Halloween Safety Pet Tips & Spooktacular 99¢ Sale
Welcome Readers! I have Halloweem Safety Pet Tips & a spooktacular 99¢ sale for you today. What better way to celebrate Halloween month than with vampire tale that isn’t your ordinary story. The e-book of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance is on sale for only 99¢ for a limited time!Since I’m a big animal person, I’ve also added a bit about keeping your pets safe on Halloween! A win, win right? Let start with Keeping your Pets Safe on Halloween.
It’s almost time for another spooktacular sequel in the annual Halloween tradition. A holiday beloved in countries around the world, appealing to people looking for fun and thrills– But for their pets…not so much! Halloween festivities can be stressful to say the least and down right hazardous at times. A few tips to keep everyone safe and enjoying the holiday!
- Treats – Chocolate is poisonous to both cats, dogs and parrots. The darker it is the more toxic is its. One ounce of dark chocolate can poison a 50-pound dog. Keep these treats out of your pets’ reach. Make sure everyone in your household understands, especially children, how crucial it is that human treats not be given to pets.
- Alarming sounds and sights – The constant doorbell, ringing, unfamiliar guest and little monsters running around is a recipe for disaster for your pets. They could try to escape or display unexpected aggression. Keep your pet sequestered in a section of the home where they can avoid this anxiety-causing activities. Provide food, favorite toys and check on them often.
- Don’t leave pets outside! Pets have been know to be abused or killed on Halloween night by cruel people. I owned a black cat for twenty-two years, he was the best cat ever. But we made sure to keep him inside several days before Halloween and several days after.
- Never take your dog trick or treating for all of the above reasons. Dogs can easily be spooked by all the Halloween hubbub. If they run away or bite someone it will end your evening of fun.
- Dangerous Decorations – Electrical cords and batteries used to operate the exciting Halloween decorations can be hazardous to your pets. Chewing on cords can cause electrocution, chewing on batteries can cause chemical burns, if swallowed can cause intestinal blockage. Artificial cobwebs look cool as heck, but they can also present a choking or entanglement hazard to curious pets.
Nightmarish Pet Costumes – Most pets are happiest in the skin they were born in. LOL Yet 
pet owners will dress their fur, scaled, or feathered babies up for Halloween. Don’t put your pet in a costume unless they are completely comfortable with it. I admit I dress up my dog and parrot for Halloween. I choose costumes they’re comfortable in, do not hinder movement, sight, hearing or ability to breathe, bark, scream, or meow.- Eerie Glow Items – Glow necklaces and Glow sticks can help keep people safe on Halloween, but pets not so much. They can cause gastrointestinal distress and chewed fragments can pose a choking hazard.
- One last thought – Opening the door repeatedly for trick-or-treaters creates the possibility of pets to slip outside. Collars and tags work if someone locates and collects your wayward pet. Make sure the information on the tags is up-to-date. Microchips offer permanent identification. Just make sure your information is correct with the company who supports your pet microchips.
Click on cover to read more or purchase!
Now a little about A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.
A bit of background on writing A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, finally in 2016, I thought Stefan’s time had come. But readers and even a reviewer or two assumed or asked whether Tristian’s Story would be next. I was dumbfounded. He was an assassin, for heaven’s sake. So I closed Vampire, Stefan’s file and wrote A Warlock’s Secrets. When I opened A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance file again and said, “Stefan it’s your turn.” He scoffed at me. But I charged forward. He’d grown and evolved from the Vampire Council’s Assassin in the two previous books in A Demon’s Witch Series, to a midnight DJ for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana. Glacier National Park is where he met Brandy, a park ranger and a creature he never knew existed. The rest is history and A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance was born. A long time coming but I think Stefan and Brandy would agree, well worth the wait. I’m so proud that A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE won Critters/Predators&Editors Readers Poll for Best Romance 2017 among other recent awards!
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unraveling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
Download a copy today. Leave your ordinary world behind and be swept into a magical, fantasy adventure that you won’t want to leave.
