Tina Gayle's Blog, page 71

First Book in The Family Tree Series

I'm very excited about this blog hop. Mainly because it deals with first.

First kiss,
First love,
First time you've lost some one close.

I started this book after my mother died. I had never lost someone close and the pain was more than I could have imagined.

As a new writer at the time, I spent my days working on stories. This one help me come to term with my loss.

The fictional story is of a spiritual nature. I had just read Sylvia Brown's book about spiritual guides so I found myself thinking about the family member who had passed before me.

So I developed a family where the orginal settlers in colonial times from the state of Ohio where the spiritual guides of a special member of their family in today's time. The person is the keeper of the Winston Estate.

Now, think about this. Would you like having your great, great, great, great grandfather telling you how to live your life?

Yes, he might understand things better than you do but would you want him judging your every move?

In "Summer's Growth," the family spirits have decided to change out the keeper. Mattie has been doing the job for over twenty years and the spirits feel it's time to get on with her life.

Amber is a young woman, who doesn't even know this leg of the family exist and is contacted to come for a visit. Would you go if someone claim you where going to inherit an estate?

As you can see this is a story of intrigue and mystery with strong paranormal elements. I love romance so could leave that out either.

Strangely as I was writing the book, I felt as if the spirits where talking to me guiding me as to what to write. Okay, I'm a writer and the character in our heads talk to us.


Blurb for
Family Tree Club series-

Keeper of Winston Manor
Advised by spirits
Carving out a future.


Blurb for "Summer's Growth"

A mainstream novel with romantic and paranormal elements. It’s about two women, Mattie Winston, an almost fifty recluse who lives on a lonely estate and guards generations of family spirits, and a young college student, Amber Harrison, who doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. The Winston spirits decided that Mattie needs to develop a life outside the estate and Amber is going to be the new family keeper, which throws the two together.

Both travel down different paths of self-discovery but their reliance on each other grows stronger after several scary moments. Mattie, challenged by an old flame, rethinks the idea of love. Amber, faced with the appearance of her distant grandmother’s ghost, decides to solve the mystery of why her grandmother disappeared without a trace. By the end of the book, after love is embraced and family secrets are revealed, Mattie and Amber are both ready to meet their futures with enthusiasm as stronger more self-confident people. 

Read First Chapter of "Summer's Growth"
Purchase ebook at:

www.smashwords.com

www.amazon.com

Also giving away a copy of "Summer's Growth" and "Revive" (first book of my Executives Wives' Club series)

Be sure to leave a comment to enter -- remember to leave your email address.

Tina

Valentine's Day - Gift Ideas

I know I'm a little early with this post, but I want to get us in the mood.

Some people believe the day started in the 269 A.D. in the city of Rome.

But for me, it started when I started school. I'd never heard of the holiday until then. My parents weren't big on silly holidays, and I never can remember receiving a present or card for Valentine's from either of them.

If fact, I only remember my dad buying my mother a box of chocolate after my sister and myself begged him too. She didn't think much of it and shared the treat with us.

Maybe, that's the reason behind my parent's divorce, they didn't celebrate the little holidays in life to sustain their love.

Don't know.

But don't make the same mistake.

Plan ahead.



Chocolates and flowers are nice but a gift from the heart is also nice.

Can you write her a poem?
Or tell her you love her in a new and inventive way?

Why not trying leaving her little notes around the house, they don't have to say much just I love you or that you're thinking about her.

Help her with the dishes, rub her back when she's tired.

Give it a try and see if a few little gifts of kindness over the next few weeks is more of what she wants from her lover.

Good luck,

Tina

#Excerpt from Summer's Growth by Tina Gayle

This book is the first in my Family Tree series.
Spirits, ghosts, love and mayhem...
a ride through the past to find a future.


