Teen Books with a Paranormal Twist, Terry Lee Wilde

Dragon Fae, Book 5, at Least the Cover...

2012-01-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

I had a bit of fun with making the cover for the 5th book in the World of Fae series, Dragon Fae. I'm going to try and change the title some to make it stand out more...What do you think she's looking at?

Doesn't she look like she could be one of the dragon fae???

Off to work. It's going to be a really long week!

Have a super Saturday!

Terry

www.terryspear.com

Fairy Tales Give Us a Place to Hide Away

2012-01-01T07:37:00.000-08:00

It's time for the New Year, and I'm searching for a new cover for the fae series, but I wanted to pause and show off this beautiful artwork of a fairy princess by Nene Thomas.

I love fantasy and this embodies it. A winter fairy scene, the wise old owls, the loyal steed, the beautiful fae princess.

Note she is wearing flowers despite the cold environment, the tiny touches of greenery and berries give a bit of color to the crisp white scene.

In The Ancient Fae, Princess Ritasia doesn't believe that old stuff from a dig site would ever yield anything important, but she discovers that there's no telling what importance an object can truly have...

Hope everyone is having a wonderful time for the first day of the New Year!

I'm off to work on edits for the first jaguar shifter story. Then it's another search for the perfect fae cover for book 5.

Terry
"Where fantasy IS reality."
www.terryspear.com

Demon Trouble Too (Demon Guardians Series)

2011-10-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

That's the problem with being a writer. Truly. I have all these demons in my head. Well, not really. But I can be minding my own business, and the next thing I know, a story is filling pages. I had this teen book halfway written, the scenes just coming to me for Demon Trouble Too. I wrote 16 pages on the flight out to see my son and daughter-in-law in Pensacola, and when I was there, I was revising and writing and having fun.

Because that's what creating stories is all about. Sweating through the bad stuff. Not my bad stuff, but their bad stuff. Trying to figure out a way that despite all that's going on, they can have a happily ever after.

Oh, sure, I know a lot of teen drama doesn't have. But sorry. When I was a teen, my dad was laid off with countless other space program employees. We struggled to keep our house until we could sell. I love happily ever afters. I want a happily ever after. So even if the stories are a little dark, as my daughter would say, there's always a rainbow.

What about you? Do you love the tear jerkers? Or are happily ever afters the preferred reading material for you?

The Trouble with Demons (Demon Guardian Series, Book 1)

Ebook By Terry Spear
Rating: Not yet rated.
Published: March 10, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 65301

B & N

Amazon

Witches and warlocks hide their true identities from the rest of the human population, while three teens with demon heritage living with human families, become unlikely companions in a race against time to deal with a demon threat to humankind in their own quirky way.

Extended Description

Alana is a half Kubiteron demon, half witch who witnesses a Matusa demon murder his summoners. He sees her in her astral form watching him and she's next on his list of victims.

Hunter is half human, half Matusa demon, fighting to keep the evil ones out of the human world. When he's poisoned, he sees the vision of a girl watching him, only she's not really all demon and not really all there. She offers to save his life, if he offers to protect her from one of his kind. But no lesser demon dictates terms to a Matusa.

Jared is a full Elantus demon, raised by humans, who's searching for his real parents. When Hunter saves his life, he vows his loyalty to him and designs a tracker device to locate demons entering the human world.

When Alana beats on Hunter's chest to get his heart beating again after he dies, twice, he knows the half demon is hot for him.

Often at odds, the three teens work together to stop the plans of a group of Matusa to take over the human race before it’s too late.

I finally finished Demon Trouble Too, book 2 of the Demon Guardian series. Book 1 was The Trouble with Demons. They're both about teens who are part demon, or full demon, who take it upon themselves to stop summoners from bringing demons into the world. Sometimes it works out well. Sometimes not!

Demon Trouble Too

Demon Trouble Too

Ebook By Terry Spear
Rating: Not yet rated.
Published: Oct. 24, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 43165
B&N, Amazon, ARe

Alana Fainot is a demon gate guardian, stuck in her last boring year of school. But not for long. Hunter and the rest of the gang show up when her astral form can't return to her physical form, and she's at the police station trying to talk her way out of having seen the murderer of a summoner. Hunter always knew Alana was trouble, but his kind of trouble, and he's not leaving Alana alone again.

Extended Description

Celeste Sweetwater, a new kind of demon, joins Hunter and Alana and the rest of the demon guardians in a fight to find a new kind of portal device that can summon several demons at once. But not only that, another Matusa has been unleashed on the unsuspecting human world and the demon guardians must stop him before he wreaks much more havoc.

But this time, the police are involved, paranormal investigators pounce on the area, and the whole mess seems to be spiraling out of the demon guardians' control.

Have a super day!

Terry Spear
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy IS reality!"
www.terryspear.com

The Trouble with Demons (Demon Guardian Series, Book 1)

2011-09-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

I hadn't realized I'd already changed this cover 3 times!!! But, when I first uploaded a cover, I used a picture of the stormy fields. I thought it was cool. Looked ominous.

But then I thought it ought to have a teen in the picture...to show it's a YA. So I had this one professionally made. It's blah though. I still like the teen, but the picture itself just doesn't say much of anything.

Later, I began to figure out how to work Photoshop more and so I found a cool red sky, like that which is in the demon world, and a girl that would be more suitable for the lead character. She has attitude. Crossed arms indicates a defensiveness, which suits her well.

My critique partners say the cover for the second book is too similar. Girl too old. Etc, etc. So I found another picture of a girl that is perfect. Can't wait to make the cover! Now...I need to write the story! THEN make the cover!

Amazon
B&N
ARe

It's fun taking a break while creating a book cover. But the bottom line is that I need a story to go with it. LOL

All right, so I'm off to write for the day!

Do you ever get the cart before the horse???

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

I Have Nothing to Say...Except....

2011-09-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

...that's the problem with writers. They don't have anything to say, but they'll say it anyway!

First, thanks to everyone who stopped by Karen Nutt's blog yesterday. I couldn't get signed into Twitter, so couldn't spread the word that way. But I finally was able to do it today.

Second, I joined YARWA to try it out. It's a young adult chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

Now, I have to say I was trying to wrest the wheel away from the pirate. Note that he has taken us aground. And I am sure I can sail better than he can.

Why did I picture this here? The YARWA motto is say it like a pirate: "yarh" or something like that!

I thought it was cute.

He's not though. He's rather on the scrawny side. No meat on his bones. No muscles. No golden tanned skin. Even bald, if I can make out the situation under his pirate's hat and all.

Now note, my hat is also a pirate's hat. Well, maybe not real piratey looking, but I've worn it in many an ocean, protecting my Celtic skin from sunburn, and so if you look really, really close, you can see the salt from the Seven Seas. Maybe not the Seven Seas--doesn't that sound like a pirate's yarn to you?

But several--lakes and oceans and the Gulf too.

And that's what I have to say today...nothing at all!!!

Have a terrific Tuesday, and remember...if you feel the urge, be a pirate and yarh!~

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

The Winged Fae's Video Trailer is Up!

2011-09-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

And the 3rd book in The World of Fae, THE WINGED FAE is available!

I'm working on another couple in the series, and also Tom's story of the wolf fame! :)

The Winged Fae

Ebook By Terry Spear

Published: Sep. 02, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 45210

Serena, a royal member of the Mabara winged fae, has one goal in mind. Stop an impending marriage with a dark fae. As the fae are known to do, she stirs up trouble that she hopes will make her point and get her off the hook. Only nothing goes as she plans.

Niall, a royal member of the Denkar, aka the dark fae, is visiting South Padre Island when he catches a winged fae painting graffiti on a wall on the island claimed by his people. He is at once fascinated with the lovely girl and intrigued by her audacity, but as one of the Denkar, he must take her to task. Yet she's armed with a sleeping potion that makes his life intolerable. Between freeing her from his people's dungeon, her own tower, and fighting a knight in her honor, he wonders if he's lost his mind over one beautiful winged fae--when she's betrothed to his cousin!

Available at these fine stores:

B & N
Amazon
ARe
Smashwords

In The World of Fae, I have also highlighted a location I love--South Padre Island, Texas. It's just as magical a place as Salado is to me.

What do you think of the trailer?

Terry
www.terryspear.com

The Winged Fae is Up!!

2011-09-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

One of the most fun things about self-publishing is having your own publishing schedule! I've got to work today, but since I've finished The Winged Fae, I've got The High Elf up to start working on. Can't find Tom's story (of the gray wolf pack in Destiny of the Wolf). Forgot the title I used for it! LOL

Hey, I was tired last night when I tried to find it! But I'll be working on that on Sunday also, as soon as I locate it--tonight after work too! I have one beginning, but want to make something more dramatic. :)

That's one of the cool things I learned from another writer: The beginning is never the beginning. Some of mine are, and some I change drastically as I write the story. But just knowing we can alter it gives us the go ahead to just run with it, instead of getting stuck on attempting to write the perfect beginning and never going anywhere with it.

It's weird how that goes too. I close my eyes at night and begin to think about it--where Tom is, where the heroine is, the trouble they're in, how they get together.

But then I flipped to The High Elf (in my tired brain that is supposed to be sleeping), and think of how I started the scene, which I'm keeping (says me--but after I've written a lot more, who knows how it might evolve?) and I'm thinking what happens next? First, Eloria is given the disagreeable task to bring Persephonice home from the uncivilized world of elves (The Shadow Elf). But she believes Persephonice wants to be right where she is.

Then there's the trouble with the water dwelling elves and mer creatures and well...you see, she's another redhead...

But that's another story...

So from beginning to end, here is The Winged Fae, a story that evolved from loving this one picture and how it inspired me to write the 3rd book in The World of Fae series! More to come!

The Winged Fae

Ebook By Terry Spear

Published: Sep. 02, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 45210

Serena, a royal member of the Mabara winged fae, has one goal in mind. Stop an impending marriage with a dark fae. As the fae are known to do, she stirs up trouble that she hopes will make her point and get her off the hook. Only nothing goes as she plans.

Niall, a royal member of the Denkar, aka the dark fae, is visiting South Padre Island when he catches a winged fae painting graffiti on a wall on the island claimed by his people. He is at once fascinated with the lovely girl and intrigued by her audacity, but as one of the Denkar, he must take her to task. Yet she's armed with a sleeping potion that makes his life intolerable. Between freeing her from his people's dungeon, her own tower, and fighting a knight in her honor, he wonders if he's lost his mind over one beautiful winged fae--when she's betrothed to his cousin!

Available at these fine stores:

B & N
Amazon
ARe
Smashwords

Okay, off to get ready for work. *sigh*

Have a lovely Saturday!!!
:)

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Romancing the Book Giveaway!

2011-08-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

I'm talking about creating a series and having a giveaway!

For the teen reads I have a giveaway of either: The Vampire...In My Dreams or a copy of Deidre's Secret at Romance the Book, so be sure and drop by and comment!

Hope you have a lovely Sunday!

I'll be seeing Hello Dolly at a play this afternoon!

Loved the movie with Barbara Streisand!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Changing Book Covers!

2011-08-24T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Scepter of Salvation, Book 1

Princess Talamaya turned 18 in the human kingdom of Damar, just like her twin brother. Only when she comes of age, she must wed the king's choice. When her brother comes of age, he's allowed to sit on the council. But everything changes when a wizard pits beast and man against each other in Inherian--all because of the loss of the Scepter of Salvation and she must return it to their kingdom.

Princess Talamaya and her friends, Lady Kersta and Lady Mexia, must retrieve the Scepter of Salvation when her brother is poisoned.Visions plague Talamaya of a world beyond her own, of a destiny she has to fulfill.

But the barbarian king is also after the scepter, and the black-hearted wizard who is trying to gain control will do anything to keep them from retrieving it.

She must free a knight from his madness.
Help a female dwarf escape from the dwarven mines.
Aid an Amazon fighting the Dark Elves.
Rescue even the barbarian king.
Save a crusty old dwarf from the wolves of Elan Pass.
And outwit the dark wizard once more.
Above all else, she must always take the path of righteousness.
Which is much easier said than done.

Here is the old cover!

And here's the new cover for book 2, The Mage of Monrovia!

Mexia has already done much more than most school- trained mages when she and her companions had gone in search of the scepter of salvation. But now one of the apprentices of the evil wizard they had destroyed, has stolen his spell book and plans to take up where he had left off, and she has to try and stop him.

Mexia believes the only way for her to defeat the mage is to become school trained like he was with the eventual goal of becoming a high wizard--the first of her kind in Inherian. But the current headmaster denies her entrance because she's a woman. Though if she can get the former headmaster's recommendation, she may attend.

And that's the beginning of the trouble.

First, there's the wizard.
Then, the immovable headmaster.
And then, the circle of misfortunes.
It all goes downhill from there...

One of the fun things about Indie publishing is that we can change the cover if we want, and I've wanted to do this for a long time, so what do you all think? Top one is the new cover, the bottom is the old cover...

I've also reduced the price for a short time from $4.99 to $2.99 for each book!

B & N

Have a super Wednesday!

Terry Spear
www.terryspear.com

The Trouble with Chickens

2011-08-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

Trying to conserve water, reduce evaporation, all that sort of thing, I spread bark mulch underneath my shrubs. It looks nicer than bare earth too. Great idea, right?

Except for one thing. My neighbor has chickens and they dig in it. So every time that I sweep it off the brick walkway and back under my shrubs, the chickens invade and scratch it all back onto my patio.

That's me above. Only I don't get the eggs!

When I lived in Oklahoma, we had problems with a neighbor who had cows. He believed since he sold the land to folks on the ridge and the rest of the land around us was his cattle grazing land, he shouldn't have to fence them in. That we had to fence his cattle out. Didn't work. The calves got beyond my split rail fence, the cows reached their heads underneath the lower posts and yanked out all of my newly planted shrubs, killing them. After all that work of planting around 30 shrubs, I was pretty angry.

Now, I like animals. And I have to admit those doe-eyed cows and calves tugged at my heart, but the farmer only cared about eating them. And he didn't care anything about what they did to the properties that he'd sold to others.

