Darklight On...Jodie C!

Today's Darklight On... is with Jodie C. Welcome, Jodie!

The Pen, The Paper and the Paranoia 


I have to admit, doing my first post about writing is more than a little daunting. It’s like asking someone to write an article on sex when they’re stuck on second base. Yes, I do write, but I don’t consider myself a writer. You see, I’m a newbie. I can’t even complain about my pile of rejection letters because to be honest I’m yet to finish one of my stories.

So today I’m not going to be writing about the hunky, executive type with the Midas touch and the killer eyes – who I’m currently writing about – instead I will write about the rollercoaster ride I have already taken....before publication, before submissions, before the painful synopsis writing and before even finishing a story.

It all started about five years ago. I was pregnant, already on maternity leave and remember cringing when my sister in law handed me a copy of Twilight to read. What the hell was Twilight?? And why the hell would I want to read about teenagers and blood suckers with sparkly skin??

I haven’t stopped reading since – and it’s not the occasional read, a book or two every month – hell no, it quickly grew into obsession. After devouring the Twilight series, I read everything I could find and five years later I am averaging about fifteen books a month.

So, the reading turned into reviewing on www.goodreads.com, the reviewing turned into blogging and the next step after that was to start my own writing.

I have always had an overactive imagination. Like many writers and women in general I fall asleep in the arms of a different man each night. No my husband doesn’t mind – he has no clue. Each night there is a new scene, a new man, a new first kiss, a new climactic event that makes my heart ache. And all these scenes continued to overtake my mind. I started not only living them in my mind, but narrating them as if reading a book. How would I describe these scenes? What words would I use to explain the intimacy of that first touch? The first caress? The first brush of lips?

It seemed only natural to put my fingers to the keypad and start typing away. And it was easy. I wrote page upon page, scene upon scene, the words flowing like a torrent trying to escape my teeny, tiny mind. Then I came across RWA – should I join? Should I take the next step? I ended up finding a competition set to end in only two days time and decided to bite the bullet. Here goes nothing. I tried my hardest to read over my work, had a few friends read it to help me out then submitted it with a chest filled with hope.

Six or so months later and the email came back telling me in subtle terms that I sucked better than a Hoover. Ok, a little over dramatic, there were some great comments, some good comments and a whole heap of depressing comments. Not being the most confident person I took it to heart. I seriously suck total ass. So I pulled the piece back out of the depths of my computer and read over it. HOLY HELL, they were right. It sucked!! No, really. It sucked. In such a short space of time and with a lot of help from a recent RWA conference, I had learnt enough to realise my piece was truly horrible. And I had let my friends read it? It really woke me up to the realisation that you shouldn’t let friends read your work if you are looking for an honest opinion.

But I DIDN’T give up. I agreed with the majority of the comments. It made me grow even more as a writer and almost a year later I am still plodding along.

For me the biggest hurdle with writing isn’t the creativity. I can get words on the page relatively quick – they aren’t polished or perfect, but the story is always flowing – my problem is the paranoia, the confidence, the drive to continue even though the words may never be read. The hours spent perfecting a character all gone to waste if no one wants to read it.

I start a story then get half way and decide....”Hmmm, that isn’t good enough. I need to start something else.” I think it’s a coping mechanism. If I don’t finish anything, I can’t get rejected right? Or I will get into a good writing groove, putting down a heap of words each day then decide to pick up a book by one of my favourite authors – then BAM, I take a detour to Suckville. How could my writing ever compare to the likes of Cindy Gerard, J.R. Ward or Kresley Cole? It’s pointless! I’m never going to be that good.

Thankfully I have a few great friends who keep poking me with really large sticks. They remind me of my goals, they encourage me to continue and they always have my back.

So my goal for this year? Finish ONE piece. Get to the point where I can write ‘The End.’ Bite my tongue through the negativity and reach that coveted finish line. And I am determined to do it. I haven’t set my goals high. I have realised I’m not Super Woman, no matter how much I wear the costume. My goal revolves around a small story and I’m already averaging 500 words a day, so I will get there....I will.

