What's the Goss'?

Well the Goss today is that it has been very quiet... I have spent the day reworking parts of my short story for Hot July Days: Shadows on the Heart.

I was asked recently what the plot line was for WTWCTD but I am sad to say I am not a plotter. I never know what is going to happen until I am sitting in front of the computer and the words come tumbling out of my head and onto the screen.  so most weeks I am just as surprised as you as to what is going to happen and quite often give myself the WHOA! factor.

If any one has suggestions as to what they would like to happen feel free to leave a comment and I will try to work them into the story...  I have been asked are they human, shifters, or some other paranormal creature and I don't know yet. Is there anything you would like to read about?  Where do you think they should live?  What do you think they should be? What is the name of their town, country, world?

I look forward to seeing any and all responses...

Quick Note

Hi Guys and Girls...

Well this is just a quick not today saying that I finally finished my Short story for the MM Romance: Hot July Days: Shadows on the Heart. all I have to do now is go back through and check the spelling and punctuation... everyone out there that knows me is by now rolling around on the floor laughing their arse's off... because they know that I suck at both.

The hardest part of the whole thing was trying to write the Bio about myself... I was stumped... total mind blank.  I am just not that interesting. Yeah I hear you all laughing again.

Researching... Is it a good thing, or just a pain in the arse...

Researching stuff for you books is a good thing really, as it helps you get the facts right so that the story seems more genuine... But sometimes it is a total pain in the arse; I have been looking up Vikings and some of the sites contradict each other so much that I'm not sure which one to follow. The one that gets me the most is the spelling of different things I.E. Valhalla... I have come across it spelt: Velhalla, Vallhalla, & Valhalla.  Odin was another name that it was spelt two ways Odin & Odinn. But I must admit they have some of the coolest names in history for their people... my personal favourite: Kusi - person who inspires fear and dread.  that is one awesome meaning for such a small name.

The bad thing for me is that when I begin looking up stuff, I have a tendency to get sidetracked and end up at the polar opposite of where I was meant to be.  but I suppose that is the fun thing about it I am always looking up new things.

Why am I looking up Vikings I hear you say; it is because I am writing about Vikings for the Hot July Days, short story Anthology.  

Now you know why I am researching Vikings. I am writing my Take on what is going down... but alas; you will just have to wait until the stories have been released to see just what I come up with.  So many authors doing such a wonderful job and there are going to be so many stories to choose from... I say good luck and congratulations to them all... 

I personally can't wait to read them all.

When The Walls Come Tumbling Down # 2

Brayden was in shock at the announcement that Quinlan had just made.  He didn’t even have time to react as Quinlan gripped him by the back of the neck and slammed their mouths together sealing both their fates until the wedding ceremony could be performed at tonight’s banquet.

“What have you done you crazy fool?”  Brayden whispered against Quinlan’s lips.  His hands fisted in Quinlan’s tunic as if afraid to let go...  Not as if... he was afraid to let go.  He was afraid of losing Quinlan all over again.

“Just reclaiming what was always mine.  You should never have been taken from me.  Your uncle had no right taking you away from me.”

Quinlan and Brayden broke apart as a hush fell over the crowd.  Turning Brayden claimed Quinlan’s hand as Ormand and his uncle stepped onto the balcony and walked towards them.  Hatred and disgust filled both of their eyes as they stopped in front of them.

Brayden braced himself, he saw his uncle’s fists were clenched so tight that this knuckles were white.  Stepping in front of Quinlan, Brayden braced himself for the blow that he knew was coming; he had been on the receiving end of them too many times before, not to know that his uncle was pissed beyond belief at the realisation that his plan had fallen apart.  Even more so that Brayden was now out from under his thumb.  He almost groaned when Quinlan placed his hand against the small of his back in comfort before stepping around him.

*....*....*

“Lord Dalziel,” Quinlan bowed in the man’s direction.  “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

“This marriage will be but a sham,” Lord Dalziel spat in anger.  “As King you are meant to produce an heir.  How will you do that being married to my nephew?”  Lord Dalziel turned and addressed the crowd.  “I call for the vote of challenge before this abomination of a marriage can be allowed to be formalised.”  He was shocked when Quinlan started laughing.

