D.R. Slaten

FarSeen Release Day & Snippet

By D.R. Slaten | October 18, 2013 - 9:24 am |October 21, 2013 Snippets, writing

Today is the day that FarSeen releases at all venues. It is part 1 of a 2 part prequel leading into my OtherKind series. March/April 2014 is looking like when Part 2, Night Blind, will release.

FarSeen had been available through TEB’s website for pre-release download. But today is the general release date. I will update buy links as I get them. Sometimes they are slow rolling in. ** Link to Amazon **

In a few days, I’ll be doing a Halloween-y Blog Hop. I’m giving away a copy of FarSeen to a lucky commenter. So stay tuned if you want to try and win a copy. Although, it’d be cool if you bought a copy and tried to win a copy. It’s like a two-fer. Who doesn’t like a two-fer? Everyone likes a two-fer. So try it, you’ll like it.

This will be my fourth and final snippet in the FarSeen snippet saga. Too much more and the whole story will be available snippet by snippet. lol Anyway, I’m sticking in the blurb again. The snippet follows the blurb. There are a few other snippets running around my blog. Both of today’s release and my other releases. You can either hit snippet in the category box or something to pull them all up. It’s small bite sized pieces of goodness.

Blurb:

Taking a break from finding the cure for a magic sickness killing witches, Evangeline (Evie) Parker picks up Drew for a night of hot sex. One night is not enough, however. In strange twist of fate, Trent, Drew’s partner also comes into Evie’s life. One night is definitely not enough when two becomes three. As they come together, they realize while separately they are good, together they are great.

All Hallows Eve is the time when the cure to the magic sickness is predicted to make itself known. Combining magic and sex on that special night cures more than the magic sickness afflicting the witch community, it also cures three lonely hearts.

FARSEEN is hot and sweet in a small tasty bite. It is filled with sex magic, lit up chakras and hearts slowly opening up to each other.

Snippet:

“You don’t think it’s just because you are hunting too much? Using too much magic or too often?”

“No, it’s more than that. I’ve drained my magic before. This feels off. I can’t quite describe it. Like a rapid discharge of magic instead of a slow trickle of loss. I’ve been doing my job long enough to be able to accurately estimate my capabilities and the level at which I perform. It’s off enough for me to not only notice, but it’s kinda scaring me as well. I want to sleep all the time,” Ellie said softly. “So I’m not just drained, I’m past drained. Which has never happened to me before I got this sickness. Never. Not once.”

This more than anything alarmed Evie. Ellie, for all her carefree attitude in other aspects of her life, was deadly serious about her work. Being the arm of justice for the goddess didn’t leave much room for joking. It didn’t leave much room for anything other than total dedication.

Evie fought down her alarm. Or at least, tried to prevent it from showing. If Ellie could put on a brave face, continue to do her work, it was the least Evie could do not to add to that burden by showing how upset she was.

“All right, sis, I need to get going as well. Grandma wants me to stop by before she brings in All Hallows Eve tonight,” Ellie told her.

“It was good to see you, Ellie. I’ll give you a ring tomorrow or the next day, ’kay?” Evie kissed her sister on the cheek and watched her leave.

She sighed. She needed to find a cure and save her sister.

New Purchase

Status

By D.R. Slaten | October 15, 2013 - 9:15 am |October 15, 2013 Uncategorized

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Seriously posting a status update to talk about hitting the button for a new Kindle Paperwhite 3G… y’all. OMG. I am so excited. Seriously. I only have one reading device and it is really, really old. Like getting to the point where it keeps shutting down and rebooting old. Like I might not have a reading device soon old. So I ordered the new device. I could’ve gotten the non- 3G one now. But, I dig on the 3G. A LOT. It makes downloading books way easier to have both wifi and 3G capabilities. And it’s for life so the extra money is well worth it. The one I have now is 3G as well and it ROCKS. Wanted the same for the new one.

