Journey of a Series

I've been thinking about the long, strange trip my series took since I started writing the first book in 2004 and sold it to a small print press in 2006.

This was the original cover of the trade paperback version of The Vampire Shrink published in 2007. Bookstores shelved it all over the place: horror, romance, fantasy, general fiction. I was just glad it was IN the bookstores!

I contracted to do a second book [Dark Harvest] with this small publisher and we immediately disagreed about the focus of the series. They wanted it to be paranormal romance and I had intended the series to be about the main female character's adventures of all kinds -- pretty much how I still describe the series today: Bloody, Sexy and Funny. After much back and forth (some of it legal), the small publisher put out the second book. Of course, they got to choose the cover. I could kick myself now for not even Googling the title Dark Harvest to discover it was already in use. Publishing had/has a steep learning curve for me.

So, after the interesting experience with the small publisher, we parted company. Since my first agent and I had gone our separate ways then too, I started talking to other agents and editors about moving my series to a new publishing house. This was 2008-9 and I heard the same thing again and again: it's impossible to move a series from one house to another, and my series couldn't be easily identified as one particular genre, so they weren't interested.

Thinking my series was dead in the water, I pretty much stopped writing and mostly gave up through 2009 -- until I started reading J.A. Konrath's blog. I loved his ideas for making a living as a writer. When he talked about self-publishing ebooks, I got excited again. Back when my first agent negotiated the contract with the small publisher, nobody was talking about ebooks. So, I retained the digital rights.

In early 2010, I [totally clueless] found someone to make covers from stock photos, hired an editor to help me improve the books and someone to convert them, and I uploaded them to Amazon. Within weeks, both novels [and a few small things I'd also uploaded] became best sellers. I couldn't believe it. I was making more money from my writing than from my work as a psychotherapist. Here are the covers for the self-pubbed ebooks:

Thanks to Konrath's advice, I had gotten in on a good self-publishing wave.

Of course, there was lots of talk at that time about "when the self-pub bubble will burst." I figured I'd ride the wave as long as possible, and keep putting up new books. This time period was even more exciting than when I switched from nonfiction to fiction in 2004. I loved being a writer again.

But it was all new and unknown and I'd been programmed to dream of the traditional publishing deal.

So, when I was approached by a well-known agent in mid-2010, who said he could sell my series to another print house, I thought my ship had finally arrived. [Yes, I know what you're thinking.] Agents had begun signing successful self-pubbed authors and I was flattered to be among them.

Right before the holiday period of 2010, [when digital books took off like rockets] I signed a worldwide contract for the first 3 books in my series and took the e-versions down from Amazon, etc. (Kicking myself mentally now.)

Book one [The Vampire Shrink] came out again later in several forms from my British publisher Quercus and the American publisher, Sterling with different covers:

 

 

Almost immediately after book one published, the USA portion of my new deal fell apart due to all the changes in publishing (Sterling was part of Barnes and Noble). So my USA books got lost in the shuffle.

My UK editor [really excellent editor and person], said she thought the old book #2 jumped too far ahead in the series story, so she asked me to write a different/new book #2, which is titled, Blood Therapy.

Since I made so many changes to the series arc in the new book #2, that old book #2 [Dark Harvest] was discarded and parts of that book used in the new book #3, Crimson Psyche. This is the UK cover for new book #3. The UK print version came out January, 2014. No USA version was ever printed from Sterling.

My agent was eventually able to get my rights back from everyone and in 2015 I put my 3 novels out myself:

 

These are the covers created by Damonza.com.

There were also German covers.

Let's just say my publishing career had been a messy rollercoaster ride. I still want to write more books in the series at some point. Kismet book #4 has been "in progress" for quite a while. Hopefully, it will be born one day soon!

Rising From the Dead

I've neglected my blog for a long time. The events (personal, publishing) of the last 2-3 years really took a toll on me and I crawled into my cave to lick my wounds. I think I'm ready to stick a toe back into the outer world. I used to love writing blog posts and having guests, so I'm committed to resurrecting those practices. Like my vampires, my blog is rising from the dead. I hope you'll visit often.

Excerpt: Crimson Psyche, Kismet Knight book #3

All three novels in the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series will be available as ebooks soon. Stay tuned for details!

