that milestone of walking at 11 months.

But the real gem was underneath the notebook, tucked into a red binder. Since his college classes began last week, and I was waaaaayy to busy to post it, here is my ode to his first day of kindergarten. Enjoy:)

Growing Pains

My son grew up before my eyes.
At first he was excited, then later shy.
"Don't go, Mommy; stay, stay!"
With him crying and yelling, I walked away.

Two hours later, there were no sign of tears.
All full of laughter, excitement, no fears.
The following day, I feared a scene.
"Just drop me off Mommy; I won't be mean."

The third day he awoke before the alarm.
Ready for action, ready to charm.
But there was one small detain, one final request....
"I can't fasten my pants Mommy; Can you dress me the rest?"

(signed)
MJ Stein
8-20-97

My posting this week may be sporadic; Mockingbird Book Emporium has a 'dress rehearsal' this Saturday, and there is still much to do. From 10-5pm, we're hosting an open house for the Friends Of Main Street, and offering tours of our beautiful new store and refreshments. And at dusk, 'Fresh Air Flicks' will be showing the original version of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Right now, weather promises to be low 80's and no rain.

I finished cataloguing my books; they total 2,015, and I'm still missing some, such as my Left Behind series, more Marian Keys, Barbara Taylor Bradford, and John Jakes. Of the total, I'm keeping in my possession just under 700, although, once I reread a few, they may be donated as well. I joked that this was just the 'first cut'!

And once the temperature drops to the mid-70's, the SU and I will go over to storage and really clean it out. I mean, really....we haven't needed any of this stuff in almost four years; why do we need to hang onto it? Time to be ruthless in cutting out the 'stuff'.

Tomorrow, I've got Olivia Stark on my blog and Thursday, it will be Indiana author Liz Flaherty's turn. Be nice to these ladies and I'll try to pop in when I can during this crazy week.

Oh, did I mention I've also been invited to be on Blog Talk Radio on Sept 2nd, talking about Emotional Abuse? I'll try to post the link on Wednesday.

Flashback Friday

2000:
At the baseball banquet, everyone praised my efforts in the concession stand and were thrilled I agreed to another year:)

School began again, and I threw myself a party. My 'Taxi Mom' status was over, since daughter was now in school full time. The first day of school, a friend and I went to the Circle Center Mall in downtown Indianapolis. We ate lunch at Johnny Rockets, a 50's-themed diner where the staff sings along with the jukebox, which costs five cents and one is at every table. They got to perform 'Respect' and 'YMCA' while we were there. We also discovered an AquaMassage machine, and paid $10 for seven minutes of sheer bliss. You take off your shoes and lay face down in a tube. They hand you the controls and water beats down as the wand travels from your neck to toes. You can stop it in any spot, so my neck and hips were well relaxed when my time was up! We also visited the candle shop, the bookstore, and wandered through the Disney Store.

The next day, I dragged the SU to 'Fair Weather Day' at the State Fair. We got to meet our favorite weathermen, plus the helicopter pilot who did the morning traffic. He watched while I rode my favorite ride, the Typhoon ('Scrambler on speed', as I call it!) and toured the farm area.

Thursday and Friday, I cleaned. And the following week, the SU went back to work and I promptly closed myself in my office every morning. I was working on Love Is Sober, and entertaining my neighbor with daily excerpts.

Why Did You Post So Late?
I had connection issues yesterday, so I told Kristal I'd leave her post up longer!

Tomorrow is my final Farmer's Market. I'll be pushing the bookstore, since it made the front page of the local paper yesterday, and we're having a fundraiser on Sept. 4th. Grand Opening is Sept.11th, and my job officially begins on Monday the 13th. I'm still busy cataloguing books; so far I'm up to 750 books, of which I'm donating around 300. The others are classics and favorite books. My criteria is, if I see the cover and cannot instantly recall characters or plot, then it is donated.

The good news? I found two books which have haunted me for two years:
Moonlight Angel by Casey Stuart. Angelique and Damien, during the Civil War.
A Fire in the Heart by Katherine Sutcliffe. Damien and Bonnie, 1800's. This is the one I heard criticized several years ago, for its historical inaccuracies. I don't care; I love the story!

