Michele Israel Harper's Blog, page 6

Interview with Carrie Anne Noble

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You guys, I can’t even tell you how excited I am for this new book, The Gold-Son by Carrie Anne Noble.

I listened to The Mermaid’s Sister on Audible on the way home from PENCON, and Oh. My. Freaking. Goodness.

So good.

Then Carrie Anne Noble asked if anyone would be willing to host her for The Gold-Son’s release. Can I help it if I knocked everyone else over to get my hands on an ARC of this book?

(Okay, I wasn’t that brutal, but still…)

I’ve read it, I love it, and I’m beyond excited to have the author on my blog today.

(You guys should totally be freaking out with me. Eep!)

Hi Carrie! Thank you so much for being a guest on my blog today! I’ve got so many questions for you about your brilliant books, I hope you don’t mind my fangirling just the teeniest-tiniest bit. I love your stories!

What fairy tales did you borrow from, or did you make The Gold-Son entirely your own tale?

For The Gold-Son, I researched Irish leprechaun folklore, and then I took some of the traditional beliefs and wove them together with my own ideas. For example, according to legend, leprechauns live underground, so I went with that—and then added that leprechauns have a network of towns below ground, with shops and roads and pubs just like humans have. I also decided that leprechauns eat mostly mushrooms (because what else can you grow in the dark for food?).

Well, of course! And I loved learning more about them.

Why did you choose first person for The Mermaid’s Sister and third person for The Gold-Son?

The Mermaid’s Sister was written in first person because it was a very personal story for me, a fictionalized journey through my real-life grief at the loss of my sister. The Gold-Son was written more as a return to the joy and fun of writing. To me, third person seemed like the best way to convey both Tommin’s and Eve’s experiences.

Oh, how achingly beautiful! I am so sorry, Carrie. I loved the way you conveyed each story.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It really depends on the day.

When the words are flowing, it can be quite exhilarating. When I’m stuck revising a pesky scene for hours, it can suck the life right out of me. Thank heaven for the rejuvenating qualities of chocolate!

Amen! Chocolate wins everything.

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I recently listened to the audiobook of The Mermaid’s Sister, and it was stunning. Will we see any of the same characters in your new book, The Gold-Son?

The Gold-Son contains a whole new cast of characters: a kindhearted shoemaker’s apprentice addicted to stealing, a mute young woman held hostage by magic, a wicked leprechaun bent on dominating fairy-kind, a shape shifting bat-boy, and more! By the way, I’m completely thrilled to report that Irish actor Gerard Doyle narrated the audiobook for The Gold-Son. It’s just enchanting!

Excuse me while I pause everything and go preorder that too. Swoon!

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

So far I’ve only written stand-alone books with characters unique to each one. The thought of writing a series is rather daunting to me, but I might try someday! What my books have in common (my “brand”) is the blending of historical fiction and fairy tale elements, with a little dash of whimsy. It’s what I like to read, and what I most enjoy creating.

And that whimsy is enchanting! Each story is truly a unique blend of history and fairy tale woven together.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I do some online and library research before I start writing the first draft, and then as I write I stop to check the odd historical fact now and then. Readers are pretty savvy and will call you out for giving a character a pocket watch before they were invented, or for having characters eat foods unavailable in their region. I enjoy the trivia of history, so fact checking is a fun distraction sometimes.

Ahem. This may be the reason I love writing fantasy… Pocket watch wasn’t invented yet? Bam! Alternate history. Lol! But in all seriousness, your attention to detail amazes me. Well done!

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What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

The best money I’ve spent as a writer has been the money spent attending writers’ conferences such as St. Davids and Realm Makers. I heartily believe that taking classes to improve your craft and networking with others in the business are essential stepping stones to becoming a successful writer—especially for introverts like me. Writing is such a solitary art; it’s refreshing to come out of your lair and meet people who understand the weirdness of a writer’s brain! To anyone who thinks they can’t afford to attend conferences: check conference websites for scholarship opportunities and take the plunge!

