The Muse On Demand by Isabo Kelly

I had someone say to me once, "So you just sit down and think of an idea and then write the story?" I paused a moment and then had to say, "Actually. Yes."

Okay, so this isn't always the case. Sometimes, ideas come to you out of the blue and there's your new world or story. This is the typical way people think authors get story ideas. Via The Muse. And we do. Sometimes. But then there's these other times. When we sit down and think, "Okay, I need a new idea."

Sounds weird, huh? But it happens.

BRIGHTARROW BURNING is the result of one of those need-a-new-idea-so-I-need-to-think-of-something-right-now moments. I had an editor ask if I could put together a synopsis/proposal that she could use for a particular project if any of the authors working on the project didn't come through with their stories. I said, "Sure, I can do that." And then, because the story couldn't be connected to any of my other worlds, I had to come up with something totally new.

So as I was writing out emails, I let my mind wander. And an intriguing bit of dialogue came to me:

"I knew I'd find you here."

She flicked a glance over her shoulder, then returned her stare to the alley below. "What do you want?"

"I'd like to know when you're going to stop trying to kill my brother."

"When he stops kidnapping and selling my people."

I didn't know who either of these people were, what was going on in the story, anything at all. But I had a very interesting conflict in just a few short lines. So I did what I always do when I want to expand a germinating idea. I took a shower J I put my characters into a dark, devastated city and I let my imagination wander through the world, asked questions about the characters, discovered what the heart of the plot was. I uncovered a very sexy elf hero, a strong and determined human heroine, and a world full of conflict, magic and war. Before I knew it, I had a story. An exciting one that I couldn't wait to write.

The path of bringing BRIGHTARROW BURNING to publication has been a little more convoluted. But the story did get written and it did get published. All because an editor asked me to come up with an idea.

It's fun to get hit by the Muse with a wonderful bit of inspiration that results in a really interesting story to tell. It's just as much fun to sit down and say, "I'm going to come up with a cool story idea today" and then do it. Maybe that's still the Muse sitting on my shoulder. If so, she pitches story ideas On Demand. As a working writer, I am really grateful she does!



Check out Isabo's interview of BRIGHTARROW BURNING at The Romance Reviews and get a chance to win awesome prizes! Contest ends October 31.

Once Upon a Groom by Karen Rose Smith

Interview with Karen Rose Smith

Q: The title ONCE UPON A GROOM has a fairy-tale feel to it. What made you choose this title? Would you say this title is apt for the story? Why or why not?
This title is perfect for this story. It's a modern twist on the fairytale. In this book, the heroine helps the hero's heart heal. It is also a play on words. Jenny, my heroine, began as a groom on the Rocky D ranch! Both she and Zack have a gift for gentling horses.

Q: Please tell us about Jenny Farber. What kind of person is she? Why does she crave the roots she'd found in Zack's parents' ranch?
Jenny lost her mother and is practically deserted by her father, a rodeo cowboy, in his grief over losing his wife. Often she was looked after by a recalcitrant neighbor when he was on the road. She has loved horses all of her life and took an internship on the Rocky D, Zack Decker's home, when she was in high school. While there, Zack's mom takes her under her wing and his dad respects her talent with horses. She has found a place to belong. So when in high school, she and Zack fall in love and he asks her to come with him to follow his dream, she can't tear herself from the roots that have grounded her, the surrogate parents she has always needed. She sees Zack's dream as a chase for the future like her dad always tried to grasp. She stays at the Rocky D but has a secret...

Check out the rest of the interview!

OCTOBER FEATURED INTERVIEWS:

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Alterant
Brightarrow Burning
Once Upon a Groom

Brightarrow Burning by Isabo Kelly

Interview with Isabo Kelly

Q: Now we come to the hero! Tell us more about Ulric of Glengowyn. What qualities make him a droolworthy hero?

Hmmm, Ulric… He's a warrior elf who has led his fellow elves in battles and proven himself one of the greatest warriors of his people. Since the elves have been at peace, he spends his time trading elf weapons made by other members of his family with the human merchants of Sinnale. He loves to negotiate—especially with the Brightarrow family—and prefers that to war even though he would never shy away from a fight. He is a favorite of his king and queen—much to his brother's disgust. And he's the one who taught Layla how to shoot a bow and arrow. He's fiercely protective, has a strong sense of honor and loyalty, and is incredibly hot and sexy.

