Why Wolves? Comment to Win

Whenever I discuss my latest book, Sloane Wolf, people often ask me, Why Wolves? And I have to say, why not? Wolves are fantastic creatures that mate for life and are truly faithful to their mates (from what I've read), and we humans could learn a lot from them.

As it pertains to my book, however, it was rather serendipitous that I ended up writing about wolves. I didn't intentionally set out to do so, but a series of events conspired to make it happen. The first event came in the form of a book that was ultimately made into a movie that got me to thinking - and anybody who knows me can tell you that when I get to thinking, things begin to happen...in a writing sense that is! I can turn the smallest nugget of an idea into a story, if motivated enough to do so, and that is how this story started out, as just a nugget. So there I was, inspired by this other book/movie enough that certain scenes kept kicking up in my head (ahem, fight scene), but content just to imagine it in my head.

Until event number two happened. That would be a contest that an electronic publishing company was running with the theme of - you guessed it - wolves. And so I thought, why not? I had some interesting scenes kicking around in my head, the contest was for a novella length story, so I had enough to accomplish that. And with the help of event number three - discovering an article about gray wolves returning to Massachusetts after a100-plus year absence - a true story began to formulate with legends of wolves and why they "reappeared" in the state after such a long absence. Wow, I thought, this was really going to be something, if I could get it all together in time.

Trouble was, once I started writing, I just kept on writing and I over-shot the word count. One thing I forgot when I set out to enter this contest: I have never been able to write short. I keep trying, but I usually have so much to say, it doesn't conform well to short stories or novellas. Not wanting to cut anything to fit the guidelines, I simply finished the book for me. And by the time I was finished with it, I knew that I had to try to get it published anyway, I felt that strong about it. And after several fits and starts, I finally found the right publisher for it in Muse it Up Publishing.

So there you have it. The serendipitous events that led to the birth of Sloane Wolf.

Now for the Giveaway:

Comment on this post with an email (so I can contact you) and you will be entered to win an electronic copy of Sloane Wolf. You can also comment on either one of my previous posts here on Goddess Fish Pavilion, come back here and tell me you did, and get an extra entry.

Shiloh Beck - First Kiss

Shiloh nearly leapt off the sill as his hand touched her knee. It took every ounce of willpower she possessed to remain seated and appear undaunted by the gesture. “I am…much better now…thank you,” she said, becoming more unnerved by the presence of his hand by the minute. Oh, this was not good, not good at all. The longer it remained there, the stronger her impulse to bolt became. Oh, no…

What was it about this man that rattled her so and with so little effort on his part? Sharing the same air with him was enough to send her pulses to the moon—and her mind somewhere else, something new for her. Being this attracted to a man was beyond her realm of experience. She didn’t know what to do with it—or about it. Should she do anything? Should she pretend indifference? And why wasn’t he so deeply affected? It wasn’t fair.

Still confused, she gave him a weak smile, intent on backing up her previous claim with the gesture. She feared it failed miserably. When Micah returned her smile and lifted his hand from her knee, she felt precisely one second of relief before he shook her world again by caressing her face in parting. She stumbled
back against the frame of the window, her lips parting on a startled breath as a lightning bolt shot through her at his touch. Something flickered in his eyes at her reaction—pain, perhaps—and he retracted his hand, balling it into a fist as he turned away from her, preparing to depart.

In an instant, she realized her mistake. Along with it came the knowledge she couldn’t let him go away angry or upset. After everything he and his family had done for her, she owed him that much. She grabbed him by the shirtfront to stop him, and a shock of awareness shot from her hand directly into his heart, just beneath it. She could see it in the gaze he leveled on her then, could hear it in his breath trapped within his lungs, feel it in the missed beat of his heart. But then, all sense abandoned her, and her heart skipped a beat as he held her hand firmly to his chest with one of his own and lifted the other to her head, anchoring it against the window frame. Slowly, his eyes never straying from hers, he leaned across the space separating them. His lips brushed hers, like a whisper, before he withdrew, tilted his head to the side, and advanced again. This time the kiss was fuller, penetrating her every defense, both physical and emotional, but still not long enough for her. He retreated once again after a fraction of time and hovered before her, scarcely an inch away. Watching her. Waiting.

