5,000 Words Per Hour? Part Two

Two weeks ago, I decided (again) to dive into Chris Fox’s method of writing 5,000 words an hour to try to fire up my muse and encourage me to write more words. And it worked! Have I gotten to 5,000 words an hour? No. Lol. I’m not sure I’ll ever be at that level of productivity. I would actually be happy with 5,000 words a day. I really like to think about what I write while I write. BUT I do sometimes get caught up in the thinking and not the writing. So, this book actually gave me a happy medium between the two. I didn’t write every day, which was my goal. Freelancing and working full time is hectic sometimes and I just can’t focus sometimes. So, I think I just need to find a balance between sprints and freelancing. That will come. And I’m so glad that I’m making progress on both the freelancing and writing fronts.

Results

  • The most important result is that I wrote more words. As I stated in my previous post, I had been in a writing slump and hadn’t been writing at all. So any words are an improvement. In two weeks, I wrote 1,300 words, more than I’ve written in a while.
  • I can see my stamina increasing. There are some sprints where I grew from 5 minutes to 7 or 10 minutes, which, as I continue to progress, will improve
  • I can see my word count increasing with sprints. I start out at 107 words, and after a slight wobble, grows.
  • I focus. And I also allow myself to trail off with….Sprint is ending? Not sure where I’m going? I’m good with ending mid -sentence and picking up next time.

So, two weeks in, I definitely recommend 5,000 Words Per Hour. The spreadsheet that’s included alone is worth $2.99! I’ll check in again in two weeks. I’m challenging myself to get more than 1,300 words this time.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

5,000 Words Per Hour: Write Faster, Write Smarter by Chris Fox

Book Blurb:

5,000 words an hour. Total BS, right? Check the reviews and you’ll see that some people exceed that. Those that don’t still write faster and more consistently after reading this book. It really works.

The fastest way to succeed as an author is to write more books. How do you do that with a day job, family, school or all your other time commitments? The secret is efficiency.

5K WPH will help you maximize your writing time by building effective habits that both measure and increase your writing speed.

– Create an effective writing habit
– Track and improve your Words Per Hour
– Stop the endless editing and tinkering so you can finish your draft
– Use voice dictation software to dramatically increase words per hour.

It’s time to shift your writing into high gear. Write Faster, Write Smarter!

Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3YG8k9s

5,000 Words Per Hour? Part One

I admit it. I’ve been in a writing slump for several months now. It’s not that I don’t have any ideas. Maybe I simply have too many. I have at least four books in my head right now, just waiting to get out. Granted, my life has been a little topsy-turvy in the past year. Hello, two moves in one year? That’s enough to make anyone’s head spin, and not in the way that puts stories together.

I’m all settled now. Sorta. There’s still some painting, organizing and unpacking to do. But not enough to keep me from sitting down and writing. When it comes to writing, I have all these ideas, up until I sit and actually open up the document. That’s when I hear crickets. Or the Jeopardy song. Or anything else but the sound of fingers happily tapping on the keyboard.

I’ve tried moving outside and enjoying the fresh air and the birds singing, but that doesn’t seem to help. I’ve taken my laptop to an entirely different location, and while it kind of spurred me on, it wasn’t enough to get me GOING again. In that flow that I love so much where time doesn’t seem to matter, and it’s just me, my characters, and the story that’s unfolding in my head.

So, it’s time to try something else. I bought Chris Fox’s book 5,000 Words Per Hour almost a year ago, and I read and followed the first few chapters. I loved the word chart he includes that you can use for each book you write. But, it wasn’t the time yet to sit and focus on getting my groove back.

It’s time now. There are no excuses and no reasons why I can’t. I’m going to try out Fox’s methods for the next thirty days and see how much I can turn out. Granted, his method doesn’t start out with 5,000 words an hour. You build up with micro sprints and pre-planning your scenes before you sit down. As a pantser, not a planner, this may be a challenge too!

