My Awesome Graveyard Cake recipe

Yes, it's that time of year again. For those who might have missed it before, this is my semi-famous Graveyard/Ghost Cake recipe. :) The one in the picture above got a pumpkin patch added on. 

Get your ghost on

I love Halloween. Always have. When I was little I was fascinated by getting to dress up and be someone else (or my real self) for a day. I love the change in seasons, colors, the smell of spices and burning leaves. Not to mention, cooler weather. Ha. Ha. (If you didn’t know, I’m from Florida. We really appreciate cold fronts down here.)

All of my favorite things happen during the month of October, including my favorite holiday, Halloween. And of course it wouldn’t be the same without my ghost cake. This is actually a Graveyard Cake recipe that I’ve modified slightly. Since I can’t resist putting those cute little ghosts on mine, I call it a Ghost Cake.

Ingredients for your Graveyard/Ghost Cake 

Don’t forget to use your own imagination here. You can use whatever you like as a topping. I’ve seen everything from bloody graves (strawberry syrup) to witch hats made from candy corn. Plus, if you’re lactose intolerant (like me) you can make this using lactose free milk. It tastes just the same.

1 box Devils food Cake Mix, mixed and baked as directed

12 oz. Oreo Cookies, crushed

6-10 Oval shaped Butter Cookies (Pepperidge Farm Milanoes work well. I’ve also used chocolate wafers dipped in chocolate before too.)

White Icing

Chocolate Icing (or white with black food coloring to make a nice grey)

Assorted tubes of Cake Decorating Gel in Halloween colors
(orange, yellow, brown, etc.)

1 cup Candy Corn or Pumpkin Shaped Candies

Several small gummy worms (Or whatever you like)

Putting your Graveyard/Ghost cake together 

Bake cake according to package directions or recipe and let it cool completely.

Spread on the icing

Top with Crushed Oreo Cookies

Using gel frostings to write spooky and funny sayings on the top half of the cookies such as "BOO", "RIP", “ILMAO,” “B.A. GOUL,” etc.

Press the cookies halfway down into the cake here and there to resemble standing tombstones. Tilt a couple of them.

You can randomly place gummy worms around in your graveyard or whatever other candy you like.

If you want to do the ghosts, I put some white icing into a plastic bag and snip the tip. Squeeze out into little ghosts shapes (again randomly) over the cake. Remember, they don’t need to be perfect, just look like little ghosts. If they look kind of like snow men, don’t worry. Make a little point at the top of their heads by running a toothpick through the icing and pulling upward. TADA! You’re done!

Serves 8-12. 

Vampires, werewolves, and menage romance, all on sale

That's right, I've got several books on sale right now, exclusively on Amazon. So, I thought I would share them (and their great prices) here.

The first is the Eternally Yours Vampire Menage Collection, on sale now for only 99 cents. This is three full-length novels, NOT short stories or novellas.

****This collection is being offered for a limited time at an introductory price.****

Three vampire ménage novels by Tracey H. Kitts, combined for the very first time into one smoking hot collection. That is what you're getting with the Eternally Yours Vampire Ménage Collection.

The Eternally Yours Vampire Ménage Collection includes:

1. Bitten
2. Necromancer
3. Diary of An Incubus

BITTEN

Sandra Ashton is a witch who suddenly finds herself dating three vampires. So, what do you do when you've got three immortal beings professing their undying or is that undead love for you? You agree to what they like to call, "joint custody."
WARNING: This book contains graphic language, violence, and lots of sex.

NECROMANCER

Jane Masters has no idea she's a necromancer. Luis and Henri are the vampires responsible for the power mingled in her blood. Though her love life improves dramatically after meeting them, Jane faces a more urgent situation than dating a vampire or two. As Luis and Henri reveal the details of her past life and the source of her power, they learn there's a killer on the loose and Jane is next on the list. As for her newly discovered past with the vampires, her heart remembers them. But will she survive to love them this time?
WARNING: This book contains graphic violence, graphic language, and graphic sex, as well as two smoking hot vampires.

DIARY OF AN INCUBUS

Jewel Mathers needed a good story for her next novel. She turned to the ancient journals in desperation. But fame and fortune comes with a price ... and a couple of hot vampires.
WARNING: This story contains violence, lots of sex, and some frightening creatures. No werewolves were harmed in the making of this book.

Purchase your copy by clicking here.

Next, is the Lilith Mercury Werewolf Hunter Collection, on sale for only $2.99. Once again, this is 3 full-length novels, NOT short stories or novellas. 

**This collection is being offered at a special introductory price.**

This is a collection of the first three books in the Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter series. This series focuses on the life of Lilith Mercury, a werewolf Hunter who is also half werewolf. Did I mention there are several sexy men in her life? This story has graphic violence, and graphic sex. It also has a new take on the origins of werewolves and vampires. There are many ups and downs in Lilith's life and much more to come. 

This series gets hotter as it goes. No werewolves were harmed in the making of this series.

This set includes: 

1. Red

2. Object of My Affection

3. The Dread Moon

RED

This is Book One in the Lilith Mercury Series.

