Guest Author Jordan K Rose

Relax. Relax? Who? When? How?

Hi Sarah. Thanks so much for letting me stop by today as part of the Perpetual Light Blog Tour.

As anyone who’s ever released their first book knows it’s a little bit stressful. There are so many things to worry about. Let me list a few because they’re amazingly fresh in mind!

Am I doing enough promo? Are the dates of everything lining up? What if something happens and the book doesn’t really release? What if the book releases and that’s when I find out it’s terrible? What if my mom hates it? What if someone asks me to do a reading? In public? What if no one, not even my mom buys the book? Why would she buy the book? I’m giving her a copy! Oh, God, no one is going to buy this book!

What in God’s name was I thinking? Publish a book? Have I lost my damn mind?

Yes, that’s what February 20, 2012 was like for me. It was the start of this blog tour and I was ever so slightly nervous. And who heard about it? My sister- via text message. The poor woman only wanted to know how I was. Have you ever received a novel-length text message? Well, that wasn’t the first she’d received, and I’ll bet it won’t be her last!

My husband called at lunchtime as he does everyday, and I unloaded on him because now I was several hours into a worrying fit and had not managed to do any new writing. It was a short conversation during which he told me not to worry, everything would work out fine and then asked what was for dinner.

My sister-in-law called around 4 PM, and by now I’d convinced myself I should jump from the second floor window. She was very clear on that idea being the worst I’d had. Then said all the things a good sister and friend says about how the book would be a huge success and I’d come so far and I shouldn’t try to write my other book today. I should focus on my blog posts and enjoy the moment.

It helped. I didn’t jump. But I didn’t relax. It took about 24 hours for me to finally come down out of the stratosphere and rejoin the world. In that period of time I tried a number of things to relax. I hit the treadmill, twice. Didn’t help, though I do love to blast my music when I workout. I ate chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Chocolate covered pretzels. Chocolate covered cherries. Chocolate covered coffee beans. Red velvet tea. Oven roasted dark chocolate almonds. (Thank God for that treadmill!) I tried to read another Mary Janice Davidson Undead story. Got four pages in and began wondering if I’d be as successful as Mary Janice and then stopped reading.

To say I’d worked myself up is an understatement, though that kind of energy does get things done- laundry, bathrooms, ovens, dinner. Of course, that was all done by 9:30 in the morning along with one trip on the treadmill.

I finally managed to relax the following evening. I’m not sure if it was just time to let go and relax or if my little friend just knew what he needed to do. But around 8:30 Dino, our very lovable black Labrador followed me everywhere I went until I finally got the hint. He wanted to cuddle. He’s so cute. He grabbed one of his many stuffed babies and came running over. He’s about 70 pounds but he likes to lay in my lap and hold his baby. And that just did it. Put everything back on track. I love that dog!

My grandfather always said, “Worry about nothing, Dolly. It all works out.” And he was right. My posts are all off and done. My book is released on time. And I’ve sold some copies. I will get reviews- good and bad. And that’s just life. Everything always works out.

What do you do when worrying seems to be getting the best of you? Feel free to share some strategies. I can always use new ideas!

I’d like to offer a $5 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble to one random commenter. All you have to do is comment on the post to be entered to win. To increase your chances of winning connect with me via one or more of the social networks listed below.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JordanKRose
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jordan-K-Rose/307285709309992
Friend me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5751865.Jordan_K_Rose
Follow my blog via the networked blog button on my site. http://www.jordankrose.com/blog/
Everyone who comments is entered into the grand prize drawing for an eReader- Kindle Touch or Nook Simple Touch.

Guest Author Veronica Scott

Priestess of the Nile
By Veronica Scott

It’s a pleasure to be here today as a guest! I’ve been enjoying your Six Sentence Sunday excerpts for a while!

**Thank you, Veronica! It's great having you here! -- Sarah**

Here’s what my book is about:

Egypt, 1500 BC


Drawn to his abandoned temple on the banks of the Nile by an enchanting song, Sobek the Crocodile God is even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he learns she is Merys, a descendant of his last priestess. Though filled with lust, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. But the rules that govern the Egyptian pantheon forbid anything beyond a physical joining of a Great One and a human.


Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.


Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve to leave her pure. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But can a love between a human and an immortal survive the ultimate test of the gods?

