Blog Archives
Characters leave, authors live on
PLEASE WELCOME LYNDI’S ADVENTUROUS FRIEND HELEN HENDERSON!!
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about what happens when an author types, “The End.” It could be the result of having yet another birthday, the great-niece’s comment, “Aunt H, you’re old,” or the previews of the NCIS memorial episode to Doctor Donald “Ducky” Mallard. My first introduction to David McCallum was not the mature medical examiner, but as the brooding, blond-haired Russian spy, Illya Kuryakin. Yes I know that dates my age.
There are several points in a manuscript’s life marked by an end. One is when the manuscript is finished. Others are when the author sends the novel off to an editor, and the big highpoint, when their work is released to the general public. Repeat with book 2, and 3, and then there is the final goodbye to the series and the characters you have lived with for months or years. So far I have lived through the grief of ending the Windmaster Novels and the Dragshi Chronicles. With Fire and Redemption scheduled for an April 2024 publication, I should be feeling the euphoria of a release. However, there is a sense of emptiness and maybe a hint of melancholy. I know that while Fire and Redemption finished the tale of Brial and Karst, it is not the end of a series. I have already started work on scribing one more of Deneas and Trelleir’s adventures. But I do know that when that story is captured, I will be saying farewell to the dragon and the slayer that captured his heart. If intrigued, the beginning the story that began the Tear Stone Collectors is talked about here. https://lyndialexander.wordpress.com/2022/05/09/having-a-slayer-as-a-friend-is-dangerous-when-youre-a-dragon/
Characters Leave, Authors Live On. The best thing we can do for our readers is to keep on writing, to create new worlds of imagination for the reader to explore and new characters to meet and have adventures.
Bio: Although the author of several local histories, and numerous articles on the topics of American and military history, antiques and collectibles, Henderson’s first love is fiction. Her work in the museum and history fields enables a special insight into creating fantasy worlds. The descendant of a coal-miner’s daughter and an aviation flight engineer, her writing reflects the contrasts of her heritage as well as that of her Gemini sign. Her stories cross genres from historical westerns to science fiction and fantasy. In the world of fantasy and fantasy romance, she is the author of the Dragshi Chronicles, The Windmaster Novels and the Tear Stone Collectors. Her stand-alone works include the dark fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone and the military tribute, Hearth and Sand.
In her books, she invites readers to join her on travels through the stars or among fantasy worlds of the imagination.
Where to find the author:
Blog/Website: https://helenhenderson-author.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenHenderson.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/history2write
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/777491.Helen_Henderson
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Helen-Henderson/author/B001HPM2XK
Title of book: Fire and Redemption
Genre of book: Dragon Magic Fantasy
Expelled from the dragon isle, Medraut is forced to shed his wings and take on human form to live amongst the people of the mainland. To have the future she desires, Brial must survive the fever, raiders, and most of all, Medraut’s dragon ability to control minds. Karst, son of the head slayer, disowned and sent on an impossible quest to kill a dragon, made himself a home in the trading wagons of Clan Vreis. His newfound happiness and hope for a future with Brial is threatened when the caravan stops to help an injured man lying in the middle of the trail.
Three men and a dragon desire the same woman. One wants her for power, one for her beauty, and one for love. The dragon just wants her.
Excerpt:
Terse commands sent the helwr to bring back Brial’s grandfather. Hopefully, Feldt can convince Brial what is best for her.
Hoofbeats announced the caravan leader’s arrival. “Tywyll said you wanted me?” Before Karst could answer the older man scanned the drivers of the following wagons. A worried expression on his face, he raised his eyebrows in question. “Brial?”
Karst forced out the words through his tight throat. “She has the fever.”
“Are you sure?”
Different responses raced through Karst’s mind. He didn’t want to raise a false alarm but needed Feldt’s help. “I have not kissed her forehead like the gray-haired ones do to test the heat, but Brial has stumbled several times. She is shuffling and leans on the hauler beasts to stay upright.” He paused to control his growing terror. “Tywyll and I are afraid she will fall under the hauler’s hooves or be run over by the wagons.”
Feldt stayed silent so long Karst thought he had overplayed his hand. “The evening air has a chill to it. My granddaughter does seem more flushed than called for. You were right to call me, Karst. She will not leave her post unless I order her to. Wait here. I will talk to her.” A kick sent his mount galloping past one slow-moving wagon after another to wheel beside Brial. The horse walked slowly, keeping pace with the wagon. The words Feldt spoke were unintelligible, but the shake of Brial’s head told of her rejection of whatever her grandfather had said.
The argument carried on for several minutes before Feldt stepped down from the saddle. No sooner had his feet touched the ground than Brial stumbled, falling to her knees. Dragged along, the force of the movement tore her hands from the harness.
“No!” Throat muscles spasmed with the force of the scream. Even though Karst knew he could not reach her in time, he had to try to save her. His body refused demands to race to Brial. He couldn’t move. “Nooo.” This time the sound came out as a moan.
Buy Links:
Amazon – https://www.amzn.com/B0CY7ZDFBJ
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1537238
More Sales Sites: https://books2read.com/fire-and-redemption
Broken men, healing hearts
A restaurant manager starting over.
A merman learning himself for the first time.
Will their plunge into the unknown lead to a life shared together?
Unbreak My Heart
Men of Neptune Book 4
by Deja Black
Genre: LGBTQ Paranormal Romance
A restaurant manager starting over. A merman learning himself for the first time. Will their plunge into the unknown lead to a life shared together?
