Just Three Wishes

A genie grants you three writing-related wishes: what are they and why?

That's a tricky question. If a genie poofed up and could grant me three wishes related to writing I'd have to stop and think for a little while. What would I want? What would I not want? One thing is for sure, I don't think even the all powerfully magic of a genie could banish writers' block.

My first wish would end up being something really simple: A notebook that can hold all of my writing notes and never runs out of blank pages. All those stacks of papers and books that sit around the different rooms of my home tripping up my daughter and husband would be gone! I'd also never have to shuffle through all those stacks looking for that page where I jotted down my main character's name down two weeks ago.

The second wish relates to the first: A pen that never runs out of ink and is erasable. When I was young I would get ink all over my fingers because I would shake the pens so much trying to get to the very last drop. The old school glitter pens were the worst. While they weren't to my taste you take a pen when you can get a pen and those thing ran out of ink so fast.

For the final wish: An extra room added to my home where I can go and write. I guess I'd have to call it an office, but really it's a writing room where I'd be able to sit down, bounce a ball around and think without the distraction of dishes or laundry. Yeah, I know I've got to get to those at some point and I swear I will, but it'd be nice to have my own writing space.

Well those would be my wishes. Any other writers out there have a few wishes they'd like to share?

My Sexy Saturday: Sexy Howl

It's time for another My Sexy Saturday blog hop. This week writers were asked to supply something to the theme of My Sexy Howl. I thought this was perfect for displaying a short scene from my debut novel, Witch Hunt. In this scene Aidan, a werewolf, asks his lover, Rei, to show him her wolf form. While Rei herself isn't a werewolf she is a witch who can shape shift.

Make sure to check out the other great writers in the blog hop by jumping over to My Sexy Saturday or by checking out the links at the end of this post.

Witch Hunt:

What Aidan saw sitting there before him was a very powerful, full-grown female timber wolf. She was smaller than his kind but was large for her kind, appearing well over a hundred pounds. Then there were her eyes. Those deep, engulfing black eyes stared at him confidently.

Aidan slipped his feet off the edge of the couch, sitting up. Remembering how his own kind reacted in their furry form, Aidan gently moved his hand, fingers outstretched, toward her. Rei leaned forward and bumped his palm with her muzzle. “You’re really coherent right now,” Aidan said in amazement. Rei let out a little whine. A smile drifted over Aidan’s lips, and he quickly amended what he had said. “It’s rare for a werewolf to be so coherent at such an early age. I assumed you’d be the same.”

Rei stood up and, showing just how coherent she was, began to spin in a slow circle. Aidan recognized the movement at once. Rei was showing off her appearance for him, asking if he liked what he saw. He was captivated by the sleek look her light-colored fur gave her. Her movements were so graceful and natural. Aidan felt his own wolf stirring and knew that his furrier half liked the image of Rei’s wolf form too.

“You are gorgeous,” he said finally. Rei stopped her spin and faced him again. Her head was held high with pride from his praise. “Let me hear you. I want to know what you sound like.”

She looked defiant for a second as she let out what sounded like a gruff harrumph, but in the next second, she lifted her head back and let out a low howl. Aidan was stunned. Rei sounded like a natural wolf. The deep tone engraved itself in Aidan’s mind. All wolves had a different tone to their voices, a different sound in their hearts, and Rei’s would be easily recognized from then on. When Rei ended her quiet howl, Aidan smiled at her.

In a shimmer of fur, Rei was once again a fully clothed woman, kneeling in front of him. She looked innocently inviting with her arms stretched out to the floor and the top of her milky breasts pressed tight against her pale blue shirt. Her breathing was uneven and restless. He slipped slowly off the futon to his knees in front of her and watched as her breathing began to even out. The way her eyes slowly changed back into their deep blue made Aidan remember the way she had felt when he was making love to her. She had been flooded with passion, and her natural power had responded. The thought brought a sharp need rushing through his groin.

He stroked her lower neck and collarbone. Her skin was so soft, and he swore he felt her already frantic heart skip a beat at his touch. Aidan leaned into her to brush his lips across hers. The gentle kiss was brief, and Aidan slowly let his lips trail along her check until he reached her ear. Just before nibbling on the tender lobe, he whispered, “It’s a shame. All your clothes came back too.”

