Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 55

Welcome Guest Author - Susan Mac Nicol

Susan Mac Nicol 

STEPH: I don't know much about your novels, the Starlight series. What are they about?
SUSAN: My Starlight series - Cassandra by Starlight, Together in Starlight and Starlight and Promises - is the story of Cassie Wallace, an independent and older woman, meeting an up and coming actor, Bennett Saville, who happens to be ten years younger than she is. They meet through tragedy, and the attraction between them develops into a relationship that spans just over three years.
Cassie is drawn into Bennett's world of wealth, youth and show business. He is on his way to the big time and is very much in demand by both the film world and, unfortunately for Cassie,  other women.
Cassie adores Bennett and can't imagine a world without him. He's mercurial, emotional, strong and very sexy and her whole world changes just being in his world and in his life.
Bennett finds a soul mate in Cassie, someone he can depend upon when his show business world gets too much.

Together through the series, they face a host of things sent to try them. Bennett's schizophrenic mother who causes harm to Cassie, Bennett's terrifying stalker who knows his every move, leading to an extremely traumatic experience for him, ghosts of the past coming back to haunt them both, as well as supernatural events in the theatre they own in London. Gang warfare, cults and the growing popularity of Bennett as his career takes off, all cause their own brand of challenge that the two have to face together.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?
SUSAN: Hmm. My publisher calls me one of the most prolific writers they've ever known. It actually took me only eight weeks to write the full Starlight trilogy. Since February 2012, I've written eight full length novels, two short stories and a screen play.
I think I was so entranced with writing the story of Bennett and Cassie that I was like a demon possessed and had to get the words out there while I was 'in the zone'. It's the only explanation I have for being able to churn out over 300 thousand words in that space of time. Their story just needed to be told.

STEPH: Did you have to do a lot of research for it?
SUSAN: Yes, I did a lot of research. This is a romance suspense series and a love story but there are some serious topics featured in all my books.
Cassandra by Starlight deals with the film and theatre industry, suicide, child abuse, schizophrenia, (as Bennett's mother suffers from this illness), female on male rape, (a controversial topic that needed some delicate handling,) and celebrity stalking and the psychology around both stalker and stalkee.
Together in Starlight has supernatural elements, a spousal abuse theme in a variety of different ways, both physical and psychological, the vagaries of fame and having a devoted fandom and the premise of blackmail and money laundering.
Starlight and Promises - this one tackles cancer, the London gang situation, the ever growing demands of stardom and what that brings, and the philosophy and aftermath of being in a cult. I always thought the lady on the front over looked older than Bennett, so hopefully this is conveyed too.

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within?
SUSAN: The cover for Cassandra by Starlight hopefully gets across the fact that the story is set in London, that it involves glamour and the acting world and that it has a really sexy leading man.
Together in Starlight was simply an indulgent excuse to have a gorgeous Bennett Saville staring into every woman's (and man's) eyes, giving them that 'come hither' effect and the mountains in the background reflect the Tibetan angle in the second book.


STEPH: What's the theme of the novel?
SUSAN: The theme is an older woman meeting a younger man, and being drawn into a world so unlike her own that it is literally worlds apart. It's about two people so unlikely to have met in the normal course of events yet finding each other. And managing to stay together against many things thrown their way.

STEPH: Cassandra Wallace -Cassie -is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?

SUSAN: Cassie is independent, strong and outspoken. She's mature and feisty. She has a lot of love to give for the right man. But she's a little emotionally challenged. She had a bad experience when she was younger that made her keep things inside and manage them herself.

