Official Upcoming Release Schedule!

Due to changes in how my publisher assigns dates, I won't have release dates until I finish the book. I'm currently working on:

Taking the Realm which is book 3 of Sha and Connor's trilogy (previously titled Shaking the Balance)

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Interview with Miranda Stork!!

Hello my lovelies! We've got another author to interview on The Lindsay Show! Today I've got my amazeballs friend Miranda Stork with me! This is the fantabulous woman who designed the gorgeous cover for my book, Breaking the Nexus!! She also just released her latest amazing book Vigilante of Shadows! Go grab your copy. Well, first read the interview THEN go grab your copy :)

Interview



Yay for being on my show Mirry!! I'm so glad you could stop by, I know you're super busy :) Let's dive right in! When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer from about seven years old. I loved Enid Blyton at the time, and wanted to write books, just like she did. I was always folding A4 paper into mini ‘books’, and drawing and writing the story in. Some of them were very strange—I think I vaguely remember writing a story about a fairy who wanted to buy a caravan. So I guess my stories were always down to earth!

LOL A fairy buying a caravan?! That's awesome haha. What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

Hmm…will I sound big headed if I say nothing? That’s not true, I’m sure there a million and one things every day that irritate me. But I’ve never wanted to do anything else, and when I have had to do other things to pay the bills, I’ve never been happy. I’m luxuriously happy being a writer J So I don’t really find anything difficult. Challenging, yes, and you learn something new every day. But I would never describe being able to do this as difficult.

I can understand that :) It's definitely something you seem to thrive on, no matter how many things you have on your plate! Who are your favorite authors?

A list far too enormous to put here! I’m kidding, I’m kidding…..some of my favourite authors are Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Adam Nevill, JR Ward, Tara Stogner Wood, Trish Marie Dawson, K. S. Haigwood, Caroline Levy….oh, and yourself! ;)

SQUEEEEEE ME?! :) You just made my day!! Ok I'm done. Maybe. Still doing my happy dance :) Moving on haha...what authors inspire you?
It would instantly be all the authors above. But also…just indie authors in general. There is no writer as hard working on earth as the indie author, who only have themselves to perfect everything, and themselves to blame if it messes up. We have no big publishing company ready to sweep us up from a bad release—only ourselves. That take a lot of courage, and I’m constantly inspired by the wealth of talent that comes from my fellow authors.

Indie authors are amazeballs, enough said :) Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it?

Wing it! Where’s the fun in planning it out?! No, I do plan a little. I usually know how the story will start, and what is going to happen around the middle point, and ¾ in. But then I like to see where my characters take me, how they get to that point—sometimes that point changes altogether! I don’t even really know where my books will end…I have to find out where the characters go with it.

Exactly! Why would anyone want to plan it out? No spontaneity that way at all :) A little planning is ok, but rigid outlines are just dull. What type of books do you like to read?
Wow, BIG question…I read all sorts. I mean, you will never find me with a copy of Fisherman’s Weekly in my hands, but I like to reads a wide variety. Sometimes I’ll give a book a go that is not within my usual genre, like Sci-Fi or Romance, and I’m pleasantly surprised. But my usual genres that I gravitate towards are Horror, Paranormal, and Thriller. Although…I will admit I have a growing fondness now for Sci-Fi, after seeing some cool crossovers in it with Romance and Fantasy.

LOL I never know quite how to answer that either. Glad I'm not the only one. What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m sorry? I know not of this ‘free time’, of which you speak. But in between gasping for a breath from writing a book to doing a cover to publishing someone else’s book through Moon Rose Publishing, I like to paint, read, do a little karate or swimming, go for gorgeous walks in the Yorkshire Dales, and...er…get rewarded for my hard work with G&T. That’s a hobby, right?

Free time is this vague rumor I've heard and involves alcohol, sexy man candy, and choccie. At least in my world it does! *stares off into space, fantasizing* Huh? Oh sorry...back to the interview! Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I don’t have a favourite. I’ve been to quite a few places, and all of them had their own unique charms, from Italy, to Ireland, to Holland and back. I couldn’t compare any of them, as they are all so different and I loved all of them equally. But…nothing beats North Yorkshire, where I live ;)

Mirry, Mirry, Mirry...You left off Vegas. Bad Mirry! ;) Do you have any special holiday traditions?

I have a few :) In my household, it’s a Christmas/Yule crossover, as Mark is agnostic, but would describe himself as Christian if pushed, but I’m Pagan. So we always put the tree up around the beginning of December (basically as early as I can get away with it!), and a wreath with juniper berries and mistletoe always on the front door. If it snows, we ALWAYS have to go out and make a snowman as well. And…although it’s a weird tradition…it’s the only meal of the year where we have pickled onions alongside the rest of the dinner. :D

I'm sorry, did you say 'pickled onions'? Must be a British thing lol. That's just hard for me to imagine so we'll move on hehe. Why did you choose to write paranormal romance?
I didn’t—it chose me! When I write, I never have any idea what it’s going to fit in at the end. I like to just let it flow, and then it work it out once it’s finished. A lot of my books happen to have romance, because although I have a tough outer exterior, and I will always be sarcastic over tactful…deep down, I have a soft romantic side, and I secretly love it when a couple gets together in the end. And yup, I may have even shed a teeny tiny tear if it’s in a good film. But don’t you dare tell anyone I told you that!

Well I'm glad it chose you because it's what led to me meeting you! What has been the most fun about working on your books?

I don’t think I could choose. Everything about it is fun to me. From the actual writing, to designing the cover, to publishing it, to getting it out there for people to see…I love every part of the process. I guess the most fun part of the fun, is that wonderful moment where something will trigger in your brain, and you go, “I’ve got it! Another awesome idea for a story!” You feel like doing a little dance at that point.

Psh, some of us actually do a little dance :D What has been the hardest scene for you to write?

The hardest scenes in Vigilante of Shadows were probably all the crime/police scenes. I’d never written anything like that before, and I wanted to make sure that all my knowledge of police processes were not the three things I’d learned from CSI:Miami. Especially as there hasn’t been a CSI: York, England made yet. I have a few friends who are, or were police officers (as they are retired), who helped me out with the language and practices used. So hopefully those scenes are as true to life as can be.

I'm sure they're perfect! We really need to have a CSI: York, England, can you imagine how awesome that would be?! Do you have any favorite characters?
Oh don’t make me pick favourites! You keep doing that…I refuse! I refuse to have favourites! Well…okay…I guess Aodhan would be one favourite. *grin* Mainly because he’s sexy as hell. But also because he isn’t your usual torn up, agonised main character. Sure, he’s agonised, sure he’s torn up…but he doesn’t see it at first. And he just ploughs on through it, he doesn’t dwell on it. He’s more like a normal human than he should be. Another favourite character would have to be Andred. I didn’t give her a big enough part in this book, but you can be certain that she will be making more of an appearance in later books. She’s kind of cheeky and silly, but you wouldn’t dare cross her. In a way, she’s more like me than the other characters, so maybe she’s my cameo role in it. ;)

Mwahahaha! I love making you pick favorites cause I know you have trouble doing it *grin* And damn straight Aodhan is sexy as hell. I mean UNF. But I digress. How did you come up with the premise for Vigilante of Shadows?

