So, I’m reading my World Tribune (July 3rd issue) and there’s an article about a sushi chef, and fellow Buddhist, who was on (my favorite channel) Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay. I had to find it on YouTube!
In the article the sushi chef, Phillip Yi says: My prayer was to achieve a victory that would exceed my wildest expectations and show undeniable proof of this practice. Then out of the blue…
Oh, man…I sooooo understand the “out of the blue” thing. That’s what chanting does. Opportunities arise! I am chanting for my eyes to be opened to new possibilities and to be ready for fortunate opportunities. I am praying for the happiness and economic well-being of my readers and fellow authors. Thank you!
As I’ve done in the past, I’m trying to rally my fellow authors to celebrate July with me by giving away a “freebie” to our readers several times during the month.
Today’s gift is: “The Healing Spell” by Kiki Howell.
To get into the drawing, all you have to do is leave a post/comment!
Half-Were House sold amazingly well in May–it’s first month on Fictionwise. Please! Continue the surge. The half-were ladies will appreciate it! https://store.fictionwise.com/servlet/mw?t=book&bi=88076&si=62
It was her love of the flame that blanketed her in the darkness now. Just a little nap. She didn’t have a concussion. That much was obvious. She was just going to rest a bit. Then hike out for a damned physical exam and hopefully get back in time to put this bitch to bed.
Eyes closed, in the shadow of a fire storm, downwind of the music of Pulaski and perfume of gasoline, she remembered hearing the crack of the tree; the snap of the burnt branches hitting the ground; the way everything went black around her. The darkness; the inky blackness of unconsciousness hadn’t been frightening. She’d felt safe.
Her life was fire. She always walked in the light of its glow. Her soul and purpose leapt like fuel-fed flames when she embraced her inner fire-bug. It was when she allowed the mistress of destruction to caress her, that she knew that fire was more than just an elemental universal force. That’s whose arms had been around her. The mistress, herself. Lady Fire. She was alive, and it wanted Ben. It wanted to get to Ben through her.
Hadyn shook her head “no.” No to fire’s plan. No to fire’s desires. No. She wasn’t sure her refusal would be enough. Fire can be started. Stoked. Spread, suffocated and doused. But it can rarely be controlled. Fire is uncontrollable in nature. A juggernaut. An unstoppable force. And in Hadyn, fire found flesh. Flesh to meet Ben’s challenge. Flesh to tame a nemeses.
“No, Fire,” Hadyn said again as her dream turned against her. She could feel Fire’s plan for her. She was the perfect vessel. She understood fire. She could get to Ben. She couldn’t will her legs to move. Her dream kept her still and trapped—and about to be raped and infiltrated by a woman even stronger than herself. Fire. Bitch Fire. Lady Fire. The goddess of the flame.
I often find stock photos to represent my characters. I thought I’d share Ben and Hadyn with you. Oddly, Hadyn is on the cover of another in the series! Oh, and in case you haven’t watched the video yet, I’m including my representation of Lady Fire, too. “Ben,” or the dude looking up at the fire, is the photo that started it all for me. I had no intention of writing for the Hearts Afire series–until I saw “his” photo in the National Geographic. I became, literally, consumed, by thoughts of wildland fires.
Side note: Consumed is terribly close to my heart. If this author’s opinion counts, I believe it is the best novella I’ve ever written. To research this puppy, I contacted my high school sweetheart, whom I have not seen in over 30 years. I knew he was a firefighter in Bellevue, WA. I had no idea he was a Battalion Chief, nor that he’d be so willing to help me. How did he help? He put me in touch with a friend of his. A friend who lives, eats, breathes and probably (pity the man’s wife, folks) screws, wildland fires. His name is Pat. He is a true warrior poet and described to me, in incredible detail, his experience with “the monster.” Fire. Fire in the wild.
Pat gave me enough info for a series of books–thereby, I’m writing a second firefighter tale right now. And maybe a third! I am engrossed in new knowledge and lingo and the mix of it in my brain pan with all my naughty little erotic romance thoughts is making me feel enthusiastic, to say the least.
There’s a story behind the story in Consumed. A tale of friends, reacquainted, one man’s obsession, an outlet to share that obsession, and a crazy-ass e-author who ate up every word. Consumed. Looking forward to it yet?
What I consider to be the best damned novella I’ve ever written, “Consumed,” has been paired with Tracy Sharp’s “Burning Souls” for the October edition of “Hearts Afire,” from Liquid Silver Books.
I had no input on this cover, as it is part of a series. I did, however, have a dream about it long before seeing it. I don’t care for this cover, but trust me…”Consumed” makes up for the man on the cover with the helmet that doesn’t fit properly!
From: Angela McCulloch
To: Celia Kyle
Okay, gotta tell ya, that book kicked ass. Made me laugh, cry and a whole bunch of other stuff I won't mention. I actually called one of my friends up because of the girls referring to each other as bitch, ho etc., reminded me of how she and I speak to each other. The message I left her was, "Hey bitch. It's me. Call me." You speak my language. Keep writing 'em and I will keep reading 'em.
