Guest Blogger: Rene Lyons ~ Contest: And The Winner Is....

Kailana!!!!!

Congrats, babe. You've won a free download of Tempting Darkness and your name has been entered in Rene's April drawing. To see what you might win from that, see here.

Kailana, please email either myself or Rene.

Congrats again!

And thanks so much to everyone else who visited yesterday. Don't forget to buy your copy of Tempting Darkness. You can get it here.

Guest Blogger: Rene Lyons on Fate

Recently the subject of Fate came up in a conversation I had with a good friend. Although I toss the word around in my books, I’ve never given Fate much thought when it came to my own life. Well, that conversation got me thinking about Fate and whether or not it was something I truly believed in. After lengthy consideration I came to the conclusion that I do believe in Fate. In spades. I just never realized it.

I believe things happen for a reason and they happen when they’re supposed to. I also believe people come into our lives for a reason. It’s pretty difficult for me not to believe that after the last year and a half. Since I’ve been published I’ve met a wealth of people, some who’ve hindered me and some who’ve become as vital to me as breathing is. But all have helped bring me to the point I’m at now. I believe this all goes back to Fate. I called it kindred – and with my friend that’s what it is. We’re two like spirits who found each other to make a whole. Cheesy? Maybe. But it’s true.

I also find that Fate had a hand in my writing. Since I was a kid I’d scribble plenty of “beginnings” but no “middles” and certainly no “ends” to the stories cooking up in my head. That all changed when a car hit my brother and ended his life at only thirty-eight. It made me take stock of myself. I looked around at all that I’ve never accomplished and realized I couldn’t lave this world without having ever tried to reach my dream of being a published author. That’s what compelled me to sit down to write a book to the end. I finished Midnight Sun three months later.

I took a chance and it paid off. But – even if I’d never gotten published, I believe Fate forced my hand to write these Templar books. Through my characters I came to know myself better. I saw my own pain reflected in Constantine. My guilt came to the forefront with Lucian and my sense of responsibility with Tristan. With Sebastian I realized that although I put up a good facade, I’m not as tough as I believe. And with Raphael I found my humor again. More importantly, through them all I’ve dug down deep and pulled out a strength I’d buried beneath the muck of life.

Fate began this journey I’m on almost thirty-four years ago and I have to say – it’s been one hell of a ride.

Do you believe in Fate? Do you think you'd be where you are today without it? Or do you think you make your own Fate?

Guest Blogger: Rene Lyons W/ Special Guest Andy Douglas

Andy graciously agreed to be tortured interviewed today.

Rene Lyons: When you get hit with a steel chair, what’s the first thing that goes through your mind?

Andy Douglas: OUCH!!!!

RL: What’s the craziest thing a fan has done to get your attention during a match?

AD: On more that one occasion, we've had female fans bend over and moon us and once we had this 40 or 50 year old lady flash us.

RL: What do you do if you get a “wedgie” in the ring?

AD: Slowly tip toe over to Chase and let him get it out for me!


RL: You’re being exiled to Transylvania. What are the three things you’ll bring?

AD: 1)Laptop 2)Underworld DVD 3)Rene Lyons

RL: If you had the chance to ask any one person (living or dead) one question, who would it be and what would you ask?

AD: Vlad the Impaler. I would want to know the truth...is he really the original Dracula?

RL: What’s one strange thing no one knows about you?

AD: I really really, someday, want to buy and restore a duplicate of the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard.

RL: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it read?

AD: Here once Andy Douglas laid. In the grave he hadn't stayed. He's out there roaming in the dark. On the night he'll leave his mark.

Sanctuary’s Finest: What was it like modeling for a romance cover?

AD: It's an honor. I was extremely excited when Rene asked me to be a part of Tempting Darkness.

SF: Be honest now, did you feel less of a man for having done it?

AD: Ha, less of a man.......try twice the man! Having women reading a romance novel and having my picture as mental food.....doesn't get much better.

SF: Would you do it again?

AD: In a heartbeat.

SF: What would it take to talk you into reading a romance novel?

AD: Well before this it probably would never happen, but I do plan on reading Tempting Darkness.

SF: Is there anything upcoming with modeling now that you were on the cover?

