4T Olio

'Tis the season of parties, and since after 8 p.m. I'm best friends with my blanket, I really am glad for social media. Not only can I party any time during the day, I can party anywhere across the globe!

Including the Pacific coast! That's right, this Wednesday, tomorrow, I will be at the fabulous Alisha Basso's Bloody the Bones Facebook release party! December 30 (which is also Alisha's Birthday!) 11:30 a.m. PACIFIC TIME—11:30 her time—which is 1:30 p.m. Central (my time) and 2:30 Eastern. Please join me and other great hosts for prizes and more.

Join these amazing authors for super fun games and prizes.
(She's still updating)
11:00-11:30 - Alisha Basso with Nicky Charles
11:30-12- Mary Hughes
12:00- 1:00 - Neeley Bratcher
1:00-2:00 - Candace Carrabus Rice
2:00- 3:00 -Dzintra Sullivan
3:00- 4:00- (Tracy Ehlers, PA) Patti Dunn Roberts
4:00-5:00- Nicole Garcia
5:00- 6:00- GM Scherbert
6;00-7:00-Alex Grayson
7:00-8:00-Claudia Burgoa
Prizes and fun!
Facebook is in no way affiliated or associtated with this event.

2T Repeat Performance

December 2014 at Lust With a Laugh things really got hot... As the year winds down, the humor winds up!

• 5 Chastity Devices—For Men—You Have to See to Believe
• My Kitten is Getting Coal This Year.
• Dear Santa...
• Welcome to Grimwood~ Guest Kelly Apple
• There's a reason "Deadline" begins with "Dead"...
• Kink and Comics

Passion Bites book tour BIG THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who took part in my Passion Bites book tour, both the lovely guest hosts and those of you who visited. We had a huge turnout!

Special thanks to Barclay Publicity, who made this incredible tour possible.

The Rafflecopter was a lot of fun, with nearly 5000 entries! Winners are here: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29160/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners are being contacted today.

Thanks again to everyone who helped celebrate the release of Passion Bites!

Ending SOON--5 $10 eGiftCards and more

COMPLETE INFORMATION AT BARCLAY PUBLICITY

Visit all the blogs participating in the tour for reviews, excerpts, guest posts and more chances to win!

12/07/2015
I Am Shelfless
Stormy Nights Reviewing
Tome Tender
Splashes Into Books

12/08/2015
Long and Short Reviews

12/09/2015
Smut Book Junkie
Rainne’s Ramblings

12/10/2015
Dani Reviews Things
Literary Nymphs Hot List

12/11/2015
T&L Book Review

12/14/2015
Em&M Books

12/15/2015
Books Can Take You There

12/16/2015
Loves 2 Read Romance
Deal Sharing Aunt
Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions
Evermore Books

12/17/2015
Lisa’s Louisiana Home
Love Affair With an e-Reader
Reelika Raimet

12/18/2015
Andrea Heltsley Books
Fic Gal
Alpha Book Club

Also look for reviews from:
Majorly Delicious
Love and Write

Complete tour information plus prize list at Barclay Publicity: http://www.barclaypublicity.com/book-scoop-blog/passion-bites-by-mary-hughes-release-celebration-tour-sale

3T Writing Tidbit

What's the deal with Goal, Motivation and Conflict?

I've seen these around and thought I knew what they were. Turns out like most things writerly, there's a lot of iceberg under the water's surface. Read Debra Dixon's book GMC. You'll see what I mean.

But the tip of the berg is something I've heard often, in many forms. Even alone, it bears repeating.

Your central character must have a
STRONG, SPECIFIC WANT that drives the plot/drives the action and a
DESPERATE NEED, usually unknown to them, that resolves the plot.

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.

You work hard to make the holidays passionate...

Mood enhancing Passion Bites releases today! Romance, incredible sex, adventure and so many feels...get your copy today! And remember the multi-author 12 Days of 99c Sales at Treat Yourself Right this Holidays! $50 egiftcard grand prize.

Passion Bites
A broken vampire and a driven doctor, seized by a passion neither can afford.

Dr. Alexis Byornsson has her hands full in the ER when her patient’s uncle blows into the exam room. Stitching up a five-year-old’s cut is hard enough without a blond god distracting her all to hell.

