Angie Lofthouse's Blog, page 6
October 16, 2013
One Word Interview with Kevin Crouch (and a giveaway!)
Today we welcome author Kevin Crouch, author of Borrowed Lives.
Stranded on a desert island! What's your must-have item?
My wife—I would want someone interesting to talk to.
Aw. That's sweet. :)
What period in history would you most like to visit?
1755—I want to know what life was really like in the court of Louis XV.
That sounds fascinating.
Which of your characters is most like you?
Idella Pinson— but perhaps not in a positive way.
It is amazing what our characters can teach us about ourselves, isn't it?
We're having a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we serving for dessert?
Crème Brulee—is an explanation really necessary?
Mmmm. Sounds wonderful.
Which historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Josephine Beauharnaise— she witnessed the most transformative events of 18th and 19th Century history.
What an interesting woman. I would like to meet her too!
Thanks for being joining us in the writing chair today, Kevin!
Kevin has graciously agreed to give a copy of his novel, Borrowed Lives, to a reader of the blog. Just leave a comment, and you'll be entered! Leave your email address, so I can reach you. Drawing will be held on Wed. October 23.
About Kevin Crouch
I grew up in a beautiful Northern California village that was entirely too small for my big imagination. Nearly every free hour was spent at the local library, reading about distant places I could only dream of visiting, and people whose lives were far more interesting than my own. At night, I would fall asleep imagining myself occupying the lives of the people that I came to know on paper.
Eventually, I escaped and was able to see some of the world that I had read about and have adventures of my own. As I continued to read, I became fascinated by the coincidences of history that cut across time: how people and places and dates intersect in unexpected ways, although sometimes separated by thousands of years. Along the way, I acquired a wife and best friend, a degree in fashion design, and a son, in that order.
More years passed. Careers came and went; some glamorous and some not. Over time, I found that the thing I most enjoyed doing was helping others to discover and develop their own talents. Thus, about ten years ago, I became a professor of fashion at a design college on the outer fringes of Nashville, Tennessee. I love the work, I love the creativity, and I love the freedom to dream.
I have co-authored two non-fiction books, at the request of my wife’s editor, The Gospel According to Elvis and Sun King: The Life and Times of Sam Phillips, the Man Behind Sun Records. Before my tenure as a professor, I designed professionally for Vogue, Nevada Ballet Theatre, and Disney. My wife says I have a dry sense of humor, which you will come to appreciate if you sign me to be a client. As a writer, I want to have a body of work, not just one novel. I’m looking for an agent I can form a relationship with to advise and help me achieve that goal.
www.kevincrouchwrites.com
kevin@kevincrouchwrites.com
Borrowed Lives by Kevin Crouch
Synopsis
Reclusive literary researcher Ray Haddon is on the verge of a breakdown. The carefully crafted cyber wall that was created to keep the outside world at bay became a prison after the death of trusted mentor Ruth Meredith. It appears that the only way out of this self-inflicted fortress of solitude is to retreat into the past to figure out how life got so complicated. But this is not solely a mental exercise. The secret behind Ray’s successful career is the ability to travel back in time to gather research first-hand from the borrowed lives of others. So two weeks are set aside for quiet soul-searching in the ancient past.
What should have been a straightforward journey turns to confusion when Ray is unexpectedly trapped in Edwardian London, in the host body of an individual whose troubled life eerily mirrors Ray’s own. Quick to embrace the distraction of fixing this host’s problems, Ray gets embroiled in a chance encounter that offers the possibility of romance. Along the way, Ray’s interference becomes the intersection point for a variety of real life historical personages whose lives intertwine in surprising ways. But what is ignored tends to fester, and before long Ray’s problems seize control. What follows is a disaster that leaves everyone involved worse off than before.
Angry and hurt, Ray finally arrives in 12th Dynasty Egypt, where the calamity of London is almost repeated. Recognizing the mistake in time, Ray is able to work the issues through in tandem with the new host body, coming to the realization that life must be lived in the present, not the past. An attempt to right the chaos left behind in London proves only partly successful, but sets Ray up for the biggest adventure of all: living one’s own life.
Borrowed Lives is the first book in a series about Ray Haddon. There is also a short story, Idella Pinson, about one of the characters from the book.
Stranded on a desert island! What's your must-have item?
My wife—I would want someone interesting to talk to.
Aw. That's sweet. :)
What period in history would you most like to visit?
