Monique O'Connor James's Blog: Random Thoughts from Monique, page 9

Fan-tastic Fans #2 with Kimberly Miller-Callegan

Welcome to another addition of my FAN-Tastic Fans Blog Posts. As you know this a tribute to my fans and readers and a way to allow them to receive the recognition they deserve!

This week I got to interview Kimberly Miller-Callegan.  If you like YA this girl is your best friend…she really knows her books!!!  Kim and I only met a few months ago, but we became fast friends.  I work with Kim's sister-in-law, Elizabeth.  One day Elizabeth told me about Kim and that she was writing a YA novel.  She asked me if I would mind if Kim called or emailed me because as a new writer she had a million questions and not many people to get information from.  Kim called that weekend and the rest is history.  She has been a great friend and a rabid supporter of my books and me personally. The first time I read her WIP I cracked up when a line of her dialogue actually said "Squee". Ever since, she has been lovingly known in my house as Squee!    Hope you enjoy meeting her!

First tell us a little about yourself:

Squee!:  My name is Kimberly Callegan. I am happily married to my husband of twelve years and a mother of two. I am in my early thirties and am having the best time of my life! Reading is my passion and I am an aspiring author. This girl doesn't buy clothes, jewelry and shoes, well… maybe if I find a good sale, but I prefer BOOKS, BOOKS and more BOOKS! The smell of a book when you first open it is the best smell in the world! My friends say I'm one of a kind… I take that as a compliment, I think? Reality TV entertains me (Big Brother premiers this week- yes!!) and everything stops for True Blood and Vampire Diaries.  I enjoy listening to music, preferably of the rock/alternative/punk genres. Throw a little hip hop in there and I'm down with dropping it like it's hot!

Yea I can totally picture you droppin' it ….lol!  When did you first develop your passion for reading?

Squee!: I've only been reading since last summer! I finally broke down and watched the movie Twilight. I loved it so much (maybe Robert Pattinson had a little something to do with it), I rented New Moon the following night. I then bought the series to read and I went HAYWIRE from there! I went on a reading frenzy and to date have read 95 books. That's a lot considering I work full-time, am a wife and a mother of two young children. I'm such an avid reader, I decided to write my own novel.  It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. Writing is totally therapeutic and provides me with much delight.

I've really enjoyed watching your writing blossom. It's amazing that you really just got into reading. Do you have any other hobbies?

Squee!: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and laughing. I'm learning acoustic guitar and hope to get a good rhythm down. It's not as easy as you think!

OH my fingers always hurt when I tried to play!  You go girl! Who is on your list of favorite authors?

Squee!: Well of course I have to mention Monique O'Connor James (wink, wink)! Currently, may faves are Cassandra Clare, Becca Fitzpatrick, Alyson Noel, Melissa De La Cruz, Lisa McMann, Lauren Kate, Kelley Armstrong, P.C. & Kristin Cast, Richelle Mead, James Dashner, S.L. Naeole, Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, Maggie Steifvater, Suzanne Collins, Stephanie Meyer, Gena Showalter (YA series), Shelena Shorts. Of course, the more books I read (405 on my "to be read list") the more authors to add!

Do you find yourself getting emotionally attached to characters if a book is well written?  Sometimes I feel like I've lost my best friend when I finish reading a book….do you do that?

Oh my gawd yes! Like big time! I love getting lost in the author's world. It takes you away from the everydayness of life. And… book boy crushes are the best! I'm emotional for days after reading the end of a series!

Out of all the books you've read if you could have dinner with a character who would it be and why?

Jace Wayland from the Mortal Instruments! EEP! The boy is totally bad-ass and swoon-worthy. He's snarky, but compassionate. I tell ya, I have a wonderful image of him in my head. He's definitely a character I'll always remember! (Too bad I can't mention Matt from Jamais Vu- Sha-wing!)

What are you currently reading?

Squee!: I am currently reading The Wicked Lovely Series by Melissa Marr. I'm on book 3- Fragile Eternity.

Any strange habits while reading?

Squee!: I'm like a zombie when I read. Everything else is tuned out. My husband and kids know if they need my attention, they need to tap my shoulder because I do not hear their words. I don't even know if my eyes blink while I'm reading!

