2024 COVERS

2024 covers

Welcome to the Dark Side!

We are writers mainly from Australia and New Zealand who write speculative fiction with romantic elements. Be it fantasy, paranormal, dark urban fantasy, futuristic and everything in between.

Thursday 28 November 2013

Magic Thursday: Be Thankful

by J.M. Bray





As I neared my fiftieth birthday, life decided to give me a gift. Without changing any exercise or eating habits, it said, “Here, have this extra twenty pounds. No need for thanks, it’s yours to keep.” Since I speak publicly, this meant purchasing at least on new “fat suit.” After a lot of shopping, I decided to order one online, of course to do that they need all of your measurements. My daughter volunteered to assist me.

Everything was going just fine until we got the “measure your stomach at its largest point”. When the tape read forty inches I winced. Ok, I know that may not seem like much (or maybe it does!) but when you take into account that I had a twenty-nine inch waist when I married and only measured thirty-four inches up through that fateful year, it was a shock. The number on the tape mocked me like a schoolyard bully. My daughter, being the epitome of encouragement, tried to make me feel better saying, ‘Ohhhh dad, that not too bad. Here I’ll measure my stomach.’ At that point, she was with her first son. She wrapped the tape around her thirty-five week, basketball shaped week torso. Fourty inches exactly.

“Geeee thanks …I feel so much better!” We laughed so hard we couldn’t see straight.

In the midst of this writing life, it’s easy to focus on the bad things. How much we didn’t write, agent rejections, not finding a publisher, will people read our novels, will they like them, feeling alone in the process or lost… We start to feel like weight-gaining-50-year-olds in need of a new suit. But, hang on for a second. Let’s take the tape and put it around something else, shall we? Each of us, at whatever level, in whatever form, get to take our dreams, thoughts, desires, fears, memories and more, and put them into words. When other people read what we created it changes them, for good or ill, large or small, it happens.

