Nichole Giles's Blog, page 11
June 28, 2013
Fun Stuff Coming Up!
Guys! I feel like I have so much to tell you. It’s not that I’ve been keeping secrets, or taken a break from posting, but suddenly I have a list of THINGS to share.
When I was writing my posts for the week, I looked at my calendar and realized that June is over and July is upon us. And HolyCrapSummersHalfwayOver, and there are some FreakishlyCoolBeyondAwesome things coming up fast.
Like a really fun Birthday Bash promotion, in honor of my birthday, and also DESCENDANT being published, and in which you can buy my book and get free stuff, be entered to win free stuff, and then get more free stuff for participating. It runs July 1-9th, and there are lots and lots of ways to participate, and did I mention free stuff and prizes? Yeah. Maybe keep that in mind and if you’re planning to buy or gift a copy of DESCENDANT, you may want to wait until July 1st, and check back here for the details on how to get your free stuff. (I mentioned free stuff, right?)
Party. Balloons. Party favors. YAHOO!
A few weeks after that, I will be doing a little traveling, some of which *might* involve research for a manuscript which *might* be a sequel to DESCENDANT. This trip will also involve a few days in Utah, during which time I may set up a signing if I have time. (I’ll let you know!)
Also, have you ever attended WorldCON? If you’re at all into science fiction / fantasy of any kind (Star wars anyone? No? Star Trek maybe? Game of Thrones?) it’s pretty much a week of unbridled awesome. And this year, it’s called LoneStarCON, because it’s in San Antonio, which is only two hours away from me, which means I WILL SO BE THERE! So far, I am not planning on being on any panels or participating at all because I hesitated too long, but I don’t even care. I have my reservations and have paid my fee and at the end of August, I AM GOING. (So if you’ve ever considered attending, you should come this year and find me and say hi.)
What else? Oh yes! My friend Tova (the one who made my awesome DESCENDANT lip balms and body sprays) at The Way of the Witch has recently launched an Ailment app, which will is geared toward helping people find holistic, natural remedies to whatever ails you, kind of like Abby in DESCENDANT. Cool, right? I recommend checking that out if you’re at all into natural healing.
Okay, last thing. I have some seriously big goals for the next few months, and lots of important tasks vying for my attention, so aside from a few extra promotional posts, I’m going to cut back to one post a week until September. And because it seems like a good time to experiment, I’m going to try posting that once-a-week post on Tuesdays. (Obviously, I’m feeling rebellious.)
Thanks so much for reading and for understanding and for just being awesome. That’s all for now!
*Don’t forget to check back on July 1st for an opportunity to participate in the Birthday Bash Promotion and get lots of free stuff!
When I was writing my posts for the week, I looked at my calendar and realized that June is over and July is upon us. And HolyCrapSummersHalfwayOver, and there are some FreakishlyCoolBeyondAwesome things coming up fast.
Like a really fun Birthday Bash promotion, in honor of my birthday, and also DESCENDANT being published, and in which you can buy my book and get free stuff, be entered to win free stuff, and then get more free stuff for participating. It runs July 1-9th, and there are lots and lots of ways to participate, and did I mention free stuff and prizes? Yeah. Maybe keep that in mind and if you’re planning to buy or gift a copy of DESCENDANT, you may want to wait until July 1st, and check back here for the details on how to get your free stuff. (I mentioned free stuff, right?)
Party. Balloons. Party favors. YAHOO!
A few weeks after that, I will be doing a little traveling, some of which *might* involve research for a manuscript which *might* be a sequel to DESCENDANT. This trip will also involve a few days in Utah, during which time I may set up a signing if I have time. (I’ll let you know!)
Also, have you ever attended WorldCON? If you’re at all into science fiction / fantasy of any kind (Star wars anyone? No? Star Trek maybe? Game of Thrones?) it’s pretty much a week of unbridled awesome. And this year, it’s called LoneStarCON, because it’s in San Antonio, which is only two hours away from me, which means I WILL SO BE THERE! So far, I am not planning on being on any panels or participating at all because I hesitated too long, but I don’t even care. I have my reservations and have paid my fee and at the end of August, I AM GOING. (So if you’ve ever considered attending, you should come this year and find me and say hi.)
What else? Oh yes! My friend Tova (the one who made my awesome DESCENDANT lip balms and body sprays) at The Way of the Witch has recently launched an Ailment app, which will is geared toward helping people find holistic, natural remedies to whatever ails you, kind of like Abby in DESCENDANT. Cool, right? I recommend checking that out if you’re at all into natural healing.
Okay, last thing. I have some seriously big goals for the next few months, and lots of important tasks vying for my attention, so aside from a few extra promotional posts, I’m going to cut back to one post a week until September. And because it seems like a good time to experiment, I’m going to try posting that once-a-week post on Tuesdays. (Obviously, I’m feeling rebellious.)
Thanks so much for reading and for understanding and for just being awesome. That’s all for now!
*Don’t forget to check back on July 1st for an opportunity to participate in the Birthday Bash Promotion and get lots of free stuff!
June 26, 2013
How Do You Know? It’s a Mystery.
Recently, we got a subscription to Netflix (I know we’re behind the times—don’t judge) and I was scrolling through and found Shakespeare in Love in our que. And OH MY GOSH, that has always been one of my favorites, and I was in a romantic mood (meaning I needed inspiration for edits and stuff), so that was kind of a no-brainer. I was all, love + kissing + Shakespeare = happy and yeah.
I watched it, remembering things I had forgotten, or picking up small comments or nuances I haven’t noticed in the past. And I was struck by an undercurrent, an ongoing theme that hit home for my current circumstances. At one point, the owner of the playhouse tells the loan-shark, Mr. Fennyman, that it’s okay that the playhouses have been shut down because of the plague, because strangely enough, it all works out in the end. Mr. Fennyman doesn’t believe him at first, asking, “How do you know?” and the playhouse owner (whose name slips my mind for now) shrugs and says, “It’s a mystery.”
This same line is used between Christopher Marlowe and Will Shakespeare, and then again between Will and Viola (his love interest) at the end of the movie. And then, mysteriously, it does work out in the end. Not necessarily with ideal circumstances, and as the queen predicts, the story ends with tears and a journey, but also with a playwright who will FOREVER have a muse. (Sorry if you consider those spoilers!)
That line pretty much applies to my life on any given day lately. And yet…strangely enough, things tend to mysteriously work out in the end. Call it faith. Or human nature. Or divine intervention. You could even call it fate if you’re so inclined. But the thing is, when life throws us challenges, IT REALLY DOES WORK OUT. And usually, for the better.
So there you have it. My weekly dose of wisdom handed down from a movie.
Has fiction ever given you wisdom? Do share!
I watched it, remembering things I had forgotten, or picking up small comments or nuances I haven’t noticed in the past. And I was struck by an undercurrent, an ongoing theme that hit home for my current circumstances. At one point, the owner of the playhouse tells the loan-shark, Mr. Fennyman, that it’s okay that the playhouses have been shut down because of the plague, because strangely enough, it all works out in the end. Mr. Fennyman doesn’t believe him at first, asking, “How do you know?” and the playhouse owner (whose name slips my mind for now) shrugs and says, “It’s a mystery.”
This same line is used between Christopher Marlowe and Will Shakespeare, and then again between Will and Viola (his love interest) at the end of the movie. And then, mysteriously, it does work out in the end. Not necessarily with ideal circumstances, and as the queen predicts, the story ends with tears and a journey, but also with a playwright who will FOREVER have a muse. (Sorry if you consider those spoilers!)
That line pretty much applies to my life on any given day lately. And yet…strangely enough, things tend to mysteriously work out in the end. Call it faith. Or human nature. Or divine intervention. You could even call it fate if you’re so inclined. But the thing is, when life throws us challenges, IT REALLY DOES WORK OUT. And usually, for the better.
So there you have it. My weekly dose of wisdom handed down from a movie.
Has fiction ever given you wisdom? Do share!
June 21, 2013
Evolving Readerly Taste
In my last post, I talked about how my decorating style has changed, and how even though my tastes have evolved, I am still very much the same person. And the whole decorating topic has made me think about the evolution of my tastes as a reader, and as a writer as well.
As a kid, I loved the mystery of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. But fundamentally more important to me were the hints of romance I found in those stories. I think I would never have loved Nancy so much if it hadn’t been for her relationship with Ned. As I grew, I found random other books at the library and read them. I was not a horribly picky reader, but the one consistent, most memorable thread throughout is romance.
After a number of years spent reading to my children, but not for my own pleasure (weird, I know) I came across an audio book at someone’s home, and listened while I nursed my babies/cleaned my house/bottled jam/accomplished other important things. It was a family drama type story but it involved and included romance. So naturally, I finished the entire series, and then another one. This led to many trips to the library, which led to me deciding to try writing myself.
