I’ve recently started a new novel (always fun for me). But when I start a book, I often try a few alternate beginnings as I try to find the first line and then the opening sequence that works best for me.

I’m a big believer in starting a story with an attention-grabber. The first line sets the tone for the story, and it lets readers know exactly what to expect from the tale. When I’m in a bookstore and searching for a new book, I always read the back cover blurb then I open the book and read the first paragraph. If I’m hooked by the beginning, I buy the book.

Yes, I’m all about those fabulous first lines.

Have you recently read a book with a fabulous first line? Then please, share it with me!

Cynthia Eden
www.cynthiaeden.com
I’LL BE SLAYING YOU–Available 06/29/10 from Kensington Brava

When I was a kid, I used to love reading fairy tales. (Oh, who am I kidding? I still love them!). My favorite story was Beauty and the Beast. Hmmm…could that possibly be why I enjoy writing shifter romances so much? I do love a bit of the beast in my heroes.

Fairy tales (the not-so-Grimm) variety, got me hooked on happy endings. On love conquering all and on the hero and heroine surviving sometimes against magical odds.

Lately, it seems that re-telling the classical fairy tales is a popular trend. Old story, new twist. I’m intrigued by this trend, and I’ll definitely have to try out some stories. I’ve personally always wanted a new Snow White story. Why does she have to fall for the prince? Wouldn’t it be more fun if she fell for the hunter who was supposed to kill her? (But he couldn’t, of course, because he secretly loved her.) Or what about that Wicked Queen? Come on, even bad girls need love, too!

Yes, ahem, as you can tell, I’m all about the re-telling.

But what’s your favorite fairy tale? Is there a classic that you’d like to see re-told?

Happy Reading!

Cynthia Eden
www.cynthiaeden.com
ETERNAL HUNTER–Available now from Kensington Brava

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving–one filled with great family, wonderful friends, and terrific food!

I love Thanksgiving. For me, it’s a relaxed holiday. No rushing around. No stress. Just delicious turkey and laughter with my family. (My husband does the cooking–so see, there really is no stress for me! I just play with our three year old son.) On the day after Thanksgiving, we load up and drive to see a million twinkling Christmas lights…we head to see Bellingrath Gardens and their Christmas in Lights. Seeing the lights is a tradition for my family–it winds down our Thanksgiving fun and officially kicks off our Christmas time.

Do you have a special Thanksgiving tradition in your family? I’d love to hear about ‘em!

Be safe–and have a great holiday!

Cynthia Eden
www.cynthiaeden.com
HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT–mass market re-release 12/1/09
ETERNAL HUNTER–available 12/29/09 from Kensington Brava

Yes, finally, fall is here (even if it still feels like summer down here in Alabama). I’m starting to see fall decorations in my neighborhood, and when I go shopping–oh, yeah, the Halloween materials are out!

Now, generally, during this time of the year, I love to curl up with a good paranormal book. (Okay, in the interest of total honesty, I ALWAYS like to read paranormals.) But, with Halloween beginning to loom, I find myself wanting to get an extra boost of supernatural fun. I’ve been re-reading some of my favorite paranormal tales. Writing my own paranormal. And, in general, having fun with my monsters.

Are you like me? Do you enjoy a paranormal boost in October? And what’s your favorite paranormal read?

Do you have a favorite vampire character? I do. For the longest time (okay, since I saw him on Buffy), the vampire Spike has reigned supreme for me. Oh, Spike, you are a favorite for me.

But, even before the days (well, technically nights since he is a vampire) of Spike, I was a vampire fan. I grew up watching the old black-and-white vamp horror shows. You know the ones–they always featured the vampire who asked you to look, “Deep, deep into my eyes.”

Yes, my vampire addiction is long running. And, thanks to my wonderful editor at Kensington, I recently had the chance to write another vampire story of my own. “In the Dark” is my contribution to the BELONG TO THE NIGHT anthology, and it features my bad boy vamp, Liam. Here’s the blurb for my story:

FBI agent and leopard shifter Sadie James’ undead ex, Liam, still arouses her deepest desires, distracting her from tracking the brutal rogue shifter who is terrorizing Miami. By teaming up with Liam, Sadie has a better chance of solving the case, but as passion consumes them, she stands to lose more than just her heart.

The anthology also features two wonderful stories–one from Shelly Laurenston and one from Sherrill Quinn. Here are the blurbs for their stories:

“The Wolf, The Witch, and Her Lack of Wardrobe” by Shelly Laurenston:

Jamie Meacham has enough trouble controlling her supernatural abilities. There’s no time for lust, or for Tully Smith, even with his smoldering amber eyes. But Tully’s grappling with his own animal instincts as a powerful shifter-wolf, trying to protect all his territory-including a certain sassy witch-from vicious rivals.

“City of the Dead” by Sherrill Quinn:

Dori Falcon is a witch with a plan: get to New Orleans, locate her missing brother, and recover the Eye of Bastet, a mysterious and powerful amulet. Her plan never included falling for sexy Cajun copy Jake Boudreau; but without his help, she may never find the demon who has her brother, and the key to her family’s survival.

Ah, paranormal fun!!!

Now tell me…do you have a favorite vamp?

Thanks!

Cynthia Eden
www.cynthiaeden.com

Want to win a copy of BELONG TO THE NIGHT? This September paranormal romance anthology won’t be available for a few more weeks, but you could win a copy now! Here’s the blurb for the anthology:

“The Wolf, The Witch, and Her Lack of Wardrobe” by Shelly Laurenston:

Jamie Meacham has enough trouble controlling her supernatural abilities. There’s no time for lust, or for Tully Smith, even with his smoldering amber eyes. But Tully’s grappling with his own animal instincts as a powerful shifter-wolf, trying to protect all his territory-including a certain sassy witch-from vicious rivals.

“In the Dark” by Cynthia Eden:

FBI agent and leopard shifter Sadie James’ undead ex, Liam, still arouses her deepest desires, distracting her from tracking the brutal rogue shifter who is terrorizing Miami. By teaming up with Liam, Sadie has a better chance of solving the case, but as passion consumes them, she stands to lose more than just her heart.

“City of the Dead” by Sherrill Quinn:

Dori Falcon is a witch with a plan: get to New Orleans, locate her missing brother, and recover the Eye of Bastet, a mysterious and powerful amulet. Her plan never included falling for sexy Cajun copy Jake Boudreau; but without his help, she may never find the demon who has her brother, and the key to her family’s survival.

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Want to win? Just leave me a comment–let me know about the great books you’ve read lately. I’ll be back on Saturday to pick the winner!