Guest Post: Sheri Velarde – The Lust, Sex and Tattoos Blog Hop

Hi Everyone,

Please welcome the super awesome, fabulous author of Lust, Sex and Tattoos on my blog. First let’s take a look at the sexy cover.

Now let’s pick this lovely author’s brains a bit.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I started writing stories when I was a kid in grade school. I always wrote in some shape or form since then. It wasn’t until I was in my early 30s that I even thought of becoming published. It was a gentle nudge from a friend who gave me the courage to submit those first stories.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Well that depends on the books. Shorts and novellas only take a month, then some time for editing. Novels take me at least three months, sometimes more. Depends on the story and on the muse at the time. That’s why I always have more than on story going at once. If one is being stubborn I can work on another.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Now that I work at home I try to make my writing schedule fit my husband’s work schedule. That means I don’t start my work day until about 11:15 when he leaves for work. I start off by doing some art or jewelry (my side business) and then tackle emails, marketing, and the like until a late lunch. After lunch is when I truly begin writing. I would say I try to write from 2:30 in the afternoon until about 7:00 when I break to make some dinner. Then I get another hour and a half in before the husband gets home. Then it all starts again the next day. I rarely take a day off.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I can’t seem to write at a desk! I write in bed. I write at the kitchen table. I write on the couch. Never at a desk though. No idea why.
Where do you get your inspiration or ideas for your books?
Inspiration can come from anywhere. Take Lust, Sex and Tattoos for instance. It is patricianly based off my own experiences in tattoo shops (I have 16 and counting tattoos) and Karen was a mixture of friends. One whom I did go with to get her first tattoo and another who left and abusive relationship and found herself and her courage after that, though she did not get tattooed in the process or have a wild night with a tattoo artist… to my knowledge! lol

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to paint and make jewelry. I am in the process of learning to make hats and fascinators. I love to read and listen to music. My husband and I are avid players of board games. I love comics and all things nerdy.
What does your family think of your writing?
My husband is completely supportive. He is the one who convinced me to give writing a go full time. He is the best fan/reader/husband ever!
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
When I was young I really wanted to be an archeologist. Then I found out I have an issue with the sun (I get sick and overheated easily) and that they did not all carry whips like Indiana Jones. A part of me is still disappointed.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B019PONFHQ
Short Blurb:
Karen is a woman looking to make a new beginning after breaking away from an abusive past. Her first stop is a tattoo shop, to show herself that she is no longer afraid to live her life the way she sees fit and to mark her freedom with a permanent reminder to never go back. When she catches sight of her tattoo artist, Ben, well she suddenly has things other than ink on her mind. Ben is wild, free and uninhibited, everything that she wants to be and more. Soon she is left alone with the man that embodies her dreams and sparks begin to fly. It’s safe to say that she gets way more than she bargained for when she originally stepped into his shop, as Ben helps her unleash her wild child and truly begin her life again. One wild night can truly change a woman forever.
Short Excerpt:
With measured steps to try to hide her nerves, Karen followed him through the curtains and down a hall lined with tattooing rooms. She could hear the needles more clearly now and for a moment she thought of running from the shop just to escape that unnerving sound. Taking a deep breath, she continued on, knowing she could, and would do this, to prove something to herself if nothing else. Ben’s tattoo room was in the very back and away from the others who were working. She stepped in and he closed the door behind them. She was completely alone with the most alluring man she had ever met. She gulped. This was definitely going to be an interesting night.
Ben motioned for her to take a seat on the tattoo chair as he sat down on a rolling stool. “Hop on up and take your shirt off for me and lay on your side, facing me.”

Author Bio:

Sheri Velarde, lives in New Mexico with her husband and their two dogs.
Being an avid reader since an early age, she has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. She has been writing all her life, but only recently started to actually try to pursue her dream of writing for a living. She specializes in all things paranormal and that go bump in the night. Her heart truly lies in exploring unknown worlds or adding the supernatural to our world. If it goes bump in the night or has magical connotations, Sheri writes about it.

She is constantly putting out new material with various publishers, so it is best to keep up with her on her website http://www.sherivelarde.weebly.com.

In her spare time Sheri is an artist, jewelry designer, independent comic writer/artist and freelance non-fiction writer. Hiking in the mountains, going to live concerts, art openings, museums, and hosting intimate dinner parties.

