Interview with Author CALLIE HUTTON

Conflict: Contrived or Real?
By: Callie Hutton

Whatever genre you’re writing in, a reader expects conflict in the story. I mean, if there was no conflict, if everything was coming up roses, who would read the book? The hero and heroine have to be tortured. They have to suffer. Tears, recriminations, betrayal. Ah, the basis of any good love story.

In my recent release, A Prescription For Love, I tortured Heidi and Michael so much, tears came to my eyes as I read it over. Oh, did I make them suffer! Hehe. But, because it was a romance there was the typical HEA, even though I made them crawl through fire to get there.

As much as I love to read romance, there are a few types of conflict that cause me to throw the book across the room. Hmm. Well, not exactly anymore, since I read most of my books on my Kindle. They don’t tend to hold up well when you smack them against something hard.

The Let’s Talk conflict. When you have a conflict where a five minute conversation will end the angst, and neither one will instigate the conversation that will end it, I get annoyed. Unless there’s a good reason why they can’t talk. I mean, if one character is in a coma, all right. I won’t toss the book. If one of them is being blackmailed—as in A Prescription For Love—I’ll allow that. And if the misunderstanding is cleared up quickly, no problem there either.

Sometimes I want to scream at the heroine. “Just ask him!” I read one book where a two word sentence would have cleared up the conflict. Sigh. No patience for that.

Another type of conflict that drives me crazy is the one where the heroine knows someone (usually another woman) has an agenda, but the heroine believes what the nasty person tells her about the hero. It’s usually something horrible that makes the heroine cringe. Hello? Haven’t you noticed Miss I’m telling you this for your own good wants the hero, and hasn’t made a secret of it? So why would you believe this?

Again, if it only goes on for a page or two, I’ll suffer through. But if the conflict goes on for chapter after chapter, watch out for flying objects.

In my recently released Christmas novella, Miss Merry’s Christmas, the heroine overhears a conversation, and misunderstand what she hears. Nosey woman pays price. Because I didn’t want to lose my readers, as an author might have lost me, I resolved it all quickly.

For some bizarre reason, betrayal causes me anxiety in a book. If it appears a hero or heroine has been betrayed by the other, I get very upset. “No, no.” I shout at the page (sorry—Kindle screen). “He didn’t really do that. It only looks that way.”

I have been known to put aside a book with a strong betrayal conflict because it genuinely upsets me. Don’t tell me I’m nuts because I’ve reached that conclusion long before you read this.

Well now that you know my likes and dislikes. What about you? How do you feel about conflict? Are there any that annoy you? Or cause you anxiety?



Thank you so much for having me today. Here is the blurb for my release, A Prescription For Love:

Guthrie, Oklahoma, 1903. Betrayed by his fiancée’s infidelity eight years ago, pharmacist Michael Henderson vowed he'd never risk his heart again. But he doesn't anticipate the tug of attraction he shares with his new employee.

Heidi Lester flees her home, determined to prove to her overprotective parents she can conquer her debilitating asthma, to make a life of her own. However, her unscrupulous fiancé has no intention of letting her go. He has his own plans for Heidi and her inheritance.

Will a scheme to ruin Michael's family force Heidi to marry her fiancé, or will assistance arrive from a surprising source to allow her to be with the man she truly loves?


Buy links: Amazon: http://amzn.to/RLtRpE , Barnes &Noble http://bit.ly/OPbPFY , Soul Mate Publishing http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/a-prescription-for-love/


** Callie will give away to one winner their choice of a either A Run for Love (the first book in the series) or A Wife by Christmas (second book).***

Callie has been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave her a way to turn off the voices in her head. She’s had a number of articles and interviews published over the years, and finally decided to put her writing skills to the test and write novels.

Oklahoma is where she hangs her hat with her husband of thirty-six years, two young adult children, and three dogs. You can catch her hanging out at Facebook, Twitter- @CallieHutton, and her home base, www.calliehutton.com. Stop by sometime and say hello.

Books by Callie Hutton:

Oklahoma Lovers series, #1, #2, #3

A Run For Love (Tori & Jesse)

A Wife By Christmas (Ellie & Max)

A Prescription For Love (Michael & Heidi)

An Angel in the Mail

Tessa’s Treasures

Miss Merry’s Christmas, coming October 31st

Daniel’s Desire, coming November 19th

All of Callie Hutton’s books can be found at www.Amazon.com  and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Author Callie Hutton

The Kilted Muse Photo Contest

The Kilted Muse Photo Contest opens Today!