To say she’s furious is putting it mildly—not that anyone would notice. Not with the legendary control that’s earned her the nickname “Dr. Frozen”.

Luke Steel never knew a woman chastising him could be so sexy. But for the first time in three hundred years, passion stirs in his gut—along with panic. Since his wife was taken before his eyes in a brutal attack, he’s sworn he’d never feel that powerless again.

Almost before either Luke or Alexis realize what’s happening, they’re sharing a blazing kiss that shatters her logical armor and unleashes his wholly unwanted mating instinct. And spurs a closer-than-skin enemy to put into motion a devastating plan for revenge.

Warning: This book contains a hot doctor and a hotter vampire messing up sterile surfaces. The usual rogue shenanigans, but this time covering deeper motives. Hang on to your stethoscopes at what’s revealed!

Kindle | Nook | Samhain | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play | All Romance | UK Amazon | UK Nook

Excerpt at my website.

Passion Bites virtual tour starts today!

COMPLETE INFORMATION AT BARCLAY PUBLICITY

Visit all the blogs participating in the tour for reviews, excerpts, guest posts and more chances to win!

12/07/2015
I Am Shelfless
Stormy Nights Reviewing
Tome Tender
Splashes Into Books

12/08/2015
Long and Short Reviews

12/09/2015
Smut Book Junkie
Rainne’s Ramblings

12/10/2015
Dani Reviews Things
Literary Nymphs Hot List

12/11/2015
T&L Book Review

12/14/2015
Em&M Books

12/15/2015
Books Can Take You There

12/16/2015
Loves 2 Read Romance
Deal Sharing Aunt
Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions
Evermore Books

12/17/2015
Lisa’s Louisiana Home
Love Affair With an e-Reader
Reelika Raimet

12/18/2015
Andrea Heltsley Books
Fic Gal
Alpha Book Club

Also look for reviews from:
Majorly Delicious
Love and Write

Complete tour information plus prize list at Barclay Publicity: http://www.barclaypublicity.com/book-scoop-blog/passion-bites-by-mary-hughes-release-celebration-tour-sale

All these books just 99c--get 'em today!

You work hard to make the holidays shine. But who makes them sparkle for you? Let us help. Join us on Facebook for fun and prizes and enter our Rafflecopter for a chance at a $50 egift card!

Making the holidays romantic and sexy are New York Times bestselling author Jayne Rylon, New York Times bestselling author Izzy Szyn, bestselling author Jodi Redford, and the awesome Roxy Mews.

Jayne Rylon (Report For Booty)
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IHG0HK2/
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/report-for-booty-jayne-rylon/1118631851?ean=2940148288503
Izzy Szyn (Fang-Filled Weekend)
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0171ZO2BE/
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fang-filled-weekend-izzy-szyn/1122844190?ean=2940151189965
Jodi Redford (Double Dare)
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VTQO8V6/
Roxy Mews (When the Lights Go Out)
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VGOPCUM/

Making the holidays heartwarming are USA Today bestselling author Edie Ramer, USA Today bestselling author Dale Mayer, and Amazon bestselling author Leigh Morgan.

Edie Ramer (Christmas at Angel Lake)
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG92FOE/
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-at-angel-lake-edie-ramer/1116993588?ean=2940148588412
Dale Mayer (Skin)
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJOFLEU/
Leigh Morgan (Second Chances)
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0059JGESO/
BN www.barnesandnoble.com/w/second-chances-leigh-morgan/1104360742?ean=2940011392726

Making the holidays fun are bestselling author Zoe Dawson, me, and the always-hilarious SL Carpenter.

Zoe Dawson (Hounded)
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DFA9H4C/
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hounded-zoe-dawson/1115674091?ean=2940016477251
Mary Hughes (Beauty Bites)
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUB24P0/
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beauty-bites-mary-hughes/1116010903?ean=9781619215818
SL Carpenter (SL Carpenter's Big Book of Lust)
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0173PRPZC/

Making the holidays magical are international bestselling author Michelle Diener, and the wonderful Elle J Rossi and S.C. Mitchell.

