He of the Fiery Sword by Skhye Moncrief w/ Interview & Contest

Hi, today we have my friend Skhye Moncrief here talking about her exciting first book release, a paranormal romance called He of the Fiery Sword.

NN: Welcome Skhye! I'm so glad you're here. Please tell us about HE OF THE FIERY SWORD.

SM: He, Arthur, is a reflection of luck, an abomination. He can feel the love, the pain, the sorrow, and the joy of all the ages. If he doesn't save the Druid he is sent to find, all known history could change. Some things are worth dying for. But first a man must live. Arthur didn't count on becoming human. And now the fairies want him to break dragon law... He never expected his charge to push him to the edge of reason. But a man must live before becoming king.

Fear not. The fairies have a plan.

Trust not the fairies.

Druids wed one soul for eternity to protect the integrity of the timeline. Druid Solas's soul mate was taken from her. Now, an 11th Century Irish bishop stalks her to serve as his mistress. She has nothing left yet everything to live for in creating the historical maps she was sent through time to make. She will break time-travel Code if she submits to another man by allowing even one paradoxical child to muddy history. Then Arthur arrives to save her. He is anything but a time guardian. And a fairy tells her to help him. To ignore a god's instruction could prove detrimental. Yet, every time guardian knows believing the Gods is wielding a double-edged sword. Since it is forbidden for Druids to wield weapons, her future relies on He of the Fiery Sword. King Arthur is born.

NN:What incredible, mesmerizing world-building! Please tell us about the Time Guardians and how you came up with these wonderful ideas.

SM: I first started writing this series with an idea from a sci-fi piece (I can't even remember the title or author's name) that was recommended to me. The author is the daughter of a famous anthropologist. Being an anthropology major in grad school, I had to check out her work. Something from her novel triggered a scene for me, and I began writing about High Priestess Nayli. She is not truly a druidess. But she is the backbone of Time Guardian mythology.

I wanted to create a dichotomy between male and female time travelers bent on safeguarding history. I decided we know essentially nothing about druids; so, the heroes should be equally mysterious in origin. I chose freemasons back before National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code enthralled audiences from the bigscreen. That seems like eons ago. I don't consider my heroes as mysterious anymore. My reason for going for the 'mystery' was in hoping to demystify a sub-culture a bit by bringing it's history into fiction even though my heroes are from the future. Ok, maybe not always because everyone you know, even you can be a time guardian reincarnated! You just don't know it yet. ;)

For the record, I chose time travelers from the future because I couldn't decide which time period I wanted to play with. I made certain I could play with any time period in which I could make a connection with my Orders. And I love to try to find connections between various mythologies that interacted throughout history. This makes writing a challenge.

If anyone wants to know anything more about my series, I have an extensive glossary and history of the Orders at www.timeguardians.com just waiting to be read.

NN: I know everyone will enjoy exploring the world of your stories! What was the most important thing you learned (the thing that made all the difference) just before you made your first sale?

SM: You have to make your work 'high concept' with cross-genre romance. This means you must understand your story's theme and be able to tuck it everywhere for maximum effect. This is true for all genres but crucial when dealing with a new story world. There's a heck of a lot of confusion in sketching out a story in the real world. Add a new world to the mix, and you have to understand your tale like there's no tomorrow. If you don't, editors and agents won't understand your story.

NN: Fantastic advice! What inspires you?

SM: I'm inspired by documentaries, encyclopedias, what most call boring textbooks that I adore, and the worldbuilding I read when I get a chance. I'm a certifiable geek. I love to learn.

NN: I'm afraid I'm a geek too. :-) What's next for you?

SM: Next for me, is a series The Wild Rose Press plans to have released next summer. It's still in the works. But I hope we get busy writing soon. I won't mention any details here. And I just learned The Wild Rose Press wants my she-wolf Time Guardian story. So, for any werewolf lovers, here's a time-guardian tale with a canine twist.

NN: I love werewolves!! Would you like to ask blog readers a question?

