• Contemporary

    Researching a Publisher: 3 Author Tips by Mary Caelsto @harmoniczen #RLFblog #musecharmer

    Mary Caelsto 
    More choices for authors means more ways to publish and more
    publishers. Having a completed, polished manuscript is only part of the work of
    getting published. The next step is to find a publisher. With so many companies
    arriving on the scene and going out of business, it can be difficult–maddening
    even–to find a publisher. So what’s an author to do?
    The very first thing I suggest to authors is to leverage the
    power of a favorite search engine. This shouldn’t be the only criteria an author
    uses to choose a publisher. It can, however, provide a good start. The best way
    to search is to use proper terms. The publisher’s full name should be searched with
    quotation marks around it to ensure that the name as an entire phrase comes up.
    For example, searching “ABC Books” without the quotes will bring up results
    with “books” in it, but not the ABC. That probably won’t be very helpful.
    Even if the publisher has a unique name, use the quotes. What you feel is unique
    may not be when searched against the entirety of the internet.
    Next add a modifier. I use a word like problems or issues. The
    way this looks in a search engine is like this:
    “Publisher full name” + problems
    Then, look at the results that come up. Newer dates are bigger
    issues, as are venues. Let’s take a moment for some honesty. No publisher will make
    every author happy. This means that there is a good chance that some result will
    come up. A story in Publisher’s Weekly or other high visibility blog will raise
    more alarm bells than a single result from one author.
    It is the author’s job to determine which issues, if any, aren’t
    deal breakers. Personally and for many authors, any issues make the publisher a
    non-starter. There are too many good publishers out there to get caught with the
    bad ones.
    Beyond a search engine, the next step in smart publisher research
    is doing some good old-fashioned leg work. Visit the publisher’s website. Look at
    their covers. See if they lean heavily to a specific genre or subset of books. An
    author should make sure that his or her books will fit in well with the publisher’s
    literary culture (or lack thereof). A sweet romance author in a sea of erotic books
    where it’s obvious the website and publisher caters toward the steamier books wouldn’t
    be a good fit, for example.
    Yet, there’s one more tool for smart publisher research: reading
    the books. Yes, this takes time. Yes, this may be an investment. However, the prettiest
    cover and best laid out website could conceal books with poor editing. If an author
    absolutely cannot find time to read books, then check reviews. Many good review
    sites will mention issues with editing or storyline problems.
    There’s more to publisher research than these three steps; however,
    by starting with these processes, the author will have a good feeling which publishers
    will do right by them and whose books the author will feel proud about being among.
    Taking some time in publisher research will prevent trouble and heartbreak down
    the road. And, there’s a good chance it will lead to better sales.

    More Resources

    If you’re interested in learning more, join Mary starting August
    20, 2014 for Smart Publisher Evaluation for Career-Minded Authors. This week-long
    course will dive deep into the art of evaluating publishers so authors can avoid
    trouble, find the best fit for them, and know that they, and their work, will be
    supported. Learn more and register here: http://musecharmer.com/musestore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=75&products_id=212
    Daily Writing Inspiration: http://www.dailywritinginspiration.com
    Visit her website at www.musecharmer.com
    to get her free video presentation Tap Into Your Muse Power to learn exactly how
    an author’s muse is the most important tool for today’s working author.

    Author Bio

    Mary lives in the Ozarks with her husband, three spoiled horses,
    an office rabbit, an opinionated parrot, a not-so-itty-bitty kitty committee, and
    a charmed chicken (rooster). She’s been published since 2002, working for some of
    the biggest and best digital-first publishers. Three years ago, she began The Muse
    Charmer to share her insights from being in the publishing industry for so long
    with authors. Her belief: it can be easy to be an author today. To that end, she
    offers classes, news, and information authors can use to navigate today’s ever-changing
    publishing industry.