Michelle Diener (The Golden Apple)
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7GI1A4/
BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-golden-apple-michelle-diener/1118956538?ean=9780987417688
Elle J Rossi (Indigo Dawn)
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZWIP5IM/
S.C. Mitchell (There's No Such Thing as Werewolves)
Amazon only http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KAE45A/

Beauty Bites JUST 99c LIMITED TIME

Beauty Bites is priced at just 99c to celebrate Synnove's sister's book coming December 8.

Kindle | Nook | KindleUK | NookUK | iBooks | AllRomance | Kobo LIMITED TIME

Warning: Contains a doctor with a bod for sin, an ad exec with a chip on his shoulder, sarcasm, sex, and a cabin full of annoying friends. Secrets are revealed. One heart-stopping, horrific moment leads to the ultimate of happily-ever-afters. 

Beauty is skin deep…but the beast goes all the way.
When top Minneapolis ad man Ric Holiday is asked to design a campaign for a quaint little town, his first reaction is absolutely not. Meiers Corners is too near Chicago, home of the vampire who turned him as an orphaned boy.

Then the city sends an angel-faced med student with a body made for sin to plead their case. Synnove Byornsson is the ray of sunshine Ric hasn’t felt since he was human.

Armed with determination and a micro miniskirt, Synnove is prepared to crash Holiday’s penthouse cocktail party—and to dislike him on sight. But Mr. All-Style-No-Substance turns out to have a deadly smile, a barely restrained, feral strength, and piercing blue eyes that look at her—not at her cleavage.

Unfortunately Synnove has competition in the form of a sly temptress with a counterproposal. For the first time in her life, Synnove must cash in her genetic lottery ticket and fire back with some sizzle of her own—or her beloved Meiers Corners could become the new Sin City.

Treat Yourself Right this Holidays--$50 egift card Grand Prize

photo credit: Thanksgiving via photopin (license)

If you're like me, this is an insanely busy season. Those hams and turkeys don't baste themselves. The gifts don't magically wrap each other, and it is a sad truth that the Decorator Elves exist only in fairy tales.

You do all that. You work hard during the holidays, making November and December a magical, romantic, fun, and warm family time.

But who makes the holidays magical for you?

We'd like to help. Starting the end of November, a dozen authors are banding together to give away 60 ebooks. Then from December 1-12 we're hosting a bash with 12 Days of 99c Ebooks--with a grand prize $50 Amazon/BN egift cerificate! Treat yourself right this holidays.

$50 Rafflecopter giveaway here

Making the holidays romantic and sexy are New York Times bestselling author Jayne Rylon, New York Times bestselling author Izzy Szyn, bestselling author Jodi Redford, and the awesome Roxy Mews.

Making the holidays heartwarming are USA Today bestselling author Edie Ramer, USA Today bestselling author Dale Mayer, and Amazon bestselling author Leigh Morgan.

Making the holidays magical are international bestselling author Michelle Diener, and the wonderful Elle J Rossi and S.C. Mitchell.

Making the holidays fun are bestselling author Zoe Dawson, me, and the always-hilarious SL Carpenter.
Hope you'll join us to get your gift of a little extra warmth and sparkle this holiday season!

$50 egiftcard Rafflecopter

It's alive!
$50 Amazon or Barnes & Noble egiftcard Grand Prize Rafflecopter. Now to December 12, 2015.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/82ea18524

Twelve Days of 99c Sales--December 1-12, 2015

Making the holidays romantic and sexy are New York Times bestselling author Jayne Rylon, New York Times bestselling author Izzy Szyn, bestselling author Jodi Redford, and the awesome Roxy Mews.

Jayne Rylon (Report For Booty)
Kindle | Nook

Izzy Szyn (Fang-Filled Weekend)
Kindle | Nook

Jodi Redford (Double Dare)
Kindle

Roxy Mews (When the Lights Go Out)
Kindle

Making the holidays heartwarming are USA Today bestselling author Edie Ramer, USA Today bestselling author Dale Mayer, and Amazon bestselling author Leigh Morgan.

Edie Ramer (Christmas at Angel Lake)
Kindle | Nook

Dale Mayer (Skin)
Kindle

Leigh Morgan (Second Chances)
Kindle | Nook

Making the holidays fun are bestselling author Zoe Dawson, me, and the always-hilarious SL Carpenter.

