Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 62

06.03.12 #SixSunday with Tide of Lies

Thrilling new romantic suspense! Click image for several electronic formats, including PDF and Kindle/Nook files.

TIDE OF LIES is *now available* from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Noble Romance! And for the scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the lies, check out FAMILIAR LIGHT, on sale for $1.50.

In this six, Holden is *finally* about to go in the house where he believes the woman he loves is held by a killer. (I know this is taking forever — next week he’s *in*). He’s looking down from a second floor balcony.

Two marked cars had joined his and the other plain car, all congregated in the same section of road. From Holden’s vantage point, it was clear the other direction led to a cul-de-sac. There wasn’t enough room to drive between the houses, which made one thing evident: the only way (BLEEP) would leave the scene in a vehicle would be handcuffed in the back of a police car or strapped down in a fucking ambulance. Holden didn’t have a preference either way, but if (BLEEP) had so much as touched Julia, the coroner would have the honor of collecting the pieces.

Holden withdrew his gun from the holster and gestured toward the door for the benefit of his counterparts on the street. Then, steeling himself for the worst, he gripped the knob.

Only three more weeks with TIDE OF LIES! Stay tuned to find out how it ends … or not. *grin*

Click here to add TIDE OF LIES on Goodreads!

Find it @ Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Noble Romance

Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time!  To see other participating authors, click here.

06.02.2012 #SweetSat Samples: Unforgiven

Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her … and this time he’s got a gun. UNFORGIVEN … click image.

Last week, between the internet issues, the holiday, and my daughter’s birthday party I totally spaced on posting a weekly winner so I have two to announce today. On that note, congratulations to bas1chsemail (5/25 winner) and ivy046 (6/1 winner)! If you’d like to be eligible for my weekly giveaways of a $10 gift card to Noble Romance or $5 to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice), simply subscribe by email using the box to your left. You’ll be automatically entered every week for as long as you remain a subscriber.

Gage and Riley were once lovers, but a deadly twist of fate tore them apart. Now, one year later, they’re thrown together by a murder in which Gage was the intended victim and Riley is wanted for the crime.

In this snippet Gage has figured out who the killer is. He’s on the phone with his boss, who has worked behind the scenes trying to put the pieces together. As this takes place, Gage is flying down the interstate in the direction of her home, praying he’s not too late. Gage and Riley are both wanted by the law, suspected of a murder for which they’d been set up.

“How about we just try to keep you both out of jail?” [Maverick said]

“Deal. And after you finish with the law, give (*spoiler*) a call. Let them know I had to borrow their truck, but they’ll get it back.” Gritting his teeth, Gage careened around another eighteen-wheeler to the blast of an air horn. “Maybe in one piece.”

Maverick gave a sigh—one Gage barely made out over the whine of the truck engine and rush of wind in his ears. “Will do. And Gage?”

“What?”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to hurt her.” It was Maverick’s way of saying don’t worry.

“No, it’s me he wants to hurt,” Gage said. “Her . . . he just wants her to suffer.”

ADD IT ON GOODREADS!

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

For more Sweet Saturday clean excerpts, click here.

UNFORGIVEN

Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her . . . and this time, he’s got a gun.

When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage’s former lover, Riley. He and she didn’t part ways on good terms, and he’s not planning to rekindle anything now–not when he’s got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.

A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the crosshairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options:  trust her greatest betrayer or face a murderer on her own.

BUY @ NOBLE ROMANCE | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

My Favorite Reads Blog Hop June 1-6 (International Paperback G!veaway)

For more great favorite giveaways, click image.

** International Paperback Giveaway ** Easy Entry **

It’s blog hop time — YAY! The My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Rachelle’s Writing Spot. Here, you’ll have a chance to win a paperback copy of my sweet paranormal romance HAWTHORNE (a definite reader favorite!) and possibly a $5 gift card to Noble Romance, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). For full details, keep reading!

HAWTHORNE | blurb

After a terrifying encounter with the unexplained, it took ten years and the news of her grandmother’s passing for Emma Grace Hawthorne to return to her childhood home. She sought peace in saying a proper goodbye, but what she found was an old love, a sordid family history, and a wrong only she could right.

Living in the shadow of Hawthorne Manor, Noah Garrett never forgot about Emma Grace. In a house full of secrets, his search for missing documents revealed a truth that could cost him everything. What he found gave Emma the freedom to walk away from the mansion, her heart free and clear, but at what price to Noah?