    Author Social Media

    Website: http://www.musecharmer.com
  • Contemporary

    3 Tips for Writing Likeable Characters @VeronicaBale1 #RLFblog #amwriting

    A Noble Deception 
    Today’s post is by guest author Veronica Bale.
    It there’s one thing you need to know about yourself as a writer,
    it’s what you do well. As an author of historical romances, I know I’m good at creating
    real, believable characters. I’m not being arrogant by saying that, it’s actually
    what my readers say in their reviews of my books:
    “A warm-blooded historical romance that breathes with the
    true humanity of its characters (even the secondary ones).” – A Noble Deception
    “The H and h are likeable characters that I would enjoy
    reading more about.” – Bride of Dunloch
    “A very engaging presentation and characters you’re compelled
    to follow.” – Legend of the Mist.
    It’s something you hear often about your favourite books: the
    characters are likeable; they are real. But what, exactly, makes a character real?
    This is unfortunately something that surprisingly few writers (relatively speaking)
    understand. And that’s a shame, because creating memorable characters that readers
    can identify with is not hard to do.
    At the risk of giving a leg up to the competition (that’s tongue-in-cheek
    of course; I always love to help my fellow writers), I’ll share a trade secret:
    the trick to writing real, likeable characters is to spend time on scenes, or parts
    of scenes, which do absolutely nothing to further your plot.
    Please, keep reading this post – I promise, I’m making sense.
    You might think it’s counterproductive to waste time on anything that doesn’t further
    your plot. And if the sheer volume of books out there that don’t understand this
    vital concept attest to anything, it’s that many authors would agree with you. But
    nothing could be further from the truth. By allowing your character these non-plot-advancing
    sections, in which nothing more than their personalities are front and centre, you
    make them real to your readers.
    Here are three methods you can try to add likeability to your
    characters.

    Silliness

    Ever had a tickle-fight? Ever played keep-away? These kinds of
    silly moments, especially between your characters, are a great way to show their
    real sides. They are fun moments, and don’t do much to enhance your plot. What they
    do is enhance the overall quality of your story, though.
    Take the Disney movie Tangled as an example. The character of
    Flynn Ryder is obviously the sexy, smouldering hero we expect of a good fairytale.
    But what did you think about the scene where Rapunzel wasn’t falling for his charms,
    so he declared it was time to “give her the smoulder?” What did you think
    when, after she dropped him on his face, he groaned “You broke my smoulder?”
    Didn’t that endear him to you all the more?
    Admittedly Tangled is a children’s comedy; it’s supposed to have
    silly bits like that to make the audience laugh. But apply the logic I’ve given
    you to the romance novels you’ve read where the characters fell flat. I’m betting
    that silly moments like this were notably absent.
    This is especially prevalent in historical romance novels. Too
    many authors focus only the sombre mood, the tension borne of historical conflict
    or the burning lust. But even in a romance novel with tension and strife and desire,
    your characters can still indulge in a bit of silliness every now and again.

    Banter

    I just had a bantering argument with my husband about whether
    or not soccer is the least skill-oriented sport played professionally. At the end
    of the … discussion (putting it mildly) we were no further ahead on the topic than
    the last time we argued about it.
    Everyone banters. What real person doesn’t? So, if you want your
    characters to be real, let them banter. Let them argue and snipe at each other over
    something that has nothing whatsoever to do with your main storyline. Let them debate
    about the most ridiculous of things, and let them rage at how pig-headed and stubborn
    they’re each being over something so insignificant. They might end up angry at each
    other by the end of your chapter, but your readers will end up loving them because
    of it.

