Vampires, werewolves, and a deadline

Yep, that's what's on my mind these days. LOL I'm going to give a really quick update on the current status of my projects. 

The Dread Moon, Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter, Book Three - This is finished! I've sent the final version (with almost 3,000 words of new content) to my writing partner and editor for one last go-over. (That's a word, right?) All that's left is to hear back if changes/corrections need to be made, and work on the cover art. I've found the perfect images, it's just a matter of getting a moment to create the artwork. I think it's going to be great. 

The Eternal Kiss - This is an erotic paranormal, short novella. Right now, I'm editing it once more myself, before sending it to my writing partner. Then, I've got to file copyright (Copyright on the Lilith Mercury books were filed years ago), and work on the artwork. Hopefully, this one will be out within the next month or so.

I've also been working to get Diary of an Incubus listed on every site possible and in every format. Unfortunately, I believe the server my computer uses to access the All Romance Ebooks and Smashwords sites has been knocked out by the storm. So, there will be a slight delay in listing Diary of an Incubus on these sites. Now that the Kindle Select (Amazon) agreement has ended, that book is going up everywhere. Doing this with my other titles has doubled my sales, just FYI for anyone who might find the info useful.

The re-release of Wicked City has been pushed back until 2013. Why? Because I've got a new idea, possibly for a trilogy. I put this story, Bound by Blood on hold six months ago because I simply had too many things going on to give it the proper attention. Now, it won't go away. I keep getting new ideas and just as soon as I can, I must work on it. 

Okay, that's the latest on me and my work. New stuff coming, older books re-vamped (LOL), and still more to come. 

To all my friends on the east coast, stay safe. As a native of Florida, I'm no stranger to storms. I feel your pain. 

Let's Celebrate Read an Ebook Week!

This week March 4-10 is Read an Ebook Week and Smashwords is celebrating big time. So far, I have 2 titles for sale with Smashwords. Authors are offering huge discounts on their books THIS WEEK ONLY.

Eaten by The Wolf is already free.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/118453

Diary of an Incubus is discounted 50%

All you need to do to get the discount is enter this code at check out REW50

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/126569

It's always nice when I can do something special for my readers. I think being able to offer a full length novel (70,000+ words) for .99 cents is pretty special. LOL

So, if you like vampires, erotic romance, and a good menage, why not give Diary of an Incubus a try?

Here's the full book description:

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.

What could be better than 2 sexy vampires?

How about getting them for 30% off? I don't know about everybody else, but I LOVE a good sale. And I also love to read. So, a sale on books is right up my alley. LOL

To help celebrate the release of my latest book, Diary of an Incubus, I'm offering it for a limited time at 30% off. All you've got to do is enter this code when you purchase the book at Smashwords.

Coupon Code: TB56G

The coupon expires: February 29, 2012

So, this discount is good for the next month!

Here's the link to purchase the book on Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/126569

And here are the details on the book:

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.

NOTE: This book was previously published elsewhere. It has been re-edited, revised, and expanded.

Self publishing, writing, and life in general

Boy is that ever a random post title. But, it's the best way I could sum things up. I've been busy. I have a new book out. It's not new to everyone, but it will be new to lots of people. The rights to Diary of an Incubus have recently reverted to me. The contract was up and I chose not to renew. This was not for any malicious reasons. I'm saying this now because I don't want any rumors to get started.

My reasoning was simple. The book wasn't selling. Period. Naturally, I examined all the reasons this might be. I also took a good hard look at the story itself, let several people (who aren't my closest friends) read it. I believed in it, but was that good enough? I looked at the book as a product rather than "my baby."

Much to my relief and delight, everyone who read it at my request, loved it. With that in mind I (and my writing partner) re-edited the book. I revised some scenes and added in a few thousand words of new content.

Plus, I designed my very own, smokin' hot new cover, and re-worded the blurb. I feel like I've done the best I can to make this book appealing. I haven't dressed up crap and tried to make it smell good. I've enhanced a good story that I believe in. It is my hope that everyone will find it as entertaining as I do.

On a side note, I decided to upload this story to both Smashwords and Amazon. The reason I did this (besides trying to gain the most exposure possible) is that I've seen no benefit in listing exclusively with Amazon. That's what I did with Frank and The Werewolf Tamer. As soon as my KDP 90 day agreement is up, I'll be listing that book on Smashwords as well. However, Frank and The Werewolf Tamer has remained in the to 25,000 at Amazon for most of the past month (several times it went higher, even in the top 2,000). So, sales aren't bad by any means.

I figured my fellow authors who are considering self-publishing might like to know all this. :)

Now, without further ado, here is a peek at my latest release. On a side note, thank you to all of my loyal readers. If you can't purchase the book right now, but want to show your support. Please, stop by the page and click "like." Thanks:)

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.

NOTE: This book was previously published elsewhere. It has been re-edited, revised, and expanded.
Purchase Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/126569

The character I identify with most

Okay, I know I should let it go and I promise to get over it soon. The review mentioned in the post below just REALLY bothered me. I'm sure if you read the post that my reasons are obvious. The reviewer calls the book a "Mary Sue" saying that I'm the main character Jewel and then goes on to call her "uninteresting."

