Meredith Allard's Blog, page 45

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Winners

Thank you so much to everyone who entered! Here are the winners for the Dreaming of Books Giveaway:

E-Books

Sara Kovach

Terri Matlock

Cheryl Raymond

Paperbacks

Elizabeth Hyatt

Mariah Overlock

Holly Swint

$10 Amazon.com gift card

Pixie Sprinkles

Stay tuned! I'll be back February 7 for the Follower Love Giveaway Hop. I hope you'll join me then.

Filed under: Giveaways Tagged: Giveaways

Q & A With Ami Blackwelder

What books did you love as a child? Why?

I loved the books by Beatrix Potter. I loved reading about the bunnies and Mr. McGregor…LOL.

Who are your favorite authors? How did they influence your writing?

Well, I love Jane Austen as I'm sure my fans know already, and something no one knows yet is I love reading Kabbalah, Sufism, and Eastern thought as well as Western thought.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? Why did you decide to write?

It wasn't a decision, just something in my blood. Something you have to do.

When do you find time to write?

Anywhere and anytime I can;)

What are the joys of writing for you?

I love developing a world no one has seen, or a world with a different slant in it. And I love character building.

What are the obstacles of writing? How do you overcome them?

Well, sometimes I get stuck and I just have to step away from it and do something else and then go back to it.

What is your favorite genre to read in? Write in? Why?

I like to read/write in sci-fi and paranormal. Why? Because I can;)

How would you describe your writing style? How did you develop it?

My writing style is unique. My stories are unique. Just happened that way;)

What was the inspiration for your book?

Well, the Shifters was inspired by my Siamese cat Lotus. The Mers were inspired after watching WaterWorld.

What were the challenges of writing your story? The joys?

Challenges are always finding time and sometimes inspiration for writer's block. Joys are of course once the story is complete.

The Mers: A Mermaid Dystopian

Book 1 Mer Chronicles

By Ami Blackwelder

What lies beneath the surface?

One hundred years from now, the world has changed and brought with it, new forms of life.

Who are the Mers? Who is Mira?

Mira always knew she was different. Growing up with Mers, she never quite fit in. When Mira breaks the rules and takes Niren across the border that divides Ellis Island and New Jersey, a border that divides two vastly different worlds, she thought the journey to find out who she really is would be an easy one.

But as the world in Jersey proves to be a convoluted mix of Aristocrats who hate the Mers, Pirates who want to sell them, and Magi who want to use them…finding her true identity will be a challenge, especially when her best friend Niren is a Mer willing to fight to the death.

Amazon Print 

Amazon Kindle

About The Author:

Ami Blackwelder is a forbidden romance writer in the paranormal, sci-fi, and historical genres. Growing up in Florida, she went to UCF and in 1997 received her B.A. in English and teaching credentials. She traveled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China, and Korea. Thailand is considered her second home now. She has always loved writing and has written poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand. She has also written three nonfiction spiritual books.  

Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Ami Blackwelder, Bewitching Book Tours, Q and A, The Mers

Dreaming of Books Giveaway

Welcome back! It's time for the Dreaming of Books Giveaway. This hop runs from January 13-18. Thanks to I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf for hosting.

I have three paperback copies of Her Dear & Loving Husband to give away, as well as three e-copies. If you're not familiar with the story, check here. The grand prize is a $10 gift certificate to either Amazon.com or BN.com–winner's choice.

You must be a follower of this blog to enter. Once you're a follower, give yourself +1 entry. You can earn extra entries by:

1. Following me on Twitter @copperfield101 +1

2. Liking The Copperfield Review on Facebook (the link is at the bottom of this website) +1

3. Following me on Goodreads (the link is on this website) +1

Then fill out the form and you're entered!

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There are many wonderful blogs taking part in this hop. Click here to see what other great gifts they're giving away.

Filed under: Giveaways Tagged: Amazon, BN, Giveaways, Her Dear & Loving Husband, I am a Reader Not a Writer, Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf

Guest Blog from Author Kelvin O'Ralph

Today, I have something special for you. You know how Twilight started the…hmm, what word should I use to describe it…hmm, the division of fans into teams, i.e Team Jacob and Team Edward. In this blog, I will attempt to do the same for my new book, LS: The Beginning.