I’ll come back here on March 9th, in fifteen days, and let you all know how well I did. I may even finish that novella that’s open on my laptop right now. Just waiting for me to come write, “The End”.

Want to check out the book for yourself? Click the link below to download your copy today.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

5,000 Words Per Hour: Write Faster, Write Smarter by Chris Fox

Book Blurb:

5,000 words an hour. Total BS, right? Check the reviews and you’ll see that some people exceed that. Those that don’t still write faster and more consistently after reading this book. It really works.

The fastest way to succeed as an author is to write more books. How do you do that with a day job, family, school or all your other time commitments? The secret is efficiency.

5K WPH will help you maximize your writing time by building effective habits that both measure and increase your writing speed.

– Create an effective writing habit
– Track and improve your Words Per Hour
– Stop the endless editing and tinkering so you can finish your draft
– Use voice dictation software to dramatically increase words per hour.

It’s time to shift your writing into high gear. Write Faster, Write Smarter!

Amazon Buy Link ——>https://amzn.to/3lT0nQB

Lafayette Mardi Gras Photographer John Weatherall

Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!

Louisiana native John Weatherall captures perfect parade pictures.

Mardi Gras season officially kicks off today, and if you’re from Louisiana, then this is probably one of your favorite times of the year. Whether it’s a small local parade or a big city celebration, nothing can quite compare to the bustle and excitement of Mardi Gras in the South. But have you ever thought about who captures these moments? Who brings these memories to life with dynamic photos and videos that tell stories of the revelry and celebration that makes this time of the year so unique? One such photographer is Louisiana native John Weatherall, who specializes in capturing Mardi Gras with fun-filled videos that capture perfect moments along parade routes. In this blog post, we’ll find out who his influences are and why he loves Mardi Gras so much.

(Side note: I had the privilege of teaching John and have enjoyed watching his success grow every year. And with my own love of Mardi Gras, this was a fun blog to do!)

How long have you been taking pictures?

My interest in photography started back in April of 2007. My parents purchased a Sanyo Point and Shoot Camera for me to take photos of the family. It wasn’t until November ’07, during my Junior Year at Northside High whenever they invested in a Sony A100 DSLR. From there, my interest grew tremendously!

My interest in videography started in the late 1990s. My Mom and Dad filmed all of our home movies growing up and showed me and my sisters how to operate the VHS camera. It wasn’t until January 2001 whenever I was able to operate the camera on my own. We were on our way to Baton Rouge to visit my sister, and I was able to document our trip to and from that; I fell in love with photography! I still have that video saved at home.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

It would have to be my love for capturing moments that most people don’t think of or forget to capture. Going through our family photo albums, I would always say, “Why didn’t we get this moment on photo or video?” but of course, I feel the best moments are whenever you’re not documenting and living in the moment. But my goal is to capture those moments that people tend to not think about!

Who are some people that have influenced you throughout your career?

Photography-wise, I’d have to say Dave Hill, Alex Stoddard, Brooke Shaden, and more recently Joe Greer (Film Photographer). Videography-wise, I’d have to say Ray Roman Films, Dennis Films, and Hype Williams!

Tell us what your favorite projects have been so far.

Definitely my Mardi Gras recap videos I put out every year. They have taken a life of their own for sure. Aside from Mardi Gras, I’d have to go with my We Ready Saints Hype Video I shot back in 2019. I remember that week being crazy because I traveled all down I-10 from Lake Charles to New Orleans, filming different Saints fans all in four days!

Now, speaking of Mardi Gras and the subject of this interview, let’s assume it’s someone’s first Mardi Gras. What advice do you give him or her?

Prepare for a long day! No seriously. Mardi Gras is a great experience but can be draining if you don’t prepare for what’s ahead. My advice would be to stay hydrated at all times, be sure to check out the parade route in advance to pick a spot you want to set up. Arrive early!

Everyone is like family along the parade route, so you’re bound to meet new friends and have fun before the parade rolls. I’ve also received messages from people who are unsure about attending a parade alone. Trust me, it’s just as fun. Since 2004, I’ve been attending several parades by myself and have always had a great experience. Lastly, have fun and catch lots of beads!