So I broke down and looked at the available options. And because I already have a Kindle, I’m getting another one. It’s just the way I roll, yo.

This seems to be the week for me to get electronic devices. I also picked up a small 7 inch tablet. It’s yellow and cute and I like it. I need more time to study it. But it seems cool for now.

Smutty Sunday 10/13/13

By D.R. Slaten | October 13, 2013 - 9:19 am |October 13, 2013 reading, Smutty Sunday

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Changing it up a little bit again. Instead of genres or specific books, I thought I ‘d do an author recommend and mini spotlight. Not on the authors, but on their books. The more I thought about doing reviews today, the more these two names kept popping up in my mind. Elizabeth Hunter and Thea Harrison.

They write about similar things. Kinda. But their writing styles are vastly different. I love them both. For each, I like a particular series of books and tolerate the others in the authors stables. But even for the books that aren’t my favs, they rock. Really good writing, decent editing and tight storylines. Both authors have things to share that are really good things. Their worlds are worlds I like and want to be a part of.

Elizabeth Hunter and her Elemental series of books are a bundle of goodness just wrapped in a book looking package. I love vampire stories. I love original stories. I lurve original vampire stories. LURVE. Can I say <3 enough times? I don’t think so. Her vampire lore is stunning.

She has other books, a shifter series which is slowly coming forth, and a contemporary with an unusual twist. Nothing you read that she wrote will disappoint you. It’s just that some things delight slightly more than others. If I had to choose, I be all about the Elemental series. But no place is the wrong place with her books.

Thea Harrison’s Elder Races books are so lush, so epic, I can’t gush enough. Again, awesome world building. Just awesome. the depth of some of these characters is amazing. And my favorites are the first book and the one about the Vampire Queen. LOVE those two the mostest. The others were good as well. But the interesting storyline for the first book really grabbed my attention. And the way paradoxes was handled in the vampire queens books was fabulous.

Thea started another series as well. It was interesting. But nothing close to the caliber I’ve found in the Elder Races series. But then again, it could just be a young serious and the superlayers won’t show up until later.

Mixed Bag w/a Snippet

By D.R. Slaten | October 12, 2013 - 11:37 am |October 12, 2013 Snippets, Uncategorized, writing

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I’m feeling all free form today. I’ve got a lot of shit to do. Although I am ever grateful that I’ve gotten a lot of shit done. I seem to write and be productive in cycles. Whatever. i was going to do my usual snippet today seeing as it’s Saturday. But I thought I do a few different things today. So in no particular order…

1. Scrivener is working out well so far. I’ve got no cause for complaints. I think the more I get into it, the more I’ll like it.

2. Began writing the first full length book in Steel and Stilettos. It’s been kinda cool working on two different interweaving storylines. It should be fun. And it looks like I will meet my end of the year deadline for getting my writing goals finished.

3. Edits. The bane of my existence. I would rather poke my own eye out than edit. Some people are naturally handy at this skill. I am not one of them. It is excruciatingly painful for me. So of course, I am currently editing Hat Trick and still awaiting edits on Driven and Homecoming. I do not like the current edit to writing ratio. 3-1 the other way would be okay, but this way… not so much.

4. Here is a small snippet from something I am currently working on. Don’t tell anybody. Shh… keep it between us.

They both looked up, their faces only separated by inches. She couldn’t resist. Not anymore. She closed the distance between them slowly. Giving him time to move if this wasn’t what he wanted.

He didn’t move.

She licked his lower lip then took it between her teeth, gently sucking it into her mouth. He tasted divine. She could feel his breath as he exhaled softly. She licked along the seam of his mouth, asking to be allowed entrance. He opened slightly.

She could have moved her tongue in fast and hard. It was what she wanted to do. She was greedy for a more complete taste of him. But she held herself back and went gently, moving slowly in. Sipping when she wanted to gulp.

