Pamela S. Thibodeaux's Blog, page 69
April 11, 2017
#TuesdayTreasures #EggCerptExchange with Diana Rubino
Good Morning Friends,
Well we're in the last week of eggcerpt exchange and today's guest is no stranger to our blog. Although she hasn't been in our spotlight, she's shared treasures and thoughts with us before, so please welcome her back with her new release, Dark Brew ....
DARK BREWA time travel romanceLearn from the past or forever be doomed to repeat it.
Accused of her husband’s murder, druid Kylah McKinley travels back through time to her past life in 1324 Ireland and brings the true killer to justice.
Two months of hell change Kylah’s life forever. On her many past life regressions, she returns to 14th century Ireland as Alice Kyteler, a druid moneylender falsely accused of murdering her husband. Kylah’s life mirrors Alice’s in one tragic event after another—she finds her husband sprawled on the floor, cold, blue, with no pulse. Evidence points to her, and police arrest her for his murder. Kylah and Alice shared another twist of fate—they fell in love with the man who believed in them. As Kylah prepares for her trial and fights to maintain her innocence, she must learn from her past or forever be doomed to repeat it. An interview with Diana about Dark Brew Where did the story come from?
The story took 12 years from start to finish. I’m a longtime member of the Richard III Society, and in the spring of 2004, I read an article in The Ricardian Registerby Pamela Butler, about Alice Kyteler, who lived in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1324, and faced witchcraft charges. After her trial and acquittal, she vanished from the annals of history. I couldn't resist writing a book about her.
How did you decide to make it a paranormal? I’m a believer in reincarnation, and I go on paranormal investigations whenever I can. I’ve gone on several past life regressions. Cape Cod has a lot of history and paranormal activity. I’ve been on many ghost walks and ghost hunts there. I wanted to connect Alice in the past with someone in the present, her reincarnation.
Was Alice Kyteler famous in 14th century Ireland? Not at all but she was the richest woman in Kilkenny, and for that reason the villagers hated her, especially the men. They accused her of killing her first husband, but she was acquitted. Then they accused her of killing her fourth husband, John LePoer, with witchcraft, the accusations more absurd than those of the 1692 witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts. Chancellor Edward de Burgh arrested Alice because her stepsons claimed she had murdered John by casting a witch’s spell with malefecia…and she used the enchanted skull of a beheaded thief as her cauldron.
She went to trial and her dear friend Michael Artson had her acquitted, but she vanished into the annals of history. According to legend, she went to England. But no one knows for sure.
Why did you make it a time travel? Because my heroine, Kylah McKinley, is a druid and has done many past life regressions, she knows she’s the reincarnation of Alice. So she has to go back and find out what happened to Alice, because too many weird things are happening to her in this life that parallel Alice’s life.
Kylah lives on my beloved Cape Cod. She’s a druid, a ghost hunter and owns a new age store in a restored Revolutionary War-era tavern. She was also the target of a hit-and-run. Another hit-and-run crippled her husband Ted. That’s no coincidence—she’s convinced someone’s out to get them both.
She brews an ancient Druid herb mixture, goes back in time and enters Alice’s life to find out exactly what happened and who killed her husband.
These two months of hell change her life forever. Kylah’s life mirrors Alice’s in one tragic event after another—she finds her husband sprawled on the floor, cold, blue, with no pulse. Evidence points to her, and police arrest her for his murder. Kylah and Alice shared another twist of fate—they fell in love with the man who believed in them. As Kylah prepares for her trial and fights to maintain her innocence, she must learn from her past or she’s doomed to repeat it.
Have you ever spoken to Pamela Butler, who wrote the article about Alice? Yes, we’ve corresponded. She lives in New Mexico, so we’ve never met in person. I asked Pam what inspired her to write about Alice. I’d never heard of Alice until I read her article, “Witchcraft & Heresy. She replied:
“You asked why I wrote about Alice Kyteler, who preceded Richard by a century-and-a-half. I only wrote it because others on the listserv encouraged me to write about witchcraft, a subject about which I knew very little. I ordered three books from Amazon.com on the subjects of witchcraft, heresy, Satanism, etc. for research reasons. That was my basis, plus I searched the Internet. The Malleus Malleficarumwas published in 1487, just two years after Richard's death, so it's almost contemporary. I chanced across Alice in this reading and thought that it was an interesting case. Witch burning was fairly rare in Ireland, and wasn't as bad in England at that time as it had been on the Continent. I wish that the M.M. had never been published; still, the fact that it was published and accepted may reveal the mindset of those times.”
An excerpt from Dark Brew Kylah shut Ted’s den door. She couldn’t bear to look at the spot where he gasped his last breath. His presence, an imposing force, lingered. So did his scent, a blend of tobacco, pine aftershave and manly sweat. Each reminder ripped into her heart like a knife. Especially now with the funeral looming ahead, the eulogies, the mournful organ hymns, the tolling bells . . .These ceremonies should bring closure, but they’d only prolong the agony of her grief. She wanted to remember him alive for a while longer, wishing she could delay these morbid customs until the hurt subsided. Throughout the house, his essence echoed his personality: the wine stain on the carpet, the heap of dirty shirts, shorts and socks piled up in the laundry room, the spattered stove, his fingerprints on the microwave. But she couldn’t bring herself to clean any of it up. Painful as these remnants were, they offered a strange comfort. He still lived here.
“I’ll find that murderer, Teddy,” she promised him over and over, wandering from room to empty room, traces of him lurking in every corner. “I’ll do everything in my power to make sure justice is served. Another past life regression isn’t enough anymore. I know what I have to do now. And I promise, it will never, ever happen again—in any future life.”She inhaled deeply and breathed him in. “Go take a shower, Teddy.” She chuckled through her tears as the doorbell rang. She cringed, breaking out in cold sweat when she saw the black sedan at the curb.“Not again.” No sense in hiding, so she let the detectives in.“Mrs. McKinley, we need your permission to do a search and take some of your husband’s possessions from the house,” Nolan said.“What for?” She met his steely stare. “I looked everywhere and found nothing.”“Mrs. McKinley, the cupboard door was open, four jars of herbs are missing, and the autopsy showed he died of herb poisoning. Those herbs,” Nolan added for emphasis, as if it had slipped her feeble mind. “Foxglove, mandrake, hemlock—and an as-yet unidentified one,” he read from a notebook. “The M.E. determined it was a lethal dose.”Sherlock Holmes got nothin’ on him, she thought. “Where’s this cupboard, ma’am?” Egan spoke up.“Right there.” She pointed, its door gaping exactly the way she’d found it that night. Nolan went over to it and peered inside.
“Ma’am, it would be better if you left the house for a half hour or so. Please leave a number where you can be reached,” Egan ordered.
Nolan glanced down the hall. “Where is your bedroom?”
What could they want in the bedroom? “It’s at the top of the stairs on the right. But we didn’t sleep together,” she offered, as if that would faze them. It didn’t.
After giving him her cell number, she got into her car and drove to the beach.
An hour later, she let herself back in and looked around. They’d taken the computer, her case of CDs, her thumb drive, her remaining herb jars, Ted’s notebooks, and left her alone with one horrible fact: This was now a homicide case and she was the prime suspect.
Purchase Dark Brew Kindle
Amazon PaperbackB&N NookThe Wild Rose Press--Paperback & Ebook
Contact Diana
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
#RomanticIdea:
Cook an authentic Italian meal, cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, garlic bread, a salad with Italian olive oil, a fine Italian red wine, and a sweet gelato for dessert. Then put on some Sinatra CDs and dance the night away!
My favorite Sinatra album is Come Dance With Me
We always had Sinatra playing in my house when I was growing up. Nearly everyone from Hoboken or anywhere near Hoboken has a Sinatra story; being from Jersey City, I have a Sinatra story: my great grandmother and his mother Dolly were very good friends. Unfortunately I never asked Great Grandma about what she and Dolly talked about but I’ll bet a lot of juicy gossip went around!
Wow, Diana it all sounds great!
Hope you enjoyed this eggcerpt exchange, folks and that you'll join me weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
Well we're in the last week of eggcerpt exchange and today's guest is no stranger to our blog. Although she hasn't been in our spotlight, she's shared treasures and thoughts with us before, so please welcome her back with her new release, Dark Brew ....
DARK BREWA time travel romanceLearn from the past or forever be doomed to repeat it.
Accused of her husband’s murder, druid Kylah McKinley travels back through time to her past life in 1324 Ireland and brings the true killer to justice.
Two months of hell change Kylah’s life forever. On her many past life regressions, she returns to 14th century Ireland as Alice Kyteler, a druid moneylender falsely accused of murdering her husband. Kylah’s life mirrors Alice’s in one tragic event after another—she finds her husband sprawled on the floor, cold, blue, with no pulse. Evidence points to her, and police arrest her for his murder. Kylah and Alice shared another twist of fate—they fell in love with the man who believed in them. As Kylah prepares for her trial and fights to maintain her innocence, she must learn from her past or forever be doomed to repeat it. An interview with Diana about Dark Brew Where did the story come from?
The story took 12 years from start to finish. I’m a longtime member of the Richard III Society, and in the spring of 2004, I read an article in The Ricardian Registerby Pamela Butler, about Alice Kyteler, who lived in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1324, and faced witchcraft charges. After her trial and acquittal, she vanished from the annals of history. I couldn't resist writing a book about her.
How did you decide to make it a paranormal? I’m a believer in reincarnation, and I go on paranormal investigations whenever I can. I’ve gone on several past life regressions. Cape Cod has a lot of history and paranormal activity. I’ve been on many ghost walks and ghost hunts there. I wanted to connect Alice in the past with someone in the present, her reincarnation.
Was Alice Kyteler famous in 14th century Ireland? Not at all but she was the richest woman in Kilkenny, and for that reason the villagers hated her, especially the men. They accused her of killing her first husband, but she was acquitted. Then they accused her of killing her fourth husband, John LePoer, with witchcraft, the accusations more absurd than those of the 1692 witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts. Chancellor Edward de Burgh arrested Alice because her stepsons claimed she had murdered John by casting a witch’s spell with malefecia…and she used the enchanted skull of a beheaded thief as her cauldron.
She went to trial and her dear friend Michael Artson had her acquitted, but she vanished into the annals of history. According to legend, she went to England. But no one knows for sure.
Why did you make it a time travel? Because my heroine, Kylah McKinley, is a druid and has done many past life regressions, she knows she’s the reincarnation of Alice. So she has to go back and find out what happened to Alice, because too many weird things are happening to her in this life that parallel Alice’s life.
Kylah lives on my beloved Cape Cod. She’s a druid, a ghost hunter and owns a new age store in a restored Revolutionary War-era tavern. She was also the target of a hit-and-run. Another hit-and-run crippled her husband Ted. That’s no coincidence—she’s convinced someone’s out to get them both.
She brews an ancient Druid herb mixture, goes back in time and enters Alice’s life to find out exactly what happened and who killed her husband.
These two months of hell change her life forever. Kylah’s life mirrors Alice’s in one tragic event after another—she finds her husband sprawled on the floor, cold, blue, with no pulse. Evidence points to her, and police arrest her for his murder. Kylah and Alice shared another twist of fate—they fell in love with the man who believed in them. As Kylah prepares for her trial and fights to maintain her innocence, she must learn from her past or she’s doomed to repeat it.
