Krista Ames's Blog, page 136
July 12, 2012
Author, author... #Giveaway
...read all about it !!!
Howdy everyone, today we have
Suzanne Barrett
and she has a special treat for everyone at the end of the post so make sure you read completely through!!!
Hi Suzanne, so glad to have you back with us !! Can you tell us a little about yourself?I was born in Southern California but traveled a lot. My dad was an electrical and microwave engineer so we moved frequently. I’ve lived in Oregon, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and Mississippi. Finished high school in the San Francisco Bay Area and went to college here. Hobbies from a young age included reading and rock collecting.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?At one time I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, at another time a translator with (then) Radio free Europe). However, I always loved to write and was forever creating stories and corresponding with pen pals.
When did you first start writing?The real romance writing bug hit later in life, especially after I’d read LaVyrle Spencer’s Hummingbird and decided that I’d like to try writing a romance novel. I knew I could write and my command of English was good, but boy did I soon discover how much I didn’t know about word choices, pacing, plot, character development and just about everything else! I finished six novels and had as many partials begun when I finally got “the call.” I was an overnight success after only nine years. (Some wise person said you have to write your half million words before you have a clue about how to write; I’m living proof.)
What is a typical writing day like for you? My writing day is atypical because I’m a jewelry designer and a gardener as well as a writer, so I do whatever moves me or what the weather dictates. I strive to put in at least three hours of writing, editing or writing-related tasks.
Do you have a specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?I used to think those things would help, but for me they don’t. I prefer to work in a clutter-free environment without a lot of chores facing me, but when creativity strikes, I can work pretty much anywhere. I admit to being a morning person, so I’m usually sitting at my computer by five o’clock in the morning.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?I love to develop my characters and have them react to situations as I wish I’d react.
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?I usually strive for 70,000 words.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?My family is very supportive. My son and his wife read all my books.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?Huge! I read romantic suspense, biographies, gardening journals and much, much more. I usually have at least three books on the go: paperback, hardcover and Kindle.
For fun, I have a few personal questions, Favorite 5 1) Favorite Holiday – Thanksgiving – it’s a wonderful family gathering we all look forward to.2) Favorite Drink – Great coffee first thing in the morning, then Earl Grey tea3) Favorite Author – There are so many. Brenda Novak is high on my list. Robyn Carr.4) Favorite Book – A Fair Stream of Silver(out of print Celtic fairy tales from the Hebrides) 5) Favorite Animal – Cat. I love cats!And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?Upbeat, balanced, focused. I strive for a stress-free life both in writing and real life
Where can our readers find you?? Email: sjb1441@comcast.netFacebook: www.facebook.com/suzanne.barrett2Website/blog: www.suzannebarrett.com , www.bellerustique.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Just out this month is my long contemporary Loving Luke, set in Northern California. It’s available on Amazon (available in digital; print coming soon), at Barnes & Noble and in the Turquoise Morning Press bookstore.
Jo McGuigan’s job is on the line. She needs a photographer to teach her rehab class, but the only one available is an angry recluse who wants nothing to do with the hospital or its outreach program.
Luke Falconer’s photo career ends in a fiery auto crash that leaves him badly burned and crippled. Hating the world, he retreats to his cabin. But when an encounter with the intriguing social worker ends in a night of passion, their lives are changed forever. Jo is a spark to Luke’s flame, and where there’s smoke, there is often a raging inferno.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Luke-ebook/dp/B008GUMOBY/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341777413&sr=1-2&keywords=Loving+Luke
Turquoise Morning Press: http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/products/loving-luke Excerpt:Luke Falconer propelled his six-foot-two frame through Muir Woods Burn Center’s automatic doors and limped past the reception desk toward the elevators. Pain seared his right leg like a hot knife. Climb mountains again? Hell, he could barely walk. Crawling out of a tiny North Face tent and strapping on a sixty-five pound pack would be impossible. His photography career was finished. He clenched his good hand into a fist. Once he’d been a man who could face a challenge and prevail, who had a purpose in life. Now he was a cripple. “Another two or three surgeries and you’ll be able to move more normally. We’ll tidy that face up too,” Dr. Anderson had said at his last visit. He wondered what lie the balding Brit would tell him this time. The last two skin grafts hadn't taken, and the scarring was as angry as ever. He winced at the pain stabbing his groin, still raw from the last skin graft. Luke came to a stop and leaned against the hallway wall. He squeezed his eyes shut. Nothing would ever be easy again.He shouldn’t have come back to the hospital. All the surgeries in the world wouldn’t get his life back. If he wanted to work, he’d have to figure out how to get his scarred legs up a mountain. Face facts, Falconer. You’re washed up. Even fixing his face wouldn’t change anything. If he wanted a woman, one he could look at without scaring the bejesus out of her, he’d have to buy one.
Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.
Beef Daube Provençal 2 tsp olive oil12 garlic cloves, crushed1 (2-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes1 ½ tsp salt, divided½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided1 cup red wine2 cups chopped carrot1 ½ cups chopped onion½ cup beef broth (can use Better Than Bouillon)1 Tbsp tomato paste (I use catsup so no leftover paste to fuss with)1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/4 tsp dried)1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried)Dash of ground cloves1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained1 bay leafPreheat oven to 300 degreesHeat olive oil in a small Dutch oven over low heat. Add garlic to pan; cook for five min. or until garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef to pan. Sprinkle beef with ½ tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook five min., browning on all sides. Remove beef from pan. Add wine to pan, and bring to boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Add garlic, beef, remaining 1 tsp salt, remaining 1/4 tsp pepper, carrot, and next 8 ingredients to pan. Bring to boil.
Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 2 1/;2 hours or until beef is tender. Discard bay leaf. Serve over noodles, polenta or garlic mashed potatoes.
Now that sounds like a great recipe !!! Thanks
for sharing that and on to the book :)
Loving Luke is definitely on my to-read list!!!
And thanks to Suzanne,
one lucky
commenter will
get a digital copy of
Loving Luke !!!
So make sure you leave
a comment and
tomorrow Suzanne will
randomly pick a
winner!!!
Good luck on winning this great read!
Thanks to our readers for stopping by today ...
Happy reading !
Krista
Howdy everyone, today we have
Suzanne Barrettand she has a special treat for everyone at the end of the post so make sure you read completely through!!!
Hi Suzanne, so glad to have you back with us !! Can you tell us a little about yourself?I was born in Southern California but traveled a lot. My dad was an electrical and microwave engineer so we moved frequently. I’ve lived in Oregon, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and Mississippi. Finished high school in the San Francisco Bay Area and went to college here. Hobbies from a young age included reading and rock collecting.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?At one time I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian, at another time a translator with (then) Radio free Europe). However, I always loved to write and was forever creating stories and corresponding with pen pals.
When did you first start writing?The real romance writing bug hit later in life, especially after I’d read LaVyrle Spencer’s Hummingbird and decided that I’d like to try writing a romance novel. I knew I could write and my command of English was good, but boy did I soon discover how much I didn’t know about word choices, pacing, plot, character development and just about everything else! I finished six novels and had as many partials begun when I finally got “the call.” I was an overnight success after only nine years. (Some wise person said you have to write your half million words before you have a clue about how to write; I’m living proof.)
What is a typical writing day like for you? My writing day is atypical because I’m a jewelry designer and a gardener as well as a writer, so I do whatever moves me or what the weather dictates. I strive to put in at least three hours of writing, editing or writing-related tasks.
Do you have a specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?I used to think those things would help, but for me they don’t. I prefer to work in a clutter-free environment without a lot of chores facing me, but when creativity strikes, I can work pretty much anywhere. I admit to being a morning person, so I’m usually sitting at my computer by five o’clock in the morning.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?I love to develop my characters and have them react to situations as I wish I’d react.
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?I usually strive for 70,000 words.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?My family is very supportive. My son and his wife read all my books.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?Huge! I read romantic suspense, biographies, gardening journals and much, much more. I usually have at least three books on the go: paperback, hardcover and Kindle.
For fun, I have a few personal questions, Favorite 5 1) Favorite Holiday – Thanksgiving – it’s a wonderful family gathering we all look forward to.2) Favorite Drink – Great coffee first thing in the morning, then Earl Grey tea3) Favorite Author – There are so many. Brenda Novak is high on my list. Robyn Carr.4) Favorite Book – A Fair Stream of Silver(out of print Celtic fairy tales from the Hebrides) 5) Favorite Animal – Cat. I love cats!And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?Upbeat, balanced, focused. I strive for a stress-free life both in writing and real life
Where can our readers find you?? Email: sjb1441@comcast.netFacebook: www.facebook.com/suzanne.barrett2Website/blog: www.suzannebarrett.com , www.bellerustique.com
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Just out this month is my long contemporary Loving Luke, set in Northern California. It’s available on Amazon (available in digital; print coming soon), at Barnes & Noble and in the Turquoise Morning Press bookstore.Jo McGuigan’s job is on the line. She needs a photographer to teach her rehab class, but the only one available is an angry recluse who wants nothing to do with the hospital or its outreach program.
Luke Falconer’s photo career ends in a fiery auto crash that leaves him badly burned and crippled. Hating the world, he retreats to his cabin. But when an encounter with the intriguing social worker ends in a night of passion, their lives are changed forever. Jo is a spark to Luke’s flame, and where there’s smoke, there is often a raging inferno.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Luke-ebook/dp/B008GUMOBY/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341777413&sr=1-2&keywords=Loving+Luke
Turquoise Morning Press: http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/products/loving-luke Excerpt:Luke Falconer propelled his six-foot-two frame through Muir Woods Burn Center’s automatic doors and limped past the reception desk toward the elevators. Pain seared his right leg like a hot knife. Climb mountains again? Hell, he could barely walk. Crawling out of a tiny North Face tent and strapping on a sixty-five pound pack would be impossible. His photography career was finished. He clenched his good hand into a fist. Once he’d been a man who could face a challenge and prevail, who had a purpose in life. Now he was a cripple. “Another two or three surgeries and you’ll be able to move more normally. We’ll tidy that face up too,” Dr. Anderson had said at his last visit. He wondered what lie the balding Brit would tell him this time. The last two skin grafts hadn't taken, and the scarring was as angry as ever. He winced at the pain stabbing his groin, still raw from the last skin graft. Luke came to a stop and leaned against the hallway wall. He squeezed his eyes shut. Nothing would ever be easy again.He shouldn’t have come back to the hospital. All the surgeries in the world wouldn’t get his life back. If he wanted to work, he’d have to figure out how to get his scarred legs up a mountain. Face facts, Falconer. You’re washed up. Even fixing his face wouldn’t change anything. If he wanted a woman, one he could look at without scaring the bejesus out of her, he’d have to buy one.
Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.
Beef Daube Provençal 2 tsp olive oil12 garlic cloves, crushed1 (2-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes1 ½ tsp salt, divided½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided1 cup red wine2 cups chopped carrot1 ½ cups chopped onion½ cup beef broth (can use Better Than Bouillon)1 Tbsp tomato paste (I use catsup so no leftover paste to fuss with)1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1/4 tsp dried)1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried)Dash of ground cloves1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained1 bay leafPreheat oven to 300 degreesHeat olive oil in a small Dutch oven over low heat. Add garlic to pan; cook for five min. or until garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside. Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef to pan. Sprinkle beef with ½ tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook five min., browning on all sides. Remove beef from pan. Add wine to pan, and bring to boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Add garlic, beef, remaining 1 tsp salt, remaining 1/4 tsp pepper, carrot, and next 8 ingredients to pan. Bring to boil.
Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 2 1/;2 hours or until beef is tender. Discard bay leaf. Serve over noodles, polenta or garlic mashed potatoes.
Now that sounds like a great recipe !!! Thanks
for sharing that and on to the book :)
Loving Luke is definitely on my to-read list!!!
And thanks to Suzanne,
one lucky
commenter will
get a digital copy of
Loving Luke !!!
So make sure you leave
a comment and
tomorrow Suzanne will
randomly pick a
winner!!!
Good luck on winning this great read!
Thanks to our readers for stopping by today ...
