Tuesday, November 27, 2012

TEASER TUESDAY: OMG! It's a Dreadful!!!!

I think  someone was wondering what the Dreadfuls look like in my next book... It's a picture that I made a long time ago for another novel, but this is pretty close... Hello, my pretties! Well, I'm going to give you another teaser from the up-coming book, and as a treat, I've placed the picture of a Dreadful here. Something I created in "paints". Hope you enjoy!
My footsteps scuffed on a bare wood floor, the sound pulling me back to the one-room cottage. The smell of death and decay cloyed the air. My stomach quivered. I fought the urge to gag. No luxurious amenities surrounded me in the gatekeeper's house. No running water, only a few cupboards, and a basin. A wooden table and some chairs stood at one end of the room, a bed at the other. I suspected there was a pit outhouse in the back somewhere. If I spewed, I'd have to run out into the garden to bend over in the violets and cucumbers.
I swallowed and pinched my nose and breathed through my mouth. Not fantastic, but better than loosing my lunch.
Jett and his brother stood over a small bed where a woman lay. Her eyes were closed, and the blankets covering her moved shallowly with each rasping breath.
Zenyetta and Chairelott knelt at her bedside, silk handkerchiefs in hands. Their sorrowful weeping filled the room. The emotions hit like a tidal wave and I could hardly get past the threshold without it all overwhelming me. There was only so much I could take.
The oppressive odor saturating the whole cabin was familiar. Ah, yes, the nasty reek in Drakulya's study was here too—but ten times as strong. My gaze lifted. In the gloomy corner stood a black-cloaked creature—exactly like the one in Drakulya's study last night. Then, I made the connection. This was the creature's reek, not Drakulya's. I realized no one else seemed to be grossed out like I was, because they weren't holding their noses like me. I don't know why they couldn't. Maybe because of my heightened werewolf senses.
Now I knew what a Dreadful looked like. It stood vigil, somehow making this poor woman sick, until she died. Once again I could not get a read, like last night. Possibly because it had no soul. It puzzled me deeply.
©Lorelei Bell 2012

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Rick (the leprichaun) Talks about Book 3 in Sabrina Strong Series


Hi, everyone. I'm Rick. Better known as the leprechaun in the Sabrina Strong Series. If you've been keeping up, I'm introduced in the second book. But I'm here today to talk about the third book, coming out real soon. So, pay attention, 'coz I'm not going to repeat this for any losers out there. Got it? Good.
So—eh—let's see. In the second book we did a lot of stuff like released Mr. Tremayne from imprisonment, then we went to Dark World, kicked some demon butt there, and Tremayne lost favor with those devils there. But Sabrina got through that pretty unscathed, and got some experience in demon-ass kicking. She also solved a murder mystery—and if you read that book, you had to think she'd never get out of that old house alive. Right?
Also (spoiler alert!) Dante died at the end, which I guess a lot of you ladies sort of got upset about. Well, I promised not to give away too much, but you've gotta read this third one, because--(whispering) things really look up at the end of it where he's concerned. (Winks)
But this time she's trying to find her cousin, Lindee, who has gone missing. You think about it, a person could go missing for a lot of reasons—not just that maybe some foul play is involved. But admittedly this is foul play when you think about it.
Just so you know, Lindee had background and issues up the wazoo. Especially with her parents. And she was what we mildly call a bad girl. I say mildly because we've all had our bad times. Right? So some people just think she ran away. Sabrina, being a clairvoyant, knows better.
Sabrina finds out where Lindee was last seen. They got police and dogs scouring the place, but guess what? Lindee is no longer on terra firma. Nope. And when Sabrina slips through the portal that takes her to a world called Beyond the Black Veil, you can bet something really interesting is going to happen. 'Coz you see, that world is run by vampires, and I'm told they're sort of stuck in the mid-Victorian age.
Oh, and Sabrina actually meets Dracula himself—the real Vlad The Impaler, who is now a vampire. I swear to God! I nearly fell off my stool at Tom's Tavern when she told us.
And as if that ain't the worse part about it, she has to face these weird things called Dreadfuls who make humans sick and stick around until they die. But she figures out what she has to do to get rid of them permanently.
Oh, jeez. Did I say too much?
Well, the mystery as to where Lindee is is plenty to deal with, but you see the vampires on this world have donors for their needs. But one of these ladies whose blood is really, really popular was murdered, and has Sabrina a little distracted too. Along with all the good looking dudes in this as well. I mean, Sabrina is a good looking lady, and besides being a touch clairvoyant, she's also the sibyl, who has powers of her own. She's sort of discovering them in this book, and figuring out how to work her mojo. Dig?
Well, I think I've said enough here. If I say any more I'll say too much. I just wanted to get the word out. So, if you're in Batavia Illinois, look me up at Tom's Tavern. I'm buying. (laughs) See ya! (disappears)

Friday, November 23, 2012

Vampires, Bloody Good Reading!