Links:
Website/Blog: http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-VelardeKelly-Ryan/632892500084202

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sher_V

Guest Blog – Valuable Writing Lessons

Check out my guest post on Savvy Authors.

http://savvyauthors.com/blog/index.php/valuable-writing-lessons-by-sheritha-singh

My Writing a Process Blog Tour #mywritingprocess

Hi Everyone,

Thank you my fabulous writer buddy, Sun Chara, for tagging me.

Her writing process can be found here https:/www.facebook.com/sunchara3%C2%A0

I’m currently working on a New Adult Paranormal novel. I’m also busy with edits of a sexy New Adult novella series contracted to Breathless Press. I am also querying a young adult novel and a new adult novel with different publishers. My editor is the super awesome Haleigh Rucinsky.

My book differs from others because there aren’t many books set in South Africa. I live in a beautiful, culturally diverse country and we have a unique Blend of cultures here – we also have a mix of British and USA English. There’s re a lot of stories to be told and I’ve found a publisher that loves working with me.

I write books set in South Africa about characters who start off soft and gentle and then grow stronger because that’s what I know best.

I wrote whenever I have time. There isn’t a particular process or routine. I’ve invested in a word processing app for my iPad as well as plenty notebooks to jot down ideas. I write on the go and even on my blackberry. For that reason I prefer full QWERTY keypads on my mobile phones.

Next week the fabulous, multi published international author, Ruchi Vasudeva takes over. Here’s a sneak peek at Ruchi.

You can find Ruchi here:
http://ruchivasudeva.wordpress.com/

And here’s a little about Ruchi:

Ruchi Vasudeva is a doctor by profession, a teacher by vocation and, in her own words, an author by destiny. The writing bug has long resided in her and a contest held by Harlequin for Indian authors gave her a golden opportunity to have her dream realized. She debuted in August ’13 with her book ‘Bollywood Fiancé For A Day’. Her new release ‘You Can’t Fight A Royal Attraction’ is her second book, both being published by Harlequin. She also won a contest for getting a short story published with Harper Collins which will be published soon. She writes romantic fiction with conflicted characters who come into their own in their quest of reaching out for love. She loves to write about spirited heroines getting hurtled out of their daily life as soon as they cross paths with their rather challenging heroes.

Please show Ruchi some support and let her know I sent you over.

Much love until my next post.

#Sexy Sunday Snippet

Hi Everyone,

Here is my sexy Sunday snippet from Moving In which is with my fabulous editor, Haleigh Rucinski. Enjoy.

Jason pats my shoulder. “You need a workout, Dean.”
He hits the gym if anything minutely epic stresses him out. He could pass for a WWE superstar but his thick glasses and shaggy, blonde hair’s flopping over his forehead adds the nerd aspect to his look.
“Don’t take it personally. You know how these journalist types are always looking for a story to sensationalize.”
“She’s a blogger,” I correct, “Not a journalist. Besides I don’t care what she fucking calls herself. She thinks she knows it all about when she knows zilch.” Besides her bull shit blog post has probably given my mother enough reason to resume her Prozac diet. Lace Higgins’ unleashed a lethal storm when she updated her blog last night.
Jason pats me on the shoulder. “You need to work your anger off. Too much anger isn’t good for the soul.”
“Fuck my soul. I’m going to find that two bit cyber celebrity and teach her a lesson she’ll never forget.”
Jason grimaces. “Exactly what do you plan on saying to her?”
I shrug. I’m sure my brown eyes are blood shot with anger by now. I must resemble a maniac after an adrenaline rush.
“How about mind your own fucking business?”
Jason grins. “It’s a start although you might want to tone it down and eliminate the profanity.” He’s a gentleman under any circumstance.
“The swearing stays. It’ll help me make my point.” I clench and unclench my fists. “I’m not going to find her and then sweet talk her into apologizing.”
“So what’s the point of finding her then?”
I glare at Jace. “Dude, which part of I’m going to teach her a lesson haven’t you understood?”
Jason grins. “What if she’s as hot as hell and blows your mind?”
“Puh – leaze. I’ll bet she’s some overweight chick who wears prescription glasses and gossips about people in my position on her blog just to get attention.”
Jason laughs and shakes his head. “Lace Higgins is actually quite intelligent. I’m not sure what made her blog about you.”
I shoot Jason a sour look. “What the fuck are you trying to say, huh? Am I not worth blogging about? Are you trying to say I’m dumb?”

Cherish – Signed with Breathless Press

I am absolutely thrilled to be working with the fabulous Ms. Haleigh Rucinski and Ms. Leona Bushman on a novel I hold close close to my heart. I wrote Cherish during the last few months of 2009 while my late Mom was still alive. I’ve always hoped to get Cherish published and was thrilled when Ms. Leona Bushman sent me the email that changed my life from querying writer to soon to be published author.

