Thursday, December 20, 2012

Mistletoe Magic from Sarka

Image Credit: AKarmine

If you’re in the northern hemisphere, today is the Winter Solstice—also known as the first day of winter. If you’re in the southern hemisphere, your summer officially begins today and you’re not to talk to me until I can feel my toes again. The heat’s broken in my office and nowhere else, and don’t think I haven’t gotten wise to certain family members’ efforts to make me socialize during the holidays (I’m looking right at you, Sage and Cemil).

Ahem.

But the solstice is a time of forgiveness and rebirth, and since it’s warmer out here by Myron’s computer, I’ve offered to do our Yule blog post. At great personal inconvenience, I might add.

Many religions celebrate holy days this time of year, a time of family, friends, and gift-giving that can be traced back thousands of years. And even secular celebrations touch on the traditions we know and love. One popular decoration you’ll see is mistletoe.

Especially around here, and did no one think of how badly that could end up when some of the guests see the rest of us as Meals on Wheels?

The tradition of kissing under this (poisonous!) plant comes from embracing to show you were friend. Legend says that Vikings, upon meeting a foe under mistletoe, would lay down arms and meet in peace. But did you know that mistletoe is for more than just kissing? In ancient times, it was called heal all, and many people today still believe in its uses in treating heart conditions, convulsive disorders, and even cancer. But don’t go out and start tinkering with it yourself! Mistletoe is toxic, and has been known to cause seizures in children. Always consult your healer before adding any potions to your health care.

Luckily, there are many ways to use mistletoe in magic that don’t involve my special potion-making skills. For example:


  • Hang a sprig of mistletoe over your door to bring peace and friendship to your house (and to protect against lightning!).
  • Burn some mistletoe to banish evil.
  • An amulet carved from mistletoe wood will promote fertility.
  • A sprig of mistletoe under your pillow or hanging from the headboard will promote restful sleep and peaceful dreams.
  • Share a kiss with your lover under the mistletoe and your love will endure.

And many more.

Mistletoe is such a useful plant, I have plenty in my stores no matter what time of year. If you have need, please come see me in the main Haus.

I’ve got to go now. We have a whole group of young vampires coming in for the next week, and I think that's my cue to hex my heater into submission.

A joyous and peaceful Yule to you all,

Sarka

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christmas Wishes... at the Wiccan Haus



Ah yes Christmas at the Wiccan Haus is always festive, there is bound to be someone who celebrates everything here on the island.




Our Holiday Wishes to you from the staff at the Wiccan Haus

Sage~ May you be blessed by the bounty of the earth.

Cemil ~ May you find your inner peace.

Cyrus~ May you and your family be safe and together.

Sarka ~ I wish someone would turn on the heat in my office.

Myron ~ May the cards be good to you and yours.

Rekkus ~ You don't really expect me to say something do you?  Go ask Trixie.

Dana~ May everyone find the happiness that my mate and I have. (I swear he really is a big pussy cat)

Trixie~ May peace be with you in every breath you take.

Serena~ May you find the love of  your life against all odds.


And from all the authors of the series. May you have a blessed and prosperous new year.  Thank you for the support you have shown us this year.


Get to know the series... though they are stand alones for those of you who like to read in order here they are....



Shifting Hearts (The introduction to the series) by Dominique Eastwick
A Man Worth Fighting For by Sara Daniel
An Apple Away By Kate Richards
Siren's Serenade by Dominique Eastwick
Physic Lies by Sara Daniel
Shifter's Dance By Vanessa North


If you are new to the series let us know and we can get you started with the first book for free just follow us here. One winner will also win the book of their choice to read!!!!!  To enter follow us here and comment :)





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Monday, December 3, 2012

Musa Publishing Announces Deal With Author Gary K. Wolf For Third Roger Rabbit Novel





