As an author, I have to say that is the question I have received most often since first being published back in 2007. I can't speak for everyone, but for myself, inspiration can come from literally anywhere. As an example I just got the first good idea I've had in a while. At this very moment I'm listening to Usher and Keith Sweat, and relaxing with a cup of herbal tea after about an hour of yoga. I've had a lot of ideas but none of them that were worth writing. Lol I have been doing my best to cope with the stress of recovering from a hurricane as well as many stressful incidences in my personal life in the last few years. I finally hit that brick wall that so many call burnout. That's a pretty accurate name is I feel as though I have literally been burned to a crisp on the inside. But that's not what I'm here to write about. This evening I had my first good idea in a long time. I may write it I may not. The point is it's an excellent idea and I'm moving forward and receiving inspiration from random sources once again. It feels good, it feels like me again. For my regular readers, I will definitely get there. It will happen. And once I write something that will help me progress back to the point where I'm ready, I will continue your favorite series. In particular I will be continuing the Unseelie Of Atlanta series, as well as the long-awaited Triss Grima series. Those are all down the line and I'm just excited right now because I got a new idea and I think it's a really good. I know I shouldn't be so vague but I also don't want someone else to write about it before I can. LOL I mean, they may have already and I'm just ignorant of the fact. But in my opinion this is something I've not seen done before and maybe it will be the next thing for me. So, I suppose that explains in a very roundabout way where inspiration and ideas come from when you are a writer. Everywhere, literally everywhere. I don't give folks that answer to try to be vague or be unhelpful in anyway. I'm not dodging their question I'm being completely honest yet usually the response is an eye roll and people think I'm hiding something from them. When the stories inside you are ready to be shared, trust me, you too will have inspiration from random sources. Not because a beautiful cloudy sky is what sets you off or because falling leaves are so utterly spectacular, but because the story inside of you is so ready to come out any little thing will help it along.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Authors are human beings
Today has been a hell of a day. After so long not blogging, that's what I'm going to lead with? Yes, I think so.
If any of this is off, like spelling errors or strange spaces between words, I'm typing this on my phone. I still don't have internet at my house. We're still rebuilding from the hurricane more than 2 years ago.
My stress is through the roof. The majority of the house is finished, but the yards are still a wreck and a lot of work is still ahead of us.
My work and my mental health has suffered. I was already under a tremendous amount of stress BEFORE the hurricane.
Today we got the news that my husband will need a second back surgery. He's upset. I'm upset. It has not been a good day.
You know what could make that worse? Bad reviews that are petty and hateful for no reason other than to hurt a total stranger. Think about that. A total STRANGER.
I understand not liking something, I really do. But before you leave a hateful remark on Amazon or somewhere else, realize that an actual human being will eventually see it.
Think of all the painful things you've experienced in the past. We've been through many of these also, because we are PEOPLE TOO. We're not privileged. We're not on some kind of luxury trip all the time. The majority of us don't live glamorous lives. Writing is my job. It's how I pay bills. Plus, I've got all the same shit to deal with that you do. Please consider that before being hateful to an author because you didn't like their book.
Friday, March 20, 2020
Need books? I'm here for you.
NO, this post isn't ALL about the damn virus.
These last few weeks have been unprecedented and for many, scary.
COVID-19 (as much as we're all tired of hearing about it) is having a real impact on all of us, our families, our travel, and our day-to-day routines.
The long term effects of the virus on people and businesses is still not known. That fact alone can quickly overwhelm anyone. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has started turning off the news and just reading a few headlines online, for the sake of my sanity.
If I don't distance myself to some degree, I can't continue to write. I think a lot of people are facing similar situations. It is for these reasons that I'm running this promotion. (Now through the end of April 2020)
No, this isn't just a cash grab. It's a legitimate attempt to offer people an affordable escape from all this stress. Actually, I only make 35 cents from each sale of a 99 cents book. And obviously, I make nothing at all on the free ones. (Unless they're downloaded through KU)
Here are a few fan favorites that are now 99 cents. Many of these titles have never been on sale before. Ever. That includes every single book in my Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter series.
