I’m tickled to be one of the stops on Monica’s blog tour for her September paranormal romance novel release, Assassin’s Heart!

Plus  Monica and Berkley Sensation are giving away a copy of the book to one lucky blog reader who leaves a comment on 9/2!!!

Then Tanya Michaels joins the fun here on September 7th with tips from her wonderful world building workshop, “World-Building for your Werewolf, Duke, or Small-Town Doctor”.

For romance writers (or others) looking to improve their world-building skills, you’ll appreciate the advice and insight Tanya has to share.

And there’s great news for readers too: Tanya’s September release of Texas Baby marks a return to the world she built for The Best Man in Texas.

Both of these talented authors are inspired, informative, and fun. Personally, I enjoy their books for the delightful stories and adventures as well as the clever and three dimensional worlds they’ve built for their characters and their readers. If you haven’t read any of their work yet, get busy! You won’t be disappointed! Buy books by Monica or Tanya at your favorite book retailer.

Live the adventure!

And just to add to your calendar notations, E.J. Stevens is hosting me at From the Shadows on September 9th, so be sure to drop by and comment – we’re giving away a copy of Veil of Justice!

But I’d be lying.

As an alpha female, find my own answers, get it done type of girl, the DO nothing order is about the hardest thing to accept. I’m all about the cause and effect, make the effort, no pain-no gain sort of mentality. In short, I’m the alpha female who prefers to control her destiny.

With an ‘invisible’ injury like this back thing (no swelling, cast, etc.) I’ve learned control is a precious commodity I’m fresh out of.

I suppose I could say I’d developed a talent for doing nothing or tapped a previously unknown preference for the ‘lady of leisure’ lifestyle.

But I’d be lying.

The truth is I was the kid who was sure to run off and try it if you told me it was impossible.  (maybe that’s why I chose a career in writing and publishing) and not much as changed now that I’m not a kid anymore.  I want to fix it, or have it fixed, so I can get on with my life.

So maybe the team is right, I’m not over my alpha female tendencies, not even close to knowing how to relinquish control. But hey, I am behaving and resting and writing like crazy…so I can live vicariously through my alpha female characters.

Live the adventure!

No matter how I asked the questions, the answer came back – DO Nothing. (This, I have learned, is the exact opposite of the old ‘just do it’ Nike commercials that were embedded on this (former) athlete’s subconscious). I’m used to living a Just Do It sort of life. Stuff might hurt, but stuff needs done. From fitness to dishes to dusting.

If you asked me point blank about being a real life alpha female, having superwoman delusions, or even being a control freak, I’d label myself as reformed. That stage of my life was years ago, back when I didn’t know better.

Before experience, time and a couple of kids changed my perspective.

Apparently the team working to save my back isn’t so convinced I’m all over my need to be the alpha female. They assured me the world would not implode if the vacuuming is haphazard and the windows have smudges. (honestly the windows don’t bother me so much)

Worse, I was encouraged to think about how my kids would benefit from learning my secrets of making our delightful family dinners. (as if I don’t know how they celebrate on the nights we order pizza)

In a word, activity limits are uck. Or maybe the word is boring. But wait! I’m a writer, I can make up my own fun and adventure…it’s part of the job description.

So go buy my books and you’ll be all ready for the newest releases sure to result from the next couple of months of focusing all my inner alpha female energy into my characters.

Live the adventure!

All my reading and writing has led me to appreciate the many ways authors use and account for magic, psychic, creature legends, and super powers in paranormal romance novels as well as other genres.

For instance, the magic in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series isn’t dissected and analyzed about how much a certain spell drains a wizard’s power. The necessary control and skill is shown through the efforts of the students and the limitations set by the ‘wizarding world’ to keep them safe as they grow.

Simply put, Rowling’s world has rules, but she doesn’t interrupt the adventure to explain them.

I’ve read authors who spend so much time telling me the cost of the magic or power, that it feels intrusive – or worse – that the magic is truly impossible to attain. For me as a reader that makes it harder to stay in the story.

I prefer to dive in, to wallow in the story itself, to enjoy every facet of the author’s paranormal romance world building, without ’seeing’ the individual bricks of the foundation.

Yes, there should be pros and cons of any magic or gift – it helps build tension and conflict necessary to every good story. But I like it when the good and bad consequences are shown through action or choices made by the characters.

Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark paranormal romance novels feature all sorts of factions of mythical creatures and the gifts and skills inherent to the ’species’ as well as to the individuals.

It’s fun to escape with her paranormal romance novels because the of the excellent world building. The layers and details within each faction add to the worries and hopes within the specific romantic relationships.

