Guest author Bernadette Walsh

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to today's guest, Bernadette Walsh.

THK: Tell me about yourself. Anything you would like readers to know about you?

BW: Six years ago I turned 40. After I drowned my sorrows with champagne and chocolate, I made a list of all the things I wanted to do before I die. Morbid, I know, but number one on that list was write a novel. I said to myself, yeah, I've really got to do that, and continued to munch on the Cadbury's chocolate that Dear Husband thoughtfully supplied.

Two years went by. I didn’t lose the day job, no mean feat given that the debacle that was 2008. I continued indulging my interest in (some may say obsession with) reality TV. Not a word was written.

Then on a Sunday afternoon while Dear Husband was taking a nap, I came up with a name: Kate Ryan. Before I knew it Kate had a husband, family, friends and one big problem -- she and her husband had lost their high powered jobs and their savings. Her husband loses his mind and high tails it to Australia. Kate loses her mind and joins the cast of a local cable channel’s reality TV show.

I had a blast writing GOLD COAST WIVES! I wrote what I wanted how I wanted. Then reality sank in. I joined a local writing group, figured out that I made about 100 basic writing mistakes, rewrote it, rewrote it again, entered it into various RWA chapter contests, wrote it again and after two years submitted it to some publishers. In December 2010 I got the best Christmas present ever when Lyrical Press offered me a contract!

THK: Wow. That’s pretty awesome. Tell me about your current and upcoming releases. Please include a blurb and a link to where the book can be purchased. Did I mention I am in LOVE with this cover?

THE DEVLIN WITCH

Genre: paranormal romance

Buy links: http://lyricalpress.com/the-devlin-witch/

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Cover artist: Valerie Tibbs

Length: 123

Heat rating: hot

Tagline: The Devlin magic can bring your heart’s desire...but at what cost?

Blurb:

Anne Marie Devlin has given up on finding true love. She’d rather just hide out in her opulent apartment on the Upper East Side. Then her grandmother is violently killed. Forced to leave her safe world, Anne Marie must survive a hot, persistent cop, her cousin Rita’s hysterics and her grandmother’s confused ghost.

Rita has everything: a loving husband, a beautiful house, exotic beauty, and she’s a partner at her law firm. Having a baby would make her life complete, but it’s not to be. Or is it? When she and Anne Marie find the ancestral Book of Magic, with powers beyond their imagining, all things become possible.

But someone else in the family wants the Book of Magic too, and they’ll do anything to get it. Even kill. Can Anne Marie and Rita win the struggle for their legacy, becoming the next Devlin witch? There can be only one, and should they fail, not just their lives are at stake--their souls will be lost for eternity.

THK: What genre do you write it? What drew you to write in that genre? If you mix genres talk about that too.

BW: My first book, GOLD COAST WIVES, is a humorous contemporary romance. My second, THE HOUSE ON PROSPECT, is a family saga/women’s fiction. The Devlin Legacy is a four book paranormal romance series of which THE DEVLIN WITCH is the fourth book (although each can be read as a stand alone). While I’ve hopped around genres, my books all have some reoccurring themes: All involve either Irish or Irish-American characters; most involve women in midlife dealing with a crisis; and all are set either in Ireland or New York. I like to say that I write about women dealing with what life throws at them the best way they can.

THK: I like that description. How many books have you written? How many have been published?

BW: Six books of which five have been published by Lyrical Press and one, my women’s fiction title, THE HOUSE ON PROSPECT, was published by Echelon Press.

THK: What is the hardest part of writing? 

BW: Finding time to write is number 1.

THK: Boy, can I ever relate to that. LOL Any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

BW: Keep at it. You will never have enough time in your life to write. Do it anyway. For years I wanted to write but told myself I didn’t have time with my busy career and family life. Guess what, I still don’t really have time to write, but I make the time. Even if I only have time to write a paragraph, well, it’s a paragraph more than I had the day before--and eventually all those stolen paragraphs written in the margins of your life will add up. If something is important to you, you have to make the time. I’m certainly glad I did, and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner!

THK: Great advice! I’m a full time writer and even I feel occasionally like I don’t have the time. Now, for something fun, just because. Werewolf or vampire? 