 

 

Chapter 1

“Welcome back, Denver! Carson Miller here, host of Wake Up, Denver!, WOW Radio’s top-rated talk show. We’re continuing this week’s theme of whacked local celebrities. Is it just me, or is Denver crazier than ever?” His laugh sounded like a rusty chainsaw.

What the hell? Whacked local celebrities? I agreed to come and counsel his listeners!

“I’ve got self-proclaimed vampire psycho – oops, I mean vampire psychologist – Doctor Kismet Knight in the studio with me today. She’s ready and willing to answer all your bloodsucker questions. Give us a call. The phone lines are open. Welcome, Doctor Knight.” He gave a wide, tobacco-stained smile.

“Thanks, Carson.” I spoke into the microphone on the long folding table in front of me. “I’m happy to be here.” Barely catching myself before I tacked a question mark onto my response, I adjusted my headphones and peered around at the unexpectedly low-tech, dungeon-like studio.

Piles of newspapers, men’s magazines, CDs, DVDs and promo flyers fought for supremacy against empty pizza boxes and Styrofoam coffee cups. Fast food bags overflowed the trash can. The pleasant decor and posters of contemporary talk-show personalities on the walls in the outer office hadn’t prepared me for the primitive reality of Carson World.

As he read an ad for an auto parts store, I inched my microphone further away from his, noting the long cord curling at the base of the stand in case I needed to put even more space between us, and scanned the electronics in the engineer’s booth. Not only was the equipment modern, but through a glass wall I could see yet another studio on the far side of the booth, and even from here that one looked to be state-of-the-art. Why would the station stick Carson in such a miserable hole?

He rotated his head in my direction and wiggled his eyebrows, still talking into the microphone. “Let me start by saying that you look finger-lickin’ good this morning, Doc. Seriously babe-o-licious.” He ran his thick, lumpy tongue slowly around his lips in a horror-film version of what I supposed he thought was a sexual come-on.

Gak.

“Uh, thanks?” I couldn’t quite squelch the question mark this time. I studied his stained, too-small T-shirt and unfashionably torn jeans. His voice, which had sounded pretty sexy through my car radio, wasn’t even close to being an accurate representation of the man himself.

“And now that I’ve eyeballed the merchandise, I’m going to do my best to talk the Doc here into taking off her clothes before the show’s over. Then I’ll post photos on my Facebook page,” he said, laughing at my alarmed expression.

“I don’t think so.” Oh, great. Another Howard Stern shock-jock wannabe, except fat and bald – what is it with all these talk-radio assholes? Miserable-hole question answered. At least I’ll get a good case-study article out of this experience: Demented, Aging Radio Hosts and Mental Illness. “We can take that option off the table.” I glanced at the door that led from our tiny sound booth to the engineer’s studio to calculate how many steps it would take me to escape.

“Don’t be so sure, Doc. I can be pretty persuasive when I put my mind to it.” He pointed at the engineer, who hit a sound effects button and filled the airwaves with loud clapping.

Young spectators were visible through a large window, lining the hallway and blocking the exit. They high-fived each other and bumped fists, laughing at something I was obviously not cool enough to understand.

Does he have those fans jammed in there on purpose to keep me from leaving? He probably does. What a creep!

I caught a movement from the corner of my eye and shifted my gaze toward a young male who’d materialized, stepped through the bystanders and sauntered over to stand next to me.

Perfect. A haunted radio station. Just what I need.

The slender man wore a glittery jacket with bulky shoulder pads and sported spiked 1980s hair. He grinned and saluted me with a beer can.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Carson continued, “I have to tell you that it’s a shame we aren’t on TV because Doctor Knight is a feast for the eyes. She’s wearing a clingy black dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. Legs that go on forever. Big blue eyes. And she’s got this great long, dark hair.” He reached out to touch my curls and I smacked his hand away. He lowered his voice and gave it an extra layer of smarm. “It gives a guy ideas, if you know what I mean. Anyway, Doc” – he returned to me – “so what the hell is a vampire psychologist? Are you a vampire?” He laughed and his belly flopped against the table, making the microphone wobble. When he moved, the smell of cigarette smoke wafted from his T-shirt.