How much description do you like in a book?

Squee!:Well, I think it's important you have it so you can visualize. Sometimes, there is too much and you're like "Geez, get on with the story, I don't care!" But then in some instances, there isn't enough. It's very important to describe your characters, emotions and places so you feel as if you are present in the book.

What genres do you like best?

Squee!: Definitely Paranormal, Dystopian and Urban Fantasy Young Adult. I'll eventually venture into adult books. Anything outside of those genres, I'm really not interested in at this time. Reading young adult makes me feel like a teenager again and I love it! There's also morals in just about every young adult novel that teens or no matter how old you are can relate to. It's a beautiful thing. I wish all these wonderful books I've read were out when I was a teenager. Things could have been… let's just say, easier!

Anything else about you, you'd like to share with us?

Squee!: Not about me, but I'd like to mention one more thing… Monique O'Connor James is fabulous! If you haven't read The Keepers, you are totally missing out!

 Ya'll add her to your FB and Twitter and keep up with this girl! She'll be making waves soon!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176#!/profile.php?id=649590669

Twitter:  Kimberdee

Thanks and Cheers!

Monique O'Connor James

PS!  This blog is being posted on 7/9/11 The Keepers Ebook is on Sale for $1.99 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Astraea Press.  Sale goes through Sunday then its back to $6.99! Catch it while you can.

Twitter:               mjames13
WordPress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
Buy Links:  http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578

My Guardian Angels Are All Drifters

I've told this story before, but I can't remember where.  It's a testament to inspiration and moreover, to seeing things for what they're meant to be.  The title of this blog is funny, but it's the truth too.  You'll see what I mean.

As you all know I've written a story or two about angels and therefore, I guess they cross my mind a lot.  My mom was obsessed with them.  She had a curio cabinet full of her favorites, and the statue of a black winged angel, that sits on my bathtub was once hers.  Perhaps because she had breast cancer, the sight of them brought her some comfort, but I can remember her talking about the winged creatures long before she was diagnosed. 

After I wrote The Keepers, there seemed to emerge a theme in my life; what I considered to be guardian angel sightings. You will notice in my stories the angels are all male, and thusly all the sightings have been the same.  It  happens that for me, each time I have a run in with a guardian they are all drifters or maybe even homeless. Maybe, they are not celestial beings; perhaps they are mere mortals and this is all coincidence, but that is neither here nor there.  The point is, if we open our eyes, there are people, and maybe even something higher, looking out for us.  Enjoy their stories. 

The first protector appeared in just the nick of time. I'm convinced  he saved my life.  I'd pulled in to the convenience store after a busy day of work and absent-mindedly dug my wallet out of my purse.  I shoved it under my chin, turned the car off, pulled my keys out, and locked the door.  I've heard you should always be aware of your surroundings, but this particular day I had my head in the clouds. I was probably thinking about the mound of laundry on the floor in my kitchen, or what we were going to eat for dinner.

I pushed through the glass door and glanced up to see a reflection behind me.  A young man, perhaps in his early twenties, was standing dangerously close.  I could feel his breath on my arm and smell his cologne.  I glanced over my shoulder and he greeted me with a warm smile.  Being a normal woman, in this day and age, I was unnerved and pushed my way inside and hurried over to fix a fountain drink, thereby putting space between me and the stranger.

I couldn't help but watch him though. He looked like he could be my brother, with the same skin color, dark eyes, and dark hair.  I fiddled with the plastic lid trying not to be obvious about the way I stared at him. His eyes were on me though, and I knew I'd been caught. I spun around glancing at the clerk, as a group of young men came in and started harassing her.  Without pause, my body reacted to the scene by cutting my oxygen supply and rendering me frozen.  There was something wrong, and something bad was about to go down.

Without hesitation, the young man who'd followed me in, charged across the store, grabbed my arm, and marched me to the door.  He followed me to my car and said two words, "lock it."  I got in, cranked it, and then looked up to say thank you, but he was gone.  I didn't have time to peer in the store or search for him; instead, I drove off feeling sure I'd avoided something horrendous.  That night my husband stopped by the same shop and was told they'd been held up earlier in the day.  So here's to the stranger who saved me.

Fast forward several years and I'm sitting at a red light on a particularly gloomy day.  I was thinking of my brother.  I hadn't laid eyes on him in fifteen years.  I was kind of sad, because we hadn't had the opportunity for the relationship most siblings have, and he was weighing heavy on my heart.  Two young men crossed in front of my car as I stared off into space. One crossed the street and stood waiting in a parking lot, while the other stopped by the center of my hood and smiled at me. 

I remember him to this day, in detail.  He had curly brown hair, which peeked out from under a brown baseball cap, blue eyes, and a wickedly perfect smile.  When I glanced up at him, he spread his fingers wide and signed with one hand that I was beautiful.  He stood there several seconds and then crossed the other lanes of traffic.  I watched him walk away, his back pack hanging from one shoulder, and wondered who was missing him.  This guy became Kasey Kibodeaux in my next release (9/7/11) – Jamais Vu.

Finally, a few weeks ago I was having one of those days.  The mortgage company had taken my payment out of my account twice!  I don't know about you, but I can barely afford one payment.  I'd spent the day on the phone arguing with the bank and the mortgage company, and as I exited the interstate, a stream of tears smudged mascara down my cheeks.  I glanced up in the median and there stood a man.  You know the one…holding the sign for money?  He had a dog with him, and the dog looked happy and well fed, but my mind was not on him. It was on the music playing while I was on hold, yet again, for the mortgage company. 

However, I couldn't take my eyes off of him, and as he watched me,  his face  turned beautifully serene.  I thought there was something to be said for the anguish I was suffering while he seemed so calm.  He put his sign down and reached into his bag and pulled out a deflated mylar balloon.  The balloon was yellow and adorned with a huge smiley face, and he held it for me to see.  I couldn't help but smile.  Then he set the balloon down and laid his hands out flat reaching them for the sky.  "God will lift you up," he mouthed.

After turning the corner, I set the phone down and smiled.  I thought about all the wonderful things I had in my life, and I let go of the anxiety I'd been carrying all day.

The purpose of my stories is not to be preachy, but just to illustrate how sometimes in my life, for sure, I find comfort in the oddest places.  Maybe, that's where the inspiration for writing angel stories comes from?

Everyday I look out for that guardian who has been placed in my life to make something that's terribly wrong feel right.  Ninety-nine percent of the time, I find them.  Hope you do too!

Cheers!

Monique O'Connor James

www.moniqueoconnorjames.com

Always feel free to share my blog with others
 
Twitter:               mjames13
WordPress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
Buy Links:  http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578
 
The Keepers is currently on sale for $1.99 hurry and get your ebook copy or order the print copy at regular price on my website!   

Chapter 4 Meet Justin – The Keepers get a peek then go buy it for $1.99!!!!

The sale on The Keepers has been extended through this week!  It's $1.99 and the price will go back to $6.99 after the sale!!

Read this excerpt and then go get a copy for your e-book reader or phone! 

Earlier, Justin had sat alone in his bedroom watching rain trickle from the roof line onto the patio outside, where it collected in an empty Coke bottle. He'd planned to be knee-deep in a pity party by the time his brother Rory returned from work.

It was difficult not to feel sorry for himself. He was utterly surrounded by the stench of humanity. He had asked for this very thing. He'd wanted to commune with them, be part of their world, but he'd soon discovered they repulsed him. He watched the human race and wondered how they managed to take their faultless existence and make it complete crap.

So he passed his time on days off watching the horrid humans, and even he found it pathetic. If he wasn't dealing cards at Harrah's, he sat on the couch in the French Quarter townhouse he shared with his three brothers and loathed his circumstances.

Dealing cards at the casino kept his mind from lamenting on things over which he had no control. Cards distracted him from the examination of mankind. They held no surprises and fell in predictable patterns. The stability comforted him. The notion that something so simple calmed him was ridiculous, but the serenity he found behind the table was the reason he returned to the casino night after night.