SM: I love to hear opinions like those left on my current blog contest 'WHO WAS KING ARTHUR?' at http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/. So everybody join in by midnight CST on Christmas Eve. But I'll leave a question here. Whoever leaves an answer will be in the running for a Celtic CD! Loreena McKennitt's PASSPORT. The question: What is a druid? It doesn't matter what you think. Just post! And as the High Druidess says: Know true peace. ~Skhye

NN: Wow what a fantastic prize!!! Thanks for being here today, Skhye! And we wish you the best of luck with your first book! Everyone please visit Skhye's website at: http://skhyemoncrief.com/ and don't forget to answer her question here to have a chance at winning Passport by Loreena McKennit. The songs on the CD are:

Caravanserai
The Mummers' Dance
Huron 'Beltane' Fire Dance
The Mystic's Dream
The Lady of Shalott

Welcome, Terry Spear and Terry Lee Wilde!

Hi, I'm thrilled to say we have a fierce new member here at Fierce Romance blog, Terry Spear aka Terry Lee Wilde. I've been friends and critique partners with Terry for a few years and she's wonderful in every way. A talented, creative writer and a completely nice and helpful person. I interviewed her not long ago here about her current release with Samhain, a YA paranormal called The Vampire... In My Dreams. (What a sexy cover, Terry! Too bad he's too young for me, darn it! LOL) Terry had a release this past year from Vintage, a Scottish historical romance called Winning the Highlander's Heart.

Terry will have an April 1 release from Sourcebooks, a paranormal romance called Heart of the Wolf. This is a fantastic, sexy, fun book full of adventure! I know because I critiqued it and read it as she was writing it. Actually, all her books are awesome. She also has Deadly Liaisons coming out with Samhain, Nov 08. Terry also writes nonfiction for numerous genealogy, WWII, teen, and family magazines, and has had romantic fiction published in True Confessions and True Romance. Needless to say, she's very versatile!

I wanted to ask Terry a few questions so you can get to know her better.

VS: Welcome Terry!! When did you know you wanted to be an author?

TS: I've always loved to make up stories and took creative writing in Junior High School. But I first began to write children's stories when my kids were little. Then I went to adult paranormal and historical romances and then began to write young adult romances.

VS: What is your writing process or method?

TS: Seat of the pants!! I think of an opening scene between my hero and heroine, trying to make it as unique as possible. I think up what their goals are and the reason that they have to complete these goals. And then I just create scenes as I go. I never outline my characters or the rest of my plot. I never know who will be the bad guy until the end. :)

VS: I always find that so interesting! I've done that on a couple of books but find I can't anymore. What was the most important thing you learned (the thing that made all the difference) just before you made your first sale?

TS: That even if one publishing house rejects, another can love it. Never give up on your writing. Never throw out old stories. Sometimes the market changes, or you can revise them until they're the next best seller! Believe in yourself and keep on writing! :)

VS: Great advice!! Thanks so much for joining our blog, Terry. It will be great fun having you here as a partner! Please visit Terry's website at http://www.terryspear.com/ to learn more about her and her books.

Check out this book video for one of Terry's books...

Larissa Ione Talks About Her Latest Book Releases

Today I'm thrilled to say we have talented, versatile author Larissa Ione with us, talking about her upcoming releases.

NN: Welcome, Larissa! I'm glad you're here. Please tell us about your story, "Wet Dreams" in Secrets Volume 21 which is out this month.

LI: Well, it’s the story of a federal agent who hates the water and can’t swim, who gets trapped on a boat in the ocean in the middle of a storm. Oh, and he’s been shot, and bad guys are in pursuit. Fun! *g* Here’s the blurb: Injured and on the run, DHS agent Brent Logan needs is a miracle. What he gets is Wet Dream, a sport-fishing boat owned by Marina Summers, whose fledgling business is now in jeopardy, thanks to Brent. Pursued by killers, ravaged by a fierce storm, and plagued by engine troubles, they can do little but spend their final hours immersed in sensual pleasure. But soon they discover that the danger they face on the high seas is nothing compared to the danger to their hearts…

NN: Sounds sexy and full of adventure. My favorite kind! What inspired this story?

LI: Well, I’ve always wanted to do a boat story, but I didn’t want it to be a “pleasure boat” story, if that makes sense. I also wanted to do something different and challenging for myself – I’d been writing mainly character-driven stories, and I wanted to try my hand at something more action-packed and plot-driven. So with the help of my Coast Guard husband, I came up with the story of a sport-fishing boat captain and ex-paramedic who wants to get her fledgling business off the ground, and a federal agent who wants to remain on dry ground. Neither gets their wish!

NN: You are also part of the writing team, Sydney Croft, aren't you? Is writing with a partner easier or more difficult than writing alone?

