Dragon Tamer and more...

Here's the book trailer for the Dragon anthology which will release in ebook on Sept. 11th. Thanks to Angie, our (as in the Dragon Ladies) editor for putting it together. It's sooo awesome.

Here is a little excerpt to whet your appetite.


Whatever Darion had been expecting when he contacted his brother in the IFM, it hadn’t been Agent Serrah Gayle. Perhaps he was out of touch, but he thought women were supposed to be loving and nurturing. So far Agent Gayle was nothing more than a badge with boobs and an attitude. Nice boobs though they were. It wasn’t his fault her superiors didn’t share with her the dire circumstances of the “case”.

Gods, did she actually call it “a case”?

It was so easy to boil a problem down to a label when you weren’t the one touched by the pain and agony of the crisis.

He spared a glance at her profile as she tapped away on her handheld. How could such a beautiful woman be so damn cold and unfeeling? They didn’t program that into their agents, did they? Sure Tavil had changed when he’d joined the IFM, but Darion had always figured the training had only amplified the quiet inner strength that was inherent in his brother’s personality.

She raised a slender arm and brushed pale hair back from a heart-shaped face. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth as she read whatever was on the small screen in front of her. It seemed like such a vulnerable action for a woman who appeared to be anything but. However, that small unconscious action caused his lower belly to tighten in a kick of unexpected lust.

“Dragons are one of your biggest draws to the island, right?” She looked over at him, but he couldn’t see her eyes. She’d had on sunshades since he’d met her at the shuttle port entrance.

“As big a draw as the beaches or volcano spirits.” He eased back the directional control as they started up a hill. The climb cart’s mercurial engine decided to take the opportunity to begin to chug and sputter as if the climb were too much for it to manage.

Agent Gayle shot him a look over the top of her glasses. He didn’t take his attention from the road to give her more than a cursory glance, though he really wanted to study her in much closer circumstances. “Are we even going to make it to the settlement?”

“We’ll make it.”

No doubt Agent Gayle wasn’t used to the rustic surroundings of the settlement. Dragon care and maintenance didn’t require legions of electronic devices. Low-tech equipment usually did the best job and had been proven ever since man and dragon had formed their first bonds. That wasn’t to say the settlement lacked modern conveniences— they just didn’t rely on such things for everyday tasks dealing with the dragons. Records keeping was another matter.

Damn, he wished Mercia, his office assistant, wasn’t off visiting her family. He relied on her to keep things running smoothly and they hadn’t been since she’d left a week ago. He’d hoped Tavil would be sent home, or he’d had more time to prepare for Agent Gayle’s arrival. When the call came earlier in the day to meet the IFM agent, the entire settlement had fallen into chaos to prepare. Thank the gods for Ontonio and Palmer.

The land inclined sharply. With slow, painful progress, the climb cart lurched forward as if the very gravity beneath them thickened and pulled at the cart like quicksand. The thrusters were failing and failing fast.

Damn! He shouldn’t have spoken so soon. Once the thrusters were gone they’d end up having to walk the rest of the way up the foothills.

“It’s still not too late to turn around and go back for a rental.” Agent Gayle sounded helpful, if not a little uncertain.

Darion shifted into a lower gear. They barely stayed afloat over the ground surface, but at least they were moving. Unfortunately, the lower gear didn’t allow for a great amount of speed.

From the corner of his eyes he caught the subtle shake of her head. She went back to her handheld and left her disgruntled words unspoken. Small favors. For once since the dragons began dying off, Darion felt like something had actually gone his way. If she had turned to him and started complaining, he’d have dropped the climb cart and forced her to walk on principle alone. Just the thought made him smile. Somehow the image of her getting all hot and sweaty trekking through the jungle was very tempting. She’d look even more tempting than she did now. If that were possible.
He glanced over at her as she straightened in her seat and looked over at Darion. Dark pink lips were parted on a silent question.

“What?”

“According to your Chamber of Commerce, sloughed dragon scales are Cambry’s biggest source of export.” The statistic came out like an accusation.

“Not for long.”

“No, that’s my point. The question I need to answer is who or what would benefit in the loss of the dragon population.”

Darion frowned as the climb cart gave an exhausted belch and chug. “No one will benefit.”

“Someone has to. Why kill them off, if not for profit?”

Did her world involve so many conspiracies and machinations that the thought something could be a purely biological component sound far-fetched to her? Granted, Darion had been the one to call the IFM in to investigate, but he’d mistakenly thought his brother would arrive and request a team of scientists to discover the reason for the dragons’ deaths, not a stun-rod toting militant female who made his blood boil. “There was no evidence to support that the blight is anything other than some nasty dragon-flesh eating bacteria of unknown origin.”

“Like I said, I want to see the data your expert collected.”

She was also suspicious.

“I’ll get everything to your hut when we arrive.”

“If we arrive,” she muttered under her breath and turned her attention back to the small screen in front of her.

With a violent jerk, the climb cart hit the ground. The thrusters hissed and popped, straining to lift, but to no avail. They were dead on the ground.

Darion killed power to the engines and turned to Agent Gayle, who looked at him over her sunshades as if she wanted to commit murder. “I’ll get your bags out of the back.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“Not unless you want to sit here in the blazing sun and wait for help to arrive.” A little thrill went through his body as she unhooked the harness and climbed out of the passenger seat. Aggravating her proved to be very enjoyable.

He opened the storage compartment so she could grab her bags. She nudged him with her shoulder to move him out of the way. It was hard for him to stand there and not help her with her bags. She didn’t seem as if she wanted anything to do with him giving her a hand with whatever precious possessions she carried in her luggage. And yet, he found himself wildly attracted to her for some reason.

Darion started walking up the incline to the lower range of foothills. He let his glance slide over his reluctant companion. She looked fit enough, maybe he wouldn’t end up carrying her at some point. But he couldn’t help but dig at her. “The walk from here is pretty grueling. If you need to stop and rest, let me know.”

She readjusted the straps of her larger case and configured them to wear as a backpack. “Same goes.”

A smile tugged the side of his mouth. The woman was all grit and sass. Wait until she came face to face with a full-grown king Ruby. They were the largest dragons on the island and they didn’t suffer fools or arrogance lightly. “Let’s get walking then.”

Agent Gayle raised her arm. “After you, Archer.”


Hope you enjoy. To to www.Samhainpublishing.com for order and download info.

