Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve loved the lore and mythos of vampires. From dark and brooding (like Anne Rice’s vampires), to overly tanned with bright teeth (like George Hamilton’s portrayal in the classic movie Love at First Bite)–I gobbled them up eagerly, wanting more, more, more.

When I saw that Cobblestone Press was running a contest for their new Vampire Oracle line, I couldn’t resist adding my own tale to this magnificent genre. And when I saw the HUNGER card, I was struck by the bold image and description of the card’s meaning…from there, I knew that was the one I’d try for.

Hunger–a powerful motivator for humans and vampires alike. A provocative, almost alluring pleasure/pain. It lets us know we’re alive, that we want and need something outside of ourselves to satisfying our ache. When I pondered the meaning of the word “hunger,” I realized I wanted to write about a heroine who helped others conquer their hunger, but when placed in the same situation, would realize it wasn’t as easy as she thought.

So, Olivia was born, a counselor who helped vampires overcome their blood lust. But her life changes when she receives the oracle card in the mail, and from seemingly out of nowhere, a burst of hunger awakens within her.

I had a lot of fun writing the novella proposal, and I was thrilled to find out it had been accepted.

Now that the day is finally here where my novella is out, I’m looking forward to snagging copies of my fellow oracle authors and delving back into the world of the vampire, where once again, I’ll get caught up in a hunger too compelling to deny.
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As the author of paranormal romance, I love diving into myths and legends. I like reading about the origins, seeing what other authors have written, and then creating my own little world for my characters.

Stormy Weather, my upcoming series, is set in Louisiana, where myths and legends abound. The Deveraux brothers are a small pack of werewolves from France. In my research of werewolves I found a few interesting things.

Werewolves date back centuries to Romania and Greece. It’s said that King Lycaeon tried to test the Gods at his table by feeding them human flesh. The Gods weren’t a big fan of that obviously and turned him into a werewolf.

Interesting Tidbits about Werewolves

It’s said that the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood is a werewolf.

It’s believed by some that werewolves can be killed by silver bullets.

Some authors consider werewolves immortal while others say they have a lifespan of several hundred years.

The word werewolf is thought to come from wer, meaning man. Man-Wolf.

Some say werewolves only appear during a full moon, but many stories claim that they can turn at will.

Lycanthropy is the ability to transform into a werewolf.

A Lycanthrope is a werewolf.

In Portugal werwolves are called lobis-homems. In Argentina the word for werewolf is Lobisón. It’s said that the seventh son will become a werewolf. In French, werewolves are known as loup-garou.

There’s a myth that comes to play in my first book of the series, The Cajun’s Captive. Amanda calls Sebastian loup-garou. The Cajun myth states that werewolves punish Catholics who don’t follow Lent. This of course gives Sebastian a good laugh.

With so many myths abounding, I’ve only discovered one truth. Werewolves are only limited by our imagination. Everyone has a different take on this mysterious beast. You can step into the world I’ve created June 13th with The Cajun’s Captive.

About the Author
Selena Blake writes paranormal and contemporary romance for Cobblestone Press. Her series Stormy Weather will be available in 2008. Drop by her website to find out more about the handsome Deveraux men of Louisiana and for a free short story. Http://www.selena-blake.com

My children all have four legs, so I can’t claim to have the same knowledge as moms of the two-legged kind. But I did watch my mom start crying when at age 16 I began to drive on my own. The day I got married, well, the water works flowed from both parents. I realize that parents everywhere at some point must learn to let their children go. From what I can tell, nothing prepares them for it. It’s one of those rites of passage that can’t (ok, shouldn’t) be avoided.

The same kind of thing happens with a story. I know quite a few people who claim they want to be writers. They, in fact, have a collection of stories that they’ve spent years cultivating. They fret over words. They build their characters. They grow their plots. They raise these stories from little baby sentences until they reach full-fledged novels. But as soon as I ask about when they plan on submitting to a publisher or agent, these same writers, people who are so proud of their work, shut down. They don’t want to face rejection. They can’t let go.

I’ve never made it a secret that idea for SOLDIER just came to me one day. On a whim, I decided to sit down and put the idea on paper. Three weeks later when I finally wrote The End, I knew I had a good story. A fabulous story. And people deserved to read it. For that to happen though, I had to let send my story to a publisher. I had to face potential rejection. I had to find the courage to let it go.

