Sara R. Turnquist's Blog, page 16
July 27, 2018
GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW: Author Catherine Ulrich Brakefield
Hello, readers! I have an author for you to meet today that you will adore! A clean Historical Romance author!! I am always excited to introduce you to new authors, but I can’t help but be a little bit partial to my favorite genre. Author Catherine Ulrich Brakefield is here to talk about her Destiny Series. And I can’t wait for you to meet her. So, without further ado, let’s move on…
Welcome, Catherine! And thanks for joining us today. First, can you tell us a little about your novel?
Destiny’s Whirlwind is the second book of the four-book faith-based Destiny series: Collina McConnell is thrust from adolescence to adulthood as she promises her father she will manage their estate, but her father dies before disclosing the mystery behind his legacy for Shushan. Dashing Rough Rider Franklin Long offers his help, and suddenly Collina’s heart has a will of its own. Does he feel the same for her? War is declared, and he leaves for the Cuban shoreline. He holds the key to her heart, but will he return?
I like the premise! Of course, Historical Romance is my favorite genre. So you have definitely piqued my interest. If you can, tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.
Because Destiny’s Whirlwind is part of a series, Swept into Destiny is the first book of the series. I shall supply a special Bonus Chapter to anyone who asks for this to go along with Destiny’s Whirlwind. http://www.crossrivermedia.com/Destiny-2-Chapter-Bonus.pdf
Swept into Destiny is about an Irish Immigrant named Ben McConnell and a southern belle named Maggie Gatlan.
Collina McConnell is Ben and Maggie’s daughter and the story begins just before the Spanish-American war in 1898. In Destiny’s Whirlwind, the McConnells have just come through battling smallpox.
You’re not making me want this series less 
July 25, 2018
GUEST POST & SPOTLIGHT: Author Emerald Barnes
Hello, readers! I have a treat for you today. Instead of me blogging, I have an author for you to revisit. Author Emerald Barnes is back on my blog today with a fabulous guest post for us. And we will spotlight her book series, The Knight’s Academy. I can’t wait for you to dive in, so I’ll quit babbling and let you have at it!
Guest Post
by Emerald Barnes
Myka, my main character, struggles with her identity throughout The Marked. She’s adopted, and when she found out that she was, she completely lost who she was. She never felt like she belonged anywhere, so that’s why she chose to leave her family and what was familiar behind and move to a new place. There, she thought she could discover who she really was. It was a way of starting over for her. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know that wasn’t easy for her, until the end, until she knew her back story and what lay ahead for her.
We’ve all felt a lot like her. I personally have. For years, I struggled with who I was, what I was supposed to do with my life, and what my purpose on this planet was. Why had God given me the gift of writing if no one bought my books? Why had God given me a passion to teach teens about Him and His love for them if I wasn’t being used as a youth leader?
Like Myka, I was searching for my identity and my purpose. And I searched for years. Until I quit searching. I didn’t give up, but I said, “Okay, God. You know what has been prophesied over me. You know what gifts You have given me. Whatever You want me to do. Whatever You need me to do, just let me know.” And I let it go. I stopped searching and waited.
Waiting isn’t easy, but it paid off. God gave me a youth leader position almost two years ago, and He’s even using my non-Christian books in ways that I couldn’t have expected.
When you feel like you don’t have an identity, just let life happen. Wait on God to show you what you need to do, and God won’t tell you everything at once. You’d get so overwhelmed! (I think Andrew Wommack is the one who said that.) He’s going to reveal it to you as you go along. Life is about living one day at a time. Whether you’re facing a horde of vampires or if you’re just facing a torrent of thoughts that like to bring you down, you’re going to be okay. You’re identity doesn’t come from you. It comes from God. It comes from knowing who you are in God.
That’s why I like to focus on that in my books. If you’ve read Entertaining Angels, you’ll know that in my series, that’s what I focus on. I focus on teaching young women that their identities don’t come from the mirror or the scars on their wrists. Your identity comes when you truly learn who you are to God and who you are in God.
You’re loved. You’ve always been loved. You’re created in the image of God, and He is the One who saw fit that the world needed you. Don’t let the world bring you down. Don’t let the enemy make you feel like you’re worthless and don’t belong. You’re where you are for a reason. There’s even a reason for your waiting period. Just give it to God.
