Saturday, September 26, 2009

Snippet Saturday - First Paragraph

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Today’s snippet theme is First Paragraph. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Silk and Shadows

silkandshadowsWelcome to Club Immortality, where all your desires will be fulfilled. Nothing is taboo, and privacy is a guarantee. We have been in existence for many centuries, hidden from those who are sensually unaware. Now, with the permission of some of our patrons, we are about to bring you into the most exclusive club. With our tales, we hope you will become enlightened.

In our current tale, we find a retired Htrae Elf who is a loner, and a woman who craves something more. What they both find is that what we long for isn’t always as we expected. When desire and fate meet, it creates a combustion that will take you on a journey--a journey that will leave you forever changed.

I'm Syn, and this is my mate, Micah. Sit back, be tantalised, titillated, and most of all, let go of your inhibitions.

Syn & Micah

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2009.
All Rights Reserved, Total-e-bound


Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Kelly Maher
Jody Wallace
Shelli Stevens
Michelle Pillow
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Vivian Arend
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Shelley Munro
Sasha White
Ashley Ladd

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Let me Speak I have a Voice

“Come on it should go this way.” Voice A states.

“No I want it this way.” Voice B defends

“You better let me speak or…” Voice A warns.

“Or else what?” Voice B shoots back.

“I won’t say a word and we’ll see how far you get without me.” Voice A said with no inflection in the tone.

“Okay lets compromise.” Voice B suggests.

Voice A and B watch each other then sit down to discuss.

This is a mythical conversation between a writer (Voice B) and the characters (Voice A).

As a writer it is hard when you have vision of how a story will go then it takes a different turn because of how the characters want it to be. Characters have personalities, wants, desires, and opinions just like anyone else. I learned long ago to let them flow as they are supposed to. I learned to work together instead of against each other. This helps me create vivid real people and paranormal beings that make you want to laugh, cry, fight, and love with them. Writing takes a mix of all parts working together.

Don’t get me wrong in no way it is always roses and harmony but I've learned to work together. This is about getting the best story out to you the reader. In the process of creating characters that live you must keep true to the characters. Years ago this was hard for me. I had a vision I wanted but it didn't ring true to the characters. When I realized in order to make the best book I would have to get deep inside the characters psyche I learned to listen and get their personalities so it rings true. It is a balancing act that you work on for each book to get it just where it needs to be.

Even when I read I can tell if a "voice" of the characters. I don’t know if that’s just me but I do and I enjoy novels that the characters voice is real more. Even some characters that stick with me even after the story is finished I take with me as I sleep. They pop up in my dreams. That to me is a sign of a great book. Characters that stay with you afterwards and make you wonder what is going on in their lives.

With my own characters that I have already written I don’t have to wonder. They pop up in my dreams also letting me know they are still there. When I am on a roll with a new character they won’t let me sleep or have a moment to myself. LOL. Yeah my mind is full and I love it.

My question to you. How does the characters in any novel you have read or written speak to you?

Monday, September 21, 2009

Simple Joy - Going to a Movie

I enjoy going to the movies but I haven't been to the theater in a little bit. Well let me clarify that. I haven't made time to go to the movies. I did go this summer when my sis was visiting but only because she said lets go to a movie. And off we went. But I haven't gone to one by myself just because I decided to go. I used to go to the movies often and also have dinner. It was a treat I gave to myself.

Well I saw a preview of a movie and said I wanted to go. Lately I usually say this and then forget or get to busy. This time I bought my tickets in advance and made time to actually go. On the day of my movie (2 actually. I decided to make a day of it) I got up excited and off I went to my movie. As I walked into the movie theater and saw the crowds of people also going to someone of the various movies the theater offers I got this feeling. There is just this feeling when you go to a movie theater. The best way I can describe it is a mixture of excitement and camaraderie with fellow movie goers.

Off I went to find the theater my movie was in. When I got there I took a seat and looked around at the other people. People were talking about a variety of things. When the lights flickered and went down it got quite. Previews started and I was on my way to my movie experience. Once the movie started I was swept away in the story. I relaxed back, ate popcorn and enjoyed the show. The other movie goers and myself laughed, grumbled and cried as the show went on . Before I knew it the movie was done and the lights came up. As I exited the theater people were chatting about the movie. It was fascinating listening to other people thoughts on what we had just seen.

