Sunday Sweet Spot Author; Cora Blu

Today at the Sunday Sweet Spot, help me welcome debut author Cora Blu. :)

DAGGER, BROTEHRS OF ELEMENT SERIES
Thank you Abbey for hosting me today.
Where to start? Being new to formal writing I haven’t found my groove yet, but have learned that the darker the room, cloudier the sky, the better I write and the more productive my writing goes that day.
I’ll tell you how this series came about then I’ll stop hocking my wares. My Brothers of Element Series evolved from two places. Having a love for Jacque Cousteau as a little girl, I was fascinated and scared of the water. Probably why I can’t close my eyes underwater, I like to see what’s going on at all times. Then there is my love of nature.
We have three ponds in our yard (hence the Series taking place within different bodies of water around the world) the largest pond has the largest koi with a blue spot on his back and a red spot on his head, like Jacque Cousteau’s knit cap he wore. My imagination took off watching the other fish follow him around. He would dart around the pump as if protecting it. (Where the idea of protecting their power to shift in the story came from.)
After we went to the Atlantic on vacation, I fell in love with the vastness of the ocean and the wheels began to turn. The tiger shark was supposed to be my villain but at the aquarium, I became fascinated with him. Back home, reading up on koi food, my husband found out that blueberries would enhance their color (Blueberry koi food), this brought on the color of my main character, Dagger is blue. Then to my horror, one morning I came out side and my seventy-five pound German shepherd was swimming in the pond and my nine year old was trying to fish the koi out with her Mickey Mouse rod and reel. (This added the anglers and poachers to my story). I’m glad to report Jacque survived the fishing expedition. In addition, Gunther, our dog, found out he wasn’t a bear, regardless of all the hair, and they weren’t salmon swimming upstream. (The pond filter worked overtime that day) From there evolved, Dagger, A Brothers of Element Series.
The brothers are named after a part of a weapon. Their legacy is to protect their power to shift. (Blade, Dagger, Ridge, Tipp, Edge and Dirk)
Research was fun. The story centers around the power to shift (spoiler if I tell you how they shift) and its effect on the environment. If it dies, the ocean will begin to boil. In reality, the ocean is heating by a rate of two degrees a year killing vital organisms by the thousands.
Writing a love story, I had to learn the reproductive cycle of tiger sharks—can you say Oouch!! They have barbs or claspers.
Well, I put it through my sensuality filter and I’ll just say if my heroine had government secrets…she’d tell.
Drew Hamilton, my heroine and marine biologist, is human and after losing her parents and fiancé to the ocean she’s looking for revenge or at the very least closure. For ten years, she’s made the tiger shark that visits her pier her pet by default. He wouldn’t leave so she started talking to him then tossing a beach ball out to him, which he would promptly return. When he shows up on her doorstep, seeking her help in saving the ocean, revenge may not hold the same allure as when presented with her heart’s desire—a family.
Now what do I read for personal enjoyment: I love regency. Julia Quinn and Amanda Quick. I listen to Diana Gabaldon on audio.
I’ve met some truly wonderful writers, who guided me, along this highly subjective road, to not let the popular become my story, and tell the story keeping me awake at night.
What I’m working on now? Book II in the Series.
Book II deals with bullying. My heroin, a beluga whale, is a rescuer in the Pacific. With the earthquake in Japan dumping debris down the Pacific, staying on top of which shifter has gone missing in the debris is her top priority…and getting her parents to call her from Japan. She knows their safe but nothing beats hearing your mother’s voice. However, when the King becomes injured in this debris and loses all memory of her, his life mate, will she let him and the ocean die? Fine with her because of their volatile past she would rather not remind him. Only if she refuses, their power to shift will suffer, because it thrives off the love of the brothers as its protector. If she tells him of their past it will be her memories not his making them unable to bond and killing the opportunity for the other brothers to find their life mates. Can she teach him who she is without the pain of who they were? Will her mother ever call her?
Although I don’t take suggestions for my stories, there’s not a lot of room left in my head, I am anxious to see if there was one character you’d like to hear more of. I’m partial to Max in book I.
Again I appreciate, Abby hosting me today and allowing my underwater world a little sunlight.
You can find me at
http://www.corablu.com/blog.
“Dagger” A Brothers of Element Series will be available at Smashwords.

