Blood Spirit's Blog Barrage #PNR #UF

Happy Wednesday! It's all Blood Spirit this week with its blog barrage happening today and tomorrow. Blood Spirit, Terek, and Ilona will be featured at 20 blogs on these days, so stop by to check out the excerpts (some pretty steamy) and book trailer, in addition to the $5 Amazon GC and Sons of Navarus swag giveaway.

Thanks to all the great blogs who signed up to host! Check them out and leave a comment to be entered to win the giveaway. See you there!

January 30, 2013

Blood, Lust, and Erotica
Book Lover's Hideaway
Booked and Loaded
Danita Minnis
Fae Books
Full Moon Bites
Harlie Williams, Writer
Jesse Recommends
My Reading Obsession
Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict
Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews

And be sure to visit these blogs tomorrow (I'll be updating the links to make sure they go to the specific post on Thursday.)

January 31, 2013
Books Books and More Books
Literary Writings
Love In a Book
MsRomanticReads
Rachel Leigh - erotic romance
Reviews By Molly
Sweet n' Sassi
Veiled Secrets Reviews
Victoria Danann Paranormal Romance News

My Hero Interviews Me

Today's stop on the Paranormal Fall Fling didn't post, so I'm posting it right here on my blog. Today's the last day to enter for the weekly prize, a Sons of Navarus travel mug, so be sure to read at the end of the post how to get your name in the running!

For a change today, I'm going to be interviewed by one of my characters instead of interviewing him. Let's hope Terek goes easy on me.

Terek: (winks) So I'm the first to do this with you, Gabrielle?

Gabrielle:  You are. If it goes well, maybe this will be a trend.

Terek:  I hope you don't mind, but I asked Ilona and a few of the Sons for questions to ask you, so they'll be thrown in there too. Ready?

Gabrielle:  You don't give a woman much of a chance, do you?

Terek:  (smiles) You know me too well. Shall we begin?

Gabrielle: (nervously) Okay.

Terek:  Let's begin with why you chose to tell our story.

Gabrielle:  That's an easy one. I met Vasilije and it only took about five minutes of knowing him that I wanted to find out more.

Terek: (raises one eyebrow) I see you're a Vasilije woman? Hmmm...

Gabrielle: (blushes) I wouldn't say that. You know I love all of you.

Terek: Something tells me Vasilije knew the answer to that question when he told me to ask it. Onto the next one. This is from Ilona. How do you determine what stays in the story and what is left out?

Gabrielle: You all tell me your stories, and I have to decide what will be good for readers to get the overall idea of the series. For example, I decided to not include anything about when you were turned by Amir in Blood Spirit because it didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story. I have the information and may include it in the future, but for Blood Spirit it just wasn't right.

Terek: Interesting. Maybe you can use that for the free short stories you've begun for the series.

Gabrielle:  I was thinking the same thing. Great minds think alike.

Terek: They do. Here's a question I've had since meeting you. What makes you love vampires like us?

Gabrielle: (smiles)  How could I not love you guys?  You're sexy, smart, and brave, and each one of you is different. All together, the eight of you represent a man for every taste. But I love the way you're all so passionate about your lives and the war with the Archons. I respect that.

Terek:  Now for a serious question. Do the readers know you don't know how the civil war ends?

Gabrielle:  (chuckles) I think they do now. But seriously, I think they enjoy finding out about not only the romances but the fight between the Sons and the Archons. I know I do.

Terek:  Here's one last question: what should readers be looking forward to in the future with your series on us?

Gabrielle: Your story, Blood Spirit, is out now, and I'll be writing short stories related to all of you in the future. A short with Vasilije and Sasa is scheduled for release on my website and blog in early October, and tentatively I've planned to let readers know more about Saint and Solenne's early days and a little background on Thane before the end of this year, assuming nothing comes up. And then Ramiel's book, Blood Prophecy, will come next, hopefully by the beginning of 2013.

Terek:  Sounds good. So how was your first interview with one of us?

Gabrielle:  Pretty good, but I know you. You're just that kind of guy. Now Vasilije or Ramiel? This would have been a much different experience with them. Might have involved biting.

Terek: (winks) Ah, I see. We could have done it that way too.

Here's a taste of Terek in Blood Spirit (Sons of Navarus #3):

Terek held his wrist to her lips and waited for a sign that he hadn't been too late. Seconds grew to minutes but finally she opened her eyes and looked up at him in the darkness. As a new vampire, she wouldn't be able to see him, but he saw her.

