Blood, Boobs & Carnage Blogfest

This tons of fun blogfest is hosted by two awesome writers, Alex J. Cavanaugh and Heather Gardner.

The details: On May 18, 2015, post about a movie, television show, book, or all three that falls into the category of Blood, Boobs, and Carnage. (Or just Blood and Carnage or other mixture.) It can be any genre that fits the bill – fantasy, science fiction, action, adventure, western, thriller, etc. Post the badge and visit other participants.

Decisions, decisions. I thought long and hard about this post. Do I post about shows everyone knows like Game of Thrones and True Blood or do I go more obscure like Baise Moi or The Human Centipede? (And beware to anyone who dares look up that last one!)

I'm going middle of the road. This film did get a little notoriety, but many of you might not have heard of it. Yet it's stayed with me after all these years.

High Tension (originally Haute Tension released in 2003) is about two college friends, Marie and Alexa, who are visiting Alexa's parents' country home when a serial killer shatters their quiet getaway.

A stylized slasher film with a stunning twist at the end. You've got tons of blood and carnage, and a nod to the boobs. The two actresses playing the leads are awesome. Highly recommended if you're a fan of this genre.

I can't wait to see what bloody, jiggly, and gory posts you have for us today! 

Writer Mama #Bloghop

I saw this bloghop and I cheered. What an awesome idea from our wonderful host Sharon Bayliss. Parenting is difficult enough alone, but to be a writer mama/papa? It can be crazy.

Today, writer parents share secrets and support each other. The post can be anything related to writing while juggling the responsibilities of parenting. Sharon has even supplied a list of topics for those of us who have very limited time online. Plus, a random poster will win a Writer Mama Care Package (US) or a $25 Amazon gift card (INTL).

Be sure to visit all the participants for great advice, encouragement, and funny stories.

I have so many things to say on the topic of being a writer mama. I'm going to share the greatest misconception people have of me when I tell them I'm an author.

"You're a writer? I bet your son loves it when you read your stories to him. How many children's books do you have published?"

None. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Just because I have a small child does not mean I write for children. I write for adults. Bloody, scary, intense, and sometimes naughty tales. It never seems to sink in. Usually the next question I'm asked is if I'll write a children's book. Nope. At this point in my life, I have no interest.

"But... you have a child. Don't you read to him?"

Yes. All the time. He loves it when we read books together. In fact, he just turned five and he's reading at a third grade level. We appreciate and love the authors who give us all these fantastic children's stories, but I am not one of them.

My husband and I nurtured a love for reading in our son, and he has a great imagination. I would love it if he decided to follow in my footsteps, but the main thing I want him to see is that his mama is following her dreams. So if he wants to be a chef, an astronaut, or a superhero, I hope he feels that he can do whatever he wants and follow his own dreams.

Last day of the More Than Just a Kiss Blogfest

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand

It's the last day of the blogfest. I've had so much fun reading your kissing scenes. It's going to be difficult to pick the winners. You all did a wonderful job. Bravo!
 I will confer with my fellow judges, and hopefully we'll have the winners picked within a few days.

 

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

 

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

Sign up here!

 

My final kissing scene is from my unpublished superhero romance, SUPER FAMOUS.

 

“I think you're afraid of letting someone get to know the real you. Everyone knows the superhero, but not the woman underneath. Even your friends and family only know the persona you've created for yourself.”

It's what the world wanted. What she wanted. No one was interested in the daughter of a well-to-do lawyer who had nothing going on for herself. Everyone wanted the Silver Skipper. Even her family and friends wanted that powerful character. Being a superhero was what she was good at. Not just good, she was excellent. Without it, she was nothing.

And who was he to point this out to her?

“I'm not afraid.” She repeated, chin up.

“Then prove it. H—”

Oakley mashed her mouth to his. Her arms wound around his middle to pull him flush against her. It was even more sensational without the wine and chocolate. It was all Benniton. Hard, male, and tasting lightly of mint.

Their lips parted at the same time and tongues rolled vying for dominance. His hands slid up over her hips to rest on the small of her back, holding her tight as if she might try to escape. Her fingers dug into his shoulder blades. She wasn't going anywhere right now.

The kiss lasted several seconds, maybe even a few minutes. The sizzle fried her inner clock.