One of the Egyptian deities who appears in the book is the goddess Isis. She’s probably one of the best known members of the Egyptian pantheon even today, revered in ancient times as a mother and a wife, but very powerful, with dominance over magic and all of nature. Her name means “throne” and she was usually depicted wearing a headdress in the shape of a throne to emphasize her position. My Crocodile God, Sobek, has to answer to Isis for his duties in maintaining the Nile River, and she’s not too pleased when he ignores his river tending job for time spent with Merys the Priestess.

Here’s an excerpt:

One minute the light was shining on sand and scrub brush and the next minute the queen stood there, tall, silent, swathed in her customary black sheath. He went to his knees in the river, hands crossed over his chest, head bowed. “I did not expect to encounter you here, my lady.”

“What a surprise to find you working.” Scorn burned in her voice. “You have been absent from your duties to my river quite often of late.”

What can I say to that? It’s true. I allowed my fascination with Merys to pull me away from my tasks far too often. Sobek stayed silent, gritting his teeth.

The conversation continues:

“Have you no explanation to offer?” Frowning, Isis raised her eyebrows. “I am willing to listen. I owe you that for all your centuries of faithful service. Surely something very…important must have prevented you from carrying out your critical assignment here on my river?”

Bek feared this new tone in Isis’s voice. It sounded almost like a challenge to confess.Clearly she suspects something. I am grateful she cannot watch my every movement up and down the Nile. I don’t dare tell her about Merys. Isis has no tolerance for improper involvement with humans.

Sobek shook his head. “I have no excuse, my Queen.”

“You must be punished, then, as a reminder not to stray from duty.” Isis raised her hands to the sky. Rumbling like thunder, her voice echoed off the water and the river banks. “I call for the cold from the outer darkness. Blanket my erring warrior with your crystalline embrace.”

So clearly my hero and heroine have their challenges in working their way to a happy ending and persuading Isis, for one, that they belong together!

About Veronica Scott:

Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library full of books as its heart, and when she ran out of things to read, she started writing her own stories. Married young to her high school sweetheart then widowed, Veronica has two grown daughters, one young grandson and cats.

Veronica's life has taken many twists and turns, but she always makes time to keep reading and writing. Everything is good source material for the next novel or the one after that anyway, right? She's been through earthquakes, tornadoes and near death experiences, although nothing is as stressful as meeting a book deadline. Always more stories to tell, new adventures to experience--Veronica's personal motto is, "Never boring."

Web & Social Media:

http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/vscotttheauthor
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veronica-Scott/177217415659637
http://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Scott/e/B006CUCJ92/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
http://community.harlequin.com/blogs/veronica-scott

Guest Author C.J. Ellisson

My Husband Makes Me Laugh
by C.J. Ellisson

On this momentous of days devoted to love, I’m reminded of one of the reasons I love my husband: he makes me laugh. Sometimes it’s on purpose, other times it’s not, but the result is the same—I’m laughing at him or with him.

One evening we were heading back from dinner and I was feeling a little buzzed and flirty. I imagined the young man, whose pizza delivery car pulled alongside ours at a stoplight, was smiling my way. He was be-bopping to his loud music, pulsing his head to the rhythm I could feel through pavement our cars shared. For a moment I was flattered, thinking he must assume I’m closer to his age and a flood of feeling good coursed through me.

I smiled at my husband and said something like, “I think the guy in the car next to us is flirting.”

Pete glances over and says dismissively, “I wonder if he knows he looks like he’s bobbing on a cock when he does that stupid little move with his head.”

I looked over at the guy and burst out laughing, damned if he didn’t look just like Pete said. “Oh. My. God. He does!”

Pete shrugs, “Maybe if he knew it he’d stop. Jackass.”

* * *

Another evening we were hanging at a local pub. Having just consumed appetizers, we were discussing the merits of ordering a meal. Pete scans the menu, looking for something appealing. “I had the two sausages… man, I’m still hungry.”

A subtle flirting enters my tone when I respond, “Those sausages seemed small.” I wiggle my eyebrows. “You know I like thick sausages.”

He looks at me with a twinkle in his eye; always willing to give as good as he gets, and says, “Yeah, they weren’t that big. After all, they were Irish sausages.”

* * *

The evening of the Pinewood Derby races in boy scouts, we went out to a friend’s birthday party at a local bar. Pete pulls into the unlit parking lot of a nearby failed restaurant.

“This doesn’t seem safe,” I complain while exiting the car. “We should really park near a light.”

