Tagged Twice! The Next Big Thing

I've been tagged twice recently.  WOW!  Isn't that nice?  One was by one of my fav and talented author friends, Donna Galanti.  The other was from dear author friend who has a great blog and name, Mina Lobo.    Thanks you guys!  If you get a chance, minions, please stop by and check out these fantabulous authors!  

In The Next Big Thing, I'll be featuring one of my works in progress, Mystic Deeds.  Below are the questions so...


What is the working title of your book?
Mystic Deeds, but I'll probably end up changing it.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
It started with this idea of two siblings (brother and sister) that were incredibly close--but not weird-close, who were powerful/magical, immortal beings.  I wanted a different take on magical paranormal romance.  I get so tired of the books like feature magic or sorcery one way only. Anyway, here's a synopsis:


     The City of Vard on the planet Merth was a place where Svenians lived immortal lives, able to freely practice sorcery. It was a city of peace and prosperity until the Black Barons unleashed a plot to bind all Svenian powers, forcing innocent lives into a world of servitude. Only five escaped, finding their way to Earth to bide their time until the Oracle’s predicted “day of reckoning.”

     Arriving in the 1920’s in Long Beach, California, Vincent Webb, an efficient sorcerer and expert traveler, led the escapees to safety. Under Vincent’s guidance, the five lived covertly idle, hiding strategically around the globe. Using magic can be deadly and the five can do nothing but wait a lifetime.

     Living present day, Abigail Scott is a young, beautiful and successful partner with a prestigious New York commercial real estate law firm. However successful her career, Abigail’s brilliant mind and incredible work ethic has led her down a lonely, loveless path. As an only child, her life is altered drastically when her mother, Elaina dies, bequeathing her house and all its contents to Abigail. Devastated by grief, Abigail soon discovers her mother befriended a young man and real estate developer, Vince Webb. He’s handsome and cocky and according to her mother’s will, he’s managed to nudge his way into the Scott’s home and life.

     Both Abigail and Vincent want something from each other. Abigail wants Vince gone and Vince wants her house. Once their true motives collide, they’ll have to learn to trust one another, forcing them into unwanted intimacy. When things heat up between these two, the sparks fly and then the real magic begins.

What genre does your book fall under?
Paranormal Romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I haven't the faintest. Sorry...

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Good Lord...one sentence? Okay, here goes...

Of the five powerful Svenian beings living on Earth, only Vince has what it takes to claim Abigail's heart and gain a critical ally to fight for his enslaved race.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I'm not sure. Nowadays the burden is on the author to do everything, write, self-edit, market etc... and repeat. At the end of the day, what matters most is that I connect with readers. For now, I'm readying myself to go into any direction I choose. To be continued...

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?I've been working off and on since 2009. And I'm still not done. Almost there, but then I'm sure I'll be forever editing it. Damn my OCD tendencies!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?I have no idea. I read waaay too much. It's embarrassing to admit really. I honestly haven't read anything like this. I have no doubt there are elements that are similar with other authors works, but beyond that, I have no one to compare.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I used to live on an old house in Long Beach, CA when I was a kid. I loved that spooky house and the memories of it still haunts me. The house was a huge inspiration for this book.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? Mystic Deeds explores the scenario of what if we all had our own special powers. I mean I believe in one's ability to manifest things, but what if it was simpler than that, like breathing or the blood pumping through your veins? If you could manifest your own power, what would it be invisibility? Perhaps the Midas touch? Or what about time or dimension travel?

Rules of The Next Big Thing
***Use this format for your post
***Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress)
***Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them.
Include the link of who tagged you and this explanation for the people you have tagged.

Danielle B.
Geek Banter
Melanie Schulz YA Writer
Judy Ann Davis
Cynthia/Read is the New Black

Have a great day!

Mina B.

First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest -- Kiss me, baby!

It's day two of the First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest hosted by Jackie @ Bouquet of Books and Dani @ Entertaining Interests. If I haven't said this before...thank you both for hosting this really fun hop!

I decided to feature a scene in my current WIP, Mystic Deeds. Since it's June, I've been pounding away at my keyboard trying to put a dent into my adult paranormal romance. It's been challenging at times, but for the last 15K words, I've had fun writing scenes like this one. 

I know it's a dream scene, but technically...it is a first kiss.  Enjoy!

