#WriteTip + #Giveaway - Re-read Your Series! by @EMorgan2010, spotlighting her #Vampire #UrbanFantasy BLOOD SECRETS

I'm delighted to welcome urban fantasy author Elizabeth Morgan to my blog today. Before we segue into our regularly scheduled writing tip break (which is particularly useful for series writers such as I), I should inform you that Elizabeth is giving three lucky winners an ecopy of Cranberry Blood (Blood Series: Book One) AND an ecopy of Blood Secrets (Blood Series: Book Two). So, if you are interested in winning yourself this set then make sure to leave an entry on the Rafflecopter at the bottom. Also, don’t forget to go download your FREE copy of She-Wolf (Blood Series: Prequel), which you can read while you wait. Good Luck!

Always Re-read Your Series!

by Elizabeth Morgan

It doesn't matter if you are writing your second book or your tenth in your series, always go back and read from the beginning. Yes, you will have notes on characters, locations etc and you will have all your important facts and links listed out, but through re-reading your series you will find that there is something that you a) might have forgotten about, b) something you might have got mixed up, or c) find that there is something trivial in one of the books that links up and cements a situation or fact in your next book.

It's also a good idea to re-read a series just to make the story arc fresh in your mind once more. It's fine having outlines for each book, but it's not the same when you have had a break of so many months between finishing one book and starting the next. Plus, it's always nice to see how your characters have grown from book one, and have you have progressed as a writer.
 

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Start the Blood Series for FREE!

If you’re new to the Blood Series, but think you might enjoy the books then download your copy of She-Wolf (Blood Series: Prequel) for FREE today.

And in preparation for the long awaited sequel, Cranberry Blood (Blood Series: Book One) is available for the bargain celebratory price of $2.99 until April 30th. Thereafter it will go back to its former price of $3.99.

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Blood Secrets

Blood Series: Book Two

by Elizabeth Morgan

When your life is messed up to begin with, how much worse can it really get?

Heather Ryan's life has never been simple. The latest in a long line of descendants who have made it their mission to hunt down and slay the Ancient Vampire, Marko Pavel, she is also the first born Infected. Up until recently, the biggest downside to living with the Vampyrric Virus was simply that she craved blood, but after receiving a DVD from her deceased Grandmother Sofia and being kidnapped with friend and so called guardian Werewolf, Brendan Daniels, she quickly discovers that she is also the inspiration behind the Vampires’ attempt to create a whole new breed of super monsters—Hybrids.

The truth comes at a cost, but how much does one have to sacrifice to gain success?

Following the breadcrumbs left by her psychic Grandmother, Heather and Brendan find themselves in new territory. Venice is where Heather hopes to find Marie, the second Bloodling of Marko, along with Brendan's three taken Pack members. But an old Peace Pact between the Italian Pack and the Colony means they are left hunting blind, and due to the Italian Alpha's reluctance to believe their story of kidnap and experimentation on Loup-Garous, time is running out. So when help comes from an unlikely source, they have no choice but to accept.

All families have secrets, but blood can't lie.

Caught up in an intricate and complicated scheme spun by the one she trusts the most and the friend of her enemy, Heather soon discovers that she is the pawn in a plan she would never have been able to conceive. But how many of her new allies were in on the game, to begin with?

This title contains explicit language, violence, and some scenes of a sexual nature.

Download your copy of Blood Secrets (Blood Series: Book Two) at the celebratory release price $3.49. Thereafter it will revert to the price of $4.49. 

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EXCERPT

The walkway appeared desolate... Darkness almost shrouded the passage, but the streetlights of Venice, which stretched across the seemingly black water of the Grand Canal, cast slithers of light through the tall stone arches. A gust of wind ran past me and I shivered, the small tremble causing drops of water to fly from my soaked clothing and stain the grey slabs beneath me.

A howl pierced the night sky, then another and another; a unison of agonizing cries echoing around the maze of buildings that made Central Venice so unique.

To say that Ken doll was going to be pissed that I had took off was an understatement, but I couldn’t lose this chance. I wasn’t going to lose Marie.

Pulling my sword from its sheath, I made my way towards the intricate iron gates which were open, held in place by chains that locked into two hoops that protruded from the grey bricks.

Moving past the rough metal, I peered into the square, outer foyer to find the main double doors to the nest stood wide open in invitation, giving me the perfect view of the long, quiet hallway. I inhaled deeply. The stench of ancient earth polluted the air.

With a steadying breath, I stepped through the doorway and past the two round pillars. Three large iron lanterns hung from the ceiling. A mosaic of stained glass caging the bulbs inside, casting fragments of multi-coloured light across the cream walls. The glow from them curled around the sculptures lining the walls, the shadows of their perfect forms stretched across the blank canvas, disfiguring as I moved past them.