Excerpt:
Read the first chapter at http://www.tinagayle.net/SGchapter.html “I guess I should call the contractor to see how much all this is going to cost, then we can choose which rooms we want to redecorate first.” Mattie considered the difficult task of calling Quincy.
 I guess it’s time I face my past.
 Tightening her resolve, she pushed away from plate. “Why don’t I call Quincy, the contractor, and find out when he can come over? I also have some other work I need to do. If you don’t mind spending a few hours by yourself, I could get a few things done and then meet up with you later.”
 “No worries, I can start selecting the furniture to be moved into storage, or I can work on color schemes.” Amber glanced out the window. “I might even walk around outside. Come to think of it, I haven’t been out of the house all day.”
 “Okay, then, if you need me, I’ll be in the study.” Mattie edged away from the table, reluctant to leave.
 Giving the girl one last look, Mattie turned and walked through the house to her study. Pictures of Quincy filled her mind. She remembered his sad, puppy-dog, brown eyes, his broad shoulders, and...how he’d paused with regret as he stepped behind the barn.
 She sank into her desk chair, recalling the scene, the sounds, the pain of that day so long ago.
 “Mattie...” His voice rang through her head, the sad tone revealing his distress.
 She’d silenced him by placing her fingers over his lips. “Don’t Quincy. I know what’s on your mind and it’s...okay.”
 His eyes softened, yet he still appeared troubled. With tender care, his rough hand circled her slender wrist. He kissed each one of her fingertips and her heart melted again at his caring manner.
 She loved him, would always love him, but she couldn’t hurt him. That price, she wouldn’t pay.
 “I don’t want to hurt you, Mattie. But I can’t compete. Your aunt needs you more. And well, you’d hate me if I asked you to choose me over her.” Quincy held her hand against his chest, his eyes begging for her understanding. Yet a spark in their depths spoke of another reason.
 “It’s not only my aunt, is it?”
 His gaze shifted to a space over her left shoulder. “Mattie, I can’t handle the...”
 She slid her hand from his grip and placed it on the side of his face. “Don’t worry, Quincy. We each have different paths to follow. Mine is to care for my aunt and Winston Manor. Yours...well—yours is to enjoy your senior year of high school.”
 She stroked his smooth shaven cheek one last time, and then with regret, dropped her hand. “We can still be friends.”
 He examined her with a long searching look. “I’d like that Mattie.”
 Soon after, he’d left with the excuse he had to help his father at a construction site. Mattie remembered accepting the lie, knowing it for what it was. His father didn’t work on Sunday. Quincy just wanted to escape.
 Over the years, Mattie hoped she’d been a friend. When he’d gotten married, had a child, and even after his wife died, she’d sent a card or note, sending best wishes or condolences, whichever applied.
 However, that beautiful spring day was the last time she’d actually spoken to him. If the house needed any work, she’d let Martin contact Quincy with the request for repairs. When he arrived, she was always gone so he wouldn’t have to deal with her.
 With the receiver heavy in her hand, she dialed his number for his father’s company from memory. After two rings, his voice rang through the phone. “Miller and Sons Construction, this is Quincy.”
 The deep masculine voice sent long forgotten desire tingling down her spine. “Yes...ah...Quincy, Mattie Winston here.”
 “Yes, Mattie. How are you?”
 Gripping the receiver firmly, she fought the image of him whispering in her ear, his lips kissing her hair.
 “I’m fine. I was wondering if you could find some time to come by the house.” She rushed on quickly to state her request. “A friend of mine is helping me remodel and we want an estimate on how much the project will cost.”
 “What are you thinking about doing?” He sounded distracted, his voice vague.
 She covered the mouthpiece, drew in a deep breath, and slowed her impatient words. “We’re thinking about a number of changes; perhaps new windows, new carpet, painting some rooms, and even remodeling the kitchen.” She brushed a piece of imaginary lint from her pants. “But right now we’re only hoping to learn about the cost.”
 “Wow, you have big plans.”
 Mattie heard paper shuffling in the background and waited for him to finish.
 “I should be able to come by tomorrow around two, if that works for you?”
 Glad to end the conversation, she quickly agreed. “We’ll be here.”
 “Then I’ll see you tomorrow.” He ended with a quiet good-bye.
 Mattie didn’t answer, but slowly forced her hand to set down the receiver. Unsteady and shaking, she reminded herself Amber would handle the project and deal with Quincy. Find atwww.smashwords.com
www.amazon.com  

Tina's New Release - Summer's Growth

This book is the first in my Family Tree series.

