Sultonna Nadine was the name my parents were originally going to give me, until family insisted I be named after my grandmothers instead. (sigh)
Families, eh?
But part of me always wanted to be Sultonna.
For some reason, when I began writing, it never occurred to me to use a pen name. And after my series got started, I didn’t want to change halfway through. So when I began writing stand alone books, someone suggested I use Sultonna Nadine for those! And since they don’t fit conveniently into my series, and some of them are a bit out there, I decided to do just that.
Sultonna writes of things magical, in alternate realities, or if not magical, at least on far away worlds. Always with at least a hint of romance.
So far, she has published one book, but never fear. Another one should be out this year!
Where can you learn more?
Go over to SultonnaNadine.com. I’m still tweaking the site, so be patient.
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So far in my books, including those published and unpublished, I have leopards, panthers, wolves, bears, and now tigers.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?
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…
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?
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?
Yes, it’s that week in between two holidays. And major holidays at that–Christmas and New Year. Who thought this was a good idea?
How much really gets done during those days? Did you ever wonder? I mean, this year, Christmas was on a Sunday, so for a lot of places Monday was a day off. If you were flying somewhere for the holidays, you are stressed to the max. Especially if the airlines were delayed and you’re stuck at the airport overnight. Not a good way to spend Christmas with family.
Then Tuesday comes around and everyone drags back to work, assuming you made it home on time. Not a lot of work gets done, as everyone is talking about their holiday and trying to get back in the swing.
But wait! New Year’s Eve is Saturday night, with New Year’s Day on Sunday! You have to have some sort of celebration to bring in the new year. Right?
So Friday, you have to go out and get snacks, drinks, and whatever else you have for New Year’s Eve. And you stay up until the clock strikes midnight marking the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
Of course, on Sunday there are the bowl games. And a lot of people like to watch the Rose Bowl Parade. More snacks and drinks. One more late night. I mean, with Monday being a holiday again, why not stay up and watch movies?
And once again, the first week of work is going to be slow as everyone tries to throw off the excesses of the holiday season.
Come on. Maybe we should just take the whole week off and call it done. I’m sure everyone out there could use a vacation anyway. And the way the weather has been, it would be a lot more relaxing for all concerned.
I know. It’ll never happen. But a girl can hope. Right?
in the meantime, what are you reading?
Don’t forget, all of my e-books at Smashwords are on sale for whatever you choose to pay through Jan 1, 2023. All the books in both series as well as Master of the Fleet are in the sale.
Or check out the year end sale at Smashwords. Many of their authors have gotten together and lowered their prices for the holidays.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday and remember to be kind to yourself, too.
Here we are only a few days from holiday weekend. How is everyone out there?
I know. Take a deep breath. Hold for a few seconds, and then let it out slowly. Don’t let the ;ast minute stresses get you down.
Are you looking for something to read, but don’t have a lot to spend right now?
Time to go over to Smashwords and check out their End of the Year Book Sale. Many of their authors have joined in the sale and have discounted their e-books until Jan 1. Some are even free!
Now you can’t beat a deal like that.
Treat yourself for the holidays! If you’re looking for one of my books, you can find them at my Smashwords profile page for any price you want to pay. Even FREE! (Though I hope you’ll throw a little change my way.)
So go on over to Smashwords and find a place for a short vacation break. Pour yourself a cup of tea, glass of wine, or whatever beverage you fancy, and get into another world.
If you’re looking for paperbacks or hardcover books of mine, go to my Amazon Author Profile page and find your next destination.
If you’re looking for Master of the Fleet, it’s under my pen name, Sultonna Nadine.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season. See you in the New Year!
Yes, it certainly is. And I know a lot of you are out there trying to get your shopping done. And if the weather where you are is anything like the weather we’re having, you’re doing it in the rain.
Don’t forget you can shop online to save yourself part of the stress and crazy drivers.
And if you have readers on your shopping list, what better gift can you get them than a book or three for the holidays?
Or maybe you need to unwind with a good book after working and shopping all day.
If you’re looking for paranormal romance, with some fantasy and magic thrown in, go on over to Amazon and check out my author page there. I have two series to choose from. And for magic, check out my book at Sultonna Nadine. All the books on Amazon are available for Kindle or hard cover. Most are available in paperback as well.
But if you’re looking for an e-book, at a discount price, check outSmashwords. Between now and January 1, you can set your own price on any of my books! This includes both series and Master of the Fleet.
While you can choose to get them for free, I hope you’ll feel generous and throw a little something my way. I understand money is tight this time of year, which is why I’m having the sale. And please review them after you’re finished.
So, stay safe out there. Don’t let the stress of the season get you down. Practice some good stress relieving techniques daily and get plenty of rest. Less stress and enough sleep will help you out there in the craziness.
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.
Mellie's Books 