BW: I’m a little over both to tell you the truth.

THK: Yep, me too.

Thanks again to Bernadette for being my guest. I hope everyone will check out The Devlin Witch. It sounds like a great read. 

My muse is going crazy

Just when I thought I had my schedule well planned in advance, my muse is going nuts with a new idea. LOL Isn't that just the way it goes? I mean, this has to happen to other writers, right? I can't be the only one.

My plan was to re-release Till the Break of Dawn, then put out Dracula: In the Flesh a week later. Friday the 13th is perfect for a Dracula release, isn't it? Then, in December re-release Three Days of Night and possibly work on the next Lilith Mercury book in January.

Oh, and I've got several books that need a print edition. I was going to be working on those between the other projects. Once most of this was crossed off my list, I was going to go back to working on Bound by Blood.

That was the plan. The problem is I've got a new idea that just won't shut up. It keeps talking to me, whispering the most interesting things in my ear, like a little devil on my shoulder. I've been pushing it aside since June. I keep saying, "I've got too much else to work on. I can't start another project right now." You know what it says? "You can't resist me." And maybe I can't.

This is another erotic horror that will be written as T.K. Hardin. I would say what the subject of the book is, but I don't want to reveal anything too soon. I may have created a monster when I started writing as T.K. Hardin. Ha. Ha.

The plan now (as of this moment) is to hurry up and finish Three Days of Night. That would mean that Till the Break of Dawn, Dracula: In the Flesh, AND Three Days of Night would be totally ready to go. This would free me up (HA!) to write through December, at least. Of course, I'll still be working on Dracula's final edits for another week or so, not to mention a huge blog tour/promo. Again, most of that work is already done.

Damn. I'm tired just thinking about it. Stupid muse. I love what I do, and I never thought I would say this, but I wish that dark, sexy man would stop telling me his story. Okay, I really don't. I just wish he had better timing. ;)

Oh, and today is my publishing anniversary! Six years ago today my very first novel, Red, was published. Maybe his timing is better than I thought. And maybe I should stop typing and take notes. This guy has a lot to say. LOL

Interview with a sexy Domme

Interview with Koo from Keeper of My Pleasure 

Join Kayelle Allen as she interviews her character, Koo Ayakura, from the new book Keeper of My Pleasure. This BDSM romance from Ellora's Cave features a female Domme who is older than her hero.

Kayelle:          Koo, tell us about yourself. Start with your education, okay?

Koo:                All right. I recently graduated from Georgia Tech, which is a national research university. I'm back it though, working on my first masters degree.

Kayelle:          Your first? You plan on more than one?

Koo:                Rai thinks I should have at least two. The way she put it, a good mind is not something to waste. I've always been on the Dean's List, and was a top student as far back as grade school. She thinks I should learn as much as possible.

Kayelle:          What do you think of that? Are you eager to go back?

Koo:                Well, it's not the same grind when you're in a master's program. You work more at your own pace. Fortunately, I'm a self-starter. I don't need anyone looking over my shoulder. I meet with an advisor, and of course Rai.

Kayelle:          So she's helping you with school?

Koo:                In the sense that we go over things I've learned, and she challenges me to share two new things every week.

Kayelle:          What's a "for instance" you can share with us?

Koo:                I was studying marketing principles, so I read a book about Steve Jobs. He was known for being a non-conformist in some ways, but overall, he believed that people needed freedom to be able to work. What he practiced in his personal life didn't always jive with what he said and did at work. Maybe that's not what you were going for, though.

Kayelle:          No, that's good. So you talk about this kind of thing with Rai?

Koo:                Yes. She's an amazing advisor, really. And she's so open to learning. Sometimes she'll sit back and go, "Wow. I hadn't thought of that." I love it when I can share a new idea with her.

Kayelle:          What's she like when you're not studying? When it's just you and her, alone.

Koo:                There are times when we just sit on the couch and cuddle, watching a movie or listening to music. She likes to lean back against me, and I love having her close like that. There are times when we're just like any other couple. We go out to eat, or grocery shop, or take the cars in for service.

Kayelle:          And other times?

