Inside the Mind of Paranormal Author

Here is a reprint of a post I wrote both on this blog and for Whipped Cream Reviews, just after I photographed a spectral orb (be sure to blow up both the pictures of the cemetery or you will not be able to see it).  Just so you know where I get my inspirations.

I once sailed out of Camden, Maine for a four day Windjammer cruise--no electricity, no running water, a marine "head" that you have to pump to flush. I had to help hoist the sails, drop the sheets, and even got to sit next to the captain at the tiller. The Windjammer I sailed on dated from the late 1870s, so it was easy to imagine it was the 19th Century. And perhaps because I grew up on and around sailboats, the sensation of walking the decks early in the morning or late at night, alone, seemed familiar, like I'd been there, done that. Those experiences helped me write The Journey-a love story with an action/adventure plot featuring a witch and a sailor just before the Civil War. 

This year, we took a two-hour cruise out of Provincetown, Massachusetts, on the Kalmar Nyckel, a three masted (with three crow's nests) replica of a 1625 Dutch Pinnace. I again got to help hoist the sails of my imagination and time travel back to the days of the pirates. That was topped off by a visit to the Pirate Museum at P-town's Macmillan Wharf, where artifacts from the slave ship/pirate vessel of Black Sam Bellamy, Captain of the Wyhdah, are on display. Blackbeard was one of Bellamy's apprentices and the displays are appropriately creepy enough to have lit a spark for me to write a pirate yarn—with a female captain, of course. 

Provincetown, as many towns on Cape Cod, was colonized in the 1600s, and a ghost tour of the labyrinthine streets lined with quaint historic inns, taverns, and haunted mansions was the perfect ending to the night. I've never been afraid of ghosts, and maybe that's why they allow me to feel their presence in such a real way. We weren't disappointed, and photographed an orb over a gravesite in one of P-town's five cemeteries, and noted a lot of electromagnetic activity on a cool (free) application Paranormal States.

So, that's a glimpse of how the mind of a paranormal author works—and how I do my research. It might be my imagination that allows me to conjure the images, emotions, characters and eventually the plots that go alone with them, but outdoors, on the sea, on the shore, in the woods, and on the mountains where nature is in her full glory-both beautiful and terrible, the boundary between the real and surreal, between the natural and supernatural, between the worlds, time blurs, morphs, expands and contracts, trapping me in a very special place. One I hate to leave.

Check out my pictures on Facebook

The Journey

Hot Chocolate Kiss is no longer available at Eternal Press, but I have copies! This is a delightful short story that makes a great gift for a special guy--they love the action both on and off the slopes.

Read excerpts

Contact Gianna for print copies in Gift Packages, which include either or both The Journey and Hot Chocolate Kiss, plus a box of chocolates.

Preview: The Art Class by Andrew Richardson

One of the best things about being a critique partner with Andrew Richardson is that I get to read all his stories way before they come out. And he has been busy, with a horror short just out and "Art Class" due out soon with Wicked Ink Publishing.

Isn't the cover gorgeous?

The idea of posing naked in front of a class isn't something I'd relish, but perhaps if I looked like Kerry-Jane, I'd give it a go. She decides to indulge in one of her fantasies as a birthday gift to herself, with a little help from her best friend.

My favorite part of this quick, enjoyable read was when Kay-Jay gets to see the varied images of herself the students have created while she knelt naked on a red velvet sofa. Things heat up considerably after Kay-Jay pecks a reassuring kiss on the cheek a gentleman who's insecure about his artistic talents. But not everyone in the class feels the same about their work.

Excerpt:

I’m the teacher.” His handshake was firm, but soft at the same time. “You’re shaking. I do hope you’re not too nervous.”

“A little.”

“Is this your first time?”

Kerry-Jane nodded.

Paul closed both hands around her fingers. “I think you’re very brave, and I promise you, we’ll be understanding. I hope that by the end of the lesson we’ll have eased you back within your comfort zone.”

“Thank you.”

He paused, as if unsure whether to continue. “You’re really pretty, Kerry-Jane. I’m sure the gang will enjoy painting you.”

“Thank you.” Some of the fluttering returned to Kerry-Jane’s stomach as Paul released her fingers and the rest of the class introduced themselves and shook hands: Joel, tall and slim, but shy and staring over Kerry-Jane’s shoulder rather than look at her; Frank, middle aged with a formal blazer and friendly smile above a greying goatee; and Laura, who was the stereotypical housewife Kerry-Jane and Amy had discussed, but enthusiastic rather than disapproving.

Kerry-Jane was certain she wouldn’t remember any names (not while I’m kneeling here stark naked with everyone looking at me).

The last student stepped toward her, and she swallowed as a Latin Adonis gazed down on her with deep, dark eyes. He shifted a bottle of red wine from his right hand to his left to shake hands.

Gianna Bruno and Friends Pre Thanksgiving Chat On November 19 1-3 pm

Andrew Richardson and Alice Gaines will be joining me on the Coffee Time Romance Erotic Loop Saturday November 19 from 1-2 pm.


We'll start off by talking about our favorite holiday memories and who knows where it will go from there.


You have to register for the Yahoo Group in advance.


There will be some holiday goodies.

Andrew Richardson lives near Stonehenge and other ancient places. The feel of these sites often provide inspiration for novels set in Britain’s legendary past. His novel The Wood and erotic short story "The Shoot" have been listed on the GLBT bookshelf.

Alice Gaines writes erotic and historical romance for Carina, Harlequin Spice Briefs, Changeling Press, and Red Sage Publishing.  In December, she'll have a new release from Changeling, Sinful Wager, and from Red Sage, Nightwatch. 

Besides writing and reading, Alice loves pet reptiles, cooking, and funky soul band Tower of Power.