Friday, October 30, 2015

Laurie Roma's October Symposium: Building a Mystery

Every author has they own method to writing, but one of questions we’ve all been asked is: are you a pantser or a plotter?

What does that mean? Do you plan out the details before you write, do outlines and lay out the entire plot in notes, or do you just wing it and go with the flow? It’s always interesting to see how stories come to each author, so read on and find out what everyone had to say!


Click the link below to find out what we all had to say!





Thursday, October 29, 2015

Interview with a Vampire

Interview with Damek, vampire from Damek's Redemption, book 6 of the Legacy series.

 
 
 
I sit quietly and stare out over the cavernous space, which is empty other than the two people working behind the long bar dominating one side of the room. With the music silent and the overhead lights on, it looks more like a warehouse than one of the most popular nightclubs in Chicago—Inhibitions. I’m thrilled that the owner of the club has agreed to see me. Just because Damek and I know one another doesn’t mean my welcome here is assured. He likes to keep to himself. Always has.

 
The surge of power hits me and jerks my head around. Dressed, as always, in a designer suit tailored to his lithe build, Damek strides toward me. His black, shoulder-length hair is smooth as silk and gleams in the light. The firm set of his lips bothers me and I wonder if he’ll even talk to me.

 
NJW: Thanks for seeing me.

 
He slides into the seat across from me and studies me with his dark, hypnotic eyes. I glance away.

 
DAMEK: You said you wished to interview me.

 
NJW: I’d like to ask you a few questions, to allow readers to get a better insight into you and the way you think.

 
DAMEK: Is that wise?

 
He raises one eyebrow and leans back nonchalantly against the back of the leather bench seat. Not for one second do I believe he’s relaxed. Beneath his suit, his muscles are coiled and ready to attack at a moment’s notice. I swallow hard.


NJW: I think so.


 
He inclines his head in a gracious nod, but I can sense his irritation. I’ve always been able to sense his moods.
 

DAMEK: Ask away.

 
I want to start with the question most asked by readers, but I hesitate, not sure how he’ll react. Still, I did promise to do this interview. I take a deep breath and plunge onward.

 
NJW: You’re good friends with Craig Lawton. A lot of readers wonder why you didn’t end up with him.

 
A deep chill fills the air around me at the first mention of Craig’s name and I wonder if I’ve gone too far. I know how protective he feels about that particular human. He frowns and then a slow smile momentarily crosses his lips, giving me the briefest glimpse of sharp, pearly fangs.

 
DAMEK: I’ve always found humans fascinating. After all, I used to be one. But it is hard to watch friends die out one by one as the centuries pass and it became easier to allow no one close. Craig is different, his mind agile, his loyalty unsurpassed. As for ending up with him…I am attracted to his mind, not his body. I much prefer females when it comes to sex.

 
Okay, so I navigated that particular minefield without having it explode. I decide it’s best to move on to the next question.

 
NJW: You’re a vampire, a species that usually keeps to itself. But you’re also friends with the Striker brothers and the Haven werewolf pack. How did you become friends with them?

 
Damek tilts his head to one side and studies me.

 
DAMEK: Such an inquisitive mind.

 
I shrug, unable to deny his claim.

 
NJW: If I weren’t, your story would never have been told.

 
DAMEK: True enough. The story is personal and not one I’m willing to get into, but let’s just say that times have changed in the past century. With the rise of technology, the paranormal bounty hunters have been able to mobilize better, which is not a good thing for either species. Joshua and Isaiah Striker passed along some information to me back nineteen nineties that was instrumental to my avoiding a pack of rabid vampire hunters. I owed them.

 
NJW: But it’s more than that.
 

DAMEK: It is. I find I like the damn troublesome werewolves. Plus, there is no denying their impeccable taste in women.

 
One corner of his mouth turns up in a smile and I can feel how much he likes the werewolves…and the women.
 

NJW: Yet, the wolves haven’t always extended trust to you.

 
I know I’ve hit a sore spot when his smile fades and his eyes tinge with red. I swallow hard and try to slow the racing of my heart.

 
DAMEK: Tread carefully.