Q: I like hot and sexy! And the excerpt on your publisher website was intriguing! I absolutely love the tension between the hero and heroine. If Ulric cares for Layla, why hasn't he made the move on her? Why wait until now?

Going into too much detail would be a bit of a spoiler. I will say that there's a reason elves and humans don't normally form long term relationships, elves generally keep any sexual relationship with a human very limited and temporary, and it took a serious shock for Ulric to acknowledge what he really wanted from Layla...

Check out the rest of the interview!

OCTOBER FEATURED INTERVIEWS:

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Alterant
Brightarrow Burning
Once Upon a Groom

Alterant by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Interview with Dianna Love

Q: Yeah, that's what I love about her. There are hints that Evalle is so much more than what she is, with her being half Belador and half something else, and the mystery with her identity. I can guess exciting times are up ahead! What went into the creation of the character of Evalle Kincaid? Would we get to see a little more of who she is as the series progresses?

The mystery behind Evalle's background and the unknown part of her identity will be unveiled a little more in each book. We'll see her develop both personally and in how she handles the attention of several men in her life. Juggling her work, and the attention of all those guys is definitely not easy for someone who has never dated and who had a horrible, dark experience as a teen. She's much more comfortable kicking demon butt than making nice.

Q: In the first book, Blood Trinity, Evalle seemed to be taken with both Storm and Isak. Do tell us more about each of them! What traits do each possess that drew Evalle to each man?

Isak is former military and has a kill-on-sight order for his men when it comes to any non-human, but especially an Alterant. His best friend was killed by an Alterant who'd shifted into beast form. Isak doesn't know that Evalle is an Alterant, which means she has to walk a dangerous line with him sometimes, like when he kidnaps her for a dinner date.

Storm is another situation altogether. The head of VIPER wants Evalle off of his team, but can't get rid of her without a good reason, so he brought in Storm as Evalle's partner—because Storm can sense a lie as soon as it leaves a person's lips. But Storm is his own man and took an immediate interest in Evalle. While they work together on cases for VIPER, Storm has a lot of access to Evalle and doesn't waste a minute of that time.

Both men are alphas who care about Evalle in their own unique ways…then there's Tristan...

Check out the rest of the interview! 

 

OCTOBER FEATURED INTERVIEWS:

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Alterant
Brightarrow Burning
Once Upon a Groom

Musa Publishing

Let's welcome a new publisher!

Ebooks,Penumbra eMag, and so much More

Musa Publishing Opens its Electronic Doors

After months of editing, designing, contracting, and formatting Musa Publishing launches on October 1, 2011. The E-publisher opens with a large catalogue including Penumbra Speculative Fiction eMag, new works by three bestselling authors, and the full backlist of Aurora Regency, featuring traditional Regency romances and historical fiction.

Penumbra eMag  http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=12

Penumbra's inaugural issue is a collection of speculative fiction stories that encompass the arts--the arts we love and revere. Some of these stories deal with the arts we're familiar with. Some create arts we haven't thought of and some resurrect arts buried in the depths of the past.  And yet, all of these offerings celebrate the creative process, which makes them a fitting theme to launch Penumbra--an enterprise that will showcase the creative work of speculative fiction authors each month with a new collection of works within the genre.

New Works by

Gini Koch

The Martian Alliance 1: The Royal Scam

http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=13

Things aren't what they seem to be when Princess Olivia of Andromeda jumps aboard a spaceship to escape a loveless marriage.

Join the crew of the Hummingbird as they take on the rich, famous and sleazy of the galaxy. They're also on a long-term secret mission, so it's a good thing they're the best con artists, spacers, and roughnecks in the Milky Way, because they need all their skills to pull off this particular Royal Scam.

Cindi Myers

West with the Wind

http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=19

More than gold awaits two lovers at the end of the trail.

