Christine James's Blog, page 3

Jewelry Sale

Hey everyone! I am having a Blowout Sale on my Etsy Jewelry. Go check it out!

 Also............There will be a cover reveal very soon for Christine's new co-author book. So keep your eye open for the post. 



Here is the etsy link:
www.etsy.com/shop/UniqueDesignzByMel



Thanks loves
♥Mel♥

Q&A with Justin Hamelin

JustIn Hamelin, Author of 'The Darkest Corner' did a little Q & A for me. Check it out!



1. Which famous person, dead or alive, would you like to meet & why?

This is a tough one... of course my all-time favorite horror icon, Vincent Price, would absolutely make the list. Stephen King and Neil Gaiman would make the list as far as modern day icons I would love to chat with.


2. If you could be any Supernatural Creature, which one would you be & why?

I've always been a huge fan of werewolves, but I'd go with the Creature From The Black Lagoon.  What's not to love? Living in beautiful weather, spending all day swimming and running into a beautiful lady once in a while!


3. Who is your man crush? (No need to be shy)

Well, in terms of a fella I admire wholeheartedly, I would go with Stephen King. Certainly nothing creepy about it but I would listen to that guy read sugar packets. (laughs)


4. If you was in "The Walking Dead" which character would most be like you?

I relate to Glenn alot. He's a good guy who goes out of his way to do whatever he can to help his fellow survivors. He's not in it for the glory, he just has strong convictions and morals. He better not die this season!


5. What would I find in your refrigrator right now?

Spaghetti and meatball leftovers, a bottle of Sprite Zero, chocolate syrup, a half gallon of milk, some apples and oranges... there's other stuff in there, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head.


6. Last movie you went to see?

My girlfriend and I went to go see I, FRANKENSTEIN. Fun stuff.


7. If you could be a Superhero, what would you want your Super Power to be?

I would go with telekinesis. That would be a lot of fun.


8. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

How about Big Guy, Big Dreams? (laughs) Yeah, I like that.


9. If you was a car/truck, what kind would you be?

An old, super clean and antique Hearse.


10.Think Quick! Where you are currently sitting you have to use an object as a weapon. What do you grab?

Well it's either the TV remote or my cell phone. Chucking the remote would be cheaper than throwing the phone.


11. If SHTF (sh! T hits the fan) what would your first reaction be? (Stay home, grab stuff & leave, go to the grocery store, etc.)

I would make sure my loved ones and close friends were safe then I'd head to the grocery store for necessary supplies. And Doritos.

 12. Favorite Sport/Sports Team/Person (college or professional)?


My favorite sport is football, for sure. I am an absolute die hard Philadelphia Eagles fan- tattoo on my leg, screaming myself hoarse during games... I ripped my shirt in half and punched the hell out of our Christmas tree box when we lost to the Saints in the playoffs. It's rough. haha...
My favorite athlete or coach is Chip Kelly, head coach of the Eagles. He's a smart ass but the guy knows what he's doing and has turned our squad around. Go Birds!


13. What technology do you use for writing? 

I usually start all my stories long-hand and then transfer it to laptop. Writing long-hand is very therapeutic and much more intimate to me.


14. Describe your writing style in 10 words or less?

Still trying to find it. Dark, relateable and reader-friendly.


15. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Still writing and, God willing, able to make it my career.


16. What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I have always wanted to win a Bram Stoker Award. That has been a dream of mine since I was in middle school. That and, more than anything else, being proud of everything and write and loving every word I write.


17. Where do your writing ideas come from?

I like to just observe the world around me and let my imagination run wild. That's how most of the story ideas come to life.


18. What's your favorite book & why?

I would have to go with 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King. It's so dark and the atmosphere is just perfect. Equal parts terrifying and so real.


19. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Outgoing and determined.


