The Vampire Voss: More of the Dracule Series

Voss, also known as Viscount Dewhurst, relishes the sensual pleasures immortality affords. A member of the Dracule—a cabal of powerful, secretive noblemen marked with a talisman that reveals their bartered souls—the mercenary Voss has remained carefully neutral…until Angelica.

Angelica Woodmore possesses the Sight, an ability invaluable to both sides of a looming war among the Dracule. Her very scent envelops Voss in a scarlet fog of hunger—for her body and her blood. But he is utterly unprepared for the new desire that overcomes him—to protect her.

Now Voss must battle his very nature to be with Angelica…but this vampire never backs down from a fight. 

Disclaimer: These vampires don't sparkle but they entice you like the brightest jewel. A sensual romance. 

I have always been a fan of vampires. Since finding Colleen Gleason's Dracule series I am now a worshipper of Regency Vampires. A Vampire Voss is an amazing tale of finally finding what you desire most and how desire can create the an equal amount of pleasure and pain. Voss is a player among today's standards. Never one to take a side but remaining wise and unloyal has served Voss well through the centuries. That is until Angelica.

Angelica carries a the burden's of gypsy power. Burdens she can't share with anyone not even her siblings. That is until those very visions she carries her to her destiny and her agony, The Vampire Voss.

This is my favorite Dracule book between all three, The Vampire Dimitri, The Vampire Narcise and The Vampire Voss. Voss and Angelica's chemistry on the paper were so easy to imagine and a thorough delight to journey with them. Colleen Gleason does an amazing job of taking a series of events and writing about them in three different books but also from multiple POV's. Each books adds another layers but also expands the story so that you are chomping at the bit for the next book.

Writer Wednesday: Community Networking

You guys remember that post about how I wear many hats? Yeah that one. Oh you don't know well it's here if you are interested. Anyways taking that into context I will be speaking tomorrow at a community event called Ignite Boise. I'm not talking about writing as I am talking about personal experiences and hardships that happened in my life in a funny way. The event is full or artists, authors, agents, readers and the community. Needless to say that afterward at the after parties are going to be a great way to network. Let's face it when any author starts out they start from their home base and work their way out. So with that said one of the things I did with my presentation was include my twitter handle at the bottom of every slide for my PowerPoint. Most people have twitter on their phones and all my blog and facebook stuff link to twitter and my blog has my book page on it as well. The ring of network is complete. So have any of you ever done community networking? If so what were they?

Also: If you are unable to come to hear me speak you can follow along live online at  http://igniteboise.com/

Forever Vampire...Leaves You Shivering With Joy

Vail the Unwanted is a pure-blooded vampire. But raised by Faery, he has neither home nor peace, and when his aid is sought in the recovery of a priceless diamond gown, his price is information. Specifically the whereabouts of his accursed father. His goal is revenge, and the supernaturally sexy Lyric, the icy blond vampiress with whom he must work, is a distraction he can't afford.Outwardly as cold as the diamond dress in which she was kidnapped, Lyric has her own secrets. Desperate to break free from her criminal family, she aligns herself with the brooding Vail. Together they seek justice while each secretly works for freedom and a fresh start. For Lyric that means holding herself apart, even from the smoldering blue-eyed Vail. For Vail, it means a battle to the death for revenge—and for a temptress he can't deny.

Writer Wednesday: Guest Blogging Etiquette

 So I've been blogging for a year now and guest blogging for just as long. In my experience I have found there are some expectations of manners that people think but have never put out there that I can find. They are all perfectly acceptable but sometimes we get so busy we don't even think of them. Here are my list of Guest Blogging Etiquette Expectations to practice. FYI I learned these the hard way...as in I was the rude one sometimes.

Romance Reader/Author Reads Noir Thriller: Final Vector Review

Reeling from the brutal murder of his wife, air traffic controller Nick Jensen throws himself into his work at Logan International Airport in Boston. Returning to the operations room from a break, he sees three heavily armed men dressed in black fatigues and patrolling the corridors of the supposedly secure FAA facility. After having murdered two armed guards, the terrorists have unfettered access to the control tower while the president of the United States is nearing Logan Airport. To dismantle the terrorist assassination plot, Nick must risk everything. 






