For the Spell of It! Aneesa Price talks about creating authentic magic

a guest post by Aneesa Price

When I first decided to write a paranormal novel, I knew that magick had to be a major ingredient. But, what did I know of magick? Sure, I’ve watched movies, I’ve read a few articles, devoured many fantastic paranormal books but writing spells? Eeeck! To say that it was daunting would be an understatement. It wasn’t the poetry of spell-crafting that had me quivering with anxiety; it was the complete lack of magickal knowledge.

And so, I approached it like I do many unknowns. I Googled. Sadly, there’s so much on the internet and way too many factual sites reek of fiction themselves that all that exercise got me was feeling overwhelmed. Of course, there are probably many credible sites out there. I just didn’t know how to filter the information to find the facts.

Then, I decided to visit the local bookstore and found some sparkling gems on witchcraft. One book in particular, Witches’ Craft by Bruce K. Wilborn (http://www.amazon.com/Witches-Craft-Multidenominational-Wicca-Bible-ebook/dp/B006NZBFV4), was invaluable. I used it so extensively that when I moved halfway across the world, I bought it for my kindle. Through my research, I learnt of magickal instruments, how to open and close circles and how to craft a spell. I read the Wiccan Rede and my respect grew. “Do As Ye Will An Harm Ye None” has become a favourite quote of mine. After this, I felt reasonably comfortable to create a world infused with magick.

When I realized that magick was more than something I watched in Harry Potter, it became immensely important to me to find the balance between creativity and integrity where the world I created was both respectful of the craft, accurate and yet allowed for my imagination to colour what happens within it. It took me three months to research the first Coffin Girls book.  Does that seem long? It may, but any act in magick has meaning and just spell-crafting, for example, is a study in itself. When you cast a spell, you have to request assistance from the Goddess, it is important to acknowledge the elements and their respective gates, you have to convey the meaning of what you need and then, of course, there is the poetry of it all whilst doing this.

Here is one of the spells from Coffin Girls:

We call on the gate of the East,

With your Air comes release

We call on the gate of the West,

With your Fire burn what is bound with zest

We call on the gate of the South,

Let Water wash away what is loath

We call on the gate of the North,

With Earth bury the bindings so she may go forth

Goddess we ask of thee,

Help us set her magick free,

What was sealed is now released

What was bound now is freed

As we will, so mote it be

The irony is, of course, that few picked up on the accuracy of the magickal acts within the book until one reviewer raved about it. I had another reader, who practices the craft, contact me and thank me for the accuracy with which I portrayed magick. When I asked this person what was accurate the spell work, energy work and approach to magick as a whole was mentioned. In other words, I nailed it! Oh yeah! I was ecstatic because I had achieved what I’d set out to do – create a fictional world that was both imaginative and accurate.

The best confirmation for me, was this review:

“I won’t read just ANY vampire book. Add in witch-lore and the Fae, I may fling it across the room and not finish it at all. So many are inaccurate and feed the untruths and biased opinion many have of witchcraft or those who practice it, or the books simply bore me with their vampire stupidity…
Coffin Girls is smart, sexy, witty, erotic, wqlively and engaging. Throw in a bit of history and the New Orleans French/Cajun culture and you've got a book full of a fascinating brew. Ms Price's writing is intelligent with a dramatic flair and she gives us a sweeping picture perfect profile of Southern U.S. hospitality. This was not an easy task she set for herself writing this book. A bit of Gone With The Wind meets Dracula/ess meets Lothlorian. The story flows seamlessly and flawlessly. Amazingly so, with vampires, fae and witches mixing with werewolves,voodoo practitioners - even ghosts and zombies make an appearance. Oddly, it works perfectly. I see a power in this story and in Ms Price's writing that could potentially become epic.
Kudos to Aneesa Price for doing what I thought could not be done - writing an adult vampire novel (not just a vampire romance) that could sit on the same shelf with Anne Rice.”

(From an Amazon Review)

I’m currently researching mythological monsters, Gods and supernatural creatures! And yes, they play a pivotal role in my next novel series. I’ve found my research MO, a bit more confidence and a passion for ensuring accurate and imaginative reads. 

