Kiss Carson

Welcome author, Rebecca L Frencl

2011-12-10T15:41:00.000+10:00

Several years ago, friends of ours asked us if we wanted to go to a concert. Now, I’m not really a concert person so I was a little leery. It was a Christmas concert, though.

That was my first experience with the Trans Siberian Orchestra. I’m sure you’ve all seen the web video of the house with the Christmas lights that blink on and off in time to music. That’s TSO’s famous “Christmas in Sarajevo.” We’ve gone every year since then and TSO’s Christmas show was one of the inspirations of my latest work in progress.

If you’ve never seen the show, the whole first half is a story about an angel who is sent to earth to find the true meaning of Christmas. I was intrigued by the idea of an angel sent on a mission. I also had a wild dream about tattooed wings that became real. Somehow those two things merged and became my newest work in progress.

I’m calling it FALLEN right now, thought I think that will probably change in the future. I found out there’s a young adult novel of the same name. It’s changed a little bit too from those first seeds of inspiration. It’s no longer about an angel who’s been sent on a mission. Rue is one of the heavenly judges who weigh men’s souls at the gates of Hell. He’s lost his compassion and has been sentenced to humanity by the Seraph princes. He’s not happy about it and doesn’t see at first anything good about humanity until he meets Serafina a shop owner who seems to see the best in everyone and everything.

It wasn’t supposed to be a romance. Really, it wasn’t. It was supposed to be a contemporary fantasy novella that’s turned into so much more. There were a couple of twists that I didn’t see at the start of the story and it’s becoming a full blown novel. Serafina’s become so much larger of a character than she was originally supposed to be and now Rue is standing at the gates of Hell. What does it say about me that I’m really looking forward to writing about Hell?

One of my favorite characters is the demon Asmoday. He was also supposed to be just be a walk on character and the little devil, pun intended, is starting to edge into the spotlight. It’s always interesting when a story starts to take on a life of its own. I usually have a pretty good idea on where a story is going when I start one. There are always a couple of spots in the plot where the story could branch off or stay on the original path I had plotted. I decided to go off the beaten path with this story and I’m really happy I did.

I’m hoping to be able to finish it by the end of the calendar year, but life has a tendency to interfere. I know where we’re going and I know how to get us there. There are one or two other detours I can take along the way. Here’s hoping I can find those extra hours in the day to keep going. It seems the closer I seem to get to Christmas there’s not only less daylight around here, but fewer hours in the day!

My current book RIBBONS OF MOONLIGHT is available through Solstice Publications. That book I intended to be a time travel romance. It was inspired by “The Highwayman” poem by Alfred Noyes.

RIBBONS OF MOONLIGHT

Emma Sanders:

She’s a damsel in distress—a 20^th century miss dragged back to the 18^th with no way home and no idea how she got there in the first place.

Connor MacAllister Kane:

He’s the reason she’s in distress--a British highwayman, and a minor noble with
not much more to his name than a title and a Robin Hood-like charm who robs the wrong coach.

Now, Captain Nelson Rawlins of His Majesty’s Royal Dragoons, a former childhood friend of Connor’s who sacrificed friendship for duty is on the hunt for the Highwayman and traitors to the crown. The longer Emma stays in Connor’s time, the more she’s drawn to him and drawn into his troubles. She and Connor find themselves struggling to stay one step ahead of the Captain and his corrupt Commander and keep Connor and his roguish cousins from the hangman’s noose.

As the Commander’s grip on the countryside tightens, the people need Connor even more, but Rawlins is hot on his trail and there’s a traitor in their midst. Can Emma use her twentieth century wits to keep both Connor and her heart safe?

(Can I just say that I loved this book xx Kiss)

Buy at Solstice Publishing

Buy at Amazon for your Kindle

TEASER—FALLEN

Rue pushed his hands deep into his coat pockets, feeling them curve into fists as he stared at the huge bronze gothic doors at the front of the cathedral. They were metal though fashioned to look like heavily carved planks of wood.

“They weigh more than a thousand pounds each, but are able to be moved by a single finger.” Rue stiffened at the creature’s words. “Humans are so clever.” A sharp crunch, the sweet scent of fruit. Asmoday quirked one blond brow at Rue, gestured with the apple in his hand. “Want a bite?”

Rue returned the demon’s smile with a stony glare of his own. “I suppose not.” The demon blended beautifully with the lunch time crowds. He nodded to the church. “You going in?”

“You are not welcome here, creature,” Rue growled. His fingertips tingled with remembered power. When he’d had his wings he’d have been able to blast the Deciever back to the pit from whence he came.

“Can it, Ruvan,” Asmoday finished the apple, tossing the core over his shoulder, “you don’t have the juice anymore.” He sat on the steps of the church, patting the cold stone next to him. “Pop a squat, mortal. I have a proposition for you.”

“I have nothing to say to the likes of you,” Rue insisted, though he sat. He knew Asmoday could make him very uncomfortable just for fun.

“Wise.” Asmoday tipped his sunglasses down his nose. “Now, I know what you’re going to say. Get thee back, demon, and all that other nonsense, but at least hear me out.” He rolled angel blue eyes. “If the boss says to talk to you, Ruvan, I talk to you.” His smile turned knowing. “Word in the realms has it you’re finding being human to your taste.” He leered at a young woman walking a trio of dogs on long leashes.

“Get on with it,” Rue growled.

“In a moment,” Asmoday’s gaze followed the girl until she and her charges strolled out of sight. “I mean,” he flicked a glance in Rue’s direction, “who could blame you? Those holier than thou types upstairs don’t know the benefits of a good roll in the hay.” He looked knowingly at Rue’s crotch.

Rue forced himself to stay still. “The purest forms of love are beyond the physical.”

Asmoday stared at him in silence for a moment as if tasting the truth of the words. “You still truly believe that, despite rolling around all night with the redhead.” He shook his head in admiration. “Man, you judges are made of some stern stuff. I told Luke you’re not going to go for this, but . . .”

“Say what you need to say and be done with it. I have business of my own to conduct.” He looked back over his shoulder to the bronze doors of Holy Name.

“Yeah, yeah, you’ve got some business to take care of before going back to bounce on the redhead some more.” He leaned back on his elbows tipping his head up to the wan sunlight. “I don’t blame you. She’s a fine piece of ass.”

Rue longed to grab Asmoday by the throat and throw him off the church steps, but he knew the demon was braced for just such a thing so he buckled down the violent urge. Even so, his voice was strained when he spoke. “You will not speak of Serafina in such disrespectful tones.

The demon’s eyes sparked with anger or amusement, Rue couldn’t tell. He leaned forward, his smile too much teeth for comfort. “Damn me, Ruvan, and you already have, but you do love her.” Rue remained silent. “Isn’t your next line supposed to be, ‘more than anything I’ve ever loved before,’ or something equally maudlin?”

Conflict stirred in Rue’s soul.

Asmoday fired up a large stinking cigar. He blew the smoke at the next baby stroller that happened by. With a cruel snicker he turned back to Rue. “It almost hurts me to hear the back and forth inside you.” He stuck the cigar between his teeth and held out both hands, palms up like scales. “I love her so much I feel like I’m flying apart every time I’m in her arms,” the right hand went down. “The judges need me to balance them, so humanity isn’t unfairly punished for their crimes.” The left hand dipped. “If I leave her, she dies,” down went the left. “She’s so good she’ll go to heaven and it’s really for the greater good.” The right dropped more. “It’s sad, isn’t it?” He jerked his head to the church behind him flicking ash toward a squirrel foraging nearby. “Going to pray for guidance?”

“What would you know of prayer, demon?” Rue choked on the smoke, smelling tobacco and brimstone.

“I’ve answered more prayers than you have, Ruvan.” Asmoday’s smile was pure evil. He was the deceiver and claimed to his credit a little trick with a snake and an apple back in the infancy of humankind. Rue could very well imagine Asmoday answering prayers in his own diabolic fashion.

“Here I am,” he threw the still smoking cigar into the gutter, “to answer one of yours.”

Where to find Rebecca:

Facebook

Blog

Welcome guest blogger, author Gary Peterson!

2011-12-03T15:47:00.000+10:00

Who is Gary Peterson?

While he was still in high school in the early sixties his family moved in an old house out in the country. The walls creaked and dark shadows abounded. This was the inspiration for his novel.

He currently lives near the small community of Yakima, Washington with his wife and dog. He has a B. A. Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He acquired much of his knowledge about court procedures while working as a child protective services worker for many years. His hobbies include hiking, bowling, and reading a good mystery novel.

His books?

Gary has three books, The Old Miller Place, Return to Painters Island, and The Kidnapping of Olivia Hammond.

The Old Miller Place

In 1961 George Peabody struggles for months to find employment. When he is about ready to give up he lands a job with a small newspaper. He likes the area and talks his wife, Elizabeth; into buying an old rundown house. Objects start moving by themselves and an icy presence permeates the entire house. Is he and his family safe? He researches the old house’s history and learns of grizzly murders that had taken place there.

An attorney is bludgeoned to death and a woman turns up dead in the back of his truck. He is accused of both murders and is on trial for his life. Has he been framed for their murders by a crooked cop, Detective Strausser, or is it someone else? Are the murders of the past somehow connected to what is currently going on?

Suddenly he is abducted by the real killer. It becomes a race against time as a retired police detective, Gary Wise, and his ex-partner, Detective Thayer, search for clues to find him.

Click here for Amazon link
Click here to buy hard copy from Createspace

Return to Painters Island

"It is in the 1950's and Jim, who is almost nine years old, helps his mom support the family because his dad is too sick to work. He sometimes is allowed to escape to "Painter's Island", a magical place where he can be a kid again. Follow him as he jumps off sawdust piles, digs up buried treasure, has sword fights with his friends, and tries to fly."

Click here for Amazon link

The Kidnapping of Olivia Hammond

With Blood trickling down her face and chained to a basement wall, Olivia Hammond tries to figure out why she was kidnapped. It couldn't be for ransom because she has no money or rich family. Revenge is not a motive either because she is at peace with everyone and always tried to be a good neighbor.

Her only hope is that her brother will discover the truth, but with no food or water, will he find her in time?

Click here for Amazon link

Where can you find Gary?

Facebook page

Twitter

http://garypeterson32.blogspot.com

http://mysterywritergarypeterson.webs.com

Welcome guest blogger, author Megan Slayer

2011-11-27T19:54:00.000+10:00

Some Enchanted Evening...
Like the musical intro? I do. Love music. Probably why most all of my titles have song titles. First though, I wanted to thank Kiss for allowing me to guest blog. This is a fun place and I’m glad to be here. Grin.

So why on earth did I chose that title for this post? Glad you asked. ‘Tis the season to be merry. Also, there are a zillion little twinkle lights popping up. And not just on my house! But looking at the twinkle lights and thinking about Christmas makes me think of DH. I won’t get super sappy on you, but yeah, I’m a sucker for Christmas twinkle lights.

I should probably try to work this into a romance story somewhere, but part of me wonders if people would buy into it. Anyway...

Why I Love Twinkle Lights (in 200 words or less.)

When I was in college, first year, I met this guy. He laughed, made BAD jokes and was just plain nice to me. I won’t say I was an ugly duckling in school. I just hadn’t come into my own. He saw past my crazy dyed red hair and my tendency to wear flannel. He liked me as a person.

So he asks me to go with him to Walmart to buy Twinkle lights. We do and pick up this set of running lights that does like 7 different settings. Fine. He’s torn. White lights or color. Now I’m an art major. I like color. I convinced him, not sure how, to buy the colored lights.

He bought the colored lights and I helped him decorate his dorm room. The lights served as mood lighting when we had our first date. Yes, we were in college so money was about nonexistent. Had them for the faint glow when we did naughty things. Heck, when we needed light but were too lazy to turn on the actual lights, because they were across the room, we used the twinkle lights.

College is over. We’ve been married almost 12 years and have a totlet. What about the lights? We still have those lights. I’d like to incorporate twinkle lights into more of my stories as mood lighting and a guy’s version of creating ambiance. I should.

Okay, so if you were counting that was a little over 200 words. Never said I liked to stay within limits. Pill, I am. But when I think of Christmas and see all those little lights...I think of some of the steamy times we had in their twinkly glow.

Bet you won’t look at Christmas lights the same way again.

Want to know more about Me?

When she's not writing the stories in her head, Megan Slayer can be found luxuriating in her hot tub with her two vampire Cabana boys, Luke and Jeremy. She has the tendency to run a tad too far with her muse, so she has to hide in the head of her alter ego, but the boys don't seem to mind.

When she’s not obsessing over her whip collection, she can be found picking up her kidlet from school.

She enjoys writing in all genres, but writing about men in love suits her fancy best.

Currently hanging out every Wednesday and Friday at the Menagerie Authors site, hunting Hotties for the Saturday posts, and working on the next great story brewing in her head! The cabana boys are willing to serve, unless she needs them, but she always need them. So be nice to Javier or he will bite--on command.

Here’s some fun links and my latest work, Under and Over It from Changeling Press:

UNDER AND OVER IT

Rock hero Camryn Tate makes the girls scream, but his roommate, Regan, holds the key to his heart.

What happens when an artist finds his muse?

Regan Finley’s photography makes the local music scene shine. He’s four months from his final exihibition and graduation with a Masters in Fine Art Photography. But instead of preparing for the party, he’s fretting about his exhibition theme—bondage and passion. There’s one other person he wants to make his exhibition come to life, it he can convince his housemate to participate.

Camryn Tate plays the music that makes the young girls scream. he likes being a local rock hero. His time on campus is coming to a close as well. In four months time, he’ll have earned his Bachalor’s of Music degree in composition. The moment he finds out what Regan wants to do for the exhibition Cam has to make a decision. He can let Regan have his commanding way and get the pictures he needs for the exhibition or he could walk away from the best roommate and friend he’s ever known…all because of a little ball of nylon rope.

Available at: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1704

My site: http://www.wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm

Blog: http://theauthormeganslayer.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theauthormeganslayer

Twitter: @MeganSlayer

Welcome Guest Blogger - Grace Elliot!

2011-11-11T23:00:00.008+10:00

Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. Grace lives nearLondon and is addicted to cats, acting as housekeeping staff to five mischievous moggies.

Grace believes intelligent people need romantic fiction in their lives as an antidote to the modern world and as an avid reader of historicals she turned to writing as a release from the emotionally draining side of veterinary work. Her second novel ‘Eulogy’s Secret’ is a story of greed, blackmail and a stolen identity.

Thank you for volunteering to become one of my blog guests, Grace. Tell us a little bit about your newest release, Eulogy's Secret.

Anyone who has visited my blog http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com will know that I’m fond of historical trivia. So when Kiss kindly agreed to host me and mentioned that she enjoyed my posts on topics such as “Fat or Fiction - how heavy was Henry VIII”, I thought it would be fun to include a little such trivia here!

My second novel, “Eulogy’s Secret”, is set in Regency England. When our heroine, Eulogy Foster, falls on hard times she must find a way to earn a living - and becomes an artist’s model. In this excerpt, our hero the art dealer Jack Huntley, gazes at her portrait.