“No, Carson, I’m not a vampire.” I scooted my chair and microphone even further away from the host, tilted my head and attempted a professional smile while I focused on his ridiculous question. If he only knew. “I’m a psychologist who works with the subculture of individuals who believe they’re vampires. Or who want to be vampires – people seeking meaning through role-playing and exploring the dark side of themselves – the unknown – and by flouting society’s ideas of good versus evil.”

“Wow, Doc – that sounds pretty sexy,” he oozed. “Are you saying that Denver has a lot of these people? These ‘pretend vampires’?” He reached one of his hands out toward me, making grabbing motions.

I shoved it away, giving him the evil eye.

This moron’s not going to rattle me. I’m here for the listeners.

He waved three fingers at the engineer and a chorus of “Carson! Carson! Carson!” burst from the speakers. Then, while the voices raved, he laughed and pointed to the microphone, expecting, or maybe daring, me to continue my interview despite his obnoxious behavior.

I glanced at the studio clock on the wall, imagining pushing my way through the crowd at the door and regretting the fact that I’d agreed to be a guest for an entire segment. In retrospect, I definitely should’ve done more research to determine which media appearances would actually help my career, which ones had disgusting hosts, and which shows just wanted to exploit the fact that I’d been involved in a heavily reported serial murder investigation – a case dubbed the vampire murders – six months earlier. Who’d’ve guessed finding blood-drained bodies would generate so much interest?

Carson sliced his finger across his neck, signaling the engineer to stop the chant, then said, “Hey, Doc, wasn’t somebody killed in your office a while back?”

“There was a death, yes – but I’m sure your audience would rather have me address their personal issues as we agreed.” I stared at him until he smirked and pointed to the engineer, who pressed another button on his console, unleashing the sound of a roaring crowd.

I wasn’t about to discuss the death in my office – very few people knew the truth: that the perpetrator had been a mentally defective vampire, diagnosed with what used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder, and whose rotted corpse finally sloughed off his immortal coil a few weeks ago. Those select few who did know included one Denver police lieutenant, one cocky FBI agent, a bunch of vampires, a half-undead psychologist colleague, a transgendered hypnotherapist and me. Everybody else believed the cover story about a mortal perpetrator.

’80s Guy bent close to Carson and waved his hands in front of the oblivious host’s face.

I’ll just ignore the Billy Idol clone, and he’ll get bored and go away.

The sound effect stopped again, leaving empty air, and after a moment Carson realized and jumped back in. “It seems the Doc here needs more coffee – she’s a little slow on the uptake this morning. Okay, so let’s go to the phones. Studio lines are open.”

He gave me an innocent smile and shrugged, as if to say I shouldn’t hold him responsible for his radio persona. I notched up the ice content in my glare and pushed my chair back a couple more inches.

Maybe he’s off his meds. Or he has mad cow disease.

New Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series covers

The ebook versions of the books should be up again by the end of April, 2015! Yay! What a long, long journey!   

  

Spooktacular Blog Hop

Interview with Devereux, Master Vampire of the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series.

Kismet Knight: Hello, everyone! And Happy October, my favorite time of the year. I just stopped by for a moment to let you know that there’s been a change of plans regarding Devereux’s interview. I was going to do it, since I know him best, but we’ve been having discussions lately about the fact that his ego is a little, well, inflated. His self-esteem a bit excessive, and I’m not sure he needs even more attention . . .

Devereux:  Ahem.

Kismet: Yes. I know you don’t agree. So, you’re good looking. And maybe your body can flame up a woman’s pilot light? Does that mean everyone with two “x” chromosomes has to genuflect in your presence?  No way! You think because you can dazzle everyone with your vampire wiles that we’re all at your beck and call. Well, let me tell you . . .

Devereux: (Looking adorable.) Kismet, my love. I promise I will think about everything you have said. Later. But for now, I would hate to disappoint the ladies . . .

Kismet: Okay, you’re right. We can fight, er, talk, later. (Fans self.) What I meant to say is that since this interview is for readers who do want to know about Devereux’s physical attributes and sexy ways, I’ve been persuaded to step aside and let him be worshipped. I’m relinquishing the task to one of Devereux’s newest staff members, Tara, who loves nothing more than to sing the master’s praises. It’s all yours, Tara . Bye, everyone.

