Hi, all! Thanks so much for your interest in my writing. Since 200 characters is scarcely enough space to give adequate description of most works posted on FictionPress, I've included lengthier details on the stories I've posted. As for me, I love to write (I know, duh!). It's more than a hobby for me. Someday, I'd love to get some of my stuff published. In the meantime, I spend my every waking moment writing - either on my computer, on a scrap of paper or in my head. Plots and characters run riot through my brain and I'm sure most people think me a complete shatter-shell. Oh well. As I like to say: Yes, I listen to the voices in my head. Frequently. No, I have no life. But I don't need one. I'm self-sufficient in self-entertainment. I have several dozen characters to keep me company, thank you. Although, some days, I really wish they'd shut up.

Periodic Author Updates:

(12/17/12) Since I probably won't be logging back on to FictionPress until well after the holidays, I want to take the opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, fun, and safe holiday season! Secondly, I highly doubt I will be able to finish the first draft of "Wild Angel" by Christmas. I had an unexpected class plop into my lap that I had to take care of. However, I have nearly five chapters and over 30,000 words written. That's good. So far, I really like it, but I'm biased. Anyhow, that's all for today :) Again, happy holidays to everyone.

(10/28/12) I really need to get better about updating my profile here. "Summer Angel" is now available from numerous online retailers in both print and electronic editions. If you're interested, visit my website at and you will find links to said retailers and more information about the "Angel Series". In response to a review I received on "Mountain Angel", I have a couple of questions to answer. I am currently working on the sequel to "Summer Angel", which is titled "Wild Angel". As of right now, I do not have a deadline for it, but I aiming to have the first draft finished by Christmas. "Wild Angel" is Luke's love story, and it takes place ten years after "Summer Angel". Will Luke have any siblings? Well, I have uploaded the first chapter of "Wild Angel" so you can see for yourself.

In other news, I have also added the first four chapters of "Mountain Angel" and "Summer Angel" back to FictionPress. Check out my blog () for information about a giveaway contest I have going on right now through the end of November. You never know. You might just win a copy of either book. Or both. One last thing. I have giveaways for signed paperback copies of both "Mountain Angel" and "Summer Angel" going on over at Goodreads. If you're interested, hurry, because the giveaways end Nov. 1, 2012. You can find links to the Goodreads giveaways on my blog.

(7/20/12) The print edition of "Mountain Angel" is available and linked to the Kindle version. Revisions/rewriting on "Summer Angel" is going well. I'm now more than halfway finished (despite yet another move and oodles of homework). I'm aiming for a September 9 release date, but I may be shooting myself in the foot by saying that out loud. Crossing my fingers and hoping that nothing comes up to prevent me from reaching that goal.

(5/16/12) Well... "Mountain Angel" is officially available for purchase for the Kindle (and Kindle apps) on Amazon! Yay! The print edition will be out soon, too, for everyone who wanted a copy for their bookshelves (thanks!). Here's the direct address... http:///dp/B0083PN2QI/

(5/5/12) Sorry it's been so long since I last posted an update. It's been a really crazy school year, but I have been writing a little here and there. Most importantly, I've been revising "Mountain Angel" to updated it with the changes I've made to the backstory. The goal is to self-publish it through Amazon's partner CreateSpace (and through Amazon as an e-book for the Kindle) this summer... preferably early summer. Other than that, I've also been working on the novel of "Heartless". So far... I like it. A lot. I have a few chapters written.

A Little More Info on the Stories:

The Pirates' Prince - Fantasy
To Tame a Pirate and Always a Pirate are two parts to one story. Got the idea when I was reading a book about pirates and stumbled across a line about how some pirates (of the Caribbean) had considered creating a pirate nation. At any rate, I took the characters from a short, sci-fi story in which they didn't really fit, and created a brand new world for them. So far, Shonagan has been a blast to write about, because he's not the perfect Prince I usually get stuck with. He's got a temper and takes it out in his pirating.
Synopsis: Shonagan would be happy to be only Shon Se'ganui, worrying about nothing more than upholding his title as the most daring pirate of the century. But he was born Shonagan té Nui Se'tanara, the only son and heir of the Emperor of Lisile and being Shon Se'ganui at all defies his father's wishes. When the Sehmadonians seek to end piracy in the Pirate Islands, politicians like his father refuse to stand in their way. Shonagan soon finds out that the ways of freedom-loving pirates like himself cannot be saved by a law-chained Crown Prince. It will take a Pirate Prince.

Angel Series - Romance
The Angel Series is set of at least three novels (possibly as many as seven with two additional "Northstar" spin-offs - we'll see what happens as I finish them). A friend and I started working on "Mountain Angel" and "Summer Angel" ten years ago, way back when, and I have since taken the reins. I dearly love these characters and they've been with me for so long that it's hard to, as they say, "let them go" and share them with others. But, I've done it, at last.
Synopsis (Mountain Angel): Aelissm Davis figured she would eventually return home to Northstar, Montana, but not like this—out of options, chased to the secluded valley by an obsessive former friend and troubled by memories of her dead fiancé. When a call from her stalker makes it clear he wasn’t deterred, Aelissm asks her overprotective uncle for advice. His decision to send Patrick O’Neil to keep her safe might become an even bigger problem. Pat is a haunted man with a kind smile and sad eyes. Aelissm knows he will leave, but there is something irresistible about him. He could be the best thing to ever happen to her… if she can convince him to stay.
Synopsis (Summer Angel): Five years ago, Ben Conner was forced to kill in the line of duty, and an eleven-year-old boy was left with no one. Now, still unable to forgive himself, he returns home to Northstar, hoping his longtime friend June Montana will be able to help him find peace again. Instead, Ben will have to face his past and fight for his future. June’s adopted son is the very boy he orphaned, and Ben’s struggle with his guilt isn’t her only worry. Someone wants revenge against June’s son for comandeering her heart… and he’s willing to kill to get it.
Tentative Synopsis (Wild Angel): When Luke Conner agreed to foster an abused boy, he knew he'd have to re-examine his own childhood, but he still hasn’t healed from the tragic murders a decade past and doubts his ability to deal with it all at once. It will take a miracle, and he’s pretty sure he’s already used more than his fair share. At an early morning faculty meeting, Ryan Connelly answers Luke's unspoken plea for help and finds herself wanting to be that miracle. More than that, she is drawn to him and wants to show him how to live and love again, though she isn't sure she can since she hasn't yet recovered from her own heartbreak. Old habits die hard and both Luke and Ryan will have to learn to trust again to make a new life together.

Now that that's all out of the way, here's the rest. I happily accept all reviews, possitive, negative and especially CONSTRUCTIVE. I will also happily read & review in return if you'd like. I do try to be as helpful as I can be because I know how nice it is to get good feedback. I also know how hard it can be to step back and take a look at your own work - let's face it, other people catch things the writer doesn't. I hope you enjoy reading my stories at least half as much as I enjoy writing them.

Suzie O'Connell aka "Shy Lightning"

PS - Thanks to everyone else who's reviewed "Mountain Angel" already! Seriously, I can't thank you wonderful people enough. I've gotten a couple of very helpful critiques, so... THANK YOU!!