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I Do Stuff!

Hi, all! And thank you to Selena for the opportunity to take part in this fun blog marathon.

I decided to write about sidekicks, mostly because they’re some of my favorite secondaries to develop. Yes, villains are meaty and dangerous, and without a protagonist, there’s no hope for the world. But sidekicks… Ah, sidekicks bring great balance to a story because they can be the heart, humor, and a breath of welcome relief between all the moments of conflict and intensity.

Consider what the movie Aliens would have been without Hudson, the wisecracking, rude, panicky marine who falls under the command of Ripley. On one hand, we have those aliens—perfect killers—screeching around killing everyone. On the other, we’ve got a perfect heroine—a mainly straight-to-business placeholder for the audience as she uses brain and brawn to battle the enemy. Hudson straddles the middle of this movie, making the viewers laugh when we need to the most, and actually even acting just like most of us would if we were to find ourselves in the same horrific situation: slightly hysterical and flailing in utter disbelief. (“Why don’t you put HER in charge?”) Even though Ripley saves the world, Hudson is the one who saves the audience’s sanity and soothes their nerves with his outbursts and comic asides.
Now, I write an urban fantasy series called Vampire Babylon, and I have my own sidekicks who serve just as much of a purpose as Hudson did. During the course of six books, one novella, and most recently, a short story (see below for details), my sidekicks have not only helped my heroine, Dawn Madison, save the world—they’ve helped to save her sanity in a variety of ways.

First, there’s Breisi Montoya. We meet her in Night Rising (book one) as a lab nerd—a kick-ass one at that. She’s the logistical brains behind the vampire hunting team that sets out to conquer a Hollywood underground lair. She’s a woman of few words, but when she says them, they have some impact on Dawn, who’s been in sore need of a female mentor ever since her mother, a silver-screen legend, suffered a brutal and very public death years ago. Breisi is a soulful sidekick—an Obi-Wan Kenobi of sorts. Instead of humor, she cuts the tension by placing Dawn firmly back in reality just as she’s about to go off the edge.

Then there’s Kiko Daniels, the team’s psychic and resident cut-up. As a “little person” thespian, he tends to “ACT!” quite a bit during the underground hunts. However, Kiko is no mere comic relief. The guy can use a revolver and any number of vampire-hunting weapons, and he can interview a suspect like no one’s business. And as for his “ACTING!”? He’s pretty good at using that skill, too, when it’s time to thrown a suspect mentally off balance. In many ways, Kiko is the younger brother Dawn never had, and the two of them have a deep, easy, goofy relationship that Dawn has never found outside of this vamp hunting circle.

All in all, while finding tragedy in life, Dawn actually finds a family in this group, and that’s an important point about sidekicks, I think. We love them for what they contribute to our heroes (or villains)–we love them because they add something our bigger stars are missing.

But, most of all, we love them because, in all the craziness, they make us, the readers, feel better, as well.

March release: A Vampire Babylon short story in the horror anthology Those Who Fight Monsters. Chris’s entry is entitled “Soul Stains” and it takes place after the events of Deep in the Woods, Vampire Babylon, Book Six.
Dawn Madison, ex vampire hunter, has been lured out of retirement by the sighting of an old, presumed-dead Hollywood starlet in a decrepit Vegas showroom. But is this entity merely a ghost? Or is it one of the escaped, mortalized Hollywood Underground vampires Dawn vowed to wipe off the face of the earth, even at the threat of returning her own soul to darkness?

Author’s bio: Chris Marie Green is the author of the Vampire Babylon series, which includes Night Rising and A Drop of Red. In 2011, Ace will publish her new post-apocalyptic urban fantasy western noir Bloodlands series under the name Christine Cody. You can check in with her on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ChrisMarieGreen ), Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/people/Chris-Marie-Green/1051327765 ), MySpace (myspace.com/vampirebabylon), or her blog (http://crystal-green.blogspot.com/ ).

She also has a newsletter (http://www.vampirebabylon.com/lists/?p=subscribe ) and a web site at www.chrismariegreen.com .

 

Contest: Comment to be entered to win a signed copy of Book 6, Deep in the Woods in the Vampire Babylon series. Good Luck!

Romancing historical details

When I first researched for my historical romance A Soldier?s Vow, I discovered so many interesting facts about the French country during one of the most terrifying periods in their long history. The German army had easily invaded the Northern part of France and often bombarded Paris but never succeeded in penetrating the city?s walls. Nonetheless, the city had been hit in other different and equally devastating ways.