The Knight’s Academy Series
The Marked
Myka Williams has never fit in with her peers, and although her adoptive parents are loving and supportive, she feels most at home alone in the woods.
When she’s offered a full scholarship to Knight’s Academy in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, she takes the opportunity for a fresh start. She soon learns that Knight’s Academy is more than just a school. Within the stone walls of the institution, humans and vampires are mixing, and their offspring are going unnoticed.
As Myka falls prey to the evil plan of the school, she makes a chilling discovery about her own heritage and realizes that she’s at the Academy for more than just an education. Myka must yield to her birthright at the risk of losing everyone she loves or succumb to the fate that Knight’s Academy has in store for her—a fate worse than death.
The Hunted
***POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK 1***
Myka Williams has been forced out of Knight’s Academy and is on the run, constantly moving to keep the vampires off her trail until Preston’s venom is no longer coursing through her veins. But she isn’t alone.
Brent Jacobson is her protector, training her and teaching her how to be the werewolf she’s destined to be. He’s annoying, stubborn—and hot. But there’s something he isn’t telling her.
Myka has to come face-to-face with the truth of who she really is. Will she find safety, or will she always be hunted?
Enjoy an Excerpt
Olivia and her family brought in storage containers, decorations, and more, while Myka sat uncomfortably. When they finished unpacking, Myka wanted to give them some privacy, so she grabbed her messenger bag filled with her sketchbook, markers, pencils, and other art supplies and slipped out of the room. She wandered through the hallways, looking for a quiet place.
She passed a couple of girls chatting, mumbled hello, and when they didn’t respond, she continued to the stairs. She hurried out into the foyer where a few girls sat around talking to one another or were on their cell phones. A hushed silence fell over them as they stared at her. Myka tucked a curl behind her ear, ducked her head, and walked outside.
Now that Myka was without Barry and Jilly, the campus seemed far more formidable. For as long as she could remember, she wanted to get away from home and the questions of who she was and why her parents had given her away. She stared at the campus and knew she wouldn’t find any answers here either. What had she been thinking?
The campus was abuzz with students, teachers, and parents. Myka continued her search for a quiet place to sit and think, much like she used to do when she was at home and needed a moment to clear her mind. She maneuvered around students and parents carrying suitcases, bathroom caddies, and bedding in search of a sanctuary.
She walked between the cafeteria and academic building, ending up on a plush lawn dotted with Bradford pear trees that would be beautiful come fall when their leaves changed to vibrant oranges and reds or in the spring when they blossomed white. Stone benches and tables offered places to sit, study, or relax. The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, covered in pines and oaks, rose in the distance. The concrete wall surrounding the school marked the end of the lawn, and behind the wall was a thickly wooded area.
Myka took a seat on the grass and began to draw. She stared at her surroundings, taking them all in, when she noticed something strange above the trees. It was almost like a tower, but she couldn’t be too sure. Maybe it was a silo. She knew it wasn’t a tree because it glistened in the sunlight. The tower wasn’t too far from the campus, but far enough she couldn’t tell if belonged to Knight’s Academy or not.
Taking a deep breath, she removed her sketchpad and pencils from her bag. As she drew, she saw nothing but the scene ahead of her: all of the colors, how the wind made the leaves shimmer, and the way the sun outlined the mountains. She was only vaguely aware of the sounds around her. The wind tossed her hair about, but she moved it aside mechanically.
It was afternoon when Myka finished the drawing and looked at her phone to see if she’d missed a call or text. She set both aside and rolled her neck and shoulders, stretching her tense muscles. She stood, then continued to stretch. Finally, Myka looked at her drawing, wishing it would’ve been in color. It could use some more work, but at least she had the basic image.
She packed her bag and walked back toward the dorm, hoping Olivia was alone now. A shadow moved along the wall, surprising her. She turned to see Milo, who she hadn’t seen since April. He moved his dirty blond hair out of his eyes and stared back at her. He put his finger to his lips, jumped, and pulled himself up on top of the wall with his well-defined arms. With one last glance toward her, he disappeared from her sight.
Part of her wanted to follow him, to see what was on the other side, but she stopped herself. She didn’t want to get in trouble her first day of being at Knight’s Academy, but something inside of her told her to follow him. With one long, fleeting look at the woods behind the wall, Myka walked back toward her dorm room.