ADD IT ON GOODREADS | READ AN EXCERPT

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, simply leave a comment with your valid email address. If, at the time of the drawing, the winner is an *email* subscriber to my blog, he or she will also receive a $5 e-gift certificate to Noble Romance, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). I will check the email address before contacting the winner, so please be sure to confirm your subscription or it will not be valid. Additionally, all *email* subscribers are automatically eligible for my weekly gift card giveaways.

This giveaway is open to international addresses, as long as the USPS will deliver to you. To verify your location, please visit usps.com. If shipping will be more than $15USD, I reserve the right to substitute a gift certificate or winner’s choice of ebooks to equal at least $15USD in value.

FOR MORE FAVORITE READS GIVEAWAYS, CLICK HERE.

S. Evan Townsend: “Rock Killer” and … Romance?

To learn more about ROCK KILLER and other titles from S. Evan Townsend, please click image.

My new science fiction novel, Rock Killer, has what could be called an “ensemble cast.”  I once counted and there are 70-something speaking, named characters.  With a group like that, you’d think some romance would break out somewhere.  The novel has two main protagonists: Charlene “Charlie” Jones and Alexander Chun.  Now usually when there are a male and a female main characters, they fall in love.  In my novel, however, they never meet except they happen to be in the same room once at the end of the novel.  Their entire interaction is:

She flicked the joystick on her wheelchair and headed for the door.  As she reached out to open it, the door swung aside.  There was a short, Asian man coming in the room.  He was wearing a blue command uniform and director insignia.

“Excuse me,” he said and stepped out of her way.

“Thank you,” Charlie replied as her chair passed by.  Not too bad looking, she thought, if he wasn’t so damn short.

So where’s the romance?  Well, I’m a guy.  In fact, I’m a middle-aged guy who likes shoot-outs and car chases and explosions.  Romance is low on my list of priorities, much to the chagrin of my wife.

But when I write, I admit, I like to put in a little romance.  In Rock Killer, Alex Chun is married so that leaves him out—or at least should.  Charlie is just coming off a traumatic end to an engagement so really, she’s out.  But I have about seventy more characters to play with.  One is Bill Thorne who just broke up with his Vietnamese girlfriend, Thi.  He meets an attractive drive technician named Diana and falls in love.  It ends badly.

Or there’s one of my villains, Alan Griffin, who seems as interested in bedding his co-terrorist Barbara Knect as in being a bad guy.  It ends badly.

I’m sensing a pattern here.  Let me think.  In my previous novel, Agent of Artifice, my hero, Michael Vaughan falls in love with a women he thinks might be a KGB agent.  It ends badly.  Or, the novel before that, its prequel Hammer of Thor, my hero Joe Kader falls in love with a beautiful Korean woman named Pak Meyoung.  It ends badly.  (Although he later falls in love with a Norwegian woman named Dagmar and they are still together in the third novel of that series that I’m currently writing.)

As I said before, romance isn’t high on my priorities.  My novels tend to be adventurous, violent (but never graphically), and fast paced.  Maybe I just need to make time for romance (my wife would agree).  Or at least one that doesn’t end badly.

ROCK KILLER | blurb & links

Space Resources, Inc. (SRI) mines asteroids for the riches a populated Earth needs without degrading the planet.  Yet there are those opposed to progress in whatever its form such as the Gaia Alliance, a front group for eco-terrorists.  During a violent attack on the Moon, the terrorists steal an exploration ship, arm it, and rename it the Rock Killer.

Charlene “Charlie” Jones of SRI security is trying to infiltrate the Gaia Alliance’s cabal to find evidence linking them to the murder of her fiancé.  But a run-in with the law threatens to reveal her identity to the dangerous men of the Alliance.

Simultaneously, SRI Director Alexander Chun is traveling to the asteroid belt to bring a kilometer-long nickel-iron rock back to Earth orbit to mine for its valuable metals.  Following him and his multi-national team is the Rock Killer.  Without armaments, millions of miles from help, Chun must stop those who threaten him and the lives of his crew.

MORE INFO & BUY @ AMAZON

S. EVAN TOWNSEND | bio & links

S. Evan Townsend is a writer living in central Washington State. After spending four years in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence branch, he returned to civilian life and college to earn a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Washington. In his spare time he enjoys reading, driving (sometimes on a racetrack), meeting people, and talking with friends. He is in a 12-step program for Starbucks addiction. Evan lives with his wife and two sons, aged 17 and 20, and has a 22-year old son attending the University of Washington in biology. He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, history, politics, cars, and travel.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Trailer

 

Meira Pentermann’s “Firefly Beach”

Capture FIREFLY BEACH! Click image for more information.