    Mild embarrassment

    Have you seen the movie Hitch with Will Smith and Eva Mendez?
    Then you’ll probably remember the part where Will Smith’s character, Alex Hitchens,
    has an allergic reaction to shellfish. Okay, now I’ll admit that seeing him with
    a distorted, swollen face did not do this hottie any favours, but how much more
    attractive did this embarrassing event make him overall? No longer the smooth-talking,
    suave “Date Doctor,” we saw Alex Hitchens’ real side. And we loved him
    for it.
    Your characters, too, can benefit from times of mild embarrassment
    like this. Maybe your hero gets caught belting out some Spice Girls tunes in the
    shower. Maybe your leading lady falls into a nearby body of water in her best cocktail
    dress. Whatever it is, embarrassing your characters this way warms them to us and
    makes them real. Because hey, we’ve all been there.
    Living, breathing characters are so much more than the things
    they need to do and say to advance your plot. Your characters become real when we
    see them do and say things that we recognize of ourselves – silly, stupid and embarrassing
    things. Allow your characters a few unnecessary scenes where their personalities
    can really come through; let your creativity wander in writing those memorable moments.
    They serve your plot in no measurable way, but they’ll serve your overall story
    beautifully.
    These aren’t the only ways to show the real sides of your characters
    and make them likeable. What other “tricks” can you think of? Weigh in
    here at Romance Lives Forever and let us know.

    Author Bio

    Veronica Bale
    Veronica Bale is a romance novelist, freelance writer and copyeditor.
    Her latest book, A
    Noble Deception, was released June 1st. She graduated from Toronto’s
    York University with a degree
    in environmental writing, and she writes Scottish historical romance novels with
    strong heroines and cracking-good love stories.

    Author Social Media

    Amazon (A Noble Deception): http://www.amazon.com/Noble-Deception-Douglas-Clan-Book-ebook/dp/B00KPMIT9W/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405700363&sr=8-1&keywords=a+noble+deception

  • Contemporary

    Writing “Campaign” the novel by E Ayers @ayersbooks #RLFblog #contemporary

    Campaign
    Thanks so much for having me here
    today. My newest book Campaign will be live Monday, July 21, 2014. It’s my seventh
    River City novel. River City is a fictional mid-sized city in the eastern United States.
    I love writing the River City
    novels because they aren’t exactly a series, although it’s fun to read them in order,
    just jump in and try one. The glue that holds them together is the city. Yes, many
    of the characters know each other. Some work together, are friends, or are business
    associates. So there can be some loose ties between them.
    In my head, I have some criteria for
    River City novels. The couple has to be doing something
    to make the city better. It doesn’t matter if they donate to a cause, or actively
    participate in some sort of activity/volunteer program, such as coaching soccer.
    Plus there has to be something about that story that needs to be told. Something
    different that sets it apart.
    I’m going to say that all the stories
    are PG-13. Let’s face it, teens today know more about sex than their grandmothers
    did after they were married! That might sound horrifying to some people, but I don’t
    think it is. Knowledge is power. It’s also protection!
    So that said, I’m PG-13. I don’t write
    anything too sweet or too hot. I’m right down the middle. I let my characters and
    their personalities drive the heat of the story.
    Writing Campaign was a roller coaster
    ride. It’s an emotional story, filled with highs and lows. And just when I thought
    I had a grip on it, my heroine, Kathryn “Ryn” Demary would toss another
    problem at me, because she wasn’t the average heroine. And Brad Shoemaker might
    have fallen in love with her, but he had a career choice at stake.
    So while the story seems simple enough,
    Ryn wasn’t. She’s mute and that is a huge factor throughout the story. Yes, there’s
    dialog. She talks with her hands, she uses a computer gadget, and occasionally pen
    and paper. That alone created a grammar nightmare. So after spending some time at
    one of the local colleges discussing the situation with the grammar gurus, it was
    concluded that she signed or she typed was to be treated exactly the same as she
    said.
    The other problem with signing is
    that folks who sign don’t exactly use each word and there is no past or future tense.
    They sign you go store eggs milk bread I cook food we food. That could mean you
    went to the store so I cooked the dinner – let’s eat! Because Ryn can hear, and
    once upon a time, had a voice, she might sign in the abbreviated form, but in her
    head, she’s saying the whole sentence. I used the whole sentence.
    The truth is people don’t know what
    to do when faced with someone who is disabled. Fear that they can’t communicate,
    or that they will do, or say, the wrong thing keeps people at a distance. And that
    can be heart breaking for the person with a disability.
    I hope when people are done reading
    Campaign, they will understand a little more about disabilities, and they will see
    Ryn as a young woman who is surviving in a vocal world. She loves Brad and wants
    to be his wife, but she wants to be more than a silent smile at his side.
    Campaign Brad and Ryn’s Story A River City
    Novel
    Contemporary Romance
    Brad Shoemaker was blindsided when he discovered that love could
    be silent, and Kathryn “Ryn” Demary is mute. But when Mayor Bruno Giovanni
    is forced into early retirement, he chooses Brad to run in his place. Ryn is determined
    to campaign at Brad’s side, but instead of being an asset, she just might be his
    biggest liability. Ryn finds herself campaigning not just for Brad to become mayor
    but also for his love. Politics can get dirty and Ryn’s caught in the middle.

    Buy This Book

    Available soon: Check author’s website for buy links  http://ayersbooks.wordpress.com

    Author Bio

    E. Ayers is a multi-published and Amazon best-selling author
    of western and contemporary romances. Her books are never too sweet or too hot.
    She writes down the middle. She is proud to be part of the Authors of Main Street,
    an elite group of award-winning and best-selling contemporary authors.

    Giveaway

    Anyone who signs up for the Authors of Main Street Newsletter
    today or tomorrow will be eligible to win an autographed copy of Campaign in their
    choice of Kindle or PDF format. Our newsletter goes out once a month and represents
    all the authors on Main Street.

    Author Social Media

    Amazon Author Page http://amzn.com/e/B005AYJ0XE
    Authors of Main Street Newsletter http://ow.ly/xel3e
  • Contemporary

    Writing Paranormal by JoAnne Myers @scooterismine #RLFblog #paranormalromance

    When it comes to fiction writing, almost anything goes. That
    is why I love writing paranormal stories. The author can go completely over the
    edge and make something unbelievable seem believable. When it comes to ghost
    stories, I get a lot of my inspiration from real life experiences. Not
    necessarily my own either. I watch television programs that partake of the
    supernatural and paranormal flare. Programs from ordinary people who claim they
    experienced either an afterlife experience, or a haunting.

    Some of my stories from my upcoming release “Wicked
    Intentions” are based on actual hauntings. Some stories I read about in
    the newspaper, and others I watched on true life experience programs.
    Blurbs for “Wicked Intentions”
    Some of the stories from my paranormal anthology,
    “Wicked Intentions” are based on actual hauntings. In The Legend of
    Lake Manor, I placed my young psychic, Cassandra Lopez, in a haunted mansion I
    fashioned on my knowledge of a three-story mansion in my hometown and
    information from television about a restaurant/bar in Ohio, supposedly ruled by demons so violent
    that the local police are constantly closing it down.
    A television documentary about a young mother plagued by
    ghost sightings since childhood, inspired The Haunting of Barb Marie and her
    gift/curse.
    And The Apartment, in which my newlyweds, Bill and Gayle,
    are plagued by sightings of evil ghosts that threaten their marriage and theirs
    lives, originated from a real apartment haunted by the ghosts of two homosexual
    lovers who died violently. The legend says no tenant is able to stay there
    until the spirits are chased off by a paranormal investigation team.
    On the Discovery Channel, I got the idea for Summer Wind. I
    learned of the colonial explorer Jonathon Carver who lived during the 1700s and
    whose ghost is believed to be haunting the Summerwind estate, built in the
    early 20th century. Carver’s ghost is, supposedly, searching the house’s
    foundations for deeds to a vast tract of land (10,000 square miles) given to
    him by Sioux Indian chiefs as a reward for the peace treaty he created between
    two warring tribes. In my Summer Wind, 29 year-old Ginger is mysteriously drawn
    to the old mansion, and like the many owners of the real mansion, the haunting
    had a negative and profound effect on Ginger and her family.
    Another investigative program concerned one sister’s psychic
    premonitions about her twin’s murder. This led to my story, Blood Ties, and my
    heroine, Audra Roper’s dark, disturbing visions of her sister’s disappearance
    and the roller coaster of risks, heartbreak, and intrigue that followed.
    Dark Visions came from reading a newspaper story while
    sitting in a diner. A young woman began having visions of her father’s
    disappearance that was actually his murder from years earlier. So, my Carrie
    Reynolds starts having nightmares on her twenty-sixth birthday and believes
    these ‘dark visions’ can solve the twenty year disappearance of her father.
    I set my murder mystery, The Truth Behind the Lies, on Norfolk Island after following a three year long murder
    investigation on that island from 2003. In my story, Federal Police Inspector
    Ian Christian faces attacks, more murders and ghostly occurrences, and the
    killer is closer than anyone realizes.
    So, the next time you get Writer’s Block, or need a new
    idea, try switching on the television, open a newspaper, delve into history or
    simply look and listen. You will find something to stimulate your muse.