I went to my next movie and it was just as good as the first. When I left the theater after and saw the lines of more people on the way to the movies I smiled and made myself a promise I would go to the movies more often. Besides all the previews I saw whetted my appetite for more movies. I made a list of some I want to see.

Glancing once more at the crowds waiting to go to their show I could see excitement, camaraderie and fun. Even spotted some people on dates (grin). That was my simple joy - going to a theater to see a movie. What things you enjoy have you done lately?

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Snippet Saturday - Kicking Ass

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Today’s snippet theme is main character kicking ass. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Golden Seduction

goldenseduction_msr2_small2Turning quickly, she saw the sword coming down toward her.

Ah, fuck, Laila thought as she watched it lower.

Looking at the sword, Laila waited for the bite of metal to hit her. Without a thought her hands flashed up and caught the sword before it could hit her. Startled, she looked into the shocked eyes of the man.

Then he grinned and growled. “I’m going to gut you, bitch.”

Something clicked inside her and Laila felt a cold draft fill her.

She smiled and watched fear fill his face. “You’re about to get your ass kicked, asshole.”

Holding the blade with one hand, her other hand flashed forward, palm open and she hit him, sending him across the clearing. Watching him fly, a distant part of Laila’s mind wondered what the hell was going on. Taking his sword, she flipped it high in the air, turned and swept her foot out, knocking the man coming behind her off his feet. Putting her hands palm together, she hit him mid-chest and he flew across the clearing and hit a tree. It broke and the man slumped on the ground.

Laila’s mouth dropped open. Hearing a sound, she spun again, kicked the man coming up behind her and he flew across the clearing. Spinning, she flipped out of the way of another, spun into a roundhouse kick and using the man as leverage, she flew up in the air and caught the sword she had thrown, flipping over and landing on the ground. Sliding her left leg out, she held the sword and balanced, looking at them. She registered the shock on Aleneic’s face then they came at her furiously. Laila spun and used the sword in a fast circular motion, drawing them back. She looked at them then smiled a nasty grin and beckoned them with her other hand. They charged.

How the hell and I doing this? Laila thought as she spun, back kicked, roundhouse kicked and sliced and diced, fighting them back. After a few moments the clearing was empty. Laila looked over at Aleneic, shock coursing through her. Looking around her, she saw there was a pile of men—some human, some half animal and others full animal.

Aleneic came up to her and took the sword out of her hand. He threw it to the side and looked at her.

“I thought you said you couldn’t fight.”

Laila shook her head. “I can’t. Whatever you did to me, thanks.”

He looked confused. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You didn’t. What the hell happened?”

Aleneic looked around the clearing. “You kicked ass.”

Laughing, Laila wrapped her arms around his neck. “I did.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.


Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Jody Wallace
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
Ashley Ladd
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
TJ Michaels
Juliana Stone
Lacey Savage
Eliza Gayle
Sasha White
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro

Friday, September 18, 2009

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Keeping it Real

One of the biggest things with me is keeping it real. Being false takes to much time, energy and nosy being you will shine through. I don’t have time for it. Don’t surround myself with it. So what you see is what you get. This keeping it real extends to my reading choices and my own writing.

No matter if it is a sci fi, paranormal, contemporary or any genre in between making your characters believable is what I look for in a book and in my own writing. They could for example do many wondrous things with a wave of their finger but make sure that at their core they are real. I’ve had a discussion with a few friends of mine concerning paranormal, sci fi and other genres which feature characters that may not be human. Simply put “they are human with extras” which in my opinion means they feel the same emotionally as any human does. They are looking for love as we do. They cry as we do when needed and all that. They are real.

Yes they may have the power to control things around them or fight to the bitter end. But that one moment when they show their real side that emotional moment will get me every time. My favorite emotional moments in books is when an author can bring me to tears. And I’ll admit that I enjoy writing scenes in my novels that I know will make a reader cry. It can be tears of joy or going for the emotional jugular. Grabbing you in that place where that deep well of emotion is and touching a cord in you that makes the eyes burn, the breath hic up then the tears fall. Yeah I know I’m strange but it is real.

Share some scenes or books that came across as real to you or brought some sort of emotion that caught you and you remember.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Snippet Saturday - Worldbuilding

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Today’s snippet theme is Worldbuilding. This is how I came up with the concept for my Club Immortality Series.

Imagine if you will there is a place you can go that knows what you want. laymedown.jpgWhat you need. What is your darkest desire. A desire that you won’t even admit to yourself. A place where being different is embraced and you don’t have to hide what you are. The needs you have. A place where you may find Mr. or Ms Right or in some cases Mr. or Ms. Right for Now.