I honestly can’t remember, as it was a long time ago I started writing it! (I started two years ago, then it sat for a while until I had time to go back to it.) I’ve always loved anything to do with the paranormal, and the idea of Shadow Men fascinates me. Way too big a subject to go into here, but look it up, it’s really cool. No-one else has really done a lot with them, so I thought I should give it a go. :)

What's not to love about Shadow Men? Heheh. Ok this is the first of a new series for you. Tell us more about your new Scarlet Rain series.

Ooh…I can’t tell you too much, or it will give away too much of the ending for Vigilante of Shadows! But it will be set in a Dystopian world where things have changed a little for humans—and there will be more paranormal romantic goodness. And I’m afraid that’s all I can give away right now!

*Pout* Oh fine, I suppose we'll just have to be happy with that little tidbit! How many books do you plan to write in the Scarlet Rain series?

I haven’t really decided yet, as it depends on how the characters play out, and whether they would have a story or not. I’m thinking a rough number of around ten, but it may end up being more than this.

I just made Simi jump when I went SQUEEE! Love that you have so many planned!! As I hope most people know by now, you are not only an author, but a cover artist and recently formed your own indie publishing company called Moon Rose Publishing. How do you find time to juggle everything?
Very quick hands and no clock in the room. Then no-one realises which one is up in the air. LOL Seriously though, I’ve no idea. I’ve always been one of those people who thrives on working, and my worst nightmare is sitting staring at the TV for more than a few hours. Even when I’m relaxing, it’s usually doing something active, whether for me or my brain. I think I love doing everything so much, that I find time. People tell themselves they have no time, and they make up excuses…before sitting in front of the TV. I think doing everything you want at once is sometimes better than doing nothing at all. :)

I really think you're one of the few people who manages to be busier than I am lol. Maybe we're just insane. We probably are, but it's more fun this way! So, you designed my fantabulous cover for Breaking the Nexus and you're responsible for my very first publication with your company, Moon Rose Publishing. Tell us more about these business ventures please!

I love doing the covers. There are so many great stories out there…with bad covers. It amazes me how there are some people who clearly haven’t practiced a lot of art that sell really bad covers—and people buy them! And then they are surprised when the book doesn’t sell. The old saying is not true—people do judge a book by its cover. So I like to create covers that match the books within. :) I also use the covers for my own company, Moon Rose Publishing. We’re just a small, fledging indie publisher right now, but I want to be able to help people publish their books and enjoy that moment when they tell friends and family. I’m not only a published author myself, but I worked at a publishers before I ever finished writing my first book, so I know how the process runs. The difference is that, as a small publisher, I can actually care about the authors who publish with Moon Rose Publishing, rather than simply seeing them as a number to make money off.


Alright Mirry, we are running low and on time and I know you've got a bunch of stuff going on too :) Before you head off, what's next for you?

Oooh...more of the same? Much, much, more of the same. I’m not planning on retiring any time soon (or any time in the future, for that matter), so I’ll have a plethora of books coming out over the next few years. I have the rest of the Scarlet Rain series, and I’m also publishing another anthology with seven other authors for Moon Rose Publishing.

Loving it! Can't wait to read your upcoming books :) *huge hugs* Ok sweetie, time to head off. Anything else you want your readers to know?
Yes…that I appreciate every single one of you. I don’t know if readers know the power they can hold for writers. I sometimes get lovely messages or emails from fans, and no matter how I’m feeling, they always brighten my day up. I have that grin all day if someone tells me they fell in love with one of my books. Not because it’s my book, but because they fell in love with the characters as much as I did. Thank you all! MWAH and hugs. :)
MWAH!! Thank you so much for stopping by Mirry!! Loved getting to pester you with my questions :)

Vigilante of Shadows...Buy it Now!!

Aodhan clutched uselessly at his head, groaning. He knew it was useless, because the voice was not inside his head. It followed him, skimming across buildings and land. It had followed him since he was sixteen, and it still followed him today, like a memory too horrific to be forgotten…

Aodhan is a shadow-demon, hardened and cold after years of being alone, after his love, his Entwined, was cruelly taken away from him. He has closed his heart to the world, and now spends his life ridding the world of men like those who took his beloved away, an immortal hit-man…

Arianwen Harris is a young DCI, working for York City Police. When a known criminal is found viciously killed, she finds herself trailing a hit-man who has seemed to escape clutches again and again…but she begins to find herself drawn to his dark charms and roguish good looks…

As their two worlds collide, Aodhan and Arianwen find themselves coming together to escape a far greater enemy, one that threatens to create a world far worse than the one they live in. As they battle to hold back the oncoming forces, fate has another plan; one to draw them together and heal their broken pasts together…

Buy it Now:


Meet Miranda Stork!



I was born in Guisborough, North Yorkshire in 1987 and have lived in various places around Britain, including Newcastle and Glasgow.
My writing is inspired by various writers, including the vivid characters of Charles Dickens, the imagination of Stephen King, and the gothic imagery of Anne Rice.

My love of horror began at an early age, when I was only three or four. I could read proficiently at the age of three, and devoured fairy-stories, but I always had a bent towards the darker stories, such as the Brother's Grimm's tales...Red Riding Hood was always a firm favourite, although I always felt sorry for the wolf, despite him having tried to eat everyone!

I also had an incredibly vivid imagination, leading me to believe that the noises that the radiator in my room made, were in fact the noises of monsters hiding behind it. This led to me having terrible nightmares, in which I believed I woke up and would see them sat in my room, doing nothing more extrodinary than playing cards or reading a book.

As I got older, my love of tales about unknown creatures persisted, always wanting to devour tales about ghosts or other beings. Being born in Guisborough was also a coincidence, as it is a town rich in folklore and ghosts in various places, such as the Black Monk of Guisborough Priory...whether or not any of these stories were true, I still don't know, but I love the tingle of imagining whther or not they might be.

As I began school, I began to read more books, and became enraptured with the tales of ancient Greece and Rome, loving the explanations for simple things around us turned into figures and gods. To this day, I still have an avid love of ancient customs, and I have especially fallen in love with Celtic symbolism and myths, winding them into my novels whenever possible.

As I got older, about ten or eleven, I had moved, to a small village, with only about 80 children or so. I quickly became the main story-teller of my friends, my favourite one being a story about a girl who buys a porcelain doll, only to hate it after a few days and lock it away in her family's garage. The doll of course, is haunted, and breaks back into the house, calling, 'I'm coming, I'm coming...!' until she reaches the little girl, who is hiding under her cover, where she whispers, 'I'm here, I'm here...!' The poor mother of course comes into her daughter's room in the morning and finds her daughter dead, with the doll sat on top of her. I have a vague memory of telling a wide-eyed group of peers one morning, and one of them running off crying...I think I got told off for telling stories that were too scary at school.