What’s your favorite thing about Mardi Gras?

The people. I can’t tell you how many people that I’ve met over the years at the parades that I still keep in contact with to this day! Can’t forget about the King cakes. My go-to spots are Meches and Jak’s Donuts for their King Cake Cronuts.

Where can we find you on social media?

I’m on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter under @johneweatherall and YouTube under John Weatherall III.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Be sure to look for me on the Krewe De Krunk float during Mardi Gras. And also special thanks to my parents John and Prenella Weatherall for getting me started in videography as a kid, my best friend Gerald Gruenig for pushing me to post Mardi Gras content on TikTok, which blew up in 2022, and lastly Lance Ruffins with Krewe De Krunk.

A.L. Vincent Books

The Bon Chance Boonies series is the perfect read for anyone who loves Louisiana, food, friendship, and family. These heartwarming stories will make you laugh, cry, and feel like you are home. Click the link below to buy your book today!

Bon Chance Boonie Amazon Page

Book Review ~ A Southern Lights Christmas

Book Blurb:

A Minnesota man, determined to spend a Christmas in a milder climate with no snow, books a two week stay at the Southern Lights Mistletoe Lodge in southwest Louisiana. Mack develops an immediate camaraderie with his across-the-hall neighbor, Natalie, a widow of one year, there to escape the over-protective smothering of well-meaning family members. When a rare and far-reaching Arctic blast covers the south with a foot of bone-chilling, wet snow, Mack and Natalie experience the reality of winter in a southern town. Can the two new friends keep each other warm and toasty through the inconveniences of closed roadways, frozen pipes, and frigid temps?

My Review:

Being from Louisiana, I’m always delighted to read stories about Cajun country by local writers. This short Christmas romance didn’t disappoint. A Southern Lights Chrismas was absolutely DeLIGHTful! I love the slow and steady romance between Mack and Natalie. It was a very real romance between characters I felt like people I know. The details with all the local places and Louisiana culture were lagniappe! Definitely recommend this one! 

Amazon Buy Link:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Southern Lights Christmas: Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge

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One Magick Yule ~ Book Review

Book Blurb:

Living in a remote part of eastern Kentucky, Taylor McKenzie has secrets to keep. As an author of mystery novels, she writes under a pen name to avoid intrusion into her life. As a witch, she talks to animals and performs magick that she prefers to keep to herself. Ben Partin needed to get away from life after a recent romantic relationship went bad. His grandmother had just the place at her abandoned farm in rural Kentucky. As a romance author, he was suffering from the worst kind of writer’s block ever. How could he write romances when he didn’t believe in love anymore? Two meddlesome dogs and a blizzard on Christmas Eve manage to unravel secrets and open doors for the two solitary writers.

Book Review:

I’m a sucker for stories with unique characters and storylines. This book has both. I love that Taylor could talk to animals and that each animal had its own character and voice. Happy, the raccoon, was a definite scene stealer, literally. Highly recommend this sweet Christmas romance.

Amazon Buy Link:

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One Magick Yule

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Foodie Friday: Hello Fresh Recipe Review

Old School BBQ Pork Sloppy Joes

Hello Fresh is a great choice for single people who have trouble preparing healthy meals. Not only do they make it easier to plan meals, but the recipes are also designed to be simple and quick to make. Plus, you can choose from a variety of nutrition plans that suit your lifestyle.

The cost of a meal delivery box from Hello Fresh, can be pricey for a family. But, for a single person, being able to turn one meal into two or even three can make this into a more affordable option. For example, I paid $46 for two meals this week. I was able to split this particular recipe into two weeknight meals and brought some for lunch to work. I prepared the second recipe last night so, as of now, I’ve made four meals from this box. This puts the price per meal at $11.50 but will go down as I see how far the second recipe stretches. I still have enough for at least one dinner or lunch.

