Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 299

Spotlight: BENDING THE BOYNE by J.S. Dunn

A novel of ancient Ireland




Book Blurb:

Circa
2200 BCE: Changes rocking the Continent reach Eire with the dawning
Bronze Age. Well before any Celts, marauders invade the island seeking
copper and gold. The young astronomer Boann and the enigmatic Cian need
all their wits and courage to save their people and their great Boyne
mounds, when long bronze knives challenge the peaceful native
starwatchers. Banished to far coasts, Cian discovers how to outwit the
invaders at their own game. Tensions on Eire between new and old
cultures and between Boann, Elcmar, and her son Aengus, ultimately
explode. What emerges from the rubble of battle are the legends of
Ireland’s beginnings in a totally new light.



Larger than myth, this tale echoes with medieval texts, and cult heroes
modern and ancient. By the final temporal twist, factual prehistory is
bending into images of leprechauns who guard Eire’s gold for eternity.
As ever, the victors will spin the myths.



This story appeals to fans of solid historical fiction, myth and fantasy, archaeo-astronomy, and Bronze Age Europe.






Audio trailer: http://soundcloud.com/brick-shop/bending-the-boyne-audiobook-1 

 

Author website: http://www.jsdunnbooks.com/




Buy Links:

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bending-the-boyne-j-s-dunn/1102828874



Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Bending-The-Boyne/book-Y7fMrFdU50-YzOaFDQqkDQ/page1.html?s=MwoiUng-NEKqzJS8q9U4ZA&r=1



Amazon buy icon:

Incredible pictures from Nature

These are some of the most amazing pictures I've ever seen. Nature never ceases to surprise me.



















































And for all you romantics out there, what could be more perfect than this?

Interview with Melissa Ohnoutka

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

Target
of Betrayal: Kathleen Landon thought her life would finally get back to
normal after the bizarre death of her husband. But a "chance" meeting
with an old boyfriend throws her and her family on a dangerous and emotional
journey full of secrets and betrayal. Her husband's death wasn't an accident,
but an attempt to cover up a horrendous crime spree being operated by a traitor
inside the FBI. Now she and her children are running from a cold-blooded
killer. Can she trust the U.S. Marshal sworn to protect them? Or is he using
her as bait to capture her husband's killer?




David Thomas worked for the
FBI for over ten years before storming out of the office of his superior and
telling him where to stick his accusations. Now David has joined the U.S.
Marshal's Special Operations Division. He is working to expose an informant
hiding in the FBI ranks. David is the perfect man for the job. A man riddled
with guilt. His decision cost a friend his life and David is determined to
protect the family left behind. What he doesn't count on— is falling in love.




Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e.
querying agents/publishers?

Yes, I feel like I paid my
dues and did my time on the query-go-around.  I entered contests for feedback, revised and polished until
I couldn’t see straight, attended conferences, had requests for partial and
full manuscripts but “the call” never came. The self-publishing route seemed
like the next step. Having so much say over important decisions like covers,
page count, release dates, promotion and the direction I want my writing career
to take just made more sense and really sweetened the deal, not to mention
helped me keep my sanity.




Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped
improve your writing?

I’ve belonged to several
different critique groups over the past five years.  Some great, some that really made me doubt my writing at
times. But I feel like each one offered tons of great suggestions, advice and
feedback that helped me grow and improve. A thick skin in this business is a
must.




What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

The discovery is my favorite
part of the writing. I’ve never been a plotter. Give me the suspense please! I
start with an idea and then sit back and watch the story unfold. Just when I
think I know what is going to happen or how a character is going to behave, I’m
shocked to see how wrong I was. LOL




Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript
before publishing?

For my first release, I
counted on friends, trusted critique partners and a few beta readers to help in
the editing. Although they caught a lot, I felt it necessary to hire an editor
for the second book and will continue to do so for future releases. I just feel
that a fresh pair of eyes and unbiased opinion are priceless.