Free range went out a couple of centuries ago! Free range meant he could graze his cattle anywhere. Then barbed wire fencing came into fashion. Instead of barbed wire though...I just got a lawyer's letter explaining we weren't living in "that" world any longer and he had to fence his cows to keep them contained off our property. He moved his cows, knowing he couldn't put fences up here, and there, and everywhere. Too many homesteads. The property all cut up. Talk about wanting your beef and eating it too!

I still love living out with the "wild" animals.

Only, I wish they'd quit messing with my garden! The good thing about the chickens is they do eat bugs. Have at it! I've got plenty of those!

Ever have problems with neighbor's pets???

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Interesting Entrances into a Scottish World

2011-08-17T04:58:00.001-07:00

See the little path and the slight rise in the hill and then the hole in the rock? That's an entrance to the castle.

I just loved it. I could envision guarding that entrance from enemies, or hoping that if I entered through there, I would be thought of as friend, not foe.

The castle sat high above cliffs so not easily accessible.

I envisioned the lairds who ruled over the castle and lands--whether they be the usual sort, a little wolfish, or even part of the fae world. :)

So if you visited here in the distant past, who would you have encountered?

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Fae Transport in Scotland...

2011-08-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Some thought that the blurred photo I used in The Dark Fae book trailer was photo shop magic.

But it's really true fae magic.

Okay, here's the secret: We were driving through a really cool tunnel of trees. I was sitting in the back seat, trying to take pictures of everything and anything, and I wanted desperately to take a picture of this mystical area after leaving the B&B. We drove through it several times, seeing a deer in the thick forest the one time as we had to find a place to eat dinner, and we ventured onto one of the islands the next day and returned to the B&B that night.

So I took the photo from the back seat, trying to get a picture through the windshield. We were really going slow as it was pretty much a one-car road and it wound around so you couldn't see head-on traffic coming up. Actually, if I had been driving, we would have been going slower. Which would have meant we probably wouldn't have seen half as much of Scotland as we did! :)

Luckily, we only encountered another car coming from the opposite direction once. And the other good part was that it didn't matter which side of the road we drove on. There weren't two sides. :)

Clever, the Scots, eh?

The only thing I photo shopped out was the rear view mirror, that had the nerve to be in the picture, and a little bit of one of the head rests, same story. :)

And that's the story...how we fae transported in Scotland. :)

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

New! Book Trailer for THE DARK FAE by Terry Spear

2011-08-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a book trailer in quite a while, mainly because they take so long--this one took 7 hours! But they're lots of fun to make and I hope readers enjoy watching them!

I still need to make one for Heart of the Highland Wolf!

The Dark Fae

Alicia has planned a vacation at South Padre Island with her girlfriend Cassie in forever. But just as they're enjoying a day on the beach, here comes a dark fae to spoil their holiday, except only she can see what he truly is. Alicia has no idea how upside down her world can turn with a chance meeting with one of the dark fae from the royal house of the Denkar.

Alicia's always known she's different--that she can recognize the mischievous fae when they show up to "play" with the humans. Only now she's faced with one highly annoyed dark fae and she's certain he knows the truth about her. She can see him, which means her life is forfeit.

Add to that, his sister arrives, who wants to play, too. And their mother, the queen of the Denkar, will want Alicia's head, once she learns what Alicia can do.

And all because Alicia was attempting to rescue her friend, Cassie, on their beach excursion at South Padre Island, from the wicked fae. Now, Alicia has really gone and done it--and she's thinking she should have let the fae have his fun. Her friend's broken heart would be a lot easier to deal with, than Alicia losing her life.

But it is too late for regrets. As soon as she threw the soda at the dark fae's chest, she had declared war on the fae. And he is happy to take up the challenge.

****
So what do you all think? Was it worth all the time it took to make it, or should I have just spent the time writing???

Have a super Monday!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

When the Story Beckons...

2011-08-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

Who needs sleep? Well, I do.

But when the story is keeping me awake, I have to write it or I'll keep thinking about it over and over, trying to "remember" it for when I wake. Which can have disastrous consequences. In other words, I don't recall anything I thought of once I wake. Or, I don't ever sleep, and still can't remember what I was thinking of.

So what happens when the story hits in the middle of the night?

I see full scenes.

Sometimes it just happens. Last night, I woke from a nightmare and couldn't quit thinking about work and whatnot, and couldn't get back to sleep. So I forced myself to think about a scene in The Winged Fae I needed to write.

And that's when it happened.

I can stare at my computer screen every minute I have free from work and not get anything written. So sometimes I just have to get away from the computer and brainstorm, and then if it comes to me, I begin to write it down by long hand.

Which is why I'm up really early typing my notes up now.

Well, actually, I never got back to sleep.

It's really a major scene, the turning point in the story. I need to write more that leads up to it. And flesh it out more, but I actually wrote the whole scene--9 pages long, 3,000 words. :)

Less than 9,000 words to go and The Winged Fae will be done!

Did it come to me in a dream? Absolutely not. I was fully awake, sort of. Now I'm even less so.

:)

I told you the fae are mischievous!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Kiss of the Vampire (Blood Moon Series, Book 1)

2011-07-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I was asking my mother about writing a new vampire book and where I should set the story. She exclaimed, "A cruise ship! And the vampire would have lots of people to eat off of and then he could just throw their bodies overboard and no one would be the wiser."

"Romance, Mom. I write romance."

She'd give me one of her pixie smiles and shrug.

But even so, that was the beginning of my vampire young adult book--set in Dallas where 4 male teen vampires get into trouble with the league and have to leave in a hurry. Why not a cruise ship where they can get away and "hide" for a while?

Yes, of course there's biting, and yes of course we have bodies overboard, but it's not what you think! :) Or maybe it is! So if you want to go on a cruise ship where some of the passengers might not be who you think they would be...join me! On a blood moon night....

Kiss of the Vampire

Ebook By Terry Spear
Published: July 10, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 63253

B & N

Amazon

The motto of the vampires is that humans have to deal with problems on their own. But when Levka and his friends risk all to save human girls, he is injured and so the adventure begins. A cruise. A human girl who is terrified of water. And a vampire who has targeted her for his mate. But she has some secrets of her own.

Forced to take a cruise ship to babysit her foster sister, Caitlin has to face her own demons. But add to that her foster sister's and her friend's antics and Caitlin's inability to use her witch's magic over water and she has little hope to enjoy this trip. Until she meets a wheelchair-bound teen and wants to make friends with him in the worst way.

Levka and his friends make a hasty retreat from Dallas before the vampire elders stake them for getting involved in human affairs--again. But when he meets Caitlin on the cruise ship, hating that he's so weak after being injured so severely that he has to use a wheelchair, he finds their troubles have just begun.

****

Ready for some vampire intrigue?

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

The Deadly Fae, Book 2, Now Available!

2011-07-08T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Deadly Fae

Ebook By Terry Spear

Published: July 07, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 51981

Lady Sessily is a dark fae, an assassin, and she intends to retire and take up some other occupation so she can have a normal life. Get a boyfriend. Visit the human world to hassle humans like many of her kind do. Attend fae kingdom parties, not as the mystery woman who is scoping out her next intended victim, but just to have fun. Until tall, dark, handsome, and deadly interrupts her plans.

Lady Sessily is on a mission to assassinate a fae lord who is the most evil kind of fae. But when she is thwarted, not once, but twice by another fae lord, she is ready to strangle him. And she'll do it for free.

Tall, dark, handsome and deadly Lord Fairhaven insists she do a job for him. Which she refuses. But the lord is not one to take no for an answer.

The crown prince of the cobra fae doesn't know what to think when he hires a master assassin who turns out to be a woman--not her father like he'd been led to believe. But can she eliminate one of the most powerful queens of any of the fae kingdoms without getting herself killed?

He soon rethinks his plan as he gets to know the woman he begins to think of as his angel assassin.

B&N

Coming to Amazon soon!

Terry Spear
www.terryspear.com

Romancing the Fae

2011-06-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

I was reading about fairies and the fae realms while I'm writing The Deadly Fae, although everyone has their own versions, which is what makes it fun to write my own version, and had to include my knight errant here today.

It's hard for me to keep a hero dark in a story--I always want to "rehabilitate" them so that they are loving and kind and what everyone wants in a hero. Yet, it's important to show growth in characters, so I struggle to keep my hero dark until he has "grown."

:)

I've read stories about heroes who are dark--dark pasts, who verge on abusive, and I can't see how that could be appealing to readers, yet for some it is. I don't care how much one romanticizes about such behavior, it's just not romantic to me! :)

Well, I'm off to work on Fae some more. I still need to finish up two more rounds for the contest that Ian is in...

In The Deadly Fae, the hero is Prince Creshion Fairhaven, and he's truly a dark hero with a dark past.

If you fell in love with a roguish hero, how would you try to rehabilitate him? Or would you let love take its course?

Oh, and it's possible that The Dark Fae, and others in the series, could come out in a print book form. My historical publisher is considering it. :)

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

The Deadly Fae

2011-06-16T08:15:00.001-07:00

I've got the covers for 3 more fae stories! And I'm working on The Deadly Fae now!

I'll be writing about Deveron's sister in one of the stories, but I've started two others also.

In The Deadly Fae, Sessicily is an assassin fae, only no one knows she's actually doing her father's work. He's been dead for four years. The guild master and her loyal servants are the only ones who know the truth. But she's retired. Finished. No more assassin jobs.

Until the guild master sends a man who requires her services. And he doesn't take no for an answer.

:)

Terry Spear
www.terryspear.com

The Winged Fae is Coming Next!

2011-06-12T03:58:00.000-07:00

Because of popular demand, I'm working on The Winged Fae, sequel to The Dark Fae. Oftentimes, I get a lot of fan requests for certain characters, which prompt me to write a sequel about those characters. But this time, the sales are just so phenomenal for The Dark Fae, I'm inspired to write another story in the fae kingdoms.

We're back to South Padre Island in the opening...and one mischievous fae...

What fae would ever be bold enough to enter another fae-claimed territory (although humans think they own it), and believe she would not have to face the consequences of her actions?

An assassin royal winged fae of the Mabara Fae kingdom.

With a message.

***
I've written sequels to books and then not sold the original, so I stopped writing sequels! What about you? Do you like to read series where you can't wait for the next book to come out even if it takes a couple of years, or do you like to read stand-alone titles?

Actually, even though this is another story in the fae series, it's a stand alone title. I like to be able to read books out of order myself, so I try to write my stories that way also. :)

Off to work on The Winged Fae!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

The Shadow Elf

2011-06-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Shadow Elf

Ebook By Terry Spear
Published: Jun. 01, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Literature » Fantasy (paranormal)
Words: 43138

Persephonice is given the mission of distracting the shadow elves who are bound to learn what is blocking their water source before they discover a space ship is sitting in the middle of their river. That's how all the trouble begins.

Persephonice is an overseer--an observer and recorder of information about inhabitants of civilized worlds. Only she's lost her lifemate and cannot be an overseer without one. She's given a second chance if she can prove she's worthy if she can survive an inhospitable planet inhabited by elves and other mythical creatures she's only read about, very little of which is known of them except that they constantly battle amongst themselves and are not civilized enough to safely observe.

The shadow elf, Dracolin, a warrior given the task of learning what is blocking their water source, doesn't expect to find the most unusual creature he's ever encountered--a red-haired, green-eyed land-bound mermaid. That's only the beginning. She understands and can speak his language, falls off cliffs without injuring herself, and swims like a mermaid--without the fishtail.

Everyone is intrigued with her--except some fear her uniqueness and want to destroy her. That is the problem with observing uncivilized worlds.

Have you ever felt like that? So unique that you're not well received???

I have to mention that I've dedicated The Shadow Elf to my daughter, Jennifer Spear, who inspired me to write the story, all because of her red hair. She is featured on the cover, dressed for the Renaissance Fair, and surrounded by all manner of elves and sprites!

***
Also, I've already selected the covers for the next two FAE stories. THE DARK FAE is selling so well, I'm starting to write the next in the series: THE WINGED FAE.

:) See what happens when a winged fae ignores the territorial rights of the lion fae--under the watchful eye of one of the dark fae. Should he let her get away with it? Or make her pay for her insolence! Well, if the queen hears about it...the queen just better not hear of it, or one winged fae will be toast.

Have a super Sunday! I'm off to try to rescue a winged fae...or not. :) Depends on which side I'm on. :)

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

The Dark Fae

2011-05-14T04:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I didn't blog earlier! Blogger was down and then I had to go to my daughter's graduation. She made it!

I also was able to get another YA fantasy up. My daughter wants me to upload one of her favorites--Lady Caroline and the Egotistical Earl, so I'll be working on that next.

The Dark Fae

Ebook By Terry Spear

Published: May. 13, 2011

Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy

Available at:
Amazon and B&N
and Smashwords

Alicia's always known she's different--that she can recognize the mischievous fae when they show up to "play" with the humans. Only now she's faced with one highly annoyed dark fae and she's certain he knows the truth about her. She can see him, which means her life is forfeit.

Add to that, his sister arrives, who wants to play, too. And their mother, the queen of the Denkar, will want Alicia's head, once she learns what Alicia can do.

And all because Alicia was attempting to rescue her friend, Cassie, on their beach excursion at South Padre Island, from the wicked fae. Now, Alicia has really gone and done it--and she's thinking she should have let the fae have his fun. Her friend's broken heart would be a lot easier to deal with, than Alicia losing her life.

But it is too late for regrets. As soon as she threw the soda at the dark fae's chest, she had declared war on the fae. And he is happy to take up the challenge.

***

Have a great weekend!!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

2011-04-26T03:50:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of one of the lovely castles in Scotland that I took when I was over there in October. :)

The Magic of Inherian: The Mage of Monrovia, Book 2

Mexia has already done much more than most school- trained mages when she and her companions had gone in search of the scepter of salvation. But now one of the apprentices of the evil wizard they had destroyed, has stolen his spell book and plans to take up where he had left off, and she has to try and stop him.

