Happy New Year! :)

Merry Christmas!

Hello Guys!

update 
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! The publish button has been hit. Oppressed will be live on Amazon sometime today! Yay! Happy Holidays :)

HERE IS THE AMAZON LINK


http://www.amazon.com/Oppressed-Arelia-LaRue-Series-ebook/dp/B00ASYYJ4Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356451041&sr=8-1&keywords=oppressed+kira+saito

Happy Holidays to all of my readers. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

Just a reminder
Here are the release dates for Oppressed

Amazon Dec 25th (thought I'd move it to Christmas :))
Smashwords Dec 25
Itunes and BN mid -Jan 2013



Here are some tunes that inspired the book.
River didn't inspire the book but it's my fav Christmas song so I'd thought I'd include it :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!!!!

 As many of you know food and drinks are always mentioned in my books. This is because the Spirits LOVE to eat and because New Orleans has some of the most delicious and interesting cuisine in the entire world.

One of my readers, thank you Sara, actually taught herself how to make some of the dishes mentioned in the series! How cool is that?

She was kind enough to share her version of Pain Perdu!!!

Here is the recipe as well a picture :)))) Enjoy!!!

For the Pain Perdu:

4 eggs

1 1/2 C. Egg Nog or milk

Teaspoon cinnamon

Teaspoon All Spice

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch of sugar

Whisk all ingredients in medium to large mixing bowl.

Slice stale French bread into 1 1/2 slices. Lay in mixture and let the bread soak it up.

Take two tablespoons butter and lightly brown each side of the bread on a skillet.

Pre-heat oven to 350°. Bake for ten minutes.

Garnish with powdered sugar or a little syrup.

Enjoy!

I like to use egg nog, it really makes the mixture thick and rich, but regular milk is just as yummy.

Sara's Pain Perdu! YUM! IF there are any other readers who cook and have tried to make any of the dishes in my books please email me. I'd love to post your pictures.

Arelia LaRue #4 Oppressed Release Date!

Hey guys,

Okay so I finally have a release date for Oppressed!!! Dec 22 2012. I know it's a bit later than I planned and I thank you all for your patience.

Here is the official song for OPPRESSED!!! Can it get anymore cryptic???

Oppressed Arelia LaRue Book #4 Another Teaser

Another teaser!

His eyes peered into mine. “Why can’t I stop loving you?”

Confusion gripped me as I tried to make sense of his question. “Stop loving me? Why would you want to stop loving me?”

“Why?” He laughed deeply and took several steps back. “Why?” he repeated, as if the answer was painfully obvious. He crossed his arms and started to pace from tomb to tomb.  “Why?” he repeated the word over and over again like a madman. When he finally stopped pacing he leaned against a tomb and focused his attention on me. His gaze was cool and detached.  “You’re a disease.”

OPPRESSED Arelia LaRue Book #4 Teaser!!!

Chapter One

The Funeral

A wicked wind combed through my long hair while the stars above me floated against a pale violet sky that had just been abandoned by an angry sun.  The humid summer air was oblivious to my despair as I sat there half- paralyzed, reluctant to move, breathe or even think. The smell of damp earth and freshly cut lilies was strangely enticing and equally gruesome as it danced around the grave infront of me. I leaned against a fat oak and let its claw-like branches brush against my cheek in a consoling almost motherly manner.

Unsure of how I had gotten to the point I was at I was unaware if I should move one step forward or one step backwards so I did nothing at all. Certainly doing nothing was better than searching for answers that I wasn’t ready to hear or willing to understand, or was it?

After I had kissed Lucus good-bye the world had gone blank as if someone or something had hit the reset button on the strange movie that was supposedly my life.  Nothingness slowly transformed into an overpowering sense of dread and utter helplessness and then without warning I found myself sitting infront of an unmarked grave in the corner of Darkwood cemetery. Around me, tombs swayed to a savage, ghostly rhythm that was all too familiar. Their strange shadows intertwined and surrounded me, tempting me to join them in their never ending party.