Available at: Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, and Barnes & Noble
A sneak peek between the pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance –
It was nearly midnight when he cut across the Sun Road to another trailhead, so intent on his goal that he nearly collided with an attractive young woman. He skidded to a stop, spraying gravel, rocks, and small twigs down the road in front of him. A pinecone dislodged and bounced along the road past her. Tall and slender, she had miles of fiery-red hair that hung down her back in a cascade of curls. Intense emerald eyes stared back at him as he attempted to regain his composure, not to mention balance. What the hell was she doing here at this time of night?
“Whoa.” She stepped lightly to the side to avoid the flying debris. “You really should watch where you’re going, especially at that speed.” Her voice scolded, but the smile on her lips teased. “Someone could get hurt.”
Pretending to pant, he shrugged, holding his palms up in surrender. “Just trying to get my run in before work. Stefan Talltree, at your service.” He stepped closer, leaned over in an exaggerated bow, and caught her hand, brushing his lips over the palm and wrist, inhaling her sweet scent. AB negative with a pulse of adrenaline. Perfect. Her pulse beat a tattoo against his lips. He backed away.
Her heart thundered as she drew her hand from his grasp. “The name’s Brandy. Pleased to meet you, Stefan.” Her smile reached up into her bright eyes as they swept over him with an appreciative glance, an experience he enjoyed.
Her voice had a hint of Irish lilt to it. He liked that too.
“Where do you work that requires you to report in at—” She glanced at her watch. “—midnight?”
Nostrils flaring, he paused. Blood? Not hers. The sound of Brandy’s voice brought his attention back to her and the situation at hand. “Oh, shit, I’ve gotta go!” He sprinted off, leaving her standing alone.
As he started down the trail, the tree branches swayed in the silvery moonlight, casting eerie shadows across the trail’s edge. The breeze brought with it the coppery scent of fresh blood mixed with sulfur. He turned for one last look at her as she wrinkled her nose before silently creeping into the wind, tracking the source of the stench.
Thanks for stopping by! Tell me what you think or if you have other pet tips in the comments. Pssst… I’m participating in a Halloween Facebook Party tomorrow. Fun, games, giveaways, and prizes all up for grabs. Please stop by for Spooktacular entertainment.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged 99cent sale, A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Halloween, Pets safety, Tena Stetler, Vampire by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Interview Matt Raftis Narrator A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance
Give a warm welcome to Matt Raftis talented narrator of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Matt Raftis and his ability to bring my characters to life in A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.
Click on cover for sample audio excerpt from Audible
How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?
I’ve been into Audiobooks since I was in high school (circa 2007). I would listen to many audiobooks, especially any narrated by Jim Dale. I admired his remarkable ability to make the listener feel as if they we’re in the thick of the action.
I found it challenging to discover how to really get into this industry. What college or university courses do I take? How does one really become an Audiobook narrator? Over the years I have had family, friends, and even strangers waiting in the grocery line complimenting my strong reading voice and projection. This kept the idea alive that I could try my hand at such Audiobooks and see what kind of response I would get.
A close friend of mine mentioned a website called ACX.com about a year ago and I was amazed how many voice acting opportunities there were on there. I sent in many auditions for all sorts of books and was taken aback by the response I received. Presently, I’ve narrated a total of 12 books and get offers for more very frequently. I am very grateful for all the opportunities presented to me, and the connections I have made in the world of Audiobook narrating.
Do you have another job besides being a narrator?
Yes, I do work a manual labor job, clocking in 40 to 60 hours a week. Although it takes time away from recording and mastering each book, I cannot deny the benefits it’s given me. It helps greatly with my stamina for narrating, (and someone’s gotta pay the bills..), but most importantly I see it as a driving force to make Audiobook narrating my full time career down the road.
A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Do you? Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career? Why or why not?
I don’t have a background in theatre or drama. I DO believe that having a degree, course or seminar in acting/theatre does help one dramatically for character delivery. If I do ever make it to the point where I can make this my career, I plan on attending open mic nights and workshops on the regular. It’ll be very beneficial!
Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
Yes, I absolutely enjoy listening to any audiobook. The big deciding factor on if I finish listening to it is largely dependent on the Narrator. I am a very auditory person. I like to listen and really give my full attention to what is being said and, more importantly, how it is being said. At this point, it is safe to say that I have finished more books through listening to them then I have physically flipping through the pages of any hardcover on my shelf.
Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?
