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Xander, a Dark Assassins Novel Book Three
Xander (A Dark Assassins Novel Book Three)
By Valerie Ullmer
Paranormal Romance
Half-human, half-shifter.
Xander has secretly yearned for a mate for most of his immortal existence, and yet after three of his friends found exactly what he’s always wanted, he’d come to believe that he’d missed his chance at happiness.
Until he heard her voice.
Frost is a wildlife biologist and tracker and she has been assigned, despite her adamant protests, to lead mercenaries into the mountains of Snowfall, Colorado for the sole purpose of killing immortal shifters. In order to protect those who have no idea the kind of danger they are in, she agrees. As she leads the armed men on a wild chase around the snow-covered pines, she could sense that she was running out of time.
Until she heard his voice.
Xander understands exactly who Frost is the moment he hears her thoughts. With the help of Kane and Gunnar, they eliminate those in her group as they try to keep her safe. But during the fight, she is hurt and all of his protective instincts flare to life. As Xander learns more about her, he realizes that Frost might be the key to the creation of the immortals, both vampire and shifter.
But when she becomes a target from those who want to destroy the Dark Company and Xander’s family, how far will he go to save her?
Excerpt
Xander froze when he heard a feminine voice carry over to him, she sounded closer than she had been even a few moments before. He should have sensed her coming closer. But the only question on his mind was why the hell she was tagging along with a group of mercenaries. He heard the voice again, a tinny version of her voice, and for a long moment, he couldn’t understand the words. Until she stepped forward.
No, no. Not that way. Not that way.
Something warmed his chest as he heard her in his head as clearly as they were speaking aloud. A familiarity washed over him and he felt connected to this woman in an elemental way. A feeling of peace settled over him. He knew this was the first time he’d ever heard her voice. He was so stunned and happy that he didn’t even question how they were able to mind link.
Can either of you hear the woman’s thoughts?
Woman? Gunnar sounded confused.
Kane’s reply was quick and clipped. No.
Hello?
Hello?
Xander tried to get her attention. Can you hear me?
He held his breath when he heard her distinct gasp, knowing that their mind link worked. His chest filled with dread at the thought that she gave herself away until he heard her next words.
“I spotted a grizzly bear in the trees to the west. Sorry, I startled him and he ran off.”
For long seconds, the men in the clearing stared at the woman before they were ordered to keep searching.
Xander stood close enough that he could see her curves underneath the heavy white parka. And having the worst timing in the world, Xander felt himself harden. He took a deep, cleansing breath of sharp mountain air that instantly cooled his overheated body.
Yes, I can hear you. These men, seven in total, are looking for immortals. They have been contracted by my boss at U.S. Fish and Wildlife to kill them. Apparently, the immortals are supposed to become animals. Can you help me without hurting yourself? They are heavily armed.
Xander was taken completely by surprise. She didn’t question their connection but instead relayed vital information that he would need. He could also start to feel her emotions. She wasn’t scared, just determined. He could hear her heart beating at a fast rate and her breathing strained from either the hike up the mountain or the tension in the air. He watched as she subtly shifted her head around as she searched for him, unable to spot him in the trees.
We can help. I’m going to communicate with my team and we’ll take out the men. Are you okay with that?
Yes, I know they are paid mercenaries and I’m pissed that they killed a wolf two days ago for no other reason than they wanted to shoot something.
What’s your name?
Frost.
Frost, I’m Xander. When I tell you to run, run south. Okay?
Yes, I understand.
Xander relayed the conversation he had with Frost. We are going to have to kill them, there’s no other way around it. They couldn’t have a threat looming over them, especially if one escaped and brought in a stronger, more trained group of mercenaries. Although they could easily defeat any group of fighters, keeping their existence a secret was crucial. The more humans that knew about them, the bigger the danger it posed.
Working as a team, they closed in on the unsuspecting mercenaries. At first, they quietly removed those men who were stationed on the outer perimeter, using knives to subdue them, or in Xander’s case, using his bare hands and quickly snapping their necks. He didn’t want Frost to see blood on him. The only sound he could detect was the grunts of the men who were dispatched. By the time Gunnar, Kane, and he closed in on their ranks, there were only three mercenaries remaining.
The older man spotted movement in Gunnar’s direction and without hesitation raised his weapon and started firing. The wolf easily dodged the shots before melting further into the trees. Silence descended upon the area as the man searched for Gunnar.
Frost, run south, keep as low as you can and use the trees as cover.
