Of Ink and Quille

It seems hard to believe but we are once again at December 31st, New Years Eve for most of us. For me this is a time of reflection on what I have accomplished and what I want to accomplish. Unlike some, I don't make a New Years resolution - frankly I'm not awake at midnight so what would be the point? Too often people make these resolutions with all the best intentions but how often do we see them through. Not too often. I'm one of the those guilty parties - make a resolution and then when it comes time to actually do something constructive that would give me the resolution, well I'm busy. So for me, this time of year has become about reflecting on where I am. Where have I been? What have I done? Have I finished everything I wanted or needed to be successful? If I can answer positively to these questions, my year is ending on a positive note. Yes, I am a writer, but my reflecting doesn't always apply to my writing. Nope its only a part of it. I look at everythin...

Good morning everyone, please welcome our special guest Melissa Kendall who has taken a few moments out of her busy schedule to share some insight into who she is and her writing.   1.When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I've always been a writer I guess but I made the decision to give being a published author a go about eighteen months ago. 2. How long does it take you to write a book? Far longer than it should. When I have a good flow going I can get about 1000-1500 words written an hour. 3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing? I don't really have a schedule I have to work around my four year old so my writing is very sporadic. 4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I write my best after midnight when everything is quiet and it is just me awake in the house. 5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? Ideas come to me in the strangest places. I remember one time I wa...

“Mommy?” Sleepy, warm, the soft voice pulled her from the memory. Lifting her gaze to the mirror, Leanne smiled. “Hi, baby. Have a good nap?” “Are we there yet?” “Not yet, a few more minutes. Is Mr. Tickles awake too?” “Yep, we’re hungry, Mommy. Can we have something to eat?” Leanne smiled, even in the face of disaster, some things never changed. Reaching into the diaper bag she’d packed, she pulled out a small plastic bag and opened it with her teeth before setting in on the arm rests of her daughter’s car seat. The smell of apples filled the car as Leanne pulled off the highway at the turnoff to her hometown. Her stomach twisted into knots as she got closer to the edge of town. She’d run from town five years before, alone, scared, broken-hearted after her boyfriend had dumped her. Running hadn’t eased the pain of knowing he hadn’t really been into her, it had only made it worse. Now she was back, maybe this would be the last visit she had with her folks, with those she’d...

Due to a scheduling glitch this is a wee bit late. Happy reading! “Mommy?” Sleepy, warm, the soft voice pulled her from the memory. Lifting her gaze to the mirror, Leanne smiled. “Hi, baby. Have a good nap?” “Are we there yet?” “Not yet, a few more minutes. Is Mr. Tickles awake too?” “Yep, we’re hungry, Mommy. Can we have something to eat?” Leanne smiled, even in the face of disaster, some things never changed. Reaching into the diaper bag she’d packed, she pulled out a small plastic bag and opened it with her teeth before setting in on the arm rests of her daughter’s car seat. The smell of apples filled the car as Leanne pulled off the highway at the turnoff to her hometown. Her stomach twisted into knots as she got closer to the edge of town. She’d run from town five years before, alone, scared, broken-hearted after her boyfriend had dumped her. Running hadn’t eased the pain of knowing he hadn’t really been into her, it had only made it worse. Now she was back, maybe ...

Hometown Miracles   Leanne Wilson glanced behind her at the sleeping urchin wrapped around a teddy bear, her pale hair sticking up every which way. She wiped at a tear trailing down her face and returned her attention to the road. Passing the road sign, Leanne breathed a sigh of relief. Only twenty miles until she was home. Trembling fingers twisted the dial of the radio up a notch, the sound of a cheery Christmas tune filling the car. “ Just what I don’t want.” Leanne shook her head. Any hint of holiday cheer had faded the moment she’d gotten the call. Her heart stuttered with the stirring of a memory she’d tried desperately to push to the back of her mind. “ Hello, Leanne. This is Jeanette from Doctor Heklen’s office.” Her heart in her throat, Leanne pulled out a chair from the table and sank into it. “Hi, Jeanette. Did you get the results?” The acrid taste of fear in her mouth soured the coffee she’d taken a sip of. As she said a silent prayer, the ...

I've been lucky enough to be published for over five years now, with multiple books available. It hasn't always been easy, juggling family, friends, work, and writing can be trying at the best of times but when you throw in the biggest chunk of time...well it can be trying. I'm not talking research or signings, or readings, or writing...no I'm talking about something else. Something many of us cringe at the thought of doing. Promoting ourselves. To be successful, we can't sit on our laurels and wait for readers to find us. The internet is a massive place, full of twists, turns, and black holes. To be recognized one must do whatever they can to be noticed. Many new authors hear about the latest thing in social networking - and jump on the bandwagon. I'd be the first to admit that I count myself in that club. Try it all and see what works. However, by the time you've joined, created a place for yourself, and become noticed...your readers are sitting there ...

