Power of Attraction – Available Now

Power of Attraction
By: Taige Crenshaw
Total-E-Bound
Coming January 31, 2011
ISBN #: 978-0-85715-451-4
Series: Blackstone Haven ~ Book One
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel
Format: E-Book
Buy Here

A man will come to you in the darkest moon. The trees will shade and protect your union of the soul. Before the final step to merge your body is taken, a choice must be made.

Peyton Blackstone, a natural born witch, knew from the prophecy that accompanied her birth that a man would come to her. Yet, when the man who is set to be her’s arrives, Peyton isn’t ready for him or the ramifications his coming will cause. This man who deals with reality has a few secrets of his own--secrets that could very well destroy them both.

Wesley McCarty believes the woman he meets under the moonlight is not real. Suffering from unexplained blackouts, he believes he is losing his mind. When he sees her again, he realizes not only is his fantasy woman real, but she is within his reach. He must have her, no matter the cost. Nothing will stop him. Not his blackouts, or any legacies or prophecies. He will have this woman who sets his blood on fire and completes his soul.

Legacies, destiny, and prophecy can not withstand this power of attraction.

Excerpt for Power of Attraction:

Wesley was amused by the look of fury mixed with distress on Ian’s normally affable face. He turned, interested in seeing the person who caused such a reaction. Shocked emerald green eyes stared at him. His heart skipped a beat.

Wesley hungrily took in the woman from the forest. She was real. He wasn’t losing his mind. Unconsciously, he took a step towards her. She backed up a step.

Fury filled him. She had run from him once, and she wasn’t doing it again. With a determined stride, he closed the space between them and grabbed her arm. She tried to shrug him off. He changed his grip and yanked her against his body. A shudder racked him as their bodies touched. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla he had thought he imagined cloyed around them. He felt her shiver in reaction. Her eyes heated then went cool.

A click sounded behind him. Absently, he looked away from her compelling gaze. He stilled at the sight of the gun trained on him. The wrath in the other woman’s amber gaze let him know she was waiting for an excuse to blow him away. Her features, so much like those of the woman he held, told him they were somehow related.

The woman in his arms moved against him. The feel of her soft breasts against his chest drove all sane thought from his mind. He turned and jerked her up into his arms.

“Wrap your legs around me,” Wesley growled.

The woman’s eyes narrowed, but she clamped her legs around his waist.

“Don’t order me around.” Her husky voice stroked along his senses.

He put his face close to hers. “Don’t give me reason to.”

She jerked back. He clamped his hands on her ass to hold her against him. She stilled. Wesley gritted his teeth at the feel of her jean-clad mound against him. His mind flashed to the forest and their kiss. He saw the answering flare in her green gaze.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2011.
All Rights Reserved, Total E Bound.

Buy Here

Release Day - Interviews and Guest Blog

~ Blogging at Cynthia Eden's.

~ Interview at Dawn Roberto's.

~ Interview at Kayelle Allen's.

~ Interview at Jeanne St. James's.

~ Interview at Christine d'Abo's.

~ Interview at Kate Hill's.

~ Blogging at Shelly Munro's.

~ Blogging at Aliyah Burke's .

Blogging at Nice N' Naughty

Blogging at Nice N' Naughty.

Snippet Saturday – Fight

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

An 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:

Leah Braemel
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
Eliza Gayle
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane
Jody Wallace
Sasha White

Blogging at CJ England's

Blogging at CJ England's.

When it all Clicks

There is no better feeling than when a story is flowing and everything is gelling together. All the elements you strive are meeting a synchronicity that makes all your hair stand on edge. Make you sit at the edge of your seat in anticipation of what happens next. Your heart is racing and pulse pounding right along with the characters you are writing.

It is such a rush when this happens. Your fingers fly across the keys as the words flow faster than you can type them. When you can’t stop to eat. When you try to sleep and the story follows you into your dreams. You’re living it. The story is laid out like a movie playing.

This is the stage I am at right now. I’m working on the second book of my Blackstone Haven series. The first in the series Power of Attraction will be released at Total E Bound on January 31. I’m racing toward the end of book 2 in the series and it is all going along fast and furious. The chemistry is right and the story has thrown some surprises at me but I worked with them. Then the thrill deep in my bones started and I know that the end is near. I love it when it all clicks.

Guest Blog and Interview

Interview at Nina Pierce's  and  Blogging at Lisabet Sarai's.

Blogging at RWBB

Blogging at Romance Writers Behaving Badly. Check me out here.

Excerpt for Power of Attraction

Here is an excerpt for Power of Attraction, my book that will be released by Total-E-Bound. The release date will be January 31, 2011. Make sure to mark your calendar and spread the word about my upcoming release. Enjoy.

Here is the blurb and Excerpt for Power of Attraction:

Power of Attraction
By: Taige Crenshaw
Total-E-Bound
Coming January 31, 2011
ISBN #: 978-0-85715-451-4
Series: Blackstone Haven ~ Book One
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Novel
Format: E-Book

A man will come to you in the darkest moon. The trees will shade and protect your union of the soul. Before the final step to merge your body is taken, a choice must be made.

Peyton Blackstone, a natural born witch, knew from the prophecy that accompanied her birth that a man would come to her. Yet, when the man who is set to be her’s arrives, Peyton isn’t ready for him or the ramifications his coming will cause. This man who deals with reality has a few secrets of his own--secrets that could very well destroy them both.