 
NJW: Sorry, but it’s true. And it’s unfair.

 
I’m indignant on his behalf. Damek’s done nothing but protect and help the wolves, and when he needed their absolute trust, he didn’t get it, at least not from everyone. The red fades from his eyes and they warm slightly. I know that he’s read my thoughts and I feel my face heating under his regard.
 

DAMEK: Thank you.

 
NJW: You’re welcome.

 
I don’t want to push my luck and decide it’s time to wrap up this interview.

 
NJW: One final question. Your life has changed a lot in recent days. Are you planning on staying in Chicago or are you going to relocate anytime soon?

 
DAMEK: Much has changed, but I like this city. I enjoy the people who live here and have no plans to leave in the near future.

 
I note he doesn’t mention the Haven pack or Craig Lawton specifically. Nor does he mention Sonia Agostino, but I can see by the warning in his dark gaze that she is totally off limits for discussion. That’s okay by me. I want readers to delve into his book and discover that particular story for themselves.

 
NJW: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me.

 
DAMEK: My pleasure.

 
He rises, inclines his head in a courtly gesture and leaves me seated at the table. He stops at the bar momentarily before heading to his office.

 
My interview with Damek is done and I release a slow breath. As much as I love him, he’s not an easy man to be around. Not surprising considering he’s a one-thousand-year-old vampire. There is so much he could tell me about the history of the world. He’s lived it. But he keeps his thoughts to himself, self contained and powerful, a necessity that’s kept him alive as long as it has.

 
I look up as I sense someone approaching the table. One of the bartenders places a glass of red wine on the table in front of me. “Compliments of the boss,” she tells me before walking away. I pick up the glass and sip. The wine is fruity and full-bodied, with just a touch of something I can’t quite place…
 

NOTE: If you want to find out more, check out Damek’s Redemption, or any other book in the Legacy series, just go to Samhain Publishing--https://www.samhainpublishing.com/books/series/178/legacy

 


N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

 
Visit me at:

 

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Halloween Movies


One of the things I love about this time of year is watching movies. I freely admit I can't watch horror movies or those with too much gore in them. Just can't. But I still have a  lot of favorites.




1.  The Crow
2.  Lost Boys
3.  Ghostbusters
4.  Underworld series
5.  Dracula
6.  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
7.  Resident Evil
8.  Beetlejuice
9.  Rocky Horror Picture Show
10. Dracula Untold 

What are some of your go-to movies for this time of year?

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Happy Book Birthday to Me!

Today is a very special day for me...it's my book birthday. That's right, eleven years ago today my first book was published. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do something I love so much for a living.

huge THANK YOU to everyone who has ever bought one of my books, and to the many of you who have bought them all. Thank you for your kind words and emails, for getting my name out there and for letting others know about my books. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

In the past eleven years, I've had 82 books released. That boggles my mind. It includes 50 with Ellora's Cave (some of which are no longer available), 28 with Samhain Publishing...and counting, 2 novellas as part of boxed sets, 1 with Carina Press and 1 in a print anthology. It's been an amazing eleven years. Can't wait to see what the next eleven hold.

To celebrate, I bought an awesome cupcake. :)

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Weekend Book Club--Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks

DARKEST BEFORE DAWN is the tenth book in Maya Bank's wildly popular KGI series.

Just when you thought the KGI series couldn't get any better, Maya Banks returns with Darkest Before Dawn. Readers have been waiting for Hancock's story, and Banks delivers a gut-wrenching and emotional read. This is romantic suspense at its best. Another fantastic book from Banks.

If you haven't read this series, you really need to start.




BLURB:

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they've known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock's true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he's been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She's the only woman who's ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he's spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Interview with Gator Rollins



Want to know more about Gator Rollins, werewolf and hero of my latest book, Wolf from the Past?

Check out the interview with him over at the COMPELLING BEASTS BLOG.

 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Monday, October 19, 2015

I'm over at Sabrina York's Blog







My Wolf from the Past Blog Tour continues today over at SABRINA YORK'S BLOG. It includes a "teaser" from the book.

Be sure to stop by and check it out.

