Interview with Monica Leonelle

Today I am sharing an interview with Monica Leonelle the Author of Socialpunk.

Hello Monica, It is a pleasure to have you give an interview on my site. My first question to you is what inspired you to write this particular story?

I was inspired by the city of Chicago, by social media issues in our current world, and by the cyberpunk genre. The book is a bit like the Terminator series and I reference that a couple times just for fun. James Cameron is basically my favorite director ever, and he really inspires me with his world-building and storytelling skills.

This was my first time reading in this genre and I have to say I was intrigued. Which character do you like the best from this trilogy?

I would say Ima, because she changes so much throughout the book. Nahum is based on a guy I had a crush on in 4th grade (right down to the name, even.) Nasser is also exciting because he's got such big ideas and he's so damn reckless. He's willing to completely derail his entire hash just to pursue a dream. I'm a bit like him at times, to be honest.

I have to say Ima and Nasser were my favorites as well. Is there a message in your writing that you want readers to grasp?

 I don't do messages, really. I can't honestly understand authors who try to give a message. I prefer to present the world through my viewpoint and let people decide what they believe for themselves.

 I understand, sometimes it is just enough to have a good read. How does your environment/upbringing color your writing?

The series/book is heavily based on my background in digital marketing. That said, I live in Chicago and worked in digital marketing, so a lot of the book came strait from my imagination.

You do have a great imagination, I could see the color as I read the story. What writer influenced you the most?

C.S. Lewis heavily influenced my first novel series, called the Seven Halos series. The first book is Silver Smoke and the second book, Tin Soldier, is out in May. I've also been influenced by several young adult authors, including JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Meg Cabot, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Maggie Stiefvater and Suzanne Collins.

Some of my favorites as well. What advice would you give other novelists about book  Promotion?

If you're an author, the best book promotion you can do is getting a great book on paper or e-ink. 90% of book marketing comes from word-of-mouth. For that, you probably need an editor. I specialize in book marketability within the manuscript because I truly don"t think you can sell a book otherwise. Especially when you don't have one of the big six publishing houses behind you. But even if you did, you wouldn't sell for long without good word-of-mouth.

Great advice. Thank you Monica and I would like to say that I enjoyed Socialpunk very much. I read it in one sitting, enjoying the characters and how they dealt with the problems they encountered.

Interview by Dee Krull

Here are the links to Monica's books and information.

www.proseonfire.com    www.monicaleonelle.com   www.monicaleonelle.com/SocialpunkA

"A Moment In Time"

Moving can be a daunting experience and I must say this one has had its moments, but as I set off to town on one of my many runs to Eureka I realize it is truly worth it. Just driving down the hill toward Arcata is like taking that much needed deep breath after a case of nerves or a bad day at the office. I have driven down it enough to remember when the road curves around that tight pull into the mountain, the few pot holes just after a certain spot, the canopy of fir trees that remind me of an old country road and recalls to mind the familiar look of one of my favorite period movies. Once I am almost down the steepest part of the mountain I look to my right where cars are parked at a favorite hiking spot, taking off into the Redwood forest towering over the road.

Before I reach the end of the road that bears right I make a sharp left onto Little Fickle Hill Road, which seems too narrow to accommodate two cars. On both sides are green plants that seem to go up a steep hill right into the trees before it opens up to reveal houses and a few side roads before it abruptly comes to an end and dumps you off onto a main road into town.

Sometimes I take this one but today I make a left towards the next road into town, because this road takes me over the 101 freeway and to the Samoa Highway. An honest to goodness country back road that runs along the Arcata Bay on one side and gives the promise of the ocean just over the hill, on the other side. It's only a twenty minute drive to Eureka with very little traffic of any kind. It's hard to watch the road when the sun catches the water like glitter on a "Wish You Were Here" greeting card. Diving over the bridge is just as distracting as the bay empties out into the ocean where the glitter becomes a brilliant light racing to the horizon.

It hasn't taken me long to learn my way around Arcata and Eureka. Once you figure out the one way streets you pretty much have it made. By the time I got my new drivers license, car registration, and found Target and Costco I pretty much knew all the main roads. Since we have a small problem with water where I live I spend time at the laundromat in downtown Arcata, allowing me time to walk around the main part of town; finding future places to check out as well as the local coffee shops. On my first laundry run into town I had coffee at the coffee shop on the plaza, great coffee and time to sit outside and people watch.

