Catching the reader’s eye

This has been the plague of many a new writer, as well as those more established. The trend seems to be go bigger and it’s all better. I’ve watched as we’ve moved from small “giveaways” of a new book, to gift certificates, and more recently I’ve been looking at blog tours that offer eReaders and $100 gift cards to winners. So, is it the prize or is it the author/book that is pulling in the reader’s interest?

I have to be honest here, and I only speak for myself of course. I don’t make enough money to be able to offer up prizes like that, even after almost ten years in this business. So where does this leave new writers? Or writers who honestly can afford to offer their readers the big prizes that are becoming so commonplace? I was curious, to hear from readers, and perhaps other authors–do you think it’s becoming harder and harder to meet the rising odds in this business? For those established, there’s the advantage of having built an audience who will quite probably stay with them throughout a career, but what about the newcomers who are struggling so much to have their voices heard/read?

We all love to get things for free, hell that's human nature, but do we have to buy reader loyalty? It seems to be the new trend, especially in the ePublishing business where everyday there’s a new publisher vying for a piece of a rapidly shrinking market. In some cases those publishers aren’t even people with any experience of the business, and their authors equally inexperienced. In this day where anyone can put up a website and “start a publishing business” you don’t have to wonder why there is so much on the market that even ten years ago would never have been accepted–by legitimate publishers and, perhaps more importantly, by readers. Love it or hate it, ten years ago the publishing world would never have allowed a book like Fifty Shades of Grey to be released, and not because of the story content–which makes me wonder if the standards we expect have really diminished because there is a lack of quality, or if we’re getting resigned to mediocrity in our jaded world?

Slick marketing can make any book a success, if you have the money to invest it the campaign to get it seen. But does that make it good, or even “right” when so many truly excellent stories never get the chance to be seen? I don’t think I’m jaded enough to believe success has to be bought, I’d like to think there are still discerning readers who value authors who work hard to consistently produce a good story. What do you think?

RECKLESS ASSIGNATION

Ellora’s Cave – Quickies™ Breathless

The shock of the cool chair against her bare skin sent another shiver through Cinthya. But before she could recover completely, Rick had most of her clothes off and was halfway through tying her ankles back to the legs of the chair, this time to the back legs, leaving her thighs spread wide.

Her heartbeat doubled when his fingers began a slow, barely perceptible pattern of caressing her legs, starting at the back of her ankles and gradually moving upward. The room actually did a crazy spin when Rick bent his head and started following the path of his roaming hands with his lips.

Cinthya squirmed with renewed urgency as she tried to free herself from the surprisingly strong bonds. Rick’s tongue barely touched the wet folds between her legs, but the featherlike contact created a spasm of reaction in her. She shuddered and gasped, the sound becoming a tiny moan when he repeated the gesture with a slow, lingering sensuality. Then he leaned back to look up into her eyes.

“Why…?” She wasn’t even sure what it was she wanted to ask as the words got caught in another trembling twitch. His fingers were smoothing gentle touches on the inner skin of her thighs.

“Because I love you, Cindi,” he answered around a huge smile, supplying his own meaning to the gasped query.

She looked down to watch his hand brushing over the dark-gold thatch of hair between her thighs and tried to thrust into the contact. Frustration played through her when he refused to accommodate her.

“Rick? Do you think maybe you could love me a little faster?” The words were expelled like a choked breath of air and her face warmed with the heat of her embarrassment as well as her passion.

“How fast are you thinking, sweetheart?” His grin was on the verge of dissolving into laughter.

His finger finally delving into her wet heat effectively cut off any attempt at an answer, her hips again shifting into his touch. He probed deeper into her and started a slow, gentle rhythm, his own breath becoming audibly strained when her head fell back and her lips parted with a breathy sigh.

Visit my Ellora's Cave Author Page

BIG NEWS - the stunning Kayden McLeod cover for my novel OUT OF THE PAST is up for an award. I need votes for this amazing cover, so PLEASE, if you would, drop over and vote. Voting closes next Monday, and all you have to do is register at the site, confirm your email, then vote - nothing more: http://indtale.com/cover-contest - THANKS SO MUCH!!