Several years later, I read a little of everything, depending on my mood, and write YA almost exclusively (for now). But in all my choices of reading and writing, that single consistent thread remains. It boils down to who I am at the core, and what matters to my most subconscious self.
I have evolved over the years as both a reader and a writer, but when I really think about it, my basic tastes and preferences remain very much the same. I like romance. And kissing. And anything that involves feelings. All other criteria will likely change and move and shift, but that one important thread will always remain the same.
So what about you? What one thread stays consistent in your reading choices?
As a kid, I loved the mystery of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. But fundamentally more important to me were the hints of romance I found in those stories. I think I would never have loved Nancy so much if it hadn’t been for her relationship with Ned. As I grew, I found random other books at the library and read them. I was not a horribly picky reader, but the one consistent, most memorable thread throughout is romance.
After a number of years spent reading to my children, but not for my own pleasure (weird, I know) I came across an audio book at someone’s home, and listened while I nursed my babies/cleaned my house/bottled jam/accomplished other important things. It was a family drama type story but it involved and included romance. So naturally, I finished the entire series, and then another one. This led to many trips to the library, which led to me deciding to try writing myself.
Several years later, I read a little of everything, depending on my mood, and write YA almost exclusively (for now). But in all my choices of reading and writing, that single consistent thread remains. It boils down to who I am at the core, and what matters to my most subconscious self.
I have evolved over the years as both a reader and a writer, but when I really think about it, my basic tastes and preferences remain very much the same. I like romance. And kissing. And anything that involves feelings. All other criteria will likely change and move and shift, but that one important thread will always remain the same.
So what about you? What one thread stays consistent in your reading choices?
June 19, 2013
A Wider View
Ever since we moved into this new house, I’ve been on a little bit of a decorating kick. Part of it might be a driving need to make this place feel like home, even though we are far away from everything we know and everyone we love. But I think another part is very much a cycle of style.
I feel myself (and my family) moving away from colors that are easy and “trendy” and moving into ones that are bright and bold. Maybe it’s because we just did a brave, bold thing, and it’s a bit of a hangover from living this new life. I’m not sure. But I find myself gravitating toward color and patterns and other new ideas that I might not have ever considered in the house where everything was normal and comfortable and…the same as it had been since we built that home.
Then the other day, my kids and I cleaned out the garage and finished unpacking a number of our remaining boxes (the ones not in storage) and as we did we found bits and pieces of our past. Things we’ve collected on vacations or that we’ve just simply loved. And we got them out because in our life of uncertainty, we have a strong need to have little reminders of the familiar and the happy things from before.
And in doing so, I realized something. Yes, we’re thinking bold and bright, changing up colors and ideas, but as I lined the tops of our kitchen cabinets with bottles of sand and sea shells we have collected from all over the world, I realized that color aside, the core of our style, the core of our family, is very much the same.
Turns out, my fairy collection goes well with our new beach-esque color scheme, and our art pieces still move us to smiles. So while our style has evolved and cycled in a big way, we are still who we were before. Just maybe more open, more conscious, and with a bigger, wider view of things.
And I think maybe that is exactly the point.
But, um, I’m still looking for a desk for my office, so if you have a great tip on where I should look, I’d love to know.
I feel myself (and my family) moving away from colors that are easy and “trendy” and moving into ones that are bright and bold. Maybe it’s because we just did a brave, bold thing, and it’s a bit of a hangover from living this new life. I’m not sure. But I find myself gravitating toward color and patterns and other new ideas that I might not have ever considered in the house where everything was normal and comfortable and…the same as it had been since we built that home.
Then the other day, my kids and I cleaned out the garage and finished unpacking a number of our remaining boxes (the ones not in storage) and as we did we found bits and pieces of our past. Things we’ve collected on vacations or that we’ve just simply loved. And we got them out because in our life of uncertainty, we have a strong need to have little reminders of the familiar and the happy things from before.
And in doing so, I realized something. Yes, we’re thinking bold and bright, changing up colors and ideas, but as I lined the tops of our kitchen cabinets with bottles of sand and sea shells we have collected from all over the world, I realized that color aside, the core of our style, the core of our family, is very much the same.
Turns out, my fairy collection goes well with our new beach-esque color scheme, and our art pieces still move us to smiles. So while our style has evolved and cycled in a big way, we are still who we were before. Just maybe more open, more conscious, and with a bigger, wider view of things.
And I think maybe that is exactly the point.
