Preview of The Melting, Book One - The Infection by Donna Steele

Please welcome author Donna Steele, who shares some exciting news! 

Thanks so much, Nancy for having me here today! I am so excited. The first book in my Melting series – The Infection – is coming out June 3. This is a story very close to my heart and I've loved writing it. The first book would be considered science fiction but the story morphs into paranormal as the series progresses. I've played with this idea for ages, years even and getting to share it finally is a dream come true. 

A little morbid maybe, but I've always loved those stories of the end of the world and the day after – The Hammer of God by Larry Niven, On the Beach by Nevil Shute and of course The Stand by Stephen King. I love the way the characters cope and move on (or don't as the case may be). I also love to incorporate green and sustainability into my stories, and I was able to do both here.

I'll be giving an ARC to one lucky commenter today.

David and Amanda feel like old friends now and I enjoy visiting with them. Book two is completed and will be sent off shortly, and three is well underway. Thought I'd share an excerpt with you today –

Book 1 -

      Amanda was late again. She really needed to work on her time management skills. She slipped her key into David's door to let herself in. His car sat out front but he was often in the shower when she arrived, which saved them both a lot of time in getting naked. She wanted to laugh at the wicked grin she could feel on her face.

      He was at the door before she could open it fully and he did not look happy. In fact, he looked upset and could there be a little fear? "David?"

      "Could I meet you—" David began but a female voice interrupted.

      "You're not going to let your little friend in?"

      Amanda heard the uber-confident female voice. Was this the famous Phyllis? It had to be for him to look this uncomfortable. She and David had not talked about Phyllis after the first time they'd been together. David had obviously not wanted to discuss her. Amanda knew instinctively this was the woman she had not sent any thank you note.

      David closed his eyes, but opened them at the feel on her hand on his. "It's okay. I want to meet her."

      He seemed to attempt to relax and took a deep look into her eyes, then he stepped back.

      Amanda moved forward before the other woman could, her hand out. "Hello, I'm Amanda Sutton." Ah, it was the brunette from the cocktail party.

      "Phyllis Lawrence, an old friend of David's." She shook Amanda's hand firmly, eyeing her. There seemed to be a look of recognition in her eyes. She obviously noted when Amanda lay her purse casually on the table in a familiar manner.

      "Please, why don't we all sit down?" Amanda moved to the couch, acting as hostess and saw David quickly assume a bland expression, though his eyes were smiling. "Would you like something to drink?" She offered to Phyllis.

      The woman seemed unhappy with her. Amanda was a little surprised herself at her chutzpah. But it felt good and right. She and David were together, more together than anyone had ever been in her life. David had her back and Phyllis seemed more than a little uncertain at the way things were moving.

      Reluctantly Phyllis took a seat in the chair as David perched on the arm of the couch, beside and above Amanda. Phyllis's eyes narrowed.

      Amanda waited. One thing she had learned from her father was the power of silence. Women didn't like it and tried to fill it up. As his "son" she had done her best to emulate that kind of thing.  It seemed to be working.

      Phyllis finally spoke, though her annoyance at being the one to break the silence obviously bothered her. "How long have you two been seeing each other? I haven't heard David mention you."

      "A little while. We met at some dull function on campus and escaped together." She smiled up at him and his hand lightly squeezed her shoulder.

      "Have you known David long?" One of those conversations, so Amanda might as well jump on in. She already knew the answer.

      "Yes. We've been friends for years. He was only a lecturer when we met."

      Amanda smiled. "A lot of things have changed. Tenure and full professorship."

      Phyllis's smile diminished, she'd heard what had really been said. "Well, I guess I need to be on my way. I only stopped by to see if David was free for an art show tonight."

      David, already rising to get the door, spoke. "Sorry. I'm sure it would have been fun, but we do have plans," Amanda smiled and allowed the other woman to stand above her. The looming didn't bother Amanda at all. She saw clearly when Phyllis noted her easy confidence.

      "Well, it was good seeing you." Phyllis gave David's cheek a quick kiss and she left the apartment.

