M.L. LeGette's Blog, page 43
May 21, 2013
Banjo & Fiddle Feature: The Boxer Rebellion
The feature where I share my own favorite musical finds — welcome to Banjo & Fiddle! Banjo and Fiddle is the side blog/guilty pleasure of my own music loving collection. Feel free to browse the selection I have there and please share your own favorite bands with me. I am always on the hunt for new artists.
Banjo & Fiddle Presents: The Boxer Rebellion // Always
If you are new to the Rebellion then you have found them at the perfect moment. Their 4th album is by far the best, the most mature, and the most commercial friendly. On Promises, there is only one song that I don’t like and another than I am borderline ‘meh’. Every other song is glorious. Give them a listen and after that listen, buy their album.
May 20, 2013
Blog Tour has Begun! Interview and Giveaway
Enter for a chance to win $25 and add The Tale of Mally Biddle to your ‘to read’ shelf!
Thank you Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for the interview and hosting such a spectacular tour and blast!
The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette
When Mally Biddle agreed to spy upon the King of Lenzar and his overbearing knights she knew she was heading into danger. She didn’t know she’d find a family unlike any other.
Posing as a servant in Bosc Castle, Mally serves tea and tends fires for the most dangerous men in the kingdom. Her goal is to learn the truth of what happened sixteen years ago, when the infant princess met her death … a death that is surrounded by more questions than answers.
Along her search for the truth, Mally meets the energized Lita Stump, the strict and matriarchal Meriyal Boyd, and the opinionated Archibald Diggleby. Then of course there are the knights: Leon Gibbs who is slicker than a greased hog, Adrian Bayard, hot tempered and violent, and the worst of the lot: Sir Illius Molick, Captain of the Knights. And then there is Maud, a mysterious woman who just might know everything…
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon Kindle
Praise
“To say I loved this book is an understatement. Mally is a wonderful character and she encounters so many quirky folks on her assignment. Very well written and engaging story! And an added bonus of a love triangle! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!! I will definitely be looking for more from this author!”
~April Holgate
Author Melissa LeGette
Melissa LeGette lives in Georgia where she helps run a family farm, so her nails are a fright. The Tale of Mally Biddle is her second novel.
Blog * Facebook
Pinterest * Twitter
What inspired you to want to become a writer?
Oddly enough it was my mom who suggested the profession. I was busily penning my first novel and telling her all about it when she asked, “Melissa what do you want to do when you grow up?” (I was probably 15 at the time.) I said, “I don’t know.” (And I really didn’t.) She then said, “Why don’t you be a writer?” The question rather blew me away. It had never dawned on me that I could be a writer. But it was so obvious. I haven’t looked back since.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
That would be the total stranger who tells me how much they enjoyed my book. When I find out that a kid liked my book so much that she’s reread it, that is something truly special.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I’ve always got book ideas rattling around. The book I’m currently working on is called Quest for Milo. My fingers are crossed for a publication sometime next year. I’m also really excited about one of my upcoming projects that I’ve only just started writing. It’s set in a maze. I want parts of it to be utterly terrifying. We’ll see if I pull it off.
What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
My answer also refers to my favorite book period. It’s Harry Potter. That series really opened my eyes when I was kid. To be honest, I didn’t really like reading. It was a chore more than anything. All that changed when I read the first Harry Potter. To this day I reread them, studying Rowling’s character development and dialogue.
Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
Yes, actually. I’m very similar in temperament to Mally in The Tale of Mally Biddle. In my next novel, Quest for Milo, I see myself very vividly in both main characters. This isn’t something that I necessarily mean to do. It just sort of happens.
Favorite Food?
Indian followed by Italian followed by Mexican followed by anything fried…
How do you react to a bad review?
In the beginning, badly. It’s part of the job — you’re not going to please everybody — but negative reactions are still really hard to swallow. The good news is that I’ve gotten better at swallowing. If I’m really hurt or annoyed by a review I go on a truly spectacular tirade in the safety of my own home, surrounded by my family who happily cheer me on. This tends to help deal with my pent up emotions and move on and no one (really) gets hurt.