Val Braeden is a seasoned Xihirian soldier hardened by the Realmist wars.  He discovers his true mate while on his latest rescue mission. A lovely Tallusian woman’s touch awakens him as no other.  While escaping the war torn Tallusian capital the Realmist take down Val’s spacedisk.  He crashes into the Tallusian forest.  There Zalora and Val are determined to survive the wilds of Tallusia. Sparks fly, lighting a flame within them both.  Their passion heats the Tallusian nights binding them together forever. Clitax Tomron is bent on revenge – he’s determined to avenge his father’s death.  Tomron strikes close to Val’s heart, taking his family hostage.  Only one thing stands in Tomron’s way, the power of a beautiful Tallusian princess.  Zalora wants peace and to put an end to these terrorist. She risks everything to save those she feels responsible for and the man of her dreams.

This week, I'll be featuring the amazingly talented authors from eTreasures Publishing. A small, indie publisher based out of Florida, eTreasures is growing steadily. Please join me as I welcome the amazing authors and their works over the next few days :)

Money Saving Canadian Mom: Is TLC Extreme Couponing Possible in Canada?

Please welcome Miss Elise Whyles to Of Ink and Quille. Today she's celebrating the first book in a trilogy entitled Five Alarm Lust. Welcome Elise, pleased you could stop by. To celebrate you're having a bit of a contest, aren't you? Thank you for having me. I'm having a blast being here. Yes, I am. I'm super excited to be able to share Jack and Gillian's stories. They deserve to be happy and I'm offering a free copy of Five Alarm Lust to one lucky commenter. Wait? Who? Jack and Gillian - There's a play on their names that is very ironic...I'll give you a hint - it comes from a nursery rhyme. Survivor Gillian Hilliard is finally healing from the nightmares of her past Fearing no man will ever find her attractive; she has hidden behind a disguise of simple attire and large glasses. When Gillian meets firefighter Jack Payle, she is instantly attracted, and in the face of that attraction enjoys a wild night of sex with him. In the cold light...

Inspiration Comes in Strange Places… Where did the idea for Make Me Stay Come from? One night back in January, I couldn't get the Katy Perry song The One That Got Away out of my head. I was humming it in the shower and bam, the idea for my newest novella hit me. I hopped out of the shower, wrapped a towel around myself and logged onto my computer as fast as I could. It was one of those moments where I had to get the scene down. It didn't even matter that I was wet and shivering. It was the first time in my writing journey where I started at the end of the book. The chapter kept playing out in my head, and I knew no matter what happened from the beginning of the story on, I had to end up with what I had just written. Now, don't ask me what that song has to do with a BDSM romance, I'm still not sure. But, for whatever reason those lyrics triggered something in my subconscious. The inspiration was so strong that I managed to write Make Me Stay i...

One, recovering from near deadly injuries; the other, unaware of what he’s been missing in his life. What one man can do, may heal them both. Charlie Baker is recovering, slowly. Nearly dying tends to make a man reflect on each day. Take into account that his injuries were caused by a premeditated murder attempt, and he certainly isn’t looking for a lover. He is barely welcoming to a friend unable to trust anyone, preferring to hide from the world hours and miles away from the memories. Gregory Anders hadn’t intended to disturb the man in silent contemplation on the beach, but when his pup, Samson, takes matters out of his hands, he’s forced to at least apologize for his pet’s behavior. There’s no doubt for Gregory that Charlie could use a friend. Clearing the air up front that he isn’t gay helps Charlie to relax, allowing for the cautious beginning of a friendship. Two men, both alone, for different reasons. What happens when friendship bears more? When support and affection tu...

Can the sub teach the Dom to play? Natural submissive Gracie Miller thought she had found her other half in Cade Jameson. Not only did he help her through a difficult time in her life, in the bedroom he brought her more pleasure than she could have ever imagined. They seemed perfect for each other. Cade knew what he wanted in the bedroom. Gracie brought out his domineering side and ignited his passion. But he feared he was too dominant for this beautiful, naïve girl, who was so young and impressionable, so he ended their relationship. Two and a half years later, Gracie returns to town a new woman. She had moved to the city and found a "Master" who showed her what she was truly capable of. Now she's back and wants to show Cade exactly what kind of submissive she could be for him. But after hearing all that she's experienced, Cade now wonders if he's dominant enough to satisfy her. Can he be the man Gracie needs him to be? Content Warning: graphic sex, BDSM themes...