Mariah Tate and her dog, Worthy, persuade veteran guide Campbell Jefferson to let them join his expedition headed to California. Camp can't say no to the beautiful widow, but his need to protect her soon clashes with her need to keep secrets. Mariah left more than bad memories behind in Pennsylvania and her growing attraction to the stoic but surprisingly sensitive Camp forces her to face up to the consequences of the choices she's made. Camp doesn't know what Mariah's hiding, but he's determined not to let the only woman who ever made him want to settle down get away. He pursues her across the prairies, through stampedes, Indian raids, desert drought and mountain snows. In the gold camps of California, Camp will discover Mariah's secret, and prove the love she wants most isn't out of reach.

And the return to writing after five years for USA Today Bestselling Author

Sharon De Vita

The Estrogen Posse http://www.musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=20

"The Estrogen Posse is a hoot! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't put it down! For every woman who needs a pick me up, this is the book for you!"
Janet Evanovich, NYT bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum mystery series

Once upon a time Ellie Briotti had a quiet life as a suburban housewife.

Until…she confronts her wealthy husband Nicky about doing the pecker polka with another woman, and Nicky tosses Ellie out of his life like some misbehaved household pet.

Until…Gram Crackers, her dotty mother begins passing out house keys to homeless bums.

Until…Joey, her eleven-year old son starts on a new career path: breaking and entering.

Until…Rina, her best friend, a single, successful, entrepreneur learns she's about to become a mother.

Until…Candi, Nicky's 22-year-old mistress turns up murdered with traces of furniture polish on her bare backside!

A rip-roaring ribald mystery about a woman's journey to discover what she really wants in life. Now, if Ellie can keep her son from becoming a second-story man, while trying to hide everything from the gorgeous cop who's started sniffing around, Ellie might be able to get a new life.

That is—if she doesn't go to jail for murder first!

Aurora Regency

Musa has acquired Aurora Regency and Aurora Regency Historicals. Within the next month over forty books in this line will be available to Regency and Historical Romance buffs to enjoy.

Stop by www.MusaPublishing.com check out the books already for sale as well as those coming soon. Over the next few weeks, Musa will offer literature geared for every reader's tastes. Musa aims to offer well writing, interesting stories, all at a price that doesn't bite into your check book.

The Road Less Travelled....

One of the reasons I love history so much is because it gives you a chance to journey to another place as well as another time. I studied history for so long because no matter where you turn, there is always something new to see, someone new to investigate and somewhere new to explore. And with such a vast wealth of information, the potential for historic settings in romances is incredible. Which leads me to the question—why are such a vast majority of historical romances set in England?