-Kat

New Title Available

Now available from Red Sage Secrets Volume 19: Timeless Passions. Falling Stars.

Little bit space opera and a lot a bit sex romp.

Duty and honor are concepts Princess Daria of Primon knows intimately. Not only is she the fifth daughter of the Primon royal house, but her rank of Eagle has her flying combat missions in some of the most dangerous sectors of the galaxy. Passionate and strong, she is no stranger to a lover’s touch, but now a political alliance with the planet of Jevic will place her under the dominion and in the bed of one Kristiano Raven, supreme military leader of the Jevic army. Even if his ruthless reputation hadn’t made her wary of the match, the fact he is her late sister’s betrothed most certainly does. That, however, has not eased the ache of desire she feels in his presence.

If you like your sci-fi on the steamy side, check out Falling Stars. Kathleen Scott will definately thank you.

-Kat

A Rough Week in Review

It started out bad since I knew I had surgery coming up on the 12th. I knew it was going to be horrible when the kitty my husband and I have had for the past 14 years was actively dying. When she died on the morning of my surgery and we buried her before we went to the hospital, it was just plain awful.

It's been about 48 hours post-op now and I'm still very sore. It's getting better. I can walk around and even manage to get myself up and down out of bed now. I walked around the house and yard for a good long while yesterday and today, and Dave hasn't needed to help steady me as much. I stopped the Percocet the night I came home. (I took one before bed just because of the awful pains in my back and not being able to get comfortable). Since then I've been able to manage with nothing but Tylenol. Which is good. I don't like the muddle-headedness of the Percocet. I like to be able to think.

I have to admit to being a little bored in my recovery. I want to be able to do things and move and go and be able to sit in a chair, or the couch or somewhere for longer than ten minutes without getting uncomfortable. I have a couple of contests I really wanted to enter and haven't been getting anything accomplished towards them and the deadlines are looming. Ughhhhh....

And then there's the grief. I knew Kittygirl was getting up there in age. She was 16, which I'm told for Persians is still kind of young since they can live to be 19-20. I think in this last year she had been in some pain with her joints - not moving around as well as she had been before. But hey, I don't get around as much as I once did either, so I thought...just a part of aging. I don't know...I guess I thought she'd live forever.

It's odd but I keep expecting to see her in my office when I sit here, or laying in front of her bowl when I go in to get something to drink. The worst part is seeing her little empty bed. Since Dave's been taking care of me the last few days the only thing he's managed to do is take her litterbox away. Even the place where we kept that in the bathroom looks really empty.

She was such a good little kitty. Never jumped up on the counters. Only scratched in one specific location. Loved to come and sit with us in the evenings to just be with her mom and dad. She was a love.

I guess she planned to die that day. At least it feels that way to me. I had a sixth sense about it. Even told my friends at work that I had the feeling she was going to wait until the day I had surgery to pass away. I think maybe it was he last act of kindness to me. She knew if I was thinking about her instead of concentrating on my surgery, I wouldn't be as scared by it. And you know what? She was right. I had my mind on her and not what I was going through.

We buried her in the backyard, in a nice bit of shade. Built up a little cairn and placed a standing stone for a marker. It's a good spot for her. Ironic though, since she'd only been outside once in her life and had no idea what grass even was. I'll never forget that. We took her with us on vacation and took her out of her transport cage at a rest stop and let her sit in the grass. She had no idea what to do and looked up at us with such panic on her little face. We laughed so hard. She couldn't wait to get back up in my arms. At the time I had no idea that cats needed long adjustment periods to new spaces. I thought they were like dogs in that wherever they were was where they were supposed to be. Felt kind of bad about that in retrospect.

Anyhoo. I must move on now. I've been sitting in this chair for about twenty minutes and that's about all I can stand these last few days.

Kat Updates

Lots of things going on.

Triskelion, one of my publishers has gone out of business. What this means for getting my rights back, I'm not sure. I'm in a waiting game with all the other authors in their stable.

My original schedule for the year has been seriously blown out of the water. I'm finding it hard to concentrate on any one project for longer than ten minutes at a time. Oh well. I'll get finished with them eventually.

Samhain, one of my other publishers, has signed contracts with Kensington to have a Samhain imprint published and distributed by Kensington. Not sure yet all the particulars of that deal, but I'm sure I'll learn more as it all unfolds. At this juncture it doesn't include me, or change my publishing that is already contracted with Samhain, but who know what it means for some of my future projects.

I'm in love with Sci-fi. I know this is no earth-shattering confession or news to those who know me. But I think I'm going to concentrate on some of my other sci-fi stories and get them out the door. And I know right where I'm going to send them.

Finally sent The Last Keeper to a fantasy/sci-fi publisher who asked to see more of my work about ten years ago. Ok, so I didn't have anything to send them at the time. It never quite fit with any of the romance publishers I have, so I finally bit the bullet. Might take up to a year to hear from them on it. Oh well. It's not like it's doing me any good sitting on my computer not being sent out.

I've been asked to join a blog called Beyond the Veil. It's a paranormal authors' blog with some of the other Samhainettes. Looks like it's going to be a great experience and fun/lively time. Can't wait to start in. My first posting is on Monday July, 2nd. So, look for it. (I'll add a link here when I have more time.)

Well, that's about it. I have to get ready for the paying job now.

-Kat

Look At Me I'm a Car

I went to Lynda Scott's blog and found this really cute test you can take to determine what kind of car you are.

Now, anyone who has read any of my contemporary work know what a nut I am for muscle cars. Imagine how surprised I was that I would be....

I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Take the http://www.tomorrowland.us/sportscar">Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Isn't that a hoot?

-Kat

Sold Again...

MIND GAMES will be included in a future edition of Red Sage Secrets.

Woohoo. I got the call yesterday afternoon and I'm really feeling very good about this. It's the first time I've sold a sequel, and since it's a sequel to the first story I ever sold, that makes it even more special.

This story takes place 30+ years after FATAL ERROR and stars Jesse and Soran's son, Damien.
Once again the government is trying to interfere with the daily lives of citizens, but this time in the form of an agency out to eradicate the use of psychic abilities. In a world where genetic mutatation makes speaking telepathically a real and provable commodity, this is no small fete. Damien and his Vartek partner, Jade, must use their link to help stop the agency and free all the other Varti that are held imprisoned and awaiting surgical intervention that will sever their links forever.

