Sky Purington's Blog, page 48

Winter Blog Festival! Paty Jager's, FOR A SISTER'S LOVE & more.

Welcome! Today launches A Writer's Mind's, .99 CENT EBOOK WINTER BLOG FESTIVAL. Over the next several weeks a variety of talented authors will be stopping in to share their latest, greatest and wonderfully affordable tales.

Today it's my pleasure to welcome over author Paty Jager.

Wife, mother, grandmother, and the one who cleans pens and delivers the hay; award winning author Paty Jager and her husband currently ranch 350 acres when not dashing around visiting their children and grandchildren. She not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Paty is a member of RWA, EPIC , and COWG. She's had eleven books and a short story published and is venturing into the new world of self-publishing ebooks. Her contemporary Western, Perfectly Good Nanny won the 2008 Eppie for Best Contemporary Romance and Spirit of the Mountain, a historical paranormal set among the Nez Perce, garnered 1st place in the paranormal category of the 2011 Lories Best Published Book Contest.

You can learn more about Paty at her Blog, Website and Facebook. Also follow her on Twitter @patyjag. 

Paty will be sharing a few of her .99 cents titles today…

FOR A SISTER'S LOVE...

Lorelei and Maggie Holmes make a desperate vow to reunite after an Indian raid on their wagon train leaves them orphans. Eight-year-old Lorelei is taken in by an impoverished family headed to a Colorado mining town and ten-year-old Maggie finds herself on the way to Portland, Oregon to live with a woman widowed during the Indian attack.

Ten years later, Lorelei's adoptive father gambles away her birth mother's locket and her only connection to her lost sister. Believing she needs the locket and to find Maggie, she sets out after the gambler and ends up in the company of a citified lawyer searching for the same man.

While cleaning a hotel room, Maggie discovers her mother's locket in the possession of a gambler. Fear for her sister increases Maggie's determination. Never one to give up, she dogs the gambler until he agrees to help her find her sister.

Two sisters, two adventures, will they find one another or will the men helping them be their destinies?

Purchase your copy on Amazon Kindle, Smashwords or Nook.

IMPROPER PINKERTON...

An impetuous Pinkerton agent is out to prove to a righteous US Marshal that she's the best "man" to complete the assignment and the only "woman" who can capture his heart.

Mae Simon is on her first assignment as a Pinkerton operative and determined nothing will stand in her way of accomplishing her task. When the simple assignment turns into a murder and kidnapping, she has to stop hiding behind her disguises and trust a man she's betrayed.

U. S. Marshal Beck Harlan can't afford to befriend anyone. Not with a vengeance seeking outlaw killing off his intimate acquaintances. Yet, he falls hard for the French prostitute he talks into being an informant, not realizing she is a Pinkerton operative after the same man.

Excerpt:

He spun her and lowered his head, covering her mouth with his—just to keep her quiet. She stopped fighting. Her body went lax, and he molded her soft contours to his, drawing out the kiss. His heart hammered in his chest. Her arms entwined his neck. His hands roamed up and down her clothing. There were no restraining garments underneath. Only thin fabric between his skin and her round bottom. He reached around to the front and cupped her breast. She was a hand full.

Her palms flattened against his chest, and she pushed out of his grasp. He let her go physically, but his mind was back kissing her.

"Monsieur, you have not paid for that privilege!" Her golden brown eyes lacked the scolding of her words. He peered down at her moist lips and wanted to drag her back into his arms. He hadn't needed a woman in some time, but this woman…lured him.

She spun away and stepped toward the door. She couldn't leave. They still had to talk. He stepped around her, blocking her exit. His arms crossed over his chest to avoid reaching out to her again. Staring down at the top of her head, he waited. She slowly lifted her chin and stared at him.

"I must find Sally." She raised her hands as though to push him aside, then dropped them to her hips when he didn't budge.

"I just need a few minutes of your time."

She held out a hand, palm up.

"What?"

"You, monsieur, wish my time. You will pay for it." She wiggled her fingers.

He narrowed his eyes. He didn't know what game this woman played. A moment ago she'd participated in a steaming kiss just as much as he had, and now she wanted paid for her time?

"Now listen here, I'm not paying to talk to you."

"But, monsieur, you did more than talk when you," her face blushed prettily, "dragged me into this room."

"I only did that to keep you from screaming."

"Screaming? I did not scream." She cocked her head to one side as though sizing him up.

"You were about to."

"Non. You took lee-ber-tees."

He ran a hand over his face. Was she about to scream or did he take liberties? Now, he wasn't so sure he didn't kiss her because he'd been thinking of it all night as she flirted with Lamont.

