Boo!
It’s that time again – Halloween is approaching. Here is a special treat for you this spooky season…
Diverse Reader Blog has a great author spotlight and giveaway going on with Halloween themed messages and over 40 prizes. Our own Lynn Michaels was fortunate enough to be able to play along and we’ve worked with her to put together a special Halloween Swag pack for our giveaway…
Now, head over to Diverse Reader and have some fun!!
Filed under authors, creative, e-book, exciting, fiction, fun, games, Halloween, inspiration, publishing, review, romance, Uncategorized, writing
The release party for Wanton by Lynn Michaels is coming April 16! For more details – go to the FaceBook Community Library page (link below) – LIKE the page and click on the pinned invite! Love to see you there – for games/prizes, excerpts and fun!
Filed under adventure, authors, bdsm, characters, dark fantasy, e-book, fetish, fiction, fun, games, MM Romance, romance, Uncategorized
New erotic writer Lynn Michaels. First release just out….
This is the first installment of the new M/M Paranormal Romance Series Universe from my publisher. Here’s a blurb and an Amazon link below. Share if you know anyone into it:
WARNING: Sexy m/m romance adventure with hot bounty hunter and dangerous elemental mages.
Party-boy mage Kelly O’Malley has a bounty on his head. Graham, the bounty hunter after him, is a hard rider that likes his women, booze, and his Harley. Picking up O’Malley changes him in ways he could never anticipate, changes his heart and changes the world…
“Think about the drive, not about that green-eyed, hot-bodied, trickster.” -Graham
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M2G7XTQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=04JFSCGR7S79VDJW89TT&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
Already has one 5-star review – so read it and leave a review if you like!
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Filed under adventure, agent, authors, characters, e-book, fiction, para normal, publishing, romance, Uncategorized, writing
Write a new blog post! So, here’s what I’m thinking about at 3 am while the house is quiet and I’m contemplating life because I can’t sleep.
I’m finding different stages of writing novels, now that I have a few under my belt, that I like. I can sort of break it up by word count to describe what I mean.
When I first start a novel and I only have a couple thousand words in, the story is fresh and full of potential. I like that there’s still that blank page there. I need to get more down, more clay on the potter’s wheel. It is very much a new beginning.
I like it when I have 25,000 to 30,000 words in and the story is really starting to develop. I have a certain number of characters and the plot is pretty thick. The definition is starting to show. There’s movement. I know where the story is going because it’s come so far. Generally speaking it is about at the half way point. It’s like riding along the cliff. If I need to change something, this is the time to do it. I like that there’s still so much adrenaline in the project.
Then, when I’m approaching the 50,000 mark, it’s a different type of excitement, much like finishing a race. Not just any race either, this is a marathon. So, when I see the finish line, my heart is pumping! I know I have to wrap this bad boy up. I generally finish books between 45,000 and 60,000, ideally. They can be longer, but not much. I don’t like them too much shorter either. I think if a book is less than 45,000 words, it isn’t a full novel. So, when I’m approaching that big 5-0 I know it has to come to an end, or at least an end for now.
When I do actually finish the first draft, I feel relief, a huge sense of accomplishment, and fear. Yep, fear. Because what if I didn’t get everything I wanted in there? What if it isn’t good enough? What if I messed it up? I go through a lot of that type of thing. I have to just ignore the damn thing for a while. I need to work on something else, get my mind off of it. Then, when I do get back to it for my first edit, I have fresh eyes. I can see it better, from a distance. When I’m too close, I panic and wonder. The distance between first draft and first edit is a huge help.
Going through these stages is why I think writing novels is the biggest thrill I’ve ever had. To create worlds and people and manipulate them into interesting situations is fabulous. I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing this.
Filed under authors, characters, creative, dreams, e-book, editing, exciting, fiction, fun, genre, inspiration, learning, literature, publishing, success, Uncategorized, working, writing
It’s been a long time since I’ve talked about inspiration! Since I’m moving into a more production-centric period in my writing journey, perhaps it is a good time to dwell on the topic once again. I’ve recently released the second book of my vampire series, Fire Blood. I admit I really wrote this novel fast, and I feel it is very good – 10 times better than the first book – I think the reason for the quality and speed of writing was the inspiration.