Arcata is very diverse in its inhabitants, a mixture of college students, old hippies, fishermen, and just regular people who enjoy the solitude and beauty of the Northwest. Having lived in Washington state for five years, I can see the difference in the people here. Washington has the big city element and that of the farming communities, kind of one extreme to the other. Here all you have to do is look at the faces of people to realize they are happy with where they live and with who they are. They still have the same drama and life's ups and downs but there is a since of caring in their eyes that you don't see just anywhere. 

Now that I am finally set up with all the things we can't seem to live without, like internet, TV, telephone, Bank, Doctors, and you know the rest, it is time to get back to the important things in life. Writing is at the top of my list and I plan to do a great deal of it. I told myself I was going to make my blogs short, after trying to sift through all the blogs I belong to, but here I am, once again writing more than I had planned. Please forgive me for  those of you who made it this far, for once again thinking too much on paper. From now on I will write more and less. I am sure you understand that oxymoron so I will sign off until next time. Thanks for reading.

Interview by Mande Matthewes

Today we have Dee Krull here to tell us about her new book. Having read and greatly enjoyed her novel, I can tell you that Dreams and Vampires breaks the usual vampire mold in a couple ways. For one, Laurel, the novel’s main character is a fifty-two year old heroine. If you’re tired of youngsters ruling the genre, you won’t be disappointed with the mature characters dealing with adult situations that Dee has created. Secondly, Ms. Krull has devised an ingenious twist on the entire vampire world. But I won’t give you the spoilers. Let’s hear it straight from the author.

Hi Dee! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

After living sixty-five years of life experiences, it is hard to tell a little about myself, but I will try to condense it. My dad joined the Army soon after I was born, so I have lived in two foreign countries and five different states. I was never in one school more than a year and a half so I learned to be adaptable and even though I made many friends I was very shy growing up. Both of my parents were avid readers; my dad loved science fiction and my mother read historical romance novels. I was more than avid I devoured books as a child and in my adult life as well. I went from ‘Nancy Drew’ and ‘Hardy Boys’ to ‘Milton Erickson’ and ‘The Elegant Universe.’ Two of my favorite Authors in high school was Edgar Allen Poe and Bram Stoker. Hence my love of vampires and the macabre.

Ah, a fan of the classic vamps! That makes perfect sense, now that you mention it. Tell us why your book stands out in your genre-what makes it special from the rest?

I think my book stands out because of the unique combination of genres woven into the story. I have spent the past twenty-five plus years learning about and using my knowledge of hypnosis and metaphysics to help individuals “create their own reality.” I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Hypnosis and a Doctorate in Metaphysics. My main character in ‘Dreams and Vampires,’ Laurel, is a retired hypnotherapist who reopens a hypnotherapy practice after her husband dies and finds that she has attracted a very different kind of clientèle.

Yes! One of my favorite facts about your character building is the realistic details regarding hypnotherapy.

My late husband and love of my life, enjoyed science fiction as well as real science and history. I was inundated with, what I fondly called, the Hitler (History) channel during the twenty-four years I was privileged to be a part of his life. I have always been a curious person, (you can take that either way) but I hated history in school and science fiction was not my favorite genre. It dawned on me one day that the past was pretty interesting and held more mystery than fact sometimes. So I incorporated what I have learned from the past and the mystery it held, into my book. I wanted to create a story that held the same mystique as books written by another of my favorite authors; Jules Verne.

I have researched astrophysics and their belief that parallel worlds are a real possibility and I have understood, for the first time why their idea holds true. The world I created was also researched to the point that I thought I would make myself crazy trying to make sure the size and time were compatible.

I have tried to make the reader stop and think about the possibility that these events could actually happen. “What if this is true and everything you have been told in the past, was fantasy?”

As mentioned above, your conceptual twist on the vampire world really is fascinating. Now I see why, and speaking of the whys and what ifs, why did you choose to write this particular story?

First of all, I love books and movies about the supernatural, my favorite being vampires. I am, one of the many, who became caught up in the ‘Twilight Saga,’ but it was another young adult novel that hinted about sexual tension without the release and hard to relate to because I am not in high school.

Stephanie Meyer is a wonderful writer and I have read her series seven times; I know a bit obsessive, but I was trying to learn from her writing style without getting caught up in the story, which was hard to do.