"Remain still."

Reaching for a match, he lit a candle on the nightstand next to the bed. In the pale light, he was struck by the frightened look on her face, and he reached out to tenderly caress her cheek, as any good sire would for one of his vampires.

"Where am I?" she asked as she flinched from his touch.

"My home. What's your name?"

"Am I still in Cocentaina?" she asked as she sat up quickly, immediately falling back onto the bed.

"Remain still. You're not ready to move yet. What's your name?"

For the second time, she didn't answer his question, and Terek wondered if she could be in shock from the attack. He didn't want to upset her, but he needed to know her name. Carefully, he listened to her thoughts but heard nothing.

Finally, she whispered, "Ilona."

"Ilona, I'm Terek. Do you remember what happened?"

Brown eyes stared up at him, wide with fear as tears welled up in them. "No...yes..." Her hand reached for her neck. "What did you do to me?"

She attempted to roll away from him, but Terek held her fast to the bed. Eyes that had just been so full of fear flashed rage at him. "Let go of me! What have you done to me?"

Never before had one of his vampires looked at him as if he were a villain. "I've done nothing to harm you. You asked for my help, and I gave it willingly."

"You've made me a monster."

"No, not a monster. Vampire."

Tears rolled down her cheeks as Ilona sobbed uncontrollably. "Vampire! No!"

Terek brought his wrist to his mouth and pierced his skin. Holding his arm near her mouth, he watched her anger turn again to horror. "Ilona, take from me. This is who you are."

Closing her eyes, she shook her head.

"I may not have chosen you, but I'm your sire now. I won't let anything or anyone harm you, Ilona. I promise."

I'll be choosing the final weekly prize winner tonight at 9 pm, so be sure to comment on the Paranormal Fall Fling page to be entered. And be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter for your chances at winning the grand prizes I'll be choosing on November 1. Good luck!

#WIP Wednesday and 2 Fall Fling Stops

Actually, that title is backwards, but no matter. I'm over at GraveTells today talking about The Thorn Birds and its influence on Blood Spirit (yeah, it's an oldie that's really even too old for me, but it's amazing the things you remember from being a kid) and at fellow author Malia Mallory's blog with an excerpt from Blood Spirit. I hope you'll stop over and check them out after you enter to win the weekly and grand prizes in the Paranormal Fall Fling. Remember that you can earn points every day by posting on FB and tweeting about the giveaway.

As for the #WIP this Wednesday, I can report that Ramiel and Thane are experiencing a lot more than they ever expected as they travel to Italy to find the other two vampires who are like them and can help with the Prophecy of Idolas. To give you a little visual aid with Thane, here's his romance trading card. (I haven't had his made up yet, so it's just a proof for now.)

Yummy!

And if you're looking for my newest story about the Sons of Navarus, stop over at the Free Reads page on my website for The Deepest Cut, a short about Vasilije and Sasa after their "situation" with Thane in Blood Spirit.

Whew! I'm tired already. Time for me to get ready to go to the day job. Have a great one!

Writing Strong #PNR Heroines

I'm over at Jennifer James' blog today talking about strong heroines in my Sons series. I love writing a strong woman, but often my idea of strong is a bit different from other people's. I don't need the female lead to be constantly arguing and giving the hero a hard time. I know some like that, but those heroines irritate me. To me, strength can be far more subtle and is often very effective if it isn't constantly in the hero's face.

Stop over and check out what I mean, but remember to enter the Paranormal Fall Fling before you go. We're into the third week, so there's a new weekly prize:  a signed paperback copy of Blood Avenged. And the grand prize giveaway will be chosen at the end of the month, so there's time to get your points in. Remember that each day you post on FB or tweet, you can get extra points, so don't miss out!

Have a great one!

Meet The Stars of Blood Spirit

I'm over at an old friend's today with an interview with both Terek and Ilona. The Enchanted Book is a gorgeous blog, so stop over and find out a little more about the stars of Blood Spirit. And remember to enter the Paranormal Fall Fling too!  Even after you leave a comment and do all the Rafflecopter choices, you can come back each day and get more for posting on FB and tweeting about the giveaway. Those points can really add up!

Today is the last practice SAT for my son before he takes the test on Saturday, so I'll be busy with that for a while and then it's polishing up the Vasilije and Sasa short I'm almost ready to release.

Happy Thursday!

