Guest - Ashlyn Chase

Good morning! We've got an interview with Ashlyn Chase today. Ashlyn is the author of the paranormal romantic series 'Strange Neighbors' and has a new series 'Flirting With Fangs' that opens with Flirting Under A Full Moon. Read below to find out how to enter a drawing for a copy of this light-hearted paranormal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Interview With Ashlyn Chase

1.         What draws you to romance?

AC: The happy resolution (Sorry, but I can’t say ‘happy ending’ anymore. Those words have a new meaning in the urban dictionary. Now the phrase makes me feel ewwww. Thanks a lot, questionable massage parlors.)

2.         Have you ever written outside the romance genre? If not, do you ever plan to?

AC: My first novel was meant to be a serious literary piece worthy of a Pulitzer prize. You, know…the great American novel. Thank goodness I got real. Writing romance is much more fun!

3.         What’s your earliest childhood memory?

AC: Oh, boy. You don’t want to know. Maybe it’s just me, but traumatic memories seem to stick harder than pleasant ones. On the other hand, maybe it’s what made me funny. “Tears of a clown’ so to speak. 

4.         If you could pick anyone in the world to be the cover model(s) on your latest release or next release, who would it be?

AC: Chris Hemsworth (Thor!), please. He’d be a perfect Nick Wolfensen! Of course, the cover for Flirting Under a Full Moon is already done, but because I can’t see the hero’s face, I can pretend it’s actually him. *Smile.*

5.         What’s your favorite hobby outside of writing?

AC: I make jewelry. My eyesight is getting worse with age, so I’m using those large hole beads and making Pandora-type jewelry. I have an Etsy.com store called Ashlyn’s Imagination, and I sometimes use the finished products as contest prizes. I have a necklace with a wolf charm in the center to celebrate the new release. The beads are blue—the color of Nick’s eyes.

6.         What would constitute your own personal happily ever after?

AC: I’m living it. Being able to spend my days creatively and my nights with my wonderful husband, whom I call Mr. Amazing, is heaven on earth.

7.         How do you spend a typical writing day?

AC: Um…writing. LOL. Sorry, I tend to be a smart-ass. Actually, I answer email first, after at least one cup of coffee, then write 1,000 plus words. At noonish I knock off and do other stuff. I have to fit promo in there somewhere, but I have an assistant to help me with that now. (Thanks, Jenni!)

8.         Have you ever experienced a paranormal event in your life?

AC: Yes. It’s a little freaky, but I know when my dear departed family is visiting. My entire family of origin is on the other side now, so I’ve had to become comfortable with the occasional ‘drop in.’

9.         Please leave us with a short excerpt from Flirting Under a Full Moon.

AC: Gladly!

EXCERPT

“Make yourself comfortable.”

She did. With her stocking feet curled up under her thighs, she faced him and lifted her glass.

“Cheers,” he said.

“You know that’s the name of a rival bar, right?”

“Oh, right. Well then, Boston Uncommon! Where everybody knows you’re strange.”

She giggled, and they clinked glasses.

After each of them took a sip, he asked, “So, how do we start this?”

She knew what he meant. She had asked for this conversation, but knowing where to begin was daunting. Might as well jump in anywhere.

“I think we need to talk about what we expect from each other.”

He nodded. “Okay. You go first.”

Lovely. Now she had to figure out how to put her feelings into words. “I guess I just want a normal boyfriend.”

He let out a loud guffaw. “Boy, did you come to the wrong place. No wonder you’re disappointed.”

“I never said I was disappointed. I just think we went a little too far too fast. Maybe because we’ve known each other for a while, we thought we knew each other better than we do.”

“Hmmm… Okay. I think I get it. You missed the old-fashioned courting thing?”

“Huh? No. I don’t need that. I just think we should have gone on a few dates and talked about ourselves—our pasts, our present, and maybe the future.”

“Oh, is that what dating is for?” he asked, with a teasing smile.

She rolled her eyes. “Sheesh, I forgot. How would a player like you know that, especially if you’ve never done it?”

“I’ve done it…superficially. I just never got wrapped up in anyone’s life before.”

