New book is out now!!
BUY!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
NEW REVIEW! THE IMMORTALS!
“RIVETING, MESMERIZING AND DOWNRIGHT THRILLING!”
Selene is giving up everything—a modeling career, her home and her friends to start over fresh. Moving into her deceased uncle's mansion, Selene soon finds herself being seduced by the mysterious Dominic Scarlatti. Soon enough, however, Selene starts to suspect wrongness...not just with the house (it's given her the creeps since she stepped foot in it) but in Dominic. Something about him doesn't seem quite human...
The Immortals by Sherry Mauro is riveting, mesmerizing and downright thrilling. I couldn't put this book down. I even got chills. A mixture of John Saul woven together with romance, and sure to delight all types of fans. I was reading and yelling "Don't go in Selene, don't go in." This is a story that encourages readers to partake in the story along with Selene and I did. I can't quite figure out if I loved this story more for the romance aspect or the thrills and chills. I know I didn't sleep a wink last night after finishing and I can't wait to see what else will come from the mind of this truly gifted author!
-ParaNormalRomance Reviews (Reviewed by Amanda Haffery Posted July 11, 2009)
Selene is giving up everything—a modeling career, her home and her friends to start over fresh. Moving into her deceased uncle's mansion, Selene soon finds herself being seduced by the mysterious Dominic Scarlatti. Soon enough, however, Selene starts to suspect wrongness...not just with the house (it's given her the creeps since she stepped foot in it) but in Dominic. Something about him doesn't seem quite human...
The Immortals by Sherry Mauro is riveting, mesmerizing and downright thrilling. I couldn't put this book down. I even got chills. A mixture of John Saul woven together with romance, and sure to delight all types of fans. I was reading and yelling "Don't go in Selene, don't go in." This is a story that encourages readers to partake in the story along with Selene and I did. I can't quite figure out if I loved this story more for the romance aspect or the thrills and chills. I know I didn't sleep a wink last night after finishing and I can't wait to see what else will come from the mind of this truly gifted author!
-ParaNormalRomance Reviews (Reviewed by Amanda Haffery Posted July 11, 2009)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New YA Genres
Edgy YA
When formerly taboo subjects are handled with an intense perspective, it is considered Edgy YA. There are no forbidden subjects here, but they are written with sensitivity and care, not gratuitously. These books are aimed at older teens. Instead of a friend or acquaintance having issues, the main character is the one being abused, cutting, considering suicide, etc., or it’s a family member or best friend of the main character. The viewpoint is very close, the bond and introspection and questioning are strong. Overall, teens can identify keenly with the character’s feelings, if not the situation.
When formerly taboo subjects are handled with an intense perspective, it is considered Edgy YA. There are no forbidden subjects here, but they are written with sensitivity and care, not gratuitously. These books are aimed at older teens. Instead of a friend or acquaintance having issues, the main character is the one being abused, cutting, considering suicide, etc., or it’s a family member or best friend of the main character. The viewpoint is very close, the bond and introspection and questioning are strong. Overall, teens can identify keenly with the character’s feelings, if not the situation.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Poem by Janet Sorel
THE IMMORTALS (painting inspired after reading my new book!)
This Poem and painting were both done by Janet Sorel, artist, poet, teacher
EVEN ANGELS FALL
Girl conceived
of daylight
and of darkness
Cursed
Warriors appear
compete
good and evil
fight
Love weaves
Death brings
Both blessings
and bad things
Might she has
of two
celestial beings
Angel and Demon Reaper
Reversed
Balance
she brings
sun and moon
love and hate
loss and gain
to free this world
from all due
blame
~ Janet Sorel
Why do you mostly write for (YA) young adults?
Because almost all my favorite books are ones considered to be for YA. And quite frankly I enjoy reading YA books so much more than adult books. The books considered YA today are smart, funny, suspenseful, romantic, and page-turners. I'm hooked on the Twilight saga, the House of Night series (so freaking good!!), Vampire Kisses, and L.J.Smith books. (to name a few)
Why are you writing paranormals?
I grew up reading horror and suspense. (Anyone else remember Lois Duncan books?) Then I fell in love with the V.C. Andrews books. But I think what sealed my love for paranormal romance was Anne Rice's series.
Do you have a particular writing process or any writing rituals?
The only process I have is that I "HAVE" to write everyday or I feel guilty. And when a story is bugging me to be told. I can't sleep, can't eat, I have to write.
Why are you writing paranormals?
I grew up reading horror and suspense. (Anyone else remember Lois Duncan books?) Then I fell in love with the V.C. Andrews books. But I think what sealed my love for paranormal romance was Anne Rice's series.
Do you have a particular writing process or any writing rituals?
The only process I have is that I "HAVE" to write everyday or I feel guilty. And when a story is bugging me to be told. I can't sleep, can't eat, I have to write.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Frequently asked question...
On a Personal Note:
Many readers have asked me if the heroine (main character) Sabrina in my YA (young adult) series was like me or inspired by someone I know. Well, to answer the question, I guess in a way she is like me. Let me explain.
First off, my heritage is French, English, and Native American, actually Cherokee Indian. (To learn more please visit this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherokee )
My mother is of French decedent and my father is English and American Indian. My Dad’s side of the family (like Sabrina’s) have the very dominant features of the Cherokee people, as do I.