Justin's principles had been complicated by the years he had wasted on Earth. The average mortal got out in eighty years, maybe ninety if they lead a mundane existence, but he had been stuck here for over three hundred, and for him the second-hand no longer swept across the clock. The totality of his life was mind numbing, so he tried to block it out with work.

A life lived well beyond the average lifespan, had become redundant, especially given the intense hatred he'd developed for the creatures sharing the planet with him. Rory insisted Justin was a bigot, too preoccupied with himself to understand the human dilemma, but Justin denied it. If he was somehow prejudiced against humans, it was through no fault of his own. They were after all, repulsive most of the time.

He was comforted by the rain as it streamed down the window. It had been a full decade since Justin had experienced adventure. He couldn't remember the last time something piqued his interest. The music these days was mediocre at best, and it was rare that some poor soul was able to pour their thoughts into a book which could hold his interest.

He would have remained in his room pondering his restlessness, but his brother hauled him to their usual hang out. They were all there together, Blake, Lathan, and of course, Rory. Dez's was a safety net of sorts, a place where they could drink and talk. Thankfully, the other patrons ignored them for the most part. In fact, Justin couldn't remember the last time a newcomer graced the place, which is exactly why the girl across the bar

intrigued him. He didn't know her, but that was only one reason he had spent

the evening absorbed in watching the slim brunette with the haunting sorrow in

her eyes.

He hadn't heard her name – not yet. She'd wandered in from the rain shaking an umbrella and trying to look aloof. It had taken Vi less than ten minutes to engage her in conversation, and once Vi hooked the girl, they sat together for the rest of the evening. Vi had been his friend for years, and she could unfailingly be counted on in these matters. They often found the same people intriguing, and he knew she would befriend the newcomer.

New Orleans was a sea of appealing women with pleasing accents flowing from pretty lips, but there was something about this girl's beauty, something that kept Justin's eyes planted on her. She caught him gawking at her, and he didn't bother to look away. Humiliation was just another useless human emotion he wouldn't even pretend to possess.

Rory wanted to introduce himself, but Justin vetoed the plan with a look of warning. Luckily, his brother seemed more interested in Vi and sat down again with an easy grin. Justin was entirely relaxed until Dawson placed himself at their table begging for a fight. Dawson could always be relied on to kill a good mood. His Mohawk was tapered into precise points atop his head, and that alone made Justin want to punch him.

"What's the matter Justin? Rory baggin' all the babes or did someone shoot your dog?" The smell of tobacco and wet hair gel clung to Dawson like a disease. Only the fact that he had lost the ability to stave off the odor of humanity, made him less annoying.

Justin didn't respond. Maybe if he ignored the moron he would take the hint and buzz off. Besides, he couldn't take his eyes off the beauty with Vi, and Dawson's gaze followed his.

"Ah,I see. You know she's off limits." Dawson leaned in closer, and used his foot to jolt Justin's boot from the chair next to him. "Don't touch me again, Dawson. And drop it. She's human, in case you haven't notice."

"A human I bet I'll take home tonight." Dawson's sardonic grin dripped with conceit and punctuated the dramatic wink he granted Justin. Justin slid his palms together as the skin over his knuckles hardened into stone. He allowed Dawson to gloat long enough to take a sip from his drink, and then laid him out with one colossal blow. He didn't bend over to say all the things he was thinking; he figured the black eye would say it all.

The girl was watching, and Justin nearly felt ashamed, but she was just another

human, and he wasn't going to concern himself with what bothered her. Not now

anyway.

 

Don't forget a portion of the proceeds for this book will go to Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.

Monique O'Connor James
Author of:  "The Keepers"
From www.AstraeaPress.com
 Twitter:               mjames13

WordPress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
Buy Links:  http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578

FAN-TASTIC! Fan Interview with Kristina Haecker

I kind of snagged this idea from Kay Springsteen blog.  She is doing a Reader's Corner weekly and I thought it was a brilliant idea to highlight some of the fans who are so supportive and give them a moment in the spotlight to let you know what they do!

I chose Kristina first, because she is a reviewer and one of the administrators at All Things Books on Facebook.  She is just a genuine southern belle who has done so much for me as far as sharing my links, passing the word on about "The Keepers", and you can find the review she did on all the major websites.  Enjoy getting to know her and make sure you add her to your Facebook as she will be an up and coming author someday soon!

