This particular blog hop is about authors offering a glimpse into their lives and their work. What our schedules are like and what really goes on in our heads. Some of us are just the way we portray ourselves online, others…not so much.

So, who invited me to talk about myself and the way I write?

SabrinaDevonshire nicely dragged me into this and I blame her for any  random thoughts that may rear their heads during this exercise. She is the author of some uber hot erotica over at Extasy Books.

I hope you’ll find the time to check out Sabrina’s books and her website. I also hope that you’ll manage to visit the sites of the three authors I list below who will, I hope, be posting their own comments next Monday, April 7^th.

Now it’s time to give you a glimpse at my writing process…

1.)    What are you working on?

Currently, I’m working on several works in progress. I’m working on book three of the Taos Wolven Mates series, tentatively titled, The Grand Duchess. The series is published by Siren Publishing.

I’m editing the print version of The Endowed due to release later this spring. I’m also working on book one of the Caspian Cascade, book four of The Gate To Fate, Stellar Dare, and book four of The Chosen series. Book four of the chosen has been a long time coming. I can’t wait to get back into my vampire world with something just a little different to shake my characters up.

2.)   How does my work differ from others in its genre?

Hmm… I never know how to answer this. I’m not sure.

I tend to try to make my books character driven and fast paced. I’ve never really been a fan of overly descriptive passages in a book. I like description, but some books I’ve read go a little overboard with it. One of them in particular gave a twenty-six page description of a woman’s ball gown and her hair style. Another gave a twelve page description of a character’s dinner. I’d rather not get that caught up in what someone is wearing or eating unless it’s significant to the plot. I try to give my readers a happy medium between description, character development and driving the plot to its conclusion.

I used to be a dedicated pantser. Plots came to me in a linear manner and I wrote until they reached their final, logical—to my muse anyway—conclusion. Now, I usually work with an outline. Not because the ideas don’t flow as easily anymore, but more because I have several series that I need to keep true to their own mythology. I can’t have people reading minds in a new book who aren’t supposed to read minds or others having telekinetic powers whom I’ve already established don’t have that ability. An outline along with a file with the ‘rules’ are always open while I’m writing the new book in every series.

The outline is never set in stone. It’s a guideline I follow during the writing process. I still allow the muse to throw in unexpected twists and take us all on occasional roller coaster rides. I have to, otherwise they step in and take a book so far out of my comfort zone, it takes me forever to write the story. I’ve had this issue with The Grand Duchess. Some passages are so far out of my comfort zone I can only hope it holds up to my readers’ expectations.

Once I feel as though a story is finished, I pass it on to a few trusted friends who have volunteered to be my beta readers. If it passes muster on that end, I send it in to my publisher and bite some virtual fingernails—along with my real nails—until I receive edits.

I love my editors, every one of them. In my opinion, they are the reason I am where I am today with my writing. For those of you new to the craft, I can’t stress enough how a good editor can help you polish your books until they shine like the sun.

3.)   Why do I write what I do?

Love and the idea of being in love was a deciding factor. I love romance. I have always loved romance. I read my first Harlequin when I was in my early teens. My sister left it lying about. I wondered what she saw in them and picked it up. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Of course my tastes have changed throughout the years. I rarely read a ‘sweet’ romance, but it isn’t unheard of for me to do so.

I read my first paranormal romance in 1999. It was Christine Feehan’s Dark Prince. Once I  read that, I was stuck on vampires and shape shifters. I powered through every paranormal romance I could find and went searching for more.

When I complained to my husband that I couldn’t find anymore paranormal books to read by my favorite authors, he looked at me and said, “You’re always making up stories. Look at what happened to that one you used to tell the kids about their toys coming to life? You never put it on paper and someone beat you to it. Maybe it’s time you started writing your own.”

So…I tried it.

The rest, as they say, is history.

4.)   How does your writing process work?

I write whenever I can. I usually try to write a bit in the morning on the way to the day job. I write on and off throughout the day, during breaks and lunch then again in the evening on the way home. I do my best to write after I get home, too. It’s difficult to keep a steady writing schedule and hold a full time day job.

Believe me, if this was making me rich, I would quit the day job and write full time. However, since every author knows that the precious few who make a good living off their writing are those who have been on the NYT Bestseller list multiple times or those who have gotten TV and/or movie deals.

So…I do the best that I can. I write as much as I can, when I can, and hope that someone likes it. So far, it seems as though someone does.

