Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Chatting about Erotic Romance with Lexi Post and GIVEAWAY

I'm so excited to have erotic romance author, Lexi Post here today, AAAAND, she's offering a GIVEAWAY at the bottom of this post! If you haven't read Lexi's books, you're missing out (my fav so far is Masque, her take on Edgar Allen Poe's The Masque of the Red Death and my review is here on Goodreads) so be sure to enter her Rafflecopter giveaway and get you some fantastic erotic romance!

Welcome, Lexi! I'm always curious to see how writers broke into the industry. Would you share your query letter here, and tell us why you think it got a response? What made it successful?

I wrote many a query letter in my quest for both an agent and a contract, but that wasn’t how I became a published author :-} I actually obtained both my agent and my first contract through pitches…sort of.
I did pitch my agent at the Emerald City Writers Conference. It was a group pitch and actually quite interesting and not the horror story I had heard. The horror was on my part as I gave the worst pitch of my career. Luckily, my agent did request a partial.
Check out Masque HERE
My first contract I obtained in a unique way. I bid on dinner with a publisher and editor on the Brenda Novak Auction and I won. So at RWA that summer I had dinner in New York City with Raelene Gorlinsky and Grace Bradley. I had my first erotic manuscript, Passion’s Poison, at two houses and was waiting to hear, so when I explained I write erotic romance inspired by the classics, I used that story for an example, but I was clear that the story was currently out. So as another example, I told them about my manuscript Masque so they could get the gist of what I was doing. I was only on page three at the time, so I wasn’t actually pitching, just giving examples. After the conference, I received emails from both and Grace Bradley, the editor, said she was interested in anything I might want to submit. I submitted Masque as soon as it was completed.

Ooh, I do love Masque! Your hero, Synn, is....well, sinful!! :)
Lexi, you are a hybrid author I admire, with books published with both traditional publishers as well as those you've Indie-published (very successfully, I might add!). What lessons have you learned from your hybrid experiences so far?

I could write pages on this. I had been unpublished for many years, six to be exact, and when I got my first contract I thought I knew exactly what to expect. I was wrong. It was like going from high school to college, a totally different experience with completely different demands. Then when my editor left Ellora’s Cave, I had this manuscript she had challenged me to write. I asked my agent what I should do with it, and since it was a short novel (55,000 words) she suggested I self-publish it. That sounded good to me, so I started that journey
with Cruise Into Eden. Yikes, that was no cruise! I was like going from college to graduate school because there was so much more I had to learn.
What I have learned is that both avenues have pros and cons and I plan to keep my feet planted firmly in both. Indie publishing provides the ability to act quickly, take advantage of opportunities and adjust strategies based on what is working. Plus, an author can see her sales on an hourly basis if she wants and can be paid on a monthly basis. On the other hand, the author has to do everything! This includes having a cover made which can simply be hiring an artist, or as I often do, choosing a model (I know it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it ;-). Then there is the back and forth with the cover artist (unless you can do that yourself). And of course, there is the content. I have a critique partner, beta reader, editor and two proofers to make sure my books are as clean as I can get them. This means scheduling these people and meeting my deadlines with them. Then there is the business side which includes the formatting, the ISBNs and assigning them, the copyrighting, the ordering of print books for signings, the 1099s to send out and receive, the royalty tracking, etc. And there is significant cost behind all of it. When indie publishing, the author takes the financial risk.
With a publisher, a lot of the process and all the financial requirements are taken care of. This is the big pro of being traditionally published. Plus, the book can be found through the publisher’s site, even if the publisher does nothing else regarding marketing. On the other hand, publishers tend to move slower and the contracts can be limiting as to what the author can produce and sell. This is one of the many reasons I’m glad I have an agent. Also, an author can’t see her sales until she gets her royalty check which with some houses is twice a year. And of course there is the lack of control on whether the publisher wants to publish the book in the first place.

What is THE most important thing writers can do for themselves to be successful in today's market?

