Long Live The Gothic Novel.

Shades of horror, the paranormal, unnatural deeds done in the dark, magic and mystery are embodied in that one word: Gothic. All that is uncivilised, unnatural, macabre, grotesque and even eccentric belong in the world of the gothic novel.

Some of the most well-known classics belong to this genre.

Think Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights - untamed Cathy and wild Heathcliffe rushing headlong into a doomed relationship among the misty moors of Yorkshire. Or, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre with the eccentric Mr Rochester and a gloomy house hiding a strange secret. Every page is heavy with suspense and sexual tension, capturing readers' emotions as no other books of the time did.
And people loved it.
Couldn't get enough of it.

But the Bronte's did not create the gothic genre. Two-hundred years earlier, Horace Walpole wrote The Castle of Otranto (1765), which became an instant sensation. By the close of the eighteenth century, two more gothic novels were written - The Mysteries of Udolpho and The Monk. So sensational were they, that even Jane Austen succumbed to the trend. But her novel, Northanger Abbey, parodied the genre rather than emulated it.

Over the next century, more gothic novels were published: Frankenstein (1818); and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831), set among the soaring arches of a gothic cathedral, the sad and misshapen figure of Quasimodo swinging from the gargoyles to stare at the inhabitants of Paris below him.
In 1847, Varney the Vampire: or The Feast of Blood was published, which predated the epitome of all gothic novels - Bram Stoker's Dracula, in 1898.

These books were the best sellers of their day, and still are.

My own books, the Dantonville Legacy series, embody those characteristics of the gothic - the mystery of a cursed family waiting two-thousand years to be redeemed.
Love live the gothic novel!

 

Ebook - http://amzn.to/29uk0a1

Paperback - http://amzn.to/2kiYcFs

 

Sunday Showcase: Meet Paranormal Author Susan Stielow

1. What inspired you to write in your genre?

To feel what it’s like to be young again. That’s why we have so many adults reading YA books these days. To remember what it was like to meet our first love, or first crush. Or to be the underdog who saves the day. Writing YA keeps me young at heart.

2.  If you write a series, how many books can your readers expect?

Three for the Bloodborn Series (Books 1 & 2 are already out) and three to four more in a new series I will be working on after book 3 in the Bloodborn series is finished.

3. How and why did you choose your book cover(s)?

I knew early on that I wanted my covers to match a scene from the books. But since I have an ancient computer, and no clue how to use photo-shop, I sought out the help an amazing cover artist.

4. If you had the chance to spend the day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

That’s easy, Damen Kingston. He’s nice to look at, funny as hell, has the voice of an angel, and let’s not forget, a bad-ass vampire.

5. Are there any books or authors you admire?

Oh, God yes! Too many to list, but a couple of my ultimate favs is J.R. Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Darynda Jones and her Charlie Davidson - Grim Reaper series and of course J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series. I mean seriously? Who doesn’t love her.

6. Do you have a favourite movie or TV show?

XFiles I have been a huge fan of for years, but right now Supernatural and Penny Dreadful are my favs.

7. What do you find the most challenging thing about being an author?

Self doubt. That little demon will get me every time. When he creeps in I will stop writing and walk away for a few days and refresh myself.

8. If money was no object and you could travel to any place in the world for your dream vacation, where would you go and what would you do?

Australia. Steve Irwin is my hero, and it’s always been a dream of mine to visit the Australia Zoo. I balled my eyes out the day Steve past away. It was a very emotional day for me. He was a great man.

9. Tell us about your publishing experience. Did you always intend to be traditionally published or indie published?

Being a writer isn’t easy. Especially when it comes to publishing houses. I tried traditional publishing first. They can be brutal to a new inexperienced writer. I submitted my query letters, my 3 first chapters, and so on; that the publishers ask for. At first I received no responses. Then the rejection letters starting rolling in. And when they say you need a thick skin for this business, they’re not kidding. Some letters were nice and even gave some advice. While others were downright mean. It was tough to take. I started to doubt my writing and whether my story was even good. It wasn’t until a friend read my book and loved it! So I looked into self-publishing and never looked back.