20. When did you decide to become a writer?

I knew I wanted to be a writer from the moment I learned how to write. I was always scribbling little stories during school and absolutely loved entering the Young Authors competitions during elementary school. I've always loved telling stories.

Here is the Kindle link for 'The Darkest Corner':
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUHLPDM?ie=UTF8&at=aw-android-pc-us-20&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

Amazon Paper Back link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495345882?ie=UTF8&at=&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

And be sure to follow him on facebook for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/JHamelinauthor?ref=ts&fref=ts




●My Review●
I don't normally read horror books, even though I watch a lot of horror movies. But I'm glad I sat down and read 'The Darkest Corner'. The first short story I read I wanted to find and hunt down Justin for leaving such a cliffhanger and ring his dang neck while yelling "Why? Why would you do this to me?" Then as I kept reading story after story I decided if I ever met Justin I really will ring his dang neck. This book will leave you wanting more, so much more. It makes you decide what will come next, because the cliffhangers and to die for, no pun intended. Do not and I repeat..Do Not, read this before you go to bed because you will either be wide eyed, staring at the walls, jumping at every noise or have the worst nightmares ever. Don't believe me...just ask my husband, he can tell you all about it! If you love horror books, this will be right up your alley, if you don't read horror I would say this would be the perfet way to start. It is one of those books you have to keep reading, it will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time! 

♥Mel

Go Help Christine get to Maine!

This August I am taking a trip to Augusta Maine to be a part of a spectacular event called Believe, Hope, Live.
This event will be full of authors selling books, signing autographs and meeting fans. BUT that is not the greatest thing about this event. The greatest part is a large portion of all proceeds (booth costs, ticket fees and more) will go to help in aiding the research for breast cancer. I am very honored and privileged to get to be apart of this. The second day of the event, the authors will get to have an exclusive signing for cancer patients as well as cancer survivors. My life has been touched, as well as several others I know, by cancer. Not even a year ago I lost my grandfather to leukemia and my grandmother a few years before that to pancreatic cancer. The affects were were devastating. So benefits like this are close to my heart.


Due to the outrageous costs of propane this winter, my family and I were forced to use an enormous chunk of money that I had been saving for the passed several months. My family is more important than anything to me, so I did it without question. I have numerous jobs to which I save money from. I make cakes, I free lance write and make crafts for local Artisan shops. I will be continuing to do everything I can in order to raise money. Setting up this fundraiser does nothing to change that.


I am trying to raise enough money for traveling expenses-- close to 2500 miles round trip. I have to purchase my books to take to the event, and this can get rather expensive because I will have several titles to take.


This event means a lot to me, but not because of my writing career, but because I am sick of losing the people I care about to cancer!


Here is the link to help out, every dollar counts. So any help is greatly appreciated!

http://www.gofundme.com/6uaryc

Dark Sentinels Prequel by Dariel Raye

In response to readers' questions and requests, there's a new addition to Dariel Raye's award-winning "Dark Sentinels" series! "Dark Sentinels Prequel" is LIVE. Here's the cover and blurb for the new release as well as information about other available books in the series.




 BLURB:Sometimes a girl has to go the extra mile to capture the man she loves, especially when she’s a sentinel wolf shifter from Washington state with no possible mates for miles.

Orphaned in childhood, Dr. Syreena Adler learned at an early age to depend on her twin brother, Sable, and herself, but phone conversations with a Georgia sentinel she’s never seen spark unexpected desire.

Southern red wolf sentinel Cord Velasquez has spent his life atoning for the death of his entire family. He wants a life with Syreena, but when she surprises him with an impromptu visit, the realization of his greatest fear seems inevitable.

Buy it on Amazon here: 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IBI4WK2?ie=UTF8&at=aw-android-pc-us-20&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links


If you haven't checked out the series yet, here is more about it....

                                                       
                 ●Dark Sentinels Book One: Sable●

Sable, a sentinel wolf shifter, is captured and locked in his wolf form until Akila, a veterinarian, tries to tame him and unleashes a 6'5" baby blue-eyed surprise.