Hey, all my pretties. I hope you had your fill of turkey, and the shopping trips are done. For now.

Today I thought I would give my blog over to my friend, Carole Gill. She's got some great horror novels if you like Gothic with a terror-twist to it. She has a way with sending chills up your spine. Well, let her tell you about her House on Blackstone Moor series.


We love vampires. Vampire fiction is broad enough to please every reader. There is drama, terror and sometimes comedy and why not? People have diverse tastes.

I love writing about vampires but in my current series I am writing about other issues as well.
The question of good vs. evil is at the core of my fiction.

In The House on Blackstone Moor there is the issue of child abuse which is alluded to. The heroine, Rose Baines asks if one act of evil can let (worse/supernatural) evil in. I will leave my readers to make final judgement on that.

As for my heroine, evil does, indeed, enter Rose’s life. One outrage affects her destiny forevermore.

Due to reader response I did decide to turn the book into a series and I’m glad I did. The second book has just been released.

THE BLACKSTONE VAMPIRES SERIES: WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

It’s about sin, decadence and devil rites not to mention madness and obsession. It’s also about good v. evil, the eternal struggle. There’s love too but it comes at a terrible price for my heroine.

This isn’t light reading. In my fiction, the damned yearn for absolution (some of them) while others are not repentant; they wallow in sin and corruption.

Kindle Book Blast Featured
The House on Blackstone Moor, Book One:


"They say my father was mad, so corrupted by evil and tainted by sin that he did what he did. I came home to find them all dead; their throats savagely cut. My sisters only five and eight were gone as well as my brother who was twelve. My mother too lay butchered in her marriage bed. The bed her children were born in..."
Young Rose Baines discovers the savage murders of her family by her mad, incestuous father.

She is plunged into a nightmare of hell and is incarcerated in two madhouses after which she is helped to obtain a position as governess at Blackstone House.

The house is located on haunted moorland. Nothing is as it seems for Blackstone House and its inhabitants have hideous secrets. There is unimaginable horror there but there is love too--love that comes at a terrible price.

The story is as haunting as it is terrifying and will remain with the reader long after its disturbing tale has been told.

The first two chapters of the sequel are included also.




Unholy Testament – The Beginnings, Book 2

The day Eco first laid eyes on Rose Baines was the day she discovered (The House on Blackstone Moor) her family’s savage butchery at the hands of her mad, incestuous father.

“I saw you leave the house that day, Rose, that terrible day you discovered your family butchered. I saw you…”Eco realizing he has fallen in love with her pens a confession documenting all of his sins committed in the course of his immortal existence. The one request is that Rose reads his confession.

Rose, having become his captive, is forced to read this unholy testament of his.

From Ancient Egyptian vampire cults to Roman vampire brothels to The Dark Ages, The Crusades, The Black Death of 1348 to his meeting with child murderer and Satanist, Gilles de Rais, concluding with his wicked affair with the Blood Countess herself, Erzebat Bathory.

Eco is, if nothing else, frankly and brutally honest. The pages are filled with debauchery and vice and murder--yet, there is also love or what Eco swears is love.

The story is continued in Unholy Testament – Full Circle, to be released in early 2013.

The first two chapters and book cover of Unholy Testament – Full Circle is included in this book.
The House on Blackstone Moor left off.

Please note:

Unholy Testament – Full Circle continues the story of Eco and his debauchery and sin. It will be released in early 2013.

The fourth book in the series will be out in 2013 as well.



Twitter:


Well, these sound very exciting, Carole. Of course I've read the first one and it was an exciting read. I've never read anything quite like it! I hope this gives my readers plenty of ideas for holiday gifts for those who might enjoy this (or grab for themselves!)

Thanks for being on my blog today!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Being Thankful

Photo
The kittens are into their sixth month of life. If we had not adopted mother feral cat, that probably wouldn't have happened.

I stand outside on our steps watching them play, and their crazy antics. Looking around myself, I live in a rual setting, quiet. So quiet this day. Four geese fly directly over my circa 1906 farm house. The kittens and I look up to watch them. I can hear their wings shush-shush-shush as they fly over.

Being thankful is difficult to do. You always wish for more, and the things you have sort of get buried in your needs and wants.

I'm grateful for our health, and the roof over our heads. For the food we can put on the table, and our jobs. There are people who have gone through devistation who can't say this. So, I'm being humbled into saying I am grateful.