“Yeah. I think that’s the problem. You got too wrapped up in mine, instantly.”

“Hey, when it’s right, it’s right. Why waste time?” He gave her another teasing grin.

“Stop being charming for five minutes, will you?”

Instead of listening to her, he leaned in for a kiss. And instead of meeting his lips, she raised her glass of wine and took a big sip.

He sighed and leaned back into the loose pillows. “Cock blocked by my own crystal.”

“Nick, I’m serious. We need to talk first.”

“And I’m serious too. About you. About us. I love you, Brandee. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.”

Her jaw dropped. “Really?”

“Honest to God.”

She couldn’t help being impressed and just a little bit flattered. “You’re full of surprises.”

“You are too.”

“Me? I thought I was an open book.”

Nick played with a few strands of her hair. “Maybe with a few pages stuck together. You said there were some reasons you were reluctant to be with me.”

“Yeah. Well, they mostly have to do with my past. I’ve been stood up and dumped a few times. I’ve become kind of cynical when it comes to men in general.”

“They were idiots. I’d never do that to you,” Nick said.

“I’m beginning to believe you.”

“Just beginning to?”

She shrugged. “It’s been hard to trust guys after all those disappointments. It might take a little time.”

“Was any particular relationship more disappointing than the others?”

How should I answer that? Should I tell him about Darryl? Apparently she hesitated too long.

He backed off from the question. “I’m sorry. It’s impolite to talk about ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends. Forget I said anything. Suffice it to say you’ve been hurt.”

She nodded and took another sip, relieved that she didn’t have to go into it.

“Just tell me this. How long ago did it end?”

“Uh…recently.” Her face heated.

He stared at her for a moment. “How recently?”

She squirmed a bit but wanted their relationship built on truth. “A couple weeks ago.”

“A couple weeks? Holy… No wonder.” He cupped her cheek. “Hey, I’m sorry.” A small smile stole across his lips. “But not really.”

She had to laugh. “Yeah, your timing was kind of impeccable. I didn’t even have time to cry about it.”

“Good, because he doesn’t deserve your tears.”

Sure, it was what she wanted to hear, but she didn’t get the sense that he was just saying it to make her feel better. He means it. And surprise, surprise, I believe it.

Relief washed over her like a warm shower washing away the dirt of her past.

This time when he leaned in, she met his lips. It started with a gentle nibble but didn’t stay that way for long. His lips were masterful. Before she knew what was happening, she found herself lying supine with his big body over hers. Her head spun. Why did his kisses always affect her so profoundly?

His mouth traveled from her lips to her neck and collarbone. He hastily pushed up her blouse and bra, then kneaded her breast. Her desire spiked and her body screamed to couple with his.

As his mouth latched onto her nipple, she sucked in a deep breath and arched her back. What had they been talking about? What was she going to ask him? All thoughts flew out of her head, except What’s happening to me? She felt all tingly and hot, as if she was blazing out of control.

She slid her hands into his hair and clutched his head to her breast. A visceral reaction caused her womb to clench. She wanted to take, but she also wanted to give him as much pleasure as he gave her. She wanted to give him—everything.

© Ashlyn Chase, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2013

FLIRTING UNDER A FULL MOON BY ASHLYN CHASE – IN STORES APRIL 2013

Never Cry Werewolf…

Brandee has been dumped in every way possible, but by text is the last straw. That's it—she's officially done with men. Unfortunately, she's just been told her "soul mate" is the drool-worthy hottie all her friends call One-Night Nick.

Nick has been searching for true love for one hundred years. After all, werewolves mate for life, and he does not want to mess this up. As soon as he kisses Brandee, he knows she's the one. But how will he convince a woman who knows nothing of paranormals that she's about to be bound to a werewolf forever?

“A wonderful start to a very lighthearted series...” —Night Owl Reviews, 4.5 Stars, Reviewer Top Pick

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

A multi-published, award winning author Ashlyn Chase specializes in characters who reinvent themselves, having reinvented herself numerous times. She has worked as a psychiatric nurse, and for the Red Cross, and has a degree in behavioral sciences. She lives with her true-life hero husband in beautiful New Hampshire. The next book in the Flirting with Fangs Series, How to Date a Dragon, will be in stores in September 2013. For more information, please visit http://www.ashlynchase.com/, her Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAshlynChase, and on Twitter https://twitter.com/GoddessAsh.

