Author Notes on THE COMING

I’ve always been fascinated in paranormal/the occult/science fiction--you name it. Old TV shows like “One Step Beyond”, “Outer Limits”, and “Twilight Zone” were my staples, along with Creature Features and Chiller Theatre! So having this background, it was no surprise when I started writing that I tackled some of the unexplained mysteries on this planet. With THE COMING, my award-winning paranormal romantic suspense, I wanted to come up with a plausible idea to explain what was going on with the notorious Bermuda Triangle. This novel is not a typical time travel, because the hero, Jack Harrington, is a World War II fighter pilot stranded for what he believes is five years in the Bermuda Triangle. The modern-day heroine, Larissa Parish, becomes stranded there as well, and is astonished to find out that he’s her grandfather’s best friend.

IMPOSSIBLE LOVE: After scattering her beloved grandfather’s ashes in the Caribbean, Larissa Parish is swept overboard and washes up on a deserted island. She comes face to face with a man who, most impossibly, is her grandfather’s cohort from World War II. Can she learn to fully give herself to this mouthwatering 40s hunk… and also figure a way to leave this outpost in the Bermuda Triangle?

DIFFERENT GENERATIONS: Army Air Force pilot, Jack Harrington, can’t believe his good luck when he spots Larissa in the waters by his desert island. Stranded for what he believes is five years, he thinks her daft because she seems to have forgotten World War II. Can he come to terms with the news that he’s a “1940s retread” and convince himself that Larissa could love him, no matter how “old” he is?

Artist’s proof copy of cover

Can logical Larissa find true love... in the Bermuda Triangle??

If you look at the angle of the B-17 Army Air Force bomber (above), you might question whether there would be any survivors in the crash. Since there most certainly are, I asked the cover artist to lessen the angle for the landing. This is the result:

Can logical Larissa figure a way out of the Bermuda Triangle and

take a hunky World War II pilot with her?

Amazon.com eBook and Amazon.com Print

THE COMING has been published with Awe-Struck Publishing from the beginning. I’m thrilled that my paranormal romantic suspense is the WINNER of the Dream Realm Speculative Fiction/Romance award!

Here is a picture of the lovely crystal trophy.

With such an honor, who wouldn’t want to party?! I set up a virtual Dream Realm Award party and, guess what? It’s still going on!!! If you’d like to stop by, just click on this link.

THE COMING has gotten wonderful reviews including many 5 Star reviews from Romance Junkies, Goodreads, and Happily Ever After. This novel has also appeared as #1 on the Fictionwise.com Best Seller List.

This book is part of the Uncanny Paranormals line.

And here’s a *little* something from my life experiences. I had the great good fortune to go to the 1965 New York World’s Fair--not once but many times. It was a fabulous opportunity for fun and for learning. A once-in-a-lifetime event for me multiplied by however many times I went. Twelve, maybe? Anyway, in THE COMING, Jack Harrington actually went to the 1939 New York World’s Fair where he was fortunate enough to view one of the first television sets.

The Official Guide to the 1965 New York World’s Fair--in less than pristine condition!

Below is a passage from THE COMING. Scene Setup: Larissa is stranded on a desert island along with Jack and his crew, including Danny and Ian, from a B-17 bomber that crashed in 1943. She has an idea to escape and is trying to convince the men to give her plan a try.

Larissa hurried to explain. “You see, very often, the solution to a problem turns out to be right under our noses. We all arrived on the island after going through peculiar storms in the sea, right? Most likely those were magnetic storms. If maybe we could wait until conditions were the same, until a storm appeared again, then we could just go back into the sea the way we came. And maybe, fingers crossed, we’d then come out on the other side of wherever this place is.”

Phew! A grueling twelve hour day at work wasn’t as hard as convincing this audience.

For some reason, Jack frowned. A terrible frown. It curled her toes, causing her to shudder.

“I guess you don’t think much of my idea, Jack. But it’s the only way out for us that I can think of.”

He almost grunted. “Why do you think it’s your job to come up with an escape?”

Danny punched his captain’s arm. “What difference does that make? Hey, I’m tired of waiting. It might work. It might be a real chance to go home. I can’t wait to see my family!” His Adam’s apple bounced up and down. “Is there anything we can do to bring on a magnetic storm?”

Sadness filled Larissa’s heart. She didn’t understand Jack. He should’ve been ecstatic at such a simple plan. Sure, it had risks, but wouldn’t he rather try to escape than continue on here... indefinitely?

She started cleanup duty to busy her hands. “Well, every now and then, the sun goes through a cycle which affects the magnetic field on earth. Sometimes the ‘sun storm’ that’s created is carried by solar wind, hitting our planet and disrupting electronic transmissions. We’re in such a cycle now, so maybe we should be on the lookout for that eerie fog.”

Danny furrowed his brow. “Electronic transmissions? You mean like our radio dispatches?”

Nodding, she then washed her hands in the lagoon. “And phone calls, and television signals, you know--”

Ian crinkled up his face. “What’s television?”