Welcome to Club Immortality where all you desires will be fulfilled. Nothing is taboo and privacy is a guarantee. We have been in existence for many centuries. Hidden from those who are sensually unaware. Now with the permission of some of our patrons we are about to bring you into the most exclusive club. With our tales we hope you will become enlightened.

I’m Micah and this is my mate Syn. Sit back, be tantalized, titillated and most of all let go your inhibitions.

Syn and Micah

burningtouch_pr2_small1From the opening welcome from the owners of Club Immortality I bring you into a world where embracing being you is expected. When I created Club Immortality I wanted a haven of sorts for the supernatural community to find their own sensual fulfillment. A place where even a supernatural being could find whatever was their deepest desire.

It could range from finding love, being able to touch another person without the fear of being shunned or any number of desires. With each tale of the Club Immortality I explore a sensual journey of the characters within the confines of Club Immortality and into the real everyday world of that patron of the club’s life.

I mentioned before about being different and in Club Immortality there is no such thing. Everything and anything is accepted. It is a haven for everyone. The Club itself knows what you need. Knows your desires and if it feels you are ready it gives it to you.

Differences is what makes us who we are. It would be boring if we all were silkandshadowsthe same. Ingenuity is abound everywhere and people perform feats everyday. It could be as simple as giving up a seat to someone or a smile could brighten someone’s day. You don’t have to be special to do things. Just embrace your difference and be you. I will leave you with a part of what is at the end of each Club Immortality book.

A lot of our patrons have to learn the lesson that you are only limited by your own imagination. Nothing is taboo and honesty between each other is the greatest of titillations.

Until next we met. Embrace your nature and go after you heart’s desires.

Take a journey with Club Immortality…..

Published Books in Club Immortality Series

Lay Me Down Blurb and Excerpt
Burning Touch Blurb and Excerpt
Silk and Shadows Blurb and Excerpt

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Michelle Pillow
Kelly Maher
Mark Henry
Jody Wallace
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
Ashley Ladd
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Lauren Dane
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
TJ Michaels
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Eliza Gayle

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Getting back to blogging

I've been a slack blogger for a bit. Lots of things were going on. Now it has slowed down I can get back to doing things I enjoy.

Blogging being one of them. Also sharing my TV/ Movie and Other Pleasures which ties in with blogging. LOL. And my greatest love reading. Again more blogging. So look for more blogging on TV/ Movie and Other Pleasures, reading and various other things. (grin)

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Snippet Saturday - Fight Scene (emotional)

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Today’s snippet theme is Fight Scene (emotional). Enjoy a look from one of my books.

onyxmoonrising_smallAn snippet from Onyx Moon Rising

Tashana could feel her strength fading. Slashing out, she took out more Deathwalkers. A Deathwalker rushed her. It got pass past her guard and hit her in the chest. Her one remaining sword she held flew out of her hand. Quickly she called her whip then raised her hand. She hit it back and slashed down with her whip. It disintegrated. Flicking her whip, she took out a few more. Taking a step back, she stumbled over Sanjay and fell on her back. Groaning, she rolled to her side and got to her knees. The Deathwalkers watched her and stalked forward. The Onyx Moon became hot against her skin. Sure in their victory, they closed in. Putting her hand on Sanjay's chest, Tashana felt his labored breathing.

Looking at him, she felt sorrow well in her. "I'm sorry, Sanjay."

The Deathwalkers laughed as the man continued to read the scroll. The Deathwalkers reached her, then she saw ice form covering the ones closest to her. A sound whistled in the air and the Deathwalkers shattered. Looking up, Tashana blinked, unsure if she was seeing things. Hundreds of dragons, in every color of the rainbow, came silent on the wind over the treetops. The sight of the massive dragon leading them captured all her attention. It was golden, the tips of its scales and tail were burnt orange. The dragon raised its head and screeched. Then lowered its head and breathed frost. Ice coated the Deathwalkers freezing them in place .

Suddenly, fire rained from the sky. A figure was throwing fire from the dragon's back. As they got closer, Tashana saw it was Zaila. She had a fierce look on her face throwing fire and light at various intervals. Tashana heard a whistling sound and it took her a moment to realize that it was a whip. Turning her head, her breath caught as she watched Jaynat hanging from the bottom of a purple dragon as she used one of her two whips. Jaynat lashed with her other whip shattering the frozen Deathwalkers. Reaching them, the dragons shifted into men and women, cutting through the Deathwalkers. Covering Sanjay with her body, Tashana listened as the sounds of battle waged around her. After a while, all was silent.