So, I gave Sabrina the nationality of both French and Cherokee—like me! I’m proud of my heritage and so is Sabrina. And as I begun to rewrite and modernize the first book, EVEN ANGELS FALL, I wove into the narrative more information about her unique ancestry, which includes a visit from her Cherokee grandparents.
I'd like to add that none of my characters are based on people I know. (I do use names of friends and family in my books) I find that once I start writing, the characters take over, take off, and become someone else entirely different from what I imagined. They’re doing the driving and I’m just along for the ride...
Many readers have asked me if the heroine (main character) Sabrina in my YA (young adult) series was like me or inspired by someone I know. Well, to answer the question, I guess in a way she is like me. Let me explain.
First off, my heritage is French, English, and Native American, actually Cherokee Indian. (To learn more please visit this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherokee )
My mother is of French decedent and my father is English and American Indian. My Dad’s side of the family (like Sabrina’s) have the very dominant features of the Cherokee people, as do I.
So, I gave Sabrina the nationality of both French and Cherokee—like me! I’m proud of my heritage and so is Sabrina. And as I begun to rewrite and modernize the first book, EVEN ANGELS FALL, I wove into the narrative more information about her unique ancestry, which includes a visit from her Cherokee grandparents.
I'd like to add that none of my characters are based on people I know. (I do use names of friends and family in my books) I find that once I start writing, the characters take over, take off, and become someone else entirely different from what I imagined. They’re doing the driving and I’m just along for the ride...
EVEN ANGELS FALL gets a face lift!
June 19, 2009
Dear Readers,
I am so excited to share with you what I’m currently working on—a (much) updated version of my novel, EVEN ANGELS FALL. My contract is up with the current publisher and I’ve decided to rewrite it and find a new publisher (or an agent!).
It’s been almost ten years since I wrote the original manuscript and (hoping) my writing has much improved. The previous book was published in 2000.
Now that Edgy YA fiction is such a “hot” genre in publishing and among readers both teen and adult, I thought it was time that the series had a contemporary makeover.
So, now that I’m almost done with the first book—it’s time to rewrite the second one, which will actually be divided into two books, FACE OF HEAVEN and SPIRITS OF TWILIGHT. And I'll add more books to the series when I’m finished.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this fresh new story of ghosts, romance, suspense, and family saga! Look for it to be available on Amazon July 2009!
~S
( *Note changes: I have changed the last name, Ayers to Adair and the town’s name from Centerville to Summerville in this edition. Also, the following name changes: Velma’s was changed to Lauren, Grandma Rhoda to Naomi, Trisha to Jillian, Anne to Andrea, Gladys to Karenne…and Richard Tate to Hunter Ravenwood. Sabrina’s age is set at seventeen, so if you read the other novels in the series before my revisions, then please try to ignore the discrepancies! I just don’t want new readers to get confused. I will change it in the other books as the new versions are rewritten and published within 2009.)
Friday, June 5, 2009
WIN A FREE VAMP ROMANCE BOOK CONTEST!
Dear friends,
Need subtitle ideas for my Even Angels Fall series. I'm rewriting it and updating all three books into a longer, 5 book series. On the covers I'd like to add a subtitle that would link all the books together. I was thinking the "Angelic Warrior" series, but I'm not sure...need more suggestions from you guys! ;)
Y'know like the "Twilight" series and "House of Night" and all the V.C. Andrews books and so many other YA series.
Winner gets a copy of my vampire/romance soon to be paperback, THE DARKEST HOUR!
Send your ideas to MySpace email: www.myspace.com/authorsherry
Need subtitle ideas for my Even Angels Fall series. I'm rewriting it and updating all three books into a longer, 5 book series. On the covers I'd like to add a subtitle that would link all the books together. I was thinking the "Angelic Warrior" series, but I'm not sure...need more suggestions from you guys! ;)
Y'know like the "Twilight" series and "House of Night" and all the V.C. Andrews books and so many other YA series.
Winner gets a copy of my vampire/romance soon to be paperback, THE DARKEST HOUR!
Send your ideas to MySpace email: www.myspace.com/authorsherry
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Brace yourselves for Robert Pattinson's shirtless 'New Moon' poster....YUMMY!
I like this Poster, too!! Yummy! Go Team Jacob!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Interesting.....
Get a new tidbit of interesting info every day!
One-third of Americans believe in ghosts, and nearly one in four believe they've actually seen one or felt its presence.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
More Writing Tips: The Narrative Arc
The “Narrative Arc” is a common editor's way of saying that every story needs to have a beginning, middle, and end. In other words, you need act one, act two, and act three.
Take for example a typical YA novel. The 12-year-old heroine starts out an innocent girl, poised on the brink of challenges, opportunities and choices. But in many first draft manuscripts I see, the girl is in much the same place by page 100. Not enough has happened to her to see a change.
A successful Narrative Arc requires action
If there had been the necessary Narrative Arc structure, our heroine would have been tested and endured a series of adventures, figurative actions and meaningful experiences that would have left her more mature by the climactic epiphany. In a successful Narrative Arc, the hero or heroine is faced with dangerous threats, personal challenges, risky choices, major decisions, necessary feats of physical bravery, or emotionally powerful assaults from family or social pressure.