You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?
You have no idea how much I would fret over this. But I’ve got a feeling that I would buy the most expensive, gourmet chocolates … and really fancy cheese … and then I’d start planning my house.
What’s your favorite season/weather?
It’s a toss up between spring and fall. I love the cooler temperatures. I’ve got a child-like fondness for summer, but it’s just a little too hot. A little too muggy.
What is you favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Writing pairs well with rain. The mood it brings fits my novels beautifully.
How long do you generally let a story idea ‘marinate’ in your brain before you start the book?
It just depends. Usually when I get an idea the first chapter comes very quickly and I write it almost immediately. After that it’s a slow process of rounding out the idea and coming up with characters. It’s only after I feel that I’ve got enough ‘stuff’ to work with that I seriously begin writing. My book ideas are always marinating.
If you could take over the world, would you?
Haha! No, I don’t think so. The stress would kill me.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with music?
Writing with music hasn’t ever worked for me. I tend to keep turning it down until it’s practically mute and it still bugs me. To contradict that, I work really well when people are talking. I’m very skilled at tuning out conversation, leaving the background hum of voices. I find it soothing. Why I can’t do this with music baffles me.
How do you go about revising/editing?
I revise when I lack inspiration for new material. Let’s say I’ve written the first 10 chapters and I’ve stalled out. I don’t have a clue what chapter 11 is going to look like and I’m not in the mood to wade through the mud. Instead, I’ll reread chapters 1 through 10, revising and editing as I go. Usually by the time I’ve hit the end of chapter 10 I’ve come up with an idea for chapter 11. This doesn’t always work, but it does make the previous chapters much cleaner. After I’ve revised as much as I can, I pass the manuscript on to my test readers and then my editor.
Describe your book in 5 words.
Friendship. Bravery. Family. Choices. Secrets.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/5/13
Click HERE to enter!
May 19, 2013
Milo Moving Forward!
Quest for Milo has been printed and handed to the editor! Part of me feels that it would never happen (there was much angst in writing Milo). The other half is saying nonchalantly, “Pff. Old hat.”
p.s. After taking this picture of this random page, I (of course) spotted a line that needs changing. *let the editing begin*
May 14, 2013
The Flame in the Mist by Kit Grindstaff
My Rank: 3.5 StarsSummary:
Set in an imagined past, this dark fantasy-adventure is for fans of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. Features Jemma, a fiery-headed heroine held captive in Agromond Castle, yet destined to save mist-shrouded Anglavia.
Fiery-headed Jemma Agromond is not who she thinks she is, and when the secrets and lies behind her life at mist-shrouded Agromond Castle begin to unravel, she finds herself in a chilling race for her life. Ghosts and misfits, a stone and crystals, a mysterious book, an ancient prophecy—all these reveal the truth about Jemma’s past and a destiny far greater and more dangerous than she could have imagined in her wildest fantasies. With her telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and her trusted friend, Digby, Jemma navigates increasingly dark forces, as helpers both seen and unseen, gather. But in the end, it is her own powers that she must bring to light, for only she has the key to defeating the evil ones and fulfilling the prophecy that will bring back the sun and restore peace in Anglavia.
My Take:
This book has everything that makes me happy: a magical land, murderous villains, a young odd ball girl with special abilities. If my preteen self had gotten hold of this book, she would have been beyond gleeful.
The book, though good and I highly recommend for young teens, had problems. It started off strong. Jemma’s ‘family’ made me very curious and I envisioned their crumbling castle and selves after the 1981 version of Swan Lake.
Is it worth mentioning how I absolutely loved this movie?
But then it slowed down. A lot. By the middle of the book, I found myself wondering if I even cared about Jemma and her terrible predicament. I began to lose my connection with her and her cute rats, but I continued reading. The ending is what scooped up the extra half star. Action packed, plus we return to the crumbling castle with the murderous villains (who, apparently, I enjoyed far more than any of the other characters).