To Purchase Flirting Under a Full Moon:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-a-Million

IndieBound

Chapters/Indigo

Discover a New Love

Sourcebooks


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- Lynda Again,

Danielle, the lovely and talented publicist from Sourcebooks, is offering a giveaway of Flirting Under A Full Moon to one Star-Crossed Romance reader. You must leave a comment AND send me an email with FLIRT in the subject line and your name and address in the body by Friday, April 26. I'll have my alien kitten, Wookie, select the winner (she does so love picking winners, lol)

Have a Blessed Day!

Review - Flirting Under A Full Moon by Ashlyn Chase

 Flirting Under A Full Moon
Ashlyn Chase
Sourcebooks, Casablanca
April 2014

Flirting Under a Full Moon by Ashlyn Chase is a light-hearted paranormal romance that offers a small mystery as well as a host of comedic paranormal complications.

Brandee Hanson, a human working as a barmaid at Boston Uncommon Bar gets dumped once again and this time it's by text message. But Sadie, the bar's resident psychic tells her that her true love could be the next man to walk through the door.  Unfortunately, that man is 'One-Night Nick' Wolfensen, the hunky, commitment-phobic, ex-police officer turned private investigator.

Nick is a werewolf and he, like many other paranormal types, frequents Anthony the vampire's bar that is neutral territory where all non-human races can come and relax without worrying about their various paranormal prejudices. Nick has just been hired to locate the kidnapped fire mage daughter of the mayor. Nick has had a rule about women. He makes no promises and he wants no attachments because he's looking for his true mate. Brandee intrigues him though he isn't sure why.

A few days later, Nick is offered the job of finding the kidnapped daughter of the town mayor. The job is on the hush because the girl is a fire mage and neither the mayor nor the Chief of Police want it known that she's been taken. Nick consults Sadie, the bar psychic, who tells Nick the child is someplace in the theater district. Brandee overhears this conversation and immediately knows the missing child is her cousin, Katie. When she follows him to the theater district, she unwittingly observes him shifting to his wolf form, thus involving her in a world of paranormal creatures that she hadn't even known about.

This leads to far more complications. Among them, angering Mother Nature who is in charge of the paranormal creatures; having her memory wiped by the bar's owner Nick, the vampire, and, of course, falling for one hunk of a werewolf.

I have to admit, I was growing more annoyed each time Brandee gave one of her odd exclamations, ie "Oh my pickled herring." "Oh my heartbreak." "Oh my female gigolo." "Oh my wendigo." … You get the picture. I know it was supposed to be cute but after a short while I was 'Oh my gag me with a spoon' and 'Oh my rip my face off, stop talking like that.' Your mileage may vary.

That said, the story was interesting and fun and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did. It also connects to Ashlyn's Strange Neighbors series since Nick is the twin brother of Konrad, the werewolf but it isn't necessary to read the other books to enjoy this one. 

Guest - Catherine E. McLean

Good morning! We have author Catherine E. McLean visiting us today. Catherine will be talking about some of the interesting questions she's been asked in her writing career. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK AN AUTHOR!

Until I became an author, I never new how inquisitive interviewers and readers were or the mind-boggling questions that they would come up with. So, for this post, I want to share a few of the gems that have caused me to stop, think, and ponder. These are:

Questions About me:

* If you were a sandwich, what would you be?

Hopefully not eaten! LOL
 Okay, so I'd be . . .  A piece of whole-wheat bread, spread with mayonnaise (Hellman's, of course), a slice of Eckrich garlic baloney, and a one inch slab of a very red-ripe, homegrown beefsteak tomato, topped with another mayo-glazed slice of whole-wheat bread.

* Who is your favorite cartoon character?

Marvin the Martian! After all, I do write fantasy, sci-fi, and futuristic stories (most with a romance element).  I adore her, her mutterings and always seeking the "kaboom." Not to mention her stunningly practical green skirt, her helmet, and, especially, her trusty raygun. She's stalwart and gutsy. (I think some of her quirky personality often rubs off onto my secondary, side-kick characters.)

