#FirstLineFriday (Chapter Twenty-Two)

FLFIt’s time for #FirstLineFriday! On Friday, authors post the first one or first two lines of a potential work, a work-in-progress, or a published work  on their blog, and title the post #FirstLineFriday (just like this). It’s  a lot of fun, so feel free to join in! You can share your link on my blog comments, or on Rami Ungar’s (the brains behind FLF).

Today’s first line comes from Chapter Twenty-Two of Masque of the Vampire – which is available  at all ebook retailers:

Katelina got ready for bed. She hadn’t seen Sarah all day, and her friend’s bedroom was sill deserted

Yeah, it’s a boring one. While editing the book, I did backtrack and rearrange some of the early chapters so they have better beginnings, alas this was not one of them. But, they can’t all start mid fight scene.

What do you think? What’s your first line for the week?

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FRONT COVER smallAnd don’t forget that you can order book 8, Masque of the Vampire, from all major ebook outlets:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple iBooks |Kobo| Smashwords

Character Questions Part II

cover thingy cropppedAs you may know, the facebook party was a lot of fun (the last of the prizes are even going out today!), though I know some of you couldn’t make it. Because of that, I wanted to share some of the fun with you!

One of the games we played was to ask characters questions. There were some really good ones! So many that I had to break this up. If you missed it, check out Character Questions Part I.

And now for part II: (note there are some spoilers in this one if you haven’t made it through book 7 yet)

Sorino: What are you really after?

Sorino: “To complete my collection, of course. You should see what I have amassed already. Gleaming and glittering under display lights – it is beautiful.”

Sorino, Why do you collect things ?

Sorino: “Why, to keep every one else from having them, of course!”

Sorino, Is Kai part of your collection?

Sorino: “Kai was a whim – a spur of the moment decision. I will keep him so long as he is interesting.”

Verchiel: What kind of women would you settle down with?

Verchiel: “Settle down? Hmmm. How settled?And how long? A week? A month? A year? The answers are different for each. Call it different requirements.”

Verchiel, have you ever killed children? Did you have to feed off more than one to get enough energy?

Verchiel: “When you say ‘children’ it makes it sound bad. I mean, I didn’t *kill* them. And they weren’t toddlers. They were maybe twelve…and I was really starving… I just had a snack to give me enough strength to find a full sized person… It’s a long story.”

Verchiel, you’re a mind reader. What’s Micah secret?

Verchiel: “Let’s see… Micah. For one thing he can’t swim. For another he doesn’t like me because he thinks I hit on Kately and that pisses him off – not because he’s interested in her, but because he has this weird honor code thing.”

Jorick are you ever going to get to know Verchiel?

Jorick: “What’s there to know? He’s suspicious, sneaky, and even I can tell that his cheerful friendly show is just that – a show. He’s up to something. I just don’t know what.”

Across the board question!! Before your turning what was your favorite food?

Verchiel: “I don’t remember.”

Jorick: “There was a meat I enjoyed…I don’t recall the name.”

Micah: “F*** that not remembering s***. Cheeseburgers, man, with everything on them. And fries.”

Loren: “Pizza!”

Oren: “Bread with jam, actually.”

How about what did you do before you were turned for entertainment?

Micah: ” I used to work on bikes. I still do when I’m home, but I ain’t been there in a while since I’ve been with these morons.”

Loren: “Hey, who you calling a moron? I used to hang out with my friends on the beach and watch MTV and eat. I miss eating still.”

Torina: “I enjoyed dancing and buggy rides with young men.”

 

This is for anyone if you were human for one day what would you do

Micah: “I would have a mother f***in’ cheeseburger.”

Loren: “I’d spend the day at the beach.”

Verchiel: “I think I’d try food and see what all the fuss is.”

Oren: “I would watch the sun rise.”

Jamie: What are you looking for in a mate? What does your apartment look like? Are you neat or messy?

Jamie: “Um…I wouldn’t say I was looking at the moment. I suppose she would have to be able to deal with my duties. My apartment looks like everyone else’s I suppose. I’m not as neat as Beldren but it’s certainly cleaner than Verchiel’s dump. There’s a sword collection displayed in the extra room – it’s supposed to be a human bedroom installed for the human guard dogs some time back, but the fad is long gone and I’m using it to store overflow items in.”