Mexia believes the only way for her to defeat the mage is to become school trained like he was with the eventual goal of becoming a high wizard--the first of her kind in Inherian. But the current headmaster denies her entrance because she's a woman. Though if she can get the former headmaster's recommendation, she may attend.

And that's the beginning of the trouble.

First, there's the wizard.
Then, the immovable headmaster.
And then, the circle of misfortunes.
It all goes downhill from there...

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Magic-of-Inherian/Terry-Spear/e/2940012425348

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Inherian-Mage-Monrovia-ebook/dp/B004XTWXW2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1303731459&sr=1-1

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55519

****

Did I make my word count? No! But I had fun anyway!!! And my goal is to have half the jaguar book done by this weekend and that should be easy. And to have it all done by Memorial Day weekend. At least that's the plan! Then it's time for more wolves....or vampires...or....

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

A Jaguar on an Easter Egg Hunt!

2011-04-23T04:46:00.001-07:00

Okay, now you know I write urban fantasy, right? So some of it is pretend. Right? So we're going to pretend. While writing my wolf series, I shared pictures of real wolves on an Easter egg hunt. They had fun eating the colorful eggs.

But can you imagine finding pictures of a jaguar eating Easter eggs?

So here's as close to it as I could get. :) Just squeeze your eyes tighter, click your heels twice and repeat after me, the stripes on this tiger are spots on a jaguar, and the rock he is inspecting is one huge Easter egg.

There. And if we concentrated hard enough...we'd have it!

See?

The one already ate the whopping big Easter egg, didn't share with the other, and he's ticked off.

And that's my story and I'm sticking to it! But wait, everyone can see something different in a story. What do you see???

Happy Easter!!!!

Terry
www.terryspear.com

Three of My Werewolf Titles Made Amazon's Best Seller List!

2011-04-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

Truly, truly, truly, thanks to all of you!!! Thank you for loving my wolves! To make the Best Seller's List, the books have to have a ranking from 1-100. I never saw when this happened.

Boohoo. :)

But, when I went to my author's page on Amazon, it shows that three titles made the Best Seller's List: Seduced by the Wolf, Wolf Fever, and Terry Spears Wolf Bundle (which includes the 1st three wolf books!!!)

So I want to say again--THANKS to all of you! Some of you review my books and help to get them out to the world. Some of you buy them and spread the word to your friends and family. And all I can say is thank you. :)

Now, my question to you is:

Can a jaguar faint?

Hope you all have a terrific week!!!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

The Magic of Inherian: Scepter of Salvation, Book 1

2011-04-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

I did get the 1st of the trilogy of a fantastical world "uploaded." It's still uploading to Amazon. But it's now at B&N and Smashwords.

I have written the first 2 books and started the 3rd. :) This is also a picture of Scotland that I took while over there--at one of the castle gardens. :) Each of my fantasy books will have a cover of Scotland--where the Highlands are the stuff of magic.

The Magic of Inherian: Scepter of Salvation, Book 1

Ebook By Terry Spear
$4.99
Published: Apr. 16, 2011

Category: Fiction » Literature » Fantasy (epic)
Category: Fiction » Literature » Coming of age

Princess Talamaya and her friends, Lady Kersta and Lady Mexia, must retrieve the Scepter of Salvation when her brother is poisoned.Visions plague Talamaya of a world beyond her own, of a destiny she has to fulfill.

But the barbarian king is also after the scepter, and the black-hearted wizard who is trying to gain control will do anything to keep them from retrieving it.

She must free a knight from his madness.
Help a female dwarf escape from the dwarven mines.
Aid an Amazon fighting the Dark Elves.
Rescue even the barbarian king.
Save a crusty old dwarf from the wolves of Elan Pass.
And outwit the dark wizard once more.
Above all else, she must always take the path of righteousness.
Which is much easier said than done.

Off to work on bears....Now if I could just wield magic, they'd be all done! :)

Terry

www.terryspear.com

Courtly Masquerade is up on Smashwords!

2011-04-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

by Terry Spear

Don't you love the cover? It's actually a picture I took of woods by a stream in Scotland. It was magical, really. And I thought it would be perfect for COURTLY MASQUERADE. :)

I loved reading fantasy when I was growing up. The world of royalty, the treachery and deceit, magical and mythical creatures. I've written several books that deal with the various worlds of a fantastical nature. In this one, it's strictly a magical world. In some of the others, I enjoyed adding the creatures that caught my imagination--centaurs, ogres, griffins, dwarves, Amazons, and a couple of my own mythical creations.

Today, most of my work is more of a urban fantasy nature--the fantastical living in our contemporary every day society. But I still love to fall into a purely historical fantastical world too. What about you?

Courtly Masquerade

Ebook By Terry Spear

Published: Apr. 06, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 43300 (approximate)

B & N

Amazon

Arabella, Duchess of Foxmoor Castle, is given a mission by her cousin, Princess Lynet--make the prince she's betrothed to give up any notion of wedding her. But Arabella faces danger at every turn when she discovers her magical talents mean others believe her to be "The One" who will fulfill the prophecy to take down the most evil wizard of all time.

Arabella shouldn't have used her magic.

She shouldn't have given into her spoiled cousin.

She shouldn't have escaped Lord Conlan.

Or stolen from the Dark One.

But she did.

Have a super Thursday!!! The weekend is almost here!

Terry

Ghostly Liaisons is Up!

2011-04-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

I LOVED ghost stories when I was growing up. Devoured every one of them that I could get my hands on. And when I lived in Florida, this was my home--right here--in this story--the swamps, the canal, the Banana River...even attending Merritt Island High School. We lived near the restaurant where the Flapper era ghost resides, only I didn't know about it when we lived there.

No ghosts that I know of, truly roaming the swamps. No murders committed. But the place, the heat, the humidity, the mosquitoes, the drunken bus driver (literally), who looked like he was on a prison release work program, the bullies---yes, they were real. :)

I didn't include the REAL ones in the story. But...they were real.

I often explored the swamps, because my parents wanted us outside--it wasn't healthy for kids to be inside all the time. Right. Little did they know where I went when I was forced outside.

Not through the woods to grandmother's house. No wolves. Through the jungle-like swamp...the snakes, the alligators, the quicksand...oh, my... :)

So come and join me if you dare... :)

Amazon

B & N

Smashwords

Ghostly Liaisons

Ebook By Terry Spear

Published: Apr. 03, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
Words: 63161 (approximate)

Emily Rundle’s curious nature causes her big problems when she moves with her family to Florida. First of all, she’s different. Really different. Then the nightmares begin. The kind she can’t escape. Somehow she has to unravel the mystery of the ghosts who plague her before it’s too late.

Michael Shipley just moved to town, too, and realizes at once Emily is trouble with a big T. If he becomes involved with her, his life will change forever. Premonitions he has that Emily’s life will be in danger forces him to make a stand to protect the girl who’s gifted with extraordinary abilities like him. They instantly bond as the two weirdest kids in school.

Both Michael and Emily have past histories, painful memories they’d rather forget. Faced with dangerous new challenges, they must overcome their past, threats at school, bullies in the flesh, and ghostly apparitions bent on a deadly game of revenge. What was once a simple matter, discover the secrets of the ghosts and appease them, becomes a race against time as Emily and Michael fight the evil that threatens to conquer them.

Available soon at Amazon! Available now at Smashwords and B & N!

What about you? Ever read a ghost tale or two?

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

The Beast Within is Up!

2011-04-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

The Beast Within

Ebook By Terry Spear

Published: Apr. 02, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Words: 88706
Language: English

B&N

Amazon

Kitta Sjoni is a troubled teen, but not in the usual sense. Plagued by visions of 10th Century Viking marauders is only a tip of the problems she faces. Killing a curse and taming the beast within—that’s her goal, but can she survive the test?

Bjornolf Jorgenson, beleaguered by marauder nightmares, is drawn to Kitta, the clone of the girl from his visions. She’s the only one who doesn’t shy away from his uncontrollable rages, but she draws trouble like a sponge soaks up unmanageable spills. What is his real connection to the spunky teen and can he help her, like she wants to help him before it’s too late?

When I lived in Oklahoma, we lived just a few minutes from a place where Vikings had carved runestones in rocks. Norsemen graffiti? Leif Ericson was here?

In any event, I was always fascinated with the idea and so THE BEAST WITHIN was born--a love that could never die between two teens of Norwegian descent, a curse that transcends all time, a berserker rage that cannot be quelled.

:)

Have a super Saturday!!!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Ghostly Liaisons Coming Soon

2011-03-26T04:41:00.000-07:00

Ghostly Liaisons sold a long time ago to a publisher who closed the YA line down the month before its release. Here is the cover from Amazon:
but

I'm revising it and will put it up again--only this time it really will be for sale).

Emily Rundle’s curious nature causes her big problems when she moves with her family to Florida. First of all, she’s different. Really different. Then the nightmares begin. The kind she can’t escape. Somehow she has to unravel the mystery of the ghosts who plague her before it’s too late.

Michael Shipley just moved to town, too, and realizes at once Emily is trouble with a big T. If he becomes involved with her, his life will change forever. Premonitions he has that Emily’s life will be in danger forces him to make a stand to protect the girl who’s gifted with extraordinary abilities like him. They instantly bond as the two weirdest kids in school.

Both Michael and Emily have past histories, painful memories they’d rather forget. Faced with dangerous new challenges, they must overcome their past, threats at school, bullies in the flesh, and ghostly apparitions bent on a deadly game of revenge. What was once a simple matter, discover the secrets of the ghosts and appease them, becomes a race against time as Emily and Michael fight the evil that threatens to conquer them.

Have a super weekend! Off to finish up the 10th werewolf book in the series!

Terry
www.terryspear.com

Ghostly Liaisons and The Beast Within Coming Soon!

2011-03-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

I lived in Florida across from a jungle-like forest like I've described in Ghostly Liaisons, explored the swamps and as I traversed the vine thick vegetation, listened to the mosquitoes buzzing about, avoided walking into giant spiderwebs and watched for any signs of alligators, rattlesnakes or water moccasins. And made up tales as I ventured through the wilderness.

And finally, I wrote Emily Rundle's story.

Emily Rundle’s curious nature causes her big problems when she moves with her family to Florida. First of all, she’s different. Really different. Then the nightmares begin. The kind she can’t escape. Somehow she has to unravel the mystery of the ghosts who plague her before it’s too late.

Michael Shipley just moved to town, too, and realizes at once Emily is trouble with a big T. If he becomes involved with her, his life will change forever. Premonitions he has that Emily’s life will be in danger forces him to make a stand to protect the girl who’s gifted with extraordinary abilities like him. They instantly bond as the two weirdest kids in school.

Both Michael and Emily have past histories, painful memories they’d rather forget. Faced with dangerous new challenges, they must overcome their past, threats at school, bullies in the flesh, and ghostly apparitions bent on a deadly game of revenge. What was once a simple matter, discover the secrets of the ghosts and appease them, becomes a race against time as Emily and Michael fight the evil that threatens to conquer them.

Coming Soon to Amazon and B & N...

I've always been fascinated with the concept that good and evil is only relative, and that those we might think are evil, might be the good guys, and those who are the good guys, might be truly evil. But in this story, I explored the concept of the berserkers of old, star crossed lovers, and a chance to make it right between two teens who have a past--in the way distant past.

Seventeen-year-old Kitta Sjoni envisions horrible images of murder and mayhem by Norsemen during the Tenth Century through Bjornolf Jorgenson’s eyes. A descendent of Viking warriors, he and his ancestors were cursed by hers for not protecting them from marauders. Known as a berserker, Bjornolf fights to control his angry outbursts, and Kitta vows to help him because she lives the same past life nightmares. The shared visions of death and destruction in a distant past is what binds Kitta to Bjornolf, and she believes her ancestors cursed her, too.

Coming Soon to Amazon and B & N...

The Trouble with Demons--New YA Book

2011-03-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

Available at Kindle, B & N and Smashwords:

Coming to Apple, Sony, Kobo and others soon.

Like with my wolf series, I wanted to show a world where some demons were the good guys, fighting evil to ensure the human population would survive. Instead of focusing on adults, though, I wrote about teens and their struggle to make a difference in their world. But Alana Fainot isn't just a lesser half demon pitted against the stronger demons slipping into the world. She's also a witch, if she can just learn some spells in time to help her newly found demon friends. But it has adult themes.

The Trouble with Demons

Ebook By Terry Spear
Published: Mar. 10, 2011
Category: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance
Words: 65352 (approximate)

Witches and warlocks hide their true identities from the rest of the human population, while three teens with demon heritage living with human families, become unlikely companions in a race against time to deal with a demon threat to humankind in their own quirky way.

Alana Fainot, a witch and half Kubiteron demon, witnesses a Matusa murder his summoner, and she knows he’ll target her next. Raised by her mother, she has no idea who her demon father is. But when she’s pulled to a demon portal, she meets Hunter Ross, half Matusa, half human, who returns demons to their world, but who’s been poisoned by a Matusa and is more dead than alive. His human mother gave him up for adoption, and he doesn’t know who either of his birth parents are. His friend Jared Kensington, full blooded Elantus demon, less powerful than the Kubiteron, is a whiz at electronics and helps Hunter track demons in the city, but was abandoned by his parents on Earth world for reasons unknown. He’s determined to find help to save Hunter. Alana knows aiding any Matusa is a mistake, but when she learns Hunter is half human, she makes a deal—he protects her against the Matusa who will come for her, and she helps find his dad in the demon world to save Hunter’s life.

Often at odds, the three teens work together to stop the plans of a group of Matusa to take over the human race before it’s too late.

The Vampire...In My Dreams is on the Move!

2011-01-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

The birthday bear is done with her very own autographed The Vampire...In My Dreams! I still need to finish the Scottish bear once the fabric gets here, for the other bear in the order. And then they'll be ready to ship!

For the silent auction at Australia Romance Readers, I'll be shipping a couple of mohair bears, their tags autographed, and these autographed books:Legend of the White Wolf, To Tempt the Wolf, Destiny of the Wolf, Seduced by the Wolf, Wolf Fever, Winning the Highlander's Heart, and The Vampire...In My Dreams.

