Writing The Wolf by Steffanie Holmes
Give a warm welcome to USA Today’s Best Selling Author Steffanie Holmes with her latest release Writing The Wolf!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Steffanie and Writing The Wolf. OH… don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win Writing the Wolf.
Tell us a little about Writing The Wolf.
What inspired this particular story, Steffanie?
Writing the Wolf came about because I wanted to write more books with diverse characters. I think that’s a really important issue that isn’t being addressed as much as it should be in modern genre fiction. But I didn’t just want to stick a “token” person-of-colour in and call that “diverse”. I wanted a story that really hinged on how the character identified herself, and how others identified her.
I am not a person-of-colour, but when I talked to friends who are about their experiences, I realised I shared similar experiences as a person who was bullied for a disability. I knew what it was like to walk into a room and feel different from everyone else. I pulled up all those feelings and tried to use them to bring reality to Rosa’s character.
Writing the Wolf is all about escape, in both a literal and physical sense. Rosa runs away to Crookshollow Forest to escape the horrible people in her town, and she also writes to escape from the reality of all the abuse she’s endured. Caleb escaped from his horrible family, and now’s he’s trying to help Rosa escape from the situation he’s placed her in by declaring her his mate. Sometimes, escape is the right solution. Rosa absolutely should have left her town. But in the end, you can’t escape from yourself. You have to turn around and face your demons, and thats what both Rosa and Caleb do, together.
Sounds like an interesting read and something most people could relate to one way or the other.
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book? Or did it take a while to come out and tell friends and family you were a writer?
This is actually kind of a funny story. I write and publish dark dystopian fantasy under the name S C Green. My friends all knew about that. One day I was at a party and we were talking about 50 Shades of Grey. I’d read the first chapter but couldn’t continue because the writing was … not great, in my opinion. So I was spouting off about this to a friend, and she was rightly getting a bit annoyed with me acting all superior. So she said, “it’s not as if you could write a romance book, Steff.”
And I thought. “You know what? Challenge accepted.”
So I wrote my book Witch Hunter. And then I wrote the Crookshollow foxes and published all those. Then, and only then, did I tell my friends about my romance books. They couldn’t believe it!
I guess you showed them. LOL! Why do you write what you write? Contemporary, paranormal, suspense, etc.
I write paranormal, because I love how you can use supernatural creatures and forces to play with different themes that have a direct impact on the real, tangible world. Often, you can say more when you’re not talking about something “real”. In Writing the Wolf, Caleb has to hide who he is from the world. How many of us feel as though that’s something we do every day?
Also, it’s just damn fun.
I couldn’t agree with you more. It’s great fun! So…what do you like to do when you are not writing?
All sorts of things! My husband and I live on a lifestyle block (homestead) in New Zealand, so there is always a ton of work to do on the house or in the gardens. We built this crazy house that’s inspired by medieval castle architecture, and we host these ridiculous medieval banquets and parties for our friends. I love to cook and brew my own alcohol, and we love to travel and explore the world together. We’re both into music (mainly heavy metal, but lots of other things, too) so we always go off to see bands or overseas to festivals.
Sounds like we have a lot in common. Love medieval castle architecture and those Medieval banquest and parties would be blast! New Zealand is on our travel plans one day too.
Do you have a snippet for us?
Rosa
Rosa just wants to be left alone to write her book, but when werewolves attempt to kidnap her, she realizes her neighbor Caleb is the only one who can protect her. But Caleb is hiding a secret of his own … fur and sparks fly in this hot paranormal romance.
I need to escape.
After those racist bastards destroyed my home, I can’t face the world again.
I’ve rented a cabin in the heart of the Crookshollow forest. I’m going to lock myself away and work on my book. I’m going to write my story.
And I absolutely, positively WILL NOT think about Caleb, the hunky labourer who’s fixing up my cabin.
No way.
I won’t think about the way his eyes melt my heart, and his smile melts my panties.
I’m too emotionally raw right now. I can’t handle a fling, especially not with a white guy.
Especially not a guy like him. A guy who shags and leaves. I can’t handle any more heartache.
Caleb
Rosa Parker – clever writer, black woman, total hottie.
The connection between us sizzles – there’s no denying it: this woman is my mate.
When I’m near her, all I want to do is claim her.
If only I wasn’t the biggest threat to her life right now.
With a rogue wolf pack after my hide, I can’t afford a distraction. Even a distraction as alluring as her.
I need to keep my wolfish instincts in check.
But I can’t help myself.
Rosa Parker has got under my skin.
And I won’t stop until I’ve made her mine.