Restaurant Manager Tony Aikawa moved to Charleston, South Carolina, looking for a fresh start for his family. Life after his wife left him with their four children has made him feel bereft. He’s doing the best he can, but it’s hard doing it alone.
Law student Adamaris Hali thought he was human. Or that’s what his father led him to believe. Now his father, a former Guardian of Neptune, has left his family behind to join his mate in the city of Atlantis. Adamaris has learned his mother didn’t just die but was viciously murdered, and he is not human but a merman as well. Now, he has to learn how to embrace the being within.
These two broken men are starting something new. Will it lead to a forever together?
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Song of the Siren
Men of Neptune Book 1
Graham is a broken soldier in body and soul. With no place to go, he moves to the coast to live with the only relative who loves him. Lost and without hope, Graham is not sure how he can get his life back. That is until he hears the song of the most gorgeous man he has ever seen.
Kamau is a siren who lives part of his life with his siren mother the other part with his human father. Dutiful son to mother and father but never true to himself. That is until Graham walks into the church and Kamau realizes he has found his mate.
Jonah Anderson is the pastor who relies on his son’s gift to grow his church. All is going well for him and the church. That is until he sees the way Kamau looks at Graham.
At a time when Christmas presents are given for the holiday, will Graham and Kamau receive the gift they’ve dreamed of for a lifetime? Each other.
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**Don’t miss the rest of the series! **
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DEJA BLACK had fantasies of men loving men, men who felt strongly, loved hard, and needed a hero. Then one great day she came across a book and discovered the world of m/m writing, encountered others who shared her obsession as much as she did, and found a world where she could not only be accepted for the lives and loves she envisioned, but she could create them too. So why not? Why not take the stories she would write and throw away as a teenager, grow them, dream them, and make them a reality where she could know her own characters, let them live their story, and make them real for someone else? And she did. Now, with the support of her hubby and some intense time management, she is learning to balance her family of two children at home and the many others she teaches each and every day with her passion of writing what she loves to read.
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Witchy stories for the Halloween season by Mary E. Jung!
Plese welcome Lyndi’s Adventurous Friend, Mary E. Jung!
Thanks for being with us today. First, would you tell us a bit about yourself? What area of the country do you live in, do you have a family, pets, etc.
I live in Dover, Pennsylvania. I have two young sons and an amazing husband. I don’t have any pets, but we’ve adopted my mother’s rottweiler by proxy. We’re at her house so much our sons believe the dog is there’s.
Are you a coffee fiend, or do you have another “addiction” you must have on your desk at all times?
I usually drink water. I’m so boring. I thrive off of natural energy. When I need a little kick to get my brain juiced, I usually go for black tea. In a fancy tea cup. That’s the only way to drink tea.
Is your education relevant to your writing, or have you branched off in something entirely different to create? How would you best describe your books?
I’m a romantic fantasy and epic fantasy writer. I love it spicy or like Tolkien. It depends on my mood. My degree is in Arts Management and Opera. Writing came later in my life and I feel it was a great career change. It’s opened a channel for my business skills, and allowed my creative mind to explore new possibilities.
Tell us about your most recent publication/whichever book you’d like to talk about today?
Blossom and Bone is my bestseller. It’s from my Libra Witch Series. I’ve published the two subsequent books this year. Spindle and Shears is the second in series and Divine and Devour is the third in series. The series is romantic fantasy about witches. It get progressively spicier and builds on the world I’ve created. The books are standalone within a series and do not have to be read in order. The best way to describe the series is Tim Burton vibes, but written by a lady. 
. It’s a little creepy, romantic, and a whole lot of magic. If you like Halloween Hocus Pocus vibes all year round, then this is the series for you.
What inspired you to write this story? What interesting thing did you learn or research to write it that you didn’t know before?
Honestly, I was in trouble with another series. It crashed and burned. No matter how many times I rewrote it, tweaked it, or asked for advice it just didn’t make the cut. I needed a back-up book and so I went digging around for some quick fiction stories I wrote for fun. One of the pieces caught my interest and I decided to go with it. I turned it into a full length novel and it’s become a fan favorite. Sometimes things have to go wrong before they can go right. I had to research plant genetics, bones, and human and animal anatomy. I learned so much about the earth through the books I read to prepare for Blossom and Bone.
What’s your favorite thing about the book featured here today? Any special memories you have in the creation of it?
I really like the gothic romance vibes of this book. There’s a house of bones and ancestry magic that really brings a special touch to the writing. It’s got an element of science to it that’s always been a fun aspect as well. The fmc invents a plant that produces true love with the sower. There’s a whole different way of writing when you have to mix reality with fantasy. I really enjoyed researching plant genetics and plan on writing a novella featuring the creation of these plants.
What do you most like about writing? Least like? When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I love how my mind can weave through infinite stories and possibilities. World building and magic systems are my specialty. I enjoy the details of fantasy and how imagination can bring readers to a special place. I don’t super love the proofreading part of writing. I’m not strong in adverbial modifiers, prepositions, and comma placements. They tend to trip me up and grammar plug-ins make it all the more confusing. Fictional writing and academic writing are different. I often get the two mixed up in my head. All those college papers sometimes want to shove the creative process out the window. Thank goodness for my editor! I became a writer after my first son was born as a way to give myself purpose. There’s only so many diapers you can change before you go nuts. I decided to publish my novel as a way to ‘make something happen’. Sometimes you just have to see a project through to its full extent for no other reason than to answer the question ‘what if’. I never expected hundreds of people to love it, but I’m glad they do!
