Silver Phoenix Trailer


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJ1xy009bk

Silver Phoenix : Beyond the Kingdom of Xia

By Cindy Pon

Out today at your local book store.

Congratulations , Cindy!!!!

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“I couldn’t put it down. Your heart will be racing, and you’ll be aching for more. An addictive gem.”
—Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries and Airhead series

“Beautifully written, lush, exotic, and romantic, with a gutsy heroine who defies convention to fulfill her destiny—Silver Phoenix has it all!”
—Alyson Noel, New York Times bestselling author of Evermore

available APRIL 28, 2009

Tuesday Teaser rewrite:



For the third time this week, Amber Kane almost lit her little brother on fire and not on purpose. When she gets mad, well, fiery things tend to happen. Some people throw temper tantrums, she throws fireballs.
It wouldn’t be that bad if she had more control over her talent. It’s in her dreams she’s most helpless and the firepower is of no use to her.

He stood a few feet away from her; his lush black hair glistened in the moonlight. His voice, which spoke to her in a rhythmic cadence, eased her initial trepidation. She’d seen him before, in the night where her imagination ran free.
“You have grown up to be such a beauty. I’ve been watching you your whole life, little one.”
She smiled and shyly glanced away from his hypnotic stare, but the magnetic pull drew her back.
His head tilted, as he laughed, surely taken with her innocence.
“There’s no need to be shy with me.”
“What do you want?” she asked.
“To help you. As I’ve always helped the witches in your family.”
Amber stepped back. “My family has no other witches in it except for my mother and me. And my mother’s a Priestess of Oya and Isis. Not something out of Sleeping Beauty.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, little one. There have always been powerful stregas in your family dating back centuries. Your grandmother’s magick is in her cooking. Whatever she is feeling at the time is infused into her meals. Your mother is a great psychic. And you…” Amber detected hunger in his voice. “Wield the element of fire.” He began to move closer to her and she was powerless to leave. A part of her didn’t want to. He exuded sexuality and she wanted him to touch her, everywhere.
The warmth of his hands felt so right upon her skin as his fingers traced the lines of her cheek and neck. He muttered softly in her ear, “So lovely. Pure and virginal, mine to protect.”
Amber leaned into him, feeling the hard muscles of his chest and the warmth of his breath upon her flesh. Her arm wrapped around his waist and she felt his arousal as their bodies pressed closer together.
“Give me your heart, my sweet one.” His lips pressed against her cheek as hers sought to meet them.
“Kiss me,” she whispered.
A growl emanated from deep within his throat. She wrapped her other arm around him, lifting her face to receive his kiss.
“I want you,” he said fiercely.
“Take me.”
“You will give me your heart, my love?”
“Oh, yes.”
That’s when she noticed the ice cold look behind his eyes. A vacant stare met hers as his arm raised and he thrust a long, thin blade into her back. Her body bucked forward into him and he moaned as if in ecstasy.
Amber felt the heat within her build, but she could not use it to heal herself or scorch the demon who held her. He glided the blade upward and his lips brushed hers.
“Thank you for your heart, my love. I will always have it with me. I will always have you with me.”
The only warmth Amber sensed was the blood flowing down her back. A new, raw pain radiated from behind. His gelid fingers entered her flesh and wrapped around her still-beating heart.
“Remember that I love you.” He sighed and yanked her heart from her body.

Amber bolted out of bed, her eyes wild with fear. She searched the room while grabbing at her chest. Relieved to feel her heart beating, she began to settle down.
“Another nightmare?”
Amber jumped back and fell over her handbag, landing on her rump.
“Damn you Cliff!”
“I’m sorry, did I frighten you?”
“You prick, you know you did.”
He smiled. “I swear I didn’t mean to. Really. I give you my ghostly honor.”
“You have no honor.” Amber climbed back into bed.
“You really should let me help with those nightmares.”
“Ha! That would mean allowing you to enter my body. No way.”
“Still mad about the whole kidnapping thing?” he asked.
“Yeah and the whole, ‘I’m going to kill you thing.’”
“Dude, you really hold a grudge.”
“Dude?”
“Sorry, dudette.”
“Yeah Cliff, it’s taken a lot just to talk to you and acknowledge your existence.”
“I know. My bad.”
“Bad doesn’t even come close.”
“Good-night, Amber.”
“Good-night, Cliff.”