Tara: (Twisting her hands nervously.) Bye, Dr. Knight. Oh, Geez. I’ve never been alone with Devereux before. What if I lose control and jump on him, or something? I mean, wow. He’s just so . . . astounding. Those lips, that butt . . .

Devereux: (Smiling.) There is no reason for concern. I am sure you will be fine. Just ask the questions we prepared. (Pause.) Tara?

Tara: Uh, sorry. You’ve never spoken directly to me before. Your voice is so sexy. So hypnotic. It makes me want to . . . er, never mind. Is it hot in here? Okay. Can I ask a question of my own before I read the ones on the paper?

Devereux: (Pauses to read her mind.) Certainly.

Tara: How can Dr. Knight keep herself under control around you? I mean, you can make her do whatever you want, can’t you? How can she just walk away? After all, you’re the bad ass vampire.

Devereux: Bad ass vampire? (Smiles.) Yes, I do believe that is one phrase used to describe me. But to answer your question, Dr. Knight has a very strong mind. And lots of opinions. She has made it clear she does not wish to be controlled by me, or anyone so – because she is important to me – I honor her request. And since she is being assisted by the Elders, and a technique she learned from a psychic, her mind is no longer an open book. As you might imagine, it is challenging for me to find an equal of any kind. Not to be the arrogant soul I am often accused of being, but I have been a vampire for over 800 years and I have built my power purposefully. With great power comes great responsibility. I enjoy Dr. Knight’s discussions about the state of my ego. She keeps me from taking myself too seriously.

Tara: Well, er, that’s good. And speaking of responsibility. What’s it like to be one of the most powerful vampires on Earth? Do you get tired of being the boss?

Devereux: I have always had leadership abilities. There have been times throughout my long life that I wished to be relieved of the responsibility of keeping vampires off the human radar, but being the boss seems to come naturally to me. Maintaining the balance between the two species is a crucial task and neither side would benefit from the loss of that equilibrium. Many vampires would prefer to kill and feed on humans as they did in the past. To my mind, that would only encourage and unleash the vampire hunters again, which made vampire lives miserable for several centuries. Humans offer themselves to us freely. We can feed without killing.

Tara: Wow. Are you saying there are still vampire hunters?

Devereux: Of course. I have a vast network of observers – both mortal and immortal – who keep me apprised of the whereabouts and activities of the hunters.

Tara: (Hugging herself.) Oh, no! Vampire hunters! Will you protect me?

Devereux: (Half-shrug.) You have nothing to fear. Denver is home to many extraordinary vampire warriors. Under my leadership, they keep all vampire-kind safe.

Tara: Well, let’s move onto some of the meatier questions. How tall are you, and how much do you weigh?

Devereux: How long have you been a vampire, Tara?

Tara: Ten years. Why?

Devereux: (Smiles.) It is rare to hear a vampire use the word “meatier.”

Tara: Oh, yeah. I guess I still use a lot of my old human words.

Devereux: Charming. Anyway, you know we old vampires can transform our physical appearances at will. I can be as tall and weigh as much as I choose. But, for the most part, I normally stand about six feet, two inches and weigh around one hundred ninety pounds. I prefer to remain toned and muscular.

Tara: (Staring at Devereux’s body.) I’ll say. (Shifts her gaze to his face.) Your eyes are unusual. They’re not blue and not green, but a unique mixture of both. And you have dark eyebrows and lashes when your hair is so light. How did that happen?

Devereux: Actually, my hair lightened even more than it already was when I went through the transformation process from human to vampire. My hair originally was a darker shade of blond, so the brows and lashes were a better match. But I’m used to the contrast now and quite enjoy it. (Smiles.) Don’t you think my features suit me?

Tara: (Mouth slowly opens.)

Devereux: Tara?

Tara: (Closing mouth.) Sorry. Got caught up in a fantasy for a moment. Yes. Your features definitely suit you. Let’s go to the next question. You’ve lived a very long time. Can we assume you have had lots of experience with women? Did you have a favorite lover before you met Dr. Knight?