He [Huntley], or rather Chaucer, had come across the picture by chance. A few weeks earlier, to his amazement, rumors circulated in artistic circles that Tristan Farrell was painting again. Out of idle curiosity Huntley had dispatched his man to Red Lyon Square to investigate, only to have Chaucer return bright eyed and burbling on about a stunning portrait of a brown-eyed woman. It amused Huntley to instruct Chaucer to buy the painting, for an anonymous client of course, as an investment in the resurgence of a once great talent. But the moment Huntley saw the piece he knew he could not bear to part with it.

So here he stood, like a priest before an altar. Goosebumps raised on his arms as he gazed at the pale-skinned beauty with softly parted lips and enormous brown eyes, warm and alluring, staring out of the canvas as if taken by surprise. The swirling background of chocolate browns served to heighten the woman’s natural beauty. The piece was unfinished and yet utter perfection. Only an artist of great foresight would stop when he had, capturing the moment when a great artist discovers his muse. Huntley’s instincts had been correct. The model was Eulogy Foster, and the painting as divine as the woman it depicted.

So in line with our theme of historical trivia and with a tenuous link to artists, I thought to recall the story of the famous painter Whistler.

American born artist, James Abbott Whistler (1834 - 1903) famed for paintings such as ‘Arrangement in Grey and Black, the Artist’s Mother’ (and yes, that picture in the first Mr. Bean movie!) was an animal lover. Whistler owned a tortoiseshell cat, but his favourite pet was his French poodle. One day the poodle was taken ill and in a panic Mr. Whistler sought the help, not of a veterinarian, but an eminent ENT surgeon.

Arriving at Whistler’s address, the distinguished doctor was horrified to find the patient was not human, but canine. Begrudgingly he examined the animal and prescribed a course of treatment.

But the next day the doctor sent Whistler an urgent summons. Thinking it was news concerning his favourite dog’s condition the artist dropped everything and hurried over. The doctor greeted Whistler warmly with the words;

“Ah good morning Mr. Whistler, so good of you to call so promptly. I needed to see you urgently about repainting my front door.”

Don’t you just love the understatement?

Grace x

Eulogy’s Secret - a story of greed, prejudice and a stolen identity.

$2.99 Amazon/ Smashwords/Amazon UK

Eulogy's Secret

In the four weeks since her guardian’s death, Eulogy Foster has lost everything. She travels to London seeking the help of Lord Lucien Devlin, the estranged brother who doesn’t know she exists. But Lord Devlin turns her out onto the streets, where Eulogy is robbed and thrown onto the mercy of a passing stranger.

Jack Huntley - bitter, cynical and betrayed in love -believes women are devious, scheming creatures and not to be trusted. So when one night he saves a naive young woman from rape, little does he suspect how much life is about to change. Despite his growing attraction to Miss Foster, Jack has a problem: Eulogy Foster has a secret involving his bitterest enemy, Lord Devlin.

As Eulogy learns the haunting story of her mother’s past, she knows she will only marry for true love. Deeply drawn to Jack Huntley, she needs him to confess his love before she shares the secret of her birth. Caught in a deadlock, with neither able to confess their true feelings, events take a sinister turn as it becomes clear someone wants Eulogy Foster dead.

AUTHOR LINKS.

Grace Elliot (blog) a blend of historical trivia, romance and cats!

http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com

Grace Elliot website

www.wix.com/graceelliot/grace-elliot

Grace Elliot Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Elliot/173092742739684?v=wall&sk=wall

Twitter

@Grace_Elliot

Local Folklore

2011-10-02T13:50:00.000+10:00

I don't know what you all think about myth and legend, but I know some who believe--heart and soul--some of the local folklore we hear. Recently, my family and I stayed in the North Burnett district of Queensland, more specifically, Cania Gorge.

Cania Gorge is a beautiful area dominated by soaring sandstone cliffs. Surrounding lowlying areas are used mainly for dairy and beef cattle, most of which saunter by the side of the road and give you a glance as you drive by.

Big Foot

We did a lot of bush walking, the main reason why we went, and saw some magnificent sights. We saw Dragon Cave and Bloodwood Cave, Shamrock gold mine, Dripping Rock and The Overhang. We trekked to see Big Foot, and Three Moon Creek.

Three Moon Creek was named by an 19th century miner who, whilst washing his cup in the nearby creek, saw the moon in his cup of water, in his bucket and in the sky. If only everything was so simple.

We were visited by an abundance of bird life at our little cabin in the caravan park, much to the delight of my 11 year old daughter, Isabel. The highlight of her day was when the King Parrots, Rainbow Lorikeets, Kookaburras and Cockatoos came to be fed.

Isabel feeding King Parrot

King Parrot

Curious Kookaburra on our porch

Feeding Rainbow Lorikeets

Cockatoo coming for a feed

Now, to reason of this blog post. While in Cania Gorge, we visited the little town of Mulgildie. The townsfolk have a spooky waterhole they call the Bunyip Hole. Aboriginals tell the story of fearsome monsters that live in swamps and waterholes. Over the years, tales have emerged of strange noises, churning, bubbling water in the Bunyip Hole, and of cattle disappearing into the depths as they drank.

Artist's impression of Bunyip

Known as "Devil Devil" country, Aboriginal tribes and drovers, too, can't be persuaded to camp near the Bunyip Hole. Some Aboriginal Elders believe the watering hole is attached to a vast network of underground caverns that passes Tellebang Mountain and stretches as far as Ban Ban Springs (approx 150 km from the waterhole).

Bunyip Hole

My children believed the tale, so much so that when we visited the hole for lunch, they refused to leave the car. When my husband drove closer to the hole, my children (boy, 12, and girl 11) screamed "No, Dad, no!" Me? I think it's just a legend, one of the better ones I've heard. I can tell you that the Bunyip Hole certainly is one hell of an eerie place, but whether Bunyips reallys exist...Well, I'm not sure.

Shameless plug!

2011-06-05T19:13:00.000+10:00

Hello! I haven't given my books shameless plugs for a while, so here I go! Enjoy!!

Buy Now! $3.99 at Amazon

After the sudden death of her father, Hunter Hartley visits an old Victorian manor nestled in the hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the last place anyone saw her father alive.

There, she meets Caleb Scott, the enigmatic owner of the house. Passionate and desirable, he is like a magnet, drawing her in until she can’t deny her attraction. However, Caleb harbors a dark secret, one she may never forgive.

Living a life shrouded in darkness, Hunter enters a world where curses are real, and fear runs deep. Will her love for Caleb save them both from his inner demon, or will her father’s killer remain out of reach forever?

Excerpt:

Still half asleep, Hunter stumbled through her small apartment to the calendar on the kitchen wall. With a red permanent marker, she drew a cross through the date. Five red marks.

Five days since she’d last seen Caleb.

Hunter had checked her message bank every day, every hour on the hour, to hear his velvet-edged voice. David had left her twelve messages—the last one a little manic—the editor of Cock and Bull Magazine asked her to complete her father’s last assignment. But no messages from Caleb.

Maybe she’d take her camera down to the lake, take some shots of the baby swans. After, she might visit the café on the 23^rd floor for a latte and jaffa cake. Caleb might be there…

Dressing quickly, Hunter packed her bag and grabbed her camera, her mind on the tasks she hoped to achieve. She picked up her keys and opened the front door. A surprised shriek escaped when Caleb stood in the doorway. Intense crystal eyes never left her face.

“Hello Hunter.” He stepped across the threshold and flicked the door closed.

Hunter retreated until the small coffee table stood between her and the magnificent man. Why couldn’t she think of something witty and a little hurtful to say about their last encounter? “Why are you here?” She rolled her eyes, annoyed at the excited tinge to her voice.

Caleb’s smile turned intimate as he stepped around the table. “Tonight is the new moon.”

“A new moon? Not a full moon or a blue moon?”

Hunter jumped when he lifted her camera from her shoulder and carefully tossed it onto the sofa. Her pack slid from her other shoulder to land on the carpet with a thud and she couldn’t do a damned thing. Her muscles refused to work.

Caleb’s hands slipped up her arms. “The new moon, Hunter,” he whispered against her sensitive earlobe, “means there is no moon. I am in total control for the next twelve hours, and I plan to show you exactly what it means to be loved by me.”

Buy Now! $2.99 from Amazon

Cursed by a jealous goddess 200 years ago, Israel Alexander is doomed to wander the earth in search of his brothers. To live a normal life he must find a woman named after the daughter of a titan, and kill her.

As far as men go, Israel Alexander is one fine specimen. With rugged features, sparkling eyes, and a smile that can light a small city, his appeal is hard to resist. So, why does Calypso James have murder on her mind every time she looks at him.

In a cat and mouse game through time, Calypso and Israel find they share more than deadly intentions. Is love enough to break a curse built from the foundations of mythology? Or will someone make the ultimate sacrifice?

Excerpt:

“What do you want?” she finally demanded.

“Your help.”

“I can’t help you.”

“I think you can,” Israel replied assuredly.

She turned to the ocean to escape the probe of his eyes. When she glanced at him, he raised a questioning brow. He still sported honey colored whiskers, although a little thicker than when she last saw him.

“I’ve brought you here to end my immortality.” Israel handsome face came alive with a smile that melted her anxiety a little. “Because of you, I will finally know what it means to die.”

He ducked under the safety rail of the lookout to stand on the uneven rocks at the very edge of the cliff. His fine, blond hair lifted in the breeze and he lifted his arms to allow the clean ocean air to flow around him.

“I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as the ocean.”

I could push him. Calypso’s eyes widened at the drunken thought. No one would see me. Her tongue shot out to dampen her lips. He wanted to know how it felt to die. She scanned the open viewing deck and the thick bush land beyond.

Israel extended his hand and beckoned her to join him on the other side of the safety rail. Calypso declined the dangerous offer with a vehement shake of her head.

The wind increased in strength and tossed Israel’s hair around his perfect features. She became conscious of her own wayward curls. Gathering her hair, she tucked it down the back of her coat. Israel beckoned again. His mischievous grin made her heart thump a little harder. Slowly, carefully, she edged under the safety rail.

Push him. Calypso licked her numb lips. She glanced around to make doubly sure no one watched and stepped closer to Israel. He now faced the ocean and his wide back presented the perfect pushing platform.

Buy Now! $5.99 from Amazon

When Ella Jeffries receives a mysterious book, she is drawn into its pages and transported back in time. The year is 1709, and the place is the hauntingly beautiful Aingealag Estate tucked away on the shores of Loch Moibeal in the Scottish Highlands. She rescues Lucius “Luke” Benedict, the gorgeous Laird of Aingealag, from an unjust beheading for the alleged murder of his wife.

Luke’s burning dark gaze and sensual aura draw Ella into his tragic life, and the safety of his strong arms. However, the closer she comes to Luke, the more baffling the mystery becomes. With the help of Luke’s beloved horse, Jury, a ghost cat named Shamus, and Moibeal the Loch Monster, she inches closer to clearing Luke’s name.

Can Ella save the Benedict family, or will Aingealag’s shadows swallow them all whole?

Excerpt:

Pulling on his coat, Luke hurried through the castle, the unbearable iciness prickling his skin. However, the frosty night hadn’t drilled him from his slumber. Someone had screamed, a shrill, terrified sound that shattered his serenity.

He approached the corridor intersection. Soft muttering came from the dimness ahead. Moving closer to the corner, he peered into shadows further up the hallway, uneasy. This hallway led to Roslyn’s room. Had his wife returned from the dead to wreak revenge on her loveless husband?

Someone, or something, shuffled towards him. Luke rubbed his bristled chin refusing to allow fear to control him. Everything could be explained rationally, even the stumbling, whimpering thing sliding along the wall. Stepping forward, his eyebrows shot up when he recognized Ella’s slight form. She stared behind her as though some night creature hunted her down.

“What are you doing here?” Luke regretted his rough tone when Ella stiffened with fright and turned to him, her sapphire eyes wide as carriage wheels. Her pretty heart-shaped face paled.

Luke lunged for her when she stumbled—or swooned—he wasn’t quite sure what happened. In less than a heartbeat, he cradled her in his arms and she gazed up at him as though he’d saved her from a fate worse than death. Ella’s hand rested lightly on his chest, her simple touch rippling through the hard, masculine shell he’d spent years building.

“Damn,” he muttered and dumped her on her feet before he succumbed to her sweet seduction.

A random page from Come The Blue Moon

2011-05-17T18:58:00.000+10:00

Okay, for your reading pleasure, please find following a portion of my paranormal romance, Come The Blue Moon.

The book is currently selling for $US3.99!! What an absolute bargain! Go here to buy!

Excerpt: Page 49

“You don’t believe?”

“I believe in happily ever after.

“But not in werewolves.”

Hunter let out a laugh. “Please tell me you don’t believe in werewolves.”

“I believe some things cannot die,” he said slowly. “Curses live forever.”

“Curses arise from superstition. They’re not real.”

Caleb covered her hand with his. “Have you ever been cursed?”

Hunter stared into his eyes. For a moment, fear filled their pale depths. She shook her head. “David came to the house on his endless quest to find the impossible,” she said, determined to keep the conversation grounded. “He’s probably caught a nice dose of rabies.”

One corner of Caleb’s mouth pulled into a slight smile. “I’m afraid David caught more than rabies from his encounter.”

A pang of panic stabbed her chest. “What else did David catch?” Her hand automatically rested on the medallion tucked under her shirt.

“The only illness that medallion of yours can heal.”

Hunter sat back with a frustrated sigh. Why, of all the men in the universe, did she have to find the one who believed in werewolves and curses? Time to change the conversation. “So, you own Caleb’s Rest and this café. I’d say you’re pretty accomplished.”

“Money and possessions don’t make a person whole,” Caleb replied.

“Only a person with money and possessions would say that.”

Caleb’s back straightened and he met her gaze straight on. “I lost my mother and father to a callous murderer. My brother detests me for what I am. Life and love is more important than wealth.”

Hunter tried to read his blank features. “I’m sorry about your parents,” she said quietly. “Did the police ever find the murderer?”

Caleb shook his head. “They will search until I’m dead.”

Come on!! Doesn't that make you want to read more! Hehehe

K

Come and blog blast with Rie McGaha!!!

2011-05-14T12:58:00.000+10:00

Hello Rie and welcome to my blog! Tell us a bit about your writing history.

READ SOME

Hello, Kiss, and thank you for hosting me. When I first began writing for publication, I had no idea where it would lead. I did not begin writing erotic romance at all, and never had any intention of writing a novel with graphic sex. I like the occasional love scene, but to write a plot around bouts of erotic sex wasn't what I had in mind.

In order to get my first book, Deadly Dreams published, I had to add a lot of sex scenes to make it "erotic." From there I wrote Blood Line, Grounded, Ancient Blood, Two For Hire (which I call porn), and Cocked & Fully Loaded Anthology all with Noble Romance Publishing. My first sweet romance was published when Noble added the Sweet Romance line, with Ghosts Of Valentines Past.

READ SOME

I have other publishers and books like Closure, One Good Man, DeepWithin My Heart, Written In Stone, Comes An Outlaw, and my new trilogy, My Soul To Keep that are not "erotic" in nature. They do have some rather explicit sex scenes but they are part of a larger plot, rather than the plot weaving around erotic sex scenes. I much prefer this style of romance and although I plan to continue writing, there is really no telling which direction a muse will lead their writer.

Thanks, Rie. Now, tell us about the newest edition to your publication family.