New Year's Goals and Vamps with ATTITUDE

Firstly, a very Happy New Year to everyone! 2012 is gone, and 2013 is beginning not so much with resolutions as it is with goals set, and determination to make this a very productive and special year! I decided late in November that once the commitments from 2012 were cleared away, 2013 would be approached differently. So, I’ve got a plan, and it will mean fewer releases, but I hope better ones when they are available. I have three novels in the planning stages, my first YA paranormal, an Historical Western, and a new fantasy tale. Each very unique stories that I hope will be of interest to readers.

The new year’s also kicked off with a bang in that I am currently in the #1 spot on the Predators and Editors Poll for Author of the Year – at least I think that’s what it is? Anyway, here’s a link if you’re inclined to give me a vote:

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml

One of my most recent books is a return to the dark and somewhat deviant vampires that I really enjoy writing. The book has a touch of Dom/s included, and ménage, plus a pair of very lethal vampire lovers who love what they are and revel in it! That book is Hunters’ Game. It was suggested that the central character of that book would make a great interview, so I’ve interviewed my vampire for you–and damn, he has more attitude than I’d ever want to tangle with–so here we go:

Interview With A Vampire

First, I’d like to thank my friend April, as well as the ladies at my Facebook group and Talking Two Lips for the suggested questions for Demetri deVerieux from HUNTERS’ GAME:

The interview:

What do you and Cliantha look for in a person when you’re looking for a toy for the evening? Do you go for looks or lack of intelligence to make it easier for you to trap your prey and make them compliant?

Demetri: What do we look for? You mean apart from a warm vein? *raising an eyebrow to emphasize the sarcasm* What I look for, and let’s be clear on this, I select the prey, Clia is the bait. Intelligence makes the game more interesting and more satisfying. Anyone can lure a drunk or some poor bastard who’d jump at the chance to breathe in the same air Cliantha inhabits, to entice an intelligent human into coming to us willing is always a victory. Since we’re looking to indulge in an array of passions and hungers, appealing prey is preferred. Compliancy isn’t an issue, willing or not, I control this game and all the players in it.

Who turned you? How old are you? How did you hook up with Cliantha? Are you into the BDSM lifestyle or is it just with Cliantha that your inner caveman comes out?

Demetri: I was turned by Stavros almost 500 years ago. Cliantha is the reincarnation of the only woman Stavros ever loved. Several hundred years ago, I let her be killed to save my own ass, he was more than a little annoyed about it and we parted company for a couple of centuries. Clia is mine now. After I put Stavros in his crypt for the final time, she was broken. I offered her shelter. She’s entertaining, so I keep her.

Inner caveman? If you call a male who takes what he wants and makes it his, then perhaps I am. She knows better than to fight with me, she loses. And then I have to make her aware of who is the master and who is the slave in this relationship. *smiling* BDSM is not a lifestyle to males of my breed. We are masters, and you are our slaves.

What are you going to do about the glimpse of betrayal you’ve seen in Clia?

Demetri: *laughing* Clia is never going to betray me, she knows how painful my vengeance will be if she dares to attempt it. *shrugs* If she feels the need to test my patience, I’m certain it will be memorable for us both.

How did you and Cliantha meet? Are you satisfied with your existence as a vampire? Is there anything you wish were different? What's on your "bucket list"?

Demetri: Clia was devoted to Stavros when I met her, it was simply my wish that she belong to me not him. It took several hundred years, but I get what I want.

*eyes the interviewer and laughs* Satisfied with my existence? I can’t die, I have no laws to obey, can do anything and no one can stop me. What’s not to love? I have no bucket list, because what I want, I take. What I want to do, I simply do.

What is the relationship between you and Stravos? How did it come about? Is it an amicable relationship or strained?

Demetri: I’d hardly call it a relationship. His daughter wanted me as her pet, so he ripped out my throat, turned me and gave me to her. I gave him her heart while it was still warm once I got tired of her. I’d call our interactions strained for some reason.

Was there a time when having a normal life, growing old, having family, meant something?

Demetri: Yes, it meant growing old, getting sick, and dying. I can’t imagine why I didn’t want all that. *stands and smiles* Thank you so much for this fascinating conversation, stay off the streets later if you’d like to continue breathing.

And with the interview ended by our illustrious vampire, if you’d like to know more about him and his partner, check out their story here:

HUNTERS’ GAME

From the PUBLISHER

On AMAZON 

ARe Romance eBooks: 

Bookstrand: 

In modern Toronto, two vampires stalk the night, their hunting a game that is seductive and deadly. In a darkly compelling Goth Club, they find the prey they seek for their pleasures, and the night runs crimson with blood and unquenchable thirsts....

