Kayden McLeod's Blog

Just Released! The Induction

2012-01-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

The Induction, the second book in the Master of Subservience series has been released to ARe! Bethany's adventure into Madam Clariette's world of BSDM continues....

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theinductionmasterofsubservience-675870-144.html

Overjoyed that Bethany has been accepted into Madam Clairette's world of doms and subs, Daniel must turn his submissive over to the very man who broke him years before. Keegan is eager to pick up the gauntlet in his capable hands, and take Bethany to the next level of submission.

New Pre-Made Covers

2012-01-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,

I've been working on various pre-made covers, available for purchase at Otherworlds Publicity, for $45.00 USD (plus $5.00 EFTF): http://www.otherworldspublicity.com/pre-madecovers.php

The majority of the techniques used are photo manipulation, although some display hand drawn aspects and other special effects. Right now, I have some dark and light fantasy, horror and romance. Coming soon is more horror, romance and erotica. Erotica will have it's own page, where you have to confirm that you are 18 years of age, or older.

So have a look, and feel free to contact me with any questions. I do custom commissions in any genre, as well, so if there is something you've been wanting I don't have, e-mail me at: kayden@otherworldspub.info or kaydenmcleod@gmail.com

Custom covers run $60.00 USD for an e-book cover, and $100.00 for e-book and print. I also do a variety of other custom promotional items, and there are special discounts on bulk orders.

Cheers,

Kayden McLeod

Making Of A Cover: Mistress of the Manor

2012-01-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,

With the last post about making a cover being such a hit, I thought I would do another one, since I had so many private inquiries about changing the color of clothing, and/or recreating them.

What I was going for with this project, was to create an ominous atmosphere, to emphasize, specifically, the model’s facial expression.

Below are the three photos I started with. When looking at the picture of the house, I knew adjustments had to be made to obtain the desired results. I cut out the house, and added the stormy sky behind it.

After removing the model, I adjusted the positioning of the three pictures, until I was happy with the layout. (Below)

With so many muted tones, with the exception of the green, I wanted a very bold stroke of color: the dress. I duplicated the layer of the model, cut out her face, neck and arm from that layer. Using the tools hue, saturation and contrast to brought the material to a dusky rose (picture below). From there, I erased all of the lace on her dress, revealing the white/cream layer beneath. In the below picture, you can see the process half completed.

With the lace completed, I added three layers on top of the material layer, and filled them: one medium red, one deep red and a purple. I used a clipping masque so the solid colors stayed to the outline of the layer beneath it, but not on the rest of the cover. I set three solid color layers to Soft Light (Purple), Overlay (Blood Red) and Screen (Medium Red) to create the finished effect. I wanted the bold color, but I also wanted to keep a little of the satiny gleam. I zoomed in, cleaned up any mistakes that might've been empathized with so many layers set on top of the original model. When making such a dramatic color change you to have double check...

After that, I added a bit of shading, and darkening to the ground, by creating a new layer, painting over the gravel, and setting the masque to Soft Light. Then erased and smudging to smooth the effect out.

Someone asked me the other day, how I make curly hair in some of my fantasy pictures. From experience, I know how difficult it is to cut out a model with curly hair, and make it look natural. When it comes to design, I have a lot of patience--but curly hair is where my patience runs out. After having looked up tutorials online that didn't work for what I wanted or looked right, I decided to try something new. I "hand" painted a spiral curl (below), which look me several hours of trial and error. Now, I can change the color and shape of the curl, which helps. My rule of thumb is to use three shade variations, dark, medium and light of whatever color I change it to, adding depth and realism. And yes--I apply one curl at a time, lol.

Below is the model with the finished hair. As this is a pre-made book cover, I rarely do much with the text as I normally would for a project a client requests. It will have to be changed anyway, to fit the clients needs. But here is the finished product, ready to add to Otherworlds Publicity's website for sale: http://www.otherworldspublicity.com/pre-madecovers.php

Hope you enjoyed!

Kayden McLeod

CONTEST: Making of a Cover

2012-01-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,

Cover art and graphic design is one of my many artistic passions, and I thought I would do two things. Explain the process within one of my more labor intensive designs, and turn it into a contest, which I will announce at the end of this post.

Below is the finished Forsaken: Goddess of Pompeii (a WIP of mine…) e-book cover.

Typically, I start with my models, before I play with backgrounds or coloring. Now, unlike the norm, finding an embracing couple in suitable clothing for Pompeii 79AD is near impossible! And, yes, I am VERY picky when I know the visual of what I want. So alas, what better place to start than the fabulous Jimmy Thomas? I love using his photos, because not only are they high resolution (very important), they are artistic in the poses, coloring and expression. But, alas—not even Jimmy has yet touched on togas. But it can be fixed—though not easily.

After very carefully cutting out Jimmy and his lady, I went in search of something I could use.

Below are the two togas I used for what amounts to a jigsaw puzzle. When recreating clothing for a model, you have to get the general feel for the model and their pose you want to transfer the portions to. Perhaps, you’ll luck out and find the exact same pose, but chances are, you won’t.

After cutting out the lady’s togas (below), it was a matter of taking little and big pieces, forming them together, and combining elements of both pictures. Then the intricate process of blending, erasing, clone-stamping and painting. After that, I had to up the contrast on the models, and change the hues a bit, then darken them to better match the clothing.

Now, it’s time for the background! When I envisioned this cover, I really, really wanted pictures of Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius. The mountain was a no go. I found pictures, but they weren't clear enough. So I settled for one of the Rocky Mountains. Although the ruins and columns in the cover are actually Pompeii—present day. So, WOOHOO!

After cutting out the sky from the mountain picture (below), I dropped the fiery sky behind it, and positioned the defined point of contrast over the mountain peak.

But what good is a volcano without a really awesome explosion?!

Below are the two pictures I used for this effect, plus some editing and painting over, and Photoshop masques. In this program, specifically for images designed for web, there are four color channels, red, green, blue and RGB. When you pull the red channel away from the rest, you’re left with the way cool lava flows (no pun intended), fire and the smoke. The black, grey and blue pixels are left behind. I placed what remained on the mountain, then reformed these layers to fit the mountain of my choosing. Then it was more blending to make the effect seamless.

The background is now set—time for the foreground! Below are the two pictures I ended up using of Pompeii. I had several more, but in the last few hours of doing this cover I simplified, and cut several images I had used early on. I cut out the building of the left (in favour of the photo’s angle), then the columns of the one on the right.

With the scene completed, I played with contrasts, lighting and darkening, hues and beyond to tie everything in together. I brought in the models to their new “home.” But I wasn’t done yet! The models didn’t match my characters exactly yet. I am a sucker for long, flowy hair. I took out my Wacom Bamboo drawing tablet and sketched out their hair, added highlights and definition by layer; a slow, methodical process that pays off in the end!

And walla, we have Forsaken: Goddess of Pompeii!

Now, for the contest…leave a comment on this post or e-mail me at: kaydenmcleod@gmail.com

Tell me what you think about this cover and post, to win something very special. The winner will receive a design of their choice: whether a book cover, postcard design, poster design, bookmark design or romance trading card design, or website graphic. This does not include printing of the promotional item you chose, just the design. I will make it to the specs you choose. To give you an idea, the printing company I use for printing is: http://www.overnightprints.com/

I will be announcing the winner this Friday.

You can find more Jimmy Thomas here: http://www.romancenovelcovers.com/

Good Luck!
Kayden McLeod

News About Master of Subservience

2012-01-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had an excellent holiday. So many good things are happening for the Master of Subservience Series in this new year.

First up, book one, The Interview has received a 5/5 from Two Lips Reviews! Fabulous praise. You can read it here:http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7165&Itemid=36

As well, a few days ago, I completed the Master of Subservience series trailer! An entertaining experiment to say the least. Given that I had to encompass the entire series, when I, myself, am not sure what happens past book three, lol.

The Master of Subservience Series Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_GR2P_XTpA&list=UUfdDPcnqJbKykehynxkk08A&index=1&feature=plcp

And most exciting of all, book two, The Induction is coming soon from New Dawning International Bookfair!

Series: Master of Subservience

Title: The Induction

Genre: Erotica

Keywords: Menage, BDSM, MMMF

Publisher: New Dawning International Bookfair

Summary:

Daniel, overjoyed Bethany has been accepted into Madam Clairette's world of doms and subs, must turn his submissive over to the very man who broke him years before. Keegan is eager to pick up the gauntlet in his capable hands, and take Bethany to the next level of submission.

Excerpt:

Bethany still lay in bed, just as Daniel left her; a blonde angel in sleep. Granted, a naked one, but angelic nonetheless.

Her vivid blue eyes blinked open, as if sensing she was being watched. Her full, dark pink lips tugged into a smile when she spotted Daniel. But then she saw Keegan, and her eyes widened, sitting up faster than a coiled spring.

The silk sheets fell from her full breasts, crowned with rosy nipples. Side-swept bangs partially obscured her expression. Bethany stilled like a deer caught in headlights.

"Get up, submissive. And greet your master properly," Keegan said in a low, husky voice, which was better than distilled sex.

After a second of hesitation, Bethany slowly moved to the edge of the bed. Daniel winced. He would've allowed this impertinence, so Bethany didn't know she did wrong. When Keegan smirked, Bethany cocked her head, looking him right in the eye.

Daniel looked at the floor, and bit his lip. At that moment, he understood exactly why Madam Clairette chose Keegan to break Bethany. While she acted as a submissive, she still didn't get the extent of what she should be doing, how she would react. But she would. He saw the flash of that knowledge in Keegan's eyes.

"Kneel before me, sub. And be quick about it this time," Keegan barked. The coiled muscles in his shoulders and back were defined through his tank.

Bethany did as ordered, knowing well enough to stare at the floor as she scrambled to her knees in front of him, her thighs parallel with his calves.

"I can already see you lack in areas, but we'll fix that immediately." Keegan crossed his arms, his thick-as-tree-trunk biceps bulging. His long, tapered fingers tapped the elbow of his other arm. "Let's start off with the basics. I speak, you listen. Only my words mean anything to you now. That means when I give an order, you immediately obey without question or complaint. You do not speak unless spoken to, and only if I give you permission first. The answers will be as short as possible. If I am displeased with how you handle yourself or disobey me, there will be a punishment of my choosing."

"Like a spanking?" Bethany said with humor.

My brow cocked, waiting. Another mistake.

"Okay," Bethany replied.

Mistake number two. Daniel knew that had been a test. And her first punishment would be soon to follow.

"Did I ask you to speak?" Keegan said. A test. Would she answer him? Bethany shut her mouth and kept it that way. He reached out, and ran his fingers down her tousled hair. "Daniel, could you please get my backpack I left in the hallway?"

"Of course." Daniel retrieved the package, handling the bag with care when exchanging hands. He had only a vague idea what would be in the bag. With Keegan, one could only be so sure about what tricks were to come.

Keegan pulled out a collar with shiny spikes protruding from the collar at regular intervals, reminiscent of something a Rottweiler would wear. Also, a five-foot leash.

Without saying a word, he lifted Bethany's hair from her neck, coiling the collar around her neck, and then attached the leash. With flashing blue eyes, he straightened.

Bethany stared up at him with this "Now what?" clearly etched on her face. This was as good as actually speaking the words themselves.

Keegan's smile turned absolutely predatory. He reached to yank down his shorts, allowing his already stiff cock to bounce free. His hand clutched in her hair the same moment he said in a husky voice, "Suck it."

He pulled her closer, and she opened her mouth to accept the thick girth. She moaned low in her throat as she took more of him. Daniel's lips parted at the sight, feeling his own shaft twitch while Bethany worked him.

Keegan's hips surged every once in a while. Daniel knew personally Bethany's skill combined with erotic eagerness would bring the best man to his knees—something no master would ever be caught doing. This gave Daniel a spark of self-satisfaction as Keegan struggled not to react overly much.

But even so, the lack of control showed in Keegan's white knuckles bunched at the back of her blonde locks, the subtle shudders going down his spine. He lost himself, allowing Bethany's hands to steal up his thighs, stopping right underneath his ass to pull him in faster, deeper. A proper submissive wouldn't have done so without the master's permission. And Keegan didn't seem to notice.

Daniel knew the moment Keegan orgasmed. His mouth opened, nothing coming out save a strangled moan. When Bethany slowly retreated off his softening cock, she licked her lips, looking up at her master for approval.

The fire in his eyes gave her just that.

"And now, for breakfast," Keegan said in a breathy voice, unable to catch his breath.

Xmas Christmas Hunt Contest!

2011-12-13T17:34:00.001-08:00

Dear Reader,

Be sure to check out Authors Who Rock's 12 Days of Christmas contest! Rules on our blog :)

http://authorswhorock.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-hunt-begins.html

Cheers,

Kayden

The Foxworth Coven Book Tour NOV 11-DEC 13

2011-11-08T09:45:00.001-08:00

Dear Reader,

My Foxworth Coven blog tour, presented by Bewitching Blog Tours begins this Friday, November 11^th! Please see the dates below, and I hope to see you on one of my visits.

I’ll be giving away books, and there will be several book reviews of the first and second Foxworth novels. As well, there are character interviews of the Foxworth Coven members, and some new tidbits about my newest series out with New Dawning International Bookfair, Master of Subservience.