The convenience of Hello Fresh makes it ideal for those who are short on time. No more having to go food shopping or wasting food because you don’t use it in time. Everything you need comes pre-portioned and ready to cook, so all that’s left is the fun part – cooking!

Plus, the variety of recipes available can help keep things interesting. You won’t find yourself eating the same food over and over again. From classic comfort food to adventurous dishes, Hello Fresh has a recipe for everyone.

Finally, the food reviews from other customers can help give you an idea of how difficult or easy your chosen meal is to make. This makes it easier to gauge if the dish is something you want to try or not. Keep reading for my own review of Old School Sloppy Joes!

Recipe Review

I’ve always been a fan of sloppy Joes so I was excited to try this recipe. Sloppy Joes are also a fast weeknight meal, which is definitely something I need. I end up ordering way too much takeout if I don’t have something quick and easy to cook at home. This recipe didn’t disappoint. The twist with pickled onions was interesting and topped these tasty sandwiches perfectly. It’s a trick that I’ll be including when I make sloppy Joes in the future. As with most foods I cook at home, I added some of my own tweaks to the recipe and this time that included added some chipotle peppers I had on hand. I chopped one up and added it to the meat mixture and also added some of the liquid to the ranch sauce. It added a bit more heat without being overpowering. If you’re sensitive to spice, I don’t recommend this step.

Pros

  • Recipe included a side making it a bit more budget-friendly
  • Portion size. I made three meals out of this one.
  • Just enough spice
  • Easy to recreate at home
  • I had extra pickled onions for other recipes

Cons

  • 980 calories
  • A little dry when reheated

All in all, I give this one a solid five stars, and would recommend to anyone looking for a quick and tasty weeknight meal. I will definitely make this one again.

Hello Fresh is a great food delivery service for single people who want to have healthy, homemade meals without having to go food shopping or spend hours in the kitchen. With a variety of recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find something that fits your taste and lifestyle.

Want to try a FREE box from Hello Fresh? Click here to redeem your box today!

5 Cajun Cookbooks for Christmas

Chicken and sausage gumbo cooking in an iron kettle.

It’s that time of year again when we all start thinking about what gifts to give our loved ones. If you’re looking for some ideas for the cook or foodie in your life, why not consider a Cajun cooking book? There are lots of great options out there, and I’ve put together a list of my favorites.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Complete Cajun Cookbook: 100 Home-Cooked Bayou Classics

Cook like a Cajun with 100 authentic recipes

Cajun food has deep roots in home-style country cooking and the rich heritage of Cajun culture, which combine to create unique flavors you can’t find anywhere else. The Complete Cajun Cookbook makes it simple to capture those flavors in your own kitchen, with detailed instructions for mastering regional cooking techniques and a comprehensive collection of beloved recipes.

What differentiates this book from other New Orleans cookbooks:

  • An overview of Cajun cooking—Get a crash course on the history of Cajun cuisine, and learn how to master regional cooking techniques.
  • Tips for stocking a Cajun kitchen—Discover the ingredients that set Cajun cuisine apart, and find an easy recipe for throwing together your own Cajun seasoning.
  • Classic and creative recipes—Explore an enticing mix of traditional favorites and modern Cajun cooking, from Seafood Gumbo to Corn Maque Choux.

Bring home the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this top choice in Louisiana cookbooks.

2. Mosquito Supper Club: Cajun Recipes from a Disappearing Bayou

For anyone who loves Cajun food or is interested in American cooking or wants to discover a distinct and engaging new female voice—or just wants to make the very best duck gumbo, shrimp jambalaya, she-crab soup, crawfish étouffée, smothered chicken, fried okra, oyster bisque, and sweet potato pie—comes Mosquito Supper Club.
 
Named after her restaurant in New Orleans, chef Melissa M. Martin’s debut cookbook shares her inspired and reverent interpretations of the traditional Cajun recipes she grew up eating on the Louisiana bayou, with a generous helping of stories about her community and its cooking. Every hour, Louisiana loses a football field’s worth of land to the Gulf of Mexico. Too soon, Martin’s hometown of Chauvin will be gone, along with the way of life it sustained. Before it disappears, Martin wants to document and share the recipes, ingredients, and customs of the Cajun people.
 