Wesley McCarty believes the woman he meets under the moonlight is not real. Suffering from unexplained blackouts, he believes he is losing his mind. When he sees her again, he realizes not only is his fantasy woman real, but she is within his reach. He must have her, no matter the cost. Nothing will stop him. Not his blackouts, or any legacies or prophecies. He will have this woman who sets his blood on fire and completes his soul.

Legacies, destiny, and prophecy can not withstand this power of attraction.

Excerpt for Power of Attraction:

Wesley was amused by the look of fury mixed with distress on Ian’s normally affable face. He turned, interested in seeing the person who caused such a reaction. Shocked emerald green eyes stared at him. His heart skipped a beat.

Wesley hungrily took in the woman from the forest. She was real. He wasn’t losing his mind. Unconsciously, he took a step towards her. She backed up a step.

Fury filled him. She had run from him once, and she wasn’t doing it again. With a determined stride, he closed the space between them and grabbed her arm. She tried to shrug him off. He changed his grip and yanked her against his body. A shudder racked him as their bodies touched. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla he had thought he imagined cloyed around them. He felt her shiver in reaction. Her eyes heated then went cool.

A click sounded behind him. Absently, he looked away from her compelling gaze. He stilled at the sight of the gun trained on him. The wrath in the other woman’s amber gaze let him know she was waiting for an excuse to blow him away. Her features, so much like those of the woman he held, told him they were somehow related.

The woman in his arms moved against him. The feel of her soft breasts against his chest drove all sane thought from his mind. He turned and jerked her up into his arms.

“Wrap your legs around me,” Wesley growled.

The woman’s eyes narrowed, but she clamped her legs around his waist.

“Don’t order me around.” Her husky voice stroked along his senses.

He put his face close to hers. “Don’t give me reason to.”

She jerked back. He clamped his hands on her ass to hold her against him. She stilled. Wesley gritted his teeth at the feel of her jean-clad mound against him. His mind flashed to the forest and their kiss. He saw the answering flare in her green gaze.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2011.
All Rights Reserved, Total E Bound.

Blogging at Delilah Devlin's

Blogging at Delilah Devlin's.

Some Light Housekeeping

by Nina Pierce

Thanks so much Taige for letting me hang out today.

When I first sat down to seriously pen a novel six years ago I knew my muse was clamoring for me to write romance and it seemed we always tripped over a dead body or two along the way. But when she decided (after too many umbrella drinks and days of flirting with the cabana boys) to throw open the bedroom doors and let readers experience the physical love in the romance … well, she totally hit her stride and my erotic romance stories were born!

My first story with EC came out nearly two years ago. It is such a pleasure to write for them. I have an amazing editor who totally understands my visions and brings out the best in my stories. (Though my poor editor has totally given up on comma placement … I’m a lost cause in that arena, distributing them randomly like pepper from a shaker.) I’m having fun combining erotic romance with contemporary settings, paranormal realms and even distance planets.

My newest release with Ellora’s Cave, Maid for Master is a contemporary romp into the world of Dominance and submission.

Maid for Master blurb:

When lust and deception collide, will her complete submission be enough to bind their hearts?

Treat herself to a carnal weekend at the hedonistic retreat, XTC Resorts? That’s not something Claire Calderwood, a three-time loser in the relationship department would ordinarily do. But at forty-one, having a successful cleaning business is no longer enough. She wants a chance to let go of all responsibility, submit to a stranger’s sexual demands and satisfy her darkest fantasies.

Jonathon Brierton has known his best friend’s sister long enough to recognize her submissive nature. He would like nothing more than to have Claire bound naked and at the mercy of his flogger as he teaches her the sensual art of obeying her Master. At thirty-something, he’s a successful real estate developer, owner of a BDSM resort—and hopelessly in love with the older woman.

When Claire follows him to his resort, Jonathon is certain he can keep his identity secret long enough to convince her that being restrained in his stocks is something that will satisfy them both. But lies, deceit and broken hearts may not be so easy to overcome.

EXCERPT:
Claire Calderwood had fantasized about being a sexual slave to a man’s desires for a long time now. She’d even taken the time to buy a couple of books on the D/s lifestyle. Those few times she’d tried to communicate her desires to her partners had turned into nothing more than mindless rutting that had left her feeling empty and used. Being tied to a bed while her boyfriend satisfied his fantasies wasn’t the same as the give and take of consensual passion happening below.

Her hope had been to share this weekend with her fiancé so they could both learn from the experience of others. But Claire understood better than most that plans had a way of disintegrating dreams.

How she’d managed to let her baby brother’s best friend talk her into keeping her plans still baffled her. Adjusting the butterfly mask, she cast a quick glance around. Claire wasn’t sure she’d survive if she ran into Jonny here at the fetish club of all places. She hoped he was neck-deep in some hot tub with a good-looking co-ed. Goodness knows, she didn’t know what she’d say if he found her strutting around in the barely there leather bra and skirt and heavy knee-high biker boots she’d found in her closet. She would be mortified if he told Ryan of her foolishness. Surely, she’d never hear the end of it. But this vacation wasn’t about her brother Ryan, Jonny or her fiancé or anything else she’d left behind in Indiana. It was about Claire and giving herself permission to let loose and give in to her fantasies.