Don’t get me wrong—my degree was in the History of the British Imperial & Commonwealth history. I think English history, especially the 19th-century is terrific, and there’s no denying that Britain was the center of the western world for a fair amount of that time span, but let’s not forget about all the other nifty places on the map, all the other worlds to explore—and all the romance that could be had elsewhere. Some of my favorite romances feature characters who leave Britain and venture into the big wide world and find not only true love, but a new and better version of themselves along the way.
I have to start with one of my all-time favorite romance novels, Follow My Lead by Kate Noble. Not only are our leading pair intrepid historians, but their adventures (or misadventures) takes them outside the safety of England and across Europe as they search for the origins of a fabled painting. Neither character is particularly fulfilled with their situation at home—Jason Cummings is a Duke hounded by eligible young misses, but challenged by nothing and invested in very little, while Winnifred Crane cannot win the recognition her work as an art historian deserves because she is female. But neither know how decently they have it until they find themselves in the wilds of the German countryside, without money, food or proper walking shoes and at the mercy of the weather and local villagers. But as they travel, and as they are forced repeatedly to test their own strength and wits, they blossom as individuals. With the strictures of English society no longer binding them, Winn and Jason are not nobles or old maids but two individuals whose beautiful partnership develops very gradually and honestly. The description of the towns they visit and the sights they see are spectacular. Vienna is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I could feel Winn’s excitement as she looked up at St. Stephen’s Cathedral for the first time—and Jason’s awe as he looked at all that Winn has become in the course of the journey.
Another sensational pair of adventurers—and ones with marginally better foresight—can be found in Deanna Raybourn’s romantic mysteries featuring Lady Julia Gray and the half-gypsy detective, Nicholas Brisbane. The fourth installment of Lady Julia’s adventures, Dark Road to Darjeeling, sees Lady Julia and Brisbane married at long last and eight months into their honeymoon voyage around the world. Though Brisbane’s mysterious past is full of international intrigue and danger, Julia has never set foot outside of England. And despite her insatiable curiosity and taste for escapades that would cause most proper ladies to swoon, there are constant reminders in this book of the staid, confining existence Julia lived before Brisbane first stormed into her life. As their relationship has grown, Julia has insisted on nothing except that Brisbane treat her as an equal, intellectually and physically, especially when it comes to putting herself in harm’s way in order to help their investigations. The further they travel from England, the more adamant Julia becomes, throwing off the last ties of conformity to which she clung for so long and demanding a partnership with Brisbane in his detection agency. I personally think this is one of the best literary duos to be found currently. Brisbane is a mix of the best parts of some of the 19th-century’s best heroes (none more so than Mr. Rochester), Julia’s wry humor and indomitable spirit make each book an absolute treat to read, and her family of misfits and oddballs is without a doubt the best set of supporting characters to be found. Deanna Raybourn’s research makes every new location in this book a wonderland of colors and smells and textures, and her love for her characters means she isn’t afraid to let them explore both their world and their relationships. Though Julia’s new found taste for detection and thirst for danger lead to some awkward moments throughout the story, there is never a doubt that the only home she or Brisbane need is each other, and that each new adventure, no matter how strenuous, will only bring them closer together in the end.
The journey away from home isn’t always as magical, or as lighthearted, though. In Flawless, Carrie Lofty’s newest book, Vivienne Bancroft is sent by a bequest in her father’s will to Kimberley, Cape Colony (now South Africa), perhaps the most remote part of the British Empire, and a hot bed of political tension. At her side is her estranged husband, Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft, who she left a year earlier, but who still holds the key to her broken heart. While Miles is eager for his share of the potential fortune that would be theirs if Vivienne’s father’s diamond mine turns a profit, his real need is to reclaim his wife. His only hope is that, if working in such close company doesn’t bring them together, Miles can at least make Vivie as miserable as he is himself. Instead of being freed from the confines of their society by their travel, the journey through South Africa strips these characters in a much more brutal manner. This is most likely because the barriers that keep them apart are not ones of class or entitlement, but are ones they built themselves. Away from family, friends and their vices of choice, Vivienne and Miles have no choice but to confront each other and the tension that threatens to consume them both alive. Carrie Lofty manages to convey the wildness of the Cape Colony, its sheer daunting immensity and the constant danger, without detracting from the wonder of the journey and the magic of exploring it. Miles and Vivienne are both transformed, both physically and psychologically by their travels, achieving things they never could have back in the safety of England. The history of the British colonization of South Africa is a fascinating one, and this book is one of the first I’ve read to do it justice, while giving us a pair of characters as wild, as fascinating and as compelling as their surroundings.

There are few things I enjoy more than escaping into a well-crafted historical romance, and while I love Britain and its history, it’s always nice to remember that there was a great deal more going on in the world during the 19th-century, and a countless number of adventures taking place beyond England’s green and pleasant fields. These are just some of the characters whose wanderlust equals my own and whose broader horizons make for some wonderful hours of reading. I’d love to hear what your recent literary travels have been, as well!

Do you hide your romance book when around others or show it with pride?

Show some love for our romance novels!

 

Do you ever have someone ask what you are reading and when you name a romantic novel they scoff or ask you why you waste your time on it? I often hear about people who look at reading romance books as frivolous or pointless. I however don't believe this because other than reading for entertainment purposes, Romance novels have a lot themes and lessons that are just as important as many of the other forms of literature. I believe that many romance novels also help empower women with their strong heroines and kick butt attitudes. There are books that portray women having the strength to overcome troubling times and even some where they are simply whisked away to other lands where they learn about different cultures and teach understanding and love. The most important aspect is just the fact that it makes us feel good about ourselves and gives us an escape from everyday pressures. Now tell me how are these not examples of real literature? For those of you that flaunt your love of romance books with pride or closet romance lovers tell me about any experiences or thoughts you have on the subject.

