Which means we need YOU to make it complete.

I was thrilled to be invited to her blog for this interview and I know we’re going to have all kinds of fun! E.J.’s a poet and paranormal author in her own right (She Smells The Dead) releases….TODAY!!! Naturally, we’re celebrating all over the place!

Plus, we’re giving away a copy of Veil of Justice! Yup, that’s right! You could win your very own, signed copy of the third book in the Shadows of Justice series! But only if you come visit From the Shadows – you can do it, just click on over…right…now! See you there!

Live the adventure!

For today, I’d planned on blogging about the emotional elements of paranormal romance novels, but my heart just isn’t in it.

Just kidding. Sort of.

Not that my heart isn’t in the blog, because I love connecting here with readers and paranormal romance writers! But I’ve just finished a book (that shall remain nameless) that I’d been eagerly anticipating because the author has such talent for writing sweeping, vivid adventures that have me laughing out loud and reaching for tissues (no, I don’t read this author just during allergy season).

But when I completed the story, I sat back and said, Huh.

Naturally (as a paranormal romance writer living with three engineer types) I started to analyze what didn’t work (for me). Eventually I concluded the ‘heart’ was the element of the paranormal romance novel that had gone missing. The plot was solid, the adventures intense and well-paced. The elements of romance (and physical intimacy) were all there – but I didn’t feel it – or rather I didn’t feel like the characters really had their heart in it.

Jenny Crusie once said, “A book isn’t finished until the reader reads it.”

So very true! As a paranormal romance reader, I know we all bring our own baggage to a story, even when we’re reading for escape.

I’m well aware that even my favorite authors will occasionally deliver a book that doesn’t resonate with me. (it’s one of those rather impossible goals to please everyone with every title). But I’d had such high hopes for this one. Will I read the next release from this paranormal romance writer? Of course! And while I’m waiting, I’ll probably reread a favorite book or two from the series – I’m a reader (and a genre fan) for life, even when one element of the paranormal romance novel goes missing once in awhile.

Live the adventure!

Don’t forget to tune in on September 2 for Monica and her book giveaway!!!

Then life intervened. Sales were slower than we expected (considering the amount of time I was putting into marketing and events). My dad died and my husband was deployed for 18 months.  As a suddenly single mom, I struggled (and failed) to keep promoting and writing the rather dark world of my 2096 novels.

My publisher (Echelon Press) understood, keeping me engaged as a paranormal romance writer with a couple of anthology projects (set in 2096 Chicago) and further supporting my choice to delve into a more lighthearted YA fantasy eBook series. Initially designed to release every 8-12 weeks, there are just five stories out at the moment, but the Hobbitville saga is gaining steam.

As a paranormal romance writer (who learned the hard way to follow my ‘voice’) the YA shorts let me explore a fun landscape and feel as if I can ‘finish’ a project in a timely manner. While my life slowly settled, I played with other ideas running around in my head and eventually finished Veil of Justice to my satisfaction.

But the timing was off, my momentum was gone. Here I was, a paranormal romance writer, but my audience had moved on.  Then my rights reverted on the anthologies. It was time to adapt and develop a better plan.

Looking at the new landscape of publishing, I took these titles (From the Ashes, Dream Works, Breaking New Ground, and Veil of Justice) straight to the reader via Kindle and Smashwords. So far, I’ve been pleased with the results. I’ve even got a giveaway going on Goodreads. Yup, that’s it right there. –>

As much as I resist change, even as a paranormal romance writer, adapting is the only way forward. And it’s worked beautifully. I’ve learned to blog, present workshops, and interact with peers and readers on social media. I’ve even managed a You Tube search story!

So I encourage you as a reader or writer, don’t be afraid of what’s looming on the publishing horizon for paranormal romance or any other genre. Do your research, learn the new advantages and keep your mind open to the next great book you can sample on your computer, ereader, tablet, or phone.

Live the adventure!

Visit her dynamic website, From the Shadows for information and details on FIVE (yes 5!!!) different prize packages for readers.

Just to tempt you…in addition to a copy of my very own Invasion of Justice paperback included in Paranormal Prize Pack 2 you’ll find giveaways from authors like Jeaniene Frost, Meg Cabot, Jocelyn Drake, and Vicki Petterson – just to name a few. (Yes, I am excited to be included in such company!)

Any one of these prize packages is an excellent way to build your library of paranormal romance novels and delve into paranormal worlds built by some of the best authors in the business.

From the Shadows has all the details on how you can win one of these great packages of paranormal romance novels.  E.J. has even created delightful bonus entries! This is a website worth checking out and a definite site you’ll want to follow if you’re a fan of panormal romance novels.

Live the adventure!

And that fear is the heart of the problem.

Since the original injury I’m afraid of doing too much, afraid of not doing my fair share, afraid of moving wrong and mostly afraid of giving in to my alpha female side and doing it anyway – whatever the ‘it’ of the moment may be. (which only launches the fear of extending the recovery time.)

I’m afraid my inner alpha female is just not the patient sort.

