Meet Author Alexandra Anthony

I have a real treat for my readers. Author Alexandra Anthony has agreed to join my blog today. Wait until you read her yummy characters. I have a special thing for vamps, as you know. Hers are next on my TBR list. The covers alone burn up my computer screen. So, without any further delay, welcome Alexandra. 

What genres do you write and why? Anything interesting about how you got started?
I write in the paranormal romance genre…however, my books tend to be a little on the erotic side.  I enjoy the paranormal, especially vampires so I was drawn to write about them.  I started writing professionally after a serious health situation in 2011.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I decided I wasn’t going to put off doing what I’ve always wanted to do.
Do you like writing in series, or single?
I’m writing only series books right now.  I’ve created characters that I love and I enjoy watching their story play out in a series. 
Did you get “the call” or did you get the call to “go Indie?"
I guess I got the call to “go Indie”.  Since my heat level of writing is a tad on the hot side, it’s easier to self-publish and write what I want to write.  I think every Indie author is waiting on “the call” though.
Who is your favorite character you've created? Why? 
That would have to be Stefan.  He’s my hero in The Vampire Destiny Series.  He’s a wonderful mix of sexy and domineering, charm and sass.  He may be tough when he needs to be, but his love for Josephine never wavers.  He is such an interesting character to write and I enjoy his sense of humor and outlook on life.
Do you find it easier to write the bad boys or the good boys? I'm assuming both are heroic, but which ones are more fun to write?
I think both are easy to write.  I enjoy mixing it up and making my heroes a little of both.  What I find the biggest challenge is making sure if I do have a villain, I want readers to dislike him/her.
What about the heroines? Do you find it easiest to write the bad girls or the good girls?
I think it’s easier to write a good girl.  I’ve just now developing a character into a “bad” girl, so we’ll see how that goes.
If you could have a date with one of your characters, which one would it be and why? Where would you go?
Stefan.  And to be honest, I’m not sure if we’d ever make it out on a date!
Pretend you have just sold your 100,000th copy of one of your books. What will you do to celebrate?
I would probably uncork a good bottle of champagne and keep on writing!  I’m so appreciative of all of my readers, fans and supporters that I’d want to find a way to celebrate it with all of them!
Tell us something about you that most people wouldn't know or guess about you?
I play piano (thanks Mom for 12 years of torturous lessons).
Who are your favorite authors/books?
Anne Rice, Daphne du Maurier, Stephen King, John Grisham, Charlaine Harris…I like a variety of books and authors!
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the release of Tempted, the first book in The Dark Hart Chronicles.  I’m also working on the fourth book The Vampire Destiny Series, Ascend.
I’m going to share an excerpt from Awakening (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 3)

**

Moving from my perch on the stool, I crossed the room and fell into the expanse of his lap.  He held me close, his chin resting on the top of my head.  His thoughts were heavy, as was his mood.  Stefan had been troubled since we’d returned to New York from Bali.  He was much more experienced at shielding his thoughts from me, but his emotions were more difficult for him to disguise due to our newly formed bond.

Letting my fingernails run over his muscular arms, I nuzzled my nose against his neck.  “Please talk to me, Stefan.  Tell me what’s been bothering you for two days.”

He released yet another sigh.  His voice sounded detached and soft when he finally began to talk.  "Changing Anna had made me remember the day I awoke as a vampire.  My human memories and attachments were muddled, yet I clearly remembered dying at Solveig's hands.  The fear of feeling my life slip away was horrifying.  It was the second time in my life I felt helpless."

"I can't imagine you ever being helpless," I murmured.  It was true.  He was so strong and vital, imagining him weak and defenseless was difficult for me to fathom.  It didn’t help hearing the mere mention of his maker’s name.  Solveig been dead for more than 700 years, yet she was like an invisible wedge between us.  Stefan had loved her once.  More than likely, there was a part of him that always would.

He barked out a soft laugh, his cynical smile making his face look harsh.  "I was dying and was no match for Solveig.  I was angry with her.  I felt as if I was supposed to die a human death.  My own miscalculations cost me my life.  As a warrior, I had been defeated and I was willing to accept death.  I fought and I lost.  Dying was my punishment for my mistakes.  When Solveig found me, she quickly recognized my ability and chose a different kind of death for me."  Stefan paused, his deep voice becoming stronger.  "Lukas lay dying when I offered this life to him.  I was never able to offer Anna the choice, to give her the opportunity to decide if she wanted immortality.  As a vampire, I made an oath to myself that I would never change a human without their consent.  I vowed that I would never become like my maker.  Yet here I sit with you, waiting for my unwilling child to rise.  I am preparing for her anger, her confusion and pain once she realizes what she has lost because of our decisions.  You must be ready for it as well, vackra.  She may be angry and resentful.  She will never have children.  She will live a life in the shadows, pretending to fit in while watching the world pass by."