When I’m working with a writer who needs to strengthen the Narrative Arc, I go through the story scene by scene and find the gaps in the storyline, the moments in time when something needs to happen to get the central figure to the next level in the story.
I help with suggestions to insert within the story that target the character’s weakness or dramatize the symbolic threats from rivals, challenges from mentors, dangerous social stressors within the political or cultural context of the situation, opportunities to succeed or fail.
A good narrative arc needs to:
· start with a bang
· quickly rush to a level of action
· have moments of drama and suspense that keep rising in intensity
· sustain a high pitch
· level off by degrees
· gradually come slow into an emotionally satisfying resolution and conclusion
Constructing such a Narrative Arc is not easy but it is mandatory. If you’re having a problem, I suggest first writing a rough chapter outline to chart out the rise and fall of your own arc.
Let me know if I can hep!
Take for example a typical YA novel. The 12-year-old heroine starts out an innocent girl, poised on the brink of challenges, opportunities and choices. But in many first draft manuscripts I see, the girl is in much the same place by page 100. Not enough has happened to her to see a change.
A successful Narrative Arc requires action
If there had been the necessary Narrative Arc structure, our heroine would have been tested and endured a series of adventures, figurative actions and meaningful experiences that would have left her more mature by the climactic epiphany. In a successful Narrative Arc, the hero or heroine is faced with dangerous threats, personal challenges, risky choices, major decisions, necessary feats of physical bravery, or emotionally powerful assaults from family or social pressure.
When I’m working with a writer who needs to strengthen the Narrative Arc, I go through the story scene by scene and find the gaps in the storyline, the moments in time when something needs to happen to get the central figure to the next level in the story.
I help with suggestions to insert within the story that target the character’s weakness or dramatize the symbolic threats from rivals, challenges from mentors, dangerous social stressors within the political or cultural context of the situation, opportunities to succeed or fail.
A good narrative arc needs to:
· start with a bang
· quickly rush to a level of action
· have moments of drama and suspense that keep rising in intensity
· sustain a high pitch
· level off by degrees
· gradually come slow into an emotionally satisfying resolution and conclusion
Constructing such a Narrative Arc is not easy but it is mandatory. If you’re having a problem, I suggest first writing a rough chapter outline to chart out the rise and fall of your own arc.
Let me know if I can hep!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Casting Calls...created by Daniella Ivette!
Ever wondered which celebrity may resemble any book character you like? I have, so here's my first try, based on Sherry Mauro's Devour Family Saga - Even Angels Fall, The Face of Heaven and Tangled Souls.
(I loved it, so I decided to post it here! Thanks, Daniella)
Helping Writers! SAMPLE OF A FICTION QUERY LETTER
THIS IS A SAMPLE OF A FICTION QUERY LETTER (good luck!)
Joe Smith
555 Lucky Drive
Writing, Ca
555-555-5555
April 12, 2009
Dear Mr. Literary Agent:
My name is Joseph Smith, I am seeking an agent for my 100,000 word horror novel entitled, “NIGHTMARE,” and would like to have you represent me in selling this to a publisher. I'd like to send you the manuscript, and am interested in your evaluation of its potential. I saw your agency listed on the Internet that indicated you would be interested in representing work similar to mine.
I believe my work resembles these acclaimed authors: Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Douglas Clegg. To help you decide if you might be interested in representing my ghost story, I've included a brief synopsis with this letter.
Brief Synopsis: The entire Redbird family was murdered in their beds, after they had only lived in the house for 10 days. The oldest son, Ron Redbird confesses to police that he heard voices within the house, and he was ordered to kill his family members. A year later, the house is sold to Tom and Katie George for a cheap price. They ask why so cheap, and they were told that the Redbird family was murdered in the house. Tom tells his wife that houses don't kill, people do. So they move in with their two children and start a new life. Unfortunately, their dream house becomes a nightmare. Katie begins to hear voices and the process starts all over again. The longer they are in the house, the worse it gets, and everything comes to a horrifying climax 10 days later.
I am a member of the Horrors Writers Association and belong to the Gothic RWA chapter. I attended Lucky College where I majored in Creative Writing and I have been writing fiction seriously for the last fifteen years. I have won first place in several short-story writing contests and I had an article published in the March 2003 edition of the Writers Organization Newsletter.
I would very much appreciate the opportunity to send you some sample chapters to review. Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely Yours,
Joe Smith
Joe Smith
555 Lucky Drive
Writing, Ca
555-555-5555
April 12, 2009
Dear Mr. Literary Agent:
My name is Joseph Smith, I am seeking an agent for my 100,000 word horror novel entitled, “NIGHTMARE,” and would like to have you represent me in selling this to a publisher. I'd like to send you the manuscript, and am interested in your evaluation of its potential. I saw your agency listed on the Internet that indicated you would be interested in representing work similar to mine.
I believe my work resembles these acclaimed authors: Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Douglas Clegg. To help you decide if you might be interested in representing my ghost story, I've included a brief synopsis with this letter.
