Ring in the New Year with The Vampire Family!

Are you spending a cold, dark New Year's Eve alone? Is it stormy, hail, thunder and lightning all around you? Never fear! It's the perfect time to snuggle up with The Vampire Family!

There's plenty of ways to give yourself a snuggly spook with Antonio, Victoria, Samantha and the rest of the sucky Welshire clan:

http://jsnouff.com/kristin
http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamilynew.html
http://fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook66272.htm
http://vampfam.blogspot.com

Remember...Roses Can Be Deadly.......

Sadistic? Check. Domination? Check. Happiness? Not for all. Antonio Welshire accepts the mysterious Mestiphles' offer for vampiric power, but fails to consider that not all in his family desires evil. Daughter Victoria revels in the debauchery, but eldest daughter Samantha loathes the darkness. Enemies are in no short supply when the family turns to darkness. Charismatic rebel Gaston turns up to rival for Antonio's power; the vampire lover Jean can destroy them once and for all, and henchwoman Lilith seeks to supplant Antonio as Mestiphles' favorite. Who will be declared the victor? And in the end, though they've survived coven wars and persecutions since the 12th century, can The Vampire Family survive each other? Killing his abusive parents isn't enough for Antonio Welshire. Rape and death follow him through his youth in the 12th Century-until a stranger named Mestiphles give Antonio unimaginable vampire powers. Fearful yet captivated by his allure, Antonio's adopted sisters Ann and Elizabeth share this gift with him and their children-Victoria, James, Samantha, and Stephen. Antonio is a cruel ruler , and aafter his defeat of the young rebel Gaston, Antonio struggles with Lilith-another magical pet also created by Mestiphles. Antonio's vampire family grows over the centuries, each vampire loving and losing vampire fledglings over time. Wars, persecutions come adn go, but the family's troubles always stem from within. Elizabeth may be his wife, but Ann suplants her as Antonio's mistress. By the 20th century, Elizabeth has found love again-unfortunately her fledgling Jean share's Samantha's disdain for the vampire life. Will The Vampire Family self destruct before the 21st Century?

Look for our Valentine contest in February!


--
Fiction, Non Fiction, Reviews
by Kristin Battestella

kristin724@gmail.com
http://jsnouff.com/kristin
kristin724.livejournal.com
vampfam.blogspot.com

The Vampire Family On Sale Now!

Why not have horror year round? Need a quick gift for the spooky reader in the family?

The Vampire Family is on sale now at Fictionwise! If you're a club member, pay just $3! Not bad for a quick, easy, and scary read at this darkest time of year.

Find out everything you need to know about The Vampire Family at the following locations:

http://vampfam.blogspot.com
http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamilynew.html
http://fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook66272.htm
http://jsnouff.com/kristin

The first 3 Chapters are ready to entice you at the Fictionwise page, or you can browse our excerpts, reviews, and interviews at the Vampfam Blog. Don't forget to friend us at My Space!

http://www.myspace.com/kristinbattestella


Sadistic? Check. Domination? Check. Happiness? Not for all. Antonio Welshire accepts the mysterious Mestiphles' offer for vampiric power, but fails to consider that not all in his family desires evil. Daughter Victoria revels in the debauchery, but eldest daughter Samantha loathes the darkness. Enemies are in no short supply when the family turns to darkness. Charismatic rebel Gaston turns up to rival for Antonio's power; the vampire lover Jean can destroy them once and for all, and henchwoman Lilith seeks to supplant Antonio as Mestiphles' favorite. Who will be declared the victor? And in the end, though they've survived coven wars and persecutions since the 12th century, can The Vampire Family survive each other? Killing his abusive parents isn't enough for Antonio Welshire. Rape and death follow him through his youth in the 12th Century-until a stranger named Mestiphles give Antonio unimaginable vampire powers. Fearful yet captivated by his allure, Antonio's adopted sisters Ann and Elizabeth share this gift with him and their children-Victoria, James, Samantha, and Stephen. Antonio is a cruel ruler , and aafter his defeat of the young rebel Gaston, Antonio struggles with Lilith-another magical pet also created by Mestiphles. Antonio's vampire family grows over the centuries, each vampire loving and losing vampire fledglings over time. Wars, persecutions come adn go, but the family's troubles always stem from within. Elizabeth may be his wife, but Ann suplants her as Antonio's mistress. By the 20th century, Elizabeth has found love again-unfortunately her fledgling Jean share's Samantha's disdain for the vampire life. Will The Vampire Family self destruct before the 21st Century?

New Horror Reviews!

puzlvuHey gang.

I've written a few Christmas reviews and family friendly commentaries for both I Think Therefore I Review and Classic Movies Today. If you're horror all year round, check out Scars Magazine for horror reprint reviews.

http://ithinkthereforeireview.blogspot.com/
http://classicmovies.today.com/
http://www.scarsmagazine.com/

Here's a brief list of articles:

Sleeping Beauty
Mama Mia!
Pride and Passion: Italians in America
P.S. I Love You
The Bishop's Wife
Bee Gees Greatest
Samson and Delilah
Little Women
White Christmas
Big Band Christmas
Faceless
10,000 BC


Horror commentaries at Scars Include

Elvira's Haunted Hills
Exorcism of Emily Rose
The Lost Boys
Wolf Creek
Disturbia
The Ninth Gate
The Hitcher


Enjoy!

Kristin

Halloween Virtual Visits Start Now!

Hello my pale nefarious friends! Daylight can't stop The Vampire Family while we tour the web!