THE BLOG TOUR

November 11

Always Remember

Roxanne’s Realm

www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com

November 12

A Visit From Canya Foxworth

Rabid Reads

http://www.rabidreads.com

November 13

Promo

Lisa’s World of Books

http://www.lisasworldofbooks.net/

November 15

Promo

Reading Between the Wines

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

November 16

A Visit From Gregory Foxworth

Cocktails and Books

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com

November 17

A Visit From Korbin Foxworth

The Character Connection

http://thecharacterconnection.blogspot.com

November 22

The New Series: Master Of Subservience

Getting Naughty Between the Stacks

http://gnbstacks.blogspot.com

November 23

Guest Blog

Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess
http://www.wowfromthescarfprincess.blogspot.com/

November 26

Promo and Review

Lissette E. Manning
http://www.simplistik.org/lissetteemanning

November 28

Guest Post and Book Review

Booklover's Hideaway

http://booklovershideaway.blogspot.com/?zx=1cfb93fcbb41e840

November 29

Guest Post and Review of Death of Innocence

Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's
http://mnmrheinlander.com

November 30

Book Review

Zene’s Escape

Zenes-Escape.blogspot.com

December 1

It’s All About The Sound Of Music

Journey with Books

http://journeywithbooks.blogspot.com

December 2

Guest Blog And Review of Death of Innocence

Grave Tells

http://gravetells.com

December 5

Promo

All Things Books

http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com

December 8

Book Review

Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews

http://booksfromthepurplejellybeanchair.blogspot.com

December 13

Interview

Jeanz Book Read N Review

http://jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.com/

The Interview Is Released!!!

2011-11-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Master of Subservience, The Interview
Erotica (MMF, Oral, Anal, Exhibitionism)
Short Story
Price: $2.99
Buy-Link: http://newdawningbookfair.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl.master&product_id=101&category_id=4&manufacturer_id=26&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=186

Madam Clairette isn’t an average woman by anyone’s standards. She runs an unusual, multi-functional establishment that serves as a playground to both Doms and Subs, along with her carefully selected clients. Bethany’s boyfriend, Daniel, is confident he can bring Bethany into this world of primal sex and new adventures. But first, Bethany has to meet the Mistress of the house. Will Madam Clairette see the sensual beauty Daniel does, and allow the love of his life to accompany him into his universe?

Excerpt:

Madam Clairette cleared her throat. “Out of curiosity, when was the last time you had sex?”

Bethany’s heart took on a furious beat. Her inner thighs grew wet. She thought of the last time she’d indulgenced in carnal pleasures. Daniel had bitten his way up the spot where her leg met her hips, teasing her before moving to her core. When had that been? Oh, yes. “A week or so. Daniel cut me off when you told him you wanted to see me.”

“Oh, now that’s just cruel of him! But predictable. He had tough teachers.” Madam Clairette leaned back in her chair. “We’ll fix that soon enough, won’t we, Luke?” The blonde to the Mistress’ left nodded. “First, we have a few more aspects to go over. Not only do I provide an excellent environment for our subs, doms, and guests to pander to their fantasies, I have systems set in place to ensure everyone is kept happy at all times,” the Mistress said. “If something, anything, is stricken off the list of what you are willing to do, I can ensure it does not happen.”

“How can you make this promise?”

“Do you think my men are so nicely built just to ride? There will be at least one, if not two at every event, strictly there to closely watch everything and enforce my rules. They are knowledgeable in all their charges, and these two…” She waved toward the men at her back. “…will keep a special eye on you until you get into the swing of things. Everyone who enters my house is carefully screened, so we rarely have any problems.”

Madam Clairette reached into a drawer of her desk, and pulled out a beautifully carved wooden box, setting it down between them. “The contents of this box means of distinction between you, and the rest under my employ. My clients know on sight what they are permitted to do to you without having to ask.” She slid the lid open. She pulled out a thin jeweler’s box and handed it to Bethany.

The box revealed an antiqued silver necklace. The metal encased brilliant garnets within the elegant ivy pattern. The finely detailed design was expensive, the weight heavy in Bethany’s hand.

“It is yours to keep. The garnet symbolizes your submission, and how you’ll be identified by the others of this household. The contrasting sapphire is set in a strongly colored metal of gold, a representation of their dominance. I am sure you’ve seen Daniel wear it.”

“Yes, I have. I wondered why he always wore it, though never asked why.”

Her attention shifted to the necks of the men behind the mistress, noting Luke wore a masculine version of the red one. Keegan’s neck flashed with blue, the setting brilliant gold and the pattern of harsh points contrasting the softer version of silver ivy. It was a clear distinction.

The Mistress’ hand dipped into the drawer again, emerged with thirty or so colored bangles. A quick check to the men showed neither wore any.

“And these represent something you won’t do. For instance, do you take it in the ass?”

Keegan chuckled at the blunt question.

Bethany prided herself on her lack of reaction. She could be brash when she wished to be. “Yes.”

“Though you insinuated this before, would you care for more than one man at a time?”

“Yes. I have never had more than three, though I’m willing to trying new things,” Bethany said.

“What about women?”

“I’ve never been with a woman.”

The Mistress placed a yellow bangle in front of her. Ahh, negotiations. Bethany’s breath caught in her throat. Would this harm her chances?

“It doesn’t mean...”

“When and if you feel the need to change it, you are welcome to do so. No one will tell you differently. Give yourself time to adjust.”

“Thank you.”

“Absolutely no thanks needed,” Madam Clairette said. “If there is ever a problem, no matter how small, come and tell me. We will discuss and do what we can to solve it. My door is always open to you, for anything at all. I want your time here to be comfortable. Promise me that, will you?”

Bethany breathed a sigh of relief. The mistress had spoken as if she’d already been accepted. “I promise. I know I will love it here.”

“Oh, so do I.”

The Mighty Egg!

2011-10-18T10:40:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

A few days ago, I decided to do blackhead extraction—the proper and painful way, that takes forever and a lot of patience. Of course doing this in conjunction with plucking my eyebrows, I was relieved to be finished poking and prodding of myself.

But then, I woke up the next morning, I washed my face, to felt a pimple just beginning under the surface of my skin. The redness wasn’t there yet, but that tell-a-tale stiffness to the skin—right on the tip of my nose. With the Vampire ball in a week and a half, I knew I needed to do something more than wait around for it to spring up on me. And even though I had already gone through the masochistic routine of removing blackheads, for all my efforts, the pores I had extracted from don’t heal too fast. So, it was time to try something new.

Right before my wedding in August, I’d researched home remedies for facials, but I’d never got around trying most of them. But one stayed in my mind. The egg white mask. Simple, and the benefits—in theory that is—are endless. The egg is chock full of vitamins and minerals, and absent of the chemical ingredients I normally have reactions to. So, why not…I went back to the computer and looked it up.

The egg white mask can be used two different ways, but both methods I chose to take note of start off the same way. (Since I have only done this once myself, I do not endorse these methods, just passing long the bits and pieces of what I’ve read and the endless reviews of experimenters I poured over yesterday)

To start: crack one egg, and separate the yolk from the white into two containers (the articles I read said to throw out the yolk, but DON’T! I researched an idea to use the whole egg, and I’ll get into that later…) Beat the egg white with a fork until very light and frothy.

***To brighten, tighten pores and induce collagen production. (I did read somewhere that prolonged use of egg white will whiten/lighten the skin. Keep this in mind, should you try to use these methods)

Wash face with your favorite face wash.

Apply egg white to face (and neck if you want) in an even thin layer, avoiding eyes and mouth. Leave on for 15-20 minutes **do not exceed 30 minutes**

Wash face again with face wash to remove residue. Moisturizer is optional, though I didn’t apply any, so I could assess the effect on its own.

Your skin should feel smoother, tighter and your pores less noticeable.

*** Black head extraction method

Cut/tear up tissue paper into squares and/or strips (enough to cover face). Apply egg white to the face (and neck if you want) in an even layer (not necessary thin). Apply tissue paper over this layer, ensuring there is enough egg white to make the tissue stick to the face. Get into the corners of your nose. DO NOT cover your eyes and mouth, and avoid the more sensitive skin around these areas. Sometimes this takes practice. Once you look like a mummy, gently dab more egg white to the tissue, careful not to lift the tissue off your skin. Leave on about 15 minutes, or until the mask is completely dry. Then from the neck/chin upward to your forehead, gently peel the mask from your skin.

Wash face again with face wash to remove tissue and egg residue. Moisturizer is optional, though I didn’t apply any, so I could assess the effect on its own.

Your skin should feel smoother and your pores less noticeable. Some blackheads will be removed, you might even see them on the tissue. Others will be raised to the surface of the skin, making it easier to remove with an extractor, or with the next treatment, should you chose to try this again.

*****

One thing I did not read in any of the articles, is you could try steaming your face first, by placing a hot-wash cloth (not too hot) on your face for 10 minutes before applying the egg white. Or having a hot shower, and allowing the steam to open your pores and pre-soften the dirt for easier extraction or application of other masks and treatments.

Why would egg white work? The components of a drying egg white acts like a suction cup, regardless of which of the above methods you choose. As it dries, it not only infuses your skin with some of the benefits of the vitamins, it draws the dirt, oil, dead skin cells (the first few layer of your dermis) and toxins up to the skin’s surface, and some of it right out of your pores. Though the blackhead extraction method seems to work better as an exfoliation than the brightening method.

Now, after trying to blackhead removal, the pimple on the tip of my nose rose to the surface and reddened overnight. I am not alarmed, as my esthetic training gives me enough understanding of the “life-cycle” of a pimple from the beginning piece of dirt lodging in a pore, to the infection/inflammation to extraction. I have hurried the process by bringing the trapped toxins of the papule (a pimple without a head) closer to the surface. Soon enough the head will form to allow removal, and the healing can begin. This natural treatment, like most treatments will not work overnight. It is not a miracle cure. Nothing is, regardless of what commercial companies want you to believe or the price tag. Patience is needed. Tonight, I am going to try the mask again, and see what happens. Though for others, I don’t recommend this as part of a daily regimen. Egg white could be drying to the skin if used too much. Twice a week should be sufficient.

Also keep in mind pimples, blackheads and whiteheads come from a variety of sources: stress, lack of sleep, touching your face too much, bad diet and lack of exercise. To bring about change to your complexion, watch the stress, stay active, avoid fatty foods and dairy, take multi-vitamins, do not touch your face during the day, and make sure your sheets are frequently cleaned, in addition to developing a routine that is beneficial for your specific skin type.

And now, onto the leftover yolk! I looked this up to find a natural deep conditioner for your hair. Again, I’ve never tried it, and I don’t indorse it. Depending on the length of your hair, you might need one or two egg yolks. Beat the yolk(s) in a bowl. Add one tablespoon cold-pressed organic olive oil (1 tablespoon of baby oil can be substituted, apparently this will also make it smell better than olive oil) Add one cup of warm water to the mixture to make it easier to spread through the hair.

Wash your air with gentle shampoo. With your head tipped back, take half have the egg/oil mixture and pour over your roots. With the second half work into the ends with your hands. Comb through with your fingers (NEVER use a comb or brush on your hair when it’s wet, it causes damage to the weakened follicle. Only use a brush when it’s about 60% dry) Leave on for three minutes, and rinse in cold water.

OR you can apply two straight egg yolks to your hair, put a plastic cap on your hair, leave on for up to 30 minutes. Rinse in cool water.

Now you have used all the egg! Happy experimenting. If you decide to try any of these home treatments, let me know how it turns out J

Kayden

How I Lost My Wedding Ring

2011-10-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

I know I’m a klutz, no two ways about it. I almost always, place my wedding ring on an out-of-the-way shelf. But Saturday night, I put them on the counter beside the sink, the most dangerous place ever! I was washing my face, when my cat decided to jump on the counter and push her face into mine. I had soap in my eyes when I pushed her away and felt something against my hand, then the distinct ping of metal on porcelain.

Ahh hell, did my wedding ring just go into the drain? Turns out after a lengthy search, I had created the fast-moving series of events toward the “perfect storm” of losing my wedding ring. The bathroom hasn’t been finished being renovated, so the molding on the floor isn’t installed. The ring would’ve had to have fallen perfectly to be where it was. It was a miracle we’d even seen the ring. It was half behind the drywall, half under the wall framing, wedged between the top flooring and the 2x6.

My dad and I tried to get it out with pliers, but this ended with the ring disappearing altogether underneath the 2x6. So, at 10:30 at night, we sawed out a huge chunk of the bathroom wall, and the laundry room wall. We sliced through the 2x6 framing, ran knifes under the remaining wood, trying to find the ring.

We didn’t see the round cement support for the washing machine drain 4 inches to the left. When we did, I had a sick feeling that was exactly where my ring had ended up during the process. It was too dark to go under the house at 11pm and try to see where the pipe support went to.

8am Sunday morning, we were under the house tearing more stuff up, then back upstairs—and we broke a water pipe. We lasted three hours before we called a plumber (there might’ve been a better tradesperson to call, but regardless, we were dealing with a pipe, in a way, so a plumber it was). We also decided he could also look at the broken pipe while he was there, since we had to pay this $70.00 call fee, no matter the result of the visit. So today, it gets interesting. By this morning I had no hope. I hadn’t slept. I’d cried too much. Didn’t matter that my husband kept telling me it was an accident, he’d get me another one. Just wouldn’t be the same.

