LATEST EVENTS
December 2008 - Blog at Paranormal Romance Writers Blog - Topic: Author Voice
October 2008 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada attending the World Fantasy Convention.
September 2008 - CONTEST TIME! The Wild Rose Press is giving away a Sony eReader. Details here: Sony eReader Contest.
July 2008 - Guest blog at Simply Romance Reviews blogspot - Topic: Story Ideas - where do they come from?
January 2008 - Goal for the year: write a series of fantasy short stories (8) all set on one imaginary world.
HIGH EVENTS
Cat Tales
(Click to buy from Wildside Press)
(Click to buy from Amazon)
Dragon Dreams by Shereen Vedam
(A Fantasy Short Story in Cat Tales)
Dr. Marina Preston, a disillusioned veterinarian, has distanced herself from society because she’s convinced that, unlike animals, people just aren’t worth the trouble they cause. But when visions of her and her cats encountering a dragon in a strange realm begin to haunt her, she wonders if she’s perhaps distanced herself a little too far.
Daughter of the Sorcerer King
(Click to buy from The Wild Rose Press)
(Click to buy from Fictionwise)
(A Fantasy Romance Short Story)
Samara is furious when her father, the Sorcerer King, advocates a boy from a foreign kingdom as his successor simply because three witches foretold the event. Then the king asks her to escort the child safely back to his realm. If that were not bad enough, as if Samara were incapable of discharging the distasteful duty, he insists a knight accompany them on the journey home. But when a grieving dragon steals the child, Samara is afraid her father will never forgive her for the mistake, or worse, think she had intended the boy harm. Desperate to rescue her charge, she turns to her too-amorous knight-escort for help.
Baron of Dragon's Reach
(Click to buy from The Wild Rose Press)
(Click to buy from Fictionwise)
(A fantasy romance short story)
As a loving daughter, Elena had agreed to marry the son of her father's enemy to bring peace to their two lands. However, a year later, due to a misguided liaison with a traveling minstrel, she is no longer the promised virgin. When the neighboring land baron announces he's coming to claim his bride, Elena seeks out a witch to cast a spell to disguise her lost innocence. But instead of making her problem disappear, the spell turns Elena invisible, leaving both the fulfillment of her promise to her father, and the possibility of peace, in grave jeopardy.
A Blessing In Disguise
(Click to buy from The Wild Rose Press)
(Click to buy from Fictionwise)
(Another scrumptious fantasy short story…with romance)
Amity is terrible at spells. The last one she cast backfired and made her entire village forget who they were for a whole month. She’s sworn never to practice the craft again. Then one night, enthralled after an unexpected meeting with a handsome stranger who tells her anything she does can be nothing but perfect, she rashly agrees to her uncle’s pleading to do a Blessing during an upcoming ceremony. Unknown to her, her handsome stranger is also there…furious and ready to evict the charlatan from his kingdom if her claim to magic is the sham he believes it to be.
To Capture Love
(Click to buy from The Wild Rose Press)
(Click to buy from Fictionwise)
(The impossible…a regency short story without magic)
In 1813, London, England, a timid sculptor wants to complete the commission to sculpt a replica of a soldier slain in the Peninsular war for a museum exhibition, but the man's grieving brother gives her a severe set down, not realizing he's speaking to the very artist he's engaged to create a loving monument he hopes will help him heal from the emotional pain of losing his brother.
EARLY EVENTS
Keep watching...
To Capture Love Excerpt
"You're right, sir. Best, if his lordship never finds out that I'm not the 'man' he thinks he has employed."
"Exactly, Miss Black," the curator said. His frightened gaze grew thoughtful. "Perhaps we can find another artist and convince him to pretend to be P. Black?"
Pauline shook her head. "If you do, the earl will not be as satisfied with the statue. I recall you saying he particularly liked my style of carving."
The curator spread his arms wide. "Oh, it's hopeless. He will pauper me as just punishment. I shall not have sixpence to scratch with by the end of the Season."
"Calm yourself, sir, for I've an idea." If the curator had known her as well as her family, this statement would have sent him immediately into doldrums. However, to her favor, the poor man had no such knowledge of Pauline's mad schemes. "We shall simply tell his lordship that the artist is a recluse." She shrugged. "He already believes this and we shall convince him that not even to meet the man who intends to pay the vast sum his lordship has proposed, would she, or 'he' be willing to come out of hiding."
