Two Hot Reads To Start Your Holiday Reading Off Right: Cursed Awakening and Lost To The Night II

Start the holidays off RIGHT

 

with two great books for your

 

 

Kindle, E-Reader, Nook,

etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



Cursed Awakening is a paranormal romance that is more than girl meets boy, boy turns out to be a wolf but the girl has secrets of her own and a dark past. Can boy break down the walls and free the girl from the darkness while fighting a sinister evil at his own back door when there's the threat to girl and those he loves?

 

 

 

Join myself and four other talented authors as we give you five stories in one book that range from chilling thrills to sultry nights of danger and temptation.

 

 

Lost To The Night II featuring: Susan VanNort, Kayden McLeod, Brigit Aine, Trent Kinsey, and me of course, Nikki Noffsinger.

 

 

"Feral Fate" Blurb-from "Lost To The Night"

 

      No one is as wild as Cinjin. His only loyalty is to his pack and his people but outside of that he’s got a Kill ‘Em All and Let God Save Him The Left Overs kind of attitude. Cinjin is one of the most fierce and powerful wolf shifters of his pack and the only needs he has for a woman is that she knows where the door is when the sun comes up, that is until he encounters his mate, Khloe Wahpeton who is a local ER doctor and she’s definitely NOT INTERESTED!

                Well maybe she’s a little interested but Cinjin’s arrogance and ego are almost too much for her but when he brings in a broken and beaten woman, Khloe sees beyond the animal and to the heart of the man in front of her. If she can keep from killing him herself, they might have a chance.

 

 

 

 

Lost to the Night II and Cursed Awakening can be purchased in E-Book Format only @

 

http://www.allromancebooks.com

 

http://www.amazon.com

 

http://www.bookstrand.com

 

 

Remember-EBooks make great gifts for the Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

NaNoWriMo Versus WRITER'S BLOCK

     You are traveling through another dimension or world. Perhaps

you're on Route 66 or you're atop the Eiffel Tower in France, but a

wondrous journey into the unknown  or rather the story that you've

been playing inside your head since last November.

       NaNoWriMo is here yet again, and  you've been feverishly

typing away, possessed beyond sight and the speed of sound when


suddenly, you're mind goes blank and you come to a grinding halt.


                                             You dear friend,
    
                           have entered the Writer's Block Zone!

                           (psst, this is where you cue the music)



Is this you?

 

                 Are you about to pull your hair out or throw in the towel? There is nothing more heart wrenching, more evil, or more of a butt kicker than Writer's Block. It's okay, take a breath-we've all been there and you know what, you'll have it a hundred or more times during your writing career. I've been known to get it while filling out Christmas cards. If you're stuck in the Writer's Block Zone, first take a few breaths and save what you got and turn off the computer, lap top, or Ipad. Don't look at me like I've went stark raving mad, do it. Then I want you to step away and say to yourself, "I AM NOT A FAILURE! THE STORY IS IN ME, AND I WILL WRITE IT." You're still itching to get back to being frustrated and looking at that screen aren't you? Hair trigger maybe? WALK AWAY!!!  To quote that little lady from the movie, Poltergeist, "Now clear your minds. It knows what scares you. It has from the very beginning. Don't give it any help, it knows too much already." 

 

                 Writer's Block is no more than stress and it's not the end of your writing career or the nail in the coffin for your book or NaNoWriMo submission. It means you need a break and the more you let frustration and anxiety in-the more you're going to help your Writer's Block to stay. There are literally hundreds of ways and claims to get over Writer's Block. For all of you NaNo's out there, here is the top 20 ways from a past guide I got in 2010.

 

                                    

