29 August 2011

Astsraea Press said 'Yes'

A few months ago, stuck on a WIP, I opened a new doc and started writing. 


These two characters turned up, Liam, a European prince, and Mel, his body guard.  (This was a couple of days after 'The Royal Wedding' of William and Kate!)


My heroine, Mel, suggested the title From Now Until Forever.


I ended up with a short story of 3.5k, and put it through the online crit group I belong to.  All said, 'Not long enough'.  I sat on it until a friend nudged me towards the chance of submitting a 5k story for an anthology.  I went back to From Now Until Forever, wrote, rewrote, chopped, and stiched then submitted.




Another friend read this effort and said, 'Not enough, make it longer', so I did.
 
And with a lot of help, I wrote, and I cut and I stitched and low and behold it exceeded the 15k I thought I'd struggle to reach. I then submitted it to Astraea Press.



Last week, Astraea Press said 'yes'. 


And I'm happy dancing!

28 August 2011

Discover Dominique's Top Ten...


Hi, I am Dominique Eastwick and I write Erotic Romance. Though I have some sweeter ones in the works as well as some historicals this is my genre for the moment. Over the last two years I have published three works and have another one slotted to come out with Musa Publishing in October.

So I am no longer a One Hit wonder so to speak, I have my second and third books published and now I feel like I might be able to do this thing called writing, it wasn’t a fluke.

So here is my top ten list of things I learned since publishing my first book….

1. Just because you think your book is amazing and ready for print, it's not there is always more to edit.

2. Other Authors are always willing to help out, especially if you are willing to help them out.

3 Seasoned Published Authors are a font of information tap into it.

4 It's all about POV and staying away from passive voice.

5 Nothing can make your stomach clinch more then the email notice saying your book has been reviewed. To open the email or not that is the question.

6. Writing the Sequel is far easier, all the Characters are already formed and most of the research is done.

7 Writing the Sequel is far harder, the characters are already formed and readers will remember if you changed their eye color.
ROFL

8. Nothing is more nail biting then having your best friends and family read your sexed up book. (Sorry Dad)

9. Having the Sequel picked up is affirming, yet nerve racking, you are no longer writing just for you, you are writing for the publisher, the reviewers, the readers, so many more what ifs come into play.

10. Nothing makes you feel more like an author then going onto facebook and see the "go to the page of the book you are reading and type the first sentence" game being played and having two people quote your book.

Sure I have learned more for good and for bad but that’s what life is about a fun learning Journey. It’s the people you meet and the books you read or write along this crazy road that makes it so much fun.
I so agree with your list.

Link to Dominique's website www.DominiqueEastwick.com

Link to Dominique's blog http://dominiqueeastwick.blogspot.com/

Friend on Facebook http://facebook.com/dominique.eastwick

Twitter @dominieastwick

Six Sentence Sunday

My word, I look up and here we are again, another Sunday :-) Thanks again, to everyone who came by last Sunday. I appreciate your comments and company :-) Today's snippet carries on from last week.

Comfort changed to awareness and awareness to a commemoration of life in their coming together. It transcended logic or lust. It became a need to celebrate their survival. Her disappearance the following morning ran through his mind like an old movie.

“I have a copy of the marriage license.”

Arthur's words didn‟t make sense, but on the other hand they did; a macabre kind of sense that sent shivers down his spine.

Duty Calls is available ~ HERE & HERE

Please visit my website to learn more, and read the reviews.

You will find other participants of Six Sunday Sentence HERE

27 August 2011

Sweet Saturday Samples

#4 Thank you to everyone ho visited last week and to those joining us all on the second week of the great new Sweet Saturday Samples please enjoy.


While The Brat is rated 'sensual' and PG, there is no violence or 'explicit' sex in The Brat. There is some background reference, without details, to child abuse.


This scene in my debut novel The Brat published by The Wild Rose Press follows on from last week.
The Brat is pg rated and a contemporary romance.

~ ~ ~


"No.” The man shifted in his seat. “I don’t think Mrs. Kouvaris ever bothered to find out.”

“She never…” Shocked, his gaze slid from the road to the man sitting beside him. “Impossible!”

“Take the next left.”

With difficulty Ben refocused on his driving. “How can she not have known?”

“You have to understand, she took the child in for one reason.”

“Yeah!” The long-subdued bitterness spilled over. “She wanted a daughter to replace the son who wasn’t good enough for her.”

“Contrary to your belief, she did not bring the girl into the house as your replacement.” The older man sighed. “Mrs. Kouvaris was not a kind woman, but the one act of kindness I remember her for is sending you to your father.”

“How can you describe such an action as akindness?” Ben demanded. “Where now?”

“Left, then left again, between the first double gates.” Mr. Cranborne waited until Ben drew the hired Jaguar up in front of a modern detached house of warm red brick and large windows. A well-kept lawn sloped away to the right, bordered by lofty rhododendron bushes. To the left a double garage stood back from a paved area.

“My mother could afford a place like this?” Ben gaped at the extensive, well-kept gardens surrounding the property and tried to equate his knowledge of the woman who’d given birth to him with the building in front of him. Whoever called it a
cottage had windmills in their attic at the time. “She must’ve had several influential clients.” He gave a derisive snort.

“Her clients had varied tastes, I believe.”

“That doesn’t explain why she dispatched me to Greece and replaced me with another child.”

26 August 2011

Strawberry Kisses by Dominique Eastwick
Decadent Publishing

Buy at //www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=328&osCsid=fe5fc16efb34588d71c0f04a85d1d5db

Contemporary Rubenesque Erotic Romance

Are they ready to gamble on a 1 Night Stand?
Mia hides behind her computer
Gavin hides behind his numbers.

Can Madame Eve bring these two together and show them that two is always better then one.

ALERT -- Explicit content in excerpt below

Excerpt:
“Do you want the next strawberry with chocolate, or champagne?” He popped the cork.

“I, um....” She slowed her breathing, trying hard to concentrate on his words. “I’ve never had champagne and strawberries.”

“Really?” As he smiled, the first real smile she’d seen on his face was breathtaking, She could only nod since somewhere between her mouth and her brain she’d lost the ability to form simple words.

Pouring one glass of the bubbly wine, he took a sip, smiled then grabbed another plump berry. He rubbed it slightly on her lower lip. “Take a bite.”

