Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 301

FORGET ME NOT Excerpt by Belinda Boring

I'm pleased to welcome Belinda Boring to the blog today. Her latest release, "Forget Me Not" is now available. Be sure to visit the tour link and enter the contest here:

http://www.promotionalbooktours.com/2012/06/forget-me-not-2-the-mystic-wolves-book-tour/



To whet your appetite, here's an excerpt from the beginning of the book.




















“Excuse
me?”

I
looked the woman up and down. It irritated me how she hung on Mason, as if she
had every right in the world to do it. I growled and stepped forward, ready to
go to war for the man I loved. I didn’t even care about whatever excuse she would give for invading our lives with her false
presumptions—I was pissed. I could feel the change happening, and I smiled.
Judging from the way she blanched, I knew my fangs must have shown.

“Darcy,
stop.” Mason’s voice broke through my anger, and luckily for him he’d moved
away from her. “This is Amber, and it’s not what it seems.”

“Who
is this, Mason? And why does she think she has a hold over you?” Amber asked.

The
syrupy sweetness of her tone set my teeth on edge, and I launched myself at
her. I was acting on the most primal of levels, hospitality be damned. I was
instantly caught up in strong embrace of Alpha, and pulled in tight to his
chest. I lunged again with my hands clenched into fists.

“Calm
down, baby,” he whispered into my ear, his deep, rumbling timbre trying to
soothe the savageness rising within me. “There’s no threat here. Trust me.” I
felt a small layer of power under his words, and my wolf stood down—for the
moment. I realized I was panting as my body tensed—ready to fight.

Wrapped
tightly in his arms, I glared at the intruder, and tried to unclench my jaw.
Everything inside was on high alert, and I refused to look away. Listening for
Mason’s response, I almost missed the flicker of amusement that crossed her
face.

“What
are you doing here? I’m pretty sure I made myself clear.” It was the coldness
in his tone which finally caused me to relax. He was surprised to see her, but
there was no mistaking the anger as well. There was history between them, but
whatever designs this Amber had were all one sided.

“I
heard, but it still doesn’t change that it was the wish of our parents. I
thought you needed time to see the sense between the pairing, and now with the
death of your sister, I knew you would need me.” Her focus was on Mason, but
her body language told me she was still aware of me. “Maybe this is a
discussion we need to continue away from your girlfriend.”

Finally
meeting my gaze, she smiled sympathetically. “I’m sorry, I know this is sudden,
but whatever you have with the Alpha is over. He is betrothed, so any promise
you think you have with him can’t ever become a reality.”

“Amber.
We are not betrothed.”

“But,
you’re not tied to anyone. You don’t bear the marks. Why else would a male of
your virility and status remain alone?” She looked at me again. “Surely, she’s
not the reason why. She’s nothing, Mason, merely something to slake your lust
with.”

He’d
loosened his grip on me, and I broke free from his embrace. My vision zeroed in
on her throat, restarting the process of shifting. I was determined that one
way or the other, there would be one less werewolf on the property when I was
done.

“Darcy.”
Not only did he use my name, but Mason also slammed his plea through our mental
connection, layering it thick with his love and need for me to stop. I wanted
blood—needing to do something to show this two-bit hussy I wasn’t so easily
tossed aside. I was the one Mason would be mating with, and another growl
escaped from my mouth in warning.



Author Bio:  



A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.

Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. 

World of Symbols: Sacred Geometry

Michelle Snyder, M.
Phil, Symbolist

www.whiteknightstudio.com

http://whiteknightstudio.blogspot.com/

















Humans love patterns. We doodle
patterns, buy patterns, wrap gifts in patterns, we even dance in patterns.
Music and art, science and math, all have patterns. There are patterns in the
tiniest things and in the expanse of the universe. Patterns are combinations of
repeated shapes. The most perfect shapes are those of the golden mean, or
golden ratio – a mathematical equation (1:1.618) which manifests throughout
nature. Beautiful faces supposedly develop in accordance with this equation. Around
the world and in every culture, assessments of beauty can be
connected with the golden ratio. From prehistory this has been observed. Around 5000 BCE a helen was a standard measurement of beauty: Helen
of Troy was known as the woman whose face launched a thousand ships. A helen is an ancient term for the golden ratio.




