T.R. Graves's Blog: T. R. Graves, Author, page 20

Kony 2012 - Help Invisible Children Become Visible

Sometimes, there are things you hear...things you see that are so horrific you can no longer look away from them.  When that happens, everyday life - benign problems - becomes unimportant, and things are put into perspective.  Today, that happened for me. 

My socially conscious daughter insisted I watch a video.  I rolled my eyes and claimed I didn't have 30 minutes to spend watching a video on Youtube.  She begged me to do it anyway and even went so far as to pull it up on my computer and watch it with me.

Early in the video, passionate and powerful words, ones that will resonate with me forever, were spoken by the man who made the documentary.  "Who are you to end a war?  I'm here to tell you...Who are you not to?" 

This video will make you laugh.  Then, it will make you cry.  No.  Not cry.  Sob.  When Jacob breaks down over the death of his brother and claims that he wanted to die so he could see him again, I ached.  The brilliant men spearheading this cause know how powerful 'united voices' can be, and they are taking advantage of it.  Join me in empowering this revolution.  Make Kony famous in 2012 and help The Invisible Children become visible.

Pledge HERE to make a difference.

Donate HERE to shape the world.



WHO IS JOSEPH KONY?JOSEPH KONY IS THE WORLD'S WORST WAR CRIMINAL. IN 1987 HE TOOK OVER LEADERSHIP OF AN EXISTING REBEL GROUP AND RENAMED IT THE LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY (LRA).THE LRA HAS EARNED A REPUTATION FOR ITS CRUEL AND BRUTAL TACTICS. WHEN JOSEPH KONY FOUND HIMSELF RUNNING OUT OF FIGHTERS, HE STARTED ABDUCTING CHILDREN TO BE SOLDIERS IN HIS ARMY OR "WIVES" FOR HIS OFFICERS. THE LRA IS ENCOURAGED TO RAPE, MUTILATE, AND KILL CIVILIANS–OFTEN WITH BLUNT WEAPONS.THE LRA IS NO LONGER ACTIVE IN NORTHERN UGANDA (WHERE IT ORIGINATED) BUT IT CONTINUES ITS CAMPAIGN OF VIOLENCE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, AND SOUTH SUDAN. IN ITS 26-YEAR HISTORY, THE LRA HAS ABDUCTED MORE THAN 30,000 CHILDREN AND DISPLACED AT LEAST 2.1 MILLION PEOPLE.WHAT IS THE GOAL OF KONY 2012?INVISIBLE CHILDREN HAS BEEN WORKING FOR 9 YEARS TO END AFRICA'S LONGEST-RUNNING ARMED CONFLICT. U.S. MILITARY ADVISERS ARE CURRENTLY DEPLOYED IN CENTRAL AFRICA ON A "TIME-LIMITED" MISSION TO STOP KONY AND DISARM THE LRA. IF KONY ISN'T CAPTURED THIS YEAR, THE WINDOW WILL BE GONE.WE ARE TAKING ACTION TO ENSURE THESE TWO THINGS:1) THAT JOSEPH KONY IS KNOWN AS THE WORLD'S WORST WAR CRIMINAL.2) THAT THE U.S. MILITARY ADVISERS SUPPORT THE UGANDAN ARMY UNTIL KONY HAS BEEN CAPTURED AND THE LRA HAS BEEN COMPLETELY DISARMED. THEY NEED TO FOLLOW THROUGH ALL THE WAY AND FINISH WHAT THEY HAVE STARTED.WHY ARE WE MAKING JOSEPH KONY "FAMOUS"?INVISIBLE CHILDREN'S KONY 2012 CAMPAIGN AIMS TO MAKE JOSEPH KONY FAMOUS, NOT TO CELEBRATE HIM, BUT TO RAISE SUPPORT FOR HIS ARREST AND SET A PRECEDENT FOR INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE. IN THIS CASE, NOTORIETY TRANSLATES TO PUBLIC SUPPORT. IF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE CRIMES THAT KONY HAS BEEN COMMITTING FOR 26 YEARS, THEY WILL UNITE TO STOP HIM.SECONDLY, WE WANT KONY TO BE FAMOUS SO THAT WHEN HE IS STOPPED, HE WILL BE A VISIBLE, CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE. THEN OTHER WAR CRIMINALS WILL KNOW THAT THEIR MASS ATROCITIES WILL NOT GO UNNOTICED OR UNPUNISHED.

