Pull your socks up: another interview with me

You might not hear as much from me at the moment, but that doesn't mean, I'm lazily sitting on my arse, doing nothing. Far from it. I'm busily writing on the third book in the Branded series so that you, my lovely readers, will be able to join Celia and Tom again, see what they're up to next. And let me tell you one thing: it'll be a blast. Although I'm not yet sure where it all leads to, I'll do my best to make this book sing.

And while I'm furiously typing away, an e-mail reached me. Pageturners, a site for Chick Lit with a difference has asked if I'd be willing to do an interview with them. Of course I was. In fact, it's an honour. A site by readers for readers, what's not to love? And interviews are always fun, particularly when you're asked wonderful questions.

Find the interview here:

Hope you like it.

Love,

Stella

Amanda Hocking disappoints

Those who know me also know that I'm not shy of admitting that I loved Twilight. In fact Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is the reason for starting to write myself. I have always been the one with the nose right in a book as a kid and teenager, going to the library exchanging read books for new ones -- a real book worm. As an adult I still read, but I rarely have the 'can't put it down' feeling anymore. Then came Bella and her Edward and took me by surprise. Up to then, I actually didn't read any vampire books, at least not that I know of. But I can say I had been well and truly hooked and read every spare minute.

Since then, I've learned the craft myself. Not sure if I'd look at the series with the same eyes I did back then, but I had high hopes for Amada Hocking's My Blood Approves series. I had started the first book a while back and stopped rather soon. Couldn't stand the MC's relationship with her friend Jane and it just didn't hook me that much. I tried again a bit later and read the whole sample; still not being convinced, I passed on buying.
I really wanted to like the book, though. I thought there must be something to it if she's so successful, so after another few weeks I bought it and actually read it. After finishing it yesterday, I'm left disappointed. The ending is rather odd and felt like she didn't really know how to wrap it up.

While reading I had the feeling I missed something and I really didn't understand the strong yearning for Peter when she was in love with Jack. It didn't seem to be described well enough for me. And I also couldn't connect with Alice. Besides: I always visualised Alice being Amanda, probably a result of the character being a bit too weak. I normally don't have authors I've seen pictures of pop up before my eyes when I'm reading. I felt like this with all her characters. I didn't fall in love with any of them.

Her writing isn't too bad, I'd say, a few POV glitches, but one can see she's been writing for a few years; she knows the techniques, but her character development needs some work, in my opinion and I expected her to end the book with a bang, but it didn't happen. I didn't feel like I needed to know how it continues.

I know for sure that I'll pass on the other books in the series. To me there no comparison to Twilight. I think it's because of Bella acting far more mature than Alice and the story, to me, was far more believable than My Blood Approves.

Anyway, it's just my opinion. I wish Amanda Hocking that her success continues and a huge kudos to her. She's shown the sceptics that you can do it.

The cover for Candlelight Sinner revealed!

When I said I'm going to think about a cover for my upcoming novel Candlelight Sinner, people groaned, asking if it's going to change as many times as the cover for No Wings Attached. You can all rest assured, it's not going to change. The amazing Sessha Batto has done it again, she took my ideas on board and came up with a stunning work. And I'm in love. I mean I'm seriously in love, but see for yourself:

It mirrors the plot, has a great deal of warmth and...well, it's just perfect. For those of you who remember my sad attempts to find a good cover for No Wings Attached: you can laugh now: it looks like I'm going to change it again. Simply because the covers in a series should be themed. So I'll head off to find something pretty to match and I already have an idea. And covers are important, after all. I wasn't sure how the second book would turn out, as you know, I'm not the best plotter in the world, but I'll learn, I promise.

And more great news: one of my Beta-readers got back to me with five pages of comments, giving me the feedback I needed to see if the book works as a stand-alone novel. The talented (I'm just saying that because she loved the book. -- Just kidding.) short story writer Winn Smith has volunteered to read the first draft since she hasn't read the first book and boy, are her comments helpful.
I've started to edit/rewrite with great enthusiasm and am falling in love with the book again. It makes me smile, it makes me laugh it makes me feel all fuzzy and guess what? Next month, you'll be able to read it, too, because I plan to have it out in January. So you better warm up your Kindles, Nooks, iPads, Sonys or even your PC's, because I'm planning a special surprise.