(Lancaster, OH) Musa Publishing, an independent digital-first publisher, has announced today that they
will publish Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? by author Gary K. Wolf, the third book featuring Wolf's iconic character,
Roger Rabbit, and the denizens of Toontown.
"When I first got a submission in the inbox from Gary K. Wolf, creator of Roger Rabbit, I must admit that
I didn't take it seriously. After all, why would such a well-known author be coming to Musa?" confesses Musa
Editorial Director, Celina Summers. "But after I read his submission, all my doubts were erased. No other author
in the world has that distinct narrative voice. Rather quickly, we accepted two novels from Gary—The Late Great
Show! and Typical Day—and Gary became part of the Musa family. But even then, I never expected he'd bring us
a Roger Rabbit novel. "
Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? is the culmination of a twenty year wait for fans of the world that Wolf
first created in his 1981 Hugo-winning Who Censored Roger Rabbit? The third installment in the series has been
promised to fans for a long time but never released. Now, with the 25th anniversary of Who Framed Roger
Rabbit? on the horizon in 2013 and rumors of a 3-D reissue stirring up excitement among Roger Rabbit fans, the
collaboration between Wolf and Musa is coming at a significant time.
"I could easily have published Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? through a major print publishing house.
Instead, I choose to make this the first book of the Roger Rabbit series to be published digitally," Wolf
states. "That decision evolves directly from the way I work, from the core philosophy of what I write and why
I write it. I always push the boundaries in my writing. I invent worlds that nobody else ever thought about. I
create unique characters and situations. I try to always be at the forefront of my craft. That includes the way my
writing is presented to my readers. Digital publishing is clearly the future. It’s the way books are headed, so I’m
heading that way, too."
With his first book at Musa, The Late Great Show!, released in October and his second novel, Typical
Day, coming out on December 7, Wolf is no stranger to the Musa system. "I especially like the way Musa has
taken digital publishing into areas that I never thought of. Using proprietary software, I’m able to interact with
them electronically in real time. My editor, the publicity department, the art department, and everybody else
involved with my work all have instant access to everything I submit. And vice versa."
Wolf isn't the only well-known author bringing his works to Musa. USA Today bestselling author Sharon
De Vita has a multi-book deal with the publisher, and her romantic mystery The Estrogen Posse has been
increasing in sales since its release in October, 2011. Science fiction up-and-comer Gini Koch's serial—The
Martian Alliance—is being published by Musa, along with new and backlisted works from well-known authors
like Cindi Myers, Vella Munn, Helen Hardt, and Julia Bell. In addition, Musa is responsible for the Homer Eon
Flint project, where the entire body of work of this lost American science fiction author is being saved from
crumbling 1920s pulp magazines and disintegrating newspaper copy and published as e-books.
"Even two or three years ago, it would have been thought impossible to lure these writers to a small,
young publisher," Summers explains. "But because of our author-friendly policies and transparent business
model, small publishers like Musa are able to release books like Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? digitally, with both
a better product and prices far below what traditional publishers set for their e-books."
Both Summers and Wolf are optimistic about the prospects for Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? The novel
reunites all the old fan favorites—Eddie Valiant, his fuzzy sidekick Roger Rabbit, Baby Herman, and Roger’s va-
va-voom mate Jessica, who continue their madcap human and Toonian adventures. This time, Eddie is hired to

bodyguard for Gary Cooper and Roger Rabbit, the stars of a new movie to be shot entirely in Toontown.
"Musa is thrilled to publish the next installment in the Roger Rabbit world," Summers says. "Toontown
and e-publishing are destined to work well together. Gary has such an innovative mind. He takes risks daily with
his fiction—he enjoys taking creative risks. He can do that comfortably at Musa because we encourage all our
authors to reach further, to attempt things they normally wouldn't. E-publishing is all about trying things that
traditional publishers might be uncertain about."
With the release of Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? set for November of 2013, Musa and Wolf are
poised to gratify millions of Roger Rabbit fans across the world. The entertainment franchise is worth over
$500,000,000 and the fandom is as eager as ever to follow their beloved Roger Rabbit and Eddie Valiant into
new adventures—including e-publishing.
"Digital publishing is the wave of the future, and I’ve always been a wave of the future kind of guy," Wolf
states matter-of-factly. "For me, going digital wasn’t in any way a last resort. It was a necessity."