10. What have you learned as an author since you published your first book that you wish you knew when starting out?

Don’t trust ANYONE! Your book is your baby. Do your research when it comes to editors, cover artists, and so on. There are a lot of scammers out there that unfortunately, I fell victim to. Always remember that you get what you pay for.

Book 1 - Bloodborn

 

Book 2 - Scarlet Butterfly 

 

Buy Links - Amazon 

Get your copy of this fabulous series.

Sunday Showcase: Paranormal Mystery Author Pamela Winn

1.How and why did you choose your book covers?

I try to find covers that are linked to the story without revealing too much. For the books “Viewings”, “At Hidden Lake”, and “Wings to Whispers”, I drew the covers myself. Some day I may go back and do that for all of the 40 books.

2. If you had to choose a recipe that reflected one of your books, what would it be?

Definitely I would have to find a recipe for the short story collections “Visitations” and “Wings to Whispers” A heavenly dessert, because the books are both collections of loved ones who have passed away and are trying to reach us from the other side.

3. If you had the chance to spend the day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

I would say Joshua in the book “Obligations”. He had a near death experience that took him to the other side and back again. Something evil followed behind. Now, Joshua can see spirits and people’s auras. I am fascinated by auras and think it would be amazing to be able to see them and decide what they truly mean. If we could see a person’s aura we would have an idea about what makes them tick. I think sitting down with Joshua as he learns about not only auras, but communicating with spirits, or angels, would be fascinating. I hope readers feel that when they read the story.

4. What do you find the most challenging thing about being an author?

That would have to be promoting. Trying to get your book out where others can find it and grab it to read is a challenge. I am not a salesman and had no idea how to even do this. Luckily for me, I had other authors to help and a son that is computer savvy. A skill I lack. If I didn’t have to promote I would be happy to just write. After 40 in 45 months, I think that part of this journey has gone well and I love the amazing reviews I have received.

5. If money was no object and you could travel to any place in the world for your dream vacation where would you go and what would you do?

I have two places I would love to see, first Ireland and then Australia. Both places seem to me to be fascinating and rich with scenery. I would love to sit and write books in either place. I think the scenery in the books makes the story interesting. I am lucky to live in North West Montana filled with Lakes, Trees and Mountains and use the landscape in a lot of the books. I also have lived in Utah and Idaho and add those locations in a few. In the book “Tunnels”, the group travels down a highway from Montana to Idaho, a road I have traveled often. In the book “Mystic Valley” the location is a place in Utah I know the government did a lot of hiding of secrets. So, I used that location to set up the sci-fi conspiracy. In “At Hidden Lake”, I used Montana because I watched a TV special about how Hitler may have hid gold and treasure near Glacier Park, Montana, where I live.

6. Tell us about your publishing experience. Did you always intend to be traditionally published or indie published?

I thought about traditional publishing, but because I write books so quickly, I decided to indie publish. It seems to be the best for me. If I had to wait for a traditional publisher to get back to me, I would probably still be on book one and my nerves would be shot.

I am just blessed to have great readers who will read one book, like it, and then go back for another. That is such a compliment and repeat readers have a special place in my heart. I have been very lucky with reviewers. With over 360 reviews, only 4 have been below a three. Five have been threes, and the rest four and five stars, that is awesome and inspiring.  If readers would like to see the 40 books, they can find them on Amazon

You can find Pamela Winn at Goodreads  Amazon Author Page 

 

A gift was passed down from her grandmother, all her life Andrea Moore has been able to see spirits. Now, her grandma has passed on, but Andi still talks to her. When Deputy Vaughn Walker asks Andi to help solve the mystery of four women who have disappeared, Vaughn, Andi and her friend Nate are going to find those from the other side influence this life and some spirits are pure evil. They also find themselves in the middle of the epic battle of good versus evil.

Buy it here:  Amazon 

 Paperback available at Barnes and Noble 

 

 

Would You Attend a Vampire Masquerade Ball?