And that’s when all the fun and games will begin...submissions....competitions....rejections....world domination.

~~~

Thank you, Jodie.

What We Are Reading

Welcome to January’s What We Are Reading column. Today, we have Jodie Smith and Jess Anastasi.
Jodie C
~Take No Prisoners~ Cindy Gerard

When it takes me less than 24 hour to read a full length novel with my kids at home for the duration - it shows how much I LOVE a book.

I made the mistake of starting this an hour before I wanted to go to bed. "Just a few chapters of the fabulous Cindy Gerard & I'll sleep peacefully" I told myself. EEEHHHhhhh WRONG.

One hour turned into three and I found it physically painful to put this book down before finishing it.

Sam was yet another sex on a stick, Black Ops, die to sleep with, hunka hunka burnin love, that I fell into lust with straight away. A man of relatively few words - but boy did those words count.

*sigh*

He was dreamy. If only men like that really existed. I would claw, scratch & bite my way through any woman that got in my way.

Abbie was also another one of Cindy Gerard's perfect heroines, that deserved the attention of such a great man. She was strong, loyal and a joy to fall in love with.

Their story was action packed, not only in the bullets and bad guys department, but also between the sheets.

TOTALLY. YUMMILIFIC.

Cindy also has the best ability of making you NEED to read the next book in the series straight away.

I am trying to savor these books gawd damn it - but I can't help devouring!!!


Jess Anastasi
~Succubus Nights~ Richelle Mead


I've just finished reading Succubus Nights (which oddly, I think is the Australian title. You can also find this book under Succubus On Top), the second book to Succubus Blues in the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead. I really loved all of Ms. Mead's young adult Vampire Academy books, so wondered what to expect with this adult series. I can tell you I wasn't disappointed. Even though Georgina is an "agent of hell" she tries to live a good life and falls in love with a human, but quite often her past and the fact she's a succubus make things very complicated. The romance between Georgina and her man, Seth, is intriguing, plus the sexual tension is fantasic. They can't kiss, let alone make love, or she'll literally suck the life out of him... and we don't want that, now, do we? So I'll be off to the library shortly to track down Succubus Dreams, the third installment, to see where the next adventures of Georgina will lead. If you love urban fantasy or paranormal and want something a bit different, I highly recommend any of Ms. Mead's books. She's a very talented writer.

 ~~~

This year there are two interesting challenges happening. One is the Australian Women Writers Challenge. If you haven’t signed up you can do so here:  australian-women-writers-book-challenge
Or you can check out the goodreads group where there are shelves of books by Australian Women: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/59176.Australian_Women_Writers_Challenge

Also this year Eleni is doing a Darksider challenge: http://elenis-library.blogspot.com/2011/12/darksider-reading-challenge.html

I have several Darksiders books on my TBR pile including Nicola E Sheridan, Jenny Schwartz, Mel Teshco and Denise Rossetti. What’s on your shelf?

Shona

What We Are Reading

Welcome to December’s  What We Are Reading column. Today, we have Maggie Mundy, Mel Teshco, Nicola E. Sheridan and Jodie Smith.

Maggie Mundy

~ Many Lives, Many Masters ~ Dr. Brian Weiss

The book I am reading is called Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss. The front cover says. The true story of a prominent psychiatrist, his young patient and the past life therapy that changed both their lives. I have read about two thirds of the book and it does seem incredible that the woman who is his patient can remember so many different things from previous lives, however very little seems to be able to be confirmed. The side of the book I found more interesting was when the patient spoke with the voice of the masters and tried to convey to Dr. Weiss information on philosophy and the meaning of life. Dr Weiss is Jewish and found excepting the concept of reincarnation difficult, that was until he researched the bible and found that there had been mention of it but it was removed in 300ad and 500ad. The church felt it could not control the populace as well if they thought they could come back and get it right next time. I am enjoying reading it as it is presented in an accessible format. I was disappointed that he does not have footnotes for information on other doctors in the field. But at the end of the day it seems odd that a highly respected doctor would jeopardise his career on a whim. Whether you believe him or not he is totally convinced what he has observed is true.

Nicola E. Sheridan

~ Raine ~ Elizabeth Amber.

OK, I will confess I’m a little embarrassed to admit I read this, but curiosity got the better of me (as it so often does).

“Raine” is the second book in Elizabeth Amber’s Lords of Satyr series. I initially read the first as I wanted to see how other writers were treating their Satyrs... Ummm. Well, suffice to say these Satyrs are different in more ways than one (forgive the pun) as every full moon they grow an extra ding-dong. No really. They do.