Brief Synopsis: The entire Redbird family was murdered in their beds, after they had only lived in the house for 10 days. The oldest son, Ron Redbird confesses to police that he heard voices within the house, and he was ordered to kill his family members. A year later, the house is sold to Tom and Katie George for a cheap price. They ask why so cheap, and they were told that the Redbird family was murdered in the house. Tom tells his wife that houses don't kill, people do. So they move in with their two children and start a new life. Unfortunately, their dream house becomes a nightmare. Katie begins to hear voices and the process starts all over again. The longer they are in the house, the worse it gets, and everything comes to a horrifying climax 10 days later.
I am a member of the Horrors Writers Association and belong to the Gothic RWA chapter. I attended Lucky College where I majored in Creative Writing and I have been writing fiction seriously for the last fifteen years. I have won first place in several short-story writing contests and I had an article published in the March 2003 edition of the Writers Organization Newsletter.
I would very much appreciate the opportunity to send you some sample chapters to review. Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely Yours,
Joe Smith
Friday, March 13, 2009
Free Books!
Free book giveaway with
Please sign up at my MySpace Page and enter to win 2 free ebooks!
Put in your "Friend" request today and please spread the word!
Fans of authors, Stephenie Meyer / Twilight, P.C. & Kristen Cast, V.C. Andrews, and L.J. Smith will enjoy these books as well!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
TANGLED SOULS Review
RATING: 4 roses!
TANGLED SOULS
by Sherry Hall Mauro
January 2009
ISBN: 1-60610-934-0
It’s been a long wait, but the next installment of the Devour Family Saga is here. Tangled Souls by Sherry Hall Mauro takes the reader back to the Tate Mansion where; Readers may expect the same chilling atmosphere they remember from the previous books: Even Angels Fall and The Face of Heaven. The curse of the Devour women, the psychic link Sabrina as the thirteenth daughter has with the Tate Mansion, and now her daughter, Amelia Rose’s link wait to mesmerize in Tangled Souls.
Sabrina has just found out that her daughter can hear the house speak. Amelia says that the house’s name is Rambling Rose. Sabrina can’t speak to Richard about this new development. He does not want to hear anything about ghosts or haunted houses. While she is still trying to absorb the shock of Amelia’s announcement and deciding what action needs to be taken, Sabrina gets another bolt from the blue. Scarlett, Sabrina’s long lost twin sister, shows up on the doorstep at Tate Mansion. There is so much to take in added to the evil still haunting the house that Sabrina is not sure what to do next. But then a maid is injured by a specter and Sabrina insists Richard contact Dylan McGuire from Paranormal Researchers Group for help.
In Dylan, Sabrina has a friend. Someone who understands her and what she is going through while living in the mansion. In fact, he helps her understand herself. Dylan explains to Sabrina that he can’t do what needs to be done in the Tate Mansion. Only she can. She is the chosen one, the angelic warrior. It reaches the point where Sabrina no longer has a choice. She must conquer the evil residing in the house in order to save her daughter. Despite their history and the feelings they suppress, Dylan and Sabrina must focus on the job at hand.
In Tangled Souls readers find out more of the legend of Tate Mansion/Rambling Rose. While not original it is nonetheless interesting to see how the author incorporates it into Sabrina’s story. Sabrina struggles to make sense of her family, both the past and the present, while at the same time trying to find a way to save them. This book is action-packed. There were times I had to backtrack because things moved along so quickly.
However, first time readers should have no problem enjoying this story on its own.
-A Romance Review
Copyright @ 2001-2008 A Romance Review All Rights Reserved.
TANGLED SOULS
by Sherry Hall Mauro
January 2009
ISBN: 1-60610-934-0
It’s been a long wait, but the next installment of the Devour Family Saga is here. Tangled Souls by Sherry Hall Mauro takes the reader back to the Tate Mansion where; Readers may expect the same chilling atmosphere they remember from the previous books: Even Angels Fall and The Face of Heaven. The curse of the Devour women, the psychic link Sabrina as the thirteenth daughter has with the Tate Mansion, and now her daughter, Amelia Rose’s link wait to mesmerize in Tangled Souls.
Sabrina has just found out that her daughter can hear the house speak. Amelia says that the house’s name is Rambling Rose. Sabrina can’t speak to Richard about this new development. He does not want to hear anything about ghosts or haunted houses. While she is still trying to absorb the shock of Amelia’s announcement and deciding what action needs to be taken, Sabrina gets another bolt from the blue. Scarlett, Sabrina’s long lost twin sister, shows up on the doorstep at Tate Mansion. There is so much to take in added to the evil still haunting the house that Sabrina is not sure what to do next. But then a maid is injured by a specter and Sabrina insists Richard contact Dylan McGuire from Paranormal Researchers Group for help.
In Dylan, Sabrina has a friend. Someone who understands her and what she is going through while living in the mansion. In fact, he helps her understand herself. Dylan explains to Sabrina that he can’t do what needs to be done in the Tate Mansion. Only she can. She is the chosen one, the angelic warrior. It reaches the point where Sabrina no longer has a choice. She must conquer the evil residing in the house in order to save her daughter. Despite their history and the feelings they suppress, Dylan and Sabrina must focus on the job at hand.