Also check out my novella,
"Max"
http://amzn.com/B0081V9J6Q

Dagger
http://amzn.com/B007748JTG B&N www.barnes&noble.com
Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnes&noble.com

Guest Blogging Today

Today I'm guest blogging over at romance author Jennifer Jake's blog. :) I'm chatting about Spring, my favorite season of the year! I'm also giving away a prize. Come and say hello if you have a moment. :)
I'm guest blogging today at author Jennifer Jake's blog. Would love it if you dropped by. :)
http://bit.ly/jzJCmY

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing

For years, because I didn't know any better, I thought publishing with a big publisher like Harlequin was the only way to go.
I'm a newbee to self-publishing, but boy am I glad I decided to go that route.
I've been an avid reader of category romance for a long time. And that won't change. I enjoy their books. :) It honestly breaks my heart though to hear the stories of authors who are horribly mistreated by major publishers, and even by some of the larger digital publishers too.
I don't foresee publishers changing the way they do business in the near future, even if authors leave because there will always be authors willing to take their place. I know of a few myself.
Readers of Harlequin books probably have no idea of how little their favorite authors earn on the books they love so much. Some would say who cares? Instead of authors doing all the work to bring about change, why not rally readers? For the hard-earned money they shell out for some traditionally published books, (digital and print), they might believe that their favorite authors are doing well. IMO, this change in publishing can't come about if readers and authors don't band together. It's obvious that writing organizations such as RWA won't stand up for their authors.

A Newbie's Guide to Publishing

Sunday Sweet Spot Author, Maureen Fisher

Many thanks for the chance to be a guest on Sunday SweetSpot, Abbey. It’s great to be here. Please feel free to comment or ask me anyquestion you want. One commenter will win the book of her choice (either FurBall Fever or The Jaguar Legacy).

I must confess I’m not one of those people who knew assoon as I sprang from my mother’s womb that I was destined to be a writer. Noway. Far from it. I didn’t carry around a pen and notepad to scribble downpearls of wisdom. Although I read every book I could get my hands on, I wasn’tbrimming with plot ideas, and I almost never heard snippets of conversation inmy head.

Born in Scotland, I emigrated to Canada at the tender ageof seven with only my favorite books to keep me company. Years later, Iconvinced the federal government to hire a Fine Arts specialist as a computerprogrammer. After an eternity of bits, bytes, and dumps (probably not what you'rethinking), I graduated to full-time mom and homemaker, raising two wonderfulsons before plunging back into the business world.

After a century in the consulting field, I grew weary ofwearing snappy power suits, squeezing into panty hose, and fighting rush hourtraffic. I made a life-changing decision. I wanted to write books. Not dry,boring, technical treatises, but romances about kick-ass heroines and smokin' hot heroes. Howhard could it be? Thousands of authors did it every year.

Always an over-achiever, I quit my day job, attended aone-week seminar on writing a novel, read a couple of how-to books, joined theOttawa chapter of RWA, and plunged right in. Learning can be a humblingexperience. I persevered, I slaved, I revised, I learned. After twenty-five rejections,countless workshops, six-re-writes, and two first-prize wins, my effortsfinally paid off with the sale of my first book.

I am now self-published, and live in Ottawa with myhusband.  When I'm not writing novels, Iread, travel, volunteer for an addiction family program, travel, play bridge,travel, bicycle, travel, hike, travel, square dance, and occasionally indulgein gourmet dinner parties. Did I mention we like to travel?

Most Recent Release: FUR BALL FEVER is a romanticcrime mystery spiked with attitude (most of it warped), tons of humor, andenough steamy sex to drive those who dare read it racing for a cold shower.

5 Stars: “I laughed out loud and so will you!”
5 Stars: “One for the Money Meets Best in Show.”

After a lifetime of impetuous mistakes, pet spa ownerGrace Donnelly outdoes herself when she loses her elderly client’s prizepooch—a shoo-in to win the annual Jersey Shore Fur Ball. Money, careers,and lives are in jeopardy. Too bad her helpers consist of an aging hippie aunt,a renegade schnauzer, and a drag queen. Worst of all, the only man trulyqualified to help is her former flame, the hunkiest bodyguard northof the Mason-Dixon Line.

Security specialist Nick Jackson faces his worstnightmare when Grace’s amateur investigation nearly blows his undercoveroperation. Unless he nails the con-artist who scammed local seniors and whackeda witness, his homicidal granddaddy will take justice into his ownliver-spotted hands. To salvage his case, his sanity, and his ex-lover’svelvety skin, Nick joins forces with the sassy crusader who rubs him the wrongway—and so many right ways too.

Action bounces between a beach harboring washed-upcorpses, a fancy yacht no honest preacher could possibly afford, and the bawdiestnightclub in Atlantic City. Hazards multiply like bunnies until exploding intoromance, murder, and mayhem culminating in a Fur Ball extravaganza the localswill never forget.

Excerpt

One hour later, horny didn’t come close to describingGrace’s heightened state of arousal. From the gleam in his eyes, she deducedNick was on the same page. A couple of tugs verified her hands and feet were,indeed, anchored to the bedposts. The restraints were fur-lined, and thehigh-test elastic straps offered a comfortable yield margin, enough to flex herknees. Instead of being embarrassed or afraid, Grace felt desirable, sexy, and,best of all, powerful.

Who knew vulnerability would feel as if she was bothoffering and receiving a gift?