Blackouts, food shortages and influenza affected everyone. Through my research, I discovered many families could no longer afford to keep their children fed, therefore they sent the weakest members of their family to their relatives in the country or other safer places. In A Soldier?s Vow, I wanted to show how the heroine Winnie Douglas saw and lived what everyone?went through between 1914 and 1918 Paris. I also show how the war affected the women who stayed behind and waited for their husband, brother, cousin who joined the war effort.

The war also changed the soldiers who fought and saw firsthand the horrors and victories of war. Henry Whitfield, the hero in A Soldier?s Vow, had no idea what he would see and experience when he left his Canadian hometown. Many countries including Canada sent their strongest and bravest men overseas and fight an unknown enemy. They trained hard and fought even harder. Yet what waited for them in the trenches became their worst enemy. Rats, lice and other diseases caused the most terrible living conditions for every soldier on both sides.

Using such details in my book not only creates a setting but also brings the reader back to a time of turmoil, courage and undying love.

Get Jackie M. Smith?s book at XoXo Publishing: http://xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=53

Jackie?s links:

http://jackiemsmith.weebly.com/

http://jmsmithromanceauthor.blogspot.com/

http://www.dailymotion.com/JackieMSmith

http://www.scribd.com/jackie_mallet

http://twitter.com/JackieM_Smith

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jackiemsmithromanceauthor/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montreal-QC/Jackie-M-Smith-Romance-author/234050636079

Mistress Cynnara Tregarth here! I’m taking over Selena’s blog this week to talk about BDSM. Okay, granted that Selena practically begged me to do a week about BDSM and I agreed…*looks at Selena* What? *sigh* Okay, basically, Selena is going away to AAD (Authors After Dark) conference and has lovingly left her blog in my care- on the condition we talk BDSM. Read the rest of this entry »

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Selena+Illyria

Happy Shopping!

Se

Hi Everyone!

I hope to announce some contract news soon. *Grin*

As for NaNoWriMo, I managed to get 46k in word count, so I’m pretty happy about that. I made a lot of headway with two of my WIPs. One of them is close to being 60k, the most I’ve ever written. I’ll be deleting the NaNoWriMo page since it’s over. I hope if you’re an aspiring author or published author that you made the word count you wanted.

And now, here’s your first peek at some new promo that I just got:

These are mini tote bags. I hope to get more soon, I’m also trying to figure out a contest involving my book series. *Grin*

What do you think? Remember there is a poll still up for this subject on promo:

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Also, I’ve registered for the Authors After Dark Convention which takes place in Sept. the 16th-19th in Secauscus, New Jersey. Will you be going?

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

I’m also trying to figure out a good contest for this month. I know it will involve chocolate.

Have a great week everyone!

Se

I still have that Drumming song playing in my head. LOL.

Over the weekend, instead of doing NaNo to up my word count I did revisions on what was formally called Blood Claim: Bound. I finished up the revisions and sent it in to my editor. *fingers crossed* Once everything is approved, I’ll let you know the new name for the book.

I have plans to up my word count this week. I really hope I can get back on the ball and do at least 20,000 words this week.

I’d like to thank everyone who’s voted so far in the promo poll. Please keep doing so, I need as many ideas as possible. I’m planning my bag for next years Author’s After Dark. Yeah, I know it’s not until next year but I want to be prepared.

You can find the poll in this post:

http://selenaillyria.com/2009/11/nano-is-stealing-my-brain-cells/

If you have any other options for promo, please comment.

I’m also thinking of what to do for a Christmas Contest? A DVD giveaway of my fav series? For my birthday I gave away a copy of the first season of Chuck, maybe this year I should do Supernatural? What do you think? Or maybe Battlestar Galatica the update. So many ideas and only a month to think about it.

Now for some news or rather an update. If you’ve tried to click on the buy link ?for either Trapped or Blood Claim: Prelude you may have encountered problems. Loose-Id is currently working on the problem. I have updated the links and hopefully the links will be working properly soon.

I just want to say a big?Thank You for your patience and support. It means a great deal to me that you buy and read my work. Thank You!

Se

Hi Everyone!

My interview for Authors After Dark is live, check it out here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BooksBeyondtheBoundaries/2009/09/24/Books-Beyond-the-Boundaries-AAD-Authors-Selena-Illyria

Now as for Authors After Dark, I’m putting together a large prize bag, the contents have to be cataloged first but I can tell you I’m giving away a purse/make-up bag filled with Ulta make-up.