Buy Links
The Marked: Knight’s Academy Book 1 – http://amzn.to/2jG7GKB
The Hunted: Knight’s Academy Book 2 – http://amzn.to/2sEKaxh
Book three is coming soon!
More About the Author
Emerald Barnes resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She’s an auntie, a youth leader, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number One in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor. She’s addicted to tv and binge-watching shows, and she has a thing for superheroes.
Connect with Emerald and her books
Website: www.emeraldbarnes.us
Blog: ebarnes23.wordpress.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/emeraldbarnes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fanpageforemeraldbarnes
Twitter: www.twitter.com/emeraldbarnes
Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/emeraldbarnesstreetteam
Fan Team: www.facebook.com/groups/emeraldbarnesfans
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/emeraldbarnes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/emerald_barnes
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emeraldbarnes
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Barnes/e/B004PL38QS
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/emerald-barnes
The post GUEST POST & SPOTLIGHT: Author Emerald Barnes appeared first on Sara's Desk.
July 20, 2018
GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW: Author Jenn Faulk
Welcome to my blog! I have a fabulous author for you to meet! Jenn Faulk is not only an author of clean chick lit, she is quite prolific! I know Jenn through a group we are a part of called Pure Romance Reads. It is a collection of authors who all write clean romance. You can check us out online at: https://www.pureromancereads.com/ and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pureromancereads/
We are hosting a “Christmas in July” party next Thursday evening (July 26th), starting at 5PM EDT. You will be able to meet the authors, there will be giveaways…it will be great!!
But you are here to meet Jenn. And I am so eager for you to do so. You will no doubt find her every bit as interesting as I have…
Welcome, Jenn! And thanks for being on my blog! You have quite the list of works to your name! Please, tell us a little about one of your novels.
My first novel, Resolutions, is about three friends who decide to celebrate the new year by creating a list of resolutions that will ultimately change their lives. Emily, Melissa, and Sara are lifelong Christian friends who are quickly approaching thirty, and as they juggle careers, extended families, and their different church responsibilities while also completing those resolutions, life (as it always does!) ends up throwing a few surprises their way. Resolutions is a story about friendship and faith, about growing in Christ and trusting Him more. And, of course, there’s a love story as well!
Sounds just delightful! The kind of read you could just sit and really get into. What was 
your inspiration for Resolutions?
I LOVE chick lit, and I love great Gospel-centered fiction that draws readers in, entertains them, and calls them to deeper faith. As a reader, I wanted more Christian chick lit books and was disappointed that it was such a small subgenre. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I started brainstorming the ideas behind Resolutions back when my children were tiny, writing out some notes in between feedings, diaper changes, and the general chaos that comes with having babies. Once my youngest started kindergarten, I sat down, read what little I had been able to scrap together over the years, and committed to finally finishing it. That part – actually writing it – took three months. The lead up, though, was a spectacular five years, lol!
That is no joke! My story is similar. A lot of lead up, but once my kids were a little more independent, I found I could work a lot faster. So, the writing and dreaming is fun, but what part of the process do you dread?
Those last few tedious weeks of pounding out the end of the first draft! I’ve written forty-five books, and it never changes. I always tell my husband, “I hate this book, and I want to punch these characters in the face” when I get to this point in the process. Ha! I usually set it aside when I’m done, give myself some breathing room, and come back to it with fresher eyes, realizing that I don’t hate it after all and that no one will be getting punched in the face. Whew!
I am so the same
July 13, 2018
GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: Author Kadee Carder
Welcome, everyone. We have a returning author, Kadee Carder. She is one of my favorite authors to have on. She is just one of the most encouraging people in general, and as a fellow author, she is always there with a word to lift up others and spur them on in their journeys. Just incredible.
Kadee is here with her new release, Kingdom Come. And she has agreed to give us a long excerpt as a guest post. So, let’s get right to it:
~ The Greatest Person You Know~
(an excerpt from the book KINGDOM COME)
Humans have many kinds of powers. What amazes me is that we forget we own them. Imagine if Superman forgot he could bend steel? Superheroes of the comics base their lives around their powers. They sharpen them. They thrive utilizing their powers.
You and I have power, too. The power to use a word for good, to share conversation with a friend, to lift up the human beside us with a smile, with words, with art, with kindness, that rectifies the cruelty of the world one soul at a time.