Zoe Dawson (Hounded)
Kindle | Nook

Mary Hughes (Beauty Bites)
Kindle | Nook

SL Carpenter (SL Carpenter's Big Book of Lust)
Kindle

Making the holidays magical are international bestselling author Michelle Diener, and the wonderful Elle J Rossi and S.C. Mitchell.

Michelle Diener (The Golden Apple)
Kindle | Nook

Elle J Rossi (Indigo Dawn)
Kindle

S.C. Mitchell (There's No Such Thing as Werewolves)
Kindle

Chat and play with us on Facebook! Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TreatYourselfRightThisHolidays/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3T Writing Tidbit

"Hi." "Hi." "How are you." "Oh fine..."
*yawn* Can we throw in ninjas now?

Dialog isn't just speech. As we found last month, it has three purposes, move the story forward, reveal something about the character, and/or show conflict.

But now that you have your purposeful dialog, how about making it sound like it's coming out of real mouths?

"Hi." "How are you?"

These are "real" things people say. But they don't sound real. They sound cardboard, cartoonish.

That's because dialog isn't supposed to sound real. It's supposed to sound realistic.

Readers suspend their disbelief to be swept along in the story. Give them dialog that sweeps them along in the story but doesn't break the suspension.

First, make it fit the character's era, age, region, class.

Then add one or two ruffles or bows (or metal studs depending on the character): interruptions, repeat, slang, contractions, swearing, pauses, imperatives, character has trouble saying what they mean.

Finally, subtract stiff or stilted dialog, words that break the character's characteristics ("Yo, bro," the countess said), tongue twisters and bits that don't fit the action (e.g. "Let me recite the whole preamble to the constitution" takes one punch).


Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.

2T Repeat Performance

November. As the year winds up, so does the humor.

Those Pesky Clothes--Why I like Writing Vampires

Back Door Santas and Kinky Clauses

Will Work For Coffee

Mommy's Been a Bad, Bad Girl--Guest Eva Siedler

 

 

 

Red Hot Heroes Release Day Blitz! Help Jodi Redford celebrate her newest release!!

All gave some... Some gave all.

Find Home in the Heart of our Heroes this Veteran’s Day as The Red Hots Release Red Hot Heroes!

BROKEN SURRENDER by LORI KING

One bullet made it physically impossible for Sarah Bryant to fulfill her dreams of a military career. With her family’s sympathy suffocating her, she escapes to Stone River, Texas, determined to rebuild a life and maybe find a new dream. 
Silas and Jeremy are two brothers who are as different as Texas is big. One is an adrenaline fueled former Army medic, the other is a laid back tow truck business owner. The two things they have in common? They know they want to live life in a ménage relationship, and Sarah is the woman for them. 
Sarah has too many doubts about herself to believe she can be enough for one man let alone two. Can these souls find what they need to grow together, or will they leave more emotional scars to match their physical ones?

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/njdon5u  
ITunes: http://tinyurl.com/q2c2cc7 
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/q4t6422 

www.LoriKingBooks.com 

****

STARTING OVER by MAGEN MCMINIMY

“There was need laced in every twist and sweep of his talented tongue. A need for something tangible, something to connect him to the safety of the real world, to the living breathing life he still held on to. A distraction from the death and sorrow that carried over from months at war. “

All sales of this title through November 15^th, 2015 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

After running from the one man who could have mended her heart, Callie Sullivan has been finding comfort in her best friend, D. When heartbreaking news about D’s deployed husband, Adam, makes its way to the states, Callie focuses on helping her friend learn to survive after tragedy strikes. 
Recently returned from Iraq, Luke Merrick learns about the attack on his former sergeant and best friend, Adam. Knowing D will need all the support she can get, Merrick finds himself back where he lost the one woman he thought could be his future.
With D’s heartache fresh and raw, now is hardly the time for Callie’s past to resurface, bringing new danger to those whom she wishes to protect and help heal. But life rarely gives Callie what she needs.
This Veteran's Day, find home in the heart of our heroes with Starting Over part of the Red Hot Heroes multi-author series and stands alone for reading enjoyment.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FO97fq

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0165347FY

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starting-over-magen-mcminimy/1122749345