STEPH: What does the hero, Bennett Saville, find appealing about her?
SUSAN: Apart from the fact she's beautiful and sexy, he likes her steadfastness, her love and her complete down to earth approach. Cassie grounds him like no one else has ever been able to do. Bennett has a need for security in his life, for a place to come home too that is safe and reliable, when the demands of show business get too much. Cassie is his rock, the one he leans on when things get too much.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one.
SUSAN: I have a Kindle, as well as having the app on my smart phone, and a Kobo reader on my tablet.
STEPH: Who are some of your favorite authors?
SUSAN: I love Stephen King as a great horror writer, and Joe Donnelly. I also find Josh Lanyon and Tom Ward incredible writers, along with Harper Fox, and J L Merrow. Deborah Harkness is an inspiration to me as is Phil Rickman. And anything Jonathan Kellerman writes I will read. I have a very eclectic reading taste.
10. Fun Question: What is your favorite place to visit on vacation?
I have to say we love the Eastern European states. We've been to Croatia and Romania, which were both incredibly rich and historial places. Transylvania was awe inspiring and we actually went to Dracula's Castle. Next stop will probably be Bulgaria or Slovenia. Having said that the one place I really want to visit is Russia.
YOU CAN FIND SUSAN AT:  Susan Mac Nicol -  My Links and contact details Personal website - www.susanmacnicol.com Author - www.boroughspublishinggroup.comhttp://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/Twitter - @SusanMacnicol7Facebook http://www.facebook.com/susiemax77Cassandra by Starlight Facebook page  http://on.fb.me/RQYv3Zhttp://pinterest.com/susiemax777/Blog http://susanmacnicol.tumblr.com/Linked In http://linkd.in/YFWZ40 A mazon links US http://amzn.to/VyUcyCUK http://amzn.to/1514GHz 
Blurb for both books
Book title - Cassandra by Starlight- Starlight Series Book 1/3 (full length novel)Genre - Contemporary Romance SuspenseBuy Link:  http://bit.ly/URrmlU  (www.boroughspublishinggroup.com)Amazon links -  US  http://amzn.to/RQYa1d UK http://amzn.to/T1lGJQRelease Date: 13 August 2012 Blurb: A London woman is swept off her feet into the glamorous yet surprisingly dangerous world of an up-and-coming star of stage and screen. Unconventional though she may be, Cassandra Wallace leads the life of an average Londoner, from blind dates to rush hour traffic. Then, along comes Bennett Saville. Sensitive, charming, erudite, the up-and-coming actor is like the hero of a romantic movie. He counteracts the tragedy that brought them together, and from the tips of his Armani loafers to that scorching hot kiss he seems absolutely perfect. Only, he’s ten years younger and from the upper class, and those emerald eyes beget dangerous secrets. The world is a stage, full of hungry leading ladies, and how long can any fairy tale last before a villain appears? Yet, on Bennett’s arm each new day is an adventure, and a true romance will always find its happy ending.
Book title – Together in Starlight- Starlight Series Book 2/3 (full length novel)Genre - Contemporary Romance SuspenseBuy Link:  http://bit.ly/URrmlU  (www.boroughspublishinggroup.com)Amazon links -  US  http://amzn.to/RQYa1d UK http://amzn.to/T1lGJQRelease Date: Feb 20th 2013 Blurb: For superstar actor Bennett Saville and his fiancée Cassandra Wallace, returning to “The Val” theatre in London means greed, lust, and ghosts from the past—and that’s off stage.Bennett Saville is sexy. At the height of his career, the English star of stage and screen is everything a woman might desire, as fiancée Cassandra Wallace well knows. They’ve seen the world together, from L.A. to Shangri La. Yet shadows persist, even in the spotlight. At home they face lust, greed, and ghosts from their pasts—and that’s offstage. There is also “The Val”. Bennett’s aged London theatre holds a mystery four centuries old, cast in starlight, waiting to be shown. Intensely personal, impossibly passionate, that play must go on…and Cassie and Bennett must see it through together.

National Poetry Month - meet poet Tina Pinson

STEPH:  How long have you been writing poetry? 
TINA: I have been writing since elementary school. I've actually started compiling them found myself thinking what was going through the mind of the girl I was at the time. And then have to fight against trying to fix the poetry of the child, because she wrote her feelings then and I would take away from who she was.
STEPH: Are there any distinct themes to your poetry?
TINA:  I write a lot of Christ centered poems, but I would more say I write from where my heart is at the moment.
STEPH: What forms/types of poetry do you prefer to write? 
TINA: Usually free form. I have done some haikus, and some pretty long poems, but more so I just write.
STEPH: Who is your favorite poet? 
TINA: I like several, when I was younger I read a lot of Helen Steiner Rice, probably because my parents bought me some of her books. Now… I still like her, but I can't really say for certain who my favorite is, I like Maya Angelou, E. Dickenson, Browning, Longfellow, Poe, and more, if the poet touches a chord in me, I like the poem. I don't usually like all the work of a specific poet though.
STEPH: What is your favorite poem?
TINA: I like the Footsteps in the Sand poem, maybe because I see it so often, or perhaps it speaks to my life on numerous occasions.
STEPH: Share one of your poems with us.
God of the Storm
I lifted my eyes to the pouring rainAnd felt it's coolness spray my cheek,tracing my anger and fear to the verysoul of my being
I longed to cry out,but my lips remained shut to the bitterness within.Idled by my side, my fists couldn't reach to the heavensAttempting to blame the blameless.
I picked a rock from the wet earth,And sent it flying in frustrationNo longer could I tarry in my refuge of rain,Standing so silently.
"Why God?" My voice cracked as my pain began to sear."Why so many trials for me?Do you hear me? Are you there?God, please answer. Please."
Like a mighty wind, but gently calm,His answer came to me.Clearing out my bitterness,my pain and misery.
With a hug of love he held me there,to show me I wouldn't fall.Then he took my hand and led me home,Enveloped in the peace after the storm.



