Tianna's Ramblings

Blog Contest Winner

2011-04-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hi!
As I promised, I have chosen a winner for my blog contest. The Easter basket winner is JackieW who commented on the contest at my website blog. I'm also giving away another prize to one lucky person who commented at my Blogger blog and that is a free copy of the backlist book of their choice. That winner is, Amanda Ann. I have notified the winners by e-mail and I await their reply. If I do not get a reply in seven days, I will choose another winner for any unclaimed prize.
Thanks to all who participated.
Tianna

In Memory of Shadow

2011-04-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Shadow, you were our best friend when we moved to a new area and had none. You were our protector when things weren't as they seemed. You were always there for us and I can only say that I'm glad we were there for you when you needed us most.

We were sorry to see you pass, none of us wanted you to go, but we knew your time had come. Sixteen years on this Earth is a long time for someone like you and we know that. It comforts us to know that now you are in a better place, where pain can no longer reach you. Wait for us at the bridge and one day we will all see you again.

The Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Blog Contest!

2011-03-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

I have a blog contest going on from now through the twentieth of April. If you comment here or at my other blog at www.tiannaxander.com . I will give you an entry to win an Easter basket filled with goodies. There are even a few things in it for kids if you feel like sharing. I'll post an image below if I can figure out how to do so.

Each comment on each blog or blog post gets you one entry. The more you comment, the more entries you get. Don't forget to add your email when and if it asks for it. If you don't want to leave your email that's fine, but you will have to check back to see if you won. Please do remember to check back. I don't want to be stuck with the basket until next year. I'm also giving away another, almost identical basket at my Cyber Release in April at AuthorIsland.com. Please keep checking that site as well. I'll try to remember to post when that is, so you'll have another chance there. I will be giving away two baskets. One on my blog and one at AuthorIsland.com.

Below are photos of the baskets. Arent those bunnies cute?

Topaz Dare

2011-03-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

Topaz Dare

by Viola Grace and Tianna Xander

Blurb:
Topaz has been enjoying the small freedoms that each assignment for retrieval has given her. When confronted by deadly insects that have already killed her targets she has to choose running for her life or finishing her job. She is assisted by another dragon who offers her an option for her time off. He will take her to visit her sister if she will spend some time getting to know him, and part of her is only too delighted to happy to take Kirai up on his offer. Dragons, kidnapping, giant bugs, poisons and meeting a sister she thought dead make for quite the short layover for an active D.A.R.E. agent.
Excerpt:

“Fine. I have three days left here, so court if you can.” She took strides toward the bone pile and kept her guard up for any of the returning ants. Topaz knelt next to the pile and flipped out a tarp from her pack. Each human bone was accounted for as she placed them carefully on the fabric.

“They were a scouting party?”

“I think so. Their actual assignment was not divulged to me.” She shrugged and kept working.
He joined her in carefully separating the human from animal bones, including the locator tags. A glance at her scanner showed that all five of the people she was looking for were in this pile. It was a sad end to her fourth assignment.

“Do you enjoy your work?” He was trying to engage her in conversation, that much was obvious.
“It has its moments, but it is more of an obligation than work. We aren’t given much of a choice and you know it.”

“I apologize for my method of getting to know you. It was an act of impulse.”

She looked at him in surprise. “Thank you for your apology. I don’t think I have ever been the recipient of one before.”

He cocked his head while he continued to sort bones. “The humans lack manners. They always have.”
She closed her eyes for a moment and sorted through his memories of humans. Dozens of worlds flicked through his mind, including earth. He had known humans when they dressed in long robes with wide sashes and swung swords.

Kirai was much, much older than he appeared.

Topaz fished for the last few pieces of human–a handful of toe bones–and gathered the corners of the tarp together. “Well, since this world is not safe for bipedals, I think I had better be going.”

“May I accompany you?”

She laughed, imagining the look on the techs faces if she brought him back with her. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

Available at Devine Destinies Also available on Kindle

Gideon's Angel

2011-03-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Book Four of The Chosen series, tentatively titled, Gideon’s Angel.
by Tianna Xander
Unedited excerpt:

“So, you can see,” I said, my hands still raised high above my head, “there’s really no reason to kill me.”

Pausing, I peered through eerie silence at the man who still had the laser sight of his pistol trained on the base of my throat and sighed with relief. “It’s about stinkin’ time.” The words came out almost a snarl. How did a common thug like this one get a damned expensive pistol as that?

Dropping my arms, I rolled my aching shoulders forward and back to release the tension from my arms being held up over my head for so long. In the mood to be nasty, I had the incredible urge to kick the jerk in his crotch for preying on innocents the way he did. Instead, I stood glaring at him for a minute before I tossed the idea aside.

The guy’s eyes were glazed over as expected and, admittedly, this was the first time I had ever been proud of my dubious gift to talk someone into a mindless stupor. Still, it was better than killing the jerk. The twenty-seven dollars in my wallet wasn’t worth dying—or killing—over. The man had no idea who he’d been dealing with. If the darkness was a thief’s best friend then it was my lover. I could hide from the world in the daytime. At night I could practically disappear.

I scurried away from the idiot, grabbing his gun before I left. I didn’t need it but I didn’t want him descending on some unsuspecting mundane with it either. Since a mundane wouldn’t have any way to defend themselves like me, I figure it’s my duty to keep scum like this from preying on them if I can.