Do you belong to any writing groups? Are there any writing websites you find particularly useful?
I’m a peripheral member of the Gettysburg Brigade Writing Group. I linger online, and interact with the other authors. I am also a member of the Pennwriter’s Organization. I love being able to interact with local authors. I’m a member of Wide for the Win for self-publishing. The Write Women Network. I’m a huge advocator for female writers.
Is there any special music you like to listen to while writing? How does it inspire you?
I like silence. I spend a lot of time with small children and the noise can get to me. Writing is my time to recharge and bask in the quiet. I’m inspired by being alone with my thoughts and finding new things about myself and my world.
Do you belong to a critique group? What do you find most valuable about the experience?
I don’t have critique groups. I had trouble finding ones that meshed with me, so I have select beta readers. They are trusted readers who send their feedback and I weave their opinions into my work. I’m lost without them! Betas are very valuable to writers and their process. I recommend beginning writers to find at least one good critique partner. It’s best to get one-on-one attention with the first manuscript. After authors find their footing, then betas are great. Helpful critique is always welcome no matter what stage of writing an author is at.
To encourage those still on the path, tell us a little about your path to publication. How many books have you published? How many books did you write before selling one? What do you think was the key to selling that first book?
Hooboy. I had quite the journey. I started off with one book. It was an epic fantasy with a romantic subplot. I was picked up by a vanity publisher and it all went to crap from there. My publishing story is long and it wasn’t the best, but I learned a lot. My take away is that authors should either go big or go home. What I mean is, either take on self-publishing or go trade. It can take years to get into a trade company, but the process is better for those who like to focus on writing. My first book that I published was a novella. It is called Queen of Light and Ashes. It started making money right away, but not a lot. Don’t have images of grandeur here. It isn’t my bestseller and it is hit or miss with fans. Either people love it or hate it. There’s no medium ground. I’ve been published for 2 years and I have 6 books in the world. I focus well on projects and make my deadlines, so I’m able to publish two books a year. It might stretch to three when my kids go to school full time. I had three books in the world before I started to make enough money to cover publishing costs. Three seems to be the magic number. It’s been my experience that it takes a bit for people to realize you are out there. Growing organically is key to a stable business. I think promotions like Freebooksy, Fussy Librarian, and Ereader News helped make the money I needed for the first book. Paid newsletter promos are great for first time writers. Unless you are trade. Then they take the risk and populate your ARCs all over the world. Build a team of marketing experts, because you’ll need it. Selling and writing are very different things. Once the book is published then you have to get business savvy or you will stare at a blank paycheck every month.
What are you writing now? What’s next for you—will you be making personal appearances anywhere our readers can find you?
I’m on a writing break. But when I return, I’ll begin the next installment of my epic fantasy novella series. My plan is to finish that out in 2024. I’m expanding my libra witch universe and I’m planning a secret project I’ll announce in December. I’ll ultimately have 3 series branching off the main series.
I’ll be at the Write Women’s Bookfest October 14th 2023 in Maryland.
Dirty Minds in Maryland May 2024
Rage in NJ 2024
LLS in Savanah, Georgia July 2024
Getting Witchy With It in 2025
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for having me on your blog and for interviewing me. I enjoyed greeting all your readers and sharing my journey.
Anyone can join my free newsletter and become a Museling member. I give away free bonus scenes, coloring pages, maps, and art prints. It’s where I share most of my news and members always get to know about books first. I have a website for signed books and merchandise. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
Thanks again for joining me today! I look forward to reading Lyndi’s books and becoming another fantasy fan.
CONTACT MARY HERE!!
https://books2read.com/u/4jgv7v
Blossom and Bone
https://www.authormaryejung.com/
Website
https://subscribepage.io/MuselingNews
Newsletter
https://instagram.com/author.mary.e.jung?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
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Straight outta Fiction!! #MFRWhooks
This is hilarious and wonderful!!
In THE ELF GUARDIAN, the protagonist, Chiara di Luna, is a person long famed for investigating haunted houses, UFO sightings, and all things unusual and weird. She actually goes to Columbia Falls to investigate the Montana Vortex–which is a real trip, y’all should go! This con would definitely be something up her alley!
Of course while she’s there, she discovers the Clan Elves of the Bitterroot, and let’s just say none of them will be the same again. (see the book trailer here!)
Paperback at Amazon • Paperback at Barnes & Noble • Hardback at Barnes & Noble • eBook at Amazon Kindle • eBook at Apple Books • eBook at Barnes & Noble • eBook at Kobo • eBook at Smashwords
But sure, if you’re in the neighborhood October 7 and 8, definitely check it out!
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Down, but not out– this Alpha’s healing takes patience and love
And now, the latest shapeshifter tale in the Romantic Moments series from KATE HILL! Pre-order while it’s hot!
Tag Line: Tia is there to remind him that even an alpha wolf’s broken spirit can heal.
Story:
I’m a powerful and respected Alpha, but the wolf Mette covets my leadership. I’m injured when my conniving enemy challenges me.
After losing my pack and nearly my life, I go to lick my wounds in the human world, but my beloved mate Tia knows that a wolf’s broken spirit can heal, and there is only one true leader of our pack.