Dr. Akila Marshall is a veterinarian with a calling – save as many stray animals as possible. The only child of wealthy, yet distant parents, she’s convinced that love is not for her. Until…

 Sable’s search for his twin sister leads him to Akila. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Akila’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.






Buy it on Amazon here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008L87H0O?cache=e72afdb90a8bf31d8d782a4398825441#ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1392137744&sr=8-1

●About The Author●
Dariel loves books, animals, and all things paranormal. Dariel has written articles for The News Item of Mobile, and Black Health Magazine of Atlanta. A classically trained pianist and vocalist with a degree in piano and vocal performance and a master’s in counseling psychology, she completed studies for a Ph.D. with the exception of her dissertation. She is presently writing a shifter romance series, “Dark Sentinels,”  two Nephilim series with vamp-like heroes, “The Alerians” and “Children of Cain,” several erotic paranormal/fantasy romances inspired by blog flashes, and an erotic fantasy newsletter serial. Lives with a very spoiled Dobie/Coonhound and a passel of black cats. To learn more about Dariel and her books, visit her blog and join her newsletter.


Check out all her books here:
http://www.amazon.com/Dariel-Raye/e/B008NRCZ0K/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1



Go like her on Facebook also:
https://www.facebook.com/dariel.raye.3?ref=ts&fref=ts




♥Mel

Interview with Brandi Leigh Hall

Brandi's Biography:
Brandi lives in central Pennsylvania with her fur-ball cats (Onyx & Klepto), where she spends most of her time attached to her laptops, reading books, appeasing her sweet tooth, & watching TV for motivation.

Growing up in a haunted house inspire Brandi's fascination with the paranormal, so it only made sense that she'd write Urban Fantasy books for both teens & adults.

Brandi hasn't been lucky enough to meet her soul mate (yet), so she writes paranormal tales of those who have. Her stories combine magical elements with real-life issues, strong female characters, semi-old fashioned men & family values, woven together & told from an emotional, organic, first-person perspective. She enjoys writing sweet stories that teach girls it's okay to speak your mind & be independent, career-driven, & not worry about fitting into a society's mold. 







Here is an Exclusive Interview with Brandi Leigh Hall, Author of Tethered, A BirthRight Novel.


★When did you decied to become a Writer?

I guess you could say I was born a writer. From as early as I can remember, I was ALWAYS writing something. It started with poems in elementary school, then blossomed into short stories, songs and screenplays. I'd always wanted to write a book, but it wasn't until I came up with the idea for the BirthRight series 5 years ago, that I knew I HAD to write my first novel. And now I have several to finish.

★Who are your favorite Authors & Most Inspirational Author?

That's an easy one. As evident by the independent protagonist, and other old-fashioned and charming love interest in TETHERED, I'm a HUGE fan of all things Jane Austin. My two favorite characters of all time would most certainly have to be Jane Bennett and her Mr. Darcy. I would say there's some of them wrapped up in Chole Bishop and Hunter Payne. Her love stories have always inspired the characters I want to write--and the man I want to end up with.

★What advice would you give to your younger self?

The best advice I would give my younger self would be to NOT let fear of rejection get in the way. I think fear keeps many writers from ever telling their stories. Or in many cases, sharing them. If I would have worried less about being accepted for my "different" writing style, I'd probably have 20 different series' out by now...lol. I was always afraid that because I wasn't a technical, literary writer, no one would read my books. But I've learned there's an audience for every writing style, genre and voice out there. You just have to get it out there and into the hands of those readers.

★ Which famous person, dead or alive, would you like to meet & why?

OMG! Jane Austen hands down!!!! I'd love to find out who inspired her to write Mr.Darcy. Because you KNOW he just had to be based on someone she knew.

★ What motivates you to write?