What have you learned during your self-publishing
journey?

I’ve learned to be true to myself
and my voice. No one can write my story like I can. Learning the craft and
continuing to learn is essential to grow as an author. It’s important to put
out the best product you can. Then get ready for a very bumpy ride. There will
be good times and bad times, but I try to remind myself when the process stops
being fun, to take a break and remember why I love writing. It helps me keep
things in perspective and gets me back on track.




Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your
books are for sale?

Yes. My full length novels are
available in print as well as e-books through Barnes & Noble too. You can
find all my books, short stories included, available as e-books through Barnes
& Noble, All Romance E-books, Kobo, Sony and my website.




What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog,
forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?

Other places to find me
online:




Website: www.melissaohnoutka.com

Twitter: @melissaohnoutka

Facebook:  Melissa Ohnoutka - Author

Blogs:   www.melissaohnoutka.blogspot.com

              
www.everybodyneedsalittleromance.com




Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between
marketing your current book and writing your next book?

This was a huge wake up call
for me. The marketing side of publishing is quite time consuming. It’s been a
long learning journey, but I think I’ve found a balance that works for me.  I love the writing side, so I tend to
do a lot more of that.




What advice would you give a new author just entering
into the self-publishing arena?

Do your research. Get your
name out there before you publish if you can. Set up your website, blog,
Twitter & Facebook accounts, follow others, start commenting and building
an online presence ahead of time and it will save you a lot of time, energy and
headaches afterward. But most importantly, don’t rush the process. Spend the
time, and yes, even the money, to make your book the best it can be. There’s a
lot of competition out there. And the critics can be brutal.

Review: MARILYN by Lois Banner

3.5 of 5 stars



When I first received the hardcover book, I was excited to read it. I was always fascinated by Marilyn Monroe and eagerly looked forward to finding out new details about her. Ms. Banner certainly has loaded the book with a lot of information, but I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't really anything new.



Marilyn was a complicated woman and her experiences in her childhood certainly shaped the woman she became Ms. Banner contends. I was surprised by comparisons the author makes between Marilyn and herself including her beauty. I find this a bit odd to include in a biography about Marilyn and perhaps even a bit egotistical. There was no one like Marilyn - she was an original.



This book was certainly written by an academic - theories presented and explored with in-depth analysis, but this very attention to even the most minute detail led to a dry read for me. For fans of Marilyn, this book certainly raises new questions, but no one will ever know the truth of Marilyn's death.

Be Prepared to Giggle: KITTY FUNNIES

It's the weekend! Did you have a tough week? I dare you not to smile when you see these kitty pictures. Enjoy.



 




 




 




 




 




And there you go! Have a smile on me before you get back to your hectic lives.

Sister Carmelita - Fear of God and Me by Rebecca Forster

The day I stood in
the choir loft surrounded by my fourth grade peers I had no idea that I was
about to learn a lesson in suspense, terror, fear, retribution and resolution
that would lead me to a career as a thriller author.



The day was hot, air-conditioning was unheard of, and we wore our itchy, ugly,
brown wool Catholic school uniforms year ‘round to save
our parents money. I was a very good girl. I never drew attention to myself,
folded my hands with fingers pointing heavenward when I prayed, picked up trash
on the playground and helped pass out papers in class. But that day, I made a
blunder that put me in Sister Carmelita’s crosshairs. As she raised her arms
and positioned her baton in anticipation of another rousing chorus of a hymn I
have long forgotten, I rolled my eyes. Yep, I rolled them to the back of my
little ten-year-old head in frustration and exhaustion.



Sister Carmelita cut her own my way. I realize now that she had mastered the
art of eye cutting because she couldn’t move her head given her box-like
wimple. Everyone stopped breathing. No one knew what I had done, only that I
had done something very, very bad.



“Miss Forster.” Sister Carmelita’s voice was modulated appropriately for God’s
house. “Wait after choir.”