Koo:                *grins and leans back* Those are the times you wrote your book about.

Yes, I certainly did. Keeper of My Pleasure is about a recent college graduate, Koo Ayakura, who hires Rai Whethen as his attorney after thieves total his car and then dare to sue him. She wins, and takes him out to celebrate. Dinner leads to the hottest sex in his life, and a long-term relationship as her submissive. He adores the way she makes him feel, and the way she makes him burn. He longs to show her he has more to offer. He has a heart, and it's hers, if only she'll let him give it. A successful attorney in her late thirties, Rai has a penchant for handsome young men with long hair. Koo, her newest client, becomes more than her usual boy toy. He likes being tied up and whipped, and he yields the way she'd always dreamed. But he has a future ahead of him, and she's a jaded lawyer. He wants sex, not love. Right? He wouldn't stay with her forever. She trusts him to submit. To keep Koo, Rai is going to have trust her heart.

Buy links:

Ellora’s Cave http://ellorascave.com/keeper-of-my-pleasure.html
Amazon http://amzn.com/B00E64KWL8
ARe http://is.gd/keeperofpleasure_are

Sony http://is.gd/keeperofpleasure_sony

Trailer for Keeper of My Pleasure

http://youtu.be/pXmsf8gb6DI

Giveaway

Inside Peek: Keeper of My Pleasure This free, illustrated eBook provides insight about the book, its characters, and its creation. When you click the link, it will either offer you a download, or open in a new window, depending on your settings. To read it, you need Adobe Reader, available free. http://is.gd/meet_Rai_and_Koo

About the Author

Kayelle Allen is a multi-published, EPIC Award winning author. She writes Contemporary Romance, Gay Romance, Erotic Science Fiction Romance, Mainstream Fantasy, BDSM, and non-fiction. She likes to attend Science Fiction conventions, and has been a speaker at DragonCon, Outlantacon, and Gaylaxicon. Kayelle is the founder of the author-mentoring group Marketing for Romance Writers, and manages the successful Romance Lives Forever blog. She is a US Navy Veteran, and founded the graphics and eBook conversion company The Author's Secret. Kayelle is married to her personal hero, and makes her home in the southeast.

Homeworld http://kayelleallen.com
Unstoppable Heroes Blog http://kayelleallen.blogspot.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelle.allen
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
Goodreads http://goodreads.com/KayelleAllen
Romance Lives Forever http://romancelivesforever.blogspot.com/
Marketing for Romance Writers http://marketingforromancewriters.org/
The Author's Secret http://theauthorssecret.com

Keeper of My Pleasure by Kayelle Allen

Rai trusts Koo to submit. To keep him, she must trust her heart.

A Romantica® BDSM erotic romance from Ellora's Cave
This book is in the Taboo line -- one of the Ellora's Cave Quickies

Blurb

A recent college graduate, Koo hires Rai as his attorney after thieves total his car and then dare to sue him. She wins, and takes him out to celebrate. Dinner leads to the hottest sex in his life, and a long-term relationship as her submissive. He adores the way she makes him feel, and the way she makes him burn. He longs to show her he has more to offer. He has a heart, and it's hers, if only she'll let him give it.

A successful attorney in her late thirties, Rai has a penchant for handsome young men with long hair. Koo, her newest client, becomes more than her usual boy toy. He likes being tied up and whipped, and he yields the way she'd always dreamed. But he has a future ahead of him, and she's a jaded lawyer. He wants sex, not love. Right? He wouldn't stay with her forever. She trusts him to submit. To keep Koo, Rai is going to have trust her heart.

Excerpt 

This scene takes place in Rai Whethen's estate home. She and Koo Ayakura have spent the evening enjoying dinner, flirting, anticipating their session, and now it's time for him to perform for his mistress.

In Rai's bedroom, Koo stood before her. She'd stretched out on the bed and was watching him, hands tucked behind her head, legs crossed at the ankles.

"I'm ready to see you strip, Koo. Do you need music?" She lifted one eyebrow.

"No, mistress, but if you want music, I'll use it."

