Northern Circle Coven

From HIS DARK MAGIC (Northern Circle Coven #1). 
Today's BookQuote word: Perfect. 

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A HOLD ON ME (Dark Heart series #1)

She never wanted to return.

He wants nothing more than for her to leave.

But the fire between them is as strong as the past that haunts them.

Annie Freemont grew up on the road, immersed in the romance of rare things, cultivating an eye for artifacts and a spirit for bargaining. It’s a freewheeling life she loves and plans to continue—until her dad is diagnosed with dementia. His illness forces them to return to Moonhill, their ancestral home on the coast of Maine—and to the family they left behind fifteen years ago, after Annie’s mother died in a suspicious accident.

Once at Moonhill, Annie is shocked when her aunt separates her from her father. The next time Annie sees him, he’s a bizarre, violent shadow of his former self. Confused, she turns to an unlikely ally for support—Chase, the dangerously seductive young groundskeeper. With his dark good looks and powerful presence, Chase has an air of mystery that Annie is irresistibly drawn to. But she also senses that behind his penetrating eyes are secrets she can’t even begin to imagine. Secrets that hold the key to the past, to Annie’s own longings—and to all of their futures. Now, to unlock them, she’ll have to face her greatest fears and embrace her legacy…

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June Recap!

Hi everyone! First, if you’re looking for the winner of my NA Scavenger Hunt giveaway, it will be announced on the main Scavenger Hunt page July 4th. Also, if you’d like chance to win e-ARCs of HIS DARK MAGIC, then be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Here.

Next, I wanted to give a shout out to the three authors who took part in last month’s Two Question . . . mini author blog tour: Janet Walden, Ken Schrader, and Anne Raven. It was fantastic to learn more about you. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I love getting an inside look at other authors, their hopes, fears, and writing process. It bolsters me and gives me new insights, and ideas. Hope you all enjoyed the Two Questions interviews as much as I did.

If you missed the tour, check out their blogs for their recap interviews! Janet. Ken. Anne. 

Just for fun, I’ve gather together all my answers to the same questions and shared them below in one longer interview. 

"Two Questions with... Pat Esden

Why do you write?

Publishing can be a very stressful industry. But when I’m in the zone writing and lost in my stories, it’s quite the opposite. It’s energizing and a more immersive form of stress relief than watching TV or reading. It’s a way to step into another person’s shoes and get lost in as wild of adventure as I can dream up. Perhaps most of all, I can write stories I would like to read with endings of my making. 

What is the hardest part about writing?

The hardest part for me (other than the first draft) is when I reach the point in revision where my instincts tell me something isn’t working quite right, but I can’t put my finger on it. Usually my instincts give me a general message like—something is off in the last quarter of this book or something about this character is off kilter. Luckily honest, strong critique partners is the remedy for this. Sometimes it’s a larger issue. Or it can be a small mistake I’m making.

If you could give Past You one piece of advice, what would it be?

I’ve always loved writing and dreamed of having a career as an author. However I also loved my previous career as a florist. I feel like I began my transition from one career to the other about five years later than I should have. I had been warned, but didn’t truly understand that years can pass between getting an agent, selling a book, and when the novel actually appears on the shelf at a bookstore. Self-publishing has changed this on one side of the coin, but traditional publication still takes ages. 

Where do you derive the most satisfaction from your writing?

I’m a devious author at heart. I love adding or tinkering foreshadowing. It’s such a trill to know that a tiny hint or detail will be vital, and then slip it into the story so only the most careful reader will suspect it is a clue. I also like to add information that isn’t vital, but will deepen the story for readers who take their time. These details often relate to past history of the character or the world. 

What attracted you to your genre(s)?

I write fantasy set in the contemporary world because I love the idea of magic being within our grasp. What if . . . the things we dream or imagine of are real, dangers or wonderful things. I also like how fantasy can empower the average person to make a huge difference, something I believe we are capable of doing with or without magic. 

Do you see any issues in your genre and how are you addressing them?

I wouldn’t say as much issues as the importance of keeping up with the fast sweeping changes in my chosen genres. I straddle the line between romance and fantasy. My books feature some open door sex, so things like consent, safe sex, as well as gender and sexual identity need to be considered at length when I develop my stories and characters. Today’s romance novels are not the same as the bodice rippers from the distant past, but they also are different from the romance of even five years ago. Reading newly published books and being aware of changes is beyond important. 