Throwing her shoulders back, Claire forced away the gloomy thoughts and turned her attention back to the dungeon. A man hung face-up by a series of knotted ropes. His arms and legs were stretched wide, exposing his torso and genitals to tempting possibilities. Clamps had earlier been applied to his nipples and inner thighs, and a plug inserted in his rectum. He had remained suspended and blindfolded, only able share the woman’s pleasure and pain through her cries of ecstasy. Now two Doms maneuvered a pulley system, lowering him to waist level. Strong hands stroked over sensitive flesh. His cock and balls, restrained in a tight leather harness, swelled against its bindings, anticipation putting everyone on the edge of their seats.

“Are you enjoying the show?”

A male voice, thick and rich as honeyed molasses shivered down her spine. When Claire attempted to turn, he pressed into her back. His face nestled against her neck so that only a whisper separated his lips from the shell of her ear.

“Don’t turn. Just answer. Are. You. Enjoying. The. Show?”

He spoke softly, each word enunciated clearly. It was such a simple question and delivered with such intensity, Claire could barely fill her lungs. The hard planes of his chest pressed against her. Muscular thighs ran along the back of her legs and against her ass. Gooseflesh rose where his breath caressed her neck. It was all she could do not to lean into the man.

“I… Well… I…”

“Yes. Or. No?”

Power buffeted her but didn’t smother. Rather than drowning, Claire felt swaddled in the absolute security of this man. Her nipples steepled, pressing hard against zippers running along the soft leather cup of her bra. And when she inhaled to speak, the clean scent of soap and fresh air filled her nose. “Yes.”

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

**Giveaway** Nina’s giving away a box full of goodies, including her erotic suspense novel, “Healer’s Garden” to a random commenter from all the blogs she visits during her tour between Jan 17 and Jan 25.

Nina Pierce is an award-winning author of erotic romance. Her stories fall in all genres from contemporary to paranormal. When she’s not sitting at her computer creating stories of lust and love, she’s spending time with her real life hero and husband of twenty-six years, her three adult children and a menagerie of aging pets. You can keep up with all her latest books on her website or her blog or follow her on twitter  and facebook.

Blogging at International Heat

Blogging at International Heat.

Snippet Saturday – Bad Mood

Today’s snippet theme is Bad Mood. It is one of my favorite scenes from a book that I wrote with authors Aliyah Burke and McKenna Jeffries for our free read site called Satin Notes. It is long so placed it behind a link. Enjoy.

An snippet from Break Every Rule…

In a glance, she took in a gagged Taggart, tied to the chair in the center of the room. He was looking at her. The dogs were all laying on the floor, spread throughout the room. Instinctively, she turned and raised her hand.

“I’ll give you some love,” a voice hissed.

Dominique looked into crazed eyes. She pulled her hand back and punched out with her fist. Her assailant took the blow and hit her arm. The sharp sting of a needle registered a second after it plunged in and the depressor pushed.

Dominique’s surprised look was met with a chilling smile. “Welcome to my party.”

A woozy feeling filled Dominique. She shook it off and jumped at her attacker, but her aim was off. The target moved, then lashed out with a fist, catching Dominique on the side of the head. She fell back, then rushed the individual again, sustaining another hit for her trouble. Dominique lashed out, grunting as her fist hit flesh. She gripped a hand, twisted, and felt the arm break. A voice shrieked, and then another blow hit her in the chest. She stumbled back, but righted herself. Her head swam. Dominique refused to give into it. She swung and hit flesh again. A kick in her leg made it buckle, and she fell onto her back. The enraged face filled her vision.

“You broke my fucking arm! You cunt!” her attacker screamed.

Dominique smiled, a nasty grin. “I’m going to break more than that, Kelin.” She laughed.

Kelin roared, then punched out. Dominique caught her fist, then decked her. Blood spurted out of her nose. Dominique laughed again. Kelin growled and lashed out with her broken hand. Dominique grabbed it and twisted. Kelin howled, then kicked her. Pain blasted through Dominique, and blackness filled her vision. Gasping, she released Kelin, struggling for consciousness and breath.

“I’m going to kill you. Kill you,” Kelin sang in a broken voice.

Dominique fought to stay awake, but it was useless. Oh God, not again. I have to protect him. The darkness claimed her.

Dominique bit back a groan as she woke. Cautiously, she kept still and tried to figure out where she was. From the feel of it, she knew she was lying on the carpeted floor. She shifted slowly and felt the bite of ropes on her wrists, tied behind her back. A hysterical voice broke the silence.

“This would never have happened, Taggart, if only you’d have noticed me. We were so good together. All those late hours working as a team. A couple. Then you had to get all wrapped up in that bitch. You didn’t pay attention to the warnings I gave you. You should have left her!” Kelin raged.

She paused, then paced. Dominique heard the drag of her shoes on the carpet.

Kelin’s tone softened and went sickly sweet. “But I know you didn’t mean it. She had you in her trap. Once she’s gone, we can be together. You, me, and the dogs. They’ll learn to like me. We’ll have to put hers to sleep, of course.”

Kelin made a humming noise. Dominique opened her eyes to slits. Kelin’s back was to her as she straddled Taggart on the chair. Kelin made the sound again.

“I want a real kiss. I’m going to take off your gag.” Kelin laughed, attempting to sound sultry.