At the age of seven or so, I was given two books by a relative; one of them was a large collection of Lewis Carroll, and to this day my favourite poem is 'Phantasmorgoria'. The other book was a collection of weird tales, all involving fair maids and witches, devils and wicked spirits in some form or another, a lot of them derived from eastern story-telling, where children and evil witches costantly collide-usually with awful consequences. This persisted with a series of magazines and music called 'The Magical Music Box'.

At this point I began to really get into more horror books, watching all and any horrors on television, even ones that were far too cheesy to watch without laughing. Point Horror stories became a favourite on my shelf as I went into my teens, alongside my classic favourites such as Dorian Grey and Great Expectations (still my favourite book to this day). I got hooked onto Anne Rice novels as well, loving the combination of a typically monsterous creature who had redeeming qualities akin to human ones.

The most terrifying book that ever made an impression on me has to be The Exorcist. The film is nothing compared to the book-I don't believe I slept the night after finishing it, waking up at everynoise in my room, imaginging it to be a voice or whispered giggle.

Connect with Miranda:


Interview with Shane O'Neill!!

It's time for another exciting edition of The Lindsay Show! Today I'm sitting down with an author who writes books that are a little bit of a different genre that what I normally read or write. How do you lovelies feel about...Dracula? :) Now I don't mean your Hollywood Dracula; I mean the real Dracula. The very cool historical fiction/horror author Shane O'Neill explores this very Dracula. Shall we get started?

Interview

Good morning Shane! I'm so glad you could join me today and I can't wait to find out more about you and your books :) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

(Smiles) This seems to be the question I am always asked first. I knew it from a very early age. From the time I was 8 or 9 years old I felt it was my destiny to become a famous writer. I started writing my first stories and poems around that age. I have taken my time to try and make my dreams a reality, but after many years of hard work I am ready to give it a go. I am my own worst critic and was not prepared to take that step until I was sure my work was as good as it can be. I never wanted to do anything else in life other than be a writer.


Haha well it is such a fascinating question ;) What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

For me it is probably the editing process. Even when I create something that is good or very good, I am always striving to improve it or make it more concise. It seems to take me a long time to be satisfied with something I have written, even when other people love it. I guess I need to detach myself from it more than I do, and leave that area to other professionals. But when it is your baby, it is very hard to do this. Bound By Blood could have been ready five years ago, but it is only now that I am fully satisfied with my final product.


Yes, editing could definitely be very difficult. With my book, I stood back for it for quite a while so it wasn't so bad to edit, but I imagine it could be quite difficult if I go straight from writing to editing! Who are your favorite authors?

When I was younger I read only horror novels. And whereas I still like Stephen King, I tend to read writers such as James Patterson, John Grisham and Jeffrey Archer. I also like Carlos Luis Zafon. He knows what he’s doing.


Definitely a great bunch of authors :) What authors inspire you?

All authors inspire me. There is an old adage that there is a book in everyone. Certainly there is a story in everyone, as we all have interesting lives in one way or another. But to actually write that story down and to do so in a way that will appeal to the masses is something else entirely. So, for those people out there that have achieved this, they inspire me.


Love your response to that one because I feel much the same way! Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it?

A bit of both really. In days gone by I would often write a skeleton for my book or certain points I wanted to work towards. Because I write chronologically, I often write three segments of a story at the same time and slowly bring them together. But it is often the case with me that I am writing a piece and suddenly fresh ideas come to me that I integrate into my storyline.


Ok, now that's pretty awesome that you write three segments at once. I think I'd manage to confuse the hell out myself, but I see why it would help with chronologically written books! What type of books do you like to read?

I still like the horror genre especially. But as an historian, books set in an historical context will often attract my interest, especially if they are involved with areas of history I am familiar with. As I get older I am being more drawn to books where I can just relax and lose myself. I am also reading books these days that have relevance in my own personal life. An example of that would be someone like Gary Chapman. There is much we can learn from men like him, and I am one such a person that has.


I agree completely with loving books that let you relax and lose yourself. There are some out there that require too much brain power to get through, and I just have to avoid them. I think enough when I'm at work lol. What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to read of course. I enjoy some TV, though I much prefer radio. I love walking out in nature with the people who are special to me and generally spending time with those people, whatever we may be doing. Exploring locations that have an historical significance really appeals to me and I like to cook too.


Now that's pretty cool, not too many people prefer radio over TV. Radio is becoming such a lost art and I love that there are those who still enjoy it :) Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I am not too sure actually. I have been all over the world, but the place I enjoyed most of any of them was New York and Long Island. So that would have to be my answer. There are a couple of locations I have not yet visited that I would dearly love to experience…namely in Italy and Romania.


Oh, yes you must visit Romania if you're going to write about Dracula. It's a moral imperative ;) Your book focuses on Dracula so I have to ask…what’s your favorite vampire movie of all time?

My favourite vampire movie does not feature Dracula at all. That would be Salem’s Lot.


I have never heard of it, but now I'm intrigued. Def going to check that out! I must admit to always being fascinated by the real Vlad Dracula. Just in case others aren’t quite as familiar with the real historical figure, could you give us a little information about him?

He was a man born into privilege, descended from a long line of rulers in Wallachia. His mother was the daughter of the ruling voivode in Moldavia to the north. Dracula was an amazing man, and light years ahead of his time. He was a truly gifted warrior and a master tactician in warfare. After winning back the throne, that was his father’s, in battle he had to fight to keep it. Although he was brutal in power, his methods turned the economy of his country around in a very short time. He then had to face a mighty invasion from the Ottomans and ultimately lost his throne again. After spending thirteen years as the prisoner of King Matthias of Hungry, he won his throne back a third time, though he died from his injuries sustained on the battlefield. He was a truly remarkable man.


Doesn't that sound epic lovelies? Such a fascinating, albeit brutal man. Why did you choose to write a vampire series?

I love vampires, as many of us do. And people already have a general notion of Dracula as a vampire. To fit with my concept, Lucifer needed to create a creature that would live on through the ages to achieve his aim of destroying the institution of the Catholic Church. So why not use the vampire?


Love it! Vampires are insanely popular right now, but from what I’ve seen,  Bound By Blood is in a class of its own. What sets your book apart?

Thank you, Lindsay, that is a very glowing endorsement and one that put a smile on my face. I think the answer to your question is that Bound By Blood is not so restricted. By that I mean it crosses many genres and will have appeal to a lot of people. It is not just a Gothic horror or a vampire story, as it would appear. It is also an historical adventure, a romantic tragedy, a paranormal fantasy that is laced with erotica. But even the erotica is very tastefully written and focuses more on the thoughts and emotions of my characters while engaged in such acts, as opposed to something that could be considered smutty or pornographic. One woman who has read this book and one of my others commented to me that she never believed a man capable of writing with such emotion and sensuality. I hope that if this is truly the case then it will attract a lot more female readers to my work. On the surface it has the appearance of being a man’s book, but in truth it is not that at all. The Dracula Chronicles cross many boundaries and will have a widespread appeal I am certain.