AD: Well I have an appointment coming up here in Nashville with a major modeling company so who knows what's in store for the future.

RL: If you had to a pick motto for your life, what would it be?

AD: Live with no regrets!



Great Interview! If you have any lingering questions, leave a comment. Who knows, if we're lucky Andy might decide to pop by later and answer them. Andy? What do you say?

You can also visit both Andy and Rene online:

www.renelyons.net
www.andydouglas.com

And on MySpace:

Rene Lyons
Andy Douglas

Guest Blogger: Rene Lyons ~ CONTEST!!!!!!!

So......anyone want to win a prize? Tonight at 10pm est I'll select one person at random who's left a comment on one of our posts today to win a download of Tempting Darkness.

You'll also automatically be entered in my April contest, of which the winner will receive a mouse pad with the cover of Tempting Darkness on it, signed by both Andy and Rene. A bookmark, postcard with the image of Andy Douglas, and a print copy of Midnight Sun – all signed by Rene Lyons. From Andy, you’ll be getting a bandanna and a signed picture of him! Oh, and let’s not forget, a $10 gift certificate for My Bookstore and More!

Just leave a comment to be entered. GOOD LUCK!

Guest Blogger: Rene Lyons w/ Special Guest Andy Douglas

Rene Lyons:
When I was a kid I was afraid of everything. And I do mean everything. From the dark to latex Halloween masks – my fears knew no bounds. Forget horror movies. Even the cheesiest B-movie could keep me awake for weeks. But that all changed the day I happened to watch Dracula starring Frank Langella. I shared Lucy’s awe of him and ultimately, her pain when the sun took him from her. I walked away from that movie sharing her secret smile after seeing Dracula’s cape flutter across the sky – a hint that though he was gone - he wasn’t gone.

My love of vampires was born that day. I went from being the kid who was terrified to sleep with a foot dangling off the side of the bed (didn’t every bed have that damned razor-toothed demon living under it?) to sleeping with my window open and forgoing garlic (a nearly impossible feat in an Italian household). Basically, if Dracula chanced upon me, I was ready!

Yeah, I guess you can say I had it bad. Wait. Did I say had? I mean have. I have it bad. Some might even go so far as to say I have a (slight) obsession with vampires. I often get asked "what’s their appeal?". To that I answer – everything. People assume that because I write romance it’s the romantic aspect of them that appeals to me the most. They’re wrong. I’m not a very romantic person nor are my books heavy on the flowery romance. It’s the darkness of the vampire myth that I find most appealing. They’re creatures steeped in shadow, sin, and sexuality. And that captivates me. Their majesty and savagery fascinates me.

After Midnight Sun was published I met plenty of people who shared my love of vampires but none who shared my obsession - until I was introduced to Andy Douglas. His love of vampires matched my own and made him the perfect man to help bring Lucian of Penwick to life. I’m lucky to know him – even luckier to call him a friend. Now, with that said, allow me to turn this post over to my kindred spirit, Andy Douglas…

Andy Douglas:
I too was afraid of scary movies as a child. It probably didn't help that I watched the movie Poltergeist at age 5. I really didn't start enjoying scary movies until my late teens. However, there was always one scary character that I was never afraid of.......Dracula. I can always remember having a fondness for vampires and Dracula. My mom even made me dress up as something different for Halloween one year because she was getting tired of me being Dracula every year. I'm not sure what it is but the vampire world has always been a part of my life.

The aspect of the vampire world that I hate, is the "goth" side. Every time people find out that I'm in to vampires, they say "well you don't look like you would like that kind of stuff." And that's due to the fact that I don't wear all black, have a pale face, and paint my fingernails black. To me, goth and the vampire world are two separate things. What I do and what I enjoy is a belief and a lifestyle that revolves around vampirism and an idea of how vamps would interact within today’s society. It does not revolve around wearing black because my parents pissed me off. But hey, that's just me. Thank you.

What about you? What were you afraid of as a child? What creature of the night fascinates you now? Are there any clichés that drive you nuts now that you're older?