Her heart beating a frantic tempo now, Shiloh abandoned all of her reservations and her good sense to swoop in for a more vigorous kiss. So vigorous, in fact, she knocked him off his perch through the open window. Only quick reflexes honed to perfection at the Institute prevented her from tumbling after him.
Bracing herself against the sill, she leaned out the window as far as she was able and watched his descent from the slanted roof to the ground below. She lost sight of him the moment he slid beyond the reach of the light from her window. But then she heard him land with a thud —and a howl—on the ground in front of the back porch when he failed to catch himself on the roof edge. She clasped a hand over her mouth to silence her reaction and waited. When he didn’t rouse right away, panic shot through her and she leaned out another few inches.

“Micah? Are you okay?”

“Fine,” he answered after a few moments, appearing beyond the overhang of the roof as if to prove it to her. “Nothing hurt but what’s left of my pride.”

Relief coursed through her at his statement, and she allowed herself the laugh she’d literally held back before. Her mirth was cut short, however, by his next words.

“Hey, Shiloh! We’ve got to stop falling for each other like this.”

His laughter followed her as she ducked back into the room. She could still hear it even after she closed the window, though not as well. Oh, Lord. She rested against the cool pane of glass and touched her still-tingling lips with shaky fingers. Was she? Falling for him? Was that what this crazy-mad feeling inside of her was?

The question plagued her long into the night.


Sloane Wolf by Margay Leah Justice
Available at Amazon and Muse It Up Publishing

Interview With Shiloh Beck from Sloane Wolf

Here is an interview empath Shiloh Beck did with author Kay Dee Royal:


KDR ~ Welcome Shiloh Beck, star of Sloane Wolf, a paranormal romance story. First let me say I’ve read your story and think Margay did an excellent creative job with it. I’m sure you feel the same about it…hopefully she got all the details right.

Please tell us a bit about your abilities.

I wish I could. Sometimes, I don’t understand them myself. All I know for sure is I can sense what others are feeling. Whatever they feel, I feel, to. Sometimes, I can even see the images in their minds – if I let myself. The Institute was trying to teach me how to turn that outward – to reverse the process, so to speak, and inflict certain feelings upon other people – but I don’t like talking about that.

KDR ~ Can you explain what The Institute is?

I’m not sure what, exactly, The Institute is. To me, it’s the place where I grew up, the place that kept me from my family. It’s the place where others like me are brought to cultivate our “gifts,” so we can learn how to live in the outside world with people who aren’t gifted. Funny thing is, none of us are allowed out into the outside world, so we never truly learn to adapt.

KDR ~ Tell us about Micah Stone. He seems a bit egotistical…or should I say, somewhat bossy.

You can say whatever you like because you’re right – on both points. Micah is somewhat bossy, but I guess he has good reason to be with a family like his. Someone has to keep his siblings in check and since he’s the oldest…let’s just say he takes that whole “leader of the pack” thing a bit too literal sometimes. As for egotistical, yes, I suppose he is, but have you seen him? I mean, really, the guy has good reason – but don’t tell him I said that. He’s hard enough to deal with as it is!

KDR ~ Can you give us a brief description of Sloane’s family?

I can try! Should I start from the top? Damon and Dara are just the most wonderful people you’d ever want to meet. Kind, caring, and very close to their children – all of their children. Aunt Reba…I don’t really know a lot about her, but she’s kind of intimidating. I wouldn’t want to cross her. You already know about Micah. So on to Cam. He’s a bit of a hothead, but when it comes right down to it, you couldn’t ask for a better person to have your back. Raven is the best – everything you’d want in your best girl friend. I can’t think of adequate enough words to describe her. Loyal, intense, beautiful? Yeah, those all fit, but she’s so much more. Grayson is the quiet one so when he speaks, you really listen. He’s wise beyond his years and just as fierce and loyal as his brothers. Another good one to have at your back in a crisis. And then there’s Ava, my little darling. Yeah, she can be a pain and is so eager to grow up and be a part of things, she often gets herself into a whole lot of trouble, but she really is a good kid. I think that covers them all.