      With what looked like disgust on his face, David shut the door and joined her on the couch, his head hanging. Amanda wiped the bright red lipstick from his cheek and he followed suit, to ensure every bit of the color was totally obliterated.

Even though Donna's book isn't coming out until June, you can get a taste of her wonderful writing by downloading her other books. i just finished reading Wraith's Heart. I didn't think a ghost story could bring me to tears, but this was awesome!-Nancy Lee 

More about Donna Steele

Women strong enough for love.

I write science fiction , paranormal and women’s fiction romance eBooks about women coming into their

strength and having the courage to find and accept love. As an empty nester with my beloved best friend and husband (who actually encourages this mad passion of mine) I write all the time – whether or not I have a pen or keyboard handy.

Ever since I learned to read—from Superman Comics, Dick, Jane and Sally held no appeal—I’ve wanted to write. The possibilities of science fiction have always drawn me and I’ve read them all.  There just needed to be a little more romance in them. I finally got up the courage and I’m delighted that I’m able to share these stories with you.

My premiere novel, a science fiction romance – Rth Rising – was released on March 3, 2012 through Rebel Ink Press. My paranormal romance eBooks Learning Trust, and Wraith’s Heart  are now available at all eBook sellers. Wraith’s Heart  and Learning Trust are now also available in paperback through Amazon.

My small town romance novels – Homecoming, Welcome Home, Red Shoes, Nowhere for Christmas and Dance Partner  are available at all eBook vendors. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

You can find a listing of all my books HERE

Keep in touch with Donna:

Website     Facebook     Amazon Author Page

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER:

BN100!

Leave your contact info, as well, so we can reach our winner!

Happy Hogmanay from Author Nancy Lee Badger

The New Year is upon us
and the day is clear and bright,
the fireworks are silent
but my heart is beating right.

Our home is warm and cozy,
the New Year's guests are gone,
join me in a quiet appeal to
tread true, lovingly and strong.

--Nancy Lee Badger,
proud member of:

 

 

Celtic Hearts Romance Writers

 

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Tessa Stockton

Joining me today is author Tessa Stockton. Her book, Wind’s Aria, is a fantasy romance eNovella and was released on January 16, 2013.
Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  

Guest Author Tessa Stockton

It’s a classic “conflicted, gorgeous monster obsessed with good, unlikely heroine”—only with some twists. Some might call inspirational, others mythical.

Well, I am inspired to read it! Explain the genre of this particular title, and is the only genre you write in?
Wind’s Aria is a fantasy romance and the first installment of an eNovella series. I love writing in this genre. There is something so freeing and creative about it. Anything goes. Still, I’m all over the map when it comes to genres. I have three books published thus far. One is a political intrigue/romance, another a suspense/thriller, and then I have Wind’s Aria. They are all pretty diverse in plot, structure, and even literary voice. I like variety. My reading habits reflect this, as well. Today, in addition to continuing my fantasy romance series, I’m currently working on a paranormal romance, and an international crime fiction title. I’m ever rotating the pots on the stove, keeping it all warm and succulent. : )
Me too! I write what 'moves me'.When did you start writing toward publication? 
I began pursuing it seriously in 2001. While I’ve had articles and a few short stories published, and I was a columnist, it took me almost ten years to get a novel published. It’s not an easy path. There are a lot of challenges, rejections, and it’s time consuming. Good thing I don’t mind all of that. Those closest to me didn’t call me Tenacious Tessa for nothing while growing up. Plus, now we have the do-it-yourself revolution. Whichever way you go, it requires a tremendous amount of dedication.
So true. Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold like I did? If so, did you send them out yourself?
Oh yeah. And, yes. I have no representation. I am my own agent. Rejection is a regular part of this trade. You have to learn how to receive the nays, determine whether you need to rework manuscripts (because every person, reader/editor, has a different opinion), and keep moving ahead. You won’t get anywhere unless you move forward. Keep in mind, there are always ways to improve.
Rejections can make our work stronger. So can other authors. Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