If you know anything about my sci-fi and futuristics than you know this book too will have it's share of gadgets and impliments to make life easier for those inhabiting the futuristic worlds. I think that's one of the funnest things about creating these worlds, is coming up with these gadgets. I think some of the best ones appear in my July release, FALLING STARS, in Secrets Volume 19: Timeless Passions. I actually have nanobots that mimic blood cells in that story. Now, that was fun to come up with!!

I still have a few other stories out there making the rounds with agents. Seeing if they want to represent me. I'll keep you posted if I get a bite.

-Kat

Plot Problems....

Ughhhhh....

Stayed up last night reading a book. It was a futuristic that was really pretty good, throughout. I should have started asking myselt WTF about the time I realized I was almost all the way through the book without a consumating love scene. Now, normally, this wouldn't have mattered, but the spine said "erotic" so, I was a little curious as to why the hero and heroine hadn't even tried to have hot monkey sex yet. Hmmmm... weird, but the way the conflict was set up, I could kind of see the reluctance of the characters to consumate. However, I don't understand the categorization by the publisher that made the book erotic. But that's a separate issue.

So, I'm reading along and the mystery aspect of the book was really pretty intriguing, so I'm trying to figure out the "whodunit" and am getting into the story. Suddenly.....the love scene happens. But it's not just any love scene.....

Ughhhhhhhhhhhh..... I can't stand it.

The hero and heroine have to make love so they can kill off the villian. Yes, you heard it here first. When they finally got to it...it was so frantic and emotional the villian exploded! Exploded!!! And not in a good way. Blood and guts everywhere. Death and destruction. Dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria. (Ok that last bit was borrowed from Ghostbusters, but you get the drift.)

Now, I'm a sci-fi buff. I love it. I love paranormals and futuristics. Put one in front of me and I'll devour it in one sitting. And for a book that had so much promise, and had such a great plot, and interesting intricacies of world-building, I was shocked that this resolution was allowed to have a stamp of approval.

Which brings me to this point...

What?????

My enjoyment of the book took a sudden nosedive and I put it down. Turned out the light and fell asleep. I couldn't help it.

Now, to the rest of you out there...have you ever read something that you were enjoying very much and then all of a sudden the plot folded in on itself and winked out of exsistence? Didn't someone take this author by the hand and say, "I don't see this happening, not even with the way you've set your characters up. It's going to pull your readers right out of the story."

Now, I'm not claiming to be the Mistress of Perfect Plots, but come on.... the villian exploded!!!

(If you wrote this book, I'm sorry if these comments upset you. But if you need a critique partner who won't steer you wrong, my email is located on the side of the blog.)

-Kat

Tag..I'm it!!

I've been tagged by Natasha to tell everyone 8 things they didn't know about me before.

In case I tagged you, here are the rules:

1) Each player starts with 8 random facts or habits about themselves.
2) People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their 8 things with a copy of these rules.
3) At the end of your blog you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.
4) Don't forget to leave them a note saying they've been tagged.

1) I'm by nature an anxious person. Heights, crowds, travel, a break in routine all send me pretty close to the edge and shake me up to where I have physcial symptoms of illness. Planes really freak me out, though I do fly.

2) I still tell myself bedtime stories.

3) I wish DS9 really existed so I could live there. (That's the geek in me coming out)

4) I like to sit in the tub for hours and read.

5) I'm addicted to email.

6) I'm a pretty decent singer.

7) People always tell me I have great nails, though in reality I neglect them horribly.

8) I could spend an entire day in the office supply store and never get tired of it.

I'm tagging, Antonia, JAC, Lynda, Kissa, Debbie, Jennifer and Cassandra.

-Kat

***Immorati Book Trailer******

Let me know what you think?

***New Release by LK Campbell***

ON SALE NOW!

When former paratrooper Scott Riley returns home from the war, he hasone aim—to meet the girl of his dreams, Cassie Wright. Cassie has beenhis penpal, and his light at the end of the tunnel through most of hiswar experience. He goes to her hometown on the Gulf Coast of Floridawith marriage on his mind only to find that she has other plans for herfuture. A talented pianist, Cassie has been accepted to a prestigiousmusic conservatory in Jacksonville. Will she give up her dreams forScott, or will he chase hers?

A DIFFERENT TUNE is my third World War II-era historical. Read the four sneak peeks I've posted on myMySpace Blogor Visit A Different Tune Homepage for purchase info and to download a 2-chapter preview.
For more information about me or my other novels, please visit: LKCampbell.com

Help support a fellow Diva!

-Kat

Cool and Super Cool Contests...

Hey All,

As promised, here is the Cool and Super Cool contest promos for my debut Triskelion novel Immorati.

Read the excerpt and answer the first set of questions by emailing me, or answering on the blog comments. I'll draw a name from the list of those who answered all questions correctly. To enter the Super Cool Contest, read the book and answer the second set of questions. I'll draw a separate name from that list. You can win both contests! So read, enjoy and good luck.

Blurb:

When the corpse of an unidentified species is found in the woods near Pine Haven, New Jersey along with a human female, anthropologist Edie Campbell is called in by local law enforcement and the medical examiner to help identify the strange humanoid male. The discovery of a heretofore unknown species is thrilling for Edie, up until she realizes the creature has recently mated with the human female.

Questions form with no apparent answers until Aidan LaMont arrives in Pine Haven to identify his cousin’s body. But the secretive Aidan hides as much of the mystery surrounding the strange creature as he explains. And Edie has no doubt that behind his simmering sexuality, and amber eyes, he knows much more than he’s willing to tell.

Set up:

Edie is home, soaking in a warm tub, when Karl calls her to come and identify the species of a corpse found in the woods.

******

She made it to the morgue in under fifteen minutes. Karl met her and opened her car door for her. Instead of his uniform, he wore jeans and a plain t-shirt. His short blond hair looked finger-combed and the slight stubble of beard could be seen on his square jaw. Deep brown eyes locked with hers and then he shook his head.

“I’ve never seen anything like this.” He draped his arm around her shoulder as they walked into the morgue’s examination room.

Tyler Fitzjohn glanced up from her work and did the same headshake as Karl. “Hi, Edie. Thanks for coming down. Grab a gown, gloves, and mask and join me over here.”