Note: Caleb is a very short werewolf action romance story with a mild heat level, moderate violence, and a HEA. This Romantic Moments story is the perfect length for a lunch break, before bed, or any time you want a quick, romantic read.
Excerpt:
Reaching the village, Tia shouted to the nearest wolf to bring the healer.
Finally we made it to our cabin where I collapsed on our bed. Tia brought a cup of water and lifted my head to help me drink. Gazing at her, I realized how much I loved her and how much of a risk she’d taken by becoming my mate.
An aggressive howl echoed from the clearing near our cabin. This wasn’t just any howl, but one of challenge for leadership of our pack.
Tia’s horrified, furious gaze met mine and she whispered, “Mette.” Then she snarled through clenched teeth. “The coward!”
I’d only known real fear at one other time in my life—the day Tia and I had been attacked by hunters and she’d been lost. My fear now mingled with regret. I’d promised her a happy life, but we were about to lose it and there was nothing I could do about it.
Drawing a long breath, I painfully pushed myself to a sitting position.
“You don’t actually intend to fight him?” Tia demanded.
“I have to.”
Author Bio:
Kate Hill is a vegetarian New Englander who loves writing romantic fantasies. When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working out, watching horror movies, and researching vampires and Viking history. She runs the Compelling Beasts Blog that is dedicated to antagonists, antiheroes, and paranormal creatures. Kate also writes as Saloni Quinby.
Visit her online at https://www.kate-hill.com. Join her newsletter at https://kate-hill.com/index.php/newsletter.
Social Links:
Website: https://kate-hill.com/
Blog: https://kate-hill.com/blog/
Newsletter: https://kate-hill.com/index.php/newsletter/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-Hill/e/B002BLS7OW
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-hill
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16157.Kate_Hill
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katehillromancewritingandmore/_saved/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/katehillromancewritingandmore
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateHillRomance
Preorder Link:
Another writing superhero joins the universe
Please welcome Lyndi’s Adventurous Friend and my personal writer pal STEPHEN M.T. GREENE!
Thanks for being with us today. First, would you tell us a bit about yourself? What area of the country do you live in?
I was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1959. Once I was a night manager at a Loblaws supermarket. I live alone. I write full-time. Currently I reside in Pennsylvania.
Are you a coffee fiend, or do you have another “addiction” you must have on your desk at all times?
I drink coffee regularly, and tea sometimes.
Is your education relevant to your writing, or have you branched off in something entirely different to create? How would you describe your writing?
In part, my education is relevant to my writing. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts/Writing and a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. My books would be described as in the four genres of fiction of the unknown–horror, fantasy, occult and science fiction.
Tell us about your most recent publication. When will we get to read it?What inspired you to write this story? What interesting thing did you learn or research to write it that you didn’t know before?
THOSE FANTASTIC HEROES is the first in a series of four books of science fantasy. (It is imprinted as fantasy by The Wild Rose Press). The book will be released August 21, 2023.
I’ve always had an interest in superheroes, but the most interesting thing I learned in researching this series was the sheer number of superheroes that exist in comic books, television, and film. For example, in comics there are plenty of superheroes like Thor (my favorite superhero), Iron Man, Superman, Green Lantern, the Golden Archer (found him in a book on superheroes), and so on. For television there are some superheroes like The Greatest American Hero, Space Ghost, and a teenage one named Moleculad), and film like Hancock (which starred Will Smith). Marvel has more than 8,000 superbeings, all by itself!
What’s your favorite thing about the book featured here today? Any special memories you have in the creation of it?
. My favorite thing about the book featured today is the array of protagonists and antagonists in it. The special memory I have in the creation of it is when I came up with the idea for the book. It was in the summer of 1980 as I was walking to my grandmother’s house.
You’ve had this dream a long time then! What do you most like about writing? Least like? When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
What I like most about writing is the creation of a story and especially the characters in it. This is what I’ve wanted to do since I was in 11th grade!
What I like least about writing is the length of it–having to come up with so many scenes in a book.
Do you belong to any writing groups? Are there any writing websites you find particularly useful?
Yes, I belong to a writer’s group, Pennwriters. I used to belong to the Erie Writers Group, the Villa Maria Fellowship, and the National Writers Club. A writing website I find particularly useful is Pennwriters.org.
I certainly agree with you about Pennwriters!
Is there any special music you like to listen to while writing? How does it inspire you?
The special music I like to listen to at times while writing are music scores from movies. It inspires me to create stories by imagining stories as movies.
Do you belong to a critique group? What do you find most valuable about the experience?
I belong to several critique groups. Two Pennwriters Area 1 meetings and the Shenango Valley Craftmasters. What I find most valuable about the experience is learning new things about writing. Also about the literary business.
To encourage those still on the path, tell us a little about your path to publication. How many books have you published? How many books did you write before selling one? What do you think was the key to selling that first book?
After I got my Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree, I got three poems published in three poetry anthologies. Also got a fiction anthology published, which I edited and contributed four stories to.
It took me forty-one years to complete this novel before it got accepted for publication. So far I will have two books published. The first book I sold was a horror novel, and I was lucky to sell that one because of opportunities I had
What’s next for you—will you be making personal appearances anywhere our readers can find you?
I’m working n the second of the four-book series, and a screenplay adapted from the first book. I will be trying to make personal appearances at local bookstores in northwestern PA where readers can possibly find me. Maybe a few other places as well, like the library.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yes–I do write scripts–plays, screenplays and teleplays, and hope to branch out with them soon.