Gee, thanks a lot. So, in all fairness I took another look at the story. I already knew that I'm nothing like Jewel. But as I re-read the book I remembered how much fun it was to write Alucard. How I never had to second guess what he would do because I already knew ... because he was the character I most identified with in the story. If it is a Mary Sue in any sense then at least cast me as the proper character. I am Alucard. And his shadow that makes vulgar gestures behind his back. lol I'm sarcastic, have a warped sense of humor, and often dress in black. I also like long coats and have a few in my wardrobe. He's ME for crying out loud. Oh, and I've fantasized about being the boogeyman. lol Probably TMI. Sorry.

One more thing I forgot about Vincent, he transforms into a gargoyle. Yeah, nothing like Jean-Claude, like I already said. Just because one vampire in another book was sexy doesn't mean they made sexy famous.

But after reading the story again and seeing so much of myself in Alucard, it does mean I might need therapy. LOL

Diary of an Incubus, very first review:)

Diary of an Incubus has just received it's very first review. Check it out:)


http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=31727

New Release, 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.

Jewel was in enough trouble after she accidentally published Vincent’s diary. But now the head of the vampire council, Alucard, wants her for himself. Her fate is in his hands. How will she ever choose between them? Especially when her life may depend on that choice.

Get your copy here: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/diaryofanincubus.htm

Diary of an Incubus has a face

It could just be me, but I'm really loving the dark creepy feel of the background here. I really dig where they're going with the look of my books at New Concepts Publishing. I couldn't be more pleased with this:)

I also really like that Jewel (the heroine of our story) is looking at us. How cool is that?

What I'm working on right now

I'm working on reading through and polishing up a book before sending it to my publisher. It's called Diary of an Incubus and here is the first ever excerpt:) Actually, it's just a tease, but I hope you all enjoy it.

"Listen to me," I said softly. "Tonight you are Vincent because I need you to be. That doesn't mean that I believe what you're telling me." I looked up into his eyes. They were warm and welcoming. "But that doesn't mean I don't believe either."
"You are open to the possibility then?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Good. That is a good place to start."
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. I reached past him and locked it. My arm brushed against his waist when I moved and I could scarcely control myself. I wanted to tackle him right there. Whoever he was, he was Vincent tonight … my Vincent.
"What else do you need me to be tonight?"
His voice touched me long before his hands ever did as he moved to cup my face in his palms.
"Mine."
The word barely had time to escape my lips before he kissed me. My body responded instantly. I ached for so much more than a kiss. But these lips! How many times had I tried to remember every detail of these lips? He was right. My first taste of love was still here and it was just as sweet as I remembered. I didn't know how it was possible and tonight I wasn't going to try to figure it out anymore. I needed this.

Thanks for reading.

Happy first day of November!

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween. I had a stomach ache, so we stayed in and watched Goosebumps. LOL Not as bad as it sounds. I actually enjoy Goosebumps.

It's been a few days since I've been online. But in that time I finished the book I was working on and have done a lot of research. Plus, I've started on my TBR (to be read) pile again:) I'm going to take a few weeks to catch up on other things before polishing my manuscript and sending it to my publisher. I feel like my editing efforts always work out better that way.

Anywho, the book I just finished is called Diary of an Incubus. Here's my favorite paragraph.

He watched me for several minutes before saying anything else. I took the opportunity to observe him more closely too. I couldn’t help myself. He put his hands on my hips as we moved and I liked it. His touch was possessive, yet gentle. And the more I was near him, the more I wanted his hands on me. The top few buttons on his shirt were open and I moved my hand to touch that small expanse of flesh. I shuddered at the contact and so did he. Skin against skin, it was so wrong, so sinful to touch him. He was the monster underneath my bed and all I wanted to do was pull him under the covers with me. Every move, every smile, every subtle gesture spoke to me. And they all said, “I want to do bad things to you.”

Dream a little dream

I believe it was Freud who speculated that everyone in our dreams is a representation of some part of ourselves. I believe that writing and acting are a lot like that sometimes. For an actor, they get the chance for a little while to become the character they play. They get to see what they see, feel what they feel. Or in some cases, the character becomes the actor.

For me, writing is like that. In every book, to a certain extent, the main character gets to become me for a little while. The book I'm working on now (Diary of an Incubus, which I'm close to finishing) is the first time I've ever had a main character who isn't me. She started out as me, or so I thought. As a matter of fact, this novel began as therapy. But through the course of the book she has grown, changed, and developed into someone else.

I like her, that's not the problem. Really, there is no problem. It's just very interesting who I have become in this story ... or who has become me. At the moment I am a vampire, a very bad vampire and I'm enjoying it very much. I get to frighten people just because it turns me on. I get to flash fangs in a dark night club just to hear the heroine gasp ... and I like it. There's no telling what I'll do next, but it's so much more fun than being the hero.