Category Archives: Uncategorized

Five Things that Make Me Happy! inspired by Kyra Lennon, who asked that bloggers share 5 things that make them happy, to give joy back to our readers. Visit her blog to see what all the other posters are saying.

Moment #1: Finding a moment when a particular song makes me so happy that tears spring unexpectedly to my eyes, and yes this has been known to happen. I remember one of the first times that happened, when my best friend bought me Jewel’s Christmas Compilation several years ago. I was missing my recently estranged mom and our Christmas traditions of singing along to the Judd’s Christmas album. Since we were estranged I could no longer listen to those songs and he decided it was time to buy me a new album to listen to. When Joy to the World came on, my car was almost flooded with tears. It is by far the most  Joyful version that I have ever heard.

Moment #2 & 3- Holding my daughters for the first time. Yes, it’s cheesy. I know, but after carrying a child under your heart for 9 months, there is nothing like holding them in your arms and seeing the special glow they have brought to your life.

Moment #4-Listening to my oldest tell me about her day. You seriously are never disappointed with any conversation you have with a toddler. Whether it be her retelling of Sleeping “Cutie” where the Prince is her “Daddy” and the dragon goes boom at the end, or her absolute desire to tell you every five minutes that she “needs” ice cream, you are always left wondering what your life was like before she learned to talk. And not to mention that every car ride is filled with non-stop chatter that you know you need to attend to now, because who knows when she will decide she no longer wants to talk to you. Yes, I am actually dreading teenage years and will stave them off as long as humanly possibly. Thank goodness we have at least 10 years before that happens.

Moment #5-The moment I quit teaching. Yes, I said it. You would think it would be the opposite, that my joy would have been the moment I taught in my very own classroom. Well, at some point I think I did feel joy for teaching, but over the years the flame I carried inside me to be a beacon to those ships lost on the open sea( as I saw those children who were left behind), over time working in school districts that did not support their teachers made it impossible for me to continue . When I quit, a lot of pressure, unhealthy stress, and a dark despair lifted from my shoulders. I was finally free to find a different purpose, to do something for me and not the rest of the world. I started the journey I had always meant to take: becoming a published writer. Now my world is filled with new characters, who I can mold and shape however I choose, even if you have to beat the living stuffing out of them from time to time, fictionally of course.  And the great thing is while I may no longer teach in a school setting, the actual joy I had for teaching is alive and well with every lesson I teach my children, who I must say are little sponges. I couldn’t be more blessed.I hope you have enjoyed a little peek into what makes my joyful world tick and will decide to share some joyful memories in your comments, so we can celebrate together!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy a free hot romance! Spread the love everyone!

In Rapture Destined Series Book 2. After writing In Flames, I started working on In Rapture right away. I had built up so much creative steam that it seemed to propel me along. I spent many days, nights, hours, minutes with this story. I grew to love everything about the characters and their struggle to find love safe and accepting, something many of us fight with throughout our everyday lives.

What made me write paranormal romance you might wonder? Probably because anything is possible. I’ve always loved mythical creatures, paranormal elements like vampires and ghosts. I grew up reading Anne Rice and to this day one of the most intriguing stories I’ve read was her Lives of The Mayfair Witches series. Holy moly! Those books were simply extraordinary. I’m applying my love for magic and a love for the elements that swirl around us every day in each book I write. I’m also hoping to write stories that people will love for years to come.

Well, these were just a few thoughts I had this morning, as I tear the sleeping cobwebs from my mind. I hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with magic, mystery, romance, and memories! Don’t forget to download your free copy of In Rapture today or tomorrow and spread the love to your friends.

Also please remember there is also a huge romance-a-thon over at :http://lindsayannekendal.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/huge-valentines-giveaway.html.  You should check it out!! You can also click on this link to go right to the giveaway–>>a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget the In Rapture Valentine’s giveaway —>>>a Rafflecopter giveaway!!  Prizes include: In Rapture bookmark, signed In Rapture poster, In Flames magnet, 2nd edition e-book copy of In Flames, and a Too HOT to handle mitt with pink pancake mix(because my books are almost too hot to handle of course!)

Time. Everyone needs more of it. There are only 24 hours in the day on Earth, and while that used to be enough, it no longer seems to be the case. Right now my focus as an author is growing my brand. To do that means to put myself out there however possible and fortunately or even unfortunately there are so many different outlets available to authors.