Jade Teta says humans have five powers, ownership being one. My ability to recognize my abilities shows power in itself. My cat doesn’t do that. She does not sit in the window pondering if she will need to do the dishes later or if she needs to do laundry. I, however, can recognize and analyze if I’ve done my best for the day. How beautiful is that fact?
Recognizing the possession of certain abilities offers an arsenal of strength. Recognizing the amazing person I was created as — senses riddled with textures, scents, pops of color, clicks of light, and a slurry of sounds — and that I can do far more than I imagine, put me on a higher playing field if I simply acknowledge my own presence. This one goes for you too. Seeing people, actually seeing them in their hurt, their pain, their trial, their joy, their bliss, shows just how powerful ownership can be. Have you ever been with someone who seemed to See You and enjoyed your presence? We humans need light and life. We create it even unintentionally. Ownership, the intentional recognition of the beautiful power held within, will guide a human toward life or it can crush the spirit like a weight sinking in the sea. What five abilities do you recognize within yourself? When given the option to empower yourself or limit yourself, which do you choose first?
“There is one grand lie — that we are limited. The only limits we have are the limits we believe” (Krista Johnson). In the face of danger, the human body releases adrenaline. It’s a natural way to protect. Lions have claws and fierce prowess, wasps sting heavy and hard, and humans — well humans can lift over twice their weight, survive under crushed buildings or tunnels for weeks at a time, swim farther, run faster, carry torn limbs, walk through fire, and dance in the hurricane. See, the natural human condition protects life. The instinct protects.
Have you ever considered that Superman only knew he could be strong, and so he was? For some reason we let in scarcity and timidity. We begin allowing the scrapes and bruises to win. We feel the cold winter nibbling at our fingertips and we withdraw from the ice.
Instead, learn to create fire.
The human brain takes its time to develop, becoming a fully-functioning body part around the late twenties, on average, age twenty-five. Have you ever taught a child to time travel? The fully-developed brain (typically one about thirty years old or more) uses the logical, rational portions to make decisions. Before the age of twenty-five, an average human brain does not fully utilize its total functional capacity because the area has not developed. Asking a child to make a rational decision compares to asking a child to time travel. He simply cannot. He can’t even comprehend the statement. But imagine if that child, from an early age, was daily surrounded by science, technological studies, encouraged to read about physics and astronomy, and was told he had the ability to travel through time? By his thirties, imagine this person and all he would know. Now, imagine a baby in a small room, surrounded by dim lighting and who had no access to books, education, or positive reinforcement to study and learn? By his thirties, who will this child be?
Now, every person has a unique fingerprint, but which child will believe he has the ability, and could possibly even travel through time? I’m betting on the first. So we are with our ownership of power. If you’ve been told that you’re broken, if you’ve been told you’re useless, if you’ve been told you’re lacking, then that will be your default. But my friend, you were built with intention. You are intrepid. You are creative. You are an intellectual. You are stronger and more powerful than you know. The thoughts you tell yourself, the input you process, that leads to the life you prove.
Do the heroes build their stories upon fear or upon saving life? I vote for life. I vote for leveling up, for choosing power, because it’s what surges bliss throughout our cores.
Own your abilities. Own those marvelous aspects of you which contribute to the lives of those around you. You’ve got a courageous story to create, my hero. Exercise who you want to be when the darkness drifts in. Train yourself to react to fear by facing it instead of running away. Train yourself to use your strengths when weakness would shout lies. Reiterate your own beautiful ethos when those thoughts sprinkle down. Who do you want to be when the lights go out? Who will you be if you believe you can walk humbly with grace and strength? Practice that. Act that. Be that. The time to go save your world approaches.
Wow. What a way to start the blog. Just wow. I LOVE this, Kadee! I am eager to hear more about this book!
Opt in for an adventure to discover purpose, tenacity, and to build your empire. Are you stuck? Questioning your purpose? Are you tired, broken, and hurting in the stale crumbs of the daily grind?
Even the most ordinary of humans can do impossible things. The elements of storytelling are tools to help us understand our purpose and to build a life greater. Here we discover the three protocols every hero satisfies in order to fulfill the mission. You’re the hero in your own story. Transforming into the hero may be the most difficult thing you’ve ever done, but it will be the best thing you’ve ever done.