He didn’t have to tell her twice. She bit, then savored, as he raised the flute and tilted it just enough for her to get a swallow of the liquid. Her eyes widened as the tastes of the fruit and champagne fused in her mouth.

“Another bite then?” He didn’t wait for her answer, giving her another piece and let her enjoy the fruit for what it was, savoring and treasuring as some of the best she’d ever had.

She opened her eyes just in time to see his close, and his mouth settle over hers. Her lips parted and a rush of champagne from his mouth filled her own. The fizzy liquid overwhelmed her senses. If she could have let out an ooh, she would have. But all she could think about was his tongue dancing with hers. His left hand still holding the flute, he wrapped it around her waist, pulling her closer. She felt the heat of his erection at the same time his rigid cock pressed against her belly.

Pulling away enough to wind her arms around his neck, she prevented any escape on his part. She had him where she wanted him no matter how good the strawberries or the champagne, wanted him right there, kissing her. He didn’t fight her, instead deepening the kiss. She breathed in, his scent acting like an aphrodisiac on her already hyper libido, bringing her to the brink of ripping his clothes off and jumping his cock right then.

His arm left her waist for a minute—she heard the clink of the flute on the table, but his lips never left hers. She melted into him as his warm palms cupped her heated cheeks, forcing her mind back to the kiss.

"Tell me what you want?” His breath was warm against her lips.

"I want you.”

“How? Give me permission, tell me it’s okay to strip you naked, kiss you wherever the need takes me.”

“Yes, yes, please, all of that.”

It was all the encouragement he needed. His warm hands palmed her breasts, weighing them, his thumbs working the nipples to hard nubs under the layers of clothing she wore. Letting her head fall back, she savored the feel of his hands on her, of a man’s hands, warm and strong on her long-starved body.

Link to Dominique's website www.DominiqueEastwick.com

Link to Dominique's blog http://dominiqueeastwick.blogspot.com/

Friend on Facebook http://facebook.com/dominique.eastwick

Twitter @dominieastwick

25 August 2011

Meet Trace from A Trace of Love by

Trace struts into the room. He grabs the chair closest to the front, flips it around, and straddles it. He brushes his fingers through jet-black hair that immediately falls back over blue eyes.

“Hey, what’s up? I’m Trace Curtis. Here’s the deal; Ophelia’s a pain the ass.” He wets his lips. “But I’m crazy about her. I don’t know what it is. She’s just different from all the other girls I’ve been with.”

He scoffs and glances at his feet. “Yeah, I’ve been with a lot of chicks. I mean, they throw themselves at you, you know?” He scoffs again. “But Ophelia…she’s just different. And I am not going to let her get away.”

He sits up straight and grins. “Danielle wanted me to tell you about the give-away. She’s giving away a free copy of ‘A Trace of Love’. That’s my story.” He laughs. “Okay, I guess it’s really Ophelia’s story. Anyway, you ladies better leave a comment if you want it. I think I’m done here.”

Blurb: Ophelia Martinez has a chance encounter with internationally famous rock-star, Trace Curtis. To Ophelia, Trace will always be the charming boy she met in high school. They share one night together in which Trace falls in love with Ophelia. But Ophelia knows she can’t continue to live in the past, at least not with the secret that haunts her present.

Thanks for having me, Sherry, I had a blast putting these posts together. Thanks everyone for reading. Please check my Website for a list of tour dates. I’m giving away a free PDF copy of A Trace of Love at each blog stop. Follow me more chances to win.
It's been a pleasure to have you join us for the last few day, thank you.



Learn more about Danielle Ravencraft on her website at http://RavencraftRomance.com

Email Danielle Ravencraft at Danielle_Ravencraft@yahoo.com




*******Give Away!!!**********

Leave a comment with your name and address for a chance to win a FREE PDF copy of A Trace of Love.

24 August 2011

Meet Ophelia from Danielle Ravencraft's A Trace of Love

A rail-thin woman sits in the center if a twin-size bed and crosses her legs. Her sweater’s so long, the sleeves drop six inches past her fingertips. She pushes chin-length strands of hair behind her ears and clears her throat.

“My name’s Ophelia,” she sighs. “I guess I’m supposed to tell you I’m insecure, or whatever. I’m not. It’s just that Trace is … well, wonderful. But he’s a rock star, and a very popular one.” She raises her hands. “I know, I know, every woman’s dream right? Rich, famous, oh-my-gosh-good-in-bed. But we all know how men get that talent. Practice.” Ophelia scoffs.

“I mean, come on. There’s only one kind of man that says the ‘L’ word during casual sex.” She turns slightly to wipe at gleaming eyes before facing forward. “Okay, so I fell for it. But I took care of it. I’m not a complete idiot.”

She leans forward, eyebrows drawn together. She points a finger. “Don’t roll your eyes at me, Danielle, I can see you!”

Blurb: Ophelia Martinez has a chance encounter with internationally famous rock-star, Trace Curtis. To Ophelia, Trace will always be the charming boy she met in high school. They share one night together in which Trace falls in love with Ophelia. But Ophelia knows she can’t continue to live in the past, at least not with the secret that haunts her present.

Come back tomorrow to meet Trace, the hero, and find out how you can win a free PDF copy of A Trace of Love.

Learn more about Danielle Ravencraft on her website at http://RavencraftRomance.com

Email Danielle Ravencraft at Danielle_Ravencraft@yahoo.com

23 August 2011

More about Danielle Ravencraft and A Trace of Love,

When I was younger, I never understood the point of reading contemporary romance. It was much more fun to pretend to be a princess locked in a tower, waiting for Prince Charming to rescue me from my evil step-mother or the dragon who was secretly my friend, or really, from my own dull existence.

As I got a little older, my view of Prince Charming changed. Instead of the shining armor and white steed, he would wear black leather and ride a Harley. But I still expected the magic to be there: The instant love at first sight, the spark of that first, accidental touch, and the fireworks during the first kiss.

Real life meant fights and broken promises, tears, and eventually divorce. The younger me wouldn’t have it. I convinced myself my soul mate was out there somewhere, that he would never ever hurt me, and that when I met him, I’d magically know he was THE ONE.

You’re probably laughing at me now, but that’s okay.

As you might have guessed, that dream was lost as I grew up and had a string of real relationships. I think in every relationship you learn something about yourself and about what you truly want in a husband. For one thing, I’ve learned that falling in love is the easy part. Staying in love takes work. And while Prince Charming may not sweep you off your feet with a grand display of fireworks, he will remember to stock the fridge with your favorite soft drink, take you to the latest Twilight premier, and stick by you side through thick or thin.