When they stopped to catch their breath, he pressed his forehead against hers and grinned. “I was only going to ask you to have dinner with me.”

More Than Just a Kiss Blogfest still on

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand

Have you joined the blogfest yet?

All it takes is one kiss.

One scene to be entered to win great prizes.

READ THE RULES AND SIGN UP HERE!

 

This kiss is from one of my unpublished manuscripts tentatively named SORROW PHAGE. (I know, the title isn't screaming romance!) The protagonist, Erinys, is a demon that feeds on people's sorrow, and Nicolas is a young vampire.

“Of course you wouldn't forget. I know I've got a body to die for. Literally.” He chuckled at his own joke and moved closer to her. He lifted a hand and kept a close watch on her face as he brought it up to touch her forearm where the trail of spots started. “I do really like them. Something exotic about it. Do they go all the way down?”

“Down my spine and the back of my legs.” Erinys stood very still, feeling her stomach flip as he touched her. Her toes wiggled in her wet boots.

His fingers reached her shoulder and caressed the place where it met her neck. Nicolas gently urged her away from the wall and turned her around. He brushed her hair to one side and continued to follow the spots down her back with his fingers. He kissed that same spot between the neck and shoulder. Her lips parted, tremulously inhaling.

“You're so beautiful,” he whispered, nuzzling her neck. “You and your black spots.”

Erinys whipped around and elbowed him in the chest. He flew back into the tub, cracking a few tiles. She ran, jumped into the bed and wrapped herself in a thick quilt, burying her head in the pillows with the hope she wouldn't start crying again.

Join the More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

 

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

 

SIGN UP HERE!

 

My kiss today comes from 1302 - THE ALPHA.

“You did it without a thought of yourself. That’s what a pack truly does for each other. You might be a lone wolf, but you’ve done more for me than anyone in a long time.” Her thumbs ran along his jaw, feeling the light growth of stubble.

A rough yet quiet sound reverberated in his chest. James' hands remained by his sides. Body tense and eager under her, he made no move to turn this into something more. He wanted to, she had no doubt about that, but he held himself back. His control and respect amazed her.

“It was the right thing to do.” He swallowed. His nostrils quivered and his lips parted slightly.

Stefanie couldn’t help herself any longer. Her mouth mashed to his. No sweet first kiss. She was never that type of girl. She was fire and passion, hot right from the start.

Her hands held his head in place, but slid up so she could play with his hair. Soft and thick, reminding her of silken down. Tongues twined and teeth clinked. Her hips pressed down and his answered, rubbing up. Too many layers of clothing between them for her, but they couldn’t contain the heat from the friction as it seared up through her body.

James murmured her name as he ran his hands up her thighs to rest on her rear. Fingers dug in and pulled her harder against him. She growled her approval and nipped at his lower lip.

Join me tomorrow for the 13th Floor Collection cover reveal!

More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest continues and Sacrifice HER cover reveal

At the first kiss I felt
Something melt inside me
That hurt in an exquisite way
All my longings, all my dreams and sweet anguish,
All the secrets that slept deep within me came awake,
Everything was transformed and enchanted
And made sense.
~Hermann Hesse

Have you joined the blogfest yet?

All it takes is one kiss.

One scene to be entered to win great prizes.

READ THE RULES AND SIGN UP HERE!

My kiss today comes from 1303 - THE DRAGONSLAYER.

Xan breathed out, forcing his overly tense muscles to relax. This just might work. The odds were stacked against him, but if he could manage to get in without sounding an alarm, he might be able to save the girl.

“Thank you.” He wanted to stuff Lois back in the car. Every bit of him screamed to keep her safe. This was no place to make a scene, though.

Lois grabbed him by the collar of his fireproof black jacket and yanked him to her. Her mouth mashed against his. Supple and hard, hot and desperate. There was a hint of caramel from her coffee on her lips to add a bit of sweetness to a kiss that was anything but. An electric tingling raced from his ears to his toes, and a rush of adrenaline that had nothing to do with the mission ahead.

He didn’t realize he was kissing her back until she pulled away. Lois made a small sound, something between pleasure and frustration.

“Good. Now I’m flushed. I look much more drunk. It’s been four minutes.” She ran her hands through her hair, but it only looked more tussled. She hitched up her skirt a few inches. Her long legs pale and gorgeous in the moonlight. “Good luck.”

