Did you ever just look at someone and say, “He looks like a wolf, or bear, or a big cat?”
Maybe it’s just me. I know. I’m weird. Nothing new there.
But that’s how The Russian began, from seeing someone who instantly reminded me of a wolf. Of course my mind then took hold of the idea and began to wonder what sort of person he would be as a wolf shifter. And so it began.
Dmitri Ivanovich Volkov, a wolf shifter, was born in Russia a long, long time before Gambler’s Folly was settled. He’s lived over 500 years. How long exactly? Even he can’t tell you. He has spent most of his life in the military or as a mercenary across Earth, and later, across the galaxy.
He was finally approached by Interpol and has been working with the special division–all shifters–for several years. Though mainly based on Earth, he gets to Gambler’s Folly frequently chasing contraband.
A little over two hundred years ago, his soulmate died and left him adrift in the world. Deciding never to get close to anyone again, he has avoided long-term relationships. One thing he has learned in his life is that everyone he meets will eventually be taken from him.
But Mother Nature has other plans for him on Gambler’s Folly, in the form of a petite blonde who’s scent is reminiscent of vanilla and lilacs. Sensing something wrong while on a walk, he finds her surrounded by gang members intent on doing her harm. Using one of his unusual abilities, he sends them away and walks the girl home.
For the first time in a long time, he is drawn to her. The need to protect her, to be with her, is nearly overwhelming. And before he even knows her name, he leans down to kiss her, before apologizing and taking his leave.
How could he have known she also worked for the Special Department? Or that she would be in the office the very next morning?
And who could have predicted they would be soulmates?
All from a picture of someone who reminded me of a wolf.
At least, that’s what the calendar says. Mother Nature is still trying to make up her mind. But at least the storms have stopped for this week, even if the temperatures are a bit chilly again.
If this is your first visit, let me introduce myself and my worlds.
I write paranormal fantasy romance.
What is that?
My worlds are fantasy worlds, on other planets, or alternate timelines of this one. Some contain elements of psychic abilities, like mental telepathy, telekinesis, and other Talents. This is the main theme in the Esperance Series.
Some are stories about shifters. The Gambler’s Folly Serieshas shifters of all sorts–leopards, panthers, wolves, bears. And more to come!
Some have characters with magical abilities. In Master of the Fleet, our MC, Richard, has command over the elements wind and water. Others can control earth, fire, wind or spirit. Most of these are published under my pen name, Sultonna Nadine.
The next magical book to come out will be Whisky Jug Genie. One of our characters dabbles in white magic. And of course, there is the genie, wielding his own form of magic.
And there is always an element of romance. Some spicier than others, granted, but romance of some sort. The shifter series is a little spicier than the Esperance series is, though it does have its moments.
Yes, here it is the last Friday of February. Wasn’t it just the first of February a few days ago?
Of course, I’m sure the crazy weather around here hasn’t helped much. Just last week we had one night where the temperatures dipped down into the 20’s. Last night? Mid-60’s. My body can’t adjust to this.
But enough of the weather. Let’s talk books!
Here’s something to put on your calendar!
Read an eBook Week is coming to Smashwords March 6! And that means a whole lot of books will be on sale!
What’s not to like about that?
But it only lasts for a week, so make sure to head over there early.
Yes, all my books will be in the sale, from Gambler’s Folly, Esperance, and Master of the Fleet! If you haven’t tried my books yet, or if you need to add to one of the series, now would be a good time.
I’ll remind you and post a link to the sale as soon as it is available, so keep an eye out for it. I don’t know about you, but I love book sales.
This book began as a dream which kept repeating, night after night. Not the beginning, but partway through what became the second chapter. Just the one scene. And every time I would wake up and go back to sleep, it would come back.
Finally, to get it out of my head, I sat down and wrote out the scene that was on repeat in my brain, only to have it pick another scene with the same cast of characters, at some other point in the book.
In order to get a little sleep, I sat down and tried to piece together how these characters came to be where they were in the first scene. Why would they find themselves in this situation? And where would they go from there?
And Jareth, First Lord was born, followed by the continuation of the story in Viviane, First Lady.
The third book in the series is inset into the story flow. Morgan is a character introduced in the first book. I loved her character and wanted to explore who she was and why she had come to Clan Brannach.
The story will continue in the fourth book of the series, which will be out later this year–Too Many Talents.
