Sue Perkins's Blog, page 19

Christmas Story - Part 2

Part Two



Welcome. Each episode of the Christmas Story has been written by a different author adding to what has been written by previously. Part Two is brought to us by Nicole Zoltack.
























Webpage:

http://www.nicolezoltack.com

Blog:

http://nicolezoltack.blogspot.co.nz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.zoltack








Heather closed the door behind her and leaned against it. A night had not passed since Sean had left a month ago that Madison didn’t ask about him. Each time her daughter asked, Heather’s chest became a little tighter. She had no idea where Sean was; no one did. No letter, no phone call, no good bye, nothing. One day, she picked Madison up from school and texted Sean to know when he was leaving work so she could start dinner. No answer. He never came home. Hadn’t even gone into work that day. He had just… disappeared.

With a long sigh, Heather dragged herself to her room. She had a few more presents to wrap, then she’d wait another hour or so to make certain Madison was asleep before placing them beneath the tree. The artificial tree. She hated it, missed the smell of pine filling the house. But Sean insisted last year they buy it.

Pushing thoughts of him aside, she rummaged through the items covering the bottom of her closet and pulled out the doll Madison had begged for. Then she hurried up to the attic to retrieve the gift wrap. Normally wrapping presents had been Sean’s job. He liked order and perfection. Heather had too much to worry about to make sure the lines were crisp and even.

She grabbed the blue roll with snowflakes on it, and turned to go back downstairs when a small box caught her eye. Careful not to step an anything--it was surprising how messy the attic was considering Sean was the only one who normally came up here--she made her way to the box and opened it.

A necklace with a blue and purple studded butterfly.

She caressed it. The back wasn’t smooth so she flipped the butterfly over.

“H Love always. S”

Tears prickled her eyes.

Sean wasn’t one for picking out jewelry. He had forced her to pick out her engagement ring, and then their wedding bands.

This gift meant so much to her.

And if he had left this here, did that mean he would one day come back? Or that he hadn’t left them by choice?

Maybe it was time to ask the police to resume their search.

Heather gingerly put on the necklace, then made her way downstairs. Once the last presents were wrapped, she placed them beneath the covers on her bed. Making like a mouse, she sneaked down the hall to Madison’s room. She heard nothing. Normally Madison was a heavy breather.

Perplexed, Heather inched the door open before flinging it open wide. “Madison? Madison! Where are you?”

Madison was nowhere to be found.

This could not be happening again…

Christmas Story - Part 1

PART ONE

Welcome. Each episode of the Christmas Story has been written by a different author adding to what has been written by previously. First off the block is Stuart West.



Blog: Stuart R West; Facebook page





Part 1














White feathers of snow
blanketed the ground. Madison pulled back the curtain. Awesome. Everything
outside seemed so quiet, she imagined she could hear the flakes landing with a
soft sigh. Christmas was never going to get here.

Her mother pushed open
the bedroom door. “Madison, you need to get to sleep.” 

“I’m sleeping!” Parents
never understand about the longest night of the year. Every year, Madison
played the same endless game with her parents. They’d tell her to go to sleep,
she said she would, but never did. This year was different. Her father wasn’t
there for the first time.

Her mom stepped into the
room. “Santa’s not going to come if you’re awake.”

“OK, OK, Mom. I’m going
to sleep.”

“Doesn’t look that way
to me, honey.”

“I’m trying!” Madison
ran across the room and jumped into bed. Pulling the bedspread to her chin, she
grinned. “See?”

Madison's mom sat
on the edge of the bed and smiled. She looked tired. The way
she's looked for a while now. “Madison, as soon as you get to sleep, the
sooner your Christmas wishes will come true.”

“I know! I’m not a
baby!”

“Maybe Santa will bring
you that special doll you asked for.”

Madison thought the doll
would be nice. But it really wasn’t what she wished for. “I wish…I wish Daddy
was here.”

The smile fell from her
mother’s face. “I know, honey.” She swept her hand across Madison’s forehead
and kissed her. “I know. Now, get to sleep.”

“Good night, Mom. Love
you.”

“Love you, too, honey.”
She closed the door behind her.

Listening for her mom’s
receding footsteps, she hopped out of bed and ran back to the window. She
breathed onto the window-pane and wrote Dad in the condensation with her
fingertip.