My heart thundered in my chest, so loud that I was pretty damn sure it was drowning out the squelch of water in my boots as I tread lightly and swiftly across the coral and ivory diamond tiles. Droplets of water continued to travel down my skin and beneath my clothes, which already clung to me like a second skin. My curls were a drenched mess. Stray strands had escaped the bun I had shoved my hair in earlier, the wet chunks sticking to my face and neck.

I walked past the two sets of closed double doors which sat across from each other. My focus strayed to the enclosed, dimly lit stairwell on my right.... It was now blocked off by an iron gate similar to the one protecting the front entrance. Another set of doors sat closed to my left, but it was the archway at the end of the hallway that I was drawn to—the only other doors that lay wide open in invitation, and despite the light in the chamber being dim, I knew she was in there, waiting for me.

Oxygen burned my lungs. A stitch had claimed my right side, and the scent of blood from my weeping wounds had my senses peaking. Only this task remains.

Tightening my grip on the hilt of my sword, I moved into the large chamber. No furniture filled the space. All the curtains were drawn. The dark, thick material ran the length of the wall, indicating that the windows stood from ceiling to floor. The walls were painted in panels of patterns so fine, but I couldn’t make out the details. Not that the particulars of the interior of a nest ever really mattered. Although, this was by far the fanciest I had been in. My feet faltered as my gaze landed on him.

He stood like a statue in the centre of the room, his unseeing eyes, like white, misted glass, vacant and icy, focused on me. He could see me. He could see right through me....

The air caught in my lungs as pain seared through my lower back. I lurched, a scream lodged in my throat.

“You should have run while you had the chance.”

About the Elizabeth Morgan

Elizabeth Morgan is a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f, and contemporary; all with a degree of romance, a dose of action and a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but you can be sure that no matter what the genre, Elizabeth always manages to give a unique and often humorous spin to her stories.

Like her tagline says; A pick ‘n’ mix genre author. “I’m not greedy. I just like variety.”

And that she does, so look out for more information on her upcoming releases at her website: www.e-morgan.com

Away from the computer, Elizabeth can be found in the garden trying hard not to kill her plants, dancing around her little cottage with the radio on while she cleans, watching movies or good television programmes – Dr Who? Atlantis? The Musketeers? Poldark? American Horror Story? Heck, yes! – Or curled up with her two cats reading a book.

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10 Writing Tips from Romance Author Elizabeth Morgan

I'm delighted to welcome Elizabeth Morgan to my blog today. If you remember, she and I share a common love for the fairy tale Rapunzel, and I interviewed her when her previous release came out. Today, she's got a brand new sweet contemporary romance from Bono Books to show off. Before we pump her for writing tips, however, I should let you know she's running a Rafflecopter giveaway. The widget, along with information about the book and author, is at the very end (i.e. don't forget to scroll down).  

PHOTO CREDIT: The Number 10 - DieselDemon - FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS - ATTRIBUTION LICENSE (C)

10 Writing Tips from Elizabeth Morgan

1. Read. Reading is one of the best tools a writer can have. You learn through reading, and can gain new ideas.
2. Research. Important in creating any story. Make sure you double check things so you have your facts straight. Editors and readers will pick up on things like this.
3. Passion & knowledge. Write a story you would love to read. There is a piece of advice I think all writers receive, "write what you know and what you love." If you aren't interested in the plot or the topics presented in your story, no one else will be. If you don't love your world or characters than how can you expect anyone else to connect/relate? Love what you write.
4. Edits. I think this will be one tip most writers will mention, but edit your manuscript a couple of times before you submit it.
5. Critique Partners. It's very useful to have a CP as they will give you constructive criticism on how to improve your manuscript, and one thing to remember is that there is always room for improvement. You want your story to be the best it can possibly be. Most importantly a CP is a fresh set of eyes and they will more than likely pick up on spelling mistakes and little things that may have slipped your attention.
6. Rejections. Try not to take them personally. I know it's hard. Trust me, I have been there. Pay attention to any constructive criticism you are given, and then read through your manuscript again. Don't ever change your story if you feel it should remain the way you wrote it, otherwise, if you feel a scene etc could be tightened, then polish it up, and then re-submit. But just remember someone will love your story as much as you do.
7. Patience. It's hard. You will be inbox watching, but that acceptance and contract will come.
8. Promotion. Being an author is 30% writing and 70% promoting. Yes, you have written a book and you should feel proud of that, but the work isn't over just because you have typed "the end." Once your book is released you have to promote it. Don't be in readers faces about it, though. No one likes having a product shoved in front of them and being told to buy. Hold competitions. Share excerpts. Communicate with your readers. The best promotion is to keep writing.
9. Self-Publishing. If you feel this is a route for you, then go for it. Self-publishing gives you more say over your book, how it is packaged, when it is released. Self-publishing is more popular than it used to be, but it is still hard work and can cost a fair bit of money.
10. Write. If you love to write, then write.