SERIES SPOTLIGHT INFO:

ELEGANTLY UNDEAD

Coffin Girls, #1

Publication Date:  7/18/12

A sexy, female vampire with secrets. A sinfully-handsome witch prince on a mission. A formidable Vampire Council with something to hide.

A vampire descendent from the original Coffin Girls, Anais runs a successful event and wedding planning business from her majestic New Orleans plantation house. To the Vampire Council, she is seen as an exemplary hostess and household head of a misfit bunch of vampires.

When Yves, her maker and head of the Vampire Council requests her assistance in hosting the mysterious, yet dashing Prince of Witches, Conall, she has no option but to accept. But Anais is the keeper of secrets; secrets that can kill. Protective of her family’s undiscovered uniqueness, Anais is guarded, yet intrigued by the enigmatic witch prince.

Conall and Anais are drawn together when confronted with fatal encounters and an unimaginable destiny… if she’s willing to accept it and fight.

Buy Links

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SUPERNATURAL SEDUCTION

The Coffin Girls,  #2

Publication Date:   July 18, 2013

This is an adult paranormal romance and contains scenes of explicit sex, violence and strong language.

Witch-vampire, Sophie, has the power to feel and influence others’ emotions. With the establishment of the Coffin Girls as warriors for the Goddess that kick supernatural ass, the effects of her empath abilities threaten to harm her. Sylvain, the mischievous and seductive fae prince and Coffin Girls ally, offers her the assistance of the fae to hone her powers. Sophie is drawn to Sylvain, which unnerves her as her hope for love has only ever led to devastation. The two of them must face the demons of their past, unknown enemies and new evil to find true happiness at last.

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About the Author:

You have to dream, think big and believe. Then, while you're at that - work harder than you ever have before!

 

Aneesa Price writes romance and lives it with her university sweetheart and husband. After having surmounted the challenges of being in a bi-racial marriage in the newly democratic South Africa, she now attributes her marital bliss to purposefully added spice and passionately resolved differences. After living in a variety of cities in South Africa, the cosmopolitan city of Johannesburg is the playground that she enjoys with her husband and two daughters.

Aneesa completed her internship in counselling psychology and went on to work first as a therapist and then in Corporate Finance in on projects and in organizational change. This diversity in experience, coupled with her understanding of the human psyche, is translated into her writing through the creation of believable, flawed characters with the innate ability to overcome adversity.

She writes to give her readers the gift of experiencing the new and fascinating, something she strives for herself when she explores new places, reads, cooks with her kids or goes picking for antiques with her husband.

She welcomes new connections so feel free to 'friend' her on facebook or follow her on twitter.

Contact or follow Aneesa Price

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

TOUR GIVEAWAY :

GRAND PRIZE:  $20.00 Gift Card to Amazon

RUNNERS UP:  FOUR (4) winners will get eBook of their choice from ANY of Aneesa's books.

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Good Girls get new Sable Hunter books in their stockings

Bad Girls open their presents early......

TWO Anthologies featuring Sable Hunter stories

 released this weekend!!!

 SANTA WORE SPURS: 

4 GREAT AUTHORS, 4 SEXY SANTA NOVELLAS

In Santa Wore Spurs, Sable introduces us to her new series EL CAMINO REAL with her new story Breath of Heaven.  Cade and Abby have a history. Ten years ago they were in love. But something happened. Abby pushed Cade away and he never knew why. Since then, sparks fly when they’re together. Antagonizing one another has become their favorite sport. The only problem is… it’s all a front. They bicker because they both want the same thing – each other. A Christmas wedding brings them together and Cade is determined to learn Abby’s secret. He’ll do whatever it takes to win her love. Meet the King Family of El Camino Real – five brothers, one sister and a legacy as big as Texas.