Aw, I'm glad I made you smile! What has been the most fun about working on your books?

I would say re-creating the real world in which Dracula lived and playing with real historical figures that many people will already know so much about, and some that are not so well known. Breathing life into these real people, as well as my fictional characters, is what I enjoyed the most. And definitely building the character of Dracula himself.


See, that's why I like writing paranormal books where I can create my own worlds ;) I admire those who do try to re-create existing ones! It's not an easy thing to do. Since your character is based on an actual historical figure, have you tried to bring in a lot of historical detail, or have you added your own twist?

Yes absolutely. I have set my premise and my story within the context of real historical events. I would never deviate from historical truth so I just carefully manipulate the real facts for the purpose of my story, but try to do it as subtly as possible. Real historians may appreciate some of what I have done. I have also filled in a few gaps that historical texts do not account for to suit my purpose, though I hope real historians would view those as valid theories for what could have actually happened in those situations.


Even more reason to read your book! Tell us about your latest release.

I am releasing Book 3 first so that I can give my reader the vampire from the very start. The story begins with Dracula’s final triumph on the battlefield. He is mortally wounded and as he lays dying in the nearby monastery, Lucifer comes to claim him, but instead of harvesting his soul he creates the first vampire. So Dracula gains his immortality through having Lucifer’s own blood coursing through his veins. Lucifer sets him the task of turning man against God by destroying the institution of the Catholic Church. This leads Dracula on an epic journey through the ages and sees him involved in every situation throughout the 16th century where the Vatican’s influence is harmed. Therefore, he propagates the Reformation in 1517, ensures a Spanish victory over France in the Italian Wars of the 1520’s, the split between Henry VIII and Rome, and so on. But this is just the vaguest of outlines. The book involves so much more.


Now lovelies, doesn't that sound badass? What has been the hardest scene for you to write?

I am not really sure if there was an actual scene that was difficult to write. The hardest part probably of writing a novel that is an historical adventure is actually incorporating historical narrative without sending the reader to sleep. For me, no historical content is boring, but that may not be true for everyone. Sometimes I can use dialogue to deliver this, but it is not always possible to do so and on occasion narrative cannot be avoided. This is what I find hardest to write in my books.


Yeah, I could see how that would be hard to write. The challenge of any book is adequately balancing your narrative sections so you don't overwhelm the reader. Were any of your characters more challenging to write about than others?

They were all challenging to a degree, especially the real historical characters, as I had to give them all personalities and have them interact with each other and the vampires, and be believable. The fictional characters were the easiest to build.


I seriously can't imagine how hard it would be to have to write the characters that way. I can't wait to get a few minutes to myself so I can start reading your books! Do you have any favorite characters from your book?

In the first two books I, of course, most enjoyed creating Dracula the man and giving my readers a true picture of the man I believed him to be. In Bound By Blood the two characters I enjoyed the most were Varkal and Ruxandra. Varkal is a fictional illegitimate son of Dracula’s. He is absolutely despicable in every way and I enjoyed working on him, and building a character I expect my readers will loathe. Ruxandra is Dracula’s real granddaughter and I convey her to be the exact opposite. Despite still being a monster created from Darkness, she is sensitive, loving, sensual…essentially everything that Varkal is not.


Oh she sounds awesome! How many books are you planning for the Dracula Chronicles and can you tell us anything about the future books?

There will be eight Chronicles in all. Book 1, The Gates Of Babylon, begins with Dracula’s birth in 1431. Book 2, Descent To Darkness, chronicles the period from 1456 where Dracula wins back his throne and takes us up to his death in 1476, which is where Book 3 begins. Bound By Blood then continues on to 1612. Each book then moves through the centuries and brings us up to the modern day. The series will end with Revelations and will centre on the Second Great War of the Angels. Each story is an epic that I am hoping will have you all hooked for more.


Yay! Always love when I discover authors who plan to write lots of books :) Gives me assurance I'll always have fantastic books to read ;) We are just about out of time but can you tell us what's next for you?

In 2013 I am actually looking to release a series of horror shorts called Tales Of The Black Sabbath. I will then release an anthology of these, but most likely with variant endings to keep you all interested. The Gates Of Babylon will also be out in 2013.

Thank you so much for joining us today! Is there anything you'd like to give your readers before you go?

Yes, of course. I’ll give you an excerpt from Chapter 65. It is November 1530 and Wolsey has been arrested at Cawood Castle near York and is on his way south to London to stand trial for treason. While at Leicester Abbey, Dracula goes to him and drinks the blood of the sentry standing guard. Now the dead soldier is re-animated as a vampire drone to kill the cardinal.

His words confused Wolsey. But he soon had an idea of what was to come. He saw the hand of the soldier clutch at the blankets on the bed. It dragged them down as the soldier pulled himself up.

Wolsey gasped with horror when he saw him. The man’s face had grown distorted. He no longer looked human. His skin was rough and blemished. His cheeks pulsated and throbbed. Two grotesque fangs curled down over his lower lip.

Dracula found it hard to contain his excitement. It was an idea that had been with him a long time. Now he had realised it. In spite of what Mihnea had done with Iaxici, he had created the first true vampire drone.

The drone glared at Wolsey. It hissed before turning to look at its creator. The hunger ate at it inside. But it waited until Dracula gave a nod for it to act.

In a flash it leapt at the cardinal. The holy man fell back on the bed, as the drone pinned him down. He tried to fight it off, but could not. Saliva dropped down from the monster’s mouth onto his face. He pushed against it with both hands, but was fighting a losing battle.
“Holy man, you too are damned for all eternity.”

Dracula knew he could not bite Wolsey himself. To do so would mean instant death. Wolsey’s blood would be like acid in his veins. For that reason he needed to find another way. He knew he could do this if he drank enough of a mortal’s blood to kill him. This would leave the virus from his own blood in that of the mortal. The source of this came from Lucifer. It meant Dracula did not have to initiate the change. The dead mortal would come back to life on its own. Mihnea had done the very same thing. His son told him as much.

He grinned, as he eyed the drone. Not enforcing the change had many effects. The drone had not drunk from him. That meant it had lost some of the functions it once had. Much of its brain had seized. Death had damaged it beyond repair. Only the blood of its creator could restore it. The power of speech was gone. At the time of death it did not disembowel. That left its internal organs intact. The result was the discolouring and bulging of the skin. It was a vampire, but a primitive version.