When I thought about it, I was shocked to realize how many of my thoughts and words were preceded by ‘fear’. It’s not a happy place – at all.

Fear is a place most of the alpha female characters in my paranormal romance novels wouldn’t linger in. Jaden might have been afraid, but she found action to be her cure. Petra dealt with more than her fair share of fear when her empathy gift siphoned it off of other people. Cali had mountains of fear to overcome, but accepting herself was key.

Fortunately, for alpha females in books or real life, fear is only a state of mind.

Which is reassuring as it means even I can overcome my fears. As the author of my own life, I focus on what I can accomplish without injurious complications. It’s a tame list, but amazingly enough, writing, reading, editing, blogging, and facebook all help.

Yup, even in the face of injuries my alpha female side is finding the way. Learn more about my alpha female heroines during the Smashwords.com Summer/Winter sale or when you buy my books at Amazon.

And check out the latest fun in video gadgetry from YouTube!

Live the adventure!

Like many of my peers, I’m always doing more and learning more about online promotion, specifically for paranormal romance authors.

And this paranormal romance author is happy to share the latest trend direct from YouTube SearchStories!

Live the adventure!

Read a couple of my stories for free through July 31 at Smashwords! And buy the rest of my books (paperback or ebook) at Amazon or OmniLit today!

I’ve always subscribed to the theory that you should ‘do’ what you’re good at (and ‘do’ the things you enjoy being good at) This is a theory I grew up with, first presented by my father as: Do what you love and the money will follow.

Exception to the rule of this theory: I used to be pretty good at sleeping, but no one will pay me for that, unless you count the story ideas that occur to me during REM sleep.

Applying that theory to the elements of paranormal romance novels, I believe it’s vital for authors to deliver elements they’re good at – the elements they enjoy. If vampires aren’t your thing – don’t chase the market – just write the werewolves you love (if you love werewolves). I happen to enjoy writing the mental ’super power type’ elements of paranormal romance. (you can read excerpts and reviews)

One simple exercise to highlight the elements of paranormal romance you enjoy writing is to set a timer (ten minutes or so) and let yourself do a free-thought sort of scene. Try it again with a different element.

Keep going until you find the element of paranormal romance that absolutely captivates you as a writer. Not only can this spark some great story ideas, but if you really let yourself go, you’ll be able to apply that insight to your craft and enjoy your process even more.

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!

And who would ever want to limit imagination?

When I’m reading, one of my favorite elements of a paranormal romance novel genre is shape shifters.  Whether it’s an element of epic or lighthearted proportion in the paranormal novel, I always find it fascinating how authors choose to portray this type of character.

Harry Potter is a prime example for shifter characterization even though the books aren’t usually found on the romance side of paranormal…

But since our family kicks off summer with a movie marathon and this year (after much lobbying) we’re enjoying the rediscovery of J.K. Rowling’s great paranormal adventures through the movies (and we’re re-reading the books too).

So with shifters on my mind anyway,  Harry Potter 3 seemed like a prime example to use here.

Rowling looked at shifters of both the werewolf and animagus varieties. I like both elements of the paranormal novel and the way Rowling used them to illustrate change by choice and change by circumstance.

Taking that to an emotional level, Rowling added the ‘belief’ factor of change within characters through her use of the boggart. The belief of the spell caster is critical to successfully shifting the the ‘boggart’ from something fearful to something conquered by humor.

All of Rowling’s shape shifter elements of the paranormal novel – romance or not – were put to excellent, creative use, thanks to her wide open imagination.

So far, I’ve not addressed shape shifters as an element of paranormal romance novels, but I’m up for the fun, should my imagination lead me that direction some day…

Live the adventure!

Often people (silly as they can be)  claim paranormal romance writers only end books one way or we’re too predictable with all the happy ever after stuff.

But I like the happy ever after stuff…

both as a reader of many romance sub-genres and as a paranormal romance writer. Through many a manuscript and critique partner experience I’ve learned a few things about crafting solid, surprising endings for your paranormal romance novel.

Here are 3 quick tips:

1. Keep the action on the page. Don’t pull punches or that ridiculous ‘it was all a dream’ nonsense. You’ve been building up to this, let the reader enjoy every punch to the gut – literal and emotional.

2. Readers love to worry, and  they read to experience the world of the character in paranormal romance novels. At the crucial moment, make sure your reader can feel the intensity along with the character.

The old rule of thumb is if you didn’t cry writing it, your reader won’t cry reading it. So pull that box of tissues closer to your keyboard and give your ending every emotion it needs.

3. Last, but never least, don’t leave your reader wondering ‘what’ or ‘why’. Whether you’re writing in a series or stand alone, resolve, resolve, resolve.

Loose ends will frustrate a reader faster than missing pages and as a paranormal romance writer your goal is to build that precious relationship with the reader.

So be sure if you introduced something that you’ve wrapped it up by The End. Even in a series, there should plenty of subplots to wrap in each paranormal romance novel to make it feel complete even as you move the overall conflict into the next book.

Live the adventure!

What was the best twist you never saw coming from your favorite paranormal romance writer?