About the Author
Valerie writes paranormal and contemporary romances with strong alpha males and brilliant, beautiful heroines. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her wonderfully supportive husband and their funny and wise black lab. She’s addicted to coffee, crime shows, and reading and writing character driven romances.
FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ INSTAGRAM ~ GOODREADS ~ AMAZON
Daryl Devoré Five on Friday
Welcome, Daryl Devoré to Five on Friday! I love your cover. The combination of blue and aqua is really eye-catching.
It’s complicated is not only her relationship status but the definition of Erika Bailey’s life. She loves managing her drag queen club in Bangkok, Thailand, but her rock star boyfriend resides in North Carolina. And to top it off, her father threatens she must stay away from Darien or lose the Pink Flamingo. Does she protect her club or her love?
Darien Scott, Grammy award winning international superstar, wants nothing more than to wake up in the arms of Erika, the woman he loves, but contractual obligations force him to exotic video shoots and an isolated movie set with one of Hollywood’s sexiest stars.
With the feeding frenzy of social media trending every aspect of Darien’s life—real or not—it’s hard for Erika to know the truth. Will she be able to see through the lies and trust Darien? Or will evidence from damaging Internet rumors condemn their relationship?
Book 1 – Two Hearts ~ One Love Trilogy – What Happens in Bangkok
Book 2 – Two Hearts ~ One Love Trilogy – Darien’s Desire
You loved What Happens in Bangkok and want to know what happens next….
Book 3 – Two Hearts ~ One Love Trilogy – title not released- Book release Dec 2017
Buy Links
Extasy Books
Amazon
Kobo
Daryl’s Five on Friday Questions
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Introvert. Once I get to know a person, I blossom, but it takes a while.
Ann: You and I are opposite on that front!
What is one of your favorite quotes?
Save The Planet. It’s the only one with chocolate.
Ann: I love that quote! Never heard it before but I’ll remember it!
Do you belong to a critique group?
Yes. A fabulous one. We’ve actually moved beyond the concept of “just” a critique group. We visit each other’s blog and tweet and share. We support when another writer is feeling low. We cheer when there is a new release. We off advice when someone is stuck writing a blurb. And yes, we still do critiques.
Ann: Any writer who doesn’t belong to a critique group is missing out! You’re right about the support they offer. And as writers, we need that!
How do you choose a title for your book?
Some of my titles were chosen for me by my former publisher. Some titles I chose. What Happens in Bangkok was suggested by a critique group friend. I titled this latest book – Darien’s Desire. The title has to do with something in the book. And the “not yet released” title of the next book was also suggested by a friend.
Ann: Almost always I come up with a title before I start the book, but in one case, I was stumped. I also had a friend who suggested a great title. Can’t live without friends!
Dog-eared pages or bookmarks?
Bookmarks. 2 reasons. 1- My mother is a retired librarian – there was no turning down a corner! 2 – I have a fantastic bookmark. It is simple and wonderful to use, but there is one tiny problem with it. I made the bookmark – 2 old coins (I mean ancient) that have holes in the middle and they are tied at the ends of a long thin cord. This fits in the book and the coins drape over the top and bottom edges. I can leave it in the book when I am reading, but the tiny problem is the cat sees the coin hanging there and I have been pounced on more than once. Being lost in a good mystery and then suddenly having a bundle of fur attack can be a bit startling.
Ann: I always hate commenting on this question, because I do both! My bad. Paperbacks, dog-eared. hardbacks, bookmarks.
Bio
Daryl Devoré (@daryldevore) lives in an old farmhouse in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, a large salt water aquarium full of fish, a black cat named Licorice and some house ghosts. Her daughter is grown and has flown the nest. Daryl loves to take long walks up her quiet country road or snowshoe across the back acres, and in the summer, kayak along the St. Lawrence River. She has touched a moon rock, a mammoth, and a meteorite. She’s been deep in the ocean in a submarine, flown high over Niagara Falls in a helicopter and used the ladies room in a royal palace. Life’s an adventure and Daryl’s having fun living it.
Blog – https://daryldevore.blogspot.ca
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Daryl-Devore-Erotic-Romance-Writer-280168402052520/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/daryldevore
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/u/0/107866370365154406917
The Duchess and the Highwayman Blog Tour
A duchess disguised as a lady’s maid; a gentleman parading as a highwayman.
She’s on the run from a murderer, he’s in pursuit of one…
In a remote Norfolk manor, Phoebe, Lady Cavanaugh is wrongfully accused by her servants of her brutal husband’s murder.