We got off to a bit of a late start, ensuring that everyone who wanted a kilted muse, got their muse. Now we are ready for you to show us the most creative way to display or wear your Kilted Muse paraphernalia!

Take a photo of your kilted muse T-shirt or button, or both, showing us the most creative way your muse inspires you. Send it to us via e-mail during the contest period of November 6th - 20th. Send the photos to me at rundivewrite@gmail.com, I will send a confirmation e-mail for every photo I receive. On November 21st, we will post all the photos on the blog for voting by our members. They will pick the most creative photos and three top winners will be chosen.

Grand Prize will be a KINDLE FIRE, Second Prize will be a Muse Clock, and Third Prize will be a Muse Mug!

Additionally, one lucky Celtic Hearts member will win a free membership for 2013 for promoting the contest the most on his/her blog and twitteraccount! Use Hashtag #KILTEDMUSE and spread the word, we will be watching! Send us your blog announcement so we can keep track of your promotions on the blogs.

Rules for the contest:

• No purchase necessary. You don’t have to have your own shirt or button (Use the image above). Although, you know you really want to own your own!

• Please keep photo entries Rated PG-14 or below. No triple X photos, please. ;o)

• No entries will be accepted before the start date or after the deadline. Contest entry dates are as follows: November 6 - November 20. Voting will take place from November 21- 30.

• Anyone can enter, members or non-members.

• Members will only be voting.

Extra Thanks to our very own Kim Killion and her company Hot Damn Designs which took our slogan and vision and created the fantastic artwork above.

Please e-mail me with any questions you may have.

--
Kimberly Wooten

CHRW VP- Communications

Interview with Author, MARY GILLGANNON

***NOTE*** Mary will be giving away a copy of The Dragon Prince, the third book in the series, to one lucky commenter.




When I decided to write my first historical romance, I knew exactly what time period I wanted to set it in. Inspired by Mary Stewart’s Merlin books and the movie Excalibur, there seemed to me to be no era quite as compelling as the Arthurian age. I envisioned evocative landscapes of deep forests, mysterious mists, gleaming valleys and wild coasts. Manly, long-haired heroes on horseback wielding swords, fighting for ladies clad in long romantic gowns. I imagined smoky halls filled with stirring music and lively banquets and dramatic hilltop pagan rituals. Conflict, passion and enchantment—this era had it all.

I began researching the historical time of King Arthur, digging through dusty books on dark age and medieval history and literature at the local libraries. It was there I found my hero, a Welsh king known as Maelgwn the Great. In one of the few written histories of the era, the monk Gildas rants on and on about Maelgwn, calling him a “tyrant of tyrants” and also referring to him as the Dragon of the Island. In a time of upheaval, he is a larger than life figure. Indeed, to this day, places all over Wales are named for Maelgwn.

Somehow reading about this long-ago king triggered in my mind images of a fierce, dark-haired warlord with a haunted past. The rest of the story flowed from that and soon I had my passionate but vulnerable Roman British heroine Aurora and the rest of my plot. I wrote the book in less than a year, and having barely finished it, realized Maelgwn’s story wasn’t finished and that I’d have to write another book. A second novel came to be, Dragon’s Dream. Then Maelgwn’s sons appeared and demanded their own stories be told. A few years later I wrote The Dragon Prince to tell Rhun’s tale, in which King Arthur himself plays a fairly large part. Finally, I finished The Dragon Bard, Bridei’s story, set mostly in Ireland and just released this year in print and ebook formats.

I’ve been to Wales three times now and have found the place to be as beautiful and inspiring as I imagined. I know I’ll have to go back to this world, and at the end of The Dragon’s Bard, one of Bridei’s sisters appeared, practically demanding her story be told. (I have a sneaking suspicion she’s going to end up in Scotland, so the book might have to wait until I visit there.)

Dark age Britain doesn’t naturally come to mind as a setting for romance. But I promise you this world has all the ingredients for gripping tales of love, adventure and intrigue, with a bit of magic and some hot sex thrown in as well.

Welcome to the world of the Dragon of the Island, a place you’ll want to visit, as I have, again and again!

 

You can find Mary at www.marygillgannon.com

Thank you Mary for coming to Heart of Romance and sharing your books with us!