Dr. Alfred Moody saved her life, but the werewolf, Marco may hold the key to her heart. She's torn between the man who saved her humanity and the one who makes her want to embrace the beast.

NOTE: This series gets hotter as it goes. However, Book One is NOT erotic. Someday Lilith will have a happy ending, but this is only the beginning.

WARNING: This book contains graphic language and graphic violence.

OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION

This is book two in the Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter Series.

There was a time when the battle lines were clearly drawn and there would've been no question, no doubts, but that time has passed. Though Lilith is still drawn to the wolfman, Marco, she cannot deny what she feels for her partner, Alfred. She remains torn between a man who was once her enemy and one who is becoming much more than her friend.

WARNING: This book contains graphic language, graphic violence, and graphic sex. No werewolves were harmed in the making of this book.

THE DREAD MOON

This is Book Three in the Lilith Mercury Series.

Lilith's reputation as the best in the business has spread, and not just to the lycanthrope population. She's been hired to find the original vampire. The vamps want what everyone else wants, equality. However, she will soon realize that the original vampire isn't simply out for blood, or the return of rights to his people ... he wants Lilith too.

WARNING: This book contains graphic violence, graphic language, and sex with BDSM elements including autoerotic asphyxiation.

Other titles in the series:

Book Four, Original Sin - AVAILABLE NOW

Book Five, A Dream Forbidden - COMING SOON

Book Six, The Bleeding Heart - COMING SOON

Purchase your copy by clicking here.

Lastly, Wicked City is on sale right now for 99 cents.

This title is being offered for a limited time at a promotional price.

Lavinia accepted what she is a long time ago. She isn't squeamish when it comes to blood or her sexuality. After all, both blood and sex are necessary to sustain a succubus. She is a well-trained assassin. Working for her fellow vampire and occasional lover comes naturally for her. When she is sent out to kill someone, they die. It's that simple. But what if her target means more to her than he should?

Synn thought he knew what he was getting into when he encountered the succubus that first night, but he may still be in over his head. She was sent to kill him, and still he wants her. One man has never been enough for Lavinia, however, the wizard Synn thinks he's man enough for the job.

Warning: This book contains graphic violence, graphic language, and graphic sex, including multiple partners. 

Purchase your copy by clicking here.

Guest Blogger, Abigail Owen

Please, help me welcome guest author Abigail Owen as she talks about social media for authors. :)

Early on in my career as a self-published author I realized the value and importance of use of social media as marketing tools. In the last year, I feel like I’ve progressed in my use of these tools by leaps and bounds. And then I run across something awesome that makes me realize I’m still a novice.

For fun, I’ve broken up the different social media options I’m aware of into levels. There’s basic, rock star, and out of this universe. Personally, I feel like I’m at rock star and teetering on out of this universe as far as use. But I’m sure there are many things I could be doing better. I’ll be really curious to see what you guys think about the different marketing tools out there. Which ones do you like best?

Level 1: Basic (Facebook, Twitter, Blog or Website)

These are the social media/marketing tools every author seems to (and should?) have at least set up and a basic working knowledge. Someone once turned me onto a “how to” book for authors by H.P. Mallory that went into good detail on each of these. My blog/website and Facebook I feel like I’ve got down pretty well. I enjoy interactions with readers on both and have settled into a good method of keeping up with them.

I’m still playing around with what exactly I use Twitter for. I recently decided that I’m not a huge fan of people with Twitter accounts that only ever post promotional stuff. I personally like to read about what they’re doing. But who cares if I have cheerios in the morning. So, just lately, I’ve decided to mix up the promo stuff with observations… situations, funny conversations, interesting people I’ve seen… all things I might write into a book someday.

Level 2: Rock Star (Goodreads, Pinterest, Email List)

A Goodreads author page was a must. It’s been really interesting to see readers put me in their “to read” category and the difference in ratings vs. Amazon. I’ll admit, I haven’t figured out how to do other stuff with it. I know you can do events, post status, etc. But I’m not there yet.

Pinterest is a favorite spot for me. I use it for a lot of things. For any book I’m working on, I’ll pin various things that are being written into the book – pics of people that look like the characters, places where settings will be, different creatures or things key to the plot. I also have boards for brainstorming – pictures that might inspire me, etc.

Thanks to MailChimp I’m finally on a role with my email list. I feel like the people that sign up for this list are my personal rock stars. They’re the ones who really care about when my books come out and what I’m doing. So I enjoy putting together stuff for them.

Level 3: Out of this Universe (Blog Tours, Release Parties, Book Trailers)

I’m just nearing the end of my first big, organized blog tour. And I’m kicking myself for not having done one sooner. The impact in terms of reaching new readers, and the fun in terms of getting to write guest posts like these means I’ll definitely do this again.

Five other authors and I released an anthology called “Here, Kitty Kitty”. It’s a set of short stories featuring exotic feline shapeshifters. One of the other authors organized a release party on Facebook. I had no idea what to expect, but the participation and fun was awesome. Not sure I’m there yet in terms of having enough people to ask to participate, but it’s on my list of things to try.