5.)   Who will we meet next week?

I’m happy to say that I’ll be introducing you to a few fellow authors that write hot erotic romance. Franny Armstrong author of Jinn and Toxic, Kelsie Belle author of Playing for Keeps and I’ve taken the liberty to add Missy Martine because she’s an awesome author and friend and I couldn’t find a third so I nominated her. Maybe we'll get lucky and she'll post this on her Facebook page. Missy, I apologize in advance for tossing you under the proverbial bus. LOL

Now for the featured authors: Give their books a chance and check out their individual pages for their posts next week! Who knows? You might just find yourself another awesome new-to-you author.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tianna

 Franny Armstrong

Jinn and Toxic

Romance and adventure go hand-in-hand when a set of identical twins with powerful psychic abilities work for the military. Sergeant Jinn Dennison goes AWOL when her sister, Julie, is shot and nearly drowned in a Mexican rainforest. When Jinn's mistaken for Julie by her captain, she soon finds herself branded a traitor.

Tab, (Toxic) McTavish never would have believed Julie would ever betray the team, yet something was strange about her all of a sudden. Toxic Tango Troop's mission was to take down a drug dealer by the name of Iceman, and get out of Mexico fast, but a traitor in their midst has given them away. While on the covert mission, he tries to find his kidnapped sister, Tara, but Jinn wants to rescue her own sister, whose life is in jeopardy.

Together, Tab and Jinn find keeping their hearts free harder than chasing after Iceman as they search the rainforest

Kelsie Belle

Playing For Keeps

Left broken and bleeding, night club owner and accountant Cassidy Samson did her best to pick up the pieces of her broken self and move on with her life. She vowed never to let anyone get close to her heart again…until the potent force of a pair of green eyes threatens to bring her to her knees.

Hired as the new guitarist in the band at the Escape Lounge, Cameron Chase is intrigued and aroused by Cassidy’s tough-as-nails attitude and sets out to barrel through the formidable wall she has constructed around her heart, to get to the real woman behind the façade. He agrees to play by her rules in a reckless game of lust in hopes of finding love.
But will Cam be able to chase away the demons of Cassidy’s past that threaten to consume her? Will his love be strong enough to make her whole again?

Missy Martine

Star Wishes

Sarah Keevers had lived and worked in an orphanage in St. Louis since she was five years old. She’d stayed on to protect the younger children from the harsh headmistress. Now, she’s inherited money from a grandfather she never knew she had, and she wants to take the children far away. The only problems are the children don’t legally belong to her, and women have no legal rights in 1856.

So, Sarah changes her name to Samuel Kees, disguises the children, and heads west with her new family. She settles in Big Springs and meets up with Abe West, the local sheriff, and his brother, Ike. The two men discover her secret and decide she’d make the perfect wife.

They’re going to do everything they can to earn her trust. Will they be able to protect Sarah, and hold on to her love when her picture shows up on a wanted poster for kidnapping?

Someone asked me this question recently and I thought I would blog about it. There are many things I would like to have with me including an infinite supply of clean clothes, but let’s be realistic and say that we didn’t have much time to salvage things from a sinking boat. So, what kind of stuff would I want? I would want things that would help me survive as long as possible while there. This is the list I came up with.


1. I would want to have Kevin with me because I wouldn’t want to be stranded anywhere without him. Besides the fact that I love him, he’s a very handy guy to have around.

2. A two-pack of giant bic lighters.

3. My laptop bag (waterproofed) as it sits now with ten dvds in it, the laptop filled to the gills with games and e-books. Some romance, some how-to books like How to build a treehouse with a hatchet a shovel and two hunting knives and how to prepare seafood, and topical fruits and vegetables over an open fire and a few that may interest Kevin for entertainment and a solar charger. Okay, I don’t have a solar charger in the bag right now, but the rest is there, with the exception of the how-to e-books I mentioned.

4. A hatchet

5. Two hunting knives

6. A shovel

7. Fishing line and hooks

8. A frying pan

9. A very well-stocked first aid kit

10. A nice supply of toilet paper because, let’s face it, we have no idea how long we’re going to be stranded now, do we?

Do you think I’ve forgotten something vital? If so, what? What would you want to have with you if you were stranded on a desert Island?

Blog Contest Winner

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

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!

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

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

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.”

An Interview with a Vampire

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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