****
Writing the Wolf is a standalone novel with an HEA. It’s the second book in the hot new paranormal romance series by USA Today bestselling author Steffanie Holmes. Read on if you love spunky heroines, pack politics, and a hero so hot he’ll have you howling for more.
Amazon BN iBooks Kobo Google Play
About the Author:
Steffanie Holmes is a USA Today bestselling author of dark and steamy paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.
Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.
Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.
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It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Writing The Wolf.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Steffanie Holmes, Writing the Wolf by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Sevyn by Author Renee Dyer
Give a warm welcome to Renee Dyer, author of Sevyn a Thriller/Romantic Suspense!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Renee and Sevyn.
When life hands you impossible choices, can you become the man you want to be? Now there’s a question and I have a few more for you Renee!
What inspired this particular story? To anyone who reads Sevyn, they may find it hard to believe, but the first time I heard 7 Years by Lukas Graham, the entire story line started flowing through my mind. I called up my friend, Amy, and told her what I was thinking. She was so excited for me to write a darker book, but it took me eleven months of letting the story play out in my head before I decided to start typing.
Who is your favorite character of all of the books you’ve written and Why? Oh, that would definitely be Mickayla (Mick). She’s sassy, wild, and I never know what she’ll say. Although I haven’t written her book in the Healing Hearts Series yet, she has found her way into all the ones I have written. I can’t wait to devote an entire book to her. My stomach is going to hurt from all the laughing. Oh, sounds like my kind of book!
How long have you been writing? I can’t remember a time I wasn’t writing. As a child, it was an outlet. Writing allowed me to escape when I felt awkward, which was quite a lot. I never quite knew what to say to others, but I was always great at putting how I felt on paper.
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book? Or did it take a while to come out and tell friends and family you were a writer? Other than my husband, my mom was the first one I told. It wasn’t a surprise to anyone in my family when I started writing books. I told my mom when I was eight that I would write books someday.
And so you did!
Tells us what’s Sevyn about.
Born into rival drug cartels, Kevyn Zozlov and his best friend Esperanza Torres defy the odds, finding laughter in a world full of pain. Ripped away from her at a young age, Kevyn has to learn the difference between family, loyalty, and obedience. Fear keeps him focused each day. Memories fill his dreams at night.
Torn between the death he sees daily and what he believes is right, he struggles to decide the kind of man he wants to be—until a promise he makes to his mother, the person he loves more than anyone, changes everything.
“Get out of here and find Esperanza. Promise me.”
Now, Kevyn has to figure out how to make his way to the only friend he ever had—the one person who understands his damaged world. Will she welcome him back with open arms, or turn him away, leaving him more lost than he already is?
With time against him, can he find Esperanza and his happiness, or will he be another casualty of the drug war, buried in an unmarked grave with no one to mourn his loss?
A snippet from Sevyn:
There is no way to explain the punch in the gut you feel seeing someone murdered. The sound of the gun shooting. The way their head jerks. That moment before the body realizes that its essence is gone, eyes staring nowhere, devoid of all emotion, before finally crumbling to the ground. Blood dribbles from their lips and pools on the floor. It’s like your soul performs one last dance before wrenching away to find out what lays beyond. One last morbid, horrific waltz, it gripped onto me and imbedded every detail into my young mind.
I would never be the same.
He was really gone.
I never wanted to be responsible for someone’s death, but I was responsible for this. My father was dead because of me. As he laid there, his eyes devoid of life, no longer able to judge me—hate me, I looked up to the sky and silently thought to my mother…justice is yours.
About the Author:
From a young Renee Dyer had a love of writing, starting with a doodle pad at age four that morphed into journals. Poetry became short stories and short stories a novel. Although she’s surrounded by males all day having three sons, a husband, and a hyperactive chocolate lab, she still finds time to be herself by escaping into the fantasy of reading and writing romance. That is, until she needs a male’s perspective and garners eye rolling from her husband at all of her questions. Renee is a true New Englander. You can find her screaming profanity at the TV while the Pats play and cuddling under blankets during the cold seasons (which is most of them), reading a good book. She doesn’t believe snow is a reason to shut things down, only to slow down and admire the beauty. Ask her anything. She’s an open book—pun fully intended.
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/AuthorReneeDyer
Twitter https://twitter.com/ReneeDyerAuthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/reneedyer
Pinterest Page: http://www.pinterest.com/reneedyerauthor/
Google + Page: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ReneeDyerRomanceAuthor/posts
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7529668.Renee_Dyer
It was wonderful having you with us today Renee. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Sevyn!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Dark Romance, Renee Dyer, Suspense, Thriller by Tena Stetler with 5 comments.