TEAM LISA

Lisa Morgan is the female MC of LS: The Beginning. She's a young college student and the daughter of rich parents. Lisa has only one sibling, Calvin – her younger brother. In her spare time, Lisa loves playing with puzzles and sitting under the sun. She meets Stephen Wilson as a sophomore and they become connected in the strangest way unknown to man. Unlike Julie and Sharon, her classmates, Lisa doesn't fall for Stephen at the first instance. She already had a handsome boyfriend who was a junior at that time. Lisa has a thing for red. You can never find her wearing a different color. Her phone's red, her car's red; even her room has a touch of red. Strange, right? Also, she has a phobia for water; cold water to be precise. The worst thing you can ever do to her is to throw her into a swimming pool. It's a bit weird how she loves the cold weather but not cold water. Lisa loves wearing skimpy outfits because she gets hot easily, especially during summer. Although you won't see her dressed in a bum-short and bra to college.

Why is Emma Watson's picture there, one would ask? Well, my preferred cast for this character is no other than the girl who played the role of Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. I like facing challenges, and I want her to do so as well. I've seen an intelligent young witch side of her, and I'd like to see a different side on her next film. She'll have to be a little more romantic than she was in HP as Lisa ends up dating Stephen. Also, Lisa is an American girl from the fictional town Sloutenville. Luckily, Emma can make her own American accent as this isn't a known city like the likes of L.A., Tennessee, etc.

TEAM JULIE

Julie Hitchens is Stephen's course mate. She's a British blonde girl who lives alone in her parents' house in Sloutenville. Her parents seldom come over to the states, so she has the house to herself most of the time. Julie has a crush on Stephen the moment he arrives at college. Being best friends with Stephen's cousin and housemate, Stacy Ford, Julie is able to get in touch with Stephen. Sadly, Stephen doesn't like her the way she likes him; even with her gorgeous features and thundering accent, she can't get him to fall for her. Although both parents are still alive, Julie loves wearing black outfits and drives her father's black convertible Mercedes.

Why Dakota Fanning? Again, it's the same reason why I chose Emma. Dakota is an amazing actress who's stared with one of the world's best actors and actresses, including Tom Cruz, Julia Roberts, etc. I would like to see her take on a more challenging and different role. Also, since Julie Hitchens is British, Dakota would have to learn how to speak like one. I believe she'll be up to the task.

Well, these are the two teams. Which of the teams would you prefer to be in, Team Julie or Team Lisa? Leave your answers in the comment section below along with your e-mail address if you'd like to win a Smashwords coupon of the new edited version of LS: The Beginning.

P.S: You don't need to enter your e-mails if you don't wish to participate in the giveaway.

The Beginnning

LS Book 1

By Kelvin O'Ralph

A handshake between strangers has never held so much promise for discovery.

When Stephen Wilson meets Lisa Morgan at his new school in Sloutenville, it is the simple act of extending his hand in greeting that flips both of their worlds upside-down. With the gesture, both discover that in some way they are connected, and that they share the ability to manipulate the elements, fire and water. Though their abilities vary, they share the gift of telepathy allowing them to communicate without words, which creates a bond between them stronger than either had expected.

As the two begin to spend more and more time together, David, Lisa's ex, becomes wild with jealousy and launches multiple attacks on Lisa. In the fight against the dangers that await them around every corner, Stephen and Lisa soon discover that they are up against much greater odds than they had originally known and their struggles are far from over.

About the Author:   

Kelvin O'Ralph is a student at the University of Wolverhampton, UK. He is an avid writer and reader, who loves writing Fantasy/Romance novels. LS: The Beginning is the first book in his fantasy series LS. He released the sequel early October 2011.

Kelvin is a huge admirer of Emma Watson, the Harry Potter star and hopes one day she gets to act as one of his characters. Personally, he'd love her to act the role of Lisa Morgan in this book. At least, that's how he envisioned it while writing.

Still in his teens, Kelvin has released four books on Amazon Kindle in 2011. He's working on the final book on the LS series and also on a new project. Like most authors, Kelvin hopes one day his books will be transformed onto the big screen.

Links:

Blog 

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon

Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Bewitching Book Tours, guest blogs, Kelvin O'Ralph, The Beginning

New Year 2012 Giveaway Winners!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered. I love doing these giveaways because I get to meet so many wonderful readers and writers.

The winners of the e-books are:

Ishanie Sanchez

Tiffany Pulliam

Denise Z

Colleen Boudreau

Lisa F

Amy Stogner

The winners of the paperback copies are:

Angela Cisco

Jude Henderson

Teressa Oliver

The winner of the $10 gift certificate for Amazon.com is Stacey Jo Siferd. Heather Cox won a $5 gift certificate to Amazon.com.