That was the cold water he needed. Knowing she'd been with Lamont moments before.

"I need you to do me a favor."

There she went with the palm and waggling fingers, again.

"I don't need that kind of favor." He pulled his badge out of his vest pocket. "I'm a U.S. Marshal."

Her eyes widened, and her full lips formed a perfect 'O' before she uttered in her breathy sigh, "But monsieur, surely I have done nothing wrong."

PURCHASE your copy on Amazon Kindle, Smashwords or Nook.

Calling all Authors!

Hope everyone's having a super week so far! I posted about this awhile ago but wanted to remind everybody that my next blog event starts tomorrow. There's still space available if any authors would like to join. Just follow the instructions below.

The event will promote authors who offer .99 cent titles. Even if you offer more expensive books I ask that this go round you stick to promoting only your super cheap tales. Is there a genre preference? No. All goes. Even erotica.
EVENT TITLE: .99 Cent EBook Winter Blog Festival
If this is something you'd like to participate in please send the following information directly to me and I'll email back which days you'll be featured.
CRITERIA: You're welcome to feature two .99 cent titles. Please include brief bio, blurbs and one 500 word excerpt (you choose which title). Include purchase links and website link. Covers for tales should be attached to email.
Contests are not mandatory, but if you're interested in hosting a contest mention it when you contact me.
All information should be sent to Sky@Skypurington.com with the words, WINTER BLOG FESTIVAL in the subject heading
Blog event begins Wednesday, January 25th and will run Monday-Saturday of each week. Features run for two days.
Thanks so much!
~Sky

Want to know my Secret?

Hello all! Sorry it's been a bit since I posted. My family needed me this week and as I'm sure you can understand, they come first.

I have all sorts of wonderful things to share with you but figured that stuff could wait. I'd rather chat about what's on my mind tonight. It's something I think all of us can benefit from.

What's that you ask?

The power of positive thinking. I know, sort of cliché but you know what… it's a cliché topic that doesn't get old. At least not in my book. It absolutely astounds me how simply changing the way I think can change everything around me versus everything around me changing the way I think!

Here's the thing… I haven't always been a positive thinker. Not really. I believe I tended to focus on the negative before the positive despite my best intentions. Strangely enough, my perspective started to change last year a few months before my Dad passed away. Yep, I know that sounds weird but my cousin turned me onto a fantastic book called The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. If you have not read this book, do so. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

This book helped me look at life differently and essentially helped me to start thinking differently. The cool thing about it? Something bad happens to me now and it doesn't feel like the end of the world. It's more manageable. Essentially, the book focuses on the Law of Attraction. As far as I can tell, it works. Even if it didn't, I feel I'm a better person for having read it. Fellow author, friend and extremely positive person, Alisha Paige, read The Secret as well and agrees, two thumbs up!

Even better, it's brought positive people into my life. Some were old friends I reconnected with, others are new friends. You know who you are. Much thanks to each and every one of you. Not only were you there via text and email every day Dad was in the hospital at the end but you've leant me so much encouragement in my writing career that it's humbling.

So to anyone who might come across this post, if you're having a bad day… STOP right now! Sit back, clear your mind and focus on what you're thankful for in life. Focus on what makes you feel good. Skip the dreaded bad seed mojo and breathe in some fresh, I'm-gonna-turn-this-day-around air. I would've sounded silly to my own ears a year ago but no more. Quite frankly, I think I've been more successful because of my new attitude and the wonderful and very positive support system I have.

Cheers!

Sky

Muses and Highlanders. YUMMY Combo. TAKE it? Or leave it.

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful weekend! I've been busy working on my latest paranormal novel. But my Highlanders are always on my mind.

Highland Muse is FREE today at Amazon. If you enjoy 16th century Scottish Highlanders combined with a bit of Greek Mythology, namely those nine Muses of Inspiration, this tale might be for you.
It's all about Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy, falling in love with a Scottish royal. Go figure! But she did. This story's full of drama, humor and true love. I had such a blast writing it. Then again, I wrote it alongside eight other talented authors. Yep, that's right. It was originally part of a fabulous anthology called Song of the Muses. I listed all the authors original to the series HERE. You should certainly check them all out. Well worth it!
Alright. Back to Melpomene and her hero, Rowan. Here's an excerpt from their tale...

She felt warmth and safety, skin and life. Melpomene cuddled closer and relished the near vacancy of power, the freedom of similitude with a mortal and the departure from constant obligation. She stretched her limbs, languid in movement and enjoyed the feel of muscles used, relaxed then awoken. Such unusual bliss, such humanity!