HIGHLAND DRESS OF THE 1700'S

I have the special privilege of having Sharon Gunn to my blog today. Sharon is a member of my Celtic Hearts Romance Writers group and is very knowledgeable in all things Celtic having studied abroad. She speaks fluent Gaelic.








An t-Èideadh Gaidhealach - Highland Dress 1700



If you are looking for information about Highland dress for your historical novel, you might come across a little book called So You're Going to Wear the Kilt by J Charles Thomson. Frightening. There are so many 'proper' things to remember: the length, the width of the apron, the type of shoes for the occasion, the type of sporran and all the accessories. Take a breath. The army has profoundly influenced how the kilt was worn in the 19th and 20th centuries. You don't have to know all that if your novel takes place before 1800.

What follows gives you an idea of what was worn about 1700 to 1725. Much of my information comes from Martin Martin's A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland (1716) and Burt's Letters from the North of Scotland (1754).

Burt was an English officer and a gentlemen who was obliged to spend time in Highlands in the 1720s. At first, he hated the bare mountains and the dirt of the towns, but ended his tour with a grudging admiration of Highlanders.

Martin was a gentleman from the Isle of Skye, and he wrote his book in English to assure others in Britain that Highlanders weren't as barbaric as everyone thought. So when he says that something odd hasn't been done or seen for fifty years, he is telling a little white lie to make Highlanders seem more 'civilised' to outsiders. For example he said that generally Highlanders now use 'Coat, Waistcoat,
and Breeches, as elsewhere; and on their Heads wear Bonnets made of thick Cloth, some blue, some black, and some grey'. Many wore the bonnets, coats and waistcoats, but they wore them with the kilt.

The kilt, the outer garment was also called the plaid in English and fèileadh in Gaelic; it would be of as fine a wool as a gentleman could afford for great occasions; he would have had other plaids of thicker wool for winter use. The length of it, according to Martin Martin, was seven ells, about eight yards. The width of cloth produced on the looms of the day was less than 30 inches wide; to make a plaid, two lengths were sewn together. Seven ells would have been the size for a gentleman; a poor man likely have worn whatever came to him. One gentleman's cast-off plaid could have been cut into two or three plaids for others.

The plaids were of 'diverse' colours; contemporary paintings show many different tartans (breacanan) worn by one person. The women were at some pains to make a standardised tartan in a given district by marking the sett or pattern on a piece of wood, that is, 'first to give an exact Pattern of Plade upon a piece of Wood, having the number of every thread of the stripe on it'. But the tartans were not named for clans or families as was believed in the 19th & early 20th centuries.

The under garment was called the lèine (shirt), usually of plain-woven linen with long sleeves. The shirt was long enough to cover and protect a man's 'delicate' parts from itchy wool worn over top.

Martin suggested that one end of the plaid hung 'over the left Arm, the other going round the Body, hangs by the end over the left arm also. The right hand above it is to be at liberty to do anything upon occasion'. But if you look at the images drawn by Burt, the manner of wrapping the fèileadh around the body varied quite a bit. Over the left shoulder or the right shoulder.

Triubhas (trews, trousers), short or long, could be worn under the fèileadh by gentlemen. They were of very fine stuff and more expensive:

like stockings of those made of cloth, some are coloured and others are striped. The latter are as well shaped as the former, lying close to the body from the middle downwards, and tied round with a Belt above the Hanches…

The measure for shaping the trews is a Stick of Wood, whose length is a cubit and that divided into the length of a Finger and half a Finger so that it requires more skill to make than the ordinary habit. (Martin 1695: 207-9)



Martin Martin wrote that 'the generality now wear Shoes, having one thin Sole only, and shaped after the right and left Foot; so that what is for one Foot, will not serve the other'. In an earlier period, a new shoe could be worn on either foot.

WHEN they travel on foot, the plad is tied on the Breast with a Bodkin (braisteach = pin) of Bone or Wood …the Plad is tied round the middle with a Leather Belt (crios); it is pleated from the Belt to the Knee very nicely; this Dress for Footmen (i.e. men on foot) is found much easier and lighter than Breeches or Trowis (trews).



