M.J. Fredrick's Blog, page 48
March 21, 2012
Introducing Indie Author Elysa Hendricks
Elysa and I also met on the Indie Romance loops. I just LOVE her covers, and that she writes COWBOYS!
Please comment for a chance to win one of her books!
What was the inspiration for this book?
I grew up watching John Wayne westerns and western TV series – Bonanza, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rifleman, and The Big Valley – to name a few. Then Lucia St. Clair Robson's RIDE THE WIND and Larry McMurtry's LONESOME DOVE stirred my curiosity about the "real" old west. Once I read TR Fehrenbach's COMANCHES:The Destruction of a People, a non-fiction book that's as gripping as any novel, I knew I had to write a story set in the American west. THIS HEART FOR HIRE is the result.
What's next for you?
A friend and I have co-authored a humorous women's fiction book titled: GRANNIES AND TRANNIES: VEGAS OR BUST and are shopping it around to agents and editors. While I'm waiting for that six-figure offer I've been working on a contemporary fantasy about a matchmaking cat, as well as another western historical romance and a sci-fi romance. I've also been re-releasing some of my backlist titles as ebooks. HER WILD TEXAS HEART, which is the sequel to THIS HEART FOR HIRE will be available soon.
When you're procrastinating, what do you do?
First off I play around on Facebook, check my email, and write blogs. Weather permitting I'll work in my garden. I love to shop and when I'm really desperate I'll even clean my house.
How many books in your TBR pile?
Do I count all the books on my new Kindle? If I'm only counting the print books, well, I really don't know. I lost track years ago. I have books on shelves. Books piled on tables, chairs and the floor. Not to mention the books in boxes. I'm so far behind in my reading that I'm praying there's a well-stocked library waiting for me in heaven.
What's your biggest guilty pleasure?
Guilt? What's that? I figure if it's a pleasure then I deserve it and don't have anything to feel guilty about when I indulge.
Name 3 of your favorite things.
Only three? I like things that begin with S, like sun, sand, surf, seafood, and sex. And of course – Chocolate.
Where can readers find you?
Usually at my desk working on my next great masterpiece. Oh, you mean online? They can contact me through my web site:
or on my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elysa-...
March 18, 2012
Goals for the Week HUNGER GAMES Comes Out
Just for the record, didn't win the Epic this year. And it was the very last category! Talk about suspense! I knew 3 other people in the category, and the winner was one of the two people I didn't know! Ah, well.
I had a very productive Spring Break. I didn't get to my website or revisions or formatting, but I planted a flower garden, hung out with Mom, wrote 10,000 words, cleaned almost the whole house (including organizing my closet and the pantry and cleaning the refrigerator), cooked almost every night, pinned about a billion things on Pinterest and read two books.
This week will be a crazy one.
1) Breakfast duty
2) Computer class after school Thursday (I have to have 12 hours of professional development. I have 8. The computer class will give me 2 more.)
3) Food Bank distribution Wednesday
4) write write write
5) format
6) revise
7) format
8) keep up house
9) exercise
10) GO SEE HUNGER GAMES!!!!
Whew! I'll be ready for Friday!
March 17, 2012
EPICON
So I'm heading to EPICON here in a bit and I AM SO NERVOUS. I haven't been to a writer's event since September? October? And before that since 2007 or so. I'm just not a social person. From what I understand, there will be a luncheon and workshops, then a book signing, then I'll come home to change and go back for the awards reception, banquet and ceremony. I know I won't win–I didn't even write a speech. But I have a lovely new dress and purse, and my hubby is going with me for that part, so it's all good. But I'm seriously seriously out of my comfort zone.
March 16, 2012
The Winner of Vonda Sinclair's Book is….
Christy Hayes! Contact me at mfechter @ gmail. com and let me know which format you'd prefer.
Honestly, I knew my husband being off today would mess up my schedule. Sorry for the late post!
March 14, 2012
Introducing Indie Bestseller Vonda Sinclair!
Vonda Sinclair is another author I met on Indie Romance and I've watched her skyrocket. These covers can't hurt, but there's great storytelling behind them! Be sure to comment for a chance to win a copy!
My Fierce Highlander: Gwyneth Carswell, an English lady banished by her father to the harsh Scottish Highlands, wants nothing more than to take her young son away from the violence of two fighting clans–her own distant kin, the MacIrwins, and their enemies, the MacGraths. She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he's left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?
Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her–give up her son or the man she loves.