Devereux: It is not my habit to kiss and tell – or bite and tell, either – but it is well known by those close to me that I spent many years with the goddess Maeve, who has a reputation for being uninhibited and vibrantly, primitively sexual. We taught each other many things.

Tara: Yikes. You had sex with a goddess? Can you tell us how that experience was different from being with human or vampire women?

Devereux: (Dreamy expression on his face.) It was a passionate and amazing experience. Maeve is insatiable. She can have sex continuously for hours – as can I – so we often went without nourishment while we were caught up in sexual ecstasy. She appreciated my special gifts, (Glancing down at his crotch.) and my resilience. She showed me how to use one finger in a certain way to drive her mad with desire. That skill has served me well ever since.

Tara: One finger . . . uh, do you still see Maeve? Doesn’t Dr. Knight get jealous?

Devereux: Maeve and I have remained friends. (Gives boyish grin.) Dr. Knight insists she does not get jealous, but I happen to know better. Regardless, I am very loyal and give her no reason to question my commitment.

Tara: I heard that you danced for Dr. Knight at a protection ritual you created for her. I’ll bet that was very sensual.

Devereux: I enjoy dancing. Most pagan males do. Our ceremonies call for movements and I am quite good at all aspects of the physical. I spent many evenings throughout the centuries reveling naked around a fire. Beltane is especially exciting because first we dance and then we pair off and have wild sex. Would you like me to demonstrate?

Tara: What? (Eyes bulging.) Which part? Hey, you’re taking your clothes off. Are you really going to dance naked for me? Oh, my God! You are! Will there be sex next?

(A naked Devereux throws his head back, and sings loudly in a strange language while he moves in a Greek-like dance. His platinum hair flies out behind him as he stomps and claps along with his song.)

Tara: (Eyes still bulging, gaze glued to the firm evidence that dancing arouses Devereux.) Holy shit. Is that thing real?

(Devereux glides out of the room, singing.)

Tara: Devereux? Wait! Can I come? Oh, man. Look at those muscles. That ass. Hold on . . . (Voice fades as she leaves the room.)

For more information about Lynda and the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series, visit her website:

http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com

She can also be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/lyndahilburnauthor

http://www.twitter.com/lyndahilburn

Leave a comment about Devereux here to enter a giveaway for a $10 Amazon gift card and a signed print copy of The Vampire Shrink (USA only).

A Vampire Psychologist? Why not?

I'm frequently asked where the idea for a series about a vampire psychologist came from.

It started with a client session in my psychotherapy office in Boulder, CO back in 2004.

I've been a vampire fan since childhood and read everything -- fiction and nonfiction -- I could get my hands on. I'd never read much romance, but when paranormal romance books showed up in bookstores and libraries, I was hooked. Stories about human women having relationships and sex with vampires? Sign me up!

After reading a million or so books, I started toying with the notion of writing a vampire tale myself. Previously, I'd written nonfiction, and the learning curve for fiction was steep. I never considered actually submitting my stories to anyone. After all, wouldn't I get drummed out of the psychotherapist's club if I wrote about such things?

After creating a few short stories about my night-walking darlings, a young client -- who talked about wanting to join a group of non-humans -- inspired me to think about what it would be like to find a gorgeous vampire in my waiting room. I started typing that night, and the series began its long, strange journey.

The rights to the first three novels in the series (The Vampire Shrink, Blood Therapy and Crimson Psyche) are in the process of being reverted to me, so I'll be rebranding and republishing them in the future.

The tiny humorous tale, Until Death Do Us Part, is permanently free and available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple. It's a snapshot of a couples counseling session for vampires.

Website Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple

Free Services!

To celebrate the Fall Equinox I'm giving away a taste of some of my services.

All activities by appointment only.

One 15-minute genre fiction* novel chapter critique
Free
Telephone, after you email me your chapter

*Genres: Any paranormal fiction including paranormal romance, urban fantasy, mystery, suspense/romantic suspense, psychological thrillers.

One 60-minute coaching session
Free
In-person or via phone

One 60-minute Guided Group Hypnotherapy Session (guided visualization)
Free
At my Louisville office

One 15-minute tarot consultation
Free
Telephone only

One 60-miute group discussion of the Law of Attraction
Free
At my Louisville office

Please contact me for dates, location and to reserve your space.