Dominique realized Kelin was kissing Taggart. She tamped down her rage. Kelin reached up, then swore as her left hand hung uselessly at her side.

“That bitch broke my arm.” Kelin looked over her shoulder.

Dominique closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. She heard the drag of Kelin’s footsteps on the carpet. Holding still, Dominique poised herself to spring.

“He’s mine, and he’ll forget you,” Kelin spat.

Her voice sounded too far away for Dominique to take her out.

A brief pause, and then her footsteps hurried back to Taggart. “Now for that kiss.”

Dominique silted her eyes again to see her. Kelin stood to the side of Taggart as she used her right hand to take off the tape from his mouth. Blood ran down the side of Taggart’s face. He looked at Dominique, his face calm, then turned to look at Kelin.

A seemingly Insurmountable Problem

I was watching some movies the other day. They all had the common theme of facing that insurmountable problem. The one that you feel you have no way of overcoming. In one it was about a woman having an accident and ending up in a wheelchair. She refused to believe she was going to walk again despite people telling her different. Then she lost hope but her refusal to say quit came back to her and she kept at it. At it and at it until she made her goal. The insurmountable problem was conquered and kicked on it’s butt.

I’ve faced that insurmountable problem often. This is why the movie moved me so much. There has been some in my daily life that made me question why. I had to work my way through the problem. Find solutions and do all I needed to get to where I needed to be. Like the woman I kicked it’s butt and kept on going. It made me stronger than yesterday.

Now as for my writing and career. I’ve had the some insurmountable problems too. After having written so many books I still get that feeling in my stomach when I open the black page to start the story. That feeling of excitement and slight sickness. Will I be able to conquer that insurmountable problem of starting the story and I can’t wait to start? The two feeling combat each other. The fear and excitement. When I start it will I be able to finish it? After it is finished will it be any good? Will I get that contract? Will any readers buy it? If they do will they enjoy it or get it? These and many more questions fill me from blank page to completion and eventually publication. They are all a seemingly insurmountable problem.

In actuality they are not. They are what you make it. Just like everything in life. You are only limited by you. What you want to do. Your expectations and what you do to get them. Yes I do still get that feeling each time I open a document to write but I no longer see it as a seemingly insurmountable problem. I see it as a challenge that I will conquer and come out stronger than yesterday.

No matter what happens in life each seemingly insurmountable problem is nothing as long as you realize - everything can be handled one step at a time and with some belief that you will get where you need to be.

Simple is Best

One of the things I enjoy most of any of my creative endeavors is coming up with the first idea. This is when it is only an inkling of what it will end up. When it is nice and simple. The first bloom in the mind that tickles the brain. Something that is just beyond becoming a full thought. Once it does become that inkling it is fun. The fun of letting it grow in you mind. Getting a concept. Discarding it as not right to go with your inkling. Then still thinking and then finally that concept that fits with the inklings (first idea). You slowly add layers to the idea and it becomes more. But it all starts with that simple idea first.

I was reading through my inklings (first idea) notebooks. As I read I could remember what I meant for that first idea. My mind filled with all the feelings I was having when I came up with the first inkling. From sad to overjoyed. It was such a journey of writing. The first inkling notebooks is a place I go when I’m working on a new concept. It gets my juices flowing. Makes my creativity go into high gear.

Ever so often I take one of those inklings (first ideas) and make it into a story. That is what I’ve been doing lately. Working one of my inklings (first idea) into a story. I’ve been having fun playing with the inklings (first idea). I think I have the right story to go with my inklings (first idea). I plan to let it get a more fully formulated before I start writing. I’m excited about it.

No matter what you creative pursuit – crafts, drawing, writing, songs and so on there is always that inklings (first idea). The first thing that gets you started. When you see the finished product for your inklings (first idea) it creates a sense of accomplishment. And to think it all started with a simple idea. After all simple is best.

Self Editing

Someone asked me about my process I use for my self edits. This is a process that I came up with too many years to think about when I was in college. It helped me produce concise as clean as I could get it papers and such. I’ve since adapted it for writing my books. This is just my process and works for me. First I’m going to mention the draft.

After the first draft of the book is done I let it sit for a bit before I do any edits to it. Usually about a month or so. This lets me go back once ready for self edits with a fresh perspective and eyes for the book.

Note: This might change according to if I am on a deadline. As in if the book is for a call that I am subbing to, a date due to a publisher or so.

Initial Stage:
So after letting the book sit for a bit I start reading. Reading only. No editing. When reading I overlook any typos, wrong words usage and so on. In this stage I am looking for the flow of the book. Any gaps or unresolved story lines. I just mark brief notes if there is a hiccups I find. This is for me to look at the later to address when I get into the actual self editing.

First Stage:
After a complete read through of book beginning to end I go back and address the hiccups I found. I find any gaps or unresolved story lines and fill them out. If for some reason a thread or scene I had started in the book but it doesn’t work for it now I get rid of it. I take the passages and save them. I put them in my “Writing Bits”, this is a folder which I have for all such scenes that I cut from my books. They might not work for one story but could for another.

I work on all those places that I need to fill in or so on. Until I addressed everything I saw so far.