I am at the stage in my career where I have yet to find any genre or project I am not willing to do. I am still building an arsenal of accents and characters to have at my disposal. So, if there are any books that I may need to decline, it may be the ones that have a super diverse characters with largely varying accents (that I still need to practice).
How closely do you prefer to work with authors?
I love to work with authors as closely as I can. Communication is key to getting a product that all parties (and readers) can truly enjoy and be proud of. However, I fully appreciate the authors time and that each party involved can have different visions for the end result. As a Narrator, I love having some creative freedom on a project, but I also know how important the creator’s vision is. Communication is important to making sure the audience enjoys the end result.
Has anyone ever recognized you from your voice?
From audiobooks? No, not yet. However, I do freelance voice acting and voice over for a number of youtube channels. Actually, quite recently I have been recognized by a few co-workers who heard me in a Youtube video for a parody animation of a video game. I was incredibly taken aback and humbled by it.
Have there been any characters that you really connected with?
From “A Vampires Unlikely Alliance”, I connected with Stefan a lot more than I bargained for. I have always been somewhat of an introvert or recluse, some might say. But with the help of my lovely girlfriend (soon fiancée) and close family and friends who believed in me, I have opened up and embraced the many wonderful changes and opportunities that have come into my life.
Like Stefan, I’m eternally grateful to those who helped me get to where I am today.
Do you read reviews for your audiobooks?
Yes. I’m always on the hunt for feedback to improve my abilities. Thankfully, I do have pretty tough skin and the courage to be disliked from time to time. So in turn, I take criticism as it comes without losing heart and giving up this wonderful medium, and instead see it as encouragement for improvement.
What type of the review comments do you find most constructive?
I find the most helpful feedback is often how audiences would have liked to hear it. Or how they themselves imagined the story, scene or character. If they provide examples, then even better! I’m very proficient at mimicking and working off of other material. Having something I can listen to helps me tremendously.
Who is your “dream author” that you would like to record for?
Richard A. Knaak. I read a tonne of his fantasy books back in my High School years. Not all of his work has been made into audiobooks, so I would love to record his books for him one day!
What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?
To each his own. Some people absorb information easier when visually reading, and can remember it better too. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that I am not that kind of person. It took me a long time to find out that I take in information better (and have a better recollection of that information) when I am listening intently.
I would say that listening to Audiobooks is what GOT ME into becoming a Narrator. And hopefully, with the support of many readers and listeners, I can turn this into a long, prosperous and rewarding career!
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one or two word only answer so we can get to know you a little better):Yep, I know torture!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Redline (2009 animated film)
Favorite book: Dune
Last book read: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future
Favorite color: Red
Stilettos, Tennies or flipflops: Flip flops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: Audiobook
Pencil or pen: Pen
Favorite song: You Got Another Thing Coming – Judas Priest (1982)
Streak or not: Definitely a Streak!
Favorite dessert: Cookie Dough Blizzard from Diary Queen
Favorite junk food: SmartPop Popcorn
Favorite thing to do to relax: Snowboarding
Champagne or gin: Whiskey (sorry!)
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
WonderWoman, Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Top Model: Batman
Favorite TV show: Twilight Zone
Hot or cold: Cold
POV: First Person
I’d die if I don’t have: My lovely Polish sweetheart, Cornelia.
Review or Not: Definite Yes!
You can find Matt at:
https://twitter.com/MattRaftisVA
https://www.castingcall.club/m/CraftyMatt
https://www.facebook.com/MattReadsBooks/
Click on cover for audio excerpt
A little about A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance:
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unraveling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance:
He needed to hunt. Next to human blood, animal blood had all the appeal of rotten eggs, but it kept him sated and able to work among warm-bloods. Tonight he should’ve hunted, but he didn’t give a damn.
He stepped out into the cold, misty night and closed the door quietly behind him. As he walked down the dark, wet street, he heard footsteps behind him and paused.
“Stefan, what happened back there?” A voice whispered out of the foggy night.
Crouched down ready to spring, he whirled around, sniffed the air, and then stood, relieved yet shocked to see Brandy glide out of the swirling mist into the shrouded moonlight.