First tell us a little about yourself: I am a 20 year old full time college student that works at a Catholic school and lives in Texas with her parents and younger brother. I am a huge Green Day and Lord of the Rings fan! I collect bookmarks and other cool swag from my favorite authors. Basically, I'm a nerd. My favorite color is blue and I drive the cutest little blue BMW. I have the two best friends in the world. I have even been labeled "The Optimist Queen" and "too nice for my own good".

I love music too and Green Day Rocks! When did you first develop your passion for reading? I've been reading, well…since I could read. When I was little, my mom would read to me. Both of my parents liked to read in their spare time. It was kind of like a double whammy. Both of them liked to read… So, I LOVED to read.
Reading has always been my escape. When I got home from school or work, I would feel better knowing that I could pick up a book and slide into someone else's world and forget everything for a bit. I got teased in school for carrying a book around with me, but I was never ashamed of that. Now I have a Nook that I take everywhere. I'd rather stay curled up in my bed with a book or my Nook (hehe, I love how that rhymes!) rather than go out on a Friday night.
  I know you like to design shirts (wink) and read, but what are your other hobbies?
I love to dance. I was on the dance team in high school and have taken some classes in college. Music is a big part of my life. It is my other escape. I put my headphones on and  hear nothing other than the music I choose. I enjoy going to concerts. (I've seen Green Day twice!) I like photography. And of course, all of the other things women my age like to do: shopping, hanging out with friends, texting, and facebooking. Traveling, too. Two summers ago I visited England, Whales, and Ireland and after that, I want to see more of the world. I recently just started to review books, and I love it!
I'm so jealous that you went to Ireland!!  Who is on your list of favorite authors? I have a lot, so bear with me. Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine, Colleen Houck, Meg Cabot, Suzanne Collins, Ednah Walters, Deena Remiel, Gracen Miller, Maggie Stiefvater, Ellen Hopkins, Jennifer Laurens, J.R.R Tolken, Shakespear, Becca Fitzpatrick, Karen Kincy and, of course, you! There are many others, but those are the ones I can list off the top of my head.
What genres do you like best? Paranormal romance or just straight up romance. I used to read some mystery too, but I'm a hardcore romantic.
Do you find yourself getting emotionally attached to characters if a book is well written?  Sometimes I feel like I've lost my best friend when I finish reading a book….do you do that? If a book is well written, yes! Especially with your book The Keepers. I bawled through the last half of it! Only the best of books can grab a person like that. I was also really attached to the characters in the Tiger's Curse series by Colleen Houck. (Two more great books I've read recently!)
Out of all the books you've read if you could have dinner with a character who would it be and why?
That's a tough one. I think I would say Rose Hathaway from the Vampire Academy books. She's so fierce and funny. Maybe she could show me a few self-defense moves.
What are you currently reading? I just finished your fabulous book, The Keepers, and now I have no idea what I'll start. I have so many books on my TBR pile. I guess I should finish Water for Elephants since I am halfway finished. I put it aside to read Trinity by Deena Remiel and never went back to it. If not that, then Slow Burn by Ednah Walters.
Any strange habits while reading? I have to have complete silence to read. I have no idea why, but I just can't focus with so much going on around me. It's incredibly hard to read in my house because my family is so loud. That's why I stay up reading long after they fall asleep, or before they get up. I don't really like to read outside either, for the same reason.
How much description do you like in a book? I like a good amount. But I don't want the book I'm reading to be just description. I few weeks ago I read a book that had all the description based on a couple kissing. It made the rest of the book quite boring and I struggled to finish it. I guess you have to have the right amount of description versus everything else.
Anything else you'd like to share with us? I am currently working on a book of my own about a badass female assassin that has to protect a young and handsome weapons dealer on their journey to a secret location. I hope to finish the book and publish it in the next few years!
I am an admin on the Facebook page All Things Books. I also am on the review team of an upcoming author.
You can find me on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1509079967
Goodreads here: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3591573-kristina
Twitter here: http://twitter.com/KristinaHaecker
Everyone Add Kristina she's really a great person to know!  Thanks Kristina for taking the time to answer my questions!!! 
Check out my other blog posts as there are two contests going on right now.  One for The Keepers and one for Mulligan Man!!!
Cheers!
Monique O'Connor James

Author of:  "The Keepers"
From www.AstraeaPress.com

Twitter:               mjames13
WordPress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
Buy Links:  http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578

Thank you Contest for The Keepers!!!!!