Something thumped in her
closet, followed by a muffled voice. Words drifted out. The bad kind of words
that meant a quarter into the kitchen jar whenever her mom used them. The
closet door opened with a squeak. Madison flipped on her bedside lamp. Before
her stood a short man wearing a flannel shirt and a black felt hat. Toys
spilled out at his feet while he untangled Madison’s pink feather boa from
around his face and arms.

Madison laughed at the
sight. “Who are you?”

He tossed the boa to the
ground and glared at her. “Well, what’s it look like, Madison? I’m Gibb, I’m an
elf, and you need to come with me!” His face was as red as Santa’s suit.
Snowflakes lined the rim of his hat.

“You’re an elf? Where’s
your green suit? Prove you’re an elf!”

Gibb sputtered before
whipping off his hat. “Hello!” He waved his hand beside his head. “Pointed
ears! And we only wear those suits at the shop. You think we wear those suits
when we’re not working? Profiling much? I mean, what do you expect? That elf on
the shelf crap?”

Madison squealed and ran toward him. She giggled as she touched his ears.

“Cut it out, kid!” Gibb
backed away, shooing her with his hat.

“You are an elf! But
why’re you here?”

Gibb sighed. “Thought I
already made that clear! The big guy up there said he needs your help.” He
hitched a thumb upward.

“You mean…Heaven?”

“What? No! I’m talking
the North Pole! You’re breaking my…um…back here, kid! Look, the big man said it
was your time. So, he sent me to get you.”

“Time for what?”

“You’ve been contacted
as an agent of Christmas. There’s trouble brewing.” He narrowed his eyes and
studied Madison. “For whatever reason, the Claus said only you can help. Now,
get your slippers on! Time’s wasting!”

“But…it’s cold out
there!”

“Kid, the way we travel,
it ain’t no big deal. Let’s go!”

Madison couldn’t control
her delight. As she slipped into her slippers, her excitement grew. When Gibb
rolled his eyes, she let out a peal of laughter. This was much better than
waiting for Christmas to come to her.

Gibb impatiently looked
at his wrist, even though he had no watch. “Come on, kid!”

Madison’s eyes lit up.
“Wait!” She raced toward her dresser and emptied a glass jar of crayons. She
held the empty jar toward Gibb. “Got it! Now, I’m ready!”

“Kid, why in the world
do you need a jar?”

Madison pursed her lips.
“’Cause, Gibb, you really shouldn’t swear! Put a quarter in every time!”

“Oh, for…this is gonna
be a long night. Whatever.” He shrugged. “Let’s go.” He gestured toward the
closet.
As soon as they entered the closet, Madison felt the floor slip away
beneath her feet.







Join us tomorrow for Part 2 by Nicole Zoltack

COMING SOON!!!

Watch this spot! From the 10th December a Christmas story will appear in 14 different episodes, one each day, each written by a different author. You won't want to miss this!

Who is the Gentleman and the Rogue?

SUE: I'd like to welcome Lady Keira Russell from "A Gentleman and a Rogue" (Book 2 in the steampunk Windsor Diaries Series) to the blog today. Keira, I'm curious, what's a lady doing working in a quarry in England in 1855?




KEIRA: I'm up to my elbows in compressed natural gas! It all started when my father, Sir John Russell, left his post as prime minister. He feels very passionately about finding alternate fuel sources. Sadly, London is full of coal dust and that's not good for the lungs. We settled in Lincoln and Papa decided to explore wind power. I share his passion for the greater good and I work with compressed natural gas. 




SUE: Gosh, you sound so busy. Don't you have a social life?



KEIRA: I have to admit, I didn't have one for along time, but things are picking up.




SUE: Picking up? How so?




KEIRA: Edmund Windsor is back. That scoundrel! That rogue! He's a liar and a cheat and a mischief-maker. 




SUE: That's harsh.




KEIRA: He told me he loved me and then poof! He took the time traveling machine back to 2011. 





Keira Knightly


SUE: So, what's he doing back in 1855? Trying to win your heart again?



KEIRA: Him and his cousin, Alice, are up to their elbows in rivets, brass, iron, mischief, and steam.




SUE: I noticed you avoided that last question.




KEIRA: I'm sorry, what was it?




SUE: Is he trying to win your heart again?



KEIRA: One kiss does not mean I forgive him.




SUE: Do I detect a little too much protest in your voice?



KEIRA: None at all. Just because Edmund resembles Adonis, has a keen sense of wit, and a dimple to die for doesn’t mean I'm going to give my heart to him again.