What is your "Go-to" thing that you treat yourself to when you finish a first draft?

I don’t celebrate until the novel is revised for months and finally sent into my editor. First, I take a few days off and celebrate with lobster. It’s one of my favorite splurges. Then I go on a reading binge. The best way to clear my head and get ready for the next project is to make a dent in my to-be-read pile. Right now, I’m taking one such break. Currently, I’m reading THE DARKLING BRIDE by Laura Andersen, THE RULES OF MAGIC by Alice Hoffman, and PRICELESS by Robert K. Wittman. 

HIS DARK MAGIC (Northern Circle Coven series book 1)

Its power is legendary. It can fulfill every impossible magical desire. But for one young witch seeking redemption, the Northern Circle coven will challenge her skills—and her heart—beyond measure.
 
One tragic impulsive mistake made Chloe Winslow an outcast to her influential magic family. As a medical student, she wants to combine science with sorcery to heal those she hurt and right her wrongs. But brilliant, charismatic Devlin Marsh re-routes her plans with a once-in-eternity offer: membership in the exclusive Northern Circle, a mysterious Vermont coven known for pushing the limits.

Enthralled by Devlin and their mesmerizing mutual attraction, Chloe makes a dangerous sacrifice to help the Circle’s high priestess awaken Merlin himself—and learn his timeless cures. But a foreshadowing soon causes Chloe to doubt the Circle's real motives, as well as Devlin’s . . .
 
Now Merlin's demonic shade is loose in the human world, while Chloe and Devlin's uneasy alliance will pit them against ancient enemies, malevolent illusions, and shattering betrayal. And with the fate of two realms in the balance, Chloe must risk her untried power against a force she can't defeat—and a passion that could destroy her.

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BIO:

Pat Esdenwould love to say she spent her childhood in intellectual pursuits. The truth is she was fonder of exploring abandoned houses and old cemeteries.When not out on her own adventures, she can be found in her northern Vermont home writing stories about brave, smart women and the men who capture their hearts. 

Sheis the author of the contemporary paranormal Dark Heartseries from Kensington Books, and the upcoming Northern Circle Covenseries. Her short fiction has appeared in a number of publications, including Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show,the Mythopoeic Society’s Mythic Circle, George Scither’s Cat Tales Anthology, and the Fragments of Darknessanthology. 

WEBSITE |GOODREADS |FACEBOOK|TWITTER | BLOG |PINTEREST|

New Adult Scavenger Hunt . . . author Paula Stokes!

THE HUNT IS NOW OVER AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY DRAWN FOR MY GIVEAWAY. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JULY 4TH ON THE HUNT'S MAIN PAGE!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined in the fun. It was great to meet you all. 

I’m so excited to be hosting Paula Stokes author of THE KEY TO EVERYTHING for this Team Red stop of the New Adult Scavenger Hunt! You’re going to love her exclusive material!

 This event was inspired as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 96 hours!

Go to the New Adult Scavenger Hunt page to find out details about the hunt. There are TWO contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of Team Red–but there is also a purple team for a chance to win a whole different set of books!

If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the New Adult Scavenger Hunt page.

***THE SCAVENGER HUNT***

Directions: Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my lucky book number (read carefully and you’ll find it). Collect the lucky book numbers of all the authors on Team Red, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!).

Entry Form: Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by July 1, at 12 PM Eastern Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered. Winners will be announced July 4th. 

Also there is another giveaway to enter that is exclusive to this blog (more information below).

LET THE HUNT BEGIN!

~~ MEET PAULA STOKES, AUTHOR OF THE KEY TO EVERYTHING

Paula Stokes is the author of several novels, most recently Vicarious, Ferocious, and This is How it Happened. Her writing has been translated into eleven foreign languages. Paula loves kayaking, hiking, reading, and seeking out new adventures in faraway lands. She also love interacting with readers. 

Find her online at authorpaulastokes.com or on Twitter and Instagram or Facebook

WEBSITE

THE KEY TO EVERYTHING

College senior Oakland Fuller has always believed in signs and soulmates, so when both a therapist and a fortuneteller say that her repeated relationship failures are due to unresolved feelings for her high school boyfriend, Seth, Oakland tries desperately to get back in touch with him. Problem: Seth isn’t responding to her online messages.  