Hmmm...guess I have a thing for men named Damien...

Anyway, have a good weekend:) I still have three boxes of children's books; three more of Christian Inspirational Romances; and the three boxes of Kathleen Woodiwiss, Michael Palmer, Michael Crichton, Barbara Taylor Bradford, and other authors whose books were scattered. I like to keep the authors' books together.

Terrific Thursday with Kristal McKerrington:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

My name is Kristal McKerrington am twenty one year old writer from Scotland UK. Am the author of 'The Highlander with The Ink', 'The Ink Fairy With A Mission', 'Freedom Is Earned' and 'Amber's Diaries; The Forever Frat Boy and The Nurse'. All coming to XOXO Online store real soon.....

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

Yeah the first one that was 'The Highlander With The Ink' I always found Thor scary when I was learning about him because, he certainly had a bad temper.

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

Yes I have in my latest book called 'Freedom Is Earned' we used that routine to win a battle as well some of the characters remind me so much of the people who I use to dance with before they passed on.

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

I do research first but, a lot of it like the Dancing and The Highlander God Series I already now a lot about these area's and don't need to do all that much. I think it will be very different when I move onto my other pieces such as 'Women Reunited Through Love's Series'

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

I hope that when they walk away from the books that they feel inspired and are left with a feeling either happiness of strength.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

Am a plotter for the bigger pieces I do such as the 'Free Series and The Amber Dairies' 'Freedom Is Earned' and 'Amber's Diaries; The Forever Frat Boy and The Nurse' I planned each chapter broke them down because, on the bigger pieces I tend to forget things easily. 'The Highlanders Gods Series' well that just took off on its own I don't think I even had time to plan that. 'The Highlander with The Ink' well it was written in the space of a day really and that goes for its sequel 'The Ink Fairy With A Mission'.

How long did it take for you to be published?

About a year for the first of my books to be published 'Freedom Is Earned' then a matter of days for the rest that are coming out soon to you with XOXO Publishing.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

I would tell myself to not to go to the Vanity Press company that I went to.

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

Paper, computer, endless Tea and coffee, my dear old printer and most importantly my music.. I think that is the most importantly because as am writing the character just seem to appear and the music really helps them relax and let the movie play out.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

I have to say Rachel Caine, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Catherine Cookson.

For my none Authors I have to say The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) as well as The Neighbros who are a web show online (Scott M Foster, Jamie J and Laura Prepon)

The Hardy Show (all the staff just seems to pour inspiration my way to be honest) and last but, certainly not least I have to say the words of my biggest ideal Matt and Jeff Hardy because, they just never quit no matter what is thrown in their paths that is what I respect more then anything.

One line I will never forget was what Matt Hardy said (sorry to steal his line) 'Without my readers then there would be no me” for me the readers I have are my biggest cheerleaders as well sometimes my biggest influence and inspiration.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

That I have a huge love for 'Greek' this TV series by ABC and that I actually go out on Motorbikes as well as the fact am a dressage horse rider. An that am a RA suffer.

For Fun:
Favorite ‘Summer Food’ (ie: Veggies, fruit, or fair food):

Strawberries and mixed fruit Ice-cream for sure.

Mountains or Beach?

Beach cause I really love the sea am lost without

Favorite amusement park ride?

Hate Amusement Parks!

Favorite drink?

Mocha, Latta or have to say I really love an Ice cream Float!

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

You can find all my books that are coming soon from the Wonderful XOXO Publishing online store the link here.

I would like to thank Molly for having me here today and I would like to say that any other questions you have please ask away because, am truly about my readers that is for sure.

No, I Did Not Drop Off The Planet...

I've just been incredibly busy!

Sat: Didn't sell anything at the Farmer's Market, but did some major networking. The Mayor came by; I snagged his attention after texting (yes, Molly's learned to slloooowwwwllly text!) Travis and BC to get their collective butts back to my booth asap. I introduced myself and asked if he'd heard about the new bookstore. He'd heard a rumor, so when T and B showed up, he spent several minutes talking to us about books, our writing paths, and promised to show up for Opening Day.