My husband, who made our daughter’s sibling car, which got the fastest time on the track that afternoon and beat the pack champ’s car, puffs up his chest and loudly boasts, “You’re with the pit champion, baby! Nothing will hurt you.”

I burst out laughing at his arrogant tone, “Dear God, you’re bragging about the Pinewood Derby race?”

“You don’t get it. You’re a chick. Guys get this shit.”

* * *

Occasionally, in our day-to-day lives, I’ll hear a word or phrase and jot it down so I can use it later in a piece. One time, while discussing where my husband grew up and where I lived for twenty years, he voiced his bald opinion on the negativity one often encounters in the region: “Wine, bitch, and blame somebody…. Go, Jersey!”

I scrambled for a pen, “That’s good, I should write that down.”

“Nah, don’t…. You know, you should write that down. That is good.” As my laughter bubbled forward he continued with, “Man, I’m good at this shit.”

* * *

One romantic evening I gussied myself up in a sexy nightie and sauntered out of the bathroom, fully made up and feeling sexy. Appreciation lit my husband’s eyes and as I climbed onto the bed he said, “You look very volumptuous.”

I froze, mid-sexy crawl, as his word registered. I kneeled on the bed, fisted hands on my ample hips. “Did you just call me lumpy?”

At his deer-in-headlights look, frozen with a horrific look on his face as he realized his faux pas and now worried it would spoil his chances at sex, I burst out laughing. “Er, uhh… I meant voluptuous. I swear.”

* * *

Do you have any funny moments with your spouse you’d like to share? Love makes the world go round, laughter opens your heart, and passion keeps you strong no matter what the world throws your way!

Blurb for The Hunt:

Vivian thinks she can control every aspect of a deadly game with her usual manipulations... but what if she can't?

Seven vampires and seven werewolves pay to hunt a supernatural criminal across the cold, vast grounds of an Alaskan resort. The one to catch her, and live through the encounter, will increase their power by feasting on hers.

The tiny vampire they track is more than she appears, however. To escape a fate of twelve years in silver chains, she'll do anything to survive the weeklong excursion. This time, the darkness holds more than just the stinging bite of the Arctic--it holds death.

Journey along, in this next installment of The V V Inn series, for a wild ride as the tale is told through the eyes of all the new seethe members.


Author Bio:

C.J. Ellisson writes erotica and urban fantasy. Her vampire series, The V V Inn, mixes a heavy dose of erotic elements with suspense, action, a little bit of mystery and some light humor. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze.

To learn more about C.J.'s books (where you can read half of the novels for free), please visit her website at www.cjellisson.com.

Six Sentence Sunday 18

Hi everyone! Welcome back for another week of Six Sentence Sunday! Click here to view my previous entries.

Here's a snippet from my upcoming release Captive Moonlight. The main characters are Joe and Charlotte. This is my first western paranormal romance. This is pretty much a continuation from last week. Enjoy!

He froze, and his nostrils flared. "Damn it. Your maid must be coming to check on you."

Her eyes widened, and she hopped out of bed. She stared at the door, hoping her maid, Betsy, wouldn't come in without knocking. Charlotte needed to look presentable before that happened.

Captive Moonlight now available at Changeling Press.

Visit the other Six Sentence participants. http://sixsunday.com

With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop... Winner Announced

Valentine's Day -- the holiday of love -- is almost here, and I'm excited to be participating in the With Love, Valentine's Day Blog Hop! It runs from today until February 14th at 11:59 PM. I hope everyone grabs some great prizes this weekend!

If I get over 20 people who enter, I'll give away two prizes for this event. The first prize is a digital copy of my newest release Captive Moonlight from Changeling Press. The additional prize would be a winner’s choice eBook from my backlist.

Here's the blurb for Captive Moonlight:

When her betrothed, Joe, is taken captive by a group of men looking for werewolf laborers, it's up to Charlotte to track him down and win him back -- even if that means putting her own life in danger.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit the other Valentine's Day Blog Hop sites here.

Writer Wednesday: Growing as a Writer

Before I start my Writer Wednesday, I have a couple News Bytes to share. Today Jungle Heat is being featured on Nook Lovers as a Daily Cheap Read. I also have been interviewed by Linda Andrews on her blog. Also, tomorrow I'm guest blogging at TRS Blue's blog, and I'll be participating in the TRS Release Party. I'd love if you would stop by!