Happy reading !
Krista
July 11, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it!
Thanks for joining us today for another great author spotlight as we are the next stop on the blog tour for Becoming Jolie!
Becoming Jolie
Monique O’Connor James
Jolie Bourque is trying to finish her thesis and get on with her life. She wanders into Folette, Louisiana, a place plagued by ghost sightings, convinced they are all crazy. No one wants to help her, no one except Hutch Landry and his brother Tucker.
Will she find the monster that is preying on the town's children? Can she stay sane surrounded by madness?
What are her ties to the small town? How will she choose between the brothers?
This is the nightmare that is her life and all just a part of Becoming Jolie.
About the Author:
Monique is the mother of two beautiful children and lives in a small community outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She currently works full time as an insurance agent, but her favorite jobs are mother, wife, and author. On her ninth birthday, her mother bought her a journal and said, "Write whatever you want. Just write". And so, a love affair with words was born.
She wrote poetry and short stories in high school and college, until 1993 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her mother's death in 1998, deep in depression, she found herself unable to write. Nine years passed, and only on rare occasion did she attempt to write. Finally, in 2007, under the urging of friends, she sat down and pecked out her first novel. It was raw and unpolished, but the process had been unquestionably cathartic.
The next three years were spent filling her hard drive with seven complete manuscripts. At the beginning of 2011, Monique decided it was time to edit the work and share it with the world. She hopes you enjoy the ramblings of a truly southern girl raised in a state rich with heritage and love.
In June of 2011 her first book, The Keepers, was published by Astraea Press and it has been a world wind of excitement ever since. Please check out her website and feel free to contact her at any time via her email, facebook, or twitter.
Website / Wordpress / Facebook / Facebook Author Page
Thanks for joining us today for another great author spotlight as we are the next stop on the blog tour for Becoming Jolie!
Becoming Jolie
Monique O’Connor James
Jolie Bourque is trying to finish her thesis and get on with her life. She wanders into Folette, Louisiana, a place plagued by ghost sightings, convinced they are all crazy. No one wants to help her, no one except Hutch Landry and his brother Tucker.
Will she find the monster that is preying on the town's children? Can she stay sane surrounded by madness?
What are her ties to the small town? How will she choose between the brothers?
This is the nightmare that is her life and all just a part of Becoming Jolie.
About the Author:
Monique is the mother of two beautiful children and lives in a small community outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She currently works full time as an insurance agent, but her favorite jobs are mother, wife, and author. On her ninth birthday, her mother bought her a journal and said, "Write whatever you want. Just write". And so, a love affair with words was born.
She wrote poetry and short stories in high school and college, until 1993 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her mother's death in 1998, deep in depression, she found herself unable to write. Nine years passed, and only on rare occasion did she attempt to write. Finally, in 2007, under the urging of friends, she sat down and pecked out her first novel. It was raw and unpolished, but the process had been unquestionably cathartic.
The next three years were spent filling her hard drive with seven complete manuscripts. At the beginning of 2011, Monique decided it was time to edit the work and share it with the world. She hopes you enjoy the ramblings of a truly southern girl raised in a state rich with heritage and love.
In June of 2011 her first book, The Keepers, was published by Astraea Press and it has been a world wind of excitement ever since. Please check out her website and feel free to contact her at any time via her email, facebook, or twitter.
Website / Wordpress / Facebook / Facebook Author Page
July 9, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it.
Please help me welcome..
Jessica Lauryn Jessica, great to have you here with us today...Could you tell us a little about yourself? Hi Krista! Thanks so much for having me; I’m very excited to be featured on A Passion For Romance! If there’s one thing I love even more than writing…it’s romance! Romance is what inspires me, and it is my love of romance that drives me to write the stories I do. I’m in love with being in love and I want my readers to feel that way, too! If they’re not in love, I’m not delivering on my promise as a romance novelist. That is my personal guarantee…you WILL fall in love when you read my stories!
What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always loved to write, whether I was creating stories for a class project, or acting out self-written dramas with my dolls. But I believe it was my love for romance that actually inspired me to become a writer.
When I was young (about 6 years old) my mother and I used to watch Days of Our Lives together. I’d watch the way that romances built between the characters, how a certain tension existed between two characters, who, had strong feelings for one another but were in adamant denial about it. I saw how everything would build to the first time they kissed…and to each kiss afterward. I was fascinated by the process, so fascinated, that I ultimately decided I wanted to master the art of writing romance myself. Now, I can finally say that I have J
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
Research is by no means my favorite part of writing, but I do what I have to, to make the story make sense.
(I greatly admire authors who write historical romance, because there is a great deal of research involved, as well as the art of mastering a historical voice. This is something I want to try myself at some point, but for now, I’m having way too much fun writing romantic suspense!)
As far as my own research goes, I do a lot of it on the internet, as I’ve found that a lot of what I need—street names, towns, landmarks—are all there. With regard to The Pinnacles of Power Series, I needed mainly to research two things, witchcraft, and diamond smuggling. I was able to find the majority of the information I needed online, and I took creative license where I could. Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?
I tend to write on the living room couch. It’s easy, comfortable, and I can spread out my notebooks, which serve as my bibles (plot outlines, editing notes). When the weather’s warm, I love to write outside, on a picnic blanket and, if I get the opportunity, someplace near the water. I find this is the most peaceful (and picturesque, and fun!) Of course, it can be difficult to see the computer screen when there’s sun glare, but some things are worth the sacrifice!
As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?
I love to read any sub-genre, so long as the primary genre is romance. But my favorite sub-genre tends to be historical. When I first began writing, I was told my contemporary romances had a historical sound, and I think to a certain extent this is still true. But, I have to write what bears true for me. And from what I’ve seen, authors of historical romance tend to create really dynamic characters that pop off the page. Historical heroes, in particular, really stand out. They’re strong, brave, and incredibly romantic, which is just how I want the heroes in my own stories to be. I’d like to think that if I have been influenced by what I read in any way, it’s that I too, write really dynamic characters that stay with you, the reader, long after the last page.
What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?
There was a time I was tempted to write an entire story out in long hand…and I did! But now that I finally have a laptop that’s as easy to hold as it is to carry, I write all of my stories, and save them, on my computer. As far as plotting goes, I still write everything out (first)in long hand, in a notebook. I’m the type of writer who needs to see the entire story plotted out before I can put one hand on the keyboard. That’s how I edit too, write down my changes, then, implement them later. This way, I have to think each change through twice, which makes me surer it’s actually the right change.
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
I’m big into antiquing, and I love to cruise through antique stores (or stores that sell antique replicas) looking for anything “Victorian.” I tend to gravitate toward jewelry, furniture, and any sort of knick-knacks that are girly and ultra feminine.
I still keep up with the soaps—Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives are my favorites. And my favorite outdoor sports are swimming, kayaking and tennis.
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
I started watching Jersey Shore last season. *Blushes* I’m not really into reality TV but I watched a few scenes as I was flipping the channels and got hooked. It’s not the New Jersey I know (not usually, anyway) but something about the show piqued my curiosity.
Not sure yet whether I’ll be tuning in next season…it’s fun, but watching takes me way outside of my writing zone… ;)
For fun, I have a few personal questions, Your Favorite 5 1) Favorite color - Blue2) Favorite dessert – Brownie Sundae…or Bread Pudding! 3) Favorite Season - Summer 4) Favorite sad song- Somebody That I Used to Know 5) Favorite Romantic movie - Titanic And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??
I am still searching for my ideal romantic vacation (both as a writer and in real life!). But I came close to finding it when I was writing Dangerous Ally. The latter half of the book is set in Naples, Italy—a beautiful place I’m sure would double as an ideal romantic vacation.
Where can our readers find you?? Email: jessica@jessicalauryn.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JessicaLauryn_ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica... Website/blog: http://www.jessicalauryn.com Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My latest release, Dangerous Proposal, is the second edition to The Pinnacles of Power Series. The story takes place a few years prior to my debut release, Dangerous Ally. In D.P., we learn what happened a few years prior, when Lilah (heroine in Dangerous Ally’s) older sister Lena runs from her psychotic fiancé Lucas Ramone (hero in D.A.). Now a fugitive, Lena attempts to stay hidden in the remote town of North Conway, only to find she is being followed by local doctor and town heartthrob, Alec Westwood.
Book Links: http://www.bookstrand.com/dangerous-proposal
Reviews:
“At the age of nineteen Alec Westwood makes the biggest mistake of his life when he agrees to become a cold blooded murder for hire only to change his mind at the last minute and narrowly escapes with his own life intact. He spends years of his life looking over his shoulder, and as soon as he becomes relatively comfortable in his life again, a stunning woman enters it turning it upside down. She not only wears the insignia for the organization that recruited him, she also leaves him spellbound after just one kiss.
Lena Benson is on the run to get away from her obsessed diamond smuggling fiancé, Lucas Ramone but just as she’s about to forge a new life, Alec Westwood enters it charming her. She’s convinced he’s the man her fiancé has hired to track her down, while he’s convinced she’s the one sent there to finish him off. Lena takes matters into her own hands and Alec soon realizes the power she holds over him is far greater than all his strength and fortitude combined, only he’s not the only one bewitched in the end.
Dangerous Proposal is complimentary to the first installment of this series as it gives us a better understanding of Lena’s story, her unhealthy relationship with Lucas, and her happily ever after with Alec. It’s a well written tale of murder, suspense, and a loving happily ever after before it finishes. The sex is smoking hot, the wooing is absolutely romantic enough to make you sigh, and it’s filled with unsuspecting plot twist throughout that will leave you wanting more. I can honestly say that I hope Ms. Lauryn will consider a third installment to ‘The Pinnacles of Power’ series as it would be nice to see Alec’s brother, Colin, get what’s coming to him, as well as see sisters Lilah and Lena reconcile. Go get your copies today!”