I’ve loved getting to know today’s guest. She’s got a great sense of humor and I’ve got to admire her dedication to research … she went on vacation, y’all! (I know, right? I’m jealous!) I think you guys are going to enjoy this interview, so please join me in welcoming Meira Pentermann and her new release FIREFLY BEACH to the fray.

Welcome, Meira! It’s great to have you here. Your bio indicates you’re an avid reader. When did the pursuit of writing edge into your thoughts?

Hello, Sarah. Thank you for inviting me. This is going to be fun.

I have been writing since I was twelve, mostly journals and poetry. During my thirties I had several story ideas, but I never got past a couple of chapters. In 2003, I sat down and wrote an entire novel in one month! At least I thought it was a novel. It was barely 50,000 words – not long enough to qualify as a novel – and it was frankly quite dreadful. Thankfully, I had no clue at the time. That first manuscript, which I shelved in 2007, allowed me to believe I could write a full-length novel. Faith in one’s self is a powerful thing.

You’re right about that. There’s something major in believing in yourself, and yours led you to write FIREFLY BEACH. *grin* Can you introduce readers to the story? What can you tell us that’s not found in the blurb?

FIREFLY BEACH is a character-driven novel, and I love eccentric personalities, so you can expect some quirky characters roaming through the pages. I endeavored to take the reader on a vacation to the coast of Maine, visiting both the present and the 1970s. It is a story about accepting the past, settling unfinished business, and cherishing family. . . and it’s also a good old-fashioned mystery with a few supernatural elements to spice it up.

Mystery? Supernatural? You are *so* speaking my language! Your home is in Colorado, while FIREFLY BEACH is set in Maine. What inspired you to cross the country for your first novel?

Since I lived half of my life in Seattle and the other half in Colorado, I had little experience with the eastern coast. Nevertheless, this concept of a secluded, rocky beach required the state of Maine. What a great excuse for a field trip!

I dragged my hubby through the underbrush in Maine. Literally. I did. . . drag him through the underbrush in Maine. And he’s quite pleased to remind me of that fact if I complain about the mosquitoes in our backyard.

Enjoying the hospitality of the gracious women from the Wildfire Inn in Searsport, Maine, we traveled the coast during its most rainy, least flattering season, but it was one of my favorite vacations. Virginia Point was primarily inspired by two coastal towns – Camden and Searsport, Maine.

What an absolutely amazing trip! The Maine coast is spectacular, and talk about inspiration—it’s there in spades! (Note to self: create field trips in the name of research). What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of FIREFLY?

Hmm. . . I had to create rules for the firefly. Readers might notice that it can pass through glass but only if the curtains are open. A rule of convenience, I know, but I needed a way for Beth to escape. If you saw something spooky in the backyard, wouldn’t closing the curtains make you feel safer?

LMAO! That’s brilliant (er, no pun intended). Let’s have some fun with FIREFLY BEACH. What’s the first sentence?

Chapter One: “Beth LaMonte hated moving boxes.”

I bet you grab a LOT of readers with that one. (Everyone I’ve ever known who has moved has never wanted to see another cardboard box again.) What’s your favorite line in the book?

“He provided all the warmth and comfort a human presence could offer that words could not.”

[image error]Gulp. That’s a fantastic line! How about an excerpt … three sentences long. Yep, that’s it. Three!

Okay. A challenge.  I love these questions. Great interview. . . But I stall. . . I’m going to go with:

“Beth was beset by disturbing dreams; rapid firing images flashed before her eyes – a car screeching down a country road, a yellow duck, her father’s face. She awoke with a start. Why am I dreaming about my father after all of these years?”

LMAO! First, the stall (one with compliments—how clever are you? LOL!) and then in the excerpt I adore how she wonders why she’s dreaming of her father and doesn’t question the yellow duck. (Great hook, by the way. *grin*) Which scene of FIREFLY BEACH was most difficult for you to write? Why?

Beth had an unpleasant experience with an older man. It made me uncomfortable. Perhaps it hit a little too close to home.

Intriguing answer. Turning the tide a bit (I presume), which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

A great question. Small spoiler here. It would have to be the scene in which Beth cuddles the rubber ducks. From the POV of Kenny, the jeweler. Weird enough? But I would love to be there all the same.

