The Next Big Thing

Hello, guys and girls! Some of you may have seen on a few other blogs authors talking about the Next Big Thing. Well, the lovely and talented, Sloan Parker, tagged me to take part and answer a few questions about a WIP (work in progress) or my next book release, so here I am, talking about what will hopefully be my next big thing! My thanks to Sloan for inviting me to take part!

1.) What is the working title of your book?
      Adapting Instincts. This will be the fourth book in my Instincts series, so it needed to have "Instincts" in the title ;-) With each of the Instincts books, I try to have the first word as being relevant to the what the characters are experiencing or the theme of the story. "Adapting", fits these main characters rather well because they're both adapting and coming to accept changes in their lives and their emotions toward one another.

2.) Where did the idea come from for the book?

       This idea came about quite a long time ago, even all the way back to when I was writing Natural Instincts, Book 1 in the series. There's a character who returns throughout the series in a small role, Carl Anderson. I knew I wanted to write a story for him, and I was also fascinated with another character from that first book who had a small role, Egill Dalgaard. When I sat down to write the third book in the series, Loving Instincts, I felt there was chemistry between the two of them and somehow, someway, I needed to get them together.

3.) What is the genre of the book?
     Gay Paranormal Erotic Romance. Vampires, baby! Yeah!

4.) Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
      Oh man, this is always the hardest question! I think most every author ponders with each book who you'd like to see play your characters in a movie, but for all my guys in my books, I still haven't found that right actor for any of them.

Gackt

Adapting Instincts would be tricky to cast, especially for the role of Egill, because  finding a six foot seven, burly guy with bright red hair and a Norwegian accent might be difficult ;-) I can't even think of any actors who would fit, even with dying their hair red and cutting out the accent. Carl would probably be a little easier to cast. I'd need someone with boy-next-door hotness, but not too young, since Carl is in his early thirties. See what I mean about how I can never find that perfect actor for my guys?!

It would be just as hard trying to cast the other guys, Titus, Andreas, and Daniel. Age Alex Pettyfer about 10 years, and he's got potential for Titus. For Ryunosuke, I'd be all over Gackt! Um...for the role, I mean. Okay, next question!

5.) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
     When Carl Anderson's actions endanger the life of his vampire lover, Egill Dalgaard, he must decide whether to walk deeper into vampire society, or turn his back on the only man who's ever made him feel secure. Or something like that. It's so hard to fit a 67k word novel into one sentence!

6.) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency/publisher?
      It'll be represented by a publisher, MLR Press, where the others in the series are published.

7.) How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
      It took me about three months to finish this one, which is actually very fast for me, but I was working under a hard deadline for it. Then after the first draft, I did about a month of revisions before turning it in. The average for me from first written word to submission is closer to six months. I had to really push hard to finish this one faster, which is what led to me needing to take a break from writing for a while. I was just a tiny bit wiped out.

8.) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
      Besides the other books in the series, I really don't have a clue. There are a lot of great vampire stories in the gay romance genre, but I can't think of any with vampires or a "world" quite like what I've created. Really, I don't like to compare books, whether to books I've written or that I'm reading. It may seem that comparing stories about vampires would be like comparing apples to apples, but to me, it's really not, because every author creates a unique vision in the story they've written. Rather than try to hold one book up against another, I prefer to enjoy each book I read on it's own strengths and individuality.

9.) Who or what inspired you to write this book?
      Even though early in the series, I felt I wanted to do more with Carl and Egill, it was really my readers who inspired me to give a story for them serious consideration. Emails, messages on Facebook and Twitter, asking about them and if they'd get a story were great encouragement. My thanks to everyone for that!

10.) What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
        Well, I really think this is a book that if you've read the others in the series, you'll enjoy it. Some familiar faces will pop up, a lingering question or two from the last book gets answered, and of course, it's got plenty of hot action in it. But more than that, it's a love story, and is focused on the building of a new relationship and overcoming doubts to find the courage to pursue your heart. If that's the kind of story you enjoy, hopefully you'll like Adapting Instincts!

My thanks again to Sloan for tagging me to answer these questions. And if you'd like to see some other big things coming from a couple fantastically talented authors, Jambrea Jo Jones will soon be talking about her Next Big Thing, and later next week, so will Melanie Tushmore. Be sure to swing by their places and see what they've got going on! Thanks to everyone who read about my next big thing, and I hope if you decide to give Adapting Instincts a read when it releases in March 2013, that you'll enjoy it!