LI: Yes, I’m half of the Sydney Croft team. Stephanie Tyler is the other half, though we argue about who is the better half! *g* And for the most part, it is SO much easier to write with her than it is to write alone! There’s an energy there that doesn’t exist when writing alone. It’s so fun to play off what she writes, and usually, I have no idea what she’s going to write. We plot very, very loosely, and much of what happens during the course of the stories comes organically as the characters develop. I would say that the only drawback is that you’re at the mercy of another person’s schedule, and at the whims of the internet gremlins. Sometimes you can’t move ahead until you talk to your partner or until they’ve seen your scene or whatever, and if either one of you is having internet issues, you’re sort of screwed. That can be really hard.

NN: Interesting! I've always wondered how writing partnerships worked. How are the Sydney Croft books different from the books you write as Larissa Ione or your Secrets stories?

LI: Well, the Sydney novels are very erotic and very fast-paced with lots of action. They have a very science-fiction/superhero feel to them that just makes them fun. My Secrets stories are erotic, but not at the level of the Sydney books. Snowbound (Samhain) is the tamest book I’ve written, at a Harlequin Temptation/Blaze heat level, and is very much a character story. But my newest work, my Demonica series coming next summer from Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner,) is super dark, gritty, and paranormal – a departure from anything else I’ve done, but honestly, I think it’s my truest voice. I love to write sexy and dark. There’s a freedom there that I love. Again, these books aren’t at the erotic level that the Sydney novels are, though with heroes who are incubi (sexual demons) the plots are inherently sexy. Also, the Sydney Croft books have a military twist to them – many of the characters are ex-military, and the ACRO series centers around a super-secret, paranormal paramilitary organization. With all of the Larissa Ione books, you’ll find strong medical elements. In Flesh To Fantasy, from Secrets Volume 18, the hero is a paramedic. In Wet Dreams, from Volume 21, the heroine is an ex-paramedic who finds her way back. In Snowbound, the hero is an EMT/ski patroller. In the Demonica series, the action centers around a demon hospital, and the hero of the first book is a doctor, the hero of the second is a paramedic. So definitely, there’s a distinct difference between the Sydney Croft books and the Larissa Ione books.

NN: They all sound fascinating and extremely creative! Thanks for visiting with us today!

LI: Thank you so much for interviewing me, Nicole! It’s been fun, and I look forward to reading YOUR Secrets stories when they come out!

NN: Thank you, Larissa!!! Everyone, please visit Larissa's website at: http://www.larissaione.com/ My question for you blog readers today is... if you write, have you tried writing with a partner and how did that go? Or have you tried doing any type of creative project with a partner?

Happy Holiday Traditions

Once upon a time my grandmother, mother and aunt baked multiple batches of assorted Christmas cookies for sharing with friends, relatives and neighbors. Oatmeal raisin. Forgotten cookies. Cherry Winks. Sand tarts. Porcupines. Sugar cookies. Thumbprints. The list continues, but these are a sampling of which dozens were prepared and devoured. Though the variety changed and lessened over the passing years, one baking tradition remained—chocolate-chip cookies were always tucked into festive tins and dwindled rapidly between removal from the ovens and Christmas Eve. More now than ever, I choose to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas while embracing the beauty and natural majesty of the season. Shortly after Thanksgiving I shift into baking mode and prepare those chocolate-chip cookies that bring smiles, raised coffee mugs and good cheer.

Snow has fallen and your senses are stirred at first breath as you step outside. Lampposts and lintels are festooned. Holiday finery decorates doors, windows, shrubs and lawns. Proud pines show off their tinsel and trimmings. You’re strolling along, perhaps singing a favorite Christmas carol and mulling over plans for the season. What Christmas tradition is observed by you and your family?

Blessings and all the best for the holidays and beyond,

Shawna Moore http://www.grant-moore.com/
Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/shawnamooreauthor
Helle’s Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/hellehawthorn

"New Year's Bites" by Cynthia Eden & Interview

I'm happy to say today we have red-hot author Cynthia Eden with us, talking about her upcoming novellas!

NN: Thanks for being a guest here at Fierce Romance, Cynthia! Please tell us about "New Year's Bites" in A RED HOT NEW YEAR which was released a few days ago.

