Midnight Confessions

Friday: Cool Covers

2012-01-27T07:07:00.004+10:00

Working on: paranormal novella
Last Kindle download: The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers

I hope all the Aussies out there had a fab Australia Day!

Today’s cool cover is from a self-published YA called Angelfall by Susan Ee. The author held a cover contest and the winning entry was by a Serbian artist, Milica Acimovic. Very pretty.

Wed: Writing World

2012-01-25T07:00:00.004+10:00

Working on: paranormal novella
Last Kindle download: The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers

I finished the first draft of my sci-fi novella – hooray!! I love reaching The End...although I know when I finish the first draft there is still work ahead in the form of revisions. I’m letting it rest for a little while before I tackle the revisions.

In the meantime, I’ve started a paranormal novella. There are no vampires, werewolves, witches or angels in sight. I had an idea for something different and I’m having lots of fun with it. (Image: Public Domain)

Since I’m in short story mode at the moment, I thought I’d share an important short story lesson today: when you sit down to write a short story, your idea needs to be contained and to the point.

You have few words to tell the story, so your idea can’t be convoluted or need too many characters or explanations. If a novel is a cake, the short story is a slice of it. You need to focus in on a single incident, single relationship or single moment.

Focus in on a particular incident or moment. Your short story needs to start just before that huge, climatic moment where your hero faces their worst fear or learns that important lesson.

Mon: Fast Facts - The Venti

2012-01-23T07:07:00.004+10:00

Working on: paranormal novella
Last Kindle download: The Walk by Lee Goldberg

The Venti

Roman wind gods, the Venti, were the inspiration for two of my Bites – Wind Kissed, Fire Bound and Taken by the South Wind. Both these stories are packed with Roman mythology about the winds. Here are just a few fast facts:

~ The venti were: Aquilon – the north wind, Auster – the south wind, Vulturnus – the east wind and Favonius – the west wind. In my stories, these guys are 4 sexy Italian brothers who are each windkeepers and possess the power of their wind. (Image: Public Domain)

The villians of the stories are the evil tempest winds, Venti Tempesta. The tempest winds were: Caecius – the northeast wind, Corus – the northwest wind, Apeliotus – the southeast wind and Africus – the southwest wind.

In Wind Kissed, Fire Bound, the venti tempesta are initially trapped in the body of horses under the care of an immortal keeper of the winds, Livia Cavalli (in Roman mythology, the winds were depicted as horses kept in the stables of a storm god).

In Taken by the South Wind, Dante Auster Venti, keeper of the south wind, battles against Africus and finds himself the target of a deadly female assassin, Samia Hassan.

I still have more winds and more Venti brothers to write about…maybe one day when the time is right, I'll finish their stories!

Friday: Cool Covers

2012-01-20T07:15:00.002+10:00

Working on: paranormal novella
Last Kindle download: The Fever and the Fury by Stephanie Draven

Here are some cool covers from a paranormal author I love to read, Nalini Singh.

I love the cover of Archangel’s Kiss (Book 2 in the Guild Hunter series) and I’m waiting for the upcoming Angels’ Flight – a collection of novellas in the same world. Some of the novellas have been released before but it also includes a new novella.

Wed: Writing World and Cat Party!

2012-01-18T13:26:00.006+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: Lothaire by Kresley Cole

My sci-fi novella is storming to the end. I find once I cross the half way mark the story just rushes to the end. My poor hero and heroine have been through quite an ordeal, let me tell you! I bet they’ll be happy when it’s all over.

Anyone who’d love the chance to win free books, head on over to the LoveCats because today we’re having a FABULOUS Welcome Party for our two new LoveCats – Emmie Dark and Annie West!!!

There are two HUGE party prize packs up for grabs both filled with books from all the LoveCats. I've included free downloads of Savage Dragon and Hunter's Surrender.

Mon: Fast Facts - Order of the Dragon

2012-01-16T06:44:00.004+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: Lothaire by Kresley Cole

Order of the Dragon

The Order of the Dragon was a chivalric order founded by Sigismund, King of Hungary in the fifteenth century. Its mandate was to fight the enemies of Christianity but it also fired my imagination while I was writing a story about dragons!

In my first Nocturne Bites, Savage Dragon, I morphed the Order of the Dragon into dragon knights possessing elemental powers they use to protect humans from dragons gone wild. I even set the story in the wilds of Hungary.

My hero is Rordan Sarkany, a powerful wood dragon…sarkany is the Hungarian word for dragon. My heroine is Kira Bethlen, a water dragon knight…the Bethlen family were a noble Hungarian family and the Order of the Dragon emblem can be found in their coat of arms. My Order has the very same emblem as the real-life Order, an ouroboros – a dragon eating its own tail. An ancient symbol for eternal life. (Image: Public Domain)

And how’s this for a final fast fact…one of most well-known members of the real Order of the Dragon was a man called Vlad Dracul -- the original Dracula.

Friday: Cool Covers

2012-01-13T07:06:00.007+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: Lothaire by Kresley Cole

The cool covers this week are from Aussie fantasy romance author, Kylie Griffin. Her debut book, Vengeance Born will be out in February. How gorgeous are these covers!!

Wednesday: Writing World

2012-01-11T06:55:00.004+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: Lothaire by Kresley Cole

I'm still in first draft mode on my sci-fi novella. My writing process has changed a lot since I had a baby. I’ve had to learn to write in small snippets each day rather than spending all weekend binge writing! I’ve also had to learn to write a quick draft and limit going back to edit as I go. I save (most of) my editing until the end. I’ve found I’m actually more productive this way.

I’ve also found I don’t love my story until I’ve written the first few chapters and “worked” out my characters more. Sitting down to write isn't always filled with sheer joy! Nope, sometimes I really don’t like what I’m writing. Thankfully, once I’m past the start of a story, the joy starts coming back. And the most excitement is when I’m finished!! Once I read over my draft, I realise it issn’t as bad as I thought (-:

When the going gets tough, I always read the quote I have on my computer screen by Agatha Christie (image: Wikimedia Commons - Violetriga/Flanker):

"There was a moment when I changed from an amateur to a professional. I assumed the burden of a profession, which is to write even when you don't want to, don't much like what you're writing, and aren't writing particularly well."

Monday: Fast Facts

2012-01-09T06:00:00.002+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: Angelfall by Susan Ee

Today I’ve combined my Fast Facts with my blog over at the LoveCats. As I (and many others around the world) was making some New Year’s Resolutions, I started wondering about the history of the resolution.

Turns out it started with the Romans and their god with two faces, Janus. For more details on Janus, stop by the LoveCats!

Image: Public domain

Friday: Cool Covers

2012-01-06T07:01:00.006+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks

Or maybe I should say hot covers! Here’s the cover from Stephanie Draven’s latest Nocturne Cravings called The Fever and the Fury. I love the cover and love the title! It’s already in my TBR pile.

Wednesday: Writing World

2012-01-04T06:36:00.003+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks

I’m in first draft mode at the moment, working on a sci-fi novella. It’s very nice to be working on something different…although I think writing paranormal and sci-fi is very similar in terms of world-building.

I LOVE science fiction – I’m a Star Trek, Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica fan. And every now and then I pick up a sci-fi romance to read. I’ve always had some sci-fi romance story ideas drifting around in my head and finally thought I’d tackle one.

I also read an interesting blog post this week at Dear Author on 2012 Publishing Predictions. I agreed with everything on digital pricing and found the prediction on self-publishing very interesting. I think 2012 will be an interesting year for publishing.

Image: Public Domain

Monday: Fast Facts

2012-01-02T12:34:00.002+10:00

Temples of Abu Simbel

Visiting these temples was a highlight of my last trip to Egypt. I was lucky enough to visit them after the hordes of tour buses had left and almost had the temples to myself!

The rock cut temples were built by one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, Ramses the Great. Ramses gives me plenty of story inspiration and the empire he built is central to an action-adventure story I’ve written (still a draft at the moment).

Image: Public Domain

And the romantic in me loves that one of the temples was built for Ramses’ wife, Nefertari (not to be confused with Nefertiti). At her temple, the statues of Ramses and his wife are equal in size. The only time in Egyptian history that this occurred – usually statues of the pharaoh are much larger. For me, it is a truly romantic gesture.