Links to another poem.
Graduation Prayer

Find me online at:
Tina's Blog Twitter:@Tina_PinsonFacebook-- https://www.facebook.com/TinaEPinsonAuthorPinterest http://pinterest.com/tinapinson/

Welcome Guest Author - Rosemary Morris

Rosemary Morris 


ROSEMARY: First of all, thank you Stephanie for inviting me to be your guest.

STEPH: You're very welcome. I'm delighted to have you here today. I don't know much about Far Beyond Rubies. What's it about?

ROSEMARY: Set in 1706 during Queen Anne Stuart’s reign Far Beyond Rubies erupts when William, Baron Kemp, Juliana’s half-brother claims she and her sister are bastards. Juliana is determined to prove the allegation is false and that she is the rightful heiress to Riverside, a great estate.
On his way to deliver a letter to William, Gervaise sees Juliana for the first time in the grounds of her family home…The sight of her drew him back to India. Her form changed to one he knew intimately – but not in this birth.
An unexpected event brings Juliana and quixotic Gervaise together and circumstances force Juliana to accept his kind help. However, when Juliana’s life irrevocably tangled with Gervaise’s she discovers he is not all that he seems.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?
ROSEMARY: It took me a year.
STEPH: Did you have to do any research?
ROSEMARY: Yes, Far Beyond Rubies is a historical novel set in England during the reign of Queen Anne Stuart, 1702-1716. I studied the social and economic history of the era, the food people ate, their clothes and much more.  
 STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within? Did you come up with the cover, or a cover designer? Did you have input?
ROSEMARY: The cover reveals an early eighteenth century hero seeing the heroine for the first time.

I filled in a form for the cover designer, who consulted me about the design for the book cover.
STEPH: The heroine is Juliana Kemp, an orphan.What are her strengths? Weaknesses?
ROSEMARY: Her strengths are determination to find out the truth, her love for her younger sister and her compassion. Weaknesses? Her strong will and her strict belief in her religious faith might be perceived as weaknesses.
STEPH: Quixotic Gervaise Seymour, an honourable gentleman, is the hero. What does he find appealing about the heroine?
ROSEMARY: Juliana is ‘a beauty in distress’ whose melodious voice, courage, kind nature and trust in him is appealing.
STEPH: What's the theme of your novel?
ROSEMARY: The theme is the heroine’s search for justice for herself and her sister.
STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?
ROSEMARY: I have a kindle.
ROSEMARY:  Do you have any advice for newer/aspiring authors?
I recommend joining on and offline writers’ groups which offer constructive criticism. My supportive groups have made many helpful suggestions which have improved my novels.
STEPH: Fun question: Spring is in the air - what's your favourite spring flower?
ROSEMARY: I am a keen organic gardener so this is a very difficult question to answer but hyacinths which fill the air with fragrance are my favourite spring flowers.
www.rosemarymorris.co.ukhttp://blogspot.com
My e-books Far Beyond Rubies, Tangled Love, False Pretences and Sunday’s Child are available from:
http://museituppublishing.com/booksotre2/www.amazon.comwww.amazon.co.uk

Snippet Sunday, Feast of Candles, Contemporary Romance #99cent #snippetsunday

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 



*****


She spied him out of the corner of her eye. He had to be over six feet and his stance emphasized the force of his thighs and slimness of his hips. The Nordic blue of his eyes reflected glimmers of light from the overhead chandeliers. His classically handsome features warmed her to her bones. He possessed an aquiline nose and high cheekbones. Even in a crowd, his presence was compelling, and he carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence. She liked that in a man.
She dared to stare at him. He didn't look away, only arching his eyebrow, inviting her to approach him. 

*****

Reviews:
"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon ReaderBUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Jimmy Thomas is the cover model. Sigh... I just adore Jimmy! 

National Poetry Month - welcome poet Delores Goodrick Beggs

Delores Goodrick Beggs


STEPH:  How long have you been writing poetry?
DELORES:I wrote my first poem, Tornadoes Over Kansas, as a teenager while attending a Kansas 4-H camp. I was sitting at the lunch table, looked up, and saw the tornado swirl to the ground in the distance through the line of lunchroom windows, and had a sudden urge to capture the feeling. Tornadoes starts:
            "First comes constant, keening wind,            swirling faster without end;            briskly banging at the walls            dusty, swirly, filmy fog.                                                Lightning flashes prong the sky,                        Thunder crashes, tree limbs fly;                        Funnels roar, dance near the ground,                        Lift and soar, then turn around....."
STEPH:   Are there any distinct themes to your poetry?
DELORES: My poems have one thing in common, they capture scenes of my observations of real life.
STEPH:  What forms/types of poetry do you prefer to write? 
DELORES: In later years, as an adult, I studied poetry extensively and participated in several different poetry groups. In my studies I learned to write many different forms, and took advantage of my studies to use whichever form - or free form -  suited my fancy at any given time.
STEPH:   Who is your favorite poet?
DELORES: Robert Frost. I have a copy of the book of his complete poems, 1964. His work speaks to me on many levels.
STEPH: What is your favorite poem?
DELORES: Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken." It sticks with me because I, too, took different roads from the expected norm for women in my thirties, although I did so of life necessity, not by choice. I was a single, divorced mother with three young children, working a job usually reserved (in that time period) for men. My job made all the positive difference in my life, allowing me to support my children.
            "...Two roads diverged in a wood, and I            I took the one less traveled by            And that has made all the difference."             STEPH:     Share one of your poems with us. 
DELORES: My mother was a special woman, and she was responsible for creating many opportunities in my life, which could have otherwise been rather bare due to my severe hearing loss from meningitis - I only have about one-fourth hearing in one ear, none in the other. My parents made the unusual choice for those days (I was only four) and elected to put me in public school kindergarten instead of a state one, state being the normal choice for children with such severe hearing losses in the days before special education. My mother got my public education started by going to school to pick me up on Fridays and speaking with my teacher about the week and the week to come; then we went home and she spent the weekend teaching me what the class would be learning the next week. By the time I was in first grade I had picked up enough coping skills on my own to handle public school by myself and later Denver University. My mother made it possible for me, a Kansan, to live life to the fullest, and in addition, chronicle the richness of my heritage.
            My mother had trained as a concert pianist in her youth, and while she taught me to play,             I never felt a personal calling to pursue piano beyond recreation. But...
MOTHERBy Delores Goodrick Beggs
I listen to your belled voicepeal infectious laughter.Your fingers blur, held overyellowed ivory keyboardof the old three-pedaled uprightthat never had a covered middle C.
Next door, they had a baby grand,polished, unapproachable.I never heard it over the chorusesclustered about the upright with you.
You used to take my hand in yours,tell me we had the same long fingers,"You could play..." your voice wishful.
My songs were always scribed in ink,not brushed in ivory keystrokes.But never fear. You did, after all,place your wondrous giftin the palms of my hands.
LINKS:www.goodrickbeggs.wordpress.com
Breaking Point: Place in the Heart Book One, May 2012, http://goo.gl/Q7L56
Charming Champion, Aug. 1, 2012, http://goo.gl/ROMB5
Substitute Lover: Place in the Heart Book Two, Dec. 2012, http://googl/mzrofPerfect Tenderfoot, Place in the Heart Book Three, coming June, 2013