Oren are you ever going to man up and confess your love ? Are you that afraid?

Oren: “What? No. Why would I be… Ahem.”

Verchiel: (interrupts) “You mean why would you be afraid of falling in love after what happened to your wife? I’m not a psychology major, but…”

Oren: “But nothing. You don’t know anything.”

Verchiel *taps side of head* “You’d be surprised what I know. Besides, I read that Tales from the Island story that’s in your point of view.”

Oren: ” What’s your point? “

Verchiel: “So I got a good look in your head! Besides, I’ve also read that conversation coming up in the next book between you and Jorick about both of your ‘feewings’ and-“

Oren: “Be silent, you annoying monkey!”

Verchiel are you ever going to tell Katelina (Kately) your real feeling for her or are you that afraid of Jorick?

Verchiel: “Afraid? Nah. I’m not afraid of Jorick. I think I could take him, if it really can’t down to it, but I’d hate to. I think it’s Kateesha’s fault but I’m actually sort of fond of old cranky boots.”

Kai are you ever going to tell your master where to go?

Kai: *stares uncomprehending through his bangs.*

(Author’s Note: Call it Stockholm Syndrome if you want, but poor Kai doesn’t see anything wrong with his life.)

Hey Lunch you are at last a vampire and I know you are loving it after all!!

Katelina: “There are definitely some plusses. This not having to pee is nice, but I miss food and I don’t know how I’m going to deal with my mom!”

Jorick, do you think your author will ever tell us the story of your making?

Jorick: “Since living it again would be torturous, I imagine she’d love to. I also imagine she’d be happy to tell you about my first wife.”

(Author’s Note: I am actually considering a Jorick book after book 9 is completed.)

Xandria what are you going to do? Something bad??

Xandria: *looks innocent* “Hey, I’m just happy to be away from that old guy. I’ll tell you, though, I am a bit worried about my master – former master. He was a twerp but he wasn’t bad.”

Micah how does it feel to have beat Jorick changing Katelina and now being her Master ?

Micah: “Ha ha! About time someone appreciated that! I hadn’t actually planned on it, but I think it’s the best option. Those other guys would all be too soft. It’s about time someone listened to me, whether they wanted to or not!”

 Weren’t those some great questions? Do you have a question of your own for someone? if so, post it in the comments below and I’ll try to make them answer it. signature for white

 

The Party Starts Sunday!

banner by Maegan Provan

banner by Maegan Provan

The last book release didn’t have as much promotion as usual. I skipped the blog tour because despite promotional promises they tend to be more headache than they produce in sales. With that in mind I might just skip it  for the next book, Masque of the Vampire, too. But that doesn’t mean you guys shouldn’t get a chance at some awesome swag! To make sure you do, I am cramming two books’ worth of prizes into one week of Facebook party madness!

And anyone can join. Just go to the event page and click the “going” button. 

It’s not just prizes that make a party fun (though I do love them), but there will also be games, discussions, interviews, guest authors, and excerpts from Masque of the Vampire (totally unedited excerpts). Just take a look at the awesome schedule of events.

signature for whiteIt all starts Sunday, October 11th, so what are you waiting for, sign up and get ready for a week of fun – Amaranthine style!

Amaranthine Party Schedule

banner by Maegan Provan

banner by Maegan Provan

Autumnal Greetings! You may have heard about the awesome Week Long Amaranthine Party on Facebook – yes, you read that right. It’s a Facebook party that lasts ALL WEEK – from October 11th to the 17th. If you haven’t joined yet, be sure to check it out for your chance at twenty-five awesome prizes!

To join the party: Follow the link and click the “going” button. Then, during the party log into facebook and head over to the event page as often as you like – stop in once during the week, one a day, twice a day, or more! Guests do NOT need to be online the entire duration of the party, or even every day.

There will be four giveaways per day – each with a different “game”. To enter for a chance at each item, guests must comment on the appropriate posts for that game/prize and then random.org will choose the winner – unless otherwise noted.

Events Schedule:

Sunday, October 11th: Welcome to the Fun!