Middle Stage:
This is the deep editing stage. The one where I look at grammar, spelling, plot, pacing and characterization. Addressing everything in the story. For grammar I have a mini checklist of things that I tend to do when I write. Overuse of words, awkward phrasing and all that. Spelling is twofold. In my paranormals I might create a language so I must make sure the spelling of a word I created in consistent. And of course if it isn’t my created word must make sure it is spelled correctly. (grin) For Plot and Pacing I see if what I am trying to achieve has been done and the overall feel of how the story is flowing. This could mean I might also have to fill in some threads or more scenes. Characterization is to make sure that I have kept things true to what I have created the characters to be. Making sure that it reads true who the core characters is.

This is the more complex of the stages since I am addressing everything in depth.

Final Stage:
This is another read through of the book. In this one the book should already be very clean and concise. As I read I address anything I missed in the other stages. Filling them in, corrections and all that.

Postlude Stage:
Last part where I do a full read through of book. By this stage there should be no more self edits that I will do. The book is ready to sub. Now I am reading for the joy of the story. Although sometimes by this stage I sort of hate the book. Been with it so long and all I want is it to be done already. LOL.

Self Edit - time frame

There is no set time frame. Each book is different and some may take more work than others. And times can vary according to how much work I need to do in each stage. With each book I’ve gotten better at not leaving any threads or scenes unresolved so I usually don’t have to fill in things or cut most of the time. I just take the time I need to get the book as clean and concise as I can before I sub it.

That is basically how I do self edits.

Blogging at Hitting the Hot Spot

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Hitting the Hot Spot – Total E Bound. Check me out here.

Interview at Jenny Schwartz

Interview at Jenny Schwartz .

Blogging at Romance Studio

I’m blogging at Romance Studio. Check me out here.

Snippet Saturday – Dark Moment

Today’s snippet theme is Dark Moment. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Veils Rising…

Turning, Dilana glanced at Magni and smiled. He grinned, then his eyes widened. Turning quickly, she saw the woman break free then throw three dark green bolts at her, then disappear. From their color, Dilana knew they were soul eaters and she had no way of stopping them.

The bolts reached her and Magni jumped in front of her. He collapsed under the strength of the power. The bolts sucked into his body and rolled though him, searching for escape.

She could see the heat from the bolts rolling around his skin. Dropping to her knees she gathered him in her arms and screamed, “Magni!”

He whispered, pain in his voice. “God, that hurt. How bad is it?”

Tears blurred Dilana’s vision as she watched the bolts start to suck out his life. “Damn you. Why did you go and do that? I can’t live without you.”

He reached up and touched her face. “I love you Dilana.”

His breathing grew labored. Dilana threw back her head and screamed. “Sari.”

A light flashed, then gold smoke formed. From within the gold smoke stepped a devastatingly beautiful woman. Her skin was onyx, her hair was silver piled atop her head in a ponytail that fell down her back. Mirrored shades covered her eyes and rested against sculptured cheeks. She took them off and her catlike green eyes gleamed while her full lips parted in a blood-red smile. A red-floor length coat covered a silver skin-tight leather vest which stopped above her navel and her matching skirt started below her navel, flowing to mid thigh. Her boots were red like her coat. She cocked her head and sniffed the air. A shudder rippled through her.

She turned back and looked at Dilana. “Death.” There was a pleasure on her face. She circled the clearing, sniffing the area.

Dilana said nothing as Sari struggled with her nature. Sari turned back to Dilana, her face cold and eyes blank. Sari looked around and took in everything. She turned and headed for Aunty King.

“No, save Magni,” Dilana demanded.

Sari didn’t stop or look at her. “She has a more immediate need.” Sari stopped over

Aunty King’s still body and said, “Live.”

Aunty King gasped, then sat straight up. She looked up at Sari. They looked at each other.

Aunty King nodded, “Thank you.”

Sari looked at her titled her head and asked. “You do not fear me?”

Aunty King laughed and replied, “Blunt, aren’t you.”

“Yes.”

“No, I don’t fear you,” Aunty King answered Sari’s original question.

Sari laughed, then put out her hand. Dilana was surprised, Sari didn’t touch anyone she didn’t know very well or trust and even then it was a rare occurrence. Aunty King looked surprised, then took her hand and stood. They looked at each other and something passed between them. As one, they turned and walked over to Dilana.

Sari stood next to Magni as Aunty King kneeled. Sari looked at him. She did nothing.

“Help him.”

Sari looked up at Dilana and replied, “I can’t. He’s going to die.”

“No. You have to help him.”

Sari watched, her a cold look on her face. “I can’t.”

Dilana watched her in disbelief, then anger overcame her. Putting Magni down, Dilana stood and stepped into Sari’s face. Sari didn’t change expression. Dilana grabbed her by her coat and jerked her forward.

“Help him before I kill you,” Dilana growled.

Sari didn’t change expression. She looked over Dilana’s head, pushed Dilana’s hands up, broke her hold and swung her to her side, all in one motion. Dilana watched as more dark green soul-eater bolts raced to them. They hit Sari in her chest. The bolt circled her then a sucking sound came and it was gone. Sari looked over at the female Banshee.

“Die.”

The Banshee screamed then rent apart and was no more. Sari turned back to Dilana.

“Where were we?”

Dilana shook her head. “Never mind. Please, Sari, help him!”

“I can’t,” Sari repeated.

Dilana dropped to her knees beside Magni. Taking him from his aunt, she held him close.