It was a good thing a cold front came down from Canada early this morning and I was wearing gloves.
I didn’t want my prints on the damned gun since it was about to make an unannounced appearance at the nearest police station. I moved quickly out of my mugger’s line of sight, unsure of how long his stupor would last and whether or not he had another gun hidden on his person. Buildings blurred by me as I ran through the dark streets looking for a cop.

Glancing back through the shadows I frowned. I didn’t want to hurt the jackass, even if he did prey on those weaker than himself. His first mistake tonight was targeting me. His second, was thinking I was weak.

I hadn’t accidentally killed anyone yet and I certainly didn’t want to start now. That’s not saying I’ve never taken a life. In fact, I take lives on a pretty regular basis. But then I’m a vampire hunter. Taking lives is kind of a prerequisite for the job. Not that I ever got paid for it…dammit. Besides, killing a vampire isn’t like killing a human is it? I mean…they’re dead already. Right?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a raving psychotic and I don’t run around killing vampires willy nilly. Nor do I dash about lopping off the heads of poor, unsuspecting blood drinkers who only do what they must to survive. I simply watch them, discover their habits and act accordingly. After all, if I skipped around town executing them all, regardless of their habits, I wouldn’t be any better than my vict…er…targets, now would I?

Jogging through the darkness, I found the nearest police station, concentrated on confusing people’s perceptions and dropped the gun on the front counter. It was the only option available to me. A locked door and three inches of bulletproof glass stood between me and the nearest officer’s desk. It would have to do.

Glad that I knew using my powers screwed with the operation of electrical equipment, I left the station secure in the knowledge that no one would know who had left it there. The gun still held the mugger’s prints. If the man had a record and had used the weapon to kill someone the police would hunt him down and get him off the streets. That’s how it worked in a perfect world, anyway.

After leaving the station, I decided to take it easy and catch my breath. Looking up at the sky, I spotted a few stars through the glare of streetlights and stopped to admire them. At least I think they were stars. I suppose they could have been satellites. What do I know about astronomy or is that astrology? I’m forever getting those two mixed up. Whatever. Taking my time, which was something unusual for me, I stood admiring the lights in the sky wishing I had the time to go to the country for a couple of days to admire them in the uninterrupted darkness.

“Well, well. What have we here?”

It felt like the hair on the back of my neck stood on end and began to wiggle at the cliché bad guy phrase. It was my usual reaction to the presence of a rogue. What was unusual was the absence of the urge to kill him. Pausing to assess the reason why I felt no necessity for violence, I looked at the man—and I use the term loosely—who accosted me and shook my head with disgust.

“I swear, some people watch way too much TV,” I said, glaring at another would-be assailant and clapped my hands with mock glee. “Oh, goodie!” My voice was high pitched and dripped with sarcasm as I stared at the freckled, redheaded vampire flashing his elongated, blinding white canines at me. “It’s Howdie Doodie time!” Then I leaned forward and squinted a bit. “Or are you little Opie, all grown up?”

There’s no real secret in how to tell a good vampire from a bad one. It’s easy if you’re like me and can’t be controlled. The good ones, meaning those who feed to live, not the other way around, will take control of your mind. When they do that, most people don’t even know they’ve met a vampire much less invited them to dinner.

A bad vampire, read evil incarnate, will not take over a victim’s mind. They want their victims scared. They just love adrenaline-laced blood. In fact they’re addicted to it. It’s like an amphetamine to them. Apparently, my new friend here was one of the latter.

“Come to me, my sweet.”

Giggling, I rolled my eyes, crossed my arms then backed up a pace, just because I could. “Don’t you find it hard to strike terror in the hearts of mortals when you look like a cartoon character and sound like a really bad B-movie vampire?”

Tilting my head, I gave him another assessing look. “You’re not very old, are you?” It wasn’t hard to tell. The real old vampires had a strange, formal speech pattern and looked like they were in their mid thirties. “How old are you, nineteen? Twenty maybe?”

It just wasn’t like a vampire this young to go rogue. They usually turned out of boredom or some sort of mental instability brought on by living centuries alone. Well, not alone so much as without love.
The boy looked down at himself as though expecting a part of his anatomy to jump up and admit to tattling about his age. He glared at me through narrowed eyes. “How could you tell?”

I ignored the sound of a few cars passing behind me, knowing I had nothing to fear from this particular vampire. There may be a few ancients out there who had a chance of killing me but it wouldn’t be this one and it also wouldn’t be today.

“Because,” I replied, leaning closer to get a better look. “The other rogues I’ve met have this…I don’t know…old world air about them. You don’t.” I didn’t add that they all looked at least thirty. This kid looked like just that. A kid. But, to be fair, most people under thirty do look like kids to me now that I’ve passed the big four-oh.

“Others?” He latched onto that one word, his eyes round. “You’ve met others?”

Suddenly, the hungry look was washed from his face, replaced with a strange kind of longing. “Do you know where they are?” He looked hopeful. “Do you think they would help me?”

“Help you? What—”

If I live to be one-hundred, I don’t think I could be more shocked than when he fell to his knees in front of me. “Take me to them. Please!”

“Well, hell.”

The Alpha Male

2011-03-09T23:16:00.000-08:00

To me an alpha male is the kind of man who is easy to fall for. He may be arrogant. He’s definitely physically strong and has a strength of character that can't be beat—even if he’s a bit too dominant for your liking. Usually all of his exasperating characteristics grow on you after a while. Whether you like it or not.