The traditional advice is to write, but it’s more than that. Writers need to be constantly learning and taking time to self-analyze. The learning can be in the form of workshops, conferences, talking with other writers, reading articles on the market, studying what others are doing, even reading other writers’ books. The self-analyzing is another form of learning. It is important to determine what works and what doesn’t for each individual writer. Everything from a writer’s process to what he or she is good at or not so good at helps a writer improve.

I so agree! You're never done self-analyzing as a writer. So, if you could have done anything differently with your writing career, what would it be?

I started writing and then stopped. Years went by and I lost touch with the industry. When I started writing again, almost everything had changed. I wish I had stayed connected even if I wasn’t writing. I think if I had, I would have resumed writing sooner.

Who are your writing role models, and how have they influenced you?

My writing role model is Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James. She is actually the first role model I’ve ever had. There is so much about her that I like and want to emulate. She works hard and produces more than three times the number of books that I do in a year. She is humble and very approachable. In fact, she has advised me a number of times during my career. And her stories are awesome! Yes, I am a bit of a fan girl :-} What I like about reading her books is that I can enjoy the story thoroughly and then sit back afterward and learn something about the craft of writing based upon what she has done in her book. She’s both a great writer and a great person.

Do you have any upcoming releases? If so, tell us about it!

On November 1st I just released Pleasures of Christmas Past which is the first book in A Christmas Carol series. All my erotic romances are inspired by the classics, so this is a different take on Dickens’ classic story. I don’t re-write the classic, I’m inspired by it. So in my story, though Jessica Thomas is thrilled to land the job of novice Spirit Guide, she’s assigned a hot, arrogant Scottish mentor who confuses her heart. But what should concern her more, is will he protect her soul? I really enjoyed writing this paranormal book. Duncan is just so much fun and Jessica has the biggest heart and makes a great Spirit of Christmas Past.
My next release, coming out December 2nd is another Christmas story. It’s titled Christmas with Angel. This book is what I call a “bridge” book. It’s the sequel to Cowboy’s Match (Poker Flat Series #2) but the prequel to Trace’s Trouble (Last Chance Series #2). Basically, it is a link between two series. Cole and Lacey may not agree on where to spend Christmas day, but when Angel’s abusive former owner decides to take matters into his own hands, the couple pulls together to focus on what’s most important. I really enjoyed writing about Cole and Lacey’s happily ever after and setting up the Last Chance Series. This series is inspired by a number of short stories by Bret Harte who was a classic western writer back in the 1800s.

What's one fact about you that most people don't know. 

I’m a huge Marvel Comic fan. Yup. I used to have a rather large collection including a Daredevil #4! I tape all the Agents of Shield shows so I can do Marathon watching on holidays and love the movies. X-men, Thor, Wolverine, and the Avengers were my top favorite comic books. Followed by the Defenders, Elfquest, Hulk, the Fantastic Four and many others :-}

I know people will want to check you and your books out! Can you give us your website links and contact information?

Okay...GIVEAWAY TIME! Be sure to enter Lexi's Rafflecopter Giveaway here, and a HUGE thank you to Lexi Post for being my guest  here today! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Join me for NaNoWriMo!

Those of you that have followed me for a while aren't surprised that I'm doing NaNoWriMo in November. It's actually the 7th year I've participated in the November writing craziness, banging out 50k words (or as many as I can--some years I don't win 'officially' but any words are good words in my opinion!) in 30 days. And looking back, it's been pretty dang successful for me:

Read a snippet HERE
2008: Used NaNoWriMo to write the bulk of my FIRST published book, "Despite the Ghosts". I submitted after finishing and editing in February 2009, and received my contract in July of that year.

2009: Didn't participate. Didn't finish a novel. When you're a writer, not writing is NOT GOOD! Needless to say, I learned my lesson...