Step on up and introduce yourself! Today’s games are all about YOU! So stop in, tell us a little about yourself, and enter for some fun items

Prizes up for grabs: Red beaded necklace, white and silver necklace, red angel ring, signed copy of The Amaranthine Handbook.

Monday, October 12th: Ask a Character

It’s all about the characters today! Ask ANY character a question, get the chance to design your own vampire, and more!

Prizes up for grabs: Snake earring, Torina’s favorite lipstick, sealing wax set, and handmade Halloween cards

Tuesday, October 13th: Verchiel Takes Over!

Everyone’s favorite menace takes over for the day; ask him questions, make him laugh with funny vampire pictures, prank call Oren, and more!

Prizes up for grabs: Skeletal ink pen, your own vampire fangs, bloody decals, and Verchiel’s secret super prize.

Wednesday, October 14th: Ask the Author

Stop in and ask me anything for a chance at the grand prize of the day! Play “interview”, share your clipboard, and more!

Prizes up for grabs: Happy man tea diffuser and tea leaves, flavored cocoa set, fancy coffee spoon, Amaranthine coffee cup.

Thursday, October 15th: Guest Authors

Meet fellow paranormal authors Barbara Tarn (9am-1pm), LC Cooper (1pm-5pm), and DM Yates (5pm – 9pm)! Ask them questions and play fun games, like “Pin the Pumpkin on Verchiel”.

Prizes up for grabs: Reading light, crystal butterfly bracelet, vampire antenna topper, vampire ball cap and mini-button set

Friday, October 16th: Girls Love Vampires

Hosted by our very own Katelina, come tell us about your ideal vampire mate, share photos, and make your perfect vampire fighting squad.

Prizes up for grabs: Band-aid sticky-note set, nail decals, bronze cross necklace, vampire nail polish set

Saturday, October 17th: Thank You!

Thanks for coming! Though we may have some games, today is the day we announce the grand prize. To be eligible guests need to have participated in one of the previous games.

Prize up for grabs: Handmade Verchiel and Jorick dolls!

If you haven’t joined the party yet, then what are you waiting for? Click the link, hit the join button, and while you’re there be sure to enter for a chance to win the signed paperback of your choice by telling me your favorite quote from the series!

Hope to see you there!

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From the Cutting Room Floor

I’m editing Clash of Legends and as I go things get cut. Here’s the first major chunk to get removed. There’s no spoilers, but there IS adult language.

After several minutes of driving over what felt like boulders, the truck pulled to a stop.

Micah threw his cards on the floor and stood. “I’m gonna go find out what the fuck is going on.”

He threw back the cover and hopped out of the truck. Katelina only hesitated a second before she followed him.

They’d been right about the terrain; instead of a road they were on a snowy, rocky patch of ground. She could hear the sound of a car in the distance, probably the highway they should have been on.

She rounded the truck as Micah threw opened the driver’s door. “What the hell?”

Oren looked up from the map spread over the steering wheel. “I have enough to deal with without your interference!”

Katelina came to a stop behind the bald vampire and looked past Torina’s angry face to Jorick’s. “What’s going on?”

“We’re lost,” Torina said angrily. “I told him we needed to turn left.”

“Shut up!” Oren shouted. He grabbed the map and waved it around. “Even if I could speak Chinese this thing wouldn’t make any sense! This says there is a road right here, but do you see a road? Do you? No!”

Micah jerked the map from his hands and studied it. “Is this where we’re supposed to be?” He jabbed an airplane symbol on the map

“No! That’s on the other side of China!” Oren jerked the map out of his hands.

“Well excuse me all to hell mister sunshine! Why don’t we just fucking turn around?”

“Obviously we’re going to have to,” Torina said. “And then turn Left.”

“Fine,” Oren snapped and ground the truck into gear. “Get back in the truck or stay behind.”

A bit of fun but it serves no plot purpose. Now back to chopping!

A Paranormal Rant

It was recently brought to my attention (thanks to the Sensational Christmas Sale Event) that Amazon has classified Shades of Gray as a Young Adult/Teen novel.

Say What??