In Tangled Souls readers find out more of the legend of Tate Mansion/Rambling Rose. While not original it is nonetheless interesting to see how the author incorporates it into Sabrina’s story. Sabrina struggles to make sense of her family, both the past and the present, while at the same time trying to find a way to save them. This book is action-packed. There were times I had to backtrack because things moved along so quickly.
However, first time readers should have no problem enjoying this story on its own.
-A Romance Review
Copyright @ 2001-2008 A Romance Review All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Why are we so obsessed with vampires?
Paranormal Romance is a supernatural force to be reckoned with. Packed with a menagerie of werewolves, ghosts, and assorted demons, its undisputed king is none other than the favorite centuries-old bloodsucker—the vampire.
Nosferatu: meaning vampire is a mythical creature that is said to survive on human blood; usually the vampire is reanimated or made undead by one means or another. Vampires are often described as having a wide variety of additional supernatural powers and romantic character traits, extremely inconsistent in different traditions, and are the frequent subject of folklore, cinema, and contemporary fiction. The old English spelling is “Vampyre.”
In popular western culture, vampires are mostly depicted as unaging, romantic, intelligent, and mystically endowed in many ways. The vampire typically has a variety of abilities at its disposal; these include great strength and immunity to any lasting effect of any injury by mundane means, with specific exceptions. Such as, the sunlight can kill them. They can also change into a mist, wolf, or a bat, and some can control the minds of others.
Very rarely are vampire stories about vampires.
They are often about desire, love, forbidden pleasures, secret fears that people are too scared or embarrassed to admit. Put it in the guise of a vampire, and you can talk about it. They are the perfect metaphor for anything that challenges you or makes you lose control. So…you create a creature with absolute control…or it appears to be in control.
Vampires are often thought of as the most romantic creature to grace cinema and/or literature…
Vampires are mythological or folkloric revenants who subsist by feeding on the blood of the living. In folkloric tales, the undead vampires often visited loved ones and caused mischief or deaths in the neighbourhoods they inhabited when they were alive. They wore shrouds and were often described as bloated and of ruddy or dark countenance, markedly different from today's gaunt, pale vampire which dates from the early Nineteenth Century. Although vampiric entities have been recorded in most cultures, the term vampire was not popularised until the early 18th century, after an influx of vampire superstition into Western Europe from areas where vampire legends were frequent, such as the Balkans and Eastern Europe,although local variants were also known by different names, such as vampir in Serbia, vrykolakas in Greece and strigoi in Romania. This increased level of vampire superstition in Europe led to mass hysteria and in some cases resulted in corpses actually being staked and people being accused of vampirism.
In modern times, however, the vampire is generally held to be a fictitious entity, although belief in similar vampiric creatures such as the chupacabra still persists in some cultures. Early folkloric belief in vampires has been ascribed to the ignorance of the body's process of decomposition after death and how people in pre-industrial societies tried to rationalise this, creating the figure of the vampire to explain the mysteries of death. Porphyria was also linked with legends of vampirism in 1985 and received much media exposure, but this link has since been largely discredited.
The charismatic and sophisticated vampire of modern fiction was born in 1819 with the publication of The Vampyre by John Polidori; the story was highly successful and arguably the most influential vampire work of the early 19th century.[2] However, it is Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula that is remembered as the quintessential vampire novel and provided the basis of the modern vampire legend. The success of this book spawned a distinctive vampire genre, still popular in the 21st century, with books, films, and television shows. The vampire has since become a dominant figure in the horror genre.
Nosferatu: meaning vampire is a mythical creature that is said to survive on human blood; usually the vampire is reanimated or made undead by one means or another. Vampires are often described as having a wide variety of additional supernatural powers and romantic character traits, extremely inconsistent in different traditions, and are the frequent subject of folklore, cinema, and contemporary fiction. The old English spelling is “Vampyre.”
In popular western culture, vampires are mostly depicted as unaging, romantic, intelligent, and mystically endowed in many ways. The vampire typically has a variety of abilities at its disposal; these include great strength and immunity to any lasting effect of any injury by mundane means, with specific exceptions. Such as, the sunlight can kill them. They can also change into a mist, wolf, or a bat, and some can control the minds of others.
Very rarely are vampire stories about vampires.
They are often about desire, love, forbidden pleasures, secret fears that people are too scared or embarrassed to admit. Put it in the guise of a vampire, and you can talk about it. They are the perfect metaphor for anything that challenges you or makes you lose control. So…you create a creature with absolute control…or it appears to be in control.
Vampires are often thought of as the most romantic creature to grace cinema and/or literature…
Vampires are mythological or folkloric revenants who subsist by feeding on the blood of the living. In folkloric tales, the undead vampires often visited loved ones and caused mischief or deaths in the neighbourhoods they inhabited when they were alive. They wore shrouds and were often described as bloated and of ruddy or dark countenance, markedly different from today's gaunt, pale vampire which dates from the early Nineteenth Century. Although vampiric entities have been recorded in most cultures, the term vampire was not popularised until the early 18th century, after an influx of vampire superstition into Western Europe from areas where vampire legends were frequent, such as the Balkans and Eastern Europe,although local variants were also known by different names, such as vampir in Serbia, vrykolakas in Greece and strigoi in Romania. This increased level of vampire superstition in Europe led to mass hysteria and in some cases resulted in corpses actually being staked and people being accused of vampirism.