Woohoo! Realm Makers is the best! (Only my favorite writers’ conference ever…)

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I don’t know what I’d do without the feedback and encouragement I receive from writers in my local NaNoWriMo group (including my prized beta-reader, the talented, multi-published short story writer Amanda C. Davis) and the members of my local critique group! Also, Rysa Walker, who won the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, gave me loads of helpful advice and support throughout the publishing process for The Mermaid’s Sister when it won the ABNA for the YA category in 2014. I’ve made quite a few writer friends at conferences—too many to name here, for sure! Having peers to cheer you on and steer you toward growth is priceless, especially on days you’re struggling with doubt or nasty reviews.

Absolutely! Oh, I’m so glad you have such a wonderful group of supportive writers!

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

For English class in fifth grade, I had to write a story based on an interview with an older family member. I wrote about my great grandmother’s childhood summers at a farm. It taught me how powerfully words work to preserve memories and sensory experiences that would otherwise be forgotten. Maybe that’s why I’m still drawn to historical fiction; it keeps parts of the past alive, allowing us to experience in our imaginations the world as it was for our predecessors.

That is lovely.

What does literary success look like to you?

To me, literary success means having readers enjoy my stories, and also being able to help pay the bills—while honoring God who gave me the gift of words.

I do believe I need to frame this for my office. So well said!

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Don’t stop writing just because some people fail to appreciate your passion. Do it for yourself, and for the joy of it, and eventually all your practice will pay off!

Thank you, Carrie! I have loved getting to know you better, and I adore your new book!

What do you think, dearest readers? Are you ready to immerse yourself in The Gold-Son’s world?

Get thyself to the nearest bookstore (or, you know, Amazon) forthwith!

In Him,

Michele

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*Photo Credit: Tonya Wilhelm Photography

About the Author:

In the wake of her checkered past as a theatre student, restaurant hostess, certified nurse aide, and newspaper writer, Carrie Anne now writes novels and short stories–mostly for a Young Adult audience. She lives in the mountains of Pennsylvania with her tolerant husband, four charming children, two naughty cats, a not-so-bright dog, and some really-not-so-bright chickens. The chickens do not live in the house.

Her favorite authors include Mervyn Peake, Neil Gaiman, Maggie Stiefvater, Ardyth Kennelly, Catherine Cookson, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

When not reading or writing, Carrie Anne enjoys sewing, attempting to garden, and having tea parties with friends (preferably Mad Hatter style!).

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

The Mermaid’s Sister:

2014 Winner of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award winner for Young Adult Fiction

2016 Winner of the Realm Award for Speculative Novel of the Year

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Whispers in the Dark Blog Tour: Author Interview

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Oh my goodness, I’m so excited to be a part of this blog tour!

This book snatched my interest right away, and I immediately bought it.

I cannot wait to share it with you.

But first! An interview with the lovely author herself:

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Hello, Pam! I’m so excited to have you on my blog today. Let’s dive right in!

Where did you get your idea for your story?

I’ve always loved Beauty and the Beast-type stories. I like the diamond-in-the-rough heart-of-gold underneath a scary exterior. Just that little extra thrill of danger, the lure of the forbidden, the realization that you can see through to someone most other people can’t reach.

Being the “Beauty” is exciting and powerful, because she’s basically his only hope. In many ways the “Beast” is powerless–he can hold her there, but he can’t force her to love him, which is what he really needs. So then I thought, what if he didn’t even have that much control? What if she could walk away? And if she can, why wouldn’t she?

I like a challenge, and wanted to make people believe that a girl could fall for a monster. My readers do–I think half of them are in love with him, too–the word ‘adorable’ keeps coming up!

On a more serious note, it’s about judging someone for their actions, not their appearance or their social skills. That’s personal for me, because my son has autism. He’s incredibly sweet but it’s going to be challenging for him to find love, so I want to encourage people to see past the surface.

That sounds wonderful! Thank you for encouraging others to look beneath the surface.

Do you like zombie lore or do you watch any zombie shows? (Such as Walking Dead, I am Legend, World War Z, Resident Evil…okay, I think those are the only ones I’ve heard of!)