1. Don’t start with a blank page. Write a quick outline. Jot down a few notes. Write down that one, great quote you were planning to use. Presto — no more blank page.
2. Read more widely. Create an RSS dashboard of top bloggers in your niche, sign up for a SmartBrief or two, or get a Google Alert on some of your key words. Read more newspapers. Read books. Read, read, read.
3. Write what you feel like writing. If you have a terrific itch to write one particular idea, then write that one right now. The more you go with your creative flow and write what you’re inspired to write, the easier it will be beat writer’s block.
4. Start anywhere. Many writers sit staring at their screens because they’re obsessed with writing the first line of a piece first. Forget all about that. If you know how it will end, write that now. If it has bullet points, go ahead and write those first, if that would be easy. Once you jot down the part that’s coming naturally to you, the rest will start to flow.
5. Use your lifeline. That’s right, phone a friend, just like on the reality shows. Then, tell your friend about the topic you’re trying to write. As in all conversations, you will tend to naturally mention the most interesting points first. When you hang up, your piece is outlined and ready to go.
6. Don’t edit while you write. When you’re writing, just let those creative juices flow along. Don’t spoil the magic by stopping to fiddle with a word here or cut a line there.
7. Create an ‘idiot’s outline.’ If you have a lot of research, interviews and other material to organize, go through all your resources and simply listing each source. Then, next to the source, write the most important point or two they make. Now all you have to do is place the points into a logical order, and you’ve got a rough outline.
8. Write without notes or quotes. Here’s the opposite approach for a piece with lots of interviews, statistics and research — simply put all your paperwork aside. Now, write the story. Resist the urge to look up factoids or exact quotes. Leave blanks or notes to check details as you go, but keep moving forward. At the end, go back and fact-check.
9. Write something else. Write a shopping list, or a letter to a friend. Once the fingers are moving, it’ll be easier to get the piece you were stuck on rolling.
10. Review your past writing. Whenever I was really intimidated by a writing assignment, I used to get out my writing portfolio and look through it. When you read your successful previous work, it reminds you that you are a strong writer, and you can do this.
11. Free associate. If you feel disorganized, just go with that — start writing random thoughts about your topic. Then, sort through your brainstorms for lines you want in your piece.
12. Do a mind map. Get off the computer and make a visual drawing of your topic’s ideas and how they relate to each other. Soon, you’ll not just have ideas for your current post, but ideas on how that one might lead to related, future posts.
13. Set a timer. Use the Pomodoro technique and set a timer for 25 minutes. Now, you have to work on your assignment until the timer goes. You can’t do anything else. That’ll get boring fast, and you’ll start to write. Try it if you don’t believe me.
14. Create a deadline. The problem with our own writing is no ‘boss’ is standing over us insisting we get the writing done by a specific time. So create a deadline calendar of when your posts must be completed. Then, allow no recreation time until the deadline is met.
15. Reduce noise. Are you trying to write with the TV or radio running in the background? That extra stimulus may prevent you from focusing on the writing. They say our brains really can’t multi-task.
16. Turn off the Internet. Do you find yourself playing Bejeweled or checking Twitter when it’s writing time? Write on a pad of paper instead, or use programs such as Anti-Social or Freedom to disable social media or Internet access until you’re done writing.
17. Try a writing prompt. If you can’t get the juices flowing, do a writing exercise — writing prompts are available on sites such as Creative Copy Challenge.
18. Do more research. Sometimes, nothing’s coming out because a nagging voice in the back of your head says you don’t really know enough about your topic. If that’s so, do a bit more research and then return to writing.
19. Change your location. Move to your deck, a coffeeshop, a friend’s back bedroom, a co-working office space…wherever you don’t usually write. See if inspiration hits.
20. Take a break. Take a half-hour break. Take a walk. Take a bath. Take a nap. Do a headstand — get some blood flowing to the brain again. Then, come back ready to have at it.

PHEW!!! That's a lot to think about isn't it?

         If none of that appeals to you, at least do numbers 16 and 20 as soon as you conclude reading


this blog if you are suffering with the big WB. Now these are a few things that I do.

1. I rest my brain. That could mean simply lying down and taking a nap-which if you're home is like mine and occupied with children-naps are like unicorns; rare and mythical. So, try taking a soak (don't forget to bring the radio so you can tune out the myriad of knocks and bathroom interruptions. You could also try going to your room or curling up in a chair with a good book that is a total 360 degrees from what you are writing or pop in a good movie. 
2. Nothing says Craft/Hobby time like Writer's Block. After I've had a good rest, I either turn to t baking or crafting. Not only does cooking/baking and crafting distract from where your writing left off, but it exercise both physical and sensory. I don't know about you but a double chocolate fudge Hawaiian Brownie sounds like a great way to jump back into writing.
3. Use your Phone-A-Friend lifeline. Any good friend will know that if you are calling them during the NaNoWriMo month of November, that it's game time and you've been given a time out while the field is being re-prepped. I usually turn to my author friends or fellow NaNo's. They give great support but are going to talk about something other than what you're writing about. They're going to listen to you vent and keep you from assassinating your main character and burning the castle down. Your friends will be there to keep you from having a Carrie White at the Prom moment. Author/writer friends have been there! Network. This should be the only time you are back on the computer and it is strictly for using "The Buddy System". My friend Denyse Bridger, who is an accomplished award winning author is the cute version of Mickey Goldmill, who's there with a bucket of water to throw on me and slap if I need it. Believe me, I've had to have a few slaps during Writer's Block hysterics. I have a lot of other great friends too that are my little cheer leading section.
4. Get out of the house if you can. Take in a dinner and a show or go do something that will keep you active. Me, I love going to the movies or simply just taking a walk.