And another copy of an autographed Wolf Fever is going to Brenda Novak's Online Auction for Diabetes Research as part of a package being sent by Sourcebooks Authors.

I didn't make my word count for last week. How I didn't manage, I don't know. :(

But I didn't! Oh, yes, I did!!! I stayed up until I finished it and now today, I'm going to whittle away some more at The Highland Wolf in Paradise. Have 15,000 completed, 75,000 to go!

Plus I hope to finish up the Irvin Scottish bear for the other bear order...and get some stuff ready to ship.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!!!

Have a great Monday!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Bundled up on the North Sea!

2010-10-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

iDunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Scotland off the east coast of Scotland was the first day of our trip. As you can see, I was bundled up that first day. It was windy, cold and situated high above the North Sea. It was the only day I wore a hat and gloves, although I believe I pulled up my hood on other occasions.

The oddest part was that it was warmer on the castle grounds even though many of the areas were very much open to the sea winds, but closer to where we parked the car, which was farther from the sea, the colder it got!

Everything was covered in moss and I wondered if it would have been as mossy earlier in the history of the castle. :)

Note the interior walls weren't as thick as outer walls, and see how green everything is even in October. Also, I didn't have to bend down to enter the buildings, although that's probably because I'm not that tall. But here, it's probably about 6 foot tall at the opening where I was standing. Hmm, as I write this, I looked back up at the picture above, and it appears this is one of the openings that even I would have to have bent down to enter.

One of the defense measures used in castles was to make entryways lower so that the enemy would have to crouch upon entering, giving them a decided disadvantage. I wouldn't have had that disadvantage as I didn't have to bend over hardly ever. But many of the entryway heights were only an inch or so above my own height. I always think of people of earlier times being shorter than the men of our day, but this wasn't always true. Which means they were about 5'5".

I commented once to my Playfair Scots descendants that my grandfather was so short, and it must have been that side of the family. He was Welsh, but his grandparents were Playfair and a German Cramer. But I was told that they were all tall. So it must have been his Irish Welsh/Kelly family that were smaller. Not sure. I haven't been in touch with any of the family on that side, couldn't find them, so they may say Nay! to that too. :)

My computer is still not working, but when it is, I wanted to show pictures of the day we returned to Edinburgh. On the drive back, we were surrounded by pea soup. I hope the pictures turned out well. It was perfect for the way I had written the opening pages of Heart of the Highland Wolf. Which the marketing staff is now working on, so hopefully it will be up for preorders soon.

I'm off to another day of work! Have a great Saturday and I should have Killing the Bloodlust up tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. What with being on the trip, I couldn't upload it and working nonstop, no time this week. Work has been absolutely crazy. So tomorrow, I hope to have the story up. :) Thanks to all my fans who have written, hoping I'll send the next installment soon!!!

Terry
"Giving the meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Wolf Dog Jumper

2010-09-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

Wolves can jump 35 feet, and here is a wolf dog who successfully leapt out of her pen--twice. Even though she's really loving toward humans, and she's very dog-like, she's very wolf like too when you look into her eyes, don't you think?

Why would she not be home with a family? I had a standard poodle once, given to me by a woman whose health was failing. I already had a standard poodle, so took in Angelina too. The name means Angel, although she was far from it. Totally loving, yes, but she had so many faults, one of the biggest--digging out and running.

After the two incidents with the wolf dog, it made me think of how impossible it would be for someone to keep the animal confined in a normal yard with normal fencing. Obviously, even the higher than normal double fencing didn't keep this wolf-dog inside her pen!

So even if the wolf dog is totally good natured, there can be other problems with keeping them.

Here I am petting the wolf dog who had happily just come back from a walk, and she was very thirsty! They kept feeding her ice chips when I thought she needed a nice bowl of water. For the hot climate here, they had misters in each of the pens.

Have a super Saturday! I'm off to work! :)

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Donna's Wolves!

2010-09-18T04:36:00.000-07:00

Donna sent me a couple of pictures of wolves at a zoo. They're lovely, Donna, thank you!! The two white wolves were moving quickly, like the ones I was trying to capture in pictures. I ended up getting a LOT of backsides. LOL Donna did better! :) Must be her wolfish blood.

The black wolf has a stick in his mouth. :) Looks like a cigar!

And here is an elegant gray on slippery wet rocks!

And here is my work station. I may not be able to work at it much because of having to work out front, but I've claimed it as my wolf territory! :)

Thanks to my fans for the lovely cards and posters that make it my home away from home. :)

The tile men didn't come last night to move my furniture. They may not show up at all. argh. And so I continue to breathe in mildew. And my AC that I had fixed a few weeks ago isn't working again. Of course it's still running 95 degrees out with no sign of it cooling down anytime soon. And ...yes, there's more, my main computer still isn't working. So I'm going to try to make it all right with the world and spend sometime with my SEAL. :) If Meara would let go of him a little so I can have my turn! :)

Have a great day!

Terry
www.terryspear.com
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."

Arctic Wolf Scent Rolling

2010-09-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is the beta Arctic Wolf scent rolling. Dogs will do this also, and bring back the "delightful" smells they've picked up--the scent of dead animals, etc, to their pack. Our yellow Labrador Retriever would love to do this after we gave her a sweet smelling bath. Not to her taste. :) She would prance around, telling us how she was dying to go outside right after her bath and once we let her out, she'd scent roll to gather something nicer smelling to bring back inside with us--to share her good fortune.

Here, the she-wolf looks like she's just taking a nice nap in the open field. Her nose is buried in the grass--taking in all the delightful aroma. :) Her pen was just as grassy and comfy, but she wouldn't have the fun of smelling all the little animal fragrances that collect in the surrounding area--rabbits, mice, all those tasty treats.

Have a super Thursday!

Terry Lee Wilde/Terry Spear

A Beta Wolf

2010-09-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

This was one of the wolves that was walked when we were at the St Francis Wolf Sanctuary. She's a beta, as you can see from the way she stands. She was thrilled to go for a walk, yet she kept her ears back, her tail tucked between her legs, her body slightly bowed.

She has always lived alone, so she stays alone in her pen, while all the other wolves or wolf dogs had companions. But those who managed the sanctuary felt she wouldn't allow anyone in her pen to share it. She's the only one of the full blooded wolves that they walk. She loves the man who walked her here, but some women, she doesn't like he told us!

When you see the wolf like this, it reminded me so much of one of my standard poodles, how she would do this on occasion.

I'm wondering, though, if she found the right male, would she be happy to share her pen with him?

Of course, she would. :)

Have a super Wednesday! And remember, whether a beta wolf or alpha, everyone deserves a delectable mate!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Wolf Dog Grieving

2010-09-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

I made a 5 hour round trip to Montgomery, Texas to see wolves and wolf dogs that have been taken into protective custody at St Francis Wolf Sanctuary.

It was hard to get a picture of the carved wolf head beyond the gate, but here is the gate to the estate of the St Francis Wolf Sanctuary.

I wanted to share a few blogs about the various animals/sightings, and am working diligently on Heart of the Highland Wolf edits since it's due on Monday. So I've really got to get back to it. But here is the first of the stories.

Part of the reason I write that my werewolves have long lives is I don't want them to lose their mates at an early age. This is a part wolf, part dog, but looks very much like a wolf and acted like one, who lost his mate, Spirit, three weeks earlier. This was the first time he came out of his home to sit on top of it after losing her.

He actually came to the fence and howled a couple of times, but it was hard to get a picture of them howling. They'd howl, then pace and with their long legs, moved very quickly.

One thing that can distinguish a wolf from a wolf dog is the narrow chest, longer legs, and many constantly paced around their pens. Arctic wolves do have shorter legs and ears though. Arctic wolves are gray wolves also.

But he really did come out of his grief somewhat to finally come to the fence and participate a little in the excitement caused by visitors and volunteers who were there to see them and that was good to see. He was very alpha--his ears always perked up. I'll show a very beta wolf also--and how different the posture.

Hope you all have a great Sunday!
Back to work!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Blood Moon

2010-09-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Even though this looks like a blood moon, the term really means the hunter's moon, a time in the fall when hunters hunted by the light of the full moon.

But it's more fun to see this as the blood moon, don't you agree? This was in my front yard, while the picture in the blog's header was in my backyard at the same exact time in the early morning hours. In the smaller picture, you can't see the menacing critters hanging from the Hollywood junipers. But in the close up of the red sky, those are the insidious bagworms that will strip a tree bare.

Have a super Sunday!
Terry

Red and Black...Vampire Colors...

2010-08-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

When I saw Dracula in NYC on Broadway one year, the settings were all in black and white with one red object in the scene...a red rose, a glass of red wine...can't remember what the other red object was. But I remember how that one red item really stood out. The rest of the scenes were done beautifully-elegant, perfect, and the the hint of the notion of blood in the form of a red rose or glass of red wine.

Red sports cars are hot!

And this is a Scottish tartan plaid!

This jester is down in the dumps...

Bright red lips are always eye catching.

Definitely, he's a vampire, don't you think?

And this rose looks as though it suits a vampire's lair.

This one too!

And fall leaves against a black background are just as eye catching! :)

So red and black are nice vampire colors, but great for a fashion statement too, don't you think? :)

Terry
http://terrywildeteenbooks.com/

A New Website!

2010-08-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

The Vampire...In My Dreams

by Terry Spear

Amazon.com

paperback

Barnes & Noble

paperback

Powell's Books

paperback

More booksellers coming soon!

My daughter's boyfriend did a lovely job revamping my website which was in a word: Purple. :) He just kept shaking his head as he changed all my text from purple to black, my background from purple to a much more sophisticated black and red, just like Redroom actually!

Oh, and is it having an alias if the alias is a former name? Probably not, though most wouldn't know me by that name! :)

I have written other teen books, but I've been concentrating on the adult market because of deadlines, and having books contracted makes a difference. But I still love writing YA. Maybe someday I'll have others in print. I'd truly like to write The Vampire...In My Nightmares as a sequel to The Vampire...In My Dreams....but I have so many other books I want to write too. So little time, so much to write about.

So here's my Christmas present from Mike Fasano:

Terry Lee Wilde Teen books-- http://terrywildeteenbooks.com/

I do include my werewolf series with a link back to my adult page, which needs revamping also. But I have a lot of teen readers of the wolf series already, so I added them also.

When I first wrote the teen books, I used Terry Lee Wilde, thinking to separate the titles from my more adult works under Terry Spear. But all it does is confuse the issue. So if I had to do it over again, I'd use the same name for both.

This is not the site that I used that I changed, but it has the purple background the other site had: http://terryspear.tripod.com/terrywildeauthorofyoungadultbooks/

So what do you think? An improvement?

Have a super Monday!!!

Terry

"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."

www.terryspear.com

Have You Ever Misplaced Something and...

2010-07-14T03:43:00.000-07:00

...it's really, really important, or at least it seems that way, and you can't find it???

What do you do?

First, I can't find my current car insurance card yesterday morning, so I could send in my car registration. Finally find it filed away in the insurance file, of all things. Then I put the bill in the envelope and all that shows in MY address, not the one I need to send it to. Hmm. Then after I fold it up so that THEIR address shows in the window, and it's all sealed up, I find THEIR envelope. The other was for some other bill.

So then I go to work and can't get in because... can't find my key. So I have to call and hope that the librarian who was there is close enough to see the caller ID and answer the phone and learn that I'm standing out in front, without a key to get in. So of course she thinks I'm calling in sick and she's going to be the only one there. :)

Do you see any similarities here? Nope. In the one case, the item was where it was supposed to be, which is why I couldn't find it. Except it should have also been in my purse, and in another location where I keep a copy for the car registration when it comes several months later.

In the next case, I should have looked around a bit as the other envelope was on a chair right behind me. Why it wasn't on my desk where the other envelope was, I haven't a clue. But if I'd looked, and not assumed the tax collector had sent me the wrong envelope, I would have had it made.

In the last case, I looked in pants pockets, rain jacket pockets, purse pockets. And finally found the key. It had been in the wrong pocket of my purse. And I'd searched through every pocket (it has tons) several times already. But obviously just kept missing that one little pocket.

*sigh*

So that was it. 3 missing things. 3 things found.

In Dreaming of the Wolf, Alicia mentions how a former husband never looked under anything. My kids were the same way. They never looked under anything. If it wasn't right on top, they'd holler for me to look for it.

But see? Now, I look under things...but just not in the right places. :)

What about you? Have you ever had a rash of missing in action items that you HAD to have and were playing hide and seek?

Have a super Wednesday! Yesterday was an absolute madhouse. I finally had to call our manager up to help check in books because there were just two of us trying to take care of helping patrons and were absolutely swamped. Today will be worse. It's kids programs day all day.

Terry, who is tired already!
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male!"
www.terryspear.com

Orange is...

2010-07-11T04:53:00.000-07:00

time for Autumn and the renewal of wolves' winter coats. It's time for cooler weather, and warmer colors. For fires, and oranges and orange-flavored green tea.

It's time for Halloween and redheads and things that go bump in the night.

It's October and November and sugar-drained leaves.

It's time for wolves like this in hunting mode in fall.

I love the oranges of fall, although it's not really my color. What do you think of when you think orange?

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Red, White and Blue!

2010-07-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

I'm late, I'm late! I've been up forever, but the Internet has been down some. Not sure why unless storms somewhere else are causing the trouble. But I'm also trying to copy everything off my hard drive to a flash drive before my computer crashes again, and writing guest blogs for the August blog tour! And finish writing Dreaming of the Wolf, and weed, and work this afternoon... don't believe I've got enough hours for all of it in the next 2 days. Do you??? LOL

So in the meantime, here's some red, white and blue to inspire you for the 4th of July!!!

And this is the red, white, and blue that I wish I was now enjoying!!! You know how much I love green and forests and vegetation? Well, I love this too!!!

And here is a picture of the bear I made commemorating my son's Eagle Scout graduation. Only about 1% of all Boy Scouts make it, and many presidents and other notorious, I mean, illustrious figures were Eagle Scout grads.