"Hmm." She picked up a remote and pointed it. A dance tune started, and she skipped it, listened a moment, and skipped again. Two more songs and she turned it off. "No. I only want you. No distractions. Strip for me." She tucked her hands behind her head again. Quite unlike her, she added, "Please."

Koo began by unfastening his hair. Straight, healthy, it reached halfway to his waist, and shone like raven's wings. He'd inherited it from his Japanese father. His Irish mother had imparted the splash of freckles across his nose and shoulders, and grey eyes. Rai liked his hair down, and he ran his fingers through the long tresses, shook his head, and let it fall.

Rai's eyes gleamed, and she licked her lips.

He lifted one foot at a time to unfasten the plain black shoes, and slipped them off, pulling off each sock. He crossed his arms over his chest, slowly opened them, and pulled his tuxedo coat down his shoulders. It slipped down his arms, and he caught it, held it, and then slid it all the way off and tossed it over the hassock.

He reached up to the front of the vest, unfastened it one button at a time, doing it as slow as he could, taking care to keep her gaze on his hands. He pulled it open, let it slip down his arms, and then caught it at his elbows. He crossed his hands over his chest, hands spread.

Rai pushed herself up, hands braced on the bed.

Koo opened his arms, and let the vest fall. He caught it, tossed it after the jacket.

He opened each button on the shirt with the same slow care. Rai tugged up her skirt, and sat with legs folded, watching him like a cat in front of a mouse hole.

He opened the cufflinks, slid them into his pockets, and then shrugged out of his shirt. He held the collar between his teeth, folded the sleeves, and laid it aside.

Rai chewed on a knuckle, but didn't speak.

He reached over his back, pulled off the T-shirt in one move, and cast it onto the pile of clothes. Bare from the waist up, he tucked his hands behind his head, lifted his hair, and let it fall over his shoulders. He'd always worked out; he also ran, and swam. He knew his body pleased women. But the way Rai looked at him, as if he were a tasty treat she craved... that made this more than a strip show. He was preparing himself for his lover.

Koo unfastened the waistband of his trousers, lowered the zipper, and then eased them partway down.

Dracula: In the Flesh

My upcoming book is exactly what it sounds like, an erotic reimagining of Dracula. Although names and a few locations remain the same, this book is not a re-write of Dracula. Not by any means. (Just FYI, the original Dracula is in the public domain.)

It may sound strange, but I have been waiting my whole life to write this book. I have loved Dracula since I was about 12 years old. To finally have a chance to tell my version of the story is amazing.

Although there is a romance at the heart of the story, Dracula: In the Flesh is erotic horror. I'm writing it as T.K. Hardin, however, I still put my name (Tracey H. Kitts) on the cover. I wanted to let fans know this is still me, but do expect something different from this book.

Dracula: In the Flesh will be released late September 2013. I can hardly wait!

Here are the details:

Jonathan Harker, a young English lawyer, is traveling to Castle Dracula in order to finalize a real estate transaction. He has been personally requested by Count Dracula. What Jonathan doesn't realize is that Dracula’s interests do not lie with him, but with his beautiful fiancée, Mina.

As soon as he saw her face, Dracula knew the ritual was a success. After all these long years, his love has returned to him. However, many things (such as Van Helsing and Jonathan Harker) stand in the way of their happiness. Sure, he could kill them all and take what he wants. However, his greatest desire is not to possess Mina, but to love her and have her return his love.

Therefore, Dracula’s fate and the fate of those closest to her lie in Mina’s hands. She has dreamed of him all her life. But what will she do when she learns her dark prince is real? What will happen when she knows him, not as a dream, but in the flesh?

How to get what you want

As some of you already know from reading my blog, I fully believe in The Law of Attraction. I don't always remember to stay focused on positive things, or to be grateful, but I try. And when I keep these things in mind, good things come my way. That's all the proof I need.

The Law of Attraction is a universal law that basically says what you think about, you bring about.

Most people understand the concept of thinking positive thoughts or focusing on what they want in a positive way. Like daydreaming about a great relationship, money, success, or a perfect pet.

However, most people don't realize how powerful thinking/visualizing the achievement of those goals can be. (Always focus on the end result.) This is not only true for bringing about big changes, but for making everyday life a little easier too.