Hmmmmm. That's a toughie. I guess I'd have to say the stories swimming around in my head that need to get out. I'm always coming up with concepts and plots. I should probably be a screenplay writer working for a TV studio with the ideas I have.

★ If you could be any Supernatural Creature which one would you be?

I'd have to say a Shape-shifter! It would be so awesome to look like a different person---or animal. Especially on those days you don't feel like doing your hair and make-up...lol.

★ If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

THE JOKE'S ON YOU!

When I'm not writing, my second love is making people laugh. I'm a big dork!

★ How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

A hopeless romantic!

★ Think Quick: A Zombie just came into wherever you currently are, what do you grab closest to you to use as a weapon?

I'd wack 'em over the head with the Buddha statue from my coffee table! lol

★ Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I see the 5 series' in my head all being in print, 1 or 2 being turned into a TV show or movie, and finally being able to move into a house outside of town with no neighbors, where it's warm all year so I can spend my days writing outside. Oh yeah, and I can definitely see myself finding "the one" and finally settling down...lol. My mom would LOVE that!


Here is a look at the Cover Mock-Up of Tempted that will be Released May 2014, & the third book (Tangled) will be Released in December 2014. Remember this is a mock-up, Brandi's graphic artist still has to put the final touches. 



All Brandi's links are in the post below this one, be sure to go check them out & if you haven't read TEMPTED be sure to go get it, it's actually on SALE RIGHT NOW!
            ♥Mel

Tethered by Brandi Leigh Hall

♡Just look at that Beautiful Cover♡

A Sweet, Young Adult Paranormal Romance, perfect for fans of CHARMED, THE SECRET CIRCLE & WITCHES OF EAST END.
No matter how you try to fight it--destiny has a mind.    f its own!
Since foreseeing the imminent death of her parents six years earlier, Chloe has lived a simple, not-so-charmed-life away from her remaining Wiccan family.
Zero Magic.
No close friendships.
While struggling to bench-press more guilt than any ninteen year old ever should.
But fate intervenes & forces Chloe to return home. As if being an in-the-closet-Seer wasn't bad enough, now she has to spend summer break with the snarky sister who hates her-- and the magical birthright she was hell-bent on denying for all eternity.
Luckily, meeting Mr.Perfect takes the edge off her endless family drama. Hunter's twenty-five, sometimes old-fashioned in a Jane Austen hero sort of way, and more delicious than molten-lava cake. But the more she tries to hide her family's magical secrets from this ever-present stranger, the more quickly she realizes he's hiding a few doozies of his own.
Will the lies & betrayal destroy their relationship before it really begins? Or will learning of their tethered future create an unbreakable bond neither can deny? Either way, their hearts will be forever entwined by destiny.


→My Review←      I can honestly say I really enjoyed this book & cannot wait to read Tempted (Book #2). I won this in a Giveaway on GoodReads (which she signed and left me a note) if I wouldn't of won this I would of never read or even heard of it, but I am soo glad I did. It is one of these books that you don't want to put down, you will want to stay up till 3am reading as much as possible (which I did every night till I finished it). You are sucked into Chloe's life from the first pages. Not only is it about Chloe being a Witch, along with the rest of her family, but it's also about Hunter, an amazing guy (with model type looks) that just happens to walk into Chloe's life. You will learn later on that Hunter has several secrets of his own. If you love reading romance with a twist of paranormal, this book is perfect for you. I cannot wait to read more from Brandi, she is a very talented Author

Go check out the following links to hear more from Brandi:
http://www.BrandiHall.net www.facebook.com/BrandiLeighHallwww.twitter.com/BrandiLeighHallwww.goodreads.com/book/show/18627447-tetheredwww.BrandiLeighHall.wordpress.com