When I've completed all these and I feel recharged and ready to go, I grab a notepad or composition notebook and just do some free writing. It doesn't always make sense but it gives my brain a jump start. The key gets turned in the ignition and I'm up and writing again. 

 

 

So have you ever had Writer's Block and survived? Tell me how you did it or if you're struggling-share your experience in the comments below!

 

YOU CAN DO IT! DON'T STOP!

                                  







November is NaNoWriMo

NOVEMBER IS HERE!


            and so is NaNoWriMo!



     For those of us who participate in the NaNoWriMo, it's crunch month.  Just what is NaNoWriMo? It is an annual novel writing contest in any genre including children stories. Each participant spends the entire month doing nothing but writing. I have done this competition since 2009. There's no real prize other than you get to network with other writers/authors and you get the prestige of being part of the NaNoWriMo winners. What's the point?


       The point of doing the NaNoWriMo is challenging one's self. There are daily online workshops and information to be a better writer and to cheer one on. One would think that writing 90,000 words is a piece of pie, but I will tell you right now that you will start off confident and end up second and fourth guessing yourself towards the middle to end. The NaNoWriMo was where I first submitted my very first vampire story and the following year I submitted Cursed Awakening, which wasn't nearly as developed as a story as it is now. That's okay because with the NaNoWriMo grammar and corrections are out the window. It's write and get the story out and submit it by the end of the month. Many people have been signed to publishing contracts because of their submissions.

       NaNoWriMo also has well published authors like James Patterson who do lend their suggestions and experience to daily pep talks. So far James Patterson, Lev Grossman, Malinda Lo, Marie Lu, and loads more. For new authors/writers or just those who just want to set a goal and meet that goal, the National Novel Writers Month contest event is a great vehicle and a means to reboot creativity.  
                

     

     So while I'm not shirking my duties with my own novel projects that will hopefully be ready in 2014 (I know you all are waiting patiently or in Angie McIntire's case, impatiently for the follow up to my first vampire novel, but never fear-Dash is coming soon). The Blood Courtesan is going to be ready for second and third edits soon. Howling at my back is none other than Shiloh Red Cloud who is determined to get Nyx's sister, Lahni, to quit trying to kill him long enough to Claim her as his mate. In the midst of all this is my NaNoWriMo submission which is going quite well. Want a little 4-1-1 on it?



                 Sins Under A Blood Moon

           Soren stands looking out at the town of Moscow dreading his trip to America. Since his broken father abdicated the throne, Soren is now King of all Werewolves. He has everything he could ever want: money, power, prestige, and he's never been defeated in battle. However, beneath Soren's skin, his wolf is clawing at his insides.

       A werewolf shares his or her soul with an animal spirit. That animal is the Ying and the Yang of their souls. If balance is not kept-then the wolf takes over completely because it is strongest. When a Lycan loses their human self, they are a feral blood thirsty animal that is no longer ruled by a human heart or moon. Soren's worst fear is that his wolf is taking over. Each passing day, Soren feels his animal side being more dominant and harder to submit. His only salvation would be to find his mate. However, looking at his father waste away each day and the loss of both is mother and brother, Soren's not sure he cares or not anymore.

          Across the ocean in a little North Carolina town, Dani Harris is working hear butt off as a veterinary assistant so she can finish vet school. She left her family and everything in London, Kentucky to come down to White Lake, North Carolina. She'd inherited her grandma's little two story house and though it wasn't the start she had planned on, Dani was more than happy to take it.

   Just like her grandma, she'd always had a special way with animals, even Mrs. Torres's temperamental tabby, Hercules, was no match for her. Her life was mapped out. She would save every dime she could from working with Dr. Adams's Veterinary Clinic and Emergency Hospital and then she would go back to vet school and start her own practice. That was Dani's plan and no where did it involve men. As far as she was concerned, the world had far too many boys posing as men who ended up nothing more than dogs.