The Reader Survey Contest winner will be announced on the 30th.

Now for my New Release:

Last Call Europe: Chocolate Shock, Out Now at Changeling Press!

Blurb:

All romanced out, Love Fairy Alastrina is tired of putting together happy couples. All she wants is a little bit of “me time” to forget her job for one night. She strides into Last Call: London looking for some action.

Chocolate Shock: Heat packed sexin’ — no baggage required or desired.

Rebellious leopard shifter Garrison Fredricks may be the answer to all her needs. Some sexy talk and a bit of action is just what the love fairy ordered. Only problem is he has a teensy-weensy little secret that may piss her off. And a Love Fairy pissed off is not a good thing.

Buy Link:

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1237

Excerpt:

Last Call Europe: Chocolate Shock
Selena Illyria
All rights reserved.
Copyright ?2009 Selena Illyria

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Garrison’s beer arrived. He took a pull from it and slouched in his seat, still bored, still restless. The door opened and out of habit he glanced toward the entrance, only to have his breath catch in his throat. His heart skipped a beat and then sped up. Warmth flowed over him as his body tightened. His cock hardened and pressed against his jeans.

“Oh, fuck me,” he groaned, as he watched the woman in the tightest jeans he had ever seen stroll into the bar and wind her way gracefully through the crowd. She had a corset that showcased her high breasts and a small waist. Her ass made him want to bite his bottom lip to hold back the moan threatening to escape.

She was a tiny thing with riotous dark brown curls streaked with pink. When she turned around, he saw her face. Her features were delicate with a small pert nose. Her lips were full and tempting, slicked with shimmering pale pink gloss.

Blow job lips, he thought, and he wanted those lips on him, covering his body in sweet love bites before she sucked him off ’til he shot his load down her throat. His cock jumped as the fire burning within him became an inferno lapping at his veins.

His leopard scratched at the flesh bars of its prison, wanting to go up to the woman it desired and mark her with its scent. She made things worse by turning back toward the bar, giving him another glimpse of her perfectly rounded ass. The corset left a wide strip of skin exposed above the waistband. Her perfect mocha skin was adorned with a colorful tattoo done in glittering pink ink. He had to strain his eyes to make out the glyphs and symbols on her lower back.

“Lean over some more, love. Give daddy a good look at what it says,” he urged softly. As if she heard him, she stuck her ass out further and he sucked in a breath as his pulse pounded in his ears and need roared through him. He had to shake his head to clear the lust wrapping around his mind like a gossamer web.

He squinted to see better and read the tattoo.

“Fairy Alastrina, daughter of Elan, servant of Labhaoise.” He stroked his chin, his fingers slightly burned from the abrasion of his stubble. Half of his brain saw opportunity to bring a genuine Fairy to Eros, and the other half wanted to fuck the living daylights out of her.

“Alastrina.” He tested her name on his tongue. The sound of his voice came out husky with the edge of a purr. An image rose of him pounding into her pussy as she cried out in ecstasy before he came himself, spurting his seed deep inside of her as he called out her name, and he swore. Their sweat-slicked bodies moved and ground against one another as they started yet another round.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he chanted. This was not what he needed. Tomorrow he would be going to see Eros. A meeting with him was draining. The love god liked to pick and poke at Garrison’s mental shields. It was a game of chicken because Garrison would be doing the same. Five hundred years of servitude to Eros had taught him all of the god’s weaknesses but no way to exploit them, although Eros knew all of Garrison’s weaknesses and abused them every opportunity he got.

One of his weaknesses was standing a few feet away. This night was either gonna be hell or heaven. He wouldn’t put it past Eros to send him a sexy little gift in the form of this Fairy. Whether it was a trap or not, he was going to fall into bed with her. The question was how. There were others who had noticed her arrival. One of the bolder admirers strode up to her. Before he could even open his mouth he was shot down and sent on his way, a deep red flush of embarrassment on his cheeks for his trouble.

“Mmmm, sassy, I like that.” Garrison sat back and watched as, one by one, men and even a few women went up to curry her favor. After the fourth person was sent away he couldn’t help but wonder why they all wanted a piece of her. She was gorgeous but there had to be something else. He decided to test a theory.