It's WAY too easy to let negative thoughts run amuck in your subconscious. The result being that your day is filled with ups and downs like crazy rather than flowing smoothly. 

Take these thoughts for example:

Oh, I hope I don't see my mother-in-law today. I hate that bitch.

Why does it have to rain every time I get a day off?

I can't stand going to the doctor, it's never anything good.

Do I really have to go to the family reunion? I'll just look fat in all the pictures.

These are only a few examples of thoughts that might make life more hectic than it needs to be. 

Whether these thoughts are caused by personal experience, or listening to others, when you subconsciously accept an idea, it becomes a real belief for you. Even if it's as simple as "always looking fat in pictures." 

People walk around thinking negative things and guess what, their days play out exactly as they expect them to, filled with unnecessary drama. As I once told a friend of mine, "If I want drama, I'll go to the f***ing theatre."

The thing to remember is that NONE of the above statements (or the ones that you constantly tell yourself) are true. Basically, your life doesn't have to suck. LOL You have the power to create your life (each day) as smoothly as you can imagine. You only have to be aware of your thoughts.

This is where visualization comes in.

Picture your day (mentally plan it out) going as smoothly as possible. See yourself getting a good report from the doctor, or having a NICE conversation with that abrasive mother-in-law, etc. 

The first step is to become aware of the negative thoughts that you have throughout the day. Most of the time, these are automatic. For example, if you hate going to a certain store because the clerk is an ass, or you are ALWAYS late for work when it rains, you need to make a note of that negative thought. You don't literally have to write it down, just become aware of always assuming the worst.

Next you need to understand that those negative thoughts are not a fact. Whatever it is, it doesn't have to play out the way you fear, even if it has before. You have the ability to change anything you want.

Last, you need to imagine what you DO want to happen and know with absolute certainty that it will happen just as you imagine it will.

Personally, I'm still working on the million dollars. LOL However, I've had lots of luck with smaller things. 

Here is a recent example. I LOVE designer purses. Unfortunately, at this stage in my career, I do not have a designer budget. YET. So, what was I really wanting? An awesome Juicy Couture purse. I decided to go on ebay and as a visualization exercise, I started shopping for purses. I wanted to see what was out there and get a better idea of what I really wanted. 

After a week of seeing great purses go for $150 and up, I was a little disappointed. My budget was only about $30 or less. And that had to include shipping. After being outbid several times I decided to start really imagining having that purse. I saw it sitting in my bedroom. I imagined coming in from the store and placing my Juicy Couture purse on the counter. As I went to sleep that last night, I even played out a conversation in my head. I was telling my best friend all about what an amazing deal I got and how the purse was EXACTLY what I wanted. But most of all, I was GRATEFUL for that purse as if it was already mine.

The very next day, I did a new search for Juicy Couture purses on ebay. A purple one showed up that was "to die for."  Have I mentioned that purple is my favorite color? Anyway, I waited until 15 minutes was left and placed my maximum bid. Within the hour I was texting my friend and having almost the exact conversation I imagined. 

Today my purse arrived in the mail. I couldn't be more thrilled. Oh, I almost forgot the best part. I got the purse for $26!! Shipping and all. 

I have seen this happen with other things in my life and i try to remember to imagine how I want things to play out, not how I fear they will.

This has made a huge difference in my life. I am so much calmer than I used to be and most days, everything goes smoothly. For example,  I'm two months ahead of schedule on my writing projects, and within 5 pounds of my ultimate weight loss goal. 

Every time I see someone who has a great body, rather than be envious, I am deeply grateful for my own beautiful body. (Just like I was with the purse.) I've been doing this for months now (long before my body resembled anything "beautiful.") and it IS working, almost effortlessly.

So, start using your imagination and the power of gratitude to bring about what you really want out of life. Not every day is perfect for me, but I sure as heck have more good days than bad and more awesome days than anything else. 

You will be amazed once you put this into practice. The more often you do it, the more often it works. Plus, the more you see The Law of Attraction at work, the more you will believe it can work.

Trust me. I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn Express or anything, but I have seen this work in my own life. 