Check out our new My Space for a gander

http://myspace.com/kristinbattestella

So, Where can you find The Vampire Family tonight? Everywhere! Myself and an entire host of Eternal Press authors will make appearances at the following locations:

Beth Wylde Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bethwylde/

Talking Two Lips Reviews
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TalkingTwoLips/

Halloween Town 1
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HalloweenTown1/

Love and Romances Cafe
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe/


Do Remember you can also catch me anytime at The Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group


Did you submit your answers in The Vampire Family Trivia Contest? We're annoucning the winner at Tabitha Shay's Blog, Fall Under My Spell right now!

http://tabithashay.blogspot.com

Look at all the spooky things we have for you!

The Vampire Family Now at My Space!

Say hello!

Yes I've finally succumbed and joined myspace!

http://myspace.com/kristinbattestella

I'm new to all the fancy stuff so be kind!

Kristin

Halloween Quizzes!

A bit of fun for Halloween!

You Are a Vampire

You are charming, sensual, and even a bit manipulative. You can't help but get people to do what you want. You have sharp senses and a strong predatory instinct. You go after what you want, without mercy. While you have the heart of a killer, many people are drawn to you. You are elegant, timeless, and mysterious. You are the ultimate fantasy object.

Are You a Vampire or a Werewolf?

What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

A bit of an introvert, you like the special occasions just as much as everyone else. You just have your own unique way of celebrating Halloween. You definitely think of yourself as someone who has a dark side. And part of having that dark side means not showing it. Your inner child is open minded, playful, and adventurous. You fear people taking advantage for you. You are always worried about protecting your own interests. You're prone to be quite emotional and over dramatic. Deep down, you enjoy being scared out of your mind... even if you don't admit it. You are a traditionalist with most aspects of your life. You like your Halloween costume to be basic, well made, and conventional enough to wear another year.

What's Your Halloween Personality?

Your Monster Profile

Psychotic Murderer You Feast On: Snow Cones You Lurk Around In: The Backseats of Cars You Especially Like to Torment: British People

What's Your Monster Name?

You Are Not Scary

Everyone loves you. Isn't that sweet?

How Scary Are You?

Guest Blogging Today!

Hey folks!

Stay indoors out of the sunlight today and check up on The Vampire Family as we visit at the Novel Sisterhood Blog today.

A little bit of fun and more chances to brush up on our Trivia Contest at Tabitha Shay's Blog!

Lots of blogs and Halloween business to be had.

Next we'll be at the Coffee Time Romance Loop October 30. I think! Can't keep track anymore! If you have a blog and would like The Vampire Family to stop by, let me know at kristin724@yahoo.com

Vampire Trivia Begins Today!

Arise, spooky ones, it's trivia time!

I've posted our Vampire Family Trivia questions at Tabitha Shay's Fall Under My Spell Blog today. I hope you've read up on our Chapter 1 excerpt below for all the answers! I've got a great vampire prize basket for the winner, we'll be announcing everyone's goody goodness on Halloween!

Good Luck!

More October Events!

Hey folks. Our Interview with Red Roses is Online!

http://redrosesforauthors.blogspot.com/2008/10/interview-with-kristin-battestella.html


Feel free to stop in tomorrow night Wednesday for a visit
with myself and a few of the Eternal Press Gals at The Haunt Yahoo Group!


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Haunt_at_PNR/


Don't forget Friday the 24th, I'm posting questions based on The
Vampire Family Chapter 1 Excerpt at Tabitha Shay's Blog! We're going
to have a great time.

October 25 is my day at The Novel Sisterhood Blog. Whew!

Now, On Halloween Eternal Press Authors will be appearing at the following locations:

Beth Wylde Yahoo Group
Savannah Chase Yahoo Group
Romance Junkies
Halloween Town1 Group
Two Lips Reviews

Can't guarantee I'll be able to stop at every one, but tune in if you can for some great fun and prizes!

Kristin

Red Roses Featured Author!

Hey Gang! Me and The Vampire Family are being featured this week at Red Roses For Authors.

Red Roses: Kristin Battestella

http://redrosesforauthors.blogspot.com/2008/10/featured-author.html

Check back later in the week for our interview! This past year, we were reviewed as well, 4.5 Roses!

Red Rose: The Vampire Family

http://redrosesforauthors.blogspot.com/2008/02/vampire-family.html

Sweetness!

An Evening with The Vampire Family

Hello Ladies, Gentleman, and otherwise fine spooky fellows. There's an October chill in the air, and what better way to warm your souls than an little private time with The Vampire Family.

The Vampire Family

By

Kristin Battestella

http://jsnouff.com/kristin

Chapter 1

“Ye sharpen that old ax,” Antonio’s father, Edward dragged him out of bed. It wasn’t a particularly comfortable bed nor was there any luxury in sleeping until dawn, but in sixteen summers Antonio’s penance was never paid. Edward pulled Antonio outside and shoved him up the jagged hill overlooking their shabby homestead. Antonio didn’t know why. He didn’t always care, either. Sometimes he looked upon the stone home’s smoking chimney, longing to be inside, but always he was left to grind away on the rocks.

“Ye stay there till supper and then I says if you can eat.”

Sunset came, and Antonio knew his father would stumble back up from the valley. Antonio watched the large bull block out the fading sun. He was old and vile compared to his own labored physique. The elder grabbed Antonio and shoved him down the hill as always. The wind picked up and dark clouds blew over the rising moon. Rain poured down on Antonio, and the ground quickly became soggy and muddy.