Honestly I’m not a zombie fan at all–I don’t like violence or horror or gore. I mean, I was familiar with the lore just in a general way. But then someone recommended the movie Warm Bodies, and the trailer completely hooked me. Awkward, introverted, funny guy…who also happens to be a corpse. He falls in love with a girl, rescues/kidnaps her, confuses the heck out of her, and learns to be human again. Because of the aforementioned Beauty & the Beast thing, this was something I had to see. I found the movie during a really stressful time in my life, and it was my happy place for a while. Great humor, great music. It’s based on a book which is also amazing, but the book is darker so I prefer the movie. Gradually I started wondering what if…? A little later on, I was also reconnecting with God, so I wanted to make this Christian-friendly, which obviously required changes!

One of my early readers was also a huge fan of the movie, but she said she actually preferred my book, which was awesome.

So glad to know I’m not the only one who finds zombies horrid! (Yet still wrote a zombie book. Hmm…)

Zombies scare the living daylights out of me, but I find the story wrapped around them fascinating. What scares you yet oddly intrigues you?

Scary yet intriguing? Hmm… good question! I’d have to go with the ocean. Seriously, I love being on the beach and watching the waves, for hours, but there’s so much power in the water. I live in the Carolinas, so hurricanes are a thing. A very destructive thing. Maybe I’ve seen one too many tsunami videos, but water can destroy whole towns. Not to mention the possibility of sharks. I’ll watch from a safe distance, thanks very much.

Also, I pay attention to politics, which is way scarier than fiction sometimes.

Lol! Yes, they are!

Who did your fabulous cover art? He’s a genius!

I know, right? I am so blessed with that cover. Found a guy on a Facebook group–I asked about recommendations for cover artists, and told a little bit about the book. Venkatesh volunteered and said he’d be excited to work on what he called an epic project. His website is called killerbookcovers.com and man, did he deliver. He asked what I was thinking, and I told him the basics. He blew me away with the result. I still sometimes just look at it and sigh happily. He’s got very reasonable rates and was always responsive to my concerns, so I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Hmm…I shall keep him in mind… ;)

Is this a series? If so, how many more do you have planned?

Nope, not a series–a guaranteed happily ever after. I might do more in that universe, but I probably won’t. I have a sci-fi/romance/adventure series I’m working on next–four books and counting in that one, but they need a lot of revisions.

Oh, good! I love happily ever afters more than anything! And more books in the works? Yes, please!

Thanks for having me! I appreciate it!

Thank you so much for coming on my blog today! I absolutely loved having you!

And now you, dear reader, need to go check out this book ASAP. Just sayin’.

I hope you love it!

In Him,

Michele

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She’s a preschool teacher. He’s kind of a zombie. It would never work.

Karen teaches post-apocalypse preschool, safe inside city walls. She never intended to get caught outside.

Leo is technically alive, but perpetually zoned out: Mindless. He can see emotions as colors now, though, so at least there’s that. Like the other Mindless, he feeds on the emotional energy of humans. Then he meets Karen–her unique energy jolts him partly awake, and he’s hooked. He protects her but when she’s rescued, he lands in a cage.

Karen wants to go home, but until then, she also wants to spy on her sketchy host, which brings her into contact with Leo.  He’s recovering, and surprisingly sweet, and he’ll protect her in any way he can.  She returns the favor, but this alliance can’t last; she’s leaving, and he’ll be killed for science.

Leo doesn’t expect her to even talk to him, much less help him. But she does–and that emotion she has when she looks at him?  He doesn’t know what to call it, but it’s not fear.

Karen can go back to her life–if she abandons Leo. She can’t stay with him, she can’t take him home…but without her, he’s dead.

He saved her. Can she save him?