The golden ratio is the foundation of Sacred Geometry. The term Sacred Geometry refers to philosophical beliefs that
have sprung up around the golden ratio. The shapes of Sacred Geometry date to prehistory; abstract geometric symbols
such as circles and squares have been used since before the Paleolithic Period, ca. 12,500 BCE. These shapes represent what is
thought to be the essential structure of the universe, representing universal
order. In ancient Egypt these geometric shapes were considered sacred, and by 550 BCE the golden ratio became
a philosophy taught by Pythagoras as Sacred Geometry. Artisans used it to
express philosophical and theological ideas as forms of grace and beauty. The
architects of classical Greece designed their buildings according to Sacred Geometry to enhance a sense of tranquility and enlightenment.




Sacred Geometry also plays a major role in symbol design. Some images have design elements which act as
a blueprint beneath the rendered image, so that not all information or meaning
of a symbolic image is readily visible. Renaissance masters used the
golden ratio to design their paintings. These
geometric elements contribute meaning to the complete work. For example, an
alchemical symbol of a tree with a bird on either side, reflecting the shape of
a cross, adds symbolism of the cross to the meaning of the birds and the tree.




Circles and squares are two basic
shapes in Sacred Geometry. Squares symbolize uprightness, honesty, and
dependability; squares represent regulated life and actions. Masons ten
thousand years ago knew the principles of geometry and used squaring tools in
the construction of megalithic observatories to insure stable foundations.
Circles symbolize infinity, inclusion, perfection, and centering. The Yogis and
Priests of early Hinduism marked a circle around themselves as they knelt to pray; the circle
represented the surrounding horizon. Sitting in the center of the circle they became associated with the center of the
world, a place of stillness and peace.




Mandalas are designs, usually
circular, that use the shapes of Sacred Geometry in concentric layers. These
patterns of shape
and color elegantly express Sacred Geometry. In Tibet and India mandalas are sacred works of art which function as meditative focus: by moving the eyes watchfully
from the perimeter toward the center, the seeker becomes more centered. Holistic
healers, physical therapists, and other professionals recognize the centering
and healing aspects of mandalas; they are hung in treatment rooms. The next
time you’re feeling a little blue, create a mandala of your own: an absorbing
and centering task you may find fun!

 

Article © 2011 Michelle Snyder. Michelle’s
mythology presentations and classes are scheduled for April & May – get
details at Once Upon a Time: world of symbols blog: www.whiteknightstudio.com.


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Want Creative Credit? Give a Little!

By Rebecca Forster

www.rebeccaforster.com


















Want to know a secret?  Volunteering can be your ticket to
building a creative career platform.



Other professions have
embraced the nonprofit strategy as personally fulfilling and professionally
strategic. Lawyers work pro-bono, doctors cross borders to help those less
fortunate, retired business people and teachers mentor those who need a helping
hand.




But nonprofits need more
than counsel, they need the kind of exposure, writers, filmmakers and artists
can provide.  Whether you’re
looking for that that first piece for your portfolio or expanding an already
established career, aligning yourself with a nonprofit offers you a wealth of
creative opportunities.




WRITERS AND/ OR FILMMAKERS

 Profile
a volunteer

Interview the administrator

Chronicle the history of the nonprofit

Spotlight the success stories of the clients




ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paint a mural

Design a fundraising invitation

Photograph the clients

Hold art/photography classes

Design a nonprofit’s newsletter




CHEFS/GARDENERS

Cook for a fundraiser

Landscape the building

Provide floral arrangements for benefits




There is no limit to the
benefits you will receive by volunteering your creative services. You will
build your portfolio, be introduced to businesses and clients that are ready to
pay for your talent, and, above all, you will have made a difference with your
words, your images and your creativity. There is no lack of drama at a
nonprofit, all you have to do is seek it out.




Here are a few
creative/nonprofit partnerships:




Eric, a Peace Corps
Volunteer in Albania, writes plays about his experiences. They are produced in
Hollywood and the proceeds benefit the village in which he lives.




Sam, a well-known musician,
teaches children stricken with cancer how to play the guitar. The local
newspaper did a front-page article on his efforts.




Cheryl, an aspiring filmmaker
interviews people in an assisted living facility and runs those interviews on
her website calling attention not only to rich histories but also to her
talent.




Jackie painted a mural on
the wall of a local library. She was credited for her work by the library.




The next time you’re looking
for a way to showcase your talent, look no further than your community. Your
portfolio - and your heart - will benefit from your talent and generosity.

Want Creative Cred? Give a Little!

By Rebecca Forster

www.rebeccaforster.com


















Want to know a secret?  Volunteering can be your ticket to
building a creative career platform.