Have you ever spoken to Pamela Butler, who wrote the article about Alice? Yes, we’ve corresponded. She lives in New Mexico, so we’ve never met in person. I asked Pam what inspired her to write about Alice. I’d never heard of Alice until I read her article, “Witchcraft & Heresy. She replied:
“You asked why I wrote about Alice Kyteler, who preceded Richard by a century-and-a-half. I only wrote it because others on the listserv encouraged me to write about witchcraft, a subject about which I knew very little. I ordered three books from Amazon.com on the subjects of witchcraft, heresy, Satanism, etc. for research reasons. That was my basis, plus I searched the Internet. The Malleus Malleficarumwas published in 1487, just two years after Richard's death, so it's almost contemporary. I chanced across Alice in this reading and thought that it was an interesting case. Witch burning was fairly rare in Ireland, and wasn't as bad in England at that time as it had been on the Continent. I wish that the M.M. had never been published; still, the fact that it was published and accepted may reveal the mindset of those times.”
An excerpt from Dark Brew Kylah shut Ted’s den door. She couldn’t bear to look at the spot where he gasped his last breath. His presence, an imposing force, lingered. So did his scent, a blend of tobacco, pine aftershave and manly sweat. Each reminder ripped into her heart like a knife. Especially now with the funeral looming ahead, the eulogies, the mournful organ hymns, the tolling bells . . .These ceremonies should bring closure, but they’d only prolong the agony of her grief. She wanted to remember him alive for a while longer, wishing she could delay these morbid customs until the hurt subsided. Throughout the house, his essence echoed his personality: the wine stain on the carpet, the heap of dirty shirts, shorts and socks piled up in the laundry room, the spattered stove, his fingerprints on the microwave. But she couldn’t bring herself to clean any of it up. Painful as these remnants were, they offered a strange comfort. He still lived here.
“I’ll find that murderer, Teddy,” she promised him over and over, wandering from room to empty room, traces of him lurking in every corner. “I’ll do everything in my power to make sure justice is served. Another past life regression isn’t enough anymore. I know what I have to do now. And I promise, it will never, ever happen again—in any future life.”She inhaled deeply and breathed him in. “Go take a shower, Teddy.” She chuckled through her tears as the doorbell rang. She cringed, breaking out in cold sweat when she saw the black sedan at the curb.“Not again.” No sense in hiding, so she let the detectives in.“Mrs. McKinley, we need your permission to do a search and take some of your husband’s possessions from the house,” Nolan said.“What for?” She met his steely stare. “I looked everywhere and found nothing.”“Mrs. McKinley, the cupboard door was open, four jars of herbs are missing, and the autopsy showed he died of herb poisoning. Those herbs,” Nolan added for emphasis, as if it had slipped her feeble mind. “Foxglove, mandrake, hemlock—and an as-yet unidentified one,” he read from a notebook. “The M.E. determined it was a lethal dose.”Sherlock Holmes got nothin’ on him, she thought. “Where’s this cupboard, ma’am?” Egan spoke up.“Right there.” She pointed, its door gaping exactly the way she’d found it that night. Nolan went over to it and peered inside.
“Ma’am, it would be better if you left the house for a half hour or so. Please leave a number where you can be reached,” Egan ordered.
Nolan glanced down the hall. “Where is your bedroom?”
What could they want in the bedroom? “It’s at the top of the stairs on the right. But we didn’t sleep together,” she offered, as if that would faze them. It didn’t.
After giving him her cell number, she got into her car and drove to the beach.
An hour later, she let herself back in and looked around. They’d taken the computer, her case of CDs, her thumb drive, her remaining herb jars, Ted’s notebooks, and left her alone with one horrible fact: This was now a homicide case and she was the prime suspect.
Purchase Dark Brew Kindle
Amazon PaperbackB&N NookThe Wild Rose Press--Paperback & Ebook
Contact Diana
Website
Blog
Goodreads
#RomanticIdea:
Cook an authentic Italian meal, cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, garlic bread, a salad with Italian olive oil, a fine Italian red wine, and a sweet gelato for dessert. Then put on some Sinatra CDs and dance the night away!
My favorite Sinatra album is Come Dance With Me
We always had Sinatra playing in my house when I was growing up. Nearly everyone from Hoboken or anywhere near Hoboken has a Sinatra story; being from Jersey City, I have a Sinatra story: my great grandmother and his mother Dolly were very good friends. Unfortunately I never asked Great Grandma about what she and Dolly talked about but I’ll bet a lot of juicy gossip went around!
Wow, Diana it all sounds great!
Hope you enjoyed this eggcerpt exchange, folks and that you'll join me weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
April 8, 2017
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Angela K Couch & The Patriot & the Loyalist!
Good Morning Friends,
I'm a bit late posting today's spotlight and I apologize for that, but I'm sure you won't be disappointed in our guest.
Angela Couch shared thoughts with us last year and today we welcome her back with a brand new release from Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing!
Completing his three years in the Continental Army, Daniel Reid still has no desire to return home—not after losing the woman he loves to a British Captain—so he volunteers to ride south through enemy lines and deliver a message to Colonel Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. With his temper needing a release and a dark haired beauty finding her way into his broken heart, Daniel decides to join the Swamp Fox’s efforts against the British. Little does he know the British still have the upper hand.
Lydia Reynolds has learned that love comes at a price, and she refuses to pay. Better to close her heart to everything and everyone. When her brother-in-law won't grant her passage to England, where she hopes to hide from her pain, New Englander, Daniel Reid, becomes her only hope—if she can induce him to give her information about the notorious Swamp Fox and his troops. When the British grow impatient and Daniel evades her questions, Lydia must decide how far to take her charade. The poor man, already gutted by love, hasn’t grown as wise as she. Or so she supposes…
Until the truth is known, the muskets are loaded…and it is time to decide where true loyalties lie.
Excerpt:
Lydia huffed and settled back into her seat. The New Englander sat there looking all too confident and sure of himself. Nothing she hated more than an arrogant man. Except perhaps an arrogant rebel—so certain breaking with England was the only way. They were instead destroying the colonies with this war and murdering good men. Like her father.
She lifted a corner of the thick velvet curtains. Only two and a half blocks to go. She’d suspected Wilsby of his inclinations toward the rebels for a while now. The arrival of Daniel Reid seemed only to solidify both their guilt, and if she was wise, she could use them to her advantage. “We’ll be there soon.” Lydia dropped the folds of crimson curtain.
“Regretful.”
She met his gaze. “Why do you say that?”
He shook his head and looked to his cane. “No reason.”
“I do wish you would be more forthright, Mr. Reid, before our journey comes to an end. I can help you.”
“How, exactly?”
She gave him a knowing smile. “Before I incriminate myself, tell me truthfully that you are a Patriot.”
He studied her for a full minute or more, the methodical plod of hooves and the squeak of the axels marking the passage of time. He sighed and raised his hand. “All right. Now tell me how you plan to assist me?”
I knew it. She grinned and slid to the edge of her seat. “We have a British major billeted with us. And my sister’s husband is very loyal to the crown—an outspoken man. You would be surprised how often our table is laden with talk of military strategy and plans.” She tipped her head slightly to one side, feigning the look of innocence. The bait was laid for him. The question remained as to whether he would bite.
Sounds like a wonderful, Historical novel! If you've a mind to check it out, The Patriot & the Loyalist can be purchased directly from the publisher, at Barnes and Noble, and Amazon! Now let's find out a little more about Angela....
To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing three munchkins.
You can connect with Angela at her website and on Facebook.
Well Friends, hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and another Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
I'm a bit late posting today's spotlight and I apologize for that, but I'm sure you won't be disappointed in our guest.
Angela Couch shared thoughts with us last year and today we welcome her back with a brand new release from Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing!
Completing his three years in the Continental Army, Daniel Reid still has no desire to return home—not after losing the woman he loves to a British Captain—so he volunteers to ride south through enemy lines and deliver a message to Colonel Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. With his temper needing a release and a dark haired beauty finding her way into his broken heart, Daniel decides to join the Swamp Fox’s efforts against the British. Little does he know the British still have the upper hand.Lydia Reynolds has learned that love comes at a price, and she refuses to pay. Better to close her heart to everything and everyone. When her brother-in-law won't grant her passage to England, where she hopes to hide from her pain, New Englander, Daniel Reid, becomes her only hope—if she can induce him to give her information about the notorious Swamp Fox and his troops. When the British grow impatient and Daniel evades her questions, Lydia must decide how far to take her charade. The poor man, already gutted by love, hasn’t grown as wise as she. Or so she supposes…
Until the truth is known, the muskets are loaded…and it is time to decide where true loyalties lie.
Excerpt:
Lydia huffed and settled back into her seat. The New Englander sat there looking all too confident and sure of himself. Nothing she hated more than an arrogant man. Except perhaps an arrogant rebel—so certain breaking with England was the only way. They were instead destroying the colonies with this war and murdering good men. Like her father.
She lifted a corner of the thick velvet curtains. Only two and a half blocks to go. She’d suspected Wilsby of his inclinations toward the rebels for a while now. The arrival of Daniel Reid seemed only to solidify both their guilt, and if she was wise, she could use them to her advantage. “We’ll be there soon.” Lydia dropped the folds of crimson curtain.
“Regretful.”
She met his gaze. “Why do you say that?”
He shook his head and looked to his cane. “No reason.”
“I do wish you would be more forthright, Mr. Reid, before our journey comes to an end. I can help you.”
“How, exactly?”
She gave him a knowing smile. “Before I incriminate myself, tell me truthfully that you are a Patriot.”
He studied her for a full minute or more, the methodical plod of hooves and the squeak of the axels marking the passage of time. He sighed and raised his hand. “All right. Now tell me how you plan to assist me?”
I knew it. She grinned and slid to the edge of her seat. “We have a British major billeted with us. And my sister’s husband is very loyal to the crown—an outspoken man. You would be surprised how often our table is laden with talk of military strategy and plans.” She tipped her head slightly to one side, feigning the look of innocence. The bait was laid for him. The question remained as to whether he would bite.
Sounds like a wonderful, Historical novel! If you've a mind to check it out, The Patriot & the Loyalist can be purchased directly from the publisher, at Barnes and Noble, and Amazon! Now let's find out a little more about Angela....
To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing three munchkins.You can connect with Angela at her website and on Facebook.
Well Friends, hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and another Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
April 6, 2017
#ThursdayThoughts Guest Post by Janet Lyn
Good Morning Friends,
Well, Easter is just a week away (next Thursday is the beginning of the Holy Triduum) and with it, the eggcerpt exchange posts will be gone. I'm looking forward to sharing thoughts and treasures with you again myself.
Meanwhile, please welcome Janet Lyn back to our blog and let's see what she has to share with us...
Take it away Janet!
While writing our 1955, Skylar Drake Murder Mystery series each book's memories come back to the times I grew up. One memory that I think of often was how both my parents wore fashionable hats.
I grew up in New York and I remember my father always wore a hat when he took the train to work.
In the summer he wore a straw hat, in the winter a Fedora. I have clear visions of him leaving the in the morning carrying his hat and putting it on outside as he left. I assume the Fedora was for warmth and the straw hat for shade.