Here's the blurb:
Being madly in love with Tom, a rather good looking, immortal wish-consultant and working in her dream job, life seems to be perfect for 32-year-old Celia. If it wasn't for the dark side still being after her or Sam, a charismatic man asking for her help, causing dilemma. When Tom gets another demanding case, and Celia takes her friend on a trip to Lanzarote, everything's about to change. The question is: for the better or for the worse?

The end is near-ish

If you are anxiously awaiting the sequel to No Wings Attached, you might be delighted to hear that the sequel is coming along rather well. After a few hiccups, I'm presently at word-count 63k -- Chapter Sixteen -- with an aim at 82k words in the end.
Interestingly, quite contrary to my expectations, it took much longer to get to the point I'm now; I planned a meager 2.5 months to write the whole thing and it started off rather well, but -- somehow -- I got thrown off the rails with the rather unpleasant surprise of my first book's state (I've posted about it here). I take my job as an author seriously and thinking about how many readers I've lost because of that, my good reputation I've worked hard for and still try to build up, ruined, had me almost throw the towel. But I gathered that I can't live without writing anyway, so I put on my fight-back-hat and continued with the sequel. Readers asking me when it will come out, of course, was a big motivator and my longing for perfection -- for independence -- did the rest.
Recently, I've blogged about my improvement, meaning, it's less obvious I'm not native, which was really great news. I've got to admit, I almost cried when I got the excerpt I sent back. I'm working hard on learning grammar and seeing how much it paid off was mind-blowing. The more I'm in control, the better. And it'll benefit my editing-business, too. since I only offer editing on plot- and character-development, with the occasional grammar I'm familiar with. (If you are interested in a quote, please get in touch, using the address to the right.)

Back to the sequel: I can promise you I'll have surprises in store. The second book leans more into the paranormal world, but it's still urban. Guaranteed no vampires or werewolves, only demons, humans from the dark side, as we have humans from the good side. Celia's risking everything, so is Tom. It will still have the 'chatty and funny' tone, which means it's not a dark read. There is love, friendship and hate. An emotional roller coaster, like the first book.

Here's another short excerpt I've recently written:
Celia's training in the cave.

I nod, close my eyes and concentrate. When I open them again, I reach out my right hand, palms up and think of the rope. It moves a tiny bit and falls off his hand.

“Shite!” I say.

He picks it up and motions me to try again.

I repeat what I've done before, but this time with my palm towards him, imagining to open the door that's stuck. The feather moves away from me, twirling in the air. I hold my breath.

“Is that me who's doing it?”

“Yes, keep concentrating.” But it's too late, the feather softly floats to the ground.

With a tut I go and pick it up, then place it on my hand and look at Sam.“You do it!”

He chuckles and before I know it, the feather disappears, just to appear – a fraction of a second later – in his hand.

I stomp my foot on the floor. “That's unfair! You make it look so easy.”

“Give yourself some credit, lass. You've only started with training, and let me tell you something, you're doing better than most of my trainees.”

“Really?” I ask, hopefull, but feel stupid immediately. Of course he's only saying it! My cheeks become hot and I rearrange my top.

“Trust me. You have a lot of fire behind your moves, but release them best when you're angry or hurt. What you need to do is fine-tuning. That's what we're trying. Only controlled powers are real powers.”

It makes sense to me. “In that case, let me try again.”

We repeat the 'pulling' a few more times and apart from a couple of feather-droppings, it gets better with every single try. From the way he smiles I can see he's delighted and so am I.

“Okay, let's see if you manage the balloon.”

I get into position and push; the balloon moves slowly, then stops. Confused I look at Sam who smirks at me.

“So what are you going to do now?” he asks.

With gritted teeth, I push a little harder, the familiar tingling I had when fighting against Boldie almost distracts me, but I keep up with Sam. When the balloon bursts, I shriek. The noise is almost unbearable in the tiny cave.

“Very good. You've reacted without applying too much pressure. Your progress is remarkable.”

I can't help but to smile proudly. “What's next?”

“A girl who loves a challenge, eh?” He grabs the pen. “Let's see if you can move this one here.”

Both of my hands are hurting, the right from the strain of moving objects and the other one from digging my nails into the flesh, a result of making a tight fist. When Sam sees me shaking them out, he lowers his arm.