I also met the new publisher of our (tiny) local newspaper, who told me he'd spoken to T. But T claims he left a voice message; no word as yet if the two have actually communicated in person or by phone. The new publisher is very Main Street-oriented; he agrees more local coverage needs to be given to businesses who are trying to revive our historic downtown.

Sun: Moderated a 6-hour chat and everyone had a blast. Well, except for my family, who kept interrupting me to fix dinner, mediate problems with two younglings...and did NOT appreciate my outburst "I'm working! You can pause the damn TV for a minute!" Unfortunately, that didn't seem to matter; Mom still had to multi-task.

Mon: BC traded vehicles with her niece, and we drove to Martinsville, IN to retrieve my books from storage. Stopped at Chili's for lunch and had prearranged to meet one of my friends. Well, we walked in, and another friend of ours was also enjoying lunch! Asked him if he and his friend would be willing to help us; they gladly followed us afterward and helped load the heavy boxes into the pickup truck.

Tues: Went over to the bookstore and spent four hours cataloguing six boxes of books (out of 30!), then went over to Guild meeting. Got home in time to eat steak, and went to bed.

Today: Insomniac night; too much caffeine in my system! I've only had maybe 3 hours of sleep! Kenzie is also being interviewed today at The Romance Room at 7pm this evening, so drop by??

And then this afternoon, I'm heading back to the bookstore for some more cataloguing. Play nicely while I'm occupied:)

Terrific Tuesday with Susan Gabriel:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

Hi, my name is Susan Gabriel and I am a writer of paranormal romance. My latest release is Only the Lonely, a modern vampire romance. It’s a super fun read loaded with humor but also suspense and mystery…and, of course, toe-curling romance.

I have a short story coming out in a few weeks (just in time for Halloween) with Mojocastle Press in a Halloween-themed anthology. The story title is The Man in the Long Black Coat. The writing style is a deliberate departure from my usual and it was uber-fun to work on..

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

Actually I have a work in progress which began as a stand alone project, but before I completed just 3 chapters I realized that for the story to be complete it would have to become either one enormous book or a series. I’ve decided to make it a trilogy. That’s pretty scary to me.

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

Yes, as a matter of fact. In Only the Lonely, the heroine is a DJ at a radio station. I used to DJ at a top 40 radio station and I drew on that experience as I wrote my character and her surroundings.

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

I do a large amount of research. Whether it is location, history, mode of dress or folklore, I insist on getting my facts correct. Readers are very savvy and they will catch on if you are just pulling things out of your bum. As far as when I research, I do a bit of both, before and during. It depends on the work in progress really.

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

Yes, absolutely! There is always an underlying message (or two) in my stories. Each is different. My first book, The Stir of Echo, is about trust and letting go of control. The concept of trust sounds simple, but it really is quite complicated and difficult.

In Only the Lonely, the theme is redemption and karmic debt.

The Man in the Long Black Coat warns of answered prayers.

And the overall message in all of my work is that love remains undefined. There are no limits set on who we love and why we love them.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

I am a plotter, but I leave room for the characters to tell their own story. I have a general guideline of where I want the plot to go and specific events that need to happen (which is especially important if the plot involves a mystery). As a writer, all of my stories take on a life of their own. I think they have to in order for them to be believable. I’ve even shed a few tears while writing certain passages and feeling the emotions of the character so strongly that they seem quite real to me.

How long did it take for you to be published?

I was quite lucky and was published on my first go-round of submissions. I think the acceptance came within something like 2 weeks of submission.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

Keep your day job.

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

I hate laptops, or at least laptop keyboards, so I do my writing on a PC. However, I also have plenty of little moleskin notebooks that I am constantly filling with ideas. I find those notebooks invaluable and frequently turn to them when I am writing. Sometimes there will be entire chapters scribbled in bits and pieces in my moleskin.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

Wow, that’s a pretty long and varied list. I love the classics with Dickens being my favorite in that genre. As far as modern day authors go, I love Tim Dorsey and Stephen King and JK Rowling books…not so much for her writing style, but simply for the pleasure of the storytelling. Lately I have become hooked on anthologies. They are the best way to get a nice sampling of many different writing styles.