SUE: So did Edmund come back to "woo" you, or does he have another agenda?




KEIRA: Another agenda, of course! He's trying to convince Queen Victoria to pick an alternate fuel source so his future time will right itself. It's all complicated – there's alternate futures, parallel universes, and time machines.




SUE: What's the alternate fuel source he wants Queen Victoria to select?



KEIRA: Compressed natural gas of all things!






SUE: I suspect he wants a second chance.




KEIRA: I’m highly skeptical. He's got to prove to me he's more than a good-looking man in a neck cloth.




SUE: Is Edmund a gentleman or a rogue?




KEIRA: Ladies never tell. 




SHORT BLURB: When Edmund travels back in time to set the future straight, will his love for Keira derail his efforts?




ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

The song ended and Edmund grabbed her hand, tugging her toward the nearest hallway. At first, she wanted to protest; call out for her father and defy Edmund's wishes, but then reason kicked in. She wanted -- no, needed -- answers. And, she had plenty of questions. 




They entered the main wing, and passed two rooms before Edmund opened a door and dragged her inside. Books littered the shelves. The library. A beam of light from a full moon shined through the window, casting Edmund's features in sharp, contrasting shadows. He leaned against the door and crossed his arms. His eyes narrowed, giving his expression a dark, hard edge. He looked like a devil in this moment. She steeled her shoulders, ready to do battle with him. 




Silence grew between them as they both set their postures. Damn Edmund. She wanted to kiss the devil senseless. Thankfully, she still had her wits. 




"What are you doing with Jonas Byron?" Edmund's voice was cold and exact. 




"Dancing." She surprised herself with the ease of her retort. 




"Looked more like flirting to me." 




"Jealous?" 




A muscle twitched in his jaw. "No." 




"You are a horrible liar." 




"Keira, you can't trust him." 




She placed her hands on her hips. "Curious, you're the second man tonight to tell me that." 




"Grayson has your best interests at heart. You need to listen to him." 




"He's been missing for four years." She paused, glaring at him. "Like you have. And I thought you weren't coming back." 




"I'm here now, and I'm not leaving you again." 




She tilted her head and laughed. Oh, yes, he'd leave her again, and she had no intention of letting her heart get broken. 




Edmund lunged forward, placed his hands on her waist, and pulled her against the length of his hard, muscled body, trapping her arms between them so her hands rested on his chest. His emerald eyes flamed with desire. Her heart turned over in response. His unique scent, spice and currants, weakened her resolve. As her memories flooded through her mind, her lips ached for his. 




"God, Keira, don't test me like this." 


Stephanie Burkhart











AUTHOR BIO: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. Victorian Scoundrel, Book 1 in The Windsor Diaries won BRONZE in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in Romance: Historical. 







PUBLISHER'S BUY LINK:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-366/The-Windsor-Diaries-Book/Detail.bok




ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thewindsordiariesbookthreeagentlemanandarogue-996194-141.html




BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-two-stephanie-burkhart/1113777499?ean=2940015869538




AMAZON (KINDLE:)

http://amzn.com/B00A5CF24C




FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:




WEBSITE:

http://www.stephanieburkhart.com




TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart




FACEBOOK: 

https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor




GOOD READS:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...




YOU TUBE CHANNEL:

http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee




PINTEREST:

http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/

Plans for 2013

2012 has not been a good year for me. Personal tragedies and stresses have made it difficult to concentrate on writing. I am determined 2013 will be better, although I know some things are not within my ability to change.



Next year I hope to concentrate on an epic novel between 200,000 and 300,000 words long. It will be a fantasy novel - if you've read my previous books you probably guessed that before I said it. First I must complete my obligations for existing contracts and tidy up a few submissions which need to be sent off.  Then it's full steam ahead for the "Big One".



Working name for this novel is "Eye from the Past" but this is open to change as the novel develops.



Why now? I have been planning the planet, people and storyline for about four years and I feel now is the time to write it. Recent events have shown me I should make time to work on this manuscript. Never leave the really important things too long. Time might be shorter than you think.



So roll on 2013, I'm clearing the decks so I can dive in and write, write, write.

Shani by Adelle Laudan

[image error]



A Woman of Strength is one who influences and inspires others to face their own
demons. 


I have launched my series with three previously published stories; Juliana - Rosa - Shani



Today we will look into Shani's story. It was rewarding
to write a story from a woman of color's perspective. It is my hope her story inspires
someone to rise to the challenge and conquer their own fears.