 Winner: Fool for Love contest, VA Romance Writers, Dark Paranormal category (2015)

Finalist: First Impressions contest, American Christian Fiction Writers, Speculative category (2015)

Purchase Links:

Amazon
Goodreads

About the Author:

Pam Jernigan started writing in elementary school and never quite got over it. Invisible friends are some of her favorite people. She was born a Yankee but realized the error of her ways in her early twenties and moved to North Carolina, where she now lives with one husband, two almost-grown children, and two almost-grown kittens. The cats may move out before the children do; time will tell.

She’s always been a sucker for variations of Beauty & the Beast and is partial to romance stories that feature a hero who falls for the heroine on sight and has to hustle to get her attention and prove himself worthy. Snappy dialog is always a plus. She’s a firm believer that people have enough angst and drama in their real lives, so she writes to entertain and let readers escape to fun worlds which are not entirely constrained by reality.

Pam has written and shared weird stories for thirty years, and in 2017 she finally got up the courage to self-publish. Whispers in the Dark is not the first novel she’s written, but it was the first to get up to publishable quality. Self-publishing has been an adventure. She looks forward to doing it again, as soon as those other novels are whipped into shape.

She religiously avoids talking politics in public (which is to say, she tries to avoid it but sometimes fails) but will cheerfully confess to being a Christian. She loves to sing anything from Handel’s Messiah to modern country to Christian rock.

Social Media Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

And a Giveaway!

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Five Poisoned Apples Cover Reveal

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Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of the Five Poisoned Apples cover reveal! I love these fairy tale retellings so much!

To refresh your memory, first there was Five Glass Slippers.

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Then Five Enchanted Roses (for which I began writing Kill the Beast but didn’t finish in time to submit. I’m sensing a pattern with this particular story…)

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Then Five Magic Spindles.

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Happy sigh.

Aren’t the covers gorgeous?

Well now you get to see Five Poisoned Apples.

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Wait for it…

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It’s coming…

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It may be my favorite of them all…

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Ta-da! Isn’t that perfection? Sigh. So gorgeous… (insert sappy, starry-eyed emoticon here)

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So now the nitty-gritty details.

This is a contest.

It begins today.

Open to all authors anywhere.

Snow White themed.

Any genre whatsoever.

(Are you catching my excitement yet?)

In other words, you can write up a delicious story, submit it to this contest, and quite possibly be published in this gorgeous fairy tale-retelling collection.

In other words, WHY ARE WE BOTH NOT WRITING YET??? Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!

(Yes, I used all caps. Yes, I shouted. Yes, I used too many punctuation marks.)

But what are you waiting for? Check out the details and get to writing!

I’ll be cheering you on the whole way.

In Him,

Michele

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THE FINAL FAIRY TALE CONTEST

Rooglewood Press invites you to join the adventure of the Five Poisoned Apples creative writing contest!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

*Cover Model/Photography by Wynter Clark

*Covers by Julia Popova

Five Reasons Why I Love Linneah: An Editor’s Perspective

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I can’t even tell you how excited I am to be a part of J.M. Hackman’s blog tour for her new release, Spark!

(And I must say, it’s such fun to put down the pen of being an editor and simply bask in reading a story I love! It’s so good, you guys. So good.)

When Spark first crossed my desk, I knew we had to publish that book. It was incredible. Vivid characters, beautiful imagery, a fun and light read…Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing needed that book in our line-up.

And I was never so thrilled when J.M. Hackman agreed!

Then came the months of editing, working with formatters and cover designers, marketers and publicists.

And then we had a finished product. And I got to sit back and simply enjoy the story.

Brenna is just a normal teen. Going to school, hanging out with friends, shooting fire from her bare hands…um, what? When her mother disappears, Brenna will do anything to find her. Even travel through a portal. But life on the other side involves intimidating griffins, cryptic prophecies, and elusive enemies. Brenna must choose wisely whom to trust or lose everything.

I love it so much! And here’s why.

Five Reasons Why I Love Linneah

Because starting fire with your bare hands (without getting burned) or pulling down a tornado from a cloud above is considered perfectly normal

I mean, Come. On. How cool is that? I’m ready to jump through a portal right now! (Okay, okay, I’m not exactly Linnean, which apparently I’d need to be in order to have those powers, but still.)