A book trailer sounds really, really fun to me. But I’m not savvy enough to do one myself. So it’s also on my list of “to dos.” No eta on when yet though.

Anything Else?

What am I missing? I’m sure there are lots of other fun, zany ways to interact with readers, reach more audiences, and get the word out about my book. I just haven’t experienced them yet. What are your favorites?

Thanks to Tracey for hosting me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Abigail Owen is the Award Winning Author of Blue Violet & the Svatura Series

Places to follow Abigail:

Website & Blog: http://www.abigailowen.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Abigail.Owen.Books

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AOwenBooks

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/abbyowen/

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/abigailowen

October has inspired me

I have been SO ridiculously busy this month, and the second week isn't even finished yet. LOL I've been cleaning, gardening, even walking my dog extra. But most of all, I've been writing like crazy. I think it's the change in the air. Living in Florida is truly miserable until late September - mid March. Sometimes the heat is too much even in March.

Today is another of those fabulous days and I'm eager to share what I've been working on. Everyone is trying to save money, myself included. So, I wanted to do something to help my readers save money AND still be able to pay my bills.

I decided to put together a few boxed sets of some of my most popular books.

First, I put together the Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter Collection. This is a collection of the first three books in the Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter series, along with a clickable table of contents. This series focuses on the life of Lilith Mercury, a werewolf Hunter who is also half werewolf. Did I mention there are several sexy men in her life? This story has graphic violence, and graphic sex. It also has a new take on the origins of werewolves and vampires. There are many ups and downs in Lilith's life and much more to come.

I wanted to give readers a significant savings, and still give them a reason to check out my Lilith Mercury series. (This collection is 248,567 words in length, if you were wondering.) At its introductory price readers will save $4.98. That's enough to buy more books! Ha. Ha.

Purchase your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FP85QUG

Next, I started working on something even more wickedly fun, the Eternally Yours Vampire Menage Collection (3 Books). I wanted to put together something entertaining/sexy for readers, as well as something that would save them money. This three book collection is 2,49, 754 words of content. Normally, that much story would cost nearly $13. At its introductory price, that is a savings of $12.98! And did I mention there are lots of sexy vampires?

This collection includes my best selling full-length novels Bitten, Necromancer, and Diary of an Incubus. All for the starting price of .99 cents.

Purchase your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ5TSFC

As you can see, I'm all fired up about October. LOL I sincerely hope everyone enjoys these stories, and the money they save. Now, I'm off to hang more ghosts in my trees. Yay for cooler temperatures and lower humidity!

Hot sex, a wicked hot werewolf, a vampire assassin, and an immortal wizard.

That's right, I'm talking about just a few of the characters you'll find in Wicked City. Since this story does have a good dose of horror, I've decided to put it on sale for this spooky time of year. LOL 

Wicked City is available for a limited time, for only 99 cents! Why? Because I love my readers. and I want them to have something good and spooky/sexy to read for Halloween. 

This title is a full-length novel and normally sells for $3.99. 

Here are the details:

This title is being offered for a limited time at a promotional price.

Lavinia accepted what she is a long time ago. She isn't squeamish when it comes to blood or her sexuality. After all, both blood and sex are necessary to sustain a succubus.


She is a well-trained assassin. Working for her fellow vampire and occasional lover comes naturally for her. When she is sent out to kill someone, they die. It's that simple. But what if her target means more to her than he should?

Synn thought he knew what he was getting into when he encountered the succubus that first night, but he may still be in over his head. She was sent to kill him, and still he wants her. One man has never been enough for Lavinia, however, the wizard Synn thinks he's man enough for the job.

Warning: This book contains graphic violence, graphic language, and graphic sex, including multiple partners.

Purchase your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ABP5JUA


Please, help me spread the word. I would LOVE to see Wicked City climb the charts. Oh, and this is the cover voted on by my readers. ;)

Trouble with spammers and some hilarious comments

Has anyone else been having issues with this? It seems that over the past couple of weeks I am getting a ridiculous amount of spam comments on my blog. Today someone tried to leave a comment about The Third Reich. Yes, you read that correctly. What the actual f***? Am I right? LOL

I may be a lot of things, but a Nazi is most certainly not one of them. Some of the more laughable spam comments lately include the following. Spelling errors have been copied exactly as they were posted in order to maintain stupidity.

"Your betiful." This was followed by a link to hair care products.

"I like wolves and possibly want to mary a warewolf sumday." Wow. Just, wow. Yes, this was also followed by a link but I do not recall to what.

"Vampires turn me on." This was followed by a link to porn. LOL

"What great blog. By my stuff." HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! No, I am NOT making these up.

"This is link to my books. They ru gud." And I assume you edited them yourself? Another, "Wow."

"Dogs are cute. Kitties r stoopid." Followed by a link to clown porn. I WISH that was a joke. LOL

And those are only the ones I saved. Now that everyone has had a good laugh, it's time to get back to work. This book isn't going to write itself.

For all the jerks out there, kindly stop spamming me. Ain't nobody got time for that! HAHAHA!!