    Other books by JoAnne Myers

    Murder Most Foul-a detective/mystery
    Loves, Myths, and Monsters-a fantasy anthology
    The Crime of the Century-a biography true crime
    Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between
    Upcoming Releases:
    Twisted Love-a biography true crime anthology available May
    10
    Flagitious-a detective/mystery novella anthology available
    Summer 2014

    Buy This Book

    Buy links for “Wicked Intentions” 7
    paranormal/mystery tales
    JoAnne Myers
    http://www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/WickedIntentions.html
    Paperback:
    http://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?keyWords=wicked+intentions&categoryId=100501
    Amazon:

    Author Bio

    I have been a long-time
    resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the
    blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my
    belt, I canvas paint.
    When not busy with
    hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs
    Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member
    of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance,
    Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association,
    the Hocking Hill’s Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County
    Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills
    Regional Welcome
    Center. I believe in
    family values and following your dreams. My books along with my original canvas
    paintings, can be found at:

    Author Social Media

    Facebook http://www.facebook.com/joanne.myers.927

  • Contemporary

    Self Publishing-the Pros and Cons by JoAnne Myers @scooterismine #RLFblog #writertips

    Loves, Myths, Monsters 
    The best thing about
    self-publishing is that you are guaranteed to be published, no matter what type
    book you choose to write. Traditional publishers often look for something not
    yet written about, or seldom written about; such as true life alien abductions,
    or what Earth might be like in the year 4000, if humans last that long.
    Self-publishing allows the author
    more leeway with subject matter. The author can tell it like it is; unlike
    traditional publishers who generally follow a code of conduct, for the fear of
    treading on someone’s toes. Traditional publishers always have that fear of
    being sued for libel, whereas self-publishers tend to not care what others
    think.
    With self publishing every detail
    is up to the author. From hiring a professional editor if the self publishing
    author is not prolific in the English language. Editing is expensive, and every
    book, even self publishing needs some editing to help polish the final product.
    Self-publishing does offer editing and marketing services, but for an
    additional price, that can be expensive. All that work is taken care of by a
    traditional publisher, which means less headaches and work for the author.
    When it comes to book covers,
    self-publishing companies usually give the author a selection of artwork to
    choose from. Some of this artwork is free, but some usually cost a few dollars.
    The free artwork is seldom great, and might not coincide with the books
    material. For paid artwork at self-publishing companies, the artwork is
    upgraded and more pleasing to the eye, but is an extra cost, which might for
    some self-publishers, mean an extra dent in their pocketbooks. Traditional
    publishers have their own art department, which means the author is guaranteed
    a terrific book cover, which is included in the contract. Both self-publishing
    and traditional publishing companies, though, usually allow the author to use
    their own artwork if the author chooses too, especially if the book is about
    the author’s family, pet, friends, or profession. Using personal artwork adds a
    touch of personification and genuine sincerity to the book; which is always a
    good selling point.
    What I discovered through Amazon,
    and something they did not tell me in the beginning, is that with them, the
    author must keep a supply of their books at the Amazon warehouse. Amazon is not
    a print on demand (POD) distributor as is Lulu, as I initially believed it to
    be. When it comes to any type of artwork, whether it be books, jewelry, or candles,
    artwork is usually a hard product to sell. If it were easy, all artists and
    authors would be wealthy.
    Lulu on the other hand, is a
    print on demand self publisher. They do not store books, but keep each title
    stored in a queue, at a contracted print on demand printer.
    Also, what I understand is that
    Lulu allows 80% of the royalties to go to the author, and Amazon allows 70%,
    but that percentage is only applicable for books sold to certain countries
    outside of the U.S., such as
    Brazil, Japan, Mexico,
    and India,
    and only for titles enrolled in KDP Select. This in reality means that the
    author receives an average 35% of the sales, and Amazon gets the other 65%.
    An author can struggle with
    locating a traditional publishing company for many reasons. They have written a
    book that only they are interested in; such as their family history. I don’t
    believe most would be interested in reading about someone else’s family tree,
    unless it is as brilliant as the book Roots, was. If a author is struggling
    with locating a traditional publishing company, than self-publishing is for
    them. I for one believe that if a writer has written a book, they should
    continue seeking out the traditional publishing company. This only applies if
    their book is polished and ready for sale. If a book has many graphical errors,
    it will not be taken seriously by a traditional publisher. Getting away with
    graphical errors in a self-published book is possible, but it would be
    disappointing and frustrating to the reader. Whether the book is self-published
    or traditionally published, the final product should be free of errors, and
    entertaining, and pleasing to the eye. In my opinion, when it comes to Lulu
    versus Amazon, Amazon bites the dust. Good luck.