Courting Moon – Vampyres Desire – by Adom Sample
Today I have a spotlight on Adom Sample’s Courting Moon-Vampyres Desire. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and enjoy a peek into Courting Moon. Don’t forget too enter the give away at the bottom of this post.
How far will you go to be with the one you love?
Two worlds.
Separation and control were all they had ever known. The laws set by the iron fist of the Coven of Vampyres pass down to the human reverts was what their worlds were built upon. Love, passion, emotional yearning and above all, human and vampyre fraternization–all strictly forbidden. Yet, a moment’s encounter would soon change all that. One single embrace would alter their worlds forever.
The young vampyre, Sebastian of Orias, son of a ruling member of the Coven, and nineteen-year-old Kyra Dunning, daughter of the Chief Councilman in the human régime would soon learn what it means to feel an insatiable passion. This feeling caused the forbidden fruit to consume their hearts with hunger neither knew existed. To be apart was to die. Henceforth, they chose to break the rules, defy the Coven, and embrace this connection, regardless of the dangers that may unfold.
With marriages arranged, political power to centralize, and underground dissension to eradicate, both the Coven and the Council will stop at nothing to maintain order. And the love between Sebastian and Kyra, unbeknownst to them, may mean the end of everything they’ve ever known.
Excerpt:
The dark meadows and midnight air blast through her hair giving off a scent that would attract any Vampyre for miles. It was there he sensed her. It was there he could no longer deny himself the pleasure of getting to know who she was. The rules were set, and the laws were written, but none of that could keep him restrained. Not anymore.
His emotions fluttered, leaving him no other choice. He must take that chance, regardless of the prospect of rejection. For months, he watched her, lurking in the shadows of their lands, never giving thought as to what would happen if he were to be discovered. It was a risk he was more than willing to take, if only just to get a second glance of her beauty.
He was, after all, the son of a count, and he knew the rules better than anyone. Fraternization between Vampyre and human was strictly forbidden. The rules were imprinted in his brain from birth, but he had to choose differently. Was it her human frailty or the smell of her blood that drew him there every night? Whatever this enchanting spell was that led him to her lands took total control, forcing him to do things he thought he’d never do.
Romantic love was forbidden and after months of obsessing over this human woman, he was beginning to understand why. All rational thought escaped his mind whenever he was near her. The erratic and irrational impulses that made him sneak out of his room, cross the neutral territory, and enter their lands each night had overwhelmed him. He’d lost control, yet refused to do anything about it. This was who he wanted to be.
Henceforth, that night in the dark meadows, basking in the midnight air, he made his approach. Would she welcome him or fear him? What stories would she have heard about his kind that could force her to be reluctant by his presence? He had no choice, for it was too late to turn back now. She was alone, and he would never have an opportunity like this again. He pushed back the bushes, taking slow steps toward her. Hesitant, he thought about turning around and forgetting about her. He knew where this would lead. Still, he interjects his reason and pushes aside all logic, giving in to his wanting desire.
“Hello,” he whispered softly from behind. She froze. She knew the end was near. She knew the Vampyre creeping up behind her would make her his supper if she didn’t run, and quick. Without thought, she took off screaming for her life. Her action to his bold move didn’t surprise him at all; the only thing that entered his mind was how beautiful she looked when she ran away. He didn’t pursue right away. He stood there paralyzed, fearful that he would be discovered.
If anyone heard her screaming it would be the end of him. Before she could get too far, he headed her off, and in a flash was right in front of her. They had collided. She ran right into him. The touch of her soft warm skin sent a sense of inner peace and tranquility through this entire body.
They had their arms wrapped around each other like lovers in need. That sensual gaze he gave her forced the fear to melt away only to be replaced with apprehension and embarrassment.
“I will not harm you,” he said in a passionate whisper.
“What do you want from me?” Her voice trembled.
“Simple conversation.”
“You mean to kill me?”
“Of course not. But far be it for me to make you my meal someday.”
“Who are you?” She gave him an uneasy glance.
He stared into her eyes and smiled, brushing his fingers through her soft, long hair. And thus that single encounter, that bold embrace set forth the path they would go through together; placing things in motions that would tear the very boundaries of everything they’d ever known. Forever.
You can find Courting Moon – Vampyres Desire – The Bloods Passion Saga at Amazon.