Within these pages, discover the ultimate objective in understanding and experiencing the combined unity of these three tools in your hero story. Get ready to travel the vast horizon of the hero plot line and forge new paths toward your legacy.
What was the inspiration for Kingdom Come?
In my research and life experiences while writing my soon-to-be-released novel EARTHSHINE, I found myself in this dark, aching place of brokenness and hurt, of lost dreams and tainted hopes. While I wrote the story of a girl who had to get back up, I found my own self in the shadows. Could I be the girl who got back up? In my Sunday school class, our leader mentioned that all people had three tools they carried which God uses for good. I had never heard this premise before and immediately looked into what he meant. Within the next few months my life changed, from a place of devastation, to intention. My attitude changed, my purpose shifted, and I found true focus on what I knew my life needed to be, as I unearthed and sharpened my three tools. I didn’t need the ache of loss; I craved adventure and purpose. Here I’ve collected my thoughts, study, and research which offer readers applicable, faith-based tools for braving the earthly plot line and forging empires. From this guidebook KINGDOM COME, we begin rewriting the stories of our lives to fulfill our mission and create the life less ordinary.
I can so connect with what you are saying. I am completely drawn in…
What kind of music, if any, do you listen to when you write?
I adore 90’s punk rock, Imagine Dragons, and random indie bands. During my writing and research for KINGDOM COME and EARTHSHINE, I listened to several songs which inspired me to write these stories. Here are a couple links to YouTube videos if you’re interested in listening along while you read:
“More Than Life” by Whitley – https://youtu.be/dk8XrTbCPYs
“All The Poor and Powerless” by All Sons and Daughters – https://youtu.be/ieOL4X3nk2c
“Believer” by Imagine Dragons – https://youtu.be/7wtfhZwyrcc
“You’re Gonna Be Okay” by Brian and Jenn Johnson – https://youtu.be/LjF9IqvXDjY
“Hard Love” by NeedToBreathe – https://youtu.be/tE3Fp8C_ufg
“The Adventure” by Angels and Airwaves – https://youtu.be/JMl8cQjBfqk
“In the Name of Love” by Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha – https://youtu.be/RnBT9uUYb1w
Thank you so much, Kadee, for being on the blog and sharing these words. I know I will be processing them for days to come…maybe even weeks! But I will hand the blog back over so my readers can delve into Kingdom Come!
Kingdom Come
Buy Link
More About the Author
Fierce yet sparkly, I rally seekers to thrive in their stories. The goal is magic, the medium is ink, and the fuel is coffee. And sometimes pizza. I teach English on the university level when I’m not dancing around the living room with my family, lifting heavy at the gym, traveling the planet, or binging superhero shows.
INSURRECTION, INCOMPLETE, INDELIBLE, HERE BE DRAGONS, and non-fiction inspirational KINGDOM COME roll out perilous motives, twisty plots, and daring protagonists. Grab some real estate and your copy of my latest adventure, and follow along on KadeeCarder.com.
Connect with Kadee and her books
Website: kadeecarder.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadeecarderink/
Instagram: kadeecarderink
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkYQcShpWHBua-7VVi9Swg
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kadeecarder/
Twitter: @kadeecarderink
And please feel free to subscribe for encouraging blogs! Kadeecarder.com
I’m giving away a free, empowering e-book to those who subscribe to my email list at kadeecarder.com/subscribe. Titled IGNITE, the 60-page book offers a serving of inspiration, a dash of hope, and a cup of grace to help you get kickin’ on those challenging tasks you’ve got to do!
CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON FROM KADEE CARDER!
Follow Tucker Thompson to the brave wilds of the Australian Outback in search of his long-lost home (which he doesn’t remember) and to rescue the remnants of an undercover op gone wrong (which has been attacked). HERE BE DRAGONS is a young adult science fiction adventure for the thrill seeker and action taker.
“Those voices that tell you to stop, those are wrong. Those voices lie. They steal your victory. Out there be dragons, but in here—” Burkman tapped my chest, “—here lodges your sword and shield.”
Can Tucker lead his small crew in a daring rescue mission? Or will the ghosts of his past and the tech of tomorrow rip him to shreds? Find out now with your free copy of HERE BE DRAGONS!