I’ve set up a facebook page. That was pretty easy to do. Then I created a twitter account(@daenira), which was easy to set up, but my goodness is it hard to maintain. I’m sure there are auto-tweet apps or websites, but most of those require a surcharge of some kind, and let’s face it, new authors have smaller budgets to advertise. I’ve discovered there is quite a community on Goodreads, but honestly, I still haven’t figured out how to use that site to my advantage. Same goes for LinkedIn. It seems you need a manual to navigate all the tools that are available to you. So for right now I going to learn one program at a time.

The current program that I am experimenting with is Triberr.  With Triberr I can get more exposure to my blog by joining tribes with similar interests. Triberr has a feature that connects to your facebook, twitter, and linkedin. When a member posts something to their blog, it gets advertised in my tribal stream and I can choose to approve it for a tweet, facebook message, or Linkedin share. It’s actually pretty useful. Add my 300+ followers on twitter to all my tribemates and we can reach over 16K people for each post. The simple premise is to pay it forward and share.

I’m still playing around with this program, but so far I find it pretty easy to use and it gives me the opportunity to network with other bloggers that I might not have ever had the chance to meet before. I like the fact that I am also supporting fellow members of the Paranormal Romance Guild too. I’ve been a member on the facebook page for quite a while I have been quiet most of the time there, I am soaking in their knowledge and generosity to new authors. They are simply amazing!

Well thanks for reading as always and don’t forget that In Rapture is free for kindle on 2/14 & 2/15. I’m so excited that I’m doing my own little giveaway too. Just click on the rafflecopter link to get details for the giveaway —>>>a Rafflecopter giveaway!!  Prizes include: In Rapture bookmark, signed In Rapture poster, In Flames magnet, 2nd edition e-book copy of In Flames, and a Too HOT to handle mitt with pink pancake mix(because my books are almost too hot to handle of course!)

To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, we’re giving away In Rapture free for kindle on 2/14 & 2/15. I’m so excited that I’m doing my own little giveaway too. Just click on the rafflecopter link to get details for the giveaway —>>>a Rafflecopter giveaway!!  Prizes include: In Rapture bookmark, signed In Rapture poster, In Flames magnet, 2nd edition e-book copy of In Flames, and a Too HOT to handle mitt with pink pancake mix(because my books are almost too hot to handle of course!)

I will also do two smaller giveaways for the rest of the month, since February is the month for love!

Sorry I have been absent for so long. Life has been a whirlwind for me ever since the birth of my second child on the Winter Solstice. Now that I feel more recovered, I can get back to the swing of things, well as much as I can with limited sleep. With the New Year I have new goals, goals that as usual are huge.

The first goal was to revise In Flames. I was so pleased with the edits that were made with In Rapture, that I really wanted to go back and make similar changes with my first book. I’ve already grown so much as a writer and there is nowhere to go but up from here. Becoming a better writer is something we should all strive for, something I know I am accomplishing. It is with great pleasure that I can say that this revision goal has been met and the 2nd edition of In Flames is already up on Amazon!!

My second goal is to work on promoting my books. This is not so easy, especially when the day seems even shorter with less free adult time. I am making a running list of everything I am doing each week. This really helps me see what works best for me. I really want to get more reviews so from here I guess I will be doing some research on how to get my audience to drop a few lines for a review. I am not unrealistic. I don’t expect everyone to leave me a glowing review, and as many people say you aren’t famous until you’ve gotten your first attacking review. I’m still waiting for mine.

Other goals include finishing book 3 in the Destined Series, working on my Terrahtu titles (there will be at least 3 books in that series and they are all 1/2 way completed), and completing revisions on my Watch Tower book. I haven’t decided if I am going to turn that into a series or not at this point in time. That book could stand on its own, or it could have another couple of stories added onto it. The challenge with that book is switching the point of view. It was originally written in first person, and while it was a fun challenge, I just don’t think that point of view works well for me as a writer.

So, as you all can guess, this year is going to be so hectic. I don’t know if I will be able to meet all my goals, but it is always a good idea to set them.  A big heads up to my friends here, I will be doing a giveaway starting this week for a free e-book copy of the newly revised In Flames I will set that up tomorrow.

Crossroads Now Free on Kindle!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For me it was quite an emotional read. I had recently lost a dear friend of mine, just as Claudia had. Her emotional breakdown during the funeral had me in tears because I so closely related to it. The depth of feeling that Mary Ting puts into her work is simple amazing. I also appreciated the budding romance, which started timidly but became a small whirlwind that swept Claudia away, without completely over doing it. It hints that there may be more passion to come, but never crossed the illicit boundary into adult romance, which keeps this still quite safely in the young adult range.