Ducks again! I call it a hook … I’m dying to know how all this ties together! (Way to sell the book, Meira! LOL!) What inspired the title of FIREFLY BEACH?

The title was originally THE FIREFLY, but since I was having trouble getting past the query letter stage, I decided to poll some other writers. Maybe the title would make a difference. Why not? After a few rounds, the consensus was to try the title FIREFLY BEACH. I did receive a contract from Lyrical Press shortly thereafter, so who knows?

Oh, the wondering would make me crazy! But I do love the title—(*chiming in even though no one asked my opinion*) I think adding “beach” gave it a lot of personality, especially considering it takes place on the coast. (*grin*) What are you currently working on? 

I recently published NINE-TENTHS, a dystopian science fiction, and I am currently working on a grade 3-6 novel called SARAH AND THE MAGIC MAYONNAISE JAR. I have genre-commitment-phobia. I can’t seem to help myself. The novel should be available by the end of 2012. I am working with an outstanding new illustrator, Rachel Loftus, and I am excited to bring my daughter’s favorite story to life.

I’ve had a recent run of bad luck with mayo (broke two lids, each on full jars of mayo, in back to back weeks … and as you may know, mayo isn’t cheap and it doesn’t last without a lid and *sigh* rubber-banded plastic wrap doesn’t make a very good replacement) so I’m fascinated to hear there is someone out there who shares my name also having mayo issues (although one can assume her mayo issues are more interesting than mine). But I digress, lol. I love that you have genre-commitment-phobia, mainly because I love that term. Anyone who can write such an awesome term can certainly, in my opinion, do great things with a  book. And on that note, let’s have a look at one, shall we?

FIREFLY BEACH | blurb

When Beth LaMonte rents a cottage on the coast of Maine, she wishes only to withdraw and paint. A mysterious ball of light disturbs her peace and leads her to a secret beach where she finds the diary of a girl who disappeared in 1975. Now Beth is on a mission, not only to bury her own past, but to put to rest the spirit of Firefly Beach.

MORE INFO & BUY @ Amazon |Barnes & Noble

MEIRA PENTERMANN | bio & links

On slow, snowy days in her Colorado home, Meira Pentermann enjoys cozying up on the couch with a novel. Naturally, snow is not a requirement; neither is the couch. In fact, she sees no reason not to indulge in reading three-hundred-and-sixty-five days a year. Apocalyptic science fiction, mysteries, and young adult titles top her Kindle list, but legal thrillers and chik-lit make an appearance now and then.

When not absorbed in writing or reading, Meira enjoys life’s little moments with her family – the love and devotion of her black lab, the quiet wisdom of her artistic twenty-one-year-old, the trials and triumphs of her petite sixth grader, and the unlimited encouragement offered by her Dutch husband.

Meira strives to write stories that deliver the unexpected. She prefers down-to-earth characters that look and behave like regular folks. The prom queen and Adonis take a backseat to reclusive, soul-searching heroines and quirky, introverted gentlemen.

LINKAGE @ Website |Blog |Amazon Author Page |Facebook |Twitter |Goodreads

Meira, this has been a fabulous visit! I’m so glad to get to know you and some of the insider secrets from FIREFLY BEACH. I wish you all the best as you continue your book tour and with those upcoming releases, mayo and all. Thanks so much for being here! Readers, I’m honored you joined us today and hope you’ll take a moment to welcome Meira. Have a fantastic day, everyone!

J.N. Johnson’s “Passionate Tides”

Get PASSIONATE! Click image for more information.

J.N. Johnson is an author after my own heart. Her debut release, PASSIONATE TIDES, is set on the NC coast, which happens to be one of my favorite spots. (Three of my six books are set there, LOL.) J.N. isn’t stopping with her debut—she’s already got another book scheduled for release in July. Ready to meet this new (and prolific!) author? Check out her interview, then stick around to find out what you might win if you visit her website!

Welcome, and congratulations on the release of your debut novel PASSIONATE TIDES. How did you feel when you got the news you were being published for the first time?

It could only compare to the day I had my girls. I screamed, danced and jumped on the bed I was so excited and to hear the news from a friend made it that much more special.

Definitely awesome to get the news from a friend! Your bio reveals you used to go with your mother and grandmother to trade books for those you wanted to read. I love how the love of reading was something shared between three generations. Have you been able to share your writing accomplishments with either of them?