Check out a snippet HERE
2010: Participated and wrote my novel, "Any Witch Way" which went on to be published in 2013. Why so late? The original story ended around 20k words--and my amazing editor at TWRP said it needed more 'dark elements.' She was right. I revised, adding in a demon (yes, a demon!) and the story became much more well-rounded and interesting









Read a snippet HERE
2011: Participated and wrote my novel, "Despite the Fangs," which went on to be published in 2014 (it needed LOTS of edits and paring down, as when I finally finished it, the tome was well over 120k words!)

2012: Participated and hit the 50k with "Makeovers and Minions." But...haven't finished that one. Got busy with "Fangs" edits and put it aside. Death for any novel! I will pick it up eventually because I absolutely ADORE this heroine and hero...just need to get back in that mojo.






Need a GREAT Holiday
story? Check out this $1.99
book HERE
2013: Participated and wrote only 20k of "Reality Princess." Figured out midway through the thing that perhaps a plot would be nice...and I didn't really have one, LOL. So...that one didn't get done. But I took the time in 2014 to write my short story, "Piper's Piping" which was published in 2014 as part of the "Twelve Brides of Christmas" series. So there's another manuscript I will revisit--after I figure out a plot for the thing, of course!

2014: Participated and banged out 50k+ words in my contemporary YA "Delinquent". This was HUGE for me as it is a switch of genres from what I've published these past 7 years. The manuscript is with an agent and editor now, and I'm hoping for a contract soon!

Which brings me to this year: another YA is on deck for me. This is the second in my teen labels series (started with Delinquent), and is called "Despoiled." I created my WIP cover below just for funsies (yes, that's the gorgeous Victoria Justice below--the inspiration for my heroine!) and I am really looking forward to the insanity and crazy creativity of NaNoWriMo to kick my muse into high gear!! If you'd like to read about the book, you'll have to buddy me on NaNo, as that's the only place I'm putting the blurb and excerpt for this WIP!
Photo credit: from Interview
Magazine online HERE

Want to join me? There's still time! If you're new to NaNoWriMo, go HERE to check out my videos on the subject. My personal favorite is the Prepper List for NaNoWriMo. I also have a page from last year's NaNoWriMo on my blog HERE if you want to check it out.

Okay...off to check things off my list before November 1! If you decide to embark on this novel-creation journey with me, please do buddy me in the NaNo world--I'm listed under DylanNewton. You can't miss me! :)

Happily My Ever After,
Dylan

P.S. The video links for all things NaNoWriMo in my world can be found HERE.

Monday, October 19, 2015

GIVEAWAY, Conference Update and New Box Set Announcement

Okay, okay. I've been naughty. I haven't updated this blog since July, and I'm sorry!! If you've read any of my past blog posts, or are friends with me on Facebook, you'll know that I have a difficult time multi-tasking. So let me take a moment to bring you up to speed with my writing life:

No time for a giveaway?
Buy your copy HERE
First, I'm a guest on Happily Ever After Thoughts HEAT blog this week, and offering a pre-Halloween GIVEAWAY! If you've never read my books, this is your chance to get a FREE copy of Any Witch Way sent to you, and autographed by moi!! The link for the blog post is HERE.



Delinquent update:
The pitch for my YA Contemporary to the Harlequin editor, and my dream agent at the RWA 2015 conference went very well, and both of them asked me for a full manuscript. Woot-woot! I spent all of August revising based on my beta reader comments, and sent it to them in September. Still waiting to hear...so keep your fingers crossed!


Don't want to wait?
Buy your copy HERE
My Paranormal Fans: You'll be happy to know I haven't abandoned you, either! My short story, "Piper's Piping" is coming out in PRINT this holiday season! This paranormal holiday story is featured along with 11 other outstanding authors in a 3-book set that's sure to be a hit with all of the
romance readers on your shopping list! More as I know it with links, etc.

There. You're officially up-to-date! Stay tuned for some NaNoWriMo Prep...

Happily My Ever After,
Dylan

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Pitch Perfect & Ready for RWA 2015!