One day I was watching a program on the, you guessed it, Hit . . .; ops, the History channel about Parallel worlds. I leaned forward, my eyes opened wide, my pulse sped up and a light bulb went on in my head! I thought, “what if mythical creatures lived on a parallel world and have been coming to Earth for thousands of years? What a great idea for a book! Chad (my late husband) would love it! A marriage between science and fantasy. And what if the main character was a female clinical hypnotherapist who was in her fifties, who falls in love with a vampire from this parallel world?” A story was born. I went online and printed out Wikipedia’s definition of vampires, werewolves, Wicca and parallel worlds and read for the next two days. Once I had a clear idea in my mind I  started creating my characters. A week later I was writing on a daily basis and keeping up with a schedule that even I have no idea how I did it.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

My toughest criticism came from a friend whom I gave three chapters of my first draft to read. She put sticky notes with questions and where there were errors such as typos, etc., that I was grateful she had pointed out. I set about making changes and getting feedback from a few other friends. One day we went to lunch and she sat across from me and asked the question, “I know you like vampire stories but do you think you could change your characters to humans instead of vampires? I think vampires have been done to death and frankly I think they are a sick idea.”

I just sat there, I couldn’t believe she actually thought I could change a story about mythical creatures into humans. It didn’t stop there; every chance she got she put me down as a writer and tried to convince me that I had no hope of ever becoming a published author. Thank God I had lots of supportive friends or I might have given up. I was crushed that she was so un-supportive because I really thought she was a close friend.

Awe, that’s terrible! Good thing for your readers that you had other friends to propel you toward your dream. What about your best compliment?

My best compliment came from another friend who didn’t know me well yet. She was curious about my book but had problems with reading, so I asked her if she would like to help me out by allowing me to read it out loud to her. I learned from a class I had taken, that one of the best ways to make sure your story flows well is to read it out loud. She was absolutely ecstatic when I finished reading one of the chapters I had planned to use on my blog as an excerpt. Her comment was, “wow! I don’t really like vampire stories but you made me feel, see and hear everything that happened as you read to me. I was so caught up in the story that I felt like I was there. I had goose bumps it was so real.” Since then she and I have become very close friends, not because she liked my story, but because she is a very kind person.

How inspiring, Dee! That just goes to show all of us that it’s not about one person’s opinion! There is an entire world of readers out there, and just because your writing wasn’t in alignment with that one person, didn’t mean it wouldn’t be the best thing since sliced pie for another. A lesson for all of us to heed.  Given that, do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Yes, two very important things that I learned on the “Authors Learning Center.” The first is a continuation of the last question; never give your manuscript to mean people to read. Hard, biased and unfounded criticism is not helpful and can cause you to make a decision that you may regret for the rest of your life. Give your manuscript to kind, supportive people who want you to succeed. As a hypnotherapist I have always taught my clients that negativity creates failure and positive suggestions create success.

Excellent point!

The second thing I learned is; there are two types of stories. One type is the story that needs an outline, to create continuity to the story line and plot. The other is character driven; where you create your characters in detail, who they are, what they look like and how they interact with the main character.  Then allow the personalities you have created to guide you through the story you have already decided upon.  All stories begin with an idea, but how they evolve does not have to be rigid. Learn from other authors, take classes and then write in your own style. The more you write the better you will get at it as long as you are open to learning from yourself and others. And also big, big, rule: “show don’t tell” and understand what that means. When I finally got that one my writing got oh, so much better, as my readers will see in my next book in the series, “Power of the Vampire.”

Be sure and let us know when Power of the Vampire is released! In the meantime, I appreciate having you at my blog and letting readers in on the science, fiction, and history behind your novel. Again, Dee, an absolute pleasure getting to know you. I hope you’ll stop by again soon.

MORE ABOUT DEE KRULL’S DREAMS AND VAMPIRES:

A love story filled with mystery, dreams, and another world filled with danger. Two people from different universes fall in love, but not before the main character, Laurel becomes entangled in a mystery of frustration and self blame. Laurel is a human from Earth and Kianas is a vampire from a world called Htrae. Once on his world she finds herself in danger not only from the world itself but from those who inhabit it. The choices she makes are tantamount to what the future holds for her and the people she loves. If she allows Kianas to turn her she may never see her son again; but if she stays human she could loose her life.

YOU CAN FIND DEE KRULL AND HER BOOK AT:
Authors Website   Amazon  Barns and Noble

As a thank you from Mande for having me on her site I would like to have my readers check out her new book, BONDED  which is a great read. You can find her at this link: Mande's Matthews Site  She has a great site and you could be her next interview.