I’ve never felt lectured about a werewolf’s change or a vampire’s preferred method of blood consumption in Cole’s paranormal romance novels because she lets the characters show me how it is and why they do it.

Live the adventure!

– Howard Schultz (1953 – ) American entrepreneur, chairman of Starbucks

Earlier this month, I quoted my father, “Writers write!” And as my career as a paranormal romance writer has moved forward, the Schultz quote fits too.

‘Positive rejections’ can fall under the ‘near misses’ category.

You know those letters that encourage you while sending you on to the next publisher or agent. Those are the near misses that keep the writer moving forward to the goal of publication.

As the publishing industry model changes, I find myself changing with it and it’s my pleasure to bring my latest full length paranormal romance novel, Veil of Justice, direct to readers.

And certainly the completion of a paranormal romance novel (or a novel of any genre) is not a result of blind luck! A full, rich, paranormal romance novel is the result of daily effort and passion to tell the story in my heart.

Whether you have a kindle or not, you can read Veil of Justice. (the free kindle app is available for nearly every device, in case you hadn’t heard).

Since I bought my own kindle, I’ve become more than a little addicted to carrying my library of old favorites and new discoveries with me wherever I go.

So taking a book directly to readers is a boon for me. Yes, I still have contracts with wonderful, traditional publishers. But this effort has really given me a closer connection to fans of Jaden Michaels and her 2096 crew.

Going direct with Veil of Justice is equivalent to seizing the day and taking responsibility for my own future!

And no worries. Veil of Justice will be available in paperback soon!

Enjoy the ride and start reading Veil of Justice now!

Live the adventure!

Then you flip it over to learn more about the story:

An undercover operative, a guardian of ancient secrets, and an impatient goddess collide for a thrilling ride as the Shadows of Justice saga continues:

When Nathan Burkhardt agreed to the undercover assignment, it was all about justice and retribution for the soldiers impaired and imprisoned by a dangerous geneticist with a God-complex. But when he lands in solitary confinement, his only salvation is his telepathic connection with a mysterious woman working for his sister.

Kelly dreamed of serving in the family business until she was sent away for being a woman. But when her family is struck down, she must utilize all her training and knowledge to preserve priceless secrets and prevent the return of a great evil.

Now, if you’re hooked, you might just start reading…before you even get to the checkout counter:

Prologue

From her perch above Miriam’s tomb, the goddess looked over the dead city of Petra.  So unfair that she was tethered here while the world moved on without her.  Oh, her reach was vast, but what she needed, what she so desperately wanted, she’d yet to find.

Her power grew stronger as the sunlight faded and still she waited, trusting the wisdom of patience so close to the end game.
Assistants, minions really, came and went with various reports of successes and failures.  Success she rewarded with another day of life. Failures died, slowly, as blood and brain were siphoned away with delicious precision.

The demon goddess known by many names licked her lips and listened for the clue that someone must unveil.

“Magnificent Nin.”

She crooked a skeletal finger in invitation.

“The map box has been found.”

She straightened to her full height, still waiting, rather than shout with premature joy.  “Show me this.”

The speaker approached, a woman she noted, head bowed as was proper.  She signaled the guard to hold her, ignoring the screams as she peeled away scalp and bone to touch the brain itself.

Life flowed up through her fingers and the prized knowledge with it.  Her messenger had caught the eye of a well-built young man, and enticed him to share his secrets.  Not all, to the man’s credit, but his look alone was enough to investigate further.

There were not many left with the strong jaw, dark eyes, and innate solitude that marked the guardian lineage.  His name slipped into her consciousness, Darius.  A fine young man with worthy goals, but his inexperience would cost him.

Dearly.

Nin thought briefly of the countless men and women she’d sent searching for the Guardians when those she’d sent after the specific treasures never returned.

After all this time, after so many bargains struck and broken, she had what she needed.

To honor the messenger, she made the kill swift, leaving the husk of the body to her guards.  They must move quickly, before young Darius wised up. Nin wished for days long gone when she would have had her choice of generals to set to this task.

She vowed those days would return, her worshippers would once more fill this city and many others, but for now, only one of her servants was equipped for such a strike.

Want to turn the page? Buy Veil of Justice now!

Live the adventure!

Justice Incarnate, Shadows of Justice book 1:

“A fantastically wonderful story… tension and mystery… cliff hanging suspense. I could not put it down.” — 5 cups from CoffeeTime Reviews

Coffee Time Reviews weren’t the only ones impressed, so I wrote a sequel!