But what started the whole thing? Let me give you an excerpt!
In the gray light of dawn one week after the postings, the women for The Choosing gathered on the parade grounds of the Belfort estate, nervous and frightened. Striding up to the podium, First Lord Jareth addressed the crowd. “Custom dictates older daughters marry first. With this in mind, I will accept volunteers. Some of you who are younger, with long waits ahead, may wish to try your chances in Clan Brannach. Once the volunteers are accepted, we will choose from those left to make up the tithe.”
While his men recorded the names of the girls who came forward, Jareth once again felt the strange spider on his brain which he’d sensed in the village. Searching the group before him, he was drawn to cascades of black curls shimmering in the soft morning light. About twenty feet away, she was comforting others with a touch or quick hug. Her concern impressed him. As she turned to face him, her dazzling blue eyes captivated his heart.
Regaining his senses, he threaded his way through the crowd. As he drew closer her eyes sparkled like the blue waters of a mountain stream in the sun. Lush dark lashes framed them in perfect contrast to her smooth, creamy skin. Her mouth was a small rosebud begging to be kissed. She appeared to him as a fairy princess come to life. Expecting fear or anger as he approached, all he saw was inner strength shining through sadness. He cultivated his imposing presence, but she rose tall and met his gaze.
I mean, why is it so difficult to get people to review your book?
As an author, you get notified that you’ve sold a book, or several books. And you wait. And wait some more. But the reviews never come. Even if the one or two reviews you’ve manage to obtain are top rated reviews.
Why review?
It isn’t to give the author a good feeling about their book, even though that’s great.
When it comes to selling on Amazon and getting their help to promote your book, they go by the number of reviews you’ve received. It doesn’t matter whether they are one star reviews or five star. They only look at how many reviews you have.
Until you have at least 25 reviews for your book, you really don’t get recommended at all. After 25 reviews, your book starts showing up in the recommendations. You’ll see it in the “customers who liked this also liked…” area when you buy a book in a similar genre.
After 50 reviews, an author really starts gettine promoted on Amazon.
But until then, you’re pretty much sunk.
So, why is it difficult to get people to review a book? It isn’t hard to do. Takes maybe two minutes. But that two minutes meas a lot to an author, especially an indie author struggling to get a book into the public eye.
So, please, if you read a book, stop by Amazon and review it. It means so very much to those of us putting all that blood, sweat, and tears into writing them.
If you’re looking for something to read, check out my Mellie’s Romance page.
As you know, if you’ve read any of the series, there are currently three books available. But, with any luck at all, the next book will be out later this year–Old Flame.
They met at university, graduated and haven’t seen each other since, until they meet by chance on their way to Gambler’s Folly. While they’d never been more than friends, hadn’t even seriously dated, there was an attraction now they couldn’t ignore. But can she fit into his very public world?
Here’s a little teaser–
“How particular can you be if you’re keeping company with me?” she teased.
“As I recall, a long time ago I threatened to spank your bottom,” he teased back.
“Your memory is correct. And I believe I dared you to try it.”
“If you keep it up, I’ll do more than try,” he said and felt his face light up.
“Yeah, right,” she answered. “Think you’re up to all that effort? Rich living hasn’t slowed you down?”
“Not so you’d notice,” he said.
“I guess I’d better stay on my toes.”
“You’d be easier to kiss that way,” he said before he could keep the words from coming out of his mouth.
“Who says we’re going to kiss?”
At least, this is what she said, but her face developed a glow that hadn’t been there before, and her scent grew a little stronger as the tip of her tongue moistened her lips.
“I do,” he told her. “At least once in this life, I’m going to taste that pretty mouth of yours. I missed my opportunity thirty years ago, and I’m not going to wait another thirty years.”
“Is that a challenge?”
“No, sweetheart, that’s a promise.”
After Old Flame we have Scotch and Soulmates. Paul is from the British nobility working for Interpol as a profler. Since he’s also an expert on expensive Scotch, he’s helping out on Gambler’s Folly with counterfeit liquors. Sophia is from the Bronx and a radical feminist, who takes ain instant dislike to Paul, even if she is attracted to him. Mother Nature is going to have fun with these two.
Teaser:
“How do you feel about Paul?” Kari asked.