Stay tuned! I'll be back on January 13th for the Dreaming of Books Giveaway. I hope you'll join me then.

Filed under: Giveaways Tagged: Amazon, Giveaways, Her Dear & Loving Husband

New Years 2012 Giveaway

Thanks to I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Babs Book Bistro for hosting this great giveaway. This hop is from December 30, 2011-January 3, 2012.

I have three paperback copies of Her Dear & Loving Husband to give away, as well as five e-book copies. If you're not familiar with the story, check here. The grand prize is one $10 gift certificate to either Amazon.com or BN.com (your choice). Winners will be announced on January 4, 2012.

You must be a follower of this blog to enter. Fill out the form below, and that's it. You're entered!

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There are many wonderful blogs participating in this hop. To see what great gifts they're giving away, check here.

Happy New Year 2012!

Filed under: Giveaways Tagged: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Giveaways, Her Dear & Loving Husband

An Excerpt from "A Christmas Carol"

Of course, I couldn't let Christmas pass without sharing a piece of Dickens's A Christmas Carol. There is no story ever written, before 1843 or since, that more perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday. Here is Stave Five, The End of It–my favorite part of the story.

If you'd like to learn more about Dickens's influence on how we celebrate Christmas, or more about A Christmas Carol itself, check here. If you'd like to read the entire text of A Christmas Carol, read it here. You'll be glad you did.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

* * * * *

Yes! and the bedpost was his own.  The bed was his own, the room was his own.  Best and happiest of all, the Time before him was his own, to make amends in!

"I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!" Scrooge repeated, as he scrambled out of bed.  "The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.  Oh Jacob Marley!  Heaven, and the Christmas Time be praised for this.  I say it on my knees, old Jacob, on my knees!"

He was so fluttered and so glowing with his good intentions, that his broken voice would scarcely answer to his call.  He had been sobbing violently in his conflict with the Spirit, and his face was wet with tears.

"They are not torn down!" cried Scrooge, folding one of his bed-curtains in his arms, "they are not torn down, rings and all.  They are here — I am here — the shadows of the things that would have been, may be dispelled.  They will be!  I know they will."

His hands were busy with his garments all this time; turning them inside out, putting them on upside down, tearing them, mislaying them, making them parties to every kind of extravagance.

"I don't know what to do!" cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath; and making a perfect Laocoon of himself with his stockings.  "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy.  I am as giddy as a drunken man.  A merry Christmas to everybody!  A happy New Year to all the world!  Hallo here!  Whoop!  Hallo!"

He had frisked into the sitting-room, and was now standing there: perfectly winded.

"There's the saucepan that the gruel was in!" cried Scrooge, starting off again, and frisking round the fireplace.  "There's the door, by which the Ghost of Jacob Marley entered.  There's the corner where the Ghost of Christmas Present, sat.  There's the window where I saw the wandering Spirits.  It's all right, it's all true, it all happened.  Ha ha ha!"

Really, for a man who had been out of practice for so many years, it was a splendid laugh, a most illustrious laugh.  The father of a long, long line of brilliant laughs.

"I don't know what day of the month it is," said Scrooge.  "I don't know how long I've been among the Spirits.  I don't know anything.  I'm quite a baby.  Never mind.  I don't care.  I'd rather be a baby.  Hallo!  Whoop!  Hallo here!"

He was checked in his transports by the churches ringing out the lustiest peals he had ever heard.  Clash, clang, hammer; ding, dong, bell!  Bell, dong, ding; hammer, clang, clash!  Oh, glorious, glorious!

Running to the window, he opened it, and put out his head.  No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells.  Oh, glorious.  Glorious!

"What's to-day?" cried Scrooge, calling downward to a boy in Sunday clothes, who perhaps had loitered in to look about him.

"Eh?" returned the boy, with all his might of wonder.

"What's to-day, my fine fellow?" said Scrooge.

"To-day?" replied the boy.  "Why, Christmas Day."

"It's Christmas Day!" said Scrooge to himself.  "I haven't missed it.  The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they like.  Of course they can.  Of course they can.  Hallo, my fine fellow!"

"Hallo!" returned the boy.

"Do you know the Poulterer's, in the next street but one, at the corner?" Scrooge inquired.

"I should hope I did," replied the lad.