Excerpt:

A flicker of reddish blond hair caught her eye and her vampiric sight pierced the murky atmosphere, saw him smile at her from across the room. Already her body hummed with the knowledge that his hands would soon be on her skin, inciting a hunger that no one else could feed.

She brushed past the few who lingered near the top of the stairs, and skirted the metal bars that gave the place such a distinctive look. By the time she reached where he’d been, he’d vanished. Grinding her teeth, she whirled around and studied the crowd. Again, his pale presence drew her. One arched eyebrow rose in amused challenge.

“Your game is intriguing, love,” she whispered. He’d hear her despite the deafening music.

And which role do you prefer to play? Predator or prey? His answer whispered inside her head, and she grinned.

What does it matter? It always ends the same and I have never objected...

* * * * Leave a comment, or even a question for Demetri, and on Friday, January 11^th I’ll pull a name and send you a copy of HUNTERS’ GAME * * *

Silver Bells - a romantic Duet for the Holidays

Sensual Romance - Historical Western and contemporary

BUY it here 

ARe Romance eBooks: 

Bookstrand: 

Amazon 

Connected by several generations of family tradition, a gift originally given back in 1878 finds its way into the hands and heart of the newest addition to the Hamiltonfamily. The silver bell earrings are an heirloom blessed by love, and once again the magic of the holiday combines with the magic of the heart to unite lovers touched by Destiny.

A Second Chance by Denysé Bridger

(Historical Western romance)

Blurb: Enroute back to his home in Montana, Joshua Hamilton is bushwhacked and left for dead. As stubborn as he is strong, Josh makes his way to the nearest homestead, and meets Sara Grant. Left alone after travelling to reside with her brother and his wife only to lose them to illness, Sara nurses Joshua back to health, all the while trying to deny the tender awakening of love. As the holiday approaches, danger arrives to threaten the future they haven't even begun to share.

A Christmas for Beginnings by Brigit Aine

(Contemporary erotic)

Blurb: Stephanie is worried that starting over, by moving to Wyoming to work for a guy she's never even talked to, might be a bit extreme. Cole doesn't know what to expect from his new cook, but he hopes to take some of the work load off his mom. Together, they learn that fate is at work, and with a little Christmas Magick, all will be well.

Denyse

Denysé Bridger

"Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy..."

** Best-Selling Author of 2011 **

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com

Fantasy Pages (general): http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com

Bound By Passion (adult content): http://boundpassion.blogspot.com

Reader vs. Writer - Giveaway

My next release from Ellora's Cave is called RECKLESS ASSIGNATION, and it's a fun one!

Halloween is the setting for a very private party between two lovers, one of them a world-class, sophisticated intelligence operative who’s trying to teach his young and innocent lady that curiosity can sometimes take you places you’d be better not to go… Rick also has a lesson to learn, when his past collides with his present, and almost destroys everything...

Hello everyone! I was really stumped for a topic when a discussion on my newsgroup provided some inspiration. (Ok, so I asked and they pointed me to the discussion…)

A fellow author had asked for a critique of something she was writing, and she got back two very different responses from the two readers to whom she had sent the work. This obviously led to some mixed responses and some questions, namely when do you listen to the reader, who is after all the audience you are working for, and when do you trust your instinct as the creator of the work, when the two come into conflict? Do you, as readers, ever stay with a book if you feel it’s flawed or not written in a way that you generally find enjoyable, or are you willing to stay with it to the end to see if there’s a change in the author’s style or your response to it?

What makes a book good, in your opinion? Story, of course, but are there certain styles that you enjoy more than others? I’d like to know what appeals to the audience as a whole, so please tell me if you were to have the chance to shape the book, what would you recommend?

All creative or artistic work is subjective, and no two people will ever really see it the same way, despite reading the same words. So, as an author, I tend to write what I enjoy. If it “feels” right, then I trust that it is right. However, I always like to see what readers find appealing, and what they feel is the trending genres, and I suspect other authors so as well... Now’s your chance to tell us what you really do prefer! What do you think??? You willing to step up and tell me your thoughts? We’ll have a random drawing of names from the comments, and reward your efforts with a surprise! 