Other professions have
embraced the nonprofit strategy as personally fulfilling and professionally
strategic. Lawyers work pro-bono, doctors cross borders to help those less
fortunate, retired business people and teachers mentor those who need a helping
hand.




But nonprofits need more
than counsel, they need the kind of exposure, writers, filmmakers and artists
can provide.  Whether you’re
looking for that that first piece for your portfolio or expanding an already
established career, aligning yourself with a nonprofit offers you a wealth of
creative opportunities.




WRITERS AND/ OR FILMMAKERS

 Profile
a volunteer

Interview the administrator

Chronicle the history of the nonprofit

Spotlight the success stories of the clients




ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paint a mural

Design a fundraising invitation

Photograph the clients

Hold art/photography classes

Design a nonprofit’s newsletter




CHEFS/GARDENERS

Cook for a fundraiser

Landscape the building

Provide floral arrangements for benefits




There is no limit to the
benefits you will receive by volunteering your creative services. You will
build your portfolio, be introduced to businesses and clients that are ready to
pay for your talent, and, above all, you will have made a difference with your
words, your images and your creativity. There is no lack of drama at a
nonprofit, all you have to do is seek it out.




Here are a few
creative/nonprofit partnerships:




Eric, a Peace Corps
Volunteer in Albania, writes plays about his experiences. They are produced in
Hollywood and the proceeds benefit the village in which he lives.




Sam, a well-known musician,
teaches children stricken with cancer how to play the guitar. The local
newspaper did a front-page article on his efforts.




Cheryl, an aspiring filmmaker
interviews people in an assisted living facility and runs those interviews on
her website calling attention not only to rich histories but also to her
talent.




Jackie painted a mural on
the wall of a local library. She was credited for her work by the library.




The next time you’re looking
for a way to showcase your talent, look no further than your community. Your
portfolio - and your heart - will benefit from your talent and generosity.

Interview with Hamilton C. Burger

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

Thank
you so much for this opportunity. NO EXIT, the first in The Apple Grove Gang
series is a middle grade chapter book. While it is set in 1960, I believe that there
is relevance to today’s children, in that the one thing that kids of any era
have in common is imagination. I try to help my readers set their imagination
free through my writing. I take pride that it a wholesome book, that represents
a more simple time. It was a time before cable television and video games. I
like to think: The Boxcar Children meet Leave it to Beaver.




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

No,
writing and publishing are all quite new to me. I began this journey sometime
in late March. A dear friend suggested that I should consider writing a book. Here,
I am three months later, published. I’m sure at times I have the deer in the
headlights look, it all has happened so fast.




I
decided to use the straight line method: the
shortest distance between two points, rather than the traditional method. I believe
that while traditional publishing is great, it has prevented many marvelous
authors from ever being published. That is quite sad.




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

To
be honest, I stumbled into it. Originally I was going to publish on Smashwords.
I consulted a freelance formatter, and they could not furnish a file that I was
able to upload. The file for Creatspace was good, and I was able to massage the
other. I uploaded to KDP, with little effort. I am participating in the KDP
Select program, so I am exclusive to Amazon for 90 days. I have the file for B&N
ready to go, when the time is right.




What have you learned during your
self-publishing journey?

I
have learned there are some amazing authors/editors/marketing gurus et al, who
are willing to help you understand the process. I have an immense amount of
respect for indie authors and the peripheral support mechanism.




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

The
hard copy is available on Creatspace. Of course if you visit my website, there
is a link to buy the book.




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

I’m
on twitter: @hamiltoncburger I’m a Goodreads Author (Pinch me!!) I write a
snippet of a blog on hamiltoncburger.com. That’s about it so far.




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

My
guess is that my experience is consistent with many other authors. I work a
full time job, and I try to write every day. Marketing consumes a considerable
amount of my time. I’m a husband and father, as well. I am working on the
balance point still.




I’ve
found that any worthwhile business venture is difficult. Writing is no
different. You need to at least have a business plan in your head. Juggling is
part of the entire process. You’ll drop a flaming bowling pin once in a while,
but keep practicing!




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

The
first thing I would tell you is to get a mentor, if possible. Do not expect
them to do the work for you or to lay it out step by step. Prepare yourself
with research, and work hard to learn the process. There are many great people
that are willing to help you. I was very blessed to stumble into the path of a
brilliant author and amazing person. When you hit the wall, go to your mentor
for some guidance. More than likely they have been there, as well. When you
learn something, do not hesitate to pay it forward to someone else.