I'm grateful also of the friends I've made, here and in my day-to-day life. I'm often amazed by how easily people come to like me. But I think I've gotten past the amazed part of that. I guess I'm a likable person with a bubbly personality. I've been told that it comes through in my emails and probably here. I try to stay "up". What's the point of grumbling? People quickly tire of that and don't need to be reminded of the things that tick them off. So, yeah. I try to stay positive.

So, I'm thankful to you people out there who stop by this blog. I'm fortunate enough to have you guys around to want to stop by this site. It wasn't very long ago I thought I'd never have all the followers I have, and have people who actually interact and leave comments here. I love you guys!

So, today my husband and I are baking the turkey. It's just the two of us, and we're off all week so we can eat turkey for a few days.

Next week I'm going to be part of this chat/promo thing. As soon as I know exactly what I'm supposed to do, you'll be the second people to know (^;
Have a safe, happy, wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!
 Join me November 30th!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Lorelei's Musings & Happy Friday!

I suppose I should simply call this my rant, but I'm not in the mood to really rant. I've already explained that because of my slow Internet, and the fact that Blogger has changed their innerface (or whatever), it makes it nearly impossible for me to do all the wonderful things I used to do here. I've been able to cheat the system and post pictures, but the way I have to do it is very cumbersome. I can't even use half the things up at the top of this--as I can't even see them. So, if I have some type-o's I missed, sorry.

I've been debating on whether or not to change over to my other blog, but I've got SO many followers here, and even when I'm not posting, you show up. I thank you very much.

And the trend has been that facebook and twitter are taking over the way we connect. I wish that were not the case, but I have no control over that. So, for those of you who still use the "old fashioned" way of blogging, I'm still here, and I'll still follow you on yours.

And speaking of that, I will have Carole Gill here next week to talk about her just released book. I'll be promoting it here, as best I can.

I have not yet received edits for the next book. I'm still waiting. I don't even have a cover. *tapping foot*

But I did have some great new business cards made up, and I'm hopeful the people I give them to, and where I pin them, will get people to buy. I mean, if someone has a person on their shoping list who is into vampires, they might be drawn to a card that says: Got Vampire? in a creepy font, black on orange stock. I thought that by placing this in large print (instead of my name), that would grab attention, and only those who are interested in such will take one. I've had the card disappear a number of times and sometimes I do see sales after, so I'll keep on trying this. Also giving one to people who may have someone on their Christmas list who is into vampires. I'm ever hopeful.

And next week is Thanksgiving, so I will have a little more time to work on this climax for #5 WIP. I've been making notes and trying to figure things out. I will also post more things about the third book that will come out soon (we are hopeful for Christmas), so as to get some excitement stirred up.

Happy Fridday everyone!

Friday, November 9, 2012

RULES OF THE ROAD - (for idiots)

My day job is drving a 12.5 ton bus around a college and through town, picking up students and non-students. That part is simple. It's the part where I DRIVE that gets difficult. You see, there aren't just other drivers on the road with us, there's people on foot, on bicycles, and anything else with wheels. And none of them possess the brains God gave them for going about in a dangerous world where they could get crushed by everything from semis and buses to cars. I often wonder what goes through someone's mind when they continue walking in front of a moving bus. Or, like today, I watched one of our drivers going at a crawl through the turn-around in the student center, and he's moving about 2 miles per hour (that's walking speed), when a guy on a bike decides he's going to roll right in front of this moving 12-ton bus.

So, I thought since I'm unable to change them any, I'd write up the DO's and DON'T's of THEIR rules of the road. I think it should go something like this (and of course I do not condone any of these actions, nore do I want anyone else to).

RULE #1 When driving up to a stale yellow light and you're in the left-hand turn lane, make sure you get into the middle of that intersection, so that you will block the right-of-way traffic when their light turns green. This assures that they can't go anywhere until you've made your turn. Your business is much too important than theirs anyway!

RULE #2 MAKE SURE YOU SPEED!!! At least 5-10 miles over the speed limit! If it's 30, you need to go 35-38. If it's 40, definitely you need to go 50!

RULE #3 Make sure you have a cell phone to your ear at all time, that way you can ignore changing lights and stop signs. Everyone will sto for you because you're so special!

RULE #4 For heaven's sake, whatever you do, don't use your turn signal. Everyone will get the drift of what you're doing, once you make that turn.

RULE #5 Don't use your headlights when it's "required". As long as you can see, what's the big dealL? And if at all possible, turn on those "parking" lights so that you look "cool", and play that rage music or whatever AS LOUD AS IT GOES!

RULE #6 Seat belts? You really don't need them. You're a safe driver.

RULE #7 When trying to find a place to park any old place will do. Especially where it says NO PARKING/TOW AWAY ZONE/HANDYCAPPED PARKING.

