Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Sneak Peek into Eternal Crimson


PROLOGUE




This was what the end felt like, Rafe thought as he waited for Nathaniel to unleash his wrath. It seemed fitting somehow the one that gave him eternal life should also be the cause of his demise. There was some irony that he was paying for his Creator's sins. Gabriel had destroyed his soul, leaving him in this world of darkness with no escape. 

Saturday, January 28, 2012

The Sookie Story: Coming to an End!


As most of my friends know, I'm a huge Charlaine Harris fan.  The Sookie Stackhouse books have been like friends that kept me dreaming long after the pages were turned.  Harris announced on her facebook page that she had finished the final review of the next book, DEADLOCKED and it was ready to be released.  The actual release of the book is May 1, 2012.  You can visit Amazon to pre-order now.

Harris also stated that there would be one final book in the Sookie series and she was getting ready to start writing that one.  It is with deep regret that I watch this series come to an end.  It's truly like losing a best friend, and I can't imagine a world without more Sookie books. As most of you know her books inspired the HBO show True Blood.  If you have only seen the show and not read the books, you are missing an incredible series that, in my opinion, highly surpasses the televised version.

Harris made me fall in love with Sookie and Eric, and most of the cast.  In case you're wondering who I think Sookie should end up with, it's Eric.  I only say that because I can't have Eric for myself since my husband probably wouldn't appreciate it and he's a fictional character.  Yes I do know he's a fictional character, well okay maybe he's real in my dreams! I'm getting way off topic here.  I absolutely blame the incredible stories that Harris wrote for making me pursue my own writing.  Just letting you know who to blame if you don't enjoy my series.

Fangtasia and Merlotte's will live on in my dreams long after this series comes to an end.  I wanted to take a moment to thank Charlaine for bringing such a wonderful series to life for her readers.  I have thoroughly enjoyed walking in her world and look forward to more magic (I do hope she writes more vampire stories). I feel like I've suffered every heartache with Sookie over the years and she will be sorely missed.



Thursday, January 26, 2012

Strange noises reported around North Battleford | CTV Saskatoon

I love anything paranormal so this really caught my attention. I was happy to find a reliable news source explain the strange sounds that have been heard around the world.

Strange noises reported around North Battleford | CTV Saskatoon

Vampire Freebie of the Day for Kindle


I know how much my vampire lovers enjoy a good free read, so I'm happy to pass on "The Hunt" by Linell Jeppsen.  Available today and tomorrow free on your Kindle.  If you don't own a Kindle, Amazon has a free application for your PC, there is also a free app for your iPad.  Get ready for The Hunt! 


A ragged band of vampires are cutting a bloody path of destruction from Alaska to Washington State! As frost turns the leaves gold and paints the high mountain treetops silver, hundreds of hunters arrive in Swan Valley for their annual deer hunt. What they don’t know is an outcast band of vampires have arrived, as well. Raphael Goldhawk, king of the high vampire council, has decreed the taking of human life unlawful. Raul Stannard, an ancient enemy of the half-human king, is determined to overthrow the council, even if it means the exposure and eventual annihilation of the vampire race. Four people, a Ferry County forest ranger (Roger Atley), an Indian spirit-walker (HarleyTruefeather), and a young married couple (Brian and Holly Jensen), are about to be caught up in an ancient power struggle, and in a love affair as old as time itself. This novel combines ancient history with modern times, in an epic show-down between good and evil, love and hate. Grab your camping gear and hold on tight! It’s time for THE HUNT!

Get The Hunt on Amazon
Like "The Hunt" on facebook 
Linell Jeppsen Author Page

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Fantasy on the Bayou Writers Conference: Vamp Tour Update

Fantasy on the Bayou Writers Conference: Vamp Tour Update: The excitement and feedback we've received about doing a group Vampire Tour in new Orleans has been phenomenal! We are actively working ...

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Sharing the cover for Eternal Crimson - Tears of Crimson continues!