Something else that ruffled me slightly was the fact that some of the character’s actions didn’t match their age. Jemma is 13 through most of the narrative. In the beginning, she acts just like I would imagine at 13 year old to act. However, later on when she is having ‘the talk’ with Feo (who I believe was also 14/15?? I can’t remember if his age was mentioned, but I do know he was close to Jemma’s age) she and he behaved far, far older. In fact, the subject matter of the conversation made me uncomfortable. It just rubs me the wrong way when we are talking about lusting after a 13 year old and have been, apparently, for a long time.
Other than those little issues, the book was entertaining and enjoyable. I especially loved the creepy imagery of a land encased in everlasting mist AND I deeply loved that Grindstaff took the time to describe the food. I repeat: give this book to 10 year old girls and they will squeal with joy.
My Favorite Lines:
The bread, flattened from her falling on it, was deliciously stale, and the cheese was perfect — runny with age and reeking of feet.
“You don’t think much, do yer?”
His voice was as low and resonant as the tone from the empty syrupwater flagons Jemma used to blow into.
“I never was gladder to see a rodent…”
“I’ll always be Marsh to you, Jem.”
“It’s like time’s stood still here.” While for the Agromonds, Jemma thought, it’s kept booming out from the Bell Tower like a death knell…
“Rotten rhubarb!”
May 9, 2013
(1) Harry Potter And The Blanket Of Ashes
Reblogged from Bitches With Books:
While I was starting to read Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone yesterday I remembered something funny, though at the time it was terrifying: I remembered how Harry Potter made me nearly set my house on fire. Looking back, it is a hilarious childhood moment, but believe me, at the time I was terrified. My parents don't even remember this, I think they blocked out the memory.
I don't have anything that compares to this story. Hilarious.
Harry Potter And The Blanket Of Ashes
Reblogged from Bitches With Books:
While I was starting to read Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone yesterday I remembered something funny, though at the time it was terrifying: I remembered how Harry Potter made me nearly set my house on fire. Looking back, it is a hilarious childhood moment, but believe me, at the time I was terrified. My parents don't even remember this, I think they blocked out the memory.
I don't have anything that compares to this story. Hilarious.
May 7, 2013
Book Blast Has Begun! Enter to Win!
[image error]The Tale of Mally Biddle by
M.L. LeGette
When Mally Biddle agreed to spy upon the King of Lenzar and his overbearing knights she knew she was heading into danger. She didn’t know she’d find a family unlike any other.
Posing as a servant in Bosc Castle, Mally serves tea and tends fires for the most dangerous men in the kingdom. Her goal is to learn the truth of what happened sixteen years ago, when the infant princess met her death … a death that is surrounded by more questions than answers.
Along her search for the truth, Mally meets the energized Lita Stump, the strict and matriarchal Meriyal Boyd, and the opinionated Archibald Diggleby. Then of course there are the knights: Leon Gibbs who is slicker than a greased hog, Adrian Bayard, hot tempered and violent, and the worst of the lot: Sir Illius Molick, Captain of the Knights. And then there is Maud, a mysterious woman who just might know everything…
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon Kindle
Praise
“To say I loved this book is an understatement. Mally is a wonderful character and she encounters so many quirky folks on her assignment. Very well written and engaging story! And an added bonus of a love triangle! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!! I will definitely be looking for more from this author!”
~April Holgate
Author Melissa LeGette
Melissa LeGette lives in Georgia where she helps run a family farm, so her nails are a fright. The Tale of Mally Biddle is her second novel.
Blog * Facebook
Pinterest * Twitter
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/2/13
Enter HERE through Rafflecopter!
May 5, 2013
Interviewed by Author Donna K. Childree
I just did an interview with fellow author Donna K. Childree. Donna has also participated in my Be My Guest program. Thank you again, Donna! This was lots of fun!
**The following interview was ‘taken’ from Donna’s website.**
Sunday Author Interview – M.L. LeGette
M.L. LeGette
We’re excited to feature author M.L. LeGette today on our Sunday Author Interview.
Donna: Thank you for joining us.
M.L. LeGette: My pleasure
Question: Where are you from? Is M.L. LeGette a pen name?