ABOUT STEPHEN’S BOOK:
For over a thousand years, the Enforcers, the Universal Marshals, have waged war against evil, putting away Criminals, Villains, and Archvillains in the Universal Prisonplex on Tellus. No inmate has ever escaped.
High Enforcer Delveran learns that an Archvillain organization exists on Earth. He sends an Enforcer Squad to the planet to find its hidden stronghold and apprehend the Archvillains there.
The Archvillain organization sends a space fleet to Tellus. Objective: bust out the Archvillains in the Universal Prisonplex. Delveran sets the planet’s defenses against the oncoming invasion.
Will the enemy succeed in achieving the first-ever successful jailbreak?
BIO:
Stephen M. T. Greene was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1959. He received his B. A. in Liberal Arts/Writing from Vermont College of Norwich University and his M. S. Degree in Creative Writing from Columbus University. His publications include poems in three poetry anthologies and four stories in a fiction anthology, which he also edited, TALES OF THE UNKNOWN.
In addition he writes plays, teleplays, and screenplays. He enjoys movies, music, sports, martial arts, video games, and reading.. Currently he lives in Pennsylvania.
BUY LINKS:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/those-fantastic-heroes-stephen-m-t-greene/1143653121
Celebrating the wiener dog in our life and in story
PLEASE WELCOME LYNDI’S ADVENTUROUS FRIEND, *LIZZIE STARR!
Did you know that June 21st is National Dachshund Day? How appropriate to celebrate these long, little doggies on the longest day of the year.
I’ve always loved these cuties and have been blessed to have had three in my life. All three are miniatures, and all so different. Schnoozel was my first. He was a tiny little guy with legs so short he had to prop himself up on a fence when lifting his leg. He loved water, and we had to keep him on a lead whenever we went anywhere with a pond or he’d be jumping in. We had friends who invited Schnoozel for overnights. They’d make him tuna casserole (which they didn’t like) then would take bubble baths with him. I’m not saying he was spoiled or anything. Schnoozel lived out his final days with my grandfather—and a stray kitten the dog wouldn’t let Grandpa leave in the park.
Ruatha Robinton came into our lives next. If you looked close, he was a dapple under his ginger hair. He even had one eye that was partially blue. Unfortunately Ruie had some back issues and after steroid treatment always had really pudgy thighs. He wasn’t a wiener dog…he was our bologna dog. He and my brothers chow-lab mix were great friends and grew old together.
Lessa has gotten up in years, her face is gray, her hearing and sight not so good. She’s a rescue dog and even after all the years with us, still has moments of fright and uncertainty. While I’m the alpha in the house, she does have me well trained. She gets a treat every morning when I’m fixing my breakfast. She can be very vocal in her demands. Very vocal.
My love of doxies made its way into my book Just My Imagination. Bonnie, the heroine has two doxies trained as therapy animals. Now, those of you who know doxies know this is an amazing feat. Doxies are stubborn. Just look at Lessa when she wants a cookie! There have been successful therapy doxies, and I loved writing the well-behaved pups. Honoring my past pets, I named them Ruatha and Schnoozel. They look nothing like their namesakes though. I gave my character’s pups the coat types I’ve always wanted. Full dapple and wirehair.
Editor’s note: Is it possible that *lizzie might be a fan of Anne McCaffrey’s Pern novels??? 🙂
Just My Imagination is a tale that spans two series. First, the Aspen Gold Series of contemporary romances I write with a group of special writer friends. This book also steps into my fantasy romance worlds with the Keltic Multiverse. Right now the ebook is available to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Can his magic save her reality?
Owner of the Keltic Ranch gift shop in Olde Town, Konnor MacDhuibh is skilled in forging fantasy blades and keeping his Faerie heritage and magical abilities a secret. But when Bonnie Zhang and her two doxies need a place to stay, the empty apartment above his store is the perfect solution. Being so close to the cautious woman with haunted eyes tosses his good intentions to the wind.
Bonnie brings secrets of her own to Spencer. Leaving her broken past behind, she’s ready for a new beginning. But if her secret is exposed too soon, she could lose any hope for acceptance–and a family.
Will their truths lead to love or destroy any hope they’ve forged?
A Short Excerpt
A woman stood just inside the doorway, her expression a mixture of hope, desperation, and fear. Her dark eyes watched him warily. The sudden longing to turn her tight, unnatural smile to relaxed reality made him draw a sharp breath.
She dipped her head and angled as though to leave.
Konnor lifted his hand and took a step forward.
After a slight shake of her shoulders, the woman twisted one hand to gather a pair of thin leather strips in her palm.
Konnor followed the strips down to discover two small dogs sitting quietly at her feet, looking around the store with interest, their noses actively scenting the air. He arched an eyebrow. Were these the cause of her concern?
“Yours?” he asked, then silently berated himself for the obviously stupid question, and reached behind the counter for the treats he kept in a jar.
She opened her mouth as if to speak, then only nodded.
Cautious so as to not spook the animals, he moved closer, crouched and before holding out a small dog cookie to each eager dog, looked up at her. “Is this okay?”
“They’ll love you forever.”
He chuckled. “I’ll take that chance.”
He felt the intensity of her gaze as she watched the care with which he offered the treats and how he gently rubbed the dogs behind the ears before rising.
