Eden Baylee's Blog, page 90

Get Inside the Mind of Author Matthew Bryan (@talshadar)

I met Matthew Bryan while working on the Allegories of the Tarot anthology. Along with me, he’s one of 22 authors featured in the book, releasing Oct 31st! I know he’s as excited about it as I am!

Some other cool facts about Matthew …

He’s a Canadian living in Calgary, we share the same fabulous editor (Annetta Ribken), and he just launched his own book in August of this year!

Find out more about this lovely man, and be sure to connect to him.

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Buy links: Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

As’hame, an exiled angel, stands vigilant in his watch over mankind, just as he has for thousands of years. As the grip of corruption and greed threatens to strangle humanity, As’Hame works relentlessly to save his City of Angels. To keep it as a shining beacon of hope, a symbol for human salvation.

But now, Hell’s got a new ruler. She’s ruthless. She’s evil. And she’s pissed. With a new horde of demons dispatched to steal the souls of Man, As’hame races to find and protect God’s son before the demons bring the fight to Heaven’s gates and rain Hell on Earth.

In this mystical, action-packed tale, angels are warriors, demons are not always evil, and humans are stuck in the middle. Faith and love are put to the test as all of creation is threatened and everyone must take a stand and fight for what they believe in.

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Inside Matthew’s Mind

[eden] Thrilled to have you here, Matthew, let’s start off by telling everyone your definition for perfect happiness. Is there such a thing? 

[Matthew] Perfect happiness… tough question right off the bat huh.  I have too many descriptions really. Perfect happiness usually revolves around a book – but it could be on a beach, in the mountains, by a lake. Pretty much anywhere but at work lol.

[eden] Gotcha  

What gets your creativity moving? My creative juices are usually influenced by music. Diffrent music evokes different feelings. The sounds of nature, birds, leaves rustling in the wind, water rushing by, they all influence me.

Do you overuse any words? Hilarious is one I used to use all the time but after awhile I managed to curb that. I use totally a lot but meh, no sense in trying to be perfect.

What qualities do you admire in people? Honesty, integrity, strength of character and consideration of others are what I think are the most critical qualities for people to have.

Do you have any big regrets in life so far? I tend not to not focus on things like that. I know that the biggest regret I would have had is if I hadn’t tried to finish In Heaven’s Shadow. Not going all the way with it is something I would have regretted, but I’m stubborn and I had a great support group pushing me. Not to mention a kick ass editor that wouldn’t let me stop and is constantly pushing me to go further.

[eden] Yeah, I know that editor you speak of. My ass is still sore!

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be? Hmm… change something about me. Well I know what other people would say lol. Personally I wish I was like 2 inches taller. Wish I had a little more self-confidence. For the most part though I’m happy with who I am. Besides, at forty-one it’s a little late to try changing much lol.

[eden] WHAT? You’re 41? No way! Must be that clean Calgary air that keeps you looking so young! 

Do you have any fears? My greatest fear is kind of tied to my deep-seated goal/dream. I want the world to know my name. Not so much for the fame and fortune (though that would be nice), more because I think I have a story to tell and I want to share it with the world. I’ve always felt that I was meant for something, something more. That I have something to offer to the world. My fear is to never find out what that is, to be less than what I was meant to be. And if that’s too deep… how about sharks?

[eden] Sharks is perfect, ha! 

If not for your current profession, what would you be doing? I’ve been in IT for almost twenty years but I almost became a chef instead. I still really enjoying cooking and a part of me always wonders about it. I plan on taking cooking courses over the winter.

If you could come back in the next life, what would you be? I would like to come back as an eagle. Not only have I always wanted to fly (and would be one of the super powers I would take) but being half blind I am so very jealous of their eyesight.

Lightening round coming up!

Greatest achievement: My greatest achievement is writing and publishing my first book.

Pet people peeve: I can’t abide dishonesty and rudeness. I always treat others the way I want to be treated and I’m disgusted when others don’t.

Biggest extravagance: My greatest extravagence… it used to be old books and coins but I’ve been good about that in the last while. I’m so focused on writing that I try not to spend much money, saving it for the cost of book two.

Your fantasy come true before you die: Of all the things that I want to do, the biggest, most important thing to do before I die would be see my book(s) as a movie. Does that count? I know most would probably say sky dive, climb a mountain, go someplace amazing etc.. naw. I have bigger dreams lol

Any fave writers, musicians, artists … I have far too many favorite writes and musicians to try to pick. I don’t really follow directors – I just like the movies I like lol.

How about favorite curse words? Curse words… I would never curse. Ok that’s a flat out lie lol. Fucktard is probably my most used curse, especially driving in traffic.