Bonus Tip: Most importantly, always believe in yourself and your work. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you want to do, and achieve anything if you put your mind to it. So believe.

Thank you for having me over today and thank you to all of you for stopping by. If you would be interested in winning a copy of my new release, Stepping Stones or maybe a swag pack, then please do leave an entry on the rafflecopter.

Buy Links: Bono/Decadent | AmazonUS | AmazonUK

Stepping Stones by Elizabeth Morgan

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

There's nothing like a wedding to bring the family together....

If not for her baby sister’s impending marriage, Margaret West would never return home. But after six long years, she finds herself a maid of honor who must answer to the people she left behind.

If her parents’ interrogation doesn’t drive her to drink, facing her foster brother, Adrian, just might. To make matters worse, her ex-fiancé is the vicar who will conduct her sister’s ceremony.

Everyone demands to know why she ran off. But the more time she spends at home, the more Margaret realizes even she doesn’t know the real reason.

Excerpt

“When is Aidy getting here?” Jessica grabbed the large bowl of scrambled eggs and brought it closer to her plate.

“I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”

My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”

“Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”

Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”

“Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”

“Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.

“Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself. “Just a quick run-through.”

“Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.

“Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”

Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. That left Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor, be there?”

Oh God, did my voice just go higher?

“Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.

Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.” A stupid one, but a question nevertheless….

“It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”

Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”

I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware of that.”

“Maggie?”

My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.

“Please.” I held out my mug and Jess poured the dark liquid.

I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.
“So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.

“Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.

“Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”

“No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite out of his toast.

More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home after all. I guess, it was stupid of me to hope that he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he did suggest it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him. And yet, in a couple of hours I would be locked in the same house as him.

About Elizabeth Morgan

Elizabeth Morgan is a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f, and contemporary; all with a degree of romance, a dose of action and a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but you can be sure that no matter what the genre, Elizabeth always manages to give a unique and often humorous spin to her stories.

Like her tagline says; A pick ‘n’ mix genre author. “I’m not greedy. I just like variety.”

And that she does, author of erotic ménage horror, Creak, paranormal erotic horror and UK, US & Australian Amazon best seller (Gay/Lesbian, Fiction, Lesbian), On the Rocks, and erotic romance, US, UK and Spanish Amazon bestseller (Erotica Short Story) Truth or Dare? She also has her hand in self-publishing.

Razel Dazzle, her modern adult retelling of the fairytale Rapunzel, was her first taste of publishing her own stories, and now she has the hang of it, it will definitely not be her last. Look out for more information on her upcoming releases at her website: www.e-morgan.com

Away from the computer, Elizabeth can be found in the garden trying hard not to kill her plants, dancing around her little cottage with the radio on while she cleans, watching movies or good television programmes – Dr Who? Atlantis? The Musketeers? Heck, yes! – Or curled up with her two cats reading a book.

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Author Interview - Elizabeth Morgan

There aren’t that many authors out there who have written romances based on Rapunzel. That particular Grimm’s fairy tale is just not as popular as Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Therefore, imagine my surprise when I discovered fellow Decadent Publishing author Elizabeth Morgan and I had that in common. I was even curious enough to do a comparison post!

But that’s not why I have Elizabeth here today. She has a brand new book out, and I want all the details on Truth or Dare!

1. I was about to ask you something  about writing and publishing, but I seem to be fixated on shot glasses, lime, salt, and the bare-chested male on your cover. Would you mind elaborating on how all these elements go together?

I’d be happy to elaborate. Basically, Dani is having a house warming party – not by her choice – and once she has gotten rid of all her nosey neighbours, Cameron – the bare-chested male, whom she hates ;-P – decides that they – including his brother and Dani’s best friend - should all have a tequila fuelled game of Truth or Dare?

Refusing to look like a coward in front of Cameron, Dani agrees, but the games turns mighty sexy not to mention serious, fast.

2. Since we’re on the subject, care to give me a detailed description of Cameron? Let me specify—what exactly does he look like with his shirt off?

Cameron with his shirt off . . . *fans self* I think I will let Dani handle this question.

Cameron with his clothes on:

He walked round the sofa and into my line of view. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t stop from taking in his well-formed profile, broad shoulders, and a trim waist ending on the tightest arse I had ever seen on a man. He made jeans look good, real good.

He shot me his killer grin and my insides knotted. Why did he have to be good looking? It wasn’t easy hating someone who resembled sex, straight up and hard. He had sharp cheekbones and a stubble-coated jaw made for nibbling, all of which were complemented by his eyes—the warmest shade of brown. And his hair, jet black and falling to his ears, just the right length to tangle your hands in and hold onto. I could still remember how soft the strands felt running through my fingers….