       There was more to the Dargo pack than Soren had been informed and he was certain he would unravel the secrets. Tatiana Renault, whose father had been pack master before, was an exotic beauty. To the untrained eye she was everything a man like Soren should want in a woman and mate. Aside from her looks, Tatiana was strong and cunning, and would do anything to get what she wanted by any means possible. Any man who was mated to Tatiana would no doubt have to surrender his balls to a lock box of some sort and he most definitely was keeping his attached. Soren had more important matters though.
   Soren and some of the pack males were on the chase of what they called, Lupe Garu Basically it was just another term for when one of their own kind had lost their battle and the animal had taken over and what was left was a blood thirsty and feral animal. Just as they were on the outskirts of the town of White Lake, Soren and the pack caught the scent of the Lupe Garu and heard the scream of a human woman. It was bad for humans and Soren's kind to mix. It never bode well for an introduction of the species, but Soren would not allow the woman to be harmed. The moment he caught her scent, something within him changed. Automatically he changed forms as if the power was not his own. A whole new feeling came over him; the instinct to protect and it struck hard like lightening through the sky. This human woman was his mate and for the first time in Soren's life, he didn't know what the hell he was going to do!


    Be sure to stay tuned for more updates on Sins under A Blood Moon and sign up and take the NaNoWriMo challenge! Hope to see you there!

                       http://nanowrimo.org

      
         

ALL HAIL THE KINGS OF THE VAMPIRE HOTTIES AND WEREWOLF HUNKS

 

 

The 2013

 

 

Ultimate

 

 

Vampire Hottie

 

 

 

is...

 

 

 

 

 

ERIC NORTHMAN!!!

 

 

(Okay, like you didn't see THAT one coming, right?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The casting directors may not have known what they put into motion when they chose Alexander Skarasgard to play Sheriff Eric Northman in a series called True Blood based on the Southern Vampire Series aka The Sookie Stackhouse Books by Charlaine Harris.

 

Alexander is no newbie to the acting world. His father is Swedish actor, Stellan and his brothers Gustav, Bill, and Valter also are actors.

 

So what's the 4-1-1 on Eric Northman? Well here are his impressive stats and if you've seen the show, you more than know how he stacks up every where else!

 

In his human life he was the son of a Norse Jarl and was already married by the time he was 16. A vampire slaughters his entire family leading him to his maker. Eric is one of "The Old Ones" but don't let his age fool ya, he's vicious, he's tactful and would put Napoleon to shame, and will always put his progeny before himself. Everyone else is either much lower on the scale or they're "food". Eric, though a modern vampire, is still every bit the strong Viking warrior and sadly, he has empathy for humans. Sookie describes him as one of the most sexiest and handsome men she's ever seen. He's also very charismatic, arrogant, manipulative (yeah, we're signing up to be man-ipulated by Eric), and is the ultimate predator of his kind. Plus, Sookie has been quoted as saying, "If there was an international butt contest, Eric would win hands down, or cheeks up." I would definitely give him the championship cup, wouldn't you?

 

 

 

 

 

Werewolf Hunk of 2013 is awarded to

 

Alcide Herveaux

 

Joe Manganello

 

From HBO's

True Blood

 

 

 

 

No one makes a girl want to howl at the moon more than Joe Manganello as Alicde Herveaux! So where did our hunk start out?

 

Believe it or not, Joe has real professional training in his craft and has starred on several television shows like ER, One Tree Hill, and a few others. However, his break out role is our current stud muffin, Alcide. Alcide enters the series as the love torn wolf over his junkie girlfriend, Debbie Pelt. However, he and Sookie develop a friendship and you'll have to wait and watch the show to see how far that relationship really goes. Alcide's journey begins with him being sent to protect Sookie and then ends up being a reluctant pack leader for the Shreveport Wolves but stays loyal to Sookie and especially Sam in the HBO adaptation of Charlaine's book series.

 

 

 

So whether you are a "Fang Banger" or a "Wolfette" Eric Northman and Alcide Herveaux are more than capable of bringing out the "WILD SIDE" in any woman whether she be vampire, human, Fey, or Wolf!

 

 

Be sure to check out the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris and the HBO True Blood Series for more on these two Kings of the Vampire Hotties and Werewolf Hunks!

 

 

I hope you had fun this week seeing the vampires and wolfs who found their places on the Halloween 2013 countdown.

 

When you came in the air went out.
And every shadow filled up with doubt.
I don't know who you think you are,
But before the night is through,
I wanna do bad things with you.

I'm the kind to sit up in his room.
Heart sick an' eyes filled up with blue.
I don't know what you've done to me,
But I know this much is true:
I wanna do bad things with you.

When you came in the air went out.
And all those shadows there filled up with doubt.
I don't know who you think you are,
But before the night is through,
I wanna do bad things with you.
I wanna do real bad things with you.
Ow, ooh.

I don't know what you've done to me,
But I know this much is true:
I wanna do bad things with you.
I wanna do real bad things with you.