Courtesy of Gothic and Enchanted Music by Derek and Brandon Fiechter

The other day, while browsing online for some gothic music I could listen to while writing, I came across this beautiful and haunting melody titled, Gothic Waltz Music on youtube - Enchanted Ballroom. It reminded me of a little girl's jewellery music box, one I always wanted as a child but never received. 
(Yes, I've always had a gothic streak, and in my childish imagination the music box dancer wasn't a ballerina, but an enchanted princess waiting to be released from a curse. I guess that's where BloodGifted had some of its genesis.)
The music was so audibly mesmerising - as was the image with it  - that I stopped everything to listen. It's underlying dark tone sent visions of immaculately dressed vampires gliding across a dazzling ballroom, their faces covered in bejewelled masks hiding not only their faces, but their dark secret.
Humans enter at your own peril. 
I knew that one day I would have to include such an otherwordly setting in one of my books. And the opportunity came while writing, BloodVault, Bk 3 in my Dantonville Legacy Series. 
How could I resist? 
I simpy had to include a gothic ballroom scene - the annual New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball.

Click the youtube link above and listen while reading. I dare you :-) 

In the driveway, fairy lights blinked on the trunks and leafless branches of the trees, while a million tiny bulbs twinkled in the windows and the front doors of the chateau. The candelabras in the entrance hall had been polished to a mirror sheen, the candles' flames dancing and swaying on the ebony surface. Illuminated garlands twisted their way up the staircase that led to the ballroom.
We took our seats on the dais next to Luc and Judy. Swathes of entwined green and lavender silk - the D'Antonville colours - hung from the canopy and pooled on the floor. Five gold sashes lay draped across the arms of my chair. I knew their purpose, as Alec had briefed me earlier.
My mother, resplendent in a rich jade-green dress, acknowledged each guest as they were announced. Her silver-streaked auburn hair was caught back in a chignon and crowned with a white-gold tiara of intertwining leaves and flowers adorned with a single emerald. Her eyes shone behind her butterfly shaped mask.
She leant across and whispered in my ear. "You looking stunning, dear."
"As do you. Nice bling." I grinned at her tiara.
"Your father's gift at your birth." She beamed and placed her hand over his. Luc drew them to his lips and kissed her fingertips.
... The ballroom was a sea of colour. Elegant women in dazzling gowns of electric blue, silver-grey, apricot, sunny yellow and turquoise swept the room, greeting friends and chinking glasses. Lavender eyes glinted behind feathered, lace and rhinestone masks shaped like butterflies, cats and flowers, some covering only the eyes, others half the face. The men, likewise, many in tuxedos with long-nose masks or in traditional costume, added to the magnificence of the occasion.
... Alec led me from the dais, and we swayed to the romantic strains of a Strauss waltz, weaving in and out with the other couples. I floated on an idyllic cloud beneath the blue and gold rococo ceiling that gleamed in the light of crystal chandeliers. The troubles of the last few days forgotten as I lost myself in his arms and was drawn into the lavender depths of his eyes.

If you'd like to read more just click here.

There are some family secrets that should stay hidden.

***BLOODVAULT***

Bk 3 in The Dantonville Legacy Series

  “Battle scenes, action, adventure, mystery and a fiery romance.”

Amazon 

Apple 

Kobo 

Nook 

 

Until next time ...

Thirsty Thursday - BloodVault Extract

It's been a while since I've added an extract from any of my books, especially from my latest release, 'BloodVault', Bk 3 in my Dantonville Legacy Series. It's been eight months since its release and since then it has sat regularly in Amazon's Top 100 in Gothic Romance. 

Thank you to all my readers who made that happen. Because of you and your enthusiasm for Dantonville, my books are doing so well. 

At the moment I'm working on Bk 4, 'BloodWish,' and hope to release that in time for Christmas. So, in the meanwhile, curl up with a little something spooky and mysterious.

Enjoy.

* * * 

EXTRACT

     That's when I heard it -  a shrill keening, like a soul in torment. It made the hairs on my arms stand on end. It didn't seem to be coming from anywhere within the chateau. A night bird? I stuffed another mini-baguette into my mouth and padded to the window. Tree branches obscured most of my view, but there appeared to be a solitary figure, in white, standing on the boundary wall at the far end of the estate.