~Jennifer Labelle, Labelle Books, http://labellebooks.blogspot.ca/2012/... Publisher = Siren BookStrand http://www.sirenbookstrand.com
Blurb:
For ten agonizing years, Alec Westwood has been keeping a secret from the world. At nineteen, he nearly committed the most horrific of crimes—murder in cold blood—and narrowly escaped the assigned task with his life. When a stunning young woman crosses his path wearing the insignia for the underground organization that recruited him, he vows not to let fate get a second chance. But when the enchantress gives him a kiss that leaves him spellbound, Alec realizes the power she holds is greater than all his strength and fortitude combined…
On the run from her psychotic fiancé, Lena Benson vows to forge a new life, even if that means befriending a witch, and practicing the craft of the devil. But when her new friend Jack tells her to stay away from Alec Westwood, the man she believes her fiancé hired to track her down, and the handsome stranger she kissed in a tavern, Lena vows to take matters into her own hands. Alec may have the charm, but she’s calling the shots this time, even if that means resisting the man responsible for giving her the most intimate kiss of her life, a man who’s eyes and touch rob her, literally, of sense…
Excerpt:
Trista’s sweet laughter filled the air as Lena opened the door. The little girl was pointing her finger up at the doctor. His back was turned in her direction, but he was tall and had wavy, black hair. There was something strangely familiar about him. Lena had never been to Memorial Hospital before. How would she know anyone who worked there? “I’m not a little monkey,” Trista said, laughing. She gave the doctor’s white coat a tug. “Oh yes you are.” He pressed a finger to her little nose. “No, I’m not.” She laughed, pushing him back. “You’re a monkey head.” Her eyes lit as she turned around. “Miss Lena!” Fresh tears formed in Lena’s eyes. She raced to the bed, throwing her arms around Trista. Faintly, she heard the doctor’s clipboard hit the floor with a smack. She must have bumped into him as she ran by. But there was plenty of time to apologize. “Trista, I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said, holding the little girl tightly against her chest. “I’m all better now, Miss Lena,” Trista said. “I bumped my head. But it’s okay now.” Lena did her best to hide her watery eyes. Trista seemed completely unfazed by what had happened. It was as if a different child had cracked her head open on the playground. “You scared me today,” she said softly. “We’re going to hold the handlebars every time we ride our bikes from now on, aren’t we?” She turned to the doctor. “My God, I don’t know how to thank—” Lena gripped the bar surrounding the bed. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. Trista’s doctor was the man from Valley Tavern, the man from Julia’s backyard. He was none other than Alec himself! A doctor—he was a doctor! Wearing a white coat and looking at her with eyes as wide as her own. With a professional ensemble to compliment his handsome exterior, he was the heartthrob of every woman’s fantasy for sure. Suddenly, he began to look her over more slowly. With his deep blue eyes locked with hers, intensity transformed to pure, wicked deviltry. He wasn’t simply looking at her, as he had those other times. He was challenging her. Daring her to speak first. She swallowed, tightening her hold on the handle of the bed. “Trista,” a soft voice called from the doorway. Lena released the breath she’d been holding in. She’d almost forgotten about the little girl sitting beside them. Suddenly there were two other people in the room. A man, with curly blond hair, like his daughter’s. And a woman with a long brunette mane. Well, it was better late than never. She’d begun to think maybe Trista was an orphan. After a brief reintroduction, she decided to give the family a few minutes alone. She went to the door, assuring herself that she definitely needed some air. Clutching the doorknob, she jolted as a hand touched down on her back. “A moment of your time, Miss Gallagher.” Alec was right behind her, their bodies practically touching. She didn’t dare turn around out of fear that she might fall straight into his arms—exactly where he wanted her. He placed his large, warm hand over hers and turned the doorknob, urging her into the hall. Moving steadily behind hers, his body forced her to either walk forward or risk bumping right up against him. Moments later, Lena found herself in a dimly lit corridor—a place she was certain no one else in the hospital even knew existed. Though, the darkness didn’t make it any easier to hide her trembling hands. Her heart beat wildly as Alec circled her, caressing her body with his sinful blue eyes. She moved back a step, coming against the wall. A mischievous smile formed on Alec’s lips. Putting his hand against the tile behind her, he barricaded her exit. “Lena Gallagher.” He shook his head, making a tsking sound with his tongue. “Imagine that. Allowing an innocent child to fall from a tricycle. What sort of a negligent caregiver does a thing like that?” Lena’s face burned. “Negligent caregiver? I—” “It’s certainly a good thing I was there to come to the rescue. But then that’s just the kind of man I am, you see. Lucky for you. Otherwise”—he lowered his voice—“you’d be in an awful lot of trouble right now. Wouldn’t you?” “Are we through here, Dr. Westwood? I wouldn’t want to take up any more of your precious time.” “Now, now, Miss Gallagher. That isn’t any way to speak to the man who just saved your little girl. Not to mention job, I’m sure. Correct me if I’m wrong. That makes the score two to zero. Does it not?” “Is that what this is to you? Some sort of sick game? Trista could have died! No doctor with any true ethics would try to take advantage of something like that. Just how big of a jerk are you?” He grinned. “Don’t you wish you knew?” She put her hands against the front of his jacket, shoving him back as hard as she could. “I’m leaving.” She started forward, but he caught her by the arm. Her eyes came wide open as she turned around. “What do you think you’re doing?” “Perhaps you ought to think more carefully before making bets you have no chance of winning. I let you walk away from me once. This time, I don’t intend to make it quite so…easy.” “What do you want from me?” she asked in a whisper. “You know what I want, Lena. And I know that you want this as much as I do.” Jessica, I can't thank you enough for being here with us today. It was a great pleasure getting to learn more about you and I hope you will come back to visit with us soon!!
Readers, you know the drill....sounds like another great book so don't miss out on your chance!!
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
Please help me welcome..
Jessica Lauryn Jessica, great to have you here with us today...Could you tell us a little about yourself? Hi Krista! Thanks so much for having me; I’m very excited to be featured on A Passion For Romance! If there’s one thing I love even more than writing…it’s romance! Romance is what inspires me, and it is my love of romance that drives me to write the stories I do. I’m in love with being in love and I want my readers to feel that way, too! If they’re not in love, I’m not delivering on my promise as a romance novelist. That is my personal guarantee…you WILL fall in love when you read my stories! What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always loved to write, whether I was creating stories for a class project, or acting out self-written dramas with my dolls. But I believe it was my love for romance that actually inspired me to become a writer.
When I was young (about 6 years old) my mother and I used to watch Days of Our Lives together. I’d watch the way that romances built between the characters, how a certain tension existed between two characters, who, had strong feelings for one another but were in adamant denial about it. I saw how everything would build to the first time they kissed…and to each kiss afterward. I was fascinated by the process, so fascinated, that I ultimately decided I wanted to master the art of writing romance myself. Now, I can finally say that I have J
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
Research is by no means my favorite part of writing, but I do what I have to, to make the story make sense.
(I greatly admire authors who write historical romance, because there is a great deal of research involved, as well as the art of mastering a historical voice. This is something I want to try myself at some point, but for now, I’m having way too much fun writing romantic suspense!)
As far as my own research goes, I do a lot of it on the internet, as I’ve found that a lot of what I need—street names, towns, landmarks—are all there. With regard to The Pinnacles of Power Series, I needed mainly to research two things, witchcraft, and diamond smuggling. I was able to find the majority of the information I needed online, and I took creative license where I could. Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?
I tend to write on the living room couch. It’s easy, comfortable, and I can spread out my notebooks, which serve as my bibles (plot outlines, editing notes). When the weather’s warm, I love to write outside, on a picnic blanket and, if I get the opportunity, someplace near the water. I find this is the most peaceful (and picturesque, and fun!) Of course, it can be difficult to see the computer screen when there’s sun glare, but some things are worth the sacrifice!
As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?
I love to read any sub-genre, so long as the primary genre is romance. But my favorite sub-genre tends to be historical. When I first began writing, I was told my contemporary romances had a historical sound, and I think to a certain extent this is still true. But, I have to write what bears true for me. And from what I’ve seen, authors of historical romance tend to create really dynamic characters that pop off the page. Historical heroes, in particular, really stand out. They’re strong, brave, and incredibly romantic, which is just how I want the heroes in my own stories to be. I’d like to think that if I have been influenced by what I read in any way, it’s that I too, write really dynamic characters that stay with you, the reader, long after the last page.
What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?
There was a time I was tempted to write an entire story out in long hand…and I did! But now that I finally have a laptop that’s as easy to hold as it is to carry, I write all of my stories, and save them, on my computer. As far as plotting goes, I still write everything out (first)in long hand, in a notebook. I’m the type of writer who needs to see the entire story plotted out before I can put one hand on the keyboard. That’s how I edit too, write down my changes, then, implement them later. This way, I have to think each change through twice, which makes me surer it’s actually the right change.
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
I’m big into antiquing, and I love to cruise through antique stores (or stores that sell antique replicas) looking for anything “Victorian.” I tend to gravitate toward jewelry, furniture, and any sort of knick-knacks that are girly and ultra feminine.
I still keep up with the soaps—Young and the Restless and Days of Our Lives are my favorites. And my favorite outdoor sports are swimming, kayaking and tennis.
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
I started watching Jersey Shore last season. *Blushes* I’m not really into reality TV but I watched a few scenes as I was flipping the channels and got hooked. It’s not the New Jersey I know (not usually, anyway) but something about the show piqued my curiosity.
Not sure yet whether I’ll be tuning in next season…it’s fun, but watching takes me way outside of my writing zone… ;)
For fun, I have a few personal questions, Your Favorite 5 1) Favorite color - Blue2) Favorite dessert – Brownie Sundae…or Bread Pudding! 3) Favorite Season - Summer 4) Favorite sad song- Somebody That I Used to Know 5) Favorite Romantic movie - Titanic And a bonus, what is your ideal romantic vacation??
I am still searching for my ideal romantic vacation (both as a writer and in real life!). But I came close to finding it when I was writing Dangerous Ally. The latter half of the book is set in Naples, Italy—a beautiful place I’m sure would double as an ideal romantic vacation.
Where can our readers find you?? Email: jessica@jessicalauryn.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/#!/JessicaLauryn_ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica... Website/blog: http://www.jessicalauryn.com Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My latest release, Dangerous Proposal, is the second edition to The Pinnacles of Power Series. The story takes place a few years prior to my debut release, Dangerous Ally. In D.P., we learn what happened a few years prior, when Lilah (heroine in Dangerous Ally’s) older sister Lena runs from her psychotic fiancé Lucas Ramone (hero in D.A.). Now a fugitive, Lena attempts to stay hidden in the remote town of North Conway, only to find she is being followed by local doctor and town heartthrob, Alec Westwood. Book Links: http://www.bookstrand.com/dangerous-proposal
Reviews:
“At the age of nineteen Alec Westwood makes the biggest mistake of his life when he agrees to become a cold blooded murder for hire only to change his mind at the last minute and narrowly escapes with his own life intact. He spends years of his life looking over his shoulder, and as soon as he becomes relatively comfortable in his life again, a stunning woman enters it turning it upside down. She not only wears the insignia for the organization that recruited him, she also leaves him spellbound after just one kiss.
Lena Benson is on the run to get away from her obsessed diamond smuggling fiancé, Lucas Ramone but just as she’s about to forge a new life, Alec Westwood enters it charming her. She’s convinced he’s the man her fiancé has hired to track her down, while he’s convinced she’s the one sent there to finish him off. Lena takes matters into her own hands and Alec soon realizes the power she holds over him is far greater than all his strength and fortitude combined, only he’s not the only one bewitched in the end.
Dangerous Proposal is complimentary to the first installment of this series as it gives us a better understanding of Lena’s story, her unhealthy relationship with Lucas, and her happily ever after with Alec. It’s a well written tale of murder, suspense, and a loving happily ever after before it finishes. The sex is smoking hot, the wooing is absolutely romantic enough to make you sigh, and it’s filled with unsuspecting plot twist throughout that will leave you wanting more. I can honestly say that I hope Ms. Lauryn will consider a third installment to ‘The Pinnacles of Power’ series as it would be nice to see Alec’s brother, Colin, get what’s coming to him, as well as see sisters Lilah and Lena reconcile. Go get your copies today!”