Lois winked at him and wobbled down the sidewalk before he could gain enough sense to grab her.

The day has finally come. Time to reveal the cover of Sacrifice HER. Be amazed. 

Title: Sacrifice HER by Sheena-kay Graham
Goodreads: Sacrifice HER
Release Date: December 2013

Summary: When a city is at stake is the life of one sixteen-year old girl worth risking thousands? Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of War. She doesn't believe he exists and sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her and their leader Lord Brinn is ordered by Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers- to bring her back or face dire consequences. In the desert Deidra meets a wanderer named Kane and as feelings spark can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains. Does Bane really exist and if he does what will happen if either side succeeds or fails? Told in alternating perspectives of both the runaway servant girl and the blonde strong willed leader.

 Author Bio: Sheena-kay Graham was never meant for a traditional job behind a desk. Her childhood career plans included becoming a ballerina, actress or someone who helped people. So naturally she decided to be a writer who writes from her bed. Yes, no desk for this Jamaican book lover. No matter if it’s reading, writing or using the computer....you get the gist. The love of the written word has always been with her leading to stories, novels, poetry and way too much fan fiction. This Christian woman can be found trolling Amazon online, in local book bookstores, watching movies on the big screen, or in her bed, or reading/writing/on the laptop...again in her bed. Mainly writes YA fiction and is ready to unleash her creativity to wow the masses.
 

Links

Website: http://queendsheena.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448863.Sheena_kay_Graham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheenakayGrahamAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/queendsheena

Cover Design: 

Image of woman with flowing hair (purchased): © Transfuchsian | Dreamstime.com

Cover Designer:  Langao @ http://fiverr.com/langao

And for a final bit of wow factor. Look at what I got for free without asking.

Untethered Realms post & More Than Just A Kiss blogfest continues

Join me today at the Untethered Realms blog.
I discuss finding your audience and marketing with speculative fiction works. Share with us any strategies you have and learn something new.

 Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

You can WIN PRIZES!

We had a great start to the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest yesterday. It's still early in the week. There's still time for you to join in on the fun. You can find the sign-up list HERE. You don't need to be a romance writer, and you can opt not to be included in the running for a critique. Yet we do have bonus prizes. Awesome ebooks from fabulous romance authors!

My kiss today comes from my FREE paranormal romance, FEALRESS.

“We won’t let any children die. We’ll go, but let me handle everything. I can carry you.” His fingers stretched over her hips, slipping under the hem of her shirt to touch bare skin. She sucked in a breath.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Abby snorted, immediately regretting how unattractive that was. She set down the knife and turned, intending to put a few inches more between them and tell him to quit treating her as a fragile doll. His mouth immediately mashed to hers and words were forgotten. His tongue parted her lips, demanding entrance. She didn’t deny him. A wanton whimper escaped her, and her heart hammered in her chest.

His hands eased upward, taking her shirt with them. When his thumbs skimmed the underside of her bra, she managed to find her voice. “We don’t have time for this. We need to leave as soon as possible.”

“We have time.” Demetrius insisted, kissing down to her neck and nibbling upon her sensitive flesh. She gripped his biceps and clenched her thighs.

“We need to go.” Abby’s voice wobbled. She should be pushing him away. Not just because she had a job to do, but because this could never be anything other than a fling. She was one of the Fearless. Her duty came first and it would claim her life sooner than later. He was one of the fae. His world wasn’t hers. He would leave after his blood debt was paid. And she didn’t do flings. Already she felt too much for him.

More Than Just A Kiss Blogfest

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand

I'm so excited that today is the first day of the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest! I'm co-hosting the event with the wonderful and talented Cecilia Robert.

 

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

Sign up here!

I'll be sharing kisses from my books each day this week. Maybe they'll offer you some inspiration. You've all week to join in! You don't have to be a writer, and you can opt not to win a critique. Yet we'll still include you in the running to win the bonus prizes. Just give us some kisses!

A kiss from THE GHOST (Vol. 6 of the 13th Floor series)

Chiharo froze when she realized his hands had covered hers. He wasn't prying her off him as he should've with a panicking girl. Instead, he drew her closer until their bodies were almost touching. Jeremy was skinny and closer to her short height than Tim. A much better fit for her.