Beneath this seemingly thick skin and (sometimes) even thicker head he’s a man you will find it easy to fall in love with because he’s just a wonderful guy. He’s a hero in every sense of the word who excites you beyond anything you have ever felt before. His strength, coupled with his keen sense of right and wrong appeals to women like nothing else.

What’s better is, he’s confident enough to be able to enjoy pursuing a strong, independent woman who can stand up to his more selfish, it’s my way or the highway side. In fact, he wants a woman who will stand up to him and tell him like it is. He wants a mate and a helpmeet who can and will be strong enough to face all of their problems head on with him.

Mostly, he wants the same things his woman wants. He wants to feel the magic of romance, just as she does. He wants to love and be loved. He needs her to balance his more aggressive side with her gentleness. Most of all, he wants a woman to hold, to love and to cherish as though she were the only woman in the world—a Juliette to his Romeo a queen to his king, a partner and a friend.

Until next time.

Tianna

An Interview with a Vampire

2011-03-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

Tara: “Hi, everyone! I’m Tara Torolf. I’m a vampire slayer. Tianna had a vampire contact her and asked for an interview to prove they aren’t what everyone thinks. Can you imagine me rolling my eyes? Of course they’re everything they seem. I should know. Though… to be honest, most of them don’t kill their vict—er…donors.

Since Tianna couldn’t do this interview due to her deadlines fast approaching—one of them being my book she hasn’t even started yet, she asked me to interview this…this vampire. I know the answers to most of these questions already, but I'll ask them since it's what she wants.

“Here with me today, is Gideon Molfetta. He is a Cartuotey here with me to set the record straight before he decides to end his existence. It’s a shame really, considering he is a very good looking man—vampire—whatever.

“Hello, Gideon. Tianna sends her regards and says thank you for joining me here today.

Gideon: “Hello, Tara. It is a pleasure as always.” *winks and tries for a sexy grin.*

Tara: “Don’t start that with me, Gideon. You know I’m a vampire slayer and Tianna’s transparent attempt at matchmaking is not going to work. Now for the questions.”

“Do you actually drink blood, or do you suck it up through your teeth like some sort of weird straw?”

Gideon: “We drink it, actually, though if we’re in dire need it goes up through our teeth and immediately into our bloodstream. *waggles his brows* “It’s a little anti climactic if you know what I mean.”

Tara :“Um… I imagine it is. Is it getting hot in here?”

“I know garlic keeps everyone away, but what about silver, crosses and holy water?”

Gideon: “Um… Silver is for werewolves. That whole thing about it hurting vampires is a myth. It does looks good on us though. As far as crosses and holy water, we are not the spawn of Satan. These things do nothing to us.”

Tara: “What about wooden stakes?”

Gideon: “I don’t think a wooden steak would taste delicious at all.” *laughs*

Tara “Is it like in the Twilight novels or do you actually turn to ash in the sunlight?”

Gideon: *Laughs* “The only thing sunlight does to us is make us tan.”

Tara “I thought that nice tan of yours was from a jar.”

Gideon: *sits back and rests his arms over the back of the chair. It really shows off the bulge in his pants that puts another question to mind* “Not on your life. It’s all me, sweetheart.

Tara “Is what they say about the vampire libido true?”

Gideon: *wink* “Where do you think all of the legends come from?”

Tara “That’s not an answer, Gideon. Come on, spill. True or not.”

Gideon: “Oh, it’s true, sweetling.”

Tara “Prove it!”

Gideon: “Is tonight good?”

Tara “I didn't mean with me! Why are you undressing here? Oh, my goodness! Are all Cartuotey built like that? Hoo! Is it getting hot in here or is it just me? Okay, everyone. That’s it for today’s questions. I have a few more interviews to do so make sure you check back often to see who’s in the hot seat next! I have to run now. I have this huge thing on my to do list. See you next time.

Is it just me?

2011-03-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or do things from our youth seem to be
disappearing? When I was younger, it seemed like there were city and community
parks everywhere. Children flocked to them to play kickball, baseball, etc. in
the spring summer and fall and we ice skated every day that we could get out of
the house in the winter.

Has technology had that much of a detrimental effect on
everything and everyone? With video games, the Wii, Xbox and Konnect, computer
games, internet, android phones and iPods, has everyone in the world forgotten
what it was like to go outside and feel the fresh air and sunshine on thier
face?

Admittedly, I spend a LOT of time on computers. I work with
them at the day job, for writing, blogging and social media sites. I probably
spend more time on them than I should. However, I do find the time to go
outside, whether it’s to garden, to ride my bike or play with my dogs.

I guess the question I’m trying to ask is, where are all of
the parks, the ice skating rinks and just plain fun places to hang out that
used to be the center of our lives when we were younger? Are they still there
hidden, trying valiantly to be noticed as we go on with our busy twenty-first
century, computer driven lives or are they gone forever, nothing more than dust
in the wind?

Until next time.

Tianna

Going Crazy at Home

2011-03-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

Sitting here at home after my surgery has reminded me why I have a job. It's not just for the money. Well...let's be honest, it's mostly for the money. LOL It's also because sitting here at the house all day, every day is one of the hardest things I have had to do in a long time.

I love my family, don't get me wrong, but with my daughter here on disabliity with me, it's a constant battle to get any writing done. Between her inane prattle, video game noises and what she likes to watch on TV, I'm going CRAZY!