"An intelligent boy!" said Scrooge.  "A remarkable boy! Do you know whether they"ve sold the prize Turkey that was hanging up there — Not the little prize Turkey: the big one?"

"What, the one as big as me?" returned the boy.

"What a delightful boy!" said Scrooge.  "It's a pleasure to talk to him.  Yes, my buck."

"It's hanging there now," replied the boy.

"Is it?" said Scrooge.  "Go and buy it."

"Walk-er!" exclaimed the boy.

"No, no," said Scrooge, "I am in earnest.  Go and buy it, and tell them to bring it here, that I may give them the direction where to take it.  Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling.  Come back with him in less than five minutes and I'll give you half-a-crown."

The boy was off like a shot.  He must have had a steady hand at a trigger who could have got a shot off half so fast.

"I'll send it to Bon Cratchit's!" whispered Scrooge, rubbing his hands, and splitting with a laugh.  "He shan't know who sends it.  It's twice the size of Tiny Tim.  Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be!"

The hand in which he wrote the address was not a steady one, but write it he did, somehow, and went down-stairs to open the street door, ready for the coming of the poulterer's man.  As he stood there, waiting his arrival, the knocker caught his eye.

"I shall love it, as long as I live!" cried Scrooge, patting it with his hand.  "I scarcely ever looked at it before.  What an honest expression it has in its face.  It's a wonderful knocker.  — Here's the Turkey.  Hallo!  Whoop!  How are you?  Merry Christmas!"

It was a Turkey!  He never could have stood upon his legs, that bird.  He would have snapped them short off in a minute, like sticks of sealing-wax.

"Why, it's impossible to carry that to Camden Town," said Scrooge.  "You must have a cab."

The chuckle with which he said this, and the chuckle with which he paid for the Turkey, and the chuckle with which he paid for the cab, and the chuckle with which he recompensed the boy, were only to be exceeded by the chuckle with which he sat down breathless in his chair again, and chuckled till he cried.

Shaving was not an easy task, for his hand continued to shake very much; and shaving requires attention, even when you don't dance while you are at it.  But if he had cut the end of his nose off, he would have put a piece of sticking-plaister over it, and been quite satisfied.

He dressed himself all in his best, and at last got out into the streets.  The people were by this time pouring forth, as he had seen them with the Ghost of Christmas Present; and walking with his hands behind him, Scrooge regarded every one with a delighted smile.  He looked so irresistibly pleasant, in a word, that three or four good-humoured fellows said, "Good morning, sir.  A merry Christmas to you." And Scrooge said often afterwards, that of all the blithe sounds he had ever heard, those were the blithest in his ears.

He had not gone far, when coming on towards him he beheld the portly gentleman, who had walked into his counting-house the day before, and said, "Scrooge and Marley's, I believe." It sent a pang across his heart to think how this old gentleman would look upon him when they met; but he knew what path lay straight before him, and he took it.

"My dear sir," said Scrooge, quickening his pace, and taking the old gentleman by both his hands.  "How do you do.  I hope you succeeded yesterday.  It was very kind of you.  A merry Christmas to you, sir!"

"Mr Scrooge?"

"Yes," said Scrooge.  "That is my name, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you.  Allow me to ask your pardon.  And will you have the goodness" — here Scrooge whispered in his ear.

"Lord bless me!" cried the gentleman, as if his breath were taken away.  "My dear Mr Scrooge, are you serious?"

"If you please," said Scrooge.  "Not a farthing less.  A great many back-payments are included in it, I assure you.  Will you do me that favour?"

"My dear sir," said the other, shaking hands with him. "I don't know what to say to such munificence."

"Don't say anything please," retorted Scrooge.  "Come and see me.  Will you come and see me?"

"I will!" cried the old gentleman.  And it was clear he meant to do it.

"Thank you," said Scrooge.  "I am much obliged to you.  I thank you fifty times.  Bless you!"

He went to church, and walked about the streets, and watched the people hurrying to and fro, and patted children on the head, and questioned beggars, and looked down into the kitchens of houses, and up to the windows, and found that everything could yield him pleasure.  He had never dreamed that any walk — that anything — could give him so much happiness. In the afternoon he turned his steps towards his nephew's house.

He passed the door a dozen times, before he had the courage to go up and knock.  But he made a dash, and did it:

"Is your master at home, my dear?" said Scrooge to the girl.  Nice girl.  Very.

"Yes, sir."

"Where is he, my love?" said Scrooge.