Finally, your motto in life: Motto’s are such a flexible thing. My motto changes depending on whether I’m wearing my photographer’s hat, writer’s hat or just the regular Matt hat. Live your life with honor is really the main thread of who I am. My internal set of rules are built around the core of knightly conduct and they do determine the steps I take in life.

[eden] Wow, I love that, Matt. I’ve never had a real knight on my blog before, but you come pretty close. 

Readers, please say “hi” to Matt and connect to this wonderful author. No doubt, you will be hearing more about him in the future.

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Connect to Matthew

About Me | AuthorNotes website | Citizen Soldier website

Facebook | Twitter @talshadar

Photo by Svetlana Yanova

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Filed under: Author & Artist Interviews

FAMILY MAGIC turns TWO ~ Come celebrate with @PattiLarsen and @BadAssMktg

Welcome to the Family Magic Birthday Extravaganza! Family Magic, the first book in Patti Larsen’s epic 20-book Hayle Coven young adult series, is having its second anniversary–and we’re bringing the magic, fun, and awesomeness to this birthday celebration!

Join author Patti Larsen and Badass Marketing for a week of fun, contests, giveaways, never-before-shared deleted scenes, and a kick-ass scavenger hunt that will have you looking for magic in unexpected places!

Check out where the party’s happening right here!

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Multiple chances to WIN!
Hit Rafflecopter and find out how.


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Check out this deleted chapter from Family Magic, where we find out the full story behind Frank’s transformation into a vampire.

I made it to the light at the end of the tunnel, namely the door at the top of the stairs and forced my way through the hungry crowd in the kitchen. I reached the hallway before anyone could stop me and pressed my back against the cool wall of the dark hallway, trying to shut out the laughing voices in the next room. The last thing I wanted to do was participate in the social gathering that always followed a night of ceremony. Miriam took her role as coven leader very seriously and the party would go on well into the night. I just hoped the fight we’d had would prevent her from insisting I join the rest of the coven in the celebration.

For some reason, I just didn’t feel like celebrating.

I made it to the stairs without being challenged and took it as a victory. As I took the first step I heard my mother’s voice, cheerful and welcoming, in the kitchen and breathed a sigh of relief she had recovered. I fully intended to corner her the next day and try to apologize, especially since I knew if I let it go too long she would start moping and using guilt again.

I was so focused on escape I practically tripped over the two people kissing on the stairs. I let out a small, involuntary shriek and slipped back a step, clutching at the rail to keep myself from falling. I needn’t have bothered. Two sets of very strong hands grabbed and held me as the kissing couple moved with supernatural speed to save me from a tumble down the stairs. They pulled me down practically on top of them, overestimating each other’s strength, I guess. I ended up in a three-person heap, laughing with my would-be rescuers.

On one side, a handsome, boyish face grinned at me in the dark, features becoming clearer as I grew accustomed to the low light. Shiny white teeth and blue eyes flashed and the strong hands let me go. On the other, pale red hair shone in the faint light coming from the kitchen. Another set of very white teeth sparkled, pointed and very sharp.

I struggled to right myself, only succeeding in collapsing on them again. The resulting laughter eased my tension and I ended up relaxing between them as they both hugged me at once.

“Watch the fangs, Uncle Frank,” I mock-growled. My very handsome and very dead uncle did his best Hollywood Dracula impression.

“Oh, common, Syd,” he swept his head back, fangs exposed, “join the club!  It’s a gas.”

I pushed away from him, sniggering.

“Dead guys get gas?”  I ducked the fake swat he aimed at me and ended up with his girlfriend’s arms around me.

“I’ll hold her down,” Sunny said.

Yes, Sunny is her real name. Most unfortunate for a vampire, but she thinks it’s funny. I pretended to struggle and fought a case of the giggles. Release of tension usually makes me a little giddy.

“Fangs but no fangs,” I punned. Uncle Frank groaned and made a horrible face.

“No!  Anything but puns!  I’m melting!”  He made a hideous noise and collapsed against the railing. Sunny and I giggled appreciatively.

“Not bad,” she prodded his ‘dead’ body with one bare foot.

“No Oscar here,” I said. “No actual melting happened, so…”

Uncle Frank sat up suddenly and shrugged.

“Everyone’s a critic.”

Sunny and I laughed. I leaned forward and hugged Uncle Frank hard, much harder than I intended. And even though it would have taken a lot more that than to hurt him, he noticed. He pulled back and cupped my face in his hands.

“Skipping the party, Syd?”

I tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let go. Sunny’s grip got a little tighter, too. I sighed. Can’t pull one over on a vampire, I guess.

“Not interested,” I said, trying to be casual and failing utterly. The tension came back and I know they both felt it.

Uncle Frank made a face. “Yeah, us either.”

I made a face back. “Vamps aren’t invited.”