The entire series can be found below the description of Red, Book One. ( On Amazon)
Red is FREE on Amazon US (It would be free everywhere, but that is Amazon's call, not mine.)
So what if he's immortal. It could work, right?
As I've said, ALL of my books are either 99 cents or free right now. the only exceptions are boxed sets that already offer a significant discount. ;)
I hope this helps, I really do.
You can find a complete list of my books on my Amazon Author Page.
These last few weeks have been unprecedented and for many, scary.
COVID-19 (as much as we're all tired of hearing about it) is having a real impact on all of us, our families, our travel, and our day-to-day routines.
The long term effects of the virus on people and businesses is still not known. That fact alone can quickly overwhelm anyone. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has started turning off the news and just reading a few headlines online, for the sake of my sanity.
If I don't distance myself to some degree, I can't continue to write. I think a lot of people are facing similar situations. It is for these reasons that I'm running this promotion. (Now through the end of April 2020)
No, this isn't just a cash grab. It's a legitimate attempt to offer people an affordable escape from all this stress. Actually, I only make 35 cents from each sale of a 99 cents book. And obviously, I make nothing at all on the free ones. (Unless they're downloaded through KU)
Here are a few fan favorites that are now 99 cents. Many of these titles have never been on sale before. Ever. That includes every single book in my Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter series.
The entire series can be found below the description of Red, Book One. ( On Amazon)
Red is FREE on Amazon US (It would be free everywhere, but that is Amazon's call, not mine.)
Looking for a bingable paranormal series to sink your teeth into? Fans of the Anita Blake and Sookie Stackhouse series are loving Lilith Mercury.
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.
Eden is discounted for the very first time
99 cents or FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Not all paradise is lost.
Catrina's world is turned upside down the moment she agrees to Viktor's plan. Who even knew that Abraham Van Helsing had a younger brother? Not only that, but a brother who was turned by the King of Vampires and who held such obvious power. Now she must deal with the consequences of her actions and an attraction she can no longer deny. Viktor wants her to spy on the alpha werewolf, Alexander. He suspects Alex is responsible for the murder of a fellow vampire. However, there is one major problem with this plan. The werewolf is just as hard to resist as Viktor and Catrina is caught right in the middle.
Warning: This book contains, graphic language, graphic sex, violence, and two smoking hot heroes.
Till the Break of Dawn
99 cents or FREE with Kindle Unlimited
So what if he's immortal. It could work, right?
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.
Warning: This book contains graphic sex, graphic language, and one smoking hot vampire.
As I've said, ALL of my books are either 99 cents or free right now. the only exceptions are boxed sets that already offer a significant discount. ;)
I hope this helps, I really do.
You can find a complete list of my books on my Amazon Author Page.
Monday, March 16, 2020
New trilogy in the works and toilet paper!
Just kidding, I don't have any toilet paper. Well, except what I plan to use. LOL
It seems like the whole world is panicking right now. Maybe it hasn't affected me as strongly because I already self-isolate to a degree. It kind of comes with the territory of being a writer, doesn't it? Lol I won't talk anymore about the virus, because I'm sure you've all heard more than enough. And if you're like me, you're sick of hearing about it, no pun intended.
In other news:
I'm currently working on a new trilogy as I prepare to FINALLY finish moving out of my hurricane damaged house and begin repairs. Woohoo! It's so strange to see things this close to being fixed. After all this time, it almost doesn't feel real.
It's also great to be writing again. This is the first book I've worked on in 8 months. I've simply had too much else going on to have the time or the energy to write. But as things progress with the house, I'm finally able to carve out a few hours to get back to my actual job.
For the moment, I'm still using my bed as a chair, combined with a really hard cushion (because it's the only one high enough to reach the desk) and it's KILLING my tailbone. Therefore, I'm not writing as much as I'd like, but I AM writing.
