patricemichelle

SCIONS:PERCEPTION for FREE only Today (read for details)

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:22:58 GMT

Hey everyone!

I just learned that Harlequin in giving away SCIONS: PERCEPTION for FREE if you buy a print book. Go HERE for DETAILS.

This FREEBIE is ONLY for TODAY. I hope you’ll check out this cool deal, so you can meet the darkly sexy Gabriel!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Patrice

UK cover for Scions:Resurrection

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:59:22 GMT

I just ran across this today. Here’s the cover for the UK release of SCIONS:RESURRECTION (May 09)

Purchase information is HERE (US), HERE, (UK), HERE (France), HERE (Germany) and HERE (Japan).

Yey!

Patrice

Zombies!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:59:29 GMT

Nothing will stop a paranormal writer--who's rapidly typing and in the "zone"--faster than when she hears the words, "Check this out. It's my cool zombie-mobile!"

*blink, blink* I slowly turn. "Did you just say zombie?"

Then I glance down and laugh out loud, and well, I just had to share...

Note the headless Lego guys. Every single one of them.

They've got guns, but they must not have gone into battle yet, as they still have all their arms and legs.

But if the ship idles too long, I imagine an appendage or two will drop off sometime soon. :lol:

Giving away 10 sets of Scions Collector Cards and a $25 voucher to Croco Designs!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:06:48 GMT

Hi everyone! As I mentioned in my December newsletter, I'm giving away TEN sets of Scions Collector Cards. Now that the prophecy has finally been revealed, wouldn't it be great to have a set of hero collector cards like the ones below to go with your books?

All you have to do to enter for a chance to win is go to my MAIN BLOG and post an answer to this question: Which story in the Scions series have you enjoyed the most and why?

You can pick from any Scions story: Scions:Resurrection, Scions:Insurrection, Scions: Perception (eBook novella) or Scions:Revelation and speak in general terms about the storyline or talk about the characters...whatever you like. (note: All I ask is that if you're giving away a potential spoiler in your comment, that you please add a "spoiler" note at the top of your comment for those who might not have read the books yet)

Also, as an additional incentive to join in the fun (and because Frauke of Croco Designs is not only talented, but so generous!), I'll also be giving away a $25 holiday voucher from Croco Designs.

Frauke at Croco designed the collector cards above as well as this cool banner you see to the left. Frauke's service isn't just for authors or aspiring authors, though Frauke does web design, bookmarks, postcards, etc, too. If you're a reader, who'd like a new header banner for her reader blog, or maybe a new MySpace page, this voucher could go toward Frauke helping you with that, too. So come on, enter for a chance to win. I hope you'll join in the fun!

Contest is open until 6 pm EST Thursday night, Dec 18. I'll pick the 10 winners at random (which will include the $25 voucher winner) and post the winners names on my MAIN BLOG at 8 pm that same night.

Patrice

Interview at BItten By Books and a chance to win a signed copy of Scions:Revelation

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:46:05 GMT

Hi everyone!

I'm over at Bitten By Books today, where I've answered interview questions. I hope you'll pop by [click here to read the interview] and ask some questions of your own. If you haven't picked up Scions:Revelation yet, posting at BBB will enter you for a chance to win a signed copy! I hope to see you there!

Best,

Patrice *who still sounds like a frog and is thankful this interview only requires typing and not talking!*

Scions:Revelation releases today and an answer to a prophecy question!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:39:50 GMT

SCIONS:REVELATION is now available!

Some new review snippets for Revelation...

Recommended Read! ~ "...Wow! Each book in the Scions trilogy by Patrice Michelle outdoes the ones before..." Kelley Hartsell, CK2S Reviews

5 Stars! ~ "REVELATION is big on both romance and suspense...an intriguing cast of characters that are bound to keep readers coming back for more stories in this fascinating series..." Jennifer Ray, Wild on Books.

Also, I answered a question Lisa posed to me in an email about Scions:Revelation, where she asked if I knew how the prophecy would unfold from the very beginning or if the pieces to the prophecy revealed themselves to me as I wrote the novels. My answer is in a blog post at Fresh Fiction HERE!