A Son Talks and His Recipe

Today I'm featruing two great blogs on the Paranormal Fall Fling! I'm at I Smell Sheep with another Alpha Male Diner recipe, this time for Terek. Delicious! (For a look at the Vasilije and Saint recipes, click HERE) And Terek is over at Riverina Romantics letting readers know a little more about him. I hope you'll stop over at both!

We're into the second week of the Fall Fling giveaway, so that means a new prize. The Blood & Dreams eBook Box set was won by Krissy, and now the new giveaway is a Sons of Navarus swag pack. For all you swag lovers out there, listen up. There are signed cover flats from Blood Avenged, Blood Betrayed, and Blood spirit, along with signed bookmarks from all three books and a series bookmark. And there are trading cards from the first four heroes in the series, Vasilije, Saint, Terek, and Ramiel (whose book is next!).  Finally, I'll be throwing in a surprise or two sure to please any swag lover.

I'll choose the winner on October 8, so head on over and leave a comment, along with doing as many of the Rafflecopter entries since they go toward the even bigger grand prizes, including a $50 Amazon gift card.

Have a great Tuesday and remember that you can earn extra entries toward the grand prizes every day if you post about the giveaway on FB or tweet about it!

Visiting A Good Friend And Inspiration

Hi all! The Paranormal Fall Fling continues today at Shah Wharton's blog. I'm there talking about the newest Sons book, Blood Spirit, and giving an excerpt of the stars of that book, Terek and Ilona. Stop by and say hi!

And if you haven't entered the Paranormal Fall Fling Giveaway, don't leave my blog until you've done that. This week's prize is the Blood & Dreams Ebook Box Set, not available anywhere but through this giveaway. It contains Vampire Dreams Revamped, Blood Avenged, and Blood Betrayed. One lucky winner will be chosen on Monday night, October 1, so be sure to enter for that and the grand prizes that will be awarded at the end of the Fling. All the details can be found HERE, so don't miss out!

Finally, I saw the image in the link below the other day and wanted to share it for readers who are already looking forward to Blood Prophecy, Book 4 of the Sons of Navarus series and Ramiel's book. I've been hard at work on that, and when I saw this I can only say it's been perfect inspiration for Ramiel and his heroine. Warning: Although it's not graphic, it is sensual and does depict a sexual act. And it's just a brief image, but it replays so you can catch it again. ;) 

Inspiration for Blood Prophecy

Happy Thursday!

More Paranormal Fall Fling Fun

It's Day 2 of the Paranormal Fall Fling, and I'm at the fabulous blog Close Encounters with the Night Kind where Nikki interviewed me on what she calls The Rack. Check out her questions and my answers about all things Sons and especially Terek. ;)

Before you head over, be sure to visit the Paranormal Fall Fling page here at my blog to enter to win all the great prizes I'm giving away. The first weekly prize is the ebook box set Blood & Dreams available only here in this giveaway. It includes Vampire Dreams Revamped, Blood Avenged, and Blood Betrayed. And the grand prizes are up for grabs too!

Don't miss out! Enter today!

Paranormal Fall Fling Begins!

Happy Monday! Today's the first day of the Blood Spirit/Sons of Navarus Paranormal Fall Fling!  From now through October 31, I'll be at blogs all over talking about the newest release in the Sons of Navarus series, Blood Spirit, along with all the other books in the series and giving away great prizes.

Take a look!

The first weekly prize is the Blood & Dreams Ebook Set that includes ebooks of Vampire Dreams Revamped, Blood Avenged, and Blood Betrayed!

The weekly prizes are:
October 1:  Copy of Blood and Dreams Ebook Set
October 8:   Sons of Navarus Swag Pack (including cover flats, bookmarks, and trading cards)
October 15: Signed Copy of Blood Avenged
October 22:  Sons of Navarus Travel Mug

Grand Prizes:
Grand Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st Prize:  $10 Amazon Gift Card and Sons of Navarus Swag Pack
2nd Prize:  Sons of Navarus Swag Pack
(1st and 2nd prize swag packs will include bookmarks, magnets, trading cards, pens, and cover flats)

Today I'm at Bitten By Paranormal Romance and RomCon, so be sure to visit both to find out more about these incredible Sons!  And visit the Paranormal Fall Fling page on my blog to enter to win all the great prizes!

#PNR Friday: Paranormal Fall Fling Coming!

Thank God it's Friday! For some reason, this week seemed to crawl by. I've been involved in a work kerfluffle, so that's probably why this seemed like the week that wouldn't go away.  But let's leave that world behind and enjoy the one that is Friday, gorgeous outside, and filled with paranormal Alpha males!