**

About the Author

Alexandra lives in the Midwest. She is currently writing two paranormal, erotic romance series: The Vampire Destiny Series and The Dark Hart Chronicles when she isn’t chasing down things that go bump in the night.

Learn more at http://www.alexandra-anthony.com.

Facebook Author Page

The Vampire Destiny Series Facebook Page

Alexandra Anthony's MySpace Account

Twitter   @AlexAnthony80

Web Site

Alexandra Anthony YouTube Channel

AuthorGraph

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Smashwords Author Page

Amazon Links Buy Links

Fated (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 1)

Illusion (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 2)

Awakening (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 3)

Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4) COMING SPRING 2013

Tempted (The Dark Hart Chronicles Book 1) COMING APRIL 2013

Barnes & Noble Links Buy Links

Fated (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 1)

Illusion (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 2)

Awakening (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 3)

Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book 4) COMING SPRING 2013

Tempted (The Dark Hart Chronicles Book 1) COMING APRIL 2013

You and I could be sisters, Alexandra. I've loved the dark side, and I can't wait to cuddle up to your books. Taking a vacation in two weeks, and I'm going to seriously study me some alpha vamps. 

Thanks again. ONE LUCKY READER WILL GET A GIFTED COPY OF ANY ONE OF ALEXANDRA'S BOOKS, COURTESY OF ME. Make sure to leave your email address.

Sharon

Welcome Victoria Embers - Vampire Lovers Unite!

Victoria Embers, author of the series My Vampire Lover, is celebrating the release of her latest novella Redemption, (My Vampire Lover #2).

If you have read her current release, Conquest (My Vampire Lover #1), you have seen the excitement this 2,500 word short story has started for her series.  She's gotten some great reviews and some not so great reviews.  But all are ready for more of Caroline and Raphael’s story.  And that is great to see.  I asked Victoria to share an excerpt from Redemption for my blog today.

About the Author

Victoria Embers splits her time between being a stay-at-home mom and reading paranormal romance. She believes good romance should make you purr while good steamy romance should make you scream, but in a good way of course. Embracing her love of vampires and werewolves and the naughty situations they find themselves in, she's currently writing a novella series called My Vampire Lover with a blend of paranormal romance, fantasy, and erotica featuring, you guessed it, vampires and werewolves.

Her current series, My Vampire Lover includes:

• Conquest (My Vampire Lover #1) - Released Nov 2012
• Redemption (My Vampire Lover #2) - Released Feb 2013
• Day of Reckoning (My Vampire Lover #3) - Late May 2013

Giveaway

You can read Conquest (My Vampire Lover Part #1) for Free on Amazon. Victoria included the first two chapters of Redemption in the free download as well.

About Conquest (My Vampire Lover Part #1)

Caroline, a werewolf and princess of the Golden realm, has discovered a new love in her vampire captor. She's willing to risk everything, even her life, to prove to him she loves him and has forsaken all others including her family and her pack.

About Redemption (My Vampire Lover Part #2)

Before Caroline fell for her vampire lover, she met Raphael, a warrior of the Dark realm under difficult circumstances. Raphael's father, the dark lord Asmodeus is killing off her family and presents Caroline as a pet to Raphael. Caroline has secrets of her own and wonders if the vampire willing to help her escape an enemy or friend? Realizing he must take action, Raphael works quickly to persuade the werewolf beauty who has claimed his heart to leave with him at once if he has a chance of setting her free. Amazon Buy Link for Redemption.

Questions

What did you learn while writing Conquest and Redemption?

Because I write in the fantasy genre under another name, I simply wanted to try something new.  It wasn’t easy at first.  I struggled greatly with trying to figure out what I wanted to write about and if I really could write romance.

Releasing the short story, Conquest was a smart idea and a totally bad idea.  It got my name out there, but it also anger people greatly that they didn’t have more to read.  The story was only 2,500 words.  Don’t ask me what I was thinking.  Since releasing it in November 2012, it’s been downloaded as a free ebook some 60,000 times so I know people are looking at it.  I added the first two chapters from Redemption to the short a few weeks ago and that seem to have helped the negative complaints.