My stomach lurched. I felt light headed. I was doomed.



Sister Carmelita is long gone. During her time on earth she faced changes in
her church and her life, but I doubt she ever knew how that day changed me. So,
if you’re listening, Sister, I want you to know that, 30 years later, that
moment sealed my fate. I spend my days writing thrillers, trying to recapture
the exquisite sense of suspense I experienced that day. Here is what you taught
me:



1) Less is More: Your understated notice of me, the
glitter in your eye, the sound of your voice was more intriguing, more
compelling, more enthralling than screaming, railing or ranting.



2) Timing is Everything : All 29 of my classmates knew I
was in trouble. I knew I was in trouble. I even knew why I was in trouble
(disrespecting you, God, choir practice, country, family and all living
creatures with a roll of my eyes), yet you didn’t nip things in the bud with a
mere instantaneous admonition. My comeuppance was exquisitely timed. You threw
in an extra hymn to extend practice, studiously ignored me, meticulously folded
your sheet music as my classmates silently went down the stairs. You waited
until the door of the church closed, clicked and locked us together in that
big, shadowy church before you turned.



3) The Devil's in the Details : You were taller than me
(back then almost everyone was taller than me), but that wasn’t why I was
afraid. It was your whole package, the details of your awesome being that were
so formidable. Covered head to toe in black, your face framed by your wimple
(which, by the way, looked like the vice used during the Spanish Inquisition),
your hands buried beneath the scapular that fell in a perfect column to the
tips of your shoes, made for quite a package. But there was more: The scent of
nun-perfume (I think it was soap, but it smelled like nun-perfume to me), the
clack of those huge rosary beads attached to your wide belt, the squish of your
rubber soled shoes. I saw all this, I heard all this, I smelled all this and
each sense was heightened because of the hush surrounding us.



I remember your methodical advance into my personal space. I remember you
lowering your eyes as I raised mine. The suspense was heart-stopping, the
anticipation of my penance almost unbearable. Quite frankly, you were
terrifying.



But here’s the funny thing: I don’t remember how it ended. Did you scold me?
Did you show mercy and forgiveness? I only remember being terrified. Like the
brain of the seven year old Stephen King swears gives him inspiration for his
horror books, you, Sister Carmelita, inspire every sentence I write in every
thriller novel I pen. For that, I can’t thank you enough.



I also want you to know, I have never rolled my eyes at anything since that day
in the choir loft.

World of Symbols by Michelle Snyder

Public symbols, a new visual system for a
modern world




Michelle Snyder, M. Phil, Symbolist

www.whiteknightstudio.com

http://whiteknightstudio.blogspot.com/







Our world has become a very accessible place. Citizens from countries on
the other side of the globe can visit us; the language barrier, however, makes
many things not accessible to them. Symbols help bridge gaps among peoples of
unlike cultures who speak various languages and come from differing places.
Stores, restrooms, tourist centers, airports, train stations all need to
communicate important information to travelers who do not understand the
language of the host country. This can be a very uncomfortable, or at the very
least inconvenient situation. Things like knowing which restroom to go into is
basic to human dignity and safety.




Symbols can be categorized into groups called symbol systems. Alchemy,
heraldry, and astronomy use widely recognized symbols. Religions, alphabets,
mathematics, and mythologies have associated symbols. In our modern world a
system of symbols for use in public places has emerged: a new category, public
symbols. Like the necessity that one language be used for air traffic control
and marine rules, a unified visual language develops to fill the need for
immediate communication of public area regulations and services.