“Their loss,” the pair said in unison. We giggled. Then, I sighed, heavy and sad, and collapsed completely against Sunny. She hugged me, her body warm. She must have eaten before I got there. I tried not to shudder at the thought.

Uncle Frank let me go and settled down on one elbow, blue eyes on mine.

“Miriam giving you a hard time again?”

“Try tag team Hayle,” I said. “They even dragged Meira into it.”

“Ouch,” Uncle Frank said. “Not really fair.”

I loved Uncle Frank. “You have no idea.”

“So the same old or new stuff?”

“Same old,” I toyed with the bracelet on Sunny’s wrist. “They just don’t get it.”

“What, that you wish you hadn’t been born the daughter of a demon?  That you hate moving so much because something always happens that makes the coven relocate?  That you have the potential to be the most powerful witch of your generation?”

I nodded, tears actually welling. I felt like crap. I knew Uncle Frank would get it.

“Yeah, exactly.”

“Poor you,” he said softly. I looked up at him and realized for the first time he wasn’t really sympathizing. He actually looked angry.

“Sorry?” I said.

Uncle Frank took a deep breath and exchanged a look with Sunny. He looked back at me and let the breath go. I wondered at the significance. After all, neither of them had to breath.

“Sorry, Syd,” he said. “I’ve just gotten to the point of having a hard time understanding that you are rejecting everything I ever wanted.”

I looked over my shoulder at Sunny. She looked really sad. I looked back at Uncle Frank and shook my head.

“I don’t get it.”

“Of course you don’t,” he answered. “You missed it all, kiddo. You were just a baby when it happened.”

“Are you planning to fill me in?”

He shrugged, not looking at me. I got mad all of a sudden and kicked him, hard.

“You know what really pisses me off?  The stupid secrets!  Our big, dark secrets we keep from the world and, obviously, from each other, too. Man, I hate this family!”

I struggled to pull away, but Sunny held me again.

“Let go,” I snapped, pushing her hands away.

Sunny looked at Uncle Frank. “Tell her,” she said.

Uncle Frank nodded. “Miriam will kill me but, yeah, okay, let’s tell Syd the truth.”

I managed to pull away from Sunny only because she was suddenly willing to let me go. I looked back and forth between them. Uncle Frank flashed a half smile, bitter and full of emotion.

“You never heard how I became a vampire, did you, Syd?”

I shook my head. “The usual way, I guess?”

Uncle Frank and Sunny both laughed, but there was no humor in it. The air seemed cold and I hugged myself.

“Yeah, Syd, the usual way. But you don’t know why.”

I watched him as he shifted on the step, uneasy, his hand gripping Sunny’s.

“It was my fault,” Sunny blurted.

“No way, Sunshine,” Uncle Frank stopped her. “Mine, all the way.”

“Hang on a sec,” I said. “Are you saying that Sunny… that you…”

“I made your uncle a vampire,” Sunny said.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I had been holding and tried to process it.

“Wow holy cow.”

Uncle Frank squeezed Sunny’s hand. “It was an accident, Syd. We never meant for it to go that far.”

I shook my head. “Seriously, Uncle Frank, what did you expect would happen?  You’re a witch, or you were. You know vampirism is contagious. How could you possibly have an accident?”

“Because, Syd,” Uncle Frank spoke so softly I had to strain to hear over the growing noise in the kitchen, “that’s just it. I wasn’t a witch.”

“Sorry,” I said. “ You said what?”

Uncle Frank looked up at me, an old and aching sadness in his eyes that made me want to hug him as hard as I could and never let go. “I was born into the most powerful witch family in the country, the only son, second born, and I was born normal.”

I sat in silence, the second blow harder than the first. “You were born without magic?”

Uncle Frank nodded. I looked at Sunny whose expression confirmed it.

Suddenly, I felt like total crap. I had spent my entire life using Uncle Frank as a crying post, the only person I thought understood my feelings about being a witch. I had spent countless hours commiserating over my miserable life with him and he had offered only comfort and understanding. I had thought the vampirism had been from an attack. He was very powerful in magic and I just assumed that the journey to the undead had accentuated his abilities, not created them. I leaned forward and hugged him. He slowly hugged me back.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Frank,” I said.

His arms tightened. “I’m not,” he answered.

I let him go and leaned back. He smiled again, this time with genuine happiness. His eyes flickered to Sunny then back to me.

“I spent my whole life trying to raise my magic. You think you feel like a fish out of the aquarium. Imagine being the only person in your whole family who can’t do magic. Who everyone looks at with pity and treats like the class idiot. The normal who doesn’t fit in.”  Some of the bitterness was back. “My parents didn’t know what to do with me. The coven ignored me and banished me from ceremonies, even from the parties afterwards because I made them uncomfortable. I couldn’t get it, Syd, don’t you see?  I wasn’t one of them and never would be.”