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1046446194

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/starting-over-83

www.MagenMcMinimy.com 

**** 

PROMISE YOU by RENE FOLSOM

All sales of this title through November 15^th, 2015 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Danielle never realized just how much her brother meant to her until reality slapped her in the face, forcing her to wake up and pay attention. After a shattering tour overseas, Dylan returned home to live with Danielle. Knowing he needed more care than his sister could provide, Dylan invites his battle buddy, Travis, to come live with them.
After a rather unorthodox meeting, sparks begin to fly between Danielle and Travis. However, both of them know just how difficult it will be for their relationship to blossom without Dylan’s blessing, leaving them conflicted about how far they want to take it. Travis wants nothing more than to earn Dylan’s approval—to promise that he will cherish her—always.
Once Travis realizes he can no longer keep his affection for Danielle a secret, things become complicated and the boundaries between friendship and love cloud his future.
This Veteran's Day, find home in the heart of our heroes with Promise You, part of the Red Hot Heroes multi-author series and stands alone for reading enjoyment.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Wd9wds

www.ReneFolsom.com

****

REPORT FOR BOOTY by JODI REDFORD

All sales of this title through November 15^th, 2015 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Mason Gamble and Nash Vincent are pros at making people sweat. As former Army Rangers who run the toughest, ball-busting fitness boot camp in Michigan, they take great pride in that fact. But thanks to the knockout brunette housesitting next door, suddenly they’re the ones experiencing excess perspiration. Fortunately, the perfect opportunity to be neighborly presents itself courtesy of a package delivery snafu.

Regan Wallace has trust issues. Specifically, trusting that her best friend won’t make good on her threat to send a Strip-O-Gram for Regan’s birthday. Is it any wonder she’d jump to the wrong conclusion when two gorgeous, camo-garbed hunks land on her front doorstep? Woops. The crazy part? They don’t seem the least bit scandalized or offended by her boneheaded blunder. Judging by the sinful heat in their eyes, they’re all too happy to provide her with a little two-on-one dirty dancing. For a woman recovering from a bad breakup, fielding the interest of two sex-on-a-stick men is both surreal and exhilarating. Indulging a three-way fling? Completely out of her comfort zone. But with her stay limited to a week, some no-strings-attached sex might be precisely what she needs to get her confidence back in stride.

None of them are prepared for the consequences of a sexy fling feeling like so much more. As Regan’s stay draws closer to an end, Mason and Nash realize there’s no way in hell they’re letting the perfect woman slip through their fingers. And when it comes to fighting for her love, there are no fitter warriors for the ultimate battle to her heart.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1H3QIq8
http://www.jodiredford.com/More_Books.html

****

SNAKE’S SALVATION by Aliyah Burke

Two people with painful pasts can create something spectacular with each other.
Jason “Snake” LaRue was a Navy SEAL. Now he’s not and he has trust issues and memories he can’t forget no matter how hard he tries. His one solace is a woman who works at the local diner who chases away the darkness in him. But would she ever consider a man with his past?
Loretta Swann has given up art and now works at an all-night diner. Running from her past, she up and goes when the mood strikes. Her one shining moment a day is when the ex-SEAL graces the establishment. An impulsive kiss makes her wonder about something more with him. But when she learns what he wants, will she run again, or stick around to be Snake’s Salvation?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1H3QVcF
www.aliyah-burke.com 

****

HER HERO by Miranda Marks

Nate Morrissey has seen all kinds of action in his years with Marine Special Operations, yet nothing compares to the adventure he has at home with his new wife—what little time he’s been home in their brief one year marriage. When he gets called out on a new mission at the beginning of a long awaited leave, his bride lays down an ultimatum. Unfortunately for them both, duty wins.
Becca soon realizes she wasn’t meant to be a military wife. She thought she was strong, but the long months praying and waiting for his safe return have left her broken. When he leaves her yet again, she knows it’s time to call it quits, no matter how much her heart tells her to stay.
Nate isn’t ready to let go of his wife just yet. The fire they share is too hot to ignore. Nate comes home to an empty bed, but refuses to let it stay that way long. Till death do us part means something to Nate and he’s not dead yet…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1LMZyNf
www.authormirandamarks.com


Make Sure to Join our Event On Veteran's Day!