Welcome Guest Author - Zanna Mackenzie

Zanna Mackenzie 


STEPH: I don't know much about "The Love Programme." What's it about?
ZANNA: It’s a rom com novel set on a private country estate in the Scottish Highlands. Here’s the info on the book:
Thanks to an embarrassing incident involving a wedding and her ex-boyfriend Marcus, Lucy has to leave her home town in a hurry and needs aBest friend Fiona is convinced now would be a good time for Lucy to get herself a new life with some potential for romance thrown in. Fate seems to agree when Lucy is given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to star in a TV show and be a contestant on The Love Programme - two weeks of luxury living on a grand Highland estate coupled with, she hopes, fun and romance in wildest Scotland.
When Lucy meets Paul - the young, handsome owner of the Highland estate - she thinks she may have found the love of her life but who is the mysterious Hannah and what part does she play in his life? 
When she discovers that Marcus is planning to follow her to Scotland to win her back Lucy has some serious soul searching to do. Does she have a future with Paul, with Marcus or is she yet to find the man of her dreams?
STEPH: How long did it take you to write?
ZANNA: I can’t remember because it was first created several years ago and has since gone through lots of revamps and edits. It usually takes me about 4 months to write a first draft of a novel so I’ll say it took 4 months!
STEPH: Did you have to do a lot of research?
ZANNA: No, not really. I used to live in Scotland so know it quite well and had visited the area where the book is set.
STEPH:  How does the cover reflect the story within?
ZANNA: It’s a sweet romance!
STEPH:  Lucy is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weakness? 
ZANNA: Lucy is on The Love Programme because she is terrible at relationships so I have to say her weakness is choosing the wrong men! Her strengths, well, she wants to sort herself and her life out, so I’d say she’s quite feisty and determined.
STEPH: Paul is the hero. What does he find appealing about her? 
ZANNA: Paul is the Laird of the Highland estate where the book is set and has spent all his life trying to prove a point to his ambitious family and also trying to be true to himself so I think he’s probably drawn to Lucy because he recognises a kindred spirit, she’s a breath of fresh air around the place and, of course, he is very attracted to her!
STEPH: What's the theme of the novel?
ZANNA: Love, and how it can make or ruin your life.
STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?
ZANNA: Yes, Kindle.
STEPH: How long have you been writing?
ZANNA: I remember creating my own books and holiday brochures (I loved travel and my first job was as a travel agent!) as a child and making up stories in my head then too.
STEPH:  Fun question: Spring is in the air. What's the name of your muse? How does she inspire you?
ZANNA: Sorry, I don’t think I have a muse!!!
Book Blurb My novel, published by Astraea Press, is called The Love Programme, here’s the details:Thanks to an embarrassing incident involving a wedding and her ex-boyfriend Marcus, Lucy has to leave her home town in a hurry and needs a place to escape to for a while. Best friend Fiona is convinced now would be a good time for Lucy to get herself a new life with some potential for romance thrown in. Fate seems to agree when Lucy is given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to star in a TV show and be a contestant on The Love Programme - two weeks of luxury living on a grand Highland estate coupled with, she hopes, fun and romance in wildest Scotland. When Lucy meets Paul - the young, handsome owner of the Highland estate - she thinks she may have found the love of her life but who is the mysterious Hannah and what part does she play in his life? When she discovers that Marcus is planning to follow her to Scotland to win her back Lucy has some serious soul searching to do. Does she have a future with Paul, with Marcus or is she yet to find the man of her dreams?
Buy Links Amazon UK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_n...
Amazon USA:http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
Follow Links www.zannamackenzie.co.ukwww.zannamack... @ZannaMacKenzieFacebook: www.facebook.com/zanna. mackenzieGoodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10...

Welcome Guest Author - poet Danielle Thorne

Danielle Thorne 


      STEPH: How long have you been writing poetry?
DANI: I've been writing poetry since I was about twelve years old. I always had a flair for writing, but when poems were introduced in school they were a natural outlet for me to express myself. This continued throughout life into my twenties with some being published, until I committed to writing fiction. Today I write poetry to relieve stress and journal my life.
STEPH: What style do you like to write? 
DANI: My poetry is free form and very independent. I enjoy studying and reading different styles, but I don't like to be hindered by rules.
STEPH: What are some themes of your poetry?
DANI: Most often, nature plays the biggest role in my poetry. Whether it's reflective, angry or romantic, I turn to what inspires me the most to express what I'm feeling or seeing.
STEPH: Who is your favorite poet?
DANI: Shel Silverstein always made me laugh, and I love him, but I treasure Robert Frost above all. I'm also a fan of Maya Angelou. Such wisdom.
STEPH: What is your favorite poem?
DANI: "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. I memorized this poem years ago during a difficult time of my life after I suddenly realized the message of endurance and peace I could learn from it.
STEPH:  Dani, can you share some of your poetry with us?
DANI: I would love to. This poem is a snapshot of my curious childhood, which began when my mother moved us from Chicago into the Appalachian Mountains. It was published in my poetry chapbook, Southern Girl, Yankee Roots, available at Amazon.com.