The drone differed in other ways. It had not drunk from its maker. This would have one other drastic effect. It could never quench its first thirst. The blood of its maker was all that could do that. That meant it would always have an insatiable need for blood. Human blood and flesh could only ease it for a short time. Then it would need more. It would continue to fulfil its cravings until it finally rotted and died. Without the blood of its maker it could not enjoy immortality.

It eyed Wolsey. The need to devour the holy man whole burned within. It did not know of the dangers. Even then its needs would still drive it on. The virus would pass from it to Wolsey. If it perished before killing him, Dracula still got what he wanted. Wolsey too would become a drone. The virus inside him would then dissolve him to nothing when mixed with his consecrated blood. His blackened soul would make the quick journey to Hell. There it could never escape, not for all eternity.

The drone drove its fangs deep into the softness of his neck. Wolsey cried out in agony, as it ripped at his flesh. It tore the artery and other tissues. Wolsey was barely conscious when it dived at him a second time. It bit out a large chunk from beneath his ear and wolfed it down.

Wolsey no longer put up a fight. His blood sprayed all around, as the drone continued to rip chunks out of his neck and throat. Dracula had to dive to one side. He did not want Wolsey’s blood anywhere near him, not even on his skin.

It drove its long claws into Wolsey’s face. They raked his cheeks and the skin on his forehead. With its thumb it punctured one of his eyeballs. The orb popped out and hung against the side of his face. With amazing speed the drone lunged at it and gathered it in with its tongue, swallowing the orb whole. The soft jelly dissolved in its gullet. The drone then gasped as the mush eased down into its belly.

The drone suddenly cried out. The cry was that of a wounded and dying animal. It moved away from the bed. The dripping blood on its chin began to sizzle. The drone grabbed at it as it burned. Its lower lip came away in its clawed hand.

It jumped from the bed in a panic. Crying even louder now it ripped clumps of hair from its head. Steam oozed from its ears and nose. Very soon that turned to smoke. The drone’s flesh pulsated and bulged. The smoke started to billow out of every pore.

Its skin began to crack all over. Every vein in its body burned through. Wolsey’s blood had to find a way out and it broke through the drone’s flesh. As it did so it caused hundreds of tiny explosions.

With each outlet the blood found it caught fire on the drone’s skin. The flames soon merged into one blazing mass. The heat was so intense that Dracula had to step away. The drone’s eyes popped like eggs falling against the ground. Blind now the drone staggered about the room. It clutched at its face, its hands melting almost at once into its head.

Dracula sensed what was to come and put an arm up to shield his face. The drone erupted in one huge explosion. A million pieces sprayed the walls and ceiling. Even then the charred fragments still sizzled against the cold stone. Soon the bits of the drone smouldered away to ash. It left a sharp acrid odour in the air.

Wolsey groaned from the bed. Dracula did not realise he was still alive. In the last few moments he seemed to have aged another ten years. His face looked deathly pale. Long red streaks covered it where the drone had clawed him. Sweat oozed out of his pores. It trickled into his one remaining eye, turning it red in parts.

He tried to speak, but no words came out. Speech was beyond him. He reached out feebly, but his hand dropped again at his side. Soon he began to choke. He struggled for breath, as his lungs finally collapsed. He endured another thirty agonising seconds before his heart gave out and he died.

Dracula had seen enough. He had no desire to hang around. Taking one last look at Wolsey he left the abbey. The night smelt good. He was glad to be out in the crisp air once again.

The racket woke everyone inside. They had all heard the drone’s cries. The king’s men rushed to the room. They found the door ajar and no sign of the soldier.

Suffolk was the last of the three to arrive on the scene. He found his friends stooped over and being sick. The images inside the room caused him to recoil in horror. He saw the remains of the soldier smouldering all over the walls. The smell was awful. It forced him to put a hand to his nose.

He walked over to where Wolsey lay on the bed. The cardinal showed no signs of life. He placed his fingers inside the gaping wound to make sure. The old bastard is dead he thought.

Suffolk knew this was not good for him. He had to bring Wolsey back alive to stand trial. How could he ever explain this? He knew he might end up taking his place, despite his great favour with the king. The thought of losing his head filled him with dread. But that was the reality he faced.

The artery throbbed and expelled a small gush of blood. With a quick jolt he snatched his hand away. His friends glanced up when he cried out. He stared down at his hand as though his fingers were about to fall off. The others saw the blood. It led them to think too that Wolsey was dead.

A hand grabbed him by the wrist. He tried to pull away, but it held him firm in its grasp. He looked down and realised the hand belonged to Wolsey. His heart leapt in his chest. As soon as his throat cleared he let out a terrified scream.

D’Arcy and Percy got to their feet. They drew their swords and walked to the foot of the bed. Wolsey released his hold on Suffolk and sat up.

They looked down at him in disbelief. Saliva drooled from the corners of his mouth. His thirst had already begun to build. He eyed the two men before him with real menace. Suffolk remained at his side, paralysed to the spot with fear. Wolsey parted his lips and hissed at Percy. All three of the men saw the fangs that extended down over his chin.

Suffolk seized his chance to move away. In the same moment Wolsey rose into the air until he floated in an upright position a few inches over the bed. To all three of them he seemed to move with no effort. He grinned evilly at them. The speed of his actions prompted them all to step back. They stood and faced him with swords poised. Suffolk could not believe his eyes. It looked like Wolsey, but it was not he.

Wolsey relished the power in his limbs. The smell of blood drove him crazy. He had to have it. All of it. He raised his arms into the air. His clawed fingers curled in a threatening pose.

Suddenly he groaned, as his skin began to smoke. He looked down at his hands in horror. The consecrated blood in his veins had started to reject the virus in his body. The white of his remaining eye turned blood red. His veins ripped through his skin. They rippled like the roots of a tree pulled out of the ground.

He put his hands to his face in a vain hope that it might ease the pain. Instead his fingers melted into his flesh, the phalanges fused to his jawbone.

Every man present made a dash for the door. Suffolk stopped there and turned around. He watched as Wolsey’s feet burst into flames. They ignited the bed at the same time. The cardinal screamed in agony when the flames engulfed him. He dropped to his knees and clawed wildly at the air.

His blood grew so hot his veins finally exploded. It flew like hot acid through the air. A monk had stood near to Suffolk to pray for Wolsey. It hit him full in the face. He dropped his bible and screamed.

Suffolk caught him in his arms when he fell back. The liquid had scalded him and his body trembled from the shock. Already the monk’s face glowed bright red and had begun to blister.

Some of the other monks came to his aid. They picked him up and carried him away. Suffolk moved a little further out through the door. He stayed there with his eyes still trained on Wolsey.

He heard the crunch as Wolsey’s bones dissolved to dust. As soon as they had gone the body imploded. The vacuum it created snuffed out the fire in an instant. A mess of charred flesh and hot ash remained. It burned a hole clean through the bed before falling in a pile on the floor.