I’m very proud to say that Cobblestone Press granted me the opportunity to say that I’m a published author.

SOLDIER released in April of this year. Since that original contract, I’ve contracted two additional stories with Cobblestone Press.

I want to encourage anyone out there who has a great story that is dying to be told to find that courage. Break away from the safety of “I’m going to write a novel one day” and venture into the land of “I submitted my story to a publisher today”. Sure, a few tears may fall if someone doesn’t like your work or better (worse?) yet, someone likes your work (yay!), but your editor doesn’t like your words (oh no). In the end, that experience can only help you grow.

A fellow writer once told me something that sticks with me today: Written but unsubbed is unfinished. I can’t claim that I don’t have a story or two that are written but unsubbed, but I can say that like any good parent, I know when I’ve done my job. I know when I can’t keep the story to myself. And I let it go.

Find out more about me and my stories. Visit me on the web, http://www.deecarney.com.

Hugs,
Dee

As a writer and a Gemini, I’m considered to have double personalities. So, I thought I’d sit down with myself and ask the questions you’re all dying to know!

So….I’m here today with Terri Molina enjoying a cup of herbal tea…

Terri: Uh…excuse me…Herbal Tea?? Do I look like I drink Herbal Tea?? Where’s the coffee?

Sorry. She’s having coffee (like she needs the caffeine ) I’ll have the tea….anyway….let’s get started with the interview.

So, let’s start with the most often asked question: When did you decide you wanted to write?

Terri: I don’t think anyone really decides to write…you just do. But, I guess about 12 years ago I decided I finally wanted to share my work with the public. It was shortly after my Aunt Gail and Uncle Tony died (within a couple of hours of each other on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day). My first novel was actually a dedication to them. I sat at the computer every night for two months and wrote the first draft of my novel, then put it away and spent the next two months writing the first draft of my second novel. I never dreamed I’d ever complete them…but I did. Crazy, huh?

Why did you choose the style or the sub-genre?
Terri: Style? There’s a style? ;-)
Actually, the first novel I tried to write was a family saga (explained above). I never completed it, but I may return to it one day. Anyway, a couple of years after “training” myself to write I decided to try my hand at writing a suspense. I’d been a big fan of Nora Robert’s single titles (Montana Sky being my all time fave!) and just loved how she mixed the suspense and romance into such a great story, so I thought I’d give it a shot. I took an incident from my (younger) life and expanded it with What If….. To be honest I didn’t consider making it a romance, it just kind of happened. My second book, which is Dark Obsession, also a romantic suspense but with paranormal elements, happened the same way. (Chalk it up to a lonely childhood—-uh, therapy anyone?)

What’s your favorite line from one of your books?
Terri: Hmm….I guess the one in chapter one of Dark Obsession where Ray thinks “Great, thanks to too much bourbon and Bruce Willis, I’m talking to dead people.”

When do you find time to write?
Terri: I don’t…it finds me. I’m a stay at home mom, my kids are all in school so I have the whole day to myself. But, my inspiration usually hits late at night or when I’m in the shower. Go figure.

Your first publication is a contemporary erotic romance and an AWESOME story. Was it hard (no pun intended) to write outside of your comfort zone?

Terri: Actually, yeah. When I’d been asked to write the book (by an editor–now formerly–at Kensington) she had three stipulations. (1) it had to be contemporary. My books and future books are all suspense/mystery (2) it had to be erotic. She had read my other books, LOVED the “sex” and wanted me to made the new story even HOTTER (3) the story had to be 60-65 pages. That may sound like a lot, but it isn’t. I was completely out of my element. But I managed to get the story done. You may have heard of it….Her Will His Way, now available at Cobblestone Press??

What do you do when you’re not writing?
Terri: I pretty much just take care of my family. I also like to read and I’m currently putting together my summer reading list. I also try to keep up with my friends all over the US. Oh and on weekends we play Karaoke Revolution with the kids….the American Idol edition…it’s a hoot!

What are your goals as a writer?
Terri: Hmm….I’m not really a goal making person. But, I guess if I had to make one it would be to write what I most enjoy reading and not worry if it’s ever going to get published. Is that a goal?

I know you are an active member of RWA, what are some of the things you have done with RWA?