I hope you enjoy Caine and Emma's story as well as uncovering the final pieces to the prophecy puzzle in SCIONS:REVELATION!

Best,

Patrice

Magnificent Eight Blog Tour ~ Nov 3-7th!

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:17:51 GMT

Anya Bast, Jaci Burton, Lauren Dane, Megan Hart, Joey Hill, Mandy Roth, Shiloh Walker and I have joined in a blog tour! Hop around to each of our blogs and read the questions posed to each other and our answers. Join in and leave a comment answering the question on each blog, and be entered for a chance to win eight different prizes (check each blog to see what the particular prize is and when the prize winner will be announced by each author). Eight blogs and EIGHT prizes! Contest runs from Nov 3-7th!

Click the graphic above to find out how to enter and join in the fun!

Scions:Perception is now available...Get it on sale for a limited time!

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:33:11 GMT

Hi everyone! I just wanted to announce that SCIONS: PERCEPTION is now available!

Here's a snippet of review from Amelia at Cataromance.com!

"...Ms. Michelle definitely makes you want to try her longer Silhouette Nocturne books, where more of the emotions and passions you crave fill the pages. From beginning to end, SCIONS: PERCEPTION is brimming with heartfelt feelings and enough heat to start a bonfire..."

The GREAT news is that you'll be able to get SCIONS: PERCEPTION on SALE for $0.89 for a limited time. Harlequin is having an Afternoon Delight special where they'll be offering Scions: Perception as well as some other eBooks for $0.89 between 12:00 and 3:00pm EST this Tuesday, November 4th! Go HERE on Tuesday to pick up Scions: Perception at a discounted price!

Lastly, for those who haven't seen it yet, here's the blurb and a link to the excerpt for Scions: Perception below.

Abby had barely survived the treacherous drive to Kaitlyn’s house through an ice storm. Then, forced to break in when she couldn’t find the key, she was immediately grabbed by someone in the dark. She gave her assailant the fight of his life…until his accusation that she was a burglar told her a mistake had been made. Now, facing her opponent, she was overwhelmed by an electric attraction more intense than any she’d ever felt.

Gabriel was impressed by this fascinating spitfire. He also felt the most intense desire of his life–a relentless need so powerful it tore him apart. He understood immediately that Abby was the one–the female destined as his mate for life. But Abby wasn’t like the other females he’d been with. For one thing, she was human. Gabriel didn’t trust humans one bit. But the realization hit him–if he was to win Abby, he would have to win her trust…and Abby wasn’t going to make it easy.

Read an Excerpt

I hope you enjoy Gabriel and Abby's story!

Best,

Patrice

A chance to win a FREE eBook of SCIONS:PERCEPTION!

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:26:03 GMT

Special TIME SENSITIVE CONTEST. For a chance to win a FREE eBook of SCIONS: PERCEPTION…

Read SCIONS: PERCEPTION’s excerpt HERE. Then come back and post on my MAIN BLOG an answer to the question:

In honor of upcoming Halloween night, we’ll do a spooky theme! Have you ever walked into a place, touched an item or heard someone tell a story that made a shiver pass through you? Share your “shiver-worthy” story, you know the kind I’m talking about where the tiny hairs on your neck stood on end.

Out of those who post an answer on my MAIN BLOG, I’ll randomly pick one winner to receive a FREE eBook download of SCIONS: PERCEPTION. I’ll announce the winner on my MAIN BLOG the morning of November 1st, which is the day SCIONS: PERCEPTION officially releases.

Magnificent 8 Blog Tour coming Monday, Nov 3rd!

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:36:02 GMT

Next Monday, November 3rd, seven other authors and I will be hosting a Blog Tour where you'll have many chances to win great prizes!

Here’s a list of participating authors….

Magnificent 8 Blog Tour

Me!

Anya Bast

Jaci Burton

Lauren Dane

Megan Hart

Joey Hill

Mandy Roth

Shiloh Walker

So make sure to stop by my blog next Monday to learn the details on how you can participate in all the fun.