Another post about self-publishing

There are many misconceptions flying around out there about self-publishing. Yes, I've talked about these at length before. However, there are many people who are still very much in the dark when it comes to self-publishing. Unfortunately, everyone who self-publishes gets thrown into the general category of "hack." While there are many of these out there, not all who self-publish deserve this harsh and often hurtful label.

In particular, I'd like to clear the air about my own work.

1. I CHOSE to self-publish. I was not forced. I was not rejected over and over again by larger companies. In fact, I have several books with traditional publishers. Not as many as before, but that is because I CHOSE to cancel those contracts as they reached their expiration dates. I'm not saying this to brag, but I did not have any difficulty finding a publisher. There is also one that I plan to continue working with as I have learned a lot from them.

2. I do not turn out poorly edited/slapped together pieces of crap. Different patterns of speech and spelling variations are not errors. I'm not saying this to be a jerk, but I'm good at what I do. (Everyone should be able to feel this way about their work.) I have pride in myself and my work. I'm a professional. I look at each book as a product, not simply a creative outlet. Sure, I write because I love it. But keep in mind, this is what I do for a living. I take it seriously. Each of my books is professionally edited, several times by myself, and my writing partner/editor. Even if I write the book in only a few weeks, it will be edited for a month or more. 

3. Yes, I do my own cover art. I agree that not everyone should attempt this. I am an artist. Until  I did the cover of Frank and The Werewolf Tamer, my talents were used for my entertainment alone. I can't see paying someone to do work that I enjoy and can easily do myself. 

4. I'm not some nut job who just throws stories together and tries to make a profit. As I've already said, I put a lot of time and effort into what I do. Unfortunately, there are too many people out there who fall into this category and ARE self-publishing.

5. I am not a loser. Ha. Ha. Ha. Seriously, so many people assume this simply because I self-publish. Good grief.

6. I earn 70% on most sales for my self-published titles. Most ebook publishing contracts leave the author with 30-45%. I have bills that need to be paid. I'm a person just like everyone else.

One last thing that is slightly off topic. I am tired of getting spammed by companies (or individuals) trying to sell me some kind of promotional tools. Just because I self-publish doesn't mean I'm stupid. And obviously, I don't have the resources of a large press. Why the hell do I keep getting these types of calls and emails? 

So, for the record, if I am interested in a type of promotion or service, I will contact the company or individual. There is no need to call me on my cell or send me strange messages.

With very few exceptions, these are always scams. Sad but true. I have been contacted by a few legit companies. However, I had worked with them before, so it wasn't odd for them to send me a message.

I'm not talking about the emails from places who offer FREE promotion. I love to get those notifications. LOL Those of you who have also been spammed know what I'm talking about.

Okay, it's time for coffee ... and maybe some Skyrim. ;)

Coming Attractions

I am officially caught up for a short while. To be more precise, I'm about 2 months ahead of schedule with releases and re-releases. My brand new book, is in the hands of my writing partner for edits. I've just finished re-editing Till the Break of Dawn and adding about 3,000 words of new content. Till the Break of Dawn is finished, formatted, and ready to go. Expect this one the first week in September, 2013.

Book details: Thanks to a bet with her best friend, Dawn is about to get involved with the undead love of her life for the second time. So what if he's immortal. It could work, right? 

Warning: This book contains graphic sex, graphic language, and one smoking hot vampire.

I'm about to start working on Three Days of Night. I'm hoping to add content to this one as well. But, that all depends on if the characters have anything new to say. LOL Expect this one in December, 2013, probably the week before Christmas.

Book details: Vivian didn’t have the power nor the desire to resist the sexy djinn when he said, “Let me give you clarity. For three days your life will be on pause. The sun will not rise and your ship will not make port. Everything will appear to continue, only it will not. Enjoy these moments … Get to know me if you like. These three days are my gift to you. Should you desire more, all you have to do is ask.” 

Warning: This book contains graphic sex (with multiple partners), and graphic language. Oh, and did I mention the wicked sexy djinn? Yeah, he needs a warning all his own.


I did the cover art on both of these myself. The more I do, the more I love making covers.

I will have more updates soon, and more blog posts. It's summer vacation here and we are enjoying it while we can.