Life is like a box of chocolates. I was thinking about that famous movie, and my son. I hope he gets only the sweet with a touch of dark chocolate, so he'll appreciate the sweetness. I wish that for all my boys.

Tuesday Teaser: This is bare bones--unedited--WIP



For the third time this week, I almost lit my little brother on fire and not on purpose. When I get mad, well, fiery things tend to happen. Some people throw temper tantrums, I throw fireballs.
My mother’s a witch. A real --spell-casting, ghost whispering, High Priestess-- witch. She’s famous too. She’s been in the papers and on TV. So, as you can imagine, it’s not easy being her daughter. Especially since I’ve somehow inherited powers far beyond hers and I’m only eighteen-years old. It started about two years ago. Fire is my element and my mom and her coven sister, Ouida, decided it’s time to help me harness this ability. Before I really hurt someone like my brother, Jake.
“I want to you to focus. Concentrate on your power center and raise the energy. Send it to that pile of leaves,” Ouida instructed, pointing to the leaves.
My mom was standing next to me, coaxing me like I was six years old and learning how to ride a bike. I focused on the anger I still had concerning my father. He’d cheated on my mom and they got divorced this past winter. It’s a long story.
“You can do it, Pookie,” my mom whispered.
My stomach churned, the heat emanated from that center and I pushed it out. I had a new respect for women going through menopause. This had to be worse than any hot flash Ouida described.
Smoke rose from last autumn’s pile of dried up maple leaves. Soon, I saw flames leap up and consume the dead leaves.
“Excellent,” Cliff applauded.
“Thanks,” I answered him aloud. Cliff’s handsome ghostly features formed out of the ethers as he gave me a thumbs up.
“Ah, I’m glad to see you’re talkin’ to the spirit,” Ouida said with a wide smile.
I shook off the residual energy and wiped the sweat from my brow. “Yeah, well, he doesn’t understand the word no.”
My mom laughed. I looked over at her. She’d been through so much these past few years. Including going up against this uber-evil murderer, Cliff, who was now dead and helping us work out some karma. Not to mention he’s working out a lot of his own debts.
You’d never know it to look my mom. In love and pregnant with—I believe—the love of her life’s baby. This will be the fifth and final installment of the Kane/Bennette clan. Or so I’m told.
“I think that’s enough training for today,” Ouida added.
“You did great, Amber,” my mom said.
“I’m my mother’s daughter.” I smiled.
I could tell Ouida was concerned for my mother. I watched as she walked over to her and the two walked inside. My mom had a miscarriage a few months back and Ouida and all my mom’s friends were extra cautious with her.
“So you did good, kiddo.”
“It seems to come easier.”
“It will.”
“What is it, Cliff? I can tell you want to talk about something.”
“Nah, it can wait.”
Then he was gone.
I walked toward the water. Our backyard was the Long Island Sound and I sat on a lounge chair. The weather was finally getting warm and before long I’d be performing my first Solstice ritual.
From the darkened corner of my mind, a sound emerged, slowly forming words. They sounded hollow, almost tinny. “I’m here, can you hear me?”
“Cliff? Is that you trying to play one of your semi-scary ghost tricks on me?”
“Please help me.”
I turned and saw there was no one around, not even my little twerp of a brother. I leaned back and closed my eyes. I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew I was in a park setting. I noticed a young man sitting alone on a bench. His hair was the color of ripened wheat and had the most beautiful eyes. They were a pale hazel-green color with flecks of burnished gold. Immediately, I realized this must be a spirit. I walked over to him.
“Hi, my name’s Amber,” I said, introducing myself.
“I know. I tried to get to talk to you before, but your friend wouldn’t let me get through.” His voice sounded intensely masculine, with a husky quality to it. I thought I detected a slight accent.
I watched his expressions as I spoke to him. He seemed lonely, and somehow scared. Maybe he’s newly crossed. “That’s his job, among other things. He’s sort of like the gatekeeper, or a spiritual bouncer. Spirits have to get his okay before they can communicate with me. I’m somewhat new to this.”
“I got that impression. I just wasn’t able to…get through to him the way I would’ve wanted to, but I knew I would be able to talk to you—directly.” His head bowed down as he stared at the ground.
He looked extremely sad as he tried to explain himself.
“You are really beautiful. I—I mean inside and out. You radiate a calm energy. I like being around you,” he shyly admitted. “Not to mention the fact I find it oddly disturbing that I can even see your energy.”
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“I can’t remember,” he said. “Another oddity.”
“How did you die?” I tried to read his energy, but he was scattered and unable to ground his energies.
“I—I don’t know,” he said with a sigh. “Am I dead?”

