Laura Kaye's Blog, page 89

I'm so pleased to welcome fellow Decadent Publishing author Shiela Stewart!
Welcome, Shiela!  Please share a little about yourself, your genres, any other pen names you use.
Hello everyone! Thank you Laura for having me here today.
I'm mainly a paranormal romance author but I do dabble occasionally in contemporary romance. I've been published since 2006 with 17 books under my belt including three sets of series. Some have gone to print but currently my books are available as ebook only. My longest series to date is my Darkness series, which consists of 8 books in total.  I don't use a pen name. I decided to use my real name with my first book simply because I wanted to see my real name attached to my published work.
Aside from writing I've been married for 25 years with three mostly grown children ages 23,19 and 16. I love creating in other ways such as painting, drawing, gardening, and crocheting.
How prolific you are! What an inspiration! Okay, tell us a little about your latest or upcoming release.
My latest release is AWAKEN THE DEMON and is the first book in the series. It was written eight years ago after having a nightmare about demons and a woman who discovers she too is a demon. The nightmare was so strong that when I sat down to write it, I couldn't put it down. This was my first step into the paranormal and I was hooked from then on.
[image error] Wow, cool story about the inspiration behind that book! Which character is your favorite and why?
That's a tough one because I have so many. I can give you a few of my favorites.
Cassie Evans from DISCOVERY IN PASSION is one. She's a buxom blonde who is anything but stupid. She's a strong independent woman that knows what she wants and doesn't stop until she gets it.
[image error] Victor Davis from ESCAPE IN PASSION is another. He's a ladies' man who knows every come-on line ever written and knows just the right thing to say to the women. He's an FBI agent with a past that leaves him vulnerable. It's his slick ways and determination to protect that draws me to him.
[image error] Trinity Ford from SEDUCING THE DARKNESS is a vampire who despite being shunned by her kind, protect the humans from being vampire feeding victims. She's strong but has a vulnerable side for her true love even after he cheats on her. She becomes the races queen and fights to protect the city she lives in from being over-run by vampires.
And lastly. Draco from AWAKEN THE DEMON. He is a demon who was born and raised in the pits of hell. After years of being a Soul Catcher for Satan, he decides he wants a normal life. He's a very strong demanding man who isn't opposed to using his demonic powers for his benefit.  He's happy living his life until Missy Green enters it. He's such a fearsome creature but inside he is a softy. It takes a woman to bring it out. I love a man that can be tamed by a good woman. LOL
That's a lot of great characters! Folks, you have to check out all these titles! And, man, do I also love when a woman can tame a powerful creature! As the author, what surprised you about this story?
How persistent it was to be written. It was almost like I was possessed by the story. There was never a moment while writing that I had to stop and figure out where it should go. It practically wrote itself.
Will there be any sequels or other books in the same series?
I'm a series gal. LOL I can't help myself. I sit down to write a book and before it's even half done I have the sequel in mind. There are three books in total in the Demon series. Book 2 is OFFER THE DEMON and takes place twenty-three years after book one with the child of Missy and Draco being enlisted to collect souls for Satan. Aurora Starr hates her job and decides to protest by working at a shelter for substance abuse where she meets and falls in love with Scott Monroe. But Satan doesn't let go easily as Aurora is soon to find out.
Book three is CONQUER THE DEMON. It takes places twenty-eight years after OFFER THE DEMON and is the story of Aurora and Scott Monroe's son Mick. He's a rock star who has been guided by Satan since he was a youth on becoming a world famous rocker. He's had a life of getting what he wants, having any woman he desires until he meets Officer Lacy Harris. She gives him a run for his money but before he falls head over heels in love with her, he finds himself becoming attached to her eight-year-old son. Wanting a better life for his soon to be new family, Mick rebels against Satan with the help of his family. Unfortunately it has dire consequences.
That sounds like a great series! What are you working on right now?
Right now I am editing A TASTE FOR HUMANITY for Decadent Publishing's 1NightStand series. It's a short story about a couple, Penny Parker and Cade O'Donnell, who are matched up by Madame Evangeline. It's a night of wild fun and incredible sex. But there is always a catch which Penny is soon to learn.
Decadent's 1NS series is great! What happened to the first book you ever wrote?
It's still sitting in a binder in my closet. It was written when I was sixteen about a young girl caught up in black magic. It has a decent premise but I doubt I'll ever rewrite it. Just too flawed. LOL
What do you find easiest and hardest to write?
The easiest part is creating the characters and making them blossom. The hardest part would be doing the research and keeping it authentic.
Have you incorporated actual events or people from your own life into your books?
LOL, oh definitely. Any of the haunting stories I took from real life experience of living in a haunted house in my youth. I also use a lot of the humor in my characters that my husband and I share with each other.
Is there a theme or message that runs through your work?
Strong women. Growing up I was always told I would amount to nothing, that I was made to be a wife and mother. I always wanted more but was too timid to reach out for. That's why I write strong women who know what they want and aren't afraid to get it.
That's a great message! What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?
I'm actually a very shy person and insecure of myself. I'm also claustrophobic in large crowds.
Really interesting answers, Shiela. Okay, now, just for fun: Milk chocolate or dark chocolate ? Milk by far.
Salty or sweet? Salty
Bed or kitchen table? Oooh…definitely the kitchen table but since the kids came around our table has been neglected. J
Beach or mountains? Mountains. I am such a sucker for a mountain scene.
Give or receive? Give. To see other people's faces light up is a gift to me alone.