And, since we're talking what readers like, as a reader, I really do love mixed genres, and Historical fiction is what I inevitably go back to. As a reader, and as a writer. My newest release is Historical Western, and it will soon be out in Audio, as well. Have a look:

RETURN TO LOVE

Genre: Historical Western - sensual romance

From the PUBLISHER

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

COMING SOON in Audio

Blurb: Clay Butler is a man who rules the quiet town of Cedar Springs with an iron will, and a code of honor that defines all he is. But the past haunts him, and the loss of a woman who was his second chance at happiness weighs heavily on his over-burdened mind...

Excerpt:

The stage came thundering to a stop a short distance from the Lucky Star Saloon, and the driver, a man called Noah, shouted greetings, his laughter filling the air outside the carriage. Inside, the sole passenger fought down waves of nerve-induced nausea.

Amber Hamilton clutched her stomach for a second, and offered Noah a weak smile when he opened the door and held out his hand to help her to the street. The ground below her feet was hard, still frozen by winter. In a few weeks the road would be a mire of mud.

“Butler’s gonna be a happier man than he’s been lately, once he sees you, Miss Amber.”

Her smile brightened a little and she touched his arm in a gesture of appreciation.

“I hope you’re right, Noah,” she replied, though the knot of apprehension didn’t ease in the slightest.

“I know I am, ma’am,” he said with a grin.

Amber hesitated, stared up at the balcony that ran across the front of the club. Clay’s door should have been open. He should have been perched at the corner, smoking, smiling at the people who populated the busy street. The shutters were still down, and there was stillness about the place that was unnerving.

“He’s not out of town, is he?” Inside, she knew he was only a short distance away; she could feel his presence as keenly as if he stood next to her.

“No, ma’am,” Noah answered, then turned to shout at Walker.

Amber turned as well and saw guarded curiosity in Jesse Walker’s light blue eyes as he halted next to the stage. He hadn’t changed much in the past six months. Walker was still the scruffy, attractive, mysterious, outwardly hard man she’d always felt mildly intimidated by. Yet, there was a peace in his manner that had been absent before. She spotted the silver star pinned to his vest and inquisitiveness all but ran away with her.

“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Walker.” She smiled. “Sheriff Walker?” she corrected with enough surprise to make it a question. Jenny and Austin had always wanted him to be the Sheriff of the town, he’d never been interested. She admired Jesse, he was one of the few men who challenged Clay, and kept him from crossing lines from which there would be no returning.

“Butler know you’re back?” Walker acknowledged her greeting with a nod of his head, and ignored the query she hadn’t directly made.

Too many ideas…too little time! (FREE Anthology)

Too many ideas…too little time!

I feel like that single sentence is the bane of my existence most of the time, which is why I never suffer writer’s block! Don’t know what it is, in a real sense, because for me, slowing down the ideas has always been the real problem, not finding them! How many of you suffer that problem, and what do you do about it?

For me, I have more stories outlined and filed in notebooks, etc., than I will ever realistically be able to write, and still there’s rarely a day that passes when something new doesn’t present itself and want to be written. I think the only “saving grace” in all of this has become eBook, which enable you to tell short stories as well as novel-length tales. Since I love telling stories in all lengths, it’s wonderful! There are times when running more than ten pages ends up being less than desirable, padding doesn’t enhance a story, not always, sometimes it merely slows it to a crawl as you wade through what isn’t necessary.

Ideally, when you’re dealing with eBooks, what is the length of story you enjoy most? Do you prefer novels, or the more immediate gratification of a well crafted novella? I have to admit it, mostly I still read novels in paperback. For short stories and novellas, I love my eReader.

At the moment, I’m on the verge of having three new titles released, and they vary in length to a large degree. The shortest is a mere 7K with a huge potential for allowing the reader’s imagination to further the story and where it might have been, as well as where it’s going. That one is called “Return To Love” and will be published with Eirelander Publishing, it’s also an Historical Western.

Clay Butler is a man who rules the quiet town of Cedar Springs with an iron will, and a code of honour that defines all he is. But the past haunts him, and the loss of a woman who was his second chance at happiness weighs heavily on his over-burdened mind...

Also coming is a dark and deadly story called “Hunters’ Game” that should be out any day now. This one is set in modern Toronto, at a Goth club, and the hunters are vampires out to play a seductive and bloody game with their prey. It has a bit of ménage, some Dom/s play, a lot of decadent sex and twisted feeding. I don’t think I’ve ever written anything quite this dark before, so it’s unique to my catalogue, to be sure.