With great concentration he dropped his mental shields a sliver and tasted her power. It was like the sweetest, thickest honey. There was a hint of spice, an indefinable quality that made its potency richer, more seductive to the palate. Power rolled off of her in waves.

Understanding dawned on him all at once; she was a Love Fairy. Legend had it that to be touched or even come in contact with one could bring you good luck in the love department. They weren’t hitting on her. They were asking for her services. He felt bad for them but most of all he felt sad for her.?Must be tough never being off the clock to some people. Then again, he could understand how she felt. He was at Eros’ call night and day. Didn’t matter where he was, who he was with or what he was doing, if Eros summoned him Garrison had to go.

As he studied the woman, his desire burned through him. Instead of doing his usual saunter up and try his luck routine, he decided to wait and see what developed. If he played his cards right, there would be no need for him to do anything.

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1237

Hi Everyone!

How are you? Sorry there haven?t been any updates. I?ve been very lax on the updates and blogging. I hope you did enjoy the weeks of guest blogging. I plan on doing more. I?m trying to decide what to do for September. I?m not sure whether to go with sci-fi or shifter as a theme. I know I October I?ll be doing an Urban Fantasy theme. . I already have a few people lined up for that week. Just have to find a few more. .? I hope to be blogging more, just have to figure out what to say. Lol

Right now I?m doing edits for my contribution to the Last Call Europe series. . I also just turned in a story for a series I did with Celia Kyle and Michelle Hasker, hopefully I?ll have more news about that soon. I?m working on the next Tartan book, Tartan Seduction. I?m not sure if I?ll be keeping that title as the story has evolved from the first time I thought of it. After that I plan on doing my contribution to the Sex and Chocolate series and Hades Helmet: Deception, the second part to Carnevale.

Then I have a few more stories on my plate that are percolating in my mind. *Grin* A sci-fi one to be particular. I?m really feeling the sci-fi genre at the moment which is really exciting to me. I can?t wait to write more stories in that genre. I?m also looking into cyberpunk and a bit more fantasy.

That?s pretty much about it on the writing front. On a personal front, I?ve been sick since Saturday so I?ve been slowed down on the writing front which is really frustration. Although I do need to get rest. Which in a way is a plus. I finally managed to see The Watchmen which I loved. The changes that were made didn?t jar me which was good. I also finished watching the Escaflowne anime series which was good, now if only I could get the chant out of my head. LOL

I plan on watching Taken and starting the Battlestar Galatica series. I didn?t really watch it when it was on, so now I have time to see it. I can?t wait to get my hands on Season 4 of Supernatural and watch all the episodes I missed.

On the reading front I got to read The Path of Razors which is a brilliant edition to the Vampire Babylon series. I highly recommend it. It makes me want to go explore the London that is painted in the books. (P.S. Check out Chris/Crystal?s newly designed site. Gorgeous!)

I also read Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning and it was brilliant. I?m on pins and needles for the final installment to the series. I have so many ideas rolling around in my head. I just want to read the series again.

Has anyone seen District 9? I haven?t seen it. I?m one of those people, that although the quality is better in the theater, likes to wait until DVD gives me a chance to pause when I want and I don?t have to deal with people texting, possible cell phone interruptions, etc… That and I?m lazy. LOL. I?m sooo looking forward to this on DVD. I?ve heard mixed reviews but I trust the people who tell me it?s a great movie.

Speaking of DVDs. I?m thinking that this year?s Christmas giveaway should be a few of my DVD series. I gave away the first season of Chuck for my Birthday Bash. Sooo, how about the first year of Eureka (if you?re not watching, I have to ask whhhhhyyy? Lol), Leverage, The Closer, Supernatural and maybe something else. Not sure, maybe Being Human?

Has anyone seen Leverage? I highly recommend this show, brilliant cast.

Moving on. Here are few Se recommends since I?m running out of steam here. I hate being sick. When I want sleep I can?t get it and when I don?t want to sleep because I want? to write I have to. Blech. Okay, here we go:

Se recommends:

eBooks:

The Mate Marks Series by Kate Hill:

Hunger

Thirst

Breath

Pulse (Coming Soon)

Se says: SEXY! I want more please! Moooooore! LOL

The Screen Shots Series by Willa Okati:

Seduced

Smolder

Slinky (Coming Soon)

Submissive (Coming Soon)

Se says: HOT! *Fangirl squee* I just have to say and don?t tell my editors and publishers but, um, if these boys were real and that website had?okay, let?s just say I wouldn?t be getting any writing done. I?d be too busy drooling. LOL (www.twentysomethingtwinks.com)

