Saturday, February 17, 2018

Embrace Your Dark Side

So, I like my books dark and twisted. Yes, there's a little sweet there, the happy ever after, but I like blood, a scintillating storyline, and that touch of darkness. This year, I've learned the meaning of a new acronym when it comes to describing my writing.

OTT

It's been used to describe two books:

Broken Pieces


and

Getting There

What classifies a book as OTT? Let me see.

Boy Meets Reviews said of Broken Pieces:
"I loved this farcical bit of unreality. Luuuurrved it. It was over the top. It was an over the top paranormal romance mate situation. Did I say it was over the top? Well, it was. There were some beastly aspects of this that were just kind of ... skeery. Yep."

So, yes, Broken Pieces was OTT according to the reviewer. Well, let me tell you, I took that as a compliment because OTT was exactly what the reviewer was looking for. Loved reading this one.

Me? Give me monsters, wings, and creepy things. Give me men taking an alpha role by surprise or totally going beyond the curve. Give me something different. Give me the fantastical and the amazing and lace within it the power of love. That's what I enjoy, and it's what I write.

In fact, this is where I'm going next.


Now, my gargoyles may not be quite this beautiful, but you get the idea. Maybe more like this?


Rawr! Oh, yeah!


The other OTT?
Hearts on Fire Reviews for Getting There:
"While Ira was a little OTT, I didn’t find the story to be and I found it interesting. I ended up really liking Creed and I love Anthony. Recommended."

Okay, Hearts on Fire. Getting There did have an end that was a bit of a shocker. I get it. Not for everyone.

Now, the reviewer rated the book a four, and if I wasn't already thinking of giving Anthony his own happy ever after, I certainly am now.

So, all of that to say what? Well, I had one of those doubting myself moments. You know. We all have them. But, when I asked my editor if I should try to write sweet stories, Debbie Nygaard had this to say:

"I think if you wrote a "sweet" story I wouldn't recognize it - LOL.

Embrace your dark side. It's what your muse inspires, and you do it well."

So, I'm listening. I'm going to embrace my darkness.





Embracing

If you find yourself wanting to read Broken Pieces or Getting There, the blurb and links are below:

Broken Pieces



A detective and the future leader of a deadly coven. What can go wrong?
Remi Devereaux is a Louisiana born detective working murder cases in Louisville, Kentucky. While shopping for game-day with the guys, he spots the most amazing person he has ever seen. Peter is a man Remi wants with his whole being, a man he just can’t let go.

Peter Romanoff is a photographer who possesses the spirit of two creatures. Two beings that are slowly tearing him apart. He needs a Supruga, a mate, to help give him balance. When he meets Remi, there is a magnetic pull he can’t deny.

The next in line to lead a powerful coven, Peter is hunted, and the people he knows and loves are being killed. It will take Remi’s love and Peter’s skills to combat the enemy after them. Can Remi be the balance Peter needs before the coven destroys them both?

Extasy Books: http://www.extasybooks.com/deja-black/broken-pieces/
Amazon US: https://goo.gl/RpKojM
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/xDbm4k


Getting There



Can a broken-hearted professor be taught how to love again? Can a business-minded surfer handle the task? Can they both survive the one man willing to kill to tear them apart?


Lucas Masterson’s life turns on its head when his long-time lover leaves him for his teaching assistant. Lucas is devastated, and the only person who seems able to help him live again is Creed Hamasaki, his brother’s best friend, who doesn’t waste any time staking his claim. But can Lucas and Creed’s love survive a return visit from Lucas’s ex who’s willing to kill to get him back? Even more so, can Lucas?

Extasy Books: https://goo.gl/G55QJa
Amazon US: https://goo.gl/KHuiuv
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/otUJta


Are you thinking of how to write a dark story? I found two articles that might help with that.

So You Want To / Write a Dark Fantasy


Pretty interesting read here with bullet points that might just lead you in the right direction. It includes tropes and details that are very specific. There are one or two ideas there you might object to, but give it a read. 

Darkness in Fiction: 7 Tips for Writing Dark Stories



Hannah Heath is back with some awesome tips on writing dark stories. It's short and to the point. Definitely worth taking a look. I love this woman. Great articles every time. Now, every story I write will have a happy ending, but all of the others? There!

Random Thoughts
We finished the Girl Scout Cookie sale. Only problem? Snafu on online sales. 



So, yeah. This is me before wine. Yes, I will savor the glass, maybe two. Oh, favorite wine? Let me show you. Hm. It's around here somewhere. 


My favorite and absolutely divine. Wine after Girl Scout Cookie sales.  Absolutely hate Girl Scout Cookie orders. You can't hear the tantrum I'm having, but it's happening. 

Oh, yes. Wine.



In other news, my husband lost his grandmother. She was a woman with a lot of spunk who had a smart mouth that wouldn't quit. Bright, intelligent, and someone who loved to take her family everywhere, she was a great person to know. She is definitely going in a book somewhere. Just wait.