Spirits, ghosts, love and mayhem...

a ride through the past to find a future



Blurb:

Forced by the family spirits to get a life, Mattie Winston has to train her replacement Amber Harrison to be in charge of all the workings of the Winston estate. Reluctant to make changes in her life, Mattie forms a bond with Amber, when strange accidents start happening which threaten their lives and an unknown ghost makes an appearance.

After being rescued by an old flame, Quincy Miller, Mattie faces old wounds of rejection. As the general contractor for Amber’s redecoration project, Mattie is in constant contact with Quincy and realizes she still in love with her childhood sweetheart.

Amber, learning her new role in the family, wants to discover the identity of the ghost who keeps appearing. After several appearances, Gwen, Amber’s distance grandmother, shifts the book into more of Amber’s struggle to find out why her grandmother disappeared two hundred years ago without a trace. In a fight to claim her position in the family, Amber searches for clues to solve the mystery.

Mattie and Amber are both challenged when the family spirits decides Amber shouldn’t be the keeper. Battling for Amber, Mattie realizes she wants a life with Quincy outside the Winston estate.

Amber realized the importance of her new spiritual family, and she works to discover how Gwen died.

Can these two women achieve their goals? Read the first chapter at http://www.tinagayle.net/SGchapter.html Find at www.smashwords.com

www.amazon.com  Hope you enjoy, Tina
 

Another Delete Scene from Summer's Growth

I spent a lot of time with this book.

In some ways, it is a book of recovery. I started writing it after my mom died and some how talking to the spirits in the book made me feel better.

Here is another delete scene.

Again remember this is not perfect because it is not in the final book.


“I’ve decided I need to move on, get out, travel, meet new people, do some different.” Mattie thought the reason sounded plausible, even if it wasn’t true. Saying the family council kicked her out wouldn’t do much for her ego so she swallowed her own lie.
“Are you going to start dating?” Henry peered over his glasses. He’d spent a full hour trying to talk her into staying as lead trustee.
Surprised by the question, Mattie wondered where it came from, “I might.” Not that she’d seriously considered it.
Henry grinned and pushed his glasses farther up on his nose. “Well, I know a number of men who’d be happy to hear you’re joining the singles scene.”
“Who?” Mattie couldn’t believe there were any men in this town that would be interested in dating her, much less marrying her.
“Bob Busby, for one, he asks about you every time I see him.” Henry offered, pulling a notepad forward.
“The man has been married three times.”  Mattie pictured Bob in her mind. The image of the short, round, balding man didn’t please her.
“What about Judge Spears?  He’s been asking you out at every trustee meeting for the last five years,” Henry suggested.
“No way, the man is old enough to be my father.” Mattie patted the tight bun at the back of her head. “I think the likelihood of a man being interested in me at this stage of the game is slim.”
“Well, there’s always Quincy Miller. You know I always thought you two made a great couple back in high school. I bet if you went back to the gypsy style of your youth. He’d be tempted.”
Mattie’s heart skipped a beat. Just the thought of Quincy’s brown eyes made her want to melt. “I think he has enough other women vying for his attention.  He won’t have time for me.”
“Well, I think, you’d better be prepared for a few propositions. You’d be a nice looking woman, Mattie if you let down your hair. Sandy’s always saying that with your trim body and fat bank account, you should be married. You should…”
Mattie interrupted, thinking about Henry’s wife. “How is Sandy? I don’t think I’ve seen her in a few years.”
“She’s fine.”  He returned to his prior subject.  “You know, lots of men out there see you as a great catch.”
“You make me sound like a big mouth bass.” Mattie laughed, “but as a clever fish, I don’t plan on being hooked.”
“All right, but be warned.”  He picked up his pen. “I looked at your file.  It shows that initially you had Brent Masterson named as your replacement, then Josh Clarkston. Who have you decided on?”
“Neither,” Mattie stated.
Henry glanced at her. His eyes narrowed, his face turned serious, and he leaned back in his chair. “Okay, tell me who.”
Taking a deep breath, Mattie moved to the end of her chair and began.

Hope you enjoy and are looking forward to the release this Friday.

Tina

Tina's Brain Freeze - Preview of Summer's Growth

We have fifteen thousand things we wanted to do. Is it any wonder we forget a few?

I try to get up a new blog at least three times a week. Yesterday, I intended to put up something but my brain got caught up with everything else that is going on in my life and I forgot.