Antonio squinted through raindrops and saw two young girls running from the wet fields with the family’s animals. His adopted sisters knew Edward’s torment. Ann’s light hair clumped together as she pushed the sheep into the barn. Elizabeth pulled the workhorse up the rocky hill while her dark locks flung in her face, but Ann came to assist her sister. Kept weak by hunger and force like Antonio, the former orphans were not strong enough to pull the horse and plow through the slush and rock.

Antonio saw Ann and Elizabeth wrestling below with the horse.

“Father!” He tried to tell Edward, but fell silent on a jab in the face from the ax handle. The workhorse stomped in the mud as the thunder and lightning crackled. The natural sounds deafened Antonio, then the horse reared, and Antonio heard the leather bridal snap.

The horse screamed as it tumbled with the plow and rolled down the hill. His thud echoed- dead as the broken plow was useless. The Welshire Patriarch raced down the terrain towards Ann and Elizabeth. He grabbed Elizabeth. Antonio knew what would happen to them tonight, and he wept at his helplessness. Helpless to help Elizabeth or himself. In hindsight, taking in Ann and Elizabeth was not a good thing to do.

“No!” She cried as Ann ran to the house. “Please!”

Edward threw Elizabeth down the hill, and Antonio covered his mouth for fear the same would befall him. Her little body rolled, crackled, and bounced until it landed on the horse. Antonio barely heard her whimper over the wind, as her legs bent in an unnatural, shape.

Ann continued running towards the house as quick as her small legs and the natural circumstances would allow. Another bolt of thunder rumbled in the sky, and Ann ducked the lightning prick on the thatched roof of the stone home. Ann turned to the barn, but Antonio’s father was on her tracks. The elder Welshire grabbed the golden-haired child by her wet and sun-tipped strands. She was his ward now, and Edward drug her back to the hill’s crest.

Antonio watched the scene unfold from the top of the hill. He looked at his sharpening stone and heard Ann’s screams. Antonio leaped to his feet. His legs moved down the hill and past the smoking home. His hands touched his father’s evil body as sixteen years of anger, frustration, and pain helped him push his father down the hill.

The muddy hillside sank as Edward rolled down the rocky terrain. The old man’s ax ripped from its leather tie and dropped in the mud. Antonio spotted the shiny ax tip in the ground and raced towards it. The father fell into the mud but Antonio was over him with the ax. Now Antonio had the upper hand, and the elder Welshire tried to move from the danger. Antonio reveled in Edward’s turnabout-he was a turtle overturned onto its shell.

Antonio raised the ax over his head with both hands. He let the ax come down to meet his father’s flesh.

****

Antonio sat on the edge of the bed, tired but pleased with himself. He laid his palm against Elizabeth’s sweaty forehead and reached into the bucket of cool water by the bed. He pulled out a wet rag and twisted out the water over the bucket and applied the damp rag to Elizabeth’s face.

“You may come in, Ann,” Antonio called. Ann peeked around the sheepskin curtain that divided the house into two rooms. Ann stepped into the space reserved by the curtain. There was much for Antonio to do, including the disposition of their spineless mother. Antonio continued to apply the wet rag. “Today we will repair the roof, and I will take care of mother.”

Ann said nothing and retreated outside to untied Mother Welshire’s horse from the post. She opened the basket on the horse and pulled out various coins and currency.

“I will take those,” Antonio stood in the doorway. He stepped over, took the coins, and dropped them one at a time into the pouch on his belt. Ann’s eyes widened at the ax hanging next to the pouch, but she led the horse to the barn. Kind as he was to her and Elizabeth, his path towards retribution could not be deterred, and Antonio set off to find his mother.

Antonio reached the slope where his mother mourned the now tiny body.

She fell for that robber’s story! Pathetic!

Antonio’s plotting had come swiftly once his hands touched the ax. No veil or cowardice shielded him now. Antonio took his time getting to the woman. After all ,she had plenty of time to look the other way while Edward did the things he did.

I can take my time. She only has so much time. When Elizabeth no longer needs her…

Mother Eira hovered over the bloody face and kissed her husband’s lips.

Ugh!

“Mother,” Antonio shook his thoughts away. Eira wiped the tears from her eyes, stood, and straightened her long dress. The Welshire Matriarch opened her arms and embraced her son. Antonio tried to resist, then he broke the hug. “Come, Mother.”

****

Antonio sat up in his bed. He heard screaming, right before Ann burst into the house. Antonio tried to make sense of what she was saying.

“The frost came! The frost came early and killed all my crops!” Ann clutched some dead vegetation in her hands. She had labored so long against the unforgiving land, somehow finding joy in making life when hers was so dismal. Ann thrust the crops in his face.

“They’re frozen!”

****

Antonio stood outside the back window of the stone home. Snow piled up to his knees, but Mother Welshire sat inside by the fire and sewed. Perhaps she was not oblivious or uncaring, but simply incapable of doing anything about their humble existence. Goodness is easier said then done. Antonio eyed his mother with contempt. He was no longer concerned with inaction. He loaded a stone into his slingshot, pulled back, then released the weapon The jagged stone hit Eira in the back of the head, and she tumbled to the floor.

Antonio climbed in the window and walked to the main door. He was going to do things his way from now on. Ann and Elizabeth now belonged to him.

Oh no! I’ve tracked snow in the house. Who is there to tell me? Who rules me now? No one!

Antonio opened the door and shoved the body out into the snow. Ann and Elizabeth stood in silence while Antonio kicked at the body to knock it completely outside. He didn’t need to say his plans before them. Had they learned their submissive lesson from Father Welshire, or was it Antonio’s ways that chilled their bones? . He slammed the door shut, locked the cold metal latch, and gave no explanation to Ann or Elizabeth. Why should he?