Invasion of Justice, Shadows of Justice book 2:

A reviewer at E-Romance Writers gave Invasion a 10! saying:

Invasion of Justice has everything that I consider necessary in a well-written book. They include intriguing mystery, frighteningly evil people who only are truly discovered close to the end, the requisite good guys and a wonderful love story.

I am in the process of reading Book 1 of Shadow of Justice, Justice My hope is that Ms. Black will continue with Nathan’s story, but I am sure that whomever is the subject of her next installment will be worthy of reading.

Well, this is Nathan’s story! Veil of Justice, Shadows of Justice book 3, is now available on Kindle (or whatever device you have with a kindle app).

Veil’s late arrival is a culmination of years of life interferences, writing, crises of confidence, rewriting, and friends who said DO IT ANYWAY!

So I offer many thanks to my dear friends and readers who kept me afloat when I would’ve just let the series sink!

Veil of Justice is a paranormal romance novel, complete with elements of evil and a wonderful love story. Start reading Veil of Justice now!

Live the adventure!

In my opinion any month is great for adopting a greyhound – but April is specifically earmarked for making a positive difference in the life of a dog who’s being retired from work on the racetrack.

Aside from having the sweetest faces, greyhounds of many colors look great against the azaleas – or whatever flowers may be blooming near you this spring!

Which may be why the powers that be declared April to be the month to adopt a greyhound, but this puppy’s adorable, no matter what month it is!

It’s a rare month when we’re without a foster, but we’ve personally adopted greys in: January (Bubbles), February (Brody), June (Faith), August  (Kayla), October (Boo), November (Levi).

Visit adoptcharlestongreys.org or talk with your local greyhound rescue to make a difference for one of these greyt dogs – in April or the month of your choice!

Live the adventure!

“Practical people would be more practical if they would take a little more time for dreaming.” –unknown

This quote could very easily have originated with my father (although I’m not suggesting we take credit from unknown). He was a wonderful motivator and moving speaker.  And the thought is most definitely in line with his beliefs.

When I finally  ‘confessed’ that I intended to be a professional poet and author, he said, “Well then. Writers write.”

It wasn’t a glowing endorsement, but it was accurate. If writing’s what you do – and this was long before I realized I was primarily a paranormal romance writer – you must write.

Dad was a motivator, a speaker, and a dreamer of the highest caliber. I miss him so very much, yet I treasure the encouragement, love, and constant support he gave me every day of his life.

One of the greatest gifts Dad left me was his ability to dream. He taught me how to cast that net long and high and fill it with hope and images to carry through the days of grueling effort that molds that dream into reality.

Dreaming is an ideal (and time worthy) endeavor for a paranormal romance writer – for any writer really. To visualize the characters, to dream up the settings, the adventures and the happy resolutions.

So I’m blessed by both Dad’s dreaming and his blunt observations about a writer’s work ethic.

No matter how long it takes a manuscript to reach the book shelf  – when I spend my day writing, dreaming, and writing some more, I know I am a writer, one page closer to the success of which I dream.

And I know it makes Dad proud.

Live the adventure!

It’s quite possibly the best (and safest) way to completely dictate your environment – and even if it’s fiction – it’s a fun and therapeutic exercise in global domination.

Character Interviews are the antidote for control freak types.

If you’re a control freak, think of the character interview as kryptonite. You might go into the interview with the intent to glean the info you want, but it’s just as likely the character will take control.

You’ll find yourself a weakened puddle of mush if you’re interviewing an alpha character who won’t cooperate or even acknowledge your questions.

Why am I on a control freak tangent this week?

Because I’m a mother of teenagers, wife of an engineer, and the go-to girl for what’s fondly referred to as a petting zoo rather than a mere home. It’s prom time, festival band season, and… spring!

Life and circumstance have taught me that while I might want to believe I have control over something as mundane as the daily schedule – I really don’t.

How do character interviews help?

I need the emotional and creative outlet of my paranormal romance novels. I need the daily interaction with the characters running amok in my head. And I need to embrace the unexpected when I’m asking those characters what really matters to them.

This process of my fiction is  good practice for my life.

If I can’t control the products of my imagination, why should I expect to control those real life characters I live with? Much less expect to control the external happenings of the scheduled activities of both the humans and animals around here.

Strange, maybe. But I’m telling you it’s proven to be quite helpful.

It’s odd, but I’m usually relieved after being thwarted by a character interview. When I dive into a character interview – intent on one goal – and they surprise me – it’s usually with information that makes the story richer.

At least that’s what I discover when the tears of frustration evaporate.

Live the adventure!