Image: Wikimedia Commons - Ad Merkens

When the Aswan High Dam was constructed, the temples were going to be flooded. Luckily, in 1964, a team cut the temples into pieces and moved them bit by bit to higher ground where they now look across the waters of Lake Nasser.

The writer in me wonders what other wonderful temples and treasures were lost under the crocodile-infested waters…I’m sure there’s a good story in there somewhere!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T07:48:00.006+10:00

Working on: sci-fi novella
Last Kindle download: The Last Warrior by Susan Grant

Happy New Year! I hope 2012 is a wonderful year for everyone.

Like me, I’m sure some of you are busy setting some New Year’s Resolutions. And like me, you may have looked at your last year’s resolutions and winced when you realized you didn’t quite get done what you’d planned.

I had planned to blog twice a week here at Midnight Confessions…but unfortunately that resolution didn’t pan out. I’ll blame a cute little person who is about to turn 9 months old (-:

Image: Wikimedia Commons - Rob Chandler

So, refusing to be beaten, I’m attempting that resolution again. To help me along, I’ll be giving my blog a little structure. Here’s what I have planned:

Monday: Fast Facts
I’ll share some interesting facts that spark my story ideas or that I come across during research. Most will probably have something to do with ancient history (a passion of mine).

Wednesday: Writing World
A little window into my writing world. Updates on what I’m working on, info on my writing process or interesting writing-related things I come across.

Friday: Cool Covers
Since I got a Kindle a few years back, I don’t get to look at book covers as much as I used to. I’ll post any covers that I love from books I’m reading, on my TBR or even some I may not be reading but still love the cover.

Wishing everyone all the best for the new year.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T16:39:00.002+10:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope that you (like me) are eating too much, drinking too much, spending time with family and friends and enjoying whatever Santa left you under the tree!

I'm also sneaking in some writing time between pudding and turkey...working on a sci-fi holiday novella! How's that for a combination!

Image: Wikimedia Commons: KamrynsMom

Lessons in Seduction by Sandra Hyatt

2011-12-23T09:32:00.004+10:00

I have to admit that Harlequin Desires are a little pleasure of mine. I don't read a lot of them but when I do, they are always a lot of fun. One Desire I will be reading this Christmas is Lessons in Seduction by Sandra Hyatt.

Sadly, Sandra passed away earlier this year after suddenly falling ill. I didn't know her personally but was saddened to hear we'd lost a wonderful romance author. It was so great to hear that Sandra's family have established the Sandra Hyatt Memorial Trust which aims to develop emerging romance writers. What an incredible tribute.

LoveCat Natalie knew Sandra and has a lovely post about her over at LoveCats.

So, if your looking for a gift or a little something for yourself, check out Lessons in Seduction:

A prince on a quest to find the perfect wife doesn't have time to trifle with a commoner. But Adam Marconi's longtime friend and sometime driver, Danielle St. Claire, has him contemplating a change in plans. Why can't the royal have a little fun before finally settling down? Then their supposedly quick affair suddenly turns serious.And Prince Adam finds himself in a quandary. Say goodbye to the one woman who sets his heart and body on fire, or defy all the rules and cause the scandal of the century.

All I Want for Christmas...at LoveCats

2011-12-12T08:02:00.005+10:00

Christmas is just around the corner (where did the year go?!!) I'm sharing my Christmas wishlist over at LoveCats...drop by and share yours..

Eleni's Taverna

2011-12-07T07:12:00.003+10:00

My fellow Aussie paranormal romance (and fantasy) writer, Eleni has me as her Writing Buddy Wednesday buddy on her blog, Eleni's Taverna. Thanks, Eleni!

Eleni is very tech savvy and in addition to writing, she also designs book covers and banners -- you can check out her designs at HelzKat Designs.

Image: eleni-konstantine.blogspot.com

Happy Snaps

2011-12-01T09:18:00.003+10:00

I've just returned from a fabulous holiday in the UK. I did a lot of sightseeing, a little reading and even a little writing. And travelling with a baby was certainly an experience!

Stop by the LoveCats to see some of my holiday happy snaps!

Romance and the Rugby World Cup

2011-10-09T20:50:00.011+10:00

I've been MIA from my personal blog for a while now...I'm blaming my 6 month old, super cute little boy (-: So, I'm back now and am commiting to posting a couple of times a month!

Here's what's happening in Anna Hackett's world:

~ After some time off from writing I am back at it and loving it! I'm working on a new paranormal short story with a sexy, tortured hero and a heroine who convinces him to trust himself again.

~ Nocturne Bites have morphed into Nocturne Cravings -- sexy, paranormal short stories with everything you loved in a Bites but with more heat!

Image: Harlequin Enterprises

~ I'll be teaching Short Story, Big Impact again in May 2012 for the FF&P RWA Chapter.

~ I'm still blogging at the LoveCats and am there today blogging about Romance and the Rugby World Cup. Please stop by!

Image: Karl Hackett

Blogging at LoveCats

2011-06-13T19:13:00.004+10:00

Do you never seem to clear things off your To Do list? Always too many things to get done and not enough hours in the day? Is your ironing pile like mine and multiplying faster than the speed of light?

I'm blogging at LoveCats today and sharing a few tips on how to get things done...without trying too hard (thanks to a book by the same name).

Image: Agnieszka Pastuszak - Maksim | Dreamstime.com

Stop by and say hi!

A Few Facts about eBooks

2011-05-09T09:29:00.003+10:00

I'm talking eBooks and eReaders over at LoveCats. If you're an eBook convert, stop by and tell us why. If not, stop by and tell us what's stopping you!

Image: Barnes and Noble, Inc

Double the fun at LoveCats

2011-05-08T17:30:00.006+10:00

Well, I have a very good excuse for being AWOL from my blog...he's now almost 10 pounds and almost five weeks old!

Today I have a Sunday Smooch up at LoveCats from my Bites Hunter's Surrender -- and you can win a free download just by answering the question: Would you prefer to be a vampire or a vampire hunter?

Also, I'll be blogging at LoveCats tomorrow as well so please stop by.

New Beginnings at LoveCats

2011-04-11T15:57:00.004+10:00

Image: LoveCats DownUnder

I'm blogging at LoveCats today talking all about new beginnings...including an important new beginning for me. Stop by if you get the chance!

Image: Karl Hackett

Spotlight at Nas Dean's Blog

2011-04-04T12:11:00.005+10:00

Today I'm thrilled to be visiting at the blog of Nas Dean, aspiring romance writer and regular visitor at LoveCats. Nas has asked me lots of questions on romance, reading and writing.

Stop by and say hi -- I'm also giving away a download of One Night with the Wolf! And check Nas's awesome blog as she has some fantastic authors stop by.

Giveaway Winners

2011-03-20T20:52:00.003+10:00

Thanks to those to stopped by Harlequin's Paranormal Romance Blog this week to talk werewolves!

The winners of the free downloads of One Night with the Wolf are:

Katrina Whittaker
and
Sandee

Email me at the addy on my website and I'll email through your downloads.

The Many Shapes of Werewolves

2011-03-17T16:16:00.001+10:00

I'm over at Harlequin's Paranormal Romance Blog talking all about werewolves and their different shapes and sizes in many cultures and myths around the world.

Stop by for a chance to win a download of One Night with the Wolf.

Image: Harlequin Enterprises

One Night with the Wolf Giveaway 3

2011-03-15T13:57:00.005+10:00

To celebrate the release of my new Bites, One Night with the Wolf, I'm giving away a free download of the story each week during March!
__________________________________

To enter this week's giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment and answer the question: "Do you know a different name for 'werewolf' either from fiction or another culture?"

I'll kick it off: In the Underworld movies, the werewolves are known as Lycans.
_________________________________

I'll be announcing the winner on Sunday. Please share news of my giveaway with your paranormal romance loving friends!

By the way, I'm also over at LoveCats blogging about catchy first lines! Stop by if you get the chance.

