Random Thoughts From Your Resident Author

I've been meaning to write blogs for the last week, but I keep getting distracted. So, today I thought I'd post the random thoughts running through my head. Are you ready to look inside my mind? *laughing*

I've been writing, just not like I should though. I'm beginning to feel a little overwhelmed by things, I'm afraid. At this very moment, I'm working on setting up promotion opportunities for Natural Born Enemies, writing Brady and Silver's story, working on my first book in the new series, working on my children's/YA novel, plus polishing up a couple of contemporary romances to submit. Plus there is the day to day things (cooking, cleaning, caring for the canine kids, caring for the husband, etc.).  Nothing a deep breath, an day or two of meditation, and a very tall, stiff drink can't take care of:) *smiles*

Would you like a quick look at Natural Born Enemies? Okay, I'll be right back.

I handed her a beer and led her around the counter to the stools there. “You sit down and relax. Let me take care of dinner. You’ve been on your feet since four this morning.”

She had lifted the beer to her lips and stopped. “Wait, how do you know I’ve been on my feet since four in the morning?”

I was chopping up garlic and stopped in mid-chop. “This is my town. It’s my job to know people’s routines.”

She sipped her beer, her eyes dancing with laughter. “What time does Samson start his routine?”

I put my head down and continued to chop the garlic. “Five or so.”

“Wrong,” she said, “you’ve been watching out for me, haven’t you, Adam Thomas?”

I took a long draw from the beer sitting beside my chopping block. “Nope. Just been watching you.”

The next thing I knew she had removed the knife from my hand and had her lips on mine. I could do nothing except wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. My mouth had a mind of its own as it returned the passion in her kiss. I teased her lips open with my tongue. When she opened to me, I slid my tongue inside the warmth of her mouth, the yeasty taste of beer greeting me. Without pulling away from her, I put my hands on her waist and lifted her onto the counter, bringing her up to my height. In an automatic movement, her legs locked around me, holding me to her. The moment was one I’d dreamed of when I was living in the hell of war. Her warm, lush body against mine, and the dampness of her mouth was all the sweetness that made up Luna. I ran my hands under her shirt to the bare skin of her back. She arched into me and moaned deeply. My erection was straining to be released from my jeans when my phone rang. I rested my forehead against hers and attempted to catch my breath.

“Do you really have to answer that?” she asked.

I looked at the number. Damnit! “Yes, it’s Bowie.” I hit the talk button. “Adam.”

What do you think? Does it sound like something you want to read? I have to tell you, I had so much fun with Adam and Luna. They are such wonderful characters.

(Copyright-Gemma K. Murray)

How about a tease of Book 3? Alright, twist my arm. Be right back:)

The short-haired one turned and smiled. Her lavender eyes were lined with eyelashes as black as night. She tapped the other one on the shoulder and they both looked at us.

With piercings in her eyebrows, her nose, her lip, and who knows where else, she said something to the other and walked to our table.

She leaned over our table and her scent snuck into my nose, down my throat, and grabbed me by the balls. “Hey, handsome,” she said, looking at me, “could you tell me and my sister where we could find Sheriff Golden?”

(All rights belong to Gemma K. Murray)

Remember...this is the rough draft. So, do you think Silver is going to keep our handsome Brady in knots or will she make sure he comes undone? 

Okay, a final thought for the day:

19 years ago today, I married my best friend. Looking back over the last 19 years, we've been through an awful lot. My poor husband has held my hand as my grandma passed away. Held me as I cried over the suicide of my grandpa and cried with me over the death of my father. He laughed with me when I got the news of Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart was to be published. He's held me close and lifted me up. Our life is not a movie script by any means, but he is the romantic lead I'd choose every day of my life. He's not a knight in shining armor by any means. He's my knight in tarnished armor. He's walked through fire, fought battles and won, and slayed more than one dragon on my behalf. And he's done it all willing and with a smile on his face. It may have been a vicious one, but it was a smile nonetheless. This is the song I walked down the aisle to 19 years ago and  it's still true today: http://youtu.be/ZGoWtY_h4xo Happy Anniversary, babe! And Happy 42nd Birthday! (Yes, we got married on his birthday. Pretty cool, huh?)

Thanks for spending some time with me. I needed to get these thoughts out where others could see them. Let me know what you think of the excerpts I've shared. I appreciate the feedback.