    About the Book

    Loves, Myths and Monsters — 11 tales of fantasy, intrigue,
    and mystery, entwined within the human world.
    Welcome To Anna
    Little does 17 year old Zoe realize, but the Chupracabra
    followed her to Ohio from South
    America. What happens next is a series of chilling mysteries, and
    unsuspecting friendships and love.
    The Hunter’s Bride
    When all game warden Daren Abram had to worry about was
    which lucky lady to woo, he comes to the realization that his town is being
    stalked by the reincarnation of the town’s legend.
    Moon People
    For teenage mermaid Constance, coming to the quaint seaside
    town of Willowick
    is heavenly, until she falls for mortal boy Drake. For the town to survive, Constance is forced to choose between her kind and the
    boy and town she loves.
    The Pack
    When young Lycan Sonny Red Blanket, a Shawnee Indian, falls
    for mortal girl Drenda Way,
    he must save her from his fellow Lycans and stop a werewolf uprising.
    The Bidding
    Apiologist 34-year-old Duncan McPherson goes to Circleville, Ohio, to investigate a series of
    mysterious bee attacks. What is uncovered proves to be more dark and sinister
    then anyone imaged.
    The Agreement
    Being incarcerated in the abandoned Roseville jail is the last thing rich college
    student and speeder Brice Conrad needs. With an “agreement” between
    the town and a permanent demonic “guest,” only the unfortunate ones
    know the truth, but do not live to tell.
    For The Love of Ginnie
    Handsome bachelor and Scientist Alex Anderson from the
    thirtieth century, returns to the Civil War with time serum to save his beloved
    Ginnie Wade from a sniper’s bullet, while finding a roller coaster ride of joy
    and perils.
    Is It Only A Myth?
    When 32-year-old Vinton County Sheriff, James
    “Jim” Connors, discovers he has a Mothman hunting in his county, he
    stops at nothing to save his citizens.
    The Proposition
    The rough and ready cowboy John Queenie gets the shock of
    his life when the ad to break a “wild filly” turns out to be a fiery
    Quaker girl named Tess. This is a story proving love conquers all.
    The House On Shady
    Lane
    A seemingly loving family turns out to be serial killers in
    1873.
    Love’s Curse
    When an Egypt
    love curse scroll is stolen from a Dean’s office, persons begin dying in
    bizarre and grisly ways, with the college’s mascot a Viking King statue
    jokingly blamed for it.

