Category Archives: Facebook group

Note on the Dragon’s Breath Series and an excerpt

As some of you know, I’m in the midst of writing Cast by Flames, the final book in the series with Bailey and Aidan (not including the spinoff). There is a lot to cover in this novel, but it’s coming along well so far, and I’m finding it easy to write. Well, except for one little twist.

Long ago when I released the first book, I let readers know this one would not contain spicy elements. Some may recall this, some may not, and people who started it later probably never knew about that promise. I wanted readers who prefer not to have naughty parts in stories be able to enjoy the series. Also, I’d rather that when my boys get older they can pick these books up and it not be awkward. I’ll just have to steer them clear of the others.

Having said that, it was tough to stay within my promise while writing Torn in Flames because obviously Bailey and Aidan had a lot of pent up passion when they reunited after five years. I had to walk a fine line to show that without it going too far. It wasn’t easy! Since beginning Cast by Flames, it has gotten even more difficult. As I was writing the final part of chapter five, I deviated into “forbidden” territory because I just had to get it out of my system.

Later, I mentioned it to the readers in my Facebook Fan Group and how I’d have to heavily edit the scene later. There was a large response of people who thought I should still share it somehow (ideas varied on this). I ended up revising the scene with a lot more of what I wished I could have written had I not been holding back (even with crossing the line a bit). Then I posted the 1700 word scene in the group. They loved it.

I know I have a lot of readers who are not in that group who may wish to see it as well. As a result, I’m posting it below. Keep in mind that this scene takes place in the midst of the next book, so there are some brief mentions of things going on in the story, but they are vague without context and shouldn’t feel like actual spoilers. No one who has read it so far has had an issue.

If you’re still with me and want to read it, continue below. Please do keep in mind this is just a draft and has not been edited except me running through a few passes to try catching any typos/issues. Hope you enjoy!

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Susan Illene’s Dark Avengers

This is quick post to let you all know about a new Facebook group available for fans of my books.  Up until now, there hasn’t been an easy place to go once you’ve finished the Sensor Series or Dragon’s Breath Series novels to discuss it with fellow readers.  I thought it was about time to change that.

One reason I haven’t done this before is that I don’t have time to run it myself, and I didn’t feel right about it anyway because it should be a place where you can hold discussions freely without my involvement.  Thankfully, I found two awesome ladies (Rachel and Sarah) who follow both my series and were happy to run it for me.  They are also part of the team that helps with brainstorming for my novel covers and planning the cover model photo shoots.  They know my books well, and I’m confident they’ll make great moderators.  I will stop by once in a while for special posts and Q&A sessions, but other than that it’s all for the readers.

The title of this post may have tipped you off on the name of the group.  After much thought and consideration, we went with “Susan Illene’s Dark Avengers“.  We tried a lot of different ideas in an attempt to find something that didn’t favor one of my series over the other, and for whatever reason that one stuck with us the most.  It’s catchy.  Just go with it 🙂

Things to expect with the group

  • Sneak peeks at covers before they’re revealed anywhere else
  • Exclusive giveaways
  • Early snippets from upcoming books
  • Character highlights before the next novel releases to help refresh your memory on who they are and where they were at the last time you saw them.
  • Reminders for when books release in various formats (ebook, audio, paperback)
  • Q&A sessions with me
  • Group discussions of my books before and after releases (anything with spoilers will be marked accordingly for those who may not be caught up)
  • A chance to hang out with like-minded readers

There are probably more things I’m not remembering to list right now, but you get the basic idea.  This will be a closed group with two moderators who will post regular topics and help keep things civil so you can feel comfortable there.  If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, and you want to join the Dark Avengers, the link is below. The moderators will be checking in regularly to approve new members and welcome you to the group!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1657437984566674/