“Raine” is based on Raine Satyr, one of three Satyr brothers and his half faerie mate. Jordan, his partner, is not your ordinary heroine... oh no, because she is also a he. Jordan is a hermaphrodite, and has been living as a man her entire life in order to accept her inheritance. Except on every birthday, she’s forced by the sinister Salerno to pose masked and nude before a crowd of artists and doctors in a sort of medical freak show (think Embarrassing Bodies 1600’s style). This is where Raine finds her, and Jordan, desperate to be treated as a woman, follows him.

The romance is surprisingly sweet, which lessens the ‘OMG!’ factor. This book also has an Über disgusting villain – who quite literally gave me nightmares. I’m still not sure that syphilis should ever be mentioned in an erotic romance... Anyway if you want to read a VERY different kind of erotic romance, I’d suggest starting with “Nicholas” (book 1) and if you’re curiosity has peaked then go ahead and try “Raine”. I’m not sure if I’m personally ready for book 3 yet, but I’ll keep you posted!

 ~ How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse ~ by Cressida Cowell

I love these books. I read them to my children, affecting crappy Scottish accents and having a blast. With characters like Big-Boobied Bertha, Norbert the Nutjob and Dogsbreath the Duhbrain it is sure to keep children and adults alike thoroughly entertained. Filled with dragons, Vikings, Hysterics, Hooligans and more, these are some of the best (if not some of the grossest) kids books I’ve read in years.

Here’s the blurb;

In his 4th sidesplitting adventure, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III must rescue his best friend, Fishlegs, from the deadly disease Vorpentitis. The only cure is rare and almost impossible to find...a potato. But where will Hiccup find such a thing? He'll have to dodge the terrible Sharkworms, battle Doomfangs, and outwit crazy Hooligans if he's going to be a Hero...again.

A fast paced plot, slapstick humor, witty dialogue and imaginative black and white illustrations enhance this exciting tale.

Mel Teshco

~ Dead Until Dark ~ Charlaine Harris

Okay I bought the Charlaine Harris series of books long before I watched the True Blood series. And unfortunately the books stayed on my TBR pile for a good 12 months or more before I even got around to reading book 1...

For me, knowing the story line – at least the TV adaptation, ruined my enjoyment of the story. I love turning the pages not knowing how everything will unfold...

Okay, what I loved about DUD (g) was the first person POV – to me it’s like reading someone’s diary, somehow it feels more personal and in-depth. It also makes for a nice change after writing (forever) in third person. And yes, even knowing the story I liked the concept of Sookie being able to read minds, plus the fact she’s just an ordinary girl in every other way.

For those who don’t know the story line, the heroine and main character is Sookie Stackhouse, a cocktail waitress in Louisiana. She meets and very quickly falls for ‘vampire Bill’ – and loves him all the more because she can’t read his mind. What bliss! After the ceaseless voices she picks up on and has to constantly block.

The book has lots of interesting characters—Sookie’s brother, their grandmother. Not to mention all the great characters she works with (again, I can’t help but picture the characters from the TV series instead of using my imagination).

There are a few twists and turns with a murder or two that leaves you guessing, and I think Charlaine does a great job in hiding who really is the killer. Particularly good since Sookie has a fair idea she’s the next victim-to-be.

Oh, and I can’t help but be intensely interested in the secondary character—vampire Eric. Whether it’s from the TV series or the book, I’m really not quite sure *g*

~ A Hunger Like No Other ~ Kresley Cole

I was introduced to Kresley Cole by our very own C.T Green, a HUGE fan. And I have to say I’m very impressed with this author and will definitely be reading more of her books.

In short, the book opens with lykae, Lachlain MacRieve enduring horrendous torture (burning) from some members of the vampire horde. Sensing his predestined mate, he uses every last ounce of his strength to break free from the manacles that have bound him for too many years. He’s outraged to discover his mate is actually half vampire (& half valkyrie) and despises himself for wanting her.

I loved the fact the hero Emmaline starts out as a bit of a mouse in the courage stakes—it makes a change from the kick but heroines I adore. But of course, (spoiler alert) Emmaline grows in the story, becoming something she’d never have believed possible and defeating the very monster no warrior has before her.

And all the while ‘her’ Lachlain falls desperately in love with her, the hardened lykae willing to move heaven and earth to keep her as his own =)

Jodie C

~ The Lawman ~ Lily Graison

You should have seen my happy dance when I found out I would be getting an ARC of The Lawman. These feet were movin baby - movin I tells ya.

When asked to review the latest Lily Graison release, I had no hesitation. Lily is one of my go-to girls for sexy romances that always leave me sated with a warm, happy smile on my face. So today was a good day for me.