What a wonderful, joyous, smile-inducing thought. In the United States, we are nearing Thanksgiving, so join me and celebrate, we honored few, for we are privileged to see our dreams come to life.


~~~

Fall in love, be possessed, hunt a sorcerer and save the world — and Vincent thought calculus was tough.
984 — Vincent expected college to be about freedom and girls, but then the nightmares of sorcery, monsters and other worlds began. Not even the surprising attention from his dream girl, Julie, could shake them.

Before he's even nailed his second date with Julie, he's possessed by Coleman, a warrior from another realm. Coleman is hell bent on defeating the monstrous Kafla who threatens to tear into Vincent's reality, changing both his and Coleman's worlds forever. They have one chance to stop them: Vincent must allow Coleman to share his body and wage war against the sorcerer.

Now it's up to them, the women they love, and Vincent's rag-tag bunch of role-playing and gaming friends to save the world, or see 1984 descend into the apocalypse.






J.M. Bray lives in Southern California with his college sweetheart and their two dogs. After a lifetime together, they are happier than the moment they met.

When not writing or working his "day job", he loves to cook, play the guitar, and travel with his wife. Every chance he gets, he races an old Porsche named "Tuffy" at tracks in the southwest.




Tuesday 26 November 2013

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...






GIVEAWAYS

Keri Arthur has a giveaway of Darkness Splintered  up for grabs here. The giveaway runs until November 30th, 2013.













BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Lord of the Hunt by Shona Husk will be released January 2014 from Sourcebooks.

Their love could destroy a powerful reign and change the mortal world forever
Raised in the mortal world, the fairy Taryn never planned on going back to Annwyn, much less to court. But with the power shift imminent, she is her parents' only hope of securing a pardon from exile and avoiding certain death.
Verden, Lord of the Hunt, swore to serve the King. But as the magic of Annwyn fails and the Prince makes ready to take the throne, Verden knows his days as Hunter are numbered. When Taryn and Verden meet, their attraction is instant and devastating. Their love could bring down a Queen and change the mortal world forever.



Carolyn Wren has received the cover for The Secret Family (Bk#7 The Protector series), due for release December 2013.

Amity Clark finds a photograph in her late mother’s possessions of someone she believes to be her long lost father, and posts it online.  She doesn’t realize the man in the picture is Cal Davies, a dangerous covert operative with many enemies.  When her workplace building explodes, Amity is trapped in the wreckage, terrified and hurt. Help seems close at hand as one courageous man crawls through the rubble, pulling her to safety, but he warns her to run and hide instead of announcing her miraculous escape to the authorities.
Peter Sinclair has one mission, to protect Amity Clark.  Injured in the explosion, he must find a safe place to hide her until the scheduled rendezvous.  Despite a growing attraction, Peter knows he has to send her on her way to begin a new life, before her father’s adversaries track her down to take revenge on Cal’s only living bloodline.



Christina Phillips celebrates the release of Her Savage Scot (Bk#1 of The Highland Warrior Chronicles), on 20th November 2013.

When tough Scot warrior Connor Mackenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.
Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.
When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave




REVIEWS

Shona Husk's Lord of the Hunt received a 4 star review by Romantic Times book reviews!
"Surprising, sensual and full of magic! The fairies of Annwyn can be ruthless, so playing the game properly can mean the difference between life and death, especially during such a perilous time of transition. Taryn and Verden try to be careful, neither one expecting to fall in love. Fantastic world-building and compelling character will make readers yearn for another foray into the world of fairy."



Keri Arthur's Darkness Splintered received a great review from Kings River Life Magazine.
"OK, what can I tell you to get you to try Darkness Splintered and the Dark Angel series? ... Friends in danger, really bad fathering techniques–Find the keys for me or I’ll kill your friends!– a horrible vampire boss–Find the keys for me or I’ll kill your friends!–rebel priests–Find the keys for us or we’ll kill you…heck, we may kill you anyway, just because we’re rebel priests!– rebel vampires–Kill the Vampire Queen or…you know the rest, right?…and hellhounds!
What’s not to love?"
Full review here.
There's also an interview with Keri here.





OTHER

Bec McMaster's Heart of Iron has been named one of Library Journal’s Best Books of the Year in the romance category. Congratulations, Bec!!!

You can see the full list here.










Thursday 21 November 2013