There’s little sympathy in the district for the duchess who’s taken a lover and made clear she despised her husband. The local magistrate has also vowed revenge since Lady Cavanaugh rebuffed his advances.
When Phoebe is discovered in the forest wearing only a chemise stained with the blood of her murdered husband, she persuades the noble ‘highwayman’ who rescues her that she is Lady Cavanaugh’s maidservant.
Hugh Redding has his own reasons for hunting down the man who would have Phoebe tried and hanged for murder. He plans to turn ‘the maidservant with aspirations above her station’ into the ‘lady’ who might testify against the very villain who would see Phoebe dead.
But despite the fierce attraction between Phoebe and the ‘highwayman’, Phoebe is not in a position to admit she’s the ‘murderous duchess’ hunted across the land.
Seizing an opportunity to strike at the social and financial standing of the man who has profited by her distress, Phoebe is drawn into a dangerous intrigue.
But when disaster strikes, she fears Hugh will lack the sympathy or understanding of her unusual predicament to even want to save her a second time.
Buy Links:
Amazon | All other buy links
~*~*~*~*~*~
Excerpt:
Phoebe, Lady Cavanaugh, is on the run, fleeing evil Wentworth, the man who would frame her for the murder of her husband. Now she’s found temporary sanctuary with the highwayman who’s just held up the carriage she’d stolen from Wentworth.
Dipping the sponge into the water and wringing it out, Phoebe looked about her for the usual accoutrements that made bathing a pleasure. The bath salts? The scented oils? And that piece of rag… was that supposed to be the linen she dried herself with? It looked more like something the scullery maid would use to scour the bottom of the cooking pot.
A scullery maid? Mr Redding thought her little better.
She stood up, allowing the water to drip all over the floor while fear flooded her anew. What was she doing here? In a strange man’s house?
And why, oh why, had she used her christian name? She let the sea sponge fall into the water and put her hands to her face. There was little danger of Mr Redding associating her with the supposedly guilty Lady Cavanaugh but what were Phoebe options? Where could she go? She had nowhere but here.
The shock seemed to be abating but in its place came the familiar misery overlaid with panic. She balled her fists before bending to steady herself on the side of the tub as she closed her eyes. She could not let fear and despair get the better of her. She knew how to hold them at bay. Years of living with Ulrick and then suffering at the hands of Wentworth following the truth of her girlish delusions had forced her to develop ways to cope and survive. Now it was even more important to stay strong.
Her first priority would be to maintain the fiction of her identity and then flee to the safety of her aunt’s cottage in remote Norfolk. Of course, she couldn’t stay there. Her aunt would not welcome her for more than a duty visit and nor did she have the means to support another mouth to feed – or two. If Phoebe were with child – oh lord, it would buy her the time she needed to bring a case against Wentworth – she would be spared the hangman’s noose, for now. Wentworth would do all he could to condemn her but if she were seen to be carrying Ulrick’s heir she’d have time she might not otherwise have had to build up her own case regarding her innocence.
She just needed time.
Five on Friday Celebrates Christmas in July
Here in Texas, July is plenty hot, and we welcome anything that takes our minds off the blistering heat. That’s why today, I’m thrilled to celebrate a little Christmas in July with Barbara White Daille. Just looking at her cover for Snowbound with Mr. Wrong makes me think cooler weather!
Snowbound with Mr. Wrong (a Snowflake Valley novel)
Worst. Day. Ever. After Lyssa Barnett’s sister tricks her into reprising her role at Snowflake Valley’s annual children’s party, she doesn’t think anything can be worse than squeezing into her too-small elf costume. Then tall, dark, and way too handsome Nick Tavlock shows up to play Santa…and an unexpected storm leaves them snowbound in the isolated lodge.
The last thing Nick wants is to spend a cozy Christmas Eve with a trio of kids and the woman who dumped him. But as much as Lyssa frustrates him, he can’t stop thinking about her. And soon, he’s fighting very un-Santa-like thoughts of kissing a certain sexy Miss Elf under the mistletoe. As Nick starts to fall for Lyssa all over again, he knows it will take nothing short of a miracle to have Lyssa in his arms on Christmas Day.
Welcome, Barbara! Thanks for taking part in Five on Friday and sharing your work with my readers!
Thanks for inviting me to drop by the blog, Ann!
If there was one person, real, fiction or fantasy, you could spend time with, who would it be and why?
