Michelle's Pillow Talk

2008-09-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

BLOG HAS MOVED!

2007-03-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

This blog has moved! Please change your bookmark links and come see the new look and design!
http://www.michellepillow.com/blog

Marketing Tips for Authors and Aspirings

2007-03-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted a helpful link to Mandy's Nocturnal Journal where she'll start a series of blog posts geared at helping authors, writers, aspirings (whoever you are and whatever you call yourself) reach their goals. In the spirit of that topic, I also found this link to AuthorMBA with and article today by Jaci Burton, entitled Taking Your Career Seriously.

Marketing with Mandy - A New Blog Series worth looking at

2007-03-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

Mandy Roth on her Nocturnal Journal Blog has started a new series on Marketing geared toward aspiring and published authors. I think it's great, esp considering she has a degree in marketing. I highly recommend bookmarking her blog and checking back as new posts come up.

The first topic she has up is:
Marketing with Mandy: Websites—Getting Started

Have a wonderful day everyone, and make sure you comment and post questions over there (or here and I'll pass them along) letting her know what marketing topics you'd like her to cover!

Thursday Thirteen - My First Thursday Trying This

2007-03-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about Michelle M Pillow

I'm up for my first RT Reviewer Choice Award for Maiden and the Monster
I only like red polish on my toes, other colors bug me
My first published novel was in April 2004
I own a successful business, aside from writing
I went to college to become a Historian.
I always thought I'd be a photographer before a writer
I hate to cook, but I once had a job as a baker
Almost every job I've ever had, I've been promoted
I used to work as a banquet coordinator and I loved it
I'm attending both RWA and RT in Texas this year
One can never have too much pasta or coffee
Pajama Pants Rule!
This is my first Thursday Thirteen :)

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. chana
2. Leigh
3. Denise
4. Michelle Hasker
5. Jane
6. .JC Wilder

7. Indigo
8. Karen Erickson
9. Brenda Williamson
10. Raggedy
11. Tilly Greene
12. Raven Vampire Nightclub

13. PJ
14. Anni
15. Rebecca Goings
16. Robyn Mills
17. Penny
18.christine
19. she
20. Sophisticated Writer

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Pet Day at the Pillow House Lady Annabelle

2007-03-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

As with children, you can’t really pick a favorite, but a couple new editions are two English Bulldogs, ‘Lord Winston’ and ‘Lady Annabelle’. At almost a year old and just over 60lbs each, these two troublemakers have to be the world’s biggest lapdogs. But you try looking into their adorable, wrinkled faces and telling them they need to get up once your legs go numb from lack of blood flow.

<----Lady Annabelle, English Bulldog

Naturally stubborn, they are a fearless—even in oncoming traffic. Ironically, they love water, but are so dense in body type as a breed, they sink straight to the bottom of a pool or lake. Anna’s more a rebellious leader, plotting and instigating escapes from the back yard with Winston working as her muscle.

Anna is PRECOCIOUS and we butt heads constantly, but as soon as she's in trouble, she's instantly trying to make it better. She's also sensitive and likes small spaces. She spends a lot of her time under tables, desks, blankets, chairs. When she was a baby, she'd lay under our low-to-the-ground coffee table and swat out at passing feet. She no longer fits, but that doesn't stop her from trying to get back under there.

***Make sure you check back next week for the next pet day!!!!***

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2007-03-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

***MARK YOUR CALENDARS***

COMING IN MAY 2007

The New Pillow Scavenger Hunt!

Featuring these great authors and a lot of cool prizes, including autographed books!

Amy Knupp, Barbara White Daille, The History Hoydens, Jaycee Clark, Jenna Black, Jordan Summers, Joey W. Hill, Jory Strong, Kalen Hughes, Kate Austin, Kelley St. John, Lacey Alexander, Lauren Dane, Mackenzie McKade, Mandy Roth, Maya Banks, N.J. Walters, Nicola Marsh, Patricia Sargeant, Portia Da Costa, Raven Vampire Nightclub (M Pillow and M Roth Joint), Rowena Cherry, Samantha Storm, Shelley Munro, Shiloh Walker, & TJ Michaels & MORE!

Check back for details!

All Worthwhile Battles Must Go On...

2007-03-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

I love Garden Gnomes. Some might call them tacky, but I really do love them, lol...

Gnome Liberation Front website has been shut down

Yep, it's a sad fact. But I'm really happy to hear that the fight is going underground. I wish you luck brave liberators! The sad plight of all gnomes rests in your able hands!
More on the GLF

Luckily, others are also in on the fight to liberate the garden gnome! To find liberators in your area, go to Google and type in the secret codewords in the search box.
Secret codewords: Garden Gnome

Helpful link of the day:

"FreeTheGnomes.com provides Garden Gnome Liberation information and calls to action. We advocate an end to oppressive gardening and freedom for garden gnomes everywhere."

http://www.freethegnomes.com/

Disclaimer: Don't go liberating your neighbors garden gnomes. That's called stealing and it's wrong. LOL

Cool Contest Finds - Win stuff, Help fight against Breast Cancer

2007-03-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

Check this out for a chance to win

"Microsoft Vista Ultimate operating system , Microsoft Office professional 2007 or a couple of groovy mice...[and a] fabulous package of books that come with a cool book bag"
-- from the .ponderings of an innocent babe blog

GET DETAILS-CLICK HERE

You HAVE to try this!

2007-03-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

If you like video games like the Sims, you have to go try this. It's easy to work, just download the gallery and enter. It's still in it's beta stage, but it's a really neat idea. I admit, I've been roaming the halls exploring, hoping to find someone to talk to, lol.

Basically, you get to walk through a Virtual Romance Galleria and visit author suites, explore and click on stuff, sign guestbooks, do virtual chats, talk to others walking around the gallery, shop, go to the cafe, library, watch book trailers in the movie theater area, ect.

I don't have a suite there and this isn't my project, so I can't answer questions or take credit. (I'm technically challenged when it comes to this stuff) The creative honor goes to Dawn. This was something I found by chance when directed to enter book videos in the Cameo Awards connected to the Galleria. That was also how I virtually met Dawn. From what I gather, it's still being worked on an improved daily--though I think it's cool right now.

If you walk upstairs, you can see the suites of authors Lori Foster, Carly Phillips, Rebecca Goings, Sara Reinke, Danielle Devon, Marie Treanor and Kyla Logan. (I just want to move into Lori's and Danielle's suites, lol, but really all the suites and alcoves are awesome). The Romance Studio also has a suite there.

It's like a Romance Video Game, lol. And how cool is that? I can only think of one thing better and I doubt they're going to install on my request the loinclothed....nevermind. Uh-hem, where was I? LOL

If you get a chance, go check it out, sign the guest books and show support to this creative idea.

Rescued Duck

2007-03-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Here's the duck we rescued a couple years ago walking in the bathtub water. He did eventually get more than his feet wet and used to love to swim in the tub and later our outdoor pool.

He never did learn to fly. We had him for awhile. He'd just hang out with me, swim in our pool. The closest he ever got to flying was when he tried to take off out of the pool, flapped and flopped over the neighbors fence, got so scared he couldn't move until we ran around to get him, came right back and never tried again. LOL

He lived a lot longer than anyone expected him to--being as he was born late in the season, his mother died when he was very young.

But isn't he adorable? *man, does our vet love us*

ORIGINAL BLOG (apparently I feel like talking about animals every couple of years, lol)

This is the little duck we rescued and is now living in my back yard. He loves the swimming pool. Yes, the water is green...ew... but I'm too scared to shock it with chlorine and let him play in it, so for now, it's his. lol. He was born late in the season and will most likely not fly off for the winter.

When he was a baby, he was actually a little scared of swimming. I put him in the bathtub and he'd stand up on his tiptoes and refuse to swim. He's doing it like a pro now. Next trick is flying. He's just about there, but I think he prefers me carrying him from his pen to the pool.

Trying my books...What to read if you're new to them

2007-03-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

I hesitated to blog this, because I hate the idea of playing favorites with books. But after three emails again this morning asking this very question, I thought I should try to gather some input and thoughts on the subject...

I get a lot of emails from new readers to my work asking which books of mine I think they should try if they've never read anything from me. Usually, my answer depends on what genre they like. I do write in many genres and voices, so the style of my fantasies won't exactly match the dark paranromals. So, what I recommend you try depends on what you like.

Because of this question and because I have a lot of books to choose from, I've decided to make a little list of my recommendations for anyone wanting to get into my work. Please remember this is only a basic list for the sole purpose of giving new readers a narrowed down book choice. It is by no means an indication of what I'd pick as my favorite, lol. (insert any necessary disclaimers here)

AUTHOR RECOMMENDATIONS TO TRY OUT MY BOOKS

Historical-
Book: Maiden and the Monster, Ellora's Cave
Why: Basically because it's up for the RT Reviewers Choice award. Plus, I love historicals. There's more world building and a bigger plot. These are more like the style I see myself doing in the future.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Realm Immortal Series (Samhain), Emerald Knight (NCP), Tribes of the Vampire Series (NCP)

Dark Fantasy-
Book: Tribes of the Vampire 2: The Jaded Hunter
Why: This book is a reader favorite out of the series--at least according to the fan mail. If you like darker themes and a little horror mixed in with your romance, this is your book to try.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Tribes of the Vampire Series (NCP), Realm Immortal Series (NCP, not as dark, but bigger world building)

Fantasy-
Book: Realm Immortal Series
Why: They're a lot of fun. I love the world and I love the characters. Not as dark as the Tribes world, these still have darker fantasy themes.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Emerald Knight (NCP), Tribes of the Vampire Series (NCP), Maiden and the Monster (EC)

Futuristics
Book: Lords of the Var Series, Maybe Lords of the Var: The Bound Prince if it needs to be narrowed to one. And so long as you're not insistent on reading books in series order, otherwise start with book one of the installment.
Why: This book is a reader favorite out of the series. It explores not only the planet most of the futuristics to date has taken place on, but also more of the galaxy beyond.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Dragon Lords series (NCP), Lords of the Var series (NCP), Zhang Dynasty (NCP), and Space Lords (NCP, Coming Soon)

Contemporaries Book: Bit by the Bug (Virgin Books, Print Only)
Why: It's the beginning of a new series there. They're lighter in style and themes. Just a fun read.
If you like this, you might enjoy: Fierce Competition (Virgin Books), Opposites Attract (Virgin Books), Matthews Sisters book 2: Along for the Ride (Virgin Books, Coming Fall 2007), Mountain's Captive (Part of the Print Caught Anthology, NCP)

Questions for Readers:(feel free to email me answers offlist)
What books would you recommend others try first from my booklist? (so that I may modify my selections to give the best answer) Do you think this list helpful? How would you improve upon it? Or is this just a horrible idea and I should just delete the whole blog post, lol? ~~Thanks in advance! You all are the best!!