[image error]
Blurb:

Shani is a woman of color, adopted by loving parents. After her mother's untimely
death, she learns a deep, dark secret that makes her question everything about her life
and those who loved her.
How often do we search for answers and find they are not necessarily what we want to
hear? Is time a great healer, or are some things unforgivable?

Here's a short excerpt.






Frigid
rain pelted her face mercilessly. The last thing on her mind when she’d run from her
mother’s house was the weather. Her body shivered uncontrollably, and she flexed her

numb fingers in a futile attempt to coax the circulation back. She knew better than to
ride in this kind of weather. One wrong move and she’d be sliding down the asphalt.

Like
a beacon in the night, the sign for Belona Falls flashed at the side of the road.

Mitch.

Shani hadn't visited her dear friends in over two years. Not
since her mother’s funeral. Carefully, she turned onto the exit ramp that led to one
of the few places she knew the door would always be open to her. Maybe Mitch could
answer her questions. She couldn't ask her mother, and her father
left some time ago for an extended road trip for parts unknown.

Shani
hunched over her gas tank. Finally, the familiar drive came into view. She geared
down and struggled to manoeuvre her bike along the pothole-riddled lane. Darkness
blanketed the house, and her heart sank.

Please don’t tell me they’re not home.

Shani
parked in front of the house just as light flooded the porch. The curtain in the window
moved aside to reveal her dear friend Mitch’s eyes, which lit up with recognition.

She lifted her leg over her bike and lumbered up the steps.

“Shani? Is that you, girl?” Mitch stood in the open doorway. “Have you lost your
mind? Get in here before you catch your death.”

Her
teeth chattered, her body a mass of shivers as she stood in the growing puddle at her
feet.

“Wait
right there. I’ll get some towels.” He shook his head and scurried across the room.

Not
long after, she traded her wet clothes for comfy, oversized pyjamas. The fire crackled
and popped, a welcome reprieve from the rain. Shani tucked her feet under her and
pulled the fuzzy blanket up under her arms.

“Nice
and sweet, just the way you like it.” Mitch handed her a mug of steaming tea and sat in
the armchair next to her. “Now, tell me why you were out riding in a storm. You know
better than that.”








Thank you Sue, for having me here on the 4th day of my Women of Strength
Blog Tour.

Each month I will add a new story of another Woman of
Strength. 


I hope you will enjoy this ongoing series.













[image error] [image error] Please leave a comment
and I will randomly pick one winner to receive  this calendar magnet for 2013 and
this lovely steampunk pewter, symbol for woman charm. All names will go in a draw to
win your choice of one of these three stories.

Please feel free to visit me on the next stop of my blog tour. You will find the
schedule HERE



Website

Woman of Strength - Links to purchase as wells as Info on Contest
Blog

Facebook

Next Big Thing Blog Hope

Today it's my turn. Unfortunately I had no takers when I asked other authors to join in the fun, so I'm afraid this branch of the blog hop will end with me. It's been good fun answering the questions and I hope you enjoy reading my replies.







The Next Big Thing blog hops from one blog to the next blog link for more a wealth of new and exciting books.  Some are still being written, some are just being released. Either way, for fiction lovers . . . it’s a treasure and I’d like to thank Marva Dasef for tagging me to participate.


The answer to my ten questions are set out below. Happy reading.








What is the working title of your book?


Dragon Ice. This the third novel in my Dragon trilogy.





Where did the idea come from for the book?


Basically I love dragons and this one has followed on from the previous two. Originally it was intended to be only the first book, but the other two pleaded to be written.





What genre does your book fall under?


This trilogy is fantasy for young adults. Fantasy is my favorite genre - adult, young adult or middle grade. Love them all.





Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?


Neisha looks like India Eisley while English actor William Moseley reminds me of Tane. I have no idea what these actors are like, but their photos are just as I imagined my characters to be.





What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?


Brought together in their dreams, Tane and Neisha must escape the silver dragons to fulfill their hopes for the future.





Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?


Published by an ebook publisher - Desert Breeze Publishing.





How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?


I'm still writing it so by the time I've finished, it will be three months then another month of editing.





What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?


I'd love to be able to say Anne McCaffrey but hesitate to put myself on the same level as this magnificent author. My book revolves around the dragons but they are unique to their environment.





Who or What inspired you to write this book?


The previous two novels in this trilogy were the main inspiration for the third novel. It kept niggling at me until I knew I had to write it.