Take this blog for instance. I wanted to write it yesterday, did I? No. of course I didn't. I'm sure you're perfectly capable of checking the date. I'm writing it today, because the TV was on all day. When I left my 'recliner office', I went into the real office for some peace and quiet. What does she do? She follows me talking about her newest video game and how I should load it onto my laptop. Uh...no thank you. I'm not really into the same types of games. I do play them though, but they're retro games mostly. I love Tomb Raider because it makes you think and I can make Lara do that cool little handstand backbend thingy. Though sometimes it pisses me off if I sit and think about how I USED to be able to do that before... I glare at my kids.

Oh well. I have another week before I go back to work. I see the doctor tomorrow to be certain. Let's hope he doesn't extend it, or if he does, I find something other to do than sit here and veg out because the kids are yammering at me non-stop.

By the way, my kids are adults in their mid-twenties. I DID listen when they were younger. Today, I just want them to entertain themselves. Read a book maybe. You would think they would have learned something from their avid reader\author mom wouldn't you? I may have the gift of gab, but I use my fingers to say it. A sort of sign language as it were...it's called writing.

Today I hope to start book 2 of the Hidden Breeds series. I sit here trying to write with the sounds of Bejeweled droning in the background and wonder if I will ever get that first paragraph written. Usually for me, that's the hardest part and the rest is cake. So, I sit here hoping for a few minutes of silence to come up with that awesome opening hook to get me started...

Sigh... I got nothing. Wish me luck!

Until next time.

Tianna

Thursday Thirteen

2011-03-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

Hiya!

Here is another Thursday thirteen. I won't promise that I'll do this every Thursday, I usually have to work at the day job and I'll most likely forget. LOL

This time it's restaurants and pubs. These are the thirteen places where I love to hang out when I have the time.

1. Curragh's in Holland

2. McFadden's in Grand Rapids

3. Applebees in Kentwood or Greenville

4. Bennigan's in Big Rapids

5. Logan's in Walker

6. Perkin's in Kentwood

7. Smokey Bones in Kentwood

8. Red Robin in Kentwood

9. Bob Evan's in Kentwood

10. IHOP in Kentwood

11. Suki Hana in the Woodland Mall

12. McKenna's in Lakeview

13. Main Street Pizza in Lakeview

Updating

2011-03-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

Hi!

It's been a while and for that, I apologize. I've been busy again. I have a few new releases that will be on my website as soon as I can figure out how to add them. Until then, please go to www.extasybooks.com or www.devinedestinies.com and search for Tianna Xander.

Also, due to circumstances beyond my control, all of the books written with Bonnie Rose Leigh are no longer available at either of the publishers. Due to the circumstances, I totally agree with their decision to pull all of the titles.

I have two new series, one I am writing with Viola Grace called the D.A.R.E. Project, the other is a werewolf series called Hidden Breeds. The title of the first books are Ruby Dare and Bastien respectively.

That's it for now. I hope to see you all around the net!

Till next time,

Tianna

Things I like about Holland Michigan

2009-04-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

1. Little sweet pugs in the visitor information center.

2. Centennial Park

3. Froggies

4. Guinness (surprisingly) I had one. So sue me. :-P

5. The fountains. (they were put into service today)

6. The old Firehouse and City Hall.

7. The cobblestone streets.

8. People stopping their cars for us to cross the street.

9. Friendly people.

10. The food.

11. The swimming pool and hot tub at the hotel.

12. The Historic District.

13. The souveneer shops and wooden shoes.

I've come to the conclusion that I have to write a story about this wonderful town. I also couldn't help myself. I did some work. I dropped off pens at the local animal shelter and dropped off bookmarks at the libraries here in Holland and in Grand Haven.

I even made a few contacts at local bookstores. If I can get more time off from the day job, I'll call and schedule a few signings here, provided the book stores don't go out of business. The independant bookstores seem to be struggling everywhere.

We've decided to try to come back in two weeks on a day off for the Tulip Festival. It's one of the biggest things that happens around here. Besides, after seeing how this city looks without the flowers, I can't wait to see what it looks like with millions of Tulips in full bloom. The Tulip festival starts on May 2. I can't wait.

Until next time...

Tianna

Been away for a while

2009-04-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to apologize for not posting for a while. I have been under deadline and with a recent illness been having a difficult time keeping up.

I'll begin the Thursday Thirteen again tomorrow with or as a post about my trip to Holland, Michigan. I hope my readers will find this city as interesting as I do.

Until tomorrow...

Tianna

Thirteen books I reread last month

2009-03-12T16:49:00.001-07:00

Thirteen Books I reread last month.

1. Dark Prince by Christine Feehan

2. The Beast Within by Lora Leigh

3. Wyndham Werewolves by Mary Janice Davidson

4. The Knights Elemental by Sahara Kelly

5. Road to Rapture by Marilyn Lee

6. Forever Enchanted by Maggie Shayne

7. Enforcer by Lauren Dane

8. Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

9. Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman

10. The Blue Viking by Sandra Hill

11. Rules of Engagement by Christina Dodd

12. You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister

13. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Thirteen Reasons I Love Dogs

2009-03-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

1. Dogs love to play.

2. They always know when I’m upset and offer comfort.

3. Dogs never judge you.

4. They never lie.

5. Dogs never cheat.

6. They are usually happy.

7. Dogs eat whatever you make for them without complaints.

8. They are always there when you need a friend.

9. I love the way they beg for ‘cookies’.

10. They shake my hand. (sometimes over and over again)

11. They kiss my cheek when I hug them.

12. They'll play fetch till they drop.

13. Unlike a cat they poop outside. If you’re lucky they do it in the neighbor’s yard, so there’s no hands-on crap handling.