Agatha Christie, because she was (in my opinion) often a great plotter, and I’d love to learn how her brain worked when she came up with such different, complex, and compelling mysteries.
Ann: Believe it or not, I’ve never read any of Agatha’s books but she’s on my “to be read” list!
If you could choose your last meal, and you weren’t in prison, what would it be?
Pepperoni pizza as an appetizer, King Crab legs with lots of melted butter for the entrée, and chocolate cake with double chocolate frosting for dessert. Not the healthiest meal, but under the circumstances, who cares, right?
Ann: Well, you named two of my favorites. Pepperoni pizza (with a thick crust because I love it as much as the topping) and chocolate cake! Yum!!
If you could change one thing about yourself, physical, mental, emotional, what would it be and why?
Most likely my diet. (See above. LOL) Seriously, though…the wrong diet can lead to so many health issues. Nothing I’ve run into yet, fortunately, but to play it safe, I’m planning to make a few changes.
Ann: Gosh! Seems we all worry about diet—all of our lives. About the time we think we’re eating healthy, new studies come out and tell us to do something different. So frustrating!
You get to have dinner with one character from any of your books. Who would you pick and why?
This is a tough one since I want to choose them all. But I’ll narrow it down to Jed Garland, from my Hitching Post Hotel series. He’s a seventy-something rancher who is now also a matchmaker for his granddaughters and their friends.
I want to give Jed a huge hug for being such a loving grandpa and loyal friend to everyone in his hometown of Cowboy Creek. Plus, as he owns the Hitching Post (the setting for the series), if we met there for dinner, I’d also get to see his family!
Ann: This would also be hard for me. I fall in love with all of my characters, so to choose just one, would be difficult.
Dog-eared pages or bookmarks?
Bookmarks, definitely. I have a “collection” of bookmarks, nothing fancy, but it means there’s never a shortage of them in my house. If needed, I’ll use a piece of notebook paper, newspaper, or even paper towel. Anything, so long as it won’t damage the book.
Ann: I cannot tell a lie. I’ve been known to do both! My bad.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming releases we should be looking out for?
I’m due to have more books released in my Snowflake Valley series with Entangled Bliss. I’m also working on several ideas for Harlequin. No definite titles or publication dates yet, so please stay tuned. 🙂 Thanks for asking!
For more information on Snowbound with Mr. Wrong and Barbara’s books:
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-White-Daille/e/B002J6B0QQ
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Barbara%20White%20Daille
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Barbara%20White%20Daille
Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/23759_barbara-white-daille.html
Entangled: http://entangledpublishing.com/category/barbara-white-daille/
Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom. Barbara also loves writing, reading, and chocolate. Come to think of it, she enjoys writing about those subjects, too!
Barbara wrote her first short story at the age of nine, then typed “The End” to her first novel many years later…in the eighth grade. Now she’s writing contemporary romance on a daily basis. Sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest in her writing life: http://barbarawhitedaille.com/newsletter
To stay in touch with Barbara:
Website http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com
Blog http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com/blog
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhitedaille
Twitter https://twitter.com/BarbaraWDaille
Randall Krzak Five on Friday
Today, I welcome Randall Krzak to Five on Friday. He’s another cyber friend from http://www.thenextbigwriter.com, and I’ve had the privilege of reading The Kurdish Connection during its early stages. I hope you will check out his book, and follow his blog.
https://randallkrzak.com
Also, follow him on social media.
https://twitter.com/rjkrzak
KODAK Digital Still Camera
My Review
“The Kurdish Connection—a compelling read. A story of friendship, danger, and intrigue.”
KURDISH SCAVENGERS UNCOVER A CACHE OF NERVE GAS IN IRAQ AND OFFER THEM TO KURDISH FIGHTERS IN TURKEY. THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS BEDLAM ALPHA TEAM MUST SECURE THE WEAPONS BEFORE THEY CAN BE USED.
In their daily struggle for survival, Iraqi Kurdish scavengers uncover a cache of chemical weapons. They offer the weapons to Kurdish rebels in Turkey and Syria to assist in their quest to free an imprisoned leader and create a unified homeland. After receiving a tip from an unlikely source, the newly formed Special Operations Bedlam team is called to arms. Can the team recover the weapons before it’s too late?
Randall Krzak, a Michigan native, is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College with a BS in Business Management. He also holds an MBA and an MS in Strategic Focus from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. He is an Army veteran and a retired government executive, having served in numerous countries around the world, many of which feature in his writing.