I spent the day doing readings yesterday. It always amazes me when the spirits come through and the strength of their personalities. No matter what your agenda may be, spirit has its own. You may want to know when your true love will arrive, but Grandma may feel it's more important you get yourself to the doctor and get regular check-ups. She wants you to know she remembers it's your birthday at the end of the month. And it's all validation for you to realize she's still around and knows what's going on in your life.

If you insist, she might give a vague timeline as to when Mr. or Ms. Right will come along. Time and time again I've seen--and heard--spirits give the messages necessary for their loved one to hear. So listen.

A wonderful review for Blood Pool:
http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Mar09/bloodpool.BD.html

In an attempt to keep up blogging, I thought I'd post a bit of a teaser from Devils' Angel. Let me know what you think.

Claire watched as the heavily muscled angel sat, drinking his Tanqueray. His pale blue eyes seemed to be in a permanent squint, as if he already nursed a massive hangover. His hand completely covered his tumbler, making it impossible to see when he’d finished his drink. Judging from his earlier ones, he was downing them within five minutes, tops.

Claire hadn’t realized how tall he was until he rolled off the stool and stood. Most of the angels she met were etheric beauties. They were the inspiration for such artists as Michelangelo, DaVinci and many other renaissance artists.

This one had a hard quality about him that simply made him mean-looking. He had the same features as most others of his race, but the stubble on his face hid the smooth skin. A scar by his right eye marred the perfection prized by the angelic realm. He didn’t seem to care. Yeah, he dressed all right, in a Ralph Lauren way. He wore a clean, expensive shirt and equally pricey jeans, purposely made to look old. Or perhaps they really were.

He plunged a hand in his jeans pocket, pulling out some cash. The other hand dug through his dark blond hair, which fell just above his shoulders.

“Fuck it.” She heard him mutter, his voice thick with an Aussie accent.

She watched as he swayed, looking around. He turned and headed toward her. He threw down a few twenty-dollar bills.

“That should cover me, eh?”

His expression masked whatever thoughts consumed him at that particular moment. The frown on his face turned into a grimace. But Claire could sense his mind was racing at light speed.
She reached for the money and their fingers touched. For a moment, she thought he made the earth move.

Until she realized it was an explosion that rocked the back of the building.

B. Ella Donna

Okay, so, the Twitter bug hit. I'm Elladonna over on Twitter. It's a lot of fun.
Celebrated my birthday at the end of February, waiting on spring to arrive. Not much going on, waiting to see what happens with the book Devil's Angel. I love it, of course. If you're a fan of J.R.Ward you'd like it.

In the meantime, I'm doing more ghost whispering. I've done a few psychic readings parties. It's a blast. To see the expression on peoples' faces when you tell them something from their relative or friend who's passed on that you couldn't possibly know--priceless. It's nice to be able to offer comfort.

Someone is impersonating agent Deidre Knight. Promising book deals, ect.

Beware.

Website: www.knightagency.net

As usual, I've neglected my blog. With the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and kids getting sick, life's kept me busy. Also, I have Blood Pool coming out Feb. 9, '09 and I am querying my heart out on two other books.