He raised his hands, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. She expected him to say something. His mouth was always running. Maybe something cheesy, a compliment, or even a curse word she hadn't heard yet.

Nothing. His fingers slid into her hair, and she shivered. The second before a kiss. It was just as intense as the act itself. The tension between them chased the chill away. Warmth spread through her as color lit up his face.

Was he this beautiful before?

His lips parted just slightly before he kissed her. They were softer than she expected and hotter still. She melted against him and flattened her palms against his chest. Her eyes fluttered closed as she made a little wanton sound that she'd never heard come from herself before.

Jeremy was neither too gentle nor sweet. His tongue tangled with hers as if seeking the source of her moan.

Whoever said a person's first kiss was always the best was never kissed a second time.

Polar Night review and In Your Pants blogfest

Blurb:
When Detective Danny Fitzpatrick leaves his hometown of Chicago and moves to Fairbanks, Alaska he wants nothing more than to escape the violence and heartbreak that left his life in pieces. Numbed by alcohol and the frozen temperatures of an Alaskan winter, Danny is content with a dead-end job investigating Fairbanks' cold cases. That all changes when a pretty blond woman goes missing on the winter solstice, and Danny stumbles upon some surprising connections between her disappearance and that of another Fairbanks woman three years earlier. Forced out of his lethargy, Danny sets out to both find the missing woman and solve his own cold case.

The investigation points Danny towards Aleksei Nechayev, the handsome and charming proprietor of an old asylum turned haunted tourist attraction in the Arctic town of Coldfoot. As he tries to find a link between Nechayev and his case, Danny's instinct tells him that Nechayev is much more than what he seems.

Danny has no idea that Nechayev is hiding a secret that is much more horrifying than anything he could ever have imagined. As his obsession with finding the missing women grows, Danny finds his own life in danger. And when the truth is finally revealed, the world as he knows it will never be the same.

My review:
Detective Danny Fitzpatrick only wants to escape the horror of his past. He leaves his Chicago home and takes a job in Fairbanks, Alaska working cold cases. While he's successful at numbing his mind with alcohol, a case comes along that snaps him into sobriety. Danny links a cold case of a missing girl to a new one, and through further research, he finds several more. His investigation takes him north to Coldfoot and to the haunted establishment of Aleksei Nechayev. Danny knows something's going on with Aleksei, but can't manage to convince anyone else of the fact without some hard evidence. When he finally comes across some information, it changes Danny forever and puts him in danger of more than just catching a cold in the freezing Alaskan winter.

This supernatural thriller will chill you to the bone and not just with the wonderful descriptions of Alaska. POLAR NIGHT gives us various points of view that takes the reader on a dark journey filled with nail-biting suspense and intense emotions. Danny has the heart of a hero, but is scarred by his past and it's wearing him down. He's a flawed man and yet still admirable. Aleksei is cold and immensely fascinating. Maria has an amazing spirit even in a terrifying situation.

While there's a thrilling plot and a great cast of characters, it's the setting and atmosphere that really make this book stand out. We don't often find books that take place in the far north, and usually not in the winter. I loved all the little every day tidbits Julie Flanders included about life in Alaska. Plus, I was enthralled by the haunted asylum. The little strange happenings and scary noises added to the tension of the story and brought out an even chillier atmosphere.

POLAR NIGHT is the debut novel from Julie Flanders. I can't wait to read more form her!

You can buy POLAR NIGHT here:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon UK  * Smashwords 

Bio: Julie Flanders is a librarian and a freelance writer who has written for both online and print publications. She is an avid animal lover and shares her home in Cincinnati, Ohio with her dog and cat. POLAR NIGHT, a suspense thriller with a supernatural twist, is her first novel. Find Julie online at her blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

This fun little blogfest is hosted by the lovely Summer Ross.

It's very easy: take the current book title you're reading and add "in your pants" afterward.

I'm reading L.K. Hamilton's newest book.
AFFLICTION in your pants!
That doesn't sound healthy.

 

More Than Just A Kiss blogfest and The 13th Floor collection poll results

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it? 'Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.” ~ Edmond Rostand 

The wonderful Cecilia Robert and I would like to invite you to the MORE THAN JUST A KISS blogfest!

