In a word, wrote. Now I know this might seem like work—and it is, but it’s the best possible job in the world, so I mind a little less that I didn’t take any long stretches off. I just sent Motor City Mage (Urban Arcana Book 4) and now it’s on to other projects.
Now that my kids are out of high school, there’s less delineation of “summer” in my house, although since my husband works for a university, some people are surprised to hear that. However he’s one of those non-classroom type employees, so his schedule is a normal business one, not based on the academic calendar. Therefore summer means hotter days, and more cooking on the barbecue, but otherwise, there’s not much to set it apart from spring and fall anymore. And while I kind of miss the distinct seasonal cycle in our lives to some extent, the steadier flow is certainly more productive for me as a writer.
So here we are, on the very last day of August, looking autumn in the face, and I have to say, I didn’t do much with summer. No overnight trips, a few day jaunts to Renaissance Festivals and other local events. I love live music and shopping at craft fairs, plus in my world, dressing up is always a bonus. I think these kinds of trips are great for story inspiration. We’d hoped to hit a couple museums, but I think those will have to wait until fall—not a big problem. Of course the local library is a frequent stop. When I do take a break, I love to sit outside and read. Now that I have an e-reader, that’s even easier. I’ve been devouring my fellow Carina authors’ work. It’s very good stuff! I promise.
But if you happen to be looking for one last summer read of your own, or an early fall mental getaway, I’d love for you to take a look at Motor City Wolf. Greg is one of my all-time favorite heroes, and Fee was a hoot to write. Romantic Times Book Reviews called it “charming and original” and “imbued with fun.” I’ll be giving away one free download to a random commenter at the end of this post, so let me know what you did on your summer vacation to enter the contest. (don’t forget to leave an email so I can reach you if you win.)
Thanks for reading and have a great autumn!
~Cindy (www.cindyspencerpape.com)
Motor City Wolf
Urban Arcana Book 3
By Cindy Spencer Pape
Buy link: http://bit.ly/nv0Tlm
Blurb:
Less than a year ago, Fianna Meadows was a pampered noble in the Faerie court. Then she was exiled, turned mortal and forced to work for a living—in a werewolf bar in Detroit, no less! Still, Fianna has to admit her new life isn’t so bad…particularly when it comes to Greg Novak, the bar’s sexy owner.
For Greg, keeping his hands off Fianna has been a challenge. But his sense of honor won’t let him get involved with a woman put in his care, even if Fianna is eager to explore her new feelings of lust. Resisting the temptation to claim her gets even harder when Greg’s grandfather, the region’s Alpha, orders him to marry and Fianna agrees to pretend to be his chosen mate.
Fighting his attraction to Fianna isn’t Greg’s only problem. Someone is killing werewolves and attacking other paranormal beings in Detroit. He vows to do whatever it takes protect both his pack and Fianna—even if that means giving her up…
Excerpt: (PG-13)
With a loud, metallic clang, the door at the top of the steps slammed shut.
“What the fuck?” Greg ran up the stairs two at a time. “Not funny, assholes.” He pounded on the steel door with his fist. “Let us out.”
Fianna dropped the box of garbage bags and clutched the pole of a shelf. “What’s going on?” She was only faintly claustrophobic, she reminded herself. And surely, Greg would have them out in no time.
“I swear, if this is Vince or Lana playing a prank, I’m going to rip their tails off with my teeth,” he snarled, throwing his shoulder into the door to no effect.
“Why would they do that?” It didn’t make any sense at all.
“To throw us together, princess.” His voice softened at the nickname, which he’d originally used in such a derogatory tone when she’d first come to work for him. “I believe my brother and cousin think we ought to be a couple.”
“Really? Lana hasn’t said anything of the sort to me.” Although the other woman had been urging Fianna to wear tighter jeans and lower necklines, and she had gone out early tonight, leaving Greg and Fianna alone. “Can’t we phone someone for help?” She pulled her cell phone from her pocket.
Greg shook his head. “No signal. We’re too far underground. Sorry, Fee, I think we’re stuck here for the duration.”
So why Egypt?
People often ask why I’m drawn to mysteries and where my ideas come from. My answer? It’s the walking.