He stuck out his hand and she stared at him. Watching her expressive eyes, Konnor sensed the moment she gave herself a mental nudge and shook his hand. Her palm was warm and his fingers wrapped so comfortably around hers. Her hand felt small in his although she didn’t have a slight frame. The urge to protect her from whatever haunted her expression rolled over him.
“Konnor MacDhuibh.” He kept her hand in his until she wiggled her fingers.
“Bonnie Zhang. I’m new in town—well, obviously since I’m looking for a place to live. I haven’t had much luck because of—” She swept her free hand toward the dogs.
With a nod, Konnor tucked his hand in his pocket to keep from touching her again. He liked the way her hand felt in his. Probably too much. Keep it business. Just business. “I’ve heard even though some of the complexes say they’re pet friendly, they really aren’t. Tell me a little about your dogs.” About yourself.
“Schnoozel and Ruatha are extremely well behaved. Both are certified therapy dogs that love visiting nursing homes, hospitals, schools. Anywhere they receive love and attention.” The fond gaze she gave the short-legged pups told him far more than her words. He hadn’t had much experience with small dogs, his family gravitated toward large, boisterous canines. He wondered what his great grandfather’s dog, Noid, would think of these two.
The expectant tilt of her head made him say the first thing that came to mind. “I’ve heard dachshunds are notoriously difficult to train.”
A faint pink touched her cheeks, highlighting the slight oriental tilt of her eyes. She didn’t wear much makeup and for some reason he was glad. It made the single, deep purple streak in her black hair all the more striking. She opened her mouth then pressed her lips together before releasing a sigh.
“Seems like everyone’s been telling me that. Doxies can be. But no more so than any other strong-willed animal. I’ve found with firm rules, lots of love, and a few well-timed treats, just about any animal can find a good fit with their human. I’ve assisted a number of abused pets in adjusting to a loving household.”
The passion in her statement deepened the color in her cheeks. A flash of possibilities flooded his mind, the rise of pure, heated desire surprising him into taking a backward step. “Uh, it looks like you’ve done a good job with these two.”
The dogs had chosen a spot just under one of the antique buffets he used to display jewelry to curl up together and watch him with intelligent eyes. He blinked at the single blue eye in the dapple’s face. That was a bit disconcerting.
Bonnie chuckled. “Oh, don’t let them fool you. They have their moments. Oh, but not often. And they’re not destructive—except to tennis balls and the squeakers from dog toys. They’re accustomed to being in their kennel when I’m not home.”
“Don’t worry, Bonnie. I’ve spent my life around dogs, and other animals. I know the ups and the downs. However, most people wouldn’t consider living above a business a good fit for a pet owner.”
Before she answered, a sharp whinny sounded from the rear of the store. Konnor rolled his gaze to the ceiling. He felt the rush of eight tiny paws past his leg a moment before his prospective renter gasped and the leashes flew from her hand. “No. Ruatha, Schnoozel, not now. Dogs, no.”
She started to push past him, so Konnor rested his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t worry. They’ll be okay. Tormey just wants to meet them.”
“Tormey?”
“Easier to show you. Come with me.” He led her to the open stall in the back corner of the store then stepped to the side with a flourish. “Meet, Tormey, the thunder spirit, my fairy pony.”
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Two moons link two destinies
PLEASE WELCOME LYNDI’S ADVENTUROUS FRIEND, *LIZZIE STARR!
Hi! I’m *lizzie starr and my writing adventure started in a distant world. A world with two moons. Nah, that’s not really accurate. I’d been writing forever, but never seriously until I discovered there was a way to combine my love of fantasy and science fiction with the romance I’d been avoiding. To look at all the romances today that contain fantasy or science fiction, or any of a multitude of paranormal aspects, it’s sometimes difficult to remember there was a time when such books were few and difficult to discover.
Double Moon Destiny is the book that started me on the road to seriously writing with publication in mind. It isn’t however, the first book I published. Although I have to admit I’ve never cared for the title (but have never thought of anything better) it suits the story. And I do love this tale.
I started writing this while taking a class on writing romance. There’ve been many versions of the beginning…but I think that’s normal. Especially for new authors. So here’s the blurb and then an excerpt from near the beginning.
I hope you enjoy!
THE STORY:
On the night of the Double Moon a child is born, and the destinies of an acolyte and a rebel are changed forever.
Jermanah, acolyte of the religious Compound, has never been given the opportunity to make her own choices. Although she accepts her way of life and yearns to rise higher in the order, she learns ancient, forbidden healing from the Seer. On the night of the Double Moons, a child is born and given into Jermanah’s care until the boy is taken to the king.
Kierigh was born moments before the rising of the Double Moons, but his twin brother wasn’t so lucky. Rumors flow from the Stronghold—following an ancient prophecy, the king sacrifices the baby boys to increase his power. But Kierigh senses that even after five cycles, his brother still lives.
When Kierigh’s rebels attack the procession, he takes the babe, and Jermanah, to his hidden camp. The captivating acolyte disrupts Kierigh’s ordered and simple life. He opposes her religion and all the Compound claims to stand for. She’s everything he doesn’t need in his life. Yet she is everything he desires.
No longer considering herself one of the Compound, Jermanah discovers freedom, and truths she finds difficult to believe. But when the babe is taken from the forest, she will do anything to save the child, including face the leader of the Compound—and the king.
Can a rebel and an acolyte set aside pride and differences to find a lost brother, defeat evil, and discover their prophecy fulfilling destinies?