"He's in the dining-room, sir, along with mistress.  I'll show you up-stairs, if you please."

"Thank you.  He knows me," said Scrooge, with his hand already on the dining-room lock.  "I'll go in here, my dear."

He turned it gently, and sidled his face in, round the door.  They were looking at the table (which was spread out in great array); for these young housekeepers are always nervous on such points, and like to see that everything is right.

"Fred!" said Scrooge.

Dear heart alive, how his niece by marriage started.  Scrooge had forgotten, for the moment, about her sitting in the corner with the footstool, or he wouldn't have done it, on any account.

"Why bless my soul!" cried Fred," who's that?"

"It's I.  Your uncle Scrooge.  I have come to dinner.  Will you let me in, Fred?"

Let him in!  It is a mercy he didn't shake his arm off.  He was at home in five minutes.  Nothing could be heartier.  His niece looked just the same.  So did Topper when he came.  So did the plump sister when she came.  So did every one when they came.  Wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity, won-der-ful happiness!

But he was early at the office next morning.  Oh he was early there.  If he could only be there first, and catch Bob Cratchit coming late!  That was the thing he had set his heart upon.

And he did it; yes, he did.  The clock struck nine.  No Bob.  A quarter past.  No Bob.  He was full eighteen minutes and a half behind his time.  Scrooge sat with his door wide open, that he might see him come into the Tank.

His hat was off, before he opened the door; his comforter too.  He was on his stool in a jiffy; driving away with his pen, as if he were trying to overtake nine o'clock.

"Hallo," growled Scrooge, in his accustomed voice, as near as he could feign it.  "What do you mean by coming here at this time of day?"

"I'm very sorry, sir," said Bob.  "I am behind my time."

"You are?" repeated Scrooge.  "Yes.  I think you are.  Step this way, if you please."

"It's only once a year, sir," pleaded Bob, appearing from the Tank.  "It shall not be repeated.  I was making rather merry yesterday, sir."

"Now, I'll tell you what, my friend," said Scrooge, "I am not going to stand this sort of thing any longer.  And therefore," he continued, leaping from his stool, and giving Bob such a dig in the waistcoat that he staggered back into the Tank again; "and therefore I am about to raise your salary."

Bob trembled, and got a little nearer to the ruler.  He had a momentary idea of knocking Scrooge down with it, holding him, and calling to the people in the court for help and a strait-waistcoat.

"A merry Christmas, Bob," said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back.  "A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year.  I'll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob.  Make up the fires, and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another i, Bob Cratchit!"

Scrooge was better than his word.  He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father.  He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.  Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms.  His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.

He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.  May that be truly said of us, and all of us!  And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!

Filed under: Tidbits Tagged: A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, Scrooge

An Interview With Author Judy Powell

What books did you love as a child? Why?

I remember joining the library when I was five years old.  My very first library book was Ramona the Pest.  Once I got started I devoured books – Enid Blyton stories, Nancy Drew mysteries, the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins.  As a teenager I began to read Mills & Boon romance novels and got hooked.  I've been an avid reader of romance ever since.

Who are your favorite authors? How did they influence your writing? 

My all-time favorite author of romance novels is Kathleen Woodiwiss; my favorite Woodiwiss novel is The Wolf and the Dove.  I have 3 copies on my shelf to this day. It was from Kathleen Woodiwiss that I learned the importance of sexual tension in a romance novel, the role of conflict and the use of the black moment to get to a climax.  Kathleen provided a hero you could fall in love with and a heroine who was brave enough to stand up to him.  She created a fascinating world for her readers and made me want to write stories that did the same.

When do you find time to write?

I have a full-time job along with the responsibilities of being a single mom so finding time to write is difficult.  I now rise at 4 a.m. and focus on my writing till 7 a.m..  I rise early every day, even on weekends.  This is the only way I can carve out time for writing.

What are the joys of writing for you?

I love creating new worlds and creating captivating stories for my readers.  For me, this is the greatest joy of writing.

What are the obstacles of writing? How do you overcome them?

My obstacles to writing include the challenge of finding the time to write, and the age-old habit of procrastination.  However, I've found that deadlines are a great motivator for me.  I work best with the pressure of a deadline.

What is your favorite genre to read in? Write in? Why?

Although I love experimenting with various genres my favorite is romance.  I love the interaction between the hero and heroine, their conflicts and resolutions, and what leads to their final decision to be with each other.