Because bonding with a griffin is now a new life goal of mine

They fly, they communicate without saying a word, and they’re handy in combat. I definitely want one of these on my side!

Because portals

I really don’t think anything else needs to be said here…

Because as terrifying as the Silvastamen forest is, it’s still freaking cool

Blade pines, Dragon Demons, Blood Spinners–on second thought, maybe I’ll just stay at the castle…

Because I’d get to meet Anna the shapeshifter

She’s wicked awesome, her slang is endearing, and she has a heart of gold. Plus, getting to see her change into wind? Where is this portal again?

From Spark:

Talus stepped forward, but I held up a hand. “Please don’t ask me who I think I am. I’m Brenna the Firebrand, fulfiller of the First Prophecy.” I drew a deep breath, praying for oxygen mixed with courage. “For better or for worse.”

There are so many more reasons why I love this story, but I need to go get ready for the Facebook Launch Party now.

I’ve got ebook codes to send, prizes to mail, and posts to get ready to go. So much fun!

But before I go, be sure to check out yesterday’s blog post, a lovely review of Spark by The Story Sanctuary.

Tomorrow’s post will be a behind-the-scenes peek on www.KatHeckenbach.com about Spark’s magical world.

And you can get your very own copy here! (I hear the ebook is $2.99 instead of $4.99 for this week only!)

And do not miss the Facebook Launch Party today! So many prizes, so much fun–I cannot wait.

Click this link to come to the party!

(Psst. Below is a sneak peek of one of the giveaways. Also a book I adore! There are many, many more prizes!)

See you there!

In Him,

Michele

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About the author:

J.M. Hackman has held many positions: assistant librarian, office assistant, office manager, substitute teacher, writer, wife, and mother. She still holds the last three. And loves it. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University and now spends her days writing stories, consuming massive quantities of chocolate, and looking for portals to other worlds. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.JMHackman.com.

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I am thrilled!

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Author Laurie Lucking from Lands Uncharted made my year!

In her post titled “Top 3 Books That Exceeded My Expectations,” she includes Zombie Takeover! My book! She likes it! And she hates zombies, too!

Oh, I am positively giddy.

You simply must read this fabulous blog post.

See the post here.

She also reminded me of a guest post I wrote for Lands Uncharted last year titled, “My Top 3 Spec Fic Books.”

I adored these three books then, and I love them even more today! (Yes, they may possibly be the three pictured above…)

See my guest post here.

Isn’t that marvelous?

Thank you, Laurie Lucking, for loving my book as much as I do!

In Him,

Michele

Kill the Beast and Writer’s Block

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As many of you know, Kill the Beast was supposed to release mid-March. Key word there being “supposed.”

Oh, by the way, hi! I haven’t posted anything about my writing for months and months, so I thought I should remedy that! ;)

Ahem. Back to Kill the Beast.

So here I am, plugging away at this incredible story in my head, exploring all the different threads, and I finish my story. Look at the word count. 35,000. No, no, no! This glorious book needs to be a full-length novel, not another novella!

(The prequel story to Kill the Beast, “Beast Hunter,” is in the anthology Hodgepodge. Let me just say, novellas are easy-peasy to write. Unless, you know, it’s the novella to Zombie Takeover that’s been sitting on my computer for two years. Unfinished. I digress.)

So in November 2016 I do NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, for those of you who may not have heard of it) and get the story up to 95,000 words.

Success!

Right…?

Not so much.

I’m thankful I did it. I am. I pulled so much depth and additional storyworld and motivation from this story, it makes my heart sing. I adore this story so much more than I did when I started writing it! It is glorious. Or will be. Someday.

For now it is a tangled mess that laughs at me. I cannot untangle it. The characters (who are also laughing at me, btw) are telling me this is how the story should be but giving me no clue how to jump from one scene to another. How to weave the story back together so it’s as glorious on paper as it is in my mind.

So there it sits, mocking me, and I want to cry every time I look at it.