In modern Toronto, two vampires stalk the night, their hunting a game that is seductive and deadly. In a darkly compelling Goth Club, they find the prey they seek for their pleasures, and the night runs crimson with blood and unquenchable thirsts....

BUY IT HERE: RELEASED TODAY

The final tale in my upcoming releases will be my next Ellora’s Cave tale. Set during Halloween, it’s called “Reckless Assignation” and I hope will be a lot of fun. I enjoyed this one a lot, it’s part thriller (hence being part of the Breathless line), and there’s even a hint of paranormal tossed in, what could be more perfect for All Hallow’s than the appearance of ghost in the middle of a passionate rendezvous?

Halloween is the setting for a very private party between two lovers, one of them a world-class, sophisticated intelligence operative who’s trying to teach his young and innocent lady that curiosity can sometimes take you places you’d be better not to go… Rick also has a lesson to learn, when his past collides with his present, and almost destroys everything...

I’ll be posting more to my blogs and newsletters as each book comes out, so if you’re interested, sign up for my newsletter – it comes out about 6 times a year now. You can find it here: ROMANCE AND FANTASY NEWSLETTER

Snap-Shots

– A collection of Erotic Passion and Nocturnal Cravings

GET IT HERE - it's FREE!

Thirteen stories of sensual seduction, discovered passion, and

the shadows in the night that call to our darkest desires. Many of these stories have appeared in various venues over the past five years, but this is the first time they’ve been collected in a single volume. So, enjoy the temptations in these sizzling tales:

Games of Seduction

New Year’s Eve

Beloved Stranger

Haunted

Eternity Awaits

Cold Wind in the Night

Because I Am Yours

Ancient Magic

Pipe Dreams

Rage... And Vengeance...

Anticipation

Behold, My Rahve

And How Was Your Day?

*Contains both erotic and non-erotic material.*

Denysé

"Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy..."

** Best-Selling Author of 2011 **
WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com
Fantasy Pages (general): http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com
Bound By Passion (adult content): http://boundpassion.blogspot.com

Fun stuff coming soon!

New projects are always fun to talk about, so I thought I'd tell you a bit about my next releases and the new collaboration I've started with fellow author Cindy Jacks! First up my next book is a vampire erotic with a dark twist, it's called HUNTERS' GAME and will be released with New Dawning International Book Fair, probably within the next month, though I don't have an actual date yet. This began as a short novella, and after some major editing and working with my fabulous editor there, it's turned into a 10K short that is intense and dramatic. I'm also lucky enough to again have a Kayden McLeod cover for my work. Kayden is brilliant as anyone who's seen her work knows, so having her as the artist is always a bonus!

I've signed a new contract with Ellora's Cave, the title is RECKLESS ASSIGNATION, and it's a Halloween themed thriller, with some pretty wild twists and some spooky turns... I had a lot of fun revising this one, which had a very limited run years back, and for this one is an entirely new story in most respects.

A tiny (UNedited) sneak peek is here:

Cinthya dismissed from her mind the monsters and ghouls of the previous night and concentrated on locating the room where she was supposed to find her mystery caller. A sag in the weathered wood of the floor creaked in the hollow corridor. She bit her bottom lip to prevent any sound from escaping. Her hammering heartbeat gradually subsided, and she felt some of the fear-induced dizziness pass. A chill rippled through her, though, when she realized she was staring up at the shadowy ceiling, her eyes drawn to the vast network of cobwebs that had been woven over the years. It looked like wisps of cotton, stretched to the point of breaking, except that this thready cloak was dulled with years of dust and grime.

A distinct thud at the other end of the long hallway had her heading in that direction without taking the time to consider her actions.

She was several doors away from the room she was supposed to be looking for when she was grabbed from behind. A firm hand over her mouth cut off her scream. There was no chance to fight off her attacker, and she cursed herself as she was dragged into a room and flung into a chair. She had a sense of movement, whoever had grabbed her was little more than a shadowy presence in the near-total darkness. Her hands were tied securely behind the high chair back, and her feet were bound to the legs of the seat…

My next EC project, the one with Cindy Jacks, is going to take you all to the exciting and sexy world of music and musicians. When Cindy and I first talked about working together on a "duet/antho" we had considered fallen angels as the common theme. I was working on something of that kind, and so was she. As schedules often do, ours went sort of nuts and we never got past the talking stage. Recently, I posted the opening to a new story–it was originally supposed to be a flash fiction, but once Michael Eden started talking, he had a lot more to say than I anticipated. Cindy checked him out and proposed our project. Keep an eye open for more as we get things in place. We’ve set our personal first draft deadline for September 1^st, so it might not be too long to wait!