Happy, happy 4th!!! I'm back to celebrating in a writer's way!!!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Pink means...

2010-07-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

parrots...

fancy drinks...

and magnificent, unreal skies.

Crepe myrtles in bloom.

The Pink Panther and...

the Pink Panther Mobile.

Barbie in a pink 50's poodle skirt.

My version with a teddy bear in a 50's poodle skirt.

A VERY pink poodle!

And hammerhead sharks who feed on pink shrimp. I saw a neat special on that, but couldn't find pictures for the blog. :) Here is a pink porpoise.

Pink salmon, of course!

And pink flamingos!

A pink rose made of pink coral.

Pink coral under water.

BIG pink cotton candy!

A tornado of pink funnel clouds!

Pink means being in the pink (well), pink slip (giving notice you no longer have a job), pink for girls, pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness, the 1950's, and pink bubble hairstyles, and pink bubble gum!!!

When we lived in Florida, we looked at a home for sale called "Cloud 9"... the woman was widowed and she'd turned her whole home into a pink house--walls, appliances, bedding, curtains. It looked like a doll house!

Could you live in all pink?

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Blue Means...

2010-06-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

...feeling blue--down and out, serenity, "once in a blue moon"--rarely.

I think of the sky, the water, lulling, calming when I think of blue.

Blue uniforms represent power. The Blue Angels an expert Navy flying armada.

The darker the color, the colder. Aqua is lighter, sensuous like the Caribbean waters, pastels remind me of spring. Dark blue with red and white is patriotic. Primary blue for boys.

And bluebonnets and bluebells, I think of, too.

It makes me think of sapphires and denims--I love blue!

What about you?

Terry

www.terryspear.com

I Loved The Prince of Persia!

2010-06-05T06:32:00.001-07:00

I love to play RPGs (Role Playing Games) but I've never played The Prince of Persia. The movie was wonderful. After work last night, my daughter and I went to dinner and then saw the movie--

It had adventure, romance, mystery, fantasy, and delightful humor. I loved it!!! And it made me want to write a story just like that!

So if you love all of the above, you might want to check it out. Really, really enjoyed it!

Well, I had planned on getting WAY ahead on Dreaming of the Wolf, but I just received Wolf Fever edits, so need to work on those also this weekend.

But I wanted to share another one of my very favorite wolfish characters!!!

Hmm, isn't he just awfully dreamy?

And his eyes, very, very wolf like. It's a combination of come hither, and I'm coming after you---so yep, he's a wolf all right!

And he's definitely in Heart of the Highland Wolf, complete with sword.

I had a wonderful fan facebook me, asking if I was going to put my books into movies--yes!!! As soon as someone sends the contract, I'm signing. The only stipulation? I get to meet the male hunks applying for the main roles (and 2ndary roles....you never know when one of them might be the next major hunk star) so they can prove to me how wolfish they truly are. :)

Wouldn't you love to see the wolves in a movie of their own??? :)

Have a super Saturday!!!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Motherhood and Beginnings and Happy May Day!!

2010-05-01T02:53:00.000-07:00

This month's theme is about motherhood and new beginnings. But today also is May Day. :)

In August, my new release is Seduced by the Wolf, where Leidolf Wildhaven has his heart set on a loner red wolf, and Cassie Roux has other notions in mind. It's spring and the time for wolf pups and the rebirth of the trees and flowers--
but as a wolf biologist, who had been raised by wolves after her family perishes, she is dedicated to the wolf's cause. And that means, she has no intention of mixing it up with an alpha male leader, who's looking for a mate.

Leidolf believes the werewolf's cause is just as important, if not more so, and therein lies the difficulty.

I was just watching a film about a man who's lost his wife of many years, and how desolate he becomes. Until he saves a wolf's puppies after the she-wolf is killed. The wife had been feeding the she-wolf before she died, and he had shown no interest in the wolf. It showed how even a guy can be a great mother to a pack of wolves when they need him--ahem, of course he had to have an angel intervene to point out the way to him, but after that...well, it was fun watching him playing with the wolves. :) And how that nurturing side of him made him live again.

But Seduced by the Wolf was based in part on a true story, where a wolf biologist rescued a she-wolf and her pups after her mate is killed. And it had a happily ever after for her...just like with mine!!! Wolves and werewolves alike.

Although, not for the bad guys. :)

I was reading an account of two Blackfeet who found a single wolf pup alive in a den, the others having drowned because of flooding, the alpha male and female frantic, but unable to reach them. The one Blackfoot took the pup and raised him, and twice, once from a raiding Crow war party and another time from a Sioux, the wolf saved them, even though it would have nothing to do with the dogs in the Blackfeet camp, and the other braves were reluctant to take the wolf on raids. But then, the wolf left the camp more often, and finally quit returning to the brave who had raised him. And then, he returned with another wolf, but this one wouldn't approach the camp. Then restless, he left and a year later, returned with another wolf. He took off with her and they were never seen again. His friends told him to find another wolf pup to raise, but he simply said, "No."

Was the wolf his mate? I'd like to think so, and he ended up with a litter of his own. HEA. That's my motto! :) I know it's supposed to be about mothers and all, and I suppose I should have waited for father's day to talk about all these men taking care of wolf pups and raising them! But the stories are fresh in my mind...sooo....hope you enjoyed them.

I'm finishing up Heart of the Highland Wolf and so am looking forward to birthing a new book, Dreaming of the Wolf (title to change)...which is lots more fun than having a baby! :) Although there are growing pains with that too!!! :)

Have a wonderful 1st day of May, May Day, where in ancient times, the Romans celebrated a feast and worshiped Flora, the goddess of flowers. Later, in Medieval times, a Maypole was added. Gathering flowers for headdresses and running through the woods, celebrating in dancing, feasting, and greenwood marriages, worshipers worshiped fertility and love and life. Just think of how cheap greenwood marriages would be in this day and age?

For werewolves, not a problem. So with that I leave you with best tidings to enjoy spring and May, and new beginnings!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Ever Want to Stick Your Tongue out at Someone?

2010-04-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

Well, if you were a werewolf and shapeshifted, here's what it would look like.

The other wolf is so surprised, it twists around in and looks at the projecting tongue, not sure to what to think of it.

Yep, even as adults, we stick out our tongue. Mostly in playfulness. At least I hope!

The other wolf isn't pay any attention. It's just between these two wolves. Which is as it should be. Just because one wolf behaves a certain way toward another, there's no reason that all of them in the pack have to pay any attention to it. :)

It's personal. :)

Sticking one's tongue out might not be as acceptable a practice as you grow up, but how about eye rolling? Wolves haven't learned that one yet, but works for me!

Then again, there are perfectly acceptable reasons to stick out one's tongue--to capture a snowflake, to lick one's lips, to make a face when something is intolerably horrible tasting.

One of the most memorable "tongue" scenes for me was in Star Wars, when Princess Leia, slave girl, was accosted by Jabba's huge licking tongue. :) Yuck. :)

You've probably heard of the sticking a tongue out at something frozen to see what happens, and getting it stuck. My grandmother and her twin sister did that when they lived in Portage-la-Prairie...or they might have been in Treherne, Manitoba by then. But one dared the other to touch a metal pole in freezing weather and, yep, wet tongue stuck to frozen metal. Works every time. Now, how to get it unstuck? Their mom had to bring water. Hmmm, the other twin didn't test the theory, and the one that did, luckily didn't lose any tongue over it (tongue in cheek here), but forever they'd know the answer to their question. Wet tongue to frozen metal means you aren't going anywhere anytime soon. :) And if you're lucky, someone will rescue you.

Sooo, have you stuck your tongue out at anyone lately? Or tempted fate???

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

A Knight without His Shining Armor!

2010-04-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

When the Lights Go Out!

2010-04-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

So what do you think of the title: Heart of the Highland Wolf to replace Taming the Highland Wolf?
I love it!

Storms hit us yesterday evening and I was one of the ones without electricity for nearly 18 hours.

This is a picture at Cameron Park in our city.

Of course my cell phone had lost power, my laptop after I used it for an hour and a half, I couldn't get my car out of the garage (yes, it has a manual override, but even a burly guy couldn't get it to budge), I tried to use my son's car, dead battery, my food was all defrosting and the fridge was losing its cool fast and I wanted to get a couple of bags of ice to keep from losing all the cold--not knowing when the electricity was going to be restored. The electric company told me they were replacing a fuse. Right.

Anyway, couldn't find my lanterns or a flashlight in the dark. And the big candle I tried to light, no longer had a viable wick. Now, I have all of my emergency light sources conveniently located for easy retrieval, because guess what? The storms are returning Thursday. *sigh*

Are you prepared if you have an emergency outage?

Terry
www.terryspear.com

It's a Go!!!

2010-04-17T05:56:00.001-07:00

One of the wonderful things about writing a book is when you're asked to make changes to the book and your editor says it's a go!

It reminds me of when my dad was working on the next space flight to take off and they'd say, "It's a go!" Then they'd have launch parties and my parents often hosted one, then other employees did. The excitement was electric.

So I'm excited and relieved just like my dad would be when it was a go!

Wolf Fever is coming out in December! Ever feel relief and excitement when something important in your life comes to fruition? Can hardly wait for Taming the Highland Wolf to be there too! :)

And here's a nice review from Maybe Tomorrow? for Heart of the Wolf!

"The tension Spear builds up between Bella and Devlyn through the book is electric and had me hanging on at the end of every page I turned. I was cheering the couple on as they came to realize their love for one another."~~Beth

http://xxbetty.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-heart-of-wolf-by-terry-spear-45.html

Off to work! Have a super Friday!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

Werewolves in Academia

2010-04-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, when I wasn't struggling to get my mower started--flat tires, dead battery, ran over my best hose once I was nearly done mowing, I was in a Scottish castle, and the Caledonian Forest and dealing with Highland wolfish hunks. Much more fun than trying to get my mower started, or, ahem, trying to cut away the ruined hose from the mower tractor blades.

What I would have loved would have been to be this little kitten shapeshifter, who was enjoying a good book in leisure. :)

As to werewolves--the university where I received my MBA wants to do a feature on my books, and an Australian student emailed me about writing her thesis about shapeshifters--ah...the life of a werewolf. No longer are they hunted (well, except for in Legend of the White Wolf), and they love who they are (except for one of them in Wolf Fever) and they are good guys (except for the bad guys) (Destiny of the Wolf, Heart of the Wolf, Seduced by the Wolf)...yes, the lives of werewolves. :)

I have to admit, I do have Scottish roots, but as to werewolf roots? I'm still researching that equation. My daughter is doing a college paper on family roots and what ties us together--the military. Many of our family members were in the military. And academia, many were well educated. But werewolf roots? Still looking.

So do you have a reoccurring theme in your family roots?

Terry

Vampire Myths

2010-01-25T06:15:00.000-08:00

You've probably all read where vampires can't see themselves in a mirror. This is a myth. Not at all true. Vampires need to look their best like anyone else. Mirrors are not a problem.

You've most likely also read where vampires can't cross water. Hmm, nope. If they want to take an ocean cruise, no problem. How do any of them get from one continent to another? Just like most of our ancestors came from other places, so did theirs. So nope, just a myth. Vampires can cross large bodies of water.

How about the one where they have to sleep in the earth, surround themselves with dirt in a coffin, or wear soil in their shoes? Nope. Again, an unfounded myth. Squeaky clean vampires have more fun.

How about aversions to crosses? Why not aversions to other religious symbols then? So no problem with crosses or churches, for that matter.

Wooden stakes through the heart? Well of course this is true! Anyone, whether vampire or not, would have trouble with a stake in their heart!

And this is a real sticky point for some: Vampires are the undead. Not in my book. Their biology is altered from a plague during the Black Death, so they're different from humans, and yes, they need blood, but they are not the undead.

I'll reserve that for zombies.

Vampires don't eat or drink, except for blood. Nah, strictly consuming blood wouldn't give them enough nutrition to make them sexy looking. They'd be way too emaciated.

They only sleep in coffins or under the ground. Absolutely not! Why would any red-blooded woman want to hook up with a sexy vampire if she had to sleep in a coffin or some other kind of tomb? My claustrophobia kicks in here!

Exposure to sunlight can cause grave problems. Well, maybe. But you know it's bad for the rest of us too!

So do you have other fun myths that you can think of pertaining to vampires?

I'm off to another day of stress at work--again, only 2 of us working when we normally have 6 on staff. But then, two half days of work! Woohoo! :) Have a super Tuesday!

Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com

What's Cool, What's Not--When It Comes to Vampires

2010-01-16T05:19:00.001-08:00

Drooling is out for vampires...no blood dripping down cheeks! It's totally not cool.

Bright red lips, ice white teeth, beautiful fangs, and a cherry wedged between the teeth--totally cool. :)

Vampires have nice smooth faces because they're more...cultured. But vampires with beards remind me of werewolves, not vampires. Very cool for werewolves, uncool for vampires.

Black shadows around eyes to denote scariness or something--totally uncool. I have dark shadows when I don't get enough sleep. It's not sexy. Vampires are sexy. Even when they're evil. That's what makes them scary. They're just too compelling, and you wouldn't think there's anything wrong until they reveal nice ice white fangs and then...it's probably too late. So black shadows uncool. No shadows, super cool.

The Vampire...In My Dreams--totally cool. :)

5 Plus, Ghost Writers Reviews
5 Angels, FAR
4.5 Blue Ribbons, Romance Junkies

Vampire myths up next. :)

Terry Lee Wilde
"Giving new meaning to the vampire legend."
www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

True Ghost Story in the Wild, Wild West

2009-10-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look like a place where ghosts could exist?

Ever encounter a ghost in your wanderings? I have...it wasn't the usual human type spirit though.

Here I was, sleeping on a cold night with our Army ROTC cadets on the rocky ground in Palo Duro Canyon. But not sleeping exactly. Everyone else was, but I'm born of the Princess and the Pea blood...which means, anything can bruise

me.

