The winner is…Diane Sallens!
*~*~*

Hello Delilah!  Thank you for letting me visit today to discuss a fantastic project I’m involved in.

I write all different kinds of queer fiction, and when this contest entered my radar screen a few years ago, it caught my attention.  This is the third year I submitted a 300-word short story, and I was thrilled my story was chosen with 119 others to put together this wonderful collection.  My story is a lesbian shifter romance—not something I’d written before.  I love the speculative nature of Sci-Fi and paranormal. This isn’t our world and yet how does it relate to us? Which elements are the same and which are different?  I invite readers to sink into stories that pack a hell of a punch, even with the short word count.  I know I used every single one to craft a story I hope readers will love.

As a bonus, today, I’d love to give away a $5 Amazon Gift Card.  To enter, just drop a note in the comments.  Let me know—do you read paranormal or Science Fiction?  Is there a particular subgenre you like?  Good luck!

Rise

Every year, Queer Sci Fi runs a one-word theme contest for 300-word flash fiction stories, and then we choose 120 of the best for our annual anthology.

RISE
(Noun, Verb)

Eight definitions to inspire writers around the world, and an unlimited number of possible stories to tell:

1) An upward slope or movement
2) A beginning or origin
3) An increase in amount or number
4) An angry reaction
5) To take up arms
6) To return from death
7) To become heartened or elated
8) To exert oneself to meet a challenge

Universal Buy Link: https://www.otherworldsink.com/book/rise/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJQM596P

Rise features 300-word speculative flash fiction stories from across the rainbow spectrum, from the minds of the writers of Queer Sci Fi.

Pairings (if a romance): MM, FF, MF, NB, etc.
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction
LGBTQ+ Identities (if applicable): Ace, Bi, Demi, Gay, Intersex, Lesbian, Poly, Trans

Series Title: Queer Sci Fi’s Annual Flash Fiction Contest

Authors: This year, 554 authors entered the Rise contest. 120 of them were chosen, and their stories are included in this anthology.

Queer Sci Fi Website: https://www.queerscifi.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/qsfdiscussions
Mastodon: https://mastodon.otherworldsink.com/@queerscifi

The days are getting shorter, and the air has a distinct bite to it. The trees are losing their leaves as the wind whistles through their branches. Pumpkins are appearing on porch steps and children of all ages are getting excited about the upcoming holiday.

We’re days away from Halloween, the time of year where creatures of the night such as vampires, demons and ghosts, but most especially werewolves seem a little more real to us all. Why do I say most especially werewolves? It’s simple really. I’m celebrating the fact I have a new werewolf book.

But seriously, what makes these shapeshifters so appealing to readers of all genres, especially romance readers? Personally, I think it’s the fact that they’re stripped down to the basics. They rely on their animal instincts when dealing with others—human or those of their own kind. They are strong and can be brutal, when necessary, yet nurturing and caring to those they consider family or pack. They live by their own set of rules, and these differ from those which humans live under. They change, transforming themselves, sometimes at will and other times needing the light of the full moon to do so—depending on the writer penning the story.

Elemental best describes them. They are powerful creatures, in tune with the earth. We can all easily picture a lone wolf on a hillside howling at the moon. It makes us shiver in dread at the same time it makes us wish we could be closer to the wolf. The wolf calls to us on a primal level. We admire it even as we fear it.

What happens when that wolf is a true lone wolf, one who answers to no alpha or pack, whose destiny is to be both judge and executioner for rogue werewolves? Find out in Taming the White Wolf.

Taming the White Wolf
Lone Wolf Legacy, Book 1

White wolf Devlin Moore has spent nearly the last century following his destiny: hunting rogue werewolves. His fate is to be the only one of his kind—hardened, feared, and brutally ruthless. Only now, Devlin’s not alone. There are two others. And if that wasn’t unsettling enough, Devlin is drawn to New York City for what appears to be a human…

As far as Devlin can tell, vibrant artist Zoe Galvani is no threat. But there’s something about her— from her unusual eyes that look similar to the same shocking hue as his own, to his growing need to mark her as his that suggests magical forces may be at play.