     Mesmerised, I watched. Was it a ghost, or some local nutter who liked to climb walls in the dead of night to wail at the half moon? I peered closer, but the wind whipped up the tree branches, and I lost sight of the figure. When the wind dropped, the figure was gone. Every nerve ending tingled. If vampires existed - I'd only learnt of their existence a couple of weeks ago - then why not ghosts? This chateau was hundreds of years old, maybe more. Who knows how many more people had died here in that time? Vampires weren't the only inhabitants.

     I continued to stare out the window. There it was again - arms upraised, the same high-pitched wailing. A chill shot through me, and I jumped back drawing the curtains together, tightly bunching the folds of fabric.

* * *

Want to read more? Here's where you can find it - Amazon (US) Amazon (AU) Amazon (CA) Amazon (UK)

Until next time, 

Happy Reading

Meet Young Adult Author, PJ Byer

It's always a pleasure to showcase a new release, especially when it's from my lovely critique partner, PJ Byer. Book 2 in her engrossing young adult Trial Bay Series is now available on Amazon at the sale price of 99c. Go get it.

This book is the much anticipated prequel to Collision, Book 1, in the Trial Bay series.

Collision traces the arc of runaway Stella and her father Paul Lawson’s fractured relationship, to their tentative reunion in Trial Bay, on the Australian mid-north coast. Their story hints at the many lies buried at the heart of their family history.
Now this new book in the series, Corrosion, set between 1958 and 2008 in Sydney and Trial Bay, explores this generational secrecy in alternating chapters. It unravels the story of Stella’s father, Paul, and his mother, Mary.

Paul, a lonely, confused teenager, is desperate to avoid being sent to boarding school by his elegant, career-driven mother. He’d rather risk living with his unreliable, irresponsible father and attend the local high school, than let his mother decide his future for him.
Mary has striven all her life to overcome her desperately unhappy childhood. Born illegitimate, Mary is raised by her grandparents to hide the scandal. She experiences bitter rejection, and is determined her son will never lack the opportunities denied her. Unfortunately, her wealth, ambition and steely control over her son form only a thinly-veiled veneer to hide devastating secrets.

In their final showdown, what does Paul discover? And will it destroy him, and her?

 

    PJ Byer is the Young Adult writer of the Trial Bay series, Collision and Corrosion, Books 1 and 2 respectively. Collision is a finalist in the Teen section of the International 2015 Wishing Shelf Book Awards, as well as chosen as the 2016 Year 10 novel study at MacKillop Catholic College, Warnervale, NSW.

    The series is set in Sydney and the mid-north NSW coast, Australia. Collision, Book 1, is a fast-paced, coming-of-age mystery about teen runaway Stella Lawson, who is disturbed by her flashbacks to Trial Bay gaol a century before.     

    Corrosion, Book 2, is a warm-hearted yet poignant story of Stella's father Paul as a teenager, and his fragmenting relationship with his mum, Mary. She is desperate to keep family secrets hidden from him, until an ultimate showdown threatens to destroy their relationship. PJ began to write the day after she retired from English, History and Drama teaching. Inspired by the stories of Trial Bay gaol, where hundreds of World War One Germans were interned, her series has evolved to delve into family generational secrets, and the fall-out from these. Happily married with two adult daughters, PJ lives on the Central Coast near the beach, an hour north of Sydney. 

Book links: Amazon (US) 

                    Amazon (UK) 

                    Amazon (AU)  

                    Amazon (CA) 

 

Winner of an Early Ecopy of BloodVault.

Thank you everyone who entered the competition to win an early ecopy of BloodVault.
There was a great response and the majority chose Option 2: the silver key. Seems immortality is a lure few can resist.

Katrina Whittaker said:
                "Who doesnt want immortality - to stay young for ever. Id drink it and not think twice."

I have to agree. Although a few would have happily traded places with Laura.