So when will Kill the Beast come out? Once it untangles itself. Once I hack it to pieces. Once I have a draft my editor won’t look at as if it’s a piece of poo to be dropped in the nearest wastebasket.

Sob! (I will not wallow, I will not wallow…)

So, now that you have a peek into my world as it is in this moment in time, I am going back to editing other people’s works of art. You know, people who actually can write and aren’t stuck like a tractor in a sinkhole, sucked into misery and wallowing. No! I will not wallow!

What about you? Have you ever been stuck on a project, whether writing or something else? (FYI, we are not calling this writer’s block. Not at all. I refuse to believe that’s a thing.) :)

I hope your week is fabulous, your days full of hope, and your years full of joy.

Happy Writing!

In Him,

Michele

Spark’s Gorgeous Cover!

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Hurray! I’m so excited I get to be a part of J.M. Hackman’s cover reveal for Spark!

This is the first book in the Firebrand Chronicles, a series that follows Brenna James, a normal teen who discovers she can shoot fire from her bare hands. And freaks out just the teeniest tiniest bit.

(I mean, come on. Wouldn’t you?)

It’s so good!

Here is the back cover copy:

Brenna James wants three things for her sixteenth birthday: to find her history notes before the test, to have her mother return from her business trip, and to stop creating fire with her bare hands.

Yeah, that’s so not happening. Unfortunately.

When Brenna learns her mother is missing in an alternate reality called Linneah, she travels through a portal to find her. Against her will. Who knew portals even existed? But Brenna’s arrival in Linneah begins the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, including a royal murder and the theft of Linneah’s most powerful relic: the Sacred Veil.

Hold up. Can everything just slow down for a sec?

Unwilling yet left with no other choice, Brenna and her new friend Baldwin (Um, hello, Hottie!) pursue the thief into the dangerous woods of Silvastamen and beyond. Exactly what Brenna wanted to do for her sixteenth birthday. Exactly. When they spy an army marching toward Linneah, Brenna is horrified. Can she find the veil, save her mother, and warn Linneah in time?

And more importantly, why on earth doesn’t this alternity have Belgian waffles?

And just to drag out this sweet torture just a smidgeon more, here is a little about the author herself. (Are you dying to see the cover? I’m dying to show it to you! But seriously, you’ve got to get to know J.M. Hackman first.)

J.M. Hackman has held many positions: assistant librarian, office assistant, office manager, substitute teacher, writer, wife, and mother. She still holds the last three. And loves it. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University and now spends her days writing stories, consuming massive quantities of chocolate, and looking for portals to other worlds. You can find her at www.JMHackman.com.

And now for the main event.

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It’s coming.

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I promise.

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Are you as excited as I am? Squeal!

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Ta-da!

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Take a deep breath. Stare at it some more. Maybe drool a little…

In. Love.

Sara Helwe from Sara Helwe Digital Arts creates magic with her art and with her covers!

This incredible book releases May 16th, and the preorder link will be available soon. (Check out www.L2L2Publishing.com to stay updated on all that jazz.)

Hip, hip, hurray!

In Him,

Michele

Why I Love Reconciliation

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Why I love Reconciliation. Hmm…how can I fit this all in one blog post?

The first reason I love Reconciliation is because of the author, Amy Brock McNew.

This author is so incredibly passionate about the words she writes, that they speak truth and change people’s lives for the better, I can’t help but admire her. She’s a hard worker, a fast writer, and I am beyond thrilled that her second book is out so soon! (But, ahem, now that I’ve read it, I’m ready for the next one…) ;)

Here is a little more about her:

Amy Brock McNew doesn’t just write speculative fiction, she lives and breathes it. Exploring the strange, the supernatural, and the wonderfully weird, Amy pours her guts onto the pages she writes, honestly and brutally revealing herself in the process. Nothing is off-limits. Her favorite question is “what if?” and she believes fiction can be truer than our sheltered and controlled realities. Visit AmyBrockMcNew.com to learn more about this intriguing author.

The second is the cover.