I've had a few people ask if I'm having writer's block. No. LOL I have a ridiculous amount of stuff going on in my life. I've spent the past almost 2 years dealing with insurance to try to get enough money to totally gut and remodel our home. The damage from hurricane Michael was extensive. Then, once the insurance claim was settled, we were robbed by a shady contractor. So, I've had to file a police report and do my best to follow up on that bullshit. We also have a completely incompetent mortgage company who sold our loan (which we have no control over) in the middle of all of this, further delaying us actually getting any more money to begin work once we found a new contractor.
Guess what? The geniuses managed to transfer our insurance money (that was in a separate holding account) into someone else's account entirely! They didn't even know they'd done this until I figured it out!!!
It became my full-time job to track down this money like a hound with the scent of bullshit. Painful cushion aside, even with a non-hurt ass, I didn't have time to write. If I had not worked at this so diligently, we would not be on the verge of finally beginning work now. The amount of idiocy I've had to deal with to simply get the right money in the right place is unreal. Not to mention, I WAS FREAKING ROBBED!!
So, yeah, I've had my hands full. For the record, if I ever get my hands on that "contractor" I plan to beat him to a pulp and I'm well-qualified for the job.
But enough of my rant. Here are the details on my current work in progress. :)
Lord of Frost, originally planned as the third book in the Unseelie of Atlanta series has become the Rhiannon Frost Trilogy. I simply had too much story for one book. This is still part of the Unseelie world and will take place after the second book, Wounded Heart, that I also need to finish writing. So, I'm labeling it as an "Unseelie of Atlanta world novel." That way people will know it's part of the same world with some of the same characters, but it tells the story of Rhiannon Frost.
This is also my first Paranormal Women's Fiction novel. What does that mean exactly? For one thing, the heroine, Rhiannon Frost is 40. It deals with many age related issues as well as the usual amount of ass kicking you've come to expect from my books.
The blurb is a work in progress, but here's what I have so far.
It seems like the whole world is panicking right now. Maybe it hasn't affected me as strongly because I already self-isolate to a degree. It kind of comes with the territory of being a writer, doesn't it? Lol I won't talk anymore about the virus, because I'm sure you've all heard more than enough. And if you're like me, you're sick of hearing about it, no pun intended.
In other news:
I'm currently working on a new trilogy as I prepare to FINALLY finish moving out of my hurricane damaged house and begin repairs. Woohoo! It's so strange to see things this close to being fixed. After all this time, it almost doesn't feel real.
It's also great to be writing again. This is the first book I've worked on in 8 months. I've simply had too much else going on to have the time or the energy to write. But as things progress with the house, I'm finally able to carve out a few hours to get back to my actual job.
For the moment, I'm still using my bed as a chair, combined with a really hard cushion (because it's the only one high enough to reach the desk) and it's KILLING my tailbone. Therefore, I'm not writing as much as I'd like, but I AM writing.
I've had a few people ask if I'm having writer's block. No. LOL I have a ridiculous amount of stuff going on in my life. I've spent the past almost 2 years dealing with insurance to try to get enough money to totally gut and remodel our home. The damage from hurricane Michael was extensive. Then, once the insurance claim was settled, we were robbed by a shady contractor. So, I've had to file a police report and do my best to follow up on that bullshit. We also have a completely incompetent mortgage company who sold our loan (which we have no control over) in the middle of all of this, further delaying us actually getting any more money to begin work once we found a new contractor.
Guess what? The geniuses managed to transfer our insurance money (that was in a separate holding account) into someone else's account entirely! They didn't even know they'd done this until I figured it out!!!
It became my full-time job to track down this money like a hound with the scent of bullshit. Painful cushion aside, even with a non-hurt ass, I didn't have time to write. If I had not worked at this so diligently, we would not be on the verge of finally beginning work now. The amount of idiocy I've had to deal with to simply get the right money in the right place is unreal. Not to mention, I WAS FREAKING ROBBED!!
So, yeah, I've had my hands full. For the record, if I ever get my hands on that "contractor" I plan to beat him to a pulp and I'm well-qualified for the job.