Oh goodness. She bit her lower lip. How could she have forgotten television was in its infancy in 1943? In fact, it only was officially “born” in 1939 at the New York World’s Fair.

Jack rose to his feet. “It’s no big deal. Television is just a big wooden box with about a seven-inch viewing screen showing moving images and sounds. Kind of like a miniature motion picture theater.”

Ian made a low whistle and stared at his captain.

Jack continued, “Yeah, I was at the ’39 World’s Fair, at the RCA exhibit, and watched the president...” He darted his gaze to Larissa. “... Roosevelt, you know, give a speech at the opening ceremony.” Then he slid his gaze away.

Something very odd was going on, but whatever it was, she had no clue.

I hope you enjoy this Larissa and Jack’s intriguing story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

Author Notes on A NOBLE DILEMMA

Who represents Regency England better than author Jane Austen? When she first started her writing career, she kept her identity from the public by calling herself, “THE AUTHOR”. Simply put: in Jane’s day, a lady DID NOT ruin her reputation by writing for publication.

Of course, word of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY’s mysterious author eventually got out. For example, one of Jane’s brothers liked to boast. Still, her identity wasn’t common knowledge until after her death. In 1816 however, the Prince Regent himself became an admirer. The future George IV even hinted that he would like Jane to dedicate her new novel, EMMA, to him. Jane very reluctantly complied, coming up with this gem:

Wikisource: Austen - Emma, vol. I, 1816.

So what does Jane Austen’s secret “hobby” have to do with A NOBLE DILEMMA? Plenty! This Regency romance is poverty-stricken Bethany Branford’s story, and her desire to support herself through her published writing. Naturally, she views Jane Austen as an inspiration. It was such fun for me to be Bethany’s chronicler of her experiences in the big city of London.

WHAT WOULD JANE AUSTEN DO??

Bethany has been taking care of Great Aunt Cordelia for five years. When her aunt passes away, Bethany is without a home.

A distant relation, David, the Earl of Ingraham, comes to her rescue by offering her a London Season so she can attract an eligible suitor.

Bethany has other plans for her future--writing a novel. If her secret is discovered, it will scandalize not only Polite Society, but also David, whom she has grown to love.

Will Bethany find a solution to this noble dilemma?

A NOBLE DILEMMA soon became part of the Aurora Regency Line with Aspen Mountain Press. It also was selected to be part of a Regency four-book bundle.

 Aspen Mountain Press’ cover for A NOBLE DILEMMA

Alas, you’ve probably figured out what happens next. The publisher went out of business. But good news: another publisher, Musa Publishing, bought the Aurora Regency line. This novel continued to garner great reviews like, “This is a classically crafted Regency Romance with likable characters and an easy to follow plot.” Coffee Time Romance and More.

Musa Publishing’s cover for A NOBLE DILEMMA

But, once again, after several years, this publisher closed its doors, too. So I recently arranged for A NOBLE DILEMMA to be available at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, along with other internet sites.

Bethany has a guilty secret that if discovered, will scandalize Polite Society and her new love, the Earl of Ingraham. What would Jane Austen do??

Amazon.com and Smashwords.com

Here is a book trailer for A NOBLE DILEMMA:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2fQEGk7zhU

  

This book is part of the prestigious Elegant Regencies line.

For my real life connection, I’m going to depart from my usual personal tidbit to give you a character interview for Bethany, the main character. She does refer to me in her interview, so you can see her take on me as the author! Have fun!

Character Interview For Bethany Brandford, soon to marry

David Greyle, the Earl of Ingraham.

***Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Bethany. Why do you think Susanne Marie Knight chose you to represent her?

And thank you! It’s lovely to be here, I assure you! As for my dear fellow author, Susanne, I believe she chose me to speak on her behalf because we have so much in common. I do love to write, you see, and who understands a writer better than another writer? Although I must say, my tastes run to works that are more gothic than what Susanne writes.

***Tell us a little about yourself?

I am starting a new chapter in my life, you know. Soon I will be wed to my most darling David. Before London, I lived in Bamburgh, Northumberland--just south of the Scottish border. I took care of dear Great Aunt Cordelia, and she, of course, took care of me when I was orphaned at the tender age of ten and six. Oh, the stories I could tell of my adventures in Bamburgh! I’ve stored up a vast amount of material to draw upon in my future books. I especially wish to write about Mr. Jarvis, the local blacksmith, who was quite a colorful... and persistent character. Did you know he had a tendency to linger his sooty fingers against my only pair of worn, but clean gloves?

***What is your birth date?

June 2^nd, in the year 1795, if you must know! Susanne tells me I was born under the sign of Gemini, and that explains my desire to write. In truth, I have no idea what she is talking about, but then, after all, she *is* the author of my tale!