To rescue Oakland from a pathetic Christmas break of sitting in front of the computer, her best friend Morgan books the two of them on a guided excursion of Thailand. When the girls meet a pair of American soldiers in Bangkok, Oakland takes Morgan’s advice and engages in a little harmless holiday hooking up. Sergeant Tyson Banks is the perfect mix of sexy and fun. Two weeks with him might just turn out to be the best relationship Oakland has ever had. 

Until the day she spots someone familiar across a crowded temple complex—it’s Seth! Somehow the boy she’s been trying to reconnect with is in Bangkok too. If that’s not a sign, then what is?

Filled with friendship, romance, bromance, and gorgeous faraway settings, THE KEY TO EVERYTHING is a story for anyone who’s ever dreamed of finding love when (or where) they least expect it. Recommended for ages 16+ Contains explicit material. 

BUY IT NOW! 

Paula: Hi NewASHers :) THE KEY TO EVERYTHINGis about a college senior who goes to Thailand to escape obsessing about an ex-boyfriend she thinks is her solumate, only to run across that very guy 8,000 miles from home.

For my bonus content, I’m sharing updated mood boards I created for the different places the characters explore. If you’ve never been to Thailand, warning, this book might give you some serious wanderlust.

The story starts out with best friends Oakland and Morgan heading to Bangkok, a city that’s an amazing mix of old and new, with sleek glass skyscrapers, colorful markets, and gorgeous temples and ruins.

After a few days in the big city, Oakland and her friends travel to the tropical paradise of Phuket, to enjoy warm sandy beaches, check out a Thai boxing match, and look for her soulmate, Seth.

Oh no, Seth somehow sneaked past them and now he’s up in Chiang Mai, a northern city famous for jungle treks and elephant conservation camps. Will Oakland ever catch up to her lost love?

On the way back to Bangkok, the tour group stops at the Sukothai Historic Park, one of my favorite places in the whole world. Being surrounding by ancient ruins feels magical, but will it be magical for Oakland and her friends? Read THE KEY TO EVERYTHINGand find out!

Wanna try before you buy? Read the first few chapters on my website here.

I don’t know about you, but I’m adding THE KEY TO EVERYTHING to my must-read pile right away. It sounds amazing.

Now to enter you need to know my lucky number! TEN..Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on Team RED and you’ll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

AGAIN--MY NUMBER IS 1O 

BUT BEFORE YOU CONTINUE ON YOUR QUEST!!!!

Leave a comment below and be entered to win a paperback copy of one of my Dark Heart novels. Winner will have their choice of any novel in the series. 

Also be sure to sign-up for my newsletter. Later this year, I'll be giving away e-ARCs of HIS DARK MAGIC (Northern Circle Coven series #1) exclusively to newsletter subscribers. 