Summer may be coming to an end, but that does not mean that fun reading has to end too… by Marie Astor

Let's face it - the fall is here. The days are getting longer, the leaves are turning yellow, and the sun, although still glowing just as brightly, is not as warm as it was just a few weeks ago.

I don't know about you, but to me, the end of the summer has always brought a sobering feeling, almost that of sadness. While the fall has its own beauty, it is a season of seriousness. Summer, on the other hand, is bright and carefree – it is a time for romance, a time for having fun.

Scientists keep dreaming about inventing a time machine, but I think I might have beaten them to the punch. I wrote my contemporary romance, Lucky Charm, during the warm days of June, and now, every time I reread a line from the book, I am transported to the time when I wrote it – I can remember what I was thinking, and how I felt, right down to the smell of the air and my surroundings.

Well, summer may be coming to an end, but that does not mean that fun reading has to end too. Here is a quick excerpt from Lucky Charm, a contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship, to add some sunshine to a rainy fall day:

"Check this out!" Lilly motioned at the sign in the dim window on the right, which read, 'Madam Aurora – Tarot Card Readings.' "Let's go inside!"

"Oh, I don't know," Annabel replied – she had an inborn distrust of psychics and palm readers.

"Come on, it'll be fun," Lilly urged her. "Don't you want to get your fortune read?"

"I'm not sure – if it's anything like what it's been recently, I think I'd rather stay in the dark."

"Well, I want to get mine read – I want to see what's in store for me and Simon," Lilly insisted. "You don't have to get yours read if you don't want to."

"All right, have it your way," Annabel surrendered, knowing full well that once Lilly got something into her head, it would be impossible to talk her out of it.

Lilly tugged on the front door, but it was locked.

"It says here that you have to ring." Annabel pointed to the small sign next to the intercom.

Lilly pressed the intercom button, but no one answered.

"See? There's no one there – you probably have to make an appointment in advance or something like that." Annabel was glad of an excuse to leave. "Let's go. Maybe next time." She tugged at Lilly's sleeve.

Just then there was a rustling noise from the intercom receiver. "Who is it?" asked a distant voice.

"Madam Aurora? We're interested in a tarot reading," Lilly spoke into the intercom.

"Come on up – it's the top floor." The front door buzzed open.

"In we go!" Lilly swung open the front door and Annabel had no choice but to follow her friend inside.

The lobby of the building was completely deserted. Lilly pressed the elevator button and several moments later an elevator rolled down the see-through metallic shaft.

"I'm not going up in that." Annabel looked suspiciously at the archaic contraption. "This thing looks like it's from the nineteen twenties."

"Come on! I'm not walking up five flights of stairs in heels!" Lilly pried open the elevator door.

"Only because you are my friend, but if we get stuck, it'll be all your fault." Annabel went inside the clammy-smelling elevator and felt the floor sink underneath her feet.

"OK, up we go!" Lilly pressed the top floor, and Annabel shut her eyes as the elevator rattled into motion, hoping that this would not be the moment when the elevator would finally succumb to its wear and plummet down the shaft.

"See? We made it just fine!" Lilly exclaimed after the shaky elevator ride ended with one last final thump. She pushed open the elevator door and headed down the hallway that looked like it had recently survived an explosion: paint was peeling off the walls and the floor was sinking underneath one's feet.

"Are you sure about this?" Annabel asked, thinking that if Madam Aurora were indeed a reputable card reader, she would not be maintaining her establishment in such dingy quarters.

"Right this way," came a voice from the opened door down the hall.

Great, thought Annabel, abandoning all hopes of escape.

A sly grin twinkled on Madam Aurora's face as she held the door open for Annabel and Lilly to enter. "Please, come inside."

I hope that you will prolong your summer season by picking up a copy of Lucky Charm:

http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315878337&sr=1-2

Cheers,

Marie

Free short story! FIRE BOUND by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Free Belador short story! Woo hoo!