I nodded. “I get it.”

Uncle Frank went on. “The only person who cared, who tried to help, was your mother. Miriam was the oldest and she saw it as her responsibility to help me find my magic. She defended me so much, I wondered if she felt guilty that she had so much magic, that she was even more powerful than our mother, and worried that that was the reason I had none.”

He shifted again, this time to relax a little. “I did blame her, later, just a little. I started thinking the same thing when we finally realized her full potential. I finally got to the point where I rejected everyone in the family and just ran away.

“I traveled for a few years, trying out what it was like to be normal, but I craved the power, the belonging. It seemed like everywhere I went, I met witches who knew our family. I was away when your grandmother, my mother, faced the Purity Coven and won, but I wasn’t there for her to help her and I always felt guilty, like if I had had power, maybe Ethpeal would still have her mind.”

“Mom tells me nothing could have saved Gram, Uncle Frank,” I said. “She gave up too much.”

Uncle Frank nodded. “Still. You can guess how I felt.”

I nodded, silent, not knowing what to say. I had never been on the comfort side before, at least not with him.

“I decided to try to find my magic on my own, by any means necessary. It really hadn’t occurred to me that maybe I was born normal after all. I always believed that the magic was hidden, blocked somehow and if I could find just the right spell, the right ritual, I could release it and finally claim my birthright.

“I tried everything, Syd, as guilty as that makes me feel. Yes,” he held up one hand to silence me before I could ask the obvious, shock on my face, “I even dabbled in negative magic. It never went very far, mind you, but only because I couldn’t bear the price. I contacted demons and foreign covens, witch doctors and priests but no one could help me. No one.

“At least, that’s what I thought. Until I met Sunny and everything changed.”

I looked at Sunny, too stunned by the revelations Uncle Frank was sharing to speak, but wanting her side of the story. Sunny smiled hesitantly at both of us.

“Frank changed everything for me too, Syd,” she said softly. Someone in the kitchen laughed loudly and we all jumped. Sunny giggled. “It feels like we’re breaking the rules, Frank.”

“We are. Keep going, Sunshine.”

She nodded, pale red hair rippling. “I’ve been around a long time, Syd,” she said. “And no, a lady doesn’t tell her age but I will tell you this:  I’ve been around long enough to know that someone like your Uncle Frank and the wonderful family that made him don’t come around very often.”

I tried to ignore the gentle chiding and nodded.

She touched my face gently and smiled again. “When I met Frank, I had been alone for a long time. I had given up the traditional vampire ways of feeding on normals and turned to already drawn blood. Not as satisfying but does the trick.”

I tried not to shudder.

“I had decided that it was too dangerous for me to be around normals from then on and had begun to search for a place I could hide for the rest of eternity.”  She made a face. “Am I glad I gave up that idea.”

Uncle Frank laughed. “Me too, love.”

Somehow their exchanges of gooey eyes didn’t bother me as much as my mom and dad.

Sunny went on. “Frank and I hit it off immediately, I think because he knew right away what I was and didn’t care. I stayed in the world for him at first out of curiosity and then out of love. When Frank finally told me what he was searching for, I felt terrible for him and wished there was something I could do to help. I went with him to try to find an answer but with each failure I watched him become more and more withdrawn, more desperate and torn apart.”

“I was a bit of a mess,” Uncle Frank grinned.

“I guess,” she answered. “One night we started talking about power. Frank knew I had some magic and to him, at that point, some magic was better than none. We came up with a plan to infuse him with just enough of my blood to trigger his power but keep him alive.”

“Guess that didn’t work, huh?”  I kept it light and the pair laughed.

“Nope,” Uncle Frank said. “We both underestimated the strength of the vampire infection.”

“I wanted so much to make you happy. And because of that I gave you too much,” Sunny sighed.

“You gave me what I asked for,” Uncle Frank leaned over me to kiss Sunny on the temple. “And it wasn’t enough. I took more and ended up, well, dead.”

“Happy dead,” she laughed.

“You betcha,” he laughed back.

I sat between the two vampires and felt like a total jerk. I had spent so much time feeling sorry for myself that I hadn’t even considered that they had a sadder story than I did.

“That’s crappy, Uncle Frank. No offense, Sunny,” I said quickly.

“None taken,” she murmured with a smile.

Uncle Frank disagreed, however. “I’m exactly where I want to be. And because of Sunny and the vampirism, my power, my magic, emerged. I’m finally what I wanted all along.”

“Knowing what you know, being who you are, how could you put up with me all that time?” I asked him, outraged for him at myself as odd as that was. “I would have smacked me up side the head about a million years ago.”

Uncle Frank smiled at me. “Because, Syd. Despite the fact we wanted opposite things, you were exactly like me. You just wanted to fit in, to be normal, like everyone else. Except, normal to you was, well, exactly that. To be a normal. I got it, I get it and I love you for it.”