Suffolk looked on as the furniture in the room rocked and toppled over. The bible the monk had dropped rose into the air. It tore down the middle and shredded before his very eyes. The room fell silent once more. Only the foul stench in the air remained as evidence of what had just gone on in there.


Alright lovelies, doesn't that sound like an awesome book to read?! Thank you so much, Shane! I'm so glad you could sit down with me today so we could learn more about you and your books!


Bound by Blood 

The Dracula Chronicles is the brilliant and terrifying new concept of Dracula. It is an epic journey through the ages where the forces of Light and Darkness struggle for supremacy until the Second Great War, as foretold in the Book of Revelations. This bitter feud began after the creation of mankind. Lucifer’s jealousy leads to the First Great War of the angels. Hundreds of thousands of years on the feud simmers beneath the surface. It plots the course of history as we know it today. Both sides manipulate the major players through the centuries to seek an advantage over the other.  
On a cold night in December 1431 in Sighisoara an old gypsy woman delivers a prophecy to the great Vlad Dracul. She tells him he is about to sire two sons, one an angel and the other a devil. He returns to his fortress just as his wife bears him a son, whom he names Vlad. In the very same moment across the country on the border between Transylvania and Hungary a gypsy girl gives birth to another son, Andrei. The die is cast. The twin souls are born. The young Vlad Dracula becomes the instrument of the forces of Darkness. To balance this, the baby Andrei is blessed by the angels and bestowed with awesome powers. These chronicles are their story.

Meet Shane O'Neill

The author developed a fascination with Dracula from an early age.  Like many others he was enthralled by Christopher Lee’s portrayal of him on the big screen.  It was in his late teens that he discovered Dracula the man and the love affair began from there.  An avid historian, he studied the period in which the real historical Vlad Dracula lived, 15th Century Balkan, for many years.  It followed from there then that with his love of writing he would always choose Dracula as his subject.
Away from writing, the author has a wide range of interests.  He has lived and travelled all over the world.  He has a love for all things historical, with a particular fascination for medieval Europe.  Anywhere he travels he likes to search out locations with an historical interest.  He is well read and in recent times has a preference for the work of James Patterson, Carlos Luis Zafon, John Grisham, Jeffrey Archer and Stephen King.  He also keeps his library well stocked with historical texts.  For a time he played scrabble on the international stage and represented Wales at the 2007 World Championship in Mumbai, India.  He has a real love of sport, most notably football, rugby union, cricket and boxing.  His great loves in the football world are Manchester United, Glasgow Celtic, Internazionale and lowly Luton Town.  His sporting heroes include George Best, David Beckham, Roy Keane, Ian Botham and Muhammad Ali.  His only other activities away from these are long country walks and time spent with friends and family.

Connect with Shane:



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Interview and REVIEW with Alexa Bourne!!!

Hello again lovelies! As some of you may know, I'm a bit addicted to contests. I have a slight gamblers nature and who doesn't adore the opportunity to win something giving nothing but your name and email address? Well, I'd like to pay back the generous authors who hold contests by reviewing their books, although it's going to take me quite a while to squeeze in the reviews. Not like I'm busy or anything right? ;)

Today is one of those fantabulous authors, Alexa Bourne! Do you like Highlanders? If you don't, what planet are you from?! What's not to love about sexy, dominant, protective Highlanders? I mean, really come on LOL.

When I say Highlanders do you think medieval times? I know I did. Imagine my surprise and elation when I discovered Alexa writes modern day romantic suspense featuring Highlanders!! You heard me right people. You need to read her book Her Highland Champion. Ok without further ado, let's meet Alexa!

Interview

First of all, thank you again for giving away your books, it's given me the opportunity to discover them and I freaking ADORED Her Highland Champion! Let's get started. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? 

I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t seriously consider getting published until I was out of college. 


That's awesome that you did seriously consider it. How else would I have gotten my Malcolm fix?! What has been the most difficult part about being a writer? 

Finding the balance between promotion and writing. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed because I love blogging, interviewing and interacting with readers, but I have to remember to write as well!


Alexa, sweetie, are we related? LOL I have the exact same problem, ask anyone ;) Who are your favorite authors? 

My absolute authors, the ones I always know I’m going to love are Laura Griffin, Jill Shalvis, Suzanne Brockmann, John Hart, Alexander McCall Smith.


Excellent choices and some I've never heard of...*sigh* that TBR pile grew again. What authors inspire you? 

Pretty much every author because it’s not an easy business and anyone who sticks with it long enough to get published and see their dream come true is an inspiration.


I'm the same way. I used to think, 'Oh this is easy to be a writer! You just sit and write!' Yeah, not so much lol. Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it? 

LOL. I have to wing it. I usually have a general idea of what the conflict is and who the characters are when I start a rough draft, but I find out all the details as I write. I once wrote a book starting at page 1 after plotting it all out and I was bored by page 20! (Needless to say THAT story never got finished!)


See? We're related, guarantee you. That's the exact way I am! What type of books do you like to read? 

It depends on my mood. Romantic suspense is my favorite, but I love holiday stories, historical, non-fiction true crime, soldier stories and inspirational. For example, I received a Barnes & Noble gift card or my birthday and with it I bought Laura Griffin’s newest book Scorched, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis.


Love those genres! Romantic suspense is one of my personal favorites :) What do you like to do in your free time? 

Free time? What’s that?


OMG I know right? If you ever figure it out, please tell me lol. Where is your favorite place to vacation? 

Scotland, England.


Now I'm jealous. Always wanted to visit Scotland. *wistful sigh* Maybe after hubby is done with his residency lol. Thanksgiving was last week so I've gotta ask. Do you have any special Thanksgiving traditions? 

Nope. I just spend time with the family and watch football. (I LOVE sports!) I’m not a cook so everyone always asks me to bring dessert or rolls.


Love it! Nice, relaxing, and no cooking. Could it get much better for you lol? Why did you choose to write romantic suspense? 

It’s what I love. I grew up on TV shows that focused on the bad guys getting what they deserved so that’s what I started to write. My 1st 100+ page story was written when I was in middle school. It was fan fiction for The A-Team and in it a couple of teenage girls helped the Team defeat a couple of guys who were holding hostages in the diner where the girls worked.


You know, best advice I ever got was from my husband who told me to write what I love. What has been the most fun about working on your books? 

I love to be surprised by my characters! (I’m one of those authors who believes the characters guide the story and I just write what they tell me.) 


I'm the same way. One of my characters was supposed to just have a very minor role then BAM! all of a sudden he had a whole backstory and was getting his own book lol. How do you come up with the premise for your books? 

Honestly, the premise usually comes from a TV show or a movie and I think, “What if THIS happened instead?”


I've done that too! See? Related. What has been the hardest scene for you to write? 

That’s a tough question. There are hard scenes in every story. 


Def agree on that one. Do you have any favorite characters from your books?

Yep. I love Meggie MacDougall from Her Highland Champion. She’s a secondary character and she’s the town gossip, but she’s got a great heart. She loves her family and is fiercely loyal to her friends. I’m actually working on a short story for her that I’ll hopefully be able to share with everyone in the spring.