Quinlan turned towards the castle doors and motioned to the young man that stood there to step forward.  “Lord Dalziel, I am sure you recognise Cleric Saskia?”

Lord Dalziel looked confused so Quinlan continued.  “Cleric Saskia, can you please explain to Lord Dalziel why that law is not required for my ruling.”

“As you wish Highness,” Cleric Saskia nodded.  “King Rothwell knowing that his son’s heart lay not with the young maidens decreed a law that Prince Quinlan had to pick a woman to be surrogate for his children.  The surrogate Lady Arella was chosen and has since given birth to two beautiful boys.  Killian and Larkin Macallister have been recorded as the next in line for the throne after the rule of their father.”

Quinlan noticed that the cleric moved back out of Lord Dalziel’s way as soon as he had finished speaking.

“You see Lord Dalziel; there is no cause for the vote of challenge,” Quinlan smiled.  “I think my sons are going to love their new father as much as I have always done.”

“I still say the vote of challenge is a just call... A kingdom cannot be ruled by the abomination that you are suggesting.”  Lord Dalziel was so furious that Quinlan could see the spittle fly from his mouth as he screamed that out.

“ENOUGH!!!”  Quinlan roared.  “You have no right telling me who I can and cannot love.  There is no law that states I must have a woman at my side to rule our people.  The law is written that I must choose the one person that will make me a stronger ruler.” Quinlan looked out over the crowd that was watching in rapt attention to what was taking place.

“I have chosen Brayden Caldwell.  There are no, ifs, ands, or buts... You do not get to have a say in who I choose.  No one here does.”  Quinlan shook his head sadly, “You may not agree with my choice... but it is my choice.  Cleric Saskia has by now already recorded my choice in co-ruler.”  Quinlan placed his hands on the balustrade and leaned forward.

“As such, you will all treat him the respect that is due his new position.  If I find that anyone... and I mean anyone has disrespected him in any way then they will be brought before me for judgement.”

Stepping back from the edge he said to Lord Dalziel and Ormand.  “If that is all, then I have no further use for you.  You may leave our presence.”  He made to turn away and stopped.  “OH and there will be no need for either of you to attend the Marriage ceremony tonight.”

“This is not over.”  Lord Dalziel hissed in his direction.

“Then you would be mistaken,” Quinlan took a hold of Brayden’s hand and walked into the castle leaving behind their unwanted guests standing on the now vacated Balcony.

Favourite Characters

What makes a great character?

I got asked recently who was the best character that I have ever read... it made me sit and think because I have read so many wonderful books but I am going to list my top five favourite characters. These are listed in no particular order.

1- Sparhawk: from David Eddings series': The Elenium Trilogy & followed by The Tamuli Trilogy. Sparhawk is a leader among men... even if his wife Queen Ehlana does get the better of him on many occasions.

2- Acheron Parthenopaeus: From Sherrilyn Kenyon's Series: Dark Hunters's.  Mainly because he wears such awesome clothes... Well that & he is a God, who's heart is always in the right place even if he can't change what is going to happen.

3- Mercy Thompson: From Patricia Briggs' series: Mercedes Thompson.  This girl isn't afraid of anything and she has a wicked sense of humour as well. She takes shit from no one not even her own mate.

4- Johnny Stone: From Lynn Hagen's series; Brac Pack.  This character just has a beautiful personality which comes out in all of the books, he has no internal filter which I absolutely love... and pulls some funny pranks when he teams up with his best friend Keata.

5- Edward Beauregard III: From Lynn Lorenz's series: Common Powers.  Edward just captures your heart, he makes you both laugh and cry as he and his bulldog Winston, both rock and throw into utter chaos Chief of Police Jack Whittaker's life.

I have many others that I absolutely love, and may give you a list of them later on but all the above mentioned books and series are so worth the read... I know you will love them as much as I do.

Weekly Read

This week I choose Z. A. Maxfield's: Drawn Together as my weekly read.