What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?


Dragon Ice is set on an alternate world and the dragons have their own culture and way of life. 

Next Big Thing Blog Tour

The Blog Hop stops at Marva Dasef's blog today. Pop by and see her comments on Setara's Genie.

Contest Winners

I'm delighted to announce the winners of the comments on both The Sixth Key and Dragon Clans blog tours. I'm sorry for the delay but an unexpected family occurrence put me off my stroke.



Winner of The Sixth Key is Lorrie Unites-Struiff



and



Winner of Dragon Clans is Lynette Endicott



Congratulations ladies, I hope you both enjoy your books. Emails have been sent to notify you.



Thank you to all the people who left comments, I appreciate you all taking time out of your busy schedules to follow the tour.



Sue

Welcome Shaunna Gonzales

School
started for us here in the Puget Sound Area after Labor Day. Some of
you may be jealous at hearing that and knowing you were already in
class for a few weeks. Your first tests of the year may have even
been behind you. But don't fret. Remember that next June when your
summer is well underway, we will still be in the classroom.





Some
teens may even be looking forward to the day they never have to
attend class again. I remember that feeling. My gut still cavorts
when my children bring home that back to school packet with tons of
papers for parents to read and fill out. (I hand them back to my
children with, "You fill them out, I'll read when I have time
and sign where necessary.") My daughter didn't mind, but my son
is another story (so is his handwriting). And I must admit there are
a few years that I didn't read the handbook from start to finish.





Don't
be so anxious to get out of school because that is when the job
starts in earnest, even for a Mom or a stay at home employee. I used
to think writing was the perfect answer--until my first book was
accepted. That is when the editor's demands (with time schedules
attached) began. And it doesn't end. Once you get the publishing
date, the promoting begins and continues for eternity (okay, just
until it is no longer in print.) and all this time you are supposed
to be writing yet another, even better book. Talk about pressure!
Who's doing the grading? The readers. So I have to get better with
every book… really? Yes, really.





With
school in full swing that means it is time for me to go to work,
writing in earnest. No more "Mom, can you?" "Mom, can
I?" "Mom, can we?" All those things that break one's
concentration and interrupt the writing muse. I'm so excited! I love
my children but I love writing too!

First
WIP to get my attention is Talisman: Crisscross in Time. This is a
Time-travel romance and depending on the publisher/editor input, the
first of a Trilogy or Series.

After
that? That will depend on publishers and contracts.





So
here's sending my schooled best wishes to you. Enjoy your school
season whether learning or working and hopefully both! Feel free to
share what you are learning with those around you and live today to
it's fullest. (Tomorrow never comes.)






Dark Days of Promise








Thirty-four
year old Vicki Laramie must learn to trust before she can love, but
she might die trying.

While
Vicki’s children grapple with the death of their father -- a man
whom she’s successfully fabricated as loving, a lie her rebellious
teenager recognizes -- she must find a way to support her family and
find a role model for her boys. She never intends to fall for Staff
Sergeant Chase, her best friend’s son, who suffers from Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She’d much rather choose a safer
man to love, but her children have a voice in the decision she makes.
With two deaths to deal with, a suitor after her money, a rebellious
son, and Sergeant Chase’s repeated attacks, she can only hope to
survive the danger she faces. If she doesn’t, her children will be
left without either parent.


Link to buy:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-345/Dark-Days-of-Promise/Detail.bok

ISBN:
978-1-61252-218-0




Excerpt











 I managed to plaster a pleasant expression on my face before the door
burst open letting in a gust wind, hinting of dying weeds and
grasses. The boys bustled in with their usual horseplay, not sensing
my somber mood. Krista soon arrived, dropped off by Marge Graddock
after afternoon kindergarten. I mustered my strength, steeling my
fragile resolve and gathered the children around me in the living
room. One by one the children abandoned their childish antics,
growing somber to match my mood. Janine hovered in the background of
our tight knit circle, offering her support with her familiar crooked
smile.


"I love you, Mommy," eight-year-old Carter whispered and
sat beside me, putting his arm around me.



"Mom," Phillip ventured. "Are you okay?"


I patted his leg as he sat on my other side while managing a weak
smile to reassure the children. Krista wiggled her way between
Phillip and me, looking for familiar safety.


"We...a...some men ..." I closed my eyes in an effort to
regain my composure and shut out visions of death. I began again.
"Children, there's something I need to tell you...Some men came
by today...They brought news of your dad."