What’s next for you?

I
am tying up the loose ends on GOLD FEVER, which is book #2 in The Apple Grove
Gang series. I’m shooting for release in late July. Book #3 is started, as well.
Shifting gears, I am working on a thriller in my free time.

Review: THE NINTH ORPHAN by James & Lance Morcan

4 of 5 stars


THE NINTH ORPHAN is a slick spy thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around a secret organization, The Omega Agency, that has raised a genetically-enhanced group of orphans. From the moment they could talk, the children have been trained in all aspects of being a spy/assassin. In this Pedemont Project, no one has a name; they are referred to as a number. Nine has been the best of the best for years doing whatever his superiors have told him, but there is a crack in his perfect veneer. He wants out and that means all out war against the Omega group.



In his desperate attempt to escape the clutches of this evil group, he involves the beautiful daughter of a French politician, Isabelle Alleget. She has inadvertently photographed him in a Paris marketplace.  There can be no record of him ever being there and now Nine is forced to deal with this unexpected development. And here is his conundrum--his cold and calculating mind cracks further and he cannot do what he needs to do.



The authors have done a good job of fleshing out Nine's character. He is the perfect chameleon changing disguises as easily as someone brushing their teeth although I did not find some parts believable that a ruthless assassin would cry--such a 180 degree turn in his personality didn't ring true for me. I would have also liked to be privy to the reason "why" Nine wanted out. What happened that tipped his hand after all these years? That would have helped me understand Nine's motivations better. However, despite this complaint, the story moves along like a bullet train of non-stop action.  Throw in a bit of romance, a sex-driven Chinese agent and a ruthless supervisor who wants to kill Nine and you've got an enjoyable read for fans of spy/thriller stories.

I'm a Horror Writer?

Guest Post By Rebeka Harrington





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Earlier this year Angelic
Knight Press featured yours truly in an article: “REBEKA HARRINGTON - WOMAN IN
HORROR” (Many thanks AKP) As an indie author I'm always very happy, if not
flattered, when someone out there in cyberspace spares me a mention. But until
I saw this article I hadn't even stopped to think I may be considered a “horror”
writer. Sure I write about vampires, and they can be pretty be horrible, but
me.... a horror writer?




My first book, Vampires Revealed,
was more like an autobiographical mocumentary than any other tag you care to
throw about. Bektamun, narrator and star of the tale, relives some of the “horrible”
things she has done; but only when forced to protect those she loves.




Desires Revealed, my latest
release, is a love story first and foremost. And of course there is ample
vampire shenanigans thrown in. (Got to feed the bloodlust)




Does writing about vampires
automatically mark you as a “horror writer”? When I think of horror fiction the
first name that springs to mind is Stephen King, which I'm sure is the same for
a lot of people. Mr King has dabbled with vampires (very successfully too, I
might add), but his most famous and popular works are far removed from the
world of vampires.




Also worth considering is
whether or not, despite the vampire revolution, the general expectation is for
vampires to appear in the horror genre. Maybe I'm just weird, because I really
don't think of vampires as characters of horror; well at least not so much anymore.




Bram Stoker's Count Dracula was
pretty terrifying for the time it was written. Fast forward to The Vampire
Chronicles by Anne Rice; doubt I would've bought and read the books if I'd
thought I was buying horror. For me, books in The Vampire Chronicles, were
about Lestat's inability to understand humanity; not that he was a
blood-sucking monster. Like I said, maybe I'm weird. No doubt my opinion of
vampires as characters of horror would change instantaneously should I ever
meet a Dracula, Lestat or Eric (Southern Vampires, Charlaine Harris).




When I think about horror,
and the things that scare me, I only have to look at history to have shivers
run down my spine.






Part of my vampire mythology
is a group of extremist vampires known as the Eleiveb. While searching for
inspiration as to what kind of things they may subject their human victims, I
simply did a search for “torture”. One of the most interesting/horrifying sites
I came across was Medieval Torture. The site features a myriad
of tools and equipment which sole purpose was to inflict pain and torture on
human victims.




While I may be uneasy being
assigned as a horror writer, and steadfastly believe mankind is far more
horrible to each other than legend or any creature we can imagine, the fact
remains I will continue to write about vampires; and they will inevitably do
horrible things.