Just click here: https://amzn.to/2KYcdVj
GIVEAWAY!
Kadee Carder is offering one (1) ebook copy of Kingdom Come by Rafflecopter. Please follow the directions on the Rafflecopter below to enter:
The post GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: Author Kadee Carder appeared first on Sara's Desk.
July 11, 2018
OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION: The art of keeping up with yesterday
Procrastination...is there anything more frustrating? Or more thrilling? That last minute adrenaline…the rush of that fast approaching deadline…the burst of creativity…and the promises to never do it again, but deep down knowing that you will.
Why do we do this, procrastinators? We know about these deadlines. They are on our calendar. They stare us in the face every time we open our planner (those of us that have them). They loom over us, weighing down everything until they get done. They do for me, at least.
I can’t truly have freedom and fun until the project/work is done. But still I tend to push it off. Though it trails me, taunts me.
Thus my behavior makes absolutely no sense.
Oh, yes, we procrastinators tell ourselves we think better in a crunch. We perform at our peak in those rushed moments. We have to tell ourselves that because otherwise, we really did just waste all that energy and stay up all hours of the night and into the wee hours of the morning for no reason.
What if you could conquer procrastination? Stop putting off those deadlines?
I have no simple fix. I’m not a snake oil saleswoman.
What I have to offer is routine, discipline, practice, and dedication – things we tried to avoid in the first place.
I went from being a perpetual procrastinator to being ahead of the deadline – yes, early …every time.
Before you click the close button on my tab, hear me out! It came out of a need. Once I entered the writing/publication world, I saw the need to be a bit more serious about these things. It would just be plain unprofessional, in my opinion, to miss a deadline. And I hated the idea of presenting myself unprofessionally.
So I set up some things to prevent the procrastinator in me from rearing its ugly head.
I sent MY deadline…two days before the actual deadline. This way I do have padding in case something wonky, like an unexpected sickness comes up.
Then I break up the project and make mini-deadlines. This allows me to make sure I’m on target to make it to the major deadline. Some of you, like me, may have a full life. I don’t have the luxury of devoting hours to my work to catch up for procrastinating like I did in college. So, I have to stay on top of things. These chunks of work attached to mini-deadlines are life-saving. In the beginning, these milestones were attached to rewards. Now, I only reward myself for the big deadline, but you do as you need.
Lastly, when it was the scheduled time to sit down and do the work. I did it. Period. This is probably the hardest step. Because more days than not, I didn’t feel like it. That’s not easy for a writer. There are strategies I have learned to employ to start the creative juices flowing (like doing a writing prompt, editing the last scene written, etc) that are very helpful. And I have had to find a tool that would block out parts of the internet (namely social media) that would suck me in when I sit down to write, but allow me to access places for research purposes. There are a ton of great tools out there.
So, there it is…my plan. My path from procrastinator to early finisher. I sleep better, I enjoy my time more, and I get things done with less stress. I won’t lie, there are still times I struggle with the procrastinator in me, but it becomes easier to overcome that tendency. More and more as time goes by.
Do you have other strategies that have worked to overcome procrastination?
The post OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION: The art of keeping up with yesterday appeared first on Sara's Desk.
July 9, 2018
July 6, 2018
GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW: Author Krista Wagner
Welcome, readers! I have an author for you to meet today – Krista Wagner. I met Krista through our publisher, Clean Reads. And I am so excited for you to read more about her very intriguing book. And to see this fabulous cover! So, I won’t spend a lot of time gabbing here when I could be introducing you…
Thank you for being on the blog, Krista. First, can you tell us a little about this novel with the gorgeous cover?
A YA supernatural mystery, Cassi Is In A Coma deals with the worst kind of betrayal. The most liked high school senior is suddenly ostracized by all of her friends, and not given a reason. Seeking answers and feeling alone, she winds up falling ten stories off a water tower, which sends her into a coma. Did she commit suicide, like the papers say, or was she pushed? Through flashbacks, dreams, and an out-of-body journey, she will attempt to uncover the truth. Cassi is the third novel in the Small Town Secrets novel series.
I will admit this isn’t my primary genre, but I’m intrigued…
What was the inspiration for Cassi is in a Coma?
Everyone, at some point, has been betrayed, and often there is no explanation or justification. I wrote a story that we can all relate to, one that offers a way to get through a painful lonely adversity.