My mom was waiting by the computer for that moment when Passionate Tides went live and bought the second copy, my hubby bought the first. Mom is my biggest cheerleader and in all honesty I think she was more excited than me when she found out. My grandmother passed away before I was published but I know that she would have been proud. She always told me to be independent and follow to  my dreams. When she passed away they asked what I wanted to remember her, I took her old recliner that she sat in and read for hours. Jewelry is nice but this was how I wanted to remember her, happy with a romance in her hands.

Aw, wow. What a wonderful thing of hers to have—so very special for you, and what a memory attached to it! Now that I’m all sentimental, I’ll say this: I have a particular (and sentimental) fondness for the North Carolina coast. What prompted you to set PASSIONATE TIDES on NC’s Topsail Island?

My husband’s family is from Topsail Island and Wilmington NC and since the first time I set foot on the quiet beaches I fell in love. When I was a kid we spent our summer vacations at Myrtle Beach where you had to fight for a spot on the sand but at Topsail you could look for miles and never see another person. When I was dreaming up Passionate Tides I knew that I wanted to set it on Topsail because of the romantic feel of the south end there were endless possibilities for my characters to explore.

I so love those rural spots. (My husband and I have a spot further north where we’re almost always alone on the beach. It’s heavenly!) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of PASSIONATE TIDES?

The heat level seems to be the biggest surprise. For such a short story there is a lot of hot moments between Paisley and Jake.

Oh, YUM! *grins* Let’s have some fun with the story. What’s the first sentence?

This is the start to Paisleys rocky road!

 It had been nearly two months since the papers officially ending Paisley’s marriage of ten years were dropped off at her door.

Ouch. I imagine that was quite a moment. What’s your favorite line in the book?

This is my second favorite sentence, my first is in the excerpt but this one makes me laugh, the scene reminds me of something I would do.

 “I tried to cook you this amazing dinner so that I could see you smile. Who knew all I had to do was set the place on fire.”

LMAO! That’s a fantastic line! How about an excerpt … three sentences long! Yep, that’s it. Three!

Wow that’s tough but here is a sneak peek of my favorite scene.

“Is this seat taken?” When she saw the book in his hands she no longer had to fake the smile on her face. “Are you reading a romance novel?” She swore she saw his cheeks flush from embarrassment.

 “Yes, I am and I’m man enough to admit it.”

Whatta guy! *grin* Which scene of PASSIONATE TIDES was most difficult for you to write? Why?

I think it’s the conversation between Paisley and her best friend Tiffany. I had trouble getting the conversation to seem real and not scripted.

Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

Ouch that’s a hard one. Paisley has some tough scenes with the breakup of her marriage and the hard decisions she has to make along the way but if I have to pick just one I would say the first date. I have been married for twelve years to my high school sweetheart and we are still in the honeymoon stage but the experience of the first kiss and first date is a powerful one that I would be happy to relive. Now for the POV that’s easy I know what that feeling was like as the girl but I would love to know what effect it has on the guy.

That’s a really interesting perspective I don’t think I’ve ever considered—what is that moment like for a guy? (Must be good the way they’re hooked by it, huh? LOL!) What inspired the title of PASSIONATE TIDES?

I had decided to name my book after my favorite Ice Cream shop on Topsail, Island Delights but because of trademarks and such I had to change it. Myself, my hubby and Marissa Dobson brainstormed to come up with a new name. After lots of searches and deleted my husband Nathan suggested Passionate Tides and we had a winner!

Yay! And it’s a great title – I love it! Speaking of titles, what’s next for you?

I have a few projects going right now, the first is A Bitter Reunion which will be published by Ruby Lioness Press as part of the Clearwater Series July 20, 2012 I’m patiently waiting for edits so that I can share Lilly and Joshua’s story with the world. The second is Unwanted Proposal and is a work in progress that will also be a part of the Clearwater Series but a release date hasn’t been set yet. I also have a paranormal that I wrote a year ago that is screaming for an ending.

PASSIONATE TIDES | blurb

Paisley feels like her life is falling apart and nothing can help her climb out of the hole that seems to be getting deeper and deeper with each new obstacle she faces…

After leaving his home in Tennessee Jake hopes that he can find a fresh start from the past he wants to leave behind…

Can two lost souls find love in Topsail Island, North Carolina? Or will they let their past ruin their second chances at true love?

MORE INFO & BUY @ RUBY LIONESS PRESS

J.N. JOHNSON | bio & links

Living in her hometown of Charleston, West Virginia, JN Johnson is the proud mother of two beautiful little girls and is married to her high school sweetheart (and greatest supporter ) whom she considers the rock that keeps her grounded.