Answer: I was born in Georgia and still live in the state. Yes, M.L. LeGette is my pen name, but I really like it when people call me Melissa.
The Tale of Mally Biddle
Donna: I’m curious about the title of your new book, The Tale of Mally Biddle. How would you describe it for our readers?
Melissa: The book has a festive, fun feel. There is a lot of feasting and hot chocolate drinking and mushroom (the edible kind) gathering. It’s a family friendly adventure. If you’re game for castles, feasts, quirky characters, murder and full out entertainment, I’d give it a look.
Donna: Sounds wonderful, especially the hot chocolate drinking. When did you know that you were a writer?
Melissa: Oddly enough it was my mom who suggested the profession. I was busily penning my first novel and telling her about it when she asked “Melissa, what do you want to do when you grow up?” (I was probably 15 at the time.) I said, “I don’t know.” (And I really didn’t.) She then said “Why don’t you be a writer?” The question rather blew me away. It had never dawned on me that I could be a writer. But it was so obvious. I haven’t looked back since.
Donna: What a great Mom. Who else influences your writing?
Melissa: I greatly look up to J.K. Rowling. I’ve reread the Harry Potter books more times than I can remember, studying her character development and dialogue.
Donna: I think I may be the only person who has never read Harry Potter or seen a Harry Potter film. You’re making me think that maybe I should. How many books do you read monthly?
Melissa: I’m a very slow reader. When I do read, it usually takes me a month to finish one book. One of my faults is that I am an incredibly picky reader, but when I do find a book that sucks me in, I become obsessed with it.
Donna: I can relate to that. Please share something that has recently happened, or is about to happen in your life that you would like to share with our readers.
Melissa: My first blog tour is about to start. The Book Blast begins May 7 and the Tour runs from May 20 – 31st. I’m also very excited about my third novel. My test readers have it and my editor will be getting it this summer!
Donna: You have a great deal to be excited over. I will be sure to check out your blog tour. (dates and information are at the bottom of this interview). Where do you usually do your writing? Do you work in one spot?
Melissa: I tend to write at the kitchen table. I’m able to spread out my notes, have numerous cups of tea and not feel crowded.
Donna: That’s a nice picture. What about the time of day? Do you have a preferred time that you write?
Melissa: A year ago I would have said ‘morning’ but now I’d say ‘evening.’ I am full of contradictions.
Donna: I wonder why you changed. Do you have a writing ritual? Please describe your process.
Melissa: I don’t really have one. I like to have a cup of tea with me or if I’m working in the evening, a glass of wine. This is going to sound so really odd, but I don’t really have a process. I’m always changing things up! But when I get an idea, I usually write it down, either in a notebook or directly into the computer. I write whenever I feel in the mood and don’t fret about deadlines because I don’t give myself any.
Donna: You sound very relaxed and comfortable. What do you do if you feel blocked?
Melissa: I have three different plans of attack. 1. Talk to my mom or brother about what’s giving me trouble. Working through the problem out loud with a fresh set of eyes gets the blood circulating. 2. Reread the previous chapters, revise them as I go, and hopefully inspiration strikes. 3. Walk completely away. Give the manuscript and myself some well needed time apart.
Donna: I can relate, especially to the first idea because I’m part of a writing team. Working out loud is very helpful. How do you celebrate your milestones?
Melissa: I keep things pretty close to my chest, but I always tell my family.
Donna: Do you have any pet peeves about writing?
Melissa: I overuse unnecessary words like has, this, had. I also get annoyed with myself if I’ve used ‘said’ too often.
Donna: Sounds like you are tough on yourself. Is there a trailer available for your book?
Melissa: No. But I’ve been busy creating images of the cover with reviews and I’d like to do the same with excerpts.
Donna: What about writing websites? Do you have a favorite?
Melissa: Catherine Caffeinated has got some great links to formatting your work.
Donna: We’ll have to check her out. Is there a piece of advice that you’d like to share with aspiring writers?
Melissa: Don’t fret because fretting is a waste of time and energy. Have fun with it.