Excerpt

“You do realize we’ll kill each other.”
Jase held up his hands in the same defensive posture he’d utilized for their entire history as siblings. Abby was small, but feisty. As the only sister of five brothers, she’d learned early on to talk loudly and carry a big stick. “He understands the situation and he knows you well. I’m sure he’ll arrive in a helmet and body armor.”
“Cade had best wear a cup if he knows what’s good for him. I’m gonna knee him in the nuts if he messes with me,” Abby grumbled just as a blast of icy wind swept through the house.
“Now, is that any way to greet an old friend for Christmas?”
Cade. A thousand emotions hit her like a tsunami. Longing. Lust. Regret.
“Are you glad to see me, Abilene?”
Damn his ornery hide, he knew she hated the name Abilene. “Glad is not the best word for it, Cade. Irritated would be a more appropriate term.” She didn’t know which was worse, being rude or lying. As far as Cade was concerned, rudeness was Abby’s mode of self-defense. Lying to him was preferable. It was better than embarrassing them both with the truth.
Cade sauntered to the fireplace to warm his hands, inspecting the family photographs on the mantel. “I told you this wouldn’t work, Jase. Frankly, I’d rather room with a cranky skunk than put up with your sister’s snarly attitude. Why isn’t my photo up here? I’m family.”
“Your photo’s on display at the Post Office.” Abby braced herself to face her nemesis. She steeled her resolve to react in the manner to which they’d become accustomed. Wiping her hands on a dishtowel, she turned. Slowly.
Wham! There it was.
No matter how often she laid eyes on him, no matter if it was from the rodeo arena stands, watching him on TV or sitting across from him at the dinner table, the effect was always the same. Her knees went weak. Her heart pounded. Her nipples hardened and her pussy creamed.
Cade Tallbull was the sexiest man alive. Bar none.
Also, no one could make her madder faster than this egotistical, arrogant, sanctimonious Don Juan in spurs. “Skunk? Snarly?” Abby put her hands on her hips, flung her hair over her shoulder, narrowed her eyes and threw back her shoulders. “I’ll have you know I’m an absolute living doll. I’m sweet, thoughtful and kind. And if you don’t quit grinning at me like an idiot, I’m going to brain you with this skillet.” She picked one up off the stove and weighed it in her hand.
“Ah, that’s my cue to leave. I’m glad to see you two enjoying each other’s company, just like normal.” Jase began making his way toward the front door, stepping lightly as if traversing a mine field.
Cade stood behind the leather sofa with arms folded, facing Abby as if he were contemplating a duel. “Catch you tomorrow, Jase, and thanks for abandoning me in the enemy camp.”
Abby noticed Cade and Jase exchanging a knowing look. Jase slapped his best friend on the shoulder. “Be careful. She’s armed.”
Cade snorted. “Your sister is lethal. But I do enjoy a challenge. Taming flighty, feisty fillies is my specialty.”
Jase put on his coat, easing out as Abby grumbled. Cade ducked and a rosy red apple bounced off the door. “Tame me?” She picked up another apple and considered her target. “You don’t have the balls, Tallbull.” Even as she threw down the gauntlet, she knew she’d made a mistake. Abby had just waved a red cape in the face of the biggest bull Alpha in Texas. Damn! Why did he have to be so good-looking? Every time she was near him, her whole body went into sexual shell-shock. Six-foot three, two-hundred forty pounds, perfectly ripped, wide shoulders, coal black eyes, dark hair and enough scruff to make him look like an old west desperado. Yea, he was gorgeous and she wanted to run for the hills.
Cade began to move toward her. Slowly. Abby was no fool. She started backing up.
“Au contraire, my dear.” He cupped his oversize package and bucked his hips toward her. She jumped. “Do I make you nervous, Buttercup?” Cade wanted to lick the fluttering pulse point at the base of her neck so badly, he could taste it. “I’m hung, Abby. I have a yard of hard, a battleship full of balls and enough hair—”
“Stop it!” She couldn’t take anymore! Before Abby knew it, he had her backed against the wall. “You Are Out Of Line,” she growled.
Placing one hand on either side of her head, Cade leaned over and looked her right in the eye. A scant quarter of an inch separated their bodies. Her breasts were straining to touch his chest. Lowering his voice, he whispered in her ear. “A moment ago, when you thrust your shoulders back, did you know it made me want to suck your nipples?”