Character Ramblings

.....The Strong Lead Female.

I read and watch a lot of different things. My tastes range from sweet and funny to action packed and even all the way into the depths of horror. There is one thing that any book, comic, movie or TV show needs for me to really get into it. It needs a strong lead female (or male depending). I just can't stand the weak, helpless lead that has to have the "knight in shinning armor" come save her all the time. Don't get me wrong I like a strong male character that doesn't mind riding in to save the day, even if it is at the last minute and after a lot of thought. But the female lead should be at least trying a little on her own to save herself.

When I start working on new characters I have a tendency to make them strong willed at least. I don't mind creating a weak character if I know they're going to toughen up once the story gets rolling along. It happens and it can make a great transformation for the character, but that transformation needs to occur if you start off with a weak character.

I'll reveal my inner geek a little and use Star Wars as an example. Princess Leia was a strong female lead. Han Solo, her love interest, was a strong male lead. Han argues with himself several times through the movies about saving Leia. He even leaves once and comes back to save the day. In each day saving moment Leia isn't just sitting ideally by waiting. She takes the opportunities she can to get the upper hand and at least attempt to save herself. Admittedly she does have to be rescued a lot, but at least she's trying to escape.

Zoey from Firefly

Another example is Zoey from Firefly.  Zoey is a character that I love. She's married to a funny, lovable pilot and has no problem busting out of trouble. She also has no problem with being saved. Zoey is a nice balance of tough as nails and sensitive. She went through a war and is now helping run a smuggling business. When her man went down in the movie, Serenity, she went going to kill ever last reaver out there crazy, and it cost her some heavy injuries. But she has that loving sensitive side that only those closest to her sees and I love it.

A weaker female lead leaves me wanting to shake her and yell "Stand Up! Fight!" While this does help a person remember a story, it's not a favorable remembrance and it's unlikely I'll read/watch it again. I know there are others out there that enjoy the sensitive, meek lead character and to each their own. As for me I can only see myself writing about and enjoying those strong willed lead females who can take a punch and most likely dish one out themselves.

Full Moon New Releases: (July 2014)

I'm turning the Full Moon Spotlight into Full Moon New Release Posts. Here's a few paranormal romance novels released or going to be release this month. Enjoy!




Shifter's Claim by A.C. Arthur

Half man, half animal, a Shadow Shifter is sworn to protect females—human or otherwise—from the savage fury of his own nature…
Rich, handsome, and successful—hotel magnate Sebastian "Bas" Perry could have any woman he desires. But despite his animal attraction to women, he avoids relationships at all costs. As a Shadow Shifter, he must defend innocent humans from the deadliest of his kind. And the most dangerous game of all is falling in love… 

It takes a special kind of woman to hunt a predator, to tame the beast—and to capture a man’s heart…
 Priya Drake is an ambitious reporter hungry for a story. At a presidential fundraiser, she sets her sights on the mysterious and magnetic Bas Perry, a man with a secret she’s determined to uncover. Stalking her prey back to his hotel, the hunter soon becomes the hunted—when Bas takes her in his arms and unleashes the animal within. For Priya, it is more than a night of wild, reckless passion. It’s the story of a lifetime. But can she betray the man she loves? in Shifter’s Claim by A.C. Arthur.

Coming July 29, 2014 from  St. Martin's Paperbacks




Bloodshifted by Cassie Alexander

 Ambushed. Blindfolded. Kidnapped by vampires. Edie Spence must race against time to save herself and her baby—from the nightmare that flows through her veins…


As a nurse in the hospital’s secret Y4 ward, Edie has seen her share of daytimers. Once-ordinary humans who’ve tasted vampire blood, daytimers are doomed to serve their nighttime masters. Forever. And now Edie has to face something even more horrifying: she’s become one too…

 Released July 1, 2014 from St. Martin's Paperbacks

After three long years of war, starkly handsome, Wynter Atrialan, will have his vengeance on Summerlea’s king by taking one of the man’s beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter’s battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother’s death, rages on.
Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father’s palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig’s icy king is supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom—and her first taste of overwhelming passion.
As fierce, indomitable Wynter weathers even Khamsin’s wildest storms, surprising her with a tenderness she never expected, Kham wants more than Wynter’s passion—she yearns for his love. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.
- See more at: http://clwilson.com/the-books/novels-of-mystral/the-winter-king-2/#sthash.3F0ok3HW.dpuf