Her character was so fun! I hope I get to read more about her :) Is there any reason why you chose to write about Highlanders? 

I love Scotland and I’d move tomorrow if I had a way to support myself. I read a lot of historical stories with Highlanders, but I wondered why people didn’t write about the courage and sexiness of contemporary Scotsmen. So, I decided to write my own.


All I can say is I'm so damn glad you had that opinion! Modern day sexy Scotsmen need love too! I love the fact that this is a contemporary Highlander book! Do you think you’ll ever write a historical Highlander book, or will you stick to contemporary? 

Funny you should ask this. My fantabulous senior editor asked me to write an historical short story set in Scotland for their new Tease line. I was excited to try, but after working on it for over 2 months and still not finishing, I realized and accepted that my voice just doesn’t mesh with historicals.  


Totally understandable. I'm not sure I'd be able to work within those confines either, but hey you gave it a shot right? With this being set in Scotland, did you find you had to do a lot of research? 

I did some, but I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Scotland several times. I had an English friend who went to university in Edinburgh so she helped me a bit too.


Still jealous you've gotten to visit Scotland lol. Her Highland Champion is part of your Honor Guard series. Can you tell us more about it and what we can expect from future books? 

Actually, Honor Guard is the name of the series of Decadent Publishing. All Honor Guard stories are set in countries other than the US and they include local culture. However, all my Honor Guard books are in a series, my International Protective Network (or IPN) series. All this means is each of my Honor Guard books has one character who works for the IPN. Readers don’t have to read them in order and won’t miss anything if they only read one. If you do read them all, though, some of the characters show up or are mentioned and sometimes it’s just a richer experience.


Ohh, ok. That makes sense :) We are running a bit short on time and I'm dying to give my review, btu tell us, what's next for you? 

My second IPN book came out November 6th. Fractured Paradise has a female IPN employee who visits Sunderland, England to do a favor for her favorite person in the world. Unfortunately, someone doesn’t want her there, but she finds an unlikely ally in a local tour guide.  My 3rd IPN book, Simple Treasures, will be released next month and for that we go back to Edinburgh during Hogmanay (New Year’s) where the hero must protect a woman in order to secure a job with the IPN. But the woman refuses to blindly follow his orders.


Did you hear that people? More books coming up so get reading! Thank you so much for joining me today, Alexa! Anything else you want your readers to know? 

I appreciate everyone’s support! Thank you! And thank you for having me. 


It was my pleasure! Well lovelies, seriously go read her books! But if you need more incentive, here's my review of Her Highland Champion!

Review of Her Highland Champion

About the book:
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Price: $3.99
Length: 78 pages
Description:

Heather Winchester leads a charming life. With good friends, a beautiful flat in one of the most amazing cities in the world, and a promising future once she finishes her Ph.D., she is finally pursuing her own dreams instead of catering to everyone else’s…except she doesn’t remember any of it.
Malcolm Fraser has returned to his Highland village to forget his failings as a professional bodyguard. Believing he could just lose himself in the mundane activities of running his bed & breakfast, he finds a woman’s lifeless body by the loch instead….
Captivated by Heather as she regains her memory, Malcolm is thrown into the line of duty. As danger comes knocking on their doors, will he be strong enough to love her and keep her safe?

 Buy it:

What I liked:

Where do I begin? This book was fast paced, featured a very sexy, protective Highlander, lots of plot twists packed into novella size. It was so well written and engaging, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Loved the instant attraction between Malcolm and Heather, but also loved how Malcolm tried to fight it. He couldn't hold out of course, but he gave it a valiant effort ;) I had to laugh when Malcolm kept trying to find a way to put some distance between himself and Heather at the beginning and kept getting thwarted :) This had me dying to find out what happened and how it was all going to end. Did I mention the sex scenes? They were HOT. Really left me wishing for a Highlander of my own :)


What I didn't like:

My one big complaint, and maybe this is just me or the fact that it was a novella, was the ending. I loved how it ended, but I wish the plot twist had been explored more. I think it was a great conflict and really wished it had played out for longer. It just wrapped up a little too quickly for me. Maybe I'm just greedy lol

That being said, this was still one of my favorite books I've read in a while, and I started rereading it immediately after I finished, always a sign I'm in love with the book :)


Overall Verdict: 4.5/5 Blue Duckies!!


Yes, I know I gave it 4.5 but there are 5 in the picture but could YOU cut one of them in half? Didn't think so. 

Definitely go read this book and every other one you can get your hands on by Alexa. I'm not kidding when I say this is one of my favorite books, despite my minor gripe :) It has it all, romance, sexy Highlanders (no I can't say that enough!), suspense, steamy scenes. Yeah, just go grab it and read it for yourself, you won't regret it!

About Alexa Bourne

Alexa Bourne is a teacher by day and a romantic suspense writer by nights, weekends, and all school holidays. She also teaches online classes for writers throughout the year. She is thrilled to be writing for Decadent Publishing and to have the chance to share her love of Great Britain with readers everywhere.
When she's not concocting sinister plots and steamy love scenes or traveling and exploring new cultures, Alexa spends her time reading, watching brainless TV and thinking about exercising. She loves to interact with readers, so visit her web page, hang out at her blog, follow her on Twitter or drop her a note at Alexa@alexabourne.com!

Connect with Alexa online:


Friday, November 23, 2012

Interview with Mina J. Moore!!

Hello lovelies! I hope you're well recovered from your Thanksgiving food comas and hopefully you're not too exhausted from Black Friday Shopping! The only shopping I did was to torture my poor mini Schnauzer...you have to admit though, she looks pretty damn cute in her reindeer ears!


But I digress! Today I'm interviewing the fantabulous Mina J. Moore, who recently released her latest novel A Vampire's Touch! So grab your coffee, eggnog, tea, or whatever you may be drinking and let's get started!

Interview

Welcome Mina! I'm so glad you could join me :) Let's dive right in, shall we? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I think from the first book I ever read.  I started drafting stories over fifteen years ago.  Writing has always been part of my life.


That's awesome! Part of me wishes I'd known forever that I wanted to be a writer, it could have saved so much time lol. What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

Probably keeping faith in my work and believing I have a shot in this business.  Some days are harder than others.  At the end of the day, I can’t think of anything I would rather do than write and that alone keeps me going.


Man, I know exactly how you feel hon. It can be so hard to keep that faith strong. but I know you'll make it! Who are your favorite authors?

I adore J.R. Ward.  She has taught me to write raw and real not what is proper and accepted.  I admire that about her writing.  Some others are Karen Marie Moning and a new kid on the block, Samantha Young.


Love J.R. and Karen! Never heard of Samantha Young, so I guess I'll be adding her to my TBR :) What authors inspire you?