Winner of Giveaway 2

2011-03-13T18:33:00.002+10:00

The winner of the One Night with the Wolf Giveaway #2 is Vanessa!

Vanessa, please email me (address on my website) and I'll email you through the download coupon.

There are still two more chances to win a download of One Night. Stop back tomorrow to check out Giveaway #3.

Read an eBook Week!

2011-03-08T08:06:00.003+10:00

March 6-12th is Read an eBook Week!

If you haven't noticed, digital book sales are on the increase. While paper publishing is declining, eBooks sales are roaring. And there are more and more eReaders on the market and the prices of these devices continue to decrease.

I converted to eBooks just over two years ago when I got my first Kindle. I was a die-hard paper book reader until then but since I've never looked back...and never bought another paper book.

What's so great about eBooks? I can get my books instantly, the day they're released. I can carry hundreds of books around in one slim device. And I still read in the bath...you have to be just as careful with a paper book as you do with an eReader (-:

Image: www.ebookweek.com

So, if you haven't tried a eBook, how about you try one during Read an eBook Week? Check out the eBook Week for more info on how to read eBooks and where to find them.

And enter my One Night with the Wolf Giveaway each week in March here at my blog to win a free eBook of my latest Bites!

One Night with the Wolf Giveaway - Week 2

2011-03-07T06:56:00.005+10:00

To celebrate the release of my new Bites, One Night with the Wolf, I'm giving away a free download of the story each week during March!
__________________________________

To enter this week's giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment and answer the question: "Who's you favorite werewolf from history or fiction?"
_________________________________

I'll be announcing the winner on Sunday. Please share news of my giveaway with your paranormal romance loving friends!

Smooches at LoveCats and a winner!

2011-03-06T12:39:00.004+10:00

Today I'm over LoveCats sharing a Sunday Smooch -- a kiss scene from One Night with the Wolf. Stop by for a chance to win a download of One Night.

And the winner of a download of One Night from my weekly blog giveaway is Ju! Ju -- please email me at the email address on my website and I'll send through your coupon for the download.

There are still more chances to win One Night -- I'll be starting another weekly giveaway later today!

Image: LoveCats DownUnder

More Werewolf Romance

2011-03-05T07:58:00.000+10:00

My fellow Bites author and friend, Mel Teshco also has a new werewolf romance out this month from Ellora's Cave.

If you like sexy werewolves then check out Moon Thrall:

Elyse Wellston escapes from her brutal, violent ex-fiancé to a remote cabin in Australia. Fearing for her life, it makes no sense for her to react the way she does on meeting the enigmatic Dane Maddox.

Only when she discovers he is a werewolf and she is his weren—his mate and a werewolf herself—does she begin to understand the hot, sexual yearning within. No longer does she need to act out a desire she doesn’t feel, Dane is everything she wants. But will her ex end her happiness, her sexual fulfillment, almost before it begins?

ARRC2011

2011-03-04T07:02:00.003+10:00

Have you ever attended the Australian Romance Readers Convention? I went to ARRC09 in Melbourne and had a blast. What can be better than mingling with romance writers and readers and talking about romance!

Some of the ARRC organisers are sharing what ARRC2011 (held at Bondi Beach) has to offer over at LoveCats. Special guest authors this year are Anna Campbell, Nalini Singh and Cindy Gerard.

Stop by LoveCats to find out more!

One Night with the Wolf Giveaway - Week 1

2011-03-02T10:59:00.008+10:00

To celebrate the release of my new Bites, One Night with the Wolf, I'm giving away a free download of the story each week during March!
__________________________________

To enter this week's giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment and answer the question: "What's your favorite werewolf story or series?"
_________________________________

I'll be announcing the first winner on Sunday. Please share news of my giveaway with your paranormal romance loving friends!

Image: Wolf_Kolmården.jpg: Daniel Mott - Wikipedia Commons

Release Day - One Night with the Wolf!

2011-03-01T13:55:00.006+10:00

I'm super excited that today is release day for my Bites, One Night with the Wolf!!

Werewolf Jade Thorne needs a man—a young, virile man to give her love and pleasure. As a rare female alpha, she must keep her pack safe by pledging herself in marriage to an aging leader from a rival pack. Until then, she wants to experience the raging passion of a wolf in his prime. She even has an ideal lover at hand: her Second, Christian Tallant.

But Christian is a wolf who will demand to dominate her body, mind and soul. Now Jade must decide if she can afford to submit to his desire—and if one night with the wolf will really be enough....

This is my first ever wolf shifter story and I loved writing it. There's also a super sexy chase scene that my wonderful CPs loved! So if you're looking for a tight, sexy read featuring a hunky wolf hero and spunky wolf heroine, you'll find One Night available for download at eHarlequin, Amazon US and other ebooksellers.

I'll also be giving a away a free download of One Night with the Wolf EVERY week in March to celebrate its release. So stop back tomorrow, answer an easy question on werewolves and you'll go into the draw! I'll annouce a winner every Sunday.

Short lessons for longer stories

2011-02-21T22:27:00.004+10:00

Well, Short Story, Big Impact is drawing to a close. Some of the class have been doing a wonderful job with their homework!

Today we're learning how writing short stories can also help to craft longer stories. The main point the lecture covers:

Lesson 1: Master the elements

Lesson 2: Finding your voice

Lesson 3: Writing tight

Lesson 4: Intensity

Lesson 5: Reaching the end

Lesson 6: Busting writer’s block

Image: Pamela Hodson | Dreamstime.com

If any of this sounds interesting to you, don't worry that you've missed out on SSBI. Keep an eye out for the next online course (nothing scheduled yet but I'll keep you posted) OR keep an eye out for lecture packets for SSBI available on my website (coming soon!)

Thrill of the Forbidden

2011-02-14T18:29:00.004+10:00

Why is it we always want the things we know we can’t have? Or shouldn’t have? When something is forbidden it just seems to become so much more tempting.

I'm over at LoveCats talking about the thrill of the forbidden (and how that ties to my upcoming Nocturne Bites, One Night with the Wolf). Stop by and share your guilty pleaure!

Busy with Short Story, Big Impact

2011-02-09T20:58:00.004+10:00

I find it satisfying and intellectually stimulating to work with the intensity, brevity, balance and word play of the short story.
~ Annie Proulx

I'm staying very busy right now with a fab group of writers learning to sharpen their short story writing skills in SSBI.

Today we are learning about the plot and structure of short stories....here's a snippet:

Short stories tend to be character-driven. There’s no room to allow plot to drive the story. In character-driven stories, the needs of the characters (their goals and conflicts) drive what events occur in the story, rather than the events taking the characters along for a ride.

Image: Gualtiero Boffi | Dreamstime.com

Focusing on the characters and their conflicts will help you determine the plot…whether you are outlining prior to ever writing a word of the story or working the plot out as you go.

Okay, I'm off to check my class's homework!

I have a cover!

2011-02-01T21:28:00.005+10:00

Here's my new cover for my March Nocturne Bites, One Night with the Wolf. Isn't it pretty?

Short Story, Big Impact starts tomorrow

2011-01-30T21:17:00.005+10:00

Life is too short for a long story.
~ Mary Wortley Montagu

Tomorrow will be the first day of Short Story, Big Impact over at CRW. I’m looking forward to teaching this online course again.

For anyone wondering about what the course covers, here are a few snippets from the lectures:

Lecture 3 – Painting Characters Quickly

When you describe your characters, you need to paint them quickly, because they need to get to work straight away. The words you select to describe your protagonist should tell us what she looks like, something about her personality and something about her conflict.

Lecture 5 – Keep it Tight

You know some of the tricks for keeping it tight—fewer characters, fewer POVs, briefer descriptions of characters and settings, make your descriptions do double duty and tell more than just simple physical details. But we’ll delve into these in deeper detail and examine some other elements to ensure you have good pacing in your short story.

Image: Nikita Buida | Dreamstime.com

Lecture 9 – Going Deep, Fast with Margie Lawson

Deep Editing is my term for editing to enhance psychological power. It is not your 10th Grade English teacher’s editing.

Deep Editing is based on the psychological aspects of editing. Editing to tap emotion.
Editing to hook the reader’s subconscious. Editing to create a page-turner.