Patrice

P.S. The winner of the Anticipation and Seduction contest was announced here! :)

Anticipation and Seduction releases today...and a contest!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:39:10 GMT

Yey, ANTICIPATION AND SEDUCTION officially releases today! YES, I know it has been a while, but I do also write contemporary stories.

In celebration, I’m giving away a signed copy. All you have to do to enter is to GO TO MY BLOG and share a fun romantic memory. It could be about the “one who got away”. It could be a “love at first sight” story. It could be one of the “best dates you’ve ever been on”. Share and TOMORROW morning on my blog , I’ll pick ONE winner from those who’ve commented to receive a signed copy of ANTICIPATION AND SEDUCTION!

NOTE: You should be 18 or older to enter this contest.

Patrice

ANTICIPATION AND SEDUCTION

Some romances are meant to be…

ANTICIPATION

What if the one-who-got-away…didn’t?

Deidre Nelson has never forgotten the man who stole her heart so effectively a decade ago. When circumstances bring her back to Ventura, Texas to look after her parents’ B&B, she prepares to face Jonas Mendez, the sexy wrangler-turned sheriff, with growing anticipation.

Deidre’s engaging smile and seductive gaze has haunted Jonas for ten years. But life’s cruel ironies pepper his past, leaving him guarded and wary. He vows to keep his interaction with Deidre strictly professional while she’s in Ventura.

But when vandalism at the B&B turns life-threatening, Jonas finds himself intimately involved with the one woman he has always wanted but never touched. As a decade of built-up anticipation becomes reality, suddenly the line between protector and possessor begins to blur.

SUSANNA’S SEDUCTION

Seduction can be spontaneous…

Susan Brennon never expected that running an errand for her future sister-in-law would land her a spur-of-the-moment date. When Michael leads her down a sensual path of seduction, she takes on the sexy Italian full-throttle, all the while keeping her heart under tight guard. Every person she’s formed a close attachment to has moved on. She doesn’t expect Michael to be any different.

From the moment he touches Susan, Michael Piccoli wants her. But as their relationship grows more physical, he finds that for the first time in his life he desires more than sex from a woman he wants the whole package with Susanna. Michael’s determined to break through the rigid hold Susanna has on her emotions. He’ll do anything to reach her, even if that means taking their relationship to a whole new level.

Two sexy stories that’ll make you believe in happy-ever-afters all over again.

Read Excerpts | Buy Book

Scions:Perception cover!

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:52:59 GMT

Finally…here ’tis!

Abby had barely survived the treacherous drive to Kaitlyn’s house through an ice storm. Then, forced to break in when she couldn’t find the key, she was immediately grabbed by someone in the dark. She gave her assailant the fight of his life…until his accusation that she was a burglar told her a mistake had been made. Now, facing her opponent, she was overwhelmed by an electric attraction more intense than any she’d ever felt.

Gabriel was impressed by this fascinating spitfire. He also felt the most intense desire of his life–a relentless need so powerful it tore him apart. He understood immediately that Abby was the one–the female destined as his mate for life. But Abby wasn’t like the other females he’d been with. For one thing, she was human. Gabriel didn’t trust humans one bit. But the realization hit him–if he was to win Abby, he would have to win her trust…and Abby wasn’t going to make it easy.

Available November 1, 2008

Read an Excerpt

Patrice

Evil-eye Contest!

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:49:40 GMT

Check this out! (Sorry, it wouldn't let me embed it for some reason, but you HAVE to see this to appreciate it)

Doesn't this video crack you up? Nobody and I mean, NOBODY, can lay an evil-eye on you like your mom can! Even this kid above learned that look real quick! :lol:

So in honor of the fact I LOVE Caine's collector card and because Emma's got some arresting eyes :yes: I'm having a fun contest!

All you have to do to enter is go to my MAIN blog and tell me your favorite "evil-eye" story. You know the one, that time where your mom's look stopped you in your tracks. You can either describe "her look" OR tell the story of what you were doing that earned you that "evil-eye".