1755—I want to know what life was really like in the court of Louis XV.
That sounds fascinating.
Which of your characters is most like you?
Idella Pinson— but perhaps not in a positive way.
It is amazing what our characters can teach us about ourselves, isn't it?
We're having a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we serving for dessert?
Crème Brulee—is an explanation really necessary?
Mmmm. Sounds wonderful.
Which historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Josephine Beauharnaise— she witnessed the most transformative events of 18th and 19th Century history.
What an interesting woman. I would like to meet her too!
Thanks for being joining us in the writing chair today, Kevin!
Kevin has graciously agreed to give a copy of his novel, Borrowed Lives, to a reader of the blog. Just leave a comment, and you'll be entered! Leave your email address, so I can reach you. Drawing will be held on Wed. October 23.
About Kevin CrouchI grew up in a beautiful Northern California village that was entirely too small for my big imagination. Nearly every free hour was spent at the local library, reading about distant places I could only dream of visiting, and people whose lives were far more interesting than my own. At night, I would fall asleep imagining myself occupying the lives of the people that I came to know on paper.
Eventually, I escaped and was able to see some of the world that I had read about and have adventures of my own. As I continued to read, I became fascinated by the coincidences of history that cut across time: how people and places and dates intersect in unexpected ways, although sometimes separated by thousands of years. Along the way, I acquired a wife and best friend, a degree in fashion design, and a son, in that order.
More years passed. Careers came and went; some glamorous and some not. Over time, I found that the thing I most enjoyed doing was helping others to discover and develop their own talents. Thus, about ten years ago, I became a professor of fashion at a design college on the outer fringes of Nashville, Tennessee. I love the work, I love the creativity, and I love the freedom to dream.
I have co-authored two non-fiction books, at the request of my wife’s editor, The Gospel According to Elvis and Sun King: The Life and Times of Sam Phillips, the Man Behind Sun Records. Before my tenure as a professor, I designed professionally for Vogue, Nevada Ballet Theatre, and Disney. My wife says I have a dry sense of humor, which you will come to appreciate if you sign me to be a client. As a writer, I want to have a body of work, not just one novel. I’m looking for an agent I can form a relationship with to advise and help me achieve that goal.
www.kevincrouchwrites.com
kevin@kevincrouchwrites.com
Borrowed Lives by Kevin Crouch
Synopsis
Reclusive literary researcher Ray Haddon is on the verge of a breakdown. The carefully crafted cyber wall that was created to keep the outside world at bay became a prison after the death of trusted mentor Ruth Meredith. It appears that the only way out of this self-inflicted fortress of solitude is to retreat into the past to figure out how life got so complicated. But this is not solely a mental exercise. The secret behind Ray’s successful career is the ability to travel back in time to gather research first-hand from the borrowed lives of others. So two weeks are set aside for quiet soul-searching in the ancient past.
What should have been a straightforward journey turns to confusion when Ray is unexpectedly trapped in Edwardian London, in the host body of an individual whose troubled life eerily mirrors Ray’s own. Quick to embrace the distraction of fixing this host’s problems, Ray gets embroiled in a chance encounter that offers the possibility of romance. Along the way, Ray’s interference becomes the intersection point for a variety of real life historical personages whose lives intertwine in surprising ways. But what is ignored tends to fester, and before long Ray’s problems seize control. What follows is a disaster that leaves everyone involved worse off than before.
Angry and hurt, Ray finally arrives in 12th Dynasty Egypt, where the calamity of London is almost repeated. Recognizing the mistake in time, Ray is able to work the issues through in tandem with the new host body, coming to the realization that life must be lived in the present, not the past. An attempt to right the chaos left behind in London proves only partly successful, but sets Ray up for the biggest adventure of all: living one’s own life.
Borrowed Lives is the first book in a series about Ray Haddon. There is also a short story, Idella Pinson, about one of the characters from the book.
October 9, 2013
Commitment
You've probably noticed that all I've been posting here lately are One Word Interviews. I really love those. I hope you do to. I think it's a fun way to introduce you to authors and their books.
My original intent was to post an interview every other week and my own posts every other week. That hasn't worked out so great. I'm keeping up with the interviews, but not with my own posts.
So, I am committing myself to posting on this blog every week, either an interview or some other post. I can do it!
Some important things have happened since I sort of fell of the blogging bandwagon.