I think I was influenced the most by the classic writers I have read. With them there is always a story within a story, a message, a parable. No matter what I write it always seems to have a deeper theme or I am not satisfied with it.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

Maybe that I have lived in 8 different states and twice lived in Europe. I have a gypsy soul and will pick up and move at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately I have discovered that no matter where you go, there you are.

Favorite ‘Summer Food’ (ie: Veggies, fruit, or fair food)

Watermelon!

Mountains or Beach?

Tough one. I live in the mountains, so I love, love them, but I have a little condo on the gulf in Florida too and can spend hours walking the shoreline. So, my answer is: The mountains in the summer and the beach in the winter.

Favorite amusement park ride?

Roller coaster, of course!

Favorite drink?

Margarita, on the rocks, salted rim.

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

You can find The Stir of Echo and Only the Lonely at: www.blackvelvetseductions.com

http://blackvelvetseductions.com/The%20Stir%20of%20Echo.html

http://blackvelvetseductions.com/Only%20The%20Lonely.html

The Man in the Long Black Coat is coming soon to Mojocastle Press

http://www.mojocastle.com/

My blog: http://susangabriel.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SusanLGabriel

Blurb:

Destiny is on the line for Summer Solstice, the sultry and acerbic hostess of the popular St. Louis KJZM late night talk-radio show Only the Lonely when a call comes through from a centuries-old vampire with a dark and tragic past which begins an adventure that is both sensual and terrifying.

Before the night is over, Summer will be drawn into a secretive world…the world of the mystifying vampire who has the face of an angel, the needs of a man and a thirst for human blood.

Forbidden desire turns to love, and love turns to suspicion when Summer’s fans turn up floating in the murky waters of the Mississippi and she wonders if her “fiend” with benefits is the cause.

This erotic and suspenseful tale will leave you breathlessly guessing until the last page whether these two beings from different worlds will be each other’s salvation or undoing.

Excerpt:

She slipped her arms around his waist, snuggling her head on his shoulder, her scent, tuberose and lemongrass, hovering like a hummingbird around her head.

Beneath the translucent skin of her neck, Lucien eyed the pulse of her jugular vein, as inviting as the blinking light of an all-night diner. Like a starving dog, hunger chewed on his bones. The mortals he fed on were so full of despair and self-loathing that each time he drank from them, he felt made over until their wretchedness seemed to ooze from his very pores.

The temptation of ingesting the life-force of one with so much vivaciousness and passion as she possessed was dizzying. The power of those magical cells would be a tonic for his miserable soul. He closed his eyes and imagined drinking from her, her corpuscles coursing through his veins, quickening him with vitality that grew in intensity with each mouthful. He saw his mouth clamped to her neck, feasting on her as if she were Christmas dinner, slaking his thirst with her last drop of precious fluid, his body and soul ablaze with her energy. He quaked at the thought. Then he saw her limp, bloodless form lying in his arms and he trembled with horror and loathing.

Sickened by his imaginings, a bitter taste filled his mouth. He had to leave this place before his vision became a reality. He had gone too long without feeding and his mind was mad with hunger.

RIP Mikey

Michael J. Templeton, aka 'Mikey' to his family, was put to rest yesterday by two family members. For those of you new to this blog, click here to see his debut; here and here for the beginnings of the 'Pinky/Mikey/Oreo Comedy Hour', and here for more.

Mr. Templeton was reaching the end of his life expectancy, and was suffering from a huge infection in his belly. Unknown is whether the breach in his skin was from a fight with his cage mate Pinky or other source. Cost to treat him was deemed 'unreasonable' by the Powers That Be, and so to end his suffering, he was quietly taken out of his misery, as he now resembles an exceedingly pregnant rodent.

Survivors include his cage mate Pinky; his partner-in-comedy, Oreo; his owner S, who admits that since the addition of Roxie the Cocker Spaniel, her loyalties had been divided.

His estate will be given a thorough cleaning, and the contents (water bottle, food bowl, and recently acquired Puff's box) will be retained by Pinky, who might also be downsized to the smaller cage.