Thursday Thirteen

2009-02-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

In an effort to find a way to post at least once a week, I decided I'd try a Thursday thirteen. At least this way you'll learn a bit more about me if nothing else. LOL So here goes...

Thirteen things I love about writing Paranormal romantic erotica:

1. I get to tell outrageous stories and no one ever calls me a liar.

2. Research ::waggling brows::

3. I get to dream up yummy vampire and shifter type men.

4. People tell me they blush when they read my books.

5. All the friends I've met.

6. My man never accuses me of being a prude.

7. No one ever accuses me of being a prude... LOL

8. Meeting my readers.

9. Signing autographs. I don't know that it will ever get old.

10. Embarassing my kids.

11. Writing awesome sex scenes.

12. Dreaming up inventive ways to do a menage.

and last but not least...

13. Being able to get paid to do something while sitting on my ass. (usually at the top of anyone's list)

Until next time...

Tianna

Nice Guys?

2009-02-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me or have been to my Yahoo group know that my day job is as a technician in a photo lab. I'm working toward being a specialist but that's for another post...maybe.

How strange is it for a customer to drop by just to say hello? Should I be worried about what goes on in that customer's head or just chalk it up to he thinks I'm nice and leave it at that? I wouldn't really worry about it much but I have several customers who do this. I've even been told they sing my praises to other associates... Should I be worried?

For example, one middle aged man visits and tells me his life story. I'm talking his sex life story. Another just drops by to say hello and let me know how his son is doing. Another, professional photographer, has actually asked me to model for him. I've seen his work. Can I keep my clothes on? That's the first question that popped into my mind. Normally I wouldn't question this since I usually only get one or two of these types a week. This week I've been getting two or three a day and now I'm wondering why I seem to stand out in so many people's minds.

I'm beginning to wonder if I'm being too nice to people now. Should I change, be less personable or should I stay the same and not worry about how many people come into the store then smile and wave as they pass? Actually, it's not the smiles and waves that bother me. It's the, "Did I tell you I have a penile implant and my doctor also prescribed viagra" comments that creep me out.

Until next time

Tianna

Cell Phones

2009-02-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes cell phones suck. We've lived in Michigan for almost seven years now. When we moved here in July of 2002, we had our phones switched over to Michigan. Three years ago we noticed that the cell phone company was still billing us for Virginia Beach city 911 tax and Virginia state sales tax along with the taxes for the state of Michigan.

We went on happily with our lives paying our bills and generally noticing the bill wasn't as expensive as it had been. Then a year and a half ago, suddenly our bills seemed more expensive again. The taxes were back or, according to their customer service never left. They were just hidden deep within the bill where we couldn't easily see them. We called again and asked them to remove the charges. They did.

Tonight, we looked at our bill on the internet and what do we see? Virginia Beach 911 taxes and State of Virginia sales taxes. Now they don't want to credit these monies to us because we should review our bills better and notice these things the month they happen. What? Whatever happened to customer service? And businesses wonder why the economy is so bad... I don't wonder. I know.

I don't look at my bills unless the charges are more than what I expect. So I guess a little of this is my fault but still, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that phones being used in Michigan shouldn't have any Virginia taxes on them. And the problem should be fixed the first time the customer calls and complains about it.

I hesitate to mention the company's name here. I only know I'm going to run very fast to the nearest cell phone kiosk and see which company will give me better service. Anyone have any suggestions?

Until next time...

Tianna

In Memory of Prince

2009-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

If I had to choose a favorite breed of dog I think it would be the German Shepherd Dog. Of all the working dogs I've ever been in contact with they are the most versatile, loving and hardworking animal. I haven't met a great many working dod breeds, however, so I could be wrong.

I had a German Shepherd Dog named Prince Albert, Prince for short. He was a large boned German Shepherd (also known as Shiloh Shepherd) who looked just like Rin Tin Tin of TV fame. I didn't know this when we acquired him just outside an animal shelter where his previous owner was about to drop him off outside the closed shelter in a crate.

It seemed the man's new wife had a grown Doberman that didn't like my little Prince. The man had the puppy wrapped in a blanket, his papers tucked inside the box. Apparently the man had only had Prince for three weeks when they'd gotten married and the Doberman was an adult. The woman wanted the messy puppy out of her house so there we were looking at this purebred puppy that looked more like a husky mix than a German Shepherd Dog.

Little did we know when we took this small puppy in that we would end up with a large dog that, when he stood on his hind legs, would be as tall as my husband who is six feet tall, by the way. He saved my life at least twice and was the best babysitter I ever had.

I'm writing this today in memory of his generous nature and love of life because today was his birthday. He crossed over in June of 1988 a victim of a sick individual's poison. The exboyfriend of a neice decided he shouldn't live because he'd protected our neice from the same man's rage.
I know you're waiting for me at the rainbow bridge, Prince and I can't wait to see you again.

Happy Birthday.

Until next time...

Tianna

Blog Post Winner

2009-02-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I had a blog post contest last week through Author Island. I meant to announce the winner last night but I had a migraine and, truthfully, forgot to choose and post the winner.