Cameron with his shirt off:

He pulled his T-shirt over his head, and my mouth dried at the way his six-pack rippled with each movement. He was solid, perfect. His skin was a healthy bronze. A fine dusting of dark hair ran from his navel and crept down into his jeans. I couldn’t help but follow the teasing path with my gaze….

“See something you like?”

Did I ever. I hated to admit it, but he was the kind of guy you just wanted to lick—well, anything off of.

3. I’ll drop the pretense of this being a serious interview and roll with the current theme. How would you categorize the heat level of your book--sweet, spicy, steamy, or more?

I want to say naughty. Cameron is crude and blunt, but in that special type of way that would have your insides knotting and your knees weak. So, naughty and . . . hot. Yeah, this is definitely a hot little story.

4. I’m not so sure one sexy short will be enough for me. What projects are you working on that you are at liberty to drop hints about?

I am currently reading through – editing/tweaking & polishing – my paranormal erotic romance book She-Wolf, which is the Prequel to my Blood Series.

I got the rights back for this book in September last year, along with the rights to Book 1 in the series, Cranberry Blood, which I will be working on next. (Cranberry is more of an Urban Fantasy with Paranormal elements.)

This series is set in England and Scotland, and features scary vampires, a sarcastic slayer, and sexy Scottish werewolves. I do plan to start the untitled second book in the series this year, but my attention has been nabbed by a submission call from Decadent Publishing called, “Beyond Fairytales.” There was no way I could ignore it. So, I have my assigned fairytale and plan to start on it as soon as I have handed She-Wolf and Cranberry Blood to my editor.

5. Huh. I think we might be related–our writing preferences are pretty much identical. Anyhow, I'll end with the only writing-related question in this interview. How did your get your start as an author? Did you trunk any manuscripts along the way?

Although I have wrote on and off since childhood, it wasn’t until January 2009 that I decided to have a go at writing a book and with the intention of getting it published. I had about 60 rejections across the following year and a half, and then in February 2011 I received my first contract offer, and since then I have just kept writing, and submitting.

Oh yeah, I have trunked a lot of manuscripts. I actually have a lot of stories started, but have had to leave them to one side because I have hit a wall, or haven’t had time to continue with them. I have to say that is one of the frustrating things about being a writer; you have more ideas than you have time to write them, but I will get round to completing them one day.

Since Elizabeth is busy promoting her new release, I won’t keep her. Oh, did I mention she has a giveaway going on? 

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For more information about the book and author, just scroll down. Comments are always much appreciated.

Truth or Dare?

Do you dare tell the truth?

A tequila fuelled game of Truth or Dare is not Dani’s idea of fun, but when Cameron, the jerk who rejected her a year ago is the one provoking her into playing, how can she say no? Not that he’s giving her the option in the first place.

Bravado compels her forward, but when the dares get physical and their friends leave them alone, Cameron’s questions turn to her feelings for him, and unfortunately, lying is not part of the game.

Will a dare give Dani the courage she needs to tell Cameron the truth?

Buy Links: Decadent Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK | ARE 

Excerpt

“Fine, I will take a dare.” I glanced at Ben. “What do you want me to do?”

A wicked grin spread across his lips. It was almost as sexy as his brother’s. “I want you to lick salt off Cameron, and then take the lime from his mouth.”

He had to be fucking kidding. “What?”

“You heard the man.” The amusement ran clear in Cameron’s voice.

An idiotic bout of nerves skipped through me. “And do I dare ask where I will be drinking the tequila from?”

Ben’s gaze flicked to Cameron, who I couldn’t bring myself to look at. Holding up my hand, I cut Ben off before he suggested anything else.

“Never mind. I’ll do it.” Untangling my legs, I slid off the sofa, levelling a look at Cameron.

He pulled his T-shirt over his head, and my mouth dried at the way his six-pack rippled with each movement. He was solid, perfect. His skin was a healthy bronze. A fine dusting of dark hair ran from his navel and crept down into his jeans. I couldn’t help but follow the teasing path with my gaze….

“See something you like?”

Did I ever. I hated to admit it, but he was the kind of guy you just wanted to lick—well, anything off of.

“Nope. I’m just wondering why removing your top is necessary. Scared I’m going to spill my drink on your T-shirt?”

His lips turned upward. “Man told you to lick salt off me, but he didn’t say where you would be licking the salt from.”

About Elizabeth Morgan

Elizabeth started life wanting to be an actress because she loved entertaining people. She enjoyed nothing more than being able to make people laugh and to help distract them from reality for a few hours.

She studied Musical Theatre in college, but during her second year, her mind started to overflow with story ideas, so she began writing plays. Slowly, over the following three years, she was writing more and more, channelling every ounce of her imagination into the written word.

Now here she is, years later, hiding away like a hermit in her little cottage in Cheshire, England, writing like crazy and loving every minute of it.

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Twitter: @EMorgan2010