My mother NEVER left the house without a hat, hats with straw brims for the summer and smaller wool hats in the winter.
Hats slowly fell out of favor, for men and women, as the 50s closed. My parents always followed the fashion trends and decreased the use of hats. Plus my father changed jobs, got a car and drivers license and drove to work. The top of the cars were lowered for style and getting his hat on and off was difficult. But...mother never went to church, weddings or social events without her hat and of course pure white gloves.
What an interesting topic and post Janet! I remember the ladies wearing mantilla's and Pillbox hats in church while we girls wore a smaller version of the lace covering on our heads.
Published authors Janet Elizabeth Lynn and Will Zeilinger had been writing individually until they got together and wrote the SKYLAR DRAKE MURDER MYSTERY Series. These hard-boiled tales are based in old Hollywood of 1955. Janet has published seven mystery novels and Will has three plus two short stories. Their world travels have sparked several ideas for murder and crime stories. This creative couple is married and live in Southern California.
Janet Elizabeth Lynn http://www.janetlynnauthor.com/
Will Zeilinger http://www.willzeilingerauthor.com/
Read an excerpt of their latest release, Desert Ice HERE and purchase at Amazon in PRINT or for KINDLE.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time take care and God bless.
PamT
Well, Easter is just a week away (next Thursday is the beginning of the Holy Triduum) and with it, the eggcerpt exchange posts will be gone. I'm looking forward to sharing thoughts and treasures with you again myself.
Meanwhile, please welcome Janet Lyn back to our blog and let's see what she has to share with us...
Take it away Janet!
While writing our 1955, Skylar Drake Murder Mystery series each book's memories come back to the times I grew up. One memory that I think of often was how both my parents wore fashionable hats.
I grew up in New York and I remember my father always wore a hat when he took the train to work.
In the summer he wore a straw hat, in the winter a Fedora. I have clear visions of him leaving the in the morning carrying his hat and putting it on outside as he left. I assume the Fedora was for warmth and the straw hat for shade.
My mother NEVER left the house without a hat, hats with straw brims for the summer and smaller wool hats in the winter.Hats slowly fell out of favor, for men and women, as the 50s closed. My parents always followed the fashion trends and decreased the use of hats. Plus my father changed jobs, got a car and drivers license and drove to work. The top of the cars were lowered for style and getting his hat on and off was difficult. But...mother never went to church, weddings or social events without her hat and of course pure white gloves.
What an interesting topic and post Janet! I remember the ladies wearing mantilla's and Pillbox hats in church while we girls wore a smaller version of the lace covering on our heads.
Published authors Janet Elizabeth Lynn and Will Zeilinger had been writing individually until they got together and wrote the SKYLAR DRAKE MURDER MYSTERY Series. These hard-boiled tales are based in old Hollywood of 1955. Janet has published seven mystery novels and Will has three plus two short stories. Their world travels have sparked several ideas for murder and crime stories. This creative couple is married and live in Southern California.Janet Elizabeth Lynn http://www.janetlynnauthor.com/
Will Zeilinger http://www.willzeilingerauthor.com/
Read an excerpt of their latest release, Desert Ice HERE and purchase at Amazon in PRINT or for KINDLE.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time take care and God bless.
PamT
April 4, 2017
#TuesdayTreasures #EggCerptExchange with Melanie Robertson-King!
Good Morning Friends,
It's time for another eggcerpt exchange and this one is with another brand new-to-me-our-blog author!
A native of eastern Ontario, during her pre-school years, Melanie lived in a winterized cottage on the shore of the St Lawrence River.
Growing up as an only child, Melanie was an avid reader, and remains so to this day. It was through this love of the written word that she knew that one day she would become a writer. When she wasn’t talking about her dream of becoming an author, she wrote stories and began honing her skills at an early age.The Secret of Hillcrest House is her fourth book.
AUTHOR LINKS
Website| Celtic Connexions Blog| Twitter | Goodreads| Facebook
So nice to meet you, Melanie! Now tell us a little more about your book The Secret of Hillcrest
House.....
Sometimes there’s more to a house than bricks and mortar .
Hillcrest House is one such place. Perched on a cliff in the picturesque town of Angel Falls, there is more to this Victorian mansion than meets the eye. When referring to the house, the locals use the word haunted on a regular basis. Strange visions appear in the windows, especially the second-floor ones over the side porch. Even stranger events take place within its four walls.
Rumour has it, the original owners, Asher and Maggie Hargrave, never left their beloved home. They claim the couple and their family are responsible for driving people away. Over the years, Hillcrest House has changed hands numerous times. No one stays long. Renovations begin then stop and the house is once more abandoned. The latest in this long line of owners is Jessica Maitland.
Will Jessica be the next one to succumb or will she unravel The Secret of Hillcrest House?
What people are saying about The Secret of Hillcrest House
Melanie Robertson-King's latest novel serves up a delightful blend of the supernatural and spicy romance, Lynn L. Clark, author of The Home Child, and Fire Whisperer & Circle of Souls: Two Novellas of the Supernatural, & The Accusers
Intrigue, dark buried secrets, hot romance and a neat twist in the tale make this riveting reading, Sheryl Browne, MA Creative Writing, Choc Lit Author
A fun read that keeps you guessing right up to the surprise ending, Dayna Leigh Cheser, Author of Janelle's Time, Moria's Time, Adelle's Time, & Logan's Time
Eggcerpt:
“Keys. I’ll need them unless you want me to break in.”Transfixed by the image, Jessica couldn’t look away. She extended her arm and dropped her ring holding her house and car keys into his hand.“You stay here,” he ordered before sprinting to the front of the house.The face appeared to be that of a young child. After a few minutes, the image faded. She blinked thinking it vanished because she’d stared at it for so long, but even that didn’t help.Frightened by the disappearance, she dashed after the officer.When she stepped through the door, the pungent smells of damp and stale assailed her nostrils. Out of habit, Jessica reached for the light switch. She discovered an old-fashioned push button one indicative of knob and tube wiring. That was another expense she wasn’t prepared for.At one time, the dark wainscoting in the foyer shone. Now it was dull, dingy and covered with dust. The paint above it and on the ceiling had peeled and curled. Flakes littered the floor and stairs. She grabbed a loose piece of paint from the wall and gave it a tug. It pulled away with little resistance.Two large rooms stood on either side of the main hall. Jessica entered the one to her left. Pocket doors, off their tracks, cut off part of the large doorway. Yellowed wall and ceiling paper hung from crazy angles. The plaster it once covered now exposed. Sheets covered the furniture. At one time, they had been white but now, layered with dust. Jessica thumped her hand down on the back of a sofa forcing a cloud of the grubby powder into the air. Choking, she scurried out and into the room across the corridor.It, too, was in the same state but in here, boards didn’t cover the windows. Sun shone through grimy panes of glass, and dust particles floated in the air trapped by the beams of light. The sound of footfalls on the stairs echoed through the house. Jessica turned. She gasped and clapped her hand over her mouth. On the back of a sheet-covered sofa, lay a pristine, long-stemmed red rose. The officer stepped into the room, securing his truncheon to his belt. “I thought I told you to stay outside.”She didn’t reply. Stood shaking and pointing at the flower. Tried to speak but no sound came out. The room started swimming in front of her eyes. Her mouth went dry. She felt cold and clammy.
Wow...sounds like a great novel! Thanks for sharing Melanie. Where can we get The Secret of Hillcrest House?
Amazon| Barnes & Noble | Kobo| iBookstore
Wonderful. Again, thanks for doing the Eggcerpt Exchange with me. If you didn't get a chance to see, I was on Melanie's blog on March 2nd. Remember the exchange ends Easter so for more great books and authors, simply search FB, Twitter and/or Google using the hashtag #eggcerptexchange !!
Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time take care and God Bless. PamT
It's time for another eggcerpt exchange and this one is with another brand new-to-me-our-blog author!
A native of eastern Ontario, during her pre-school years, Melanie lived in a winterized cottage on the shore of the St Lawrence River.Growing up as an only child, Melanie was an avid reader, and remains so to this day. It was through this love of the written word that she knew that one day she would become a writer. When she wasn’t talking about her dream of becoming an author, she wrote stories and began honing her skills at an early age.The Secret of Hillcrest House is her fourth book.
AUTHOR LINKS
Website| Celtic Connexions Blog| Twitter | Goodreads| Facebook
So nice to meet you, Melanie! Now tell us a little more about your book The Secret of Hillcrest
House.....
Sometimes there’s more to a house than bricks and mortar .
Hillcrest House is one such place. Perched on a cliff in the picturesque town of Angel Falls, there is more to this Victorian mansion than meets the eye. When referring to the house, the locals use the word haunted on a regular basis. Strange visions appear in the windows, especially the second-floor ones over the side porch. Even stranger events take place within its four walls.
Rumour has it, the original owners, Asher and Maggie Hargrave, never left their beloved home. They claim the couple and their family are responsible for driving people away. Over the years, Hillcrest House has changed hands numerous times. No one stays long. Renovations begin then stop and the house is once more abandoned. The latest in this long line of owners is Jessica Maitland.
Will Jessica be the next one to succumb or will she unravel The Secret of Hillcrest House?
What people are saying about The Secret of Hillcrest House
Melanie Robertson-King's latest novel serves up a delightful blend of the supernatural and spicy romance, Lynn L. Clark, author of The Home Child, and Fire Whisperer & Circle of Souls: Two Novellas of the Supernatural, & The Accusers
Intrigue, dark buried secrets, hot romance and a neat twist in the tale make this riveting reading, Sheryl Browne, MA Creative Writing, Choc Lit Author
A fun read that keeps you guessing right up to the surprise ending, Dayna Leigh Cheser, Author of Janelle's Time, Moria's Time, Adelle's Time, & Logan's Time
Eggcerpt:
“Keys. I’ll need them unless you want me to break in.”Transfixed by the image, Jessica couldn’t look away. She extended her arm and dropped her ring holding her house and car keys into his hand.“You stay here,” he ordered before sprinting to the front of the house.The face appeared to be that of a young child. After a few minutes, the image faded. She blinked thinking it vanished because she’d stared at it for so long, but even that didn’t help.Frightened by the disappearance, she dashed after the officer.When she stepped through the door, the pungent smells of damp and stale assailed her nostrils. Out of habit, Jessica reached for the light switch. She discovered an old-fashioned push button one indicative of knob and tube wiring. That was another expense she wasn’t prepared for.At one time, the dark wainscoting in the foyer shone. Now it was dull, dingy and covered with dust. The paint above it and on the ceiling had peeled and curled. Flakes littered the floor and stairs. She grabbed a loose piece of paint from the wall and gave it a tug. It pulled away with little resistance.Two large rooms stood on either side of the main hall. Jessica entered the one to her left. Pocket doors, off their tracks, cut off part of the large doorway. Yellowed wall and ceiling paper hung from crazy angles. The plaster it once covered now exposed. Sheets covered the furniture. At one time, they had been white but now, layered with dust. Jessica thumped her hand down on the back of a sofa forcing a cloud of the grubby powder into the air. Choking, she scurried out and into the room across the corridor.It, too, was in the same state but in here, boards didn’t cover the windows. Sun shone through grimy panes of glass, and dust particles floated in the air trapped by the beams of light. The sound of footfalls on the stairs echoed through the house. Jessica turned. She gasped and clapped her hand over her mouth. On the back of a sheet-covered sofa, lay a pristine, long-stemmed red rose. The officer stepped into the room, securing his truncheon to his belt. “I thought I told you to stay outside.”She didn’t reply. Stood shaking and pointing at the flower. Tried to speak but no sound came out. The room started swimming in front of her eyes. Her mouth went dry. She felt cold and clammy.