BUY IT NOW 

PRE-ORDER TODAY

~~~CONTINUE THE HUNT ~~~~

To keep going on the hunt, you need to check out the next author,  Mia Miller

GOOD LUCK!!

Two Questions with . . . Author Janet Walden

Pat,

Thank you for inviting me to stop by as Part Three of the “Two Questions With…” blog hop.

2. What is the hardest part about writing?

Plotting. Bah. That way leads to lack of creativity and dull stories. Drudgery and boredom.

Oh, guys. Baby Writer me was so cute.

Hands up if you’re also a reformed pantser. 

Fifty percent of my writing issues disappeared when I learned to sit down and plot out a story. I always come up with characters first, usually completely by accident. They pretty much spring to life in my head, fully formed—then I’m left scrambling to find a plot to hang them on. 

My early stories always stalled out around the 70% mark. Right around the Black Moment. All because I had cobbled together plot as I went, and was often left not knowing what drove the characters into their crisis, or if I had the crisis, how to solve it. I got characters into trouble then had no clue how to get them out. I lost weeks and months to writing myself into corners.

Then came breaking down, figuring “What do I have to lose by trying?” and starting a new story outline from scratch on a legal pad. And it worked. I could see potential dead ends and lack of agency.

Gotta say, plotting an arc out on paper lets me brainstorm ideas ahead of time and helps keep the pacing tight. Since I try to stick to big picture outlines, it also leaves me plenty of room to innovate and change details without starting from scratch. 

 Thanks to my reformed ways, I can finish a story much more quickly now, and with less “Why did I ever think this was doable?” angst.

2. Who are you favorite writers at the moment, and what do you love about each?

So many. So, so many.

In romance, I’m on a huge contemporary romance kick with Sarina Bowen. I love, love, love her True North series, and Keepsake is my favorite so far. Sarina writes sexy—wow, does she have some intense heroes and heroines—but capitalizes on emotions to bring the heat. She builds tension into a delicious fire. She also makes unconventional heroes and consent sexy.

In SF/F/PNR, it’s Karen Marie Moning. I just caught up on her Fever series, devouring Feversong and High Voltage within days. Her long-term plotting just knocks me out. She lays out so many plot threads, then manages to connect them all organically. The level of detail and imagination just blow me away. Her descriptions of the Fae and Dublin are also lush and gorgeous. You can see and feel the deadly beauty and rain-wet cobbles.

BIO

Janet Walden-West lives in the southeast with a pack of show dogs, a couple of kids, and a husband who didn't read the fine print.  She has an unseemly obsession with dusty artifacts, great cars, and bad coffee.A founding member of the East Tennessee Creative Writers Alliance and The Million Words craft blog, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America member. She pens Urban Fantasy that escapes the neat confines of the city limits in favor of map-dot hillbilly towns, and inclusive Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance. A #PitchWars alum, her first short story, Road Trip, is included in the Chasing the Light anthology.

Find Me At:

WEBSITE|     TWITTER|    INSTAGRAM

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Celebrate the Summer Solstice with New Adult Books!!

I’m celebrating the #SummerSolstice2018 by taking over the New Adult Scavenger Hunt Facebook group. Stop by, help me celebrate—and enter to win books. The party is HERE!!

Two Questions with . . . author Ken Schrader

Thank you, Pat, for hosting me on your blog today as part of our “Two questions with...” series.

For those of you that don’t know, my name is Ken Schrader. I write Science Fiction, Fantasy, Weird Westerns (though, not necessarily in that order). 

And here are my Two Questions...

Question 1. What is the hardest part about writing?

Beginning. Hands down. I have the most trouble with beginning. Now, when I say “Beginning,” I don’t mean beginnings, as in the start of the story. I mean Beginning. Sitting down to write, making that commitment, shutting yourself away from family, friends, the dogs, TV, games, the internet, dishes, that bit of laundry you’ve got to—

Stop it.

Go write.

That’s the hardest part for me. I won’t say that the rest is easy. Writing is hard work, no matter how you go about it. But it’s also fun work. Once I get started, I can fall so deeply into it that I’ll lose time. And it doesn’t matter what part of the process I’m in. Drafting, editing, revising (yes, there’s a difference), or any other part of it.

Beginning, though, is a hurdle that I’ve got to jump every time. 

Question 2. What is your "Go-to" thing that you treat yourself to when you finish a first draft?

The thing I go for when I finish a draft is a grilled steak. Where I go depends on the time of year it is. If it’s not near freezing (or raining), I’ll happily bundle up and get the charcoal grill going. In the event that’s not a viable thing, then there are a couple of places around that I could go to.

Pizza from one of the local places is a good “Plan B”  

BIO: 

I am a science fiction and fantasy writer, a shameless Geek, a fan of the Oxford comma, and I make housing decisions based on the space available for bookshelves. I collect books, movies, and music.

I sing out loud when I think there's no one around, and try to get a blog post up once a week--One of which I have done consistently for the last few years.

I love music of all kinds, books, the big sky off my front porch, Star Wars, Firefly, Blind Guardian (to which, I write almost exclusively), Rugby, star gazing, jasmine tea, and the smell of rain on the air.

My favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate. My favorite food is grilled steak, and I can suspend disbelief embarrassingly quickly.

I live in Michigan, am co-owned by several dogs (especially the Border Collie), and I ma one of the rare breed of folk that enjoys mowing the lawn. 

I am represented by Dorian Maffei of Kimberley Cameron & Associates. (Dorian@kimberleycameron.com). 

WEBSITE     FACEBOOK   TWITTER

ually only on the weekends, and not for very long at that.