~Jennifer Labelle, Labelle Books, http://labellebooks.blogspot.ca/2012/... Publisher = Siren BookStrand http://www.sirenbookstrand.com
Blurb:
For ten agonizing years, Alec Westwood has been keeping a secret from the world. At nineteen, he nearly committed the most horrific of crimes—murder in cold blood—and narrowly escaped the assigned task with his life. When a stunning young woman crosses his path wearing the insignia for the underground organization that recruited him, he vows not to let fate get a second chance. But when the enchantress gives him a kiss that leaves him spellbound, Alec realizes the power she holds is greater than all his strength and fortitude combined…
On the run from her psychotic fiancé, Lena Benson vows to forge a new life, even if that means befriending a witch, and practicing the craft of the devil. But when her new friend Jack tells her to stay away from Alec Westwood, the man she believes her fiancé hired to track her down, and the handsome stranger she kissed in a tavern, Lena vows to take matters into her own hands. Alec may have the charm, but she’s calling the shots this time, even if that means resisting the man responsible for giving her the most intimate kiss of her life, a man who’s eyes and touch rob her, literally, of sense…
Excerpt:
Trista’s sweet laughter filled the air as Lena opened the door. The little girl was pointing her finger up at the doctor. His back was turned in her direction, but he was tall and had wavy, black hair. There was something strangely familiar about him. Lena had never been to Memorial Hospital before. How would she know anyone who worked there? “I’m not a little monkey,” Trista said, laughing. She gave the doctor’s white coat a tug. “Oh yes you are.” He pressed a finger to her little nose. “No, I’m not.” She laughed, pushing him back. “You’re a monkey head.” Her eyes lit as she turned around. “Miss Lena!” Fresh tears formed in Lena’s eyes. She raced to the bed, throwing her arms around Trista. Faintly, she heard the doctor’s clipboard hit the floor with a smack. She must have bumped into him as she ran by. But there was plenty of time to apologize. “Trista, I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said, holding the little girl tightly against her chest. “I’m all better now, Miss Lena,” Trista said. “I bumped my head. But it’s okay now.” Lena did her best to hide her watery eyes. Trista seemed completely unfazed by what had happened. It was as if a different child had cracked her head open on the playground. “You scared me today,” she said softly. “We’re going to hold the handlebars every time we ride our bikes from now on, aren’t we?” She turned to the doctor. “My God, I don’t know how to thank—” Lena gripped the bar surrounding the bed. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. Trista’s doctor was the man from Valley Tavern, the man from Julia’s backyard. He was none other than Alec himself! A doctor—he was a doctor! Wearing a white coat and looking at her with eyes as wide as her own. With a professional ensemble to compliment his handsome exterior, he was the heartthrob of every woman’s fantasy for sure. Suddenly, he began to look her over more slowly. With his deep blue eyes locked with hers, intensity transformed to pure, wicked deviltry. He wasn’t simply looking at her, as he had those other times. He was challenging her. Daring her to speak first. She swallowed, tightening her hold on the handle of the bed. “Trista,” a soft voice called from the doorway. Lena released the breath she’d been holding in. She’d almost forgotten about the little girl sitting beside them. Suddenly there were two other people in the room. A man, with curly blond hair, like his daughter’s. And a woman with a long brunette mane. Well, it was better late than never. She’d begun to think maybe Trista was an orphan. After a brief reintroduction, she decided to give the family a few minutes alone. She went to the door, assuring herself that she definitely needed some air. Clutching the doorknob, she jolted as a hand touched down on her back. “A moment of your time, Miss Gallagher.” Alec was right behind her, their bodies practically touching. She didn’t dare turn around out of fear that she might fall straight into his arms—exactly where he wanted her. He placed his large, warm hand over hers and turned the doorknob, urging her into the hall. Moving steadily behind hers, his body forced her to either walk forward or risk bumping right up against him. Moments later, Lena found herself in a dimly lit corridor—a place she was certain no one else in the hospital even knew existed. Though, the darkness didn’t make it any easier to hide her trembling hands. Her heart beat wildly as Alec circled her, caressing her body with his sinful blue eyes. She moved back a step, coming against the wall. A mischievous smile formed on Alec’s lips. Putting his hand against the tile behind her, he barricaded her exit. “Lena Gallagher.” He shook his head, making a tsking sound with his tongue. “Imagine that. Allowing an innocent child to fall from a tricycle. What sort of a negligent caregiver does a thing like that?” Lena’s face burned. “Negligent caregiver? I—” “It’s certainly a good thing I was there to come to the rescue. But then that’s just the kind of man I am, you see. Lucky for you. Otherwise”—he lowered his voice—“you’d be in an awful lot of trouble right now. Wouldn’t you?” “Are we through here, Dr. Westwood? I wouldn’t want to take up any more of your precious time.” “Now, now, Miss Gallagher. That isn’t any way to speak to the man who just saved your little girl. Not to mention job, I’m sure. Correct me if I’m wrong. That makes the score two to zero. Does it not?” “Is that what this is to you? Some sort of sick game? Trista could have died! No doctor with any true ethics would try to take advantage of something like that. Just how big of a jerk are you?” He grinned. “Don’t you wish you knew?” She put her hands against the front of his jacket, shoving him back as hard as she could. “I’m leaving.” She started forward, but he caught her by the arm. Her eyes came wide open as she turned around. “What do you think you’re doing?” “Perhaps you ought to think more carefully before making bets you have no chance of winning. I let you walk away from me once. This time, I don’t intend to make it quite so…easy.” “What do you want from me?” she asked in a whisper. “You know what I want, Lena. And I know that you want this as much as I do.” Jessica, I can't thank you enough for being here with us today. It was a great pleasure getting to learn more about you and I hope you will come back to visit with us soon!!
Readers, you know the drill....sounds like another great book so don't miss out on your chance!!
Until next time, happy reading !!
Krista
July 8, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it!
Please help me welcome ...
Sarah J. Carr
with her novel..Revealing Hamilton, A JackRabbit7 Novel, and today we have a special treat... we have an excerpt directly from one of the main characters...
but first let's read a blurb from the book...
A conversation with a stranger changes Amelia Hamilton’s life forever. When she learns her grandfather faked his own death, normalcy slips from Amelia’s grasp. To make matters worse, he is coming for her in less than seven days. What she hasn’t determined is why.
Amelia’s grandfather, Marius Benedict, once headed The Physician Coalition, an elite group of doctors who threw the Hippocratic Oath out the window. Years ago, they used a low-risk medical research study as a front for their experiments. Without their consent, innocents were injected with JackRabbit7, a hazardous substance used to alter their DNA. The victims were left with less-than-desirable super-human powers or excruciating death. Years after he disbanded the group, Marius has a new plan and is reforming The Coalition.
Max, a mysterious stranger from the Insurance Agency, offers to help keep Amelia safe. He introduces The Agency as an underground government organization that contains and eliminates those who intend to harm the world. To protect The Agency, the truth of their activities are concealed and replaced with sugar-coated stories in the media.
Over the course of the next week, Amelia has to accept the truth and learn who can be trusted. At midnight on her 23rd birthday, a contract between The Coalition and The Insurance Agency will expire, giving Marius full rein to approach his granddaughter and finish the project he started with her so many years ago.
Now we hear a word from one of the main characters, Nick Pascall...
Dear “Diary” for lack of a better word,
I feel like a ridiculous schoolgirl. I’m sitting here with a blank page and a pen, wondering what to write. Hector Rodriguez, IA physician, gave me this assignment before he left for Clearwater. One of the stupid requirements to avoid anger management courses is to write about my feelings.This whole exercise is a pile of shit. Right now, I think the classes would be easier.
Hector, you want me to talk about my feelings? I don’t let anyone into my life and a piece of paper isn’t going to change that. You already know why. I’m a fucking open book. Do you want to hear that everything is sunshine and roses and I’m smiling? Sure, I’ll say it, but it’ll be a lie. Continuously, I hear Levi’s adage, “Sacrifice Few to Save Many” and it makes me sick. You have no fucking idea what I deal with every day of my life and now she’s here, which makes it ten times worse. Amelia Hamilton. Even her name pisses me off. She keeps trying to get closer to me and I can’t fucking stand it. She’s useless and her presence is a waste of time. Why can’t Max see that? Maybe I can find a way to get transferred. It doesn’t matter where as long as it’s far from Washington.
Damn, I need a drink, but I can’t slip back into that habit. I won’t do that again. Why am I even writing about my past?
Fuck this. Punching something will make me feel better. I’m out of here.
Love always, (and I say that with as much sarcasm possible)
--Nicholas Brody Pascall
and now an excerpt from Revealing Hamilton
Something felt wrong.
In the living room, an ottoman rested on its side and a magazine lay open on the floor. A colorful article advertising Las Vegas blared from the pages. From the corner of my eye, the screen of Connor’s cell phone caught my attention. I watched it periodically blink, communicating new messages awaited.
I went to the kitchen next and found the latest stack of mail on the island. The top envelope made me cringe when I saw the return address. It was another letter from the State of Washington. This one was addressed to Amelia Brooks.
My identity had been an issue for years. Since age 18, I submitted multiple requests to change my last name from my grandfather’s back to my parents. With each attempt, the paperwork came back denied, stating my name was Amelia Benedict or another obscure surname starting with the letter “B”. Double-checking each field, I clearly filled out the forms to read Amelia Hamilton, but was contradicted every time. I determined it a sick way for my grandfather to haunt me from the grave. The latest correspondence would have to wait.
A broken wine bottle and bandage wrappers were on the counter next to the refrigerator. Droplets of dark fluid created a path from the bottle to the sink, making me shudder. The room began to feel too warm and nausea flooded my stomach. I grabbed a rolling pin from the island, gripping it so tightly my knuckles hurt.
“Calm down, Amelia,” I said. “There’s a logical explanation and no one is going to hurt you.” I forced my mind away from childhood memories of a basement.
Swallowing hard, I tiptoed across the living room to the bedroom. As usual, the door was cracked open. I held the pin over my head, ready to attack in an instant. From where I stood, I couldn’t see more than the corner of the dresser and a beam of soft light. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. A flashlight rested on the nightstand, pointed toward the ceiling. As I scanned the room, my jaw dropped and my heart paused.
“Connor?” I dropped the makeshift weapon at my feet.
Here's the Amazon Buy link for e-book: http://www.amazon.com/Revealing-Hamilton-JackRabbit7-ebook/dp/B00884O7XQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341191167&sr=8-2&keywords=revealing+hamilton Here's the Amazon Buy link for paper: http://www.amazon.com/Revealing-Hamilton-Sarah-J-Carr/dp/1938397118/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341191410&sr=1-1&keywords=revealing+hamilton
It's also available on B&N, OmniLit, SmashWords and on RLP at www.rubylionesspress.com The link to my website is: www.sarahjcarr.com.My FaceBook is: www.facebook.com/authorsarahjcarr. My Twitter is: www.twitter.com/@sarahjcarr1
Sarah, thanks so much to you and Nick Pascall for visiting us today. It was quite a pleasure and we hope you will return any time you like.
Readers, I do hope you waste no time in purchasing this book and we would love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time and happy reading,
Krista
Please help me welcome ...
Sarah J. Carrwith her novel..Revealing Hamilton, A JackRabbit7 Novel, and today we have a special treat... we have an excerpt directly from one of the main characters...
but first let's read a blurb from the book...
A conversation with a stranger changes Amelia Hamilton’s life forever. When she learns her grandfather faked his own death, normalcy slips from Amelia’s grasp. To make matters worse, he is coming for her in less than seven days. What she hasn’t determined is why.
Amelia’s grandfather, Marius Benedict, once headed The Physician Coalition, an elite group of doctors who threw the Hippocratic Oath out the window. Years ago, they used a low-risk medical research study as a front for their experiments. Without their consent, innocents were injected with JackRabbit7, a hazardous substance used to alter their DNA. The victims were left with less-than-desirable super-human powers or excruciating death. Years after he disbanded the group, Marius has a new plan and is reforming The Coalition.
Max, a mysterious stranger from the Insurance Agency, offers to help keep Amelia safe. He introduces The Agency as an underground government organization that contains and eliminates those who intend to harm the world. To protect The Agency, the truth of their activities are concealed and replaced with sugar-coated stories in the media.
Over the course of the next week, Amelia has to accept the truth and learn who can be trusted. At midnight on her 23rd birthday, a contract between The Coalition and The Insurance Agency will expire, giving Marius full rein to approach his granddaughter and finish the project he started with her so many years ago.
Now we hear a word from one of the main characters, Nick Pascall...
Dear “Diary” for lack of a better word,
I feel like a ridiculous schoolgirl. I’m sitting here with a blank page and a pen, wondering what to write. Hector Rodriguez, IA physician, gave me this assignment before he left for Clearwater. One of the stupid requirements to avoid anger management courses is to write about my feelings.
Hector, you want me to talk about my feelings? I don’t let anyone into my life and a piece of paper isn’t going to change that. You already know why. I’m a fucking open book. Do you want to hear that everything is sunshine and roses and I’m smiling? Sure, I’ll say it, but it’ll be a lie. Continuously, I hear Levi’s adage, “Sacrifice Few to Save Many” and it makes me sick. You have no fucking idea what I deal with every day of my life and now she’s here, which makes it ten times worse. Amelia Hamilton. Even her name pisses me off. She keeps trying to get closer to me and I can’t fucking stand it. She’s useless and her presence is a waste of time. Why can’t Max see that? Maybe I can find a way to get transferred. It doesn’t matter where as long as it’s far from Washington.
Fuck this. Punching something will make me feel better. I’m out of here.
Love always, (and I say that with as much sarcasm possible)
--Nicholas Brody Pascall
and now an excerpt from Revealing Hamilton
Something felt wrong.
In the living room, an ottoman rested on its side and a magazine lay open on the floor. A colorful article advertising Las Vegas blared from the pages. From the corner of my eye, the screen of Connor’s cell phone caught my attention. I watched it periodically blink, communicating new messages awaited.
I went to the kitchen next and found the latest stack of mail on the island. The top envelope made me cringe when I saw the return address. It was another letter from the State of Washington. This one was addressed to Amelia Brooks.
My identity had been an issue for years. Since age 18, I submitted multiple requests to change my last name from my grandfather’s back to my parents. With each attempt, the paperwork came back denied, stating my name was Amelia Benedict or another obscure surname starting with the letter “B”. Double-checking each field, I clearly filled out the forms to read Amelia Hamilton, but was contradicted every time. I determined it a sick way for my grandfather to haunt me from the grave. The latest correspondence would have to wait.
A broken wine bottle and bandage wrappers were on the counter next to the refrigerator. Droplets of dark fluid created a path from the bottle to the sink, making me shudder. The room began to feel too warm and nausea flooded my stomach. I grabbed a rolling pin from the island, gripping it so tightly my knuckles hurt.
“Calm down, Amelia,” I said. “There’s a logical explanation and no one is going to hurt you.” I forced my mind away from childhood memories of a basement.
Swallowing hard, I tiptoed across the living room to the bedroom. As usual, the door was cracked open. I held the pin over my head, ready to attack in an instant. From where I stood, I couldn’t see more than the corner of the dresser and a beam of soft light. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. A flashlight rested on the nightstand, pointed toward the ceiling. As I scanned the room, my jaw dropped and my heart paused.
“Connor?” I dropped the makeshift weapon at my feet.
Here's the Amazon Buy link for e-book: http://www.amazon.com/Revealing-Hamilton-JackRabbit7-ebook/dp/B00884O7XQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341191167&sr=8-2&keywords=revealing+hamilton Here's the Amazon Buy link for paper: http://www.amazon.com/Revealing-Hamilton-Sarah-J-Carr/dp/1938397118/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341191410&sr=1-1&keywords=revealing+hamilton
It's also available on B&N, OmniLit, SmashWords and on RLP at www.rubylionesspress.com The link to my website is: www.sarahjcarr.com.My FaceBook is: www.facebook.com/authorsarahjcarr. My Twitter is: www.twitter.com/@sarahjcarr1
Sarah, thanks so much to you and Nick Pascall for visiting us today. It was quite a pleasure and we hope you will return any time you like.
Readers, I do hope you waste no time in purchasing this book and we would love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time and happy reading,
Krista
July 6, 2012
Finally Friday...
Hi all! Today is again my favorite day of the week and Fiction Witches and Turquoise Morning Press are proud to present this great backlist title...
Mercury in Retro LovebyJanie Emaus A Young Adult Novel A story about crushes, conflicts and astrological confusion.Finally, after years of making love predictions for her friends, fifteen-year-old astrologer, Emma Seigel, sees a boyfriend in her future. But there’s one big problem. Mercury is heading for Retrograde in four weeks, and she sure knows what that means. It’s like an astrological PMS. A disastrous time to start a new relationship.Using her school newspaper column, Emmastrology, she sets a plan in motion and within a week lands hottie Evan Randolph as her boyfriend. She’s a Taurus. He’s a Capricorn. Both earth signs. What could be more perfect? But is he as perfect as her prediction claims him to be? The stars are telling her it’s right. But her heart says it’s all wrong.Everyday her feelings are growing stronger for someone else, a Leo, so totally not the sign for her. And to make matters even worse, Emma’s actions, caused by her unflinching belief in astrology, get her in trouble with her best friends in the whole world.Time is running out. Can Emma straighten up this mess she’s in before Mercury goes Retrograde again?
Release: May 28, 2012
Category: Fiction, Young Adult, Romance
Heat Level: Sweet
Tags: Astrology, Love, Teenagers, Romance, School Newspaper, Mercury in RetrogradeLength: 56,000 words, Novel
Price: $2.99 Digital Ebook
You can find this book at Amazon
Amazon reviews:
Mercury in Retro Love is a great story. The book is lighthearted and fun and gives the reader a glimpse into the heart and mind of teenage girl. Janie Emaus just might be this generation's Judy Blume. I would highly recommend it to any girl (and her mother)looking for a good Summer read! I hope that Emaus comes out with another book soon! Mercury in Retro Love is sweet, charming novel about friendships, family and first loves. Written in a light and humorous narrative voice, fifteen year-old Emma comes alive with her astrological insights and good intentions, keeping the pages turning to its satisfying finish. This book is a keeper!
About our Author: As a little girl Janie would read newspaper articles out loud to her family and friends, incorporating them into the stories. By the time she was in junior high, she was creating plots and characters of her own. And has been writing ever since. She has published poetry, short stories, and worked as a ghostwriter. This is Janie’s first novel for teens. She lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband. You can visit her at www.janieemaus.com
Readers, don't miss out on another great book from Turquoise Morning Press.
Thanks for stopping in and happy reading,
Krista
Mercury in Retro LovebyJanie Emaus A Young Adult Novel A story about crushes, conflicts and astrological confusion.Finally, after years of making love predictions for her friends, fifteen-year-old astrologer, Emma Seigel, sees a boyfriend in her future. But there’s one big problem. Mercury is heading for Retrograde in four weeks, and she sure knows what that means. It’s like an astrological PMS. A disastrous time to start a new relationship.Using her school newspaper column, Emmastrology, she sets a plan in motion and within a week lands hottie Evan Randolph as her boyfriend. She’s a Taurus. He’s a Capricorn. Both earth signs. What could be more perfect? But is he as perfect as her prediction claims him to be? The stars are telling her it’s right. But her heart says it’s all wrong.Everyday her feelings are growing stronger for someone else, a Leo, so totally not the sign for her. And to make matters even worse, Emma’s actions, caused by her unflinching belief in astrology, get her in trouble with her best friends in the whole world.Time is running out. Can Emma straighten up this mess she’s in before Mercury goes Retrograde again?
Release: May 28, 2012
Category: Fiction, Young Adult, Romance
Heat Level: Sweet
Tags: Astrology, Love, Teenagers, Romance, School Newspaper, Mercury in RetrogradeLength: 56,000 words, Novel
Price: $2.99 Digital Ebook
You can find this book at Amazon
Amazon reviews:
Mercury in Retro Love is a great story. The book is lighthearted and fun and gives the reader a glimpse into the heart and mind of teenage girl. Janie Emaus just might be this generation's Judy Blume. I would highly recommend it to any girl (and her mother)looking for a good Summer read! I hope that Emaus comes out with another book soon! Mercury in Retro Love is sweet, charming novel about friendships, family and first loves. Written in a light and humorous narrative voice, fifteen year-old Emma comes alive with her astrological insights and good intentions, keeping the pages turning to its satisfying finish. This book is a keeper!
About our Author: As a little girl Janie would read newspaper articles out loud to her family and friends, incorporating them into the stories. By the time she was in junior high, she was creating plots and characters of her own. And has been writing ever since. She has published poetry, short stories, and worked as a ghostwriter. This is Janie’s first novel for teens. She lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband. You can visit her at www.janieemaus.com
Readers, don't miss out on another great book from Turquoise Morning Press.
Thanks for stopping in and happy reading,
Krista
July 2, 2012
Author, author.... Margaret Ethridge
....read all about her !!!
Today I have the wonderful....
Margaret Ethridge
Margaret, so glad to have you here. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a transplanted Yankee living in the land of y’all. I’ve switched from Pepsi to Coke, but I still call it all ‘pop’. I’m married with two mostly-grown children, three dogs, a pondful of fish, and one incredibly spoiled house rabbit.
What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always been a reader, but writing was a ‘someday’ thing for me. Before I knew it, my fortieth birthday had come and gone, and I decided to stop chasing after ‘someday’ and just get to it. I had a few really awesome friends poking and prodding. That always helps.
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
I write mainly contemporary, so I haven’t had to do research that extends beyond Google and the telephone. Of course, I’m giving serious consideration to writing a story set in Scotland so I can do some in-depth research, live and in person.
Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?
I have a brown leather bomber jacket recliner that has perfectly molded to my tuchas. No one else dares to sit in my chair.
As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?
While I’m writing, I tend to read historical romances. I have a difficult time reading contemporary while I’m in the midst of a story. I get a bit muddled.
What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?
I use both a laptop and a desktop to write. I keep notes in Moleskine notebooks and using Evernote on my Kindle Fire. I am a pantser at heart. I try to plot my stories, honest I do, but it just doesn’t work for me. I like to let my characters carry me along.
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
For exercise, I walk, jog, shoot baskets, and do yoga. For fun, I read – LOL.
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
Um...I sniff books. I can’t help it. I love the smell of ink on paper. Is that weird?
Where can our readers find you??
I’m all over the place! My web address is: www.margaretethridge.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMargaretEthridgeTwitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MKEthridgeGoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4465188.Margaret_Ethridge Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Margaret-Ethridge/e/B004CSGWZI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1334795070&sr=8-3
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My latest is a romance for those of us who have been kicking around for a while. It’s called
Spring Chickens
, and it’s now available from The Wild Rose Press.
You don’t have to be a spring chicken to fall in love.
The residents of Heartsfield, Arkansas think Lynne Prescott has it all. The wealthy suburban divorcee captures everyone’s attention when she blows into town to dispose of the family farm. But her nosy new neighbors don’t know she ran away from home.
Bram Hatchett’s interest in buying the land adjoining his farm is yesterday’s news, but the handsome widower’s inability to contain his attraction to the land’s beautiful owner quickly becomes fodder for the local gossip mill.
A rickety old porch and a disturbing decrease in the poultry population bring them together—but with wagging tongues and grown children against them, Lynne’s inclination toward flight comes smack against Bram’s aversion to fight. Can they whittle away the secrets of the past in order to scratch out a future together? http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4835
One last thing before we let you leave, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes but it's totally up to you.
Here is the recipe I shared in The Wild Rose Press Garden Gourmet 2011 cookbook. You can download the entire collection here: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=4717
Chicago Girl Chicken Chili
· 1 tbsp olive oil· 2 cloves garlic, minced· 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts· 1envelope McCormick Chili Seasoning· 1can Rotel (diced tomatoes with jalapeño peppers)· 1can chili beans (with sauce)· 1can great northern beans (drained)· 1cs black beans (drained)· 32oz tomato juice Cut chicken breasts into strips. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add garlic and chicken strips. Sauté until chicken is cooked through. Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Add shredded chicken to Dutch oven or stock pot, season with packaged chili seasoning. Add Rotel, chili beans, great northern beans, and black beans. Stir to mix well. Add tomato juice to desired thickness.
Bring to a simmer then cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Margaret, it's been an absolute pleasure having you with us today. I swear you make me smile :) Thanks so much for the recipe and the link to download the whole collection. I'll be going right after that! I wish you much success in this delightful story!!!
Readers, you know the drill......I highly recommend this so jump on it right now or you'll be sorry :)
Until next time, happy reading...
Krista
Today I have the wonderful....
Margaret Ethridge Margaret, so glad to have you here. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a transplanted Yankee living in the land of y’all. I’ve switched from Pepsi to Coke, but I still call it all ‘pop’. I’m married with two mostly-grown children, three dogs, a pondful of fish, and one incredibly spoiled house rabbit.
What or who initially inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always been a reader, but writing was a ‘someday’ thing for me. Before I knew it, my fortieth birthday had come and gone, and I decided to stop chasing after ‘someday’ and just get to it. I had a few really awesome friends poking and prodding. That always helps.
What kind of research do you do for a novel and how extensive do you get?
I write mainly contemporary, so I haven’t had to do research that extends beyond Google and the telephone. Of course, I’m giving serious consideration to writing a story set in Scotland so I can do some in-depth research, live and in person.
Do you have a special place you like to do your writing? Such as an office, a spare room, the dining room table, your couch?
I have a brown leather bomber jacket recliner that has perfectly molded to my tuchas. No one else dares to sit in my chair.
As a reader, what types of works do you like to read and do you think they influence the genre/genres you write in?
While I’m writing, I tend to read historical romances. I have a difficult time reading contemporary while I’m in the midst of a story. I get a bit muddled.
What is your favorite method of writing...as in laptop, desktop, Ipad or the old fashioned pencil and paper?? And do you plot out your story or go with the flow of your muse?