But enough of my rant. Here are the details on my current work in progress. :)
Lord of Frost, originally planned as the third book in the Unseelie of Atlanta series has become the Rhiannon Frost Trilogy. I simply had too much story for one book. This is still part of the Unseelie world and will take place after the second book, Wounded Heart, that I also need to finish writing. So, I'm labeling it as an "Unseelie of Atlanta world novel." That way people will know it's part of the same world with some of the same characters, but it tells the story of Rhiannon Frost.
This is also my first Paranormal Women's Fiction novel. What does that mean exactly? For one thing, the heroine, Rhiannon Frost is 40. It deals with many age related issues as well as the usual amount of ass kicking you've come to expect from my books.
The blurb is a work in progress, but here's what I have so far.
Even someone half-fae can have a
midlife crisis. That’s what
Rhiannon Frost is discovering. She’s fresh out of a bad relationship with a
younger man, her new daughter-in-law might ACTUALLY be evil, and her house was
recently hit by a hurricane. To top it off, she’s having human menopause
symptoms that are messing with her magic.
However,
none of that is going to stop this demon hunter from kicking ass and chewing
bubble gum, and she’s fresh out of bubble gum.
Warning: Contains a sense of humor,
graphic violence, graphic language, and several sexy fae.
I'm really enjoying writing this story and as you can probably guess from my rant above, much of it is a true story disguised as fiction. For the moment this book is my escape. It is my sincere hope that it can be yours as well.
I'm currently aiming for a December release with book one.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Where are the new books?
I know a lot of people are wondering why I haven't written a new book since last June, or why I'm so far behind on scheduled books. I'm going to be totally honest, all this mess with my house is literally killing me. We are STILL trying to repair our home from damage sustained in hurricane Michael in October of 2018!
What issues are we STILL having? People stealing from us. It now appears that our previous mortgage company (the contract was sold, further delaying the process of EVERYTHING) has stolen a large sum that I am currently trying to track down. That takes a lot of time and energy that I don't have.
Also, the last contractor we were going to work with took a check and literally ran with it. I have to try to recover those funds as well.
If these funds are not recovered, we are screwed. We need every bit to fix our house.
I was just about to begin working on a new book today. Now, after dealing with this fresh hell, I just can't. That isn't an excuse, it's reality. I'm falling apart. It's just one thing after another.
Maybe I shouldn't be this honest or share this at all. But why lie or hide it? It is what it is. I just want people to know why my books are so late. I have no time or strength left after this kind of bullshit on a daily basis to do my ACTUAL job and write new books.
I am so sorry. I would much rather be writing.ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
I'm thankful that 2019 is almost over
Seriously, I can't wait to see the end of 2019. This post is just a brief update on me, my upcoming books, and anything else that I can think of as I type this. lol Sorry, I'm full of cold meds. By the way, these are listed in no particular order.
There seems to be a resounding theme out there among my fellow writers, this year has sucked, big time.
First, my home was hit by a hurricane at the end of last year. October 10th marked a year that we'd been waiting for insurance to finally settle our claim. As of now, we still haven't begun repairs. I'm still living in my office (because there's a hole in my bedroom roof, a big one) and sleeping on the floor. To say that dealing with all of this has been stressful is the understatement of the year. Due to the ongoing stress my immune system is weakened and I'm currently sick, again. I've been sick off and on, mostly on, since September. More than likely this sinus infection is due to mold poisoning. Ugh. I mean, if I got paid for blowing my nose, this would be a record breaking income year for me.
During this time, my maternal grandmother had a sudden massive heart attack and passed away. I've always been closer to my mother's side of the family, and we are all still hurting from her sudden loss. She was a good, sweet woman and I am blessed to have had her in my life for so long.
A week ago, barely three months since her passing, my dad's mother had a massive stroke. She is currently still in the hospital, but she is not expected to recover. Honestly, I'm still not over losing my other grandmother and can't even begin to process this. I feel pain in flashes, but mostly I'm numb.
Other close family has had some major events happen in their lives that have added to the stress and heartbreak, simply because I love them and I want so much to take away their pain.
Why am I sharing all of this? Well, for one thing, talking about it is therapeutic. Also, I'd like you all to know why I haven't finished the books I'd hoped to put out by the end of this year. I had several on my list, but writing with all of this going on is truly impossible for me. I could put words on paper, sure, but I don't think it would be anything you'd want to read. Ha. Ha.