After three long years of war, starkly handsome, Wynter Atrialan, will have his vengeance on Summerlea’s king by taking one of the man’s beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter’s battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother’s death, rages on.
Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father’s palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig’s icy king is supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom—and her first taste of overwhelming passion.
As fierce, indomitable Wynter weathers even Khamsin’s wildest storms, surprising her with a tenderness she never expected, Kham wants more than Wynter’s passion—she yearns for his love. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.
- See more at: http://clwilson.com/the-books/novels-of-mystral/the-winter-king-2/#sthash.3F0ok3HW.dpuf

The Winter King by C.L. Wilson

  Wynter Atrialan, the Winter King, once lived in peace with his southern, Summerlander neighbors, but when the prince of Summerlea steals Wynter’s bride and murders his young brother, Wynter calls upon a dangerous Wintercraig magic called the Ice Heart and marches against Summerlea.

After three bitter years of battle, a victorious Wynter arrives at Summerlea’s royal palace to issue his terms of surrender. The prince of Summerlea stole Wynter’s bride and slew Wynter’s Heir. He wants the loss replaced. The Ice Heart is consuming him. Wynter hopes holding his own child in his arms will rekindle the warmth in his heart before he becomes the monster of Wintercraig legend, the Ice King.

The Summer King has three very precious daughters whom he loves dearly. Wynter will take one of them to wife. She will have one year to provide him with an Heir. If she fails, he will send her to face the mercy of the mountains and claim another princess for his wife. And so it will continue until Wynter has his Heir or the Summer King is out of daughters.

The plan is perfect—except for one small detail. The Summer King has a fourth daughter. One of whom he is not so fond. And she is a fiercely passionate creature, with a temper as volatile as the forces of her weathergift, the power of storms.

Coming July 29, 2014 from Avon 




If you have a new paranormal, sci-fi or fantasy romance being released drop me a line via the contact form on the Author Love page.

After three long years of war, starkly handsome, Wynter Atrialan, will have his vengeance on Summerlea’s king by taking one of the man’s beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter’s battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother’s death, rages on.
Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father’s palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig’s icy king is supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom—and her first taste of overwhelming passion.
As fierce, indomitable Wynter weathers even Khamsin’s wildest storms, surprising her with a tenderness she never expected, Kham wants more than Wynter’s passion—she yearns for his love. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.
- See more at: http://clwilson.com/the-books/novels-of-mystral/the-winter-king-2/#sthash.3F0ok3HW.dpuf

After three long years of war, starkly handsome, Wynter Atrialan, will have his vengeance on Summerlea’s king by taking one of the man’s beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter’s battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother’s death, rages on.
Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father’s palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig’s icy king is supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom—and her first taste of overwhelming passion.
As fierce, indomitable Wynter weathers even Khamsin’s wildest storms, surprising her with a tenderness she never expected, Kham wants more than Wynter’s passion—she yearns for his love. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.
- See more at: http://clwilson.com/the-books/novels-of-mystral/the-winter-king-2/#sthash.3F0ok3HW.dpuf

Writers' Block: Cure #23

image by quartarolo from freeimages.com

After decades writing and coming up with stories I've had my fair share of battles with this horrid infliction. Staring at the blank computer screen still makes me feel less like a writer and more like a crazy cat lady (even though I only have one cat). I've come up with a number of tricks I try to bring myself out of this funk and today I'm going to share one with you.

It's pretty simple this time. No in depth trick your friends into nudging your muse or take a vacation. Just take a little time to play. Whether it's playing a few games of air hockey, blow bubbles or dancing out in the rain with an arm load of water balloons, just cut loose and play. Laugh till your sides hurt if you want.

Personally I have a few different ways to work this cure. My personal favorite is dancing with my little girl. I turn on some fun music and we dance around like we just don't care. When all that crazy dancing is done I find myself exhausted and more than willing to count that as my exercise for the day, but I am also able to look at my story idea with a fresh pair of eyes.

Writers' block is a stigma that all writers go through at least once and finding a way through that wall may require a big sledge hammer. Every writer has their own cures for overcoming writers' block and what works for one may not work for another, but keep trying and you'll get there.