But, um, I’m still looking for a desk for my office, so if you have a great tip on where I should look, I’d love to know.
June 14, 2013
In Which I Realize We All Have Issues
Okay, so this is not a new realization. But still. As mentioned in my last post, I have issues. Stuff I’m dealing with and decisions to make, etc, and yes, I have the ingrained instinct to want to bury my head under the covers and never come out. Or at least to wallow. But then, every single time I decide to do exactly that, I blink, and catch a glimpse of the world, and the other people in it who are not me.
I see others having troubles, and I talk someone else off a ledge, read about angst and uncertainty and troubles and depression and boredom and ISSUES. Real issues that are not pretend or fictional, but someone else’s actual reality.
I’m not saying other people’s problems make mine seem smaller or comparative or bigger or whatever. No, that’s not the point at all. What I realize is that everyone is dealing with something, and that something is huge to that person at that time, just like my thing is huge to me when I’m dealing with it—or whatever. Does that even make sense? The point is that it makes me feel not-so-alone as I deal with things. It makes me realize that my thing—no matter what it is—will not be the end of life as I know it (well, unless that involves moving again, and holy freak, I’d like to not do that again for a while, okay?), but maybe just a stepping stone to greater things.
And also, my things, my issues, my troubles and experiences and other crap? It all makes me human. Makes me strong. And strong is something I have always wanted to be. So I guess yeah. Maybe I can handle stuff, and be okay and do hard things. And my friends can too. And we will ALL OF US survive and become strong.
So that’s it. My personal lesson for this week. Everyone has issues, and it’s all good. We’re dealing with life and figuring things out, and no matter how alone we feel, we’re also united in our… insanity? Yes. That’s a good word.
Are you one of the insane ones?
I see others having troubles, and I talk someone else off a ledge, read about angst and uncertainty and troubles and depression and boredom and ISSUES. Real issues that are not pretend or fictional, but someone else’s actual reality.
I’m not saying other people’s problems make mine seem smaller or comparative or bigger or whatever. No, that’s not the point at all. What I realize is that everyone is dealing with something, and that something is huge to that person at that time, just like my thing is huge to me when I’m dealing with it—or whatever. Does that even make sense? The point is that it makes me feel not-so-alone as I deal with things. It makes me realize that my thing—no matter what it is—will not be the end of life as I know it (well, unless that involves moving again, and holy freak, I’d like to not do that again for a while, okay?), but maybe just a stepping stone to greater things.
And also, my things, my issues, my troubles and experiences and other crap? It all makes me human. Makes me strong. And strong is something I have always wanted to be. So I guess yeah. Maybe I can handle stuff, and be okay and do hard things. And my friends can too. And we will ALL OF US survive and become strong.
So that’s it. My personal lesson for this week. Everyone has issues, and it’s all good. We’re dealing with life and figuring things out, and no matter how alone we feel, we’re also united in our… insanity? Yes. That’s a good word.
Are you one of the insane ones?
June 12, 2013
Staring Down the Crossroads of Uncertainty
Let’s face it. We all feel it. We all have those moments when we are standing at a fork in the road, staring at a number of choices, all of which have pros and cons, and none of which stands out as the absolute right one.
We all have those moments when we have no idea what comes next, and we have to take a leap of faith.
This year, I have come to a number of those crossroads. Honestly, I think this is the year of wide, scary crossroads for me, and the year when I spend more time than ever closing my eyes, holding my nose, and jumping into dark, murky waters or some other strange abyss.
Why can’t the abyss ever be filled with cotton candy or ice cream or sparkly jewelry? *sigh*
This week, I’m staring at another one. A difficult choice, a future-altering thing, a terrifying what-if. I’m still not sure which road is best, which path will lead me to the place I hope to someday be. And none of the roads is ideal. But regardless, I have to choose one. For this journey, I may need a machete to cut through the weeds, but somehow, I sense that the hardest choice might be the best. Or, well, that’s how it tends to work out for me.
Still. I think I’m ready.
Yeah. I’m getting good at facing the unknown. And hey, if the road I choose is the wrong one, everything is not lost. I will still have an amazing story to tell.
So yeah. Cheer me on, would you? Tell me your amazing story?
We all have those moments when we have no idea what comes next, and we have to take a leap of faith.
This year, I have come to a number of those crossroads. Honestly, I think this is the year of wide, scary crossroads for me, and the year when I spend more time than ever closing my eyes, holding my nose, and jumping into dark, murky waters or some other strange abyss.