When Calen MacLeod begins having dreams of an ethereal beauty who beckons to him, he passes it off as just having an itch he hasn't scratched in a long time. But when he leaves on a journey to find her, following the directions she's given him in his dreams, he begins to doubt his sanity. And when he finds himself high in the Mackinaw Mountains in a secret fortress with unicorns and a pink and white castle, surrounded by women, each one more beautiful than the next, it's a fantasy no man would want to wake up from. But Arianna is the only woman for Calen.

The women of the Fortress have lived in peace, hidden away from the humans who tried to annihilate them all. But now a 500-year-old demon is out to destroy the women's matriarch, Ariella, and he'll stop at nothing to complete his mission. When Calen MacLeod shows up, he throws a wrench into Damon's plans. Never let it be said Damon isn't ready for anything, but when he kidnaps Arianna and takes her to modern day San Francisco, is he ready to meet Calen, who will stop at nothing to save his ladylove?

EXCERPT:

At a stream, he stopped and kicked off his boots, stripped and carried his clothing with him as he waded into the cold water. As he made his way upstream to a pool damned by fallen logs, the water inched up his body, causing gooseflesh to rise on his skin. When it reached his stomach, he dove under and came up gasping for breath. He used the lye soap he'd pilfered from the laundress and washed his clothing, tossing each article onto the bank with a wet plop. Then he began washing himself.

She sat on a log at the edge of the trees, watching him, fascinated by his body. His muscles rippled when he walked. With well-defined thighs and calves, his high, tight behind appeared much whiter than the rest of him, and she licked her lips. Watching as he washed himself, she imaged those big hands roaming over her body in much the same way, even though she didn't understand the feelings going on inside her where this man was concerned.

She knew what a man was, of course, though he was the first mortal male she'd ever seen with her own eyes. The males of her kind had been annihilated so many years ago, she had nearly forgotten them altogether. Since that time only two women had dared leave the safety of the Fortress to be with mortal men, and now, both were dead. Arianna guided this man now because his life had been entrusted to her, even though wasn't supposed to be watching him this way, or be developing feelings for him, either. She wasn't sure exactly what those feelings were, but the need to touch him was nearly overwhelming.

Beautiful, she thought, and now knew why those who had chosen to leave the Fortress for a mortal had done so. She would leave for this one, even though she couldn't say why. But the task ahead of them both was much more important than what she wanted for herself. Nevertheless, she would take what she could get.

READ SOME

Rie McGaha is an author, editor, and reviewer. She has more than a dozen books to her credit, with the other two books of the My Soul To Keep Trilogy being released later this year. You can join Rie, GA Hauser, & Stormy Glenn at Blog Talk Radio, May 14, 2011 at noon CST, with an all day group chat at Erotic Promo.

For details: http://blogblast2011.blogspot.com

For your chance to win cool prizes, just leave a comment!

Thanks Rie, I can't wait to read Calen, it sounds wonderful!

Ten things you didn't know about Come The Blue Moon

2011-05-04T19:50:00.000+10:00

Alright, alright, so I've pinched this idea from my friend and erotic romance author, Wendi Zwaduk Thanks Wendi!

Let me tell you ten things you may not have known about Come The Blue Moon:

1. Come The Blue Moon was originally called Hunter's Moon. A critique partner suggested I change the name to save confusion with another book.
2. In the very first draft, Caleb was a ghost on the lookout for his soul mate.
3. Up until very recently, the story was a time travel.
4. Once upon a time, Hunter's brother, David, was her lover. I changed his position when the story became contemporary. In other drafts, her brother's name was Michael.
5. Up until recently, Caleb, Hunter, and Caleb's brother, Hamish, were all corners of a love triangle.
6. Caleb's Rest was once called Caleb's Retreat.
7. Hamish was a painter and studied to be a doctor.
8. In different drafts, the story was based in Scotland, then Bathurst, and finally the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
9. Caleb once played the flute instead of the piano.
10. In different drafts, the story was set in the late 1700s, the late 1800s, the early 1900s and finally present time.

Wow! I didn't realise how much the story had "morphed"! Well, the premise has been around for quite a number of years. One more fact...I wrote Hunter's Moon when I was 17. It took 23 years for the story to see the light of day. Well, a hybrid version of the story.

Here's a sample of an old version of the story:

The Waxing Gibbus moon hung low in the sky, bathing the night in a pale silver glow. The radiance crept along the earth, inching closer to the skeletons lying immobile in the same dirt they’d laid in since 1910. Closer the moon’s rays came, almost as though it knew that out of darkness, comes life.

The shimmering beams reached the bones, touching feet, then legs, then arms, until the two skeletons were flooded with moonlight. Slowly, from the stillness of death, the skeletons moved. They gained flesh, muscle and blood. They grew hair, one dark, the other brown and skin enveloped them, making them human. Eyes opened, like the palest blue iceberg, others like the dawn of a clear summer’s day. Faces formed, too handsome for this world.

Two brothers, cursed to live life as in death, together, but apart – inseparable forever. From this night forth, they lived.

Okay, I know you want it! Here's an excerpt from the current version:

Caleb struggled to draw a breath and beat his fist on the door of his apartment, the last thump barely audible. He couldn’t remember how he’d traveled to Noosa. He couldn’t remember much at all after Hunter left him at the house.

He removed his hand from the wound in his side. The tremble in his fingers deepened as he stared at the blood. Spasms engulfed his body. A knife protruded from his ribcage. No longer able to stand, he slid down the wall to sit on the floor and dragged in another stilted breath. Where was Alexandra? He banged on the door with his free hand.

Finally, the door opened. Alexandra’s cool hands touched his face. She helped him to his feet and directed him into the kitchen. Caleb felt as though the scene happened in a different time, to a different person. But when Alexandra pulled the knife from his side, he came back to reality in a bright flurry of light and extreme hurt.

“Who did this?” Alexandra demanded.

Caleb shook his head. He didn’t know. Where had he been? Why would someone stab him? With his arm draped across Alexandra’s shoulder, he stumbled towards the bedroom. Above the smell of blood, he caught another aroma .The feminine scent of fear.

“Hunter,” he whispered.

“Did she do this to you?”

Caleb shook his head again. He didn’t know. So many images flew through his mind. Too many voices bombarded him. He grimaced at the pain in his ribcage. Hunter wouldn’t stab him unless she had good reason. Did I hurt her? Did the wolf hurt her? He grunted when Alexandra lowered him to the bed.

Caleb’s body burned. Incoherent thoughts darted through his brain. Hunter’s father smiled in his head. “Hunter,” Caleb muttered, “forgive me.”

That's it for this blog. Next blog, I'll post 10 things you didn't know about In the Shadows of Angels.

Take care!
K

Bloody Hell! What to read!!!

2011-04-17T12:07:00.000+10:00

Since I downloaded kindle for my PC, my reading time has increased, and my writing time...Well, that's decreased to zilch. However, I'm having more than enough fun scouring the kindle lists and discovering books/authors. I'm amazed at how many books are published. For an apparently "hard profession to get into" there are A LOT of books out there.

Now, I often visit the time travel lists. I have a selection of Spell of the Highlander, Touch of the Highlander, Highland Husband, Highland Stone, Highland Mists, and the list goes on forever. Do I read Karen Marie Moning, Diana Gabaldon or Catherine Bybee???

It's actually quite hard to pick a book. I love ghosty paranormals. So I search those lists. Between Fangs for the Memories, Night Guardian Books 1-15, My Furry Friends Books 1, 2 and 3, Those High Carpathian Mountains Volumes 1 and 2 and Vampires vs Werewolves - Which is the Better Lover? (well that depends whether you want to love your man during the night, or during the day LOL), I find one or two ghosties. But, are they worth reading? I like the premise. However, (stupidly) I check the reviews. One I thought sounded really good had a star rating of 1, and "Really People, Don't Bother" in the subject line. That was it. One star and the subject line.

Now, I love Teresa Medeiros. Just love her. However, her latest book really failed to inspire. Actually, I don't even think I've finished it.

I've become quite addicted to romantic suspense. As okay as Heather Graham is (in her last book, a character kept changing her name from Katherine to Kathleen tehehehe), I enjoy a light read, and that's just what she is. Nothing spectacular. Nothing over the top. Just a story to entertain me for a few hours. So, I guess until I find a time travel or historical that really catches my eye, I'll stick to the suspense.

Help me find a good read. Please!

Another random page!

2011-04-10T19:57:00.000+10:00

For your reading pleasure, here is another random page from my novella, Calypso's Curse. This book has 85 pages so you can read it in an afternoon! Even less than an afternoon!!

Excerpt Page 39

Israel alighted from the carriage. Alarmed, Calypso lunged for him and grasped the back of his doublet. He pried her hand away but kept hold of her fingers.

“Don’t make me go,” she begged quietly. If she stepped from the carriage, her dream would come true.

“You can’t sit in there forever.” Israel’s hand tightened around hers. “I’ll protect you. I promise.” He flashed a luminescent smile.

Calypso eyed him, a little doubtful of his words. Why should she trust him? He threw her from a hundred foot cliff for goodness sake! Although, she had pushed him first, so maybe she should forgive him.

Sarah appeared behind Israel. “Come, milady, and we shall change your wet gown before you catch your death.”

Calypso shifted her gaze to Israel. “I suppose I’m a little bit cold.”

He nodded and gently tugged her hand. “I know of a wonderful way to warm you.”

Calypso allowed herself to smile. “I’m sure you do.”

“I know as a fact this warmth inducing activity relieves stress and is a great way to manage anger,” Israel told her as he led her across the courtyard.

“And I have serious stress and anger management problems.”

Israel chuckled, the sound full and rich. “You see, the thought of it reduces tension.”

Calypso glanced sideways at him. “Do you often proposition a woman you’ve just tried to murder?”

To read any more you'll have to buy the book! Happy reading.

K

Release day for Come The Blue Moon! Finally!

2011-03-15T15:13:00.000+10:00

Yay! I patiently waited months for the cover for my new release paranormal romance, Come The Blue Moon, and it arrived over the weekend. Ohhhhh! The cover fairy is always so good to me. Check out the biceps on this beauty! And the abs...and the pecks...and the **uhum** Fanning oneself! LOL

Okay, here's the blurb, the excerpt and the trailer!

After the sudden death of her father, Hunter Hartley visits an old Victorian manor nestled in the hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the last place anyone saw her father alive.

There, she meets Caleb Scott, the enigmatic owner of the house. Passionate and desirable, he is like a magnet, drawing her in until she can’t deny her attraction. However, Caleb harbors a dark secret, one she may never forgive.

Living a life shrouded in darkness, Hunter enters a world where curses are real, and fear runs deep. Will her love for Caleb save them both from his inner demon, or will her father’s killer remain out of reach forever?

EXCERPT
Sultry jazz followed the 40’s song. Hunter scanned the faces closest to her as she settled into her chair. The waitress handed her a menu, noted the iced water she ordered, and disappeared into the crowd. The song ended, the audience’s applause long and loud.

“Thank you, thank you,” the trumpet player said into the microphone. “Also, thank you, Caleb Scott, for taking the time to entertain us.”

Hunter nearly choked on her water and craned her neck to get a better view of the stage. Caleb blessed the crowd with a radiant grin and bowed. Dear Lord he looked sexy in jeans and a well-fitted black shirt. Where was her camera when she needed it?

Caleb’s brilliant eyes rested on her. His grin melted into a disarming smile. He jumped from the stage and strode across the dance floor to lower into the chair opposite her. Two women at the next table stared at him with awe and fanned their faces with menus.

“Hello Hunter,” he said, his voice smooth.

“Hello Caleb.” Hunter managed a demure smile.

“We meet again.”

“Yes, we do.”

Hunter drew in a breath to steady her nerves. Every part of Caleb fascinated her, from his strong, handsome features to his tall, powerful body. He looked at her expectantly. Her thoughts shattered as she met the waitress’ quizzical look.

“What’ll it be?” the waitress asked.

Scanning the menu, Hunter cleared her throat. Caleb’s unexpected presence scrambled her brain to the point where she couldn’t think straight.

“The chili octopus sounds good.”

The waitress scribbled on her notepad. “Caleb?”

“Not for me, thanks. I’ll eat later.”

“Okay.” The waitress took the menu.

Caleb leaned his forearms on the table, his hands stretched to Hunter’s side. Those hands could do some seriously erotic damage. Her heart beat with the pulse of the jazz. His gaze moved to the medallion around her neck. Knowing it made him uncomfortable she tucked the jewelry under her shirt.

“Can you sing?” Caleb asked.

“No.”

He regarded her with a tilt of his head. “You don’t even want to try?”

“No,” Hunter replied firmly. Nothing in this world would get her onto that stage.

“Can you dance?”

An amused snort escaped and she shook her head. Disappointment crossed Caleb’s features. Hunter glanced at her hands in dismay. A piano playing god wouldn’t want a woman with no rhythm or pitch.

Caleb stood and pushed his chair in. “Come and dance with me.”

Even though excitement flooded her, Hunter gaped at his outstretched hand. “I’ve got two left feet!”

He bent over the table and grasped her fingers. “That’s all right. I have two right feet. We’ll be perfect together.”

Hunter allowed him to guide her through the crowd to the dance floor. She’d never heard such a corny pickup line in her life but it sounded wonderful coming from him.

Enjoy!

Currently available here as a PDF.

K

A random page!

2011-03-03T17:21:00.000+10:00

I haven't blogged for ages. In fact, I haven't written much in ages, but that's another blog for another time. Here, I present to you, a random page out of my recent release, Calypso's Curse. Apparently, a lot of readers go to page 99. Calypso's Curse doesn't have a page 99 so I'm going to flick to a page and post it!

Happy reading!

EXCERPT PAGE 23

She answered the phone and switched it to speaker.

“Are you having a party, Calypso?”

She spun to the kitchen window. He could see her? Quickly, she stood and pulled the curtains closed. “Are you stalking me?” she demanded.

“No,” Israel said slowly. “I’m trying to get your attention.”

Calypso sat on the sofa and reached for her fifth glass of whisky. “Well, you’ve got it.”

“Is the liquor making you brave?”

Too brave. If Israel stood in front of me now, I would… She shook her head and tossed the whisky down, wincing when the amber liquid set fire to her throat.

“How many more will you need before you’ll agree to meet me? I’m at the headland lookout around the corner from your cozy abode. The ocean will look beautiful tonight.” Israel’s whispery breaths sent shivers of
anticipation down Calypso’s spine. “So will you,” he whispered.

Familiar beeps indicated the end of the phone call. Calypso poured another drink and rolled the plastic cup in
her fingers as she contemplated Israel’s invitation. If she didn’t meet him, she would never know. However, did she really want to know anything about him?

Desire spread into the pit of her stomach. Yes, her heart wanted to know. But she found her mind harder to convince.

Should she listen to her heart? Whenever the rest of her said no, her heart said yes. However, her heart tended to be a poor judge of character. She studied the phone and wished it would ring again. This time, she would tell Israel exactly what she thought.

Calypso drank the whisky and consumed four more glasses. She would need a lot more bravery if she wanted to meet him at the lookout.

K

Flood relief fundraising

2011-01-21T14:21:00.001+10:00

I live in Queensland. I live very close to the towns recently crippled by the floods. I didn't have the chance to go and help clean up. I didn't have the chance to donate goods. However, I now have the chance to do my bit. In conjuction with my publisher Solstice Publishing I am raising money for the Premier's Disaster Relief.