When an author/publisher uploads a book to Amazon they are allowed to choose a category to place their book in from a rather small list. Amazon then – apparently randomly – sticks the book in several other categories – like sci-fi shorts that you can read in two hours (This is a real category). And, as I said, they put Shades of Gray in the YA category. But why? How do they choose these seemingly odd extra categories for our books?

The question has been answered by Amazon help:

Hello Joleene,

Thank you for contacting Kindle Direct Publishing.

I understand you’re concerned about the category of your book, “Shades of Gray.”

Looking at your account, I see that based on your keywords selection, the category was automatically assigned to your book.

For your convenience, I’ve removed the following category:

Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Teen & Young Adult

It should no longer be visible on the website within 24 hours.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Amazon KDP. Have a nice day!

*****

First, I do want to give them kudos for removing it quickly, but past that I want to say again, “what?!?!” because these are my chosen keywords:

  • violence – doesn’t say YA to me
  • dark – eh, still not really
  • thriller – there are YA thrillers, but it’s not exclusive to the genre
  • Amarathine – just a series name
  • romance – doesn’t scream YA
  • vampire & paranormal – aha.

And so we get to the crux of the matter. As an author I dared to use the keywords vampire, paranormal, and romance together, which must automatically mean the book is intended for teenage audience.

Can I scream now?

I don’t have anything against teenagers. I even LIKE many YA books, but why in the name of all that sucks blood does the word “vampire” automatically conjure the word “teenager”? No, don’t answer that. I know why. Because people have forgotten Carmella, and Dracula, and Louie, and Armand, and all the other ADULT vampires that came first, and all they can remember is the sparkling, high-school-attending Edward and his Twilight gang. And if that series was for teens, then that must mean that EVERY vampire series is for teens. Just as every animated show is for children (another tired stereotype that the anime Now and Then, Here and There, among others, has proven wrong), etc. etc.

vampires

 

Maybe it’s time to remind the world of that? Or at the very least, Amazon.

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Breaking the Silence by Jesse C. Rice-Jones

Today’s excerpts are from Breaking the Silence by Jesse C. Rice-Jones

 

For the curious this book is an in-your-face expose’ of actual events and activities not generally discussed in a public forum. For those prepared to embrace the mysterious it offers glimpses into the unknowable. As regards inspiration, the text implies that the search for inspiration is an individual journey that can not be universalized.

Too soon circumstances taught me that an imaginary father, no matter how idealized the image, can never be enough. Yet, that same positive image I had cherished made it possible for me to finally accept and even to love my father in all his frailty, body and soul. I thank my mother for not tarnishing my conception of my absent father. And by some harsh perhaps twisted logic, I must also thank my father. His absence allowed me to walk on the wild side. Brutal as that path has been, I like where it has taken me. And yes, I am still walking. So come now, walk with me awhile…

My mother, my sister Naomi, and I attended my father’s memorial service. There were many others–friends, patrons, gallery owners, and fellow artists. They had brought paintings and sculptures of his they’d collected over the years, as well as many words of love, admiration, and amusing anecdotes. Finally, my father’s best friend at the end of his moving eulogy pointed to my sister and me saying, “Peter, to his great loss, neglected to acknowledge his best work.”  All eyes turned to us. For a moment we became part of the exhibition of collectables. Most people in that room hadn’t seen or heard from Peter for years; most had no idea that he had children and that two of them were in their midst. My sister wept. I took her hand and we went out into the freshness of the surrounding May gardens. A crow was waiting for us.

You can get Breaking the Silence from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/421475

 

************

hugggggJesse C. Rice-Jones is a native of Vancouver, Canada. He grew up without a television. Instead he mastered tree climbing and read The Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes, The Little Prince, The Hardy Boys, Robin Hood, and Eric the Viking, among others, by the age of twelve. He has worked in the film industry and coached basketball to youths. He is currently working as a personal trainer. He is passionate about Martial Arts, music, coaching, and writing.

find out more at https://www.facebook.com/#!/BreakingTheSilence.JesseRiceJones


Book Blast with Jay Faulkner – Children of Shadows Blog Tour Day 22

blog tour banner

Book six, Children of Shadows, is officially unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Join Katelina and Jorick as they battle an ancient vampire cult and meet new allies and enemies.