This contests runs through the end of the day on Thursday and I'll pick FIVE names at random to win a signed card from me (I'll send you all three if you don't have the other two from books one and two already). I'll announce the winners on my MAIN blog on Friday morning! Have fun!

Patrice

Scenic Sunday

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:10:47 GMT

Beautiful weather permitted a fun outing, that was supposed to be a three mile hike, but turned into an eight miler. Argh! My muscles are whining. Needless to say, I want a signed document that we will stick to the "plan" before I agree to go again. *nods vigorously*

The good news is...along the way I snapped some cool photos. ;)

I love a good waterfall!

A breathtaking view!

You know I got close if my camera flash is reflecting in both these deer's eyes. They look possessed, don't they. LOL!

I haz copies!

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:45:52 GMT

Look, it's here!

I wanted to let you all know where you can enter contests running right now for a chance to win a signed copy of Scions:Revelation...oh, and the Scions:Revelation collector card will come with your book as well. Yep, I have Caine's card in my hot little hands. :)

Two contests are running through the end of October!

First contest.

Second contest.

You'll need to answer a different question to enter each contest.

Good luck!

Patrice

Scenic Sunday

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:02:38 GMT

Picture: Entrance to 1661 Cemetery in Manchester, MA. Taken from this viewpoint, it takes on an interesting perspective.

Writing Tip: When writing a scene, instead of letting it unfold straight up, consider coming at it from a completely different angle. It could change the entire feel of the scene.

Scions:Perception playlist

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:30:38 GMT

Many authors talk about listening to music while they write. I truly wish I could do that. Oh, the distractions and noise I could drown out! :grinnod: But because I perceive music as another form of storytelling, I get too caught up in the lyrics and the mini-story the artist is trying to tell (even movie scores make me think of the film they're from!), so I find listening to music while I write distracting. I do however listen to music every chance I get otherwise. Not only is it uplifting, but thought provoking, and sometimes songs have inspired a scene or even a storyline. :) Other times, I'll hear a song after I've written a novel that seems to follow parts of my storyline so well, I can't help but associate it with my story in my mind. :yes:

If you missed the playlist I did for Scions:Resurrection (book one), you can find it here. I'll have to go back and do one for Scions:Insurrection (book two) (if anyone's interested, let me know), but here's one for my upcoming Nocturne BITE story Scions: Perception.

Since this is a novella length novel, I only have two songs in the playlist, but I think the songs fit Scions: Perception's themes really well. A blurb and a long excerpt for Scions: Perception are on my website. This novella releases November 1st!

Bookmark this post and after you've read Scions: Perception, check out the lyrics here and here to see if you think they fit the story. :)

Scions:Perception Excerpt

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:09:56 GMT

As promised, here's an excerpt for my upcoming Nocturne BITE, Scions: Perception, releasing November 1st.

“I can see the headlines now: Martial arts expert taken out by bald tires,” Abby mumbled...

Click here to read the rest!

Patrice

The Unconscious Muse...and contests galore!

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:45:29 GMT

This summer we went blackberry picking. Er, well I should say I was the "camera toter" and "bug spray applier" in this adventure.

Along the way, we had to pass a few uninterested bystanders. They were a bit white-faced that we had the audacity to invade their territory, but hey, I was a bit white-faced, too.

Ah, the fresh smell of cow patties... Phew!

Much fun was had and tons of blackberries were picked, despite the pricklies! Before an ominous thunderstorm rolled in, I snapped some fun photos. And of course, being the one behind the camera, I never seem to be in any photos. Well, unless they turn out like this.

There really is a writing lesson buried in this text, promise.