Hopefully, after the first of the year things will begin to get back on track. I WILL have new books out next year. I'm not sure how many. For the moment I'm not even trying to put that kind of pressure on myself because I already have all I can handle. Once my office is put back together and my world isn't literally upside down, writing will happen naturally, and probably quickly. That's the way my brain works. But first I need some peace.
Most likely I'll end up finishing some of the books I have in progress fairly close together and putting out at least 3 next year. :)
There seems to be a resounding theme out there among my fellow writers, this year has sucked, big time.
First, my home was hit by a hurricane at the end of last year. October 10th marked a year that we'd been waiting for insurance to finally settle our claim. As of now, we still haven't begun repairs. I'm still living in my office (because there's a hole in my bedroom roof, a big one) and sleeping on the floor. To say that dealing with all of this has been stressful is the understatement of the year. Due to the ongoing stress my immune system is weakened and I'm currently sick, again. I've been sick off and on, mostly on, since September. More than likely this sinus infection is due to mold poisoning. Ugh. I mean, if I got paid for blowing my nose, this would be a record breaking income year for me.
During this time, my maternal grandmother had a sudden massive heart attack and passed away. I've always been closer to my mother's side of the family, and we are all still hurting from her sudden loss. She was a good, sweet woman and I am blessed to have had her in my life for so long.
A week ago, barely three months since her passing, my dad's mother had a massive stroke. She is currently still in the hospital, but she is not expected to recover. Honestly, I'm still not over losing my other grandmother and can't even begin to process this. I feel pain in flashes, but mostly I'm numb.
Other close family has had some major events happen in their lives that have added to the stress and heartbreak, simply because I love them and I want so much to take away their pain.
Why am I sharing all of this? Well, for one thing, talking about it is therapeutic. Also, I'd like you all to know why I haven't finished the books I'd hoped to put out by the end of this year. I had several on my list, but writing with all of this going on is truly impossible for me. I could put words on paper, sure, but I don't think it would be anything you'd want to read. Ha. Ha.
Hopefully, after the first of the year things will begin to get back on track. I WILL have new books out next year. I'm not sure how many. For the moment I'm not even trying to put that kind of pressure on myself because I already have all I can handle. Once my office is put back together and my world isn't literally upside down, writing will happen naturally, and probably quickly. That's the way my brain works. But first I need some peace.
Most likely I'll end up finishing some of the books I have in progress fairly close together and putting out at least 3 next year. :)
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
All of my stories are connected
The book that I've just started writing, Taken by Storm, takes place in the Lilith Mercury world. Telling people that has raised a few questions. Is this a new book in the Lilith series? Nope. Sorry. It is however, a book about Mason Storm.
Fans of the series will probably remember Mason and his Dungeon. lol I've just started work on this book and will try to continue as we progress with mediation on our house (hurricane Michael is still disrupting my life) and hopefully moving out for repairs. Therefore, I have no clue when this story might be finished, but I'll do my best.
This book wasn't even on my schedule until a few days ago. On Friday the 13th I started making notes and by Monday I had 14 pages of notes on nothing but Mason. lol Yes, I always loved him.
For those who are curious about the "world" thing, all of my books take place within the same world. The same rules apply. Everything I have ever written, aside from the books I write as T.K. Hardin, all take place in and around the Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter series. Timeline wise, my books take place before, during, or after the series of events in these novels.
You do NOT have to read the Lilith series to follow my books, not at all. However, if you have read them, a few things in my other books will instantly click. Like, when I mention werewolf rights, or whether or not the public even knows about creatures of the night, that sort of thing. That will let you know immediately where these fit within the timeline of the world I've created.
Someone mentioned to me recently that my books connect in a way that made them think of Stephen King, because he does the same thing with his overarching world. I honestly didn't realize that about King until they told me. lol But if that helps anyone to understand what I'm talking about, I thought I'd give the example.
I've connected all of my books into the same world for one reason, it makes sense to me and helps me keep track of things. Because you know where most of my story notes are, on every single book? In my head.