****

Mother Welshire woke in the snow. Groggy, she sat up and touched the back of her head. Both her hand and the snow around her were stained with drips of blood. Numb from the hours in the cold, Eira’s body shook with trauma and panic. She stumbled to her feet and knocked on the door in time with her still pounding heart. “Elizabeth, let me in.”

The three children raised their heads. Ann and Elizabeth leaned closer to the front window and Eira looked at them.

“Do not move,” She heard Antonio ordered the younger two. “It is for the best.”

“Ann,” Eira banged on the door. The urgency in her voice grew. “Please let me in!”

Snowflakes fell fast and quickly raised the wintry blanket across the land. Mother Welshire pounded on the door with equal velocity. Antonio tricked me. I suspect he was behind his father’s death, too.

“Ann! Elizabeth!” She banged against the wood again. “Do not play this madness!”

No! Antonio is only trying to scare me. A game! What a sick game! I feel so dizzy. No. I knew he was evil.

She collapsed against the door and sobbed, “Why won’t you let me in?” Eira smacked the door in vain. “What did I do? I didn’t do anything wrong! Why are you doing this to me?”

Ann jumped up from the window, and her mother heard the latch creak Eira hoped there was will left in Ann yet, but Antonio approached the window.

“No. Unless you want to join her.”

Mother Welshire rapped on the door, and her fingers bled. The vessels in her hands popped from impact and the cold. Eira tried to stand .

Maybe a window? The barn!

The rising snow and her freezing limbs thwarted her efforts.and she tumbled to the icy ground.

The young girls heard their adopted mother’s cries for a few more hours. Loud, then soft. Weeping, yelling. Slowly the wind carried away the faint moaning and whimpers. Now, there was silence. The snow stopped, and Ann insisted they open the door.

“She is dead, Antonio,” She found her tongue too late. “Let’s not leave her out there.”

“I’m leaving her to be sure,” Antonio warmed his hands by the fire-his plot had been the first step in his letting go. Ann ducked behind the sheepskin wall.

****

The sun rose and Elizabeth woke in the pile of sheepskins by the fire. Antonio slept soundly in his own huddle. Elizabeth caught a dreaming smile on his face, then it was gone. Ann was piled near Elizabeth, but she turned in a restless sleep. Elizabeth stretched and rubbed her eyes. She remembered the horrifying events belonging to last night and winced at a twinge in her leg..

Elizabeth slid from the makeshift bed and took a few sheepskins with her to the door. Her stride was awkward, Elizabeth’s limp would be there forever because of her injuries. She reached for the latch. Could I? Should I?

She slid the bolt carefully, but it squeaked a little. Elizabeth looked to the floor of sheepskins. Antonio stirred, but did not wake. Elizabeth grasped the handle and slowly opened the door.

Mother Eira stood frozen in the snow. A contorted and morbid statue her arms were in the air, and her fists were clenched in their banging position. Frozen blood lined her arms and the collar of her sheepskin. Mother Welshire’s eyes were open. The blue irises were, glazed over with a white frost. Forever was her mouth to be open, too. Her tongue captured midway between the chapped lips, and saliva dangled like icicles from what yellow teeth she had.

Elizabeth opened her mouth to scream, but a strong hand cupped her mouth shut. Antonio whispered in her ear, “Ann is still sleeping.”

He removed his hand, and Elizabeth looked into Antonio’s cold blue eyes. She had not thought of him much before Father Welshire’s fall, but now she did fear him. His own will was his motivation, even when he cared for her. Antonio forced an uncomforting smile, but Elizabeth was captivated by the opal-colored eyes.

They are so mysterious. Deceptive? Frightening!

Antonio shut the door on his mother and returned to the fire.


Visit The Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group for a complete list of Vampfam appearances. Don't forget our contest October 24 at Tabitha Shay's blog!

The Vampire Family at Good Reads!

Hey gang, just a quick fyi about our October Events listing at Good Reads.

Check it out!

http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/19156.October_with_The_Vampire_Family_

Vampire Tagging Already!

Hello Pale friends.

I've been tagged! Although I don't really know what that means blog-wise, kind of like an evil chain of Eternal Press Authors, eh? Alas, I'll tell you six secret things about myself, per fellow author Tabitha Shay. Check out her awesome blog and the nice things she has to say about The Vampire Family at Fall Under My Spell.

So, here we go:

1. I just moved to Mount Laurel, NJ. Still getting used to the area and trying to find some writing time as I get settled. I like the area and its close to my husband's work (there's another new thing, yes I got married if you didn't know!) but its weird to live in a new place. I've got the condo decked out for Halloween, putting my spooky stuff for writing shows and expos to work: black roses, lots of candles, skulls, you know, the usual!

2. I have Lyme Disease. A few of my e friends know this, but it's an unusual illness to have. Sometimes it really interferes with my life and other times I'm just peaches. It's also really frustrating having to explain Lyme to people who don't know about it. It's a very misunderstood disease. I think everyone should get checked for it! For more info, check out lyme.org

3. My current favorite actor is Sean Bean. Another thing most people say, 'Who? Huh? Mr. Bean?' about. All time though I love Montgomery Clift and John Wayne, and my husband was annoyed when all I could do on our honeymoon was talk about Paul Newman's death. My Favorite Movie of all time most ever ever Ever? The Searchers. Never hurts to reiterate these things.