Gary Wolf is the NYT Bestselling author of numerous book, articles, and short stories including Who
Censored Roger Rabbit?, Who P-P-P-Plugged Roger Rabbit?, Space Vulture, and The Late Great Show! His
screen writing and credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Typhoon Lagoon, and—coming in 2014—The
Resurrectionist and Killerball. Awards for Wolf’s work include the Hugo Award, British Science Fiction Award,
SF Chronicle Award, and 4 Academy Awards. Wolf is an avid Yoga enthusiast and lives in Boston where he is a
full-time author, screenwriter, lecturer, entertainment consultant, and consummate “grown-up kid.” Look for
his next Roger Rabbit installment to be released November, 2013 by Musa Publishing.

Website: http://www.garywolf.com/

The Late Great Show! and Typical Day is available through Musa Publishing, www.amazon.com,
www.barnesandnoble.com and e-tailers worldwide.

More information available from Musa Publishing at www.musapublishing.com and
www.musapublishing.blogspot.com .

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Blog hop

PhotobucketFrom all of us at Musa Publishing and the authors and editors of the Wiccan Haus we wish to thank everyone who puts their lives on the line to help others. We also like to say thank you to the families who support their servicemen and women. the mothers, fathers, spouses, children, life partners, friends and extended family. Knowing that their loved ones are safe eases their minds when they are away.

Two of our Wiccan Haus books revolve around military men.

Sara Daniel's A MAN WORTH FIGHTING FOR is about Justin an Army Man in need of healing.

And Dominique Eastwick's SIRENS SERENADE. whose Kaleb is Coast Guard.

There is a lot of love for the men in uniform at the Wiccan Haus. Even if that required them out of uniform occasionally.





Blurb for A MAN WORTH FIGHTING FOR by Sara Daniel

Shot by a member of his military team, Justin Lawson retreats to the Wiccan Haus. Holly Walters refuses to accept her boyfriend's out-of-the-blue rejection without an explanation, even if getting the answers forces her to be trapped on a bizarre island for an entire week. She's going to use every minute to work Justin out of her system once and for all. Justin's body and spirit begin to heal under Holly's loving ministrations. As she talks about never seeing each other again, he realizes he never wants to let her go. But the rogue assassin who had gone after Justin before is after him again. Before he can fight to make Holly believe in their love, he'll have to fight for both their lives.








Blurb From SIRENS SERENADE by Dominique Eastwick


When Coast Guard rescue swimmer Kaleb Theldon sees what he's sure is a mermaid pulling his partner into the murky depths of the Bering Sea, they call it PTSD. In order to save his career, Kaleb agrees to a week at an island spa off the coast of Maine. But the spa is nothing like he expected, and he isn't prepared for the sexy siren that crosses his path. But will her passion be more than one mere human can take?

Serena has a problem, and after four previous visits to the Wiccan Haus, she'd expected things to get easier. But on the mermaid’s fifth visit, Kaleb walks in and everything in her life becomes complicated. Never has she wanted to mate with a human man before. But can she love a man who has a chip on his shoulder a league long when it comes to mermaids? Can she deal with her own issues all while keeping her true self secret from the man she loves?

And will loving him prove deadly?

This time, the staff have more than healing on their agenda. Can the siblings, Myron, and Rekkus prove to these two lovers that things aren't always how they appear on the surface? Or will Kaleb's demise be found in his Siren's Serenade?

Welcome back to the Wiccan Haus.




Okay now for the Contest :) Always a good plan right.

Tell us what branch of the military you would like to see represented in future Wiccan Haus books. Follow us here. You will be entered to win the Wiccan Haus book of your choice. You can find the list here


Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday, October 26, 2012

NEW RELEASE Psychic Lies





Today is release day for the newest book in the Wiccan Haus series, Psychic Lies by Sara Daniel. http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25&products_id=430 To celebrate, Sara loaned us the book’s hero Armando Verdad for a few quick questions. Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Armando. Why do you think Sara Daniel choose you to represent her?