CE: Sure, thanks for asking! New Year’s Bites is an erotic paranormal novella about, well, here’s the blurb:

While on her way to a New Year’s Eve party, Anna Summers is attacked and bitten by a large, wolf-like creature. She is saved by sexy security expert, Jon York. But Jon isn’t quite who he seems to be, and Anna… well, she’s starting to change. The quiet, good-girl she’d been before the bite disappears, and a wild, sensual, almost… animalistic woman takes her place. The hot lust that burns through her body every moment she’s around Jon soon flares out of control. Filled with new strength and passion, Anna begins to think she may be starting the best year of her life. Yet in the shadows, someone is stalking her—waiting for another sweet bite. For Anna, the New Year that began with a blaze of passion may burn out with the dangerous rise of the moon.

NN: Sounds hot! I love wolf shifters! Do you have a review you could share with us?

CE: Yes, Cherokee of Coffee Time Romance reviewed the book—actually she was the first person to give me a review. Here are a few lines from her review: "Cynthia Eden creates an intriguing read full of hot, steamy passion that brings out more than the animal. Anna and Jon inflame the pages while staying one step ahead of the obstacles that continue to get in their way. This story takes a bite and does not let go." The complete review may be read at: Coffee Time Romance


NN: You also have a Red Sage novella which will be out at the end of December. Please tell us about "Caged Wolf" in SECRETS, VOLUME 21: PRIMAL HEAT.

CE: “Caged Wolf” is the last installment in my Call of the Wolf trilogy for Red Sage, and this is the blurb for that story:

Alerac La Morte has been drugged, kidnapped, and taken to some hole in the wall far from civilization. To make matters worse, Alerac realizes that his captor, Madison Langley, is actually…his destined mate. Madison hates his kind–she blames Weres for the death of her father, and she wants vengeance. But when captor is turned captive, will Alerac be able to convince her that he’s not the monster she thinks, that wolves are true, and when they mate…it’s forever?

A real quick note… The first story in my Call of the Wolf trilogy was “Bite of the Wolf,” and it appeared in SECRETS, VOLUME 15. The second tale, “The Wolf’s Mate,” was published in SECRETS, VOLUME 18: DARK PASSIONS.

NN: Lots of wolf stories! I see I have a lot of reading to catch up on. How were you first inspired or motivated to write werewolf stories and what do you love most about writing them?

CE: I’ve always loved the werewolf legend—I particularly like the idea that there are men and women out there who have more than a bit of the beast within them. When I write about werewolves, I love being able to push physical, mental, and emotional limits with them—they are supernatural creatures, so anything is possible with them.

NN: What was the most important thing you learned (the thing that made all the difference) just before you made your first sale?

CE: I learned to persevere. Rejections happen to everyone, they are just a fact of the writing life. You have to develop a very thick skin in this industry if you want to be successful.

NN: So true! Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?

CE: Yes, read, a lot! Study your genre. Write from your heart. And do NOT let rejections get you down. Keep trying—keep honing your craft—and don’t ever give up.

NN: Great advice. What's next for you?

CE: In May of 2008, my first Kensington Brava novel will hit store shelves. I am very excited about the release of HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT (my tale about a psychiatrist who only treats paranormal patients and the wolf shifter that steals her heart).

I’ve actually just started work on a new paranormal novel—and by just started, I mean I’m on page 10! :-) But I sure do hope to get some fast and frantic writing done before the new year arrives.

NN: I hope you do too. Good luck with that new story! And I look forward to your Brava novel too. Thanks again for being here with us!

CE: Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me! I had a great time answering your questions.

NN: Please visit Cynthia's site here Cynthia Eden. A question for you readers, if you're a fan of werewolf or wolf shape-shifters, what do you love most about them?

Contest Winners Announced

Hi, first I want to congratulate one of our members, Carol Ericson, on the release of her first book! The Stranger and I is in stores today! Carol is blogging at the
Intrigue Authors blog today. Go check out her post on bad boy heroes and find a yummy recipe too.


I also want to announce the winners of my November contest. I held drawings for both. The winner of my mailing list drawing was pamk258. She won two books. And the winner from a drawing of the blog postings is Veronica Wolff. She won a pair of handmade earrings. Congratulations ladies!!!

