FRIDAY STIR FRY - Author Spotlight

http://www.morguefile.com

I'm thrilled to host Allison Merritt today. Not only is she a talented writer with many books to her credit, I consider her a good friend. She writes in various romance genres including Steampunk, Vikings, 1800 era Ozarks, and modern day Cowboy. Her current release involves demons and the evil they unleash on a small western town. How cool is that!

Before I introduce you to her current release, please enjoy this quick interview.

Your books cover many different historical times from Vikings to modern day. Which is your favorite and why? 

I've always loved 19th century culture. My first attempts at writing romance were set in the 1800s and it's still my favorite time period to write. The first romance novel I read was In the Shadow of the Mountains by Roseanne Bittner and I read a ton of Louis L'Amour. Both authors had a serious impact on my writing. I like cowboys in general, so do expect to see those whether they're modern, historical or in an alternate world. Although, Vikings were a great switch, because they're the ultimate alpha hero.

What would you consider a perfect day?

Wake up late, maybe 10-ish, get in the car, take a drive, perhaps south toward Arkansas, because right now, the trees and flowers are blooming and the scenery is great. Have a late lunch, maybe do a little shopping, no rush to get back, just time to marvel at the beauty of nature. End the day curled up in my chair with my dogs and watching a good movie. Then bedtime and a nice, uninterrupted sleep.

Favorites:

Movie: Secondhand Lions - action, adventure, mystery, romance. It has it all.

Food: Mac n'cheese

Drink: Dr. Pepper

Shoes: Flip flops

Car: Mustang

Animal: My Japanese chins. They're hilariously crazy dogs.

Thanks Allison! And, by the way, I love Secondhand Lions.

Blurb:

If love can’t save them, there will be hell to pay.

Grateful for his mother’s human blood that cools the dark fire of his demon father, Eban Heckmaster has set up a medical practice in New Mexico territory. But there’s no hope of living a normal life until he rids himself of a seductive demon that’s been pursuing him.

Vanquishing it won’t be as simple as sharpening his demon-hunting sword. The clever creature is hiding inside his best friend’s head, and she has no idea of the havoc she’s been wreaking, especially with his body.

Beryl suspects Eban knows why she’s been waking up with no memory of where she’s been or what she’s done, but he’s not talking. But when she inevitably learns what he’s hiding—or rather, what’s hiding inside her—she wonders if her love for him is real, or an illusion created by the demon’s lust.

Eban is losing the battle to hold his rising desire in check. There may be only one way to extricate Beryl from the beast entangling her mind. Call upon his demon blood…and offer it as a sacrifice.

Excerpt:

Eban’s lungs ached for breath and his eyes shot open. Startled by weight settling on his abdomen, he tried to sit up, but two small hands held him down. Thanks to his demon blood, it only took a moment to adjust to the dark. In the nonexistent light, he peered up at Beryl Brookshier’s angelic face. She gave him a wicked smile as long strands of wheat-blonde hair tickled his bare chest. He sucked in a breath when he realized she was naked and a sheet was the only thing separating her from his raging erection.

“What are you doing?”

The second the words were out of his mouth, Eban knew he wasn’t talking to Beryl.

“Ravish me, Ebaneezer.”

The demon used Beryl’s voice and body, but the thing talking to him was far from human. The notion of taking its head off and sparing himself a lot of trouble was tempting. If not for the real Beryl’s trusting green eyes and bashful smile.

“That stopped being funny the first time you got naked in front of me.”

She caressed his cheek. “You were dreaming. I was trying to make your dreams more pleasant.”

He slapped her hands away. “You thought you’d tempt me into bedding you and then letting some other parasite into my brain. That’s not going to happen, Rosemar.”

“You want this body. Why deny it, Heckmaster?” The lust demon glowered at him, her irritation creasing the smooth face she borrowed.

“Get off me.” He pushed her away, then grabbed the sheet as she slid off his chest. “What I want is for you to vacate it, leaving Beryl’s mind intact so I can get out of Berner.”