Magic Thursday: HER SAVAGE SCOT Cover Reveal & Giveaway!





Standing Stones of Scotland

The magnificent standing stones in Scotland are world renowned. With the wild, beautiful backdrop of the Highlands these mystical stones have stood for centuries, a silent testament to the ancient people who erected them so long ago.

There is some debate as to whether the Pictish people who dominated this land before the rise of the Scots were the architects of all these monuments, or whether they reused some stones from earlier times. The intricate carvings on these stones have been dated from the fourth century onwards – but that doesn’t mean they weren’t a part of the landscape long before that.

In Her Savage Scot I’ve woven these standing stones into the story, but have also embellished things a bit (as you do!) While historically the carvings may date back to the fourth century, in the Highland Warrior Chronicles the stone circle of Aila’s ancestors, and their engraved symbols, is much older.

They come from a time when the goddess culture was prevalent, and they are the guardians of great power from the past. Aila might try and deny her links to her goddess and all that entails, but goddesses are not so easy to dismiss :-)

Although Her Savage Scot isn’t a paranormal romance, each heroine in the Highland Warrior Chronicles possesses gifts passed down from her forebears; gifts that link them to Bride, a Celtic triple goddess from antiquity, and a fragile inheritance to protect from the foreign Scots.






Blurb:

When tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.
 
Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.

When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave


Ellora's Cave     Amazon     ARe     Nook     Amazon UK     Kobo
 

GIVEAWAY!



In conjunction with my good friend Allison Butler, who writes Scottish medieval romance for Penguin Australia, I’m sponsoring a tour wide Rafflecopter giveaway contest – details below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday 20 November 2013

A Bite Of... Dancing on Air

This fortnight, it is with much pleasure I welcome
Nicole Hurley-Moore with A Bite Of... Dancing on Air





Can you, in less than five words describe your book/story Dancing on Air?
Cinderella meets Swan Lake

What inspired you to write it?
 I suppose it stems from my childhood. My mother was a dancer and some of my earliest memories are of The Princess Theatre in Melbourne (Australia). It was built in 1886 and is a beautiful example of a Victorian period theatre. As a child I remember backstage being like a rabbit warren; it was cool, dark, scary and magical at the same time. The decorations were beautiful and sumptuous and it felt as if I had entered an enchanted world. These images have always been in the back of my mind, so I’ve taken them and woven a tale.

And here's the excerpt...
London, 1884

Lisette was weightless as she leapt into a grand jeté across the stage. She was free and in that moment her heart soared past the walls of The Imperial Theatre. She landed lightly and began the fouetté en tournant, whipping her leg from fourth position to behind her knee; she created impetus to spin on pointe. After the eight revolutions, she planted her feet and lifted her hand in the air, stopping in front of her aunt. There was a slight wobble in her legs and she tried not to wince. Fixing a smile on her face she prayed that her aunt had not noticed. Lisette had wanted perfection but had fallen short. A trickle of sweat slid its way down the middle of her back, her heart beat rapidly and she tried to catch her breath as her aunt stepped forward.

            Marie Devoré regarded her niece for a second. Her eyes bore into Lisette’s before she raised her hand and slapped her across the face.

            Lisette’s head jerked to the side as the burning sting radiated over her cheek.

          ‘What was that? A farce...? A comedy perhaps?’
‘No, Aunt Marie, I am sorry that I wobbled,’ she said as she looked at the well-worn wooden floor and resisted the urge to cradle her cheek.
‘When you finish, the movement must be sleek, clean and set in stone, without any trace of a tremble.’
‘Yes, Aunt.’
‘Go, out of my sight. Prepare the costumes for tonight’s performance,’ Marie said with a wave of her thin hand. ‘You will practice again tomorrow. Without the wobble.’

            Lisette bowed her head before running off into the wings of the stage. She ran as fast as she could past the burgundy velvet curtains, beneath the scenery fly and the rigging, down the narrow flight of stairs that ran beneath the stage, until she was in the cool and narrow corridor, which led deeper into the bowels of the theatre.

Her cheek burned but it was the sting of failure that hurt all the more.


Thank you for sharing, Nicole!

If you would like to find out more about Nicole's works you buy the books at the links below of follower check out her website.
















Tuesday 19 November 2013

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...





CONTESTS