My brother stayed home to greet the plumber, who was supposed to phone me with a quote before he proceeded. Now I don’t call trades people that often, but this dude had to be the biggest joke ever invented. As I sit here writing, I’m debating why I didn’t call this post “The Only Reason The Plumber Is In One Piece, Is Because He Left Before I Got Home.”

My brother tried to explain what had happened. But when the plumber phoned me, he was clueless, mostly because the plumber wouldn’t allow my brother to complete a sentence before interrupting him. The guy ran on assumptions. So I filled him in via phone. He tried to talk over me, it was too bad. I can play this game, when I want something done, and when I am PAYING YOU TO DO IT, it will be done. I made sure he understood me—or I thought I had. I told him, feel free to rip up the flooring in the laundry room, because we are renovating. The plumber told me he can’t. Where he has to go has to be accessed from underneath the house.

Mr. Plumber gave me a long list of whys. Then told me in a sly voice there is a limited access fee because of where he has to go (the same place my dad was yesterday). He gave me a quote of 427.00 CAD, which he implied included the 70.00 call fee. I swallowed, and I mean hard. I can’t afford this, especially considering nothing is guaranteed—but I really, really wanted my ring back. I thought to myself, could we do this ourselves? Like come on, we’re amateurs, and the fact that my dad called a pro, told me how much he agreed. We already broke a pipe! How much more damage could we do before indefinite success?

He lectures my brother about how we should’ve done this ourselves (Am I paying you ¾ of a single one of my entire paychecks this close to Christmas, to voice your damned opinions?!). He belittled our efforts. How this isn’t a plumber’s job (his boss took the job even knowing what it was when he sent his employee), and how unsanitary it is to go underneath a house (that he voted to go in).

By the end, suffice to say he found my ring (don’t get me wrong, I’m happy about that). But it’s a mixed emotion at the moment. Given the fact how much work now lays ahead. I feel horrible—more so than I did before.

His precious quote I had to preapprove? Did not include him putting everything back together, after so carelessly shredding everything up. For him to do that, would be more money. The pipe we broke? All he had to do was take his wrench (which we didn’t own one that fit this particular pipe) and tighten it, he quoted my dad 168.00 CAD (screw that, we told him). My dad ended up fixing it himself this evening after a great deal of trial and error.

During the post conversation with my dad, the plumber let it slip that yes, going in from above, would’ve been messier and not any more work. You know what, that 300.00 limited access fee wouldn’t have applied had it done it the way I specifically asked him to. I came home to a total bill that was 580.00 CAD for an hour’s worth of work, and a torn to hell space under the house, where the now unprotected pipes are laid bare in the face of winter just around the corner, here in Canada.

Next Saturday, rain or shine, we’re off to the hardware store to get supplies to replace the insulation he took out, as well as new wood sheets to protect the pipes from freezing, and other bits and pieces.

Apparently, you can’t even trust referrals. We got these people’s names from someone we know at work, who swore by them. But, tomorrow is a new day, and that is one company that will have an earful. By the time my dad is through with them, they would’ve wished I was the one who phoned.

So that was my weekend adventure, one I hope I never, ever have to repeat.

Hope your weekend was better that mine, lol!

Kayden

Coming Soon: Master of Subservience; The Interview

2011-10-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

I just received word from New Dawning International Book Fair that they accepted the first book in my new Erotica Series, Master of Subservience, The Interview!

I also have three more submissions I'm waiting word on, and as well as wrapping up the third book of the Foxworth Series, Kindred Fate. Book One, Death of Innocence and Book Two Natural Urges can be found at Solstice Publishing's Solstice At Night website.

Want to hear more about the latest?

Master of Subservience: The Interview

Genre: Erotica (Exhibitionism, Oral and Anal)

Sub-Genre: Ménage (MMF)

Publisher: New Dawning International Book Fair

Publisher website: http://www.newdawningbookfair.com/

Length: Novella

Coming Soon...

Summary:

Madam Clairette isn’t an average woman by anyone’s standards. She runs an unusual, multi-functional establishment that serves as a playground to both Doms and Subs, along with her carefully selected clients. Bethany’s boyfriend, Daniel, is confident he can bring Bethany into this world of primal sex and new adventures. But first, Bethany has to meet the Mistress of the house. Will Madam Clairette see the sensual beauty Daniel does, and allow the love of his life to accompany him into his universe?

Excerpt:

Prior to her arrival, Daniel warned Bethany there’d be a test. However, her boyfriend neglected to elaborate.

Sitting in the Mistress’ office, Bethany’s impatience showed when she tapped her foot on the plush carpet. The Mistress had requested the men’s presence. Would they bare witness to her analysis? Daresay, partake? God, she hoped for the latter. Just the thought of those strong hands on her body…Bethany shook her head. The Mistress had said something she hadn’t caught.

Pay attention

Madam Clairette cleared her throat. “Out of curiosity, when was the last time you had sex?”

.Bethany’s heart took on a furious beat. Her inner thighs grew wet. She thought of the last time she’d indulgenced in carnal pleasures. Daniel had bitten his way up the spot where her leg met her hips, teasing her before moving to her core. When had that been? Oh, yes. “A week or so. Daniel cut me off when you told him you wanted to see me.”

“Oh, now that’s just cruel of him! But predictable. He had tough teachers.” Madam Clairette leaned back in her chair. “We’ll fix that soon enough, won’t we, Luke?” The blonde to the Mistress’ left nodded. “First, we have a few more aspects to go over. Not only do I provide an excellent environment for our subs, doms, and guests to pander to their fantasies, I have systems set in place to ensure everyone is kept happy at all times,” the Mistress said. “If something, anything, is stricken off the list of what you are willing to do, I can ensure it does not happen.”

“How can you make this promise?”

“Do you think my men are so nicely built just to ride? There will be at least one, if not two at every event, strictly there to closely watch everything and enforce my rules. They are knowledgeable in all their charges, and these two…” She waved toward the men at her back. “…will keep a special eye on you until you get into the swing of things. Everyone who enters my house is carefully screened, so we rarely have any problems.”

Madam Clairette reached into a drawer of her desk, and pulled out a beautifully carved wooden box, setting it down between them. “The contents of this box means of distinction between you, and the rest under my employ. My clients know on sight what they are permitted to do to you without having to ask.” She slid the lid open. She pulled out a thin jeweler’s box and handed it to Bethany.

The box revealed an antiqued silver necklace. The metal encased brilliant garnets within the elegant ivy pattern. The finely detailed design was expensive, the weight heavy in Bethany’s hand.

“It is yours to keep. The garnet symbolizes your submission, and how you’ll be identified by the others of this household. The contrasting sapphire is set in a strongly colored metal of gold, a representation of their dominance. I am sure you’ve seen Daniel wear it.”

“Yes, I have. I wondered why he always wore it, though never asked why.”

Her attention shifted to the necks of the men behind the mistress, noting Luke wore a masculine version of the red one. Keegan’s neck flashed with blue, the setting brilliant gold and the pattern of harsh points contrasting the softer version of silver ivy. It was a clear distinction.

The Mistress’ hand dipped into the drawer again, emerged with thirty or so colored bangles. A quick check to the men showed neither wore any.

“And these represent something you won’t do. For instance, do you take it in the ass?”

Keegan chuckled at the blunt question.

Bethany prided herself on her lack of reaction. She could be brash when she wished to be. “Yes.”

“Though you insinuated this before, would you care for more than one man at a time?”

“Yes. I have never had more than three, though I’m willing to trying new things,” Bethany said.

“What about women?”

“I’ve never been with a woman.”

The Mistress placed a yellow bangle in front of her. Ahh, negotiations. Bethany’s breath caught in her throat. Would this harm her chances?

“It doesn’t mean...”

“When and if you feel the need to change it, you are welcome to do so. No one will tell you differently. Give yourself time to adjust.”

“Thank you.”

“Absolutely no thanks needed,” Madam Clairette said. “If there is ever a problem, no matter how small, come and tell me. We will discuss and do what we can to solve it. My door is always open to you, for anything at all. I want your time here to be comfortable. Promise me that, will you?”

Bethany breathed a sigh of relief. The mistress had spoken as if she’d already been accepted. “I promise. I know I will love it here.”

“Oh, so do I.”

***

I'm also excited to announce that Rhonda at Wiccan Wear Jewelry , who created the Coven Necklaces found on her website and Esty shop has The Interview right now. She's reading the short story to get a feel for two exclusive pieces for Madam Clairette's symbols of Submission and Dominance! More to come on that soon.

Happy Reading...

Kayden Mcleod

Ramblings Of An Erotica Writer: Day 6

2011-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

So, it's day six of using the quit smoking pill, Champix. I'm still in the mid-dose range. So far, the only side-effect I have is drowsiness--similar to what you'd feel on many allergy medicines, like Benedryl. I must admit, it's a decent change from the insomnia Zyban gave me years ago when I tried that. The only strange thing is, I can sleep all day and still wake up tired. On Sunday, one day into the treatment, I slept until noon, which was unlike me. I woke up, took my morning pill with the recommended full glass of water and had something to eat. But within three hours, I fell asleep while laying down with my laptop to edit. With all of this sleep, I still hit the hay at midnight, with undisturbed sleep. Typically, if I have a nap, I can't sleep at night.

I'm coming to the conclusion Champix must work! You'll sleep through the whole process, including withdrawal. Let's face it, how much can you smoke, if you're unconscious?

Anyway, the I suppose the pill isn't supposed to really start to work until you're on the full regular dose of 20mg a day. But in the mornings, right after the pill, the smell of smoke is starting to disgust me. I'll take this as a good sign. But I will admit I have reduced my cigarettes-per-day some, but I don't think I can credit the pill with that yet.

I'll let you know more, as I go along!

Cheers,

Kayden

Ramblings Of An Erotica Writer: Quitting the Nicotine

2011-10-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Well, I decided to take another try at quitting smoking. The problem I’ve had in the past is I like smoking. It gives me a reason to take a break from writing or design, so I can step and think. Flimsy excuse, I know, but true.

But it’s more the health issues spurring this decision. I’d heard from someone I knew a few weeks ago, and I found out his Mother passed away. This shocked me. Yes, I knew she was sick, and on top of that had cancer—from smoking and other issues. She’d gone in for an operation to remove the tumor, and a week later, she went in for a checkup. Doctor told her she was cancer free. That same day, she went home, had a nap, woke up having trouble breathing—after having a cigarette. The ambulance was called, but she died before she reached the hospital.

In the face of tragedy in the weeks following, you start to look inward, and wonder. It’s difficult not to know the downfalls of smoking in this day and age, where the act is fast becoming taboo. I still think one day, the government will ban tobacco altogether, and make it illegal. And perhaps, they should.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand. I debated all my quit-smoking options. We return to the fact that I like smoking, which makes it an feat to stop on my own. The patches (which make me sick, even if I don’t have a cigarette), the gum (ew, hate the taste, why would this ENCOURAGE me to use it?), the inhaler (never tried it, but I haven’t heard great things), the electronic cigarette that emits nicotine and water vapor (have to order online, and know someone using it, so I’m waiting to see how that goes). I’m not into the group therapy thing provided for the government—either I kick it on my own, with support of the people I know, or I don’t. And then, there are the pills.

There are three bands that I know of. Wellburtin (Generic Zyban), Zyban and Champix. When I was seventeen, I tried to quit the first time with Zyban when it first came out as a quit-aid (formerly known as an antidepressant, but the patience discovered the deceased need for nicotine). Because I was little more than a kid at seventeen, the doctor would only prescribe me seven days worth. And boy, did they work! The side effect I got was major insomnia. I did not sleep a wink for the duration (wasn’t tired during the day either). But after I ran out—well, I started back up within a month, because I’d lived and hung out with smokers, I was with all of the time. I took Wellburtin and Zyban later in life. Wellburtin made me twitchy and hypersensitive, and the second dose of Zyban a few years later didn’t do a thing—I think because I might have developed an immunity to it, or I wasn’t as gung-ho about quitting.

This time, I did my research. Champix was recommended to me by my pharmacist. He said amazing stuff about it. So after my search on the computer, I found out some disturbing facts. As I’ve said, Zyban is an antidepressant. On the other hand, Champix could magnify depression. Make you suicidal or homicidal—or both, possibly hallucinations and paranoia. Of course, the biggest worry of doctors in the sight of all this? Raised blood pressure. I had to read that three times, and not before I read the whole article again. They saved that fact for last?

So, when I went in to talk to the doctor yesterday, I told him all about the above. Typical. Most doctors DO NOT like patients who do research. They figure you’re either a hypochondriac or a self-diagnoser. But I was guilty, I suppose. I asked for Zyban. Yes, it hadn’t worked in the past, but the side-effects of Champix freaked me out. But the doctor had other ideas. He took my blood pressure, said it was normal, and prescribed me a 12-week program of Champix. He told me I worried too much about the side effects, since I admitted I typically don’t get most of them. Maybe one, if I have a bad reaction (like the insomnia). If Zyban didn’t work last time, was it really worth it?