Running from an abusive fiancé, changing her name, Missy Green is looking for a new life. Taking temporary refuge in a group called The StarrGazers, she does her best to blend in. Problem is, the owner, Draco Starr has put his sights on her.
Born and raised in the pits of hell, Draco was sent to earth to collect souls for Satan. Having served his time he starts his own business. When word gets out that a child born from demon and human is alive, he is determined to find her and make her his own.
Discovering who Draco really is terrifies Missy, but it's nothing compared to finding out she too is a demon. Coming to terms with who she is, dealing with her attraction to Draco, Missy begins to embrace her new life. Until her fiancé enters the picture and changes her life forever.

Thanks for being on the blog! Where can we find you on the web? Website:  www.shielasbooks.caBlogs: http://bookcoverlovers.blogspot.com/ | http://shielasmuseunleashed.blogspot.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shiela.stewart Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ShielaSue ARe page: http://www.arecafe.com/members/shielastewart/ Publisher's Author Page: www.decadentpublishing.com Other: www.breathlesspress.com   Okay, everyone, leave Shiela some comment love! Not sure what to say? Tell her which you prefer, demons or vampires! And why...
Thanks for reading,Laura & Shiela

It's so good to be back! I've missed the past few Six Sundays, first with father's day traveling and then because of the pre- and post-RWA Nationals frenzy! Today, I thought I'd celebrate my most recent sale to Harlequin Nocturne by sharing the first six sentences of my forthcoming novella, In the Service of the King , a dark erotic paranormal romance (vampires!) set in Northern Ireland to be released some time around Christmas.

          Kael paced the length of his private sleeping chamber, avoiding the plush emerald carpet and keeping to the uncovered stone floor at the edge of the room.  After an hour of ceaseless movement, the cold of the large polished slabs bit into the flesh of his bare feet and gave him something to focus on besides the Proffering, which he loathed but required.  Three months had passed since his last feeding, and the Warrior King needed the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his immortality and the strength of his humanity.  He had no mate, and no intention of acquiring one, but Kael the Fair never felt less like his name than when he stepped into his feeding chamber and found the Proffered waiting within.            Two knocks preceded Liam's deep voice at the door.  "My Lord, it is time."

Tricia "pickyme" Schmitt's artwork provides an incredibly good visual representation of my idea of Kael. She's the incredible artist who did my cover for Hearts in Darkness, so, as you can imagine, I'm a huge fan!
Be sure to check out the other Sixers' posts and follow the #sixsunday hashtag on twitter.
Also, I've got a giveaway going right here on my blog that ends today (7/10) - part of the Skyrockets in Flight Blog Hop Delight event. All it takes is commenting on the post linked here and following me on twitter to enter for one of three prizes!
As always, thanks for reading and (hopefully!) commenting, too!
Laura

I'm so glad to have fantasy romance authorMarsha A. Moorehere today!