A random Pentagon worker married to an air traffic controller dies in a car accident. Seems pretty average right? Wrong! Throw in homegrown terrorists ,you actually relate to, the FBI and a whole lot of conspiracy and you get Final Vector. This novel for me was a first. I've watched the occasional action, conspiracy type movie with the hubster but never read an actual book. Alan has become a good friend online and I really wanted to support his work. Boy am I glad I'm such a good friend or I would have missed out on a great novel! The characters from victim to nemesis were all personable and relatable. The story was quick and fluid. An amazing novel!


You can find more info about Allan Leverone here. And you can purchase his book here.

Thanks for letting me read it Al.

Bri

Debut Novels and Release Dates...As The Date Changes So Are The Days of Our Novels.

Wow I'm actually blogging about my debut novel and the fact that it's release date is being pushed back two months from March to May is on my mind. Now ya'll throttle down clean up the computer screen from all the liquid you spit on it when you read these totally shocking, ghastly words.

(Keep the towel cause you won't like what I'm going to say next.)

It was my choice. (Ducts for cover behind her desk)
Why after three years of edits, rewrites, tears, three pairs of Nike's from all the miles walked to the Glazier playlists on the iPhone you ask. And I will answer. So again I tell you to throttle down and read on...

• Busy: In the last year I have gone from a wanna be unpublished author to a published author with a budding fan base and their expectations, expected to maintain and build a marketing platform via Facebook, Twitter and a blog. (I love every minute of it!) On top of that I review other books, interview other authors, write guest posts for other blogs, as well as taking on a role with in my publishing house (Astraea Press) and a small collaborative roll with a good friends publishing house. (StoneHouse Ink) (Loving every minute of that as well!) Along with my other familial duties I simply don't have the need time to devote to Glazier to prep it by a March deadline.
  
• Timing: I actually think that having it release closer to a summer release date is better since people read more on vacations and such. A May release also enables me to give it the proper focus needed to put my best out there. Since this is my debut novel I want it to be breathtaking and slightly addictive.
• Patience: I have waited three years to publish this particular novel. I can wait a few more weeks. Taking the time to do Glazier right is providing me with much needed plotting and planning time to get the sequel Venim ready. (shut your mouth your drooling.)

• The Gut: Honestly it all boiled down to the  feeling that March didn't feel right. Once I talked with my editor she agreed and things just fell into place. If I had any advice to new authors go with the gut. Always!

So my precious Glazier will release in May. Thanks to all my supporters and exercise just a little bit more patience.

Have any of you ever had to do the wise thing and wait for something you really wanted?

Read an Ebook Week....Astraea Press Sale

In honor of Read an Ebook Week Astraea Press has a sale going on! All Three of these books are 50% off!

Familial Witch

Lucien Lemione, the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals, is faced with the ultimate betrayal. His second in command for two centuries has not only created the most grievous of offenses but also commissioned the creation of liquid silver. When poisoned by this toxin, an immortal suffers a fate much worse than death, frozen in an internal prison. After being wounded when found spying, he hides deep within the eerie woods that encircle the Triad Mountains. Desperate and in pain, he prays to an offended mother goddess for help. Her answer: a woman, but not just any woman. A witch.

After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It’s there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien is…but does not speak of it. There can be no future with Lucien for she can only be with a mortal man. Even if she wanted to be with him, can she forgive the man that caused the genocide of her people?

Lucien must act quickly for the survival of his clan is at stake. However, Aisleen’s ethereal beauty and emerald eyes keep pushing those thoughts far from his mind. Determined to find out what secret she hides, he prolongs his time with her. When his people need him most what will he choose…duty, desire, or will he make his own fate?

You can choose love but you can’t choose destiny.

Being thin is not a good thing as an author... not at all.

In a world where being thin, thinner or thinnest is the motivating factor to breathe I love saying that "Being too thin is indeed a negative if not detrimental thing to an author."


How was this discovery made...that's as sweet as the statement. So I'm having conversation with bff G. G is probably more aware of my daily life than my husband is. It went a little something like this.

G:"Bri I've been praying about you and thinking about you lately..." (Yes my friend really prays for me. Believe me much prayer is needed to be my friend.)

B:"So what are you getting at?"

G: "I think you may be spreading yourself a little too thin with all these projects your taking on."

B: "Who me... no way!"

G: "No really sweetie..(when she dropped the "s word indicating that she is indeed older and so much more smarter and wiser than me not to mention cuter I knew she was serious) you want so much to be successful in your writing career I think you are taking on too much. Somewhere something is going to end up being neglected."

B: "But I can do it! I'm super!"