I talked to some people, read more customer experiences, who’d taken this drug. Some react to it by becoming extremely irritated—and it was pointed out to me, if you quit solo, you would anyway—though many don’t get any of the side-effects. So, I’ll try it…

Who, knows maybe it will work? Maybe it won’t, or I will react to it, and stop taking it. Then, I’ll try something else. Right now, I’m on the second day of low-dose. Time will tell on Tuesday when I go mid-dose, or next Saturday when I’m on the full dose.

Cheers,

Kayden

Ramblings Of An Erotica Writer: Perception

2011-09-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Perception is in the eyes of the beholder. A book gets judged by its cover—and being a graphic and cover artist, I know this better than most.

Is it fair? No. However, it is reality. Some people just see the world as they’re going to see it. There are aspects around them that make them associate these things with the good or bad.

For my wedding last month, I had my hair dyed black, with a few blue streaks—nothing major and very subtle, to the point most people didn’t notice they were there, unless they really looked. Including this one woman who occasionally comes to the medical building I have an office in.

As many of my strange stories start out, as this is where a lot of it happens—I’m a smoker, so obviously, I do go outside with my book to have a cigarette. It’s in a parking out with a cement ledge I sit on, right next to a parking spot. Last week, this woman parked, and got out. I smiled, she smiled, went in. No big deal right? My hair was up, the weather cloudy, so my hair looked black.

This past weekend, I went to Sally’s and purchased an array of products, because I was bored. Without getting into the exhausting process I went through to achieve the current results, I have black and a lot of vivid blue hair. Black on top, down to the line of my chin, where it jaggedly cuts into the blue down 7-10 inches, depending, since my long hair is layered.

Today it is sunny. In the sun, my hair is without a doubt BLUE. Even the black-blue closer to my roots shimmer a similar color. I’ve done a lot “worse” to my hair, shocking, if you will. It’s hair! It grows back. Didn’t think much of it.

So imagine my amusement this morning, while I’m sitting outside with the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, trying to figure out if Rene was Arlene’s ex-husband in the TV series as well (I don’t remember if he was, as I recall him being her current boyfriend on TV), having my cigarette, and that same woman walks out of the building toward her car.

I looked up at the woman and smiled—she didn’t return it. She skirted around the area I occupied by a 10-foot radius (a very hard feat to manage since it isn’t a big space with the other cars). The woman glared at me. She couldn’t stop staring at my hair when got into her car and, surprise, surprise, locked her doors.

To be honest, I smiled, and then laughed. She wasn’t impressed with my reaction—I believe she took offence. At first glance, she didn’t clue in who I was. Not that I expected her to. But when I met her eyes through her windshield, I saw it—the recognition. She’d figured it out. Like come on—I’m in the same place multiple times a day, you’ve seen me before; I didn’t jump you, steal your car, demand money or whatever else you thought I’d do. Was a PARTIAL dye-job enough to make you forget that? With her brow furrowed, she backed up and left, but that puzzled look stayed on her face.

I wonder what her opinion of me would’ve been had I truly woke up this morning and decided I was *Goth* today. Right now, I have jeans and a red jacket on. Nothing majorly “abnormal,” but I could’ve donned my “dom” boots with a lot of metal and 6-inch heels, stripped red and black thigh highs, black skirt and a rocked a skull t-shirt. Could’ve been cargo pants and a t-shirt 10 sizes too big for me. Sweats and a hoodie. My fashion is as unreliable as Vancouver’s weather, just as my hair is. People’s reactions don’t seem to be.

No matter what color the hair, style of clothes or anything—we’re still the same people on in the inside, just in altered packaging.

What do you think?

Kayden McLeod

Coming Soon...Lost To The Night

2011-09-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon…

The Bruja Ligera
By: Kayden McLeod

Found In: Lost To The Night Anthology, Presented by Denyse Bridger

Genre: Paranormal Romance (Witches)

Rated: PG 13

Publisher: XOXO Publishing

Summary:

Sorabella is a white witch—in hiding. She is used to the idea if her true identity comes out, she’ll be shunned for being crazy, or worse. A risk she isn’t willing to take. Until now. Her relationship with her boyfriend has gotten more serious than she’s used to. They’ve moved in together, and Tyler still doesn’t know about what Sorabella can do. She fears it’s too late to tell him, and given he’s closed minded to the entire subject of magic, doesn’t make the situation any easier. But with an encounter with her old tormentor from high school—who happens to be Tyler’s sister—everything is revealed to the wrong people. Now, she has no choice but to come clean with Tyler, and face the music. Good or bad.

Excerpt:

Tears glittered in Sorabella’s eyes when she realized she had to tell Tyler everything. She had to get this over with, and see the disbelief in his eyes when she told him the truth until he demanded a demonstration that would seal his opinion once and for all.

It had always been like that.

Then he would have what he asked for, and then he would run as fast for the hills as he could.

The door opening made her jump, a ripple of pure hatred that was not her own teased her mind, a blackness so bitter her lip curled.

One look in the mirror told her exactly who had walked into the bathroom.

“Well, look whose hiding in the bathroom crying. Just the same baby you were back in junior high, aren’t you?” Kylie said in a singsong voice that went through Sorabella’s nerves like acid.

Over the last few years, Kylie had gained some weight, just about everywhere. Her stomach ballooned over her jeans that were too tight and cut too low, made for a body she had when she was seventeen, and not twenty-three.

“Look who came to gloat over something she knows absolutely nothing about.” The words escaped Sorabella’s mouth before she could pull them back, her tone biting and sarcastic.

“I know more than enough, Sory.” Kylie snapped. “I know you’re into black magic and stuff, summoning demons and all that. I have watched the movies, I know what witches do.”

Sorabella barely contained her bitter laughter. She was, for lack of a better term, since there really wasn’t one, a light witch. One that celebrated nature and used only energy from the earth, and simple vocal and herbal spells to power their magic.

Never had either she or her mama ever delved into the deeper, darker magicks. The power in the ancient tombs which held spells that was immoral, and made every part of Sorabella shudder in disgust.

Even in the extensive library in her mama’s home, no one would find such a book. Only the spells that didn’t require anything more than energy, stone and herb were displayed on those shelves.

“Like I said, you don’t know anything.” Sorabella snapped, feeling her anger flare, normally tampered down so well, but it was now flowing through her veins and heating everything it touched.

She hated Kylie in that moment, for rushing her into something that she wanted no part in yet. She wasn’t ready, but now the cat was out of the bag, she might as well see it to the end. To wait, would allow it to dull in Tyler’s mind, and she wanted an honest reaction.

“Well what do you do then?” Kylie demanded impatiently.

“Right now I really wish that mind control was in my repertoire.” Sorabella’s finger ran down the length of the counter, allowing the energy to flow into her body from the surface, and power her magic.

The electric current made her hair fly around her head, but she didn’t care. If Kylie wanted to know what she did, that was fine. It was time she came out of the closet to someone. Before, when she was younger, her tricks had been meaningless, but she hadn’t understood her magic then as she did now.

At least, now that Sora was grown up enough to take a mature interest in it.

The lights went out in the bathroom, the lock sliding into place. Kylie shrieked. Her voice was strangled in the absolute darkness of the windowless room.

“What are you doing?” Kylie asked in a small tone.

Sorabella whispered a small fire spell, the wickless flame appearing in her palm at her bidding.

“What is it that you fear most Kylie Green? It was snakes, wasn’t it?” Sorabella’s voice held a trance-like quality, as she focused on maintaining the spells she had set in motion, applying more energy, and stretching her concentration even more.

She was a strong witch, strong and almost as skilled as her mama. Sorabella had been learning her craft almost since the day she was born.

Kylie had practiced hatred just as long, but never fear.

A hiss sounded from the floor, the fire from Sorabella’s hand showing Kylie what she feared most. A black and white striped snake slithered from between the bases of the stalls, making Kylie fall back and shriek again.

“How are you doing this?” Kylie’s high-pitched voice vibrated through Sorabella’s skull like a bad guitar whine.

“I’m the darkest witch you know, remember? Since I cast black magic and all.”

It was too bad for Kylie, that she was the only one between them that knew the snake in front of her, and the three behind her that she hadn’t seen yet, were about as much danger to her as if they had been stuffed.

It was obvious from the terror on Kylie’s face that it was perfectly satisfactory, almost gratifying so.

Then Kylie turned. A coral snake slithered its way around the heel of Kylie’s shoe. She raised her foot to stomp on it, kicking it away from her, but it did no use.

To make the serpent react, he would need to feel pain. To feel pain, he would have to be real, alive.

The lock on the bathroom door slid open, but not by Sorabella’s doing. Who could have done that, with no key to get in?

The lights blazed overhead once more, revealing that the snakes were gone. The spells dispersed like they had never been, mist hovered in small area of the room as they dissolved quickly.

Kylie was pale, shaking in the corner and staring at her mother who walked into the room with a confident grace. Lynda had seen her own interpretations and impressions of what had happened seconds before Sorabella released the energy back into the atmosphere.

Sorabella wasn’t naïve, and she knew Lynda had seen something before the bathroom had resumed to its normal state.

“My dears, is everything all right in here?” Lynda asked quietly, no rightful suspicion on her guileless face.

Kylie said nothing to her mother, but ran out of the bathroom and slammed the door shut behind her.

“Sora, I think I would appreciate an explanation.” Lynda said sternly, hands on her hips as she waited.

“Umm…”

“And absolutely no lies,” Lynda responded immediately, her eyes going small. “You have never lied to Tyler or I before, and I don’t want you to start now. Err no that is wrong, you have never lied to us accept for this one thing.”

“What one thing?” Sorabella reeled, knowing she should tell Tyler before she told his mother. This didn’t seem right.

“That you’re a witch.” Lynda said calmly.

Up And Coming Blog Tour

2011-09-10T10:05:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

I’m thrilled to announce I’ve booked a blog tour with Roxanne Rhoads, of Bewitching Blog Tours, in November for The Foxworth Coven Series. Roxanne is a fabulous publicist, and also does publicity for Entangled Publishing, is the owner of Fangtastic Books, and is a paranormal author herself.

Bewitching Blog Tours: http://bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com/

Cheers,

Kayden

Natural Urges Is Now Released!!!

2011-09-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Buy Link: http://www.solsticeatnight.com/products/Natural-Urges%3A-The-Foxworth-Coven-Book-Two-%252d%252d-PDF-EBOOK.html

The Foxworth Coven, Book Two, Natural Urges

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance (Vampires, Deities, Shifters)

Love conquers all…and evil seeks to destroy it

Arcadia Foxworth has no idea what destiny has in store for him. He thought his life as an elite Council Hunter of Rogues was his perfect career choice. But little does he know his fate truly lies in one little powder keg, Korbin Callows. She’s beautiful, graceful—and a stripper. After having woken up, remembering nothing about her old life, Korbin had to pull herself together and make tough decisions to survive a harsh world. And now people she doesn’t even know are out to kill her. She finds herself relying on Arcadia to manoeuvre the new dangers presented to her, as she starts to recall who she really is. A powerful being that could make every vampire in British Columbia fall to their knees, including Arcadia.

What's Up With TJDP

2011-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I have been diligently working on my John Doe Project blog; reviewing horror movies, and editing my first horror story Darkness From Above, posting it chapter by chapter. I just posted the 7th chapter this morning, which is the halfway mark. The darkness from above is creeping closer... You can read the entire story here:
http://thejohndoeproject.weebly.com/darkness-from-above.html

I have started yet another story for TJDP called, for now, The Twins--it won't stay that name, I'm sure. Just something to call it until I figure out where this new train of thought is going. It's a messed up story really, more violent than I am accustomed to writing, without humour or sex to break it up. That, and the permise won't make up it's mind. First it was a paranormal story--or that was the dream I had. But then, the premise went from witches, to demons, to ghosts, to witches to the....mob?

I know, I know, I thought the same thing. But alas, it's a mob sort of story that changes with every word I write.

This is all I really know so far...Diablo was raised in a gang/mob type of environment, along with his fertnal twin, Mary. Their parents had been murdered when they were children, putting the family legacy, including the twins into the hands of a family friend, Carlos.

When Mary is brutalized and murdered years later, Carlos demands that his nineteen-year-old ward, Diablo live up to the family legacy, and hunt down the six men of a rival gang, and slaughter them, bringing Carlos their heads. Diablo has to prove his worth and vengeance in equal measure before he is considered a man to whose under Carlos.

The only problem is, the ghosts of his blood family haunt him, following him around and question his every movement. What Diablo isn't sure of, are these manifestations really his family--or are they a delusion of an mind insane with grief?

Cheers.

Kayden McLeod

Guest Blog: Sara Curran-Ross

2011-08-23T01:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Please welcome our guest today, Sara Curran-Ross, a follow Solstice author, who brings a tidbit about her Solstice release, The Organ Grinder, and an interview with one of her characters, Dominic.

Where to find Sara:

Website:

http://www.saracurranross.com

Blog:

http://www.saracurranross.blogspot.com

Trailer for The Organ Grinder:

Blurb:

Award winning journalist Rebecca Eaton crosses the closed border of a troubled Asian country to interview a Human Rights activist and known terrorist. Three days later, after her reported mysterious disappearance, she turns up at the border tortured, beaten, minus her memory and one kidney.

When an attempt is made on her life in hospital, her employer sends Eaton’s estranged ex-lover and security expert Dominic Kane to bring her safely home.

Kane wants Rebecca back in his arms. But before he can entice her into a reconciliation he has to help her expose a worldwide medical conspiracy involving mass murder and the illegal sale of stolen human organs.