Arelia LaRue Book #4 Oppressed Randomness

Randomness. Just to let readers know that although some of the stuff in the series is sad and tragic, the overall objective is positive. So, if you're having a bad day, chin up!

I love this song!!! Enjoy
Bunny Wailer sings this one.

Arelia LaRue Book #4 Oppressed Randomness

Lots of readers are interested in the Voodoo/Hoodoo aspect of the series.

One of the most scientific books written on the topic is by Harvard-trained ethnobotanist Wade Davis.

The guy basically travelled to Haiti and investigated the creation of the legendary Voodoo Zombi!

Haitian Voodoo is a bit different from New Orleans Voodoo but just as fascinating.

Here is the cover if you're interested. It's not fiction so it has a lot of science type terms.

If you don't feel like reading it, there is also a movie version of it (of course!)

Here is the first part of the film, enjoy!

Arelia LaRue Book #4 Oppressed

I love the cover for Oppressed! Thank you to my cover designer, Naj!

Another song...

Welcome Back Lucy!

Today, in celebration of her brand new book, Fallenmore, I have the honor of welcoming back my dear friend, Lucy! 

It's All About the Music Man!

 My father in law would always say, in his best hippie pretend tone, "It's all about the music." We would all laugh and roll our eyes at him. But in my own personal case, it is true.


I live with the music on. When I am in the car, I'm howling alongside to my favorite tunes. When I am at home cleaning, I am shaking my butt to the rhythm of the music. When I shower, may I add BEST ACOUSTICS EVER!, I am also pretending to be the next American Idol. And when I write it is no exception, I must always have a personally made soundtrack in the background.


There is music for everything. Music to slow dance to, music to bang your head to, music to exercise to and for some 18+ activities. *winks* Music can change and soothe moods; it is such a great therapy!
            
Music is such an incredible way of story telling. Yes, we write books that do just the same, but to tell a whole story in less than five minutes, well, that is something.
       
Since our host, Kira, shares my addiction to music, I thought I would share a few songs from the Fallenmore Soundtrack and their music videos.
           
One scene in Fallenmore, Jade and Blake hit a karaoke bar. I won't say what amazing thing happens here, but Blake dedicates a very well fitting song to someone special:




 I know... may be pretty lame and their hair is kind of funny, but this song will forever be a classic.

I absolutely love Within Temptation. All of her songs are absolutely amazing, so if you didn't know about them, I suggest you check them out.

Well, that is it for me folks!

Thank you Kira for having me over and letting me share my own taste in music with your fans and friends.

Ciao!

Thank you Lucy!

If you guys haven't already checked out Lucy's fab books, please do so! Especially Fallenmore which can be found on 

Amazon 

or 

Barnes and Noble

When darkness consumes you; will it be hard to find the light?

After Jade's world was torn apart, she is unsure of where she belongs, if anywhere at all. Deceived by those she trusted the most, she must now accept her fate and the life that lays before her.

The voices are back but this time, they are trying to lure her into the darkness. But could they be telling her the truth? That the only person she has been able to trust since the death of her boyfriend, Avan, is lying to her too? If the voices are right... Could she really trust him?

In Fallenmore, the second book in the Feathermore Trilogy, Jade will embark in a quest through the pits of Hell. The question now is: once she is in, will they ever let her out?

Arelia LaRue Book #4 Oppressed!

As the production of book #4 gets underway let the soundtrack posting begin!

Arelia LaRue Book #3 Possessed!

So excited! Possessed is out on Amazon!


http://www.amazon.com/Possessed-Paranormal-Fantasy-Romance-ebook/dp/B008IJW36O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1341747711&sr=8-3&keywords=kira+saito+possessed

FINALLY GUYS ON BN
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/possessed-an-arelia-larue-book-3-ya-paranormal-fantasy-romance-kira-saito/1112317415?ean=2940044717275

 APPLE it is finally out as well!!!!