I use both a laptop and a desktop to write. I keep notes in Moleskine notebooks and using Evernote on my Kindle Fire. I am a pantser at heart. I try to plot my stories, honest I do, but it just doesn’t work for me. I like to let my characters carry me along.
When you need a break or some time off from the trials of being a writer, what can you be found doing?
For exercise, I walk, jog, shoot baskets, and do yoga. For fun, I read – LOL.
Is there anything about yourself nobody knows that you would like to share with our readers??
Um...I sniff books. I can’t help it. I love the smell of ink on paper. Is that weird?
Where can our readers find you??
I’m all over the place! My web address is: www.margaretethridge.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMargaretEthridgeTwitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MKEthridgeGoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4465188.Margaret_Ethridge Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Margaret-Ethridge/e/B004CSGWZI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1334795070&sr=8-3
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My latest is a romance for those of us who have been kicking around for a while. It’s called
Spring Chickens
, and it’s now available from The Wild Rose Press. You don’t have to be a spring chicken to fall in love.
The residents of Heartsfield, Arkansas think Lynne Prescott has it all. The wealthy suburban divorcee captures everyone’s attention when she blows into town to dispose of the family farm. But her nosy new neighbors don’t know she ran away from home.
Bram Hatchett’s interest in buying the land adjoining his farm is yesterday’s news, but the handsome widower’s inability to contain his attraction to the land’s beautiful owner quickly becomes fodder for the local gossip mill.
A rickety old porch and a disturbing decrease in the poultry population bring them together—but with wagging tongues and grown children against them, Lynne’s inclination toward flight comes smack against Bram’s aversion to fight. Can they whittle away the secrets of the past in order to scratch out a future together? http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4835
One last thing before we let you leave, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes but it's totally up to you.
Here is the recipe I shared in The Wild Rose Press Garden Gourmet 2011 cookbook. You can download the entire collection here: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=4717
Chicago Girl Chicken Chili
· 1 tbsp olive oil· 2 cloves garlic, minced· 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts· 1envelope McCormick Chili Seasoning· 1can Rotel (diced tomatoes with jalapeño peppers)· 1can chili beans (with sauce)· 1can great northern beans (drained)· 1cs black beans (drained)· 32oz tomato juice Cut chicken breasts into strips. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add garlic and chicken strips. Sauté until chicken is cooked through. Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Add shredded chicken to Dutch oven or stock pot, season with packaged chili seasoning. Add Rotel, chili beans, great northern beans, and black beans. Stir to mix well. Add tomato juice to desired thickness.
Bring to a simmer then cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Margaret, it's been an absolute pleasure having you with us today. I swear you make me smile :) Thanks so much for the recipe and the link to download the whole collection. I'll be going right after that! I wish you much success in this delightful story!!!
Readers, you know the drill......I highly recommend this so jump on it right now or you'll be sorry :)
Until next time, happy reading...
Krista
July 1, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it !
Today we have a guest post from a great author and I'm excited for you to read it.........
Hi, I’m Tamaria Soana. First, I would like to thank Krista Ames for having me here today! Who is Tamaria you might be wondering? I’m a forty year old stay-at-home of two young girls. I’ve always loved to read, especially on a cold Buffalo night. My first book Obsession published this past March and my feet still haven’t touched the ground. Besides writing, I co-own Shades of Rose Marketing and Shades of Rose YA Marketing. I also host a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.
I’m here today to talk about my newest short story, Tropical Cougar. It’s just over 3,000 words of sexy fun! I’ve been wanting to write a cougar type story for a while now. The older woman, younger man pairing to me is highly erotic.
When mulling over the aspect of my story and developing it, I knew I wanted the following things. A tropical location, my heroine to be strong, and my hero to a bit lost in life.Tropical Cougar is only available on Amazon through Ruby Lioness Press.Will one night with an older woman change everything?After finding the love of his life in bed with someone else, twenty-six-year-old Seth Reynolds wanted a fresh start and found it in Jamaica. Being a bartender at one of the island’s exclusive resorts has its perks…not the least of them being a very sexy, older woman: Sylvia Radcliff. While she’s determined to celebrate her forty-fifth birthday, Set is equally determined to seduce the most enchanting woman he’s ever met.
Excerpt: Seth woke to the smell of eggs and coffee. Sylvia had ordered them breakfast. “Get up, sleepyhead, breakfast is here,” she said, crawling up his naked body. “I would rather have you for breakfast, but you have a robe on.” “I couldn’t answer the door naked, could I?” “No, I guess not,” he whispered, reaching to tug on the belt of her robe. “The food will get cold,” she replied as she playfully pushed him away. Seth let out a laugh. “I don’t care. I just need a taste. I’ll make it quick; just trust me,” he said as he hovered over her. He looked into her blue eyes and smiled when she nodded, giving him all the incentive he needed. He leaned down and kissed her lips before traveling down her body. He took each nipple in his mouth and sucked hard before he pushed her legs apart, and his tongue found heaven “Mmmm, you taste so sweet.” He moaned into her warm flesh.
Amazon Buy LinkYou can find me on line at the following places: Website Facebook Twitter
Tamaria, thanks so much for being my guest today and I love the sound of this story. Major congrats on your release .Readers, don't miss this one, it's bound to be a best seller !!!Until next time, happy reading...Krista
June 30, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it!!
Today we have another great author with us. Please help me welcome...
Amy Gregory
Amy, so glad you could be here today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Well, I married my high school sweetheart and we have three busy kids that I drive from one sport to the next, cheering them on at meets, games and races. We spend a fair amount of time camping at race tracks. In the meantime, I love to read when I can and write as much as humanly possible.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?I have always been a creative type of person, and I’ve always know something was missing.
When did you first start writing?
Actually, I hadn’t written anything since high school. About a year ago I had a recurring dream that wouldn’t leave me alone. I started to write it down and the rest is history!
What is a typical writing day like for you?
Unlike most people, I have to have mostly silence when I write. I tend to get up very early before the rest of my house wakes up! I also carry a notebook with me at all times in case I’m away from my laptop and something comes to me such as a piece of dialogue or an idea for a scene.
Do you have an specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?Well, I have to get a cup of coffee first! I also get out my notebook I keep with details I’ve jotted down, such as character notes that I may need to refer to or any details that I’ve written down when away from my computer. Then I just pick up where I left off the day before.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?I love creating a story that I want to read. I love falling in love with my characters. I love all parts of the actual writing, but who knew that was the easy part! After the writing comes the hard part, the getting published and promoting your books. But it’s all a part of the process and I wouldn’t trade this for any other job on the planet!
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?I prefer to write novel length books. You can develop your characters more, get into their backstory, explain why they think the way they do or act a certain way. Sometimes in shorter books, the reader has to assume some of that. I also like that I don’t have to worry about how long or how detailed my scenes are because I’m having to worry about book length limits. I just write. The characters and their story are what determines the length.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?I think they’re pretty proud. My husband is my biggest supporter. The kids all argue on a regular basis about who the books are going to be dedicated to, but overall, I think it’s something unique. Not everyone can say their mom is an author.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
Only about 30 or so! I love to read, but I’m sooo bad! Once I start a book, I can’t put it down. Then the kids are asking where dinner is! But besides writing, reading is one of my favorite things to do. I love to see how other authors use different techniques and pieces of dialogue. You can see different regions of the world that way. I have a different perspective when I read now, but I think I love it even more if that is possible!
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5 1) Favorite Holiday – Christmas!
2) Favorite Drink – toss up, coffee & Mr. Pibb
3) Favorite Author – oh wow, I have soooo many! Mari Carr
4) Favorite Book – Do Over – Mari Carr
5) Favorite Animal – sea turtles
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m pretty happy and jovial most of the time. Actually my scenes do effect my mood. When I’m writing and it’s upsetting, I’ll be typing with tears in my eyes. If it’s funny then I’m laughing my butt off right along with them. And so on… lol
Where can our readers find you?? Email: amygregory@sapphirestarpublishing.com
Twitter: @amygregory548
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amygregoryauthor548/
Website/blog: www.amygregory548.blogspot.com www.pintrest.com/amygregory548
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/LJEEgT
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Racing to Love is the series title.
Carter’s Treasure is out now on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel.
Book two is Jesse’s Soul, it will be out January 3, 2013.
Eli’s Honor and Alex’s Destiny will follow in 2013.
Excerpt:
They continued to walk back toward the pits, but he stopped when they were in the darkened hallway, just before they would have rounded the corner and been seen. Molly’s heart sped.
He was still holding her hand, but turned to face her as he placed his other hand on her waist. She sucked in a breath when he stepped forward. Her first instinct was to be anxious, to cower back, but something in those ice blue eyes told her she didn’t have to be afraid. When he had leaned in to kiss her when they were sitting on the track, she’d panicked. And then when he had started to move away, she’d panicked again—for a different reason entirely.
Those flip-flopping emotions were about to drive her crazy.
Now, in the dimmed corridor, Molly closed her eyes to catch her breath and to search for a decision. He’d been rubbing his thumb on her waist, but his movements stopped when her eyes dropped closed. The soothing strokes didn’t continue until she finally reopened her eyes and dragged her attention up his chest and past his Adam’s apple. She continued up until she locked her gaze with his. When she offered him a hesitant smile, he began stroking her again with a warm smile on his lips.
Staring down at her, he let go of her hand and skimmed the back of his over her cheek. She felt her heart thundering, her pulse racing when she ran her hands up his chest, feeling each and every rippled muscle. She’d never purposely touched a man like this before. Sure, she’d felt Brody’s muscles when she’d smacked him for one reason or another. Or when trying to push him off of her after he’d wrestled her to the ground being an ornery brother and all. But this? This was foreign.
Her eyes were back on her own fingers, taking everything in. She stopped at his heart and could feel it pounding hard beneath the soft cotton t-shirt.
“Just so you know…” he started in his slow, sexy voice.
She could tell he was waiting for eye contact again before continuing. “Yeah?” she whispered.
“I’m going to fall in love with you.”
Sapphire Star Publishing: www.sapphirestarpublishing.com Amazon: http://amzn.to/Mbx6I9 Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/NnEJKW
Reviews:
www.forgetthehouseworkimreading.blogspot.com ... The characters are amazing. I gave this book 5 Baskets!
www.onceuponaseries.blogspot.com ... Carter's Treasure is a fantastic start to a new series - full of loveable characters, a sweet but oh-so-sexy romance and heart-stopping suspense. I am glad to have found this new author and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Jesse's Soul, which is due for release in january 2013 (although can I just say at this point that I REALLY don't want to have to wait that long :P)
Before we let you go today is there a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.
I am a HUGE fan of Ree Drummond AKA The Pioneer Woman!!! All of her recipes are amazing, but this simple one for biscuits is truly worth the ten minutes it takes to make them – yes only about ten minutes!!
4 cups all purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
2 ½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup cold butter
1 ¼ buttermilk
450 degree oven….. In large bowl combine all dry ingredients. Add shortening and cold butter pieces and with pastry blender cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture crumbles into coarse crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk, and mix gently with fork until combined. Dough will be sticky, not overly dry or crumbly. Lightly flour clean surface and roll out dough – ½ - ¾ inch thick depending on how thick you like your biscuits. Cut with a round cutter and bake on cookie sheet. 11-14 minutes, watch until tops are golden brown. I promise this takes no time at all and they are so delicious!!!
They sound delicous! Amy thanks so much for sharing this recipe with us and everything about your writing career. It was wondering having you here and please come back again soon.
Readers, make sure you get your own copy of Carter's Treasure. This is sure to be a great series!
Until next time, Happy reading...Krista
Today we have another great author with us. Please help me welcome... Amy Gregory
Amy, so glad you could be here today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Well, I married my high school sweetheart and we have three busy kids that I drive from one sport to the next, cheering them on at meets, games and races. We spend a fair amount of time camping at race tracks. In the meantime, I love to read when I can and write as much as humanly possible.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?I have always been a creative type of person, and I’ve always know something was missing.
When did you first start writing?