The MC’s fear of losing her Mom in Cherish is based on my personal fear of losing my own mother – something I eventually faced.

I couldn’t have found a better team to work with on this book. None of this wold have happened though if it hadn’t been for the fabulous Raven McAllan. Thank you, Raven for being such a wonderful online friend and enthusiastic writing buddy.

Please follow my blogs for details on cover reveals, book release dates and swag…

 

Free short story – Billionaire’s Secret

Hi Everyone,

Hope you enjoy the following short story…

The Billionaire’s Secret by Sheritha Singh

 

“Are you all right?”

 

Krista was frightfully aware of six foot five inches of a combination of sheer, masculine sensuality and solid muscle awaiting her response.  Deep chocolate eyes appraised her.  Krista realized too late, her denim shorts jump suit clung to her breasts and hips and revealed more creamy legs than she’d intended exposing.

 

“I’m okay,” she lied.  “I’ve never ventured into the heart of a forest before.” She’d sucked the colour off her rosebud lips in nervousness. Dev Singh was as dangerous and mysterious as the white lions he was accused of keeping as pets on his sprawling estate on KZN’s rocky North Coast.  He’d recently moved to Blythedale Beach.  Krista had been fortunate to secure a top position in Dev’s booming empire.  It was a step closer to writing and publishing her tell all story on the controversial billionaire – a story that would make or break her career.  She’d invested her life savings in this risky venture.

 

She followed Dev down a narrow path thick with bush and undergrowth.  Above them, ancient trees rose in a green canopy shielding sunlight altogether.  Krista’s heart thundered.  Her mouth dried up.  What if Dev saw through her disguise?  His repulsion towards reporters was legendary.  But, she reminded herself, she’d seen a softer side to him in the two weeks she’d worked with him. Like his kindness to those less fortunate than him.  And his empathy to injured animals.  That last quality both terrified and softened her own feelings towards Dev. And intensified the whirlpool of confusion tumbling out off her heart and into the soft centre of her stomach. 

Something had clicked inside her.  She couldn’t put on a finger on that something but it had made her reconsider writing her article.

 

“Krista?”. Dev paused and gestured with both hands.  “What do you think?”

 

They’d entered a clearing. A spring gurgled in the background.  Sunlight streamed in tiny, little beams catching minute, airborne droplets from the spring here and there.  “It’s magical…so perfect.”

 

Dev grinned.  “Fantastic.  Your suggestion to create a retreat for newly weds in a secluded spot, surrounded by natural beauty got me thinking. I’ve always wanted to share this place with somebody.”

 

Krista froze.  He’d taken her new ventures suggestion seriously! Oh my God.

 

He wanted to share his secret space with the world. Because of her.  Guilt ate her. 

 

“Isn’t it perfect?”

 

“Yes,” she breathed.  “It is.”

 

“Should I build a cabin here?  Or a little cottage?”

 

“Cabin,” she nearly choked.  “Log cabins sound more romantic than cottages.”

 

Dev smiled in approval.  “You’re right.  I should take pictures of this place before we return.”. He searched for his digital camera in his bag.  “Damn!  I left it in the car.”. His eyes met hers.  “I know a short cut. Wait here for me. I’ll be back before you even miss me.”

 

Krista’s mind spun.  Dev was out of sight before she contemplated protesting. She was suddenly aware of the darkness and growing silence around her.  Krista paced the uneven ground.  It seemed like Dev had gone forever. The thundering crescendo of her heart’s rhythm did little to drown out the sounds of the forest.  Neither did it mask the quiet footsteps of something or someone approaching her. Instinct told her it wasn’t Dev.  The sound came from the opening of the picturesque clearing. 

 

“Oh my God!” She breathed.  “Why’s Dev taking so long?” Fear chilled her blood.   Krista spun around before backing toward the entrance and slammed…into someone.

 

“Hey sexy,” a man breathed.  “Fancy finding a beautiful woman all by her lonesome here? Waiting for me?” His breath reeked of alcohol.

 

Fear burned in her blood. The cold, hard barrel of a gun slid against her throat.  Krista accepted her fate.  Best she didn’t fight death.  She shut her eyes and focused on her favourite hymn when the low, guttural growl of a feline beast tore through the silence.  The lion paced the intruder with a grace and confidence that was familiar to Krista.  It paused to gaze into her aqua eyes.  She stilled.  The lion’s eyes were achingly familiar.  It roared an incoherent answer to her thoughts before lunging for Krista’s attacker.