4. I'm a collector, too, isn't everyone? I collect crosses and records, and I suppose books. My mother must be the only person in the world who has given her child money and said, 'Don't buy any more books.' I don't think books are collections though. They are BOOKS. My husband was worried we wouldn't have space for all of mine, but three bookcases later, I made them all fit. And I have to categorize them and shelf them from tallest to shortest. I've also managed to have at least one cross in every room. I used to have one at every window and door. but the oney thinks that's too many. And the records are allegedly ugly, too.

5. I hate cell phones. Sure its useful, but my phone is on when I need to call home in the morning, off when I drive, and on when I call home at the end of the day. I hate it when people drive and talk on the phone. The only thing worse is when people talk on the phone in a check out line. I worked in retail for a few years. It's very tough to do business with cell phones. And ipods. I don't get those. Why go to a public place to converse with other human being if you put plugs in your ears to not hear anything? Am I old fashioned? I had to champion the uses of a record player and classic ambiance in my dining room.

6. I like to cook. I like ironing and sewing. I like being a homemaker and I like being at home. Sure I write a lot of articles about what's wrong with the world and encourage people to be all gung ho! But I enjoy my home and making everyone Italian with proper cooking. Guests will just have to learn to like garlic!

October Chat Dates!

It's that time of year again!

Time for a Lyme flare up? Well, unfortunately.

Time to get married? Most Definitely!

Time for all the Halloweeny Vampire Family Goodness you can stand? Absolutely!

Here's a list of some upcoming spots for me and The Vampire Family. Don't forget to stop by the Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group for the latest!

October 14- Eternal Press Author's Paranormal Blog

October 15- Eternal Press at Coffee Time Romance

October 22- Kristin at The Haunt PNR Yahoo Group

October 24-Kristin's stopping by Tabitha Shay's Blog

October 25- Novel Sisterhood Blog Day

October 31-Eternal Press at Two Lips Reviews

Hope to see you online!

Eternal Press Birthday Celebrations!

Hey Pale Peeps!

Today starts our week long birthday party at Eternal Press. Head over to
the blog all week for fun or free stuff. There's trivia, contests, prizes, word games, giveaways, and loads more!


http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/

The Vampire Family at EReader!

Alas My Pale Friends! The Vampire Family is now available at EReader! Now there's 3 ways to purchase!

Eternal Press

E Reader

Fictionwise

Hip Hip!

Our FAR Review Button!

Hello Pale Peeps! I got this in my email and just had to post!

At Long Last!

At last folks, here it is! A new review of The Vampire Family from Fallen Angels Reviews!
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2008/June/CJ-TheVampireFamily.htm

Bless all the Angels there! I want to send a few goodies for their contest prize baskets! Do enjoy this review, then check out our ordering page at the Eternal Press website

http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamilynew.html

Subtle, aren't I?

Another Special Excerpt!

Hiya Peeps!

I've posted another new excerpt from The Vampire Family at the Eternal Press Authors Blog. Nice way to keep the paranormal in Paranormal Blog Day, don't you think? Head on over and check it out!



I'm also awaiting word on two new reviews for The Vampire Family. The agony of de-wait!

Kristin

June Chat Dates for The Vampire Family!

Arise my Pale Peeps.

Looking for a reason to stay indoors during this warming summer weather? check out these Loop dates in June!

June 4th- Joyfully Reviewed Loop Chat

June 6- Romance Bistro Loop Chat

June 21st- Love and Romance Cafe Loop

June 25- Manic Readers Group Chat

June 30- Kwips and Kritiques Book Loop



I don't usually get online until around 8 p.m. most nights, but these are joint appearances between myself and other Eternal Press author. Vampires, witches, ghosts, romance-something for everyone!

Do stop by and say hello!

Kristin

New Vampire Family Excerpt!

Hello Pale Peeps!

Getting into the spirit of things with the Paranormal Day at the Eternal Press Authors Blog...

http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/

...I've decided to post a new excerpt from The Vampire Family! This story within the story is a bit lengthy to hog the EP blog, so I've posted the entire selection here. A bit of a teaser taster is at the EP Blog. 80)

Enjoy!

***



The Vampire Family, spanking new excerpt to tempt ya!

St. Louis, 1876

Victoria arrived fresh from an eight-year sleep—recuperation from a little incident back in North Carolina. She stepped off the train wearing a fashionable silk red dress customary to the time, right down to the lace trimmed hat and gloves. Victoria always made a fashion statement—anytime, anywhere.

Theodore sat on a bench by the telegraph office—young, alone, crying. He wore only rags, and there was a little carpetbag on the ground next to him.

“Are you all right?” Victoria walked to him.

This boy could be something special!

“My father told me never to talk to strangers.”

“Well.” Victoria unbuttoned and removed her gloves. She offered her hand to Theodore and sat down on the bench next to him. “My name is Victoria. And your name is?”

“Theodore.” He blew his nose. “Theodore Plunkett.” He blew his nose again. He shook Victoria’s hand, and she tried not to show her disgust at his snot’s newfound place on her hand.

Victoria cleared her throat. “Well, now, Theodore, we’re not strangers any more, are we?”

“No, I guess not.”

Fifteen?

“Now.” She handed him her handkerchief. “What is the matter?”

“My father died recently, and I’ve come to live with my great aunt.”

“You sound like you don’t want to live with your aunt.” Victoria smiled. “Would you like to come live with me instead?”

“My great aunt is expecting me in an hour.” Theodore checked his gold pocket watch.

“Theodore, would you rather live with me?”

You want to live with me. You do.