YA Indie Carnival - Breaking Through Writer's Block

This week, the  YA Indie Carnival  sponsors will be sharing techniques for persevering through writer's block.  The condition dreaded by every author ever can happen at any time and in any place.  When it begins crippling my progress and impacting the quality of the story, I do lots of unique things to make sure the story does not suffer a fatal blow.  In every case so far, I've managed to break the barrier down, get my characters out of the hole I've painted them into, and move forward.
In order to do this, there are a few things I do in order to prevent full-blown panic mode.  I...start at the beginning of the story and read it.  This grounds me and reminds me where I was going.  Also, refocusing gives me a chance to see where the book's path began falling apart.  Because I'm obsessive compulsive, I begin the editing process while I'm at it. That makes me feel like the use of my time is productive.  If this doesn't work, I... read someone else's book.  When I read for this specific purpose, I read a book I've already read so I can stop as soon as I break through the block.  This is important because if I begin reading a new book, I won't stop until it's finished (breakthrough or not).  If this does not work, I...keep writing, knowing I may have to delete or update every word written.  My most memorable scenes were written while I was enduring some powerful blocks, ones that made me question what I do and why I do it.  After racking my brain for a few hours about where I am going with the story and which characters are going there with me, I stop and change gears all together and write some other part of the book.  Leave that scene behind for awhile.  I've come to realize that readers are very intuitive.  They know when authors force a scene, and they are willing to tell everyone about the story's weaknesses.  Inevitably, their comments will negatively impact sales, and it is not worth it.  Take some time, walk away, and come back refreshed and ready to tackle the scene from a new perspective.  Below, I've included the Prologue for Warriors of the Cross.  It was written during one of my more frustrating blocks.  At the time, I decided to regroup and concentrate on something new.    Taking my mind off Allison's life, I decided to introduce a new character, one who would never be formally introduced in The Warrior Series.  While I was writing about her, I decided to make her entrance as unforgettable as possible.  By the time I finished with these few pages, I was back on target and ready to get to the business of writing Allison's story.ENJOY!!
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PrologueGalveston, Texas1986

All peace and calm ended the second the patient presentedto the emergency room.  Julia was theon-call physician when he came in, and she knew it would be life changing. 
"Please, I'm begging of you.  Save my son," the mother, Angela Demorte,wailed while desperately kissing Julia's feet. 
"God gave you the power to save people.  My son, my only remaining child, needs you,"Angela pled through her body shaking sobs.
Do not save him.  This is the boy of your dreams.  If you do, he will kill your unborn baby andbegin unstoppable events.
The prophetic voices echoing through Julia's mind refusedto be quieted.  Believing everycommanding word spoken, she knew better than to ignore the message.  The impossible thing to overlook was theviolent way the young boy was passing. He was just seconds from his death.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Demorte. I want to help you, but you have been misinformed.  Your son is dying, and there is nothing I cando for him," said Julia, stepping away from the boy and making sure to avoideven one ounce of skin-to-skin contact with him.  She knew the second she touched him alloptions would vanish.  She would not beable to walk away regardless of the ramifications.
With Julia's lie and Devin's final seizure, the baby inJulia's stomach began to revolt. 
Putting her hand over her belly and rubbing, Julia feltthe outline of two arms and two feet rambunctiously striking from theinside.  Her ability to hear her baby'sthoughts – read her emotions – meant she understood the infant was throwing akicking-and-screaming fit.
Save him!  Let me save him! 
The baby begged in the same heart-wrenching manner of theboy's mother.
NO! 
Julia refused. Loving the baby unconditionally, she wanted to give in to the naiverequest…one made without regard for the consequences.
Without warning, Julia lost control of her body'sactions.  Her feet moved in the oppositedirection of the one she intended to go. As she reached for the unconscious and deathly grey Devin, her stomach'shands protruded underneath the skin's surface. 
"NO!  NO!  NO!" 
Julia screamed aloud. She was too afraid for her baby to care who heard her.
Yes, Mommy! 
The infant disputed her decision and followed throughwith her plan to save the boy even if it meant death for both of them.  With Julia as the median, the fetus reachedout to touch Devin.
When she gripped his palm there was a surge of electricitycomparable to the sustained shock of a Taser gun.  Julia was unable to remove her hand from thesource of her pain, Devin.
As if in a nightmare, she was powerless to prevent herbaby from suffering the painful sear of the neuromuscular weakness. 
      Regretting her failure as amother and melting to the ground in a withering ball of agony, Julia lostconsciousness. 

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1.Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series2.Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series3.Heather Self4.T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series5.Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga6.Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy7.Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 8.K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed9.Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series10.Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy11.Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 12.Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey13.M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 14.Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind15.Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls16.Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler17.Gwenn Wright, author of Filter18.TG Ayer19.Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy20.Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga21.Roots in Myth, PJ Hoover22.Courtney Cole Writes

Today's Host: Rachel Coles, Author of Pazuzu's Girl

Hi, T. R.