When I first sat down to write A Trace of Love, I knew right away that Trace and Ophelia would be real people and that eventually they would have a real relationship like that. But like I said…falling in love is the easy part. Staying in love takes work. Can Trace and Ophelia cut it?

Blurb: Ophelia Martinez has a chance encounter with internationally famous rock-star, Trace Curtis. To Ophelia, Trace will always be the charming boy she met in high school. They share one night together in which Trace falls in love with Ophelia. But Ophelia knows she can’t continue to live in the past, at least not with the secret that haunts her present.

Come back tomorrow and meet Ophelia, the heroine form A Trace of Love. Be sure to stop by on the 25th for a chance to win a free PDF copy of A Trace of Love.

Learn more about Danielle Ravencraft on her website at http://RavencraftRomance.com

Email Danielle Ravencraft at Danielle_Ravencraft@yahoo.com

22 August 2011

Danielle Ravencraft talks about her novel A Trace of Love

Hi,

I’m Danielle Ravencraft and today is the first post starting my 10-day blog tour. Thanks so much for joining me and Sherry Gloag as we celebrate the release of my debut Erotic Contemporary Romance story.


A Trace of Love is about a young woman named Ophelia Martinez who bumps into her old high school crush, Trace Curtis. He doesn’t remember her, so Ophelia decides to take a chance and have some fun with Trace. Things turn ugly as Trace falls for Ophelia and the truth threatens to surface. Ophelia knows she can’t live in the past, especially with the secret that haunts her present.


A Trace of Love is the first part of a three-book series, followed by A Trace of Passion and A Trace of Hope. Visit my website to follow Ophelia and Trace’s journey and learn more about my other projects.


About me:


I’m the eldest daughter of a very ethnic family (American/Mexican/Bulgarian) and was raised all over the Chicago area. I got to travel a lot as a kid since visiting extended family meant a trip to Mexico or to Europe. I love to travel and know my way around an airport. My family taught me to appreciate different cultures. One of my favorite things about traveling is seeing how other people live, their beliefs, and, most importantly, what they eat. I can’t get enough ethnic food. LOL.


Now that I’m an adult and have to pay my own way, I don’t get to travel as much. But I still have Chicago only an hour’s drive away. I’m on cloud nine whenever I visit that city. I’ve been to New York City, which is awesome, but I still think Chicago’s better.


Currently, I live in Wisconsin with my two dogs. Yes, I endured about a year of culture shock up here in Dairy Land, but I’ve grown to enjoy the slower pace and close community. My urban youth lives on in my writing. Whatever adventure my characters go on, you can be sure it will include taxis and high-rise flats instead of dragons and castles.


Over the next few days, you’ll meet Ophelia and Trace from A Trace of Love and learn about the inspiration behind the story.

Join us here on Sherry’s Gloag’s The Heart of Romance blog on the 25th for a chance to win a free PDF copy of A Trace of Love.

Learn more about Danielle Ravencraft on her website at http://RavencraftRomance.com

Email Danielle Ravencraft at Danielle_Ravencraft@yahoo.com


21 August 2011

Kevin Hosey shares Writer and Submission Tips for Short Stories

Kevin Hosey, CEditor of Paramourtal: Tales of Undying Love and Loving The Undead

Writer and Submission Tips for Short Stories
Previously, I posted about writing my first paranormal romance tale and co-editing (with Evelyn Welle) Paramourtal, the collection of stories published by Cliffhanger Books. Today, I'm passing on some tips on writing and submitting short stories for future Cliffhanger Books anthologies, or other publishers.

First off, lets talk about short stories, in general. I recently finished writing two novels (one horror and one sci-fi). While I love working on full-length books, short stories will always be my passion. I love writing them and I love reading them. As a writer, they give me the opportunity to write about different genres and characters within a shorter span of time.

They’re also a great way to break into the fiction market quickly. I'm a bit of a procrastinator (In fact, my wife asked me to take out the trash two hours ago). So while novels can take up to a year or longer to finish (in most cases), I can write and submit a short story in a month or less (if there's nothing good on TV, that is). That means I can have several works (hopefully) published by the time my first book is accepted and released. Also, by establishing my name in the market through short stories, it will help open doors when I'm sending out queries for my novels. That's because most publishers are more willing to listen to you if you're already published.

Short stories are also a great way to introduce characters you've been thinking about using in a novel. Two of the authors included in Paramourtal wrote about characters they plan to use in future novels. By including them in our anthology, it will help them test the waters and gauge public reaction to them. If readers like the characters, the authors will forge ahead with the novel. If readers don’t, it will help them determine if the characters need to be revised or dropped all together.

On the flip side, if one or more of your published novels is successful, short stories help keep popular characters in front of the public eye between books. One of my favorite modern fictional characters is Repairman Jack from a series of mystery books by F. Paul Wilson. Every once in awhile Wilson will also publish a Jack short story to keep his fans' interest satiated while he's finishing his next novel.

Another reason why I enjoy short stories is it helps develop my ability to write full-length novels. After all, a novel is basically a series of short stories that work together to tell a more elaborate story. By working to write a short story that tells a believable tale, it helps me practice writing each chapter of a book.

Okay, enough about WHY you should write short stories. Now lets talk about HOW.

I'm sure you've already aware of the fundamentals of developing characters, plots, locales, etc., so I won't spend time on that. Instead, I'll focus on the challenges of applying those rules to a VERY limited amount of space. So grab your crowbar, a can of grease and let’s proceed.

• KEEP IT SIMPLE. If you're going to try writing short stories, put those three words on a piece of paper and tape it to your computer. It is the single most important aspect of writing effective short stories you will ever learn. (BTW, I would have used the full acronym "K.I.S.S.," but the last time I did that Gene Simmons made me pay him royalties.) Short stories must include all the elements of a well-written novel, but they have to be "squished it into a teeny-tiny living space" (to paraphrase my second favorite genie). That can be a curse or a blessing, depending on whom you talk to. I find it very exciting. Then again, shiny objects tend to draw my attention, too.