 

 

Her would be killer froze.  His gun crashed onto the ground firing blindly.

 

Krista jumped.  The gun twirled,  like an invisible hand controlled it, seeking her out. The glorious white lion leapt across the space separating them and absorbed the bullet meant for Krista. The lion roared in agony before grabbing the gunman by his shirt and dragging him away.

 

Krista shuddered before her legs weakened.  She sank to the ground.  She’d come face to face with Dev’s pet.  She should have been exhilarated. Triumphant. Instead an empty hollowness filled the pit of her stomach.

Krista leaned against an ancient tree and passed out.

 

***************************************

“What happened to your hand?” A sterile, white bandage covered most of Dev’s right arm. She noticed this first because he was sitting beside her, on his bed, presumably waiting for her to wake up. His bed!  Krista stifled a gasp.  Few people had been inside Dev’s palatial home. Fewer people had spent the better part of the afternoon sleeping in his bed. 

 

“I had a small accident.” He shrugged. “It’s nothing.”

 

Her eyes sought his.  Their watery depths reminded her of her feline savior.  The bullet had struck it on its right, front leg.  Coincidence? She wondered before shivering.  She reached out instinctively and cradled his injured hand.  It made sense to her now.  Dev was the mysterious lion.  His intentions were not evil.  He used his beautiful gift to protect.  Shame filled her.  Did she really want to expose such a unique, magical truth? No.  The public would devour Dev’s unusual abilities and turn him into an overnight sensation.  They’d torment him with questions, subject him to abuse in the name of science…she’d seen it happen to a young witch a few years ago.  Shame filled Krista’s heart and soul.

 

“Krista?”

 

Her eyes filled with tears at the tenderness in his voice.  The softness in his face where the angular, feral beauty of a white predator had emerged amazed her.  She wished she’d realized his truth sooner.  I will never reveal your secret, Dev, never. I’d rather work a meager job than ruin you.

 

“Does it hurt?”. She caressed the bandage.

“I’ll live.” Dev grinned.

 

Krista smiled at him even though her heart shattered.  Somewhere between spying on Dev and this afternoon’s incident she’ fallen in love with him.  Would he ever forgive her for lying? 

 

“Dinner’s ready.”

 

Krista nodded.  Her appetite had vanished.

“I need to freshen up.”

 

“Sure.” He hesitated.  “I bought you clothes.  I hope you don’t mind.”

 

“Thank you,” she whispered.  She felt like the biggest loser in the universe for her prior intentions of spying on him.

 

“Don’t keep me waiting too long,” Dev said before leaving.

 

Dinner was an extravagant affair, complete with champagne, soft music and a celebratory feel in the atmosphere.  Dev gestured for Krista to be seated before popping open the champagne.

 

“What are we celebrating?”

 

“Our fabulous new venture.”. Dev smiled. “I’ve always wanted to share that clearing with people who appreciate its beauty. I just never knew who would appreciate something so simple.”

 

Krista managed a nervous smile in response.

 

“That’s not all though.”

 

Her heart raced.  Was this Dev’s way of gently her he no longer needed her?

 

“Your position just became permanent.”

 

“Permanent?” Her eyes widened.

 

“Yes, Krista. All your suggestions have been brilliant. Apart from the profits we’ve saved thousands of hectares of precious nature.” He reached across and took her hand.  “You’ve saved lives of beings who will never be able to thank you in words.”

 

“There’s no need for that.”

 

“Oh yes, there is.  With you at my side I can save hundreds of thousands of lives. Krista, I need you by my side.  Will you marry me?”

 

Tears rolled down her face. “Dev…” She had to tell him the truth about herself.  “I…I’m a journalist. And I know that you’re a shape shifting lion.”

 

“I know.” Dev held out an over sized diamond ring.

 

“You don’t understand.  I was spying on you.”

 

Dev’s smile broadened.  “I know that too.  You did change your mind about the spying two minutes after I hired you.”

 

“How did you know?”

 

Dev grinned.  He slipped the ring on her finger. “My love, we’ve met and married in seven different lifetimes.  Each time we’re tested.  Nothing can keep us apart.  And, there’s very little you can hide from me.

 

Krista’s heart over flowed with memories from her previous births.  She held Dev’s hand so tight she trembled.  “I love you.”. She understood her confusion, the mixed emotion and her unspoken love for her soul mate.

 

“I have always loved you.”. His mouth covered hers in a kiss, sealing their fates.