So the lumpy, rocky ground kept me awake, the cold, the sounds in the night, the breeze stirring over the cliffs, the thought rattlesnakes, or tarantulas, or scorpions would seek heat would find their way into my sleeping bag, kept me awake. I stared at the sky that stretched forever. The

Texas sky does, you know. In other places, mountains and trees and buildings might break up the sky, but not out there. Not in the vast wilderness that was the Panhandle of Texas. The stars sparkled across the dark sky like jewels twinkling in the night. And I was frustrated with myself for not being able to sleep, knowing we had to run up and down the hills in the morning to search for clues on an orienteering course.

Sometime during that night, I finally drifted off, but then heard the sound of horses running, stampeding in our direction. They snorted and whinnied and the sound was frightening. I recalled deer running through our friends' tent

when we camped off an island in our boat in a lake in California. They don't go around, I thought. The horses will run straight through us and trample us to death. I tried to wake my sister who was sleeping in a bag next to me. She grumbled at me to leave her alone and I watched the others in

the dark. No one heard the noise but me.

I lay back hoping that the horses would skirt around us. I realized the pounding of hooves didn't shake the ground like it should have. Maybe they were too far away. And then, they moved off in the distance, fading until they were gone. I lay awake for a long time, unable to get over how close we could have been to being trampled, fearing their return. That they'd switch back and come this way again.

And then finally, I was able to sleep and before I knew it, we were sitting at a campfire, cold, achy, having breakfast. I asked about the wild horses. Our cadre said there could be. Sure. But no one had heard anything last night.

Years later, I wanted to write about the wild horses for a magazine, only when I began to research them, I learned others had heard the ghost ponies in the dead of the night. I sat slack-jawed reading the accounts. Ghost ponies? For years, I had believed they were real. The sound of their running, snorts, whinnies were real. It happened.

But they were whispers of the past--of soldiers running Indian ponies off the cliffs in an attempt to keep the gathered tribes from fighting back. Without their horses, the tribes could no longer be mobile. They could no longer mount any campaigns.

The horses were terrified and were driven to their deaths. And now, they live in the canyon forever, a memory of past deeds, a remembrance of their past life.

So what about you? Have you had any ghostly experiences???

Chance to win The Vampire...In My Dreams or other vampire books at:

http://vampchix.blogspot.com/2009/10/swaglist-for-vampbash_10.html

Terry

www.terryspear.com

Werewolf Tales for Older Teens

2009-07-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

Although my werewolf tales are adult romance novels, older teens are enjoying them. In the second book, Destiny of the Wolf, I have a group of werewolf teens who get into trouble and one who has to deal with teen pregnacy. And in the fifth book, Seduction of the Wolf, another set of werewolf teens, including one teen heartthrob, who create problems, due out in April 2010.

My stories are based more on real wolves than a fantasy werewolf tale, so much so that reviewers say:

Destiny of the Wolf~~

“Centers on pack problems in a refreshingly straightforward
way. The characters are well drawn and believable, which makes the contemporary plotline of love and life among the lupus garou seem, well, realistic.”—The Romantic Times

Heart of the Wolf~~

"Her wolf world feels at once palpable and even plausible." Publishers Weekly's Best Books of the Year

And in the fall of 2010, another yet to be titled werewolf tale has some teens also. Not only do the teens have the typical human hormonal problems, but as werewolves, they have to deal with the wolf side of their psyche.

To Tempt the Wolf, 3rd book in the series has a Sep 1 release date. No teens in this one, but hey, they're still fun to read! :)

Terry

www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

A Super Review from a Reader!