Short stories vary in length. Usually they run between 2,500 to 9,000 words. After the 9,000 mark, they lean more toward novellas. There are also a few markets that accept stories shorter than 2,500 words. One market is called Flash Fiction and it's limited to a thousand words or less. It’s very challenging to write an effective story within that framework, but it’s also fun to try. To see examples of flash fiction, check out one of my favorite sites: http://www.365tomorrows.com. Speaking of challenging, I had a short story published that had be written in no more than 25 words(!). It's part of a new collection called Hint Fiction from W.W. Norton Publishing.

No matter what length story you need to write, keep in mind that you should never write your story to fit the word limit the very first time. Like with novels, let your creative subconscious take over and flow. Write, write, write until you feel you have a complete story. For example, on a story with an 8,000-word limit, my first draft will generally have 16,000 to 20,000 words. Then I go back and edit it down to the exact word limit. Just make sure you don’t lose your characters or important plot points along the way.

• LIMIT YOUR STORY. While the story within a novel can last for years, and incorporate several subplots, locations and characters, you don't have that luxury in a short story. Keep your time span brief. Focus on one plot, and keep it at one, two or three main characters at the most. Otherwise, you may not be able to fully develop any of them effectively.

• MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT. Since you're limited to a specific number of words, make sure every one is there for a reason. I realize writers love to include detailed, creative descriptions in order to bring the reader into their world. But in a short story, that's the first thing you need to jettison. Don't spend precious space describing the beauty of a sunset or how majestic a castle looks when you should be using that space to move the plot along. Readers won't care how something looks if they have no idea where the story is going. Describe just enough to get the point across, then move on. Also, make the Thesaurus your friend. Don't use three or four words when you can use one.

• DIALOGUE. The rule above applies to dialogue, as well. Also, limit how many characters speak at one time. Some publishers will limit the number of lines per story, as well as the number of words. So if you have different characters getting into long bouts of discussions, it may add more lines. Like descriptions, have your characters say what they need to get the point across, then move on.

• POV. I always write in third person, especially in my novels. I know that first-person POV is accepted these days, especially in paranormal romance, but I find it hard to maintain in a novel. After all, it’s difficult to tell an entire 100,000 word story when you're only able to see things from one character's viewpoint. But, short stories are different. Since your usually focused on one plot and one character, first-person POV can work just fine. In fact, sometimes it even helps the story.

• READ, READ, READ. Like novels, one of the best ways to learn how to write a short story is to read them. I love reading them almost as much as I love writing them. You should do the same. And make sure you take a look at how each author incorporates the rules and suggestions listed above. Before you know it, you'll be out signing books and hobnobbing at cocktail parties.

Well, that's it for my sage guidance. But before I go, I’d like to add one final bit of advice to the aspiring writers here: SUBMIT, SUBMIT, SUBMIT. AND THEN SUBMIT AGAIN.

If you tend to hesitate to submit your work because you’re nervous about rejection or possible negative feedback, or if for some reason you feel you aren't as talented as the authors who have actually been published, parish the thought. I discovered something a long time ago — the main difference between you and writers who are published is that they sent their work out into the world. Being published is basically 10% talent and 90% luck. You know you're talented, but you can only be lucky if you're in the right place at the right time. After all, publishers can’t publish you if they don't know you exist.

Today there are literally thousands of places you can submit your work -- online and print -- so NEVER stop doing it. Keep writing and keep submitting. Even if it gets rejected, rework it and send it to another publisher. I never stop submitting a rejected story because I hate wasting my hard work. The last thing I'm going to do is toss it in a lonely drawer and leave it there to wither.

Also, I'm a bit of a late starter. I've been writing all my life (short stories, novels, screenplays, speeches, marketing copy), but, I've been focusing on my marketing career for so long I didn’t begin sending out my fiction until a few years ago. Luckily, I had stories published fairly quickly. So, if you're like me and didn’t get into the writing game in your younger years, don’t be discouraged. It's never too late.

If you are interested, there are more writing tips on the Cliffhanger Books blog: http://cliffhangerbooks.blogspot.com

Have a great day, everybody. And good luck!

Editor/Author Biography:
Kevin Hosey is an author, editor and cartoonist. His short stories have appeared in several publications, including two Star Trek Strange New Worlds anthologies (Simon and Schuster), Hint Fiction (W.W. Norton) and the sci-fi magazine, Beyond Centauri. He also co-edited and wrote stories for two anthologies published by Cliffhanger Books. The first was a paranormal romance collection entitled Paramourtal which was nominated for Best Romance Anthology of 2010. The second, a collection of superhero stories called Gods of Justice, premiered at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con. His short story, "Cure" (from Hint Fiction), will be filmed by contestants for the 2012 Hint Fiction Film Contest. The films will premiere at the 2012 Vail Film Festival in Colorado. Visit him at kevinhosey.net.

Related Links:
Author Website: http://www.kevinhosey.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKevinHosey
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kevinhosey
Paramourtal Buy Link: http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com/books-paramourtal.html
Publisher Website: http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com

Kevin, it's been a pleasure to have you and your co-authors of Paramourtal here this week. Thankyou.

Six Sentence Sunday

Thanks again, to everyone who came by last Sunday. I appreciate your comments and company :-)  Today's snippet carries on from last week.

The storm.
Their flight from the house.
The river.
And when they‟d been pulled from the raging torrents, she‟d adamantly refused to let the medics take her to hospital. The images he'd rather forget flashed through his mind. The comfort they sought in each other's arms and the realization life might have ceased for both of them that night.

Duty Calls is available ~ HERE & HERE

Please visit my website to learn more, and read the reviews.

You will find other participants of Six Sunday Sentence HERE

20 August 2011

Kevin Hosey is wearing his Co-Editor's hat today

Kevin Hosey, Co-Editor Paramourtal: Tales of Undying Love and Loving The Undead

Today I am sharing some of my thoughts about editing Paramourtal:

I posted last time about writing my first paranormal romance tale for Paramourtal, the collection of stories published by Cliffhanger Books. Now I’ll pass on my experiences of co-editing that anthology. But before I do that, I want to give you a little history of how I ended up editing in the first place.

I've been writing tales of fiction (mostly sci fi and horror), for almost 30 years. But, due to focusing on my career in marketing, I didn’t get serious about it until about seven years ago when I began submitting them to publishers. Never too late to start, right? I was fortunate enough — and excited (I'm a big Trek fan) — to have stories included in volumes 6 and 8 of the Star Trek Strange New Worlds anthologies from Simon and Schuster. Since then, I've managed to have a few more short stories included in various collections and magazines. I've also written two novels (one horror and one sci fi), but I'm still searching for the right publisher to handle them. By "right," I, of course, mean one that will finally say "yes."