What was the inspiration for this book? Thanks for allowing me to visit your blog! As for the inspiration for My Fierce Highlander, I woke up one morning, visualizing a scene in which a woman (the heroine) has saved the life of an enemy Highland chief. She was hiding him in a cattle byre. I had to find out who she was and how she came to save his life. What had happened to him? What will happen when her family and clan find out she's helped the enemy?
What's next for you? I'm working on the 3rd book in this series about Dirk. He's a friend of Alasdair's brother. Dirk appears for the first time in My Wild Highlander, the second book in the series.
When you're procrastinating, what do you do? Read blog posts, surf the net, read all the emails from my groups. Or visit Twitter or Facebook. But really this is a necessary part of being a writer too. Networking and staying in touch with other writers.
How many books in your TBR pile? Hundreds! So many I've lost count. And now I'm collecting a large TBR pile on my iPod Touch. I really want to read them but I almost feel guilty when I'm reading for pleasure. I feel I'm supposed to be writing.
What's your biggest guilty pleasure? Like my bio says, my favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland. I suppose you could call that a guilty pleasure too. I can't wait to see every nook and cranny of Scotland. Although I've visited three times and toured over a dozen castles, there are still hundreds of castles I haven't seen yet. Not to mention prehistoric sites and many sites with natural beauty.
Name 3 of your favorite things. Scotland, taking photos, and hiking. Sometimes I like to do all three at once.
I would like to ask readers the same question. What are 3 of YOUR favorite things?Where can readers find you? Below are my website and social media links. Thanks again for having me at your blog today!
website: http://www.vondasinclair.com/
blog: http://fierceromance.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/VondaSinclair
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VondaSinclair
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h8ArA
My Fierce Highlander is available at these and other online bookstores:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B005ESI94C
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-fierce-highlander-vonda-sinclair/1104532726
Bio: Vonda Sinclair's favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot, Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. She is a past Golden Heart finalist and Laurie award winner. She lives with her amazing and supportive husband in the mountains of North Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish story. She is the author of My Fierce Highlander and My Wild Highlander.
EXCERPT:
EXCERPT 1
Scottish Highlands, 1618
A stiff breeze carried the scent of bruised grass and blood on its icy breath.
Death.
Gwyneth Carswell dropped into a crouch and peered through brambles at the tartan-clad bodies, a dozen or more, lying in the dusky gloaming. While gathering herbs earlier, she'd heard the sounds of battle—men shouting, steel clanging, horses screaming.
A chill shook her. The men of the MacIrwin clan, her distant kin, lived and died only for a skirmish. Her sheltered upbringing in England had molded her into the person she was, a lover of peace, but she'd been in the Highlands long enough to expect brutality at every turn. Thank God her son had stayed in the cottage with Mora.
"More senseless death," she whispered, yearning to run and hide in the cottage, curl up beneath the blankets, and forget she was a healer. Forget all the drained blood and horrifying wounds that would never heal.
But she must not. She must again face death all around her. Dread and nausea rising within her, she covered her nose with a handkerchief. After peering about to make sure she was alone, she crept onto the soggy moor and forced herself to look at the butchered bodies of her cousins…and their enemies. Who had they been fighting?
Pressing her eyes closed to block out the slit throats and other mutilation, she murmured a prayer, both for their departed souls and for strength that she might keep going.
Please, allow me to save the life of at least one.
A haunting groan floated on the breeze. A sign? Her prayer answered? Gwyneth froze, listening. The groan sounded again, straight ahead.
She rushed to the far edge of the clearing.
Daylight dwindled, but she knew she'd never before seen the injured man, a large warrior with long dark hair, obviously from the enemy clan. She could not tear her gaze from his clean-shaven face, smeared and spattered with blood. Never had she seen such a striking man. But something more captivated her, something she could only sense with her woman's intuition. She yearned for him to open his eyes, but he didn't.
Blood soaked through his white shirt and fine, pale-blue doublet.
Kneeling on the damp ground, she attempted to press her hand against his chest to feel his heartbeat, but a rolled-up parchment lay in her way within his doublet. She removed it and checked his heart. The thump was slow but strong and steady.
Her eyes locked to his face again. Enticing, yes, but still an enemy.
Wary of him and what message he carried, she stripped the ribbon from the missive and flattened the thick paper. In the dim light, she could barely decipher a few of the Gaelic words inscribed in bold letters across the top.
A peace agreement? Had the MacIrwins ambushed them? She stared down at the man again, lifted his hand and found a seal ring on his finger. A chief?
For a second, it seemed the very ground had a pulse. The vibrating sensation disoriented her.