The first sign of hope flashed across the curator's face. "Could this work?"
"Why should it not?" Pauline asked. "I've already displeased him once by missing our appointment. Yet, he still wants me to do the work. There is only one problem I see. To do a credible job of the earl's brother, I shall need to view a depiction of him. And hear stories of his character, his likes and dislikes. I must know him as well as the earl. Yet, how can I?"
"I've a portrait of the gentleman." The curator ran to fetch it.
Pauline waited with a racing pulse, anticipation and fear warring within her. Could she do this? Would she get caught? And what would the earl do if he found out he'd been tricked?
To Capture Love Reviews
Fallen Angels Review
Reviewed by: Linda L.
Sensuality rating: Sweet
To Capture Love is a very unique tale with well-rounded characters. I love the theme of Pauline as a female sculptor in an age where the job is mostly given to men. I admire her courage to confront her parents in wishing to do what she enjoys in life. Stone has suffered much with the war and his life, along with the scars, from his injury, not to mention the grief over the loss of his brother, making him a most believable individual. I love the interaction between Pauline and Stone. Shereen Vedam tells a pleasurable story that appears real, and gives Pauline a life that many young girls only dream of, in an age where women don’t always have a say so in matters. This talented artist packs so many splendors in this great read.
Coffee Time Romance Review
Reviewed by: Maura
Sensuality rating: Sweet
This is a very well written Regency type tale and the characters are so real the reader will feel that they know them. The author has a very good grasp of the period. I loved the way Pauline is able to live in both worlds, as a marriageable young woman of society, and as a very talented artist, all with the approval of her family. This is a great story that fans of this genre will definitely want to read.
Historical Romance Club Review
Reviewer: J R Hyatt
Shereen Vedam has spun a highly entertaining short story which I thoroughly enjoyed. Her characters come to life, flowing from page to page, changing and growing.
A Blessing In Disguise Excerpt
"I understand what you say," Amity said. "But I may not have the power to change any of this. Every time I try a spell, disaster befalls the poor victims who requested my services and oft times innocent bystanders as well. I'm not my mother. She was gifted."
"You're our last hope, Amity," Beryl said. "You must have courage and faith in yourself." She walked down an aisle and looked up at the dark moonlit sky. "The time is auspicious. Tomorrow is not only the coronation day, but the moon will be at its full cycle. I feel it in my heart that you can help not only the prince but the entire kingdom with your blessing."
"But..."
Beryl held up her hand. "Would it not be better to try and fail, than to not try at all?"
A Blessing In Disguise Reviews
Romance Studio Review
Reviewed by: Sandra
Sensuality rating: Sweet
Ms. Vedam has written such a sweet story. I have to say I loved it from the very first page. Amity and her handsome stranger are the perfect love struck characters. This is a definite keeper.
Coffee Time Review
Reviewed by: Krista
Sensuality rating: Sweet
Spellbound from the beginning, I could not put this story down. Amity is like everyone else out there with less than great self-esteem. Duncan is the key to helping her change. Their kisses leave them wanting more. Ms. Vedam is a wonderful writer whose writing I found enjoyable and easy to follow. I loved the whole fairy magic aspect and felt it was very believable. This is a wonderful story.
Baron of Dragon's Reach Excerpt
Elena stole up to her room, careful to move quietly.
Soon, Anna and Smedley joined her. "My lady, are you here?"
"Yes." Elena fluttered the bed curtains to attract their attention. She then stuffed pillows and bolsters under the covers and pulled a sheet up so it looked as if she slept beneath it with her head covered.
Smedley and Anna watched her handiwork with interest.
"My lady, what are you doing?" Anna asked.
"If anyone asks," Elena said, "tell them I am resting. That Smedley, as the healer, has given me a potion to sleep and watches over me."
"What do you plan to do, my lady?" Her maid sounded worried.
"In the corridors, I heard servants and courtiers chatter about Lord Giles. Their talk has made me curious, Anna. It occurred to me that in my invisible state, I'm in a perfect position to find out what kind of man my betrothed is. My father assures me that, unlike his father, the current Baron of Dragon's Reach is honorable. I want to see this for myself."
"No, my lady, you mustn't. I, too, have heard talk. Lord Giles did not arrive alone."