Thanks for hosting me on your blog! Pazuzu's Girl wasreleased February 10th by Journalstone Publishing, and it's reallybeen an exciting month.
I've gotten some questions about it so I thought I'd coverthe biggest question: Why Pazuzu? Why a demon?
I am fascinated by demons. Not just because they're 'evil'and I'm an ex-metalhead. I was always interested in how they evolved. Prettyconsistently, if you look at the names of the demons, you notice that theirnames pop up in ancient mythology as gods. Ba'al, one of the demons mentionedin The Rite and who can be found in the Catholic church as Beelzebub, can alsobe found in Akkadian mythology as a storm god presiding over the city of Ur asBa'al/Hadad. Abraham in the Old Testament smashed his father's idols, whichwere coincidentally, of Ba'al. Ba'al itself just means 'lord'. It was also usedas a household title for head of the house, maybe instead of saying 'Mr.' Canyou imagine getting a telemarketer or at your door saying, "Excuse me, Ba'al, canyou spare a few minutes to talk about homeowners insurance? Now to Pazuzu.
Well, he was still pretty much a demon in Assyrianmythology. However, he had some interesting characteristics. His wife,according to myth, was another demoness known as Lamashtu. But amulets of himhave been found and history passed down that these amulets were protective,used to ward off Lamashtu and protect mothers from things like childbed feverand what now would probably be called SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome. He wasused as protection against his own wife. This possibly points to a dual nature.There was a tenuous link postulated between some ancient Sumerian and Akkadianfigures and the later Pazuzu of Assyrian myth. There was a character in theGilgamesh Epic and the Enuma Elish called the Imdugud bird (Sumerian), and Anzu(Akkadian). This minor god, like many gods of that era and time were astemperamental and complicated as humans, not characterized in all stories assolely good or evil. One story has the Anzu bird stealing the Tablet of Destinyfrom Enlil, and another has Anzu rewarding the father of Gilgamesh for honoringAnzu's offspring, by leading the human out of the mountains he had gotten lostin during a war campaign. There were waves of invasion into the FertileCrescent, the region in which these myths arose, beginning in the Neolithicperiod. The first known inhabitants are collectively known as the Sumerians. Intruth, they consisted of a number of different cultures of varying progressiveadvancement typed according to characteristics of their artifacts. But they hadcertain things such as language base in common enough to link them. Thefollowing invasions differed in terms of technologies, pottery, language base.What often happened in areas like this was that the gods of the invaded culturewere often absorbed by the invading culture, and so often the forms of mythspersisted in cultural transmission.
I do not know archaeologically or linguistically if a linkcan actually be made between Anzu and Pazuzu, but it is possible, and certainlyfun to speculate, that if myths were people, how might a transformation reallyhappen.
So here is an excerpt from Pazuzu's Girl, I hope you likeit!
Morphoshook out her brilliant blue hair in front of the mirror behind the door of herpink room. She threw on her torn leather jacket over a ruffled pink sock thatpassed for a mini-dress. She flounced down the stairs, grabbed her Tinker Bellbackpack and the peanut butter toast her father's servant had left, and ploppedher skateboard on the tiles of the front porch. One of them dislodged as shejumped the board down the steps.A loud chatter emerged from the thousands of grasshoppers thathid throughout the partially eaten lawn and manicured bushes. She heard them asthough they spoke in English . Iknow you're mad at me, but was that really necessary? Lugal just fixed those.Are you angry with him as well? A couple of grasshoppersfluttered after her and hitched a bumpy ride on the strap of her pack beforecrawling up to her shoulder.She rolled her eyes and did a rattling jump just for theirbenefit. "No, Dad. I'm not mad at him. And not everything I do is just to pissyou off." Her lips set in a grim line and she rode in silence. The grasshoppers twittered and hung on as she took the curbs ashard as possible. Then to what do we owe your sunny mood?She glowered. "I'm a freak. We are freaks." She whirled herfinger in a circle to include everyone around her in freak-dom.Youdyed your hair blue. That's generally not what people do when they are tryingto avoid attention, her dad gently reminded her. "I'm laying my cards on the table. We have to replace the lawnand shrubs every couple days because you eat everything in the yard. Andeveryone thinks Lugal is your love slave. Our differences aren't exactly 'Don'task, don't tell.' By the way, we got another fine from the stupid housingassociation. They're threatening to send pest control."The grasshopperschirped. "I'll deal with them. And I thought you liked Lugal.""I do like him. But you might want to let him know everyonethinks he's your boyfriend, partner...whatever." She flipped her board up andstormed into the school hall, late for class, as the grasshoppers flitted away.
*   *   *
Thousands of grasshoppers emerged from nooks and cranniesthroughout the denuded sod in front of 248 Rowan Street, Ken Caryl, Colorado.As they flooded into the hallway of the house from the moist April breezeoutside, the swarm of glittering wings and golden-brown bodies condensed intothe figure of a tall thin man with golden eyes, black hair and slightly caninefeatures around the mouth. Pazuzu, Demon of the Air and the Southwest Wind,stalked into his suburban home to deal with the four-hundredth letter from hishomeowner's association and ruminate on how to handle an angsty teenagedaughter. Lugal, an equally tall, sturdy man with dark features and ahawk's nose, dropped to his knees and bowed his face to the floor as Pazuzuentered. His palms flattened on the ground in obeisance. His right hand wasmarred by rough white scar tissue across the palm and wrist. "Lord, what isyour will?"Pazuzu motioned the man to his feet. "I accept your loyalty," henodded, "but you have not bowed to me since the first time we met, except whenyou have done something you knew would displease me. What have you done?" Heglowered.Lugal raised a carefully-groomed eyebrow and his eyelid twitchedfor a moment. "I have not seen such a look on your face for many years. Ithought you might benefit from an old formality."Pazuzu's lips curled up in a smile that looked like a grimace."Did you see Morpho's attire? We are supposed to maintain a low profile!" Lugal's white teeth flashed and the other eyebrow rose. "Forgivemy impudence, Lord, but have you seen some of the other children at the highschool? She is fitting in."Pazuzu met the dark man's eyes and they both burst into deeprolling laughter. Pazuzu sank down into the tasteful but nondescript kitchenchair and picked up the HOA letter. He took the content in at a glance andtossed it back on the table. "She told me about this.""What will you do?" Lugal brought pungent-smelling cardamom teato the table."I will be the indignant homeowner at one of their sillymeetings. They have been fining us since we arrived more than a year ago. Itgives them something to do and makes them feel important, happy with theirpower. Happy neighbors are quiet neighbors.""But they have threatened to hire extermination services." Lugalsipped his tea, watching Pazuzu warily.Pazuzu leaned forward slightly, and his golden irises lit fromwithin, then faded. "I will dissuade them."Lugal was silent for a moment. "Has there been any sign of her?Of the Scourge?My spies have detected nothing yet."Agitation distorted Pazuzu's lips into a snarl, making him lookmore canine than ever. "No. Not aside from the usual events in the news lately.The bombings, the shootings, in many of the nations near the old kingdom, nearUruk. I see nothing direct, only her influence.""She is subtle. That is how she gained her power beforeyou left her. What will you do should she find Morpho?"Pazuzu's eyes flashed and a rasping breeze lifted in the room.Lugal quietly placed his scarred hand on the napkins to keep them fromskittering off the table. Pazuzu's voice was like the sound of a millionfurious, buzzing insects as he answered, "I will protect my child."