A huge congratulations to Bec McMaster whose London Steampunk series book, Heart of Iron, is a Romantic Times Award nominee in the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy (Steampunk) section!
You can see the complete lists here.










SALES

Imogene Nix has sold Reunion - War's End, the first of the Reunion trilogy (novellas) to Beachwalk Press. This is a SciFi/Futuristic Tale. No release date yet.
Selina Codecko is an Indy Pilot… without the citizenship of the Federation, she’s treated like a second class citizen. But when she’s caught up in a brawl she’s arrested and in the hands of the Justice Officers.
Renjiro Ito has dreamed of a woman for five long years. As the Commander of the Justice Officers, the plight of one woman will turn his life upside down.
But there’s more going on than just the fate of one woman. The chances of a future together are slim, but they’ll take any chances that come their way. Will it be enough?


D.J.Michaels has just sold a six novella series to Ellora's Cave (Aeon science fiction line) - her first sale to a publisher.



BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Kylie Scott has received her new cover for Lick.




Mel Teshco has also just received her new cover for Ellora's Cave for Abducting the Princess (Bk#2 of the Nightmix series).




Imogene Nix's contemporary A Bar In Paris released November 18th with Beachwalk Press. 

Ever considered a naughty weekend?  A “Hook-Up” with no strings?
What does a woman do when she’s turning thirty? She takes a sexy weekend trip to Paris looking for commitment-free sex. Or, that’s what Davina Chalmers does, anyway.
Enter Johnathon a tall charming Englishman. How can she possibly resist his charm and that dimple?
But what starts out as a lark quickly becomes so much more. But how does one weekend become a lifetime? And how does a lie of omission bring everything into jeopardy?

You can watch the trailer here.



REVIEWS

Believe by Mel Teshco and Kylie Sheaffe has received 4 and 5 star reviews from Shirley & Desere at Fantasy Romance Reviews.
"For me as reader [Believe] reminded me that if we take a moment and step outside of our comfort zone and try to see how things could be dealt with in a different manner rather than by our own set of rules, we will find that it is not half as bad as we make it out to be. And also the courage to be the real you.
I will recommend this read for anyone looking for a new take on romance with a very different twist and that little bit of look beyond logic message." (Shirley)


"This book was excellent with a well written plot and well developed characters. Interesting from the first to the last page, there were few emotions that were not engaged. I loved how the poetry was weaved into the story, enhancing the different emotions or insights that the characters were experiencing." (Desere)
Full reviews here. 



Friday 15 November 2013

What We Are Reading: November

This month in WWAR we have YA, paranormal, historical and steampunk.

Eleni Konstantine

Gather the Bones by Alison Stuart
I absolutely loved this book. Beautiful language, beautiful plot of people dealing with the after-math of World War I.

Widow Helen Marrow and her daughter, Alice visits her late husband's home. There she meets her mother-in-law and her husband's cousin, Paul. Paul had been with Charlie when he had died but he has no recollection of it. This mystery and the mystery of Paul's great-grandmother interweave in the story where two lost souls meet. It also has a slight paranormal twist.

A real page-turner dealing with love, loss, and duty.

You'll love this book.

Boyfriend in A Bottle by Shona Husk

What would you do if you found a man tied to your bed? A man that had appeared out of nowhere? Well this is what Josie faces on the night of her birthday where a crazy stunt with her friends brings her unexpected results. Enter Kede. A man who is not all that he appears - yes, he's gorgeous, but there's more to him. A lovely tale of two people falling in lust and then love. This will spice up your reading! Enchanting and face paced read.

Kylie Griffin


My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster - The stand out quality of this story was the emotional punch. Mercury/Rosalind and Lynch are characters with multiple layers and the depths to their personalities. 

Their romance is an enemies to lovers struggle and it was painful yet a pure pleasure to watch them overcome their mistrust and fears and scars. They both have tormented pasts and their actions have been dictated by those events for a very long time, and made them who they are today. I loved seeing each of them grow and develop.



Mel Teshco

Stolen by Lucy Christopher
It was one of the best YA books I've read this year, a page turner that kept me up until I'd finished the book. The heroine is drugged, kidnapped from an airport, and taken by a young man to live with him in the desolate outback. And somewhere along the way you can't help but fall in love with the hero (Ty) despite the fact he has been watching Gemma for years and planning her abduction. I cannot recommend this book enough. LOVED it!