AMAZON Buy Link

HOLIDAY HEROES Boxed Set

4 Novels featuring 4 unique Heroes

Celebrate the season by escaping with a hero. Here is a collection of four novels - each with a different type of hero: A Pirate, A Private Investigator, A Soldier and A Cowboy. Sit down by the fire, drink a hot cup of cocoa and enjoy... 

In Holiday Heroes, you will find Sable Hunter's novel Cowboy Heat (Sweeter version), book 1 of the HELL YEAH! series.  Aron McCoy has sworn off women, he has been burnt once and doesn't intend to fall back into the matrimonial trap again. When Libby Fontaine arrives at Aron's Tebow Ranch, she is determined to cram a lifetime of living into a few short months. The doctor has told her she can't count on her remission from leukemia being a permanent one. Their attraction to one another is instantaneous and overwhelming. But when Aron finds out that Libby is innocent - he backs off. He has nothing to offer a girl who deserves white lace and promises. Then Aron catches Libby skinny-dipping in his stock tank and hears her cry out his name in pleasure - and the heat is on.

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About the Author

Sable writes saucy romances. She splits her time between Louisiana and Texas. Her goal as a writer is to make her readers laugh, cry and sweat - in a good way. The world she creates in her books is one where right prevails, love conquers all and holding out for a hero is not an impossible dream.

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Website
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Sable's Santa Giveaway!

Sable is playing Santa and giving away an ecopy of 

Santa Wore Spurs and Holiday Heroes

Contest ends at midnight 11-12-13.

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Deception in Geneva leads to some Hot and Heavy Consequences

Deception in Geneva

by Bella Ross

Sometimes running from the past leads to hot and heavy consequences…

Former psychic spy, Chloe St. Laurent is a woman of many secrets. Five years ago, after her lover, a die hard mercenary, is kidnapped and murdered while on a secret mission in Darfur leaves her life and heart in ruins. As a means to cope, Chloe disappears into a thin air and settles in a small town in the Alps leaving behind everything and everyone in order to heal from the demons and horrors of that mission. She manages to build a new life, a life of solitude and peace. All that is about to change when Zane Hammond, head of a powerful mercenary organization, finds her and begs her to join forces with him in bringing down a notorious arms dealer. What unfolds between them not only unearths both of their pasts but ignites a dangerous attraction that cannot be denied. But helping the enemy is out of the question, since she holds Zane responsible for her lover’s death, Chloe is fearful of refusing him flat out and runs yet again. However, this time she does not run far before Zane catches up with her and renders some hot and heavy consequences for being deceived.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon   Amazon.UK    Kobo   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bella Ross is a writer with many passions, two of which are writing and travelling. She wrote her first book (a novel) at eighteen a la Jackie Collins. But back then, unbeknownst to her, life was about to take her on a detour. As she set off on her new course, her dream of writing took a backseat and her entrepreneurial spirit flourished instead. But after many years of worldly pursuits, the urge to write returned and the time was right to follow her bliss.

She believes it's never too late to follow your dreams/bliss.

Her books/stories are her first attempt at erotic romance. She loves the genre and its endless creative possibilities. She likes pairing bold and dynamic (Alpha) men with sexy and strong women – which in her opinion - make for a hot and sizzling combination. With her love of travel, it is no surprise that her stories take place in glamorous capitals or exotic locales around the world. It's the perfect backdrop/setting for her characters to explore and indulge their lusts and passions, loves and desires.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading, or gallivanting all over seeking new inspiration, or people watching while enjoying a latte at Starbucks and jotting down ideas.

She loves to hear from readers, and looks forward to interacting through her various social media channels. You can also sign up for Bella Mail to be notified about new releases and promotional offers.

Connect with Bella:

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

GRAND PRIZE:  $25.00 Amazon gift card

 and winners choice of 

PASSION IN PARIS, SURRENDER IN ROME or CONFESSION IN VEGAS

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Dark Secret Love and the Erotic Alphabet Game

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