Here are 2 more tunes that helped shaped book #3!

Arelia LaRue Book #3 Possessed

Strange. Old. Epic. Has nothing to do with New Orleans but this is the official song of Possessed!

Arelia LaRue Book #3 Release Date Update

So many readers are asking for an exact release date. So here it is:

 July 7th (this is for Kindle for BN and APPLE it will be mid-July). 

Thank you all for your kind support. I am really excited about this book and am determined to make it better than the last two in every respect. 

Goblin Kings and Deleted Scenes

Today, I'm introducing a very special guest, a great writer and friend: Nikki Jefford!

As part of her Spellbound tour, she's decided to share some inspiration with us!

Since Kira is the Queen of Movie Clips, I’ve asked her to share the following scenes from one of my favorite childhood movies, Labyrinth, in which the Goblin King confronts Sarah after she’s made it through his maze.

The song “Magic Dance” ran through my head often while writing Duplicity. I pictured Adrian as the Goblin King, minus the long hair and skintight pants. Ha, ha.

Originally I had a scene in Duplicity in which Raj and Lee join Aahana (Raj’s sister) in the living room while she’s watching Labyrinth and Lee muses if the “you have no power over me” line would work on Adrian Montez (who is obsessed with Graylee Perez).

A beta reader pointed out that I could run into copyright infringement problems for directly quoting a movie and my aunt (a retired lawyer) confirmed that I could reference a movie, but should NOT quote lines word-for-word unless I had written permission from the copyright holders.

So, darn, no quoting the line, “You have no power over me.” And some of my favorite Goblin King quotes:

“Sarah, beware, I have been generous up until now, but I can be cruel.”

And after Sarah demands what he’s done that’s generous:

“Everything! Everything that you have wanted I have done. I have altered time. I have turned the world upside down and I have done it all for you.”

At the end of Entangled, Adrian puts his own life in jeopardy to try and save Gray (whether she needs it or not). In book two, Duplicity, he returns to town expecting gratitude for his, er, generosity.

Doesn't this make you want to read the book?

Check out Entangled by Nikki Jefford now available on Amazon!

Arelia LaRue Book #3 another teaser!

He closed his eyes and let out a soft, miserable sigh. Slowly, he ran his coarse fingers through my hair. “Your little brain can be so shallow sometimes. You really ought to stop spending so much time with the princess. This is not about some girl; it’s about everything he represents: entitlement, supremacy and oppression. Do you realize that these rooms are filled with blood? My blood, the blood of my mother, my father and the blood of thousands of others forced to work against their will? The way I see it, he should sit here and rot for eternity in blood-filled rooms.  It’s clearly my mother’s revenge on him and his family. So, I’m asking you for the last time. Leave. There are plenty of others like him roaming the city. I’m sure you’ll make a lovely placée for anyone of them.”

“Screw you!” I screamed, as I slapped him across the face hard. “Who says that anymore? Who thinks like that?” Little by little the pity I had for him was starting to erode. I pressed myself up against the door and tried my best to distance myself from him. 

What is it all about?

Okay so, those of you who have read my books and are interested to know what they're really about. I think that this video explains it best. Go Anne.

Arelia LaRue Book #3 When?

Guys Possessed will be out in June. I will post the exact date when I'm certain. But in order to keep updated please follow me on twitter, facebook or via my blog.

Thank you!

The Perfect Ivan

This is what I picture Ivan looking and sounding like. Only younger :P

Arelia LaRue Book #3

Sigh. Some major heartache going on here.

Arelia LaRue Book #3 which will be out June 2012 randomness/Update

Okay so, while I write I like to post random things related to scenes I'm working on. I'm re-working a scene between Ivan/Arelia. In this scene Ivan sings a bit. Yeah, I know so much singing, but music is important to the context of the story. So anyways, this is the song he is singing. If you haven't already, check out the teaser here for book 3.
As for the release date, it will not be May as planned. It will be mid-June. Exact day still to be announced.

