Suzanne shares: Psst! Let me tell you a secret or two or three...

Secret #1: For most of my life I’ve been fascinated by ancient pharaonic Egypt, specifically what is known as the New Kingdom dynasties (approximately 1550-1069 B.C.E.), especially the Eighteenth and Nineteenth dynasties. Among the fabled rulers of this time period are Tutankhamun, Seti I and II, and Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great.

Secret #2: The most fascinating character I’ve ever created has been waiting for the right time, the right place, and the right book for me to tell his story.

Secret #3: Writers reinvent themselves for lots of reasons. I’ve reinvented myself to keep writing fresh and exciting for myself and hopefully for my readers.

Secret #4: My next book is truly a new beginning: I’m launching a new series, a new genre, and a new name.

Secret #5: Although I may appear to be a writer of lighthearted contemporary/historical romances, I’m actually something of a “drama queen.”

So this blog is the official unveiling of NIGHT LIFE, my first vampire paranormal romance, to be published in April 2007 by Berkley. I’ll be writing this exciting new series under the pseudonym of Elizabeth Guest. (For trivia lovers, this is a family name and the name of the heroine in my first historical romance, published by Avon in 1992.)

NIGHT LIFE is set in current day Las Vegas. You'll see that right on the front cover, where the tag line is: In Vegas, some people never see the sunlight...

NIGHT LIFE is a story of trust, betrayal, sacrifice, revenge. Life. Death. Awakening.

Here’s what someone very talented at Berkley has written for the back cover:

He returned from death…

Venerable pharaoh, ancient god of the Nile, Adrian King once sat upon his throne and led his people nobly, only to be betrayed. But a sacred ritual has allowed him to reawaken thousands of years after his death—as a vampire. Now the owner of the Royal Palace hotel and casino in Las Vegas, he is haunted by dreams of a beautiful woman—and by the dawning of an evil presence.

…and brought her fantasies to life.

Egyptologist Christine Day is drawn to the Royal Palace by its breathtaking authenticity. She is the woman Adrian has been dreaming of, the only one who can evoke real sensual passions in this fierce warrior and leader. Compelled to share his well-kept secret with Christine, he puts her at great risk. For others have awakened who will not rest until Adrian is destroyed again, even if it means taking the only true love he’s ever known…

I’m currently working on the second book in the series, DEAD OF NIGHT, set in Los Angeles. Each story will absolutely stand on its own, of course, because that’s the type of series I prefer to read. Each book will feature a different hero and heroine. But I'm thrilled to finally get to write about a very special man and his extended royal family that I've dreamed of for years.

Cissy, web mistress extraordinaire, and I will also be creating an entirely new look for my web site this fall, which will be accessible through http://www.elizabethguest.net/ or http://www.suzannesimmons.com/. (I’ll announce the launch of the “makeover” here.)

So, my secrets aren't secrets anymore. But I can't think of anyone I'd rather share them with the gang here at Running With Quills.

Inquiring Minds want to know, of course, because they always do: Are you as fascinated by all things ancient Egyptian as I am? Do you watch the documentaries on ancient Egypt that seem to show up regularly on the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, etc.? And how do you like the cover of NIGHT LIFE?

Cheers!
Suzanne
aka Elizabeth Guest

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