G. Yes sweetie I know (insert coddling voice like she is talking to a child) OK. Humor me and name everything you did yesterday.


B: (I was super excited to do this because I considered yesterday to be a very productive day compared to my others.) 5 AM...Walked 3 miles, yoga, social networking,read, editing 2 chapters of ms, taught daughter 5 letter sounds, set up calendar for to do lists, book reviews and writing obligations, social networking, blog, blog, blog, emailed, emailed, emailed, Lunch, set up meeting for next day where I'm helping a friend by doing some collaboration work, contacted three people to feature on my Examiner article, laundry, 3 loads of dishes in the dishwasher, social networking, skype call, email, email, email, blog, blog, blog, laundry, snack for kids, dinner for kids, piano, cookie run to local store because Lord knows I'm not baking, social media, church meeting, visit with friend, saw my husband just before bed and one of my kids. Sleep by 11pm.

G: "So you see what I'm talking about!"

B:"You"re right I should have never got those cookies. LOL"

Seriously people that was a totally everything fell into place awesome kind of day. That's not going to be the norm. My every actually really Super friend G put it to me like it is. I'm going to have to not take on more than I can chew. I honestly think I can make the commitments I've made work. Just a word of advice to other authors. Be selective and tactile in your projects. Remember you can't market crap no matter how pretty the package.

So have you ever been spread too thin?

Authors Can't Be With A Bubba

As an author relationships for me are more in depth. I analyze body language and speech long after the conversation ends. It's a bit of a chance being an author's friend. You never know if you will be the inspiration for a character or not. It's even harder to be in a relationship with an author. Because you are always competing for their attention.

It has been my great opportunity to befriend several authors over the years. In that process I have come to a conclusion about those in our field. They are either in a rock solid, love you for life relationship or they are not. There is no in between. Well let me rephrase that they may date a lot, that does not constitute a relationship.

I'll use my relationship for example. My husband at one point was a primary caregiver for our children while I wrote for hours and hours a day. That was in the initial stages of my writing. I have a better balance now. However, when there are deadlines to meet and people depending on your words other responsibilities fall to the wayside. As an author's significant other you have to accept that...and as an author you need to do everything you can to make up for it.

Being an author in today's world means you are more accessible to the people in your life. Unlike if you were a executive who goes to the office and then comes home. It is understood that they are not to be bothered unless on breaks or in emergencies between the hours of 9-5. As an author you won't get that...unless you set up those boundaries.

Here are some examples of what some of my colleagues do. J. actually has an office in the little town he lives in and does most of his writing there. He has been known to stay there for days when a deadline loomed or to travel to a friends cabin and steal away until done. V. actually goes to another country for one month every year. (Yeah I know what you are thinking JEALOUS) Then there is J she has a pretty good schedule with her kids where she either works in her home office or goes to the library. I think on most Saturdays you will find her at the local library.

Now both of the J's in that scenario are married with supportive and understanding spouses. (Sorry V no offense) One of the J's actually travels extensively on book tours and speaking engagements. Here's the true point to this post. Those same spouses had the supportive mindset BEFORE success.

I have met so many writers online, in groups or at a conference that have a drive and a passion to pursue a writing career. When I ask them why they haven't they all say, "I don't have time."or "When the kids are older." However, the one that infuriated me the most was from one woman. She told me her husband said she could use "her time" for writing and that when she was successful and making money she could devote more time to it.(I swear when I picture this man he hasn't bathed in a month, one of his overall snaps is broke, has chew hanging from his greasy too long beard and his name is Bubba.)

What really did it for me though was the look on her face. It was the same look I saw so many times for other writers who gave different excuses. I considered that they may all have something in common there, an unsupportive partner.

I'm not usually one who doesn't speak my mind...so the guilt of quietness was a foreign concept to me. It's like an ulcer to my mind to be silent. So in an effort to relive myself of emotional heartburn I will say what I should have to her and several other authors.

If you are in a relationship with a "Bubba" right now and they say things like "when you are successful" you need to decide what you really want. Because there will never be any success because your will never get the support that you need. If sharing your knowledge opinion and imagination is something you dream about at night, something that hounds you like a bookie does a debted gambler....Bubba's gotta go.

Bri

PS Cheer up you can always make up the partner you really want. Remember you are an author.

The Monsieur of Noir... Vincent Zandri

A review and an interview....

SOMETIMES THE PAST DOESN'T COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU! IT COMES BACK TO KILL YOU!

Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape.

Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead.
Now, it’s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year.But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He’s back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.

Trailer for The Remains

The Remains was voted the No. 1 Amazon Bestselling Hot Hard-Boiled New Release and was No 8 on Amazon's Romantic Suspense list. It was published by the rising star of a publisher Stonehouse Ink. This novel was two firsts for me. It was my first noir genre novel and was also my first taste of Vincent Zandri. I have to say I'm addicted to Zandri now like a southern woman needs gossip. The noir genre is a big leap for me. Romantic fantasy, paranormal romance and romantic adventure are my genres of choice to read and write. You will notice the key word being "romance."

The Remains by all indications was an accidental romantic suspense...I still felt every exclamation point!

 I connected with Rebecca in a way I have only done from female authors before. Most reviews you will read (there are plenty)about the The Remains will talk about how suspenseful, frightening and scene setting it is. Believe me it is all those reviews and more. However, for me I enjoyed another element. It was subtle and woven in like the center piece of a braid, hidden but needed for a tight rhythm. It was Rebecca.

Rebecca has lived a life of tragedy from the painful experiences of a childhood event, to the loss of her twin and finally the ending of her marriage. Nevertheless, through all that she happily endures. Her love and empathy for those around her is inspiring. If Zandri ever tires of noir he obviously has more than potential for romantic suspense.

Vincent Zandri...The Monsieur of Noir
Vincent Zandri is an award-winning, bestselling novelist, essayist and freelance photojournalist. His novel As Catch Can (Delacorte) was touted in two pre-publication articles by Publishers Weekly and was called "Brilliant" upon its publication by The New York Post. The Boston Herald attributed it as “The most arresting first crime novel to break into print this season.” Translated into several languages including Japanese, Russian, French and the Dutch, Zandri’s work has also been sought out by numerous major movie producers, including Heyday Productions and DreamWorks. Other novels include Moonlight Falls (R.J.Buckley), Godchild (Bantam/Dell), and Permanence (NPI). His newest thriller, The Remains (Stone House) will be published in July, 2010 in E-Book and in November, as a Trade Paperback. Forthcoming novels include The Concrete Pearl (Stone Gate), a new detective series starring the brassy but beautiful construction business owner, Ava "Spike" Harrision, and the re-publication of the classic, As Catch Can (Stone Gate).
I was able to speak with Mr. Zandri... here are the spoils of that interview.

What is noir? Noir is my passion! It's truly American literature...dark detective type novels. When Europe caught on it became known as noir. Noir is French meaning dark, gloomy or black.

How do you write women so well?  As a child I was surrounded by women...I still try to do that as an adult. (can you see the smile in that line?) I had a single mother, two older sisters and I'm very experienced in relationships. What can I say...I love women.(see the smile again)

Have you ever received a bad review? No.. at least not professionally or from a blog review. Thank God. (He thanks God a lot. It's sincere too.)  However, I had one by a reader on Amazon, it's still there and I remember it well. This douche (yes he said douche) said I should be classified in the same pile of junk as LaHane. And I thought that's a good pile to be in.

Was The Remains meant to have a romantic element? No absolutely not. I had just ended my relationship with my second wife. That relationship very much inspired this novel. Don't get me wrong I loved her and we are still very close.(insert smile again) I didn't get much done creatively during our six year relationship. When it ended I went into a writing frenzy and the end result was The Remains.

Do you consider yourself a character writer? You set the scenes so realistically.  I like to set up the circumstances and then imagine how that character would react.

Do you base your characters off real people? Of course. I even use their real names until the end. (I'm curious if he will have to keep his laptop locked after that one.)

What's a typical day for you? Always have to have a good cup of coffee...at home I make it. In Italy I found myself going out for coffee. A great cup of coffee is essential for an author. I put on what's lying around and write a while. There is always writing to be done...whether on a novel, for my blog, or an article. I'm a gym rat so I always work that in. I have three kids so anything they need. I enjoy cooking for them.

After reading The Remains and now Moonlight Falls and Moonlight Mafia as well as interviewing Mr. Zandri this is my conclusion. I already knew he was a gifted rising author. However, now I find that he is wickedly brilliant and witty with as much baggage as his characters. Just like his characters he perseveres through the trials of circumstance and finds the joy of the moment. Which really I think is a requirement for any great author. Can you be a cutting edge anything and be described as delightfully normal?