Querying is like sending a resume out when you're trying to get an agent. You tell them about your book, writing experience and pray they'll be interested to ask to see more. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't even answer.

I came so close to getting an agent...and I'm still holding out hope. We talked...which is a 'big' thing, but I never received the ms back to make the changes that were requested.

I've written a new book since the above mentioned close call. It's a cross between urban fantasy and paranormal romance, called Angel's Fury. I'm really happy with it. I just hope an agent will love it as much as I do.

Stay warm.

It's time for the Holiday Charity(Save a Pet Foundation) event with Blackmore's Night. It took place early this month at a lovely restaurant on Long Island. It seems they have one in the US one year, and one (I imagine) in Europe the following year. So--boo-hoo--it'll be two years 'til the next one.

The restaurant was cozy, and decorated for the holidays. The food was delicious. I had a nice time, but something was off. I can't put my finger on it. I'm assuming--which I know I shouldn't--that perhaps the fact that they'd been planning a wedding(which took place in early Oct) and then went on their honeymoon, could cause a bit of exhaustion. Plus they've been promoting their Secret Voyalge CD.

I only have the dinner in '06 to compare it to, so, who knows. They just seemed more distant this year, in '06 they mingled with the crowd, we were able to take photos with them and talk to them, but not this time. I did miss congratulating Candice on their marriage, but managed to briefly express good wishes to Ritchie. He was very gracious, feigning, "Oh yes, I remember you, you're with--uhm..." he was very charming. As you can see in the photo, which my husband was able to take, Candice looks radiant. As always.

They played from about 9:00pm until 2 am. Taking a little break in the middle. No complaints there--the music was fantastic, as always. Their Winter Carol's CD is perfect for this time of year.

I do hope they tour a bit on the east coast this year. I know they're plannning on hitting the road on the west coast. Check their web site. www.Blackmore'sNight.com

I posted more pics on my www.myspace/elladonna site.

In any field there are good and bad. I've always been a spiritual individual, rather than religious. I started hearing spirit and having OB (out of body) experiences when I was little(about 8). Normally, I'd have no control of it and it would simply happen. Especially if I was at a relative's home and bored out of my mind. Before I knew it, I'd feel this rush and then I'd notice I was viewing things from the ceiling. As soon as that happened, I'd freak out a bit and come back into my body. It made me nauseous, so whenever I'd feel that rush, I'd talk myself out of it. "Don't go, don't go..."I began to see spirits, which scared the crap out of me until I got used to it. Then, at about 13, I started studying tarot, psychic development (which includes meditation--the chakras), astrology, gem power, herbs, numerology and Reiki. All this happened over many years.What happens to me isn't quite as dramatic as Melinda Gordon in GW. But I've had instances where I've been at an event talking with someone and a name will repeat over and over in my head. Finally,(this happened in the spring) I asked the person...do you know a Rose? And it turned out this woman's sister-in-law(Rose) had recently passed and wanted the person I was talking to to know how much she appreciated all that she did for her--and a lot of validating--and tears-- info came through. Of course, karma has a lot to do with what is revealed and what's kept hidden. For instance, I wish the spirits would have let me know my sister hadn't been going for her mammo's. But, it was her journey and so I was clueless. I did, however, always have the feeling that I was going to lose my husband. It was just a nagging feeling that followed me around. Around the same time my sis's cancer came back(3 yrs ago), my husband had a massive heart attack. (He was only 39) As soon as he complained his chest hurt, I called 911. My neighbor was--at the time--an ER nurse at the hosiptal he was brought to and she bumped him up right into an ambulance(which happened to be there for another patient) to take him to a better equipt hospital(for heart problems). A hospital, which his brother works as a tech in the OR, putting together the right teams for surgery. So, as my neighbor said, they have a phrase(nurses), "it was a perfect dance", or something like that meaning everything fell into place for him and he survived a triple bypass.The morning of his heart attack, I'd planned on going out. For some reason, I didn't. That was in Feb. '05. My sister passed that August. As I held her hand and told her it was okay to go, that Daddy and all our other relatives were waiting, she left her body.I could ramble on of all the things that've happened--feel free to email me if you'd like. For me, I know the soul lives on and if we listen, we can hear them.