I believe also the weather doesn't help. When it is cold I don't want to do anything. I have a book coming out at the end of the week. Summer's Growth - the story happens in spring in Ohio.

Now, some of you might be asking how do I know what Ohio is like?

I had the pleasure of living there for several years and even attended Ohio State University. Graduated there even. No, I didn't get my degree in writing, MIS.

So now for yesterday's blog today.

I wanted to share some of the delete scenes from my release coming out Friday.

These scene are not in the book.

For one reason or another I decided to cut them.

Forget any grammer errors, seeing as they weren't going to be in the final product they may not be perfect.

I hope you enjoy a glimpse into the writing process and enjoy reading the scenes that end up on the floor so to speak.


No postage. No return address.    
At one in the morning, exhausted from a late shift at work and a full day at school, Amber’s brain wasn’t functioning. Blinking, she could only stare at the crisp white envelope with her name scrawled across the center.
Who could have sent it and why? How did it get here?
A light breath of air scented from the jasmine bush outside her window, brushed past her face.  She studied the room looking for anything that might be out of place. Ms. Molly, her doll, sat on the bed against the pale yellow pillows. Her book bag lay by the door, where she’d dropped it moments ago. The rest of her mail was scattered across her dresser, unopened.  Her room was in order, everything where it should be.
Strangely, this didn’t reassure her. Normal, by the pure ordinary perception of sameness, could be extremely scary.  She could picture a character in one of her favorite horror films. Envision the man with a knife hiding behind a door.  
With a quick glance over her shoulder, she controlled her rash thoughts.  The letter claimed her attention, again.
     Silly, why not just open it instead of letting it freak her out?  With determination she tore it open.
     Inside she found an airline ticket to Columbus, Ohioand a stiff white sheet of paper monogrammed with a W across the top.  The short message sent her mind reeling with unanswered questions.
Dear Amber,
     We are happy to inform you that as a distant Winston relative you have been chosen to inherit the family estate. There are, however, a few conditions. First, you are required to travel to the family property located in Newark, Ohio. 
Here, your qualifications will be assessed.  If you meet our strict guidelines, then we will discuss the final arrangements for you to receive your inheritance.  We have sent along an airline ticket. There will be a driver waiting for you at the Columbus airport.
Sincerely,
Jonathan
Amber Harrison read the letter several times. What distant relative would want to leave her their property? And why didn’t an attorney just call her?
Unease chilled her. Was she a target of a joke, or some elaborate scam?
     Amber’s sleep deprived brain fumbled for clues. Perplexed, she examined the airline information.  Made out in her name, the first class ticket represented a one-way fare to Columbus, Ohio with a departure date of May sixteenth.
     Well, at least, that was a clue. Whoever this Jonathan was, he wanted her there in seven days.
     Expensive practical joke—that is, if it was a practical joke—but it might make for a nice summer holiday.
A low sound tore briefly past her senses. Amber paused, listened. The low hum of traffic, tires speeding over rough pavement, registered in the background of her mind. No other noise caught her attention.
She threw the letter on the dresser. None of this made any sense. She didn’t even know if she had relatives in Ohio—not ones that wanted her to visit…much less inherit their estate.
     She didn’t have time to think about this. Her geology final for the spring semester was tomorrow, and no one, at least no one with a sane brain, wanted to repeat geology.
“Meow,” Amber jump. A repeat of claws scratching down a limb echoed through the room.
“Tiger, go home.” Her neighbor’s cat was out again and Amber’s imagination was in overdrive.
On her way to brush her teeth and get ready for bed, the bizarre request of the letter nudged at her thoughts, interrupting her normal routine.
     By the time her head hit her pillow, she’d decided to question her parents.  With her monthly visit this weekend, they might be able to help her identify some of their relatives in Ohio.
And it would save her from having to talk to them about who she wasn’t dating and all the reasons why.
     Sleep lulled her into a new world. 
Bright green grass waved with a gentle summer breeze. Sunny wild flowers played among the knees of two children. Drawn into the dream, Amber experienced the joy of the small girl with blonde curls.  She danced around the young boy watching her.
“Let’s pick wild flowers and take them to nana.”

Coming out in ebook at amazon and smashword Feb.1.
Tina

Tina's Tidings of Author Tips

As writers we have to do more than just write.