~~~
happy reading!
Shona

Thursday 14 November 2013

Magic Thursday: Romancing the Mud

On the 27th of October Nicola E Sheridan and Shona Husk completed their first Tough Mudder. Here are our top three reasons to undertake such a massive challenge (20km with 20 obstacles including 9’ high walls and things with lots of mud and muddy water).

1. Training: If you ever needed incentive to get fit this is it. 20km is nothing to sneeze at, nor are the obstacles (scared of heights? this event will cure it or leave you a bumbling mess). Even if you plan to walk Tough Mudder getting your stamina up will help defeat writer’s butt. Not only will your training regime make you fitter than ever before, the actual event will tests your strength, endurance, determination and sheer guts all in one gruelling day. It was, quite simply an awesome experience.

2. Teamwork: Outside of romance writers (who, lets face it are the best!) Mudders are really helpful people. It is like one big team event. Really? We hear you ask... Really! Right from the get-go you get a pep-talk on helping all the other Mudders out there on the course - we can vouch for them too. With every stack we had there were always half a dozen people to help and say 'Shit! Are you OK?' while we laughed at each other - in wonderful camaraderie - of course.

3. Manspiration: While plenty of people do the Tough Mudder event, plenty of super fit guys do it. Many with their shirts off. It was marvellous and proved a great distraction while running ;). Not only were they gorgeous, every guy we met along the way was also very helpful... Who says chivalry is dead? Not us, not now! The guys were willing, dare I say eager to help us over obstacles, giving us numerous leg up and powerful pushes to get us over the walls. This was so important, particularly in hauling us over the lip of the ¼ pipe also known as Everest (literally run at the curve as fast as you can and hope you get high enough that someone will grab your hand and help you get over the top). Shona did it first time, but Nicola took six attempts before success. We can assure that the moment that random, gorgeous, muscular Adonis caught her hand and hauled her to safety... we experienced manspiration like never before!