Please check out my newly redesigned website www.nicolenorth.com/

Can't Resist Those Western Tales

Torrid Sizzler of the Month Award

More information, including the first chapter, is available at –

http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=25

Today I’m giving extra-special thanks and remembering the birthday of the most important person ever in my life. Had she not succumbed to cancer, my beloved mother would have turned eighty years old today. Her indomitable spirit in the face of a devastating disease is the reason I refuse to let life’s upheavals and unforeseen circumstances get me down. She fought the good fight and so do I, every single day. During her illness I tapped into my creative side and started writing a tender historical romance that has never been published. Each day for the remainder of her life I serialized this story for her. The 431-page novel wasn't completed until after her death, but I knew she remained at my side during the writing process, providing support as always. Memories from those times we spent together are some of my most precious. Mom was an avid reader of romance and women’s fiction. She read several category romances each week, and Western settings were among her favorites. This blog post is in honor of Mom, the woman whose guidance and encouragement of my love of the written word spurred me to embark on a writing career.

For years I’ve enjoyed reading tales of the Wild West and those rugged men who win hearts and wrangle their way out of the worst situations. While watching television one afternoon, I became inspired to write a Western historical erotic romance set in Tombstone. TAMING THE TEMPTRESS is a ribald tale that speaks to second chances at love and of never giving up hope. It’s all about rising above circumstances and realizing good things come to those who wait.

Blurb:

Nothing comes between Lorelei Pettigrew and her whip…until a handsome newspaperman from NY arrives on the scene with a story on his agenda and seduction on his mind.When a saloon siren, Lorelei Pettigrew, crosses paths with the latest handsome man to arrive in Tombstone, her passion knows no boundaries. James Melton, a newspaperman from New York, ventures to this sinful silver town looking for a story but finds romance and redemption instead. When Lorelei’s life is threatened, James vows to protect the spirited temptress and deliver her from harm. He’s always preferred dalliances to husbandly duty, but after a short time in Lorelei’s company, James’s mind and life change forever.

Reviews:

James and Lorelei are enchanting characters with well developed personalities. They are opposites in some ways and yet they complement each other very well. Their relationship progresses at a realistic pace. The way the emotional connection between them develops is fascinating to watch. The love scenes are hotter than a firecracker and left me breathless. The language used in the book is appropriate to the time period. The setting is nicely described and appropriate to the storyline.Ms. Moore has written a tale of love and lust in the old West that I enjoyed greatly. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Western style romance with detailed love scenes. Taming the Temptress is most definitely a keeper!" - Susan White, Coffee Time Romance.

"Lorelei is a remarkably written character. Her emotions are genuine and really pull at the reader’s heartstrings. I'm not sure I have ever read a romance where the heroine is really a prostitute. But, although Lorelei manages to avoid sleeping with some patrons, she definitely does have sex for money. James expects the worst of Lorelei because of what she does for a living. Likewise, Lorelei thinks James will be like every other man she’s known and walk away after he gets what he wants. They each have to earn the other’s trust. Ms. Moore has penned a brilliant combination of Western romance and erotica. Taming the Temptress is a gritty, erotic romance that doesn’t candy-coat the harsh reality of life for some women in the old West. I highly recommend this touching, yet very erotic love story." - Reviewed by Shelley, Fallen Angel Reviews.

"Taming the Temptress is a poignant novel. From the moment James sets eyes on Lorelei we see her as a most strong woman, full of spirit and determination. Men have treated her badly in her years but she maintains her strength the best she can. James admires that she has been able to keep her sweetness. He is there to get a story for his newspaper but he cannot fight the strong urges that he begins having for Lorelei. Ms. Moore illustrates a picturesque life of what it was like in the Old West with hard times and what impact it played upon the woman as she was made to feel as a possession or a section of property. The characters are quite believable and the dialogue superb. Ms. Moore has depicted Lorelei with courage, tender emotions and a powerful resolution that melts the heartstrings. I enjoyed reading about James and Lorelei as their love for each other allowed them to earn each other's trust." -- 5 Hearts, Linda,

The Romance Studio Blue.

For the month of December, I’m a Featured Author at The Romance Studio Blue, and you can read more about my novel, TAMING THE TEMPTRESS.
Access my Feature Author interview at –

http://www.theromancestudio.com/blue/home.php

An excerpt and more reviews are a click away at –

http://www.grant-moore.com/shawna/tempt.html

Wishing you all health and happiness for the holiday season,

Shawna Moore http://www.grant-moore.com/
ROUGHRIDER – Ellora’s Cave
HELLE IN HEELS – Ellora’s Cave