Tyler had also lived in Pine Haven most of her life, but had grown up and went to school with Edie’s mother and father. She was not only a friend, but an honorary aunt of sorts.
Edie put on a paper gown to cover her clothes and allowed Karl to tie up the back for her. Then she donned a pair of surgical gloves, hooked a mask over her ears, and stepped around the sinks and into the examination room proper.

The corpse lay on a stainless steel table, a big hulking specimen both fascinating and frightening. Edie swept her gaze downward from its head. It wasn’t just big. It was massive.

She moved under the bright florescent lights to get a better look at the creature.

“Where was it found?”

“In the woods, outside town. A couple of teenagers found it while hiking.” Karl put on a gown and stood across from her. Tyler moved back to give Edie room to examine the thing.

It was a humanoid— she was sure. The facial features were too human-like to be anything else, and yet they appeared alien. Fascinated, she leaned in to inspect him.

The head was large, and proudly shaped. Pale, waxy skin was stretched taut over high prominent cheekbones. The mandible was square and powerful. Edie gave a passing thought as to how much pressure such a jaw could exert when it latched on to prey. And looking down at the creature, she had the strange sensation that it was definitely a predator of some sort.

The lips were full and beautifully shaped, as if molded to perfection by the loving hands of a sculptor. She leaned forward and placed her fingers on the mouth. Pulling back the upper lip, she was treated to the most horrific canines this side of the food chain.

The nose was elongated, but still most definitely human in nature. The brow was broad and high, as well as the forehead. Both those features suggested a well-developed frontal lobe and possibility of higher intelligence.

Her gloved fingers spread the eyelids back and black eyes stared sightlessly back at her. They were odd, without sclera or iris. Long thick black hair hung down to broad shoulders, but there appeared no evidence of facial hair.

The chest was deep and broad with over-developed pectorals. In the center, where the heart should be, was a gapping wound.

“What violence.” Edie inspected the jagged claw-like serrations on the edge of the wound.

Her fingers trailed downward to his flat, yet muscled abdomen, and farther.

Karl coughed behind her.

She turned to peer at him over her shoulder for a moment. “You wanted me to look at him.”

He put up his hands and backed off.

Her hands slid down to his genitalia— there could be no doubt this specimen was most definitely male. The long, thick penis sat nestled in a patch of dense black hair and encased in a thick, spongy foreskin. She pulled the foreskin back, exposing the glans penis. A pearly, viscous fluid was caught on the tip and inside the protective cover.

“Is that what I think it is?” Karl frowned.

“It’s exactly what you think it is. Tyler, get a sample of this. I’ll be interested to see how the DNA stacks up against human.”

“You and me both.” Tyler quickly placed the semen sample into a container to have it run at the State crime lab.

“I wonder if the creature mated prior to the killing?” Edie felt a shift of tension in the room with the question. “What?”

“I’ll check the other victim.” Tyler moved to another table and uncovered a second body Edie hadn’t noticed before.

“There are two of these things here?”

Karl shook his head. “No, the other victim is a young woman.”

Edie’s throat constricted. She didn’t even wish to contemplate the ramifications of what that meant.

Tyler worked on the second body for several moments before she lifted her head. “There is a positive presence of semen. And quite a bit of blood. I’ll have to check for vaginal trauma.”

Edie turned back and looked at the creature on the slab. What exactly had happened in the woods? Did he rape the poor young woman and then kill her? If so, what killed him? A cold sweat broke out on her forehead and between her shoulder blades.

“Sweetheart, are you all right?”

“I think I need to sit down.” No sooner had she said that then Karl had a stool brought over for her. He placed it near the wall, but she shook her head. “Bring it here. I want to finish examining this thing.”

Tyler marked the samples with a pen. “I do have a call in to a zoologist, Edie, if you want to go home.”

“Go home? Are you kidding? I’m not going to let a little light-headedness stop me from examining the find of the century, no matter how disturbing the facts seem to be.”

She returned her gaze to the creature. His long muscular arms ended in disproportionately large hands, tipped with six-inch pointed claws. Edie picked up the hand nearest her and studied the claws. Dried blood decorated the point of each claw. Odd, if he had been the one to kill the girl, there would have been blood all over his hands and arms, not just the very tips of the nails.

The legs were the most amazing . Like the rest of the body, they were long and well muscled. Powerful thighs and calves proposed an excellent runner, or jumper, and tapered down to long canine-like feet with talonesque toenails, complete with a dewclaw. The configuration suggested the creature could move on all fours for speed.

“I haven’t a clue what this thing could possibly be.” Edie looked up and stared at Tyler before shifting her attention to Karl. “I’m sorry, but if I didn’t know better, I’d say someone or something killed the Jersey Devil.”

****

Cool contest question:

1) What is the Medical Examiner's name?

2) What is Edie's reaction when she realizes the creature mated?

3) What is Karl's profession?

4) What is found along with the creature?

5) What does Edie think the creature is?

Super Cool contest questions:

1) What is Aidan's mother's name?

2)Who did Nanine meet the night she was killed, and why?

3) Who else close to Aidan dies at the hands of the Corpesetti?

4) What are the only ways in which an Immorati can die?

5) Who is Karl secretly in love with?

To purchase your copy of Immorati go to http://www.triskelionpublishing.com and pull up the books store, put Immorati in your advanced search. (I would add it all here, but the address is really long.)

Good luck to you!

-Kat

I think I've Blown My Timeline

Well, it's the Eve of April (not to be confused with the Ides of March) and all the projects I'd hoped to have done by now are still, for the most part, languishing on my desk. As I open the files to work on those projects left behind by when other ones have turned my head and peaked my interest, I realize why I let them go: I was really and truly stuck.

The computer screen is in constant mock-mode. I swear I hear it laughing behind my back. I sit down to work, open a file and nothing comes to me. Could I be burned out? I have been pushing myself awfully hard the past few months...hell, the past year or two. Granted, I have been writing fresh stories to submit to those special project anthologies at Samhain, so things did get pushed back, but so far I've only crossed off one item off my WIP's list. ONE!!! Since January 1st. - (Refer back to sentence before that...I have worked on more than one thing since Jan. but I had hoped to be farther along on the others.)