What's SJ Up To Now?

Hey there, ladies and gentlemen! I know I've been a little quiet since the release of Loving Instincts, the third vampire novel in the Instincts series, and I do apologize for that. It's kind of a funny thing when a new book is released. There's so much excitement, and undeniably a huge amount of nerves with waiting for the first reader responses to come in. So far, those have been wonderful. I thank everyone who has sent me emails, left comments here, posted to my Facebook, and messaged me on Twitter, about how you've enjoyed the story. It means more than I can ever fully express, and I hope you all know that it's those kinds of sweet things that keep me hitting the keys in creating the next story for you.

And so, what have I been typing at lately? Well, I'm happy to say that the next Conquest book, FEELING THE RHYTHM, which is the story for Conquest's drummer, Brad Delfini, is now in my editor's hands. Yes, that's right. After being in the works for many long months, it's finished! Woo hoo! My editor and I are going to work very hard to get it out this year, and right now we're shooting for a December release.

After finishing FEELING THE RHYTHM, my plan was to take a good long break from writing. If you've seen LOVING INSTINCTS, you know that book was 100k words in length. FEELING THE RHYTHM has come in at about 90k. I figured between those two huge manuscripts, I'd earned a break, but my editor kindly reminded me that I have to get another book to her by the end of the year. That reminder had me tossing my break out the window and now I'm working on Book 4 in the Instincts series.

On a non-writing note, some of you may remember the review I wrote for the movie, Judas Kiss. (You can see it HERE.) Well, in that review, I pretty much sung the praises of actor Sean Paul Lockhart and the wonderful job he did in the movie. I said I hoped to see him in more movies and in lead roles. Not so long ago, I found out that he and writer/director, Rob Moretti, are making a movie called "Truth", with Sean Paul Lockhart in the lead role. Hooray!

The movie's Facebook page is here: http://www.facebook.com/truththemovie

With this movie, like with so many independent projects, they've needed funding. They were having a campaign to raise funds, which I did put in a small contribution for (hey, I've always been the type to put my money where my mouth is), but the campaign has since ended. You can still view it HERE. The thing that got me about this was I watched a video of them talking about the movie, and they seemed truly passionate about the movie and the story they wanted to tell. It touched me, because I know what it's like to have a dream. I was there a few years ago when I was trying to become a published author. It's not easy being an independent artist, whether author, filmmaker, actor, painter, musician, or any of the others who work so hard to bring their craft to the public. The old adage of how someone "suffers for their craft" is very true. It's a labor of love, and you hope beyond hope to reach people with your work. So I can relate to where they're coming from, and I truly hope they get to make their movie.

Speaking of movies, I need movie recs! Once I finish Instincts Bk 4, I'm taking my break and I want to watch some good movies! So feel welcomed to email me, post recs on my FB wall, message them to me on Twitter, post them here, anywhere and everywhere is fine. Sadly, since Judas Kiss, I have no recs to offer back because all I've been doing is writing! Though, I will recommend Bunraku, which I watched a long time  ago and thought was awesome, but didn't write a review for because I figured everyone would think I'm biased since Gackt stars in it and it's no secret that I sort of, kind of, absolutely LOVE Gackt :-D

And so, my dear readers, that's what I've been up to. You know, other than working full-time at the evil day job, chasing my child, and tending to my horses who are never quite spoiled enough in their minds. I know a few of you are waiting - and have been very patiently waiting - for Brad's story, and I promise to do all I can to get it to you all this year. Thank you, so very much, to those who have picked up LOVING INSTINCTS, and my thanks to everyone for all your wonderful support.

Gackt

New Release: LOVING INSTINCTS

Hey there, ladies and gentlemen! It's with great pleasure that I announce the release of my newest book, LOVING INSTINCTS, the third vampire novel in the Instincts series!

It just went live at MLR Press, a day early! I think it's incredibly cool of them to have released it a day sooner than expected! It's currently available in all ebook formats there, including prc for Kindle and epub for Nook. It'll soon be available in print, and will be branching out for sale at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble,  AllRomance eBooks, and many more!

I'm very excited to bring my vampires back for everyone. For me, it was great to work with Titus and Andreas again, and have them lead the way once more in this story. Now I hope all who read it will enjoy it!