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

Because I'm Random

The Duke: I don't like this ending... 
Zidler: Don't like the ending, my dear Duke? 
The Duke: Why should the courtesan chose the penniless sitar player over the maharajah who is offering her a lifetime of security? That's real love. Once the sitar player has satisfied his lust he will leave her with nothing. I suggest that the courtesan chose the maharajah. 
Toulouse-Lautrec: But, but tell me, that ending does not uphold the Bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom, and... 
The Duke: [shouts] I don't care about your ridiculous dogma! Why shouldn't the courtesan chose the maharajah? 
Christian: [shouts] Because she doesn't love you!... Him... Hi-him, she doesn't love... she doesn't love him. 

Arelia LaRue Book #3 Which is called Possessed TEASER

Chapter 1

Anger is All I Have Left

         “Oh queen. You break what’s left of my heart with your naivety.” Ivan gave me a smirk as he placed his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him.

         My body was limp in his powerful embrace.  He brought his lips to my ear. “You really think you’re strong enough to take me on? I’ve been around a long time baby. I’ve seen things that you can’t even begin to imagine.”

         “You sound like such a cliché,” I said, as I dug my nails into him and tried to wiggle out of his arms.

I had no idea if I had successfully sucked out all his powers. At this point, all I wanted to do was get far away from him as possible. Maybe my plan had been a little rash. I should have asked more questions when Gran-Ibo had given me the oil like what the hell do I do right after?  

He let out a dry laugh, but didn't say anything. Instead, he placed a finger over my lips and wiped off some of the Black Arts oil. He put his finger into his mouth and tasted the oil.  

“I’m the cliché? You’re the one using Black Arts oil and…” He sniffed my neck and gave it a little lick. “Come to me Oil. Amateur moves queen. I expected something more dramatic from you. Perhaps a voodoo doll? Or a creating a zombie to attack me? Yes. In case you didn’t know, we are capable of creating zombies. You should have hit me with anything but the atypical oils. How boring. I guess I over estimated you after all.”

There were a thousand things I probably could have done at that exact second. I could have called on Soussan Pannan or Erzulie. Instead, I relied on good old fashioned defense mechanisms and kicked Ivan hard in the groin. He immediately released me and let out a low moan. 

“Never underestimate your opponent jerk,” I said, as I made a mad dash out of the ballroom and upstairs.  “And stop calling me queen. It’s pretty damn annoying!”

I remembered that I had passed red brick dust outside our bedroom door. If I made it there, I would be safe until I could figure out my next move. I was supposed to understand Ivan and help him, but he was making it awfully difficult. I knew he wasn’t stupid enough to murder me, but he was a very angry soul. From my experience, people tended to do extremely stupid things when they were angry. I was living proof of that.

I ran halfway up the spiral staircase when I heard Ivan right behind me. His hand gripped  my ankle. I fell with a thud which temporarily disorientated me.

“Easy queen.” I felt Ivan’s arms around me as he scooped me up from the ground like a helpless ragdoll.

Before I had a chance to say anything, he placed his hand over my mouth and carried me up the stairs. I revolted wildly against him, but he was totally unfazed by my little antics. He tossed me a stupid grin. 

“I’ve been brutally beaten countless times, been forced to work under pretty crappy circumstances, without any health insurance by the way, and survived depressing pangs of starvation. I’m pretty sure I can handle the antics of a scrawny, love struck voodoo queen.”

Obviously, Ivan had no idea who he was up against.  Or maybe he did. Faking being all powerful and brave was vastly different from actually believing it. When I had tried to suck out Ivan’s energy, I had felt myself waver. In that moment of doubt, I know I had sealed my miserable fate. And now I had to face the consequences. Crap.

Arelia LaRue Book #3

I have a slightly addictive personality. Music always inspires me.

 It's no secret that I love Rufus but while I'm writing book #3 I can't get enough of his music!!!

 I guess because he doesn't really fit into a box or anything. He mixes opera/pop/poetry so effortlessly. Somehow, it helps me imagine scenes better. His voice simply is unique.