Wow...sounds like a great novel! Thanks for sharing Melanie. Where can we get The Secret of Hillcrest House?
Amazon| Barnes & Noble | Kobo| iBookstore
Wonderful. Again, thanks for doing the Eggcerpt Exchange with me. If you didn't get a chance to see, I was on Melanie's blog on March 2nd. Remember the exchange ends Easter so for more great books and authors, simply search FB, Twitter and/or Google using the hashtag #eggcerptexchange !!
Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll join me each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time take care and God Bless. PamT
April 1, 2017
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Tony-Paul de Vissage & Essence of Absinthe
Good Morning Friends!
I'm running behind schedule and getting ready to head to Nacogdoches, TX to watch Stephen F Austin's cheer and dance teams perform their national routines so there's not going to be a lot of chit chat.
Today's guest, brought to us by Class Act Books, is new to me so please give Tony-Paul de Vissage a warm, SW LA welcome!
A writer of French Huguenot extraction, one of Tony-Paul de Vissage’s first movie memories is of being six years old, viewing the old Universal horror flick, Dracula’s Daughter on television, and being scared sleepless—and he’s now paying back his very permissive parents by writing about the Undead.
Find out more about Tony-Paul at:
Twitter: @tpvissageFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonypaul.devissage?fref=tsPublisher’s website: http://www.classactbooks.com/index.php/our-authors/manufacturers/tony-paul-de-vissageAmazon author’s page: https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile
Now let's find out more about Tony's book.... The Essence of Absinthe
The noble family of Vaurien has secrets, and one Étienne Vaurien and his wife have suppressed for twenty years is about to be discovered. Taking his family from France to escape the murmur of revolution places his son David in mortal danger.
A city may change but some things remain the same. Hatred and the desire for revenge are at the top of the list. David’s resemblance to Étienne’s deceased eldest son, Absinthe, is remarked upon by many but to one person it means more than a mere likeness of features.
Geneviéve, mistress to both Étienne and Absinthe, has pined twenty years for her younger lover. Now, she has a chance to get him back…and she isn’t going to let death stop her.
In a short time, David’s living body will house the spirit of a dead man who wants once again to live…and love.
EXCERPT:
“Come.” She pulled him to his feet and led him to the foot of the bed, where an elaborately framed cheval glass stood. Positioning David before it, she said, “Look into the glass.”
He obeyed, studying his reflection with near-narcissistic approval.
Carrying the herb jars, Mathilde came through the doorway. Seeing David naked before the mirror, she stumbled to a halt, staring.
David turned back to his reflection. The movement brought Mathilde to life. Thrusting the two jars at Geneviéve as if eager to rid herself of them, she stepped back. She’d removed the corks and from one a sweet-peppery scent wafted into the air. A second pine-like scent floated from the other.
“So, what am I to do?” David asked, gesturing to his reflection. “Stand here and admire my image? What is it I should see?”
“You’ll find out in a moment, chérie.” Shaking a handful of the contents onto her palm, Geneviéve gave Mathilde back the jars and took a step closer to David. She tossed a pinch of grains of Paradise at him, following it with yew. “Reach into the grave and bring those who love together again.”
The dark brown grains flew into the air, floating around David. Short stiff needles of the yew tree landed on his bare shoulders, black splinters against his skin.
He stared into the mirror, brows nearly meeting as behind his image, a cloud of dust motes stirred. They rose into the air, swirling and blending…
Behind David’s image, the falling herbs coiled into visible strands, golden threads tangling. It joined the haze of dust motes, spinning to coalescing into a vague man-like silhouette…
Wow...sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing Tony. You can purchase Essence of Absinthe at the following locations:
Publisher’s website: http://www.classactbooks.com/cat-romance/cat-romance-paranormal/essence-of-absinthe-detail
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Absinthe-Tony-Paul-Vissage-ebook/dp/B06XKR2XD4/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/711208
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll join us weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
I'm running behind schedule and getting ready to head to Nacogdoches, TX to watch Stephen F Austin's cheer and dance teams perform their national routines so there's not going to be a lot of chit chat.
Today's guest, brought to us by Class Act Books, is new to me so please give Tony-Paul de Vissage a warm, SW LA welcome!
A writer of French Huguenot extraction, one of Tony-Paul de Vissage’s first movie memories is of being six years old, viewing the old Universal horror flick, Dracula’s Daughter on television, and being scared sleepless—and he’s now paying back his very permissive parents by writing about the Undead.Find out more about Tony-Paul at:
Twitter: @tpvissageFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonypaul.devissage?fref=tsPublisher’s website: http://www.classactbooks.com/index.php/our-authors/manufacturers/tony-paul-de-vissageAmazon author’s page: https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile
Now let's find out more about Tony's book.... The Essence of Absinthe
The noble family of Vaurien has secrets, and one Étienne Vaurien and his wife have suppressed for twenty years is about to be discovered. Taking his family from France to escape the murmur of revolution places his son David in mortal danger.A city may change but some things remain the same. Hatred and the desire for revenge are at the top of the list. David’s resemblance to Étienne’s deceased eldest son, Absinthe, is remarked upon by many but to one person it means more than a mere likeness of features.
Geneviéve, mistress to both Étienne and Absinthe, has pined twenty years for her younger lover. Now, she has a chance to get him back…and she isn’t going to let death stop her.
In a short time, David’s living body will house the spirit of a dead man who wants once again to live…and love.
EXCERPT:
“Come.” She pulled him to his feet and led him to the foot of the bed, where an elaborately framed cheval glass stood. Positioning David before it, she said, “Look into the glass.”
He obeyed, studying his reflection with near-narcissistic approval.
Carrying the herb jars, Mathilde came through the doorway. Seeing David naked before the mirror, she stumbled to a halt, staring.
David turned back to his reflection. The movement brought Mathilde to life. Thrusting the two jars at Geneviéve as if eager to rid herself of them, she stepped back. She’d removed the corks and from one a sweet-peppery scent wafted into the air. A second pine-like scent floated from the other.
“So, what am I to do?” David asked, gesturing to his reflection. “Stand here and admire my image? What is it I should see?”
“You’ll find out in a moment, chérie.” Shaking a handful of the contents onto her palm, Geneviéve gave Mathilde back the jars and took a step closer to David. She tossed a pinch of grains of Paradise at him, following it with yew. “Reach into the grave and bring those who love together again.”
The dark brown grains flew into the air, floating around David. Short stiff needles of the yew tree landed on his bare shoulders, black splinters against his skin.
He stared into the mirror, brows nearly meeting as behind his image, a cloud of dust motes stirred. They rose into the air, swirling and blending…
Behind David’s image, the falling herbs coiled into visible strands, golden threads tangling. It joined the haze of dust motes, spinning to coalescing into a vague man-like silhouette…
Wow...sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing Tony. You can purchase Essence of Absinthe at the following locations:
Publisher’s website: http://www.classactbooks.com/cat-romance/cat-romance-paranormal/essence-of-absinthe-detail
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Absinthe-Tony-Paul-Vissage-ebook/dp/B06XKR2XD4/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/711208
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll join us weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
March 30, 2017
#ThursdayThoughts Guest Post by Elizabeth Honaker
Good Morning Friends,
Whew, it is good to be home! I absolutely love to travel but it's always nice to return to the roost LOL!
Today's guest is another brand-new-to-me author brought to us by Prime Star Publicity, so please welcome Elizabeth Honaker.....
Elizabeth Golibart Honaker hails from Sparta, Tennessee, where she teaches writing support and English at Motlow Community College. Her undergraduate degree is in Liberal Arts, and her first MA is in Theology. This has given her the breadth and scope to write over fifteen full-length passion plays in the last twenty years – seven of which are in print with others being prepared for publication – as well as dozens of shorter scripts, short stories, and poems on Christian topics. Her first historical fiction novel, Come Before Winter, was published in 2014. In that same year, she completed her second MA in English and Creative Writing (Fiction) at Southern New Hampshire University.
When she is not writing or tutoring, she spends her time devising new home projects for Allen, her husband of 45 years. She also enjoys communicating with her two wonderful grown children and buying (and making) trinkets for her four lively grandchildren. She is passionate about sharing Christ, missional activities, and her local church. She also loves gardening, sewing, piano playing, and Star Trek as time permits.
You can connect with Elizabeth on her Facebook page, Bread of Life Facebook page, her blog The Interpreter's House and on LinkedIn.
Now let's see what Elizabeth has to share with us today....
A Cup of Significance
The very essence of Christian drama is action, and the vehicle for that action is the Word of God. Both are essential in trying to convey meaning to an audience that – perhaps – has heard the Gospel message numerous times. But there is a third component, which God, in His grace, bestows on the earnest performer: significance. By this, I do not mean a sort of spiritual “feel-good” mentality – although many, many performers under my direction have testified to it (and that is a good thing). I mean the little signs and wonders that God gives to affirm that He is present in the toil and sweat of the production – the equipment, the costumes, the scenery, the props, etc. I will offer you one example, though there are many. A remarkable thing happened the year that Mel Gibson showcased his The Passion of the Christ (2004). I had written a play entitled Truth and Light, focusing on Jesus and his interaction with Pontius Pilate and Pilate’s wife Claudia Procula (this is her traditional name; the Bible does not mention it), and the pre-production tasks were going badly. There were seemingly-endless problems: not enough actors, weather-delayed rehearsals, costume issues. One Saturday, my husband and I spent an entire afternoon in a large crafts store searching for the right sort of material for Pilate and his missus; I have to confess that, though the props were still missing key items, I was more distracted by my upcoming sewing tasks. My forward-thinking husband, however, suggested that he explore the store for one item that we both considered crucial: Pilate’s cup (you’ll see why in a moment). As I was waiting in line for fabric cuts, he showed me a rather unique vase that we both agreed would be perfect as the aforementioned cup. We bought it and used it in rehearsals. Just before Easter, I was feeling extremely depressed: as soon as one problem was solved, another one arose to take its place. We had just finished one disastrous all-day dress rehearsal on a Saturday and we definitely needed another before the “big presentation.” To take my mind off of the potential “flop,” I bought us Sunday afternoon tickets for the Mel Gibson movie; soon, husband, daughter, and I were ensconced in theater seats on a Sunday afternoon. It sounds crazy, but I thought it would take my mind off my own troubles. But it didn’t. As soon as the opening credits started, I couldn’t help feeling envious of the resources and collateral that Gibson and his cast and crew obviously had, when I struggled to buy the simplest things for our troupe. I really shouldn’t have felt that way – because, deep down, I knew that this movie and my humble play were both offering people Christ’s life-giving Water – but I did. And then it happened: significance. For there, on the screen, was the very same “cup” (just a slightly different color) that Allen and I had bought just a few weeks previously – and it was being handled by Pilate and his wife in this big-budget production!! Suddenly, I caught a sense of God’s reassurance that all the work done in His Name is noticed – by Him, if not by humans. The Lord went to a great deal of trouble to help me see what all Christians who do His work have in common: approval by the Highest Judge in heaven and earth!!
