This post is inspired by Cindy Knoke’s fabulous photo stories; Paul Militaru’s fabulous subject choices; and Jill Shalvis who used to regularly post her inspiring writing views.
All photo credits are mine.
Wind rustling leaves on spring trees sound like applause
Yay, Gina, you’re writing!
The twin tree is dressed in Spring foliage. Birds sing and chirp in every direction. Squirrels chase each other around the trunk and on the grassy ground. Fresh breezy air gently moves hair tendrils on my cheek.
The path ahead is the same yet not the same.
A week before Spring equinox, I started a new part-time job that brought more freedom, time, and appreciation to writing.
Snowy winter trees in February – I spent plenty of time writing and living the Food As Ally program. Inside. Under blankets with hot tea close by. I call this tree the Twins because there is one trunk.
The pond water changes color with the temperature and time of day. Details I notice from time spent staring while words form in my mind.
The world was black and white that day. No filters.
This is me, flushed and excited by my new home and moving boxes.
In October when I saw this balcony view I daydreamed of writing here before the cold weather chased me back inside. This is how it looked in early December, the day I moved in.
I hope you enjoyed my view and my words as much as I enjoy sharing them with you. Natural Gifts, indeed.
A parallel world. A trapped soul. To save her friends, they’ll battle addiction, magic, and eternity…
Elena Zucchero has lived and lost in reality. Now she fills her heart through her work as a hypnotherapist by helping her patients improve their lives. But when a nightmare plagues her sleep, she learns her friends have gone missing in an addictive alternate plane. And the only way to save them may require feeding the demons of her handsome new client…
Draper Montgomery painfully resists the call of the Dreaming. But despite his dangerous cravings, he senses his enchanting therapist has a wound he can help heal. And to satisfy his heart’s desire, he may just have to risk the very foundation of his mind…
As Elena and Draper discover a deeper soul connection, the therapist struggles to keep her distance in the hunt for her friends. If the people she loves even want to be saved…
Will the perilous hunt to rescue her friends lose them their lives and their souls?
Deep in the Dreaming is the fourth standalone book in the captivating Natural Gifts paranormal romance series. If you like mysterious worlds, conflicted characters, and love that conquers all, then you’ll adore Gina Briganti’s enthralling tale.
Press play now and you can listen to the Deep in the Dreaming playlist while you read.
Sometimes I’ll listen to the same song until I feel like it has got it’s message across in how it relates to the character, scene, or story I’m writing. Wake Me Up by Avicii was key to unlocking how and why Draper ended up spending most of the last decade in the Dreaming. I listened to the song at least ten times while I was exploring Draper and creating his past.
Girls Like You cover by Walk Off The Earth. When Draper’s attraction to Elena continues to deepen, he decides that they could be special in each other’s lives, and that she understood him. Listening to this song while I was writing the book didn’t vibe 100% because Elena wasn’t doing what Sarah is singing about here. Not Elena. And Draper’s addiction history mean no ganja or alcohol. There was no escaping the song at the time because it was on most of my radio stations and in my playlist, just like Draper and Elena found themselves in the same places at the same time.
This playlist is influenced by the infectious energy of my favorite band, Walk Off The Earth. My daughter and I met the band during their November 2018 tour in Dallas. It’s a moment I hope to remember forever. What an amazing group of musicians they are!
I Like Me Better by Lauv perfectly describes how Draper feels when he’s with Elena and it’s why he faces his personal demons and steps up when Elena needs him most. This is another example of a song filling in pieces of a character’s emotional landscape.
We’ll jump way ahead in the story with the Love Lies cover by Walk Off The Earth. There comes a point when Draper has to wonder if Elena is more dedicated to ? (spoiler) than she is to him. I was feeling pretty bad for Draper when I wrote this part and so was Draper. Listening to the song helped put me in the right frustrated, confused head space that Draper was in.
Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne clicked when everyone was struggling. Were you glad to see Avril back with such a strong song? I was! I know this song speaks to people going through tough times. I needed the angst in this song to infuse scenes I wrote, which it did.
Drag Me Down cover by Walk Off The Earth illustrates the determination Elena needed to overcome her biggest obstacles in the worst place anyone can imagine, a parallel dimension where confusion, treachery, and evil reign supreme. Draper stands behind her. A truly awe-inspired moment in the story. My family loves this song, including my three-year-old granddaughter who sings it and stomps her feet on time with the video. Yep, that melts her G.G.’s (Grandma Gina’s) heart every time.
That’s Amore by Dean Martin was a fun addition to the playlist because it speaks to Elena’s roots and one of Draper’s favorite places to vacation. They needed a love song to celebrate with. These two could definitely appreciate Martin’s light-hearted vibe after what they went through.
I listen to playlists I’ve made from books I’ve written in the past and ride the nostalgia wave created by the music, which feeds into writing scenes for characters from previous Natural Gifts books. The playlist for Desert Sunrise (Book 2 of the Natural Gifts series). includes Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big and Rich and Indian Outlaw by Tim McGraw. Those songs give me a good sense of Lucy’s playful, saucy spirit and help put me in her head space when I wrote scenes for her in this book and in future Natural Gifts books.
Music has always been a huge part of me, enriching, inspiring, consoling, and entertaining me through all phases of my life. I’m a closet songwriter and if you’ve seen someone singing and dancing to a good song in a store, that was me or someone channeling me.
I want to hear about your relationship with music now in the comments!
Elena Zucchero has lived and lost in reality. Now she fills her heart through her work as a hypnotherapist by helping her patients improve their lives. But when a nightmare plagues her sleep, she learns her friends have gone missing in an addictive alternate plane. And the only way to save them may require feeding the demons of her handsome new client…
Draper Montgomery painfully resists the call of the Dreaming. But despite his dangerous cravings, he senses his enchanting therapist has a wound he can help heal. And to satisfy his heart’s desire, he may just have to risk the very foundation of his mind…
As Elena and Draper discover a deeper soul connection, the therapist struggles to keep her distance in the hunt for her friends. If the people she loves even want to be saved…
Will the perilous hunt to rescue her friends lose them their lives and their souls?
Deep in the Dreaming is the fourth standalone book in the captivating Natural Gifts paranormal romance series. If you like mysterious worlds, conflicted characters, and love that conquers all, then you’ll adore Gina Briganti’s enthralling tale.
Slip into another world today!
About the Author
Gina Briganti writes fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi romance in north Texas. She also writes about Reiki (a relaxation technique) and self-help. Her constant companion is a special soul who masquerades as a dog.
“Elena, you know I have baggage. I think you have some, too. Please, accept my apology.”
“Where’s Brittany when you need her?” Elena rubbed her face with her hands. Hard.
“Brittany?”
“The truth speaker. She could tell me if what you’re telling me is real. I’ve lived almost fifty years without being propositioned the way you just did.”
She crossed her arms across her chest again and searched his eyes.
He didn’t dare look away. She deserved to know about his past. Even if it meant losing the hint of happiness he’d felt with her. “Brittany can interrogate me if that’s what you want. Honestly, I was trying to say that I will take care of you if you need help. I’m sorry for the way I said it, but not for what I meant.”
“I can accept your apology. It’s the future of our relationship I’m trying to understand.” She relaxed enough for the scowl to leave her face. “I need time to work through this, Draper.”
She meant time to work through it on her own. Time to decide if she was going to continue with their relationship. With him.
The panic he felt when he saw that she was getting ready to leave earlier was nothing compared to what he was feeling now. He knew what mattered most to her and he was desperate enough to use it.