“I feel a huge ‘but’ hanging out there, Uncle Frank,” I said.

He nodded, serious.  “But… be careful, Syd, very careful what you wish for. It never happens exactly the way you want and can severely bite you in the butt. And the power, it doesn’t just go away, it just hides for a while… and when it comes out, it can take everything away again…”

I hugged myself then and they hugged me too. I felt their love pour over me and into me like a warm wave, but this time I didn’t resist. Not their love, their power, because I felt perfect and accepted in their arms, like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

“Because you don’t expect anything from me,” I whispered.

Uncle Frank leaned back, eyes widening. “Is that it, kiddo?”

“I guess that’s part of it. I’m tired of being told who I am, what I’m supposed to do, be, how powerful I’m supposed to be, it’s crap, Uncle Frank and I’m sick of it.”

He was suddenly very still.

“Have you told them?”

“What’s to tell?”  I felt the bitterness well up and didn’t try to hide it from them. “They don’t care. All that matters is the family, the power, the lineage. You get that, Uncle Frank. They did it to you too.”

He sighed then, deep and long.

“Now it’s my turn to be sorry, Syd. I had no idea.”

“Maybe I didn’t either until just now,” I said, believing it. Weird how revelations can come on a stairway in the dark with two vampires as witnesses. I’d have to try it again.

I pulled myself to my feet, away from them, suddenly really tired.

“I’m going to go to bed. Can you tell Mom if she asks?”

“Did you make her cry?”  He asked.

“Yup,” I sighed.

“I’ll tell her,” he winked.

I hugged both of them and continued on up the stairs, my whole body feeling heavy and almost sore. I made it to the last step and my bedroom, aware that I was feeling way less sorry for myself but wondering if I would ever really be free.

“Love you, Syd,” Uncle Frank said.

“Love you too,” I said, and closed my bedroom door.

About Family Magic

Her mom’s a witch.

Her dad’s a demon.

And she just wants to be ordinary.

I batted at the curl of smoke drifting off the tip of my candle and tried not to sneeze. My heavy velvet cloak fell in oppressive, suffocating folds in the closed space of the ceremony chamber, the cowl trapping the annoying bits of puff I missed. I hated the way my eyes burned and teared, an almost constant distraction. Not that I didn’t welcome the distraction, to be honest. Anything to take my mind from what went on around me.

Being part of a demon raising is way less exciting than it sounds.

Sydlynn Hayle’s life couldn’t be more complicated. Trying to please her coven, starting over in a new town, and fending off a bully cheerleader who hates her are just the beginning of her troubles. What to do when delicious football hero Brad Peters–boyfriend of her cheer nemesis–shows interest? If only the darkly yummy witch, Quaid Moromond, didn’t make it so difficult for her to focus on fitting in with the normal kids. Add to that her crazy grandmother’s constant escapes driving her family to the brink and Syd’s between a rock and a coven site. Forced to take on power she doesn’t want to protect a coven who blames her for everything, only she can save her family’s magic.

If her family’s distrust doesn’t destroy her first.

Find Family Magic on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Connect with Patti Larsen on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Filed under: Author Promotions

Find out how you can read @AllegoriesTarot BEFORE it releases Oct. 31st

Allegories of the Tarot, the anthology spearheaded by friend and editor, Annetta Ribken, is launching October 31st!

I have a story in it called “Modern Love,” (just like the David Bowie song) and it’s inspired by the Tarot card: The Lovers.

Want to read it along with 21 other stories BEFORE it releases? Well…you can!

We are looking for people who wish to read and write an honest review on or near the release date.

If you’re interested, contact Badass Marketing at: Anne (at) badassmktg (dot) com, or let me know in a comment below, and I can arrange an e-ARC (electronic advanced reader copy) for you.

Many thanks for supporting this project, and look for more updates here before the Oct. 31st launch date!

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Stay in touch with Allegories of the Tarot

Website | Google+ |  Facebook |  Twitter

All 22 writers are featured here with their cards.
Don’t you just LOVE the cover?  

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Filed under: Writing Joint Ventures

Harmonica Monday with David Bowie

The harmonica is a great accent instrument in this David Bowie classic, ”The Jean Genie.”

If you love the sexy sound, pick up Fall into Winter, one of my books that includes harmonica and mentions a song by David Bowie.

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Buy links: 

US | UK | Canada | Germany | France | Japan | Italy | Spain

Filed under: Musical Mondays

Music Mondays with Sonny Boy Williamson

This is great footage of the incredible Sonny Boy Williamson singing and playing harp. You have to love the lyrics of “Your Funeral, My Trial”

” … I’m begging you baby

Cut out that off the wall jive

Woman, if you can’t treat me no better

It’s going to be your funeral and my trial …”

And that’s why I love the blues.