Wow so true, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth has graced us with the first act & scene of her play, Read it below....
Act IV, Scene 1 Cleopas and Bilhan face the awful truth and the possible dissolution of their hopes for the future.
Scripture references: Matthew 27: 32 – 51 / Mark 15: 21 – 37 Luke 23: 26 – 37 / John 19: 28
The stage lights rise on the road to Calvary, Friday morning. The stage is bare, but a backdrop can show the city wall of Jerusalem. Some WOMEN enter downstage left, crying softly. They go to stand upstage center. Other bystanders enter from downstage right, including SIMON OF CYRENE. They line the pathway downstage right, but they remain silent. CLEOPAS and BILHAN enter downstage left and stop just left of center. They are fearful and sad.
BILHAN (looking down the center aisle): Do you see the crucifixion party yet?
CLEOPAS (also looking): There is a mob coming this way.
ANDRONICUS marches arrogantly down the center aisle, carrying a whip.
JESUS carries his cross slowly down the center aisle, followed by SOLDIER #1. He stumbles and falls half way. SOLDIER #1 catches the cross.
ANDRONICUS whips JESUS to get him to rise, but the soldier sees that it is no use and grabs SIMON OF CYRENE by the arm and shoves him towards the wooden cross.
ANDRONICUS (shoving him towards the cross): You! Carry that to the place of execution!
JESUS has gotten to his feet, breathing hard. SIMON stops, looks at JESUS’ face, then back to ANDRONICUS.
ANDRONICUS threatens to use his whip, and SIMON takes possession of the cross, shoulders it, and walks out downstage right. ANDRONICUS follows him.
JESUS walks to downstage center and stops.
SOLDIER #1 stands still downstage right, looking towards JESUS but saying nothing.
JESUS turns to look at the women, who cry louder. JESUS (weakly, struggling for breath): "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and your children. (The women quiet down.) For the time will come when you will say, "Fortunate are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!" You will call the mountains and the hills to cover you. For if the Righteous and Truthful One is condemned now, at the height of these people's power and strength, what do you think will happen when they are powerless to stop any evil at all?"
JESUS starts to move downstage right. CLEOPAS (reaching out to him, passionately): Jesus, if You are the king of Israel, the Christ, save yourself! Save Israel!!
There is a pause as JESUS looks at him for a long moment. Then he looks out over the audience.
JESUS: Father…
ANDRONICUS re-appears and pulls JESUS roughly after him off downstage right.
SOLDIER #1 marches behind him. The bystanders exit after them, followed by the weeping WOMEN.
BILHAN and CLEOPAS move to center stage. CLAUDIA starts to slowly walk down the center aisle, a covered chalice in her hand.
CLEOPAS (angrily): Is He just going to let them crucify Him?
BILHAN (turning towards stage left, very sad and confused): Maybe He has no power…
CLEOPAS (arguing): He has power to make the blind see! He has power to multiply loaves and fishes to feed five thousand men! How much more power does it take to knock down a few soldiers?
CLAUDIA: He has made Himself a prisoner of evil power so that we may be brought into truth and light.
BILHAN: My lady, this is no place for a refined woman like yourself. You are heading into a den of evil…
CLAUDIA (looking towards downstage right, as if seeing Jesus): It is nothing compared to the evil He faces.
CLEOPAS (putting out a hand to block her path): You must not go!
CLAUDIA (turning to look at him intently): You cannot block God's truth. I have paid much to learn this. Let me pass.
CLAUDIA reaches out and slowly lowers CLEOPAS’ hand so that she can pass. Then she walks off downstage right. BILHAN and CLEOPAS look off downstage right for a few moments. They cringe as the noise of hammer against nail is heard throughout the place, followed by human groans. BILHAN and CLEOPAS react to the following offstage dialogue, sometimes cringing, sometimes looking to "see" what is happening.
JESUS (offstage): Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing! The sound of an ugly crowd, shouting in mocking tones, is heard.
VOICE #1 (offstage): He said He was the Christ! Look at Him now!
VOICE #2 (offstage): Look at the crown the "King of the Jews" is wearing!
VOICE #3 (offstage): Come down, King! Come down and save Yourself! Then we will believe in You! Ha, ha!
VOICE #4 (offstage): Where are Your robes, King? You look pretty naked to me!!
CLAUDIA re-enters downstage right, still holding the chalice, but it is uncovered now. CLAUDIA (explaining to BILHAN and CLEOPAS): He refused it. He refused to dull the pain. I urged Him, and even tried to have the soldiers make Him drink it, but He just turned away. (Pause, looking out over the audience) And then there was that look! The same look I saw in my dream…!
BILHAN (walking over to her, to place a reassuring arm around her): What look was that, my lady?
CLAUDIA (looking back downstage right): The look Jesus gave as they started to crucify him. (Explaining to the others and to the audience) I stood right there as Jesus stretched out His hands for the nails. The soldiers tell me that usually the prisoners struggle, spit, scratch – anything to avoid the inevitable. But in the end, they do it. The nails split the skin in a moment, and then there is an awful moment of anguish and fear. Crucifixion is so final. (with tears) Jesus didn't struggle. He stretched out His hands, and in His eyes, I saw a tremendous resignation. And …love, the kind of love one feels for a poor, suffering child…
JESUS cries out. All three look intently downstage right.
JESUS (offstage): Eloi! Eloi! Lama sabacthani!
CLEOPAS: He is calling Elijah! Maybe He has chosen to reveal His power at last!
JESUS again calls out. JESUS (offstage): I thirst!
CLAUDIA (looking at the chalice thoughtfully): Maybe He will drink it now. She starts to move slowly towards downstage right, but BILHAN, looking right, grabs her arm to stop her.
BILHAN (gently): You're too late. The soldiers have stuck a sponge full of sour wine in His mouth. He's turning away His head. His face is gray. It's near the end.
Again, JESUS calls out. JESUS (offstage): It is finished! Father, into Your Hands I commit My Spirit. Earthquake sounds, lightning and thunder effects.
BILHAN puts a protective arm around CLAUDIA. They move as if shaken by an earthquake. Then there is calm.
CLEOPAS (with great disappointment in his voice): It's over. He's dead. There's nothing left to hope for.
ANDRONICUS marches in from downstage right. He approaches CLAUDIA and salutes her. ANDRONICUS: Mistress Claudia, you should not still be here. Let me escort you home.
CLAUDIA looks at BILHAN and CLEOPAS. CLAUDIA (handing them the chalice and looking back towards the "cross”): Remember Him. Remember me. Remember the price of Truth. CLAUDIA proceeds slowly up the center aisle, followed by ANDRONICUS.
Lights fall to BLACKOUT.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! As Easter approaches we are all more aware of the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for mankind. Check out Elizabeth's novel, Come Before Winter on Amazon in Ebook and Print!
Well Friends, I certainly hope you enjoyed today's guest post and that you'll stop by each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
Whew, it is good to be home! I absolutely love to travel but it's always nice to return to the roost LOL!
Today's guest is another brand-new-to-me author brought to us by Prime Star Publicity, so please welcome Elizabeth Honaker.....
Elizabeth Golibart Honaker hails from Sparta, Tennessee, where she teaches writing support and English at Motlow Community College. Her undergraduate degree is in Liberal Arts, and her first MA is in Theology. This has given her the breadth and scope to write over fifteen full-length passion plays in the last twenty years – seven of which are in print with others being prepared for publication – as well as dozens of shorter scripts, short stories, and poems on Christian topics. Her first historical fiction novel, Come Before Winter, was published in 2014. In that same year, she completed her second MA in English and Creative Writing (Fiction) at Southern New Hampshire University.When she is not writing or tutoring, she spends her time devising new home projects for Allen, her husband of 45 years. She also enjoys communicating with her two wonderful grown children and buying (and making) trinkets for her four lively grandchildren. She is passionate about sharing Christ, missional activities, and her local church. She also loves gardening, sewing, piano playing, and Star Trek as time permits.
You can connect with Elizabeth on her Facebook page, Bread of Life Facebook page, her blog The Interpreter's House and on LinkedIn.
Now let's see what Elizabeth has to share with us today....
A Cup of Significance
The very essence of Christian drama is action, and the vehicle for that action is the Word of God. Both are essential in trying to convey meaning to an audience that – perhaps – has heard the Gospel message numerous times. But there is a third component, which God, in His grace, bestows on the earnest performer: significance. By this, I do not mean a sort of spiritual “feel-good” mentality – although many, many performers under my direction have testified to it (and that is a good thing). I mean the little signs and wonders that God gives to affirm that He is present in the toil and sweat of the production – the equipment, the costumes, the scenery, the props, etc. I will offer you one example, though there are many. A remarkable thing happened the year that Mel Gibson showcased his The Passion of the Christ (2004). I had written a play entitled Truth and Light, focusing on Jesus and his interaction with Pontius Pilate and Pilate’s wife Claudia Procula (this is her traditional name; the Bible does not mention it), and the pre-production tasks were going badly. There were seemingly-endless problems: not enough actors, weather-delayed rehearsals, costume issues. One Saturday, my husband and I spent an entire afternoon in a large crafts store searching for the right sort of material for Pilate and his missus; I have to confess that, though the props were still missing key items, I was more distracted by my upcoming sewing tasks. My forward-thinking husband, however, suggested that he explore the store for one item that we both considered crucial: Pilate’s cup (you’ll see why in a moment). As I was waiting in line for fabric cuts, he showed me a rather unique vase that we both agreed would be perfect as the aforementioned cup. We bought it and used it in rehearsals. Just before Easter, I was feeling extremely depressed: as soon as one problem was solved, another one arose to take its place. We had just finished one disastrous all-day dress rehearsal on a Saturday and we definitely needed another before the “big presentation.” To take my mind off of the potential “flop,” I bought us Sunday afternoon tickets for the Mel Gibson movie; soon, husband, daughter, and I were ensconced in theater seats on a Sunday afternoon. It sounds crazy, but I thought it would take my mind off my own troubles. But it didn’t. As soon as the opening credits started, I couldn’t help feeling envious of the resources and collateral that Gibson and his cast and crew obviously had, when I struggled to buy the simplest things for our troupe. I really shouldn’t have felt that way – because, deep down, I knew that this movie and my humble play were both offering people Christ’s life-giving Water – but I did. And then it happened: significance. For there, on the screen, was the very same “cup” (just a slightly different color) that Allen and I had bought just a few weeks previously – and it was being handled by Pilate and his wife in this big-budget production!! Suddenly, I caught a sense of God’s reassurance that all the work done in His Name is noticed – by Him, if not by humans. The Lord went to a great deal of trouble to help me see what all Christians who do His work have in common: approval by the Highest Judge in heaven and earth!!
Wow so true, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth has graced us with the first act & scene of her play, Read it below....
Act IV, Scene 1 Cleopas and Bilhan face the awful truth and the possible dissolution of their hopes for the future.