In modern times, however, the vampire is generally held to be a fictitious entity, although belief in similar vampiric creatures such as the chupacabra still persists in some cultures. Early folkloric belief in vampires has been ascribed to the ignorance of the body's process of decomposition after death and how people in pre-industrial societies tried to rationalise this, creating the figure of the vampire to explain the mysteries of death. Porphyria was also linked with legends of vampirism in 1985 and received much media exposure, but this link has since been largely discredited.
The charismatic and sophisticated vampire of modern fiction was born in 1819 with the publication of The Vampyre by John Polidori; the story was highly successful and arguably the most influential vampire work of the early 19th century.[2] However, it is Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula that is remembered as the quintessential vampire novel and provided the basis of the modern vampire legend. The success of this book spawned a distinctive vampire genre, still popular in the 21st century, with books, films, and television shows. The vampire has since become a dominant figure in the horror genre.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Women’s Favorite Horror Novels are…
Werewolves? Vampires? Shape-shifters? Ghosts? They are all great fiction characters in the Paranormal Romance subgenre!
But it’s the vampire who is the ultimate bad boy. He’s one of the archetypes of fiction that has endured throughout centuries of romance and horror novels. The allure is simple, he’s the bad seed with the potential for redemption, if he meets the right girl, touch some part of the female mind, heart, soul that seeks out the guy in the long leather jacket. In romance books it's simple, its motorcycle guys, brooding guys, and now vampires, are bad boys with a dark secret. Some of them project an enduring strength; they have an inner turmoil born from sensitivity. A vulnerable guy with a tough outer shell makes a great romance hero, being neither too weak nor too bad to make him unlikable. He’s like a superhero.
But it’s the relationship between vampires and humans that's more complicated. In Vampire romance novels, their's is an unusual attraction sometimes governed by fear and love. Vampire or paranormal romance books (as they are usually called) come with an extra special advantage because of the element of love. Love the strongest emotion of all. There’s nothing more exciting than reading about how the emotion of love defies all obstacle and manages to conquer all. Vampires have base instincts that make it difficult for a moral girl to have a relationship with them, but they are nothing if not redeemable. Having a romance with a vampire tests the heroine in many ways and ultimately makes her a stronger person. Resisting temptation and fighting off bad guys usually are good components, both of which are of general interest to all girls.
The vampire romance books are suspenseful thrillers, and part of the appeal of the genre is that the sensitive feelings of these stereotypically evil yet romantic creatures are in direct opposition to their perceived nature. As the vampire/paranormal subgenre continue to gain readers, more writers are creating vampire heroes for the legions of fans! Like me! It explains why books like Meyer's "Twilight" are so darn popular!
Try my bad boy, Armand in my own supernatural love story: The Darkest Hour: http://www.lulu.com/content/5098728
HE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO MAKE BROOKE HIS BELOVED!
Brooke Vaughn is a heiress, having a passionate affair with her father’s mysterious attorney, Armand Vitalis, yet she is also drawn to her childhood friend, Caleb Taylor.
Caught in a bizarre love triangle, Brooke finds herself irresistibly attracted to Armand’s dark beauty and dangerous reputation, instead of falling for Caleb’s golden-looks and compassionate heart. And she soon finds herself torn between wanting them both. But her fears darken as Armand’s strange ways and mysterious past reveals itself…now her sixth sense is screaming that he posses supernatural powers and murderous intentions.
Drawn into the seductive, alluring world of the vampire, she must decide whether to accept Armand’s dark kiss of eternity or Caleb’s sweet promise of forever.
Because the darkest hour always comes before the dawn…
But it’s the vampire who is the ultimate bad boy. He’s one of the archetypes of fiction that has endured throughout centuries of romance and horror novels. The allure is simple, he’s the bad seed with the potential for redemption, if he meets the right girl, touch some part of the female mind, heart, soul that seeks out the guy in the long leather jacket. In romance books it's simple, its motorcycle guys, brooding guys, and now vampires, are bad boys with a dark secret. Some of them project an enduring strength; they have an inner turmoil born from sensitivity. A vulnerable guy with a tough outer shell makes a great romance hero, being neither too weak nor too bad to make him unlikable. He’s like a superhero.
But it’s the relationship between vampires and humans that's more complicated. In Vampire romance novels, their's is an unusual attraction sometimes governed by fear and love. Vampire or paranormal romance books (as they are usually called) come with an extra special advantage because of the element of love. Love the strongest emotion of all. There’s nothing more exciting than reading about how the emotion of love defies all obstacle and manages to conquer all. Vampires have base instincts that make it difficult for a moral girl to have a relationship with them, but they are nothing if not redeemable. Having a romance with a vampire tests the heroine in many ways and ultimately makes her a stronger person. Resisting temptation and fighting off bad guys usually are good components, both of which are of general interest to all girls.