Thank you gorgeous man, whoever you are....

Speaking of thanks and manspiration, we'd like to give special mention to The Lussy Pickers for not only having an awesome team name which gave us a giggle (also extra motivation to keep up with them - what woman doesn’t want to hear that from a man?) but also for holding down the base of the rope netting making it easier for people to climb up. True heroes.

So, Perth based romance writers get training and we’ll see you in the mud in year!

Nicola and Shona

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...






BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Rain is Nicole Hurley-Moore's latest book, a paranormal medieval romance, published by Jupiter Gardens Press. It's coming out November 21st, 2013.

1216 AD
On the mountain, high above the village of Farran;
Nuri is caught between heaven and hell.

Two men fight for her love and her soul. The first is Maras, an elemental being who follows the storms. Nuri knows that he is not human, he's something more. She believes he is her beautiful fallen angel. But he is transient and is bound to the elements and their love may be as fleeting as the storm itself.
The second is Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted by his desire for her. But Nuri may sacrifice more than her heart when the Church brands her angel a demon.
As Brother Erebus will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.






Mel Teshco's Believe (published by Soul Mate Publishing) is now up on Amazon.

Do you believe in the power of unconditional love?
James Edward Bowheart is a genius in the making, a student doctor who has it all . . . or so it seems.
His lawyer father is an alcoholic, his mother a strict, god-fearing woman with a critical eye and a cold heart. His sister, Josie, is warm, smart, and overly-sensitive. She sees things no one else can. In and out of mental institutions, she is reviled by their parents.
James begins to question his own logic, fearing the unknown when he too begins to see things, dream things, the drugs he has come to rely on exacerbating the problem.
Only when a new neighbor—a single and very pregnant young woman—helps him to see outside the square and accept the unexplainable, does he truly start to Believe...



Eleni Konstantine join the ranks of Alfie Dog with her short story, Enchanted. It's due for release on 4th December 2013.



REVIEWS

Carolyn Wren received a 5 star review for The Undercover Agent (Bk#6 The Protectors).



 
OTHER

Cheryse Durrant has a book trailer for The Blood She Betrayed.


The book is available on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Lulu and at Clan Destine Press.



Sunday 10 November 2013

Magic Thursday winner - Halloween Blogiversary Mega Pack!


Thanks to everyone for participating in the Halloween Blogiversary Mega Pack giveaway.

The winner is 
Eva Millien


Congratulations Eva! An email has been sent to your email address with details on collecting your prize.


This was the first time we used Rafflecopter and we thought it went well. I hope you all did too.  We appreciate everyone supporting the DarkSiders.

Until next time....

:)


Saturday 9 November 2013

Darklight On... Lisa Swallow


Today's Darklight On is... Lisa Swallow.


Welcome, Lisa!






How did you come to write speculative fiction? What attracted you to the genre?

I read a lot of spec fic as a teenager. My first attempt was a fan fic based on The Tripods series by John Christopher (but with a little romance attached!) Nobody ever read that. Then when I was in my mid-teens I wrote a book about a vampire who falls in love with a high school girl. Just a few years too early...but my friends enjoyed it!



Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in-between?



Pantser although I use beat sheets as a rough guide when I begin. I find it helps me tighten up the structure before I start and helps me keep GMC in mind as I write.



Do have a favourite of your characters?

I have to say Jack in the Soul Ties series. He’s the opposite to so many heroes because he’s awkward and funny - my first ‘geek’ hero. Jack was great fun to write. My beta readers loved him too which is always a good sign! But they weren’t impressed by what I did to him. Plus, he was one of those characters that was never planned but who snuck into the first book. And now has his own.



What are you currently working on?


I've just launched Torn Souls, the second book in the Soul Ties series and I'm now working on the third book, Shattered Souls. I'm also editing the sequel to my contemporary novel, Because of Lucy.