If you do too, pick up Seduced by the Blues, one of my books that includes blues and harmonica.

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Buy links: 

US | UK | Canada | Germany | France | Japan | Italy | Spain

Filed under: Musical Mondays

Get Inside the Mind of Actor and Author @GregorCollins

Gregor Collins was introduced to me by friend Marcella Selbach, a patron of the arts whom I had the pleasure of interviewing last year.

Gregor has written a personal account of his time with Holocaust Refugee, Maria Altmann in his bestselling book, The Accidental Caregiver.

Please welcome him and learn more about this multi-talented man.

Buy on Amazon US or Amazon UK | Book Trailer on Youtube

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When thirty-two-year-old actor Gregor Collins reluctantly interviewed for a job as a caregiver more out of a favor to a friend – he had no idea his life was about to change forever.

Seconds into a chance meeting in 2008 with, it would turn out, a world-renowned Holocaust refugee named Maria Altmann, there was an unexplainable magic in the air – it felt as if they had already met. And Collins was suddenly thrown into a situation with which he had never before been confronted: caring for someone other than himself.

Gregor offers us a personal and unprecedented look at Maria over the three intimate years he cared for her – her thrilling escape from the Nazis, her fight and subsequent win in the landmark Supreme Court case to return original Gustav Klimt artwork that belonged to her family in Austria, and the extraordinary people she met along the way. But the real heart of the story transcends mere historical facts.

Through a refreshingly raw portrayal of their unlikely and unbreakable bond, imbued with humorous, candid anecdotes about his mercurial relationship with Hollywood, Gregor takes us on a deeply emotional journey of how he opened up his heart to a 92-year-old woman in need – and in turn experienced the love he had been searching for his entire life.

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Inside Gregor’s Mind

[eden] Thrilled to have you here, Gregor, and I’m happy to meet you. Let’s start with a serious question.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? I don’t have one. Seriously. I’m not trying to be a contrarian, but I really don’t. Well, I do, in so many words, if I can get you to continue reading. It’s actually scary to me to think of what perfect happiness is, because it doesn’t exist, nor would I want it to exist. Perfect happiness to me is being able to get up when I’ve been knocked down; having the courage to admit when I’m wrong; lending an ear to people to whom my first instinct is to ignore; keeping my mind open; seeing the light in the throes of despair. This is all happiness to me. It’s the challenge of life—in other words the beauty of life—to find the sun after the rain. You can only enjoy the sun if you’ve been through a rainstorm.

[eden] Beautiful answer. 

What turns you on creatively? Art. Europe. The Renaissance. Monet. Van Gogh. Music. Pinot Noir. Salad. History. Elegance. Women. Culture. Open hearts/open minds. Honesty. Love. Nineteenth-century Russian novels. Thunderstorms. New haircut. New shoes. Middle-of-the-Night-Showers. Close shaves. Chocolate. Peanut butter. Movies. Breaking Bad. Madmen. Living in the present. Love.

Do you overuse any words or phrases? I try not to overuse. I really do. I’m actually a brilliant under-user, but I use “throes” a lot. In fact I think I used it already in this interview. I also use, and by use I mean say in conversation, “taciturn” and “loquacious” more often than I should. I just love those two words for some reason and they just happen to be opposites. I also like saying the word “elegant.” It’s very elegant.

What quality do you most admire in a man? Someone unafraid to admit mistakes. That is the defining trait of a real man.

And in a woman? A pulse. That was bad. But it was funny. No, maybe just to me. Or to immature frat boys. But seriously. A warm, loving, giving, open heart. That’s what I most love in a woman. And a pulse. You can delete this answer.

[eden] I told you I don’t censor. I also don’t delete  

What is your greatest regret? My greatest regrets are always small, stupid things that you’ll think I said just to be funny. Things like I wish I ordered the sugar donut instead of the chocolate one, or I wish when I was invited to drive a Nascar that I drove faster, or that I should have asked that girl out at the grocery store. Things like this. The big things, I am totally cool with. I don’t spend much time thinking “I should have been a doctor,” or “I wish I had different parents,” or whatever regretful people think up. Because I know I am who I am because of what I’ve done, and I’m proud of it all, probably as proud of poor decisions as I am of smart ones. But yeah. Food is big. I wish I ordered the steak instead of the pasta! Darnit!

[eden] It’s a nice spin, you sweat the small stuff! 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Patience: lack of it. Not to get so worked up and have more of an ability to just know that everything is going to work out, and to relax, and to live in the present. Ahhhhhhh.

Your greatest fear? The limitations I put on myself. The walls I put up, often subconsciously. That the next time I’m my own worst enemy it will cost me dearly. My fears are all my own demons. I’m not scared of anything physical in this world, only mental. I’m also very scared of passive/aggressive people. Vewy, vewy scared.