“Well.” Theodore paused for a moment. “Yes’um. You’re much nicer than that old hag. Prettier, too.”

He’s much too young. I already made that mistake with Angelo.

“Then, it’s settled. You’re coming to live with me.” Victoria put her arm around Theodore and smiled.

“What about the old hag?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her.”

* * *

Victoria crept out of the mansion she “inherited.” She wore all black, a simply cut nightgown and cape. Nothing like what the time period indicated. The old hag’ s house was a few miles away, and Victoria reached the home in good time. The house was big, very big.

Why didn’t I pick her as my benefactor?

She breathed out deeply, and Victoria watched the cloud of gas disappear into the night. She looked up at the smoke coming from the chimney and smiled. Victoria relaxed and turned herself into the mist. Victoria wasn’t even sure how she did it, but she did know that for some reason, only she and James shared this strange power. Where she had altered her dark powers for deception, James seemed to gain the ability through his shyness and desire to be invisible.

The mist made its way up into the sky. It circled around and climbed up the chimney, then spiraled down its opening. Down it went brick by brick until the mist came out into a quaint little living room. The old hag Auntie sat in the rocking chair by the window, knitting an ugly sweater. The mist swiveled around the chair, and good old Auntie paid it no mind. The mist went through the old hag, wrapping itself around her windpipe. It squeezed. It pulled. It twisted. The hag coughed and cackled violently. The mist pushed, twisted, squeezed harder and harder. The gagging and gurgles continued. The mist further strengthened its grip, and then there was silence. Old Auntie was dead.

* * *

Victoria never told Theodore what happened, and he never asked. For three years, the two of them lived together in the mansion, and Victoria even legally bought a shop that made coffins. It somehow fit and amused her. For those three years, Theodore never questioned, but then he began to wonder. Victoria spent much time with the dead patrons when they first arrived and was very . . . well . . . hands on with the bodies.

“How come you never eat with me?” Theodore asked one evening. The two of them sat at the ornate dinner table. “All I ever see you digest is the wine.”

Theodore continued his display of evidence. “My father used to say grace before we ate, but you never do. You give me everything I ask for, and I have the finest teachers, but…”

Victoria was angry. “But what? I give you everything you want and more. You have the finest education money can buy, and I do not have to explain myself to you.”

“Yes, the money. Where does it all come from? You never work beyond your toying with the dead. The coffin shop doesn—”

“I have a large inheritance.”

“I didn’t ask you to explain yourself.”

“I’m not going to, either.” Victoria crossed her arms. Theodore was just too inquisitive.

“Are you paranoid?”

Victoria stood up and flung the table over. The chairs tipped, and the dishes shattered. Theodore was stunned—such anger. Such power.

“What are you hiding from me?” he whispered.

* * *

Shortly after, on his nineteenth birthday, Theodore received his answer. The sun just set on the cold winter day in 1880.

“Victoria!” Theodore called her and hung his snow covered outer garments on the coat rack. Hat, gloves, scarf, cloak. Victoria came around the corner, dressed in a short-sleeved gown. Theodore spoke to her in Latin.

“I see you have been keeping up on your studies.” She took his books and set them on a nearby table. “I have to tell you something.”

“Can it wait?” Theodore reached for the books. “I have a quiz on Medieval English tomorrow. I must study.”

“You do not need to study. You won’t be tutored any more. Come, this way, please.”

Victoria led the shocked and confused Theodore to the lone tree in the backyard. Theodore felt the chilling winds and high snow, yet he noticed Victoria seemed unaffected. Wearing s ans gloves, Victoria dug through the snow beneath the tree and felt the cold door handle below. Theodore watched in amazement. Victoria yanked open the snow covered door, pulled out an oil lamp, and lit it smoothly.

The light shined on a set of stairs, and the stone steps seemed to lead even farther into darkness. Victoria led the way down the steps, and Theodore followed. Once he was clear of the door, it slammed shut and locked. Theodore saw the small bolt on the inside of the door.

How could she have opened the door from the outside if it was locked on the inside?

*

Victoria and Theodore continued down the dark stone stairs. Theodore grew colder and shivered. He felt the smooth, stone, cold steps beneath his leather boots. Despite their swift descent, he felt the arid air in his very core. A chill tingled up his spine and remained there until they came to a square stone room.

“Where are we going?” Theodore’s whispers echoed in the stone room.

“You will see.” Her booming voice sounded unnatural, and it hurt Theodore’ s ears. He said a small prayer for his ears, and Victoria gave Theodore a dirty look.

She handed him the lantern, and Victoria pushed the wall to the left of the stairs. Her pale and bare arms flexed against the stone. At first, nothing happened, and then Theodore heard the faint rubbing of rock against rock Victoria gave one final push and the wall slid back.

Victoria squeezed through the opening, and Theodore followed. He looked back at the stone slab, but through some unknown power, it slid back into place. Theodore’s fear grew. Thoughts ran through his head like water. He was terrified, but a calming sensation ran through his mind. A voice in his head calmed his fears.

Don’t let fear stop you. Keep going.

Theodore knew these thoughts were not his own, yet they were in his head. He followed the thoughts, entranced. Theodore continued to follow Victoria as well.

Theodore held up the lantern. “Do you want this?”

“I do not need it.”

They walked for infinity it seemed. Theodore was cold and tired, but Victoria was unfazed They reached another door. Theodore saw the elaborate writings on it, and Victoria put her hand up to the center symbol. The door fluctuated and ripples appeared. The marble appearance dissolved away, and the door became clear.