KDR ~ So what was it like meeting Micah for the first time?

Hmm, it was…interesting. I mean, he’s so good looking, you kind of feel like he can’t possibly be real. So when we first met, I have a feeling I wasn’t very coherent! And he noticed, which made it more embarrassing. I think I stared a lot, too. Ugh. But then he turned on the arrogant attitude, so it kind of broke the spell a little.


KDR ~ What attracted you to the Massachusetts area?

It’s home. I’ve always lived in the state and, really, with the changing seasons and all, why would I want to live anywhere else?


KDR ~ I loved the ending of this book, but there’s more to your story, Shiloh. Would you give us a little heads up on what we can expect next?

You’d like that, wouldn’t you? I’ve heard how eager you are to know more! Let’s just say that, ever since I ended up in the hospital after the confrontation with Jon, I’ve been having a lot of strange dreams. But the thing is…they’re not my dreams. They’re someone else’s.

KDR ~ So tell us Shiloh, how is it to work with Margay? Did she do a good job of telling your story as it happened OR was she attempting to embellish it all?

Sometimes it’s scary how close she gets to the truth of things. I’ve tried my best to keep it to myself – sometimes knowledge is dangerous, you know – but she has a way of pulling it out of you. She’s relentless. She won’t stop until she gets to the bottom of things and that kind of makes me worry where this might all lead. I know the Institute isn’t done with me – the Enforcer is still alive, after all, so I know he’ll be back – and I don’t think I’ve seen the end of the black wolf, either. He’s connected to me in some mysterious, familiar way, and I know Margay won’t stop until she knows everything. I just hope she knows what she’s in for. It’s not wise to tangle with the Institute. And embellish? Oh, no. I think she downplayed it.


KDR ~ Where can we find Margay Leah Justice ~ we know where ever she is, you’ll be lurking nearby. Please give us Margay’s links & buy pages.

Well, aren’t you the little detective! Are you taking lessons from Margay? I suppose I’ll have to be on my guard with you, too. I’ll add you to the list with Raven, Ava and Margay!

Oh, okay, here are some of her favorite haunts (see I know about her, too):

http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/

http://moonlightlacemayhem.blogspot.com/


http://twitter.com/Margay

http://www.facebook.com/MargayLeahJustice

http://www.myspace.com/margay1122

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=242&category_id=107&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1


Quickie Quiz
Getting to know … Shiloh Beck ~ star of Sloane Wolf

2 Things you do to relax:
Relax, what’s that? Okay, okay! Work out at the gym and read.

Favorite sport to watch:
Not much of a sports person, but maybe, soccer?

Cat or Dog:
Love both, though I’ve never had either one. Do I really have to pick?

Favorite places to write:
In a quiet little corner somewhere.

Place you’ve always wanted to go, but haven’t:
Paris, France

Breakfast drink:
 Coffee

Favorite season ~ why:

Fall – love when the leaves change color. So beautiful!

What are your hobbies /past times:
I don’t really have a lot of time for hobbies, but I do like to read.

Is It Writer's Block - Or Something Else?

There's a funny little saying circulating the Internet right now that goes something like this:

Writer's Block:

When even your imaginary 

friends won't talk to you.

For many writers struggling with the task of putting words to paper, this is all too true. As I sit here writing this, I am struggling with the process of putting words to paper. It doesn't matter that I've already put nearly 9,000 words to paper already. Oh, no, I've come to a point where the muse went on vacation - and took my chatty characters with her. And I am left with - nothing.