Which living person do you most admire? Oprah. Next question?

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Either a chocolate and peanut butter cookie taster, or a steak or hamburger taster. Actually I’d like to be all three. And then I’d like to play the lead in The (White) Nutty Professor 14. All jokes aside, I’m serious about this.

[eden] I think you can create this job niche. And I see you are a foodie!

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? I would like to come back as a guy who just wants mediocrity. He has no ambition other than to wake up, smile, enjoy the day, and go to sleep. If not that I’d like to come back as Catherine the Great. She was quite a lady.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Without an inkling of a doubt, this: Writing and publishing The Accidental Caregiver. I would also consider that my most important achievement.

[eden] I think it’s pretty big, and congratulations on all the wonderful reviews of the book too. 

Is there a trait you most deplore in others? It’s a four-way tie between people who say one thing and do another, people who don’t admit their faults, people who are late, and, you guessed it, people who are passive/aggressive.

What is your greatest extravagance? I’m pretty un-extravagant. Seriously (I know I say “seriously” a lot. Get over it). It’s actually how I stay afloat in such a crazy business, and my simple ways of living is one of my secrets to happiness. But if I have to list one thing it would probably be healthy food. I go to great lengths to make sure I’m eating well and staying healthy.

Do you have one thing you want to do before you die? The one thing? Just one? Hmm. I’d like to go to South America. Not necessarily before I die, but… well, I guess anything I’d do on earth would be considered before I die, it doesn’t have to be “on my deathbed,” so, okay, South America. Brazil. Or Argentina. I hear the women are really, really ugly down there. Sigh.

Lightning round: Favorite writer/musician/film director? Film director: Terrence Malick, Musician: Bob Pollard. But, c’mon, favorite? Too hard!

Your favorite curse words? I have three: Fuck, fuck and FUCK.

What is your motto? Just do it.

[eden] Ha, Gregor! Just like NIKE.

Readers, please say “hi” to Gregor and connect to him on all his networks.

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Connect to Gregor

Gregor is an actor, author, television and film producer, and social media maverick. After graduating from Florida State University he began working in Hollywood as a PA for a TV show called Blind Date. He’s since produced an array of reality television shows and independent films, performed critically acclaimed lead roles in the features Night Before the Wedding and Goodbye Promise, co-wrote the upcoming feature A Good Day to Die starring Cloris Leachman, teaches a social media course at Udemy, and writes for Cinema Editor Magazine. In August 2012 he published his debut book, The Accidental Caregiver, currently an Amazon bestseller in both the US and UK.

Amazon Author Page | Blog | Twitter @GregorCollins

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Filed under: Author & Artist Interviews

Music Mondays with Little Walter

Bending notes, blues, and Little Walter, he’s the first and only artist ever to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame specifically for his work as a harmonica player—a true master of the instrument.

I’m still taking lessons and loving it.

Enjoy “My Babe,” and pick up Seduced by the Blues, one of my books that includes blues and harmonica.

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Buy links: 

US | UK | Canada | Germany | France | Japan | Italy | Spain

Filed under: Musical Mondays

Join me w/ @LydiaAswolf on Lydia’s Literary Lowdown

She’s funny and sweet and so full of life, and I can’t wait to talk to her!

Please join me tomorrow at 5:00 PM EST, as I chat with Lydia Aswolf on her wonderful podcast, Lydia’s Literary Lowdown.

I interviewed Lydia last week, but she actually invited me on her show first.

So thrilled we finally got it together, so please join us!

You can tune in by hitting the banner below.

 Sept 21st – 5 PM EST.

Hope you can make it.

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Lydia’s Literary Lowdown gives you the lowdown on what’s making heads turn in publishing today. Trends, best sellers, what will be hot, (and not) on the publishing scene next. Literary agents and editors telling us what they’d like to see in their inboxes. Aspiring authors speaking up about their victories, defeats, and unrelenting spirit to sprint ahead and blow dry the ink on their publishing contracts, already. Screenwriters working on that next great film. Poets introducing us to new, exciting prose. Artists of all stripes, supporting other artists. Guests both traditionally and self published pop by to tell us about their latest offerings. We talk book to movie adaptations. The latest hot button topics and scandals taking place in the teeming world of tomes. Social media and marketing experts give advice on how to build that all important platform. The latest writing contests. The nightmares turned into dreams come true overnight. The Lowdown prides itself on welcoming the only crowd you want to hang out with: the write one.