Pazuzu's Girl is available on Amazon,Barnesand Noble, and the Journalstonewebsite. It is available in both paperback and e-book. And as a special forT. R.'s site for her awesomeness in hosting me, we're doing a 3 e-book giveawayfor 2/27/12 only (leave a comment & email address to be entered to win one of  the three Pazuzu's Girl  ebooks being given away). If you get the book for the giveaway it would be really terrific to hearwhat you think! Please review it on any of the above sites or Goodreads.
T. R.'s booksare a lot of fun to read. She is a very talented author, and if you have notalready, you should check out her Warriors of the Cross series. I have them onmy Kindle!
Thankyou again T. R. for hosting me! I look forward to your next book.

YA Indie Carnival - Name That Tune

This week, the sponsors of the YA Indie Carnival are asking you to 'Name That Tune' while we share artists/songs that keep us writing.  The passion these artists put to paper, the emotions they couple with their music, and the proof artists can be prosperous are perfect companions for writers striving to achieve success in a slightly different way.  Because my choices are so eclectic, I thought it may be better to tell you who my favorite artists are (rather than make you guess) and the relevance of the songs they sing.  There are several recording artists mentioned throughout The Warrior Series. This topic makes themeligible for a more formal shout out. In addition to the singers who wereembedded within the series, I've included several songs emotionallypertinent to the story.
I love the way these posts always make me look at things in a new light.This one is no exception.  With it, I've finally realized the songs most inspirational to me often havereligious undertones (while not being truly Christian...similar to Warriors of the Cross& Guardians of the Cross).