In the meantime, have a great day everyone!! Here’s hoping the week ahead is filled with fun and positive things for you all!!

Casting characters - ARC giveaway!

How many people “cast” mentally when they’re writing, or reading, a book? I used to have faces in mind when I wrote anything, but these days I hear the internal creation, and rarely “see” a face associated with what I write. Yet, many people ask the question, and I’ve been watching debate over casting choices for movies based on novels for the past couple of months – the diversity of the faces that people envision as perfect for the roles they’re discussing is remarkable. We all read the same words, but do those words ever inspire different visions!

Some of my older work had very defined looks when I wrote them, often I cast an actor in my mind, put his/her name on the outline, and that became the template. My last release from Ellora’s Cave had an actor cast, his name is Steven Bauer as he looked in a movie called Thief of Hearts back in the 80s. In the novel I’m working on now, the villain is cast, but not the hero – you just never know which face will appear in the form of a familiar presence.

I have a new vampire tale coming out in a few weeks at New Dawning Book Fair, and the central character there was created with David Bowie as the template – the way he looked in Labyrinth as Jareth, the Goblin King. It works well, believe me! He’s positively decadent and amoral. The cover artist captured him pretty well, too. I’ll post the cover with this, and you can see for yourself.

Do you prefer obviously recognizable faces on the covers, or is it more fun to “create” your own vision as you read? I’ve noticed a huge trend in cover art recently that is minimalist in appearance, focusing on a symbolic object from the story, rather than a couple or a hero. Which type of cover do you prefer, or does it matter at all?

Here’s a peek at the next release, which is called Hunters’ Game, this is not the final edit:

Moving deeper into the underground nightlife of Goths and thrill junkies, she relaxed. It took only moments to locate the bar Demetri had named earlier in the evening, and she approached it with mild curiosity. She stopped on the sidewalk, immune to the mutters and curses her abrupt halt caused as people stumbled around her. The sign drew her eyes upward. Her mood became wicked, delighted as she read the name: Savage Garden.

He couldn’t have picked a more appropriate place. She didn’t doubt for an instant that she would find him inside; his presence like a flame illuminating the path that would lead her to salvation. Or, more aptly, eternal damnation.

A secretive and seductive curve to her mouth, she answered the siren-song of her lover’s call. A crowd stood outside the entrance and she walked past them, ignoring the mutterings of discontent her audacity incited. The young man at the door, selecting the clientele for the night, stared at her. His smile was like so many she’d seen that night, speculative and calculating and oblivious to the mortal danger his lust for her put him in.

“What can I do for you, darling?” His faint British accent added a pleasant lilt to the insolent query.

He was a nice-looking boy, tall, fair and filled with his own importance.

“Let me go in.”

“Let me go in and you can have whatever you want, sweetheart,” he murmured when he leaned close and his tongue flicked at her earlobe.

“Later.” She locked her gaze with his, penetrating his mind with little effort. “You’re busy at the moment.” She nipped at his bottom lip. She chewed the trapped fullness of his lip and laughed when he jerked back, a droplet of blood staining the corner of his mouth. She leaned close again and licked at the crimson smear, an electric shock of excitement exploding in her veins when the metallic taste lingered on her tongue.

She stepped past him, laughing as she released her mental hold on him and felt his confusion drift out of her awareness.

Inside, the bar was dark and turbid. Her eyes flared for several heartbeats, then her preternatural vision sharpened and defined shapes and shadows with vivid clarity. Demetri had arrived before her. The stairwell echoed weirdly with the hammering beat of the music and she almost floated up into the dark room.

At the top of the stairs she paused again. Unnecessary breaths quickened with excitement and anticipation. The fiery red fixture hanging from the ceiling above her head sent tendrils of light spiraling outward, the crimson streaks of bloody color glinted off chrome, absorbed by the shadows. A powerful strobe turned the dancers into frantic marionettes as the madness of the primal music carried them into their own private darkness.