Blurb:

From the moment Andreas Nikandros looked into the silver eyes of Titus Antonius Calidus, his life was destined to change. They’ve faced challenges and dangers together, but all those did was make his love for Titus grow and strengthen his resolve to spend eternity at the side of his vampire lover.

Titus has seen centuries come and go, losing more hope with each one of ever finding love again, until Andreas entered his life. He’s found his eternal partner in Andreas, and is ready to make him so in every sense.

As they follow their loving instincts, Andreas knows he’s going to have to make sacrifices, but he also knows what he’ll gain will be so much greater; Titus – forever. What he doesn’t foresee is Titus’s enemies becoming his own and how difficult simply surviving is when he becomes the hunted.

Release Date & Excerpt: LOVING INSTINCTS

Hey, ladies and gentlemen! I promised that when I had the release date for the next vampire novel, third in the Instincts series, LOVING INSTINCTS, that I'd be sure to post it. Well, I'm nothing if not a woman of my word. As of what I was told this morning, MLR Press is looking to release it August 24th. Woo hoo! Providing no unforeseen issues come up, that's the current goal.

So in honor of its upcoming release, I thought I'd share a little sneak peek excerpt to re-familiarize everyone with Andreas and Titus, as they're making a return as the leads in this book. Now, I will say that this book is a spoiler if you haven't read the first in the series, NATURAL INSTINCTS, and it would give away some things from ENDURING INSTINCTS, as well. Though, I think if you haven't read ENDURING INSTINCTS, there's enough recapping where you wouldn't be lost in LOVING INSTINCTS.

This is the opening scene of the book, and I hope all who decide to buy it when it releases will enjoy it!

Blurb:

From the moment Andreas Nikandros looked into the silver eyes of Titus Antonius Calidus, his life was destined to change. They’ve faced challenges and dangers together, but all those did was make his love for Titus grow and strengthen his resolve to spend eternity at the side of his vampire lover.

Titus has seen centuries come and go, losing more hope with each one of ever finding love again, until Andreas entered his life. He’s found his eternal partner in Andreas, and is ready to make him so in every sense.

As they follow their loving instincts, Andreas knows he’s going to have to make sacrifices, but he also knows what he’ll gain will be so much greater; Titus – forever. What he doesn’t foresee is Titus’s enemies becoming his own and how difficult simply surviving is when he becomes the hunted.

Excerpt:

The heat of Titus’s body warmed Andreas’s bare skin. Andreas leaned against him, whispering, “Do it again, Ty.”

Low chuckles rumbled in Titus’s throat. “Haven’t I done it enough?”

Andreas shook his head. “I love watching you do it.”

Titus exhaled a sigh, feigning exasperation. He lifted his hands for Andreas to see them. “I don’t know why I find it impossible to say no to you.”

Andreas watched as Titus’s fingernails lengthened, the tips of them narrowing to sharp points. Being a zoologist, he’d studied and witnessed countless incredible adaptations in several species, but this was one of the most amazing. But then, he found everything about vampires to be amazing, and the one lying at his side was the most incredible of them all.

Andreas snuggled into him. “My guess is because you love me.”

Titus rolled his head on his pillow, looking into Andreas’s eyes. “I’ll agree with that.”

Andreas touched their lips together. Titus’s lips—so soft, so warm—beneath his own. Even with the kiss being chaste, he could feel the passion and love Titus had for him.

Andreas slowly drew back, opening his eyes to meet Titus’s gaze. He rested his hand on Titus’s cheek. Six months had passed since he first looked into Titus’s silver eyes. In that time he learned just how much he could love someone, and it was with every part of his mind, body, heart, and soul.

When they first met, he was focused only on revenge for his sister’s death, wanting to become a vampire for no other reason other than to kill and destroy. Those feelings faded the more time he spent in Titus’s arms. He gave Titus full credit for guiding him back to the man he’d always been, and even more, for showing him the man he wanted to be.

Andreas moved his gaze over Titus. The white gold of Titus’s platinum blond hair contrasted against the black silk pillow case. Titus’s chiseled features held a masculine beauty. Andreas looked lower, his gaze traveling over Titus’s smooth chest, the pectorals thick with muscle, to the abdomen with deep grooves of definition. 