Adele Really! Who's not inspired by someone with such a wonderfully beautiful voice?  The passion she pours into her work is what I find the most motivating.Kings of LeonWhen I heard this was a group of brothers/cousins raised by a Pentecostal preacher, I was hooked. The religious traces mixed with the frank profanity and unique and raw talent draws me in every time.Diane BirchDiane's voice is phenomenal, and she is gorgeous. Forgivenessgives me chills.Macy GrayI Try will forever be one of my favorite songs because it is so not perfect that it is perfect.Sheryl CrowAfter hearing Redemption Day, I became a fan of Sheryl Crow's. This song is amazing!Sarah ReevesThe second I heard Sarah Reeves' Come Save, I loved it enough to use it in Guardians of the Cross's book trailer.Trading VoicesLike Come Save, Beautiful Design was my first choice when it came to Warriors of the Cross's book trailer.Alison KraussThis song reminds me of Sunday morning baptisms in Louisiana rivers and streams. It also conjures up images of The Sisters from The Warrior Series.Alanis MorissetteThis hidden track starts off with such hope and ends with so much despair that you feel like you've been on an emotional roller coaster once it's over.EmeminEmenim puts it all out there. Nothing is off limits. There is no denying his talent if you've ever heard Lose Yourself. I'll Fly Away This choice is more about the song than the singer.  I heard I'll Fly Away week after week, sitting next to my grandmother in our pew at church. It's also the song she sang - folksy like this version - at my father's funeral...the funeral where she buried the last of her three children. By that time, she'd told me numerous times that she never wanted to outlive any of her children. When her last one died, it almost killed her.  This song always makes me cry. <A <span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">HREF</span>="http://<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">ws</span>.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">tf</span>_w_<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">mpw</span>&<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">ServiceVersion</span>=20070822&<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">MarketPlace</span>=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Ftrgr-20%2F8014%2F7f62afc7-8890-4602-9d94-71ad72828f91&Operation=<span style="background: yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word">NoScript</span>">Amazon.com Widgets<<A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_... Widgets</A>1.Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series2.Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series3.Heather Self4.T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series5.Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga6.Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy7.Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 8.K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed9.Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series10.Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy11.Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 12.Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey13.M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 14.Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind15.Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls16.Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler17.Gwenn Wright, author of Filter18.TG Ayer19.Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy20.Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga21.Roots in Myth, PJ Hoover22.Courtney Cole Writes

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) byMaggie Stiefvater

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater
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My biggest problem withForever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater is thefact that there's not a fourth book in the series (at least, not yet).
With Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) and Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #2), I enjoyedreading about Grace and Sam...the evolution of their relationship, love, and commitment.  With Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3), I found myself just as interested in Cole and Isabel and how they were going to react - or not - to each other.
As it has become customary, Maggie Stiefvater's description of the most mundane sliver of light or floating air particle made me feel like I was standing next to the characters in the middle of the story.  As talented as she is with creating a setting, she's just as amazing at building relationships.  She understands life-long love grows gradually with one tiny moment at a time.  As the invisible bystanders, she allows us to experience those wonderful instants alongside with her characters.  With each action, she creates a timeless world of true love, loyal friendship, and unconditional family.  Maggie Stiefvater never disappoints.
This is a great series, and I would highly recommend it to almost anyone.

YA Indie Carnival - Kissin' and Tellin'