What is your favourite part of the process of writing?

A silent house and a few hours to immerse myself in the world of the book I’m writing. I love the characters and scenes that can come from this.



What can we expect from Lisa Swallow in the future?


I'm continuing with the Soul Ties series as well as writing a series of new adult contemporary romance novels. I have a few other projects in mind and I think I’ve probably got two years worth of planned books!



Who are your favourite authors?

Difficult! I have a real mix of authors I like from those I studied, childhood favourites and today. And the list varies every time someone asks me this! So in no real order: Margaret Mahy, LJ Smith, Anne Rice, John Christopher, John Wyndham, Jessica Sorensen, Charlene Harris and a whole host of ‘classic’ authors.



What are you currently reading? 

The Blood She Betrayed by Cheryse Durrant. It’s refreshing to read urban fantasy with a whole new take on things and I love the world she’s created.



Do you have a favourite spec fiction movie or TV series?


I'm a huge Joss Whedon fan and love all of his series and movies. I’d have to say Buffy the Vampire Slayer because I love how Buffy was so different to the other female characters on TV at the time.



Do you have advice for emerging writers?

Read! I know, every writer says that but it’s true. The other thing that made a big difference for me is when I finished something! So that helps... It’s easy to jump around or give up on projects. And embrace social media. I found this hard, and still do because I’m a very shy person but I’ve learnt so much and met so many great people.





~~~

Thanks, Lisa!



Buy Links






About Lisa


Lisa is an author of new adult romance and writes both paranormal and contemporary, often with a side of snark. In between running a business, looking after her family and writing, Lisa sometimes finds spare time to do other things. This often involves swapping her book worlds for gaming worlds. She even leaves the house occasionally.

Lisa loves all things from the Whedonverse and preferred vampires before they sparkled. She is currently working on a number of projects including the remaining books in the Soul Ties series and a sequel to her new adult contemporary romance. Lisa is originally from the UK but moved to Australia in 2001. She lives in Perth in Western Australia with her husband, three children and dog.

Contact Lisa by:

Email: lisa_writes @ ymail.com (without the spaces)

Website | Facebook | Twitter: @lisa_swallow_au



Lisa's Photo Credit: Zaxon Marley Creations








Thursday 7 November 2013

Magic Thursday: The Magic of Publication



Magic Thursday seems an apt title for us authors. You see, every day
is magic when we are blessed to sit down and write words, and create our own unique story and characters. Not that I’m saying it’s easy! For most of us it’s taken a whole lot of slog to get to publication – and most of us would agree – that slog is what made us better writers. After all, practice makes perfect. (Though perfection may be in the eye of the beholder IE: the reader).

I reckon I had at least five years as an ‘apprentice’ writer (though I’d written on and off over a number of years beforehand), and in all that time I dreamed about how amazing it would be to be published, for people to pay for more stories. And then that dream came true, first with Ellora’s Cave and soon after with Harlequin Nocturne Bites. I’ve since also been published with Momentum and Soul Mate Publishing, and will probably put my eggs into other baskets too.

But back to the magic. It’s not ALL about someone buying our story, though that could be the pinnacle, there’s plenty of other magic along the way…

Magical Moment number 1: The contest win and/or finals

Your eyes drop out of your head when you see the results. This is PROOF you’re good, more than good! That you’re no longer a lone fish in a big sea, you’re in the publishing net, about to be scooped up.

Magical Moment number 2: The request

Whether from a writing contest or from the good old slush pile – the net has been overturned and emptied into a pool of other hopefuls. Your chances of publication have just been multiplied many times over.

Magical Moment number 3: The acceptance

Wow. Deep breaths. Take a moment to let it sink in, that this is in fact reality. But must keep quiet, wait for the contract before screaming WAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Magical Moment 4: The contract.

It’s sinking in now, panic is mixed with excitement. Feck. What are you doing? You’re a nobody, a nothing? Who in their right mind would want to buy your story???? Wait, you’re an author now!!! WAAAAAAAHOOOOOO!! (again)

Magical Moment number 5: The edits

Okay, so this is not everyone’s magic moment. BUT is does generally turn a really good story into a great one. YAY!! A few more weeks of buffing and spit-polishing and hair-pulling, and it’ll be all worth it in the end. Promise.

Magical Moment number 6: The Cover

Holy cow!! That cover is YOURS!!! You LOVE it! It encapsulates the story perfectly. The way the model’s eyes look dreamingly into the hero’s, his hand on her waist and that de-thorned rose snagged in her teeth. SIGH. Best. Moment. Ever. (sorry guys with the bad covers, can’t put that one in my magic post *g*)

Magical Moment number 7: The book

Hardcover or E-book, you can barely stand to believe this baby is yours and that it’s out in the world, where others can read it. Dang-diggedy it’s going to be a best seller for sure!!!! (and it will be…soon)

Magical Moment number 8: The reviews

A five star review just hit cyber space and you’re all over it like flies on masticated gum. WOOT it’s a miracle. But of course you knew it was worthy of five stars. Your eyes skim over the 1 star reviews – they’re barely worth the time of day – and good on you! I agree!

Magical Moment number 9: The cheque

WOW! Your first cheque. It’s real now. It’s almost OTT surreal. You can afford a pizza.  A couple of beers. Or if you’ve worked really hard you can go out and celebrate!!! But wait. You need to write. You’ve got deadlines. A backlist to build so you can make real money. 

Ahhhh. The magic of it all…


 Believe is Mel's latest book (co-written with Kylie Sheaffe) and has plenty of (supernatural?) magic all on it's own.

Wednesday 6 November 2013

A Bite Of... A Warlord's Lady


This morning it is my pleasure to welcome myself - Nicola E. Sheridan, with a snippet of my newest release 'A Warlord's Lady'.


Can you in less than five words describe A Warlord's Lady?
Warlord, mayhem, mystery, magic, lust.

What inspired you to write it?
There were a two things inspired me to write A Warlord's Lady, initially I wanted to write something with a hero like The Commando from The Biggest Loser, a very powerful man with a secret side. While I was mulling this prospect over, I had a dream about a powerful Asian warlord... I will not elaborate on the details - for decency's sake - but suffice to say, I began writing immediately after that.