Then, in 2008, I decided to try my hand at editing. Why? I was afraid you’d ask that. The phrase "mental breakdown" comes to mind. But in reality it suddenly hit me one day that with all the effort and hard work I put into writing and submitting my stories, why not try editing an anthology myself? It sounded like fun (yep, definitely a mental breakdown), plus, it would give me the opportunity to help other talented writers unleash their work into the world.

But, the aspect of spending months searching for incredible stories and putting an entire book together was daunting, to say the least. So the first thing I did was find a partner in crime who could share in the stress…I mean, glory of my quest. Fortunately, my good friend, Evelyn Welle, an exceptional editor and writer I've know for sixteen years, agreed to accompany me on the journey (and she still hasn't forgiven me).

Once I convinced (begged) Cliffhanger Books to release the book, Evelyn and I began discussing which type of anthology we would produce. She immediately suggested we do a collection of romance tales. Evelyn is a dedicated romance fiction fan and even wrote a novel that won second place in a contest held by the Romance Writers of America. While I consider myself a fairly romantic person, I didn’t feel straight romance would be something I could handle effectively. Also, I prefer fiction with more of a darker edge. So I suggested we compromise and focus on paranormal romance instead. She considered it and agreed.

We spent the next three months accepting submissions from all over the world. That was followed by two months of trying desperately to narrow them down to the ten stories that would go into the book. To be honest, when we began the project I was concerned we wouldn’t receive enough decent submissions to fill the anthology. That wasn't the case at all. Evelyn and I were surprised and delighted to discover that most of them were excellent. Not just the writers' styles, but their ideas, as well. We were afraid all we would get were hundreds of vampire and werewolf tales. We did receive some of those, but we also ended up with some truly unique supernatural characters. And it was tough choosing which were the "best" because they were all so damn good. In fact, I still feel that deciding which stories to use to be the most difficult task of the entire project. It was like deciding which was better: chocolate or peanut butter.

Bearing down, we forced ourselves to select the final ten stories. The interesting thing is, except for myself, all of them were written by women, most of whom had never been published before. When we began searching for stories, we invited both male and female writers to submit. I'm assuming it's just a coincidence that the selected stories were all female. Either that, or maybe there's a good reason that most paranormal romance is written primarily by women. But I'll let you be the judge of that.

We then began two months of working with the writers to do some story edits. All of the authors were very patient and accepted (most of) our suggested revisions. Finally, we reached the point where we were all very happy with the results (and exhausted). So on Sept. 2010 we kicked it (lovingly) out the door.

Our intense work and dedication paid off. Not only has the book been successful, it was also nominated for Best Romance Anthology for 2010 by TheRomanceReviews.com. That recognition is, of course, due to the combined efforts of all the Paramourtal authors. Each of them did a wonderful job, and it was a joy and honor working with them.

I just finished co-editing Gods of Justice, a collection or superhero stories for Cliffhanger Books. Now that its off and running (and garnering some exceptional reviews), I'm about to begin work on Paramourtal 2, the second volume of our para-rom series. Sadly, Evelyn Welle isn't able to commit to the book due to a new job. She will definitely be missed. But K. Stoddard Hayes (Karen, to her friends), my co-editor on Gods of Justice, has volunteered to make sure I don’t screw it up. Needless to say (but I will anyway), we're both very excited about the prospect of finding and working with a new batch of gifted writers.

And that could be you. If you are a writer interested in submitting a story for consideration, we invite you to visit the Cliffhanger website for details and guidelines. Go to http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com. But hurry, the deadline is Oct. 31, 2011.

Editor/Author Biography:
Kevin Hosey is an author, editor and cartoonist. His short stories have appeared in several publications, including two Star Trek Strange New Worlds anthologies (Simon and Schuster), Hint Fiction (W.W. Norton) and the sci-fi magazine, Beyond Centauri. He also co-edited and wrote stories for two anthologies published by Cliffhanger Books. The first was a paranormal romance collection entitled Paramourtal which was nominated for Best Romance Anthology of 2010. The second, a collection of superhero stories called Gods of Justice, premiered at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con. His short story, "Cure" (from Hint Fiction), will be filmed by contestants for the 2012 Hint Fiction Film Contest. The films will premiere at the 2012 Vail Film Festival in Colorado. Visit him at kevinhosey.net.

Related Links:
Author Website: http://www.kevinhosey.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKevinHosey
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kevinhosey
Paramourtal Buy Link: http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com/books-paramourtal.html
Publisher Website: http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com

Tomorrow Kevin talks about his writing.

Sweet Saturday Samples

#3 Thank you to everyone ho visited last week and to those joining us all on the second week of the great new Sweet Saturday Samples please enjoy.
While The Brat is rated 'sensual' and PG, there is no violence or 'explicit' sex in The Brat. There is some background reference, without details, to child abuse.
This scene in my debut novel The Brat published by The Wild Rose Press follows on from last week.

* * *


“Perhaps my mother… No.” He sighed. “Why would she keep any photos of me? And where would she get hold of one? Come on. Let’s see if we can find out. I imagine she’ll go back to the house.”

“She may.” The solicitor studied the handle of his briefcase while Ben released the car locks, then settled back against the supple leather of the passenger seat.

“Anything left in the cottage after the funeral automatically becomes part of your
mother’s estate. If she attends the funeral, she no longer has access to the property once she leaves the cemetery. If she hadn’t attended, the ban on access applied at the start of the service.”

Ben swept his gaze from the road to the man beside him and back again. “That’s a bit ostentatious, isn’t it, for a woman with nothing to leave? Why the unusual stipulation?”

"Mrs. Kouvaris was…” Obviously choosing his words with care, Cranborne continued, “a complex woman.” The words dropped into a silence and left much to the imagination.

“So my mother left nothing to the child she took in after sending me to my father’s home in Greece?”

He swallowed the taste of bitterness in his throat.

“And nothing to this Miss Williams who cared for her for the past five years?”

“Quite so.”

“Do you know the identity of the child my…”

Ben hesitated. “The name of the child she replaced me with—do you know her identity?”

“No.” The man shifted in his seat. “I don’t think Mrs. Kouvaris ever bothered to find out.”