I absolutely love this book right from the first moment I started reading it. Rory Delaplains just sucked me right into his world and made me want to be part of it.  Just by breathing he made the world a better place; and that was before he even laid eyes on Ran Yamane.

I loved the calm that Rory brought into Yamane's life; his heart was gone before his body was willing. Rory to me is a strong character that I think Z. A. Maxfield has written beautifully. His instinct to protect fuelled by his hearts need.  Where as Yamane's world was chaotic; created by the psychotic Stalker that was hell bet on making Yamane her's or making him pay; Amelia was determined to take what was hers.

This is a book that is always with me no matter where I am, because no matter what I am doing. I know that the moment I start reading, I will be transported into Rory & Yamane's world.  Drawn Together is truly one of those books that I wish there could be on to follow.

I love the way that Z. A. Maxfield wrote them as being the Ying & Yang that compliment each other beautifully, and together they were a force to be reckoned with. I could not imagine them being any other way. and I congratulate that this book even though it held a dark element with Amelia stalking Yamane, the book itself wasn't filled with hate.  So many people they came across in their flight from Amelia, were willing to help and in return be helped by them.  We got to meet so many interesting people in their travelling.

Proves that behind every dark cloud there is a sliver lining just waiting to appear.  I would have no problems recommending this book to anyone to read as it is such a fantastic book. I can guarantee that from the moment you first begin your journey through Rory and Yamane's world you will be hooked and come another willing groupie.

I will end with my favourite lines from this book:

Yamane reached out a hand.  "You've got something on your lip," he murmured, rubbing it gently with his thumb.

"What?"  Rory froze.

"Me," said Yamane, Closing the distance for a kiss.

Music & Other Random Thoughts

The strangest thing just happened to me... went to do this post for today and ended up in a speed dating site... It was so not what I expected... neither did the poor girl that was at the other end as my name wasn't Ryan.

Okay got that random thought out of the way and am onto the music.

when I write I have music that I have for certain couples... in my The Lines of Marsden series when I am writing scenes for Christian & Michael I like to listen to all things Nickelback... when I wrote for Michael & Doyle I listened to Matchbox 20. and when I write for the younger generation it is Sickpuppies that get most of my airtime.  I find it helps put me in whatever mood I am aiming for.

I am pretty eclectic with my music tastes, in my car at the moment I have Adam Lambert... awesome singer.

On my iPod it is a lot of Pub Rock like: The Angels, Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, AC/DC, etc. though I do have a fair bit of other stuff like Good Charlotte, Linkin Park, 3 Doors down, Maroon 5, The Cure... Yet strangely looking at my list I have no Bowie... and we all know that he is my most favourite person on the earth. In my stereo in the house I have Good Charlotte... love dancing to them while I clean the house.  Actually just went and saw them in concert last month... they were with New Empire which is a Sydney band, and Short Stack; who I think may also hail from Sydney but I could be wrong on that... didn't think I would like Short Stack... yet I have to admit that the lead singers is very entertaining.

My family is always telling me to shut up, I put my iPod on and crank it right up and sing loud. A funny story: one night my hubby woke up and I was asleep singing The Wallfowers: One Headlight, and when my hubby took out my earphones, the song that was playing was Silverchair's: Israel's Son.  He has never let me live that down. says I say One Headlight perfectly.  He thought it was hysterical because they are such completely different in tempo.  I just pointed out they were both great songs.

On that note I will leave you with this quote; "If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving isn't for you."

Monday Madness #2

Getting sidetracked on the Internet.

Well today I have worked out that I must have a really short attention span... I started out last night looking up things on Vikings & Norse Gods... which somehow morphed into pictures of sensual gay couples, until in the end I found myself in some Porn Gallery... Mind you I had to stay and have a look at them all. First visit ever, and some of those pictures lets just say WHOA!!! May even have to check it out again later.

See what I mean about the short attention span?

This was one of those beautiful photo's that I got sidetracked by.  I wish I knew what the hell they were thinking right then as the photo was being taken.