Heading for #1??!!!!

The last time I checked The Keepers was #3 on the list for Teens/Spiritual and #1 on the Hot New Releases!  My dad keeps me updated when I'm busy and forget to check so I'm pretty aware of where things stand! 

I can't even begin to say how grateful I am to all those people who have supported me, posted for me, bought my books, and sent encouraging words.  My friends, family, fans, reviewers, bloggers, etc, etc, etc, have all been so gracious and I've made tons of new friends.

If The Keepers makes it to #1 on Amazon I'm giving away a signed copy.  I should get the print copies at the end of July and I will mail it to the Winner at that time!  All you have to do to participate is comment below!  I'll draw from everyone who comments! 

Please repost on Facebook and Twitter and tell your friends so we can hit that #1 spot!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Keepers-ebook/dp/B0054LO9E8/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1  Here is the Amazon link.

Also don't forget to add my facebook pages to keep updated on coming releases!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=511255176  and

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144 – Author page.

Thank you guys!  Love your Guts!

Cheers!

Monique O'Connor James

Twitter:               mjames13
WordPress:         www.moniquejames.wordpress.com
Website:             www.moniqueoconnorjames.com
Facebook:          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=511255176
Author Page:      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144
Buy Links:  http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578

Mulligan Man Release Game and Contest! 6/26/11-7/11/11

To Celebrate the Release of The Mulligan Man Novella and The Success of The Keepers Novel, I'm having a contest with TWO WINNERS!  One winner will get a copy of The Keepers PDF and the other will get a copy of The Mulligan Man PDF – Info on both books at bottom of blog. (Keep in mind all the proceeds from the sales of The Mulligan Man will go to Japan Relief and a portion of the proceeds from The Keepers will go to Susan G Komen)

RULES:  The Mulligan Man has been playing a game of golf at his favorite course in Ireland. He's reached the tee at hole 7 and without a caddie his shot has been a little off.  Can you guess how many strokes it takes him to sink the ball?

Comment below with a number between 1-10 and let me know how you think he did.  Looks like the wind is blowing towards the hole at 2 mph.

And there is a rumor that a gopher lives somewhere along the 7th and 8th holes. He's been known at times to chunk the ball right back out of the hole!

Enjoy figuring it out and on 7/12/11 I'll announce the winners!  The person who gets closest will win a PDF copy of The Mulligan Man and the second closest will get a PDF copy of The Keepers.  Good Luck and I look forward to any creative answers you may come up with!!!!

When six kids are at a party, partaking in a little too much fun, one of them is killed. The Mulligan Man, a character straight out of folklore appears offering them the chance to

fix all the wrongs. In order to complete the deal, the teenagers must find out the truth of what happened, perform a random act of kindness, and become friends.

If they meet these stipulations, he will allow them to bring their friend back from the dead. In the process they learn not to judge, to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and

that love can bridge even the boundary of death.

 The Keepers – Currently available in Ebook and preorders of print at my website.

Jess denies God.  In his infinite wisdom, he's taken everyone she's ever loved. Moving to the French Quarter was a ploy to erase the guilt she felt for rebuking her faith.  Perhaps, if she hadn't met Justin, an angel preoccupied with getting back into God's good graces, and drowning in his hatred for humanity, her plan would have worked.

Justin's general disdain for the human race makes him difficult to like, but some higher power has appointed him her keeper.  Justin's convinced he can mend her broken

relationship with her maker, but in the process he learns a thing or two about his own humanity.

Never mind, falling in love, that's not supposed to happen.  In fact, it may even be

forbidden. Jess just wants Justin to understand her plight, and he wants to protect

her from a world she doesn't know.

If neither is equipped to save the other, then whose soul lives and whose will perish?