Leaving the Stress and Dreaming the Story as I Drive

After two days of a stressful, hurry-up and get packed; and with the help of four very special people my son and I were sent on our way with hugs, goodbyes, and "we will miss you and don't worry about the house, we will take care of it."  There is an old saying that in your life you will meet many acquaintances but only a few will you call close friends. I have to say I have more than a few close friends and most of the people I met in Arizona were good people that I hope to see again. And beyond all expectations five of those close friends I left behind cleaned my house, fixed what needed fixing, pruned trees and helped to make this move possible. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Sue, Dave, Nancy, Jim, and Gail. You are the best. To my brother, T.J. and my son Tom I owe the most, without you I would not be here. I love you both more than you could ever know. Tom, Laura, Joop and Lee, thank you for your support, time and all that you have done for me. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family who have supported me over the past seven years.

Once on the road, it wasn't until we hit Interstate 8 that I realized I was finally on my way to Arcata California. Soon after that thought my son called me, "you are on your way to Arcata mom!" Smiles broke out all over me, inside and out. I had been waiting for this since last March when I made the decision that I wanted, and needed to let go of my house and leave those memories behind; to create new ones. I really think the decision was made subconsciously when I decided to place the first half of my book in Arcata. As a matter of fact a lot of the first half of my book parallels my own life and the characters come from the people in my life as well. Many times I have heard, "write what you know," so that is what I wrote; with a few vampires thrown into the mix. Now, I thought to myself, I am creating a new chapter in my life as I move on to something else. I looked down at my sleeping cat, Gwynie. She wasn't thrilled to be moving but after I let her out of her carrier she took up her usual traveling spot on top of the ice chest beside me. We made the usual stops for food, gas and the other but the trip didn't get exciting until we hit California. We left a bit late so after a beautiful sunset, which my son took pictures of and posted on Face Book (hopefully not while driving,) it got dark. My son had never been on the 8 so he missed all the dunes and the beautiful green valley as we drove over the pass. What we didn't miss was the four check points we drove through in Southern California. They all wanted to know what was in the trailer I was pulling and the truck my son was driving. We told them, "all of my worldly possessions," and "my mom's whole life." When they asked us if we had any fruit, animals or firearms, we both said (with a strait face) "no." I did tell her I had my cat with me since she was sitting right next to me in plain sight. Several of our friends gave us fruit for the trip which included oranges. (oh well) 

When we hit Interstate 5 it got very exciting. Now; I have to explain to those of you who have never experienced the 5 or any freeway in Southern California, for that matter, what California drivers are like. Everyone is in a hurry and is focused on being the first to get where they are going. FAST! In Arizona the speed limit is 75 in some places but that is on a two lane freeway. In California the maximum is 65/70 on a five lane freeway with lanes dropping off in some places and adding in others. Since my son and I were driving a truck and a car pulling a trailer we were only allowed to drive 55 anywhere. Since everyone else is driving 80 to 95, it was either speed up or get run over; and it was impossible to stay in the far right lane because of the adding and loosing lanes. One memory came to mind about a driving lesson from my dad. We were living in Army quarters which were built in the 1920s so our garage was built for a model T, no lie. When I drove the car into the garage he pulled his elbows to his sides and hissed. That is what I was doing all the way to Laguna Nigel. My son and I got separated soon after we hit the 5, so when he realized I knew where I was going; he left me. He was going to his home in Huntington Beach and I was going to my best friend's in Laguna Nigel. When I finally arrived safely in front of her house I called her from my cell phone. "Hi," she answered in her slow Midwest drawl. "Aren't you in front of the house?" She couldn't figure out why I called since I was sitting in front of her house, she was on her way to the door. 

"Yes but I'm not sure I can get out of the car without help." I think I was holding every muscle in my body so tight that when I finally relaxed I couldn't move. 

"Well, I thought it was you, I was coming out to help you bring things in." 

I finally opened the door and practically fell out. "I think I'll just grab Gwynie and come in for a glass of wine first," I said in a tired voice. I stuffed my poor cat into the carrier and slowly walked into the house. She handed me a glass of wine and I let Gwynie out of her carrier as I sat down. It took the second glass get my hands out of the shape of the steering wheel. (OK slight exaggeration but not by much.) The plan was that I would go to my brother's the next day who lives in Los Angeles. I refused to drive anywhere the next day, I didn't think my elbows could take it, let alone my nerves. So I had a nice visit with my best friend, Marilyn whom I hadn't seen in two years.