Why can’t the abyss ever be filled with cotton candy or ice cream or sparkly jewelry? *sigh*
This week, I’m staring at another one. A difficult choice, a future-altering thing, a terrifying what-if. I’m still not sure which road is best, which path will lead me to the place I hope to someday be. And none of the roads is ideal. But regardless, I have to choose one. For this journey, I may need a machete to cut through the weeds, but somehow, I sense that the hardest choice might be the best. Or, well, that’s how it tends to work out for me.
Still. I think I’m ready.
Yeah. I’m getting good at facing the unknown. And hey, if the road I choose is the wrong one, everything is not lost. I will still have an amazing story to tell.
So yeah. Cheer me on, would you? Tell me your amazing story?
June 7, 2013
Summah! (And other important stuff to do.)
Okay, so I know I’ve been somewhat incognito here and on social networking sites and all that jazz, but our move (from rental to owned-home) is complete (although, unpacking 20 years of crap is going to be a constant work in progress) and I’m diving back into edits/rewrites/drafts and planning to hit my writing hard this summer.
Usually, I don’t work as hard during the summer months because my kids are all over the place and I like to do fun summer things with them. But, um, I feel like I have lost a lot of time this year, which means I will spend the summer catching up. This means juggling the two is bound to get interesting.
First on the agenda, an updated draft of a book my agent needs ASAP. Second, taking a look at the zero draft of the sequel for DESCENDANT and drafting a workable, editable manuscript. Third—a rewrite (like number 16 or something) of a book I wrote two-ish years ago (maybe three?) that keeps feeling not-quite-ready. And finally, a totally new draft of an idea I started on over a year ago before my life EXPLODED. I’d like to have those first three things I mentioned finished by the end of summer, and hope to be starting on the fourth by September.
Can I do it? That remains to be seen. I may need an incentive of some kind. And some accountability. And some encouragement. I can count on all of you for the latter two, right? And as for incentive, well. Maybe…
A new writing desk? Or a writing patio? Or maybe smaller scale, like shoes. Trips to the beach. Or a night out with friends. Something fun! (Your ideas are welcome and helpful.)
So yeah. Lots of awesome things to keep me excited about working. Now if only I can find a quiet place until my new in-home office is set up (including temporary folding table).
*twiddles thumbs and glances sidelong at more boxes*
Until then, I’d love to hear about what productive/non-productive things you’re planning this summer!
Usually, I don’t work as hard during the summer months because my kids are all over the place and I like to do fun summer things with them. But, um, I feel like I have lost a lot of time this year, which means I will spend the summer catching up. This means juggling the two is bound to get interesting.
First on the agenda, an updated draft of a book my agent needs ASAP. Second, taking a look at the zero draft of the sequel for DESCENDANT and drafting a workable, editable manuscript. Third—a rewrite (like number 16 or something) of a book I wrote two-ish years ago (maybe three?) that keeps feeling not-quite-ready. And finally, a totally new draft of an idea I started on over a year ago before my life EXPLODED. I’d like to have those first three things I mentioned finished by the end of summer, and hope to be starting on the fourth by September.
Can I do it? That remains to be seen. I may need an incentive of some kind. And some accountability. And some encouragement. I can count on all of you for the latter two, right? And as for incentive, well. Maybe…
A new writing desk? Or a writing patio? Or maybe smaller scale, like shoes. Trips to the beach. Or a night out with friends. Something fun! (Your ideas are welcome and helpful.)
So yeah. Lots of awesome things to keep me excited about working. Now if only I can find a quiet place until my new in-home office is set up (including temporary folding table).
*twiddles thumbs and glances sidelong at more boxes*
Until then, I’d love to hear about what productive/non-productive things you’re planning this summer!
June 4, 2013
Awesome Books WEEK!!! (And yet ANOTHER contest.)
OH. My. Gosh. You guys!
Have you seen the awesome that has been released this week? And by awesome, I mean books, of course. There are so many, and I am excited for every one. SO EXCITED. Like, majorly. BIG TIME. Enough to use three exclamation points in the title of this post, and I never condone actions like that. That is how stoked I am.
Also, I am so very bummed, because all these releases mean launch parties in places where I am not, and so I will be missing some seriously stellar events. There will be tears. No avoiding it. But I am still so excited about these books that I just have to share them with all of you. Because, seriously, if I can’t be to the events, the least I can do is cyber-celebrate.