Martha E is the winner of a free download of The Prophecy. Martha E, if you could contact me at tianna xander @ yahoo.com (minus the spaces of course) I will send a copy right to you. You have your choice between a PDF and Microsoft reader.

Congratulations!

Tianna

Groundhog Day

2009-02-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone knows that February second is Groundhog Day. It's the day when most everyone gets up early to watch the morning shows to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or if we'll be lucky enough to have a short winter and an early spring.

By the way, he saw his shadow today so I guess we're going to be cold for a while longer yet -- if you believe the prognostications of a little fat rodent.

Very few know the ancient meaning of this day. In the Pagan world it has a variety of names but most commonly it's called Imbolc, prounounced im-bolk. It's a festival. You know, back in the anceint times they had little to do in the winter so a party or celebration was something taken very seriously. Especially if it marked the halfway point between winter and spring. They were halfway there! Winter was on the downward spiral and warm weather would come again soon.

Imbolc, the fire festival, marks the point halfway between the Winter Soltice and the Vernal Equinox with roughly six weeks between the two. This time is also known as Solmonath or Candlemass depending on tradition.

To the Romans, this holiday was known as Lupercalia. Ancient Egyptians called it the Feast of Nut after the mother to the sun god Ra. Her birthday was February second. Christians celebrated this as Candlemass, the purification of the virgin. Many religions celebrate something on this day. Was it because there was nothing else to do in the dead of winter? Was it to celebrate surviving the first six weeks of winter or was there some other more mystical reason most religions had a celebration on this day and in fact have many holidays that coincide?

I fear no one will ever know the correct answer but it's fun to learn about and fun to wonder. And the celebrations aren't too shabby either!

Until next time...

The Prophecy

2009-01-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

The Prophecy

By Tianna Xander

Now available at http://tinyurl.com/8rps79

Niklas Voortag, High King of Terrna lives his life for his people. His own needs are unimportant. Driven by the words of an ancient prophecy, he searches far and wide for the woman who can save his world. Now that he's found her, can she also save his heart?

Kidnapped from her world and everything she knows, Brianna O'Neill finds that she is The One bound to save an entire world. A trip through space, an acquaintance with a faery and an ancient sorcerer was never at the top of her list. Now she must come to terms with the fact that she is the only one with the power to thwart an evil plan.

Excerpt:

A slight movement in the corner startled her and she shivered with fear. Swallowing thickly, she tried to talk around the giant lump in her throat. “Is someone there?” She sat up, pulled the sheet up to her chest and squinted into the darkness, trying to see around the shadowy shapes she knew was her furniture. The sound of breathing from the corner made her heart pound faster.

Brianna’s hands fisted in her sheets, she hadn’t been this frightened in her own bedroom for years. The old fears and insecurities rose up, bound her to the bed, making it nearly impossible to move. She was torn between running and pulling the covers up over her head like a frightened child.

She inhaled sharply when a person stepped from the shadows, even opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. Reaching for her throat, she wanted to claw at the slim column and force it to comply. She tried again, still nothing.

Is this another dream? The intruder stepped fully into the moonlight and she could see him, or her, very clearly now. Whatever it was, it couldn’t possibly be human. It was tall and thin, with long silver hair and long pointy ears. Brianna resisted the urge to giggle. Hysterics were not an option. She needed to keep her wits about her.

“I would appreciate it if you did not think of me as an it or as a female.” The creature straightened. “I am Larin of the Fey. Messenger of Morgaine.”

“Huh?” Brianna sat up, holding the sheet to her chest. Now that she knew she wasn’t looking at a specter, whoever it was, had to be human. Fear came bounding back. She cast furtive glances around the room, hoping to find something she could use as a weapon. What the hell, if she was going to die anyway, she was going to go out with a bang. Maybe literally. “First of all, how did you know what I was thinking? Two, how did you get in here, and three, just who in the hell are you?” Brianna waggled three fingers, glaring at him. She didn’t give a crap if he was gay. She just wanted him out of her house.

He sighed. “I am most certainly not gay. Not in the manner you mean at any rate.” He hedged. “I am gay, meaning that I am happy.” He smiled and spread his arms wide, his hands palms up.
Like that was supposed to clear things up? Brianna slid backward across her bed to put more space between them. Turning her back, she dropped the sheet, grabbed her robe and put it on. Maybe he was a weirdo surgically altered to look strange. One who needed to make the acquaintance of the guys who wore the white coats?

She held trembling hands in front of her, in what she hoped resembled a placating manner. “I’m glad that you’re happy being gay,” she smiled. “Really I am. I just don’t know what it has to do with me or why you’re in my house.” She blinked and eyed the telephone, wondering if she would be able to dial nine-one-one before he could take it from her and make her eat it.

Larin closed his eyes, running a long slender finger up and down the most perfect nose Brianna had ever seen. He smiled and opened his eyes. They had the most devilish twinkle.

“I am pleased you like my nose, madam, but it is far from perfect.” He leaned back and sighed.

“Ah. Now, my Queen, she is another story. She is perfection.”

“Will you stop that?” Brianna shook a finger at him. “Just stay out of my head! You weren’t invited.” She glared at him, furious, her eyes becoming slits. “How do you do that anyway?”

“Do what?” Larin asked, feigning wide-eyed innocence. The glacial blue of his eyes was prismatic, reflecting what little light there was back at her.