2009-06-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

New Review for Deidre's Secret

Good read!, June 19, 2009
By
Just_a_Gurl (SF Bay Area, Calif) - See all my reviewsThis was an enticing book. The story line is imaginative and suspenseful. The creative writing style of the author really appealed to me. The characters in "Deidre's Secret" are diverse and fascinating. It's pretty fast paced with a spooky atmosphere, which kept me flipping the pages to see what would happen next. I loved the House of Night Series and the Sherry Mauro's books, but this one is just as good.

~~~~~~

The book is listed as 9-12 on Amazon, but it's a YA read. The Vampire...In My Dreams had been listed that way by mistake also, but we finally got it changed. :)

Hope to write the sequel to The Vampire...In My Dreams one of these days, The Vampire...In My Nightmares. :) Terry

Deidre's Secret--Fallen Angel Reviews!

2009-04-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Deidre's Secret by Terry Lee Wilde

Teenager Deidre Roux has premonitions of danger and is haunted by nightmares that she won't help someone in time and that they will die and it will all be her fault. Deidre also struggles to keep her abilities a secret from everyone and that is hard to do when she goes rushing out of class to keep a teacher from choking or to stop a bully from picking on another target. When Deidre's next vision seems to be about her latest crush Mark Cumming's uncle, she will need his help and must convince him she is for real. Mark likes Deidre but he is having a hard time dealing with her "visions" and her insistence on putting herself in harms way to help other people. If Mark doesn't help Deidre, she is going to try to protect people anyway but she'll be alone, what's a guy to do?

This is a very cute and fun teen paranormal romance. Deidre is a wonderful mixed up teen with an ability that enables her to help people. Mark is the new kid in town and has his own personal family issues going on besides trying to find his place in the new school. I liked that Mark, even when he isn't sure he believes Deidre, isn't willing to let her go alone to try to stop the crime she sees in her vision especially when it involves his uncle. Deidre seems to forget personal safety when she is on a mission to save someone and she needs someone like Mark to watch her back. The mystery that Deidre and Mark stumble across and next try to prevent is dangerous and important to people they care about so they aren't about to back off, but they will need to be very careful. Of course this book also has some of the usual teen issues of who likes who, and who will ask who to the next dance, but it goes along with the development of the relationship between Deidre and Mark and fits with the story. If you want a fun, cute, entertaining yet suspenseful, teen paranormal romance, you will enjoy Deidre's Secret!Reviewed by: Stephanie B. of Fallen Angel Reviews

New Review for Deidre's Secret!

2009-04-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

Buy the Print Book

BUY THE EBOOK

Deidre has a secret: she’s psychic. On her sixteenth birthday, the visions
become more powerful and deadly. She’s no longer rescuing newspapers from sprinklers or kittens from trees; she’s saving teachers from choking to death on a hot dog. Unable to control when the visions strike her, Deidre is afraid that her secret will get out. Then no boy will want to ask her to the Valentine’s dance. But worrying her mom and dad and her brother, Charlie, bothers her most of all. Her parents won’t even allow her to drive because they’re afraid that her visions will cause an accident.

One day, Mark, a new student, shows up at Deidre’s school. He seems to be interested in her, even though her visions are causing her to look like a freak. Once Mark discovers her secret and accepts it, they work together to go after a gang of robbers who are about to hit a bank in town. But Deidre worries that she might just be seeing visions of her own impending death. Haunted by the feeling that she was unable to save someone in the past, Deidre throws herself into danger’s path in order to save anyone who gets caught in the bank with the robbers, hoping that, this time, everyone will make it out alive. Deidre’s Secret is an enjoyable young adult read, with enough suspense to keep it thrilling.

Ms. Wilde brings out some of the minor insecurities teens
face while, at the same time, making her heroine brave and strong when faced with insurmountable obstacles. It took me back to my teenage years and made me feel as if I were truly there again.

Although the story matter is somewhat dark, it also has a light-hearted touch, easing the tension and keeping the tale from becoming too depressing. In fact, it reads more like a modern-day Nancy Drew mystery with a psychic flair. I can see young teen girls getting hooked on Deidre’s Secret and future stories about her. Heck, I believe that I could become hooked, too—and I’m long past my teen years. ~~Margaret Marr, Nights & Weekends

Deidre's Secret Available in Print Today!

2009-04-17T04:16:00.001-07:00

Available today in Print!! I've got autographed copies also...take paypal and checks or money orders!
Deidre's Secret

ISBN: 1-60154-414-6

Digital Release Date: 2009-03-04

Print Release Date: 2009-04-17

Digital Price: 4.50

Print Price: 11.99

Page Count: 224

When Deidre Roux has premonitions of danger, watch out! Faced with thwarting bank robbers and protecting others from the high school bully, she must reveal her secret to her new friend, Mark Cummings. Can she convince him that she truly sees a world of imminent danger headed their way before it's too late? Not only must Mark deal with Deidre's premonitions, which he has a hard time believing, but his convicted uncle has returned home. Humor, suspense, and conflict rule the day as Deidre's crazy aunt tries to do a true crime story on Mark's uncle. Deidre attempts to keep her aunt out of it before she gets mixed up in the much darker business of robberies and murder—her own, if she's not careful.

Deidre's Secret

Wild Rose Press, Climbing Roses Line

Excerpt from Deidre's Secret:

When Deidre woke that morning, she knew there was going to be trouble. She was sure it had to do with turning sixteen the week before. In a split second, her whole world had changed. Now, the visions she saw weren’t just about rescuing newspapers before the automatic sprinklers turned on, or saving a kitten from a tree. Now the scenario turned deadly.She realized it when the tingling sensation began in her forehead and a snapshot formed in her mind. Just a brief image of a blurred profile of a teacher choking on a chunk of hot dog. She had to rescue her and there would go her chances of ever having a boy ask her to the Valentine’s Dance.But something else plagued the recesses of her mind. Something that forced a chill down her spine. An uncontrollable fear that her visions had warned her before and she failed to save someone like, shook her to the core.

REVIEWS!!!From Long and Short Romance Reviews:Deidre's premonitions are her gift, as well as her secret; because just how uncool is it to have visions? In Deidre's Secret, our heroine's second sight becomes entirely plausible because it is oh-so annoying!When sixteen-year-old Deidre has a vision that is hard to interpret and she ends up blasting blatantly through the teacher's lounge for reasons she cannot rationally explain, we begin to sympathize. And, since she always has the best of intentions, her problems make her an entirely likable character.She has some typical teen issues; she hardly even dares dream of a date what with her 'second site;' guys are not interested in girl's as weird as she. She does have a pretty understanding brother, Charlie, and a couple good friends besides, and tries to put the whole dating idea out of mind.

That is, until drop dead gorgeous Mark Cummings, the new guy, sits right next to her.She'd like to be a normal teenager, getting the chance to drive a car, daydreaming in history, and although she makes light of her situation, readers will find they are rooting for her from the first.
She has ordinary teen frustrations (like wishing her brother would date who she wants). Then her vision of a dark and stormy night becomes not an unkind memory, but her darkest predication yet; Deidre senses a more personal danger. This ushers in real chills. Her usual second sight gives way to a real nightmare vision that turns into...but that would be telling!Most of the dialog is zippy and offers insight into characters. Deidre is a strong, funny, and interesting character, and some secondary characters are also super. Auntie Mae - from red hair to orange lipstick, absolutely leaps from these pages. The level of action slides from fast-paced to more reflective, and back. The ho-hum of school contrasts nicely with the moments of sheer terror.Overall, Deidre's Secret is funny, original and steadily builds intrigue throughout. It certainly engenders a bit of sympathy for those who might not quite fit in.This is a powerful and engaging story and has more than enough to interest an adult reader, as well as young adults.~~Snapdragon

Review from WRDF:
I enjoyed the book very much, It has a "Nancy Drew" feel that was a very welcoming. I have seen few books written in that style and enjoy them even today. It is a great read for your junior high and early high school students and has a mystery about it that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. I loved the flow. As a matter of fact, I never got lost on who was who, or what happened.

Deidre Roux has a gift of seeing into the future and her twin, Charlie, does not, but supports her through her visions. Her boyfriend, Mark Cummings, is very understanding also. Although, I'm not sure he understands how much these visions bother her. Very good story for the teens and I enjoyed it very much. I think this is a very promising book.Reviewed By Lela Fox WRDF Review

Autographed copies of Deidre's Secret now available! Paypal and checks or money orders accepted. :) Terry

Rare Books!

2009-04-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

What makes books rare? Not very many of them to go around, right???

Okay, so I've decided that the books I have with publishers that aren't in wide distribution are rare books. :O

Deidre's Secret is coming out April 17 and I have some on order so they should be here soon. If you want a copy of a rare Deidre's Secret book, just let me know. I take paypal or checks and can ship them autographed. Which makes them even rarer!!! :)And I didn't purchase a whole lot of them, so that makes them even rarer!!!

ISBN: 1-60154-414-6

Digital Release Date: 2009-03-04

Print Release Date: 2009-04-17

Digital Price: 4.50 Print Price: 11.99

Page Count: 224

When Deidre Roux has premonitions of danger, watch out! Faced with thwarting bank robbers and protecting others from the high school bully, she must reveal her secret to her new friend, Mark Cummings. Can she convince him that she truly sees a world of imminent danger headed their way before it's too late? Not only must Mark deal with Deidre's premonitions, which he has a hard time believing, but his convicted uncle has returned home. Humor, suspense, and conflict rule the day as Deidre's crazy aunt tries to do a true crime story on Mark's uncle. Deidre attempts to keep her aunt out of it before she gets mixed up in the much darker business of robberies and murder—her own, if she's not careful.

From Long and Short Romance Reviews:

Deidre's premonitions are her gift, as well as her secret; because just how uncool is it to have visions? In Deidre's Secret, our heroine's second sight becomes entirely plausible because it is oh-so annoying!When sixteen-year-old Deidre has a vision that is hard to interpret and she ends up blasting blatantly through the teacher's lounge for reasons she cannot rationally explain, we begin to sympathize. And, since she always has the best of intentions, her problems make her an entirely likable character.She has some typical teen issues; she hardly even dares dream of a date what with her 'second site;' guys are not interested in girl's as weird as she. She does have a pretty understanding brother, Charlie, and a couple good friends besides, and tries to put the whole dating idea out of mind. That is, until drop dead gorgeous Mark Cummings, the new guy, sits right next to her.She'd like to be a normal teenager, getting the chance to drive a car, daydreaming in history, and although she makes light of her situation, readers will find they are rooting for her from the first.

She has ordinary teen frustrations (like wishing her brother would date who she wants). Then her vision of a dark and stormy night becomes not an unkind memory, but her darkest predication yet; Deidre senses a more personal danger. This ushers in real chills. Her usual second sight gives way to a real nightmare vision that turns into...but that would be telling!Most of the dialog is zippy and offers insight into characters. Deidre is a strong, funny, and interesting character, and some secondary characters are also super. Auntie Mae - from red hair to orange lipstick, absolutely leaps from these pages. The level of action slides from fast-paced to more reflective, and back. The ho-hum of school contrasts nicely with the moments of sheer terror.Overall, Deidre's Secret is funny, original and steadily builds intrigue throughout. It certainly engenders a bit of sympathy for those who might not quite fit in.This is a powerful and engaging story and has more than enough to interest an adult reader, as well as young adults.~~Snapdragon

Review from WRDF:

I enjoyed the book very much, It has a "Nancy Drew" feel that was a very welcoming. I have seen few books written in that style and enjoy them even today. It is a great read for your junior high and early high school students and has a mystery about it that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. I loved the flow. As a matter of fact, I never got lost on who was who, or what happened.

Reviewed By Lela FoxWRDF Review

Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/deidres-secret-p-1169.html

(ebook now, will list print book, April 17)

www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

Featured Author on Red Room & New Review of Deidre's Secret!

2009-03-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

Featured author for review of Deidre's Secret on Red Room!

http://www.redroom.com/

Review:
Title: Deidre's Secret
Author: Terry Lee Wilde
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
YA Climbing Rosebud Rating: Sweet
ISBN: 1-60154-414-6

Blurb:
When Deidre Roux has premonitions of danger, watch out! Faced with thwarting bank robbers and protecting others from the high school bully, she must reveal her secret to her new friend, Mark Cummings. Can she convince him that she truly sees a world of imminent danger headed their way before it's too late? Not only must Mark deal with Deidre's premonitions, which he has a hard time believing, but his convicted uncle has returned home. Humor, suspense, and conflict rule the day as Deidre's crazy aunt tries to do a true crime story on Mark's uncle. Deidre attempts to keep her aunt out of it before she gets mixed up in the much darker business of robberies and murder—her own, if she's not careful.

Review:
I enjoyed the book very much, It has a "Nancy Drew" feel that was a very welcoming. I have seen few books written in that style and enjoy them even today. It is a great read for your junior high and early high school students and has a mystery about it that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. I loved the flow. As a matter of fact, I never got lost on who was who, or what happened.

Happy St Patty's Day, Everyone! May the luck of the Irish be with you! :) Terry

1st Review for Deidre's Secret!!

2009-03-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

From Long and Short Romance Reviews:

Deidre's premonitions are her gift, as well as her secret; because just how uncool is it to have visions? In Deidre's Secret, our heroine's second sight becomes entirely plausible because it is oh-so annoying!

When sixteen-year-old Deidre has a vision that is hard to interpret and she ends up blasting blatantly through the teacher's lounge for reasons she cannot rationally explain, we begin to sympathize. And, since she always has the best of intentions, her problems make her an entirely likable character.

She has some typical teen issues; she hardly even dares dream of a date what with her 'second site;' guys are not interested in girl's as weird as she. She does have a pretty understanding brother, Charlie, and a couple good friends besides, and tries to put the whole dating idea out of mind. That is, until drop dead gorgeous Mark Cummings, the new guy, sits right next to her.
She'd like to be a normal teenager, getting the chance to drive a car, daydreaming in history, and although she makes light of her situation, readers will find they are rooting for her from the first.

She has ordinary teem frustrations (like wishing her brother would date who she wants). Then her vision of a dark and stormy night becomes not an unkind memory, but her darkest predication yet; Deidre senses a more personal danger. This ushers in real chills. Her usual second sight gives way to a real nightmare vision that turns into...but that would be telling!

Most of the dialog is zippy and offers insight into characters. Deidre is a strong, funny, and interesting character, and some secondary characters are also super. Auntie Mae - from red hair to orange lipstick, absolutely leaps from these pages. The level of action slides from fast-paced to more reflective, and back. The ho-hum of school contrasts nicely with the moments of sheer terror.

Overall, Deidre's Secret is funny, original and steadily builds intrigue throughout. It certainly engenders a bit of sympathy for those who might not quite fit in.

This is a powerful and engaging story and has more than enough to interest an adult reader, as well as young adults.~~Snapdragon

Writing for Publication: How to Hook Your Reader!

2009-03-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

This is a post that will go up at a library site and in newspapers in Waco, Texas for a teaching gig I'm doing June 6 for teens interested in writing.

Writing for Publication: How to Hook Your Reader!

Have you ever wondered how your favorite YA authors created such intriguing stories? Do you want to know how to have fun creating your own?

Come join me to learn how to hook a reader with conflict and intrigue. To create characters that your readers fall in love with. To create a believable world.

Come prepared to write, to talk, but most of all to have fun!

Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde is an award-winning published local author who writes both for young adults and adults in the area of paranormal romantic suspense and historical romantic suspense. She’s also written true stories for a number of magazines, including Listen Magazine for teens. Heart of the Wolf, an adult werewolf romantic suspense, made Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, and she was recently interviewed by a book club in France and has been asked to present a writing workshop in the fall in Toronto.When she’s not presenting online writing workshops, writing new books, and speaking about writing and the publication process, she creates teddy bears that have found homes all over the world and that have been featured in magazines, and also works at the RB Hoover library.

www.terryspear.com

Did you know that Amelia Atwater-Rhodes and Christopher Paolini were published teen authors? Or that Clive Barker was 11 when he wrote his first published book?

Sometimes I think I waited too long! I've been making up stories since I was a kid, but I never thought of writing for publication!

Give it a thought! If you love to make up stories, you might be a successful published author some day just like they are!

Terry Lee Wilde/Terry Spear

Deeper Themes in Writing?

2009-02-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

One of my critique partners who was an English high school teacher said she could always tell when I had issues with something, that they would reflect in my writing.

Just as our characters have deeper motivations for doing the things they do, for having the goals they have, authors, I suspect, write from a deeper personal level also. I'd kind of dismissed my critique partner's notion as one of those English teachers need to show students the hidden meaning of literary works. Even if there is none. :)

I love Robert Frost's poems, particularly Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Eve. Now, critics say he was talking about death. But I'm pretty sure that when I was in college, we watched an interview where he denied this. I like to believe it has nothing to do with death, but the character is taking a break from the rigors of life and enjoying the small things.

So, do the critics know more about ourselves than we do? Do we even know when something has affected us in life, and then is reflected back in our writing?

Have you noticed a particular theme in authors' works you love?

Terry Lee Wilde

www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

Check out Revealing Secrets!

2009-02-24T08:34:00.001-08:00

I'm here today talking about Deidre's Secret! Please join me and say hi! :)

http://twrpclimbingrose.blogspot.com/2009/02/revealing-secrets.html

Terry Lee Wilde
www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

I Made It!

2009-02-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Woohoo, another week at the First Line Contest and!!!

I made it.

Along with one of my critique partners. Now if only...

Three weeks to go!!! Only 20 of us left. Five will be finalists. Three weeks to go! Last year I had been cut at this point. I had 4 weeks to go, and then that was it. So I made it another week, and I feel I've gotten beyond the wall. It would be a shame if I was cut this week and had a new wall erected, don't you think???

So, here's to perseverance! To making every line count! To hoping the judges agree! :)

I'm teaching the Conflict! Conflict! Conflict! online workshop for 4 weeks in Mar starting Mar 2, if anyone is interested!
http://www.terryspear.com/id15.html

And I'll be at Shreveport's Nola Stars Conference, "Written in the Stars" Mar 6-7 where I'll be giving my Happy Hookers workshop and signing books. http://www.nolastars.com/node/81

Off to choose another line. I feel like I'm on Survivor, only I don't have to eat the yucky stuff! :)

Terry Spear
www.terryspear.com

Another Chance to Win Destiny of the Wolf!

2009-02-21T06:28:00.001-08:00

First, I want to say I'm at Bitten by Books for a free chance at a book, and thanks to everyone here who dropped by and commented. The contest runs through 3 PM today.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=4496#comment-29888
From our own Sharon Lathan"Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One" - Target Feb 2009 - March 1 everywhere else!"Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley" - September 2009"The Darcys at Year's End" - January 2010
http://www.darcysaga.net/