And because I can’t be with the authors on their big days, I think a little drawing thingie is in order. Here’s what I’m thinking. I want pictures. Send me a picture of you and YOUR copy of any of the following books (or all of them!) and I will enter you into a drawing to win one FREE e-copy of my book, DESCENDANT. That’s right. FREE! You can send me your pics via Facebook or Twitter (tag me using my handle @nicholegiles), or email me at writenichole @ gmail . com by no later than midnight on Saturday, June 8th, and I will draw a random winner. Winner will be announced Wednesday, June 12th- -ish. One entry per book purchased (if you buy all of them, you’ll have an entry for all!). Open internationally.
Deal? Okay then.
Here are your options:
Happy reading, happy buying, and…oh, um, happy June!
Have you seen the awesome that has been released this week? And by awesome, I mean books, of course. There are so many, and I am excited for every one. SO EXCITED. Like, majorly. BIG TIME. Enough to use three exclamation points in the title of this post, and I never condone actions like that. That is how stoked I am.
Also, I am so very bummed, because all these releases mean launch parties in places where I am not, and so I will be missing some seriously stellar events. There will be tears. No avoiding it. But I am still so excited about these books that I just have to share them with all of you. Because, seriously, if I can’t be to the events, the least I can do is cyber-celebrate.
And because I can’t be with the authors on their big days, I think a little drawing thingie is in order. Here’s what I’m thinking. I want pictures. Send me a picture of you and YOUR copy of any of the following books (or all of them!) and I will enter you into a drawing to win one FREE e-copy of my book, DESCENDANT. That’s right. FREE! You can send me your pics via Facebook or Twitter (tag me using my handle @nicholegiles), or email me at writenichole @ gmail . com by no later than midnight on Saturday, June 8th, and I will draw a random winner. Winner will be announced Wednesday, June 12th- -ish. One entry per book purchased (if you buy all of them, you’ll have an entry for all!). Open internationally.
Deal? Okay then.
Here are your options:
Happy reading, happy buying, and…oh, um, happy June!
June 1, 2013
Guest Post: Donna K.Weaver, author of A Change of Plans
Hi all! Today, I have the pleasure of hosting fellow Rhemalda author, Donna K. Weaver, whose book, A Change of Plans comes out TODAY! Yes, that's right. It's Donna's book birthday.
*throws confetti and blows up balloons*
Happy book birthday Donna! Today, Donna is going to tell us a bit about how setting is important to her story.
Nichole, thank you for having me for a visit. I'll touch on one of the settings in my book, A Change of Plans. It's the story of a cruise excursion gone bad. The main character ends up marooned on a tropical island where a Banyan tree plays an important part. These fig trees are characterized by aerial prop roots. With age, they grow into thick woody trunks and can become indistinguishable from the main trunk. Sometimes the core of the tree can die, but it continues to live and spread out because of the aerial root system.
I took this picture in Kona, Hawaii a few years ago.
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 is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is 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 its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.
However, fear is an emotion too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.
Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa and paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairy tale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.
Donna K. Weaver
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
*throws confetti and blows up balloons*
Happy book birthday Donna! Today, Donna is going to tell us a bit about how setting is important to her story.
Nichole, thank you for having me for a visit. I'll touch on one of the settings in my book, A Change of Plans. It's the story of a cruise excursion gone bad. The main character ends up marooned on a tropical island where a Banyan tree plays an important part. These fig trees are characterized by aerial prop roots. With age, they grow into thick woody trunks and can become indistinguishable from the main trunk. Sometimes the core of the tree can die, but it continues to live and spread out because of the aerial root system.I took this picture in Kona, Hawaii a few years ago.
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 is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is 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 its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.However, fear is an emotion too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.
Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa and paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairy tale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.
Donna K. Weaver
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Goodreads
May 29, 2013
It's Moving Week and Brave by Sara Bareilles
That's right, it's here. My second moving week this year. And once again, I'm going to take the week off from blogging because of a combination of me being crazy busy and not having a solid internet connection/finding my computer/hooking up stuff and whatever whatever.
So instead, please enjoy this fabulous new music video, Brave by Sara Bareilles. I love this song, and I think we should all do exactly this. Let's all be brave and let the words fall out!
I'll be back next week. Hopefully. Happy end of May!
So instead, please enjoy this fabulous new music video, Brave by Sara Bareilles. I love this song, and I think we should all do exactly this. Let's all be brave and let the words fall out!
I'll be back next week. Hopefully. Happy end of May!