November 1T Status Update

Parties! Giveaways! Concerts! Much food and drink!

November and December are big months for stepping away from the keyboard for me. Blogs have special holiday treats. Hubby and I start rehearsing for all the various Christmas concerts and cantatas and the local Humane Society bash our quartet donates our time for every year.

Bullet point news:

• Biggest news is I will have turned in Mind Mates (Pull of the Moon Book 2) for pre-edits.
• Twelve author friends and I are celebrating 12 days of bargains with free books, $50 rafflecopter and more. Pre-party is November 16-30. The fun starts December 1.
• Assassins Bite is out in paperback! And check out my Goodreads  Giveaway.
• Beauty Bites SALE!! To celebrate the release of Passion Bites (Biting Love Book 9) Book 6 is on sale for a mere 99c December 1-11. Grab yours!
• TRS is having its End of Year Splash this month. I'm giving away December favorites Black Diamond Jinn plus The Bite of Silence. 

Passion Bites
A broken vampire and a driven doctor, seized by a passion neither can afford.

Dr. Alexis Byornsson has her hands full in the ER when her patient’s uncle blows into the exam room. Stitching up a five-year-old’s cut is hard enough without a blond god distracting her all to hell.

To say she’s furious is putting it mildly—not that anyone would notice. Not with the legendary control that’s earned her the nickname “Dr. Frozen”.

Luke Steel never knew a woman chastising him could be so sexy. But for the first time in three hundred years, passion stirs in his gut—along with panic. Since his wife was taken before his eyes in a brutal attack, he’s sworn he’d never feel that powerless again.

Almost before either Luke or Alexis realize what’s happening, they’re sharing a blazing kiss that shatters her logical armor and unleashes his wholly unwanted mating instinct. And spurs a closer-than-skin enemy to put into motion a devastating plan for revenge.

Warning: This book contains a hot doctor and a hotter vampire messing up sterile surfaces. The usual rogue shenanigans, but this time covering deeper motives. Hang on to your stethoscopes at what’s revealed!

Coming December 8. Preorder now!
Kindle | Nook | Samhain | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play | All Romance | UK Amazon | UK Nook

4T Olio -- readers, I need your help deciding something!

photo credit: The Quest via photopin (license)

I recently did this post on Magical Musings, and would love to get reader input here too.

I’ve been re-reading one of my favorite mystery writers lately–Rex Stout. Stout began writing his 1/7 ton, orchid-loving gourmand genius detective Nero Wolfe in the thirties (just after the end of Prohibition, Wolfe’s first recorded words are, “Where’s the beer?”). But the stories are lively and readable for today’s audiences, thanks to entertaining narrator Archie Goodwin, Wolfe’s feet, eyes and ears on New York–and ours, too.

I admit that I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy reading Stout as much, since my author training means I see the puppet strings and the puppeteer behind the words.

photo credit: Puppet via photopin (license)

But no. I actually enjoy Archie and Nero more, because Stout’s such a freaking great writer. There’s an impact difference between a teacher telling about the tools of writing (even with examples) and seeing a genius use those tools. Don’t believe me? Think of any occupation where you’ve seen someone blow you away. For me it’s Brett Favre, whatever you might think about his career. I see anyone throw a football and it’s caught and I think yay, amazing, because frankly I can’t throw a ball a half-foot to a receiver dressed in two-sided tape. But Favre…when he threw the ball, the receiver didn’t catch it so much as Favre seemed to slide the ball directly into the receiver’s hands. Artistry, poetry in motion.

Anyway, the point to all this is that Stout made me reconsider one aspect of writing that has plagued me my whole career. What makes something mysterious? Frankly, I always thought you had to write vague unsettling creepy stuff.

Here’s what I now think is true, and this is what I need you to confirm or not: The way to be mysterious is to be crystal clear about your mystery.

Example: Which is more mysterious?

• Jen thought she saw a shadowy figure in the dark bushes.
• Jen saw the bushes stir. Not a cat-size stirring, but man-size.

Or this:

• The victim wrote something in her own blood before dying.
• The victim wrote “rache” in her own blood before dying.

So which is more mysterious to you? First or second point in each example? Please let me know!!

3T Writing Tidbit

"Hi." "Hi." "How are you." "Oh fine..."
*yawn* Can we throw in vampires now?