The vampire romance books are suspenseful thrillers, and part of the appeal of the genre is that the sensitive feelings of these stereotypically evil yet romantic creatures are in direct opposition to their perceived nature. As the vampire/paranormal subgenre continue to gain readers, more writers are creating vampire heroes for the legions of fans! Like me! It explains why books like Meyer's "Twilight" are so darn popular!
Try my bad boy, Armand in my own supernatural love story: The Darkest Hour: http://www.lulu.com/content/5098728
HE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO MAKE BROOKE HIS BELOVED!
Brooke Vaughn is a heiress, having a passionate affair with her father’s mysterious attorney, Armand Vitalis, yet she is also drawn to her childhood friend, Caleb Taylor.
Caught in a bizarre love triangle, Brooke finds herself irresistibly attracted to Armand’s dark beauty and dangerous reputation, instead of falling for Caleb’s golden-looks and compassionate heart. And she soon finds herself torn between wanting them both. But her fears darken as Armand’s strange ways and mysterious past reveals itself…now her sixth sense is screaming that he posses supernatural powers and murderous intentions.
Drawn into the seductive, alluring world of the vampire, she must decide whether to accept Armand’s dark kiss of eternity or Caleb’s sweet promise of forever.
Because the darkest hour always comes before the dawn…
Friday, February 6, 2009
It's Valentine's Day Again!
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Happy Valentine's Day!
What does Valentine's Day mean to you? It is hard to be indifferent to this holiday, which seems to come around with surprising speed. No sooner have social arrangements for Christmas and the New Year been negotiated, than the fourteenth of February is upon us once more.
Perhaps you are able to scoff at the site of a pair of chocolate bears kissing each other, and the other items covered with red hearts, which fill the windows of the stores. So many of these items for sale are a far cry from the single red rose heralding the simple message ‘I love you' or even the unsigned card, which may drop through your letterbox, but leaves you guessing who the secret admirer is. Valentines is a day to celebrate your loved ones or an excuse to have a romantic evening with your honey. So, I hope you all have a wonderful day with your sweetie! But more importantly….
FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Since 1963, February has been declared American Heart Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke – the nation’s first and third leading causes of death, respectively.
Throughout the month, funds are raised for increased research and education. This month also marks the third annual “Go Red for Women” initiative, designed to raise public awareness of the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women, claiming more women’s lives than the next six causes of death combined.
THE ABCs OF PREVENTING HEART DISEASE AND STROKE
Cardiovascular diseases can often be prevented, so understanding theses diseases and their causes is life-saving information. The American Heart Association recommends these three simple steps to reduce ALL the modifiable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke:
Avoid tobacco Become more active Choose good nutrition Other actions recommended to reduce risk factors include: Reduce blood cholesterol by lowering intake of saturated and trans fat, exercising, or medication.
Reduce high blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication. Be physically active every day. Research has shown that getting 30–60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Aim for a healthy weight to reduce risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, a precursor of type 2 diabetes. Manage diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of diabetes-related death. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Reduce stress. Some scientists have noted a relationship between coronary heart disease risk and stress in a person's life that may affect the risk factors for heart disease.
Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, cause heart failure and lead to stroke. Be healthy! Be wise!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
Sherry Mauro's Frequently Asked Questions!
Your new series involves some controversy subjects. Do you believe in ghosts and haunted houses?
Yes. Absolutely. There is true good and evil in the world. I believe in God, angels, and real goodness. I believe that you can’t have one without the other—if there is good—there must be evil.
Have you ever experienced anything, which made you waver in your disbelief?
I’ve never had a supernatural experience, and I’ve never heard or seen anything I would consider to be solid evidence.
Why are so many people credulous about ghost stories?
Some people can’t believe in something you can’t see or touch. But faith is believing in something you can’t see or touch—but something you know from within. Others really want to believe in something beyond this reality—this world. We all do, it’s a natural human need to believe there’s something beyond our own lives that something exists after death. I explore that in my Devour Family saga series: EVEN ANGELS FALL, THE FACE of HEAVEN, and TANGLED SOULS.
Does this impact on your religious beliefs?
Many people think that if you’re a rationalist, you can’t believe in God. I’m a practicing Christian. Religion or belief has to operate by faith alone. Our need to believe in something beyond ourselves is very great.
What is the essence of a good horror tale?
A good horror tale is something that makes you shiver, and not necessarily something that repulses you. I think a good scary story is based on good verus evil, it makes you question your own beliefs. A good suspenseful story is something you think about later—not just at night but in broad daylight. It gives you a sense of unease, of wanting to sleep with a light on.
What’s the scariest movie you saw in recent years?
Ah, the movie "Jeepers Creepers" had a really freaky looking demon in it, that was pretty scary. But I don’t like "slasher" films. They’ve replaced terror with blood and gore. I like suspense. I enjoyed "Twilight" and the "Underworld" films a lot. I have a complete list on my MySpace page: www.myspace.com/authorsherry
What first drew you to the horror genre?
I’ve always loved it. My brother and I loved scary movies as kids. We would go to horror matinees and we would watch them on TV. We watched Creature Features every week. Then I started to read the genre, and I just gobbled it up. When it came time for me to write, it was only natural that I would start with horror.
What do you like to call what you do now?