“Ack!” Brianna threw her hands in the air. She was never going to get a straight answer from him. The creep was more slippery than a politician.

His silvery white brows drew down in a fierce scowl. “I beg your pardon!”

“If you don’t like my thoughts, stay out of my head.” She said with a smirk. There! That got him. What in the world did the guy want anyway? And why aren’t you scared out of your wits because he just popped into your house? The strange thing was that she really wasn’t scared of him. She felt more like sticking her tongue out at him than running for her life.

Biting her lip, she eyed the phone and frowned. Why should she care if he’s gay? That was his business, not hers.

“I am Larin of the Fey! F.E.Y. You know, the faeries.”

Now available at http://tinyurl.com/8rps79

2009-01-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

Finally! After months of attempting to sign in to this blog, I'm able to post. I can't tell you how frustrating it's been to not be able to sign in to my blog. I got so desperate I even changed the blog on my website to reflect the fact that I could not blog here. Admittedly I've never been a frequent blogger but I've been know to blog more than once every year or so.

I will strive to blog more frequently.

Until next time...

Tianna

Disposable Society

2009-01-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

There are so many things today that are considered disposable like paper towels, paper, plastic and Styrofoam cups, plates and bowls. TVs, DVD players and MP3 players are all designed, not to last but to fail so ultimately you must purchase another. Cars don’t even last as long as they used to. My father had a Chevy Impala he got over a million miles on before it finally kicked the bucket.

What ever happened to caring what happened to the earth or to others? What happened to being proud of a job well done and building things that last? Instead, that philosophy has been pushed to the wayside for looking out for the bottom line.

My father worked for a company and a city that cared about its people. They worried that their employees weren’t paid enough or had no family time. Instead, in this new world of super corporate dealings, we have very many who look out only for themselves.

Sometimes I think I was born a little too late. I think the world would have been better off had it remained the huge world it used to be. I can remember when businesses cared what happened to their people, when they remembered that it costs more to train new people than it does to keep the older, more experienced and savvy people happy. As technology makes the world smaller, so it makes the hearts of the worlds corporate giants smaller – along with their fists and wallets tighter.

Am I the only person who thinks that no one in the world needs to make thirty million dollars in a year when there are so many people homeless and starving? Perhaps I’m stepping over the line here but I have to believe that the world has really gone to Hell when the very people everyone depends on (because we ARE interdependent) become just as disposable as a burger wrapper at your favorite burger joint.

Just a little rant.

Until next time...

Tianna

Pirating of E-Books

2007-08-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

When people pirate e-books, they think "I'm not hurting anyone". When in essence you are hurting the Author whose ideas, time and effort went into it. I'm out of work right now because of a neck injury. It wasn't really something I wanted to go public with on my blog, but since the people who are pirating my books also have a google blog, I thought it appropriate to blog this.

I have no income now other than my royalties and this IS hurting me. I have counted on my royalty check to pay my bills which, due to some pirating, I am not able to pay this month. Now I'm faced with feed my kids or pay my house payment. I am NOT rich.

What would you do if someone mugged you after just having cashed your check? What if someone hacked your bank account? Would you consider that a crime? Well, pirating e-books, music and movies is like doing the same thing. Sharing once does it hurt the author probably not. A web site set up to sell or share such things over and over again is STEALING thousands of dollars from the author, actor or musician. These things can and are traced by law enforcement. Don't think you're annonymous because you are on the internet. IP addresses can be traced. Fake IP addresses can be traced. Everyone leaves a footprint. How do you think they catch the kiddie porn sickos?

New from Cobblestone Press ~ Narian Summer

2007-04-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Narian Summer:

The summer heat on Naria used to be a welcome time–a time of fertility and bounty. A time where the Narians celebrated life and everyday worries could be easily tossed aside for momentary pleasure. After three millennia of cultural and scientific stagnation coupled with a blatant disregard for their home planet, the summer heat is now deadly.
As Naria’s citizens prepare to leave their world in search of a new home, three Vampyre find that love can happen in only one day’s time. Lania Cadmus meets her mates, Nicolaos Konstantinos and Herodes Kreios, aboard their ship, The Poseidon, and quickly realizes they are determined to make her their mate.
With only one day to get to know each other before the fleet departs, the men must not only get past Lania’s fear of intimacy, but prove to her that love is all they’ll need to take with them on their journey to a new world.

Sex Me Up has been reviewed!

2007-04-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Sex Me Up, one of my newest novellas written with my best friend and critique partner Bonnie Rose Leigh has been reviewed by Amanda H. at Romance Junkies!

Here's a portion of what she had to say:

SEX ME UP is hot, emotional, tense and erotic. I just flew through this story. I had to find out what was going to happen next. This is going to be a phenomenal series. Jaynee is sweet, innocent, and beautiful both inside and out. Luc is the more dominant male, at least in my opinion. He was sexy, gorgeous and determined to get his woman, even at the cost of possibly losing her. Dare was my favorite. He was just as sexy, though a little less dominant, but he had a little more compassion in him. All three of these characters were superb together. The plot line never dwindled at all through this story. The sex scenes will definitely get you hot and bothered. They were absolutely explosive. I liked how Tianna Xander and Bonnie Rose Leigh wrote the sex scenes; they weren't too hard core but had enough BDSM to make your mouth water at the thought. Romance Junkies and Amanda H. for such a wonderful review.

Click here to read the entire review.