And here's the snippet!
[A Warlord's Lady is written in both 1st person (through excerpts from the heroine's own book) and 3rd person for the rest of the story. This is an excerpt from the heroine Sabra's own book 'Memoirs of a Warlord's Love Slave']

My throat felt so tight I thought I might choke. The Warlord had all these women giving themselves to him, and then there was pitiful me. A strange, slightly tubby Chameleon, waltzing into his den hoping for a decadent shag.

 How ridiculous.

So why did I feel so betrayed? He was my kidnapper, not my boyfriend. He was my master, not my partner. How had I got everything so confused?

 It was then he noticed me, or perhaps he’d known I was there all along. His eyes slid from the last woman and locked on me. His eyes met mine and sent spasms of longing screaming through me.

‘Sabra.’ His voice was neutral, calm and soothing. ‘I didn’t expect you.’ Those hooded eyes regarded me coolly.

For a second something squelched in my throat. It was meant to be a witty response but sounded more like a squashed frog, and just as sad.

‘It’s all right,’ he soothed, his tone irritatingly neutral. I could feel my skin roar with colour and the women’s eyes absorb my abnormality with interest.

‘No, it’s not,’ I heard myself sob, before I turned and ran.

If you liked the sound of that, A Warlord's Lady is out now, and if you'd like to find out what else I've been up to, be sure to check out my blog, website, FB and Twitter for the latest updates.
 
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
 
.

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Good News Day!

Welcome to this week's good news...





SALES

Awesome news for Kylie Scott.
"The Macmillan Trade Group announced today, 28 October, that it has secured World English Language print and eBook rights to the bestselling Stage Dive New Adult series by Australian novelist, Kylie Scott...A four-book series, each novel is centered on a rock star hero in the fictional band Stage Dive.
The Macmillan Group will update the eBook cover of Lick, which they plan to publish in print in May 2014. The second book, Play, will be published in eBook in April 2014 and in print in August 2014, with the third and fourth in the series to follow in the months after."
Full details can be read here.



Khloe Wren has just sold Jaguar Secrets to Evernight Publishing. Release date is December 13th, 2013.
Who would have thought saving a stray cat could change your whole life? Yet that is exactly what happens when Cammi saves a black kitten from under a jetty.
Jaguar shape shifter Luca is out looking for his ratbag little brother Rogue, who’s taken off again. He finds Cammi rescuing him and instantly recognizes she is his mate. She passes out when Rogue flashes form so Luca takes her home, to discover his best friend, Nate is also Cammi’s destined mate.
When Cammi’s self-appointed big brother learns the shifters are after her heart, he takes matters into his own hands and attempts to convince her they are not for her. Who will Cammi believe? Her two new lovers or a friend who is the closest thing to family she’s ever known.





GIVEAWAYS

To celebrate her seventh release S.E.Gilchrist is giving away seven copies of Dance in the Outback on her blog. Leave a comment to go into the draw. Giveaway closes 30 November 2013.










Cheryse Durrant is the feature author of the month at b00kr3vi3ws.
To celebrate, three eBooks and a signed paperback of The Blood She Betrayed are up for grabs. For a chance to win, all you need to do is enter b00kr3vi3ws' RaffleCopter.
The competition runs until November 30, with new chances to win every day.









BOOK COVERS & RELEASE DATES

Rhyll Biest's story "The Candidate" appears in the anthology Paranormal Erotica published by Mischief. It was released in October.

An Erotica Collection
Whether ghostly, magical, or demoniac these ten tales of sexy supernatural lovers will excite and enchant. All new and original paranormal erotica from Mischief, featuring Rose de Fer, Scarlet Rush, Giselle Renarde and many more.
At a school for demoniac seduction, one pupil is more interested in captivating her tutor than topping the class.
On vacation, Sara and Marshall get adventurous and invite another to join them in bed, but there is far more to their mystery lover than either of them anticipated.
Auren is apprenticed to an alchemist and her education in the occult has begun to weave a spellbinding passion.



S.E.Gilchrist has indie published in e-book format, Dance in the Outback, a contemporary, rural romance set in outback Australia. (Heat level is sweet / sensual.) Released October 31st, 2013.

Years ago Melanie Black was rescued from a burning house by her best mate, a fellow foster child. When he begs for help to save his marriage, she can’t refuse and finds herself on a cattle station supervising his children.
Dirk Tanner can't believe his eyes when his brother-in-law's 'friend' alights from the plane. He recognises her as the do-gooder who gave his ex-wife advice on ‘living her own life’. No way will he allow Melanie to meddle in his sister's affairs too.
A near brush with death reveals their true feelings for one another. But to achieve her childhood dream of love and belonging, she has to face her worst nightmare.

Available from Amazon, Smashwords & Amazon UK.


M.J.Scott has just received her cover for Fire Kin (Bk#4 Half-Light City fantasy romance series). This book will be released on May 6th, 2014 from Tor.





REVIEWS

The Blood She Betrayed by Cheryse Durrant received a top review from PetaJo.
"A gripping read from start to finish... Despite creating two entirely different dimensions and a storyline with many twists, Durrant succeeds in keeping her storytelling simple. She has created a heroine to be proud of."






OTHER

The Blood She Betrayed eBook by Cheryse Durrant, and accompanying book trailer, both went LIVE on the weekend. Check out the book trailer HERE.
The eBook is now available online at Amazon, Clan Destine Press and Lulu, with Kobo and iTunes to follow later this week.


DarkSiders signing at Brisbane SupaNova
DarkSiders Rowena Cory Daniells and Cheryse Durrant will join forces with fellow fantasy author Chris McMahon to sell and sign their books in Artist's Alley at the RICC Building at SupaNova, Brisbane this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 8, 9 and 10. Drop by and say "Hi!"
Durrant will also feature at a book signing event at Angus & Robertson Post Office Square in Brisbane this Thursday, November 7, from noon until 2pm.



check out all our books on our dsdu-books shelf:
DarkSide DownUnder's book lists (dsdu-books shelf)