Whether you are writing flash fiction, a short short, a short story, novelette, novella, or
novel—applying Deep Editing tools can strengthen flow and pacing and power. Deep
Editing tools can make your short story or novel unputdownable.

For those of you enrolled for SSBI – see you tomorrow!! For those of you interested in learning to craft short stories (or making your short stories pack a bigger punch) it isn't too late to register.

RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal

2011-01-22T09:43:00.003+10:00

The Romance Writers of Australia are running a drive to collect books to donate to those affected by the floods. I’ve been busy raiding my bookshelf and maybe you can spare some books too!

Clothes and household goods are must haves for those who have lost everything…but when times are tough, there's nothing better than a book for providing some much needed escape.

What kind of books?
FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition.

Please send them to:
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717
Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC
Queensland 4566
Australia

Image: Nikita Rogul | Dreamstime.com

If you’re wondering what the best option for postage is, here’s an excerpt from the RWA Appeal:
Australia Post offers a 3kg satchel anywhere in Australia for approximately $10. Please ensure the books are wrapped in bubble wrap to miminise damage in transit.

Instead of boxing books, you'd fit (if you could manage it) about 5-6 trade paperbacks, 17 paperbacks or 32 category books in a red, prepaid 3k satchel from Australia Post. So for $10 it's pretty cheap. If you put books in satchels, it would be nice if they bubble or cardboard wrapped them first, particularly if the satchel is still a bit empty. The books can tend to move around. There's also the 500g satchel that is $4-5 and fits a couple of books.

There are also some drop off points in the larger areas, check out the RWA blog for more details.

Less than Two Weeks to go

2011-01-19T06:44:00.003+10:00

On the 31st of January I’ll be kicking off Short Story, Big Impact: Taking the Short Story Road to Success – my online course for writing short stories – at the Colorado Romance Writers.

If you’re keen to learn more about how to craft a short story or how to make your short stories pack a bigger punch, then please check it out. I cover lots of different shorts and genres but of course I give plenty of Nocturne Bites specific-advice.

Over the next two weeks I’ll share a few little snippets from SSBI lessons. Here’s a snippet from Lecture 1:

When I pick up a short story I want: a quick read, not too complicated and a quick hit of emotion. Now for any romance writers out there, when I say emotion no doubt you’re thinking of falling in love and a satisfying Happily Ever After (HEA). But for non-romance stories I’m talking about the action, the shock, the horror…I’m talking about making your reader FEEL something, whether it’s love, happiness, fear, excitement or shock.

I also want all the usual things I get from a longer story: interesting premise, characters I can engage with and a good plot.

Image: Huating | Dreamstime.com

Short stories are about INTENSITY. A lot happens in a very short time and we get to the good stuff straight away. Every word counts, every word moves the story forward. A short story writer can never forget that. We’ll be learning more about this in the weeks to come.

Books I'm Waiting for...

2011-01-16T09:39:00.001+10:00

I haven’t been doing a lot of reading lately…but there are a few books I can’t wait to read this year!!

Archangel’s Consort by Nalini Singh (25 Jan 2011)
Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole (Feb 2011)
Captive by Christina Phillips (1 Feb 2011)
Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione (29 Mar 2011)
Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh (31 May 2011)
Taken by Fire by Sydney Croft (28 June 2011)
Vampire Instinct by Joey W Hill (July 2011)
Bound by a Vampire Queen by Joey W Hill (Dec 2011)

What good books are you waiting for?

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-10T17:37:00.007+10:00

Happy New Year everyone. Well, somehow while I wasn’t looking December whizzed by without me blogging!! I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays.

I thought I’d kick off my first post of 2011 with my top New Year’s resolution: blog at least twice a week here at Midnight Confessions (-: My other big resolutions include working on my 2011 Nocturne Bites and the other stories brewing away in my head.

So what do I have planned so far for 2011:

1) My next Bites, ONE NIGHT WITH THE WOLF will be out in March! I’m really excited for this story – I thoroughly enjoyed writing about my sexy, scarred wolf hero, Christian and his heroine, Jade. As soon as I have the cover, I’ll share.

2) I’ll be teaching my online course, Short Story, Big Impact: Taking the Short Story Road to Success at the Colorado Romance Writers in February.

Image: Joe Stone | Dreamstime.com

3) I’m working on my next Bites story, another wolf romance set in the wilds of northern Canada tentatively titled At the Wolf's Mercy.

4) I plan to edit and polish the full length action-adventure draft I completed in 2010

5) Blogging with my fellow Aussie/NZ category authors at LoveCats DownUnder. We’ve had some new fabulous Cats join the gang (Robyn Grady, Soraya Lane and Natalie Anderson), so check out the blog when you get a chance. I’m also blogging there this week about setting Smart New Year’s Resolutions!

So what exciting things do you have planned for 2011? Any interesting resolutions?

At the Wolf's Mercy

2010-10-17T11:23:00.007+10:00

Huge thanks to everyone who voted on my next Bites project over at LoveCats! The winner of the poll was At the Wolf's Mercy.

I'll keep everyone posted on the story's progress from first draft to publication. And the first of my wolf stories, One Night with the Wolf is coming soon!

Image: Wolf_Kolmården.jpg: Daniel Mott Wikipedia Commons

Help decide my next Bites story

2010-10-11T19:17:00.005+10:00

I've got too many Bites ideas rattling around in my head, so I decided to run a little poll over at the LoveCats and let the blog readers vote for which story I should write next.

Please stop by and help me out! There lots to choose from: dragons, wolves, vampires and angels...

Mermaids, finfolk, sirens and selkies…

2010-09-28T18:50:00.005+10:00

Working on: taking a break
Last Kindle download: Warrior by Zoe Archer

I love paranormal romance (reading it and writing it). Personally, I love a sexy vampire and I’ll take a hot-blooded werewolf any day. Angels and (some) demons do it for me as well.

Mermaids (and other sea creatures), not so much.

I guess I’ve never found scales and fins sexy. I can imagine that swimming through beautiful azure waters or sunning on a white sand beach suits romance, but mostly the sea is cold and harsh and not very romance-like.

However, I have found myself enjoying two paranormal romance series set in the sea. It’s a testament to the wonderful writing of these authors that they can make a non-sea-creature-lover enjoy their underwater romances.

First is the Daughters of Arianne series by Joey W. Hill. This series features mermaids and angels and I only picked up the first book, A Mermaid’s Kiss because I loved Ms. Hill’s Vampire Queen series. I enjoyed A Mermaid’s Kiss immensely (although the Vampire Queen series is still my fav!) and glommed the rest in the series.

Recently I picked up the first book in Virginia Kantra’s Children of the Sea series, Sea Witch. Why, you might ask, given my dislike for scales? I read a short story by Ms. Kantra in a recent anthology (Burning Up), enjoyed it and thought I’d give the series a go. Plus her covers are HOT! The heroine was a selkie (which immediately put me off) but it was a good story and drew me right in.

I also have to mention a short story written by one of my critique partners, Emmeline Lock. Dark Siren is another underwater story I loved despite myself and features a sexy treasure hunter and kick-ass siren heroine. Em has the story out on submission, so fingers crossed others will also get a chance to read it.

Anyone have any other underwater romances to recommend? Anyone else put off by scales and fins in their romance?

Short Story, Big Impact is Back!

2010-09-23T09:43:00.003+10:00

Anyone interested in learning some tips on the art of writing a short story might want to check out my online course, SHORT STORY, BIG IMPACT: Taking the Short Story Road to Success. The month long course kicks off on 4th October.

I give lots of tips on writing short stories of all genres and lengths. I also share plenty of examples about Nocturne Bites for anyone who is targeting the line.

Image: Pamela Hodson | Dreamstime.com

For more information, check out the RWA Online Chapter. The course cost is $15 US for non-chapter members.

What's the Catch at LoveCats

2010-09-13T20:06:00.005+10:00

Wow, can't believe how long its been since I blogged! Very bad of me to let it go so long. I try to blog each week but life got away from me....

But now I'm back in the blogosphere and over at the LoveCats talking about catchy hooks that guarantee you pick up a book. Come share your favs!