Breacan-an-fhéilidh - The tartan plaid of folds

The plaid was a length of tartan cloth, about 5 ft wide, made of two single widths of about 30 inches sewn together, and usually from 12 to 18 ft in length. to use it as a belted-plaid the wearer would start by laying it on the ground or on a sloping bank and would proceed to fold it neatly in transverse pleats until he had reduced its length to 4 or 5 ft, leavng a foot or more at each end unpleated. He would then lie down on it in such a sway that its lower edge was level with his knees and, after folding the two unpleated ends across his body so that they overlapped, would fasten the whole thing round him with a belt. On standing up, the upper and longer portion of the plaid would hand down all round him nearly to his ankles. he would then put on his jacket. He could then arrange the upper portion in two ways: it could drawn over the head and shoulders in case of bad weather, or the usual thing was to pass the left-hand corner over the left shoulder from behind, and to fasten it there
with a pin, brooch or button. The rest of the upper part was passed under the belt so that little was seen from the front.

Recently there has been a suggestion that the wearer didn't have to lay the plaid on the ground to pleat it. A man could put the cloth round him and pull a rope or ribbon threaded through loops sewn onto the join of the two lengths of cloth. Captain Burt observed Highlanders and says that ordinary Highlanders Highlanders hardly ever wore shoes which contradicts Martin Martin:

They hardly ever wear Shoes, as I said before, but on a Sunday; and then, being unused to them, when they go to Church they walk very awkwardly: or, as we say, like a cat shod with Walnut-shells.

When they go abroad, they wear a Blanket over their Heads, as the poor Women do, something like the Pictures you may have seen of some bare-footed Order among the Romish priests.

And the same blanket serves them for a Mantle by day, is made a part of their Bedding at night, which is generally spread upon the floor:


Martin Martin described women's traditional clothing, the earasaid (arisaid), and said it was only worn by the generality. But then he wrote he'd seen a brooch or 'buckle' of a hundred marks' value which suggests that some gentlewomen were still wearing the earasaid:

THE antient Dress wore by the Women and which is yet wore by some of the Vulgar (i.e. ordinary people), called arisaid (earasaid) is a white Plad having a few small Stripes of black, blue, and red; it reached from the Neck to the Heels, and was tied before on the Breast with a Buckle of Silver, or Brass, according to the Quality of the Person. I have seen some of the former of a hundred Marks value. It was broad as any ordinary Pewter Plate, the whole curiously engraven with various Animals, &c. There was a lesser Buckle, which was wore in the middle of the larger, and above two Ounces weight ; it had in the Center a large piece of Chrystal, or some finer Stone, and this was set all round with several finer Stones of a lesser size.


Below Martin called the earasaid a plad (plaid); that is, the women's dress was similar to a man's plaid -- except that it was made with three loom widths of cloth sewn together and it reached the ankles.
THE Plad being pleated all round, was tied with a Belt below the Breast ; the Belt was of Leather, and several Pieces of Silver inter-mix'd with the Leather like a Chain. The lower end of the Belt has a Piece of Plate about eight Inches long, and three in breadth, curiously engraven ; the end of which was adorned with fine Stones, or Pieces of Red Coral. They wore Sleeves of Scarlet Cloth, closed at the end as Mens Vests, with Gold Lace round them, having Plate Buttons set with fine Stones. The Head-dress was a fine Kerchief of Linen (brèid) strait about the Head, hanging down the Back taper- wise ; a large Lock of Hair hangs down their Cheeks above their Breast, the lower end tied with a Knot of Ribbons.


There is no picture of an earasaid; the Victorian conception in MacIan's book are not accurate.

So there you have descriptions of Highland dress -- one by an unsympathetic Englishman and some by a Highlander eager to persuade the outside world that the

Highlands weren't so barbaric as outsiders thought. But I'll finish with a description by a Highlander which shows his pride in the èideadh Gaidhealach (Highland dress).



B' fhearr liom breacan uallach

Mu'm ghuaillibh, 's a chur fo m'achlais

Na ge do gheibhinn còta

De'n chlò as fearr thig a Sasgunn.
(Campbell 1984: 154)

More I loved the proud plaid

Round my shoulders and beneath my arms

Than any coat I could get

Of the finest cloth from England.



Sources:

Campbell, John Lorne, Highland Songs of the Forty-Five, 1984 Jamieson, R, Burt's Letters from the North of Scotland, 1974 © 1754 Martin, Martin, A Description of the Western Isles of Scotland, 1976 © 1716 McClintock, H F, F Shaw & J Telfer Dunbar, Old Irish & Highland Dress, 1950 © 1943 McIan, R R, The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, 1980 © 1845

Soul Mate Publishing Anniversary!