Illustrated throughout with dazzling color photographs of food and place, the book is divided into chapters by ingredient—from shrimp and oysters to poultry, rice, and sugarcane. Each begins with an essay explaining the ingredient and its context, including traditions like putting up blackberries each February, shrimping every August, and the many ways to make an authentic Cajun gumbo. Martin is a gifted cook who brings a female perspective to a world we’ve only heard about from men. The stories she tells come straight from her own life, and yet in this age of climate change and erasure of local cultures, they feel universal, moving, and urgent.

3. Growing Up Cajun: Recipes and Stories from the Slap Ya Mama Family

Take your meals to the next level with this flavor-packed cookbook from the Slap Ya Mama family.

Growing Up Cajun invites you to explore Cajun traditions, the history behind the Slap Ya Mama name, Cajun lore, and some of the most prized recipes in Louisiana—all flavored with Walker family stories.

4. The Easy Creole and Cajun Cookbook: Modern and Classic Dishes Made Simple

From Louisiana to your table with love―50 authentic Cajun and Creole recipes

Welcome to the perfect way to start cooking up sweet and savory Southern flavors in a flash. The Easy Creole and Cajun Cookbook makes it quick, easy, and affordable to spice up mealtime anytime with lots of crowd-pleasing one-pot and 30-minute options.

From authentic Shrimp, Sausage, and Grits to aromatic Crawfish Bisque, this complete Creole and Cajun cookbook delivers everything you need to get started simmering up these timeless and tasty family favorites at home. Get expert tips on how to stock your pantry, must-have kitchen appliances, and how to create and use local seasonings like the magical Cajun Trinity of fresh onions, celery, and bell pepper. Bon appetite!

5. RealCajunRecipes.com – The Cookbook: la cuisine de mawmaw 

The original RealCajunRecipes.com cookbook is back! Enjoy the 15th Anniversary reprint of our original 2004 recipe book. Packed with 350 classic Cajun recipes such as gumbo, boudin, etouffee, cush cush, beignets, fried frog legs, fried turkey, bread pudding and many more of the recipes for which Cajuns are famous.We first made this cookbook in 2004 when we were in our early 20’s. We had real Cajuns type them and we’re presenting it to you, as it was presented to us, typos, Cajun-isms and all. This charming cookbook has been praised as the perfect Christmas, Wedding, Birthday or Graduation gift.Just how Cajun is this cookbook? Well, we hail from Vermilion Parish in Louisiana aka “The Most Cajun Place on Earth” and co-author Chrissy was even born on Mardi Gras. So you can rest assured knowing that true Cajuns put this collection together to represent nothing but the best recipes of our culture, from Cameron Parish to Lafourche Parish. Good eating from real Cajun people – dis cookbook gonna show you how!

Cajun cuisine is a delicious way to bring some spice into your Christmas cooking this year. These five cookbooks are great resources to help you create Cajun masterpieces in your own kitchen. So what are you waiting for? Click the titles of the books to buy your copies today! And don’t forget to invite us over for dinner once you’ve gotten a chance to try out some of the recipes. We can’t wait to see (and taste) what you come up with!

Operation Santa Book Review

Book Blurb:

How much trouble can a man get into while trying to win his estranged wife back? David is about to find out in this humorous novella.

When Marci Hofer becomes fed up with the lack of attention from her husband, David, she decides to leave him. Devastated, he begins a campaign to bring her home. Calling it Operation Santa, he learns what he thought would be as simple as sending her gifts can backfire in the most embarrassing ways.

Will he survive the battle to get her back?

Book Review:

This is a laugh-out-loud funny book that will leave you rooting for the main characters and wondering what shenanigans will happen next!