I really felt compelled to write this book. The characters, especially Matthew, really came alive in my head. It still sounds weird, even to me, but they really talked to me and told me their story and I just wrote it down… The first book, Summer Blood, went a long way to introduce these guys and gals and give me a basis to work with. The second book really took it to the next level. There was a lot going on, from kidnappings, to fighting, to sex… yeah, they were a busy bunch! Tobia and Gwin focused on taking down what was left of the vampire network, and Matthew got his band Carolina Sky together for a tour. Myranta put herself forward as Matthew’s personal body guard, and Cytosha… well, she kind of went crazy! It was fun and exciting… but what was the inspiration?
Music was a huge factor. I had to hear Carolina Sky playing in my head. I listened to a lot of music… I made a huge play list (Kato’s playlist on Spotify if you’re interested – follow me!). Kato even wrote some new music and I included lyrics in the back of the book! That is a big inspiration for the next book as well. Kato and Wayne felt a bit left out and will be making a bigger splash in the next book of the series. They both have rock-star personalities and are very “in-your-face” so their minimal presence in the first two books has come to an end. They want front row billing in #3.
Another inspiration was other vampire books/tv/movies… especially True Blood. Not that my vampires are the same in any way (other than being vampires), but just getting to that vicious single mindedness they sometimes have was easier after being a little exposed to other vampire media. And photos! I’ve found and shared plenty of vamp-pics on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/summerbloodvampires)!
So, Gwin is another character that really came alive for me. She started out very snotty and spoiled, but eventually, she grew as a character and by the end of Fire Blood, she really has a lot of depth. I think that Matthew and Tobia both influenced her a lot. She’s still fun loving and mischievous, though. In September I’m releasing the prequel book, Blood Pact. Her story in this one is compelling and really gives the reader an even better sense of who she is. Sometimes, it felt like she was sitting beside me at the keyboard and pointing out where to make changes and what to add! She’s so pushy! I think she is that aggressive side of me that never gets to really come out, in part at least.
The beach was obviously an inspiration point. I have always loved the beach and every time I’m there I seem to have characters talking to me about what they’re doing at the beach or what they want to be doing. Particularly, for Summer Blood this was a serious kick off. My husband and I went to Flagler Beach on the East Coast of Florida for my birthday. We went to a cool bar and walked on the beach at night and at sunrise. I took tons of notes while we were there. The bar and the beach both stuck with me so much that when I got home, those parts begged to be written and that’s when I truly started focusing on Summer Blood… and came up with the name! The name of the bar in Summer Blood is Shark Fins, it shows up at the end of Chapter 2 when Tobia and Gwin are getting to know each other… if you want to see the real place. I did tell you exactly where it is… corner of A1A and 100 in Flagler.
Cytosha is another vivid character. This is a psychic motorcycle riding vampire hellion! She’s front and center in both books. I originally meant for her to be a minor character used just for Tetrick to find Gwin and Tobia. She had other plans. She not only stuck around in Summer Blood, she became the main Vamp in Fire Blood, and you will be able to find out more about her – where she came from – and where she’s going in Blood Pact. Of course, she’ll have a role in the #3 as well. I wanted her to be a tough-guy. She owned her vampire status. Unlike Tobia and Gwin, she loved being a vampire (more than she ever loved being human). She’s a modern girl and she likes to just kick ass and boss everyone around. I have no idea where she came from. When I started writing her, she just took over. I’m glad she did because I’ve had a ton of fun writing her!
I’m working on a lot of other projects outside of the vampire world. The inspirations have come from many different places. Perhaps one of my biggest influences is what I read. Whatever I’m reading at the time tends to make its way on to my page…. don’t misunderstand. I do not EVER copy… but tone and genre and the feel of a novel can be influential. Or smaller things. Sometimes I do put tiny tidbits in my writing as a homage to another author that I admire, though. Like, I might name a street something out of another book. Some of my biggest influences, particularly for vampires and demons, are Kim Harrison and the Hollows series, Laurel Hamilton and the Anita Blake series, and Kristie Haigwood’s Eternal Island (Reviewed this in an earlier blog – check my archives) series. Kristie is an independent author and worth checking out! I like her Save My Soul series as well.