Kane has to protect Rebecca from the men sent to silence her and the terrorists who demand she ensures the medical criminals are brought to justice or four suicide bombs will be detonated in London.

Interview with Dominic Kane

The Man Behind The Woman

Dominic Kane is a name that has been on everyone’s lips since he helped his journalist girlfriend, Rebecca Eaton blow open an international criminal conspiracy to commit mass murder and steal human organs to proffer them for sale on the black market. The tall handsome, athletically built forty year old Security & Close Protection Consultant sits in front of me, casually dressed in a designer black sweater and trousers in the lounge of the Hotel Intercontinental in Paris, watching me intently with his piercing blue Paul Newman eyes. With his short light brown hair and neat designer stubble many in the media have likened his looks to film star Edward Norton.

I am lucky to get this interview. The couple have been hiding from the public eye and Dominic is at pains to protect Rebecca from further press intrusion so she can recover from her ordeal and injuries in peace. So much so the veteran journalist, Kevin Boyle dubbed him Rebecca Eaton’s “heavy man with a posh public schoolboy accent” when he made the mistake of testing Dominic’s tough security around Rebecca in the war torn Asian country of North Bundhara two weeks ago.

He gives me a grin, “What can I say? I was sent out there to do a job. He got in the way. Rebecca was lying in a hospital bed with serious injuries and having lost her memory. The last thing she needed was a journalist with a gripe against her hassling her for information. I did what I had to and removed him from the building in a manner he was unaccustomed to. He never came back.’ He gives me another infectious grin.

Dominic Kane is softly spoken with an accent that does indeed betray an English public school education. He is a man of few words but his tone is firm and commands your full attention. When he speaks people listen. A former Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Marines stationed in Afghanistan, Dominic is a man who is clearly aware of his power and doesn’t have to shout it out.

He first met Rebecca Eaton when she came to make her BAFTA award winning programme, ‘On The Frontline’ with his unit in Afghanistan. With Dominic in charge of Rebecca and her camera crew’s safety the couple were rumoured to have grown close after the unit came under heavy artillery fire out on patrol one day and Rebecca was injured.

“We were ambushed in a compound. We took some heavy hits and I had no choice but to ask Rebecca to pitch in and help out with the shooting. She’d had training like every other journalist has to before they are allowed on the frontline and I just knew I could trust her to come through. If I hadn’t I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you. So yes we became close after that.’

I widen my eyes as he leans over to lift his coffee cup from the table and take a gulp. He is a little reluctant to talk about their clandestine affair in Afghanistan and the break up that followed but I persist.

“Rebecca became ill with post traumatic stress. She was forced to shoot at the enemy when we were ambushed in the compound. After that, she was nearly killed in an IED explosion. It was more than enough to effect anyone. She tried to keep it quiet. Being a female journalist she had to fight hard to go to Afghanistan. Any female reporter will tell you how tough it is to build a career in such a male dominated business.”

But Rebecca’s health was to deteriorate whilst in Afghanistan and she couldn’t hide her illness any longer.

“She wasn’t eating or sleeping. She lost so much weight. One afternoon I found her inside her tent rocking back and forth on the floor, lost in reliving the explosion. I’ve seen it happen dozens of times to men on the frontline who’ve experienced trauma but Rebecca thought she was tougher and could handle it. She needed help from a counsellor but she refused so I had to take action.”

There’s a hint of frustration in his voice and he talks of the whole affair as though he dealt with it like he would a military operation.

“I rang her station and got them to recall her. I . . . rather naively thought they would understand, just give her some time off so she could get back on her feet. She was pretty annoyed. Told me I’d ruined her career and that was the end of our relationship.” He sighs, “And she was right. They let her hang on until she won the BAFTA for them then they sidelined her and eventually pushed her out. She was out of work for a year. No one would take her on because of her illness.”

I sense frustration but no regret in his tone.

“I never meant to hurt her or her career but I would do it again. She needed help. Her doctor later told her that I’d saved her from having a full nervous breakdown by making her return home.”

I get the impression that Dominic hadn’t wanted their relationship to end and it was difficult for him to accept when it did. So it must have been harrowing to learn of Rebecca’s disappearance two years later. He must have feared the worse.

“I never believed she was dead. Not for a second. I knew she would find a way to get out of whatever mess she was in. You can’t keep a woman like Rebecca down. She’s a tough class act,” he tells me with pride.

Rumour has it, he was packed and ready to go with his team to locate her and bring her out of the country even before she was found and her employer contracted his company to provide her with security.

He grins, ‘Yes. It’s true.”

And by charging to her rescue no doubt he viewed the situation as an opportunity to facilitate a reconciliation. He smiles again but won’t go into detail. It’s enough to tell me that’s exactly what was on his mind.

It must have been difficult to say the least finding her lying in a hospital bed with so many injuries and having lost her memory.

‘Yeah it was.’ And perhaps an advantage, I venture. He merely treats me to another smile.

“She was in a really bad way. For one mad moment I just wanted to throw her over my shoulder, fly her home, bundle her in a car and hide her in my cabin in the Lake District to keep her safe. But getting out of the country proved more difficult than I imagined when South Bundhara decided to invade the North. There were a few hairy moments when I thought we might not make it.”

It’s an opportune moment to bring up the nickname that Rebecca gave him out in Afghanistan, Captain Caveman. He laughs.

‘She gave me that name when I wanted to carry her over my shoulder after she got shot in the Green Zone in Helmand Province. She wasn’t impressed with my offer. She didn’t want me treating her differently because she was a woman and acting like Captain Caveman coming to the rescue. She says I’m a bit of Neanderthal with her,” he laughs again. “But secretly I think she likes it.”

He’s been credited as the man behind the woman fighting to change the world and halt the medical exploitation of developing nations. How does he feel about that?

“I’m proud of it. I will do all I can to help her. Rebecca needs someone to ground her and keep her in check when she goes off recklessly risking her life.”

And is Dominic Kane the man for the job?

He grins. ‘She tells me I am and she’s right.”

He’s smiling but I can see that like myself and others who know Rebecca Eaton well he’s going to have a hard time keeping her behind a desk. She loves to be in the thick of danger and he is going to have his work cut out for him. Still the steely gaze he gives me when I inform him of my thoughts tells me he is determined and Rebecca is going to have a fight on her hands. One Dominic Kane may just win.

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers Of Horror,

Welcome to The John Doe Project. This website was created by me, with the intentions of sharing some of my first stories in the horror genre, including the ongoing story, The Darkness Above. I'm collaborating with some of my friends and associates. The John Doe Project hopes to bring our readers the best in bone-chilling fiction, reviews and more for their reading pleasure.

To contact me for any inquires for future stories and posts, e-mail me at:

kaydenmcleod@gmail.com

Our Mission

We are The John Doe Project…
What goes bump in the night.
What makes you check under the bed,
When your spine tingles,
And you feel something there with you,
Watching you…
Waiting for you to turn your back.
Enter our domain at your own risk.
Read our tales of the darkness.
Our suggestion?
Don’t turn off the light…

Until Then…

Kayden McLeod
The John Doe Project

Anne Rice's Vampire Ball

2011-08-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

October 28th-29th I will be in New Orleans. A representative of the Vampire Lestat's Fan Club invited me to The Theatre of the Vampires Ball on the Friday night. Laurell K Hamilton will be the guest of honour.

In addition to the ball, I will also be attending the Undead Conference, with several events. Kelly Armstrong and many other authors will be attending as guests, on panels and other tidbits.

As well there will be an silent and ebay auction, proceeds going to Save New Orleans Cemeteries and Habitat For Humanity I will be donating books, promo items and other odds and ends.

I am very excited about this opportunity, and hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Kayden

COMING SOON: The Foxworth Coven, Book Two, Natural Urges

2011-07-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Foxworth Coven, Book Two: Natural Urges

Kayden McLeod

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Word Count: 76,561

Coming this summer from Solstice Publishing

Tag-Line:

Love conquers all...and evil seeks to destroy it.

Summary:

Excerpt One (Rated PG, with mild violence):

Chapter One

Arcadia

Surrey, British Columbia

July 16, 1994

“Ceanna, just kill the son of a bitch!” I really didn’t know if the Rogue’s Mother was a bitch, but her son was definitely one useless waste of space.

“In a minute, Arcadia,” Ceanna, my sister and fellow soldier in arms called over her shoulder.

My sister and I were Hunters who tracked outlaw vampires. This is what we did, we followed our orders to the letter to make the world better for humans and vampires alike. But Rogues just got on my nerves when they didn’t follow the rules, my rules. The most important rule of all, they should always die when I got tired of chasing them. It should just happen. I’d been doing this for over seventy years and they seemed to just get dumber and dumber as the decades moved forward.

The second rule, my sister should never “play with her food.” Fat chance of that happening any time this century.

I stood there and watched Ceanna in a meadow. She played cat and mouse with our target, Charlie, in the middle of the night. We had already run him down long enough to kill most humans, even Olympic long-distance runners.

“Charlie didn’t even do anything worthy of this show,” I grumbled to myself.

Ceanna shifted in my mind through our bond. A clear chastisement was evident, even before she spoke. “Charlie breaks our laws. He killed humans for sport. A lot of them, more than any vampire needs to feed. He gave them pain and terror. I owe him for such credulity. By this night’s end, he’ll know it.”

“Then kill him.”

“No, I want him to suffer for what those women went through. They don’t have anyone to speak for them. But I will.”

How could I argue that? So I leaned against my new friend, the tree, and left her to it. Ceanna is pissed, that was painfully obvious. Every time she cornered the terrified Rogue, allowing him to think this all over for him, she backed off just enough so he thought himself free. And then the game started all over again.

My fingers traced over the pattern of the bark, my mind wandering. I remembered the beginning of the night, when we had finally located Charlie’s home, if one could call such dismal and pathetic dwelling as such.

Ceanna had picked up a photograph lying on the box serving as a coffee table. For a long moment, my sister stared at it, before she released a scream so shrill, I had winced from the agony of it. I reacted to nothing, but whatever vision Ceanna had then, would have been terrible to the tenth degree.

She wouldn’t talk about it. Her only focus was making the Rogue feel pain and fear. I had no idea if the woman in the picture was dead or alive. Or what Charlie had done to the seemingly innocent woman. But if the reports the Council had handed us just this afternoon said anything, the victim had suffered unbearable pain.

“I saw her in a locked box in his home, badly abused and left there for when he was hungry. I felt her fright so acutely, more than I normally do in a vision. I also got the sense that she is very special, Arcadia. She needs us.” Ceanna’s voice shook in my head, something she never did. This told me she’d glossed over a great deal of what she had seen, and whatever that part was, scared her right down to her core.

And that caused me physical pain. It wasn’t fair some vampires thought they could get away with committing such crimes on humanity, seeing a superiority that simply wasn’t there. Our powers granted us nothing more than the ability to harness energy; not to rule over anyone else, and certainly not to bully them for kicks.

I hated Rogues for views like these. If Ceanna didn’t kill the Charlie soon, I would. My boredom of the chase had fled at the harsh reminder of why we were here. Now, like my sister, I wanted him to pay for what he had done.

Charlie ran through the trees toward me, his anxiety affecting him so much, he didn’t even notice me standing there. My foot came out the moment he passed, tripping the ignorant vampire, and making him stumble headfirst into a trunk beside me. He to the ground.

The Rogue looked up at me with a strange mix of defiance and panic.

“Where is the woman you locked in a box?” I said coldly.

“She’s dead.”

“No, I don’t think she is. Ceanna didn’t see her death, or she would’ve specifically told me. That woman is alive somewhere, and I want to know her location.”

“You’re wrong. It isn’t my problem if the futuristic sightseer can’t figure out what happened. Obviously she isn’t very powerful if she can’t tell the truth of something so simple.” Charlie sneered.

“Maybe she’s lost her touch, or all the rumours I’ve heard about the Foxworth Council Hunters are myth.”

Oh, shit. That did it.

Ceanna’s infinite patience for this hunt had just run out. She teleported to the small space between Charlie and the tree, and picked him up by a fistful of cloth. “Don’t be stupid enough to lie to us, Rogue, because I will prove every ‘myth’ to your own person and make it a reality. I’ll take great pleasure in making you bleed.”

Her eyes blazed red, her anger snapping as her body dragged in energy from every natural source around us. I struggled not to gape at my twin and her loss of control.

Charlie didn’t answer, so Ceanna slammed him against the wide trunk hard enough to make the roots groan, partially uplifting them from the cold ground.

“Answer me.”

“A good place, Hunter.” Charlie’s twisted smile filled with the vilest promises any mind could conceive of.

“Where?”

“I can’t tell you that. It isn’t part of my job.” Charlie’s smile wilted a little. It changed to calculation and cunning. “Did you ever consider that you were brought here, young-blood? That all you’re doing is a dance in a much bigger production than you’ve ever dreamed?”

Ceanna and I both refused to rise to the last jab. Many Rogues had similar things to say when they were nearing their end. Though Charlie hadn’t quite yet reached the true desperation part. But soon enough, he would soon enough.

They always did.

However, Ceanna did focus on the first statement. “And what is your job?” Ceanna asked curiously, brow shooting up as far as it could go without it flying right off her face. “Rogues do not have jobs in this game.” She paused, and thought that over. “Well, I guess they do. They die.”