Sweet, sizzling, fiery, awkward, mind-blowing. We want to read your kissing scenes.

The rules are simple:

1. Sign up on the linky list and post the badge on your blog.

2. On one of the days of the week of September 9th, post a kissing scene on your blog. It can be either fiction or non-fiction.

3. Please do not exceed 250 words.

4. This is a blogfest, so visit the other participants and have fun!

But wait! This is more than a blogfest.

We're offering prizes!

The scenes will be judged by these amazing romance authors: Cecilia Robert, Laurelin Paige, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains. (Hey, that's me!) We will choose three posts to win these awesome prizes.

Prize 1 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding ten pages). Critiques will be done by Cecilia Robert, Kyra Lennon, and Christine Rains.

Prize 2 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding five pages). This critique will be done by Laurelin Paige and Christine.

Prize 3 - A critique of a kissing/intimate scene from your WIP (not exceeding one page). This critique will be done by Cecilia and Christine.

BONUS PRIZES:
Cecilia, Kyra, Laurelin, and I will each choose one of our favorites to give out some fantastic ebooks.
Cecilia – TRULY MADLY DEEPLY YOU and REAPER'S NOVICE.
Kyra - IF I LET YOU GO
Laurelin - FIXED ON YOU
Christine – All six volumes of the 13th Floor series.

Sign up at the bottom of this post!

 Now on to the 13th Floor tenant poll!

Thank you to everyone who voted. It was very clear that each of my readers have their favorite characters, but the majority of you voted for a new tenant just moving in!

I already have my character and a story idea. A character unexpected considering I had tenants I already considered for this series standing by. I do hope you'll be as enchanted by her as I am.

I've been making progress on the cover for the collection. So many designs and none of them fit. I think I'm close to finding the right one now. I hope! *knocks on wood*

Don't forget to enter the HUGE giveaway at A Buckeye Girl Reads. You could win the entire 13th Floor series!

And in case you weren't able to keep up with the tour this week, here's the list of my marvelous hosts!

July 13 - TF Walsh and M. Pepper Langlinais
July 14 - Kyra Lennon and Aubrie Dionne
July 15 - Nutschell and Heather Holden
July 16 - Carolyn Brown, Nick Wilford, and Graeme Ing
July 17 - Cherie Reich, Heather M. Gardner, and M.J. Field 

July 18 - Colette Chmiel and Clare Dugmore  

Don't forget to sign up for the blogfest! 

The Thrill of it All Blogfest

The fabulous Heather M. Gardner and Tara Tyler are our hosts for this awesome blogfest. They're celebrating their own publishing thrills. Heather with MCGUIRE'S CORNER and Tara with POP TRAVEL. Congratulations, ladies! I'm eager to read both books.

The rules are simple: on June 24th, share a big thrill. It can be real or fiction. Just keep it to a paragraph or two. Tara and Heather will be judging the posts, and they're offering great prizes.

1) An e-copy of MCGUIRE'S CORNER.
2) An ARC of POP TRAVEL.
3) A $20 Amazon GC.
4) A banner or caricature by Tara.

Make sure to sign up on the linky list and read everyone's big thrills!

Now onto my big thrill!

It was only a buck. The story was about alien pet care. A silly thing called "Pretty Bows." It was a drabble. Just 100 words. I wasted hours on it. But it was the first piece I ever got published.

I jumped for joy. Ran around the apartment. I was on cloud nine for days. Something I wrote was published. I was afraid to submit anything for years. Yet this one little acceptance was the biggest thrill in my writing career.

I still have that one dollar. (They paid in cash!) It's in a frame beside my writing desk. Never has a buck been worth so much to me.

Heroes & Villains Blogfest

I signed up for this awesome blogfest before I planned my visit with my family. I'll make up on visiting the other participants when I get back. Thank you to the wonderful hosts, Jackie and Dani. This is such a fun idea!

Here are the rules:
1) On June 6th, post your favorite heroes and villains.
2) You may list as many, or as little, as you'd like.
3) Be creative with it: lists, quotes, videos, pictures, etc.
4) It'd be cool if you'd display the Heroes and Villains badge on your blog!
5) And most of all HAVE FUN!
6) Sign up on the linky list.