I’m writing a new series called Adventures of Pepper Chance. She is a psychic detective charged with keeping demon activity under control. She started developing as I was reading the Hollows, but also the Dresden series and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series. I wanted a hardnosed detective who had a troubled past. She’s been a very bad girl, but wants to make a decent life for herself. She’s not afraid to fall in love or kick demon ass or step up to whatever challenges I throw at her. You’ll see two short stories about her in my upcoming anthology, Brink. That’s due to go to the editors soon.
Some of the stories from Brink came from what I was writing during my Master’s degree. Inspiration for those stories came from specific assignments. They are very different than what I’ve put out there so far, yet still twisted and fun. One of the stories was featured in a vampire anthology:
I had to stories featured. Only one of them will be in Brink, so get the one above for the other…
Ultimately, I guess I have to say that inspiration comes from so many places… from media and real life to my own wild imaginations and even things inside me that I don’t want people to see. It all gets blended up in this strange thing called my brain… and tossed out like a salad onto the paper. Then, I just hope everyone likes my veggies!
Filed under authors, characters, creative, dark fantasy, dreams, e-book, genre, inspiration, learning, literature, para normal, publishing, review, romance, short story, success, Uncategorized, urban fantasy, vampire, working, writing
I loved this book. It grabbed me right away and drug me right in! It was romantic, sweet, steamy, and fierce… everything you want in a romance. The plot for this one is that Sawyer Knight is a rock star (doesn’t get much better than that – right!) and on top of the world. He has one problem. He’s terribly alone. Enter the hero – his long lost best friend Jake! The man takes on the job of being Sawyer’s body guard, but obviously he’s after more! You get the gist of how it goes. I’m not into spoilers, so that’s all I’m saying, except that these two guys are completely addictive. If you’re into character driven stories with a lot of heart, this is it! Sawyer is adorable in his angst and Jake is the total hottie-hero!
The sex in this book is all there for a reason. I never once felt like it was just to add sex and that’s important especially in an M/M romance. This writer made the characters work for it.
By the way… there’s a little bonus. A mystery is threaded right down the center of the plot. Yum!
Romance with heart – check! Steamy sex scenes – check! Action and mystery that move the plot – check! Yep… this one’s a winner!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KLF2DUO/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title
Filed under authors, characters, creative, e-book, fiction, publishing, review, romance, Uncategorized, working, writing
So, I released the second book of my series!! We did a launch on FaceBook May 30th and it went so well! I have to thank all the fans that participated, my family and friends for being supportive, and my team… Kathy Wright, Troy Howell, Doris Greer, and Mitzy Page! You have all been just lovely!!
So, if you haven’t bought the book yet… you should… The links to both Summer Blood and Fire Blood are on this page. Or you can just go here:
Here’s the “promo-blurb” for Fire Blood:
Up-and-coming rocker, Matthew Calloway, is getting ready to start touring with his band, Carolina Sky, but being a Muse means attracting vampires. Matthew must rely on his new friends to help protect him, but is he ready to face his fears and make the ultimate sacrifice?
If you love vampires, rockers, and hot action this is for you! Feel free to share with your friends!!
Filed under authors, characters, dark fantasy, e-book, fiction, genre, literature, para normal, publishing, success, Uncategorized, urban fantasy, vampire, working, writing
I’ve been doing a lot more writing lately. It’s been so great! Part of my journey has been hooking up with a super editor who gets me and is great to work with. It has made a great difference in the quality of my writing – even at the rough draft stage… even at the idea generating stage! It’s quickly become a vital relationship for me! I think this is even more important for indie authors that self-publish like myself. I want to be able to put out the best stories I possibly can. I chose to go the self publish route primarily because I tend to be a bit anal and I feel like with my dual background (business vs. creative) that I could manage this more comfortably than letting a publishing house just take over everything. Plus, it is so much faster. I only have to wait for my own approval! Ah… and that of my editor!
With that said, here are my reasons that I love my editor! Thanks Kathleen – for making so much better!