“Of course, you’re right. That is part of my job. But not all of it.” Charlie needled. “Tell me, Ceanna Foxworth, if your powers were what you claimed, why don’t you know the answers to these questions already?”

Though I couldn’t see all of Ceanna’s face, I knew that remark had hit a nerve. “She probably already does,” I replied to fill her silence, but I didn’t feel good about it.

“No, she doesn’t.”

“He’s right,” Ceanna whispered. “His mind is murky. I see some things, like the woman in a box, what she went through before, but I can’t find it now. It’s like the Rogue wanted me to see it, and has control over what I can read off of him.”

“But he isn’t old enough for that,” I said.

“He has someone much older and adept protecting him. One who understands my power and doesn’t want me to know who he is.” Ceanna’s hand tightened on the Rogue’s collar. I thought she might strike him. In fact, I hoped she did.

Charlie tried to jerk away from her, but Ceanna wouldn’t allow it. She held him by her supernatural strength. “How do you know it’s a he?”

“I can feel the masculine presence attached to your life force.” Ceanna contemplated him for a full minute before continuing, while I stood there wondering if I should risk pissing her off and interfere. My sister was temperamental that way. “Fine, you’re a willing pawn set up to die. I get that. But that is only a small part of this.”

“A very small one in comparison to the bigger picture. Many of my people are willing to give up their lives in stopping the prophecy from coming to pass.”

“What prophecy?” I demanded. If there was one thing I hated more than anything, it was foretelling of people’s lives by some otherworldly entity that had no business forcing anyone to do anything.

Charlie’s mischievous, evil stare shifted to me. “You should know, Hunter, better than anyone. It’s to prevent the true Heir and her key from joining.” He lifted his hand and playfully slapped Ceanna across the face.

Oh, he really did have a death wish.

Ceanna gripped his neck hard enough to crush a human, pulled him a few inches forward, only to throw his weight backward against the tree. The thick, deep rooted trunk lifted right out of the ground, until it hung precariously in the air. Only one more hit, and it would fall to the forest floor.

“He speaks gibberish,” I snapped through the link I had with my sister.

“He speaks the truth.” Ceanna responded.

“Then what Heir does he babble about? Like an Heir to the Coven, or something?”

“No. Someone much more powerful than just a normal vampire, and I think this woman in the box is the one. She needs to be found and protected immediately.” Ceanna glanced back at me, her blue eyes dark with worry.

“Then get the information from the Rogue and we will do just that.”

Ceanna took a step back from Charlie, giving him breathing room. Why, I didn’t know, but this was my sister. She had something planned. She stood still as stone when Charlie observed her with a wary expression.

Charlie smirked. “Got you scared now, don’t I?”

She didn’t even flinch. The Rogue took a tentative step sideways. His eyes never left her. Then he took another, slow and steady, half turning. Charlie was about to run.

Ceanna’s foot came up so fast even I had trouble keeping up with the streaking movement. The strike connected with Charlie’s lower back, sending him careening into a wide oak tree close to one I leaned against.

The poor trees. They didn’t deserve to be touched by a vampire so vile, let alone be abused by him. In fact, I swore I heard them screaming from the violence. I blinked, confused by it, but only for an instant as the fight drew my attention back to my sister and her opponent.

Ceanna gathered power from every source around her, until her body cracked and popped with the sheer amount of it. Birds flew from their perches high in the air, squawking at the disruption of the natural flow of the atmosphere.

Charlie laughed with a maniacal edge, as he got to his feet, body quivering from the harsh blow. “Kill me, Hunter. It won’t do you any good.”

Ceanna threw her unrefined energy in the form of a crackling bluish-white sphere. It hit him in the chest, and he broke into immediate seizures. Charlie fell to the ground.

And then, my sister did the worst thing she possibly could. She leapt through the air, and came down upon him. Her eyes were bright red, glowing in the darkness when her head jerked forward with the grace and swiftness of a cobra. Her fangs sunk into his shoulder without a shred of mercy, tearing and ripping his flesh.

The smell of blood became heavy on the misty night air. It wafted to my nose, but I remained unaffected, for I had fed earlier. My sister, as a rule never fed before a hunt. She was determined it honed her senses, bringing out the animal instead of civility.

I took the smell into my lungs nonetheless, sensing something off beneath the metallic odour. There was a polluted quality about it.

To make the scene more strange, Charlie didn’t fight her at all. Like he welcomed her feeding from him, had planned for it to happen.

The last piece of the puzzle clicked a minute too late.

I bound forward to grip Ceanna by her long blonde hair and ripped her back from the Rogue. Long thin strands of flesh and gore still connected them. Blood arched into the air from an artery Ceanna had ruptured.

“Stupid, arrogant Hunters.” Charlie muttered as he coughed up phlegm that was thick with blood.

The trap was sprung.

I threw Ceanna as far away from him as I could. I winced at the awkward angle she fell in. I launched onto Charlie and held him, my eyes flashing crimson as they bore into his feverish ones.

“What was the spell in your blood?” I demanded. I refused to show the fear I now possessed for my twin, who still hadn’t realized what had happened. I saw Charlie with new eyes.

“Don’t know,” Charlie stuttered. “Didn’t ask. Was only…told…to make sure…the Hunter…drank it.”

“Why would you kill yourself for that? It’s eating you alive! Are you that much of a zealot to whoever pulls your strings?” I couldn’t keep the frantic tone out now. I couldn’t believe I didn’t see it before! Charlie’s sickened pallor, how thin he was—he must’ve been carrying this spell around within him for days, ever so slowly killing him from the inside out. I had just assumed it was from him being on the run.

“I broke Coven laws. Leader condemned…me…to death. This was the better option…for me.”

Ceanna cried out behind me, and my head turned just enough to see her writhe on the ground as the magic took hold in her body. Her eyes glazed over, and her tanned skin began to lighten, shade by shade. Like she lost valuable nutrients every second it was in her system.

Charlie tittered. “So it does…work faster within her than me. Good news to go to my…grave with. Faster she dies…” Charlie coughed up more blood. “Less time for you…to save her.”

*****

Coming Soon From Solstice Publishing

http://www.solsticeatnight.com/

Book One, Death of Innocence can be purchased here:

http://www.solsticeatnight.com/products/The-Foxworth-Coven%2C-Book-One%2C-Death-of-Innocence.html

Cheers,

Kayden

CONTEST: Win The Foxworth Coven Necklace!

2011-07-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the “Vampire Kisses - Foxworth Coven” necklace contest. You can find the full details on Wiccan Wear Jewelry’s website:

http://www.wiccanwearjewelry.com/contest.html

"Vampire Kisses - Foxworth Coven" is composed of blue beach glass and black faceted hand-cut Czech crystal. It has Victorian styled filigree spacers and cross that have been artificially blackened with age. The lobster claw and chain are made to adjust in length. Burgundy freshwater pearl droplets on an aged chain complete the piece, a symbolic impression of a vampire’s kiss.

To enter the contest, answer the following to questions, by going to Wiccan Wear Jewelry and Kayden McLeod’s website to locate the answers. Once you’ve found them, e-mail them to:

foxworthnecklace@gmail.com

In your entry, please include your full name and e-mail address, so we may inform the winner after the drawing, and obtain shipping information.

Contest Drawing Date: August 13^th 2011

Question One

Answer found on Wiccan Wear Jewelry’s website: http://www.wiccanwearjewelry.com/

On WWJ’s website find the piece named Necklace of the Dreamer, and tell us what the past wearers of this necklace series have commented on.

Question Two

Answer found on Kayden McLeod’s website: http://www.kaydenmcleod.com/

How long has the Foxworth Coven resided in British Columbia, Canada?

Good Luck, and we look forward to your enteries!

Cheers,

Kayden & Rhonda

The Last Round Of Edits

2011-07-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

I am sitting here, trying to focus on my last round of edits for Natural Urges (Book #2 for the Foxworth Coven), which will be coming out by Solstice Publishing in the next few weeks.

I'm finding it so hard to concentrate. I need sleep, coffee and motivation, in equal doses. I love this book--as I do all of them, or I wouldn't have written them, and certainly wouldn't have submitted them to publishers in the first place. But the last edit is always the hardest for me. By this stage, many author have read their book so many times, they can recite it backward, in their sleep.

Not only that, it can be frustrating, because this is the last time an author gets to see it before publication. Nerve-wracking to the extreme doesn't even come close to what I feel today. I want to rush, get it over with, "rip it off like a band-aid." But, I can't. I need to go through it, make sure there isn't any last minute changes that need to be made.

And now, the questions begin.

The worst part has to be that I start to doubt myself, and my book. Is this sentence is as it should be? Should I change it--and risk the flow sounding worse than I THINK it does now (because I liked it just fine during the first-round edits with my editor)? If I do change it, what if I put an error into I won't catch before it leaves my hands? Would my character actually say this? Will the reader even like this story? Is this scene believable--what was I thinking?!

When I set out to write a book, prior to submission of the product, I think none of these things. After publication, and I can say I AM DONE, I forget I'd ever had this turmoil and doubts.

This will be my eleventh published story--and no, it doesn't get any easier. Which begs the question; will it ever?

My answer?

No, it won't. Not as long as I actually care--it's when I stop caring that I have to worry about whether or not I should be writing any longer. Like all artists who wish to perfect their craft, to become better, and honestly stress about the reaction to their product, this is a common phase to go through. This industry is not an easy one, just like music, television, movies or any other entertainment field.

Now that I think about it, I go through the exact same thing with my graphic art projects and cover art.

Cheers,

Kayden McLeod

Blame It On The Maid Of Honour

2011-07-14T11:10:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

This morning Brigit and I were discussing blog posts and dress hems; which should she do first? I told her both, kill two birds with one stone. And alas, she did.

Brigit blogged about weddings, and my wedding: http://brigitsjournals.blogspot.com/2011/07/weddings-romance-and-dress-hems.html

Wait—I’m getting married. I suppose, I should’ve mentioned that, lol. On August 27^th, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The soon-to-be-groom is Trent Kinsey, horror author, and terrorizer of my FB. HeHe.

And since we’re on the topic of dresses, I found this the most interesting dilemma of all the choices in my wedding. When the planning had begun, we had decided on a beach wedding. So I started to look for beach wedding dresses. Something beautiful, but affordable. Between Trent, Brigit and I, we’d narrowed the selections down to two or three, all no more than two-hundred-fifty dollars. But then, we changed the venue to a yacht. And that too, was a no go. The price + what you got = are these people crazy? If I am going to pay several thousand dollars for this venue, shouldn’t it look like it?

So now, my sister hooked me up. Big time. We are *borrowing* the mess hall for one of the army’s establishments in Vancouver. It is huge, gorgeous and right across the street from the beach, and a pond filled with ducks, a quaint bridge and weeping willows. Hello? Can we say awesome photography session? *Bows to Jen* you are my goddess!

Anyway—back to the dress. My mom suggested I take a look at some websites to get more ideas for a wedding dress, before the *big* shopping day. I did—and what did I find a thousand dollar designer dress, that just hit the season this year. I knew it was expensive, but I kept going back to it, thinking—nooo, I can’t, can I? Turns out I couldn’t. A designer dress means, not off-the-rack. It would take 20 weeks for the dress to be made, and to put a rush on it, would cost even more. So, I said screw it. I went back to the beach wedding dress.

But then, my niece (other bridesmaid), sister, mom, her boyfriend and I all went to the same medieval themed dress shop my sister took me to for my graduation dress. All of the dresses here are had made, custom or one-of-a-kind.

I found my dress. Medieval inspired corset wedding dress, in blue, black and white, with a floor length periwinkle blue velvet cape, traditional petticoat, wispy sleeve things—the whole nine yards, which ended up costing more than the designer dress—but who cares! It’s gorgeous and unique. How much more can I ask than that?

My maid of honour and bridesmaid also got their dresses from here, in varying shades of blue, black, white and cream.

And then—the jewelry; my second favorite. A very good friend and jewelry online-store owner and I discussed our options. She made the entire wedding party jewelry to match their dresses. They can be seen here, at the bottom of the page:

Wiccan Wear Jewelry:

http://www.wiccanwearjewelry.com/renaissance-medieval-jewelry.html

Rhonda has made most of my jewelry in the past year, and everything is of top quality, original, custom-made pieces.

Since our colors are blue and silver, everything is fitting into this theme—right down to my hair, which will be dyed black and blue, possibly even silver. My engagement and wedding ring are white gold, with diamonds and sapphires.

And the flowers—oh-my-gosh. I said right from the beginning, when my sister asked what was the most important thing I wanted—FLOWERS. Between the florist and my mom, they will be everywhere. Hydrangeas, dyed blue roses, calla lilies, orchids and ivy will be everywhere. Even on the wedding cake.

More to come as the event draws closer…

Kayden McLeod

Happy Dancing!

2011-07-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

It has FINALLY happened. Death of Innocence, the first installment of the Foxworth Coven has been released by Solstice Publishing!

Buy-Link: http://www.solsticeatnight.com/products/The-Foxworth-Coven%2C-Book-One%2C-Death-of-Innocence.html

Stay tuned...I have some event announcements to make soon, like contests for signed print books, another for an e-book copy of Death of Innocence, blog dates at Fang-Tastic Books, and chat dates at Talking Two Lips Yahoo Groups!

Cheers,

Kayden

A New Job...Or Hobby. Depends On How You Look At It...

2011-06-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

A few months ago, my fiancée introduced me to Photoshop. He gave me a four hour *class,* if you will, and sent me on my way.

I’d learned out to cut out a model, change a few aspects to pictures, and a couple of other Photoshop capabilities. As usual, I forgot half of it. I need to do something over and over again, to come close to remembering it, before I ever master it.

After that, I became obsessed, and too impatient to actually take classes, or research how to use the program. I wanted to play. I wanted to play now. So, I did. Though my company, Otherworlds Publicity, I purchased a stock photo account, and now, I had all I needed—or did I?

At first, I was producing something interesting *art.* But then I started to figure out how to force the tools to do something close to what I wanted, though I doubted these tools were being used as the creator of Photoshop intended them to be.

Then, I started to do advertisements, trailers, graphics and cover art for a few of my friends—which lead me with a position for a cover artist position with the publisher, XOXO Publishing. This is when my new hobby made me think, I needed to know more. How to do things I never expected to know, short of spending thousands of dollars I don’t have on way cool graphic artist courses/classes. So manned with my laptop, I searched the internet and You-tube photo manipulation tutorials (both of which I highly recommend to any beginner or advanced graphic artists.) These people who take the time our of their lives to make these free videos and articles are fabulous! The techniques not only show you new ways of doing things, but they also make you think of new aspirations, and you begin to develop the skills and the knowledge of the finer mechanics of Photoshop to go your own way—which was what I wanted all along.

I hope to grow even more in the coming months to come, learn new things, and create author’s visions. As well, in the coming weeks, I hope to answer some of the questions people have been asking me about how I do what I do. It’s hard to explain how, when I’m not entirely sure how I did some of these graphics in the first place, but I will try. Fortunately, some of the questions I can answer, giving some insights and tips.

These are some of my covers I’ve done in the last month or so for friends and the publisher I’m working for. As well, after that, are some of my graphic art pieces.

More can be found on my Deviant Art page:

http://kaydenmcleod.deviantart.com/

COVER ART

Justice For Leanne just released with Solstice Publishing!

http://www.solsticeatnight.com/products/Justice-for-Leanne%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

Pick up Elenna Tylor's Blind Alley:

https://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=89&products_id=146

Tracey Fischer's The Midnight Hour is now released:

https://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30&products_id=153&zenid=acdc669ac5c6a949213201db5bc36312

Check out more about Debra Jayne East's BRAND NEW book, which just released today: https://www.xoxopublishing.com/shop-online/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=101&products_id=155

GRAPHIC ART

"Website Welcome Graphic" found on www.kaydenmcleod.com

"Fairy Transformation"

"The Dragon Queen"

2011 Vancouver Riot; Insanity, Stupidity and Carnage

2011-06-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Last night, Vancouver lost the Stanley Cup. Boston won. Congrats guys. I wish the Canucks the best of luck in the next season. You all did awesome this season, and accomplished so much.

As for the city of Vancouver and the residents—no big deal—it’s just a game, right?

Wrong.

The second I woke up this morning, I remembered what I told my fiancée last night, thirty seconds after Boston took the cup. “Now, there will be death, destruction and violence.” And after that, I’d watched a movie and went to bed.

What I woke up to stunned and sickened me. I was scared to open my browser this morning, and just by putting riot into Google—there is was; plain as day, in full colour.

Mayhem. Flipped cars, roaring fires, countless windows shattered, rioters and looters everywhere. People getting beaten up, accused rape and people in critical condition—and more.

I spent a few hours looking at photos and you-tube videos this morning. I wanted to know just what people were capable of. These images that flashed by my eyes put any riot in the movies to shame. Because they were real. They happened, in the city I live in.

And what else did I notice? Almost all of the prominent offenders were kids or young adults.

I found a Facebook page completely devoted to posting pictures of the rioters, in hopes they will be identified and prosecuted. On this page, I found screenshots of the rioter’s Facebook profiles, their profile images depicting the carnage with them standing in front of it, like they were in front of some infamous monument. But, in some sick and twisted way, I suppose that is what they made it. They were proud to openly state their heinous crimes, right in public and on social networking sites. To make it worse, their friends told them to delete these status’, that they would get caught. Most didn’t chastise them, but cheered them on, like they actually accomplished some great feat in life. Stupidity breeds stupidity.

One person said on Facebook they were now “history.” Yes, you asshole. You made history. You made the news. You made You-tube and websites, and conversations between civilized people who look on you now with revulsion. Your childish, useless antics hurt people, businesses, terrified people who were trapped in buildings, who had nothing to do with the riot, waiting for the police dealing with the rioters, to get their families out safely.

And for what? By the end of it, were any of these people even thinking about the game anymore? I would bet not. They were thinking about what they could destroy next, caught up in the growing frenzy that had taken over, grew and spread like a plague bent on annihilation.

*Insert sarcastic applauses here* What did this gain the rioters? Very short lived fame amongst their equally young, naïve and idiotic peers. Shortly followed by a witch hunt that begins today, and jail time. How does being locked up in a cage sound? In this day and age of social networking, people can and will find you. And since you post what you did and the pictures to prove it, you will be found. You will be punished.

Was it worth it?

And what did the innocent gain? Destruction of their property, terror—because they are people who live downtown, in the thick of it. They had nothing to do with anything, and they paid for daring to own real estate in Vancouver’s core. I heard it said that to be downtown, you deserved what you got for even being there. Mostly that’s true—though not all. What about the business owners who aren’t open today, who lost their part or all of their livelihood as they clean up the carnage. What about the people who lost their cars in fires, or had their homes broken into? What about the other events people attended last night—that had nothing to do with the game? That just had the sheer dumb luck of being booked months ago, before the game night had been decided by the NHL? Those people had already bought and paid for their tickets. Concerts around here don’t get out until between nine-eleven pm. Prime riot hour. And they were stuck in the middle of it, forced to hide or flee.

Some people are being ridiculed for doing nothing about the crimes, for staying out of the way—trying to get out of Vancouver as fast as they could. What would you do if a mob was coming your way? Call the police—who are already there? Perhaps fight them back, one to a thousand people.

Some hockey-goers stayed in Vancouver and they didn’t do anything destructive. They just stood there and watched like a show being put on for them. Should they be absolved? Or is it guilt by association? They think they should be pardoned, because they were merely an audience—a lot of them, a cheering one at that from what I read. I really don’t know—I wasn’t there, and I don’t know what was in their heads to say either way.

Another site devoted to finding the rioters, created by someone with good intentions was misused. There were several captioned photographs of rioters and the Vancouver Canucks. The displayed words and Photoshopped images completely diminishes why the page exists in the first place—to bring the wrongdoers too much needed justice. This diminishes people as a whole, using a good purpose to spread yet more immaturity, stretching it out, making a bad situation worse. And again, what was the point of THIS? It doesn’t make any sense.

I suppose, none of it is really supposed to.

In a world where war and riots are upon many of us, over issues such a freedom, poverty and pain, one would think that those lucky enough to have what we do, wouldn’t break over in chaos for something as asinine as a hockey game.

I applaud Vancouver’s RCMP, police and the general population who braved the anarchy, to help those in need of it, who were cleaning up the streets before the riot had even ended. The people who are out on the streets of Vancouver, today, while I write this, cleaning up the mess of juvenile, idle minds who have no place in civilized society.

When I woke, I was disgusted. Now, as I think about this, not just the riot, but everything that will come of it, I can’t shake the feeling of disappointment and repulsion. I doubt many of us Vancouverites can. Again, immaturity breeds more immaturity, just as stupidity spawns stupidity.

For those involved, grow up and fast. Because when you land in jail, you’ll have to.

I will ask one more time—was it worth it?

Kayden McLeod

News About Death of Innocence

2011-06-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Recently, I signed the first book of the Foxworth Coven Series, Death of Innocence with Solstice Publishing. This novel will be coming out later this year.

To find out more information about the book:

http://kaydenmcleod.com/DeathOfInnocence.php

To Visit My Website:

www.kaydenmcleod.com

Happy Reading…

Kayden McLeod

Marion Webb De Sisto Visits Today: Psychic Attacks

2011-05-12T01:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Have you ever given any thought to how you can protect yourself against being attacked? Perhaps you have taken training in one of the martial arts, such as Karate, Tae Kwon Do, or Judo? Or maybe you are skilled in boxing or wrestling? Although I hold an intense dislike of aggression and violence, I can understand the merit of being able to defend oneself and to subdue an attacker. However, my focus in this article is not centered on a physical assault, but rather on that which comes from another level. Sometimes known as a psychic attack, it can either be caused by the ill wishes and negative energy directed at you by someone else or be emanating from unseen forces. This may sound a little ‘off the wall,’ but bear with me. No one was, or is, more sceptical than me, but over the years I have had to accept that paranormal events do happen even though my logical thinking tells me they cannot.

First, I shall address the harm that comes from another person. Within the human experience it is quite possible to gain enemies or those who feel unkindly toward you. A former friend may have become an opponent; a neighbor may have issues with you over something. Such people are harboring negative thoughts about you and some could even be hoping bad luck will occur in your life. They may verbalize to others their dislike of you or tell you, face-to-face, that you deserve misfortune. Their thoughts and words are directing negativity toward you. Other folk might be jealous because in their perception you have something they do not possess. They may not express to you or others their feelings of envy, but they exist in their thoughts and, therefore, are generating negativity in your direction.

Although this is less likely to happen, you might fall victim to the destructive intentions of an adversary who is well-able to focus and inflict their harmful desires. This type of person is skilled in sending injurious energy to whomsoever they choose. They know “form follows thought” and that the ill will they propel will manifest as some type of adversity in their target’s life. They will usually incorporate the use of ritual, incantations and/or a helper. The latter may come in the form of a crystal, a symbol, a herb or wild plant, or an item that was originally a part of physical life, such as a bone, a tooth, or a feather. They might also call upon the help of what they believe is a powerful ally. This will possibly be a dark entity, an ancient god or goddess, or even an ancestor. Whatever aides they employ adds enhancement to their purpose.

How will you know if you are under attack from another person? The symptoms might be similar to those experienced when unwell. Sudden pains in the body, severe headaches, or feeling repeatedly nauseous are some examples. Of course, such problems should always be brought to the attention of your doctor, but when a physical cause has been ruled out, give consideration to negative energy being aimed at you. Another indication could be a sudden fall. You did not trip over anything and it felt as though someone pushed you. The person’s unkind thoughts are assaulting you.

Now to the second form of psychic attack that might bombard you. Do you work in some area of metaphysics? Are you a healer, a therapist, a medium, or are you delving into esoteric studies? Then you are opening up to levels other than the earthly plane and you may be vulnerable to an onslaught from forces that are less than positive. Similarly, if your work gives help to others, e.g. offering shelter to battered women or counseling teenage runaways, you may also be at risk. In terms of spirituality you are working for the Light and, just as a lit candle contrasts against darkness, you are opposing the malevolent shadows.

What are the indicators of this malicious harassment? You may experience a feeling of literally being pinned down, where you are sitting or lying, by something extremely heavy and unyielding. In addition, there could be a sense of heat or cold surrounding you. An unpleasant odor might fill your nostrils. You may hear weird noises or a babble of voices that seem to drain all resistance from you. If you have caught the attention of lesser adversaries, such as negative elementals, they will, like the proverbial moths to a flame, hover around you and create difficulties. The following are a few examples of what you might experience: Important items, including clothing, go missing from your home or workplace; other objects will be moved to a place where you would never put them; overhead lights and lamps are switched on and off by themselves.

If you can accept that a psychic attack is possible, how do you combat it? The most successful method to use is creating a shield around your auric space. If you do this, you are prepared to repel whatever negative energy is now, or in the future, directed at you. In everyday life your aura encases your body within roughly the space of 3 ft. This includes in front and behind you, as well as above your head and below your feet. Under certain circumstances your aura can expand or contract at will. When you give healing, meditate, or channel, it expands. If you are under attack or feel threatened in any way, it contracts. Auric space consists of the seven subtle levels, or bodies, but for this article I am only pinpointing the first three. These are the Etheric, which is like a second skin to the physical body, then the Emotional and followed by the Lower Mental. Sometimes these three levels are referred to as the Astral Plane.

Try to envisage your aura. Get a sense of it surrounding you. Use your imagination if your inner vision or perception is not strong. Think of it as the shape of a bubble or an egg that is all around you. Once you have grasped this concept and with the power of your mind, place a thickness at the circumference of your auric space. It is like an eggshell that covers and protects. At the beginning of each day and just before going to sleep, reaffirm that this barrier is in place and standing guard over you. It is protecting your seven subtle levels and in particular the inner three through which psychic attacks can reach you. They aim for the Lower Mental and Emotional levels and, once there, they cascade down to the physical body via the Etheric, but cannot do this if your aura’s barricade is in place. Some people, who use this form of protection, create mirrored barriers so that whatever untoward energy is sent to them is reflected back to the sender. However, a caution is necessary here. Mirroring back negative energy to a person adds double the strength to it, making your action become a karmic issue for you.