* If money were no object, what would you do?

This is a Bucket List question. And, yes, I have a bucket list, buried somewhere in the piles on my desk. Most of all, I would like to attend the summer Olympics, have a front row seat, and watch the Equestrian driving competitions. As a horseperson, one who owned, raised, and showed Morgan Sport Horses, I competed in obstacle driving events. It would be amazing to see the best of the best equines in the world compete.

* Do you have a hobby? If so, what is it?

Actually I have too many hobbies. Yet, first and foremost, I sew.  I've made everything from underwear to winter coats, and even costumes, like a tailored, circa 1875, replica of a Sidesaddle Coat-Dress. Of course, I've also made riding and driving attire for myself, my husband, and my daughter. My sewing consistently wins blue ribbons at the local fairs, and the medieval costume I did for my daughter garnered a win at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire. My second hobby is photography. My favorite subjects are flowers and nature. Two of my photos won grand championships at fairs. However, my favorite isn't either. It's a black and white, which won two first-places at fairs and a high score in a photo club competition in Erie. That photo happened when I caught a shaft of sunshine blazing through my dining room window to grace a pink, ruffled iris (one I'd cut from my garden). I was wowed. I grabbed my camera, sat on the nearest chair, and snapped the picture. Then the light shifted. The photos are at my website (www.CatherineEmclean.com, go to the top menu "Me-Blogging..." and click on "Photography"). I also use my pictures as greeting cards, on my website, blogs, social media, and on Pinterest.

 However, little did I realize that my photography skills would come in handy as an author. You see, I did the photos for the Choke-berry Shalamiz (the "blood of ages" beverage that Tienan, the hero of KARMA AND MAYHEM used to "baptize" Janey, the story's heroine). When I wrote the book, it was a fictitious drink. After publication, I consulted a chef. She helped me make it a non-alcoholic, fizzy, and oh-so-bloody red beverage. I periodically give away the recipe as a prize.

Questions About being a writer:

* Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Neither. Among the ten types of writers I've been able to identify, I'm a foundation writer. That is, I get an initial story dump, which can be a scene of a few pages to a hundred pages or more. Once I have that information, I use a project bible to delineate characters and develop the plot points. When I have it all figured out, but it's not written in stone, I write the first draft. Since I'm a binger, I write from word one to the end. That draft can take anywhere from fourteen to twenty-eight days to complete. Of course, it will take me nine months to a year or more to get the words right, then I'll market the novel.

* What's your most embarrassing moment as a writer or author?

I'm still embarrassed just thinking about it. As a going-to-be writer some years ago in the hospitality room at a Pennwriters' conference, I sat across the table from New York agent and author Donald Maass. In talking to him, I "talked with my hands," and inadvertently toppled my FULL-TO-THE-BRIM glass of soda. He reacted pretty fast and didn't get soaked. Can't say the same for my lap.

* Of all the characters you've created, which is your favorite?

Adrada, the Archangel of Departing Souls. He came into being one night when I was pondering how to solve a contest riddle about a murder. With his "help," I submitted an entry and won the contest. I didn't realize until many years later that Adrada  appeared in most of my short stories and novels. He is in KARMA AND MAYHEM, my first published novel (an e-book paranormal-fantasy-romance).

Last question: What question has no one yet asked you that you would like to be asked?

That question would be: What was the most fun thing you ever did in your entire life? The answer: Being the prop person for my local little theater group's productions. Fun and fond memories include the time a very large pillow slid outside the descending act's curtain. The director was horrified. I can still hear the audience's collective gasp and silence. Someone tapped me on the shoulder (for which I still don't know why), and I raced across that stage, snatched the pillow, and vanished stage left. I may have set an Olympic sprint record! LOL
 My act of valor not only was praised by the director but also the newspaper reviewer's article, which gave kudos to the performers and mentioned my feat. Yet, in looking back, the incident only confirms that I was never a person who wanted to revel in the spotlight. Instead, I could be counted on to manage things backstage and get the job done. No wonder I made my living as an executive secretary.