All month I've been working my a** off, and (if you've read my last post) trying not to stress and make my heart flip-flop in my chest anymore...but I'm finally ready for RWA 2015!


I just finished packing and printing out my final version of my marketing one-sheet (because I do better with props) and I'm ready for successful pitches on my new YA project, Delinquent.

Hell, it's GOT to be better than the last time I pitched. 

I channeled 'Flipper' and spoke half-dolphin during the whole thing, all the while eyeing the bed behind me. (No, it's not THAT kind of pitch. For the whole story, check out this blog post on my writing chapter's site HERE.)


Plus, keep your fingers crossed for me, as Delinquent is one of 3 finalists in YARWAs "Rosemary" award!! I'll find out if I won this Friday at the Evening of YA. Check it out at YARWAs link HERE.

If you're going to the RWA Conference, email me at my contact page HERE and let me know! I'd love to catch up with you at the conference and we can compare pitch notes. ;)

Happily My Ever After,
Dylan

Thursday, July 16, 2015

STRESS on an EKG...my Own Black Moment

In a novel, a black moment is defined as the point where the hero or heroine is faced with his/her deepest, darkest fears (be they internal or external) and is a test of true character. (There's a more in-depth discussion of Black Moments in writing by a great writer friend of mine, Lexi Post, HERE.) In a novel, there is typically one black moment where all seems lost.

In real life we aren't so lucky.

My most recent black moment came after I'd experienced about a day and a half of what felt like heart palpitations, or a weird arrhythmia. At first, I ignored the sensation, but after a while, as if in insistence that I pay attention, my heart starting doing this crazy, leap-out-of-my-chest thing every 8 beats. It would skip the 8th beat, and--to make up for it, would thump so hard in my chest, I could literally feeling it knock against my ribs.

At first I ignored it. Because that seemed like the thing to do. (*NOTE: DON'T ignore heart irregularities! Heart attacks are the silent killer in women--for more information and symptoms, see the AHA website here!)

Before you comment and lecture me, I know. Duh. What a moronic thing to do--to ignore it for a day and a half. But I was BUSY, dang it! I didn't have time for health nonsense!

After texting my husband to see if he thought I should go to the ER (yes, texting--I'm really working the 'ignore-it-and-it-will-stop' method here!), I finally decide I'll visit my Dr. who gives me a weekly B12 vitamin shot for my lack of energy. I figure, I'll tell him, he'll say it's just some weird thing, and not to worry, and off I'll go.

Except it doesn't go like that.

What he does is put his finger on my wrist, feels my pulse for like 30 seconds (during which, my heart complies by beating it's way out of my ribcage every 5 beats--yay, heart!). Then, he calls for a 12-lead, and this is the result.


I can't read EKGs, but what caught my eye was the "ABNORMAL" in caps at the top. The Doc said that while it was probably nothing, I needed to see a cardiologist. Today.

And the black moment began.

I won't take you through the rest of it, but the story ends well. What I have are called PVCs, which is not a bunch of white pipes at Home Depot, but Premature Ventricular Contractions (great info from Mayo Clinic about PVCs here). Basically, PVCs are a type of benign arrhythmia that can start and end at any point in life, but are typically triggered by:
1. Hormones, especially pre-menaupausal ones. Yep--I fit that.
2. Stress. Oh, yeah--I've got that.
3. Anemia (which basically goes along with the hemorrhage-like monthlies brought along by lovely #1, so yeah, I'm there, too.)

Probably TMI for you, lovely reader, but since many of you have emailed me asking why I haven't blogged in so long, I felt like I owed an explanation. My PVCs triggered a black moment where I, like my characters, was forced to re-examine my life, and make some tough choices.

I have only so many writing hours in a day. And in the summer, with the kids home, you can cut that in half, then in half again, and probably once more. So, what is that? About an eighth of my normal time?? I don't know. I suck at fractions. Whatever it is, it's minuscule to what I have when school is in session. And with my pitch coming up in the annual RWA conference, I really have had to choose where to spend my time. The blogging went to the bottom of the list. :(

However, I'm trying to be better at allocating my time, so I hope to be back to a more 'regular' appearance, here. I've missed you guys--thanks for the emails with your concern, too. It helps more than you know!