I feel that anyone can read this book and understand the religious archetype that Ms. Ting presents. You do not have to be strictly any religion to relate or understand the mythology that is set up. You also do not have to be a young adult to enjoy this book. It was a quick read for me and that is usually a sign of an author I will read again, for Ms. Ting kept my attention and entertained me throughout.

I personally appreciated the dialogue and vocabulary in this book. I am so tired of reading books that have been dumbed down for the younger audience. Why do we not have higher expectations for our youth? I would expect my own child to be able to function higher than some twitterpated fool in love with some clichéd work that doesn’t teach her to broaden her horizons. How many times can we read the same regurgitated material, before we become mindless zombies that cannot think for ourselves? I’m dreading the day that my child wants to pick up a book simply because everyone says it’s the hot new thing. I guess I’m anti-mainstream phenomena.  Ok, end rant. I just had to get that out! And I am so thrilled to add Ms. Ting’s books to the list of material I would recommend for my child when she is older.

I am so thrilled to announce the giveaway in celebration of my newest release. In Rapture is book 2 in my Destined Series and was so much fun to create. If you haven’t had a chance to read the first book, In Flames, it will be free for Kindle on November 29 & 30th. In Rapture will be ready for Kindle purchase on December 1, 2012. The print version is already up for purchase. It certainly is an exciting month and I am so thankful to be giving a little back to my fans.  So without further ado, here is the giveaway filled with things that remind me of In Flames.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO HEAD TO THE GIVEAWAY—–>>a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is the book blurb for In Flames and In Rapture.

In Flames: A cursed lineage. A secret magic. A destiny that neither one of them could have predicted.

When Elkliss Keep is rampaged by her sinister Uncle Simeon, Lysandra lost everything she had ever known or loved within a heartbeat. Destiny catapults her into a life she could never have foreseen; a life filled with an unquenchable desire for a man, whose aloof people harbor a secret almost as dangerous as her own.

When Aiden first sets eyes on Lysandra, the beast inside will not be fulfilled until he possesses her. He soon he realizes that Lysandra could be the one true mate that would make his cursed life easier to live.

In Rapture: Two hearts frozen in time, fighting against insurmountable odds. Both were determined to survive their haunted pasts.

When Malinda has no choice, but to leave her childhood home, she finds herself matched with the one man who holds the power to break her resolve to never let love cross her path. Destiny sends her down a path that unlocks the mysteries of Lena.

While Grant wants nothing more than to continue his unhindered revenge against the werewolves of the Lair, guilt consumes him. He could no longer ignore his duties. His daughter needed a mother.

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Kiss-Children-Nox-ebook/dp/B008RA8JLC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351879494&sr=8-1&keywords=the+kiss+joann+buchanan

For me lately, finding the time to enjoy a good book has been fleeting, but then again so has the writing. I decided since I could not get much done in my third book in the Destined Series, that rather than spend my time reading pointless feeds on facebook and random internet hopping, that my time could be better spent helping out my fellow authors. First on my list, a good friend, Ms. Joann H. Buchanan.

I’ve read Joann’s Soulless Light, a vengeful novella filled with boiling rage and hatred. While this was not my preferred genre in the beginning, Joann opened me up to a new genre dripping with blood and guts. I was actively engaged in her work. Then I read her first book in the Children of Nox series, I Am Wolf. Another glimpse into a horror filled world and I was hooked and could not wait for more. I waited, as patiently as one can when they want to know what will happen next and I can say I was not disappointed at all.

The second book, The Kiss, was something completely unexpected for me. In this book, Ms. Buchanan spent a lot of time and effort filling in the spaces for us, giving our youngling pack a chance to heal from the great darkness that almost left them broken in the first book. In The Kiss, we see where they are after the unnatural has been vanquished and we are lead on a new journey that starts with the healing process and works its way up to a climax that will leave you wanting to know what is going to happen next.

We learn about Nox and Ash, two lovers destined to be at opposite ends of the world. We experience their great love and great hate for each other, as well as how they feel about the world around them. For a god and a demon, these points of view are not something we are normally privy to. Joann introduces us to the Shakya clan, whose people shift into lions and lionesses, a perfect addition to her world. Now we have the wolves of the Tibolt clan and the lions of the Shakya clan who have been at different ends of the world for many years. I love that we are introduced to new mythology, new cultures, and new experiences in this book.

Besides the manipulation of Ash to get free from his ethereal prison, you have a love triangle that is hard to describe. When Alaynee’s mom takes in Cleo from a dangerous situation, she never expected to change the destiny of her family forever. There is something special about this girl, that no one in Sisters knows about. Cleo is a chosen one from the Shakya clan who is running from her past. Being a chosen one has given her rare powers that allow her to come between the true love of Alaynee and Jonah.