Friday Flashback: Turning Point

Currently Reading: Sporting Wood by Cindy Spencer Pape is AWESOME! And it's a FREE READ, so go over to the EC site and get your own copy! Highly Recommend it! I'm also up to Chapter 6 of Tea Trelawny's Fill 'Er Up. It's a little confusing, with two ghosts, an older couple, and a younger couple, but the pieces are beginning to fall into place and I'm liking this one! It's also over at EC.

1990:
Twenty years ago today, I learned a valuable lesson. Well, okay. To be fair, THREE lessons.

1) Be careful of what I say

2) The unconditional love of a parent

3) Never trust a condom which appears out of a man's wallet.

August 19, 1990.

I'd stayed home from work, having woken up slightly queasy. Around eleven o'clock, I called my BFF and a bit of childish teasing occurred:

B: Hey, did I tell you I'm getting married?

M: No! You are? When? Congratulations!

B: Thanks. Not for another year or so.

M: You want my news? I'm pregnant:)

B: I'm going to be an uncle? Whoo hoo! When are you due?

M: About the same time as your wedding.

Fast-forward several minutes....
B: Hey Mol, I'm only kidding. I'm not really getting married.

M: That's okay. I'm not really pregnant!

Six hours later, I'm in the hospital with what I've believed is an attack of appendicitis. Surprise...it's a tubal pregnancy. I'm stunned; how did this happen? The Idiot and I were NOT sleeping together, and the good-looking 'rebound' had provided protection. So this was a total shock.

While waiting to be wheeled into surgery, I made a phone call.

M: Hey B, remember our teasing earlier? Well, turns out one of us wasn't lying after all...

B: Oh my god....are you okay? Is there anything I can do?

M: No; it's in my tubes. I'm in the hospital, awaiting surgery....

B: I'm so sorry....I wish I could be there....Call me if you need anything.

You'd think, at 24 years of age, I would have learned by now my parents could handle anything. But when I could not keep the REASON for my surgery from my father, I learned something else: Sometimes silence can be worse than a lecture.

My dad and I have had our issues, and when he gets mad, he scolds. So here I am, lying in a hospital bed, still not quite grasping the reality of my careless actions, and all Dad asked was, "Is it (Idiot's name)?"

"No."

Dad just dropped his head. I had braced myself for another scolding, and when he didn't say anything, I cried buckets, apologized profusely, and asked him to yell at me. He didn't. Just said he loved me and he'd be waiting when I came out of surgery.

Mom was at Band Camp, so I wasn't subjected to her reaction and subsequent disappointment for several months.

I was released the next day, Aug 20th, and requested the Olive Garden for lunch. But thirty minutes into it, I was sore and needed to go home. That's the only time I've ever taken a doggy bag from that restaurant.

And it's funny; several months later I calculated if the child had lived, it would have born the following April. And I find it interesting that fifteen years later, my own niece would be born on the very day I lost my first one.

I didn't even acknowledge it as a miscarriage until 1994; my older children learned of it when I was pregnant with my youngest, having to undergo genetic counseling, since I was over age 35. They've asked a few questions, and I've been honest with them.

And so lesson #3 is pretty obvious by now. Ladies, be responsible when it comes to birth control! I saw my miscarriage as a message to change my life and grow up. Others aren't so lucky to be given a second chance.

OMG!

Did anyone else SEE Wednesday's episode of Big Brother? Rachel returned for one day and Ragan let her have it! It was an in-your-face-no-holds-barred-tell-it-like-it-is confrontation! I want him in my corner, should I ever need defending:) Way to go!

And thankfully, Matt used his Diamond Power of Veto to put up Kathy and she's gone:) Now let's see what Brittany will do...

Have a good weekend:) I'm off to the Farmer's Market again in the morning, and this afternoon, we head to the dentist for the youngling. A Jolly Rancher attached itself to one of his two crowns and pulled it loose. And with no pediatric dentist in town, we're off to Terre Haute this afternoon.

Terrific Thursday with Charisma Knight:)

While I'm over at Romance Books R Us, here's a new author brave enough to be in the hot seat today:) Her book is coming soon from XOXO Publishing, and if she sends me her cover, I'll get it up as soon as possible. I'm posting this at 10:30pm, and racing to get my youngest in bed and off to dreamland, so forgive any formatting issues!