5. I got a new chest of drawers. And now I must rearrange my clothes. It’s a task. I’ve been assigned it. There isn’t any escape.

6. Two more blog hops planned before the end of the year. One for Halloween to support my Wanton Witches Collection story, FarSeen. The other to bump up Home Run as well as hype the next book in that series, Hat Trick.

7. Did I mention, TEB contracted Night Blind? It’s being released next year. There is a lot of excitement going on over there. It should be a fun ride. We’ll see. They are looking at two more books in that universe. Got my fingers crossed.

8. Geez, I didn’t know I had so much crap all jumbled together to make up a writing life. Who knew? If I remember more crap, I will edit it in.

Random Thoughts Part 9

By D.R. Slaten | October 11, 2013 - 10:14 pm |October 11, 2013 Uncategorized

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Why haven’t they buried all the electrical wires yet? Why are there still wires above ground where wind, trees and a variety of other dangerous conditions exist to break said wires? I don’t understand this. Doesn’t the cost of maintenance above ground outstrip the cost of putting the wires underground? Not to mention it looks better. A lot better.

Can there be two weeks of weather that doesn’t require that either the air conditioner or the heater be on? Can we do that say like twice a year? When summer becomes fall and winter becomes spring. Or something like that. So that I could get a break on my electric bills. Seriously. Be temperate. So I can be off the juice for a few weeks. It would be greatly appreciated.

When I start writing a book it goes slow. Then I get into it and it goes fast. Then at some point, I get sick of the story, want to writ the next one and can’t wait for the story to end. So the ending comes slow as molasses as well. I think you write at mixed variable speeds due to what you are writing as well as you excitement level about writing it. It’s being able to get in 2000 word days even when you aren’t feeling the first word that distinguishes the wanna bes to the already theres.

It never fails that when you need to hear something. Like it is crucial for the continued survival of the human species, a vehicle with a loud ass siren will go by and make whatever it was you were listening to not be heard at all. Not even a whisper. And they don’t just go by in ones .No, they go by in multiples. So it’ll be a while before you can hear what you needed to hear to save the Western Civilization. Some days it just goes like that.

That is all.

Recipes for Cooler Weather

By D.R. Slaten | October 10, 2013 - 9:12 am |October 10, 2013 Recipes

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I’m gonna feature some soup. Soup is great for having on hand when the weather decides to turn. And maybe a spice cake. Something tasty to have on hand.

Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

By: Leslie

Ingredients

6 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (6 cups)
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
1 12 – ounce can (1-1/2 cups) evaporated milk
Cooked, crumbled bacon (optional)

Sliced green onions (optional)

Directions

In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine potatoes, water, onion, bouillon granules, and pepper. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 9 hours or on high-heat setting 4 to 4-1/2 hours.
Stir cheese and milk into mixture in cooker. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 1 hour more or on high-heat setting for 30 minutes more. For a thicker soup, mash potatoes slightly. If you like, sprinkle each serving with bacon and green onions. Makes 4 main-dish or 6 side-dish servings

~ For 5- or 6-quart slow cooker: Use 8 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped; 4 cups water; 3/4 cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon instant chicken bouillon granules; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups shredded cheese (8 ounces); and one 12-ounce can evaporated milk plus one 5-ounce can evaporated milk. Prepare as above. Makes 6 main-dish or 8 to 10 side-dish servings. ~

By: I Believe I Can Fry

Chicken Chili

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into thin strips
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
2 jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes with their juice
2 1/2 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
1 2/3 cups drained and rinsed pinto beans (from one 15-ounce can)
1 2/3 cups drained and rinsed black beans (from one 15-ounce can)
1 can corn
1 can green chilis
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Directions:
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.

Increase the heat to moderate and stir in the chicken strips. Cook until they are no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Add the jalapeños, the tomatoes with their juice, and the broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Uncover the saucepan and stir in the beans and black pepper. Simmer until the chili is thickened, about 15 minutes longer. You can adjust the thickness of the chili by adding more broth or water. Serve topped with the cilantro.