Buy links:

Samhain - https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5394/eban

Amazon - http://amzn.com/B00QZVS0I2

B & N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wystan-allison-merritt/1119847207?ean=9781619222892

Are - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-eban-1724448-140.html

Google Books - https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CL3VBQAAQBAJ&rdid=book-CL3VBQAAQBAJ&rdot=1&source=gbs_atb&pcampaignid=books_booksearch_atb

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/eban

About the author:

A love of reading inspired Allison Merritt to pursue her dream of becoming an author who writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the sub-genres. She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her husband and dogs. When she's not writing or reading, she hikes in national parks and conservation areas.

Allison graduated from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri with a B.A. in mass communications that's gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than hard news.

Social links:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/authorallisonmerritt

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/Allison_Merritt

Blog – http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/allisonmwrites/

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/allisonmwrites


Now - for those of you who did the right thing and read this post all the way through - leave a comment and/or question for Allison - your name will go into a drawing for a $5.00 Amazon gift card. Make sure I have your e-mail address so I can notify you if you win.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - A Sample

I thought today I would share an excerpt from my current work. It's a contemporary romance titled Coming Home. I'm about half way done with the first draft. I would love to know what you think in the comments!

Jennifer headed back to the Satellite. She needed to call work and explain she would be gone a few more days than she had planned on.  When she pulled in front of her room, she saw Ron working on the courtyard. His shirt was off and sweat slipped down his chest. Jennifer tried not to stare. She caught herself licking her lips. Get a grip.

“You have a couple of messages,” Ron yelled at her. "I taped them to your door."

"Thanks." She grabbed the messages and with shaking hands unlocked her door. She threw the notes on the table and pulled the blinds back to look at Ron. His muscles rippled under the fading sunlight. Madam Lucinda's words came flooding back. "There is another in your life from the past you should consider."

Jennifer wasn't about to take him back but she realized she had been rather rough on him since she came here. Maybe it was time to let bygones be bygones. She poured a glass of water and left her room.

"Kind of hot out here for late fall." Jennifer lifted the glass of water toward Ron.

He ran his hand over his forehead to wipe the sweat. "Yeah, it is. Thanks." His fingers brushed hers as he took the glass. A shiver ran through her.  

"So what are you doing?" Jennifer looked around the area.

"Well, originally this was a court yard with nice shade trees, chairs and a small play area for kids. The weeds have taken over and the ice storm last year took out most of the trees. I'm trying to restore it as best I can. That's one of our plans."

"Plans?"

"Yeah, me and Susie's husband. We want to make the Route 66 landmarks in town as close to original as possible."

Jennifer felt a drip of sweat come off her forehead. Was it the actual heat of the day or something else? "No pool?"

"That was not a staple at most of the roadside motels during that time. It wasn't until the sixties and Holiday Inn starting putting mom and pops out of business that some tried to bring people in with pools. Plus I really don't want to fool with the maintenance and insurance."

Silence fell between them as he took another gulp of water.

"Thanks, that was just what I needed." Ron handed the glass back to her.

"It's my way of apologizing."

"For what?"

"Oh, you know, the cold shoulder I've given you since coming back to town." Jennifer shielded her eyes with her hand from the sinking afternoon sun. "It was, you know, a shock seeing you after all these years, I guess." She sounded like an idiot the way she stammered.

Ron leaned on his shovel. "It's okay. I understand completely. It was a shock for me as well, but maybe in a better way."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you were coming here for a sad occasion, with a lot on your mind. I only had one thing on my mind … seeing you again."

"Ron …"

He held up a hand to stop her. "I better get back to work while it's still daylight. Thanks again for the water." With that dismissal, he turned his back to her and started digging again.

                                                              ***

I really hope to get this finished soon and in print. I have a Pinterest board up for it if you want to check it out. https://www.pinterest.com/wandaspage/coming-home/

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Authors You Might Want To Check Out

http://www.morguefile.com

Today I'm featuring more of my talented writer friends. If you missed the first batch, check the archives November 29, 2014.