This is why you'll see some of the characters from the Lilith series make cameo appearances in other books. They're all part of the same world. For example, Notte Oscura, the theme park from the series of the same name, is right down the street from The Dread Moon, Marco's club in the Lilith series. These people know each other. lol
Marco makes an appearance in book one in my Unseelie of Atlanta series, Shaman's Touch. His club, Red, is very close to where the story takes place.
So, why then have I chosen to specifically label this new book as, "A Lilith Mercury world novel?" Because this takes place literally right next door to Lilith, and involves one of the well-known characters from that series. He doesn't just make a cameo, he's one of the main characters. Therefore, it's a Lilith Mercury world novel. :)
Chronologically, Taken by Storm will take place after the events of the 7 Lilith Mercury novels. However, I'm not going to put spoilers in this, because I hate spoilers. And you certainly do not have to read the series to follow this new book. But, if you want a better understanding of Mason and maybe the world itself, you might enjoy the Lilith Mercury series.
To tease everyone mercilessly, here's the new cover art I made a few nights ago. lol I'll finish this one as soon as I can, given everything I've got going on with my house.
For those who haven't read the Lilith series and are now curious, the first book, Red, is free on Amazon US.
Grab Red here.
I hope that explanation makes sense, I'm running low on coffee. lol Now, I need to get back to work. ;)
Fans of the series will probably remember Mason and his Dungeon. lol I've just started work on this book and will try to continue as we progress with mediation on our house (hurricane Michael is still disrupting my life) and hopefully moving out for repairs. Therefore, I have no clue when this story might be finished, but I'll do my best.
This book wasn't even on my schedule until a few days ago. On Friday the 13th I started making notes and by Monday I had 14 pages of notes on nothing but Mason. lol Yes, I always loved him.
For those who are curious about the "world" thing, all of my books take place within the same world. The same rules apply. Everything I have ever written, aside from the books I write as T.K. Hardin, all take place in and around the Lilith Mercury, Werewolf Hunter series. Timeline wise, my books take place before, during, or after the series of events in these novels.
You do NOT have to read the Lilith series to follow my books, not at all. However, if you have read them, a few things in my other books will instantly click. Like, when I mention werewolf rights, or whether or not the public even knows about creatures of the night, that sort of thing. That will let you know immediately where these fit within the timeline of the world I've created.
Someone mentioned to me recently that my books connect in a way that made them think of Stephen King, because he does the same thing with his overarching world. I honestly didn't realize that about King until they told me. lol But if that helps anyone to understand what I'm talking about, I thought I'd give the example.
I've connected all of my books into the same world for one reason, it makes sense to me and helps me keep track of things. Because you know where most of my story notes are, on every single book? In my head.
This is why you'll see some of the characters from the Lilith series make cameo appearances in other books. They're all part of the same world. For example, Notte Oscura, the theme park from the series of the same name, is right down the street from The Dread Moon, Marco's club in the Lilith series. These people know each other. lol
Marco makes an appearance in book one in my Unseelie of Atlanta series, Shaman's Touch. His club, Red, is very close to where the story takes place.
So, why then have I chosen to specifically label this new book as, "A Lilith Mercury world novel?" Because this takes place literally right next door to Lilith, and involves one of the well-known characters from that series. He doesn't just make a cameo, he's one of the main characters. Therefore, it's a Lilith Mercury world novel. :)
Chronologically, Taken by Storm will take place after the events of the 7 Lilith Mercury novels. However, I'm not going to put spoilers in this, because I hate spoilers. And you certainly do not have to read the series to follow this new book. But, if you want a better understanding of Mason and maybe the world itself, you might enjoy the Lilith Mercury series.
To tease everyone mercilessly, here's the new cover art I made a few nights ago. lol I'll finish this one as soon as I can, given everything I've got going on with my house.
For those who haven't read the Lilith series and are now curious, the first book, Red, is free on Amazon US.
Grab Red here.
I hope that explanation makes sense, I'm running low on coffee. lol Now, I need to get back to work. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)