I love books that I can pick up and finish in almost one sitting, and this one is perfect for that. The prose flows quickly, and before you know it, you’ve been taken on one hilarious ride. I also loved that this was two characters dealing with a real problem. If you’re looking for a lighthearted and fun Christmas read, this is the book for you!

*There are some adult situations in the book, although there are no hanky-panky scenes.

Amazon Buy Link:

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Operation Santa

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Author Interview With Carrie Dalby

Welcome to my blog post on author Carrie Dalby and her Gothic series of books set in and around Mobile, Alabama. In this interview, we discuss Carrie’s inspirations for her books, her writing process, and her local area. So without further ado, let’s dive into the mind of this exciting Gothic author!

When did you first call yourself a writer?

To myself, in high school, when I finished the first draft of an over 200 page manuscript. To other people, I still feel weird calling myself a writer. I probably blush when others refer to me as one.

Which of your characters do you relate to the most and why?

My most autobiographical work is my only contemporary novel (and the only one set on the west coast), Corroded. Mary would be the one I relate to the most as her high school experience was similar to mine, though there is a lot of me in Ben as well. I put a little of myself into each of my main characters, but many are polar opposites of me.

What inspired the idea for your first book?

My first published novel is Fortitude, though it was my sixth manuscript. What spurred the idea was learning goats on Dauphin Island used to sleep in the oak trees to keep away from alligators at night. Yes, it started with goats in a tree.

How do you use social media as an author? What’s your favorite app or site?

I use social media to connect with readers, track my favorites, and to discover people I share a common interest with. I use several different sites and use them for different means.

My author page on Facebook is typically where I post general bookish updates and reminders. From that page, I host a private readers’ group, Dalby’s Darklings, where I share behind-the-scenes information, inspirations, sneak peeks, celebrate characters’ birthdays, host giveaways, and more. It’s for those who want all the extras. I tend to share on there more often than on a personal FB page. We have fun, and things often get irreverent.

Twitter I use to network with my favorite authors, writer friends, and follow different accounts for news for some of my fandoms, like Daredevil.

And on Instagram, I share book and Mobile Bay area love—what I’m reading, my vintage book collection, some posts about my own books, and local area architecture, nature, and more, especially as they relate to my books.

If you could spend the day with another author, who would you choose?

Frances Parkinson Keyes. I would have loved to watch her work—both researching and writing. Besides that, she led an interesting life of traveling, networking, and finding inspiration everywhere she went. I’ve toured her final home (now a museum-house in New Orleans) and was awed just being there.

Do you listen to music while you write? What are your favorites that inspire your muse?

The type of music depends on what I’m working on. I have everything from Martina McBride to Helloween to Tchaikovsky to Boston to Rick Nelson (and so much more) on my different mood music playlists. I have about five thousand songs in my iTunes account and use them all at different times. The ones who get the most air time while I’m writing are typically Europe, Nightwish, and Mitch Malloy.

What advice would you give someone writing their first book?

Remember, it’s not going to be perfect. Editing rounds (yes, plural—double digits) are for getting things as great as they can possibly be. Just get it written first. Get the story down, then worry about the opening line, perfecting sentences, cutting/adding descriptions, pacing, etc. You can’t edit what’s not there.

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?

After finishing the first draft, I tend to allow myself to watch a few movies or binge a little on a TV show for a couple days or more. I only watch about 2 hours of TV/movies a week—if that—when working on a first draft.

What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?

I write whenever I can—always first thing in the morning (before the sun comes up) and the last thing I do before going to bed, even if it’s just a few sentences. Then I settle in throughout the day whenever possible, ten minutes here and there in between my family responsibilities. It adds up when I make it a priority.

What Southern places do you highlight and describe in your books that you think someone should visit?

All my historical Southern Gothics are set in the Mobile Bay area—Mobile and Baldwin counties, the coastal areas of Alabama. Historic homes, churches, parks, and hotels in Mobile are often featured, as well as Dauphin Island and the Eastern Shore of the bay—like Daphne and Fairhope. I love incorporating my love of architecture and the flora of the area into my writing to help it come alive. Come to Mobile and see all the sites!