I feel lucky to know and be associated with these people. Please check out their sites and their books.

First up is Shirley McCann. She is a talented mystery writer with several books available and also her short mystery stories have been published in Woman's World Magazine. Here is her blog link    http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com/
And here is her Amazon Author page   http://amzn.to/18XhPZM

Next up is Cara Bristol. This lady has many books published and specializes in erotica.
Here is her web page link
http://carabristol.com/
And her Amazon author page   http://amzn.to/17Y7USG

And last but not least is Vera Jane Schultz. A talented writer she has something for everyone from mystery to humor to romance.
 Here is the link to her website  http://verasversion.blogspot.com/
Here is her Amazon author page     http://amzn.to/1ETOP0I

I hope you take the time to visit them and perhaps support them with a purchase.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - A Day Late

http://www.freeimages.com

Sorry, this is a day late, but as they say, better late than never. I have no excuse except maybe turkey day hangover. I am dedicating this post to promoting author friends of mine and their books. I hope you'll take the time to visit their web sites and spread the love. You may find a new favorite. Please support local authors by reading and reviewing.

First up is a very prolific writer - Allison Merritt. She writes anything from steampunk to paranormal to historical romances. I've read several of her books and enjoyed them very much. And her blog is a hoot. Check it out and follow her links to her books.
http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

Next up is Lisa Medley. She writes about demons, reapers and ghosts. All with the element of romance. I've read the first in her reaper series and liked it very much. And she takes pictures of graveyards. (I love graveyards)
 http://lisa-medley.com/

If you like romantic comedies, my next friend is right up your alley. She makes me laugh every time we talk. T. Sue Versteeg can also write a fantastic thriller. She also collaborates with best selling author Gemma Halliday. Here is the link to her web site.
http://tsueversteeg.com/

And last but not least is Tierney James. She writes thrillers about espionage and terrorists. I've read An Unlikely Hero and it is a real page turner. Also, she interviewed me on her blog last week. Check it out here.
http://ptierneyjames.blogspot.com/

That's it for now. In a few weeks I'll highlight more of my talented friends. I'm very lucky to know these people. I hope you will pay a visit to their pages.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Today I am excited to bring you a debut author who is also a friend of mine. Not only is she smart and funny but her writing voice is captivating.
First a little about her, then a fun interview and a excerpt from her book. And don't miss the links at the end for more info and where to purchase a copy.

Lisa Medley writes reapers. The grim kind. Her urban fantasy romance, Reap & Repent is available now in a Harlequin E Box Set with three other Harlequin debut authors. A lover of beasties of all sorts, she has a farm full of them in her SW MO home including:  one child, one husband, two dogs, two cats, a dozen hens, thousands of Italian bees and a guinea pig. Not so in love with the guinea pig. She can do ten pushups IN A ROW and may or may not have a complete zombie apocalypse bug-out bag in her trunk at all times. Just. In. Case.

Reap & Repent Blurb:

Deacon Walker is a burned out loner, whose two hundred years as a reaper have left him empty inside. But when he meets Ruth Scott, a gorgeous shut-in with unusual gifts, he’s forced to set his career complacency aside to train her for a destiny she never knew existed. Soon the two will face the ultimate test: a battle against demons determined to destroy humanity, one soul at a time.

 

What draws you to paranormal stories?

 

I have always loved monsters. I think it all started with Scooby Doo back in the day and eventually graduated to the King of monsters, Stephen King. I drew the line at Clive Barker. I like monsters with at least the chance at redemption. When I discovered there was an entire genre devoted to monsters in love called paranormal romance…I was hooked!

Keyboard or paper and pen?

Reap & Repent was mostly written in a notebook until I got a little netbook. Now it’s all keyboard. Occasionally I’ll take notes in my phone or in notebooks still if the muse inspires me while I’m away from my computer. I have to write things down when they come to me, ha!

Do you ever experience writer's block and if so what do you do about it?