Scripture references: Matthew 27: 32 – 51 / Mark 15: 21 – 37 Luke 23: 26 – 37 / John 19: 28
The stage lights rise on the road to Calvary, Friday morning. The stage is bare, but a backdrop can show the city wall of Jerusalem. Some WOMEN enter downstage left, crying softly. They go to stand upstage center. Other bystanders enter from downstage right, including SIMON OF CYRENE. They line the pathway downstage right, but they remain silent. CLEOPAS and BILHAN enter downstage left and stop just left of center. They are fearful and sad.
BILHAN (looking down the center aisle): Do you see the crucifixion party yet?
CLEOPAS (also looking): There is a mob coming this way.
ANDRONICUS marches arrogantly down the center aisle, carrying a whip.
JESUS carries his cross slowly down the center aisle, followed by SOLDIER #1. He stumbles and falls half way. SOLDIER #1 catches the cross.
ANDRONICUS whips JESUS to get him to rise, but the soldier sees that it is no use and grabs SIMON OF CYRENE by the arm and shoves him towards the wooden cross.
ANDRONICUS (shoving him towards the cross): You! Carry that to the place of execution!
JESUS has gotten to his feet, breathing hard. SIMON stops, looks at JESUS’ face, then back to ANDRONICUS.
ANDRONICUS threatens to use his whip, and SIMON takes possession of the cross, shoulders it, and walks out downstage right. ANDRONICUS follows him.
JESUS walks to downstage center and stops.
SOLDIER #1 stands still downstage right, looking towards JESUS but saying nothing.
JESUS turns to look at the women, who cry louder. JESUS (weakly, struggling for breath): "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and your children. (The women quiet down.) For the time will come when you will say, "Fortunate are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!" You will call the mountains and the hills to cover you. For if the Righteous and Truthful One is condemned now, at the height of these people's power and strength, what do you think will happen when they are powerless to stop any evil at all?"
JESUS starts to move downstage right. CLEOPAS (reaching out to him, passionately): Jesus, if You are the king of Israel, the Christ, save yourself! Save Israel!!
There is a pause as JESUS looks at him for a long moment. Then he looks out over the audience.
JESUS: Father…
ANDRONICUS re-appears and pulls JESUS roughly after him off downstage right.
SOLDIER #1 marches behind him. The bystanders exit after them, followed by the weeping WOMEN.
BILHAN and CLEOPAS move to center stage. CLAUDIA starts to slowly walk down the center aisle, a covered chalice in her hand.
CLEOPAS (angrily): Is He just going to let them crucify Him?
BILHAN (turning towards stage left, very sad and confused): Maybe He has no power…
CLEOPAS (arguing): He has power to make the blind see! He has power to multiply loaves and fishes to feed five thousand men! How much more power does it take to knock down a few soldiers?
CLAUDIA: He has made Himself a prisoner of evil power so that we may be brought into truth and light.
BILHAN: My lady, this is no place for a refined woman like yourself. You are heading into a den of evil…
CLAUDIA (looking towards downstage right, as if seeing Jesus): It is nothing compared to the evil He faces.
CLEOPAS (putting out a hand to block her path): You must not go!
CLAUDIA (turning to look at him intently): You cannot block God's truth. I have paid much to learn this. Let me pass.
CLAUDIA reaches out and slowly lowers CLEOPAS’ hand so that she can pass. Then she walks off downstage right. BILHAN and CLEOPAS look off downstage right for a few moments. They cringe as the noise of hammer against nail is heard throughout the place, followed by human groans. BILHAN and CLEOPAS react to the following offstage dialogue, sometimes cringing, sometimes looking to "see" what is happening.
JESUS (offstage): Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing! The sound of an ugly crowd, shouting in mocking tones, is heard.
VOICE #1 (offstage): He said He was the Christ! Look at Him now!
VOICE #2 (offstage): Look at the crown the "King of the Jews" is wearing!
VOICE #3 (offstage): Come down, King! Come down and save Yourself! Then we will believe in You! Ha, ha!
VOICE #4 (offstage): Where are Your robes, King? You look pretty naked to me!!
CLAUDIA re-enters downstage right, still holding the chalice, but it is uncovered now. CLAUDIA (explaining to BILHAN and CLEOPAS): He refused it. He refused to dull the pain. I urged Him, and even tried to have the soldiers make Him drink it, but He just turned away. (Pause, looking out over the audience) And then there was that look! The same look I saw in my dream…!
BILHAN (walking over to her, to place a reassuring arm around her): What look was that, my lady?
CLAUDIA (looking back downstage right): The look Jesus gave as they started to crucify him. (Explaining to the others and to the audience) I stood right there as Jesus stretched out His hands for the nails. The soldiers tell me that usually the prisoners struggle, spit, scratch – anything to avoid the inevitable. But in the end, they do it. The nails split the skin in a moment, and then there is an awful moment of anguish and fear. Crucifixion is so final. (with tears) Jesus didn't struggle. He stretched out His hands, and in His eyes, I saw a tremendous resignation. And …love, the kind of love one feels for a poor, suffering child…
JESUS cries out. All three look intently downstage right.
JESUS (offstage): Eloi! Eloi! Lama sabacthani!
CLEOPAS: He is calling Elijah! Maybe He has chosen to reveal His power at last!
JESUS again calls out. JESUS (offstage): I thirst!
CLAUDIA (looking at the chalice thoughtfully): Maybe He will drink it now. She starts to move slowly towards downstage right, but BILHAN, looking right, grabs her arm to stop her.
BILHAN (gently): You're too late. The soldiers have stuck a sponge full of sour wine in His mouth. He's turning away His head. His face is gray. It's near the end.
Again, JESUS calls out. JESUS (offstage): It is finished! Father, into Your Hands I commit My Spirit. Earthquake sounds, lightning and thunder effects.
BILHAN puts a protective arm around CLAUDIA. They move as if shaken by an earthquake. Then there is calm.
CLEOPAS (with great disappointment in his voice): It's over. He's dead. There's nothing left to hope for.
ANDRONICUS marches in from downstage right. He approaches CLAUDIA and salutes her. ANDRONICUS: Mistress Claudia, you should not still be here. Let me escort you home.
CLAUDIA looks at BILHAN and CLEOPAS. CLAUDIA (handing them the chalice and looking back towards the "cross”): Remember Him. Remember me. Remember the price of Truth. CLAUDIA proceeds slowly up the center aisle, followed by ANDRONICUS.
Lights fall to BLACKOUT.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! As Easter approaches we are all more aware of the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for mankind. Check out Elizabeth's novel, Come Before Winter on Amazon in Ebook and Print!
Well Friends, I certainly hope you enjoyed today's guest post and that you'll stop by each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
March 28, 2017
#TuesdayTreasures #EggcerptExchange with Iris Blobel!
Good Morning Friends,
I am on the road today, heading back from SC to Louisiana. Prayers appreciated. THANKS!!
Today's guest, Iris Blobel is a new-to-me and our blog author so please welcome Iris Blobel!
Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she met her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only emerged recently, but now her laptop is a constant companion.
Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.
Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.
Social Media Links:Website: www.irisblobel.comNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/b-U0G5Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisBlobelTwitter: https://twitter.com/_iris_bGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel
So nice to meet you, Iris! Now let's find out a little more about your book, Innocent Tears....
Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody.
With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.
But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.
Excerpt: “My Mum is dead.”
Somewhat startled by this statement, Emma peeked over the reception desk into beautiful green eyes that belonged to a cute little girl with brown curly hair and a freckled button nose. She couldn’t help but smile. There was something in the girl’s eyes that held a hint of mischief and curiosity, as well as some sadness, and Emma was drawn to her instantly.
“Nadine!”
The stern voice of an elderly woman approaching the reception caused Emma to flinch. The girl stiffened with eyes wide open.
“My apologies for that,” the woman said to Emma, though her expression didn’t actually reveal any signs of apologies. The woman’s face reflected a life of bitterness, the lines appearing deep and weathered.
Emma smiled. “No need to.”
An elderly man joined them, and after a brief nod of acknowledgement she asked, “MayI help you?”
“Yes. We would like to check in. Gibbs. William and Teresa Gibbs,” the woman replied.Emma typed the name on the keyboard, and while she waited for the details, she smiled at the girl, and asked, “Holidays?”
Nadine’s face spread into a small smile, but it was enough to show she had her two top teeth missing.“And I see the tooth fairy has been to see you recently.”
“Excuse me–” Mrs. Gibbs glanced at Emma’s name badge. “–Emma. Can we proceed with the check-in please?”
“My apologies, ma’am.” Emma read the details on the screen, made a few notes and turned around to activate the automated door card in the back office. All the while, she felt Mrs. Gibbs’ glare on her and instinctively pulled on her navy uniform skirt feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Emma sighed inwardly. In her early twenties and she still lacked confidence in what other people thought of her. Tucking an escaping strand of her tawny hair behind her ear, she tried to keep a positive attitude because, after all, she loved working at the All Stars Hotel in Melbourne. It was something she always wanted to do—to greet people to this beautiful city and make their stay as comfortable as possible. And she was often told how popular she was with staff and guests alike for her positive attitude, her generous heart, and kind spirit.
“Ma’am, that’d be room five-o-two. If you go to the right over there, take the lift to the fifth floor and follow the hall to the near end, you will find room five-o-two on your right.”
Teresa Gibbs took the card from Emma and turned it in her hands.
“Ma’am, you slide that into the door instead of a key. I’m happy to ask someone to come with you and show–”
“I’ll be fine. Thank you.” And Mrs. Gibbs turned to go.
Emma leaned across the counter and smiled at Nadine. “Enjoy your holidays,” she said and winked. “And come see me sometime to tell me about the tooth fairy.”
“We’re not on a holiday,” the girl said in almost a whisper. “We’re here to meet my dad.”
Oh Wow, Iris, you've hooked me! Where can we find Innocent Tears ?
The book is available now at ....
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1y5grj6AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1ZjirM0 AMAZON AU: http://bit.ly/1ZZ7ZLP
Well friends, I hope you enjoyed meeting Iris and learning about her book which is part of the EggCerpt Exchange blog hop. I also hope you'll visit each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless! PamT
I am on the road today, heading back from SC to Louisiana. Prayers appreciated. THANKS!!
Today's guest, Iris Blobel is a new-to-me and our blog author so please welcome Iris Blobel!
Iris Blobel was born and raised in Germany and immigrated to Australia in the late 1990s. Having had the travel bug most of her life, Iris spent quite some time living in Scotland, London as well as Canada where she met her husband. Her love for putting her stories onto paper has only emerged recently, but now her laptop is a constant companion.Iris resides west of Melbourne with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.
Next to her job at a private school, she also presents a German Program at the local Community Radio.
Social Media Links:Website: www.irisblobel.comNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/b-U0G5Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisBlobelTwitter: https://twitter.com/_iris_bGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel
So nice to meet you, Iris! Now let's find out a little more about your book, Innocent Tears....
Becoming a parent can be daunting at the best of times, but for Flynn, a business lawyer in Melbourne, it almost pulls the feet from right underneath him. He’s become a father to six-year-old Nadine literally overnight! He had no idea about her existence, and the news throws him into chaos, even more so when he is asked to take over custody. With the help of Emma, an employee at the hotel where Nadine and her grandparents are staying, and his parents, Flynn tries to do the right thing. Yet, the right thing in his eyes differs from his parents’, and Emma is voicing her opinion as well. And right in the middle is little Nadine, still grieving the loss of her mother and finding a wonderful friend in Emma. There’s no doubt she’s afraid where and with whom she will settle.