The proceeds of every copy of In the Shadows of Angels and Calypso's Curse sold from January 24, 2011 to February 28, 2011 will go to the disaster relief fund. That's ALL the proceeds, the publisher's portion as well.

That's what I can do to help.

Click on the covers to buy the books.

Kiss

Release day for Calypso's Curse

2010-11-22T16:24:00.000+10:00

Oh, yay! Calypso's Curse is available to buy! I must do a competition...hmmm...I think I've said that before and nothing has come of it. Let me ponder for a while!

I enjoyed writing Calypso's Curse, but then again, I always enjoy putting my heroines through more than humanly possible. They come out of it okay, most of the time. I've not created a psychopathic heroine...yet. Although, I'm sure if my heroines were real people, I'd be long gone.

Calypso's Curse is a little novella, with 85 pages of time travel fun and games. Israel Alexander is a cheeky sonofagun, who tries to "dispose" of the heroine on numerous occasions. All that said, Calypso James isn't a wilting wallflower. The murderous game goes two ways!

Available from Solstice Publishing for $US4.99. Go on, I know you want to.

Blurb:
Cursed by a jealous goddess 200 years ago, Israel Alexander is doomed to wander the earth in search of his brothers. To live a normal life he must find a woman named after the daughter of a titan, and kill her.

As far as men go, Israel Alexander is one fine specimen. With rugged features, sparkling eyes, and a smile that can light a small city, his appeal is hard to resist. So, why does Calypso James have murder on her mind every time she looks at him?

In a cat and mouse game through time, Calypso and Israel find they share more than deadly intentions. Is love enough to break a curse built from the foundations of mythology? Or will someone make the ultimate sacrifice?

Excerpt:

Opening her eyes, Calypso immediately stopped screaming and looked around to find she sat in a narrow creek bed. Clear water, only ankle deep, trickled around her. Bright sunshine cascaded from a pale blue sky. Compared to the horror she’d experienced only minutes before, her life looked fresh and new. She blinked. Where am I?

Water splashed into her face. She gasped and scrambled to her feet. Hugging herself against the chill, she stared at the two black horses tethered to a covered carriage. Lush grass, the color of emeralds, stretched from the edge of the creek to the forest a few hundred feet away.

“You might just be immortal, too.”

The smooth voice sent a rush of anger through Calypso, and she spun to stab a finger at Israel. “You tried to kill me!”

Calypso’s fury choked her when his face split into a wide grin. She strode towards him, pushing her sleeves up to her elbows as she went. Pain. That’s what she planned to inflict. Lots of pain. She glanced around for a weapon. A stick. A metal pipe.

Happy reading! What a great present for someone who owns an ereader!

Kiss

Is an idle mind worse than idle hands?

2010-11-06T10:42:00.000+10:00

Well! Why is it that the less I do, the less I want to do? Yet, when I have three stories going at once, critiquing for three, editing, working my day job AND caring for my family, I find time to do everything I need to do?

I haven't written a word for weeks. I haven't even bothered to look at any of my manuscripts.

I received a rejection for my werewolf story, Come The Blue Moon, which I expected. I'm so used to rejections from this particular publisher that the rejection doesn't even faze me, now. I have writer friends who are going great guns, winning awards, becoming finalists in prestigious writing competitions, selling books like hotcakes...

And Kiss Carson is wondering whether it's all worth it.

Well, this post hasn't been very inspirational. Hopefully I'll have some good news next post.

Oh, okay! To cheer you all up, here's an excerpt from my upcoming release, Calypso's Curse.

Enjoy!

K

Israel Alexander stood on the other side of the door, blond hair tousled. Honey colored whiskers covered his cheeks and chin. He had buttoned his black overcoat to his neck and pulled the collar up to keep the chill at bay. He looked disheveled, but, oh boy, the waif look suited him.

A sensation she didn’t want to feel started at her toes and tingled to the top of her head—desire. Calypso lowered from the peephole.

“Miss James.” Israel’s voice sounded extremely loud in the quiet of early morning. He knocked again. “Hello?”

Calypso turned away from the door and pressed her back against the wall. How had he found her? She glanced around the room for a weapon should she need it. Something that would teach him a lesson for scaring her half to death—a crowbar would do the job nicely.

“Calypso, are you awake?”

Moving back to the peephole, she held her breath as she watched him. Exhaustion filled his eyes. He looked as though he needed saving. Calypso killed the urge to open the door and hug him ferociously. She drew on every ounce of willpower not to talk to him.

“Calypso?”

Please go away. She slowly slid down the wall to sit on the ground. Didn’t the man know she was already losing her mind? He didn’t need to come around in the middle of the night and harass her.

“What do you know about my brothers, Ethan and Isaac?”

At the mention of Ethan, her heart turned over. Did he say brother? The man she dreamed of acted like a medieval knight, and looked nothing like the handsome Israel.

A sheet of paper slid under her door. Heavy footsteps moved away.

After a few minutes of silence, Calypso stood and looked through the peephole. Israel wasn’t there. She retrieved the paper and read his name and cell phone number. Then, she read the note.

Please, Miss James, I need to know about my brothers. My future depends on you.

At the bottom of the page, in barely legible handwriting, she saw another message.

Someone once told me immortality was a curse.

How wise the man who said this.

Calypso crumpled the note and tossed it into the trash. She couldn’t help this man and didn’t know why he believed she could.

Long hand vs typed first draft

2010-09-17T14:28:00.001+10:00

Well, I certainly impressed the members of the writers group I'm in by showing them some of my hand written manuscripts. One even uttered the word awed. Hmmm I hand write the first draft simply because I can't think as fast as I type and I feel as though I spend most of my time staring at the computer screen. However, I am thinking.

When I hand write, I lie on our queen size bed, surrounded by my thesaurus, dictionary, and Romance Writer's Phrase Book. Music is blaring in my ears, usually from the chosen play list I've created for that particular manuscript. I have a pen, and not just any pen, but a "special" pen I've picked. It can't smudge. It can't write too thickly, or too thinly, and Heaven help the pen if the nib is cracked. My eldest daughter refuses to go pen shopping with me. My son...well, I mention pen shopping and he runs for the hills!

Most women get excited when given diamonds or gold as presents (don't get me wrong husband, diamonds and gold are a girl's best friend!). Me? I'm over the moon with five or six sturdy covered A4 lecture books. It means I can keep writing. hehehe Makes me sound very sad.

But! To the reason for this post, and I'm afraid it will be a long post. I promised a comparison between a hand written scene and a published scene. My writer friends wanted to see the transformation from scribble to polished final draft. So, I've picked one particular scene from my debut novel, Illusions of Destiny. I think this scene depicts the transformation well.

HAND WRITTEN SCENE

Ianna stumbled backwards, still clutching the stick. The trap flew through the air and she watched with horror as it landed where her next stumbling step was to fall.
"Stop!"
A quick burst of light lit the forest and Ianna's body froze, her foot inches above the trap. In less than a moment, she regained use of her body and threw herself backwards away from the trap, and landed on her bottom with an echoing ooomph!
More curious than frightened, Ianna climbed to her feet and walked to where Mysra and Orion were seemingly frozen in time. She studied their faces and tentatively touched their horns. Then, she bent and inspected the bloody wounds on Mysra's back legs. The blood had stopped flowing but the cuts were deep and were already swelling.
"We'll have to fix those," she mumbled, patting Mysra's stomach affectionately.
"Unicorns are self healing."
Ianna let out a gasp and spun around, startled by the sudden voice.
"You have a good heart, Ianna the Just."
Ianna merely stared at the man, tongue tied. He was a little taller than shewas, maybe six foot, and well built, but not overly muscular. His shoulder length hair was blond, almost white and his skin shimmered with a sun kissed glow.
"You are too precious to allow fate have her way."

PUBLISHED VERSION

Unbalanced from the amount of force she used to open the trap, Ianna stumbled backwards still clutching the stick. The trap flicked off the unicorn’s legs and flew through the air to land exactly where her stumbling steps led. Fear coursed through her as she tried to stop herself but her body’s momentum proved too much.

Closing her eyes, she sucked in a deep breath and waited for the pain. It never came. Frowning, she opened her eyes and glanced around. What the…? Her body stopped, mid fall, suspending her in the air above the trap, light as a feather. Then, the small clearing came alive with an iridescent radiance that pulsated outwards as a tangible warmth.

Ianna watched the brightness, worried. What came for her, now? She blinked against the glow and gasped when, somehow, she ended up in the arms of a man. Whether friend or foe, she didn’t know, and at that very moment, didn’t care. She looked into his smiling aqua eyes and for the first time in her life, believed in love at first sight.

The shine behind him subsided and he lost his godly aura, but not his masculine beauty. His strong features held a certain sensuality, and his dimpled smile melted her heart. His shoulder length hair shone silver-blond in the dwindling light, but his eyes—Ianna couldn’t drag her gaze from them. They were compelling, serene—extraordinary—just like the man. She’d looked into those eyes before, in her dreams.

He wore a long white tunic, embroidered with gold beading and a thick gold band sat snugly around his head. He looked important. The warmth that enveloped her subsided when he gently placed her on her feet.

“You’re safe now,” he said, his voice smooth, like velvet.

“Thank you,” she replied.

A blush crept into her cheeks when he stared at her as openly as she studied him. He captivated her and drew her to him like a ship to a lighthouse. It wasn’t like her to fall for a good-looking man with a devastating grin but—oh—she’d only ever imagined such perfection.

“You have a good heart, Ianna, and are too precious to lose to destiny and her fickle ways.”

Well, that's the transformation. After 3-4 rewrites, things tend to fall into place.

Have a great weekend!

K

Off I go into the clear blue yonder

2010-08-28T11:59:00.000+10:00

Saturday today. I have plans to write after lunch, once the kids are settled with games and dvds and I won't be interrupted with plaintive cries of muuuuuum!

I pretty much have to be concern free to be able to concentrate on writing, and the last few months have been a rollercoaster...to say the least. By the end of the day, I sit down and stare at the last few lines I wrote over a week ago with pained despair. So, what comes next? Who knows! Sometimes I wish I could plot so I had some sort of idea.

My music just isn't matching the manuscript, and for some reason, that is bothering me. I have one song for my current WIP, and that's Saviour by 30 Seconds to Mars. With my other books, I had complete playlists, songs with certain words or melodies that would egg me on. But at the moment there are no songs to stimulate, no melodies to bring out my emotions (or the emotions of the characters).

I'm also a litle hung up on technicalities. Should that comma be there? Should that that be there, or will the sentence make sense without it. If she says this, what will be the reaction? For every action there should be a reaction. Ohhhh tenses! had has have, were was, isn't shouldn't couldn't didn't wouldn't ing, ing, ing ING!!!! hehehehe

I wish I had a little cave where I could sit in the corner and breathe freely.

BUT! Enough with the woe is mes! I'm off into the clear blue yonder of Demon Realm to continue the story of Dominique Napier, bogus Queen of The Unknown, and Zachary Sterling, Demon Lord.

Enjoy your weekend, and I'll leave you with a little something to look forward to if, and when, you all visit Australia.

Kiss

To agent, or not to agent

2010-08-25T16:54:00.000+10:00

I'm at a crossroads in my writing career where I want to reach more readers. I have pondered finding myself an agent, and after said ponder, submitted to an agent. Just one. I'm still not sure I'm a good enough writer to warrant an agent.

I've sold 250 books (around that) in 12 months. If my calculations are correct...that's a little more than 20 books a month. Which narrows down to about 5 books a week. That's nearly 1 a day. I think that's pretty good for someone who published her first book 12 months ago.

However, there are writers at the same publishing company who have sold over 1000 books. How they do it, I'll never know. Promoting is an expensive pastime. And...well...their stories are probably better. Romantic Fantasy is an acquired taste, I guess.

So, here are my thoughts. Do I give fantasy the flick for the moment, and concentrate on a "real" romance? Mind you, I find it next to impossible to write anything contemporary. OR, do I continue with fantasy and build myself a little niche with a cult following?? I should be thankful I've had my stories published. There are writers out there who may never see their work in print or ebook.

So, I guess I've just vented and not really come to any decision. Perhaps I should stop pondering and start writing. The book I've submitted to the agent isn't finished. I've only written 25000 words of 80000. Hehehe. But that's what I do. There is nothing more refreshing than a tight deadline.

I'll keep going and hope the muse is nice to me over the next few weeks. I'm still waiting for a yes or no on my submitted story, Come the Blue Moon. I should know something by September 15.

Good luck everyone, and take care.

What do your characters look like?

2010-08-03T15:51:00.000+10:00

Now, usually, I have a firm picture of my characters in my head, and every now and then, I actually come across someone very close to how I imagine my characters.

Today, I was flicking through channels (as I'm prone to do) and I stopped on CMC. I'm not a huge country music fan, but the song caught my ear so I stayed. Then, I see the guy singing, and I take more notice.

The man I saw was Brad Mates, the lead singer from Emerson Drive, a band I had never heard of until that moment. The minute I saw Brad, I thought "Lucius Benedict" from In the Shadows of Angels.

Beleive me, finding someone who comes so close to one my characters is next to impossible, so I had to share this scrummy man with you. The only downside is he looks a little young.

Back on track

2010-08-02T17:54:00.000+10:00

So! How does one re-establish one's creative juices? Beats me! However, I've finally overcome whatever took hold of me over the last few weeks. Call it writer's block, call it muse desertion, call it emotion overload. Well, it doesn't matter, now, because it's gone! YAY!!

So, I'm back on track with my fantasy romance, Demon Heart. Zachary and Dominique are forming nicely, as is their love/hate relationship. She told him not to come near her, so he's complying. Hehehehe We all know where that leads in romance stories. The attraction just becomes too much, and the urge to do something he's told not to, will finally break him. And, Dominique's quiet awe of him will erupt as...well...we all know what.

I love love/hate relationships between characters, as long as it doesn't go on for too long, and as long as there is a bit of humour there as well.

Have a great week.

K

New contract, new cover, new trailer!

2010-07-06T17:02:00.000+10:00

Oh, boy, life can't get much better at the moment! Within days of signing the contract for my novella, Calypso's Curse, I received the cover! I LOVE the cover fairy. She's always so kind to me.

Blurb:

As far as men go, Israel Alexander is one fine specimen. With rugged features, sparkling eyes, and a smile that can light a small city, his appeal is hard to resist. So, why does Calypso James have murder on her mind every time she looks at him?

In a cat and mouse game through time, Calypso and Israel find they share more than deadly intentions. Is love enough to break a curse built from the foundations of mythology? Or will someone make the ultimate sacrifice?

Here's the trailer...

I hope those of you who celebrate 4th of July had a great holiday!

K

News!!! News!!!

2010-07-02T18:29:00.000+10:00

Okay, so I've been a little slack with the blogging lately. Well, actually, I've been A LOT slack. But! I finally have some news!

Firstly, In the Shadows of Angels is coming out in paper back YAY!!! Gotta be excited about that!

Secondly, I've just signed a contract with Solstice Publishing for my time travel/fantasy romance novella, Calypso's Curse! My week is made!

Here's the blurb:

Welcome the lovely, the wonderful, LISA M CAMPBELL!

2010-06-09T13:59:00.011+10:00

Well, yes, I've been really, really slack. This interview was meant to go up days ago! I'm sorry Lisa...Still, get those drums rolling and the trumpets tooting for fellow author, Lisa M Campbell! Wow, the crowd is going wild!