Actually, I hadn’t written anything since high school. About a year ago I had a recurring dream that wouldn’t leave me alone. I started to write it down and the rest is history!
What is a typical writing day like for you?
Unlike most people, I have to have mostly silence when I write. I tend to get up very early before the rest of my house wakes up! I also carry a notebook with me at all times in case I’m away from my laptop and something comes to me such as a piece of dialogue or an idea for a scene.
Do you have an specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?Well, I have to get a cup of coffee first! I also get out my notebook I keep with details I’ve jotted down, such as character notes that I may need to refer to or any details that I’ve written down when away from my computer. Then I just pick up where I left off the day before.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?I love creating a story that I want to read. I love falling in love with my characters. I love all parts of the actual writing, but who knew that was the easy part! After the writing comes the hard part, the getting published and promoting your books. But it’s all a part of the process and I wouldn’t trade this for any other job on the planet!
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?I prefer to write novel length books. You can develop your characters more, get into their backstory, explain why they think the way they do or act a certain way. Sometimes in shorter books, the reader has to assume some of that. I also like that I don’t have to worry about how long or how detailed my scenes are because I’m having to worry about book length limits. I just write. The characters and their story are what determines the length.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?I think they’re pretty proud. My husband is my biggest supporter. The kids all argue on a regular basis about who the books are going to be dedicated to, but overall, I think it’s something unique. Not everyone can say their mom is an author.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
Only about 30 or so! I love to read, but I’m sooo bad! Once I start a book, I can’t put it down. Then the kids are asking where dinner is! But besides writing, reading is one of my favorite things to do. I love to see how other authors use different techniques and pieces of dialogue. You can see different regions of the world that way. I have a different perspective when I read now, but I think I love it even more if that is possible!
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5 1) Favorite Holiday – Christmas!
2) Favorite Drink – toss up, coffee & Mr. Pibb
3) Favorite Author – oh wow, I have soooo many! Mari Carr
4) Favorite Book – Do Over – Mari Carr
5) Favorite Animal – sea turtles
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m pretty happy and jovial most of the time. Actually my scenes do effect my mood. When I’m writing and it’s upsetting, I’ll be typing with tears in my eyes. If it’s funny then I’m laughing my butt off right along with them. And so on… lol
Where can our readers find you?? Email: amygregory@sapphirestarpublishing.com
Twitter: @amygregory548
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amygregoryauthor548/
Website/blog: www.amygregory548.blogspot.com www.pintrest.com/amygregory548
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/LJEEgT
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Racing to Love is the series title. Carter’s Treasure is out now on Amazon and Barnes & Nobel.
Book two is Jesse’s Soul, it will be out January 3, 2013.
Eli’s Honor and Alex’s Destiny will follow in 2013.
Excerpt:
They continued to walk back toward the pits, but he stopped when they were in the darkened hallway, just before they would have rounded the corner and been seen. Molly’s heart sped.
He was still holding her hand, but turned to face her as he placed his other hand on her waist. She sucked in a breath when he stepped forward. Her first instinct was to be anxious, to cower back, but something in those ice blue eyes told her she didn’t have to be afraid. When he had leaned in to kiss her when they were sitting on the track, she’d panicked. And then when he had started to move away, she’d panicked again—for a different reason entirely.
Those flip-flopping emotions were about to drive her crazy.
Now, in the dimmed corridor, Molly closed her eyes to catch her breath and to search for a decision. He’d been rubbing his thumb on her waist, but his movements stopped when her eyes dropped closed. The soothing strokes didn’t continue until she finally reopened her eyes and dragged her attention up his chest and past his Adam’s apple. She continued up until she locked her gaze with his. When she offered him a hesitant smile, he began stroking her again with a warm smile on his lips.
Staring down at her, he let go of her hand and skimmed the back of his over her cheek. She felt her heart thundering, her pulse racing when she ran her hands up his chest, feeling each and every rippled muscle. She’d never purposely touched a man like this before. Sure, she’d felt Brody’s muscles when she’d smacked him for one reason or another. Or when trying to push him off of her after he’d wrestled her to the ground being an ornery brother and all. But this? This was foreign.
Her eyes were back on her own fingers, taking everything in. She stopped at his heart and could feel it pounding hard beneath the soft cotton t-shirt.
“Just so you know…” he started in his slow, sexy voice.
She could tell he was waiting for eye contact again before continuing. “Yeah?” she whispered.
“I’m going to fall in love with you.”
Sapphire Star Publishing: www.sapphirestarpublishing.com Amazon: http://amzn.to/Mbx6I9 Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/NnEJKW
Reviews:
www.forgetthehouseworkimreading.blogspot.com ... The characters are amazing. I gave this book 5 Baskets!
www.onceuponaseries.blogspot.com ... Carter's Treasure is a fantastic start to a new series - full of loveable characters, a sweet but oh-so-sexy romance and heart-stopping suspense. I am glad to have found this new author and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Jesse's Soul, which is due for release in january 2013 (although can I just say at this point that I REALLY don't want to have to wait that long :P)
Before we let you go today is there a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.
I am a HUGE fan of Ree Drummond AKA The Pioneer Woman!!! All of her recipes are amazing, but this simple one for biscuits is truly worth the ten minutes it takes to make them – yes only about ten minutes!!
4 cups all purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
2 ½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup cold butter
1 ¼ buttermilk
450 degree oven….. In large bowl combine all dry ingredients. Add shortening and cold butter pieces and with pastry blender cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture crumbles into coarse crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk, and mix gently with fork until combined. Dough will be sticky, not overly dry or crumbly. Lightly flour clean surface and roll out dough – ½ - ¾ inch thick depending on how thick you like your biscuits. Cut with a round cutter and bake on cookie sheet. 11-14 minutes, watch until tops are golden brown. I promise this takes no time at all and they are so delicious!!!
They sound delicous! Amy thanks so much for sharing this recipe with us and everything about your writing career. It was wondering having you here and please come back again soon.
Readers, make sure you get your own copy of Carter's Treasure. This is sure to be a great series!
Until next time, Happy reading...Krista
June 29, 2012
Finally Friday
Don't you just love Fridays? I look forward to this day every week so I can introduce another backlist book from Turquoise Morning Press.
Today we have an awesome one......
The Reunion Game
Book 4 in theLadies of Legend Seriesby Jan Scarbrough
Now seiously? Tell me that isn't an excellent cover....I love it!
The Reunion Gameis the fourth ebook novella in the re-release of the Ladies of Legend original title, Finding Home. First time released as a separate ebook!
Thirty-three-year-old Jane Smith's biological clock is ticking. But pickings are slim in Legend, Tennessee, until the fifteen year high school reunion gives Jane a second chance. Graham Winchester will be back in town.
In high school, Jane's shyness has stopped her from taking action. Now she's older, wiser and no longer afraid. Graham has moved to the big city and won't stick around after the reunion. He's a confirmed bachelor and happily-ever-after is not in his makeup. Yet, Jane must exorcise the demon Graham has become so she can get on with her life.
Switching places with her glamorous twin sister is just what she needs to get Mr. Most Likely to Succeed into bed and out of her heart.
Release: February 21, 2011 Category: Romance, Contemporary Heat:: Sensual
Length: 85 pages; 27198 wordsPrice: $0.99 digital
Title is available at Amazon.
About our Author:: Jan Scarbrough
I've dreamed of being a writer since I reported on freelance writing for a career project in the ninth grade. After majoring in English at Western Kentucky University, I taught high school English for five years. Since 1982 I've made my living as a writer — a technical writer — but I didn't have the nerve to make my dream come true until after a life-threatening illness in 1988. I've enjoyed my process of becoming a published author. A member of the Romance Writers of America, I've been active in my local Kentucky RWA chapter and am a member of Novelist, Inc. My best friends are fellow writers. Who else will check a point plot for me or understand GMC and POV? I live in Louisville, Kentucky, along with two dogs and four cats. I enjoy taking riding lessons on the American Saddlebred Horse. I'm a member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association . I volunteer at The Luci Center, a non-profit 501c3 organization located in Shelbyville Kentucky providing therapeutic riding and hippotherapy for individuals with disabilities. www.janscarbrough.com
From the Author Welcome to Legend, Tennessee! It's one of my favorite places in the world. I hope you enjoy your stay here. Legend is the setting for all of the books in the Ladies of Legend series, and The Reunion Game is one of the initial novellas that kicked off the series.
Read Jane and Graham's story in The Reunion Game.
If you want to know more about Jane's sister, read Dawn's story in Santa's Kiss.
You'll find the love story of Graham's parents in A Groovy Christmas.
Jane and Dawn's parents have their own love story in Not Quite Christmas
Looking for the other books in the series? Claiming the Legend by Janet Eaves (January 31, 2011) Midnight in Legend, TN by Magdalena Scott (Feb 7, 2011) Bed, Breakfast and You by Maddie James (Feb 14, 2011) Finding Home (combined print edition of all novellas above) March, 2011
Thanks everyone for visiting today and I hope you'll make The Reunion Game your next purchase. You won't be disappointed.
Until next time, happy reading...
Krista
Today we have an awesome one......
The Reunion Game
Book 4 in theLadies of Legend Seriesby Jan Scarbrough
Now seiously? Tell me that isn't an excellent cover....I love it!
The Reunion Gameis the fourth ebook novella in the re-release of the Ladies of Legend original title, Finding Home. First time released as a separate ebook!
Thirty-three-year-old Jane Smith's biological clock is ticking. But pickings are slim in Legend, Tennessee, until the fifteen year high school reunion gives Jane a second chance. Graham Winchester will be back in town.
In high school, Jane's shyness has stopped her from taking action. Now she's older, wiser and no longer afraid. Graham has moved to the big city and won't stick around after the reunion. He's a confirmed bachelor and happily-ever-after is not in his makeup. Yet, Jane must exorcise the demon Graham has become so she can get on with her life.
Switching places with her glamorous twin sister is just what she needs to get Mr. Most Likely to Succeed into bed and out of her heart.
Release: February 21, 2011 Category: Romance, Contemporary Heat:: Sensual
Length: 85 pages; 27198 wordsPrice: $0.99 digital
Title is available at Amazon.
About our Author:: Jan Scarbrough
I've dreamed of being a writer since I reported on freelance writing for a career project in the ninth grade. After majoring in English at Western Kentucky University, I taught high school English for five years. Since 1982 I've made my living as a writer — a technical writer — but I didn't have the nerve to make my dream come true until after a life-threatening illness in 1988. I've enjoyed my process of becoming a published author. A member of the Romance Writers of America, I've been active in my local Kentucky RWA chapter and am a member of Novelist, Inc. My best friends are fellow writers. Who else will check a point plot for me or understand GMC and POV? I live in Louisville, Kentucky, along with two dogs and four cats. I enjoy taking riding lessons on the American Saddlebred Horse. I'm a member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association . I volunteer at The Luci Center, a non-profit 501c3 organization located in Shelbyville Kentucky providing therapeutic riding and hippotherapy for individuals with disabilities. www.janscarbrough.com
From the Author Welcome to Legend, Tennessee! It's one of my favorite places in the world. I hope you enjoy your stay here. Legend is the setting for all of the books in the Ladies of Legend series, and The Reunion Game is one of the initial novellas that kicked off the series.
Read Jane and Graham's story in The Reunion Game.
If you want to know more about Jane's sister, read Dawn's story in Santa's Kiss.
You'll find the love story of Graham's parents in A Groovy Christmas.
Jane and Dawn's parents have their own love story in Not Quite Christmas
Looking for the other books in the series? Claiming the Legend by Janet Eaves (January 31, 2011) Midnight in Legend, TN by Magdalena Scott (Feb 7, 2011) Bed, Breakfast and You by Maddie James (Feb 14, 2011) Finding Home (combined print edition of all novellas above) March, 2011
Thanks everyone for visiting today and I hope you'll make The Reunion Game your next purchase. You won't be disappointed.
Until next time, happy reading...
Krista
June 28, 2012
Author, author...
...read all about it!!
Please help me welcome to the blog today....
Ute Carbone
So great to have you hear Ute !! Would you mind telling us a little about yourself?