I don’t know why she wants me here. But as the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for Syndicate (which is the government of the paranormal world for you humans out there), I can’t afford to pass up any positive coverage to boost my department’s image right now.

Tell us a little about yourself?
As you might have figured out, I have the truth-finding power. This means when I touch a person who is speaking, their words mentally play back in my head followed by the word “truth” or “lie.” If the person speaks a sentence that is half truth and half lie, my power will break it into parts so I know exactly what part is truth and which is a lie. This makes me a very useful investigator for the government in solving crimes and ferreting out those who aim to deceive our honest citizens.

What do you wish people would know about you?
I wish people understood how much I want to use my power for the greater good of keeping the Syndicate safe. It’s true that I don’t have Cyrus’s amazing retro-cog power, but I can still make a difference, and I intend to prove it by cracking this high-profile murder case before the police do. I’m following the victim’s lifebond Vetter to the Wiccan Haus. She’s definitely hiding something, and I’m going to figure out exactly what and bring her to justice.

I get the feeling you don’t believe you’re portrayed fairly in the media?
I have a problem with everyone believing the Department of Truth-Finding is not capable of solving crimes and protecting the Syndicate. Everyone constantly wants to compare me to Cyrus. It’s very frustrating to continually come up short.

What really pushes your buttons?
People not telling the truth, obviously. But aside from the big lies to cover up evil intentions, I don’t understand why people lie about insignificant things that don’t matter either way. How do I know which lies are worth digging into when everything that comes out of a person’s mouth is a lie?

Sounds like you need to relax a bit. Any ideas on how to go about that?
Well, if I’m lucky enough to have a woman to relax with, I enjoy a picnic with some exotic fruit, a variety of cheeses and a fine white wine. I’m not opposed to finishing the meal off with a nice massage or a swim in the lake (clothing *ah-hem* optional), but ultimately it’s whatever the lady wants. If she’s happy, then I’m relaxed.

Is the man on the cover of Psychic Lies a fair representation of you?
The man is definitely me, and the picture of the lake behind me is very nice, as well. But cover itself is rather embarrassing. I’m the head of a government department. I need to be portrayed professionally, wearing my overcoat…or, at the very least, have my shirt buttoned.

What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is the Syndicate dissolving the Department of Truth Finding, so I’ll be forced to use my power to investigate cheating spouses and petty concerns. How does that serve the greater good?

Thank you, Armando, for dropping by to talk with us today. I hope your trip to the Wiccan Haus gives you the answers you’re looking for.

The Wiccan Haus: Psychic Lies
Fiona must keep her ability to read minds during sex a secret from those determined to exploit her, especially a sexy truth-finding investigator who needs her psychic power to save his job.

Blurb:
Fiona has spent her life hiding her sexual mind-reading power at the risk of being exploited by the government. Instead, she pretends to have lifebond vetting powers like the rest of her family. When her fake power results in the death of an innocent woman, her life of lies unravels and she retreats to the Wiccan Haus.

Armando is the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for the Syndicate. To prove his unit’s worth to the government, he follows Fiona to the Wiccan Haus to expose her as an infiltrator of an enemy faction. The truth about Fiona is even more valuable to his people and his career.

Fiona uses her power to seduce Armando and stop his plans to betray her. But nothing is strong enough to keep her from falling in love with this man whose power threatens to destroy her. Now she must trust him, not only with her life and her psychic lies, but also her heart.

Excerpt:
Fiona dropped her fork. How could her soul have picked a man like this for her mate? The Fates played cruel jokes, and once again they’d come at her expense. “The Vetter was just trying her best.”

“Her best to do what?” Armando demanded, gripping her arm a bit tighter.

“To be a Vetter.” By the Goddess, she’d tried so hard. Her failure had cost an innocent woman her life.

He rubbed his hand along her arm, his face breaking into a smile again. “You know, I believe you’re right.”

A fat lot of good that did for Lizbet. She looked down at his hand on her arm. “Why are you always touching me?” She didn’t know him well enough to warrant the constant contact, but she enjoyed his touch. She didn’t deserve to enjoy anything.