I would like to say thank you so much to Sean Nelson and Barbara Ivie for the incredible cover.  I think this book cover truly shares the vision of Eternal Crimson.  As we get ready to embark on the second book of the Tears of Crimson series, I am reminded how much I owe all the wonderful people who have supported this dream.  Without the wonderful friends I have, this book would never have come to be.  I will be forever be grateful to the people who have continued to have faith in this project.  The Tears of Crimson Vampire bar continues to grow beyond my wildest expectations, and that's all because wonderful people like you.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Food of New Orleans - Some Louisiana Love



When you think of New Orleans, the first thing that comes to mind might be the wild parties in the street.  For this Southern writer, while the entertainment is non-stop and exciting, it's the food that leaves my mouth watering and aching for my next trip to this incredible city.  Many of these recipes I've tried to recreate at home, but nothing beats having a fresh beignet or eating crawfish étouffée while watching the excitement of the city pass you by.  So pull up a chair and let's get your taste buds tingling with the Food of New Orleans and some Louisiana love.


What better way to start a conversation on food than with the sweet delight native to New Orleans, the beignet?  My mouth is already watering as I think about the deep fried pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Top this off with a steaming cup of Café au lait (milk and coffee mixed with chicory) , and darlin' you got a delight that's gonna make you want to be square.  Café du Monde, has long waiting lines in the French Quarter, but it's worth the time you wait just to enjoy this tempting treat.


If you're ready to get your taste-buds tingling, enjoy a little heat with my favorite lunchtime dish in New Orleans, Crawfish étouffée.  My baby sister clued me in on this treat and while she would say it's mild, for my sensitive buds it was a lot of fire worth every kick.  Almost like a stew with a great gravy, the crawfish lend it a unique flavor and it should be added to your must try list.  If you head on over to New Orleans Online, they've even got a recipe for those of you who can't wait to sample the fare.



Borrowing a line from Louis Armstrong, who used to sign his letters Red Beans and Ricely yours, the next must try dish on my list arrives.  You just haven't had Red Beans and Rice until you've tried them in New Orleans.  I first found the recipe for Red Beans and Rice at the back of a romance novel I read years and years ago.  I can't remember the title of the book (if anyone knows the name please send me an email) but it was one of the best recipes I tried, at least until I made into the French Quarter and was shown how to do it right.  All I can say is, holy sin I was in food heaven!  This dish is not as spicy as the Crawfish étouffée but the flavors were so incredible and it was a nice cooling down of my tongue.  Trust me when I tell you it's nothing like anything you've tried to make on your own.


I could talk all day about the food of New Orleans, instead I'm going to leave your imagination room to roam and give you one last recommendation on a local treat that you must try.  The Praline almost has a fudge texture, sweet and oh so creamy, when you add in pecans, it's a little treat that just has me drooling wishing I had one to enjoy right now! If you can't wait to taste this piece of heaven you can visit New Orleans Famous Praline Company  and they'll pack some up and send them you're way.

Now that I've given you all these great things to sample, I find myself getting hungry.  When you take your next trip to New Orleans I hope you think of me and pack up a little gift box to send back.  Do you have a favorite recipe from your trip to the city?  I'd love to hear about it, and I'm sure our readers are ready to be tempted even more, I'll even furnish the bibs.  Share your thoughts on New Orleans, we're just ready to pull up a chair and chat with you!


Friday, January 6, 2012

Ultimate French Quarter Vampyre Adventure


As part of the travel destinations for our Tears of Crimson vampire lovers, we are excited to share with you the Ultimate French Quarter Vampyre Adventure.  Brought to you by our friends at the Boutique du Vampyre, this is one trip that needs to be on every vampire lovers list of incredible vacations.  Surrender to New Orleans at night with a package that was put together with the discriminating taste from the lovers of the fang.

You'll be escorted by a vampire friendly cab to the Place d' Armes, one of the most historical hotels in the Quarter (and I might add the place this vampire writer chooses to stay when I visit the city).  After you have settled in to your accommodations you are guided by Lady Marita, the Queen of New Orleans,to the Pirate's Alley Cafe for a private tasting of Vampire Wines.  During the wine tasting you will learn the history of Dracula, Vampire, and True Blood wines.