Thanks for having me at your blog Krista. A little about me? Hmm.. I live in New Hampshire not too far from the Massachusetts border. I’ve been married to the same great guy for over thirty years and we have two grown sons. I like the outdoors, chocolate, red wine and theater. And I love to read.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
No, actually. My handwriting was and still borders on atrocious, I can’t spell to save my life and I mix up all the easy stuff like your and you’re and its and it’s even though I know the difference.
As a kid, I wanted to be all kinds of things, from zoologist to actress to book store owner and that only taps the surface! I didn’t start writing seriously until my kids were school aged. It’s kind of the perfect job, because I get to live all those other occupations and more vicariously.
When did you first start writing?
Although I didn’t get serious about it until much later, I used to write songs and poems in high school and college. When my kids were small, I joined a local poetry group. To my huge surprise, they liked my poetry. Later, I went to a writing workshop and discovered that I loved writing stories. I started with short stories and finally challenged myself to write a novel. And I’ve never looked back!
What is a typical writing day like for you?
A good writing day has me working late morning until just after lunch. I start with blog posts, interviews and any edits that I need to get done and then move on to my work in progress and try to add a few words. I’m a bit on the slow side, a thousand words a day is good for me. But I am steady too, so those words do add up.
I usually write my first drafts long hand, and most often I’ll do this late at night before bed—ten to midnight on a good day.
Do you have an specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?
I need my coffee!! And I usually do start off with e-mail and facebook and twitter (I’ve heard it called the Bermuda Triangle. Very apt!) I sometimes will listen to music if things are noisy around and about my office. And I start with pen and paper. I write all my drafts out longhand before putting them into the computer. I revise while typing. Then, after I’m done with a project, I reread and mark any scene I’m not happy with. And I start all over again: pen and paper, rewrite into the computer. I do this as often as I think necessary.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?
I love writing first drafts, especially early in a project when the possibilities are endless. Lately, I’ve come to like rewrite and editing. A good editor can really push you to make the work better. I like when I can see how to make it better and am able to do just that. I don’t particularly like promotion. It takes up a good deal of time and I’d rather be writing!
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?
Hard to chose! I guess I’d have to say I like novels best, because they give you the space to create a whole world and get deeply involved in that world. Last year, I wrote my first novella, a time-travel romance called “The Whisper of Time” which will be out later this year. I’d never written time-travel before. Currently, I’m working on a historical romance novella. Historical is also new for me. I like that novellas and short stories allow me to try new things without making the kind of time commitment that a novel demands.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
They’re very supportive.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
Oh yes! It’s so tall that if it topples, I’ll be buried alive! I’m forever buying books. And know I have a Kindle. Amazon is a great enabler for my addiction. One click. Just one click. So now I have a long cue on my reader as well.
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Holiday - Tossup between the fourth of July and Valentine’s Day.2) Favorite Drink - Red Wine. And coffee. I drink lots of coffee.3) Favorite Author - Tough choice; Elizabeth Berg this week. Next week it might be someone else.4) Favorite Book- Another tough choice. My all time favorite is probably Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”.5) Favorite Animal - Gorillas.
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m generally sunny with occasional cloudiness. I’m in a better mood when the writing is going well.
Where can our readers find you?? Email: utecarbone@gmail.comTwitter:@ wildwords2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ute-Carbone/234417796596443 Blog: http://ute-carbone.blogspot.com/ Website: http://www.utecarbone.com/ Also at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5114798.Ute_Carbone
And at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ute-Carbone/e/B005G7U8RM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My latest, a romantic comedy called the P-Town Queen, is out now.
You can check my webpage for more info
Or buy at Champagne Books or at Amazon
Blurb: Nikki Silva feels like she’s blown up her life even as her brothers tease her about blowing up a boat called the Mona Lisa. Divorced, funding for her shark research cut off, she’s moved back to Provincetown to live with her father in her childhood home. Nikki hopes to regain herself. She’s written a grant proposal for the newly formed Massachusetts Bay Commission to fund a study that will get her back to the sort of research she loves. The commission is run by her ex-husband Ned, who would rather have a migraine than give money to his ex-wife. Marco Tornetti wants to turn a hole-in-the-wall Newark spaghetti joint into a trendy bistro. His silent partner, Fat Phil Lagosa, wants to use the place to solicit questionable business deals. When Fat Phil accuses Marco of a double cross and has him taken for a ride by one of his hit men, Marco knows he’s in too deep. Marco escapes the hit man and takes the first bus out of the Tri-state area, a bus chartered by the Greater Teaneck Gay Men’s Choir and headed for Provincetown. Marco figures that Phil would never look for him in Provincetown‘s gay community. But when he meets Nikki and falls hard for her, he finds that pretending to be gay isn’t as easy as it would seem. One last thing before we let you leave us today, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.
I love sharing recipes!
Here’s a dish that Beanie, the main character in my debut novel Blueberry Truth, makes for husband Mac.
It’s terrific for summer barbeque:
Beanie’s Grilled Chicken in Ginger Sauce
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs
Marinade:
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tb sesame oil
2 Tb fresh grated gingerroot
2 tsp minced garlic
2 scallions, finely chopped
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp crushed red pepper
Preparation:
1. Rinse chicken thighs under cold running water. Pat dry.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk in rest of marinade ingredients. Remove 1/4 cup of marinade as basting sauce.
3. Marinate chicken in sauce for 4 hours in refrigerator.
4. Prepare grill
5. Grill chicken for 10-15 minutes until done, turning frequently. Baste with reserved sauce while cooking. Serve hot.
Ute it was an absolute pleasure having you with us today and I loved learning more about you. That recipe sounds delicous and I can't wait to try it!
Readers, make sure you don't miss out on this great book, here are the links again. You can purchase The P-Town Queen at: http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=583 http://www.bookstrand.com/the-p-town-queen http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088QAL6G http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theptownqueen-819120-149.html
Thanks for stopping in and Happy Reading
Krista
Please help me welcome to the blog today....
Ute Carbone
So great to have you hear Ute !! Would you mind telling us a little about yourself?
Thanks for having me at your blog Krista. A little about me? Hmm.. I live in New Hampshire not too far from the Massachusetts border. I’ve been married to the same great guy for over thirty years and we have two grown sons. I like the outdoors, chocolate, red wine and theater. And I love to read.
What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
No, actually. My handwriting was and still borders on atrocious, I can’t spell to save my life and I mix up all the easy stuff like your and you’re and its and it’s even though I know the difference.
As a kid, I wanted to be all kinds of things, from zoologist to actress to book store owner and that only taps the surface! I didn’t start writing seriously until my kids were school aged. It’s kind of the perfect job, because I get to live all those other occupations and more vicariously.
When did you first start writing?
Although I didn’t get serious about it until much later, I used to write songs and poems in high school and college. When my kids were small, I joined a local poetry group. To my huge surprise, they liked my poetry. Later, I went to a writing workshop and discovered that I loved writing stories. I started with short stories and finally challenged myself to write a novel. And I’ve never looked back!
What is a typical writing day like for you?
A good writing day has me working late morning until just after lunch. I start with blog posts, interviews and any edits that I need to get done and then move on to my work in progress and try to add a few words. I’m a bit on the slow side, a thousand words a day is good for me. But I am steady too, so those words do add up.
I usually write my first drafts long hand, and most often I’ll do this late at night before bed—ten to midnight on a good day.
Do you have an specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?
I need my coffee!! And I usually do start off with e-mail and facebook and twitter (I’ve heard it called the Bermuda Triangle. Very apt!) I sometimes will listen to music if things are noisy around and about my office. And I start with pen and paper. I write all my drafts out longhand before putting them into the computer. I revise while typing. Then, after I’m done with a project, I reread and mark any scene I’m not happy with. And I start all over again: pen and paper, rewrite into the computer. I do this as often as I think necessary.
What is your favorite part of writing? Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?
I love writing first drafts, especially early in a project when the possibilities are endless. Lately, I’ve come to like rewrite and editing. A good editor can really push you to make the work better. I like when I can see how to make it better and am able to do just that. I don’t particularly like promotion. It takes up a good deal of time and I’d rather be writing!
What is your favorite length of book to write? (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?
Hard to chose! I guess I’d have to say I like novels best, because they give you the space to create a whole world and get deeply involved in that world. Last year, I wrote my first novella, a time-travel romance called “The Whisper of Time” which will be out later this year. I’d never written time-travel before. Currently, I’m working on a historical romance novella. Historical is also new for me. I like that novellas and short stories allow me to try new things without making the kind of time commitment that a novel demands.
How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
They’re very supportive.
Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
Oh yes! It’s so tall that if it topples, I’ll be buried alive! I’m forever buying books. And know I have a Kindle. Amazon is a great enabler for my addiction. One click. Just one click. So now I have a long cue on my reader as well.
For fun, I have a few personal questions,
Favorite 5
1) Favorite Holiday - Tossup between the fourth of July and Valentine’s Day.2) Favorite Drink - Red Wine. And coffee. I drink lots of coffee.3) Favorite Author - Tough choice; Elizabeth Berg this week. Next week it might be someone else.4) Favorite Book- Another tough choice. My all time favorite is probably Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”.5) Favorite Animal - Gorillas.
And for a bonus: What is a typical mood for you? And is your mood different when you’re writing?
I’m generally sunny with occasional cloudiness. I’m in a better mood when the writing is going well.
Where can our readers find you?? Email: utecarbone@gmail.comTwitter:@ wildwords2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ute-Carbone/234417796596443 Blog: http://ute-carbone.blogspot.com/ Website: http://www.utecarbone.com/ Also at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5114798.Ute_Carbone
And at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ute-Carbone/e/B005G7U8RM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
My latest, a romantic comedy called the P-Town Queen, is out now. You can check my webpage for more info
Or buy at Champagne Books or at Amazon
Blurb: Nikki Silva feels like she’s blown up her life even as her brothers tease her about blowing up a boat called the Mona Lisa. Divorced, funding for her shark research cut off, she’s moved back to Provincetown to live with her father in her childhood home. Nikki hopes to regain herself. She’s written a grant proposal for the newly formed Massachusetts Bay Commission to fund a study that will get her back to the sort of research she loves. The commission is run by her ex-husband Ned, who would rather have a migraine than give money to his ex-wife. Marco Tornetti wants to turn a hole-in-the-wall Newark spaghetti joint into a trendy bistro. His silent partner, Fat Phil Lagosa, wants to use the place to solicit questionable business deals. When Fat Phil accuses Marco of a double cross and has him taken for a ride by one of his hit men, Marco knows he’s in too deep. Marco escapes the hit man and takes the first bus out of the Tri-state area, a bus chartered by the Greater Teaneck Gay Men’s Choir and headed for Provincetown. Marco figures that Phil would never look for him in Provincetown‘s gay community. But when he meets Nikki and falls hard for her, he finds that pretending to be gay isn’t as easy as it would seem. One last thing before we let you leave us today, do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share but it's totally up to you.
I love sharing recipes!
Here’s a dish that Beanie, the main character in my debut novel Blueberry Truth, makes for husband Mac.
It’s terrific for summer barbeque:
Beanie’s Grilled Chicken in Ginger Sauce
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs
Marinade:
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 Tb sesame oil
2 Tb fresh grated gingerroot
2 tsp minced garlic
2 scallions, finely chopped
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp crushed red pepper
Preparation:
1. Rinse chicken thighs under cold running water. Pat dry.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Whisk in rest of marinade ingredients. Remove 1/4 cup of marinade as basting sauce.
3. Marinate chicken in sauce for 4 hours in refrigerator.
4. Prepare grill
5. Grill chicken for 10-15 minutes until done, turning frequently. Baste with reserved sauce while cooking. Serve hot.
Ute it was an absolute pleasure having you with us today and I loved learning more about you. That recipe sounds delicous and I can't wait to try it!
Readers, make sure you don't miss out on this great book, here are the links again. You can purchase The P-Town Queen at: http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=583 http://www.bookstrand.com/the-p-town-queen http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088QAL6G http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theptownqueen-819120-149.html
Thanks for stopping in and Happy Reading
Krista