On the heels of last week's steamy scenes, the sponsors of the YA Indie Carnival are sharing their favorite kiss-and-tell excerpts. I've chosen one from Guardians of the Cross (The Warrior Series, #2).  It includes a very intimate kiss between Allison and Clark (not Brody).  ENJOY!
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After getting stitched anddischarged, I waited alone on a bench outside of the ER lobby for Clark to bringthe car up to the entrance.  AgainstBrody's better judgment, I'd insisted he leave my side and let Dr. England knowabout our departure.
"Allison," I heard someone callingmy name.
I looked around and cringed when Isaw both Suri and Betty coming my way.
Dammit!
I lifted the collar of my shirt,covering the knife's wounds on my neck, and I pulled my hair toward my cheek,shielding the face cuts as much as possible. In damage control mode, I was thankful for the jacket Clark brought forme.  It was the perfect camouflage forthe road burns covering my arms.
Watching as they bumped shouldersand egged the other on, I witnessed their mischievous grins switch to pretendmasks of concern the second they were in front of me.  There was no way I would share anything aboutthe assault with them for obvious reasons. I learned from personal experience that they would take the smallestkernel of truth and twist and turn it until I became a monster who deservedbrutality.
"Allison, we missed you and Brodyduring morning's rounds," Betty crooned, openly insinuating Brody and I hadbeen together.
I glanced toward Suri.  Evident was the red rage hate the stunningoriental beauty had for me.  Intimidatedby her anger, I cowed and watched my wringing hands.
I'd known since the first day ofour residency Suri considered Brody an expedition into uncharted territory…achallenge she intended to conquer.  Itwas a fixation reaching stalker levels after he saved her.  She frequentlyused their bond to influence him, making him choose between us.
Refusing to battle her (or tearBrody apart), I'd spent months surrendering Brody to her claim.  Since I would do anything for Clark, Icompletely understood - though resented - Brody's passive acceptance of theunspoken agreement between Suri and myself. At least, he'd conceded until she tried to keep him away from me afterhe learned I was saving someone.  He somehow knew I was using my powers andrealized I may need his assistance. Rather than allow that to happen, Suri forced Brody to choose betweenus.  Ignoring her demands and severingtheir connection, Brody rushed to me and admitted his undying love.
As if kicked in the stomach, Surisuddenly sucked in a loud breath. Jerking my head up, I searched to see what had happened.  That's when I saw that Suri's eyes had turnedblack with fury.  Almost scowling, sheglared at the exposed side of my neck…the side where Daryl's hickeys wentunhidden.  Even Betty was shocked silentafter shooting a scandalous glance toward Suri and seeing her hate.  We both knew Suri assumed Brody had given methe marks.
Crud!  Crud! Crud!
It was too late to hide them.  The damage was done.  I, instead, had to find a way to protectBrody.  He absolutely had to talk toSuri, but the time and place would be of his choosing.  Nothere.  Not now.  Not like this.
"I-I woke up feeling sick," I lied,praying they would leave before Brody returned.
"Oh, you were sick" Betty said,sending an unbelieving wink my way.
Behind them, Clark's car screechedto a halt.  His fury over my newestpredicament was the only emotion I could sense.
"Excuse me, my ride is here," Isaid, squeezing between them and getting into the front passenger seat.  Instead of buckling in, I moved quickly intoClark's personal space.  Face-to-face.
"Please just go along with me," Ibegged.
After preparing him as much as Icould, I leaned over and kissed him with as much passion as I couldmuster.  I put on the show meant toprotect Brody.
Clark hid whatever surprise existedand gave in to my embrace.  Every strongemotion he'd had that day suddenly morphed into his own uncontrollabledesire.  Within seconds, one of his handswound into my hair, and the other pulled me fiercely toward him.  This is what he'd wanted since the momentwe'd met.  Somehow, I'd been oblivious toits intensity…or he'd hidden it well.
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1.Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series2.Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series3.Heather Self4.T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series5.Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga6.Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy7.Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 8.K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed9.Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series10.Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy11.Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 12.Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey13.M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 14.Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind15.Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls16.Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler17.Gwenn Wright, author of Filter18.TG Ayer19.Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy20.Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga21.Roots in Myth, PJ Hoover22.Courtney Cole Writes

FREE - Amazon Bestseller Warriors of the Cross

Warriors of the Cross (The Warrior Series #1)  by T.R. Graves
Allison La Crosse, beginning a challenging family medicine residency, leaves the protection of her family. With the transfer, her worst nightmares come true. Her closely guarded mystical talents – those which seldom appeared before the move – unleash themselves from her confinement and reveal their presence with very little provocation.

Allison's most terrifying power is her compulsion to cure the dying with her touch. Given her career, this gift would be valuable if she were not drawn like a magnet to the ailing person's every symptom. Some of which are fatal.

At the hospital and surrounded by life-and-death emergencies, Allison's inability to manage her impulse turns deadly. When it does, her mentor, Brody, rescues her from her own demise. His resuscitation ignites an exciting and tempestuous bond between them.

Desperate for a cure, they join forces and embark upon a journey to uncover the origins of Allison's lethal curse. In the midst of their adventure, Allison exposes a secret pursued by many…known by few.

Click here and download for FREE on Amazon until 2/18: Warriors of the Cross

Don't forget about the Kindle Touch Giveaway.  See the top right hand of my blog to see how to enter.

ENJOY!!!

Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2) by Maggie Stiefvater

 Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2) by Maggie Stiefvater ✯✯✯✯✯ (5 Stars)
Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2) is proof that the second book in a series can bebetter than the first.  A fact I never would have believed after finishing Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1).  When I read Maggie Stiefvater's writing, I'm amazed at the way she describes the tiniest things...instantlyconjuring up images making the unbelievable story suddenly believable.   
I love the way she allows the readers to fall in love progressivelywith the characters.  Even when twopeople are instantly bonded (Sam and Grace), she takes us through everydaysituations giving us - unknown/unseen bystanders - the chance to watch them fallin love.  She understands how thecharacters' interactions during those innocent moments are more powerful atproving 'forever love' than dozens ofpassionate encounters.  Because of this, readerswill dream of someone who folds paper birds for them, commemorating everyspecial occasion. 
The introduction of Cole's and Isabel's turmoil and chemistrywere the perfect way to add a whole new - and phenomenal - dimension to thestoryline.  In fact, the two of them aresuch strong characters they easily could have been carved out and given theirown series. 
I'm always envious of writers who are talented enough toembed poetry and songs perfectly within their stories.  Doing so adds another fantastic aspect to analready special (and poetic) tale. Between Sam and Cole, I expect this style to continue throughout theseries, and I can honestly say it's one of the reasons I've become a fan. 
The The Wolves of Mercy Falls is a series that I wouldabsolutely recommend to anyone looking for a great paranormal romance series.