By: Magalie L’Abbé

Spice Cake

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, soft
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Preparation:
Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Cream butter in a mixing bowl; add brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat at high speed of an electric mixer for 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Scrape bowl often. Add sifted dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing at lowest speed just until smooth.

Pour batter into two greased and floured 8-inch round layer cake pans. . Bake at 350° 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on rack for 5 minutes, turn out of pans onto racks to cool completely.

~you can use pumpkin pie spice if you have that combo. Also mace, allspice and add’l cinnamon can be added in the spice mixture as well.

~And I’m not gonna lie. I like my spice cake spicy. So I double the spice amounts. But YMMV, so be aware.

~ Honey Frosting: Combine 1 softened stick (1/2 cup) of butter with 1 bar (8 oz.) of cream cheese and 1/4 cup honey.

Music Monday 10/7/13

By D.R. Slaten | October 7, 2013 - 9:30 am |October 7, 2013 Music, Music Monday

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Thought I’d do a throwback day with some disco. Fall is my favorite season, the weather makes me wanna dance. But not as much as disco makes me want to dance. So in honor of disco, I am doing a BeeGees tribute.

You know, I don’t think disco gets enough credit. It’s often overlooked. But I think it’s an important bridge from then to now.

First up is Grease. Need I say more?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxEtwtib7MM

Next up is Stayin Alive. See, the second iconic disco movie after Grease is Saturday Night Fever. Seriously.

And last is Jive Talking. It’s not least. There are a ton more I wanted to include, but I only have so much room, ya know? Normally three is that limit. So this ultimately cool song is the third to be featured.

FarSeen Snippet 3

By D.R. Slaten | October 5, 2013 - 9:40 am |October 5, 2013 Snippets

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In less than two weeks, my novella, FarSeen, will be released from Total-E-Bound. On October 18, 2013 to be exact. And to be more specific, FarSeen is available for pre-release download right now from the TEB site. It’s the general release that isn’t until 10/18/13.

FarSeen is part of TEB’s Wanton Witches collection. Which coincides perfectly with the Halloween holiday. Because FarSeen has three witches and it involves All Hallows Eve. Magic and menage, a fabulous combination. So without further adieu, here is the blurb followed by an excerpt. The third of my promised four. The fourth snippet will be posted on the day the book is generally released. Until then, enjoy excerpt the third. 😀

Blurb:

FARSEEN is hot and sweet in a small tasty bite. It is filled with sex magic, lit up chakras and hearts slowly opening up to each other.

Excerpt:

Before she could answer, her grandmother returned with a large man. Even though she had left Drew’s bed that morning, this man took her breath away.

He was large. Not tall but stocky, built. Big. He had light brown hair, threaded with golden highlights, but it was the stormy grey-green eyes that really captured her attention. He was almost too rugged-looking to be considered classically good-looking, but his eyes turned him from nondescript to stunning.

“Evie, honey, this is Trent,” her grandmother introduced the large man. “He’s going to help you find the source of the sickness.”

“Ummm, okay, Grandmother.” Evie was distracted again. At this rate, she was never going to figure out the cure. Between Sara’s interest in her hook-up last night and her grandmother bringing hot guys to her stillroom, Evie was going to be off track for days.

“He owns a computer security company but he’s agreed to do some consulting work for the coven,” her grandmother offered.

Evie’s brain finally caught up to the conversation with her grandmother. “Umm, I already have some help, Grandma.”

“Not as good as Trent, child,” her grandmother informed her primly.

“Oh, well.” She looked at Trent and shrugged her shoulders. “Umm, hi. I’m Evie.” She held out her hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Evie,” he told her as he took her hand.

Oh snap. Her body shivered when he took her hand. The last guy she had had this reaction to was Drew and she had got all naked and sweaty with him.