The black silk sheet was pushed down to where the top edge of Titus’s trimmed pubic hair showed, but Andreas could see the outline through the sheet of the most perfect cock he’d ever dreamed of—long, thick, uncut. And if he were to roll Titus over, he could gaze upon an ass just as perfect, the muscled cheeks beautifully rounded. 

Andreas brought his gaze back to Titus’s eyes. He felt he could never get enough of drinking in their silver hue. More than once he’d called Titus an evolutionary masterpiece. Nothing could be more true in his mind.

In the grand timeline of things, the time they’d spent together wasn’t much, and yet when he looked into Titus’s eyes, he saw his eternity. It was now for love, not revenge, that he wanted an immortal life. He’d never been one to fear death, until he fell in love with Titus. Now the thought of it terrified him because he didn’t want to leave Titus for whatever existence was beyond life. That’s why he was going to become a vampire. Very soon. He just needed to tell Titus when.

“You’re staring at me again,” Titus said.

“Because you’re so beautiful. And I’d think you’d be used to it by now.”

“I am and I like it. I’d be more concerned if you stopped doing it.”

Andreas placed another tender kiss on Titus’s lips. He shifted down, resting his head on Titus’s chest. “I’ve been thinking.”

Titus drifted his fingers up and down Andreas’s back. “I wasn’t aware you ever stop.”

Andreas gave him a light slap on the chest for his sarcasm, causing Titus to laugh softly.  “Let me rephrase that. I’ve been thinking about one thing in particular lately.”

“And that would be?”

“When I want you to Turn me.”

Copyright 2012 by S.J. Frost and MLR Press

Writing Update: Loving Instincts and Feeling the Rhythm

Hello, everyone! I just wanted to check in and give you all a quick update on the latest in my writing adventures.

We'll start first with my upcoming release, the third vampire novel in the Instincts series, LOVING INSTINCTS. I'm still in edits on this one, but I'm happy to say the edits are moving along nicely and things are looking good for an August release. Don't have a specific day yet, but when I do, I'll announce it. And once I get through one more round of edits, I'll post a little sneak peek excerpt of it ;-) The novel is standing at just a little over 100k words, and with the major additions and deletions finished on it (at least I hope so!), it looks like that's going to be the final word count, so it's a long one!

Next in writing news, I've been working away on Conquest's Brad Delfini's story. Really, I have! I know this one has been a long time coming, but Brad had to be ready to tell his story on his time. Now, his story has broken the 50k mark with more to go. Along with that, I think I've settled on a title: FEELING THE RHYTHM. I'm still hoping to have it finished by the end of summer and am keeping my fingers crossed for a winter release and for it to be my last novel release of 2012.

And that's it! That's what I've been up to. Hope it all sounds like good news to everyone, and I hope when these books do go live, that all who give them a read will enjoy them.

Cover Art & Blurb for LOVING INSTINCTS

Ladies and gentlemen, it's my pleasure to unveil the cover and blurb for my upcoming release, LOVING INSTINCTS, Book 3 in the Instincts series. Woo hoo! This cover was made by the talented Lex Valentine of Winterheart Design, who some of you may recall I've mentioned here before. She's done the covers for all the Instincts series, HEARTSTRINGS, and BLACK HEART DOWN, and I'm thrilled to have another cover by her!

LOVING INSTINCTS is going to bring things back to Titus and Andreas from the first one, NATURAL INSTINCTS. As of right now, the book is in edits, but my editor and I are hoping to have it ready for a July/August release. No promises, though! It just depends on how quickly we move through edits, and it's a very long book, so I'm predicting editing to take a while.

When it does release, I hope very much that everyone will enjoy spending time with Titus and Andreas again!

BLURB:

From the moment Andreas Nikandros looked into the silver eyes of Titus Antonius Calidus, his life was destined to change. They’ve faced challenges and dangers together, but all those did was make his love for Titus grow and strengthen his resolve to spend eternity at the side of his vampire lover.

Titus has seen centuries come and go, losing more hope with each one of ever finding love again, until Andreas entered his life. He’s found his eternal partner in Andreas, and is ready to make him so in every sense.

As they follow their loving instincts, Andreas knows he’s going to have to make sacrifices, but he also knows what he’ll gain will be so much greater; Titus – forever. What he doesn’t foresee is Titus’s enemies becoming his own and how difficult simply surviving is when he becomes the hunted.