I’m anxious to see what interest Redemption generates and see if readers like my version of paranormal romance.  I watched so many of my favorite romance files, read love poetry, and tried my best to really think about the concept of ‘true love’ and not letting an opportunity for love pass you by.  That was my focus.  It was great fun and I hope to be writing another novella in the series for a May release.  We’ll see how it all goes.

What is the theme of the overall series, My Vampire Lover?

I love the romance novels where the lovers want to be together, but can’t. I like the idea of Caroline and Raphael wanting to be together, but because they come from different worlds it is a big struggle for them.

What inspires you to write?

Actually I’m new to all of this. A friend suggested I sit down and write the story I have been telling her and that’s what I’m doing. It’s a new adventure for me and I’m very excited about doing something creative. Simply, I like to think of this series as a love story I’m writing. Once I complete it, I’ll look to the next story to write.

How many books to you anticipate will be in this series?

Probably 4 novellas. I’ve already started work on My Vampire Lover Part #3 and hope to have it out by the summer.

Do you like writing in series, or single?

I think I like the series approach, but I don’t think I’ll have a lot of books in this series, My Vampire Lover. I may spin it off into another set of books for the Dark Realm or Golden Realm. Those are my imaginary worlds where everything takes place.

Did you get “the call” or did you get the call to “go Indie?"

I’m Indie all the way. I may someday submit a book to a traditional publisher but I love the freedom being Indie gives me.

If you could have a date with one of your characters, which one would it be and why? Where would you go?

Oh gosh, that’s easy. Raphael, the hero in my series, My Vampire Lover. He is tall, dark, handsome, but has a sweet heart and wants to do what’s right. I like to tell my writing friends who know who Jimmy Thomas is, the male romance cover model that Raphael is Jimmy with blue contact lenses. {Insert wicked grin here.} You know what I mean, Sharon, your covers feature Jimmy Thomas and they are all gorgeous covers.

Who are your favorite authors/books?

I have dozens I could name. Maybe a few would be Anne Rice, James Joyce, and my fellow writing friends who are new authors like me, Alexandra Anthony and Catherine Wolffe. They support me a lot.

What are you working on now?

I’m actually working on my next part of my fantasy series, the Vampire from Hell. Some readers know what pen name I write under, and that this one is my new jump into erotic romance. I don’t share it to everyone, but some are catching on. I throw hints out now and again J I’m also working on the next Vampire Lover story that I want to release in May of this year.

Thanks for letting me be on your blog today, Sharon. I really appreciate it! Everyone be sure to leave a comment after you read the excerpt. I love getting feedback!

EXCERPT from Redemption (The following excerpt is acceptable for all audiences.)

Raphael led me through a secret door in the closet of his bedroom I was surprised I had not found.  We followed a long staircase down along a cave made of red stone that was hot to the touch.  I felt clumsy and awkward wearing his oversized clothes, which consisted of a dark green jacket, a black long-sleeve shirt I tied into a knot at my waist, matching jeans and boots, and a knit cap he requested I stuff my hair under.  As the delight of smelling his masculine scent on the articles of clothing washed over me, I tried my best to focus on the steps and stay close behind him so I wouldn’t fall against the wall.  Once the staircase ended, we stood before a four-foot steel door that didn’t seem to have a doorknob.

“How are we going to get through that?” I asked, motioning to him that both of us were taller than four feet.

For some reason, he found my question amusing.  “Like this,” he replied.

Suddenly he vanished before my eyes.  All I could see was an immense cloud of blue smoke.  Then I heard Raphael’s voice.  “I’ll open the door from the other side.”

When the door flew open, he stood there, fully clothed in his long black trench coat, T-shirt, jeans, and leather boots like nothing had happened.

“Now that’s some trick.”

“I’ve got a few up my sleeve.”  He locked the door, checking the hinges and making sure all the corners of it remained secure.  I admired his magnificent stature in the dim light.  As I glanced around to see where the light source was coming from, I realized it was from a red moon that peeked out occasionally from behind dark clouds.

“I’ve never seen a red moon,” I commented, not really expecting a reply.

“I wouldn’t expect so.  We’re near the center of the Earth.”  He paused for a moment and studied me.  “Have you been to the center of the Earth?”