Could it be? She'd slept? Indeed! Her eyes shot open and her gaze crashed into Rowans. He was clean shaven now. His icy green regard registered shock. It appeared they were equals now. Both caught off guard by the upper gods, made to discover together.

Nude and entwined with his body she pulled on vast experience and maintained a level of calm she didn't feel. "Are you comfortable?"

"What do you think?" His gaze slid the length of her then returned sharply to her face.

He lay with a goddess. Nothing could be more desired by mankind. She arched a brow. "I think you're privileged."

A crooked grin slashed his features but didn't quite reach his eyes. "Aye, lass, I've been told that before."

She was not amused. Did he think she'd cower? Play the shy maiden? No, she'd play the temptress. Her Highlander wouldn't rise to the bait. Not yet. She ground her belly against his arousal.

Rowan's hand shot to the side of her neck. His eyes turned to verdant flame. "Do you offer yourself so freely?"

Yes, freely, she did. But he would not take it. This she knew and regretted. But how she liked to tease and enjoyed the feel of his length along hers. "Have I not made myself obvious?"

"Aye, you have." His hand left her neck and entangled in her hair. He moved over her and stared down intently.

What was he doing? Would he really take her now? He had to know that if he did, it would be different with her, that his heart would become involved. Had he come so far? Was he ready to move on? She spread her thighs and ran her hands over his broad shoulders, down his muscled back, closed her eyes and willed him closer. Her voice was thick and strained. Need devoured all. "Love me, Rowan."

"Oh, yes, love her, Rowan!" Dionysus cried. Eager clapping resounded and giggles surrounded them.

Rowan rolled off her and sat up, clearly aggravated, though not as shocked as she'd thought he would be. It seemed he was getting used to the peculiarities of the gods. His voice proved husky when he spoke. "It seems you like to interrupt these moments." Rowan pulled a blanket over his lap.

The exuberant deity sat on the end of the gigantic bed thoroughly enjoying himself. He took a swig from his golden cup and grinned widely. "Please, pay us no mind. Continue what you were doing."

His women meandered around, mostly on Rowan's side of the bed, casting lustful invitation his way.

Melpomene sat up slowly and did not hide her nudity. "What brings you to us now, Dionysus? I could only assume it's to offer me answers."

Dionysus' wicked grin gleamed in the firelight. "Answers?" He looked to his women who offered evasive shrugs in return. "No, I came to watch procreation and enjoy my wine."

SKY HERE. Did they or didn't they 'have a little more fun' in front of Dionysus? For me to know and you to find out. *winks* Scoop up your FREE copy of Highland Muse at Amazon. Click HERE.

Astronomer's Corner. "El Gordo" Like DARK MATTER?

Welcome! As many of you know, I'm an amateur astronomer and downright space junkie. I simply love everything going on 'out there'. Without doubt, I'm an avid stargazer, telescope intact. As many of you also know, I have an Astronomer's Corner in every Newsletter. And, on occasion, love to share news blurbs here at A Writer's Mind.

This past month has introduced a few stories of interest (well, more than a few but I've only so much space. *winks*)

I scooped up one reported story of interest and shared it today. Seriously, it's WAY cool. *wide smile*. Yeah, I know, I'm weird. Go with it.

Reported by By Charles Q. Choi , SPACE.com Contributor Space.com

SPACE.com – Wed, Jan 11, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas — The largest cluster of galaxies seen yet in the early universe, a giant that astronomers have dubbed "El Gordo," could one day reveal secrets about the invisible dark matter that fills the universe, researchers said.

El Gordo — which means "the fat one" in Spanish — is officially known as ACT-CL J0102-4915 and "is located more than 7 billion light-years from Earth, at a time when the universe was half its current age," study co-author John Patrick Hughes at Rutgers University told SPACE.com. The universe is about 13.7 billion years old.

The monster galaxy cluster has mass about 2 quadrillion (that's 2 followed by 15 zeroes) times that of the sun, making it "the most massive known cluster in the distant universe."

A galaxy cluster behemoth

Galaxy clusters form through mergers of smaller groups of galaxies. These events depend on the amount of dark matter and dark energy in the universe, and thus could shed light on these enigmas. Dark energy seems to make up 73 percent of all the mass and energy in the universe, and is driving the accelerating expansion of the universe. Unseen and as-yet-unidentified dark matter makes up about 23 percent of all the matter and energy in the universe — scientists know it exists because of the gravitational effects it has on galaxies. The regular matter that makes up humans, planets and stars constitutes only 4 percent of the universe.

El Gordo was discovered using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory in space and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope in Chile. Its Spanish nickname is a nod to the Chilean connection.