Rubies for LoveCats

2010-08-17T06:32:00.005+10:00

Working on: revisions
Last Kindle download: Burning Up by Nalini Singh and others

Big huge congrats to fellow LoveCats Sharon and Tracey (aka Tracie)! They both won R*BY awards at the RWAus Conference over weekend.

Sharon won the short sweet category with her book Marriage Reunited: Baby on the Way and Tracey took out the romantic elements category with Night’s Cold Kiss.

Way to go girls!

Blame it on the Moonlight

2010-08-07T09:04:00.003+10:00

My fellow Love Cat, Tracie Sommers has a new Spice Brief out this month. It features some sexy wolves! If you like your paranormal steamy, then check it out Blame it on the Moonlight...

After catching her fiancé—make that ex-fiancé—with another woman, Jasmine heads into the woods to be alone. But her solitude is broken when a black wolf approaches her...and turns into a wildly sexy man. Though she sees danger lurking in his eyes, it doesn't scare her away. Instead, it only fans the flames of her passion....

New Sale!

2010-07-31T09:01:00.003+10:00

I was pleased to find out that I've sold another Nocturne Bites!

ONE NIGHT WITH THE WOLF (working title) features a female alpha destined to marry a man she doesn't want to save her pack...and the one night of passion she wants with her strong, silent enforcer.

No release date yet...but stay tuned.

Image: Alice Herden | Dreamstime.com

Books I'm waiting for....

2010-07-26T08:26:00.003+10:00

Working on: not much - my draft is still resting before revisions
Last Kindle download: Underworld by Graham Hancock

I'm having a wonderful time catching up on some reading. Thought I'd share my wish list of books I'm waiting for:

Tempting the Fire by Sydney Croft - 27 July 2010
Burning Up Anthology by Nalini Singh and others - 3 August 2010
Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole - 24 Aug 2010
Dark Peril by Christine Feehan - 31 August 2010
Sin Undone by Larissa Ione - 1 Sept 2010
Forbidden by Christina Phillips - Sept 2010
Vampire Trinity by Joey W. Hill - 7 Sept 2010
Play of Passion by Nalini Singh - 2 Nov 2010
Archangel’s Consort by Nalini Singh - 25 Jan 2011

What books are you waiting for? Any good ones I should add to my list?

Finished!

2010-07-20T06:56:00.005+10:00

Working on: nothing – letting my draft sit before revisions
Last Kindle download: Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

I’ve finished the first (very rough) draft of the adventure thriller I’ve been working on!!! I’ve had a ball writing this story.

In the past, it’s usually taken me several months to complete a first draft. This one took me three weeks! I’ve been using some of the techniques from Candace Havens' Fast Draft system. I never thought they’d work for me, but once I banished my internal editor and tossed my writing preconceptions out the window magic happened.

By the way, Candace has a free Yahoo group for writers called Write Workshop for anyone who's interested in Fast Draft.

Image: Sergey Kravtsov | Dreamstime.com

Now I’m itching to get revising (because my first draft is one hot mess) but I’m going to let the manuscript sit for a couple of weeks first. Now I just have to work out what to do with myself in the meantime…definitely some reading and maybe some work on a Bites story that’s been bugging me.

Strange Candy

2010-07-18T10:20:00.001+10:00

I'm thrilled to be part of an Aussie author spotlight at Strange Candy Reviews. I've also shared some photos of where I live (I've included one of my local beach here)

And I'm giving away a download of Hunter's Surrender to one commenter!

Image: Karl Hackett

Buffy, Bones and BSG

2010-07-17T21:31:00.006+10:00

I'm blogging at the Nocturne Authors Blog and talking about my fav TV shows and how they help my writing. Come share yours...

At the LoveCats

2010-07-12T07:16:00.004+10:00

I'm blogging at the LoveCats and sharing my Perfect Sunday...writing, reading and a BBQ at a perfect spot in the bush.

Stop by and say hello...

Image: Karl Hackett

Courses, Writing and Reading

2010-07-05T11:39:00.002+10:00

Working on: adventure thriller
Last Kindle download: Black Hills by Nora Roberts

I was MIA from the blogosphere in June as I was teaching Short Story, Big Impact. I had a fabulous time with twenty-five short story writers eager to learn how to make their shorts pack a big punch.

Some of the highlights from the course:

 Learning when an idea makes a good short story
 Painting characters quickly
 Double duty description and making every word count
 Intensity, emotion and conflict
 Plot and structure for a short story
 Short story lessons for longer stories
 Deep editing guru Margie Lawson also stopped by to guest lecture on deep editing short stories
 And the class had a fun time writing short stories under 200 words AND some even tackled the optional challenge of writing a 6 word story!!

Anyone who might be interested in learning more, I’ll be teaching Short Story, Big Impact again in October through the RWA Online Chapter.

After SSBI was over I was DESPARATE to get back to my writing. I’m pleased to say the words have been flowing and flowing. I’m working on a thriller right now (lots of fun!) and I have a romantic suspense full and another Bites idea stewing.

Other than that, I’m counting down to release day for Nalini Singh’s next Psy/Changeling book - Bonds of Justice (not long now!)

Hope the words are flowing for all the other writers out there.

Real Life Paranormal Places

2010-06-12T08:43:00.004+10:00

I've been super busy this month with my short story course. I have a fabulous group of writers in my class!

I found a bit of time to blog over at the Nocturne Authors Blog -- I'm sharing some real life paranormal places I've visited. Those places you go where magic feels real!

Stop by and share yours.

Image: Przemyslaw "Blueshade" Idzkiewicz. Wikipedia Commons

Hunter's Surrender Reviewed

2010-05-31T18:01:00.003+10:00

I was thrilled to find a review for Hunter's Surrender by Zara B at We Write Romance. She called Surrender, "...brief but very well written and full of passion."

Since they were all the things I was hoping to achieve in my story, I'm thrilled. Check out their website for the full review. And thanks Zara B, I'm so glad you enjoyed my Bites!

This was a great way to kick off my short story course, SHORT STORY, BIG IMPACT which starts today over at Colorado Romance Writers.

Happy Release Day Mel Teshco

2010-05-27T08:53:00.003+10:00

My friend Mel is celebrating the release of Book 2 of her Winged & Dangerous series from Ellora's Cave.

Ice-Cold Lover is now available and features some sexy gargolyes. And it has a beautiful cover!

Short Story, Big Impact

2010-05-25T19:42:00.007+10:00

For anyone who's interested in learning more about crafting short stories, I'm teaching an online course in June called SHORT STORY, BIG IMPACT: Taking the Short Story Road to Success.

The course is run through the Colorado Romance Writers. Prices are:

$20 per workshop, CRW members
$25 per workshop, Non-CRW members

I'm really looking forward to the course!

Image: Pamela Hodson | Dreamstime.com

Refilling the Well

2010-05-11T22:09:00.003+10:00

I'm at the Nocturne Authors Blog sharing the little things I do to refill the creative well when it's running dry. Stop by and share your ideas!

The Worst Idea in the World

2010-05-10T06:47:00.004+10:00

Working on: Something different...
Last Kindle download: Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl

Curious to know what the worst idea in the world was for me? Pop over to my blog at LoveCats!

Image: LoveCats DownUnder

Kallie Revealed by Mel Teshco

2010-05-05T21:06:00.004+10:00

If you enjoy quick, sexy reads, then check out Mel Teshco's Kallie Revealed (avilable from Ellora's Cave).

Oh, and check out Mel's trailer here.

Here's the blurb:

When Kallie’s fairytale life turned into a nightmare, she dealt with the stress in a way she never would have imagined. For too long she’s yearned to live life outside the box, experience things she has always been too afraid to try.

Becoming every man’s fantasy as a stripper drives away the constant ache within and makes her feel beautiful again. She discovers her dark side and sets out to explore her secret desires.

Seth Masterton is a rising star in the corporate world and he is everything Kallie has ever wanted. He’s watched all Kallie’s performances and never hides his lust for her. She knows it is time to face her demons and make some changes in her life. Maybe this possessive man is all she really needs. Tonight, she’ll find out.

WINNER of the Bites Giveaway...