19 August 2011

Kevin Hosey Author of "Rain" from Paramourtal (Cliffhanger Books)

Kevin Hosey Author of "Rain" from Paramourtal (Cliffhanger Books)

My thoughts about my Paramourtal story and being in the book.

While I had written a paranormal horror novel and short stories before (still looking for publishers for them), I had never written paranormal romance prior to co-editing the anthology Paramourtal for Cliffhanger Books. In fact, it wasn't my idea to adapt that genre for the book. It was mostly Evelyn Welle's, my co-editor. She is a huge romance fiction fan and even wrote a novel that won second place in a contest held by the Romance Writers of America. Yet, while I consider myself a fairly romantic person, I wanted to do something with more of a darker edge than just pure romance. So we ultimately agreed on paranormal romance.

That decided, I was faced with the one thing that terrifies most writers: coming up with an idea.

But then, to my relief, I suddenly remembered I had already written a story about thirty years ago that contained para-rom elements. Since, fortunately, I have never thrown out any unpublished story I ever wrote (I hate wasting my hard work), I still had the original hand-written tale stuffed in an old box in my attic. So, like the undead buried for centuries waiting for the chance to rise again, I dug it out, dusted it off and typed it into my Mac.

I initially wrote the story not long after I began dating the woman who would become and still is my wife (Hi, honey!). While the basic idea was still sound (a man staying in a mountain cabin meets his soul mate in the woods, only to discover that she is not…quite…normal), it needed some drastic revisions. For one thing, it was just too…sweet. So I watered down much of the sunshine and sugar I pumped into it years ago, and made it darker and scarier. Why? Because that's the kind of stuff I love to read and write. It also gave the two main characters, Kyle and Reanna, more hurdles to overcome in their quest for true love.

Oh, and I saddled Kyle with a very cynical attitude toward the world. In my original version, he was a happy-go-lucky guy who grew even giddier after meeting the "perfect" woman in the woods. But in the revised story, he is in the midst of a very bitter divorce, which is why he journeys to the cabin deep in the mountains in the first place. That change in attitude was something I felt he needed to give him more emotional depth.

I could go into more details about the changes, but then I’d spoil the story. I will say that the new ending I attached has sparked some heated debates amongst people who have read it. Some people love it, while others truly hate it. But as I wrote the story, I felt it was necessary. I didn’t want a typical "happy ending." I'm not saying they don’t end up together (SPOILER ALERT!). They do. Just not the way some people wanted — including Kyle and Reanna.

As for my overall experience of working with paranormal romance, I had a blast. Not only did I enjoy writing the story, but also co-editing the book. It was a wonderful experience working with Evelyn and the other extremely talented authors. Plus, we were all very excited when Paramourtal was nominated for Best Romance Anthology by TheRomanceReviews.com.

Currently, I'm getting ready to co-edit the second volume of the Paramourtal series with the help of K. Stoddard Hayes, one of the authors in the first book. That, of course, means I'll need to write a story, too. Problem is, I don't have another para-rom tale sitting in my dusty old box. So, now I'll have to come up with an entirely new idea.

And that is more nerve-wracking than any paranormal story I could ever write.

Describe your thoughts on being a romance writer.
To be honest, I don’t consider myself a "romance" or even a "paranormal romance" writer. I also don’t consider myself a an author of science fiction, horror, adventure or even young reader fiction, though I have written those type of stories. In reality, I prefer to just think of myself as a writer period. I love trying my hand at various forms of fiction, no matter what the genre or the format.

I even wrote one story last year called "Cure" that was only 25 words long. It was included in a book of 250 stories entitled Hint Fiction. Recently, I was excited to learn that my story was one of only ten chosen from the book to be included in a Hint Fiction Film Contest. Those stories will be used as the basis for films running one minute or less. All of the entries will then be shown at the 2012 Vail Film Festival in Colorado. I am thrilled to be part of the event and I can’t wait to see what they do with my story.

A couple of years ago I made the decision to become an editor in order to help other writers unleash their talent into the world. But I'll discuss more of that and the process of editing Paramourtal in an upcoming post.

A short excerpt from "Rain" (from Paramourtal):
“Kyle….”
Startled by the whisper, Kyle Waite spun away from the deformed tree. No one was there. He stood still, listening. But all he heard were rain drops spattering against the forest floor.
Then he spotted something across the clearing. It was a white form standing amongst the trees. Stepping closer, he realized it was a young woman. And she was staring at him.
“Hello?” Kyle called. When she didn’t answer, he said, “Are you lost?” Then he mumbled, “Join the club.”
Instead of answering, she motioned to him gracefully. Curious, Kyle approached her. As he did, he saw that she was incredibly beautiful. No, she was gorgeous. Shoulder-length honey-tinted hair framed her fair-skinned porcelain face. And her green eyes seemed to reflect bright sunlight even though there was none.
Then he noticed she was only wearing a thin white ankle-length dress that flowed slowly in the cold mountain breeze. It was so sheer he could clearly see she wore nothing underneath.
Why would she be dressed in such skimpy attire? In fact, why was she wandering the woods anyway?
Reluctantly, Kyle pulled his gaze away from her near-perfect figure and focused on her face. There was something oddly…familiar about—
“Hello,” she said. Her voice was gentle and soothing, like the rain falling around them.
“Hi. Are you…aren’t you cold? Would you like my jacket?”
“No, thank you,” she smiled. “I’m fine.”
Kyle nodded. Not sure what else to say, he introduced himself.
She was silent a moment as she gazed into his eyes. Then she whispered, “Reanna.”
“A beautiful name,” he said, and then grimaced. It sounded like a cheap pickup line. He indicated his jacket again. “Are you sure about—?”
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Kyle,” she said, and he smiled at the way she spoke his name. “But, I really don’t need it. I love this weather. It makes me feel alive.”
She did a graceful pirouette and muted sunlight glinted off her hair.
He began to ask what she meant, then blinked when he noticed something incredibly peculiar: She wasn’t wet. They both stood in the midst of a cold mountain rainfall, yet she wasn’t wet. Not even damp.
“I don’t…understand,” he said. “You should be soaked. Why are you still dry?”
She didn’t reply. Instead, her eyes again captured him. Oddly, the fact that she wasn’t wet slipped away. He was still aware of it, it just didn’t seem as important as it had a moment before.
“I don’t mean to be forward, Reanna,” he said hesitantly, “but you are absolutely incredible.”
More possible pickup lines, but he didn’t care. It was true, and he felt compelled to tell her.
Reanna laughed softly. “Thank you.”
She began walking away from the clearing, so Kyle followed.