He looked up at her, his eye glazed with oncoming death.

Sari continued, “You can help him.”

Dilana looked up at her, “What?”

“You can save him.”

“I don’t have the power to heal soul eaters, Sari.” Dilana shook her head.

Sari shrugged. “Zarya said to tell you life is about living and death will follow without it.”

Dilana’s eyes narrowed. One of Zarya’s powers was that of a seer and she loved to talk in obscure terms. As she thought about Zarya’s message, Dilana reached up to push her hair back from her face. When her hand ran along the side of her neck, she felt a burning sensation. Looking down, she saw the Zerquel around her neck. She hadn’t put it on or called it. Suddenly she remembered what Zarya had said, the Zerquel did as it pleased.

Instinctively, she leaned over Magni and kissed him, passionately eating at his mouth. She could feel something coming out of his mouth and into hers. Leaning back, she threw her head back and gulped it down and felt it burn her throat. The Zerquel heated, then the feeling was gone. A firm hand touched her cheek. Looking back down she saw Magni’s clear amber gaze watching her.

He smiled. “Ah, cherie, give me the words.”

“I love you.” Dilana was surprised at the raw texture and deepness of her voice.

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:
Leah Braemel
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
Eliza Gayle
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane
Jody Wallace
Sasha White

Let Go

For a little while I’ve been thinking on a decision that I need to make. I’ve been agonizing over it and weighing the pros, cons, and all the in between. It has been on my mind so much during my waking and sleeping times. Then it was as if I was hit between the eyes. That my struggle in the bigger scheme of things was unnecessary. This wasn’t life or death. Heck it wasn’t even a paper cut. It was a blip. A microscopic thing. So miniscule that once done life would go on as in a slightly different way but not enough to matter. I had thought so much about the problem when all I needed to do was let go. Whew two little words that was so hard to come to.

I’m stubborn so this is a foreign concept to me. I don’t like not doing something or at least having a resolution to that issue. So to just let go wasn’t something I had even thought of. All that time wondering, thinking and planning how to go about what I needed to decide wasn’t needed. That it wasn’t a situation that warranted so much attention. But again go back to the part where I am stubborn. (grin) My stubbornness left me blinded to the other more feasible option. Let Go.

Once I came to the realization it was such a relief. Not that I was letting go but that I realized that my letting go wasn’t going to change anything. In my mind I know that I can’t control other or what they want to do. I can only control my actions and reactions. In this case I choose what to do. Because it was the best course of action to take. It wasn’t just walking away. It was my claiming my decision and knowing that it was time to let go.

Blogging at RJ and SEX

Blogging for my monthly blog day at Romance Junkies. Check me out here.

I’m blogging at SEX -Liquid Silver Books Blog. Check me out here.

Snow stillness

As I left my house this morning for work it was so quiet and still. The snow on the ground added to that feeling of being all alone. It might also be because there was no one else out and about yet. I was the first footsteps on my block. So there I was knee deep in snow trudging along. And the funny thing I was very happy. Moments like this makes me appreciate what I have. Life, health and being able to pursue my dreams of being an author. There is nothing like that feeling.

It added a pep to my step as I walked. Inhaling deeply I took in that snow stillness and let it seep into me. With that feeling I know I am going to have an awesome day. Won’t let anyone get to me today. I’m just going to remember that feeling I had this morning as I walked.

Blogging at RWBB

Blogging at Romance Writers Behaving Badly. Check me out here.

Interview at Romance Author Hotspot

Interview at Romance Author Hotspot .

Snippet Saturday - Music

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

An snippet from Lay me Down…



Rotating her hips, Syn let the music sweep her away. Raising her hands over her head, she grooved by herself, people a little distance away. When she had arrived at the club, she had been taken aback by some of the people in costume. Until Jian had reminded her it was Halloween, she’d forgotten what day it was. Some of the costumes were elaborate. Syn was in awe at the detailing of some of the costumes. She watched as the Boogie Man twirled the Faery he was holding.

Across the room, Jian danced against some guy dressed as a Weretiger. The man was breathing hard and having a difficult time keeping up. Other men elbowed each other, trying to get close to her. Jian ignored them and continued to dance with the partner she’d chosen. Shaking her head, Syn reinforced her stay-away spell. Suddenly, she stopped arrested by the man across the room.

From where Syn stood she scanned his long locks. He’d pulled them into a ponytail that fell down his back. His sun-kissed features were chiselled masculine perfection. He wasn’t in costume. His slim muscular frame was covered in a dark purple almost black shirt and tight slacks made her mouth water for a bite. It wasn’t his face or body that caught her. It was his eyes.

With her keen sight she saw they were rich lavender offset by curling lashes. They should have made him seem feminine but they only enhanced his maleness as he leaned against the wall. He continued to stare, his intense gaze never wavering.

Intrigued, Syn started to dance again. Rolling her hips gently, she watched his eyes. They remained locked to hers. He smiled, a seductive twist of his luscious lips. Syn felt a delicious tightening of her body she hadn’t felt in a long time. Continuing to watch him she moved seductively waiting to see what he would do.

 

I knew she’d come.

Micah had been restless earlier and come to the main floor of the club. After checking with the managers, he had circulated among the diners, making sure they were having a good time. Everything was going well. Normally, he would have returned to his office. Instead, he’d continued to the dancing area in the back.

