Brain Wanted; Words Needed

Posted in Warrior's Duty by JustineWinter

How do you operate when you’ve left your brain behind?
Behind where? Good question.

That is today’s conundrum because somehow I’ve managed to completely overlook that a year ago to the day I released Sapphire’s Divinity. I’ve forgotten another important anniversary in my book-filled world. So it’s obvious that I have no functioning brain to speak of, and therefore no fun and giveaways planned. Boo.

But I do have something to offer as a compromise. A teaser from book 4 of the Nature’s Destiny series. This is probably the earliest in my process I’ve ever released a teaser – I’m literally only in the beginning of writing this beauty, but still aiming to release by the end of the year. Hang tight, my werewolf-loving friends.

Without further ado, I give you the teaser and title below.

Enjoy!

*First draft. Content subject to change come publication. Unedited. Copyright, Justine Winter.*

The beast taunted me, stalked me like I was its prey. Its coal-like skin, straight from the mouth of hell, sizzled brightly with streaks of orange. The lava of its home. I never stood a chance in this war, I was one wolf against an army of demons; they kept me distracted long enough to ensure there was nothing I could do to jeopardise their hostile takeover. I soon learned that distraction was their greatest tactic, their only worthwhile weapon. But still, there were little acts of heroism I could partake in; chained and bound in a cage granted me seldom freedom. I was the hell beasts’ toy, to scratch, to bite, to chase when dull moments had them bored. Compared to my torment, I was sure death would be a gift as inviting as a freshly picked bouquet of flowers. I no longer wanted to endure such heinous, criminal, apocalyptic affairs.

I wished for death, and the devil laughed in my face.

Warrior’s Duty
Coming Winter 2015

10Feb2015

Winter’s Hibernation

Posted in Guardians Dynasty, Writing by JustineWinter

Jesus Justine! Where’ve you been?

I know that’s the thought pursed on your lips. It’s been a while since I’ve properly blogged, and I apologise for that, but I promise I’ve been busy. Well, mostly busy. The rest of the time I may have spent it watching this. . .

And drinking a little of this. . .

And watching a little more. . .

And I may or may not be watching it as I write this post, and drinking too. Hey, what can I say? I’m consistent. Besides all of that, I truly have been hard at work, busting out the words I know you’re dying to read. So, how about a little exciting update?

Guardians Dynasty, Nature’s Destiny 3, releases in TWO WEEKS. Two weeks today! And judging by the messages I’ve been receiving you’re all dying to know what’s going to happen between Luna and Riley. Fear not, the wait is almost over. So, how about a little teaser?

“Luna, it’s Jaiyana.”

Taken by surprise, I smiled into the phone. It was good to hear from her. “Hey! How are you?”

“Busy, as always. Things aren’t looking good in the supernatural world.”

I sighed. “I know. Did you hear what happened?” Entering the living room I settled on one of the sofas, pressing the phone to my ear.

“Actually, it’s why I’m calling. My brother, sister and I apologise for not being able to celebrate with you, unfortunately our calling prohibited time for fun. Your world is becoming decidedly dark, Luna, and there are many forces battling for freedom.”

My breath hitched. I’d known this was coming, the demon had all but promised it, but hearing the words from Jaiyana was a confirmation I didn’t want.

The war was building around us.

Guardian's Dynasty 1 b

Ooh, isn’t that exciting?! I can’t wait to find out what you guys think of the journey in this book. Aside from the wolves in Nature’s Destiny, I’ve also been dedicating my time to the wolves in Alpha Wanted, a 3-part serial I intend to release sometime in Spring. So fear not, darlings! I may be quiet on here, but I’m working furiously in the background to get you what you want most: a sizzling Alpha with a story to tell.

Have a great week!

2Nov2014

Nature’s Destiny Paperback Giveaway

Posted in Nature's Destiny by JustineWinter

It’s giveaway time!

What better way to celebrate my birthday, Halloween, bonfire night and Christmas than with a giveaway? Or, you know, any other reason you can think of…

I’m a sucker for this time of year; I absolutely love it. The colder, darker, longer nights, the necessary need for hot chocolate, and everything relates to Christmas. The food, films, music, family time, and the inspiration that always comes to mind – watch out for a project I’m working on coming this time next year. Until the end of December 2014, I’m hosting a giveaway via Goodreads for a SIGNED paperback of Nature’s Destiny, the first book in my Werewolf series. Enter here.