Have the gods bless your week!

Silver Interviews Gemma

So, I was trying to think of some sort of humorous story to write about, but none sprang to mind. You see, my life outside of my head isn't nearly as exciting as the one reeling in my head. I have been wracking my brain trying to decide on a topic.  Finally, I decided to let one of my characters interview me. Silver seems to be the one jumping up and down, waving her arms frantically, so I guess I'll give her a shot.

Let me tell you a little bit about Silver. She is from Witch Lake, Michigan, a little town just south of Cedar River (you know the place I moved north). She and her twin sister, Starr, are Celtic witches. Silver's element to call is fire and once you get to know her, you'll understand why. Silver has a very funky style and she loves keeping the second Golden boy on his toes. You'll get to know more about Silver once I finish Book 3, but for now, I'll let her do the talking:

Silver waves- Hello all! Good to see your faces today. Alright, Gemma, are you ready?

As ready as I'll ever be.

Great! We'll start with an easy question: How long have you known you would be writing a paranormal series?

Oh goodness, Silver. I never intended on writing a paranormal series, let alone two. I had a dream about this amazing place and the people who shifted into animals. I thought I had eaten something that disagreed with me. 

So, you're saying we all came to life because of something you ate?

No, that's not it at all. I never intended on being a paranormal author. I never dreamed of having the imagination it took to write these worlds where people became animals or witches threw fire balls. My chosen romance genre was contemporary. I write "real" stories. But this dream just wouldn't go away. Ana haunted me day and night until I finally wrote it all down. I wasn't going to send it out to publishers, but then, Bowie stepped in and

showed me I was wrong. I fixed what needed to be fixed and I began the submission process.

Ana tends to do that to a person. *Silver smiles broadly* Did you learn anything about yourself as you went through the process.

*Gemma smiles* Actually, I found out how passionate I am about the community of Cedar River. All of the residents crawled under my skin and began to inhabit my daily life.

One publisher wanted me to switch the genre and I started to doubt whether I knew what I was doing. Then, I realized if I just listened to the voices in my head, I'd be okay.

They wanted you to switch the genre? To what?

*Gemma laughs* The one publisher believed the story should be a young adult story based on the first three chapters.

*Silver spits her tea at Gemma* Sorry about that, but seriously? Apparently, they hadn't read the maple syrup scene with Bowie and Ana. Hot by the way. Or the seduction scene. I may have to try something like that with Brady. Anyway, I'm glad you didn't change it.

*Gemma wipes her face* No problem, Sil. I know. I was offended with that suggestion. It would change the entire integrity of the story and the series. Thank you for the compliment.  You and Brady are progressing nicely, I must say.

Not fast enough for me. *Silver glares at the author in front of her* Can I tell them about Ana and Bowie's baby?

No! That is for Book 3. I know. You know. Hell, the entire town of Cedar River knows, but the readers don't. It's a secret for now.

Are the religious zealots done with Cedar River?

Not by a long shot. They are determined to re-group and re-load.

Crap on a cracker! What about Witch Lake? Do you know where that series is starting at yet?

I think Starr wants her own story first, though Slate is pushing hard. Starr's preference for women is making it tough since I'm not sure exactly where to start..

*Silver's eyebrow arches, her sterling silver browring catching the light* Well, sweetheart, you start at the beginning. Isn't that where all all stories start? Maybe Starr just isn't ready for her story yet. You may have to start with that smokin' hottie, Slate. He's so dark and serious. Until he opens up, then he's a helluva lot of fun.

*Gemma stares at Silver* Slate's fun? He's so intense. I'm worried he'll never lighten up. He scares me a little bit. 

Psshhhtt! You'll pair him with the right woman.

Sadly, he's already chosen the love of his life, but his intensity hides a HUGE insecurity issue.

Wait a minute! You have completely steered the topic away from yourself.

*Gemma sips her lemonade, glancing innocently over the sugared rim* Who me? I simply answered your questions.

Match and point, my authoress friend. But don't think this is over. We'll return to this someday soon. I still have a lot of questions for you.

I will be looking forward to it. Besides, Brady is beckoning me to come out and play. It seems our uptight dragon may have a few tricks up his sleeve for a certain witch I know.

*Silver's lavender eyes twinkle with delight* Oh goodie! I'll let you go play with Brady then. Thanks for chatting with me, Gemma!