I’ve been a little stuck a few times but not really blocked. The only thing that really blocks me is making time to write. I read some great advice from fantasy author Terry Prachett who said when he’s stuck he’ll ask himself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen for this person?” Then he’ll do that to his character. Works for me! I’ve been unintentionally doing this since book one. It’s a terrific way to get yourself unstuck.

Which is easier for you: beginning, middle or end?

I’m a starter for sure, but I’ve found if you start strong often the momentum will carry you. The more I transition from pantser to plotter, the easier the transition from beginning to middle to end becomes. Wandering the back roads is fun, but things move along much more smoothly when you have a map.

Do you have a muse and if so what is his/her name?

My muse’s name is CHOCOLATE. I summon him/her often.

One marketing tip?

I’m still learning, but what I’m trying to do is to reach out and make connections via social media. I don’t friend or follow everyone, but if they look even mildly interesting, I add them to me realm of influence. You never know who might give you that little push that will take you viral. I focus on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. You just can’t do it all.

Do you go out of your way to kill bugs or do you run and hide?

Oh I’ll stomp a spider or bug no problem. It’s the snakes that send me running. I can face about anything except a snake. I’m not so fond of mice either.

Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning or do you not see the point?

I LIKE having my bed made. I do not make it very often. Mostly I make it when I know someone is coming over.

What one thing would surprise people about you? 

I keep bees. Or more, I have a beehive and they hang around and make me honey when they feel like it. I used to really try to ‘work’ them. That only led to disaster. Like a squashed Queen. Finally I learned to leave them alone and let nature find a way. I’ve lost the colony a couple of times and had to start over, but mostly they do better without me.

Prologue from Reap & Repent:

           What does a guy have to do around here to get some service? Deacon Walker marveled as he glared at the undulating queue of grotesque reapers in front of him. 

For all that’s holy, move the hell along already.

It had been a long week, and it wasn’t over yet. He needed to make at least one more pass through the hospital circuit before he could call it a day. He could already feel the tug of a freshly departed soul. Again. People were dropping like flies lately.

 

He massaged his brow, trying to soothe his exhausted patience as the line inched forward at a snail’s pace. 

He was worn thin. Over the past few weeks, three demon soul poachers had popped up in his fair city of Meridian like poisonous mushrooms after a hard rain. While it wasn’t unheard of for one to slip out from Hell every now and then, three was a nightmare.

When it got topside, a demon’s M.O. was to steal a human body, poach a few souls from the dead and dying, and then make its merry way back to Hell, taking its host’s soul along for the ride. The only way to save the souls a poacher was carrying was to behead the host with a scythe. Not a pretty thing to do, but the poor suckers were too far gone by then to survive anyway. No human could withstand the pressures of being ridden by a demon. And it was worth it to save a handful of souls, not to mention inconveniencing the demon.

           Deacon refused to lose any souls from his territory. At all.
 
           So far the score was Deacon, 3. Demons, 0.
 

As a reaper, carrying souls to Purgatory for judgment was his job and he wasn’t about to cede his territory to poachers who used up their hosts like they were disposable Tupperware. So now, in addition to his normal day job, he also had to keep an eye out for more demon invaders.

While demons burned through most human hosts in a matter of days, some in a matter of hours, they had discovered long ago that under the right circumstances they could ride a reaper. Of course, they couldn’t just worm their way in like they did with humans—they had to be invited. But once a deal was struck? They were in.

 

And reapers? Yeah, they could hang on for decades inside a reaper. Deacon knew that fact firsthand.

           His stomach twisted at the thought, but he shook it off, looking ahead with a heavy sigh.

Seriously, this line? Still. Not. Moving?

 

God, he needed a freakin’ vacation. Extended. He dragged a hand through his hair in frustration as his mind flipped through postcard-esque locations of reapings past. He snarled at the thought of New Orleans in summer. He would definitely want to go someplace cool—cool as in frigid, not hip. He was sick of the heat, and it was only the beginning of summer in the semitropical Midwest.

           
            Come to think of it, he was sick of a lot of things.

This place was high on the list. It was as hot as…well, Hell actually. Or at least what he imagined Hell to be, although he’d never actually been there. Thank God.

