So much to be grateful for

Here in America, November is the month of giving thanks for all we have. I’m grateful for a lot! Of course my family, my friends, my country, my faith. And my writing. In the several books I’ve written, one took me longer and was more a pain in my tush than any of the others. It turned into one of my favorites. It also won awards and became a Top Pick in Romantic Times magazine. So, I’m especially grateful for Passionate Destiny!

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Blurb:
Dr. Margaret Amis-Hollings, professor of women’s studies at a small New Jersey college, is a woman who confidently knows who she is and what she expects of life. Until she loses her teaching position, and her well-ordered life gets turned upside down. Then, in a subtle stroke of whimsy, fate tosses her a gift in an historic home and property in Virginia.

Harboring visions of Gone with the Wind, she determines to use River Peace as a temporary reprieve from her troubles. Images of Tara quickly evaporate when she arrives to discover the reality of her inheritance, however.

River Peace has history, grace and style going for it. After only one night, Margaret discovers that it also has a ghost. She’s visited by a male spirit from the time of the War Between the States, who knows how to make a woman feel special. And very loved.

Aaron Belton meets Margaret when she first arrives in Virginia. He’s renowned for historic renovations on a multitude of properties, but he’s got a special place in his heart for River Peace. He and his family believe the property always should have belonged to them. In fact, Aaron will do almost anything to make that happen. When his passion for the house changes to a passion for the house’s owner, Aaron’s as surprised as anyone. Can he gain both, the woman and the house? To do so, he’ll have to face a spectral being.

And his own destiny.

Buy links:
Amazon Kindle+ (formerly Kindle Unlimited): https://www.amazon.com/Passionate-Destiny-Dee-S-Knight-ebook/dp/B085Q5PTCC/

Excerpt:
She sipped her tea. "Have you ever heard that old poem about the guy in the house who feels something when he goes upstairs? I can't even remember exactly how it goes."

He nodded. "I think you mean Antigonish. It's by Hughes Mearn. 'As I was going up the stair. I met a man who wasn't there! He wasn't there again today! I wish, I wish, he'd stay away.' Is that the one you mean?" His inflection was perfectly neutral, as was his expression.

Margaret laughed, shaking a little as she laced her fingers around the cup, holding it to warm her hands. "Yes, that's the one. Is there any topic you don’t know something about?" She sipped, then took a deep breath. "Well, Doctor Belton, you're going to think I'm over the edge, but that is what's with the house." She looked him full in the face.

His expression didn't change. Not even a hint of smile played across his face. Margaret examined his eyes for...for what? Doubt or belief?

"You mean you've seen something." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes, I have."

"Tell me about it." Still no hint of humor colored his tone. He was treating her as an adult, which is more than she felt.

"I feel so stupid talking about this." He reached out to take her cup and put it on the table before folding her hands in his.

"I'm not laughing. Tell me."

Another deep breath. "The first night I was here I smelled pipe tobacco when I went upstairs. I was on the landing, and it was so strong I went back down and checked all the doors. It was gone by the time I got back, so I brushed it off. Then I saw a man where you were standing this morning. At the foot of the steps. He started up, watching me. And again this evening, it was he walking across the lawn toward me, not you."

There was no need to tell him about the dreams. No need to admit to having made love to this ghost, or whatever it was. He would think she was crazy enough with what she had told him.

"What did he look like?" He tilted his head, looking at her with eyes that sparked with curiosity.

"You believe me?" Incredulous, she squeaked the question. He believed her! His acceptance of her story amazed her, considering she barely believed herself.

"I don't disbelieve you. And it's obvious that you think something is going on here. So, tell me." His thumbs smoothed across her knuckles, an action she found calming.

Relaxing slightly, she answered him. "He looks old fashioned. Not as tall as you are, light blond hair. A beard that badly needs trimming. On the stairs he had on a gray overcoat, like a uniform and he carried a gun."

"Gun?" Aaron's voice was sharp, and his brows furrowed in concentration. "What kind of gun? A rifle or shotgun?"