Until next time.
Tianna ~ Join me Where Romance Meets the Paranormal

I must apologize

2007-03-19T23:55:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy over the last few months the last thing on my mind was trying to figure out how to get into the new blog. I've had a few new releases since my last post. I'll list them here.

Sexy Santa Dreams, a Winter Holiday short story.

Thor's Hammer, a novella in the rune series at eXtasy Books released in January. Also in January, my critique partner and I had a short story menage accepted by Cobblestone Press, titled Narian Summer release date TBA.

In March, What to do with a Naked Leprechaun. Also in March, Sex Me Up, another menage written with my best friend and critique partner Bonnie Rose Leigh.

I hope you can forgive me for neglecting my blog, but as you can see, I've been a very busy girl.

Tianna ~
Thor's Hammer now available at fictionwise.

I want to post more often, I really do.

2006-11-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

I finally finished Alicia: The Awakening and got it published. If someone would have told me that being an author was such hard work a few yeares ago, I never would have believed them. Oh, I knew the writing aspect wasn't easy, but after that, there's editing the copy, at least twice then you have to edit the galley at least once. By the time you get finished with it, you don't ever want to see it again, let alone do anything else with it.

But here I am, telling the world that it is finally finished and hoping that it doesn't take me nearly as long to finish the edits on my new novel.

It seems funny to think of my self as a multi-published author already, when less than a year ago I almost quit writing after a particularly callous rejection. I have a few close friends to thank for that. You all know who you are.

Until next time, remember to visit my website at www.tiannaxander.com check out my excerpts and my yahoo group, but most of all, have fun.

Tianna
www.tiannaxander.com
Where Romance Meets the Paranormal

I Don't Believe it's Been So Long.

2006-10-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

I've just checked my blog and I only have one thing to say.

Wow! has it really been that long since I posted here? So much has been going on, I don't know where to begin. I've almost finished my sequel to Virgin's Blood, titled The Awakening. I've written a short story that, as of today, is on the best seller list at eXtasy Books. I suppose it helps that it's only 1.59. But hey, it is a short story, after all.

I'm under deadline for a book in the tarot card series. I have a card from the Major Arcana ~ Death. And I'm still trying to finish Man of My Dreams. I've been a busy girl.

My first novel, Virgin's Blood is now available at Fictionwise.com and is under the new and featured novel section at Readerwise.com. I'm just so jazzed, I don't know what to do.

Wish me luck finishing with The Awakening and I'll try to post more often, I promise.

Ta ta for now,

Tianna

www.tiannaxander.com

Where's Your Erotica?

The RWA Conference and returning to work.

2006-08-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone.

I'm plugging right along on The Awakening. I wrote the prologue today. It was something I should have written a while ago but just never got around to. I've added another four pages to the manuscript and feel pretty good about it.

I went back to my day job yesterday. It was both good to be back and a disappointment. Like all writers, I would love to be able to write fulltime. I do realize this is a dream and while it may, one day, come true I still need to continue on with my other career.

The path to success is a crowded space. I just hope I can stay on the path and not kick people as I pass or - shudder - as they pass me. I hope to one day, catch up to those authors whom I hold in such high esteem.

As Christina Dodd said so well in Atlanta, I'll "just keep walking."

Tianna
www.tiannaxander.com
Where Romance Meets the Paranormal

Vampires, Werewolves, other Were-beings Fairies, Witches or a Time-travel?

2006-07-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

Like I said last night, I just got back from the RWA conference in Atlanta and I'm Jazzed. There are a lot of great publishers and editors out there who are looking for paranormal romances. Since it's what I love to write, I'm going to go for it and submit to a few of them.

I have several ideas waiting impatiently for my undivided attention. My only dilemma is what do I write first? I have outlines for seventeen new novels. Ten of them are sequels to three of the books I've already finished. My problem is, which one do I work on after The Awakening? Anyone want to challenge me? I'm at page 113. Anyone think I can do it? I hope so. I work so much better when I'm under pressure.

Man of My Dreams, which is the working title for my new time-travel is near the half finished mark. I stopped working on that to start The Awakening. My editor wants it ASAP. I can't complain and I won't. Like I said I work better under pressure. Besides, it's a major compliment to get a phone call from your editor because she wants to tell you about how she kept forgetting to edit because she got dragged kicking and screaming into the work. Who in their right mind would complain about that?

Certainly not me.

I'm going to be running a contest on my site soon. If you're interested, please check back regularly as my site grows. Don't forget to visit www.extasybooks.com to see an excerpt from Virgin's Blood my new erotica \ vampire romance. If you haven't already visited my site, please go to www.tiannaxander.com.

Until next time.

Tianna

News on my trip and work in progress

2006-07-31T02:19:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the RWA conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I had a blast. I think everyone did. I met a lot of great writers there, published and unpublished. They were some of the nicest, down to earth people I've ever met.

On to business. I'm chugging right along on the sequel to Virgin's Blood titled The Awakening. Even with the activities of the last week I was still able to add forty pages to the manuscript. Though, to be honest, I did that in about six hours. I didn't have a lot of free time. Now that I'm home I plan to go back to it full time and finish it in the next couple of weeks.

With that said, I'm going to toddle off to bed since I've been up nearly twenty-four hours and get a little cuddle time with the hubby.

Check back often. I'll try to post here a few times a week to give news and updates and info on the contest I'll be running shortly.

Until next time.

Tianna

www.tiannaxander.com