YA Indie Carnival - Steamy Excerpts

Welcome back!  This week, the sponsors of the  YA Indie Carnival  are sharing hot and steamy excerpts from books they've written or books they've read.  I've chosen an excerpt from my book, Guardians of the Cross (The Warrior Series, #2).  It was really hard for me to pick one from the many intimate scenes transpiring between Brody and Allison...their paranormal bond more compulsive than their need to save the dying.  ENJOY! 
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In the room, I opened the portfolioand slid James' books inside the case.  "Brody, can you grab my toiletrybag from the bathroom?"  I asked,pretending to need his assistance.He chuckled.  "No. You said you didn't need my help. I'm just here to see what you're up to."I looked up, shocked with hiscandor.  When I did, he moved right infront of me…his face centimeters from mine. "I'm not sure of what you're doing, but I'll wait for you.  Until the last breath I take, I'm yours."I began shaking.  Lying was easier if he couldn't see my face,so I looked down at my feet.  He put hisfingers under my chin and forced me to look him in the eyes.  When he did that some sort of power took holdof me.  I couldn't look away fromhim.  I couldn't move away from him.  If anything, I only wanted to attach myselfto him and never let go.Apparently, he was experiencing thesame response.  He wrapped his armsaround the small of my back and pulled me into him.  All I could do was squeeze myself evencloser.  With his ragged breath in myear, he kissed my neck, letting his tongue caress the skin.  With that very intimate touch, I moaned.  When he sucked, I almost blacked out.  This act was more powerful than the strongestmagnetic pull.  I wanted him more thanI'd ever wanted anything.He took full advantage of his newpower and used it to hold me prisoner. Jerking his shirt up and touching every inch of his bare skin, I knew Iwould do anything right then to be with him. I took him in – kissing, touching,feeling, pulling – as if he was oxygen, and I was asphyxiated.  His new uncontrolled need for me made it allthe more alluring, all the more necessary. It could have been the pure fear that this would be our last chance, buthis passion lacked its normal restraint. He was willing to forego everything to make me understand I needed himas much as he needed me.  I was willingto let him.A moan rolled out of mythroat.  In response, Brody let ourbodies fall back onto the bed where his pinned mine down.  Perfectly positioning himself, he lifted andguided my leg around him.  I squeezed ittight.  His hands slid up the back of myt-shirt and unhooked the back of my bra. He slid his hand around to the front, gently cupping and massaging mybreast.  If I had to live out the rest ofmy life without him, I would have this memory. Using both my arms and legs, I pulled him closer.I unbuttoned his shirt and liftedmine.  Our skin-to-skin contact crankedthe entire encounter up a notch.  Thistime, the moan I heard was Brody's.I reached down and began unsnappinghis jeans, letting Brody know exactly what I wanted…needed.  He stopped me by taking both of my wrists inhis hands and lifting them above my head. He restrained them with one of his hands while slowly and meticulouslymassaging me all over with his other.When his hand brushed the red,cross-shaped birthmark on my hip, a searing sting shot from my hip and extendedto every inch of my body.  I felt like Ihad just been touched by a branding iron. Instinctively, I pushed Brody off me. Thankfully, the pain stopped the second his hand was removed.✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤
1.Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series2.Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series3.Heather Self4.T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series5.Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga6.Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy7.Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 8.K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed9.Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series10.Amy Maurer Jones, Author of The Soul Quest Trilogy11.Dani Snell's Refracted Light Reviews 12.Fisher Amelie, author of The Understorey13.M. Leighton, Blood Like Poison Series, Madly, The Reaping 14.Kimberly Kinrade, Bits of You & Pieces of Me, Forbidden Mind15.Madeline Smoot, Missing, Summer Shorts, and The Girls16.Cidney Swanson, author of Rippler17.Gwenn Wright, author of Filter18.TG Ayer19.Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy20.Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga21.Roots in Myth, PJ Hoover22.Courtney Cole Writes23.Rex Rising

FREE eBooks by Patti Larsen

Who doesn't love FREE books?  