I really do not want to give away the rest of the book, because I do think it is worth the read and you all should check it out. If you have read I Am Wolf, and loved it, you will love The Kiss too, but for different reasons. The first book was filled with horrendous atrocities that will leave your mind numb at the end. The Kiss  is like a healing balm to soothe away the past hurts, but do not be fooled. When you get to the end you will know that it is only just beginning.
Elissa Daye

Author of In Flames: Book 1 Destined Series

Happy Halloween readers! This week starts my thankful campaign. I am so thankful for the wonderful talented authors in my life that I am giving back by reading their work and leaving a review for them. I have such a backlog of books to read, but I am sure hoping to get through as many as possible before the end of the year.

First up, a wonderful bloody compilation by two southern writers Betty Dravis and Barbara Watkins. I’ve had the great pleasure in sharing air time with both beautiful ladies on Blogtalk radio with Bennet Pomerantz.  Here is the link to his latest broadcast. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ashleyfontainne/2012/10/29/anything-goes-with-ashley-fountainne-and-barbara-watkins.  I’ve really enjoyed the easy-going atmosphere and the varied topics that make our time on the radio fun.

So here is the fabulous book:

And you can get it free for the next two days at:

http://www.amazon.com/Six-Pack-of-Blood-ebook/dp/B007Q7FG68/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Right away I can tell you that I read this in its entirety in under 2 hours! So if you are short on time, like I seem to be these days, you will have no problem getting through this at all. While its title might be daunting to the horror or blood weary, I’m happy to report there is just the right amount of horror and blood involved, so even a light weight, as I consider myself at times, even that person will enjoy these stories.

Ms. Dravis has compiled the following stories in the book: The Collector, Heavy Metal, and V.O.

I want to talk about Heavy Metal first, because quite honestly I got a good chuckle out of this story. If you have ever been warned by your parents to not do something, let’s say stare at the TV too close because you might go blind, then you will probably find this story quite charming. I did not give the scenario involved, because I want YOU to read it.

I enjoyed the first story, and yes I know I am reviewing them out-of-order, but at least I have explained that to you so you will not be lost at all.  The Collector was one of those stories that while you are reading about a pretty much deplorable character, you find that they have quite a few redeeming qualities or anecdotes that made you understand the unwritten wish that life could have been different for him. I love when an author has been able to do this, because I think it is so difficult to do, but so very important. You see, writers get attached to their characters, no matter what side of the coin they attune themselves to and fleshing out the human side is a challenge at times. I enjoyed the imagery that Ms. Dravis provided in this story with the snow globe collection and why it was sentimental to such a hard man. I was definitely captivated with the story telling in this short.

V.O. was a lot of fun to read. If you had the opportunity to use the fountain of youth regardless of its consequences would you? And if you did not know what the sacrifice was to get your newly found youth, would you still continue down that path once you did? This was so entertaining. I was not quite sure if what I thought was happening did happen when I was reading it, and when my suspicions were confirmed I patted myself on the back. But the way it was left, that is what I loved the best. You’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself!

The last three short stories in this compilation were from the lovely Barbara Watkins: Passageway to Hell, Spirits of a Jester, and Deadly Addictions.

I have to say the first one was definitely my favorite of the three. Passageway to Hell captivated me the moment I started. Who doesn’t want to root for the child who was neglected, abandoned, and abused? When this child finds its way into a strange town where she is trapped within evil, you are definitely along for the ride. I wish this story was longer!! I want to know what happened to the girl who is telling the story and if her son ever met her. I want to know more about the evil Mr. Hellion who is keeping her there against her will. This story is makes your blood a little colder and your heart beat a little faster. Definitely a good read!

Spirits of  a Jester-If someone told you that your good will and fortune were solely based on one item, would you listen and keep that item, or push aside the warnings and remove it from your life? If it were me, I would listen and keep the item even if I had to just pack it away in some dusty old corner. People never do listen though do they?

As for Deadly Addictions, it’s one of those feel good endings for those of us women who are heftier than others. When someone comes up and asks the main character when she is due, only to find out that the woman is not pregnant I had my first B*%tch please moments, that would have made innocent ears burn. 🙂  So I was pleased with the outcome and I think anyone who can relate will too.

I thought this whole compilation was a fun read and made my low-key Sunday afternoon even more enjoyable. Thanks for the wonderful read ladies! I will definitely be back for more!  Again this book is free on amazon for the next two days. You will not be sorry!