Also, Happy 5th Birthday to my lovely niece, Rachel!

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

CK: Hola! I’m Charisma Knight, and I’m a writer of interracial paranormal erotic romance and erotica. Thank you for having me here today.

My latest release is entitled My Dark Lord and Master and will be published through XoXo Publishing. It is a short, dark BDSM tale of a woman who is whisked away by an ancient wolf-shifter from Serbia. She opens herself up to her innermost darkest desires and fantasies, and well, they come true. The only thing my heroine did not count on was spending all of eternity with her dark lord. Oh, and by the way, there is a small twist at the end I think readers will enjoy. ; )

Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

CK: Yes, a little. I have a few books I’ve written where my heroines summon dark, ancient entities, and when I re-read them, I get the chills. LOL

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

CK: There are a few minor details from my own life experiences in my books.

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

CK: So far, I haven’t had to do any extensive research. There are a few historical stories I have in mind that I must research. It all involves language of a certain time frame and clothing.

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

CK: As an interracial author, I want folks to know that love, and lust knows no boundaries, including color. If two people from two entirely different backgrounds want to be together forever for love, or even a small moment’s worth of lust, hey, why not?

There are times when my stories will have a small message, it could be a single mother discovering love again, or an emotionally and physically abused woman learning to trust and find herself again. My characters could be lonely and cursed, or yearning to have a family. Some of my stories are slightly darker, and have a “be careful what you wish for, you just might get it,” kind of message. LOL

Seriously, think about dabbling around with magic, or breaking open an ancient seal, something beyond your wildest imagination just may pop out at ya!

Yes, I mix these things with the paranormal. Why? Well, for me it is an escape. If I can provide a reader some encouragement and happiness through an escape into a fantasy world, with a dash of realistic topics, that makes me happy. I love to hear from readers, and I love it when they tell me how much they’ve enjoyed my stories.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

CK: I’m a pantser. I go where my muse takes me, usually. Now, for a few of my upcoming stories, I’m discovering I need to have an outline.

My story, Daywalker took on a life all its own. I had other plans for a darker hero, but he became the villain of the story. My heroine brought out the “light” within my hero who would have succumbed to darkness if it had not been for her.

How long did it take for you to be published?

CK: Not long at all. My first story was submitted in July 2009, and was published in March 2010. My first story published was Her Dark Desires, which was submitted in October, and published in November of 2009.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

CK: I would have found a critique partner. Writing has been a wonderful experience for me, and I’ve learned so much. But, there is so much more to learn!

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

CK: Both. Sometimes, I tire of lugging my laptop around, so simple ink and a journal is suitable.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

CK: Absolute favorite authors are Dahlia Rose, Jordyn Tracy, J. Hali Steele,

Dahlia Rose & Jordyn Tracy influenced me most. After all, Sugar and Spice Press was my first interracial epublisher I stumbled across 3 ½ years ago. I discovered J. Hali Steele after I became published, and she’s of great inspiration to me. All these ladies, and many more inspire me. Serenity King is a new author to me, and I’m currently reading one of her books that totally rocks.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

CK: Hmm, Sometimes I write for my own sexual gratification? Is that bad or what?! ; 0 Seriously, just being honest. ; )

For Fun:

Favorite drink?

CK: Alcoholic: Vodka & Cranberry! Non Alcoholic: Coffee!

Do you have any special Labor Day traditions?

CK: We must always have a cook out! If it rains, then we grill indoors!! LOL

McDonald’s or Burger King?

McDonald’s

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books

.

CK: Thanks for having me! It was a blast.

My book can be found at XOXO Publishing

Blurb for My Dark Lord and Master:

Ever wonder what dreams and fantasies are made of? Some believe one mirrors the other. Perhaps a fantasy is based upon a dream you had one restless night. Maybe a dream, once a fantasy has presented itself to you in the form of a half man, half beast, conjured by the darkest depths of your imagination.

Once manifestation has occurred, how will you react when your dark Lord and Master projects you into his domain, placing his mark upon you for all eternity? When it is all said and done, would you regret the strong power of imagination?