And here is a Exclusive Excerpt just for you guys:
I contemplate the familiarity of this moment, unable to maintain concentration as he leans down to rest his face on my cheek. His right hand slides up my back and under my hair, to find its resting place on the nape of my neck. His touch sparks electricity inside of me. I must be dreaming.
Why does this guy I barley know have to be so damn perfect? I don't recall ever being held like this--not even when a guy has claimed to love me. Hunter acts like we've known each other forever. But we haven't. In fact, we're more or less strangers.
I don't know if I should run away as fast as my feet will carry me, or take everything in until there's nothing left. I never imagined a single person could affect me to the core this way. Part of me wants to cry. But the other part of me wants to freeze this moment in time--because I know it will eventually end anyway.
It has to.
He'd hate me if he found out who I really am. 'What' I really am.
I can't get close enough to take that chance.
My eyes begin to fill. As I take a few deep, calming breaths, he pulls his head back to stare at my face. The pained expression in his eyes touches me.
Does he sense my hesitation?
But before I can debate it any further, he gently places his cool, moist lips upon mine.
Time stands still.
He leans his head back, as a single tear descends my cheek. But instead of looking suprised or upset, he simply wipes the drop with his thumb. Gazing into my tear-filled eyes, he leans in again to take my mouth in a more forceful kiss. His soft lips massaging mine until we find a perfect, consuming rhythm.
My heart catches in my throat.
Numbness takes over my body-- like I'm floating on a cloud. Is this what it means to melt? I've never felt anything like this. Not even close.
And that's all it can ever be.
My fairytale.




Here are links to buy Tethered (A BirthRight Novel #1)
On Amazon & Smashwords its on sale & it should be on sale
on the other links in the next few days!

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1fOcKQEB&N:  http://bit.ly./LoNK8KKobo:  http://bit.ly/1i93MigApple:  http://bit.ly/1cKmEEbSmashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/book/show/18627447-tethered 
★★★There will be another post about Brandi, a small Interview I did with her. So make sure to come back and check it out, and go buy Tethered (its available in paper and ebook) I HIGHLY recommend it!★★★

                                     ♥Mel

Awe struck

Hey guys,
I just wanted to stop in and leave a personal note for everyone! I am so blessed to have fans as awesome as you! I am a simple girl from a small town. I came from a town that had 450 people and moved to a town that has 2300 people! So knowing that people outside my hometown areas are interested in my work is mind blowing! Thank you all so much! Stay tuned in here for some awesome posts and if there is ever anything you'd like to see us talk about (though I can't promise we will) shoot us a message through here! We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks you guys

xoxo
Christine

FB Lanch Party for Bloodlines!

Come Celebrate with Christine on Friday, Jan. 31 at 8:00pm untill 12:00am (yes, it will be a all night event!) for the Official Lanch Party on Facebook of The Chosen Chronicles: Bloodlines!

Here is the link:
https://m.facebook.com/?_rdr
  
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There will be some awesome, and I mean AWESOME giveaways, swag from various Authors and awesome games. Christine will be giving away an AUTOGRAPHED, FIRST EDITION of Risen and the very FIRST Autographed copy of Bloodlines. So if you have yet to read Bloodlines now is the perfect chance to win a copy! There will also be some Jewlery given away. Who doesn't like Jewelry? 
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In honor of this event The Chosen Chronicles: Risen will be on sale for $.99 until Saturday!! Also starting Tuesday & Wednesday Christine will post (on the event, link above) an Excerpt of Risen. Then on Thursday & Friday, she will post little Teasers of Bloodlines! You do not want to miss this event!!! Go tell all your family and friends about the party! You might just be seeing some pretty awesome Jewelry made by yours truely ;)




♥Mel♥

Zombie Apocalypse

In Honor of The Walking Dead coming back on in 15 days I am doing a  "What you should do in case of a ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE" post.

In 2012 the CDC came out and stated that a "ZOMBIE VIRUS" is real. It is basically Rabies, here is a link:
http://blogin .cdc.gov/puaddblichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/
   -You should definitely go check it out, it's very interesting!