***

A mere two hours later, sleep still evaded Vince as Abigail frequented his subconscious all night like his own private succubus.


This time, he dreamt they'd scheduled a meeting regarding the final sell of her family's property.  It had been a long time coming, and she agreed to meet him at his home, instead of the house of Sapphire Way.  Vince knew her coming to his place was unlikely, but he knew it to be true when the doorbell rang. 


He answered the door to an always-professional attorney, Gail Scott, and he went instantly hard.  She wore a form-fitting beige dress with a matching jacket slung over her shoulders, her camel-colored Prada bag in hand.  She smiled encouragingly at Vince.

"Hello, Vince.  Are you ready to do this?" She innocently asked, but to Vince, her words meant so much more.  To be fair, he wanted the deed done—the property deed signed and the sale complete—but he knew deep down, that this was yet another dream where Abigail would taunt him wickedly.  He couldn't take much more tonight.  This time he was prepared to beg for her mercy. 

"I'm ready when you are," Vince said, showing Abigail inside his minimalist-style home.  The spacious penthouse screamed money, with its fifty-foot ceilings, earth-tone walls and white-washed wood plank flooring.  He escorted her into the living room where sleek chocolate-leather furnishings surrounded a glass-top coffee table which sat on top of lily white faux-fur rug.  Every form followed function in an sweeping feng shui manner that would bring tears to interior designers for its beauty.  Yet Abigail remained unimpressed. 

With nothing but business in mind, she sauntered over to the living room couch, slipped off her jacket and placed it beside her.  She quickly pulled out the necessary legal documents, all tabbed and ready for signature.  Vince sat opposite of her and watched in rapt silence.  It was a total illusion, because he knew getting Abigail Scott to acquiesce on the sale of her house was not going to be this easy.  Still, the dream was riveting.

Abigail wore her hair in a high ponytail, and he fantasized about what he wanted to do with it.  It caressed her shoulder as she reached inside her bag for a pen.

Vince swallowed hard. 

Once again, he was humbled by the sight of her and awed by his lust for a human.  She cleared her throat and puckered her lips and said something.  She glanced up at him, her brows raised and those ridiculously long lashes blinked back at him.

"Excuse me," he said, aware of her body, but not of her spoken words. 

She arched a perfect dark brow. "I said everything is in order. Do you want to review it one more time before signing?" 

He licked his dry lips and shook his head, cursing himself inside to get it together. 

Vince plucked her offered pen, turning the papers to sign on the X.  Once finished signing both copies, he placed the pen on table and sat back.  Abigail smiled like a cat readying for her cream.

She slid a random document towards Vince. "What's this?" He asked. 

"That's my wire transfer information. You have 48 hours to wire the funds to my bank account or the contract is null and void per our agreement."  He didn't even bother looking at it.  It would be handled.

"Not a problem," he said, leaning back on the couch, his legs stretched out and feet crossed. That was a relief, he thought.

"Good," Abigail said, collecting her signed copy and stuffing them into her bag.

"Shall we celebrate?" Vince asked suggestively.  He thought to himself. Why not?

Abigail sent him a seductive half smile full of promise.  "What did you have in mind?"

The question held merit for Vince, but the way she said it practically did him in.  It was an invitation.  And this was a dream. His dream.  Why the hell not?  She taunted him all night with these salacious dreams, but this time —dream or not—he’d take his fill.

The air sparked with anticipation until neither could stand it any longer.  Vince practically lunged over the coffee table, cupping her face with his hands and then plundered her mouth.  Just like the skilled attorney that she was—much like a fisherman—Abigail baited, hooked and then reeled him in.  Vince was lost.

He kissed her senseless, until her chest was heaving; a mere punishment for torturing him all night, he thought.  She moaned when he gave her mouth a reprieve as he lined kisses down her neck to her breasts.  Her skin felt like satin and all of a sudden, he slipped out of his jacket and knelt down in front of her.

"Take this off," he demanded, tugging on her dress.  She immediately obeyed, kicking off her heels first. 

He stopped her from doing so, slipping back on her three-inch Gucci's.  “No. No. Leave these on.”

Abigail readily obliged.  

And that’s when he was reminded once again, that it was only a dream.