Legs the Hamster - A reposting, cause he's cute

2007-03-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, in the comments, Legs the Hamster came up (Larissa mentioned her sick mouse) So I dug up this old post to show everyone Legs. This original blog was nearly two years ago. Sadly, Legs did pass away, but he sure was a cute little thing.

~~~~~~~Original Blog

Legs the Hamster

We got a new little pet today--just another addition to the zoo that is my life -- African Grey parrot, tons of fish, 2 prairie dogs, a bunny, 2 cats, an adoptive neighbor cat who for some reason thinks he needs to live inside my house as well, a duck, a dog and now two dwarf hamsters. Did I forget anything? Possible. Very Possible.

Anyway, how could I resist Legs? A cage fell on the poor thing when he was little and he can't use his back legs. They drag behind him. His upper body is huge to compensate. And when I say huge, I really mean tiny. Plus, he's just about the friendliest little furry thing.

Pet Day at the Pillow House Princess Fiona

2007-03-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

I've decided that today is the first official pet day on my blog, lol. Why? Because I have a lot of them by force (aka family brings home strays and not-so-strays) And because I ran across some adorable baby pics of them.

<--Princess Fiona, Schipperke

Aside from a three-legged dog growing up and a wild cat that ran away after a day…oh, and the pregnant hamster my uncle thought was hilarious to give to my very young brother, we didn’t have many pets growing up. But, two cats, four dogs, countless fish, dwarf hamsters, a parrot, and a bunny later I think I’ve made up for lost time. This isn’t counting the loss of a rescued duck that was afraid to swim, my first cat ‘Ace’ who ate lettuce and hopped like a rabbit, and a special, cross-eyed, super fluffy kitty named ‘Cottonball’ who refused to clean himself even in adulthood but made his mother do it for him.

Princess Fiona was a not-so-stray addition to the household. A Schipperke, mostly, she thinks she's as big as the English Bulldog. When she was a baby, her head looked like a bear cub's. She's not much bigger now at about 10 pounds. I don't think she looks like the breed pics I've been finding on the net, however she's still young. But, what do we care? She's adorable...most days, lol. She's earned the nickname "twitchy" because she's always on the move and her little tail looks like a twitching thumb jerking back and forth.

She's very agile, can catch small vermin better than the cats, and has even taken to pointing. I love her face. It's so expressive, always friendly, quizzical and mischievous. Whenever she thinks she might be in trouble, she rolls over on her back and covers her eyes--knowing the adorable pose will get her belly rubbed.

Realm Immortal 3: Stone Queen ~~ Just Released (ebook)

2007-03-07T06:31:00.000-08:00

BUY IT NOW:
http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=458

READ MORE:
http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/realm-immortal-stone-queen

Realm Immortal Book Three

Stone Queen

by Michelle M. Pillow

Genre: Fantasy Romance

ISBN: 1-59998-433-4
Length: Novel

Realm Immortal Book Three

Queen Juliana of the Unblessed married out of love, to share the burden of her husband’s throne. Little did she know the true cost of that decision. With war raging between the blessed kingdom of Tegwen and her unblessed kingdom of Valdis, she feels her spirits weakening even as her powers grow. Risking everything for a bit of peace in her newly immortal life, Juliana will do anything to save her family, even if that means casting a spell over herself to end a war. The only thing she didn’t count on was the betrayal of the one person she’d asked to help her.

For a brief time, Merrick knew happiness, as much happiness as the king of necessary evil could ever feel. Though he can never tell his wife he loves her—or risk upsetting the balance of both the mortal and immortal realms—the words are understood between them. Or so he thought. Now, with her body trapped in stone, he’s left to again face his reign alone with no idea how to free her from her prison.

READ A TAME EXCERPT: http://samhainpublishing.com/excerpt/realm-immortal-stone-queen

Stalking vs. Persistence (In Romance Novels, of course)

2007-03-03T08:44:00.001-08:00

Romance or Restraining Order?

When writing alpha male heroes, there are many fine lines to balance. In a recent Raven Podcast (which I co-host with Mandy M Roth), the topic of how much of the heroes actions are just sexy persistence vs. how much would be considered creepy stalking. The simple conclusion we came to is that if the heroine likes the man, its persistence. If she doesn't, it's stalking. Double standard? Sure. But its fiction, not real life, and we authors can do what we want.

In fiction, it's easy to draw loose lines between creepy and sexy, but the lines are still there and they're ones each writer needs to find for themselves. The easiest way to balance this is with the characters' development. How many times can a heroine shout "No!" before the hero crosses the line? It depends. Is she shouting "Yes!" in any other ways? Has the author demonstrated that the heroine doesn't mean what she says in more than just the heroine's own thoughts? It's one thing to have the heroine thinking she wants something, but if it's only a thought in her own mind how is the heroes actions any different than if she didn't want it?

The answers to these questions are as varied as there are authors writing. I love reading a persistent alpha, a take control man who knows what he wants and goes for it—even if in real life he would see the business end of my pepper spray.

Another aspect is the genre of story. It's easier to be lenient with an overzealous lycan or vampire, or even a lord of the castle, than with the relentless Dr Schmidt the heroine met at the gym. We accept our historical lords and our paranormal hotties when they're smidge overbearing and dominant—or at least I do. But what if you put the same domineering personality in a contemporary? Would it be romance or a restraining order?

Has an author you read pulled off the perfectly persistent alpha male? How much in your mind is too much?

New Raven Happy Hour Chapter - Secrets Revealed!

2007-03-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Didn’t think you’d be getting another one so soon, did you? *wink* We’d continue to brag, but we’d only jinx ourselves….

So without further ado, come over to the Raven where secrets will be revealed!
http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/raven.htm

Also, if you haven’t heard the latest Raven Podcast! Take a listen!

Thanks!
M&M

Zhang Dynasty 2: Temptation of the Butterfly - NOW IN PRINT

2007-02-28T17:00:00.001-08:00

BUY IT NOW OR READ MORE: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/temptationofthebutterfly.htm

ABOUT THE SERIES:

A continuation of the Dragon Lords and Lords of the Var Series

BLURB:

A princess expected to uphold honor and tradition, a man dishonored and shunned by the very society she rules. Their passion may be hot, their will strong, but how can she fall for the man who might be trying to kill her?

When her life is threatened by mysterious events only she can see, Princess Fen has more to worry about than finding a husband. Too bad her parents don’t feel the same way. Desperate to keep her from leaving the planet like her sister, they decide to play matchmaker, inviting wealthy, noble suitors to the palace.

But it’s not a rich suitor that catches her eye, it’s the commoner, Aaron Piers—a man who’s past is clouded with dishonor, a man without family, a man she could never consider marrying. Though her desire for him burns hot, their relationship can never be. Besides, he might just be the one trying to kill her.

BUY IT NOW OR READ MORE: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/temptationofthebutterfly.htm

EXCERPT:

ZHANG DYNASTY 2:

TEMPTATION OF THE
BUTTERFLY

Michelle M Pillow

Prologue

“Make her burn for me. Make her burn …”

Thin trails of smoke curled in the air, surrounding the offering of wine and bread before disappearing along the latticework above the low altar. Darkness shadowed the room, hiding the lone figure that kneeled in meditative prayer, rocking back and forth in desperation as passion burned inside him, deep, haunting, all-consuming.

The dark silk of his robes billowed into a glossy pool around his feet and fell past his hands to cover them completely. The material swam around him, and he looked like a child in his father’s clothing. Like most of the men on his planet, he wore his hair long, but he wasn’t like the other men, not really. He was different, a part of them, but yet was unaccepted. The man rocked faster, his whispered chants growing with each anxious twitch of his body.

Soon. He’d see her again soon.

“Make her burn for me, as I burn for her. Make her burn for me. I beg of you, honored ancestors. Bring me her heart. Make it burn.”

Chapter One

Imperial Palace of the Zhang Dynasty, Honorable City, Muntong Territory, Planet of Lintian

“Qing bang-zhu wo!” Princess Zhang Fen yelled in fervent terror, as she tried not to inhale the thick black smoke that filled the air of her bedchamber. Fire danced in spiraling patterns all around her. She tried to escape through her front door, which led to the hall and front foyer of the building that housed the royal living quarters. Flames cut her off, engulfing the walls as they nearly seared her skin with the intensity of their heat.

“Please, help me. Anyone!” She screamed again, but it did no good. No one came to rescue her. The royal quarters was only one building out of a great many that made up the imperial palace of Honorable City. How could no one hear her calls for help? Where were her brothers who shared the building with her? Had the fire already consumed them?

A chill racked over her spine, causing a brief shiver amidst the fiery temperature. The ghostly presence of her ancestors surrounded her, for whom else could it be? Ancestors showed themselves to those they wished to guide, and she was in desperate need. Fen looked for their transparent forms, hoping they were there to lead her out of harm’s way. She couldn’t see them through the smoke.

“Grandmother? Are you here?” she whispered, knowing her great-grandmother, Zhang An, would show herself if she was. Since her death, An had been residing in the sacred room hidden within the walls of the Hall of Infinite Wisdom.

Fen was in good standing with the ancestors. She always left offerings, especially for An who loved wine. Ever since Fen’s mother, the Empress, had stopped leaving the drink for the old spirit, Fen had snuck wine into the Sacred Chamber.

The Empress was upset with An because the spirit hadn’t been forthcoming when she’d predicted Princess Mei’s future. Everyone thought Fen’s sister would marry Prince Song Lok, whose family ruled the only other dynasty on the planet of Lintian. Instead, Mei wed a space captain and was flying around the high skies, far away from her palace home. She’d just given birth to a son, the first royal grandchild. The Empress missed her youngest daughter dearly and resented not having an active hand in raising the boy.

“Grandmother An, if you get me out of this, I promise to leave you twice as much wine tonight.” Fen watched the smoke for any sign that she was heard. Still there was no answer. Out of all her ancestors, An meddled in their lives the most.

Then, where was she? What better time to ‘meddle’?

Right now, Fen would take the help of any of the spirits who resided within the palace. They could be anywhere at anytime but usually avoided private areas like bedrooms. Another chill washed over her, and she knew a spirit was close, but she couldn’t see who it was. Why weren’t they helping her escape? Or was there no escaping these flames? Were they waiting for her to join them in death?

“I’m not ready. I’m not ready,” Fen said, tears welling in her eyes. Part of her had clung to the hope of liberation, had believed so fully that she’d be saved that she didn’t consider the possibility of getting hurt. But, as no one came and the flames grew, she wasn’t as confident. “Qing, please, I’m not ready. I’m not ready to die!”

The dark silk on her bed melted and curled with the heat, matching the melting silk tapestries that burned along her walls. Her gaze flew to the thin doorways separating the chambers of her room. Both doors had burned, revealing the rooms beyond. Her living space and her decontaminator room were also on fire.

“Grandfather Manchu?” she asked, hoping to appeal to Zhang An’s son. The two were often at odds, but if one wasn’t going to help her then maybe the other spirit would. The building was the private quarters to the royal siblings, and she prayed her brothers had gotten out safely and would find a way to rescue her. “I beg you, Manchu, help me. Protect me. Protect my family.”

Wood crackled as she once more tried to reach the thick bedroom door that would lead to the outside hall and to safety. A piece of the door fell away, and she saw the hall on the other side. It looked fresh and clean, unlike her bedroom. Smoke charred the gold inlay on the carved wood, and she was forced to her knees as it became harder to breathe. Her tears dried before they could trail down her hot cheeks, as all moisture was sapped from the air. A large beam fell from the ceiling, and she screamed, scrambling back to curl into a ball. There was nowhere to go.

“Qing, help!” Fen closed her eyes tight, trying to gain the courage to push through the flames toward safety. “Qing, I don’t want to die like this!”

“Princess?”

A shout followed by the crash of her door sounded over her, propelling her into action. Finally, she was saved! Before opening her eyes, she stood. “I’m here….”

Fen froze, her voice dying in her throat as the heat instantly left her skin. The flames were gone and the room stood exactly as it had before the fire started--from the wrinkled covers on her bed where she’d been sleeping to the delicate butterfly and peony patterns on her rugs. Coughing, a small puff of smoke left her lips, the only evidence as to what had happened moments before. She panted for breath, still choked from the heat, as she looked around in shock. Embroidered blue silk again hung over her walls and lay across her bed. The thin doors were shut, completely unharmed as they hid the living area and decontaminator from view.

Shaking, she looked at the main door in confusion. Its gold inlay shone like it had before she went to bed, the thick wood unmarred. Dark blue eyes, the shade of her favorite color, met hers over the short distance. They belonged to the man waiting in the entryway, his body tense as if for battle.

“Princess?” the man repeated, his deep tone softer this time. The rich, low sound of his voice rolled over her like cooling water to the heated skin.

Fen was too stunned to answer. A new fire sprung to life inside her stomach, curling with a gentle warmth. What had happened to the flames in her bedchamber? What magic did this man have that could stop fire and make it as if it had never happened? Her limbs went numb as she looked at his handsome face. A rush of gratitude came over her, even though there was no longer any fire to be rescued from. Part of her wanted to run to him, throw her arms around him in thanks for stopping the flames, to sprinkle grateful kisses on his cheeks and bless him for what he’d done. But there was more than gratitude that hit her when she looked at him. It was an improper feeling, a feeling of attraction and interest, a curling of awareness that here stood a man alone with her in her bedchambers where no others were allowed. The rule was not one of the palace, but her own. Men only brought complication, and she did not wish to be gossiped about by the palace servants.

“If you have no need of my services, princess, please excuse me.” The man bowed politely and moved to pull the door shut. She gaped, wide-eyed at him, not wanting him to go but not knowing what to say to make him stay. “Duibuqi. Excuse me, princess, I did not mean to intrude.”

“Wait,” Fen demanded just before the door shut completely, finally compelled to speak.

The man stopped, and he opened the door once more, standing at rigid attention. His eyes did not meet hers again and she finally felt as if she could breathe in his presence. She studied him, feeling a pull toward him. Had she seen him somewhere before? Did she know him? He wasn’t dressed as a palace guard, nor was he dressed as a noble. The plain black of his clothing was oddly devoid of any decoration, though it was spun from silk and had the traditional Mandarin collar and frog buttons.

Fen continued to study him, her mind wrapping completely around the mystery. His brown hair was long, pulled into a traditional topknot. Though there was a hint of Lintianese in his strong features, but his eyes were not the eyes of her people, his cheekbones were too prominent and his lips curved in such a way as to make them unfamiliar. Whoever this man was, she’d guess he was only half Lintianese by birth. His pronunciation of the language was flawless, indicating that he’d been raised in their ways or had access to a stellar language upload program.

He was taller than most men Fen had been around, though not so tall as Mei’s space captain husband who practically towered over her. Captain Jarek of the Var also happened to be a foreign, cat shifting prince.

“Who are you?” she asked the handsome stranger, not moving.

“Aaron,” he answered. His gaze focused on her feet. Fen resisted the urge to hide her toes from view. They tingled with just a stare from him.

“Aaron?” she repeated, rolling the foreign name around in her mouth. “What is your family name? Or is that your family name?”

“Piers.” The answer was clipped.

“How did you get in here, Piers Aaron?” Fen asked.

“Forgive my intrusion, princess, I heard you scream for help as I walked by and thought you needed rescuing.” His hands gripped in light fists at his side. They were strong, callused hands, the hands of a worker. He glanced around the room, refusing to look directly at her. “I see now you were merely playacting. Forgive my mistake. Duibuqi, excuse me.”

Fen tensed. There was something in his tone that bothered her. It took her a moment to realize it was disdain, mixed with a touch of pity. He thought she was crazy, screaming for help when there was nothing to be rescued from. So much for the theory that this man had magic. Could she really blame his reproach? All evidence of her dire situation had disappeared, making it appear as if she’d been screaming like a madwoman for no reason. Fen hardly needed rescuing from her bedclothes.

The man was so serious, so rigid, as he waited for her to dismiss him that she couldn’t help but tease him in the hopes of putting him at ease. “Do you know there is a penalty for wandering about outside the royal chambers, even if you were waiting to save me from myself?”

Aaron glanced up at her words, and she tried to smile to show she was joking, but the look in his dark eyes stopped her cold. What she could only describe as resentment burned within his gaze. Out of all the Zhang children, Fen was most gifted with charm. It was more than the natural ability to put people at ease, it was a power bestowed upon her at birth by their sacred Jade Phoenix. When she spoke, she could induce a person to tell the truth or show their true emotions. And, to an extent, she could control them by playing their emotions against them with the power of persuasion. It was a great responsibility, one Fen never used for ill intent.

Her powers being as they were, she knew she shouldn’t have been surprised to see the raw emotion in the man’s eyes. To anyone else, he would appear stoic and calm, but she saw his resentment, his borderline anger and hate that bubbled just beneath the surface. Did he hate her? Resent her? Her family? The palace? It was hard to say without knowing who he was or why he was within the walls of the Honorable City. The sudden impact of his hidden emotions made her uneasy.

“I have the Emperor’s permission to stay in Peng You Hall.” Aaron lifted his jaw, the gesture one of pride. Then, as if catching himself, he deliberately lowered his eyes once more. Pride was not something she saw too often in commoners, at least not when they knew she was there.

“You’re a guest?” she asked in surprise.

Aaron nodded once. Fen wasn’t sure if she should believe him. Maybe he trespassed on palace grounds. A thief? Instantly she dismissed the thought. A thief wouldn’t have saved her. But, then who? Being one of the four unmarried royal children still residing at the palace, she was expected to welcome any of their guests. Although, at fifty-one years of age, she hardly considered herself a child, even if she did look exactly as she had thirty years ago.

“Here?” she persisted. “You’re a guest here in the palace?”

He said again, “I have the Emperor’s permission to stay in Peng You Hall.”

Fen weakly nodded, completely aware that she sounded like an imbecile as she forced her poor rescuer to repeat himself as if she were a child. It was hard to gather her thoughts so soon after the strange fire. The pull of his nearness wasn’t helping her concentrate--though to look at him the pull was entirely one-sided.

“If you have no need of me, princess, I’ll take my leave of you.” Aaron glanced up, again showing her the dark blue of his gaze. Fen nodded weakly at him in dismissal. He pulled the door shut behind him and left without further comment.

For a long, silent moment, she stared after him, looking at the gold inlay on the door without really seeing it. Suddenly, as she remembered the fire that had awoke her from her dreams, she looked down, feeling her warm, smooth arms. Finding her flesh unharmed, she sprung into action. Fen grabbed her robe off a nearby chair. As she ran, she slipped it over her shoulders, hurrying to make sure none of her siblings were harmed by the strange disappearing inferno.

The flames hadn’t been a dream. They couldn’t have been. They had felt so real.

© copyright Michelle M. Pillow, 2007

This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.

BUY IT NOW OR READ MORE: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/temptationofthebutterfly.htm

Cool Contest Finds - Kalen Hughes

2007-02-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

About the Contest:

To celebrate the publication of LORD SIN, Kalen Hughes is giving away a
period piece of jewelry! It's a paste lace pin, c. 1800, such as
might have been worn by the heroine of LORD SIN to hold her fichu in
place.

This tiny pin is made up of clear pastes surrounding a larger teal
paste (paste was a very popular "stone" for Georgian jewelry, and
was not meant to fool people into thinking it was a precious or
semiprecious stone the way a modern cubic zirconia is). The clasp
works, and it's very wearable.

All you have to do to be eligible for the drawing is join her
quarterly mailing list before LORD SIN hits the shelves (1 May
2007).

Enter to win a period piece of jewelry!
http://kalenhughes.com/_wsn/page4.html

Read the first chapter of LORD SIN
http://kalenhughes.com/_wsn/page3.html

Manic Monday - ESP

2007-02-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

Join the discussion *putting finger to temple* I’m predicting you will. LOL (so come over and prove I have powers!)

http://ravenvampireclub.blogspot.com/

Today’s Manic Monday Blog topic (thank you Penelope Marzec) is about ESP and what Lies Ahead. Ever have experience with ESP? Know someone who has? Come over an join the discussion!!

Winners of Book Dedications by M&M’s & The Erotic Novel Title Challenge

2007-02-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for playing along with us! We love the podcast questions you've all posted and emailed to us. Please be sure to keep making suggestions for topics and emailing/posting questions you'd like us to answer. We'll be pulling winners at random from those who do and awarding PDF downloads, signed bookmarks and whatever else strikes our fancy. Also, those of you who have emailed/posted your questions/topics for us, don't worry, you're still entered to win other prizes as well! Thanks for playing!

Drum roll please….

Winners of book dedications are…

Robin Snodgrass for a Mandy M. Roth book (TBA)

Anicz for a Michelle M. Pillow book (TBA)

If either of you have any special way you'd like your named listed (full name, first name, nickname) please email us and let us know! CONGRATS!

*disclaimer from contest post*

Books may appear in both ebook and print.

UPDATE: You can option to just have your first name in the dedication or a nickname. We'll put it in as you give it to us, so no worries if you're a closet reader ;) Authors are welcome to enter, you have just as good a chance as everyone else to win

Contest is open to those 18 years and older. Winner will be randomly drawn from names of entrants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WINNER OF THE EROTIC NOVEL TITLE CHALLENGE is

JESS! Who said...

"Hey i love it when you get bored you come up with the kookiest ideas..."

And one of her titles: "whip crack'n Lip smack'n fun"

Winner was drawn at random from the names. ALL the titles were great! Thanks for coming over and amusing me!

JESS - EMAIL ME WITHIN 30 DAYS TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE!

A PDF copy of winner's choice from any of my ebook backlist.

Cool Contest Finds - Surfing the Net

2007-02-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

FROM JENNA--
I have created a tri-fold brochure for Secrets in the Shadows. Inside that brochure is an excerpt from the book and instructions for finding my Secrets Quiz question. Find the Secrets Quiz and answer the question correctly, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to the bookstore of your choice. Please note that for logistical reasons, this bookstore must be located in the US and accept phone or Internet gift certificate orders.

Big news! Rendezvous, The Romance Bookstore, in Melbourne, Australia has donated a new prize! The first prize winner will receive their choice of a $100 (Australian) voucher for use at Rendezvous, or the $50 gift certificate announced above. Rendezvous has an amazing selection of books--and carries books printed in the U.S. as soon as those books are released--and will ship anywhere in the world. The second prize winner will receive the remaining prize.

I will be sending brochures to upcoming writers' conferences and will be including them in mailings to bookstores. For those of you coming to the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention, I will also have brochures available there. In addition, if you send me a self-addressed stamped envelope, I will mail you a brochure. For non-US residents, you would need to send a self-addressed envelope and IRCs. Send your self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Jenna Black
P.O. Box 5071
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-5001

The winner will be announced on May 15, 2007. All entries must be received by midnight EDT May 14, 2007.

The Three Amigos and the New FAR interview up!

2007-02-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to stop by and let everyone know I have a new interview up at Fallen Angels. They're always a bunch of fun ladies to be around and Serena, who did the interview, is great! Hey, she let me get away talking about The Three Amigos, LOL. Gotta love that!

Read Interview Here!

Drowning under a pile of work & Lust Bites

2007-02-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought you were caught up, right? It seems I took off more than I could chew over the holidays and running a business outside of writing, and more deadlines and conference coming up....I finally have collapsed a little under the weight. Those of you who know me, know that I like carrying my own weight on projects and hate when I can't do it all.

Do you think if I signed a wavier, those science guys would let me have my own clone? Just so the other clone would know I was the one in charge! LMAO

GRRR I HATE TIME CONSTRAINTS!

I'm actually really sad to say that I had to bow out of the Lust Bites Blog ran by my fellow, very talented Virgin Books authors. They're a great bunch of ladies and I wish I had two of me so I could continue to play there. I was invited to guest blog, which I hope to have time to do in the future. So please, if you get a chance, stop by and check them out.

Find the Lust Bites Blog here
Find the Myspace Lust Bites Page here

And, please, check out the Lust Bite authors at their websites and blogs! If you like erotica and erotic romance, you'll be right at home!

Raven Reader Bash - WIN STUFF!

2007-02-21T11:56:00.001-08:00

Join us tomorrow for the Raven Reader Bash! Listed below are just some of the authors expected to join us for a day filled of excerpts and prizes! Come Post to Win!! (authors are welcome to sign up-see end of this email for link to info)

TO JOIN THE FUN: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Raven_Vampire_Nightclub/

			*Raven Bash Feb 22, 2007*
Ann Cory	http://www.anncory.com	Secrets in the Annex		download - winner's choice of "now available" books
Ciar Cullen	http://www.ciarcullen.com	Wizard of Time, Ellora's Cave		download of backlist book
Donna Grant	http://www.donnagrant.com	A Kind of Magic		PDF of my backlist - winner's choice - signed bookmarks and other promo items
Gia Dawn	www.giadawn.com	Lord Demon's Delight		free download
Jacki Bentley	www.jackibentley.com	Blood Bond		download pdf of this book
Kate Hill	http://www.kate-hill.com	Knights of the Ruby Order: Blaze		download (winner's choice of title)
Lacey Diamond	http://www.laceydiamond.net	Stranger In The Night		PDF download of Stranger In The Night
Mandy M. Roth	www.mandyroth.com	Goddess of the Grove		PDF download from backlist winner's choice/ signed magnets/ signed bookmarks/pens
Marie Harte	www.marieharte.com	Firebreather		download of Firebreather
Mary Winter	http://www.marywinter.com/	Elemental Elves 1: Horse Play (Changeling Press)		download of backlist
Michelle M Pillow	www.michellepillow.com	Bit by the Bug		PDF download from backlist winner's choice/ signed magnets/ signed bookmarks/pens
N.J. Walters	http://www.njwalters.com	Craving Candy		Download of any book from my backlist
Rayne Forrest	http://www.rayneforrest	Beyond the Night		.pdf download off my list
Ruby Storm	www.rubystorm.net	Perfecting Pearl		Download of this book
Shannon Stacey	http://shannonstacey.com	On The Edge		Download from available titles
Sherrill Quinn	www.sherrillquinn.com	Dragonfire		download of this book
Sydney Somers	www.sydneysomers.com	Call Me Cupid		PDFor HTML download from my backlist
TJ Michaels	www.tjmichaels.com	CARINIAN'S SEEKER		Choice of download from backlist

Here is the link for authors interested in participating –
http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/raven_faq's.htm#Reader%20Bash%20Days

Bit by the Bug ~~ NOW IN PRINT

2007-02-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

Bit by the Bug
by
Michelle M Pillow

Contemporary Romance

Dailymotion blogged video

PRINT BOOK NOW FOR SALE!
Online and at Fave Bookstores!

Kat Matthews is in love…with her art. As a photographer, her greatest desire is to one day create a photo so potent that it will stand the test of time, the kind of picture that is looked at for centuries and remembered. If she can accomplish that, she will be content. While vacationing with her mother in Vale, Colorado, she meets an eccentric, rich couple who have a bizarre proposition. They want to hire her to date their son. And not just date him, but train him how to date so he'll continue doing so afterward. As payment, they dangle a once in a lifetime opportunity in front of Kat - the chance to have her photographs seen by the owner of the most prestigious are gallery in New York. Their terms should be simple—teaching their reclusive son how to date without him finding out. Dr Vincent Richmond unwittingly holds the key to her dreams in his hands...if only he’d notice she exists.

A Tame Excerpt From: BIT BY THE BUG

The door had said this was a laboratory, but Kat found the room odd for a lab, though the old brown tables and the old library-like atmosphere was probably suited to a guy who studied word history. Cluttered along the edge of the long counter, there were beakers, microscopes, an array of instruments from tweezers to little slides and some sort of machine that looked like it belonged in a science laboratory, but Kat had no idea what it did. She’d failed science in high school and never went to college. There’d been no point. Ever since she was little, she wanted to be a photographer. She deduced easily that the drawers had to be filled with old texts and maybe the equipment was used for carbon dating or whatever it was these types of men did.

‘I don’t work for you.’ Kat set her camera bag on the table. Thinking to catch movement on the floor, she glanced down. It was nothing.

‘Sorry, what was that?’

‘I don’t work for you,’ Kat repeated.

Vincent stopped, standing very still as if it took him a moment to process what she said. Slowly, he turned. ‘You can’t quit on me. I’ve had too many quit on me this year.’

‘But—’

He held up his hands and came back to where she waited by the door. As if seeing her for the first time, he blinked, his eyes roaming over her face and clothes. ‘Ah, wow, you’re…’

Kat waited. Beautiful? Pretty? Sexy? Dateable? This was more like the reaction she was used to from men.

‘…ah, different,’ Vincent said, not exactly in pleasure. He frowned at the pink in her hair. ‘Did that happen here? Did you have a chemical spill? I hope you filled out the proper paperwork. I’m not sure what I have around here that would cause such a reaction in human hair, but is why you’re quitting?’

Kat tensed. Different? She was different? This nut job was one to talk. He didn’t even know his own assistant’s name or what she looked like.

‘Here,’ he reached for his wallet. ‘I’ll pay to get your hair fixed, only don’t quit. Please. I’m so close to a breakthrough, I can feel it. I’ve got too much going on right now and the college won’t send me another assistant until the fall semester.’

‘I coloured my hair like this on purpose,’ she said, dryly.

BUY IT NOW ONLINE OR READ MORE ~ CLICK HERE

Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

Raven Podcasting - Easy Link to hear the show!!

2007-02-13T17:05:00.001-08:00

This is the Raven Vampire Nightclub podcast I host with Mandy M Roth. We have a lot of fun, talk about everything and a whole lot of nothing. We'd love it if you check it out and tell us what you think. We also have a contest going (scroll down this blog) where you tell us what you want us to talk about and you're entered for a chance to win your name in a book dedication (first name only and nicknames okay!)

Free Promo Op - Paranormal Topics

2007-02-12T15:01:00.001-08:00

Authors, Fans, Reviewers, Readers and Paranormal Experts welcome!

Hi Everyone,

I'm putting together our guest blogger posts for Manic Monday on the Raven blog and thought I'd come offer (while I'm thinking about it and trying to get worked ahead on formatting)...

If you'd like to be a guest blogger (hey, it's free promo for you--cant beat that) here's the link to the info:

http://ravenvampireclub.blogspot.com/2007/01/how-to-be-raven-guest-blogger.html

To get an idea of past guest blogs, visit the Raven Blog here:

http://ravenvampireclub.blogspot.com/search/label/guest%20blogger