It's almost a week since Blood Spirit was released, and the Paranormal Fall Fling begins this Monday at a great blog perfect for a PNR book, Bitten by Paranormal Romance. For 5 weeks, I'll be out and about at blogs talking all things Blood Spirit and Sons of Navarus, so check back frequently for all the news on that. There will be weekly prizes and grand prizes of ebooks, gift cards, and swag, so don't miss it.

I've been so flattered by all the comments on Blood Spirit. It was a labor of love, no doubt, and to hear that readers are so moved by the story is so wonderful. :) 

I'm deep into the next book, Blood Prophecy, and this is going to be a big step in the series. It's looking like it might be a bit longer too.  At the same time, I'm also writing a free short about Vasilije and Sasa, and anyone who read Blood Spirit knows that they're going through some things in their relationship. The short will continue that theme but show the two of them in private. It is shaping up as a very sexy free read, like its predecessor, Forbidden Fruit. If you haven't checked that out yet, click on over there HERE to get a taste of Hades, the God of the Underworld, who is set to make his debut in the Sons series soon.

And congratulations to Jenese, the winner of my giveaway in the 18 and Over Giveaway Hop! Look for more hops coming and more chances to win in the Paranormal Fall Fling beginning next week.

I'm off to begin my day and enjoy the Fall Equinox. Have a great one!

Blood Spirit Is Here! #newrelease #paranormalromance

What a great Paranormal Romance Friday it is! A few days early but here nonetheless, the third book in the Sons of Navarus series, Blood Spirit, is available at Amazon now. And soon it will be coming to Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and the other outlets.

Blood Spirit continues the story of the Sons' quest to decipher the Prophecy of Idolas and stop the Archons from taking over the vampire world. Readers will find this book gives a lot more about the prophecy, along with a great deal more about the Archons, and for the first time, they will get to meet a magistrate--a very important magistrate who I promise will figure prominently in the series' story.

But the book is an erotic paranormal romance, and in that way, it's smokin' hot. Terek is sensual and seductive, a vampire sire whose very being oozes sex appeal. And his heroine is sexy and stubborn, just the kind of woman a man who has everything needs. And their scenes together burn up the pages!

Here's a little taste:

Ilona sighed. "Terek, I don't seem to be like any of your other vampires."

She was right.

"I have thousands of vampires, Ilona. You've just seen the ones who live here."

"Are they all women?"

Shaking his head, he laughed. "No. Not all of them. Does that matter?"

He saw it did matter by the way her bottom lip quivered ever so slightly. "Ilona, what's wrong?"

She closed her eyes and turned away so he couldn't see her face. "I've never been like this. I don't know what's wrong with me. I barely know you and my head tells me I have every reason to hate you. I know this. But I'm consumed by jealousy at the thought of you with these women and thousands I haven't even met."

Terek stared silently at her, unsure of what to say. It was perfectly natural she would be attracted to him. Vampires were sensual beings, and the pull of a sire to a vampire was common. Everything she was experiencing was exactly as it should be.

Before he could tell her this, she turned toward him. "I don't want to feel this way toward someone who doesn't feel anything for me."

The shame in her voice bothered him. Why did she think he felt nothing for her?

"I care about you as I care for all my vampires."

That wasn't exactly the truth. In fact, he cared much more for her after only such a short time.

"Chattel. Or worse, as a plaything. Somehow you've made me care for you, and I'm simply the latest addition to your collection."

"Ilona, you're not a plaything or part of a collection. I didn't choose to sire you. You were dying because of another vampire's choice and begged me to save you."

"Even worse then. I'm a mistake you're saddled with."

Terek winced at the pain of her words. Mistake. She believed she was unwanted and unloved. She had no idea the effect she had on him and how much he struggled against the growing feelings for her inside him.

He let his desire control him and leaned toward her, taking her in his arms. A need to feel her mouth yielding to his overtook him, and he kissed her hard, needing her to understand how much he wanted her.

But she didn't yield. Instead, she met his desire with her own, snaking her tongue past his lips to tease the tip of his tongue. Such a common act he'd experienced countless times before with women now excited him more than he could believe, and his cock sprang to life, pressing hard against his hipbone.

She tasted like some exotic fruit Jasmine seldom found at the market—a treat he rarely got to enjoy but relished so much more when he could. She clung to him by the neck as she pressed her body to his, leaving him in no doubt as to what she wanted.