Many writer friends and I have talked about the unconscious muse phenom. What we're talking about is when we're writing a current work-in-process and down the road we discover that some innocuous item we'd added much earlier in the story--just to give some authenticity or because we wanted to further flesh out a setting--turned out to be pivotal in the storyline later. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN!?! And even though it has happened often enough to lead me to believe my own muse sometimes runs in the background in my subconscious, there is a lesson to be picked up here. One that I can consciously implement into my stories and so can you! :)

There's an expression in the screenwriting world called "Laying the Pipe" (er, I believe I have the correct expression, and NO, it's not that meaning. Git yer minds outta the gutter :lol:). The basic gist behind this idea is that as the story unfolds you want to plant items early in the storyline that will have an impact on your story later, but you do this by integrating those items in such a way that the viewer/reader doesn't KNOW you're planting them. It's done this way so that later on in the storyline when it's important that your audience "recalls" the small item they missed before and how it relates to the big reveal now, then they'll nod their heads and say, Oh, yeah, remember in the Supernatural "Time Is On My Side" episode that flash back scene between the young Bella and the demon in the child's body? When the demon promised Bella she'd take care of Bella's parents for her and all it would cost Bella was ten years? What color was the demon's eyes? They were red not white! Which means what exactly? Lilith the demon who wants Sam dead has white eyes and we're TOLD that Lilith was the same demon who owned Bella's soul...but is she? Is there really another demon with red eyes who owns Bella's soul? And how does the red-eyed demon play into the storyline for Dean and Sam? 'Cause you KNOW there's a tie-in. ;)

Okay, so what does blackberry picking have to do with this fun writing lesson above? Check out that first photo again. What do you see?

Do you see the praying mantis? If you saw it the first time, good for you! These insects' bodies are MADE for camouflage. He was there all along, hiding in plain sight. That's what you're doing with little items you add to your story along the way that will have a major impact later. Layer them in so that they are a seamless part of the story by giving them more of a reason for being there than just to support the reveal later. Readers love to be surprised! I know I do.

Onward with the contest news...

I'll be guest blogging over at the Maverick Authors tomorrow (Thursday, Sept 18th). Please stop by and comment. For anyone who hasn't picked up a copy of Scions:Insurrection, I'll be giving away a signed copy to one of the participants tomorrow.

Other contests that are currently running...Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Anticipation and Seduction here. And I'm participating in a fall contest here!

AND, last but not least...here's the blurb for SCIONS: PERCEPTION. This novella releases Nov 1. When I have a cover to share I will post it.

Abby had barely survived the treacherous drive to Kaitlyn’s house through an ice storm. Then, forced to break in when she couldn’t find the key, she was immediately grabbed by someone in the dark. She gave her assailant the fight of his life...until his accusation that she was a burglar told her a mistake had been made. Now, facing her opponent, she was overwhelmed by an electric attraction more intense than any she’d ever felt.

Gabriel was impressed by this fascinating spitfire. He also felt the most intense desire of his life--a relentless need so powerful it tore him apart. He understood immediately that Abby was the one--the female destined as his mate for life. But Abby wasn't like the other females he’d been with. For one thing, she was human. Gabriel didn’t trust humans one bit. But the realization hit him--if he was to win Abby, he would have to win her trust...and Abby wasn’t going to make it easy.

I guess that's all for now!

Patrice

A banner query...

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:24:43 GMT

So, I have this shiny new banner...

The artist who created it, Frauke, is incredibly talented and does a fantastic job...much better than I would've done!

If you're wondering what I'm referring to, in my bio, I've mentioned that I like to "fiddle with graphic design". Designing my own banners was just another creative outlet. =D

The very first banner I created was for promo purposes, but then I really got into the design aspects and had a blast with them. Um, sometimes spending way more time on them than I should have. *sheepish grin*

This time around, I took the smart route and had a banner created because well, because I've always done at least one for my books. But seeing this spiffy new banner did get me to thinking about their effectiveness.

What do you think about banners?

When you've been surfing on the web, especially a review site or a website specific to books, has a banner ever made you stop for a second and read it?

Have you clicked through and read an excerpt or at the very least the blurb?

Did you ever buy a book because of one...okay, hopefully you bought the book because of the writing, BUT the question is...did you discover the book because of the banner? I remember being intrigued by JR Ward's banner months before her popular BDB books ever released. And yes, I did click through and read more about them, but then, I'm curious like that. ;)

What about you? Do you think banners are worth doing?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Patrice

Expanded excerpt for Scions:Revelation and another Scions story

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:53:10 GMT

For more of Caine and Emma, read on...