Currently, I'm working on that erotic romance for Trisk's Fever line. The title used to be A Cold Day in Hell, but I changed it to Hot Days in Heaven. The premise has a fallen angel squaring off against a minor demon. So, far haven't gotten to much of the demon part. Have to figure out how to work that in without revealing which side of the fence the hero comes down on. Is he the fallen angel or the demon? The heroine is caught somewhere between them, though she doesn't realize that yet. You see, like the story of Job where God and the Devil make a wager on Job's soul, this minor demon and fallen angel make a wager on the heroine's heart. But I've switched rolls between who is demon and who is fallen. I thought it might make it a little more interesting...and therein lies the problem. This is definately going to be a story that I have to do a very loose rough draft in order to go back and fill in the plot holes. Or as I call them sign posts.

I'm still trying to work on the sequel to Immorati. Though I have a good working outline for Corpesetti, it isn't flowing as well as Immorati did. I think the problem may be that I've got the heroine injured during her first appearance in the book. Now, she has to get back up to speed in order to be productive. Which is the chapter I'm on now. I know what is supposed to happen next, but I want her to be more proactive. Not a standby character who things happen to, but she doesn't make things happen for her. An important distinction while writing a heroine. No wishy-washy females in my stories. I've always been a pretty straightforward person, so I like my heroines to have that quality as well. Fine if they begin a tale a little unsure or afraid and then bust out of their shells. That's just part of the character growth and progression, something a story arc needs anyways.

Then there are two contemporaries I really want to write: Love Thy Neighbor and Lessons From The Love Machine. LTN is more of a suspense with some quirky humor along the way. Very much a stalker story. LFTLM is another one with a blend of humor and suspense. Haven't really figured out exactly why the heroine is in danger in that one, only that she is. - However, I promised myself I would finish at least five other novels before I write LFTLM. I've already started LTN and have the outline complete, so if I slip it in there before some of the others, no big deal.

And here I sit, writing on my blog when I could have a file open, working on something that will pay me, or sleeping since I have to work tonight.

Ahhhh, the writing life. Never a dull moment. And so like Lady Godiva pictured above, I trudged nakedly through the mire of prose hoping I'll write something in the next few days that will actually be worthy enough to have someone look at it.

-Kat

It Don't Mean a Thing If it Ain't Got that Swing...

Well, I don't know if this means anything or not, but it is a pretty cool story, so I'm going to share it anyways.

Gail N. the executive editor at Triskelion saw in an email that I write for erotic romances for Red Sage and asked me if I'd like to write something for Trisk's Fever line. They are short erotic stories that are published monthly. I said, yeah sure. At 10K I can bang one out in no time...(no pun intended). Anyhoo, I went to Trisk's website yesterday to look at the submission section so I know exactly what the expectation of stories are and while there I skipped on over to the booksstore page. There is a spot that says, "Most recently purchased item." And there in a big bold picture is the cover for Immorati. Whoooo Hooooooo.... I had logged on right after someone bought my book. I was very excited. I was even more excited when I looked up at the "Top Ten Sales" and Immorati came in at a solid 5. Even more dancing and squealing insued. I know it may not mean much to the outside world. Heck it may not mean much to my publisher, but it still means something to me. The top five for a new release and a debut it probably pretty darn good.

Let's hear it for being number 5!!!

-Kat

Beware of Dragons

Or in this case, hold them to your bosom and give 'em dragon noogies.

I was notified last night that my novella, Dragon Tamer, was selected for Samhain's I Dream of Dragons anthology. You can't imagine how excited I am by this. When I went to Samhain's website to check out if they had any special projects I could write for and saw this one, I thought...I've never done a dragon story, but I love reading them, so why not. In honor of this, this picture at the right is titled, Dragon Dreams. I searched for the name of the artist to give him/her props, but came up empty. So, I apologize if I'm posting it without proper plug.

Now, you have to understand, since I never do anything in my writing that even closely resemebles towing the line, I had to put my dragons is an ultra-modern (damn right futuristic world), just because when most people think of dragons it's more of a fantasy or urban fantasy/shape shifter motif. Not me. I go the other spectrum and find a marriage that can work with the elements of dragon lore and their particular fantasy aspects with a sci-fi edge. Take that and add elements of CSI and you have Dragon Tamer. My most awesome critique partner Jen said it's Pern meets CSI and I thought that was absolutely a perfect picture of my world.

Here's a blurb: (keep in mind it's a blurb in progress)

On the tropical island paradise of Cambry, the dragons are dying. A flesh and scale eating blight has ravaged the females and threatened the dragon population. Calusia settlement hatching ground director, Darion Archer, calls on the International Field Marshalls to investigate the outbreak. The dragons are his life, and he’ll do anything to protect them and see an end to the blight. He isn’t prepared, however, for the beautiful agent who comes to investigate, or his reaction to her.

IFM agent, Serrah Gayle has no idea what her assignment entails. The only thing she knows is that she’s been sent to Cambry, a land that holds the majority of the dragon population. When she meets the sexy settlement director and learns her case will bring her close to the legendary creatures, Agent Gayle must overcome a lifelong fear of the dragons to help solve the mystery of the blight, as she falls into a deep emotional bond with the director.

Now, I have to go and start work on another project. Remember, the more mud you throw at a wall the more will stick. Or.... the more you write and submit, the more you can sell.

-Kat

SOLD ANOTHER ONE!!!

About 7 years ago, I had the idea for a graphic novel about a vampire-esque hitman who executes his contracts by drinking their blood. The vampire wouldn't be your garden variety type, as he has a symbiot attached to his soul that came across a deminsional gateway when an alchemical experiment went afoul. As a result, my "host" as I call him can eat, drink and enjoy sunlight. The Host: Shadows is a darker book than what I usually write, and I have to say I enjoyed getting into not only Tristain St. Blaise's psyche, but also that of the heroine, Angelia Lightheart and villain, Benito Achilles.

My totally awesome and always encouraging editor at Samhain Publishing, Immi, was very supportive and complimentary when she read this project. It looks like a tentative publication date of January 08 for ebook, and hopefully the print run will come out by the time RT conference in Pittsburgh next year. I would really love to have that one in hand by the booksigning.

This has been a long labour of love for me. When I first conceived the idea, I wanted to present it in graphic novel form, but could never find an artist that drew in the style I wanted it to be that would actually be available for the project, or wouldn't charge me for the work. I wanted a partnership and ended up with a novel that is all mine. Not bad at all. I much prefer this, especially when Immi already asked if there is a sequel in the works.