Southern Woman
They called momma a Damn Yankeebecause she didn't knowwhat to do with bacon fat.She pulled up half the gardenbefore she learned the difference betweensnapdragons and plain old weeds.My step-grandmama showed her how to use an iron skillet,and Momma gave up show tunes for John Denver records.  On Saturdays, she’d cut hair freefor everyone in town,While they taught us kids to drink ice teaand eat trout.I forgot about Chicagowhen they sent me down the roadto that old mountain school.
From Southern Girl, Yankee Roots(http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Yankee-Roots-Danielle-Thorne/dp/1475273827/ref=la_B004E5V0LA_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1365800366&sr=1-4)


Find Me!
Website: www.daniellethorne.com Blog: www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.thorne.184 Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/DanielleThorne/e/B004E5V0LA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1365800155&sr=8-1
Bio:Danielle Thorne writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the author of sweet romantic adventure books, both historical and contemporary. Danielle has published poetry and short fiction as well as novels.
Other work has appeared with Espresso Fiction, Every Day Fiction, Arts and Prose Magazine, Mississippi Crow, The Nantahala Review, StorySouth, Bookideas, The Mid-West Review and more. She was the 2009-2010 Co-Chair for the New Voices Competition for young writers, is active with online author groups and moderates for The Sweetest Romance Authors at the Coffee Time Romance boards. Her popular blog, The Balanced Writer, focuses on life and the pursuit of peace and happiness.
Ms. Thorne has four sons with her husband, Rob. Together they enjoy travel and the outdoors.

National Poetry Month - welcome poet Paisly Kirkpatrick

  Paisley KirkpatrickSTEPH: Who's your favorite poet? 
PAISLEY: My favorite poet is William Blake. I like his philosophy and was quite touched when I read this first part of Auguries of Innocence":
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand 
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, 
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand 
And Eternity in an hour.” 
                                   ― William Blake


My poem shows the love a young Scottish boy has of his homeland after he's grown up in a new land and with new parents. Mountains Chiseled from Stone is the only poetry I've written so far. It's spoken by my hero Declan Grainger in my first book, Night Angel.

Mountains Chiseled from Stone
In lands rising so close to heaven,Scots hear the flutter of angels' wings,Flying over mountains chiseled from stone.
Bagpipes echoing from glen to glen,Gather men to band as fighting forces,To save their mountains chiseled from stone.
Highland mists settling across rich forests,Blessing countrysides filled with lochs and glens,Gracing the mountains chiseled from stone.
My heart still feels the call of this land,Where my mother taught me to love and grow,To stand tall in the mountains chiseled from stone.

LINKS
http://www.paisleykirkpatrick.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6537986.Paisley_Kirkpatrick