Katelina only got a seven day vacation on the beach before she had to forsake the ocean surf for the cold of the vampires’ world, but I get twenty-two days away from my blog. That’s twenty-two days of sun, fun, and – since it’s an Amaranthine tour – vampires! So join me as we tour the blogosphere to celebrate the release of Children of Shadows.

Day 22:

palmtrees

Today is the last day of the blog tour and the last day to enter the giveaway. If you haven’t yet, then follow this link to a new page where you can enter to win via the very cool widget.

And then stop by Jay Faulkner’s blog where Children of Shadows is being featured today.

I’d like to thank everyone who’s come on this three week journey with myself and the Amaranthine crew. Hope you had half as much fun as we did!

About the giveaway, here are the awesome prizes I’m giving away:

1st prize: Amaranthine t-shirt (size is winner’s choice), set of bookmarks, and $20 gift card for Barnes and Noble or Amazon (winner’s choice).

2nd prize: Amaranthine t-shirt (size is winner’s choice), bookmark set

3rd prize: The last Executioner trading card set

sig-for-cosHope to see you there!

Night Photography – Children of Shadows Blog Tour Day 21

blog tour banner

Book six, Children of Shadows, is officially unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Join Katelina and Jorick as they battle an ancient vampire cult and meet new allies and enemies.

Katelina only got a seven day vacation on the beach before she had to forsake the ocean surf for the cold of the vampires’ world, but I get twenty-two days away from my blog. That’s twenty-two days of sun, fun, and – since it’s an Amaranthine tour – vampires! So join me as we tour the blogosphere to celebrate the release of Children of Shadows.

Day 21:

palmtrees

Amy McGuire is a fellow author whose books are aimed at a YA audience. We all know YA just means Young Adult and older, so be sure to check those out!

Today she’s hosting me on my blog tour as I talk about photographing at night. Why night photography? because, when you’re hanging with vampires and get bitten by the camera bug, you don’t have much choice but to embrace the darkness.

While you’re there, be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win one of three awesome prizes:

1st prize: Amaranthine t-shirt (size is winner’s choice), set of bookmarks, and $20 gift card for Barnes and Noble or Amazon (winner’s choice).

2nd prize: Amaranthine t-shirt (size is winner’s choice), bookmark set

3rd prize: The last Executioner trading card set

sig-for-cosHope to see you there!

Katelina Gets Interviewed – Children of Shadows Blog Tour Day 19

blog tour banner

Book six, Children of Shadows, is officially unleashed on an unsuspecting world. Join Katelina and Jorick as they battle an ancient vampire cult and meet new allies and enemies.

Katelina only got a seven day vacation on the beach before she had to forsake the ocean surf for the cold of the vampires’ world, but I get twenty-two days away from my blog. That’s twenty-two days of sun, fun, and – since it’s an Amaranthine tour – vampires! So join me as we tour the blogosphere to celebrate the release of Children of Shadows.

Day 19:

palmtrees

Donna Augustine is a fantasy author with an awesome blog. Be sure to check out her other posts while you’re there.

Since everyone else has been interviewed, it was time for Katelina to step into the hot seat and answer questions such as “Do you regret [leaving with Jorick]?” or “Are you EVER going to get turned?” Okay, maybe not that question, but you get the idea.

While you’re there, be sure to enter the giveaway for your chance to win one of three awesome prizes:

1st prize: Amaranthine t-shirt (size is winner’s choice), set of bookmarks, and $20 gift card for Barnes and Noble or Amazon (winner’s choice).

2nd prize: Amaranthine t-shirt (size is winner’s choice), bookmark set

3rd prize: The last Executioner trading card set

sig-for-cosHope to see you there!

  • Eternal Night : Amaranthine Gender Swap

    When Kaden meets the beautiful but strong Johanna, he doesn't know he's entering a world of eternal night; a world of vampires. Is it worth the death, pain, and nightmares to stay by her side? Enjoy all the books in one long saga.

    This is NOT the gender swap previously published on Patreon.

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    An independent author, freelance artist, and photographer for fun who loves anime, music, and writing. Check out my vampire series Amaranthine at http://JoleeneNaylor.com or drop me a line at Joleene@JoleeneNaylor.com

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