“Comfy, darlin’?” he asked in a voice that hinted ofsultry southern nights and white pillared plantation homes. He stroked her arm,leaving a trail of tingles from shoulder to wrist.

Because she feared her voice would emerge as acroak, she merely gave him a honeyed smile and nodded. It was hard to lookworldly and sophisticated when spread-eagled across the bed, butt-naked andbreathing hard, but she gave it the old college try. She raised her head tooffer a standard, sassy wisecrack. The words died unspoken. She simply staredas he stepped out of his black briefs. Her heart did a crazy flip-flop, as iftrying to somersault clear out of her chest. She closed her mouth with anaudible snap.

His beautiful, utterly masculine body was toned,firm, and deeply tanned. A band of lighter skin around his hips and upperthighs showcased the Goliath of erections.

His molten silver gaze took a leisurely tour of herbody. “I’m worried I steamrolled you into this, Gracie. Are you sure you’re nothaving second thoughts?” His voice was rough gravel when he spoke.

Her heart rate accelerated until it pounded in herears. Anticipation and, if she was completely honest, a tiny thrill ofapprehension dried up her mouth. She focused on trust. This was Nick, her friend, her partner, herlover.

She drew a deep breath. “Do you hear me arguing?”

His chest rose and fell with the intensity of hisbreathing. “No, but I want you to be sure. Just because you got carried awayand agreed to – ”

“Don’t flatter yourself. As a good partner, I’mwilling to go the extra mile to prove I trust you.”

His eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. “Care toelaborate?”

Gazing up at him, she felt vulnerable for the firsttime. To compensate, she gave him a sultry pout. “Sure thing. You probably feelemasculated after your unfortunate little run-in with Butch this evening. Youneed to reassert your authority as the alpha male. As a faithful and trustingpartner, I’m willing to do everything in my power to help restore yourself-esteem.”

He moved closer and stooped, catching her face inhis hands. “Darlin’, you sure know how to throw a mean curve ball,” he said,his voice low and ragged, “but I do believe I’ll take you up on your kind offerof assistance.”

 He capturedher lips with his mouth. His kiss was slow and tantalizing, an eroticinvitation to sensual delights. His tongue conducted a leisurely exploration ofher mouth, twined, tasted. But he didn’t touch any part of her body.

Caught up in the whirlwind, she could do little elsebut curl her toes.

When he freed her lips, her breath was coming hardand fast. More turned on than she could ever remember, she took another risk.Still gasping for air, she explained, “Most bondage scenarios revolve around afantasy.” She paused for a beat, gathering her courage. “You said I’d be incharge,” she reminded him. “I want to act out a fantasy.”

He gave an audible gulp. “Anything specific?”

“Mmmm-hmmm,” she saidaround a deep, shuddering breath. One fantasy had tantalized her thoughts andtormented her dreams ever since she’d laid eyes on Nick. Breathing hard, sheraised her head. “You’re the white knight. I’m a fair maiden you’re rescuingfrom the clutches of an evil ogre.”

FUR BALL FEVER by Maureen Fisher

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B005LIALVE

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90446

Also Available: THE JAGUAR LEGACYis a romantic adventure with a paranormal twist written in the tradition of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom(with steamy romance).

5 Stars: “An intricately woven taleof mystery, romance and the supernatural … DEFINITELY a keeper!” (Euro Reviews)
5 Stars: "Hilarious banter, scorching sexual tension, gripping suspense,mysticism—THE JAGUAR LEGACY has it all! ..." (Sharon Page, USA Todaybestselling author)

Despite the baffling panic attacks that devastated hercareer, enterprising journalist Charley Underhill barges in on a Mexicanarchaeological dig, bent sifting rumors from truth about the Curse of theOlmecs. A juicy exposé would restore her reputation and earn money for hermother’s life-saving treatment. If it means lying to a no-good womanizingarchaeologist with a sexy Scottish accent, brilliant scientific mind, andpenchant for gaudy Hawaiian shirts, so be it.

Uncovering the past is archaeologist Dr. Alistair Kincaid’s purpose in life.Still smarting from his ex-wife’s ruthless betrayal, he fears a premature pressleak about his latest discovery, an ancient Olmec city buried in the jungle,will doom his floundering career. He can’t let a snoopy reporter, even one witha quirky sense of humor, smarts, and a dazzling grin, destroy his last chanceat success. Or steal his heart.

Together, the couple uncovers long-buried secrets best left alone, includingthe long-lost art of shapeshifting. Strands from past lives intertwine with thepresent, drawing Charley and Kincaid deeper into a legacy of danger, romance,and evil. Torn between saving her mother’s life and betraying the man sheloves, Charley must make the impossible choice as atonement for sins committedin her past life.

THE JAGUAR LEGACY by Maureen Fisher

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B005L40LX6

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/89713

You can check out myblog, find out more about my books, and read more excerpts at my website: http://booksbymaureen.com/.