He smiled wider. “I can’t stop myself from touching you, Fiona. You feel the connection too, don’t you?”

She hated that her soul wanted to claim a man who scorned anyone who didn’t use their powers for the greater good. Denying her true powers was the entire foundation of her life. “I’m actually not a tactile person.”

That was such a big lie she couldn’t look him in the eye. Not a tactile person. All her powers were concentrated in the most intimate tactile experience possible.

His grin split even wider. “I’d love the chance to prove you wrong.”

And when he did, she’d know what he was thinking. She’d know how much he despised the woman who claimed to be a Vetter and allowed the Commander’s beloved daughter to lifebond with a man who ended up murdering her. Fiona had come to the Wiccan Haus to get away from the public’s hatred and scorn, not see it behind this man’s beautiful smile and feel it no matter how warm and gentle his hands.

She shoved away from the table and ran for the exit.

“What’s wrong? That was supposed to be a compliment,” Armando called after her.

The dining room quieted around her. Everyone stared. Once again, she was drawing attention and making a fool of herself. But she couldn’t stop.

All she’d ever wanted was to be a simple Vetter with real vetting powers. But that life was a lie. The truth, however, was far worse than a life of lies.

Buy Link:

Connect with Sara Daniel:


Other Wiccan Haus Books





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Sunday, October 21, 2012

Coming soon....



ONE WEEK MORE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!














Fiona must keep her ability to read minds during sex a secret from those determined to exploit her, especially a sexy truth-finding investigator who needs her psychic power to save his job.
Fiona has spent her life hiding her sexual mind-reading power at the risk of being exploited by the government. Instead, she pretends to have lifebond vetting powers like the rest of her family. When her fake power results in the death of an innocent woman, her life of lies unravels and she retreats to the Wiccan Haus.
Armando is the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for the Syndicate. To prove his unit’s worth to the government, he follows Fiona to the Wiccan Haus to expose her as an infiltrator of an enemy faction. The truth about Fiona is even more valuable to his people and his career.
Fiona uses her power to seduce Armando and stop his plans to betray her. But nothing is strong enough to keep her from falling in love with this man whose power threatens to destroy her. Now she must trust him, not only with her life and her psychic lies, but also her heart.

Excerpt

Fiona dropped her fork. How could her soul have picked a man like this for her mate? The Fates played cruel jokes, and once again they’d come at her expense. “The Vetter was just trying her best.”
“Her best to do what?” Armando demanded, gripping her arm a bit tighter.
“To be a Vetter.” By the Goddess, she’d tried so hard. Her failure had cost an innocent woman her life.
He rubbed his hand along her arm, his face breaking into a smile again. “You know, I believe you’re right.”
A fat lot of good that did for Lizbet. She looked down at his hand on her arm. “Why are you always touching me?” She didn’t know him well enough to warrant the constant contact, but she enjoyed his touch. She didn’t deserve to enjoy anything.
He smiled wider. “I can’t stop myself from touching you, Fiona. You feel the connection too, don’t you?
She hated that her soul wanted to claim a man who scorned anyone who didn’t use their powers for the greater good. Denying her true powers was the entire foundation of her life. “I’m actually not a tactile person.”
That was such a big lie she couldn’t look him in the eye. Not a tactile person. All her powers were concentrated in the most intimate tactile experience possible.
His grin split even wider. “I’d love the chance to prove you wrong.”
And when he did, she’d know what he was thinking. She’d know how much he despised the woman who claimed to be a Vetter and allowed the Commander’s beloved daughter to lifebond with a man who ended up murdering her. Fiona had come to the Wiccan Haus to get away from the public’s hatred and scorn, not see it behind this man’s beautiful smile and feel it no matter how warm and gentle his hands.
She shoved away from the table and ran for the exit.
“What’s wrong? That was supposed to be a compliment,” Armando called after her.
The dining room quieted around her. Everyone stared. Once again, she was drawing attention and making a fool of herself. But she couldn’t stop.
All she’d ever wanted was to be a simple Vetter with real vetting powers. But that life was a lie. The truth, however, was far worse than a life of lies.