Now there’s no escaping each other, or the attraction that grows stronger by the second. But no one, especially a human woman, should have this effect on a lone wolf. And just when he’s sure that having her could be his undoing…the truth steps out of the shadows.

If you want to read more, you can find Taming the White Wolf here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7NTXG92/
Entangled Publishing: https://entangledpublishing.com/books/taming-the-white-wolf
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-white-wolf-n-j-walters/1143634327
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/taming-the-white-wolf
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/taming-the-white-wolf/id6450183902

About the Author

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, assassins, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit her at:
Website: https://www.njwalters.com
Blog: https://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
Newsletter Sign Up: https://eepurl.com/gdblg5
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/njwaltersauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/NJWalters
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/njwalters
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-j-walters

UPDATE: The winner is…Jeanette Whetzel!
*~*~*

We’re counting down! It’s just a week away now. We still haven’t painted our pumpkins, and I know my dd is dreading the mess. The kids love doing it, but whoo! Paint gets everywhere so we do it on the lawn with a large throwaway tarp or tablecloth. This weekend, they’re going to the theme park in Hot Springs for a scary Halloween night. I’ll stay home and enjoy the quiet. The kids all have plans for Halloween night—which neighborhoods and community buildings to hit, which friends they’ll bring along… Fun will be had by all.

Here’s a fun list of 10 things I love about Halloween…

• 👻 “The veil” between the worlds of the living and the dead thins
• 🎃 The family decorates pumpkins
• 📺 Halloween movies play
• 🌃 Kids play in the dark
• 🧛 Vampires are cool again
• 🧟 Zombies come out to play
• 👹 Monsters carry candy buckets
• 🤡 Clowns become rightfully scary
• 🧹 Tiny wicked witches arrive at the door asking for candy
• 🍬 Candy becomes an acceptable food group!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon GC, tell me five things you love about Halloween or share a memory of a Halloween past!

Okay, not this kind of mole. Although, I think it would be a fun holiday to celebrate although my only interaction with this mole is when I skim them out of the pool (poor things).

What mole are we celebrating? Not the dark spot on your skin. Not the insectivore. Not the double-agent variety. Only a science nerd (chemists, in particular) would know what I’m talking about.

By definition (Merriam-Webster): A mole is “the base unit of amount of pure substance in the International System of Units that is defined as having exactly 6.02214076 x 10²³ indivisible units (such as atoms or molecules) of that substance.”

Yeah, that went over my head, too. I prefer believing we’re celebrating the insectivore. BECAUSE…when I saw it on a list of holidays, my mind went straight to my “mole hole” of an office in the basement, which is devoid of windows and natural light where I can claim silence and privacy to do my work.

So, I’m celebrating the mole who digs the underground holes like the place where I create.

If you were going to celebrate this holiday, which mole would you choose?

Before I get into my Sunday “usuals,” I want to say thank you so much for supporting Gunn’s Mission! I woke up to see that the story was sitting at this ranking among the millions of books available in Amazon. I’m more than pleased. Thank you, again!

Another quick note: AUTHORS, I am looking to host more of you in November and December. If you have a book to promote or an older story you want readers to notice, contact me at delilah@delilahdevlin.com!

Sunday Tarot

I have never, not once, pulled this card before. It’s not a “me” card. But it does present some interesting possibilities for the week after last week’s dismal divination. I did try to fight The Devil’s temptations, but in the end, I gave in. This card gives me a chance to turn that around.

This is The Magician. It’s Hermes, the Trickster, son of Zeus (he fathered a ton of children, the horny bastard) and Maia, Mother Night. He is a master of all the elements — earth, air, fire, and water. I see all the “suits” of the tarot deck represented here — cups, swords, pentacles, and wands. So, I read that as meaning that this week is open to all possibilities. Notice he’s pointing up and down — it can go either way. As well, that “either way” theme is represented in the background — rocks and sandy pathways.