MY FAVORITE HEROES:
In books - Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series). Without her, Harry would've lost.
On TV - Buffy and the whole Scooby gang (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Buffy was strong, but without her friends to support her, she couldn't have done everything she did. They were a great team.
(Just a fun note: There's a fanfic out there called Hermione the vampire slayer! Hehehe!)
In movies - Indiana Jones. Best adventure hero ever.
In comics - Batman. He's not a mutant or an alien. He's a man fighting against the darkness with everything in him.

MY FAVORITE VILLAINS:
In books - It's a tie. Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter series). I thought her far more terrifying than Voldemort! And Jagang (Sword of Truth series). I hated him. I didn't love to hate him. I just hated his loathsome soul.
On TV - The Cylons (Battlestar Galactica). I almost choose the Borg (Star Trek), but the Cylons had so many more layers. They were a pleasure to hate.
In movies - Freddy Krueger (Nightmare on Elm Street series). He kills you in your dreams. One of the most frightening and original monsters in horror movies ever.
In comics - Magneto. Not because he's a mutant, but because of his mind. A great intelligence. And he believes he's right.

The Final Book in the 13th Floor Series Cover Reveal and Best & Worst Movie Remakes Blogfest

Title: The Ghost (The 13th Floor series, #6)

Genre: paranormal romance

Release date: July 13th, 2013

Blurb:
Chiharo Black lives with six supernatural tenants in a haunted building's mysterious thirteenth floor. Of course, no one knows she's there except the cats. Being a ghost can be a bit frustrating and lonely, but it isn't as bad as her mother made it out to be.

Until another ghost intrudes on her territory. Jeremy Emerson wants revenge on the vampire that killed him and won't stop until he has it. To top it off, a nightmarish shade sneaks in and leeches the energy from the building's residents before setting its sights on Chiharo and the thirteenth floor. She can't decide which one is more frightening: the one wanting to eat her soul or the one who might win her heart.

Chiharo must convince Jeremy to stand with her against the hellish parasite. If they cannot work together, the greedy fiend will not only drain their energy but everything that supports the thirteenth floor's existence.

Add THE GHOST to read on Goodreads.

Thank you to all my wonderful hosts during my tour this week and to all of you who have followed along. One more book to go. I can't believe it! Don't forget about the BIG giveaway at M Pepper Langlinais' blog. You could be the first to own the entire 13th Floor series.

If you would like to be a part of THE GHOST blog tour in July, please send me an email. I will also be releasing the entire series in The 13th Floor collection in September, and I'll be doing another tour then as well. 

Today is another spectacular blogfest about movies. I also love that it's quick and easy! A tremendous thank you to the fantastic hosts, Alex J. Cavanaugh, Livia Peterson, Al Diaz, and Stephen Tremp.

BEST MOVIE REMAKE: Casino Royale. Daniel Craig is my favorite Bond. Yes, even more so than Sean Connery. He's suave, dark, and dynamic. The Craig 2006 film is a remake of the 1967 film of the same name.

WORST MOVIE REMAKE: Godzilla. How could they do that to the classic 1954 film?! *gasps* And looking up the link, I see they're doing another remake to be released next year. NOOOOOO!

Back From the Future Blogfest and The Bloghop of Joy

Two great blogfests happening today. The first is hosted by the fabulous Mary Pax, Nicki Elson, and Suze from Subliminal Coffeet. The instructions are simple:

You're up before dawn on a Saturday when the doorbell rings. You haven't brewed your coffee so you wonder if you imagined the sound. Plonking the half-filled carafe in the sink, you go to the front door and cautiously swing it open. No one there. As you cast your eyes to the ground, you see a parcel addressed to you ... from you. 

You scoop it up and haul it inside, sensing something legitimate despite the extreme oddness of the situation. Carefully, you pry it open. Inside is a shoebox -- sent from ten years in the future -- and it's filled with items you have sent yourself. 

What's in it? 

I'd like to say I sent myself a newspaper so I know which stocks to buy, but I'd probably be more sentimental and just send one thing.

It would be a photo of my son so I could see what a fine boy he's grown to be. It would give me some hope I'm doing something right as a parent. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but the most rewarding. I know I'm one of the most important influences in his entire life, and I hope I will be one of the best too.