This is another picture I found and just thought, I so have to write this guys story. and I have finally found two people who I can use in my series: Admetus Gaea; Book one: Untamed World.

This is my Jondalar: Who is one of the leaders of the Elvin Kind; he Rules Meadow Run.

This is my Grayson:  Who is human to start off with and becomes something else so that he can Fulfill the Gaean Prophecy.

I will fill you guys in on this story another day... because it would take too long to explain right now and I want to explain it right... because this was a world where I created everything; making up a language was fun.

Okay, now this Blog just proves what I said about having a short attention span!!! On that note I will away and write to you all another day.

On Writing...

What Inspires me when finding Characters:

I have absolutely no clue who this person is, yet the moment I saw this picture I knew that I had found my bad guy... or girl as the case may be.  Her look of innocence is decieving.

I like looking at the picture and developing the character in my mind. Finding the right name and  personality, is what helps me when writing her into the story. I find it easier to find the picture first, rather than trying to write blind; meaning that I like to have a visual aid while I write.  For those times when I am trying to write facial descriptions, I find that I like looking at  her picture and describing exactly what I see.

Writing personalities:  Well for this I get inspiration from everywhere.  Each and everyone of my characters has a little piece of me in them.  Other pieces I take from family, friends, and complete strangers. That for me is the fun part, taking all these bits and pieces and moulding them into the character that they finally become.

The good part is that I have many friends that just send me pictures of different people that they find interesting... and sometimes those same pictures jump out and grab my attention; yelling, pick me and tell my story.

This picture became my basis for Venetia Matherson; but that is a whole other story... to be told on a different day.

Beautiful According To Me # 2

To me this picture is absolutely stunning, and not just because it is two naked men in a bathtub together.  To me this picture is sensual; romantic even.  They say I picture says a thousands words... I say a picture tells an amazing story.

It makes you think... how did they meet? Was it love at first sight? Are they just strangers in the night? Will they have a happily ever after? Or are they doomed to fail?

This is a picture that my friend emailed me, and I have kept it just so that at some stage I can write my version of their lives.  I'm not sure who they are or where they are from, but I know that they are gonna have love on some level.

When The Walls Come Tumbling Down #1

Here is the first part of my blog story I hope you enjoy:

Brayden stood off to the side of the gathering throng and studied the young man that stood sadly on the balcony above them all.  Quinlan Macallister wasn’t anything like he pictured him to be.  From the description Brayden’s Uncle had given him, he had thought that Quinlan would somehow look evil; but instead he looked the exact opposite, he looked Angelic... so beautiful with his long blonde hair that fell in ringlets to his waist.  He was exactly as Brayden remembered him and it made his heart flutter.

Brayden felt a shooting pain in his chest as he took in the sadness in those pale green eyes that restlessly searched the crowd, looking for something; Brayden wondered what.

“Are you just going to stand here staring all day?  Or are you going to do what father has told you to do?”

Brayden tensed in annoyance, he loathed his cousin with a vengeance.  Ormand was the type of person anyone would loathe.  Even though he kept himself immaculate, there was an offness about him; like some vital piece was missing... but what it was Brayden just couldn’t fathom it out.

“Are you listening to me?”  Ormand shoved Brayden in the shoulder hard enough to make him stumble.  “Father wants this taken care of tonight.  That throne belongs in our family... That fool up there is stealing our birthright.”

Brayden rolled his eyes at his cousin.  “Don’t you mean my birthright?”  Brayden wasn’t even sure if he wanted to be the king, but he knew he would do it to stop his uncle from taking the throne.

Brayden turned to watch Quinlan Macallister once again, his breath caught in his throat as he realised that Quinlan was in turn watching him.  Brayden stepped away from his cousin’s side and walked towards the steps that would lead him to the vision before him.

*...*...*

Quinlan felt his heart accelerate as he recognised a face in the crowd.  It was a face that he hadn’t seen for a very long time.  In the man before him, he saw the face of the boy that had once been stolen away from him.  A boy he had once loved and still did with all his heart.