About the Author:
Adom Sample was born in Kansas City, Missouri and currently lives in Fairfax, Virginia. He holds an MBA from GMU, an MHA from ATSU. He served in the United States Air Force from 2001 to 2008. He is an independent author who enjoys reading and writing romance, erotic, and paranormal stories. Writing is his passion and he lives to give others ideas and inspire stories to push the limits of creativity.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adomwrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdomSampleAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14234506.Adom_Sample
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adomwriting/
Website: http://www.adomsample.com/
Goodreads Book Giveaway
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Adom Sample, Courting Moon, The Bloods Passion Saga, Vampyre romance by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
A Hundred Kisses, by Author Jean M. Grant
Give a warm welcome to Jean M. Grant, author of A Hundred Kisses just released Today!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Jean and A Hundred Kisses.
Jean, Tell us a little about writing this story. Was it fun or difficult? Writing this book was quite the journey. It was fun, first and foremost. I love losing myself in fictional worlds, especially my own. I also love all things Scotland, even if I write about a time period before the kilt came around (because who doesn’t love a dashing Scot in a kilt?). This book is my fourth completed manuscript, and my first to make it to publication. I learned a great deal writing the first three. Feedback from agents and beta-readers, conference attendances, lots of time reading and honing my craft…all have resulted in the story in A Hundred Kisses. Blood (usually just a character’s, not my own), sweat, and tears. But so worth it. I even got to visit Scotland in 2008, which helped me embrace the beauty of a land I’d only experienced previously in books and online. I look forward to writing the prequel (working on that now), and I’ve written a mainstream women’s fiction novel that I hope to see published in the near future. I have many more stories in me, in both the romance and mainstream arenas.
Do your characters always act as you expect? My characters start out on a good track, but they do have minds of their own and can take interesting detours. Some moments I have to laugh at them because they do the unexpected!
Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants? I love plotting. I plot before I even chart out the characters. I love to outline and plan. However, specific elements don’t always come to me until farther into the book (or even during the many revisions), and sometimes the story takes an unplanned turn. So I would say I start out with a rough outline and plot, but I may write by the seat of my pants for some parts of the book. Each story has a voice and it speaks to me.
Tell us a little about the A Hundred Kisses.
1296
Two wedding nights. Two dead husbands.
Deirdre MacCoinneach wishes to understand her unusual ability to sense others’ lifeblood energies…and vows to discover if her gift killed the men she married. Her father’s search for a new and unsuspecting suitor for Deirdre becomes complicated when rumors of witchcraft abound.
Under the façade of a trader, Alasdair Montgomerie travels to Uist with pivotal information for a Claimant seeking the Scottish throne. A ruthless baron hunts him and a dark past haunts him, leaving little room for alliances with a Highland laird or his tempting daughter.
Awestruck when she realizes that her unlikely travel companion is the man from her visions, a man whose thickly veiled emotions are buried beneath his burning lifeblood, Deirdre wonders if he, too, will die in her bed if she follows her father’s orders. Amidst magic, superstition, and ghosts of the past, Alasdair and Deirdre find themselves falling together in a web of secrets and the curse of a hundred kisses…
Wow, the original black widow? Oh, sorry! Who is this handsome gentlement you brought?
Sir Alasdair Montgomerie.
Can I ask him a few questions?
Of course!
Great! (rubbing my hands together)
Tells us about the real you—
The real me? It’s thorny story. We don’t have enough time.
That’s too bad, I’d love to here it. (shaking my head)
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?
My mother’s death. She was burned at the stake for witchery. My father boasts about it, for he is the one who made it happen. I am scarred from it, in quite the literal sense.
Wow, that was unexpected. I’m so sorry for your loss.
What do you most value?
Loyalty to country and men. Honesty.
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?
I’d love a lass who’s passionate about a cause and willing to travel the countryside with me for the sake of Scotland’s future. And one without complications.
What do you consider most important in life?
Faithfulness and family, although my family is lacking.
What is your biggest secret?
Only one?
Well, I’d rather hear one and hear about the real you, and you mother, was she really a witch…. Ok, I can tell by you stormy expression, that’s not going to happen, so…only one.
Well, I’ve been traveling under a false identity for The Scottish Cause, to see the rightful heir restored to the throne. And the woman I love thinks I am somebody else. I’ve also got a baron hunting me, and my mother’s past haunts me.
Thanks for answers a few questions. I do appreciate it. Maybe you can come back and we’ll delve into… Oh, never mind. He marchs out the back door of the office. As I turn around, Lady Deirdre MacCoinneach, enters from the front. Oh, how wonderful to meet you. Will you tell us abou the real you?
Is that a trick question? What do you know? Have you been talking with my father?
Noooo.. not at all. I was just talking to Sir Alasdair Montomerie and he seems to be as unwilling to tell me about…. Let’s move on.