I wouldn't want to see anything else from the future. I want it to be a surprise.

Visit the other participants and find out what they sent themselves!

The second great bloghop is such a fun idea. The wonderful Kyra Lennon and Clare Dugmore would like to know your "List of Joy." These are small, sometimes unusual things that always cheer you up. Not life-changing moments, but little things that make you smile. Love it!

My List of Joy:

1) Walking down an aisle in the library just to touch and smell the books.

2) Jumping around corners and scaring people. I don't do it so often any more, but I love seeing people's expressions!

3) Interpreting the conversations between the birds and squirrels outside. They say the funniest things!

4) When my son dances. You can't help but smile when you see little kids dance.

5) Watching how different people use their tongues while eating ice cream cones. Do it one day. You'll see what I mean!

Go find some more smiles and laughter as you read the lists of other participants!

Level Up! Blogfest

A geeky blogfest! I love it. Our awesome hosts are Allison at Geek Banter and Jamie at Mithril Wisdom. They want to know what's your favorite game. It can be a video game, a board game, a party game, a card game, a childhood playground game--you name it. Let them know how it works and why you love it. Click on the badge to see the linky list and discover some new games!

This is a hard one. I have so many favorite games. I haven't had much of a chance to play any video games in the past few years, but I'm a huge Final Fantasy and Dragon Warrior fan. For party games, I love Apples to Apples, and the adult version of it, Cards Against Humanity. I love card games like Munchkin and Killer Bunnies. What I'm going to tell you about is one of my favorite boardgames.

Arkham Horror is "the classic game of Lovecraftian adventure." You play an investigator in Arkham trying to keep the gates to other planes closed before too many open and a powerful being known as an Ancient One slips through. You must either avoid or fight aliens, go through gates into other realms, and try to survive to close the gates. You have Sanity tokens in the game, and if you lose them all, you go insane! It's a game of high tension and strategy. Will you try to fight only for yourself, or will you help the other investigators? It's not a fast-paced game. You could spend hours playing through one game, but it's one of those things you don't realize how many hours of your time it's eating. We've never managed to beat an Ancient One, but what an amazing journey.

Yes, one of the Ancient Ones is Cthulhu!

Don't forget to enter to win the first ebooks in the 13th Floor series including an ARC of the fourth book, The Harbinger!

Re-Introduce Myself Blogfest

This wonderful blogfest gives everyone a chance to re-introduce themselves to our growing community. All you have to do is take a minute and tell everyone something interesting about yourself. This is a blogfest, so please visit the other participants and get to know them. Don't forget to give a big thank you to our marvelous hosts Stephen Tremp, Mark Koopmans, Elise Fallson, and C.M. Brown.

Hello! Please allow me to re-introduce myself. I'll make it short and sweet. My name is Christine Rains and I'm a geek mom. My son shares his bed with Ernie, Brobee, and Cthulhu. We play Candyland like a role-playing game and frequently turn our couch into a pirate ship. I love to write and read. Hopefully I can help nurture those loves in my son as well.

I'm shy and not terribly exciting, but I love getting to know new and old friends alike. Tell me something about yourself, please.

The Beginnings Blogfest

The talented and geeky L.G. Keltner is celebrating her one year blogoversary! Head on over to her site and congratulate her. To mark this milestone, she's hosting the Beginnings Blogfest. What inspired you to start blogging? When did your passion for writing begin? Or, if you don't want to get personal, write about the origins of your favorite book or movie. No strict guidelines. She's cool like that!

This blogfest comes at an excellent time. This is my 500th blog post! Wow.

I started blogging years ago on a different network. It was mostly a personal blog. A way for me to keep my friends updated on my life and to save time by not having to write 20 different emails a day. I didn't have a big following. It was my quiet little corner of the blogosphere.

When I started to get serious about my writing and wanting to build a platform, I moved to LiveJournal. I didn't stay there very long. I didn't find many people to connect with. I had this blog linked to my LJ, and I was getting more responses here. So I made my final move to Blogger, and I met an incredible community.

I wouldn't have made it as far as I have without the advice and encouragement of other writers. The move to Blogger was a fresh beginning. The best move I could've made. I've learned how to properly network, improved my craft, and self-published. All of this because of the great community I met through this blog.

Why did you start blogging?