Here are a few tips for getting things done

One
For those of you on twitter, if you use the software Hootsuite to schedule your tweets.  I have a friend that has developed a bulk uploader that is very helpful and save  time.

Check it out at  http://www.cliveeaton.com/hootsuitebulkuploader.html

Two

Want to reach as many English speaking customers across the different Amazon platforms then you need one single link that will work with all of them.

Here's the answer go to http://viewbook. at/

You can create a link that you can use across the board.

Very helpful for twitter, your website, blogs, etc. (Problem finding the time to change all these links.)


Three

Try to avoid some of these common writing mistakes.
FormatingPunctuasionShow vs. TellingTransition between scenes.Over descriptionPassive writingOver the next few weeks I'll work on explaining these more in detail.

Hope these things help,

Tina

Fundamental Truths

We all live, died, breath, bleed if stabbed, laugh, cry and grieve.

We have a lot more in common than we are willing to admit. Everyone is looking for their special group.

I find this especially true when talking to market people. Find your niche market, learn who your readers are and you'll know how to find more people to buy your book.

Okay, I get it, but what if I don't like being locked into a box that can only appeal to one set of people.

I'm not only interest in one set of things. I'm a mother, artist, gardener, author, enjoy programming and mysteries. My interest are diverse.  Why can't the people who I write for be the same?

My answer is they are. The thing that I think we have to all remember is there are a few fundamental truths and use those things when communicating with other.

In my Executive Wives Club series, I deal with grief. Everyone who has ever lost someone know how hard it is to cope after losing someone you love.

In my other books, I deal with women who are struggling to make a life for themselves.

Okay, half the population is men, but they struggle everyday to get ahead too. They want to find love, get married, have children and have a career. They may not want to read about a happy ever-after, but they can relate to the issues in which I write.

So what does all this tell you?

In market and in life, if you want to sell an item you have to find the emotions and truths that appeal to a wide audience. Will it help you sell more books?

I don't know but I believe it let's you be more of the person you want to be.

Just my thoughts for today.

Feel free to comment,

Tina

When A Widow is Tempted #excerpt

Blurb for Youthful Temptations
 
A widow with two grown children, Linda Clayton is ready to let loose and have some fun. Jilted at a party, she met a younger man, Vaughn Reagan.  He tempts with an active imagination and allures her into his life by tempting her with seductive games.
 
Vaughn thrilled to find a woman who doesn’t want children.  He offers Linda a job so he can spend his days with her.  Now, if he could only convince her to forget their age difference and enjoy the nights in his arm.
 
 
What others are saying about "Youthful Temptations"
 
"Youthful Temptations is about a couple finding love and overcoming stereotypes. We see that we all have baggage, it’s a part of us, and those that love us don’t mind the load we carry. Awesome story, I really enjoyed Youthful Temptations."
 