2010-05-02T21:53:00.003+10:00

The winner of EIGHT Nocturne Bites is...Karen Michelle Nutt!!

Karen Michelle, please email me (address on my website) and Mel and I will be sending you Fictionwise coupons for all the fantastic Bites listed.

Thanks to everyone who's been by mine and Mel's blog the last two months to celebrate the release of HER DARK LORD and HUNTER'S SURRENDER.

Image: Mike Watson | Dreamstime.com

In the Spotlight at LoveCats

2010-04-29T12:06:00.002+10:00

Mel Teshco has put me in the spotlight over at LoveCats! She's asked me some tricky questions...

Big Bites Giveaway!

2010-04-25T17:45:00.005+10:00

For the final week of our Vampire Bites Giveaway, Mel and I are giving away all EIGHT vampire Bites that we gave away over the last two months.

For the chance to win, all you need to do is leave a comment at BOTH my blog and Mel’s blog:

1) Share your favourite vampire name for an existing vampire from TV, books or movies at MEL’S BLOG e.g. Dracula, Angel, Edward or other sexy vampire

2) Share a cool name you’d think would suit a vampire at MY BLOG e.g. Ashes, Mist, Ebony or other cool vamp name

Once you’ve left a comment at both blogs, you’re in the running. The winner will be announced next Sunday.

Here’s the list of the eight Bites full of vampire goodness:

Her Dark Lord by Mel Teshco
Vampire’s Tango by Michele Hauf
The Prophecy by Nina Croft
The Vampire’s Desire by Alexis Morgan
Secret Vampire Society by Lisa Childs
Hunter’s Surrender by Anna Hackett
The Vampire’s Mistress by Theresa Meyers
After the Kiss by Michele Hauf

And the Winner is...

2010-04-25T17:27:00.002+10:00

Suzanne Brandyn!

Suzanne, please email me (address on my website) and I'll send you through your coupon for After the Kiss!

And everyone stay tuned for the big Bites giveaway next week. Mel and I will be giving away all EIGHT Bites that we've given away over the last two month to one lucky winner!!

Tempting the Enemy

2010-04-20T23:27:00.004+10:00

I'm fessing up that I love stories where enemies fall for each other over at Harlequin's Paranormal Blog and sharing some of the inspiration for Hunter's Surrender.

Cops who fall for criminals, vampires who fall for vampire hunters...I can't get enough of them (-:

Please stop by and share your fav "falling for the enemy" stories.

What's Your Favorite Vampire Series?

2010-04-19T14:41:00.006+10:00

This week we're sharing fav vampire series - from TV, the movies or books. Buffy, Angel, Underworld, Twilight, True Blood, Dark Hunters, Carpathians...there are so many to choose from!

One commenter will win a download of Michele Hauf's Bites AFTER THE KISS. It features a vampire heroine and her sexy werewolf husband. Congrats to Joder who won last week's Bites, The Vampire's Mistress.

AND HEADS UP because next week Mel and I will give away all EIGHT Bites we've given away over the last two months to one lucky commenter...so check back next week!

Fangtastic Friday

2010-04-17T08:30:00.006+10:00

Mel and I are over at Embrace the Shadows for Fangtastic Friday. For a chance to win a download of HUNTER'S SURRENDER or HER DARK LORD, stop by and leave a comment!

Image: www.embracetheshadows.wordpress.com

Bingeing on Books

2010-04-12T08:39:00.002+10:00

I'm on holidays right now and I've been spending a lot of time reading. I've shared the books I've been reading over the last week and a half over at LoveCats.

Stop by and give me some more recommendations, because I've still got a week of binge reading to go!

And the Winner is...

2010-04-11T21:40:00.002+10:00

The winner of the Bites Giveaway (a download of HUNTER'S SURRENDER) this week is...

Kylie Griffin!

Congrats Kylie. Please email me (addy on my website) and I'll send you a coupon for HUNTER'S SURRENDER.

Check out Mel's Blog for the next giveaway. This week the prize will be The Vampire's Mistress by Theresa Meyers

AuthorPalooza

2010-04-11T08:11:00.004+10:00

Mel and I are participating in the AuthorPalooza over at Strictly Reviews. If you have a minute, stop by and check out our interviews. We're also giving away a download of the following:

Hunter's Surrender

Her Dark Lord

Mel's Ellora's Cave novella, Stone Cold Lover

Image: Strictly Reviews - fantasygirlreviews.blogspot.com

Over at VampChix

2010-04-08T18:43:00.005+10:00

I'm revealing a bit more of the vampire world of HUNTER'S SURRENDER and talking Vampires, Chakras and Tantric Sex over at VampChix! Please stop by and say hello.

Image: vampchix.blogspot.com

Who's your favorite vampire hunter?

2010-04-05T18:52:00.008+10:00

Congrats to Laurann for winning the Bites Giveaway over at Mel's blog last week!

Since HUNTER'S SURRENDER released this week, for the Week 6 Bites giveaway, we'll be sharing our fav vampire hunters.

So, who takes your fancy: Van Helsing, Buffy or my personal fav, Elena from Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter novels?

The winner this week will win a free download of HUNTER'S SURRENDER on Sunday.

Falling for the Bad Guy

2010-04-02T19:54:00.006+10:00

I'm talking about sexy bad guys over at the Nocturne Authors Blog. One of my favs is Spike from Buffy. Hope you'll drop by and share yours.

Hooray it's Release Day!

2010-04-01T22:51:00.002+10:00

Today is release day for my Nocturne Bites HUNTER'S SURRENDER. This is my fourth Bites and I have to say it is just as exciting as the first.

eHarlequin ~ Amazon

Short and not so Sweet at LoveCats

2010-03-29T19:18:00.005+10:00

I'm over at LoveCats talking about Harlequin's short stories: Bites, Briefs and Historical Undone.

And Mel and I have shared a couple more snippets from our Bites!

The Week 4 Bites Winner is....

2010-03-28T22:18:00.006+10:00

Virginia C!!

Thanks for the tip on NEAR DARK. It's on my "to watch" list. Please email me (address on my website) and I'll email you the coupon for The Vampire's Desire.

So for our Week 5 Vampire Bites Giveaway, we're discussing favorite vampire weapons over at Mel's blog. A download of THE SECRET VAMPIRE SOCIETY by Lisa Childs is up for grabs.

Vampire Kryptonite

2010-03-26T08:35:00.005+10:00

Mel and I are over at the Harlequin Paranormal Blog discussing vampire Kryptonite.

Stop by and share your fav vampire weakness for a chance to win a copy of HER DARK LORD.

Image: Rob Lavinsky / iRocks.com - Wikipedia Commons

Blogger Awards

2010-03-23T10:25:00.003+10:00

A few friends have passed on some blog awards to me. So here I go....

Thanks to Mel Teshco for passing on the Kreative Blogger award. It’s taken me a while to think of seven fun/interesting things about myself (still not sure if they’re interesting) but here they are:

1) I love playing computer games. I have an XBOX 360 and a Wii! My favorite games are Gears of War and Assassin’s Creed.
2) I’m addicted to Diet Coke and marshmallows (not at the same time!) I’m like seriously addicted, can’t say no and have to avoid the appropriate aisles at the grocery store.
3) I’ve visited all the continents except Antarctica (and I’d really like to visit it sometime)
4) I married my husband twice. Wow, that sounds weird with no context! We had a wedding in the US and one a few weeks later in Australia.
5) I’ve jumped out of a plane numerous times
6) I’ve run a marathon (that’s 42 kilometres!)
7) My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice (the remake with Keira Knightly)

The lovely Ju Dimello passed on a Happy Cupcake award – so here are ten things that make me happy:

1) Diet coke and marshmallows (especially the pink ones)
2) Completely beating my word target on my writing days
3) Cuddling with my husband
4) Playing computer games with my husband
5) Selling a story (-:
6) Hot cup of Earl Grey green tea
7) Reading on my Kindle. I’m happiest when a book makes me laugh, cry, tense or sigh
8) Bubble baths (and often the Kindle comes with me)
9) Watching movies (preferably at the cinema). I love action movies with cool fight scenes, fast cars and explosions. Weird that my fav movie is a period romance?
10) Release day for one of my stories

Now I’m supposed to pass these awards on to other bloggers…except I think that everyone I know who blogs has done them! If you haven’t been awarded them and you’re reading this, then consider it a gift from me.