In other good news, an editor from Red Sage, my erotic romance publisher, asked to see the full on my sequel to Fatal Error, titled Mind Games. This takes place 30 years after FE and tells the tale of Jesse and Soran's son, Damien and his psychic link with a woman named, Jade. Hopefully, MG will live up to the expectations of FE. I have to admit that when I'm writing novellas, I have a tendency to "pants" the story. I know the basic layout, but I don't make an outline like I do for novels, so they may take a little longer to craft since I go back and do a lot more rereading as I proceed. So, cross your fingers on this one and I'll keep you posted.

-Kat

Awww Behold the Power of Cheese

Have you ever noticed how some of your most favorite movies have a cheese factor of 10? For me the undisputed King of Cheese movies is the 1980 release of Flash Gordon starring some hot dude named, Sam Jones. Not only does the soundtrack rock...(what do you expect, it featured Freddy Mercury and Queen!), but the acting is so melodramatic it's a cheesing good time for all. I put this movie on for background sometimes as I'm working.

Next on our tour of the Cheese Museum is Clash of the Titans, starring Dancing with the Stars alumnus Harry Hamlin (pre-dancing shoes, of course.) Wonderful! The Ray Harryhausen stop animation minitures are to die for. And who doesn't love the fight with Medusa or the scary Gorgon that wanted the princess? If you don't love 'em, you don't love camp.

Xanadu. People will actually laugh out loud at me when I tell them I love this movie. Olivia Newton-John and Michael Beck (remember him from Warriors?) on roller skates. Come on. You can smell the Gouda a mile away with this one. It's cheesielicious.

The thing with a cheesy movie is, it has to be one that wanted to be taken seriously but the drama-to-camp ratio was inverted and turned it from serious to cheese faster than you can say Roquefort.

(Notice most of these movies have sci-fi or paranormal/mythological themes)

Then there are the not-so-cheesy but really quite good movies.

Practical Magic. I love this movie. Give me Aidan Quinn in a romantic lead and I'll follow you anywhere. Ah, hell. Just give me Aidan Quinn period.

Princess Bride. "And wuv...twoo wuv.." Enough said.

Willow. Val Kilmer as Madmortegan. You really gotta love this movie. Little Willow as the desperate magician-in-training, trying to save the world. How fun is that?

These movies aren't cheesy at all. Kinda dark actually, but I love them. I watch them as often as possible.

Pitch Black. Vin Diesel's character is so awesome. You never know from one minute if you can trust him or not. And as bad as his character is, there are others who are worse. It's a case of having to trust someone you shouldn't, and not trusting those you should. Brilliant for character study.

Chronicales of Riddick. All right, so I'm a closet Diesel fan. Sue me. I could point out that this movie also features Dame Judith Dench, so yes, I guess it is culturally rewarding as well. All right...all right...I'll admit I love the Riddick character, but it also had Karl Urban in it, which really set me up nicely.

Underworld. This movie rocked. Wasn't so fond of the sequel, but this first movie in the saga is amazing. It really set up so many possibilities for future movies.

Vampire Hunter D. Yes, it's manga, but it's rockin' great manga. The cells are beautifully rendered, the story awesome. I encourage anyone who likes vampire stories, or enjoys manga to get into this series.

So, that's the round up. Maybe you've seen some of your favorites here and will go watch and enjoy them again. Maybe you'll find something new and try it.

What are some of your favorites cheesy and non-cheese favorite movies?

The Eve of Publication

I don't exactly know the release date, only that it is in March. Since it is so close to March, I decided to go ahead and post this now and show the world my cover and give ya a sneaky peak.

Here it is... the excerpt for Immorati by MK Mancos
Published by Triskelion


Blurb:

When the corpse of an unidentified species is found in the woods near Pine Haven, New Jersey along with a human female, anthropologist Edie Campbell is called in by local law enforcement and the medical examiner to help identify the strange humanoid male. The discovery of a heretofore unknown species is thrilling for Edie, up until she realizes the creature has recently mated with the human female.

Questions form with no apparent answers until Aidan LaMont arrives in Pine Haven to identify his cousin’s body. But the secretive Aidan hides as much of the mystery surrounding the strange creature as he explains. And Edie has no doubt that behind his simmering sexuality, and amber eyes, he knows much more than he’s willing to tell.

Set up:

Edie has invited Aidan and his best friend Cletus over for dinner to welcome them to the building. After the recent wave of attacks by the Jersey Devil (Corpesetti) in Pine Haven, they have rented the bottom apartment of the Victorian where Edie lives in order to protect her and subdue the beast.

What should have been a simple trip to the grocery store for Edie has turned into a fight for her life, with the Corpesetti determined to kill Edie in the same manner he has killed before: by consuming the heart of his victim in a bid to reach immortality. Though Edie has heard stories of the Immorati all her life, she has no idea they are the sworn enemy of the Corpesetti, or that she is their next victim.


***This excerpt may vary slightly from finished copy***


The Corpesetti stood on his hindquarters not six feet from her, and roared to the heavens. Long sharp fangs flashed like pearl daggers under the parking lot lights.

Edie turned the key again and jumped into the truck just as the animal reached out to her.

She slammed the door and engaged the power locks.

The entire truck shook as the Corpesetti hit it full force on the driver’s side.

Edie screamed. Her throat burned. Long claws scoured the roof trying to peel back the metal like a tin can.

The truck continued to rock as the Corpesetti tried to get at her. Without warning, a large fist came through the driver’s side window, showering her with glass.

She reached through and pulled its long hair, slamming its head against the metal doorframe.

The creature yowled in anger then jumped back from the attack.

Quickly, she started the truck and put the vehicle into gear. She gunned the gas and left the parking lot to the squeal of tires and smell of rubber.

The Corpesetti followed her for a few blocks, until the wail of sirens made it veer into the woods and away from the town proper.

Edie hit the parking lot for her apartment so fast the truck bounced over the curb and landed sideways in a spot.

She bent over the steering wheel and gulped in quick breaths. Damn, that had been way too close.

Blood dripped down the front of her blouse from various cuts on her neck and chest. A cut on her cheek stung. She surveyed the damage, convinced all were surface wounds.

A loud yell filled the night, and Edie looked up through the windshield, afraid the Corpesetti had returned, and was surprised to see Aidan running down the front stairs.

***

Aidan knew he should have insisted he accompany her to the store. But, no, the woman was too independent to rely on help for something as mundane as grocery shopping. Now the evidence from the Corpesetti’s most recent attack marred the side of her truck and bathed her in blood.