I LOVE MY EDITOR BECAUSE…
♥
Filed under agent, authors, characters, creative, e-book, editing, fiction, learning, publishing, success, Uncategorized, vampire, working, writing
I recently had the opportunity to review this excellent paranormal/mystery from one of the wonderful authors in my network of colleagues. Today is the release day for this book, and the following is my review. If you’re into books that don’t easily fit genre qualifications, but are well written with great characters, you’ll love this. Check out my review, then jump over to Amazon!!
I Can See You by Joss Landry is a remarkable paranormal journey of love. Ten year old Emma overcome torturous fear and the need to hide her secret psychic abilities to help Detective Hank Apple solve the case. Her love helps bond her with her family and the community, and it is this great love that ultimately saves her life. Emma is believable as a precocious pre-teen with the ability to see the future and direct Out of Body Experiences (or projecting). She learns to use this gift to help the vulnerable and charming Detective Apple solve the mystery. Joss Landry keeps the reader guessing and use her very well developed secondary characters to help move the plot. Readers will surely fall in love with these characters! Upon finishing this book, I wanted more, and I hope Landry will consider writing a sequel; perhaps with Emma being a teen or young adult. I felt like readers would love to see how she develops and what other trouble she can get into. The story is authentic and sullen and deals with real issues such as abuse, infidelity, finding work/life balance, and having difficult conversations with loved ones. These are concerns that children and adults in today’s world must face regularly. Landry weaves these themes into a shadowy yet spellbinding tale.
Filed under authors, characters, creative, e-book, para normal, review, Uncategorized, working, writing
I feel blessed to be living in one of the freest flowing times in history. What do I mean by that? Well, honestly, I mean that writers can pretty much write about anything they want. There was a time when sex and violence were taboo, but today it’s almost expected. Not that everything I write is sex and violence, but I have the freedom to write it, publish it, and expect that I’ll have some readers that want to read it. Hell, I want to read it! As long as it’s couched within the plot and is true to the characters – my caveat.
It is a fabulous thing, but it once wasn’t, and I hope that it isn’t taken for granted, especially by those of us who chose to write it. In the Victorian era, sexuality was, if not taboo, than at least a questionable topic. The 1960’s started to change people’s ideas about sex, but really it hasn’t been until the 80’s and 90’s that we’ve seen a rise in sexuality in print, and only in the past decade have people started reading stories that border on pornographic. Perhaps what is considered acceptable pornography in print has changed? We all know that 50 Shades of Gray would not have been printed, let alone a best seller in earlier years. That success was all about timing and what the public was willing to accept.
But, I submit that 50 Shades was not a breakthrough novel in our sexual genre, but that society was finally willing to let this degree of sexuality hit the mainstream. Surely, BDSM erotic had been building in the world of print (Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Siren, and Hot Ink Press) for years. Beyond mainstream romance, we all know sex sells.
The point of all this is that in today’s market where eBooks, Amazon, and the Internet thrive and allow people anonymity of purchase, authors can expect their sex books to sell. Oh, and violence isn’t any different. In fact, violence is less taboo than sex (unless it’s violent sex). As a society, we want to see violence in our movies, and we want to read about it in our books. The only thing more tantalizing than good sex, is good violence. Don’t deny it. I’m sure you’ve watched Rocky or an MMA fight or just a scene where someone gets the shit beat out of them or someone is killed violently (CSI much?).
That brings me back around to the freedom of writing and authors taking it or granted. I don’t know if they do and I’m not saying that. What I’m saying is that 100 years ago, 50 Shades of Gray would not have been published. Hell, 9 1/2 weeks wouldn’t have been a movie and neither would Scent of a Woman. What is available today in print and in movies is phenomenal compared to that. Of course, we would expect evolution. Yet, we often don’t stop and appreciate it.
So, whether you buy a sexy book, watch a violent movie, or write about sex and/or violence, just take a moment and appreciate how far we’ve come and just how free we are.
Filed under authors, characters, creative, dark fantasy, e-book, editing, fun, genre, literature, political, success, Uncategorized, writing
Click to purchase directly from Amazon
Click to purchase directly from Amazon
Click to purchase directly from Amazon
Click to purchase directly from Amazon
Lynn Michaels Writes 