ABOUT CATHERINE:

Catherine writes "Women's Starscape Fiction" because she likes a story where characters are real people facing real dilemmas, and where their journey (their adventure-quest, with or without a romance) is among the stars and solar systems, and where there's always a satisfying ending. Writing as C. E. McLean, she has sold short stories in science fiction, romance, paranormal, and contemporary to hard-copy and online anthologies and magazines. Her novel Karma and Mayhem was published in September 2012 by Soul Mate Publishing.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Home Web site: www.CatherineEmclean.com

KARMA AND MAYHEM blog: http://karmaandmayhem.blogspot.com/

Purchase the e-book at https://www.soulmatepublishing.com/karma‑and‑mayhem/ or other e-book outlets (currently only available as an e-book).

SPRING-SUMMER GIVE-AWAY! Details at: http://www.catherineemclean.com/giveaway.html

KARMA AND MAYHEM

             He's a warlock with two souls and karma issues. She's mayhem personified.

Tienan is a warlock and a lawman determined to solve a series of diabolical murders. An incident in his youth gave him a terror of death and made him fear his birthright soul, an energy symbiote called a veed which gives Tienan extraordinary skills. Hosting that veed has also contributed to Tienan's failed relationships with women and convinced him true love doesn't exist.

Janay is an ex‑militia woman down on her luck who is haunted by personal demons, and real ones. When she rescues Tienan's brother, Tienan considers her a gutsy but semi‑deranged commando. She's audacious and unconventional, but with all she's been through in her life, it rankles that she still believes in true love.

So can Tienan accept and trust in his love for Janay, embrace the power needed to wield an Executioner's Katana, and defeat a triad of murderous witches intent on immortality?

Purchase at: https://www.soulmatepublishing.com/karma‑and‑mayhem/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-- Lynda Again,

    Very interesting post! Thank you for visiting us Catherine!

    Have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Jessica Kong

Good morning! Today, author Jessica Kong tells us about her story idea process for A LOST KITTEN, her latest novel. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dreams of Beaches and What If Decisions

How did you come up with the idea for “A Lost Kitten”?

If you are an author, I am sure you have been asked this question multiple times.  Well, not about “A Lost Kitten”, but about your own story.  If you are a reader, you must have thought ‘where do authors come up with this stuff?’ 

Well, for me it all started with a scene from a black and white romance movie that I once saw.  It was a couple laying on the beach in an intimate embrace as the incoming waves washed over them.  That scene sparked a dream so real that it kept me in its clutches for months.  Normally, I read horrors and paranormals as well as watch them on TV.  At the time I had this dream, I had become a new mother of triplets.  It goes without being said that I needed time to relax and regain my sanity.  I did this by replaying in my mind my favorite books and movies.  Even though these stories were great, there was always something I wished the characters had done differently.   

This led me to ask the ‘what if’ question.  What if the man on the beach was a secret agent and the woman he held in his arms was an alien from another world that he was protecting from his government?  What if this alien humanoid evolved from felines?  My mind began showing me a storyline heading in a different direction than the movie’s.  I found it interesting and fun, so I started to write it down.  My new ‘escape from a chaotic world’ was created. 

As I wrote about this blossoming romance, the couple became more real to me.  Their story continued to unravel in my head.  It began to include family members, best friends, traveling into space, even a timeline.  I wrote storyline after storyline from that one beach scene, eventually writing “A Lost Kitten”, a paranormal romance with science fiction elements entailing the firstborn son of that spy and alien feline.  And as we all know, felines can have litters of multiple kittens. 

So to sum it up, storylines are a writer’s daydreams and fantasies written on paper.  At least, when it comes to me it is.

About Jessica

Jessica A. Kong lives in Somerset, New Jersey with her loving husband of 21 yrs. and teenage triplets. She is an avid reader of fantasy, futuristic and paranormals. When she is not reading she enjoys puzzles, crocheting, and playing video games.