Transportation hubs need to direct people who are passing through them,
informing travelers of where they are and how to get where they intend to go,
and direct them away from areas which do not permit public access or are
dangerous. A sign with an icon of a falling person indicates that the wet floor
is slippery. International airports host millions of travelers yearly. After a
passenger leaves the plane, other transportation for local destinations must be
available. In Boston, Logan airport sports bright yellow signs with taxi
symbols clearly marked, and public transportation areas, marked with the big blue
T are recognizable. Any service necessary for accommodating visitors
requires public symbols to make its presence known. Hotels, restaurants, telephones,
handicap access, taxicabs, and baggage areas are among the services that need
to be visually located by visitors.



Roadway drivers, while moving at 55 mph and regardless of knowledge of local
language, must gain information in time to respond by changing speed or lane,
preparing to exit, or taking other appropriate action. Hazards like sharp
curves, steep hills, falling rocks, and other dangerous situations need to be
communicated instantly.  Through representative images communicating
accommodations such as food, fuel, and rest stops, highways billboards inform
drivers of services available at the next exit.



Symbols are an ancient, proven, and efficient way of recording and
communicating concepts and information. Whether called public or civic, icons
or codes, our burgeoning public symbol system is taking its place with the
tried and true families of symbols.






Article © 2011 Michelle Snyder, MPhil., public
speaker and author of Symbology: Decoding Classic Images and other books on the history of symbolism. Visit
Michelle’s website and blog at www.whiteknightstudio.com.



 

Review: EXPERT WITNESS by Rebecca Forster

5 of 5 stars



I'm becoming addicted to thrillers and there is no one better that can craft a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, keep you awake at night because you just have to read one more chapter and who will keep you thinking "I've got to read every book this author has ever written." That's how I felt when I read Ms. Forster's latest legal thriller, EXPERT WITNESS.



Once again we are privy to Josie Bate's life--before when she was a ruthless defense attorney--and now when she uses her talent and compassion to help a sixteen-year-old abused girl, Hannah Sheraton. Hannah is now Josie's ward, but something is wrong. The usual predictable Josie has seemingly disappeared into thin air. Hannah rustles up all her courage to go and see Archer, a private investigator and Josie's sometime boyfriend, to ask for his help in locating Josie. Archer uses all his connections including a Hermosa Beach detective, Liz Driscoll, to try and uncover any clues as to Josie's whereabouts. The news is not good. It seems that a double-murderer has been unexpectantly released from prison early and all signs point to him kidnapping Josie. When a second woman is kidnapped, the investigation turns frantic. The killer has a timetable - he kills his victims on the fifth day of captivity. Daniel Young, the expert psychiatrist, from the killer's trial, thinks he can help. He understands how the killer thinks and Archer and Liz have no choice but to include him in their investigation. If he can find the killer, then his obnoxious self-righteous behavior will have to be endured.



Ms. Forster takes you on a journey filled with twists and turns, many of which you will never see coming. I thought I had figured out who was responsible, but I couldn't have been further from the truth. That's superb craftsmanship from this author. Through expert writing I felt Hannah's anxiety, Archer's frustration and Daniel's smug attitude as he lends his expert opinion on the next steps in the investigation. If you enjoy thrillers, you'll find none better than "The Witness Series" by Rebecca Forster. Highly Recommended.



Check out Rebecca's website here: www.rebeccaforster.com

Interview with Regina Duke

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?

Calin’s Cowboy, is a sweet romance and a cozy mystery.




Calin Holliday’s life is finally
almost normal. Memories of the high school accident and family tragedy that
turned her world upside down have been conveniently hidden away in her
subconscious. But when her beloved Chinese crested hits the wrong key on the
computer, she is forced to face the past whether she likes it or not. And
thanks to her Facebook blooper, she needs a cowboy fiance for the weekend!




Derek Longley grew up on a ranch,
but yearned for the Hollywood life. Too bad he got more than he bargained for.
As a result of a decision made in crisis mode, he is forced to work for a shady
investigator on a special assignment. His future and his reputation are on the
line, but he couldn’t leave that poor injured dog on the side of the road. He
steps into Dr. Kay’s Veterinary Hospital to save the dog’s life and ends up
using his acting skills to play Calin’s fake cowboy for her class reunion.
Little does he know that fate has some surprises in store for both of them. And
so does Cupid.




Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e.
querying agents/publishers?

Oh, yes. I’ve been writing
since my teen years, but the first four novels were beginner efforts. I began
submitting with novel number five and submitted for over 20 years, collecting
some lovely rejection slips along the way. When the opportunity to publish
ebooks came along, I decided it was now or never. I would fulfill my dreams, or
at least know that I made every effort possible to do so.




How are your story ideas born?

There are so many sources of
inspiration! Stories unfold in my mind all the time. They even pop out when I’m
having a “normal” conversation. So pinpointing inspiration is difficult.
However, when I need to sharpen a hook, I spend two or three days asking myself
questions. Why would she do that? What allows him to know this? Who are the
background characters? Where do they live? Who were their parents? Their
siblings? By answering those questions (and more), the story idea grows and
matures until I am ready to write.




Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped
improve your writing?

My “critique group” is
spread all over the country. They help me spot plot holes, which I am famous
for digging. And they bring me up short when I get lazy with a scene or when my
character motivation sounds all wrong to them.




What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

Getting into the flow of the
story. There comes a moment when the characters talk to me! They make some
decisions on their own. That’s when I know I have living, breathing people on
my hands.




What factors influenced your decision to self-publish
to Amazon?

A big factor was retirement.
I realized that if I was old enough to retire, I didn’t have the time to wait
for New York anymore! I wanted to know whether my books would be appreciated by
readers. I wanted to reach my readers, build an audience. Amazon gave me a
chance to do that.




Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript
before publishing?

I have an editor who works
on all my books, and I have readers as well who offer their advice. I use 98
per cent of all the input I receive in order to improve my final product.




What have you learned during your self-publishing
journey?

I have learned that people
really love to read my stories, and that has helped my self-confidence no end!
I cannot wait to add to my list of titles with strong, enjoyable characters and
great stories. I believe in happy endings, whether I’m writing romance or
mysteries. And my dog books also focus on the positive.




Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?

I am beginning to list
titles at Barnes & Noble as well. Calin’s
Cowboy is also available there.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/calins-cowboy-regina-duke/1111101474




What advice would you give a new author just entering
into the self-publishing arena?

I disagree with those who
say that beginners should wait until they have three or four books ready to go
before publishing. In my experience, the learning curve is so great with regard
to marketing, finding editors, and experimenting with sales techniques that I
feel the sooner you get your feet wet, the better. I learned so much by
preparing and publishing my first title North
Rim Delight! It helped me tremendously with all my other books. So I advise
newbies to jump in.




What’s next for you?

I am preparing another cozy
mystery and a new romance for publication. Fingers crossed! At least one of
them will go live in August. I will keep writing and I work hard to make every
new book better than the last.




You can check out my website
here: http://www.reginaduke.com

Review: DRUID'S DAUGHTER by Jean Hart Stewart

3.5 of 5 stars


Druid magic is frowned upon in 1898 London, but that doesn't stop Morgan McAfee from going to see Chief Inspector Lance Dellafield after she had vision about a missing child. Lance is skeptical about Morgan's abilities and she finds him condescending, but neither can deny that they feel a physical attraction between them. However, a relationship between the aristocratic Inspector and a Druid witch is impossible. When a serial killer starts targeting prostitutes, Lance again turns to Morgan for help solving the case.



The author does a good job of building the growing attraction between Morgan and Lance. Their scenes together sizzle with sexual tension. I also enjoyed the subplot involving Morgan's mother Vivianne. The story flowed along well with a few twists and turns thrown in toward a predicable ending. I would have liked to have more of the Druid ways and magic discussed in the book though because it seems like Druidism took a back seat to the romance aspect of the book. With 8 books in this series, I'll definitely check out the next book. Fans of romance and mystery will enjoy this story.