Today is very exciting within the Soul Mate Publishing's house. It is our one year anniversary today! To celebrate, we are offering you:
50% off all books!!!!

This deal lasts for today only! Hurry on over to www.soulmatepublishing.com to choose which book you want.

Here are just a few of the authors you will find!

Found in the contemporary category

Katie McCullough doesn’t know it, but Max Sawyer, the over confident, insufferable thief who outbid her for the lighthouse property, is none other than her mystery lighthouse sailor. The one man who captured her heart five years earlier, the one man who has since been the plumb line for every other unsuspecting male who has crossed her path. Unfortunately for Max, he doesn’t measure up either.

Still reeling from losing the property she’d planned to call home, sparks fly when Katie assumes Max is turning her beloved lighthouse compound into one of his "Serenity Spa Resorts." Outraged, Katie sets out on a mission to dismantle the property…and his plans.

Except Max’s plans have absolutely nothing to do with hotels and everything to do with winning Katie’s heart.

Found in the urban fantasy category

After a rogue werewolf attack triggers her latent powers as the Selected, Sydney Sedrick is reluctantly dragged into a war of vampires and werewolves, both battling for total species domination. Each try to use her as their pawn and are willing to use any force necessary to gain control of her special gifts. For her protection, Sydney is armed with only her grandmother’s journal and Blake, the sexy werewolf who insists they are meant to be together.

In order to succeed, Sydney must embrace her destiny and join the battle to protect both sides from genocide. Caught between two very different worlds, belonging to neither, Sydney is forced to risk it all, or lose everything and everyone she holds dear.

Found in the historical category

Murder is afoot in the Wyoming territory, forcing Chris Davis to make a matrimonial match he never would have taken otherwise. Especially when his bride-to-be is still in love with the man he holds responsible for his parents’ death. Torn between his morals and loyalty to his family, Chris Davis’ heart betrays him at every turn. Nichole lied about her heritage. Could she also be lying about not being a part of his parents’ death? He should just leave her to his enemy and be done with her, or kill them both. If only it were that simple.
Nichole Michaels, known to the Cheyenne as White Deer, grew up hearing her mother spin tales of the visions of the man she would one day marry. Believing them to be nothing more than myth, imagine her surprise when she finds herself standing face to face with a vision come to life. She is torn between the past and a man whose love is certain, and a man whose love promised to be the strongest tie she has ever known, yet may never be able to claim. Chris needs her, but is that enough to make her deny her heritage for the rest of her life? Her heart aches to know the depth of the love claimed in her mother’s visions. Is she strong enough to withstand a rancher with a heart of stone to find it?


Thank you for supporting Soul Mate Publishing and it's authors. You have made this a very exciting year! Let's toast to it and to another great year to come!

Love,
Sarah

 

Interview with Author SUZANNE M. SABOL

 

 

 

Today I’m interviewing Suzanne M. Sabol. Her book, Pool of Crimson is an Urban Fantasy and was released on July 11, 2012. Midnight Ash, the next in The Blushing Death Series will be out in November of 2012.   


Describe the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?

Pool of Crimson is an Urban Fantasy set in Columbus Ohio. Urban Fantasy is a gritty genre based in an urban environment with a paranormal twist. The undertones are darker, the sex and violence are more graphic and there isn’t always a happy ending. I write in both Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.



How did this story come to be? 

I tend to develop a character first, what his or her problems are and what their reactions would be in any given situation. Dahlia came about after talking to one of my employees. This particular woman was named after a flower and it seemed to fit her. She was sweet and gentle. I started thinking about a woman who was named after something delicate and beautiful like a flower but hard as nails who saw all the darker things in life. Since, I’m most comfortable in the paranormal genre, I started putting together a story to force her into the preternatural underworld and situations that would test her mettle.  




Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so, did you send them out yourself?

I had several manuscripts completed prior to Pool of Crimson selling to Soul Mate Publishing. I had four for this particular series, The Blushing Death Series, completed as well as another dystopian paranormal romance. I sent out manuscripts religiously. I always had at least six queries out at a time. I currently have Pool of Crimson in publication, Midnight Ash (#2) coming out in November, a contract for #3 and #4 in The Blushing Death Series, and requests from two publishing houses to view the dystopian paranormal romance.



What is your writing routine like?