So true! I love this idea!
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what did you want to be when you were a child?
Yes! I have been writing since I was seven. I started penning plays and songs and then went to short stories and poems in high school, where I also contributed and edited our high school’s literary magazine and co-authored a zine. I have six novels published now, and am currently at work on the prequel to Intent, my spiritual dramatic thriller.
As much as we love writing, we all like some parts a bit less… What part of the writing process do you dread?
Timelines. Because certain events/plot points/character interactions can change, so do timelines. It is easy to lose track of them.
I, too, struggle with timelines…as a historical writer, some of mine are set (sometimes to much frustration). I find myself wishing away YEARS sometimes. Alas, they don’t let me change history…
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
Take a break from your first draft, at least a couple of weeks, so that you can return to it with fresh eyes; this will allow you to see things you weren’t able to before. Having beta readers is invaluable—a myriad of perspectives can spot issues you won’t see, and get a good editor and proofreader.
What are you currently reading?
Fahrenheit 451
My readers know that I have to “set the mood” when I write. Most often that includes music. What kind of music, if any, do you listen to when you write?
I don’t typically, but I have been known to listen to 80’s music from time to time.
Do you have a favorite time of day to write? What about a favorite place?
Yes, at night, at my desktop, when the kids are sleeping.
How long does it take you to write a book?
With revisions and editing, about a year, but if I committed to writing 10 hours a day, every day, I could have a finished product in one month.
Right? If only…
Thanks again, Krista, for being here and for chatting with us. I won’t keep my readers any longer from enjoying the wonderful tidbits below about Cassi in a Coma. So, without further ado…
Cassi in a Coma
“You are not wanted”
Cassi Walker has been Royal High School’s most-liked girl for the past four years, but a lot can happen in two days. Suddenly, she’s the school’s most-hated girl, but before she can figure out why, a ten-story fall off a water tower sends her into a coma. Soon, rumors start to fly that it was attempted suicide. Unfortunately, she has no memory of those final seconds before the harrowing event. Through a strange barrage of dreams, flashbacks, and an out-of-body journey, Cassi will attempt to expose the secrets and uncover the mysteries behind what happened to her. But will she be able to handle the truth?
Enjoy an Excerpt
“You will pay for it. You have to.” His voice was hushed, unlike the kind soft voice he’d always used with me. His eyes, which had once shone with warmth, were hard and flat. I detected a hint of disappointment there too, and I wondered what that meant.
His words haunting me, I found myself in turmoil not for the first time. The question that refused to be answered—what had I done?
“What did I do?” I said out loud.
“You know exactly what you did.”
Buy Link
More About the Author
Krista Wagner is a 70’s product best known for her spiritual suspense and fictional realism. In addition to being a recipient of the Reader’s Favorite 5-star seal, she has been praised by award-winning screenwriter Sean Paul Murphy for her writing skill and strong plotting. Wagner holds an MFA in Creative Writing and is an English associate instructor with an indispensable faith in Christ.
Connect with Krista and her books
Find out more about Krista here: kristawagner.wixsite.com/author/bio
Follow her on Facebook: facebook.com/kristawagnerofficial/
Twitter: twitter.com/IntentBook04
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8509957.Krista_Wagner
GIVEAWAY
Krista is giving away an ecopy of her book featured on the blog today, Cassi Is In A Coma. Please follow the directions on the Rafflecopter to enter.
The post GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW: Author Krista Wagner appeared first on Sara's Desk.
July 2, 2018
July 1, 2018
“Trail of Fears” Facebook LIVE Event
Win a PAPERBACK of “Off to War”
Win an EBOOK copy of “Trail of Fears” and a $5 Starbucks gift card – THREE (3) WINNERS will be chosen
One (1) Amazon $20 gift card
The post “Trail of Fears” Facebook LIVE Event appeared first on Sara's Desk.
June 29, 2018
GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW: Author Jennifer Pierce
Welcome, readers! I have a new author to introduce you to today: Jennifer Pierce. Her book has romance, suspense, mystery…what else? And an all star rating on Amazon. It seems you can’t go wrong! And one lucky winner will get to find out first hand! But lets not just take my word for it…I’ll step aside and turn this show over to Jennifer and her release so they can speak for themselves.