She was first introduced to the world of fantasy when she was seven years old reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe making her never want to read about “the real world” again. Her mother and grandmother’s love of romance novels gave her the opportunity to learn about book trading, taking all of their old books to the local flea market to trade for anything that sparked her interest. Those days are long gone; her books now stay safely on her book shelves at home and out of harm’s way.

She loves to hear from readers, writers and reviewers so please drop her a note at jenn@jnjohnsonauthor.com or her on Facebook.

Website / Facebook / Publisher

Thank you so much for having me on your site today, this has been an amazing journey that I cannot wait to take again later this year with my next release A Bitter Reunion. I am having a contest to win an Amazon gift card on my site www. JNJohnsonauthor.com it’s easy to enter you just have to leave me a comment. I love to hear what people are reading and what they think of Passionate Tides so stop by and say hi!

J.N., I’m honored to be a part of your debut tour. Congratulations with your release, and best of luck to you with this and all of your releases to follow! Readers, thanks so much for being here. I hope you’ll take a moment to say hello!

05.27.12 #SixSunday with Tide of Lies

Thrilling new romantic suspense! Click image for several electronic formats, including PDF and Kindle/Nook files.

TIDE OF LIES is *now available* from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Noble Romance! And for the scoop on the unsolved murders leading to the lies, check out FAMILIAR LIGHT, on sale for $1.50.

In this six, Holden is alone with his thoughts, preparing to go inside the home he believes harbors a suspected killer … and Jules.

Revenge would be the feather in (BLEEP)’s cap, and the woman Holden loved more than life itself made for heavy ammunition.

Holden took a deep breath and willed his nerves into submission. Acrid adrenaline pulsed through his core, leaving him wired and sharp. He’d need every hit of oxygen he could suck from the thick, humid air, and he knew it. This was no ordinary showdown.

It was (BLEEP)’s final stand.

Click here to add TIDE OF LIES on Goodreads!

MORE INFO @ Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Noble Romance

Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time!  To see other participating authors, click here.

A Birthday, a Coincidence, and an Apology

Birthday

Today is my I-don’t-care-if-you-were-sterilized,-I’m-coming-anyway post-tubal baby’s birthday. She’s the youngest of six and turning the big 0-2 and we’re having a party with the grandparents and — count ‘em — TWO birthday cakes! (Mainly because she had to have her decorated cake — says me — and I was in the mood for red velvet with cream cheese icing, and you can’t beat it homemade. *grin*) She’s have a flowers theme (just regular flowers — she adores them) and she was SO excited when we bought planters overflowing with blooms to use as centerpieces on the picnic table for her birthday dinner. “Fowers, mom! Fowers! Pree! Tinks!” (Um, that’s “pretty” and “thanks.” She actually says thank you, unprompted. Isn’t that cool?)

Coincidence

My little monster shares her birthday with my future son-in-law. He’s also two today (yes, you read that right .. TWO). His mom and I were both due in June (2010) and met through an online expecting club. Our original due dates were back to back (I think the 11th and 12th, or maybe the 12th and 13th). Near the end of our pregnancies, we were both scheduled for induction on the same day (June 2 I think) and we ended up having our babies on the same day (May 26) well ahead of those scheduled inductions. It turns out she and I have so much in common we decided instead to start counting our differences, just for the novelty of it. (I think we’re up to five things about which we don’t emphatically agree). Our newly terrible-twos don’t know it yet, but we think they’re made for one another. *grin*  Happy, Happy Birthday, J!

Apology

I owe you guys one. I’ve not kept up with my blog as well as I should, and I’m behind on responding to comments. My internet connection is sketchy, and I don’t know if it’s my computer, my modem, or just my proximity to all things electronic. Sometimes nothing works, others I can use my husband’s computer, and others I’m just yanking out my hair. We’re still troubleshooting, and until trouble is officially shot please know I’m doing my best and I *will* respond to you all. Thank you for your continued attention and support. You guys ROCK! And on that note…

Have a fantastic weekend!

Barcode: The Legend of Apollo by Kashif Ross (G!veaway)

 

Click image for more from Kashif Ross!

We’re kicking off the weekend early today (says me … I have that power, right?) with Kahsif Ross, who has set records by being the first author in the history of this blog who had to evade the excerpt question. I  know you guys want to see the rest of that story, and one lucky reader will get to see the *whole* story because Kashif brought with him a copy of his book to give away. This is a fantastic interview, so let’s get to it!