Randall came to fiction writing late in life. His short story, A Dangerous Occupation, was one of the August 2016 winners of the Wildsound Monthly Writing Festival. You can listen to his story read by an actor at http://bit.ly/2sWkkpU
Life experiences and suggestions by other writers provide inspiration for his stories. He and his wife, Sylvia, currently reside on the bank of Lake Huron, Michigan, but will be relocating back to Scotland as soon as everything lines up. Their only child, Craig, lives and works in Washington, D.C. Both Randall and Sylvia are avid arts and crafts fans.
His debut novel, The Kurdish Connection, was published earlier this year by Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC, and can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble for Kindle/Nook and paperback. Paperback versions can also be purchased through other several other outlets, including Books A Million.
Now for Randall’s five questions.
Do you write in silence or listen to music?
As long as I have access to a keyboard, I can write in any setting. Having grown up in a large family, there was always some type of noise. It doesn’t matter if there is total silence, the TV playing (normally on a news channel), the dishwasher chugging away, or thunder rolling across the heavens; I’m still able to write. One of the best background noises for me is the chatter of the various types of birds who frequent the apple tree outside our home. The words flow when they’re ready to come forth.
Ann: Gee, I wish I had the talent for writing under any conditions! I need silence, however, the sounds of nature or appliances don’t bother me…just people!!
What’s the best advice you ever got … doesn’t have to be about writing.
Some of the best advice I ever received actually is about writing. Just before I retired, a long-time work colleague and friend (we first met in 1979), and an avid reader of my expository writing, suggested I write a novel.
In 2011, I wrote about two hundred pages. Accustomed to using outlines, one I came of with a synopsis, I created an outline, which helped keep me on point. I had several friends and family members critique my work—bad idea! Sure, they caught some things, but like me, not one of them knew anything about creating characters, dialogue, tension, etc., for a novel.
I eventually shelved the project. It wasn’t until I was searching the Internet to assist my wife with something that I stumbled across The Next Big Writer. I met several authors, including Ann Everett, John L. Deboer, Charles Brass, Janet Taylor-Perry, and others. What a gold mine of knowledge! It wasn’t long before my original two hundred pages were transformed into a proper story, culminating in over 106,000 words when it was finally published.
Ann: We have that in common. An uncle suggested I write a book, and until that time, I’d never considered it, but once the seed was planted, I cultivated it!
What ‘s the best advice you can give a new writer?
Write, research (when necessary), join a critique group, and above all, listen to those who have already blazed a trail and learn from their experiences.
Ann: At first, listening to advice from others can sting a bit. Especially when they show you how many mistakes you’re making! But like you, I think it’s one of the best things a writer can do…listen to those with more experience!!
Are the names of characters in your novels important?
Some of the Western names I used are based on people I know and want to acknowledge them in some way. For foreign names, I try to pick authentic but easily pronounceable names. Someone once suggested I try not to repeat letters of the alphabet for foreign names, such as Ahmed and Abdul, but spread them around. It might be easier for some readers just to remember the first letter of a name rather than some of the more difficult one.
Ann: I think every writer incorporates names of people we know. And since I’m a Texas girl and it’s common for families to use names that all start with the same letter, I do a lot of that…John, Jared, Jace…Todd, Thacker, Tanner.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming releases we should be looking out for?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Kurdish Connection. It will be called Dangerous Alliance, and Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC, is looking to release this during 2018. I’m also working on a different series, with the first book called A Cartel’s Revenge. This story is based on three sentences a reviewer sent me to see what I could do. The head of the cartel is a female, who fights both friends and foe as a terrorist group plots to use her resources to infiltrate America. So far, I’ve written nine chapters and hope to have this one ready by the end of next year.
In addition, I’ve started work on the first of three volumes with a historical thriller set in Boston. The tentative title is: New World Revolution, and will be about an English tenant family who loses their tenancy and land in America just before the Boston Tea Party.
Ann: Randall, I’m envious! Three projects going at once is something I can’t do. One at a time is all I can handle, and even then, I have trouble!!
It’s been a pleasure having you on my blog today. Best of luck with all those projects you have going. I look forward to reading them on The Next Big Writer!
Author Shari Elder does Five on Friday
Welcome to my blog today, Shari Elder. Be sure and check out Shari’s book, and follow her on social media. I’ll let her introduce herself.
Hello, I’m Shari. By day, I crawl out of bed, mainline coffee, walk the dog, get my kid off to school, hop on the metro, and save cities within the four walls of my office. Usually by email.