After a few "down days" I headed to L.A. with Marilyn's navigator. I pretty much knew the way to my brother's but I had to go to his friend's house since I couldn't park the van and Uhaul trailer on his narrow street. Actually having the "navigator" was the only way I would go since my son wanted to stay one more day at his home. I was not looking forward to going by myself. I know I was being a wimp but you have to understand I had been living in a rural setting with no freeways to speak of for the past seven years. Call it old age or "I just don't want to do that any more." After all I was moving to another simi-rural area with one freeway going through it. I know I am a wimp, but I like it that way. 

OK, now I'm on my way to L.A. and part of the way is bumper to bumper (no biggie) and the other part I knew because I've been there many times. However; I have a navigator, pretty smart but when I got off the freeway it was not quite smart enough. No one told it that at certain times of the day you cannot turn left on many of the streets that I needed to turn left on. By the time I decided to call for help I was yelling at the dumb broad who kept telling me to turn left! Frustration was not the best word to describe it, but I did use the F word quite a few times. When I called my brother's friend he got me to his place even though that stupid navigator kept telling me to turn left. Seeing him standing in the middle of the street was a wonderful sight and my brother was there to pick me up as well. We had a nice evening at his place with dinner in and a long overdue visit. I was really glad I didn't have to get in a car, no matter who was driving that night.

The next day it was time to get on the road again so we met my son where the trailer was parked (he had a bit of a problem finding it as well, heh heh.) Then we went to breakfast before we were back on the road to our next stop, Stockton. That was a long uneventful drive so I decided to write the next chapter of my book. (In my head of course.) I remembered on an interview with Stephenie Meyers (Twilight) she said she wrote her stories in her head while traveling between Phoenix and Tucson; that was where I got the idea. It was amazing! My characters came alive and it was as if a movie was playing in my head, similar to writing it but not quite the same. I had imagined some of it before but I had a long drive and I imagined so much of the story that when I finally got my computer up and running I hadn't realized how much I had imagined. Right now I have at least two chapters in my head and plan to start writing them down as soon as I finish this blog.

I am now in my new "little" house which is seven hundred square feet. I have the only view of the ocean, all be it small, from the up stairs window. I live on a hill in the middle of the redwoods. The house sits on the back of my very dear friend's property who was my sister-in-law once upon a time and I am renting from her. My new home welcomed me with sunny skies and no rain. As a matter of fact there has been very little rain since I arrived here. Maybe I brought a little of the Arizona sun with me. It is so beautiful here that it makes me want to hug myself for making the big jump from a stressful existence to a peaceful life. Not many people can say this but when my house in Arizona sells or goes back to the bank, I will be debt free, and free of distractions; I can write, paint, work in the yard or do anything else I want to do; or I can do nothing. I am truly blessed.

My World is Changing for the Better

Time has finally started moving forward in my world and all is happening as it should. I have been in a state of standing still for the past several months. You might say I have been in a state of limbo, but no more. 

I put my house on the market last March, hoping to move to Northern California where I have family. I even knew where I wanted to live. A little house that sits on the back of my sister-in-laws property, the ocean in front of me and the redwoods out my back door. But it seemed it wasn't to be. Her tenet decided she would stay there for another year.

Still with hope in my heart I started looking online to find that perfect house where I could write without distractions and be in the serenity of the redwoods in a small town where everyone knows each other. I knew it wouldn't take long before I would know everyone because those of my family living there already knew everyone, almost everyone anyway.

As the months  came and went, I was beginning to wonder if my dream would come to fruition. The weeks seemed to fly by and I was still in Arizona. I was also among those who were struggling to keep what little equity we have in our homes as the market plummeted and the buyers became scarce.

Of course our government wasn't helping, the parties arguing among themselves, not thinking of "we the people" they just wanted to make sure the other side didn't get what they wanted. Everything came to a screeching halt as they fought over the budget and couldn't come to any agreement. At that point no one was looking for a house. It was so bad that my real estate agent went on a vacation, which was much needed due to the stress of sitting around waiting for something to happen. He was very concerned that my house wasn't selling and many of my friends were confused as to why.

Once the decision was made about the budget, things started moving again, at a snails pace. My house has gone from a low asking price to a very, very low price and still it has not sold.  I was past struggling and on to unable to pay my mortgage. Is foreclosure in my future? Well the jury is still out on that one but I am moving on with my life no matter what.

Last week my wonderful best friend, sister-in-law called me to say that her tenet just gave her thirty days notice and if I still wanted to rent the little house, IT WAS MINE. I could hardly contain myself. January first, the day before my birthday, I will be moving into my new home. I am ready, I have sold almost all of my furniture except what I am taking with me and my son is coming to spend Christmas with me.
The week between Christmas and New Years we are packing up and hitting the road.