According to Viki: 

                 "I would choose Laura because I absolutely love her and to live as her for a day would be exciting! And to have a gorgeous hot vampire at my whim would be pretty darn cool too. Especially for a day!"

It was a hard decision to make, so good old Random.org did it for me. Congratulations, Katrina. I'll be emailing you a mobi copy of BloodVault. Apart from my editor and a handful of beta readers, you'll be among the first to read it before its release date.
Enjoy! 

Dark Dreams Halloween Horror Authors Giveaway

I'm in this fun Halloween giveaway with a bunch of amazing international authors. Not only are there a range of great reads to win, but check out the grand prize. As they say, you have to be in it to win!

Here's my contribution—signed paperback copies of Bloodgifted and Bloodpledge.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tornado Bloggers - Homeland of Uncertainty

Go to Book No. 59

Check all the Books Here 

Name of the Book: RI: HOMELAND OF UNCERTAINTY
Author: Paulami DuttaGupta

Read some reviews:

1. Rubina Ramesh 
2. Ruchi Singh 
3. Privy Trifles 

The Story:

"Ri- Homeland of Uncertainty is adapted from the National Award Winning Khasi film by the same name.

Trapped in the limbo between ideology and conscience, Manbha finds him himself part of a terror outfit. An unexpected opportunity, anger, squalor and disillusionment - followed by and armed combat and injury lead to the soul- searching that form the substance of this moving tale."

You can also buy @

About The Author 

Paulami DuttaGupta 

"Born in Shillong, Paulami DuttaGupta, graduated with honours in English from St. Edmunds College, and began her career with All India Radio Shillong. While there, she wrote and took part in several shows. Some time after, she received a post graduate degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University in Kolkata.

She has written for ‘The Times of India’ in the ‘Guwahati-Shillong plus Edition’ and also ‘The Shillong Times’. Television had always attracted her and she was connected to the Bangla TV industry for about 6 years, and later associated with ETV- Bangla, Akash Bangla and Sony Aath.

Having left her day job in 2012, Paulami took up full time writing. Her first novel, “Pinjar” was released in early 2012.

Her second novel “Unplanned Destiny” was released in 2014. She is also the screen writer of the national award winning Khasi film – “Ri Homeland of Uncertainty”.

“Ri” has been adapted into a novel and will be released in Sepember’14.

She is currently working on her next project.

Apart from writing full length novels, Paulami has written several short stories and articles. She has also contributed to the “Minds@work Anthology” and the “Family Matters International Anthology” in 2013.

Recently she has contributed to “Learning and Creativity Anthology”, “Her Story Anthology”, and “Celebrating India – Love across Borders Anthology”.

When not writing or watching movies, Paulami is either reading biographies or classic pieces of literature. Cricket, food, cinema, books and music are an integral part of her life."

Stalk her @
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Go to Book No. 61 

Now for the Rafflecopter: Gather as many points as you want. The more points you get, the more you have a chance to win. Show your love for books.. Tweet, Like and Spread the Word... Thank you for being a Reader... You keep the Authors motivated... This is our way of saying a Thank you :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#TornadoGiveaway is an initiative of The Book Club. Click on the icon to go to the event page of the Tornado .. Lots of fun awaits you :)

A Tasty Little BloodVault Teaser.

Yes, it's Teaser Tuesday, and what better excuse to provide my readers with another little snippet from BloodVault. My word count is growing daily, so hopefully book 3 of The Dantonville Legacy saga will be completed by the end of this month.
In the meantime, enjoy.

My stomach growled. Through the open door, I spied the tray of delicacies Madame Thierry had prepared. The mini baguette I had earlier had been delicious.

The bed bounced as I bounded toward the tray. That’s when I heard it—a shrill keening, like a soul in torment. It made the hairs on my arm stand on end. It didn’t seem to be coming from anywhere within the chateau. A night bird? I stuffed another mini-baguette into my mouth and padded over to the window. Tree branches obscured most of my view, but there appeared to be a solitary figure, in white, standing on the boundary wall at the far end of the estate.