He wanted it too.

"Ilona..." He stopped, unsure what he'd wanted to say as she slid her hand down the front of his pants.

Looking at him, her eyes wide, she said, "No, don't say anything. I need this. I don't want to think about who you are with the others. Even if you have to pretend, then pretend. Just let me have something about being a vampire that brings me happiness."

Her hand felt like silk as she slid it up and down his stiff cock, grazing the tip just enough to make his hips come up off the bed. His mind was nowhere else but right there with her.

Groaning his desire for more, he tugged a fistful of hair, pulling her head so she looked into his eyes. "No pretending."

Readers will notice immediately that this book has a different tone from Saint's. Blood Spirit is set in Spain and Morocco, with some time spent in Vasilije's monastery home in Romania, but the overall feeling is far more relaxed than that of Saint's story, Blood Betrayed. What gives it such a different tone, though, is the character. Unlike Saint, whose very being is wrapped up in struggle, Terek has wanted for nothing for centuries. That's what happens when many consider you almost a god. But even a god wants something...

If you've read Vasilije and Saint's story, you'll know what I mean when I say Terek is an entirely different hero. The Sons series builds on itself, so if you haven't read the first two books, Blood Spirit isn't the one to begin with. Start with Blood Avenged and get to know that wonderful vampire Vasilije and then move on to Blood Betrayed and fall in love with Saint before you read Blood Spirit.

And remember, for a small taste of Terek, pick up Vampire Dreams Revamped for free at Kobo, Smashwords, and All Romance eBooks. He has a small cameo, but it's a delicious scene. ;)

Happy Friday everyone!

One Week Until Blood Spirit!

Happy Monday everyone! I'm counting down the days until the release of the third book in the Sons of Navarus series, Blood Spirit. Time seems to have flown with this book. It seems like just yesterday I began writing Terek and Ilona's story and now it's time for it to meet the world.

Blood Spirit is a continuation of the Sons series, so the non-romantic story continues from Blood Betrayed. Marc Verrater, that vicious Archon, is back, along with some new villainous friends (one of whom will be a very important player as the series progresses). The romance is all Terek and Ilona, but because Terek has so many vampires, readers will get to meet some new characters from his household.

Advance readers have raved about the sensuality but also the emotion that's a big part of the story. I love the way this story came out. Terek was one of those characters whose passion propelled me to write his story, and his heroine Ilona felt like a great match for him from the moment she showed up.

Here's a taste of them in one of their first moments together. (I love when a man has to step up to a challenge!)

As if she were drawn to him, Ilona felt like her body had a mind of its own as she rolled over to face him. He seemed to have some strange power over her as even her eyes refused to close, forcing her to meet his stare.

"Carlie tells me you're unhappy," he said in a low, smooth voice that instantly soothed her.

"I can't be like her. I don't want to be a vampire."

Terek moved around the bed to stand next to her. Again, her body seemed drawn to him and she turned to look up at him. Green eyes stared down into hers, eyes gentle and at the same time piercing.

"I'm sorry, Ilona, but you don't have a choice. What you can choose to be is happy."

"You took my life, my family, my everything, and now you say it's my choice to be happy? Where was my choice when you made me this?"

Ilona felt torn between what her mind told her to say and the craving she felt to be near him. Both seemed to fight for control of her very being.

Terek knelt at the bedside and took her hands in his. "Ilona, I want nothing more than your happiness, but you must want to be happy."

His touch relaxed her, and she looked up to see his eyes, now so gentle and kind, looking back with an innocence that surprised her. As she gazed into them, she heard him speak softly to her, but his words made no sense even as they calmed her heart.

© 2012 Gabrielle Bisset

Cover Love: Blood Spirit's Print Cover

Good Wednesday to everyone! It's a beautiful day in the Northeast, but I'm thinking safe thoughts for all those in Isaac's path. The crazy ABC weatherman who was standing in the 80 mile an hour winds said it would be a few more hours and then the coast should be clear. Stay safe friends! I hope that wonderful city of New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast make it through with as little damage as possible. What a terrific part of the country!

Today I have Blood Spirit's print cover to reveal. Talina did another fantastic job capturing Terek and the very seductive vibe that sexy vampire gives off. Just like all he's ever believed in, Terek has the ability to entice.

The proof has been ordered, and it will be here in a few days. Then it's just a matter of checking it to see there are no errors before the book's release date of September 17. It's coming up quick. :)

Here's a taste of Terek and Ilona's story to get you in the mood:




Have a great day!