Do you do research for your writing? If so, how do you go about it (Internet, travel, etc.)? 

Yes, I do some research for my writing.  I use Google and sometimes history texts.  When possible I pay visits to the locations in my book.  However, I also try to focus on things and places with which I am already familiar (which would require less research).

What advice do you have for other writers?

Carve out a special time in your day for your writing and stick to your schedule.  Write every day, no compromises.  And read a lot in your genre of interest.  Keep on writing until you have a completed first draft, then go back and revise; revising as you go along will slow you down so push through until you get that first draft done.

What are you reading now?

Right now I'm reading Not What She Seems, a romantic suspense e-book by Victorine Lieske, Emma by Jane Austen and Le Monde des affaires, a business text.

Anything else you'd like your readers to know?

I read a quote which said, "The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams."  Go after your dreams so that at the end of life you can look back with the satisfaction of knowing you gave your dreams a chance.  Live your dreams…

Hot Summer

By Judy Powell

Genre: Sizzling Romance

A hot-tempered spitfire and a strong-willed, arrogant man – put them together and sparks fly!

After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave, sexy and oh, so arrogant Lance Munroe.  But then she ends up working for the man.  Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can't deny her growing attraction for him.  Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica – and that's when things get really hot.

Lance is intrigued  by the feisty woman who practically tells him off  the first time they meet.  When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress.  But, before he knows it, he's the one caught in the snare of passion.  The tables are turned – the tigress has tamed the lion.

For a sizzling romance, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer.

Excerpt:

Summer's breath came in shallow gasps as she sat still, not feeling she could move even if she wanted to. She was like a bird frozen in the mesmerizing stare of a snake, knowing it was about to be eaten alive but not able to make a move to save its own life.

She moaned and closed her eyes as his lips stroked the sensitive skin then moved to the base of her throat where he licked softly and gently. She didn't realize that she was still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand until she felt his strong fingers pry hers open to pull it away so that he could seduce her palm with his thumb.

"Relax, baby." He moved his lips up her neck and to her ear.  "You're so tense. Just relax."

As he spoke he pushed her back gently into the plush pillows and began to nibble her ear lobe. He gave a lick just behind her ear and shock waves ran down her spine.

"Oh, God," she breathed, "what are you doing to me?"

"What someone should have done to you a long time ago, Summer Jones," he whispered.  "Teach you what it means to be a woman."

He dipped his head and slid his lips back down her neck, over her collar bone and down to that oh, so sensitive place between the curves of her breasts. Here he paused and she held her breath, eyes shut tight, wondering if he was going to stop now. She prayed he wouldn't.

She was not disappointed. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as he slipped a warm tongue down her cleavage, sliding it between the orbs and teasing her soft flesh until her body screamed and she felt she would die from the sweet sensation. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him into her, wanting more of the pleasure, more of the sweetness.

About the Author:

Judy Powell is a writer and marketing consultant living in Ontario, Canada.  Her first romance novel, Hot Summer, placed second in the Toronto Romance Writers Contemporary Romance Competition.  She has two additional romance novels in stores: Hot Chocolat, which is the sequel to Hot Summer, and Some Like It Hot, her sensual romance.  An excerpt from Judy's first novel, Hot Summer, is featured in Canadian Voices – An Anthology of Prose and Poetry by Emerging Canadian Writers.

Judy loves to learn, and has Master's degrees in Spanish, Marketing, Literature, and Creative Writing and a BA in International Business/Foreign Languages.  She loves to travel, and has lived and worked in various countries including France, Puerto Rico, the USA, Canada and Jamaica.  She has also travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.  International cultures are always featured in her work.

Judy shares information on her books and learning resources at www.judypowell.com

Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Bewitching Book Tours, Hot Summer, interviews, Judy Powell

Q & A With Michelle Franklin

Who are your favorite authors? How did they influence your writing?

David Eddings was my first brush with fantasy, Jane Austen was my first time with literary romance, and T.H. White was the first time I had ever seen the two blended. These three authors inspired me to write a literary romance/fantasy series, and that is all I have written since.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? Why did you decide to write?

I had been writing since I was in grade 4, ridiculous stories of cat-people and gargoyles, but it was when I was fourteen that I resigned myself to a life of living by the pen. I wrote because I could do nothing else. That worked out pretty well for me.

What do you wish someone had told you about writing that you learned the hard way?