I’ve enjoyed memberships in a handful of writing organizations. When I discovered Romance Writers of America, though, it was like finding the link I knew was missing. The organization offers a tremendous trove of information, has various special interest chapters, such as Fantasy- Futuristic & Paranormal, and focuses on and encourages those who strive to do this for a living. They support every genre under the romantic sun—or moon, for darkness lovers. Honestly, I don’t know how I managed before RWA. And to name a few more, I find IndieRomanceInk a good way to connect. Also I’ve gleaned a lot of insight in the business sense from LinkedIn’s Authors of Romance Helping Authors of Romance. Through these and other similar groups, I learn something new everyday, hear about other authors, and connect in neat ways. Networking is vital in the romance world, in my opinion.
Another reason why I love to host other authors on my blog. What’s next for you?
Finishing that next mind-blowing, heart-stopping title!
BOOK BLURB

Elected as the Songstress, Aria takes her place on the sacred platform to sing before every dawn. As long as she does so, peace and abundant life belong to her people. One morning, amidst a strange wind that brings with it a curse in its eerie howl, Aria loses her ability to make music. But the encroaching death that transpires isn’t her biggest tragedy. It’s that she adores the cause of her blunder, for he’s a magnificent winged creature who’s stolen more than her voice.

EXCERPT from Wind’s Aria

“Who are you?”

He pushed further back into the shadows as she strode closer. “Someone you need not know.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

When he didn’t answer, she sighed.

“What a strange, terrible day,” she mumbled. “Well, at least tell me your name . . .”

He stood, speechless, knowing he shouldn’t be there at all—conversing with a Meleyan—especially not their musical deliverer that he was set to doom the day after tomorrow.

A peculiar grumbling interrupted her insistence, to his relief.

“Sorry.” She patted her stomach. He could see, even in the blackened night, how her face turned a deeper shade of red than her hair. “I’ve forgotten to eat. I guess I’m hungrier than I realized.”

He plucked an apple from the tree he’d nearly become a part of and held it out to her. The girl approached tentatively. She reached for the fruit but recoiled when her fingers brushed his.

“Is touching me so horrible?” he asked.

Her jaw dropped open and her delicate brow furrowed. She inclined her head. “It . . . hurt.”

“How?” he asked, for her fingers felt good to him, soothing. Warm. He wanted to try again.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa is a veteran of the performing arts and worldwide missions, having come from a long line of musical arts professionals. She loved seeing the world and absorbing the beauty of other cultures . . . an enriching life full of dance, music, faith, and interesting cuisine. Over the years, she also contributed as a writer/editor for ministry publications, ghostwriter for political content, and headed a column on the topic of forgiveness. Today, she writes romance and intrigue novels in a variety of genres. You can also find out more information about Tessa Stockton and her eNovella, Wind’s Aria, by visiting:

WEBSITE   Facebook    Twitter   LinkedIn    Goodreads      

How can my readers buy your book? 

Soulmate Publishing         AMAZON          NOOK

Today I would like to take a moment to reflect on writing organizations that have benefited me. I spent a wonderful recent weekend night having dinner with over a dozen people who welcomed our monthly speaker to town.

We had flown Heather Osborn, an editor at Samhain Publishing, to town to speak to our local chapter of Romance Writers of America, the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. The monthly meeting was well-attended and many of us joined afterward to talk over coffee.

This morning, I spent a couple of hours with one writer as we typed furiously in a local coffee shop, her on her next book nearing its deadline and me on promotional articles for my latest release.

                                                                  

As Co-Chair of the group blog, I then spent the afternoon typing up some blog posts for the Fantasy-Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.As PRO Liaison for the Celtic Heart Romance Writers chapter, I worked on a strategy to get more members motivated to finish their latest manuscript. Both these groups are on-line chapters of RWA.

Why am I bringing this up?

Simple. Writing is a lonely profession. You sit in a room or in a chair, alone, and people expect great things. I play the radio and my cat, Blaze, keeps me company, but the house is quiet (when hubby is at work). A writer needs quiet at times, but a writer needs the stimulating conversation, educational benefits, and joy-filled good times that meeting with others 'of like minds' bring.

Are you a writer? DON'T DO THIS ALONE! Ask for help, sit in on a meeting, join an on-line group, attend a writers conference, find a friend who writes. You'll be a better writer.

Nancy