"How would I know? A gun, that's all. This evening he had that same coat and a hat. His eyes are exactly like yours." She stopped to examine Aaron's eyes. "That same dark, intense blue. It's the only thing similar between you, except..." She felt herself blush and she looked away from Aaron.

"Except what," he prodded.

"Except for the way you looked at me tonight on the porch. Before you kissed me. Every time I've seen him, he's looked at me just that way. As though he loved me." Now she met his steadfast gaze, waiting for his response.

Reviews:

“A brilliant paranormal romance with plenty of hot interludes. Highly recommend!” 5 Stars

“A keeper for me…” 5 Stars

“This book is absolutely magnificent!” 5 Stars

“This is a terrific paranormal romance, with plenty of passion. I recommend it to all readers of erotic romance fiction, whether or not ghost stories are your usual fare. The author brings the setting alive, drawing readers into the story. I've read all of Dee S. Knight's books, and this is one of her best.” 5 Stars

A little about me:
A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity. Sign up for my newsletter and have access to free reads.

 Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K

Available Now: Taken by the Alien by @MeganSlayer #monster #romance #aliens @Changelingpress #PNR and in Print!

 

Taken by the Alien (Taken 13) by Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer

Genres: Action Adventure, Dark Fantasy, New Releases, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-Fi , Urban Fantasy

Themes: Alien Encounters, Capture Fantasy, Elves /Dragons /Magical Creatures, Magic /Psychics /Sorcery /Witchcraft

Series: Taken (#13)

Book Length: Novella

Page Count: 118

Available from Changeling Press: https://www.changelingpress.com/taken-by-the-alien-taken-13-b-3864

And at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBZPDL23

She’s got magic she’s never tapped into. He’s from another galaxy. Together, they’re just right.

Lindsey Knepper-Lare just wants to belong. As far back as she can remember, she’s felt different. She’s convinced she’ll always been damaged goods. Then she’s abducted by an alien and spirited to a planet with a name she can’t even pronounce. Then Ronan walks into her life. He’s everything she wants, but has never had the courage to go after. Too bad he’ll never pay her any mind.

Ronan Miir wasn’t planning on visiting the diner on ERAEMA, but the second he spots Lindsey, he knows he has to save her. The metallic aliens on the planet want nothing good for to her. Not Ronan. He wants to kiss, touch, and protect her. Good thing he knows a thing or two about aliens, rescue, and getting back to Eerie. He’s ready to make their pairing into a forever romance… if she’ll give him a chance.

WARNING: Includes references to past abuse and dream-state scenes of torture which may trigger some readers.

Now for an excerpt: 

All rights reserved. 

Copyright ©2026 Megan Slayer

“A few rules. Don’t talk to the clients. You’re here to clean, not flirt. They won’t take you out of here, so don’t ask. Understood?” T181 asked. “If they want food, they’ll let you know, but you simply deliver. You clean, you keep your mouth shut, and you give in to P482 if you want freedom from here.”

A man walked into the diner and said something she couldn’t quite hear to T181. Lindsey moved to the second table and watched the man. So far, she’d only seen beings that resembled satellites, like T181 and P482. This was the first being she’d encountered, even at a glance, who sort of resembled a human.

She watched him and her heart ached. Not only because she missed her home, but because she missed being held. Missed being touched. Missed other humans. Hell, she wasn’t even sure anyone would want to look for her. No one probably missed her.

Still, that didn’t mean she couldn’t drool over this being. She swept her gaze over him. Dark hair, a bit wavy and just long enough to need a little product. Icy blue eyes that seemed to pierce through her the longer she looked at him. He had a slight dimple when he smiled and dazzling white teeth. He even had nice hands. The suit fit tight to his body, like it was tailored precisely for him. He oozed sex. No, not just sex, but power and confidence as well.

Not that this man would ever look her way. Good gracious. She was like Cinderella, but on a whole different planet. Even back on Earth men like him didn’t pay her any mind. She faded into the background -- just like she would here.

T181 moved between her and the man. “He’s mine. He’s got money, he’s free to move about the planet, and won’t bed you.”

She almost asked, “Bed him?” 

Switch It Up and Flip It

Earlier this year I started the process of rewriting all of my old works, starting at the very beginning, with my first ever published book, Naughty List. It has been an eye-opening experience to reread and rewrite these books. Naughty List will be celebrating its sixteen birthday this year. It’s amazing to see how much I’ve changed, how much my writing has changed, how much the industry has changed, and how much even the world has changed in those sixteen years.

As part of this rewriting process, I am expanding and deepening the conflict in these stories. When I originally wrote these books, I often had word count limitations I had to remain within. Naughty List was written for a submission call that required all works to be fifteen thousand words or less. But now that I’m self-publishing these works, I have the freedom to decide how long they are, how deep and rich the world is, how much conflict I want to add. It’s all up to me.

And the new depth, and more words, has meant adding new scenes to these books. Which for books that were already written, has proven to be more difficult than I realized it would be. Unlike with my normal writing process, where the perimeters are wide and open, these scenes are a little like writing in a box. I don’t have the room to move around, to spread my elbows out or uncross my knees. I have to create something within the walls that have already been determined. And I’m not ashamed to admit that it has been difficult for me.

Last week I was struggling with just one of these scenes. I knew what needed to happen, I knew what my characters were feeling and what needed to be shown, but the scene just wouldn’t flow. I couldn’t feel it. The pain, the longing, the yearning. Then I remembered an old trick that some people use to get unstuck. I switched the point of view of the scene.

At first I wasn’t sure if I was just switching the POV to get a better idea of what wasn’t working in the scene or if I really thought the other character had a more valuable viewpoint. Writers are always told to write a scene from the point of view of the character that has the most emotional stake. But in love scenes, or a breakup scenes, in that dark black moment or the reunion, both characters (or more than two depending on the story) have the same stakes, and they both can provide excellent depth to what is going on.

But once I started writing from the opposite character’s POV it was clear this was the perspective the scene needed. Switching the character opened up the emotion and suddenly it all made sense. Everything started flowing, and felt more natural.

If you’re struggling with a scene, try flipping the point of view character. Change the perspective to the other main character, flip it to a secondary character, even someone who is hardly in the room. It might just be what you need to get unstuck from the problem you are having. You’ll probably even be amazed by what you discover, and the dimension and depth that the scene will receive by flipping whose head it’s viewed from. Even if this new scene doesn’t end up being what the story needs, it gives you a fun bonus snippet to give away to readers or a great story to tell at your next critique group. No writing is ever a loss, if it gets you closer to writing the book of your dreams.

Going forward, whenever I get stuck, I’ll be switching it up and flipping the character, until all of these books are rewritten and ready to reenter the world with all their brand new conflict and brand new words. I hope you’ll join me.

Lights in the Library #books #libraries #writing #PNR

Lights in the Library

 

Mornings arrive with a certainty-

The librarians will always turn the lights on

inside

buildings built for everyone

Drop in and hide

from the seasons’ unreasonable temperatures

Hide from something more, if need be

Or just explore the shelves

There are answers

along with ideas

and magic and mysteries

And always

a place to be and to become

for everyone

who finds their way inside

 

Libraries have always been so much more than just a place with books to borrow. Libraries are safe places. They are places to let the imagination run free. Within the buildings full of books and helpful librarians, there are computers, connections to jobs, lifelines to help, opportunities for learning, and endless, wonderful possibilities. 

Check out the library scene in Bear’s Dream (Haven Forest Resort book 1)!

One of my favorite parts to write in the story was when AJ and Ellie escape captivity and seek sanctuary in a small library. The librarians risk their safety to hide Ellie and AJ, buying them more time to run from danger.

A snowstorm on New Year’s Eve brought bear shifters Ellie and AJ together but a secret threatens to tear them apart. When Ellie is in danger, will AJ find her in time?

What I’m working on now:

I’m currently working on book 2 in the series! Each story in my Haven Forest Resort series, as well as in my (now completed) Stranger Creatures series, will feature a different couple on their journey to happily ever after.  

 

If you’d like to follow me on social media for my latest book updates and recommendations, poems, contest info, and other fun stuff, you can find me at:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Lynn-Lambert/e/B01MCYK0K7

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christina-lynn-lambert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinalynnlambert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15900423.Christina_Lynn_Lambert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnlambert

Wordpress: https://christinalynnlambertwordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cllambauthor.bsky.social

 

What's Your Choice?

 

This year marks my 25^th anniversary as a published author (signed my first contract in December of 2001, released my first book the following Spring). I’ve been publicizing this with interviews and a lot of book signings. One question I’m often asked is “Why did you choose the genre you write?” For those who don’t know, my primary focus is contemporary mystery/thrillers, with some romance between the lead characters. I chose this genre because it’s what I like to read.

 

I originally became a fan of pulp fiction mysteries from watching private eye shows and classic film noirs on TV. I’d see something like “Double Indemnity,” “The Maltese Falcon” or “The Big Sleep,” then seek out the book at the library. If I liked it, I’d make my way through everything written by these authors. Came a point where I thought “I’d like to write one of these myself someday.” This was followed by the mental challenge “Either write the damn thing or stop talking about it!”

 

I conducted a survey with members of a local writer’s group, and asked them the genre question. The majority consensus was pretty much the same reason I had. Some responses included “Been dreaming about being a mermaid since I was a kid” (from a fantasy romance author), “I like challenges” (romantic mystery writer), and “After I read and re-read ‘The Mystery of Camp Laughing Water’” (mystery/suspense writer). Some people made an unusual confession—“It chose me!”         

 

Of all the genres on the market, romance seems to have sprouted the most branches. Popular sub-genres include fantasy, gothic, Christian, historical, paranormal, western, suspense (crime, mystery), and science fiction. Category romances still comprise the biggest portion of the market, and fit into specific niches that readers feel comfortable with (medical, billionaire, bodyguard, military, cowboy, etc.). They have a distinct standard style, involving similar characters, levels of sensuality, or types of conflict. People obviously like to stay in their comfort zone.   

    

The writing community is always quick to cash in on current trends or hot-button topics, which explains the rise of some subgenres. I think it’s fair to say that recent political rhetoric is responsible for focusing the spotlight on certain subjects, along with an increase in book banning. These actions have heightened the awareness of so-called “forbidden books” and topics, and increased the public’s interest in them. I remember that old advice—“If you want someone to try something, warn them to stay away from it.” LGBTQ has been a fast-growing example, especially with social media opening doors that were previously closed, along with more online discussion. 

 

A local indie bookstore I work with sells used and collectable books, along with new releases. It’s a comfortable old-style neighborhood store, and I love doing signings there. One of the attractions is that the owner actively supports and sells banned books. She makes no secret of it, and proudly displays them up front so people will see them when they walk in. So far, no one has boycotted the store or threatened her livelihood.     

 

One of my side hustles is editing books for a select clientele (translation: starving writers who need professional editing on a budget). Most of the books I edit lean heavily on romance, but the sub-genres are varied. Paranormal romance involving shape-shifters and spirits (including one series about a shaman who uses their powers to solve crimes), to vampire and futuristic romance are the themes of choice. I like what I read for the most part, even though they aren’t what I would choose for leisure reading. It’s taught me to appreciate the talents of others. I’m especially pleased that some of the books I’ve worked on became popular.  

 

The rise of e-readers made erotic romance one of the fastest-growing trends. What helped was anonymity—if it’s on your Kindle or phone, it’s easier to conceal what you’re reading when someone walks up on you. This practice coined the unfortunate term “mommy porn.” Novels that blended romance and erotica, characterized by strong sexual content and frank language suddenly became popular—as long as you didn’t tell anyone you liked reading “those books”!   

 

Author Tess Gerritsen has stated "We read romances because we want to feel good about love." To that end, never sacrifice your story to conform to the market, or trade originality to fit a trend. The best stories set new trends, and what matters is that YOU like your story. Experimentation and spreading your creative wings is a good thing, but ultimately, you should write what you want. Period. 

 

What’s your favorite genre, either reading or writing?

 

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of mystery/thrillers and contemporary erotic romance. His novels featuring former CIA agent Nick Seven have garnered several awards and international critical praise. He is also a freelance writer, blogger, editor and photographer. His author site is Tim Smith, AllAuthor. 

 

 

Real Writers Create Perfect Outlines and Other Myths

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4rINyIlUKg

I found the video inspiring and wanted to share it. 

​The video poses the following question to kick things off.

What kinds of writing goals have you made or been told you should make? 

Many people adhere to the belief that in order to be a proper writer, one must first create a very concise outline with bullet points and sub bullet points and bullet points for each of the sub bullet point. Said outline must read like a grand study of the Epic of Gilgamesh in its clarity and detail.

I don’t write like that.

For most of my life, I felt like something was wrong with me because I don’t write like that.

When I was younger, I was the kind of writer who doesn’t outline at all. I made a few loose notes here and there. Mostly I just sat down and started writing. At this point in my life, that method only works for projects like recovery writing. It doesn't work for fiction projects. Nevertheless, I'm still not a super concise outliner who takes a month to build an amazing epic outline. Doing that leads to analysis paralysis.

When it comes to writing fiction, I fall solidly into the plantser category most of the time. I make about 10,000 words' worth of notes. What I end up with is by no means an epic, beautiful outline. At this point in the process, I do go AI assisted. I feed my notes to Claude and say, “Claude, arrange my notes in a concise, easy to follow outline. “ For tasks like this, I appreciate AI assistance. I have many overarching criticisms of AI, but that’s an essay for another time.

The only place I have ever used the super-concise, precise outline format with the bullet points of bullet points to good advantage is when writing academic essays and research papers. I haven't written one of those in years. There are certain academic subjects I might like to cover at some point, but I don't know if I'll ever have time to. 

Precise outline, a few (or a lot of) notes, or no outline at all, write the way that works for you, not the way that someone else tells you you're supposed to.

See what I'm up to on my Start page

naughtynetherworldpress.start.page

Happy November to you from January Bain!

 

Good Morning to you!

I hope this post finds you well and happy. How can it be November already? Time if moving along at a dizzying speed!

I spent all of October buried in writing another Western, A Legends of the High-Lonesome novel featuring Holt MacGregor.

He's a real man's man and intriguing to write. Soon, I'll be switching back to writing another post-apocalyptic thriller series: Gods Of Power: The Awakening. As long as I can find someone to read my work, I will be writing my stories! 

And yes, it does beat the real world when it comes to the news. I've often wondered why the news casters harp on all the negative intel in the world when so many good things happen every day as well? I'm a firm believer in balance and moderation in all things, though maybe I'm a bit hypercritical about this stance when it comes to writing, spending endless hours dreaming up and living within my stories!

In other news, I had a new book published this month. Race the Thunder, book 4 of the World Gone Dark series from Rough Edges Press. 

When I sat down to write Book 4, I wanted to push the Mackenzie clan beyond basic survival. Setting up a homestead is one thing—defending the people you love when the entire world comes hunting is another entirely.

The sky didn’t just go dark—it brought a storm that never stopped building.

In Race the Thunder, the illusion of safety shatters. Deep in the Appalachian mountains, the fragile sanctuary of Hardin Creek faces its most brutal test yet. As the outer world disintegrates into lawless chaos, survival is no longer just about hoarding rations or boarding up the windows. It’s about holding the line against ruthless factions who see their peaceful hollow as the ultimate prize.

When a violent clash leaves their perimeter compromised, Burgundy and the clan are forced into a relentless game of cat-and-mouse along the mountain ridges. With hostile scouts closing the net and a treacherous cross-country convoy battling through unforgiving terrain, every mile costs blood. Out here, mercy is a fatal mistake, and trust is scarcer than clean water.

The lightning has struck. Now comes the roar. The Mackenzies have proven they can survive the night, but when the wolves come in force, they’ll have to stand their ground and race the thunder.

Happy Day to you!

January Bain, Storyteller