It's been a couple weeks since I've done a Writer Wednesday. I was looking through my early blog posts to see if I could get a glimmer of what to write about, and I noticed how much I used the word "try" in my blogs. I give myself credit for all that trying since I wouldn't be where I am today if I had stopped, but there's something pretty important I've learned in the time between then and now. As the Yoda quote goes, "Do or do not. There is no try."

I can't say I'm perfect now. I know there are still some areas that I struggle with in being a writer. Some of them are even ones I struggled with back then, but I have more fortitude and willpower because I believe in myself more. My ability to write and edit have increased, and I know that getting published isn't like winning the lottery. I know it's possible, and it will happen. Obviously, since I just had a book come out with my publisher, right?

Wherever you're at as a writer right now, strive toward what you want whether that's improving your writing craft or getting published. It might take a while, but then again, I've been on my journey quite a while too.

How have you grown as a writer?

Guest Author S.J. Clarke

Mind Over Matter
By S.J. Clarke

Rebecca McKenney grieved the loss of her daughter for three years. Now, a vision showing Sabrina three years older, suggests her baby is still alive, and the FBI agent who gave up the search is the only one who can help find her.

Special Agent Dan Cooper is haunted by a tragic mistake made early in the investigation of Sabrina's disappearance. Now to ease his conscience he agrees to help Rebecca search.

Together they fight inner demons, all to real bad guys, and an attraction neither wants to admit to. Each step closer to finding Sabrina is a step deeper into deception and evil.

Can Rebecca and Dan save Sabrina before it's too late?


Excerpt:

Rebecca knew from experience she didn't have much time left. A vision came at her, hard and strong...

The child’s face from the milk carton, about six or seven years old, hovered before her, similar yet different. Shivers wracked her body as she huddled in a corner, her long brown curls limp and dull. Smudges on her face spread when she used a dirty forearm to swipe away tears, and a cut bled through the tear in her dress. A flickering light illuminated the dark room, hinting at secrets in the shadows. The sound of water dripping, slow and steady like a leaky faucet, met Rebecca’s ears and her nose crinkled at the stench of urine and human waste. The child looked up. All trace of color drained from her face when a deep voice crept out of the darkness.

“It’s time.”

“Rebecca, did you hear me?” Ruby’s voice penetrated the fog surrounding Rebecca’s mind.

“W-What?” She lifted her head, taking in the dining room around her. The tourist family still sat waiting for their breakfast. “I’m sorry Ruby, what did you say?”

“You okay, hon? You were in another world there for a minute.”

“I’m fine. Really,” she added at Ruby’s doubtful expression. “Didn’t sleep well again last night, I guess.” She forced a grin. “Good thing you caught me before I nodded off and started drooling in my coffee.” The mention of coffee drew Rebecca’s gaze to the carton of milk again. The girl’s innocent face stared back. Something seemed wrong. Rebecca leaned in, reading the caption under the photo. Nicole Wilson; missing for six years, before Bree even.

“I hope you don’t mind that I helped myself to the milk,” Rebecca said, and explained what happened. “Didn’t want to be a bother.”

“Honey, it’s no problem at all, but you didn't have to do that.”

“Not to worry, it’s over and done now.” Rebecca looked down at the pancakes and fruit before her and knew little would make it past her lips “Breakfast looks delicious, as usual,” she lied.

Ruby looked over at the children’s order of pancakes in front of the empty seat across from Rebecca. She moved her gaze back to Rebecca for a moment longer, before nodding as if confirming something in her head. “Okay then. Enjoy.” Ruby picked up the milk carton as a bell dinged from the kitchen area. “Let me know if you need a refill on your coffee.” Smiling, Ruby went off to deliver the next order.

Rebecca’s stomach roiled at the thought of eating. Nausea and a headache overwhelmed her. She needed to get home where she could decipher what this vision meant. With Ruby monitoring her every move, coming up with a way out of the diner proved difficult.

Forcing another smile, Rebecca picked up her fork and knife and waved them in the air for Ruby to see. At Ruby’s disappointed frown, Rebecca cut the pancakes, and placed a small piece between her lips. Once Ruby smiled and turned away, Rebecca spit the bite out into a napkin. She spent another few minutes cutting and moving food around, hiding small bits under the second pancake. Pulling some money out of her wallet, she kept an eye out. As soon as Ruby went back to the kitchen for the next order pick-up, Rebecca threw the bills down on the table and made her escape.