#Paranormalromance Friday #amediting

I'm smack dab in the middle of edits for Blood Spirit and I'm enjoying what may be one of the last times I get to spend with Terek and Ilona before the rest of the world gets to meet them. I don't know if other authors feel this way, but there's something special about those last days with my book before it releases. Each book is a different creature, and Blood Spirit has been a very thoughtful one for me.

I'm almost done with the book trailer too, but until then, here's one of the songs that were in my mind while I wrote Blood Spirit. I love this song's vibe. :) Enjoy and have a great weekend!

#WIP Wednesday #amwriting #erotic

Happy Wednesday and the beginning of a new month! August is always a little less than thrilling for me since that means I'll be going back to the day job soon. Yeah, I know. No tears for person who gets the summer off. I feel that. :)  But August 1 means the summer is almost over.

July was the best month of sales for me so far in my career, so I'm sorry to see that month go. The Sons of Navarus series had a stellar month, so things are looking good for Terek as he gets set to make his appearance on September 17.

As for WIP, there are two on my plate: the 4th book in the Sons series, Blood Prophecy, and the Hades short I'm writing for a free read for my website. Even though I've had so many people ask me if I plan to make Hades the star of a new series, the answer is no. At this time, he's just a character who will show up in the Sons series soon.  As the father of one of the first vampires, it was inevitable he'd come on the scene, but I have no plans for even a full length book for him. I can say, though, that the story on my website will be much hotter than the one that will appear in the September issue of BTS eMag. ;) (BTW, for a look at the current issue of that great magazine, scroll down to the bottom of this page.)

Blood Prophecy will include some pretty big developments in the series' story arc, so I'm taking it nice and slow with this one. My former Visigoth turned vampire has been very willing, despite his usual surly attitude, so the writing has been good.

I've also been playing around with Blood Spirit's book trailer for a few days. I have the music and here are some of the images I'm considering working in:

And finally, here is the banner the wonderful Talina made for the release of Blood Spirit:

My editor believes she'll have the entire book back to me soon, so the countdown begins. 48 days until Blood Spirit's release!

Have a great Wednesday!

Working Weekend #amwriting #amediting

Monday again, eh? I guess it's best we take the advice of a fortune cookie I once got:  Any day above ground is a good one. (That's better than the one my son got one time: Oops. Wrong cookie.)

I spent my weekend working on Ramiel's story (Blood Prophecy) and a blurb for the series. If any of you are aspiring authors, let me give you this advice: blurbs can be a huge drag. I don't usually have a terrible time with them for individual books, but for an entire series, it took an entire day of adding, deleting, walking away, and repeating all those steps over and over before I got one I liked for the Sons series. In the end, this is the blurb I stuck with:

Fulfillment of an ancient prophecy leads to vampire civil war. As the eight Sons of Navarus battle to save their world, each Son will find the one thing worth dying for: love. Follow the Sons of Navarus series and fall in love with these sexy Alpha heroes, their strong heroines, and an epic story of passion, treachery, and survival.

Thanks to Dawn, Julie, and Gayle from my street team and my editor for giving me some great direction.

As for Ramiel, I posted on FB that I was loving the way this story was going and I am. As a committed plotter, I know what's set to happen, but the tone and word choice aren't planned and far more organic. Ramiel has so much anger, which makes the tone so markedly different from Terek's and even Saint's.  As I write his story, I'm in a very different mindset than I was from Terek's.

My editor has been sending short messages about Terek's book all weekend. One of the things she noticed is how different the tone is from Saint's. You see, Saint fought against everyone (Vasilije, Solenne, the past...) and the tone of his book reflects that. But Terek is a very different kind of hero from Saint and even Vasilije, so his book has an entirely different feel to it. He doesn't fight. Well, that's not exactly true. He doesn't fight often. Terek is far more quietly confident than Saint or Vasilije. It comes from being a vampire longer, but it's also his natural personality. He's strong but quiet, so while he's not the loudest or brashest of the Sons, when he's in a scene, he's a very strong presence. I didn't characterize him with huge actions, but instead the key to understanding his character is through things such as a touch or the way he words his answers.

It's very important to me that each Son has a unique style and tone, so hearing from my editor that I've succeeded with Terek's book put a huge smile on my face. I don't think I've ever worked as hard with a character as I did with him.