Is Victoria a witch? A wizard?

Victoria made no comment and simply walked through the door. She turned and looked at Theodore. He could see Victoria on the other side, yet Theodore was afraid to cross to the mystical room beyond.

There is nothing to be afraid of, Theodore.

Victoria reached through the mysterious plane and offered her hand to Theodore.

She uses her mind to do these tricks. Fascinating!

“You can do these tricks, too,” Victoria spoke. “If you come with me.”

Theodore slowly put up his left hand, for he still held the lantern in his right. He lightly touched Victoria’s fingertips. They were cold. Not like the snow above, but like a corpse, and Theodore knew the feel of the dead. He withdrew his hand.

“No,” Theodore said aloud. “If God wanted to give me these gifts, he would have already done so. No.”

Victoria reached out farther and grabbed Theodore’ s arm. She yanked him through the watery door, and Theodore dropped the lantern. It burst on impact, setting the hall ablaze. Theodore looked back at the hot blaze, then turned to the room that now unwilling housed him.

The room had a soft red carpet, and it was quite warm compared to its stone entryways. A fireplace crackled on the other side of the room.

No windows.

It was stupid of Theodore to look for a window, for he knew how far below the ground they were. However, he had hoped for some means of escape. Although there was no way he could push the stone rocks or the snow blocking his way to freedom. No, not as Victoria had done.

Theodore heard a whoosh behind him, and the transparent door was gone. Theodore stepped forward but landed on the soft plush rug.

“Only I know the way out.” Victoria stood by a table next to the fireplace and poured a glass of wine from the ancient and handcrafted bottle. Victoria drank the liquid in one gulp.

Theodore got up and approached the plush and pampered bed in the corner.

How did Victoria create this lair for her dark practices? When?

“Tell me, Theodore.” Victoria poured more of the wine. “Do you want to live forever?”

“It is unnatural. If God wanted man to live forever, he would have made our fragile bodies unbreakable.”

“Your fragile body. Not mine.” Victoria poured more of the wine to replenish the already gone last shot. “And didn’t your own Moses and Noah, Abraham and Adam, didn’t they live to be nine hundred and some? Wouldn’t you like to prolong your life as they did?”

“How long?” Theodore asked. All fools want to live a moment longer, especially when they feel they are near the time of death, as Theodore felt he was.

“However long you want.”

“No.” Theodore was a man. “Dying is a part of life. Why prolong the inevitable?”

Victoria drank every last drop from her glass and then smashed it in the fire. “You are absolutely right.”

Victoria leaped to Theodore’s side and plunged a piece of broken glass into Theodore’s chest. She held his neck and twisted and turned the glass until it was embedded terribly deep. Theodore gasped at the pain.

“I‘ve pierced your lung. Within the hour, you will die.” Victoria released Theodore, and he fell to the floor on his chest, further embedding the glass.

“How does it feel?” Victoria taunted. “T o know you are a fragile being? A being whose life can be taken at any moment! Your precious God will take you whenever he wants, and no one can change his mind. My God is not like that. He makes me powerful and strong. I can prevent your God from taking you away.”

Victoria picked up another hot shard of glass and slit the palm of her hand. Before she was done making the burning incision, it had healed. Theodore was awed.

“I can take the pain away, Theodore. I can make it so pain can never come to you again…if you let me.”

Victoria put out her hand as Theodore reached out and collapsed in her arms. Victoria grabbed the bottle from the table and ripped off Theodore’s jacket and shirt. She poured the wine onto his wound.

Theodore felt the liquid rush into his body. It was warm, yet cold. Foreign, yet his body could not fight it. The liquid shattered the glass, and Theodore could see all this happening when he closed his eyes, yet he did not know how. The foreign molecules attached themselves to his lung. The pinhole forged by the glass was closed.

“Now, Theodore, do you want this?” Victoria asked so sweetly.

Theodore spoke softly, “Yes.”

Victoria tilted his head back. Her long teeth extended farther, and her eyes turned into black slits surrounded by swarms of colors from brown to red to orange to yellow to green and back again. Victoria sunk her teeth into his neck. Theodore winced but made no effort to stop her.

Victoria took in his blood—young, sweet, salty. Images passed through Theodore’s mind. He was flying. He flew through the clouds and up to the stars and beyond. Theodore could feel his heart racing and knew his heart could not go much longer.

Victoria dug her teeth in farther, sucking in more of Theodore’s sweet juices.

I feel my life draining from me!

Victoria sucked harder and harder, and Theodore’s heart pounded and pounded and then . . .

*

Theodore felt a deathly silence in his body. It was as if he had no body. He saw only darkness. He felt only darkness. Slowly, Theodore heard blood flowing. He heard it rush into his body. His heart pumped again. Theodore’s arms tingled at the filling of this new blood. Victoria held her wrist to Theodore’ s mouth, and her blood ran down his throat. Theodore’s eyes changed colors. Green became red, and a single tear of blood trickled from his right eye.

Theodore screamed in pain and fear. Blood poured from his eyes, but as quickly and suddenly as it had come, the blood stopped. Victoria took Theodore’s hand and led him to a mirror.

Theodore saw himself as a vampire for the first time. His skin had paled and seemed tighter to his bones, and Theodore’s body seemed to be better built than before. Theodore was too awed with himself to notice that Victoria cast no reflection.

