Slow Burn – a novel about a former spy and a metal maven, coming soon from Ardent Books!

It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog.  Life sort of got in the way, and I’ve been working on projects in the cigar arena to help promote ACC Cigars, and attempt to have a life.

Well, the life bit didn’t really happen.  Mostly, I handled editing duties and began building a line at Ardent Books, while my editor took a crack at what was originally called Burning for Derrick.

We decided on a title change.  For one, Slow Burn conjures up images more associated to my existing brand in alcohol and tobacco.  Plus, it pushes forward the ideals we have in romance, about a steamy, sexy affair between two lovers, who end up together despite all the odds.

Derrick, a former spy who left the game to regain peace in his life, and Sonja, the empathic lead singer of an up and coming death metal band, are thrust together in a fast paced, action adventure romance.  We are nailing down the details, but chances are, if you’re here, you’re really more focused on the cigar aspect.

That’s right, there is a cigar aspect to this story.  Both my hero and my hero’s brother are ardent cigar smokers.  I’ve named the sticks they tend to fancy in the book, and when it comes out, there might be trivia relating to this for a copy of the e-book.  Who knows.

Rest assured, I’ve smoked plenty of fine cigars over the course of what…it’s been six months since my last update?  There was the viaje stuffed turkey, ACC S. E. 12 year, Propio Leon, think I even had something new from La Sirena.  Oh, right.  The Oceano.  It’s a solid maduro, if your’e curious.

Fans of bad boys will love Derrick’s easy going manner, but those who remember what men were like before the censors stepped in and tried to tell us how to live will definitely appreciate the cigar aspect of this novel.

What long ago past time are you longing for?

Look out for Slow Burn, coming soon from Ardent Books!  Former spy Derrick falls for the magical woman he was hired to protect from terrorists who want her gifts to destroy his paranormal community. 

Ritual Magic

I thought I’d explore another hook for this post because I’m learning
more about Wicca and Witchcraft along with the paranormal, and I’d already declared this blog open to whiskey, witches, cigars and the more primal element of animalistic urges some of us share.

I’ve also opined on Facebook that the thing linking all of my facebook friends together is ritual. Whiskey has a ritual, cigars are a ritual in themselves as are pipes, music has a rhythm that inspires ritual and those who don’t mind the magic in my life, understand it too, is a ritual.

Ritual to me has always been a point of focus.  The world itself spins out of control so much with everyday activity that trying to put ones mind in the right frame for what some call wishcraft becomes difficult.  Learning the very basics of magic I was taught to stare at the flame of a lit candle and focus my attention on that and only that for a few minutes at a time.  Gradually, that time increased from five minutes to fifteen and I found my mind and the energy around me a little clearer.  Simple trick, but powerful, none the less.

I have a ritual when I write that allows me to focus.  I have a ritual as to how I drink whiskey and even how I light my cigars.  It all ties in to focusing my energy for that particular experience.

I mention the candle trick but there are others.  Some folks use visualization to change their realities, creating grandiose vision boards to put their mind’s energy in tune with their desires.   Using magazines, poster board or sites like Pinterest where you can journal creativity online.  I like that option better but many folks prefer the tactile with magazines and poster boards.  With focus, energies can be shifted to move help the greater parts of the universe help us to help ourselves.

When I wrote Sonja in Burning For Derrick as a witch who sings in a death metal band, I gave her the ability to manipulate her audience through the power of her voice.

I established a light scene before her band opens up whereby a bottle of wine shatters on stage, in the darkness, then reassembles itself before disappearing.  The trick helps Sonja focus her energies on the excitement of the crowd and be a better performer.  Do you have a favorite ritual you do often?

Look out for Burning for Derrick, coming soon from Ardent Books!