I have struggling all day with one particular scene I am trying to commit to paper. What makes this especially frustrating is the fact that it's not even the dreaded middle of the story yet! No, it's still close to the beginning, the honeymoon period where the words should just flow - click, click, clicking along - almost of their own accord. It would seem that writer's block can strike at any time during the creation of the story.

But is it truly writer's block? Maybe it's something else. Maybe it has something to do with the book I have out that I'm madly promoting. Or with the fact that my mind is so over-burdened with ideas for stories, it simply shut down to preserve itself from a complete melt down. Or maybe it's the fact that I started on a new knitting project and Christmas is fast approaching and I have so many gifts to make before then. Whatever the case, sometimes I wonder if what I'm suffering from is not truly a case of Writer's Block, but an Overdose of Creativity. I have too many creative projects going on simultaneously and my mind is constantly adding fuel to the fire with more ideas for future stories. I have an embarrassment of riches and I don't know which one to put first, so my brain shuts down and says, No one. Time for a little siesta.

Am I worried? No. The scene will work itself out. The ideas will find their place in my list of priorities. And all my gifts will be knitted in time for Christmas. Am I an optimist? You bet I am!

Margay Leah Justice

Sloane Wolf

http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com

Sloane Wolf: A Preview

I am very happy to share with you a preview of my new book, Sloane Wolf, published by an incredible new small publisher called MuseItUp Publishing. Sloane Wolf tells the story of Shiloh Beck, an empath being stalked by a mysterious organization known only as "the Institute," and Micah Sloane, a shapeshifter with secrets of his own, and the legend that binds them together.

Here's an excerpt:

"No hiking trails where you live?"

Another odd expression crossed her face then, and once again, quickly masked. She favored him with an ironic little smile that zinged straight to his heart like Cupid's proverbial arrow. Damn, he was treading on dangerous ground here. If he were smart, he'd put an end to this nonsense and some distance between them. If he were smart.

"No," she murmured, looking ahead once more, "no trails where I live."

"City?"

"Not exactly."

Not exactly? How could you "not exactly" live in the city? Micah shook the question away as he directed his attention, and the conversation, toward her friend, several feet in front of them now. "You know, I've got to wonder why you needed us," he said. "Your friend seems to know where he's going."

"I don't see how," she disagreed, her breath coming in little pants as she negotiated the rugged terrain that steadily rose into the azure sky. "I've never known him to go for the hiking thing, either. This is a first for us both."

"And how long have you known him?"

A telling pause, then, "Most of my life."

"Family friend?"

The question brought her up short. Literally. Stopping in the middle of their makeshift path, she turned to face him, a defiant expression on her face. Fascinating, he thought as he mimicked her actions. His brothers, he absently noted, didn't miss a beat as they strode along in a semi-circle behind Jon, their attention focused upon him and nothing else. And then it was just him—and her, standing beneath the hickories and oaks.

* * * *

Shiloh waited for the others to put some distance between them, watching as they did so, before she turned her attention back to Micah. She was nearly undone by the headiness of standing so close to him. Did the man have any idea of his potency or was she the only one he affected this way?

"Okay, you want to tell me what this is all about?" she demanded, wrapping her arms about her waist in a defensive gesture and to control her wayward longings, a vain attempt.

"What?"

"This." She waved a hand between them in indication of the topic. "The interrogation."

"It wasn't exactly an interrogation," he tried to deny.

The nerve of him!

"Oh?" she challenged. "You want me to count the questions? Let's see—"

"Just making conversation. Something wrong with that?"

The fight whooshing out of her, Shiloh glanced toward the disappearing trio before responding. "No," she said and, grudgingly, "Sorry."

"Yeah." He kicked the ground between them with the toe of his hiking boot, his frustration evident in the gesture. "You sound it."

"I'm not used to people—well, strangers—asking a lot of questions."

"If I'd known asking you a couple of questions would upset you—"

"More than a couple."

"I wouldn't have asked them," he continued as if uninterrupted. "What's your problem? Are you this skittish with all people?"