Author Biography:
I am an author, editor and cartoonist. My short stories have appeared in several publications, including two Star Trek Strange New Worlds anthologies (Simon and Schuster), Hint Fiction (W.W. Norton) and the sci-fi magazine, Beyond Centauri. I also co-edited and wrote stories for two anthologies published by Cliffhanger Books. The first was a the afore-mentioned paranormal romance collection entitled Paramourtal, which was nominated for Best Romance Anthology of 2010. The second, a collection of superhero stories called Gods of Justice, premiered at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con. My short story, "Cure" (from Hint Fiction), will be filmed by contestants for the 2012 Hint Fiction Film Contest. The films will premiere at the 2012 Vail Film Festival in Colorado. Visit him at www.kevinhosey.net.

Current and upcoming works:
My previous work can be seen at kevinhosey.net. Currently, I am putting the finishing touches on a horror novel and getting ready to begin co-editing Paramourtal 2, the second volume in Cliffhanger Books' award-nominated para-rom series. If any writers are interested in submitting a story for consideration, we invite you to visit the Cliffhanger Books website for details: http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com

Related Links:
Author Website: http://www.kevinhosey.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKevinHosey
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kevinhosey
Paramourtal Buy Link: http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com/books-paramourtal.html
Publisher Website: http://www.cliffhangerbooks.com

Come back for more from Kevin tomorrow.

18 August 2011

Evelyn Welle Author of "The Underlying Beat" in Paramourtal

Evelyn Welle, Author of "The Underlying Beat" in Paramourtal, talks to us today about what inspired her to write The Underlying Beat

Several moving instrumental pieces inspired “The Underlying Beat,” my paranormal romance tale. Megan had never questioned her sanity until meeting reclusive and mysterious composer Lee. The haunting music’s underlying beat and inexplicable visions infiltrate her mundane life. As the hypnotic combination resurrects and intensifies forgotten longings, she encounters the eternal powers of the heart.

Creative writing was my first love even though my career still focuses on corporate communications and publication editing. When Cliffhanger Books published my short story in “Paramourtal,” it fulfilled a lifelong dream. As co-editor of the book, I enjoyed reading and commenting on an amazingly diverse range of paranormal character types, plots, settings and tones. The result is an engrossing anthology that’s more varied and distinctive than we hoped.

My strength has always been grammar and writing style over story idea. I had already written my tale before reading submissions, so the innovative concepts and ingenious novelty of many blew me away. I marveled how several visionary authors created imaginative fictional worlds and unconventional supernatural character types. Two examples are “A Touch of Sand” by Nicole Brugger-Dethmers and “The Prince and the Spoon” by Kelly Wisdom. These and other stories inspired my mind to take an unrestrained leap and a fanciful approach in writing “Believed into Being” for “Paramourtal 2.” I surprised myself by enabling an uncommon paranormal character type to wield unbelievable magical powers in a more inventive love story. So thanks, “Paramourtal” authors.

My passion for words inspires me to create emotional connections to elicit heartfelt reactions. Beautiful instrumental music encourages my flowery writing style. This combination makes romance the perfect genre for me. Fiction writing is so much fun because my characters often take over and write their own tale. I’m always eager to see how their love story will evolve and turn out when I get to the sometimes unexpected end. I wrote contemporary romance before switching to the paranormal sub-genre. It allows me to go further creatively with the opportunity to involve colorful characters with more layers and captivating supernatural powers. Being able to push creative license beyond mortal limitations is tempting, freeing and rewarding.

Evelyn: Megan, what was your reaction when you met Lee?
Megan: Fear, but I didn’t know if he was truly dangerous or just extremely quirky. I wanted to escape until I watched and listened to an astounding live performance. Then I vowed to discover the truth behind the antisocial artist’s well-concealed past. Since I was harboring a sensitive secret too, I sympathized with Lee for wanting to guard his. But I couldn’t imagine why anyone so talented would rather hide out in the woods than enjoy fame in the public eye.
Evelyn: Lee, what was your reaction when you met Megan?
Lee: She seemed nice, so I didn’t want to scare her. But I had to protect my anonymity to preserve my safety. I couldn’t let anyone discovered my identity. Yet when she embraced my music, I let my guard down for the first time in years.
Evelyn: Megan, how did Lee’s music affect you?
Megan: Before meeting Lee, I found it dark, depressing and vague. But in person, it blew me away. I had a shockingly deep visceral reaction to it. Lee’s style is so expressive that it swept me through a swell of emotions from highs to lows. The intensity burst forth from my heart and sent chills cascading down my arms. And the underlying beat was so hypnotic, it continued to reverberate in my chest long after the music ended.
Evelyn: Lee, what inspires your music?
Lee: I wondered that myself when my style changed suddenly. It just flowed out of me in a mix of New Age and classical tone poem styles that depicts the emotion of a story, poem or imagery from fantasy, imagination or memory. Pouring my energy into compositions felt so cathartic, I quit questioning the source of my muse until Megan figured it out.
Evelyn: Megan, did you sense any correlation between Lee’s music and secluded life style?
Megan: Only someone who had gone from love to loss to bittersweet acceptance could emote in a flourish of extremes and move me so profoundly.
Evelyn: Lee, why did you let Megan into your life?
Lee: After years of living in exile, some unexplainable force overpowered my standard objection to publicity and compelled me to meet her. I felt an incredible bond with Megan and was powerless to stop it.
Evelyn: Megan, what did think caused your weird dreams and visions?
Megan: They freaked me out, so I thought I was going insane. But somehow, the inexplicable oddities implicated Lee’s mesmerizing and addictive music. I’d never believed in the occult, but something otherworldly had taken control. I never would have guessed the source, but I’m grateful it brought Lee into my life and granted us closure at last.

Author bio including previous published work.
Evelyn Welle began her writing career as Poet Laureate of the Fifth Grade. While earning an English and journalism degree at Texas Christian University, she won two poetry awards. Evelyn has been a corporate communications professional and publication editor for over 30 years. In 2005, she won second place in a Romance Writers of America contest. Evelyn was co-editor of Cliffhanger Books’ 2010 “Paramourtal” anthology that included her paranormal romance short story, “The Underlying Beat.” She also started the Cliffhanger Books blog of fiction writing tips. Look for her latest story, “Believed into Being,” in the upcoming “Paramourtal 2.” Evelyn and her family live in north Texas.