Reviewed by Raine 
Read the rest of the Review at Joyfully Reviewed  Excerpt - With each squishy step across the damp grass, she lambasted herself for being a fool. What possible reason could she have for leaving a crowded party to follow a complete stranger to his house? Was she nuts? No. But she couldn’t force herself to reenter the party and face Philip either. She lacked the strength to demand he drive her home, due to his apparent disgust and the possibility of another scene. On the other hand, a nerd she could handle. After all, Josh proved young guys today cared more about their computers than girls. “They’re less fickle,” he’d said. And Vaughn appeared young enough in his faded cotton jeans and light knit sweater to love his computer. A slim man with dark, curly hair and round granny glasses, he reminded her of her son. She couldn’t believe he’d be interested in her other than to help her out of a bad situation. But a little voice in her head reminded her that’s how Philip had developed into a problem. She’d underestimated the man. “If you don’t mind, we’ll go in through the garage.” The warm bass sound of his voice caressed her senses like the smooth whiskey she’d drank earlier to calm her frazzled nerves. He flipped up the lid of a small box located by the double garage door and entered a code into the keypad. The door lifted. A shiny new truck gleamed in the glow of the overhead light. The alluring scent of oil, gas, and a hint of new rubber infused her nasal passages. Inspiration struck. “Is this your truck?” Linda rushed forward and ran a long caress over the cold rim of the tailgate. “Yes.” He took a few steps along the driver’s side on his way to the back door. Linda’s spirit lifted at the chance of finding a way home. “Then you can drive me home.” He stopped and turned. “What?” “Well, the only reason I came over here to your house is because I don’t have a ride home. Philip drove me here, and I can’t ask him to carry me back. My son is at the library with his phone off. So . . .”—she tried to judge his reaction to her request—“if you wouldn’t mind.” “And what if I do mind?” His face appeared calm. No frown marred his lips, but the slight shift in his stance alerted her to his displeasure at the idea. She paused a moment to determine how exactly to answer his question so he’d agree with her plan. “Well, I could offer to pay you.” He frowned. “And if you still won’t concede, then I guess I’ll have to wait until my son returns from the library.” Her hands tightened against the cold metal. The unbending surface reminded her of the precarious situation. “He never remembers to recharge his phone, or he’d already be on his way.” A smile lit Vaughn’s face. He paced back to where she stood by the bumper of the king-size truck. “I’ll tell you what, if your son isn’t back in an hour, I’ll drive you home. But first, I’d like a chance to get to know you better.” He held out his hand. “Deal?” The spark in his gray eyes caught her attention. What harm could an hour make? Josh would probably take at least fifteen or twenty minutes to drive over here even after she contacted him anyway. “Deal.” She laid her hand in Vaughn’s. 
Read the first chapter at http://www.tinagayle.net/ytchapter.html or Purchase at www.smashwords.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.kobobooks.com
itunes.apple.com
At Amazon
Have a wonderful day,

Tina

Whose Blog Do You Like?

AMAZING BLOGGER AWARD!


I was nomitaded by D.R.Racey. We are both part of the ASMSG group. Visit his site and learn more about the incredible man.

http://drracey.wordpress.com/



The Rules:
1. Display the award logo on your blog.
2. Link back to the person who nominated you.
3. State 7 things about yourself.
4. Nominate 15 bloggers for this award and link to them.
5. Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.


Seven things about myself:

1. Number one job is being a wife and mother. Fun time is writing
2. My least favorite part of writing is editing. (commas hate me.)
3. I love plants but I have a black thumb so they died when they see me.
4. If I could have any kind of house in the world - I'd want a log cabin.
5. Always wanted to play an instrument but I can't read music
6. If I can't have a truck, give me a van, not into sports cars
7. Enjoy writing stories about people I'd want to know.




These are my 15 nominees for this aspiring award. (All of these people are probably been nominated before but each has a site worth taking a look at.)

1. Robbie Thomas
http://www.robbiethomas.net
(Take a look at Memory of Angels -- have tissues ready)

2. Melissa McPhail
http://melissamcphail.com/blog/
(Talks about sorts of things related to fantasy.)

3. Kathleen Rowland
http://kathleenrowland.wordpress.com/
(A variety of thought provoking post and fun crafts.)

4. Anita Philmar
http://www.anitaphilmar.blogspot.com/
(erotica author but has some clever ideas on her site.)

5. Richard Stephenson
http://rastephensonauthor.blogspot.com/
(Has a number of review and interviews posted)

6. Genevieve Dewey
http://genevievedewey.com
(News, interviews and other fun things.)

7. Andy Szpuk
http://andyszpuk.wordpress.com/latest-news/
(Found help hints at an author)

8. Andy Holloman
http://andyholloman.com/
(Interesting articles about self-publishing.)

9. Clive Eaton
http://www.cliveeaton.com/blog.html
(Insight into marketing issues for authors.)

10. Marjie Gowdy
http://blueridgehome.blogspot.com/
(Interesting pictures and story poems.)

11. David C. Cassidy
http://davidccassidy.com
(book reviews.)

12. Gay Ingram
http://gayingram.blogspot.com/
(Enjoyable site about all sorts of things.)

13. Jeff Whelan
http://jeffwhelan.wordpress.com
(Fun site of pictures, ramblings and other fun items)

14. R.M. DuChene
http://rmduchene.blogspot.com
(short stories to enjoy.)

15. Francis Laveaux
https://sites.google.com/site/fluctuatnecmergitur50/
(Interesting site for the pictures but I don't read french.)

These are interesting blogs I hope you enjoy them and find ones you might want to follow.

Have a great weekend,

Tina