Dialog isn't just speech. If it were, half of most books would be like the above.

No, dialog has a purpose. Actually, it has one of three purposes.

Move the story forward.
Reveal something about the character.
Show conflict.

Good dialog has two out of three. Brilliant has all three. But if your dialog doesn't seem to do even one of these, cut it. Then see if you're missing anything. If you are, it's one of these three things but very subtle.

More on dialog next month!


Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.

2T Repeat Performance

October. School. Halloween. Longer and longer nights...

Interview With the Vampire Joe--Guest Selena Illyria+Giveaway

Ever Feel Left Out? How to be one of the Cool Kids.

Red Hot Read! Cover Reveal ~ Kissin’ Hell by Jodi Redford 

Finding the Fun in Being a Little Bit Terrified

Man in the Shadows--Guest Marc Stevens

 

 

 

October 1T Status Update

First there was Logan's story in Biting Me Softly, then Synnove's in Beauty Bites. Now meet his brother Luke and her sister Alexis as they struggle to find their way in Biting Love book 9 Passion Bites.

A broken vampire and a driven doctor, seized by a passion neither can afford.

Dr. Alexis Byornsson has her hands full in the ER when her patient’s uncle blows into the exam room. Stitching up a five-year-old’s cut is hard enough without a blond god distracting her all to hell.

To say she’s furious is putting it mildly—not that anyone would notice. Not with the legendary control that’s earned her the nickname “Dr. Frozen”.

Luke Steel never knew a woman chastising him could be so sexy. But for the first time in three hundred years, passion stirs in his gut—along with panic. Since his wife was taken before his eyes in a brutal attack, he’s sworn he’d never feel that powerless again.

Almost before either Luke or Alexis realize what’s happening, they’re sharing a blazing kiss that shatters her logical armor and unleashes his wholly unwanted mating instinct. And spurs a closer-than-skin enemy to put into motion a devastating plan for revenge.

Warning: This book contains a hot doctor and a hotter vampire messing up sterile surfaces. The usual rogue shenanigans, but this time covering deeper motives. Hang on to your stethoscopes at what’s revealed!

Preorder now!
Kindle | Nook | Samhain | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play | All Romance | UK Amazon | UK Nook


I have to admit, I wasn't sure if Luke's story would ever be written. I usually write first loves because I'm deeply committed to grand passion, to love that lasts an eternity. Luke, as series readers know, has lost his wife. How did I deal with that, help him heal emotionally?

Strangely, it was a woman whose own emotions are clogged who finally emerged from the pages as Luke's savior. But just because Dr. Alexis Byornsson's emotionally frozen doesn't mean she doesn't have feelings, quite the opposite! ...although she does her darndest to deny them.

Bringing these two together was the hardest and yet most beautiful and fruitful thing I've ever attempted. The finished story still brings heartbreak and finally tears of joy to my eyes. And of course the usual Meiers Corners laughs and cold-drinks sex too.

Have I succeeded? Please read Passion Bites for yourself and let me know.

4T Olio--Chosen--new release by Cora Maxine

Friend Cora Maxine has released her second book in the Make Me Paranormal series! Check it out :)

Chosen

Amazon | Amazon UK

To say that all Hell broke loose and to actually see it happen are two different things. You'll have to trust me on this.

Jupiter Hayes thought she had seen and heard it all when she woke up in a paranormal facility and was told she had to choose a society to join. But no one said anything about royalty.

When the demons show up, things begin to change as Jupiter finds out she's the one being chosen. How will she ever be able to make the right choice when there's so much riding on her decision?

The first book in the series, Choices, is also available!

Amazon | Amazon UK

I always wondered which paranormal being I would choose to be, but never thought I'd be forced to make the decision.

As an urban fantasy author, Jupiter Hayes knows all about the things that go bump in the night, but she never dreamed that those beings could be real.

Summoned to a secret paranormal facility within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Jupiter finds out that not only are these beings real, but she's destined to become one of them.

Soon she's cut off from the life she once knew as she spends time getting to know each society in need of new members. But, some of those societies may be a better fit than others, due to her own bloodline.

Throw in a sexy vampire and a gorgeous warlock and it's easy to see that Jupiter Hayes has some tough choices to make.