    Buy This Book

    Melange in Print and eBook: http://www.melange-books.com/authors/joannemyers/LMM.html

    Other books by JoAnne:

    Murder Most Foul-a detective/mystery
    Wicked Intentions-7 bone chilling paranormal tales
    The Crime of the Century-a biography true crime
    Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between

    Upcoming Releases:

    Twisted Love-a biography true crime anthology available June
    JoAnne Myers 
    Flagitious-a detective/mystery novella anthology available
    August 2014

    Author Bio

    I have been a long-time
    resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the
    blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my
    belt, I canvas paint.
    When not busy with
    hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs
    Jasmine and Scooter, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member
    of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance,
    Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association,
    the Hocking Hill’s Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County
    Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking
    Hills Regional Welcome Center.
    I believe in family values and following your dreams. My books along with my
    original canvas paintings, can be found at:

    Author Social Media

  • Contemporary

    What Kind of Woman Does an Alpha Love? @samcheever #RLFblog

    Tall Dark and Apocalyptic 
    USA
    Today Best Selling Author Sam Cheever writes romantic paranormal/fantasy and mystery/suspense,
    creating stories that celebrate the joy of love in all its forms. Known for writing
    great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the
    award-winning author of 50+ books and has been writing for over a decade under several
    noms de plume. Here’s her take on Alpha Males.
    As the rabid sales of romances with strong alpha males show,
    women LOVE a strong and sexy alpha hero. But what about the alpha’s woman, doesn’t
    she have to be special too? I believe she does! Not necessarily in the way you might
    be thinking. An alpha’s mate doesn’t have to be the most beautiful woman in the
    world, but she’s beautiful to him. She’s not always model slim, without blemish,
    stronger or smarter than every other woman he knows, but the traits she does have
    speak directly to him. I think that’s what makes reading about alpha males so much
    fun! We can easily put ourselves in the role of the lucky alpha mate, imagining
    that our alpha would find us the sexiest, most tantalizing, and most deliciously
    infuriating woman he knows.
    So, what kind of woman draws an Alpha male? I’m sure the answer
    to this question is as varied as the men who pursue them. But for the purposes of
    a great romance novel, there have to be certain parameters. I submit that the following
    list would suffice:
    First of all, she has to be smart enough to find ways around
    his bossy, dominant personality. This means she has to be a pro at making him think
    it was his idea to do whatever it was she fully intended to do in the first place–even
    when it’s the exact opposite of what he actually wanted her to do.
    Secondly, she has to be able to take care of herself during all
    those times she ignores him and goes off to take care of business by herself.
    Thirdly, she needs to be willing to do whatever it takes to keep
    her man safe, because he’s gonna go marching off to sacrifice himself at the drop
    of a hat if he thinks it will save her…or some elderly person somewhere…or a
    child…or a puppy…a kitten… You get the drift.
    And last, but definitely not least, she needs to have a healthy
    sexual appetite to keep her man happy. Because we all know the alpha male is hotter
    than a wood-burning stove in the desert and harder than the wood it burns. He has
    all that sexual energy that needs to be spent somewhere. (queue wildly waggling
    eyebrows)
    Okay, that last thing isn’t really too difficult. I mean, who
    wouldn’t be ready to hit the mattresses if an alpha male crooked a finger in her
    direction? Which reminds me of one more, kind of important, trait a potential alpha
    mate needs to have. She can’t be too stupid to live.
    Because if she does say no when he crooks his finger. She’s definitely
    TSTL.
    Just sayin’!
    A grand passion in an apocalyptic world. A love beyond reason
    and without boundaries.
    He’s a warrior, a bounty hunter in a world turned upside down.
    She’s a target, a creature of dark magic. His job is simple. Kill the target. Her
    goal is more complex. She must stay alive until she finds and destroys the source
    of death magic staining the twenty worlds. But the passion burning within them may
    be their undoing. It’s going to take an apocalyptic will to overcome the distraction
    their bodies are creating…and not lose themselves in the process.

    About the Book

    Title Tall, Dark, and Apocalyptic
    Genre Paranormal Romance
    Author Sam Cheever
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

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    Author site http://www.samcheever.com/talldark&apocalyptic.html

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