COMING SOON from New Dawning International Book Fair

CURRENT RELEASE: Jaded Hearts

Read an excerpt here

***** GIVEAWAY *****

I'll grab a random name from the comments at the end of the week, and that person will receive an advance copy of HUNTERS' GAME as soon as I have it in hand! Thanks, everyone!

Denysé

Denysé Bridger
"Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy..."
** Best-Selling Author of 2011 **
WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com
Fantasy Pages (general): http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com
Bound By Passion (adult content): http://boundpassion.blogspot.com

Interview with Author Denyse Bridger

Please give us your website addy, a list of your books and a short bio.


Canadian born and bred, and a lifelong dreamer, I began writing at an early age and can’t recall a time when I wasn’t creating in some artistic form. My life has had several on-going love affairs that shape much of what I write, the American West, Victorian England, cowboys, a passion for pirates, Greek Gods, and Ancient Egypt. The other endless love affair in my life is Italia and all its magic, beauty, and dazzling culture. That passion spills into all aspects of my life.

My first major fantasy novel is AS FATE DECREES. (Available in bookstores everywhere, and on Amazon’s international sites.) The novel relies heavily on Greek Mythology, and is set in Ancient Greece and modern Athens. If you enjoy a tale of Gods, Destiny, and the battles of an Eternal Champion, this is the book for you! Not surprisingly, there’s a touch of romance throughout, of course! A visit to my website will show the diversity of what is currently available, and the mixing of genres and styles that will be employed in many up-coming projects as well. The Italian influence is in evidence with several of the more important works, as many people already know.

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com/

BLOG: http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com/

Newsletter: Romance and Fantasy

Chat Loop: Denysé Bridger News

Sensual Treats Magazine: http://www.sensualtreats.webs.com/

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How do you usually come up with a story idea? Dreams? Writer’s journal? Eavesdropping on conversations? Newpaper?

All of the above… I never know where the ideas will come from. I listen to songs, lyrics give me ideas, I look at images and they speak very loudly. I’ve often written stories based on a picture I’ve seen somewhere. A couple of times I’ve dreamed complete stories, but that’s rare.

Who or what inspires you when your creative mojo is lagging?

Mostly all I have to do is go away for an hour, listen to music, go for a walk, and I’m back on track. It helps to have the stories planned out in advance.

Who is your Yoda—your seasoned mentor?

Believe it or not, I don’t have one. The closest would be Lucy Monroe, who is recognized as one of the leading authors in romance today. She’s a wonderful and special lady, and a cherished friend. I admire her, love all her books, and she’s always been so supportive and encouraging. A truly amazing writer and person is Lucy.

What importance do you place on writing workshops? What workshops would you recommend to us?

Well, to be truthful, I’ve never attended a workshop. I think some people benefit greatly from them, especially in the early days of their writing careers. We all learn by leaps and bounds as the market changes, and for me, writing is something that comes naturally and easily to me. It always has. I believe there are natural writers and those who work hard at the craft, both are good, but realistically it does come easier to some than others. I’m blessed to be one of those to whom it comes with relative easy.

What person would you like to thank for inspiring you in your writing aspirations? How did this person help you?

There are several key people. Actor friends who early on told me I had talent and should pursue writing. My junior high school teacher, Jacqueline Warlow who told me long before I ever suspected that I’d make a fine writer – she attended my first release party a few years ago, too. Wonderful English teacher, and a very good friend. Also, Lucy Monroe again, for believing in me always. The people at Amber Quill Press who worked with me as a professional for the first time, Karin Story and Trace Zaber in particular. They’ve all helped me achieve the dream of being a writer. Now, my fabulous editor at Ellora’s Cave, Jillian Bell – she’s a great editor, and very supportive, as well as a whole lot of fun!

Have you ever used songs for inspiration?

Many times. In fact my newest novel borrows it’s title from a song by my Italian friend Riccardo Foresi, it’s called Grande Amore, a song Riccardo wrote and recorded about a year and a half ago. Lyrics can contain entire stories if you listen to the right music! Another of my best-sellers was called Bella Signorina, again based on a song.

Do you play music when you write? If so, what kind? Or, do you have to have silence or background noise to set your writing muse free?

I always have music on when I work. Even now I’m listening to something, it’s called Jazz Wolf, and I love it. If I don’t want words intruding into my consciousness while I’m writing, I listen to wolf song, environmental sounds, instrumental stuff… but it’s always there. My muse can speak to me in the middle of anywhere, I don’t need to have silence or be in the mood. I’ve reached that wonderful place where I can work anywhere, anytime, I just have to open the notebook and start if there’s no computer.