Mesmerised, I stood there. Was it a ghost, or some local nutter who liked to climb walls in the dead of night to wail at the half moon? I peered closer but the wind whipped up the tree branches and I lost sight of the figure. When the wind dropped the figure was gone. Every nerve ending tingled. If vampires existed—I’d only learnt their existence a couple of weeks ago—then why not ghosts? This chateau was hundreds of years old, maybe more. Who knows how many people died here in that time? Vampires weren’t the only inhabitants.

I continued to stare out the window. There it was again—arms upraised, the same high pitched wailing. A chill shot through me, and I jumped back drawing the curtains together, tightly bunching the folds of the fabric.

The Serpent Ring on my finger glowed scarlet. Whatever the figure was, it posed no threat. I took a deep breath and slowly peered through the curtain again. The ghostly form was still there.

I slipped on my boots, threw on a coat and stepped out into the empty hallway. All the lights were on and I could hear voices, none familiar. It was probably the Brethren servants. I paused at Jenny’s door. She slept, her slow heartbeat and steady breathing was quiet and peaceful. I didn’t have the heart to wake her. Other human heartbeats came from different ends of the house. I assumed the sleeping one, directly above my room, belonged to Judy. But there was another, slightly faster, heartbeat also coming from above, so close to Judy’s they could’ve been in the same room. Who? One of the staff? But there were no human staff on duty yet.

If you enjoyed this snippet, catch up on the story by reading the first two books in the series before Book 3 is released later this year.  
Amazon Apple iBooks Nook  Kobo

 

BloodVault Tasty Teaser

Yesterday I celebrated the cover reveal of BloodVault, the third book in my Dantonville Legacy series. Now to whet your appetite further, here's a little tasty teaser (unedited). Enjoy!

We skirted the edge of the subterranean lake when the ruby glow from the cubes the men carried began to glow more brightly. And from the pattern of stalactites hanging from the cavern roof, I knew we neared the vault. My hunch was confirmed when the eyes of the Serpent Ring on my hand flared.

Luc held up his arm and we halted before a wall of polished stone.

‘Let me take Judith’s key. You need both hands,’ I said. Three keys inserted simultaneously were needed to unlock the vault, and Luc, Marcus, Judith and I each possessed one—three and a spare. Until my transformation, Luc had kept the spare key in the library safe, hidden discretely behind Marcus’s decaying armour. It was later entrusted to me … until Rasputin stole it.

I would get it back, if it was the last thing I did.

Luc nodded, pressed Judith’s key into my palm and slid aside a camouflaged panel hiding three locks.

Marcus joined us. ‘How many centuries since I’ve done this?’

‘Too long,’ Luc answered.

We inserted our keys into the locks as Luc thrust his own green-eyed serpent ring into the stone. Silently the door swung open and the intoxicating scent of Ingenii blood hit us in a powerful wave. We inhaled; nostrils flared and the tips of our fangs protruded beneath our upper lips. I swallowed and sheathed mine, aware of my growing hunger and that I’d be living off those vials for the next nine months.

‘Unload.’ Luc stepped aside to allow the men to pass. We followed, and the door automatically sealed itself behind us.

Marcus whistled. ‘Deus! I’d forgotten the scale of this place.’

Thousands of thumb-size, ruby vials lay line-upon-line within recessed stone bays, illuminating the cavernous space in a haze of red. Like a wine cellar, Luc had grouped the vials according to name and numerical order of Ingenii. Those closest to the entrance were the oldest. Engraved bronze plaques above each group identified the subject, from Paulus in the early 4^th century till now. Judith’s bay was the last. Beyond her the stone wall was blank, for Laura was the last of the Ingenii—the curse ends with her.

‘Line them up against that wall.’ Luc pointed to the furthest end of the cavern, where the once-smooth rock face was pockmarked with a series of small indentations, ready to receive the new stock of vials. He pressed a button on his mobile, and silently each cube unfolded and resumed its previous cabinet size. (Copyright 2015 Tima Maria Lacoba)

Want to read the first two books? Just one click here Amazon iBooks  Nook Kobo Smashwords