Elena Zucchero has lived and lost in reality. Now she fills her heart through her work as a hypnotherapist by helping her patients improve their lives. But when a nightmare plagues her sleep, she learns her friends have gone missing in an addictive alternate plane. And the only way to save them may require feeding the demons of her handsome new client…
Draper Montgomery painfully resists the call of the Dreaming. But despite his dangerous cravings, he senses his enchanting therapist has a wound he can help heal. And to satisfy his heart’s desire, he may just have to risk the very foundation of his mind…
As Elena and Draper discover a deeper soul connection, the therapist struggles to keep her distance in the hunt for her friends. If the people she loves even want to be saved…
Will the perilous hunt to rescue her friends lose them their lives and their souls?
Deep in the Dreaming is the fourth standalone book in the captivating Natural Gifts paranormal romance series. If you like mysterious worlds, conflicted characters, and love that conquers all, then you’ll adore Gina Briganti’s enthralling tale.
Buy Deep in the Dreaming to slip into another world today!
Purchase Deep in the Dreaming during launch week (March 19th-March 23rd) and you could have your very own limited edition IvyRose products in your swag bag! While supplies last. To claim your deluxe swag bag send proof of purchase to ginabrigantiauthor at gmail dot com with the subject line “I Got Deep.”
Gina Briganti writes fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi romance in north Texas. She also writes about Reiki (a relaxation technique) and self-help. Her constant companion is a special soul who masquerades as a dog.
Draper Montgomery has been living a fantasy life in a parallel reality reached by the select few who could go there through meditation or sleep while the body rested in the World. Where he was now. 3-D reality some call it.
A parallel world. A trapped soul. To save her friends, they’ll battle addiction, magic, and eternity…
Elena Zucchero has lived and lost in reality. Now she fills her heart through her work as a hypnotherapist by helping her patients improve their lives. But when a nightmare plagues her sleep, she learns her friends have gone missing in an addictive alternate plane. And the only way to save them may require feeding the demons of her handsome new client…
Draper Montgomery painfully resists the call of the Dreaming. But despite his dangerous cravings, he senses his enchanting therapist has a wound he can help heal. And to satisfy his heart’s desire, he may just have to risk the very foundation of his mind…
As Elena and Draper discover a deeper soul connection, the therapist struggles to keep her distance in the hunt for her friends. If the people she loves even want to be saved…
Will the perilous hunt to rescue her friends lose them their lives and their souls?
Deep in the Dreaming is the fourth standalone book in the captivating Natural Gifts paranormal romance series. If you like mysterious worlds, conflicted characters, and love that conquers all, then you’ll adore Gina Briganti’s enthralling tale.
Buy Deep in the Dreaming to slip into another world today!
Purchase Deep in the Dreaming during launch week (March 19th-March 23rd) and you could have your very own limited edition IvyRose products in your swag bag! While supplies last. To claim your deluxe swag bag send proof of purchase to ginabrigantiauthor at gmail dot com with the subject line “I Got Deep.”
Logo:Enriching Life Designs
Goodies in the swag bag were made by A Joy Forever Bath + Body and No Two Soaps. Like Ivy from my Natural Gifts series, these ladies make top-notch, eco-friendly, fun treats for the body. They are real-life Ivys! Read more about IvyRose in yesterday’s post.
About the Author
Gina Briganti writes fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi romance in north Texas. She also writes about Reiki (a relaxation technique) and self-help. Her constant companion is a special soul who masquerades as a dog.
When I started writing The Dreamingin 2009 I had no idea that IvyRose would become a beloved part of the Natural Gift series. Journey back with me to when Dana was at a signing in New York and Ivy, pregnant with Rose, wore lavender essential oil to calm her nerves as she met one of her personal heroes. Dana felt connected to Ivy from the start and accepted Ivy’s phone number when she offered it. Dana and Ivy met later on at Dana’s house, which is when Ivy brought Dana her handmade lip gloss and shampoo. Ivy wistfully shared that she would love to market her body care someday. Dana saw a flash out of the corner of her eye and told Ivy that she had a feeling she would. In Desert Sunrise, Dana and Lucy took a working trip to New York to meet with Ivy and the ever-adorable cherub Rose, to look at office space for the company they would call IvyRose. The friendship these women share, the vision, the hard work, and their drive to make the world a better place moves me so much it leaves me breathless.