When he’d opened the door he’d been blasted by the music blaring through the open doors leading into the soundproofed area. He’d stopped, pleased at the turn out to Club Immortality’s annual Halloween Party, then gone inside to check around. He’d spoken with Zayne, the club’s manager, who’d assured Micah everything was under control. Micah had a lot of work to do, but still he lingered, helping out behind the bar.

He’d sensed her as soon as she came in, although he hadn’t seen her. She’d swept over his consciousness with a heated touch of fire. Leaving the bar, he’d gone to the far side of the room and waited for her to appear. Bodies swayed on the floor in time with the throbbing music provided by the live band. It had taken a while before she was revealed. Thankfully, he was a patient man. When he finally saw her, she’d taken his breath away.

Now, he looked across the room at woman dancing so enticingly. She was a tall sensual goddess.

Her honey-toned skin glistened with a light sheen of sweat while her high sculptured cheeks beckoned him to cross the room and take a nibble. Her luscious lips tantalised him to get a taste. His mouth watered as he took in the way her bountiful breasts rose in her snug, black T-shirt. Her lush, jean-clad hips hypnotized him. Micah wet his suddenly dry lips and looked at her long legs, imagining how they’d feel wrapped around him as he drove deep within her hot, wet canal.

He’d enjoyed watching her dance. With his connection to the club it gave him a better ability to view all she or any of his patrons did. When she’d turned and looked at him he had been captured by her amber gaze. She’d stilled when she saw him before dancing in a way that enticed him.

Her confidence intoxicated him.

Her sensuality was an aphrodisiac.

Though she didn’t know it yet, she belonged to him. Their meeting had been preordained yet he hadn’t known when she would come. Moving from the wall, he walked purposefully across the floor. He ignored everything around him. He had one goal—her. Her chest rose and fell as he drew closer. Finally standing before her, he raised his hands and met hers with his, twining their fingers together.

He undulated his hips in time with hers and let her feel his hardened shaft. They hissed simultaneously at the first touch. Bringing up her arms and placing them around his neck, he put his face close to her neck and inhaled her scent. She smelled like sin and sex. The scent of her arousal gripped him. His cock hardened and lengthened even more. Running his hands along her forearms, then down her sides, he felt her quiver. He continued the path to her waist and cupped her lush hips.

She sighed and moved her body closer. Squeezing her firm butt, he dragged her against his raging erection. A growl echoed from her making her breasts rub against his chest. Her nipples beaded against his chest, feeling wonderful. In her low heeled boots she perfectly matched his height of six-four. Taking another deep breath, he drew back his head and looked into her compelling amber gaze.

She smiled.

The heat in her gaze made his cock pulse. He wanted to bury it deep inside of her. Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he leaned in and kissed her.

Soft and slow.

Once.

Twice.

Then a third time.

She blinked then her arms tightened around his neck and she dragged him to her. She suckled his lips and their tongues clashed. Micah murmured and drew her closer, letting her hunger sweep him away.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Total-e-bound.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
Eliza Gayle
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane
Jody Wallace
Sasha White

Fantasy ~ What is it really? -Revisit

Reposting

I looked up the meaning of fantasy and there were so many meanings and variations to this it was eye opening. I’m going to start with my least favorite then go on to my most favorite.

My least Favorite:

Fantasy~ An unrealistic or improbable supposition.

Now where do I even begin on this one? This is such a cold, analytical way to look at fantasy. From time we are born we are taught to believe in many things that would from this meaning be considered “unrealistic” or “improbable”. The tooth fairy, Santa clause, Easter bunny, and sandman are but a few of the things we grew up with. It is a part of life that we believe at least until such things as this meaning makes us realize different. As a writer this meaning is totally out of my scope. I create living fantasy for readers and enjoy the hell out of doing it {grin}.

Now my most favorites are more like my way of thinking.

My most favorites:

Fantasy ~ Imagery that is more or less coherent, as in dreams and daydreams, yet unrestricted by reality.

Or

Fantasy ~ An imagined event or sequence of mental images, such as a daydream, usually fulfilling a wish or psychological need.

All Hail the Fantasy brigade.

Ahhh. Now this is more like it. I create novels that are unrestrained by reality. Heck I build worlds that defy definition and enjoy each and every improbable part of it. I love fulfilling a wish. Wishes of a great story with lots of sex, fantasy and escape. Yes escape from the norm. I enjoy the forays of an alpha male hero type, kick butt heroine whether they be human, vampire, shape shifter, witch or anything else. Becoming free of the restrictions of the imagination is what I strive to achieve. Take a risk. Become a daredevil. Love, fight and live with all those characters of fantasy. Isn’t this really what it is all about.

I tap into the fantasy I enjoy and bring it into reality at least for the time you read my stories and then after when it is remembered by you. Here is my definition of fantasy.

Taige definition of fantasy:

Escaping the constrains of reality and making a reality of your own. A reality where your deepest desires, needs, wants and all things your imagination can think of is real as long as you believe.

Novels are always an adventure and isn’t that why you read. To be drawn into a fantasy. At least for a time before real life issue take over. Fantasy is all about imagination and using it to escape. I enjoy bring a little escape to you.

So tell me what does fantasy mean to you….

January 2011– Places

Keeping this info on top.
Scroll down for any new posts.

