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Archive for the ‘Paranormal fantasy’ Category

I know it probably seems like it takes me a long time to get a new book to you. But the writing is just the beginning. Actually, the first draft is the easiest bit. It’s what comes after that gives me a headache.

Editing.

Yep. That one word right there is the bane of my existence.

Why?

As an independent, self-published author, I can’t afford all the rounds of editing with a professional editor a lot of traditionally published authors enjoy. So after I get done with the first draft — which anyone will tell you is far from a good read– I set it aside, work on something else for a while, and let my mind change gears.

As the author of a manuscript, I am too close to the story to view it objectively, especially immediately after it’s finished. I know the back story for the characters, so I don’t catch some of the holes in the fabric of the story. I know how they got to where they are.

But you might not.

And I see what I know should be written, not necessarily what is written. So I miss little mistakes like missing words or transitions. I know they should be there, so I gloss over them.

So once I finish the manuscript, set it aside for a bit, and come back to it, I generally go over it several times.

The first time I’m checking for obvious errors, like misspelled words, missing words, strange punctuation, and any huge chunks of missing information.

Then I check for story flow in the next round.

Third, I go over everything carefully, changing the wording so I’m showing you what I want you to see, not telling you about it. I want you to walk with my character through the woods, smelling the earthy scent of the leaf mold, hearing the birds in the trees. I want you to experience it, not just hear about it.

And then I read through it again, for all of the above. I find I do better with this if I transfer it to my tablet, so I can read it as a book. Mistakes stand out begtter than they do on my desktop or my laptop.

Finally, when I’ve driven myself crazy with it, I send it to our daughter, who is my proofreader and editor. She has a good eye for detail and isn’t afraid to call me up and say, “Mom, what on earth are you talking about here? Where did you pull this information from? Uh-huh… Your backstory. You might have let us in on this a bit earlier.”

So it’s a process. It would be nice if I could write a perfect first draft, but I don’t think anyone can pull off such a magic trick.

So what is in the works?

The very next thing coming up for Mellie Miller is Ben of Blackstone’s Forge, another book from Esperance. Like Morgan, Ben is an inset into the Esperance story. While it brings information to us about what’s happening between the clans, it is mainly about the love story between Ben and Deborah.

From Gambler’s Folly, next up is Old Flame. Kort and Elizabeth went to university together, as friends, though they never dated. Now thirty years later, they meet unexpectedly on a trip to Gambler’s Folly. He is now the billionaire catch of the universe. She, a humble energy healer from a small Appalachian town. Join them for the fun and games which follow, Gambler’s Folly style.

I have one more book written in the Esperance series, not ready for the editor yet, and two others written for Gambler’s Folly–with another one in the writing process.

As for Sultonna Nadine, check out my other site for news on what my alter-ego is up to.

In the meantime,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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Not sure what’s been up with this week, but I’m frazzled.

Maybe it’s the weather. The weather has been strange for the past little while. First it’s chilly, then warm. And then it turns cold, with evenings down in the 20’s F.

But then today, it was up to 80!

No wonder people were acting strangely in town today.

Seems like a good evening to sit and read. Or maybe sit and write. I have some work to do on Tiger’s Tempest. It’s a new book in the Gambler’s Folly series and I’m about 26,000 words into it. So there’s a ways to go yet.

In the meantime, you could check out the other books in the series–Gambler’s Folly, Dante’s Angel, and The Russian.

Or look at the Esperance series.

Looking for something a little more magical?

Go over the SulltonnaNadine.com for Master of the Fleet. And watch for Whiskey Jug Genie later this year!

In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are. If you happen to talk to Mother Nature, remind her to get her prescription refilled. I think she’s off her meds…

And as always,

Don’t Forget...

…to Share the Romance…

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It’s almost that day of the year.

Valentine’s Day. A day or romance.

Don’t forget, books make wonderful gifts, so what better than a nice romance?

For those who love shifters on fantasy worlds, check out the Gambler’s Folly series.

For paranormal abilities, go to Esperance.

And for straight up magic, check out Master of the Fleet, b Sultonna Nadine.

Sale begins on Sunday February 12 and ends Friday, February 18.

So go on over to Smashwords and check it out!

Have a great weekend!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share theRomance…

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After yesterday’s all day and all night rain, today is beautiful outside. Makes me wish I didn’t have so much to do inside, but the Lugnut and I can take a walk in a little while.

Still working away on Tiger’s Tempest in the Gambler’s Folly series. I have nearly 18,000 words down so far and, at the moment, a pretty good idea of where we’re going. Of course, with my characters, the route could change drastically. They are a headstrong bunch. But that’s what I get for writing about alpha male shifters I suppose.