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Connect to Lydia

Website | Blog | Twitter @LydiaAswolf

Lydia’s Literary Lowdown on BlogTalk Radio

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Filed under: Eden's Guest Blogs & Interviews, Important Announcements

Urban fantasy author @CarrieClevenger releases TRAITORS

Author Carrie Clevenger is officially releasing a new Crooked Fang novella next week, and I wanted to help her spread the word! Her popular series centers around Xan Marcelles, bassist for the band, Crooked Fang. He also happens to be a vampire.

I think you will enjoy learning more about this mysterious and beautiful author, so be sure to connect to Carrie at all her virtual homes and pick up her books!

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Buy TRAITORS on Amazon

Traitors is of novella-length and is the second story set in the Crooked Fang universe to continue the series.

Duty calls, but Xan doesn’t have to like it. Vampire Xan Marcelles and his band, Crooked Fang, have been sitting idle for almost two months when Xan’s given a job offer he can’t refuse. Only it is not a music gig — it’s a multiple hit in a Texas town called Bartlett. Given no details except six names and a location, Xan hits the road. He’s always worked alone at this sort of job, but now there’s no way but to have Nin riding shotgun. Can Xan take out his marks and keep Nin out of trouble or have the years out of circulation blunted his edge?

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Buy CROOKED FANG on Amazon

Xan Marcelles–bassist for Crooked Fang, vampire and full-time asshole, is content with his quiet existence in the backwoods of Pinecliffe, Colorado. But life at the Pale Rider tavern is set to become a little more complicated when he gets entangled with a feisty, blue-haired damsel and her abusive soon-to-be ex boyfriend.

To add to his woes, he’s gone from hunter to hunted, and his past returns to haunt him when a phone call draws him back to New Mexico. With the help of friends from his living past, he must get to the bottom of a murder, and figure out where he stands with his lover and his band, all while keeping one step ahead of his enemies. Hiding won’t be easy for him, especially with a mysterious woman dogging him every step of the way.

 

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Connect to Carrie

Carrie Clevenger landed in the urban fantasy genre when she couldn’t decide between horror and humor. When not writing she enjoys listening to music, hanging out with musicians, attending local venues, catching her favorite bands on tour, and obsessing over The Next Big Album release. Carrie resides in Austin, Texas. See more of Carrie’s work on MINDSPEAK.

Website | Twitter @carrieclevenger | Twitter @crookedfang | Facebook

Amazon author page | Goodreads | About Me | Pinterest

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Filed under: Author Promotions

Spring into Summer #99cents until Sunday ONLY

Since Sept 1st, I’ve priced  Spring into Summer  for 99 cents (saving $4.00) as an “end of summer” sale.

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over.

When that happens, the sale will be over too, so buy it now while it’s less than the price of a cup of coffee!

Many thanks for your continued support,

eden

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada 

Germany | France | Spain | Japan | Italy | Brazil

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In Spring into Summer, a collection of emotionally-charged erotic novellas, four women explore their limits, marked by love, lust, and loss. 

Life for Claire Pelletier is changed forever when she meets a professor who teaches her a most important lesson in “A Season for Everything.” Evelyn Sutton goes in search of a man in “Unlocking the Mystery” and discovers the key to her own heart. With an open mind, Ava Connors attends a party but wonders if reality can ever live up to her hottest fantasies in “Summer Solstice.” In “The Lottery,” Sierra Zhao sacrifices herself to numerous men to help a friend, fully aware of the consequences.

With locations in London, Dublin, Cape Cod, and Bangkok, these four women will seek pleasure to alter their lives and push their boundaries.

A Few Reviews

“… I can’t begin to tell you how much the first story “A Season for Everything” touched me. It was so poignant and passionate that it stayed with me throughout the entire book … The love between Claire and Stephen was just so real and I felt it in every part of me. I mean, it truly was the best story in my eyes. I read it three times because I just couldn’t let it go. Call me a sap, because this story was wonderful…” ~ Diantha Jones of Masquerade Crew

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“… I was absolutely blown away by the 50 year romance … in “Unlocking the Mystery” with simply letters. Heck, they didn’t even progress to e-mail as the letters were still on paper in 2010 and 2011. Theirs was truly a deep, committed love to continue with writing these letters, some extremely erotic. Also, the woman who delivers the last letter, Evelyn, even gets a reward of her own…or at least it appears that way. And no, not sex…something even better. ~ L Smith, Top Amazon Reviewer

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“Though sex and sexuality were themes in the previous two stories, they were not as prevalent as they are in this story (Summer Solstice) which boils to the brim with passion, lust and desire. This story is not for the faint of heart … with its heavier emphasis on Erotica and erotic themes…” ~ Wyatt McIntyre

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“…’The Lottery’ takes an exotic, slightly dangerous turn as a woman explores her need to experience life outside the constraints of normalcy, opening up opportunities for friendship, understanding and even love…” ~ Beach Bum Books

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Filed under: -Promo of Spring into Summer