I have a few authors I network with who drive me, each in a different way.  Nickie Asher has kicked my butt into line with the technical issues I had.  I consider her a mentor.  She is a very strong writer and one of the hardest working authors I know.  Karli Rush is my cheerleader.  She totally believes in me when I don’t.  


It's always so helpful to have a cheerleader and butt kicker! I'm so lucky to have one of my own <3 Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it?

I do very little outlining.  I tend to pull a story out of my…Let’s keep this clean LOL.  Once I have an idea I have to start writing fast.  Once I have something down, I begin a very loose bullet point list of events.  That’s it.  


LOL it's ok sweetie, you can say it ;) I'm the same way! What type of books do you like to read?

I love paranormal with plenty of action in every way.  


100% agree! Now, I most of us don't really have this foreign concept, but I like to ask anyway. What do you like to do in your free time? 

Free time?  What’s that?  LOL.


LOL see? I'm not the only one who doesn't know what free time is!! Where is your favorite place to vacation?

I haven’t taken in real vacation in a long time.  Last one I spent writing.  Surprise!!


*Gasp* Woman, you need a vacation! I suggest Disney World. You can never go wrong with Disney World! Do you have any special holiday traditions?

We roast a pig in our back yard.  Most of my friends think that’s weird.  It’s actually delicious.


My family has had a pig roast a time or two. It's definitely an experience! Why did you choose to write paranormal romance?

What isn’t cool about paranormal?  I get to write about yummy vampires.


*Zones* Huh? Oh, sorry...I was fantasizing about sexy vampires ;) What has been the most fun about working on your books?

I love the actual sit down with a hot cup of coffee writing.  That’s when my imagination takes flight.


That's awesome :) What has been the hardest scene for you to write?

I have a full length novel camping out in my laptop.  That story took me on a rollercoaster ride in which I had to mourn a death and hurt people I loved.  It was part of the story and had to be done.  All is well at the end but doing those scenes just about killed me. 


Oh wow, I could totally see how that would be difficult to write! Do you have any favorite characters?

Currently, I would have to say Jaxon Sparks is the man in my life.  He is the lead Vampire in A Vampire’s Touch.  This story sprouted in my head and wouldn’t leave me alone until I got on my laptop and let it fly out of my fingers.  It was the fastest 4K I have ever typed in my life.  The story itself ended up at about 25K.  


Ooo now I'm intrigued about Jaxon! How did you come up with the premise for the Red Velvet Trilogy?

Again, an idea took root and grew.  I brainstormed with a good friend of mine and after about an hour, the Red Velvet world was born.  I wanted a vampire race that was different, with an added element of power.  


Love it, and really love the name! Why did you decide to write the prequel to the trilogy, A Vampire’s Touch?

It was the strangest thing.  I actually began work on book one and ten pages in Jaxon’s story popped in my head.  It began as a standalone short until one night I began to plot how this story could join the Red Velvet world.  I knew it had to be part of it.  


That's happened with a minor character for me. Can you tell us more about the world in which your trilogy is set?

This trilogy is set in present time, in the cities of New York and New Jersey.  Various paranormal species live among humans.  The Vampires are divided between the Legion, the protectors of the race and the Insurgents, the rebels.  You’ll have to read if to find out more…


Ok now I'm dying to read this. It's sitting on my Kindle, I just haven't had time to read it! Tell us about the future books and when can we expect the next one?

A Vampire’s Touch is a prequel which gives you a good taste of the Red Velvet world and the history on the species. These vampires are different than your standard type.  They have special gifts (wink).  I also added Velvet Dawn as an introduction to the world. It’s a short story available for FREE on Smashwords.  Book one, Velvet Dreams is next. This will be Cade and Empress’s story.  I hope to have it out by January 2013. 


Squeee!! You have no idea how excited I get when I hear an author is planning lots of books lol. 
We are running short on time, but what's next for you?

A ton of Writing!!!  I have a special gift for my readers coming out in December.  It’s a stand alone steamy romance called “The Dom Prize”.  I blush just thinking about it!


Sweetie, I cannot wait to read that lol. Anything else you want your readers to know?

I hope my readers enjoy the stories that pop in my head.  I love to hear back from them and will always return email, comments etc.   Thanks to them, I can finally live my dream.


Well, we are out of time Mina. Thank you so very much for stopping by and letting us get to know you better!!


A Vampire's Touch...Buy it Now!

Sienna
One night on the town changes my life…forever. I can’t give any more detail because that would spoil both the highlights and the low points of my journey. Things are different now, in a way I never dreamed but I am alive, truly alive.
Jax
I’ve been around for a very long time, experienced change both for the good and bad. I am content but not fulfilled until she walks into my life and everything shifts. I learn the true meaning of love and the bonds that comes with it. When that bond is threatened, I respond. My instincts demand I protect what is mine.

Buy It:

Coming Soon:
  • The Dom Prize ~ December of 2012


Meet Mina J. Moore!

A writer at heart, I’ve been putting words together for years now. I love to write about hot bad boy heroes and strong feisty women. Paranormal is my favorite but I can skip around to other Romantic genres without a problem!


Connect with Mina Online:


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Black Friday Giveaway Hop!!

Happy Thanksgiving my lovelies! I hope you're recovering nicely from your turkey comas :) Today is the Black Friday Giveaway Hop!!




While the rest of the US is out handling the crowds, fighting for their holiday gifts, some of us like to stay in, shop online, or just ignore Black Friday all to together. This year, join us in our second annual Black Friday Blog Hop! It's a ONE DAY hop where we're giving away prizes, talking about books we love, and most likely  eating left over turkey. :-)

The hop is November 23rd and is ONE DAY only.

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $75 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!


I will be giving away a $15 Amazon Gift card!!

Please be sure to enter the giveaway by leaving your comment below with your email address answering the question "What are you thankful for?" :)
To find out what I'm thankful for, check out my post yesterday!

Now I'd like to present you with the blurb and cover for my upcoming book, Breaking the Nexus, due out 12/12/12!!!


Throughout history, myths and legends of extraordinary creatures have been told and retold. Fantastic tales of demons and banshees, gryphons and dragons, and of course, magic. Stories that every child grows to learn are nothing more than fantasy…or are they?
Beyond the world you see lies a hidden realm, the Mythrian Realm, inhabited by all of the creatures you’ve been told are mere fiction. Only one thing lies between humans and the truth: the Nexus. A magical barrier erected millennia ago to separate the two realms, it has stood the test of time. Until now.
For Mythrian Sha Phoenix, magic is nothing new. But when she stumbles upon a portal on the verge of collapse, her fate will forever change. Pulled through the portal into the Human Realm, she lands in the middle of Detective Connor Flynn’s brutal murder scene. Soon it is obvious someone is using blood magic to try to bring down the Nexus. Together, Connor and Sha must work to unravel the secrets before the barrier falls and the realms collide. 
The Nexus is breaking and all hell is about to unleash…literally.


Enter to win!


Keep Hopping!