&&&&&&

Links to Author:

Book Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-World-of-Sea-ana/462338863811603

Fan Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Kong/155150417957328

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AreoMc

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6533956.Jessica_Kong

Website:  http://www.seaanan.com

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/

A Lost Kitten

Seacat John McCall labels the attack on the Sea-anan Empire as a nightmare. He escapes the enemy’s invasion, only to find himself stranded on a distant planet called Surreal. Tormented by thoughts of his family being massacred or captured by the enemy, he focuses on returning to aid them until he experiences a mind-boggling kiss that can only come from the one he is meant to share his life with. To ease the terror he feels for his family, John seeks the identity of his secret admirer. He quickly learns the true meaning of nightmare when he discovers his soul mate is of “the mist.”

Jasira Eversole is drawn to the powerfully built outlander sitting at the king’s table. Unable to resist the need to see him again, she enters the warrior’s room while he sleeps. John’s rugged good looks and chiseled body compel Jasira to reach out and touch him. Being of the mist, Jasira knows she will not be able to feel John, but she cannot resist his pull. The richness of John’s hair, the firmness of his muscles, and the clean scent of his skin all take Jasira off guard. She swiftly realizes John is her intended mate. Now, Jasira must somehow convince the young warrior that they are two halves of one soul without chasing him off Surreal, leaving her to a lonely existence as mist.

Excerpt

John was drifting off to sleep when he felt someone press their lips to his.  His heart leapt in his chest, waking him.  He did not wait to respond.  He instantly showed his talented Jasira how a McCall kissed. 

He had longed for this kiss since the last time.  Her kiss was how he remembered.  Warm.  Hungry.  Arousing.  John growled.  He lured her tongue into his mouth where he could savor it.  Her taste made his trip to Surreal worth it.  

 

John felt Jasira’s fingers travel down his chest, abdomen, to his throbbing root.  His head fell back, over the tub on a loud groan.  “Jasira.”  He adjusted his hips, giving her better access to his enflamed body.

His racing heart banged harder against his ribs.  Jasira gripped him firmly.  John felt the world tilt on its axis.  He clung to the sides of the iron tub.  He closed his eyes tighter and enjoyed her touch. 

“I want you, Jasira,” John huskily admitted. His eyes opened.  Through glowing eyes, he saw the ceiling.  He glanced around.  The kitchen was empty. 

Amazon Book:  http://www.amazon.com/A-Lost-Kitten-Jessica-Kong/dp/1475143400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347412932&sr=8-1&keywords=A+lost+kitten

Amazon UK Book:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Lost-Kitten-Jessica-Kong/dp/1475143400/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lost-kitten-jessica-a-kong/1112436828?ean=9781475143409

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- Lynda Again
    Very interesting post, isn't it? I hope you all enjoyed it.

     Have a Blessed Day!

Guest - Charlene A. Wilson

Good morning! Our guest, author Charlene A. Wilson, is talking about one of my favorite subjects -parallel worlds! I love the idea of worlds separated by a thin dimensional wall or worlds that are nearly identical except for that one weird thing ;-)  I think I'll have to check out Charlene's books.

Let's give a big welcome to Charlene!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Creating parallel worlds

First, I want to thank you, Lynda, for having me at Star Crossed Romance today. It’s a real treat!

Being a paranormal/Science Fiction/Fantasy (aka the weird stuff) romance writer, and one who has several dimensions as settings in my books, I’m familiar with the challenge of creating parallel worlds.  They can range from sharing the same avenues, to characters walking alongside us but separated by an invisible veil, as in death, to completely mind bending, out of reach alter realities with strange beasts, red skies, and beings with four arms.  If your imagination can go there, the other world can be created. 

But, I’m not one to let my imagination get carried away to the point of falling back on the “It’s fiction so I can make anything be the reality.” claim.  My worlds need consequences to action.  If the wind blows, trees are going to sway.  (Okay that’s a very simplified example, but you get my point.)  If you make your characters’ worlds different, remember to change the chain reaction those differences may cause.

In my Cornerstone Deep series, Cole, James, and Vincent Shilo are from Meridian, an extremely ancient dimension.  Having been around longer, they are far more advanced than the other planes in the spectrum.  In fact, those who know of their abilities call them wizards, as they manipulate the elements.  Meridian also has a blue sun, is much hotter compared to Cornerstone Deep where they serve as Sentinels, which has a yellow one.  As such, they wear long cloaks most everywhere they go to help dispel the cold, even in the summer, and they reminisce about the nights back home that wrap them in an indigo glow when the moon reflects Meridian’s bright sun’s rays. You can find out more about this series at the series’ website, ShiloManor.com.  