When Life Force Holistic Health Center opened during No Yesterdays, it did so with a whole wall of IvyRose products. Top notch, eco-friendly, wonderful, and just plain fun.
You’ll see more of IvyRose when you read Deep in the Dreaming. I’d tell you more, but, you know, spoilers.
Purchase Deep in the Dreaming during launch week and you could have your very own limited edition IvyRose products in your swag bag! While supplies last. To claim your deluxe swag bag send proof of purchase to ginabrigantiauthor at gmail dot com by midnight on 3/24/19 with the subject line “I Got Deep.”
A parallel world. A trapped soul. To save her friends, they’ll battle addiction, magic, and eternity…
Elena Zucchero has lived and lost in reality. Now she fills her heart through her work as a hypnotherapist by helping her patients improve their lives. But when a nightmare plagues her sleep, she learns her friends have gone missing in an addictive alternate plane. And the only way to save them may require feeding the demons of her handsome new client…
Draper Montgomery painfully resists the call of the Dreaming. But despite his dangerous cravings, he senses his enchanting therapist has a wound he can help heal. And to satisfy his heart’s desire, he may just have to risk the very foundation of his mind…
As Elena and Draper discover a deeper soul connection, the therapist struggles to keep her distance in the hunt for her friends. If the people she loves even want to be saved…
Will the perilous hunt to rescue her friends lose them their lives and their souls?
Deep in the Dreaming is the fourth standalone book in the captivating Natural Gifts paranormal romance series. If you like mysterious worlds, conflicted characters, and love that conquers all, then you’ll adore Gina Briganti’s enthralling tale.
Buy Deep in the Dreaming to slip into another world today!
Gina Briganti writes fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi romance in north Texas. She also writes about Reiki (a relaxation technique) and self-help. Her constant companion is a special soul who masquerades as a dog.
A parallel world. A trapped soul. To save her friends, they’ll battle addiction, magic, and eternity…
Elena Zucchero has lived and lost in reality. Now she fills her heart through her work as a hypnotherapist by helping her patients improve their lives. But when a nightmare plagues her sleep, she learns her friends have gone missing in an addictive alternate plane. And the only way to save them may require feeding the demons of her handsome new client…
Draper Montgomery painfully resists the call of the Dreaming. But despite his dangerous cravings, he senses his enchanting therapist has a wound he can help heal. And to satisfy his heart’s desire, he may just have to risk the very foundation of his mind…
As Elena and Draper discover a deeper soul connection, the therapist struggles to keep her distance in the hunt for her friends. If the people she loves even want to be saved…
Will the perilous hunt to rescue her friends lose them their lives and their souls?
Deep in the Dreaming is the fourth standalone book in the captivating Natural Gifts paranormal romance series. If you like mysterious worlds, conflicted characters, and love that conquers all, then you’ll adore Gina Briganti’s enthralling tale.
Buy Deep in the Dreaming to slip into another world today!
Purchase Deep in the Dreaming during launch week (March 19th-March 23rd) and you could have your very own limited edition IvyRose products in your swag bag! While supplies last. To claim your deluxe swag bag send proof of purchase by midnight 3/24/19 to ginabrigantiauthor at gmail dot com with the subject line “I Got Deep.”
Logo:Enriching Life Designs
Goodies in the swag bag were made by A Joy Forever Bath + Body and No Two Soaps. Like Ivy from my Natural Gifts series, these ladies make top-notch, eco-friendly, fun treats for the body. They are real-life Ivys!
About the Author
Gina Briganti writes fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi romance in north Texas. She also writes about Reiki (a relaxation technique) and self-help. Her constant companion is a special soul who masquerades as a dog.
“I didn’t come here with this in mind. I just wanted to see you, and to thank you for getting mad at me.” He sat on the toilet, mesmerized.