Excerpt:
A double hand of fighters crawled over the uneven ground and into the heavy undergrowth beneath a stand of trees. The leader glanced to one side, waited until he caught each man’s gaze then signaled with sharp hand movements. The group settled to wait.
Kierigh grimaced. Although his shoulder had been healed of a knife wound earlier that day, an odd vibration had settled deep within the muscle. The tickle of a memory he couldn’t quite grasp teased his mind. He rotated his shoulder but the irritation remained. Ruthless, he dismissed the feelings and peered across the small clearing.
A pregnant woman stumbled past his hiding place. He remained still, listening, watching. She fell a few steps from him and black-robed priestesses surrounded her. They were too close. Sweat beaded on his forehead and trickled down the side of his face. He will his solid control into his followers but dared not risk the movement to glance toward them.
Kierigh cursed himself, cursed the clumsy actions that caused the shoulder wound. If he hadn’t gone to the Seer or insisted on healing without the sleeping draught, he would have been in time to spirit the woman away and save her child. Now his small band of fighters would have to take the child from the Compound bitches.
He closed his eyes in resignation. The king and the Highest of the High had closed the other Compounds within the last cycle, leaving only the structure nearest the king’s Stronghold occupied. For once the king’s actions had been helpful. His forces had been spread far too thin watching the numerous, far flung religious centers. How many children had been taken before the Highest’s quest for power centralized her control?
A female born under the Double Moon was of little concern to him. A girl child was taken to the Compound and raised under strict guidelines. Although her life would be hard and demanding, still she had life.
Unlike the unfortunate male child who was taken to the Stronghold and sacrificed to increase the power of the king. The grisly ceremony after the last conjunction of the moons remained burned into his memory. Lost in the maze of secret passages within the Stronghold, he’d arrived too late to save the child. Always too late.
Except at his own birth. Then he had been born too soon.
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An underwater adventure worthy of Lara Croft or Indiana Jones!
Please welcome Lyndi’s Adventurous Friend D.V. STONE!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your space to talk about Sea Hunter with me. My life tends to be an adventure. In the past I’ve crawled through caves, repelled off of buildings, white-water rafted, and hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail. Down in the Caribbean when I was the oldest in the group of jet skiers, they stuck me at the end of the line. Geez, don’t judge this book by her cover. By the end they’d moved me up and I was side by side with the leader. My adventures these days are a little milder but still fun and exciting. My hubby and I travel in our 5th Wheel Camper. This sucker is 41 feet long and 13 feet high and yes I drive pulling it.
Sea Hunter is my latest book and it’s my first action adventure. This is a romance between Professor Zahra Corbyn, a historical conservator, and an underwater archeologist. Jack Alexander is the captain of Freya, a refitted tender for hire for diving adventures. He also happens to be a treasure hunter and has a piece of the map she needs.
This story was so much fun to write and especially research. I traveled to Freeport, Maine, and then to Cape Cod and tried New England Clam Chowder everywhere we could. Yum. Oh, about the book. Sorry, I lost myself remembering the creamy goodness of the soup.
Sometimes the research was daunting. In so many ways, WWII was horrid. So much loss of life and people, but it also led science forward by giant steps. Colleges and universities worked together with the armed services to develop things like sonar, radar, and radio communications, which opened up a new and exciting area for divers, equipment, and underwater archeology.
During our time in New England, we visited the Bath Iron Works Shipyard and naval museums then a visit to the Whydah Pirate Museum on Cape Cod immersed me in all things pirate. I learned so much about their way of life. One of the most exciting things was consulting with one of the conservators about protecting artifacts. Thankfully, maritime laws have been established to keep treasure hunters from destroying so much of our history from ancient to modern times.
One of my favorite passages is:
“But I’ve had dealings with treasure hunters before. People like you who take what you want without care for preserving our past.” She yanked her hand from his and turned toward the open water. “I spend my life locating pieces of history. Trying to understand them. Things that may help our future.”
The other thing I enjoyed was learning about people in the post-war years. Their vernacular, way of dressing, and spunk—especially for women who’d learned to depend on themselves when men were overseas fighting.
So hoist the sails, Squidies, and join me on a seafaring adventure of love, treachery, fun, and treasure. Oh, did I mention there’s a ghost and a curse? AND that Sea Hunter is only .99 for a few more days! OR, that there is a free series sample for download!
Blurb
Sea Hunter:
Zahra Corbyn
As the professor of antiquities, nothing snaps my cap more than treasure hunters and looters. They smash and grab and then are gone with the wind. And there are two after Sea Wraith. But fate is a funny thing. Thanks to an ancient Mortar and Pestle, not only am I in cahoots with one of them but he’s also fired up my heart, turning me into a khaki-wacky.
Captain Jack Alexander.
I’ve been told women on a ship are unlucky, but this dame has the two pieces of the map I need to finally claim Sea Wraith. Now, I find myself in a lousy deal that makes me one-third partner with her and a known scalawag. It’s either that or bupkis. After all these years of chasing down my dream of finding the shipwreck, my obsession is cooling off and heating up toward a bird who’s way above my pay grade.
Can the two unlikely allies work together while safeguarding their hearts against the power of the Mortar and Pestle?
If you like Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, you’ll love Zahra Corbyn and Jack Alexander.