At night, the other Shari emerges. I take off the suit, curl up on the couch and let my imagination play, with words and images until stories take shape (while periodically checking on my teenager, hiding out in the bedroom and plotting world domination with her furry minions). As my alter ego, I save cities in a cape and spangled tights, wander space and time on a surfboard, fly over the Himalayas on feathered wings, make six-toed footprints in indigo talc snow on the sixth planet in the Andromeda galaxy or eavesdrop on Olympian gods while pretending to whip up a bowl of ambrosia.
In all these wondrous worlds, romance and passion blossom. I can’t resist a happy ending. And I am particularly prone to writing happy endings for those who have given up on ever getting one. That gives me immense satisfaction.
Join me on my journey. The best ideas emerge from team work.
The five questions Shari chose to answer.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Persistent.
Ann: As authors, we have to be persistent or we’ll never get anything done! It’s a good quality to have.
What is the most romantic thing a man/partner has ever done for you? Have you put it in a book?
This story remains one of my most special and most poignant memories. When I was in college, I fell in love for the first time. We were not able to spend our first winter holiday together because my grandmother was taking my sister and me to Mexico over Christmas break. When we returned home from the airport, there was a giant box sitting in my driveway addressed to me. My boyfriend had driven to our house from another state and packed himself in the box to surprise me. He didn’t want us to be separated for our first new year’s eve together. It was an amazing gesture, and I feel extremely grateful someone would have done that for me.
I have not put it in a book. Yet.
Ann: All I can say to that is….sigh.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
Hands down, my favorite quote is Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson from the Book A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Ann: Wise words to live by for sure.
What’s the best advice you ever got…does not have to be about writing.
The best piece of advice I ever got was with regards to writing my thesis in graduate school but it applies to almost any goal. Another student told me that the biggest obstacle I would face would not be the intellectual challenge of writing the thesis, but the personal/psychological barriers that tripped me in life generally would flare up with a vengeance. He was right. Reaching a goal, in the end, is a psychological journey, more than just developing a set of skills.
Ann: Sometimes we just have to get out of our own way to accomplish things.
What’s the best advice you can give a new writer?
Learn to train your muse. A lot of research suggests that creativity is best stimulated by some degree of structure. Coming to the page with a pretty set routine—be it daily, tri-weekly, bi-weekly, whatever—is proven to enhance creative productivity. Counterintuitive maybe, but as someone who has to sneak their writing in between full-time work, sole parenthood, and other community, family and social obligations, establishing a writing routine is the only way I can get something done. And the fact it’s backed by research calms my android-type mind.
I think of it as training the muse. A bit Pavlovian? Maybe, but it seems creativity gets used to a routine. I write every morning. The alarm goes off at 5:00, I pull my butt out of bed by 6:00 and write for half an hour to an hour before breakfast, guaranteed. I may do some at night if I can, and on the weekends, but the morning is my writing time. So my muse knows that it’s her time to come out to play. I don’t wait for her, rather I create the conditions that invite her.
Ann: That’s excellent advice…if only I could do it!!
Unnatural Allies
A world in Transition
Violent fae encroachment on shifter land is heating up. With death tolls rising, the impossible becomes necessary – an alliance among predator and prey shifters.
An Inconceivable Love
Nicca Baron, lone wolf and wolf clan beta, finds herself under the command of Evan Grant, the rat alpha. In different circumstances, he’d be dinner. Or so her wolf keeps reminding her. Evan proves to be a perceptive leader, a skilled fighter and irresistible to her lonely heart.
To rule the rats, you have to rule the pack. Evan is a whiz at managing people and groups. Until he finds himself leading a mission made up of every single large animal that thrives on rat flesh. And not the kind between his legs. The only bright light is Nicca. Her storm gray eyes miss nothing, her brilliant mind comprehends everything and her succulent curves offers the perfect place for a rat to nestle.
An Impossible Future
In each other’s arms, Nicca and Evan discover love and a new perspective in an off-kilter world. But a wolf cannot mate with a rat, no matter the strength of the human attraction.
Buy Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0718ZTNFY
Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/unnatural-allies-by-shari-elder/
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/unnatural-allies-mf
Hang out with Shari on the Web
Website http://sharielder.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ShariElderStories/
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ShariElderBooks
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/ShariElderBooks
Thank you, Shari! So glad to have you on my blog today.
Ann Everett, Best Selling Author
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{I hope you enjoy this sweet, short-story romance!}