If you could be a shifter, what would you be?

I always thought I would love to be a black leopard. They look so elegant, even if they do seem to have only two attitudes–calm, cool, and collected, or totally pissed off.

So far in my books, including those published and unpublished, I have leopards, panthers, wolves, bears, and now tigers.

What else would you like to see?

From Esperance, the next one in line is Ben of Blackstone’s Forge. As you might have guessed, Ben is a blacksmith. What makes him different is his family’s Talent for shaping iron.

No… That’s enough of a hint. You’ll have to read the book for the rest. But how about a tiny excerpt?

****

Excerpt:

If anyplace could be consider as hot as hell, it was a blacksmith’s forge in midsummer, Ben thought, as he strode to the well. Icy water filled his mug with a cheerful splash, after a couple quick strokes on the pump handle.

The first mugful went down in three healthy gulps. Pulling the folded kerchief from around his head, he rinsed the salt-encrusted cloth in another cold stream of water from the well.

The second mug of water brought a quick gasp as he poured it over his head, but it was refreshing after several hours of heating and hammering steel in the forge, where he worked with his father. Water flew in a circle of droplets as he shook the excess from his wavy brown hair, leaving it spiked in all directions.

Once more he filled the mug. Leaning his tall frame against the pump, he slowly sipped the cool liquid as his dreamy blue eyes scanned the street around the forge.

“Good morning, Ben,” he heard from a familiar voice.

Turning toward the voice, he raised his mug and gave a brief nod to the pretty young woman walking toward him. With her light brown, nearly blond hair, and warm brown eyes, she was a sight to give a man dreams.

“Don’t I rate more than a nod, Ben Blackstone?” she demanded. “You could at least smile.”

“Hardly seems worth the effort, Deborah, when all it will gain me is a snide remark or a new chastisement for some imagined affront.”

“You are the most irritating man I know,” she told him as he took another pull from the mug.

He had no response for her accusation and continued to enjoy the water before he had to go back into the hell known as Blackstone’s Forge. He loved the work, but summers could be downright miserable.

Deborah was still glaring at him, hands on her hips, head tipped to the side, and eyes flashing in anger.

“Did you need something, Deb, or are you just here to annoy me?”

“My name is Deborah, not Deb, and absolutely not Debbie. And yes, I do need something. I’ve got better things to do than make a special trip to annoy you.”

*****

Need something to fill the time until Ben of Blackstone’s Forge is published?

Go on over to Amazon and take a peek!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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All right, I know there are some of you writers out there who don’t mind editing. And some who actually enjoy the process.

I am not one of those people. Hate it with a passion. I find it particularly tedious, even though I love the results once I finish with it and send it on to my editor. And I’m sure she appreciates my efforts.

I’ve heard the saying that your first draft is you telling yourself the story. The edits are you refining this story for your audience, and I suppose it’s true. I just hate the process. It gives me a headache.

I’m hoping to have Whiskey Jug Genie out later this year and I’m struggling through it. I may have to start adding a splash of whiskey to my coffee at this rate.

It’s like I can see the story unfold in my head, but capturing those thoughts on paper as I paint those pictures for others is another matter.

And it seems in each story I write, I pick one word to continually repeat–sometimes several times on one page. What is wrong with me?

At any rate, this is only an update on my trials and tribulations. Wish me luck as I fight my way through.

Writers, drop me a comment and tell me about your woes as a writer.

And tell me which version of the cover you like best. It is still a work in progress. Remember, this is a redneck genie…

And as always,

For all my other books, go on over to Amazon!

Mellie Miller

Sultonna Nadine

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. It is a beautiful day out here today, so I’m thinking of taking the Lugnut for a walk.

And then tonight, I’m going to find something to read. I just finished The Forgotten Witch by Jessica Dodge and loved every page of it. Elements of magic and romance, past and present lives… I would definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of the genre.

What are you reading tonight?

Can I interest you in something romantic, with a twist of the paranormal?

Check out Gambler’s Folly series or Esperance. Or if magic is more your thing, try Master of the Fleet.

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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Mother Nature, please make up your mind. This back and forth is making me crazy.

I don’t know what the weather in your part of the world is like, but we go from temperatures in the 70’s to temperatures in the 50’s overnight. And then the lows go from the 50’s to the 20’s.

Could someone please check on Nature’s medications? I think she needs a refill…

Sorry I haven’t been here in a bit. I’ve had surgery and have been trying to catch up on everything I had to let slide. But I’m back now! Watch out world!

As for what I’m working on, my editor has a new book in the Esperance series, and one from Sultonna Nadine which should both come out this year.