I write important dialogue and outlines out long hand. I have notebooks for each novel with important plot points and conversations, as well as, post its on the wall, chalkboard walls filled with information. I plot out characters, their likes/dislikes, their backstory, fears, and family histories prior to starting the hard work of starting chapter 1. I also outline chapters so that I know what the conflict is and where the stories going. 



What sort of promo do you do? Do you have help?

I am very active on facebook, twitter, goodreads, and pinterest. I have ads running on Facebook, Romance Divas, and www.bookdaily.com. I’m also active on several listservs that help promote my work. 



Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?   

I think the most rewarding part for me is seeing my work out there, having people reading it and disappearing into the world I created. I love seeing my name on my work. Seeing my name on something that is published is a real sense of accomplishment. 


Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

I’m a member of Romance Writers of America and my local RWA chapter, Central Ohio Fiction Writers. My local chapter helped me a great deal. They have been incredibly supportive, providing moral support, critiques on my work and providing me with the ability to learn with workshops, wonderful guest speakers every month and conferences. I have met some fantastic people in my local chapter. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.



What’s next for you?

I’m always writing, editing, and revising. I’m currently working on The Blushing Death series #5 and #6. I am also working on my dystopian paranormal romance trilogy. I started a master’s program at The Ohio State University in August. This means a lot of course work but its very rewarding. 



BOOK BLURB

Killing vampires is easy. Trusting one will be the hardest thing Dahlia Sabin has ever done.

Dahlia has lived a lonely existence as a killer of the undead. Known as The Blushing Death to those that fear her, Dahlia uncovers a plot by Columbus’s Master Vampire, Ethan. He intends to raise a demon from the depths of hell to destroy the city, cement his power, and take control.

In her pursuit to stop a demon from manifesting, Dahlia sinks deeper into the city’s supernatural underworld and discovers that vampires are not only deadly; one in particular could be dangerous to her very soul and her heart. Patrick, the Master vampire’s second-in-command with dark penetrating eyes and a cool, deadly sophistication, can’t stay away and Dahlia can’t tell him no. There’s something that neither of them knows, Ethan wants Dahlia’s unleashed power for himself and is willing to do anything to get it.

Dahlia is in a race against time to send the demon back to hell, at war with her better judgment, trusting a dark and intriguing vampire with his own agenda, while struggling to save her own neck. As the portal to hell opens, Dahlia has only herself to rely on in order to survive, if she can …



A little bit about the author.

Suzanne M. Sabol began writing at a young age, completing her first full-length novel at the age of 17. Her love of everything paranormal and romance began shortly thereafter. She is an avid reader and writer, focusing mostly in the urban fantasy genre. She loves reading anything from contemporary single title romance to detective noir as well as the classics.
Suzanne published her first novel Cursed in 2009, Pool of Crimson in 2012, and Midnight Ash will be available in November of 2012. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with majors in Criminology, International Studies, Russian and Political Science. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration at the John Glenn School of Public Policy. She works full time as a Human Resources Professional and Fiscal Officer.


Suzanne was born and raised in Eastern Ohio where she was more likely to see a deer on the road than a sports car. She currently resides in Columbus Ohio with her husband Ross. When she’s not working, writing, or reading; she’s spending time traveling and looking for the next great story. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Central Ohio Fiction Writers.




How can my readers buy your book? 

Readers can go to the publisher’s home page at http://www.soulmatepublishing.com

You can find more information about Suzanne M. Sabol and my book, Pool of Crimson by

visiting my website, http://www.suzannemsabol.com or

my blog at http://www.goodreads.com

Just a few fun questions to answer if you don’t mind.

 

1)      What’s your favorite movie?

a.       The Thin Man with William Powell and Myrna Loy

2)      What is your favorite TV show?

a.       Once Upon a Time

3)      What is your favorite thing to drink?

a.       Iced Tea

4)      Who is your favorite author to read?

a.       Jane Austen

5)      What’s your favorite vacation spot?

a.       Barcelona, Spain

6)      What’s the best piece of advice you have been given?

a.       It’s not brain surgery.  Everything else can be fixed.

 

****



 Disclaimer: This scene takes place in Pool of Crimson after Jade returned home. This scene takes place the morning after Jade and Dahlia were run off the road. This has not been professionally edited so read at your own risk. I hope this gives you a little more insight into Jade. Enjoy!
Jade stepped out of the taxi, tossing a few bucks in the driver’s direction. She had no idea whether she tossed him a $10, $20 or even a $50. Her heart was still racing and images from the night before roared through her head. She was excited. Exhausted, but excited too. Someone had tried to run them off the road. Someone had tried to kill them. She’d known there was something dangerous about Dahlia the first time she met her. Jade had been bored and looking for something… She sure found it.