I finished the second first draft of my third Defenders novel, Shattered Skies, at the end of June! (I call it the second first draft because I wrote it once, then wrote the whole thing over again from scratch. Sometimes it's just better that way.) I wrote it in only 6.5 months, compared with 15 months for my previous two books, so I felt good about that.
Unfortunately, my publisher decided to pass on my second Defenders novel, The Ransomed Returning. That was a rather hard blow. I have been waffling about what to do with it and Shattered Skies, but in the same sense of commitment I am taking with this blog, I am going to have The Ransomed Returning out by the end of November, and Shattered Skies by next summer. So watch for more information on that!
I published a collection of short stories, Ripped and Other Adventures. It contains nine previously published shorts and one all new novella, Sofie and the Night Eagle. It's gotten some great reviews so far. Check it out!
I also started to work on the first draft of a new LDS science fiction novel, tentatively title The Glory of the Stars.
So my writing goals for the next few months:
Publish The Ransomed ReturningRead-through and edit Shattered Skies for beta readersFinish first draft of The Glory of the StarsKeep up with blogging
No problem, right?
What have you been up to lately?
My original intent was to post an interview every other week and my own posts every other week. That hasn't worked out so great. I'm keeping up with the interviews, but not with my own posts.
So, I am committing myself to posting on this blog every week, either an interview or some other post. I can do it!
Some important things have happened since I sort of fell of the blogging bandwagon.
I finished the second first draft of my third Defenders novel, Shattered Skies, at the end of June! (I call it the second first draft because I wrote it once, then wrote the whole thing over again from scratch. Sometimes it's just better that way.) I wrote it in only 6.5 months, compared with 15 months for my previous two books, so I felt good about that.
Unfortunately, my publisher decided to pass on my second Defenders novel, The Ransomed Returning. That was a rather hard blow. I have been waffling about what to do with it and Shattered Skies, but in the same sense of commitment I am taking with this blog, I am going to have The Ransomed Returning out by the end of November, and Shattered Skies by next summer. So watch for more information on that!
I published a collection of short stories, Ripped and Other Adventures. It contains nine previously published shorts and one all new novella, Sofie and the Night Eagle. It's gotten some great reviews so far. Check it out!I also started to work on the first draft of a new LDS science fiction novel, tentatively title The Glory of the Stars.
So my writing goals for the next few months:
Publish The Ransomed ReturningRead-through and edit Shattered Skies for beta readersFinish first draft of The Glory of the StarsKeep up with blogging
No problem, right?
What have you been up to lately?
October 2, 2013
One Word Interview with Karey White
Today we have Karey White, author of My Own Mr. Darcy. Welcome to the writing chair, Karey!
You've been set down in the middle of a fairy tale. What character are you?
Matchmaker
Awesome! I would love to be the matchmaker too and find everyone their true love!
What's one trait you share in common with your MC?
Stubborn
People talk about stubborn like it's a bad thing. I don't think so. Way to be!
You're having your favorite author for dinner. What will you serve
for dessert?
ChocolateChipCookiePieWithVanillaIceCream
Yum. Just yum. That is all.
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Eve
Wonderful choice! That would be quite the lunch. I wonder if it would be like lunch with a favorite grandmother. :)
What is your dream romantic getaway spot?
Norway
I've never thought of Norway as romantic, but now that you mention it, sounds wonderful!
Thanks so much for being here today, Karey!
After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough.
Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.
You've been set down in the middle of a fairy tale. What character are you?
Matchmaker
Awesome! I would love to be the matchmaker too and find everyone their true love!
What's one trait you share in common with your MC?
Stubborn
People talk about stubborn like it's a bad thing. I don't think so. Way to be!
You're having your favorite author for dinner. What will you serve
for dessert?
ChocolateChipCookiePieWithVanillaIceCream
Yum. Just yum. That is all.
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Eve
Wonderful choice! That would be quite the lunch. I wonder if it would be like lunch with a favorite grandmother. :)
What is your dream romantic getaway spot?
Norway
I've never thought of Norway as romantic, but now that you mention it, sounds wonderful!
Thanks so much for being here today, Karey!
After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough. Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.
September 18, 2013
One Word Interview with James Wymore
Today we have James Wymore, author of the sci-fi/fantasy adventure The Actuator: Fractured Earth, as well as other books. Welcome, James! Always nice to have a fellow sci-fi author in the writing chair.Alien invasion! Weapon of choice?