About the Author
Raised in country Victoria, Rebeka started
her writing career working for the local newspaper as a teenager. While she
decided not to pursue this as a career, she has always enjoyed writing and
being creative



With so many varied interests and eccletic
taste in most things, Rebeka enjoys incorporating all of them in her writing.
She particularly enjoys writing about vampires.

Rebeka seeks to define and explain vampires
in a way not done before. This was achieved with her debut title "Vampires
Revealed". Following titles revolve around exploring the world and
characters created in her first release.





Currently Rebeka lives in
Melbourne with her “demented” but lovable cat, dividing her time between
writing and managing a small boutique entertainment agency.




Her latest book Desires
Revealed is also available for purchase at:

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/174232




Catch up with her characters:

www.vampiresrevealed.com




Follow her blog:

www.rebekaharrington.com

Review: BETWEEN THE LINES by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer

3 of 5 stars


BETWEEN THE LINES is the collaboration between Jodi Picoult and her teenage daughter Samantha. This book is penned as a Young Adult novel, but I feel it would appeal to a much younger audience, more to the 10-13 year olds.



It is the story of a fifteen-year-old girl, Deliah, who is a loner in high school. She only has one friend and is shunned by most of her other classmates. While in the library she comes across a fairytale, Between the Lines, and loses herself in the story. During one of her many reads, she notices something is different on one of the pages and soon discovers that Oliver, the prince of the story, can communicate with her.  This sets them on a path to try and free Oliver from the drudgery of the story. Unfortunately, I didn't get the sense that these two were star-crossed lovers, but more of "best friends." There was also none of the teenage angst over a budding relationship that is usually in a YA novel.



I applaud Samantha Van Leer for having the commitment to write the story. It takes dedication to get a story from an idea to a finished product.  It was a good first effort, but this is certainly not on par with the other Young Adults novels that are available.



I received this novel from Simon & Schuster in exchange for a fair and honest review. Disclosure policy: http://twoendsofthepen.blogspot.com/p/review-policy.html

Vacation Hiatus

I'm taking a short break from Two Ends of the Pen to recharge my batteries! No worries, there's plenty of posts in the sidebar to keep you busy while I'm away. There's "Popular Guest Posts," "Rebecca Writes," "World of Symbols," and "Author Panel Discussions" to keep you entertained.



If you're looking for a new book to read, there's plenty of book reviews in the sidebar as well.  Of course, there's also my own books to check out - fantasy and romance - a little something for everyone.



I'll be back before you know it! As always, happy reading!!!

Review: SUZY'S CASE by Andy Siegel

5 of 5 stars


When Tug Wyler, a personal injury lawyer, agrees to take over a number of personal injury cases, originally handled by the unsavory criminal lawyer Henry Benson, he has no idea his world is going to be turned upside down and not in a good way. In the Benson stack of dubious injury cases is the tragic case of a brain-damaged child, Suzy, whose case has been lingering for over 6 years in litigation. Henry's instructions regarding this case: get rid of it. There is no case.



Tug is not so quick to dismiss the case out of hand and he starts down a road that will expose him to maze of well-kept secrets that will shock even him which is pretty hard to do considering his clientele. He meets with Suzy and her dedicated mother, June, and knows he will do everything in his power to help them. That child has been severely injured in the care of doctors, he's sure of it, but what he doesn't know is that by helping them, it will also endanger his own life and limb.



The story is told from Tug's offbeat and self-mocking point of view. I was immediately drawn into the story with his opening scene. Tug is standing before the Disciplinary Committee for refusing to zealously defend a client that he knows is bringing forward a fraudulent case. The dialogue is snappy and Tug never misses a beat and gets off with a mild sanction. He's one smart lawyer, but it's the actions between Tug and his wife and legal assistant that had me laughing out loud. He may be a brilliant lawyer, but he doesn't know a thing about handling women and that's exactly what makes the story so interesting. He's just a regular guy and his inner dialogue will keep you smiling. The story moves along a fast clip. You'll get to know Tug, one tough lawyer, who doesn't give up especially when he knows a client has been wronged and deserves compensation for their injuries.



If you enjoy legal thrillers, be sure to put this one on your "must read" list. I read the book in 2 sittings. Yes, it was that good. Highly recommended.



This book will be released on July 10, 2012. You may pre-order it at amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Suzys-Case-Novel-Andy-Siegel/dp/1451658788



This book was furnished by Scribner and Goldberg McDuffie Communications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Disclosure policy: http://twoendsofthepen.blogspot.com/p/review-policy.html