I like to call it fiction. My stories are a mixture of genres: horror, romance, urban fantasy, paranormal. Categorization has its dangers, I’ve discovered.
So if you don’t want to be known as a horror writer, how would you like your readers to perceive you?
If readers look on me as a writer who tells an enjoyable story with realistic characters, whom find themselves in strange circumstances that they can identify with, that’s enough. Its entertainment. Its not supposed to be totally realistic! Its supposed to be an escape—a safe adventure. If they want to think of me as a horror writer, that’s fine. If they want to think of me as a romance writer, that’s fine too. Sometimes, you tend to become known as the writer of a certain kind of fiction. It can be stifling to what you want to write.
How do you describe your writing process?
I don’t know. Really, I’m not self-analytical at all. I don’t like to spoil what, I still consider a kind of magical process. I’m very meticulous when it comes to constructing and plotting my stories. But once I start writing, I kind of let things go. I let things happen and let my subconscious take over. My characters take over, I guess; sometimes I think that’s how the best writing comes out. Of course, it requires a lot of revisions afterwards.
Where and how do you get your inspiration?
Everywhere! TV shows, movies, books, dreams or just experiences I’ve had. It generally starts with a dream. I feel very much attuned to dreams. Once I have the plot idea, I try to develop the main character and secondary characters and go from there.
Do story ideas strike you at odd moments?
Of course! When that happens, it’s wonderful. I do get ideas at the oddest times. And I need to write them down before I forget them. I’ll even get up in the middle of the night!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Single, Working Moms...hardest job of all!
Single, Working Moms…have the hardest job of all!
This morning the topic for my blog was inspired by my children...
I awoke to the touch of someone tapping my shoulder and dragging me from my wonderful dream involving hottie movie star, Ryan Reynolds and pried one eye open to notice my daughter standing over me.
And then, the words that every mother dreads…“Momma, I don’t feel so good...”
Oh crap! My ears heard what she had said but my brain was obviously still in dream mode. She started hacking, coughing, and clutching her stomach.
So, I ask a stupid question, "Do you feel like you're going to throw up?"
"Okay."
And then she proceeded to throw up all over me and the floor.If you’re a single working woman who has never had the pleasure of waking up at an ungodly hour to get children ready for school and yourself off to work, then have something throw off your routine—then count yourself lucky, indeed. But if you love your kids—like I do—then it’s worth it…or at least that’s what you keep telling yourself on hectic mornings like these!
So, you put on a smile and then go directly into "Drill Sergeant Mommy" mode! This mode helps the mother get puking child into shower, the carpet cleaned, order other child to get dressed and get herself into shower because showing up at work with vomit on you is frowned upon—who knew?
Once breakfast is finished, lunches are packed and the mini-me’s are loaded into the car; it is the "NASCAR Driving Mom" mode—to get my son to school on time. As I am racing towards the school, breaking most traffic laws, my youngest tells me that she is feeling much better now—and to confirm I look over at her smiling face.
Then she asks if I can stay home from work with her. I say, of course, but mentally think about the day’s pay I’m going to be out—then quickly brush the thought aside as I look into her soft, pleading eyes.
So, I get my son to school and go home, and watch in amazement as my mini-me offspring is now bouncing off the walls and running around the house as if she didn’t just reenact the pea soup routine. I guess it’s all in a day’s work…*sigh*
Right, because that’s what we as single, working moms tell ourselves…all in a day’s work!
This morning the topic for my blog was inspired by my children...
I awoke to the touch of someone tapping my shoulder and dragging me from my wonderful dream involving hottie movie star, Ryan Reynolds and pried one eye open to notice my daughter standing over me.
And then, the words that every mother dreads…“Momma, I don’t feel so good...”
Oh crap! My ears heard what she had said but my brain was obviously still in dream mode. She started hacking, coughing, and clutching her stomach.
So, I ask a stupid question, "Do you feel like you're going to throw up?"
"Okay."
And then she proceeded to throw up all over me and the floor.If you’re a single working woman who has never had the pleasure of waking up at an ungodly hour to get children ready for school and yourself off to work, then have something throw off your routine—then count yourself lucky, indeed. But if you love your kids—like I do—then it’s worth it…or at least that’s what you keep telling yourself on hectic mornings like these!
So, you put on a smile and then go directly into "Drill Sergeant Mommy" mode! This mode helps the mother get puking child into shower, the carpet cleaned, order other child to get dressed and get herself into shower because showing up at work with vomit on you is frowned upon—who knew?
Once breakfast is finished, lunches are packed and the mini-me’s are loaded into the car; it is the "NASCAR Driving Mom" mode—to get my son to school on time. As I am racing towards the school, breaking most traffic laws, my youngest tells me that she is feeling much better now—and to confirm I look over at her smiling face.
Then she asks if I can stay home from work with her. I say, of course, but mentally think about the day’s pay I’m going to be out—then quickly brush the thought aside as I look into her soft, pleading eyes.
So, I get my son to school and go home, and watch in amazement as my mini-me offspring is now bouncing off the walls and running around the house as if she didn’t just reenact the pea soup routine. I guess it’s all in a day’s work…*sigh*
Right, because that’s what we as single, working moms tell ourselves…all in a day’s work!
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