“Bray,” the name slipped out on a sigh.  Quinlan looked past Brayden’s shoulder and saw Ormand standing in the shadows and the warmth that was spreading through his heart for the first time in years froze; so this was how it was going to end.  Death by the hands that had always held his heart.

“You have come to kill me... haven’t you?”  Quinlan asked quietly, he wanted to reach out and pull Brayden into his arms; but didn’t.

“Yes,” he answered but shook his head ever so slightly; just enough for Quinlan to see.  “My family wants to rule again.  We should never have lost the right.” Brayden said loud enough so that Ormand could hear that he was sticking to his uncle’s plan.  Though, his eyes pleaded with Quinlan for understanding.

Quinlan stared hard for a long moment letting his gaze travel out over the crowd.  “Do you know why all these people are here?  Why there are mostly women here?”

Pain rushed through Brayden like a wave that he thought he may drown.  “You are next in line to rule.  By law you must be wed to take the throne.”  Each word felt like a knife to his heart.  Brayden couldn’t stand the thought of someone else loving Quinlan.

“Yes... each of these women wants me to choose them; but I have another solution.”

“I’m listening.”  What was Quinlan thinking did he expect Brayden to help him pick out the perfect wife?

Quinlan smiled at Brayden and walked to the edge of the balcony; a hush instantaneously fell over the crowd.  All eyes turned to him waiting for his decision.

“I have chosen... Nowhere in our laws does it state who I have to marry; what class they must be born into.  I am able to choose from anyone in any of our people.”  Quinlan held his hand out to Brayden and gestured for him to step forward.  “I have Chosen Brayden to be my Kings Consort.  I have chosen Brayden Caldwell to stand and rule at my side.”

Quinlan smiled, and Brayden stood in opened mouthed shock as the crowd broke out into an outraged uproar.

Hero's

Everyone has a hero and this is mine... David Bowie.

This wonderful man has had so many different faces through out the years that it is amazing that he is as sane as he is.  He gives me hope that if you try hard enough then you will succeed at anything you put your mind to.  I have loved him through his crazy youth to his more mellow and mature years... and still to me he sings like an angel.

When I am having a rough day I know I can put on one of his CD's and lose myself for just a little while in his voice.  Though I do have to wonder sometimes about the Lyrics... but he makes me laugh with songs like: The Laughing Gnome (Oh, come on, it is a classic).  Brings tears to the eye with: Within You, from the Labyrinth Soundtrack... But if you asked me to sing a song off the top of my head, Lady Stardust immediately jumps to mind.

My Favourite Album: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

My favourite Movie: The Labyrinth.

I have read many autobiographies on David's life, and even though many do not show his rise to fame in a good light. 

He will forever and always be my hero.

Weekly Read

My weekly Read this week is a story that makes me believe that not everything out there in the world is bad.

The book I have chosen this week as my read for the week is Soldier... By: AKM Miles.

Seriously, if you haven’t read this book then you are missing out.  I had heard everyone talking about one of the character from this book and thought to myself WTF!!!  Could a book possibly be that good?  Well I am here to tel you that yes... yes it can be that good...

Soldier is a very moving and very powerful book.  It is the type of book that makes you want to go out and do your bit for mankind.  To me, Soldier and Dillon are the perfect example of what a power couple should be...  They put aside their own needs to help the wonderful boys that passed through their home...  That right there shows that love is love no matter where it is or what it looks like.

AKM Miles wrote this story beautifully, and I can see why so many people talk about it.  The one person everyone loves in the story is Gom.  I can pretty much guarantee that everyone outside the story loves him too.  Gom’s story just sucks you right in, by grabbing a hold of your heartstrings and not letting go... by the end of the first page you will be reaching out your arms to hold him just as tight.

I loved the way that AKM Miles has shown that as Gom grew through the books in the A Scarcity Sanctuary Series... (Soldier, Tommy’s Story, & For Gom’s Sake, or Undercover Agent which is a YA version of For Gom’s Sake), so did his capacity to love, others around him.  Gom is just one of those people that you wish that you could just be a little bit more like them.