For as long as she can remember, Lisa M. Campbell has always wanted to be a Journalist. However, a short stint in college dissuaded her of that notion, and she dropped out after one year.

At loose ends, and uncertain of her future, (now that becoming the next Jessica Savitch was out of the question) she turned to her mom for advice; her mom suggested joining the service. Once Lisa picked herself up off the floor, she enlisted in the Air Force where she met the love of her life, Kevin.

During the ensuing twists and turns of Lisa's life---which included living in the UK for a time---she never stopped writing.

She wrote on and off for ten years, but didn't try for publication until 2008. When Wild Horse Press offered her a contract in March of 2009, a life long dream of seeing her name printed on the spine of a book had finally been realized.

SUPERSTITION'S DESIRE has been a best seller for Wild Horse Press since its release in June 2009. It has also reached Best Seller and Top Rated status at All Romance eBooks.com

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Okay, let's see what I can impart without putting people to sleep! I'm the proud wife of an active duty Air Force Logistics Officer w/24 years active service, mother of a sweet and sassy sixteen year old, and owned by two crazy cattle dogs, both of which were rescued from puppy prison and enjoy howling during the national anthem (I live on an Air Force base). Currently, I'm living in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota, home of Mount Rushmore, and I write full time.

Tell us about your latest full-length release, a medieval Celtic historical, entitled, SUPERSTITION'S DESIRE.

Held to a deathbed vow, Laird Connal MacRae must kidnap Lady Arabella Wyndmere out from under the nose of her sadistic English betrothed, Baron Edward Axton, and deliver her unsullied to his older deposed brother. She is meant as a consolation prize, a balm to soothe Kellan's deflated ego. Nevertheless, Connal discovers he cannot deny the burning ache the spirited beauty has awakened in him, and soon finds he must defend Arabella's superstitious practices against charges of witchery. Yet, despite her heretical beliefs, and his death before dishonor credo, their mutual desire spins out of control leaving no choice except to...and this where you'll have to read the book if you want the rest of the story.

Is this the only book you have published?

This is the only full-length historical I have out now. Currently, I'm working on a story for a secondary character in SD.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Give us a little insight into the way you write your books.

Unfortunately, I write on whim. One day I can sit down with my laptop, and write from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm, while other days I might only manage an hour. I do write everyday, though I might not have anything to salvage, and then revise the next day. My biggest down fall is that I can labor over a turn of phrase for hours, or until my eyes bleed, whichever comes first. Revision-- it's a sickness! lol As far as pantser of plotter, I'm a little of both. Although, when I wrote SUPERSTITION'S DESIRE, I started with two names and a time-period, which is probably why it took ten years to complete! I've since learned to jot down a rough outline, but it changes daily, and I rarely end up writing the story I intended.

Who/what would be your greatest inspiration?

I fell in love with Mr. Darcy at the age of thirteen--Pride and Prejudice is my favorite romance novel and I make time to re-read it every year. Although, I enjoy a wide variety of genres, from Mystery to True Crime, P&P stays with me in a way no other book ever has, and as a result I knew I would write Romance one day.

Do you only write Celtic historical romance? Could there be any stories outside your genre down the track?

I tried my hand at paranormal erotica this past year, and write under the pen name, Marie March. I have a release in May, SAVAGE CRAVINGS (eXcessica publishing), one in July, INSATIABLE (Red Rose publishing), one scheduled for October, LET IT BLEED, (eXcessica publishing), another for Jan 2011, THE SELKIE (eXcessica publishing), and I recently accepted a contract from Whispers publishing for, CHASING THE NYMPH.

What’s next in the world of writing and publishing for Lisa M. Campbell?

I'm hoping to finish my latest Celtic historical before my husband comes home from Afghanistan in September. I don't want any distractions for his homecoming *wink wink*! In addition, I have an invitation to submit to Kensington publishing, and if all goes well, I could move into the mass paperback market late 2011.

Where on the web can we find you and your books?

You can find me at allromanceebooks.com, Amazon.com for print and e-Book. www.the-wild-horse-press.com for print and e-Book and SUPERSTITION'S DESIRE can soon be found on the shelves at Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores.

I think the readers should know Kiss Carson was my first critique partner. Without her keen writer's eye, and constructive criticism I would still be wallowing in edits! As I said in my acknowledgements, Kiss, "your advice is golden."

AWWWW Thanks Lisa...

Happy reading everyone!
~Lisa

http://www.authorlisamcampbell.com/
http://www.mariemarch.com/
www.myspace.com/lisamcampbell
www.myspace.com/mariemarch
www.twitter.com/darceezgrl

If you would like to request an interview or blog post, please contact Alix Taylor at Heetr Promotions http://www.heetr.com/

I finished reading a book!

2010-04-18T13:27:00.003+10:00

Now, for most of you, reading an entire book wouldn't be such a great feat. However, for me, finding the time to sit down and read a book from cover to cover is just about impossible! If I'm not writing, I'm resting my head in my husband's lap watching TV or going on day trips with my family. To find the balance between work, writing, housework, and family is not always simple.

Of course, my family comes first, will always come first, and have always come first. Then writing, housework and coming in numerous horse lengths away is work...paid work...the one thing that lets me spend my days and nights imagining all sorts of wondrous worlds.

When I'm editing to a deadline, everything in the house comes to a grinding halt...except those wonderful evenings I spend cuddled up on the lounge with my hubby watching...well whatever...it doesn't really matter. As long as I am close to him. My Adonis.

Enough of that! Back to the book I read. A Kiss to Remember by Teresa Medeiros. Those of you who know me know I am an insatiable TM fan. She is talented beyond compare and I can only dream to write that well...

I've picked up probably a dozen books in the last month but none have kept my interest. If I get past the first two pages, the book may have a chance. If I get to the third chapter, yippeee! However two or three books I've tossed away in disgust about half way through. Predictable. Cardboard characters. Sorry, tired old plot. Generally if I make it to Chapter 4, I stick with it.

So, TM, if by some wonderful chance you are reading this, well done! I'm now a better person for reading A Kiss to Remember. Not to mention jealous of your skill.

Guest Blogging at You Gotta Read Reviews!

2010-04-16T14:47:00.007+10:00

Yep, I sure am! Saturday, 17th April...alllll day! Pop on over and leave a comment for your chance to win a PDF. I'm not sure of which book, yet. I'm promoting In the Shadows of Angels so I guess you could have a copy of that. If you've read ITSOF I'll be quite willing to give away a PDF of one of my other books.

Okay. Here's the G.O! (hehehe). Leave a comment. In that comment, let me know which book you want to win.

I'll pick a winner from the multitudes of comments I'll get!

Here's the link: http://www.yougottareadguest.blogspot.com/

All right, you're all so hard to please! Sheesh! Stop twisting my arm you lot! To one lucky reader I'll give away a PDF of their Kiss Carson book of choice, AND a $10.00 gift voucher to either the Solstice Publishing shop or The Wild Rose Press shop. There, are you all happy, now?

Now, I expect you all to be there with bells on!

Win a PDF of In the Shadows of Angels

2010-04-03T13:27:00.004+10:00

Ok, due to complete boredom on this sunny Saturday, I've decided to create a competition for YOU to win a PDF of my latest book, In the Shadows of Angels. All you need to do is tell me whether you prefer electronic books or paper books, and why. Please also let me know whether you enjoy reading full length electronic novels, or would rather read novellas or short stories...once again, let me know why.

Now, make your answers good because MY HUSBAND will be picking the three best answers next Saturday, April 10, and each one will recieve a PDF copy of In the Shadows of Angels.

Good luck!

K

Revised trailer

2010-04-02T14:50:00.001+10:00

Here's the revised trailer for my latest release, In the Shadows of Angels.

Enjoy!

K

Released again!

2010-04-01T13:53:00.004+10:00

Yay! In the Shadows of Angels has been re released through new publisher, Solstice Publishing. Go on, head on over to their site and buy it! ;-)

Still unsure? Think I may be a little bias on how good the book is? Well, visit my website and you can read the first three chapters for FREE! You've gotta be happy with that! Check out the trailer and my other books while you're there.

In the Shadows of Angels will make a great read over the Easter break. Believe me. Would I lie to you?

Brief disappearance

2010-03-29T19:11:00.004+10:00

Okay, after a brief disappearance my latest release, In the Shadows of Angels, will reappear in a flurry of bright light, bells, whistles, and much applause. Picked up by Solstice Publishing, In the Shadows of Angels is being overhauled and should materialize with a new cover (maybe).

I'm extremely happy about this and would like to take this opportunity to thank Solstice Publishing for taking me under their wing. As soon as I get the cover, or know something more, I'll let you all know.

For now, take care.

K

In the Shadows of Angels

2010-02-07T13:14:00.006+10:00

Here's a couple of things people have said about In the Shadows of Angels, my new release with Solstice Publishing...

Put the kettle on, make your coffee, open Kiss Carson's "In The Shadows of Angels" and be prepared to be blown away with Ella back to 18th Century Scotland where loch monsters, ghost cats and crying babies wait for her to reveal their secrets. Where a family needs her help if they are to survive and the man of her dreams awaits. Don't expect to come home anytime soon - or to finish that coffee while it's still hot. ~ Zoe Younger, Editor

In the Shadows of Angels is a sweeping time-travel story that's wrapped up in fantasy and wonder. Ms. Carson's storytelling shines as she weaves the tale of Luke and Ella. You can't help but be drawn in from the first page. Ms. Carson's hero is what every romance reader wants in a hero-handsome, smart, a bit stubborn, but devoted to his lady love. And you won't find a better heroine than Ella. When she sets her mind to do something, she gets the job done. The cast of secondary characters is delightful and help propel the story along.

If you want a read that will stay with you long past the last page, then you need to read In the Shadows of Angels. I recommend this book! ~ Wendi Zwaduk, Writer

Another little snippet to keep you interested!

A surprised laugh escaped when Luke tossed her over his shoulder without breaking his stride. His arm trapped her legs, his hot hand resting on the back of her calves. Grinning, she watched the floor, her hair swaying with every stomping step. Now, she felt like a heroine from one of her novels. “Does manhandling me make you feel better?” she asked, unable to resist more taunts. “The blood is rushing to my head. If you’re planning to ravish me, wouldn’t you rather I stayed conscious? I know I would.”

Luke shouldered a door open with such force that she thought she heard his shoulder pop out of place.

“Lachlan wouldn’t treat me so harshly,” Ella said matter-of-factly.

She glanced around. The world looked strange from upside down. The bed caught her attention, an enormous chunk of wood with a down mattress slapped on top. Her pulse thudded rapidly at the haphazard bed covers and indentations in the pillows. Pleasure prickled her skin. Either that, or pins and needles had started from lack of blood flow.

Hmmmm... What happened for Ella to be in this predicament? What's about to happen??? Buy the book and find out!

K

In the Shadows of Angels - Available Soon!!!

2010-02-03T18:44:00.003+10:00

I just found out In the Shadows of Angels will be released as a print book as well as an e-book. I'm soooooo excited that I might hold a competition to promote my little ol' book!(Because I know you're all chomping at the bit to get your hands on a copy!) Stay tuned and I'll have all the details available by the end of the week!

Here's a little snippet to keep you all excited!

Luke contemplated the top of her head, wanting to touch but not daring. He didn’t need the added complication of another woman at the moment. Finally free of her hair, he stepped back. Maybe he should flee her tempting form while he still could. Instead of running like a coward, he stared into her shimmering eyes and managed a frown. “What are you doing here?”

“I—.” Ella pointed behind her. “Ah—.” She indicated in front of her. “Then—.” Her trembling finger moved to him.

Luke raised his eyebrows, bewildered. Ella folded her arms and moved closer to him. Her hair hung around her shoulders in a mass of copper colored tangles, her pale face drawn with fear. Her unloved foundling aura brought out the protector in him, stirred his emotions and somewhat confused him. Cursing his addled mind, he pointed at the door visible at the end of the corridor.

“Did you go into that room?” he demanded.

Now, let me think about a competition...

K

In the Shadows of Angels - Released Soon!!!!

2010-01-30T13:20:00.002+10:00

Here's another little snippet from my soon to be released third book, In the Shadows of Angels. The date I have is February 15, 2010!!

Luke’s mouth dropped open. He blinked, unable to believe the scene spread before him. Ella lay on her back on the grass, her head resting on Jury’s stomach, very relaxed. The horse remained perfectly still on his side. He didn’t even move when Luke entered the courtyard. What did the spy do to his horse? He trained Jury for years to allow no one but him to approach. Now, the betraying beast lay with a woman!

“Jury!” Luke kept his tone forceful despite his astonishment.

Ella sat up, her blue eyes wide. Her face paled as she scrambled to her feet. “Your horse—.”

“Aye, Jury is my horse!”

Cait now stood beside Luke, her gasp of terror lingering in the air. “She killed your horse!” she screeched. “Dear Lord, Lucius, the woman is a devil.”

Luke rolled his eyes, more at Cait’s absurdity than the way his horse now stood, protecting Ella. “The lass is not a devil,” he replied calmly. Although, the curves of her body promised countless nights of sin.

Ella’s mesmerizing blue gaze lifted to his face. She looked ethereal amongst the trees and flowers, as though she and Mother Nature conjured a plan to seduce him with her simplicity. Cait nudged him with her elbow, snapping him from the spell Ella cast over him. Clearing his throat, he straightened, determined to fight the desire threatening to overwhelm him. Mother Nature wouldn’t be so cruel to tease a man with such loveliness.

There you go! I'm sure you will all enjoy the book!

Review for Jewels of the Sun

2010-01-20T09:54:00.004+10:00

I've received a very unexpected review for Jewels of the Sun from The Romance Studio. I like getting reviews mainly to see if readers like my work, also so I can figure out where to improve my writing. This was a pretty good review in the end.

Born on the mysterious island of Ambrosia and whisked away to mainland Australia when only a few days old, Selena Lewis grows up hearing tales of unimaginable treasures and a floating island, trapped in the nineteenth century, which only appears every twenty five years. Now, the island has returned and Selena is determined to prove to the treasure hunting community that the island exists, as does the treasure. Kidnapped and blindfolded, she's held hostage by virile pirate captain, Saxon Ambrose, who piques her curiosity both sexually and emotionally. Drawn into the very depths of Ambrosia, Selena finds the Jewels of the Sun, the diamond pillars that allow the island to survive, and the treasure she's waited all her life to find. However, the Jewels are dying, and so is Ambrosia. Her love for Saxon is the key but is it stronger than her struggle for treasure hunting fame? In the end, will love conquer all?

Jewels of the Sun turned out to be a very hard book for me to get interested in initially, but once I did, I was hooked. Kiss Carson did a good job of weaving together a captivating storyline. The background to this story is solid. I really enjoyed the way the pasts of the characters linked them. I would have liked more in depth interactions between the supporting characters however, I found that aspect to be a little lacking. I found the personalities of the main characters to be delightful. What could be more intriguing than a pirate prince? Saxon is a very sexy hero indeed. Selena is a very good character as well. Her spunk is refreshing. I love a strong heroine. Another thing that I truly enjoyed about this book was the unexpected twists. I love being surprised by the twists in a storyline while reading. Overall, I recommend this book to those who enjoy romance in general. It was a pleasure to read. I will be looking for more of her work in the future.