Happily My Ever After,
Dylan

P.S. Want to see what I've been stressing over? Check out my WIP page here for a little teaser on my YA Contemporary, Delinquent.

P.P.S. Make sure you subscribe to my blog with the buttons at the right. You'll be the first to know WHEN I get my contract for my YA. (Not If, but WHEN. The power of positive thought!!)


Sunday, June 14, 2015

Debut Author Ronnie Allen and "Gemini"

The best part about being a published author, in my opinion, is when I get to see a person go from a writer to a published author--with all of the hard work, self-doubt and frustration in between. As such, it is with a mother-like pride that I welcome my friend, Ronnie Allen to my blog today to discuss her debut novel, Gemini



Hi Ronnie! So glad to have you on as a published guest! Woo hoo! I had the pleasure of reading Gemini in it's first draft format (and just bought my own copy of her final book on Amazon HERE), but can you tell my blog readers a little about how you got that elusive publishing contract? You used a query letter (see below for her actual query that resulted in a contract), but what tips would you give an author on query letters?

Ronnie Allen's Debut Thriller Gemini

There are many key points I'll tell you, Dylan. This one is the most important. Know your genre. Gemini is a multi genre psychological thriller with paranormal and romantic elements. The paranormal aspects are present day, psychic mediums, and there are sensual threads throughout the ms from the first chapter to last. Next is to do your research. Only and I mean it, only send your ms to publishers that specifically say on their website, that they're looking for your content. I can't express this enough. So many times I've heard agents and editors say that the reason for rejection is that the writer didn't follow their directions. I looked for publishers that were seeking multi-genres, mine specifically. I looked at their author bios and books they published on their web site.  I was very impressed with the credentials and educational backgrounds of the authors at Black Opal Books. Then I read their guidelines, maybe ten times. Seriously. I wanted to follow them to a T. Sorry for the cliche. In the query they specifically asked for the writer's background relevant to the book. Why was I qualified to write it? Another thing they wanted was our social media platform. I'm big on that. Website, Facebook, Twitter all set up and Black Opal Books and I followed each other on Twitter. I didn't forget to mention that. Because I followed directions on my submissions, my contract on Gemini was secured after relatively few submissions.
 
Ronnie Allen's Actual Query Letter That Resulted in her Contract! 
For my post on  how to write a query letter, click HERE. 
Great query letter! You hit all of my Tips and Tricks to Writing Query Letters on this one! Okay, next question: What is the most important thing writers could do for themselves to get an agent/publisher in today's market? 

Oooops! I believe I answered that in question 1. And I'll also say, perfect the ms. Have critique partners, beta readers. If they bring up the same issues, listen! And revise. At my first RWA conference, I pitched to two editors and one agent. They wanted the ms. I got three rejections, but the feedback I got was invaluable. All three said I had POV issues. I rewrote and submitted to other publishers again. After a few, Gemini got the contract. Those that rejected it, said it wasn't what they were looking for now. And 'never give up.' If you love the ms, as I did with Gemini, keep revising and submitting.

The "never give up" part is key!! If you could have done anything differently with your writing career so far, what would it be? 

So far, nothing differently. My second novel, Aries, was plotted for a few months, written in three months and ten days, and secured a contract the first time out. So that's a beautiful thing. I'll let you know later on when I'm marketing and we could discuss marketing successes and failures. I'm a data and statistics person by education, so for me the most measurable data is sales. So this remains to be seen.

Who are your writing role models and how have they influenced you? 

I must say, you are one of them Dylan! With a young family and being president of out RWA chapter, Sunshine State Romance Authors, your plate is full, and yet you've accomplished being multi-published.   Other authors from SSRA that have influenced me are Loretta Rogers and Flossie Benton Rogers. I believe in not reinventing the wheel, so I can honestly say, that I would not have been multi-published this year without you gals!

Aww! You are too kind--what a lovely compliment. Okay, so tell me about your upcoming releases? 

Aries, the second in the 'Sign Behind the Crime' series is coming out Oct./Nov. also from Black Opal Books.  AriellaRose Larcon has three beholden who do her killing for her while forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frank Khaos uncovers her inner most demons as he himself has his own, mourning the murder of his wife. A rookie Detective, Samantha Wright is assigned to the Larcon case and... That's all I'm saying.

Great teaser blurb! Okay, last question: What's one fact about you that people do not know? 

Um, I don't carry my problems on my shoulders. Not saying another word about that, or people would know.

Thanks again for joining me today! I know my readers will want to check you out. Can you give us your social media links, as well as your blurb and excerpt for Gemini

For you readers to find me, they can go to my website, http://www.ronnieallennovel.com which is up to date with weekly blogs. On Twitter I'm  @ronnieanovelist. On Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/ronnie.allen.507.

Thank you so much, Dylan, this was fun and I hope reading my query will benefit your readers. 
Best,

Ronnie


Gemini Blurb:
His life is exactly the way he wants it to be—until he meets her…

Both psychic and clairvoyant, Dr. John Trenton is a forensic psychiatrist who has a wife he worships and a position as a department head at a hospital for the criminally insane in Manhattan. His patients—young adult men, who are some of the most psychotic and psychopathic criminals in NYC—enable him to live his life on the edge, just the way he likes it. Then he meets a woman who changes everything.

She is two days from accomplishing the revenge she lives for—until she meets him…

Stripper by night, school psychologist by day, Gemini obsessed Barbara Montgomery, makes a critical mistake and is committed for seventy-two hours of observation, where she risks it all in an unnerving escape. Furious with Dr. Trenton for interfering in her life, she is now determined to kill his wife and unborn child, along with everyone else who has ever caused her pain—real or imagined.


As the killing spree continues, John is forced to use all his ESP, as well as his knowledge and expertise, to interpret this psychopath’s Gemini obsession and unravel her dark and murderous past. But can he track her down and bring her to justice—before she destroys his world completely?

Gemini Excerpt:
Okay, girlfriend. Let’s get serious here. Tonight’s gotta be the night. Time’s runnin’ away from me.
She jammed her eyes shut, swallowed hard, and blew out a prolonged breath. Tonight could be rough. Or impossible. Her heart thumped in expectation of finding the right person to accompany her in the train wreck of her life.
She had no choice, but to make it work.
Her life depended upon it.
Before she could overthink it, she grabbed the pink paisley duffle bag, which held her outfit for the job, off the Queen Victoria chair that graced the corner of the hallway. The entire getup could fit in her jeans pocket but she had to go fancy. She zipped up the black patent leather stiletto heeled boots, hesitating for a moment, contemplating if she was getting too old to wear them. After a last minute once-over in the full length mirror on the adjacent wall, she reconsidered. Nah, not with her knockout bod. Women half her age didn’t look so good. Not even any laugh lines around her eyes to give it away. She winked in the mirror and her emerald contact lenses twinkled back.
She eased the door closed to her ritzy Manhattan apartment at one a.m. with her right hand on the knob and her left palm on the door, guiding it to the latch so that her ears alone heard the soft clicks of the bolt.
Can’t wake those old geezers next door. Otherwise, I’ll just have to do what I do best.
Chills of anticipation snaked through her as she traversed the darkened hallway to the elevator all the while listening for footsteps in her neighbor’s apartment. The elevator door opened. She slipped in.
All was good.

They got to live another night.

BUY LINKS: 
You can buy Ronnie Allen's thriller on Amazon HERE
And on her Publisher's Website at Black Opal Books HERE.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Shifter Author Abigail Owen Featured Today!