Since I’m a cup half-full lady, I’ll choose the more positive route. I’ll set a plan and maybe accomplish half of my To-Dos and be pleased.

What does The Mythic Tarot book say? “A risk of some kind is required, a willingness to jump into the unknown.” I just love that ambiguous language.

Open Contests

1. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: It’s beginning to look a lot like…Halloween! — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Celebrate Dictionary Day! (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
3. Word Search: Animals in the Arctic (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Flashback: Brotherhood Protectors — Guarding Hannah (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Sweetest Day Celebration! — Win an Amazon gift card!

For those who are unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo (or NaNo), it is short for National Novel Writing Month which is a nonprofit organization and an annual writing event that happens in November. From the name alone, NaNo sounds as if it is exclusively for writers. However, it’s not. But before I get into the benefits for readers, let’s take a brief look at the organization.

NaNoWriMo was created in 1999 by Chris Baty as a writing society. The purpose was to offer and provide community, encouragement, structure, and tools to assist individuals in attaining their creative voices and succeeding at fulfilling their creative (not just writing) goals.

As writing event, NaNo is a challenge to complete writing a 50,000-word novel between November 1 to November 30. However, this description is a little deceiving. NaNo allows for much flexibility, and writers set their own goals. Not every writer wants (or needs) to write 50,000 words. Goals may be set higher or lower. In fact, it may not even include writing. Some authors use NaNo as a time to edit a completed manuscript or screenplay. Others may decide to work on blurbs, back matter, and other writing details associated with novels. The point is to set a writing goal and accomplish that goal in thirty days. During the first NaNo event, twenty-one writers participated. Last year, that number was over 400,000.

So, how is NaNo a benefit for readers? For starters, it means that many of your favorite authors have their next novel or project in progress. It also means, some authors will be looking for beta readers. As a result, readers can get sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks at what authors are working on. Other authors may ask for story ideas or suggestions. Is there a side character in a story that you’d like to see have his/her own book? During NaNo would be a perfect time to suggest it.

Some authors use NaNo as a writing exercise in creative expression and not necessarily to complete a novel. They just want to write and expand their craft. For example, an author who usually writes epic novels may want to write a series of short stories with the background and history of established characters. Or a writer who typically writes contemporary romance may try his/her hand at a regency romance as a tester. In turn, they may offer these shorts as freebies.

Many authors document their NaNo journey on social media, giving readers a lot of extra content to enjoy. Readers will be able to see the writing process (which is different for each author) and writing struggles. It allows readers to get to know authors on a different level.

Although Camp NaNoWriMo occurs in April and July, October is generally the month writers begin kicking into gear for NaNo. This is why October is frequently referred to as Preptober. Preparing for NaNo is as different as the writing process itself. For some writers, it means gathering research. Maybe, now is the time for readers to join an author’s research squad. For other writers, outlining as prep is their journey. Yet, others may use the time to make arrangements for reserving writing locations or scheduling writing times. Readers can check in and see how writers are getting ready.

In short, NaNo is just as much for readers as it is for writers.

So, that’s a wrap on today’s topic. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.

Future Goals

Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.

When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.

Order your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9
Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W

Missed the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.

Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at https://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit https://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, or TikTok.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and sign up today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.

About the Author

Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.

The winner is…Stacey Kinzebach!
*~*~*

It’s Saturday, and my family has plans for tonight! It’s a movie night! I’m not sure what we’ll be watching, but I know it’ll be something scary because we’re getting ready for Halloween. We’ll watch a kid-friendly Halloween movie, followed by something truly scary after that for the bigger kids (me). No one likes to sit next to me when a scary movie plays because I tend to jump. Once, when I watched Carrie in the movie theaters, I tossed my popcorn into the air when that hand sprang out of the grave.

But that’s tonight. Today is an unofficial holiday that only folks in a few cities actually celebrate — Buffalo, New York; Detroit, Michigan; and Cleveland, Ohio. It’s the Sweetest Day and celebrates CANDY. I can get behind that holiday, so I’m sharing a sweet puzzle today. Enjoy!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me what your favorite Halloween candy is!