Horses!
Distant hoof-beats grew louder and thundered in her direction—the MacIrwin reinforcements coming to finish off their enemies. Her pulse roared in her ears.
If they discovered this man hanging onto life, they'd cut his throat. Especially if he was a chief who wanted peace. Gwyneth crammed the parchment back inside his doublet and stood.
She grasped the thick leather belt that held the man's plaide in place at his waist and struggled to drag him a few feet into the yellow blooming gorse and weeds. Good lord, he was heavy, comprised of honed warrior muscle. Another tug, then she rolled him down a short incline and behind the bushes, praying all this shifting wouldn't worsen his injuries. She spread her dull-colored skirts and plaid arisaid over him to conceal the visibility of his light-colored doublet in the dusk.
Her body trembling, she gently bit her knuckle to quiet her chattering teeth. Please, do not let them find us. She hardly dared to breathe.
The horses' hooves thumped over the grass, and the riders yelled in Gaelic—mostly vows of revenge against the cursed MacGraths.
Through the bushes and gorse, she watched as they loaded the dead bodies onto horses.
Warmongers!
Several minutes later, the MacIrwin men rode away. After a while, silence descended and naught could be heard but the nearby stream and a faraway owl. Gwyneth calmed by slow degrees.
Taking a deep breath, she rose on shaking legs. The man lying at her feet was so large she couldn't move him again, not alone, uphill, for the strength that had come with fear had ebbed.
She ran up to the stone cottage, her feet tangling in the rocks and low-growing plants.
Breathing hard, Gwyneth burst through the door, the bitter scent of peat smoke and tangy drying herbs replacing that of fresh air. "Mora, did you hear the battle?"
"Aye, I reckon they were fighting the MacGrath. 'Tis always a blood feud betwixt them." Her friend and fellow healer bent over her knitting, her gray head wrapped in a white kerch. The fire smoldering in the center of the room provided little light.
"One man still lives. He's been knocked out, but his breathing is strong. We must bring him here and see to his injuries."
"Who is he?" Suspicion laced through Mora's thick brogue.
"I know not."
"One of the enemy?"
"Likely."
"Mmph. I won't be helping the MacGraths."
"A dozen men are dead. For what purpose? All this fighting is madness!"
"Easy for you to say, English. Lived here nigh on six years, you have, and still you ken naught of our Highland ways."
She knew enough about their violent way of life and hated it. Gwyneth glanced at her five-year-old son sleeping in the box bed on the other side of the room and lowered her voice. "I would die before I'd let Rory become one of them, giving up his precious life over a senseless dispute." She had to find a way to take him out of the Highlands before Laird Donald MacIrwin forced him into the ranks of his fighting men. "And you're right, I cannot understand so much bloodshed over nothing."
"'Tis not for naught. The MacGraths killed Donald's brother ten years past. Then there was the time the MacGraths claimed a goodly portion of MacIrwin land. We don't take the stealing of land lightly."
How could her friend be so cold? "This man who yet lives is carrying a peace treaty. He wears a seal ring and appears to be the chief. Aside from that, he's human and we're healers. If I can save a life, I will, whether he is friend, foe or beast."
"Aye, you with your gentle lady's heart. You'll get us killed. What if Donald finds out?"
A chill raced through her at that thought. "He rarely comes here." Though the clan chief was her second cousin on her father's side, no fondness existed between them.
"'Tis a bad feeling I have about this. You'll regret it."
"Do you not think the MacGraths will exact a severe revenge against us all if the MacIrwins kill their chief? He wants peace, as we do."
"Well, this is not the way to go about it. I've been around a few years longer than you have, Sassenach."
"I will drag the big brute up here myself, then." She yanked a blanket off the bed, left the cottage and strode down the hill once again toward the glen. The stones slid and rolled beneath her slippers and bit into her feet. If Mora wouldn't help her, she'd do what she could for the man.
Something all-consuming rose up from her soul and railed, refusing to allow him to lie there and die. Though his body looked powerful, he was helpless now. As helpless as a child, helpless as little Rory. All this man's fearsomeness at her mercy, she was awed by the power she held over him, to help him reclaim his strength and his life…or let it drain away. That would be a sin far worse than any she'd ever committed, of which she had many. The peace treaty and something deep within her proclaimed his life was worth saving a hundred times over.
Gwyneth crouched behind a patch of thistles at the edge of the glen and listened for MacIrwins. The only sound was the wind hissing through the pine needles and the splash of the stream.