“Maybe we should take a small break.” He puts the pen down and walks over the corner where he's, again, neatly folded his jacket, then produces a bottle of water from a tattered looking rucksack. I squint to make out the faded print on it. Iron Maiden?With some effort, I hold it together. Somehow I find it hard to imagine him, head-banging along the rock dinosaurs' music.

“Oi, lass. If you have enough energy to laugh at me, you'll not exhausted enough. Time to carry on.”

We get back to our places across each other and he holds out the pen.

I've been writing...um...sun-bathing and here is the result:

Since it's still wonderful weather in London, I took my laptop on the roof park today and continued with the sequel to No Wings Attached. To update you: I'm about 54k into the novel and plan on roughly 70/72k. Might well be more, I never know since my characters love to take over. 

A little insight:

Sam is Adam's best friend, who's offered to train her. They need to do that in secrecy and it's the first time she's actually alone with him. Totally alone and exposed...

Like last night, I sneak out the bedroom on silent soles. My feet patting on the cool tiles, I walk over into the kitchen area to put on my clothes. Again, doubts creep up on me and I wonder why the hell I've agreed to this, but another quick look at my friend who's fast asleep, reminds me how vulnerable she is, just by being human, brushing them away. I need to make sure she, and everyone around me, is safe. When I pull the door to our apartment quietly close, a sense of wickedness follows me, through the reception area, across the street and right into the bar. Sam jumps into a stand as soon as he sees me and waves, seemingly relieved that I came. Casually, I walk over and nod. The wickedness has been replaced by nervousness, but I'm here now, so I might as well go through with it. He would've had killed you already if he wanted to. How many times do I have to tell myself that? It's not the best sign. Stop being such a baby, Celia!

“Hey, lass. Glad you finally decided to show up.”

I snort. “I'm not alone here, remember?”

He holds up his hand and I immediately take a step back, my heart pounding fast. Sam grins, shakes his head and lowers his hand in an instant. “You really need to work on your trust issues, lass.”

“Don't make me regret leaving my comfy bed.” I stare at him, challenging.

“Calm down, Celia. Seriously, you need to learn how to get your temper under control.”

“Thought that's what you're going to teach me.”

He leaves ten-Euro-note on the bar, says something in Spanish to the girl behind it and beckons me outside. I follow, still filled with mixed emotions.

“Psst, Celia, over here,” he whispers.

I turn and can just about make him out at the side of the house, half-hidden by a hedge. Okay. Now or never!I draw a shaky breath and step into the shadow.

“Ready?” He holds out his hand.

Taking it, I'm only able to nod and seconds later it goes dark. When I feel solid ground under my feet again, I nearly choke at the stench.

“Gross! Did you have to bring me here?”

“Sorry, roses don't grow in these places.”

I cough again, then realise that – unlike last time – the cave is lit by thick white candles, flickering at our arrival. A few smaller ones are on the ground and six bigger ones are placed in cavities in the wall.

“If it wouldn't stink this much, it would be almost romantic,” I say.

“Don't get your hopes up.” Sam grins.

“You need to learn when someone is ironic.”

He laughs. “Hey, irony is my middle name.”

I just snort. The doubts begin to niggle again. How stupid of me, if something happens, nobody could even track me down here. Angry tears shoot into my eyes. How could I be so thoughtless. At least I told Tom I loved him when we spoke earlier. A part of me wishes I had explained my plans to him, the other part is glad I didn't. But what about Emily? She'd be worried sick, waking up to an empty bed and when she can't find me anywhere.

Without any warning, blue light balls hiss around me, only missing me just about, crashing into the walls with enough force to send some pieces of rock falling. Deja vu. I knew it! I duck and throw my arms around my head in panic. A few seconds pass, the only sound is the rubble raining down around me like hale on a winter's night. I lift my head.

“Are you out of your mind?” I shout. My thoughts are racing. I knew I couldn't trust him. Arsehole!But what can I do now? I'm so sorry, Tom. I love you.

He stands across me, casually leaning against a big rock, grinning and before I can say anything else, another streams of blue balls crash into the wall behind me. My heart thuds; I can hear the blood rushing in my ears and I feel sick. Was it all a trick, part of a plan to eliminate me? Would be typical for me. I draw bad luck to me like manure the flies.