I wish someone would have told me that there is no wrong way to write. There really is no guidebook on how to write a best-selling novel, and the only way to learn how to write is to do it. Going to writing classes and critique groups does very little where writing for at least an hour every day can do wonders. I really wish someone would have told me that getting published is the easy part; it's everything else afterward that is the more difficult portion of the business. Promotions, tours, appearances, book signings: these are the more trying parts of writing because they take you from your work but are necessary evils. If no one knows about the books, no one will read them.

What is your next project?

I am currently finishing edits for Commander and Den Asaan Vol. 2 and Tales from Frewyn Vol. 2 while writing book twenty-three in the Haanta Series. Being busy is always good.

What are you reading now?

I have just finished Paul Creswick's Robin Hood, which was brilliant, and I am currently reading T.H. White's Mistress Masham's Repose, about a little girl who discovers Gulliver's Lilliputians. I highly recommend it for everyone who enjoys contemporary MG fantasy.

Khantara

By Michelle Franklin

Khantara tells the story of the Den Asaan Rautu's mother and father.

Khantara is a Haanta conquerer, meant to wage war and rule over the enemy nation of Thellis, but after vanquishing Thellis and occupying a construction of a Haanta outpost, he meets Anelta, a woman enslaved by her own people bearing a brand of servitude on her neck. Khantara contrives to save her from a cruel home and bring her to the refuge his people can provide, but how can he do so successfully when the eyes of Thellis are upon him?

Advance praise from Avery's Book Nook:

"After having read only a few pages of this book, I recalled how exceptional Michelle is not only at her world building, but also her character development- talents which completely draw the reader in, making them impervious to everything going on around them. I don't think it possible for the reader to not fall in love with Khantara and Anelta."

About the  Author: 

Michelle Franklin is a woman of moderate consequence who writes many books about giants, romance and chocolate.

Twitter: @MrsDenAsaan

Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Bewitching Book Tours, interviews, Khantara, Michelle Franklin

An Interview With Author Lizzy Ford

What books did you love as a child? Why?

The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. I loved Walter Farley's books because of his combination of horses and magic. As someone who believed in unicorns as a child, I was drawn into the world Mr. Farley created and the incredible bonds between children and horses.

The Chronicles of Narnia also blurred the line between reality and imagination, which I found fascinating as a child.  (And still do!)

Who are your favorite authors? How did they influence your writing?

Jane Austen is my all-time favorite author.  She taught me that flawed characters are the most compelling, a lesson I'd never really considered until reading her work.  I think this one critical element is what has made people connect with my books the way they do.

When do you find time to write?

Right now, I'm a full-time writer, which is the happiest career I've ever had. It was a bit unexpected, but I'm grateful nonetheless. I normally spend about 60% of my time writing and about 40% doing the social networking, marketing, formatting, coordinating with my graphics artist and editor, basically the business side of writing.

What are the joys of writing for you?

I've wanted to be a writer since I was a child. I have a crazy imagination, so it's a happy outlet for me. Aside from writing, I find interacting with readers to be an incredible source of inspiration and motivation. I never, ever, ever thought anyone would like the worlds I created let alone love them.

I make a joke a lot about how – in school – I was always the little girl in the back of the classroom playing with invisible unicorns while everyone else learned the alphabet. To have so many people join me in the back of the class is an incredible feeling, especially when I find I'm also a source of strength or inspiration to my readers.

What are the obstacles of writing? How do you overcome them?

The biggest obstacle to writing time is managing my writing as a business. That means I don't just write a book and hope it sells. I created (and adjust as needed) an aggressive, long term strategic plan that includes actions and benchmarks for marketing, sales, my website/social media followers, and the other business factors. I believe in making my own luck.

My writing is also a team effort: I work with a freelance editor, a freelance graphics artist, and my husband (who maintains my website and helps me with my online presence). This is my core team. I'm adding beta readers to my process for my next book.

I guess I just try to manage my time wisely and am constantly in communication with my core team, beta readers, and my readers in general.

How would you describe your writing style? How did you develop it?

My writing style … maybe movie-like! This is the feedback I receive from a lot of readers, that reading my book is like watching a movie. It makes sense. The stories I capture are movies in my head, so all I do is try to put them on paper the way I see them unfolding mentally.

What was the inspiration for your book?

Damian's Oracle, like many of my books, started from a dream. I usually see one particular scene in my dream that gives me the inspiration to build a story around it. Normally, there's an emotion associated with it, and in the case of Damian's Oracle, that emotion was loneliness. The heroine, Sofia, didn't fit into the human or immortal world, and she often feels lonely trying to balance her place in the new world.