Welcome, Kashif! I have to say, I was pretty fascinated to learn BARCODE: THE LEGEND OF APOLLO was inspired by anime. Can you tell us a little of how the story developed?

The way I write is…weird. When I was younger, I was able to read lengthy novels in a day. But as I grew older, the more I read or watched something, the more I wrote things in my head. One day, I was watching Naruto and started creating a villain to oppose him, but he needed a village and certain skills. When I filled in all the parts, I decided to simply give him his own story. I was doing the same thing when watching Bleach. Eventually, both of my characters combined into one body and new story with barcodes and gladiators.

That’s pretty cool — it’s like the characters demanded their story told your way! You were inspired to break out of the norm where, as you put it on your blog, “wizard boy triumphs over evil.” How did you accomplish this?

I hated reading the same books over and over. It’s just my opinion, but once Harry Potter came out, I feel that books became generic. There was no creativity behind them. All stories were either about a wizard that triumphs all or a pretty and sexy vampire with lovely eyes. In a word, I felt grr while reading these.

My story was meant to be different. I made sure everyone that read my first book knew this. Though you’ll get through 90% of the book reading a standard hero’s journey, in the end you’ll see an evil and wicked twist. Sure, I’ll get hell for it and some really nasty reviews, but it’s different. I prefer to write something completely unique and hated than have something generic and praised for being the next best thing to Twilight.

I love the way you think, and I have a lot of respect for anyone willing to take that “let them hate me” chance. Those stories tend to be the best! *grin* Let’s dig into the plot a little. Assuming there’s no major spoiler involved in your answer, what’s the major conflict in the story? (If there is a major spoiler, craftily evade the question, lol).

I would never spoil

The major conflict is the battle to acquire America. Basically, our country is divided into its four geographic regions: East, North, South, and West. There’s a dictator attempting to take them over through unorthodox means. However, one boy is rumored to be capable of standing against him, Spencer Colt. Spencer befriends an enemy, Kode, that wants to motivate him to challenge Helios. It’s when Spencer and Kode clash that things get interesting.

Sounds like they must! Great summary, by the way. ;c) What might readers be surprised to learn about the plot or characters of BARCODE: THE LEGEND OF APOLLO?

There are a lot of characters. A lot! However, I designed the story in a way that you’ll actually know all of them without getting confused. I don’t simply drop someone in, give them a vague description and take them out. Instead, I provide each warrior with their own back story and feed it to the reader slowly. You’ll be deathly attached to anyone that is killed, and hate nearly every villian.

Readers will also be surprised to find out there isn’t a plot. Sure, the ultimate goal is to fight Helios, but there’s really no sequence of events leading to it. I’m a character driven type of guy. I focused more on developing each person versus creating a straight line from A to Z.

I *love* the characters aren’t random throwbys. (I tend to get confused, so I feel you were speaking to me that one, lol.) As for a character-driven story, I really like your outlook on that. It seems you have a fresh perspective all the way around! Okay, let’s have some fun with BARCODE. What’s the first sentence?

Overzealous freshmen continue pouring out of buses and cars, excited for the first day of school.

Wow, that’s a great visual! What’s your favorite line in the book?

Time is limited by the bullet I deserve to swallow.

Intense. That sentence can go so many ways — it’s intriguing like that. *grin* How about an excerpt … three sentences long!

Sorry. I can’t find one that’s suitable for your website.

… And that is equally intriging, LOL. Which scene of BARCODE was most difficult for you to write? Why?

Nothing was difficult to write, I generally do that easily. But editing can be a pain.

There’s a scene where Kode and Spencer receive very powerful weapons. Sparks fly. Grounds rumble. Even lightening strikes. When I initially wrote the scene, I thought it was great, but the language wasn’t descriptive enough. I actually spend on hour on one page alone for that chapter trying to make sure the reader could see what was happening without being confused.

As a reader, I greatly appreciate your attention to detail there. Which scene would you most like to experience for yourself? From whose POV?

There’s a really epic fight between one of the villains and a guardian of Colt Academy. I would’ve loved to have been the villain who gets his butt kicked for the most part, but stands up to the best gladiator on the West Coast.

That’s a unique perspective, lol. What inspired the title of BARCODE: THE LEGEND OF APOLLO?

I always knew Barcode would be the title. The story is about powers omitting from barcodes that are tattooed on people’s skin. There’s a hidden message behind that symbolism, but I don’t explain it in the novel and probably never will.