Lynda Hilburn, MA, LPC, CAC II, CCHt
Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Coach, Intuitive, Author

303-939-8832
boulderboomer@aol.com

Goodreads Giveaway of Vampires! A Bundle of Bloodsuckers

You can win a print copy of the newly expanded Vampires! A Bundle of Bloodsuckers. Just go to Goodreads and enter. It's easy!

Goodreads Giveaway

I'm an Anne Rice Fan Girl

  I don't think I've ever typed the worlds "fan girl" before regarding myself, but I'm not in the least embarrassed to admit I've been in love with Anne Rice since I read Interview with the Vampire a very long time ago. After she wrote that book, there were trillions (at least it seems that way) of vampire books published. But she was (and is) special. One of a kind. She was the first one (at least to my mind -- this has been debated by others) to make vampires creepy, witty, charming, and intelligent. They were still scary, but we loved them. Arrogantly superior Lestat reveled in his vampirism -- the quintessential bad boy. Of course, Louis suffered and shared his neuroses. The little dear. And all without sex! Anne also brought a wonderful theatricality to her book signings, arriving in coffins, decked out in gorgeous vampire clothes. I was so sad I couldn't get to New Orleans while she still lived there so I could stalk her 
get my books signed.

  I even loved her witch and wolf books. Her   erotica was interesting. I was devastated when she said she was giving up the undead lads to write religious books. Since I'm not interested in religion, I didn't read any of those.  But I have everything else she's ever written. And soon there will be more vampire books and the possibility of a movie franchise of the whole series. *breathing into a paper bag now.*

   

And "they" say paranormal is dead. Ha!

Undead in the City

A dead-end life…

Raised in an urban hell, guitarist Tempest Moon has lived on the edge so long she no longer has any dreams. Especially when it comes to men. They’re only good for two things: sex and making music. Anything else is asking for trouble. Then one night, in the midst of a raging blizzard, a stranger walks into the dive where she’s playing. Something about this guy is different. Dangerous. Arousing.

An undead hunger…

Malveaux had been an assassin as a human being and saw no reason to change professions simply because he’d joined the ranks of the undead. He needs only two things: blood and sex. Beset by extreme sexual urges and driven by the legacy of his vampire creator, Malveaux is in thrall to a compulsion to create an “offspring.” To convert a human female to serve his passions or go mad. Sensual and sassy, Tempest Moon might just be his match.

A war in the shadows…

The sexual draw between them is powerful, but Tempest suspects Malveaux harbors a secret. She’s never believed in happily-ever-after or that anyone would rescue her, but nothing in her life prepared her for the nightmare of being a pawn in the war between Malveaux’s powerful human mob boss and a band of interloping vampires. Caught in a storm of bloodlust and passion, Malveaux must battle both humans and vampires as Tempest’s life balances on the razor’s edge between the living and the undead.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1oDgbAC

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1rZkp5M

New Book Release, Sound Healing & a Giveaway

 


Singing and music have defined my life.

My earliest memory is of standing in front of a second-hand record player, the kind where you could stack several 45s, singing my heart out. (Much to the annoyance of the people in the apartments all around me, and my mother, who probably had to fight the urge to break my 45 of Over the Rainbow.)



Singing along with records, cassettes and CDs would become a life-long activity.

I began piano lessons at around age 6, which gave me another musical background for my vocals.

In school, I participated in all the choirs, ensembles and musical groups I could (I also played clarinet for years) and managed to snag leads in the school musicals, while dreaming of moving to New York to become a Broadway star. I also sang light opera during the summer for various programs.

My path took a U-turn after high school graduation, when I joined my first “professional singing group.” That means I got paid for it. Visions of Broadway gave way to Rock Star fantasies. Things really got wild and crazy after that. I spent 20 years working full-time as the lead singer and keyboard player in various rock bands, and then many more years part-time.

During all those years I never heard anything about using sound/music to heal. Utilizing my voice for anything beyond entertainment wasn’t on my radar.

My non-traditional education exploded when I moved to Boulder, Colorado, the quirky community in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

I had a transcendental experience at my first sound circle.