So yes, more Rufus. Hurry April 23rd !!!!! (his new cd comes out)

Arelia LaRue Book #3

Please be kind if I'm a mess...

Arelia LaRue Book #3

Yeah. There will be lots of drama. Book #3 will have a lot of Marie...

Feathermore by Lucy Swing----- Interview and my Thoughts

I always talk about myself and my books and blah blah blah, but I do have author friends I love and respect too!
One of them is Lucy Swing. So today is all about her and her fab new book Feathermore. Be sure to fill out the form at the end for your chance to win a signed, paper version of the book as well as a beautiful Feathermore necklace. (SORRY OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY). 


I'm sharing my thoughts on the book and doing a purposely difficult interview with her. 


So here it goes!


BLURB:

"When the one thing you live for is taken from you, do you let it go or do you fall?
Jade, like any other student at Brushwood High, awaits the start of the school year with a certain measure of dread. Worse, she is being threatened by a voice that only she can hear—a voice that lurks at the edges of her awareness, haunting her and warning her of something unknown. She has always been able to count on her two best friends, Claire and Nate, but can she confide in them now? About this? Would they even believe her?
Life takes a turn for the better when she meets Avan, a darkly handsome new student who, somehow, seems to drown out the voice and make her feel at ease.
But Jade soon comes to realize that good things don’t last forever. When everything spirals out of control, she is shattered by something she never saw coming. Dazed and despairing, she must now overcome tragedy and embrace her true existence and a new but dangerous love. Will she be able to save herself and those she loves, before it’s too late? Or will she let the surrounding darkness consume her?"

My Thoughts

First, I honestly enjoyed this book. My eye rolling was kept to a minimal and I didn’t scowl once. To be really, really honest, I’m not into books where love is the primary lure. Yes, I do love romance but I need some drama thrown in to keep me entertained. Heart break, suffering and a little bit of good old torment is essential.

That’s what I loved about Feathermore. Yes, it is a love story, but there is so much more to it. I loved the fact that the main character Jade was coming to terms with her own destiny. I appreciated that she wasn’t so cool about everything and used her own mind and asked questions. Hello people, asking questions when someone reveals that you are a supernatural being is a good thing.

I was absorbed by Jade’s story because it has action, love, drama, suspense, but above all, struggle. I want to accompany Jade on her adventure and hope she comes out on top. I identify with her because she’s not perfect. She's  flawed but trying to become a better person little by little. I can’t relate to perfect characters. Can you?

Difficult Author Interview with Lucy

1.      Are you a Jade or a Claire?

I am a little bit of both, yet neither at the same time. Does it make sense? I am more of a sarcastic and witty person. I am honest and trustworthy, which sometimes seems to be my weakest trait, people take advantage of it.

2.      What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for a loved one?

H      Hmmm, good question. I am not quite sure how to answer this one, but I don’t think I’ve had to sacrifice anything yet.

3.     

I l    I love the fact that Jade struggles with who she is and her new found identity. What has your biggest struggle been?

When I moved from Argentina to Miami. I went to a trilingual school in Argentina, so my English was pretty good, but every time I said anything I could hear a slight accent and it bothered me soooo much that I stopped talking. People started to think I was mute! Until little by little I came out of my shell and made some great new friends. Met the hubby then too!

4.      In a fight, who would win Arelia or Jade?  (LOL).

I don’t know man; Arelia has the spirits on her side… But then again, Jade is as strong as they come and she hasn’t even shown us what she really is made out of.

5.      What is your favorite food to eat or drink while writing?

Chocolate. I had it to where every morning I would get a big bowl of strawberries and banana and dip it in melted chocolate. Every morning. Coffee is a must if I start writing early in the day.

6.      Do you believe in happily ever afters?

Yes, but only if YOU make it happen. You can’t just sit and wait for it.