Terri: I joined RWA in 2004 (after an agent I queried wrote on her rejection letter “RWA is in Houston-JOIN” and figured, even though I’m basically a shy person, I needed to jump right in if I wanted to be published like the rest of them. I went to my first National conference in Dallas that year and was instantly recruited to work the Lit signing. The following year, Angie Platt grabbed me in Reno and it was a given that I work again in Atlanta. I served a year as president of the NW Houston chapter before our family moved to Az. I’m still a member of the Houston chapter as well as the one here in Phoenix (and I’ve already been asked to serve on the board here….I think I liked it better when I was shy.) Haha

Is that where you found your critique group?
Terri: Yes, in Houston. I was a member of two groups actually. Both long standing members asked me if I’d like to complete their small groups. I still critique off and on with them via email. I was recently asked to join some ladies here in Az, but I haven’t decided yet. I really don’t like having too many people read my work because of that “too many cooks in the kitchen” thing…it can get very confusing and you just can’t please everyone. And, especially because I don’t always write to a formula.

You are a very straightforward person, some would say blunt, especially when it comes to critiques.

Terri: Straightforward? I guess at times I am…but those who actually know me would find that statement extremely amusing. Lol

However, I don’t offer my opinions or feedback on someone’s work unless I am asked and I will not give dishonest feedback when the whole purpose is to learn. I’ve been doing this a while, I’ve been cut to the bone by harsh critiques. I [was] even told (by another writer) that I’d never get published and I would never say that to anyone. So when I offer my suggestions (which is all they are) I do so with the intention of helping that person see what they’re doing *wrong* so their manuscript gets ahead of the slush pile.

Is it hard for you to receive critiques of your work, especially if you don’t agree with them? How do you handle that?
Terri: Of course. It’s hard for anyone to receive critiques on a work you spilled blood for.

I don’t take them personally unless they’re delivered as a personal attack…in which case, I’ll vent to a friend or two and wait for them to “talk me down” from my anger. But a critique, whether delivered by me or you or anyone on this site is just an opinion offered to help. I listen to all the feedback I’m given on my work…I don’t necessarily follow it unless it’s said more than once (i.e.; the pov issue…which I knew about when I posted, but it’s only an issue with writers.) ;-) But, the bottom line is, the book belongs to the author who wrote it and only he/she knows what story they want to tell.
Now…enough of those questions! Ask me something fun!

Okay. Tell us something interesting about yourself no one else knows.
Terri: Oh…uh…well….hmmm….when I was thirteen I stayed the summer with my aunt and uncle in Angleton. We went to New Braunsfels for a week (where the rapids are). I lied and told them I knew how to swim. It wasn’t until I fell into the deep end of the swimming pool and nearly drowned when they realized I couldn’t. Luckily my aunt was sitting right there and reached in to grab me….by my hair. And that is also one of my most embarassing moments.

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I started writing a little over a year ago. It all began with one story- a story that had been building in my mind for months, or maybe even years. It was a romance, a tale of soulmates and heartbreak and passion. The story kept growing in my head until eventually I had to let it out. I wrote 75, 000 words in one month (my fingers were exhausted!). Of course, it was so full of head-hopping and passive voice and cliched characters that it never reached the eyes of an editor. But that didn’t matter to me. I’d finished my first novel. I was damned proud of myself!

After I put that one onto the back-burner, I dipped my toes in the writing pool again. I wrote a couple of novellas and short stories, and over time I saw my writing improve. It was tighter. The characters were well-drawn. The sex scenes were hot!

The next step was finding a critique partner. After a few tries, I found one that fit. We worked together on our respective WIPs, helping and advising and commenting until we had polished manuscripts ready to be looked at. I then spotted the Vampire Oracle call for submissions from Cobblestone Press and I absolutely had to be a part of it. I wrote a proposal for the Power card and, woohoo, I was accepted!

Since then, I’ve continued to write and submit. I’ve written thousands of words in one month, then suffered with writing block the next month. I’ve been accepted by both Cobblestone and Phaze but I’ve also had my share of rejections. All part of the writing process.

Looking back to a year ago when I was just starting out as a writer, I am so glad that I let the words come out. It’s a big deal to put a pen to paper and allow yourself to be a writer. It’s scary and intimidating to think of submitting a story to a publisher, or even showing a story to your own family and friends.

But it’s worth it. Believe me!