After the wine tasting Lady Marita will escort you to Muriel's Seance Rooms where a private dining room awaits you with a wonderful selection of New Orleans Cuisine.  Your need for conversation will be filled during your dining experience as Lady Marita and Sir Steve give a personal story telling of New Orleans vampires and ghosts from the French Quarter.

After your incredible dinner you will be given your own personal Tarot reading from the Vampyre Tarot Deck and then your fangsmith Maven will prepare a custom set of fangs for you.   The evening does not end there, as you leave Muriel's you will be escorted to Lafitte's Blacksmith shop.  You will enjoy cocktails there while huddled around the famous Piano. Lady Marita will take her leave as you survey the area for possible creatures of the night but you must remember to return to your room before sunrise.  Two books will be waiting by your bedside when you return to Place d' Armes, Journey into Darkness and Lafitte the Pirate.  Both of these books should entertain you until the next evening of your vampyre adventure resumes.

A wakeup call will come an hour before sunset on your second evening in New Orleans.  As sunset arrives you will be met outside your hotel by a buggy and your driver.  Your guide is nocturnal and will lead you through the city while educating you on some of the cities nocturnal haunts.  A bottle of your favorite Vampire wine that you discovered to your liking he will possess as well as a small snack of cheese and fruit.  After your tour you will be driven to the Boutique du Vampyre.  The Boutique is the only vampyre shop in the country and you will have your own private shopping experience.

As your shopping comes to and end you will dine at the Orleans Grapevine for an enchanting dinner, vampyre style.  The need for feeding quenched it will be time to find your way to Jackson Square, only a block away.  The Vampire Tour will be your next destination and you will enjoy learning from incredible tour guides from the Haunted History Tours.

As this tour ends you should be familiar with your surroundings and ready to enjoy the rest of the nightlife on your own.  Boutique du Vampyre recommends stopping by the Dungeon.  This vampire writer will also give my recommendation of the Dungeon as I found many wonderful nocturnal creatures to speak with here.  The cost for this Adventure is $3,000 per couple and is all inclusive, excluding airfare.  It is a trip that will give a lifetime of memories and it has the Tears of Crimson seal of approval.

To discover more about the Ultimate French Quarter Vampyre Adventure, visit www.feelthebite.com






Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year from Tears of Crimson!

Happy New Year from everyone at Tears of Crimson.  2011 was an incredible year and we are looking forward to having an amazing 2012.  Many exciting things are in the works this year, including the release of Eternal Crimson, the second book in the Tears of Crimson Vampire Series.  We are looking forward to bringing you the best vampire entertainment this year and continuing to share with you the wonderful talent we've discovered over the year.

Some of the highlights of 2011 are listed below and I hope you'll take the time to get to know those that you may have missed before.  I would like to give my gratitude to Steve Grimaldi, Patricia Schutt, Katerina Dotcheva, and of course my co-author Sarah Snyder for all their hard work.  Without incredible people like these this series would never have reached the proportions it has.  We still have a long way to go in 2012 to get the word out and I'm really looking forward to working with all the Tears of Crimson staff and fans on making this a story that is shared throughout the world.

Tears of Crimson started as a dream and has turned into something that has went beyond all my expectations.  Thank you for being part of journey and I look forward to continuing down the path and seeing how far we can go in the New Year!

2011 Memorable Vampire Entertainment

Joe Wilson, John Colella and the Vampire Mob
The Boutique Du Vampyre - the shop for all our nocturnal friends
Creations Tears - A great band that sets the mood for the Tears of Crimson Vampire Bar
Sean Nelson - The artist for the Eternal Crimson cover and a great paranormal artist

2011 Vampire Authors

Chuck Todd and the Neesa Series 
Sean Hayden and Origins
Tiffany Heiser and Bonded Series



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