Guest Blogger: Rene Lyons

Most days run pretty smoothly around here. I rise bright and shinny at noon. My servant brings me a gilded tray bearing a steaming cappuccino, scones, and my morning paper. The nanny has Jesse fed, dressed, and in a wonderful mood. I languish in bed for an hour or so, thinking up some juicy plot-twist I’ll get to writing in between my manicure, massage, and hair appointments. After I write a bit, it’s usually off to some fancy boutique to shop for some cute clothes. Once back home, I take back to the computer where I spend the rest of my day lost in a world of vampires, demons, and demi-gods.

Well, the last part is true. The rest? Not so much.

I’m usually awakened at six (as in a.m. Blah) by a toddler yelling, “all done! Inside, Nae. Eat now.” In case you don’t speak “toddler” that’s “I’m all done sleeping. So are you, Mommy, so get your lazy butt out of bed and fix me some breakfast. Now!” And so, I drag myself out of bed, shuffle to the bathroom - where I contemplate flushing myself down the toilet. As I impatiently await my coffee to perk (is it me, or does it seem to take forever to make at that ungodly hour of the morning?) I make pancakes for my daughter, who by now is bouncing off the walls. I sit with her while she eats (no, I don’t do breakfast. Just the idea of food that early turns my stomach) wondering if there’s some law that prevents me from crawling back to bed, leaving her with the run of the house. (What? Don’t look at me like that! You’ve all thought the same thing too.)

By the time I get to the computer I already have a headache.

Throughout the day I try to get in as much work as possible without it getting in the way of my time with Jesse. I think I (sort of) have a nice schedule worked out. I’m sure when she’s older Jesse will be on some shrink’s couch talking about how I was a neglectful mom while she was growing up. And I’m sure I’ll think she’s lost her mind considering how hard I work to make time for both her and the writing.


Come the night, I work. And I mean work. I write until my fingers ache and my eyes feel as if they’re going to explode. I write until my head hurts so much I damn near have tears in my eyes. Most of what I write I keep. Some, come the next morning, I’ll trash and wonder what the hell I was thinking the before night. But always, I love what I’m doing. I’ve waited over thirty years to be at this point and never once have I forgotten I’m living my dream.

So although my life isn’t exactly calm, orderly, and luxuriant, it’s more than I could have ever hoped for. This is one hell of a ride I’m on. Thankfully, I have fantastic readers, a great family, and amazing friends to share it with.

- Rene Lyons

www.renelyons.net

We Have Guest Bloggers Today!

Today here at Sanctuary's Finest, we have the pleasure of having one of our most favorite authors, Rene Lyons guest blogging with us to promote her latest installment into her Templars Series, Tempting Darkness.

Tempting Darkness is Lucian's book and Rene will be guest blogging with Andy Douglas of TNA fame, who graciously posed for the cover of Lucian's book.

How awesome is that?

We're sorry that you lovely East Coasters are getting this later than us West Coasters, but well, us West Coasters wake up later than you guys! =)

But to make things a little interesting around here, Rene will be giving away a free copy of Tempting Darkness so make sure you stick around to find out how to win yourself a free copy of hottie Lucian, alright?!! =) =)

Guest Blogger: Rene Lyons

Rene Lyons has agreed to guest blog here at SF on Monday, April 16th, so be sure to stop by. She has something extra special planned for us, and I'm really excited about it.

Professional Wrestler Andy Douglas has agreed to guest blog with her. As you may or may not know, her newest Templar Vampire book, Temping Darkness, is now available in eBook format from Samhain Publishing. Andy Douglas graciously agreed to model for the cover, and Rene has been over the moon about it.

Go buy your copy from My Bookstore and More and then come back Monday and see what Rene and Andy have in store for us.

Hugs,
Holly (and the rest at SF)

Guest Blogger: Kim Howe

We want to thank aspiring writer Kim Howe for visiting with us yesterday. Learning about the American Title contest and her personal Kill Me Off contest was wonderful.

Don't forget to stop by the contest site and vote for your favorite, and be sure to enter Kim's contest, too.

Thanks Kim, we loved having you here.

GOOD LUCK!

Holly (and the rest at SF)

Guest Blogger Kim Howe: American Idol for Writers!