She sent me these photos of our new releases in a special display and of her daughter who I'm delighted to call a fan of my wolfish books. :) Thanks so much, Sharon!She said I probably have tons of pictures, but uhm, no, I never think to take a camera with me to book signings!!! And not to book stores either. But I loved these. They're wonderful!!! And your daughter models Destiny of the Wolf just beautifully!

And it looks like Temptation of the Wolf is changing to To Tempt the Wolf. I love the new title! The art department is now working on the cover and I can't wait to show it off!

If you haven't had a chance to drop by and try for a chance at Destiny of the Wolf, come by and say hi!I will be working all day and will have to catch up with everyone later. :)

Have a super Saturday!

Terry Spear
Heart of the Wolf, Destiny of the Wolf, To Tempt the Wolf, & An Arctic Wolf tale coming in the Fall
http://www.terryspear.com/

Take the Challenge!

2009-02-17T05:56:00.001-08:00

Made it another week on the First Line Contest! 25 left to go...75 already cut. I feel like I'm on Survivor, only I don't have to eat yucky stuff or be a drama queen and fight with my fellow contestants. :)

Four weeks left to go. Twenty more contestants to eliminate. Five will make it to the final round.Last year I made it to this spot. Right here. Twenty left to go. And I was eliminated with the next five who were cut. *sigh*

So last year, I could see the door to Publish-dom right down the darkened hall. And then? Not for me. Not last time. Maybe not this time either. But I've had fun making the effort.

One of my critique partners and I have made it this far! Way to go, Randy! Last year she was cut on the first round. So, new technique, new manuscript, anything is possible. :) You just have to persevere.

Why did I enter? I wanted to encourage my fellow critique partners to do it as a Rebel Romance Writers effort. It's more fun when you have a cheering section. And I wanted to do it because I teach Happy Hookers and if I can't hook with first lines, why am I teaching it?

Although, I have to say that everything being subjective...any contest is just that. Based on the whim of the judge. Just like reviews are based on the whim of reviewers. So there's no guarantee that we'll make it even past the first line, if we have a judge who just doesn't care for our subject.

Or even, heaven's forbid, has a grudge against our kind of story and can't get by the built-in bias they have when "objectively" judging the contest.

I received a really nice note yesterday from a contestant for a contest I judged. She was thrilled I'd given her high marks, but also some tips on how to improve. I don't see anything wrong in giving a high score if the work excels, but offering some tips to even make the story better.To me, judging gives me a chance to encourage writing. Not discourage it.

I'm off to select my next first line. Wish me luck! I'm going to really need it!

Terry Spear

http://www.terrywildeteenbooks.com/

Free Giveaway!

2009-02-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

I've been interviewed at: http://idonotwanttowaitiwantthebooknow.wordpress.com/2009/02/11/please-welcome-terry-spear/

Drop by and comment for a chance at a free copy of any one of my available books.

Deidre's Secret coming in March in digital form, in April in print.

Terry Lee Wilde

http://www.terrywildeteenbooks.com/

I need a Hero Quiz!

2009-02-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

The Climbing Rose YA Line of Wild Rose Press has a quiz on their site if you'd like to play the game! Check it out at:

http://twrpclimbingrose.blogspot.com/

Deidre's Secret, coming in March! :)

Teen Vampire Romances

2009-01-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

I'm currently working on a requested adult vampire romance right now, but I love writing teen vampire romances also. So what got me started on vampires? I've always loved them!

When I was a teen, we saw Dracula at the Brevard Community College. The "fog"...dry ice...faded before Dracula made his disappearing act, melting into the stage...disappeared through a trap door. He had good humor enough to wave to us when the fog disappeared a little too soon. :)

Bats flew over our heads, pulled on pulleys, and the effect was quite effective. We all squealed, not expecting it!

And several actors tripped on the corner of the same carpet in the living room where all the action was taking place. Finally, one of the main actors pulled a couch over to cover that bit of carpet, smiling all the while. Yep, it was opening night, and we had more fun. But Dracula had definitely captured my heart. He was too cool and sexy to be the bad guy. It just didn't seem fair that he got such a bad rap.

Later, I saw Dracula in a NYC production, one red object in all black and white scenes. Really dramatic. A red rose. A glass of red wine. Never blood, but the illusion was there. :)

And poor Dracula was again the villain. So I wanted to change that scenario. Yes, some are bad guys, and some are good. Just like humans. But I wanted the heroine to have some power too. No shrinking violets here. And so the heroine and her girlfriend in The Vampire...In My Dreams are witches. But can they fight the evil lurking in their area?

Check out The Vampire...In My Dreams !

Terry Lee Wilde

www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

The Vampire...In My Dreams

2009-01-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Fans of Twilight have said they enjoyed reading The Vampire...In My Dreams! :)

Currently working on more of the adult wolf saga, Heart of the Wolf was listed as Publishers Weekly's BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR, and was listed as NOR Reader Choice Awards for Best Paranormal Book.

Deidre's Secret--Release Date!

2008-10-11T06:08:00.000-07:00

The Vampire...In My Dreams available today!!!

2008-08-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

The Vampire...In My Dreams is available for a limited time at a 15% discount at Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599988372/ref=cm_cmu_up_thanks_hdr

They've got the wrong age listed though. It's a young adult book, suitable from 12-adult so my publisher will have to have that changed. :)

Terry Lee Wilde
www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

What is Urban Fantasy?

2008-07-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

I’ve seen this question asked a lot lately. Everyone from agents to editors to authors are coming out with their own versions. And I’ve been asked this a lot by students and others. So this is my version:

When I first started writing vampires, the tag urban fantasy didn’t exist, so I used “paranormal.” But paranormal to me, is really ghosts, psychics, that kind of otherworldly phenomenon. And it can be in present day, or the past, as long as it’s not fantasy. Fantasy, anything goes, because it’s fantasy and exists in a world that is not our own.

So what is urban fantasy? To me, it is mythical, fantastical creatures living in our contemporary times. Have a demon romance? It’s urban fantasy. It can be urban fantasy horror, or urban fantasy romance. But it’s urban fantasy. The fantastical element in modern times.

Think of the hero, werewolf extraordinaire, working on his computer. It’s urban fantasy. He can be sitting in the country estate, or living in the city. But it’s still urban fantasy.

Think of the gargoyle that protects your apartment complex at night, and talks to the heroine during the day. Urban Fantasy.

Now, what is being said–-urban fantasy is first person. Why? I’ve read tons of third person POV urban fantasy werewolf stories, for one. And they were urban fantasies by virtue of the fact werewolves live among us. Whether they’re in the closet or have come out, it doesn’t matter. It’s a fantasy world within the normal structure of our world.

Some say that urban fantasies are not romances. Why? Are paranormals not romances? Some are, some aren’t. Some historical fictions have romances and some don’t. I know, because I review them and ask for only the ones that have romances. So sometimes we try to limit ourselves into some narrow defined category because some write like this and all of a sudden we’re all supposed to write that to fit the category, and again I ask why?

My werewolves, as well as many others, are sexy. They are romances. They are third person, and they are urban fantasy. They’re not fantasy, which would be set in a different world. They are not paranormal, dealing with psychic or ghostly entities. They are urban fantasies.

Why get hung up on a tag? Because people who are writing them want to define this for query letters to agents and editors. And also because readers and devout fans of urban fantasies need to see the tags. Some readers might not like hot, sexy urban fantasies. That’s okay. They can read the reviews and see if it’s something they want to read. Some want hot, sexy reads. The same thing.

So what is urban fantasy? Mythical creatures living in present day society, whether they’re vampires, werewolves, mermaids, gargoyles, other shapeshifters, fairies, pixies, ghouls, or other kinds of creatures that we normally don’t see joining the exercise clubs or dancing in our dance clubs–that’s urban fantasy, 3rd person point of view, 1st person point of view, romance, no romance, light, dark, doesn’t matter.

So what is your take on urban fantasy?

Terry Spear/Terry Lee Wilde
Deidre's Secret (paranormal, psychic YA)

Heart of the Wolf, Don’t Cry Wolf

The Vampire…In My Dreams, (YA)coming Aug 26 to bookstores!

Deadly Liaisons, coming November! (vampire adult romantic suspense–urban fantasy )http://www.terryspear.com/

3-D Characterization Online Workshop

2008-07-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Jul 14-Aug 8 2008

What a Character!!! Jump from Cookie Cutter to Great 3-Dimensional Characters in Your Writing!

How many times have you heard how important it is to have 3-dimensional characters? That the publisher wants character-driven stories, not plot-driven? To show, not tell? But how easy is it to really write characters that come alive on the page? Some writers have a natural ability to concoct terrific characters who are full of life. Then there are the rest of us who need some help. In this workshop, Terry Spear will show the difference between average characterizations and those that will get noticed! In this online class, which features lectures, discussion, practical exercises, and handouts, she'll teach students how to captivate readers with engaging characters.

3 lessons per week, plus mini-lessons, critique and comment on everyone's exercises!

Terry Spear has published in many genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary, paranormal, and under the name Terry Lee Wilde, young adult paranormal and fantasy romances. She's the author of Winning The Highlander's Heart (Vintage), The Vampire...In My Dreams, Deadly Liaisons (Samhain), Heart of the Wolf, April, 2008 Don't Cry Wolf, April 2009, Betrayal of the Wolf, Allure of the Wolf (Sourcebooks), Deidre's Secret, Relative Danger (Wild Rose Press). She also writes nonfiction for numerous genealogy, WWII, teen, and family magazines, and has had romantic fiction published in magazines. Currently, she's working on her latest werewolf adult novel, Allure of the Wolf. Her website: http://www.terryspear.com/

Happy Hookers! Engaging the Reader from Start to Finish

2008-06-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Academy is proud to announce an upcoming online workshop for June/July.

Workshop Title: Happy Hookers! Engaging the Reader from Start to Finish

Presenter: Terry Spear

Date: June 16 - July 14

Description: Slow starts and sleepy endings to scenes and chapters can ruin a manuscript's chance of being published.Conversely, solid hooks can make the sale - as workshop instructor Terry Spear demonstrates,with six publishers currently hooked for six manuscripts. Setting such practical matters aside, what author wouldn't be thrilled to hear someone say, "I couldn't put the book down"? Strong hooks are a vital ingredient in strong writing. In this online class, which features lectures, discussion, practical exercises, and handouts, she'll teach students how to captivate readers with great openings, scene hooks, chapter cliff hangers, and intriguing back cover blurbs. Participants will master the hook in all its environments, from the query letter through the novel.

About the presenter: Terry Spear has published in many genres, including romantic suspense, historical, contemporary, paranormal, and writes under the name Terry Lee Wilde for young adult paranormal and fantasyromances. She's the author of Winning The Highlander's Heart (Vintage)and one of the debut paranormal books with Sourcebooks, Heart of the Wolf, April '08, Don't Cry Wolf, Spring '09, and Deadly Liaisons(Samhain), Relative Danger, Deidre's Secret (Wild Rose Press).A young adult book is available at stores August 26, The Vampire...In My Dreams. She also writes nonfiction for numerous genealogy, WWII, teen, and family magazines, and has had romantic fiction published in True Confessions and True Romance.

Her website is: http://www.%20terryspear.%20com/

Deadline to sign up for this workshop: June 13.

Fee: $10 CHRW members; $15 non-members.
RWA Membership isn't required; anyone can take our courses. Celtic Hearts members receive 2 free workshops a year.

Where to sign up: http://www.%20celtichearts.%20org/chwksp.%20html
Please fill out the online form.
Thank you for considering our workshops!!
Vonda Sinclair Celtic Hearts Education Coordinator

Contest

2008-05-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

I'm the author blog guest for Deadly Vixens today and am running a contest. Please come by and comment for a chance to win!

http://deadlyvixens.blogspot.com/2008/05/please-welcome-authorterry-spear.html

Enchanting Reviews for The Vampire...In My Dreams

2008-05-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

THE VAMPIRE...IN MY DREAMS
TERRY LEE WILDE
Paranormal YA
Samhain Publishing
ISBN# 1-59998-666-3
212 pages
$5.50
eBook - Available October 9, 2007

Print book--Available August 26, 2008

Rating: 4.5 EnchantmentsThis book successfully combines witchcraft and vampires. This book is great because each chapter is written from one character’s point-of-view. Dominic and Marissa are both likeable characters and seem to bring out the best in each other. It is very well set in the system of high school. This author reminds me of Lynsay Sands and the way she describes the characters. (Except for the mind reading aspect.)

Great book, Terry! Hopefully, this will become a series and we will see more of Dominic, Marissa, and Kate!

Amy P.
Enchanting Reviews
May 2008

Narnia Anyone?

2008-05-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

We loved it! Prince Caspian was adorable, though he was very much a beta character and we wished he'd had more of an alpha role in the story. But he was a dream to look at anyway. Lots of action and adventure, lovely costuming and loved the setting and castle!!

Hope to see another soon!

Terry Lee Wilde

http://www.terrywildeteenbooks.com/

The Vampire....In My Dreams, coming August 26!

The Vampire...In My Dreams--New Review!

2008-05-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Vampire In My Dreams
Terry Spear
Samhain
2008
ISBN 1-59998-666-3
YA Paranormal
****
Ironically, it is when Marissa is hunting vampires that she meets her soul mate, who happens to be almost a vampire. Dominic has one shot at escaping a dark destiny, and the moment he sees Marissa, he knows she is the key to his return to being a normal human. Fortunately or unfortunately, Marissa is not a plain vanilla human; she's a witch, so he can't compel her cooperation, he has to win it. As soon as she truly comprehends what danger he is in and begins to love him, Marissa can't do otherwise, though, even if she is ticked about a slip up that could doom her as well. With time running out, the young couple has to defeat the dangerous female who sired Dominic or lose their souls forever.

Anyone who loves vampire stories should get this, regardless of their age. The legends are updated and reinvented with a fresh spin that holds your interest from the outset. There is just enough angst and tension to give this book an edge, yet light moments keep it from being dark or grim in any way. This is a world I'd gladly revisit. Ms. Spears' characters are believable, even with their gifts and powers, making them easy to care about.~~Amanda Kilgore, Huntress Reviews

Structuring Your Manuscript for More Impact Online Workshop

2008-04-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

MAY 5-30, 2008

Structuring Your Manuscript for More Impact!

Have you just started your mss and you're at a loss already? Have you finished the mss and need help structuring it so that it has the kind of impact that will compel readers, agents, and editors to keep reading?

Whether you're a plotter who sets up the whole mss from start to finish, or a pantser who writes from the seat-of-the-pants, from the writer who is just beginning, to the one who has finished a mss and needs some help, this workshop is for you! We'll discuss the major components of a mss-the Scene and Sequel, what makes them work and how to make they better. We talk about the anatomy of scenes and sequels, flashbacks, transitions, opening and climax scenes, conflict, characterization and more. I'll give examples and work with you on how to improve your own mss. Afterward, you should be able to identify what makes your story catch the reader's interest and what needs to be reworked to do a better job.

Please join Terry Spear, the online presenter of Hooking Readers and 3-D Characterizations, for a workshop on Structuring Your Manuscript for More Impact!

Offered by: Outreach International
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm9pcncubmV0Lw==

Deidre's Secret--new movie book trailer

2008-04-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

Movie Book Trailer for Deidre's Secret~~

I made this with Window's movie maker....

Deidre's Secret

2008-04-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

I love the cover! My daughter said I've had the best covers for my books lately and I have to agree. :)

Deidre's Secret~~

When Deidre Roux has premonitions of danger, watch out! Faced with thwarting bank robbers and protecting others from the high school bully, she must reveal her secret to her new friend, Mark Cummings. Can she convince him that she truly sees a world of imminent danger headed their way before it’s too late?

Not only must Mark deal with his girlfriend’s premonitions, which he has a hard time believing, but his convicted uncle has returned home. Humor, suspense and conflict rule the day as Deidre’s crazy aunt tries to write a true crime story on Mark's uncle. Deidre attempts to keep her out of it before she gets mixed up in a much darker business of robberies and murder—her own, if she’s not careful.

www.terrywildeteenbooks.com

Release Date TBA

The Vampire...In My Dreams on FW!!

2008-03-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Vampire...In My Dreams is now Fictionwise with a 10% discount!

http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook65141.htm?cache

The Witch –
Plain and average Marissa Lakeland doesn’t believe in fate—or vampires. When she and her girlfriend chase after a gorgeous hunk of a guy one dark, misty night to prove he’s truly a vampire, she’s forced to face her worst nightmares—in the flesh. Rather, in the not-quite mortal flesh. So why does the thought of tall, dark, and vampiric appeal to her, when there’s no way a vampire can compel a witch to do his bidding? At least that’s what she’s read in vampiric lore. But lore can be mistaken. Utterly mistaken.

The Prince of Darkness –As soon as he sees Marissa, fledgling vampire, Dominic Vorchowski, knows that she’s the only one who can save him. Only why does she have to be a witch? Humans are easy to compel, but a witch? Fate has thrown him together with the clever, bewitching teen and if he can gain her trust, he’ll have his life back again. Except for that whole eternal thirst for blood thing. And the fangs. Not to mention the aversion to intense sunlight. In any event, he’ll have his life back as normal as it can be. This time, he’ll not mess with girls he knows nothing about. Especially when he’s set his sights on one tantalizing teen witch, who’s totally off the menu.

The Threat –Lynetta wants Dominic to replace the lover she lost three hundred years ago, and no witch is going to take her guy away from her. Ancient vampires tend to get really cranky when they don’t get their way. Really cranky. Like three-hundred-years-in-the-making cranky. She’s not just after Dominic’s blood, she wants every bit of the hunk. Time is running out while Dominic and Marissa try to find a way to thwart the vampiress and her blood bonds from winning the battle of the night.

The Vampire…In My Dreams by Terry Lee Wilde Samhain

5 Stars Plus!!
This story is masterfully told, giving each character (Marissa and Dominic) their own chapters told from their POV (point of view)…a most clever and unique way to tell a story in my opinion. This is a good love story, a very unique tale, and very well written by the author. I enjoyed this immensely. I give this a five plus and urge the author to make this a continuing series! Well done!Reviewer: Penni, Ghost Writers Reviews, Review
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5 Angels from FAR for The Vampire..In My Dreams!!
Terry Lee Wilde has written a terrific young adult story. Once I started The Vampire…In My Dreams, I could not stop until I got to the last page. Dominic is charming, witty, and is not against having Marissa help him. He does what he can to protect her, while realizing she can do more than sit and hide. Marissa is also a character to love. She knows she’s not perfect, but she doesn’t waste time whining about her faults. I was caught up in the story, and I can’t wait to read more by Terry Lee Wilde.Reviewed by: Ashley
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Romance Junkies: 4.5 Blue Ribbon Review!!!
Terry Lee Wilde has written a wonderful young adult paranormal book that will appeal to romance lovers of all ages. THE VAMPIRE…IN MY DREAMS has an action-packed plot filled with quirky, entertaining characters. This unusual spin on the vampire romance lends itself well to the young adult market, while adult readers will be just as enchanted by this story.As the action intensifies, Marissa and Dominic encounter both human and paranormal complications. They battle Lynetta’s minions and deal with the everyday problems of school and parents. These disparate aspects of their lives are woven together in an intricate pattern that pulled me into the story completely. Surprising twists in the story kept me glued to the pages, propelling me along on Marissa and Dominic’s amazing journey. Snatch up your copy of THE VAMPIRE…IN MY DREAMS by Terry Lee Wilde today. It only takes one nibble of this delectable story and you will be hooked!By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Robin Snodgrass

3-D Characters Online Workshop

2008-03-15T01:26:00.000-07:00

FOR WRITERS: I'm offering my 3-D Characterization online workshop again...details at: http://www.terryspear.com/id14.html

Sign up now for the course that will begin April 1-28. I give 3 lessons per week, plus mini-lessons in between. :)

Terry Lee Wilde

www.terrywildeteenbooks.com