On my eBook TBR pile:

The Empire Series by Cat Marsters

Eve of Destruction by Lizzie Lynn Lee

Masters of the Shadowlands series by Cherise Sinclair

Anyone But You by Amarinda Jones

Captured Rapture by Lexxie Couper

Finding Her Rhythm by Ciana Stone

Mari Carr (I have a few books from her on the pile so I figured I?d throw her on there, lol)

TV:

Being Human (BBC America)

So You Think You Can Dance (Coming Back to Fox 9/2/09)

Leverage (TNT)

Psych (USA Network)

Naruto

Websites:

P.L. Nunn Bishonen Works (I blame Jet Mykles for this. LOL. Warning adult content)

Se Note: The artwork is gorgeous and very inspiring. Hehe. I even found a print that inspired a new character for me. *Grin*

Ann Vremont (Her artwork is amazing. )*Fangirl Squee*

iStock.com (I can lose hours on there just looking for pics for inspiration or cover ideas)

Author’s Gal Friday.com (From one of my partners in crime Celia Kyle)

Music (The links are to You Tube videos):

Kevin Rudolf: Let it Rock

Breaking Benjamin: I Will Not Bow

Slipknot: Sulfur

Melody Gardot:? Baby I?m a Fool

Susie Suh: All I Want

Other odds and ends:

I?m thinking of another redesign for my website. I know, I know, another one? Not that I don?t adore the current one. For some reason I just want? a different look. The girl in the mask stays but the colors may change. That will be it. I?m thinking Burgundy or maybe blue. Not sure. Also, do you guys think if I start groveling now, my editors will buy my World Cup Fever excuse for not being able to write or edit for two months? I know it?s in June of 2010 but come on, how can a girl concentrate when all that hotness is there? Have you seen Fabio Canevarro? Just look at him and tell me you won?t get distracted.

‘Scuse me I have to go find ice.

Se

P.S. Changeling just contracted another book. More on that in a bit.

Vampires and Werewolves Unleashed!

Despite the melodrama of the title, I imagine it likely most werewolves would flat out refuse leashes, and the vamps wouldn?t allow it unless they were really into that kind of thing.

Let me pause to introduce myself. I?m Keith Melton, a degenerate author of Urban Fantasy-esque stories, and I was asked to be a part of Selena?s blog because she had an empty slot to fill on short notice (and I won?t tell you how I begged her desperately, promising never again to talk about how Siamese cats can really see ghosts, how good I look in a tinfoil hat, or how the mac and cheese diet changed my life). So now that?s out of the way and it?s time for the fun stuff! Werewolves and vampires in cage fights!

For a moment I?m going to indulge myself (why stop now, right?) and wax philosophical about vampires. They seem to have splintered into a few categories in recent decades, changing a bit from the fear-causing creature of Dracula and Stephen King?s?Salem?s Lot or the tormented creature of Anne Rice?s Lestat. Some authors keep them frightening and dangerous, and others play into the undercurrent of dark sexuality inherent in the myth. We have amusing tales, like?How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks, a whole legion of young fans for Twilight, and the sexy,?muy caliente vampires of our own Selena Illyria, whose Rysen and Kit light the pages on fire.?Warning! Blatant, self-serving plug dead ahead: We also have my own dark vampires in my novel?Blood Vice, far more dangerous than sexy. Vampire Karl Vance happens to be a hit man for the mafia, whacking wise guys so he doesn?t have to feed on the innocent. From there poor Karl?s life only gets more complicated when he meets Maria, a young woman who watched?Scarface and?The Godfather a few too many times and wants to make the entire city of Boston an offer they can?t refuse.

Astute readers will notice there was nothing particularly philosophical about the previous paragraph. However, if I start babbling in detail about the history of vampire characters in fiction we?ll be here all night, and the vending machine is out of Doritos. So, moving on?

Now I?ve always loved werewolves because wolves are such beautiful creatures, and quite frankly, having fur would save me big money on a winter wardrobe. Werewolves have also become more human, less ravenous monster since the days of?American Werewolf in London. Who wouldn?t want to be in tight with a pack alpha? They could probably score you great seats at the theater without even having to growl?much.?Warning! Blatant, self-serving plug ahead: In?Run, Wolf, my new and shiny werewolf novella, we have two non-alpha (in rank anyway) characters who defy the laws of the pack that seek to drive them apart. They risk everything for their love, planning to give the pack a collective thumb-in-the-eye on their flight to freedom. Will they escape to love another day when hostile wolves finally track them down?