“Sam! Stop, please!” My begging is muffled by the thunder of the next light balls hitting the ground hard. Smoke makes it impossible to see him; he must have aimed at the small water pond. His laugh echoes around the cave. I press myself against the wet stones, barely able to prevent them from giving in.

Aren't I supposed to see my whole life passing before my eyes?I'm scared and wonder if I will make it out of here alive. I look up and try to make out where he is, but can't. I know he won't be able to see me through the smoke either, so I remain silent. Waiting. Breathing heavily.

“Come on, lass. Is that all you've got to give?”

The familiar hissing sound and another blue light balls emerges from the smoke, coming directly at me. It's too late for me to duck and, in reflex, I hold up both of my hands, palm toward him. The tingling sensation I had when Boldie attacked me, reappears and the ball dances in the air. The smoke clears up, leaving a fine mist on my exposed arms and face. Desperately, I think of how to get out of this situation, to defy Sam all he while I'm trying to keep up with the pressure against my hands. He's not changed his position, his relaxed smile, though, has disappeared. I concentrate on the dancing ball again, keeping it away for a bit longer, but I feel my strength is weakening. Suddenly, it explodes and is replaced by the beautiful firework I saw last time. I stare at it, fascinated but wary. I'm still alive, that's got to count for something.

With a smug grin Sam says, “Lesson one. Be prepared at all times.”

“You are an arsehole, you know that?” My voice is hoarse. I'm shaking violently, partly from the adrenaline, partly from the relief that rushes through me.

“Sorry, lass, I needed to provoke you to tickle your defence mechanisms and it's worked. It always does.” He relaxes, hangs his arms. “Those people who are after you won't miss, they'll hit you with full force. No mercy. And the sooner you learn to react quickly, the better. I guess I've demonstrated how important it is.”

I glare at him. “Are you doing that with all of your trainees?”

He nods. “Afraid so.”

I don't know what else to say, still shaking and furious about his attack, I brush off my clothes which are full of dust, when he lifts his hands, a blue ball hovering over each. I stiffen again. Go on, then. Do it! Anger rises in me. He knows he's much stronger than I am and it annoys me. And he can do whatever he wants, I'd not be able to defend myself, especially not if I'm not prepared. I thought he'll teach me slowly, how to produce those balls myself, how to jump maybe, but no, he's just having fun taking the piss. Not with me!I collect myself and push my palms in his direction as if to try to open a door which is stuck. The blue ball hovering over his left hand smashes into the wall behind him. Leaving Sam with a rather surprised face.

Satisfied with the result, I relax my pose.

“Wow. Adam said you've got some great power in you, but I didn't expect that.”

Now it's me who presents a smug smile. “Got you, eh?”

He rubs his forehead, still having the other hand stretched out, illuminating the cave into a soft blue. “Do it again.”

I nod, position myself and close my eyes, collecting all my energy and thoughts, then push my hand forward again. Nothing.

“Come on, lass. I know you can do better. I didn't feel anything.”

“Okay, give me a second.” I breathe in deeply, thinking of last time in the cave. Boldie and the other guy, of Adam and what he did to me when we first bumped into each other. I thrush my hand forward with more force, sending a rather perplexed Sam flying backwards, hitting his head hard, the ball evaporates and everything goes quiet at once.

I'm back and that with a bang!

Actually it's not me who's back, but my muse. Don't really know where it buggered off to for the past few weeks, but it's back and sitting firmly at my side, giving me inspiration so I can continue with the sequel to No Wings Attached. Last post, I gave the reason why I thought about not writing it, but readers keep asking where the sequel is and guess what? I'm glad. For the past few days, I've been writing over 1000 words each night, yesterday even almost 2000 and it was fun to see the words flowing onto the screen. As I do touch type, I can let my mind create something like a movie, which flickers across my inner eye and my fingers just type out what I see. That's how I work anyway. I'm a very visual person and will translate either reading or writing into a motion picture. Yesterday, I had a scene where Celia is upset with Tom and jealous of his new client, and some circumstances -- coupled with some wine -- made her go out on her own where she bumped into a rather annoying, yet very sexy guy. He's my favourite man in the book. Dark, rough sex-appeal and obnoxious, but he has a way with Celia. He seems to be a case of love/hate him and is very challenging to create, because I want exactly that: being slap bang in the middle, he does things you want him to hate for, but you can't help but love him. He's got this special something your mum always warned you about. I just love it!
Celia is her usual self, funny, madly in love with Tom, but intrigued by that new guy, who plays a major role in the sequel. For the next chapters I've planned some rather big surprises, twists and turns, action and fun. And of course, the romance will not come short either. The toughest challenge is to top the first book, it has to be the same voice and style, but I'm a fan of big surprises, things that make you go: Oh gosh, I didn't see that coming! That's what I want to achieve and I promise you it will be the case. I'm already excited just thinking about the rough plot ideas, but those are only the cornerstones, the writing to incorporate those cornerstones is the difficult part. I'm plotting as I go along and things usually change here and there. This time, I don't even know the ending, which is new for me. It's blank, totally blank, which means it can take any direction. But one thing I'm sure of: it's going to be great! And who knows, if it's working well and my muse throws some inspiration for a third book into the ring, I'll be inclined to follow that one through, too.