Cautiously she glanced up and saw the area was clear. The Deathwalkers were gone. A golden dragon landed with Zaila still on its back. It shifted into a man and he ran toward them, carrying Zaila. Jerking up, Tashana felt something tugging at her.

"Freitious!" a voice screamed.

The Onyx Moon pulled her across the clearing toward the man who held the scroll. Tashana took her dagger and flung it at him. His eyes widened as it hit him in the chest. He crumpled. She continued to be pulled to him. Reaching him, she collapsed on the ground. A fiery rd sensation filled her then the Onyx Moon pulsed. Screaming, she scrambled to her knees and grabbed at her neck. Ripping it off, she stumbled back as it hit the ground. Black light burst from the ground below the necklace and the earth split and a shape poured out. Rolling out of the way Tashana came up on her knees.

A shape shot into the sky and blocked out the sun. The backwash of power knocked everyone in the clearing off their feet. The dragons in the sky plummeted to Earth. When they hit, the earth shook. Tashana took in the vision of death. The Onyx Dragon. It was true black with no color at all. It raised it head and screeched. The Onyx Moon hung from its neck. Trees lit on fire and the earth stood still. It lowered its head and looked at her. She saw herself reflected in its black gaze. In them, she saw her death and read the truth. When the Onyx Moon pendent was stripped of its power, the power had taken corporeal form before it was put to sleep. It had waited for centuries to be awakened to get its opportunity for vengeance. The power had been created to be used to protect and not harm. Yet according to the wearer of the Onyx Moon, the power was enslaved by their desires. It had been corrupted with each destructive use. Now it was tired of the world and wanted all to die.

Opening its large mouth, the Onyx Dragon turned its head and blew fire, cutting her off from everyone around her. It looked at her again and dove. The wind whispered to her and Tashana heard it. Dropping down, she touched the earth. Power raced through the earth then fire licked up her arms circling her. Standing she looked down at the chains of Terra circling each arm. The earth had given them one of its greatest weapons of protection. The chains were bright white light. Pure and unbreakable.

Looking back up at the Onyx Dragon, she smiled and took off in a run. Using the man as a springboard, she flew up and met the Onyx Dragon. Swinging, Tashana latched the chains of Terra around its neck and used them to pull herself up. It screamed, twisting its head to shake her off. She held on. Reaching its back, she swung herself up and stood. Twirling one of the chains around her fist, she punched down. The Onyx Dragon dipped but didn’t go down. She raised her fist again, then hesitated, tilting her head to hear a whisper on the wind.

"Death."

Following through, Tashana punched down hard and felt the skin and bone give. The Onyx Dragon plummeted from the sky. Holding on with the other chain, Tashana rode it. Hitting the ground, she jarred as they skidded across the clearing. It shuddered and took its last breath. Suddenly, it shifted beneath her. Standing, legs widespread, Tashana looked down at the woman below her. Her skin was the color of dark oak and the Onyx Moon rested between her naked breasts. Her white hair was spread around her body partially covering her. The woman’s eyes flew open and she gasped. Tashana did not move, just watched her.

The woman looked at her and said, "Finish it."

Tashana raised her fist and brought it down.

Stopping just above her chest, Tashana said, "No. You're free. You can control the Onyx Moon now if you choose."

The woman looked at her. "I want to die."

"Dying is an easy way out. Redemption builds the soul."

Stepping over her, Tashana ran to Sanjay. Zaila ran up to them.

"Please help him, Zaila."

Zaila hook her head. "I can't. I'm too weak."

Looking at Zaila, Tashana saw her sway. The man who had been holding Zalia when he landed walked up to her and took some of her weight.

"Let me." The same man said.

Looking up, Tashana saw the reserved look on the woman's face. "How can I trust you not to hurt him, Onyx Dragon?"

The woman laughed a bitter sound. "My name is Indigo, and you can't."

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.


Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Jaci Burton
Elisabeth Naughton
McKenna Jeffries
Moira Rogers
Taige Crenshaw
Victoria Janssen
Vivian Arend
TJ Michaels
Juliana Stone
Anya Bast
Lacey Savage
Eliza Gayle

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