FIRE BOUND is available right now, on Pocket After Dark. 

A dangerous creature is on the loose.  Evalle, Tzader and Quinn take a VIPER team just outside of Atlanta for a sting operation that takes a deadly turn.  Killing the half-human creature would be easy, but national security is on the line until the team can discover who created the monster, and whether more like it are waiting in the wings to be unleashed on the human world. The op goes bad with Beladors in the middle of it, and nothing turns out as expected, least of all for Evalle.

Get it now FREE!

http://pocketafterdark.com/_Sherrilyn-Kenyon-and-Dianna-Love-share-an-exclusive-short-story/blog/5105912/159176.html

Reading order:

1) BLOOD TRINITY--1st full length novel in Belador series--Release date Nov, 2010.
2) FIRE BOUND--free short story up at Pocket After Dark as of this week (link above)
3) ALTERANT--Book 2 in Belador series--release date Sept 27, 2011.

So go get your copy and enjoy!

Incidentally, TRR review for BLOOD TRINITY can be found here.

     

Cowboys Make Beautiful Lovers by Cerise Deland

Cowboys make beautiful lovers!

As an author, I know it. As a reader, you probably do, too, especially if you are here reading this!

Being an East Coast gal who has been transported to deep in the heart of Texas, I tell you I never knew a cowboy till I got here.  Never even hoped to meet one. True. True. My idea of a sexy guy was a Suit with the Suave of 007.

Now, 15 years after moving to southwest Texas and cowboy country, I have a craving for genuine western men. Cowboys. Rodeo contenders. Ranchers. Sheriffs. Texas Rangers. They are different from their coastal counterparts. Living with longhorns and cattle, fighting dust and draught, scorpions and cacti, hard winters and summers without water make a man tough. Sturdy. Inventive.  And funny.

Definitely, they appeal to us for their legendary individuality. But their roughness—and their need to be rough means they have the grit, true grit, to love a woman hard and fast.

More than that, I think these men are much stronger characters in erotica--and more true to life! The rough, tough type of man we think of as a cowboy is best personified by a man with a load of testosterone. Hence, a hot and heavy erotica fits best.

I like writing these men with a great sense of understanding and I got that way because living in cowboy country, I know these boys! I have worked with them, played with them (at the local Chamber of Commerce and other local events.)

They are truly independent. With a capital I.

They do not mess with details. This, of course, can get them in trouble. But they tend not to care. They let others work on that pesky little stuff for them.

They have other traits I love. For example, they know how to use a lasso.  They do rope animals. Corral them. Kill them. And stuff them. Then mount them on the walls of their living rooms, if their wives will let them—or if not, on the walls of their den. If that fails, the front of their trucks can bear a brace of 15 foot longhorns. Yes, indeedy.

They do take care of their appearance. They are fit. Very. And need no gym membership to hone those delicious muscles. And as for attire, beard, etc? They are not particular but pull on those worn, comfortable jeans and plaid shirt to be out there on a horse. Chaps (yum, yum) if necessary. But at home with their women, at a dance hall to do a graceful (do not use that word, though, puleeez) Two Step, they dress. Knife-pressed, starched jeans. White, starched shirt. Damnedest big silver buckle on their belt. Bigger than...well, any one else's, donchaknow. Boots. Knee high. Polished. Leather or Ostrich. Hand tooled. Cut to a fare thee well. Spurs. (Tingly, yet?)

They also know how to cook. Well. Really, they know how to barbeque. Hottest, damn coals are best, thank you, ma'am.

What do they cook? Ribs. Beef, pork, baby backs. Fajitas, especially down here in south Texas, these meats are our specialty. They also do Mean Beans. MEAN. (Bring your constitution, please.) Brisket, they will smoke it till it falls apart in your fingers. You get all gooey and you must lick yourself clean.

Hmmm. Method? Madness?

What else can they do?

They know how to wield a bull whip.

A carving knife.

A lasso.

Biggest trucks I have ever seen.

They are not good with eloquence of the East Coast variety. But they do know how to speak their minds...and their hearts.

Gimme a cowboy every time.

Cerise DeLand

View all my cherries ~ www.cerisedeland.com