The scientists detailed their findings today (Jan. 10) at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society here during a presentation that included a separate announcement of the discovery of the most distant galaxy cluster ever seen in the early universe.

El Gordo, a hot galaxy group

Gas in El Gordo can reach super-high temperatures of nearly 360 million degrees Fahrenheit (200 million degrees Celsius), based on X-rays collected by Chandra and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.

"This cluster is the most massive, the hottest, and gives off the most X-rays of any known cluster at this distance or beyond," said study lead author Felipe Menanteau of Rutgers University.

This heat, as well as the fact that galaxies within the cluster are concentrated in two distinct groups, suggests El Gordo is the site of a violent merger between two galaxy clusters.

"Galaxies are moving within the cluster at speeds of typically 3 million miles per hour," Hughes said.

Although a cluster of El Gordo's size and distance is extremely rare, it does fit within the standard Big Bang model of cosmology. This suggests the universe is composed predominantly of dark matter and dark energy, and began with a Big Bang about 13.7 billion years ago.

"Gigantic galaxy clusters like this are just what we were aiming to find," Hughes said. "We want to see if we understand how these extreme objects form using the best models of cosmology that are currently available."

Future research can seek to model how dark matter separates from the gas in El Gordo, Hughes said. This could yield key details about dark matter's nature.

SKY HERE. Very cool, right? I mean…dang! Can you even imagine? I've got another 'make-you-look-twice' story coming soon. Did you know Earth might have TWO moons?

That topic, however, will be saved for the next 'Astronomer's Corner.' *grins*

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,
Sky

It's time for authors to FEEL good.

Have you ever just done something because it FEELS good?

My husband grumbles at me constantly because of my 'do good' habits. Not because he disapproves morally (he's a great guy) but because…well…it's money.

So what do I do? What have I done? Within two week of selling well at Amazon I have faithfully made a point of hitting every contender in the top twenty of my category (more if I could) and 'liked' then 'tagged' them. Why would I do such a silly thing when they're my competition?

Why not?

I detest the cut throat world that the publishing industry has become (or became years ago) The I'll-shove-you-aside-to-better-myself attitude is not what it's supposed to be about. It's supposed to be about writers sharing wonderful stories with the world.

It's about the author 'touching' the reader somehow. And as far as I've seen far and wide, every author 'touches' at least one reader. That's the whole bloody point! I believe that every author deserves a chance, as does the potential reader. As you all know, it's something I promote avidly at this blog.

So yes, I've played Secret Santa, but I suspect many others have as well.

If you have a second today, take a step back and consider promoting authors in your genre or perhaps others.

Trust me, it will feel wonderful! You might be surprised.

To all my readers. You know I love you. Stay tuned, my .99 cent Winter Festival starts in a few weeks. Tons of great deals to be had. I already have a fabulous group of authors and a super line-up of books for you. *smiles*

Hugs,

Sky

Are you an Author? This Might Interest You.

~.99 Cent EBook Winter Blog Festival~Calling All Authors
I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful new year so far!
This winter I'll be cozied down writing my latest novel. I figured while I was doing that my blog should continue promoting authors and their incredibly affordable EBooks. This will be one of the simpler events that I host as I'm determined to get this book written by the end of February.

The event will promote authors who offer .99 cent titles. Even if you offer more expensive books I ask that this go round you stick to only promoting your super cheap tales. Is there a genre preference? No. All goes. Even erotica.

EVENT TITLE: .99 Cent EBook Winter Blog Festival

If this is something you'd like to participate in please send the following information directly to me and I'll email back which days you'll be featured.

CRITERIA: You're welcome to feature two .99 cent titles. Please include brief bio, blurbs and one 500 word excerpt (you choose which title). Include purchase links and website link. Covers for tales should be attached to email.

Contests are not mandatory, but if you're interested in hosting a contest mention it when you contact me.

All information should be sent to Sky@Skypurington.com with the words, WINTER BLOG FESTIVAL in the subject heading

Blog event begins Wednesday, January 25th and will run Monday-Saturday of each week. Features run for two days.

Would you like to share this with other authors? Click HERE then click the 'Forward to a Friend' option in the upper right hand corner.

Thanks so much!

Sky

The King's Druidess- BIG Kingly Delicious News!

Today, ALL DAY, The King's Druidess (The MacLomain Series- Prelude) is FREE at Amazon!!!

A little taste of what you can expect...

His rage was a thorough thing.

Erc tore his crown from his head and removed the cloak of his kingdom. He handed them to Cormac as he led her into the cover of an oak grove. The moon was no more so he flicked his wrist and drew forth his magi. Green flooded the tree trunks and the leaves overhead encaged them.

Beyond aggravated, he said, "Tell me, Druidess. What purpose do you serve here?"