Your aura and its barrier can be given added protection in various ways. A few drops of Rosemary or Lavender Essential Oil that are mixed in a base of Sweet Almond Oil become a protective fluid. Place a small quantity in the palms of the hands daily and spread throughout your auric space. Chicory, Lavender, Mallow, Mugwort, Rosemary and Sage are highly protective herbs. After drying cuttings of them, gather together and set alight for a moment. Once the flame is extinguished, you can smudge your aura and surroundings with the smoking bundle. If you are familiar with the Bach Flower Remedies, then utilize the amazing properties of these flower essences. Take Walnut to protect you at all times and Crab Apple will help remove any negative elementals that may be attempting to attach themselves to one of your three inner subtle levels. Also, Rescue Remedy will help alleviate the trauma of a sudden psychic attack that has managed to reach you.

If you carry or keep in close proximity to you a talisman or religious object, your aura is strengthened and protected. Such items as a Goddess symbol, an ankh, a cross, or a Star-of-David will serve you well. Wearing a Clear Quartz or Obsidian pendant both day and night is another option. Or carry a tumblestone in the pocket during the day and place it under your pillow at night. One of the following would also be a suitable choice because they are considered to be very protective against the negative forces: Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Garnet, Gold, Silver, Jade, Malachite, Marble, Peridot, Salt, Tigereye, and Turquoise. Minerals/crystals need to be cleansed and dedicated before being asked to shield you and your aura so be sure to learn about these processes before the pendant is worn or the tumblestone is carried.

I do hope my suggestions for combating psychic attacks prove helpful to you, even though they are by no means exhaustive. Stay positive and vigilant, and remain safe.

Author Marion Webb-De Sisto

Fiction - Adventure and Romance with a Devilish Twist.

Non-Fiction - Helpful Information on Crystals, Crystal Skulls, Healing and the Spirit World.

Website - www.marionwebb-desisto.com

Blog - http://marionwebb-desisto.blogspot.com/

Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marion-Webb-De-Sisto/e/B002A06PMK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=671911733#!/pages/Marion-Webb-De-Sisto-Author/121238787930802

AuthorsDen - http://www.authorsden.com/marionwebbdesisto

Alternative-Read - http://www.alternative-read.com/aamarionwebbdesisto.htm

AuthorIsland - http://www.authorisland.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=748&Itemid=602

Otherworlds Publicity's May Special

2011-04-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Our special in May is, create your own package!

Buy 1 service, receive 10% off

Buy 2 services, receive 15% off

Buy 3 or more services, receive 20% off

Book a consultation:

http://www.otherworldspublicity.com/consultation.html

As well, our new list of packages are up on the website!

http://www.otherworldspublicity.com/service-packages.html

Looking To Host Blog Tour Spots?

2011-04-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

Otherworlds Publicity is looking for authors, review sites and more who are willing to host our authors for their blog tours.

If interested, please feel free to contact me at:

kayden@otherworldspub.info

Cheers,

Kayden McLeod

The Foxworth Coven Book Trailers

2011-04-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Readers,

I have finally completed the first two book trailers for the Foxworth Coven Series.

The first is for Death of Innocence, coming May 28th 2011, from Silver Publishing

More Information: http://kaydenmcleod.com/DeathOfInnocence.php

The second is for Natural Urges, coming August 26th 2011, from Silver Publishing

More Information: http://kaydenmcleod.com/NaturalUrges.php

For more information on getting your own book trailer, author video or commercial, contact Otherworlds Publicity: http://www.otherworldspublicity.com/

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers,

Kayden McLeod

Opening A New Promo Company

2011-03-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Our Grand Opening Sale

Starting March 21st 2011

Check the website for the details and the services we are starting to offer!

http://www.otherworldspublicity.com/

DOI's Cover!!!

2011-03-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Hey Readers,

Here it is! Art done by Reese Dante. Death of Innocence will be coming out by Silver Publishing May 28th 2011.

Cheers,

Kayden

What's Up With Me :)

2011-02-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

Hey Readers!

I just finished my first ever newsletter! WOOHOO. You can read it at Siren Book Reviews:

http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/author-newsletters.html

Two friends are coming out with new GLBT releases today and tomorrow:
http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/new-release-dc-juris-a-good-bargain.html

http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/new-release-edward-kendrick-everyones-man.html

AUTHORS: I am looking for booking from March onward for Author Features and Interviews:

http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/interview-and-feature-schedule.html

Take a look and shoot me an e-mail if you want to book one:

kaydenmcleod@yahoo.ca

And last, but not least. We released our March Ezine: Breaching Prejudices, Authors Coming Together To Reflect Change, to support GLBT issues! Absolutely amazing turn out, so drop by and give it a read!

http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/sbr-ezine-march.html

RJ Scott also wrote a story as well, Ten Percent:

http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/ten-percent-by-rj-scott.html

Whew, busy, busy!

I'm in the middle of rewrites for The Foxworth Coven, Book Two Natural Urges right now! It's an exciting book, bringing more creatures into the paranormal world I created! Book One, Death Of Innocence is coming out in May 2011 from Silver Publishing :)

Cheers,

Kayden

New Valentine's Day Release!

2011-02-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

Captured... Heart And Soul Anthology for Valentine's Day, released today in e-book and print!

http://silverpublishing.info/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/captured-heart-and-soul-anthology-p-202

Where I'll Be This Week

2011-02-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Readers,

There is lots up this week, and I hope you can join me!

February 8th 2011

Talking Two Lips Yahoo Chat Group

Contest and Author Chat

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TalkingTwoLips/?yguid=431075999

February 9th 2011

Dusk To Dawn Romance

Book Feature

http://dusktodawnromance.wordpress.com/

February 10th 2011

Fang-tastic Books

Contest and Character Interview with the characters from the Cornwall Trilogy

http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/

Cheers,

Kayden

Coming Soon, SBR's March Issue

2011-02-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Breaching Prejudices is a free EZine that will be brought to you by many great authors, readers and friends. We’ve come together because we see an injustice, and because we want to see change. Within these pages will be passionate people who feel strongly about the mistreatment of people based on sexual orientation. By using the tool we have handiest, our words, we offer them our support.

The inspiration for Breaching Prejudices was a single person. This man was treated unfairly, singled out by an entire network of people, simply because he chose to share who he was through his own words and pictures. The treatment he received was intolerable and his friends would not allow him to stand alone in this issue. No one should have to hide who they are.

From there, the idea of Siren Book Review’s March magazine being dedicated to this grievance grew as more and more people got involved, proving that a great many of us will not stand for finding fault for those who are, who they are. We are here in hopes of getting the word out that this isn’t a matter to be shunned. Gays, Lesbians, Bi-Sexuals and Transgender are not people to look down upon. This is their lives, to do with what they will.

You will find within these pages, interviews, articles and short stories about the rights of acceptance. And that is what we all want isn’t it, no matter who we are?

Acceptance.

For whom we were born to be, no matter of culture, heritage, or sexual preference.

Sincerely,

Kayden and Brigit

Owners, Siren Book Reviews

To appear in SBR's March Issue, a story about a college student and his boyfriend, who will stand up for what is right. It will available soon on the SBR website:

http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/

Excerpt:

Ricky’s eyes flashed with danger—a stick of dynamite ready to blow at the slightest spark. “Hey bro, I thought you said this was a first-rate school, with good people who could teach you science?”

Seth placed his closed fist against his mouth, and then cleared his throat. “It is.”

“Shouldn’t they be refined and well, educated? Why do they act like their descended from cavemen?”

“Umm, Rick—the entire human race is descended from cavemen,” Seth reminded him with a grin. The relief on his face made Theo feel better, but his agitation wasn’t nearly settled. Ricky and Theo had shown in the nick of time for this instance. What happened tomorrow, and the day after that?

“You’re really Seth’s boyfriend?” Mark said dumbly, apparently reevaluating himself.

“Damn straight I am. And not too impressed with the welcome party, at all, if you can’t tell that already. I thought adults went to college. I thought people in this era had begun to progress and accept that everybody is different and had a right to be. What are you twelve, with your head up your butt?”

Seth snickered. He knelt to collect his books, obviously feeling safe enough to begin to do so. Ricky stepped forward to help him, glaring at the students. One or two took the silent hint and backed away.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Mark said stubbornly. He’d gotten over his shock, feigning annoyance. The guy was still scared, and Theo could see behind the pride. Now he wanted to save face, redeem his “manhood,” to look tough in front of his friends.

“Of course you don’t. Your kind never does.” Theo sneered at Mark’s expression of indignation. Then, he turned to address all of them at the same time. “All of you are horrible human beings, and no better than Mark is.”

“We didn’t go after Seth,” a girl in the group whined. “You can’t get mad at us.”

Theo turned toward her. “Your crime is just as bad. You stood here and watched, allowed it to happen. It doesn’t matter if you’re the aggressor or the observer! How would any of you feel if you weren’t accepted by everyone and shunned for a misunderstanding? Something you couldn’t help nor change—or even want to! What if you were pushed up against walls and beaten up? And while you are being degraded in front of an entire school like you don’t matter at all, every last person who has the power to help you, just stands there and watches? Like nothing is happening—no more than a television show or play. Well, let me tell you something, you’d go into depression. No matter what you did or said, there isn’t an end to it. Throughout your lifetime, someone is always there to knock you down the moment you finally get back up. A lot of people can be cruel, but kids—and to me, that’s all you are—who have no sympathy for their fellow man if he doesn’t fit your perfect idealism. Some of you have God complexes, thinking you have a right to judge us because we’re the square that won’t fit in the circular hole someone decided must be the right way, the only way. You tease and abuse other people without having any idea what you’re doing to them. You think you can get away with it, and a lot of the time you do. There isn’t a punishment for this, and if there is, it can’t fit the crime you’ve committed. There are gay teens thinking less of who they are because of incidents like this one. They hurt themselves or the worse, commit suicide. It’s people like Mark who make things like that happen.”

“Because what they’re doing is wrong, they have to be shown that” Mark insisted, but his voice was quieter now, not as confident.

“Is it? I don’t think so. When you kick a dog and keep doing it, eventually it won’t get back up. You’ve messed with his head, made him believe he is bad. Wrong. Eventually, whether human or animal, what others do will affect the victim. But he isn’t bad. He isn’t wrong. It’s just some jerk too high on themselves and their own opinions, unwilling to see past their own arrogance and admit it’s him who is wrong. That someone's life choices have nothing to do with anyone else. People have the right to be who they are. They have the right to not be scared, to not hide and wonder if the next corner they turn won’t push them or someone else over the edge.” Theo said his speech in a calm tone, though his fists clenched and unclenched, wanting to punch Mark. But violence wasn’t the answer. Fighting fire with fire would only get someone burned. So he would try something else. “Mark, how did you meet my boyfriend?”

“In class.”

“Did he say anything to you to make you mad, for you to hate him?”

“No. He never said anything to me.”

“So he did nothing to you.” Theo didn’t get an answer. Mark shook his head. “Then tell me, how’d you find out he was gay?”

Mark finally looked away, looking just a little guilty. “People that went to high school with him, go here too. They told us about him.” He nodded toward his friends, and not a one looked back at him. Mark didn’t want to be the sole focal point of Theo any longer, considering an even bigger crowd had gathered to watch the happenings. Theo’s loud voice had drawn attention.

“So you condemned him for nothing more, than what someone else told you?” Theo said dangerously. “You just decided he wasn’t a worthy person of knowing, because he likes men?”

“Yes.” Mark had run out of arguments.

“What did you think—that Seth might hit on you or something? What makes you think he even wants you?” Theo’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Does every woman you know hit on you, just because you have a third leg?” Theo heard several women titter behind him, and it certainly wasn’t in Mark’s favor.

“No.” Mark stared at his feet.

Theo should feel some satisfaction at the fact he’d humiliated Mark. But he didn’t kid himself. Publically embarrassing the guy wasn't the answer. And not only that, it made Theo no better than Mark.

This did no good. To change people’s perspectives would take work, a lot of it. Each person saw the world differently, and to make them see there was nothing wrong with someone’s choices would take an individual circumstance to gain the successes.

Disgusted, Theo turned back to Ricky and Seth, who waited for him, books in hand. “Let’s go guys. We have better company to keep elsewhere.”

“Okay,” Seth said. Theo didn’t care for the downtrodden quality tucked away behind the nonchalance, on his boyfriend’s face. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right.

Why couldn’t people see, understand and respect everyone equally? Seth was just a guy, wanting to go to a college and reach his goals. Just like thousands of other students, no matter of sexual preference, or where they came from or what religion they celebrated.

Siren's Book Of The Month January

2011-02-03T18:48:00.001-08:00

January's Book Of The Month voting starts now!

Go see the selection of 10 choices and pick your favorite:

http://sirenbookreviews.weebly.com/book-of-the-month-january.html

Where I'm At Today!

2011-02-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Readers,

Today I am hanging out on two different blogs! Come visit to find out more about me, the Cornwalls and to win some prizes:

Cindy Jack's Bad Girl (And Bad Boy) Writer's Block, for a guest post about the Cornwalls and taking a walk with them through Vancouver:

http://cindyjacks.blogspot.com/2011/02/guest-author-kayden-mcleod-take-walk.html?zx=b4b58b18d826c7bb

And I'm was interviewed by Serious Reviews!

http://seriouslyinterviewed.blogspot.com/search/label/Kayden%20McLeod

Hope your having a great day,

Kayden