Overall rating: 4 hearts
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Adrien Blyss
January 18, 2010

In the Shadows of Angels excerpt

2010-01-06T15:15:00.005+10:00

Ok. Here's an excerpt from In the Shadows of Angels, available February 1, 2010.

Ella lunged forward and grasped his forearm, promptly releasing it when his gaze lowered to her hand. Her finger trembled as she pointed to the gibbet. “You can’t kill him!”

“Why not?” Luke didn’t yell the words, but they struck her ears as though he’d screamed them.

She stared at him for a moment. This wasn’t a man who would bend simply because she asked him to. How far would she go to save Connor? How far would she need to go? Luke’s countenance didn’t change. A muscle at his jaw quivered. She fluttered her eyelashes, hoping her feminine wiles would soften him. “Please, don’t kill him.”

“He would kill me.”

“Take me in his place.”

“You would die for a man with no compassion?”

Ella couldn’t determine whether admiration or disbelief filled his voice. She hesitated, then nodded and hoped her ploy would work.

“Very well.” Luke shrugged lightly. “Release the traitor and seize the woman!”

Her stomach lurched. That, she hadn’t expected. So much for her feminine wiles! Before she could move her feet Luke swooped in and hefted her over his wide shoulder, carrying her like a sack of potatoes towards the gibbet. She kicked her feet and pounded her fists into his back but only succeeded in doing more damage to her hands than his tight muscles. “You can’t behead me!”

Luke dropped her to the ground where she scrambled for solid footing. She turned to him, aghast he would treat her with such hostility. This wasn’t what she asked of the book. Where were the warm and fuzzies?

Hehehe

K

Release Date!

2010-01-06T14:48:00.010+10:00

I've received a tentative release date for In the Shadows of Angels. February 1, 2010. How exciting is that! If the date changes, I'll let you all know.

Here's the blurb:

When Ella Jeffries receives a mysterious book, she is drawn into its pages and transported back in time. The year is 1709, and the place is the hauntingly beautiful Aingealag Estate tucked away on the shores of Loch Moibeal in the Scottish Highlands. She rescues Lucius "Luke" Benedict, the gorgeous Laird of Aingealag, from an unjust beheading for the alleged murder of his wife.

Luke's burning dark gaze and sensual aura draw Ella into his tragic life, and the safety of his strong arms. However, the closer she comes to Luke, the more baffling the mystery becomes. With the help of Luke's beloved horse, Jury, a ghost cat named Shamus and Moibeal the Loch Monster, she inches closer to clearing Luke's name. Can Ella save the Benedict Family or will Aingealag's shadows swallow them all whole

By the way, Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2010 brings everything you want, and more!

New Year's Resolutions

2009-12-27T10:37:00.003+10:00

Well, it's that time of the year again when I decide that something in my life needs to go. This New Year's, I've decided it's time to quit smoking. I know, a disgusting habit, but the nicotine demon is extremely hard to kick!

So, quit smoking is my New Year's Resolution. I'm going to stick to it, this time. I've lost count of how many times I've given up smoking. This time, I'm giving up with a friend who had a lung cancer scare. So, I'm going to be smoke free by my 40th birthday in September. I'm also hoping to be 10kg lighter...Hmmm we'll wait and see.

If anyone wants to give up with me, be my guest! I'll post from time to time on my progress.

Only 5 more days of smoking...

K

Prince of Persia - The Movie!

2009-12-10T16:22:00.008+10:00

Very few movies get me excited, but this one I've been waiting forever for, or so it seems. Prince of Persia - Sands of Time has finally been made into a movie and non other than Jake Gyllenhaal is playing the Prince! Well, Eric Bana would've been my pick...meh!...Jake's cleaned up just fine.

Now, I've played every POP (tech talk for Prince of Persia hehe), stayed up until the wee hours of the morning just loving that prince, especially because as the games progress, he seems to lose his clothes. It's a sad day, I know, when an animated character is admired so much, which brings me to my new work in progress, Demon Heart. (surely you didn't think I'd post without mentioning writing!)

My little heroine, Dominique, has been sucked into a computer game where she meets the darling hero, Zachary, Demon Lord of Demon Realm. Ok, ok, I've only written about 10 000 words of an 85 000 word story so the ins and outs are a little hazy. Whenever I think of a man being a demon, I think of Julian McMahon in Charmed. Yes, I'm a sucker for a dark, brooding demon. Did you know that Julian McMahon's father was the Prime Minister of Australia? Anyway, I'm digressing.

Back to POP. I can't wait to see it. I've found a trailer and I'm willing to share...

My Declaration to Security Monitoring

2009-11-27T08:35:00.004+10:00

I will hunt you down, Security Monitoring, and make your life a living hell.

On Monday, I will ring at midnight and wake your entire household just to tell you that your fridge alarm has reset

On Tuesday, I will ring at 11.30pm to inform you that the shop isn't sealed properly, even though Nightfill is still in the store

On Wednesday, I will ring at 1.30am to let you know that the intruder alarm is going off and a car will meet you in 10 minutes, even though you live an hour away. When you get to the store, the car will not be there and I will wait until 4am to ring you again asking where you are because the security guard is waiting for you

On Thursday, I will ring you at 12.30am, 12.50am and then again at 2am just to hear the sound of your voice

On Friday, I will ring you at 2am to tell you a fridge alarm is going off. I will wait until you get to the store and then ring back to inform you that I rang the wrong store manager. Your alarms aren't going off. I will ring you again at 4am, just as you're climbing into bed, to let you know that you didn't seal the store properly

On Saturday, I will ring you at 8pm, right in the middle of that romantic dinner you organised 6 weeks ago, to let you know about that pesky fridge alarm that keeps going off. I'll wait until you've deserted your wife and about to open the shop door to ring you back and let you know the alarm has reset. I will make sure I sound so chirpy that you want to knock me out

On Sunday, I will ring you at 6.30pm, only half an hour after you finish work to tell you about the intruder alarm. The security car meets you there, but the guard won't let you in until he's checked the shop. I'll ask him to take his time so that an hour later, you're allowed in the shop to reset the alarm. Then I will ring you at 10.30pm to tell you the shop isn't sealed

I vow to do this every day for five years.

I will ring you at 5am on Easter Sunday because the fridges are alarming. No family time for you.

I will also ring you at 1am on Christmas morning to tell you about the alarms that have reset. Then I will ring you again at 11am and tell you with my best Christmas spirit that the fridge alarms have gone off.

This I will do every Christmas and Easter for 10 years.

I do solemnly declare, Security Monitoring, that I will do the things stated above.

Signed:- The wife of the man you've harrassed for nearly a decade

YAY! I won NaNoWriMo!

2009-11-25T16:59:00.003+10:00

After sweating for weeks, pounding the keys, cursing my characters, even more cursing at my lack of thoughts, I defeated the writing demon hanging around my shoulders and finished NaNoWriMo!

Doing the Happy Dance. Congrats to all the other writers bold enough to tackle 50 000 words in 30 days. Even if you didn't reach 50 000 words, you were brave enough to have a go.

Until next year's Nano!

Author signings and appearances - eeek!

2009-11-10T18:32:00.006+10:00

Okay, so the time has come for Kiss Carson to stumble out of her cave and greet the world with a great big ROOOAAAR!!! I must beat my chest with my fists and overcome this terrible what if... syndrome I've created for myself.

I have to organise author meet and greets, book signings and interviews. Oooh the dread seeping through my veins as I write this is making me feel ill!

I have to do it! Come on everyone, in unison..."You have to get out there!". I think my heart just stopped beating. What if...

What if I organise a meet and greet and no one turns up?

What if someone storms in and slams my books on the table and declares in an extremely loud voice, "These are the worst %$#&& books I've ever read!"?

What if people do turn up but leave shaking thier heads and wondering why they bothered to meet such a boring person?

Author meet and greets and book signings. Eeeeeek!!!!!!!! I might just crawl back into my cave and think about it a little longer.

2009-11-07T15:33:00.000+10:00

Pics Pics Pics

2009-11-07T15:32:00.002+10:00

I appreciate you, Jon Stevens!

2009-11-07T15:17:00.001+10:00

Jon Stevens appreciation day!

2009-11-07T15:07:00.002+10:00

I LOVE Jon Stevens, lead singer of Noiseworks. So, on this lazy hazy Saturday, I thought I would dedicate my online life to everything Jon Stevens

Let's talk alternative story lines

2009-11-07T11:01:00.005+10:00

I think there are very few writers alive whose story line didn't change at one time or another. Me??? Well, the end product is nothing like the first draft. For instance:

Illusions of Destiny: Started as a time travel romance where Ianna (the heroine) was an English woman captured by feared Scottish border reiver, Regan (the hero) and spirited off to his run down castle in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

Ended up: As a fantasy romance where Ianna was whisked away to a place where mythical animals were every day and the gorgeous hero, Regan, was the sidhe leader. The only scene I kept from one version to the other, was the opening the package scene.

How did this change occur? Don't ask me!

Jewels of the Sun: It started out that Selena (the heroine) was on board a doomed cruise ship that sank. She was rescued by Saxon (the hero) and taken back to Ambrosia, an island that disappeared and reappeared at will. Now, what Selena didn't know was that every ten years, a cruise ship sank and the survivors were taken back to Ambrosia as "fresh blood". In this version, Saxon and his (ex)buddy Kingsley fight over Selena because they both want to marry this piece of "fresh blood".

Ended up: Selena is a treasure hunter looking for the famed island of Ambrosia and the bucket loads of treasure. She's pulled out of the ocean by Kingsley (not the hero) but kidnapped by Saxon (yes, he's the hero). I kept the majority of the story line, I just added a few characters and turned it into an adventure.

In the Shadows of Angels: In this one, Ella (the heroine) was running from her mobster boyfriend because she saw him (and took photos unwittingly) kill his mother. She ends up in Queensland and buys an antique clay angel. What she didn't know (and soon discovered through her dreams) was that a ghost, the incorrigible Lucius Benedict (the hero), came with the angel. When she breaks the angel, she finds a locket and a note stating a curse put upon the poor Lucius. So, she sets off to solve the murder mystery and break Luke's curse by midnight New Years Eve.

Ended up: As a Scottish time travel. Ella inherits a book and is taken back in time. She saves Luke from a beheading and carries on to solve a murder mystery. The only scene I kept from the original version was the buried alive scene. I kept most of the characters but changed their purpose in the book.

K

New Review for Jewels of the Sun!

2009-10-30T14:41:00.007+10:00

I received a great review for my second book, Jewels of the Sun from You Gotta Read Reviews.

After being secreted away from the disappearing isle of Ambrosia as a baby, Selena Lewis is a treasure hunter determined to prove the island exists. Captured by the enigmatic pirate prince Saxon Ambrose, Selena may discover more than just treasure. Will she choose a dream over her heart?

Jewels of the Sun is an excellent read filled with an undercurrent of humor and intrigue that sucks you into the story. True to her talent and style Ms. Carson delivers beautiful imagery and fantastical locales that leave you wanting more. I admired Selena's strength and every "how will she get out of this one" moment. Saxon, in turn, amused me with his dry wit and royal dodging. A wonderful love story and one you gotta read.

Rating: You gotta read
Reviewed by Bryanna Curry

NaNoWriMo Time Again!

2009-10-27T08:37:00.002+10:00

Yay! NaNoWriMo time again! Time to sit down and write 50 000 words in 30 days! Easy! (yeah, right!) I'm trying desperately to finish my other tasks so I'll have a free run for the month. I'll be attempting to finish my paranormal romance, Hunter's Moon. This book has been on the run for years. I write a few chapters and stop. A few years later, I'll rewrite it and change the story but not finish it. So on, so on, until I'm where I am, now. At least I'm happy with this storyline.

Now, to finish it.

K

The trailer for my new book In the Shadows of Angels

2009-10-21T15:45:00.002+10:00

Here's the trailer for my new book, In the Shadows of Angels.

ENJOY!

K

New Book, New Cover!

2009-10-19T14:39:00.004+10:00

Yay! After the acceptance of In the Shadows of Angels, I've received a fantastic book cover from Hearts on Fire Books. The book is still in edits, so I can't post any, but I can give you a little blurb (I think I've already done this. Oh well, I'm excited!)

BLURB: When Ella Jeffries receives a mysterious book, she is drawn into its pages and transported back in time. The year is 1709, and the place is the hauntingly beautiful Aingealag Estate tucked away on the shores of Loch Moibeal in the Scottish Highlands. She rescues Lucius “Luke” Benedict, the gorgeous Laird of Aingealag, from an unjust beheading for the alleged murder of his wife.

Luke’s burning dark gaze and sensual aura draw Ella into his tragic life, and the safety of his strong arms. However, the closer she comes to Luke, the more baffling the mystery becomes. With the help of Luke’s beloved horse, Jury, a ghost cat named Shamus, and Moibeal the Loch Monster, she inches closer to clearing Luke’s name.

Can Ella save the Benedict family, or will Aingealag’s shadows swallow them all whole?

The New Covey Award!

2009-10-12T19:24:00.002+10:00

Please vote for the cover of Illusions of Destiny. Tamra Westberry worked very hard on this cover and I just love it! That yummy man on the front deserves to win an award!

http://thenewcoveycoverawards.blogspot.com/

Illusions of Destiny is no#17. Here's the cover just to jog your memory.

A new contract!!

2009-10-12T14:35:00.004+10:00

Yay! I've finally found a home for In the Shadows of Angels! I've just signed a contract with Hearts on Fire Books http://www.heartsonfirebooks.com/ and I'm very excited!

Here's the unofficial blurb:

When Ella Jeffries receives a mysterious book, she is drawn into its pages and transported back in time. The year is 1709, and the place is the hauntingly beautiful Aingealag Estate tucked away on the shores of Loch Moibeal in the Scottish Highlands. She rescues Lucius “Luke” Benedict, the gorgeous Laird of Aingealag from an unjust beheading for the alleged murder of his wife.

Luke’s burning dark gaze and sensual aura draw Ella into his tragic life, and the safety of his strong arms. However, the closer she comes to Luke, the more baffling the mystery becomes. Stalked and harassed by the ghosts of Kirsten and Roslyn, Ella searches for the truth behind the Aingealag murders. With the help of Luke’s beloved horse, Jury, a ghost cat named Shamus, and Moibeal the Loch Monster, she inches closer to clearing Luke’s name.

Can Ella save the Benedict family, or will Aingealag’s shadows swallow them all whole?

There you go!! Don't forget to buy my first two books (if you haven't already), Illusions of Destiny and Jewels of the Sun. Hmmm I might run another competition... Let me think about that!

K

So long I've been away

2009-10-02T15:52:00.003+10:00

Ahhhh! I'm back on board with a new book in the wings, one at a publisher waiting to be loved or hated, and one that will never be finished. Why will it never be finished? Because I keep changing the story. Never mind, maybe one day...

Now, I won't be back for long. I'm heading to New Zealand with my family on Sunday, on a long awaited holiday. I can't wait. Hopefully, the change of scenery will unblock whatever's blocked and I can get on with my life again.

I'm having lots of trouble getting someone to sign In the Shadows of Angels. I don't know why. Maybe it's too "different".

Here's the blurb, what do you think?

When Ella Jeffries receives a mysterious book, she is drawn into its pages and transported back in time. The year is 1709, and the place is the hauntingly beautiful Aingealag Estate tucked away on the shores of Loch Moibeal in the Scottish Highlands. She rescues Lucius “Luke” Benedict, the gorgeous Laird of Aingealag from an unjust beheading for the alleged murder of his wife.