***

Feel free to leave your comments! If you have not purchased your copy of The Vampire Family, check out the following links

http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamilynew.html

or

http://fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook66272.htm

EP Author Spotlight-Kristin Battestella

Rainy Sunday for your, too? Then its the perfect time to stay indoors with The Vampire Family and me!

http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/

All day tune in for my interview at the Eternal Press Authors Blog. Comment and discuss to your heart's content! I do have to step out this afternoon for rl, but I'll answer comments tonight. Writing, vampires, and the weird things that writers and vampires do. What could be better?

Forthcoming Vampire Family Appearances!

Hello Again, My Pale Friends!

Here's a list of forthcoming appearances for myself and The Vampire Family!

Wednesday 4/30 Novelspotters Yahoo Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Novelspotters/


Sunday 5/4 Eternal Press Blog Interview
Tuesday 5/13 Eternal Press Blog Paranormal Day

http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/


Tuesday 5/13 Fallen Angels Yahoo Loop
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FallenAngelReviewChatters/

(If you haven't read my interview with FAR, check it out at
http://fallenangelreviews.com/Interviews/2007/Nov07-LindaL-KristinBattestella.htm)


Wednesday 5/28 Eternal Press at Brenda Williamson Loop
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BrendaWilliamsonRomanceParty


Look for us in the evenings for a bit, and don't be shy about commenting! For more Vampfam news or any schedule changes, feel free to chat anytime at the Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella

Or Visit the Eternal Press Readers Loop

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EternalPressReaders



Kristin

Roses Can Be Deadly.......

The Vampire Family
by Kristin Battestella
http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamily.html

The Vampire Family Now Available on Fictionwise!

Awesome, is it not?

Now not only can you order The Vampire Family at the Eternal Press website, but we are part of Fictionwise! Excerpts, club discount prices, reader ratings, and polls, I love it!

http://fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook66272.htm

In the Spotlight with Raine Delight!

Hello again my pale friends.

There's nothing more suspenseful in your romance than a little bit of horror!

Thrills, chills, mystique!

Today I'm shedding a little light on The Vampire Family with an In The Spotlight visit with Raine Delight!

http://rainedelight.wordpress.com/

All the tawdry questions answered, dark fantasies fulfilled. Stop on by so I can answer YOUR question!

Today not your day for the macabre? Visit us anytime for spooky fun at The Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group!

Eternal Press Blog Goes Paranormal!

Hey peeps!

Tuesdays are busy for me as you know! Tonight, however, there's a bit more in the fray as I visit the Eternal Press Author's Blog for Our Paranormal Posting Day!

http://eternalpressauthors.blogspot.com/

Stop by for a peek at all the spooky authors at EP!


Also, don't forget next week Tuesday April 15 I'll be visiting with Raine Delight at her blog!

http://rainedelight.wordpress.com/

And of course, I'll be back at the EP Blog on May 4th for my very own Author interview spotlight day!

Plenty of goings on vampy and beyond! Also a big congrats to our Spring Fang Winner Linda!

Spring Fang TONIGHT!

Hey everybody!

7:15 p.m. Tuesday April 1!

It's time to embrace the sunshine and the spring rain, flowers, and all things Spring.

NEVER!

Uncelebrate Spring with The Vampire Family! Join us at The Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group for fangish floral chat fun!

The person who guesses the flower I'm thinking of will win a sweet snail mail package with a floral mirror, lotion, air fresheners, nail polish, key rings, and more vampyness. Of course, don't forget a free Eternal Press pdf copy of The Vampire Family is at stake as well!

Remember, Roses can be deadly....

Good Luck!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella

I'll be online tonight if anyone would like to ask any questions about The Vampire Family while they guess. Stop on by!

Kristin

--
Fiction, Non Fiction, Reviews
by Kristin Battestella

kristin724@gmail.com
http://jsnouff.com/kristin
kristin724.livejournal.com
vampfam.blogspot.com

The Vampire Family

by Kristin Battestella

http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamily.htm

It's Time to Spring Fang with The Vampire Family!

Ah, Wang chung!

No fooling!

Tuesday April 1st begins our Vampire Family Spring Fang Contest!

Stop by the Kristin Battestella Yahoo Group for an evening of guesses, chat, and fun. After all, why be outside in the midst of Spring when you can be fanging it up with The Vampire Family?

Prizes include a free pdf of the new Eternal Press edition of The Vampire Family, and a snail mail package including a rose detailed mirror, lotion, nail polish, cross key chains, bookmarks, a rose pin, and more!

Sure the sun is shining, gentle breezes are in the air, flowers are springing forth-but remember:

Roses can be deadly!

The Vampire Family by Kristin Battestella
http://jsnouff.com/kristin
http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamily.htm

Vampire Family Links Update!

Hey everybody.

I'm in the process of updating the jsnouff.com/kristin house website for the month. It's being ornery, but I need to update a few links. Please update your bookmarks as well.

The Eternal Press website address has switched domains, from www.eternalpress.com.au to http://www.eternalpress.ca/

That means that the sale page at EP for The Vampire Family is now http://www.eternalpress.ca/vampirefamily.htm


Stop on by and have a look at the new designs at EP! Shopping links are fully functioning. ;0)

Q&A with Kristin Battestella This Evening!

Good Evening Pale Peeps!

I was delayed a bit (or should I say fashionably late?) due to my real life job, but that doesn't mean we can't have a we bit of fun this evening!

7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday March 11.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristinbattestella

Tuesdays are the evenings I do my newspaper work, but tonight we're going to do something special. Join us and feel free to post your questions about writing, The Vampire Family, other works, books, or anything that may be on your brain!

Let the games begin!

Kristin


The Vampire Family
by Kristin Battestella
http://jsnouff.com/kristin