As for vampire and werewolf cage fights, I think they?d be bigger than professional wrestling. I?d even pay for outrageously overpriced, watered-down soda and overcooked hotdogs to see that action.

If you?re interested in links for some of the stories mentioned here, I?d be more than happy to supply them. (Shocking, I know.)

RUN, WOLF by Keith Melton

http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/run-wolf

http://www.amazon.com/Run-Wolf-Nightfall-Clans-Book/dp/B002LLCI6K/

BLOOD VICE by Keith Melton

http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/blood-vice

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Vice-Nightfall-Syndicate-ebook/dp/B001VA1O9Y/

TRAPPED by Selena Illyria

http://www.loose-id.com/prod-Trapped-853.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Claim-Trapped/dp/B002BY7740

Somehow I don?t think Stephen King requires a link.

Things that Go Hump in the Night

By Marie Treanor

Yes, you guessed it, I?m talking about paranormal romance!

When Selena invited me to blog about this subject ? thank you, Selena! – I counted how long I?ve been writing in the genre.?Five years! My mind moved hastily on to how many humping things, or creatures, I?ve created in that time. And why!

I counted seven different species, and I suppose that?s the ?why? of it too. In this genre there are no limits to your imagination. From the traditional ghosts, vampires and werewolves to less traditional shifters like swans and water men and trees ? to say nothing about the most powerful race in the universe – I?ve pretty much gone where I liked, and it?s been fun. J

I do like putting a slightly different twist on the traditional, though. For example, I don?t see why vampires have to be the bad guys. Or the good guys. They make wonderful anti-heroes, like my Karoly inHunting Karoly. J And finding a rational (ish) explanation for why these creatures exist can be fun. In the?City of the Damned it was nuclear poisoning (or was it??). In?Dragul Rising, I looked for a reason as to why such myths as vampires and werewolves existed in the first place. And in my new werewolf trilogy?Wolf Hunt, I?ve used a completely different scenario of alien invaders and a frightened, oppressive government.

I?ve always loved a good ghost story, but writing them, especially within the romance genre, brings a whole new set of knotty problems: how can you have a Happy Ever After if one of your couple is materially insubstantial and ? er – dead?? I found a ?different? happy ending that I rather liked in?Ghost Unlaid (just released at TWRP!). And I suppose for my provoking but sexy Rab in?Requiem for Rab, it was a different beginning!? I confess I?m particularly fond of the mischievous ghosts in?Ariadne?s Thread ? they were great fun to write, and I did find peace for one of them, but at least it wasn?t my hero or heroine who was dead; this time the main characters were just the haunted.? Interesting to imagine the effect on someone of continual haunting, though ? it gave my hero a dark and brooding edge, made him just a little strange.

Another thing I like doing is infusing the paranormal into everyday objects. Like a chess piece (Queen?s Gambit) or a guitar or a crash test dummy. No, really ? I?have made a hero out of a crash test dummy, or at least out of the spirit which haunts it. It was a challenge, but it helped that when he was haunting it, he looked and felt like a sexy man and not a dummy. Check out?Killing Joe, and you?ll see what I mean.

And then there are fairy tales ? a wonderful source for paranormal romance. Magic and true love together ? who could resist? I?ve been playing around with those too, recently, in conjunction with the very talented Bonnie Dee, and the first of our?Fairytale Fantasies, Cinderella Unmasked, is just out at Samhain. In fact we?ve just completed a second one which, if anything, was even more fun – let me just say that Rumpelstiltskin is?not his name, and this hunk is no gnarled old goblin J

Of course you can have magic in any setting ? people with ESP, like Via in?The Devil and Via, sexy as sin medieval sorcerers like Drago in?Gothic Dragon… There?s no end to who or what you can write about, and I think that?s the secret of the success of paranormal romance. It?s the ultimate escapism.

Anyway, as I started off to say, I counted seven different species going hump in the night in my stories over the last five years: ghosts; cursed or enchanted objects; vampires; werewolves; non-traditional shifters like swans, trees, water etc; witches and sorcerers. And finally, that most mysterious of all creatures ? men. But I think I?ll leave someone else to blog about those?

Marie

Marie Treanor

Haunting Romance

www.MarieTreanor.com