Carla Swafford, Author

Relationships in My Books

Posted on March 8, 2017March 4, 2017 by Carla Swafford, Author

Recently, I read an interesting article about how readers enjoy seeing the relationships in an author’s books spelled out on her website or blog. So here you go. Be careful. There are some spoilers.

THE CIRCLE NOVELS (Circle of: Desire, Danger, Deception, Dishonor, Defiance)

CircleofDesire mm c
Olivia St.Vincent (DESIRE) – trained by Theodore Palmer (leader of The Circle) to be an assassin, kidnapped by the hero, Collin Ryker. Shows up also in minor roles in DANGER, DECEPTION, and DISHONOR.

Collin Ryker (DESIRE) – leader of the OS, he’ll do anything to protect his people, even hand over the woman he’s fallen for to his enemy. He believed his brother (Arthur Ryker) was dead. Loves to fight with Olivia.

Marie Beltane (DANGER)- slave to Theodore Danger cover2 Palmer, set free when hero, Ryker, kills Theodore. As a child, she was protected by Ryker from Theo. Shows up also in DESIRE and DECEPTION.

Arthur Ryker (DANGER) – brother to Collin Ryker; leader of The Circle after Theo’s death, scarred on one side of face and body from a fire when he was a preteen, wears a patch over one eye. Shows up also in DESIRE, DECEPTION, DISHONOR, and DEFIANCE.

Abigail “Abby” Rodriguez (DECEPTION) – operative in the OS, thought to be Final Hi-Res Cover dead by former fiancé, Rex Drago, and was the security officer called A.J. with The Circle. Growing up, she always felt out of place with an passive aggressive mom and overachieving brother. Shows up in DESIRE and DANGER.

Rex Drago (DECEPTION) – second in command at the OS, tallest of the heroes at six-five; a thin scar in “v” shape from cheek to mouth to eye. He’s determined to find out why Abby disappeared before their wedding. He hates Olivia and thought she’d been involved in Abby’s death. And he dislikes his brother, rumors are that his brother and Abby are lovers. Shows up in DESIRE, DANGER, and DEFIANCE.

Lena Matthews (DISHONOR) – a widow with no connections to The Circle or OS. She is Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00009] fascinated by the instructor of tae kwon do, Master J (John). After a stale marriage, she’s really for adventure, and she gets that and more. She’s only in this story.

John “Ice” Takahashi (DISHONOR) – assassin for The Circle, had long blue hair until his book. He killed his yakuza father for dishonoring his American mother. Protective of his half sister. He wants to leave The Circle. An expert in Shibari. Shows up also in DANGER and DECEPTION.

Katerina Savalas (DEFIANCE) – daughter to Mikolas Savalas, crime lord (mentioned in Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00009] DANGER and DECEPTION); has four brothers. Overprotected by the males in her family, she wants to be independent. Shows up also in DANGER.

Jack Drago (DEFIANCE) – second in command at The Circle, a womanizer who has slept with his brother’s wife-to-be and another operative’s wife, and he gave up the OS to be near Olivia in The Circle. His only friend is Marie (Ryker’s love). He loves cats and tattoos, and of course his heroine, Katerina. When he’s turned on he recites poetry. Being a romantic, in Danger, he’d returned Katerina to her father rolled up in a rug (like Cleopatra). Shows up also in DESIRE, DANGER, and DECEPTION.

A Secondary character in The Circle novels

One character I want to mention here is Ty Roman. He’s a fascinating man. A spy and assassin in disguise. Some readers have mentioned him, but I wonder how many know he’s in Desire along with Danger, Deception and Defiance. He’s mentioned by name in all of those books, except for Desire. In that one, he’s the prisoner of Theo’s that was moved at the time A.J. was imprisoned before Olivia shows up in the cell next to her. If you read them, I bet you didn’t know that. And here’s a little secret, he’s the one trying to take over or destroy The Circle. Maybe one day, I’ll write his book. He’s a very bad man who needs redemption and maybe a kick ass heroine.

THE BROTHERS OF MAYHEM NOVELS (Hidden Heat, Full Heat, Naked Heat)

Hidden Heat_Swafford Cassidy Ryder (HIDDEN) – daughter to former president of Brothers of Mayhem Motorcycle Club. All she wants is to keep her brother (Storm) away from the club. Shows up also in FULL HEAT.