Flamethrower
That would come in handy! You can be my alien invasion buddy any day.
You've been set down in your latest book. What character do you
seek out first?
Red
I'll bet he's a tough one!
What fictional world would you most like to live in?
Essentia
That sounds exciting!
We're having a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we
serving for dessert?
Cheesecake
A popular dessert choice among interviewees. Confession: I'm not a huge cheesecake fan myself.
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Huxley
Aldous or Thomas Henry? Either way, fascinating choice. Interesting men to meet for sure.
Thank you so much, James! Be sure to check out his blog and his latest release. It sounds like an exciting tale!
September 10, 2013
It's my birthday!
Today is my birthday, and the first of three in my family this week. We call it Birthday Week, and we are partying hard! (Okay, not really, but it's still fun.) And in true Hobbit fashion (since I am a Hobbit, you know), I am giving away the presents!In celebration of Birthday Week, Ripped and Other Adventures is FREE for Kindle until Saturday, Sept. 14. Go grab it and let your friends know too. Hope you enjoy!
PS. It has already hit the top 25 on two Amazon Bestseller lists (sci-fi adventure, and short stories), so a HUGE thanks to those who've picked it up already. :)
September 4, 2013
One Word Interview with Anna Del C. Dye
Today we have the delightful Anna Del C. Dye in the writing chair. She is the author of the young adult Elfs fantasy series. Take it away, Anna!What fictional world would you most like to live in?
Anduriah, the world were my Elfs live.
Sounds terrific. I'd like to visit sometime.
You have been set down in the middle of your latest book! Weapon of choice?
Two stylistic short swords, worn across my back.
Those sound both beautiful and handy.
Which of your characters is most like you?Princess Adren, the main character in “The Silent Warrior Trilogy”. She has lost all her kindred and has to be adopted by another race. I left my Country at 21 and left everything I knew behind to be adopted by another race, customs, language, and love. :)
That's lovely. :)
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
King Arthur at his round table, eating roasted pork, potatoes, corn, hot bread
Wow. Wouldn't that be something!
You are having your favorite author over for dinner. What are you serving? That would be J. R. R. Tolkien and we would dine in the white halls of the White City, Middle Earth: rabbit stew, hot bread and ale.
Awesome! Can I come too?
Thanks so much for being with us today, Anna!
Anna del C. Dye was born in Valparaiso, Chile, amongst some of the world’s most famous beaches. After meeting Rodney, a native of Idaho, in her hometown, two years later, Anna traveled to Utah on Christmas Eve and married him two weeks later. Their love story, "Why Him?", was published by Covenant in the book entitled Tender Mercies. Anna and Rodney reside in Taylorsville, Utah and are the parents of three princes and a princess. They love to camp, canoe, explore ruins, and have sword fights.Anna del C. Dye is an accomplished, multi-award winning author. Her short story “Amerine—Fairy Princess” won 2nd place in the Oquirrh Writers contest. The first book in her new YA Romance Series entitled “A Kingdom By The Sea” won 2nd place in The Absolutely Write contest. Book three of “The Silent Warrior Trilogy,” won a bronze seal in the League of Utah Writers. Shahira and the Flying Elfs won Honor in the Oquirrh first chapter contest. Emerine’s Nightmare, a pre-teens short story, won 1st place right before it was released in digital formats for the Kindle and Nook.
Anna’s works include “The Silent Warrior Trilogy,” the beginning saga of her young adult elf series. Book one, “The Elf and the Princess” book two, “Trouble in the Elf City” and book three, “Elfs in a Conquered Realm.” Her stand alone books: “Curse of the Elfs,” “A Royal Elf of Abalon”, now “Shahira and the Flying Elfs” and also her children’s book “Emerine’s nightmare”
August 29, 2013
Like free or cheap ebooks?
I often post free Kindle books on Facebook, and I know a lot of people appreciate that. Well, here's a website that will send you links to free and discounted ebooks every day. It's free to join. I'm giving it a try.
What are your thoughts on free ebooks? Do you snatch them up like candy the way I do? Have you found any new faves that way? I'd love to know what you think.
What are your thoughts on free ebooks? Do you snatch them up like candy the way I do? Have you found any new faves that way? I'd love to know what you think.
August 21, 2013
One Word Interview with LuAnn Staheli
Today we have LuAnn Brobst Staheli in the writing chair. LuAnn has taken on the challenge of publishing a book a month this year! Wow. I'm super impressed.