His heart pounded in his throat as he opened her door and reached in for her. She came to him without hesitation. Her arms tightened around his neck. Tremors moved up and down her body and radiated out to her limbs.

“Come on, love, let’s get you inside and cleaned up.”

“It tried to get into the car. It was waiting for me…”

“That’s how they hunt.”

He could feel her swallow and she buried her face in his neck. He’d wanted her in his arms since he’d first laid eyes on her, but this was not the manner in which he wanted her to come to him.

She brushed her bloodied cheek against his. Her warm breath stirred his hair. Painful lust raced through his body and made his body ache for her.

He breathed against her skin.

“Edie.”

She moved her face and their mouths slid together. That was the only invitation he needed. A low moan filled his throat as he took her mouth.

Nothing had ever tasted quite as sweet. Hunger for more of her gnawed at his mind.

Of their own volition his hands slid down her back, molding her body to his as he slanted his mouth in the opposite direction to kiss her more deeply. Breath escaped her and filled him when he gently sent his tongue inside to explore.

Her hands slid down his neck and pressed against his chest.

“Cletus.” She pulled away and looked up at Aidan in confusion.

Aidan looked up to see Cletus standing on the porch with a peculiar look on his face. “Could you bring the groceries in? I’m going to take Edie upstairs and settle her down.”

His best friend nodded and shoved his hands down into his front pockets before coming slowly down the stairs. Aidan would discover the cause of Cletus’ odd behavior after he saw to Edie.

He’d almost lost her.

After several attempts, where she just stood there as if not knowing what to do next, Aidan finally managed to herd Edie up the stairs and into her apartment. He took her into the bathroom and set her on the closed toilet lid.

“Do you have a first aid kit?”

She shook her head. “No, just some peroxide, some anti-bacterial salve and bandages.”

“Good enough.” He looked around the tiny bathroom for a moment, opening doors and cabinets. He found the supplies, but no washcloths. “Where do you keep the bath linens? I want to wash your cuts first.”

She looked up at him, her eyes huge. “I can do it. They aren’t as bad as they look.”

He gave a grunt. “You have glass in your hair.”

A bloody hand reached up and shook the heavy blonde mass out. Pieces of glass fell to the floor.

“I’m a mess.” Her voice sounded as if she dangled on the edge of losing whatever composure she had managed to maintain.

Aidan leaned over and started the water in the tub. When he had the temperature adjusted he turned the shower on. “Take a shower and get cleaned up. Cletus and I can handle making dinner tonight. You just relax.”

He was about to shut the door when she looked up at him. She hadn’t budged from the toilet seat. “Aidan?”

“Yes.”

“Why does it want to kill me? Why is it coming after me?”

“Because it thinks you have something it wants.”

“What?”

“Time.”

She cocked her head like she didn’t understand then her eyes widened a little. Aidan closed the door before she could ask any more questions.

A Few Minutes Here

Until I have to start getting ready for my monthly NJRW meeting. I haven't written anything in a week or so and thought I should jot down some words of wisdom, or at least expunge the crap from my head.

I've been working diligently on my dragon story for Samhain, titled Dragon Tamer. It's going rather well, I think. I may even make the deadline. (God, I hope so...I'm writing this for a specific project and for really no other reason.) I'm at about 13K, so a little over half way there depending on how long it ends up being. Making pretty good tracks. I won't get to work on it today, but maybe tonight. I have to work tomorrow night, so I'll be staying up all night tonight to sleep tomorrow. I can usually get stuff done pretty well if I work all night. The key is to not have the tv on. Radio (itunes) or the stereo is fine. Sometimes I'll watch DVDs for background noise, but I find with them, I'll usually watch television instead of getting work done.

Well, coming up Wed. I'm going into the city with some friends from the NICU. We're going to go see the revival of Le Miz on Broadway. It's a matinee show, so we'll take the train into Penn Station and then go to dinner afterwards. I think they said it's a 3 hour show...a 3 hour show...
(Sorry, I wrote that and had strains of the Gilligan's Island theme song running through my head.) - I watched the weather this morning and it said that Wed. may be a mix of snow and rain. I'll believe it when I see it. I know the weather men here (or is it weather persons?) and they very rarely get it right in a five day.

After I finish my dragon story, it's off to finish the Mind Games novella for Red Sage. My heroine and hero have been holed up in their hotel room having wild sex for about 2 weeks now. - Well, since I decided to write the dragon story. Not that they probably mind it much, but it's probably time for them both to move on. After all, the heroine's daddy (a governmental baddie) is after them and they should keep moving...as in going to a safe house.

I actually thought I'd be further along with my list of books I have to finish. But then, I didn't expect this other project to pop up, or to get the itches to send the novel formerly titled, Fangdango to another publisher to consider. I had to do a major chop job on the synopsis, since the publisher I sent it to know only wanted a 4-5 page one and mine was 13. Hmmmm....if 13 is an unlucky number, maybe that's why it wasn't bought before. If only I believed in superstitions. But I don't. Well, except for the one's involving the hospital. Like if you say the word 'transport' in the NICU three times in a row, we'll get a call for one. I've seen it happen...swear to God. It's like calling for Beetlejuice.

Well, that's my time for today. I still have to take a shower and get my things together. My car is still buried in snow from the other day, so I'll have to dig it out before I go.

-Kat

Self Imposed Deadlines and Roller Coasters

It's already a month and some change into the new year and already my self-imposed deadline is shot to shit. The reason being I've discovered two new special projects going on over at Samhain Publishing that I'm going to write something for. The first one is due on March 1st and is 25-30K long. I've got to get a move on to write the story to send, thus pushing back my other projects a bit.

Oh well. Can't win 'em all, but I'll get back on track in a few weeks. I might now send something to the second open call. It's for Valentines Day of '08. Nothing's coming to me for that one, but the first one, called I Dream of Dragons, gave me an inspiration immediately. So...I'm going for it. Wish me luck.