Toning and chanting in a room with amazing acoustics, filled with concentric circles of enthusiastic singers, blasted open my limited notions of music. When it was my turn to stretch out in the center and allow myself to receive the vibrations/frequencies, it was almost more than my body/mind could process. I don’t know if I’ve ever had such a powerful experience of pure bliss since that first time. It was a truly memorable and life-changing event.

Sound healing continues to be a part of my personal and professional lives.





This definition of sound healing comes from the website of California Institute of Integral Studies, where they offer a certificate in sound:

“Since time immemorial, every spiritual tradition of the world has used sound for healing. Sound is an integral part of the healing power of shamanic practices, and is used extensively today in scientific research, as well as in integrative medicine and as a tool in pain management. Sound supports the process of transforming energy patterns, reveals measurable effects in the physical body, and facilitates the connection between mind-body-spirit. The singing voice, for example, as a fabric of breath, vibration, and emotion, can affect the body and mind more efficiently than any other form of sound. Vocal sounds are a primary source of energy, balancing and stimulating the brain. Indeed, certain sounds are considered a tonic for the brain, and they are used frequently in the treatment of chronic depression and pain. Today, the field of sound and music healing is rapidly gaining recognition as an essential component of health care in our society. Many acupuncturists, naturopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists, and psychotherapists, to name just a few, have integrated sound and music healing into their practice. In view of the fast-emerging fields of sound and music in healing, as well as contemporary shamanism, it is increasingly important to understand how sound, music, and chant can support therapeutic and growth processes.”


My novella, Blood Song, first appeared in 2009 (in a much shorter form) in the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance. Ever since then, I’ve been meaning to expand and self-publish it, and I finally did. It should be live on Amazon through August, then will be available at all ebook retailers.

Blurb:

A voice like sunlight…
Grace Blackburn’s extraordinary voice is a gift. And a curse. As a sound healer, her otherworldly singing can create miracles. It can also kill. Only her sound circle provides the safety she craves, until the night Grace crosses paths with a fanged creature and dreams she is rescued by an angel.
A soul lost to the night…
Ethan James is sexy, playful, irreverent. And a vampire. Between his sadistic master and his dangerous blood lust, he’s losing all control of his life. Assigned to exterminate feral vampires to protect humans and prevent any unwelcome light shining on the hidden world of the bloodsuckers, he rescues a woman whose soothing voice reminds him of the humanity he’s lost.
A deadly dance…
Grace has spent a lifetime avoiding the strong emotions that trigger deadly consequences, but Ethan arouses her like no other. He saved her, but she may be his salvation. Each is dangerous to the other. Now they must join forces and trust in the transformative power of love as they battle the hungry forces of the night.

In celebration of the novella’s release, I’m giving away a copy of one of my books/stories to a commenter here who answers the question:

What is your experience with sound healing?

The winner will be chosen in one week. (USA only for print books, please.)






This post was originally posted at http://www.cafeotherworld.com

New Release: BLOOD SONG

Back in April, 2009 a short story -- Blood Song -- appeared in the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance. At that point it was 8,000 words.

Since then, I've been thinking about expanding it to a novella [it's around 30,000 words now] and self-publishing it.

Well, ta da!

It's finally here.

Temporarily only available on Amazon for 90 days, after that it will be for sale at all e-book outlets.

Here's the blurb:

A voice like sunlight…

Grace Blackburn’s extraordinary voice is a gift. And a curse. As a sound healer, her otherworldly singing can create miracles. It can also kill. Only her sound circle provides the safety she craves, until the night Grace crosses paths with a fanged creature and dreams she is rescued by an angel.

A soul lost to the night…
Ethan James is sexy, playful, irreverent. And a vampire. Between his sadistic master and his dangerous blood lust, he’s losing all control of his life. Assigned to exterminate feral vampires to protect humans and prevent any unwelcome light shining on the hidden world of the bloodsuckers, he rescues a woman whose soothing voice reminds him of the humanity he’s lost.

A deadly dance…

Grace has spent a lifetime avoiding the strong emotions that trigger deadly consequences, but Ethan arouses her like no other. He saved her, but she may be his salvation. Each is dangerous to the other. Now they must join forces and trust in the transformative power of love as they battle the hungry forces of the night.
 
I hope you like it, and you'll post a review!!