Welcome, Marsha!  Please share a little about yourself, your genres, any other pen names you use.
I write fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into my writing. My creativity also spills into watercolor painting and drawing. After a move from Toledo to Tampa in 2008, I'm happily transforming into a Floridian, in love with the outdoors. Crazy about cycling, I usually pass the 1,000 mile mark yearly. I recently purchased a used kayak—my favorite new toy! We live on a large saltwater lagoon and taking it out for an hour or more is a real treat. I've been a yoga enthusiast for over a decade and that spiritual quest helps me explore the mystical side of fantasy. I always exercise as part of my daily routine. It clears my mind, so my writing time is considerably more focused and effective. Also, it takes me on journeys inside my mind or outside in nature that bring me an endless supply of new writing ideas. I never have enough days spent at the beach, usually scribbling away at stories with toes wiggling in the sand. Every day at the beach is magical!
Wow—that's an inspiring approach to life, Marsha! Truly!. Okay, tell us a little about your latest or upcoming release.
My newest release, Sea Glass and Sand Memories, is a paranormal romance involving a love triangle among a witch, a male ghost, and an innocent mortal female traveler. The setting is in one of my favorite vacation spots, a resort at the dunes of Lake Michigan. The vacationer gets caught up in all sorts of adventures, some frightening, others romantic.
Ooh, very interesting! Which character is your favorite and why?
Although, I typically identify with my heroines, I especially enjoyed writing for the character of the hero's elderly mother. I have a soft spot for old ladies since my own mother is 85, and I spend time with her several days each week.
That's great. As the author, what surprised you about this story?
The title of Sea Glass and Sand Memories surprised me, it came so fast. Usually, I deliberate over titles. This one hit in a flash. When my father was still living, we spent many hours searching for and collecting sea glass. I still have our jar full of weathered "gems" sitting on my writing desk. The title has a double meaning and came to me when I had only a shred of the plot in mind, no characters. To me, the title is all about the memories of those family vacations, the wonderful times I had with my father who I miss a lot. The meaning in the story is something quite different, which I can't explain or I'd spoil the ending.
I love collecting sea glass, so the title draws me in based just on that! Can't WAIT to see the meaning in the story! What was the hardest thing for you about writing this story?
My antagonist, Zandra, is a very devious witch. She was a bit tricky to write because she is inherently mean, not that way as a consequence of a bad previous experience.
Interesting! What are you working on right now?
Presently I'm very excited about a series I'm writing, the Enchanted Bookstore Legends. It is fantasy romance, but also very mysterious with plenty of clues and red herrings planted throughout the books. The first book of the series, Seeking a Scribe , is in edits now and will release this fall. Here's the blurb to give you a taste:

Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves books, but until she opens a novel from Cullen Drake, she has no idea he's a wizard character who lives inside that volume…or the story's magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love.
Leading a double life as a bookstore owner, Cullen's sorcery startles and attracts her. He reads her emotions, enchanting the ever-changing taste of his tea to elicit her happy memories. His gift to Lyra, the Book of Draganspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain of divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate.  Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She's torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love?
Opening the book's cover, she confronts a quest: save Draganspeir from destruction by the Black Dragan before he utilizes magic of the August Red Moon to expand his power and overthrow the opposing Imperial Dragan. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins.