But in the end, it’s a letter Flynn receives that helps him figuring out what to do.
Excerpt: “My Mum is dead.”
Somewhat startled by this statement, Emma peeked over the reception desk into beautiful green eyes that belonged to a cute little girl with brown curly hair and a freckled button nose. She couldn’t help but smile. There was something in the girl’s eyes that held a hint of mischief and curiosity, as well as some sadness, and Emma was drawn to her instantly.
“Nadine!”
The stern voice of an elderly woman approaching the reception caused Emma to flinch. The girl stiffened with eyes wide open.
“My apologies for that,” the woman said to Emma, though her expression didn’t actually reveal any signs of apologies. The woman’s face reflected a life of bitterness, the lines appearing deep and weathered.
Emma smiled. “No need to.”
An elderly man joined them, and after a brief nod of acknowledgement she asked, “MayI help you?”
“Yes. We would like to check in. Gibbs. William and Teresa Gibbs,” the woman replied.Emma typed the name on the keyboard, and while she waited for the details, she smiled at the girl, and asked, “Holidays?”
Nadine’s face spread into a small smile, but it was enough to show she had her two top teeth missing.“And I see the tooth fairy has been to see you recently.”
“Excuse me–” Mrs. Gibbs glanced at Emma’s name badge. “–Emma. Can we proceed with the check-in please?”
“My apologies, ma’am.” Emma read the details on the screen, made a few notes and turned around to activate the automated door card in the back office. All the while, she felt Mrs. Gibbs’ glare on her and instinctively pulled on her navy uniform skirt feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Emma sighed inwardly. In her early twenties and she still lacked confidence in what other people thought of her. Tucking an escaping strand of her tawny hair behind her ear, she tried to keep a positive attitude because, after all, she loved working at the All Stars Hotel in Melbourne. It was something she always wanted to do—to greet people to this beautiful city and make their stay as comfortable as possible. And she was often told how popular she was with staff and guests alike for her positive attitude, her generous heart, and kind spirit.
“Ma’am, that’d be room five-o-two. If you go to the right over there, take the lift to the fifth floor and follow the hall to the near end, you will find room five-o-two on your right.”
Teresa Gibbs took the card from Emma and turned it in her hands.
“Ma’am, you slide that into the door instead of a key. I’m happy to ask someone to come with you and show–”
“I’ll be fine. Thank you.” And Mrs. Gibbs turned to go.
Emma leaned across the counter and smiled at Nadine. “Enjoy your holidays,” she said and winked. “And come see me sometime to tell me about the tooth fairy.”
“We’re not on a holiday,” the girl said in almost a whisper. “We’re here to meet my dad.”
Oh Wow, Iris, you've hooked me! Where can we find Innocent Tears ?
The book is available now at ....
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1y5grj6AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1ZjirM0 AMAZON AU: http://bit.ly/1ZZ7ZLP
Well friends, I hope you enjoyed meeting Iris and learning about her book which is part of the EggCerpt Exchange blog hop. I also hope you'll visit each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless! PamT
March 25, 2017
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Art Greenhaw!
Good Morning!
Art Greenhaw has shared Treasures and Thoughts with us and since I don't have much time to chit chat today so I'll just let him have the stage....
Creator/editor/co-writer Art Greenhaw's comicbook roots run deep, Art having enjoyed a 20-year friendship with Stan Lee and a lifetime apprenticeship studying the works of his biggest comicbook influences including Stan, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Al Hartley, and Ben Dunn. Art was a National Council of Teachers of English literary competition award winner and was the Optimist Club's oratory contest winner. He has studied art at the Dallas Museum of Art and co-created and co-wrote stories and songs with pop culture icon Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, who proclaimed Art "The Voice of Rat Fink".
Art is a Grammy Award-Winning artist, producer, arranger, and mixing engineer and holds a Grammy record for most Grammy Nominations (eight) by a group in his particular category of Gospel-Christian music. Among the legendary artists who have recorded the songs and stories of Art include Ann-Margret, Engelbert Humperdinck, Trini Lopez, The Jordanaires, James Blackwood, The Light Crust Doughboys, The Ventures, the Southern Methodist University Mustang Band, and many more. It is Art's lifetime mission to bring much-needed messages of morality and spirituality to today's youth through his favorite literary medium: comicbooks. Art owns and manages the iconic #1 Texas legacy country band, The Light Crust Doughboys. www.artgreenhaw.com
During the years that creator Art Greenhaw produced and arranged Grammy Award-winning and 8-time Grammy Award-nominated albums in the Christian field, Art's record label built a core of thousands of devoted fans who found his songs and stories both entertaining and uplifting.
Now Art has formed Truthmonger Comics, a creative entity whose mission is to bring the much-needed messages of morality and spirituality to today's youth through the medium of comic books.
Joining creator/editor/writer Art Greenhaw for this new line of Truthmonger Comics and its flagship title, God's Silver Soldiers , are superstar comic book artist Ben Dunn, writer Rebecca Dunn, and graphic designer Josh Knight. Truthmonger Comics is additionally inspired by Art's friend of many years and biggest literary influence, Stan Lee.
Purchase at:
Website: www.GodsSilverSoldiers.com
Publisher's Site: www.Nordskogpublishing.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Silver-Soldiers-Origin-Issue/dp/1888092300
Prime Star Publicist was unable to extract an excerpt for us but visit the website for more information on this wonderful new comic book!
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll drop by weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and of course, Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time take care and God Bless.
PamT
Art Greenhaw has shared Treasures and Thoughts with us and since I don't have much time to chit chat today so I'll just let him have the stage....
Creator/editor/co-writer Art Greenhaw's comicbook roots run deep, Art having enjoyed a 20-year friendship with Stan Lee and a lifetime apprenticeship studying the works of his biggest comicbook influences including Stan, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Al Hartley, and Ben Dunn. Art was a National Council of Teachers of English literary competition award winner and was the Optimist Club's oratory contest winner. He has studied art at the Dallas Museum of Art and co-created and co-wrote stories and songs with pop culture icon Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, who proclaimed Art "The Voice of Rat Fink".Art is a Grammy Award-Winning artist, producer, arranger, and mixing engineer and holds a Grammy record for most Grammy Nominations (eight) by a group in his particular category of Gospel-Christian music. Among the legendary artists who have recorded the songs and stories of Art include Ann-Margret, Engelbert Humperdinck, Trini Lopez, The Jordanaires, James Blackwood, The Light Crust Doughboys, The Ventures, the Southern Methodist University Mustang Band, and many more. It is Art's lifetime mission to bring much-needed messages of morality and spirituality to today's youth through his favorite literary medium: comicbooks. Art owns and manages the iconic #1 Texas legacy country band, The Light Crust Doughboys. www.artgreenhaw.com
During the years that creator Art Greenhaw produced and arranged Grammy Award-winning and 8-time Grammy Award-nominated albums in the Christian field, Art's record label built a core of thousands of devoted fans who found his songs and stories both entertaining and uplifting.Now Art has formed Truthmonger Comics, a creative entity whose mission is to bring the much-needed messages of morality and spirituality to today's youth through the medium of comic books.
Joining creator/editor/writer Art Greenhaw for this new line of Truthmonger Comics and its flagship title, God's Silver Soldiers , are superstar comic book artist Ben Dunn, writer Rebecca Dunn, and graphic designer Josh Knight. Truthmonger Comics is additionally inspired by Art's friend of many years and biggest literary influence, Stan Lee.
Purchase at:
Website: www.GodsSilverSoldiers.com
Publisher's Site: www.Nordskogpublishing.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Silver-Soldiers-Origin-Issue/dp/1888092300
Prime Star Publicist was unable to extract an excerpt for us but visit the website for more information on this wonderful new comic book!
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll drop by weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and of course, Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time take care and God Bless.
PamT
March 23, 2017
#ThursdayThoughts Guest Post & EggCerpt Exchange with Kathleen Rowland!
Good Morning!
I'm travelling to South Carolina for the weekend. Prayers appreciated!
Today's guest, Kathleen Rowland has visited before. She shared Fall Romantic Travel and EggCerpt Exchange with us last year, so please welcome Kathleen back for this year's EggCerpt Exchange with her newest release, Unholy Alliance. ....
A decade ago, Tori Rourke, and her cousin, Vivienne, ran from the Irish mob after witnessing a brutal murder. Tori was framed by the mob, and while she served time in prison, she worried that the killer, Seamus McGinn, had kidnapped her missing cousin.
Attorney Grady D. Fletcher, defender of the wrongly condemned, appeals Tori’s case and wins her release. Now, going by Victoria Morningstar, she runs a food truck from a seedy waterfront neighborhood, hoping to find her cousin's kidnapper.
When Grady agrees to defend a new client, Samuel Peterson, who’s been accused of beating to death the wife of a noted professor, the evidence mounts. The professor is missing, as well as his laptop that contains data dangerous to national security.
And Seamus McGinn is back, and rumors of a massive annihilation is about to begin. As they race to assist the FBI, the bonds between Grady and Tori are about to be tested. It becomes clear Grady and Tori are falling fast for each other, but what to do about it is a different story. He’s a divorced dad who wants more time with his kid. She brings danger to his front door.
Grady has questions of his own; Is Vivienne at the center of the mob’s operation? How much will it cost Tori before she learns the truth? All Grady knows is the biggest danger is the one standing right behind you.
Excerpt—
“Don’t let the anxiety of freedom consume you.” Attorney Grady Donahue Fletcher clenched his teeth and rehearsed what he’d say to his client, Victoria Morningstar. He’d won her appeal and drove to pick her up at Gladstone Penitentiary. “At least you won’t be placed in solitary.” That was worse.
Six months earlier Grady had phoned a reporter at the Los Angeles Globe. "Drew Barker. Grady Fletcher here.”
“Ah, the lawyer. Calling about a tip?”
“I am. Here's something you can investigate. Tori Morningstar, did she murder Irene Brennan?"
"I wrote that story many years back," the journalist had said. “I assume you have new discoveries.”
"Fraud, illegal testimony. Do you want the story first?" A second passed. "Otherwise, I'll call the Orange County Guardian."
"Okay, okay. We want it."
Three days later Grady had a hand in writing the first article in Drew Barker’s column. "The public labeled Tori Morningstar as an undesirable. Not black and poor, but disfavored, accused, incarcerated, and wrongly condemned. Her cellphone has been recovered. Her call to 911 identified her voice and substantiated screams of the victim in the background. Could she have beaten someone while speaking to dispatch at the same time?"
The reporter had written the second article. "People who get their ideas about criminal lawyers from TV probably would be disappointed in Grady Fletcher. He lacks flash but stands up straight, his posture neither ramrod nor slouched. He doesn't smoke, doesn't wear thousand dollar suits. His voice is soft and low, one of his assets. He speaks truth with a voice inviting confidences."
As nice as that was, Grady’s stomach cramped over pressure and strain from Drew Barker’s final article with the headline, Tori Morningstar, Released Today. Picked up by the online service, Newser, KTLA, and CBS Los Angeles, they planned to broadcast his arrival to escort his client from Gladstone.