 

Steam rose from random cracks in the stone floor of the underground station, veiling the place in a humid sulfur stench.  

He pushed forward, finally making his way to the front to deposit his cargo of souls. He didn’t bother chatting. In. Out. Move on. It was a motto that served him well. 

Mission completed, he hustled through the crowd, forgoing the bar-side frivolity of some of the more socially inclined reapers and their small talk about their glory days in the field or—even better—the missteps of the newest reapers. Newbies often tested their limits to humorous if not disastrous effect at least once in their early careers. That was exactly why new reapers had mentors or at least worked in teams. From all the laughter, he could tell that the stories were good ones. It didn’t tempt him.

He slapped his palm against the black granite monolith and flashed out of Purgatory to what he prayed was his last stop of the day.

  BUY LINKS: Reap & Repent is available March 3, 2014 in a Harlequin E Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance Box Set with the works of three other amazing new Harlequin authors! Reap & Repent will be available for single-title release June 2, 2014.

      AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1gF6Q98

   B&N: http://bit.ly/1gz4x7M

KOBO: http://bit.ly/1cSZBam

ITUNES: http://bit.ly/1njOngj

HARLEQUIN: http://bit.ly/1gf0Cbs

 Follow Me on Social Media here:

Lisa Medley, Author Blog

Facebook 

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Pinterest

 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Congratuations Are In Order

I want to use this Stir Fry to congratulate some of my writer friends who have succeeded in their dream of being a published author. If you're not familiar with any of them I've included links to their blogs, etc. (please don't take offense if I leave anybody out - I'm doing this off the top of my head).

First up - Allison Merritt http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/  This young lady has self published several books and now has contracts from traditional publishing houses for two more.

Barbara Bettis - http://barbarabettis.blogspot.com/   This lovely lady is getting her first historical romance published.

Susan Keene - find her on Facebook http://facebook.com/susan.keene1  This wonderful woman has just had her first children's book published.

Lisa Medley - http://lisamedley.wordpress.com  This smart lady entered Harlequin's contest "So You Think You Can Write" and has received a contract for her Reaper series.

T. Sue Versteeg - here's a link to Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9A3USW   This talented writer has several published books and just added a collaboration with  NYT Bestselling Author Gemma Halliday.

Cecily White - https://www.facebook.com/AngelAcademySeries?fref=ts  This beautiful lady had her first book in the Angel Academy young adult series published this winter.

Pat Tierney  - https://www.facebook.com/pati.tierney  just had her suspense novel an Unlikely Hero published.

 Kaye Calkins -  http://www.amazon.com/Deverells-Dilemma   had her Sweet Historical Romance published.

 I am proud to say all of these women are members of Ozarks Romance Authors  a writer's group I am also a member of. http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/   I have learned so much from this group and these women. This post is just a way to thank them all. And maybe one day I'll join their ranks.

Friday Stir Fry - Re-writes

If somebody tries to tell you writing is easy, slap them in the mouth and walk away. They obviously don't know what they are talking about.

I'm currently trying to add 20,000 words to Beyond The Horizon, my book that I thought was finished. I've found out that at 56,000 words it is way too short for a single title contemporary romance.

There are so many writing rules to follow. Not only do I have to follow the rules of grammar, stay in one point of view and limit the use of 'ly' words, I have to follow some industry standard concerning the length of my work. But, if I ever hope to see this book of mine published I have to do this.  I must do this.
"But, how do I go about this monumental task?" you ask.

I am a pantser not a planner, so I'm kinda floundering. I started by adding a couple of scenes but,  in order for them to fit, I had to change a few things. Well, obviously that wasn't going to work. I could just see the lack of continuity baring it's ugly fangs. So now, I'm going through it word by word, page by page. Adding a word of description here and there; which isn't adding up to much. At this rate, I may have 76,000 words by the end of 2014.

If anybody has any words of wisdom or tricks of the trade, feel free to share them in the comment section. You'll be helping this writer in distress and possibly some one else.