Nature’s Destiny Teaser

There wasn’t a need for talk as I watched the sky. It was a dark, navy colour and it shone with the many stars that twinkled above me. Captivating from the get-go, I settled to enjoy the peace and quiet. Who knew what I’d be facing in the future?
Riley’s even breathing held a steady rhythm that lulled and hypnotized me. It was completely tranquil. I decided to rest my eyes for a few minutes, and tightened my hold on his shirt.
I drifted off into a dreamless sleep, and stirred a few minutes later.
“Getting sleepy, sweetheart?” he asked.
I nodded, and attempted to get up.
“Where are you going?”
“We should probably go back, right?” I asked.
“No, we can stay here if you want. Inside or outside, it’s up to you,” he said, as he motioned for me to settle down in his arms again. I did without complaining. I liked it here.
“Won’t we get cold?” I asked. As warm as I was, I was unsure if the drop in temperature was going to affect us.
“Shhh. Stop worrying, there’s a blanket inside if we need it. Close your eyes my beautiful Luna, I will take care of you.”
I did as I was told, sneaking one last look at the stars. My destiny written all over them.
“Riley?”
“Mmm?”
“Do you think the prophecy, my destiny, is exactly what you were told?”
“Destiny is what we make through the choices life gives us. The future isn’t promised, which is why we make each day count. Live for you, not because of what’s expected of you. We don’t judge, we protect. That’s family, and that’s pack. And I will always be here for you, Luna. We’ll get through this together.” He kissed the top of my head and tightened his arms around me.
My choices had been taken away from me the day I was turned. Since then I’d followed orders. I wasn’t me anymore, I was the person I was always supposed to become. Special.
It didn’t matter what everyone thought. I was going to protect my pack, especially Riley. Nothing was going to stop me from giving him the happiness he deserved. Even if that meant war.

11Sep2014

Seven 11 Blog Hop

Posted in 7-11 Blog Hop, Guardians Dynasty, Writing by JustineWinter

Every year this day comes around too fast. I’ll switch on the tv to find documentary upon documentary re-living the tragic events of 13 years ago, and once again I’ll realise we’re nearing another anniversary. I was only 10 at the time, and yet I still remember that day even though I had absolutely no idea what was going on. While I’m busy writing today, creating fake tragedies that supernatural creatures can stop, I’ll be taking a moment’s silence to remember the many that lost their lives, including the brave men and women that sacrificed theirs to save another. I only wish there’d been a Riley and Luna to save them.

So, speaking of Riley and Luna, I bet you’re wondering what I’m going to share with you for this months blog hop. With Nature’s Destiny published, and Sapphire’s Divinity published too, I figured I’d give you something hot off the press. I’m going to share the very first snippet of what’s to come from book 3 which does have a title. This is the earliest I’ve ever worked out a title for a book, and you know what? I think I’m going to share that today, too. Exciting? Woohoo!!

Okay, drum roll, please . . .

The third book in the Nature’s Destiny series is called . . .

Guardians Dynasty

And here’s this months 7-line teaser which I only wrote on Tuesday; it’s that new!

*Unedited, first draft only. Content subject to change.*

“The story of the Blood Moon, however, is supposedly the symbol of a new realm on Earth, a new way of living controlled by the demons’ beasts.”

“Hell beasts,” Shane clarified. “They tear the world apart until fear and evil is all that’s left within the humans. No hope. No happiness. No laughter.”

“And the demons join our world indefinitely,” Riley finished.

If you enjoyed that then you might want to check out this giveaway I have going on right now. Every Alpha needs a Beta. Just like Riley depends on Nick and Shane, I’m offering the chance for two lucky readers to become Beta’s for the next book in the series. What does that mean? It means YOU get to read the next story before anyone else AND tell me what you think! Sound like fun? It should be! Enter here. Good Luck!

Also, there’s an amazing giveaway going with Janet Wallace (creator of UtopYACon) and author S.M. Boyce who’ve teamed up to offer 2 general admission tickets to 2015’s UtopYACon! How awesome is that? If you want to know more, I suggest you check out S.M Boyce’s post here, and then you can enter the giveaway here. Trust me, this is a giveaway you don’t want to miss.

Every month several other incredibly talented authors post their 7-line teaser, too. So make sure you check out the list below to see what they have to offer this week. Have a great weekend!