Thorn Savalas (HIDDEN) – Brother to Wolf, undercover cop, and nephew of Trick Savalas, local crime lord. Great nephew to Mikolas Savalas (CIRCLE OF DEFIANCE). He protects his heroine (Cassidy) from the president of the local Mayhem chapter. Has a sleeve of tattoos. Shows up also in FULL and NAKED.

Full Heat_Swafford Mary Jane Parker (FULL) – co-owner of Marcus-Parker Motorcycle Repair Shops. Brought up in an eclectic commune. She needs help from the Brothers of Mayhem to protect her partner from the Thirty-second, but they are too late when her partner turns up dead and they come after her. She’s only in the this story.

Storm Ryder (FULL) – Brother to Cassidy. Served a term in prison with time extended due to fighting. Friend to Wolf Savalas. Elected as youngest president of local Mayhem chapter. Shows up also in HIDDEN.

Sofia Cruz (NAKED) – cousin to Toro (enemy of the Brothers of Mayhem and leader of the naked-heat-cover Thirty-second gang). Sent ex-husband to jail and he wants her back. She never imagined falling in love with a Mayhem Brother. She shows up only in this story.

Wolf Savalas (NAKED) – Brother to Thorn, nephew of Trick Savalas, local crime lord. Great nephew to Mikolas Savalas (CIRCLE OF DEFIANCE). Friend to Storm Ryder. Former VP of the Brothers of Mayhem. Must protect his heroine from nearly everyone. HA! He feels abandoned by his brother. Shows up in HIDDEN and FULL.

Locations

Sand City in Sand County: A fictional city and county in Alabama. Really, no way did I want to hear from some city or county official about how terrible I was making the place sound. So I made one up. Mentioned in Circle of Deception, Circle of Defiance, Hidden Heat, Full Heat, and Naked Heat. And will show up in one of the books from my new Southern Crime Family (Whitfield family) series to be released in a few months or so. The Whitfields are mentioned in Full Heat and Naked Heat. And Sand City/ County is the setting for another book to come out in a couple years.

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Odd Observation, Writing

The Emerald City

Posted on March 6, 2017March 6, 2017 by Carla Swafford, Author

wizard-of-oz-quote Being a published author is like being Dorthy going to the Emerald City. You want to get to that beautiful, magical place of where your wonderful story will be presented to the world. But you have to go through trials and detours. Scary things like flying monkeys trying to hold you back and witches trying to stop you, but when you finally arrive, it takes your breath away. It’s more than you ever imagined. You’re fascinated by all of the exciting activity, and how everyone wants to make your story pretty as possible.

And then you go to see the wizard (booksellers and reviewers). Still a little scary, but you know this is what you want and you’re determined to show how brave you are. Then with a lot of clanging and smoke billowing, you find out the truth.

It’s what is in you that makes you successful. Not all the hoopla or even the polishing, your writing is all that counts and will bring you to where you should be. So simple, yet so difficult.

[As you can tell, I quite often relate writing to movies. My post is from the one I did for the Romance Magicians’ blog on January 15, 2016, but changed a little.]

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Writing

What You Can Learn From a Movie

Posted on March 3, 2017February 22, 2017 by Carla Swafford, Author

batman-begins Yes. I’m revisiting old blog posts from my stint at the Romance Magicians’ blog. Here’s another favorite from May 28, 2006. It still applies.

What you can learn from Batman Begins, and how it applies to writing.

1) If you want something bad enough, you’ll climb mountains for it. (If you wish to be published, don’t expect it to be easy. Plan to improve on your weaknesses and exploit your strengths.)

2) You have to hit rock bottom before you can look up. (Rejections of all different types can push you down, but they can help you appreciate the successes.)

3) Be prepared to change course. Be flexible. (Though you have THAT certain publishing house or special editor in mind, keep your eyes open for other opportunities.)

4) Have plenty of back up. (Keep writing. Build up your library, and at the same time, improve on your experience.)

5) It doesn’t matter what others think. It’s more important what you think of yourself. (This is the hardest lesson of all, but we need to believe in ourselves. Believe in yourself and your writing.)

6) When we fall, we must learn to pick ourselves up. (Again, rejection can knock you down, but keep writing. An editor cannot publish a book you haven’t written. No one can write your book for you.)

7) You can’t do it alone. (Surround yourself with supportive people. Join a RWA chapter and be active.)

8) Even regular looking guys look good in black leather. (No explanation needed. See picture above.)