Soldier and Dillon are the strength that each boy needs to heal and get their lives back on track.  With their love each child comes out a better person as they grow and leave the family.

Family does not have to mean: mum, dad and 2.5 kids, it doesn’t even have to mean white picket fences and happily ever after.  Family means I am there for you... no matter what.  I will stand by your side when you need me.  I will pick you up and dust you off, each and every time you fall.  And in Soldier that is exactly what Soldier and Dillon do for these boys.  They show that no matter what anyone else says, these boys are worth it.

My favourite lines in this book are:

“Don’t,” Soldier said.

“What?”  Dillon asked, just as eloquently.

“Don’t go thinking I am somebody special.  I’m not.”

“Yeah, you’re sitting in the dark holding a troubled child while he gets his first real sleep in weeks, I think.”  Yeah Soldier was special alright.  “And you’re keeping me warm, and you don’t think you’re special.  Why?”

My Book Of Twisted Thoughts

I thought I would give you a taste of some of the very first writing I ever did. I wrote poetry for nobody but me.  If you are hoping for happily ever after then you may want to skip over this blog post.  It is not called My Book Of Twisted Thoughts for nothing.  I can't promise that you will like it.  I can't even promise that it is any good...  I will let you read it and make up your own mind.

RUNNING SCARED

Twisted thoughts inside my brain,

Slowly sending me insane,

Mixed up pictures oy who you are,

Pushed my mind a touch too far.

See you in places you cannot be,

Running, hiding, scared of me,

Hold out my hand, but you turn away,

Invite you in, but you will not stay.

Through tortured eyes I watch you sleep,

Toss and turn with troubles deep,

Moonlight shines apon your face,

you seem so perfect... yet out of place.

Drawn to you by a thread in time,

A troubled past not left behind,

Wraps me up in a cloak of pain,

But it's my turn now to play the game.

If I can't have you then no one may,

So just stop pushing me away,

A tortured saying inside my head,

'Would it be better to wake up Dead?'

A blocked out past comes to light,

Memories of a long ago night,

Remember what you had to do?

Remember what you put me through?

Recogmition is now in place,

Mixed with shame, or just disgrace,

Terror born by what we shared,

It's your turn now for running scared.

Monday Madness!!!

Hey Guy's & Girls... I thought I would start of my week with some of the crazy stuff that just wanders through my brain. For the past two days I have woken up with snippets of a new story in my head.  The title is When The Walls Come Tumbling Down.  The two main characters are called Quinlan Macallister & Brayden Caldwell.  At the moment they are screaming in my head for their story to be told. So I am thinking of using them as a free read blog story that will be added to same day each week.  Friday sounds like a good day for a free read...

Have you ever had a day where you just wanna crawl back in bed & just stay there? I am having one of those days today. The moment my fingers touched the computer keyboard the damn thing decides to mess with my head.  Actually that is not much different from any other day in my life... Ok maybe I just need to learn how to use my computer...LOL.

For anyone who has tried to leave a post before Taylor V the Queen Goddess of my Universe, has fixed the problem for me. So Vlad & I hope to here from you soon.

Books in The Lines Of Marsden series

These are the titles that I have come up with so far for this series... The latter ones may be subject for change.

                THE LINES OF MARSDEN

1- Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

2- Living In Shadows

3- Pools Of Amethysts

4- Love You, Hate You, Need You

5- The Trail Of Red Roses

6- Death Is Never The End

7- Give me back What's Mine

8- Darkness Crawls

9- And Then You Die

10- Life, Love, Forever

11- King Of Shadows

12- All The Pretty Things

13- Chasing Our Forever

14- Starlight, Star Bright

15- Don't Look Back... Just Run

16- Peek-A-Boo Baby

17- Crazy... Who Me?

18- Smoke & Water

Thank-You

My first official post is going to be a thank-you to Taylor V Donovan who set up this wonderful site for me. So please forgive any and all mistakes as we are learning how to do this... I have no internal filter so you will hear many things in my rambles with you, things that I would like to share... So hold on as you take a ride in the world that is NJ Nielsen Author of MM, Paranormal & Young Adult stories..