So, my dear readers I will be busy packing and getting ready to start a new saga in my life. It will probably be after the new year before I post another blog but it will be worth the wait. While you are waiting, you can go to www.smashwords.com/profile/view/deekrull and download my book "Dreams and Vampires" for free until the first of March. If you would like to order it in print you will be able to get a signed copy of my book by going to www.dreamsandvampires.com and order through pay pal. I should have my shipment of books by next week so you will have to check the site to see if it is available to order.  As soon as I receive my order I will activate the availability.

I wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season and a New Year to rival any in the past. Things are changing and I know it seems like we are moving into challenging times but that is what makes life interesting and rewarding. We will survive this as we have in the past and if we become a collective of one mind by seeing a positive future, that is what will be. The world is not ending it is just going through another change and it is up to us to make that change a productive and prosperous one.  Happy New Year 2012!

Laurel's Dream

A dream can be many things. Mine are usually prophetic and nightmarish, but they can also lead me to understand what is going on in my own life. This dream was different, I was walking through a beautiful meadow of wild flowers, feeling the warm sun as it danced on my skin. In the middle of the meadow is a tree, not just any tree. It is gnarled with bare lower branches that reach up into the massive top of dark green leaves, so thick that they hid the sky when you stood under it. It is filled with a red fruit that are heavy, ripe and ready to fall. The roots have grown above the ground, as well as under and the rain has grooved the roots so that they look like they have been carved and worn smooth like drift wood on a beach.

As I come closer something moves, I shield my eyes with my hand trying to see whoever or whatever moved. The closer I come to discovering what my eyes fail to interpret for me, the more uneasy I feel. Is it unease I feel or excitement? The shade is so dark under the tree, forbidding and sinister. For some reason I am reassured that this is deceiving and the heart becomes calm. I notice as I come closer I can now see a house behind the tree, a cottage with a small white fence in front of it and tall flowers of all colors standing on the other side. I am so amazed at the beauty of the flowers that I miss the movement of the woman who has become aware of me. I hear my name from a familiar voice causing me to turn toward the musical sound of her words. How can this be? I am face to face with my eyes, my nose, my oval shaped jaw; Lorena, my mother.

November Challenge to Write a Book in a Month

Ok, so here I am completely and deeply involved with the next book in my series and I just can't help myself I really want to share a part of it with all of you. So hold on to your hats, this one is more passionate than "Dreams and Vampires,"and I have introduced a new character. I am six chapters in and I suddenly received the perfect title. "Power of the Vampire" starts out with Laurel being kidnapped (I know it's happened before) and she has to watch while the vampire who kidnaps her kills her only friend. Next, here is an excerpt.

When I woke up my eyes popped open, it was dark except for the light of the fire I was laying next to. I took an involuntary breath and received a stab in my side, I moaned softly, everything hurt. I felt a soft blanket beneath me and a warm blanket covered my still naked body. I closed my eyes, I could feel the warmth of the fire. I lay there listening for movement, hearing only the crackling of the fire. Once again my body betrayed me by forcing me to take a deep breath, a high pitched groan escaped my lips as the rib I was sure was broken stabbed into my side. I heard the movement I was dreading. I started to take short shallow breaths; I opened my eyes.

Learden was kneeling over me with a knife in his hand. “You stupid human, what are you trying to do to your self?” He said as he made a vertical cut on his wrist, “I couldn't do this until you awakened.” Then he put his wrist to my mouth.

I began to struggle which only gave me more excruciating pain. I reached up trying to push his arm away, “no! I don't want to be a vampire.” I said pleading with him, I knew my chances of turning were getting closer the more vampire blood I took in, no matter who it came from.

"Stop it!” he yelled as he held my head down and pushed his wrist against my mouth again. “You need to drink or you will die of your injuries, you are bleeding inside,” he said a little softer. “Your left lung is punctured.” He was pleading with me this time.

I moved my head to the side, “I don't care, let me die.” But I couldn't resist any longer and I had to drink or choke so I gave in. As his warm blood began to trickle down my throat, I swallowed. My body remembered the taste of blood; I grabbed his arm and held on to it as I drank, feeling myself getting stronger. I could feel my collapsed lung begin to inflate, I could take a deep breath and it didn't hurt. My heart began to beat strong, it hurt a little when the rib began to nit together. When he tried to pull away I wouldn't let him, I needed to be stronger than he was to get away. “This is my chance,” I thought, as my body was gaining strength. Too soon I realized he was still stronger, as he yanked his arm away from me. I sat up, realizing I was still missing my clothes I grabbed the blanket and pulled it to me. Then I looked up at him.