Excerpt
“Come on, gorgeous.” Hugh slunk up behind her again, his plummy voice sliding over her like mold on fruit. “You like the attention. Stop playing hard to get.”
Zahra Corbyn flinched. Between the wind blowing and her fascination with the choppy waters off Cape Cod, she’d missed the sound of his approach. This man needed to leave her alone. The jerk saw her USO dancing-and-singing act overseas and decided she was easy. Though World War II was over, this battle raged on. She turned and stiff-armed him to keep him away. “I’ve told you more than once—I’m not interested.”
“Listen, chippies like you are nothing but teases.” He grabbed her wrist. A greasy lock of dark hair fell across his forehead. “I…
“It’s lady, jerk.” She let her arm go soft as she kicked out and broke the hold. “And I said, ‘no’.”
Taking a boxer’s stance, she fisted her hands. This guy picked the wrong woman to mess with. Zahra knew how to take care of herself.
A sneer crossed his face under the bushy eyebrows and wide, flat nose, but he turned away.
Zahra relaxed. After being released with the last USO troop, she was tired and wanted nothing more than to be left alone. Besides, the ocean waves called to her.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw him swing back around with a viper’s speed.
She whirled about.
His shoulder hit her stomach.
“Oomph.”
“You tease. I’ll show you.” He rushed forward. “Filthy Jezebel.”
Zahra flailed when he pitched her over the rail of the steamer.
The sneering smile got smaller, and he saluted before the frigid Atlantic water closed over her.
Splashing into the rough water, she suppressed her initial gasp. As an experienced diver, she understood the peril of aspirating saltwater. However, her heartbeat was out of control. When the disorienting shock of hitting the cold ocean in the darkness dissipated, she kicked toward the surface, following the bubbles up. Gasping and sputtering, she stared at the disappearing ship while treading water in its wake.
Stop and focus, Zahra.
Surfacing once more, she coughed and turned three hundred sixty degrees, looking for anything to help her. A buoy, a plank, floating garbage.
She wasn’t shivering anymore. Uh-oh, this was it. Her body was shutting down. Slowly, she descended below the surface. A flicker of light caught her attention. Was that a ship? Or rather the wreck of one? She must be hallucinating.
The depth of the water here wasn’t bad, considering. Only about twenty to thirty feet. Could it be Sea Wraith? Archeologists and fortune hunters had been searching for her for years. The figurehead poking from the sand and silt resembled a specter with its gaping maw and tendrils like an octopus. Spots developed in her vision. The last thing she saw was the shape of a man standing on the ship’s figurehead.
Sea Hunter
A Mortar & Pestle Story
A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe. Throughout time people have sought their heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive. Carved with ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters. Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.
Link to Sea Hunter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BRYJLLW1
Link to series https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS42PKHZ
Link to free sample of serieshttps://dl.bookfunnel.com/b1ytv2r7nq
Social Media links for D.V. Stone:
https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/d.v.stone/
https://www.facebook.com/dv.stone.1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16344100.D_V_Stone
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-v-stone
https://mailchi.mp/3b289d8d7569/d-v-stones-peek-further-and-campfire-crew
Better late than never–Dariel Raye’s newest cover revealed!
Rehobeth’s Passion
Orlosian Warriors Book
4
by Dariel Raye
Genre: Paranormal
Romance
Repaying a debt could cost him his soul.
He sacrificed everything else centuries ago.
Rehobeth sentenced himself to a life of penance, atoning for a multitude of sins by
helping others. He’s accustomed to being alone, but upholding a promise he never thought he’d have to
keep unearths emotions he hasn’t felt in centuries.
A terrifying attack changed Max’s life
forever. Now, she’s back home with a target on her back. Forced to face demons from her past, her life
takes a drastic turn and she’s thrown into a world borne of nightmares. Still, she can’t deny an
overpowering pull towards a mysterious and dangerous man.
Could Rehobeth be connected to
her nightmarish visions? Max is determined to find out, but Rehobeth is hiding something from her. He’s
hiding a lot of somethings from her, and learning the truth could not only be dangerous, but deadly.
**PreOrder now on Amazon!**
** Don’t miss the rest of the series! **
Calm Assurance
Orlosian Warriors Book
1
Destiny’s Favor
Orlosian Warriors Book
2
Gideon’s Light
Orlosian Warriors Book
3
Outreach
An Orlosian Warriors Novella
Dariel Raye is an animal rights activist, a musician, therapist, Netflix
binger, and an award-winning, USA TODAY, and International bestselling author of powerful
paranormal romance and dark urban fantasy with IR/MC (Interracial/Multi-cultural) alpha male heroes to
die for, and strong heroines with hearts worth winning.
She is a classically trained mezzo-soprano and pianist who started singing with perfect pitch
before she could walk (according to her mother, anyway), then fell in love with books and started reciting
stories at the age of 3. Dariel plays over 11 musical instruments, including piano, organ, brass, and
percussion.
Her stories tell of shifters, Nephilim, demons, and fae/fey (the Vodouin variety). Dariel is
currently writing four series: “Dark Sentinels” (wolf shifters), “Orlosian Warriors” (Vampire-like
Nephilim), Gateway (demon hunters), and “Secret Admirer’s Christmas Wish,” (sweet holiday romance).
For
more about Dariel, follow her ‘Musings’ blog or
visit her website. She also offers free reads,
giveaways, and other insider info in her VIP Readers’ Club newsletter.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Lyndi Alexander's worlds of fancy 