Friday, October 16, 2015

I'm over at Desiree Holt's Blog





My Wolf from the Past Blog Tour continues today over at DESIREE HOLT'S BLOG. It includes a "teaser" from the book.

Be sure to stop by and check it out.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Cooking is Sexy!



Is there anything sexier than a man who likes to cook?

I'm talking about Gator Rollins, the hero from my latest book Wolf from the Past over at EVERYAFTER ROMANCE. I'm also sharing an exclusive sneak peek from WOLF FROM THE PAST . Be sure to stop by and check out my interview and the excerpt.

I'm over at Ann Jacob's Blog

My Wolf from the Past Blog Tour continues today over at ANN JACOBS BLOG. It includes a "teaser" from the book.

Be sure to stop by and check it out.

Wolf from the Past gets 5 Stars from Literary Addicts

WOLF FROM THE PAST has received a 5-star review from  LITERARY ADDICTS BOOK COMMUNITY.



"I was thoroughly enthralled by Sylvie and Gator's story from the very beginning and I have to say that I enjoyed meeting the Salvation Pack..." ~Eva Millien

 

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Over at Kate Hill's Blog today...



I'm over at KATE HILL'S BLOG today sharing an excerpt from my latest book. Be sure to stop by and check it out.

I'm over at Taste of Cyn

I'm over at Cynthia Sax's blog TASTE OF CYN today talking about Wolf from the Past. Be sure to stop by and check out my interview.

5 Stars from Wicked Reads for Wolf from the Past




WICKED READS has given WOLF FROM THE PAST a 5-Star review!

"How in the world did I miss that N.J. Walters had started another shifter series? As a huge fan of her Legacy and Tapestries series, I jumped at the opportunity to review Wolf from the Past with very little hesitation...The chemistry between Sylvie and Gator is intense, yet because of his love and concern for her, their sex scenes are both steamy and tender – seriously swoon worthy...The Wolf from the Past was an excellent read and I look forward to backtracking to read the previous books in the series." ~Angela


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Wolf from the Past is now Available!

WOLF FROM THE PAST is finally here! I'm excited about the release of Gator's story.



Wolf from the Past
Playing dead is easy. Living is hard.

Salvation Pack, Book 4

Sylvie LaForge Dubois knew coming back from the dead wouldn’t be easy, but facing her brother and his friends is harder than she imagined. The way Gator Rollins watches her every move makes her decidedly uneasy and excited.

After surviving a forced mating to the abusive Andre Dubois, having a rugged, dangerous werewolf like Gator sniffing around her is scary and thrilling at the same time. She never imagined she’d want another man, but her bone-deep attraction to Gator is too strong to fight.

Gator never got a chance to tell Sylvie he loved her before she was mated with another and, well, died. Now that she’s back, there’s nothing he won’t do to protect her.

Once word gets out, Sylvie’s former pack will be coming for her. No one leaves the Louisiana pack, especially not a female werewolf. But Gator’s determined that this time he won’t let anyone or anything get between him and Sylvie, even if she can’t decide if his touch makes her want to jump his bones…or run for the hills.

 
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/qyhb9u3

 

 

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Only 99-cents for a couple more days...

Both the INTO THE FLAMES firefighter box set and WOLF AT THE DOOR, the first book in my Salvation Pack series, are on sale for only 99-cents for only a couple more days. Both books go up in price on Tuesday. If you haven't bought them yet, you need to get busy!


BUY FROM KOBO ($1.10 at KOBO)

BLURB:

When this wolf comes knocking, there’s no turning him away

Salvation Pack, Book 1

When Gwendolyn Jones inherits a Tennessee cabin from a great aunt she never knew, she quits her job and follows her dream to write full time. Meeting a stranger in a local cemetery isn’t a risk she normally takes, but she needs the information on his flash drive for an article she’s writing on werewolves. Later that night, when two honest-to-God werewolves come knocking on her cabin door, they’re definitely not Photoshopped.

Jacque LaForge is on a mission to retrieve a flash drive before it endangers his pack. He never thought he’d find a mate, but the chemistry between him and Gwen is unmistakably off the charts. Now to convince her he’s only trying to protect her from his vengeful former pack—led by his own father.