Oh, and yey, I do have another Scions story coming. It's a novella entitled: Scions: Perception, featuring Abby from book 2, Scions:Insurrection. I'll let you know the official release date when I get the go ahead, but it looks like it'll be this year! :)

Scions:Revelation Excerpt!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:39:15 GMT

Here's an excerpt for Scions:Revelation.

Unedited excerpt from SCIONS:REVELATION
by Patrice Michelle

Prologue

No one will ever look at me the same again. Caine Grennard’s hand shook as he lifted it toward the mansion’s main door. Clenching his fist, he focused to calm his rage before he turned the knob. As he entered, the Lupreda sitting in the living room and standing in the hall turned and stared. Every single member in the wolf pack was there now. Only a few had witnessed his fight with Brian.

It had been a great battle—painful and bloody...

Click HERE to read the rest!

Enjoy!!

Patrice

Scions:Revelation (book 3) cover!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:31:58 GMT

Here 'tis!

The cover and the blurb for my 3rd Scions book, SCIONS:REVELATION

They thought they understood the prophecy.

They were wrong.

Caine Grennard was a werewolf, living among humans and lacking purpose--until the night he met a woman with an exotic, irresistible scent. A woman who might be his deadliest enemy.

When her aunt is kidnapped, Emma Gray swears to do anything to get the older woman back. Even if it means trusting the mysterious--and sexy--stranger named Caine.

But more is at stake than one woman's life: Emma's past holds the last key to unlocking a prophecy Caine's clan is depending on. The fate of both their clans rests on them trusting the impossible, electric connection between them, even in the heart of betrayal..,

If you're interested, it's available for preorder on Amazon. The book releases December 1, 2008! :)

A Blast from the Past

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:49:16 GMT

...to put it ALL in perspective!

Back in July I was poking around in my family's attic and ran across this.

Woohoo!

There's nothing a writer likes to see more than antiques that pertain to writing. *g* We love to imagine past writers sitting at their desks, creating their manuscripts.

I had to snap a photo because I instantly thought about the good ole days when manual typewriters were all we had. Then came electric typewriters and word processors and then the computer, but wait it wasn't long before...ah, the ultimate came along--the laptop!

As I sit here on my couch, tapping on my laptop, I think about how far we've come with the tools we authors have at our disposal today vs a few decades ago. Ah, what a difference!

It was kind of eye opening when I blew that layer of dust off that old Underwood machine and thought, I'm so glad I don't have to hammer out 2,500 words a day on this sucker!

So when I'm slow in sitting down and getting started on my story for the day, I think about that typewriter and how much easier I have it than folks did back then. I can't complain. Well, except to say...at least a manual typewriter would NEVER crash on you! :lol:

Patrice

My Lucky Charmer gets a facelift!

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:22:13 GMT

A couple of years ago, I participated in an eBook challenge that author Lynn Viehl (aka Paperback Writer) hosted on her blog, where she challenged authors to provide a free story for readers in an eBook format and she would host links to the stories on her blog. Not only did we have to create the PDF version but we were also asked to design our own book covers. Eek! No stress. LOL!

Over a hundred authors participated and I was one of them with my fun paranormal story My Lucky Charmer. What's interesting about My Lucky Charmer is that it was a bit of a departure from my usual writing style in that the story was written in first person and had a more humorous slant than my other darkly intense books, but I had so much fun writing it that it seemed a waste not to share it with others. Hmmm, which makes me ponder the question...does an author's "voice" show through in a story no matter the style?

The other day I received a wonderful email from a reader, Toni Walker who said she'd enjoyed My Lucky Charmer so much that she'd created a book cover to represent the story. Toni is a graphic artist and I thought she did such a wonderful job I asked her if I could share the book cover on my blog.

So without further ado, I give you Toni Walker's book cover for My Lucky Charmer!

If you want to see the old cover, read the blurb and an excerpt, you can go here and check it out. A link is provided for the PDF, too.

I'm sure you'll agree Toni's book cover is MUCH better!

Thanks again to Toni for creating a cover for My Lucky Charmer and allowing me to share it with others!

Patrice