10,000 reads? Holy crap!

When I woke up this morning, I groggily logged on to my computer and did a few checks to see how everything in my author world is going. When I checked out WattPad's site, I couldn't have been more surprised that The Highlander's Curse hit over 10,000 reads! For only posting a little over 2 chapters of the book, I couldn't be more blessed that so many people have given my book (and by default, me) a try. With the incredible feedback I've gotten about the book and the support everyone has shown me, I want to give a big shout out to WattPad's readers. You guys rock!

And to make my week even better, earlier this week, I hit Amazon's top 100 best-selling list in Canada for time-travels. Seriously, so blessed that so many people have bought and enjoyed The Highlander's Curse.

You'd think I would have learned by now

I won't even start off by saying I'm a slacker. I know well-enough now that I've started a lot of my posts that way. However, I will say that I'm pretty much an idiot. After my computer crashed and I lost a lot of hard work, I've had one heck of a time getting back into writing. I think it's because in my mind, I know I've already edited and perfect a lot of that particular book, so now now my brain and my characters are on strike for that story. I want to finish it, I really do. I want to have storyline and edits I already did already appear in my document and be ready to put some finishing touches. Is that going to happen any time soon? Well, I'm starting to think "not so much."

Why, you might ask?

Well, I'll tell you. I think it's because I'm trying to force myself. I don't know how many times I've told other upcoming authors that they can't force anything, and here I am trying my best to work on that book because I feel it's those characters' turns for their story. Alas, I just don't think it's going to happen soon. I've got to work on what is speaking to me at that time, otherwise I'm not going to get anything worth doing done. So, instead, I'm proud to say that I just completed my outline for the second book in my Legions series. Between that, the Guardians novel I want to write again, and a number of other ideas dancing our in my brain, I have plenty to think about. Now all I can do is have all my WIPs open at the same time and let my fingers fly for whatever book is talking to me.

Short stories

I know it's been a while since I last posted. A lot has happened recently and it has really put a stop to the progress I actually made. Unfortunately, my computer was attacked recently and I lost everything I hadn't backed up (and when I say that, I mean: made a back-up of my back-ups since my regular back-ups were corrupted). Anyhoo, as you may know, I am in a small group with three author friends. We're called the Writer Chics. This month, we each posted a short story (or rather, in some cases, a short beginning to longer stories). I just posted mine here, as well as on WattPad. I'm so excited that everyone can get a chance to showcase our imaginations, so stop on by and check it out.

It's the hap-happiest season of all

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Christmas is always my favorite time of the year. Not only do I get presents (who doesn't love that, right?) but I get to see family more often. If I can get over my hatred of driving on ice-slicked roads, I even love snow...especially when I get to play in it. :)

In honor of the hap-happiest time of the year, I've decided to offer my newest release, The Highlander's Curse, for a discount. During the month of December, you can get The Highlander's Curse eBook for $1.99 ($1.00 savings!) and the paperback for $8.99 ($2.00 savings!)*.

You can find the discounted prices for the eBook at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The paperback is available at Amazon and Createspace.
*Availability of eBook and paperback depend on your market.

I hope you enjoy. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

SJ Thomas's "My Business, Your Pleasure"

Today I'd like to welcome SJ Thomas, a fellow Evernight Publishing author. She's here to talk about My Business, Your Pleasure, her MM paranormal romance, which has just been released as part of Evernight Publishing's Romance on the Go line.

Writing sweet yet sizzling paranormal romance, scorching paranormal erotica, and dark paranormal horror, SJ Thomas has had several short stories and novellas published and is currently building up to her first full-length novel.

SJ lives in the South West of England with her wonderful husband, her new baby daughter, and a very spoilt Springer Spaniel. She has a full time day job so has to fit her writing in whenever she can, although like every author she would love to write full time one day. When not writing or working she loves to read and enjoys walking, geocaching and surfing badly.

More details about SJ's current and future works can be found at the following links and she is always happy to chat via Facebook or email.

www.sjthomaswpr.weebly.com

www.facebook.com/sjthomaswpr

www.twitter@SJThomas25

sjthomaswpr@hotmail.co.uk

www.pinterest.com/sjthomas25/


Welcome SJ. Thanks so much for joining me!

So, what do you do when you are not writing?

I am currently on maternity leave so most of my time is taken with looking after my four month old daughter. I have to confess I haven't written anything for ages due to a severe lack of energy and focus but my baby girl have just started sleeping through the night so I am hoping I'll have some more energy soon.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I write what I like to read and everything I write has a paranormal edge. I just can't make myself write anything 'normal', its got to have a vampire or ghost or demon or some other exciting paranormal creature and I love the sexy exciting edge it gives.