Welcome to my blog, Jennifer! Thanks for being here. First, can you tell us a little about your novel?
All Maggie Jones wants to do is sell her late father’s property and get out of Whitehaven, Texas as fast as possible—before she runs into the one man she’s spent the past six years avoiding. Someone has other plans for her, though. Sinister plans. And when a seemingly harmless act of vandalism turns into a series of menacing threats, she has no choice but to turn to last person on earth she wants to see for help.
Sheriff Cody Smith never expected to see Maggie again, especially after he’d broken her heart all those years ago. Maybe this is the second chance he’s always wanted. But when he realizes Maggie’s in grave danger, he intends to keep her safe at all costs. With lines from an old nursery rhyme as their only clue, he needs to find out who’s behind this deadly game before the rhyme ends and Maggie’s time runs out. Can he protect her, catch the bad guy, and make amends for past wrongs? Or will old wounds get in the way?
Nice. I like a good mystery! What was the inspiration for Hidden Danger?
I started with a scene where a woman comes back to town and runs into an old flame. It developed from there.
Not a bad place to start!
Did you always want to be a writer? If not, what did you want to be when you were a child?
Being a writer was never on my radar. I actually wanted to be a veterinarian.
Not at all close…but when that writing bug get’s you. It tends to be a sure thing…
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
2015. My father died in January 2014. I spent the rest of that year with my nose in a book. I read 135 books that year. In 2015, I was reading and thought “I can do that.” And I did.
I like that.
And as much as we love writing, there are things we don’t like so much…for every author. What part of the writing process do you dread?
Editing.
Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
Keep writing, keep reading, keep learning. Follow your favorite authors on social media.
As much as conferences and books on craft feed our skills, I believe reading does as well. What are you currently reading?
JoAnn Durgin’s Gentle Like the Rain.
I have to set the mood when I write. Do you? What kind of music, if any, do you listen to when you write?
It depends on my mood. I have a playlist of love songs ranging from the 80s to present day. Mostly I listen to current Christian music.
Do you have a favorite time of day to write? What about a favorite place?
It’s not my favorite but it’s my most productive, at work on my lunch break. I can’t focus at home even if I’m home alone.
I hear you. So much distraction at the house.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Hidden Danger took me about a year. I don’t think my second novel took that long.
Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.
They say you write what you know. There are some things that happened in real life that I incorporated into Hidden Danger. The most obvious is my father died and we had to go through his stuff. We really did find lots of expired medications. Also, there’s a scene/story about a snake. It really happened.
Do you have any current projects you’re working on? Care to share?
My second novel, Expecting Danger, will release December 4, 2018. You’ll learn about Maggie’s brother Jacob. I’m currently working on book three in the Small-Town Guardians series.
Thanks again, Jennifer, for being on the blog! Now, readers, onto the details…
Hidden Danger
“Loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. The combination of romance and mystery was perfect. Maggie and Cody warmed my heart. I look forward to reading more books by this author.”
~ KB (Amazon Reviewer), 5 Star Review
Enjoy an Excerpt
“Well, if it isn’t little Magpie Jones. The prodigal daughter returns,” an unforgettable southern drawl announced from behind her. She’d know that voice anywhere. The voice that used to bring comfort now only angered her. She spun around, the last man she wanted to see occupied the waiting room seat.
“Well, if it isn’t the heartbreaking Cody Smith. I should have known I’d meet you at the sheriff’s office. It was only a matter of time before you were on the wrong side of the law.” Her words held the pent-up anger she’d thought she’d released a long time ago.
“Now, Magpie, don’t be like that.” Cody furrowed his brows.
“Don’t you Magpie me. You know how much I hate that name. My name is Maggie.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
Buy Link
More About the Author
I live in Arkansas with my husband and two children. I’m a paralegal by day and a referee by night. I’m an avid reader with a to be read pile that will never be finished.
Connect with Jennifer and her books
Facebook.com/JenniferPierceauthor
Lovereadwriterepeat.wordpress.com
GIVEAWAY!
Author Jennifer Pierce is offering an ecopy of her book, Hidden Danger, to 1 (one) winner to be chosen by Rafflecopter. Please follow the directions below to enter.
The post GIVEAWAY & INTERVIEW: Author Jennifer Pierce appeared first on Sara's Desk.