Well, I had some bad news yesterday. My pseudo-vampire novel was rejected by SMP. I did, however, recieve a brief yet nice letter from editor Monique Patterson. She actually said I'm a very talented writer. That's encouraging. I'll send her something else in a few weeks. Something that is not paranormal in nature. Who knows, I might get lucky. SMP is definately my dream publisher and I would love to write for them, but I'm also happy being published by my other publishers so getting that rejection letter didn't really hurt like I thought it would. I read it and was..."Oh, that's nice of her to say." But other than that...I was all right. Hmmmm....either I'm growing a very thick skin in this business or I knew deep down that it may have not been the best project to send to her. Well, I'm not going to worry or fret over it. My career at this point is what it is. And I'll do the best to promote and get my name out there as I can.

I'm going to add a few things to the story and send it elsewhere. I really want to make the distinction between what my main character Benito Achilles calls alchemy and what the actual practice of alchemy is to practitioners. Big difference. Huge. I'm going to do this through the eyes of the hero, Tristain St. Blaise. It won't take many changes or words to make it clear, I won't have to write a new scene. I'll be able to slip it in there unobtrusively inside another scene.

Then it's off to an editor. Cross my fingers and hope for the best.

-Kat

Another Submission

Last year I had made a resolution that never quite saw fruition... and no, it wasn't the one where I lose a bunch of weight and become a fabulous host of my own talk show on Book TV, it's the one where I submit something each and every month to a publisher or agent. Since I didn't end up doing that last year, I'll try again this year.

Solarion Heat counts as my January submission, which also turned into a sale.
I also submitted a novella "Mind Games" to Red Sage. Technically, that would be a second January submission, but it's all semantics. February is a short month anyhow. So, two for January is worth none if February or two in the bush. Whatever.

"Mind Games" is actually the sequel to my December release from Red Sage, but takes place thirty years after and stars Jesse and Soran's son Damien. Though the country had been saved by his parents they couldn't undo the damage done by nearly two centuries of polluted atmosphere. As a result, psychic powers are on the upswing and the infant government is scared of the psychic pair bonds called Varteks. Damien knows his partner is out their somewhere, he can feel her, now he has to find her before the governement agents move in.

- I haven't decided what my next project will be. I'm working on Immorati's sequel and want to get back to my other sci-fi's that I can send to Samhain. These will be full length novels. I'm over my head with half-finished projects that need completed. If I don't finish them by June, then at least July.

Busy. Busy. Busy.

I'm working up the nerve to email my Samhain editor and submitting my "Akadian Awakening" concept to them. Four novellas, one for each season and goddess. Maybe I'll try that one in Feb. But I need good outlines for the other 3 stories in the collection. I've again made up my own mythology and world, and I think I want to go back and look at the world I created and add some words so I can flesh it out a bit more. Now that I don't have the burden of word count on my back I can spin a longer yarn.

-Kat

SOLD!!!

Solarion Heat has been offered a contract by Samhain Publishing!!!

Hurray!! It's a sci-fi romance, short story. The story of how it sold is rather funny. I was rejected for the "Midsummer Night's Steam" anthology, but the editor liked the story so much she sent it to another editor, who she said should be back to me in a week or so. The very next day, I got the email from the second editor (Immie) saying that she wanted to offer me a contract!!! Yeah!!!

So, I sold in January. Barely made it, but I did. Now, if I can only sell something every month of the year. Hehehehhehee.. Wouldn't that be an awesome feat.

I really fell in love with this Solarion world I built. I'm thinking I might want to revisit there some day.

-Kat

Big Bad Week

It just shows to go ya that even published writers have bad weeks.

Rejection is still part of the lexicon, even if you've had a previous good years and sold four different stories -like me. This week I've had to deal with two rejection - three if you count the fact that the agent who rejected me actually had two manuscripts though she only read one, and sent the other back without even commenting on it. Is that allowed? Or is it just me to think it's incredibly rude. Whatever. Water under the bridge.

And what does it mean when you're characters aren't engaging anyways? Is that a blanket term for 'you suck' or is it...'I just don't like this story but I can't figure out what else to say.' - The reason I say that is because anyone who's ever read my work knows I'm the queen of deep POV. How can you not engage your reader if you're in deep POV? Granted, I've read some stories from my library or purchased at bookstores that I totally couldn't get into the character. Take the one I read last night for instance - Please take it... no, really get it out of my site I wanted to gag!!!

Now, I'll be the first person in the world to admit, I have some work to do on craft. We all do...even the big players don't hit home runs everytime...but Jesus in June people, when I'm holding a book in my hand and the dialogue is stilted, the ideas redundant to where I'm thinking 'broken record' and most of the time deep POV is a concept limited to Proctologists, then hey...how did they manage to have someone say..."Yes, these characters and situations engage me!" Not. Liar.

The most amazing thing was that the words..."New York Times Best Selling Author" appeared on the cover. I gotta shake my head over those words. But in all fairness, maybe it wasn't the best effort by that particular author. It happens. (Refer back to my 'hitting out of the park' comment.) - I'll give the author another try, but this time as a library book.

Enough rant about others, this is my blog after all and is about me.

So, I got on my soapbox and started yelling. Well, actually complaining to the girls in the breakroom at work - most of whom have read my novella, or at least the dirty parts. - I think they sympathized with me, but then probably didn't really understand the passion behind my disappointment and anger.

My crit partners are very understanding and tell me to get back on the horse. Oh, I am friends. I am. I've just sent off another submission to the same publisher who dissed me earlier in the week. Different editor, different project, so hopefully this one will be a go. - As you see, I'm a big believer in self flagellation. (Get those cat 'o nine tails ready folks). And as you have probably already noted, I do believe in giving authors another chance, because I know the pitfalls of writing consistant. It's actually statisically impossible to write projects everytime that everyone will embrace. Human nature doesn't allow for that. - Ok, well, I can't prove that scientifically, but it's probably true.

K, I'm going to lick my wounds and finish some of my other stories and submit them. It's time for a total bombastic cataclysmic over-the-top submission avalanche.

-Kat

Secure Frustrations....

Why does doing something that is so important for your computer take so freakin' long? It took me over an hour to purchase and download the latest virus protection. An hour.

Now, it's taken me at least a half hour to scan the stupid computer. Couldn't it have done that when it installed the crap? The capper is that I still have an entire list of updates to go through and load. All told it will be hours before I'm done with this. Why can't it be instanteous. I want Star Trek action baby. Give me a level one diagnostic anyday!!!

The problem is, I know how important this is and so I'm doing it, but geez...the time, people. I have worlds to conquer and characters to get out of situations. I can't spend all my time updating. I have limited time as it is.

*Note to manufacterers. Make something faster.*

-Kat