Luke’s burning dark gaze and sensual aura draw Ella into his tragic life, and the safety of his strong arms. However, the closer she comes to Luke, the more baffling the mystery becomes. Stalked and harassed by the ghosts of Kirsten and Roslyn, Ella searches for the truth behind the Aingealag murders. With the help of Luke’s beloved horse, Jury, a ghost cat named Shamus, and Moibeal the Loch Monster, she inches closer to clearing Luke’s name.

Can Ella save the Benedict family, or will Aingealag’s shadows swallow them all whole?

Now, for a little taste.

Pushing the cloak’s hood back, Luke turned to her, the warmth of his gaze banishing her chill. She drew in a quiet breath, surprised when a smile tugged at the edges of his lips. So, his face wasn’t made of marble! Her heart pumped double time when he lifted her from the saddle as though she weighed no more than a sack of potatoes. Her breasts pressed on his chest, her eyes level with his. She didn’t know if her feet touched the ground and didn’t care. She enjoyed his nearness, the feel of his breath on her face.

“Your clothes are wet,” he muttered.

Ella cast him a sideways glance. “Are you suggesting we remove our clothes?”

Luke’s eyebrows rose sharply. “Here?” He glanced along the tunnel, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. “Nay. However, if you wish me to remove your gown, I would gladly satisfy your whim.”

Ella’s cheeks burned under his probing stare. The way he undressed her with his eyes brought an excited tingle to the pit of her stomach. “I think we should go inside by the fire.”

Luke followed her along the tunnel leading Jury by the reins. “That is a wise decision, Miss Ella. Then I can remove your clothes in comfort.”

Ella giggled quietly. Cheeky! “Different fires,” she told him.

“You tease me!” An unexpected grin spread his lips, softening his features.

“I’m not about to get naked with you,” she replied with a chuckle. “I’m a good girl.”

Luke grasped her elbow, his fingers warm, the touch dominant. “Show me how very good you can be,” he said, huskiness lingering in his tone.

Ella turned to him, the passionate shimmer in his eyes startling her. Her knees weakened as she stared at him, unable to believe the words that left his mouth. He propositioned her! Yes, yes, yes! Wait! No, no, no! She couldn’t let him think that a few select words, spoken with his delicious Scottish burr, could make everything right. Shaking her head, she backed away from his desperately wanted advances.

Luke followed her retreat. “Just one kiss for your knight in shining armor.”

I don't know! Maybe the hero is too tortured and the heroine too needy. One day, I might actually find out!!

Take care and I'll see you all after my trip!

K

Another great review for Illusions of Destiny!!

2009-09-18T14:42:00.003+10:00

4.75 out of 5 hearts from Night Owl, and the reviewer TOP PICK at that!!! How awesome is that??

Kiss Carson's newest release, Illusions of Destiny is a spellbinding, entertaining time travel paranormal romance that you won't want to put down.

Ms. Carson has woven a powerful story about the power of love with fascinating characters and an intense, intriguing plot. Her characters are life-like and believable and they seem to jump right off the page. The storyline is intelligent, interesting and captures your attention without letting go until the very end. The sexual tension between the main characters is so scorching hot, sparks seem to fly off the pages. This is one book that I will definitely be adding to my keeper collection. I am delighted to recommend this book to others. ~ Heather of Night Owl Romance

Thank you Heather, and Night Owl Romance. You've made my day!!

K

Jewels of the Sun Trailer

2009-08-19T17:36:00.007+10:00

Life just seems to get busier and busier. I've been really slack lately, caught up in edits and releases and work (BLAH!!!!)

Ok. Here's the trailer for my newest release, Jewels of the Sun (which is available to buy NOW by the way!! http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ )

Review!!!

2009-08-19T17:32:00.000+10:00

Kiss Carson ruined my cakes!

I got so involved in her novel, 'Illusions of Destiny', that I didn't even hear the timer. Nor did I smell the pyre that my baking had become until too late. I was too wrapped up in the story of Ianna Ward, an ordinary woman addicted to Starbucks coffee who discovers that destiny has a plan for her. Not that Ianna believes in destiny. Nor does she believe in unicorns or dragons or fairies, and even if she did believe in fairies she'd be thinking Tinkerbelle, not gorgeous men with golden wings and a body to die for.

Ianna even tries to convince herself she's dreaming when she's transported to Alban where she finds, you guessed it, dragons and unicorns and fairies, oh my, although the latter are the sidhe, and their queen, Dena, is not only rotten to the core, she wants to go to war against the humans. Luckily sidhe heir, Regan Shay, wants to keep the peace, although it means marrying the Queen Hag. Of course that's before he finds what true love and passion is with his destiny, the intruder from another time and place.

There's a lightness to this book, and a trueness that made me want to kick Regan occasionally, and even give Ianna a whack. I have to confess, though, that Zant the crusty dragon is my favourite character. There is a lovely use if words in the book as well. You'll understand what I mean when you reach the 'touch through time' moment, although I knew I was going to enjoy the novel from the beginning when Ianna said the the clairvoyant who predicted danger with a man, 'Are you talking extreme sports or a psychotic serial killer?'

However what really won me over is the way the author largely lets the characters reveal the plot through their dialogue and action, rather than just spiel the plot from an author viewpoint. It gives an immediacy and believability to the novel—and yes, I know, dragons and unicorns and let's not forget a flying horse, but the unbelievable can be made real by the right author, and since I believed everything about 'Illusions of Destiny', Kiss Carson is obviously the right author.

Jo

Editor for 'Out There: for lovers of paranormal fiction'

My steps to writing a book

2009-08-11T15:45:00.007+10:00

Now, before I start, these are the steps I take (me) when I write a book. There is no tried and true way. Every writer is different. I thought I'd share my way. I am what they call a panster. More often than not, when I sit down to write for that day, I have no idea what will happen.

Step 1: Write first draft. This usually takes about six weeks and ends up about 50 000 words long. In this draft, I establish characters, most of the whos, whats, whens and whys and the basic plot outline.

Step 2: I leave the first draft for about 6 weeks and either start another project or rewrite one I've put aside.

Step 3: I rewrite the first draft. This usually takes six weeks and the final manuscript ends up about 70 000 words long. In this draft, I continue to establish my characters, give them specific traits, speech and purpose. I also add A LOT of adjectives, world building, background. Here, I also establish subplots. I may also add more characters. This draft pretty much ends up very, very messy!

Step 4: I leave it for about 2 weeks. Work on previous project. I always have two books going at the same time. It keeps me sane.

Step 5: Third rewrite. This rewrite takes about 8 weeks. This is the final rewrite for the book. By now, I know my characters. I know the way they look, the way they smile, their speech, voice tone, what makes them angry, how to get them out of a bad mood, what frightens them etc etc. I also know the setting, intimately. I know that if you come out of one door and turn right, there's a step the character always trips over. I know that there are 25 steps in the curving staircase because the characters counts them. I know that the hero and heroine really do want to be together but there are just so many darn obstacles for them to face. In this draft, I elaborate a lot of things. I put more description into each scene, add tags. Here, I make sure I pull the reader in. I clean up all untidy plot holes, add new little surprises, take out the trash. By the end of this rewrite, the manuscript is about 85 000 words long.

Step 6: Now, comes the hard bit. EDITING. I generally edit as I go but here, I use the "search and destroy" funtion (search and replace). By now I should have a little list of words I've noticed that I overuse, such as: desire, passion, gorgeous, gaze, eyes... and a few more!! I love my thesaurus at this point. This stage takes about a week. I get very sore eyes by the end. I either take out or replace was, were, is, had, have, it, has, and. I remove unnecessary sentences, paragraphs, backstory and speech. Sometimes, I delete entire chapters. I am ruthless with my adjectives. Descriptions are only left in the manuscript for a reason. Any flowery prose or obscenely long descriptions are removed or reduced. The manuscript ends up about 80 000 words.

Step 7: I print the entire manuscript and sit in front of the tv. Reading the manuscript in hard copy gives me a new perspective. I usually notice things I didn't notice before, typos, disjointed sentences, plot holes, tense problems (I always have tense problems. Didn't, don't, wouldn't, won't aaargh!!!) In red pen or fluro highlighter I mark the things I need to fix. I may rearrange paragraphs, or see the opportunity to expand a scene. At this stage, I usually do a character questionairre to make sure the characters are behaving. I fix the electronic manuscript. This takes about 2 weeks

Step 8: Critique partner. This might be the most important part. I send the manuscript off to a crit partner for feedback. I usually ask for my tense to be checked, spelling errors/typos, plot flow and character development. If my crit partner likes the story, I'm a happy writer!!!! Fix all errors crit partner pointed out. Hopefully, they are only minor. 2 weeks.

Step 9: Read the manuscript. Here, I read the manuscript, move commas, try to find all spelling errors, stress that the editor won't like it and condemn my writing skills. I leave the manuscript for a week or so.

Step 10: One more read. The manuscript isn't as bad as I thought. Prepare a cover letter, format properly, make sure the manuscript is neat and tidy. The manuscript ends up between 80 000 and 82 000 words. Then, I send it off to a publisher and hope they like it.

So, it takes me 7-9 months to write one book. Although, I have 2 books going at the same time, at different levels of completion. By the end, I should have two books to submit within 8 weeks of each other.

Phew!!! I'm tired, now!

More exciting news!!!

2009-08-08T10:28:00.004+10:00

What could be just as exciting as the release of my first book? The release of my second book! Jewels of the Sun will be available September 4.

Here's a tidbit:

Straightening his shoulders, he strode
towards his cabin, his heart beating a peculiar
pattern. He paused at the door and rested his
hand on the ornate knob. It’s a woman, Saxon,
not a wild animal. There’s no need to fear her.
“I don’t fear her,” he answered his thoughts
with a derisive snort. He just wasn’t used to
women and their…womanly ways.

Can't wait, can't wait.

Release Day!!

2009-08-08T09:55:00.004+10:00

Hooray for release day! Illusions of Destiny is officially available for purchase, perusal and the adoration of the masses. Thank you, thank you. **curtsey**

Go to http://www.kisscarson.com.au/

Come one, I know you all want to buy it!

Yipeeeee!!!!

Now, I have to thank Zoe Younger for her many hours of help with this book. I couldn't have done it without your support.

5 weeks until Jewels of the Sun is released

2009-08-01T16:48:00.003+10:00

Yippeeee!! Only five weeks until the release of my second book, Jewels of the Sun. I don't know how much more excitement I can take! Someone at my husband's work bought a copy of Illusions of Destiny from him. Now, I'm waiting for feedback. Hopefully, she loves it!

Here's a teaser for Jewels of the Sun:

Selena felt almost grateful for the blindfold. The
deep smoothness of his voice painted a picture of
an incredibly handsome, virile devil, and she
didn’t want to be disappointed if he turned out to
be three foot tall with extremely long arms—like
an orangutan. At least blindfolded, she could
fantasize.

Have a great week.

Music and writing

2009-07-27T16:55:00.002+10:00

With me, music and writing go hand in hand. I can't write without my ipod. My ipod can't exist without my ears! I have special songs that go with my manuscripts and my writing flows more freely when I've found those songs. Each song represents the story.

For Illusions of Destiny, the songs were: I Know Him So Well - Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson, Black Velvet - Allana Myles and Bring Me To Life - Evanescence

For Jewels of the Sun, the songs were: Close to You - Maxi Priest, Remember Me - Troy Soundtrack and I'd Do Anything For Love - Meatloaf

Now, I've finally found songs for my latest manuscript, In the Shadows of Angels - Jai Ho! by PCD and Halo by Beyonce

I've also found songs for my WIP, Hunter's Moon, Hunting High and Low - Aha, Better Than Me- Hinder and My Immortal - Evanescence.

Now, I can get on with my writing and stop procrastinating!

K

Jewels of the Sun released in 6 weeks

2009-07-25T16:33:00.003+10:00

Okay, let me tell you a little more about Saxon Ambrose. Did I mention that
he's gorgeous? Oh, yes, I think I have. He's 30 years old and the Crown Prince of a mystical island called Ambrosia. He loves peppermint, the ocean, and his red-sailed frigate Witchfire. He enjoys a good belly laugh, but cross him and you'll know about it!

You can meet Saxon in Jewels of the Sun, released September 4. I can't wait! I love this story and it was so much fun to write. How much can one heroine bear?

Here's a teaser:

“Slippery as an eel, you are.”

The voice, deep and smooth, sent a shiver of awareness through her. It was the man she saw on
the bow of the Witchfire—she just knew it. She felt the warmth of his chest against her shoulder
blades and smelled the unforgettable scent of man and masculinity. His beard brushed her
cheek as he leaned forward to speak in her ear. “I like my ladies limber. It’s much more
entertaining.” His finger travelled a tingling line from her elbow to her shoulder, the touch gentle
and strangely...

Have a great day!

K

13 Days to go!

2009-07-25T16:26:00.004+10:00

Thirteen days to go until Illusions of Destiny is released. Woo hoo! I've ordered my copies. Begged other people to order copies. So far I think I've sold...one... lol Hey! That's okay! Early days yet.

Once I receive my copies I'll be approaching book shops, organising book signings and author meetings. Hopefully, people will show interest.

Now, for the teaser:

As Ianna followed her into the house, she felt a
little overdressed. She studied Meg’s Tweety Bird
pajamas and smiled. If she’d known about the
pajama party, she would’ve complied with the dress
regulations.

Can't wait to hold the book in my hands!

Illusions of Destiny available on Amazon.com sqeeee!!!

2009-07-23T20:58:00.002+10:00

Now, I'm officially excited. I'm beyond excited...I'm...EXPLODING! Illusions of Destiny is available to order through Amazon.com. YAY! Happy dancing, happy dancing...jig jig...

Come on everyone, BUY IT!

www.amazon.com

or pre-order through The Wild Rose Press www.thewildrosepress.com

or through my website www.kisscarson.com.au

It will be in bookstores here in Australia, soon!!

Happy dancing, happy dancing, happy dancing.

K

Pre-order Illusions of Destiny now!!

2009-07-20T08:09:00.001+10:00

How excited could one person be??? Just ask me and I'll tell you. Illusions of Destiny is available for pre-order through The Wild Rose Press print shop www.thewildrosepress.com/print-store-c-191.html Now the fun REALLY starts!

K

7 weeks until Jewels of the Sun

2009-07-18T08:22:00.003+10:00

Ok, 7 weeks to go! I will be starting a new competition soon, for your chance to win a copy of Jewels of the Sun. Stay posted!

Here's a teaser:

“They sail tonight.” All eyes rested on the
mammoth man. “We’ll intercept them here.” He
tapped the chart spread on the table and all eyes
lowered to it. “Just before they reach Diamond
Cove.” He smiled, engulfing all present in its
mercurial brilliance. “The lovesick duke should be
distraught enough to pay any sum.”

“How much are we askin’, Cap’n?”

“Twenty thousand,” the Captain replied with
a devilish grin. “Mere pennies to that pretty boy,
Kingsley Lambert.”

“Wha’ of the woman?” one of the men asked.

“You know ’ow some of the men are. A female on
board is askin’ for trouble.”

“And bad luck!”

All men grunted their agreement. Saxon
studied their faces, reading insecurity and doubt
in their eyes. Without the respect and unwavering
support of his men, a captain wouldn’t dare
attempt such a dangerous plan.