Amanda Aksel – Contemporary Women’s Fiction/ Chick Lit

Heather Hildenbrand – YA

Kayla Smith – Fiction, YA

Steph Nuss – Contemporary Romance

Alicia Sheehy – YA Fantasy

Kasi Blake – YA Paranormal

S. M. Boyce – Fantasy

26Jul2014

Target Acquired

Posted in Writing by JustineWinter

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my love for the amazing TV programme, Arrow, and then I spoke about my goals. Today, I’m going to talk about both because…

The first look at season 3 came out yesterday at SDCC!

Have you guys seen it yet? NO? Than have no fear, I’ve got this covered! Be warned though, if you haven’t seen season 2 yet then you may want to skip this. Not only do we get a quick recap of the previous action-filled season, but we also see some Super teasers of what’s to come.

What’s that I hear you say? Can’t wait until October to see it? Yeah, I hear you.

I know, I know. Quit jibber jabbing and show the damn clip.

Okay, I hope you’re ready…

Don’t worry, I know exactly what you’re thinking, and how you’re feeling right now. My emotions were up and down throughout, and don’t get me started on the amount of frowns, smiles, and confusion displayed on my face.

AWESOME, RIGHT?

Please tell me you didn’t miss this guy? Can Roy Harper get any better?

And then there’s that scene. You know the one. Starts with dinner and ends in blood…

Oh, man! For a two minute clip, I could dissect, hypothesise and talk about the plot lines for days! I’ll save you the earache though. I’m nice like that.

So, where do my goals come into this? SDCC. San Diego Comic Con. The mother and father of all things epic. The heroin(e) to my inner geek. I will attend next year. I have to. I need to.

Goal set. Operation Geek is a go.

Winter, out.

14Jun2014

Marking Milestones

Posted in Sapphire's Divinity, Writing by JustineWinter

For some, Friday 13th brings out the superstition. A fear of black cats, of walking under ladders, or stepping over three consecutive drains. Add in a full moon and the spidey senses really start to tingle. That wasn’t the case for me yesterday, in fact I had the best day, and here’s why…

I finished the first draft of the Nature’s Destiny sequel!

#Woohoo #WerewolvesRule

While the sun shines gloriously on this beautiful Saturday, I’m dancing around like a loon, spreading plenty of happy vibes to everyone I see. I mean, hello! I’ve just added another amazing milestone to my journey. Why wouldn’t I be excited and full of infectious cheer?

So, now I bet you’re wondering what it’s called, and because I’m all about sharing I’m going to tell you. Just let me catch my breath while I build up the tension…

Ready? I thought so.

The Nature’s Destiny sequel is called…

It was only fitting that I finished my werewolf novel on a full moon, after all. And, because I just can’t help myself, I’m going to share a little snippet.

I’m off to spend this sunny day in the garden with my kindle, catching up on some much-needed reading as a way to celebrate. Let’s face it, I’d be crazy if I didn’t take the time to acknowledge this little achievement with some sort of reward.

Though I still have rewrites, and editing to go through, I’m pumped with energy to get started on them come Monday (if I can last that long). I’m pretty bad at chilling out without feeling guilty. Anyone else feel that way?

Anyway, I’ve digressed. I wish you all a fantastic weekend, and I hope you enjoy the snippet below from my upcoming novel, Sapphire’s Divinity.

*Content may change come publication*

The brightness of orange surrounded me, and the daunting colour of black billowed into the sky. I was trapped, sweating from the raging temperature. A small circle of the dry ground was all that stood between me and the fire. It rose like a wall, curling in the wind like tendrils of hair.

The smoke, so strong and potent burned my nose, making each breath harder than the last. I was choking, desperately searching for oxygen.

I had to escape, I was needed somewhere else. I couldn’t let the fire stand between me and my family. They were testing me, seeing what strength I actually possessed, but it didn’t matter.

My physical abilities withered, and the heat was unbearable. It wasn’t my powers they wanted, it was my mind. No matter what, when my family was in danger I was going to save them whatever the consequence.

Riley needed me. I couldn’t explain it, but the turmoil my body was enduring I was sure was his, like I had that connection with him again. Nothing hurt me more than knowing Riley was in pain.

I searched for an opening in the fire, but it was no use. They’d made sure I couldn’t leave, which only fuelled my hatred. I was past the point of caring about myself.

The heat was exhausting, and I struggled even more with my basic need to breathe. I mustered what little strength remained, and charged through the fire.

The moment the flames penetrated my skin I screamed like a savage beast. My skin was melting, the poignant smell of burning flesh followed me as I forced myself to endure the pain, to continue forward.

My face blistered uncontrollably, and my willpower faded. I was losing the fight, and losing the will to live.