Ben of Blackstone’s Forge is another paranormal romance from Esperance. And as you might guess, Ben is a blacksmith. But the love of his life turned cold when he had to leave temporarily to finish his apprenticeship. Nobody knows why, but the woman he was sure he would marry will have nothing to do with him.

Or anyone else, apparently.

And his father is determined Ben should marry soon, going so far as to set a time limit on finding someone suitable. When Ben doesn’t meet his deadline, the man arranges a marriage for him–with the girl who shuns his attentions.

And from Sultonna Nadine?

Whiskey Jug Genie!

Martin runs an apothecary in London. Taking his holiday in the American Southeast, he comes across an old whiskey jug which would be ideal as part of the decor in his shop.

How could he know it housed a genie, who had been trapped for over 200 years? And that the only way to rid himself of his new guest is to remove a curse cast by a long dead witch?

Watch for these two books this year. I’ll keep you posted on release dates.

In the meantime, why don’t you catch up on the Esperance Series?

You can find all the links on my links page.

Or go to Amazon or Smashwords!

For Sultonna Nadine, check out Master of the Fleet, a story set in an alternate universe where magic is just a part of everyday life.

So whether you’re cozying up to the fire or opening the windows to catch a breeze, grab a nice cuppa, a good book, and sit for a spell.

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Covers not necessarily final…

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Yes!

Come share the magic that is Esperance. A world full of people with unusual abilities. Everyone from the First Lord to the common man on the street may be Talented in one way or another.

My Esperance series is now a 4 book series, with the latest addition–Too Many Talents. Also available at Amazon.

Come with me and experience this world!

And Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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Happy weekend everyone! Did you all survive Thanksgiving and Black Friday? It is certainly a crazy time of year out there. We had our daughter, one of her sons and a friend of his, plus a couple other guests to share the holiday with us.

Of course, with all that was going on, I did a bit too much too soon after my surgery, but a day or two of rest should take care to everything. I’ve been catching up on some reading while I’ve been recovering.

So, do you want to buy more books,

,,,but have to watch your budget?

Then you might be interested in my book sale over at Smashwords.

Between now and January 1, you can set your own price for any of my books there.

You can even choose to get them for FREE!

All books in both the Gambler’s Folly series and the Esperance Series are included as is Master of the Fleet from Sultonna Nadine.

So you can finish up a series, or start a new one without breaking the bank.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. Please be safe out there. You know how traffic gets this time of year.

So Happy Holidays from everyone at melliemiller.com

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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Just what are Talents anyway? I talk a lot about them in my Esperance books. So let’s take a peek at what I’m talking about.

Generally speaking, Talents are like psychic abilities. You may be familiar with the concept of mental telepathy or telekinesis. On Esperance, this takes a much broader stroke across the population. Healers have a gift for using energy to counter illness and work with doctors to keep the clan healthy.

Take for instance the Ferguson family. The ruling family of Clan Ferguson is known for having an affinity for the forest and wood products in general. In Clan Brannach, a family related to the ruling family owns a lumber yard. They also create works of art from wood in unusual ways, using these Talents.

What most people don’t know is how attuned to the forest they really are. (Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man).

When it comes to First Lords, those Talents can come in a number of ways. Most are adept at mental telepathy, telekinesis, remote viewing and the like. Some can teleport to places they’ve been to before.

What makes the difference in their strength is the amount of energy they can control to direct this Talent. No one has every found the limits of Jareth’s powers.

Then we come to Viviane, who should have lost any abilities she had during childhood. Nobody knows exactly why, but they resurfaced during the trouble her clan had with Clan Brannach, stirred up by her traitorous brother, Carl. All the Talents one would expect for an heir of the clan became hers, and were completely out of control.

This brought up another issue. Since Talent is tied to emotions in a lot of cases, whenever she became emotional at all, or began to daydream, she affected everyone within reach of her abilities. Maids would be dancing down the hallway as she visualized a dancer while playing her flute. Her anger sent people flying out of her path.

And the stronger her abilities became, the more trouble they were.

Now, picture two people who are extremely gifted when passion ignites in the bedroom…

Yeah…

Both Viviane and Jareth were tired of having to control their emotions during those intimate times, but so far the only solution was to go to the mountain cabin. While Jareth could teleport them up the mountain, it was rather a nuisance.

But Jareth has a plan and it’s almost time for Viviane’s birthday. It will certainly be one she will never forget.

Come with me to Esperance. Maybe we can wish Viviane a happy birthday in person.

And don’t forget Connell, over in Clan Belfort. We’ll talk about him next time.

Ready to read? You can find the Esperance series, including Too Many Talents, over at Amazon.

Or check my profile at Smashwords!

Have a wonderful weekend!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

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