HOPE YOU HAVE FUN!

Cheers – Monique

www.moniqueoconnorjames.com

http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=4435578

http://www.amazon.com/The-Keepers-ebook/dp/B0054LO9E8/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Add my FACEBOOK AND TWITTER FOR UPDATES AND MORE CONTESTS!!!

Twitter:  Mjames13

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Author page on FB:     https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monique-OConnor-James-Author/151581321573144

Sexx, Godd, and Other Four Letter Words

I've never been one to fall in line with the status-quo.  Although, throughout my life

that has meant many things; let me help you understand.  When I was a bratty nine-year old it meant going to school in two different colored socks with a blue streak in my hair,

long before blue streaks were the "it" thing. As a teenager, it meant black lipstick, big hair, and a just to throw everyone off, the boyfriend who looked like the all American boy next door. (Married that one) 

Several things have surprised me about my writing, and thus surprised me about myself.  I've always considered myself to be extraordinarily self-aware.  I know my faults, I know my hang-ups, and I know the things that make people like me. So, imagine the shock when I realized I wasn't who I thought I'd be as a writer.

The first thing that shocked me was my inability to write smutty sex scenes.  I'm a relatively open-minded girl. I've tried to give myself a good kick when I've been

judgmental and there aren't many things that make me blush.  Each time I wrote a story I got lots of comments like, "when are they gonna do it?" and "what happened to the sex

scene?"  For a long time, it was a running joke with my friends.  They'd poke fun at my inability to put on paper what I had no problem talking about.

After a year or so of the ribbing, I forced myself to write sex scenes in a couple of my novels. All I can say is I never liked them.  I never thought they furthered the story,

were necessary to the character development, or that the story lost something without them.  Honestly, I thought they sounded as forced as they were.

Two and half years into my writing of novels, enter Astraea Press.  No Cuss words, and premarital sex scenes, the submission guidelines read. My heart did a little dance.  Sex

Sells.  I've heard it.  I know it to be true, and yet I don't think it's part of what I want to write at this time in my life.  I believe beyond all doubt, there is a market for teenagers and adults who want to read fiction without it.  Sex may sell, but have we really come to a

place as a society that we have to be hit over the head with it? There is something to be said for the building of a relationship and the tension between two people without graphic and explicit detail.

This brings me to another surprise in my writing.  I write mostly paranormal fiction. As you can tell it walks the tight rope between teen and adult, and both seem to enjoy it.  Here's the rub. A lot of those paranormal novels mention God.  Wow, why should I

bring this up?  Recently, I got a review, a five-star review at that, but one of her notes was: Reader beware there are several references to God in this book, although they are not preachy.

I'd never even thought about the possibility someone would be offended by references to God.  I guess it threw me off a bit and definitely made me think.  I shamefully am not a church goer. Never have been. However, God has been so deeply rooted into my spirituality that when I write about things like, angels, near-death experiences, psychics, etc., I can't help but tie the Man Upstairs into the stories.  I believe for most people, there is some higher power, and I fail to see how mentioning Him is taboo.

It's a bit silly to think four letter words are encouraged, but mentioning God is offensive. I'm glad it was pointed out to me though, because it forced me to hash out how I felt about the subject.  I wouldn't read a book that was supposed to be fiction and spent the entire time preaching to me, however, I wouldn't put one down simply because there were references to God.

I guess at some point as writers, we all have to decide what is right for us, and if we are brave enough to stand by our convictions.  I for one am going to stand by the notion,

that there are people who will enjoy a book without racy sex scenes that may or

may not make a reference to God.  I'd like to give my readers the benefit of the doubt.  I wouldn't have a problem reading a novel about Wiccans, or watching a movie with cuss words and sex scenes – I mean True Blood is a staple on Sunday nights!  And I think most readers who read for the joy of it, will not put a good book down simply because of three little letters G-O-D.

Here's to living in a world where we are all free to explore writing the type of fiction we want to. I'm thankful we aren't all writing the same thing, the competition would be deadly!

Cheers!

Monique O'Connor James

Author of:  "The Keepers"
From www.AstraeaPress.com

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