"Shit," she whispered.

Jade stepped inside her foyer, listening to the soft hum of the furnace running and air filtering through her townhouse. No one was there. No one was ever there. She closed the front door behind her and set the alarm.

Dahlia had been so calm, so in charge, and composed the whole time. It was annoying. Jade liked to fly by the seat of her pants and see what happened.

She dropped her bag on the floor and ran up the hardwood stairs, taking two at a time. The curved staircase up the two-story foyer seemed like a good idea at the time. Putting her office on the first floor and the kitchen on the second floor, wasn’t a good idea. Jeez, she needed to start working out again. The hand blown Murano glass chandelier covered the walls with a soft white diamonds of light reflected through the imperfections of the glass. She rounded the corner, almost knocking the Waterford crystal vase her father’s secretary had picked out for Jade’s sixteenth birthday, from the table along the banister as she ran. It wobbled but didn’t fall.

She flung the door of her office open and darted inside. She’d told Dahlia that she’d start digging into the Ahriman thing but there was something she needed to do first. She booted up the computer system, an impressive collection of servers, monitors and high-powered processors. She always loved electronics. Her mother would scream at her about taking the VCR, CD player, DVD player, and the television apart. Jade slowed for a moment as a flash of her Mother’s face filled her mind. Her mother had been beautiful. Jade remembered her smiling and laughing but she also remembered her crying. Jade had cried too, sitting at her mother’s bedside. Cancer had taken her dignity and her beauty until the woman Jade knew was gone, making the bright green eyes she’d known as a child dull and lifeless.

Jade shook off the empty feeling twisting the pit of her stomach. Her mother wouldn’t want Jade to wallow. Jade opened up her Mac beside the computer system and typed the apple ID into the field.

The screen flashed to life inside of her father’s New York office, the view of midtown Manhattan filled the screen with the morning light making the office seem more welcoming than she knew it to be from experience.

"Dad?" she called into the empty chair sitting in front of the screen. "Dad are you there?"

"Who’s there?" a stern, feminine voice called from the other side of the office.

Perfect!

"I’d like to speak to my Father," Jade bit out. She hated her father’s secretary. She didn’t feel too bad about that though, the feeling was mutual. The woman, Valarie, came around the desk. Her dark hair was streaked with white strands, showing her age. She didn’t bother to color it which made her look like the Bride of Frankenstein. Valarie’s features were drastic and reminded Jade of a crow. She didn’t dare say that out loud. Alright, maybe she already had said it out loud and that was one of the reasons they didn’t get along.

"Oh, it’s you," she snorted.

"Where’s my Father?" Jade snapped, unable to keep the stress from the previous night and her anger at the bitch on screen from her voice.

"Mr. Markowitz, your daughter wishes a word with you. Remember, you are already 15 minutes late for the marketing meeting and the London office is on the line. What should I tell them?" she cooed sweetly. She was such a bitch.

"I’ll speak with London in a moment. Jade, I’m very busy. What is it?" her father’s words echoed in the silence of her house. He didn’t bother to come around the desk and into view of the camera. Jade rolled her eyes.

"Are you fucking kidding me? You can’t even come around the damned desk!"

"Jade!"

"Mr. Markowitz, if your daughter is going to use such abusive language, I refuse to be in the room."

"Thank you Jesus! Evidently, he does answer prayers," Jade snipped. A little tingle of joy crept through her at making that hag’s hackles rise.

"Jade Elizabeth Markowitz!" her father shouted, finally coming around the edge of the desk. His dark hair was mixed with the silver of age, giving him a debonair salt and pepper look. His facial features were sharp with the same wide mouth and full lips she hated on herself. He slammed his large, still strong hands on the desk as he leaned into the camera. "What is wrong with you?"

She couldn’t help but cause trouble. It was the only way she could get his attention. Jade was well aware that she was seeking negative attention but she’d been doing it since she was eleven. Old habits died hard.

"I was in an accident last night," she muttered, shrinking away from the screen like the little girl he always made her feel like.

"So, you need a new car? I’ll have Tom send you something," he snapped, walking away from the desk and the screen. "Valarie, call Tom. Jade needs a new car."