Yet again I wasn’t disappointed by Lily’s work. The Lawman was a torturously seductive story, with the perfect mix of romance, drama and heat between two characters that made me glow with excitement.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Lawman himself – was a roguishly handsome, sex god of a man, with his green eyes, long dark hair and a ravenous appetite for Abigail. While Abby on the other hand was far from timid and had a long list of secrets that kept surprising me right till the final chapter.

I devoured this book in one afternoon, enjoying the emotional ride and feeling 100% invested in the way Abigail and Morgan's story would turn out.

I honestly cannot wait until the second and subsequent books are released in this series.

~ Size Matters ~ Stephanie Julian

Size Matters was exactly the type of book I needed when I started reading it.

It was written with a great voice, was smooth and easy to read as well as being funny enough to have me chuckling - out loud I might add, which doesn’t happen too often - and had the perfect amount of steam.

To be honest I was a bit dubious about how the book was going to turn out when it started with the heroine having sex with a complete stranger, without even knowing what he looked like, let alone his name. But Stephanie Julian pulled it off and had me enjoying every single minute of it.

The concept was a refreshing approach to paranormal romance/erotica and I sincerely hope the author writes more in this series!

One of my favourite quotes:

Collapsing over her, breathing like a freight train, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and whispered, "Name's Tim. Nice to meet you."

 ~~~

 Have a safe and happy holiday.

May your stockings be stuffed with awesome books!

Shona

What We Are Reading

Welcome to the October What We Are Reading column. Today, we have Jodie Chyb, Cathleen Ross, Cassandra Shaw, Kylie Griffin and Bec McMasters.


Jodie Chyb
~Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis~
I just finished my first Jill Shalvis book and *sigh* it was oh so perfect. I feel like I want to crawl between the pages and spend a lifetime in the romantic happiness.
Some readers aren’t a fan of contemporary romance and I can understand their reasons. Sometimes they lack the drama and excitement of paranormal or romantic suspense, but I have been craving contemporary lately and I have now found another fabulous author to stock my shelves with.

Although contemporary lacks some of the drawcards of other genres Jill Shalvis rocks it with ease and kept me entertained to the very last page. She is a phenomenal writer FULL STOP. I knew within the first chapter that I would love her work – yep, I was that quickly convinced and page after page I was shocked not only at how she had me wrapped around her little finger with this freakin amazing story, but at why I haven’t picked up something written by her before.
Each chapter in Animal Magnetism is filled with the oh so sweet and sexy romance that makes your heart clench. The romantic thoughts the characters held back, the flirty eyes, whispered words, smart ass comments it all fit in to 100% perfection for me. I adored it and have already ordered the next instalment....BRING IT ON!!!

Cathleen Ross
~Inked by Karen Chance, Marjorie M. Lui, Yasmine Galenorn and Eileen Wilks~
I'm reading INKED, an anthology with Karen Chance, Marjorie M. Lui, Yasmine Galenorn and Eileen Wilks. I like it because it is introducing me to paranormal writers I haven't read before.

I've just finished the first story where "Skin Deep" is set in Las Vegas and the war mage has a new tattoo of a dragon that appears on her skin. In this world the tattoos have powers but are meant to be under the mage's control, except the dragon has a kind of its own. It's a wonderfully set world with a strong heroine who has to think on her feet to stay alive. The hero doesn't feature a lot but the world is so busy and colourful it doesn't matter.

Cassandra Shaw
~Envy (No. 3 of the Fallen Angels) by J.R. Ward~
Envy follows Jim Heron (the fallen angel) on his quest to save a soul. He’s in a competition against a Demon and whoever wins the best out of seven, stealing or saving seven souls, wins. If the demon wins, all souls already in heaven and those here on Earth go to Hell. Literally. In this book we follow Thomas “Veck” DelVecchio as he fights the evil born in him, inherited from his serial killer Dad.

Jim makes a deal with the Demon to discover which soul he must save in this new quest as he tried to save the wrong soul in the last book and lost, giving a score of one all – Demons to Fallen Angels.

Veck’s a detective, on the edge of becoming a monster like his father, a serial killer on death row. He’s constantly fighting the internal battle of the darkness that resides inside his chest. After thinking he has attacked a serial killer he calls 911. He can’t remember if he hurt the man or not but Internal AffaIrs investigator, Sophia Reilly doesn’t think so and is assigned to work on his case and as his partner for a month. Only they can’t stay just partners in the field and they start to fall for each other.