Donna: I love the word ‘fret’. It’s so expressive. You mentioned that you have a blog tour beginning soon…
Melissa: My first is being hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.
Donna: I wish you great success with your blog tour and with your book. Thank you so much for joining us today. We will be sending our very best thoughts your way for great success. Where can our readers find you?
Melissa: You too! Readers can find me at:
My blog: http://mllegette.com
Facebook: M-L-LeGette
Twitter: @MelissaLeGette
Pinterest: MelissaLeGette
The Tale of Mally Biddle (Paperback)
Tour Schedule for M.L.LeGette and The Tale of Mally Biddle
May 7th
Book Blast
May 20th
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Interview
Crazy Four Books – Review
Mariela O. Blogs – Review
Spellbindings – Excerpt
Bookmarks, Spoilers and Happily Ever After – Spotlight
Musings of a Blogder – Tens List
May 21st
Taking Time for Mommy – Excerpt
Bookworms’ Avenue – Guest Post
Whatever You Can Still Betray – Spotlight
Crafty Zoo with Monkeys – Guest Post
Lori’s Reading Corner – Guest Post
May 22nd
Pieces of Whimsy – Review & Fill in the Blank Interview
Scribbler’s Sojourn – Guest Post
Izz “Pingle” Bookish Place – Spotlight
Of Thoughts and Words – Review
Blkosiner’s Book Blog – Interview
May 23rd
Got Fiction? – Review
Getting Your Read On – Review
Word to Dreams – Spotlight
Laurie’s Thoughts & Reviews – Character Interview
May 24th
Froze8′s Blog – Vlog/Guest Post or Interview
Reader Girls – Review
Fantasy Books – Interview
Clean Teen Reads – Review
Books, DIY’s and Randomness – Review & Tens List or Guest Post
May 25th
Cuzinlogic – Interview
Book Broads – Review
From the Bootheel Cotton Patch – Spotlight
May 26th
Mythical Books – Review
Peace From Pieces – Interview
Deal Sharing Aunt – Spotlight
May 27th
Rogue Mission – Review
Suzy Turner, YA Author – Interview
Pretty Opinionated – Guest Post
Sweeping Me – Excerpt
A Blog Hop Place for Books – Spotlight
May 28th
The LUV*NV – Review
Pika Pages – Interview
Dustykatt’s Stuff – Review & Guest Post
Mel’s Shelves – Review
A Casual Reader’s Blog – Review
May 29th
Good Choice Reading – Interview
Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review
Walking on Bookshelves – Review
Must Read Faster – Review
Author Cheri Schmidt – Excerpt
May 30th
Books, Owls & Tea – Guest Post
Emi Gayle – Interview
Fire & Ice – Review
My Devotional Thoughts – Review
May 31st
Immerse in a World of Fiction – Review & Interview
The Muse Unleashed – Review
Recent Reads – Review
FLY HIGH! – Interview
Witchmag’s Boekenplank – Review
Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius
This video is therapeutic for me. Highly recommended not just for the creative population, but for all of us. Give her a listen.
May 1, 2013
Word Clouds ~ Biddle ~ Chapter 1
For the fun of it, I’ve begun putting in excerpts from my books into word cloud generators. I love how they turn out. This cloud is from the first chapter of my second novel.
The Tale of Mally Biddle ~ Chapter 1: The Lone Candle
the cloud:
The Excerpt
He sat at a small table in a dark corner. Pale fingers slowly swirled a half-empty glass, while his eyes focused on the amber liquid’s ripples. Dressed in a long black traveling cloak that obscured his figure, he blended into his corner almost completely. The only light came from a small stub of a candle on the table, its weak glow dancing upon his hands. He gripped the glass as impatience brushed him. Where was he?
Ringing laughter interrupted his frustration and his eyes lifted to his surroundings. People sang and danced in the pub, their mugs of beer sloshing merrily. A foot-tapping jig played by fiddlers and wooden flutists added to the cheery atmosphere. No one noticed him in all the loud chaos. Their eyes traveled over him without the slightest pause.
The hooded man watched the laughing customers before him. A sneer touched his lips. Fools.
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