Find Evelyn at:

Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000072304079&ref=ts#!/profile.php?id=100000072304079
Twitter  http://twitter.com/#!/FictionDiction

Order “Paramourtal”:

Paperback: Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1453824383?ie=UTF8&tag=kevinhoseynet-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=14538243830

Digital: Smashwords  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/27620

17 August 2011

M.C. DeMarco ~ Author of "Sympathy From the Devil" in Paramourtal





M.C. DeMarco
Author of "Sympathy From the Devil" in Paramourtal










The interview:
MCD:   Thanks for inviting us, Sherry.  Although I’ve written a trunkload of romantic tales, my Paramourtal story, “Sympathy From the Devil,” was my first romance publication.
Forcas:   And your last, I hope.
Ariel:   Forcas, it’s not our turn yet.
Forcas:   Demons don’t take turns.
Ariel:   You’re not--
MCD:   No spoilers!  Sorry about that, Sherry.  My characters can be a little--
Sherry: LOL Tell me about it!
Forcas:   Forceful.
Ariel:   Childish.
MCD:   I was going to say uppity.  I usually write science fiction and fantasy, but I had an idea for the Paramourtal anthology about a guardian angel running into her ex-boyfriend in a bar.
Forcas:   I wasn’t her boyfriend.  It was just a casual fling.  You know how the Bronze Age was.
Ariel:   They’re mortal, Forcas.  They don’t remember the Bronze age.  Anyway, Forcas has been in love with me since before the Fall, but he won’t admit it.
Forcas:   Me?  You’ve been hot for my demon as--
Ariel:   Please watch your language, Forcas.
Forcas:   --assets all along.
Ariel:   If I wanted beachfront property on the Lake of Fire, I could have followed Satan to Hell along with you.
Forcas:  Lucifer.  And we all know what you wanted.
MCD:   Forcas is making some gestures that, fortunately, I don’t have to describe in this context.  Could we please get back on topic?
Ariel:   I apologize for my companion.  What was the topic?
Forcas:   My assets.
MCD:   My story.
Ariel:   I thought it was a well-written story, although a little racy for my tastes.
Forcas:   You don’t know from racy, angelcakes.
Ariel:   I’ve seen what my charges keep under their mattresses--and what you keep under yours, Forcas.
Forcas:   So you know that the author hardly did justice to my assets. 
Ariel:   The less said about your assets, the better, Forcas.
MCD:   Agreed.
Forcas:   I never claimed to be Lucifer.  Any deficiencies in size or proportion are entirely the author’s fault.  Blame her.
Ariel:   It’s not what you have; it’s how you use it.
Forcas:   I don’t recall any complaints the last time I used it.  In fact, you were begging for more.
Ariel:   Angels don’t beg.
Forcas:   No, they just suck up to authority.  I could see pandering to God--
Ariel:   Angels worship the Most High voluntarily.
Forcas:   And if you don’t volunteer, you get tossed into the Lake of Fire, so sure, I can see your point there.  But now you’re pandering to the author, a mere mortal, hoping for a sequel--
MCD:   I’m afraid we’ve strayed off-topic again.  You know our editor doesn’t like it when you two argue about religion.
Ariel:   I apologize.  But will there be a sequel?
MCD:   I think I’m supposed to ask the questions here.  So, Ariel, how did you feel seeing Forcas for the first time in a thousand years?
Ariel:   My mind was on my job, of course.
Forcas:    Sure it was.
Ariel:   Your friend Sherry is looking restless.  I think we should go.
Sherry:  I thought I was laughing, sorry.
Forcas:   Yeah, let’s blow this chick-fest.
MCD:   Well, Sherry, I didn’t get very many answers out of them.  I’m afraid they’re always like that.

A short excerpt from the story "Sympathy From the Devil":

            Ariel couldn’t bear to watch. She put her head in her hands, covering her eyes. “Why couldn’t you resist temptation tonight?”
            A gruff but strangely familiar voice replied, “He has to give in some night or other. Why not tonight?”
            Ariel peeked through her fingers. Across the table from her sat a demon, who must have materialized while she wasn’t watching. Short horns poked out of his shaggy black hair. He grinned, showing his fangs but also an echo of a smile she’d once known.
            “Forcas?”
            “Long time no see, Ariel. What’s it been—a century? Two?”
            “A thousand years,” she admitted.
            “How time flies.”
            She could hear his tail flicking back and forth like a whip beneath the round table, a stark contrast to his flat tone. Ariel forced herself to concentrate on her job. Sometimes you ran into a fallen angel at work. You just had to stake out your territory, not rehash the War in Heaven.
            “Matt is still mine,” she told Forcas. “Get out of here.”
            He nodded toward the redhead. “And Jenny is mine, so I’m staying.” A dark beer materialized in his hand, and he drained half of it in one gulp. Ariel glanced at the mortal couple.            “She doesn’t look far gone enough to have her own guardian devil.”
            “She’s freshly fallen. Your fellow there is her one-way ticket to the place where the worm dies not and the fire is not quenched.” Forcas took a swig of beer and belched steam, as if quenching his own inner fires.
            Ariel absorbed the information. “She’s married?”
            “Unhappily. Mr. Gagnon is out of town this week.”
            Ariel let go of the edge of the table and sat up straight and righteous.  “I suppose you people arranged that too.”
            “Not at all. Jenny’s issues go all the way back to her deadbeat father. She replaced him with yet another ass, and now he’s out of town, so—”
            “You’re tempting her to abandon her family.” Ariel sighed. As if the vagaries of life were not enough to lead mortals to sin.
            “Perish the thought.” Forcas sat up straighter on his barstool, puffed up with devilish pride. “They don’t have kids, and she’s sinning just fine on her own. I’m just here to observe.”


My bio:

M. C. DeMarco lives near Boston, Massachusetts, where she writes speculative fiction after hours. She attended the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop in 2004 and won the NESFA 2005 Science Fiction & Fantasy
Story Contest. Her short stories have appeared in the Strange New Worlds 8, Strange New Worlds 10, and Paramourtal anthologies.

Links:


Please come back tomorrow when  Evelyn Welle is joining us.