Buy links:
Audible Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, Amazon.CA
It was wonderful having you with us today Matt and giving us a little insight into bringing characters to life through audio. Please feel free to stop by anytime.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Audible, Audio Book, Matt Raftis, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 12 comments.
Love and Romance Book Festival & Giveaway!
Calling all romance readers! It’s more than hearts and flowers at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Love and Romance Book Festival. 42 romance books featured plus a chance to win one of the following:Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Enter to win a $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Click on cover to read more or purchase.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, will be featured on February 11, 2019. Wait until you read my romantic tip to enhance your love life. You won’t want to miss it.
Click on the cover to read more or purchase.
AND
My book, A Warlock’s Secrets, will also be featured on February 18 , 2019. At that time, I’ll have another romantic tip to enhance your love life. You won’t want to miss it!
Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter below.
Bookmark this festival and tell your friends:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/love-and-romance-book-festival
Wishing you lots of luck in the N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Love and Romance Book Festival!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Ireland, Love & Romance Book Festival and Give Away, magic, Paranormal Romance, shapeshifter, Vampire by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance – Not Your Usual Vampire Tale
Third installment of A Demon’s Witch Series nominated in the category ROMANCE/PARANORMAL/FANTASY/DEMONS & DEVILS & ANGELS – SERIES for PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD’S REVIEWERS BEST OF 2018! A VAMPIRE’S 
UNLIKELY ALLIANCE voted best Romance Novel in Critters Preditors & Editors Readers Pole in December 2017.
How it all began. During a camping trip we stayed right smack dab in the middle of Glacier National Park. At night around the campfire under a full moon you could hear the wolves howl and the coyotes call. I imagined a vampire running through the bush over the trails, but it couldn’t be an ordinary vampire. And who would he meet on the trails?
Stefan, a Native American vampire, was a character from my first book in A Demon’s Witch Series, A Demon’s Witch. It became a best seller five months after its release. For A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, I wanted to write a different vampire tale, so rather than leave him as the Vampire Council’s assassin, I released him from service and he moved to Montana, took a job as the midnight DJ for a small radio station on the outskirts of Glacier National Park. Different huh? Research for this book was a trip to Glacier National Park and I drew upon my time as a DJ at a local classic rock station KKFM in Colorado Springs. Not to mention several virtual trips to the enchanting land down under, Australia.
Won’t you join Stefan and Brandy on an exciting romantic fantasy where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries walk among us. Some creatures are willing to put aside their differences to work together for the good of man and magic kind, other’s will stand in the way. Makes a GREAT Valentine Gift!
Click on the cover to read more or purchase.
A little about A VAMPIRES UNLIKELY ALLIANCE:
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unravelling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A peek between the pages:
Jumping down from the boulder, he landed silently on the balls of his feet and took off at a dead run, too fast for the human eye to detect. Tonight, his run covered several trails as the full moon rose over the mountain tops. Croaking frogs settled at the edge of a pristine mountain lake while an owl screeched overhead, winging its way through the night sky. This tranquil existence was very different from his previous life. Nevertheless, the premonitions that kept him alive as an assassin made him feel that things were about to change.
It was nearly midnight when he cut across the Sun Road to another trailhead, so intent on his goal that he nearly collided with an attractive young woman. He skidded to a stop, spraying gravel, rocks, and small twigs down the road in front of him. A pinecone dislodged and bounced along the road past her. Tall and slender, she had miles of fiery-red hair that hung down her back in a cascade of curls. Intense emerald eyes stared back at him as he attempted to regain his composure, not to mention balance. What the hell was she doing here at this time of night?
“Whoa.” She stepped lightly to the side to avoid the flying debris. “You really should watch where you’re going, especially at that speed.” Her voice scolded, but the smile on her lips teased. “Someone could get hurt.”
Available at Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, Walmart.com and Barnes & Noble.
About the Author:
Many times I’ve been asked why write romance, I like the happily ever after aspect. I want to whisk a person away from the everyday to a magic world they won’t want to leave.
For me crafting a romance is all about RESPECT, TRUST and LOVE. Only most of my characters are of the paranormal persuasion. I want to create a memorable love story with spice and adventure. Characters that will grab hold of your heart and hang on long after you’ve read the last word and closed the book with a satisfied sigh.
See you next week!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Australia, Glacier National Park, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Vampires, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