“He’s arrogant, annoying, smug, and too confident for his own good. He makes me want to crack that composure and see the man underneath the mask. Nobody is that calm all the time.”
“Dangerous territory, Sophia. Once you let the wolf out of the cage, it can be difficult to put him back into it.”
“Oh, I don’t want to let him out, just see him snarl a little, and show he’s actually human.”
“And how does he feel about you?”
“No idea, but I don’t think we’re destined to be best friends.”
“No. But I wouldn’t be surprised to find out you’re soul mates.”
“Be serious! I can’t be around the man for five minutes before my inner bitch comes out,” Sophia answered.
“Then why is your scent changing?” Kari asked. “How does his scent affect you?”
Sophia thought back to the conference room and the scent which slowly filled the space. Visions of heather in bloom, with hints of rich loam, and the sea, overlaid lightly with musk had called to her, building her tensions higher.
“That’s what I thought,” Kari said with a laugh. “His scent attracts you.”
“No, I refuse to take a mate, especially an arrogant Englishman.”
And after this is Unwilling Soulmates. Trevor is originally from Scotland and has worked on Gambler’s Folly for three years up in the Crystal Mountains region. Recently transferred to Speranza, Theresa takes one look at him and immediately dislikes him, but won’t tell anyone why. The tension becomes so difficult around the office, Trevor stops coming into the office and teleconferences with the team when needed.
So when Theresa shows up on the beach during one of his weekend camping trips, he is confused, angry, and completely blindsided when she thows down her mating challenge.
Teaser
“All right, you two. Enough,” Dima barked. “Can we see if there is a way to get past this?”
“Whatever,” the crazy woman answered.
“Now that you’ve worked with Trevor, read his reports, and talked to the guys he works with in the field, don’t you think you could give him a chance to prove himself, rather than instantly relegating him to some ridiculous category?”
“I just don’t like him,” she stated. “Am I not allowed to have a personal dislike for someone?”
“As long as you keep it under wraps at work. But that’s not what you’ve been doing,” Dima told her. “I now have one of my team working from home, with minimal contact with the rest of us, because you can’t control your attitude.”
“Like I said, I can’t seem to control my mouth or emotions around him.”
“What, exactly, have I done to you?” Trevor asked. “I’ve been polite, stayed out of your way, and rearranged my workout to accommodate your schedule. Hell, I even sent you flowers.”
“And we all know you meant them as some sort of insult, you bastard,” she shouted at him. “Was that some crack about my social life? How exactly did you mean those weeds?”
“They weren’t meant as an insult, though at the moment, I doubt I like you any better than you like me. As for being a bastard, I am well acquainted with my father. As a matter of fact, we currently have a good relationship. I’m sure he wouldn’t approve of you or your attitude any more than I do.”
“Is that a fact?” she asked. “And why wouldn’t he approve of me? Too low in the income bracket for his tastes?”
“No. He prefers it if I see women who know how to be ladies instead of screeching harpy fishwives,” Trevor answered, keeping his tone conversational.
“Screeching? Harp… Fishwives?” she sputtered.
“I could have called you an SOB,” he returned.
“Why would you call me a son of a bitch? I am nobody’s son,” she demanded.
“Sorry. In this instance it stands for selfish obnoxious bitch.”
So there’s the lineup from Gambler’s Folly. Sorry you’ll have to wait a bit, but editing takes time. But don’t worry. There is another series and some stand alones coming your way as well.
I went in for my second cataract surgery yesterday. I had the first cataract removed a month ago, which helped quite a bit in the reading department. I’m hoping this one goes just as well. It’s nice to be able to read labels in the store, newspapers, magazines, and print books again.
Thinking about the same thing yourself?
Don’t sweat it!
The surgeon at Gainesville Eye Associates does laser surgery. It’s quick, and virtually painless. From the time I went in until I was back in the car was about an hour and a half. And that included the post surugery check up. What takes most of the time is getting your eye dilated, IV hooked up, and all the things you need to do before you reach the OR. The surgery itself takes about ten minutes.
Ten minutes?
Yep. That’s it. I will have eye drops to put in several times a day for a month, but that’s no biggie. And for the first few days, my vision will be a little blurry as everything heals. But the results will give me vision like I haven’t had in years.
So what’s happening in my writing world?
I’m still working to finish Gregor Thayne. Too Many Talents should be about through editing, and a few other things are in various stages of editing.