She pulled her arm free. The tiny bells interwoven in her braids tinkled at the movement. "I serve you, my king."

He sat her on a wide log and paced. "No. You served me in the stones as was foretold. Why have you come for this celebration of mine in light of such a thing? What do you seek, Chiomara?"

He caught the slight flinch of her expression. "I come only because I was called here. No more."

"By whom were you called?" He continued to pace.

"Fionn, leader of the Fianna. I can tell you no more."

He ignored the heat rising in him, the pure lust and desire he felt at her closeness.

Erc stopped and looked down at her. "An unusual creature brings you to my wedding, Druidess."

She merely nodded.

"What am I to make of this? Of you?" She blinked at his words. He fell to his knees in front of her. "It is too much for me to bear you being here, Chiomara. Why do you torment me so?"

Her hands shook as they rose to his face. "Your torment is my torment, my king."

He took her hands and held them over his cheeks. "But you will not leave? You will stay and watch me wed another woman?"

She leaned over and cradled his head. "There is no other way."

"This is wrong," he murmured. But even as he said it, Erc grabbed Chiomara and brought her down onto him. "You torture me, Druidess."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and allowed him to cradle her in his lap. "Your wife will please you."

He stroked her soft hair, inhaled her sweet smell. "No one will ever please me such as you have."

Chiomara ran her fingertip over his lips. "My touch can be replicated if you will only allow it."

Erc shook his head and kissed her finger. "No woman will be a part of me such as you are."

"You know naught what you speak of, foolish king."

He brought Chiomara to the floor of the forest and covered her. "My need for you surpasses my foolishness. Will you have me again, Druidess, or will you deny me?"

Her lips parted but no words came forth. He filled her lack of response with his kiss. When alas he drew away, Erc asked again. "Will you have me again?"

Sky here. That's it for now folks! Hope you enjoyed. *grins*

Click HERE to download now.

Five Years Later. My Cover Artist ROCKS...then SHOCKS!

We're into the first week of 2012 and I've so many things to be thankful for.

First and foremost, my amazing and beyond talented cover artist, Tamra Westberry. We've worked together now for five years and she still totally amazes me with her talent. More than that, she 'wows' me with her everyday attitude. No matter what's going on, she is a nice person! And it's probably because of her attitude and willingness to work with authors, that I will always consider her not only a friend but my all-time favorite cover artist. Trust me, combine politeness, a good business mind and pure talent with simple kindness, you've got someone worth cherishing.

That said, I've big news.

And it all revolves around Tamra Westberry.

Did you hear the BIG news??? (It's not really Shocking as my title implied. Got your attention though, eh?) Tamra Westberry is up for Best Artist at Preditors & Editors in 2011! I'm not surprised in the least. She is unbelievably talented. Have a quick second?

Please vote for her HERE.

ALSO, I have a cover up for Best Ebook cover at Preditors & Editors. One, of course, created by Tamra Westberry herself!

I remember when I first told Tamra how I envisioned the cover for The King's Druidess (The MacLomain Series- Prelude). How I almost saw her mouth drop open via email at what I wanted. See, I sent her some pictures to work with, others she'd have to implement. The most important picture was that of a girl (stripper) most definitely dancing around a pole and a man (most definitely from a naughty picture) and told her… this needs to look whimsical. As if both characters desire one another but can't quite have each other. I need Ireland, ancient times… pagan times.

I think her jaw still dropped open based on the pictures I sent. *grins*

Two days later, the cover for The King's Druidess showed up in my 'In Box'.

WOW! Did she hit the nail on the head or what??? Using a tree from her backyard she got rid of the naughty pole. With a ghostly fog, the king became a man whom overlooked his love. Tamra did something truly AMAZING. So much so, that her cover for The King's Druidess has been a best-seller at Amazon for over three months.

Really look at it. Pure talent. Love her!!!

Learn more about Tamra Westberry at TaraWest.com
 
I've never had a book cover in the running but this one is phenomenal and I'm so thrilled. It would mean the world to me if you could swing over and...

shoot me a vote HERE (The King's Druidess- The MacLomain Series-Prelude)

Thank you so much!

~Sky xoxo

Happy 2012!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!
I'm looking forward to another wonderful year here at A Writer's Mind. With some fantastic features coming up as well as some hot writing topics, it should be a blast. I'm sure everyone's wondering who the grand winner of my What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree blog event is. Well, the winner has been drawn by my six year old son. Congratulations AmyJo!!!! Please contact me at Skypurington@live.com to collect your prize.

I hope everyone enjoys a truly fabulous 2012. I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!

Hugs,

~Sky