````

BASICALLY :

The only rule is that it needs to be on a paranormal subject and about 200-1000 words long. It can be history, personal experiences, random thoughts, cool trivia, ect... We get several hits throughout the week, with the number continuing to grow.

````

NOT SO BASICALLY:

Authors, Fans and Paranormal Experts welcome to blog!

Guest Blogs are posted every Monday at the Raven Vampire Nightclub Blog on what is called "Manic Monday with Michelle and Mandy". If you would like to have your article included, please follow the submission guidelines below. Mandy and Michelle reserve the right to decline any blog topic without explanation (but don't let that scare you, we're not meanies).

HOW TO GET A GUEST SPOT!

1. Subject MUST be on the PARANORMAL!
Topics can be anything paranormal or fantasy--from Real Life to myths, history or just your thoughts on a subject. Author byline with links will be included and we ask that you stop by to comment when your blog goes live. Also, feel free to advertise your blog with us. If you would like the above graphic to use, email us.

2. Articles can be anywhere from 200-1000 words.

3. No fan fiction or short stories. No poetry.
If you would like to post a paranormal short story or poem, please contact us for special arrangements. These will be very selective and not be done on guest blogger days.

4. First come, First serve
The order your blog will be posted is in the order we receive the completed, ready to go blog entry. The only exception is if the topic you are writing about was recently done, or if you have recently done a blog and there are others who haven't waiting for a chance. We reserve the right to post them as we see fit. Email notifications will be send out when your blog posts, not before.

5. We DO NOT reserve dates
Please don't ask. We're too busy and we will forget.

6. Yes, you can do it more than once.
At this time there is no limit.

7. TO SUBMIT

Send email to Michelle - enchant @ cox.net or michelle_pillow @ yahoo.com (no spaces)
(((please send to me, Mandy's busy right now editing podcasts and I want to feel like I'm pulling my weight, lol)))
Subject - Raven Guest Blog
Body of Email- Your blog article READY TO GO, including the byline at the end and the link titles and links you want added to the blog clearly marked.
We DO NOT edit, so make sure it's how you want it.

Hopefully those didn't scare you off. ;)

Thanks!

Michelle M Pillow

www.michellepillow.com

Mandy M Roth

www.mandyroth.com

Manic Monday - About The Burning Times

2007-02-12T14:16:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone,

New guest blogger post is up! Join Gia as she talks about witches and burning at the stake. Reading this, I can't help but think of all the things I do that would get me burned for witchcraft back in the day. LOL, Or worse yet MANDY!!!

*ducking from flying mousepad* At least she threw something soft this... OUCH!! Nevermind!

Stop on by and chat if you get a second! http://ravenvampireclub.blogspot.com/

Friend the M&M Myspaces

2007-02-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

**NEW** Raven Happy Hour Myspace Page

Other M&M Myspace Pages
Michelle Pillow
Mandy Roth
Express Yourself Contest

Raven's First Podcast - Now Live

2007-02-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

We've now done our first podcast (thanks to Mandy for knowing all about it and making it work). We plan on many more to come. We being myself and Mandy Roth, my partner in "crime". So, take a listen, and let us know what you think. Also, check out the contest below this post, for a chance to give us a topic you'd like us to discuss and to win your name in a book dedication! (nicknames okay too)

Oh, yeah, now you have to listen to us too!

Before download, be sure you have your speakers turned on and if you're using headsets, be sure they aren't the kind with one ear piece only.

Podcasts Mp3's

Want to be a guest on a RAVEN PODCAST?

Email us to see what spots are open and please have a topic to recommend for your time. Also, you will need to have SKYPE installed on your computer along with a decent microphone. Skype is a free program.

By agreeing to be a guest you give us permission to record you, and post for public as we see fit.

Listen to podcasts here:

http://www.ravenhappyhour.com/raven_podcasts.htm

http://ravenpodcasts.podomatic.com/

CONTEST: Raven Podcasts - Coming Soon!

2007-02-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Mandy and Michelle are currently setting up to begin Raven Podcasts. Yeah, you have to listen to us now too! LOL

Anyway, in honor of the setting up process, we're holding a contest. Submit reader questions or topics we can use in our podcasts that you'd like to hear us talk about and be entered for a chance to win your name in a book dedication! There will be two winners, one in a Michelle book and one in a Mandy book (of our choice)

Contest is open to those 18 years and older. Winner will be randomly drawn from names of entrants.

To enter:
Simply post your topic as a comment to this post. You can enter more than once. More than one winner may be drawn for the same dedication if there are several entries.

Books may appear in both ebook and print. By entering the contest you are agreeing to 1. have your name in the dedication and related material whether print or electronic--for example on my and the publisher website or in a podcast. 2. allow Mandy and Michelle to use your topic in a Raven podcast, in whole or in part, as they see fit. No other compensation will be given.

Express Yourself Contest! JAN WINNERS

2007-02-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

JAN WINNERS!!
1. Jan - Winner $25 Amazon.com Gift Certificate
2. Amy Smith - Winner Choice PDF -- One from Mandy's backlist of ebooks, One from Michelle's backlist of ebooks

Please email us off list to claim your prizes. EMAIL: michelle_pillow (at) yahoo.com

Since everyone seemed to have a fun time with this contest, we're keeping it going! New winners will be drawn next month. Remember, you don't have to do a fan book video to be a part of it! So have fun creating!

Contest Link - http://www.mandyroth.com/express_yourself_contest_page.htm

Thanks!
M & Ms

Michelle M Pillow
www.michellepillow.com

Mandy M Roth
www.mandyroth.com

**PRIZES-If you win a prize and do not claim it within 30 days, its void. Sorry to do this but we clear my records each month and need this for our sanity.

RT Texas - GET THIS BOOK FREE!

2007-02-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

I just saw the ARC I'll be signing and giving away at RT this year. It's of my fall 2007 release with Virgin Books, Along for the Ride.

So, if you're going to the convention, visit my private signing in Club RT Friday, April 27th, 11:30-12:00 AM for your autographed copy (first come, first serve! so come early!)

If you're not going to the convention, but are in the Houston area, you can come to the Book Fair on Saturday where I will be signing many of my print titles. (of you can bring yours from home and I'll be happy to autograph them for you!)

Romantic Times Convention, Houston, Texas - Go here for details: http://www.rtconvention.com

Featured Book - King of the Unblessed

2007-01-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

NEW ROMANTIC TIMES MAGAZINE REVIEW -
"4 STARS! Those looking for an enjoyable, fast-paced tale of mystery and magic will want to grab this book. Pillow has crafted a magical domain" Karen Sweeny-Justice, Romantic Times

BLURB:

Immortality has a way of changing fate. Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good - happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick's and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.

Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the blessed, coveted by the damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father's, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she’d get what she wished for. When her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving.

Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her...or die.

READ MORE ABOUT THE BOOK, THE SERIES AND READ AN EXCERPT!

I DID IT!!! The new website is up and running!

2007-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

I am finally done with the new website. :) ((((YEAH)))) It was really overdue for a major overhaul, so I just started from scratch, gave it a new look and added some nifty features--including book videos, search by series or by genre pages, excerpts, an easier to use navigational set up and some cool extras.

Thank you to all who gave advice when I put the call out for what programs you use.

So, if you get a chance, stop by and check it out and tell me what you think :) Oh, and watch the book videos. I'm addicted to making them and really like having the excuse to continue playing with the program, lol.

Michelle M Pillow

www.michellepillow.com

New in Ebook: Call of the Untamed

2007-01-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

Call of the Untamed By Michelle M. Pillow
Book 2 in the Call of the Lycan series.

Buy it now or Read More: http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419907357

Roark O'Connell is a lycan on the prowl. For what, he's not always sure. His job within the clan keeps him moving around and boredom often sets in. It's boredom that causes him to make a bet with his brother James to hire an etiquette coach. Expecting an old schoolmarm type, he's blown away to discover the sexiest woman he's ever laid eyes on. The prim and proper Natasha might be there to tame his untamed ways, but he's just the man to fulfill her wildest, most erotic dreams.

NEW IN PRINT: Realm Immortal 2: Faery Queen ~ Online and In Stores!

2007-01-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

Realm Immortal: Faery Queen PRINT

by Michelle M. Pillow

Online and In Stores!
ISBN: 1-59998-334-6

He made a promise he didn’t keep…now both mortals and immortals alike will pay the price.

Realm Immortal Book Two

It is ill-advised to incur the wrath of a faery, but it is most foolish to do so of a faery queen…

Queen Tania has waited over a year for the Earl of Bellemare. When he left her palace to help blessed King Ean fight a battle to save the earl’s sister, she expected him to come back for her when the encounter was over. Instead, he left her, returning to the world of mortals and his precious Bellemare. He made her a promise he didn’t keep and now both realms will pay the price for his deceit.

Hugh, Earl of Bellemare, hates the immortal realm. Though it has brought his family blessings, it is now taking everything he holds dear away. Most heartbreaking of all is the sister he was forced to leave behind. Juliana married the unblessed King Merrick, a man who can never love her, and he blames Queen Tania for securing the match. He’s spent a year trying to forget the faery queen, but it seems she’s not done meddling with his family…

Talons - Online and In Stores

2007-01-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

Talons
NOW IN PRINT!

Buy from MBaM - http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=403

Read An Excerpt Online - http://samhainpublishing.com/print/talons
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 1-59998-348-6

TALONS—a compelling assortment of five stories, soaring to new heights of passion with shape shifting birds of prey.

Take flight with a king who must take a mate in order to save his people, finding her in the unlikeliest of places; a princess whose destined mate is a falcon commander she’s previously tormented; a man locked in a cage for fifty years now hunting revenge; a legendary firebird a Collector seeks for his private collection; and a raven shifter who delivers death with the simplest touch.

No feat is too high for these lovers contending with both enemies and their own hearts, in the end waging the most dangerous battle of all—the battle of love.

Express Yourself Contest WIN PRIZES

2007-01-16T16:08:00.001-08:00

This video makes me giggle, lol

CONTEST LINK - http://www.mandyroth.com/express_yourself_contest_page.htm

Manic Mondays with the M & M

2007-01-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

Starting today! Manic Mondays with Michelle & Mandy!

Mandy and I are having guest bloggers on paranormal topics at the Raven, so stop on by to read our first guest blogger, Charlene Teglia talking about "The Paradox of Ghost Stories in the Modern World"

A guest blogger will be joining us every monday to help kick off the week with a paranormal twist.

The (bad) Erotic Novel Title Challenge

2007-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking of titles and will admit not all I've come up with are gems waiting to shine. There are several things that go into a book, not all of which are under an author's control. We get coverart, good or bad. We get distribution, placement, advertising help--all at the will of others. But there are things we do get a big say in.

Aside from writing the book and (for some of us) occasionally the blurb (that gets used), naming characters (hey I almost named a heroine Valora, which I still think is pretty but of which someone pointed out it sounded like and STD). The title is perhaps one of the most important decisions we have to make when it comes to marketing. A bad title can make or break a book.

Okay, so I'm bored and amusing myself by creating titles to what could be horrible erotic novel titles. The challenge? Come up with your own and post them here (since i have two blogs - blogger and myspace, i reserve the right to copy them over so everyone can see). And, if you're feeling really ambitious, make it a tag line too.

And what's a challenge without a prize? So, I will give away a PDF copy of winner's choice from any of my ebook backlist.

To start us off, my favorite romantic suspense title out of my list:
SHOOTING BLANKS

Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll - Vote for Faves!

2007-01-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

Preditors & Editors TM
Readers' Poll

Preditors & Editors has their poll up for 2006. If you get a chance, please stop by and vote for your fav books, author, pub, coverart and so forth of the year. Remember, if you don't see what you want listed, you can suggest a title/author/coverart/pub.

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/

Have fun!

Express Yourself Contest! First Entries and Puff the Magic Dragon

2007-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

We're getting in entries for the contest and are slowly loading them into a you tube so everyone can see. You can see them here!

OMG-- I guess some fans emailed Mandy asking them for my favorite songs, or ones I liked to listen to when working on books. Um, she told them Puff the Magic Dragon. I'm dying laughing--but only because the person is a good sport and knows I'm not laughing at her.

Keep up the good work, readers!!! :)
Michelle

Want to be in the contest and play at making book videos? It's easy, it's fun and we've got all the helpful info you need RIGHT HERE!!

Express Yourself Contest!

2006-12-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

Express Yourself Contest!

We've been at this a while now and it never ceases to amaze us just how many creative people are out there. We'd like to take a moment to celebrate that creativity and give an outlet for it. Our contest, which will run for a few months and if it goes over well, longer, revolves around just how creative you can be. NO--this is NOT a talent contest for who can do the best. It's for who can put the most heart into it. There is also more than one way to express yourself so we want to be sure to include them all.

Here are just some of the prizes we'll be offering. $20.00 gift certificates to Amazon.com, signed print copies of our books, PDF downloads of our books, bookmarks and more.

How can you be entered? That's easy--EXPRESS YOURSELF!

The way we'd like to see (but you're not limited to this) is for readers to make fan-based book videos of our books. Some of the programs for this are free to download and use. One is Microsoft Movie Maker--it's free and available through Microsoft's website. If you can click and drag--you can do it. It really is that easy. Since we're not expecting Spielberg, anyone is free to play along and try their hand. We really think these videos will, if nothing else, open a new avenue to get the word out about our books. We'd love to share the spreading of the news with you, our readers. We do have a few minor rules for the videos though...

Please, no Debbie Does Dallas Porn (most free hosting sites will yank these anyway).

You MUST label (in title) ALL entries clearly that this is "FAN-BASED video/artwork/etc".

Also, no book spoilers--these won't be entered into the contest. If you're unsure what might be a spoiler, play off the blurb of the book. That is a safe bet.

These can ONLY have OUR books as the focus.

Please no WRITTEN fan-fiction. Sorry, but these won't be included. And as always, book ideas, manuscripts and anything of the like will not be read and will be deleted promptly. Sorry..damn lawyers and their damn policies. Oy.

You may enter as often as you like with new works each time. There is NO limit to how many entries you can do. You'll be entered into the drawing each time for each entry.

Helpful tips: Microsoft Movie Maker is free. It's a drag and drop program and is easy to use. ALL of our covers can be found on our website (Michelle M. Pillow & Mandy M. Roth) along with information about each title. Be creative! Youtube and Myspace are just two of the places who offer FREE video hosting. Once your fan-based video is made, put it up and send Michelle and I the link. We'll check it out and get it linked with the others for display.

You do NOT have to use your real name for this (well, you do have to give it to Michelle and I in the event you win but we'll keep that between us if you're rather have a nick or something for public).

If you cannot figure out how to host the video Michelle and I will open a spot JUST for fan based videos. You can contact us about this further if you have questions. We're happy to help. We want everyone to have fun and access to these.

~~~~By submitting the work(s), you acknowledge that you are giving us permission to post them and use them in a manner we see fit. Must be 18 years and older to play. Must label all uploads/posts "fan-based video/artwork/etc". Michelle M. Pillow and Mandy M. Roth assume NO responsibility for content/copyright of works submitted for contest, and ask that the work be original/submitted in good faith.~~~~

Make a book video? What, are they smoking the good shit again (you might be asking yourselves) *snicker* If this just isn't your thing but you'd still like to enter the contest, we'd love to see other ways you can express your "love" (know that Michelle just slapped me for writing that) for us.

Here are some other ideas. You're not limited to them though.

Fan artwork. It can be uploaded to yahoo album on Mandy or Michelle's yahoo groups (both if you want). Same rules apply as video.

Digital picture of you holding one of our print books or a pic of one of our ebooks pulled up on your computer/reading device. (same rules apply)

Macaroni frame of our names--just kidding unless you REALLY wanted to. But the point is, EXPRESS YOURSELF. Do you want to sculpt a shrine to us out of your mashed potatoes? (Michelle makes the request you do hers out of chocolate and send directly to her...thanks...SNORT) Do you want to build a statue of us out of M&Ms? Do you want to send us handmade artwork from your neck of the woods? Whatever you want to do...DO IT! The easiest way for us to see this stuff is via the web and uploading pics to the yahoo group pics section. MAKE sure to tell us you did and its up. If it's handmade artwork you want to send--you can send it to Mandy M. Roth PO Box 305, Huron, OH 44839 (Michelle's can come to my PO Box as well. I'll be sure she gets them.)

Want to start a tribute fan web page for our books? A fan club? A cult (ouch...? What? I want minions dammit...Michelle let me have minions...you know you want them. *big grin* )

Want to start a rock band named after us? Pfft, only if you let us be lead signers. Wait, I've heard her sing, she should be a backup dancer or something. *grin* Watch your toes people...watch your toes!

If you have not a lick of creative juice in your body but still want to play along, don't worry. We've got other ideas too. Amazon allows readers to post reviews of our books. If you'd liked to be entered in the contest--EXPRESS YOURSELF there. Same rules apply as with the others. Also, you do NOT have to love the book. We want you to be honest. If you loved it, that's fine too. LOL

We just want this to be a fun, rocking contest that lets everyone EXPRESS themselves!

Thanks,

Mandy M. Roth

www.mandyroth.com

Michelle M. Pillow

www.michellepillow.com

TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE: CLICK HERE

Helpful Links

Microsoft Movie Maker(free movie maker program by Microsoft that is very easy to use)

How to Use Movie Maker

Youtubeand Myspace(two FREE video hosting sites. All you need to do is sign up for a free account and then you can upload videos to it)

Mandy's yahoo group where you can upload fan artwork/photos.

Michelle's yahoo group where you can upload fan artwork/photos.

Mandy M. Roth (webpage)
www.mandyroth.com

&

Michelle M. Pillow (webpage)
www.michellepillow.com

Email Questions

Mandy

Michelle

kate rothwell: Win a Copy of Taming Him!

2006-12-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

Taming Him is now available at Amazon.com! Be one of the first to get a copy!

kate rothwell: Win a Copy of Taming Him!

Kate is holding a contest about the Taming Him cover! Head on over for your chance to win a print copy of the new Pocket Book Anthology, by me, Kimberly Dean and Summer Devon!

Tell me what you think...

2006-12-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

In the process of trying to get my head focused, I've been making book trailers for some of my books. I'm still working on them, but I'd love for you to check them out and tell me what you think!

I've got them posted at a couple different places, here are the links--

On myspace-- http://www.myspace.com/michellepillow (click on the VIDEOS button under my profile pic)

On Youtube-- http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=michellepillow

On my site-- http://www.michellepillow.com/book_trailers.htm

BIG contest coming soon!!!

2006-12-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

Mandy Roth and I are currently cooking up a new contest starting in January. I won't go into the details now, but hopefully it will be TONS of fun! It's different than other contests we've ran, but we're hoping it will be fun for everyone. Plus, we're giving away LOTS and LOTS of prizes to all our wonderful fans!!

So, check back for details!!!

Newest Trailer - Realm Immortal

2006-12-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

The newest trailer. After the first, I tried my hand at it again. Tell me what you think and feel free to post it on your pages, websites, blogs, wherever you like :) I thank you for the support!! :)

Michelle

New Winter Contest!!

2006-12-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

Come enter for a chance to win my latest giveaway, hosted (and put on) by Romance Junkies!

Here is the link to the contest

http://www.romancejunkies.com/winternewsletter/mainpage.htm

My new Book Video

2006-12-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

I can't thank Natalie enough for this surprise gift! It's very kind of her to take the time to make me such a wonderful book trailer for my Dragon Lords series! Please feel free to go hereto get the code and post it on your own myspace, blogs and sites! Thank you again for your support!

(c) Copyright Natalie Winters, 2006, All Rights Reserved

intimage vonintimage

2006-12-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

I had the worst migraine today. I'm usually one who can work through being sick, but this thing laid me low. I'm still feeling the aftermath of it, but at least I can see without strange spots blurring my vision.

Though, I have found something slightly more painful.... reading what I wrote while trying to "work" through the pain. LOL Supposedly editors like it when you keep deadlines and I'm doing my best, but I think maybe I should have taken the hint.

Aside from the brilliant "intimage vonintimage" phrase that I have yet to decifer, here is another gem, quoted directly from whoever was running the show when I clearly checked out...

"His lips caressed, the perfect music that needed no sound to be heard by both of them"

Um, either that sentence is so poetic it's brilliant or it's a huge clue that I need to start listening to my head and take it easy.

The Savvy Reader - Helping your fave authors

2006-12-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll admit, I just love the word savvy, so that's how this post got it's name. And let me say, this isn't just for my readers, but for all readers who have favorite authors.

I've been thinking for awhile, taking notes, jotting ideas and trying to figure out the best way to answer a question I get often in my inbox. Basically, all versions of that question come down to--- How can I help a fave author whose books I love?

I'm still amazed sometimes that I even make the fave author list. Yeah, I know, I shouldn't say that. I should put a more confident front out there, but the truth is I am amazed, and completely humbled and grateful. I still get excited when I get fan mail. The fact that it gets unmanageable makes me want to manage it. Seeing my book in stores still makes me giddy and I just have to shake my head wondering how it all happened. Well, the truth is, the readers make it happen. It's the support of fans that makes or breaks authors. And getting our books in front of potential readers proves to be a challenge.

I firmly believe in helping others. That's why I hold contests, like the Scavenger Hunt to give publicity to my fellow authors and to get great books and prizes to the readers. To me it's a win-win-win.

But getting back to some of the things readers can do to help their favorite authors. Some of them may or may not be right for you and the time you have to spare. So just keep in mind, I'm listing the grand to the not-so-grand, but the truth is, every little bit helps.

1. Use your talents and do what is easy and comfortable.
If you're a talker, talk about the book. If you're web savvy and dedicated to a series or author, make a fan page to tell others why you love it. These can even be free pages like here or on myspace. If you're artistic, offer to make web banners or book trailers. If you travel a lot or are not a talker, offer to drop of the authors bookmarks in bookstores you go to, in airports, waiting rooms, ect.

2. Start a Fan Club
Get with the author to see if you can help!

3. Post blog reviews
This includes Amazon.com reviews as well as your own blog.

4. Recommend to the Book Club
If you're a member of a book club, recommend the author. And, sometimes if you email the author they'll send goodies to your book club for during the discussion. You might even offer to share discussion questions about the book for the author to hand out to other Book clubs. (I personally know the book discussion questions would help me. I get asked for these and have no idea where to start and BTW, I do send goodie bags to Book clubs. Have the organizer email me)

5. Be a friend
Seek the author online, friend them on Myspace, Amazon, You Tube, ect and friend them. On Amazon.com, add their blog to your plog. If you have a website or myspace or other page, put up links to their sites.

6. Send Fan Mail
I can't tell you how many times I've been frustrated and a piece of 'I love your work' fan mail has cheered me up. Writing can be isolating sometimes. We spend most of our day typing and reading, plotting, researching, note taking... It can get lonely and a nice piece of fan mail can really perk up a day and kick start a muse.

As a note, most authors do try to answer fan mail (at least those I know do). I'd keep in mind, the bigger the name or the busier the person, the longer it might take for a response. I've had authors get back after 3 mths, and others within hours. Sometimes, it's the luck of the draw. You might email and get them in their inbox, or they might be out signing and gone for several weeks.

7.Visit this Link for a big list of GREAT ideas
Rowena and some fellow authors have but together a list covering a lot of what I thought to add, and some stuff I didn't think of.

8. Ask for the Book
Bookstores gauge interest by what readers ask for when they come in or call in. So, when you go to a bookstore, ask if they carry the author's books--it doesn't mean your obligated to buy at that time. If you have bookmarks, leave a couple with the staff.

9. Books face out
At a bookstore? Pull the authors books so they're prominent. Turn the cover face out so it can be seen by other readers coming through. I'm not saying to reorganize the bookstores sections by any means.

10. Buy new, not used
This is a recommendation I hear often, and I know for some people the price is a factor. But, when you see your favorite author or genre starting to fade away, one of the biggest things you can do is buy new. Publishers gauge what readers want by what they're buying new. Been feeling like your favorite kind of books aren't being written anymore? Buying new lets the publishers know there are still readers out there who what them!

These are just a few suggestions I've heard given and this is by no means a comprehensive list. Is there some way you've helped your favorite author? Do you have suggestions? I know I, for one, am listening intently.

Like getting a present in the Inbox!

2006-12-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

Coming in Mass Market ~ May 07 UK and July 07 US

I'm thrilled to see my first re-release and my first mass market paperback, Fierce Competition's new cover. I love new coverart day, and when it's as pretty as the Virgin books have been, it's even better. I'm just glad I don't have to decide which cover I like best, this one or the first! LOL

Blog's New Look

2006-12-12T18:49:00.000-08:00

What you think?

US Booksellers / Conventions / Fairs -Need Promo Donated?

2006-12-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I'm currently designing new promo materials for the new year, but have things like pens, bookmarks, business size bookmarks, postcard flyers and such left over from my last batch (but still up-to-date)

For Conventions--Have a convention? Need promo to stuff goodie bags for your goers? I write futuristic and paranormal romances. As well as a new fantasy series. I'd be happy to send you any of the above for your convention.

Booksellers--autographed bookmarks, a few catalogs and even a few bookplates left if anyone interested. All print books you can easily get in your stores through the normal distribution channels.

Anyone else- If you have something going on, a book club, holiday presents to stuff, ect, feel free to email me as well.

CONTACT - Michelle
Email - michelle_pillow (at) yahoo.com
Subject - Promo
Include - Contact Name, Address, the eventl, how many of what item you'd like and anything else I should know.

I'll fill the orders as supplies last.

Michelle M Pillow
www.michellepillow.com

Lust Bites

2006-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Lust Bites - Virgin Books Author Blog

I'm a member of a new blog, Lust Bites, put on with my fellow Virgin Books Black Lace and Cheek Authors (I'm a Cheek). I am honored to be grouped with so many talented women.

Yesterday, I got to kick off the discussion topics with my first "official" blog post, "Working Girls". So, if you're in the mood, go over and check it out.

Happy Reading!
Michelle

Zhang Dynasty : Temptation of the Butterfly ~Just Released in Ebook

2006-12-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

Temptation of the Butterfly by Michelle M. Pillow
(Futuristic Romance)
When her life is threatened by mysterious events only she can see, Princess Fen has more to worry about than finding a husband. Too bad her parents don..t feel the same way. Desperate to keep her from leaving the planet like her sister, they decide to play matchmaker, inviting wealthy, noble suitors to the palace.

But it..s not a rich suitor that catches her eye, it..s the commoner, Aaron Piers..a man who..s past is clouded with dishonor, a man without family, a man she could never consider marrying. Though her desire for him burns hot, their relationship can never be. Besides, he might just be the one trying to kill her.

BUY NOW or READ MORE: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/temptationofthebutterfly.htm

Web Designers...what do you use?

2006-12-09T14:10:00.000-08:00

Posting this may be a long shot, but if any of you have suggestions, you'll be on my cool list.

I'm thinking of completely reworking my website.... again. And am looking for suggestions on what kind of software to buy. Currently, I've used Microsoft FrontPage which has been great for basics, but wondered if there was any easy to use, cool feature stuff out there I should be checking out. According to the boxes, they're all "the best" so I thought I'd ask the people who actually use it.

My website is huge. Will all the book titles, it has to be. Otherwise, I'd just hire someone and be done with it. As is, I don't wish that job on anyone--probably most of all my checkbook. And, on top of the website, I need book trailers, flash banners, ect. So any hints, tricks, tips would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, and feedback on the current site is welcome as well.

Aids Awareness - Light to Unite Campaign

2006-12-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

I thought this was cool!

Bristol-Myers Squibb is donating a dollar to AIDS every time someone
goes to their website and moves the match to the candle and lights it.

It only takes a second and is for an excellent cause. Be sure to pass
this message on.

https://www.lighttounite.org/

New Preorder Links are Here! Including my first Mass Markets!

2006-12-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Fierce Competition Mass Market

Opposites Attract Mass Market

Bit by the Bug

Taming Him

My poor little puppy

2006-12-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is Lord Winston, one of my English Bulldogs. At 1 year old and about 63 lbs, he's the biggest lapdog in the world. Bulldogs are the funniest creatures, not to mention their devilishly handsome good looks and charm ;). (you will never convince me otherwise) . Stubborn to a fault, they're not afraid of anything--other dogs, oncoming traffic, water. Ironically, they love water but are too dense physically that they sink like rocks so you have to be careful around pools and lakes.

My poor baby had to have eyelid surgery today. His eyelids turned in slightly, irritating his eyes when he blinks. I'm here, waiting to pick him up and take him home. This is him before his surgery.

Scavenger Hunt WINNER LIST

2006-12-03T16:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.michellepillow.com/rj_nov_scavenger_hunt.htm

WINNER LIST! Congrats to all the winners and thank you all for playing!

Winners will be notified by email by the authors. Please give them a few days because of the holiday madness!

Thanks,

Michelle M Pillow

www.michellepillow.com

Lords of the Var 3: The Bound Prince NOW IN PRINT!

2006-12-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

With the holidays, I don't have much time to blog, but I did want to let everyone know that Lords of the Var 3: The Bound Prince was just released in time for the holidays!

Happy Reading! And Happy Holidays!
Michelle

The Bound Prince by Michelle M. Pillow (Futuristic Romance) Captain Samantha Dorsey and her crew are on a mission to complete a Galactic Scavenger Hunt. They only have one thing left to get--a wild beast. Drunk and feeling like some fun, Sam and her crew fly to Qurilixen to finish their collection by snagging a white tiger. The next morning, Sam realizes they got more than they bargained for--they've kidnapped a warrior Prince.... Sensuality: SPICY http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/theboundprince.htm

Pheonix Rising 1 Now in Print

2006-12-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Rising I by Morgana de Winter, Marie Harte, Michelle M. Pillow, Sherrill Quinn, Alicia Sparks (Erotic Romance) To celebrate NCP's tenth anniversary, we've brought together five of our bestselling authors in Phoenix Rising I to write steamy novellas in all our reader's favorite genres... Sensuality: CARNAL http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/phoenixrising1.htm

My First Book Trailer - Dragon Lords

2006-11-20T20:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDkYpk05t30 - on you tube

http://www.myspace.com/michellepillow - on myspace (should be there soon, still being processed by myspace)

http://www.michellepillow.com/book_trailers.htm - on my website

I made my first book trailer. Be gentle ;) It's my first time doing anything like this. I just sat down and taught myself.

Michelle

Michelle M Pillow
www.michellepillow.com
Join the Hunt for a chance to win over 60 prizes!
http://www.romancejunkies.com/RJNovScavengerHunt.html

Read the Simegen Interview

2006-11-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.simegen.com/writers/spotlights/Pillow/

My latest interview. Thanks Wendy! :)

Meet me in Texas! RT Convention

2006-11-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Meet me in Texas! It's official, I'll be at the Romantic Times Convention in Houston Texas 2007 and signing some of my print books at the bookfair. You're also welcome to bring any books you have in your collection for me to sign, or buy the titles available for sale there.

Also look for my goodies displayed on promotion lane and visit with me at Club RT (times and dates to be announced)

If you're not familiar with the convention, they are a lot of fun. Tons of amazing authors and free books, gift baskets and more! The RT ladies are really nice and will answer any questions you have!

http://www.rtconvention.com

Saying Goodbye to my Very First Published book - MISTS OF MIDNIGHT

2006-11-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

The Mists of Midnight by Michelle M Pillow (ebook only)
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/themistsofmidnight.htm

Get it now because REALLY soon this book will be out of contract--we're talking any week now it will be coming down off the pages. Though we've discussed possibilities for a rewrite/re-release, nothing is close to being set in stone and THIS VERSION will NEVER EVER be for sale again. So, if you want to say you've been with me since the very beginning, this is your last chance, lol (unless you can say that now anyway, :) )

This is my first published work, a Victorian set ghost story. I can't believe that was soooo many contract ago. I've learned a lot since then, writing wise, kind of a trial by fire into the publishing world, but it will always be the one that started it all for me. My first published book. My first cover. My first contract. My first review. The first time something I'd seriously worked on was put in front of others to see. That's right, I never had a critique partner, or groups, or even friends that I gave these things to for opinions. I just wrote them because I wanted to.

*sigh* My first book.

To tell you the truth, it's almost sad to see it pulled down off the cyber shelves. I suppose every author might feel this way when thier first book comes out of print. Even though I may once again contract it out, it's not the same, because this one will be reworked with all the knowledge and strengths I've gained since beginning my whirlwind of a career. Maybe redoing it will make it worse and I should leave well enough alone, I don't know. It did get great reviews. Then again, I guess nothing can ever remain the same. (((Wow, am I getting...what's the word here? Melladramatic? Insightful? Depressive?... whatever it is, I'll stop, lol.)))

To buy or read an excerpt: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/themistsofmidnight.htm

LENGTH: Mid Novel
SENSUALITY: Sensual

Cover art (c) Eliza Black 2004
ISBN 1-58608-429-1
Disk $5.99
Download $5.49
(s&h not included in price)

Imogen Drake is a willful daughter, one who would marry a man of good humor rather than obey her parents and marry a studious Colonel. But marriage is not all her parents have in mind for her. They want her to have a tutor to train her to be a proper lady wife!

When Dougal Weston comes into her life, Imogen assumes he is the man sent to instruct her from her rebellious ways. However, with his arrival at Rothfield Park comes an abundance of unrested spirits—a beautiful young girl whose body turns into a frightfully burnt corpse, a bold knight on a horse whose heart literally bleeds from his chest. Suddenly, Imogen doesn’t know who is alive and who is dead. Why have they come now? And what are they trying frantically to tell her? Imogen must discover the truth about the eerie night mist that surrounds the manor before it comes to claim everyone she holds dear….

Rating: Contains sexual content and some graphic violence.

"Occasionally a romance comes along that has all of the components needed to make it great, and THE MISTS OF MIDNIGHT is just such a book. The characters are multi-layered with very dynamic personalities. The plot is tightly woven, complete with intricate clues as to who the villain is. The romance is unique and truly romantic, as is the ending. From the very first page, readers will be drawn into this remarkable story with its unique characters and excellent story line. There is nothing about this story that this reviewer cannot recommend. The story and the romance between Imogen and Dougal are simply wonderful. If you are seeking a romance of breath-taking purity with a paranormal flavor, be sure not to miss THE MISTS OF MIDNIGHT." Edith Morrison, Romance Reviews Today

"Five Blue Ribbons! In THE MISTS OF MIDNIGHT by Michelle M. Pillow I found a treasure. The plot is exceptional and the characters were wonderful. I found that I couldn't lay the book down and had to read it in one setting. The story grabbed me and kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen. Ms. Pillow is an exceptional writer and I will be delighted to read any other book that this author has to offer. I highly recommend it to anyone that loves an exceptional story; it is definitely a keeper." Mariah, Romance Junkies

"Four and 1/2 Stars! Wow!!! What a story! Ms. Pillow has penned a delightful tale, full of chilling twists and turns…. The descriptive prose used throughout drives the story with startling clarity. One will love the beautiful landscape, feel a chill of foreboding when The Mists of Midnight unfurl, and gasp in surprise when secrets are revealed. This debut novel will leave readers begging for more. With this book, a star is born, and if it is any indication, this writer is certainly one to watch. This reviewer has immediately become a fan, and Ms. Pillow is a must-not-miss author. Fortunately, many more books are already waiting in the wings, set to be released later this year." Love Romances

"Five Stars! When Michelle Pillow was writing THE MISTS OF MIDNIGHT, she brought together all the essential elements that would make this book a winner from every aspect. The intriguing plot is so well developed, I can think of nothing that would have made this story better. Her characters are one of a kind, whose emotional reactions are always credible. Ms. Pillow has written the perfect paranormal story set in the historical period of England in 1812. If you want to read a book with a fantastic story line and characters, a believable romance, and where things are not always as they seem, then THE MISTS OF MIDNIGHT is definitely for you." Amelia Richard, eCataRomance Reviews www.ecataromance.com

"Five Hearts! Ms. Pillow offers a sweet, often poignant, sometimes funny story that on the surface is about love, life and death. The reader has two choices when reading this story: he or she may choose just sit back and enjoy a wonderful paranormal romance, or, as this reviewer did, sit and ponder all the possibilities Ms. Pillow raises.... This reviewer read Mists of Midnight twice: once to read and enjoy and once to truly sit and ponder the “what ifs” raised in this emotionally moving yet fun story." Gina, Love Romances

"Five Angels! Wow, wow and wow. This book touches so many emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to shout at both the hero and the heroine. What more can you ask in a story? Lets not forget the ending; you really don't see this one coming. I don't think my review of this story does this book justice. Her characters are true to life and her plot is amazing. Ms. Pillow did a great job and this book is a necessary read." Fallen Angel Reviews

"Four and 1/2 Hearts! "THE MISTS OF MIDNIGHT is a wonderful book, full of surprises, mystery and romance. The story is complex, and the way it unfolds is ingenious...Imogen and Dougal are both selfless, loving characters, willing to do anything for each other, and deserve the happy ending they get. This Regency romance with its paranormal twist is an emotional, satisfying read." Renee Burnette, The Romance Studio

"Four Angels! The Mists of Midnight is filled with suspense, romance and a heavy paranormal touch. The author has written a complex story with enough twists to surprise many readers. This was truly a page-turner as the story slowly unfolded. If you enjoy a good ghost story with a large helping of romance on the side, this is the book for you. This reader was surprised and thoroughly delighted with this one." Fallen Angel Reviews

"Four Stars! The Mists of Midnight is a mystery with a romance...you won't be disappointed in this read. Keep your tissue handy, I cried towards the end, not because I was sad, but because of Ms Pillows wonderful realistic ending." Joy, Reviewer for Karenfindoutaboutnewbookreviews

"What a debut novel. This reviewer was blown away by the sheer lushness of the setting, the way the characters intertwined with each other and all the twists and turns in the plotline. ...The Mists of Midnight gives a rollicking good time with the right blend of humor, mystery and love." Love Romances

I'm not one for talking politics, Part 2

2006-11-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not one for talking politics, but...

HERE IS THE QUICK RECAP FROM AN EARLIER BLOG
~~~ See October 2006 Archives to read the whole thing~~~

You will have to scroll down

Democrat Fred Head is speaking out against his competitor, Republican Agriculture Commissioner, Susan Combs, for writing a romance novel. The book, A PERFECT MATCH, was published back in 1990 (publisher now defunct). He calls her a pornographer for it.

I'm really not one to talk politics in a public setting, but thought this was a relevant event to who I am and what I do. Romance writing always had a certain amount of persecution to it. You have those people who think romance writers and pornographer are the same. But I refuse to be ashamed of what I do for a living. I love people falling in love. What shame is there in that?... GO HERE TO FINISH READING ORIGINAL BLOG ~ YOU"LL HAVE TO SCROLL DOWN

~~~~END OLD BLOG~~~~

As an update to this story, it seems SUSAN COMBS has won the election. May she serve the people of Texas well.

To me, it's really hard to say which issue won it for her, or if the issue of the Romance novel even affected her votes. It definitely got her publicity outside of Texas, but since I'm not in TX, I don't have my finger on the pulse of the everyday Texan. So, I'd be curious to hear what thoughts were in the heads of voters election day.

Hashing - Drinking Extreme Sports

2006-11-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

"Started in Malaysia by colonial British Officers in the 1930s, hashing involves lots of running, and more importantly, lots of drinking.....

Generally, a five-mile course is mapped out. The course stops every quarter mile at a check where the course splits into three or four potential routes. There is only one correct route that the runners must follow. At some checks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks are provided. This continues to the final destination, usually a bar, where runners relive the their hashing adventures." - Cited from HERE

"It all started in 1938 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when A.S. Gispert, a British civil servant whose hash club nickname is "G", rounded up a group of men to go for a run through the jungle. Their jaunt was followed by a beer, or two, at a local haunt called the Hash House, where they served corned-beef hash. Today, hashing has more than 1,900 clubs around the globe from China to Mexico, attracting men and women, young and old, rich and poor who share a preference for a little fun with their run." - Cited from HERE

Online Scavenger Hunt ~ Chance to Win over 60 prizes!

2006-11-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

I've put together an online scavenger hunt hosted by Romance Junkies. Click the link below for a chance to win over 60 prizes from just as many wonderful authors!

Click here to Play!

Talons: Seize the Hunter JUST RELEASED in EBOOK

2006-10-31T07:53:00.000-08:00

Talons: Seize the Hunter by Michelle M. Pillow

Genre: Romance/Red Hot!/Futuristic

Publication Date: October 31st, 2006

Buy From MBaM!

Fate is giving her the one man she'd never want for her very own.

Princess Ari of the planet Falconia knows it’s her time to marry and has picked out several suitable men in her mind—none of which are Falcoan Army Commander, Rurik of the Fifth. The man tormented her as a child, causing her untold humiliations. But there is really no need to worry about such a match. Shifters cannot rule and Rurik is a natural born falcon shifter.

Trusting destiny, Ari sips from the Marriage Chalice, sealing her future. But things don’t go as planned. It would seem fate is giving her to the man she despises. How can she find happiness with the one man she could never want for her very own?

Happy Halloween CONTEST!

2006-10-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

ENTER THE HALLOWEEN CONTESTS!!!

Go around the haunted house, click on objects for a chance to win prizes.
If you can't find all the links in the scroll bar on the side, go here

Lords of the Var 2: The Playful Prince NOW IN PRINT!!!

2006-10-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

I know from your emails that you've all been waiting on this one. Well, IT'S HERE!!!!
Lords of the Var2 NOW IN PRINT!!

View this author's other titles

Trade Paperback ISBN 1-58608-842-4
Read more or buy: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/theplayfulprince.htm

To play…

Prince Quinn, royal Ambassador, isn't looking for a serious relationship. In fact, he's never even considered it. Hopping from lover to lover, he's content to enjoy himself, never taking anything but his work seriously. However, when Dr. Tori Elliot is sent to the palace to test for biological weapons, he can't seem to stay away from her.

Or not to play…

Tori Elliot has just finished her last assignment and is on her way to a much needed vacation. But when the Human Intelligence Agency stops her ship and demands she heads up a team on some remote planet, she knows it in her best interest not to refuse. Ever serious, she knows she's there to do a job and no matter what, she's going to act like a professional.

Meeting Prince Quinn, his body pressed against another woman in the palace halls, she knows he's not the man for her. Too bad he's the Ambassador and too sexy for his own good. Fighting her desire, Tori must try to do her job while not succumbing to the playful Var prince.

Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

JUST RELEASED IN PRINT Lords of the Abyss 1: THE MIGHTY HUNTER

2006-10-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

View this author's other titles

Trade Paperback ISBN 1-58608-849-1
Buy or Read more: http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/themightyhunter.htm

Scientist Bridget Dutton has no time for traditional love. Her heart belongs to her work. Even though taking chemical readings of ocean water isn’t her thing, she’s willing to put in her time for her chance at exploring the Abyss. When her boat is attacked from below, Bridget’s dream just might come true sooner than planned.

Caderyn the Hunter, the sexiest--and perhaps craziest--man she’s ever laid eyes on may have rescued her from death, but who’s going to rescue her from him? With a deliciously hot body and all the right moves, the man is a walking seduction that’s too hard to resist. There’s only one problem. Caderyn claims they’re in the Abyss, living on a cursed island along the deep ocean floor. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, he says he’s a merman.

Sparks fly. Desires heat. But can Caderyn convince the logical Bridget there’s room for more than one love in her heart?

Rating: Contains graphic sexual content, adult language, and violence.

MM Paranormal Theme Day Official Winner's List

2006-10-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

MM Paranormal Theme Day Official Winner's List
Thank you all for joining us and playing!!! Winners: Authors should be contacting you shortly with your prize information! Please be patient, as I have to notify all the authors. To learn more about any of the participating authors, please visit thier website listed below. THANKS! Michelle and Mandy www.michellepillow.com www.mandyroth.com

Author	website	newest release	prize(s)	THEME DAY WINNER!!
Annmarie McKenna	www.annmariemckenna.com	Seeing Eye Mate	Seeing Eye Mate download	Crystal Stone
Denyse Bridger	http://www.denysebridger.com	DESCENT INTO DARKNESS	Prize will be a copy of this novel, in PDF or LIT,	Liz D (lzz25)
Ally Blue	http://www.allyblue.com/	Oleander House	One copy of any one of my e-books, winner's choice!	Elizabeth Corbett (emc_reviewing)
Barbara Sheridan & Anne Cain	http://www.dragonsdisciple.com	"Blood Brothers"	"Moon Child" DVD	anita (anitakhh)
Bianca D'Arc	http://biancadarc.com	Ladies of the Lair	A free download of one of my current ebooks - winner's choice!	tara gibbs (taradawn72inak)
Brenda Williamson	http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com/authors/Brenda_Williamson.shtml	The Witch Stone	1 pdf copy of Wolverton Blood	aliciaeflores1
Cassandra Kane	www.cassandrakane.com	What Elves Eat	A copy of any current release!	amysmith98
Charlene Teglia	www.charleneteglia.com	Night Music (Samhain), releasing Oct. 31	a download of Wolf In Shining Armor (EC) and one of Night Music (Samhain)	1. Mich chelby800 2. Elaine Breault
Debbie Wallace	www.angelfire.com/me5/dawallace	Someone to Love Me	Copy of Someone to Love Me	Jennifer Ray (nashjar)
Donna Grant	http://www.donnagrant.com	Prince of Desire (Phoenix Rising II antho) - NCP	chocolate cat from Godiva	Jennifer C. (Luv_JM69)
Elaine Corvidae	http://www.onecrow.net	Prince of Ash	A copy of any of my current ebooks - winner's choice	debchin13
Heather Kundert	http://mystikguardians.com	Mystik Guardians: His Wildest Desires	prize pack which will be a download of each of the first 4 Mystik Guardians books to one winner	jaycee_clark
Jacki Bentley	www.jackibentley.com	Blood Bond	download of my current book, Angel and the Flying Warhorses	Christina Laska
Jaycee Clark	www.jayceeclark.com	FIREBIRDS	PDF of FIREBIRDS	Daun Ann Korty
Jenna Black	www.JennaBlack.com	Watchers in the Night, coming October 31, 2006	Watchers in the Night mousepad	caity_mack
Joely Skye	http://joely.wordpress.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/joelyskye/	Monster	a copy of my novella _Monster_ first in the Minders series	Chell (chell69dh)
Joey W. Hill	www.storywitch.com	THREADS OF FAITH	ONE COPY (READER'S CHOICE) OF ANY OF MY TITLES. ANY AVAILABLE FORMAT, DIGITAL OR PRINT	faerytubemaven
Jude Mason	http://www.my-haven2001.com	Freeing the Beast Within	1 free download of either 'And There Were Beasts' or 'Freeing the Beast Within'	bluevalkerie
Kate Davies	http://www.kate-davies.com/	Ritual Love, Beginnings: A Samhain Anthology	e-copy of Ritual Love	VICKI SMITH (fnkechkn2)
Kate Hill	http://www.kate-hill.com	Handsome Bastard	a download of one of my ebooks (winner's choice of title	lisaw7455
Lauren Dane	http://www.laurendane.com	Cascadia Wolves: Tri Mates	ARC of Tri Mates	sherrig36
Lorraine Kennedy	www.lorrainekennedy.com	Song of the Annunaki	a copy of my backlist book. Wolf Dance	Jenny (gryffindoreanbrat)
Mackenzie McKade	http://www.samhainpublishing.com/fallensrevenge.shtml	A WARRIOR’S WITCH	an e-book download of THE CHARADE and one of A Warrior's Witch	1. hotcandy39560 2. Tara (mizztuts)
Mandy Roth	www.mandyroth.com	King of Prey ~ Samhain Publishing	1 from Michelle, 1 from Mandy -- PDF Download of choice from backlist	BOTH Mandy and Michelle Winners---1 "pamk258" 2 Debbie Ellison 3 ~~Kris ~~ 4 Valerie Bongards 5 Heather Riley 6 Jen Mah
Marie Harte	www.marieharte.com	Aftershocks, Storm Lords Book Four	small giftbasket	littlelamblst
Mary Winter	http://www.marywinter.com/	Revealing Photos (Ellora's Cave)	download of one of my Galaxy Rogues novels	tamar.bains
Maya Banks	http://www.mayabanks.com	Colters' Woman	Copy of Seducing Simon in choice of format. Copy of Colters' Woman in choice of format	1. penniemo@aol.com 2. ciarcullen1
Mechele Armstrong	http://www.mechelearmstrong.com	The Collector 1: Magical Chances	copy of Dinah's Dark Desire (choice of format)	downsideuk Shirley
Meg Allison	http://www.samhainpublishing.com/secretsandshadows.shtml	Secrets and Shadows	large tote bag featuring the cover for Secrets and Shadows.	Mina Gerhart
Melany Logen	http://melanylogen.com/	Torc’s Salvation	A copy of Torc's Salvation in winner's choice of format.	If I want you to know, Ill tell you.
Michelle M Pillow	www.michellepillow.com	Realm Immortal: Faery Queen	1 from Michelle, 1 from Mandy -- PDF Download of choice from backlist	BOTH Mandy and Michelle Winners---1 "pamk258" 2 Debbie Ellison 3 ~~Kris ~~ 4 Valerie Bongards 5 Heather Riley 6 Jen Mah
Monica Burns	www.monicaburns.com	Obsession	ARC of Bluestocking Christmas (paranormal historical erotic romance)	Pauline Rogers
Myla Jackson	http://www.mylajackson.com/Mylahome.htm	Witch’s Curse	download of choice of a past EC release	strawbehrryshortcake
Myra Nour	www.myranour.com	To Tame a Werewolf	Copy of the story printed by author & bound, with signed cover.	greeneyez2340 (Joy)
N.J. Walters	http://www.njwalters.com	Lucian’s Delight	free download from my backlist	ingrid (tybokit)
Penelope Marzec	http://www.penelopemarzec.com	KISS OF BLARNEY	Halloween candle holder with candle	Heidi (alufa1)
Ruby Storm	http://www.rubystorm.net	CRACKED: PRELUDE TO PASSION	Free download of Cracked: Prelude to Passion	Carol Meyer (advan_nurse2000)
SA Martin	http://www.shirleymartin.net/	ONE MORE TOMORROW	Goody bag with posters, bookmarks, and a disk of my fantasy romance, NIGHT SECRETS	TehyaTalaMosi
Sally Painter	http://www.sallypainter.com	Last Resort - Vampire	$10 gift cert winner's choice B&N or Amazon	Anna Lisa (Topsail246)
Samantha Storm	http://www.samanthastorm.com/	Eye of The Storm	Two winners get a download of Eye of the Storm and a bag of French Chocolate Truffles	1."tina@rbrunelle 2. Soccerfam
Sherrill Quinn	www.sherrillquinn.com	The Wolf of Cnoc Meadha (Phoenix Rising I)	tote bag and 1 free download from backlist	glenna day
Silvia Violet	http://violet.chaosnet.org	Shifter's Station 4: Eye of the Tigress	Magic in the Blood magnet	Renee (sexysecy)
Sydney Somers	http://www.sydneysomers.com	Talons: Caged Desire	Downloads of Watchtowers: Air and Say You're Mine	"Robin" RECS5664
Sylvie Kurtz	www.sylviekurtz.com	Pull of the Moon	copy of my previous Gothic, A Rose at Midnight	Leanne Ford (leebell_17)
TJ Michaels	www.tjmichaels.com	JAGUAR’S RULE	a download of any Dynamic Three (TJ Michaels, Lauren Dane and Shelly Munro) download from Ellora's Cave	Klaudia ~*~ candygirl_love69
Tilly Greene	www.tillygreene.com	'Call Me Lucifer'	cool Frankenstein candle and goodie bag	Julie Scharff (birdygirl47)
savannah black	http://savannahblack-erotic-author.com	VIXEN OF THE NIGHT	copy of my book Vixen of the Night	Linda (readingissomuchfun)

Scott from Ghostly Talk

2006-10-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Interview: Scott from Ghostly Talk

Ghostly Talk Rules!!!

1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what, in the field of

paranormal, do you do and how long have you been doing it?

"My name is Scott L. I am a co-host of Ghostly Talk, the worlds premier

weekly independent talk show about the paranormal. We are going on our

5th year of broadcasting Ghostly Talk. I have been a life-long researcher

of the paranormal, and mainly nowadays exeriment with EVP and ITC in the

field of Ghost Hunting."

2. Was there a seminal moment when you decided this was what you wanted

to do?

"About 6 years ago, I received an email fro ma co-worker containing a

bunch of spirit photos captured from all over the world. I sat and looked

at them and just gushed with excitement. Like I said, I have been a

life-long researcher of the paranormal, but with college and trying to

make a living I had to push it to the side for a bit to focus on my

studies and career. I had just graduated from college when I received

this email and that is when I thought to myself, "You have the time now,

get to work on it!" :)"

3. What topic within the realm of paranormal interests you most? Have

you dealt with this on your show?

"ITC and EVP, we have talked to numerous people on Ghoslty Talk concerning

this subject."

4. Is there a favorite time or experience revolving around either the

discussion of the paranormal or a personal experience you'd like to

share with us?

Yes! EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 6 - 9 P.M. EST. That is when Ghostly Talk

broadcasts! :)

5. How can our readers find you?

http://www.ghostlytalk.com

http://www.myspace.com/ghostlytalk

Interview - Psychic Investigator

2006-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEW:

What is it you do?

I am the Psychic Investigator / trance medium for the New England Ghost Project.

What is the The New England Ghost Project and how are you involved?

The N.E.G.P. is comprised of a group of individuals who volunteer their time to verify the existence of paranormal activity. Or, more importantly, assist those in need of a resolution to repetitive paranormal occurrences.

Group members:

Ron Kolek (Founder of the N.E.G.P.) - Handles the Electro Magnetic Field Monitor (EMF). A sudden change / appearance in the EMF where there once was none is generally a sign that paranormal activity is occurring.

Leo Monfet - Our ace photographer, captures paranormal activity on film.

Karen Mossey - EVP specialist, uses her digital recorder to capture voices of the dead. These voices are comprised of energy of the deceased manipulating the white noise of a recorder to leave messages from beyond. Karen's recordings have been heard in the movie "White Noise" and most recently during last years, fall episode of "Ghost Whisperer."

Ron Jr. - Runs the video and base camp. Base camp is where our investigation is monitored: temperature gages, infrared satellite recordings etc. that are reported to the group through a walkie talkie.

Myself - I assist the group by sensing the environment and locating spiritual activity (better known as bait). Once we encounter an entity we attempt to communicate. This happens through a series of ways: spiritual dowsing, medium ship or trance medium ship abilities. I listen to what they have to say and depending on the situation and energy we are encountering, I make the conscious decision to allow them to speak through me. It's my belief that allowing an entity to channel through me, I give them the opportunity to release / change their vibration. Similar to a living person having a bad day, once they vent their frustrations they begin to feel better, lighter even.

At what age/point in your life did you become aware of your gifts/abilities?

When I was three I had a near death experience., meningitis. I hovered above my body and looked on as a doctor placed a large needle in my back and listened with curiosity as a priest administered last rites. I then floated out the double doors of the operating room and found my mother and father in tears. I remember the overwhelming need to hug them. Suddenly I felt myself sucked back into my body and was instantly jolted by the magnitude of pain shooting up my spine as I returned.

Was a there an influential event in your life that lead you to do what you do now— professional psychic medium?

I guess it's because of my desire to help. I know it sounds corny. . . but it's true. When I was young I would hear whisperings of my relatives talking to my mother. I was evil, a freak etc. My mother never listened to them. Rather, she gave me holy water and told me there was nothing wrong with me. That I was normal! (It had been in the family for years)

I've seen the deceased ever since I could remember. However, I remember when I was about twelve years of age and began having prophetic visions. They occurred while having momentary blackouts during the day and during the evening while I slept I began to see horrible events taking place. One such event prompted my mother to call a midwest town's task force. A young child had gone missing. I had seen the boy in my dreams for weeks. After calling and reporting the details they demanded I come down for questioning. Long story short the boy was never found. Even before we made the phone call I knew the boy would never be found. That he'd been killed and I would not see him again. It was then I prayed to God that if this was evil to take it away, and if it wasn't and I was meant to do something with it, then I would do the best I could. Well, suffice it to say, it only got stronger. And, here I am working with the N.E.G.P.

Can you share a little bit about your most unique paranormal experiences?

There are so many of them it's hard to choose.

I can tell you there is a haunted mansion in the Berkshires that has given be both unbelievable joy and horror!

The Haunted Houghton Mansion in North Adams Ma.

History has it that three deaths within a period of a week or so took place. The Houghton's chauffeur, John Widder, was driving the family car when he hit a soft shoulder and the vehicle rolled. The accident killed Mary, one of the Houghton daughters. The following day, Widder brought a gun to one of the buildings behind Houghton Mansion and committed suicide. Albert Houghton himself died only seven days later, apparently succumbing to grief.

It is my personal belief that Mary, and John Widder loved each other greatly. During one of our visits to the mansion, and with the help of everyone present we were able to reunite Mary and John in the afterlife. At the time this took place I was channeling Mary and could see John coming up over what looked like a bridge, arms stretched out wide he reached for me. Within moments the energy was so loving, so overwhelming beautiful it felt like like a magnet of love had just snapped together within me. To all present it literally felt like a wedding had just taken place. We knew in our hearts that something wonderful had transpired.

Unfortunately, Mr. Houghton, (Mary's deceased father) was furious. I began to feel his anger. We left the mansion only to return another day and face his wrath. Mary came to me again. Only this time she channeled for a moment and tried to worn us. She wanted us to leave quickly. Within seconds, and the only way I can describe the feeling is that of the metaphor of taking a tiger by the tail. Psychically open while I channeled Mary, Mr. Houghton jumped inside me and pushed her out. I then began to spout curses, screaming and gurgling sounds came out of me. (or so I've been told) It took four people to pull me free from the chair and break his hold over me. I spent the next ten minutes or so on the floor unconscious. (Ron was horrified! He didn't know what to do? It's not as if he could call 911 and tell him I had a spirit in me!)

With the help of some friends who gave me energy I made it back. While I was on the floor I remember hearing everyone around me, from a distance. All I could see was complete darkness. Through it all I knew I would be okay. We had done a good thing helping Mary and John and Mr. Houghton would have to deal with it.

I prayed, asked for strength and guidance and struggled through what felt like sludge and pulled my energetic form back into my body. I was back! Unfortunately I spent the next week or so wearing crystals around my heart to repair the whole in my auric field and around my heart chakra. If I hadn't known better I would have sworn I was having a heart attack. (Mr. Houghton, through his anger did try to hurt me. Attempting to steal my life force. (heart energy). Well, I'm still here today and have since visited the mansion and made some peace with Mr. Houghton! Mary and John, from what I can tell are still present at the mansion for fear of losing each other again!!!

What do you have to say to non-believers? Why do you think not everyone can communicate with the dead?

There's an anonymous saying:

For those who believe no further information is necessary

For those who don't, none will suffice.

Let's just say that I am not out to convince the world of paranormal existence. I know the truth, as do others that have experienced paranormal activity.

As far as everyone speaking or, not speaking with the dead: We all have some level of psychic ability. It depends upon ones willingness, intent, believability, fortitude and above all, ones ability to trust in the process. Also, if a person is afraid of facing their own mortality it can hinder them in communicating with what lies beyond this physical plane.

What thoughts do you have on Hollywood’s portrayal of psychics/sensitive?

I enjoy watching both the "Medium" and "Ghost Whisperer". Although it's Hollywood, each has their good points.

The Medium - I can relate to Alison's family environment. The difficulties that can arise and interrupt what would be considered a "normal" (finger quotes) family. The Medium receives her information primarily through dream state. (quite common among psychics). Also, both Alison from the "Medium" and Melinda from the "Ghost Whisperer" keep the fact they can communicate to the dead to a select group of individuals. I would say the Ghost Whisperer has been adapted for Hollywood more than the "Medium" however, I enjoy them both.

Is there one you feel is more accurate than the rest? One you wish you could throw your shoe at?

The Medium. And no, I wouldn't throw a shoe at any show. I take what I watch for what it is. . . fiction. Also, I understand the need for the media to make it entertaining and minimize the terrifying aspects of what communicating with the dead can reveal. If I don't like it. I don't watch it. :-)

Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

For a day time job I'm a technical instructor for medical company. I instruct engineers on how to install and repair digital mammography equipment. I have two wonderful children and a loving and supportive husband. I enjoy writing and painting. . . (in my free time). And my quest, although not totally understood by some. . . is to help both the living and the dead find the peace of heart mind and soul that they rightfully deserve! :-)

How about I just include my bio:

I am a fifth generation Psychic / Trance-medium. For as far back as I can remember I've communicated with the deceased. At the age of fifteen I was introduced to a woman who studied with Laurie Cabot (official Witch of Salem, Ma). It was she who took me under her wing and guided me in ways to not only understand but control my gifts. Soon after and until the age of nineteen I began acting as a medium for adult seances. I have practiced, studied and instructed Metaphysical studies for more than twenty-five years.

The N.E.G.P. has been featured in:

Television appearances include, WHDH Channel 7 Boston, WMUR Channel 9 Manchester, WNDS Channel 50,My TV Prime, CNN8, ATT3, Kabel 1 Germany, and several local cable channels.

Radio appearances include WZID, WQLL, WCCM, WBOQ, WHJY, WNUV, and The Frugal Yankee Radio Hour.

Newspaper articles in: The Boston Globe, South China Morning Post, The Lawrence Eagle Tribune,The Lowell Sun, The Salem Observer, The Manchester Union Leader, The Andover Townsman, The Nashua Telegraph, The Advocate, Windham Life, The Wire, The Portsmouth Herald, The North Adams Transcript, Bidderford Tribune Journal, and of course the Stateline Review.

Magazines include Woman's World and Brutarian

Currently I am the co-host to Ghost Chronicles radio show which airs live each Friday evening on WCCM, channel 1490 AM from 5-6 PM. You can also catch a new series of Ghost Chronicles pod-casted from http://www.ghostvillage.com.

Soon to air:

The American Builder episode featuring NEGP at the New London Ledge Lighthouse will premiere on CN8 October 30th at 6:30pm, then replay October 31st at 6:30 am & pm and November 1st at 6:30 am.

Please check out the N.E.G.P.'s website at:

http://www.neghostproject.com

Interview with Kevin, ParaTalk Radio Host

2006-10-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

KEVIN's QUESTIONS

At what age/point in your life did you become interested in investigating the paranormal?

I have been interested in investigating the paranormal since the age of 9. At that time, I had an undeniable experience that set me on the course I have been following ever since. Of course I was too young to begin investigating at that point, but I read everything I could get my hands on and studied until I turned 18 and started going on actual investigations.

Do you believe, or have you found evidence, that the paranormal really do exist? What kinds?

I absolutely do believe in the paranormal, based solely on personal experiences, it is undeniable to me. I also beleive that 99.9% of what people believe to be paranormal, is explainable with a little knowledge and work. I wish I had hard core evidence that I could show to the world, but I dont believe that evidence exists anywhere. My feeling are just this, either you believe in the paranormal or you don't, until you are lucky enough to have an experience that changes your view on the world.

Have you ever debunked fraudulent paranormal activity? Can you tell us about it?

Absolutely! This is what I do when i investigate. I have debunked everything from anomalies in pictures that turned out to be reflections from mirrors and picture frames reflected on the wall, to voices thought to be disembodied which turned out to be simply carried through heat ducts from another unit in an apartment complex, to people who just wanted attention in a storage facility who actually hid a friend of theirs in a unit to make noises in an attempt to get attention.

Has there ever been an investigation you couldn't disprove?

I have been on a couple that I couldnt disprove. A couple that pop to mind are the Queen Mary in Long Beach CA, alot of strange things go on on that ship. Another was a residence in Apple Valley, CA. This house was a strange one because we thought we had figured it out but we couldnt have been more wrong. One of the daughters was being badgered by something, but on our first trip in we found out that she had some minor psychological problems which she was being medicated for. We found no evidence initially so we assumed it was a psych problem. We went back a couple times, and things were getting worse. Scratches, objects moved, the whole gamut was occuring. The residents ended up having a minister "cleanse" the house, whic only made the activity worse. I didnt have any contact with them after that, but talk about being completely off base, we were really wrong on that one.

What thoughts do you have on Hollywood’s portrayal of the paranormal? Is there one you feel is more accurate than the rest? One you wish you could throw your shoe at?

Well Hollywood banks on one thing, entertainment. I enjoy their movies and shows, but none of them are completely accurate in my mind, with the exception of Ghost Hunters on Sci Fi. That is a more accurate depiction of paranormal investigations. If Hollywood focused on accuracy in this field they would make no money. We do alot of sitting around and observing, you cant sell that to an ADD public. If I had to complain about one depiction of the paranormal in Hollywood, it would be the Amityville Horror "remake." Talk about a bastardization of a bastardization. George Lutz himself said the original was nothing like what actually occured, and the remake wasnt even anything like the original, absolutely terrible. Oh and dont even get me started on "Most Haunted" and Derek Acorah. I dont think any other group of people with the exception of the IGHS has done more to hurt this field than those clowns.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself and what you do?

I am 27 years old, a business owner and a full time student. Currently I am working on a second college degree, and co-host a paranormal talk radio show. I am a skeptic believer who had been investigating for a decade now. The only thing I have learned is that NO ONE out there knows anything about the paranormal. We are all struggling to find something tangible to use as a jumping off point to start real research. I feel there needs to be more educated people in this field as well. Many of the folks involved just follow in the footsteps of other folks who didnt know what they were doing either, and the community goes in circles instead of moving forward. This is a science, go out and learn. God bless the hobbyists, but understand that spouting your postulations as fact is not only ignorant, but does nothing to further paranormal research. Accept that none of us KNOW anything about what we have experienced, get studying, and lets all move forward together!

We would like to thank you for taking time out to talk with us. Is there a place our readers can find you? A website? Email?

I would love to talk to your readers and anyone else with an interest in the unexplained. It is always a pleasure to hear different viewpoints. I can be found at www.paratalkradio.com or co.ghostinvestigations.com, and can also be emailed at madidus303@gmail.com

MySpace URL:

http://www.myspace.com/paratalk

Interview with Nicole, ParaTalk Radio Host, writing a book about psychic vampires

2006-10-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

At what age/point in your life did you become interested in investigating the paranormal?

Growing up with a father that has been involved in the study of the paranormal for over 30 years, naturally I was drawn to this field. I first became interested in the paranormal around the age of 9, after having my own personal paranormal experience. Since then, I have been involved in the study of this field and fascinated by the unexplained. At the age of 19 I began conducting investigations and eventually put together my own paranormal investigations team and have been conducting investigations since.

Do you believe, or have you found evidence, that the paranormal really do exist? What kinds?

Yes I am 100% convinced that the paranormal truly does exist. Throughout my many years investigating I have come across many paranormal encounters which I have not been able to explain which makes it hard to not believe in the existence of the paranormal. An incident that first comes to mind as far as evidence is concerned, was at a private residence I was investigating in Spokane, WA. We had everything from strange EVP’s to unexplainable photos that we captured on this investigation.

Currently, you're writing a book about psychic vampires. Can you tell us a little bit about that? What is a psychic vampire?

Yes I am currently writing a book on the subject of psychic vampires, which has fascinated me for years now. A psychic vampire is any person just like you or myself, who either intentionally or unintentionally takes energy or what I like to call “life force” from other people or any living thing. Most everyone has been in contact with a psychic vampire at one point or another in their lifetime. There are many reasons why psychic vampires drain energy. One reason is because for some reason or another, they can not produce enough of their own energy, therefore have the need to take it from someone or something that does. A lot of them do not even realize they are doing so, while others do this intentionally. The book I am currently writing touches on the different types of psychic vampires, as well as the history of vampires in general.

Do you believe in the existence of psychic vampires, or is your work merely from a historical/mythical point of view? Have you ever encountered a psychic vampire? What made you choose this topic?

Yes I believe in the existence of psychic vampires as I have encountered many throughout my life. I chose to begin writing my own book on the topic of psychic vampires because of my own personal fascination with the different types of vampires that exist in this world. I want to learn everything I possibly can on the subject matter and have spoken with several other authors like myself who have studied psi-vamps for many years. The subject of psychic vampires is one that a lot of people do not know a much about and I want to be able to bring forth as much information as possible on the topic to help educate others who are interested in vampires in general. I am hoping that with the publication of this book, it will help those out there who seek answers as to whether or not they may be a psychic vampire or know others who are.

Have you ever debunked fraudulent paranormal activity? Can you tell us about it?

I have debunked many cases where the paranormal activity has been fraudulent. One that I will share was on an investigation at a house in Coeur d Alene, ID. My team was contacted to come out to an older home built back in the early 1900’s due to strange noises and doors opening and closing as well as a specific radio which was turning itself on by itself during a specific time of the evening. We came out to investigate the home, only to find that the radio which was turning itself on, was also an alarm clock which had been set to go off while we were there for the investigation. The door in the basement that was opening and closing on its own, was happening due to one of the guys that lived there that thought it would be funny to tie a fishing pool line to the door and was pulling it shut from outside the bedroom window. Not to clever on his part if you ask me. But there is a lot of fraudulent activity that I have seen mostly from kids who like to have fun at investigators expense, from my experience.

Has there ever been an investigation you couldn't disprove?

There have been several investigations that I could not disprove, but in my experiences, a good majority of cases can be debunked from natural occurrences that may happen in any home/building. One case that I could not disprove was a home where on the investigation, I was standing in the kitchen with another one of my team members and had a large glass thrown at me from the other side of the kitchen. This was not only a bit startling but also something that we could not debunk. We witnessed several cupboards in this home opening on their own.

What thoughts do you have on Hollywood’s portrayal of the paranormal? Is there one you feel is more accurate than the rest? One you wish you could throw your shoe at?

I feel that Hollywood highly misportrays the paranormal field in general. I have not come across one movie that I feel accurately portrays the paranormal. There are so many TV shows out there that really make the field out to be more fictional and theatrical than what it really is. I feel that the show TAPS Ghost Hunters more accurately depicts the truth of the paranormal existence. They use science and actually go in to disprove the activity, where as a lot of other shows just go in to prove the activity and throw in a lot of theatrics to catch the public’s eye. One movie that I felt stretched the truth way past what it really is, would be the movie “White Noise.” They make EVP work look like it is a terrible thing to do and bring forth that conducting work in this field will bring out evil entities that will attack you and they stretch the truth far beyond what EVP work truly is all about.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself and what you do?

I currently reside in Denver, CO and am a business owner as well as a college student.
I am the Regional Director of a paranormal investigations team out here known as Ghost Investigations Colorado as well as the co-host of a paranormal talk radio show called ParaTalk Radio. I am dedicated to the research and study of the paranormal and continue to seek other like minded individuals with the same goals.

We would like to thank you for taking time out to talk with us. Is there a place our readers can find you? A website? Email?

You can find my websites at www.paratalkradio.com as well as http://co.ghostinvestigations.com . I can be easily reached by email at leader.nicole@gmail.com or ghostinvestigations.colorado@gmail.com.

MySpace URL:

http://www.myspace.com/paratalk

Realm Immortal: King of the Unblessed by Michelle M. Pillow

2006-10-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Realm Immortal: King of the Unblessed by Michelle M. Pillow

Print- http://mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=83

Ebook - http://mybookstoreandmore.com/product_info.php?products_id=51

Immortality has a way of changing fate. Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good - happiness and pleasure his domain.Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick's and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.

Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the blessed, coveted by the damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father's, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she’d get what she wished for. When her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving.

Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her...or die.

Enjoy this excerpt from

Realm Immortal: King of the Unblessed

Copyright © 2006 Michelle M Pillow

All rights reserved ~ a Samhain Publishing, Ltd. publication.

http://www.samhainpublishing.com/kingoftheunblessed.shtml

"You tricked me into giving my word. You manipulated me, Merrick.".

Merrick sighed, looking at Juliana's back. She lay on his bed. The room was his, but he'd been letting her sleep there. Now that she had pledged her body, he would not be staying away. He'd been up most of the night with Lord Kalen and his men. After the guests had left, they sat around talking, strategizing. The bonfire was abandoned. It was just a simple warning that Ean's men had been there.

"You look uncomfortable." Merrick motioned his hand, giving her a nightdress. Her gown changed to a loose-fitting silk chemise with sheer sleeves. She'd already taken off the jewels and he saw them on the table next to her toiletries.

She tensed, pushing up from the bed. "I'm tired of you doing that. I want to dress myself. I want to pick my own clothes. I'm tired of looking like a…" Juliana's mouth worked as if she tripped over the words. "Like a woman of low morals."

"I dress you in the materials of an elfin queen," Merrick stated. As he lay down, his clothing disappeared, leaving him naked. His crown faded into nothingness. He rested on his back, folding his hands behind his head. "Whores have no need of clothing."

Juliana's mouth worked, as she eyed his naked body. He winked at her, smiling. Fighting the urge to laugh, she asked, "Are you…saying you're a…?"

"Man of low morals?" he prompted. "Most definitely. It comes with the crown."

Juliana giggled, covering her mouth. She hit him lightly on the arm. "I'm angry with you. Stop making me laugh."

"What is it I have done now?" Merrick sighed. Would she never be pleased?

"That old woman tonight, the one with the missing eye. She said that you kidnapped me to start a war."

He said nothing.

"So it is true?" she said.

Merrick reached for her. She was always so quick to think the worst in him. But could he blame her? Everyone expected the worst out of him. He'd long ago stopped explaining himself, knowing it would do no good. For some reason, even as he resolved to let her think what she would of him, he found himself saying, "A war has started because I've taken you. I did not take you to start a war."

"Then why did you take me?" She moved closer to him. Her hair spilled over her shoulders in a messy array of curls. She'd taken it down on her own, but he found he liked the messy imperfection and did not change it.

"Kiss me," he said instead of answering. He expected her to refuse, but she didn't. Crawling over to him, she lightly brushed her lips onto his, making a soft noise as they touched.

"I shouldn't want you," she said. "I don't want to want you."

"I know."

"You killed my intended." Juliana didn't open her eyes. Her hair spilled along his face. "You've tricked me and manipulated me."

"Don't look to the past. It will never bring you peace." Merrick closed his eyes. His body was aroused, but that was nothing new. He was always aroused by her. Her smell surrounded him, so sweet, so soft. She was so beautiful, the one thing he enjoyed looking at in his world of goblins and trolls. "Touch me, Juliana. I want you to make love to me."

Merrick wanted her to get used to him, wanted her to touch him when she had the urge to do so, to not hold back. Juliana feared her feelings for him. Humans were strange creatures when it came to passion. They treated it like a curse. How could something that felt so wonderful, so completing, be a curse?

Interview with Rose Marie Wolfe, psychically sensitive

2006-10-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

At what age/point in your life did you become aware of your gifts/abilities?

I had always sensed strange things from a very early age. I saw my first ghost when I was about five or six, though I didn't know it at the time. I always felt as if something was following me, like a monster. Whenever I would turn to see it, it would disappear. One day, I happened to walk by a mirror and glanced into it and saw the form of a tall man in a fancy dress suit, something of a 19th century style and I was stunned, scared.

When I was about sixteen I began to research more about psychically sensitive people and discovered I was clearly one. Since then, I have come to accept my gifts and I am no longer afraid to face it.

Was a there an influential event in your life that lead you communicating with the dead?

After my mother's death in 2004, I constantly began to have dreams relating to her. Her spirit would visit me and talk to me as I slept and I realized there was something I had to do, something I was supposed to. And that something was growing psychically. My mother had always been able to see spirits. She told me the most fantastic ghost stories, stories that were true, that had happened to her. She could always sense something. It was like she knew everything, literally.

But she was never really open about it. When I would ask her, she would change the subject, skirt around it as if it was something to never be mentioned again. So, it seemed to me that she was trying to make up for that in death by coming to me and finally opening up. That was when I really began to communicate with the spirits around me.

Can you share a little bit about your most unique paranormal experences?

Oh, where to begin? The one that sticks out in my mind was the poltergeist I encountered when I was about fifteen or sixteen. I was seated at my computer, chatting with a friend when I heard a strange musical sound. At the time, I had several collectible porcelain dolls, all lined up in a row on my mantle and they played songs when wound up. My brother and nephew were visiting that day and naturally, I thought the little boy was playing with my doll.

I spun around quickly to scold him, but he wasn't there. Instead, the porcelain doll in the center of the mantle began to turn, her music still playing. She turned about until she faced the other wall away from me. I was stunned. I stared at the place for the longest time, then slowly got up. I walked out of the room in a daze and went straight to my mother.

The thing about this encounter wasn't so much the shock of seeing it happen, but my mother's reaction. When I told her there was a ghost in my room, she only shrugged and said "They do things like that. Maybe you should find out what it wants." That shocked me more than anything and stands out in my mind as vivid today as when it happened.

What do you have to say to non-believers? Why do you think not everyone can communitcate with the dead?

Alot of times I think it comes from childhood experiences that are quickly squashed by parental influences. Children are often more inclined to recieve psychic impulses, but as they grow and learn and are forced to believe what their parents want them to believe, they let go of it. They no longer are able to see the spirits, or talk to them, or experience anything otherworldy. It brings to mind a true story I once heard of a young woman who's daughter was constantly talking to a deceased brother she had never met. The mother, fed up with her daughter's "imaginary friend", told her he was dead and therefore made it final. The little girl never saw spirits ever again.

What thoughts do you have on Hollywood’s portrayal of psychics/sensitives? Is there one you feel is more accurate than the rest? One you wish you could throw your shoe at?

For the most part, Hollywood is totally wrong. Entertainment is stories, made up things, fiction. And some people take that too far. I feel for a story to be believable, there must be some element of truth to it, even if it's the smallest amount, espeically when it comes to psychics and sensitives.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

My debut werewolf novels "Sweet Moon Dreams" and "Blood Moon" are coming out 2007 from Samhain Publishing. They are the first books in the Moon series and are paranormal thrillers.

We would like to thank you for taking time out to talk with us. Is there a place our readers can find you? A website? Email?

Readers can go to my website at www.rosemariewolf.com to read more about my upcoming releases. I can also be emailed at rosemariewolf @ gmail.com (remove the spaces)

MySpace URL:

http://www.myspace.com/rose_marie_wolf

Article from a Paranromal Expert :)

2006-10-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Newsletter:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ForbiddenTouch

Myspace:
www.myspace.com/liladubois

Hail and well met Friends.

I recently completed fieldwork on a study of the neo-pagan and Wiccan community in Los Angeles. The resulting paper has been presented in conferences and sections were printed in an academic journal. I have no doubt that this will be the most boring of the topics presented for the evening but I hope to add a touch of academic. The follow excerpt (never before published) addresses the issue of identification and the ‘right’ to identity with a culture.

Along with being incredibly fascinating the study gave me background and perspective on my writing. Though I do not write paranormals (and certainly not as well as out fair hostesses) in my fantasy stories the spells and rituals are the most realistic parts of the story as I draw them from my observations and studies.

Blessed Be.

Lila
www.liladubois.com

Excerpt from study:
One incident that typifies this behavior was in the Wicca 101 class when Ann made an inappropriate comment. Fritz was talking about Beltane, one of the eight Sabbats of the year. He was explaining that the Beltane ceremony was one of the most important ceremonies because of all that it represented. Traditionally, Beltane drew the most people to the ceremony at Raven’s Flight because it meant so much to so many different people. Ann broke in saying, “and because it’s fun!” Beltane is the part of the year that celebrates sex and fertility so whereas this comment was meant to be lewdly funny, instead Fritz turned on her. He gave her a set down saying that it was a mistake to degrade Beltane into being all about sex for the sake of sex, and that comments like hers are what give Wicca a bad name, and that a witch should know better. While acknowledging that Ann called herself a witch, Fritz clearly stated in front of the entire class that she was an amateur as far as he was concerned. Fritz, as an insider and high-ranking member of the site was exerting control over the culture as represented through the usage of the term ‘witch.’ He did not have the power or authority to deny her that title or role, because he cannot tell her that she could not call herself a witch, but he discredited her claim to the title in front of all of the members of the class.

For the Wiccan community, there is not only a deep concern about who claims the culture by calling themselves a witch, but also how the culture is perceived by outsiders. Since there is a truly deep history of persecution of those who do claim the culture, it is understandable that there is an effort towards presenting a non-threatening public face. This is also a legitimate strategy used by many movements when attempting to build a mainstream acceptance of existence for a culture not the norm in a particular society. There are exceptions to this rule, particularly people who delight in publicizing their alternative beliefs knowing that there is a certain shock value reaction they will get, however this is not the norm and these people for the most part seem to have personal reasons for choosing to do this. There are many examples of how norming behaviors within a movement has led to greater understanding of the particular culture and standards of behavior within the culture by those outside the culture. The gay and lesbian culture has accomplished this, if not complete acceptance, of the culture by people outside of it. However the Wiccan and Pagan communities have not yet penetrated to the mainstream of American culture to this extent yet.
Copyright 2006 E.O.

Halloween Trivia

2006-10-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Phasmophobia" is the fear of ghosts.

A cup of candy corn has fewer calories than a cup of raisins.

It's illegal to sell a haunted house in New York without informing the buyer.

Eighty-two percent of children take part in Halloween festivities, as do 67% of adults.

The first jack-o'-lanterns were made of turnips.

"Samhainophobia" is the morbid fear of Halloween.

Halloween is the biggest holiday of the year when it comes to candy sales—estimated at $1.93 billion. One quarter of all the candy sold each year is purchased between September 15 and November 10.

The word witch comes from the Saxon word Wicca, which means "wise one."

Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green.

In France, more than 30,000 werewolf cases were tried between 1520 and 1630.

Dracula is the most filmed story of all time.

The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,469 pounds. It was weighed in on October 1, 2005 at the Pennsylvania Giant Pumpkin Growers Weigh-Off.

Trick-or-treating is an Irish tradition, based on a custom where wealthy landowners would give food to the poor on Halloween night, believing ghosts would look favorably on them for doing so and spare them from mischief.

In Romanian, Dracula means "Son of the Devil."

The Scots believed in "Samhanach," a goblin who came out only on Halloween and stole children.

Halloween costume sales are estimated at $1.5 billion.

Eighty percent of kids say their favorite Halloween candy is either chocolate or gum.

Pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables.

Pennsylvania was the first colony to legalize witchcraft.

There is a poisonous mushroom called a jack-o'-lantern. These mushrooms are a bright orange-yellow in color and on rainy nights they appears to glow in the dark.

Fifty-one percent of all American adults believe in ghosts. Nine percent of Americans claim to have been in the presence of a ghost during their lifetime.

Americans consume about 20 million pounds of candy corn each year.

The Count Dracula Society was founded in 1962.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, people in costumes and masks would go from house to house, singing and dancing to keep evil at bay. These people were known as "guisers."

Americans spend about $50 million on Halloween greetings.

According to studies, the smell of pumpkin pie is the most arousing to women, followed by lavender, cucumbers, baby powder and Good & Plenty candy.

At one time, there were public trials and convictions of animals for witchcraft.

In Lewis, Scotland, Halloween was once celebrated by designating one man to wade into the evening sea and offer a cup of ale to Shoney, a sea god.

In the North of England, Halloween was called "nut-crack" and "snap-apple night."

Ninety-nine percent of pumpkins sold in the U.S. are used to make jack-o'-lanterns.

The first Frankenstein film was produced by Thomas Edison in 1910.

The average U.S. household spends $44 on Halloween candy.

There is a Transylvania County in North Carolina.

According to superstition, you will see your future spouse over your left shoulder in the mirror at midnight on Halloween.

"Wicca phobia" is the fear of witches and witchcraft.

October 30 is National Candy Corn Day.

A popular Halloween drink in 18th century Ireland was "lambs-wool," which consisted of roasted, crushed apples mixed into milk.

Dan Rather was born on Halloween, as was Jane Pauley.

Celts believed black cats were once people who had been turned into animals with evil magic.

FOUND ON REAL HEADSTONES

2006-10-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

FOUND ON REAL HEADSTONES

Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York:
Born 1903-Died 1942
Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the
car was on the way down. It was.

******************************

In a Thurmont, Maryland, cemetery:

Here lies an Atheist
All dressed up
And no place to go.

******************************

In a London, England cemetery:

Here lies Ann Mann,
Who lived an old maid
But died an old Mann.
Dec. 8, 1767

****************************

In a Ribbesford, England, cemetery:

Anna Wallace:
The children of Israel wanted bread,
And the Lord sent them manna.
Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife,
And the Devil sent him Anna.

******************************

In a Ruidoso, New Mexico, cemetery:

Here lies Johnny Yeast.
Pardon me
For not rising.

******************************

In a Uniontown, Pennsylvania, cemetery:

Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake.
Stepped on the gas
Instead of the brake

******************************

In a Silver City, Nevada, cemetery:

Here lays The Kid.
We planted him raw.
He was quick on the trigger
But slow on the draw.

******************************

A lawyer's epitaph in England:

Sir John Strange.
Here lies an honest lawyer,
And that is Strange.

*****************************

John Penny's epitaph in Wimborne, England, cemetery:

Reader, if cash thou art
In want of any,
Dig 6 feet deep;
And thou wilt find a Penny.

*****************************
In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England:

On the 22nd of June,
Jonathan Fiddle
Went out of tune.

*****************************

Anna Hopewell's grave in Enosburg Falls,Vermont

Here lies the body of our Anna -
Done to death by a banana.
It wasn't the fruit that laid her low,
But the skin of the thing that made her go.

******************************

On a grave from the 1880s in Nantucket, Massachusetts:

Under the sod and under the trees,
Lies the body of Jonathan Pease.
He is not here, there's only the pod.
Pease shelled out and went to God

*****************************

In a cemetery in England:

Remember man, as you walk by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, you soon will be.
Prepare yourself and follow me.

To which someone replied by writing on the tombstone:

To follow you I'll not consent
Until I know which way you went

******************************

Last add, from Boot Hill, in Tombstone, Arizona:
Here lies Lester Moore
One slug from a 44
No Les
No More

Interview, Gia, Psychic/Medium and a Paranormal Investigator

2006-10-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

How did you become Psychic/Medium and a Paranormal Investigator? Have you always had the talent, or was it something you developed? Did you inherit your talents and have you passed them on to your children?

I guess you could say, I was born with it. My Great Grandmother, Grandmother were both Psychic/Mediums. My family found out I was inheriting tje gifts at the age of 4. My son is now developing his abilites, and my grandson, who is now 4 is showing signs of being Psychic. I started my Paranormal Investigations over 20 years ago.

Do you consider you abilities a gift?

In the early years I felt it was a curse, but at the age of 22 I realized that it was never going away...So I embraced it. Yes, It's a gift and a blessing now.

It's mentioned you worked with police and the FBI. Can you share anything about the cases you've been involved with?

I've worked mostly Missing Children cases. In one case the body needed to be found for a conviction. It was a 14 yr old "cold case". I was able to help them find her.

Other than on investigations, what have your paranormal experiences been?

I've had so many. I don't know where to start.

Do you believe in the existence of ghosts? Have you seen proof of such phenomenon? Ghosts? Spirits?

Yes:::Laughing::::I see them all the time.

What other paranormal creatures, phenomenon do you believe in? Past life regression?

I've seen demons. I know to some that's hard to grasp, but they exsist.

What thoughts do you have on Hollywood’s portrayal of psychics/sensitives? Is there one you feel is more accurate than the rest? One you wish you could throw your shoe at?

I know that Hollywood has to embelish to get an audience. The one that is closest to the real thing, is " Medium " I like the way they portray her. Just a down to earth woman who is trying to juggle being a good Mother and Wife who has Dreams/Premonitions and Spirits that take her away from alot of important family things. (Reminds me of me quite a bit ). I'd really like to throw my shoe at another show ( that I won't name ) Don't want to get people mad ::::::laughing:::::

I hear you're writing a book about your experiences? Anything you'd like to share?

It's about my struggle with living in a time where being a Psychic and a Meduim was looked at as the " Devils Work". And what I have found and experienced over the years , ie: demon, spirits , ect. The book is called " The Three Visitors : A Mediums Story "

MySpace URL:

http://www.myspace.com/swtserenity11

Darkness Radio Interview

2006-10-26T07:22:00.001-07:00

Darkness Radio Interview

Darkness Radio

..Paranormal Theme Day Q & A..

Michelle and I would like to take this moment to thank you for joining our Paranormal Theme Day.

1. Tell us a little about yourself, who you are, what, in the field of paranormal, do you do and how long have you been doing it?

I am Dave Schrader, host of Darkness on the Edge of Town Paranormal Radio Show.
We air every Sunday night and stream the show live on the internet at www.DarknessRadio.com. We began airing shows on Jan 01, 2006 and have had the chance to speak with some of the biggest experts in the field of the paranormal.
I began this show because of my personal interest in the unknown and my own personal experiences.

2. Was there a seminal moment when you decided this was what you wanted to do?

No, not 1 moment. I am intrigued by the unseen forces at work around us. I am also terrified of death so I believe by researching and learning along with my listeners perhaps I can overcome this fear. I have had the chance to see the spirits of my grandparents after they passed, heard voices speak from thin air, dealt with dark forces in my home. So it is the culmination of all of that that spurs on my passion to get the answers.

3. What topic within the realm of paranormal interests you most?

The afterlife and where we go and what happens to us when we die. I am also interested in UFO and cryptozoology and the advancements we are making in the finding of new species on this planet every month.

4. Is there a favorite time or experience revolving around either the discussion of the paranormal or a personal experience you'd like to share with us?

I would say hosting the paranormal cross fire event at this years Penn State, Univ-Con 5 paranormal conference will always stick out with me. To be part of something with so many speakers and professionals offering so many insights into the paranormal.

5. How can our readers find you?

Visit our website at www.DarknessRadio.com to listen to Live shows or the archives we have placed on our site. I also invite then to join our BB and sign up for some of the paranormal retreats we take with celeb ghost hunters, like the one coming up Jan 14-17th aboard the haunted Queen Mary in Long Beach Ca.
We will be joined by Donna and Lisa from TAPS, Chris Fleming from Dead Famous and Patrick Burns from Haunting Evidence. There will be other great speakers and some surprises along the way.

Again, thank you so much for taking time out with us today.

Mandy & Michelle

Raven Paranormal Day

2006-10-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. As most of you probably know by now, we're throwing a huge paranormal party tomorrow, all day at the Raven!

Click here to Join

There will be lots of prizes, interviews, excerpts. Below is a list of the wonderful authors who will be joining us. If you can't make it, more will be posted here on this blog, and excerpts will be saved in the Raven group's file section.

If you're unfamiliar with the Raven, it's a FREE online paranormal story written by Michelle M Pillow and Mandy M Roth!

Michelle - www.michellepillow.com
Mandy - www.mandyroth.com

You can read more of the story here

	Name: MM Paranormal Theme Day Author Sign up
Author sign up for raven bash day Oct 26th

Author	website	newest release	prize(s)
Annmarie McKenna	www.annmariemckenna.com	Seeing Eye Mate	Seeing Eye Mate download
Denyse Bridger	http://www.denysebridger.com	DESCENT INTO DARKNESS	Prize will be a copy of this novel, in PDF or LIT,
Ally Blue	http://www.allyblue.com/	Oleander House	One copy of any one of my e-books, winner's choice!
Barbara Sheridan & Anne Cain	http://www.dragonsdisciple.com	"Blood Brothers"	"Moon Child" DVD
Bianca D'Arc	http://biancadarc.com	Ladies of the Lair	A free download of one of my current ebooks - winner's choice!
Brenda Williamson	http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com/authors/Brenda_Williamson.shtml	The Witch Stone	1 pdf copy of Wolverton Blood
Cassandra Kane	www.cassandrakane.com	What Elves Eat	A copy of any current release!
Charlene Teglia	www.charleneteglia.com	Night Music (Samhain), releasing Oct. 31	a download of Wolf In Shining Armor (EC) and one of Night Music (Samhain)
Debbie Wallace	www.angelfire.com/me5/dawallace	Someone to Love Me	Copy of Someone to Love Me
Debbie Wallace	www.angelfire.com/me5/dawallace	Someone to Love Me	copy of Someone to Love Me (ebook form to 5 winners)
Donna Grant	http://www.donnagrant.com	Prince of Desire (Phoenix Rising II antho) - NCP	chocolate cat from Godiva
Elaine Corvidae	http://www.onecrow.net	Prince of Ash	A copy of any of my current ebooks - winner's choice
Heather Kundert	http://mystikguardians.com	Mystik Guardians: His Wildest Desires	prize pack which will be a download of each of the first 4 Mystik Guardians books to one winner
Jacki Bentley	www.jackibentley.com	Blood Bond	download of my current book, Angel and the Flying Warhorses
Jenna Black	www.JennaBlack.com	Watchers in the Night, coming October 31, 2006	Watchers in the Night mousepad
Joely Skye	http://joely.wordpress.com/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/joelyskye/	Monster	a copy of my novella _Monster_ first in the Minders series
Joey W. Hill	www.storywitch.com	THREADS OF FAITH	ONE COPY (READER'S CHOICE) OF ANY OF MY TITLES. ANY AVAILABLE FORMAT, DIGITAL OR PRINT
Jude Mason	http://www.my-haven2001.com	Freeing the Beast Within	1 free download of either 'And There Were Beasts' or 'Freeing the Beast Within'
Kate Davies	http://www.kate-davies.com/	Ritual Love, Beginnings: A Samhain Anthology	e-copy of Ritual Love
Kate Hill	http://www.kate-hill.com	Handsome Bastard	a download of one of my ebooks (winner's choice of title
Lauren Dane	http://www.laurendane.com	Cascadia Wolves: Tri Mates	ARC of Tri Mates
Lorraine Kennedy	www.lorrainekennedy.com	Song of the Annunaki	a copy of my backlist book. Wolf Dance
Mackenzie McKade	http://www.samhainpublishing.com/fallensrevenge.shtml	A WARRIORÂS WITCH	an e-book download of THE CHARADE and one of A Warrior's Witch
Mandy Roth	www.mandyroth.com	King of Prey ~ Samhain Publishing	Lots of prizes!!
Marie Harte	www.marieharte.com	Aftershocks, Storm Lords Book Four	small giftbasket
Mary Winter	http://www.marywinter.com/	Revealing Photos (Ellora's Cave)	download of one of my Galaxy Rogues novels
Maya Banks	http://www.mayabanks.com	Colters' Woman	Copy of Seducing Simon in choice of format. Copy of Colters' Woman in choice of format
Mechele Armstrong	http://www.mechelearmstrong.com	The Collector 1: Magical Chances	copy of Dinah's Dark Desire (choice of format)
Meg Allison	http://www.samhainpublishing.com/secretsandshadows.shtml	Secrets and Shadows	large tote bag featuring the cover for Secrets and Shadows.
Melany Logen	http://melanylogen.com/	TorcÂs Salvation	A copy of Torc's Salvation in winner's choice of format.
Michelle M Pillow	www.michellepillow.com	Realm Immortal: Faery Queen	Lots o' prizes, yo! Sorry, felt hip for a second
Myla Jackson	http://www.mylajackson.com/Mylahome.htm	WitchÂs Curse	download of choice of a past EC release
Myra Nour	www.myranour.com	To Tame a Werewolf	Copy of the story printed by author & bound, with signed cover.
N.J. Walters	http://www.njwalters.com	LucianÂs Delight	?
Penelope Marzec	http://www.penelopemarzec.com	KISS OF BLARNEY	Halloween candle holder with candle
Ruby Storm	http://www.rubystorm.net	CRACKED: PRELUDE TO PASSION	Free download of Cracked: Prelude to Passion
SA Martin	http://www.shirleymartin.net/	ONE MORE TOMORROW	Goody bag with posters, bookmarks, and a disk of my fantasy romance, NIGHT SECRETS
Sally Painter	http://www.sallypainter.com	Last Resort - Vampire	$10 gift cert winner's choice B&N or Amazon
Samantha Storm	http://www.samanthastorm.com/	Eye of The Storm	Two winners get a download of Eye of the Storm and a bag of French Chocolate Truffles
Sherrill Quinn	www.sherrillquinn.com	The Wolf of Cnoc Meadha (Phoenix Rising I)	tote bag and 1 free download from backlist
Silvia Violet	http://violet.chaosnet.org	Shifter's Station 4: Eye of the Tigress	Magic in the Blood magnet
Sydney Somers	http://www.sydneysomers.com	Talons: Caged Desire	Downloads of Watchtowers: Air and Say You're Mine
Sylvie Kurtz	www.sylviekurtz.com	Pull of the Moon	copy of my previous Gothic, A Rose at Midnight
TJ Michaels	www.tjmichaels.com	JAGUARÂS RULE	a download of any Dynamic Three (TJ Michaels, Lauren Dane and Shelly Munro) download from Ellora's Cave
Tilly Greene	www.tillygreene.com	'Call Me Lucifer'	cool Frankenstein candle and goodie bag

Just Released (ebook) Phoenix Rising I

2006-10-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

To celebrate NCP's tenth anniversary, they've brought together five of our bestselling authors in Phoenix Rising I to write steamy novellas in all our reader's favorite genres...

TO BUY OR READ MORE CLICK HERE
http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/phoenixrising1.htm

LENGTH: Full Novel-PLUS
SENSUALITY: Carnal

INCLUDED IN ANTHO:

Nightshade by Morgana de Winter (Fantasy Romance): Which one's the real beast? The abusive husband who tried to kill her? Or the gargoyle, Nightshade, who not only saved her life, but taught her something she had never known...passion?

Deception's Calling by Marie Harte (Paranormal Romance): In the Specter Squad, Lt. Drake Nichols is referred to as Lt. Hotbod. Newbie Det. Summer Michaels knows the 'boss' is off limits but she can't seem to get the man out of her mind.

Arrested Desires by Michelle M. Pillow (Futuristic Romance): Evicted from her home on Baida Prime without a credit to her name by her soon to be ex-husband, Juliana Harrison has little choice but to take the deliciously handsome Officer Maverick Perkins up on his offer...

The Wolf of Cnoc Meadha by Sherrill Quinn (Paranormal Romance): Queen Una of the Daoine Sidhe is playing at a little matchmaking for her son Connor, the Faolchú Cnoc Meadha--The Wolf of Cnoc Meadha.

Morpheus by Alicia Sparks (Paranormal Romance): Anna took the job writing for the magazine Metal Alloy to be closer to Grey, the lead singer for the band Morpheus. Now he has invaded her dreams.

While there, you can check out Phoenix Rising II
a second collection with Angelique Anjou, Elizabeth Batten-Carew, Jaycee Clark, Donna Grant, Mandy M. Roth

Getting to know you...getting to know all about cough I'll stop singing

2006-10-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

~FOUR THINGS ABOUT ME~

(A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Banquet Coordinator & Restaurant Mgmt

2. Tattoo Shop Front Girl

3. Photographer

4. Author

(B) Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. Pride and Prejudice

2. 13th Warrior

3. Count of Monte Cristo

4. Practical Magic

(C) Four places I have lived:

1. Tiny apartment, six people

2. Old studio with lease transfers between friends since the 1970s (nearly 3 decades)

3. House with Ziggy wallpaper in the bathroom

4. Two story house with greenhouse and secret garden

D) Four TV television shows I watch:

1. Weeds

2. Nip Tuck

3. Angel/Buffy

4. Dexter

E.) Four places I have been on vacation:

1. 3000 mile drive around the USA

2. Door County, Wisconsin

3. San Francisco, California

4. Fort Myers, Florida

( F) Four Websites I visit daily:

1. Myspace

2. eblogger

3. Amazon

4. Yahoo Groups

( G) Four of my favorite foods:

1. chicken parmesan

2. pasta - any kind

3. chicken fried steak

4. brownies

(H) Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Europe in a castle

2. Slovakia/Romania

3. Cyclades

4. Germany

I.) Four people I'd like to meet.

1. Jane Austin

2. the characters from Buffy, Angel and maybe Charmed--um, what do you mean they're not real? *smack!*

3. a supernatural

4. Nobility or Royalty

J.) Four jobs I'd like to have.

1. At Happy Madison Productions--Adam Sandler's friends always seem to have work and I love to laugh

2. On a spin-off sitcom of Angel and Buffy--looks like fun

3. Columnist

4. Assistent to a kick-ass gothic style photographer--just so I can glean more knowledge

YOU'RE TURN--Come on, you know you want to waste time with me.

So excited - Word of my first Re-Releases, Coming in Mass Market!

2006-10-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

I just got word that my first two Virgin Cheek books will be re-released next year in mass market, along with the two books I have scheduled to come out next year as new releases.

Fierce Competition MM pbck is due for a May 07 UK release and July 07 US release; Opposites Attract gets a June 07 UK release and an August 07 US release.

These are my first Re-Releases, so naturally I'm very excited and had to share! *doing little dance around my office*

These two were originally released in trade paperback.

And this is on top of the two new books I have with Virgin next year. With my third CHEEK book, Bit by the Bug (Feb 2007), I..ll be starting a new series within the line. One which my CHEEK editor, Adam Nevill, calls, ..Very much what I see as representing all of the Cheek values and facets..youthful, funny, contemporary, hip, very passionate and intensely romantic too... The second in the Matthews Sisters series, Along for the Ride, is due for release Fall 2007.

Very cool place to hang out - For Authors and Readers on myspace!

2006-10-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

COS Productions

I wanted to point this one out to everyone. If you haven't been by there yet, you should go check it out. (BTW, I've got nothing to do with running this site, just a fan of what they're doing!)

Not only do they do book trailers for authors, they have a list of many of the authors, bookstores and publishers here on myspace for you to check out and network with--see their blog.. They post monthly blogs with release information for many books of all genres. It's a great place for authors to connect with readers and get their work seen, and a wonderful place for readers to browse around and connect with your fave authors and maybe find some new ones.

Their newest free project for writers is a social network, focusing on listing titles by authors right here on myspace. To see the project, g o here.
To find out how you can be a part of the project, go here.

Many of their services are free to authors, and I believe all are free to readers. I'd like to thank them for donating their time, and encourage everyone to spread the link to their site so all myspace authors can get exposure.

Oy, another one.

2006-10-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

"First there was this: An advertisement from the Greater Washington advertising organization that, simply by virtue of juxtaposition, paints romance readers as Not Too Bright..." --- What was I thinking Blog by Sela Carson

Thanks to Sela for reminding me of this one via your blog post in response to my political one below. I found this topic the other day at Smart Bitches. It's an add displaying my fellow NCP author, Kaitlyn O'Conner's book. I recommended heading over there if you're curious to read more.

I'm not one for talking politics, but...

2006-10-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

If you missed the hubbub about romance novels in the Texas news lately, here's a quick recap:

A recent article, "Comptroller hopeful takes novel approach", reports Democrat Fred Head is speaking out against his competitor, Republican Agriculture Commissioner, Susan Combs, for writing a romance novel. The book, A PERFECT MATCH, was published back in 1990 (publisher now defunct). He calls her a pornographer for it.

I'm really not one to talk politics in a public setting, but thought this was a relevant event to who I am and what I do. Romance writing always had a certain amount of persecution to it. You have those people who think romance writers and pornographer are the same. But I refuse to be ashamed of what I do for a living. I love people falling in love. What shame is there in that?

If you ask me, they're the ones with the problem--all fixated on the sex part to the point they can't read past it. Did they miss the falling in love? The message of overcoming oneself and the insurmountable odds most of these romance couples face? Did they miss the message of hope, of good triumphing evil, of good people having good things happen to them? Even if it's a sweet, calm romance, did they miss the evolution of the characters, of inner growth? How they overcame themselves and their past, their hangups? Or maybe they missed the simple pleasure of just reading a good book for the sake of a good book, and allowing those feelings of love and warmth to invade them. Sure, the themes and stories are different, that makes for good fiction, but for the most part the message is the same.

I do call romance novels 'good books' as I do all genre fictions. Not all things have to take a stance and change the world. Sometimes, it's nice just to leave the world and get a break. Reality is always here when we need it.

As for the offended, um, how exactly do they think they got here? I think the world would be a wonderful place if everyone felt the level of true, undying, selfless love a lot of romance novel couples feel--and if they had half the great sex. More couples would probably stay together as well.

Am I saying Romance Novels are the way to save the world? No, of course not, but they can't hurt it. According to RWA romance accounts for 1.2$ billion in sales each year, 54.9% of all mass-market fiction sold, 39.3% of all fiction sold. 64.6 Million Americans have read at least 1 romance novel in the past year.

For more blogging about this topic, or to read some of the letters people have written to Mr Head about this, go to:
Jolie Mathis
Jennifer Archer
MJ Pearson

And, if this, or the other blogs inspires you to speak your mind to the Democratic Party, you can do so HERE!

MM Paranormal Online Party! Oct 26th ~ Lots of Prizes and Fun!

2006-10-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Click here to Join

MM Paranormal Theme Day Oct 26th

Hi all,

It..s that time of the year again! Mandy and I are gathering all or goodies up for this year..s MM Paranormal Theme Day. It will kick off on Oct 26th and span several boards (consider that a warning *evil chuckle slips out* ). We..re doing something new this year by extending invitations to Paranormal Investigators, Parapsychologists & Experts in the field to take a moment and answer questions for us. We..ll also be doing some of the tried and true things that always generate a large response, the levels of hauntings, your experiences with the paranormal, your thoughts on the supernatural, and let..s not forget the excerpts and the prizes. We..re gathering additional ones from authors as we speak, not to mention we have lots of goodies stored up for this event.

To be able to view the multi-publisher excerpts and prizes, be sure you..re a member of the RAVEN GROUP. We..re making sure to be respectful and keep house excerpts specific to house on the day of event. The RAVEN will act as a free for all. LOL. Only a few of the boards receiving this post will be ones the theme day occurs on so if you..re unsure, you can always check the group calendar and/or join the RAVEN.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Raven_Vampire_Nightclub/join

Thanks,
Michelle M. Pillow
www.michellepillow.com

Mandy M. Roth
www.mandyroth.com

Pleasure Cruise II: Date with Destiny~coming soon to Ellora..s Cave

Historical Romance ~ I promised to blog about....

2006-10-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

The other day I blogged about Virgin (the publisher that is). And now I give you the Medieval historical--the innocent maid, the devilish lord and well, who really needs to know more than that?

But, if you do, here's my first historical romance from Ellora's Cave. Right now it's in ebook only. But I've had hints at print.

If you're interested in seeing this go to print, please, email the publisher and let them know! You readers have a voice and the publishers listen!

Book: Maiden and the Monster by Michelle Pillow Publisher Email: service@ellorascave.com

Maiden and the Monster
By Michelle M Pillow

BUY IT NOW:
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=1-4199-0329-2

Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine 2006 TOP PICK!

"...a perfect blend of history, emotion, tension, hot sex and fascinating and sympathetic characters, and the writing is superb. Pillow chooses magical details to set the scene..."

BLURB:

Vladamir of Kessen, Duke of Lakeshire Castle, is feared as a demon in the land of Wessex. The Kings have granted him a title of nobility in exchange for his part as a political prisoner. Discontent, he bides his time in his new home until war will once again rip through the land. But boredom soon turns to devious pleasure as the daughter of his most hated enemy is left for dead at his castle gate. Now the monster bides his time plotting revenge.

Lady Eden of Hawks' Nest doesn't know what to think of the man who saved her life, but she can't wrench her thoughts away. His words are those of a tyrant, true to his vicious reputation, but his touch is that of a man, stirring passion and lust when there should only be fear. It would seem the infamous monster is not as monstrous as he appears.

EXCERPT:
"Nay, don't ask for your freedom again. It's a useless plea. I won't release you." He watched her lips as she flicked her tongue over the edge. The scent of lilies came to him from her hair as she moved her head to the side. He wondered if Haldana had purposefully used the scent. It had been one of his favorites long ago. He breathed in the enticing perfume of her. For a moment, he was lost in her spell. "Tomorrow you'll be given new quarters."

"The tower? You wish to put me in a real prison? Or mayhap even the dungeon? I have sworn to you I won't leave. At least give me a chance to prove my honor afore you doubt it. If I prove my honor false then you shall imprison me with my blessing, for I won't deny that then I'll be most deserving of it."

"Nay, m'lady, not the tower and most definitely not the dungeon," he answered softly, the sound a vast contrast to his usual hard tone. He wanted to laugh, for he didn..t have a tower save for the chamber she was already in. "Prove your honor."

"Then, you..re to make me your..?" Again she tried to pull from his arms.
"I'm to be put in your chamber, m'lord? With you? Won't your Duchess be upset?"

"There is no Duchess of Lakeshire." Vladamir couldn't draw his gaze from her delightfully full lips as they quivered enchantingly under his watchful eyes. He thought of chaining her to his bed, forcing her to be his bed slave until he took his fill of her. "M.'lady's prison shall be of gilded bars. You'll be afforded full use of the castle. You'll be fed. The servants will treat you with the respect due your station, unless you prove you deserve otherwise."

"Thank you."

"But," he warned, squeezing her shoulders once more and causing her to wince. "You won't be permitted outside the bailey walls. I don't care if the castle is burning to the ground. If you don't have my permission, you shall stay and burn with it. If I find you trying to leave, I'll lock you in the dungeon for all your days and I'll besiege your father's keep until all those who live within starve. I'll burn his crops, slaughter his peasants and his cattle and leave them to rot where they lay. And you, m'lady, will know the full meaning of hell afore you die."

"I understand," she said. "I won't try to escape. My only wish is that you..ll reconsider and let me go."

"I won't do that," he answered, his voice harsh. His chest heaved with rapid breaths, but his growling tone turned soft. "M'lady will do well to wish for other things for I'll never let you go."

"Then I'll stay here true to my word and I'll only leave with your permission." Eden conceded, taking a deep breath. "I will swear it on mine own blood, but only if I may have one demand. Methinks it fair."

Anything.

Vladamir nodded his head and then realized she couldn..t see him well enough through the darkness to make the gesture out. "What?"

"Don't harm my father's people. They don't deserve your wrath. I don't know what plans you may have, but keep your quarrel with my father only. If it is he who has spurred your anger, then he shall have to face it." She pulled away from him and he let her go. Her chin lifted proudly before him, even in her fear of him. "If you don..t harm them, I'll stay here. But, if I find out that you hurt them in any way that wasn't self-defense, I'll break my vow and will do whatever is in my power to escape you. I'll spend the rest of my days if needs be bringing you to justice and I won't stop until 'tis done. Do we have a deal?"

"Yea, m'lady." He smiled at her courage. It puzzled him that she showed no concern for her father's safety, yet cared so openly for the lives of peasants. "I won't harm your father's people."

"Good." She held out her hand, her fingers shaking, but she didn't back down. "Hand me your dagger, m'lord, so that I may keep my word and pledge my honor with my blood. Let us seal the bargain so it shall be done."

"I won't demand your blood just yet," he said softly, denying her his dagger. Instead, Vladamir clasped her outstretched hand and pulled it to his chest over the beating of his heart. Not stopping to think of the consequences of his actions, he swung her into his arms. Shifting her off balance so she fell to the side, he encased her within his embrace. She was so small and fragile to him as she trembled in surprise. His body lurched, wanting this. He bent down and pressed his mouth against her parted lips, unable to resist her temptation a moment more. He needed to feel her heat, her soft lips.

The duke ran the fingers of his free hand into her hair and pressed her to him. The sweet petals of her mouth parted as she sought her breath. She moaned lightly. His tongue daringly traced the line of her lips and her slender body molded into his as if it had been carved for him to hold.

Vladamir had been a long time without the comforts of a woman..s embrace and was a man long used to taking what he wanted. Eden clutched his tunic as he held her to his chest, feeling her intimate heat along his thigh, burning him. He pushed his leg against her, eliciting a soft moan. Innocent, she backed her hips away from his searching. Unable to resist, he grew bolder, forcing his thigh between hers.

REVIEWS:
"RECOMMENDED READ! Maiden and the Monster is one of the best medieval romances I have ever read. It really showcases the author's talent for historicals. The background history is deftly intertwined with the love story. Add to that some very hot encounters between our protagonists, and you..ve got a masterpiece! There's a perfect balance of sex and story. And, Lord what a story!

"Michelle Pillow is a wonderful author with no genre boundaries. I've enjoyed all her paranormals, and I'm thrilled that she has not given up historicals! Maiden and the Monster is a keeper for me, and I predict it will be for many, many other readers as well." Shelley. Fallen Angel Reviews, December 2005

"4 1/2 Hearts! This tale, set in the days of the Saxons, is extremely well done. The characters and setting are so well described that I had no problem picturing them. The love scenes are very hot and made, rather than detracted from the story. The tortured hero and his innocent maiden are very real characters, each one with human failings and misunderstandings... I did not expect the plot twists that the author devised and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next, leaving me to stay up very late to finish this tale. This one is a definite keeper." Reviewer: Maura Frankman, January 30, 2006

"I was so entranced by Maiden and the Monster I couldn't put it down. It's intense, and full of emotion... powerful and moving, ...Maiden and the Monster is a keeper!" Nannette, Joyfully Reviewed, December 2005

Vote - Your ratings needed!

2006-10-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

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I have books listed at HED. If you have the time, click on the above link and rate my books! Right now they all have NEW icons by them. There is three pages of listings, I'm on all three pages, just click the 'Rate it' along the bottom of each booklisting to pick your favorite titles!

Thanks in advance!
Michelle