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Odd Observation, Writing

Ten Things I Hate About Writing

Posted on March 1, 2017January 18, 2020 by Carla Swafford, Author

!FB meme If you follow me here or on Facebook, you know that I love lists. This is one I did at the Romance Magicians’ blog back on August 14, 2009.

10. I hate how I have to wait months and months (I’m a slow writer) before I can find out how my own book ends.

9. I hate how I fall in love with my hero and then have to give him up. He belongs to the heroine.

8. I hate how I have to concentrate on one book at a time. I have two hands, two sides of one brain (the logical side to set the plot, the creative side to make a love scene believable). Why can’t I write two books simulaneously?

7. I hate how I can’t save children from predators and kick butt like my heroines.

6. I hate how my love life isn’t as exciting as my heroines’. Oops! Did I just type that?

5. I hate how I have to write a synopsis to sell my book. How do you say CliffsNotes?

4. I hate writing the synopsis.

3. I hate how I get a bug-eyed look from non-writers when I talk about writing.

2. I hate how I can talk about nothing but writing.

And drum roll please….

1. I hate how no one [publisher] has bought any of my books yet.

Since I wrote this, I’ve sold three books to Avon (HarperCollins) and two books to Loveswept (Random House). And I’ve self-published one novel and two novellas.

For more information about my books, click on one of the following booksellers.

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Writing

A Hero’s and Heroine’s Top Five Traits by Olivia St. Vincent

Posted on February 27, 2017March 5, 2017 by Carla Swafford, Author

CircleofDesire mm c [Reprint of my post on 08/15/2014 at the Romance Magicians blog; it was so much fun, I thought it worth repeating here.]

Carla’s busy for the next couple of weeks. So she wanted my help in writing her post, and I told her I would on one condition, that she write me into her latest book. Well, she did. Sort of. The tricky little bitch. She gave me a two-bit part in CIRCLE OF DISHONOR. And only a small mention in CIRCLE OF DEFIANCE. Talk about being gypped!

*sigh*

Okay, okay. I didn’t fine tune the agreement. I’ll know next time. Anyway, my name’s Olivia St. Vincent, and if the name is familiar, then thank you for reading my story in CIRCLE OF DESIRE and my cameos in CIRCLE OF DANGER, CIRCLE OF DECEPTION, and CIRCLE OF DISHONOR. Though the last one she wouldn’t even let me kiss ―

Olivia. Shut up and get to the post you promised to type for Carla.

That’s sugar britches, everyone. My hubby, Collin, who probably won’t live to see our third anniversary coming up this October.

Enough, Olivia!

*eyes roll*

He has a point. Now, the conversation we had with Carla the other day.

—

Carla: Olivia, what are the top five traits you look for in a hero?

Olivia: Well, let’s see. I never imagined falling for a man who talked in a near whisper most of the time. Though I must admit, when he talks, a room full of arguing operatives shuts up in seconds. That’s a man who can lead.

Carla: So number one would be a commanding voice.

Olivia: More like number five. The voice helps get my engine running, but it’s not number one.

Carla: Olivia, don’t forget this needs to stay PG. So no physical traits to be included in the list.

Olivia: I’m hurt. You don’t trust me?

Carla: Let’s say I know you too well.

Olivia: Very well then, let’s get to it. Trait number four: a hero must be comfortable with handling weapons of all types. You know how I love guns, especially sniper rifles, the more powerful the better.

Carla: So an expert in weaponry. I guess, when it comes to a trait, it would fall in the category of being protective. That would be number four. Three more to go.

Olivia: A hero must be honorable. He would never take advantage of those weaker.

Carla: Now we’re getting somewhere. I agree totally. That would be number three. So you think Collin is honorable?

Olivia: Humph! Who said we’re talking about him? I thought you wanted to know about heroes.

Carla: Collin is certainly hero material. He could have killed you instead of bringing you into his organization, the OS.

Olivia: He could’ve tried.

Carla: Olivia.

Olivia: Oh, okay. Yes. He handled it rather well that time I held the sniper rifle on him and accused him of betraying me to The Circle, though he did eventually hand me over to them.

Carla: You know he didn’t have a choice. Your ex-boss would’ve killed the two OS operatives he held hostage.

Olivia: Yeah, yeah. Don’t beat me over the head with it. Collin’s all noble and a bag of chips.

Carla: You sound almost jealous.

Olivia: Everyone thinks he’s God’s Gift to the universe and I’m evil incarnate. Wouldn’t you get tired of being painted like that?