Where do you get your ideas?

My ideas can come from anywhere, an image, a song, a film. I normally get a scene or piece of dialogue in my head and from there think out the why and how and often before I know it I have the rough outline of a story in my mind.

What is your favorite part of the book?

Definitely the spark between the two hero's, Elliot and Justin. There is so much chemistry between them and the whole premise of the story is Elliot and Justin confronting their feelings for each other. Neither of them shy away from telling each other how it is and I think it makes for some great lines.

What was the hardest part to write in the book?

This was my first MM so definitely the sex scenes. It was really important for the sex to be accurate and respectful. A couple of fab MM authors I know were kind enough to read it and give feedback and I had some err 'technical' advice from a MM reads group on Goodreads.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published author?

Firstly, it would be to write. Get something finished because having a completed story is crucial.
Secondly, is to remember that first drafts are normally rubbish but that's what edits are for, you can rewrite and polish and perfect after you have finished.
Thirdly, don't think you have to have an agent or go via the big traditional publishing houses. There are some fantastic e-publishers out there actively seeking submissions and they don't require agents.

Alrighty, onto some fun questions...
Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

I always make the bed. I am a fairly neat person and can't stand it if the house is messy.

Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

I am embarrassed to confess that I do, especially when people pull out in front of me. Drives me crazy!

Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?

Yes I'm afraid I kill spiders, or at least I set my dog on them or get my husband to kill them for me. I just cannot settle if there is a spider in the room.

Which of your characters would you like to meet in person and why?

Whichever one I am writing about currently! I normally majorly crush on my current hero and it would be lovely to see them in the flesh!

Can you give us a blurb and Excerpt for My Business, Your Pleasure?

Blurb

Justin has one rule; do not get involved with immortals. It's bad for business and dangerous. Trouble is his business partner Elliot—an immortal being of unknown origin but undeniable sex appeal—makes him want to break that rule. Hoping a night with an immortal will get this infatuation out of his system, Justin visits a rival club looking for a one night stand.

Elliot has wanted Justin for ages, but despite his best efforts has gotten nowhere. When he learns about Justin's plans he turns up at the club. While he hopes one night will turn into many more, Elliot needs to have Justin at least once.

Will Justin let down his guard and let Elliot become his partner in more than just business?

Excerpt

"Looks like you've got this all planned out."

Elliot ignored the bitter accusation in Justin's voice, shrugging out of his jacket before he closed the curtains. When Elliot turned to face him, Justin stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his tousled dark blond hair falling across his brow, his usually calm, almost delicate features brimming with anger. Elliot suddenly found his courage failing him.

When he didn't speak, Justin narrowed his eyes. "Well? You wanted to talk, so talk. How did you find out about this tonight?"

As he looked at the man he wanted, Elliot knew he needed to be honest with him. "Kara helped me."

"Kara."

"Yeah, she figured out your plans and clued me in."

"She what? I can't believe this. She is so fired." Justin paced back and forth for a few seconds, and then stopped, his head jerking toward Elliot. "How did she know what I was up to?

"Kara's smart and she knows you too well. Plus she worries about you. She thinks you work to hard and worries that you're lonely."

Justin's brow furrowed as he shook his head. "But why did she tell you?"

"She's a good friend, and she knows how I feel about you."

A sharp intake of air was Justin's only reaction, and Elliot forced himself to carry on. "I've wanted you for ages, Justin, but I knew you'd never go out with me. Your damn rules about not getting involved with immortals would stop you. She thought if I got you away from work, then you might admit your feelings for me. If I could get you to see me as something other than your business partner." He gestured down at himself.

Justin followed the movement, his gaze sweeping over Elliot. His full lips parted, eyes darkening with obvious lust and Elliot's cock swelled in reaction, body growing hard with desire. His tongue darted out to wet his lips, and Elliot stifled a groan.

Justin spoke in a husky voice. "I'd have never thought you could pull that look off."

Elliot shrugged. "I've had many different looks in my life." He offered a cocky smiled. "And I've rocked them all."

Justin's mouth twitched and hope flared within Elliot, until Justin shook his head. "This," Justin gestured to the champagne, "and you," he nodded toward Elliot, "doesn't change anything. Why would you think it would?"

"I know you are attracted to me, but you've never acted on it. I tried so many times to take our relationship further, but you always shut me down."