What a cool concept! That's one to look out for, everybody! What happened to the first book you ever wrote?
It's still sitting in my computer files, about two-thirds finished. It has an interesting epic fantasy plot and lovable characters. The characters still talk to me, so maybe I'll revise it for publication.
I imagine a lot of writers have a book like that somewhere in their files! What do you find easiest and hardest to write?
I find setting and world building the easiest. It's entertaining and relaxing for me to let my imagination soar. The hardest is to conform to familiar human rules of relationships and interactions between my fantasy characters. I need to maintain a lifeline for my readers to reality, more than I personally need. It's more of a constraint than a difficulty.
Have you incorporated actual events or people from your own life into your books?
Certainly, bits of personalities of people I know often become included in the dimensions of characters. It would be hard to write any other way.
I agree. Is there a theme or message that runs through your work?
I usually have a women's lit type theme of self-growth, happiness is found within. My heroines often struggle and search for happiness; they must go through a lot to find it within themselves.
Great theme. What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?
I'm a Tibetan Buddhist, having formally studied and taken refuge. Those teaching do influence my writing, as you can see by the theme that runs through my works.
That IS interesting! Which romance book or series (or other genre, if you don't write romance) do you wish you had written?
Easy answer—the Harry Potter series. I admire J.K. Rowling's ability to interweave plot with clues and misclues across a series. I'm not so fond of her mechanics, but that is minor compared to her amazing development of plot and characterization.
Great pick! Of all the characters you've ever written, who is your favorite and why?
My favorite would be the heroine of my new series, Lyra. She's a woman who struggled with problems of divorce and caring for aging parents/close relations—too much loss. After being beaten with hardships, she's determined to have a happier life. Along the way, she realizes she has inherited magical abilities and soon finds new paths toward her goal within a fantasy world. I admire her resolve and bravery as she fights to realize a better life.
Okay, now, these are just for fun: Milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Dark. I really miss the dark chocolate covered pretzels made by Dietsch Bros. candies, a family business where I used to live in Findlay, Ohio.
Salty or sweet? Salty
Bed or kitchen table? Patio table outside in our lanai [well, now!]
Beach or mountains? Definitely beach. I live only 20 miles from the Gulf and a quarter mile from Tampa Bay. If I don't get to the beach every other week, year-round, I'm in withdrawal.
Give or receive? Give. I probably need to do better receiving, since I tend to give too much and put myself last more than I should.

Sea Glass and Sand MemoriesLooking forward to a relaxing week at a Lake Michigan coastal resort, Kate finds much more than the picturesque dunes she intended to paint. Adventures start when her requested room is switched beside an unusual couple – a witch and her lover, a ghost.
During her stay, the handsome ghost, Anson, tries to ensnare her into helping him escape the witch who killed him and then enslaved his spirit. That witch holds him captive on the property of his mother's resort. Anson wins Kate's heart and loyalty, but is that enough to set him free?
Warning: This story contains paranormal sex, pagan abuse of a ghost spirit, nightmares, and happy family memories.

Thanks for coming on the blog, Marsha! Where can we find you on the web?Website:  http://MarshaAMoore.comBlog:  http://MarshaAMoore.blogspot.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/marshaamooreauthorpageTwitter: http://twitter.com/MarshaAMooreGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/marshaamooreAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Marsha-A.-Moore/e/B004NF6E08/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1Publisher's Author Page: http://museithotpublishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72&Itemid=82 Thanks for reading, everyone! Now leave Marsha some comment love! :)Laura & Marsha

I've got THREE!!! giveaways going on right now:
 1) Ends today: ebook of FOREVER FREED + swag! http://patricias-vampire-notes.blogspot.com/2011/06/laura-kaye-guest-blog-and-contest.html
  2) Ends 7/10: choice of one of my ebooks + swag + CafePress store items! This one's here: http://laurakayeauthor.blogspot.com/2011/07/skyrockets-in-flight-blog-hop-delight.html
 3) Ends 7/15: ebook of FOREVER FREED http://nightowlromanceblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/laura-kaye-forever-freeds-romantic-meet.htmlCheck 'em out and win, win, win!Thanks for reading,Laura

[image error] In celebration of July 4th, American independence, apple pies, and stunning man chest, I'm participating in the Skyrockets in Flight Blog Hop Delight this week! Thanks to JoJo, Tigris, Danielle, and Bells for organizing this great giveaway event! 
[image error]


How it works: Visit and comment on as many of the below blogs as you can to enter to win great giveaways. International commenters are welcomed on my blog but are eligible for the ebook part of the giveaway only for this particular event; otherwise, my giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada.
To enter MY giveaway, this is what you have to do:

1) Comment on this blog post with your email address (required) AND2) Follow me on twitter
3) For an extra entry, also follow this blog

One commenter/twitter follower will WIN:

1) Your choice of one of my ebooks, Hearts in Darkness (contemporary romance) or Forever Freed (paranormal romance) AND2) A package of swag including coffee mug, pens, bumper sticker, signed romance trading cards, and whatever other goodies I find to throw in!