RULE #8 When riding your bike (this may apply to motorcylcles too), first of all EVERYONE WILL SEE YOU. You have the right to drive wherever the hell you want. Sidewalks, grass, roads. Make sure you swerve in and out of traffic. It's especially a big thrill to drive between two vehcles coming in opposite directions.

RULE # 8 a). Try riding with no hands. Try riding with a coffee cup in one and cigarette in the other, and to make it even more interesting text your girlfriend on the way to class.

RULE #9 Text while driving. You can do two things at once.

RULE #10 PEDESTRIANS: When waiting to cross the street make sure that people see you. Then go ahead and cross, even if it isn't your turn. Make sure to walk extra slow. It doesn't matter if you have the cross walk sign or not. People will stop. They have breaks. You're more important and have more important things to do, your mommy told you so.

RULE #11 Screw the crosswalks, just go for it dude!

RULE # 12 ROLLERBLADES AND SKATEBOARDS: You need no rules at all. Just go out and have fun. Skate backwards down the middle of the street because you're a DAREDEVIL!

RULE #13 When it rains or snows make sure you drive like an ass--pretty much like you always do. Peel out at those stop lights and stop signs so that you fishtail. That's always fun!

RULE #14 Cut off the other person when you want to make that right hand turn from the left hand lane. You'll never see that person again--and they'll never catch you!

I hope I haven't forgotten anything. Have a great day!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Kitty Check-in & Up-dates

Hello, my pretties. How have you all been? Halloween is over. Boo-hoo. But I'm moving onward. No. Not doing the NaNo thing. I don't need to make myself crazy. Or, crazier than I already am (tee-hee). I've been going through the edits from my beta reader, Shelly Arkon *waves and chocolate hugs, Shelly*. I'm nearly done with it too. I'll be setting my Spell of the Black Unicorn aside for a month, after and continue work on my 5th in the Sabrina Strong Series, and try to finish a novelette.

So, I've been in my bat cave (writing cave to you all), and have not been able to do much posting. However, as a treat I thought I'd turn this over to my wild kitties. Take it away, Half-Pint!

"Hi. It's me. Half-Pint. It has become colder here. But the days still become warm, sometimes the sun comes out and it's nice to take naps under the low branches of the pine trees. It's now our favorite place to hang. It makes for good cover. My sister, Long-Hair, has found that crouching near the watering bowl is a good spot too. Birds come to it. She's very fast. I do believe she may be the first of us to catch an unsuspecting bird."

"No. I'll be the first!"

"That's my bigger idiot brother, Tango. He's always boasting." *Half-Pint turns to his brother."Shut up, stupid. I'm working here. My mistress has given me permission to be here on the blog. Not sure what a blog is, but my mistress thinks I'm more special than the rest of you."

"Snot." *Tango's ears go back*

"Whatever. You think you're so cute when you roll over on your back and show your belly to the humans. Then, when they go to pet you, you snag their hands (which they've covered, and that's a good thing), and bite. That's not nice."

"Shut up, snot."

"I know how to get the attention. I don't bite. I don't claw--well, not often. And I get more attention than you." *Half-Pint turns his back on Tango*

"The both of you disgust me."

*They look at their sister Long-Hair who has padded up.*

"I wouldn't be caught dead being touched by a lowly human. That's so demeaning." *Long-Hair settles on her haunches and licks her white paw.*

"Yeah, and yet you can't wait to jump on the food when it's brought out," Tango snarls.

"There's a difference in eating from a bowl and being petted. Although I'll admit the male human has touched me a few times." *Long-Hair licks her paw a few times, looking uninterested.*

"Whatever. Anyway, I'm just trying to tell the people out there how busy our mistress is. I'm not sure what she does inside her big cave, but she calls it writing. Whatever that is. Meanwhile, we're out here doing our thing. Right?"

"Whatever, poop-for-brains. I'm going hunting." *Tango walks off, disappearing into the dense woods.

"You going to climb that big tree again, sis?" *Half-Pint looks at his sister.*

"No." *Long hair stretches and yawns.* "I think I'll take another nap. Wanna come and cuddle up and keep me warm?"

"Maybe later. I think I'll go beat up my brother a little bit. Oh. Uh, Okay I think I'm done with saying stuff to you humans out there." *Half-Pint trots away, catching up to his sister. He jumps on her. She turns over on her back, claws out, biting. They tumble, bite and then part and go on their way.*

Author's note: Long-Hair is formerly known as Captain Jack/Jackie (after having figured out she's a girl) She is the only cat with long hair and different markings.

AUDIO BOOK NOW AVAILABLE!

Hi, everyone, I have some great news! My first Sabrina Strong book, Ascension, is now in an audio book format.  NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTE...