Guest Author Day with Ryssa Edwards

First, tell us a little about you and what you do.

What I do? Ummm. . a girl’s got to have some secrets. Actually, by day I work for a really big company. By night, I meet interesting people, and all but bribe them to tell me their life story and let me follow them around. I call these people “characters”, and I write down their stories. They get into some pretty scary situations, and sometimes (*insert guilty blush*), I push their backs up against the wall and . . . see what happens. It’s fun. It keeps me off the streets and (mostly) out of trouble.

What do you like to read?

Books. Kidding. I like reading stories. If you can tell a good story, I’ll read it. Right now, I’m on a short story kick, so I’ve been hanging around with folks like Ambrose Bierce, Stephen King, Ian Fleming and H. P. Lovecraft. My yardstick for reading is whether or not a writer can pull me in right from the first sentence. I’m a tough reader. If your story can’t completely grab me in the first paragraph, you lose a few points on my ‘story scale’. I’m just as tough on myself. My goal is to write a story that my reader can’t walk away from; not even for a page, or a paragraph. . . or a sentence. ‘

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Oh my gosh. Tough question. I know it sounds cliché, but the best advice I can give is . . .write! 

Write all the time. Even if you don’t’ have a pen in your hand. If you something makes you stop and go, “Wow. That’s interesting.” Ask yourself why? What caught your attention? How would get someone else to see it the way you did? Over time, these little observations will make it into your characters and your worlds.

When you get a rejection letter, (and you’ll get lots)look at it this way, you’re one step closer to getting published. 

Did I say write? Buy a notebook. Take it everywhere. Ladies, get a purse-size notebook. Guys. . . I don’t know what to tell you. Got ten extra minutes in your day? Then you’ve got time to write daily. Pick a good exercise book. One of my favorites is A Writer’s Book of Days by Judy Reeves. I just started Writing Down the Bones. The exercises are tough, but you get a lot out of them. I’m working my way through The 4 A. M. Breakthrough by Brian Kiteley. I love this one!  I can’t finish each exercise in ten minutes, but if I stay with one exercise all week, then that’s fifty minutes of exercises in a week.

And my last bit of advice . . . don’t stop. You know those times when your internal editor is all over you? Keep writing. That voice never goes away, but if you keep going, one day you’ll get to prove them wrong.

What’s your latest release?

I’m so glad you asked! I have four releases coming up.

Dark Angel, All the Stars is part II two of my Immortal Pleasures series. It’s the story of the Archangel Lucifer and his centuries long love for Aeryn, a mortal. It’s out today!

The Moon House is a short story that will be part of the First Time for Everything Dreamspinner Press Daily Dose anthology. The first story will be out on June 1^st. The Moon House is the story of Samson, a carnival strong man who falls for Jace, a virgin.

Dreaming of a Kissing is a novel about Rafe, a college freshman who sets out to find a cure for his mother, and ends up falling in love with Kayne, a Wulf in training to be Alpha Wulf. This book is coming soon from Decadent Publishing.

Immortal Pleasures, Volume I (working title) is a print edition of the first two stories in my Immortal Pleasures series, Warrior Angel, Heart’s Desire and Dark Angel, All the Stars. This is coming soon from Silver Publishing.

I’m writing a secret project for the Male / Male Romance Discussion Group on Good Reads. It’s part of the Hot Days of July “Dear Author” letters. Stop by Good  Reads and check out Hot Days of July!

Where can we find you on the web?

Facebook: facebook.com/RyssaEdwards

My Blog: http://ryssaedwards.blogspot.com

Good Reads (my Discussion Group):

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/48013.Ryssa_Edwards_It_s_a_Romance_Thing

Good Reads (Hot Days of July Thread) – check out my story guy’s pic. . . yikes!

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/554139-dear-author-katie-taken-by-ryssa-edwards

Good Reads (my promo threads. Keep up with new releases here)

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/558453-ryssa-edwards

Available TODAY-Dark Angel, All the Stars

Silver Publishing

M/M Fantasy

Sequel to Warrior Angel, Heart's Desire

Buy HERE

The Archangel Lucifer falls in love with Aeryn, a mortal, in the Middle Ages. Aeryn is caught painting erotic art. The Inquisition catches Aeryn and condemns him to burn at the stake. The Inquisitor is being used by a Nephilim who has been seeking vengeance against Lucifer for thousands of years. Six hundred years later, Lucifer finds Aeryn reincarnated in the present They unite, however, the Nephilim is still after Lucifer. Can Lucifer save the love he's waited over six centuries to find again?

Guest Author Day with Scarlet Hyacinth

Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?

I started reading when I was four. I've always loved books, and my first memories always come entwined with reading. As for what I read, usually fantasy or adventure novels. I used to love Russian fairytales – in fact, I still do. Actually, genre-wise, I read pretty much what I write now, except without the m/m haha J

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you call home?

Bucharest, Romania. Let me tell you it's very strange to find my country in other books, especially when there are so many different assessments over it. Also, to my knowledge, there are no vampires here. I have yet to be bitten by one, although I will investigate further, just in case.

Tell us a bit about your latest/upcoming book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

I have two releases just this week. One is Fire of the Four Seasons. It's actually inspired from Russian fairytales – like I said, I really love them. And for me, there's nothing quite like a twisted fairytale. I find something particularly fascinating about it.

My second release is Artie the Good Witch. This is a very special book for me since it's my first attempt at comedy. I wrote it plainly because I wanted something new, a challenge and a change from my usual tone. In the end, angst slipped in – how could it not? – but on the whole, I love the result. As for what inspired it… Not sure. I just started writing and went from there.

Do you go with the flow or plot out the storyline when writing?

It depends. I generally have a vague idea as to where I'm headed, but from there, I mostly go with the flow. For example, I might know how I want it to end, but as I write, the story could take me in a different direction. The characters always have minds of their own and anything is possible. With Artie, I had no clue what I even wanted from the story. With Seasons, I had a general outline – especially since I used several fairytales as basis. So yes, it varies.

Do you have a favorite couple(s) from your many series?

I'm really not sure. I don't think I have a favorite one, since I love them all so much. The characters in Kaldor and Deadly Mates will always have a special place in my heart, especially the ones in the first books – Gabriel and Lucien, Kai and Victor. But right now, my most recent character crush is probably Artie. He's just too clumsy and cute for words – and I think Tristan is a great match for him. We'll just have to see what readers think about him J.

Do all your books require a lot of research?

It's very rare to write a book and not research something. Even fantasy settings have things you'd want to research. For example, for Artie, I looked a lot into pagan rituals and magic. For Seasons, I searched for the best possible combination of fairytales. In other stories, the research is more specific. Sometimes, it's geographical. I choose a location and I need to find out details about it, anything from weather to transportation. Shapeshifter books demand research regarding the animal of your choice, or mythology. Others might need scientific and technologic information, in the medical or mechanical field. Of course, each of these examples often come combined. But I love research, so I don't mind.

You have extensive world building in your stories. How do you keep all the worlds you created straight when you are writing? Have you ever confused two worlds when writing a WIP?

I really do love world building, but yes, it's sometimes difficult to keep track. I only ever confused things once – when referring to a geographical location in my sci-fi series, Love and Lies. I mentioned The Endless Sea there – and I almost chose the same name in my recent mermen book, Awakenings. Thankfully, I realized it before it could go further. It's all in the small details – because the larger ones I can keep track of.

If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?

Does chocolate count? J Maybe coffee. I need the energy to write, but it's not exactly healthy either, so I try to avoid it.

If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?

I don't see myself as a servant for anyone to tell you the truth. I love ancient history and would love to travel in the past, but slaves and servants were treated so poorly then and I don't have a death wish.

What so you see for the future of publishing and e-books?

It's funny you should ask. I actually wrote my master's dissertation on e-books. I think e-books will become more and more important. Sales are increasing more and more, and even if there are disadvantages, the ease and cheap price of a download make up for it. At the same time, I don't think print will disappear, at least not in the near future. Maybe sometime in future centuries, when cutting trees might become a problem, but not now. Holding a book in your hand is very different to reading on your computer/e-reader.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

I love all of them, maybe not equally, but I love them all anyway. My ever-present character crush – besides the one for Artie – is Jean Luc D'Argent from Kaldor. He has that combination of power and pain that I like so much.

I don't hate either of my characters. I pity some of my villains, like Lothar, also from Kaldor. I give them motivations for their actions, but they always end up unloved and punished for their crimes. Fear… Not sure. I don't actually fear any of them, but I would not want to meet some of them on the street. I like writing dangerous people but shapeshifter assassins like Jamari (Deadly Mates) aren't exactly next door neighbor material. So I suppose if I took my villains in a realistic context, I might fear them.

Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her/him/it when she/he/it refuses to inspire you?

Sometimes, my muse does get on strike. When this happens, I generally try to take a break, read something, rest or spend time with my friends. It's not always productive to keep writing at a quick pace.

Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects?

I have lots of projects in the works. First of all, the sequel for The Plot Bunny and the fifth book from the Deadly Mates series. I also have a more ambitious project in the works. It's my five-book series called Spirit Wolves, all complete and due for release in a couple of months with Siren Bookstrand.

Please tell us where we can find you on the web?

  I am all over the place on the web.

• Contact email: scarlet.hyacinth@gmail.com
• My website: http://scarlethyacinth.webs.com/
• My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000898624333
• My blog: http://scarlethyacinth.blogspot.com/
• My LiveJournal: http://scarlethyacinth.livejournal.com/
• My Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarlethyacinth
• My Google group: http://groups.google.com/group/scarlets-slash?pli=1
• My Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3149556.Scarlet_Hyacinth
• My publisher links:
• Siren Bookstrand: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/scarlethyacinth/
• Noble Romance: http://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=94
• Silver Publishing: http://silverpublishing.info/index/book_authors_id/89/typefilter/book_authors

Artie The Good Witch

Blurb

My name is Artie and I have a problem. My dear grandfather Brew died, succumbing to his love for pastries and leaving me all of his possessions. I now officially own a crumbling tower and two black cats. Unfortunately, this means I also have to take on his responsibilities as a wizard, an impossible thing for me, since I am not one. I am a witch, a good witch, and terribly poor at it. My cats are no help, and they only mock me. My parents are off gallivanting Goddess knows where. I suck at casting spells, yet I am supposed to participate in the very important ritual of the Beckoning in Brew's stead.

To top it off, instead of trying to figure things out, I keep drooling over weird men and finding love in all the wrong places. Wizards and necromancers? What's next, a dragon? In my defense, choosing a boyfriend is really difficult when you're trying to resurrect the land and save its ungrateful people. It doesn't help that I have to avoid being seriously hurt by evil geniuses and cackling witches. Help me out here. I pay in hugs and black kittens. For an inquiry, call 0-900-ARTIE-THE-GOOD-WITCH.

Link:  https://silverpublishing.info/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/artie-the-good-witch-p-280

Excerpt

The cats meowed desperately as I clucked my tongue. The broom took off with a swoosh, obeying my not-so-knowledgeable command. I did manage to hold on without a problem, so the potion must have worked at least to some extent. In fact, I was quite enjoying myself, and ordered the broom to go faster. The speed made me feel powerful and wild, and I loved the feeling of the wind beating against my face.
We traveled for the longest time, but it seemed all too soon that we reached the royal capital of our kingdom. Since our kings and queens have always been unimaginative, they named it just that, Capital. Of course, I shouldn't be the one to speak, since I still called my familiars Cat Number One and Cat Number Two. At least we had a name for the country, although it was just as ridiculous. Okay, so it wasn't so ridiculous. In fact, Brudiwr Deyrnas sounded quite elegant. Even so, in the common tongue, it meant something along the line of "Wizard's Realm", to which, of course, I took a personal offense.
Not even the thought of the insulting name of my country could put me in a bad mood. In fact, I laughed all the way to Capital. It didn't help that, once we were there, I saw the pathetic state of the flags and walls. One would think the great capital of the Wizard's Realm would look better and more magical.
I was so busy laughing I didn't notice the effect of the magic potion beginning to dwindle until it was too late. I swept through the streets, laughing gaily, balancing on my broom and stealing kisses from the youths - both male and female - as I went past. And then I noticed him. A tall, handsome man stood straight in my path, watching me with an unfathomable gaze. I instantly knew he was a wizard. The way he braved my less-than-rational approach radiated stern arrogance. I disliked him on sight and wanted to teach him a lesson.
Of course, my mother's old broom chose this particular moment to act up on me. The potion's effect vanished, and the cats' yowls startled me. With a less-than-dignified yelp, I rolled through the air, landing straight at the man's feet.
From this angle, the only thing I could see was the bottom of his immaculate white robes. It had always been a mystery to me as to how wizards, and witches for that matter, never dirtied their long garments. It was the one thing they seemed to have in common, the long robes they wore. Well, I didn't, because I loathed the damn things, but that was a different matter entirely. Could it be some sort of magic making their clothing impervious to something as trivial as dirt?

Welcome Ryssa Edwards today

Can you tell me a bit about your most recent release/upcoming release?

In my most recent release Michael, Archangel of War has been Banished to the mortal world. In the last year of his Banishment, he falls in love with Laine, a mortal. Warrior Angel, Heart’s Desire tells the story of what Michael and Laine have to do to stay together.

For any readers who may not have read any of your books, can you just give us a little sneak peak into world (i.e. the type of genre you write, type of stories you like to write....etc)? I write m/m paranormal romance. It’s not the classic “boy meets boy” romance. It’s more like romance/adventure. My characters have to fight against great odds and take incredible risks if they want to stay together. In the world I create Michael is Archangel of War, Raphael is Archangel of Healing and Lucifer is Archangel of Hell. They’re brothers who may disagree, but ultimately do what it takes to help each other. Azriel is a Hunter angel who used to be a warrior.
How much of yourself, if any, do you put into your characters?

I put a lot of myself into my characters. The one trait about me that makes it most clearly onto the page is my determination. If there’s something I really, really want, there’s no way I’m stopping till I get it. And well. . I’ve always wanted wings.

How do you keep sex scenes fresh and exciting so they don't become stale or repetitive? I keep my sex scenes fresh by pretending that every sex scene I write is the first one I’ve ever written. I think through the characters’ eyes. What would an Archangel of War be thinking when he’s making love to the mortal he wants to be his mate? What would a mortal be thinking when the Archangel he loves is holding him? I draw heavily on my character bios when I’m creating sex scenes, so that each scene between my characters could not happen in exactly that way with any other two characters.

If you could throw a party with any five people (living or dead) who would you pick and why? Peter Pan, because . . . the party would be at his place—Never Land. Stephen King, because maybe if he touches me at the party, his writing will rub off on me. Michelangelo, because his art is so alive, it speaks after all these centuries. I want to write like that. Carl Jung, because the unconscious is my playground, and he seems to know it best. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, because she’s right, the best treasures lie hidden in the dark.

What are at least five things you have on your bucket list and have you done any of them? I call my bucket list my “Future Resume”. The five things are: (1) live my life like I mean it (check); (2) write a m/m vampire romance novel (working on it); (3) develop a new writing skill every year (check); (4) read an entire series from beginning to end (working on this); (5) go to New Orleans and meet a real vampire (still not undead).

Is there one series/author you feel is a must read for readers to explore (can be e book authors or print NY house authors)? Definitely the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward. It’s sheer entertainment, and proof that if a writer believes strongly enough in an idea, it can be sold.

Do you listen to music when writing? Do you feel like some stories write themselves a soundtrack with specific music? If so, what book and what kind of music influenced it? I always listen to music when I write. I don’t feel like the stories write a soundtrack, so much as the fine details of a story arise from songs with a certain feel

 Do you feel your writing is character driven or plot driven? How do you balance these two elements? Before I sit down to write a story, I do character bios on both main characters. I do this so that whenever I come to a divergence in the plot, I can ask myself, “What would [character] do here? With all the things he’s been through in his life, with his hopes and dreams and fears, how would he handle this?” This helps me to develop a character driven story, even when the plot is heavily laced with “adventure” or “action”.

I balance the character driven element by asking different questions at crucial turning points like, “Which plot line will advance the romance? Which plot line will force the characters to reveal more about themselves and how they feel to each other?”  I like to create a story that’s tense enough to keep readers wondering, but not so herky-jerky with action, that they lose interest.

Is there a genre you haven’t done that you would like to explore in the future? I would love to write a thriller / mystery / romance. Is that even a genre?

What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch
it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time? Star Wars. I can watch it over and over and still be thrilled each time at that big leap across the pit on the Death Star. I still feel like cheering when Han Solo makes that last shot on the Death Star.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 things would you
have with you? War and Peace, because. . I wouldn’t get interrupted, would I? Tarot Cards, because I’d see my rescue coming. A bottle with an airtight cork. Paper. A Pen.

What is the one era you would love to go visit and why? Whatever era Star Trek happens in. I want to go boldly explore and. . .I really want a microwave that cooks for me. I press a button, food comes out. Yeah. I’m ready to explore that.

Out of all your books, do you have a favorite one? If not, then which one is closest to your heart? Dark Angel, All the Stars is my favorite novella. It was difficult writing Lucifer because he seemed so invulnerable, and when he finally let me in to how he felt and why, it felt like a hard won victory.

What character out of all your books is the closest to your personality? Probably Kayne from Dreaming of a Kiss. I’ve lived through a lot of things in my life, but on many days, it feels like I’m just starting out, and there’s so much more to learn.

What do you feel is the most important aspect a new author should remember when writing/creating their own stories? Any advice for aspiring authors? The most important aspect to remember is to have fun!  In your rough draft, just let it happen. Go with the story. Don’t try to drag the story out of yourself, just sit back and let the story tell itself. If you trust yourself enough, it will. My second piece of advice is. . . don’t let the rejections  get to you. Keep writing and keep believing.

What can we expect to come in the future from you? Want to give us a tease of your upcoming projects? I’m working on the third novella in the Immortal Pleasures series, Hunter Angel. It’s the story of Zane and Azriel. After that, I’ll be working on the final novella in the series, which will be Raphael’s story. In June my short story, "The Moon House" will be included in the First Time For Everything Daily Dose. Very soon I’ll be starting a m/m vampire romance novel. It involves vampire warriors, fallen angels, a key and a black rock. That’ll be coming up next year.

Where can we find you on the net?

You can find me at:

My blog

Facebook

 Sneak Peek into Warrior Angel, Heart's Desire

  Coming Soon at Silver Publishing

Michael is the archangel of war, Banished to Earth. In the last year of his Banishment, he falls in love with Laine. But hour by hour, they're ripped apart by forces they can't control, because when Michael's Banishment is over, he'll lose Laine forever. They're given one chance. Laine must risk his life. Michael must risk his wings. What is love on the other side of forever worth?

"He's all I want," Michael said.

His brother landed beside him. Raphael, Archangel of Healing, avoided his brother's eyes. "He's mortal, Michael."

"And I'm Banished."

"We are of the Spirit World," Raphael said. "Invisible, untouchable to mortals. When you return to us, you'll be as He created you."

Michael stroked a black marble tombstone, running his fingers over the raised letters. In a few decades, that was all that would be left of Laine in the mortal world. The thought ignited Michael's fury. He kicked it over, leaving it flat and cracked. "I'll be alone."

"Why bring this sorrow upon yourself?" Raphael's voice was what every suffering mortal hoped to hear when they prayed to his statues. "Your exile is nearly over. Until then, his mortal body is yours to enjoy."

"I don't want just his body," Michael said, "I--"

Overhead a raven cawed and fluttered to the ground. His black wings curving up from his shoulders, Lucifer came to stand between his brothers. He drew a heart over Michael's armor. "I'm touched. In love with a mortal who spreads his legs for you, does things for you even I can't talk about, worships you to the soles of your feet." He rapped his knuckles against his brother's gold breastplate. "Get this Banishment thing done. War isn't the same without you."

Michael tossed his head back, flung his arms out. "You know how the flesh is. What's happening to me?"

"You're turning into a man too in love for his own good."

"Why didn't you mark Aeryn?" Michael said, and regretted it the moment he saw the pain that came into his brother's eyes, but he went on. He had to know. "Laine keeps asking me, but I don't think he knows what forever means to us."

"They don't, Michael. They can't." Lucifer rubbed his hands over his face. "I would have marked him that night. I waited that long because I wanted to be sure. And you see how that turned out."

"He'll be back," Raphael said quietly.

Lucifer rounded on his brother. "Don't shine any of your white light on me, not about Aery."

"It wasn't his fault," Michael said.

"Yeah, he can save every mortal on Earth except the one I loved." Lucifer's voice was low, bitter. He closed his eyes and took a moment to gather himself. "If you mark Laine, you're the only immortal he can be with, ever, in any lifetime. And you won't be in this realm much longer."

Something tugged at Michael, a feeling, a sense that Laine might be in danger. His dark green eyes on his brothers, he said, "I need your help. I can't go before the Council. But you can."

"Go to Laine," Raphael said. "We'll do our best."

The flaming sword across Michael's back felt useless, almost wrong. He spread his white wings. A whirlwind of grave dirt, dead leaves, and forgotten flowers swirled at his feet. His thick black hair blew around his strong face as his body faded into the whirling mini storm of his wings.

Joyee Flynn Blog Tour Stop/Contest Announcement

CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT: One lucky Commenter will win a copy of Carson. To be entered, comment or ask Joyee a question and winner will be announced her on my blog on April 19th.

 **~~**

Hi Joyee, welcome to Dawn’s Reading Nook. I am thrilled to have you here. So let’s get this party started.

Q: What got you interested in becoming an author? Was it something you always wanted to do or just in the last few years?

Honestly, since I was a kid, but I've always been very numbers oriented, crazy literal and logical. I guess I just wrote for fun thinking I didn't have enough creative aspect to ever do it for real. I lost a job a few years ago and decided pretty much to really just go for it. Doing what I thought I was "supposed" to in life with my degrees in corporate America made me miserable. So I sat down and in two weeks churned out a 100k mainstream book that had been in my head.

Q: Tell us about your latest release(s). Are they part of a series and if so, can you give us the book order for readers please?

My Maven, My Everything: Sons of Thanatus #1 is the first in a new series. And it's about the closest I'll probably ever get to contemporary though they're immortal and can see souls. LOL.

Carson: Resistant Omegas #2 (the first being Tristan) is my take on how bigger isn't always better and Omega doesn't mean weak. Hell, small doesn't mean weak to me either. I really had fun pushing the boundaries of what people are used to with pack werewolves and mates.

Isaac Dragos: Beyond the Marius Brothers #1 was actually a demand from Stormy Glenn's & my own Yahoo Group. Isaac plays a vital role in Remus: Marius Brothers #2 and after #3 came out, they started talking because I said I was going to work on Victor #4 that was released last month and holy crap did everyone just jump in and beg for his story. Which was a trip for me because I'd never thought to give him one. I promised I'd think about it… and when I did I sat down and just cranked out 17k words the first day I worked on it. It was CRAZY and just took a life of its own. It's chronologically after Victor #4, but since he's not a Marius Brother I gave him a spin off series name in case I come along other characters in that world that need a story as well.

Q: You write solo and with Stormy Glenn. How did you meet Stormy and decide to write together?

I emailed her with an outline of idea for the Delta Wolf series, some of my own works in progress, and pretty much just begged she give me a chance. Luckily she liked the idea.

Q: Who has been the most delightful character to write about? The most challenging to write about?

That's hard to answer… it's kinda like picking a favorite family member. All of my main characters, have at least a little bit of me in their personalities in some form or another. Riley from the Marius Brothers is one that's a LOT like me I think because if I could do college over again in an alternative universe I would have gone to medical school so he's my vicarious living.

Reed in Lust & Vamp was challenging because it was a way for me to work some things. The way he dances, what it means to him is how writing is for me. So it was very challenging to get it just right for my perfectionist personality.

Q: I loved Micah, the first book in the Marius Brothers series. What gave you the idea for this series? How many other series do you have out or are in the works?

I honestly can't remember, I wrote it well over a year ago. I wanted to do vampire brothers, but the name came about when my pup kept crawling under my desk and licking my toes because he wanted to play. I promised him I'd name it after him if he'd let mommy work. So that's how it got the name.

I have twelve. Nine currently out by myself, one in the works & a secret project. One co-authored series with Stormy Glenn. And one was just announced as a joint project with Stormy & Gabrielle Evans. We're doing something very different and unique. We've been having a blast working on it and we think everyone's really going to love it.

Q: What do you do when your muse decides to be a pita and not communicate with you? How do you kick start the muse again?

I've yet to really lose a muse, it's more picking one while all the others stay quiet in my head for a while. But when I'm stuck or need to figure out where to go with a story I either go outside & play fetch with pup until we both burn off the extra energy or start cleaning.

Q: I know you enjoy food and coffee. What is your favorite comfort food to enjoy? What is one of your favorite coffee drinks at Starbucks to grab?

Besides chocolate… Alana, the brat, got me addicted to Cheryl's frosted sugar cookies. I've actually got one hanging out of my mouth as I type this, LMAO. For mornings, I'm a Quad Iced Venti Peppermint Which Mocha no whip gal. If it's an afternoon pick me up & warm enough out then I'm a caramel white mocha frappe girl but that's rare and I only do Starbucks on release days or when I finish a new book as a treat.

Q: If you could meet any author (living or dead), who would it be and why?

I have like six that immediately pop into mind from all over the place, so I can't just pick one, lol.

Q: What got you interested in writing M/M romance genre? Is there a sub-genre you haven’t done yet but want to in the future?

I read it & thought it was just hot. It was something in my mind that I could play a lot with action and suspense while still having the romance element without too much chasing around the desk that drives me a little nuts as a reader.

Someday I want to be like Charlaine Harris when I'm all grown up. I like the continuing stories where there's so much awesome action with some sex & love thrown in. I've written a couple of mainstream books along those paranormal lines that I've not worked on getting published since I started writing under Joyee. Maybe in that spare time I don't have one day… maybe not though. I'm kinda just going with the flow for now.

Q: So where can we find you on the web, Joyee?

www.joyeeflynn.com; Facebook, & I have a Yahoo Group

 Sneak peek into Carson, Resistant Omegas #2

Siren-Bookstrand

Available HERE

When Carson's old inner circle is challenged and overthrown he knows that he will become the Omega for the new Alpha and his Betas. After all he barely survived the abuse dished out by his last circle and he knows that, as defective as he is, he can only hope to keep the punishments at bay for so long.

Declan, Ian, and Taylor have never wanted to run a pack, but after seeing Carson and realizing how he was being treated at the hands of certain members of the pack, they couldn't stand by and let him suffer. But while they may have won their dreamed of Omega they quickly find it becoming a nightmare. 

Can they help their Omega realize his worth or will he forever be an Omega without hope?

PG excerpt:

“Yes, I swear it,” I said with a soft smile. “I’m not crazy. I’m telepathic.”

“You thought you were crazy? Oh hell, please tell me you didn’t believe Alpha Peter when he said you were schizophrenic?”

“Yeah, I did.” I shrugged. “But we all talked, and they’re going to give you my release papers that you can send to the High Council if they ever beat me or let others use me.”

“Good,” she said, narrowing her eyes at Declan. “And I won’t hesitate to do it if you ever lock him up like that again either.”

“We were trying to protect him.” Declan sighed. “I thought he had stuff to do in that room. We weren’t trying to punish him.”

“Okay, I believe you,” Dorothy replied after a moment. Then she leaned into me and whispered so they couldn’t hear. “Are you sure you want to show them the studio?”

“How did you know?” I whispered back.

“Because you only smile like that when you’re going down to work,” she smiled and gave me another quick kiss on the cheek. “You boys run along, and I’m going to make lasagna for dinner. If I make your favorite, you have to promise to eat and get some meat on those bones.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I giggled as we left the kitchen. Ian kissed my forehead gently before we went down into the basement. “I could get used to this kind of treatment.”

“I’ll carry you around always,” Ian said, getting choked up. “Just don’t ever scare me like that again and make it to where I have to carry you.”

“I won’t, I swear. I am sorry,” I replied as I moved to kiss his lips softly. “I didn’t know anyone cared, but now that I do, I promise I’ll stick around.”

“Good, because there’s a lot more to life than you’ve ever been shown and we want to give it to you,” he whispered in my ear as we reached the basement. I pointed to the back corner. When we got there, I tapped his arm so he’d let me down. I moved around and pulled off the tarps that I had covering my work so it looked like storage instead of a hidden studio.

“Fuck, these are amazing, Carson.” Taylor gasped as he picked up my painting of the Alpha house. “Where did you learn to do this?”

“You mean did I have any training?” I asked, giggling when he nodded. “No one taught me how to paint. I just picked up a pencil one day and started drawing when I was a kid.”

“Who knew our gorgeous love was so talented,” Declan said as he stared at a landscape of the pack lands. “I can’t get over how gifted you are, baby.”

“Thank you, but that’s not what I wanted to show you,” I replied as my face heated up. I pulled a canvas out from behind a stack of blanks and handed it to him. It was a smaller one, about two feet by two feet. Declan gasped as he took it from me. “See, I saw you that day, too.”

“Shit! He could be looking in a mirror,” Ian whispered as he moved next to our Alpha. I’d painted a portrait of each of them, Declan was holding his. I wasn’t lying. I had seen them that first day at the Omega claiming ceremony with Alpha Peter. While they were staring at that one, I pulled out the paintings of Ian and Taylor.

“I thought you three were the most gorgeous men I’d ever seen,” I said softly as I handed them their portraits. “I was so sad that I couldn’t paint you right away. It was a couple of months until Dorothy helped me set this up in secret. But these were the first things I did when I moved in here.”

“Can I keep mine?” Ian sniffled as he glanced up at me. “This is coolest thing anyone’s ever done for me. I’d really like to hang mine in my room if that’s okay with you?”

“You really like it? You’re not creeped out that I’m some stalker or something?”

“We took over an entire pack to be with you and keep you safe. And you’re worried we think you’re a stalker from a gorgeous painting?” Ian said with a laugh as he gently put his painting down as if it was made of glass. Before I could even reply, he lifted me up and swung me around the room. “You can’t stalk the willing, baby. I love you, and I think you’re truly gifted.”

“Thank you,” I whispered as I started to get choked up with emotions. I wrapped myself around him, nuzzling his neck in a very wolf-like gesture as I memorized his scent. “I’m glad you like them.”

“I think we should move your studio to one of the sitting rooms that has a lot of light,” Declan said as he kissed my cheek. “If that’s what you want, I mean?”

“I want to see a movie,” I answered instead, taking another leap. “I’ve never been to a movie theater, and I really want to.”

“We’ll go as soon as you’re feeling better and healed,” he replied with a wide smile. “Anything else?”

“Can we go to a restaurant? I’ve never been to one of those either.” I was thrilled down to my toes that they were wanting to do things with me.

“We can go anywhere you want, baby,” Taylor said as he leaned over and kissed my other cheek. “I’m sure there are lots of restaurants in Chicago for you to try out.”

“We should do, like, a date night once a week.” Declan smiled widely at all of us as if he was proud of his idea. I was just happy that they were trying so hard.

“That sounds perfect,” I whispered. “And yes, I’d love to have a studio with actual light instead of a lone lamp.”

Talking with Scarlett Hyacinth

Let's get right to it. What comes first for you when you sit down to write a book? Plot, setting or Characters?

It depends. Usually, it’s a little of all the three, but mostly a vague idea of the characters and the plot. The setting evolves as I write. World building in my books is very important and grows more and more, especially in series. For example, in my Deadly Mates series, the first book was originally meant as a stand alone werewolf/were-snake story. It became much more and the setting evolved a lot as I wrote the following books.

Tell us about your latest release/upcoming release. What inspired it?

My newest release is called Awakenings and is a ménage m/m/m/m story with twincest elements. It is a fantasy, and the story rotates around three mermen who struggle to come to terms with their taboo emotions and do so only by the intervention of a fourth in their relationship. As for what inspired it, I've always been fascinated with mermen. There's just something about them that makes me love all stories dedicated to mermen. For me, mermen are beauty, strength and magic, like the sea itself.

What do you find the most difficult to write? Dialogue? Back story? Emotion?

Probably the back story. Sometimes it is difficult to keep the balance. I want to show the world and the characters as I see them and for that reason, I write elaborate back stories. Emotion is the easiest, because in the romance is emotion, whether it is erotic or not.

Do you write full time, what is your schedule for the day? Or do you have a full time job, if so, when do you find the time to write?

I write full time now, since I've finished my master's last summer. Generally, I wake up quite early, and try to write as much as I can in the morning. I take a break at lunch, then in the evening, I either return to my current work in progress or edit something else. Often it varies, depending on cover questionnaires I get or other assignments I have.

How do you keep sex scenes fresh and exciting so they don't become stale or repetitive?

Well, it's easier when you write ménage, because you have more to work with, and I've written quite a lot of ménage lately. I like to add the occasional kink or change the dynamics between the characters. Changing the setting also helps – I've been known to write sex scenes over a branch, on a bathroom sink, in a cave, inside a computer system, etc.

If you could throw a party with any five people (living or dead) who would you pick and why?

Only five? LOL. For the first three, my best friend, Orlando Bloom, Manna Francis. Why? Orlando Bloom is my forever crush since seeing him in Lord of the Rings and I'd love to discuss m/m with Manna Francis. As for my best friend, I'd pick her because I'd want to share this amazing experience with her, of course.  For the fourth person, I'm oscilating between Jules Verne, Karl May and Tolkien. They are the mainstream authors I love most. Finally, for the fifth person, I'm undecided between Vlad the Impaler and Yamane Ayano. I'm fascinated with history of all types. I'm curious to see what Vlad would say if he found out he is now considered a vampire. And Yamane Ayano is my favorite mangaka and an amazing artist. I'd love to meet her. 

What do you find easiest and most challenging about writing a series as opposed to a stand alone novel?

The most challenging thing is to keep track of everything you've written in the previous books and preserve continuity. I'm not sure what the easiest is – but what I like the most is that it allows all the characters you create to grow, therefore giving you more freedom to move around in each book.

You write primarily Manlove erotic romances. What drew you to write these types of stories?

Many people have asked me this question and I'll tell you what I told them. There are many reasons why I write m/m. First of all, it offers a depth to the characters. Gay relationships still have to fight against a lot of prejudice, and this is an angle that adds to the story, even in a paranormal setting. Secondly, I have more emotional freedom with the characters. In an M/F, the heroine always has to be strong and keep the man/men in line. Tears are rarely allowed. But if a man cries, it's okay, because it means he's in touch with his sensitive side J (Of course, that doesn't mean we have to make them sniveling babies either.) Finally, it's hot! I love it. Once you go m/m, there's really no turning back.

You have a lot of different series that you write.  How do you manage your time to work on them all and how do you keep track of the various projects/worlds?

I write as it comes to me. I love series because I'm very fond of all my characters and can rarely be persuaded to give them up. They all demand stories of their own, and I have to give them. I do try to be organized. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. You can't force it, because the story is useless and bland if you do.

When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

I've been thinking about writing ever since I was a kid. I still have my first writing attempts lost somewhere on my pc. I began to do so more seriously after a friend challenged me to write a story together. That project is on hold now, although we hope to get back to it. Anyway, after she lost interest, I started writing on my own. Another friend, also an author of m/m, Rayne Auster, talked to me about submitting and eventually, I did.

What are some of your favorite things or hobbies to do when not writing?

I love to read of course and to listen to music. I'm also in love with manga – for those people who don't know what it is, let's call them Japanese comic books. Another thing I enjoy a lot is watching movies, particularly fantasy and paranormal (some things never change). I'm a big fan of The Lord of The Rings.

What can we expect from you in the future?

More, more, more J. I'm continuing my older series, and I am working on the next books in three of my series: Deadly Mates, Bloodkin and Guardians. As a small parenthesis, the first book in the Guardians series came out a few weeks ago, and I expect the first book in the Bloodkin series in a few months, both from Silver Publishing. My next release after Awakenings, Artie the Good Witch, is a bit of a change, being my first ever comedy. I also have a few surprises in store, so keep an eye on the website.

Who are some of your favorite authors, and if we were to visit your home, what books would we find on your bookshelf, end table, floor or e-reader?

Currently on my end table you can find The Danube Pilot by Jules Verne and the Heaven Sent series by Jet Mykles. In my ereader, the largest space is occupied by the Administration series by Manna Francis. I also have fiction by Alice Montrose and a couple of stories by Abby Blake. On my bookshelf, among other things, you would find a lot of manga. My favorite magaka (manga artist) is Yamane Ayano.

How do we find out about you and your books?

  I am all over the place on the web.

• Contact email: scarlet.hyacinth@gmail.com
• My website: http://scarlethyacinth.webs.com/
• My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000898624333
• My blog: http://scarlethyacinth.blogspot.com/
• My LiveJournal: http://scarlethyacinth.livejournal.com/
• My Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarlethyacinth
• My Google group: http://groups.google.com/group/scarlets-slash?pli=1
• My Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3149556.Scarlet_Hyacinth
• My publisher links:
• Siren Bookstrand: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/scarlethyacinth/
• Noble Romance: http://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=94
• Silver Publishing: http://silverpublishing.info/index/book_authors_id/89/typefilter/book_authors

Awakenings

Blurb

Mermen twins Jaden and Chrys have been scorned all their lives by Atlantean society. The only one who cares about them is Prince Aurus. But when Aurus and Chrys fall in love, they leave Jaden an outsider. Secretly, Jaden wants his twin, but he keeps his sinful affection well hidden. After they are separated from Aurus, he is the only one who can comfort Chrys, even if only in a brotherly manner.

When the Atlantean king concocts a plan to hurt them, Jaden and Chrys run away, and their paths cross with Aurus's again. This time, though, a strange force interferes in their lives. A dark, powerful beast that lives in the depths of the ocean calls out to Jaden, luring him toward its lair. With Jaden in danger of disappearing forever, Chrys and Aurus are faced with a choice, a realization, and a decision. Will mysterious Vaar finally help the three mermen see the truth, or will he end their very existences?

Link: http://silverpublishing.info/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/awakenings-p-263

Excerpt

Sighing, Jaden tried to force himself to rest. Just when he thought he'd succeed, a small moan tore through his consciousness. He tensed and his eyes shot to his twin. Like before, Chrys clung to Jaden, but the peaceful expression had vanished, replaced with something that looked like pain. Concerned, Jaden pressed his hand to Chrys's shoulder, intent on shaking his twin out of the nightmare.

But then the worst possible thing happened. A gasp escaped Chrys's lips, and he actually leaned into Jaden's touch. His tail rubbed against Jaden's and when their scales made contact, Jaden bit his lip to suppress a groan. Pleasure shot through him, and he answered the intoxicating motion, thrusting back against his twin.

Chrys's moans turned louder, incomprehensible mutters, out of which Jaden could only catch a few random words. The occasional "yes" spurred Jaden on, his mind melting at the sensations that shot through him. There was no awkwardness, no fumbling. They simply fit together. How could they not? They'd been born that way.

He thought he even heard his brother call out his name, and realized in glee he'd been worried for naught. Chrys wanted him, just like he wanted Chrys. They'd be all right.

And then, among all the yeses and mores, Jaden understood one other word. Aurus. His brain instantly cleared, the haze of pleasure disappeared, his irrational hopes dashed. Of course. Of course his twin wouldn't have a dream about him. It had all been an illusion.

For the first time in his life, Jaden couldn't look at Chrys. If he stayed in this room, he'd die of heartache.

Carefully slipping out of the small bed, Jaden headed toward the door. After a final glance in his twin's direction, he went out. By now, he knew Chrys could take care of himself and the bandits would not bother him. At this point, they'd been separated many times because of their individual expeditions into the Atlantean capital. But where to go? Where could he possibly find refuge when nothing went as he wanted it to? His heart hurt, and he couldn't figure out any solution out of this inescapable situation.

The call from the distance returned and Jaden threw an angry glare toward the Forbidden Zone. Someone or something wanted him to go there. Very well. He'd go, and if the beast ate him, so be it.

Not allowing himself to change his mind, Jaden swam toward the dangerous abyss. He idly noted that the closer he got, the more barren the entire area seemed. In the end, there were no fish or vegetation left, only rock and sand. The darkness, though, seemed to have a life of its own, and Jaden shuddered, already regretting his decision.