Rebecca’s first deep breath came when she sat safe inside her car at the other end of Main Street. Home. She had to hold it together until then. Shoving the key into the ignition, she crossed her fingers, and then groaned at the dull grind that met her ears.

“Crap. Not today!” Rebecca cursed for putting off taking the car in to Joshua. Hands shaking, she tried again, holding her grimace until the engine caught.

The edge of another vision crept in while she pulled into the driveway. “Shit. One more minute, come on, one more minute.”

She fumbled at the keyhole, hands shaking too hard to fit the key in the lock. Rebecca crossed the threshold and fell to her knees as the pain sliced in again, worse this time. Never before had two visions come so close together. What the hell?

Rebecca’s world faded and in its place…

Sabrina appeared. Her baby. Sitting on the floor in a room of shadows, chin resting on drawn up knees. “Where are you Mommy? Why haven’t you come?” The shadows opened up, pushing forward to swallow both the light and Bree.

“Nooooooooo.” Rebecca came back tears streaming down her face and fell to the floor. Limp, she laid there, an arm thrown across her eyes. “So close.”

Rebecca rolled as her stomach revolted, giving up its meager contents. Pushing herself to her knees with the last heave, she drew the back of a hand across her mouth.

The memory of losing Sabrina burned in her mind forever, but these fresh images; God, they made it so much worse. Rebecca crawled the few feet to the still open door, shoved it closed and leaned against it, shaking with sobs.

The late morning sun shone through the windows when she refocused. Struggling to her feet, she took in the scene around her.

Clean this mess up, and then shower. You can deal with the rest later. Rebecca tossed the soiled clothes in the washing machine on the way to the bathroom.

Revived by the hot shower, Rebecca poured a glass of iced tea. She curled up in the big chair in the living room, rested her chin on her knees, and tried to make sense of the morning’s events. Break it down. Concentrate on one thing at a time. Tackle the vision at Ruby’s first.

Who are you, Nicole Wilson, and why are you in my head?

About The Author

S. J. Clarke has published over fifty articles as a columnist and regular contributor for a variety of lifestyle and human interest websites. She is a grateful member of the Writers' Community of Durham Region, and proud to sit on the Board of Directors for The Ontario Writer's Conference.

Sandra also co-authored Touretties, a touching tribute featuring testimonials from patients and and their loved ones living with Tourettes.

Mind Over Matter, released in November, 2011 through MuseItUp Publishing, is her first novel.

Check out my new website at: http://sjclarke.com

Friend me on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/jzcSq4

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sandrajc

Join me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=hb_tab_home_top

Mind Over Matter Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/MindOverMatterbySJClarke

Six Sentence Sunday 17

Hi everyone! Welcome back for another week of Six Sentence Sunday! Click here to view my previous entries.

Here's a snippet from my upcoming release Captive Moonlight. The main characters are Joe and Charlotte. This is my first western paranormal romance. This is a continuation from last week. Enjoy!

She cocked an eyebrow at him. "Get right on with it soon before I start sprouting gray hairs."

His eyebrows rose, and he leaned back over her. "Saucy girl. Maybe I'll have to show you what I'd like to get right on again with." He pressed his hard shaft against her thigh.

Captive Moonlight now available at Changeling Press.

Visit the other Six Sentence participants. http://sixsunday.com

Captive Moonlight - Now Available!

I'm so excited about today's new release Captive Moonlight! I really enjoyed writing this story, even though I struggled with it on occasion. What makes it so special is that it's my first (published) werewolf story, and I adore werewolves! My recent post on them said as much. lol

This story also marks my first time writing something historical, which I've wanted to do for a long time. I was an English/History double major before I realized I wanted to get out of college quicker than getting the double major would allow.

Captive Moonlight is book 3 of the Wolves of the Wild West multi-author series, but it stands alone.

I really hope you all enjoy it! Please let me know what you think!

Genres: Paranormal, Action Adventure/ Suspense, Wildest West, Werewolves
Series: Wolves of the Wild West, Book 3 (Multi-Author series)
Length: Novella

Buy Now

A gentlewoman will do whatever it takes to rescue her captive werewolf betrothed.

When her betrothed, Joe, is taken captive by a group of men looking for werewolf laborers, it's up to Charlotte to track him down and win him back -- even if that means putting her own life in danger.

Read the Excerpt