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I know I’ve said this a thousand times, but I adore Sara Helwe’s covers. So much. She not only captures the intense emotions in the book, she knows how to make a character come to life where you can’t help but just pick up that cover! Happy sigh.

Third, what the book is about. I mean, read what the back cover says!

Some ghosts from the past refuse to stay dead.

Finally. Finally everything is coming together for Liz Brantley. She’s marrying Ryland Vaughn, the man of her dreams. She’s embraced her calling and battles the minions of hell bent on her destruction. And she’s left her dark past far behind her. Or so she thought. A secret she holds close, stuffed down deep, surfaces at the wrong time for everyone in Liz’s life, leaving a trail of devastation. Left reeling, Liz wonders if she made a mistake, putting her trust in God, her guardian Arie, and Ryland. And the demon Kade capitalizes on her shaken faith. With a vengeance. Torn between her tortured past and the future she craves, Liz is desperate to defeat every demon that stands in her way. Before all hell breaks loose and swallows her whole.

Amy got so many messages from me while I was reading the book as I was swept away in the story and experienced the devastation and triumph of the main character. Amy doesn’t pull punches! This is an intense, gripping read, and I cannot recommend it strongly enough. I loved every moment I was lost in Liz Brantley’s world!

And the final reason I am so excited about Reconciliation is Amy’s Facebook launch party! It is tonight !!! I am hosting it for her, and I cannot even tell you how many prizes and fun “get to know the author” and “get to know you” posts we brainstormed and put together for you all.

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Join us at 7-10 p.m. EST, right on Facebook (this link right here) for a chance to win one of these prizes or many more.

I hope you love it!

And I hope you love Reconciliation!

(You can buy this lovely book right here!)

In Him,

Michele

Reconciliation Cover Reveal!

I’m so excited to be a part of Amy Brock McNew’s cover reveal for Reconciliation! :D

This is the second book of the Reluctant Warrior Chronicles, and (dare I say it?) it may even be better than the first! (Gasp!) I know, I know, the first book was ah-mazing. But can you imagine how awesome this book is if the first is that wonderful?

You can find out for yourself on January 24th when this book releases.

And now for the back cover:

Some ghosts from the past refuse to stay dead.

Finally. Finally everything is coming together for Liz Brantley.

She’s marrying Ryland Vaughn, the man of her dreams. She’s embraced her calling and battles the minions of hell bent on her destruction. And she’s left her dark past far behind her.

Or so she thought.

A secret she holds close, stuffed down deep, surfaces at the wrong time for everyone in Liz’s life, leaving a trail of devastation. Left reeling, Liz wonders if she made a mistake, putting her trust in God, her guardian Arie, and Ryland.

And the demon Kade capitalizes on her shaken faith. With a vengeance.

Torn between her tortured past and the future she craves, Liz is desperate to defeat every demon that stands in her way.

Before all hell breaks loose and swallows her whole.

Ooh…happy shiver! Such a good book!

Follow Amy on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or her website to stay updated on this book and the rest of the Reluctant Warrior Chronicles.

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

In Him,

Michele

Stunning Headshots by EA Creative Photography!

Oh. My. Word. Look at that, will you?

I just have to brag on Emilie Hendryx of E.A. Creative Photography a little bit here.

I’d been wanting professional headshots for forever and ever, and I’d been following Emilie on Facebook and other various social media for a while. (She takes professional headshots for authors at Realm Makers and ACFW). Oh man, did I want a session too!

Well my time came at Realm Makers 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

It was raining. I was sweating–ahem, “glowing”–from running around to get to my session in time and, you know, cause it’s hot in Philly in July. Hot.

And I was totally freaking out to step in front of that camera. But I did anyway.

And she did it. Emilie took my damp hair, “glowing” skin, and extra baby weight (That sucker’s a year and a half. This is supposed to go away sometime about now, right? Right?) ;-) and somehow made me look beautiful.

 

I have no idea how she did it. But I have my guess.

One word: magic.

Thank you, Emilie Hendryx, for taking such stunning professional headshots! I am in awe!!!

In Him,

Michele