"Again?"

"Dad? Don’t you even want to know if I’m alright?" Jade asked and even she could hear the pleading in her voice. Her eyes filled with unshed tears and her bottom lip trembled as she waited for him to say something.

"Clearly, you’re fine. Now, Jade I’m very busy. Did you need something else?" "No, Dad…that was it."

The computer screen went dark. Jade stared at her own image on the screen staring back at her. Jade brushed the only tear she allowed from her cheek. She straightened her shoulders and sat up straighter.

Dahlia wouldn’t let this get to her, she’d get even.

"Damn straight she would," Jade huffed. She closed the Mac and swiveled in her chair. She booted up the overly expensive, government grade computer system she’d installed with her father’s money. "Get a business degree Jade, only the help gets a degree in computer science," Jade snorted, repeating her father’s to her words from years ago. "Let’s see what kind of damage a computer science degree can do," she said, smirking to herself as she broke through the system at her father’s company.

"You should really have better firewalls, DAD!"

Before long, the entire company computer system was open to her. In a quick couple of key strokes, she released her virus into their system as the entire thing crashed before her eyes. She imaged thousands of people sitting in front of blank screens in frustration and the entire building coming to an abrupt halt. The virus would only shut them down for twenty minutes. She didn’t want to bring the whole thing down, just cause a little aggravation. The corners of her mouth turned up in delight.

She leaned back in her chair and breathed deep, letting her shoulders slump in relief. Maybe her father didn’t respect her, love her, or even like her but she could deal with that. Someone needed her. Dahlia needed help and Jade could give her what she needed. She sat back up and pulled in close to the computer screen.

"Alright, let’s get back to work. Ahriman, who are you? Where do you come from?"

 

 

Suzanne would like to give a free copy of her book, Pool of Crimson, to one lucky commenter. Please remeber to check back here tomorrow to see if you are the winner!

 

My interview in my local newspaper

Books by Sarah Hoss get to the heart of romance

Comet staff report

Sarah Hoss of Delphi has written two romance books that are scheduled for release in the next few months.

“Heaven Sent” is a contemporary romance novella and will be out Dec. 19. It is being published by The Wild Rose Press. “Dreams of the Highlander” is a historical paranormal romance. Hoss said an exact release date has not been set, but she expects it to come out toward the end of the winter season. The publisher is Soul Mate Publishing.

“Heaven Sent” is about flight nurse Tenlee Hawkins, who finds a man unconscious in her woods and saves his life. He awakens in the hospital with a concussion and no memory. Tenlee takes Sam into her home and her life. But as he recovers and remembers who he is, he’s torn. As the promise of true love grows, Tenlee realizes that Sam has helped her much more than she ever helped him. But Sam is filled with guilt knowing he must soon leave. Will it take a Christmas miracle to find the life with Tenlee he’s always wanted?

“Dreams of the Highlander” is a historical paranormal time travel story. “They say time heals all wounds. They never said it would take three hundred years.” After suffering with the loss of his wife and child, fierce Highland warrior, Alexander Macpherson vows to never love again - but now his recurring dream of a beautiful woman is haunting him every night. Marlana Crawford has sworn off men after the love of her life cheated on her, but when she reveals her dreams of a sexy Scot to her friends, they encourage her to take a trip abroad in hopes of finding out the meaning of her dreams. One careless wish lands Marlana in 18th century Scotland and into the arms of Alexander. To conquer his pain, he must learn to love again or will he allow his bitter enemy to lay claim to her for himself?

Hoss is the daughter of Wayne and Reva Disinger of Delphi. She grew up believing she could try anything and if she set her mind to it, she would succeed. Sixteen years of dance lessons, cheerleading, and school plays proved to her that her parents’ words rang true. Writing was no exception.

Reading the “Outlander” series made her fall in love with time travels and the historical places books could take her. Always a child with a vivid imagination, she realized as an adult that she could put her imagination to good use, and began writing.

Hoss married her very own hero, Andy. “We have three beautiful children and one hyper dog,” she said.

" I have been writing now for about five years and have enjoyed the journey very much.” Hoss said.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, gardening, camping, and watching her kids play sports.
She has a blog called “Heart of Romance” where she posts things about her writing and does author interviews. The address is www.heart-of-romance.blogspot.com. She can also be followed on Facebook and www.twitter.com/@SarahHoss1