Reality TV has infiltrated the world of fiction writing! Yes, that’s right. Dorchester Publishing and Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine have teamed up to create the American Title Contest, the fiction writer’s version of American Idol. The contest has crowned two talented writers, Janice Lynn with her hilarious novel, Jane Millionaire, and Gerri Russell with her captivating historical, The Warrior Trainer.

This year, over 250 aspiring writers sent their manuscripts in for consideration. Ten novels, including my romantic suspense One Shot, Two Kills, were given those proverbial golden tickets. The wonderful editor of RT magazine, Liz French, e-mailed or called us to share the exciting news that we were in the top ten of the American Title III Contest!

That’s when the fun started. We prepared excerpts from our novels—our first sentence, short character sketches on our hero and heroine, a story summary, a dialogue scene, and the ever popular love scene. This year, the stories span the full range of contemporary romance, including paranormal, romantic comedies, chick lit, and romantic suspense. The grand prize everyone is shooting for? A publishing contract with Dorchester, including publicity from Romantic Times!

Every month, the excerpts are showcased and critiqued by three judges patterned on American Idol’s Randy, Paula, and infamous Simon. From firsthand experience, I can tell you that Flavia Knightsbridge gives Simon a run for his money on the scathing factor!

Readers of the magazine vote for their favorite submissions. The two contestants with the lowest number of votes are eliminated every round. One Shot, Two Kills has reached the final four! Why not stop by the contest site at http://www.romantictimes.com/news_amtitle.php and vote for your favorite dialogue scene? Hopefully the fiery quips of my sniper heroine will make you smile. :) If you’d like to read the first chapter of the novel, please stop by my website at www.kjhowe.com

Thanks to Sanctuary’s Finest for your warm hospitality. It’s been a pleasure stopping by!

Kim

Guest Blogger Kim Howe: Living or Dead…Get in Print!

Have you been tuckerized? If not, it’s time you found a way to make it happen. A few of you may be scratching your heads, wondering what I’m talking about. Tuckerization is a long-standing literary tradition, but the problem is recognizing it when you see it!

Maybe telling you my story will help explain. My husband is a big fan of speculative fiction. When the World SF convention was in Toronto, he came home with a big smile on his face, telling me he bought me a present—then the kicker—I don’t get to find out what it is until next year. Okay, you don’t do that to little Miss Curiosity. I quizzed him endlessly, but to no avail. He’s a trial lawyer…nothing penetrates his armor!

The year goes by and I eventually forget about the present (I’m sure it was lingering in my subconscious.) One weekend, while up north at my parent’s cottage, he hands me a fantasy novel and recommends I read it. I’m like…wait a minute…I’m Ms. Suspense! But, being the trusting wife, I dig into the novel, Laura Anne Gilman’s STAYING DEAD. I enjoyed it, found the pacing strong, the characters fascinating. Then…in comes an older woman, an interesting villain…and her name is KimAnn Howe! I start laughing and realize what he has done. During an auction to support medical benefits for writers, my husband bought me a Tuckerism.

A "tuckerism" is the use of a friend's name as a character, place, equipment name, or the like in a story. The term is derived from the actions of Wilson "Bob" Tucker, who initiated this practice in SF books. For example, some of the Star Trek™ novels from Pocket Books are alleged to have names of the author's friends for minor characters.

I was so touched by his gesture. And this character—KimAnn Howe—who was supposed to show up in just one novel has turned into a strong presence in five novels! Okay, does that mean technically I’m multi-published?

Would you like to be a character in a novel? To celebrate making the final four of the American Title competition, I’m running a Kill Me Off contest. Just send me an e-mail via my website www.kjhowe.com with the phrase Kill Me Off and your name. The lucky (???) winner will have his/her namesake suffer an untimely demise in my next novel. And, no, you cannot nominate your boss or mother-in-law! J Yes, I know you won’t last five novels, but I promise to make “your death” memorable!

Here’s to Tuckerisms!

Kim

Guest Blogger: Kim Howe

Today, American Title III Contest finalist Kim Howe has a agreed to be a guest blogger here at SF. She's going to tell you all about the American Title contest and about herself and the book she's entered into the contest.

She's agreed to be around most of the afternoon, too, so she can answer any questions you have.

Join us, will you?