Cora's on Facebook and Twitter and would love to hear from you!

2T Repeat Performance

September. The start of "pumpkin-everything" season.

Where I get my (slightly skewed) ideas

Charlie and the Great Pumpkin Condom

What IS Funny?

Has it REALLY been a year?!?!? Roxy Mews: Author BDay and Giveaway

Guest Post with Katya Armock : Animals and Writing...Put Them Together and Watch the Fur Fly!

 

 

 

 

3T Writing Tidbit

Title Creation. Two words that inspire hate in authors the world round.

I haven't got a bullet. But I do have some bullet-point ideas.

• List words relating to your story. Make them as vivid as possible. Then start paring them in twos and threes. Pick combos that don't go together but are effective together. (Biting Nixie)
• What makes your lead character compelling? Pick words to encapsulate him or her. (Assassins Bite)
• Look for the zing, not the tickle.
• Use a quote site to find key concept words.
• Use a quote site to find snippets of a quote. (TV series Slings and Arrows)
• Use a random title generator to jumpstart ideas. Many available with an Internet search.

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.

Shelly’s top 5 Tips for Taking Charge of Your Men--Roxy Mews NEW RELEASE!

All the Ts are delayed one week so that I can bring you exciting NEWS! The third chapter of the Hart Clan Hybrids releases today. And to celebrate, the star of the show, Shelly, is giving us her man tips :)

(And check out the Rafflecopter at the end!)

Shelly: I figured you all could use some tips in taking charge of your men. Since I’ve recently taken charge of two, you should listen to what I have to say.

1.       Sex. Let’s be honest, you can take charge of even the strongest Alpha Werewolf when you have his favorite honey pot on tap.

2.       Location, Location, Location. Having control of your man is difficult sometimes and a good vacation getaway with lots of rope to keep him there is always a good idea.

3.       Sharp wit, and sharper teeth.  Having a sense of humor is a great way to keep your men off balance. Throwing their heads back in laughter gives great access when you’re dying for a bite.

4.       Drama-free Zone. Everyone has drama in their family. Some much more than others. Taking charge of your men sometimes means helping eliminate some of the drama. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty when it’s for someone you care about.

5.       Highlighting your hot spots. After you’ve been mated, showing off the marks your mate seared into your skin is always a turn on. Show that shit off. Letting them think you belong to them is the first step in claiming your own territory.

Shelly:  So that’s it. Take control, ladies. The men out there won’t know what hit them.

Richard: Shelly, what are you doing?

Shelly: Googling our next stop for a hotel. I’m taking some of the work off of Trevor’s hands. Aren’t I fucking fabulous?

Richard: *tries to look at computer screen*

Shelly: *types fast* Later, ladies. Take control. We’ve got a lot of work to do in this world. *shuts laptop*

Thank you Shelly!!

Three's a Clan

Amazon | BN | Samhain | Kobo | ARe

Sometimes the only way to hold on is to let it all go.
Hart Clan Hybrids, Book 3

Finding out she’s a byproduct of her maker’s plan for world domination is a letdown for Shelly Meyers. Now she must figure out where to pin her loyalties. Tradition tells her to follow her leader, but something tells her tradition is overrated. Is it her conscience? Nah. Not that. Not anymore.

Richard Paulson never planned on turning furry, yet here he is, an Alpha in charge of a pack. Even with Doc, his beta, at his back, he seems to keep winding up in another frying pan.

Long ago, Trevor “Doc” Paulson gave the woman he loved to someone who could give her the life she deserved. Now, as he and Richard fight to prevent history repeating, he’s struggling not to act on pure attraction—again. He knows he should be Rick’s voice of reason, but what happens when the three of them get close makes no sense at all.

Together they must decide to let go of the past to forge a new future—and fast. Before a power-hungry vampire takes it all away.

Warning: This book contains a sexually volatile vampire who is about to grab the world and a couple of werewolves by the balls. Not for the faint of heart, or those who are opposed to sex, blood, bites, multiple partners and multiple orgasms.

To check out Three's a Clan along with all of Roxy's books, click here.

Roxy's on Facebook and Twitter and would love to hear from you!

And check out this Rafflecopter giveaway!

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