Alien invasion! What fictional character do you most want by your side?
Indiana Jones
Excellent choice, that.
You've been set down in the middle of your latest book. What character do you seek out first?
Ida Mae Ruth
I like her name. I'll bet she's quite a character!
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
William Shakespeare (We are 12th cousins, once removed)
That's very cool. I'll bet he's an interesting conversationalist.
You're performing on Broadway! What show are you in?
Mama Mia!
Oh, how fun!
You are having your characters over for dinner. What are you serving?
Breaded tenderloin, mashed potatoes with white gravy, corn on the cob, and homemade strawberry pie.
Your characters must love you!
Thank you so much, LuAnn!
Lu Ann Brobst Staheli got her start as a celebrity paparazzi-stalker-chick, which led to her award-winning career as a ghostwriter for celebrity memoirs. A masochist at heart, she taught junior high school English for 33 years, moved to the school library beginning year 34, and once spent two weeks summer vacation backpacking through Europe with fifteen of her students. She has won three Best of State Medals—two for writing and one for teaching—but refuses to wear them all at the same time because she’d hate to be known as a show-off. Her other published works include Just Like Elizabeth Taylor; The Explorers: Tides Across the Sea; Leona & Me, Helen Marie; A Note With Taking; When Hearts Conjoin, the story of the conjoined Herrin twins; Psychic Madman about mentalist Jim Karol; One Day at a Time: Teaching Secondary Language Arts; and Books, Books, and More Books: A Parent and Teacher's Guide to Adolescent Literature. Lu Ann says, “But 2013 will be the year of the eBook for me. A long list of titles are in the finalization stage, and I’m excited to make them available to my readers.”
Lu Ann’s articles have appeared in Grit, Byline, Scouting, Library Media Connections, and The Writer magazines, and she is featured in the upcoming book release, Best of The Writer. She has published invitational essays in Teaching Secondary Language Arts K-12: It Really Works (Christopher-Gordon Publishers) and Famous Family Nights (Cedar Fort International).
As a Senior Editor with Precision Editing Group, Lu Ann Staheli has had a hand in a number of releases from Deseret Book, Shadow Mountain, Covenant Communications, and other regional publishers, including several winners and finalists for the Whitney Award and New York Times bestsellers. A former Associate Producer of Alan Osmond's Stadium of Fire, Lu Ann resides in Spanish Fork, Utah, with her husband, and tries to keep track of their five sons.
Twelve-year-old Liz Taylor has known for a long time that she would escape—escape the abuse against herself, and against her mother. She just didn’t know how or when. Then the perfect opportunity comes—money left of the table by her mother’s abuser—and Liz is on the run. But a girl her age doesn’t have many options when it comes to hideouts, making a K.O. A. campground and a nearby middle school her perfect choices. If only she can keep to herself, Liz, now using the name Beth, knows she can make it on her own, until things change, and she realizes she must face her situation head on if she is to save herself and her mom.
WINNER — Utah Arts Council Original Writing Competition, Juvenile Division
WINNER — League of Utah Writer’s Juvenile Novel & Diamond Quill
Follow me:
www.luannslibrary.blogspot.com
Twitter: @luannstaheli
Facebook: LuAnn Brobst Staheli, Author
Alien invasion! What fictional character do you most want by your side?
Indiana Jones
Excellent choice, that.
You've been set down in the middle of your latest book. What character do you seek out first?
Ida Mae Ruth
I like her name. I'll bet she's quite a character!
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
William Shakespeare (We are 12th cousins, once removed)
That's very cool. I'll bet he's an interesting conversationalist.
You're performing on Broadway! What show are you in?
Mama Mia!
Oh, how fun!
You are having your characters over for dinner. What are you serving?
Breaded tenderloin, mashed potatoes with white gravy, corn on the cob, and homemade strawberry pie.
Your characters must love you!
Thank you so much, LuAnn!