Click HERE to join the PAAARRTY!!
In prep for next week's amazing "In Like a Lion, Out Like a SHIFTER" Facebook party (click here to join!), I am thrilled to feature fellow shifter author, Abigail Owen who wrote a pulse-pounding shifter romance called "Andromeda's Fall."

Check out what Fresh Fiction had to say about the book:

ANDROMEDA’S FALL is one book that you need to have mapped 
out time to read because it will not let you put it down. From the first page when the injured Andie jumps through the window into the Keller home to the fantastic (I didn’t want it to end) ending, you will be enthralled.Fresh Fiction


Andromeda’s Fall (Shadowcat Nation #1)
Andromeda Reynolds is being hunted. After witnessing her mother’s violent death at the hands of a pack of wolf shifters, Andie has devoted her life to protecting her community of cougar shifters from a similar fate. But now, a greater threat lies within her own dare, and she must run. If she stays, Kyle Carstairs will force their mating, seeking the added political power their union would provide.
Andie would rather chew off her own foot than end up with Kyle. Though, knowing him, she won’t live long either way. Andie’s only hope of survival is to mate Jaxon Keller, the Alpha of the Keller Dare with which she is seeking asylum. But before she can get to him, Andie must first go through A.J., one of the Alpha’s Protectors.
What Andie doesn’t realize is that A.J. has secrets of his own. All Andie knows is that the incredibly frustrating shifter insists on challenging her story, her skills, her trust… and her heart.


Check out the video trailer here.

Excerpt:
He glanced down at her. “You really are a tiny thing, aren’t you?”
Andie scowled. “Don’t let my size fool you. I can pack a wallop when I want to. Even with a broken arm.”
A.J. laughed. “I’m sure you can.”
Andie stared straight ahead, her mouth thinning. She hated being patronized. Men were so dense sometimes. They never took her seriously until she showed them exactly why they should.
Keeping her left arm protected, Andie suddenly dropped. One leg shot out and she spun low to the ground, sweeping A.J.’s feet out from under him. As he landed on his back, she was on top of him, her knee on his windpipe—not crushing, just sending a message.
Before she could gloat too much, though, she was flying through the air. Andie tucked into a back flip, landed on her feet, and then spun and launched herself backwards in a one-handed back handspring. A.J. had just gotten on his feet when her legs wrapped around his neck. She used her momentum to drop him back to the floor.
Andie rolled and ended up in a crouch close by. A.J. held up his hands in surrender. “All right, wildcat. You’ve proved yourself.”
Andie glared at him. “Don’t doubt me. And don’t insult my intelligence by pretending you just lost either,” she said in a severe voice, made harsher, perhaps, by the fact that she’d just realized exactly how incredible his blue eyes were. They were a vibrant color made even more interesting by the black ring that rimmed the irises. And she was more than irritated with herself for having noticed that at all.
He levered himself up off the floor. “Fair enough.”
The only thing that kept her from proving her point more—because she could tell he’d held back—was the small amount of respect she could see in his eyes. With a brusque nod, she followed him down the hall.


Bio
Award-winning author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado, and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe.
Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.




Stay tuned for more SHIFTER author interviews and teasers for next week's ""In Like a Lion, Out Like a SHIFTER" Facebook party (click here to join!).

Happily My Ever After,
Dylan

P.S. Want to see the other shifter authors coming to the party? Check it out on this post here, or just go ahead and join the friggin' party already by clicking HERE.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Shifter Facebook Party Next Week!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PARTY!

I'm totally pumped to have been included in the list of awesome SHIFTER authors in next week's "In Like a Lion, Out Like a...SHIFTER" party on Facebook! For those of you that attended my last Facebook party, you know how much fun it was and how many awesome PRIZES were awarded!


Check out the amazing Shifter Authors joining me below, and be sure to mark your calendars for 7-9pm next Thursday for your chance to win a bunch of prizes, including including a 50.00 Gift Certificate to the Wild Rose Press where you can download your favorite paranormal romances--woot woot!!