Making your parallel world believable not only takes creativity, it can take research.  I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to medical science, and when I began working on my other series, Aumelan, I spent a lot of time studying how our bodies transfer food and water to sustaining energy.  Why?  Because Chad, the hero, and his people lack that ability.  They call it their limitation.  They can’t produce life sustaining energy and require a host to “render service” every few days.  Bless Chad’s heart.  He’s in love with his server, but law prohibits them from being together.  He’s a determined sort, though, and takes it upon himself to find out how they came to need such a service to begin with and what can be done about it.  Surely, if that obstacle didn’t exist and his people could set their servers free, he could have Dee at his side.  Surely.

But when it comes to finding inspiration for most my parallel worlds, I didn’t have to go far.  Each of these series began with dreams.  Several scenes are very close to what happened, and the settings pretty much mirror what things looked like in the dreams.  My lucid dreams reveal so much—inner thoughts, feelings, omniscient understanding from several vantage points, past and future.  It’s all there.  I just had to write it down and listen to the characters.  They know how to live their lives. And then...iron it all out. *smile*

With my most recent title, however, I didn’t have a dream to fall back on.  While I was writing an arboretum scene for book one of the Aumelan series, this redheaded young woman twirled into the spotlight and wouldn’t leave.  I considered adding her to the story, but she just didn’t fit in those circumstances...or the circumstances of any of my other works in progress.  But I knew this sweet girl needed to tell her story.  It ended up being One for Kami. Here, I did have to get out my imagination a bit and start a bit from scratch.

One for Kami is a Science Fiction Romance that takes place in two different dimensions, Two-Eight-Five and Three-Two-Three.  While Three-Two-Three is actually our dimension—and we know all about that one, Two-Eight-Five is one of an endless number of others out there.

The realm is rich in nature, thick with trees and flora.  Their cities are filled with vast buildings that look like they grew within the woodland to tower over its canopy like mountains of multi-leveled glass.  Instead of parks filled with trees, foliage, and flora like we have here, theirs are large tracts of land that were cleared to make space to enjoy the sun on lush grass.

The fact that other dimensions exist is well-known there, and they have transports that allow those who pass certain criteria to visit the other realms.  They call this inter-dimensional transporter Ober and it’s only one of the differences, technology wise, their plane has from ours.  I’ll let you read about a few more for yourself.  They’re in the excerpt I’m sharing. *smile*

One for Kami

Can love be true if shared with more than one?  Kami doesn’t think so when she finds Ian is an elite and required to take three wives to eliminate the poverty-stricken population.  Why can’t he be poor the way she thought he was when she fell in love with him?

Determined to find a realm that doesn’t have such dictates, she travels to dimension Three-Two-Three to begin her search.  But is love truer in a place that only allows one spouse than it is in Ian’s heart?

Excerpt

“Vella Keagan, you’re late.”

The voice fluttered through Kami’s senses as she solidified in the spacious atrium.  Drawing a deep breath, her lungs filled with the smell of antiseptic and lavender.  How anyone could expect the artificial floral scent to lessen the staunch odor she would never know.  The aroma wafted from the circular fountain at the center.  The design spiraled upward as if to reach the crown of the steel beams and glass ceiling, the spurts falling to a clear bowl-shaped base.  A flurry of activity surrounded them as travelers and advisors headed from the hub through the web of paths that led to their transport sites.

She turned to her advisor’s image.  Even though his hologram stood on a six-inch stage, the man’s head reached her shoulders at best.  She had a perfect view of his cheap toffee-colored toupee.  If he’d gone a shade lighter, it might not be so bad.

“I’m sorry Henson.  I needed to say good-bye.”

He nodded and pushed his black-rimmed glasses up his narrow nose.  They obviously didn’t fit right, and Kami wondered if he didn’t have the money to purchase better items or it wasn’t on his list of priorities.  Regardless, he held himself with a confident demeanor.