Carla: I’m sorry. You’re right. Let’s continue on with our list.

Olivia: All right. Number two. Hmm, this is getting more difficult. I can’t include body parts?

Carla: No. Physical. Traits.

Olivia: Don’t get snippy. What is it that you call a hero who’s a push over when tears are involved?

Carla: Maybe you’re thinking compassionate.

Olivia: Sure. Compassionate. I like how it goes along with passionate.

Carla: Ooolivia.

Olivia: That’s not a body part. Geez. You’re no fun.

Carla: Let’s move on to number one. What’s the most important trait?

Olivia: Easy. He must be intelligent.

Carla: Smart. I agree.

Olivia: Collin was smart enough to fall in love with me.

Carla: I thought we weren’t talking about Collin.

Olivia: Of course, the man’s got a big enough—

Carla: Oooliva!

Olivia: Now who’s being naughty with that dirty mind? Tsk, tsk, tsk! I was saying he had a big enough ego without me adding to it.

Carla: *sigh* Okay. Go over there while I talk with Collin.

Olivia: Fine. But don’t believe a word he says.

Carla: Shh! Behave, Olivia. Collin, thank you for being so patient. It’s only fair to ask you a similar question. What are the top five traits you look for in a heroine? Starting with number five.

Collin: Definitely confidence. A woman must know her own mind and be sure of her abilities.

Carla: Much like Olivia, wouldn’t you say?

Collin: She’s certainly confident in her skill with guns.

Carla: Why do I get a feeling you’re saying she isn’t always sure of herself?

Collin: At times, her bravado can be an act.

Carla: I see. She acts tough but is a softy inside.

Collin: That’s true though she hates to admit it. Number four is adaptable.

Carla: Uh, I’m not sure what you mean by that.

Collin: She understands the world isn’t black and white. There’s a lot of gray. Sometimes what you believe is true, isn’t.

Carla: Oh, okay. Like her believing The Circle were the good guys. That is, they were at one time, but had gone to the dark side you could say.

Collin: Yes.

Carla: I like how you’re up front about Olivia being the heroine you’re describing.

Collin: She can be when she sets her mind to it.

Olivia: I heard that!

Carla: This is Collin’s turn! Go! Let us talk.

Collin: Number three is intelligence. A heroine needs not only brains but street smarts too.

Carla: I find that interesting. Would you like to speculate on why she placed it as number one for heroes?

Collin: No.

Carla: Would you at least explain the sexy grin you’re wearing?

Collin: No.

Carla: Alrighty then. Let’s move on to number two.

Collin: Number two is a heroine must be loyal.

Carla: Loyal? Do you want to explain that one?

Collin: A heroine will sacrifice herself for the greater good.

Carla: Oh, no, you didn’t. You didn’t pull the Buffy card.

Collin: I’m not sure of what you mean, but a heroine will stand by those she loves even when it might endanger herself.

Carla: Okay. You can have that one.

Collin: The top one is independence. There’s nothing sexier about a woman, than one who knows her own mind and doesn’t need to lean on others, including a man, to achieve her goals.

Carla: Wow! I love hearing a man say that. When a man isn’t threatened by a woman knowing her own mind … wow! That’s sexy.

Collin: I’m taken.

Olivia: You tell her!

Carla: Uh-huh. I wasn’t … I didn’t mean …. Oh, heck.

Olivia: Come here, sugar. So I can show you one of my goals.

Carla: Uh, anyway, thanks to Olivia and Collin for helping me out. Quit that, you two! For goodness sakes, get a room!

—

Okay. That’s all of the interview. I think it went well. Don’t tell Carla this, but I think she has a crush on my sweetie. Actually, all of the Circle guys. The woman can be such a slu ―

Olivia, you need to wrap it up now.

Sure, sure. *leans closer* His voice has gotten all soft and heated now. That means he’s pissed or turned on or both. I do know I’m in trouble. See my knees shaking? NOT! Want to wrestle, lover boy? *laughter* Come over here and try to pin me to the floor!

Ladies and gentlemen, ignore my wife. Carla would like to warn you her books are very hot, and the world her people live in is violent. A world filled with assassins and betrayal. But two lovers can find a sanctuary from all the craziness by loving each other.

Ah! Isn’t he sweet? I do love that man. Now, drop those drawers and let’s have fun. What? What? Don’t glare at me. That’s as romantic as I can get.

*door slams*

Website: www.carlaswafford.com
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