Gwen’s first instinct to flee only gets her a smashed car and a concussion. She wakes up in a dangerous new world she never thought existed—and in the arms of the one man who stands between her and certain death.



 
BUY FROM iTUNES
BLURB:

Firefighters. The word ignites bold images of heroes in dust covered helmets and ash stained turnouts who defy the odds and press on in the presence of danger.

Men of Valor. A dedicated brotherhood of first responders whose honor, strength, and courage overcome obstacles to save lives.

INTO THE FLAMES. Seven NYT, USA Today, bestselling and award-winning authors offer romantic suspense, contemporary, historical, and paranormal tales of tough, iconic heroes who risk it all for their communities—but at the end of the day, seek the tender embrace of the women they love.

JOIN US ON THE ADVENTURE…

Rescue Me by NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author N.J. Walters
When firefighter Frank Ellis rescues an old flame from a burning building, sparks ignite. He’ll do anything to protect her, even if it means she discovers he’s a mythical phoenix.

Flashpoint by Award-Winning Author Desiree Holt
...When everything explodes

Where There's Smoke by Award-Winning Author Cindy Spencer Pape
Firefighting in the 1920's is dangerous business, but so is falling in love.

FireBrew by Amazon Bestselling Author Liz Crowe
Fate throws them together. But the horrific memory of a fiery disaster could tear them apart.

Hook Me Up by Award-Winning Author Adele Downs
Firemen don't free cats from trees anymore—until a pretty schoolteacher gets trapped on a limb with her kitten and the county's hottest firefighter comes to their rescue.

Slow Burner by USA Today Bestselling Author Sam Cheever
A love that burns slowly burns longest, creating the greatest heat.

Uncontrolled Burn: A RISEN Team Novel by USA Today Bestselling Author Nina Pierce
A woman forced to live a life she didn’t choose. A vampire bound by honor to protect humans. A deadly game of revenge that threatens both their lives …


Saturday, October 10, 2015

RLF Interview


I'm talking about the INTO THE FLAMES firefighter box set and so much more over at the ROMANCE LIVES FOREVER BLOG. Be sure to stop by and check out my interview.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!


I just want to wish all my Canadian friends a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend. I hope you're all enjoying yourselves with great food, family and friends.

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Halloween Movie--Dracula Untold Official Trailer #1 (2014)





It's Halloween month and that means Halloween movies. I can't go the slasher stuff. I'm more old school.



My favorite new vampire movie is Dracula Untold.

Friday, October 02, 2015

Wolf at the Door--$0.99 for a very limited time.

To celebrate the upcoming release of WOLF FROM THE PAST on October 13th, my publisher is offering WOLF AT THE DOOR, the first book in my Salvation Pack series, for only $0.99 for a limited time.





BUY FROM KOBO ($1.10 at KOBO)
 
BLURB:
 
When this wolf comes knocking, there’s no turning him away

Salvation Pack, Book 1

When Gwendolyn Jones inherits a Tennessee cabin from a great aunt she never knew, she quits her job and follows her dream to write full time. Meeting a stranger in a local cemetery isn’t a risk she normally takes, but she needs the information on his flash drive for an article she’s writing on werewolves. Later that night, when two honest-to-God werewolves come knocking on her cabin door, they’re definitely not Photoshopped.

Jacque LaForge is on a mission to retrieve a flash drive before it endangers his pack. He never thought he’d find a mate, but the chemistry between him and Gwen is unmistakably off the charts. Now to convince her he’s only trying to protect her from his vengeful former pack—led by his own father.

Gwen’s first instinct to flee only gets her a smashed car and a concussion. She wakes up in a dangerous new world she never thought existed—and in the arms of the one man who stands between her and certain death.

Thursday, October 01, 2015

Welcome to October!


October Newsletter is here!

The October 2015 issue of Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—is now available.

Be sure to check out all the latest news, contests and an excerpt.

As always, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win is go to Awakening Desires Newsletter and join. While you’re there, you can check out back issues of the newsletter.