“Well, they’re on standby at transport Three Ober.  Your baggage has been sent and placed in your temporary stay.  Escorts are waiting to show you around.”

Kami blew a long stream of air through her lips and then allowed her nod to confirm her readiness.

Cocking his head to the side, he motioned toward the North-East facility.  His starched lab coat swung like a bell as he leaned into his steps along the Visioneer runway.  She imagined his black trousers banging against the sides with a deep bong and the white glow that pulsed on the platform beneath each step could serve as a drum’s beat.  Seeing the action as musical interlude lightened her mood and made it easier to keep pace on her way to her life-changing decision to leave.

As she entered the transport room, a sense of new beginnings blossomed in her heart.  Amaryllis lined the right side of the cobbled path in shades of red and pink.  A three-tier fountain stood among a spray of green and yellow ivy, the trellis wall curving to enclose the setting in a cozy nook.  Tree ferns slumped beside it, blocking out much of the light from the few bobbles that peeked from beneath the throng—not that they were needed, Henson’s specialized trail gleamed to the left and highlighted the walkway plenty.

He led the way to a small clearing in the middle of the arboretum.  A silvery glow rose at the center like a magical globe sliced in half by a pool of achromatic liquid.  Though his path met the low platform, he halted before the circular stage.  Kami’s heart skipped.  Pinching her lips together, she ran her hands down her stomach to settle her nerves.

Henson turned and clasped his hands in front of him.  “Vella Keagan, you’ve been found deserving of this transfer to plane Three-Two-Three for the requested six month leave.  Keep the laws of this privilege at the forefront of your mind at all times.”  He shoved his oblong glasses up his nose and lifted his chin to look at her through the spectacles.  “You’ve been through briefing.  Do you have any final questions?”

Kami heaved a sigh and shook her head, looking back at the argent circle.

“Very well.”  At the little man’s nod, a pillar of blue and gray light issued from the base, silver sparks dancing through the bright illuminations.  He held out a hand, motioning for her to proceed.  “Should you wish to return before your allotted time, come back to the arboretum and hail dimension Two-Eight-Five-Henson.  Be certain it is what you want to do.  Not fulfilling your obligation set by the consort will blacken our credibility.  And you do not want to be the cause of that.  I believe you understand the consequences.”

She flexed her fingers and then bunched them into fists.  “Don’t worry, Henson.  Nothing’s going to get me earthbound.”  She inched toward the glowing cylinder.  “I’m late enough to everything already.  Can you imagine if I couldn’t sync with space?  I’d have to walk everywhere.”

A nervous chuckle followed her words and she caught the slight grin on his lips in her periphery.

“Remember your training.  There will be pressure.  Try to stay calm and allow Ober to do its job.  Fighting the procedure will only cause more discomfort and possible harm.”

If that’s meant to put me at ease, it doesn’t.

You can get your copy of this Sweet Science Fiction Romance at Amazon: http://bit.ly/OneforKami

How about you?  What elements draw you to the genres you enjoy most?  

Until I see you again, may your dreams be magical.

Charlene

About the Author

Charlene A. Wilson

Creating worlds where dreams become reality.

Charlene A. Wilson is an author of paranormal suspenseful tales that sweep you to other dimensions.  She weaves magic, lasting love, and intrigue to immerse you into the lives of her characters.

She began writing in her early teens when her vivid dreams stayed with her long after she had them.  The characters and worlds were so amazing, she brought them to life through her books.  You can meet them now in her series, Chronicles of Shilo Manor, and soon in her series, Aumelan.  Her latest release, One for Kami, introduces a character who showed herself and refused to leave Charlene’s imagination.

Charlene resides in a small community in Arkansas, USA, with her two beautiful daughters, and a very chatty cockatiel, Todder.

Author site: http://CharleneAWilson.com

Blog:  http://CharleneAWilsonblog.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlene-A-Wilson-Romance-Author/162568770441255

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/AuthorCAWilson

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4550595.Charlene_A_Wilson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-- Lynda Again
    That's it for today. I hope you've enjoyed Charlene's post as much as I have.

     Have a Blessed Day!