“No,” I replied, hoping I sounded convincing.

He continued.  “Have your eyes adjusted yet?”

“Almost.  Why?” I asked.

He nodded.  “We have a long distance to cover quickly.  I want to make sure you can keep up.”

“I can keep up, fanger.”  My mother’s blind arrogance immediately flared up in me, a trait I instantly regretted showing off.

His pleasant disposition turned dark.  Momentarily, I took a step backwards, waiting to see what he’d do next.  Being low on energy, I’d be unable to summon the Wolf in a moment’s notice if he attacked me.

“Let’s get something straight, Caroline,” he said.

“I meant no offense,” I offered gently, hoping to derail a fight.  I needed this man on my side.

He sighed loudly and gathered my hands up in his.  The warmth of his touch startled me and I felt that spark again.  Weren’t vampires ice cold to the touch?  I studied his hands enveloping mine for a moment.  In the low light, I couldn’t see the details of his wonderful large hands, but I felt the strength, the raw energy charging through them.  I was helpless to move as he towered over me and held me in his clutches.  For a fleeting moment, fear surfaced in the back of my throat.  I wanted to scream, yank my hands away, even if I didn’t flee with both of them.  I wanted to tell this vampire I needed no one’s help, especially his.  I was on a mission.  I had to avenge my brother’s death.  And yet, I couldn’t move.  His presence overwhelmed me.  His touch soothed me.  His brooding stare mesmerized me.  He was the essence of the Legend of Vampyre I had read about, the stories my aunt had shared with me as a child.  She favored all supernatural creatures that fought for the well-being of others, not the demons who only understood pain, torture, and death.  Unfortunately, I had no understanding of that while my younger brother had learned firsthand what the demons would do, but this vampire was different.  In the short time I had known him, I already understood that.  Aunt Elizabeth’s words filtered through my mind.  “We have a lot to learn from them as well, Caroline.”

“I know we don’t have much time, so I’d like to ask for your respect.  I actually need your help.  If you want to get out of here, I would expect you’d want to help me, right?”

“I was rude.  I shouldn’t have…”  Raphael cut me off, continuing his dialogue.

“Yes, I’m a fanger, but there is a difference between me and the demons here.  The people who will set you free are fangers too.  They fight for good, not evil.  I fight for good.  You must understand that now.  Just because you’re a princess of the Golden Realm doesn’t mean you are the only one fighting for good.  We’re here, in the trenches every day, fighting for our salvation and yours, for the humanity of our worlds.  If the Dark realm ever infests the Golden realm and extinguishes the Light, it’ll be all over.  Surely you can understand that, Caroline?”

Hearing his declarations of justice astounded me.  I had found an ally and I understood his concerns only too well.  He didn’t know it, but we were on the same side.  He’s one of us, I told the Wolf.  My heart exploded a second time.  Each time he addressed me by my name, it collapsed my very soul.  This vampire who I had known for as many hours as I could count on one hand spoke to me as an equal.  Me, the kidnapped princess.  Me, the assassin seeking revenge.  I wasn’t as innocent as I wanted Raphael to believe.  And he wasn’t as haughty as I wanted to presume him to be.  I was a princess of a realm that held few joys for me since losing my brother and aunt.  A realm that was in trouble because of my father’s grief.  His heart was growing darker by the day, and I knew I had to stop him.  It was true, what my aunt had said to me the last days of her life.  He’d follow my mother to a very dark place if someone did not stop them.  And that would mean war.  My world wasn’t so different from this vampire’s.  Perhaps the Moon Goddess did have a plan for me after all, as my aunt had said.

Find the Author

Victoria's blog - http://victoriaembers.wordpress.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/victoria.embers

Twitter - https://twitter.com/victoriaembers

My Vampire Lover series on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/MyVampireLoverSeriesByVictoriaEmbers

Buy Links:

Conquest (FREE)– http://www.amazon.com/Conquest-Vampire-Novella-Sample-ebook/dp/B00A8PYYOA/ref=la_B00A8YDFK0_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361722793&sr=1-2

Redemption - http://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Vampire-Lover-Novella-ebook/dp/B00BHMNZJS/ref=la_B00A8YDFK0_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361722793&sr=1-3

Thank you, Victoria. I am chillingly attracted to your Alpha vamps and the world you've built. I can tell, our paths will cross many, many times, over many, many lifetimes!!

Sharon