TWO DAYS ONLY: Wednesday, February 8th and Thursday,February 9th! Come and get 'em! 
For those with a love of YA paranormal: FamilyMagic (The Hayle Coven novels, #1) Sixteen year old Sydlynn Hayle is thedaughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord but she just wants to beordinary. Find it HERE.
And for those who like a thrill in their YA fiction: Run(The Hunted, #1) Reid thinks life has gone back to normal when his sisterrescues him from the foster system. All that changes when he is kidnapped anddumped in the wilderness, forced to run from those who want to kill him. Findit HERE. 
Don't have a Kindle? No problem! Download a FREEapp for your computer, iPad, smartphone and more! 
Family Magic 
Raising the Demon
"Haralthazar,"my mother glided closer to the statue, "we summon you this third night ofPower, nine days and nine nights from Samhain Eve, to tighten our bond with youand your realm." She knelt at the foot of the altar, the picture of thesubmissive handmaiden. Could she be any more ridiculous? Seriously. "My love,come and be welcome."
Theblinding flash that leapt from her to the statue continued to pour out of herin a deep blue rush of light. I turned my head slightly to the side, squintingin the glare, grateful for the edge of the cowl and the shadow it made. Thewhole room started to thrum, the floor vibrating with condensed magic as Momused the energy we had given her to make the doorway that would let my fatherthrough.
Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerfulwitch and a demon lord of the seventh plane. The trouble is, she just wants tobe ordinary. Syd struggles to survive the minefield of her new high schoolwhile being torn between her attraction to football hero Brad Peters and thedarkly mysterious Quaid Moromond. When her coven comes under attack, Syd isforced to face the fact only her power can save her family's magic.
What readers are saying about Family Magic:
"Thisbook has everything. Great family drama, hot boys, magic, witches, demons anddifficult choices. This is one of my new favorite books of 2011 and I CANNOTWAIT to read the rest of the series."
 "With a fantastic,empathetic heroine, plenty of magic, an intriguing mystery and incorporatingthemes involving the search of self, familial relationships, duty and freewill, Family Magic is an enchanting and enjoyable read."
"I think Syd is one ofmy all-time favorite characters. She is funny and snarky but has a fierce lovefor her family. I am ready to follow Syd's journey through this series. I washooked from the first paragraph. I thoroughly enjoyed Family Magic, andI would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal novels."
(You can read the fullreviews on Amazon.com)
Amazon LINK
Run
Kidnapped
Alone, Reid gasps in one deep breath, another. It hurtshis ribs, his lungs. He manages to roll over on his right side and regrets it.His shoulder screams in protest. Still, he is finally able to wriggle his numbhands loose from what holds him and claws at the cloth around his eyes.
Darkness. But not complete. The moon is up. Trees loomover him, the smell of spruce and fresh air so sharp it almost hurts. He jerksat the plastic ties around his ankles while. his vision swims through a veil ofpain-laden tears. He manages somehow to force his screaming hands to work theties loose and he is free.
Sixteen-year-old Reid thinks life is back to normal. Hissister Lucy pulls herself together and cuts him free from a year of fostercare. She promises to take care of him, that her new boss and her new life arewhat they both needed to start again. Until Reid is taken in the middle of thenight, dumped in a wild stretch of forest far from home with no idea why he isthere. Lost and afraid, he learns to run from the hunters who prowl the darkness,their only pleasure chasing down kids like him. And killing them.
What readers are saying about Run:
"The fear, the thrill,the emotion that comes through in the writing is amazing. There is never a dullmoment in this story of survival."
"If you're a fan of YAbooks that make your heart pound with the unknown and leave you cringing atplaces (but in a totally cool kinda way) then Run's the book for you."

"Reid is such a greatstrong character and when the story ends, we are left begging for what is tocome in the next of the series. This story was unique and SUPER fast-paced! Itwas a great festival of suspense."
(You can read the full reviews onAmazon.com)
Amazon LINK
Thank you for taking the time to check them out!
Happy reading!
About theAuthor: Patti Larsen is amiddle grade, young adult and adult author with a passion for the paranormal.Her YA thriller series, The Hunted, is available now. The first fourbooks of The Hayle Coven series, Family Magic, Witch Hunt,Demon Child and The Wild are also out now. Her YA paranormalnovel, Best Friends Forever, and steampunk series, Blood and Gold,are due early in 2012. She is a full time writer and a part time teacher of herGet Your Book Done program. Patti lives on the East Coast of Canada withher very patient husband and four massive cats.

You can find her:On her website
On Facebook
Her writingblog
On Twitter
On Amazon.com
On Goodreads