In addition to my regular guest blog days at various places here are a few places I will also be for this month. With my release later this month I will be at lots of places this month and next month. This is a partial list of where I will be. I will be adding more to this post.

~ Interview at Romance Author Hotspot on Jan. 10th.

~ Blogging at SEX - Liquid Silver Blog on Jan. 13th.

~ Interview at Jenny Schwartz on Jan. 17th.

~ Blogging at International Heat on Jan. 22th.

~ Blogging at Delilah Devlin's on Jan. 24th.

~ Interview at Nina Pierce's on Jan. 26th.

~ Blogging at Lisabet Sarai's on Jan. 26th.

~ Blogging at CJ England's on Jan. 28th.

~ Blogging at Nice N' Naughty on Jan. 29th.

~ Blogging at Cynthia Eden's on Jan. 31st.

~ Interview at Dawn Roberto's on Jan. 31st.

~ Interview at Kayelle Allen's on Jan. 31st.

~ Interview at Jeanne St. James's on Jan. 31st.

~ Interview at Christine d'Abo's on Jan. 31st.

~ Interview at Kate Hill's on Jan. 31st.

~ Blogging at Shelly Munro's on Jan. 31st.

~ Blogging at Aliyah Burke's on Jan. 31st.

Immersed in research

I love the whole process of writing. One of my fav’s is the research. Doing research takes me back to my college days when I did all those long papers with bibliography and footnotes. LOL.

So I’ve been immersed in researching some info on a book that I’m getting ready to write. Getting all my information lined up so I can delve in and get to writing it when I have it set on my writing calendar. Yep that old trusty writing calendar is going to keep me on track this year. Lots of writing to do. Once I am done with my current WIP I will be using all that interesting research. My thoughts are already racing.

Now back to researching.

Happy 2011!

Happy 2011! Here’s to a safe, a little bit naughty and most off all fun year.

After last year and the personally hectic year last year I’m glad for this new one. Hoping this will be a year of many interesting things.

I’m feeling lots of anticipation for 2011. Very excited about the opportunities coming to my career goals. I’m going to have fun working towards them.
This year I have one main goal from which all the others flow out. The main goal:

Write.

So get ready for a sizzling year. (grin)

What are your goals/resolutions for 2011?

Snippet Saturday - New Beginnings

Today’s snippet theme is New Beginnings. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Shadow Dance….

“You have been messing with me since that first day,” Yadira said.

The woman nodded then whispered in a voice like silken sheets, “Yes. I am sorry but being so close to power has awakened me out of The Eye of Ra.”

“Sekhmet,” Dimitri’s tortured whisper reached her, confirming what she suspected.

Yadira saw the pain and joy in his face. Sekhmet reached out for him and he enfolded her into his arms. She was almost as tall as he was. They trembled together. Yadira could see the tears raining down his face as he held Sekhmet in his arms.

Dimitri pulled back looking at Sekhmet. “We thought you were dead. Kianga, they said you were dead.”

Sekhmet looked at him sorrow on her face. “Ahhh, Dimitri I have not heard that name in so long. It is appropriate that the Kianga name lives and lets the Sekhmet name die. I have missed you my brother.”

They embraced again. Dimitri stroked her hair.

“What happened to you?” Dimitri demanded.

Sekhmet looked over at Solaris. “Father contained me in The Eye of Ra.”

Dimitri looked at Solaris and stepped toward him. Sekhmet stopped him gripping his arm.

“No Dimitri. It was the right thing to do. I would have destroyed the world if he hadn’t.” Sekhmet looked at him sadness and regret on her face.

A cold wind blew into the cave whirling the dirt all around. Yadira shielded her gaze then looked at Dimitri who was standing before Sekhmet. He moved and she realized it wasn’t him, but Dominic. Dimitri stood still next to Sekhmet. “Sekhmet.” Dominic said, pain raw in his voice.

He dropped to his knees and rested his head against her bare stomach. The sound of his weeping filled the chamber. He trembled and shook with the force of it. Dimitri rested his hand on Dominic’s head while his arm encircled Sekhmet. Sekhmet looked down at him shock and pain lighting her face.

“Oh Dominic what has happened to you.” She leaned down pulling him closer to her.

He wrapped his arms more tightly around her and continued to weep. Looking up from him she looked at Solaris. “What have you done?”

Solaris looked at her. “Nothing. You must return to me Sekhmet for the sake of humanity.”

Sekhmet looked at him. “You will not contain me in The Eye of Ra again.” Solaris looked at her pain and sorrow in his gaze. “I must.” Raising his hand he shot bluish fire at her.

Pushing away from Dimitri and Dominic she stepped forward to meet it. It curled around her, swirled, then flowed to her mouth. She opened her full lips and sucked it in. Yadira started as a pop filled the air then the flames were gone.

Solaris looked at Sekhmet. “Ahhh daughter, I do not want to destroy you.”

Sekhmet raised her chin. “You will not have to. I will return home with you and fulfill any punishment you deem sufficient.”

Solaris nodded.

“Sekhmet,” Dominic cried.

Sekhmet turned to him and touched his cheek. “No Dominic. It is the right thing to do. I am sorry for all the pain I have made you suffer.” Tears rained down her cheeks and she turned to walk to Solaris.

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

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

Leah Braemel
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
Eliza Gayle
Shelli Stevens
TJ Michaels