Sooo....like The Walking Dead you see them moving a lot (in all seasons), it's all about location, location, location. If you are in a city -like Chicago, New York, L.A- get the hell out of there!! You do NOT want to be stuck there for many reasons. You want to go into the Country, a Farm, anywhere secluded but make sure it is safe!


You need to have a B.O.B (Bug Out Bag) below you will see a picture of mine.Think of it as a camping bag but with more stuff. Everyone's is different but in mine I have: First Aid Kit, Machete, Rope, Pots/Pans, Fishing Kit, MREs, Gas Mask, Sling Shot, Tarp, LifeStraw, Knives, Poncho's, Matches, Bottled Water, Emergency Blanket, Gloves, Clothes and much, much more. 


What are you going to use to defend yourself? A crossbow like Daryl, revolver like Rick , a sword like Michonne or a shotgun like Shane? If you are against guns or violence then you better grow some balls, get the hell over it & do some target practice! Now personally I have no problem with it, hell my husband taught me how to shoot & now I outshoot him. So, if you are a chick it doesn't mean you need the men to take care of you. If you put any gun in my hand you better believe I will shoot anything that threatens me or my family.


You will want a handgun on your hip, for easy access. There are many different Calibers so its more of a personal choice -or just whatever you can get your hands on. Personally I have a 22 caliber (it was the first pistol I bought) & a .38 special, that kicks like a mule so I suggest only experienced shooters use. ((Picture Below)) If you are a new shooter I would start off with a 22 or a 9mm. 
(notice the Zombie bullets)
You will also want a Shotgun, they do the most damage. I have a 20 gauge (it has less kick) and my hubby has a 12 gauge. Now what about distance? Like how Glenn is in the tower at the prison. You need something with a good scope. They use a AR-15 in Walking Dead, it is also what most of our military uses. And that is what I would suggest to use. If you have a good scope & steady hand you will never miss. Below is a picture of me shooting my AR.

And....what about FOOD? You have the food at your home but how long will it last, Do you have enough for 2 weeks? You need to have at least that much. Also look into M.R.E's (Meal Ready to Eat) and freeze dried food. What about WATER? You need to consume a gallon of water a day. So what if your water gets shut off at your home -what will you do? Do you have any bottled water? You should have at least enough water to last 2-4 weeks. You can also grow a Garden for food, like Rick does. Or have pigs, cows & chicken if you can and be in walking distance of a river. 



Christine told me that I can make these "survival" post a weekly thing, so if you liked this let me know...make a comment below...I can tell you all kinds of different survival tips :)
I hope you enjoyed it. 

♥Mel

Hidden Magic by Melanie Crouse

Hidden Magic will be released January 24th...thats tomorrow people!




When Jenny has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister, a small slice of freedom is all she's really hoping for. Instead she finds something else altogether: electricity.That's what Jenny feels when she looks at Arram. She knows he's drawn to her too, but the mage-in-training does his best to hide it. Stung, Jenny turns to Arram's former best friend, Jack.But Arram & Jack's rivalry is much darker than Jenny suspects, and so are Jack's intentions. Soon she's caught in a mystery of old murder, ancient prophecies and magic hidden where no one has thought to look. When Jenny uncovers a secret magic, she is offered two choices. Arram wants to keep her safe. Jack wants to show her the easy way out. Whatever Jenny decides, her life will irrevocably change. Either way, freedom may be the one thing Jenny can never have.





Be sure to go like Melanie on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MelanieCrouse.author

Also go check out the below site, Melanie is giving away a signed paperback copy of Hidden Magic...http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MTgyMjY3YWIwN2QzOWM0NDU3NGIzZTY0MDc5OWRkOjUx/

Here is where you can buy Hidden Magic (The Dragon Lord) Volume 1:http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Magic-Dragon-Lord-Volume/dp/1494853515/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390504020&sr=8-1&keywords=hidden+magic+by+melanie+crouse