Legend of Apollo came to me from nowhere. I decided that “Legend” would be best because it gives a clue what will happen in the end of the story. For some reason, readers are still shocked.

You have a really fantastic way of turning every question into a hook, LOL! What’s next for you?

Barcode: Cavern of Youth is in the final stages of editing. The cover art is finished and the betareaders have given their opinions. All I need to do is polish the grammar and format the novel. As a warning, COY is written from the perspective of another character, Kay. However, it is a continuation of the first book.

And speaking of that first book, let’s get to it.

BARCODE: THE LEGEND OF APOLLO | blurb and links

Spencer Colt must return to his last year of Colt Academy–the academic institute for gladiators. The school and arena are run by his father, a wealthy businessman too occupied to remember his son’s 19th birthday. Spencer could care less. He’s a sarcastic jerk that wants to finish his final year without another person mentioning his destiny, to reunite America.

On his first day back, his family’s helicopter plunges nose first into the battlefield. As bloodied and limp bodies are dragged across the stadium, a mysterious boy named Kode emerges.

Spencer hardly has time to show concern for his recovering family members when he and his beautiful nemesis, Michelle Miyamoto, are attacked by a naked and manic Kode. Michelle promises to train with Spencer after they discover the lunatic’s intentions, but she has trouble of her own. She must keep the practice a secret for her friendship to survive.

In this world, humans are born with tattoos known as barcodes. The data contains mythological powers that make arena fights very entertaining. Yet, Spencer’s codes are different. They seem to draw him into a comforting darkness. It’s in this hell that he learns the truth about his corrupt family and how he murdered his mother.

MORE INFO & BUY @ AMAZON

KASHIF ROSS | bio & links

For the past three years, Kashif Ross has been mainly known as a teacher. Yet, he’s managed to pick up very random titles along the way. Previous jobs include Student Molecular Oncology Researcher, Camp Counselor, CGI Animator, Character Designer, and Professional Geek.

Now he’s an author living in California’s Bay Area. You can find posts about his random thoughts and adventures on his blog, www.kashifross.com.

Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

**Giveaway**

Ready to see this one for yourself? If you’d like to enter to win an e-copy of BARCODE: THE LEGEND OF APOLLO all you need to do is comment with your email address. For fun (not required), let us know what your secret barcode power would be, and where exactly would you put that barcode tattoo if you had a choice? (Forehead, anyone?)

Kashif, this has been a blast. I’ve really enjoyed your interview, and you totally snagged me with the absent excerpt. (Clever, clever.) Thanks so much for guesting here today, and readers, thank you all for your time. Please say hello to Kashif before you  head out, and have a fantastic weekend!

Splash Into Summer Blog Hop May 25-31 (International Paperback G!veaway)

Click image to return to the hop.

** International Paperback Giveaway ** Easy Entry **

It’s blog hop time — YAY! The Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Page Turners Blog. Here, you’ll have a chance to win a paperback copy of my sweet paranormal romance HAWTHORNE and possibly a $5 gift card to Noble Romance, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). For full details, keep reading!

HAWTHORNE | blurb

After a terrifying encounter with the unexplained, it took ten years and the news of her grandmother’s passing for Emma Grace Hawthorne to return to her childhood home. She sought peace in saying a proper goodbye, but what she found was an old love, a sordid family history, and a wrong only she could right.

Living in the shadow of Hawthorne Manor, Noah Garrett never forgot about Emma Grace. In a house full of secrets, his search for missing documents revealed a truth that could cost him everything. What he found gave Emma the freedom to walk away from the mansion, her heart free and clear, but at what price to Noah?

ADD IT ON GOODREADS | READ AN EXCERPT

HOW TO ENTER

To enter, simply leave a comment with your valid email address. If, at the time of the drawing, the winner is an *email* subscriber to my blog, he or she will also receive a $5 e-gift certificate to Noble Romance, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice). I will check the email address before contacting the winner, so please be sure to confirm your subscription or it will not be valid. Additionally, all *email* subscribers are automatically eligible for my weekly gift card giveaways.

This giveaway is open to international addresses, as long as the USPS will deliver to you. To verify your location, please visit usps.com. If shipping will be more than $15USD, I reserve the right to substitute a gift certificate or winner’s choice of ebooks to equal at least $15USD in value.

FOR MORE SPLASH INTO SUMMER GIVEAWAYS, CLICK HERE.