Celebrate National Dispatcher Week this week: 14-20 APR 2013

Me at work, holding my children's book
It's National Dispatcher's Week. Hug a dispatcher if you have a chance. JAll right, the unknown voice on the line wouldn't mind a letter or a simple "thank you," either.
I'm a 911 dispatcher for LAPD and it's a job I find personally rewarding. Being a 911 dispatcher, I know I'm the first 1stresponder to the problem. I've got to get the information quickly and accurately to send the help you need. Sometime it's not so easy.
In 1991, President George H.W. Bush signed the first bill declaring  the 2nd week in April "National Telecommunicators (dispatcher) week. This week in LA we're opening up the doors at our downtown dispatch center and inviting the public in to learn what it's like to be a dispatcher. 
911 is intended for emergencies, specifically for police, fire, and paramedic dispatch. It's not for a caller to ask for the time, pranks (we get these a lot from pay phones at high schools when they let out for the day) weather checks, ordering a pizza, complaining about heavy traffic, or even complaining about your hamburger not being cooked the way you like it. Trust me, I've heard all of these and then some. My favorite? Answering the phone with: "911 Emergency, Operator 806" and the next thing I hear is a flushing toilet.
So how did 911 come about?
In the US, about 42 years ago, but the concept has been around much longer than that and there's no simple answer. In the UK, they started using "999" as a National Emergency number in 1937. Canada began using an emergency number in 1959. It started off as "999" but switched to "911" when the US went to "911."  My son, Joe, at the dispatcher center w/Dana In the US, prior to the 1950's, one had to dial an operator to place a call so if you had an emergency, the operator would patch you through. Then rotary phones with dial tone were introduced. In 1957, a presidential commission recommended creating a single emergency number. The FCC worked with AT&T and 911 was born. On Feb 16, 1968, the first 911 call was made.
Question: Who answers a 911 call?
Answer: Dispatchers work at a Public Safety Answering Point (known as a PSAP). Once we identify the problem, we direct the call to the appropriate resource: police, fire or paramedics.
Question: When I call 911, do you get my location?
Answer:  Most of the time, but that's not an easy question to answer.  Consider this:
If you're calling from a landline phone, 99% of the time, the dispatcher will your location accurately. This comes from a "trunk" line established between your phone company and the PSAP.
However if you have VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) you could be calling in Scotland and get LAPD 911.  How is that possible? The connection with the PSAP isn't being made with a trunk line, but a broadband Internet line, and that line can originate ANYWHERE.  The Internet doesn't dedicate lines to go to your local PSAP.
Now, say you have a CELL PHONE – when you call on a cell phone I get either the nearest cell phone tower the cell phone is using, or a location within 500 meters of the phone. I don't get your actual location.
That's why it's so important for me as a 911 dispatcher to get the location of the emergency VERBALLY from the caller.
Question: Can I send a text to 911?
Answer: Right now, no, but currently, that is something the phone companies are working on and it might be possible in the future.
Question: Can I call 911 from a disconnected phone?  Julia Cesena, Supervisor of the Year, CPRA 2013Answer: Yes. In the US and Canada a disconnected phone will dial 911. (But it won't give location information)  (As long as that phone has power, it will call 911 only, no power, no call)
Question: How is 911 funded?
Answer: Depending on your location, cities and counties may charge a fee in addition to federal fees. These fees vary and are listed on your phone bill you get from the phone company.  My fee for my landline bill is $10.00 a month. Cell phone companies also charge a fee.
Question: When I call 911 what do I say?
Answer: Be prepared to give your location, your phone number, and tell the operator in a COHERENT fashion what the problem is. It is hard to determine what help to send if you keep crying.
I've been a dispatcher for LAPD now for 13 years. It's a job I enjoy. I don't take it home with me, and I get a lot of personal satisfaction knowing that I was able to help people who genuinely needed help. Rarely do I hear "good job," "atta-girl," or receive recognization for staying on the phone with the caller during a harrowing situation. The police and fire officers who respond usually get the "atta-boys" and they deserve to, but this week, if you have a chance let the first 1st Responder, the unsung hero who answered your call know you appreciate them.
Have a coffee and a nip of chocolate for me.
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance as well as children's books. She's addicted to coffee and adores a good piece of chocolate. She's also a boy scouting mom and owns a golden name Amelia. 

Snippet Sunday - Feast of Candles - Contemporary Romance

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday again, but this month, I'll be taking snippets from my 99 cent "spicy" contemporary romance, "Feast of Candles."



Feast of Candles
Contemporary Romance
99 cents

BLURB: Drake is going to take the biggest risk of his life all on a bottle of wine. Can he break the barriers around Lily's heart? 

*****

Drake found her standing next to a window with a darkened view of the vines. She held a wine glass by the stem, her attention focused on the man in front of her. 
Lily's picture did her no justice. She was tall with a curvy, regal figure. Her throat looked warm and soft above a low-cut bodice, which hinted at ample cleavage. She possessed fine hips and shapely thighs. Blood rushed to his groin and a muscle worked in his jaw. Coming to California to meet her had been the most reckless thing he'd ever done, but he set his resolve, tamping down his overwhelming urge to approach her too soon.


*****

Reviews:
"This is a delightful short story." - Billie Houston, Amazon Reader

"Drake's romantic gesture at the end will have you swoon!" Angela Britnell, Amazon ReaderBUY LINKS:AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B008NXELPG

Jimmy Thomas is the cover model. Sigh... I just adore Jimmy!