Carrie Dalby, a California native, has lived in Mobile, Alabama, since 1996. She’s published thirteen novels, one novella, nine short stories in different anthologies, and several non-fiction articles in national and international magazines. Serving two terms as president of Mobile Writers Guild, working as the Mobile area Local Liaison for SCBWI from 2012-2017, helping with Metro Mobile Literacy Council events, and co-chairing the Mobile Literary Festival are some of the volunteer positions she’s held. When Carrie is not reading, writing, browsing bookstores and libraries, or homeschooling, she can often be found knitting or attending concerts.

For links to Carrie’s books: https://books2read.com/ap/xeGzpZ/Carrie-Dalby

For more information, check out her website: https://carriedalby.com/

Book Review–Murmurs of Evil

It’s October! And this month I’ll be reading and reviewing paranormal books. This week’s book is Murmurs of Evil, it’s book two in Carrie Dalby’s Possession Chronicles series. It also has one of my favorite characters in the series, Claudio De Fiore. Claudio is also in a story Carrie and I co-wrote titled “Revelry’s Requiem” in the Bienvenue to the Chateau Rouge anthology. Scroll down to the bottom for the Amazon link to that one.

Review:

Excellent southern gothic novel! I love books set in the South and this one is such a great book. It’s got everything, a creepy house, possible ghosts, tortured heroes, and just a little romance. Be warned though, those demons may have you sleeping with the lights on!

5 stars!

Blurb and Buy Link:

Thrust into a household infested with demons, Magdalene must cling to her faith-and safeguard her heart-to overcome the temptations waiting to snare her.

Hired to be a companion to Mrs. Melling, a woman who still mourns the death of her daughter, Magdalene spends her first weekend at Seacliff Cottage. Besides finding the house filled with vile spirits, Magdalene is at odds with an unearthly attraction to Alexander Melling—her employer’s bachelor son.

Magdalene soon befriends a young Italian deacon, Claudio De Fiore. Together they try to solve the puzzle surrounding the demonic activities within the house.

Meanwhile Douglas Campbell—the Scottish nephew of the coachman for the Mellings—arrives at the cottage. Balancing her growing love for Douglas and the memory of her haunting weekend with Alexander, Magdalene’s struggles worsen. The demons within the tainted walls of Seacliff Cottage are waiting for the right time to claim their next victim.

Can Douglas and Magdalene’s romance survive the murmurs of evil, or will past secrets destroy their lives as well?

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3Fds3oE

Bienvenue to the Chateau Rouge

At the Chateau Rouge, love is timeless…

Blurb and Buy Link:

Welcome to the Chateau Rouge nestled in the heart of New Orleans. While Josey Jacobs checks you in to the elegant hotel, which was once one of the French Quarter’s most talked about bordellos, you may realize everything is not what it seems.

Spirits here do not Rest In Peace.

Drinks disappear from the bar. The apparition of a woman flickers at the corner of your vision. Bloodthirsty creatures prowl the halls. No two visits are ever the same, and guests will forever be changed by what transpires.

Grab your room key from the desk and brace yourself for four unique stories told from within these enchanted walls.

“Revelry’s Requiem” by Jolie St. Amant and Carrie Dalby (A Chateau Rouge and Possession Chronicles Crossover)

Danger arrives at Chateau Rouge during the 1911 carnival season in the form of an Italian violinist, Valentino De Fiore. Seeking to flaunt his fame, Valentino sends for his cousin, Father Claudio De Fiore, to visit from his small Louisiana parish. The instant Claudio arrives, he feels powers of darkness closing in around Valentino. In over their heads with the arrogant violinist and a young vampire who loves him, Josephine and Alcide must turn to Selena Prosperie, the oldest vampire in New Orleans in hopes of bringing secrecy back to their establishment. Can the vengeful immortal control the situation without unleashing her fury on the De Fiore cousins?

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3uzJECf