7.      What’s your most ambitious dream related to writing?

I think it mirrors yours; I’d love to see my books made into a TV show (like True Blood, Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle) and/or movies (Twilight). But right now, I’m more than happy if people just enjoy what I write. Without the readers, we got nothing.

8.      Movie that you got inspiration from while writing Feathermore?

I don’t think a movie inspired me, especially when I don’t watch that many to begin with. It was more like music. My late father in law would always say “It’s all about the music,” and it is true. In just one short song you get a whole lifetime told.

9.      Favorite song right now?

I am a little obsessed with “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift.

10.  Your perfect distraction that keeps you from writing?

YOU! Lol, no, seriously, but it is a distraction I happily welcome. Twitter, facebook and catching up with blogs I love seem to take chunks of time in a matter of seconds. (right back at ya Lucy!!!)

Kira, thank you so much for hosting me today. It has been really fun!

Thank you Lucy for taking the time to answer and provide insightful answers!!!

AUTHOR BIO:

Lucy Swing lives in sunny Florida with her husband and two children.

She is a YA Paranormal/ Romance writer, whose works include: Feathermore #1 (Feathermore Trilogy), Bloody Valentine, the novella, and Bloody Valentine is also offered in "Death by Chocolate," an anthology consisting of 6 fantastic YA short stories with a chocolaty twist.
She is an absolute book hoarder and must always have a book at arms distance. Music is her muse, and there is always a soundtrack that plays along her life.

For more information on Lucy Swing please visit her website

http://www.LucySwing.com

You can buy Feathermore 

on Amazon here
on Barnes and Noble over here

Lucy's Novella My Bloody Valetine is free for 3 days only !!!!!!

Check it out way over here

Arelia LaRue Book #2 Mark your Calenders March 3rd!!!

Quick update guys, Punished is currently publishing on Amazon and will be live in a few hours!!!!!!!

As soon as it goes live I will post the link. Thank you all so much!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Punished-Arelia-LaRue-Series-ebook/dp/B007GN4294/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330812392&sr=1-2

Arelia LaRue Book #2 Mark your Calenders March 3rd!!!

Spend some of your Saturday with Arelia, Lucus, Sabrina, Ivan, Louis Beau and some new characters including:

A bunch of new voodoo spirits, Sammie, the talking canary, and Arelia's super hot but spineless ex-boyfriend !!!!

 I am totally excited about Punished that I had to write this random post. Punished will be available on Amazon, BN, Apple, etc. It will be on Amazon first and then on the other sites a week or so from Saturday March 3rd because I have to distribute it via Smashwords and they take a week to send it to other sites.

Another song!!!! Yay!!!

Arelia LaRue Book #2 UPDATE!! Good and Bad News

To all my lovely readers just a quick update. Book #2 is done and edited.

 However, it needs to go through another proofread, so it can be as good as possible. Please don't throw rotten tomatoes at me, I'm only doing this so I can give everyone the best book possible.

So anyways the bad news is that the new release date will be March 3, 2012.

Thank you guys!!!!!!! In the mean time a song that inspired me when I wrote a scene. Yes Disney does inspire me.

Arelia LaRue Book #2

Sigh sigh. The complexities of love.

Arelia LaRue Book #2

Love this song...Inspired.

Arelia LaRue Book #2

This song hints at Arelia's past and why she's so untrusting...

Plus, this is my favorite Bruno Mars song because it shows the darker and more obsessive side of love, yet Bruno still sounds like an angel :P.

Arelia LaRue Book #2

The song Lucus sang to voodoo dolls...

Punished Arelia LaRue Book #2 Release Date!!!!!!!

I'm so excited to announce that as of right now, Punished will be out on Feb, 29th 2012!

Here is a little tune that I'm listening to right now while working on a scene!

Punished Arelia LaRue Book #2 Cover Reveal!

I was going to wait, but I just can't!!!! Here is the cover for Punished. Arelia's been running around in swamps so she's looking a bit more tanned.  What do you guys think? Click on the pic for a larger view.