A simple request for those who visit my blog. Think, perhaps, of buying someone a book for the holidays, or birthdays-- any author's book. We need the support. They certainly cost a lot less than taking a vacation and can be much more exciting.

BB
Ella

Out now at SamhainPublishing.com

I'm almost done with the edits for Blood Pool, due out in early February of

'09. As I reread the story of Raven and Bo, Lamai vampire and shape shifter, Raven's father still presents a strong character. Tobias Strigoi is one of those--hello, I'm here--characters. So, of course, I followed up with Blood Destiny, Tobias'story. That is a true love story.

The weather here in the northeast is cool, the leaves are changing to brilliant jewel tones of amber, smoky topaz and ruby. The big holiday is fast approaching, Samhain. We'll do our usual bon fire and ritual to remember those who've passed on. Then friends will gather and we'll welcome the trick or treaters while we enjoy good food and wonderful company.

For now, I'm back to my WIP, Last Chance.

Enjoy autumn's bounty!

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I'm procrastinating. I am very good at it. I have so much to do today and all I really want to do is write. I wanted to share something--a recipe. It's not mine, but it originally came from Rachel Ray, love her! Hamburgers with feta cheese and spinach. YUM!

Ground beef--or whatever meat you like.

Package of chopped spinach

Feta cheese

Easy! Mix, season to taste and grill!

Thanks Rachel.

Did you see the harvest moon last night?

Hope you made your wishes upon it.

BB

Ella

YAY!!!!! My newest cover for the upcoming book The Upside of Karma. What'dya think?
I like it very much. Usually, I go for the artsy covers, meaning not photos, but art. When I received this for approval, I really was pleasantly surprised.

This novel is the continuing story of Angelica Kane and her coven friends with lots more romance. For those of you who read Every Witch Way but Dead things heat up between Detective Sean Bennette and Angelica...or Angel, as Sean likes to call her. Circumstances throw them together again and the sexual tension builds...and builds...whew!

It's a lot of fun and I hope you'll look for it when it's released.
You can also visit me at http://www.b-elladonna.com/ and myspace/elladonna.com
Be well!
Ella

Why doesn't anyone ever tell you how much life sucks? Maybe they do, but we glass half full people refuse to believe it. Stupid. The glass is half empty.

Think positive, create your own reality--blah-blah-blah. Give me a freakin' instruction manual and I'll create my reality, until then I'm going on strike.

Quantum physics--more blah-blah-blah crap. I think the song Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve has become my new anthem.

Yeah, I'm having a really bad day. A bad decade. Sure astrologically I can tell you I've got more squares in my chart than a Rubics Cube, but as the kitty cat exclaims, 'WTF?!' I should've cashed in my chips and asked for a do over. 'You have a lot of challenges to overcome,' the astrologer says. 'Why not tell me the truth. 'Your life is going to be one obstacle course after another with intermintent bouts of grueling BS in between. NO KIDDING. Ya think?

I have figured out what most people probably know already, but disease comes about(most times) because we get to a point in life where we say, 'Uncle!' Thus giving the body permission to create havoc among the cells and tissues of our so called vehicles. BTW- I'd like a Ferrari next time, not a Ford.

'Oh, you're an artist so obviously you feel things more intensely than others.' Newsflash! If it got anymore intense I'd implode. Perhaps if I become an academic I'd feel less? I'm in! Call Harvard, I'm on my way. Yes, I set my goals way high. Probably part of the problem. I should aim lower and not become disappointed. How low can you go?

I know people out there have it a lot worse than I do, but frankly Scarlet...

That doesn't help me one bit when my life is falling apart around my feet for the third time. (I lost count , really.) My final hope is that karma prevails and every single man I know reincarnates, at least 100 lifetimes, as a female. Even that probably isn't enough to even the score, but it's a start.