What’s your favorite vampire movie?

2010-03-21T18:50:00.008+10:00

Mel and I are still giving away a different Nocturne Bites (featuring a vampire) each week through April, all in celebration of the release of Mel’s HER DARK LORD and my April Bites, HUNTER’S SURRENDER.

For the chance to win, just visit our blogs each week and come share some fav vampire facts. We’ll be announcing a winner every Sunday (Aussie time).
_____________________________________________________________________

Congrats to Eleni for winning a download of Nina Croft’s The Prophecy over at Mel’s blog last week!

This week we’re sharing our favorite vampire movies right here at my blog. Everyone who comments goes in the draw for a free download THE VAMPIRE’S DESIRE by Alexis Morgan.

So, are you a Dracula or Lestat fan? Like the vampires in Underworld? Or perhaps you prefer them oozing
with teenaged angst in Twilight?

Baring our fangs over at NLV

2010-03-18T18:04:00.003+10:00

My vampire heroine, Dominique from HUNTER'S SURRENDER is baring her fangs over at the Naughty Little Vamps blog along with Mel Teshco's dhampir heroine, Kia.

Stop by and say hello!

Image: naughtylittlevamp.blogspot.com

What’s your favorite vampire setting?

2010-03-15T17:39:00.005+10:00

To celebrate the release of Mel Teshco’s HER DARK LORD and my April Bites, HUNTER’S SURRENDER, Mel and I are giving away a different vampire Bites every week during March and April.

For the chance to win, just visit our blogs each week and come share some fav vampire facts. We’ll be announcing a winner every Sunday (Aussie time) for the next two months.
_____________________________________________________________________
Congrats to Pam P for sharing her fav vamp power last week. She was the Week 2 winner of a free download of Michele Hauf’s VAMPIRE’S TANGO.

This week we’re sharing our favorite vampire setting over at Mel's blog. Everyone who comments there goes in the draw for a free download the fabulous Nina Croft’s debut Bites, THE PROPHECY that features a vampire heroine.

So do you prefer your vampires urban or country? Do you think New Orleans, New York or London suit the undead best? Or maybe a Transylvanian castle and Carpathian Mountains are your preferred choice? Head over to Mel's blog to share!

And the Week 2 Bites Winner is...

2010-03-14T17:54:00.003+10:00

Pam P!

You've won a free download of VAMPIRE'S TANGO. Please send me an email (address on my website) and I'll send you through your coupon.

Stay tuned for the Week 3 Giveaway over at Mel's Blog!

Image: Mark Lijesen | Dreamstime.com

Hot Vampire Goodness

2010-03-12T06:59:00.006+10:00

Mel Teshco and I are talking vampires over at author, Christina Phillips' blog. We've both shared snippets from Her Dark Lord and Hunter's Surrender.

Christina writes hot Roman historicals (doesn't that sound cool!) I'm counting down to her Septemeber 2010 release, Forbidden (doesn't that title sound cool!)

A week without books

2010-03-10T11:42:00.006+10:00

Working on: paranormal full
Last Kindle download: Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione

Whilst surfing the net, I found a link to a great article called A we ek without books (at agent Nephele Tempest's blog).

In it, Bibi van der Zee details her experiment of going cold turkey on books and not reading for a week. She was worried that since she’s so addicted to books, her quality of life was suffering. In fact, she discovers the opposite.

I really enjoyed the article…because it was describing the same obsession I have with reading!

Here’s a snippet:

Ah yes, stress. By Thursday, my early glow has worn off after a long day coping with winter, an ill parent, one particularly grumpy son, and the general detritus of life. I am incredibly tetchy and snappy; more than usual? Impossible to know (everyone's too scared to tell me), but Friday is the same and even a little worse and I can't find any way to relax, to switch off and get away from the things that you list in your head at 11.30pm at night. After school on Friday evening, when the boys have had tea and watched a bit of TV, they racket off downstairs for a game of hide and seek, and I slump down on to the sofa for a half hour that would usually involve a novel, a cuppa, and maybe a biscuit. Instead, after staring at the wall for a bit, I fetch my laptop and do some more work. Life feels deeply, wintrily joyless. It feels wall-to-wall grey.

Books, I realise, have been one of my longest, truest friends. When I'm anxious, sad, angry, in need of comfort, a book is often the first place I will go: I even have books that I regularly re-read when I'm feeling particularly awful (can I just recommend the Bitch in the House if you've been a particularly bad mother that day?). And now I have just cast them aside, as if all my flaws are their fault, and not the other way round.

Luckily I have never felt the need to go cold turkey. I couldn’t give up reading anymore than I could cut off my arm!

One thing it did make me think about was how I’m using books as rewards for my writing. If I write X chapters, I can buy X book. What I’ve found is my inspiration in my own writing is drying up!! Reading an awesome story that sweeps me away and makes me laugh, cringe and cry is one of the things that motivates me to write, what feeds my inspiration.

Now maybe the reader in me in just looking for an excuse to read all those books in my TBR pile (-: But I’m seriously going to rethink my writing rewards and I’m definitely going to let myself read some more.

Going Electronic at LoveCats

2010-03-08T20:42:00.006+10:00

Working on: paranormal full
Last Kindle download: Knightly's Tale by Destiny D'Otare

I'm confessing all about my love affair with Kindle over at LoveCats.

Do you love your eReader, tempted to try one or vehmently refuse to give up paper? If so, please drop by and share your view.

What’s your favorite vampire power?

2010-03-07T13:15:00.000+10:00

To celebrate the release of Mel Teshco’s HER DARK LORD and my April Bites, HUNTER’S SURRENDER, Mel and I are giving away a different vampire Bites every week during March and April.

For the chance to win, just visit our blogs each week and come share some fav vampire facts. We’ll be announcing a winner every Sunday (Aussie time) for the next two months.
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Congrats to Lou Gagliardi for sharing his fav vamp at Mel’s blog. He was the Week 1 winner of a free download of Mel’s HER DARK LORD!!

This week we’re sharing our favorite vampire powers. Everyone who comments goes in the draw for a free download of the fabulous Michele Hauf’s Bites, VAMPIRE’S TANGO. I'll announce the winner here next Sunday (Aussie time).

So what tickles your fancy? Super strength, super speed, shapeshifting, ability to control minds or maybe sparkling in the sunlight…

Black Leather and Bare Chests

2010-03-04T09:24:00.006+10:00

I'm discussing pararnormal fashion over at the Nocturne Authors Blog. Stop by if you get the chance.

Vampire Bites Giveaway!

2010-03-01T21:40:00.004+10:00

To celebrate the release of Mel Teshco's, HER DARK LORD and my upcoming April Bites, HUNTER’S SURRENDER, Mel and I are giving away a different vampire Bites every week during March and April!

For the chance to win, just visit our blogs each week and come share some fav vampire facts. We’ll be announcing a winner every Sunday (Aussie time) for the next two months.

To kick off Week 1, check out Mel's blog and share who’s your favourite vampire and you’ll go in the draw to win a free download of HER DARK LORD.

Next week, stop by right here at my blog for a chance to win Michele Hauf’s Bites, VAMPIRE’S TANGO.

Happy Release Day Mel Teshco!

2010-03-01T21:29:00.006+10:00

Today is release day for Mel Teshco's debut Nocturne Bites, HER DARK LORD. It features an angst-filled heroine on a mission and a sexy vampire hero!

Here's the blurb for HER DARK LORD:

When dhampir Kia Montana takes a man home, she isn’t looking for names or a relationship–she only wants someone who can satisfy her lust for both sex and blood. But Kia’s new mission is to find Sean Maximillus, Lord Vampire and the lone being capable of curing Kia’s mother. Kia thought she found the key to success with Ronan, a mysterious man who promises to take her to Maximillus…and who shares a carnal passion with Kia even bloodlust couldn’t match.