Lu Ann Brobst Staheli got her start as a celebrity paparazzi-stalker-chick, which led to her award-winning career as a ghostwriter for celebrity memoirs. A masochist at heart, she taught junior high school English for 33 years, moved to the school library beginning year 34, and once spent two weeks summer vacation backpacking through Europe with fifteen of her students. She has won three Best of State Medals—two for writing and one for teaching—but refuses to wear them all at the same time because she’d hate to be known as a show-off. Her other published works include Just Like Elizabeth Taylor; The Explorers: Tides Across the Sea; Leona & Me, Helen Marie; A Note With Taking; When Hearts Conjoin, the story of the conjoined Herrin twins; Psychic Madman about mentalist Jim Karol; One Day at a Time: Teaching Secondary Language Arts; and Books, Books, and More Books: A Parent and Teacher's Guide to Adolescent Literature. Lu Ann says, “But 2013 will be the year of the eBook for me. A long list of titles are in the finalization stage, and I’m excited to make them available to my readers.”Lu Ann’s articles have appeared in Grit, Byline, Scouting, Library Media Connections, and The Writer magazines, and she is featured in the upcoming book release, Best of The Writer. She has published invitational essays in Teaching Secondary Language Arts K-12: It Really Works (Christopher-Gordon Publishers) and Famous Family Nights (Cedar Fort International).
As a Senior Editor with Precision Editing Group, Lu Ann Staheli has had a hand in a number of releases from Deseret Book, Shadow Mountain, Covenant Communications, and other regional publishers, including several winners and finalists for the Whitney Award and New York Times bestsellers. A former Associate Producer of Alan Osmond's Stadium of Fire, Lu Ann resides in Spanish Fork, Utah, with her husband, and tries to keep track of their five sons.
Twelve-year-old Liz Taylor has known for a long time that she would escape—escape the abuse against herself, and against her mother. She just didn’t know how or when. Then the perfect opportunity comes—money left of the table by her mother’s abuser—and Liz is on the run. But a girl her age doesn’t have many options when it comes to hideouts, making a K.O. A. campground and a nearby middle school her perfect choices. If only she can keep to herself, Liz, now using the name Beth, knows she can make it on her own, until things change, and she realizes she must face her situation head on if she is to save herself and her mom.WINNER — Utah Arts Council Original Writing Competition, Juvenile Division
WINNER — League of Utah Writer’s Juvenile Novel & Diamond Quill
Follow me:
www.luannslibrary.blogspot.com
Twitter: @luannstaheli
Facebook: LuAnn Brobst Staheli, Author
August 7, 2013
One Word Interview with Donna K. Weaver
Today's One Word Interview features clean romance author, Donna K. Weaver, whose romance/adventure on the high seas novel, A Change of Plans was released recently. Welcome to the writing chair, Donna! Stranded on a desert island. What's your must-have item?
Hubby
Aw. That's sweet. :)
Which one of your characters is most like you?
None. All.
Oh, I can relate! They are all like us in some ways, and yet not at all.
If you could take a cruise anywhere in the world, where would it be?
World
Sure! I mean, why choose just one place, right? (Can I come with you?)
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Helen Keller (nonreligious)
Ooo, Interesting choice. I really admire her.
We are holding a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we
serving for dessert?
Cheesecake
Yum. Just, yum. That is all.
Thanks so much, Donna!
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A Change of Plans:
When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old, Colorado high school teacher wants to do is forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. Lyn plans a vacation diversion; fate provides Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship's make-believe world and temporary friendships, her emotions come alive. However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he's navigating, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn is on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs from Braedon and what he has to offer.
Their confusing relationship is bad enough, but when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions in American Samoa things get worse. Paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped and Lyn's fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck. Get the audiobook!
Donna K. Weaver has always loved reading and creating stories, thus she’s been ever entertained. A Navy brat and U.S. Army veteran, she’s lived in many U.S. states as well as South Korea, the Philippines, and Germany. An avid cruiser, she’s sailed the Pacific four times. When she retired from Shorei Kempo Karate with a black belt, she decided it was time to put her imaginary friends and places on paper. She lives in Utah with her husband. They have six children and eight grandchildren.
Find her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads
August 6, 2013
Release Day!
I'm pleased to announce that my new short story collection, Ripped and Other Adventures is now available for Kindle, and will be available in print in the next few weeks. Ripped contains many of my previously published stories as well as the all-new novella, "Sofie and the Night Eagle." Right now, it's on sale for half price at only $2.49. But get it soon, because that price only lasts until Saturday!Want a chance to win a signed print copy?
Share the cover and/or purchase link on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, Pinterest, or any other social media site, and I'll enter you into a drawing to be held on Saturday, August 10. Be sure to comment here or tag me in your post, so I know you've shared.
Thanks a million, my friends!