Justin's brow furrowed, his expression turning pained. "You know why I have my rules. The club runs better if we don't get involved with the clients—"

"I'm not a client." Elliot's voice was harsh in the snug confines of the booth.

"No, but you are an immortal. How can I tell our staff to keep their distance if I can't myself?"

"So, what is this all about then?" Elliot tilted his head toward the club. "You came here for a one-night stand with an immortal, a stranger. Is that keeping your distance?" Anger and frustration flowed through Elliot. The thought of Justin fucking some random immortal who'd do God knows what to him, filled Elliot with rage. Vampires bit, werewolves clawed, and some breeds of demons tasted their lover's souls. Image after image of immortal creatures hurting Justin flitted through Elliot's mind

"I was doing it to get over you!" Justin shouted, and that nasty little creature called hope once again flared inside Elliot.

"You do want me then." Elliot spoke it as a statement, not a question.

Justin ran his fingers through his hair. "Maybe I do, but I'll never act on it. I am not going to risk our relationship for one night of sex. And I couldn't face myself if I was such a hypocrite." Justin shook his head. "This isn't what I wanted tonight."

Despair and frustration fueled Elliot's next words. "No, I know what you wanted. A night of make-believe with some random guy. Well, get this straight, if you aren't going to be with me then you're not going to be with anyone else, mortal or immortal. I'm not letting any other creature get his hands on you."

Justin's lips parted, his eyes going wide. "Tell me you didn't just say that?"

Elliot didn't answer. He just lifted his chin and set his lips in a stubborn line.

Justin laughed bitterly. "You immortals, thinking you own the world. This is exactly why I don't want to get involved with your kind. I see the possessiveness, the control you want over your lovers." He stomped over, getting right up in Elliot's face, sexy as hell in his anger. "No man, mortal or immortal, owns me. No man will control me, got that?"

He'd never seen Justin so angry, so forceful. All Elliot wanted to do was take Justin in his arms and crush their lips together. "You're sexy when you're angry, you know that?"

Justin's lips parted and he gave a sharp exhale. "You are unbelievable. And I am not going to do this."

He went to step away, but Elliot gripped his arm, stopping him. The look Justin gave his hand would have sent an enraged demon running, but Elliot refused to be frightened off that easily. "Justin, please. Don't walk away from this. You have no idea how good this could be."

Justin’s gaze flicked up to Elliot's face, and for the briefest second Elliot saw indecision in those hazel depths. Then Justin's jaw tightened, and with a methodical movement he took Elliot's hand and forced it away from his arm. "I can't do this with you." Justin's voice was strained, full of anguish, and as he yanked aside the curtains and walked away, pain speared through Elliot's chest.

Elliot let out a ragged breath, his gaze tracking Justin as he weaved his way across the dance floor. Shit, that couldn't have gone any worse. He stood for a moment, unsure whether to follow or just let Justin go.

No. This might be his only chance to have Justin, and even if all he got was a single night, Elliot wanted it too much to give up without a fight. Elliot squared his shoulders and stalked across the dance floor.

I want to thank you again for joining me and for telling us about My Business, Your Pleasure. It sounds like an incredible read, and I can't wait to check it out. :)

Say Something

The other night my husband and I were watching The Voice, and on the show, there was one of those rare moments where I was completely entranced at what I was seeing and hearing on the show. It really is rare, especially considering I'm always multitasking while the TV is on, and I hardly ever just sit and watch what's on. Maybe I was captivated because it stirred something within me, or maybe it was simply because it was such an incredible performance - probably both.

On this show, A Great Big World performed a song called Say Something, along with Christina Aguilera. If you haven't heard the song yet, I seriously suggest you do. Especially if you're a writer or even a lover of books. To me, this song represents that pivotal moment between a hero and heroine when either one, or neither, of them know if they'll make it - if their love will prevail.

So have a listen, and tell me what you think.

NaNoWriMo was a No-Go

During the month of November, authors everywhere participate in NaNoWriMo, where authors strive to reach and/or exceed 50,000 words during the month. I truly considered joining in the fun this year, but I just couldn't make myself do it. For one, I really want to work on a Primordial Guardians novel again, and since I've already started that particular book, there was no point in trying to add 50K to it (especially since I need to re-read what I've already written). A few other books have been nagging me, but I really need to give some love to my Guardians.

That being said, I need a royal kick in the butt to get me into gear. I've been slacking, and it's been driving me crazy.

Well, off I go, hopefully to get some words written tonight. ;)