Who were the biggest role models in your life?
My mother, though she died when I was young. So our castle cook has taken me under her wing. I’ve had to keep my own against the men my father brings for Hall. I can carry on well with political banner. And I’ve got this, mmphmm, ability, you can call it, to sense people’s true intentions. It comes in handy when my father, the laird, needs me to weed out the scoundrels that come calling.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
Somebody who appreciates me for me, and accepts my “gift” without question. I’m not a witch, mind you! I’d love a man that won’t be bothered by my explorations, too. Castle life is rather boring. Although, I’ve had two husbands die on our wedding nights, so I’m wary of entering into marriage again. I feel cursed. I’d rather just be alone, honestly.
What kind of man would you never choose?
I don’t have much say in who I marry. Sadly, my father is already working on trying to arrange my marriage to this mysterious lowland noble traveling to the isles on trade.
Oh, but that could be interesting. (Lady Deirdre MacCoinneach sadly shakes her head. I shrug.) What is most important to you in life?
My family, my independence.
What is your biggest fear?
That people learn about the true me – about my ability to feel others emotions and life energies – and that I am cast out or worse, burned as a witch.
Ohh, I hope such a thing would never happen. (Lady MacCoinneach gets to her feet.)
I really must be going.
Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us. Jean may we have a sneak peek in the book?
She sensed no colors in the murky, lifeless water, and it was freeing. All breath escaped her. Muted visions passed before her eyes—her mother, her father, Gordon, and Cortland. Just a moment longer, she thought…
Suddenly, a burst of warm light invaded her thoughts as air filled her lungs. Red-hot hands burned her shoulders and ripped her from her icy grave. She breathed life into her body. She coughed, gagging on the change.
Muffled words yelled at her.
Oh, God, so hot. His fingers were like hot pokers. Her head pounded as she slowly returned to the present. Heat radiated from her rescuer. Somebody had pulled her from the water.
“Wh—?”
“Hush, lass. You nearly drowned.”
His voice was as soothing as a warm cup of goat’s milk on a winter’s day. A red-hot glow emanated from his body. Never before had she felt such a strong lifeblood, and it nearly burned her. She struggled in his arms to get free. She blinked, only seeing a blurry form before her. “Release me!”
She splashed and wriggled, and he did as told. She clambered to the shoreline. Numb and shaken, she began to dress. It wasn’t easy as she fumbled with slick fingers to put dry clothes over wet skin. She instantly regretted her naked swim. She pulled on her long-sleeved white chemise first.
She faced the forest, away from her rescuer. He quietly splashed to shore. His lifeblood burned into her back. He wasn’t far behind, but he stopped. She refused to look at him until she was fully clothed, not out of embarrassment of her nudity, but for what had just happened. He released a groan and mumbled under his breath about wet boots. His voice was not one of her father’s soldiers.
When she put the last garment on, her brown wool work kirtle, she squeezed out her sopping hair and swept her hands through the knotty mess. She fastened her belt and tied the lacings up the front of the kirtle. Blood returned to her fingertips, and she regained her composure. Belated awareness struck her, and she leaned down and searched through her bag for her dagger. She spun around.
She gasped as she saw the man sitting on the stone-covered shoreline, his wet boots off. Confusion and the hint of a scowl filled his strong-featured face. She staggered back, caught her heel on a stone, and fell, dropping the dagger. Dirt and pebbles stuck to her wet hands and feet, and she instinctively scrambled away from him.
His glower, iridescent dark blue eyes, and disheveled black hair were not unfamiliar. Staring at her was the man she had seen in her dream—it was the man from the wood.
Where can we find A Hundred Kisses?
Links on The Wild Rose Press: Ebook, Paperback
Now a little about Jean Grant:
Jean is a scientist, part-time education director, and a mom. She currently resides in Massachusetts and draws from her interests in history, science, the outdoors, and her family for inspiration. She enjoys writing non-fiction articles for family-oriented and travel magazines, and aspires to write children’s books while continuing to write novels. In 2008, she visited the land of her daydreams, Scotland, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. Jean enjoys tending to her flower gardens, tackling the biggest mountains in New England with her husband, and playing with her sons, while daydreaming about the next hero to write about…
When she is not doing all those other things, you can find her here:
Website: http://www.jeanmgrant.com
Twitter: @JeanGrant05
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmgrantauthor/
I so glad Sir Alasdair Montgomerie and Lady Deirdre MacCoinneach could join you here today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with A Hundred Kisses!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Historical Romance, Jean M Grant, Medieval, Scotland, Scottish by Tena Stetler with 10 comments.