But Ronan also seems to know too much about Kia…things she never told him. And as she is drawn deeper into Ronan’s world, he reveals secrets that will change Kia’s life forever….

Mel and I have joined forces to celebrate the release of our latest Bites (mine, HUNTER'S SURRENDER is out in April). We'll be giving away a vampire Bites every week for the next two months! For more more info, check out Mel's blog.

I have a Cover!

2010-02-20T08:11:00.005+10:00

Working on: paranormal full
Last Kindle download: Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh

I have the cover for my April Bites, Hunter’s Surrender.

Lots of pinks and purples (-: I love the couple (they suit the characters) and the hint of Las Vegas in the background is great.

Here’s the official blurb:

Vampire hunter Rand Wilder hated vampires – even if they were as beautiful and alluring as vampire princess Dominique Valois. For years he fought the beings who had killed his father, resisting their dangerous sensuality. Yet even Rand was tempted by the intoxicating Dominique and her shocking offer: to hurt the vampire court by taking her virginity….

A desperate need to ruin her reputation had forced Dominique to seek out the hunter known as The Darkness. But she hadn’t expected Rand to be so captivating and compassionate…. Soon a very different sort of need drove her desire to take Rand to her bed. And with Dominique’s survival depending on it, she would have to use all her skills of seduction to make this strong hunter surrender to passion….

Calling a Truce with my Inner Critic

2010-02-13T21:59:00.010+10:00

Working on: paranormal full
Last Kindle download: Lured by Lori Devoti

Inner Editor, Inner Critic, Inner B*tch – whatever you call it, I’m talking about that inner voice all writers have. It’s the one that tells you what you’re writing is crap, that no one will ever want to read your stuff, that you should just give up, etc etc. And it doesn’t just affect writers…we’ve all experienced that voice no matter what we’re trying to achieve.

There are books, blogs and articles on how to deal with her. Tips, tricks and hints for chaining her up and locking her away. I can’t say I’ve ever found one single thing that works for me. Unpublished writers seem to struggle with her most but I’ve heard published authors who say that she never goes away. No matter how successful you are.

“I assumed the burden of the profession, which is to write even when you don't want to, don’t much like what you are writing, and aren't writing particularly well." ~Agatha Christie

Image: Lane Erickson | Dreamstime.com

My inner critic comes out full force when I’m working on a first draft (like I am now) and when I’m doing revisions she’s an absolute angel. That’s when she’s in her element…fixing all my crap writing (-: My first step to calling a truce with her is recognizing that she’s not all bad and that maybe she needs a bit of time too (a small, minute bit) when I’m working on my first draft.

The other important step was for me to acknowledge that writing truly isn’t easy…there are times when I will feel frustrated, overwhelmed and blocked, times when I have to keep writing even when I don’t want to and even when I don’t like what I’m writing.

I think there are two keys to being creatively productive. One is not being daunted by one's fear of failure. The second is sheer perseverance.--Mary-Claire King

Lately I’ve read some interviews from authors who say things like “the story just flowed out of me” or “I sat down and the first draft flew out of me in just a few weeks.” I think my first few manuscripts (the ones I wrote when I didn’t know a thing about writing) flowed like that. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking. Anyway, that doesn’t happen for me now. I might have a day or two here and there where everything flows out well, but they’re balanced with the days when every sentence is ripped out of me painfully.

One thing that rings true for me now are all those quotes about the key thing to being a successful writer or being creatively productive is perseverance. I get that now. So, I’ve called a truce with my inner critic…that doesn’t mean we won’t have flare ups, it just means I’m going to stop trying to obliterate, defeat or silence her. She isn’t going anywhere and like a wild animal, if I feed her a few scraps (and occasionally let her gorge) maybe she’ll give me less grief.

"We conquer, not in any brilliant fashion, we conquer by continuing." --- George Matheson

Other writers out there, what nasty things does your inner critic say and how do you deal with her? Any non-writers whose inner critic has come out to play in other situations, care to share?

What I Love about Category at the LoveCats

2010-02-08T06:38:00.005+10:00

Working on: paranormal full
Last Kindle download: The Prophecy By Nina Croft

It's my first post over at the LoveCats DownUnder blog today!

I'm sharing what I love most about CATegory romance. A guaranteed Happily Ever After is one of those things. A catergory romance never leaves me disappointed. Hope any category lovers can stop by and share what you love most.

The Eternal Lure of the Vampire

2010-02-03T15:06:00.005+10:00

Working on: paranormal full

Last Kindle download: No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole

I'm blogging about the eternal allure of vamps over at the Nocturne Authors' Blog at eHarlequin. People keep saying vampires are done, that the appeal is waning...yet they're still all over the place. And I still love getting my hands on a new vampire story.

I think the thing about vampires isn't that they're new or fresh, but that they're eternal and those dark, seductive things we love about them keep drawing us back.

Stop by the blog if you get a chance and let me know if you think vampires are here to stay.

The Prophecy by Nina Croft

2010-02-02T18:04:00.003+10:00

Working on: paranormal full
Last Kindle download: A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole

Nikki (aka Nina Croft) is a fellow Nocturne Bites author who sold off an online pitch like me. Her debut Bites, The Prophecy is out this month. So if you like vampires, fire-demons and sexy heroes, check it out.

A prophecy had been foretold that whoever sacrificed innocent vampire Raven Cold on her twenty-first birthday would achieve a great victory in the war between good and evil. Kael Hunter would do anything to stop the fire-demons who held Raven captive from winning. But rather than kill the alluring vampire himself, Kael had another plan: to prevent the prophecy by taking Raven's virginity....

Raven had been prepared for death, not seduction! She'd had visions of Kael rescuing her for years, but she never expected to feel such overwhelming desire for him. Especially when Kael made it his mission to use their one night of passion to convince her she can have a future—and to let Kael be a part of it....

Midnight Confessions

Friday: Cool Covers

Wed: Writing World

Mon: Fast Facts - The Venti

Friday: Cool Covers

Wed: Writing World and Cat Party!

Mon: Fast Facts - Order of the Dragon

Friday: Cool Covers

Wednesday: Writing World

Monday: Fast Facts

Friday: Cool Covers

Wednesday: Writing World

Monday: Fast Facts

Happy 2012!

Merry Christmas

Lessons in Seduction by Sandra Hyatt

All I Want for Christmas...at LoveCats

Eleni's Taverna

Happy Snaps

Romance and the Rugby World Cup

Blogging at LoveCats

A Few Facts about eBooks

Double the fun at LoveCats

New Beginnings at LoveCats

Spotlight at Nas Dean's Blog

Giveaway Winners

The Many Shapes of Werewolves

One Night with the Wolf Giveaway 3

Winner of Giveaway 2

Read an eBook Week!

One Night with the Wolf Giveaway - Week 2

Smooches at LoveCats and a winner!

More Werewolf Romance

ARRC2011

One Night with the Wolf Giveaway - Week 1

Release Day - One Night with the Wolf!

Short lessons for longer stories

Thrill of the Forbidden

Busy with Short Story, Big Impact

I have a cover!

Short Story, Big Impact starts tomorrow

RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal

Less than Two Weeks to go

Books I'm Waiting for...

Happy New Year!!

Recommended Reads

At the Wolf's Mercy

Help decide my next Bites story

Mermaids, finfolk, sirens and selkies…

Short Story, Big Impact is Back!

What's the Catch at LoveCats

Rubies for LoveCats

Blame it on the Moonlight

New Sale!

Books I'm waiting for....

Finished!

Strange Candy

Buffy, Bones and BSG

At the LoveCats

Courses, Writing and Reading

Real Life Paranormal Places

Hunter's Surrender Reviewed

Happy Release Day Mel Teshco

Short Story, Big Impact

Refilling the Well

The Worst Idea in the World

Kallie Revealed by Mel Teshco

WINNER of the Bites Giveaway...

In the Spotlight at LoveCats

Big Bites Giveaway!

And the Winner is...

Tempting the Enemy

What's Your Favorite Vampire Series?

Fangtastic Friday

Bingeing on Books

And the Winner is...

AuthorPalooza

Over at VampChix

Who's your favorite vampire hunter?

Falling for the Bad Guy