"No, just you," she answered before she could think better of it. She wanted to kick herself. What was wrong with her? Might as well confess how he affected her, at this rate. But at least he looked as surprised by her candor as she felt.

"Lucky me," he said after a moment in which neither one of them seemed able to talk. He looked away from her, toward the slope of the wooded mountain. "We should probably catch up with the others. Who knows where your friend is headed."

"Not me." She fell into step beside him, grateful for the less taxing pace he set. "He kept the map to himself. He wouldn't let me see it. Like it was a treasure map or something. Only thing I know is it’s hand-drawn. Well, hand drawn on the computer."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Jon is a total computer geek," Shiloh revealed, glancing his way. "Why draw with a pen what you can do with a mouse?" She looked forward again, gave a little shrug. "That's his motto, anyhow."

"And what's your motto?"

She didn't answer right away. No one had ever asked it of her before. At length, she shrugged and told him the truth. "I don't have one."

"No? I thought everyone had one.”

To diffuse her unease, Shiloh turned the topic on him. “So what’s yours, then?” She even managed a smile as she warmed to the subject. “What is the Sloane family motto? Live by the sword, die by the plague?”

With a chuckle, Micah said, “Not quite. Try again.”

“The acorn doesn’t fall far from the oak?”

“Not even close!”

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”

“What does that even mean?”

For the first time since they met, Shiloh shared a laugh with Micah. “I don’t know! I always wondered that myself.” She paused for a moment before she dared to ask, “So what is the Sloane family motto?”

“It changes depending on the situation, but the prevailing one is ‘Family isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.’”

“That’s nice.” Before she could stop the thought from reaching her mouth, she said, “I wish I had a motto like that.”

“So why don’t you?”

And they were right back to where they started.

Unease trickled down her spine at the question. She flinched before she could check her response. Relax, Shiloh, she cautioned herself, covering her reaction by feigning interest in a moss-blanketed rock they passed. She inhaled a few breaths before speaking again. “I don’t know—not something we talk about.”

* * * *

Why was she being so cryptic? Micah saw the way she flinched at the mere mention of her family. He knew his question, which seemed harmless to him, wasn't to her. People didn't usually react like that, unless they had a good reason. And although he hadn't known her for long, Shiloh didn't strike him as the type of person who overreacted to things. Well, at least not something like this. The mystery of Shiloh Beck deepened.

Interested? Check it out here. 

Soon to be available on Amazon, too!

Margay Leah Justice

http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com

Hello, and Let's Nano!

Hello! My name is Margay Leah Justice and I am the author of two published books so far - Nora's Soul and Sloane Wolf. I hail from a nice little corner of New England where we are currently still recovering from a very early Nor'easter, so it's been a crazy few weeks around these parts lately. I grew up with a passion for the written word, whether it was reading it or putting it to paper myself and one of my first jobs, not surprisingly, was in our local library. Also not much of a surprise is the fact I would end up published one day - it just took me longer to do it than I thought it would!

As I write this, I am knee-deep in the wonderful world of NaNoWriMo. I'm sure by now, everyone knows what that is. If you don't, it's when a bunch of creative, wildly optimistic, slightly-off-their-rockers writers decide to write - along with millions of their writer buddies - 50,000 words in one month. Can it be done? Sure it can. Is it crazy? Of course it is! But so are so many other aspects of this wonderful, wild world we call writing, so it's all good. But why would anyone want to put themselves through that craziness, you might wonder. Well, I'm sure there are as many reasons as there are writers accepting the challenge, but I think, basically, it's the kick in the pants a lot of writers need to get themselves going. Plus, you get pep talks and support from an amazing community of friends and what more could a writer ask for?

So let's NaNo! Incidentally, if you are in the NaNo community, my name there is peefie23. If you ask me real nice, I might tell you how I came up with that nickname (wink)!

Margay Leah Justice
Sloane Wolf, available now here.