And one of her notes couldn't have been truer: Each word seems important, as if the reader would miss something if they skimmed.

I'm very rarely accused of going on too long. LOL  I don't tend to repeat things a lot, and I appreciate the economy of words. I choose them very carefully in each story (that's the tone thing again), so I force each word to work hard. She jokes that when she begins the edit of my books, she undoubtedly finds it difficult to cut but always finds more where she thinks I should add.

Hope your weekend was a good one and here's to a wonderful week!

#WIP Wednesday #amwriting #amediting

I had a feeling today that these WIP Wednesdays come too fast.  My summer is quickly racing away from me. :( 

On the writing front, I've begun Blood Prophecy. Ramiel's story is set in Italy, and the plan now is to have him and Thane in various parts of that beautiful country, including Sicily and Rome. Since they must travel together to find what they need to decipher the prophecy, readers will get a healthy dose of Thane too. 

Thane and Ramiel have been a part of the series since Blood Avenged, and readers will get a great deal more of them in the third book, Blood Spirit. They're quite different from one another, but there's no acrimony between them. (Though they do have that underwear out of the pants thing in common...LOL)

Ramiel

Thane

Yet...

Conflict is where the story's found, so it could happen.

The villain who was introduced in Blood Betrayed is back too.  Because Blood Spirit isn't out yet, readers don't know how important he's become to the series, but Marc Verrater is front and center in both the third book and this fourth book.

I keep saying this book will be a turning point in the series, and someone asked how that would be. Well, this book marks the half-way point of the series. Also, this is the first time the Sons charged with figuring out the prophecy have left Vasilije's monastery. They've heard about the war with the Archons but only secondhand. Now they get to confront them. In addition, Ramiel is the most violent of the Sons, so that's sure to create conflict as they meet the other characters who will play a role in their quest.

I'm being intentionally mum on the heroine for Blood Prophecy, though. You'll have to wait a while to hear about her. I will say this: she's unlike any female character I've ever written.

As for book #3, Blood Spirit is in the middle of edits and I expect to have the first round back to me within a week. Then it's fine tuning and tweaking before the big day on September 17.  I'm very excited about the release of Blood Spirit. I enjoyed writing Terek's story so much, and I think readers will find him just as great as Vasilije and Saint.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everybody!

The Writing Begins In Earnest #amwriting

I was battling some kind of crazy sickness at the end of last week, so I didn't do Paranormal Romance Friday. Now I'm back and ready to go. :) I had planned on beginning Blood Prophecy at least a week ago, but I wasn't there, even before the two lost days from whatever that was. I have it plotted out, but that feeling I have when I'm ready to begin a book just wasn't there.

Well, it's there now. I woke up this morning from a very vivid dream about Ramiel and that's my sign that it's time. Anyone who knows me would tell you that I'm more logic than anything else, but in my writing, I wait for the sign.  It could be called the Muse, I guess. I call it that sometimes, but unlike other authors, it isn't a he or she. It's just a feeling that I should be writing.

Ramiel's book will be a turning point in the series, so that might have been the reason my brain was spending more time than I'd planned mulling it over. Also, each Son is different, so each book is different. Vasilije is pure sensuality and hedonism. Saint is darkness and brooding. Terek is mystical and seductive yet strong. Since I'm still so close to Terek and Blood Spirit, that might have made getting into Ramiel mode a bit of a challenge. For as much as Terek is a warrior, he was made that and his motivation for fighting comes from what he believes in his heart. Ramiel is the violent Son, and much of who he is comes from that violence that made up his world before he was turned vampire. A Visigoth barbarian in the late Roman Empire, Ramiel was a fighting machine. To be honest, the change from Terek to Ramiel is the most extreme I've done yet in the series.

If you've read the first two books, you know that the tone of each book is a reflection of the Son showcased. Vasilije's is pure pleasure, whereas Saint's is pleasure colored by a brooding about the past. The tone of Blood Spirit is all Terek--seductive, thoughtful, mystical. Although I say the books take a long time to write because I hand write everything, the real reason they take a while is that the tone has to be consistent with the hero. That means I have to be very careful, especially with the words I choose and the way I structure the dialogue. Each Son is different, so each book sounds completely different. To move from the tone I used with Terek to the tone I have to use with Ramiel is a 180 degree change.

But it's time, so writing will begin in earnest.

Typing is done on Blood Spirit, and my initial edits are complete. Now it's off at the editor's for the red pen treatment.  And the release date has been set:  September 17!