Tell us about your book.

Damian's Oracle is the first in a series of four books about the overarching Good vs. Evil battle, the immortals fighting evil, and the women with magic gifts who help them and become their partners. Damian's Oracle launches the series and tells the tale of the White God, Damian, and how he meets his mate, the human-turned oracle named Sofi.

The second book, Damian's Assassin, (released November 2011) is about the White God's assassin and the woman who heals his heart and body. The third book (released 02 Dec) tells the tale of the White God's chief immortal and the mysterious, beautiful Magician he risks his life to save.

In May 2012, I'll release the fourth book, which will be entitled The Grey God.

What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?

As strange as this will sound: Damian's Oracle was the first book I finished as an adult. I have somewhere around 60 projects in either ongoing or beginning statuses, but Damian's Oracle was the first I ever finished.

I guess I learned I really could write a full book!

What advice do you have for other writers?

Everyone out there is going to tell you what to write, how to market, what you should/shouldn't do. Don't listen to them – plot your own course, create a plan that works for you, and don't be afraid to take chances.

What is your next project?

I'm currently revising my first young adult fantasy novel entitled Elle's Journey. It's part of the Foretold Trilogy about a young woman who grows into a mage while trying to escape the evil forces chasing her. I'm shipping it to my editor and beta readers this week and will release between Christmas and New Years.

What are you reading now?

I'm beta-reading Consumed, the third book in Julia Crane's Keegan Chronicles. I love this trilogy, so I bugged her until she let me read the third book. Haha!

Anything else you'd like your readers to know?

I'm pretty approachable. My readers talk to me via my website, Twitter, G+, Facebook … wherever they can find me! I welcome feedback and comments on all my books. I also do a lot of giveaways on my website, usually of other people's books. I try to do at least two a week, just because I want to introduce my readers to other great writers.

Damian's Oracle

By Lizzy Ford

Genre: sweet paranormal romance

Inspired by Slavic mythology, Damian's Oracle is the entree into the ongoing battle between good and evil over the fate of humanity. The White God, Damian, and his Guardians protect the world from the Black God and his monsters while rescuing Naturals – humans with extraordinary paranormal gifts – from the Black God, who would kill or convert them.

Caught in the middle is cool-headed Sofia, a Natural whose gift will tip the scales in the war. Sofia begins her transformation from human into oracle, the first in thousands of years. Damian rescues her from the Black God in time to complete a ceremony that will bind her to him for eternity. Sofia struggles with her new world and her role as an oracle and Damian's mate while haunted by a mysterious man from Damian's past who's supposed to be dead. Unbeknownst to her, her link to the dead man may be all that saves Damian, his Guardians, and the fate of humanity.

While he wants nothing more than for the petite beauty to take her place at his side like the oracles of legend did his White God forefathers, Damian can't quite rationalize having to win her over instead of command her. Further complicating his life is the sobering realization that there are spies in his organization who are helping the Black God take out his Guardians. Damian must help Sofia reach her potential fast, especially when a threat from his past returns.

Links:

BN
iTunes
Goodreads
Amazon

About the Author:

Lizzy Ford is the hyper-prolific author of the Rhyn Trilogy and War of Gods series, both launched in 2011, as well as multiple single title young adult fantasy and paranormal romances. Lizzy's books have reached into the bestseller lists on both Amazon US and Amazon UK in multiple categories. Through her unconventional online marketing strategies, Lizzy has gone from selling 20 books in January 2011 to around 5000 books in September 2011 and from over 7,000 free downloads of her work in January 2011 to over 40,000 downloads in September 2011.

The Lizzy Ford team consists of: Matt, IT and search engine optimization expert; Christine LePorte, freelance book editor; Dafeenah, graphics artist; and Toni, English-Spanish translator.

Lizzy is considered by most to be the ultimate writing freak of nature for her ability to write and e-publish a new book every 30-45 days. She is also a regular contributor for the Curiosity Quills website and is an active member of a small guild of nine passionate, talented writers, the Indie Eclective. Lizzy's books are available from Amazon, BN, Smashwords, iBooks/iTunes, and all other eReader libraries.

Lizzy's links:

FB


Website


Twitter


GR


Amazon


Filed under: Guest Authors Tagged: Bewitching Book Tours, Damian's Oracle, interviews, Lizzy Ford