***

Okay, so there's more to this scene, but I had to end it there.  Sorry.  If you missed my fight scene, click here.  Want to see who else is participating? Stop by read other kissing scenes. #support!

Mina B. 

Dani @ Entertaining Interests
Jackie @ Bouquet of Books
Angie Cothran
Thardrandian Thoughts
Carrie-Annes Magick Theatre
Cassie Mae
Write Here, Write Now
ClareDugmoreWrites
The Enchanted Writer
Writing With Hope
Sheena-kay @ Queendsheena
Melinda Dozier - Romance Author
Suzi
ilima todd
Stranger Than Writing
Jaycee DeLorenzo
T. D. McFrost - Frost Lord
A2Z Mommy and Whats In Between
Writing Off The Edge
Angeline Trevena
PK HREZO
Sophie @ Dog Eared and Coffee Stained
The Geek Twins
A. J. Locke
Crystal Collier
Thats What She Said
James Andersons Blog
Michael Pierce
Diary of the Tin Soldier

The Lucky 7 MeMe - Lucky me!

Last week I was tagged for  The Lucky 7 MeMe by Nick Wilford. Not having the faintest idea of what to blog about today, I realized how remarkable the timing was on this.  Thanks Nick!  I ended up using my current WIP, Mystic Deeds.  This novel has been kicking me in the a** for far too long and now it's my turn to do the a** kicking!  I was even more surprised that I had 77 pages for this meme, discovering I actually had 83.  Woot!  Now all I have to do is finish the darn thing.  I actually joined June Novel Writing Month the try to do just that.  I need to write least 1700 words a day in order to do so.  Wish me luck!

Here's how it works.  

Go to page 77 of your current MS
Go to line 7
Copy down the next 7 lines as they're written-- no cheating!
Tag 7 other writers
Let them know!

Here's page 77 from my current WIP, Mystic Deeds.  In my MS, I promise it's 7 lines, but somehow my blog pushed it to eleven. Sorry.

By Barron Strig’s order, Triley slipped a poison—a Merth herb called feralic— into Baron Omitt’s bath. Once finely ground its potency quadrupled, creating an odorless powder that when submerged in water, could seep through the body’s skin, penetrate into one’s brain cells and suffocate a victim in a slow, painful death. It happened exactly that way for Omitt and no one was the wiser. With two of the original seven Barons already dead, none dared asked questions.  Now the remaining knew they had to watch their backs. And so by the time the remaining Black Barons convened, they were all too happy to set Strig’s attention back on the five Svenian escapees.

That's it.  And now here are seven writers I've picked to pass it on! If you have already received The Lucky 7 Meme, don''t worry, post something else you're working on.

Mina Lobo
1000th.monkey
Judy Ann Davis
Cheryl Schmidt
Grover
Danielle B.

Michael Pierce

I hope everyone has a killer week!

Remember, if you have news you'd like me to share, shoot me an email and I'll be sure and share. :)

Mina B.

Spooktacular Book Hop Winner

Congrats to Judy C.; the winner of my Spooktacular Book Hop.  The winner will be notified via email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org. 

Special thanks to the magic wielded by my talented Free Sh** Fairy, Judy is the proud recipient of Andrea Cremer's thrilling YA Nightshade series, Wolfsbane!  If you haven't had a chance to read book 1, Nightshade, take a moment and check out my review.  I plan on posting my review for Wolfsbane this week, so stop back by to get the details!

And...thanks to all my minions who entered.  THANK YOU!  And because you all are so fabulous, I'm participating in the Gratitude Giveaway over the Thanksgiving break.  This giveaway is all about giving thanks, so let me know if you have a particular book you'd like to read, and I'll talk to the Free Sh** Fairy about it.  Also, December marks my 2nd year blog-anniversary.  WOW!  Can you believe I've been doing this for 2 years?  Anyway, I'm planning a huge blow out 1000 follower/blogoversary giveaway.  Stay tuned for details on that as well.  I'm working on my button - see the one that's on my right here.  What do you think?  You like?  Stay tuned for post details.

We've got lots of action going on before the end of the year.  This month is National Novel Writing Month, and yes I'm participating in this event attempting to finish the paranormal romance book I've been working on called Mystic Deeds.  Here's the opening of the novel.  Take a look when you can and let me know what you think.  

I'll be insanely busy, so I'll post when I can.

Cheers!

Mina B.