Another 5-star review for No Wings Attached

Since I don't know if I'm allowed to copy and paste it, here's the link to the site that reviewed the book:

 Paranormal Romance Guild

If you are a book reviewer and would like to review one of my books, or do an interview with me, please get in touch. You will find my e-mail address to the right under 'About me'.

No Wings Attached e-book give away!

Yes, you read right, if you have been eyeing with my romantic comedy with a twist, you now have the chance to get your greedy little fingers on a copy of the e-book. I'm totally chuffed and honoured to be a guest blogger on 
Chick Lit Central, who run the contest.

How it works?
It's really easy, just leave a comment with your e-mail address on their site, share the contest on twitter or facebook or follow their site and let them know. So many options.
Of course you can always send me some Chardonnay and chocolate, that will not get you an advantage, but make me immensely happy. :-)

Here's the blurb to see what you can expect from this novel:
What if you find out that the man you love has got secrets and you are not who you think you are?
Life couldn't get any worse for 32-year-old Celia: single again and working in two jobs she hates; the last thing she needs is falling for gorgeous, out-of-her-league, arrogant Tom.
Being a wish-consultant, Tom has to make up for a failed case and is sent to make her wishes come true without his usual skills. Not easy when she's reluctant to talk to him. In order to help her become happy, he needs to win her trust and unexpectedly develops feelings he shouldn't have. When finally everything seems to fall into place for Celia, she receives a phone call that turns her world upside down once again.

This is a light-hearted romantic comedy a la Bridget Jones meets Charmed; no vampires, no werewolves, only the odd human with some supernatural powers. Suitable for readers who usually don't like paranormal.
 
And the latest review from a UK reader:

Couldn't put the book down. I started this book and honestly couldn't stop. I loved the plot, fell in love with the characters and can't wait for the next one. This is going in my favourites folder so I can read over and over again. If you want a book that catches you right from start to finish - this is the book for you. 


Is your interest piqued? Then hop over to Chick Lit Central and enter the contest. It's free and their site has always something interesting to read, too.

Good luck, everyone.

Good news demand to be shared

I've received a few wonderful reviews and feedback for No Wings Attached. And that's not all; people have messaged me on twitter, contacted me on facebook or via e-mail, telling me how much they enjoyed the book. What surprises me the most is that a lot of men seem to really like it. They probably fancy the idea of wooing a women by making her wishes come true ;-)

Here's the newest review from amazon.com:

I read Stella's book last weekend and I enjoyed it. "No Wings Attached" is light-hearted and hopeful, but is not sappy. Although it doesn't get overly dramatic, it has enough tension to keep you moving through the reading at a nice clip.

Tom is sent to Celia as the result of a mistake he made as a wish consultant. He needs to make good the mistake and the sweet results of his making good is the plot of the book.

Celia and Tom read as real people and very believable. The author definitely has a handle on proper characterization of her H and h. You'll not want the book to end, I promise you.

I call "No Wings Attached" a good buy. You'll not regret the purchase. 

Here's one from Goodreads (by a man):

NO WINGS ATTACHED was fast paced and fun. Near the end, it had it's suspenseful moments, and a dramatic twist. I enjoyed getting both main characters first person points-of-view. 


No Wings Attached is available at the kindle store and smashwords. Please click on the picture to the right to read the first three chapters or find the links to all outlets.