Our eyes locked, anger gave way to surprise as a smile spread across his face, “Your eyes, they are already lite, you do change quickly.” He said with approval in his voice. He sat back on his haunches, studying me.

I stared back, then in an angry voice, “If you turn me . . . I will . . . find a way to kill you.” My voice was cold, without emotion. Even I was surprised by the sound of it.

He laughed, “I like that. A female with fire, you will make an excellent mate.”

“Just because you forced yourself on me does not make me your mate.” I said with steel in my voice.

He smiled, “Mmmmm . . . . , no . . . I don't think forced is the right word Laurel,” he said seductively. “You responded and enjoyed it as much as I did. Usually when someone is forced they do not enjoy it.” His eyes narrowed, “the fluids of your body tell another story.”

I looked away, he was right. My body responded to him, but I didn't understand why. I felt the tears start to flow. He reached out to touch my face and even though I liked the feel of his hand touching me, I slapped it away. He came closer to me, tenderly he took my face in his hands then kissed me. I was screaming at myself inside, what is the matter with you, why are you kissing him back? But I was, I could feel the self loathing as my arms encircled his neck and pulled him down with me as I lay back on the blanket. I was lost to Kianas, I would never be able to face him again. I allowed myself to respond, I didn't fight this time I felt the passion rise and coil around my mind like a snake until I became quiet I gave in to the flames building inside me. It's only the vampire blood healing my wounds, I thought as I felt the fire. But I knew that it wasn't, I wanted him and my body and I were one.

* * *

I awoke as the sun came up but I didn't move. I could still feel his touch, remember the feel of him inside me. I made up my mind, I would go with Learden. Kianas was lost to me and he must never find me. I rolled over on my side facing the fire, Leardin was sitting on the ground facing me. Neither of us said anything at first. I looked at him in a different way, I could do worse, he was very attractive in a dark sort of way. He was about six feet tall and slender. His hair didn't look quite as straggly today, it almost looked combed. He was wearing fresh clothes which made me wonder how long I would have to wear the white dress that I had been wearing for the past two days or day and a half I corrected myself.

He stood up and reached for my hand. I took it without speaking and pulled the blanket up with me. He smiled, “modest? After last night?” He pulled me to him and kissed me with passion, I responded with equal passion of my own. He wrapped the blanket around me and picked me up, walking into the forest. 

“Where are we going? I need to get dressed.” 

“I found a spring where you can bathe. It is not a hot pool but it will refresh you. I have your clothing in my pack.”

I smiled at him, “that was thoughtful of you,” I said trying to be sincere and failing.

He laughed, “would it be so hard to like me a little? I think your body likes me more than you do.” The terrain was getting rocky so he stopped talking and paid more attention to where he was going. I tried to focus on the sound of the waterfall as we got closer. My mind kept coming back to his smell, the warmth of his skin and how his touch made me feel.

I ignored his question and asked, “how did you find this?”

“I found it during the night when I knew you would not wake up and run away.” I could hear the amusement in his voice. I realized he had a very silky deep voice, his eyes were not quite as lite as a full vampire. “I will not trust you again,” he said.

I lowered my eyes, “you don't have to worry any more,” I said softly. “I don't want Kianas to find me any more than you do.”

He raised an eyebrow, “so you have decided you do not love Kianas anymore.” He said it as a statement not a question so I ignored it. When we reached the pool he set me down. I looked up at him then allowed the blanket to drop. The smile I was beginning to know spread across his face, I turned and walked into the pool. It wasn't deep at the edge but the farther in I walked the deeper it got. It was cool but not as cold as I was expecting, I had hoped for icy water to 
shock me out of this malaise I was feeling.

When I turned around he was still standing on the bank watching me, the same smile on his face. “You are very beautiful Laurel, it is not hard to love you,” he said softly. Then he became serious, “but you must stop trying to kill yourself by running away.”

I was enjoying my swim, the water was refreshing. I ducked my head backwards in the water allowing the cool silky feel of it as it flowed over my scalp and hair. I allowed my body to float to the surface. “Are you coming in?” I asked without looking at him. When he didn't answer I stood up in the pool which left me bare from the waist up. He was sitting on the bank still watching me.

“I bathed while you were sleeping, besides I am enjoying watching you become someone else,” he said in that sultry voice again.