3) If I receive at least 25 comments on this post, 20 new twitter followers from the blog hop, AND 5 new blog followers by midnight EST on July 10 (July 3 numbers are: 872 twitter followers, 270 blog followers), I'll add a SECOND winner who will get a choice of one of my ebooks (above) AND choice of one item from my CafePress store!
The more you visit and comment, the more you're likely to win! So visit all the links on the list and have a great 4th of July!

What to comment? Either share what you're currently reading OR share an interesting July 4th memory! (Comment link is at bottom of list...)
Thanks for reading, and good luck in the giveaway!Laura
[Sorry for the spacing issue with the list...it's set by the linky code...]

Guys! I am beside myself! North of Need, formerly Snow's Man, is now up on the website at Entangled Publishing! And, if that wasn't enough, I get to formally introduce the new series name:
Heart of the Anemoi
AND, the titles within the series:

North of NeedWest of WantSouth of SurrenderEast of Ecstasy!

How cool is that???
Now, who exactly were the Anemoi? I'm so glad you asked! The Anemoi were directional wind gods the Greeks associated with the seasons. So these stories, each contemporary fantasy romance, will feature Greek gods, hot romance, cool weather and environmental connections, and some pretty awesome magical and paranormal elements!  I'll be introducing more about the series soon, but for now, I couldn't hold back from announcing the series' internet debut!
Thanks for reading!Laura

Hey everybody! Today's the last day to enter this great giveaway I've got going over at The Book Faery Reviews! Plus, I'm offering some tips for aspiring writers.
Up for grabs? Ebooks of both HEARTS IN DARKNESS and FOREVER FREED, plus I'll even send ya some fun swag, like signed Romance Trading Cards and other items!
What are ya waiting for? So easy to enter to win. Now, go. Scoot. Go on!
Thanks for reading,Laura

I'm so pleased to be part of author Layna Pimentel's new guest author feature. I'm one of five great authors she's interviewing this week, and my interview is up today here!
I'm talking about how I got into writing fiction, strategies for dealing with rejection, and resources for aspiring writers. Plus, there's a very moving excerpt from Forever Freed!
Won't you come give me some comment love??? *grins*
Thanks for reading and, hopefully, visiting me over at Layna's place!Laura

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I'm so pleased to be a guest over at Patricia's Vampire Notes, a great blog dedicated to all things paranormal, and vampires especially. I hope you'll consider hopping on over to PVN to read my guest post introducing you to all the vampires in the world of Forever Freed.
Plus, there's a giveaway...what more could you want???
Thanks for reading and, hopefully, visiting PVN!Laura

Hey everyone! So, I'm off to the Romance Writers of America National Meeting next week, and I thought you might like a sneak peek into what kinds of goodies you'll be able to find from me! I've got some serious loot to share!
First, I'll be signing Forever Freed at the Literacy Autographing event - not free, of course, but I'm donating these books to be sold for a very good cause! Find me among the hundreds of authors at the beginning of the K's!
Second, I'll have my Romance Trading Cards for both Forever Freed and Hearts in Darkness on me, so look for my pink RTC pin (and other authors wearing one, too!) and collect 'em all!
Third, in the Goody Room, I'll also be giving out lip balm and pens, plus have your smart phone handy to scan for some fun!

Finally, if you're going to the FF&P Gathering on Thursday night, you'll find lots of goodies from me in the goodie bags, including some kick-ass bumper stickers (if I can get away with putting some in the Goody Room, I will, but we're being told no paper as of now...)
So, if you see me at RWA, come introduce yourself and say "hi." I'm a bit of an introvert and I find it hard to reach out to strangers, though I do make myself push through it! But I always love meeting a new friend!
Thanks for reading, and can't wait to meet some of you at RWA11!Laura