Reilly’s drawn into the battle and Veck must in the end make the decision that will either save his soul and Sophia’s life or take both. Reilly’s, a well round character that I enjoyed and the inner battle of Veck, is believable. On the whole the story’s paced fast enough and a good read. What I don’t understand is why Jim Heron was need in this story.
The Jim Heron contribution to the story line felt a little forced, must insert something here type of thing, and he didn’t play a big enough part. Ultimately the series is about him and what he has to do to save these souls, only, in this book he didn’t seem to do much. Veck saved his own soul.

Although this book is a story in its own right, I feel to get the whole gist you would need to read the first two books in this series, Covet and Crave and even the last of the Dark brotherhood series, Lover Unleashed. (although this one is not as important). I’m not sure I actually like the cross over between the two series, I think each should stand on their own.

Kylie Griffin
~Deacon's Touch by Callie Croix~
About a month ago I won a copy of DEACON'S TOUCH by Callie Croix over at the Writers' Gone Wild blog. This novella was a quick but compelling read, and HOT! I sat down and read the novella in one morning. Couldn't put it down. Loved it.

Deke's a retired pararescue jumper with medic training. Injured in the line of duty he's returned to help his brothers on the family ranch. Jessica is a stock broker and she's come to the ranch to celebrate a friend's bachelorette party.
Without giving away too many spoilers, Deke is asked to meet and pick up Jessica at the airport and their friendship starts there.
Neither are looking for a relationship, both have pasts that interfere but there's an attraction neither can deny. The developing relationship gets hot (I loved how the author has built on each sex scene, adding layers and emotional depth) and the ending (which I won't reveal) is very satisfying. In fact, I could see this as a full blown novel and would be very happy to spend a few more hours reading the longer version.
Yet despite the shorter length of the novel, I was pleasantly satisfied with the depth in the characters, Deke and Jessica, the hero and heroine. For anyone who enjoys a contemporary western, the military and a touch of BDSM/erotica, this is a novella for you.
DEACON'S TOUCH is one of four planned in this series and is available from The Wild Rose Press.

Bec McMasters
~Shadow Kin by M.J Scott~
As soon as I saw the cover for the upcoming release, I knew I was going to have to read it. The back cover copy looked just as intriguing. I love anything Steampunk and Gas-Lit Fantasy is its gothic cousin. The world building was fantastic, featuring the dark and deadly Night World, with its Beast Kind and Blood Lords, all ruled by the dangerous and enigmatic Lucius. On the other side, policing this world were the Fae, Templar Knights and mages.
The thing I liked the most was the fact that the premise was original, even down to the powers both of the leads had. Lily, aka Shadow, is a wraith, able to fade into any shadow. Shunned as a half-breed Fae, she lives under the rule of Lucius and works as his assassin. She’s sent to kill the sunmage healer Simon DuCaine, and finds a man with a bit of a saviour complex. Not only does he want to bring Lucius down but he wants to help Lily.
The conflict frustrated me a bit at times as Lily has some serious trust issues, but I could kind of understand where she’s coming from. She grew quite a bit as a character and I enjoyed that. Simon was a big softie and I loved his brother Guy, who is a Templar Knight.
Overall a very unique book and a series I will definitely be keeping my eye on.

~Blood Rights by Kristen Painter~
Another book with a fantastic cover. Painter’s world was just as unique as Scott’s, with noble vampire houses, the Comarre who serve them (think Geisha with secret ninja talents and extra-tasty blood) and curses.

When her patron is found dead, Chrysabelle is the prime suspect, but after finally finishing her contract with him, she’s fled to the human world. Hunted by a dangerous vampire noble, Tatiana, with a hunger for power, Chrysabelle seeks refuge with Malkolm, an outcast noble vampire with some major curses. If he ever drinks from a person he is cursed to drink them to death and then have their voices in his head. He was a dark, slightly insane character and I liked him.

Chrysabelle was a bit harder for me to take to. I liked the fact that she was this kick-ass woman, skilled with the blade and a smart mouth, but sometimes I felt like she mouthed off a bit too much, just for the sake of it. And I know the author was trying to make her strong, but sometimes it felt as though her super-awesome skills made Malkolm come across as weak.

I think I will stick around for the next book. The world is certainly an interesting one. I’d read it for that alone. Anyone tired of the same-old, same-old vampire stories would definitely be interested in the culture of this world and the twists Painter takes with the story.

~~~

Happy Reading

Shona