I wasn't sure what he meant by that but right at that moment, I really didn't care. I swam to the waterfall where it was shallow enough to stand. The power of the water beating on my back was relaxing the muscles in my body, reminding me of my shower at home. Home, a place I would never see again. Do not cry, I thought to myself, the time to cry is over. It is time to accept your new life, embrace it as you can. I dove into the pool from where I was standing and swam to the bank where he was waiting for me. I walked out of the pool, feeling the water as it ran down to my legs and collected around my feet. I simply stood in front of him. He reached for the blanket, all the while not taking his eyes off of me. I took it from him not looking away from his eyes. I took my time drying off even though the cool air made goose bumps stand on my skin, showing no sign of modesty as he watched me. “May I have my clothes?” I asked without emotion.

He smiled up at me then stood up. Before he picked up his pack he took one hand and stroked the side of my face. I closed my eyes involuntarily. “Yes, you will make a very beautiful vampire.” Then picked up his pack and pulled a dress out of it along with the underclothes I had been wearing. The dress was new. It was emerald green made out of a soft cloth of some kind. Simple but elegant, barely on the shoulders and dipped very low over the bosom. “I had taken this from one of the women traveling with us. I figured you would need a change of clothes after the hot pool.”

“Thank you,” I sighed, “you thought of everything didn't you.” I dressed silently while he watched, his eyes showing the passion that stirred by my immodesty. Then I realized he didn't seem to be as cautious with me. “What color are my eyes?” I asked as I looked up at him.

 

He smiled, “they are very green. It seems your vampire strength has left you, for now at least.

Come we must go, we have a long journey ahead of us.” He held his hand out to me.

I took his hand and followed him over the rough rocks. Strange thoughts began to filter through my mind. I wished I had a pair of tennis shoes for walking over the rocks. I wondered why women wore only long dresses here when it rained so much. I told myself to stop before I made myself crazy. The thoughts passed.

When we came out of the trees to a meadow he turned and began making his way up into the hills again. He was leading me away from the direction we had gone to the camp. “Where are we going?” I asked.

He stopped for a moment and looked back the way we came. “We must go deeper into the mountains to a cave I have seen before on my travels. It may be inhabited by beasts, however they are no match for a vampire.” He must of noticed the look on my face. “Are you afraid?” He smiled.

“No,” I said, as I brushed past him and started climbing up the mountain. I heard him chuckle behind me. Who was I kidding, I thought to myself. I was already out of breath. Then a thought occurred to me. I turned around, “maybe you should give me another shot of your blood so I can travel faster with you.”

He stood there astonished, “so you can run away from me again? I think not, if you cannot climb up the mountainside I will carry you.”

I stood my ground with my arms across my chest. This isn't getting us anywhere, I thought. I sighed heavily, “I may as well let you turn me, more than likely I will never get a chance to go back to earth again anyway.” I watched his face as that sunk in. He stood there thinking, I could tell he was not sure if I meant it or if I was just trying to find another way to get away from him.

Slowly the corners of his mouth started to turn up, not really a smile. It was more like an idea had occurred to him. “I will turn you, but you must drink from me every day and just enough to give you strength and no more.” He started walking toward me, “and I will drink from you every night to make you need sleep.”

Panic began to sink in, what was I thinking? Random thoughts began to flood my mind as he walked that short distance to me. What if Kianas found us and took me back? No, I could never go back to him, not after what I have done. Making love with someone else, wanting it, needing it, responding willingly. I could feel my heart beating faster, my hands were sweating and I was going to make a very big mistake! I began to back up, “wait! I think I should think about this a little more.” I was still backing up and he was moving faster towards me, “I changed my mind, let's talk about it later around the fire.” Oh my God, I thought, what am I doing?

 

Suddenly he was right in front of me, that familiar smile on his face. I had my hands on his chest, the automatic defense reaction. I could feel his hands on the upper part of my arms, holding me there. He didn't move, he just stood there. I could feel his chest rising and falling under my hands and I was relaxing. My breathing slowed, my muscles began to smooth out. I couldn't think, he was too close and I felt my knees start to buckle under the weight of his eyes. My eyes closed, the last thing I remember was being held in his arms.

Please remember this is the first draft and may change before it is published, I just wanted to share it with all of you. I hope you enjoyed it, if you did, let me know, click on like or leave me a comment.

There was a problem with the copy editing so "Dreams and Vampires" is delayed. I will let you know when I get my shipment of books so if you haven't already bought the e-book you may have a signed copy with a bookmark and I will pay for the postage. I will also have control over pricing my book and e-book. The e-book will be $.98.