I'm off to get the day moving. It's a bit overcast here, so it seems to be a perfect day to write. Hope you have a great one too!

#WIP Wednesday #amwriting #amediting

Happy Wednesday! How is everyone doing today?  It's hot as hell here in Pennsylvania, but in six months it will be just the opposite, so I'm enjoying this heat wave.

I've also been writing and editing, in the air conditioned splendor, of course. :)  The short for BTS emagazine is complete at just about 1K words and titled Forbidden Fruit. I've also finished the expanded version that will appear on my website after the magazine comes out. Hades has been a delicious character to work with, and I'm looking forward to more of him coming up in the Sons books.

Typing and editing continues with Blood Spirit. So far, I'm through to Chapter 17, editing as I go. The plan is for the book to be at the editor for this weekend, and so far, I'm on course to make my goal. I do have to go to Family Night at Boy Scout camp tonight to see my son, so no typing will happen today. Since I loathe typing, you won't find any tears from me, though. LOL 

I'm at Carrie Ann Ryan's blog for Writer Wednesday today talking about Vampire Dreams Revamped and returning to the past every so often. One commenter will win a set of Sons of Navarus bookmarks, so stop by and say hi. :)

Also, I announced this in my FB street team group yesterday, so now today I'm telling the rest of the world. I've been asked to be the featured author at the 2013 Indie Romance Convention that will take place in TN next October. I'm so flattered! I'll be there with other great authors, so if you're a reader or blogger, check out the site and make your plans to attend. It promises to be a fun time!

And yet another announcement--BTS eMag has asked me to be a featured author in their January 2013 issue on indie writers. Again, I'm so flattered!  Writing the short was such a nice honor, but to be asked to be a featured author is really great. Click on over to check out the current issue of the magazine.

It's been quite a week for this indie writer. How has yours been? Have a great Wednesday!

#Paranormalromance Friday

Another Friday here, and it's a hot one where I live. How is everyone else fairing in the heat?  I've got the air conditioners blasting and still it doesn't feel cool enough! But I love the heat so much more than the cold, so I'll take this any day.

I had intended on being able to say Blood Spirit was basically complete today, but the day job got in the way yesterday.  I was teaching a class for the past few weeks and it was time to grade. That means emailing people to ask where their online quizzes are...blah, blah, blah....yeah, sometimes it feels more like high school than college.

So I'm sitting at Chapter 19 in Blood Spirit, which is almost at the end. I've enjoyed writing this book so much. When I first began thinking of a vampire who had been a monk in the Middle Ages and was now one of the most prolific vampires in his world, I loved the idea. It had such a disparity to it. Gradually, Terek formed into a very passionate character. As he's grown on the pages, he's become the type of man who gives his heart and soul to everything he does, whether it's being a monk, a vampire, a sire, or a warrior.

The contrast with the first two heroes in the series is striking. Vasilije is and always will be a hedonist. That he loves Sasa doesn't change that, and neither does the civil war with the Archons. Saint is a man who carries the past with him wherever he goes. It's what has made him into the man everyone knows as Saint. Terek is a character who has been many things. He's almost like a god to many in his world because of how many females he's sired. They live in his homes and to outsiders, they make up what seems to be his harem. But he's more than just a man who loves women.

Terek is a man whose actions are borne out of love for many things. Love for his family, love for the Church when he was a monk, love for the vampire race, and love for Ilona, the woman who may finally be the one who can claim this incredible man.

And Ilona has been a great character to spend time with too. She's a human turned by Terek who struggles with seeing past the women to the man he truly is. It's only because she sees him working to break down her barriers that she begins to let him in. To her, he isn't the legend he is to other vampires. He's just Terek, the man who's given her a new life she isn't sure she wants.

So I'll be working to finish their story by next weekend, hopefully. I have edits for Vampire Dreams Revamped coming up, but I'm very happy to report that Madame Editor found very few things I need to really change. She's a huge Vasilije fan and I'm also happy to report that she says this new novella makes him even sexier. I loved hearing that!

And last, but not least, I received an email from an author I adore this morning.  I'd emailed her to ask her if she'd be willing to guest on my blog.  She said yes, so I'm going to have an interview with her in the not-so-distant future. She's such a fascinating author! She doesn't know it, but she's one of the authors who inspired me take a chance on my writing after years of keeping it to myself. Now a year later, she's coming on my blog and letting me ask her questions. Isn't life great? 

Have a wonderful weekend, and keep cool!