So this weekend, reach out and take home a little magic!
Master of the Fleet will be on sale at Smashwords for only $0.99 this weekend.
So reach for the magic, settle into a comfy chair, and visit the Cote d’Or!
This question always comes up when someone hears I’m an author. And the answer isn’t necessarily a simple one. It depends on the book.
I’ve been told by some that I channel my stories. I don’t know exactly how that would be different from how anyone else writes, but once I get an idea, I just sit down, put my mind in neutral and go for it. And usually what I think is going to happen goes in some other weird direction I never would have thought of.
Jareth, First Lord began as a recurring dream. Not the beginning scene of the story, but somewhere down in chapter 1. When it wouldn’t leave me alone, I sat down and wrote it out. But how did we get to this point in the story? And where do we go from here?
Viviane was simply the second part of this story, so there was no problem there. But Morgan was a secondary character in Jareth. I liked Morgan and wanted to know more about her, so I sat down and began to write. I knew she’d come from Clan Belfort, but why had she come? And where would she end up?
Gambler’s Folly started from a song–South Coast. It’s an old song, but it tells about a man who won his wife in a card game. Now how could that happen today? As my mind turned this question over during the day, it began to spin me this tale of a pleasure world away from Earth, where anything could be won or lost in the games. And Gambler’s Folly was born. How the rest of it came about is nearly as much a mystery to me as it is to anyone else.
Dante’s Angel, the second book in the Gambler’s series came about much like Morgan did. He was a minor character I really liked and wanted to know about. And so I let my mind go and began to write. He turned out to be quite a character, as did his soul mate.
But The Russian was born from someone I saw in a video. A Russian rapper by the name of Geegun just looked like a werewolf to me. Probably with dire wolf blood. Now, how could I write him?
At various times in various places, I’ve been a member of the Society for Creative Anachromism–SCA. My persona was named Anne-Marie de Villehardouin, from 13th century France. One night, for some unknown reason, I dreamed a scene at one of the feasts. We had planned a sketch as part of the entertainment, run it by those in charge and had it approved. It involved a couple who started arguing at the table and escalated into her trying to stab him with a dagger. When that doesn’t work, and she loses the dagger, she grabs a sword and the two of them fight in front of the high table.
Now, this was not possible for real, at the time. But I thought it would be fun to do. As I turned it over in my mind, the thought came that it would make a good scene for a story as well. Only instead of it ending as part of the entertainment, it should end with a forced marriage.
Maybe he was a wizard of some sort as well as a swordsman…
I know. My mind is a very strange place. I can assure you, you wouldn’t like to visit.
That is definitely the question these days. So I thought I would give you a little insight on my decision.
When I first published Gambler’s Folly, I did so through a traditional publisher of romance/erotica. For quite a while after the book came out, it was in the top 10-25 for it’s category, which was Mainstream Sensual.
When I wrote Dante’s Angel, they decided not to pick it up, because sales had been too low for Gambler’s. Most likely, I could have done better with another publisher. This company’s sales were mostly from their erotica–menage and fairly graphic stories. Since then, they have discontinued their Mainstream line altogether.
I published Jareth and Viviane through a hybrid publisher. But again, even though they liked the book and seemed eager to pick it up, it didn’t do as well as I’d hoped. And again, part of that was due to the nature of their other books. Mine was quite different from the rest of their line.
My books are paranormal romance. They also contain elements of fantasy and magic at times, and some intrigue. One series deals with a team of shifters who form a department for Interpol on another world.
The other series is set on a world ruled by multi-gifted First Lords who have several psychic powers. Running through the series is the main story line begun in Book 1, so there is a bit of an intrigue running through it, along with the romance and paranormal.
Under Sultonna Nadine, we get into magic. The book which is out now deals with elemental magic. Our MC controls wind and water as Master of the Fleet for his company. The next book out will deal with trying to remove a curse put on a genie by a witch several hundred years ago.
I understand cross-genre books can be tricky to market, and publishers and agents are a bit skeptical. So what could I do?
I went to Amazon’s KDP and self published all of my books, including the ones I got the rights back for. The process can take a little time, since the different versions, ie. Kindle, paperback, or hardcover, have to be differently formatted. And you have to design your own cover and do your own editing.
Is it worth it?