"I know, I know." Elena said. "He has his guards with him. We saw them in the courtyard."
"They are not all he brought," Anna said. "He has his sorcerer with him."
"Sorcerer!" Smedley's voice spiked with fear. "We're doomed." He crossed himself. "Saint Thaddeus preserve us from this desperate situation."
Elena's heart thudded in alarm. Lord Giles had brought his sorcerer? To meet his bride? Why? Then she recalled the rumors about her father's hand in Lord Giles's father's death a year ago. For months, Elena's father had been anxious to know if Lord Giles would wage war with them because of it. Yet, when no battle cry had gone up from Dragon's Reach, her father had begun to hope that Lord Giles trusted in his neighbor's innocence. Could her father have been mistaken in that? Or did Lord Giles hold misgivings about her ?
Had he brought this sorcerer to ascertain if Elena were indeed the virgin bride promised him?
Baron of Dragon's Reach Review
The Long And The Short Of It
Reviewed by: Sunflower
Sensuality rating: Sweet
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic tale of a spunky young woman who feels trapped by the expectations of those around her. Shereen Vedam has successfully captured the customs of court life, with writing formal enough to portray the graces of a bygone age. The lively dialogue crackles with humor and sentiment, making the story difficult to put down.
Daughter of the Sorcerer King Excerpt
He rose to rest on his elbows and leisurely, with blatant desire, studied her body encased in a soaked and soot covered dress. "Ask me when we're alone," he said, "and I will be happy to show you all I know of what women need and want."
The comment and look left her flabbergasted and wanting to laugh in wonder. "You would bed a filthy chimney sweep, I think," she said, "if the sweep were female and willing."
"Is she as pretty as you?" he asked.
She hoped her face was covered in enough soot to hide the blush that flamed her cheeks. "I cannot believe that in the midst of this disaster, you are contemplating bedding me, sir. Is that all you think women are good for?"
"Not at all," he answered with a serious expression. "But that is the most enjoyable activity to engage with a woman." His cheeky, unrepentant grin had her shaking her head.
"Sir Hugh, if you recall, it is this penchant of yours for seducing women that put you on this child minding detail in the first place. One would have thought it would have taught you a valuable lesson about when and with whom to take your pleasure."
"Hmm..." he said, and lifted a hand to count off on his fingers. "One, this child minding detail has allowed me the opportunity to fight a dragon. Two, it has given me an opportunity to take pleasure of a most seductive sorceress. And three..."
I take leave to quibble with number two please," she interrupted hotly.
Daughter of the Sorcerer King Review
The Long And The Short Of It
Reviewed by: Peony
Sensuality rating: Sweet
I was captivated by the first lines of "Daughter of the Sorcerer King." With an opening of mysticism and intrigue, and set in a wonderful castle, this story drew this reader in and held my interest until the last dragon had been taken care of. And I say that loosely, because the author is very clever about taking care of dragons in this story!
Well written and filled with vivid details, this is a tale of a woman's journey toward her destiny-despite that destiny having taken an unexpected twist. The characters in this story sparkle.
Dragon Dreams Excerpt
Her hand contacted scaly skin. Startled, she jerked back. The dragon's snout was inches from her face. She scrambled back on hands and knees practically stumbling over her two cats, who raced in opposite directions. They were in that forest again.
The snout turned to the side, and a golden orb with a vertical pupil peered at her, blinking once. The dragon expelled smoke and she choked on the astringent stench.
She stared at it through watery eyes, unable to believe what she saw. Its snout was at least twice her length. Covered in shiny golden scales that seemed to go on forever, glinted in the morning light. What a terrifying creature! And straight out of legend.
It moved further back, turning its head one way, then another, eyeing her dispassionately. As if satisfied with its inspection, it retreated. The wings spread wide and it stretched its sinewy neck up and let out a bellow that reduced Marina to shudders. Then it swung back down and stared at her with a disconcerting gaze.
Did it expect a reply?
Cat Tales Amazon Customer Review
5 Stars
The captivating cover of "Cat Tales" is only the beginning of the fun in store from this book. It is a delightful collection of stories and poems from a variety of authors, including Fred Chappell, Fritz Leiber, and H.P. Lovecraft, plus some writers not-so-well-known--yet.
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