A rock clattered down the slope behind her.
March 11, 2012
March 10, 2012
No, Really, the Winner of Diana Layne's Book Is….
We had to pick a new winner because Bev has the book already. So….Gayle Cochrane, you're the new winner!
Goals for the Week of Summer Preview
SPRINNNNNGGGGG BREAAAAAKKKKK!!!! Just in time, too. The kids are picking on each other, the teachers are stressed as hell…not sure we could have lasted another week.
I always call it summer preview, because I get to do all the things I love in summer–breakfast with Mom, time to work in the house and yard, time to write. Then 11 more weeks and summer. I will only have my Friday classes 7 more times because we have two Friday holidays, Field Day, and our last day of school is Thursday. Lots to cover in that amount of time, especially for 3rd and 4th grades.
10 more Mondays, 11 more Tuesdays (minus 2 for testing), 11 more Wednesdays (minus 2 for testing), 11 more Thursdays (minus one for testing.) I really need to see what I want the kids to know before the next year!
AND I get to start a new story!
This week:
clean /organize closet
clean/organize pantry
work on novella (goal 10K)
hopefully work on revisions via Trish on Bluestone 3
Day or two with Mom
go get driver's license renewed
Read a book or two. Really want to catch up on Robyn Carr's series. She's getting away from me!
Exercise (walk?)
Clean house/cook
Introducing Geoff Stults from The Finder, inspiration for my new hero.
March 9, 2012
And the Winner of Diana Layne's Book is….
Bev Pettersen! Bev, email me at mfechter @ gmail.com and I'll get you the book in your choice of formats!
Have a great Friday, everyone. SPRING BREAKKKKKK!!!!!!!!
March 7, 2012
Introducing…Diana Layne!
Diana Layne and I met and became friends through Indie Romance, and on Twitter. I'm so happy to bring her here to you today!
Please comment for a chance to win her book!
Indie Interview Questions
What was the inspiration for this book?
For The Good Daughter, a Mafia suspense book, this is going to sound funny. But a soccer game sparked the idea. One of my favorite soccer players missed a goal in an overtime match which sent his team home in defeat. I was so depressed a writer friend suggested I write a book about it, but add that the Mafia made him miss the goal. I took the idea, created my fictional players, my FBI agent, my Mafia daughter and her powerful Mafia family, and a book was born! (note, there are no actual soccer games in the book, just a couple of soccer players.)
2. What's next for you?
The Good Daughter is a prequel to my Vista Security suspense series. The next book, the first in the series, Trust No One (which was also my Golden Heart® final), is with an editor now. The FBI Main Character in The Good Daughter has a cameo in Trust No One and in later books both he and the Mafia daughter will have more prominent roles. Can't say any more than that without a spoiler alert.
3. When you're procrastinating, what do you do?
Answer emails and read posts on the Internet. That way, at least I can pretend I'm writing or researching, LOL.
4. How many books in your TBR pile?
My TBR pile rivals the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Several leaning towers, in fact, stacked haphazardly around in um…more than one room. I also have a digital TBR pile on my Kindle as well. It's a second generation and I think I'm getting close to the data limit, sigh. (time for a new one?)
5. What's your biggest guilty pleasure?
Aside from buying books? Hahaha. Taking a nap. Given I'm a homeschooling mom/writer, I get 4-5 hours sleep a night. The only way I can crawl out of bed at 3:30 in the morning is to promise myself I can take a nap later. Okay, most days 'later' never comes, but so far, I haven't figured out I'm lying. (yes, I can be slow sometimes)
6. Name 3 of your favorite things.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens–oh, sorry, for some reason, the Sound Of Music just popped into my head.
I'm a Gemini. I'm ADD. My favorite things seem to change moment-by-moment. At this time, with the kids fighting in the background, quiet would rank high up on the list.
A back massage—not that I've ever had one, but I like to fantasize. Actually, as long as I'm fantasizing, let's nix the massage and just go for a full time masseuse. Tall, dark, big biceps. Yes, I like that idea.
Oh, and I do love movies. Going-to-the-movie-theater kind of movies, with popcorn and soft drinks and Jordan almonds, well, except I'm giving up soft drinks and candy this year, urg. Still, I love the whole movie experience. Before you ask, action-adventure is my favorite kind of movie. Although I did make the opening midnight showing of the last Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn, part 1.
7. Where can readers find you?
I'm at the usual writerly haunts. Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari. Easiest is probably my website, where you can sign up for my newsletter and get the scoop on the social media.
Thanks, it's been fun!