Do you read in a different genre than you write? If yes, why? If you read in the same genre that you write, do you feel that it influences your writing in any way?

Always. It’s simply far TOO easy to be influenced and commit inadvertent plagiarism if you read in the genre you’re writing in. If I’m writing paranormal, I read historical… if I’m writing historical, I read contemporary… It’s not work the potential disaster if you have a creative mind that draws from everything it filters!

What is your process from idea to first draft?

First, I sit down and write out a point form outline. This is really necessary for the novels and complicated plots. Once I have a solid start to finish outline, I start working on the story. First draft is then polished and edited by me. From there, proofreaders who also edit – then it’s submitted. I’ve never received a manuscript back that I wasn’t able to complete edits on within a few hours, so it’s all a great process!

Have you ever given assistance to a struggling new writer? Has another writer ever come to your aide? How?

I make it a habit to help new authors as much as I can. No one really helped me out, I had to learn as I went along, and anyone in this business knows it’s NOT easy at any stage. So, I really do try to help new people, even if it’s just to promote for them, and provide them with the lists I make of groups and sites that can help them. I have them all in a document that I offer anyone who wants it.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in your career so far?

Apart from still being here? :) Seriously, I think in real terms, the most successful accomplishment at this stage is getting my first major novel (As Fate Decrees) published by one of the biggest publishers in Canada. It was a fantasy, based on Greek Mythology, and six months after release it was on the final ballor for a major fantasy award! Reviews have been amazing, and it’s being sold all over the world, so I’m always in awe of that!

If you won the big lottery, what would you do with the money? Would give any of it to charity? If so, which one?

Absolutely. I’d give a huge chunk of money to the foundations that are helping to fund the rebuilding of the towns surrounding L’Aquila in Italy. Entire villages and towns were leveled by the 2009 earthquake there, and it’s been all but forgotten. Riccardo and I wrote an article about this to raise awareness last year, and at that time there were still 18,000+ people without homes. It’s tragic. The article is on my new website, extras page.

What is the best advice you want to give to a new writer?

Write, don’t just talk about it. And, this is a biggie I see with a lot of would-be writers, once you’ve completed a story, move on… your work will improve more with each story/book, it’ll actually be like the record of a journey in some ways, so don’t keep revisiting what’s already been done. Take what you’ve learned and use it with the next book, otherwise you’ll never have a next book. I cringe when I look at my first works, and I know I’d write them better now, but when they were written, they were done with the knowledge I had then. It’s a journey, it never ends, and you never stop learning… embrace it and enjoy it!

If you could choose an animal for a mascot, what animal would it be? What do you admire about this animal? Do you feel you have qualities similar to this animal? If so, what are they?

Wolf. Loyal, dedicated, intelligent, protective, social, playful, faithful…I have often said that wolves are among the Creator’s finest work. I’d like to think I possess a few of those wonderful traits, but you’d have to ask others if I do. 

If money, education and fear factors were set aside, what three careers would you like to attempt other than writing?

Law, Design (Fashion), Cooking.

If money, talent and fear were no object, what big adventure would you like to have?

I’d spend at least a year in Italy, exploring the small towns, visiting the museums, living in the place that for my heart is the most beautiful place on the planet, and the richest in culture and history.

What characteristics do you like to instill in your heroes? What characteristics do you feel are necessary for a good heroine?

First and foremost a good hero has to be strong, and honourable. He needs to be intelligent and dedicated to his personal code of honour and ethics. When he meets the heroine, he has to be faithful to her. Those same traits have to exist within a good heroine, too. The hero has to be masculine and secure, and the heroine should enjoy being female, and be secure and confident in her own strengths. Great chemistry is natural when you have characters who like themselves as much as they like each other.

If you had the power to change two things in the world, what would those two things be?

There would be no more hunger/poverty, and we would live in a world where ALL people were equal and accepted.

If could have a super power for a day, what would it be? Why?

I think it would be rather cool to control the weather, don’t you? Storm, in the X-Men movies. Imagine the destruction you could stop if you could control weather? Would be awesome!


Thanks so much for having me here as your guest, Tina! It’s been great fun! Blessings to all… and thanks for chatting with me!