There you go! Don't forget to keep an eye out for my competition.

K

3 weeks!

2009-07-18T08:04:00.004+10:00

Three weeks to go until Illusions of Destiny is released! I've preordered my copies so they should arrive in the mail soon. You can preorder a copy, too!

Go to http://www.thewildrosepress.com/print-store-c-191.html and scroll down a bit to my book. Very exciting!!

Here's a teaser:

A gentle smile lifted the woman’s lips as she
reached out and grasped Ianna’s hand. “Promise me
that you’ll remember him.”
“Remember who?”
The woman leaned forward, her face inches from
Ianna’s. “Your beautiful sidhe king.”

Don't forget my competition. For your chance to win a hard copy of Illusions of Destiny, visit my website www.kisscarson.com.au

Have a great weekend!

K

Movie Trailer for Jewels of the Sun

2009-07-12T10:11:00.001+10:00

Here's the trailer for Jewels of the Sun.

Enjoy!

8 weeks until Jewels of the Sun is released

2009-07-11T13:23:00.004+10:00

Oh, the joy!!! Joy! Joy! Joy! You're all finally going to meet my favourite hero! Saxon Ambrose...hmmm what can I say about him. Green eyes, dark hair, gorgeous, streamlined body with muscles in all the right places. He's a pirate, a rebel prince, a lost soul...A MAN! Unfortunately, he's head over heels in love with his heroine, Selena Lewis. Ah, such is life.

Here's a teaser from Jewels of the Sun:

In the sharp, white light of the cannon fire,
the ship’s name, Witchfire, burned permanently
into Selena's brain. Before the ship disappeared
behind the fog, she saw a man standing boldly at
the stern, his hands resting arrogantly on his
hips. The vision stirred something inside her and
for a moment, she envisioned herself wrapped in
the strong arms of Witchfire’s captain. In one fluid
movement, the ship turned again and came
towards them at a speed she didn’t think
possible.

Enjoy!

4 weeks to go! August 7 here I come!

2009-07-11T13:06:00.004+10:00

Four weeks to go. It's getting really exciting, now. Illusions of Destiny is going to print! Yahoooo!! I can't wait to hold the book in my hot little hands, and to see the cover in "real life".

Don't forget to enter my competition to win an Aussie Survival Pack and a free copy of Illusions of Destiny. The competition is open until 20 July, 2009, with the winner announced on 22 July. The book is released on August 7. I still haven't decided if the prize will be a signed print book or an e-book. I'll keep you all posted.

Visit my website to enter http://www.kisscarson.com.au/

Here's the teaser:

“A Starbucks Grande Latte with two and a half
sugars and cinnamon sprinkle,” Ianna replied.
Regan’s dimpled smile chased the cobwebs from her
mind and she sighed, disappointed at not getting
what she dreamed of. “How do you people function
without coffee?”

Have a great week!

K

What do romance writers look like?

2009-06-28T17:52:00.005+10:00

Well, I guess you all think us romance writers jet off to whatever country we've based our current book in, that our hair is perfect, just like our characters, that our makeup is pristine and we base our heroines on our spectacular looks! Some might. Not me. Here's the latest photo of Kiss Carson, romance writer. Brace yourself, it's not pretty!

Yes, wide brimmed hat, sunnies, gardening clothes, and you can't see the knee high gum boots. High fashion at its best. hehehe

We've almost finished our new gardens. The zucchinis are flowering, the chillies are flowering and the cabbage is starting to curl. I'm so excited!

Although, I must let you know that this is as close to rural living as I want to come. I like the hobby vege garden. I'd love a few geese (even though they chase you). But I don't think I'd be able to live on a huge acreage.

K

Ten Weeks Until Jewels of the Sun

2009-06-26T18:44:00.003+10:00

Ten weeks until book number two is released. I can't wait. I think you are all going to love Jewels of the Sun.

Here's a teaser:

In the sharp, white light of the cannon fire, the ship’s name, Witchfire, burned permanently
into Selena's brain. Before the ship disappeared behind the fog, she saw a man standing boldly at
the stern, his hands resting arrogantly on his hips.

Six Weeks! Woo hoo!

2009-06-26T18:39:00.003+10:00

Six weeks until Illusions of Destiny is released. Wow, it's coming up fast, now! I can't wait. I'm holding a competition on my website. Head on over there www.kisscarson.com.au

Teaser:
Ianna took a deep breath and stepped away from the wall. Her body trembled but she took
another step to face the dragon square on. “We met not too long ago.”
“Yes,” the dragon replied. “Such fond memories, you and I.”

Off to have passport pics taken tomorrow! Have a great week.

K

Jewels of the Sun - 11 weeks until release!

2009-06-20T20:55:00.004+10:00

It's hard, having two books released so close together. I want both to get just as much publicity, but Jewels of the Sun seems to be falling behind. Jewels is my favorite book. I love the characters, a head strong treasure hunter and a spoilt pirate... I should mention an extremely gorgeous, green eyed, black haired spoilt pirate **sigh**

All right, same deal as with Illusions. I'll post a small teaser each week until Jewels is released. First, here's the blurb:

Born on the mysterious island of Ambrosia and whisked away to mainland Australia when only a few days old, Selena Lewis grows up hearing tales of unimaginable treasures and a floating island, trapped in the nineteenth century, which appears every 25 years. Now, the island has returned and Selena is determined to prove to the treasure hunting community that the island exists, as does the treasure.

Kidnapped and blindfolded, she's held hostage by virile pirate captain, Saxon Ambrose, who piques her curiosity both sexually and emotionally. Drawn into the very depths of Ambrosia, Selena finds the Jewels of the Sun, the diamond pillars that allow the island to survive, and the treasure she's waited all her life to find.

However, the Jewels are dying, and so is Ambrosia. Her love for Saxon is the key but is it stronger than her struggle for treasure hunting fame? In the end, will love conquer all?

There you go. More next week!

7 weeks to go! Wooo Hoooo

2009-06-20T20:45:00.003+10:00

It's getting close, now! Only 7 weeks until Illusions of Destiny is released. I took a big step and took some bookmarks into work. I anonymously left them on the staff room table... I guess I won't stay anon forever! Very few people know that I write books. I don't know why. I just haven't told anyone. My mum doesn't even know. I might give her Illusions to read and ask what she thought of it. Hmmm, then again, maybe not. It might break my heart.

Ok, here's another teaser.

In the air, she counted ten gryphons circling high, waiting for commands. Almost as many dragons perched on the battlements like living gargoyles, spitting fireballs at the humans below. The dragon’s hissing sniggers could be heard from where she stood.

7 weeks! 7 weeks! 7 weeks! I can't wait!

K

Inspiration

2009-06-19T17:07:00.005+10:00

I'm often asked whether I use people I know for inspiration. Well, not generally. However, for In the Shadows of Angels (a manuscript in clean up mode), I did. Let me introduce you to Shamus, the ghost cat.

Shamus is really Daze, one of my cats. Yes, that's my printer he's sitting on. He usually sits right in front of my screen and stares at me.

Why Daze, I hear you ask. Ok...when we brought the little fella home from the shop, the man told us that Daze was a little girl. The kids christened this adorable little kitten: Daisy. Weeks pass and certain things made it very clear that our Daisy wasn't a girl. So, because we'd become used to calling him Daisy, we just shortened it to Daze.

Name: Daze

Age: almost 2

Nickname: Cheeky Boy from mum, Bloody Cat from dad

Likes: Anything I can climb into, knock over, smooch, chase or eat

Dislikes: Vacuum Cleaner, garage door, the orange tomcat from down the road

Favourite Food: Anything anyone is eating...especially porridge

Well, there we go.

Have a great weekend

8 Weeks!! Yippeeeeeeee

2009-06-14T18:59:00.003+10:00

8 weeks to go. That's right, eight little weeks! I've enquired about banners, made my bookmarks and business cards, contacted a little someone proficient in the world of promoting novels. Hopefully, I'll organize meet and greets, book signings and book launches by the end of July. Phew!! What a life! I'm working my butt off, yet my husband is sure Illusions will do so well that he can retire at the ripe old age of 38!! Here's hoping to a happy retirement.

As promised, another little teaser:

Mercury snorted and stamped his hooves, bumping Ianna with his rump. She stumbled a few
steps before casting him a glare. The Pegasus twitched its ears and peered at her, almost daring
her to do something.

Have a great week!

K

9 weeks to go!!

2009-06-08T15:57:00.004+10:00

Oh boy! Down to single digits! The time will pass in no time at all. Okay, so only 9 weeks until Illusions of Destiny is released...waiting...waiting...

I'm busily writing a paranormal romance called Hunter's Moon. I'm hoping to finish it by the end of June, leave it for a few months and rewrite In the Shadows of Angels, and then rewrite Hunter's Moon in the middle of August. These rewrites just never end! Oh, the trials of being a panster!!!

Okay, so as promised, here's another snippet from Illusions of Destiny:

Furious beyond consoling, Regan strode through the castle, double bladed axe in one hand, sword at his hip and crossbow slung over his shoulder. Sidhe scattered as he approached, some pressing their bodies against the walls and turning their faces away for fear of him. He heard their whispers as he passed.
“The king’s gone mad.”

There you go!! Have a great week!

Ten weeks to go!!!

2009-05-30T09:14:00.007+10:00

August 7 here we come! I thought release day would never get here, but here it comes faster than the eye can see.

I can't forget the release of Jewels of the Sun only four weeks after Illusions of Destiny. Very soon, three lucky people will win copies of my books...

So many books to write...only one lifetime!

Here's another teaser of Illusions of Destiny, as promised.

She resurfaced when she heard him calling her. A slow, intimate smile played at the corners of her lips when he appeared in the doorway, and she rose from the water until her breasts showed almost to the throbbing nipples. Regan’s eyes moved away but as his unease lifted, they returned to her and slid to her knees poking through the apple-scented bubbles.

Take care!

Only 11 weeks to go!!

2009-05-23T09:09:00.002+10:00

Okay, only 11 weeks until Illusions of Destiny is released. I'm organizing flyers, bookmarks and business cards. I'm looking at an interview in my local paper. Posters, ooh! I know! A BILLBOARD!!!!

Hehehe Wouldn't that gorgeous body on my cover do some serious traffic damage??

Here's a little teaser:

When the horse spoke, her heart stopped beating. A long horn protruded from its forehead and glistened sureally in the glow of the fire. A unicorn?

Have a great weekend.

K

Rain Rain Rain

2009-05-20T10:40:00.002+10:00

Wow! Talk about raining here in South East Queensland! It's rained non stop since Monday afternoon. I tried to get to work this morning...road flooded....Turned around, went another way...hmmm road flooded. You guessed it, every road out of my suburb is flooded! Can't get out! Made it to the next suburb...flooded...then, I panicked! I couldn't get OUT of that suburb to get home! Rang work and a state of emergency has been declared. Flood, flood, flood! Oh, well, I might use the day to write!

K

Only twelve weeks to go!

2009-05-14T15:16:00.004+10:00

The countdown has started. 12 weeks until Illusions of Destiny is released through The Wild Rose Press. Yippee! Every few weeks I'll post a tiny teaser just to get you all excited.

Teaser # 1: The list of items continued over the page and as it rested
noiselessly on the worn carpet, the last item on the list became visible. Written in trembling, barely legible writing—blood of a sidhe king.

There you go! Keep checking for more teasers.

Taking rejection gracefully

2009-03-29T13:24:00.003+10:00

Okay, so by the title you've guessed that one of my manuscripts has been rejected. Yes! Now, I didn't take it very gracefully.

First came the sorrow - "How could the editor not like it? Oh no! Now what am I going to do?"

Then came the anger - "The editor doesn't know what she's talking about! I might just send her an email and inform her of her blatant personal opinion!" (no, I didn't)

Then came the self doubt - "I'm never writing again! I'm going to wallow on the lounge and watch tv for the rest of my life!"

Then, acceptance - "Okay, maybe I DID tell instead of show in that instance."

Then, more self doubt - "If I spend the next six months writing something else the editor won't like, that's a full year wasted! I'm never going to be published again!"

So, like thousands of other writers I will get over the rejection and soldier on...until my next rejection.

K

The Mist

2009-02-22T20:31:00.003+10:00

My family and I visited Mount Tamberine today and on the way home, we encountered this eerie sight. What's beyond the mist? Were we brave enough to find out? It really did look as though it was moving towards us. Personally, I've never seen anything like it. I don't live in a very misty area.

I've finally finished! Why do I feel so sad?

2009-02-02T13:29:00.004+10:00

Phew! What a hectic few months! Writing over the holiday season proved extremely difficult, especially when you've given yourself a submission deadline of March 1st. But, I've done it, I've finally finished my latest book...kind of. I've written those two wonderful words, THE END. But, why do I feel so sad?

It's amazing how close a writer becomes to their characters. Sometimes, I feel as though I've lost my best friends when I finish a book. I guess that's a good thing, it means that I've created likeable, full characters with personalities and lives! What now? I've created these characters (who I've developed lasting relationships with along the way. I even watched them have sex!), put them through absolute hell--in this case, I buried one alive hehehe always fun--watched them fall in love, cried when thier hearts broke, cheered when they found each other again, cried when someone died, cheered when the baddie got her come uppance, and felt sad when thier story ended. I wanted to read more, but there was no more to write about them.

I guess I can always look to the future and wait for the day when I fall in love with another hero, and become another heroine's best friend. Until that day, there's always editing, cursing, more editing, unquenchable annoyance and...you guessed it...MORE EDITING!

Take care

K

New Year, New Book

2009-01-21T11:52:00.002+10:00

Well, Christmas and New Year is finally over and I can breathe again...Well, not quite. I've started a new book and I'm already stuck! Never mind, I'm sure the word wizard will help me out of it. I've decided that I'll write two books this year to try and have two published next year (wishful thinking, I know). There's just not enough hours in the day...If only I could spend 10 hours a day writing. I'm sure I'd have a book written in weeks, instead of months!

I think I need to set aside time to read. Relaxing, ME time where I don't need to think. Hmmm. I've got some Virginia Henley books that I haven't read yet. I might just check them out. My mother's visiting for two weeks and she doesn't know I write so I hide away and try to get a few lines typed before she hunts me down hehehe. It just doesn't work. Luckily, she's an early to bed person--in bed by 8.30 so I can get a few hours done then. She leaves next week and I'm on holidays for three weeks so I should get heaps written, then. I might even finish In the Shadows of Angels...hopefully...I really really hope...

K

Christmas is nearly here!

2008-12-22T19:37:00.003+10:00

Only three more sleeps! Merry Christmas everyone and Happy Holidays to those of you who don't celebrate Christmas. It will be a quiet day at my house... lots of eating...a nana nap at about 2pm. I've asked for hand weights and an exercise ball - anything to get me out of this chair! My treadmill taunts me from behind, telling me that I really need to get on it and walk out my plot problems **sigh** It's just getting the energy to do anything at this time of year.

Well, I'm 3/4 of the way through my latest book, which I started during NaNoWriMo. It's not even finished and has already been through two plot changes. It may change again before the March deadline I've given myself. I need to finish it by January 5 because that's the date I've given my critique partner. I'll be cutting it very fine! There's nothing more refreshing than a deadline.

Once again, Happy Holidays to all and I hope the Christmas Writing Muse fills you with inspiration.

K