For me, I feel it is. I have control over the whole process and I don’t take months or years trying to find someone willing to take a chance on me.
Is it right for you?
Only you can answer that.
In the meantime, if you’re a writer, KEEP WRITING.
Yeah, I’m not a happy camper this week. About a week ago, I tripped in a parking lot and fractured my right patella. After an after noon in ER, they decided I just needed to wear a brace until I could see an orthopedic specialist. So a few days later, I got in to see the doctor,, who told me much the same thing. Keep a brace on when I’m up and walking around. Take pain killers as needed. See me in two weeks for more x-rays.
It’ll be about 8–10 weeks healing time.
In the meantime, it is taking me forever to get things done. My daily walks are not a thing until I can walk properly again. And sitting at my desk is somewhat less than comfortable. Go figure, right?
So I haven’t done much writing this past week, though I have been reading through the next book for Gambler’s Folly to mark it up for editing. I do this on my Kindle Fire, so I can read without sitting at my desk. I’ve found I can highlight areas I want to work with and then take the Fire in to my desk and go through it there.
Much easier on the knee that way.
So what will be the next book for Gambler’s Folly?
Old Flame, which will be Book 4.
What’s it about?
They met at university thirty years ago. Though they were friends, they never really dated each other. Since then, Kort has had two failed marriages and become a multibillionair, considered the most eligible bachelor on several worlds. Elizabeth married and has recently become widowed.
Her kids bought her a ticket to visit them out west, and then surprised her with a vacation package to Gambler’s Folly. At the hotel her first night, waiting to fly to the spaceport for the shuttle flight, she runs into her old friend from university, also going to Gambler’s Folly.
And then the fun begins.
Still in editing, this will be a little while yet before it’s ready to publish, but I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, how about an excerpt?
EXCERPT
It was only a short drive to the hotel from the spaceport. Word must have gone ahead that Kort would be in town, so as soon as he stepped out of the limo cameras were flashing.
When she stepped out of the limo, there were questions from all sides.
“No, Liz is an old friend I met before I got on the shuttle. Since we were both staying here at the Stella d’Oro, I offered her a lift. I may convince her to have dinner with me later, but that’s all. We’re simply friends from our university days.”
“Is Liz short for Elizabeth?” someone called.
“Yes,” he answered.
“What about it, Liz? Any designs on Mr. Behrens?” someone else asked.
Feeling in a mood, she answered, “Who says I’d have him?”
She had expected a laugh or two, but got stunned silence before the questions began again.
“Now, you’ve heard it from the lady in question. Like I said, we’re simply friends who met again recently after several years. We’re catching up on old times. Don’t imply anything else, please.”
When they’d finally made it in the door and out of sight of the reporters, Kort turned to her with a laugh and gave her a big hug.
“Who says I’d have him? That was brilliant, Liz. It’ll keep them going for days.”
“I have no idea why I said that. It just slipped out. Are we likely to have a following everywhere we go?” she asked.
“For a day or two, until they get the idea I’m telling the truth. Unless you change you mind and decide you’ll have me instead?”
“Don’t press your luck.”
Wish me luck with the knee, and I’ll try to keep you posted on what I’m up to down here in the Southeast.
I was just getting used to it being September, but then there was so much going on in September, I’m not a bit surprised. Between two weddings and a birthday, plus all the usual things going on around here, I felt like the Red Queen in Through the Looking-Glass last month.
So far,October has been a little slower, if a little more frustrating. Due to a fall in a parking lot, I’m now wearing this fashionable splint because of a fractured patella. I don’t think the break hurts as much as all the traumatized muscles and abrasions. Once I’m up for a little while, I do pretty well. But after I’ve been sitting down for a little while, all those muscles complain as loudly as they can at being asked to work again.
But what about writing, you ask. I’ve been working on Unwilling Soulmates, as far as writing, and we’re up to 91,000 words. All I have left to write is the wedding scene, which shouldn’t take too long. And then the first read-through before the editing begins.These two have been quite a challenge, and have very specific ideas about how this story should go, starting with one who didn’t like his name…
And now I have a question for you.
What would you like to see in my posts? Little snippets of my work in progress? Bits from already published works, aside from teh excerpts on the other page here? More about my writer’s life?
Drop me a comment and let me know what you think. I’ll probably be doing a little more writing while this knee and I sort out our differences.