Peace and love.

My Sexy Saturday: One Sexy Lady

It's time for another My Sexy Saturday post. This week they're asking for our best "One Sexy Lady" excepts.So I get to show off in 7 words, 7 sentences or 7 paragraphs one of my leading ladies. This week I'm featuring an except from one of my WIP. In this scene I start to wonder if my leading lady likes her sidearm more than her romantic counter part.


Rip Tide (working title)

"A sudden squeal broke the silence of the hallway, and Kara snapped her head around just in time to see a young girl racing down a side hall towards them. She had just a second to take in the sight of the busty girl before she had to step back to let the girl speed past her. She watched as Phinn turned just in time to catch the girl as she threw herself at him. Kara felt herself grinding her teeth as she saw the girl’s small foot press against the caster gun to launch herself higher into Phinn’s tight hug.

The girl wrapped herself around Phinn. Kara felt her eye twitch as the girl’s thigh rubbed against the belt of caster shells at Phinn’s waist. Kara felt aggravation run through her. The girl had dropped her head onto his shoulder and was most likely crushing her caster shells between her thigh and Phinn’s hip. “Nancy, it’s good to see you,” he said as his hands lifted up to start prying the girl’s arms from around his neck.

“Phinn, why’ve you been gone so long? I missed you,” the girl whined clinging to him tighter and wiggled her bottom a little, grinding against him. When Phinn finally looked up at Kara he gave her half a smile, but Kara knew she must have a horrifying look on her face because Phinn lost his smile and his eyes went a little wide.

“Nancy, I’d like you to meet someone,” Phinn said hurriedly. The girl lifted her head from Phinn’s neck and obediently dropped her feet back to the ground, but looped her arm around his waist to keep him close. “Thank you,” Phinn said with a smile. Reaching out with his free arm, Phinn placed his hand at the small of Kara’s back and she felt her breath hitch a little at the touch. “This is Kara, a lady friend of mine. Kara this is Nancy, Aaron’s little sister.”

The girl stared at Kara for a long second with narrowed eyes before moving her arms away from Phinn and crossing them over her chest. Kara met her stare briefly before reaching down in one smooth motion and pulling her caster from Phinn’s left side. Just as her fingers wrapped around the hilt his hand shot up and caught her wrist. Kara gave him a hard look, before hissing, “My caster is not a foot prop.”

Phinn reluctantly released Kara, and gave her a slight nod. “But I’m keeping the shells,” he said, letting her take back the weapon. The hard line of his jaw accented the outline of his lips and Kara felt a fleeting urge to kiss him. Even the smoldering look in his eyes was enough to make her pause for a second, but she recovered quickly and took a step away from him.

“Fine, but take them off before anyone else tries to crush them. They aren’t that easy to find,” she said securing the caster to the magnetic strap sawn into the outer thigh of her pants. Looking back at the girl, Kara gave her a nod. “Nice to meet you, Nancy.” She judged the girl to be in her late teens, no more than nineteen years old at most, and refused to wonder too much about the unhealthy attachment she had to Phinn."

That's it for this week. Make sure to check out the other great writers in this My Sexy Saturday blog hop.

Let's Roast Marshmallows

 

It's that time of year again. That's right Camp NaNoWriMo is here again. I'm not sure if I'll be able to attempt NaNoWriMo in November so I'm going to try for a camp out. Camp is a lot of like what happens in November, but there are a few differences. I get to choose a word goal instead of the standard 50k words in a month. Also I get to have a cabin filled with other writers. 

This year I'm attempting to add 30k words to a story I've had setting to the side for a while. Back in 2012 I attempted to write this story at Camp NaNoWriMo, and I'm sad to say I only just reached 3k. Witch Hunt and Fox Hunt have dominated my mind for the last few years along with the random story, but I think I need to leave the witches and wolves behind for a month and work on something else.

Rip Tide is a sci-fi romance that feels like a great idea to me and hopefully I'll be able to get a lot more of it typed out this month. Here's a short blurb about the story:

On the run after a galactic war that tore the loyalties of mankind, Kara refuses to be used again. Separated from her ship and crew, she will use any means available to survive and avoid recapture.

In any case I'll be working on this in the coming weeks and we'll see where it goes. 

As always happy reading and writing and good dreams.