Tori’s decade-long prison sentence ended today but with a sobering fear over tomorrow.When was a July morning this hot? Grady balanced her release papers on his lap as he rolled up one sleeve then the other while gripping the damp steering wheel. Sweat blossomed on his throbbing forehead, wrapped like a python’s grip. He adjusted the dial for the AC and embraced the challenge of helping another client get back on track. Embrace and conquer. Or at least sound like it.
Pre-order 0.99 price is available on Amazon and Smashwords—find all lines here:http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Rowland_Kathleen/unholy-alliance.htm
A little about Kathleen Rowland—
Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts. Writing a romantic suspense Irish American series for Tirgearr Publishing, Deadly Alliance is followed by Unholy Alliance with a release date of March 29, 2017. Keep an icy drink handy while reading these hot stories.
Other books are sweet new adult such as Lily’s Pad and the Intervenus Series: A Brand New Address and Betrayal at Crater’s Edge.
Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels. She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji. Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.
Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors. While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write. If you’d enjoy news, sign up for Kathleen’s newsletter at http://www.kathleenrowland.com/
Tirgearr Publishing - Leading The Pack
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/786656.Kathleen_Rowland
http://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Rowland/e/B007RYMF7S/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1450835163&sr=1-2-ent
https://twitter.com/rowlandkathleen
https://kathleenrowland.wordpress.com/
http://www.kathleenrowland.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/romanticsuspense.kathleenrowland/
Sounds like another great book Kathleen!
Hope you enjoyed today's eggcerpt echange folks. Just a few more weeks left in this years' exchanges so be sure and drop by regularly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless. PamT
I'm travelling to South Carolina for the weekend. Prayers appreciated!
Today's guest, Kathleen Rowland has visited before. She shared Fall Romantic Travel and EggCerpt Exchange with us last year, so please welcome Kathleen back for this year's EggCerpt Exchange with her newest release, Unholy Alliance. ....
A decade ago, Tori Rourke, and her cousin, Vivienne, ran from the Irish mob after witnessing a brutal murder. Tori was framed by the mob, and while she served time in prison, she worried that the killer, Seamus McGinn, had kidnapped her missing cousin.Attorney Grady D. Fletcher, defender of the wrongly condemned, appeals Tori’s case and wins her release. Now, going by Victoria Morningstar, she runs a food truck from a seedy waterfront neighborhood, hoping to find her cousin's kidnapper.
When Grady agrees to defend a new client, Samuel Peterson, who’s been accused of beating to death the wife of a noted professor, the evidence mounts. The professor is missing, as well as his laptop that contains data dangerous to national security.
And Seamus McGinn is back, and rumors of a massive annihilation is about to begin. As they race to assist the FBI, the bonds between Grady and Tori are about to be tested. It becomes clear Grady and Tori are falling fast for each other, but what to do about it is a different story. He’s a divorced dad who wants more time with his kid. She brings danger to his front door.
Grady has questions of his own; Is Vivienne at the center of the mob’s operation? How much will it cost Tori before she learns the truth? All Grady knows is the biggest danger is the one standing right behind you.
Excerpt—
“Don’t let the anxiety of freedom consume you.” Attorney Grady Donahue Fletcher clenched his teeth and rehearsed what he’d say to his client, Victoria Morningstar. He’d won her appeal and drove to pick her up at Gladstone Penitentiary. “At least you won’t be placed in solitary.” That was worse.
Six months earlier Grady had phoned a reporter at the Los Angeles Globe. "Drew Barker. Grady Fletcher here.”
“Ah, the lawyer. Calling about a tip?”
“I am. Here's something you can investigate. Tori Morningstar, did she murder Irene Brennan?"
"I wrote that story many years back," the journalist had said. “I assume you have new discoveries.”
"Fraud, illegal testimony. Do you want the story first?" A second passed. "Otherwise, I'll call the Orange County Guardian."
"Okay, okay. We want it."
Three days later Grady had a hand in writing the first article in Drew Barker’s column. "The public labeled Tori Morningstar as an undesirable. Not black and poor, but disfavored, accused, incarcerated, and wrongly condemned. Her cellphone has been recovered. Her call to 911 identified her voice and substantiated screams of the victim in the background. Could she have beaten someone while speaking to dispatch at the same time?"
The reporter had written the second article. "People who get their ideas about criminal lawyers from TV probably would be disappointed in Grady Fletcher. He lacks flash but stands up straight, his posture neither ramrod nor slouched. He doesn't smoke, doesn't wear thousand dollar suits. His voice is soft and low, one of his assets. He speaks truth with a voice inviting confidences."
As nice as that was, Grady’s stomach cramped over pressure and strain from Drew Barker’s final article with the headline, Tori Morningstar, Released Today. Picked up by the online service, Newser, KTLA, and CBS Los Angeles, they planned to broadcast his arrival to escort his client from Gladstone.
Tori’s decade-long prison sentence ended today but with a sobering fear over tomorrow.When was a July morning this hot? Grady balanced her release papers on his lap as he rolled up one sleeve then the other while gripping the damp steering wheel. Sweat blossomed on his throbbing forehead, wrapped like a python’s grip. He adjusted the dial for the AC and embraced the challenge of helping another client get back on track. Embrace and conquer. Or at least sound like it.
Pre-order 0.99 price is available on Amazon and Smashwords—find all lines here:http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Rowland_Kathleen/unholy-alliance.htm
A little about Kathleen Rowland—
Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts. Writing a romantic suspense Irish American series for Tirgearr Publishing, Deadly Alliance is followed by Unholy Alliance with a release date of March 29, 2017. Keep an icy drink handy while reading these hot stories.
Other books are sweet new adult such as Lily’s Pad and the Intervenus Series: A Brand New Address and Betrayal at Crater’s Edge.
Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels. She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji. Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.
Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors. While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write. If you’d enjoy news, sign up for Kathleen’s newsletter at http://www.kathleenrowland.com/
Tirgearr Publishing - Leading The Pack
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/786656.Kathleen_Rowland
http://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Rowland/e/B007RYMF7S/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1450835163&sr=1-2-ent
https://twitter.com/rowlandkathleen
https://kathleenrowland.wordpress.com/
http://www.kathleenrowland.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/romanticsuspense.kathleenrowland/
Sounds like another great book Kathleen!
Hope you enjoyed today's eggcerpt echange folks. Just a few more weeks left in this years' exchanges so be sure and drop by regularly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless. PamT
March 21, 2017
#TuesdayTreasures Guest Post by Kathy Neely
Good Morning Friends!
Yesterday marked the first day of Spring and yet, our temps were in the 80's....more like Summer here but still snow in other parts of the US. Crazy right? This past weekend we went camping and really got to enjoy the spring-like weather....cool evenings, warm days....definitely something to treasure! I pray you had a great weekend too.
Today's guest is brand new to me and our blog, but soon-to-be a fellow Pelican Book Group author, so please welcome Kathy Neely to share treasures with us!
Bookends Mornings are a refuge, only the sound of birdsong amid the solitude. Sunrises paint the horizon shades of red, orange, and yellow, the promise of another day. It’s a time to reflect, meditate, worship, and pray. A time when ears are tuned to listen without the chaos that everyday life brings. A time to prepare your heart and soul for what’s ahead.
Evenings are a gift of rest, a time to raise the foot of the recliner and allow the respite to renew tired muscles, stressed nerves. A time for family, for prayer, and for sleep, for prayer. A time to read God’s word, even if the reading lulls you to sleep. How sweet to sleep with praise on your lips.
Morning and evening are like bookends, designed to support what’s in-between. Bookends hold the middle upright, allowing it to stand tall and straight, without sagging or falling over.
Can you imagine a day without the bookends that support it? Days filled with busyness, decisions to make, relationships to nurture. Days filled with ringing phones, news of terror attacks, and political manipulations. Days filled with happiness and laughter, hurtfulness and tears.
Mornings and evenings are a gift from God, a time to be Mary and sit at his feet. Don’t miss it. Don’t allow this gifted time to meld into the middle. Savor the mornings. Protect the evenings. They will give you strength to stand upright.
Wow, Kathy, I never really thought of mornings and evenings like bookends of our day and you're right, both are definitely something to treasure!
Let's find out a little more about Kathy.....
Kathleen Neely is an author and former elementary school principal. After growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, she and her husband Vaughn moved to sunny South Carolina. Together they have three handsome sons, one lovely daughter-in-law, and two incredible grandsons. She is a member of Cross N Pens and ACFW.
Kathleen won first place in Almost an Author’s Fresh Voices contest, and is a second place winner in ACFW-VA’s short story contest. She has two novels coming soon through Pelican Book Group. You can find her at http://kathleenneelyauthor.com.
What an accomplishment, congrats Kathy! Thank you for sharing with us today. We're looking forward to hearing more about your PBG books.
Thank YOU, Friends for dropping by. Check back weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
Yesterday marked the first day of Spring and yet, our temps were in the 80's....more like Summer here but still snow in other parts of the US. Crazy right? This past weekend we went camping and really got to enjoy the spring-like weather....cool evenings, warm days....definitely something to treasure! I pray you had a great weekend too.
Today's guest is brand new to me and our blog, but soon-to-be a fellow Pelican Book Group author, so please welcome Kathy Neely to share treasures with us!
Bookends Mornings are a refuge, only the sound of birdsong amid the solitude. Sunrises paint the horizon shades of red, orange, and yellow, the promise of another day. It’s a time to reflect, meditate, worship, and pray. A time when ears are tuned to listen without the chaos that everyday life brings. A time to prepare your heart and soul for what’s ahead.
Evenings are a gift of rest, a time to raise the foot of the recliner and allow the respite to renew tired muscles, stressed nerves. A time for family, for prayer, and for sleep, for prayer. A time to read God’s word, even if the reading lulls you to sleep. How sweet to sleep with praise on your lips.
Morning and evening are like bookends, designed to support what’s in-between. Bookends hold the middle upright, allowing it to stand tall and straight, without sagging or falling over.
Can you imagine a day without the bookends that support it? Days filled with busyness, decisions to make, relationships to nurture. Days filled with ringing phones, news of terror attacks, and political manipulations. Days filled with happiness and laughter, hurtfulness and tears.
Mornings and evenings are a gift from God, a time to be Mary and sit at his feet. Don’t miss it. Don’t allow this gifted time to meld into the middle. Savor the mornings. Protect the evenings. They will give you strength to stand upright.
Wow, Kathy, I never really thought of mornings and evenings like bookends of our day and you're right, both are definitely something to treasure!
Let's find out a little more about Kathy.....
Kathleen Neely is an author and former elementary school principal. After growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, she and her husband Vaughn moved to sunny South Carolina. Together they have three handsome sons, one lovely daughter-in-law, and two incredible grandsons. She is a member of Cross N Pens and ACFW.Kathleen won first place in Almost an Author’s Fresh Voices contest, and is a second place winner in ACFW-VA’s short story contest. She has two novels coming soon through Pelican Book Group. You can find her at http://kathleenneelyauthor.com.
What an accomplishment, congrats Kathy! Thank you for sharing with us today. We're looking forward to hearing more about your PBG books.
Thank YOU, Friends for dropping by. Check back weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