***Is there anything you wish Susanne Marie Knight had kept her mouth shut about?

Goodness no! How rude that would be of me, to criticize my author. However, if *only* she would have allowed me to insert more of my work-in-progress in A NOBLE DILEMMA. His Royal Highness, Prince Augustus, is quite enchanted with my writing, you know!

***Do you feel you were portrayed fairly?

Most certainly yes! I can honestly say that I felt myself coming to life as Susanne put goose-quill pen to paper.

***Tell us about David Greyle, the Earl of Ingraham. What drew you to him?

David is the most agreeable man I have ever known. Indeed, I am of the opinion that he must be the handsomest man alive! Oh, he makes my maiden heart flutter. And so kind and good-natured, too. Am I not the luckiest woman?

***What do you do to relax?

Goodness! I have no need to relax! Now that I am soon to be the Countess of Ingraham, all my needs are taken care of. What I want to do now is to have fun with my David.

***What’s your biggest turn ons?

Turn on? I beg your pardon? Oh, what things am I excessively fond of--I see. I love romantic carriage rides in Hyde Park, with David handling the reins. Oh yes, and waltzing with my one true love is like heaven on earth!

***What are your biggest Turn offs?

Any day without David!

***What’s your favorite Ice cream flavor, Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?

Any flavor of ices that are available at Gunter’s is, how do you say, is a turn on for me!

***Do you believe in ghosts?

Maybe. The bigger question is, do they believe in me?

***What is your biggest fear?

I would say my biggest fear is running out of writing paper when I am in the middle of a project. Goodness, what a calamity that would be! My future husband, however, assures me there is no chance of that happening. I own I must be the most fortunate girl in London.

I see my interview time is up! My thanks to Aurora Regency/Aspen Mountain Press for arranging this interview. I do enjoy chatting with you all and I hope everyone enjoys A NOBLE DILEMMA!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to me here. I hope you enjoy Bethany and David’ story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist! 

Author Notes on “Grand-mère’s Sainte Bleu”

Ready for another very short story (or VERY short story as some would say)? Here’s the inside scoop on newly-released “Grand-mère’s Sainte Bleu”. The word count is over 3,200 words, and Amazon estimates the book length to be seventeen pages. It sells for 99 cents.

Short Story Alert: As with all of my *very* short stories, I’d like to reduce the amount, however 99 cents is the lowest I’m allowed to go on Amazon and Smashwords. Again, periodically Smashwords holds a sale, and I can set the price to free at that time, so do check on the link every now and then.

Okay, now back to the good stuff. “Grand-mère’s Sainte Bleu”, a contemporary fantasy tale, started out as part of an anthology. Several authors planned to write short stories in different genres with the common theme of a magical portrait painting. Mine is set in contemporary times: a grandmother tells her granddaughter about when she first saw the “magic” portrait, back in the 1940s.

The anthology never came to fruition--another common theme! I then submitted the story to a lovely new magazine.

They were excited to publish “Grand-mère’s Sainte Bleu”. But alas, the story was never released because the magazine folded. So once again, I thought about what I would do with this charming tale, and when the opportunity came to include it in my anthology LUCKY 13, I did. LUCKY 13 is no longer available electronically, but still available in print from my website.

Thirteen delightful stories for your reading pleasure by Susanne Marie Knight

And now I have re-released it electronically as a single!

After a young girl touches the special portrait hanging in her grandmother’s house, the grandmother tells how she met her true love at a USO dance during World War II.

Amazon.com and Smashwords

This short story is part of the Romantic Contemporaries line.

Real life tidbit: Grand-mère’s house on Staten Island, New York, New York, is modeled on my great-uncle’s house, also on Staten Island. I lived in the Bronx, not Yonkers, as Simone does, and I always loved the exciting trip down to ride the ferryboat over to the house. Recently, I found a picture of the front of the house where you can see those majestic lions Simone mentions. No, I’m not in this photo--I wasn’t even a twinkle in my father’s eye at that time! Another tidbit: my mother did meet my Navy father at a USO dance!

Scene set up: The story is written in Simone’s first person point of view. This is the beginning of the story where she describes her grandmother’s house.

I love visiting my grandmother’s house, or Grand-mère, as she likes to be called. Everything about the trip to her home is a mysterious adventure, like the long car drive from Yonkers through the Bronx and Manhattan. And the thrilling ferry ride to Staten Island, passing by the Statue of Liberty and leaning over the boat railing to stare into the deep waters of the harbor.

Grand-mère’s house is huge, with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. As we live in an apartment, Grand-mère’s house is the closest thing to a mansion that I know. White marble lions guard the front entrance, the backyard is a jungle overflowing with grapes from the finest vineyards in France, and the detached garage has been changed into a humongous dining room, to accommodate all of the Broussard family.

The inside of the house is just as wonderful. But maybe the most fascinating place is the front room. In all my Sunday visits to the house, not once do I ever see anyone actually use the front room. I think it’s rather like a museum--look but don’t touch.

So that’s the story on this Flash Fiction (really short stories!) tale. I hope you enjoy Simone and Jeanette’s story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!