“I’ve been mad at you more than I’ve been anything else since the day we met.” She swirled water with her fingers, breaking up clumps of bubbles, drowning others. “What’s on your mind now, Jason?”
He shook his head, laughed. “You know what I’m thinking about.”
“Sex, Jason? Sex with me? Wet, slippery, bathtub sex?” She splashed him with enough water to wet his pants.
“Lina,” he warned.
“What? Mr. I-don’t-want-to-tie-you-down is afraid of a little no strings sex?”
“The minute you showed up in my life there were more strings than a yarn warehouse. I’ll wait for you out in the living room.”
Walking out of there was actually harder than talking to his mom about what a cheating, lying asshole his father had been, but he did it.
“Hi.” A pair of huge gray eyes in a pretty oval face was the first thing he saw when he came out of the bedroom.
“That’s Deb, she’s Tanya’s friend.” Rain pointed to each of the women as he introduced them.
“I didn’t know you were bringing a friend along for Deb.” Tanya threaded her fingers through Rain’s. “That’s so sweet.”
“Oops, misunderstanding.” Jason smoothed it with his voice. “I’m with Lina, Rain’s roommate. It’s nice to meet you both. I’m Jason Carapelli.”
The newcomers couldn’t know that he was saying his name with a whole new level of pride.
He’d been proud to be a Carapelli because his mother was one, too. When she’d married Joe and became a Jacobs, he was still proud to be a Carapelli.
It was when Carter and Brittany found their rhythm, then Rowan and Jenny jumped right into happy times, that he’d started to wonder about what effect his father had on him. It had chipped away at him until he came to the ugly, and wrong, conclusion that he couldn’t be with his own soul mate because he was his father’s son.
It had taken that special person, the woman who had just tempted him beyond reason, to help him see that he was his mother’s son as much as he was his father’s, and that she’d always had more influence on him because she’d always been there. His father had left long before he died when he and Jenny were ten.
Lina came in wearing a robe that covered everything but was way sexier than Jason considered fair.
“Hello.” Lina greeted their visitors. “I’m Lina, Rain’s roommate.” She turned to Jason. “Do you want anything to eat or drink? I was going to heat up some veggie pasta from the center.”
“Sure, thanks.” He smiled.
“We’re heading out to a movie, grab some pizza after. You want to join us?” Rain asked before Lina reached for plates.
“Jase?” Lina leaned against the counter, asking his opinion.
So his choices were to be here alone with her, or for them to go out with Rain and his company. It was time to rip the band-aid off. “I think we’ll hang out here, if that’s cool with you, Lina.”
Rain nodded, high-fived Jason. “Right on!”
Tanya and Deb were naturally confused.
“Thanks.” Jason told him, grateful for his support. “We’re sort of making up.” Jason explained for Deb and Tanya.
Tanya nodded. “That makes sense. We need to go, Rain, or we’re going to be late for the movie.”
“Cool, yeah. See you guys.”
“Does Rain ever have trouble with dates when you walk around looking like that?” Like a wanton sex goddess.
“It doesn’t happen too often. He’s only been on a few dates since the breakup. You want some juice, or water?” She glanced in the fridge. “I have carrot, or mango. I can mix them if you want.”
“This is weird, Lina. Isn’t it weird for you?” He made himself stay across the room from her.
“You turning me down in the bathtub that was the weird part. This feels pretty normal compared.” She shrugged.
“I think we should date-” He broke off. “Fuck, Lina, please go put some clothes on.”
When she reached up for the plates, the short robe rode up and showed that she wore a black G-string for panties.
“Sure.” She turned, threatened to untie the belt at her waist.
“In your room,” he groaned.
“You’ve already seen me naked,” she argued.
“What do you want from me, Lina? I’m trying to be a good guy here.” He held his hands out in supplication.
Gina Briganti writes paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi romance in north Texas. Her constant companion is a special soul who masquerades as a dog.
www.ginabriganti.com 